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#a Blink of the screen: collected shorter fiction
goodgrammaritan · 10 months
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Many people could say things in a cutting way, Nanny knew. But Granny Weatherwax could listen in a cutting way. She could make something sound stupid just by hearing it.
"The Sea and Little Fishes," A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett
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bookloversofbath · 2 years
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A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction :: Terry Pratchett
A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction :: Terry Pratchett
A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction :: Terry Pratchett soon to be presented for sale on the excellent BookLovers of Bath web site! London, Toronto, Sydney, Auckland & Johannesburg: Doubleday, 2012, Hardback in dust wrapper. Includes: Colour plates; From the cover: In the four decades since his first book appeared in print, Terry Pratchett has become one of the worlds bestselling and…
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therealvinelle · 3 years
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What do you think the Twilight characters would do if they realized they are only figments of one woman's imagination and that they're living in a book?
(For the purposes of this question, we’ll assume they’re real people. When a character is off-screen they don’t blink out of existence, these people all have lives and counsciousnesses that they believe to be real.)
Question is, how would they realize?
In The Truman Show, Truman comes to realize that his life is a reality TV program because the world around him isn’t quite real, and in the end he finds the literal end of the world and walks off set.
There’s real, physical evidence that Harry Truman is not a real person.
What evidence could there be for book characters?
There’s no set pieces to be found, no activists who can sneak on set to tell them what’s happening. There’s just them, existing, the more philosophical ones perhaps wondering why, but those who conclude “I have been created by an all-powerful higher being who decides my fate” believe in God, not authors.
The characters of Twilight could never definitively prove that they’re book characters, any more than I can definitely prove I’m a computer simulation.
What you’re asking, anon, is for these people to come to believe, strongly and without a shadow of a doubt, that there is a God. Specifically, that God is a human woman who imagined them into existence as part of a book series.
This wouldn’t happen. The vast majority of Twilight characters aren’t religious at all, and those who are do not believe they’re fictional characters.
There is, of course, the possibility that Meyer decided to abuse her divine power, and published a book where she writes the Twilight characters as collectively realizing they are fictional characters in her book series. She created them, she can reprogram them.
I think there would be a religious crisis epidemic.
If there’s a divine creator, does this mean they have no free will? Many of the Twilight characters have suffered terribly - was this all on the whim of a God, a God who is not immaculate at all but an ordinary woman? Rosalie’s gang rape, Marcus’ thousands-year-long depression, Jasper being a Confederate soldier who then spent a near century in hell on earth - are they all just dancing monkeys for this woman’s entertainment?
They would quickly develop strong feelings about this god, ranging from worship and love to hatred and pinning their every woe on her.
It’s a fascinating concept - what would you do, how would you feel, if you learned that the world we live in was not created by an immaculate, Judeo-Christian God, but by an ordinary and flawed human?
To say nothing of what this says about this world. For Meyer to be human, there has to be an Earth and a society she lives in, truer versions of these. Is the world of Twilight reflective or similar to that one, or did she come up with all of it? The countries they live in and perceive to be real, are they inspired by real places or is America as real as Westeros? What of world history? Did the American Civil War happen, or did God make one up so Jasper could have a military backstory? The internet is very sci-fi and impressive, especially to immortals. Does it exist out there in God’s own, higher, dimension, or did Meyer come up with that too?
The path to madness grows shorter the more these people think about it.
(Carlisle, meanwhile, has the greatest crisis of faith in his existence. God doesn’t exist, or rather, the God he has believed in his entire life doesn’t exist, and life as he knows it is meaningless.
This might just be the thing that breaks him.)
There is another worry.
Who are the protagonists of this story, and what genre is it?
If there is a God, and she is an author, it goes to follow that predestination is real. This means that if you’re the bad guy of the story, things might not go well for you. Being the protagonist might not be so cushy either. What if this book series is a tragedy?
Aro, for instance, he could be the heroic protagonist of these books, the righteous king who will prevail in the end. He could also be the villain, in which case he should be very worried about being overthrown. Alternatively, he could be the wise old ruler who’s about to be murdered heinously, with his death kicking off the plot of the next book. Or something else entirely, maybe he’s living in a fantasy crime novel series and a detective vampire is about to solve Didyme’s murder.
Aro’s just an example - everyone is now asking themselves these questions.
Nobody knows who the main characters are and in turn who the redshirts are, who the protagonists and antagonists are, nor the genre it is, all they know is that God is calling the shots.
The Twilight characters succumb to madness and despair. Except Emmett, he thinks this is hilarious and decides to write his own vampire book.
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sinkix · 4 years
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《What your fav Haikyuu!! Character says about you│Nekoma Edition》
Yo-hoo! Here’s another part to this potential(?) series! I hope you enjoy the possible call-outs in some of these lmao. Writers block been kicking my ass recently but I had a lot of fun writing these. Enjoy <3
You can find the Karasuno ver. here 
✧✧✧✧✧ ✧✧✧✧✧ ✧✧✧✧✧ ✧✧✧✧✧
Kuroo:
Have a hand fetish and will not say no to choking.
Daddy kink™
Will not accept anything below 6 inches.
More of a dog person but would love to own a black cat.
You drool over tattoos.
Your grades are mostly B’s but you know in your heart you deserve that A, and tbh you probably do. Chase ur goals bby.
Halloween is likely your favourite holiday.
You have to resist not to carve a dick into the pumpkin EvEry GodDAmN YeAr.
You either study for 6 hours consecutively or cannot study at all and you get very frustrated at this.
Have the potential to be a good leader and command the room but probably don’t put it to use as much as you should.
Your playlist parkours from sad 3am crying into your pillow songs to aggressive punk music you could rob a store to.
You like bad boys who hang around bars and look like they would put out a cigarette on your forearm and call you a slut. Just stating facts sweaty xoxo.
Either dress very feminine and girly with a ‘smol girl uwu’ aesthetic or a hardass punk who would kick your ass for a can of beer no in between and tbh both are equally hot.
You’re a big softie at heart either way and just want to be held and told everything will be okay.
Ur a hoe for when people stroke your hair or caress your chin it’s your ultimate weakness.
Watched Rick & Morty.
Twice.
Sleeves rolled up veiny forearms and donning a silver watch are your muse and something you fantasise about frequently.
Most of your memes are shitty top text bottom texts that are somehow funny and I don’t understand why lmao.
You call someone ‘bro’ even if it’s someone you’re immensely attracted to.
Did someone say ties? No it’s just ur dirty ass thoughts thinking about that hot business dudes attire from across the street and how you wish they were tied around ur wrists.
Probably had a crush on Jeff the Killer as a tween and are relentlessly haunted by your old Wattpad library. 
Tbh any dark-haired dude with bedhead that screams rugged and probably not good for you is something that draws you like a moth to a flame.
You often question why every person you’ve fallen for has been a Scorpio and curse that tendency of yours.
Dw man they’re hot so I feel u.
Kenma:
Went through a ‘I’m not like other __’ phase and it’s something that you think about a lot and wish you didn’t.
Watched dan & phil as a kid.
Any mention of Pokemon has you turning into a rabid beast you get way too excited.
It’s cute though dw bby.
Pretty antisocial but interesting to talk to.
Your family often question how you’re able to sleep in till 3pm and judge you heavily for it.
Nocturnal night owl gang rise up.
Frequently have bags under your eyes but somehow manage to pull it off.
Listen to ASMR on the down-low and will never admit it to a single soul.
Frequently go on BL binges and have many related book marks.
You pray that someone will never find your laptop bc holy fuck the amount of smut on that.
You wear scarves & beanies even when it isn’t that cold outside.
100% went through a scene hair phase/attempted to.
You dye your hair a lot or REALLY want to.
You have a voice kink low-key so anyone with a pleasant/soothing sounding voice just gets u goin’.
Cats are your favourite animal and you either do or want to own several.
Would name them after video game/anime characters u fuckin nerd lol.
Speaking of cats ,you fantasise heavily about cat-boys and have a folder dedicated to them.
Oversized hoodies are your vibe and always ball the sleeve hems in your fist as a comfort mechanism.
Shopping centres are your worst nightmare and trigger your claustrophobia or social anxiety and honestly I feel that spiritually.
Have a cute sticky note collection.
You like a lot of music consisting of guitar and slow/soothing beats.
You also fw EDM/ techno on occasions.
Honestly wouldn’t wanna anger you since you have a seething temper when pushed far enough.
It’s the kinda temper that’s eerily quiet but no less terrifying, like the other person can tell you are graphically plotting their demise.
You love sleeping to the sound of rainfall and often play those nature ambience videos while you sleep.
Never tidy your sheets and it’s just a big scrunched up heap of fabric in the centre of your mattress most of the time.
Make your fucking bed.
Lev:
Your ships are chaotic and shamelessly controversial.
Would do something just for the sake of creating mayhem lmao.
You were the fucker who stuck their chewing gum under the desk, I see you.
Your brain never stops whirring it’s a constant hurricane of crackhead energy and you have no idea how to turn it off. 
Would eat a stick of pencil lead for $2
You don’t help your situation with the amount of coffee/energy drinks you consume.
The class clown who cries themselves to sleep.
Such a wholesome dumbass but somehow kinda intimidating??? 
Even if you’re not confident you can do something you’ll try anyway and honestly I respect that about you.
You !! use!!! a lot??!! of!! random punctuation!!! so you always??!?!? seem!!111!! excited!!!!!11!?
Every time you’ve ever tried to make a sandcastle it has failed.
You tried to eat the sand once but we don’t talk bout that.
You would  also pick up slugs and snails and chase your friends around with them.
Can never tell whether people are laughing with you or at you and while you don’t let it show it high-key bothers you when you’re laying alone in your room at night.
Not one to hold grudges, you carry a ‘shit happens’ mentality which is v good but it sometimes leads to people taking advantage of it or walking all over you.
Your meme collection is both questionable and horrifying.
Like how many cursed images and heavily distorted pictures does one person need.
Never organise the files on your PC/laptop so it looks like a complete dumpster fire.
The one at sleepovers who persistently woke everyone else up with their snickering and refusal to sleep till dawn.
For the love of Asahi charge your damn phone.
I see that red bar and ‘12%’
Charge it now.
Bought a plant one time, gave it a name and talked to it frequently.
It died not long after bc u forgot to fucking water it.
No one better ever make you responsible for a pet.
Type of person that when someone asks you to tag along on an endeavour no matter how stupid it is you will agree.
2am skydiving in france? hell yeah.
Midnight shopping spree and spending over half your pay check? count you in.
Exploring an abandoned hospital and performing an Ouija board to summon the demons of hell? you’re damn right you’ll be there.
I hope you have a mum friend by your side bc if not how are you still alive.
You sometimes put the milk in before the cereal and it’s something I’ll never forgive you for.
