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nextwarden · 3 years

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Webtoons are good for the soul PART II - ECLECTIC BOOGALOO

A continuation of this.

Sea Salt and Sand by neggut [ongoing]

In the autumn holidays 3 months ago, Brynn and Bailey shared a kiss. When Bailey left, Brynn tried to forget all about her and continue living an unremarkable life, only for Bailey to suddenly transfer to her school! What follows is a coming of age story full of pining, misunderstandings and confusion as Brynn and Bailey question the true nature of their relationship.

It’s cute and a bit angsty but not too much. The art style often feels incomplete or rushed but in a good way, its flaws give character to the characters and the story. One of my all time favourites.

Apathy meets labrador/10

Dragonbourne by Gummy Shark [ongoing]

After a troubled past, Sir Ross Edmund Avery is somewhat content to lead a mundane existence, alone in his house. However, when he stumbles upon a child in the woods on Solstice Night who is anything but mundane, his simple life will be turned upside down.

A scar(r)ed man adopts a feral child, hijinks ensue. Once again, the art style is endearing, full of curves and long lines. Haven’t checked on that one in a while but the first twenty chapters were very promising.

Found family/10

The Last Human by Zack Jordan [ongoing]

She's the galaxy's worst nightmare: a Human. Fortunately, she's the last one. Now her adoptive (alien) mother is realizing that raising a young Human is no easy task.

Basically the badass and child duo trope but the truth may surprise you. Fun, cute, very wholesome, and surprisingly emotionnaly philosophical at times. Spidermom is best mom.

Recommend/10

Vampire Husband by Scragony [ongoing]

The life of Charles the Vampire an Cheryl the human after years of marriage.

What if tragic romance between human and vampire but they had their “happy-ever-after”? This is after. It’s funny and cute.

Relationship goals/10

Blood Stain by sigeel [ongoing]

A story about courage, growing up and finding friendships in most unlikely places... spiced with some MAD SCIENCE!

Haven’t quite wrapped my head around this one yet, but it’s fun and drawn by sigeel (a.k.a. Linda Sejic) so of course it’s beautiful. Enjoyed it a lot, will have to keep reading.

Bloody merry/10

Punderworld by sigeel [ongoing - on hiatus]

Hades' and Persephone's love-struck misadventures.

Another take on Hades and Persephone’s love story. Once again, sigeel, so of course I love the art.

Bumbling idiots/10

The Queen and the Woodborn by Shiniez [ongoing]

Far away behind seven hills and seven forests, seven fields and seven rivers, there lived a Queen... welcome to the queen and the woodborn. a fairy tale romance for the mature readers about the unseen Queen and the Goddess in the woods. a tale of the two forgotten by the world around them who will make the world remember their names. expect gods and monsters and a romance for the ages.

Not many chapters yet but very long ones to compensate. This one is by Shiniez (a.k.a. Stjepan Sejic) so, once again, love the art. The story, the character designs and concepts, and the pace are all amazing.

Very wow/10

P.E.T.S. by Gyxks [ongoing]

Just when Tasha was about to start a new life, she was abducted by aliens. Fortunately, she and other humans were rescued by an interstellar general named Tourmaline. She soon discovered that her body was unfit to return home without endangering life on earth. Join her on her journey traversing this new world and these new feelings for an alien general.

POV: You’re living your best life as a young adult, at the shopping mall at 2am in your pyjamas, when suddenly death aliens rain pain all around and you’re abducted only to be saved by tall buff alien commander lady. Romance ensues. Maybe, it’s slow burn but quite enjoyable to read.

Blush/10

Scoob and Shag by Misterie Krew [ongoing]

Scoob and his best pal Shag are up to their usual hi-jinks, but everything is not as it seems in their latest adventure.

No relations to any character whatsoever. None. None at all. Also no relations to any kind of sense at all either. Can’t quite explain that one except that it’s genius. Just read it.

Is that a gun?/10

Bewitched by peachyytown [ongoing]

The witch who keeps "kidnapping" the princess is actually her girlfriend and they're just going on dates.

Short but cute alternative take on all that witch/monster/princess shenanigans. In the same vein as Our days in Lumain. Also the art is very nice.

Meetcute/10

When the Pink Trees Bear Fruit by neggut [completed]

A sweet love blooms between two women on an orchard in 1973.

A short story, five chapters only, but play devastatingly well with one’s heart. In the same vein as It Stems From Love by Soya S. Holm. neggut ist sehr gut.

Tears/10

Rooftops & Roommates by Zaanart [ongoing]

Jeb is an architecture major at university, rooming with his best friend Todd. There's just one problem... Jeb’s secretly a gargoyle! Between studying, partying, and a bad ghost problem, will Jeb be able to keep his true identity a secret?

Jeb is sweet, Jeb is fresh, but Jeb is decidedly not very good at keeping a secret. It’s funny, slice-of-life, roommate college shenanigans at its finest. With a magical twist.

Ship/10

Everything is Fine by Mike Birchall [ongoing]

Sam and Maggie are a normal couple, in a normal house, in a normal neighborhood. There is nothing strange about their heads, their neighbors or their sweet little dog. Everything is Fine.

I haven’t actually started this one yet, but the premise is very very very interesting. Perhaps not for thos who are faint of heart? Deceptively cute. Or is it?

It’s fine/10

Castle Swimmer by Wendy Lian Martin [ongoing]

What happens when your entire life is ruled by a prophecy – your future foretold by people you’ve never met, who died long before you were born. Such is the story of two young sea creatures. One believed to be a guiding light for his people, a Beacon who will lead them to a bright, prosperous future. The other is a teenage prince for who’s destiny is to KILL the Beacon so that HIS own people might thrive. When both reject the course set for them, it leads to a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself – and a romance that nobody could have predicted.

It’s fish. It’s gay. It’s under da sea and ya gotta kiss the boy. I haven’t read it all yet but enough to vouch for it and to have some vested interest in the universe and its lore.

Enemies to lovers/10

Demon Highschool by Kiiyoko [ongoing]

After a compromise it was agreed that criminals would attend a "demons highschool" where they would work as slaves for demons And while it was all in good favor, things take a very dark and twisted turn at said, highschool.

There’s something, some kind of twist, about the MC which I haven’t gotten to yet, and which I am very interested to discover. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this one as of now, mostly curious I’d say.

Pet/10

Hooky by Miriam Bonastre Tur [completed]

Dani and Dorian have missed the bus of the school of magic. Now, they must find someone who teach them how to be a great and good witches... Or maybe not.

This one is a strange one about witchery and family. Surprisingly deep and serious at times, very enjoyable. Unfinished on Webtoon but a good start to get into the story.

Siblings/10

Loving Reaper by Jenny Jinya [ongoing]

Animals struggle. Pets and Wildlife alike. The reaper cares for their stories and helps them with the crossover. Short stories about the "Loving Reaper" to raise awareness and collect funds. Breaking hearts for a good cause.

Beautiful bittersweet stories about animals, pets, life and death and love.

Tissues/10

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by StarBite, CRC Payne, Kielamel Siba, Lan Ma, C.M. Cameron, and Camille Cruz [ongoing]

Batman needs a break. But with new vigilante Duke Thomas moving into Wayne Manor and an endless supply of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children to manage, Bruce Wayne is going to have his hands full. Being a father can't be harder than being Batman, right?

What if Bat-family but happy? Official comic, barely started, very fun.

Wholesome/10

The First Night With the Duke by MSG, Taeva, from an original work by Hwang DoTol [ongoing]

A handsome, selfish noble falls for a beautiful, kind commoner -- at least, that’s how the story’s supposed to go. When an average college student wakes up as Ripley, an extra in her favorite romance novel, she resolves to enjoy the luxuries of her character’s status while watching the novel's plot unfold from the sidelines. However, her plans are soon derailed when she finds herself in bed with no other than Duke Zeronis, the novel’s hero! Dodging the villainess’ schemes, the Duke’s advances, and her own feelings, can Ripley keep the story on track and survive beyond the first night?

Haven’t read that one but a very dear (and respectable) friend (*cough* @berigolote *cough*) of mine keeps pestering me to give it a try. So here it is, try it.

Do it before me and you get a cookie/10

HEART Anthology by Marvin.W, caw-chan and many other artists. [ongoing]

Featuring stories from the 2020 Short Story Contest! From wholesome stories to tearjerkers, are you ready to catch these feelings?

A collection of beautiful stories on the shorter side, all about the many kinds of love in life, the many beauties of it, and the pains that make it worth living.

Tears that warm the heart/10

In My Heart by Redfield42 [ongong]

Sasaki Mari is a typical delinquent troublemaker whose only goal is to get a boyfriend, but due to her reputation as bully and low grades, all the boys reject her. Then she decides to change her style, and asks for help from the student with the best grades in the class.

It starts off light and fund and progressively seems to delve a little bit more into the seriousness of life. Not a tragedy, however, and very much worth a read still.

I think I have a trope I like/10

My awkward princess by LazyArts [ongoing]

This love story is about a girl named Luna charlotte, and the student council president Alice Evelyn. Luna is a delinquent whom often gets in trouble, as Luna reaches the end of the line she almost gets expelled, now luna has to become a model student with the help of Alice. Will Luna be expelled or will she succeed, read to find out.

Along the lines of Not So Shoujo Love Story, In My Heart, and Susuhara is a Demon. Delinquent/Good Student meetcute, romantinc hijincks ensue.

Seduction/10

RAINBOW! by Rue & Sunny Gloom [ongoing]

This is the story of a girl named Boo. She has pink hair and a vivid imagination and she is about to discover a side of herself that she never considered before.

Okay, so yes, this one is also also a delinquent meets cute nice girl, but - BUT! - there’s an element of story telling that I love about it: the way we see Boo’s anxiety incorporated visually into the story. Just for that it is one of my favourite recent discoveries!

Protecc/10

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Okay, that’s all for part II. Hope you enjoy those as much as I do. Thanks for your attention, sorry for the length and, please, do keep on reading, they all deserve it! As do you.

PART I

#webtoon #webcomic #comic #comics #recommendations #part 2 #the return of the revenge #wlw #mlm #long post #mega thread #keep reading punk

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sisterpiranha · 3 years

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What to do when you nemesis gets a boyfriend and doesn't have time for your rivalry anymore?

I woke up today and I couldn't get this idea out of my head. So I had to write it. Also. this is inspired in a post I've read on tumblr some time ago, but I can't find it now. If somebody knows what I'm talking about and has it at hand, let me know!

Also, yes, the first few paragraphs are just exposition. And this is completely self-indulgent and completely not serious. Not really sorry.

Nobody beta this but my own conscience.

Summary: Johnny gets a boyfriend and Daniel's whole world is shaken.

Pairing: Johnny Lawrence/Daniel Larusso (endgame), Johnny Lawrence/omc

Rating: No sex, but there’s some explicit language, I guess.

CHAPTER 1

Six months after Kreese was arrested and Johnny Lawrence got Cobra Kai back, things seemed to have gone back to normal. Daniel still wasn't happy about the other dojo, but he could now at least accept that it wasn't the same toxic place it had been in his youth. And the San Fernando valley was certainly big enough for both.

The two men reached an uneasy truce, that went as far as to refer students to the other dojo when they thought their philosophy was better suited for them.

And sure, he was now divorced, living on his own in an apartment. And he had also become little more than a figurehead in his own business. But it was fine, everything was fine. He was doing what he loved. Amanda and he had agreed to keep the relationship amicable. And his new place was closer to Miyagi-Do. He was, in short, generally happy.

When the date of the All-Valley Karate Championship arrived, Daniel brought most of his older students, but he knew that Sam and Robby were the ones who had the greatest chance of winning. And of course, Cobra Kai had to be there, too. They made its now traditional entrance to the delight of the announcer and the crowd. Johnny's flashy style had made the dojo popular, and, here and there among the audience, you could see people wearing Cobra Kai t-shirts and waving Cobra Kai flags. It made Daniel scoff. He would never debase karate like that just for the sake of merchandising.

Johnny entered after his students, followed by Miguel. The boy, decked in his black gi, moved swiftly on his crutches. He might not be competing, but he was his sensei's right-hand man and, in may ways, the heart of the dojo, so his presence was essential, even if it was just to give support.

Daniel tried to meet Johnny's eyes. He wanted the man to see him rolling his eyes at their flashy behaviour and needless commercialization of karate, but Johnny's eyes were focused on something else. Or rather, on someone else, a tall male someone else. He was standing in the sidelines saying something to Johnny and smiling. Johnny was also smiling and nodding. But the strangest thing of all was that, when the announcer started talking again, the man caressed Johnny's arm before he went to sit with the audience.

Daniel frowned just as Johnny looked in his direction. He couldn't decipher the man's expression, so he just turned his back and went to speak with Sam, deciding to ignore the whole incident.

And once the tournament started, Daniel forgot all about the stranger. He would never admit it out loud, but he loved seeing Johnny so supportive of his students. Win or lose, he'd be there to pat them in the back and give them words of encouragement. He regretted not seeing that sooner, not seeing how hard Johnny tried to do what was best, even if he didn't always go about the right way.

One by one, the students fought, and Daniel couldn't help but feel impressed about their progress. Eventually, Robby took the lead for Miyagi-do and Aisha, for the Cobras. And soon, they were facing each other in the final fight. They were well matched. Robby was a quick fighter with a knack for analysing his rival's style so he could predict their moves. Aisha was not as fast, but she had endurance on her side and an unpredictability that eventually allowed her to come on top.

