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invisibleicewands · 2 months

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WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 24 February, opens 6 March and runs through 11 May 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

A grieving son wraps his dying miner father in his arms, apologises for everything he could have done better to look after him and vows to make good by helping others.

The son is Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Labour politician and founder of the National Health Service on 5 July 1945, and Nye is the warts-and-all story of the man who would improve the health of countless millions of us and how he did it.

Nye died almost 15 years to the day he founded the NHS from stomach cancer and the conceit here is that he’s in hospital at the end of his life having a fever dream and wanders, pink pyjama-clad, through moments of importance.

Reading the article by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock in the programme about Bevan we discover his education was cut short at 13 when he followed his miner father down the pits to work in 1910.

In an almost reverse of film Dead Poets Society we meet the bullying schoolteacher who would cane a young Nye because of his speech impediment, the classmates who would protect him and the very Manic Street Preachers-like realisation that free libraries could give him the power to overcome his stammer by finding alternative words to those he could not utter.

Riffing on Dennis Potter’s Singing Detective Sheen’s Nye even sings Judy Garland’s Get Happy at 1 point as he and his miner colleagues use the time unemployment has afforded them to bone up on the way their home town of Tredegar in Wales is run and get themselves elected onto the boards of the bodies involved to finally do good by its people.

From our 4th row seats we see director Rufus Norris, also outgoing artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre, tread the boards at the beginning of this 1st preview to remind us as such there might have to be a pause in proceedings because of the freshness of the material but perhaps 1 of the reasons its star Sheen is beaming so much during the curtain call (see picture below) is because it all actually went so well.

The action is staged as if in a hospital ward for much of the time with beds on wheels used to great effect and curtains around beds featuring prominently and at 1 point, rather brilliantly, lowering to become rows of seats in Parliament.

Tony Jayawardena (Marjorie Prime, Menier) is quite brilliant as Nye’s nemesis Winston Churchill, a man who succeeds in doing what Labour were unable to by uniting all classes in opposition to world war.

Sharon Small (Good, Harold Pinter Theatre) is more than a match for a revelatory performance by Sheen, at 1 point seemingly channelling the boyish enthusiasm of a young Declan Donnelly from Ant and Dec, as she explains the sacrifices she made to support her husband.

There’s a lot of injustice to make the audience angry here and there’s some terrific political theatre in London at the moment to both challenge the mind and make the heart soar – An Enemy Of The People and Standing At The Sky’s Edge for example.

Like the outstanding Dear England, this is an example of a venue at the top of its game doing exactly what it should be doing in offering insight into stories of those who have shaped our country and influenced the people we have become.

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Another one who sang "Get Happy":

youtube

#Michael Sheen #theatre #National Theatre #Nye #Aneurin Bevan #review #Youtube

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oneatlatime · 5 months

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City of Walls and Secrets

I am also once again saving the commentary for a rewatch.

I still think rock trains are neat but their inefficiencies hurt my brain. The friction! They should at least install dynamic braking.

That's big. This show has really confined itself to the hinterlands so far, so this is really novel. I had no clue anything this big existed in the Avatar universe.

Complete nitpick time! Given that earthbending is a thing that exists, why bother making things out of stone with individual tiles like this?

Single most threatening musical sting of the whole show so far goes to an overly smiley tour guide.

Wow! I hate this lady already!

"Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls! There are the ones outside, protecting us, and the ones inside, protecting us from smelly poors!"

"In case someone brings home a lady friend!" Do you know your nephew AT ALL?

Both Iroh and Zuko are right. Life does happen everywhere and without your permission. But, the city is also remarkably prison-like.

He got them jobs in an afternoon. AN AFTERNOON. Stop it Iroh, you're making me feel inadequate.

Once a fuckboy, always a fuckboy. This particular leopard can't change his spots, no matter how he tries to dress up his actions in a new law-abiding veneer. I feel sorry for Smellerbee. Her faith in her leader isn't exactly being rewarded.

So... is there a law on the books that makes being a firebender illegal in Ba Sing Se? Because the head-in-the-sand vibe I'm getting from Judy makes me think that the average citizen doesn't even know there's a reason to dislike the Fire Nation. Iroh and Zuko could probably bend as openly as a waterbender or an earthbender could here.

This whole being handled thing must be dredging up some pretty nasty feelings for Toph. This is specifically what she left behind.

Speaking of precisely targeted torture, Judy is engineered to be as irritating to Sokka as possible. Man of action versus Lady of script.

What a productive use of time! What an exemplary case of turning over a new leaf!

Iroh buddy I have news for you regarding the ingredients of tea.

That's like the nicest thing a member of the Fire Nation royal family has said all year.

How to get Iroh's ass in gear: Step 1: Make insulting tea. Step 2: There is no step 2.

I thought that little thingy in the background was one of those electricity things.

The attention to detail in this show is stupid. There's a moving reflection of the carriage in the water as it goes past.

Hi forbidden city!

Ba Sing Se has a morality police?

I've already run out of patience with the city and I'm 7 minutes in. I haven't even made it to a commercial break yet!

Their house is cute but the veranda is so substantial that it's probably really dark inside. Also there's a pumpkin hood ornament on the roof.

I don't think you can stop there for a month. Have you guys forgotten the now-doubled ticking clock? Eclipse and comet?

Oh ok we're doing 1984 now. Damn. This show goes places.

I stand corrected. Everyone knows about the war and would be appropriately non-welcoming to firebending. But not openly. This could be like one of those Bugs Bunny bits where he traps someone in societal rules. If someone told a firebender not to bend, all they would have to do to get the guy off their case would be to ask why they aren't supposed to be firebending. What's the guy going to say, because there's a war on?

Shout out to Pong for doing the Gaang a solid and providing the only useful info since they've arrived.

There is something very Gollum-like about Jet, crouched in laundry on a roof in the dark, talking to his stolen spark rocks.

Sokka. Feet off the artwork.

Time for Toph to weaponise her oppressive upbringing and out-fancy the fancies in the name of ending the war.

Aang can master an element in a couple of months but a qualified expert declared manners to be beyond him.

I just realised that Sokka and Katara don't have a last name.

Sneaking into a Bear's (JUST Bear's) birthday party may be the single least violent infiltration attempt in the show so far.

Smellerbee is very articulate, and it's rare that this show spells out its themes so obviously. No metaphors, just "you're obsessed. It's not healthy." And Jet still doesn't get it. Maybe Smellerbee should have tried metaphors.

Normally glowy green stuff is bad news, but all of Ba Sing Se's green lighting is surprisingly cozy.

Sometimes, rarely but sometimes, Zuko has to put up with a lot of nonsense.

A raise? Did I miss a timeskip?

Busting in to a local business, yelling about the enemy, pulling out a lethal weapon: How to Look Sane, A Guide by Jet.

Customers, amirite?

I guess the Bei Fongs are too minor as nobles?

"You don't know what I had to do to get seats this near the bear!" but I want to.

I know this guy's voice from something.

Momo ghost plan. I want it.

Pretty funny that the busboys plan works better than the fancy ladies plan. Goes to show you should always play to your strengths.

Get de-wheated punk.

I'm not sure I've rooted for Zuko this wholeheartedly since The Storm.

Jet be like.

Judy is not good at her job. Like really not good. Her insistence on getting out of there before they cause a scene caused the scene. Nice going!

The music slowing down when Judy's face falls is really effective.

You ever get the feeling that it should be Aang who ran away to the circus rather than Ty Lee?

Actually a travelling circus would be a great way to be, and remain, an incognito airbender. Aang should have done that rather than frozen himself. Ok I'm not sure how much say he had in that, but you know what I mean.

For the first time in his life, Zuko has people take his side. It's too bad that it's based on a lie, but it must feel nice.

I would have preferred if Zuko had a clean win against Jet - they're both great with swords, but I thought Zuko was better - but an assist from the funky hat police works too.

I'm getting some funky vibes from the funky hat police.

Bye! I won't miss you!

The face on the guy on the left is the funniest part of this episode.

Now these are some funky hats.

I know this scene is supposed to be scary and tense and action-packed, but I can't get over the fact that the king just did a drive by. They carried him in one side and out the other. This concludes the King's presence at his Bear's birthday party. He's a very busy man, you see.

Long Fang's title keeps getting fancier.

Brain washing crops up quite a lot in kids' cartoons. This is not the first time I've seen this plot beat.

Forget the Fire Lord. Forget the Fire Nation. Long Fang just threatened Appa. Long Fang has to die now.

The Judys are replaceable. Given everything else this city seems ok with, they're probably disposable too. Yikes!

Final Thoughts

This episode was probably the most expository I've seen this season. Maybe even the whole show. It was a big infodump with barely any humour. Actually that's wrong; there was humour, but not to my taste.

Jet is infuriating as usual. I think the writers are going for the villainous decay trope, because smooth-talking season one Jet hasn't reappeared once.

I feel really sorry for Smellerbee and the archer guy. I wonder if they even wanted to go to Ba Sing Se in the first place.

Once again, for the third episode in a row, Zuko is one of, if not the, most reasonable character. Season one shouty Zuko is gone. Is this what I think it is? Has Zuko really turned a corner? If so, I'm liking (rather, disliking less) this new Zuko. This is good. I'm also surprised, because in my experience, if you want to domesticate someone, you don't put them in a customer-facing role. That will have the opposite effect and make them turn feral.

Iroh is having too much fun. It's good for him to have something of his own going on. I think he's been in Zuko wrangling mode 24/7 for the last two? three? years, so he definitely deserves to pursue his own interests for a bit. But I can't see Zuko being a tea boy for long before he's back to needing wrangling.

What's the long term plan though? Are Zuko and Iroh going to live the rest of their lives in Ba Sing Se? Are they waiting for something? Are Iroh and Zuko functionally dead, with Lee and Mushi taking their place?

I will give the show credit for finally coming up with and antagonistic force that Aang & company can't just bend or talk into submission. Bureaucratic tomfoolery covering for authoritarian censorship and information suppression and re-education was not something I'd ever have expected in this show, because it's a little too much like the real world, if you know what I mean.

I don't like seeing our heroes unable to triumph, so this episode was kind of uncomfortable to watch. It felt off the whole way through, which I credit to that creepy music box tune that played throughout. The soundtrack of this episode was a cut above what I usually hear in this show. I noticed it more than I usually do, and I mean that in a good way.

As someone who'd be lucky to pass as a busboy, upper class intrigue and social games stuff doesn't do it for me, so this wasn't an episode I was going to enjoy anyway. I preferred the B plot with Zuko and Iroh, for the sheer absurdity of the concept. Imagine you're in 1950s London, having barely survived the Blitz, and you come across Himmler working in a pub. It's so odd that it almost wraps back around to normal again.

I didn't find this episode very enjoyable. I don't like the forced inactivity that's been imposed on the Gaang. The humour was not to my taste. The worldbuilding was substantial, but - probably thanks to Joo Dee, whose name I've definitely been misspelling - it felt inorganic, like a lecture. Which the writers do lampshade by making Joo Dee sound like one of those audio guide things you rent from tourist attractions. But lampshading a fault does not make a fault go away.

Thanks to what happens to Jet, I know that the people of Ba Sing Se don't dare even think about the war, for their own safety. But after spending more than half a season being shown every type of refugee and victim of war in other parts of the Earth Kingdom, I could not bring myself to give a flying fuck over Pong's concern for keeping his house. The city is frustrating, the officials are frustrating, their priorities are beyond frustrating. Zuko was right when he said he didn't want to make a life there, although I did find the lower ring where Zuko and Iroh are to be far more comfortable than the high ring where the gaang is.

This episode makes me want to bite something.

And still no Appa.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #city of walls and secrets

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emeraldhaven · 7 months

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Celebrating You and Only You

V hated birthdays.

Another tick of the clock towards inevitability, a step towards the end of a life she loved so very much. She didn't hate them purely because of this of course - she also didn't like the expectations that came on a day like today. Gifts, parties, celebrations of her life which, in the grand scheme of things, wasn't all that important. She'd much rather head out on her bike, drive by some Tyger Claws or Maelstrom and fry their brains to a crisp using her cyberdeck than have to accept gifts from her friends that, bless their souls, would be trying to make this year a "year to remember".

"Jesus V - could you be any more depressin'? Cheer up, live a little!" Johnny whined, appearing on the sidewalk beside V. He was looking wistfully over the Watson community centre, leaning on the handrail exactly the same as she was.

"C'mon Johnny, you've been trawling through my memories, you know why I don't like today." V said, looking over to see whatever Johnny was also looking at. She didn't really see anything other than a few people drunk or high stumbling along the sidewalk. She breathed in deeply, held it and closed her eyes, the stale Night City air burning her lungs, then dropping her shoulders and breathing out slowly, her hand gripping tightly onto the railing.

Johnny shook his head and scoffed, pushing off of the railing and crossing his arms.

"Hey, I'm not sayin' you need to like today, just at least visit the people who care about you most. Quit bein' a little shit and make people feel like you appreciate their efforts."

V sighed. She really didn't want to go and see anybody today, but maybe Johnny was right - maybe she ought to go see some of her friends? Taking out her phone, she opened up the contacts menu and scrolled down, tapping on So Mi.