Yaku:
Very responsible and usually make the right decisions.
You do have moments where you act like a complete dumbass though.
Like u go from 50 year old to 5 year old in the blink of an eye.
A hopeless romantic but it’s a side you don’t often reveal.
Prefer strawberry milk over any other flavour.
You’re the type of person to shower twice a day w/o fail.
Where that stank smell coming from? Not you clearly bc your skin is basically 90% The Body Shop’s rose scented soap at this point.
You get stomach aches a lot and you can’t figure out why.
Probably an allergy to everyone’s bs.
Really good at dirty talk even though you don’t seem the type so people are always taken aback.
You have to be really in the mood though otherwise it falls flatter than Oikawa’s ass, use your skill wisely.
You often call people clowns when you know you’re secretly the biggest one going.
Honk honk, hoe.
You send messages in one paragraph rather than multiple texts unless you are REALLY excited.
People underestimate you at times then are shocked when they realise you are capable of being a fire-breathing dragon from the flaming pits of hell.
You like spicy chicken wings.
Such a petty little shit at times lmao.
Enjoy the view from the top of mountains so you either hike a lot or really want to.
Way more of a cat person since it’s just much more convenient for you.
Usually pretty cheerful or calm and people are drawn to your stable/friendly aura.
Went through a phase of drinking mountain dew and your body still feels the awful effects
Fav element is probably air.
You’re 5′6″ or shorter.
Box dyed your hair brunette several times and can never get the pigment out to this day.
Yamamoto:
Whenever you smell something weird in the room you always internally freak out and think it’s you.
Head-butting walls is your hobby.
You fell off your bike as a kid and still have the scar on your knee.
Probably have tons of ear piercings.
Would tame a pigeon and call it Larry.
You get frequent nosebleeds and can never tell if it’s a medical issue or your extreme simping for fictional men/women.
Hopefully the latter.
You constantly chew your pen/pencil in class so you never lend them to anyone out of embarrassment.
I really hope no one ever lends you stationery bc 30 minutes later it’ll look like it was mauled by a rabid rottweiler.
You really want to own a dog and would call it something intimidating like Banshee or Diablo.
You bleached your hair that one time and it almost fell out so now you’re forced to stay at least 10 metres away from all at-home hair dye products.
You tried your best though bby so A for effort, even if it did look like dehydrated ramen afterwards.
Your grades are mostly C’s and you’re barely passing bc you just don’t care about your classes lol.
Still though you’re actually pretty smart so put it to good use you lazy oaf, channel that crackhead energy into something good.
Your phone screen has several cracks in it from when you dropped it on the bathroom floor while shitting and you’ll always be angry at yourself for that.
You have some really weird quirks but you make it work.
Actually a v chill person but you just kinda attract chaos/trouble wherever you go.
Carry a lighter with you even when you don’t need one.
Shy texter but once people see you irl you are the complete opposite, you just dk how to text without coming across as awkward.
One of those people that’s unintentionally funny and always get confused when you make someone laugh but it makes you feel good regardless.
Have a cool necklace collection and own at least one dog-tag/army style pendant.
Should really consider buying a rabbit you would look so cute w/ one.
You have really nice legs and people should compliment them more.
Either severely dehydrated or overly hydrated to the point you are peeing pure tap water so for the love of god please learn moderation, your kidneys and bladder will thank you for it.
Inuoka:
Your favourite character would be Hinata but you like people taller than you so your love for Inuoka spawned.
You really enjoy using the double spiderman meme.
Cannot correctly verbalise your feelings without creating a minimum of 10 misunderstandings but once people are used to it it’s kinda endearing.
You usually wake up in a good mood and people can never fathom how or why.
You either stay up till 5am or you wake up at that time no in between.
A morning person bc you love the sunrise.
Change your lock-screen very regularly bc you get bored.
Your humour consists solely of poop jokes.
When you don’t understand a joke you laugh anyway and hope they don’t ask you if you actually get it.
Happened once and you’re still traumatised from the cricket silence that fell upon the room.
Really like the taste of lemonade and drink it more often than you should.
Often think about what you would look like with a shaved head.
More of an extrovert but def have occasional introvert tendencies where you wanna be left tf alone.
Never allowed to pick up anything in stores bc the last time you did you sniffed a scented candle and it shattered to the floor.
Constantly have spontaneous ideas of what to change about your appearance.
You use a lot of hand gestures like thumbs up and peace signs.
‘Dude’ and ‘lmao’ is 90% of your vernacular.
Your nails are a disaster, some are down to the nub while others are pretty grown out bc you only bite a select few please sort it out.
Look really good in red.
Your laptop has way too many tabs open from random google searches of words you didn’t know the meaning to.
You read a lot of books but for like 10 minutes at a time bc you have the attention span of a walnut.
You are the type of person to nuke your AO3 tags with things that aren’t even relevant purely bc you found them funny.
Your Tumblr drafts are a nightmare, you have like 100+ in the works yet keep starting new projects why do you do this.
Happy sunshine but you have a LOT of mood swings like that shit comes out of nowhere.
Cry pretty often but no one ever sees and it’s usually because of said mood swings.
You always smile and pick yourself up again though which I commend you for.
TYPES IN CAPITALS IN SITUATIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE SAID PUNCTUATION SO YOU SEEM LIKE YOU’RE YELLING ALL THE TIME.
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Some picked ideas
Stories I written. If you read a few books, or listen to audiobooks, you could listen to the good work put down back into the story. If you want to write enough active sentences in a novel you got to make a difference and put a lot of body in the story. You got to spot places to assist the story. It's important to make some likable characters and take care of a few characters. If you have to you could write a first person price story in a third person span novel. You got to make unit places the character can move to. If you want you could write a good first person novel. Write a character who faces a few characters in some corruption novel. Some ideas i thought of. you have to write the beginning with a big moment. If you write a scene and get distracted you have to take some time and work on the scene. In a novel you got to use some rugged work characters in a few chapter breaks and chapters. Here are some ideas I thought of. You got to write snappy scenes and use snappy long scene breaks. . Chapter 1 If want want to feel punctuation marks clearly; think of them as the organs and brain of the story. If you want to remember a book longer, you got to stay close to the character through chapter stops and chapters. A few ideas in this story. If you want to write a story you could use different little things in life and stories. You got to write a good pressure place story. If you want to do research write what the character canvases and learns in the middle of the novel, and write a story article outline. A few good ideas. In a story you could use gradual wound character names. If you want to name the main character write a social death name. You got to pay attention to the story and save enough action. You could write a great novel by writing a third person limited novel in period night village story. The middle of the novel has to end good with enough good taste emotional chapters. In a long story you have to use the right spot of the story in a few chapter breaks and a few chapters. You could fit the character in the beginning of the novel with a few characters. It's important to write real characters and spend time with them. If you want to write enough and write more use what you can. You have to use a few good point characters in the story. You have to write a good story around the character, and capture the character's long story. Here's an idea. Write a good story with a good start body story and use the characters. You got to spend time with a long story and catch up to a smooth break antagonist.
When you write a story instead of writing it in one chunk for a long time you could write parts in font files.
In the story you can use different color part bright sentences in different paragraphs and get to the end of the story. You could do this in good eye sight chapter breaks with chapters. When you have to use some information make it run in the story for awhile. Once you have written write a word count over the top of the story in color numbers. Once you written about 500 words in long wide width shorter down page paragraphs, look at the story parts with 500 words and write front end 1, 2, and 3. Once you written the story look at the story and if some of the story isn't written snappy enough written, edit the story. Use a few snappy body words at a time, and write a good attention span snappy story. Once you written enough words and a good story, even out the lines in the story, then copy and paste the parts of the story right. A few details you can use. Chapter 1 When you use description in a novel make readers enjoy how much description is in each chapter. When you use similes, and metaphors in a novel make sure it helps readers enjoy the story in a lot of chapter breaks and chapters. At the end of the chapter breaks and chapters write the right said read end. When you get to tough and rough parts in a novel write painful parts. With each part of the story you got to finish at the story. Write a short scene good name for some characters in a few chapters. If a letter is in a novel, use presentable information. If comedy is in a novel, use presentable information. When some news story is in a novel, use presentable information. When illustration pages are in a novel use illustration the character can use. Part 2 You got to write good presentable touch dialogue in a good novel. Write useful concrete words in a novel. Instead of writing And, Then, had been, too much in a novel, you can look for a chance in the story. Write less filler words for the blink of the story and write a snappy story.
If you want to write something in a novel use some direction in the story, and make the characters take in the story. You got to embody a few pages and write a few chapters. Part 3 When you write a novel you got to keep readers in mind. You got to think about how much action you want a lot of readers to see, and make a lot of readers care about the characters in the story. Part 4 If you tell a story you won't construct long chapter breaks, and get to chapters. If you want to write enough and write more use what you can. Make part of the character's story then the character's confrontation, and then write the final confrontation. Next, make the end of a novel. Part 5 There's a lot of novels. Your novel has to be a long faithful novel. When your at the end of the novel make the end of the story be with the character. You got to write good presentable touch dialogue in a good novel. Part 6 If you want to write a science fiction novel you could write an afraid character's story. If you want to use space in a science fiction novel make a good compartment story. Make a difference in the novel with a close up story. Write a recap story little further in a novel. If you want to start a great novel work behind the story and write a great character. Write a few smooth action active sentences, and write a good beginning. Part 7 Make a fiction story with a character who fights for something. Commas make a novel emotional. Write a good beginning, and the wind of the story. Semicolons can make a novel good. Use a few collection of sentences. Hyphens can group a few words together. Periods, and dashes can help dialogue and sentences. Question marks can help a few sentences, and dialogue. Punctuation marks are good weights in sentences. You can write an exclamation point for a few characters in the stories dialogue.
Or you could write a close up story and do some editing. Use Semicolons Commas Hyphens Dashes Periods Exclamation points and a few punctuation marks. You got to do a good job by keeping some comfortable and presentable punctuation marks.
Some ideas. Chapter 1 If you decide to write a practice story, you could make the character face a good obstacle, and write some chapters in the story. When you come to a hard place in the story, write what if and write enough short information, then write what if? And write a little at a time. Chapter 1 You can write a few novellas too. Make a good story with a character who fits in the story good with the characters. Chapter 1 If you want you could write a few resistance home stories. Chapter 1 If you want to know more words in a dictionary remember good thesaurus glossary note words. A good idea book. Chapter 1 How to write a lot of riddles. If you want to write some riddles write a good resistance story and write a few good answers. Chapter 2 A idea for science fiction stories. If you want to learn some ideas for science fiction stories, write out survival switch trip foundation math. Chapter 3 If you want to write flash fiction, write a little body story, with brevity, and write a match for the character. In a flash fiction story you got to write a presentable close moving action story. Chapter 4 You can make a short story book made of a few good stories and good short stories. Chapter 5 If you want to you could practice writing a good group of nouns, and adverbs. Once done you can write pronouns, verbs and adjectives. Next write prepositions, and conjunctions in color words. If you want to sound out words you can write light color letters for silent letters and bright color letters. You could write personal fluorescent font lighted words to space out short and long words. If you want you could write these in bubble letters. A good idea book, 2. Chapter 1 If you want to write a few short jokes, make a news character with a story. At the end write an educational story.
