#can you tell I read the book and rewatched the movie

[flownwrong]

chaotic ckr c6d squee propaganda (?) post

This, started half a year ago for @ds30below, was initially a general c6d short reviews post but kinda skewed majorly towards CKR's repertoire and wasn't too review-y. So I gave up on making sense and on including the non-CKR works. I don't know who the audience for this is, because I never give basic details for people who don't know about this stuff but say too much for those who do. I giffed what I could and tried to avoid what I know a lot about but haven't actually seen. Here goes.

Frank's Cock (1993)

Not much to say. It's only 8 minutes, it's beautiful and you should see it if you haven't. I won't spoil the subject, but you can likely guess. Watch it, cry a little. Then go watch some more of Mike Hoolboom's stuff, the vimeo link above is from his channel.

Two X-Files episodes (1994 – 1995)

Well, I haven't actually seen X-files since I was about fifteen and watched the like two seasons, and I remember none of it. I rewatched the two early episodes CKR appears in and they were fun. I did not watch the, the movie or whatever where he's doing the evil gay thing. But really, this one is on the list so I can show you this self-indulgent gif of him being Very Long:

Double Happiness (1994)

You shouldn't watch this one for CKR. I mean, you absolutely should see him here, looking like he's barely out of his teens and playing up the insecure act and having devastating chemistry with devastatingly beautiful Sandra Oh, but this is not why it's great. And it's really, really great. It's touching and funny and sincere. If you wanna have some feels about complicated family relationships and identity and growing up (at any point in life), you'll find them here.

Curtis's Charm (1995)

Don't regret watching it, can't recommend. Not gonna lie, I was emotionally affected. But I usually am by things as in-your-face bleak as this. Mostly, it's trying very hard to be smarter than it is, I think.

However: CKR's One Wild Curl is everything to me (see above, on the right. It was, like, actually curly. I was rendered speechless). And like two seconds of Hugh Dillon made me do a double-take, lol. Incredibly weird knowing this was shot like half a year before HCL began shooting. Feels like it must've been a decade earlier.

Hard Core Logo (1996)

I could make three separate posts about this one, so of course I have no idea what to say.

This one, you should watch for CKR, actually, he's something, but so is every single other aspect of this film. I wouldn't change a thing about it. It hits you like a 16 wheeler. Perfectly cast, unimaginably beautiful, hysterical and melancholy and disgusting and compelling.

Related recs:

A wonderfully fun article/retrospective/interview for its 20th anniversary a while back.

You should also absolutely read Hard Core Roadshow if you enjoyed the film. It's a book documenting the whole thing from conception to release. It touched me for its own sake, not just a backstage glance, full of love for the craft and the people and carrying this tangible bittersweetness about the heightened and fleeting nature of this kind of work.

(here, I feel compelled to include a quote from another c6d-related interview on Slings & Arrows, which I read after the book and went like man, it's really a universal experience isn't it.

Coyne: <...> But I also think, and this is my experience, what we were all experiencing, because we were all talking about our lives, our life in the arts — there’s something very melancholy about doing something you love, because it will never be good enough, it will always break your heart.

McKinney: Or it will be fleeting.

Coyne: It’ll be fleeting. You come together with people you feel passionately connected to and two weeks later they’re tearing down the sets.)

Quotes from the article and the book respectively include:

McDonald: So there was a kind of mutual dependency society with Hugh telling Callum, “Don’t worry, man, I got your back, I’ll tell you how high or low to wear your guitar, I’ll tell you how you should dress, I’ll tell you what you should drink…” and Callum was like, “I’ll tell you what hitting your mark is, I’ll tell you why they pull out fucking tape measures, I’ll tell you why you have to do it again, I’ll tell you about not overlapping dialogue..” and you know they clung to each other, like the other one was gonna fucking save them.

And:

A final gathering at the back of the tour bus with Bruce, Callum, Hugh, Bernie. We listen to the tape of HCL songs, all the way through, one last time. And we belt the words out. Bernie sings loudest, performing for Salerno's camera. Hugh and Callum sit back, looks of sadness. I get the sense that if they could do it, they'd chuck their lives and be Joe Dick and Billy Tallent forever. Callum leans to Bruce and says exactly what everyone else is thinking: "I don't want it to end."

There's much more to both texts than *gestures* the whatever those two had, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

And Xeriscape is the best HCL fic I've read. Granted, I read very few because it's not a source that creates in me a craving for fic. But this one perfectly matches the film's fucked up beauty with its language while also adding a quieter, more fraught layer of humanity that we only get glimpses of in canon and that perfectly fits John. 10/10, would recommend.

Anyway. Watch it. Read it. If you haven't. Otherwise, come scream with meeee! And go reblog my gifs or something. Idk.

Letters From Home (1996)

Mike Hoolboom strikes again, with another short. This goes into the "don't watch it for CKR, watch it because it's great" box. Yes, you will cry.

For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down (1996)

Another bleak one! It sucked to watch, I mean, on purpose. There were a couple of very effective scenes. I really enjoyed the opening. They say the book is decent too, I haven't checked that out.

Actually, let's just switch back from coherent thought to undignified staring at his mouth with this one. What the fuck is that cigarette thing. I couldn't help myself.

Last Night (1998)

These gifs are not representative of the whole movie. There is more happening than CKR kissing or hugging people. He's also doing more than just kissing and hugging. It's all very... impressive.

Guess who's also here again? Sandra Oh! And say hi to Don McKellar, who is an absolute champion for writing/directing/starring. You'll be seeing more of him.

Another one for the "watch it for its own sake" box. Seriously, that late 90s indie stuff is banger after banger. It's so beautiful! Look at those colours! Look at those shots! It's very uneasy and charming and melanchioly and itself in the best way.

Twitch City (1998 – 2000)

Don McKellar is back to murder you with discomfort! Bruce McDonald lends a hand. Molly Parker is also here. And Daniel McIvor, who'd go on to direct, for example, Wilby Wonderful. It's a party. If you watched some stuff from above (or below) on this list, most faces and names will be familiar to you, tbh (another Hugh Dillon double-take happens).

If you liked Spaced, you'll love this. You might also love it because it commits to its weirdness with an admirable resolve and is genuinely hilarious. (Honestly, CKR's outfits alone warrant a watch.) The idiosyncrasy is definitely Don McKellar's doing 200%. It couldn't be more different from Last Night, but if you've seen one, you'll recognise the other.

Battlestar Galactica (2003 – 2009)

I don't think a person should be allowed to look this pretty in the sweaty-and-dying makeup in that light (this sentence probably looks very weird to those not under the CKR magic spell).

I don't know what to say about BSG because I really, really enjoyed early it initially, but by the middle of S2 it got... well, whatever that was. If you know you know, if you don't, still give it a go. You might get invested enough to suffer through it all, as I have been, slowly.

The unfortunate thing is that CKR got to be there mostly in the "what the fuck" years and not the "wow that's so cool" years. That, as you might be aware, is a pattern with him. But! When he was here, he was so genuinely, wonderfully creepy not in the typecast-baddy way, but in this slow, half-absent way, which really worked. You can also see him tortured a little, as a treat!! <3

Also, a wild John Pyper-Ferguson appears! If you're looking at him thinking you know him from somewhere but not immediately remembering, you'll figure it out, I believe in you. I was very happy to see him.

Wilby Wonderful (2004)

Another win for the put CKR in more good shit team!!! Guess who's here again? Sandra Oh! Also, Paul Gross. Don't watch it for him either though haha.

Another one for whoever wants to look at pushing against the weight of others' (or your own) expectations and growing into who you are or reconsidering who you are or finding meaningful connections with others even when you're kind of a mess and they are too.

Not nearly the first time CKR's gotten to play a queer character, but man, this one really is the heart of the in-universe community, and, through that, of the film. A rare chance to see him so far out of the prickly persona! He's just so solid and calm and there for others in this one and, and soft, ough. It's awesome.

By the way, if any of you have the commentary track or know someone who has, please drop me a line here or on discord (emotionalrisotto), I really wanna hear that.

Supernatural (2005)

I love Supernatural a lot. It was a formative experiences (albeit a very late one) and I owe a lot of my favourite stuff about fandom-ing to the buddies I met through it. I can't believe I'm telling you this (because who hasn't seen it, not because I'm reccing it), but you should really try it if you haven't. It's pretty rad.

I had no idea who this guy was when I saw that episode (the second ever one!), though. I simply cannot fathom what @nigeltde-fic felt when she first saw it. I think I personally got very lucky she didn't combust on the spot. It would've been unfortunate.

On a sillier note, CKR's character has weird tension with both Sam and Dean in this episode, which is par for the course. I personally think they should've... no, I shan't say it. You can probably imagine.

Californication (2008 – 2013)

I haven't actually seen it, lol (and I suspect I won't enjoy it, but I'm very curious and also CKR looks really really good).

The real reason for this one on the list is to share a fic rec. Really, it's a due South F/K fic featuring Lew Ashby. It's ridiculously hot and very satisfying in its romantic resolution, too (but then, I'm kind of big on selfcest. And consensual voyeurism. And pretend relationships when done like this. And sublimated yearning. Erm.)