The phone rang, and rang, and rang, and rang.

"Huh. Why isn't So Mi picking up?" V wondered. It's quite unlike her little Songbird to not pick up the phone when she called, given everything that happened between the two. Granted, she'd just come back from her little trip up to Tycho, and any kind of operation is going to be taxing on somebody - maybe she wasn't feeling up to chatting?

V tried to contact her other friends: Kerry went straight to voicemail; Judy was on do-not-disturb; Panam was "out of cell range" - whatever that meant; River was "at work". Tapping her phone against her chin, V hummed out loud some familiar tune that was stuck in her head whilst she thought why every single person she could possibly want to hang out with was suddenly completely unavailable.

She hears a ping from her cellphone - it's a photo from So Mi and it's of the front door to her apartment. The caption reads:

"Come home."

V's heartrate shoots up - what does she mean, come home? Songbird has no idea where her apartment is, she'd never gone there during the whole Dogtown event, instead staying at the various safehouses that Reed and Alex had set up. It was a worrying thing for So Mi to know both where she lived and that she was there - it wasn't a particularly safe megabuilding.

Hopping on her Kusanagi, she turned the key and kicked off the pavement, pulling the throttle hard and speeding off to her home. After some incredibly reckless driving (Judy calls it "literally asking for trouble"), she arrives in quite possibly the shortest amount of time it's ever taken for her to drive across Night City. V practically jumps up the entire flight of stairs in front of her block, somehow leaping up 4 stairs at a time to reach the elevator, barely even registering the small red-electrical glitch on the TV screens, and once it arrives at the top sprints towards her apartment door and opens it.

The first thing V notices is that it's too quiet. Taking a quick scan around her apartment with her eyes, she can't see anyone and even her Kiroshi's aren't registering anything out of the ordinary. It takes one, two, three steps into her home before anything happens. A red glitch takes over her vision; quite similar to how the Relic would give her trouble, but she feels completely fine; until it all starts to clear and…

"SURPRISE!!" A loud cacophony of voices and cheers and party horns and poppers go off, showering her in a sea of noise, warmth and a shocking amount of confetti. V blinks away the odd bit of static to see all of her friends standing before her: Panam, Mitch, Judy, Rita, River, Kerry, Misty, Reed, Alex, Jackie, Viktor, Takemura and right in the middle as though she was illuminated by the stars themselves, So Mi holding a cake with the cutest little artistic (and quite edible) depiction of V at work, Mantis Blades in hand.

"Guys, you didn't have to do all this!" V exclaimed, shocked that they could have even set up something as elaborate as this without her really knowing.

"V, choom, we wouldn't have had it any other way." Jackie said softly, walking over and placing a hand around her shoulders. "Now kick back, relax and grab a cold one - it's time for celebrating you, and only you, today. None of this back and forth shit."

V looked up at Jackie and back towards her friends, her eyes starting to well up from all the emotions. She started to see all the little details - the cake, the small pieces of ribbon around the apartment, the bunting celebrating her 24th birthday, and all her friends dressed up and here for her. It wasn't something she was used to, but it was definitely something she could grow to enjoy.

As the party started, Jackie left V to go talk to Viktor and Takemura about some boxing thing that V didn't really know a whole lot about. She walked over and sat down next to So Mi, dressed in an immaculate jacket and jean combo that was quite similar to what her Relic-form had actually looked like. She was stunning, truly a beautiful woman in her own right, but since she got back from Luna she had this sparkle in her eyes that made V's heart flutter.

"Hey V - didn't see this one coming did you?" Songbird smirked, her soft lips accented in a beautifully red lipstick. V felt almost unable to take her eyes off of them, flicking down between her two newest vices: Songbird's eyes and lips.

"Uh, um, n-no no I didn't actually. How long have you known?" V stuttered.

"Ha! Well, it was a combination of everyone really. I got back from Tycho and, well, I got contacted by Panam - something about you not really having a lot of time celebrating your birthday in the past?" So Mi took a sip from her drink, lips wrapped around the straw in her cup.

"Ah I shouldn't have gotten drunk and chatted life with Panam - didn't realise that I'd have left something like that slip." V chuckled. "What was your little part to play in all this, Song?"

"The whole fact you couldn't see anything - hooked into the Relic and altered your visualware for the whole effect. Might have spruced other things up, as well, but y'know that's just for personal fun." Song couldn't have looked any more smug, nor more beautiful given that it seemed like, to V at least, that she was literally glowing.

"You're beautiful." V muttered, completely unaware that she'd said that out loud.

Songbird blushed a deep red. "Thanks V, that means a lot coming from you." She started to play with the top of the typical red cup she was holding.

V's eyes widened and her own scarlet blush creeped across her face, the tips of her eyes going ever so slightly pink. Taking a swig of her drink, she placed her hand on top of So Mi's, their pinkies ever so slightly hooking onto the other's.

"No, thank you Song - for all of this. I really, really appreciate you being here, and I'd want nothing else." V smiled softly at So Mi, flicking down to her lips again. She suddenly got quite aware of how close they were actually sitting on the couch.

"V… I-"

"Hey V! Come check out this sweet new gear that Judy's got!" Panam called over, rushing to grab V's arm and pull her away from Songbird. V looked back guiltily at Song, mouthing out "I'm sorry, talk later!" towards the redhead who smiled back and nodded in return.

The party would continue into the late night, and one-by-one people said their farewells and see-you-laters until everyone had left except for Jackie and Songbird.

"Alright V, I'd best be off - got a cute date with Misty in the morning, and I don't wanna miss it." Jackie said, slapping his legs and standing up. V walked him over to the door and hugged him.

"Thanks Jack - I had a preem time today." V said, choking on the last few words and giving Jackie another hug before he left.

"And then there were two." Songbird chuckled, lounging back on the couch, heels off and feet up on the couch, arms outstretched over the couch's spine.

"Well it was one at some point right, back when you were just a cute ghost in my head?" V chuckled, the room slightly swaying. V stumbles over and flops down onto the couch, falling right into the space between So Mi's side and her outstretched arm. V's back is suddenly warm, the machinery within So Mi's body heating up as the alcohol within their systems work independently, but seemingly together.

So Mi wraps her arm around V's chest, slowly stroking her abdomen, fingers raising and dropping at the curves of her abs. "Mmm - only a cute ghost? I seem to remember a certain someone thinking quite a lot about other things that involve the 'cute ghost in her head'." So Mi giggled, squeezing softly.

"Would be a gonk ass move to think too much nowadays though; pretty sure I was getting quite visceral feedback myself." V looked up at So Mi, gazing back into those captivating eyes. "Couldn't help it, Song, you had me when you invited back to that bench."

So Mi hummed, a multitude of thoughts, feelings and pure emotions coursing through her head. As her heartbeat ramped up, the whirring in the motors in her spine lowly increased, and V noticed.

"Not gettin' too mushy on me, are ya' Song?" V giggled back, placing her own hand on Songbird's, the dark glow of both her apartment and Night City from her window illuminating the two.

Songbird shook her head and then slowly, softly and with the most care anyone has ever given to V, leant down and kissed the top of her head. Burying her nose in the plushness of V's soft, delicate stained-red hair, she exhaled in complete comfort.

"No V, I'm just as mushy and as happy as I want to be right here, right now, with you. Spending as much time as I can while we still have it to spend in whatever ways we want. Happy birthday, V." Songbird murmured, closing her eyes.

Taking a minute, V calmed her screaming heart and said quietly: "It's, um, it's Valerie. My real name is Valerie."

"Then happy birthday Valerie - you deserve it." Songbird affirmed.

V hummed happily, sleepily planting an ever softer kiss on So Mi's hand, entwining their fingers and drifting off, her eyelids fluttering closed as the comforting embrace of Songbird enveloped her in her wings.

Maybe V didn't hate birthdays after all.

#cyberpunk2077 #v cyberpunk #phantom liberty #songbird cyberpunk #songv #fanfic #long post #my work #happy birthday v #last minute no editing oop #song so mi #everyone is here #2000 words of almost pure fluff

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tarmac-rat · 1 year

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Slowly quietly thinking about how water-- the classical element of change, movement, emotion, and community-- is a subtle symbol of every Cyberpunk 2077's love interest's quest once it reaches it's completion

Judy Alvarez wants to enact change. She is, at her core, an idealist, and wants to confront the injustices of the world she lives in even if she doesn't exactly know where to start. Judy sees the way the world chews up the working classes of Night City and spits them out with no remorse and is one of the only people who says "no, this shouldn't stand, we have to do something". Even though her plan to seize of Clouds is ultimately unsuccessful, she walks away having gained at least one thing: her freedom. She's tied to Night City, in many ways always will be, but she realizes her worth extends beyond the place that's done absolutely nothing for her in return, so she chooses to leave it behind. Judy's storyline ends with her sitting on the dock overlooking the reservoir of Laguna Bend.

River Ward doesn't know how to change. Blue-blooded through and through, an NCPD detective whose traumatic experiences with crime has shaped who he is. River's morality drives his work, but it also pushes those closest to him-- his sister, his niece and nephews-- away from him. As a result, we see him as the thing society shaped him to be: a no-nonsense, by-the-book cop who genuinely believes in the morality of those he works with until he's forced to look it's corruption dead in the eyes. And the second he realizes how unjust the law he fought so hard to uphold really is, he severs his ties with it and returns to the people who care for him the most. River's storyline ends with him sitting on top of a water tower.

Kerry Eurodyne is resistant to change. Why wouldn't he be? Kerry Eurodyne is the last of the old guard, a rockerboy still living 60 years in the past who's in a mansion he hates and in a corporate deal he can't break out of. So what happens when change comes along in the form of a J-Pop band that's covering his songs without his permission? He confronts them, old-school style, because that's what rockerboys like him've always done. But Kerry soon realizes that the world moving on isn't a bad thing-- what is bad is him digging in his heels and not moving along with it. The new ways can be hard to accept, but Kerry's done with spending the rest of his life grappling with a past he refuses to reconcile with, so he ushers in a new era of his life the only way he knows how to: with songs and flames. Kerry's storyline ends with him lying on the shoreline of Del Cornado Bay

Panam Palmer is desperate for her people to change. Stubborn, hardheaded Panam saw the writing on the wall and broke out for a fresh start the moment she realized Saul's 'promised land' was nothing but dust, Raffen, and dealings with Biotechnica. She struck out as a merc in Night City, running drugs and working with the local gangs. But Panam's loyality is as much a blessing as it is a curse. She comes back when her family needs her, but she is done sitting on the sidelines and watching the Aldecaldos fall further under a corporate's thumb. So she does the only thing she feels she can do: steals a panzer and shows her leaders that their clan can still be something great. She's rewarded for her actions, and the Aldecaldos retain their independence for good. Panam's storyline ends with her driving the Basilisk over a lake in the Badlands.

#Cyberpunk 2077 #CP2077 #Judy Alvarez #River Ward #Kerry Eurodyne #Panam Palmer #Yeah yeah smth smth 'Water is the element of change we have a sense of community and love that holds us together through anything'#Also bonus fun fact that Johnny is very often paralleled with fire and Fire and Water are direct inverses of each other lolololol #This has been your once-every-two-months Cyberpunk meta analysis with Seta thank you for coming and please tip your waiters #Aldi speaks

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honeysuckleharringtons · 4 months

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Part Five: "Seasonal Specials" ~ S. Harrington

Summary: (Then) Christmas Eve has rolled around, and unfortunately for a very pregnant Reader, she is stuck at home with a migraine. Luckily for her, her younger brother doesn't make for too bad of company. — (Now) A slow shift at Brew and Me turns out to be a good night for advice and a call from everyone's favorite nursing student.

Pairing: Nurse!Steve Harrington x Fem!Byers!Reader

Word Count: 1,900

Content Warning: teen pregnancy, discussions of homophobia, discussions of abuse and allusions to physical abuse, discussions of slut-shaming, Reader is lowkey bad at advice when it comes to these topics LMAO, explicit language, food consumption (Reader drinks hot chocolate), not really a warning but Will is gay and autistic in this series, as always lmk if i missed anything!

Extra Notes: this should've been posted way earlier, i am so sorry it wasn't. hope you guys enjoy though!

Originally Written: 12/21/2023 through 12/25/2023

honeysuckleharringtons' main masterlist can be found here!

'brew and me' series masterlist can be found here!

[ Then, December of 1987 ]

Christmas Eve. It was Christmas Eve and you were stuck at home with an excruciating headache.

You supposed it wasn't all bad. After all, staying at home was preferable over the rare occasion that you did leave the house, when everyone would stare you down like some caged animal at the zoo. Unfortunately, the same could be said for your family—no, not your immediate family, who'd helped you more than ever since you'd entered your third and final trimester—whose reactions had ranged from disgusted to sympathetic.

When you'd gone to the family's end-of-summer family reunion, you'd tried your best to hide the tiny bump you were sporting at the time. However, your aunt Judy had taken notice of your particularly round belly, and immediately figured out that it wasn't from one too many hot dogs at the cookout. Ever since then, you'd heard every comment in the book, everything from "whore throwing her life away" to "so sad she thought that was her only option."

