#i really wanted to include one where sif is crying... sorry sif...

[lynnetendo]

TRIED DRAWING SIFFRIN FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! FINDING MY STYLE FOR FUTURE ISAT FANART BLAH BLAH!!! NEED TO PRACTISE DRAWING SIF. SIF IS INEVITABLE

[julie1706]

Julie’s incredibly aesthetic incredibly autumny list of movies that she maybe recommends (part 2)

Oh sweet joy! It turns out that there are many more great, fantastic, cosy movies (and tv-series!) just absolutely perfect for autumn. By popular demand, I return with even MORE autumny recommendations, and this time, there might even be spell-checking. (Looking at you, “Silence of the Lamps”) (I won’t edit that, because that’s just funny.) 

Thank you for reading the previous one, and I hope you’ll enjoy this one too! We have some GREAT ones coming up. I hope! Maybe! But what I believe will really perfect this second list, is the fact, that autumn is close to being at its peak right now, with it being October! Woohoo! 

Pumpkins, Jack’o’lanterns, spooky movies, Halloween, tricks and treats, fog, rain, candles lit in the dark, delicious tea, and scarves, because the chill is back in the air! Amazing! The aesthetics are to die for! 

I’m on a small break from university, and have actually been having some allowed free time, to do autumny stuff. By this I mean I can do autumny stuff with my family and friends, and not feel guilty, because this time I’m not procrastinating. Well, I’m a little behind on some books, but it’s not that bad. You’re allowed free time on breaks! They’re supposed to be mostly free time, anyone knows that. I refuse to be a good student on breaks! 

This free time means that I have actually had time to watch some of these movies and tv-shows myself, and so I can feel a little better about recommending most of them, since I’ve actually seen them. Hehe. Still. I do have other, boring stuff to do, like reading for uni, emptying the dishwasher, cooking, vacuuming, etc., so there will be some of these I’m including, I have not watched, and those will be, again, backed by the power of optimism. Yay! Anyway! You’ve read enough not-halloween recommendationing, and is getting bored - Let’s get to it! (Also, these are still in random order, and I will put warnings at the end, again <3)

Coraline

I remember watching Coraline when it came out in theaters, years ago. I also remember that we had a little closet-thing in the wall, small and closed-up, but still very similar to the one she goes into, in the movie. Needless to say, this was not a favorite for little Julie, who was absolutely scared shit-less by this movie. I remember button-eyes, decaying puppets, and a very scary mom. Now, I have not watched the full movie since, but from bits and pieces through the years, I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. It’s stop-motion, the details are incredible, and wow, this movie is great. If you, like me, are no longer 9 years old, watch it! It’s wonderful, and surprisingly, very feel-good in the family aspect. A great movie!

Official synopsis: 

An adventurous 11-year-old girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.

//Warning: do not watch this, if you are around nine years old. It will absolutely traumatize you about small closets in old houses. If you are not nine years old, I think you’re good! Just the right amount of spookyness, I believe!

Sense and Sensibility

I watched this with a good friend in february, I think. So I’m not sure why I think this has to go on an autumny list, but I stand by it! Maybe it’s the beige and brown, beautiful clothing, the many shots of nature, and the relationships between these characters, that fits very well with the cold and chilling air, we find ourselves in, here in lovely October. I don’t know. Food for thought. But this is a great movie, and I really think you should try watching it under a blanket, with tea and a good friend. We didn’t know the story before we saw it, and it had us guessing! And there is a part my other friend Sif told me, always makes her dad cry, and I think that should be taken as a compliment to this movie! It’s great! Love, sisters, crisis and period drama (and great clothes), this movie has it all! (also - Emma Thompson!)

Official synopsis: 

Rich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the title opposites.

//Warning: It might make you cry. But I promise, it will be a good experience, in the end. It’s not scary, though.