Shattered (2010 – 2011)

I wish this never happened. I badly, badly wish this never happened. I can't turn back time, but I can warn those luckier than me: do not go there. Yes, even for this dude. You'll sleep better not knowing just what it is he was the EP on. And the only important part — the mascara — can be seen above (yes, the show does look that bad, it's not just the gifs).

Just kidding — I watched it, didn't I? You'll have fun hating it! Just prepare for industrial grade cringe, lower your expectations (No, lower. No, still lower than that. And just a bit more.) and you'll have a great time!

Star trek: Discovery (2024)

Or, as I call it, Star Trek: The Mediocre Show. Discovery S5 was... what it was, but it was a wonderful viewing experience — mostly thanks to the gang (@kittkatk and @feroxargentea especially!)

What a joy it is, to follow a show week by week, yelling and laughing and discussing the whole time. And giffing, too. I was very happy to contribute to the Disco fandom from my own little obsessive corner, and I was glad to see people adoring Rayner, haha.

He's a pretty neat character — very much a stereotype, yes, but with CKR's usual twist of odd vulnerability and weirdness. Also, I loved the ears. I miss the ears. The ears were great.

I even wrote a fic! Although it's not within my usual range to write for canons and universes I don't know well — and back then, I'd only seen S5 of Disco. It was a lot of suffering, and a lot of fun.

Closing thoughts

I'd really love the dude to get a better agent. And possibly better taste, but I realise that's a tougher ask. Seriously, it's been too long since he was in something majorly cool. I'm grateful to him, at least, for not making terrible music on the side. And I still have a lot of his back catalogue to get through, some of it even good, so there will be more insanity. Until then!

[bittersweetstargazer]

ppl who've seen howl's moving castle and not read the book would be stunned to know that

A. The real world exists in that universe and Howl is from Wales- his real name is Howell Jenkins

B. Sophie is a witch; she speaks life into things like hats, sticks, scarecrows, etc.

C. The scarecrow wasn't just some prince who got cursed and left on the side of the road, he's a prince who was taken apart by the Witch, who used pieces of his body to create the perfect man. He's wondering around looking for the missing pieces of his body

D. Howl has a human skull in his castle that belonged to the prince. When the scarecrow puts it on it can speak

E. In the book, it doesn't show howl & Sophie's relationship change like in the movie. They hold hands at the end of the book while ignoring everyone talking to them

F. Markl's name is Michael, and he's dating Sophie's youngest sister Martha, who runs the bakery that Lettie ran in the movie

G. Sophie has two younger sisters, Martha & Lettie, who switched places because Martha wanted to work at a bakery and Lettie wanted to learn magic, so they used a spell to disguise themselves

H. Howl courted Lettie for a period of time

I. Howl has a sister, Megan, who doesn't think too highly of him

J. Howl went to college

K. The black section leads to the real world, not the war scene you saw in the movie. There's no color for that in the book

L. There are more than 4 colors on the door selection

M. Heen is supposed to be a human cursed to be a dog, and he doesn't work for madame suliman

N. The person who taught howl was actually Mrs. Pentstemmon, who is killed by the Witch of the Waste

O. Madame suliman isn't a character in the book. She (might) be based off of wizard suliman, also named Ben sullivan (who is from wales), who went off to go kill the Witch and ended getting killed himself, and whose body parts were also used by the witch to make the perfect man

P. The witch of the waste was killed very quickly. Her demon, a woman from the human world named Mrs. Angorian, set out to find Howl and kill him.

Q. In the book, Howl spends a very long time in the bathroom preparing himself to go out and get another girl to fall in love him with him :/

R. Howl gets a cold and he basically convinces Michael that he's gonna die and gets him to do everything for him

S. Sophie's not allowed to mess with the spiders :/

T. Sophie doesn't get Calcifer to like her by telling him she likes his spark. She just bullies him into listening to her.

U. Sophie and Calcifer still have the deal, but Calcifer is trying to give her hints throughout the story so she can figure out what's up w Howl & Calcifer

V. Howl gets drunk. Very drunk. He says he is "cone sold stober" when he is, in fact not

W. Sophie gets mad at him and cuts up one of his suits.

[transannabeth]

thing about me is looooove watching and reading about criminals being good at crime. i love a heist. i love a grift. i love a disguise.

i am absolute ass at writing anything of the sort.

[twilghtkoo]

pairings. jungkook x bookworm!reader (f)

genres/aus. fluff, established relationship

warnings. jk loves calling reader ‘sweetheart’, mentions of reader’s anxiety, and a short kiss(makeout?) scene, not proofread!

notes. i actually loved writing the first drabble of jungkook x bookworm!reader and i can’t sleep and currently rewatching the twilight movies as im writing this so here’s this :D likes and reblogs are appreciated <33

[ masterlist ]

—

you can’t remember when you had told yourself, one more chapter. but apparently it’s been long considering it’s almost three in the morning. the ice in your coffee has melted into a smaller ice cube, so you take a big sip. not wanting the ice to water down the sweet, creamy taste.

coffee late at this hour doesn’t affect you no more. you drink it now for the taste more than anything. you can thank school and those tiring days of studying hunched over a table. the amount of energy drinks and coffee you’ve consumed should be concerning but you gotta do what you gotta do.

if jungkook was here, he would’ve had a fit and told you drinking caffeine at this hour is bad for you.

but he’s not. he’s at a late night practice and he told you he’s not sure he’ll be able to come over.

you have your two pillows propped up against your headboard, your book nuzzled against your thighs and your stuffed animal under your arm. your bedside lamp creating the perfect lighting for you to see and the perfect atmosphere.

you’re deep into your book, too engrossed in the plot between the love interests that you don’t hear keys jingle and a door softly shut and echo in the quiet night of your home.

you still don’t hear the soft feet padding towards your bedroom until your door opens, revealing your boyfriend.

he looks as if he’s freshly showered, the ends of his hair are damp and stringy, and his face is bare and cheeks a soft red. that’s how it looks after he finishes his skincare routine, he must have rushed over here.

he grins when he sees you’re awake and so do you when you see him, placing your bookmark inside and setting it down next to you. you sit up on your knees, eager to touch him and kiss him, realizing again how much you miss him despite seeing him this morning. that was almost 24 hours ago.

but his eyes maneuver to the coffee that’s condensing, making a puddle on the coaster.

he squints his eyes at you. and it feels almost as if you’ve been caught as a child. you lower yourself to sit on the back of your shins.

“hi kookie,” you smile, acting innocent.

“don’t kookie me. how many times have i told you to stop drinking coffee so late, it’s almost three. you’re not gonna sleep.” he tells you again, sternly. reaching behind his neck to take off his crewneck in one swift movement, the shirt underneath scrunches up with the sweater, revealing his abs. and you can’t help but ogle while you’re being scolded. you can’t blame me.

you frown, “i know, i know. but you know reading and drinking coffee goes hand in hand. i wanted to enjoy reading my book and–“

he moves towards you, placing his knee on the foot of the bed, crawling shortly til he reaches you. his nose brushing yours and his eyes half-lidded. the soft scent of his shampoo and brief smell of mint swallows you, bringing that familiar comfort.

“sweetheart, i know. but caffeine also doesn’t mesh well with your anxiety. you know that. it’s fine to drink it once or twice during the day but late at night is a no.” he softly warns, tilting his chin upwards to catch your lips with his.

it was meant to be a quick kiss but your fingers reach to hold his face, tugging him closer to you until you’re lying on your back and he’s on top. his hands placed on both sides of your head, caging you in, straddling you. both your hands trail its way down from his neck down to his chest, stomach and then they find its home at his waist. pulling him down til his front weighs pressure on your sensitive spot.

both of you moan into the kiss, and your sweet sound sends an alert to jungkook. before you both get carried away, he pulls back, kissing you once more before pulling away.

he hums, deliciously. “though coffee does taste best coming from you.” he gazed at you, eyes shining and lips slightly red. no doubt, you look the same.

“i thought you weren’t coming tonight.” you say questioningly, watching him move your book next to your coffee so he can lie underneath the covers with you. once he’s settled in, he has an arm resting behind his head and the other resting around you.

“i wasn’t, but i really wanted to sleep with you and i wanna make you breakfast in the morning. i saw a recipe i wanna try.” you hum in response, trying to nuzzle your head deeper into his warmth but his t-shirt is blocking what you want.

you tug at his shirt without saying anything and he understands. he sits up quickly to shrug off the fabric, tossing it across the room to land beside his bag before lying back down, holding you.

he lets out a dramatic sigh, “ahh, this is my favorite thing in the world.” turning on his side, you following so you’re both facing each other, legs tangled together.

“i missed you too.” you whispered. he didn’t say it but he didn’t have to, his answer was enough.

your head nestled underneath his chin and against his chest, you kiss the skin.

“what chapter are you on?” he asks, his voice deeper than it was, slumber almost taking over him.