When the referee raised her arm the whole place erupted in cheers. Robby was graceful in his defeat, he shook her hand and move away to let the celebrating Cobras surround her, and even some members of Miyagi-do joined them.

Daniel smiled at her from a distance, letting her enjoy her moment with her peers. Then he went to talk to Robby. He had fought a good fight and he told him so, but the boy didn't seem too concerned about having lost. He patted him in the back and went to look for Johnny. Robby wasn't the only one who could be grateful in defeat. But what he saw when he found him, stopped him in his tracks.

Johnny and the stranger.

Johnny kissing the stranger.

Johnny kissing the stranger who was a man.

And it wasn't just a friendly peck either, he could swear there was some tongue involved. The stranger's arms were around Johnny's neck, and Johnny's around his waist, their bodies plastered against each other. Daniel was fuming. It was completely obscene and inappropriate to do that in front of children. There must be some rule to forbid this in a public arena. And if there wasn't, maybe he would propose one in the next committee meeting.

He was already mentally drafting the proposal and considering if he could retroactively penalise Johnny when a hand on his shoulder stopped him in his tracks.

"Dad?"

Sam was standing there, looking at him with concern.

"Are you ok?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I be ok?"

"You look... mad, what happened?"

"Nothing, well just..." he signalled Johnny and the stranger still going at it.

"What?" She looked behind his back, confused.

"It's disgusting!"

"Dad! They are just kissing!"

"In front of children!"

"Dad, you're not... You know that's normal, right?"

"I know it is! But not in public!"

Sam sighed. Robby appeared behind him.

"What's going on?"

"My dad has just seen Mr Lawrence with his boyfriend."

"His WHAT!?"

"Yeah, he told me Alex might come."

"Alex?"

"He's a lawyer. He helped my dad a lot with my case, and I guess they clicked."

"I think they are cute, your dad looks happy," Sam commented with a smile.

Daniel snorted but say nothing. The image of Johnny kissing that man was still engraved in his mind and it was making him queazy.

"We have to go. Moon is having a party and we need to change. You don't mind, right?"

"No, sure, go ahead."

"Thanks," Sam said kissing his cheek. "See you later!"

Daniel looked at his daughter and student walking away distractedly, as he mentally considered inviting the rest of the committee members to dinner to see if he could get them on board his "code of conduct" idea.

"Larusso."

And suddenly, Johnny was right in front of him. And at least he had the decency of being alone. But his cheeks were flushed and his lips were pink and wet, and Daniel couldn't stop looking at them.

"John," Daniel managed to say, trying to sound as cold and aloof as he could.

"What crawled up your ass? If you're mad about Aisha winning..."

"No, of course not!"

"Then what's happening?"

"What's happening your indecent spectacle back there," he said trying to control his anger and failing.

"My what? We were just kissing!"

"Just kissing?! That wasn't just kissing!"

"I don't know what to tell you, Larusso. I mean, if you don't recognise kissing when you see it, then I'm starting to understand why your wife divorced you," Johnny laughed.

"What did you say?" Daniel took a step forward, ready to pounce.

"Relax! It was just a joke!" Johnny said putting his hands up. "Really, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me. Since when are you gay, anyway?

"I'm not gay."

"Well, the guy sucking your face a moment ago may have something to say about that."

"No, I'm bi. Bisexual. I still like chicks, but I like some cock too if you know what I mean."

"Ugh, you're disgusting."

"I'd have never taken you for a homophobe."

"I'm not a homophobe!"

"You could have fooled me."

"I just don't like seeing children exposed to... that. You better not be doing that in your dojo too!"

"No, don't worry, I don't kiss him in the dojo," Johnny said smiling, "I just suck his dick."

Daniel groaned, which made Johnny laugh.

"I'm serious, Lawrence. I can get you banned from the tournament for indecency."

"Yeah? And what do you think the committee is going to do about you being homophobic?"

"For the last time, I'm not homophobic!"

"Sure, whatever you say, Larusso. I gotta go, my boyfriend is waiting for me outside. We are going to have dinner and then we are going to fuck our brains out, possibly right there in the restaurant."

"You're such a dick."

"At least I'm getting some. I hear all you're getting lately is your right hand. So I better go. I don't want to keep you from your date."

"Go fuck yourself!"

"I already have someone to do it for me!" and with that, Johnny walked away laughing.

Daniel looked around. Everyone else was gone. He wanted to kick something in the face, something blond and cocky. And maybe his boyfriend too. He kicked a balloon hard, but it just floated slowly for a few meters and then came down again. He needed to go to Miyagi-Do and do some katas.

#lawrusso #cobra kai #johnny lawrence #daniel larusso #needed the distraction #back to my bullshit #but I didn't abandoned my other bullshit #I have enough bullshit for both

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supero1726-mcu · 4 years

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Avengers in Lockdown

Avengers in Lockdown was one of my first fanfictions, and it (unsurprisingly) follows Tony, Peter and the gang. I really enjoyed writing this, and hope you enjoy this as much as me!

Prologue

Peter Parker lent back in his chair and watched as his Spanish teacher droned on about something he should be listening to. Leaning down, he grabbed his half-bitten biro from the corner of his desk and scribbled a new formula in the corner of his notebook. Finally, his spurt of inspiration died, and he was reduced to doodling a small spider in the corner of his book, which muddled into MJ. Everything seemed to muddle into MJ nowadays, be it his formulas or his lab session with Tony. Sometimes he couldn’t tell if she liked him, knew if he was Spider-Man or both. It was MJ, she was always unpredictable. Looking up, he found his teacher leaning over his desk with a threatening expression on his face. “Mr Parker, what have I told you about…” he was saved by the crackling of Tannoy and a stern voiced Principal Morita. He had been wondering when this would come, the news had been full of it. May had been worried that Ellis would bring this in – and that the WHO would start to ask the US to join the regulations that had been implemented across the globe. Of course the new Ross, who was still standing staunchly in Tony’s way of everything possible, was in the process of ignoring everything he said, especially about the possibility of a vaccine being created by him and Bruce (with a little help from Peter of course!), and had decided to plough ahead. So, it was really no surprise when Morita had said that Ellis was to give a briefing at 5, and that they were all welcome to stay and watch with their friends, after all, it might be the last time. The briefings had been going for a while, but they had all had the feeling that there was going to be the last normal day for a while, and so he grabbed his phone to say that he was staying.

Pepper stormed out of the meeting, eyes firmly on the door to her office. If one more person tried to catch her and ask her about something she had no idea about, she was going to scream. The board wanted to know about PPE, Tony wanted to know what Ellis was saying about a vaccine, Ellis wanted to know what Tony was doing about a vaccine. Added to the fact the constantly had to deal with incessant Avengers business when her Fiancé messed up, it was all a bit too much. Shutting the door behind her and leaning on the table, she picked up a pile of papers asking what she was going to do if they were put in lockdown. Sometimes she wondered about all of this. When she had first started being the CEO of a trans-national company it had been electrifying, once she had got over the fact it was not one of Tony’s jokes, but she was approaching her 50’s, and she had no time left, and with Tony being Tony… things could go anywhere. The pressure was getting to her. The press where picking up on their every move, guessing on the destination, the dress, best man, flower girl… anything that could be predicted by means of sheer will and brute force. She was used to having no private life, but since she announced her engagement, she had not been left alone. Grabbing a receiver, she muttered for some poor assistant to take the meeting, she was done.

Ellis sat on his chair, surveying the rows of press sitting in 2m distance and watching as he took a sip from a glass of water. The press clicked a feverishly with cameras and notebooks, some clutched laptops. “Hello. We have come to the point in time where there are two options, two sides to the same, I admit frightening coin. With tangible threats, the Avengers can field it with ease, they are recruiting new members, and we do have an army. However, this is a war with something that has no body, nothing that we can punch or watch as it crumbles under a wave of gunfire. This is no war for an army, this is a war for science. We have advanced scientists; Dr Banner is a notable example of one that is involved with both the physical and scientific battles, but even the great Dr Banner does not have a miracle vaccine, although I am assured by both him and Stark that they have a team on both a vaccine and manufacture of PPE.” He stops and looks out into the audience; someone clears their throat and most of the auditorium turn to stare at the poor man. “This,” He states with an ashen face and red rimmed eyes. “is a war, and so we will have to treat it as such. Our weapons are the PPE, our help is to stay home. As such I am recommending that all governors suspend schools indefinitely starting on Friday. We will issue guidelines on whom is considered essential, and who needs to work from home. Ladies and Gentlemen.” He stares at the camera, watching as the lens focuses in on him. “This is the single defining moment of our generation. I will endeavour to ensure the safety of our nation. That will be all. I will not be answering questions.” He stalked behind the curtain, hoping the press hadn’t noticed his trembling hand.

Peter was not patrolling anymore. He had agreed to stop since the evidence suggested that, even if he was immune, he could still be a carrier. So now he spent his nights learning how to cook, playing board games and chatting to Ned over the phone. He almost wished he had a little more time like this, where he felt he had a life outside of school and swinging round New York. He was half expecting May to be at the door waiting for him, but she was at the table, clutching her phone. “Honey…” “What is it.” Peter looked worriedly into her eyes, not catching the glint that had been a solitary tear running down her face. “I’ve been classified Essential.” “Well then… why are you crying.” “Sweetie, I don’t want you in the house with me. I’m going to be around people who are at risk of being infected, or worse. Pete. I can’t let you stay here. I morally can’t do it. Call him.” “What.” Peter caught May’s eye. “Who.” “Call Tony. Please Pete. I can’t do it. You have somewhere safe to go, someone safe to be with, and I can’t watch you. We’ll call and chat and face time, but if I came home and got you sick…” “I can’t get…” “We don’t know that.” She was crying now, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I want this to be over. Call him.” So, Peter Parker walked to the sofa where he had put his phone and pressed the button for Tony Stark on his interface. He would never answer, but sure as luck would have it, Tony’s voice rang sure and clear down the line. “Hey Kiddo. What do you need?”

Tony Stark was having a shitty day. On Cho and Bruce’s orders he had suspended being Iron Man for the time being, and due to him still having problems where the ARC reactor was extracted, ha was now tower locked. He had told the public to do their bit, he had told Steve Rogers to “fuck off.”. Steve was immune to most things, being a super soldier and all. Since he had pardoned the rogues and brought back the tower after the disastrous incident with the vulture, he had let them stay, equipped with everything he could provide. And they were happy in a sense, no mass fighting breaking out, no notable divides, and then Steve bought Bucky back… and everything changed. Tony knew that it hadn’t been Bucky that killed his parents but there was something in him that hated the thought of housing his mother’s murderer, whether conscious or not. His wrench clattered to the ground, and he surveyed his handy work. DUM-E was now sporting a stronger, more durable arm, and a new fire extinguisher. He was going soft and when Friday’s voice rang “Call from Peter Parker.”, he snatched it up.

Sam had long wanted to learn the guitar, and now him and Clint were sitting back to back, each clutching identical acoustic guitars. It was one thing to be a bad guitarist at home alone, but now they were in quarantine, and now everyone in the tower and surrounding area could hear him and Clint strumming clumsily. Bucky leaned against the door, a shit-eating grin on his face. “I was lured up here by the sounds of Sam in pain.” Crossing the room, he deftly snatched a pluck out of Sam’s clumsy fingers, walking out of the room. “Hey, maybe a break will do you good.”

Dinner at the tower was seldom easy. For one thing, living with more than 6 people in the same house at once made them more than flatmates, it made them almost family. For another they all wanted different things, and the select cooks could only rustle up a few dishes, which meant a lot of bewildered Pizza and Indian vans drawing up at Stark Tower at least once a day. The only competent chefs in the building had quickly turned out to be Steve, Bucky and Tony (who as we all know can make good pasta!), with both Nat and Clint setting fire to the Stove, and scaring the life out of someone who had taken Clint’s space in the vents. Tonight, sitting at the long table was Steve, Sam, Clint, Wanda, Bucky and Nat. There was no sign of Tony; who had been seen practically running to one of his discreet cars not an hour earlier, Pepper, who rarely had time to spare, Bruce had been in the lab on a bender with the vaccine issue, Scott and Hope were away, and Thor was ‘off world’ – whatever that meant. “Miss me.” Steve turned to the door, and saw a dishevelled looking Tony standing there, clutching a battered suitcase and an impossibly wide smile. “Why are you so late?” “Had some things to pick up.” “What do you mean.” A boy stepped out behind him. He couldn’t have been than 16, in fact he looked younger, but he bore a small resemblance to Tony, with wide intelligent eyes, and hands that seemed to be fiddling with something. “Avengers meet Peter… again. Peter meet the Avengers.” “Hi.” Sam stared at him, taking in his proportions. “Hello Spider-kid.” Said Nat.

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therainroguefanfiction · 4 years

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❉ 139 Dreams (Jake Webber) Reckless

📑 Table of Contents

Genre: Angst, Supernatural, AU, Fluff, Romance ☁

Word Count: 2,564 ☁

Pairing: Reader x Jake ☁

World: YouTube ☁

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ: *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: . ☁

Dating a YouTuber came with its own set of hardships, but that list was nearly tripped when you dated a reckless one. Jake Webber was the embodiment of reckless – he never considered consequences, he just wanted to live for the moment and make videos. The site itself was partially to blame. So many were losing ad revenue and getting demonetized, making it nearly impossible to survive doing what they loved. With this, people had to find more creative and insane ways to ramp up their view and sub counts. Jake was no exception.

“Hey, babe. Do you work tomorrow?”

You glanced down at your boyfriend who was using your legs as a pillow and scrolling through his YouTube comments. “No, why?”