So, instead of listening to the endless insults from your distant relatives, you'd prayed for some way out of the gathering. Unfortunately for you, God had a sense of humor, hence the excruciating headache.

The sound of the microwave beeping in the next room over set you off all over again, the noise like a hammer to the head. "Will, can't you tell that thing to shut up?" you groaned, covering your face with the compress he'd made you.

"Unfortunately, I don't think that's going to help," he joked. You couldn't tell if you wanted to laugh or kill him for his sense of humor. "Here's your hot chocolate."

You sat up ever-so-slightly, taking a small drink of the deep brown liquid. Almost instantly, the warmth of it made you feel a little better. "Thank you." You reached a hand over, ruffling his already messy hair. "By the way, you didn't have to stay home with me."

"And listen to Uncle Howie tell me how we're both going to hell? I'd rather have that headache of yours."

A snicker escaped your lips, knowing exactly what he meant. "Okay, maybe Uncle Howie is a bit too opinionated on the sex lives of sixteen and eighteen year olds, but you don't have to listen to him. I mean, you're missing out on Grandma's fruitcake, which is your favorite part of the holidays."

"After last year, listening to half our cousins tell me I'm fruitier than the cake, I don't think I'll ever eat it again." Will pulled his knees up to his chest, his face overtaken by an expression that looked a lot like longing. "Besides, it's not really worth it to me."

You set your mug aside before placing a hand on his knee. "What do you mean?"

"The way the family talks about you… I thought I was the black sheep of the family. You might as well be a purple sheep."

Your pregnancy hormones must've taken over, because instead of a normal reaction, you found yourself beginning to cry from his words. No, not because of pain from his statement, but rather comfort in knowing that he'd rather miss out on the finer things of life if it meant sticking up for you.

Will, and his lack of social cue skills, stared at you for a moment, unsure what to say. Eventually, he landed on, "Sorry if I made you more upset. I didn't-"

A small huff of amusement left your mouth as you shook your head. "No, Will," you smiled, reaching up to wipe away your excess tears, "I'm just… I'm really happy to have you."

He flashed you a closed-lip smile, one that felt so genuine and unapologetically Will. "I know you'd do the same for me."

[ Now, December of 1991 ]

"I would, kiddo. I really would."

Aster Bay was a different kind of beautiful at the holidays. Sure, the small college town was normally beautiful, but upon seeing the small-town glow overtake the place, you were sure you hadn't seen anything like it.

Apartments and beach-side condos decked out in Christmas lights, a tree as high as the clouds in the town square, students dressed in Christmas and Hanukkah sweaters, their dogs in matching attire. The town felt like your own personal snow globe, tiny flakes flooding the ground beneath your feet with every step.

The magic of the holidays of course carried over into your favorite little coffee shop, decorations of red and green covering the walls and counters while the smell of peppermint wafted through the air. Unfortunately for you and Max, the one thing your little coffee shop was lacking this Christmas Eve was customers.

Neither of you were really sure why the store was open. Nearly everyone had gone home for the holidays—students, patrons, and other baristas alike—and the store was dead quiet, aside from the soft sound of Sinead O'Conner playing on the overhead speaker. Silent Night is accurate, you thought to yourself.

"So, where's your lover boy at this Christmas Eve?" Max joked, breaking the long-winded silence.

You sighed, secretly longing for the nurse she spoke of. "Apparently they gave him a week off from the hospital so he went home to see his folks." A small wave of loneliness had come over you when Steve had told you about his departure a few days prior, when he stopped by to grab a latte for the road.

"That's nice. At least he's hopefully having a good time, not working on the holidays like some of us," she said lightheartedly. Though, you could've sworn you heard a hint of sadness in her tone.

"Hey, how come you aren't at home with your folks?" The question had been a simple one, but when Max looked up at you, you could tell her answer was about to be anything but simple.

Her arms folded tightly in front of her chest as she looked at you, a sigh falling between her plump lips. "It's… complicated."

You placed a loving hand on her shoulder. "I know we're only coworkers and we aren't really supposed to bring our personal lives to work with us, but you know you can talk to me, right? I'm your friend, plus I'm a mother so I have problem solving skills now."

She huffed in amusement at your last remark. "It's just… I can't really say a lot but my life in California, it's not as good as my life here. And as much as I love my mom, there's just… well, it's just better for me to stay here even as much as I miss her. Besides, it's not like I make enough to fly home and Neil certainly isn't going to pay for my flight."

You could tell from the clear distaste in the way she said Neil that she didn't like to say his name anymore than she had to. Unfortunately, you knew all too well what that was like, and there was a certain name that left a bad taste in your own mouth the same way Neil did for Max.

"I can't give you much advice because my dad was the one that left, but I promise, it does get better," you empathized. "You made the right decision by staying here. I'm proud of you, Max."

She began to fiddle with the sleeve of her flannel, her eyes darting away. "I hate being here though. I can't help my mom from here. There's no telling what he does to her when me and Billy are away."

You knew exactly what she meant by that too. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but that'll change too. Eventually he'll get tired of you and your mom fighting back and he'll leave. That's what my dad did anyway."

"The thing is," she paused, licking her lips, "I'm not sure my mom wants to fight back. It's like she wants to deal with Neil's bullshit. I mean, she divorced my dad over not making enough money and then she married Neil, who is still scraping at the bottom of the barrel to keep the lights on every month. Not to mention, she dated like ten guys in between and broke up with them for way less, but she'll always find a way to justify his actions."

You shrugged your shoulders. "My mom put up with it for seventeen years before she started to truly fight back." A small wave of silence came over the room before you continued, "I'm sorry I don't have much advice. I guess my situation was just a little different than most survivors'. One thing I can tell you though is that I'm proud of you for making the best decision for yourself. I know it's hard to put yourself first sometimes."

Max gave you a crooked smile, finally looking up at you again. "As much as it sucks that we've both been through a bad thing, I'm glad I have you to talk to about it."

"Of course, love. You're like a little sister to me."

Cutting your conversation short, the phone began to ring, the sound grating on your nerves. You loved your job, but it was Christmas Eve, damn it. In all honesty, you really just wanted to be at home, drinking hot chocolate with your girl in your lap and a movie playing on television.

Still, you picked up the phone, answering with the signature, "Happy holidays from Brew and Me. What can we do for you?"

"Can you tell me your seasonal specials?" said a familiar voice, his smirk audible in his tone.

"Steve! You're supposed to be on vacation," you scolded, though internally you were extremely happy to hear his voice. What is wrong with me? you pondered silently.

"I am, but I couldn't resist calling and ordering something."

Your brows furrowed at his statement. "How does that work?"

"Order anything you'd like and I'll pay you back when I get back to town. Think of it as a Christmas present, or whatever you celebrate."

"That feels like cheating, Harrington." Your eyes narrowed, despite his inability to see it.

"You don't have to tell me what it is, just how much I'll owe you," he replied. You could hear a fireplace crackling quietly in the background, and you could easily imagine him curled up in front of it, his skin covered with a thick Christmas sweater, glasses perched on his nose as he read a novel. "Same for Max or whoever else is working. Treat yourselves, courtesy of me."

"Well, thank you, Steve. We appreciate it," your lips curved upward into a smile as you spoke. "I hope you're enjoying your time off."

"I am. I'm sorry you have to work on Christmas Eve." You could almost hear the frown on his lips as he sympathized with you.

"It's not all bad. After all, I'm getting to hear from you."

"Careful, Byers, or I'll start to think you like me back," he smirked. Butterflies went off in your belly, your cheeks warm and surely rosy.

You were sure full sentences had escaped you, considering Steve had the ability to take your breath away and make you blush like no one else could. So, you stuck with what you knew you could say without stumbling over your words. "Happy holidays, Doc."

"It's a very happy holiday when I get to talk to you, Y/N."

So tumblr hates me...

I went over 24 hours thinking this chapter posted, only to find out tumblr ate it somewhere between my drafts, my queue, and my posts 🤦🏻‍♀️ this app loves to embarrass me

Anyway, I hope this was worth the extra long wait. It sucks that I'm posting it after the initial Christmas magic is over but I hope you guys liked it regardless! I will see you back here on Sunday for chapter six, which will be posted on time, fingers crossed!

-> taglist: @dungeons-are-too-cold @ducky-died-inside @awkotaco24 @liberhoe @princesseddie @corrodedseraphine @manuosorioh @esoltis280 @hazydespair @frostandflamesfanfic

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witchthewriter · 14 days

Note

I feel like this is gonna be a really weird request. But if you’ve seen zootopia, would you be okay doing a character profile [birth chart, mbti] for Nick Wilde?

Not weird at all! It was really interesting to do this one. Happy to do most characters ✧ ₊・🦊・₊✧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞: 𝑁𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑒

𝐌𝐁𝐓𝐈

𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑷 | 𝑇𝘩𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Nick loves a mental sparring session with someone who can challenge him. ENTPs enjoy playing devil’s advocate, partly because it allows them to showcase their quick wit and partly because it helps them to clarify their thoughts. We can see throughout the movie that Nick obviously loves rocking the boat; but he always has a life jacket.

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑵𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅

(Taking into account that the movie is aimed at children). Nick was Chaotic Neutral; not caring about the law (obviously) or about anyone but himself. Until Judy comes along. She has a direct influence on him; character development. And he changes into Chaotic Good.

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔

Upright: New ideas, curiosity, thirst for knowledge, new ways of communicating Reversed: Self-expression, all talk and no action, haphazard action, haste

This card is often associated with curiosity, intellectual agility, and a mischievous streak. It can represent someone who enjoys stirring up intellectual debates or challenging others with their wit and cleverness.

𝐒𝐔𝐍

𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒐

Scorpio's mysterious nature and ability to perceive things that others pass by unnoticed can be both captivating and intimidating, leaving others both curious and intimidated by the possibility of learning more about the hidden facets of their personality. That's why I think Nick is a Scorpio Sun; seems to know more about others without them saying anything. He's very perceptive, intuitive, observant, insightful and obviously clever.

𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍

𝑳𝒆𝒐

He feels safe in moments when he can impress others and get praise and admiration. Many Leo Moons' have a desire for money and social status, and have a strong ability to get it. They also have a talent for drama and creative activities.

𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆/𝐀𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓

𝑮𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊

Gemini is linked to the winged messenger, Hermes, aka the Greek god of wealth, luck, language, and travel—so Gemini Risings tend to be strong linguists who just have a way with words. For that reason, they’re often seen as tricky or clever. They eventually become masters of communication, learning exactly the right words to use and judging when to speak up and when not to speak up.

𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐘

𝑨𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔

I think what's overlooked is Nick's forward-thinking and interests. His character can be very compressed and put down to 'sly, quick and unrealiable.' But when he feels comfortable and safe, we see that he has a lot of creative and innovative ideas. He enjoys exploring possibilities beyond the conventional.

𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐒

𝑨𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔

Aquarius Venus individuals value intellectual connections and are attracted to partners who stimulate their mind. They appreciate independent thinking and enjoy engaging in intellectual discussions and debates. That's exactly how I see Nick; needing to have a partner that can keep up with banter and bickering, but also intellectual conversations about the world around them.

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐒

𝑺𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔

Mars in Sagittarius individuals have a strong sense of adventure and a desire for freedom. They are enthusiastic, optimistic, and have a broad perspective. They possess a pioneering spirit and enjoy taking risks.

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circusmania · 3 months

Text

SIN Chapter 2

₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹ Notes: Chapter 1 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹

I can still hear your heart beating for me

Wishing for my lavish

Waiting for me to return

That heart that is only mine

Of which only I can touch

Just you wait

I'll come back

My heart almost jumps out of its rib cage. I turned around and was met with Marcus…and his cigarette.

“Uhm, I…” Now that I think of it, why did I come out here? “Fresh air, I guess.” He seems to be convinced, for now.

We stood in silence for a little while. Marcus took a drag of his cigarette and let the smoke run free.

I coughed, not only was it nauseating, but it was also unbearable witnessing someone waste their life away like this.

“You know you can't smoke on school property, right?” Marcus continued to face the ground, he took another puff of his cigarette.

Ugh, and to think I was starting to like him. I coughed again, this time only to make him feel bad. I don't think it worked, though.

“I'm pretty sure you'll develop lung cancer or something, too,” I continued.

“Why did you really come here?” He interrupted me. “I know for a fact you didn't come here to bitch about me smoking, and you sure as hell didn't come for a smoke break.”

No shit.

“I told you I came for fresh air, but now I see that that idea is out of the window-”

All of a sudden, the back door swung open and Judy marched out.

“What do you think you're doing? Are you seriously ditching us for this loser?”

Uh oh…

“Judy, please, I was just trying to tell him how smoking is bad for him,” I said while Judy gritted her teeth.

“I don't want to see you hanging around this… Freak anymore.”

Judy grabbed my arm and pulled me up the steps back into the cafeteria. She opened the door, but before she could step in, Marcus grabbed my arm, yanking us both back.

“He doesn't need to go anywhere. More or less, you can't tell him who he wants to see or not. That's not how a relationship works.”

“What do you know about how a relationship works?” Judy snapped, turning towards me. “Well?? Tell him to leave you alone.”

“Judy… I think you should just leave.” I said, watching her eyes slowly widen and her lip quiver.