Over the Garden Wall (animated series)

Well, this one, I’ve been dreading to add to my list. Now, you must not misunderstand, it’s not because I don’t like it. It’s because this series is so great, so weird, so beautifully drawn and made, that I’m afraid I could write a whole blog post dedicated only to Otgw, and still not feel that I have done it justice. It's just so good. It’s like the someone just decided one day, to make a series, that absolutely, perfectly encompasses autumn and halloween, and then did just that. The storyline is good, the art is good, the soundtrack is good. God, the soundtrack. I’ve also made sure to listen to this show’s soundtrack, since we left summer behind, and it’s just so good. There’s a reason tumblr went wild, when this show was first released. But since this is an AUTUMNY list, let me focus on those aspects. Big dark woods, scary noises in the dark, red and golden leaves, fantastical beings - this show has it all, and trust me, it WILL get you in the mood for autumn. I almost started puking leaves and pumpkins when I watched this with my friends, that’s how pumped it got me. This show has a special place in my heart, and if you promise not to tell all the other movies and shows on the list, I’ll admit something: this might be a favorite of mine. Maybe THE autumny favorite. 

Official synopsis:

Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious land and try to find their way home.

Warning: May be a little spooky, but I have it on good authority from a friend that is a true scaredy-cat, with nerves of whipped cream, that’s it’s fine. She  could handle it, watches it every year, and she’s fine. Good levels of scary.  

Corpse Bride

Believe it or not, that same scaredy-cat of a friend, I just mentioned, actually instructed a musical, based on this story. Is she a horror-fan or not? I have no idea, but her show was so well-done, that it actually made me like this movie a bit better. I have seen it before, but she convinced me, by telling me the original story behind this movie, that it’s pretty great. And by association, this movie became pretty great, too. It’s been some years since I saw this, but it’s a pretty good halloween movie, I think. Dead people tormenting the living. Classic autumn stuff, I would say. And it’s pretty well-made, I think, stop-motion again! I like the aesthetic of a corpse bride, though you have to admit the actual thing is pretty sad. The premise is haunting and scary, but it’s more morose, melancholic and depressing, I think. Poor Emily. But a good movie! Sorry, maybe that wasn’t a very enticing description, but I promise, it will do you more good than bad, to watch it. And then go google the original story, the movie is based on! 

Official synopsis:

When a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.

//Oops, nearly forgot a warning! Warning: some people are dead, and therefore rotting a bit. If you’re squeamish, don’t watch. If you love sad love stories, definitely watch!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Yeah, I’m not sure why this has to go on my Autumny List either, sorry. It just has to. I know it takes place over an entire year, but in my head, it jut fits very well with the whole magic, supernatural, foggy halloween times we find ourselves in. I mean, look at the cover! Maybe it’s the iconic scene, right before the troll is discovered in the girls’ bathroom (sorry, spoiler), with the floating jack’o’lanterns, and tables almost crashing undet the weight of candy and cakes, that convinced my brain, that this is a halloween movie. I don’t know. Just trust me on this, and watch the first Harry Potter movie. It’s pretty good. 

Official synopsis: 

An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

//Warning: Nah, you’re good ;-)

Little Women (Important: 2019 edition)

Alright girls, we’re hopping genres again! This is another period-drama (sort of), about sisters, and wow, I cried to this. I bawled, I sobbed, I choked on snot, and was a little inconsolable, when I watched it with friends, at the cinema. One of the best experiences this year, and one of the greatest movies I have watched in a long time. I love everything about this movie: the family-bonds, the clothing, the many nature-shots, the developments of characters, (almost) all the characters, and just, wow. No good way to end that sentence, because I want to just keep describing all the good parts of this movie, because it's everything. It’s amazing, and yes, i’m exaggerating, but I can’t help it. I forgot to eat my popcorn or drink my water, when we watched this, that’s how mesmerized I was by this movie. I love Jo, I think I can empathize a lot with her, and if I could talk to her, if she was real, I would thank her for telling her story. This movie is great, you should watch it, because it makes you feel so warm inside. 

Official synopsis:

Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.

//Warning: Might make you break down crying. But in a good way. Very cathartic, actually.