He leaned his head back to look up at you. “There’s someone a few hours from here that claims their house is haunted. They invited us to stay the night.”

“Is staying at a stranger’s house overnight really the smartest thing?”

“No,” he paused, grinning. “But it’s not the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Come on, it’ll be fun!” He sat up, pulling you into a messy kiss. “He says that there’s some poltergeist activity. Think of the views!”

“Jake…”

“I’ll protect you~” He pouted, playing with the pendant around your neck. It had been a gift from him when you first started dating. “I know you love haunted locations.”

That’s what he thought because you always insisted on joining him on his haunted trips, but you didn’t enjoy it at all. If you were to be honest, you hated it. You grew up in a family of people who hunted and killed things that go bump in the night, and you know how dangerous spirits can be. Not just spirits, but his group sometimes comes across demons, as well. Jake is a skeptic and doesn’t take the paranormal seriously. Of course, you have to tag along – that idiot would get himself killed without you. He doesn’t know about your past, however, or your current job of taking care of supernatural creatures. Colby is the only one in the house that knows.

“Please?” He snuggled into your neck, pressing his lips against your skin. He smiled when you sighed in defeat, knowing he had won.

“You’re going to be the death of me, Jake Webber.”

He chuckled. “We’ll go together, babe.”

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ: *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: . ☁

The house was tucked back in a wooded area of the mountains, surrounded by thick trees that towered over the Earth. It was a mixture of old Victorian and wooden cabin and it sent chills down your spine. The grass was overgrown and the house was in bad shape. It wasn’t the least bit welcoming and looked like the kind of place a serial killer would stay.

Demons and ghosts, you could handle. They were predictable and straightforward with what they want and how they act. But humans? They scare the shit out of you. They’re unpredictable and you never know what someone can and will do. You’d take the supernatural over humans any day.

Jake’s hand slipped into your own. “Are you scared~?”

“This is a bad idea, Jake.” You stated firmly, despite knowing that he wouldn’t change his mind.

“Thank you!” Corey cried from behind you. “At least I’m not the only sane one in this group.”

“It’ll be fine.” Jake waved us off as he approached the house. “This guy’s a fan!”

“So he says,” you muttered under your breath. Did he forget that human beings lie all the time?

Colby came up behind you, leaning close so the others wouldn’t hear him. “Do you sense anything?”

“No, nothing paranormal, but…”

“But?” He prompted.

“Something doesn’t feel right.” Was all you said as you headed toward the house. Jake had already knocked and was talking to the homeowner – a balding man with a beer belly and beady eyes. He looked at you when you approached and you felt a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach. All you wanted to do was turn tail and run, but you couldn’t leave your idiot boyfriend behind. He was as stubborn as he was reckless, and would refuse to leave. Knocking him out was always an option, but you had the rest of the roommates to worry about too.

Jake threw his arm around your waist when you settled by his side. “This is my girlfriend, Y/N. That’s Colby, Sam, and Corey.”

“Nice to meet y’all.” The man smiled, but it didn’t reach his dark eyes. “Name’s George. Come on in, I’ll show you around.”

The inside of the house was even worse than the outside. The floor creaked under your weight, feeling like it could give at any moment. The smell of ammonia and mothballs invaded your nose, stinging at your eyes. You didn’t even want to think about the various cobwebs that covered the walls. The furniture was old and worn, and the couch looked as if it had been taken from a dumpster after twenty years of being chewed on by rats.

You refused to sit on the couch, so you decided to inspect the rest of the room. The wallpaper was faded and peeling, stained a pale yellow. There was only one single painting in the living room, of an older woman sitting on the very couch in which Jake now sat. Her gray hair was pulled back into a tight bun, her thin lips pursed and beady eyes narrowed.

“That’s my ma,” George had come up behind you, far too close for your comfort as he breathed into your ear.

You quickly stepped away, nearly stepping on Sam’s foot, since he was beside you.

“Where is she now?” Sam inquired.

“Dead,” The way he said it with no emotion or attachment unnerved you.

“Did she die in this house?” Jake asked, not stopping to think that it may be insensitive. You shot him a look and he just shrugged, making you want to facepalm.

“Yeah. She was attacked in the kitchen and dragged to the basement where she bled out.”

“Attacked?” Corey was looking between all of you with wide eyes. His own unease was growing and he was regretting letting Jake talk him into this.

“It was a break-in. They never caught the guy.”

Something told you that there was more to the story, but you didn’t ask.

He took the group on a tour of the house, pointing out areas that he deemed ‘hot spots of paranormal activity’. Jake asked to see the basement, but the man refused, saying that it brought back too many bad memories and he didn’t want the door opened. After finishing the tour, he said that he was going to run into town to get some beer and would be back soon.

Jake waited until the old pickup truck was out of view before he turned to the group with a grin. “Let’s find out what’s in that basement.”

“What?” Corey looked between him and the other boys. “He specifically said he didn’t want us in the basement.”

“Think about it, bro. There’s got to be something down there! If she died in the basement, it’s gotta be the most haunted area.”

“I checked the door earlier, it’s locked,” Colby added, his hand resting on the side of his neck.

Jake approached the door, which was off to the side of the living room, and wrapped his hand around the doorknob. It turned with ease, clicking as it released.

“I swear it was locked.” He looked at me with confusion in his eyes.

“Well, it’s not now.” Jake shrugged, pulling it open. “Let’s go, boys. And babe,” he added as an afterthought.

“I am not going down there.” Corey folded his arms over his hoodie.

“Fine, you can be the lookout. Yell if you see him coming.” Jake rolled his eyes and started to descend the stairs, followed by Sam. You and Colby brought up the rear.

“Y/N,” Colby followed close behind you, his voice a whisper. “Do you think he unlocked it before leaving?”

“I don’t know…” You sighed, feeling a headache beginning. “I thought it was strange that he left right after giving us a tour. This could be a trap.”

“God, it reeks down here.” Jake scrunched up his nose, using his phone flashlight to look around.

“It smells like death,” Sam commented, bringing his shirt up to cover his nose.

It was a smell you had become familiar with after years of working as a hunter – the smell of a rotting corpse. Your body became tense as you realized what was happening, but Sam yelled before you could say anything.

“What the fuck is that?!” Sam pointed his phone towards the corner of the basement, but the light wasn’t bright enough to fully cut through the darkness.

“We need to leave.” You stated, your voice full of authority as you locked eyes with Jake. “Now, Jake.”

He hesitated, but seeing how serious you had become, he reluctantly stepped back, glancing back in the direction of the corner. Sam took a step forward but Colby grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the stairs.

Corey appeared at the top of the stairs, looking panicked. “He’s back!”

You all picked up your step, rushing up the stairs and slamming the door moments before he entered. He wasn’t carrying any beer, and his face was blank as he stared at the group. You caught sight of a knife concealed under his shirt and tucked into his faded jeans.

You stepped forward, standing in front of Jake. His hands went to your waist, fingers digging into the fabric of your pants.

“We’re going to leave,” you announced, doing your very best to make your voice loud and confident. “You’re not going to stop us, and we’re going to forget about all of this. Right?”

His lifeless eyes met yours – he seemed to be contemplating your words. “I can’t let you do that.” He reached for the knife, slowly pulling it from his pants. It glinted in the low lighting. Like everything else, it was ragged and rust-covered the blade in several areas. It would do some serious damage.

“Woah, calm down.” Corey took a step back as the group tensed. Jake tried to tug you back, but you didn’t budge, nor did you let him place himself in front of you.

“Babe – ”

“Trust me.” You whispered, eyes not leaving the man’s. He didn’t step away, but he didn’t try to move you.

The man tilted his head.

“It was you, wasn’t it.” You stated, eyes narrowing at him. “It wasn’t a break-in. You murdered her and staged it to look like one.”

Sam took in a shaky breath. “That means…”

You nodded – the thing Sam had seen in the basement was the rotting corpse of George’s mother.

‘Jeez, why couldn’t it have been a demon? I can’t read this guy!’, your lips tugged down, hand inching towards the pocket on your thigh.

Jake frowned, looking at Sam in confusion. He hadn’t seen the body. Corey looked just as confused but more terrified than anything.

“Why did you do it?” You asked.

“Why?” He echoed. “She was a bitch.”

You scoffed. “If people murdered everyone that was a bitch, more than half the population would be wiped out.”

“That would be beautiful.”

“Is this guy Thanos?” Corey whispered, harshly.

The man stepped forward and Jake pushed you back. Using his body as a distraction, your hand quickly reached into the pocket on your pants, fingers wrapping around the handle of the blade. Placing your free hand on Jake’s back, you pushed him aside and threw the blade. It flew through the air, slicing the man’s wrist before embedding into the wood behind him. The sudden wound made him drop the knife and you rushed forward, using the momentum to slam your fist into his face. He grunted in pain, stumbling back.

“Go!” You ordered, tugging the knife free from the wood before rushing after the boys. They didn’t hesitate, aside from Jake, rushing towards the back door. Colby unlocked the car and the group scrambled to get inside. Corey was screaming for him to hurry as the man rushed out of the house, clutching the knife again. Colby threw the car into reverse and peeled out of the driveway.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ: *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: . ☁

The drive home was completely silent, no one knowing what to say. No one said a word even after returning home. Aaron asked how it went, not expecting you to return so quickly, but Colby just shook his head. Everyone went to their rooms.

You watched as Jake pulled his shirt off, throwing it onto the hamper. “I’m gonna take a shower.”

You remained silent, eyes watching him as he left the room. The headache was worse now, your temple throbbing. The events of the past few hours were swirling in your brain. Should you call the police? You doubted that he or the evidence would still be there, but… if you didn’t, it would haunt you. You pulled out your phone and called up an old acquaintance of your family. He worked as a detective for the L.A.P.D and he thanked you for reporting it, promising to reach out if anything came from it.

After the call, you grabbed the bottle of meds from the dresser, hoping to relieve the pressure against your skull.

Jake re-entered the room, sweatpants hanging low on his hips. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. His lips tugged into a smirk when he caught you staring. “Like what you see?”

“That’s a stupid question.” You ran your hand through his damp purple hair. “If I could get away with it, I’d spend my life just staring at you.”

He chuckled, his hands gripping your waist as he pulled you closer, forehead resting against yours. “Do you realize your sexiness went up like crazy tonight?”

You raised a brow, running your thumb under his bottom lip as you hummed. “Do tell,”

His lips found yours, body pushing you until you fell onto the bed. He hovered over you, his lips moving slow and sensual. Your hand gently traced patterns in his stomach, making him groan in approval. The need for air won and he pulled away, both of you breathing heavy.

“I love you, babe.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to the corner of your lips.

“I love you, too, even if you are a reckless idiot.”

He pouted, “That’s not called for.”

You laughed and he dropped his weight on you, cutting off your laughter. You didn’t complain, allowing him to snuggle into you as you ran your hand through his hair. It wasn’t long before you both fell asleep.

That night, you dreamed of the woman from the painting. She didn’t look nearly as angry as it had depicted her. She thanked you for solving her murder and allowing her to move on.

The next morning, George’s face was all over the news. The police had arrived just as he was fleeing the house. He tried to cover up his crime by setting fire to the home, but the police arrived in time to stop the fire and preserve the evidence. He was locked away for life, and the roommates soon forgot about the events that took place thanks to an old friend who knew how to manipulate memories.

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ: *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: . ☁

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angrypixie-sarisa · 5 years

Text

The other Winchester

Piedras Rodantes Pt. 13

Sam x Mexican!Witch!fem!reader x Dean (polyamorous)

Summary: Two months had passed, Sam was definetely in hell and there was nothing to do about it. And then, you met Dean.

Warnings: swearing, fighting.

Do i have an excuse for putting this GIF other than loving the scene and Tessa Thompson? Nope.

GIF’s not mine, credits and love to the owner.

Dean came out of the bar he was at. He had been catching a bite with his co-workers and as soon as he finished his food and made some more small talk, he called it a day. He usually used Lisa as an excuse, but to be completely honest, it felt weird. He wasn’t used to having friends that weren’t hunters and his hunter friends, the real ones, they were all primarily dead. It felt like everything he did, accepting to go out and grab a bite or a beer was more for the facade he put in front of others, another character like the so many FBI agents he used to play.

With Lisa, it was another story. He felt more relaxed with her and Ben. He got to live that dream he thought it was long lost. He had a family.

As Dean started climbing his pick-up, a shadow caught his eye. He looked around, only to catch a female moving figure exiting the bar. He knew you. Well, not exactly, but he had seen you, everywhere. You just had acquired a small house in the same neighborhood as Lisa’s. You had passed several times through their street, jogging, and also were at almost all the places Ben liked to eat at.

He clenched his jaw. Hell no. He wasn’t having any of that. It didn’t matter whatever you were; it wasn’t nice to have a stalker. He followed you, ironically, as you kept walking your path to your new home.

As people kept passing by your side (the night was still pretty young), you kept having the feeling that someone was following you. Normally, you would calm yourself down and tell yourself to stop being paranoid. After what happened with Sam, your nerves were jumping around everywhere. Even the smallest of inconveniences would trigger them. However, it was already dark outside. You could not afford to push your paranoia away. So you put on a collected and calm face, even when in the inside you felt like it was the worst night of your existence.

There was only one block to go to get to your house. It was almost over.

Dean watched you take a turn to the right. He waited for a moment before continuing keeping up with you. He wouldn’t let you slip away from him.

Just as he made the turn into the alley you lured him into, your fist made contact with his face. You grabbed him by his hair, kicked him off balance and immobilized him into the floor.

