#a mysterious lady you'd see in a movie

[whenthegoldrays]

my feminine charms are too powerful

[satinsummer]

Chapter 1: Likewise

Summary: The first time you met Sam you knew you had to have her but how would you get her?

Culinary is your major but sports media is your side quest that turned you into a dual degree seeking mf! ;)

Chapter 2: https://www.tumblr.com/satinsummer/761133841884889088/chapter-2-movie-night?source=share

WARNING: Suggestive Language, Drug Use (Smoking Weed) 18+ No men or minors pls and thanks!

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Nobody POV

It all started at Y/BF/N's soccer game, after a long day of running around a hot kitchen with no break, sitting on the cold metal bleachers was the only thing that brought Y/N some sort of solace that fated night.

Sitting all the way at the top wasn't the best choice with the way her legs and feet were aching but it was tradition, especially since this was not only the first game of the season but this was Y/BF/N's first senior game and Y/N wouldn't miss it for the world! As she's scanning the crowd and just taking everything in Y/N noticed the "Core 4" + Anika as Chad so happily calls them making their way through the packed area.

Tara, Mindy, Anika and some mystery lady Y/N has never met stop and start talking to Quinn who just so happened to know few players on the team. Chad just continued to climb the bleachers until he reached Y/N.

"Yoo Y/N" Chad says with a big ass smile on his face, arms stretched out to hug her. "Hey Chad" Y/N says smiling but not moving an inch. "Sorry I realllyyyy don't feel like standing up unless I absolutely HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE but to" She stated now eyeing the mystery lady following behind Tara while they continued their ascend up the bleachers having now finished the conversation with Quinn.

Before Y/N or Chad get to say anything else Tara is barreling past him and pulling Y/N into a hug. "Where have you been all day, under a fucking rock??My girlfriend has not stopped talking about how sad she is because she didn't think you'd make it. I was honestly starting to think she loved you more than me and so I had to show her who she belo-" "OKAY THATS ENOUGH" Slapping a hand over Tara's mouth be she gets too carried away. "Anyway I was afraid of not making it because dinner service was a shit show and- Who's She?"

Y/N had finally stood up and looked behind Tara after pulling back from the embrace to shoot Mindy and Anika a small wave and smile but instead she was met with the most gorgeous set of chocolate colored eyes she'd ever seen. It felt like her the entire world stopped.

She stood there just staring back at her, eyes dark and brooding scanning over your face as Y/N did hers. Her hair was framing her face perfectly, her eyebrows were knit in concentration or maybe it was confusion either way Y/N just wanted to reach out and soothe it over with her thumb but she fought against it.

"Keep staring and I'll make sure I'm the last thing you see" And that's all it takes to knock Y/N out of whatever spell she was under while looking at mystery lady. "SAM! You cant threaten to kill everyone that looks at you, especially not my girlfriends best friend. Y/N she didn't mean that. Right Sam?" Tara said ending her sentence with an elbow to Sam's side. "Yeah, Right" she grumbled rolling her eyes at Tara before sitting down.

A bit after you and mystery lady's SAM's moment, everyone gets settled to watch the game as it begins. "So Sam, is this your first time at a soccer game?" Y/N asks, looking over at sam who was already looking at her. "Yeah" Sam replies never taking her eyes off of Y/N. "Want me to explain it? Help you under a bit better?" Y/N offers. "Nope" and with that Sam turns her back around to the game and doesn't say another word. That is until the game is over and Y/BF/N is running to Y/N as she pushes her way on to the field to greet Y/BF/N.

Y/BF/N played one of her best games EVER tonight, she came away with 2 goals-2 assist and 3 steals. She plays hard so when her and Y/N finally meet in the middle she's throwing her body on Y/N like a kid seeing their mom after the first day of school. She's overjoyed to have won and to know her best friend, her girlfriend and their friends were there to have witnessed it. "I'm so fucking proud of you, Y/B/NN. You were a goddamn storm out there!" Y/N shouts while rocking back and forth still embracing Y/BF/N. As the two girls pull back from each other and start doing their handshake, the rest of the group has made their was down to the field and over to them.

Tara pulls Y/BF/N into a big ass hug that ends in a kiss Sam would've paid money not to see. The rest of the group just standing there awkwardly talking amongst themselves as it continues.

"How's the chef been? You ran off to Jersey for the summer and have been MIA since you came back" Mindy points out and just like that all eyes are back on Y/N. "She didn't run off" Y/BF/N interjects after finally pulling away, jersey was still a sore topic for the two but at least Y/N could count on Y/BF/N not to force conversations about it.

As Y/BF/N headed off to the locker rooms to shower and get changed, with Tara following close behind Y/N seen this an opportunity to answer Mindy's first question. "Anyway, the chef is great, I'm in my final year so it's more stressful now than it has ever been but the world deserves to taste me so I'm dedicated to perfecting that." "Taste...you?" Mindy snickers a sly smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, taste me and I know your gutter mind ass is taking it there so I won't divulge but I will extend you an offer to stop by the kitchen and learn somethings" Y/N states matter of factly looking straight into Mindy's eyes and suddenly she's the one acting all coy and bashful. "Damn, Y/N. You go MIA and come back trying to be Miss.TakeMyBitch" Anika says feigning betrayal. Laughter erupts between all of them and suddenly Y/BF/N and Tara are making their way back to the group. Looking a little "freshly fucked" might Mindy add but she saves them the embarrassment for now.

As everyone is walking through the parking lot and getting into their respective vehicles. Y/N can't help but let her mind wonder and eyes wander over to the brown eyed goddess she had met earlier. "You're staring again" Sam says "Can't Help it" Y/N replies. This makes Sam stop dead in her tracks as Y/N kept walking trying to keep her facade of being smooth as fuck under control. "Come on Sam, We are riding in Y/N's Car" She hears as is grabbing her arm and leading the way.

"Damn Y/N/N, when can I get a ride in that" Chad Says while looking at her car. She had recently purchased an Inifinti Q50S, it was painted titanium grey with an all black interior to match her rims. "Must be nice to have mommy and daddy get you everything" Sam sneered to no one in particular but Y/N heard it. " I don't have a mommy and daddy to do anything for me. This is NIL money, baby" Y/N retorted. "NIL?" Sam questions.

"Name, Image, Likeness." You, Y/B/N and Chad all say in unison. "Y/N is the best sports media journalist Blackmore has ever seen. She built media platform and gave the athletes here a voice" Chad Explains. Truth be told Y/N was glad nobody double back about the "no mommy daddy" comment because she didn't have the mental or emotional capacity for that tonight. "Alright, can we go now? I just played my ass off, I'm hungry and a little horny" Y/BF/N groans closing the car door as her and Tara climb in the backseat. "Guess that means you're riding shotgun Sammy" You tease. " Call me that again and I-" "Yeah, Yeah, save the threat. We both know Tara won't let you" Effectively cutting Sam off and starting her car.

Sam refused to admit but Y/N was actually pretty decent and before she knew it her mind was clouded with thoughts of Y/N. The way she would easily slip in and out of traffic, never breaking too hard or go too fast for Sam or the other two sucking face in the back to feel unsafe. Sam found herself now being the one to stare at the girl and my god was she glad Y/N was focused on the road. Under the glow of the city lights and the ones slightly illuminating the inside of the car Sam got lost in her side profile, with Y/N hair now pulled back she had a chance to examine the other features she may have missed earlier like the one dimple Y/n on her right cheek, the small scar above her ear that traveled down to the base of her hairline. The way Y/N's nose was the perfect slope from this angle.

"You're Staring" Y/N says glancing over at Sam when she stops at a red light. All Sam can do is open and close her mouth like a fish having just been caught doing the same thing she threatened Y/N for doing previously. The soft hum of the engine and music fill the rest of the car ride as the girls make their way to the " Carpenter Habitat" as Y/BF/N calls it.

As the car pulls up in front of the apartment building, Tara begins begging Sam to let Y/BF/N sleepover and much to her surprise she gives in not before giving a stern "door open or living room" option with no room for rebuttal. Sam then looks to Y/N as if she was going to say the same to her but Y/N is quick to correct. "I won't be staying, Gonna head back to the kitchen and get prepped for the dinner service happening tomorrow. You kids have fun" Y/N states looking at all three of them while leaning on her car and lighting a joint. "Wanna finish this off before you go up?" Y/N says to Y/BF/N who looks over at Tara for the go-ahead. "Fine, but just one and you better shower again" Tara directs at Y/BF/N. After kissing Tara, Y/BF/N walks over to your car and takes the lit joint from you. Tara and Sam begin to walk inside and up to their shared apartment where they both watch Y/N & Y/BF/N smoke and interact like predators hunting prey.

"You sure you don't wanna stay?" Tara yells down to Y/N after the smoke session has ended and Y/BF/N has made it safely inside and upstairs to her girlfriend. "Yeah, I'm sure. You and Y/BF/N deserve some time together after that game she played" Y/N says with a knowing smile. Y/BF/N needed her "Tara Time" after long days or hard games and who is Y/N to stop that.

Before getting in her car, Y/N spares one last glance to the balcony Tara was just on only to see the older carpenter staring back at her. With a small smile and a wave Y/N bids farewell to Sam "It was nice meeting you tonight..Sammy" "Likewise Y/N" Sam replies softly watching as Y/N slips into her car and disappears in the city traffic.

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AN: this is my first time writing something like this so pls bear w meeeeeeeeeee. if you have any suggestions on how the story line should progress, critiques, etc feel free to lmk!

any ideas on what to name the fic? submit themmmmm

[yanderes-galore]

Hi would it be alright if I request yandere Leo (Rottmnt ) with a reader who got sucked into the show /movie and tries to help the gang deal with villains/kraangs please if that’s alright with you please 💗

also good luck with your request and make sure you take breaks ! 💗💗

short story or hcs please (can reader be female please if possible ) I’m fine with platonic or romantic 🥰

I haven't done much Isekai stuff but... let me spill my thoughts ^^; I'll try to do female for you.

Yandere! ROTTMNT! Leonardo with Isekai! Darling

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Possessive behavior, Manipulation, Clingy behavior, Stalking, Kidnapping, Delusional behavior, Forced companionship/relationship.

The whole experience would be... disorienting for you.

Especially if you're isekai'd into the world as you are.

No training, no powers, you'd be so damn vulnerable.

You're in a world of mutants and crime with no real way to defend yourself.

I imagine by the time you get in the world, it's after the movie.

They're all older now, still playing hero to defeat enemy mutants and keeping order in the city.

At first you wander this fictional version of New York... confused.

You aren't quite sure where to go—?

You're not only trying to find out why you're here, but what to do to survive.

Somewhere during your journey you no doubt meet the turtles.

Or if not all of them, at least Leo.

Leo, now a little less cocky and bratty than his younger self, encounters you when rounding up some criminals.

At first he thinks you're someone who was being attacked by said criminals, just a young woman in New York whom he just saved.

So, with a charming yet playful smile, he comes over to you while leaning on his sword.