Alien

I watched this for the first time last year, when I decided I was going to watch the classic older horror movies, and not freak the fuck out. I mostly succeed. And this movie was a joy to watch. That’s maybe weird to say about an alien horror movie, but wow I just love Sigourney Weaver, and the aesthetics of this movie. The story is thrilling, and I really did not like most of the characters, I thought they were hysteric and annoying, but I still rooted for them. It’s a different kind of horror movie, that’s for sure! But when I watched it, I totally understood why it has become such a classic.

Official synopsis: 

After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun.

//Warning: Uh, yeah, Sif, this is not one for you. It’s gross and scary. Malin, I think you’ll like this one! Go ahead! Maybe we should see it together?

Edward Scissorhands

Haven’t seen this one! I want to, though. I think I’ve seen one scene, where this man accidentally pokes a water-bed, and younger me felt that was a very tragic thing, on more levels. Johnny Depp yet again, so it has to be good, right? I know this poor guy, Edward, has it rough, and was given some really not that practical hands. Man, he looks sad, huh? So maybe more sad than scary, yet again. Dont know! But I really do want to watch it. Winona Ryder is in this, too, so really, it’s a no-brainer!

Official synopsis:

An artificial man, who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands, leads a solitary life. Then one day, a suburban lady meets him and introduces him to her world.

//Warning: I don’t know? Maybe not that spooky? I think it’s more sad, to be honest.

Pride + Prejudice + Zombies

I mean, why the hell not - right? I love Jane Austen. I love Pride and Prejudice. And I really like halloween, so OF COURSE, I’m including this one. I’ve seen it, too. My friend Malin and I watched it a couple of years ago, and yeah, it’s good. It’s not high cinema, no, but I don’t need that. It was a fun, weird twist, and sometimes, that’s all you need. There is a very interesting scene with a corset, that was NOT in the book, and I think it really added something to this story. And Lily James. Whew. Great movie. Great for autumn. I will be watching this one again.

Official synopsis:

Five sisters in 19th century England must cope with the pressures to marry while protecting themselves from a growing population of zombies.

//Warning: I can’t really remember, but I think there’s some pretty gross scenes with zombies. Rotting flesh is NOT pretty. But just close your eyes for that, and  you’ll be good!

The Haunting of Hill House

I first watched this series when i came out some time ago. I never finished it, I don’t think my heart was in it, but by no fault of the show. Now, that the same creator has made another show, which my mom and I are hooked by, and almost through, I think I’ll be returning to this one - it deserves another chance! A great old house, ghosts, family secrets and INCREDIBLE aesthetics, mean there must be something here! Also, I think it’s based on a novel by Shirley Jackson, and it’s supposed to a classic horror novel, and Stephen King tweeted that he liked it, so yeah, it’s promising! The series I’m watching with my mom is spooky, but tumblr says the Haunting of Hill House is supposed to be much more spooky, terrifying, even, and I really want to find out if that’s true!

Official synopsis:

Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it.

//Warning: Very Scary! Faint of heart - Beware! Just enjoy this beautiful gif of Nell dancing by herself, and move on <3

Psycho

Another old classic! Woo! Have not watched, but really, I feel like that’s almost a crime by now. I HAVE to watch it. Soon, I’m planning to. Sadly, It’s old, and I grew up with the internet, so I’ve been spoiled oh so dreadfully, and knows all the bloody details and plottwists of this oldie but goldie. But I still want to watch it! It must be a classic for a reason - right? Also, I’ve never seen the full version of the famous shower scene, and that’s just embarrassing. Shame on me.

Official synopsis:

A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run, and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.

//Warning: It’s a horror classic! It’s gotta be scary. Then again, it DID come out in 1960. Be careful about this one! Sorry, I have no idea, have never watched it.