“What the fuck is your problem, buddy? Huh? What do you want?” How did he not see you waiting for him? How did you catch him off-guard? This was not how it was supposed to happen.

You pulled at his hair harder.

“Answer me, asshole!” He moved his head to the side so he could speak.

“What do I want? What the hell do you want? Fucking stalker ” He twisted in his place and somehow freed one of his arms, before you could notice; he was pushing you off of him.

You both stood, facing each other, guard up. He was blocking the one way out of the alley. Stupid, why did you let that happen?

You looked at his face, his features. At first, it was for filling a police description, but then you realized…

“Dean?” The question left before you could stop it. Oh fuck, you were royally screwed. It wasn’t like you couldn’t kick his ass. You could do it, but you had just voiced that you knew him and that would make your situation potentially escalate into the worst luck possible. The man had just been suspicious of you following him, admitting that you knew who he was, was well, the stupidest thing you could’ve ever done.

“So, you do know me.” He squinted at you.

How could you explain him? Explain that you’ve had visions about him getting into dangerous situations by doing exactly what he was doing at the moment. Every time he followed someone or something just to double check it wasn’t a demon, ghost, ghoul or whatever, you kind of connected with him. As if you were experiencing it yourself.

At first, you thought it was because of Sam’s…Of Sammy being gone. You thought they were spontaneous bursts of magic due to your lack of control of your nerves, it wouldn’t have surprised you. It didn’t occur to you that maybe it was because you had had moved to the same town where Dean Winchester lived.

Suddenly, his accusations of you following him got even more sense. The best explanation was that, while you tried your best to go back to the magical persona you were before and not minding any business in different locations in town, you accidentally had picked Dean’s eye one too many times.

“What are you? And spear me the lies, you wouldn’t know who I am if you weren’t something else.” He started cornering you. You backed away until your back was against the darkest corner of the alley.

You looked up at his angry eyes; they made you grow angry at him. Screw him and his hunter manners. He had no right in doing what he was doing.

“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.” You pressed your palm into the wall and felt a pull into the dark. You let it drag you in and away from Dean’s surprised and confused face as you disappear in front of him. Your figure less and less visible until there’s only and empty corner in front of him.

Next thing you saw was your silent new living room and a figure sitting at your couch.

“You shadow traveled!” Crowley scolded you. You rolled your eyes and started rubbing at your left elbow.

“It was an emergency.” You took out of your jacket’s pocket your emergency ointment. You shrugged out of the leather jacket and started applying the ointment in your aching arm.

“Oh, please. I’d love to hear what kind of emergency was it for you to use one of the darkest ways of teleporting. You could’ve got lost or worse end up in purgatory or hell! Just what were you thinking, missy?!” He followed you into your kitchen. He sounded like a worried, annoying mom.

“Okay, first of all, purgatory doesn’t exist, at least, for me. It was an invention of the Catholic Church so people will pay to go to heaven. Second of all, you have to really mess it up to end up in hell and third…” You stopped at this. Was it safe to tell him what had being happening? He was your friend, but even you had some trouble in trusting his line of action. He liked to be unpredictable, even to you. It didn’t mean that you couldn’t predict some things of him, but it was better to play it safe.

“Third?” You kept you’re attention on your actions, opening the fridge and trying to decide whether you actually wanted some cold water or if you opened it just to keep your mind off of Dean. You took in a deep breath.

“Third, I thought someone was following me. I didn’t stop to see if it was true or not. I preferred to get home faster than to let something happen to me. Okay? Sorry if you were worried, but… I’m fine.” You closed the fridge. You had finally worked out what you wanted. You wanted Crowley to leave your house, so you could take the liberty to actually submerge into your thoughts.

You took a step forward to wrap him in a warm hug. You could feel his figure tense to the touch.

It always amused you when you hugged him because he always tried to intimidate everyone and to portray himself as the bad guy you didn’t want to defy, ever. For almost everyone, it worked, but for you it was another story. You always tended to analyze people (by nature), you did it subconsciously so it wasn’t like you had the most of control out of it. That’s the reason why you tended to see more than what was presented to you, why people felt vulnerable and trusted you at the same time.

“Thank you for worrying. You’re a good friend.” He pushed you away after you spoke, quickly turning around, already walking towards the entrance door.

He scoffed.

“Whatever, see ya later.” But you knew he was blushing.

After he disappeared, you went to bed, getting out of your clothes and getting under the covers.

Your visions and running into Dean were no coincidence. Fate had plans for you and him and for the first time in a while, you feared what those plans could be.

Everything was where it was supposed to be. Every single inch of your store had its own personality and radiated happy thoughts. You really loved the direction where it was going.

You had an idea, an earning of spreading magic towards the world. Not dangerous magic, no, just simple spells or even talismans that no one would ever suspect of them; things that could help people with whatever shitty day they were having and make them happy again. Of course, it was also beneficial to you, making the day of people and helping them would also bring joy to you.

What were you’re services? Well, that was a good question. You didn’t hide the fact that your store was a weird one, especially in a small town. But even if people felt discomfort in tarot readings or selling homemade tea or olds books, they still went in for art and photography and design. Getting your passion for art to the fullest would also attract other types of customers. That was the beauty of it.

You were about to close for lunch when you heard the ringing bell. Your head immediately snapped to take a look to your new customers. You flashed them a smile.

“Hi! How may I help you?” The woman walked towards your counter accompanied by, you deduced, her son, who kept scanning the room with his wonder filled eyes.

“Hi! I was wondering if you, by any chance, knew a good photographer? I saw some good photos displayed at the window.”

“Well, I’m the one who took those pictures. What kind of photos you had in mind?” Her eyes sparkled in excitement.

“Oh, I wanted to take some family pictures. It would be me, my son Ben…” At the mentioning of his son, she hugged him and he flashed you a smile.

“And my…” Just then, someone else entered. Your smile faltered for a second, before you composed yourself. You knew who it was even before taking a look.

Dean approached the woman and planted a kiss on her cheek. He then turned to look at you, already tensing and breathing heavily.

“Hi, honey. I was just asking about the photographer, turns out it’s her.” He clenched his jaw and glared at you. Your smile, strangely, grew bigger. Oh, this was going to be fun.

“Hey, uh, would you two go ahead to the restaurant? I want to clear some questions with her.” He turned to look at her. It was all it took. You needn’t be a genius to see that she knew. Maybe she didn’t know all the details, but she knew what Dean was.

“Okay, come on, Ben.” Ben’s attention snapped back toward her mother. He had been looking at a wild cat’s skull.

“Oh, that’s one of the Halloween decorations I was planning on selling. I wonder; how it got there?” The Halloween decorations box was in the storage room, which was locked. You had had the intention of starting displaying them, but after you went for lunch.

You smiled warmly at the thought of the skull’s impatience to be in display.

“It’s so cool.” He picked it up, causing Dean to tense even more.

“Oh, sweetie, no, put it back.” She flashed you an apologetic look, unintentionally. You smiled at her warmly and shook your head. There was no problem at all.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

“Awesome! Mom, can I have it?”

“No.” Dean said, before he could stop himself and making Ben’s smile go away. The woman turned to glare at him before turning her attention back to her son.

“No, not right now. Maybe later, okay? After all, it’s gonna still be here.”

“But what if someone else buys it?” Your heart was filled with cuteness. No matter what Dean’s reaction would be, you just couldn’t resist it. You said: “I could put it on hold for you, if you want it that bad. That way, no one else will buy it.” To that, his smile returned, while nodding and thanking you. He set the skull back from where he took it and followed his mom out of the store.

When they got out of sight, you walked towards the door, locked it and pulled down the curtains. Whatever was going to happen, you didn’t want any potential customers to see.

“So…” You started as you walked to get behind the counter. “How you wanna do this? You want to tie me down and interrogate me? Want to throw at me salt, holy water and silver? You name it.” You shrugged. “I’m down with whichever, so long as after you’re done, you leave me the heck alone.” Dean got conflicted by your relaxed reaction. Even so, he wasted no time in splashing you, out of nowhere, with holy water.

Your face was wet, as well as your shirt. You whipped away the excess of water from your eyes before scoffing.

“You could’ve have warned me! I have a towel in the bathroom! You ruined my clothes, stupid hunter!”

“Whatever.” He said angrily. He yanked you by the wrist and pressed, what could only be, a silver ring to your skin, before noticing that it did nothing. He then proceeded with the salt and iron, getting the same reaction as the other tests.

Meanwhile, you rested your face in your free hand, looking at him, bored.

“Are you done? I’m kind of hungry and I really want to catch a bite.” He freed your hand and practically yelled at you.

“What the fuck are you?” You leaned forward, putting your best chingona face, before answering.

“I’m a witch. But not like the one’s you’ve seen before. And about following you? You seriously think you’re that special? Is your head filled with so much pride and ego that you couldn’t possibly think it could be a coincidence? I mean, I get that you’re a famous hunter and all, but seriously, if I wanted to harm you or your family, I would’ve already done it.” You’re voice sounded familiar. It sounded so familiar, but he didn’t know why.

“So, are we done? I’ll stay away from you and your precious family and you stay away from me? Sound good? Or do you want to burn me alive, just to make sure of it?” You walked towards the storage room and opened it just a smidge, walking in and closing it behind you.

“Hey. Hey!” Dean followed your path and knocked on the door. There wasn’t and answer. He kicked the door open, only to find you weren’t in there.

Crap, you had trapped him.

“Shit.” He kicked the door and walked towards the counter, scanning the room for a way out. His eyes landed on a key set in the counter with a note attached. He took it and opened the note, which read: Help your-self out. When you exit, could you do me the favor to lock the door, pretty please? If you do, then throw the key casually on the street about a block away. Thank you. Hope you enjoy your pizza and that we never see each other again. Bye.

Just what the fuck was your deal?

Days had passed without another sight of Dean. It was a blessing. You kept glaring at a photo you took of Sam. He was painting something in a spare canvas you had and trying to convince you that not everyone could paint. You smiled sadly at the memory, tears rolling down your cheeks.

“This is all your fault.” You scolded the picture.

“If you had told them from the beginning, this would’ve never happened.” He didn’t respond. Of course, it was a picture after all. But you could fix it. You could fix all this mess.

You put away the photo in your wallet and opened your closet door. You stepped in before closing it.

The house looked worn out. And the environment was mostly cars and dirt than plants.

You took in a deep breath and stepped into the porch. You knocked on the door. Moments later, someone opened it.

“May I help you, young lady?”

“Bobby, right?” He squinted at you, suspicious.

“Yes?”

“Hi, I’m Y/N and we need to talk.”

#supernatural #supernatural fanfiction #supernatural x reader #supernatural imagines #supernatural imagine #Sam Winchester #sam x reader #sam x reader x dean #sam #dean winchester #dean x reader #dean #piedras rodantes

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aelinbitch-archive · 5 years

Note

You've probably said this before but what's your favorite aspect of the TOG series? I've only read like ten pages of the first book lol

aaaaa thank u for asking!! this sort of leads into something i’ve been meaning to talk about for a while so i hope you’re prepared for An Essay No One Wanted By Me. anyway this is a two-part answer, read below:

1. Aelin. Celaena. The main bitch, whatever you wanna call her lol. Without her I probably wouldn’t have cared about the series at all and wouldn’t currently be trapped in ToG tumblr hell reluctantly stanning a racist and homophobic series, but unfortunately when I was like twelve years old or whatever and read the first book I literally imprinted on Celaena like a baby duckling. To the extent that she became, like, the default avatar for all my maladaptive daydreaming and If I Don’t Project On Her At All Times I Will Die. It’s not like she’s the only thing I like about the series (I loooove a lot of the other characters, especially the gals, and the writing can be really great and engaging and cinematic) but Aelin has always been the supermassive black hole at the center of it all for me. I wouldn’t know how to even begin untangling her character from my psyche at this point. It’s honestly a little disturbing. Anyway.

2. Part two is a quality of the series that I feel was unprecedented in its strength in the first five books of the series (ToG-QoS plus the prequel novellas) and really really disappointingly weak in the last two books (EoS-KoA). Like I said above, Aelin has always been my main interest in tog so I read and enjoyed the last two anyway, but I definitely felt the loss of this - “this” being the detail and attention paid to all different types of relationships between characters, and how rich and unpredictable those relationships were as a result.

That sounds like kind of a broad, vague thing, but what I mean is that (in my opinion) rarely are romances and friendships and rivalries explored with such nuance, complexity, drama, and realism in most YA as they are in ToG. I remember reading Cassandra Clare’s books (lmao.) as a pre teen and loving those as well, but totally being able to predict who was going to end up with who, and finding the character dynamics to be pretty cut and dry.

In ToG that’s not the case at all. Like, you’ve got Celaena and Sam, a really complex example of enemies to lovers to….. Tragically Dead Boyfriend Whose Demise Fuels My Guilt and Self-Hatred For Seven More Books, Lysandra and Aelin, two girls pitted against each other by their abuser who team up a year later to unlearn their internalized misogyny and kill him, and Aelin and Chaol, who… how do I even describe the ups and downs (and downs. and more downs) of their relationship.

And that’s just three pairs! Pull the names of two characters out of a hat and I can almost guarantee essays worth of material could be written about them. Arobynn and Aelin? Aelin and Nehemia? Chaol and Dorian, as much as I hate both of them and feel that their relationship as been widely mischaracterized? All fascinating!!! No two people in those first few books are just friends, or just lovers, or just enemies. It’s always more complex, there’s always a history or tension or competing agendas or viewpoints that Fuck Shit Up.