"Hey! You're welcome, by the way? I just saved your butt. Feel free to call me your hero~!"

Seeing one of your favorite characters up close... intimidates you a bit, actually.

Leo no doubt notices your stare, chuckling.

"Sheesh, lady... you act like you've never seen a Mutant before. Do you even know how often we've saved the city—? You from here?"

Leo then pauses, grinning more as he leans forward.

"Ohhh~ Or maybe you like what you see, huh?"

Leo just means to be playful, still having a bit of an ego even now.

This is your first encounter with Leo, who offered you help upon seeing how lost you looked.

Leo no doubt wants to help since you lack fighting skills.

Since, let's be honest, unless you took fighting classes in real life... you're defenseless here.

So, the good news is Leo is eager to help.

The bad news about having Leo be so close comes up later when he starts acting weird.

Leo would no doubt suggest you take a hotel room, although hesitates when he sees you have no money.

Your lack of personal belongings confuses him, he may even feel a bit bad.

Explaining your situation is a whole different story.

He struggles to believe you for a moment.

But... he and his brothers have their experience with other dimensions, aliens, mutants...

He most likely accepts your origin as it isn't too far-fetched.

"Wow... you really are lost. Seems like you need help... good thing I'm here, yeah?"

Leo doesn't focus on getting to know you until he knows you have somewhere to stay.

He can't let a mysterious woman like you just roam, right?

It most likely starts as a hotel room, then he allows you to meet his family later.

When he sees you situated, Leo then starts asking more about you.

You struggle but tell him how his world is a TV show in your world, that you've been invested in his journey.

He finds it odd at first... yet you inflate his ego when you say he was one of your favorites.

"Ohh, so you like me, huh? How sweet... even if it is a little bit odd."

What he says is ironic considering what he ends up doing later.

You start your time in this world relatively defenseless.

But as you get to know Leo, perhaps even meet his family, you learn to adapt.

You're taught self-defense with the others and even make friends.

In return for somewhere to stay, you promise to help them take on villains.

It's... fun when you get used to it.

Yet you know you want to get home soon... this isn't a dream... you really did come here somehow.

Leo, the first to know your past, forgets about this too.

He was actually quite... used to you.

Attached, even.

Throughout the months he felt you belonged here.

He loves to hang out with you... He likes impressing you.

The idea that he's your favorite makes him happy.

You're well protected by him and his brothers... even when you're taught to defend yourself he follows you everywhere...

Both in sight and out of sight.

He's only snapped out of his fantasies when Raphael or Donatello remind him that you do have a home, right?

You can't stay here forever....

Even April suggests they all find a way to get you home, after all, you must miss your own family....

The thought makes Leo clench his fists.

He... doesn't like the thought of you leaving.

When you leave... Will he forget about you...?

Will... Will they all forget about you?

Regardless of the type of feelings, Leo is devastated at the thought of losing you like this.

You miss your family...?

Aren't... Aren't they your family now?

Do you even want to leave?

In theory, if you could get to their world somehow, there's a way back.

The others are willing to help you out.

But, surprisingly to you, Leo keeps looking for ways to keep you all off track.

Even though he's older now, he still acts like an entitled brat at times.

He's willing to sabotage your attempts to go home if it means you stay with him.

There's countless times he tries to convince you to stay.

"Hey... are you sure you want to go home...? You... may not see us again, y'know... well... like this, I mean—"

You're always adamant on going home.

You liked your time here, but you'd rather go home.

It's way less dangerous there, anyways.

I don't doubt Leo would drop his maturity to go to extreme measures.

Perhaps he realizes he can't keep you willingly.

He hates to do it... but force may be necessary now....

His own family don't believe his reasons.

The young woman should go home... not be kept in a dimension where she could be in danger.

Leo is alone in his endeavors, sneaking up on you during your journey before dragging you away.

He's careful when knocking you out before running off to find somewhere to hide you.

Once he does, he restrains you and waits.

His family doesn't care what he thinks... that's fine... he doesn't want to share anyways.

When you wake up, he's sitting beside you cross-legged in some abandoned warehouse within New York.

He explains to you his reasons for not letting you go when you wake.

He loves you, he's attached, he's scared to lose you...

The confession no doubt scares you into shock.

He expresses distaste that his family was so determined to make you leave.

They must've wanted you gone... but he doesn't.

Now you'll never leave him...

Now you'll always need him... after all, isn't he your favorite?

"You're better off here, right? Now you'll never leave me.... I'm still your favorite, right? I think you're my favorite...."

[lixzey]

Letters

One day Timothée receives a package from someone unknown: a basket of eighteen letters. Letters from a girl named y/n. A mysterious fan who poured her heart out in her letters and is trying to fix herself. As Timothée begins to read, and the letters begin to run out, he finds himself falling for this girl. Until one day he stopped reading. 

Because she stopped writing.

Info: This is set in June 2024.

The First Letter.

Timothée sat in his hotel room reading his script when someone knocked on the door.

“Mr. Chalamet, this was dropped off at the lobby.” The hotel staff was holding a basket, a basket of letters tied neatly with a red ribbon.

“Thanks.” Timothée smiled, taking the basket in his hands. He went back inside his room and sat on the bed, scanning the basket for anything mysterious. It was only plain letters—eighteen letters—in the basket, with a tag addressed to him—his name neatly written on a tag attached to the basket.

He picked up a random envelope and started to read.

Dear Timothée, 

I know that you won't even read this; after all, you're busy with your career. And I know this won't be different from what any other girl has ever said to you before. But I guess it gives me a reason to have someone to talk to, even if you won't ever read this, let alone receive it.

I love you. I have loved you since the first time I saw you in Lady Bird. I love the way you smile; it makes me feel warm inside. I love the way you laugh; it gives me butterflies. I love the way you talk, whether in French or English. I can listen to your voice for hours. I love the way you see everything in a positive light.

I spend hours just lying in bed at night, wishing I could meet you. But I wouldn't know what to say. Knowing me, I'd probably stand there staring at you like an absolute idiot, or probably stand there shaking like a five-year-old who lost her mother in the supermarket.

A lot of girls have already met you; on social media, they say you're kind and loving—I wouldn't doubt that, of course. I even saw a video where you recognized a fan in the crowd. I wish I was that fan. It makes me wonder: Have you ever fallen in love with a fan? I mean, every girl that you met was absolutely gorgeous. You'd have a lovely conversation with a girl; she'd wink at you or toss her hair over her shoulders, and maybe you'd fall for her immediately.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, I watch your movies. I love seeing your face; it makes everything better. You know, it's funny how a movie can change someone's mood from sad to happy. That's what I love about your acting; it makes me happy and makes me feel alive. You're the only one who can make me feel alive.

I hope one day I can meet you.

I know it's impossible for me, but a girl can dream, right?

You know, I feel weird writing to you. But now that I've already written this, I might as well send it, right? Maybe you'd understand me.

Maybe I'll write again soon, or maybe not.

Who knows?

All my love,

Y/n 

Timothée put the letter down, confused and touched at the same time. There was a small date on the back of the envelope: June 15th, 2023. A year ago. Why was the letter dated a year ago? Why is it that he received the letters so late? How did it even get delivered to the hotel he was currently staying at?

He was used to fan letters, but not the kind that gets delivered to the hotel where he is currently staying. But something about the letter made him feel warm inside. Timothée looked at the letters, each one with the same handwriting, the same stamps, and tea-colored envelopes. All of them had dates on the back, and coincidentally, he had picked up the first one.

Suddenly, his phone rang, making him drop the letters in his hand. He answered the call, “Hey dickhead, you still up for the party tonight?” Zendaya's voice echoed in the room.

“Oh, yeah, I am. I'll be there.” Timothée chuckled. “See you later, the party starts at ten sharp.” Zendaya chuckled before ending the call.

Timothée looked down at the letters on the floor. He sighed before picking each letter up, sorting the letters by the date on each envelope. He placed the letters back in the basket. He glanced down at his watch; it was already seven in the evening.

“I'll continue later.” He muttered, shoving the basket under the bed. He got up and started to get ready for the party.

[mystra-midnight]

Haunted Hoedown - DAY THREE

summary: Eddie wanted you to live in the perfect fantasy he'd created and would never, ever, in a million fucking years, give you a reason to think otherwise or suspect the truth.

warnings:  stalker!biker!eddie x reader. depictions of stalking, obvs. public sex. spanking. dirty talk. hint of voyeurism. hint of squirting. teeny tiny hint of darkthemes. mentions of perv!biker steve.

words: 1.1k

notes: day three of the haunted hoedown challenge being hosted by @inklore and @psychedelic-ink. (day four and five will be delays because i'm going on holiday yay~) I honestly have never looked into yandere before and don’t know that i can do it justice before my flight tomorrow, so stalker au it is alongside my (current) favourite lana del rey song “ride”, hence the biker au.

prompt: inspired by your favorite lana del rey song + stalker

There was something freeing about riding on the back of his motorcycle. It had something to do with the rumble of the engine between your thighs, the feeling of your hands pressed against his tummy, and how he'd reach back to squeeze your knee every now and then. There had never been a day when you'd felt at home, but with Eddie and his motorcycle, it was almost as though you'd found your people.

He was a mystery wrapped in an enigma, styled with a perfect leather cut and patches you didn't understand. You'd wanted him the first moment he'd taken you into his arms, and you'd fallen in love the moment he'd taken you riding on an open road, no map, no destination, just riding.

The wind had stung your eyes, making tears roll down your cheeks as you laughed. The sound was ripped away before he could hear it, but he felt it in the way your body shook against his back. He had been made for you, as though someone had plucked the fantasies from your mind and brought them to life.

Eddie Munson was your dream come true.

And he was willing to let you believe that.

Eddie wanted you to live in the perfect fantasy he'd created and would never, ever, in a million fucking years, give you a reason to think otherwise or suspect the truth. He'd followed you for days and weeks, months even, to learn what you liked and what you hated; he'd memorised the lines to your favourite movie and what your favourite flower was—carnations, purple, to be specific.

He'd known your body intimately before ever meeting you in that dive bar. He'd watched you touch yourself at night to learn what you liked. He knew the location of each and every one of your scars and how many freckles dotted your body; his favourite was the one on the underside of your left tit.

He knew what you sounded like screaming before he’s even spoken to you. Your brows would cinch together as the pressure built between your hips, your heels digging into the mattress while your mouth opened and closed noiselessly. He knew that when you came, it was always—always—earthshattering. Your thighs would tremble, and you'd shake your head from side to side before slumping back onto the mattress. His dick would be hard again in an instant after seeing your pretty pussy glistening beneath the yellow glow of the bedside lamp.

When he learned your friend, Robin, was going to take you to the dive bar at the edge of town, he finally set his plans into motion. Steve had been there waiting for you, more than drunk, but he'd remembered what Eddie wanted him to do. He'd hounded you, touched you, grabbed your hips, pulled your ass against his crotch, and rutted against you while you fought him.

