#the age gap was already a problem in the original show

[zutarawasrobbed]

I’m sorry, but the Netflix showrunner referring to Kataang as an “issue to tackle” in the future is some of the funniest shit I’ve ever read/heard.

#the way I choked #he was directly referencing k@taang in his answer too. #the age gap was already a problem in the original show #now you just see it the way Zutara has the entire time because you see it in real life actors their age #the maturity difference between a 12 and 14 year old is insane #he literally said he was relieved he didn’t have to deal with it this season #and he just kept going too 😭 #I’m not a fan of the ship but DAMN he did them so dirty #avatar the last airbender #zutara #atla live action #anti k@taang

[cherry-holmes]

Happy birthday, Javi | Javier Peña x F!reader❤️‍🔥

‘Glimpse of a life with Javier Peña'

Chapter 8

MASTERLIST

Summary: It’s Javi’s birthday and you want to gift him something he has been wishing for a while: you.

SERIES MASTERLIST

Previous chapter

Pairing: Javier Peña x Female reader

Word count: +4k

Warnings: Established relationship. SMUT. Soft porn with a lot of plot😅 – Loss of virginity. P in V sex. Protected sex. Soft sex. Nipple play, oral sex (fem received), fingering. A brief mention of breeding kink. Praise kink.

A/N: It’s me, hi! I’m gonna be honest, I am so nervous for this! This is my first English work ever! And I’m not an English native speaker, but I am a student translator so I hope there’s no so much problem🥲 I’m sorry if you find some errors, please let me know if there’s any and I’ll fix it asap!

A/N 2: IMPORTANT BEFORE READE! As you know, this was the first work I published and, to be honest, at the time I didn't plan to turn it into a whole series. However, upon seeing the good response to this first writing, I was inspired to create an entire universe between our Reader and Javi. Therefore, this part now contains INCONSISTENCIES and INACCURACIES regarding the current timeline of the story. I decided not to modify it so as not to affect those who have already read it, but I hope that if you are readers of the original series, you can adapt it and understand the space-time in which our couple finds themselves.

I hope you like it!❤️✨

•

Javier Peña wasn't a selfish man, especially when it came to matters of sex. He believed that women had the same rights as men to explore themselves and have numerous experiences with their sexuality. There's nothing quite like a woman who knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it.

But there was something about the fact that the only woman he had truly fallen in love with, his girlfriend, was still a virgin. It turned him on immensely. The mere thought of your innocence and the opportunity he had to make you feel truly good for the first time made him feel incredibly lucky. And also it made his cock throb.

The thought of you every night, and the things he could teach you in his bed, consumed him. His only desired was to lead you astray, turning you into a temptress. However, he never rushed you into anything you didn't want.

Of course, he felt disappointed the first time you both came so close to consummating your love on his couch, after a session of tender kisses here and there. He was already aroused, and he sensed that you were ready too. However, when you expressed uncertainty, he immediately stopped. He held you and reassured you that it was okay. He genuinely meant it, even though he had to take a cold shower by himself to cool off.

You had been with him for almost five months now, which really made you reflect on how quickly time flies. What's more, it was hard for you to believe that Javier had gone all those weeks without sex. He had a reputation, and you were well aware of it. He used to go from woman to woman; some of them you even knew from work, and others were his informants from the streets of Bogotá.

Initially, you were intimidated by his reputation as a heartthrob, a man afraid of commitment, as you had heard from office gossip. You didn't want to be just another one-night stand for him. You were the boyfriend-girlfriend kind of person. The dates, flowers and late night dancing kind of woman, someone who valued commitment, loyalty, and meaningful relationships. Plus, he was older than you, and you thought the age gap could be a problem when it came to establishing priorities in life. He was in his late 30s, and yet he didn't show any signs of wanting to settle down. It's not like you were desperate to get married; you were barely 26. But you needed to know if what you had could potentially lead to something more meaningful someday. You had a big crush on him and you wanted to make it last.

That's why you made him chase you for three months, wanting to see if he was trustworthy and if you were truly worth it to him. And then, after you said yes, he spent another fifteen weeks waiting for you, because he had fallen deeply in love with you. Your smile or even just a glance from you made his heart race every time. He felt like he didn't deserve the world because of all the sins he had committed, yet there was a piece of heaven in the shape of you right in front of him.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It was the middle of June, to be more specific, Javi's birthday. You had spent the entire week asking him about any plans he might have for his special day, but he had insisted that he didn't want anything specific, just to spend the day with you. But you wanted him to have a great day to show him how much he was loved and important for you. And one of the things you planned was something he had been waiting patiently for quite a long time: you.

You were ready for him now. You had been dreaming about him all over you, his hands on your body, and the things he would let you do to him, and vice versa.

You two didn't live together yet, but you used to spend most days and some nights at his apartment, just like that morning when you woke up earlier than usual. He was still sleeping by your side, his bare chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. He looked younger in that moment, with his messy hair, his face at rest, and his always furrowed brow now relaxed. He looked so innocent.

You didn't know it, but before you, he barely slept. He used to have sex with women but always slept alone, or at least, tried to. He spent endless cold nights tossing and turning in his bed, attempting to forget all the blood and violence he had witnessed during the day. But then there he was sleeping like a child, knowing you were right there and you would never left.

You got out of bed as quietly as possible to avoid waking him up. You retrieved the small shopping bag you had hidden in the closet and tiptoed to the bathroom. You had bought lingerie—a beautiful red lace babydoll that resembled a princess gown but with much less fabric, of course. The color matched your freshly painted nails, and your hair appeared even brighter with that color palette. You completed your look by applying a touch of color to your cheeks, lip gloss, and his favorite perfume of yours.

As you gazed at your reflection in the bathroom mirror, your cheeks flushed at the sight of yourself in that lingerie. You looked beautiful, and you had never felt more sexy. You returned to the bed where he was still in the arms of Morpheus. You lay down next to him, admiring his handsome features, and then placed a gentle peck on his cheek, hoping it would wake him up. But it didn't. So, you decided to gently turn his face toward you, using a finger on his chin to guide his lips to yours. It worked like a charm. He responded to your soft touch, kissing you back passionately. He purred with satisfaction and pulled you close, wrapping an arm around your waist. Then, his groggy eyes widened as they roamed over your delicate figure. Confusion flickered across his face for just a fraction of a second before he realized. You couldn't help but notice the way his eyes darkened, and he swallowed hard at the sight.

"You like it?" Your voice was a whisper, and in that very moment, he was the only one in the world who could hear your words. "Feliz cumpleaños."

He looked up at you, grinning with eyes full of desire, and appeared so alluring, almost like the devil himself. He hadn't said a word yet, and you were apprehensive about what his voice would do to you when he used it. With just the way he looked at you, he had you wrapped around his finger. You began to feel aroused, and now you knew that there was no force in the world that could stop you from doing what you were intended to do. Your lips met his once more, and your hands found their way to his broad chest, feeling his smooth, tanned skin melting beneath your fingertips.

He broke the kiss again, this time to take your hand and guide you out of the bed. He sat down at the corner of the mattress, placing you standing between his legs. You couldn't help but notice the bulge forming in his sleeping pants, causing you to blush.

"C'mere, baby, I need to see you," he whispered. His hands roamed all over your body, exploring every ribbon and every spaghetti strap, caressing the parts where the lace were too transparent. "You look gorgeous," he praised and you felt the heat travel from your cheeks to your core.

You felt a little ashamed tho, not used to being so exposed to anyone before. On the other hand, Javi was mesmerized by how you looked, every one of your curves, and how the babydoll suited you so well. He couldn't believe that it was happening; he was over the moon. But he needed you to know something.

"Are you sure, amor?" he asked, finding your eyes. He did his best to be serious, not wanting to appear too eager and pressure you. "There's no rush. It doesn't have to happen just because it's my birthday," he continued, but you silenced him with another kiss, feeling the muscles in his shoulders relax even more.

"I am ready, Javi," you promised. "I've been thinking about this for like two weeks," you confessed, and he chuckled.

"You have?" he asked, and you nodded. He left a gentle kiss on your lips and seated you on his knee. "Look at me, baby," he said. "You tell me if you want to stop, anytime, okay?" You nodded. "As I told you, there's no rush. We'll just have fun as long as you feel comfortable. We're taking things slow."

You knew it! You knew he was the one. His words meant everything to you. You couldn't feel more comfortable and protected with him. Sex was one of the most vulnerable and exposed scenarios for a person, yet you felt like you could do it with your eyes closed, not worrying about anything else in the world as long as it was Javi touching and caressing you.

"I'm gonna take good care of you, mi amor. Do you trust me?"

"With my entire life, Javi," you answered.

He smiled again, proudly, and took you by the waist. Without wasting any time, he placed you in the center of his bed. You opened your legs, inviting him to take his place between them. He admired you from the top, your body so sexy in that garment, your flushed cheeks, and your shining eyes. That image used to be in his dreams, but now there you were, right in front of him, on the verge of being completely his. And only God knows how much he wanted to be entirely yours.

Javi bent over you, his hands caressing every inch of your body, worshipping you. His lips left wet kisses on the delicate skin of your neck, jawline, and collarbone. Your hands roamed his arms, where his prominent muscles bulged from supporting his weight to avoid crushing you.

And then you felt his hardened cock against your core, making everything feel more real. You moaned in the middle of a kiss, overcome by the sensation and anticipation of what was about to happen. Javi began to press his bulge against the delicate fabric of your panties, leaving a wet spot on his pants.

His hand reached for one of your breasts, gently caressing your hardened nipple, causing a moan to escape into his mouth. The touch sent electric shocks through your core, making you grow increasingly wet.

"Javi, Javi..." you cried out, moving your pelvis to meet him halfway, trying to alleviate the building urgency stemming from your clit.

"You're so needy," he whispered into your ear, his words sending shivers down your spine and painting your skin with goosebumps. "Tell me what you want, preciosa, I want to hear you."

"Touch me, please," you begged as he moved against you. "Please, I need you."

"Fuck," he growled. His hands went to your back, undoing your bra, and he paid careful attention to the way your breasts were revealed for him.

His lips began on yours but then trailed down your jaw, finding their way to your neck. Wet kisses on your chest made you sigh, and then you lost all coherent thought the moment he captured one of your nipples with his mouth. Your back arched, and your fingers tightly gripped his arm. He moved to the other nipple, teasing with his tongue and teeth. Your whimpers filled the room, his name escaping your lips like a prayer, as you surrendered all control over your own body. You didn't want him to stop; you wanted more, so much more.

As if he were a mind-reader, his hand slipped into your panties. His thick fingers parted your wet folds, caressing you up and down, collecting your honey as they found your clit. A gasp escaped your lips due to the sudden and new sensation, feeling your arousal dripping from your sensitive pussy. You couldn't help but moan louder, your toes curling between the covers at the foot of the bed.

"You're so wet already, baby. That's so fuckin' good" He traced soft circles, bringing you relief. He teased your entrance with his fingers, but he didn't penetrate deeply. His thumb continued to stimulate your throbbing clit, while his middle finger attempted to enter you. You could feel the pressure between your folds, and due to your inexperience, it left you feeling overwhelmed.

Now it was your turn to slip your hand inside his pants, something Javi hadn't seen coming. He had been so concentrated on your pleasure that he didn't notice until you wrapped your trembling hand around his hard, warm cock. His skin felt like velvet under your touch. You began moving up and down, a little clumsy and uncertain if you were doing it correctly, but your desire was for him to feel as good as he was making you feel. In response, Javi let out a deep moan, his hips instinctively moving to find your touch, and he started whispering your name like a prayer.

"Yeah, baby, you're such a good girl," he praised, making you moan and became wetter. A few seconds passed, until he moved, ceasing his touch and forcing yourself to let him go. "I need to taste you," he said, slowly tracing a path with his kisses down your body, starting with the exposed skin of your breasts, then moving to your stomach and bellybutton, until he reached your panties. You watched as he positioned his head between your thighs, leaving gentle kisses on each side and slowly making his way toward your core.

"I think you don't need these anymore, sweetheart," he whispered as his fingers gripped the tiny straps on each side of your panties, slowly removing them. A gentle breeze caressed your wetness, and you let out a shivery sigh. He created a trail of soft kisses that led to your center until he finally began kissing your core. The sensation was unexpectedly delicious. You let out a cry and felt the impulse to close your legs, but he prevented it by grabbing you and making you stay still. You lost yourself in a whirlwind of sensations, where only you and Javi existed.

You were a virgin, but you weren't a saint. Of course, you had pleasured yourself before, often thinking of Javier Peña, but the way he was making you feel with his mouth was something else entirely. He was real, devouring you with the hunger of a starved man. His hands caressed your hips, your belly, and reached for your breasts. You couldn't help but whimper and praise him.