Chapter 2 If you want to, you could write a good play. You got to use group step scenes with acting scenes. However, if want to write a screen play Use helpful moving characters in a few scenes. Put together some music sound scenes in acting scenes. Write some bright light places. You got to use performance presentable sound scenes. You got to write a few presence scenes. As important write good character room scenes, and write a few characters critical timing coordination scenes. Many actors in movies do good acting by acting critical as the character in the story. Make a few safe size places in the characters story. Chapter 3 If you want to make a comic book write a story. Make the characters left with the character.
Tell a good story with a few panels. Write a number of small revolving resolving color stencil fully drawn design pack characters, and some surrounding drawings in a comic book script. Write close up dialogue. You got to write presentable scene characters and active presentable dialogue. On each page write close up dialogue in balloon form. Another way you could write a comic book is put together a good character who learns in each story.
A good idea book, 3. Chapter 1 You can write a few great songs. If you want to write good enough you got to keep up with lyrics, and write some long stories. In a song you got to write a few active presentable songs. Write a little story, near a little story. Use some shining pitch issues with the right flexible mint music. Write the choruses, in some of the tough parts of the song. If you want to you can sketch instrument music story timing notes. Cool down easy at the end of the song. A good idea book, 4. Chapter 1 You got to write set up characters in a short story, and write the character's condition and stand in the story. You could write a few different pressure short stories. In a short story you got to write active presentable dialogue. When you write the middle of a short story you got to use the characters and reach the character. Later you got to make the character come clean at the end of the story. Chapter 2 You could write a few big figure children books. Use short words through wording and use a few short happy friend examples, and make a good story. You can write a few children books through a few good told stories. A good idea book, 5. Chapter 1 Its important to spend time on stormy dawn alone night sea poems. If you want to write a poem write better good words, and use punctuation. As you write a poem make sure it has enough long away effort lines.
If you want to write a good poem you could write a good group track resonating poem. At times you could write a few voice tunnel body bend words. So if you want to do a good job on a poem, you can write a few words in a few work load life lines with a fit rhyme scheme for awhile. You could write a good packed poem with a good story. Chapter 2 If you want to write a poem, make some good think through different body characters to put together in more poems. As you write make sure you pass through a few words and write a good dawn story, and write a long put together end. The same rule applies for stories, short stories, and when you write novels. If you don't work hard on the story and state a few characters you will sit on the story. You got to write a good story with a few expectable and presentable characters. Chapter 1 How to draw. You could draw in a drawing pad. Draw some good drawings and be good at the drawing line. If you want to, you could draw a drawing with its own kind of breed nature picture. If you want to draw longer instead, draw a drawing face top a few seconds and leave the drawing good for awhile, and use a shade spot good stub deck, and finish the drawing. The drawing has to feel good and have its own kind of gracefulness. Move a pencil and draw who your drawing. One thing which can help you make a drawing come more alive is draw body weight in the drawing. A way to get good at painting pictures. If you want to do art paintings on a canvas use a good palate and the right dull coloring and paint a picture. Once the painting is sketched you can use vibrant colors and finish painting the picture. Once your really good at painting paint a few paintings. Chapter 1 If you want to make art with material make a good muscular rack lining covering piece. Chapter 1 You could use a lot of dictionary words.
Use them with some figures, and write a few good metaphors, or you can work on a few similes. Chapter 1 If you want to you could write transportation smart information words, and write a few activity words. Chapter 1 In application calculation ride pack calculation math use drum sound chart information. If you want to answer a few math problem you could practice a different budding voice through speech. As you do math look at some technical quality configuration math. Chapter 1 You could write a list of some helpful body weight objects to remember more objects. Chapter 1 If you want to write a few subject sentences write a some good block trail subject sentences. Chapter 1 If you want to remember more things good use skeletal production memory, and use stress work sound bright track memory. Chapter 2 You can use memory notes, and get through the noted breaks around a few stories, and plant a few words which can grow and toughen. You could also use good conditioning time budding swap ability work. How you could write cartoons. Chapter 1 If you want to write cartoons write a few good different good filmed computer characters, as you move the story on. In the story and make the characters take the story to heart, and make a few important scenes in the story. If someone says something mean be nice. If you hold in a lot of anger you'll find ways to hurt others. If you carry after thoughts you will face a lot of things. Martial arts combatives. Chapter 1 If you get in a good fight you got to come back good. When you get scared in a good fight loosen up good, and immediately work close in enough in a fight, and be tough. One thing you have to remember in a fight is how to move. Don't look at the opponent straight on. Move and make a fighter nervous, and feel the fighters separated eager reactions. Chapter 2 When you see a fighters body remember the opponent will use steps and move quick with a few continuous moment support counters with their hands, and work on your legs and few of your body movements. And they can use a lot of different counters. One way you can fight back is move around on your body motion, and use simple pressure for defense and offense.
If an opponent tries to capture you into spaces, or tries to muscle you with their legs and muscle weight endurance, direct their energy and move them by with your body and movement structure. Chapter 3 When an opponent makes a move, even though it may look thoughtless the fighter can move in and use parts of your defense of offense against you. When a fighter moves and looks ready half the time you got to take care of the way you move and fight. You got to remember an opponent can come back and control you. When your hit in the moment of a fight and stiffen up strong take time to loosen up your whole body. If you want to go through a few moves, you can fix the moment of a martial arts fighters moves, and part of the opponent's moves the correct way, and save a few movements. Chapter 4 When an opponent moves in and out and feints and makes series faces work with the fighter and break the fighter down set up good. Don't worry about fighting hold stances and foot positions a lot. You got to remember an opponent stiffens for awhile in stances. It can make a some difference how you move, and pick up a lot. If an opponent knocks you off balance, use the opponent's body fear movement and fear and do a few moves. Chapter 5 If a martial arts fighter puts a bear hug around you use the fighters tricep tendons, and kick both the fighters Achilles tendons. If you get in a fight with a martial arts fighter, and the fighter ducks good keep your hands and feet moving together. Chapter 6 If you know less arm holds than a martial arts fighter, move the fighters moves into a good position and cramp the fighters muscles right, and move the fighters arm moves.
Chapter 7 If a fighter moves good with little effort move around softly with ease. If you want to do forms good when your wearing a blind fold move slower, and work close to the moves, and move back to the same place. Chapter 8 if you get hurt and get blinded, you can fight back with a lot of quick throws, and later feel out an opponent. If a martial arts fighter knows more strikes than you, use the fighters energy, and strike around the fighters body as you strike the opponent, and correct the fighters moves. If a fighter stays still and waits look at the fighters hard position and soft fighting positions, and do a few moves. Chapter 9 If you get in a fight with a good fighter and get dizzy you can use ease relaxation points in your body. If a fighter holds your arms behind you use your body shape to loosen the fighters grip, and use different moves. Chapter 10 If an opponent moves around you with better returning foot moving you can catch up to the opponent with good foot moving and footing. Chapter 1 A way to make machines. Chapter 1 If you want to make better machines, you got to make a good strength point good loading updating machine. A way to make a time travel machine. Chapter 1 If you want to write a science fiction novel, you could write a time travel machine. If you want to make it right you got to make a time sinc equipment pressure cellular vehicle.
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Part of your world - Harry Hook x reader - part 13 - push
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a rewrite of ​the x reader that @bluediamondsevie wrote for me
 summary: a who doesn’t love the Disney World, well, (y/n) especially loves descendants, and one day, as she dances in her kitchen getting ready to head out. 17-year-old (y/n) becomes part of that world, now a certain blue-eyed pirate meets the girl from a world where he is a fictional character and he has an actor named Thomas Doherty.
  Key:
 h/c- hair color
 e/c- eye color
 h/l- hair length
 s/c- skin color
 y/n- your name
 your stuff
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 ---
The next morning when you woke up Harry was still asleep, and you took the chance to get dressed and leave before he could try to talk to you.
Just as you were leaving the room, you heard Harry's voice from behind you, “lassie wait I wanna-“ you ignored him, closing the door behind you and speedwalking off the ship and rushing over to the chip shop, stopping by Uma, asking if she had any jobs for you to do today, she rose a brow, thinking that today was Harry’s pay route, and you usually went with him, she had a feeling that your weird behavior was because of the reveal yesterday.
She gave you a job of collecting the depts of the more dangerous villains, so you hurried to leave, Harry catching you at the entrance, “hey lass, ready teh rob some people tehday~?” you pushed past him, Harry's brows furrowed in confusion, what did he do?!
He turned to the crew, they all shrugged, they were just as confused, you and Harry had been basically attached at the hip for the past two and a half months. And now all of a sudden you were ignoring him?
What the hell? Harry felt his eyes burn and quickly ducked his head down and made his way to the table, the crew looking at him with sympathy, they knew how to harry felt about you, and now you were acting as if he didn’t exist, that had to hurt, Uma dropped a tray in front of Harry, but he pushed it away and hid his face in his arms, folding them on the table and let silent tears run down his face. Uma sighed and pat his back, rushing back to the kitchen to deliver orders.
‘(y/n)’ Uma thought ‘what the hell are you doing’
She looked back at Harry, whos shoulders started to shake slightly, Gil rubbing his back.
‘you said you didn’t want to hurt Harry but,’ Uma shook her head, grabbing two trays and making her way to the costumers ‘that’s exactly what you’re doing’
---
You exited Shaun yu’s bunker, money clutched in your hand, and scaled the wall, landing on the roof and lept across the buildings, landing on a largely abandoned warehouse, sitting at the edge, you sat there in silence for a minute, before pain began rising in your chest, you dry heave, jolting forward, gasping for air, hot tears running down your face.
You didn’t want to push Harry away, but if it meant that he would hurt less when you inevitably left this world, you would do it, even if it meant killing your heart in the process.
Sobs racked your chest, you clutched the cracked ruby necklace Harry had stolen for you, you remember the day he presented to you
--
You sat on your bed, sketching Uma, surrounded by the sea, the water bending to her will, calm but fierce, beautiful but dangerous. Just like her. You were lining the features of her face when the door slammed open, Harry grinning at you, you smiled and set the sketch aside, raising an eyebrow at the obviously exited Scottish pirate boy.