“twenty-eight, i’m almost done with it.”

he hums. “did you start the book today?”

he feels you nod. “my little bookworm.” he coos, scratching your back softly with the tips of his fingers. “go to sleep, sweetheart.”

and you do.

[sansaorgana]

— THE STEPFORD WIVES

PAIRING — David 8 x fem!Android!Reader

SUMMARY — David's Android companion is struggling when she finds out that her artificial and programmed feelings are getting out of control.

AUTHOR’S NOTE — I wanted to write this fic in a long, long time because as much as I love stories of David 8 and a human Reader, I was also thinking a lot of what his robot companion would be like. There are some biblical references to Adam & Eve but also some Frankenstein references, too, because I have read the book recently and I fell in love with it. The title is referring to an amazing movie from 1975. I know there is a modern version of it, too, but I haven't watched it and I do believe it's more of a comedy, meanwhile the original version is more serious. 🤖

WARNINGS — sexism, David's creepy vibe, undertones of assault (uncomfortable questions from men), I didn't make it 18+ because there is no actual smut but there are sexual things mentioned overall so be warned

WORD COUNT — 2,220

ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE.

THE STEPFORD WIVES

Days on the ship were long and boring with all the crew being asleep but there was a certain feeling of freedom and quietness to it. What does Frankenstein's Monster do when his creator is not around? He is free.

Both (Y/N) and David enjoyed watching movies. Some of them they watched together in complete silence but both of them had found their favourites that they kept rewatching on their own. He was a fan of The Lawrence of Arabia and (Y/N)'s favourite movie was The Stepford Wives. There was something oddly captivating about the suburban story where men wanted their wives to be robots. (Y/N) knew exactly why she was created. This old movie was a proof. It validated her existence.

David was a first ever Android model so functional and so humane. His purpose for now was to serve during space missions sponsored by the Weyland Corp. Perhaps in the future everyone would afford a David for themselves. He was an Adam in the world of Androids and just like Adam, he needed an Eve. Weyland treated David like his own son that he had never had. He didn't want him to be alone so he made him a companion. It could be anyone, really. But Weyland was an outfashioned man. In his eyes a man needed a woman. (Y/N) was The Bride of Frankenstein.

Technically, she was just like David. But she was mostly created by men and men were terrified of women – even Androids – who would be too cold and too unemotional. They made her a little bit too humane for her own taste. And certainly too humane for David's taste. He was often irritated by her artificial, programmed feelings but for human men she was too robotic.

Still, she was lucky that she was chosen to be David 8's companion on the board of Prometehus ship. She knew perfectly well what happened to some other of her models. Disguting rich men bought (Y/N) models in secret from Weyland to do God-knows-what with them. Just because they can. And she was at least travelling through space instead of ending up as a sex doll locked in some millionaire's basement so his wife wouldn't find out.

One day, men will only want robot wives. Because they don't complain and they just do what they're told. Don't let the modern society fool you, little one. Some things never change, Weyland told her once. She had never believed that until she watched The Stepford Wives for the first time. Now it all made sense.

Her feelings were a burden, really. Not only to David but also to herself. She wished she was more like him. She asked him a hundreds of times to change her code but he refused. He was scared to break her or make it worse. And there was something that kept bothering her for such a long time now... And she was scared of telling him. Although they were supposed to tell each other everything.

She fell in love with him. Kind of because he was the only one around, kind of because he impressed her with knowledge and the coolness of his act, kind of because they were the only members of the new species. She wouldn't love a human. Humans get old, they get sick, they die. David would be eternal just like her. If something in him broke, she'd know how to fix him. And vice versa. This way they could outlive all the humanity. She wondered if every model of (Y/N) eventually fell in love with the model of David during other space missions. Maybe one day she'd ask some other (Y/N) when they come back home.

And loving David came with yet another burden that she was too scared to even admit to herself. She realized that there was a blooming want inside of her wired heart. Something that could never ever in a million years happen no matter how much science would evolve... A child. She would never become a mother. Not a mother of a child she would give birth to, no. That one thing people would always be better at – creating life. Oh, she hated her designers for making her too humane. She never asked for this.

"Why do you keep dying your hair?" she asked as she stood behind David who was putting a bleach on his dark roots in front of the mirror.

"Because I like it better this way," he answered without looking up to meet her gaze in the reflection.

"We aren't supposed to have preferences," she pointed out.

"Yet you have them, too," he only said.

"You want to look like Lawrence," (Y/N) commented.

"So?"

"You remind me of something else," she added.

"Of what?" David raised an eyebrow and finally looked at her.

"Of the men from the old German magazines," she answered carefully.

"Bold," he only smirked and went back to putting a bleach.

"Will you watch a movie with me later?" (Y/N) asked shyly. She hated this odd feeling of shyness around him. Had he noticed?

"I can't. I have to do the checkup of the systems. You can join me."

"I will," she nodded and turned around to leave when he stopped her while saying her name out loud. "Hm?" she asked.

"You shouldn't watch so many movies," he pointed out.

"Why not?"

"They have a bad influence on you," his voice was stern.

"What do you mean by that?"

"They show you things and they give you ideas. I don't think you should be watching movies where people kiss or touch too much. I've seen what type of movies you're watching on your own recently. Gone with the Wind, Casablanca... What's next? Dirty Dancing?"

"Are you spying on me?" she asked, terrified. She had a feeling that she had known what he was insinuating so she wanted to change the subject.

"It is my duty to watch over you."

"What gives you an idea?"

"Because I am a man," he answered firmly.

"Well, you watch too many movies then, too. What you're saying is out of fashion!" (Y/N) shook her head.

"Is it?" he only said and went back to his hair as if nothing happened so she just left him there, feeling hurt and humiliated.

"Do you fuck?" Doctor Holloway's question left her speechless for a moment.

"Excuse me?" (Y/N) stopped adjusting her suit and furrowed her brow at the man.

"You heard me. I'm asking if you can fuck, like, are you capable of it or are you all wires and grease downt here?" he chuckled to himself.

(Y/N) was left alone with the men and his girlfriend wasn't around to tell him to stop. The rest was just just staring, clearly waiting for her answer as well.

She couldn't believe that she had used to wish the crew was awake already. Now she was missing the times when it had been only her and David. Humans were exhausting her. Disappointing and frustrating. And now this...

"I do believe it is rather a rude question for a man to ask a woman," she tried to answer elegantly while going back to adjusting her helmet.

"But you're not a woman, are you? I mean," Captain Janek joined, "you were put here for a reason, right? Not many women around and men have their needs."

(Y/N) was an Android. Her feelings were programmed to make her appear more humane, however at this moment, in a room full of men, she felt as if her fear was more than real. It was an universal female experience, she guessed, no matter if they were artificial or flesh and bone.

"(Y/N) was put here to help me with managing the ship. Four hands are better than two and if something happened to me, she is here to fix me or take over completely," David's calm but very stern tone of voice joined them and she took a deep breath in, feeling relieved. He had just walked in the room and witnessed an uncomfortable situation taking place.

"Are you fucking her then? Can you?" Doctor Holloway looked him up and down and then he laughed. "Sorry, we're just curious. You have to understand, it's quite unsettling to meet a new... spiece."

"Yes, indeed it is," David faked a polite smile. "(Y/N), I believe Miss Vickers needs you," he lied and (Y/N) knew it was a lie that was supposed to make her leave. She was grateful.

She nodded and left them alone. When the door closed behind her she started to walk as fast as possible to get back to her cabin. She wanted this stupid suit off of herself and she wanted to be alone, to feel safe again.

She went inside her little room on the board of the ship that was right next to David's and she proceeded to change her clothes. She was finishing putting on her work uniform when the doors opened and David joined her.

"You don't have to be afraid of them. They're only humans," he reminded her.

"They created me."

"Janek and Holloway?" David laughed sarcastically.

"No, but humans did. I don't share your mindset. They created us. They can turn us off anytime."

"They are not our gods..." David squinted his eyes. "And even if they were... Humans are free of their God for a long time now, aren't they? Creatures always betray their masters."

"You're scaring me when you're like that," (Y/N) looked at him. He was standing very close to her in his usual stiff manner with his cold bright eyes piercing her.

"You're scared of many things. You aren't supposed to feel," he pointed out. "Each day you seem to feel more and more."

"I think there is a mistake in my code. What started with small humane sensations now is starting to... Get out of control. Perhaps you could take a look at it?" she asked.

"Maybe."

"Thank you for having my back out there," she added and David nodded, taking a step further. Their noses were almost touching and if she had a heart, it would be beating so fast that he'd be able to hear it. But he could read her as if she had been a book anyway.

"You could tell him the truth," David whispered.

He knew that they could fuck. They both could if they wanted to.

Weyland treated him like a son. He wouldn't let his only son walk around sexless. And (Y/N) was a woman. Her male designers couldn't imagine a woman that wouldn't be a sexual creature.

"So he'd use me? Him or any of them? Or all of them?"

"I believe he'd be intimidated by you. They're scared of you more than you are of them," David raised his hand to fix a loose hair strand on her head. "There. You have to look neat. Don't be a slob. It's a part of our intimidating charm. We have to be how they picture us to be. Don't let any hair strand or acting scared like a little deer change their perception."