Hannibal (the TV series)

It’s gross, it’s scary, it’s aesthetic, there is a danish elegant man eating people in snowy Baltimore, and you really shouldn’t pay him to be your psychiatrist. Hannibal! I first watched this as a young, edgy teenager, and all the blood and gore didn't get to me at all - I just enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game between Will Graham, our main character, very mentally unstable, and a dog-lover, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a renowned psychiatrist, elegant, high-society - and also, he talks like a mixture of the bible and an old greek sonet. What I'm trying to get at is that this show is weird. Good weird. But also, now no longer an edgy teenager myself, it’s really gross. A man’s leg is cut off and served to himself. That’s gross. I didn’t like that, and I definitely covered my eyes. Other than that, it’s a very vivid show, with great focus on presentation and symbolism. I would love for someone to analyse each episode, because there's so much attention to detail. It’s honestly impressive. And after having watched many, many shows about crime and murders, I must say, this show has THE most buckwild, creative, never seen before ways of killing people. How the hell do you come up with a murderer using people’s different skin colors to make a mural? I don’t know. It’s disgusting, but man is it different. I’m halfway through season two, and there is a lot to unpack! Also, have to mention, very homoerotic - that’s a plus. Don’t think I could’ve stomached all the blood, otherwise. I hate blood, and wow is there blood in this show.

Official synopsis:

Explores the early relationship between renowned psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter, and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers.

//Warning: Yeah. You read how many times I wrote ‘gross’. Just trust me on this one, it’s gross. It’s good, but maybe don’t watch it. You don’t need to introduce your brain to this.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

Ooh boy. Ooooh boy. This series is very good. VERY good. I’m watching it with my mom right now, I think we’re at episode 7, and wow are we hooked. It’s spooky, it’s haunting, it’s thrilling, it’s mysterious, and wow is it scary. We both agreed to go together, the first night we watched this, and our dog had to be taken out on his night-walk. She didn’t want to go alone, and i didn’t want to stay back at the house, alone. So we went together, and I was so freaked out that I nearly peed my pants, when some kids screamed in our neighborhood. It’s so very much what I want a ghost-story to be, but it’s also a lot more, and much greater for it. I love all the characters, they’re all so well-rounded, and most of them are good. The big manor is spooky, and the woods surrounding it are foggy and dark, and yes, this is really a great series for autumn and halloween. It’s the second series made by Mike Flanagan. There are some similarities between the two shows, and surprisingly, some of the same actors! I think that’s very interesting, and it also made me very confused, as I watched the first episodes of the Haunting of Bly Manor, and could not, for the life of me, figure out where the hell I had seen these people before. It made it even more eerie in a way, and I appreciate that. I love this show, and I think I’ll be very sad when we’re through with it. I guess the natural thing to do, will be to follow up with Flanagan’s previous horror series, The Haunting of Hill House! Also, there’s lesbians in this one. Very nice. I appreciate that. Also, surprisingly - I love the children! They’re so cool and brave, and it would be very nice if especially Flora could go with me, the next time I’m going to a haunted house. Such a badass.

Official synopsis:

After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry hires a young American nanny to care for his orphaned niece and nephew who reside at Bly Manor with the chef Owen, groundskeeper Jamie and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose.

Warning: It’s spooky. It’s the perfect halloween series, so of course it’s very spooky! This gif I chose is spooky, and I promise the show itself is worse. But if you can handle dead people creepily staring in the background, and maybe has someone to watch it with, I think you’ll be fine!

Alright! We made it! Another spooky, aesthetic, autumny list, for us to enjoy this crispy season! Woohoo! Also, I’m sorry if there’s any spelling mistakes or whatelse, I hope you enjoyed reading anyway! Thank you! Now go drink some tea and relax, you’ve earned it. I recently tried chili-tea, and damn, that’s another recommendation from me! It was amazing!

Hope you have a great Halloween, it’s close now. Watch out for the cold weather, remember to bundle up, and don’t let the impending darkness get you down. Light some candles! And also, watch some of these spooky tv-series and movies with your family and friends! And have a great fall! <3

Love, Julie

[theatrelove3000]

You are my Sunshine Part 2

Welcome to part three! Again, angst and sadness. There is also a bit of abandonment and daddy issues in this one. Also, they wear white to the funeral. In a loy of cultures, white is a mourning colour. I personally follow this tradition if I'm able to. Some people don't like it and I like to be respectful of other people wishes about things like that.