Eddie had watched from the corner of the room. You'd lost Robin in the crowd when he sent one of the old ladies in to distract her. He'd almost felt bad. You'd been so afraid when Steve began to fondle beneath your dress—this pretty little thing that stuck out like a sore thumb among the drunkards. The personification of sunshine in your summer dress and heels—all fucking his.

He'd let it go for a while before coming to your rescue. He'd slammed his fist right into Steve's mouth, his rings splitting his lip, for which he'd apologised after Steve'd sobered up. You'd been putty in his hands ever since.

So much so that you'd never noticed Steve wore the same leather cut as Eddie, or that he rode in the gang. You were so enamoured with the road doves way of life, so touch starved and desperate for affection that you'd fallen for his trap hook, line, and sinker.

That was how he got you into this predicament: pulled over on the side of the I-30, dress rucked up around your waist, and his cock buried in your gushing cunt. He grabbed you roughly by the shoulder and pulled you back onto his cock, his mushroom head finding the spongy spot inside your gummy walls that had you wailing his name.

You were close,—so goddamn, motherfucking close.

Each time his heavy balls slapped against your clit, and his pelvis crashed into your ass, your thighs trembled, the insides of them slick with your juice, but he kept you on the edge, refusing to let you dive headfirst into the other side. You'd kept your helmet on to preserve your anonymity, but he could tell from the way you squeezed him like a fucking vice each time a car passed, horn honking approvingly, that you were in heaven.

His hand came down hard on your right cheek, which made your cunt clench around him somehow even tighter. "So fucking tight for me, pretty girl," he grunted, his voice muffled behind his own helmet. Your visors were both fogged from your heavy breaths, with droplets of moisture sliding down the inside of them. "You like this? Like me splitting you open on the side of the road, you're just a dirty fucking whore, aren't you? Say it."

His words were separated by alternative smacks to your ass: one cheek, then the other, then both at once, his thrusts never once faltering. Tears flooded your eyes because of the delicious sting his rings left in your skin. "Yes!" You cried out, your voice hoarse and broken, your lips wobbling as a sob welled up in your chest. "I'm a whore, your whore, fuck, Eddie, m'gonna cum! Please!"

"Not yet," he snarled. "You don't fucking cum until I tell you you can."

You screamed in frustration, but he didn't pay you any attention. In the distance, he could hear the familiar rumble of motorcycles approaching. He grabbed you by the waist, fingers biting into your skin through the fabric of your dress hard enough to bruise, not that you'd mind, and doubled down. It felt like he was in your stomach, rearranging your organs with every brutalising stab of his cock through your slick walls.

You vaguely heard the sound of engines, but it was soon lost to when his hand snaked around to rub vigorously at your clit. Eddie watched as the gang rounded a corner, Steve leading them. Steve's visor was up, his eyes focused completely on the two of you, and Eddie was certain he saw the hint of a smirk.

"Now, baby," Eddie grunted, your helmets clunking together as he hovered over you. "Cum for me, pretty girl, soak my fucking cock." Your arms shook where you held his bike, back in a perfect arch, as white-hot lighting lashed through your veins. You were screaming when Steve and the gang pulled up, the ground drenched where you squirted around Eddie's cock before he buried himself to the hilt, pelvis tight against you ass, shooting thick ropes of cum as deep as possible.

"At least we'll never die of thirst," Steve mocked as he applauded.

[theturncoattournament]

Who would make the best new main character? (Round 2)

Note: I recommend reading this blog's pinned post that explains what this tournament is about before voting

PROPAGANDA:

Palamedes Sextus- You'd have Palamedes and Camilla solving the mysteries of Canaan House and tracking down the murderer, you've got his emotional turmoil at being rejected by the love of his life, you have his sheer bafflement at his good friend Protesilaus taking up a vow of silence and repeatedly attacking this other huge, silent weirdo who showed up. It would also be the best detective novel ending, in that he'd give his solution speech about who the culprit was and how they did it, then immediately explodes. Book over.

Lady Eboshi- It would be a very different movie if she was the character being followed. I don't necessarily think a good perspective flip of her would be one that made her seem less morally ambiguous (I actually think it would make for a cool story because anti-heroes and villain protagonists are interesting to follow), but just that it would be interesting to see what a movie that follows her directly would look like

[sandwormrp]

Opening Day: May 10th

We're an Atreides stan in this house. Maybe you'd be more interested in bringing the strong-willed Carrinos or the brutalist Harkonnens! You can even create your own Minor house to add to the play and build them up to a Major house! Canons and original characters alike will be welcomed and loved! This is an upcoming 18+ JCINK roleplay board designed for writers that want to share a love for writing and Dune. Whether it be through the movies or by the books.

Our taglist for opening day is already over 20 people! How crazy is that? I'm so touched so many are interested in checking us out!

If you want to be tagged on opening day, leave a like/comment/emoji

Here's a list of playable characters you may see or hear about around our Dune Universe. Characters will come in all shapes and sizes!

Remember! No character accounts are needed, everything will be done from one account. You can play any number of these as canon or as OC as you like.

Bene Gesserit - A secretive sisterhood with extraordinary mental and physical abilities, the Bene Gesserit manipulate bloodlines and political events to fulfill their long-term goals of shaping humanity's future.

Bene Tleilax - A mysterious and enigmatic society specializing in genetic engineering and the creation of biological constructs known as "gholas." The Bene Tleilax are skilled manipulators and often play key roles in political intrigue.

Civilians - Ordinary inhabitants of the Imperium who are not affiliated with noble houses or specialized factions. Civilians comprise a diverse population living on various planets and moons, engaging in a wide range of occupations and lifestyles.

Fremen - Native inhabitants of the desert planet Arrakis, the Fremen are hardened warriors adapted to harsh desert conditions. They possess deep knowledge of the planet's ecology and play a significant role in the unfolding political landscape.

Houses Major - Major noble families that hold considerable power and influence within the Imperium. They often control entire planets or systems and play crucial roles in interstellar politics and governance. Also known as the Great Houses of the Landsraad.To earn a spot as an OC Great House, candidate houses must demonstrate:

• a minimum level of reputation (1 year member on the board) • an understanding of political processes and power and a desire to participate in the governance of the empire (begin as an OC house minor and gain some members/alliances) • historical growth of their houses as evidenced by grants of land or titles (purchased a custom forum for their planet/territory once previous requirements are met) • candidate houses required sponsorship by at least three other Great Houses (staff approval)

Known Titles: Baron/ess, Viscount/ess, Count/ess, Duke/Duchess, Archduke/Archduchess, Regent, Crown Prince/Princess, Prince/Princess Royal, God-Emperor, Goddess-Empress, Padishah Emperor/Empress

Houses Minor - Lesser noble families that lack the resources and territories of Great Houses but still hold status and influence within the feudal hierarchy of the Imperium. They may serve larger Houses or operate independently. They pay fealty to be protected by one of the Great Houses (as long as it doesn't conflict with the empire's interests or other alliances).

Known Titles: Knight, Professor, Patron, Lord/Lady, Noble-Cousine, Governor, Baron/ess, Viscount/ess, Count/ess

Imperial Sardaukar - Elite soldiers serving the Padishah Emperor, trained in ruthless combat techniques and renowned for their loyalty and discipline. They are often deployed to enforce the Emperor's will and suppress rebellions.

Ixian Navigators - Specially trained Guild Navigators from the planet Ix who possess the ability to see safer paths through the spacefold, allowing starships to travel vast distances instantaneously using a limited highly-dosed prescience. Ixian creations often push the boundaries of what is morally acceptable in the universe.

Mentats - Human computers trained to perform complex calculations and strategic analysis. They serve as advisors and strategists to powerful individuals and factions. Highly prized and sought after among royalty.

Renegades - Individuals or groups that have rebelled against or broken away from established authority, often operating outside the law and pursuing their own agendas. Renegades can range from outlaws to freedom fighters.

Smugglers - Individuals or organizations engaged in illegal trade and transportation of goods, often circumventing legal restrictions and authorities to profit from the black market. Smugglers play a significant role in the distribution of contraband, including spice.

Suk Doctors - Highly trained medical practitioners descended from a forbidden genetic lineage known as the Suk School. They possess exceptional healing abilities and are in high demand among the nobility for their medical expertise.

Swordmasters of Ginaz - Highly skilled warriors trained in the art of swordsmanship, particularly adept at wielding the crysknife and other bladed weapons. They are renowned across the galaxy for their mastery of combat techniques.

[jimintomystery]

Foodfight! (ugh)

I voted for Dex Dogtective in a poll the other day and it reminded me that I never actually watched that shitty Foodfight! movie from 2012. So I did. This was not a good idea.

There isn't a whole lot to say about Foodfight! that hasn't already been said. The project was in development hell for so long that it defaulted on its debt, and investors took over to at least get something out the door. The most obvious issue is the bad animation, though that speaks for itself.

But here's the thing: This movie could've had Pixar-quality animation and it'd still be hot garbage. "What if mascots for popular products lived in your local store?" is a middling idea at best, and the story mishandles it every step of the way.

It would be easy to say this movie needed a lot of popular corporate mascots to really work, and the best they could do was Charlie the Tuna and the Vlasic stork. But I remember thinking the first Toy Story wouldn't work without heavy hitters like Barbie and Lego, and yet they got along fine with just Mr. Potato Head and Etch-a-Sketch. Similarly, Wreck-It Ralph succeeded with a cast of skillful pastiches of familiar video game characters, and mere cameos by the big names. In theory Foodfight! could make up a cereal mascot that reminds you of Tony the Tiger while leaving room for changes to fit the plot. But in execution we get...Dex Dogtective.

Dex is the mascot for Cinnamon Sleuth cereal, and also a detective, and also a dog, and also he dresses like Indiana Jones, and also he likes raisins, and also he runs a nightclub like Rick Blaine in Casablanca. So he has like six different gimmicks, and the cereal mascot part is easily the least important. The only reason you'd even suspect Dex is a character from a box of cereal is because he's in a movie about brand mascots. Indeed, none of the characters created for this movie look like they were designed to sell anything, least of all groceries.

The strongest concept in the movie (which isn't saying much) is that the brands are facing an invasion by the evil Brand X. This makes sense, seeing as Brand X is by definition generic, with no iconic mascot except the pejorative and mysterious implications of that term. Listen, I know this sounds dumb, but you could do something with this. In a world of where brands come to life in the form of their mascots, who or what emerges from a brand without a mascot? How would such a being differ from the likes of, say, Count Chocula? Such a character might reject some fundamental principle that the good guys hold dear.

At this juncture, a sharper "secret lives of things that aren't alive" movie could make some insightful point that ties the story together. Something about how the world needs brand mascots, I suppose. But nobody actually needs brand mascots, for pete's sake, except for the people who came up with this movie. So there's no core idea for Brand X to oppose--the good guys' world exists just to exist, so the bad guys exist just to destroy it. With that baseline laziness established, Brand X paradoxically has lots of mascots, all of whom look like Nazis for some reason.