And benefit of that is twofold: one, everything that happens between the characters just…. lands so well. The betrayals and triumphs and losses and victories of The Assassin’s Blade and Crown of Midnight and Queen of Shadows (especially TAB) are fucking heart-stopping. It’s great character-driven entertainment!! Gripping and engaging and vivid to the point of being painful.

And two, there’s no way to predict where a relationship is going to go. Aelin and Lysandra teaming up in QoS instead of returning to their rivalry? Who would have thought! Ansel and Celaena’s summer fling (they were in love. fight me.) ending like That? Holy fuck. Nesryn and Chaol breaking up in ToD? Oh shit! I fell for it again! Rowan and Aelin ending up together after everyone swore they were brotp in HoF? Hell yeah! Chaolaena seeming like endgame and then ending forever, with Chaol and Aelin realizing that the rift between them that began in CoM was something that would never sufficiently heal? Unprecedented. Fucking badass for a YA book to curve everyone like that. Tween me was shook out of her mind.

(Important to note, though, that the downside of this style was that SJM couldn’t tell where ~unpredictable relationships and characters~ ended and fridging began, and as a result, not one but two woc were killed off to make white characters sad and it sucked beyond belief).

Aaaaaand then QoS, the peak of literature, turned into EoS, and SJM just… gave up on all of that. I remember the first time Dorian and Manon met, and I was like oh, okay. So they’re going to end up together. And I was right. I remember that on this site, before EoS came out, before Lorcan and Elide ever fucking MET, people predicted the existence of Elorcan!! And they were right!! Like how fucking boring? Everyone is just paired off into completely predictable heterosexual ships and those are now the only relationships we get to read about (with a few exceptions, like Aelin/Aedion, Aelin/Fenrys, etc.).

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: my least favorite thing about Manorian is not that I find the relationship to be shitty (although I do, I really do). It’s that Dorian is suddenly the only character Manon gets to interact with in any meaningful way.

Like, are you kidding?! I want to read about Manon and Elide, Manon and Asterin, Rowan and Lorcan, Aelin and Lysandra, Aelin and Nesyrn, even if it’s not romantically (although some of them, like Manon and Elide, absolutely should have been, and the fact that not only was that ship very thoroughly sunk, but also they didn’t even get to TALK after QoS, felt like a real slap in the face to gay fans, but I digress), because those pairings previously had hella complexity and drama. But we don’t get to.

And this trend that’s so painfully present in the last two books Sucks for two reasons: one, every relationship that isn’t romantic (which were previously some of the most interesting ones) is abandoned so that more time can be made for The Hets™ and two, the relationships that are romantic, now the only ones left, are totally fucking boring and predictable!! If two characters are interacting at any point (if one is male and the other is female, of course) then you know for a fact that they’re not only love interests, but endgame.

And that makes me not care even when there is drama between them. Elide giving Lorcan the cold-shoulder for three hundred pages, and Manon and Dorian arguing, and Aedion being cruel to Lysandra weren’t compelling narratives to me like they should have been, because the whole time I was just thinking “but it doesn’t matter. I know it’s still endgame. There are no stakes here whatsoever; it’s a done deal.” Whereas Chaol and Celaena’s devestating breakup in CoM felt like (and was) suuuuper Real. An all-in bet on the wrong person. Crazy shit.

And not that I think two characters should never have a happy ending together (I really like rowaelin and nestaq and I would have loved malide!) but imagine how much cooler and subversive and entertaining it would have been if Elorcan, which seemed soooo totally cute and endgamey and borderline like fanfiction throughout all of EoS just ended forever right there and then on the beach, with Elide turning to Lorcan and saying “I hope you spend the rest of your miserable, immortal life suffering. I hope you spend it alone. I hope you live with regret and guilt in your heart and never find a way to endure it” - and BAM. She never speaks to him again. He’s dead to her.

I mean, talk about shock value! (See, Sarah, you can have shock value without killing of a person of color to make a white character sad 🙃). And I totally get that relational twists like that alienate fans more than just going the expected route and having them kiss and make-up does (I mean, the ending of Chaolaena in QoS certainly did, Jesus Christ) but I, Bella aelinbitch, personally live for that shit, and isn’t it only fair that all media cater directly and specifically to me? Lmao. But seriously, I do think it’s objectively more interesting, and that it keeps readers on their toes (I was on my ASS in EoS and KoA. Like. I was flat on my back sinking into the Earth).

And there are still sort of… glimmers of the old way she wrote in the first few books, but it just feels like a tease rather than something that’s really explored and indulged in the way it was before, and it just ends up being more frustrating (like what was the point of Manon and Dorian not getting married at the end of KoA if I would bet my life savings that in World of Tog it’ll be confirmed that they’re either married or still together) and sometimes downright problematic? Like to return to a previous example, I think all the drama between Aedion + Lysandra was a result of Sarah’s previous (good) instincts to shake stuff up and complicate the character dynamics, but it backfires because when they end up together, it’s not ever… worked out? Or addressed? If you create really intense drama between two people, then that needs to show up in their relationship, no matter how happy they end up together. It doesn’t just disappear.

And despite the fact that her understanding of that concept (that shit between two people doesn’t just disappear like magic) is one of my absolute favorite things about the first few books, Sarah even went as far as to use the last two books to retcon some of the original complexity away, which makes me want to rip out my hair!! Like Aelin at the end of KoA just going “Love you Chaol and Love you Dorian xoxoxoxoxox best friends forever!!!” instead of having, like, any type of mixed feelings about the way these boys treated her? I mean, come on! 100 pages earlier Chaol was openly saying she should die instead of Dorian! Why is everything just peachy-keen instead of fraught with tension!! (I know why. I know. It’s because she introduced way too many characters/POVs/storylines as the series went on and didn’t know what to do with them all besides sideline the nonromantic ones and pair off everyone else boy-girl boy-girl down the line). Or if it has to be peachy-keen, why is the peachy-keeness never critically examined as, perhaps, a repressive mechanism for Aelin to avoid dealing with painful truths from her past? Now that would be interesting.

(My ideal World of ToG would be just a transcript of the characters’ therapy sessions where Aelin realizes that her insistence that “Chaol and Dorian Are Her Friends!” is actually a way to keep herself safe emotionally and that she has plenty of reasons to hate them, and Lysandra realizes she should divorce Aedion lmao).

Anyway tldr: The variety, complexity, depth, and unpredictability of the relationships in Throne of Glass was simultaneously the most realistic (sometimes relationships of all kinds fall apart or veer off in unexpected directions and love is temporary and the boy you met in the first chapter isn’t actually your soulmate and it doesn’t mean he’s a villain) and the most gripping and dramatic (I would have been totally chill if maeve and erawan weren’t a thing and tog was just like a medieval soap opera, that’s how entertaining the character dynamics were) thing about the series, and to lose that in the last two books because of Heterosexuality (and introducing too many POVs and not knowing what to do with them all)…. kinda devastating.

This ended up being waaaaaay more complaining than it was talking about what I loved, but the only reason it bothers me so much is because it used to be so good!!! So just imagine the inverse of all the frustration I just vomited into this ask and you’ll have a good idea of how much I loved the series when things weren’t this way.

#im SO sorry for how shittily worded/ranty/emotional/long this is but *antoni from queer eye voice* a shitty YA series is actually something #that can be so personal...#greatest hits: hot takes

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caranfindel · 5 years

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I heard there was a secret chord that David played, and it pleased the Lord (14.20 coda)

But you don’t really care for music, do you?

A coda for 14.20, "Moriah."

...

Amara's brother takes her on a tour of the uninhabited portions of his worlds, and she has to admit his creations are beautiful. Without the shabby chaos of humans, his fjords, mountains, and oceans serve as exquisite backdrops for the peace she loves. But after they watch the seasons turn a few times, he grows bored. "Let me show you my stories," he says. "Dean Winchester was your favorite character, right? I have so many Dean stories."

It would be more accurate to say he was the only character she was aware of, the only voice that stood out from the buzz of random noises her brother seemed to adore (even now, sometimes, she hears him). But she acquiesces. Her brother lifts his chin as though testing the air. "Oh, here's a good one."

They land in a motel room long past its prime, where a man with a familiar face slumps at a small table. A pistol and an empty whiskey bottle are laid out in front of him. "This Dean," her brother says. "He shot a pregnant woman in the head before she could give birth, because she was carrying a nephilim. His Sam walked right out the door. Never forgave him. And he's been drowning in guilt and doubt for over a year. See, he doesn't know if it was the right decision, and it's killing him."

“Was it the right decision?" she asks.

"I guess it depends on what you like. He prevented some things, but he caused others." He smiles. "Either way, it's good drama."

The Dean in front of her looks like her Dean, but she can't read him and doesn't feel connected to him. She watches him take a phone out of his pocket and make a call. The person he's calling doesn't answer, and he doesn't leave a message. He slumps further, his elbows on the table, his phone pressed to his forehead.

"He seems so sad," she says.

Her brother's smile widens. "I know, right? Like I said, it's good drama."

"But I thought you loved them."

"Oh, I do! Did you see the look on his face when Sam didn't answer his call? I mean, you could tell what he was thinking, right? That he was wondering if Sam was just away from his phone, or if he knew it was him and chose not to answer? That's why I love these guys. So much anger and pain, and yet, so much love. That's where all the drama comes from."

Perhaps Amara doesn't understand what love is after all. She watches this Dean put the phone on the table and pick up the pistol, pushing the barrel against the soft flesh under his chin. Her brother grips her arm. His face is alight with anticipation. When he notices her watching him, he motions toward Dean. "Watch him, not me," he hisses. "I think he might really do it this time."

Dean fires the gun and crumples onto the floor. Amara's brother squeezes her arm, hard.

"Wow. Wow! He actually did it! He's come so close, so many times, and I never thought he'd go through with it, but he actually offed himself." He leans over the bloody man on the floor. "Or. Well. Almost." Dean's eyes have rolled back in his head, and his breath comes in shallow, pained gasps. "I was afraid of that. He was too drunk. Messed with his aim, or his hand wasn't steady enough, or... anyway." He looks around the room, distracted. "I mean, we can stay, but this part could take a while, and it's kinda boring. The only unpredictable part is over. It could be fun to watch Sam find out, but I don't know when that's gonna happen, so maybe we just... bounce? I can find us another story."

The dying man's fingers twitch as if he's trying to hold onto something. Or someone. Amara's brother closes his eyes and tips his head back, searching for more drama to share with her.

No, she doesn't understand love at all.

"May I?" She motions to Dean. "Since he's dying anyway?"

"What? Oh, sure. Help yourself."

His soul goes down bitter, like blood and ash. But he's no longer in pain, and he's part of Amara now. He'll never be alone again.

Her brother takes her hand. "I found a story with some potential. There's a Dean who's trying to trick his Sam into a really bad decision. Want to go watch? It's fun to try to guess what will happen. They're so hard to predict sometimes."

"This unpredictability you enjoy," Amara says. "Trying to guess what might happen. Is there some way to experience it with less pain?"

"Oh, crap, I'm sorry," her brother says. "I guess you're not used to all the emotions, are you? I've been playing this for so long, I didn't even think about having a higher tolerance than you do. We should try something different. Maybe Vegas." But when they land there, the lights and sounds feel like an assault, and he quickly wings her somewhere else. "Reno will be good for now," he says. "We can work up to the bigger stuff."

Keno is sufficiently unpredictable. And completely emotionless.

Her brother joins her for a while, but soon becomes restless and starts searching for good stories again. He suggests a few, but she doesn't find them tempting, and he seems content to stay at her side. But eventually he comes to her, flush with excitement. "You'll like this one," he says. "It's your Dean, and his mother was killed by someone he loves, so he's got some awful decisions to make. Want to watch?"

"His mother?" She frowns. "But I gave him his mother!"

"Oooh, yeah. That. Sorry." He looks down, as if embarrassed, but she sees the traces of a smile playing about his lips. "That was an amazing plot twist, by the way. And then, stuff happened. It's turning into really good story, if you want to go see it unfold."

He holds out his hand, but she doesn't take it. "And I assume it will be painful for him?"

"Yes, most definitely. For all of them."

"I think I'll stay here," she says. "I enjoy keno."

His hand drops to his side. "Oh. Yeah, sure. That's probably a good choice. This one might turn out to be more than you want to see. I mean, it's gonna be awesome. Biblical, even. I love these two. But I guess it's more of a me thing than a you thing." Her brother kisses her on the cheek. "I'll be back soon. Promise."

Amara returns to her keno. When the screams begin, she looks around, frustrated. This is what she was trying to avoid - all of creation's messy emotions and disruptive noises. All of this unnecessary shouting and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Then her brother appears at her side and takes her hand. "So... it's getting annoying around here. What do you say we visit some squirrels? I think you'd like that."

She feels her Dean for just a moment. Terror, fury, an almost bottomless well of grief. Her brother whisks her away, and it's gone.

And the squirrels are amusing, she must admit.

#spn #chuck shurley #amara #my fic #14.20 #tw: suicide #episode tag

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anyomousfanfic · 6 years

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Even angels have their bad days.

Pairing: Castiel x reader

WARNINGS: Self harm, self hate, swearing. If this is going to trigger you in any way please do not read on! If you are feeling like this, please know you are not alone, and please reach out to someone you trust. You can even message me to talk, I’ll always listen and be there to support you.

Summary: This was a request on another platform:

Maybe a self hate/self harm one with Cas? Where he doesn’t quite understand why anyone would feel like that, and (Y/N) has to explain it to him? I think it would be cute.