He looked up at you, his eyes dark and filled with lust. Unconsciously, Javi began to thrust his hips against the mattress, feeling the moist spot of precum staining his pants and boxers. His balls had become heavier, desperate for attention after several weeks without a woman's touch. Of course, he had taken care of himself, jerking himself off in the shower or during the nights he spent alone in his apartment. He always thought of you, reminiscing about your kisses, the warmth of your body against his, and even the way your pencil skirt hugged your heart-shaped butt around the Colombian Embassy.

"Javi... I... I want to come," you whimpered, feeling a knot growing steadily in your belly, signaling your impending climax. Meanwhile, Javi tasted your sweet honey pouring on his tongue. He intensified his attentions, fastening his sucks on your swollen clit, alternately licking your vulva and your entrance. Your fingers tangled in his soft hair, seeking something to hold onto as you approached your powerful orgasm.

You shattered into a million little pieces, melting all over his mouth, your essence dripping from his chin. He admired your body as it trembled and unraveled in front of him.

"There you go, baby, let it go," he encouraged.

You lost track of time, caring about nothing else; the entire world had disappeared beneath you, and you couldn't care less. As you descended from your peak of pleasure, Javi traced a trail of tender kisses from the curve of your hips to your belly and up to your neck. Until you felt his lips on your mouth again, and you moaned when you tasted yourself on him. You wanted so much more of him, to spend your entire life tangled with him in his bed.

Javier felt your heart beating rapidly against his chest, and for a moment, he thought that you might be tired and overwhelmed. But you proved him wrong by starting to pull his pants down, freeing his dick. You felt his weighty member against your belly, so you looked down. It was the first time you saw it. You found yourself even more aroused, if that was possible, and at the same time, you felt a touch of shyness. By this point, you had allowed him to kiss your entire naked body, bringing you to climax with his skillful mouth, and yet, your cheeks burned at the sight of his cock above you. He couldn't help but notice the pearl-white drops of his pre-cum that painted your lower belly.

"Baby, if you're tired, we can save it for another time," he managed told you, even though he didn't stop you from helping him remove his pants and boxers.

"I want you inside of me, Javi," you begged, your voice carrying more desperation than you had realized. "I want to make you feel as good as you've made me feel."

"You're such a naughty girl, who would've known?" he chuckled.

"Only for you, Javi," you assured him.

His eyes darkened further, drawing nearer to your lips again. "I can't believe no one has ever touched you before," he said, "You're every man's dream."

"Many had tried," you confessed. He felt a wave of jealousy, because he knew it was true and he couldn't bear the thought of another man touching you, kissing you... It made him feel selfish, but he couldn't help it. "But no one but you was worthy. I waited for the right moment; I always knew it would be the right man. And I knew it was you the very first moment I saw you."

"I swear I'll spend the rest of my life being worthy of you," he said, dead serious, and you could tell from the look in his eyes.

After placing a peck on his lips, you said, "You can start by fucking me," with a shy smile on your face. You were attempting some dirty talk, but he could tell from the way you whispered and tried to hold back a laugh that it made you feel a bit awkward. He also promised himself that he would help you get used to it, taking charge of teaching you.

"Your wish is my command, bonita" he answered. Javi reached for the first drawer of his nightstand and, without searching too much, took out a condom.

He knelt between your legs, and you watched him put it on. He was bigger and thicker than you had imagined. For the first time that night, you felt a wave of nervousness coursing through your body, anticipating the pain you had always heard about the first time.

Would it hurt? Would he be gentle enough with you? Would there be any bleed? These thoughts raced through your mind as he positioned himself at your entrance, collecting your wetness with the head of his dick. He had been so focused on this moment that he hadn't noticed your worried expression until he looked up at you for a kiss. In that very moment, he stopped, his heart skipping a beat. He didn't want you to feel unsure or uncomfortable. His only desire in that moment was for you to have the best experience, feeling loved and well taken care of by him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked. You shook your head to indicate that everything was okay. "Words, baby, I need you to use your pretty mouth," he added, his voice gentle.

"Everything's fine," you assured him, trying not to sound too nervous. "I'm just a little nervous."

"That's normal, mi amor, just relax," he replied. His lips met yours, and then he whispered in your ear, "You tell me if you need anything, preciosa. Are you ready?"

"Yes," you sounded more confident this time, and you could hear a smirk forming on his lips as he buried his face in your neck, and you held onto his strong arms.

Javi's hand traveled between your bodies, and you could feel him positioning at your entrance. The sensation made you gasp. Then he began to push inside slowly. At first, you felt pleasure, followed by a slight burning, as if something inside you were stretching. You couldn't help but wince and feel yourself growing pale. Javier didn't move, and you were grateful for that because you needed a moment.

"Are you alright?" he asked in a whisper, his voice tense.

"I'm okay," you tried to convince him – and yourself – that everything was fine. But it wasn't; it hurt a bit, it felt invasive. You wanted him to continue, but at the same time, you needed a break. So you decided, "Could you... could you pull out?"

He immediately complied, carefully withdrawing, his forehead creased in concern. "Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"No, it just felt awkward"

"Do you want to try again?" he asked. You couldn't tell because he didn't show any hints, but he was almost praying for you to give him an affirmative answer. He was as hard as a rock, and it was almost painful. However, he wouldn't push you to do something that might hurt you, so he remained patient and reminded himself that he had a whole lifetime to wait for you to be ready.

"I do," you murmured. He nodded, kissed you again, and continued. He left soft kisses along your neck and shoulders. You smell so good, like a mix of fresh flowers and fruits, he thought. It drove him completely insane.

"Relax, bonita. You're doing so fuckin' well," he praised. This time, when you felt him inside, it didn't hurt as much as before. On the contrary, it became a pleasant sensation.

Then you realized that he wasn't fully inside yet. As he continued to push, stretching you further, any discomfort faded away.

"You feel so good," Javier took his time to start moving slowly. His chest touch your nipples, stimulating them, making you increased your soft cries of pure pleasure. That was when all uncertainty disappeared. You began to feel incredible. Moan built up in your chest and escaped your throat. Javier was captivated by your gaze as you saw him directly in his eyes, and the way your lips parted to release cute moans and sighs.  Nose, cheeks, and chest turned red, the frown on your brow, and the way you scrunch your nose. He wouldn't last long. You looked so cute and sexy at the same time. You were a completely goddess, so pure and gorgeous.

His face disappeared between your hair and neck, leaving soft kisses and tasting your essence, whispering your name right into your ear amidst his own moans and pleasure-filled grunts.

"¿Te gusta, mi amor?" he wanted to hear you, although your mouth emitted the most sensual sounds he had ever heard.

"Si...," you could barely speak; the bliss was too intense, rendering you almost speechless. He was fucking you completely dumb. "Si, Javi, así me gusta."

"Fuck, you're so tight," he groaned. He rose to his knees again, his hands firmly gripping your hips to raise them and thrust harder. He was captivated by the way your beautiful breasts bounced, your face lost in pleasure, goosebumps covering your body. The morning sun illuminated your skin and hair.

He knew he wouldn't last, but he needed to make you cum again. Using his thumb, he began tracing circles on your swollen clit, sending you into an intense spiral of raw pleasure. Your back arched of its own accord, and your hand clutched his wrist just to have something to hold onto.

"¡No pares, Javi!" you whimper, so ecstasy-filled, begging him to keep fucking you like that. "Oh, you feel so good, Javi. I... I'm..."

"Cum for me, baby," he encouraged, "I wanna see you fucking cumming on my cock."

And then another wave of pure chaos consumed you. You threw your head back against the pillow, digging your nails into the muscles of his beautiful, strong arms. You felt your world crumbling beside you, and imploring again.

Javier had never cum as hard as he did the very moment he felt your pussy clenching around his cock. His balls throbbed as he cum inside of you. He was so deep on you, filling the condom with his thick, warm load and he couldn't help but imagine your pussy filled with his cum. Carrying his baby...

A couple of seconds passed until you both came down from the clouds. Javi pull out before went completely soft. He reach again for his night table and looked for a box of Kleenex and started cleaning the mess he made. And then he cleaned you, so gentle and caring. Then, he lay next to you, pulling your naked and warm body to his, kissing the top of your head.

"How do you feel, bonita?" he wanted to know. With one hand he traced soft circles on your arm, and with the other he massaged your head, making you feel sleepy.

"Amazing," you mumbled.

"Sleep, baby, you sound tired," he spoke in a soothing tone.

"But I've plan an entire birthday for you..." you tried to say, but your body felt so relaxed and exhausted.

"We have an entire life to do whatever you want, mi vida hermosa," he placed a soft kiss on your forehead and thighed his embrace around your body. "Now sleep, baby."

"Happy birthday, Javi," those were your last word before fell asleep on his arms, bodies tangled and hearts still racing.

Javier Peña wasn't a selfish man, but he wanted you to be his for as long as he may live.

NEXT CHAPTER

#pedro pascal #fanfic #narcos #pedro pascal x reader #javier peña smut #javier peña x reader #javierpeña #javierpeña x reader #din djarin #the mandalorian #joel miller #the last of us #pedropascalfanfic #pedro pascal fluff #javier pena fic #javier peña x f!reader #javier peña fluff #javier pena x you #javier pena smut #javier pena narcos

[prying-pandora666]

On Alucard and Maria

Are there actually fans advocating for Alucard to be written as Maria’s father figure in the new season of Nocturne? Like that would be a good thing and not infinitely creepier? I don’t think they’ve thought this through.

Alucard is the single most popular character in the franchise. He’s also probably the most shipped character. And yet he has only had one canon love interest in the decades since he’s existed. It’s Maria. And you’re telling me that you think that because he’s 300+ and she’s 17-18 when they started living together in the games, that it would be grooming. However, somehow him inserting himself into her life at age 16 when she’s just lost both her parents wouldn’t come off like grooming!?

Does this man look like he should be picking up random children!? He’s literally terrified of his own cursed blood. Maybe LISTEN TO HIM.

I’m convinced fandoms have forgotten what that word means. Grooming has specific features. It doesn’t just mean “older guy and younger girl.” A relationship with an age gap or an uneven power dynamic can be exploitative or abusive without being a case of grooming. Grooming specifically refers to the process of forming a relationship with a child with the intention of leveraging that relationship and trust to train and prepare (aka brainwash) your victim for the harmful activities the groomer wants to normalize. The relationship Alucard and Maria have in the games is in no way grooming. You know what would be grooming though?

Coming into a 16 year old’s life when she’s vulnerable, traumatized, and recently orphaned only to insinuate yourself as a new father figure. This is so highly inappropriate and a huge red flag. Consider what you’re actually asking for here. These characters do not exist in a a vacuum. They have a long history together as each other’s only canon love interests. You cannot fully extract them from the games, art, interviews, audio dramas, animations, and more where they’re depicted as a couple. There are decades of this precedent and you are asking Netflix to knowingly take the characters with an established romantic dynamic that the audience is already primed to see as romantic and instead portray their meeting as him trying to be her new daddy?

“Oh look! Alucard and his… daughter? Yikes.” This is an official advertisement btw.

THAT is grooming! Think about the optics of this! It would be abysmal! No it would NOT fix the problem of their age gap to make him act like a groomer and get in good with her as a dad. You just cannot completely extract them from the legacy of their relationship in the source materials. It will be incredibly creepy and textbook grooming if you get your way.

Is this really what you want to associate with an “adoptive father Alucard”? Because the art we create doesn’t exist in a vacuum. All the old content—official and fanmade—is still going to exist.

What is so objectionable about the original dynamic anyway? It’s a pretty fun subversion of the tired and problematic vampire trope of “vampire man stalks teen girl and coerces her into being his”. Instead in their original relationship, Maria is the one who pursues Alucard! It’s the young woman who takes initiative and is given the agency to go after what she wants. She courts and woos him. That’s part of the fun!

Yes, Alucard is 300+. He’s also a fictional creature that doesn’t actually exist IRL and stays eternally young. There are no actual people who will ever have his problem of staying 20 forever so it’s rather silly to say he can’t date any humans because of course he will have an age gap with any of them.

The only real problem I have seen people bring up is Maria’s age, but from what I can tell, the show’s already fixed this. Check it out.

In The Games

Rondo of Blood: Maria is 12. She and Alucard do not meet. Richter is a brother-figure and not romantic.

There is then a 5 year time skip.

Symphony of the Night: Maria is 17. She and Alucard meet to save Richter. At the end, Alucard says his goodbyes and intends to return to a life of solitude. Maria goes after him because she has developed feelings for him and doesn’t want him to suffer a life alone.

Maria is given agency to pursue what she wants and prove herself even against Alucard’s resistance and hesitance to let another person into his life.

They spend a year together before we get the audio drama.