Well, okay, technically Brand X's leader, Lady X, looks less like a Nazi and more like the Baroness from Cobra. But it figures that she doesn't quite fit in with the rest, since she created Brand X! Yeah, so at the end it's revealed she was a mascot for a poorly-marketed brand of prunes, and when she was discontinued she went to Brazil (???) for plastic surgery (???) to make her all hot. Then she somehow amassed the resources in the real world to create Brand X, complete with a human-sized android (!!!) so she could pass herself off as a real person and sell her wares to stores.

Dex is astonished by this backstory, since the mascots are like three inches tall and can't even leave the store. Lady X explains the plot hole by saying "Humans! When you look like this you can get them to do anything. Size only counts for men."

"Size only counts for men."

"Size only counts for men."

(She's talking about fucking.)

(fucking)

(-ucking -ucking -king)

Anyway, I need a nap now. Please don't watch this movie.

[inthehoneymoonwithconnorrk800]

1. The chosen one (Dark! Nicasia x reader)

*I am sorry for the inappropriate use that this text can present in English, I have translated it on google.

TW: Kidnapping, obssesive tendences.

Strange was the first word you thought of when you woke up in a cozy hammock of grass and things that only a qualified florist could determine. You didn't remember drinking or going to a party with friends. What's more, due to the sudden move to America, your number of acquaintances had gone down unbelievably.

You sat on the soft cloth body trying to re-create how you ended up there.

But nothing.

You felt your throat tighten from the fear that was beginning to rise deep in your chest. You waved your hands anxiously and focused on the sound of a waterfall in the distance, water trickling peacefully as travel magazines used to describe.

You didn't want to have a panic attack right now.

“You've awakened.”

You shook your head quickly.

In front of you was the most beautiful maiden you had ever seen. She had a well-kept braid, shiny, long and decorated with pearls, however, the most surprising thing was her blue hair. Her hair looked as if it had been treated in the best salons in New York, only for movie stars and celebrities.

“Yes?” You said numbly, the shock of seeing her took your breath away without knowing it.

She liked that reaction.

“My dear, you are with me now.”

Her tone didn't give you confidence.

“Who are you? Where I am? Because I am here? Are you from the mob?” Fear spread like fire with sticks.

"Calm down, little lily." Her voice was captivating, your muscles relaxed and your expression stopped being aggressive.

The mysterious lady approached you with steps similar to what she would take an angel, you hardly heard any noise and she had the poise of a model. Seeing her come towards you allowed you to observe her clothing, it seemed from those fantasy novels that you vaguely heard from your university classmates.

“You're mine.”

You stood up immediately.

"I don't even know who the hell you are!"

"Don't talk to me like that." To your surprise, your mouth closed as if by magic. “Little human, if you'd let me explain...” She didn't even bother to see your vague attempts to speak, “everything would be easier.”

"Well... talk to me," you said with great force, for some reason you couldn't insult her or raise your voice.

Her dark blue lips distracted you, but your willpower brought you back to reality.

“I am Nicasia, little lily, I am not a mortal like you. I'm not human and this is your new home.”

You took a few steps back, alarmed. It must have been some crazy, raving actress!

“Home? What are you talking about? Is it some kind of joke?”

"I can't joke…" she murmured vaguely before turning her attention to you. “I have chosen you as my consort, sweet lily. You should be proud.”

“What are you?”

The fear had escalated to the point that it was reflected in your voice. You thought about some kind of scandal related to kidnappings, any rumors to clear everything up and not have a panic attack right then and there.

"I'm a fairy, what's more," she proudly raised her chest, "I am the crown princess of the kingdom of waters and tides."

The expression on your face made Nicasia smile.

You were a limnologist, your passion had made you interact with the aborigines who lived near rivers in various parts of the Strait of California and the Mississippi. You heard legends of fantastic beings, of seductive women with long hair in shades similar to blue and green who used to take unsuspecting people to the depths.

"You're kidding," was the only thing you could manage. There was a strange tightening in your throat when you wanted to say "crazy".

You took a quick look around the place, noticing the magical landscape that surrounded you. The floor was made of sea stone that was curiously warm despite your worn boots, the walls themselves seemed to be made of flower buds, and a lot of precious objects further embellished the room.

"You'll have a hard time accepting it, but I'll show you."

To your surprise, a large amount of water came out of the large pink shell that served as a sink. Nicasia delicately moved her wrist and turned it into a gigantic drop.

That was enough to understand how screwed you were.

“I don't want any of this, really. Choose someone else, I… I'm not the one.”

The princess looked at you as if you had said something ridiculous. She shook her head and got as close to you as possible, leaving you between her and the hammock.

"Aren't you the one? I have not met any mortal more valuable than you. When my mother told me that she could start looking for a partner, I thought it was the most tedious thing in the world. I talked to almost every damn thing here looking for someone worthy to be my mate and found no one. Had it not been for my good friend Cardan, I would never have dared to go to the human world.”

She gave a dramatic pause and continued.

“Your world is chaotic, weird and uncomfortable, but I steeled myself and went on my way looking for someone special. I was persecuted by unworthy servants, naive stalkers...” Her gaze turned dark on hers. “human beings who seemed to be important because they were followed by devices called cameras. I was bored and decided to take a dip in an almost unknown river, no one would bother me there, the mud people know not to go near that area and that's when I saw you. You had a notebook and a pen in your ear, distracted you looked at the tides in the distance and you didn't notice my presence. You never did, that's what interested me. You weren't annoying like the others, you were smart…, generous and charming…” The crazy gleam in her eyes startled you. “I accompanied you both on your outings in the woods and around your beloved mortal school. A few moons passed and I realized that you were perfect. You are perfect to be a queen by my side.”

She took your hands without realizing the fear that invaded you.

"Please," you begged, holding back tears.

“Please what? sweet pearl.” Unaware of your fear, she stroked your chin. “You will remain with me forever, you will have power and riches, you will be my beloved companion forever. I will not let anyone hurt you, I will destroy all those who want to separate you from my side or seek to destroy you. No, I'm not going to allow even an unseemly look. You belong to me, lily, from the moment I saw you.”

"Leave me alone, I beg you."

The anxious pressure in your throat can no longer be ignored. It's too much information for your anxious mind.

“Why?” The tone of annoyance is not lost on you. “You should be thankful that he chose you! You were nobody out there and now you will be my wife! Isn't that a cause for joy, mortal?”

"I don't want to be your wife." You try to scream, but you can't. “I don't want to be anything of yours, put me back where I belong.”

“The only place you belong is next to me, is it so hard to understand?”

The roar it releases surprises you, your kidnapper is as precious as it is deadly.

“But don't worry” her look at you becomes more tender, “you just have to listen to my words...”

@nicasiaoftheundersea @nicasiaas @yandere-stan @yandere-daydreams @darkficsyouneveraskedfor @darkcharacters @thecruelprincess @thecruelcardan

[watermeloncholycucumbersome]

Day 53 of Writing Something Everyday

(365 Day Challenge)

You were the only one who truly cared

about my writing,

Now without you it just seems like I'm forcing it.

Is this a waste of time, should I stop?

I miss you so much, how you encouraged me.

Our stupid goofy talks and made up songs we'd sing.

It's so quiet in this house without you,

And the child playing in the apartment upstairs seems louder than ever.

I'm trying to do things that we didn't do together so I have something different,

But the shitty part is that everything I do no matter what it is reminds me of you.

I think of what you'd say when I watch something or read something.

I think of what you'd say while I'm painting,

"Can I see when you're done?"

Waking up is the worst and going to sleep is harder.

The ghost of you lingers here and it's hard to ignore even though I know it isn't you.

I wish I could give you a hug,

I'd give anything to make you a tea again.

I don't use the kettle much now, it's just a decoration in the kitchen.

Reading the Bible is hard,

I read all five chapters alone instead of us taking turns,

I'd give anything for you to interrupt my reading to ask me a question about what we just read, to hear you ask my opinion or have someone to ask anything.

I keep expecting this to be a dream and I'll wake up and be able to tell you everything that's happened.

That they leave you hours on the floor when you die until the coroner comes.

That you have to clean up the mess, not them.

How coroner's are even weirder than they depict them to be in movies and they smell weird.

And that the people who cremate you are even weirder when you talk to them.

That every single movie and tv show seems to be about death or murder.

Even the cab driver on my way home from the cremation place was listening to a murder mystery audio book.

That when you give CPR to someone who's already gone it feels different, like when you've drank half a can of pop and poke the side of the can in only for it to pop back out.

Or the roof of an old car if you lean on it too much it indents and pops back out.

And the sound.....

That the officer that stayed with me looked like he was the missing character from Napoleon Dynamite, he had a badass 'stache.

That everyone around you tells you they are there for you, yet when you ask for help they act like you're speaking a foreign language and can't understand you.

How I called to sign myself in for treatment but called back to cancel it and I will call back again.

That the word "awww" should only be used when referring to an adorable puppy or baby...Not the loss of your mother.

That your empty hospital bed at home scares me but I don't know what to do.

That I have to take Melatonin and Tylenol hours before bed just to fall asleep as it's like my eyelids are forever stuck open.

That I heard a lady hysterically laughing on the side of the road and yelling at people and it freaked me out and everyone else on the street too I think.

That I bought two records and started my record collection again, that I found a cool shop that isn't that expensive and the people are nice.

That the neighbours don't know anything happened I don't think, they either don't know or don't care as nobody's said anything to me.

I just sit in the apartment and cry a lot now.

I miss you so much,

Sabbath is coming up and this will be my first Sabbath completely without you,

Your birthday after that will be harder.

I miss you so much Mom.

~Jenni

[the-cat-chat]

September 23, 2023

Friday the 13th (1980)

A group of camp counselors trying to reopen a summer camp called Crystal Lake, which has a grim past, are stalked by a mysterious killer.

JayBell: Okay I have some things to say about this movie. I want to start by saying the music is pretty epic. But here's the thing--the music is almost too intense for the actual events shown on camera. The music deserves a better movie.

The movie follows a group of young people, but honestly, their characters are without distinct personalities and they all blend together in my mind. The only people that stand out are Alice, simply because she's the survivor, and Ned because he's insufferably annoying. Side note, Ned disappears and gets killed offscreen (good riddance) but then the rest of them don't even wonder where he is for hours and hours?

Now let's discuss Alice and the final fight with mommy dearest. First off, the bad guy (spoilers!) just turns out to be a little old lady. And not even a superpowered, superstrong one either (like seriously how'd she stab through a bed like that with her spindly arms?). Just a normal, crazy lady (albeit possessed or in communication with Jason). So a young, fit woman versus an old lady shouldn't be that difficult of a fight. The final fight I think is almost stupid. Alice manages to knock out old lady and instead of tying her up or anything, she just runs away, and the old lady just gets up and finds her again. This happens more than once, and you'd think that Alice would change her approach, but no. Also, it appears that Alice has the chance to drive away in a car at one point, but because she sees a dead body in the car, she runs away. Girl, just push the dead body over and drive the dang car!!