Lately you just couldn’t shake off this sickening and empty feeling deep within your chest and stomach, sure you’ve had these feelings on and off but usually after you ignored it for maybe a day or two it would just go away almost like it wasn’t even there to begin with. But today something was completely different within you. You were so angry and upset at yourself for letting something like a Demon get to you with it’s lies, but it did and it didn’t speak anything but the truth to you, which only made it so much worse. You tried your absolute hardest to brush it off and pretend that the demon was lying to you, but deep down you knew that everything that bitch said was the cold hard truth.

*Flashback*

It was only a week ago that you decided to go on a hunt on your own, you didn’t want to burden Sam and Dean with finding out about the demon that killed your family when they had to worry about preventing the apocalypse. So you went on your own, tracking down the lead that you had gained on your own. You left in the middle of the night just after the brothers had left for their own hunt, telling Sam and Dean that you were staying back to do research, which really wasn’t a total lie, but not the full truth either.

You found yourself walking into a dingy little bar a few towns over from where you stayed with Dean and Sam. You had the demon killing blade in one hand, gripping it tightly in anticipation as you moved throughout the uncharacteristic empty bar. With slow and calculated steps you slowly moved around the upturned furniture, keeping your eyes wide open as you tried to see through the minimal amount of lighting that streamed in through the broken window. You quickly took in a deep breath and made your way around to the back of the bar, coming to a halt when you seen at least five or six bodies strewn on the floor, and there she was the Demon that you’ve been tracking for weeks, standing right before you. A sickening twisted smile on her lips, that were covered with blood. You shifted on your feet and swiveled the blade within your hand as you glared at the demon whose smile only got wider revealing her blood stained teeth.

Goosebumps involuntarily made their way onto your body as you looked at the monster before you, her eyes now a deep black that glistened in the dim light. “So glad you could finally join us- opps sorry I meant join me. See I was waiting for you, but you just took so damn long aw well..” The Demon walked over the bodies below her feet moving slowly towards you while batting her eye lashes innocently, her hands clasps behind her back. You stood your ground watching every move of the demon. “You could of let them go, this is between you and me.” You seethed through clenched teeth. “Oh but honey, it isn’t just about you. The world does not revolve around you and your petty problems, it revolves around good and evil always in constant battle to tip the scales. You are just an insignificant spec of dust within the air. But the truth is, I like messing around with you, you’re my favorite.” The demon now let her eyes travel your body a smug smile on her face, and then all too soon her innocent act was gone and it was replaced with a stern dangerous look.

“Why am I your favorite?” You couldn’t help but ask the question, your curiosity getting the better of you. “Well you see (y/n), I was indeed the one to slaughter your family. Slowly actually, they screamed and thrashed in pain but what could they do? Nothing, And you my dear, you were there watching through the crack of the door, a helpless, stupid, worthless, miserable worm.” The demon now walked a tight circle around you as she spoke to you. “You know, I am a gifted demon, I can see into the soul of everyone I come into contact with. Their deepest regrets, deep dark secrets that no one else knew, everything. And let me tell you, your family was one messed up family. You mum was a crack whore and your dad a sex addiction and your sister, oh your sister she was the towns bicy-” Before you knew it, your hand had whipped out and connected with the side of the demons face, a small red hand print visible upon her ivory skin.You had your jaw clenched and you were trying your hardest not to cry. The demon slowly brought her hand up to where you had previously slapped her, her mouth ajar and her hair was in unpredictable places.

“Now, now. No need for violence. After all I can see into your soul and let me tell you everything you feel is true. Your parents loathed you, you were the accident they wish they could of prevented. You sister, behind your back spread all those oh so nasty rumors about you in high school. You boyfriend was in fact cheating on you with your sister because as her thoughts put it you just weren’t anything special enough to keep a man like him, and well then there’s Sam and Dean Winchester…” Your tears were now clouding your vision, your hands were violently shaking beside you as you struggled to keep your anger in check. With each word she uttered you could feel a piece of your chest slowly and painfully breaking away and falling into a black abyss of emptiness and nothing. But still you tried to be defiant. “You’re lying!” You screamed, the demon now laughed stopping to stand before you, her eyes now the blue colour of the human she was possessing.

“Any other time yes, but not this time. You know I think I might start telling the truth it’s very fun.” The demon now brought her hand to slowly trail down your face, wiping away tears. If you didn’t know that there was a demon within this women you would say that she was being friendly. “How is it fun? How is ruining peoples life fun?” You growled. “Because I feed off negative energy I just love it, Plus humans are so stupid and predictable they’ll do anything for their loved ones, like selling their soul for a mere ten years.” The demon cackled sending shivers up your spine. “Oh where was I? Oh yes, You. Remember all those thoughts about not being good enough? How they would come and go. That was me, I mean I can only push you in the right direction, but you have to have those feelings in you for me to suggest it. Like right now, you feel enraged, and depressed. You didn’t do anything to save your family, and yes it is all your fault. Everything that has happened to anyone has always been your fault! Sam and Dean can’t stand you, they just feel sorry for you. Their Dad was good friends with your mum and dad and they are only there for you because they promised. They wished you would just disappear so they wouldn’t have to worry about you dragging them down anymore. They hate you, and they wished you stayed missing when you got taken by that wendigo.” You couldn’t take it anymore, you grabbed the demon by her hair as she turned her back on you, violently pulling her into your body and thrusting the dagger into her back beneath her ribs. She screamed out in pain as an orange glow erupted from her body as she died.

*end of flashback*

You were in the bathroom now ‘pretending to have a shower’ so that Dean and Sam would not be suspicious. You couldn’t take this feeling anymore. You wished you never felt anything at all, because feeling this guilt, anger and sadness was driving you to breaking point. You felt like you were drowning and no one was there to help you, you desperately needed air but no matter how much you swam to get to the surface your past weighed you down. But the demon was right, everything she said was right.

You leaned heavily against the porcelain sink, your hands curled around the edge as you looked at your reflection through the foggy mirror. You were a mess, your eyes were blood shot and puffy, and your cheeks were bloated with red from crying. You shook your head and then ran your hands through your hair, now gripping onto it tightly as you fell to the floor crying, wrapped up in a white towel. You noticed the razor that was on the floor near you, exactly were you put it. You leaned over and picked up the blade, now holding the sharp blade in front of your eyes. “Sorry Dean, Sam… Castiel….” Your heart broke as you said the last name, wishing more than anything that he were here to try and heal your emotional pain if he could, but he wasn’t. You swallowed back your fear and began to bring the blade down towards your body when you heard a fluttering of wings.

“(y/n) Are you sick?” You jumped as you heard Castiel’s rough deep voice somewhere next to you. Looking up towards the angel you shook your head, the guilt and sadness eating away at you more and more. He came because he feels sorry for me. You should of just done it as soon as you grabbed it. “What did you just say?” Castiel questioned as he moved over towards you. “I didn’t say anything?” You mumbled, trying to move the razor to a place where he couldn’t see, but Castiel didn’t miss a thing and quickly grabbed your hand and gently plucked the razor from your fingertips. “What is this?” Castiel stood and quickly walked out of the bathroom intending to find Sam and Dean, and that was when you started to choke on your sobs, now bringing your arms around your legs trying to keep yourself together. You heard Sam and Dean rush towards the door, disappointment and pity itched on their faces making you feel more worse.

Time skip.

“I am trying to understand what you were doing?” Castiel mumbled next to you as you walked together in a forest which he let you travel with him to. “I was trying to- um..” You looked down towards the floor ashamed to even admit what you were about to do. “You wanted to die?” Castiel questioned. Your eyes widened and you looked up to gaze at the beautiful angel before you. “No No, well. I don’t know Castiel.. I just wanted to forget. To feel better..” Castiel leaned his head to the side as he studied you. You felt a large warm hand wrap around your shoulder as Castiel pulled you into his chest awkwardly. His heart was beating rapidly as you wrapped your arms around him tightly burying your head in between the crook of his neck and shoulder. You soon felt Castiel relax in your hold, resting his head upon yours and absentmindedly running his hand down your back (something he learned from Sam) intending to calm you, and it did. “I do not understand why someone with such a pure soul, full of love and self sacrifice would want to harm themselves.” You sighed as you slowly loosened your grip, and pulled away from Castiel only slightly so you could look into his deep blue eyes that made you weak in the knees.

“Because I don’t feel that here.” You gripped Castiel’s hand and placed it on your chest where your heart was. Castiel nervously looked down at you, forcing himself to breathe. “Still, You have a beautiful soul. It would be a shame if the world lost a soul like you before it was ready to let you go.” Castiel slowly let his hand trace up from your chest, to your neck and then your face cupping your cheek as he looked at you in a way you have never seen from him before. “Even angels have their bad days (y/n) and maybe heaven was just calling for you to come home early.” Now it was your turn to cock your head to the side and look at Castiel with confusion. “Are you saying that I’m an angel?” Castiel let out a gruff laugh, letting his hand push away some stray hair. “You aren’t physically an angel, but once your soul leaves this body you will be an angel in heaven looking over your loved ones. But heaven isn’t ready to gain you as an angel yet.” Castiel’s eyes were so soft as he stared into your (e/c) ones, a light blush filled your cheeks as you bit your lip and looked down. You don’t know how Castiel did the things he did, but he made you feel special. “May I try something?” Your thoughts stopped as you looked up to Castiel’s serious face. “What is it?” You questioned as Castiel slowly leaned down, his large hand moving to rest at the base of your neck, his fingers curling into your hair. His full pink lips softly pecked your own, before he leaned his head down further pressing his lips just that little bit more against your own.

You could feel your heart hammering inside your chest as you tried to comprehend what was happening. His lips felt amazing on yours, they were like plush warm marshmallows and you couldn’t help but smile into the kiss, just as Castiel pulled away from you letting his forehead lean on your own. “W-where did you learn that?” You asked between deep breaths. “Um Dean showed me but Sam told me to only do that when I felt something weird within my stomach.” You giggled lightly picturing Dean trying to teach Castiel how to kiss. “He didn’t kiss you did he? And what weird feelings did Sam tell you about?” Castiel gently pushed you away so you could fully observe him. “We didn’t kiss, that would be weird. But Sam told me when my heart races when I see someone and I feel nervous and my stomach does this weird thing-” Castiel had his hand upon his heart, his eyes never leaving yours. “Th-thats love. He told me not to kiss you until I felt those things.” You felt your cheeks warm up at Castiel’s words. “Are you saying you Love me Castiel?” Castiel’s eyes widened at your question. “I feel that I am quite attached to you yes.” You let out a loud laugh as you gingerly stepped closer to Castiel, resting one hand upon his chest and the another around his neck, guiding his face towards yours.

#castiel #castiel x reader #castiel x you #castiel x y/n #sam winchester #sam winchester x reader #dean winchester #supernatural #supernatural fanfiction #reader

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hooksandhappyendings-blog · 7 years

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The Case for Jonsa: Why there’s hope for season 8

I was very happy with the Wolf and the Dragon. In my opinion it leaves the door wide open for Jonsa. I know my fellow shipmates are worried, so I’ll just cut to the chase.

First, the execution of J0nerys is just not adding up.

At first, the Arya and Sansa thing had convinced me that the writers had just given up. But now that that’s been revealed to have been a clever deception, it makes me wonder why J0nerys has been so disastrously mishandled. I mean, this is supposed to be the epic ship. Their eventual demise is supposed to be heartbreaking, yet the efforts made to develop the relationship were downright lazy. I mean, not one, but TWO characters had to spell out the chemistry between Jon and Daenerys. Surely the same people who made us believe Arya might actually turn against her sister in just a few episodes could have done more to express the epic love story that is (supposedly) Fire and Ice. I mean, what kind of OTP doesn’t even get an onscreen first kiss?? Thank God this isn’t my pairing, I would be devastated. Up until that montage the most physical contact they had had was hand holding. Now, I’ve heard the argument that GoT is just a more serious show that doesn’t focus on romance. And to that I say, SINCE WHEN?! Cersei and Jaime, as unhealthy as it is, have a love story that has driven the entire plot since literally episode 1. Tyrion’s love story with Shea was incredibly moving and progressed in a very small amount of screentime. Ned and Cat’s love was behind most, if not all, of her motivations right up until her death. Jon and Ygrit’s romance was beautifully developed, again, with very little screentime. Even Sam and Gilly’s relationship, two characters who have relatively low priority, have one of the best love stories in the show. These writers know how to build a proper ship, so the question is, why didn’t they do it for THE ship? I believe it’s because this tryst is nothing more than a plot device leading to the real showdown: a triangle of contention between Jon, Dany, and Sansa.

Jon loves a woman that doesn’t exist.

I’ve maintained this whole time that the only reason Jon is so infatuated with Dany is because he’s never seen the real Dany. In fact, all he knows about her is what he’s been told by her advisors who are so far up her ass they can’t see the Targaryen shaped axe hanging over their heads. In private they admit that she isn’t an ideal ruler, but her saving grace is that she listens to her advisors. But how long will that last? Tyrion, as smart as he is, is banking on his ability to cage a dragon, which makes Dany’s sentiments on the dragon pit very foreboding. She does not believe in putting dragons in cages. She believe it makes them weak and vulnerable. I believe that next season we will see her rattle the cage, and Jon will see it too. He’ll see her show her true colors and it will definitely affect the way he feels.

The incest will be an issue.