Summary:The day of the funeral comes and a couple welcome arrivals come to support their grieving friend. Along with an unwelcome one.

Warnings: mentions of death, depression, daddy issues, abandonment issues, swearing I think

You Are My Sunshine

Noelle PoV:

I'm standing in front of a mirror in our hotel room. I am wearing a black dress with long sleeves and black Mary Janes. My hair is pulled back with a black ribbon. I can't wear this to my mom's funeral.

Loki comes out of the bathroom, his hair still wet from the shower. Feeling my struggle, he wraps his arms around me, letting me know that he wasn't leaving me.

'If you do not wish to wear this, you should change.' He whispers in my head.

I nod. I walk away from him and go to where my suitcase is sitting open on the bed. I sift through it a bit before finding what I am looking for.

I pull out a long white dress with flowers on it. The sleeves are loose and flowy with buttons up the side. My mom bought it for me in London, telling me that I looked like an angel in it. I hear a knock on the door but Loki is already going to get it. I hear murmuring from the doorway and see blonde hair out of the corner of my eye. Then dark brown hair. I turn to see Sif and Thor standing just inside the door.

I drop the dress and throw my arms around Thor. He hugs me tightly, lifting me off my feet. "You did not believe that we would let you go through this alone, did you?" He whispers in my ear. When he puts me down I move to Sif who hugs me just as tightly. Loki and Thor move out to the balcony while Sif stays with me and waits while I put on the dress. She starts to help me fix my hair, braiding the top part and leaving a few pieces to frame my face. When she is done I rifle through my bag again. I pull out my gladiator sandals and slip them on. I am finishing the lacing when Loki and Thor return.

Loki announces that Thor and Sif must have different outfits, as they are wearing what they would in Asgard. With a wave of his hands, he transforms their armour and leather into something more suitable for Midgard. Thor is in black slacks and a white button up shirt while Sif is wearing a white sweater and blue jeans. He then changes his attire to a pair of dark jeans (that could easily pass off as fancy and not casual) and a white button up with a black vest over it.

With that, we all exit the room and make our way to the street. Sif is shocked by all the cars and people, specifically the womens clothing.

I hail a cab and the four of us pile in. I tell the driver where to go and we're off. When we arrive, I pay the driver and lead my friends over to James.

He glances at the tall couple flanking me and Loki and at what we are wearing. He raises an eyebrow at us but clearly decides not to say anything. Wise of him. After I introduce my friends, he motions for us to follow him into the small chapel where the ceremony is being held. As we walk up the aisle, I spot the casket.

My momma is in there.

I grip Loki's hand in an attempt to stable myself. I do not want to fall in front of these people. Loki squeezes my hand reassuringly and I feel Sif loop her hand through my other arm. I look over at her gratefully and see Thor is holding her hand. I smile at them, glad that they are here.

I find seats in the front and sit down. I sit on the end because I will have to stand up to go eulogize my momma. Loki sits next to me, Sif and Thor behind us.

The ceremony begins, though I barely listen as her friends speak. Loki keeps my hand between his two and in his lap. He keeps glancing at me to see if I'm alright. I'm not and he knows it but I don't cry.

The preacher introduces me and I stand, squeezing Loki's hand one last time before letting go. I go to my spot next to my momma's casket and picture. I pull the necklace she bought in France from my pocket and place it inside the casket with her.

I take a deep breath.

"My momma was the best person I have ever met. She was kind and patient and loved with her whole heart. She was more than this world deserved. More than I could ever hope to become." I blink a few times before continuing, "I wasn't a good enough daughter. I don't live close so I didn't see her except for a special occasion here and there. In the past 3 years, I saw her 4 times, the day she died included." I turn toward the casket, "I am so sorry for not being around Momma." I look back out at all the people in the seats. "When I was ten, my father left. We knew it was coming and we were prepared. We knew he had to go for his work. That doesn't mean that it didn't hurt that he abandoned us. This beautiful woman raised me on her own. We waited for my father for thirteen years. I eventually stopped waiting and moved away. When I moved out, my mom moved on with James. He made her happy again. When I first met him, I knew he was good for my momma. He treated her like the queen she is... was." I start to tear up again, but I let them fall this time. "I am so thankful for everything he did for her. I'm so happy that I got this woman as a mother. I wouldn't have traded my time with her for anything." I take a deep breath to steady myself. "Momma used to say to me, 'it's you and me, baby girl. You and me forever.'" I look at the casket. "Now it's just me." I break down. I let myself have my moment of weakness, then straighten and say, "You and me, Momma. You and me, infinity."