Anyways, you can see this movie makes me frustrated. With that said, I'm glad we watched it simply because you've got to watch the "classics" at least once to say you did.

Rating: 4.5/10 cats 🐈

Anzie: I don’t know what possessed me (hehe) to wanna watch this for our kickoff spooky season movie, but the second I thought it I was like yesss!

Never seen it? Check.✔️

Classic slasher movie? Check. ✔️

Potential 80s Cringey Radness?

Checkcheckcheck.✔️

Ummmm, but yeahhh. I reallly don’t know how to feel. Like it was SOMETHING. But what exactly? Pls nobody murder me plllsss. 👹 First and foremost, I know it’s a scwwaaary summer camp in the woods- this guy- this guy!?!? I did the math- all the little gossips are like “he sank $25,000 into the camp,” ummmm so why does it feel you could get tetanus just thinking about the camp. Bc that’s a whole lotta cheese today and whatever his name that owns it bc I legit forget- all that comes to mind is Willy?? Was too busy with his serial killer vibes and mustache to not literally set up the perfect scene for horrific events.

Anyyyway I was so mad the whooooole movie like “what are these idiots thinking?” They’re all like having a chill good time like they wouldn’t get the heebie jeebies being there- then all the friends suddenly drop like fly, and it’s no big dealio Right? Until it’s a real big dealio. And I was irritated and I know this can’t be helped at all bc mostly I’m kinda peeved it’s the 80s. Bc it feels like it makes them dumber. No one’s checking the phone like let’s try calling for help. Or drive these idling car out of here. Or here’s one - I’m no runner- But I’d be running like a gazelle away from Granny. (We’ll revisit her). Even if it was 10 MILES. And theeeeeennnn to get in a boat. Knowing the kid who has *spoiler 40 years later* drowned in that lake you put said boat into. And yah know what?? Fall asleep. Sounds good.

The movie wasn’t scary at all how I imagined it was going to be. Until Jason’s mother entered the chat. She was horrific, kinda reminded me of my grandmother. Ummm but she was loco. And I’m still stunned like did she lose it, is Jason possessing her, is it a little of both. But it’s fine bc she was terrifying and I really didn’t expect it to be Jason’s mom, even tho I’ve heard this and that about the movies over time.

The music!!! Was so nerve racking- im anxious just recalling it- but until Jason mom is on the screen it’s really a waste. Bc like I said all the camp counselors are bumbling doofs and nothing they did or happened seemed to match the mood and level of fear in the music.

* just a few side notes. Two things- why was the Kevin Bacon sex scene so weird and slow and long. I could’ve done without. But I guess it’s to throw you off the scent for what happens after. Annnd that head chop. Okkkay. Wowzers.

I know this is a collection of unhinged ranting but that’s how I’ve felt thinking about it all week since we watched it. And I also am just confused about the lore and story of Jason that I feel a need to watch the other movies in the franchise. Buuutttt idk. That’s a concerning thought. I think it was a solid slasher movie. But do I necessarily get the big hype that it’s the best ever???? (That’s probs Jason takes Manhattan)

Rating: 4.5/10 👻 Ghosts

[the-bar-sinister]

Alright so let's see... I honestly have no clue on what genre I'd like to watch since I'm pretty spread out in that area. Nothing too horror like please since I get scared pretty easily. A bit of gore is fine. Also, I know this sounds strange, but please nothing with planned suicide. A character impulsivly stabbing themselves? fine. Somebody writing a full blown suicide note and all? Not so much. (I'm sorry, it's a trigger of mine, planned suicide)

On what I watch... I like 'Silence of the lambs' and 'My fair lady' and would consider those two to be my favourite movies. If we're talking tv shows (which I prefe) I really like 'Lie to me', 'BBC Sherlock', 'Miss FIshers murder mysteries'... detective shows. I also really like 'Golden girls' and 'the Nanny'.

(PS. If we're talking romance I especially like beauty and beast kinda romance. So like clannibal or Erik/Christine for example)

Does that help?

Hell yeah! Alright, I think I have some good suggestions for you.

Moriarty the Patriot: a recent anime that turns the formula of Sherlock Holmes on its head, and has a lot of very intriguing characters.

Monster: A now classic anime about a doctor who saves the life of a man who goes on to become a serial killer. An extremely intense psychological thriller. This one DOES have some horror and gore but I think it's safely in 'Silence of the Lambs' territory. Fair warning I also haven't watched it in a long time so please make sure to check does the dog die for additional warnings!

Demon Detective Neuro Nōgami: a serial mystery anime about a crime solving demon. The mysteries themselves aren't particularly interesting, but the psycho-sexual relationship between the demon and his human young lady partner/servant are something I think you'd enjoy.

for comedy anime (since you like golden girls and the nanny) both Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura are absolute classic sit-com anime. However the "situation" is pretty over the top in both. Ranma 1/2 is set in an over the top martial arts milieu, and Urusei Yatsura is about aliens invading 1980s japan. They both rely heavily on romantic comedy and drama.

[h0rr0rsaxo]

Okay so here is a request...this is not angsty I swear. But I wanna experiment with Anni and Royce lmao....poor dude-

Lets say that Royce walks into a bar and sits down about to order a drink, but he sits down next to someone and notices certain familiar features that this person possesses. It takes a second but it suddenly clicks and he realizes that this chick is Anni, who just earlier beat up his ex, Amber. I think that he'd maybe stare for a minute and Anni would just be halfway falling asleep and she'd end up leaning towards him, about to fall asleep on his shoulder before she practically jumps awake and almost falls off her stool. Royce is kinda like..."dude...you good?" and Anni just downs a drink and shrugs it off and maybe they start talking from there, maybe about their jobs, about how Anni beat the shit out of Amber, or maybe just shit talking Amber, because that's always fun. Its honestly just all up to you, it can be platonic or romantic and feel free to add or change anything, as always!

[ whiskey midnights. || simp party. ]

Warnings: Angst, if you squint.

Tags: @insane-horror-movie-addict

A/N: This is cute! They bonded omg-

Word count: 1,795

The heavy scent of cigarettes and cigars ate at Royce's nose, his chest refusing to breathe until he drank more. But what made him a bit more uneasy were the people both going in and out. Most of them were already drunk by this time of ten o'clock, and a lot of them gave off a questionable aura. They seemed the more happy type than anything and just wanted to have a good time. He didn't want to be so quick to judge— he didn't have any room to judge, he was ordering more food than drinks— solemnly chomping away at his burger as Lyon looked at him with amused eyes.

"You know," Lyon started, drying a pristine shot-glass with a soft-cloth, "You're the only guy I know who walks in here single, and leaves single. I'd assume by now that you'd get over Amber and just get with someone."

"Shut the fuck up." Royce's finger tapped irritably against the hardwood of the bar. His other hand sat beneath his chin as an irritated scowl graced his features, before stuffing his burger into his mouth. Everything around him spun, pulsed, vibrated, and tunneled. He felt sick to his stomach seeing all the couples making out, but the feeling was long passed when his entire body went numb and he angrily stared off into space.

"Every weekend you stumble into my bar, drink all my whiskey, eat all the food I have on the menu, and then start crying on the table. This is just sad, Royce. You need to drop that mysterious vigilante act, and get a date." Lyon shook his head at his friend, before he was called over by one of his customers. The bartender was quick with the order and his hands worked like magic. Tossing together the liquor ingredients to the drink, he threw it all into a shaker and shook it up vigorously. Unscrewing the top, he tipped the shaker over the martini glasses and poured a sum amount in each, making sure it was all even. He tossed in a toothpick and green olive in each, topping off the drink with a ring of sugar sprinkled over the lip of the glasses, flashing a quick wink to his customers.

"Give me another one, Lyon!" A figure plopped down right next to Royce, throwing her hand up with a drunken smile— she clearly was too drunk to even stand at this point.

Lyon smirked a little, "Haven't you had enough whiskey to drink already, little lady?"

"There's never enough, you jokin'?" A slight southern accent came out while she slightly glared up at the bartender. Lyon leaned over the counter and poured a small bit of whiskey in a small shot glass in front of her. She looked up at him and saw the amusement written across his face. She soon huffed and smiled, knowing it was now or never before Varrick inevitably found her and took her home. Taking the glass, she gripped it in her fingers, and gulped it down swiftly.

Royce peered at her curiously, squinting his eyes slightly to try and jog his memory from where he seen her before— the image of the girl finally giving his shitty ex what she deserved, the palm of Anni's plunged her knife into the front of Amber's head, twisting it, and popping it back out of her skull. That's right, she was the human who kicked Amber's ass at the arena, she made it seem so easy, and quite frankly, funny. Perhaps it was the whiskey he had been drinking, but the scene of the shorter woman kicking Amber's ass was hilarious. He was never one to associate himself with Slenderman proxies— some of them, like Toby or Varrick, seemed completely unhinged or cocky. He knew the majority of them, but he'd never got the chance to meet Anni.

Royce then watched as Anni's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward, nearly landing on his shoulder— before she quickly caught herself— nearly falling off her stool. He felt his face burn in embarrassment, coughing awkwardly, "Are you okay…?"

"Yeah, give me a couple minutes. My head is spinning like a damn wheel." Anni shrugged it off, telling Lyon to give her another glass. Nothing could make her lose control more than alcohol. Of course, that is the easier way to say that she had low tolerance when it comes down to it. Still, she enjoyed it as what she likes to call a ‘light’ beverage to cleanse her soul from any kind of sorrow.

This would lead her to have trust issues when it comes to drinking. It would either end up with her singing various pop music hits from the 2000’s that she memorized by heart and getting a cheer from the people around her or it would end up with her pouring her heart out to somebody, crying, and eventually picking a fight with them. Regardless, both possibilities are inherently embarrassing, and if anything she would like to avoid the worst-case scenario—losing her dignity. But still, this whiskey was irresistible.

“I thought… This was supposed to be a bar-night…with Varrick singing...why…” Anni turned to that certain, mysterious someone—

Royce Ellis. He smiles at her coyly.

"I guess he didn't show. I don't get along with the guy, but I have to admit, he has talent." He mumbled more to himself than her, tracing his gloved finger alongside the rim of his glass. She shook her head and shrugged, returning her gaze to the whiskey in her hand.

"So…I hope you don't mind me asking this but, why did you fight Amber?" His eyes flickered over to Anni, tilting his head curiously, awaiting an answers from the proxy,

"Why do you care? Don't tell me, are you one of her…'fans'?" Anni stated with a grimace while pouring herself another glass of whiskey— Lyon had just tossed her a bottle of alcohol from exasperation of constantly having to pour her more. Royce shook his head and looked over,

"Oh God no— I can't stand her." Royce just started eating his food as his other hand rubbed his forehead tiredly. Royce looked back down at his food and stared at it for a few moments, suddenly losing his appetite— thinking about her exasperated him, "She's actually my…ex."

"I didn't know she was capable of love."