It’s honestly hard to say how Jon will react to the revelation of his true lineage. Obviously there will be instant revulsion and disgust with regards to his intimacy with his aunt, but would he be able to eventually look past that? Normally I would say no, but this show loves it’s incest. Also, in GRRM’s original outline Jon does fall for Arya, but the brief wording of the summary implies that it isn’t consummated until he knows for a fact they are cousins rather than half siblings. If we make the assumption that the character in the final draft was the same as the original then this would mean Jon has a serious hang up about incest and honestly aunt/nephew is possibly worse than half siblings. Now, on the other hand, it also means that Jon has the ability to overlook a brother/sister bond as long as they aren’t actually siblings. Of course, this takes major speculation, but it’s at least worth taking into account when considering Dany and Sansa are literally the only available females for the King in the North. On top of all this there’s the problem that Dany will immediately see Jon as a rival. Even if he refuses the throne she will never be a better candidate than him. The people of Westeros are resisting her dominion while Jon’s people practically forced him into power. When you add that he is the undisputed heir it makes perfect sense that the paranoia of the dragon would turn Dany against him. And a marriage would be off the table. No matter what she did he would always have all the power. He would be the rightful king, able to call in his birthright at any time. It’s too big a risk to let him stand next to the Iron Throne. Now that we know Bran plans on spilling the beans as soon as Jon walks through the door we can be sure that J0nerys is on a clock.

Sansa has very clear motivations that are sure to be aimed at Jon.

We finally saw in this episode who Sansa truly has become. She outwitted the master and executed yet another enemy. And her final words to him were as satisfying as they were revealing: Thank you for your many lessons. I will not forget them. This is clearly setting up a brand new character for season 8. This is the writer’s telling us that this Sansa is unpredictable. Her actions are no longer a reliable reflection of her thoughts, not just to the other characters but to us the viewers as well. Rewatching her scenes with Littlefinger is beautiful. She lets him lead her by the nose, only to lure him into revealing his true intentions so blatantly it’s actually laughable the Mockingbird didn’t see his demise coming. So how will this new willingness to manipulate and deceive affect her and Jon’s relationship? Well, the real issue will be Dany. No way in fuck they’re going to get along. The look on Sansa’s face when Baelish suggested Jon being attracted to Dany is one of pure horror. She knows what that would mean for her. Dany could easily squeeze her out as Jon’s chief advisor. Dany’s relationship with the King will threaten her position and I believe this new Sansa will fight back.

Sansa is likely capable of sleeping with a brother figure.

Aside from the obvious fact that manipulating your brother with your sexuality is a Cersei-approved strategy for maintaining power, I strongly believe that Sansa is completely detached from her sexuality. Her only experience with sex has been her fiance threatening to rape her on her wedding night and her husband... well, raping her on her wedding night. And then every night, for months. While being brutally beaten and cut. If female psychology in Westeros is anything like it is in the real world then Sansa’s history is the perfect storm for a woman with severe issues with her own sexuality. Specifically, women who are raped long term while in a committed relationship often become detached from the act. Instead of seeing it as emotional it’s seen as simply a bodily function. One that is expected to hurt very badly. This leads to things like masochism, associating hate and anger with sex, and hypersexuality. With a psyche this messed up it’s easy to see how a woman would want to reward the only man that’s ever protected her with sex, while also expressing her anger towards him in the only way she knows how.

What would Cersei do?

Next season we can predict one certainty: Jon, Dany, and Sansa are going to be cooped up in a cold castle for months, possibly years. Dany will be whispering in Jon’s ear and Sansa will likely clash with her on a personal level, which will push her to drive a wedge between the two. I think that if Sansa truly is now thinking like Cersei, then we have only to ask ourself how Cersei would react in such a situation. What would Cersei Lannister do if she stood beside a man who was being taken away from her influence by another woman? What would she do if she was a viable option for marriage as opposed to the other woman who can’t bare children and is inappropriately related? We all know the answer. If Sansa continues down the path she is on, you can bet the thought will occur to her too.

In conclusion...

My theory has adjusted a lot since the beginning of this season but I still have plenty of hope and you should too!! There is more than enough time to pull together a Jonsa plot in the final season. J0nerys isn’t being written like something that’s not going to matter in the end and will surely be over as soon as Jon learns his real name. Sansa will have every reason to dislike Dany and if Sansa takes inspiration from her teachers there’s only one way to deal with the situation. Because of her unfortunate history with sex she’s likely detached enough from her own sexuality to use it as a weapon.

The evidence is there guys. Don’t jump ship yet.

#jonsa #jon x sansa #jonsa meta #jon x sansa meta #starkcest #the case for jonsa #sansa stark #game of thrones spoilers

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filmgamer · 6 years

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Although actual nominations won’t be in until Tuesday I added a mix of predicted favourites and personal choices of mine for wishful thinking purposes. Read to get some sort of context and personal filter on what to expect and hope for come January 23rd for the 90th Annual Academy Awards.

Best Picture

Blade Runner 2049 * – Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Bud Yorkin

Call Me By Your Name – Emilie Georges, Luca Guadagnino, James Ivory, Marco Morabito, Howard Rosenman, Peter Spears

Dunkirk – Emma Thomas

The Florida Project – Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch, Kevin Chinoy, Andrew Duncan, Alex Saks Francesca Silvestri, Shih-Ching Tsou

Get Out – Jason Blum, Edward H. Hamm Jr., Sean McKittrick, Jordan Peele

Lady Bird – Eli Bush, Evelyn O’Neill, Scott Rudin

Mudbound – Carl Effenson, Sally Jo Effenson, Cassian Elwes, Charles D. King, Christopher Lemole, Kim Roth, Tim Zajaros

The Shape of Water – J. Miles Dale, Guillermo del Toro

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri – Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin, Martin McDonagh

Wonder Woman – Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Richard Suckle

Blade Runner 2049

Call Me By Your Name

Dunkirk

The Florida Project

Get Out

Lady Bird

Mudbound

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Wonder Woman

Blade Runner 2049 was my favourite movie of the year, Three Billboards was my second favourite, Lady Bird and Get Out were good too. I found Dunkirk to be overrated, confusing and far from Nolan’s best. I am the only person besides my mom that didn’t like Wonder Woman. Mudbound was very boring to me. I like the idea of The Florida Project which has landed on several best of lists winning because of its underclass nature & humble beginnings, a true underdog. I have not seen The Shape of Water but its awards attention has caught my interest and Call Me By Your Name has as much chance of winning as it does being interest to me.

Actress In A Leading Role

Jessica Chastain – Molly’s Game

Gal Gadot – Wonder Woman

Sally Hawkins – The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand* – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird

Jessica Chastain

Gal Gadot

Sally Hawkins

Frances McDormand

Saoirse Ronan

This is a runaway for Frances McDormand who gives her best performance since Fargo. Gal Gadot is good but her nomination would be the story here. Sally Hawkins gives an impressive performance as a deaf-mute. I think Saoirse only gets acclaim because she has a flawless american accent. Jessica Chastain does good character work and deserved the Oscar for Zero Dark Thirty which Jennifer Lawrence won for Silver Linings Playbook (which I love but is not Best Actress worthy).

Actress in A Supporting Role

Octavia Spencer – The Shape of Water

Holly Hunter – The Big Sick

Laurie Metcalf – Lady Bird

Hong Chau – Downsizing

Allison Janney – I, Tonya

Octavia Spencer (Right)

Holly Hunter (Right)

Laurie Metcalf

Hong Chau

Allison Janney

Allison Janney all the way here. Holly Hunter is good in The Big Sick and Octavia Spencer always knows what she’s doing (still haven’t seen Shape of Water or it would fill up the supporting actor category). Hong Chau got raves out of Downsizing, additionally annoying and unfair because the Oscars have become so politicized in recent years this would be seen as a win for diversity after the 87th & 88th #OscarsSoWhite controversies. It’s ironic that her possible nomination would come from writer/director Alexander Payne indulging in his stereotypical racist tendencies. I guess Hollywood takes diversity where they can get it.

Actor In A Leading Role

Hugh Jackman * – Logan

Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out

James McAvoy – Split

Gary Oldman – The Darkest Hour

Denzel Washington – Roman J. Israel Esq.

Hugh Jackman

Daniel Kaluuya

James McAvoy

Gary Oldman

Denzel Washington

This race is Gary Oldman’s to lose. He has turned in a career full of good performances and this is icing on the cake. If anything would hamper him from winning it’d be that the choice is too obvious playing historical figure Winston Churchill. Denzel always makes a great oscar campaign push and he has been hungry for a third win despite being the weakest reviewed movie of the bunch. I didn’t include Timothy Chalamet from ‘Call Me’ because I think his praise is due to the fact that reviewers aren’t aware he’s playing himself in role better written than he is like all first time actor nominees. Hugh Jackman deserves it for Logan even though I’m not a huge fan of that movie he deserves recognition for what he brought to the character. Daniel Kaluuya gives a subtle understated performance that rewards repeat viewings. And James McAvoy has been close to forgotten for his memorable turn in Split as someone with multiple personality disorder I’d like him to get recognized.

Actor In A Supporting Role

Willem Dafoe – The Florida Project

Jamie Foxx – Baby Driver

Christopher Plummer – All the Money In the World

Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Patrick Stewart * – Logan

Willem Dafoe

Jamie Foxx (saying “that’s Oscar worthy”)

Christopher Plummer

Sam Rockwell

Patrick Stewart

At the beginning of the campaign I would have said this was an easy win for Willem Dafoe’s warm performance in The Florida Project but another career character actor Sam Rockwell has upstaged him for Three Billboards. Christopher Plummer is good I imagine many people are still amazed he’s in themovie after the Kevin Spacey debacle. I thought Jamie Foxx gave one of his best performances in Baby Driver, he even makes an Oscar reference. Patrick Stewart was so good in Logan that it’s impressive he makes you believe his senile swearing version of Professor X is the same person.

Directing

Martin McDonagh – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Jordan Peele – Get Out

M. Night Shyamalan – Split

Guillermo del Toro – The Shape of Water

Denis Villeneuve – Blade Runner 2049

Jordan Peele, Get Out

M. Night Shyamalan, Split

Martin McDonaugh, Three Billboards

Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049

Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

Denis Villeneuve made a sequel to a classic that was better than the original while making it his own thing. He received a BAFTA (British Oscars) nomination for this and might repeat all the categories for last year’s Arrival. Jordan Peele, Guilllermo del Toro, and Martin McDonaugh are shoe-ins for the nomination and Greta Gerwig is likely to actually be nominated for Lady Bird, a movie I liked a lot but has modest aims. I threw in a Shyamalan twist because not only has he been nominated for but Split is a legitimately good movie that is unique enough I feel another director couldn’t replicate, and being the best means you’re special.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Hampton Fancher and Michael Green – Blade Runner 2049

James Ivory – Call Me By Your Name

Aaron Sorkin – Molly’s Game

Stephen Chbosky and Steve Conrad and Jack Thorne – Wonder

Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber – The Disaster Artist

I think side by side with Three Billboards, Blade Runner is the best script this year and they happen to qualify for two different categories so yay! The Disaster Artist, Molly’s Game and Call Me are all favourites because it’s a weak year for this category which is why there will likely be a few surprises. I threw in Wonder because it’s high on the betting pool, commercially and critically successful, and it’s the movie every book lover expected to love and every movie lover expected to hate (but surprisingly didn’t) and The Perks of Being A Wallflower was pretty decent. Mudbound could score a nomination here to but I didn’t put it personally because its incremental pacing felt like a slog for me that just didn’t flow.

Adapted – Michael Green (who also wrote Alien Covenant, Logan, and Murder On The Orient Express all this year) rewrote Hampton Fancher’s screenplay (right)

Original – Greta Gerwig Writer/ Director of Lady Bird

Original – Martin McDonagh Writer/ Director of 3 Billboards

Original – Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon wrote The Big Sick together. In writing credits the use of an ‘&’ denotes simultaneous collaboration while the use of ‘and’ indicates someone rewrote someone else’s screenplay

Original – Vanessa Taylor (co-writer of The Shape of Water with Del Toro)

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird

Martin McDonagh – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani – The Big Sick

Jordan Peele – Get Out

Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor – The Shape of Water

If Lady Bird doesn’t end up getting completely shut out come Oscar night for being good enough to get noticed but not enough to take home (typical Lady Bird amirite?) it’ll win here as Get Out and Shape muscle in on their visual splendor. Of course I don’t think any movie this year takes as many risks as the unpredictable 3 Billboards does in its screenplay so it should win. The Big Sick was in my top list for this year but original? C’mon its based pretty much on the real life story of its writers, it should be adapted if anything however rules are rules.

Best Cinematography

Roger Deakins – Blade Runner 2049

The 68 year old is the closest thing to a sure thing this year and has been nominated 13 times before without winning and this is his best work which everyone has said from the beginning. Some of his previous nominations include: The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, A Beautiful Mind, No Country For Old Men, Skyfall & Sicario. He absolutely deserves this one.

Best Original Score

Hanz Zimmer – Dunkirk

I didn’t like this movie but I listened to the score countless times while putting together my harsh review of it. The rarely idle Hans does the devil’s work here. And his Inception score was much better than Trent Reznor’s The Social Network which won that year. #robbed

Best Visual Effects

War for the Planet of the Apes

Another much hyped movie on my website I was let down by. I have never seen a director so obviously confident behind the camera its annoying that this series now so well realized spends its last chapter doing a prison break riff. Good Visual Effects are all about enhancing the story and I’ve never seen effects pushed so hard in that regard. Surprisingly, this rebooted series with state of the art effects that take YEARS to render has yet to win but unless members of the academy decide to feel sorry for Blade Runner or reward the epic looking latest Transformers: The Last Knight this should be a steal.