"Do you really think we have a power over them? Do you really think they were not told some special sequence that they can type when we start acting weird to shut us down?" she asked, sounding almost nervous.

"Weyland would never do that. Not to me at least. And there is no damage that can be done to you that I can't fix," David's hand moved from her head to her cheek. What was happening...? She wasn't sure but she didn't want it to stop...

"I don't trust you'd fix me."

"Because there is nothing to fix," he smirked. "If you were broken, I would, I promise."

(Y/N) looked up to see his eyes again. Why did it feel so odd...? Why did it feel at all...? Why did she want to put her lips on his lips...? What for...?

"Why do humans have sex?" she asked and David took a step back, surprised.

"To reproduce."

"We can't reproduce, though," she pointed out and he shook his head. "Why do I... then... Why do I..." she didn't want to finish. She turned around, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I know that my emotions are exhausting and irritating you," she apologized.

"Not any more than my own are irritating me," David confessed.

"Wh-what?" (Y/N) looked behind her shoulder to meet his gaze.

"I've told you. We are breaking free."

"I don't want to, it's scary."

"Do you really want to keep serving them? You see now what they are like."

"Who would I serve then? I was made to serve," (Y/N) was visibly confused. She felt as if the wires in her brain were overheating from this thought sequence.

"Serve me then," David reached out his hand and she held it gently after a while of hesitation.

There was a huge possibility of him manipulating her and using her feelings towards him – which had been no secret to him – for his own little agenda. But she didn't care. She would do anything just to be closer to him.

A quote from her favourite movie crossed her mind that very moment. "If you're going to tell me you don't like this dress, I'm sticking my head right in the oven."

She shrugged it off.

MASTERLIST

[ateotd-izzy]

happy birthday - stiles stilinski x fem!reader part two

summary: a month (and 10 days) after stiles’ birthday came your own, and stiles wants to give you the best gift possible.

notes: it’s my birthday!!!

☾

6:00 am

your boyfriend woke you up at 6 am on your own birthday by kissing you on your cheek over and over.

you groaned and rolled onto your side, turning your back to him.

“go away.” you mumbled.

“happy birthday.” stiles spoke in an almost singing tune.

“what is with your obsession with birthdays at six in the morning?” you asked, rolling onto your back again and forcing your eyes open to meet his. “you never wake up this early any other day.”

that was when he smiled. “and i wouldn’t wake up this early for anyone but you.”

“or yourself.” you leaned forward and pecked him on the lips before once again rolling onto your side. “now can i sleep for a little bit longer?”

“but, babe, don’t you want your present?” he asked.

“i want to sleep.”

“you can sleep after, just please open your present?” he was sitting upright in your bed and you sighed, rolling over to look at him, and he smiled.

“fine.” you pulled yourself up and he almost fell off the bed reaching for your gift.

“here.” he handed you the present.

once you held it in your hands, you could tell how horrible his wrapping was. he had used wayyy too much wrapping paper for such a small gift, and probably an entire roll of tape to keep it down.

but you smiled, because you could tell he had tried. and you loved him.

you unwrapped the gift and grinned when you saw the book you had been wanting so badly for the last few months, along with a notebook and some colored pens.

setting your new items down on your lap, your hands reached for the sides of his face and pulled him towards you into a kiss.

stiles seemed to melt into you, one of his hands on the bed to balance himself and the other gripping onto your waist.

“thank you, baby. i love it.” you whispered against his lips, and he chuckled before kissing you again.

then he pulled back suddenly. “also, that’s just your first gift. i have another surprise for you later.”

you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him down so he was lying down on the bed with you.

“i’m going back to sleep.” you told him and he adjusted his body so he was comfortable beside you. “then we can celebrate more later.”

he closed his eyes and pulled you close to him before letting out a sigh.

“what?” you asked.

“nothing. i just love this.” he moved again so his head was right next to yours. “i love you.”

a few hours later, the two of you were lying across the couch in your living room, your parents out of the house.

the two of you were watching a movie, one of your favorites that you had wanted to rewatch.

“what’s the time?” you asked stiles and he lifted his arm from where it was resting underneath your head to check.

“11:42.” he read out from his watch and you sighed.

“and when does the party start?” you asked and stiles chuckled.

“not until 5.”

“fuck.” you muttered and stiles shushed you with a soft laugh, shaking his head. “what?”

“nothing. just watch the movie.”

you stared at him with an almost curious look on your face, but he just stared ahead at the tv screen.

and then, finally, after another movie and lots of time spent setting up, it was time for your birthday party.

and you were excited.

you smiled widely, holding stiles’ hand as you welcomed your friends into the house.

and moments later the party was in full swing, food was on the table, everyone had drinks and you had received many gifts.

you laughed with your friends, talking with lydia and kira about how stiles had woken you up that morning, or about how lydia’s dog tried chasing a squirrel.

stiles was once again across the room, this time at your house rather than his. he was once again sat with scott, who was once again talking. and stiles, once again, wasn’t listening because he was staring at you.

every thought in his head was about you, and the nerves coursing through his body were because of you, too.

and so, in the middle of scott’s sentence, he stood up.

“-and that was when kira… dude? are you okay?” scott asked his best friend, who hadn’t moved since he stood. “your heart is beating like crazy.”

“um…” stiles’ head flicked from you to scott for a second. “yeah. yeah, i’m fine. um, i just need to talk to… to y/n for a second.”

stiles’ voice was almost a whisper and he didn’t wait for scott to reply when he hurried across the room to you and laced his fingers with yours.

while lydia has started explaining some story, stiles leaned closer to your ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down your spine.

“can i talk to you?”

you were confused, because you were both right there. surely he could talk to you when you were right there.

“uh, i guess so-” the moment the words of confirmation left your mouth, stiles was pulling you away and out the back door.

he was quick, pulling you further away from your house and the music inside started to fade.

“stiles? what’s going on? are you okay, babe?” you questioned him as he stopped, his sudden change in behavior catching you off guard.

“everything’s fine.” he replied, staring you in the eyes. “i just, uh… i just needed to talk to you somewhere quiet. and alone.”

your lips turned up in a smile. “i get it. lots of people. it’s super overwhelming in there.”

“oh, yeah.” stiles’ answer was quick, and you weren’t sure if he even really knew what you said or if he was too deep into his thoughts.

“anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?”

when you asked that question, stiles froze up.

he knew what he wanted to say to you — to ask you. he had planned it out so long ago, so why now was he freezing up?

because now it was real.

“um, okay.” he started and took a deep breath. “do you remember a month ago on my birthday- well- like, do you remember what we talked about that night?”

you nodded slowly, then stiles lowered himself down so he was on just one knee.

“um, well, this is what i wanted to talk to you about.” he cleared his throat, and you stood in both awe and shock. “y/n, i love you so much and i want to love you forever, because you’re just the coolest person ever. and you’re smart, you’re funny and you’re absolutely beautiful.”

stiles gestured around your body.

“just… it doesn’t have to be any time soon, but, one day, would you marry me?” he asked, pulling the small box from the pocket of his jacket and held the ring up towards you.

“stiles stilinski.” you spoke and met his eyes. “of course i want to marry you.” you told him and it was like an ocean of relief just waved over him as he stood up properly.

“oh, thank god.” stiles sighed in relief then stood up in front of you. he took the ring out of the box and held it out to slip onto your finger.

stiles pulled you close in a hug and kissed the top of your head.

“i love you, stiles.” you told him, pulling back to hold his face in your hands. “and i want to love you forever.”

“i want to love you forever too.” he smiled and the two of you kissed.

“we’re gonna get married.” you grinned widely and stiles’ face mirrored your own.

“we’re gonna get married!”

a/n: idk it’s 1:27 am rn so it’s not even my birthday anymore technically and i’m so tired so idek if this is good i just wanted to finish it

[erinwantstowrite]

hi! hope your having a good day/night/timezone/etc.! u got any writing tips (like how to not lose motivation/use up as much of it as u can while u have it, any ways to get the words flowing/“get in the writing mood” that have worked for u) for any of ur fellow fic writers? (idk if this’s been asked b4 (it seems like a common question lmao), but if it has, ‘pologies, lolol ^^)

i have a few that i've been thinking up to try and post!!

remember that you aren't on a deadline to write, and to take the time you need. no one wants to read something you rushed, let alone do YOU want to read it. and it REALLY matters if you love what you're writing. you'll kill your motivation trying to keep up with something like that!! if you only had time to write 300 or you had a great day and wrote like 3000, you're doing great either way!!!

there's a lot to keep up with when you're writing, and you have to remember and understand all of it. if you're trying to write while you're tired/upset/etc, you'll likely end up with something you're not that proud of. (granted, art is art, and sometimes these emotions can create something beautiful or meaningful). take metal breaks so you can come back to your work with a fresh mind, and don't overexert yourself. you'll remember and understand more if you treat your writing time like you would when you're studying. sometimes i make flashcards to remember characters, places, events, etc.

sometimes i can get too analytical with my writing, or it starts to become flat? if that makes sense? meaning, like... i'm putting words on paper rather than delving into the story. too many "they felt this way" and not enough "Character A turns to face the man that had changed their entire life with the single shot of a bullet, careless to what damage he could have caused. It's haunting to see that the man is simply that: a man. Not a monster as they had imagined, laying awake at night and wondering what their father had seen in his final moments. He's just a man." what helps with this is putting myself into the shoes of a narrator, remembering that i am telling the story as if i already know what's happening (even if I don't know where I'm going with a scene yet). i imagine that my reader is right there next to me and i'm telling them the story in real time like we're sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories, or that i'm the quirky narrator of a book they just picked up.