"Trust me, she isn't. Amber is the most narcissistic person you'll ever meet— She cheated on me on our anniversary." His voice slurred and he took a quick drink of his bottled beer, "If anything, I was glad you kicked her ass."

"After hearing that, I think I might do it again." Anni frowned with disappointment and volunteered, causing Royce to stare over at her with a bit of interest. As he thought about it, he thought about how much he would've liked to enjoy that sort of hilarious entertainment— he smiled and shook his head.

"You'd be doing the world a favor." He slurred tiredly and Anni laughed at his disheveled hair as it poked up into the air.

"Still…I can't get over the fact someone like Amber got with someone as hot as you. No offense, but are you…blind?" Anni leaned over to him slightly— fluttering her eyes in slight confusion as she peered up at him with a questioning look. It didn't seem like she had realized she had complimented him so bluntly, but he definitely noticed. He had to draw his eyes away as he set down his beer, taking a deep breath to calm his boiling mind. But her appearance didn't push him away much, or his control wasn't that good, because his eyes couldn't help but steal another look as a crooked smile appeared onto his face.

"Hah….guess I am. We were together for three whole years, and I found out she was cheating on me for all three. Can you believe that?" She heard Royce scoff and looked over to see his hands rubbing his face. Anni turned to him,

"Normally I'd say no, but this is Amber we're talking about— so, yes, I can believe it." Anni shrugged, pouring another dosage of whiskey into a cup—

"Varrick tells me you're not much of a drinker."

"No..." Royce shook her head and looked down at her finger tracing against the bar-counter, "I never took to it as a sport like the rest of the Zalgo proxies."

"Well... here." Anni offered him the rest of her alcohol and Royce stared at it questioningly. Royce stared at the glass of wine with contemplation. He told himself that he would never let alcohol touch his lips during such a late time— just so he could manage to drive home without crashing. With a soft smile, Royce rubbed his head and looked down at his food sheepishly,

"Eh…noooo— I couldn't. I have to drive home." After that— it seemed he changed his mind almost instantly, downing the whiskey in her cup. Anni smirked at him,

"I thought you weren't gonna take it?" Anni hummed slightly, a cute little smug grin written on her face. Anni looked to Royce and he raised his glass, a clear buzz of the alcohol making his face numb,

"Hell, it's just one beer! Besides, you shouldn't listen to whatever bullshit I say, I'm an ass." He put the glass to his lips and dipped his head back so the alcohol would slide down his throat much easier. The whiskey burned down his throat and all the way down into the pit of his stomach, feeling the bitter aftertaste of the liquor on his tongue. He struggled to hide a stale face and managed to put on a smile, setting the shot glass back down onto the table. Lyon set the glass of wine he poured in front of her and Royce took it, sipping on it in an attempt to rid tongue of the leftover whiskey.

"No you're not." Anni laughed and ordered another beer, leaning her face into her palm watching him with amusement— he was so strangely interesting. Royce pouted,

"Yes I am. A complete and utter dickhole."

Anni put her hands up to his face, and once he took notice, he closed his eyes and flinched slightly as if he thought Anni was going to smack him— just like how Amber did. His muscles tightened but he grew confused when he didn't feel any pain coming from his face. He felt a warm sensation on his cheek, not that of a sting, but the warmth of a small breath and lips of another human being. He opened his eyes and saw Anni drawing back, her lips parted slightly. She smiled, "You give yourself too much credit."

[dark-muse-iris]

Comfort Items Tag

Comfort Items Tag

Thanks for sharing this @thicchaco 💖 I'd like for my first and possibly only tag game of this year to be comforting.

Comfort: something easy that is relaxing and joyful and restorative that I might go to when having a bad time.

Comfort movie?

I'm a grown ass adult but my comfort movie is The Swan Princess which came out in 1994 before a lot of you were probably born. Odette was one of the first portrayals I saw of an unapologetic princess with boundaries and standards. It also has one of my favorite animated duets.

Comfort food?

Assuming I feel so awful that I can't cook for myself, white cheddar Cheese-Its. My comfort beverage is anything hot like coffee or tea.

Comfort clothing?

Warm weather - Tank top with loose cotton lounge pants

Cold weather - Thick sweatpants, fluffy socks, oversized shirt with a hoodie

Comfort book?

I don't usually reread books unless it's a reference. My comfort genre of book that I usually fall back into if I don't know what to read is either mystery (like Agatha Christie or similar) or mid-20th century spy novels.

Comfort song?

Okay so this was impossible because I'm a very situational type of music listener:

Peaceful comfort - Fleetwood Mac "Dreams"

Let me wallow in my drink comfort - Frank Sinatra "That's Life"

"Man Troubles" comfort - Amy Winehouse "Tears Dry on Their Own"

"Lady Troubles" comfort - Michelle Branch "Goodbye to You"

Comfort game?

I'm in the middle of a complete replay of Witcher 3 because I needed comforting.

I've been gaming since the early 90s so there are too many to count, but my most replayed comfort game of all time is Spyro the Dragon, followed closely by Full Throttle (the first story-rich game that taught me "choices matter")

I don't know who's still active here, but if you'd like to participate, please jump in! I'd love to see more comfort things so I can better my odds of joy in 2023.

[seanpultz]

Two Movie Stars and a Cartoon Character in The Haunted Mansion

You'd never see this kind of mashup.

Gabby The Town Crier, James Cagney, and Judy Garland approached the imposing structure of Gracey Mansion, their eyes widening at the sight of its towering spires and intricate, Gothic detailing. The mansion, with its stark, foreboding presence, loomed over the serene Magic Kingdom like a silent sentinel. Its grandeur was reminiscent of the opulent Joel Rathbone mansion in the upper Hudson River Valley of Albany, New York, but this was no mere replica—it was a whimsical wonderland of spooks and spirits.

"Wow, would ya look at that place?" exclaimed Gabby, his eyes shimmering with excitement as he took in the pointed arches and elaborate verandas that danced in the flickering gaslight. "It's like something straight outta one of those fancy picture books! I bet it's got more stories than the Library of Congress!"

Judy Garland, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness, clutched at James Cagney's arm. "Do you think we're doing the right thing, Jimmy?" she whispered. Cagney, ever the charmer, patted her hand reassuringly and flashed a roguish grin.

"Don't you worry, dollface," he said. "We're just here for a little look-see. What could go wrong?"

The three friends, an unlikely trio of legendary stars and a pint-sized town crier, stepped through the creaking gates and onto the cobblestone path leading up to the mansion's ominous entrance. The air grew cooler, the shadows deeper, and the distant sound of a wolf's howl echoed through the trees, setting the stage for an adventure that would soon have them questioning the very fabric of reality.

"Lead the way, shorty" James said to Gabby.

Gabby lead the way singing his signature tune.

♪ All's well! What's a rainy day? ♪ ♪ Never mind that cloud. ♪ ♪ Behind that cloud you'll find a golden ray. ♪ ♪ All's well! Laugh your fears away. ♪ ♪ See the light ahead. Right ahead. ♪ ♪ There's a moonlit night ahead. ♪ ♪ Everyone, come on have fun. All's well! ♪

Smiling at Gabby's unwavering spirit, James and Judy followed him through the ornate gates into the mansion's eerie gardens. The once-beautiful grounds were now overgrown with ivy, and a sense of long-forgotten secrets hung heavy in the air. The path wound through a macabre scene of a knocked-over birdbath, a black carriage that seemed to hover without a trace of an invisible steed, and a crypt with embossed musical instruments playing a tune that seemed to echo the greed and betrayal of the family's past. As they passed, the busts of the former inhabitants leered down at them, their eyes seemingly tracking the trio's every move.

The sound of ghostly giggles filled the air as water and bubbles began to spurt from the crypt of Captain Culpepper Clyne, his nautical theme eerily coming to life before their eyes. Prudence Pock's tomb, adorned with verses, revealed a mysterious message that danced across the stone as if written by an invisible quill. The trio exchanged nervous glances, the reality of their adventure setting in as the supernatural whispers grew louder.

Finally, they arrived at the servant's entrance, a heavy wooden door with rusted hinges. With a dramatic flourish, Gabby announced, "Ladies first." Judy ever the sweetheart thanked Gabby. "You're quite the gentleman." James and Gabby were the last ones inside the mansion.

Judy Garland, James Cagney, and Gabby The Town Crier stepped tentatively into the foyer of the Haunted Mansion, their eyes adjusting to the dim light. The somber notes of a distant pipe organ played a haunting melody, which Gabby identified with a gleeful shiver as "Grim Grinning Ghosts." The room was elegant yet spartan, the grandeur of its former life now shrouded in a veil of dust and disrepair. To their left, a massive fireplace crackled with an unseen flame, casting flickering shadows across the floor. Above it, a portrait of a dashing young man with piercing eyes and a knowing smile drew their attention.

"Look at him, so handsome," Judy murmured, "but something about that smile…it's as if he's hiding a secret."

James squinted at the painting, his brow furrowing. "Or maybe he's just seen one too many of those pesky poltergeists."

Gabby, ever the optimist, chimed in, "Or perhaps he's just happy to have such fine company in his mansion!"

The portrait's eyes seemed to follow them as they approached, the smile never wavering from the young man's face. They couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched—a sensation that grew stronger with each step they took deeper into the mansion. The air grew colder, the music grew louder, and the whispers grew clearer.

Suddenly a voice boomed out from the darkness: "When hinges creak in doorless chambers. When strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker when the air is deathly still… That is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight."

"Who said that?" Judy gasped, her eyes darting around the room as the portrait above the fireplace began to transform before their very eyes. The handsome young man's features grew contorted, his skin decaying to reveal a rotting corpse in a Dorian Gray-like metamorphosis. The gruesome transformation sent a chill down their spines, but before they could react, a hidden door in the wall beside the portrait swung open with an unearthly creak.

"What in the…" James Cagney's voice trailed off as they beheld the octagonal chamber revealed. "Looks like we're in for a real show!"

Gabby's eyes widened as he took in the octagonal room, his voice a high-pitched squeak. "Look at all the fancy paintings!" He pointed to the four portraits adorning the walls, surrounded by candle-wielding gargoyles. The bearded gentleman in one painting winked and nodded at them, while the pretty young lady with the parasol seemed to be trying to maintain her composure despite the sudden intrusion. The old woman with the rose offered a toothless grin, and the man in the bowler hat tipped his hat in a silent greeting. "I say, they're as lively as the folks in Lilliput!"

Judy clutched her pearls, her eyes transfixed by the eerie artwork. "They almost seem… alive."

"Almost?" James quipped, nudging a gargoyle with his elbow.

"Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion." The voice boomed out. "I am your host, your Ghost Host. Our tour begins here in this gallery. Here, where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state. Kindly step all the way in please, and make room for everyone. There’s no turning back now."

The doors slammed shut behind them with a finality that seemed to echo through the very bones of the mansion. The walls began to stretch upwards, and the paintings around the room grew taller, revealing each subject's grisly fate: the bearded man in his undergarments atop a keg of dynamite, the lady on the tightrope over the alligator's jaws, the widow atop her husband's gravestone, and the man in the bowler hat on the shoulders of two others sinking into quicksand.

"Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding," the Ghost Host's voice intoned ominously. "Almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis." The room's dimensions continued to distort, the ceiling reaching dizzying heights. "Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination—hmm?"

Judy's hand tightened around James's arm as she whispered, "I don't think it's our imagination."

Gabby's eyes grew wide as he watched the walls stretch. "What in the world is going on here?"

The Ghost Host's laughter, a cacophony of echoes, filled the room. "And consider this dismaying observation," he said, his voice now seemingly coming from all around them. "This chamber has no windows and no doors, which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out!"

Their gazes snapped back to the paintings, the situation growing more dire by the second. The man in the bowler hat's companions were now up to their necks in the quicksand, and the widow's rose looked ready to drop. The Ghost Host's grin grew wider, his eyes gleaming in the flickering candlelight. "Of course, there’s always my way," he cackled.

As the lights plunged them into darkness, a flash of lightning illuminated the mansion's cupola, revealing the grim spectacle of the Ghost Host's skeletal corpse dangling from a noose. Judy's scream pierced the silence, her body instinctively curling into James's embrace. Gabby, unable to look away, watched in horror as the corpse swayed eerily. The air grew thick with tension, the silence broken only by the crackling of the fireplace. Then, in an instant, the room was plunged into complete blackness. A bone-chilling shriek filled the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of bones shattering. The trio held their breath, their hearts pounding in unison with the rhythm of their shared terror.

When the lights flickered back to life, the skeletal corpse had vanished, leaving in its stead a wall that had slid open, revealing a hidden passageway. "Well, I'll be," James Cagney murmured, his grip tightening on Judy's hand. "Looks like we've got our way out, if we've got the guts to take it."

Gabby, shaking off his fear, straightened his hat and squared his shoulders. "Let's go, folks!"

"Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you prematurely," The Ghost Host said apologetically with a slight touch of mirth. "The real chills come later. Now, as they say, ‘look alive,’ and we’ll continue our little tour. And let’s all stay together, please."

Continuing down the shadowy corridor, the trio found themselves in a queue before a line of peculiar, Victorian-style carriages—each one known as a Doom Buggy. The air was thick with anticipation as they approached the loading area, the mansion's spectral residents peering down at them from the portrait-filled hallway. The Ghost Host's disembodied voice grew more inviting with a touch of mischief. "And now, a carriage approaches to carry you into the boundless realm of the supernatural," he announced. "Once on board, remain safely seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And watch your children, please."

James Cagney raised an eyebrow, eyeing the buggy skeptically. "I don't know about this, Judy," he said, though his grip on her hand was firm.

Judy Garland took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with a mix of fear and excitement. "We've come this far," she whispered. "We can't turn back now."

Gabby, ever the brave soul, hopped into the Doom Buggy with a flourish. "Climb aboard, folks!" he called out. "This is the part where the fun really begins!"

With a collective sigh of courage, James and Judy followed suit, settling into the plush velvet seats. The buggy lurched forward, and as they began their journey through the mansion's darkened halls, the Ghost Host's laughter trailed behind them like a sinister lullaby.

As the safety bar descended with a gentle clank, securing them into the Doom Buggy, the Ghost Host's words seemed to hang in the air. "Do not pull down on the safety bar, please," he intoned, his voice echoing through the dimly lit corridor. "I will lower it for you. And heed this warning: the spirits will materialize only if you remain quietly seated at all times." James and Judy exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts racing as the bar locked into place. The carriage jolted to life, gliding smoothly into the abyss of the Haunted Mansion's secrets.

The Doom Buggy lurched downward into the shadowy stairwell, the floating candelabra casting eerie, flickering shadows across the walls. With each rumble of thunder, the candles on the chandelier above fluttered, adding to the macabre ambiance. "Steady as she goes," James muttered under his breath, his knuckles white as he gripped the safety bar.

"Look at those windows, James," Judy whispered, pointing to the left. "Is it just me, or do those curtains seem… alive?"

Indeed, as the lightning flashed, the white sheers billowed and twisted into the silhouettes of ghostly faces, their eyes seeming to follow the buggy's descent. On the right, the four paintings transformed before their very eyes, each flash revealing a new, supernatural scene: the tiger's eyes gleamed with a predatory intensity, the ghost ship's sails snapped in the tempestuous wind, the skeletal knight's steed reared with a fiery mane, and Medusa's serpents hissed menacingly.

"Oh yes, and no flash pictures, please." The Ghost Host continued. "We spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights."

Entering the library, they were met with a symphony of whispers as the books on the shelves danced in the candlelight, their pages fluttering with spectral fingers. The empty chair rocked with a life of its own, and the marble busts of Shakespeare, Poe, and other literary greats nodded in silent greeting—or perhaps in judgment. The Ghost Host's voice grew more theatrical as he boasted, "Our library is well stocked with priceless first editions, only ghost stories, of course, and marble busts of the greatest ghost writers the literary world has ever known."

James Cagney leaned in to whisper to Judy, "I've always had a taste for the macabre, but this is ridiculous."

Judy, trying to keep her composure, replied with a shaky smile, "At least we're in good company."

Gabby, his eyes wide with amazement, pointed at the sliding ladder. "Look! The books are choosing themselves!"

The trio watched in awe as the ladder glided along the shelves, stopping briefly to let the unseen force grab a dusty tome before continuing its silent patrol. The air grew colder, and the smell of ancient parchment filled their nostrils. They could almost feel the weight of the stories contained within the books, each one a gateway to a world of eerie delights and chilling terrors.

Leaving the library, the trio was drawn into the hauntingly beautiful Music Room, where an invisible force played a Rachmaninoff-style arrangement of "Grim Grinning Ghosts" on the grand piano with a passion that seemed to resonate in their very souls. The shadow of the ghostly pianist danced upon the floor, perfectly in sync with the dramatic crescendos of the melody. Rain lashed against the mansion's windows, and the flickering candlelight cast an eerie glow over the ornate instruments that surrounded them—harps, violins, and organ pipes that seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy.

"They have all retired here, to the Haunted Mansion," the Ghost Host's voice floated through the air, as if he were right beside them. "Actually, we have 999 happy haunts here. But there’s room for 1,000. Any volunteers?"

Judy, James, and Gabby exchanged glances, their hearts racing in unison with the music. "Not me," James quipped, though the nervous laugh that followed betrayed his bravado.

"Maybe we should just keep moving," Judy suggested, her voice trembling slightly.

Entering the main stairwell, the trio found themselves in a disorienting world where gravity seemed to have lost its grip. The stairs stretched out in impossible configurations, defying the very laws of physics as they climbed and twisted in a dizzying array of angles. The spectral footprints of the mansion's ethereal inhabitants shimmered before them, leading the way through the M.C. Escher-inspired void.

"Well, I'll be," James Cagney exclaimed, staring at the gravity-defying staircase. "This place has more twists than a politician's promise."

"It's like a dance floor for the dead," Judy Garland said, her eyes wide with wonder and a hint of fear.

Gabby, his hat slightly askew, tapped his foot to the rhythm of the ghostly waltz playing in the background. "Maybe they're just trying to keep in step with the music!"

"Well, if you should decide to join us, final arrangements may be made at the end of the tour." The Ghost Host continued. "A charming "ghostess" will be on hand to take your application."

The Doom Buggy glided through the inky darkness, the only source of light coming from the faintly glowing eyes of the ghosts that accompanied them. Suddenly, the wallpaper around them began to pulse with a ghastly glow, revealing a pattern of skulls and crossbones that seemed to stretch on forever. The eyes grew more pronounced, blinking in unison with the pulsing of the wallpaper, and for a moment, the three friends felt as if they were surrounded by a sea of the undead watching their every move.

"Look!" Gabby squeaked, his voice quivering with excitement. "The walls have eyes!"

Judy Garland gasped, her eyes wide with a mix of terror and fascination. "They're… they're everywhere!"

James Cagney leaned back in his seat, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "This place is more entertaining than any Broadway show I've ever seen."

"We find it delightfully unlivable here in this ghostly retreat." The Ghost Host said. "Every room has wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills."

The Doom Buggy shuddered to a halt as they approached the second floor passageway. The walls stretched on infinitely, lined with closed doors that seemed to whisper secrets only the bravest of souls would dare to uncover. A solitary candelabra hovered in midair, casting a flickering, ghostly glow on the dusty corridor. To their left, a Suit of Armour shifted almost imperceptibly, as if it were alive. On the right, an armchair, whose design was eerily reminiscent of a contorted human face, leaned slightly forward, as though eager to hear their reactions.

"Shhh, listen!" The Ghost Host's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, and the trio held their breath as a mournful wail filled the air—a sound so haunting it seemed to reach into their very bones. The keening grew louder, resonating through the mansion like a banshee's cry.

James, Judy, and Gabby exchanged horrified glances, their eyes wide with fear. The sound washed over them, sending chills down their spines, and for a moment, they were utterly still—paralyzed by the supernatural symphony that surrounded them.

As the Doom Buggy rolled past the conservatory, the trio's eyes fell upon the skeletal hands desperately clawing at the coffin lid. "Let me out!" the muffled voice pleaded. "Let me outta here!" The raven on the stand cawed in response, its beady eyes gleaming with malevolent amusement.

"Oh, my goodness!" Judy Garland exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth. "It's like they're trapped!"

"Maybe it's part of the act," James Cagney offered, though his voice was tight with tension.

"I hope so," Judy whispered.

Gabby, his hat trembling atop his head, could hardly contain his horror. "It's like they're… they're alive!"

As the Doom Buggy jolted backward down the corridor, the trio could not help but grip the safety bars tighter. The cacophony of horror grew more intense, the doors groaning and writhing as if alive. "What kind of place is this?" James Cagney murmured, his eyes narrowed in determination.

Judy Garland's eyes darted from door to door, her breath hitching at each sound. "It's like a nightmare come to life," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din.

Gabby's eyes were glued to the grandfather clock, his mouth agape. "Look at that! It's striking thirteen!"

The shadow of a clawed hand danced over the clock face, and the sound of its manic ticking grew frenzied. The air grew thick with anticipation, and as the hand reached the twelve, the clock chimed once more, sending a shiver down their spines.

They entered the shadowy Séance Circle, the air thick with the scent of incense and the electric anticipation of the unknown. The Doom Buggies circled a grand table, at its head a high-backed chair, where a raven perched, its eyes gleaming with an unnerving intelligence. Above the table, a crystal ball hovered, filled with a swirling mist that parted to reveal the floating head of the mystical Madame Leota. Her ethereal voice pierced the silence, recounting a recipe of the macabre: "Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they’re at!" She chanted, her spectral visage twisting with each incantation. "Rap on a table — it’s time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond." The walls around them came alive with ghostly forms, their silent whispers echoing the witch's call. "Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine! Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, let there be music from regions beyond. Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint, by ringing a bell!"