“whats got you so happy hooky~?” he grinned sheepishly at the nickname, walking through the doorframe ad closing the door with his foot, fishing something out of his pocket,
“I saw’ somthin’ tha’ reminded me of ye’ so I snatched it” he grasped your hand and placed a shining ruby necklace in your palm, your eyes sparkled at it, making harry snicker, goddamit why were you so goddamn cute!
“Oh Harry!” you squealed, holding it up in the light, it reflected the light and it shone brightly in the room “I love it~!! Help me put it on!!”
Harry grinned and nodded, happy that you liked his gift, you handed him the necklace and turned, (if you have long hair, you hold it out of the way, if its short, you just stand there,) Harry clasped the silver chain around your smooth (s/c) neck, you giggled at Harrys touch, he laughed with you, patting your shoulders to let you know he finished, you turned and looked down at the gem, squealing you lunged forward and hugged Harry, his arms wrapping around you securely, burying his face in your hair.
“thank you harry~! I love it!”
“glad ye do lassie”
“im going to go show it to Uma!”
Harry snickered and let you go, he watched to run off to Uma’s cabin with a soft smile, what you didn’t know is that Harry didn’t steal the necklace, he saw it at a jewel shop and had asked what the ruby represented, the owner had said that red represented passion and love, Harry thought it was perfect and had snatched the jewel and left $50, the owner didn’t even blink, collecting the money and smiling at Harry's receding back, ahh young love, it could make the cruelest person turn over a new leaf.
---
You couldn’t breathe, your heart breaking with every memory of harry flooding through your mind, dear god, you never thought you’d feel like this for a fictional character, but the feelings were there, and you were scared of them, you and Harry were never supposed to meet, he was never supposed to even know your name. you weren’t supposed to meet the character, just the actor.
You were just a girl who had landed in a world where you weren’t supposed to exist.
you weren't supposed to fall in love with Harry Hook.
For the next hour, you sat there, crying your heart out, when the hour was up, you took a deep breath, wiping your eyes, when you finally composed your self, you saw the barrier shiver and flash green.
Uh oh, you knew what that meant.
Mal was here.
You sat there for a few more minutes, before hearing the rumble of a motor, you lept up and looked over the edge, seeing mal, blonde hair and everything, chuck a rock at a sign and enter the building you were sitting on top of.
Oh, well then, time to go, time to leave, bye bye core four hideout! You ran and jumped, landing on the shorter building next to the hideout. And raced back to the ship, shit was about to go down.
---three months ago on Auradon---
Fairy Godmother stood in front of the core four and ben, she clapped her hands together and looked at them with a serious face. The five straightened, no messing around when FG is this serious.
“I have called you here to tell you all of a situation, a dimensional portal opened yesterday and I can not locate the thing or person that has entered this world” Mal rose her hand, confused, FG nodded and Mal stepped forward
“what do you mean, dimensional portal? And entered our world?”
FG nodded and spoke; “yes, we are only one of many worlds, for instance, there is another world where the evil queen created a world with no magic, and the daughter of snow white and prince charming saved that world and the villains soon became heroes. But the being that landed in our world is not from that world, but a world where we are nothing but characters on a tv screen.”
FG waved her hand, and a picture of a girl appeared, FG handed it to mal and she and her friends examined the photo.
It was a girl with (s/c) skin, (h/l) (h/c) hair, (e/c) eyes, and (round/sharp/square) face.
“if you ever find this girl, bring her immediately to me, she needs to be sent home as soon as possible.”
--present mal POV—
Mal heard footsteps on the roof and looked to the side where they stopped, seeing an (h/c) girl jumping from the roof of her hideout to the building next to it, Mal squinted, the girl slightly turned and showed her face, and mals memory flashed, and she hurriedly fished the photo of the girl out from her pocket, it matched exactly, Mal smirked at the girls receding back.
‘found you’.
--end of part 13—
Comment or message me for part 14
taglist:
@namelesslosers
@crazybutconfidentaf
@lukes-princess
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Nerd - Gerard Way x Reader
Request: Hi! I miss you 💕💕 When you're back, could you write about Dallon or Gerard meeting a nerdy reader? She is out with friends, and sarcastically says sth like "yeah, 'cause a girl who daily references LotR, Doctor Who and other stuff is every guy's dream." He overhears, and starts: "Actually..." Thanks and have a lovely holiday ✨✨✨😉
Reader: female
Warnings: fandom references, many of them
Word count: 1 843
Even though it was one of the bars in town that was on the fancier side, people still dressed pretty normally. At least the guys did. But most of the females in the room were wearing skirts and dresses that seemed to be several numbers too small so short that you wondered how they sat down without the skirt riding up so far that too much skin was exposed. But maybe that was the whole point. You did not really know much about these things. The only thing that you knew was that people did not like it when you said that their skirts were shorter than those of the uniform dresses in Star Trek OS. So you kept that comment to yourself, while you pulled on the sleeves of your cropped “Wings of Freedom” jacket, the latest treasure in your collection of merchandise.
Going out with your friends was never as easy as you would have liked. They were, just like the other women in the bar, dressed in these terribly tight clothes, and you, dressed in a soft, fitting, dark shirt with a tiny TARDIS pattern, some skinny jeans, sneakers, said cropped jacket, and an Evening Star necklace, stood out like a torch in a dark forest.
You knew your friends did not mind. They had been out with you before, and they knew this was the fanciest you could dress for a relaxed night out. But you had been very aware of the stares from other people in the room, men and women alike.
“(Y/n),” one of your friends called over the small table on which the group was seated, trying to get your attention over the loud music that played on the dancefloor, “spotted anyone you like already?”
You grinned, knowing Grace would absolutely love to set you up. The beautiful girl had braided her curly black hair to the side, wore metallic green eyeliner and a matching dress that sparkled beautifully against her dark skin. You loved how easy it seemed for her to put herself out there, and sometimes you wondered if you could do that too, if you had more self-confidence. After all, the lack thereof was probably the main reason you were hiding behind your merchandise.
Trying to answer her question, your eyes skipped through the room, trying to find the man again who had drawn your attention to himself earlier. Now he was sitting at the bar, a strand of his almost shoulder long, raven black hair brushed behind his ear. He was sipping from what looked like a glass of water, in the other hand holding a pen, and fumbling around with it.
You nodded into the direction of the guy, very well aware that someone as attractive as him could directly look at you, and still not see you.
Grace turned her head, following your eyes, and nodded approvingly.
“He’s cute,” she stated.
You nodded, embarrassedly turning your eyes away.
“Wanna go and talk to him?”
“What? No, no way,” you quickly answered, looking up at her alarmed.
“Alright, alright, chill,” she laughed.
“Hey, would you like to dance?”
A man had approached Grace from behind, the third one this night. You wondered how some girls like Grace seemed to pull people in, while you always seemed to repulse them.
“Sorry, I’m not in the mood right now,” Grace answered friendly but firm, “Later maybe.”
The guy nodded and trotted off again.
“Should we go get some more drinks,” she asked you, motioning to you empty glass, “we could go talk to Mister Mysterious over there as well.”
You groaned.
“Come on, you know how that will go. No offence, but I don’t even have the splinter of a chance with you next to me. Not to mention, that a girl who daily references Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Doctor Who and other stuff is every guy’s dream.”
You rolled your eyes and shook your head, wanting to add how you talking to that guy would never happen, when suddenly a voice sounded from behind of you.
“Well, actually…”
You turned around, more reflex than anything, and stared up into brilliant hazel eyes. It was the man who you had watched while he had been sitting at the bar, but the conversation with Grace had distracted you, so you had not noticed that he had gotten up. The strand of hair which had been brushed behind his ear had fallen into his face again, and the way he was fidgeting with the pen he was still holding gave away that he was somewhat nervous, which relieved you to a certain degree. Also the fact that he wore a washed out Star Wars t-shirt managed to settle some of your nerves right away.
The conversations around the table had died down, everybody expectantly watching the scene unfold. After all, it was the first time in all the nights they had been out with you, that someone had tried to chat you up.
Honestly, you were at a loss for words. You were not sure if that was because the man in front of you was just seriously beautiful, because all of a sudden you had been approached by someone, or if it was because he had basically said that a nerdy girl like you could be someone’s dream girl. But whatever the reason, you could not find an answer, or just anything to say really; so you sat there, somewhat helplessly, blinking up at him.
The man smiled slightly, apparently not minding your speechlessness.
“Your drink is empty, may I invite you for a new one?”
Before you could even answer, another friend next to you, Carol, encouragingly nudged you, tearing you out of the haze you momentarily been in.
“Oh, yes, that would be great,” you quickly answered, standing up from your chair.
“I’m Gerard, by the way,” he introduced himself, offering you his hand.
“(Y/n),” you replied.
He nodded thoughtfully.
“It fits you,” he decided, before suddenly blushing, realizing what he had said. “Shall we… get drinks?”
He lead you over to the bar, where he found two chairs for the two of you, before he asked what you would like to drink, ordering the same for himself as well.
“So… you are well acquainted with fan culture, I see,” he said, nodding to your clothes.
“Yes, I-“ nervously you reached for the Evening Star necklace, wrapping your fingers around it, “it’s like… I don’t really know, it’s like-“
“A protection from reality?”
You nodded, smiling shyly at Gerard’s comment.
“Yeah, exactly. Just, some worlds to feel safe in, you know, where heroes will always safe the day.”
“I totally feel you,” Gerard agreed, “you should have seen my locker in high school; it was a Lord-of-the-Rings-Star-Wars-Doctor-Who shrine.”
“I’d pay to see that,” you laughed, feeling the nervousness slowly melt away. Gerard seemed to understand you, seemed to get why these fictional worlds were so important to you.
“Fascinating,” he giggled at your response, making you crook your head.
“Was that Star Trek reference intentional,” you wondered, narrowing your eyes at him, making him laugh lightheartedly.
“Take an educated guess,” he challenged, nudging your knee with his.
“You’re a nerd,” you answered, rolling your eyes at him.
“Says the one with the TARDIS shirt,” he defended, laughing.
“Says the one with the two decades old Star Wars shirt,” you kept going, poking his chest.
“Okay, that is true,” Gerard gave in, giggling.
Just in that moment the bar tender brought over your drinks, and Gerard handed you one.
“May the force be with you,” you spoke, raising your glass for him to click his glass against yours.
“And may you live long and prosper,” he winked, gently bumping the glasses together.
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and chatter about your favorite movies, a heated discussion about the best Star Wars Movie, anecdotes about building light sabers and Stormtrooper uniforms from when you were kids, and too many references to keep up with it (anything ranging from single word exclamations, to page long monologues).
It was well past midnight when both of you decided to call it a night. Your stomach hurt from laughing so much, and Gerard’s hair was completely disheveled from how often he had ran his fingers through it.