Nocturne of Remembrance: Maria continues to try to get close to Alucard. They end up saving each other’s lives and in the end he finally confesses his romantic feelings for her. She is an adult and perfectly able to make her own choices. She chose him. He admits he returns her feelings.

How fandom can look at a story about a young woman subverting the trope and chasing the vampire to get what she wants—basically an anti-Bella Swan—and still find a way to disempower her just so they can pearl clutch? I couldn’t tell you.

So now let’s look at what the show did.

In The Show

Nocturne S1: Maria is 16. She’s been aged up from 12, probably to give her a more active and believable role. But this also means she’s within a normal age to start feeling attraction and expressing her wants. Within her society, she’s even considered of marriageable age. However we are spared the discomfort of our modern values clashing with her contemporaneous ones because Maria in this season isn’t interested in romance. She’s interested in revolution, equality, justice. They’ve portrayed her with so much love and strength. There is no indication they’d betray her by writing her as the child victim of a male suitor. In fact she only meets Alucard in the final few seconds of the season and the two do not even speak a single word to one another.

Now let’s remember the games had a five year time skip. The show only needs two years to get Maria to the adult age of 18, but assuming the follow through with the timeline and go for the full five?

Maria will be 21.

21.

Fan concept for adult Maria. Credit:@esp-art

Are you telling me a 21 year old woman is not old or mature enough to make her own decisions? How is this not a total infantilization of women? Do you think a 21 year old badass vampire hunter needs protection from the ace depressed dhampir boy who just wants to sleep and has in no way tried to pursue her until after she expressed consistent and persistent interest in him?

It is not “grooming” to meet someone when they were younger and then meet them again years later as an adult. That’s a thing that happens! In real life! Adults can still make decisions for themselves! It is only grooming if Alucard behaved in a way that would manipulate teen Maria and put her under his control and authority before she can consent. There is no indication that Alucard in the show is going to do this. And yet the fandom is basically demanding it by saying he should make her “his baby girl”?

And what of Maria’s feelings in all this? She just lost her mother and was betrayed by her father shortly after discovering he even existed. She has lived her whole life without a father. She is in no desperate need of a new one. And if she does need a family member, she already has one! Richter is 19 and is her trusted adoptive brother. Why wouldn’t she go to him over a total stranger she just met and who is half vampire - literally a predator creature that feeds on humans!?

Yeah, hi, Richter Belmont still exists. He and Maria consider each other family. Why would you want her relying on a strange man she just met as a “father figure” rather than her trusted and loving brother?

Have none of you even considered how Maria would feel if Alucard even tried to fill the paternal role? He’d have to force it on her through manipulation and coercion. No way she would want to view him that way. Especially considering she is 16 and likely to be as attracted to the sparkly 20 year old looking sculpted marble beauty as anyone else!

Don’t mind the beautiful eternally young man who looks made of pure porcelain and light. No teen girl has ever been attracted to this, right? No way it could be exploitative and creepy for him to present himself as her new daddy, giving himself authority and influence over her as his child to mold as he wishes, right? Oh yeah, this is MUCH better than Maria pursuing him of her own volition once she becomes an adult, right guys?

We are truly in the stupidest dark timeline.

Frankly, I don’t care if Netflix has them get together or not. They would work just fine as friends too. I just sure as hell hope they’ll ignore the fans clamoring for a creepy daddy/daughter dynamic. Dressing it up as “concern” won’t hide that for some it’s a fetish, and for others they’re just useful idiots who haven’t thought it through.

I implore you to think it through.

#castlevania #castlevania netflix #castlevania nocturne #alucard #maria renard

[toph-bi-fong]

Alright, making a separate post because the original one is long as is.

That sounds like a you problem then. I’m not sure why you felt the need to announce it to the whole KA fandom- which must’ve been your intention since you posted it in the main tag. Well it worked, you caught our attention.

These are fictional characters. They are tools used to tell a story. They are not real. They do not attend westernized schools in the real world. They are from an Asian inspired fantasy land.

On top of that, they do not stay 12/14 forever. They age throughout the course of the post-story.

And still maintain their relationship after all these years.

Who… who’s using Aang being 100 years older as justification for being with Katara?

I don’t know man, applying real life brain development to characters from a show about manipulating elements through martial arts is kind of a reach. Again, he’s not a real kid. Someone else already tried this argument- didn’t work.

For the record, I’ve been shipping Kataang since I was 13 myself. I didn’t find it weird.

“No judgement to Kataang shippers, except let me post my judgment about the ship you love into the main tag and call it gross and imply it to be pedophilic.”

Yeah, okay. Sure Jan.

Look, you’re welcome not to like Kataang, but posting stuff like this in the main tag is going to increase the likelihood of KA shippers seeing it and reacting to it. I mean, were you just expecting us to agree with you and scroll past?

You called our ship gross. And for what? A two year age gap between two fictional characters who don’t even stay as kids forever? A wholesome lovey-dovey relationship?

I mean, really, this all could’ve been avoided if you had just said you preferred shipping Kataang as adults. THAT’S FINE. I prefer shipping Toph and Zuko as adults.

But naw, you had to go into our main tag and make an announcement that you find kataang gross.

#kataang #pro kataang #kataang defense

[catofthecanals289]

ooh i’m curious about the age gap one 👀

ooh yes that was an attempted gift for my lovely bestie @lilyrizzy that i gave up on

He is seventeen when Daniel first meets him. Seventeen and a terrible liar. Seventeen and claiming to be eighteen, like Daniel or anyone else in this room could be fooled. His delivery is terrible too, tongue stumbling over the number, cheeks flushed, shoulders squared. 

“Is that so?” Daniel says and doesn’t call the kid out because if Max Verstappen wants to pretend to be of age, that’s his business.

“Yeah,” Max says, and the beer in his hand is proof that he fooled at least one person this evening.

Either that or the bartender decided to not give a fuck too. Or maybe Max promised an autograph, a photo, something. Not Daniel’s problem.

“And what brings you to Melbourne?” Daniel asks, just for the hell of it, just because he’s curious what other unconvincing lies the kid will come up with. He takes a sip from his whiskey, raising his eyebrows at him.

He doesn’t disappoint.

“Just- With friends. A trip, you know,” he says, and he gives Daniel a smile, that’s certainly something.

“Oh yeah?” Daniel snorts. “And where are your friends?”

Like he doesn’t know that Max is here for the Australian Grand Prix –to drive for ToroRosso, to drive his first ever Formula 1 race.

He’s not surprised that Max doesn’t know him. There is no reason why he’d know a random RedBull mechanic. Then again, there’s no reason why he should be talking to Daniel in the first place, and yet he came up to Daniel, all awkward but seemingly determined and Daniel finds him intriguing. Or –well. Amusing maybe. He isn’t quite sure yet.

“They went home already. The hotel, I mean,” Max answers and this time it’s almost believable, the way he keeps eye contact, and doesn’t waver. He only seems to have to think about it for a second, almost deserving of a pat on the back.

Daniel hums a little in response, takes another sip from his glass, chases the taste of his lips with his tongue.

He doesn’t miss the way Max’s eyes flicker down to follow the movement.

So that’s why he’s talking to Daniel.

That’s why he came over after hovering around on the sidelines for a while, looking painfully out of place. Daniel is under no illusions that he is the only one in this dive bar who has spotted and recognized the kid, but so far he’s been left alone. Which probably won’t last and if Daniel was a good guy, a responsible adult, he’d be sending him back to the paddock right now, wouldn’t let this go on, but Max looks up at him and introduces himself as fucking Julian, asking for Daniel’s name, and Daniel decides to play along some more.

“It’s Daniel,” he says truthfully.

“And you are, like. From around here?” Max asks, passing his beer from his left to his right hand and back. He looks at Daniel hopefully, what he’s wishing for, Daniel doesn’t know.

“I’m from Perth, originally,” he answers and of course Max doesn’t show any kind of recognition in his eyes so Daniel concedes: “Western Australia.”

“Oh, that’s cool,” Max says and Daniel bites his tongue on asking why that’s cool, on teasing Max for his attempts at making conversation. “Are you here with your friends too?”

His commitment to the lie is commendable, Daniel will give him that. Still, he snorts.

“I’m 37, mate,” he says. “All my friends are married with kids.”

#there is like 5k of this but yeah #doesn't go anywhere #and yes dodgy age gap #it's fiction whatever

[falling-skyzz]

hey, i have some concerns regarding your sapphic glorybringer post, particularly about the representation behind it.

deathbringer in general is not a great character, and his dynamic with glory doesn't help his case. it can't be forgotten that deathbringer was originally supposed to kill glory and her friends, and making him fall in love with his target is just an abhorrent decision on tui's end, not to mention that he's twice her age when they first met (regardless if his age was a mistake or not). he's just a creep; he made many unwanted advances that were shut down multiple times and ignored it. making him queer doesn't really change any of that.

having deathbringer be transfem in particular makes it worse, perpetuating the harmful stereotypes imposed on trans women. I have a friend who is transfem herself and has a great issue with headcanoning characters associated with violence as transfem, which is wildly common in this fandom. even then, sapphic glorybringer has these implications that queer relationships are dangerous because of their dynamic. making them queer also doesn't erase their already existing issues. the label isn't some saving grace that masks the problems in their characters. this applies to deathbringer especially, and, as a queer person myself, having the queer and transfem label being associated with his predatory character is the worst form of representation that we can get.

you may have not considered these implications, and while I don't have any particular issue with making queer hcs just for fun, it becomes a problem when the characters in question don't serve as good queer representation because of how they are written.

before i say anything, id like to state that i am a cis female lesbian, and i had this checked over by a friend who is trans male.

first off, as you said, the glorybringer age difference was a complete mistake by tui. completely fine if you dont like the ship anyways, but glorybringer was never intended to be an age gap ship.

what im getting from your ask, though, is that because deathbringer was originally sent to kill glory and company, even though he grew and changed from his assassin mindset, youre saying that trans people cant be written in the enemies-to-lovers trope, and that they should be always written in a simple and positive light. deathbringer does do things that can be considered predatory, but his character is overall complex, nuanced, and up to the reader to decide whether they like him or not, but saying that a character like this cannot be trans is saying that all trans characters cant be complicated. this would be a different story if glorybringer had a clear power imbalance, but that is absolutely not the case.

i can see where your concerns are coming from, but by avoiding writing people of a certain gender or sexuality into tropes that arent perfectly healthy, youre also invalidating a whole bunch of shows with imperfect queer characters. its so important to portray trans people through multifaceted lenses.

#ask #answered #ava askbox

[swordsandarms]

As I addressed obnoxious bullshitty fandom cans of worms already, how about we all be frank about the pointless going in circles discourse in this fandom that is "Lyanna's age problem" also.

There's the "meant to be just aaaaasa child!" camp and the "it was just normal back then!" camp when it comes to whether it's fine to ship her with a man in his early 20s within the morals of this story specifically (a story romanticising relationships with other 'problematic in the real world' concepts like incest, or other age gaps that kiiiiind of get a pass cause the 18 - or even 16 - years old threshold already, mind you). Both of those camps' arguments are inaccurate (one to the story, the other to the real world) the funny thing is if you take a step back, BOTH sides stand where they do - though opposite to eachother - because they are both (as it's normal so no one here is the bad person) uncomfortable with the concept in (modern and) real world and find their own way to deny its potency of wrongness.

And I decided to do this by coming across a post having to acknowledge the sexualisation of Arya, at an even younger age, and "ways to cope" and dance around the simple fact that the author just does this - writing young girls or teenagers as (obviously unnecessarily) sexualised and mature, that it's part of the story (part of the LORE if you will) and you just have to accept it and move on with the show in order to interact with this story.

*wringing hands* "Maybe because there was supposed to be a 5 years gap! We will just imagine the 5 years gap! Oh, no, it's still bad if there is a 5 years gap!"

Same as with the equally weak rationalisations such as "It's intentional for the age of Lyanna to be problematic! It has to be!" or the opposite "He is writing what was actually normal at some point even if it's not now *cue a list of actually bad historical cases*!"

My eyes may never come back from the back of my head if I have to keep seeing BOTH and EITHER of these. Especially when you have people acknowledging the "original plan" in which Arya would be "just a little sister" when Jon leaves for the NW when she's only 9 BUT he's meant to have a WOWSYY moment when she shows up later at FOURTEEN and he's nearly 20. And, oh, a guy in his LATE 20s is also into her - such romantic drama! By the way, 13 years old Bran would have had a "feud" with the 19-20 years old.

So, no, this isn't only a problem because there is no time jump anymore. The writer is writing something in a way he shouldn't have, and there is nothing deep or meaningful about it for you to read and recognise and judge others if they don't.