I felt her slowly letting my arm go, her eyes filling up with tears.

“Judy, I-” Before I could say anything, she ran past me, choking on a few sobs. I thought about chasing after her, but Marcus stops me.

“Don't, that's exactly what she wants you to do.”

“I've never seen her cry like this before…”

“I assure you it won't be the last.” Marcus lit another cigarette and took another puff before crushing the butt with his heel. “She'll be back anyway. Who can resist you?” I hear him lightly laugh to himself. Jokingly.

He's right. This wasn't the first time she ran away from me, but it will be the last time I chased after her.

Marcus takes a seat at the bottom of the stairs, and I shortly join him. We both sit in silence for a while.

“What are you?” I ask without thinking.

I see him stiffen a bit before turning to face me.

“Excuse me?”

I couldn't read his facial expression, however, I could tell I have offended him in a way.

“Erm, I mean, are you goth, alt, vamp…?”

I watch him relax, slightly chuckling.

“Heh, I guess I fall more into being alt.” He smiles.

“Have you always been alt?” I said, trying to get him to open up more.

He starts to pick the dirt off his shoes. “I've always had an interest in this kind of style. The clothes, the makeup, the music, god don't make me get started on the music.” He went off.

I smiled, I like seeing how people can get so wrapped in their thoughts and just ramble off like that. I see it in Omar all the time.

“Kind of stereotypical, but I'm also really into rituals and shit. I especially love scaring people with it, too.”

“Oh! So you're into dark fantasy too? Omar is into that as well, technically he's into any type of fantasy.” Marcus said nothing for a bit.

“Dark fantasy… yeah, you can say that.” Marcus smiled; I smiled back.

“Mm, you should come to his house this weekend, he's having this huge party. Here, I'll write you his address.”

I take a scrap piece of paper and pen from my pockets and write it down for him. He takes it gingerly.

“Will you be coming?” He asked, examining the paper.

“Of course.”

He smiles.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚🔔🔔🔔˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

I grab my binder and pencil case from my locker; preparing for my last but least favourite class, science. Abruptly, I was enveloped in a tight hug from behind.

“I'M SO SORRY.”

Judy.

I sighed and turned around to face her. Her face was all red and puffy. She was still sniffling and had tears dripping down her cheeks. I felt awful.

I cupped her face and wiped her face with my sleeve.

“I should've thought about your feelings too!” She cried.

I hugged her back, “It's okay, we all make mistakes.”

She started to slowly calm down and rub her face with her bare arm.

“Thank you… I'm so lucky to be with you. I'll be going now.” I nod.

I watch her walk away before turning toward my next class. My science class was way further down the hall, what's worst is that I didn't share it with anyone I know. My schedule consisted of English with Vanessa, theatre with Omar and Judy, and math with Judy (and now Marcus). I was all alone in science… or so I thought until I was met with an empty seat next to Marcus in science class.

Every other seat was filled since I was running a bit late, except Marcus's of course.

I sat down next to him, it seemed like everyone was avoiding him. Not that I didn't know why, he was dressed a little out of the ordinary. However, I don't think the pity stares I earned were necessary, he's not going to be killing me. Hopefully.

Either way, he seems like a very nice and misunderstood kid. Some people were just assholes.

The teacher walked in, making the class go silent.

⭒❃.✮:▹🕛🕐🕒◃:✮.❃⭒

Suddenly, the intercom chimed.

“Will Marcus D Angelo please make his way to the office? Marcus D Angelo, thank you.”

Everyone turned towards him, watching him make his way out of the classroom.

A few minutes later and London Oswald came in. He had a black eye…

He sat next to me and pushed Marcus's stuff to the side, setting his binder on the desk.

“Uh, Marcus is sitting there...”

“He won't be coming back anyway, you see this?” He points to his black eye. “That fucker did it. And it's only because I made a simple, harmless joke.”

“What was the joke about?”

“Nothing serious, really! It was a joke about how he looked emo and shit. He didn't have to give me a fucking black eye.”

I stayed quiet. I didn't know Marcus was sensitive like that.

London sighed.

“Look, I don't know if y'all are friends or something, but don't worry, he's not suspended. Just got sent home early.”

Marcus came in and swiftly gathered his stuff. I couldn't see his eyes, but I could tell he was glaring at London. He looked at me and shot me a quick smile before disappearing again.

London sighed.

“Listen, man, I like you, you're a good teammate, and you don't take shit from no one. My only advice to you is to stay away from him.”

I bit my lip and ruffled my hair.

Maybe he's right.

₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹♡ ₊˚⊹ Want to read ahead? Click here!

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theromanticscrooge · 1 month

Text

Mr. Gar, a Fount of Masculinity and the Step Dad that Stepped Up

Mr. Gar is introduced as this stoic, gruff picture of manliness. The most promising up-and-coming heroes at the Plaza, Rad and Enid, work and train directly under him. Most Boxmore threats are small enough that Mr. Gar trusts Rad and Enid to handle things but when the stakes get a little too high, he parts the clouds themselves and enters the fray. He's a slightly mysterious, larger than life figure; the pinnacle of role models and exactly who K.O. aspires to be when he's older.

At the start of the series, viewers only see the stoic facade crack around Carol. He becomes an anxious, tongue-tied wreck. Its an achievement if he's able to string together anything close to a coherent sentence around her. The first hints viewers get about their history together are the Silver Spark portrait on Mr. Gar's desk and the sub sandwich flashbacks. Everyone is aware of how he feels about Carol and even ship them together to some degree. Carol wants to talk to him and reconnect, even when she has to take the initiative in general conversations. So, the question becomes what's actually stopping Mr. Gar here?

In the POINT flashbacks, the young Mr. Gar is the anxious, meek, tongue-tied luchador-themed hero El Bow. El Bow was very much a capable and talented hero. He was one of three hand-picked junior candidates to join the prestigious hero team POINT. Before that, he was known and highly respected for his lucha libre, as revealed and fangirled over by Punching Judy. Though these parts of his character are dramatically overshadowed by his seeming lack of confidence and self-esteem. The handful of screen time El Bow has are usually centered on how hard he's crushing on his coworker Silver Spark. He's so focused on drumming up the courage to confess his feelings that it takes a comment from Rippy for him to clock how obvious Silver and Laserblast are. Laser made a move the minute he met Silver. El Bow knew her long enough to develop a rapport and become close friends, but he was waiting for the 'perfect moment' to say something.

Because Laser and Silver were getting more serious, El Bow felt a 'now or never' compulsion to confess. During the three-man mission to discover what was going on with the donut shop, El Bow was focused on confessing over everything else. Seeing Laser flirt with Silver was agony. It was the final pin pull on the metaphorical grenade. The confession had to be now. El Bow still wasn't quite ready, hence the hemming and hawwing and stumbling over his words, but he finally had the momentum to follow through. He 'distracts' Silver long enough that she can't reach Laser in time. The donut shop gets sucked into a black hole. Laser is presumably dead. Silver and the entirety of POINT wrongfully blame El Bow for the tragic event, his friends ice him out, and he's unceremoniously dismissed from his position.

Another dimension to El Bow is his cultural identity as a masked wrestler. A luchador is traditionally part of an established family stable and has a legacy attached to their mask along with their title. Lucha libre typically features teams of three, too. In El Bow's case, his stand-in for the classic lucha team were Silver and Rippy. They're as much extended family as they are friends and teammates. When El Bow loses his mask, its a dramatic visual signifier for the death of both his identity and former life. That's why Mr. Gar deliberately refuses to go by that previous title and refers to it as something separate or other. He had to completely rebuild himself as well as the parts, pieces, and meaning of his life from the ground up.

Mr. Gar has a literal wanderer phase of his life where he walks aimlessly long enough his clothes get tattered and his hair grows into a long, unruly mass. He's lost and confused, but always stops along the way to help people in need. Even without POINT or El Bow, he became a hero because of an earnest desire to help others and stop bad guys. El Bow was just a moniker. The essence of who he was is still there; the new journey is figuring out what to do now and who he wants to become. Then Mr. Gar meets the President of the Universe and is assigned a new mission that aligns better with who he is and what he can do: protect the glorb tree and build a supply chain store for heroes.

The President of the Universe could be seen as a fun, campy stand-in for a person finding newfound purpose through religion. Or someone reconnecting with their spirituality in general. Sometimes, the parables, teaching, and morals connected to a religious practice or diving more into philosophy give a person that feels lost and directionless a good foundation for introspection. It can be a line thrown out to sea that guides them back to shore. Its a starting line that gives them the means to start exploring and learning about the more abstract part of 'what is life' that leads to growth, change, and hopefully, self improvement. Mr. Gar building the Plaza leads to him becoming the hero and legend of Mr. Gar. He's not attached to POINT. He lives and sustains a separate venture that promotes a more independent, self-discovery approach towards being a hero. There aren't concrete benchmarks or specific guidelines, but Mr. Gar gladly gives advice and presents a great space to help somebody figure out what direction works for them.

Enid in particular benefits from how much more open training at the Bodega is vs the more structured training and education at POINT. There's three particular classifications a POINT Prep student could be sorted into: logic, strength, or charisma. While the different areas overlap, there's still pressure to conform to titles like 'the smart one' or 'the charismatic one.' The charisma students, ala Elodie, are the most likely to be popular and well liked. In short, POINT Prep promotes and curates specific visions of what a hero should be like. With Mr. Gar, he pinpointed Enid and Rad's respective strengths and encourages their next moves or training based on what makes sense for them individually vs a strict, one-size-fits-few curriculum. Enid ultimately chooses Gar's Bodega over POINT Prep because his more free-form approach as a mentor is a better fit for her. She's still trying to figure out what kind of hero she is and wants to be. As it was, POINT Prep is a better match for someone that already knows who they are and what their ultimate goals are (hence why Elodie thrived in that environment).

While Mr. Gar eventually recreated himself, he still bottled up and buried El Bow, Laserblast, and POINT. He refuses to confront what happened and as a result, has stilted, awkward run-ins with Carol. Talking to Carol in a deeper, more meaningful way than "How are you?" means he has to unpack his guilt over Laserblast's demise. Carol has processed what happened, realized that if she had run in she might have 'died' along with Laser, and that she lost an important friendship. She learned to live with what happened, in large part to be an aware and active parent for K.O., and is trying to live as full and satisfying a life she can now. Yes Mr. Gar built the Bodega and became an impressive, respected figure in his own right, but part of him is stuck in the past on that horrible night.

In his mind, he might as well be the one that killed Laser instead of the black hole. The angry, upset Carol in the constantly rewound tape of his mind's eye is more tangible and immediate than Carol in reality. Mr. Gar is so scared that if he actually tries to talk to her, it would be an instant means to transport him back to that painful transition period between losing El Bow and who Mr. Gar is now. Its a weird balance: the tragedy rules his life to the point that it makes it difficult for Mr. Gar to be vulnerable but admitting it happened would supposedly shatter what peace and status quo Mr. Gar managed to achieve otherwise.

Traditionally, men are encouraged to ignore and bury trauma. Its presented as a simple obstacle that can be overcome with enough will power. Instead of the overcome by willpower tack, the dramatic slow-mo sandwich drop and ensuing story beat build towards similar 'talk things out' deconstruction that toons like Steven Universe regularly visit. One particular episode depicts Mr. Gar cowering at the sight of a younger Carol on a giant flying sub. It shows that Mr. Gar's attempts to ignore that particular event and the heavy emotions around it have been ineffective. He's a lot more self-confident and actualized. He can handle rude customers, tough bad guys, and most things that come his way, but brute force will not overcome trauma. Its something that haunts him like a ghost. Posing this as his greatest fear helps paint just how overwhelming trauma can be if not the importance of recognizing its effects on mental and emotional health period.

When Mr. Gar finally does talk to Carol, it's like opening a pressure valve. Its a release. Carol reassures him that he's not responsible for what happened with Laser and that she's sorry for blaming him. Hearing someone say this out loud, even if Mr. Gar had come to that conclusion himself, makes this concrete. Now he fully recognizes that the Carol in his mind is a projection; nowhere close to the present-day reality of the person he's talking to. After they finally talk, they start to reconcile, grow close again, and even start dating.

Their romance is a more in-the-background slow burn with the exception of the cute picnic date, but its rewarding to see play out. If anything, it shows that Mr. Gar is working through his trauma to the point that he has more meaningful and deep conversations with Carol. He trusts her enough to fully let his guard down and honestly let her in. Granted, it'd be nice to see a more detailed conversation between them about her still working for POINT in secret. Though, its not too much of a stretch that they built a strong enough foundation to work through that and fully talk things out later.

After working at the Bodega for awhile and Mr. Gar dating his mom, K.O. openly admits to Mr. Gar that he sees him as a father figure. At first, Mr. Gar looks baffled, but he ultimately decides to fill this role as best he can. Employing K.O. started as a favor to Carol. Through his general interactions and one-on-one time with the kid, he comes to care about him as much as his other pupils Rad and Enid. He recognizes the gravity of the role K.O. is asking him to fill. As far as they both know, K.O.'s bio-dad is dead, Carol's immediate friends and clients are other moms and older women, and Mr. Gar's pupils/adoptive family are pretty much K.O.'s older siblings anyway. K.O. is expressing his need for an older male role model; not just the ambiguous figure of Chip Damage he only ever gets cues from through TV appearances and action figures.