Both of you stepped outside into the cold night, and you wrapped your jacket, tighter around your body, feeling the napkin, on which two hours earlier Gerard had written his phone number and a doddle of himself, in your pocket press against your leg.
“So… will you call me,” he asked teasingly, but you noticed how important it was to him.
“I’ll think about it,” you grinned.
“Fantastic,” he nodded, obviously already excited.
“Yeah, yeah, alright doctor,” you laughed.
“Get home safe,” Gerard mumbled, giving you a quick hug that left you slightly blushing.
“You too, see you soon.”
Your flat was not far away, so you used the short walk to calm down from the exciting night. Gerard’s face was burned into your memories, and his giggles still rang in your ears as you walked down the dark streets.
A big illuminated display at the entrance of the cinema that was just down the street from your apartment pulled your attention to it.
“Late Night Showing of the Planet of the Apes”
A crazy idea came to your mind as you pulled out your phone and checked the time; the movie would start in ten minutes, this had to be the universe pulling a prank at you.
Without hesitation you pulled out the napkin, and dialed the numbers which Gerard had scribbled down for you.
“Gerard? It’s me, (y/n). Do you know the Starlight Cinema, five minutes away from the bar?”
Gerard on the other side of the line, agreed eagerly.
“Planet of the Apes in ten?”
“I’ll be there in five, don’t go in without me!”
You giggled at his excitement, hearing how he seemed to start hurrying while hanging up. This was crazy. But maybe you needed a bit of personal crazy in your life; you could not live vicariously through screen heroes forever.
And sure enough, five minutes after you had called him, Gerard came running down the street.
“You really waited,” he cheered, throwing his arm around your shoulder, as if you had known each other since forever. “I want popcorn and we need to share a big coke, but only one straw, so we can accidentally kiss, because you better believe that I won’t let you walk away without kissing you tonight. Because someone who calls me at half two in the morning for a late night showing of Planets of the Apes can’t just walk away like that from me.”
You laughed at his rambling, blushing at his words, but being pretty sure that you would not mind such a kiss. He held the door open for you to slip into the building.
“Okay,” you agreed, “but first we need to buy the tickets, dork.”
“I know, nerd.”
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maxattack-powell · 6 years
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The Freshman 1-14
Book 1-14
Chapter 14: The Ashton Affair
Masterlist - go here for other chapters and related original fics
Disclaimer: The following are fics (adaptations from actual game chapters AND original works) to Choices: The Freshman and The Sophomore stories. It is a fictional adaptation. I (we) do not work for Pixelberry Studios, the game developer or own the rights to the characters Chris Powell, Nicole or any other IN GAME character. All of the ORIGINAL characters, storylines and events were developed for my adaptation of The Freshman story.
Comments: I enjoyed playing Choices The Freshman… and then I found this awesome group of people and their works - I’ve loved it all, very much so. Deciding that I wanted more interaction than the options allowed, I’ve gone through the first book, chapter by chapter (omg painfully slow) to follow the story (95-99% I’d say) and add to it as I felt would benefit.
Basically, I wanted to include certain things that weren’t really full fic size worthy, adding to the story. However, I did add some full size fic moments also… some are included in cannon chapters, some are their own full chapters in between. I wanted to see MC and Chris through their freshman year… with more angst, fluff, sweetness, real life and overall detail. So, if you like that pairing then you’ll be satisfied, otherwise sorry James & Kaitlyn fans lol. I even added some parts from Chris’s POV, so that we have a chance to see what he’s thinking, knowing what she experienced.
There will be ADULT and/or NSFW moments in certain chapters - this is a warning lol. I will try my best to make it obvious as it occurs…
Paring: MC x Chris
POV: ~MC~ or ~Chris~
 ~MC~
James shoots MC a pleading look. She quickly collects herself and plays along. "Sorry, James, I didn't realize you'd already told them about our engagement." She tries her best to hide her sweating palms, as she's suddenly put on the spot. "I know you wanted to keep our engagement a secret, but I had to tell them." James raises his eyebrow, hoping she continues to go along with it. "Um, right. Yes, I'm MC. It's nice to meet you." MC lightly bows her head at them both with a friendly smile. "George Ashton, and this is my wife, Olivia." He reaches over and places his hand on the small of his wife's back. Olivia doesn't seem to be too impressed at the moment, almost frowning at MC. "A pleasure." George shakes MC's hand while Oliva gives a polite nod. They both glance at Vasquez, George cleaning his throat. "And who is this?"
Caught off guard Professor Vasquez stumbles across his excuse. "I..." James looks at MC at a loss, clearly panicking now. She clears her throat and steps forward. "Allow me to introduce him... I am his assistant. This is Professor..." James cuts in quickly. "Vega. Professor Vega. He teaches business economics at Hartfeld." Professor Vasquez blinks a few times. "That is... uh, me. How do you do?" He reaches out a hand which George heartily takes, his smile now huge. "Well meet, Professor! Hartfeld's business program is renowned. I must congratulate you on your sterling reputation." Now apparently on board with the situation, Professor Vasquez takes it in stride. "Yes. Thank you." He takes in a deep breath and looks at James. "A-hem, well, as pleasant as this is, I have some... economics papers to grade." Olivia nods. "Right. Well, we'll be on our way shortly then." They both turn to MC, causing her to tense up. George reaches for her hand, holding it softly in his. "MC, we'd love to get to know you better while we're in town." Keeping her hands clasped together, Oliva agrees. "Yes, why don't you join us for dinner tonight?" MC's eyes search for James, this time asking him for help. He quickly responds, coming to her aid. "You don't have to do that. Besides, I'm sure she's very busy..." His mother instantly cuts him off. "Nonsense, James. She's going to be part of the family after all. We insist." The look she gives James makes MC gulp, knowing she has no choice. "...all right." George doesn't seem to notice or care about his wife's attitude. "Perfect. We'll meet at the Savoy at six o'clock. Sharp." They both turn to leave, not saying a word to anyone else. MC just stands there for a moment, waiting until they are out of earshot. James doesn't look her in the eye until she begins talking. "So, are you going to tell me why your parents think we're engaged?" James sighs. "It's a little complicated..." She crosses her arms and stands her ground. "Can't wait to hear it." James looks from MC to Professor Vasquez, who wisely busies himself with the papers on his desk. "My parents what me to major in business, to inherit my father's investment company, to marry the right woman..." MC's eyes widen considerably. "Wow... that must be a lot of pressure on you." He suddenly looks relieved for the first time since she entered the room. "It was... until I decided to pursue my own path." She raises an eyebrow at him. "Let me guess... you haven't told them you're still single and studying literature." He tightens his lips, creating a thin line. "No, I haven't. First, if they knew I was single, they'd pressure me to date some well-connected girl they've hand-selected." She shrugs slightly. "That doesn't sound so bad..." He scoffs. "I've never liked anyone they've picked before." MC's face falls. "Oh..." James continues, "And secondly, they wouldn't understand why I want to be a writer." She frowns at him. "Isn't it hard to keep that secret? It's what you love." His expression turns dark. "It's not easy, but... I have to stick with it. At least until I finish my play." He looks into her eyes, pleading. "Will you help me out?" Behind them Professor Vasquez clears his throat. "I strongly believe she should. This is an excellent opportunity for you, MC." Her nose wrinkles as she glares at him. "You mean for you." Vasquez actually smiles at her. "I never said it wasn't mutually beneficial. Go to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Ashton... and tell me all about it." She snorts at him before turning back to James and giving him a genuine smile. "I would be honored to be James's fake fiancée." James let's out a sigh of relief. "Thanks MC. I'll pick you up at five thirty." As MC turns to leave, Vasquez clears his throat again, asking for her attention. "And MC... if you're having dinner at the Savoy, I suggest you dress for the occasion." She closes her eyes as her hand rests on the door handle. "I'll work on it." She tries not to sound too put out as she leaves the office. As MC makes her way across campus, she checks her phone, noticing all the missed calls and messages from the night before. She forgot to turn it back on until she arrived at Vasquez’s office, however she didn't dare check it until now, knowing he would have an absolute fit if he caught her on it. She stares at the screen in shock, unaware she had thirty or so notifications for missed calls and messages. MC quickly shoots Zack a message about her new situation before going through the rest.
She stops at a bench on the path and sits down as she scrolls. There were a few from Zack, Abbie, James...even Tyler. But the majority, probably at least two thirds or more of the notifications, were from Chris. She slowly goes through the messages, most a form of ‘where are you?’ or ‘are you okay?’ from everyone, but the ones from Chris start to become more... panicked… if she had to use one word to describe them. The first two spaced out a few minutes with each following text sent over a shorter and shorter period of time.
'Hey'
'Where did you go? Let me give you a ride home'
'MC? Please answer.'
'Are you still in the park?'
'I’m here, please tell me where you are…'
'Okay, I’ll shut up. Just let me take you home.'
'MC, you're making me worry…'
'I get it. I know I screwed up. You can make me pay for it tomorrow, okay? You love your friends, don't make them worry anymore. Let me take you home?'
She looks at the timestamps and realizes that many minutes passed before he sent the remaining two texts.
'I assume you're not going to respond at this point… I just want you to know that I’m sorry. We all care about you. Please be safe. I’m still in the park. Near the gazebo if you need me'
Then the final text.
'I've been burning, yes, I've been burning
Such a burden, this flame on my chest
No insurance, to pay for the damage
Yeah, I've been burning up since you left'
She recognizes that the last text is a lyric set, her brows draw together as she tries to recall the song. She gives up after a minute and Googles it, finding that it's from Burning by Sam Smith. This makes her frown as she lets out a sigh, whispering to herself.
“Why does he keep doing this. I’m trying to do what he wants, and he keeps...” She closes her eyes tightly, forcing her low words through gritted teeth. “I don't know what I’m supposed to do anymore…”
She sits there for a while, her eyes close as she focuses on breathing in and out slowly, searching for peace. Her mind runs through hundreds of scenarios. How she should try to resolve this, to move on. After a while she folds over, placing her face into her hands as she rests them on her knees, staring at the ground exhausted. Finding some solace in focusing on her current task at hand, the dinner with James’s parents, she takes in a deep breath and stands after a moment. She is determined to put all her focus, her efforts, into this for her friend. He needs her now, and she could use the distraction.
When MC finally arrives at the dorms she hesitates before going inside her suite. Knowing there's a chance Chris is inside, she's unsure how to act if they run into each other. When she enters she finds an empty living room. She lets out a small sigh of relief, hoping she can make it to her room without running into anyone. She actually manages to get all the way to her closed door before the one across from her opens suddenly, causing her to turn at the noise.
Chris stands in his bedroom doorway, a small weak smile on his lips. “Hey, MC.” He searches her face as she stands there silently for a moment, like a deer caught in headlights.