Sansa says men in their 20s are "too old" when she's 11, but at 13 now (parading as a 14 years old) she flirts with a man of about 20 and the narrative doesn't raises red flags either on his side or the society witnessing them. He's not trying to make it bad, not for that one reason. Then you get to Arya who's also ogled at by older men by pretending to be slightly older (in spite of some reservations because she is actually 11 as Sansa was before, here, and looks it, so at least the author is consistent about this magical womanhood that appears in between 11 and 13-14 because they "flowered").

So, yes, he never meant to write it the way we would have to judge it if they were real people. No, not even back then when he wrote Lyanna so and was planning a "time jump" for these other teenage girls that wouldn't even have meant not sexualising teenage girls actually because the jump still doesn't make Arya not a teenager. He writes Robert also being in love with and attracted Lyanna back then as well FFS, and he was also a "grown man". Daenerys at 15 is written as having a 'liberating' and autonomous relationship with a man of about 30. No, it's not meant to be bad because it 'should' be. Reading it like that is a bad, distorting reading of the story and her arc. Yes, when she was 13 and forced into marriage it is in the least written as "only on the line of acceptable" and characters note it within the story (so again at least he is consistent since Sansa is also bumping her age over that line).

So geez, feel free to say "I hate that he does this" or "I am not shipping these due to this reason, sorry" or "I am accepting it is not real in order to interact frankly with the text" or "I don't ship these because of other problematic or dislikeable reasons about the characters/relationships" but again, get moving with the "oh no no, it is/was normal somehow!" or "it is meant to be bad, because the author couldn't possibly write something bad!".

People have places to be and things to do, let's get going.

#asoiaf #lyanna stark #arya stark #'I think he means it to be bad for OTHER reasons' #ok still good faith reading of the text that's fine #jon snow #daenerys targaryen

[purrpickle]

You know... The more I think over the ending scene of this episode, the more out of character it feels, like it was a plot point that had to happen, even if the characters didn't serve its drama. Because, after all, GAP the Series is a drama show, and so each episode has to have its emotional points to hit.

Not saying Sam wouldn't get that angry or jealous, but her wording... It reminds me a lot of the original GAP Trailor Pilot, which means this fight was a foregone conclusion, which is what I mean that the plot carried the characters, and not the characters carrying the plot. Because this conflict doesn't feel like it played out as true to Sam like her others have.

Please, GAP the Series, let your characters talk. We've already seen how that's benefitted Mon and Sam before. You're just going to convince those who already believe Sam is toxic even more, even if that's not what she is.

*sighs* In many ways, this episode really was 'Sam and Mon going through their teenager ages again with their first love as this is both their first romantic relationship, made worse by real adult type problems such as arranged marriage, cheating suspicion, office gossip, and business deal intrigue'.

#gap the series #gap the series spoilers #monsam #mon #khun sam #rambly ramblings

[whore4jasontodd]

Joseph Morgan smut

I never really see any Joseph Morgan smut so why not make some ~btw I’m not the best at this so bare with me

*third person pov*

Y/n and Joseph have been a little distant lately where he still has to finish filming the originals

It hasn’t really been the best for y/n her instagram comments are full of fat jokes

Why? Bcuz everyone is jealous of her relationship with Joseph everyone was still stuck on the one ship in the vampire diaries klaroline

Did it hurt her a little? Yes ofc she loves Joseph with everything in her

*y/ns pov*

Im laying in bed like usual waiting for Joseph to get back from filming it’s currently 10:00 am I decent to go on instagram knowing it’s not the best decision ex specially with all of the hate knowing I’m going to start getting insecure again and oh boy was I right

Hundreds of comments calling me fat,ugly, people saying Joseph deserves better, or that I’m to young for him I am 25 yes that’s a 16 year age gap but if he doesn’t have a problem with it should It really matter

Everyone truly believes I’m just after him bcuz he’s famous no he came to me at a time when I needed someone and I fell inlove with him

As I finish reading the comments I feel tears feel up my eyes i figured it’s better if I turned off my phone and layed down so that’s what I did and soon dosed off

It was around 11:00 when I heard the door open I knew he was home but tried to fall back to sleep but after a few minutes I feel the other side of the bed dip and arms wrap around me

Y/n luv are you awake? I hear his soft British accent echo in my ears I soon feel his hand slowly come to my face rubbing my dried tears

“Luv I know your awake I can tell when your faking you know” he says in a soft tone

I slowly open my eyes to see Joseph already looking at me

“Why have you been crying sweetheart”he says sounding concerned

Just stuff but I’m glad your home” I sigh cuddling into his arms

It’s the comments again isn’t it? I didn’t answer him but I knew he could feel me nod into his chest

“My sweet girl don’t listen to then your nothing of those thing they say , you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, you are the one I love” his voice spoke soft and sounded so innocent

“Joseph?”

“Yes my luv”

“Do you think I’m too young for you or not good enough?” I spoke quietly

“Of course not I wouldn’t be here right now if I truly believed what any of them said” his words followed a kiss connecting to my forehead

“And if you don’t believe my words then let ne show you princess” his lips soon connected to my lips

Our tongues slide together his hands going to the side of my face pulling me closer

He soon pulls me over onto his lap

His hands go down to my hips gripping them pushing me down on his lap

I can feel him poking me through his sweats as his hands much there way up my shirt taking it off and unclipping my bra

After he gets my top half fully undressed he flips us over so he’s hovering over me

“Ahh what a beautiful site” he says but doesn’t sound very innocent anymore

His mouth connects to my breast, his tongue swirling around my nipple

I could feel his hands going down to my pants slowly sliding them down and off my ankle leaving me in nothing but my thong

“I think these will have to go luv” he spoke hooking his fingers around them taking them off like he did with my pants

As he hovers over me his eyes scan my body I soon start remembering all of the comments making me feel like I’m fat I put my over my stomach but he jerks up back up above my head

“Ahh what do you think your doing sweetheart?”

“Uh-nothing” I spoke out shyly

“That’s what I thought now be a good girl and keep your hands up there tonight is about you” his lips connect to my neck making there way down farther and farther until they make it to where I need him most

He slowly spreads my legs placing his lips on mine ;)

“ I can’t believe this is all mine” he started off with sticking one digit in but it soon turns into two

At this point I’m a moaning mess his mouth lapping me at clit like its his last meal and his fingers pumping in and out of me I feel my stomach tighten I know I’m close

“So tight and wet for me are you close yet my luv”

I couldn’t even get out an yes without screaming as I came around his fingers

As I’m a panting mess he makes me look him in the eyes as he kisses me lining his self up with me he asks

“Is this okay sweetheart”

“ god yes please I need you” I didn’t have to say that twice before he started pounding in and out of me

I throw my head back my back arching digging my nails into his back and every thrust made me moan louder and louder as I got closer

“Fuck luv so tight who’s pussy is this”

I couldn’t anwser the pleasure slowly took over my body

“I said who’s pussy is this” he grunts out

“All yours it’s all yours daddy” I scream out

“Good girl”

That was enough for me I came all over his cock

He falls down in the bed beside me

“God that was amazing”

“Fuck yeah” I saw cuddling into his chest

As I close my eyes I realize I haven’t took my birth control and he didnt pull out

“Omg Joseph”

“What’s wrong?” He jumps up worried

“You didnt pull out”

“Aren’t you off birth control”

“No Joseph we talked about it I thought we both agreed I was gonna stop taking it for a while”

“So you could get pregnant?” He asks as he starts to smile

“Yeah” I sigh

“ you don’t want to have a kid?”

“Ofc I want to have a kids but what if you don’t and you leave?” I spoke quietly

“I want to start a family with you more the anything princess” he says raising up kissing me

#joseph morgan smut #klaus mikealson smut #the originals

[iamborsh]

ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀꜰʟɪᴇs William Afton/OC

Tags: au, modelling, fashion industry, coquette!original character, violence, age gap.

ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ ʀᴇǫᴜɪʀᴇs sᴀᴄʀɪꜰɪᴄᴇ

Jennifer Christie is a 21-year-old girl. Beautiful, narcissistic. She grew up in a family of quite wealthy businessmen who gave their beloved daughter anything she wanted. Jenny grew up in luxury: dresses, bags, jewelry - for her these are just little things. Three years ago, she suddenly got wish to become a model, which her parents, of course, obediently fulfilled. Now Mrs. Christie is a popular model. Many agencies of that time would have liked to sign a contract with her, but the most of them were sent to hell by generous Jenny.

April 14, 1996, New York.

"That's not it! And this too!" with these words, the girl was sorting through her closet, which was literally bursting with lots of clothes from different designers. She had a contract signing with one of the agencies today. Of course, it didn't work out without persuasion, but Jenny decided to feel sorry for her manager and agreed.

This meeting means nothing to her, but you always have to look presentable.

Suddenly, the girl went to her tape recorder, covered with pink rhinestones. It was the first time Jenny had worked tirelessly, but the result was worth it. It would be a shame for a girl to have an ordinary gray tape recorder! She's not some kind of beggar.

Taking a CD of a song by a fairly popular band at that time, the room was filled with beautiful female voices.

Oh, say you'll be there ~ ♪

Jenny headed for the closet, but now moving to the beat of the vibing music.

I'm giving you everything ~ ♪

Jenny took three different dresses and threw them on the bed, they looked the best. And even though Jennifer still has a bunch of dresses, she still chose these ones.

All that joy can bring ~ ♪

Jenny danced around the room, darting past the mirror every now and then. It reflected the unearthly beauty of an African-American girl. Beautiful skin, gorgeous and lush curls, brown eyes, a few freckles, plump lips smeared with expensive glitter, which she probably bought abroad. She was wearing a white silk robe made to order, it fit her perfectly, and the image was complemented by yellow fluffy slippers.

This I swear, ow ~ ♪

The last line of the verse of the song sounded and the home phone rang.

"Oh, who is it now?" she went to the pink home phone. Her daddy bought it for her in Paris. It looked cute, elegant, a kind of curiosity that surprised everyone who came to visit Jennifer.

Picking up the phone, the girl held it to her ear.

"Excuse me, Miss Christie, they want to order an adver-" the man didn't finish his sentence.

"I'm not interested in it! How many times have I told you that I don't take ads? Or should I pay you a doctor to check your hearing?" the girl answered rudely. After all, who's he to be polite to him?

It was Jenny's manager, a man of 37 years of French descent, who helped her sign contracts. Well, although Miss Christie always decides for herself, and Mr. Martin is only needed for show.

The girl was just about to hang up when she suddenly remembered.

"Oh, yeah, you're picking me up today! I hope you don't have any problems with your memory and you haven't forgotten about my contract with Mr. Afton's modeling agency!" her voice sounded arrogant.

"Of course, of course, madam, is there something else?" Martin asked meekly in his French accent.

With a grunt, she put the phone back down. While they were talking, the song had already ended. Yeah, her mood to listen to music was gone now.

Her gaze fell on the bed, there were 3 dresses that Jennifer had selected.

Green with a circle, pale pink with lace bell sleeves and yellow with a black strap.

The girl threw away two dresses, namely a green and a yellow one. Yes, she was definitely in the mood to wear pink today.

Pink louboutins, a lace dress, a bow in her hair and an elegant handbag were perfectly combined. Soft-pink lipstick accentuated the beauty of her lips, and blush on her beautiful cheeks.

The girl twirled next to the mirror.

"Not bad, it could have been better. I'll have to buy more clothes, otherwise these are already… Too old and not fashionable." the girl said petulantly.

Her gaze fell on the clock on a white bedside table next to a huge mirror. The time was 2 p.m., 15 minutes.

"Already?" she exclaimed with a gasp, of course, Jenny, you like to sleep until lunch, and then preen up for three hours. "Has this idiot arrived yet?" the girl asked herself with a note of disgust.

Looking out the window of her house, she saw Martin's black car approaching. He must have remembered, apparently, his senility hadn't begun yet.

The girl left her room, went down to the 1st floor and went out onto the porch.

The view was beautiful. There was a wonderful garden near Jenny's house, where white roses grew, a variety of which was personally brought by Jennifer's mother from Holland.

"Mello, Madame Christie." Martin bowed to the girl as she walked impressively to the car.

Glancing at her manager, she extended her hand to him, turning away and wrinkling her nose. This is just an element of etiquette, nothing more. Martin kissed the girl's hand, on the fingers of which was a mother-of-pearl with a gleam of white and pink, a neat manicure. The girl pulled her hand away and got into the car.

"You look great today!" the manager tried to make a compliment.

"I know." Jenny replied indifferently, turning her gaze away from the window.

It was quite bright outside, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming. Jenny currently lived in a country house located near New York, and the road to the agency building took a little longer than if Jenny lived in an apartment.

The model turned towards Martin. He was not a particularly tall man with black hair, gray streaks flashed here and there, he wore round glasses, and also some kind of suit. He looked very ridiculous, as Jennifer herself thought.