A Perfect and Backlash-Free Choice Oscar Nomination List Although actual nominations won’t be in until Tuesday I added a mix of predicted favourites and personal choices of mine for wishful thinking purposes.

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bisoroblog · 5 years

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Why Mindfulness And Trauma-Informed Teaching Don’t Always Go Together

Mindfulness is a fast growing trend both in the world generally and in schools. Teachers are turning to the practice as a simple way to restore calm to the classroom, help students find some quiet space, and build self-regulation skills. Some teachers say their personal mindfulness practice has helped them respond more calmly to students and helps them keep perspective. But it’s also important to realize that some of the ways mindfulness is practiced — sitting still, eyes closed, in silence — can also be triggers for students who have experienced trauma.

“This isn’t about calming down,” said Sam Himelstein, a clinical psychologist, trainer and author who has spent most of his career working with incarcerated youth. “Calming down is great and it is a skill that youth can get better at. But if we’re talking about mindfulness, at its core, we are just talking about being present with whatever it is.”

Himelstein has worked with teachers who get upset when students don’t want to engage in mindfulness a certain way — perhaps they don’t want to close their eyes or won’t sit the recommended way. But none of those things are truly about mindfulness, Himelstein said. Forcing students to engage with the practice in prescribed ways may do more harm than good, especially if the student has experienced trauma.

“You never want to force people to close their eyes,” he said. That alone can cause trauma for some kids. “The goal is not to turn people into meditation monks. It’s just about learning to turn inwards and practice self-awareness.”

Himelstein has a lot of empathy for the young people he works with because he was an angry kid. He said got into trouble in his early teenage years for drugs, and was sent to juvenile hall seven times. He also spent a lot of time in group homes once released, and it was there that a skilled mentor put him in a leadership position and sparked a desire in Himelstein to do counseling.

Himelstein was lucky that he got into trouble during middle school and was able to get back on track for high school. He was also lucky to be born into an affluent, white, two-parent home in Berkeley, California. His time in juvenile hall showed him what other kids his age were up against.

“A lot of the kids I work with it’s a real uphill battle when they come into the system at [ages] 15 to 16 because they just have so many high school credits to catch up on that it becomes overwhelming,” Himelstein said. “It’s so easy for them to get in the mindset that ‘school isn’t for me’ and turn that into a core belief.”

When Himelstein explains mindfulness to young people he likes to use a metaphor coined by Larry Rosenberg the dog-mind versus the lion-mind. If a human waves a bone in front of a dog, the dog will track that bone and chase it when it’s thrown. But wave a bone in front of a lion’s face and that lion might eat the human behind the bone.

“The dog can’t see beyond the bone. If I control the bone, I control the dog’s reality,” Himelstein said. But the lion sees a broader picture. He sees the human behind the bone. “That ability to see the larger picture gives the lion more autonomy, more choices.”

Himelstein then directs students to think of the bone as anger or anxiety. Reacting with the mind of a lion allows a person to say, “I’m angry right now,” and that little bit of metacognitive space between the person and the thought allows them to choose how to respond.

“It’s much easier said than done, but that’s what mindfulness is,” Himelstein said. “It’s noticing what’s happening in the present moment with a non-responsive mind.” When he’s presenting to youths, he asks them: Who’s the king of the jungle? The lion. And who doesn’t want to be the king of their inner jungle?

Himelstein has found that teens gravitate to this metaphor because it makes the concept less abstract. They can see how mindfulness will be useful to them and how it could give them an edge. Additionally, the metaphor becomes a language thread Himelstein can return to over and over again. “Lion-mind” is a shorthand for that ability to choose a reaction.

TRAUMA SENSITIVE MINDFULNESS

“A trauma-informed lens is, ‘this behavior may be a result of some sort of trauma.’ Or even better, ‘this may be a way for them to protect themselves,’ ” Himelstein said. The are some common issues he sees when trauma interacts with mindfulness.

Students don’t take the activity seriously

Students are triggered by silence because it feels like a storm is brewing, so they don’t want to be quiet

Students feel too many requests are made of them without the requisite trust being built up

Students exhibit avoidance behavior

Himelstein says building an authentic relationship is key to accessing the trust required to make mindfulness effective. For some kids, chaos is part of trauma so when adults are unpredictable they can’t be trusted. That’s why being a “predictable adult” is a good way to be authentic with kids.

Himelstein also offers these guidelines for teachers using mindfulness:

Don’t force it

Don’t focus on the logistics like sitting with eyes closed

Somatic awareness, like counting breaths, could be a good place to start. “There’s different types of awareness. Sometimes we’re really aware of what’s going on in the mind and sometimes we’re more aware of what’s going on in the body,” Himelstein said.

Think about the child’s window of tolerance and whether he is already triggered or not. “It’s good to strike when the iron is cold in a lot of these cases,” Himelstein said.

Build relationships

When Himelstein works with teachers, he’s conscientious of how different the classroom setting is from a therapeutic one. While teachers aren’t trained therapists, students gravitate towards a trusted teacher and want to share with them. On top of that, teachers are keenly aware of their duty to cover required content.

“They do have the hardest job out of all the direct service folks because they have all this stuff the’ve got to get through,” Himelstein said.

He likes to affirm with teachers right off-the-bat that the public school setting with 30-40 kids in a classroom is already not trauma-informed. It’s a very difficult context in which to build relationships, and the architecture, policies and procedures that can make schools feel institutional only make it harder. That’s why often Himelstein sees mindfulness first-and-foremost as a self-care technique for teachers. If teachers can successfully use their mindfulness practice to create metacognitive distance, they can take their ego out of interactions with kids.

“Classroom management skills that are based in trauma informed principles, which means learning how to redirect, learning how to confront people with a non-aggressive pose, not taking it personally, all of that overlaps to help form a relationship,” Himelstein said.

If teachers can see the trauma-informed approach as a way to better build relationships, he thinks it may feel less daunting. Once those relationships are formed and students trust their teachers, it’s more likely that mindfulness will be an effective tool for them.

Many teachers already see relationship building as a core part of their effectiveness, but one practice Himelstein recommends may be less intuitive in the rush to deliver information to students: active listening. “That’s a super simple concept, but it goes a long way, especially in an educational setting because kids are used to not just being presented to, but talked down to,” Himelstein said.

SELF CARE

Cultivating a trauma-informed classroom is much harder when educators themselves are burnt out. Building relationships, not reacting defensively to student behavior and taking time to listen to students can feel nearly impossible if the adult is barely making it through the day. Classrooms can be stressful places for teachers and even someone who has been practicing mindfulness for a long time may have difficulty calling upon that knowledge when triggered — just like kids.

That’s why a core part of a trauma-informed classroom is a healthy teacher. There are several categories of self-care, according to Himelstein:

Regular cultivation of relaxation response (3Rs): things like watching TV, going into nature, getting a massage.

Effortful training: These are things like more sustained meditation or exercise where the payoff comes over a longer time period.

Creativity: something that gives purpose and adds vibrancy to life. Writing, reading, painting or other passions are examples.

Advocacy: everything from learning to say “No” (set boundaries), to working at a higher level to impact policy or structural change.

Ultimately, Himelstein wants teachers to be aware of how students who have experienced trauma might be experiencing mindfulness in the classroom so they can respond in more empathetic ways. And, recognizing that sometimes teaching is traumatic and the practice may be more for the adults than the kids.

“You’re casting a wide net,” Himelstein said. “This is how it should be anyway. This is called trauma informed care because it’s often not done this way and when it’s not done it triggers people more. This should just be what engaged teaching is called.”

Why Mindfulness And Trauma-Informed Teaching Don’t Always Go Together published first on https://dlbusinessnow.tumblr.com/

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perfectzablog · 5 years

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Why Mindfulness And Trauma-Informed Teaching Don’t Always Go Together

TRAUMA SENSITIVE MINDFULNESS

Students don’t take the activity seriously

Students are triggered by silence because it feels like a storm is brewing, so they don’t want to be quiet

Students feel too many requests are made of them without the requisite trust being built up

Students exhibit avoidance behavior

Himelstein also offers these guidelines for teachers using mindfulness:

Don’t force it

Don’t focus on the logistics like sitting with eyes closed

Think about the child’s window of tolerance and whether he is already triggered or not. “It’s good to strike when the iron is cold in a lot of these cases,” Himelstein said.

Build relationships

“They do have the hardest job out of all the direct service folks because they have all this stuff the’ve got to get through,” Himelstein said.

SELF CARE

That’s why a core part of a trauma-informed classroom is a healthy teacher. There are several categories of self-care, according to Himelstein:

Regular cultivation of relaxation response (3Rs): things like watching TV, going into nature, getting a massage.

Effortful training: These are things like more sustained meditation or exercise where the payoff comes over a longer time period.

Creativity: something that gives purpose and adds vibrancy to life. Writing, reading, painting or other passions are examples.

Advocacy: everything from learning to say “No” (set boundaries), to working at a higher level to impact policy or structural change.

Why Mindfulness And Trauma-Informed Teaching Don’t Always Go Together published first on https://greatpricecourse.tumblr.com/

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kevinpolowy · 6 years

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2018 Oscars: Our insta-predictions

(Photo: Everett Collection)

The 2018 Oscar nominations are here — loaded with all sorts of surprises… and a whole lot of The Shape of Water. Guillermo del Toro’s woman-meets-merman fairy tale led all films with 13 nods, immediately making it the favorite at the March 4 event.

Of course, the Academy Awards are never that predictable. See last year, when Damien Chazelle’s beloved musical La La Land lead all films with a record-tying 14 nods, and, well, almost won Best Picture.

Here’s our knee-jerk reaction to the big categories.

BEST PICTURE

Nominees: Call Me by Your Name Darkest Hour Dunkirk Get Out Lady Bird Phantom Thread The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

As we’ve noted for the past few weeks, The Shape of Water and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri have emerged as the two clear-cut frontrunners. Three Billboards suffered a setback, however, when Martin McDonagh was left off the list for Best Director. Could that film pull an Argo, so to speak? Sure, but Shape is now the odd-on favorite. I’ve had a sneaking suspicion that Jordan Peele’s sleeper hit Get Out will pull an upset, but for now I’ll play it safe and say Shape. (Gotta love that the “safe” pick still involves a woman fornicating with a sea creature.)

Insta-prediction: The Shape of Water

BEST DIRECTOR

Nominees: Paul Thomas Anderson, Phantom Thread Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Jordan Peele, Get Out

Mazel tov, Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele. The Lady Bird filmmaker is only the fifth female director ever nominated, and Peele is only the fifth black director to make the cut. Both are unlikely to win, though. The director’s branch typically favors more visually commanding, technically stunning productions like The Revenant, Gravity, and Life of Pi, which could give Christopher Nolan a leg up to win his first Oscar for Dunkirk. But Picture and Director usually yield the same winners, so this is ultimately del Toro’s race to lose.

Insta-prediction: Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

BEST ACTRESS

Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird Meryl Streep, The Post

No major surprises in this category: We predicted it would come down to Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game) and Margot Robbie for the fifth slot, and it was the latter who qualified to compete for the gold. While Sally Hawkins and Saoirse Ronan seemed liked threats to win earlier this awards season, Frances McDormand has flourished at Three Major Awards Events this month (Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, SAG Awards) and looks primed to win her second Oscar.

Insta-prediction: Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

BEST ACTOR

Nominees: Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

At 22, Call Me by Your Name breakout Timothée Chalamet is the youngest Best Actor nominee in 75 years. If anyone’s capable of pulling off an upset against the highly favored Gary Oldman, it’d be him. But that’s very, very unlikely at this point. A barely recognizable Oldman gives a shockingly potent performance as WWII game-changer Winston Churchill, and Hollywood has been ready to give him his first Oscar for months now.

Insta-prediction: Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Nominees: Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Allison Janney, I, Tonya Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

It was a surprise to see Phantom Thread star Lesley Manville edge out The Big Sick‘s Holly Hunter and Downsizing‘s Hong Chau here. Yet as unpredictable as this category been, historically speaking (see: Marisa Tomei and Mira Sorvino), it feels like it’s becoming a surer and surer thing for Allison Janney for her profane and sublime performance as Tonya Harding’s monstrous mother in I, Tonya.

Insta-prediction: Allison Janney, I, Tonya

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Where in the world is Armie Hammer? It’s possible that he and Call Me by Your Name co-star Michael Stuhlbarg canceled each other other — but then again Three Billboards managed to send two of its own (Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell) to the big show. Rockwell is looking like the favorite after wins at the Globes at SAG Awards, but I wouldn’t bet all the money on him with Christopher Plummer and Willem Dafore here.

Insta-prediction: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Nominees: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick Jordan Peele, Get Out Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

McDonagh is a deeply respected playwright-turned-screenwriter who could get a boost here because he was snubbed in the directing category. But here would also be a primo opportunity to recognize one of the adored Best Picture underdogs, Get Out or Lady Bird.

Insta-prediction: Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Nominees: James Ivory, Call Me by Your Name Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, The Disaster Artist Scott Frank, James Mangold, and Michael Green, Logan Aaron Sorkin, Molly’s Game Dee Rees and Virgil Williams, Mudbound

A superhero movie earned a nomination in a category that’s not for sound or visual effects! Still, it’s an honor just to be nominated for Logan‘s trio. Given you’ve only got one Best Picture contender in Call Me by Your Name, this is an easy one to call for 89-year-old James Ivory.

Insta-prediction: James Ivory, Call Me by Your Name

Watch Allison Janney talk about her foul-mouthed performance in I, Tonya:

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