Mr. Gar is right there. He's reliable, he's a powerful hero, he's an enthusiastically Carol-approved symbol of masculinity. He's the picture of what K.O. wants to be like. The montage revealing that Mr. Gar and Carol started dating features happy, domestic scenes with Mr. Gar filling the role of 'dad' well enough that K.O. reflects on that with a smile. That particular scene with K.O. and Mr. Gar on the Bodega roof for a stake-out is the result most blended families hope for when a new parent enters the scene. The new parent, in this case Mr. Gar, has organically meshed with the existing family and carved out a spot that's unanimously accepted.

Considering how Mr. Gar is written and presented, he's an example of a positive masculine role model. He's tough, he's stern, and he kicks ass, but he's also patient and learning how important it is to be open and vulnerable. In the very last episode, its a mark of how much of an impact Mr. Gar had when an adult K.O. not only takes over the Bodega, but also his spot for an aerial attack from the clouds.

#ok ko let's be heroes #ok ko mr gar #ok ko el bow #ok ko character analysis #character analysis #character essay #ok ko let's be heroes POINT #point flashback #ok ko sandwich #ok ko the sandwich #theromancescrooge

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timaeusterrored · 1 year

Text

I’m never gonna get tired of making these

———-

Kerry: You’re mine.

Johnny: First of all I’m on probation

Johnny: “I” belong to the state of California

Mike: oh my god River’s online what do i do?

Vincent: idk send nudes???

Mike:😏you first

Vincent: TO RIVER YOU IDIOT

Mike: OH-

Rogue: hey we could use some backup tonight, can you come to the bar?

Johnny: On My Way!

Johnny: omw*

Johnny: I ain’t that fucking excited trust me

Mike: I hate being high why do I hear footsteps

River: Are you walking?

Mike: oh shit.

Johnny: how have I impacted your life?

Kerry: you have made it indefinitely more difficult

Venus: Pls bring back toxic masculinity cus why’d I show up to a date and he’s wearing the same shirt as me?

Vincent: Who wore it better?

Venus: he ate me up I had to wear my jacket.

Mike: Swear to god I got tell a cunt knee sis bro my mind is so powerful

Vincent: you got WHAT

Mike: Tell a cunt knee sis

Vincent: Dude what are you talking about?

Mike: mf where you can move shit with your brain

Vincent: TELEKINESIS?

Henry: Top Ten Applebees I’ve Been Arrested In Rated By How Good The Floor Was For Doing The Worm.

Johnny: Everytime I’m on a mission with Rogue and she tells me to shush I have the overwhelming urge to start screaming.

Vincent: Did you know when you eat a pineapple

Vincent: It eats you back

Judy: Yes.

Mike: moans

Mike: that’s so fuckinh hot.

River: pineapple that vores you?

Vincent: I regret meeting you all.

Vik: Vincent was acting very stressed and I asked him what was wrong and he said “I’m very busy today.” I asked what’s going on. He said “kerry and I are going to the store at six.” I said “And?” He looked at me like I was crazy.

Vincent: you don’t understand my day revolves around this now.

Kerry: Dude we don’t have to go exactly at 6…

Vincent: NO.

Kerry: Hey my input saw you from across the bar and we hate your vibe. He’s gonna beat the shit out of you.

Mike: I’d rather slurp a Jean jacket through a straw than fight Johnny.

Vincent: that sounds oddly specific??? Have you slurped a Jean jacket through a straw- IS THAT WHERE MY JACKET WENT?

Mike: no questions at this time.

Vincent: You and your boyfriend are so cute

Kerry: thanks he’s a rescue

Johnny: CAN YOU STOP?

Johnny: throw back to when Alt wasn’t answering my texts so I texted her “did you die or something?” ….man.

Johnny: beating the stinky allegations

Kerry: I had to pin you down to the bathtub fully clothed

Johnny: I’m squeaky clean yo

Vincent: Happy anniversary to us and only us

Mike: Wtf I took the picture give me credit before I report

Vincent: oh so your homophobic now? You’re gonna be homophobic to me on my anniversary? Wait until Judy hears about this.

Mike: BRO

(Picture by @arczism )

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elvisabutler · 1 year

Note

can i request #5 and #17 angst prompts for professor presley universe? i dont mind if you do it in one all together all i ask is that you end it in fluff 😊

your love was unmoved

fandom: elvis presley | elvis ( 2022 ) rating: t for some implications pairing: elvis presley ( professor big daddy ) x female reader ( nicknamed belle ) word count: 1998 warnings: no use of y/n. student/professor relationship ( former ). talk of babies. talk of pregnancy and complications. minor sexual implications. talk of death. arguing. author’s note: thank you for this anon! i had a completely different version of this written before i got talked out of it for good reasons. i think this one is better in any case. hope you enjoy! this is done for my 1k gala, based on angst lines “i’m not going with you." and "please, answer me!" y'all know the drill, real elvis or austin elvis works fine for this despite the moodboard. also part of the professor presley universe that keeps growing by the day.

Elvis is the love of your life, this is a fact you've known since before you had your twins. Since before you got married. Since before your third child and now the fourth that has given you so many problems and health issues that Elvis had been worried enough that you had made a joke telling him you'd carry this stubborn little baby to term even if killed you. The look on his face and his reaction was one you weren't soon to forget. His reaction of holding your face in hands and nuzzling at your nose whispering that if he can't joke about dyin' neither could you. His reaction later on while you you were in and out of sleep with him talking to your belly.

"Ya gotta treat ya mama a lil nicer. She's- she's gotta stay here for your siblings and- and I don't think I'd take losin' her all that well."

Somehow little Judy had taken those words to heart. Oh sure she had been a bit of a hellion still, making you stay on an extended leave of absence that Elvis had fought tooth and nail for just so you could keep your job and he wouldn't be forced to hire someone else- someone else he knows wouldn't be as good in his department. And sure, you had been forced to have a c section on account of her being feet first but was fine. You were fine and she was fine and your family was complete and happy. It takes you longer than you'd like to get back to normal, a product of your age and of what you had gone through to bring your daughter into the world but eventually eventually you found yourself back teaching, admonishing your students who didn't do homework and who would like to treat your class as a nap time among other things.

There's something different about Elvis- something that has the hairs on the back of your neck standing at attention in concern and worry. Maybe it's from everything you've gone through with your other partners or maybe it's because you know Elvis well enough but something is bothering you. Something feels off and you can't put an exact finger on what it is. You can't put an exact finger on what it is until you have to grab something out of his desk.

He's trapped under the pile of your oldest children while little Judy is sleeping in her crib. The idea had been for both of you to get some work done while the children played around you but the older ones seemed to have a different plan as per their usual. Your own papers you have to deal with are safely sitting on the table and Elvis's- well you end up asking him where his arm between shouts and squeals.

"I'll wrestle them back t' normal, jus', can ya go grab my things from my desk, darlin'? Should be in the middle drawer." Elvis asks before his hands become preoccupied with trying to keep Wes from pulling at his hair- or perhaps it was Wendy, you couldn't quite tell. It didn't matter though, after all, you knew better than anyone that once they had their fun that he'd make sure they were all acting exactly as they needed to. You can't help the way a smile stays on your face as you walk into the office, settling down in the chair as you pulled open the middle drawer. The papers are in a folder, easy enough to grab but your eyes drift to one of the side drawers with the drawer partially open and what looks like a set pages not bound with a staple or paperclip or anything. You know better than to look, know that there are some things even now after being married that you and Elvis keep from each other. Keep private, because they don't concern the other person, nor are they important. Yet there's that feeling, there's that feeling again- the raised hair on your neck and the sickening feeling of dread as you stare at it. You shouldn't look and yet you do. You want to throw up after you do.

Your body cycles through hot and cold, hot and cold and hot and cold before it settles into a bone aching chill as you read. This is a contract for another school, a school in California of all places. It's a contract he's already signed and hasn't bothered to tell you about. It's a contract that pays better than the one he has in Memphis but- Memphis is your home, Memphis is where your job is- Memphis- it's supposed to be where you stay, after all, taking this would mean selling Graceland and Elvis has always told you he bought it for his mother. He would never sell the property. It's then that it hits you like a ton of bricks and you shoot up out of the chair, his folder of papers in one hand and the signed contract in the other.

The living room is quiet but you can hear your children outside whooping and hollering so you know Elvis has shooed them outside to try and burn off their energy. What great timing, he shooed them away so you can have a discussion with him about this- this whatever it is. His folder is tossed onto the table carelessly before you toss the contract in his lap.

"I'm not going with you, am I?" Your words are spat out as Elvis pales looking over his glasses at you- realizing what you tossed at him. It's written all over his face that you're right, he has no intention of taking you with him, instead forcing you to be a single mother here in Graceland with your four kids. "Were you just going to pack everything in a bag one day? Pull a 'cilla and leave me without warning? Oh wait, did you plan on taking the twins too?"

"Belle, honey, darlin', Y/N, I-" He states before you cut him off.

"No, no, no nicknames today Professor Presley. Please, just answer me, have the decency to do that for your wife." You move to sit right in front of him on the coffee table, eyes blazing. You want to kick and scream and hit him and for a brief moment you're taken back to when you first got together, your anger and embarrassment and depression all coming to a head.

His body recoils back at the use of a title he hasn't heard come from your lips in a non-playful way in nearing a decade now. This- This isn't how this was supposed to go, you weren't supposed to find out this way, he was supposed to ease you into the idea, butter you up for a move to California while he arranged for the Mafia to take care of Graceland. It was only a temporary assignment.

He moves to cup your face only to have you grasp at his wrists. "Stop trying to be sweet and tell me what that's about. Tell me I'm wrong, Elvis."

There's a part of him, the part of him that knows you well enough that in a good mood you're liable to smack him gently upside the head if he told you that know, you're not wrong, that yes, he's that horrible person you think he is who planned on doing what your brain thinks he's doing. He knows you're liable to smack him gently upside the head if he told you that you're being silly and he'll be sweet to his wife if he wants. He knows these things because he knows you so he settles on looking at least a bit admonished before he speaks.

"You are wrong. I- I meant t'tell ya sooner, or at least, meant to tell ya soon. Jus' couldn't really figure out how." Elvis can feel his leg bounce a little in spite of everything before he continues. "I-I got offered a temporary job in California. University basically wants to let them borrow me. Sort've a guest lecturing thing. I don't- I don't know the exact details cause I haven't been to the university there but- you'd be comin' wit' me. Leave the boys to handle Graceland, while take the kids to California for a year. Give 'em a change of pace."

"A change of pace." Your tone is deadpan as you still continue to glare at Elvis. "Memphis is our home and you want to go to California just because they offered. You're joking, you have to be because I know my husband isn't someone who decides this and signs the paper before talking to me about it."

He starts to open up his mouth to defend himself before you both hear the backdoor open and hear the yelling of your three older children followed by the piercing cry of your youngest. You shake your head and wave Elvis off. "I have to go help her, feed her. Just-"

"I got 'em, Belle."

Those are the last words he says to you until your nightly shower. Everyone is in bed but you and him and you found yourself entering the shower before him, not waiting up as you usually do. After a few minutes you feel the door open and feel your husband against you nuzzling your neck. "I hadn't sent them back. I didn't- Everything's gotten a lil' complicated here in Memphis, thought, thought we could see how it is. See if it can be like Hawaii for us, ya know? We've jus' both been busy. Shoulda talked 'bout it fore I signed 'em but can ya trust me on this? Trust me on us goin' there? Jus' for a year."

Your shoulders relax as you lean against Elvis, allowing the water to fall on your joined bodies. There's tears falling you think, but you can't quite tell as you speak. "My tenure, though. I'll lose my job."

"I'll get it back if ya do. Pull some strings nearby. Darlin'- I think we need this. Think it'll do some good and-"

You cut him off with a sigh. "If you can convince them that I get my job back when we come back, I will go. We'll go together and they can enjoy California."

Elvis grabs your waist and turns you around to face him in the shower before he cups your cheeks. "Ya promise, ya ain't jus' sayin' this t'make me happy? Ain't jus' agreein-"

A snort leaves your nose before you laugh, sniffling slightly. "Elvis- When- I've never been that sort of woman and you know that. I'm- I'm trusting you because you haven't led me wrong lately."

He pulls you in for a kiss and bites at your lip before pulling away. "Lately, she says. Try ever, Mrs. Presley. I'll see what I can do, a'right? Ya- ya wanna finish the shower and go to sleep? Catch an hour before Judy wakes up?"

You nod, nuzzling at his chest, relishing in the feel of his chest hair against your cheek. "Shower and sleep- that- yeah. I'm- sorry about earlier."

Another kiss to your lips before he kisses your forehead and pulls away. "Don't be, kinda blindsided ya. Now, pass me the soap?"

Your hand reaches to grab the soap, but you don't hand it to him instead choosing to keep it in your hand and smirk. "I think you're gonna have to come and get it from me."