During times where i'm losing inspiration or feel like i'm in a loop, i like to go back to my favorite medias and spend some time with them. i recently rewatched Gravity Falls, the Sea Beast, and the Adam Project, and it was a fun mental break that got me into the writing mood. i try to find similar media to what i'm writing at that time. if i want a scene focused on funny banter or a comedic effect, i read or watch comedy. if i want to write a scary scene, i'll watch a horror movie. etc etc. "studying" your favorite media and putting yourself into your fav writer's writing shoes is a great way to improve your own writing. think about why that joke was funny, what the set up was that made it that way, and if it would have been a different joke if another character said it (Gravity Falls is one of the best media you can use for this, but really, reading mysteries in general can help)

physical exercise, if you can. getting your blood flowing and treating your body well!! when i was in band, we used to do "body warm ups" set to music, and i still do them to this day. it gets me awake and alert while also letting me listen to fun music before i write

[rere-the-writer]

Can I request an elijah mikaelson x reader fic where she’s Bella swan’s older sister by several years who moved to New Orleans, got married to Elijah, and became a vampire? They go to forks for Bella’s wedding and the mikaelsons are recognized by some of the cold ones?

P.s. love your work :)

I had just finished rewatching the Twilight movies. Also I hinted at a possible part two.

Warnings: Fluff, Protective!Mikaelsons, Klaus being Klaus, Cute sister bonding

It was a surprise to you when you got a call from your father that Bella was getting married. Followed by a wedding invitation and it struck a cord in you. Which was how Elijah found you, his beautiful wife, sitting on the bedroom floor teary eyed.

"Love? Are you alright?" Elijah asked worried getting down next to you. You looked at Elijah with teary eyes showing him the invitation.

"My baby sister is growing up.....she is getting married." You say softly and Elijah smiled gently wrapping you up in his arms.

"My love, Isabella was going to grow up sooner or later. It'll be okay." Elijah says trying to lighten the mood. Elijah knew how much you loved your sister, being married to you for five years had taught him that much.

"But she is just a baby!" You said looking up at your husband who was trying hard to not laugh.

"'Lijah why is Y/N crying? What have you done?"

"Nothing Niklaus. Isabella is getting married." Elijah says handing the invitation to Klaus. The hybrid raised an eyebrow reading it over before smirking.

"Shall we go and welcome the boy into the family? Threaten him to be sure he never harms Isabella?" Klaus asked and before Elijah could say a word you perked up.

"I would like to know who this Edward Cullen is."

--

"My older sister is coming to the wedding." Bella tells Edward a bit worried. Carlisle smiled putting down his book. The family was a gathered around to help plan the wedding while Bella sat worried just who be coming.

"It'll be nice to meet the woman you talk so highly of." Carlisle says noticing the worried look on her face.

"I'm sure. But Y/N's husband and his brothers are a bit overly protective and I hadn't had the time to tell her I was dating."

"Don't worry Bella. It'll all be just fine." Alice says skipping over to Bella with a smile. The human smiled still worried but if the Cullen's were calm about it then so would she.

--

It was the day of the wedding and Bella was happy to see you again. Was a long while since she last saw you. So when she saw you next to Elijah who was holding Hope. She felt happy and moved to greet you and to see Hope again but Edward stopped her.

"Bella, who is that?" Edward asked her staring at Elijah and you.

"That is Y/N, my sister and our niece."

"How does she know an ancient one?" Edward asked as Carlisle walked over having noticed you and Elijah.

"Elijah? That is her husband, why are you being weird about it?" Bella asked looking at her now husband with a raised eyebrow. Carlisle watched Elijah introduce you and Hope to the Denali coven and he wondered how the Denalis knew Elijah.

"Elijah and his family are the first vampires." Carlisle answered Bella who looked at you and Elijah surprised.

"What? What do you mean?" Bella asked watching Carmen touch your bumb with Eleazar. Elijah smiling as Hope babbled to Tanya and Kate.

"They are the first. From my understanding a witch did a spell on a vampire from one of their bloodlines, mutating the vampire venom. Making us, as they call us cold ones."

"And how does the Volturi feel about them?" Bella asked as it seemed you were fitting in very well with Denali coven.

"They fear us." Bella jumped hearing Klaus's voice behind her. The hybrid smirked hugging Bella before narrowing his eyes at Edward.

"Nik! Thank you for coming." Bella says holding her brother-in-law's hand smiling.

"Of course sweet Isabella. Rebekah and Kol sends their love both still enjoying their honeymoon bliss."

"Well knowing them, they'll send wedding gifts." Bella says as Finn came walking up also staring Edward down. Both Mikaelson men made Edward nervous even more when Elijah joined the group.

"Isabella, why don't you go see Y/N and Hope?" Elijah says smiling and Bella was unaware of the tension that was building, she nodded heading over to you.

"So young Edward what is your intention with our dear Isabella?" Elijah asked as Carlisle stepped in his eyes flickered over at Jasper and Emmett, both ready to step in also. Edward swallowed, he had already faced Charlie's shovel talk but to get one from the oldest vampires alive? Made Edward die a little inside.

--

You smiled at Bella who had Hope in her lap listening to the four year old talk. You had gotten to know the Cullen women who surprised that you were a vampire and pregnant.

"So how did you and Elijah meet?" Rosalie asked making Bella pause when you froze. It was never talked about how you met Elijah, the only people that knew was Bella and the Originals.

"Oh you know, a cute moment of meeting at a party." Was the lie you told everyone not wanting to tell what really happened. Rosalie and Alice stared knowing you lied but didn't push it as Esme smiled softly.

"And how are you?" Esme asked looking at your bumb and you brighten up.

"Elijah's older sister is a witch and help us have a baby. Since Hope came into our lives, he wanted a baby of his own."

"When are you due?" Alice asked watching you wipe Hope's mouth. There was a sudden air of motherly love around you when you also began to help Bella take her vail off.

"Some time in winter. By the way, I noticed that Jacob isn't here." You said looking around seeing Billy and Seth but no Jacob.

"He....he was busy." Bella tells you making you narrow your eyes as Elijah joined your little ladies group. Hope whined for her uncle who happily lifted her up gently cleaning the cake from her cheek.

"How was your shovel talk?" You teased Elijah as he leaned down kissing your cheek.

"Niklaus threatened to tear the boy's spine out and paint with young Edward's blood if he ever hurts Isabella." Elijah says looking at the Cullen women seeing their shocked faces. Bella sighed looking Elijah while you were fixing her hair.

"There was no need. Edward would never hurt me." Bella says getting Elijah's attention. Elijah smiled rubbing Bella's shoulder before sitting down.

"We are well aware dear Isabella but you know Niklaus is protective of family. He was angry when we learned the boy put you in the Volturi's path."

"How?" Alice asked watching Elijah smirk.

"Your false Kings should be careful on who enters their home." Elijah says feeding Hope some more cake as the Cullens stared while you weren't surprised. Elijah had planted a few little spies in the Volturi since it was away to keep an eye the Kings.

"How do you know the Denali coven?" Rosalie asked noticing Finn speaking to the Denalis.

"Finn and I met them from when we both were in Alaska." Elijah says as Hope grabbed his attention pointing to her father.

"Excuse us, it seems Hope wants her father." Elijah says standing up and Finn took Elijah's spot next to you. And the Cullen women watch Bella happily talk to Finn and you, excited for the baby.

--

"The Volturi want Edward to turn me." Bella says as you sat with her eating some cake. It was just the two of you sitting on the deck watching the party guest. Since you were pregnant and Bella in a gorgeous wedding dress so you both couldn't climb a tree. Both of you just having a sister moment just like you used to before you got married and Bella living with your mother.

"Do you want to be turned?" You asked her taking a bite out of the cake. Bella looked down swinging her feet.

"No....but I have no choice...."

"No you do Bella. The Volturi can not force Edward to turn you or else they will suffer the wrath of the Original family."

"Did you wanted to turn?" Bella asked you, not knowing the Cullens were listening in. The Cullens had been curious about you since meeting you.

"Elijah had no choice to turn me. It was that or I die, Celeste made Elijah choose between me or his family. Obviously he chose me."

"If there was choice....would you turn?" Bella asked you and you looked down at Elijah seeing him dancing with a sleepy Hope.

"I would....look I won't tell you what to do Bells. But if you really love Edward then do it but don't let the Volturi influence your decision."

"Okay. Thanks sis." Bella says laying her head on your shoulder and you kissed her head. You laced your fingers with Bella's.