With each syllable, the room grew colder, and the spirits grew bolder. The raven on the chair cackled, its eyes following the trio as if in amusement at their plight. The shadows grew denser, and the very fabric of reality seemed to warp and twist around them. James, Judy, and Gabby held their breath, unsure of what to expect next in this chilling dance with the otherworldly.

Suddenly The Ghost Host spoke: "The happy haunts have received your sympathetic vibrations and are beginning to materialize. They’re assembling for a swinging wake, and they’ll be expecting me… I’ll see you all a little later."

Gabby, James, and Judy leaned over the balcony rail, their eyes wide with amazement at the spectral soirée unfolding before them. The grand hall was alive with the energy of a thousand silent whispers and the mirthful laughter of the unseen. "Look at them all!" Gabby exclaimed, pointing at the transparent figures as they danced and dined below. The orange-haired birthday ghost at the center of the celebration was the life of the party—literally—as she extinguished the candles on her cake, only to have her guests of honor vanish into thin air. The old woman in the rocking chair seemed to delight in her game of hide and seek, popping in and out of existence like a jack-in-the-box from the afterlife. The air was alive with the sound of the ghostly organist's rendition of "Grim Grinning Ghosts," the melody swelling from the grand pipe organ where tiny spirits played peek-a-boo from within its brass tubes. Even the duelists, forever locked in their dance of honor and spite, added a macabre flair to the festivities, their pistols firing harmlessly into the night.

"It's like we've crashed the most exclusive party in the afterlife," James murmured, his eyes twinkling with amusement despite the eerie scene before them.

Judy's hand tightened on the railing, her voice hushed with wonder. "I never knew the dead could be so… so full of life!"

Gabby nodded eagerly. "And look at Pickwick! He's having the time of his afterlife!"

The notorious Pickwick, a plump spirit in a top hat, cavorted with the grace of a gazelle, leaping from chandelier to chandelier without a care in the world. The cloaked wraiths that floated in from the storm outside added a dramatic flair, their capes billowing like dark clouds in the moonlit breeze. The three friends watched, spellbound, as the dance of the dead continued, feeling both welcome and utterly out of place in the midst of such otherworldly revelry.

Leaving the Grand Hall, the trio's Doom Buggy ascended into the shadowy attic, where the ominous sound of a beating heart grew louder with every creaking step. The wedding paraphernalia that littered the room seemed to whisper of a joy long since lost to the ravages of time. The five portraits of Constance Hatchaway, each with a different groom, held a grim secret. The grooms' heads would vanish and reappear, their expressions frozen in silent screams, while the bride's remained eerily calm. The sinister "Wedding March" played by invisible hands on the dilapidated piano grew more frantic.

"In sickness and in wealth," Constance's ghostly voice echoed around them, "you may now kiss the bride. We'll live happily ever after. Till death do us part."

James Cagney swallowed hard, his eyes darting from portrait to portrait. "That's one bride who's really into recycling her vows."

Judy Garland's gaze was fixed on the spectral figure, her voice trembling slightly. "It's so… morbid."

Constance cackled as her eyes gleaming with madness as a spectral hatchet flickered into existence in her hand,

Gabby, his hat slipping off his head in the chaos, stuttered, "I-I think we should go now."

As if on cue, the Doom Buggy lurched forward, sending them hurtling towards the open attic window. They clung to the safety bars as the wind whipped through their hair, the ghosts of the bride's ill-fated grooms fading into the darkness behind them. The mansion's secrets remained as elusive as the shadows that danced in the moonlit night outside.

The Doom Buggy glided through the open attic window, the wind rushing past them as they descended the balcony. The raven's caw grew distant as they plummeted backwards down the stairs, the spirits' shapes rising and falling like a twisted ballet around them. "What is happening here?" James Cagney shouted over the cacophony of ghostly laughter.

"It's like the whole afterlife is throwing us a surprise party!" Gabby yelled, his eyes darting in every direction as they neared the ground.

Judy Garland clutched her seat, her knuckles white. "But are we the guests or the entertainment?"

As they touched down in the graveyard, the caretaker and his dog stared at them, both frozen in place, the dog's eyes bulging in terror. The music grew livelier, a phantasmagoria of sounds that filled the night air. To their left, the five phantoms played their instruments with wild abandon, their tunes a haunting serenade that seemed to resonate with the very earth beneath them. A King and Queen swayed on a see-saw, their ghostly laughter chiming with the clinking of their royal jewels. The Duchess swung gracefully from a tree branch, sipping her tea as if unfazed by the chaos. Meanwhile, the skeletal wolf howled a haunting melody at the moon, his eyes glowing with a preternatural light.

Across the path, the Singing Busts materialized, their faces alight with an eerie glow, their voices harmonizing in a chilling chorus that seemed to come from all around. "This place has more spirits than a speakeasy during Prohibition," James quipped, though his grip on the safety bar remained tight.

Mischievous spooks popped out from behind tombstones, their laughter tingling the spines of the living visitors. The Mummy, in his sarcophagus, gestured wildly at an elderly spirit who couldn't hear a word he said, while a pair of "Phantoms of the Opera" belted out their otherworldly aria, their voices echoing through the night. The Beheaded Knight, his Executioner, and his Prisoner sang in a macabre trio, their tune a morbid lullaby that seemed to soothe the very souls of the dead.

As the Doom Buggy rolled towards the Mausoleum, the raven that had greeted them earlier now perched on its door, cawing as if to announce their arrival.

The Ghost Host's voice appeared again. "Ah, there you are!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the night. "And just in time. There’s a little matter I forgot to mention…"

The trio looked around warily, their hearts racing in anticipation of what could possibly come next in this whirlwind of spectral surprises.

"Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts!" the Ghost Host warned. A Traveler with a bowler hat, a Skeleton in a tattered suit, and a Prisoner with a striped shirt and ball and chain grinned at them, their eyes gleaming with an unsettling eagerness.

As the Doom Buggy rolled closer, the Hitchhiking Ghosts vanished, only to reappear in the reflection of a wall of mirrors ahead. With a gasp, James, Judy, and Gabby saw the ghosts had indeed hitched a ride, their transparent forms now sitting comfortably in the seats alongside them.

"They have selected you to fill our quota," the Ghost Host announced, his voice now echoing through the mirrors, "and they’ll haunt you until you return!"

Their faces paled as the reality set in. They were not only visitors to the Haunted Mansion—now they were part of the act. The Hitchhiking Ghosts cackled in the mirrors, their laughter ringing in their ears as the Doom Buggy continued on its journey through the ever-evolving landscape of the afterlife.

The tension in the air was palpable as the Hitchhiking Ghosts grew more interactive, their reflections reaching out to tickle James' nose, ruffle Judy's hair, and snatch at Gabby's hat. The friends looked at each other, their fear now mixed with the excitement of being part of this unforgettable experience.

"Well, I guess we're not in Kansas anymore," James quipped, his nerve returning as he leaned back into his seat, ready for whatever the mansion had in store for them.

"Or on the yellow brick road," Judy Garland added with a tremulous smile, her eyes reflecting the ghosts' playful antics.

Gabby, ever the optimist, laughed nervously. "This is more fun than a barrel of monkeys—I think!"

Little Leota's ghostly figure stood atop the crypt, her eyes gleaming through the slits in her hood as she held out the bouquet of lifeless flowers. "Hurry back," she sang sweetly. "Be sure to bring your death certificate, if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now! We've been dying… to have you…" Her words hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the eternal party within the mansion's walls.

"Now I will raise the safety bar," the Ghost Host's disembodied voice echoed through the chamber, "and a ghost will follow you home!" His laughter, a mischievous blend of joviality and menace, filled the space around them. With a clank and a groan, the safety bar lifted, releasing James, Judy, and Gabby from their spectral chariot.

They stumbled out of the Doom Buggy, their legs wobbly from the journey through the Haunted Mansion. As they stepped onto the solid ground of the exit, they couldn't help but glance over their shoulders, expecting a playful jab from their ghostly companions. Yet, the Hitchhiking Ghosts remained in the mirrors, their grins wide and inviting, as if bidding them a fond farewell.

With a final flourish of his hat, James Cagney led the way out of the mansion, a mix of relief and excitement etched on his face. "Well, that was quite the hoedown," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "But I think I've had enough ghostly shenanigans for one night."

Judy Garland, her voice still shaking slightly, managed a laugh. "Let's not tell the kids about this part of the trip, shall we?"

Gabby, his hat askew, looked back at the mansion with a mix of awe and trepidation. "But what about the ghost that's supposed to follow us home?"

"Don't worry, Gabby, all's well," Judy said reassuringly.

Gabby, James, and Judy, their spirits lifted by the shared experience, began to walk off the mansion's property, their laughter intermingling with the distant echoes of the Hitchhiking Ghosts' mischievous giggles. As they strolled down the cobblestone path, the tune of "All's Well" came to their lips almost instinctively, the catchy melody acting as a balm to their frayed nerves.

"♪ All's well! What's a rainy day? ♪" they sang in unison, their voices blending with the night's symphony of crickets and distant park sounds.

"♪ Never mind that cloud. ♪" James chimed in, waving his hand dismissively at an actual cloud that scudded across the moon's face.

"♪ Behind that cloud you'll find a golden ray. ♪" Judy added, her eyes shimmering with the memory of the mansion's spooky delights.

"♪ All's well! Laugh your fears away. ♪" Gabby sang with gusto, skipping alongside his friends.

"♪ See the light ahead. Right ahead. ♪" James's voice grew stronger as they moved away from the mansion's shadow.

"♪ There's a moonlit night ahead. ♪" Judy's voice soared, filling the air with a sense of wonder and camaraderie.

"♪ Everyone, come on have fun. All's well! ♪" they all sang together, their harmony ringing out into the night.

Their hearts lightened by the joyful tune, they walked away from the Haunted Mansion, their bond stronger than ever. The adventure had been a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions, but as they looked back at the mansion, their eyes sparkling with the excitement of a tale well-told, they knew that the true magic of the evening was in the friendship they had found in the most unexpected of places—a place where the living met the dead, and all was well.

[darlenefblog]

An American in Austen - Hallmark - 2024

Good grief, has Hallmark set out to find the most awful leading lady characters ever written? From Christmas onward I've not found much to write a kind word about. In this Loveuary movie Harriet is a librarian trying to write a novel...what librarian isn't. She messes up her life, wishes on a falling star & winds up in Pride & Prejudice. She's the most unlikable character in the movie & she's the lead! The Austen characters are fine, what you'd expect from a historical movie. I found Harriet to be uncouth, no manners at all. For someone who says Jane Austen is her favorite author & loves her books she's uninformed as hell, no idea what life in 1813 might be like & has trouble speaking English without every other word being 21st century slang. At first she thinks it an immersive experience & does everything in her power to ruin it. There's also a movie full of Harriet actually ruining the Austen story. She puts things to right & goes home to her boyfriend & they get engaged. Why he wants her is a mystery to me. If I never see this movie again I'll be just fine.