I walk down to my seat and into Loki's waiting arms. He pulls me close and I listen to his breathing. I don't cry.

I sit and listen to James speak. All the usual funeral things. I feel a hand on my knee and look up to see my father sitting next to me, facing James. He looks exactly the same as he did the day he left. It makes sense considering he is Asgardian. I turn my face into Loki's neck and match my breathing to his. I will not lose my temper here.

It isn't until I hear it around me that I notice people are singing. James turned around in surprise to hear it as he sang to my mother's casket.

I recognize the song immediately. My mom was a theatre geek. They sing I’ll Cover You reprise from Rent. I can’t help but sing along.

As the song ends, I feel my dad's hand on my shoulder and lean away from the contact. I just can't handle it.

We all exit the church and follow the hearse up the hill to bury her. I don't want to go but I do. I do the whole process. After the service, Loki, Thor, Sif, and I are huddled together at the gate to the cemetery deciding what to do.

"Noelle."

I turn towards the sound of my name. I see my father standing a few feet away. I start to walk towards him when I feel Loki's hand on my arm. He follows me, constantly touching me in some way.

"Hello, Father."

"You have grown up so beautiful."

"What are you doing here?" I ask, biting back the urge to scream at him to leave and my face clearly shows it as Loki's grip on my arm tightens slightly.

"I came to pay respects to the mother of my only child." He says calmly, "and to see you."

"Well, you've done both. You can leave now."

Loki pivots his body so that he stands with his back to my father, hand still on my arm.

"Love, I know you are angry but maybe you should invite him for a drink with us. I will be with you the whole time." Loki whispers in my ear.

"I owe him nothing."

"You're right but your mother would want you to try with him. He did leave you and I understand that hurts, you know that I do. But you also have a chance that I never did. He seems to want to get to know you."

I know that he is right. I nod and he returns to his previous position.

"Prince Loki." My father says quietly, bowing slightly. Loki waves his hand dismissively.

"Please, Tyr. I am not a prince here. We are here for Noelle."

"Thank you for caring for my daughter." He says. My grip on Loki tightens. He covers my hand with his soothingly.

"How long have you been courting?" My father asks, eyeing my hand and not seeing a ring.

"Almost three years."

Tyr nods. I release Loki and walk back to Sif and Thor. Loki follows after a short conversation with Tyr.

"I invited him to meet us for a drink. He agreed and said he will follow us there." I nod and lace my fingers through his.

"Have we decided where to go, then?" Thor questions.

"There's a really cool place just down the road. We could walk." I tell them.

Lucky for Thor and Sif, they are dressed casual enough for them to get away with what they are wearing in a bar. Loki and I decide we can change before we leave. I brought a change of clothes but Loki can transform what he wears at will. We go somewhere empty and change: him into a t-shirt and leather jacket, me into jeans and a tank top with a denim jacket.

We start walking to the bar and my father follows. I use the term "bar" loosely. It is more of a brewery with a dance floor. We get there and I order five drinks, putting it on a tab. There are going to be more beverages and I don't want to pay every time. The IPA in these beers is high but not enough to get an Asgardian even close to tipsy. Thor brought his flask of Asgardian liquor and poured some in four of the five beers. We find a booth and slide in. My father pulls a chair up to the table. He takes out a flask of his own and adds whatever is in it to his own glass.

Sif raises her glass and we all do the same, "To Lady Beth." We all drink. The others only take a mouthful while I start pounding mine. I finish half of it and set it down to see them staring at me.