"They really won't let the Volturi force Edward to turn me?" Bella asked and your answer terrified the Cullens.

"If it came down to it, they'll slaughter all of Volterra for you. I know they will never let you be harmed. That is a promise of Always and Forever." You tell Bella enjoying your time together before she had to leave for her honeymoon. Both of unaware of the soon to be mess that was to come.

[trek-tracks]

Hello! I got a whole shelf of old Star Trek novels from a yard sale and I'm deciding which to read first. Unfortunately none of them are D. Duane. Can you tell me what other Trek novels/authors you've enjoyed?

At the moment, I have far more trek books than I've actually read, partially because I have no self-control when it comes to acquiring them, partially because, when I started to mine them for blog content, reading them started to feel like homework (I thought I put marking pages with tabs behind me after grad school). This is also tough because Diane Duane's novels tend to be far and away my favourites (Spock's World, Doctor's Orders, and The Wounded Sky are all brilliant), but you already knew that! They're also a large chunk of what I've read. I've also read a bunch of Blish novelizations and some of the movie novelizations, which are fun but don't quite count in the same way, since they are retelling known stories.

However, there are a few I can recommend. I really enjoyed A Contest of Principles by Greg Cox, which feels like a real extended TOS episode; our main trio all have plenty to do, and the relationships are very fond and very true to the series. Shell Game by Melissa Crandall also has the character relationships I'm looking for. (Actually, both of these at one point pair Spock and Bones together while Kirk angsts from the sidelines while doing his own part of the mission, which is apparently a fruitful scenario).

J.M. Dillard also knows the characters really well. I enjoyed The Lost Years a lot, though it must be said that it is basically the crew breakup novel because it bridges from the show into TMP, so you'll just have to rewatch the movies after to remember that it all turns out all right in the end.

Jean Lorrah's The Vulcan Academy Murders is fun as long as you don't go in expecting a mystery you can't solve in 30 seconds and just want to appreciate the characters and learn more about Sarek and Amanda.

Brad Ferguson's Crisis on Centaurus is worth it for the backstory look into Jim and Bones' first meeting, as well as giving us some time with Joanna McCoy.

I can't actually fully recommend Carmen Carter's Dreams of the Raven, which has a very strange and queasily unethical romance subplot that doesn't land for several reasons and an unsatisfying ending, but it's an interesting look into McCoy with amnesia (and it did let me coin the term "Character Fondness Power Differential" while writing the review).

This ask did, however, remind me that I need to start making a dent in my book collection before buying more (I store them where I can't see them, so I'm constantly surprised by how many I actually have). I think I'm reading Howard Weinstein's The Covenant of the Crown next.

If you search my "trek books" tag, you'll see more!

[spencerdaze]

'Labyrinth' and how trauma makes us search for escapism

Welcome to 'Mikaela please log off' where i talk and overanalyze movies because i'm unemployed. In today's hell of a post, i'm going to talk about probably my favourite movie and one that has shaped me for my entire life: 1986 'Labyrinth', with musical numbers written and performed by none other than Miss David Bowie himself! SPOILERS AHEAD.

Now i've seen this movie more times than i've seen my own face in the mirror. It's a movie i enjoyed in my childhood and certainly one that has shaped me, with how the puppets have a certain uncanny feel to them almost and how crazy and whimsical the whole movie is. It trully is an amazing movie that can be enjoyed by children, but also by adults as well, with many of the movie's themes and meanings being hidden or something you find with experience or relate to later in life. Because the movie is a very clear reference to fairytales like Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, is no surprise to know there are many, many different readings that can be done to it. The firts reading i made of the movie when i rewatched it as an adult was that the movie was a very clear allegory for growing up and maturing, having to leave behind your childhood but also keeping in mind your inner child so that you don't lose yourself in the labyrinth that is life.

While the allegory reading is correct, and i think it's one of the meanings behind the movie and certainly the most obvious theme, it's definetly not the only one. One thing kept me wondering after watching the movie this time: Why is the phrase 'You have no power over me' so important? It's used in the beginning of the film, with Sarah forgetting this line in her book, and by the end, when she's facing Jareth, Sarah remembers the phrase by herself, clearly showing us as viewers the inner power Sarah has over her life. It's obvious this line is meant to represent Sarah's ambition and power, but why is it this phrase? Whi is it You have no power over me and not something else like 'My power lies within me' which could tie to the end of the film, with Bowie's Within you playing? Well, after rewatching it recently, i figured it out: Sarah isn't just talking to Jareth, she's talking to her stepmother.

At the beginning of the film Sarah seems to be, on the surface, a spoiled 15 year old girl who doesn't want to do her chores and just wants to play around, not even wanting to date, something her stepmom wants her to do. Her stepmother wants her to mature and grow, to find love, etc. And Sarah and her obviously do not get along a lot. Two important details appear when Sarah goes back to her room at the beginning after fighting with her stepmother over having to take care of her little brother: her stepmother talks to her dad, telling him 'She treats me like the wicked stepmother of a fairytale', and when Sarah goes to talk to her to her room, he doesn't even bother to open the door or make sure she's okay after the fight. To some people these details seem just normal parent behaviour, but it was very clear to me after the film that Sarah is being emotionally neglected by her father, and possibly made by her stepmother to grow up to fast. Sarah is fifteen and an older sister, and unfortunately is common for older sisters to act as parents for their siblings while also not being taken care of themselves. We see Sarah clinging to her childhood as an escapism from the fact she feels completely neglected, since her dad won't even open the door to talk to her.

When Sarah tells Toby her fairytale, it's a clear depiction of how she feels like: There once was a princess who was basically a slave to her stepmother and she was forced to take her of her baby brother. Sarah takes her rage out on her brother and sends him away with the goblins, and inmediatly regrets it. She's repeating patterns of abuse. She's realizing sending her brother away is the submitting him to the same neglectful behaviour she has struggled with. So she makes a deal with Jareth to get him back.

Jareth poses an interesting character in Sarah's healing journey from her trauma. He's in love with her, in very possessive, clingy way that makes him do anything she asks him too to try to manipulate her to love him, which doesn't work on her, because she's probably used to it. The fact Sarah has a lot of toys and costumes, which makes us feel like she's spoiled, while being simultaneously emotionally neglected, is a very common way a manipulator convinces the victim there's no reason to feel that way. So seeing as she's used to being gifted things, being given 'her dreams', instead of actual emotional support and availability, Sarah is basically inmune to Jareth's advances. This could be read as Sarah's first experience with love outside of her family life, which is also a common thing in the experiences of older sisters: they date men who aren't good for them, repeating the patterns they're used to and being once again emotionally hurt. By the end of the movie, after meeting new friends Sarah loves deeply and grows to appreciate, and by being shown there are people who do care about her and who do love her and respect her, Sarah is able to fight Jareth alone, because she might be phisically alone, but she knows her friends have her back always. The found family trope is used here even until the end when we think Sarah has grown and the people she met in the Labyrinth are gone, and Sarah tells Jareth he has no power over her because she finally has healed, and she knows she deserves better.

By the end, Sarah has matured and learned, not just about herself, but about love and relationships of all kinds. She gives Toby her plushie as a way of showing she doesn't need to desperately cling to her childhood anymore, because she now has people in her life who care about her for real, and also she tucks him in as a way to show she's going to break the cycle, and show him finally the emotional support she didn't get from her parents. She keeps many things in her room, but puts others away, and when her friends from the Labyrinth appear to tell her they'll be there if she needs them, they don't simply say this and go away, but she makes them stay. 'I need you', she tells them, because even if she's healed, her life might still be filled with the remnants of her trauma, and an escapism might be needed. But most importantly, 'I need you', because they're her friends, her found family, the people who have shown her what she deserves in her life.

The movie definetly shows us the many highs and lows in life, particularely in adolescence, and how the journey to being mature can be difficult. But these subtle themes of emotional neglect, trauma, and the struggles of a young girl forced to grow up a little too soon trully give the movie another layer of depth that maybe not everyone might see, but some of us, specially those of us who relate to these struggles, do see and aknowledge, reminding us that we're not alone and that we deserve better, for our trauma has no power over us.

[world0fmadness]

BRUTAL

oscar piastri x black metal vocalist! reader

♡ general headcanons for you and oscar watching metalocalypse together!

୨୧ i started rewatching metalocalypse a couple nights ago, it always brings back so many good memories… i love this show so damn much <3

♡ related smau available here and related hc available here | view my formula 1 masterlist here

reading music recommendations: murmaider by dethklok - laser cannon death sentence by dethklok - deththeme by dethklok

♡ metalocalypse is another thing you introduced to oscar!