"Careful what ya wish for, darlin'."

taglist: @thatbanditqueen and @softsatnin

#elvis presley #big daddy elvis #professor presley #elvis presley x reader #elvis presley x you #elvis presley x y/n #austin elvis #austin butler elvis #ally writes #ally's 1k gala #elvis presley angst #elvis presley fanfic #elvis presley fanfiction #elvis presley x oc #elvis presley imagine

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an-architect-of-words · 8 months

Text

I WISH BORIS HAD BEEN THE ANTAGONIST OF THE GOLDFINCH

Okay Boris Pavlikovsky take based on people requesting it from this post where I said I’m like 90% sure my take on him is 🔥, meaning I could tell immediately he’d be popular as hell and yet he’s the subject of my biggest critique of the novel.

The short:

I’m extremely mixed on Boris and was for most of the book, especially at the end. His usage within the story just was an odd roller coaster. Now, I think I’d summarize it this way— I wish Boris had just been treated as an incredibly nuanced antagonist. I get that Donna Tartt books don’t fully deal in hero-villain terms but let me explain!! He would have been very heartbreaking, compelling, and unique as an actual antagonist.

The long:

I want to like Boris a lot because of his positive qualities. His dialogue is so charmingly good (I was so impressed by Tartt’s writing of someone who is speaking a second/third language and may write a whole post on that). Boris is also characterized by gratitude and loyalty to the people who’ve done right by him such as Theo, the folks from his backstory such as Judy and the Muslim preachers, and his guys— Cherry, Shirley, Gyuri. He recognizes kindness and responds to it in a way that is just so likable. He even cries when he thinks of his betrayal of Theo and says that he can’t stand what he did, knowing that Theo was only ever generous and good to him. Finally, Boris was a good foil to Theo, optimism vs dread. Boris’s optimism and love did save Theo at points, and it provides a very believable basis for their friendship.

But my problem is that Boris’s flaws were a little TOO big to have been so under-commented on. His vices crossed from palatable things to things that you really can’t take lightly, at least as lightly as I think this story did at the end. To summarize some things: 1) Boris beat his girlfriend (and casually assumed Theo had beaten Pippa) and is of the opinion that this is sad but necessary since sometimes “women deserve it.” 2) He is a serial cheater who rarely visits his wife and his own babies but has a girlfriend in Antwerp and is implied to buy escorts/prostitutes fairly regularly, which is further unconscionable since the reason he hurt Kotku was that she was potentially cheating on him! 3) Boris has ruined and ended countless lives. Anyone who runs a cartel has. But he was also introducing the kids at his school to drugs since they were too nervous to deal with adults. And maybe it’s because I know someone who died by a heroin overdose, but I just saw Boris as a indirect murderer throughout the book. He is against direct, cold-blooded murder, sure. But there comes a point where you have to take the domino-effect implications of your own actions seriously. It’s not even just the cartel. It’s minor things that show he doesn’t care about indirectly ending lives. He lost his license from drunk driving, then gave Gyuri cocaine WHILE GYURI WAS DRIVING. So, well, blatant lack of concern towards the lives of everyone else on the road. 4) while he did help Theo in ways, he really ruined him in other ways. The drugs and alcohol. But also getting him accustomed to thievery and sexual activity at a young age (I was pretty disturbed by Boris’s attraction to certain women because they were over the legal age and his way of romanticizing these relationships to Theo. I get this isn’t exactly uncommon talk among teen boys, at a level. But it reached icky too-far points in context. Then we see Theo get in this kind of relationship later, with Julie).

To summarize this: I was thinking that Boris shows that a person can be a good friend without being good for his friend. If that makes sense?

Boris loved Theo, saved his life, spent years planning how to make things up to him— but he was also emblematic of a very bad era of Theo’s. Now, I can love deeply flawed characters. Heck, I loved everyone in The Secret History. But the thing is, I think characters who reach this level of flawed are only fully likable when I can approach them knowing they were indeed wholly lambasted by the text itself. It’s a comfortable place from which to feel empathy.

For Boris… that didn’t come through well to me. It started to at points, for sure. Theo definitely comments on Boris’s flaws. And I think there’s a really dirty sort of filter on the events of the story where Boris is concerned. But to be honest, it wasn’t enough for what this guy was doing. I was most disappointed when Theo started to really get at him in the hotel room, only for the scene to shift into a moment that lifts Boris up. I liked the idea of Theo breaking away from the attitude of his father and of Boris. But then *bam* Goldfinch. Now Boris is all right again. The problem is— while making good from the bad is a great lesson and I agree that even our low points have meaning in a divine scheme— that doesn’t mean our bad actions were good, actually. It’s just that goodness was able to work with what we did. But our wrongs are wrong. Boris returning the painting shows some redemption and that Theo’s woes and miserable life story did have meaning. But Boris’s cheating, drug dealing, thievery, and violence are still evil mistakes. Not good because they worked out.

This return-of-The-Goldfinch moment is further muddied by the fact that Boris had something to gain financially by returning the finch. Now he’s loaded with cash, and that was a motivating factor in the return. I guess the lesson is that good pays and in a much better way than evil. And Boris did learn this. He was so fixated on how to get what he wanted sneakily, by beating the system, that he didn’t consider that he could come out on top by doing good. The lesson may be that good is not without opportunity itself. Still, the moment does swerve from fully critiquing Boris’s wrongs, and he’s never really treated fairly for them in my opinion.

So back to my point. I wish Boris had been just treated as the antagonist of this novel. I think that this would have been an awesome direction and could have happened while keeping his personality in-tact. All the pieces were there but the trigger never pulled.

An antagonist is merely someone stopping a protagonist from getting what he wants or what is good for him. An antagonist doesn’t have to be fully villain-y. It can be a rival sports team, for example. I think Boris would have made a great, very nuanced antagonist with sympathetic intentions. It would have been fun to see him fight so hard for Theo’s good that he doesn’t see that he’s preventing Theo’s redemption. Again, a lot of this IS already in the text, but I wish it all had followed through. I wish that Boris as an antagonist who only wants what’s best for the protagonist was his eventual and clearly stated characterization. It would have been compelling, to me, if the end had been Theo against Boris on the grounds that they both are so certain what’s best for Theo’s life. Boris would not want to be in this position, but is sure he has to be. Honestly?! HE HAS STRONG REASONS FOR THINKING THIS. He watched Theo try to kill himself many times. Imagine how traumatizing that would be, how much you wouldn’t trust your friend because you’re so afraid of losing him.

For a bit, I thought the reason Boris didn’t want to return the Goldfinch had to do with him viewing it as the thing that would fix Theo and mend their relationship. I thought maybe his connection to the thing was that he considered it a panacea like, if it were back in Theo’s hands, they could return to boyhood. I thought maybe he didn’t want to let go of the painting because it represented his own redemption and a happier side of Theo; he’s convinced that if it’s given to the authorities, he’s lost the fight and Theo won’t ever find happiness again. I think the in-book reason for Boris not wanting to return the painting was literally just fear of the cops. But it would have been interesting if he just didn’t have faith that Theo would be okay if it was released.

The end even covers the idea that our hearts are not always something to be trusted. Sometimes the things that you do out of love aren’t good. I do believe Boris got Theo on drugs partially because of love (but also wanting company in his own lifestyle). He didn’t want to see Theo suffering; he felt upset when Theo was sick or in pain. So his answer was to give him ecstasy or vodka or weed or coke so that his friend would relax and smile again. But obviously this isn’t right. It’s very wrong. And is it just me or did the book treat this as an oddly benevolent act? (In fact, it also just seems “generous” when Boris said he was just giving drugs away at school because he liked being liked— but that’s FURTHER basis for a sort of well-meaning antagonist. He’s generous but in awful ways at times. I wish this were commented on as such, as evil born from a good yet disordered heart, rather than just “Boris is generous.”)

I also thought for sure that Boris would have a come-to-Jesus moment where he’s like “maybe this is all wrong,” only for him to be advised against this feeling by Myriam who has a plan for how he can get what he wants for himself and Theo, quick and dirty. Was I the only one who felt Myriam seemed efficient in a Devil-like way? The text really puts demon/snake symbolism on her, and Boris trusts her so much and this isn’t expanded upon. It should have been used!

Bottom line is that some things done in this book are serious. Really serious, not character quirks and they felt a little too casually handled when it came to Boris. The book does seem to go “yes he’s a mess” here and there. But not in a way that rises to the proper level, in my opinion. I do get that he shows there’s good to be found in bad people, and that fate can use broken human beings! But I kind of wish I wasn’t left with a feeling of the book going, “lol Boris, that beautiful scoundrel” when the man in question was a woman-beating, cheating, drug lord.

Like I said, I’m mixed. But I think I’d have loved him if he was just, up front, the affectionate antagonist of the whole novel. I think he would have made a great overarchingly dark figure, whose motivations stem from how close he’s come to losing Theo. That would have better married his positive qualities with his negative ones. It would have combined what we know of him as a selfish, often violent figure with his good intentions. I just want him to be depicted for what he is and let his vices lead up to an actual boiling point— while letting him keep his kind aspects too.

#though I get Boris wasn’t responsible for EVERYTHING #also theo has his own responsibilities to take #still the story was too kind to Borya #I want to write a fanfic where he’s actually like this #donna tartt #boris pavlikovsky #the goldfinch

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jebewonmorelike · 1 year

Text

The Drag Race Debate

wc: 600 (exactly! wut) pronouns: n/a; none used warnings: angsty but it's so not serious; mention of the word s*men; fluff summary: please do not fight with sung hanbin about drag race (unless you're ready for an overload of cute and sass) ~masterlist~ ♡ ~kofi (no pressure at all)~ guys hi! this one is so silly goofy, but i just KNOW hanbin gets heated about drag race. i just know. anyway, i hope mother always mothers. enjoy :)

"I just don't get why you like Ben de la Creme more than Jinkx Monsoon. Jinkx is such a great singer. She has more versatility," Hanbin says, rolling his eyes at you from across the room.

It was a lazy, Sunday morning and you and your boyfriend were re-watching Season 6 of Drag Race. Though you and Hanbin both loved the show, you often found yourselves disagreeing over your favorite queens. Just last week, while rewatching Season 5 (the best season), you'd gotten into a little argument about whether or not Rolaskatox deserved the hype they got. It ended with Hanbin accidentally knocking a glass off the counter while he was so earnestly attempting to demonstrate his point, followed by a delicious "apology" dinner from KFC on him.

Hanbin was always the one who got more heated, his passion for the subject matter undyingly evident. But to be honest, you found it so damn cute.

How his cheeks would redden, the new dynamics of his voice, the little stomps of his feet in frustration when he couldn't think of a rebuttal right away...

Were you winding him up on purpose? No, definitely not. But once you stumbled into a good-natured debate, you weren't scrambling to end it.

Now, as you watched Hanbin sprawled across the couch from where you were cleaning the dishes from breakfast, you just can't help but smile at how his demeanor has already shifted. "Ben might not have the voice, but you know she has the better comedic chops."

His eyebrows shoot through the roof as he sits up to stare at you incredulously. "Judy Garland Snatch Game!? Delusion: Convince Yourself!? MICHELLE VISAGE IS SO FULL OF SEMEN-- PERIOD!?"

You nod, loading the last dish into the dishwasher. "All great moments, yes. But who won five straight challenges in a row in All Stars and then so graciously self-eliminated just to prove a point?"

The laugh that comes out of Hanbin is dripping with annoyance. "Actually, she won FOUR straight challenges. And why would self-eliminating be an honorable thing!? Was she taking any of it seriously!?"

You shrug, walking over to your boyfriend and perching on the arm of the sofa next to him. "Even more impressive that she could win without putting in any effort."

"No! It's not! It was rude to Ru and it was patronizing to the other contestants," he says with a huff, turning his back towards you.

"You're right, I didn't think about how much stress that would add to Mother Ru's life. She's so busy with the fracking and all..."

Hanbin whips back around at an almost alarming speed. "TAKE. THAT. BACK! Now you're disrespecting Mother Ru?"

Your boyfriend is absolutely seething at this point and it only makes him cuter. Resting your chin in your hands, you bat your eyelashes cutely at him. "Binnie, shouldn't you be living by your favorite's motto right now? Water off a duck's back, remember?"

Hanbin clicks his tongue at you, shaking his head in what appears to be disappointment but you can see the remorseful pout start to from on his lips. He sighs, visibly returning back to his calmer self. "Why do I hang out with you again?"

Your hand finds its way to the back of your boyfriend's adorable head, running your fingers through his hair as you pretend to ponder the question before reaching the obvious conclusion. "Because you're hopelessly in love with me?"

A reluctant, smile-line producing grin stretches across his face as he outstretches both of his arms, signalling for you to climb into his embrace. "How could I ever forget?"

#sung hanbin #shb #shanbin #boys planet #boys planet drabbles #boys planet imagines #bp #bp999 #hanbin #sung hanbin drabbles #sung hanbin imagines #bp999 drabbles #bp999 imagines #shanbin drabbles #shanbin imagines

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captainderyn · 1 year

Note

Roommates prompts: falling asleep on the couch together (and being very flustered at their positions in the morning)

I'VE WRITTEN THE THING!