"What? You think a half Midgardian girl can't drink?" They laugh and we start to talk amongst ourselves. 3 drinks in, I'm a bit past tipsy and the others are definitely getting there. That's when the man on the mic announces that karaoke is about to start.

"Lady Noelle! I will buy you a new book from the bookshop down the road if you sing." Thor roars over the thunderous music.

"With what money, Brother? You haven't got any of this realms currency." Loki laughs and leans his back against the wall, pulling me to sit between his legs.

"I am the almighty Thor, God of Thunder, Future King of Asgard! I don't need to pay!"

"Unfortunately, your highness,” I say with a mocking hand motion to look like a bow, “You have no royal status here in America. Even if Tony Stark himself were to be there, they wouldn't just give it to you."

"Stark would just pay for it." Loki adds.

I laugh and lean my head back on his shoulder to kiss his jaw.

"Not at the table, Noelle. Please!" Sif groans. I laugh and stop kissing him.

My father looks very uncomfortable. I find it almost… amusing.

"So, Lord Tyr. Where have you been all this time? Where did you go when you left my mother to raise me by herself?" I ask nonchalantly, though I let the sarcasm slip into my tone.

Loki's grip on me tightens in a small warning but I don't care. I keep my eye contact with him and wait for an answer. I deserve an answer.

"I had received a message from the Allfather. He required my services in a mission that I am not allowed to disclose to anyone." He explains coolly, "I was informed about your mother and took momentary leave so I could be here to pay my respects and see the woman you have become."

"You could have come earlier. Could you not come to my graduation? To any of my last sixteen birthdays? Three of which have been in Asgard, I might add."

"I am terribly sorry that I could not be there, I truly wish that I could have been there for you. I also had a job to do. A task to keep the universe safe."

I tear my eyes away from his and face Loki again.

"Yeah. I'm sorry, too," I mutter.

It's silent at the table for a moment. Thor and Sif go off to get another round and Loki and I talk to each other through our connection. My father pulls a book from inside his coat pocket. I watch him from the corner of my eye.

'You are so guarded to him. I understand why but you really shouldn't be so harsh. He feels bad enough, it seems.'

'I will behave with him as I like. I don't trust him and don't really want to pretend that I do. I grow tired of playing pretend.'

Loki nods but continues, 'I understand, my dear, but you really should try to be kinder,' Before I could protest, he starts again, 'I know you do not want to but your mother would wish for you to at least try and be nice.'

I sigh into his neck.

By this time, Thor and Sif returned to the table. They passed out the drinks and added the strong stuff.

I realize that my eyes are closed after a moment of them being that way. I really need to sleep. Loki realizes this and suggests that he and I go back to the hotel but I shake my head. I can't seclude myself. I need to have a little social interaction. I can't just shut the world out the way I did when I thought Loki died.

Loki frowns but let's it go. I take a sip from my glass and lean back into him. He leans my head against mine. Sif is looking at us like we have worms crawling out of our ears. Thor is just focusing on the current singer. When I notice Sif staring, I laugh and lean away from Loki to explain.

"In Midgard, this isn't scandalous in any way. In fact, this is tame compared to what some people do in public." She raises her eyebrows at this news. Thor must have heard me too because he reaches over and takes her hand between his own, all the while staring at the singer. Sif smiles and leans into his shoulder. I return to my previous position wrapped in Loki's arms, pressed to his chest.

We sit there for a while longer. Eventually, I decide to order a pizza and have it delivered out to the brewery. Loki explains it to Sif and Thor before they eat it and once they try it, we basically arm wrestle over it. My father just sort of sits there and watches us. I'm not sure what he's doing but I don't care that much. I make sure he gets something to eat but other than that, I let him be.

At around one in the morning, Tyr decides it's time for him to go.

"I know that you do not want to leave Noelle alone at a time like this, Prince Loki, but I was hoping I may have a word with her." He looks at me at the end.

"That is her decision, Lord Tyr. You must ask her." He replies, looking at me.