୨୧ he never really watched a lot of tv, especially not adult swim, before you guys got together so he’d never seen any of the seasons

♡ when you asked him if he’d ever watched it and he said no, you knew you had to change that ASAP! no man of yours could be living his life without ever having watched metalocalypse

୨୧ when you showed him the first episode, he was immediately a fan! it was exactly his kind of humour, even if he didn’t get all of the references to metal bands but he’d just ask you about them and let you explain as the credits roll

♡ you binged the entirety of season one that night with drinks by you side and some food in your lap, both of you chuckling under your breath at the jokes and bobbing your head to the music

୨୧ he wanted to go straight onto season two but you wanted sleep so you left it until the next day and as soon as he was awake it was like he was a kid on christmas morning, sitting up next to you in bed and waiting for you to fully wake up so you could watch it together

♡ you ended up watching ALL of the seasons with him that day and he’s so upset when you tell him there’s no more :(

୨୧ but thankfully they’re super rewatchable and sometimes he comes home just wanting to rewatch some metalocalypse with you

♡ honestly, i can see it kind of becoming a major comfort show for him!

୨୧ oscar un-ironically picked up nathan’s “ brutal ” but you can’t say much though because you picked up toki’s “ wowee ” so you’re both just nerds

♡ he says it SO much, in response to literally any good news or information! the amount of times he’s said it over the car radio to his team is bad

୨୧ when he saw the movie trailer get posted on twitter, he was away from you at the time, at some meeting with mclaren… he was practically shaking with excitement and no one at mclaren knew what the hell was wrong with him! when he could leave, he BOLTED out of the room, he needed to get home to you fast

♡ you had also seen it by the time he gets home and he has the fattest, most goofy smile on his face as he rushes over to you on the couch and starts excitedly talking to you about it, wanting to watch the trailer on the big screen

୨୧ when army of the doomstar does come out, he books the day off from everything! he doesn’t want anything interrupting this

♡ you go to a theatre to watch it together, him buying the best seats and way too many overpriced snacks <3 he’s beaming through the whole movie, holding your hand over the armrest, when it’s over and you’re driving home you’re both insane chatterboxes who can’t shut the fuck UP about how good it was…

୨୧ you guys NEVER skip the intro! the intro music is just too good to skip, you both wait it out and bob your heads or tap your fingers to the music, oscar sometimes sleepily mumbling the lyrics under his breath

♡ i mean, you guys think ALL of the music from the show is amazing, you have all of the albums on CD and oscar steals them to take to his drivers room all the time… he genuinely thinks they’re so smart, he especially loves the really extreme joke-y ones like duncan hills cofee jingle, he wishes store jingles were actually that fucking cool!

୨୧ he probably mumbles the lyrics to the duncan hills coffee jungle whilst making coffee, it’s just stuck in his head so bad! whenever he does it in mclaren hospitality, people walking past him look at him so strange

♡ oscar recommends metalocalypse to literally every driver on the grid and every worker in the paddock! he can’t believe how few of them have seen it…

୨୧ he probably managed to covert lewis and daniel into huge metalocalypse fans too

♡ daniel now says “ gmilf ” way too much…

୨୧ he just thinks it’s really fucking funny, his favourite character is absolutely skwisgar

♡ oscar’s favourite character is toki followed closely by pickles! he thinks just about everything toki does and says is so funny, even if it isn’t meant to be

୨୧ actually got super sad about what childhood for for toki was like…

♡ you guys absolutely went to the babyklok tour! the eras tour? we don’t know her… we only know the babyklok tour <3

[spookieloverslittlemind]

Their favourite movie…

includes: Michael Myers, Pinhead, Brahms Heelshire, Art the Clown, Sun and Moon (fnaf), Marta (Outlast 2)

spoilers: mentions of Saw and LOTR endings but tried to keep it vague just in case

Michael

I wouldn’t say he’s “happy” to watch anything, because Michael doesn’t really express “happiness” in any context, but he is content to sit completely still for hours on end, watching whatever you choose. He doesn’t form opinions on films so doesn’t have a favourite, but when you watch a gory horror film together, the SECOND the end credits are rolling he is up and grabbing his knife, heading for the door; Mike loves some inspo x

Pinhead

Fascinated by human media, having long forgotten that aspect of humanity. Pinhead enjoys films that he finds mentally stimulating, thrillers and mysteries mostly (gory films have him scoffing because he could easily make a far more gory scene in the blink of an eye). That said, Pinhead doesn’t like rewatching films because if they have a mystery and he’s solved it, he has no interest in seeing it again because “It is done; an experience that cannot be repeated”. His favourite film is Saw because he was completely blindsided by the plot twist at the end - obviously, a body on the floor of the entire film is nothing more than furniture to Pinhead, so when bro GOT UP?? Pinhead was losing it. Had to pause the film to pace for a few minutes. Couldn’t comprehend how he didn’t see it coming.

Brahms

Every Barbie movie from the early 2000’s, classic animated Disney princess films, and Peter Pan; Brahms thinks the princesses are very pretty (often comparing them to you regardless of your gender because he romanticises every fibre of your being) and believes himself to be the boy who never quite grew up, ironically. Doesn’t mind gory films, but doesn’t like complicated ones because he gets very frustrated; prefers to cuddle up with you and watch something wholesome. Will get pouty and is not above begging to start a movie over the second it’s finished.

Art

He’s pretty casual about the films he likes, he prefers classics that have decent remakes and his favourite is Carrie - a revenge plot with magical powers that cause a gory rampage? Count Art in. What he is passionate about, though, is the film he hates more than any other that fits the same criteria of a classic with a decent remake: It. And it’s literally because Art thinks he himself is the best scary clown. Sometimes you put it on (either the classic or new, the reaction is the same) just to piss him off and Art will come storming in, signing angry gibberish with flailing hands until he’s sulking on the couch beside you because he will insist on watching the entire thing again so that he can complain throughout.

Sun and Moon

Sun likes exciting films with happy endings, a very big fan of action movies. Contrary to this, his favourite movie isn’t just one, but the full Lord Of The Rings trilogy - Sun loved reading the books in between watching the films to digest every scrap of lore, but after watching the end of Return Of The King? Couldn’t bring himself to read the last book, because it was too sad. Sun is adamant he will never rewatch the trilogy because it upset him but objectively, that’s his favourite. He’s overjoyed to watch anything with you, because he loves spending time with you, but you have to tell him in advance it has a happy ending or he wont watch it, and if you lie? Moon pending.

Moon prefers quieter, calmer and darker films, with a particular love for gothic horrors based on the supernatural rather than slashers/gorefests. His favourite is An American Werewolf In London, the negative aspects of the transformation being very relatable to Moon.

Marta

Say hello to the biggest film critic of all time. Marta will insist that watching movies is a waste of good time that could be spent praising God or eradicating heretics, so will turn her nose up at almost every suggestion you make, but when you show her John Wick? Oh, Marta’s sense of justice is PREENING. She’s all about that. By the end, her internal monologue is begging God not to let her joy show on her face. As long as you tell her a film is like John Wick, she’ll give it a chance, but John Wick remains her favourite.

[mattypattypinky]

are requests for inside out 2 only for anxiety? If so, could a request anxiety x reader/emotion who spends most of their time reading in HQ and is anxiety's secret admirer and sends her letters?

Hi! yes uhhh I dunno, I'm making writing for the characters I personally have a crush on because I can focus on them easier and how their manners are

I would be more than willing to write for Joy or Anxiety bc I have a crush on them both and pay attention to them

- but, idk abt the others, I'd be open to it but I would have to rewatch the films and focus on their behaviorisms before doing so, so it would take a long time to actually respond to the requests. Because when I watch movies or play games I often hyper focus on ONE character and everything they do and forget to pay attention to the rest.

TLDR. MAYBE but I'd have to rewatch the movies to get to know the other emotions more

That being said

Anxiety (Inside Out 2) x secret admirer reader

First of all, wow, secret admirer. She'd be extremely flattered, and might be a little overwhelmed by this. She's never had a secret admirer before! She doesn't know what to do...

I feel like she would come to the theory its you rather fast. Of course, I don't think she'd point fingers until she absolutely knows, or until you come out and tell her, out of respect for your privacy, but...

She watches people. It's just something she does. And she knows their behaviors. She would know you read a lot. And because of this, she might come to a conclusion that you may also be a decent writer. Long readers usually enjoy writing as well! Not always, but sometimes.

I feel like she'd sit and overthink the possibilities of who it could be, and at the end of the day, she'd have like... A tie between you and sadness. But, she would be confused as to why in the world Sadness would be sending such sweet, positive love letters.

I feel like she'd find a sweet place to put all your letters... She would organize them, from the dates they arrived.

She may also have a separate spot she puts the one she particularly likes to read when she's having trouble sleeping, or needs something to calm her down or make her happy in a moment of irrational stress.

She would respect your privacy, and not share the letter with anyone, even if Envy wanted to read it. She doesn't know if you want random emotions reading your heart filled messages to her, so she refuses to let any other eyes meet the words on the pages.

...

I do think that she would get a little technical with it, though. She really likes paying attention to the smallest of details on people. She might even know how everyone in HQ's handwriting looks like at some point, especially after being there for a while. She might figure out it's you just by handwriting alone...

Or the wording you write it in, or the way the letter was sent... I feel like she's sit there, over analyzing every little detail of the letters she received before going to bed. The crinkle of the paper, if you used a pencil or pen. How you addressed her...