"We arrived, madam." Martin said and got out of the car, walked around her and, like a true gentleman, opened the door for the girl and helped her get up.

The following picture appeared before them: a 4-storey light purple building with large windows.

"Not bad." having assessed the building, the girl concluded. "Even better than many similar buildings."

She'll probably never be happy with anything.

"Martin, follow me!" the girl commanded.

Martin really looked funny next to Mrs. Christie. Jennifer's elegant, feminine and graceful gait made passers-by turn around, while Martin walked unsteadily, trying to keep up with his "madame".

Martin was still able to overtake the girl and held the door for her. She didn't even say "thank you." For what?

The building inside also looked beautiful. Models and designers walked around the floor, carried plastic mannequins as makeup artists ran around. Jenny chuckled, looking at this, what a funny sight.

"Miss Christie?" a girl in a shirt and black trousers, standing behind the reception desk, addressed Jennifer and Martin.

The girl looked at the receptionist. Simple one, what to say.

"Well, yeah, me." the model replied with a haughty look.

"You must be at Mr. Afton's, come on, I'll take you there." with these words, the girl came out from behind the counter and headed for the 2nd floor. Jennifer followed her.

The receptionist looked somehow at home. Wrinkled shirt, oversize trousers, sloppy bun.

Picking up the rabble on the ad, Jenny thought with disgust. "If you work in a modeling agency, then at least look presentable."

"We're here, Mr. Afton is already waiting for you." the girl ran back.

The door was brown, and there was a sign saying "W. Afton."

"Martin, you're waiting for me downstairs." not waiting for an answer, Jenny entered without knocking on the door.

A fairly clean and well-maintained office appeared to her eyes. It contained a pair of mannequins, different from those that were carried around the 1st floor, a desk, a fluffy rug, like Jennifer's in the room, two sofas and a tea table in front of the desk. Everything was done in black and purple style.

"Hello, Mrs. Christie." a man's voice suddenly addressed her.

The girl turned around and was a little surprised. A rather pleasant-looking man of about 35 years old was sitting at the table. Long black hair, braided in a small ponytail, with a purple sheen in the light, silver eyes that Jennifer had never seen before. The man was wearing a purple shirt with a pin with the man's name on it: "William." Blue jeans with a yellow fringe at the bottom. He was wearing an expensive watch with a yellow strap at that time. As well as patent black shoes matching William's hair color.

If it had been worn on any other, then the girl would have said that he looked like a clown, but not in this case. Everything was so combined with each other that no image of any other fashion designer could compare with this. He was simply charming, it was the first time that Jenny fell in love with another person's clothes.

"Yeah, hello." no matter how surprised she was, confidence shouldn't be lost in any case.

"Come in, sit down, would you like some tea?" Mr. Afton kindly suggested, he also seems to be british, oh, how fascinating his voice sounds, just a delight to her ears.

"No, thanks." the girl looked around. The office was, of course, beautiful, but quite ordinary, except for one detail. Mannequins. They looked like real people. They werent just white, but all sorts of different colors. Both dark and beige, even with the effect of vitiligo disease. It's like they're made of real skin.

"So you like them?" the fashion designer suddenly asked.

The girl shuddered:

"Yes, yes… They're very, very beautiful." the girl answered uncertainly, this is the first time it's happening with her.

"I make them myself. Handmade, you can touch them." William said genially with a smile on his face.

The girl got up and walked over to one of the mannequins. She touched it lightly with the pads of her fingers. For real, like a real… Skin.

"I make them out of… Animal's skin. By coloring it in the desired color." why did he stumble on the word "animal's"? Oh, well, okay, it happens.

"It's impressive." she was still running her fingers over the mannequin. "What kind of animals do you use?"

Mr. Afton paused and then grinned hysterically.

"I make them from… Pig's one". his answer sounded as strange and uncertain as possible. As if Jenny had asked something she didn't need to. It's like she's asking too many questions. "Okay, let's move on to the contract." the man changed the topic.

The girl sat down on the sofa while William handed her a contract with a modeling agency. After reading it carefully, the girl picked up a pen and left her neat signature in a beautiful handwriting, and then handed the document back into the hands of the man.

He smiled.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, I'll see you tomorrow." William said, returning to his desk.

The girl went out the door of the office. Well, tomorrow is her first day working for Mr. William's agency.

***

The dressing room was teeming with stylists, make-up artists and other staff. It was noisy. And Jennifer didn't really like noise, but she sat quiet as she didn't want to spoil her own reputation.

Instead, she sprawled impressively on an armchair while one of the makeup artists weightlessly applied powder to the already delicate skin of the model.

"Miss Christie, do you need anything?" the receptionist, whom Jenny and Martin saw yesterday, turned to the girl behind the chair.

"Yes, coffee." it was normal for her not to say "please", does she even knows about this word existence?

"Mrs. Christie, we're done." spoke the young makeup artist.

She, in turn, began to look at herself in the mirror….Yeah, could have been better. She'd do better one at home.

"It's terrible, but what can we do, you'll learn someday." Jenny criticized, taking her coffee from the receptionist's hands. Probably the makeup artist was hurt by her words.

The girl turned towards the rest of the room. Several of the same girls were sitting and waiting for them to be made up. Makeup artists swirled around them, applying powder, blush, foundation and other cosmetics.

The walls were painted a pleasant white color, wooden tables with lots of cosmetics on them, as well as upholstered chairs, on one of which Jennifer was sitting.

Suddenly, the main fashion designer, namely Afton, entered the room. He looked around the room and when he bumped into Jenny, he smiled.

Without taking his eyes off her, he said:

"The models can meanwhile prepare for the trial show, and I'll have to ask Mrs. Christie to come with me." Mr. Afton announced, nodding his head as if to indicate that she needed to follow him.

When Jennifer entered the office, she saw the same mannequins with different dresses, but one of them caught her eye. It was a beautiful puffy black and white dress… It was covered with artificial black butterflies, complementing the look. On the mannequin's head was a headband with the same medium-sized butterfly. The shoes were high-heeled.

"This is the dress that you'll wear for your first show at our agency." William purred contentedly, looking at his creation. "What do you think?"

The girl came closer. In addition to butterflies, the dress was decorated with thousands of small rhinestones.

"It's wonderful!" the model exclaimed. "you're really a true artist."

William grinned contentedly. He was flattered by Jennifer's attitude, although he's well aware of her character. He knows more about her than she would have guessed.

"How do you like it here?" William asked, sitting down at his desk and lighting a cigarette. "Do you like everything?"

"Well… Its much better here than in other agencies, except that…" Jenny walked over to the mirror in the study. "Though make-up artists should learn more." she tried to say it as politely as possible, but for some reason she wanted to impress William. This was the first time she acted that way, usually Jenny torn up contracts with other agencies with ease, without fear that it would change her life. But then something beckoned to stay here longer.

William looked at the model. He chuckled and said:

"I think I'll agree." he also needed to make a good impression on Jennifer, at least in some ways they are similar. "Is that all?"

No. Noise, annoying staff, disgusting coffee, according to the model's opinion and this is only part of it.

"Yes, everything else is fine." making innocent eyes, the girl said. "Can I go now? I need to get ready."

Letting the smoke out of his mouth, William nodded and the girl headed for the door.

Returning to the studio, she saw defiling girls walking along the catwalk, where the show will soon be held. They did well, of course, but not like Jenny. Its not surprising that she was made the main star at this show.

"Madame Christie!" the main director ran up to the girl. "You're just in time, you're going to be on stage now, go to backstage."

"First, explain they should do." the girl said irritably. "And what about me? Improvisation?"

"Oh, yeah, of course. So, look." the director, whose name is most likely George, began to actively gesticulate with his hands. "You go out in the middle of the stage, scroll through, and then all the model girls come out and together you do the crown pose. Is that clear?"

What an idiotic plan, but there's nothing to do.

The girl went on stage and began to act according to the director's plan with a model gait. All the girl's jaws dropped. Of course, anyone could envy such a figure, gait and grace.

The girl stopped and made a turn at the edge of the podium. Then she turned around and walked towards the other models who had already went out. A wave of the hands and the girls depicted a large crown. It was a pretty spectacular end to the show. Although, its rather strange that Jenny, as the main model of the show, was given very little time.

"Belissimo! Belissimo!" the director standing by the stage clapped. "Girls, you're great, everyone did their best, and you… Mrs. Jenny, especially beautiful." this man also had an accent, but it was Italian. Although, it was already obvious by his mustache that he's not exactly an American.

For the sake of decency, Jenny smiled and went to the dressing room.

***

Pretty boring and terribly long day. Preparing for the show was a tedious task, which didn't bring any pleasure.

After coming home and changing her clothes, Jennifer flopped down on the soft bed. She had a feeling that something bad was going to happen, but what? Nonsense. What could possibly happen in an ordinary modeling agency? Especially when there is such a handsome and kind chief fashion designer.

The girl was lying in her soft lace robe, which clung so pleasantly to her skin. Her bed was large, soft and comfortable. Silk pillows and blankets, there are even bedside curtains to shut out the whole world.

Suddenly, Jennifer's hand came across something fluffy and soft. Picking it up, the girl saw her old bunny Oliver from childhood, which her grandmother gave her. It was a white hare with a red tie. There were patches and scuffs in some places. It was strange that Jenny didn't throw it away, because it was surely worn and battered.

Memories from childhood flashed through her head.

***

October 27, 1985.

A little girl with thick afro-curls quietly entered the room and locked it. She looked to be 11 years old.

She walked lightly to the bed and climbed on it. There were various toys, dolls and much more on the bed, which all the girls dreamed of in childhood. But she picked up a white rabbit. Oliver. Her best friend.

"My parents have left again…" the girl began. "But they promised to play with me…"

Little Jenny always told her best friend everything. She trusted it like no one else.

"But I'm sure they'll come soon, right?" the girl assured herself with a note of sad hope. "Isn't that right, Oliver?… My parents love me, don't they?" tears flowed from her eyes, the little girl's face turned red and she hugged the toy to herself. "They love me! They need me, I'm their daughter!"

***

The girl didn't even notice how teary her eyes were. Did her parents need her? Or were they just buying her off? Yes, she has a luxurious life, but Jenny has never known what true parental love is.

While all the children were playing football with their parents and going on picnics, Jenny was sitting at home at that time and sadly drawing a portrait of her family. She wanted to make sure that her parents loved and cared for her. But instead, they're always at meetings, conferences or whatever.

And only Oliver listened to the girl's tears all these years.

"Okay, I'm crying because of a bullshit." with these words, the girl wiped her tears and put the toy back in its place.

After a while, the girl fell asleep.

***

Days, weeks, and then a month passed. Day turned to night, nothing changed. The day of the show was approaching. Jenny was 100% ready.

And here it is, the long-awaited x-day. Jenny had heard that the entire elite of the modeling business would gather for the show. Someone even said that some of them came only because of Jenny.

And the model itself was already wearing that black and white puffy dress. A headband and black heels complemented the look. It suited the model's face, as if it had been made for her specially. A light make-up to match the color of the dress sparkled on her face.

William walked around the dressing room and checked how the work was going. Of course, it is important for his agency not to screw up and meet the expectations of critics.

The models came out one after another. Cameras clicked and the audience applauded enthusiastically. The journalists were doing some kind of report and were trying to interview William, who was also standing in the hall and watching everything that was happening.

George was running around and saying something to the models who hadn't come out yet. Most likely, he was giving them some advice.

And Jenny was still sitting in the same chair and watching the painting. It's been a month since Jenny got a job at Mr. Afton's modeling agency. And every day she felt more and more uncomfortable around William. If before the silver eyes radiated calmness and kindness, now there is nothing but some kind of intimidation. His character hadn't changed, but his eyes spoke more.

A man's voice pulled out of his thoughts, which most likely belonged to William:

"You ready?" he put his hand on her shoulder, as if feeling her skin, or was it just her imagination? "Now it's your turn, you remember what you have to do?"

Jennifer nodded and headed towards the podium. George was standing very close to them, writing something down in his notebook.

"Madame Christie!" he turned to the girl. "Good luck."

Jenny nodded and went on stage. Hundreds or even thousands of cameras suddenly blinded her, some people clapped. Despite this, the girl didn't even blinked an eye and confidently walked to the middle of the podium. Jennifer's eyes darted. Maybe her parents came after all? The crowd of people was the same and almost merged, but the girl would have recognized her parents out of a thousand. They aren't there, however, it was no longer surprising.

The girl turned around and walked over to the other models who had already run up. They all looked different: orange, blue, light blue, pink dresses perfectly matched the black accessories on the them. Each of them looked beautiful in their own way. But tonight, the star of the night is Jennifer. But she also has every chance to go out today.

A couple of movements and the girls depicted a crown, which, as it turned out, was the symbol of the agency.