She blinks and gathers her thoughts, realizing she isn't saying anything, making the interaction very awkward. “Uh, hey… Chris.” She gives a small wave and quickly turns into her room, trying not to meet his eyes again as she shuts the door, missing his face fall in disappointment. When MC turns around, leaning her back on the door she startles. Zack jumps up from his spot on her bed, a huge exaggerated smile on his face. "There she is! I got all your text and read them twice. You and James, engaged! You really do move fast!" He laughs and runs to her, squeezing her in a hug. "I hope I'm invited to the wedding..." Zack winks at her as she glowers at him, shoving him off. "Ha ha Zack. Can we stop thinking about the 'I do' and focus more on the 'I wear' part please?" She heads to her closet with a frustrated sigh. "I don't think I have an outfit that will impress a pair of very sophisticated, fancy people." Zack raises his eyebrow at her. "Not to mention James, right?" She pauses and thinks about his question. "Well... I suppose he will be at this dinner too." Zack waves at her dismissively. "Hey, don't worry! I've already called a friend of mine. She works at an upscale boutique and can get you the perfect dress." She takes a slow deep breath. "I know this dinner will go much better if I dress up..." MC turns to look at Zack pleadingly, chewing on her bottom lip. Zack affirms her statement with a nod and hooks his arm in hers, opening her door and leading them into the hall. MC’s eyes glance up, seeing Chris’s door open, finding that unusual. Her eyes drift further into his room, finding him sitting on his bed, his guitar across his lap. As her eyes continue their journey, they find a pair of blue eyes, his head lifted towards her door since the moment it opened. She quickly breaks the connection and turns with Zack, determined to focus on the task at hand. Determined to move on.
They head out of the dorm and to the bus stop. After a short ride and some pleasant conversation, they arrive downtown. She smiles as they talk, enjoying her time with her friend. MC realizes that Zack had become one of her favorite people since arriving at Hartfeld, one of her closest friends. He always tries to be there for her, and she knows she will do whatever she can for him. As the bus comes to a stop, they step off and walk a block to the posh boutique.
The door jingles, signaling their entrance as Zack waves at someone. MC assumes it's the friend he was talking about as they cross the threshold. Both begin the search, sifting through the racks of fancy clothing. MC pulls an elaborate colorful dress off one of the racks. The embroidery and hand stitched bead work was impressive. Zack walks over when he sees her search still. He lets out a few impressed sounds as he gives her a look. She goes to the changing room to try it on.
After a moment she comes back out, taking a spin in front of the long mirror before turning to her curly haired friend. "Zack! I love this look." He whistles appreciatively, his eyes traveling up and down her figure. "Me too, it says 'Look how perfect and sophisticated I am for your brilliant son'." He grabs a set of pearls from a nearby display and tosses them to her. She smiles. "That's what I'm going for!" She laughs as she catches the necklace and puts it on. "Thanks Zack. You're an awesome friend…” He raises an eyebrow at her and smirks, causing her to snicker. “Okay, you're the best. I really appreciate all of your help." MC gives him a tight hug. Zack gasps from the lack of air. "Hey, hey... watch out, you'll wrinkle the dress." He winks at her when she let's him go, both laughing. She pays for the dress, thanking Zack and his friend for the discount, before they head to the bus stop. They stop at a nearby coffee shop, realizing they have a few minutes to wait for the next bus to arrive. After placing their order they go back to the bus stop to enjoy their iced teas as they split a cookie. The two chat for a while about the dinner and what she might have to do to help James. After a while things turn silent and thoughtful.
Zack finally breaks the silence, knowing the bus will arrive soon. “Okay, I’ll just come out and ask since you haven't said anything yet.” She tenses a little before he continues. “Are you okay?”
A small, unconvincing smile crosses her lips as she turns slightly to meet his solid stare. “Yeah. I’m fine Zack.” When he narrows his eyes at her she sighs. “Really. It’s okay. I’m just… tired.” She thinks about her choice in words. 'Tired of everything...'
Zack nods and moves closer, gathering her into a warm hug. “I’m here, okay? Whatever you need, whenever you want something, go somewhere, if someone’s ass needs kicking… I’ll get Kaitlyn and Abbie to do that... but the rest of it I’m ready to handle. Just say the word.” She lets out a small soft laugh as tears threaten to creep out, squeezing him for a moment before they break as the bus approaches.
~Chris~
MC and Zack are gushing about something as they enter the suite. She’s totally distracted with her conversation with their curly headed friend to notice Chris in the living room. He sits up straight from his relaxed position on the couch as he watches her pass through. He immediately sees that she has a long dress bag in her arms. It's mostly opaque, but part of the dress is peeking out under the bottom edge. He tries to get a better look at the dress as he watches them cut through the suite.
Chris’s mind goes into overdrive, searching his memories for anything he may have missed that would clue him in about the new dress. He knew the Hartfeld Formal was coming up and he swallows, it hitting him for the first time that the dress may be for the dance. That MC probably has been asked to the formal by someone, possibly someone he knows. His chest tightens at the thought, turmoil swirling inside him.
He stays in the living room for a while, hoping his other roommates would join him at some point. He’s finally rewarded with Tyler’s presence, giving him a friendly nod as he joins Chris on the couch. They hang out for a while, watching TV and joking about different things they see in commercials. Chris realizes how much he missed doing this. How much he missed his friends.
At five thirty, there is a knock at the door. Chris stands to answer it after he and Tyler shrug at each other, obviously clueless at who it could be. However, before he can take a step towards the door, Zack comes flying out of the hallway and quickly opens it first. From his position in the living room, Chris can't see who it is. Tyler leans over, trying to get a better view, but he too cannot see around the open door.
Zack grins at the guest and turns towards the hallway, yelling towards the bedrooms. “MC! Your date is here!”
Chris blinks, stunned at Zacks statement. Tyler looks from Zack to Chris, a question across his face, receiving only a shrug and a shaking head from the quarterback. Chris’s face turns pensive as he stares at the door, the anticipating building.
Zack steps aside and gestures for someone to enter. Chris’s eyes focus sharply on her ‘date’ as they enter. Much to Chris’s surprise, James Ashton steps inside. He's dressed in a nice formal suit, holding a bouquet of roses in his hands.
MC enters the living room moments later, her eyes trained to James as she crosses the room, unaware of the other occupants. Chris slowly lowers himself back to the couch, his eyes appraising her dress as she floats towards the door. He feels a lump in his throat as he thinks about how beautiful she looks, knowing she's about to go on a date. With James. He slumps back onto the couch, his eyes still watching, now laced with a sadness… and something else. He realizes what it is after a moment. Jealousy.
MC smiles at James and gestures to the flowers. "What are these for?" James shakes his head slightly, pretending to be put out. "Can't I do something nice for my 'fiancée'?"
Tyler raises an eyebrow and slowly looks at Chris, whose face is twisted in confusion. Zack watches his tall muscular friend from his spot in the kitchen, his eyes boring into Chris’s. Feeling the hole being burned into him, Chris finds Zack’s gaze and holds it for a moment. He sighs and shrinks back, turning his eyes from everyone, focusing on the TV.
~MC~
She scrunches up her nose and taps her chin with a single finger. "Hmmm..." "They're a thank-you. For agreeing to do this for me." James hands the flowers to her. "They're beautiful." She gladly accepts and turns to the kitchen, handing them to Zack as he reaches for them to put them in water. "So are you." James pauses, a startled look crossing his face at the sudden admission. "...er, that is to say, you look very nice." MC tries not to blush, or make eye contact with Chris, finally realizing that he and Tyler were on the couch, become increasingly interested in her interaction with James. "James, was that a compliment?" "It was just an observation." He smirks. "Come on, admit it. What do you say? Youuuuu think I'm prettyyyy. You wish we were engaged for real." She tries not to laugh as his normal composure fractures from her playful ribbing. His eyes widen as he chokes on his words. "What, I--" MC lets out a soft laugh at his flustered reaction. "Relax, I'm teasing you." James shakes his head. "In all honesty, MC, you are breathtaking." He gives a small smile before looking a way briefly. "And I'm sure my parents will be very impressed." He holds out his arm. "Shall we go?" She smiles at his compliment, feeling relaxed and almost excited for the first time in a while. As they head out the door, she misses seeing Chris’s shoulders slump as he falls further into the couch, his frown deepening. Once downtown, they walk towards the restaurant, still arm in arm. James raises his free arm across his chest. "I should probably warn you that my parents will try to intimidate you since we're engaged." She waved dismissively at him. "Don't worry about me! I can handle myself... but we should probably get our stories straight. What do they know about me?" "Very little. They know I proposed last week after we'd been dating a year and that we met at a meet-and-greet for future business leaders." She nods, trying to absorb his words into memory. "So, I'm also a business major?" "Yes, and you take your career very seriously. You're even in the Sherman-Jones Fellowship Program this summer." "I take it that's some super fancy fellowship for business people." She raises an eyebrow, waiting for confirmation. James nods once. "Very astute." "You're talking to a future CEO after all.” She grins at him. “What about my family? My hobbies? Skeletons in my closet?" She prods.