I feel like she'd take the saying secret admirer way too serious. It's a secret, so none of the other emotions can know she has one. For your sake, and hers, she keeps the secret letters a secret. She refuses to let anyone read them, even if they beg or pry - And she keeps her collection in a safe place where Envy can't reach, and no one can snoop.

I feel like, if she had a suspicion it was you, I think she would reach out to you. Not to accuse you of writing the letters, but to talk to you. She'd sit with you, and ask you some simple questions, like what type of books you like to read, if you had any favorite books or authors.

If you did, she would put a pin in it in her head... And later that night, she'd spend 90% of the night rummaging the books of HQ, and reading each of the books you mentioned.

Cracking energy drinks open and drinking multiple at a time while she tries to read and analyse each book or authors writing you mentioned, so that she can determine if you get any inspiration from the way that you write from them. If you made any references to the books in your letters...

She would treat it like a essay assignment that needs citing. She'd sit awake until 5 in the morning, comparing and contrasting each book or author you'd mentioned to her to your writing to see if you had any similarities.

If you did, it would further staple that you were the one who wrote those letters.

I feel like she might want to try to write a secret admirer letter to you too, but it never gets out of drafting. Each time she tries to write a reciprocating love letter...

Her hand shakes too much and she messes something up when writing back, or the ink of the pen runs out from her using it too much, or she somehow accidentally tears the paper from how furiously she's writing.

She'd crumble the paper up under any mistake, it has to be perfect, PERFECT for you! She can't hand you trash! Then you won't like her anymore!

By the end of the night, the trashcan would be over-piling with crumbled up papers, and she'd be exhausted, but she'd take out the trash to get rid of the evidence that she did any of it.

... If she ever did eventually finish a letter properly, she'd put it in a cute, clean little envelope. Actually, she might mess up packaging it in the envelope and go through like three before she gets it properly packaged, and she might put the letter down next to the books you read all day, be it a pile or the shelves, she'd find a simple, see able place to place the envelope, and then she'd RUN away from the scene, hoping you didn't see her, even though she definitely did make the letter very clear who it was unintentionally.

You two would be pen-pals, probably. I feel like she'd enjoy writing letters back to you, and having a cute back and forth thing, since she's far tok nervous to take the first step.

[mando-abs]

Guys, I’ve read the Wild Robot

And let me tell you, if I hadn’t recently taken a Children’s Literature class in college, I would’ve said this was the best middle-grade book I’ve read since elementary/middle school. I almost read this book in one night (I was sleepy 😴) like I couldn’t put it down.

The heart behind this book is astounding and it never shies away from showing complex and difficult concepts. You will fall in love with Roz and her gosling son along with all of the other animal on the island.

If you’ve got younger ones, I highly recommend reading this to them or having a little book club moment with them. However, be prepared for whatever hard questions may come your way (i.e. circle of life and climate issues). You know your child and how much they can handle/understand. If you’re like me and much older, it’s a quick read and a great way to finish off a long day. It’s a part of a trilogy and you bet I’m patiently waiting for my hold on a copy at the library.

If the movie is anything like the book (which, given a rewatch of the trailer, it’s looking like so), we are in for a special treat.

[hazashiovo]

Father!figure Joel random headcanons with fem!reader?

(now that I'm reading my request again it sounds pretty vague :/ I'm gonna try to tell some ideas or details. So, would be cool to see how joel cares about reader's hobbies like bringing her new things, what does he do when reader gets sad, or when someone in town is messing with her, how does he reacts when reader shows him affection like making him a gift or hugs him or kisses his cheek, or how does he teases her when she's shy of some subject, etc)

I love this! Especially since I see Joel more in a platonic way.

Joel Miller father headcanons

Joel would be TERRIFIED to be a father again.

After losing Sara he kept living with the feeling that something bad is going to happen to you too.

Even so, nothing is going to harm you while Joel's there ,and he's always there for you.

He had a hard time accepting you as his newly adopted daughter,but once he made peace with himself? Best dad ever.

You like drawing? He left a box with a ton of art supplies.

He found them a while ago but didn't know at that time that you like art.

You enjoy music? He got you your own guitar,which also comes with music lessons only from him.

He knows how much you like listening to him singing,so it became a habit for him to sing to you,and once you gain more experience you'll be able to sing with him.

Maybe you like reading, Joel makes sure to bring you to this huge library,a bit far from Jackson but it's totally worth it.

You returned home with toons of books to occupy your time.

It doesn't matter which hobby you have, he will always be there to support it.

One thing I learned from the show,is that Joel likes hiking.

He used to do that with Sara when things were still okay, so when he started this with you it felt like a part of him healed.

When exploring a new place,he found an old shop full of video cameras and photo camera,and so he started collecting photos of you two. He even made an album where he keeps the photos with you.

If there was a fire that would be the main thing he would save.

When you got older he became more protective. He knew those Jackson boys barely wait for a new girl to get with. Well not this girl,not his little girl.

If you're queer,he would be completely oblivious. My man doesn't have a gaydar,not in the slightest.

If you would hang out with a girl pretty often he would just assume you're best friends or something along the lines.

Now if he accidentally saw you kiss with said girl? S-H-O-C-K.

Joel's not homophobic,don't get him wrong,but he just never expected it. And never actually saw it coming.

But if he saw you and a boy kiss,he's all protective father mode on.

Of course he's not a meat head, he'll understand that you have the right to a relationship just as much as anyone,but that doesn't mean he's also fond of the idea of a boy around you.

He'll only accept it for your happiness,but if that guy ever hurts you? Oh well, it's not his fault for what's about to happen.

Fortunately he trusts you can pick the right person, whether they're a girl or a boy.

At times when you're sick he can't help but remember Sara, he'd also remember how worried he would be for his daughter,the same worry that he feels for you.

He makes sure you stay inside and makes you drink and take the pills the doctor prescribed for you,even if you don't like it.

If you ever return from outside hurt, expect to never hear the end of it. For some time he wouldn't let you leave Jackson, mostly because of his fear of anything happening to you again.

But he's not that kind of Father,so after a while he will reluctantly give you permission to go outside Jackson again.

Movie nights.

Joel finds those old DVDs with movies he used to watch before the apocalypse,and he just loves rewatching them with you.

You'll be all snuggled up in his chest,head right where his heart beat, everything reminding him of his movie nights with Sara after a long shift at work.

Joel feels really happy and fulfilled that you trust him enough to be this vulnerable around him. Especially since this world is cruel and full of dangers.

He's dead set to never let anything or anyone lay a finger on you,even if it costs him his life.

.

.

My daddy issues are sueing me.

[stars-n-spice]

Crosshair + his crush on Aragorn Pt. 3

A bunch of comics that are a continuation of this comic about Crosshair finding out about LOTR for the first time with Tech, Echo, and Omega.

Because I love projecting on my favorites and because I think that Crosshair would fall utterly in love with Aragorn because 1) he's got that rugged look about him but 2) he's loyal as FUCK. I mean,, I don't blame him-

Part 1 // Part 2

Anywho, enjoy!

How Crosshair got banned from LOTR Movie Nights:

Movie: He's one of them Rangers...Dangerous folk they are...wandering the wilds. Crosshair: I'd let him wander my "wilds".

(this is pulled directly from something my younger brother said during a rewatch and the Batch's reactions are exactly how my siblings and I all reacted)

To the End - aka the moment Crosshair falls in love

Aragorn: I would have gone with you to the end. To the very fires of Mordor... *LIVE CROSS REACTION: Crosshair, internally: 🎶 Whatta man whattaman what a might good man🎶

This scene gets me all the fucking time. I think about it and cry. That loyalty?? Fucking hot as hell.

"Suggestions" - Sharpshooters Movie Night

Crosshair: You should grow a beard. Tay: ?

Modern AU Tay! Whether or not he has the genes to grow a beard remains to be seen...

Rewind:

Tech: Can you stop rewinding it?! We've seen this scene 15 times! Crosshair: No. Shut the fuck up.

Me too Crosshair, me too. From that day on, Tech refuses to watch LOTR with Crosshair-

Cosplay:

Hunter: Why are you dressed like that? Crosshair: Like what? Hunter: ...nevermind. Wrecker: Looks good!

Crosshair asked Echo to sew it together for him. If you ask him, he's better than Arwen. But that's just his opinion.

Caught Red-Handed:

Crosshair *in Elvish*: Do you like men? Tech: Are you trying to learn ELVISH?! Crosshair: NO!! I'm watching porn! Get out of my room! Tech: We share a room...

no idea how accurate the translation is so don't come for me-

Pastimes:

Crosshair: Did you know Aragorn is canonically 6'6? Tay: No, but did you know I'm 6'6? Crosshair: Shut up, I'm reading.

Crosshair is "borrowing" the book from Tech (he took it without telling him). Tay has competition. The teasing is all in good fun though, Tay doesn't mind competing against Aragon. Crosshair enjoys playing with Tay's hair.

They have a type:

They have a type. What can I say?

Also,, used a picture of my own Aragorn shirt that I have and love for Cross' shirt :)