Enthusiastic applause, blinding the cameras again. The show was a success.

***

"Mrs. Jennifer, Mrs. Jennifer!" as soon as the girl went backstage, George addressed her. "You have met all our expectations! It was excellent." he spoke enthusiastically, even stammering a little.

"Thank you…" Jenny replied dejectedly, she wanted to rest.

"Mrs. Jennifer, can I talk to you for a second?" Mr. Afton appeared from behind.

Jenny and William moved away from the dressing room.

"Your performance was really amazing, I'm glad that you're working with us." for the first time, a compliment made Jenny blush, although the silver eyes were still frightening, but William's speeches were so pleasant… "How about dinner together?" that's… Is he asking her out on a date?

Jenny had always thought that William was married, as it was rather strange that such a handsome and promising man hadnt yet been taken away.

The girl had no plans for the evening, so:

"Yes, sure." the girl replied with a smile.

"Then you can go home, because I still need to talk to other fashion designers." it's a common thing after screenings at some agency. This was in the girl's favor as she would be able to dress the way she wanted. After all, the dress that William himself sewed was beautiful and elegant, but still belonged to the agency and was a little uncomfortable. "I'll pick you up at 8."

The girl returned to the dressing room to change clothes, and then go home with Martin. Her heart was beating in anticipation. Jenny liked William's attention. Now his eyes radiated not madness, but kindness.

"Martin, follow me!" Jenny called the man over and headed to the car. Martin and Jenny got into it and quickly drove to the girl's house.

And at the same time, a fashion designer was watching the whole picture, smoking next to the agency building. He knew that Jenny was an arrogant and spoiled girl who was easily manipulated, so he bravely took advantage of this without remorse, because beauty requires sacrifices, which William would do without doubt.

***

Jenny got out of the car and slammed the door. The white country house was illuminated by the streetlights and garlands that Jenny had hung on the house to make it look more cozy.

Martin's car drove off and Jenny headed home. Going into her room, the girl again chose what to wear. This is not just an interview, this is a date with Mr. Afton himself. Something about him attracted the girl so much, although she herself didnt realize that she was being controlled like a doll.

"Well, well…" Jenny was looking through the wardrobe, trying to find something that would suit her today. The choice fell on a white and airy dress. It was light, weightless. Jenny also wore lace stockings and small white heels.

It is worth admitting that everything goes for Jenny, even if she'd wear in a cellophane bag, she'll look breathtaking.

It was close to 8 p.m, the time when William would pick up Jennifer.

When the girl was putting on makeup, she heard the sounds of a car approaching. It was William, he stopped near the girl's house and waited for her.

Taking everything she needed, the model ran out of the house.

"Hello, Mr. Afton." the girl curtsied gracefully.

William looked at the girl and smiled.

"You look beautiful." Afton said with a wink. The compliment made her ears and cheeks burn. The girl gets hundreds compliments a day, but none of them caused such strong emotions.

Afton opened the car door and invited the girl. Jenny nodded "thanks" and got into the first seat. Afton walked around the car and got into the driver's seat.

The most amazing thing is that Afton, it turns out, lived very close to Jenny's house. A couple of minutes and they were there.

It was a 2-storey and quite large house. There were children's swings and toys in the yard. After all, he has children. The walls of the house were painted a shade of purple. Guess it's his favourite color.

Afton gently took the girl's arm and they went into the house.

The house looked even better inside. Beautiful, snow-white wallpaper, white wooden floor. The walls were hung with various beautiful sketches as there were also children's drawings.

Afton invited the girl into the kitchen. It was made in a rather fashionable style of that time called Baroque. No wonder, because Mr. Afton is still a fashion designer, after all. Everything was clean and tidy, all the appliances were in their places.

Jennifer sat down at the table and watched Mr. Afton's actions.

"What do you want for dinner tonight? This evening I'm your chef." William asked jokingly and with a touch of coquetry. The girl was embarrassed again.

"Since you are the chef today, I trust you." she put her elbow on the back of the chair.

"Whatever you say, Madame Christie." turning around, his smile changed to an annoyed face. He didn't like his own cheap show, which he himself put on. "Would you like some champagne?"

Jennifer doesn't drink, but since such an occasion…

"Yes, sure!"

Afton went to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of expensive champagne. It finally came in handy.

"I'll pour it." he wouldn't let the girl pour it herself, because he only needs to add a pinch of magic powder to carry out his plan. Opening the lid of the bottle and taking out a glass, he began to slowly fill the glass. After making sure Jennifer wasn't looking, he took a small bag out of his pocket and just wanted to pour it…

"You have children?" the girl suddenly asked, startling William. He turned to her and took a deep breath.

"Oh, yes, i do… Michael, Elizabeth and Evan." Afton exhaled, looking at the portrait that Jenny had apparently noticed.

"And where is your wife?"

You know, sweetie, you're asking too many unnecessary questions that won't help you in any way.

"She left me with 3 kids." William was able to lie by looking into the eyes. Surely he wouldn't say that his wife had died a long time ago? It'll scare our little Jennifer away.

Jennifer began to feel sorry for William in her mind. How can you get away from such a smart, handsome and successful man? Even left him with three kids. She didn't know yet who she considered "kind."

While the girl was thinking, William managed to add the contents of the little bag to her glass. The powder quickly dissolved into the liquid.

The man turned to the girl and gave her the glass. Then he poured himself a drink. Slowly sipping the contents of his glass, he watched the girl. She drank it all quickly.

"It's too strong for champagne." the girl was getting sick.

"When you drink it for the first time, it happens, especially in one gulp." the man assured the girl.

The girl was dizzy and she was slowly losing consciousness. A minute later, she fell asleep.

William grinned at his new victim with his silver eyes.

***

Pain shooting through her whole body. The pain that made her want to scream, but something prevented from doing so. All the muscles were stiff and the girl couldn't move a single limb. Her vision slowly returned. The bright light of the lamp began to fill her eyes, making Jenny squint.

It was cold and only now Jennifer realized that she wasn't only tied up, but also almost naked.

"Are you awake yet?" a familiar voice, of course, it's William.

What the hell is going on here? Where is she? Why is she tied up? Little Jenny tried to say something, but only a mumble came out of her mouth, her mouth was taped.

"Are you trying to say something?" William spoke ironically. "Don't bother yourself, you can't, no one will hear you."

Jenny still didn't understand what was going on, but William, as if reading her mind, answered her question himself.

"You must be thinking what's going on, right? Let me explain."

William walked over to the table and took a syringe, pulling some substance into it.

"You remember the mannequins from my office, so that's it. You will become one of them!" Afton said enthusiastically. "You've always dreamed of beauty and fame, right? Then you must know the phrase: beauty requires sacrifice. I make these sacrifices, making people even more beautiful!"

Has Afton gone crazy? What he's talking about?

The girl remembered those mannequins… For real, are they all made of human skin? The girl had a gagging urge. She started kicking and trying to get out. No, she's too young to die. No, no, no!

William looked at this sight and grinned contentedly. He knew that Jenny couldn't get out, she was doomed.

"Don't worry, I'll make you into something more than just a worthless model." William spoke in a whisper, as if calming the girl. "You can't even imagine how wonderful it is to be a beautiful mannequin that everyone admires." he was a psycho who went mad, but he liked it.

He was sure he was doing people a favour by pulling their skin over a mannequin. He thought they were ungrateful if they kicked and tried to run away.

William slowly walked up to the girl and slapped her in the face to calm her down.

"And you….You're all ungrateful scums who don't understand that I'm doing this for your own sake." William grabbed the girl's hand and inserted a syringe under her skin. The girl tried to pull away, but unsuccessfully, it hurted her even more. But soon it became more difficult to make movements, her eyelids were closing, her breathing slowed down. William injected her with poison to make her agony easier. Although he could have skinned her for profit, he felt sorry for her.

William returned to the table and picked up a small surgical knife. He looked at the girl's lifeless body again. She will make a wonderful mannequin, she'll thank him again.

***

A knock on the door.

"Come in." William said without looking up from his papers.

Men in police uniforms entered the office.

"Hello, Mr. Afton, we have come to you about the case of Jennifer Christie's disappearance, do you know anything?" one of the men asked.

"Jennifer went home after the fashion show, that's it, I never saw her again." pretending that he didn't know anything, William answered the question.

"Did you see anyone suspicious around her?"

William pretended to think. Martin, for sure, he'll be able to divert suspicion from William.

"She left with her manager and as far as I know, she treated him pretty badly, so…." William gave a little hint to the police. Oh, poor Martin, he gave so much nerve to Jenny, and now he's going to jail probably.

"Great, we have a suspect, thank you, Mr. Afton." the men turned around and left.

"Have a nice day." William said goodbye with a smile.

His gaze turned towards the new mannequin with dark skin, dressed in the same black dress with butterflies.

"Guess what, they're looking for you." he turned to the mannequin standing next to William's desk.

Jenny dreamed of being a star. She became one thanks to her parents, who will never see her again, but not all stars are destined to shine forever, right? Jennifer became one of such stars.

#william afton #dark fic #fnaf #william afton smut #william afton imagines #fnaf smut #fnaf x oc

[sakebytheriver]

This fandom had no problems shipping Willow with her lifelong bully Boscha, but the moment Willow is shipped with someone who respects and is clearly interested in her suddenly everyone and their mom are clutching their pearls crying about age gaps and trauma (nothing against bosch//low but all this discourse is really grinding my nerves)

Oh God, don't even get me started on B*schlow, remember those Notps I talked about?🤮 (tbh i could prolly write a pretty long rant post about that ship and my points would have a lot more logic in them than any of the antis in the Huntlow tag, but guess how many posts in the B*schlow tag you'll find written by me)

Tbh I think a lot of people see a gay ship and think that that automatically makes it somehow better and healthier than a m/f ship without even thinking about the dynamics or how the characters fit together. Like no doubt people have been making posts about how Huntlow isn't as good or subversive as B*shlow or H*ntric because it's an m/f ship instead of being gay without taking into account the fact that it's an interracial ship with a fat woc.

But also shipping and the romantic relationships the show makes canon are not about how many boxes you can check off to get diversity points. Huntlow is a ship that was clearly meant to have some more kind of depth and development to it from the little we can see from the show so far, like the parallels of them both being considered "Half-a-witch", the way their character developments basically start and end in the opposite directions, how they both came from a place where people put them down and belittled them for their shortcomings but they've both found people who help them find their greatest potential, the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other, it is clear to me that the writers are trying to speed up a ship timeline that was supposed to be a lot longer than the timeframe they're forced to work within, with the multitude of different ship dynamics they have clearly tried to inject into this couple with what little time they have left. There's a reason why B*schlow was never going to canon, the characters don't fit together the same way, the dynamic is one that was always meant to be one dimensional bully that serves more as a plot device for Willow's character development than the Lumity dynamic the fandom tried to push it towards, not to mention that if the ship was to become canon then Willow would be acting as Bosha's teacher and redeemer which she basically already had to do with Amity, but with Huntlow they're both meant to be fully fleshed out main characters that come together in a dynamic that strengthens their characters in a mutually beneficial way that serves both of them individually as well as a couple, they meet each other near the end of their original character developments meaning they meet at the right time to walk together towards their next character developments, because the two of them went through entire arcs individually learning to stand on their own, the next obvious step for their characters is them learning how to be their new selves while with another person

Tbh I just really don't get what the issue with Huntlow is here, like why is this the ship that broke the fandom? I mean, the obvious reasons are there, of course, the racism, the fatphobia, the general uproar that comes when the fandoms favorite white boy falls for a woc instead of the other pretty white boy or girl they wanted him to fall for, but like God I was not expecting to have to fight this hard for this ship when we've only got 3 more episodes left before this show ends for good. Like are there not more pressing things we could worry about other than a very cute, very nice, very healthy ship between two traumatized kids who have never been seen as anything worth looking at twice until the other person saw them

#ignore me #huntlow #anon #anonymous #ask #answered

[hoedamn-eron]

doctor steven grant, phd - part 5

You and Steven are on the cusp of being 'official', but then you meet his 'brother'.

Warnings: Age gap, but it is appropriate/legal. Steven may be a little OOC. Very, very small mention of being drunk. Reader hates Valentine's Day. Jake is in fact a dick in this one. Somewhat proofread. Slight edit as of 01/09. Word count: 2,322 GN!Reader, no use of Y/N.

Part 4 ● Series Masterlist ● Part 6

Your lunch date (you’ve come to terms that it was a date) with Steven was…a little strange but overall a good experience. The way he talked about his brother seemed like he wasn’t a brother at all, that they never got along and his brother seemed to take advantage of Steven. He didn’t even give him a name, but you figured you didn’t know the man well enough just yet for him to share his rocky relationship (you had assumed) with his brother. He’d been a problem for the past few years, and Steven was still trying to live his life as best as he could. It was as if his brother had just turned up out of nowhere one day.