"I didn't elaborate, so it's up to you. Don't go overboard." He gives her a serious but pleasing look. "Too late. I've already got it. My family's rich, I like golf..." MC's grin grows. "And my dark family secret is that..." She briefly pauses, building suspense. "...my crazy mother lives in the attic." "I appreciate how Byronic that is... but now I'm nervous." He gives her a questioning look, a smile trying to appear. "I'm joking. Don't worry. I'll stick to the script." She winks at him, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "I'll be the best fake fiancée ever." James laughs. "I'm holding you to that." He smiles and moves a little closer. Suddenly MC's phone buzzes and she startles. "Sorry, I should see who it is..." She opens her purse and rifles through it, searching. "Oh yeah, that reminds me... did you ever hear back from Vasquez's daughter?" MC shakes her head with a frown. "Nope. I sent her a text yesterday to follow up, but there's still no answer. I don't think she's going to talk to me..." Finally she pulls her phone out, victorious. "Ah, here it is." She glances at it. "It's Kaitlyn. I can get it later--" "No, please. I'll leave you to it." James releases himself from her hold and walks a few paces in front of her, giving her privacy. MC quickly picks up. "Kaitlyn?" Kaitlyn's cheery voice comes across the phone. "Hey MC! I don't have anything going on, so I was thinking... spa night! What are you up to right now?" "Oh, er... I have a dinner thing tonight... maybe we can go tomorrow?" MC grimaces, hoping she let her down gently. Unfortunately she could hear the disappointment on the line. "Awww... okay! I'll talk to you later then" Kaitlyn doesn't wait for a response and quickly hangs up the phone. MC stands there for a second before dropping the phone back into her purse, quickly catching up with James. He turns as he hears her approach. "Everything all right?" "Yeah. Kaitlyn's just seeing what my plans are tonight." She hooks her arm back into his when he offers. "Is she feeling better? What'd you end up doing once she got back from the hospital?" He inquires as they continue towards the Savoy, glossing over the fact that she split from the group at the hospital. "Nothing much. A horror movie marathon, then we all went to bed. It was a nice end to a crazy weekend." She decides to leave out some of the other moments from that night and the following day. "I'm glad for her... and for you." He says gently. She looks at him questionably. "For me?" "Yeah..." MC thought she saw him blush slightly but it was gone instantly if he had. "...you were really upset at the hospital. You must care about her a lot." "I do. Kaitlyn is very special to me. She's my best friend..." Her sentence fades into nothingness. "It must be nice to be friends with your suitemates. I wasn't nearly so lucky. I don't think I've kept in touch with anyone from back when I lived on campus." He shakes his head. She frowns, but thankful she isn't experiencing the same. At least, not with everyone. "Awww... were they that bad?" "No, we just had different interests. It's not like I regret it. I like who I spend my time with now." He smiles down at MC, receiving a shoulder nudge in response. She laughs. "You're not so bad yourself, James." He flashes her a brief smile. "Thanks." They round the corner and approach the Savoy entrance. James takes a deep breath. "Alright. Here's the restaurant." As he reaches for the big wooden doors he turns to MC. "Are you ready for dinner, fiancée?" "After you, fiancée!" Her eyes crinkle as she gives him a huge smile. James let's out a long breath then ushers her inside. The maitre d' leads them to a table in the back. James turns to her. "I hope you don't mind..." He then puts his arm around her waist and pulls her close. "For appearance's sake." But his smile implies otherwise. "You want us to look like a couple, huh? Maybe you should move your hand lower." She narrows her eyes as she dares him, dying to whiteness his response. "As tempting as that sounds... I don't think I should do that right now. But I'll keep that in mind for later." He gives her a mischievous smile, keeping his hand firmly on her waist MC nods with a smirk. "You know what, you're right. You should move your hand higher. This is a classy place, and we're a classy couple, James." She scrunches her nose at him, trying not to laugh. He lets out a deep husky laugh, raising his hand higher on her back. "Good thinking." They remain quiet until they arrive at the Ashton's table. "Right on time, you two! I've already ordered some wine to start..." George gestures towards their retreating waiter. Olivia eyes MC's dress. "I have to say dear, that dress is lovely." MC blushes, glad she had Zack to back her up. "Thank you." "It reminds me of Paris." Olivia looks thoughtful as she inspects the dress closely. "Did you live there?" MC asks. "Yes... many years ago, when I was a model." Oliva beams. "My first shoot was there actually. I was posed under the Eiffel Tower in a dress much like yours with a picnic basket and a very handsome man..." She appears to drift off into memories before coming back to the present. "It was simply magical." MC smiles. "It sounds like it." Olivia delicately clears her throat and gives her a small smile. "James, it seems your fiancée has some taste." "She chose me, didn't she?" He says in a neutral tone. "That I did." MC flashes James a sweet smile. Oblivious to his wife's story, George continues. "Anyway, its great that you two could come out tonight." Olivia nods. "That's right. We couldn't believe it when James told us he was engaged. I was almost certain you didn't exist... but here you are." She gestured towards MC, clearly still surprised. Picking up on her attitude, George gives his wife a quick glare before turning back to MC. "Now, now, don't mind Olivia. She's upset she didn't get to introduce James to that one girl... what was her name?" Olivia's eyes narrowed as she glares at her husband, almost grinding her teeth. "Vanessa Kingsley." James sighs. "Mother please, I--" His mother's mood instantly turns neutral, almost pleasant. "It's all right, James. I'm willing to meet your MC... that's what tonight is about, isn't it? This is our chance to get to know her. Tell me... how did you and James meet again?" MC glances at James, his face hopeful that she remembers what they talked about before entering the restaurant. "James was the first person I introduced myself to at a meet-and-greet for business majors." She flashed him a grin. "I don't think I talked to anyone else that night." James turns shifts his body towards MC. "Me either." He reaches to grab her hand, MC gladly clasping his. Their eyes meet and they both smile at each other. "It was the best night of my life." MC scrunches her nose slightly, still looking at James. James let's out a small laugh. "You can say that again." Oliva clears her throat. "So, MC, both you and my son intend to major in business? As my husband can tell you, it can be a hard path to distinguish yourself in." George nods in agreement. "The road to greatness is never easy." MC looks at them both earnestly. "I agree. I take my career very seriously." She notices James's attention on her and gives his hand a small reassuring squeeze. "Actually, this summer I'm going to be part of the Sherman-Jones Fellowship Program. I assume you're aware of it?" George looks at her with surprise. "That's an excellent program... and competitive to get into." "I want to be the best, and I'm not going to let anything get in my way." MC holds his stare. He slowly nods, absorbing her directness. "I wish my son were that determined. I'm expecting him to take over the company that I've run for the last thirty years." MC feels James shift in his seat as he lets out a small sigh. His father either didn't notice or didn't care that he was irritating his son. "You know I built that up from nothing? I wouldn't have been able to do that without ambition. But James has never shown any initiative." James goes stiff, his features turning dark. "That's not true." Olivia turns toward his son. "Then how come out turned down that internship at Kingsley's company last summer?" "It wasn't the right opportunity." James grinds out between clenched teeth. "It was the perfect opportunity." George spits back. Olivia begins to look worried. "George, let's not get into this now. James will fall in line. I have something far more important to ask." James looked at his mother curiously, unsure of her new direction. "What is that?" She gestures between MC and her son. "You two have only been dating for a year. Why the rush to get married?" MC jumps in. "Because we're in love!" Olivia looks shocked at her quick and enthusiastic response. "That's sweet, but... are you certain there's no other reason you're interested in our son?" MC leans back in her seat, dropping James's hand and crossing her arms in front of her chest. Narrowing her eyes, she frowns. "What are you implying exactly?" Unphased, Olivia looks her directly in the eyes. "James is an Ashton, and someone with our reputation can't associate with just anyone. I merely want to make sure an ambitious girl like yourself isn't in it to take advantage of James's position." James jumps to her defense, his hands clenched into fists on the table. "MC isn't like that." Before he can elaborate, MC cuts him off. "James, I've got this." She was beyond pissed.
"Do you really think I'm only marrying James for his name? You don't give him enough credit. James is wonderful. He's articulate. Words just come right out of his mouth with such ease and grace. He always knows the perfect thing to say." James clears his throat. "MC, you don't have to do this..." She holds up her hand slightly, silencing him instantly. "I'm not done. James is also kind. He's considerate and thoughtful of how I feel. He's also brilliant, witty and insightful. Not only that, but he's passionate and hard-working. He doesn't give up until he's finished something and done it well, fully throwing himself into everything he's ever undertaken." MC turns to James before continuing. "And that's only part of the reason why I like him. He's not only my fiancée, but my friend. I know that he'll disagree with me when I'm wrong..." She winks at him. "...and that he's got my back when I need him." James reaches out and takes her hand again, giving it a squeeze as a small appreciative smile appears on his face. "I respect him a great deal." MC turns back to Olivia. "That's why I want to marry him." For a moment no one says anything. His parents look taken aback. Stunned by MC’s monologue. She starts to worry that she went too far. "Uh... I rest my case?" "It's all right, dear. You don't have to defend yourself further. In fact, I'm mildly impressed." Olivia leans back in her seat, her eyes judging the two across from her. MC's face grows warm. "Thanks." "And it's clear you care about our son." Olivia gives her a quick nod. "Of course I do." MC answers honestly. "As for me, I hope he doesn't disappoint you. I've yet to see him work hard when it comes to his career." George says without any remorse. "That's not true. It's just not business that in interested in." James interrupts, letting the wrong response slip out. "What? What do you mean by that?" George raises his voice and eyebrow as he stares at his son. MC's eyes go wide as she leans slightly, whispering. "James, what are you doing?" James shakes his head. "You were right, MC. I don't know how long I can keep this up. After hearing what you said about me... let's just say, you inspired me." He turns to give her a small but heated smile before turning back to his parents. "Mom, dad, I have no intention of taking over the family firm." Olivia’s face twists with anger. "What?" James continues. "I'm going to be a writer. That's what I've been working towards my entire school career. I didn't take the internship at Kingsley's firm because I chose to work directly with Enrique Vasquez." George joins his wife in glaring at their son. "The author? You turned down a job... to write?! That's so preposterous, I can barely speak." Olivia is now fuming. "James, I don't understand why you've changed your mind. Did MC put you up to this?" James immediately jumps to her defense again, his anger taking over. "No, not at all. In fact, MC's not my fiancée." Olivia’s eyes grow huge, her frown deepening. "I knew it! She--" James quickly cuts her off. "MC did nothing wrong. I'm just tired of you trying to push the right job and the right girl on me." "The two of you may not actually be engaged, but I can tell something's going on between you two." Her eyes narrow as they flick back and forth between the two. "Are you romantically involved?" James stutters in response, taken by surprise. "I... er..." He looks to MC, completely at a loss for words. MC's cheeks flush as her face heats up. "Well, this has gotten awkward. I'm going to go..." She quickly gets up from the table without another word and rushes outside. Cheeks still burning she pulls out her phone to text Zack. James pushes through the restaurant doors only seconds later, searching both ways until he sees MC. He sprints towards her, trying to catch up. "MC, wait!" As he closes the remaining feet between them his face changes from shock to concern. "Can I walk you home at least?" MC pauses her walk and looks at James. "Don't have to deal with your parents?" He shakes his head and grumbles his disgust. "They can wait. It's probably better I give them time to, uh, reflect." She thinks better of his request. "That's nice of you, but it's fine, James. The nights over. I'm not your fiancée, and we don't need to pretend. We can even go back to not liking each other like normal." He lets out a long sigh. "If I'm going to be completely honest, I don't want that." He averts his eyes away from hers. "The thing is, MC... I do like you." He slowly but confidently turns his eyes back to hers. "Perhaps as more than friends." James takes her hand, his gaze meeting hers, eyes searching. MC sucks in a sharp breath of air. "James... I don't know what to say. It's just... well..." She is interrupted by her phone. He lets go of her hand so she can pull it out of her purse. She gasps at the caller ID. "I can't believe it!" James looks at her with concern. "MC? Who is it?" She shakes her head in disbelief. "...it's... Gabriela."