Thank you for this! It's kinda more a temporary accidental roommate vibe but its sweet and cute and filled with panicked gay feelings xD

Judy x V (Cyberpunk 2077)

Inviting V to spend the night at her place hadn’t been Judy’s plan that first night. Or the night after, or the night after.

But the drive from Charter St in Kabuki to the other side of Little China was a pain, especially night after night, and V just looked so damn tired all the time. The circles seemed to get darker under her eyes each time she showed up at Judy’s door and the way she always picked up the phone no matter what time Judy called had to mean she wasn’t sleeping deep.

Last time it had been three in the morning, when she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Evelyn, imagining her just down the hall, bloody and cold and dead. Her apartment had closed in around her and she’d paced her room like a feral animal, clawing at the walls but unable to face passing by that room.

‘Sides, going into Night City at that hour was a surefire way to lose all your eddies and personal belongings at best, your entire life at worst. Judy was miserable, not suicidal.

She didn’t have anyone to call other than V. That restless pain in her wanted to be soothed in only the unique way only V could. Typing out a text message was impossible, there was no way she could articulate exactly what it was she needed. She didn’t know what she needed.

And she hadn’t expected V to answer.

For 3am, V had been alert. Her quick answer, her face popping up on the holo after barely one ring, had been enough to jar Judy into sitting down for the first time that night. From the looks of it, V was curled up on her cough, her cheek pillowed on her forearm, even if there was no sleepiness in her voice.

That first, “What’s up, Judy?” had been a soothing wash over her fraying state of mind and she’d taken a deep breath. One that hadn’t meant to quiver just like her voice wasn’t supposed to wobble as she’d tried to joke that she hadn’t expected V to pick up and was just going to leave a voice mail.

Something about that had made V heave herself up from her couch, saying she’d be over at her place ASAP.

Kabuki was a thirty minute drive from Little China. Judy didn’t question it when V was at her door in fifteen with take-out from the questionable 24/7 shop nearby. She just stepped to the side, holding open the door, and let V sweep in like she was always meant to be here.

That had been four days ago, and V had been back at her place every night despite Judy’s half hearted protests that she really didn’t need to.

She stayed until Judy fell asleep in the early morning hours and was always gone by morning, a note left on the counter in V’s awful handwriting and coffee ready to brew in the pot.

And everytime without fail, when Judy called about their ongoing plans, V picked up on the first ring.

By the time they wrapped up planning their assault on Clouds and the dolls had left, V was swaying in her spot on the couch.

She made to stand, mumbling something about how she should go, and Judy tugged her back down. Way more forceful than she’d intended.

V tumbled back against the touch cushions with a grunt. Something was up, her eyes had glazed over partway through their planning and she’d excused herself to the bathroom as a coughing fit had nearly doubled her over. She hadn’t bounced back since.

“Just want to crash here tonight, V?” Judy dropped her hold on V’s wrist like the skin-to-skin contact burned. Was it weird to ask? What if V was sick of staying here and just wanted her own apartment back?

She tacked on before V could get a word in, “It’s late and I know you’ve been making that drive back and forth…”

“Mmph, don’t wanna intrude. It’s not that bad of a drive.”

Oh hell, maybe Judy keeping V up at all hours of the day and dragging her out here every night meant V was coming down with something. Guilt washed over her at the prospect. So many other big, important gigs V had on her plate and it would be Judy’s personal shit that would get her sick.

Judy looked V up and down, “I think I’d rather you not drive back right now.”

That felt too serious, too concerned for…whatever it was that they were. The merc she hired, who’d become something like a friend. The very attractive merc with the tattoos and the bright, bubbling laugh and--

She was staring; she ripped her eyes away from V, “Erm, yeah, kinda need you for this job so…makes sense for you to just stay.”

“Can’t argue with that I guess.” V sighed and curled up on her side, sinking into the cushions.

She was asleep before Judy even had a chance to say goodnight.

Judy froze when V’s sleepy grip found the hand tracing the ink on her arm and pulled her over onto V’s body instead, pivoting them so V was on her back. She tried to pull away, but V’s grip was surprisingly strong, and she relaxed into it. She settled against V’s chest and V curled around Judy, arm slung low over her back.

V breathed deeply once she felt Judy relax and nuzzled her neck, nose buried in her hair.

She had a feeling this was the first time V had fallen fully asleep in awhile. She was dead to the world as Judy squirmed for a moment, adjusting and questioning whether she should pull away.

Judy let herself melt against V. Their breath mingled and Judy could almost pretend that this was completely normal, that her brain wasn’t screaming, and that this wouldn’t all dissipate in the morning.

She didn’t have half the reason to worry over V so damn much right now. This was V, dependable V. Who thought nothing about coming over to Judy's house in the middle of the night and who would think nothing of this.

V, who looked at her like she was the best thing in Night City.

She shifted so that her head fell against V’s shoulder and took another deep breath. A few more minutes, that's what she'd give herself. Then she'd get up, grab a blanket for V from the hallway closet, and sequester herself away in her room before she made things all the more complicated.

A few minutes, she reminded herself, before V woke up and felt the way Judy’s heart was hammering out of her chest and how hot her face was. Before Judy had to come up with a series of lame excuses as to why they were in this position.

She tried to focus on anything other than the fact that V smelled good, like the coffee she'd spilled earlier after gulping it down, and felt warm and comfortable.

The soft hum of V’s breath in her ear and the slow rise and fall of her chest pulled Judy's eyelids down. They might wake up early tomorrow and Judy was going to be embarrassed, but her body was too heavy to move.

Days upon days of exhaustion settled down on Judy all at once and she didn’t even mean to when sleep pulled her under completely.

Unusual warmth registered first, before Judy even opened her eyes. Warm against her chest, her back; a steady, comforting weight draped over her lower back.

Mind still muddled, she chased that warm, nuzzled closer to it. The warmth tugged her closer, that weight against her lower back tightening like muscled arms.

Arms…it’d been so long since she’d been held in the mornings. What a pleasant dream.

Her nose brushed against skin that still smelled faintly of coffee, and beneath it the rich, leather and gunmetal scent that always meant V.

V. Judy went rigid, eyes shooting open.

Though she was no longer snuggled on V’s chest, V was laying beside her, her arm draped over Judy’s side. They were tangled together, legs intertwined, and up until now Judy’s face had been buried in the crook of her neck.

In one swift motion, Judy twisted away from her, nearly tumbling off the edge of the couch.

V awoke more peacefully at her movement, the deep blue of her eyes clouded by sleep still and half lidded. Her hair was an absolute mess, half of it sticking up while her bangs were mused and tangled.

Judy squished down the thought that she wanted to run her fingers through that hair, straighten it out. She pushed that thought deep, deep down. Already her face was flushing, cheeks burning so hot she was certain her skin would melt away.

They stared at each other for several moments, neither moving or speaking. The air between them crackled with tension. Finally, V blinked, the dark circles under her eyes looking deeper than usual. She sat up slowly, stretching and groaning softly. The light caught just right, the muscles in her forearms flexing as she rose.

Her shirt rode up her stomach and Judy forced herself not to look. Even though she could see the edge of a tattoo peeking out from the exposed waistband of her jeans.

“Morning, Judy,” V drawled with a yawn, smiling lazily and stretching, rolling her shoulders, popping her back. “Sleep well?”

Judy nodded. The words wouldn't come out.

How was V so nonchalant about this? That they’d fallen asleep entangled the way lovers do?

Horror dawned over Judy and her skin burned, prickling. Did V even know they’d fallen asleep like that? She’d slept so deeply that Judy wasn’t even sure she’d been coherent when she’d tugged Judy onto her.

Did V remember?

Was she supposed to fess up?

Why did Judy have to be so goddamn awkward? She couldn’t take her eyes off that naked sliver of V's torso. She watched as V stretched again, arms reaching towards the ceiling and fingers splayed wide as she rotated slowly.

“Earth to Judy, you okay there?” V asked. She gave Judy a searching look, "Look like you're fightin' demons over there."

“No no, sorry, just thinking,” Judy said, forcing herself to look away.

V seemed to accept the answer at face value and flopped back against the pillows behind her, sighing and running her hands up her face.

"Think that's the best I've slept in weeks."

Judy swallowed hard and said, "Yeah,”

The clock blinked barely six thirty, “I mean - it's not even seven yet. You’ll stay for breakfast if you want?"

V perked up again, looking far happier than Judy would have expected. "I won’t say no to that!”

Anything to get off this couch and away from the distracting curves of V’s body, the temptation to fall back against her and give into everything that whispered in the back of Judy’s mind when it came to the merc.

“Coffee sounds great right about now.” V made to get up and without thinking, Judy planted her hand on V’s shoulder.

“I’ll make it, you stay here.” She scampered to her feet before she could think twice.

V sighed behind her but planted herself back on the couch without more protest.

But when Judy glanced over her shoulder, V was staring after her with unfocused eyes, cheeks a flaming, bright pink.

Shit.

She remembered.

#captainderyn answers #cyberpunk 2077 #cp2077 fanfic #v cp2077 #judy alvarez #judy alvarez/v #juvie #i think thats the ship tag #oc: v #otp: beneath city lights

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baronessblixen · 1 year

Note

Hello....could you write a Fictober story set in Plus One where Scully doesn't nudge Mulder to leave just yet? Instead, he gets lost reminiscing while watching Scully getting ready for bed. At the same time Scully is still talking about Judy Poundstone and kinda forgets too?

Does this make sense? Thank you.

Maybe not quite exactly what you asked, but Mulder's thoughts were too loud in my head! Set in "Plus One".

Fictober Day 27 | Tagging @today-in-fic@xffictober2022 | Wc: 1,259

I Remember When We Were Young

“Well,” she says, getting up from the bed while Mulder takes a sip from his beer, watching her. “I do feel old. Or older, anyway. Even if there’s still some scoot in my boot. Don’t you ever feel old, Mulder?”

She has her back turned to him and if he squints, he could believe it’s 20 years ago. Her hair is longer now than it was back then, he thinks, smiling. His own hair is no longer as full as it used to be, but far easier to tame. There’s a metaphor in there, probably.

“You’re still not listening, are you?” The smile she gives him is soft, but there’s more to it. He listens to her. Has always listened to her, even if he ignored what she said. That never changed. He realizes how much there is still between them; not just the familiarity, but scabs over the pain they’ve caused each other, too. Sometimes it itches, like now.

“I am listening,” he replies truthfully. “I needed a moment to think about it.” He watches her, just like he used to back in the day. She takes off her skirt and his eyes fly over her legs.

He’s always loved her legs – and he’s told her so hundreds of times. The first time he did it, not long after they started sleeping with each other, she gave him one of her patented skeptical looks. He laughed seeing it up close while being naked in bed with her. He kissed the expression right off her face before she asked him, “my legs? You think my legs are hot? They’re short, Mulder.”

He will never forget that. 20 years from now, when they’re older still, he will still think about it, will still look at her legs and adore them. Adore all of her.

“You still haven’t answered,” she sing-songs, taking off her pantyhose. Mulder sighs, taking another sip from his beer. He’s got a nice buzz going on, or maybe it’s just a Scully-high he’s experiencing. That’s his favorite anyway.

How can he explain to her that he feels old running after suspects but never when he is with her? That as soon as he sees her by his side, speaks to her, touches her, he is 25 years younger. He’s a spring chicken, staring at her with wide eyes and a head full of mischief. That, he thinks, hasn’t changed at all. It most likely never will. He grins at her standing there with her hands on her hips, giving him a look.

“I’m waiting,” she says. So am I, he thinks, knowing they’re not waiting for the same thing. He’s waiting for her to make up her mind, let him back in. Come home with him, to him. She grabs her pajama pants and puts them on. One of her favorites. One of his, too. How often has he taken it off of her? Countless times.

“I’m not letting you off the hook, you know,” she says, opening her blouse button by button. “Judy said I’m all dried up. What does that even mean? Do you feel like that, Mulder? Do people say things like that to you?”

He doesn’t know how she expects him to focus on her questions when her fingers fly over the buttons, revealing slivers of skin as they go. He glimpses flashes of a black bra and hastily brings his beer bottle to his mouth to conceal his gasp.

This really is like 20 years ago before they became more than just partners.

Except he knows all of this. He’s watched her undress so often that at one point, it was part of his everyday life. It was always special. He never got used to being allowed to watch her, see her in every possible state of dress and undress.

He knows how she puts on her pajamas, how she washes her face, and how long it takes. He’s attuned to the rhythm of the way she brushes her teeth. Knows what she smells like fresh from a shower, or when it’s just her after a long day at work. He knows it all.

But what if things are different, now?

“Mulder, you’re making me wonder if you still got some scoot in your boot. You’re very quiet. Have I been talking too much about Judy and getting older?”

“No, not at all,” he says, his eyes taking her in. She’s in her bra, standing there looking perfect to him. “How can she say you’re dried up?” He asks, the thought slipping through unfiltered. “You’re anything but, Scully. You have to know that.”

“I’m a woman in my 50s, Mulder,” she says with a sigh. “It doesn’t matter what I think.”

“It always matters what you think. To me it does. More than that, you’re still just as beautiful as you were back when we met.” Scully snorts, unclasping her bra. He expects her to turn away from him, but she doesn’t, allowing him full view of her breasts.