After your lunch date, Steven asked you out again for later in the week, and you agreed. Lunch went well despite the weird atmosphere, but a dinner date is different to a lunch date. In a way, it was more intimate. Being in a crowded bistro, full of tourists from the museum, was loud and you wanted out of there after a while. Steven, to make up for last time, promised to take you to the original restaurant you were supposed to go to.

It was nice. Steven turned up with flowers, something you’d never received before in a romantic setting, and greeting you with a peck to the cheek. That had sent your head in a tizzy, and you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling. You had another good time on your dinner date, placing your fresh flowers in a vase when you got home, and you couldn’t stop staring at them as you got ready for bed. You found yourself stupidly smiling at the little things, sending a text to Steven telling him you had a good time, and that he was right, the food was as good as he said it was.

Your third date was a while after your dinner date. With the holidays and work schedules, you couldn’t quite find the time to have another date until well after New Year’s, to which you rang him, after drinking a few too many glasses of Prosecco. You’d slurred down the phone a ‘Happy New Year!’ and told him that you couldn’t wait for your third date. Steven had laughed good naturedly down the phone as he promised to take you out again once you were back in London for New Year.

You were texting every day, and he managed to make every date without any intervention from his brother. In fact, Steven didn’t really bring him up again, and you didn’t question it, since their relationship wasn’t the best; but it was always at the back of your mind. However you were having such a nice time with him, you pushed it back. You were slowly (vastly) falling in love with him, and you found yourself wanting to be with him all the time. You loved his company and how he was so enthusiastic about history, specifically Egypt, you could listen to him all day.

And he cared about what you had to say. He always listened to your opinions and listened to you when you had had a bad day, or if you just needed to have a rant about one thing or another. He was so lovely, so compassionate. How could you not have fallen in love with him?

It was nearly Valentine’s Day, and you were meeting up with your friend for lunch by Covent Garden. You were never a fan of Valentine’s Day (and no, it wasn’t because you had been single), and the obsessive decorating of reds and pinks and whites made you gag. You didn’t need a single day to show your partner you loved them, it should be year-round, but whatever. If other’s liked it, then good for them.

Your friend had been busy with her master’s degree and had barely seen you, so when she arrived, you greeted her with a hug and she was already chattering to you about her schoolwork and how busy she was but an end was in sight. You nodded along as you listened to her rants, and she only paused to give the server her order before she nattered back to you.

However, the topic of dating soon came up.

“I’ve met someone.”

Your eyes widened in shock at your friend as you feel yourself smiling. “No way! What is she like?”

“I met her at that job interview I had last week. Remember, the one for the heritage manager job?” you nod at her question. “Her name is Claire. She’s the receptionist there! Just in the office bit, she was really nice! I’m going to ask her out for Valentine’s Day.”

Your friend was one of those people who actually enjoyed the holiday. “That’s really cute. I’m happy for you!”

“Thanks,” your friend said, practically glowing. “I haven’t been with anyone since Asha, and you know how that ended.”

You held back your tongue about your friends toxic ex. Your friend still didn’t bad talk Asha, no matter what that woman did to her, so you respected your friend and didn’t talk about her either. Despite the fact that she deserved every bad thing said about her. You shook your head lightly at your friend. “Don’t think about her, yeah? You’ve got so much going for you now, it’s not worth looking back at the past.”

Your friend nodded before she looked up at you, her expression curious yet excited. “Has Steven asked to be his partner yet?”

You hesitate before shaking your head. “No. But it’s fine, we’re doing good, really enjoying each other’s company. I’m actually going to his flat tomorrow, for dinner. Like, home made dinner instead of going out.”

Your friend grinned wide as the server dropped your drinks off. “Then he’s definitely going to ask you tomorrow. Surprised he isn’t doing it on Valentine’s Day!”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m not bothered about Valentine’s Day, and to be honest, neither is Steven.”

“But you’ll be doing something, surely?”

“We’re not like you and Claire,” you teased, grinning. “I don’t think Steven is much into holidays at all.”

“Have you met his brother yet?”

You shake your head, frowning a little. “No, and he hasn’t brought him up again. Is that a red flag? I feel like that’s a red flag.”

Your friend shrugged. “Everyone has a red flag or two. You did say he didn’t have a good relationship with his brother, so maybe he doesn’t like talking about him. He did cause him to miss out on your first date.”

You nod before shrugging. “I suppose.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” said your friend, finally taking a sip of her drink. “Well, until he misses another date because of him with no communication.”

You chose not to answer. It was still a sore subject with your friend, obviously, despite the fact that Steven had explained himself and apologised for his behaviour. He hasn’t done it since, he’d made every date arranged between the two of you or even told you when he was running late or if you needed to reschedule. He was open and sincere and it was nice. You really liked him, and you couldn’t stop thinking about him. You were happy he was your first serious relationship (you hoped!).

You changed the subject. “Not long until uni is finished then?”

“Oh God, I know!” your friend said exasperatedly, giving you an overexaggerated roll of the eyes. “I can’t tell you how much work I’ve still got to do!”

Lunch went by with constant talk of final exams, parties that your friend was going to that week, and her planned date with Claire, if she was still interested. Your friend had planned to take her to the Junkyard Golf in Hackney, close by Claire’s flat, since your friend was pretty sure she had work the day after, so she wanted her home before it was late. You nod and eat your food in silence, happy to let your friend talk to you. You’d been friends for a long time and she’d always looked out for you, always wanting the best for you. You were so grateful to have her.

You both left lunch with a hug and a promise to make more time for each other now that her university days were dwindling. She’d told you that her graduation date were being announced soon and you were the first guest on her list, so you had to keep the end of July relatively free. You had laughed and made some joke about her own mother being a second thought, before you both went your separate ways.

It was a surprisingly nice day for February, so you decide to walk a little towards Piccadilly Circus, where you can stop at the Tesco Express on the way to do a small food shop, just to keep your fridge topped up. You smiled to yourself, thinking about your life not a short time ago where you felt like life was a bit boring and you were doing the same mundane things each day, but now you’d met someone, someone who liked you for you, and was just as awkward as you were but he found it endearing, and your friend was about to finish her master’s and get a stellar job, and a possible new relationship. Everything seemed to be going your way.

You were so caught up in your own good mood that you didn’t see the man you were about to bump into until it was too late.

“Oh!” you cry as you’re thrown backwards, almost landing on your backside. “I am so sorry, I didn’t…oh! Steven!”

The man…Steven…looked at you with an odd expression on his face. It was almost as if he didn’t recognise you. Although, you wouldn’t have recognised him if you didn’t get a good look at his face. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and tie, a leather jacket over the top of it and a newsboy cap over his dark curls. It was not the usual Steven attire, and the stance of this man…Steven…made you feel like you needed to turn around and walk away in the opposite direction very quickly.

Steven just raised an eyebrow at you. “Not quite.”

Oh, that accent was not from London. Your eyes widened as you realise this man is not Steven. “Oh, I’m so sorry, you look just like my…my…you just look like someone I know.” Uncannily like Steven, almost…no, definitely identical to Steven.

He suddenly smirked. “You’re the person Steven’s been seeing.”

He doesn’t say it like a question but at the same time, you felt like you had to answer like it was. “Yes, I am.” You introduce yourself.

Steven’s lookalike looks you and down as he mutters your name to himself. “Steven is my brother. I’m Jake.”

You don’t query the accent. “It’s nice to meet you Jake.”

“Yeah, Steven’s told me a lot about you,” Jake said, crossing his arms as he studied you again. He still had that smirk on his face. “So what’s the deal?”

“Pardon me?”

“Why you dating him?” Jake asked. “Is it for the money, or what?”

Your mouth falls open in shock as your heart skips a beat. If this didn’t prove that this man wasn’t Steven, then you didn’t know what was. How could he ask you something like that? “Excuse me?”

“Look,” Jake said, taking a small step forward towards you. You instinctively stepped back. “Steven’s a nice guy. He’s a great guy, actually. And you’re far too attractive to be with him for anything other than his assets so…”

You fought the urge to slap this man. How dare he? You take another step back. “I can see why Steven doesn’t get along with you.”

“Is that what he told you?”

Not in certain words, but you got the gist from his rants about his brother. “I am with Steven because…because I like him. He makes me laugh and he cares about me, why else would I be with him?”

“Listen, doll,” Jake said, completely ignoring your question. You scowl at the nickname, your jaw setting as Jake gave you a toothy grin; he reminded you of a shark. “You’re nice, you’re pretty. You’ll find someone else. But this thing you have with Steven? There’s an expiration date.”

You didn’t respond. What could you say to that? Where was this coming from? You’d never met this man before today and he’s telling you that you shouldn’t be seeing his brother anymore? Where does he get off? How could he say this to you, as if you were some sort of user, like you only wanted Steven for anything other than his personality?

You open your mouth to respond but Jake shook his head at you. “You’re not even a ‘real’ couple. He hasn’t even asked you to be his official partner yet.”

You felt the blood rush from your face and your heart missed a beat – hard – in your chest. He had a point. Why hadn’t Steven asked you yet? You understood that tomorrow you were having dinner at his but what if he didn’t ask you? What if he never asks you? Was he going to break it off tomorrow? Is that why he invited you to his flat, so he didn’t have to do it in public? It would make sense to do it in his flat where he was comfortable and there weren’t any people around…

Jake could see the cogs turning in your head. He grinned to himself as he slipped his glove covered hands into his pockets. “Well I guess I best get going.” And with that, he left, without a proper ‘goodbye’.

You’re still stood frozen, blinking at the spot where Jake was stood.

What just happened?

Tagged - @kingtwhiddleston, @ahookedheroespureheart, @harrys-tittie, @avasif, @romanarose, @othersideoftheparadise, @mt2sssss, @milkymoon2483, @n0ripeaches, @theconsultingdoctor10, @brandyscorner, @moonliqhtszn, @classypeachlightsalad, @toracainz, @preciousbabypeter, @teacupcollector, @hot-mess-express1, @starkdanverss, @mintgreen24

#moon knight #steven grant x reader #steven x reader #steven grant x gn!reader #steven grant #oscar isaac #professor!steven grant x reader #professor!steven grant

[stomp-that-ho-regard]

The M/ighty N/ein got new art for the latest live show, and they've gotten worse. In addition to giving up on Artaghan, Jester appears to have given up pastries and candies. She's recognizable by virtue of being a blue-skinned tiefling, and little else. Beau has aged 30 years in the 7 in-universe years since the last special and has no leg muscle to speak of. Beau, the one who shouldn't age thanks to the monk's Timeless Body, has aged decades more than any of the others. Fjord looks like he's cosplaying Oskar from Jester's romance novels. Caduceus looks okay, aside from how flat his face is. Caleb also looks okay. Yasha doesn't look like a barbarian. Any muscles aside from her biceps have apparently atrophied.

Don't care so much about Caleb, so let's focus on the others.

How does this keep happening? I understand that your style can change over time, but can you seriously get to a point where you can't even manage to keep the characters basic facial structure the same? Is that a thing? (I'm not an artist, so artists let me know.)

Originally, probably like a lot of you, I assumed they were still using Ari. Turns out that they're using a different artist (Hannah, who apparently did the C3 art), so maybe that's why everybody looks extra weird. But I'm not giving her any leeway either.

Just going by the faces, maybe Beau isn't too bad, though I was genuinely startled when I first saw her (her eyes are too big and like you anon, I think it's ridiculous that she looks SO old). And even though Fjord and Cad also aren't too bad (though I did laugh out loud when I first saw Cad's nose), I think the main problem I have is that they look too human. Jester also looks too human. Again, like I said in the past, they all look like cosplayers, and shitty ones at that.

And why the hell does Yasha look like a teenager? Honestly, if you showed this Yasha and this Beau to someone who's clueless about CR, and told them they're in a relationship, they'd probably think there was a really problematic age gap.

I know we bitched about Ari's one-shot art, but at least in her's, Yasha looked like a grown woman.

Now the bodies. We already know Jester is a stick, that's nothing new. But it seems like BY got smaller...

I came across a Reddit post about the art. Skimming through the comments, I saw that someone said they all have a 'bobblehead' look. And I have to agree. Heads too big for their bodies. (Especially Beau.)

Beau has never been bulky, but even she looks thinner. Yasha is a lost cause.

I guess the ONE positive is that Beau doesn't look like a white woman with a bad spray tan?