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daleisgreat · 4 years
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Batman: Dark Knight Rises
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I picked up the BluRay for today’s film, 2012’s Batman: Dark Knight Rises (trailer), shortly after it hit video way back in 2012. I have neglected it to the backlog for so long because by the time I saw it in theaters I overdid it on the caped crusader’s films and needed a break. I say this because to get hyped for director Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film I watched the four Batman films from Burton & Shumacher in the weeks leading up to Dark Knight Rises and our local theater was doing a release day special to watch all three of the Christopher Nolan Batman films in a row which a friend and I did after I got done helping him move earlier in the day. It made for a long day, and while it was an unforgettable experience, it was still spending nearly half a day in the theater and I kind of associated the Nolan films with that memory for a period of time and so I needed a break from them for a bit. Nolan was riding high after the critical and commercial success of his previous two Batman films, so expectations were through the roof for Dark Knight Rises. This picks up in the aftermath of The Dark Knight’s ending where Batman indirectly killed a rogue Harvey Dent, but him and Commissioner Gordon decided to cover-up Dent’s darker half and celebrate Dent as a fallen hero that Gotham needed to absolve its crime dilemma. It is now eight years later and both Batman and Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) have disappeared from the public eye. The first act helps establish a new evil is on the rise going by Bane (Tom Hardy), who quickly accumulates power and establishes a base in Gotham’s sewers that prompts Wayne and Batman both to return to Gotham and meet his biggest foe yet.
Dark Knight Rises introduces a few other new players to Nolan’s films with the biggest standout being anti-hero master thief, Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). This was my first major exposure to her and she is flawless as Batman’s off-and-on ally. Officer Blake (Joseph-Gordon Levitt) is an up-and-comer for Gotham PD, and is one of the more proactive members of the force to react to the Bane threat and quickly gains trust from both Batman and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman). Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) is trying to become a player in Gotham by establishing a future clean energy source. Upon this re-watch I was flabbergasted I completely forgot about Detective Foley (Matthew Modine) who is an incompetent cop who wants to bust Batman. It would be criminal if they were absent, but Nolan knew it would not be a Batman film from him without the returning affable Batman allies in tech-man Luscious Fox (Morgan Freeman) and his loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine). I loved the first two acts of Dark Knight Rises. Nolan does a great job at establishing the new characters with Selina taking advantage of her stealth and cunning to keep me guessing which side she is really on and Bane gradually amassing resources and power to become a legitimate threat to Gotham. I loved how it plays off the consequences from the aftermath of The Dark Knight in a big way to set up the present-day Gotham. There is a fine balance of action and exposition sequences that constantly kept me glued in for the next big set-piece sequence. There is the nice gradual build in pacing in the first two hours when there is this sudden shift into overdrive I was never fully able to settle in with to the film’s detriment.
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A nice side-effect from holding off nearly eight years to re-watch Dark Knight Rises is that I recall some negative press from critics on how Nolan’s trilogy wrapped up and I wanted to distance myself from it to go into this again with a fresh set of eyes. The chief criticism I recall was there being not a lot of fans for the voice used for Bane. The Elephant Man-esque voice has been the butt of many Internet jokes in the years since. I will admit, it does not sound all that menacing, but it grew on me throughout the film and that combined with Tom Hardy’s excellent use of body language resulted in it not coming off as a hindrance all these years later. A qualm I vaguely remembered is that even though Dark Knight Rises is two hours and forty-five minutes long, it flies by because it tries to crunch in about four hours’ worth of cinema into that timeframe. This is not knew from Nolan, and as a matter of fact he is usually pretty good at this type of filmmaking and making longer films breeze by with his brisk cinematography in mind-benders like Inception and The Prestige. However, I do not know whether if it was due to a poor script, clashes with corporate officials, budget or filming restraints, but something happened with the filmmaking here that results in many ‘straighten-your-tie’ moments. Minor-yet-pivotal points of the plot happened in a blink-of-an-eye, and there were several points where I found myself rewinding to pick up on some of these little details. This mostly breaks down in the final act where a lot happens in terms of events and time passing by. Bane pulls off a power grab at a football game in a big trailer-pleasing moment (featuring one completely unaware of his surroundings Heinz Ward) while Batman is banished to a mysterious pit. A lot of time goes by while Gotham succumbs to martial law, but the way it all plays out seems haphazard and confusing to keep up with. It felt like Nolan was told he had a half hour to forty-five minutes of cuts to make to keep the film under three hours and he chose the all-important final act to take the brunt of the cuts.
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The last stretch of action also comes off clumsy and rushed. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief where the seemingly unstoppable Bane established in the first three quarters of the film all of a sudden comes off as easy pickings for Batman and Catwoman. I get the whole ‘Batman does not kill’ edict from DC comics, but this once again leads to Nolan having to find another way for Batman to indirectly kill off a major villain for the third film in a row, but it comes off incredibly weak on-screen. Finally, there are convenient lines of dialogue thrown out for Batman somehow surviving a severe stabbing and escaping a six mile nuclear bomb blast radius…..sorry Bats, but I simply could not buy it. The BluRay has a bonus disc that has nearly three hour of bonus features on it. Far and away the marquee extra is The Batmobile. It is an hour long, in-depth look at the history of the Batmobile from its humble beginnings in the comics and early TV serials, until it started to really pop in the Adam West 60s TV show and evolved into the elaborate designs from the last several movies from Burton, Shumacher and Nolan. They interviewed designers of the cars from nearly all eras, have a great showcase of all the Batmobiles next to each other at a vintage drive-in and it wraps up with a touching tribute by bringing the Batmobile to a children’s hospital. Definitely do not skip past The Batmobile.
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The rest of the extras are divided up into three areas: Ending the Knight, Gotham’s Reckoning and Reflections. Ending the Knight is comprised of about a dozen smaller features mostly highlighting an individual action sequence or set-piece moment and how the production team pulled it off. Gotham’s Reckoning is character profiles of Batman, Bane and Catwoman and is where we see the most interview time of Bale, Hardy and Hathaway. Reflections is only a couple quick features touching on the crews memories from making three films together and putting a bow on their trilogy. I am a sucker for these, and a lot of these are well made and do not come off as quasi-trailers like a lot of other shorter, thrown together behind-the-scenes pieces on other home video releases. From this two hour lot of extras I would say the half hour of character profiles and the Gameday feature detailing the football game bomb sequence stood out to me the most. A superb collection of extra features all around; I would have been bummed with the lack of a Nolan commentary, but he is featured prominently throughout these extra feature interviews so much that it more than makes up for it. I know it sounds like I bagged on a lot of the film, but it is mostly the last act of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises where things fall apart. Again, this is purely speculation on my part, but it mostly boils down to feeling like Nolan being told he had to cut a half hour out of the film and he decided to sacrifice a good chunk of the last act. The strong first two acts combine to make this a quality comic book movie and despite being a couple notches down from Nolan’s previous two Batman films, I would still rank it in the top third of comic book movies all things considered. Other Random Backlog Movie Blogs 3 12 Angry Men (1957) 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown 21 Jump Street The Accountant Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie Atari: Game Over The Avengers: Age of Ultron The Avengers: Infinity War Batman: The Killing Joke Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Bounty Hunters Cabin in the Woods Captain America: Civil War Captain America: The First Avenger Captain America: The Winter Soldier Christmas Eve Clash of the Titans (1981) Clint Eastwood 11-pack Special The Condemned 2 Countdown Creed Deck the Halls Detroit Rock City Die Hard Dredd The Eliminators The Equalizer Dirty Work Faster Fast and Furious I-VIII Field of Dreams Fight Club The Fighter For Love of the Game Good Will Hunting Gravity Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Hercules: Reborn Hitman Indiana Jones 1-4 Ink The Interrogation Interstellar Jobs Joy Ride 1-3 Major League Man of Steel Man on the Moon Man vs Snake Marine 3-6 Merry Friggin Christmas Metallica: Some Kind of Monster Mortal Kombat National Treasure National Treasure: Book of Secrets Pulp Fiction The Replacements Reservoir Dogs Rocky I-VII Running Films Part 1 Running Films Part 2 San Andreas ScoobyDoo Wrestlemania Mystery The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Shoot em Up Slacker Skyscraper Small Town Santa Steve Jobs Source Code Star Trek I-XIII Sully Take Me Home Tonight TMNT The Tooth Fairy 1 & 2 UHF Veronica Mars Vision Quest The War Wild Wonder Woman The Wrestler (2008) X-Men: Apocalypse X-Men: Days of Future Past
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itunesbooks · 5 years
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A Blink of the Screen - Terry Pratchett
A Blink of the Screen Collected Shorter Fiction Terry Pratchett Genre: Short Stories Price: $6.99 Publish Date: March 17, 2015 Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Seller: Penguin Random House LLC A collection of short fiction from Terry Pratchett, spanning the whole of his writing career from schooldays to Discworld and the present day.   In the four decades since his first book appeared in print, Terry Pratchett has become one of the world's best-selling and best-loved authors. Here for the first time are his short stories and other short-form fiction collected into one volume. A Blink of the Screen charts the course of Pratchett's long writing career: from his schooldays through to his first writing job on the Bucks Free Press , and the origins of his debut novel, The Carpet People ; and on again to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series.   Here are characters both familiar and yet to be discovered; abandoned worlds and others still expanding; adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas, all of it shot through with Terry's inimitable brand of humour. With an introduction by Booker Prize-winning author A.S. Byatt, illustrations by the late Josh Kirby and drawings by the author himself, this is a book to treasure. http://bit.ly/2Ii8q4x
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goodgrammaritan · 10 months
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"Dean! We are going to move on and put this behind us!" Ridcully snapped.
"Excuse me, Archchancellor?" said Ponder Stibbons, who was Head of Inadvisably Applied Magic and also the University's Praelector, a position interpreted at UU as "the one who gets given the tedious jobs."
"Yes, Stibbons?"
"It may be a good idea to put it behind us before we move on, sir," said Ponder. "That way it will be farther behind us when we do, in fact move."
"A Collegiate Casting-Out of Devilish Devices," A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett
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goodtobegeeking · 7 years
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A Blink On The Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett (book review)
A Blink On The Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett (book review)
‘A Blink On The Screen’ collects together Terry Pratchett’s 32 short stories, written over more than 40 years of his life. From the first published story he ever wrote in 1963, at the age of 13, to a fictional biography for the National Portrait Gallery in 2010, this is a varied body of work. Some characters will be familiar to his regular readers, particularly in the latter section of the book…
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goodgrammaritan · 10 months
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There's no slavery as such, except to tradition, but tradition wields a heavy lash. I mean, maybe democracy isn't perfect, but at least we don't let ourselves be outvoted by the dead.
"Once and Future," A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett
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goodgrammaritan · 10 months
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There is a blissful period of existence which the Yen Buddhists* call plinki. It is defined quite precisely as that interval between waking up and being hit on the back of the head by all the problems that kept you awake the night before; it ends when you realize that this was the morning everything was going to look better in, and it doesn't.
*Like Zen buddhists, only bigger begging bowls.
"Final Reward," A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett
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