“You didn’t think I was beautiful when we met,” she says, putting on her pajama top.

“I did too,” he protests.

“You really did?” When she looks up at him, he sees her younger self with apple-round, rosy cheeks and her endless curiosity and skepticism that kept him on his toes.

How did the little note-taking spy with her too big briefcase from back then turn into the love of his life? The only woman he’s thought about in at least 20 years? The universe really does work in mysterious ways. And he couldn’t be more grateful that it’s her his heart and mind settled on.

“I did,” he says, drinking the last of his beer. Any moment now Scully will throw him out and he will toss and turn on that couch, his mind reeling, his body wanting. He misses her. He misses holding her and kissing her goodnight. He misses talking to her right before they fall asleep. He misses everything.

“You still haven’t answered my question, Mulder.”

“I do feel older,” he says. “But not in a bad way. I feel… I feel like a more mature version of myself. One who can’t run as fast anymore, but who at least has most of his hair.”

“You have great hair, Mulder,” she says and to prove her point, she runs her fingers through it. “I’m going to go wash up,” she adds but doesn’t move. If things were different, he’d draw her close to him and hold her. Sneak a kiss or two. That’s not who they are at the moment. The awkwardness of having to share space returns swiftly, catching him off guard.

“I should get ready for bed, too,” he says, getting up, his knees protesting. “But Scully… you’re not old. Not to me. Look at yourself. You’re still the hottest, most capable FBI agent and medical doctor I’ve ever met.”

“Thank you, Mulder.” She gets on her tiptoes, grabs his arm for support, and kisses his cheek. “Good night.”

“Night,” he replies, his skin tingling from her lips. “You know where to find me in case you, um, feel old again and need someone to remind me you’re not.”

She merely gives him a raised eyebrow before she disappears into the bathroom, the door closing with a soft click. Mulder returns to his own space, closing the door behind him, too, missing Scully’s presence already. That’s one thing he’ll never get used to. But he has time. He’ll wait for her. Forever, if he has to.

#fictober2022 #this may just be my favorite this month #hope you guys like it too #msr #xf fanfic #my writing #my fic

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artsy-hobbitses · 11 months

Note

Hi! I would like to ask how Strongarm ( Pre-War) gained Sideswipe trust/ When Sideswipe decided that despite her being a cop Strongarm is worthy his trust what ultimately led to him helping to save her life

Because her Gotta Do Right instinct is more overpowering than her allegiance to the thin blue line, and it’s something that happens often enough that she’s made enemies on the force who don’t like that she’s a Legacy Prick Pick who’s messing up their quotas (She and OP can brofist on this one) and won’t back them up when they have to explain their fuckups in court.

There is no arrest without a warrant, ALL infractions are recorded—even that of fellow officers—and if you turn off your camera, she has hers on. She comes equipped with de-escalation training, PRIORITISES it and has no compunctions about stepping in if fellow cops step outta line.

Part of it IS because she’s a Legacy Pick—to an extent, she WAS Teflon when it came to this sort of thing, the higher ups coveted her after all, she didn’t come to them. Complaints would be filed over how difficult she was to work with, but for a while, like Prowl, she was still seen as more an asset than she was a liability, so she wielded that privilege to the best of her ability.

Sideswipe saw it on the streets when she forced the shutdown of a ‘bait truck’ operation in an impoverished neighborhood and made calls to NGOs and aid centers instead of arrests when dealing with desperation-driven shoplifting.

He saw it when she was off-duty because when she wasn’t in uniform, she was doing an Olivia Benson and checking in on victims of the cases she helped handle.

He saw it in lockup personally a couple of times when her colleagues wanted to hold him beyond the remand period for whatever minor infractions they would bring him in for (vandalism, public disturbance, misdemeanor obstruction) and would try to bait him into violence so they could tag him with the felony of assaulting a police officer. He’s a hothead, not an idiot, but more surprising to him is that SHE knows exactly what they were trying to do, calls them up for it and makes sure he’s released on the dot at the end of his remand period.

So it really wasn’t hard to trust her.

Basically, she’s a straight arrow, an honest cop (by which I mean she’s a buff Judy Hopps) who genuinely cares, which has Sideswipe bemused and mildly concerned (Him? Give a shit? Dream on, Shortstack, but you best keep an eye out yaknow—the real dark stuff ain’t in front of your ranks, it’s behind ‘em).

Because good cops don’t last out here.

At some point, she’s investigating Sideswipe’s claims that the murders of several prominent union activists in Hell’s Kitchen have gone under the radar, and she decided to pick it up despite her colleagues telling her that it’s just gang-related activity—you know how they are, you know what that place is like.

She gives Sideswipe a burner cell so they can keep in contact over the case and trade info, after which she discovers:

The entire thing is part of a particularly bloody union-busting effort funded by a local pro-Functionist politician and carried out by cops on his payroll.

There is paperwork filed on Sideswipe, approving the detainment and use of ‘behavioral conditioning’ via Mnemosurgery on him (similar to what had been planned for a young!Jazz) after the local three-strike law was amended to also include public disturbance-type misdemeanors.

She immediately passes the intel and warning to Sideswipe and heads out to what she believes is a sting operation on a drug cartel. Which it IS, except the plan was for her to be ‘a hero killed in the line of duty’ and oops literally no one told her until she’s trying to remember how to breath and can feel some of her insides on her outside somewhere down the back of her waist.

No one has a chance to monologue though! All she needs to hear is “couldn’t let you warn him” and she’s firing off salvos in a fight for her life. Takes down one dirty cop, the others scatter to wait for backup, and she escapes out the back.

She doesn’t make it far though. Crumpled in a filthy alley somewhere, she makes the call to Sideswipe and does something she’s never done in her life; ask for help.

Because she doesn’t know who else to call (she can’t call her family and put them at risk, she can’t call her colleagues because she clearly can’t trust a lot of them, can’t go to a local GH because there will be a BOLO out for her—you’re all she has right now).

And Sideswipe drops everything and answers.

Because good cops don’t last out here, he fuckin’ told you, but like hell he’ll let you die out on the streets. Shut up, don’t tell him all the things you wanted tell your old man that you never said before this—you tell your old man that in person, because whatever it takes, he’s making sure you get out of this alive.

#Inbox #Save for later

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kinfanfiction · 1 year

Text

Bernard x Elf!Reader - Chapter 6 - Spinning Circles Around You

A/N: I am so sorry this chapter is short but it’s the last filler chapter so enjoy! Also the gif below of him is so hot fr.

Now there was 3 days until Christmas, and although nervous about the holiday’s approach considering his confession plans, Bernard was glad he didn’t have much else to worry about. He was caught up on work, and of course were always a few new papers each day, but it never took long for him to get through them, so he’d get them done in the morning and have the rest of the day to think about you. Today especially, since you’d invited him to come help around the workshop.

You had started to explain how to make candy canes to him when he stopped you and said, “I haven’t forgotten, Y/n. Don’t worry, I got this.” So you let him show you how he remembered it. Sure enough, he crafted candy canes with ease and set them with the other freshly made batches of candy. “One thing I did forget is how soothing the candy making process is.”

“Right?” You agreed with a smile. The two of you quickly got through making multiple batches of candy canes, butterscotch, taffies, and many other candies, and you were glad to finally be working alongside Bernard like you had when the two of you first met. It was hard sometimes with your best friend being the head elf, of course you still saw him every day, but not as often as you once had. Bernard felt it was difficult too, especially since he spent so much time in his office working. As the two oldest elves working elves in the North Pole, it was lonely without each other, because you both found it hard to bond with the younger elves. The only other elf you felt you could call your friend was Judy, but even she was still a couple hundred years younger than the both of you. You guessed that’s why you’d always been so close to Bernard. You depended on each other because so many of the people you’d looked up to and worked alongside had retired. The Santa you knew originally was long gone, and your best friend was the only familiar face you had left, you’d grown up together. You could never possibly be separated, where else would you go, who else would you turn to if you did? You didn’t want to think of a scenario where you didn’t have Bernard in your life, and he didn’t want his life without you in it either.

Once it was time to move back to the conveyor belt for toy making, you quickly began stuffing a toy dragon, and then Bernard sewed it up. Quickly you decided to stick with that pattern for every stuffed toy you made. You would stuff, he would sew. You repeated that process for a while, until, for the first time in a couple days, you were sent outside again. Bernard whispered, “I can get the elves to let us keep working inside if you’d like.” Curtis overheard his whispers as he walked by and sighed loudly in annoyance, though he decided not to say anything for the moment.

You heard Curtis sigh and immediately whispered back, “No, absolutely not. If they want me to work outside that’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to come with me if you’d rather stay here though.” You offered.

“I’m not working in here without you, where you go I go.” Bernard insisted, and so the two of you went outside. You were assigned with the task of feeding the reindeer, which you loved doing. You got a bucket of carrots and carefully fed them to half the reindeer, and Bernard fed the other half. He loved seeing how gentle you were with them. When that was over, you looked at the water fountain in the center of your small town, and saw younger elves skating on the frozen water around it. It reminded you of your plans with Bernard to go skating together. You nudged him so he’d see what you were seeing and he knew exactly what you were thinking.

You had to work for the rest of the day, but you both knew that as soon as you clocked out, you were going skating together. Every year, when you’d finally have time to ice skate, you would go to a frozen over pond on the far side of town that nobody visited anymore. You were the only two that remembered it as the pond everybody skated on when you were younger. You separated ways that afternoon so you good each go to your houses and grab your skates, and then you met up again at the pond.

“I love this place.” You said as the two of you began skating beside each other. “It’s peaceful, quiet, and full of fond memories.”

“I’m glad the younger elves still haven’t found it yet.” Bernard admitted. “Every time I’m around them I just feel old.” He chuckled.

“We are old, but at least we’re old together.”

“That does make it better, doesn’t it?” He grinned softly at you, which he constantly found himself doing.

“There’s nothing more exciting than gliding along the ice in the bitter night air. It makes me feel alive.” You said as you began to skate a little ahead of him, starting to have a bit more fun by spinning and carving figure 8′s in the the thick sheet of ice below you. The two of you had become expert ice skaters in your time, how could you not be after all the years you’ve lived at the North Pole?

The two of you spun each other, danced around each other, and chased each other across the ice laughing like the young elves you once had been on that very same sheet. Eventually, the skating wore you out, so you collapsed on the ice. Bernard collapsed beside you and you both laid with your backs on the ice in silence. In that moment, there was so much he felt that he wanted to say. Though, he knew it wasn’t yet time for him to say most of it. So, instead of saying anything, he just quietly reached over and grabbed your hand. You smiled as you felt his hand begin to entangle with yours, and you instantly intertwined your fingers with his. “I’m glad we found each other.” You said after a moment of lying hand in hand. “I think you might be my platonic soulmate.”

Bernard tried not to be hurt by the word “Platonic.” To have you consider him your soulmate in any way warmed his heart. “I think you might be my soulmate too.” He said quietly, dropping the word platonic in a subtle way of hinting his feelings for you, and you hadn’t noticed his hint as usual. He figured that was for the best. You continued to stare up into the clouds knowing no doubt it would snow again soon. In spite of the cold ice against your back, after a while of lying there in silence together, you began to feel tired. Your eyes grew heavy, and as Bernard looked over at you he noticed this. “I think it’s time to get you home.” He suggested, which woke you back up. You nodded and the two of you slowly got up and skated back to land.

You took off your skates and walked with him back to your house. You were thinking of how many days you’d gone through such a similar routine. You thought of all the old friends the two of you once had who moved on long before you. Left their lives in the workshop and moved to other secluded areas of the world where they could find what they truly wanted from life. “This town is so quiet.” You whispered to the elf beside you.

“It always is this time of night.” He responded just as quiet.

“Do you ever get tired of having the same routine?” You asked. You had a habit of suddenly asking thoughtful questions or merely saying something thoughtful once it got to be this late. Bernard wasn’t sure how to answer this one right away.

“..Do you?”

“Sometimes. I never get tired of this part of it though.” You assured him, grabbing his hand. “We’re the oldest elves in the shop, do you think Santa would let us take some time off? Maybe we could visit somewhere warm. Somewhere where we can see the stars.”

Bernard’s eyes and chest relaxed as he thought of traveling with you, and he squeezed your hand tighter. “I’d love that. I’m sure we’ve more than earned a break. Where would you like to go?”

“Maybe Mexico? It gets really warm there. It’s 80 degrees there this time of year.”

“We’ll have to wear a thick layer of sunscreen. We are nowhere near acclimated for that kind of weather.” He said with a chuckle. You laughed too.

“Fair enough. So we’ll acclimate slowly. Start by going somewhere only a little warmer than here. Like Iceland!”

“Iceland sounds promising.”

“It’s 19 degrees there this time of year.”

“That sounds more our speed. Still maybe a little warm, but I think it’s a good idea.”

As you agreed on a trip to Iceland, you arrived at your door.

“We’ve never left the North Pole before, but once we do, I’m glad we’ll be together.”

“Me too.”

As Bernard left your house, it began to snow.

#bernard the elf #bernard #bernard the elf x reader #bernard x reader #x reader #fem reader #y/n #the santa clause #the santa clause 2 #chapter 6 #david krumholtz

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