#op #ask #official art

[queer-ragnelle]

Hello. I shall thank you again for replying to my requests, which are really helpful. But there is a question that I would love to ask. Or maybe two

1. What are your personal favourite Arthuriana movies/series?

2. Which Arthuriana movies/series are the most accurate to the Legends?

3. Which ones shall I avoid? And why?

P. S. I have already watched:

Knights of the Round Table (1953) 9/10 (I loved Lancelot and Elaine together. He loved her, just not as much as he loved Guinevere... Arthur/Lancelot chemistry. Lancelot vs Mordred... Unexpected duel)

Lancelot du Lac (1974) 7/10 (I loved Gawain and the relationship with Lancelot)

Excalibur (1981) 10/10 (The movie is a gem. I wish we had more like this nowadays... The Lancelot redemption was amazing)

Cursed (2020) 6/10 (I only liked the Fae lore there)

BBC Merlin 8/10 (There were some wack moments. And Arthur wasn't really my jam. But the show is amazing)

hi! you’re welcome, i’m glad it was helpful. :^)

this is going to be a long multi-part answer, so i’ll throw it below a cut to avoid an obnoxious wall of text on the dash.

1. What are your personal favourite Arthuriana movies/series?

movies:

Knights of The Round Table (1953)

Sword of Lancelot (1963)

Camelot (1967)

Lancelot du Lac (1974)

Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)

Excalibur (1981) [review]

Merlin and The Sword (1985)

A Knight’s Tale (2001)

Tristan and Isolde (2006)

Kaamelott First Installment (2021)

The Green Knight (2021)

shows:

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956–1957)

BBC The Legend of King Arthur (1979)

Merlin (1998)

Starz Camelot (2011)

2. Which Arthuriana movies/series are the most accurate to the Legends?

finding an “accurate” arthurian adaptation or retelling is an exercise in futility. no iteration exists without its own unique interpretation, including the medieval texts. gawain is obscenely inconsistent, so determining what constitutes an “accurate” characterization of him is literally impossible. the same can be said for every aspect of the legends. each author does their own thing! the other problem is that even if what’s there is reminiscent of the stories it references, something is inevitably missing. most of the time it’s gaheris. (okay, it’s always gaheris.) more often than not, the entire prose tristan cast gets cut. occasionally, one of the lads will show up on his own completely disconnected from the original lore… (palamedes in the black knight (1954), lamorak in sword of lancelot (1963) and again in kaamelott the first installment (2021), dinadan in camelot (1967), and tristan in king arthur (2004)) but i digress. if you’re looking for something that covers the majority of the story from arthur’s conception to his death, the choices are minimal.

BBC The Legend of King Arthur (1979)

Excalibur (1981)

3. Which ones shall I avoid? And why?

movies:

The Black Knight (1954): orientalist, black face palamedes. enough said.

Sword of The Valiant (1984): a remake of gawain and the green knight (1973) with worse everything from casting to costuming to pacing. tall, jacked gawain isn’t real and can’t hurt me.

Guinevere (1994): if i was persia woolley and they showed me this movie calling it an adaptation of my books, i’d maul them.

First Knight (1995): so ick it’s funny. wow this lancelot sucks. american accent, insufferable, entitled, gives face-hugger kisses? convoluted scenarios presented as romantic. lame costuming. questionable age gap between arthur/guin. he knew her as a child????? girl run.

Quest For Camelot (1998): rip author vera chapman, fortunate enough to pass before witnessing this abominable adaptation. why americanize the names lynette and gareth? why the hideous animation? the shabby song and dance numbers? the books are dark let’s make a kids musical out of it!

King Arthur: Legend of The Sword (2017): weaksauce attempt to cash in on existing audience. discombobulated the lore until unrecognizable. two women are fridged in the first half hour. strangely edited. nobody is likable. overall cringe.

shows:

King Arthur and The Knights of Justice (1992): nothing of substance here, typical 90s cartoon existing to sell toys.

The Mists of Avalon (2001): i’ll never support anything related to author marion zimmer bradley. she’s dead, let’s kill her legacy too.

Merlin’s Apprentice (2006): not sure what happened here but this sequel to the 1998 original is the biggest downgrade ever.

The Seven Deadly Sins (2014–present): every pitfall an anime can have, this one has in spades. beyond the bastardization of arthurian lore, it’s hard to follow chronologically bc the seasons are named not numbered, full of shameless fan service, lolis, a drop in budget resulted in ugly cgi animation.

Netflix Cursed (2020): take a shot every time a nicknamed character is revealed to be loosely arthurian. no don’t you’ll get alcohol poisoning. did netflix do it? did they solve misogyny by putting a sword in a girl’s hand? this was so disappointing it offended me.

anyway if there’s something i didn’t mention here then it’s mid. bbc merlin isn’t really my thing but it’s fun! transformers feels so far removed from actual arthuriana it’s not worth discussion, unlike some others that are trying really hard and suck so much. stuff like that. hope this gives you some things to check out next!

#arthurian legend #arthurian legends #arthuriana #arthurian mythology #fanficwritinggremlin #ask

[nish-bean]

Wow. So there are A LOT of thoughts about the whole Gar and Rachel ship on titans. Most people are saying negative things about how it shouldn’t happen, but honestly, I don’t think it’s that bad.

First of all, let me address the age gap between the actors. Yes, it is nine years and yes, Teagan (Rachel’s actress) just turned eighteen, but I genuinely don’t think she has any qualms. I do think that the reason the show stalled their relationship for so long was because Teagan wasn’t comfortable with it. There have been many actresses like Keira Knightly who’ve done romantic roles opposite much older actors even at the age of sixteen. So I don’t think age was a problem for the show, I think they just respected Teagan’s wishes. However, now that Rachel’s back with Gar, we can see that the writers are definitely teasing a romantic relationship between them, something they’ll maybe build up to in season 5.

Second, THE CHEMISTRY. The writers would not have put that much that much romantic chemistry between Rachel and Gar in the first season if they hadn’t, some point, intended to continue the ship. While Gar and Rachel took a break as separate characters on screen, we focused on other characters like Conner, Dick (a whole lot of him), Barbara, Jason, Blackfire, and even Kory. Now that the focus is back on the original titans (+ Tim Drake WHICH IM THRILLED ABOUT OMGOMGOMG), I’m willing to bet our garchel ship is going to sail.

Multiple times throughout the show, Rachel and Gar have had special moments with each other—once at the Lazarus pit, another time in the forest away from the RV, and so many more. When Gar and Rachel first held hands in the forest, I was sure the writers were teasing the ship. I know they can hold hand platonically too, but the way in which the scene was taken implied more. Additionally, Dick and Kory have teased Garchel for a while now starting from the first season.

A lot of people have then asked, “What about Teagan’s tweet?” Well, here’s the exact screenshot of her tweet.

This is common behavior for a movie actor because they are legally not allowed to ruin the plot. Also, she was only saying this in response the scene linked NOT the whole show. I think she must already know, and I think she was informed when she signed up for the role. So guys, IF Garchel does happen, please know that she probably was t forced into it because she is an actress and she was most definitely told about it before she finished signing all contracts, especially with a renowned company like HBO. And even after this tweet, here is a screenshot of one tweet she posted that I’m sure was meant to tease the Garchel fan base:

I’m not saying this means gar but I’m also saying it could, because let’s admit it. Season four, so far, did explore gar and Rachel’s relationship a bit farther than just platonic. There is a reason Gar is even closer to Rachel than he is to Conner or Tim.

This brings me to my last point. The show has literally stuck to almost every single titans storyline they could incorporate from the comics and the animated movies. They’ve tried really hard to stick to the script and since Garchel is a cannon ship, I think it’s going to happen. Unless they introduce Damien as a Robin, which I know they won’t for a while, Garchel will happen. Even then, I think in this version of the titans, Damien is going to be shown much younger than raven which removes him as a prospective romantic interest. This tells me that Gar and Rachel is most likely going to be the cannon ship, even if it is really slowly.

Okay rant over lmao. These are just my thoughts but idk. I’m also overthinking and I feel like I sound desperate but yk what I’m a fan of literally every DC ship ever. Sorry :)

#dc titans #nightwing #beast boy #starfire #raven roth #robin #rachel roth #garfield logan #gar logan #dick grayson #koriand'r #teen titans #garchel #gar and rachel #beast boy and raven #hbo max #titans #tim drake #conner luthor #superboy #dc comcis

[don-dake]

AWOoo～！達成目標囉！

Finally “finished” 《尋找十二少》! “Finished”, of course, is to be taken with a pinch of salt for once again, there are lots of new vocabulary (and not just the Cantonese specific ones) waiting to be explored further at another time at my own leisure.

A pic of Happy Bubble Tea Stitch ↑ next to book to reflect my good mood! 笑

(↑ pic was taken the day I found and purchased said book, as well as having my first cup of bubble tea in years that day! Double 囍 happiness! 笑 Though I soon regretted the tea and remembered why I'd abstained for so long before because, Can't. Take. That. Level. Of. Sweetness. Now. 笑)

That much for the good…now for the complaints! A pic of my Bast cat ↑ giving the side-eye to reflect…skepticism? 笑

One of my biggest gripe, I felt I was misled into thinking this was a full-length novel, which it didn't turn out to be at all.

It was really a novella or short story, and the other chapters that I had thought were linked at first, turned out to be chapters to stand-alone short stories!

And there I was, reading about three chapters in, trying to map in my head how all these new events and characters would tie up to the “new 如花 and 十二少”, before it started to dawn on me that things weren't linking up, and were not meant to link up at all! Silly me! ಠ_ಠ 笑

But in my own defense, as mentioned earlier, I feel I have been misled.

The blurb on the back of the book only featured a summary of the titular chapter, 《尋找十二少》. There was no other indication that other stories were bundled together with it, and the book was labelled as a 小說 (novel) and not 中篇小說 (novella).

The minimal reviews and advertisements from book retail sites I could find on this also gave no indication it was a short story collection, everyone only focused on 《尋找十二少》 so…ಠ_ಠ

Being a short story collection is not a problem of course; I love short stories too! It's just the feeling of deception that I have a problem with.

And it sure didn't help that the titular story turned out to be quite disappointing too! As one reviewer already succinctly summed it up, 《尋找十二少》 can basically be called 《胭脂扣 2.0》 (Rouge 2.0).

It's 《胭脂扣》 all over again (and a highly condensed version too of course, it being so short), just set in the year 2020. So we have superficial changes (that doesn't add anything significant to the existing story) like 如花 using a “fortune-telling” App (with the help of 2020 袁永定 and 凌楚娟) in an attempt to seek out 2020's 十二少, instead of consulting an actual fortune-teller like in the original (and shown in the movie too).

And of course with the setting being 2020, it gave the author opportunity to slip in little nuggets of current affairs and talk about (in my personal opinion — vent) her frustrations with what was going on in Hong Kong then, and is still going on now.

Now I can understand her frustrations, even if I'm not a native Hong Konger, and she as the author of this work and the original too, has her right to write what she wants, really.

But dare I say? Retconning (she even ignored certain things from her own novel and referenced the film adaptation changes instead!) her own past successful (and beloved) story, only to weigh the new version down with political opinions — perhaps because I hate to deal with politics myself — doesn't seem like a good idea to me!

All that did was throw a shadow over the entire story, which I know was probably her point!

I get it really, the contrast between “Golden Age” Hong Kong vs. Hong Kong now that the author is trying to show, and she probably did intend and hoped for readers to reflect and not shy away from potentially uncomfortable topics. I get all that but…

Because said story was already so established and beloved before (with a 36 year gap between this and the original novel and a 34 year gap with the much beloved film adaptation), to now have another version that is largely still the same as the first (only with political statements on the side), only taints the original for me. I think it would have been better if she had just written a new story altogether and left a classic alone!

I wouldn't have minded the political opinions (and probably would have even thought her a genius for successful incorporation) if “2.0” had any “real”, new imaginings to offer, but it didn't and just felt like a total cop out. (ノ｀Д´)ノ彡┻━┻

The other (also supernatural-themed) stories available in the collection were also mostly meh…to me (maybe that explains why the reviews and advertisements only focused on the titular story! 笑), and a couple more were also slanted heavily towards political opinions while not being that engaging either so…let's just say that's not my cup of tea.

All in all, a disappointing purchase and I half wished I didn't buy it now. The one thing good I can say is, at least I can gain more new vocabulary out of reading this! 笑

P.S.: One thing that puzzles me though is, how did Lilian Lee manage to get this published? With her rather brazen political views thinly veiled in this book (the cover even showed images from the 2019 Hong Kong Protests on the streets), I'm surprised it didn't get censored! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But even though I can't say I enjoyed this book much, I'm glad it made it through censors!

#Books #Rouge #Rouge: Looking for Twelfth Master #Lilian Lee #HK Movies #My Snapshots #Nendoroid #Sammy Sama #Shiranui #Okami #Funko #Uncle Stitchy #Food #Smug Bastet #Merch #Cantonese #Dake Rambles #Dake Reads