I take a deep breath and start to move away from Loki. He tightens his hold and presses his lips to my temple before whispering, "Are you sure you are alright?" I think for a moment. I realize that I'm not going to see father again for a very long time, if ever, so I need to try and forgive him. I've been angry for a long time.

I don't want to be angry anymore.

I nod to Loki and he kisses my cheek before letting me go. I stand up and take Tyr's arm. I lead him to an empty part of the brewery and stand in front of him, crossing my arms over my chest.

"This was not you, Noelle. This was all me. I could not provide you comfort in a lightning storm and I would not have been of any use on a bright, sunny day either. I spent all my time in another place mentally to the point where your mother could not get me out of my trance. When you know you are not good enough for people, you begin to stop showing up and then you do not show up enough times and it starts to feel like leaving. Until you finally do."

"You were there for the Allfather, weren't you? And the queen while she lived? What did they do that I didn't do?" I am holding back tears.

He reaches his hand out to touch my arm. "You never did anything, Noelle. You were just a small girl." His eyes start to haze a bit, his voice cracking, "I was who I was and there is nothing you did or could have done. I just was not ready for you. Or anyone." He pulls his hand back as I look away from his eyes, so similar in colour to mine. "But I think I have changed." He pauses for a moment, taking a breath, "The Allfather and Queen Frigga believed that I am capable of the tasks they gave me. They never knew of you and your mother. They believed in who I have always been for them."

"Who are you?" I ask, letting the tears fall.

"I have almost completed my mission. I have another lined up." He places his fingers under my chin and makes me look at him. "I came here to do what I told you I wanted to do: Pay respects to your mother. I am grateful that I saw you and I am sorry for what I put you and Beth through. I am glad that she took wonderful care of you. It brings me joy to know that you have become such an accomplished and beautiful young woman."

I sniff, take a deep breath to stop the tears before speaking again. "You have almost finished the mission?"

He nods and gives me a small smile. "I have."

"Your mission was to stay." My voice cracks. He is silent, the smile fading.

"Look, thank you for telling me your side. Loki thinks that if I forgive you, it will bring me peace." The tears start to well up again, "He is usually right about these things but... I don't see how he is right about this one. And I can't." I do my best to keep from sobbing and continue speaking, "Your mission was to stay. You don't think I had it in me to allow my father to grow?" I uncross my arms and look down at my feet before making eye contact again. "I'm happy I saw you and heard what you had to say and it makes me feel better knowing that I had nothing to do with what you did. I always thought that this was my fault somehow. But it... it's not." I pause. 

"I didn't do anything." I take a step back from him, towards the door. I place my hand on the back of a chair to help me stand.

"I am glad you have found a prince. It pleases me to know you could work your way up in the world.”

I look down, take another deep breath and feel as though a weight is lifted off my chest.

"Wow." I sigh.

"What?"

"I always thought you cared about me. It just suprises me that you only thought about who I would end up with. It’s almost like you believe we are beneath you." I suddenly feel the pull of Loki in my mind and know that he is checking to make sure I'm okay. I need him.

I start walking towards the door we came in, "Thank you for coming, I hope you get home okay." And I leave. I walk through the door and see Loki, Sif, and Thor sitting in the booth, watching the door Lord Tyr and I disappeared through. As I make my way back to the table, Loki stands and makes his way to me. He reaches me, wraps one arm around my waist and I start to break down. I stop halfway to the booth and look at Loki.

"I am going to pay and then we are going outside. I can't break down here. You go get Thor and Sif." He looks at me skeptically and I feel his worry surge and I squeeze his hand.

'I'm okay,' I tell him. He nods, not believing me and does what I ask of him while I go to the front and pay. I surround my body with illusion to hide my tears and red eyes. It fools the guy behind the bar so I pay and walk out to the parking lot. Loki finds me not long after with Thor and Sif flanking him. I take his hand and start walking. He doesn't ask questions, just allows me to pull him along with me.

I grew up here so I know the area like the back of my hand. I don't really know where I am going until I get there.

My mom used to take me to this park when I was a child. When I had a bad day at school, she would buy me ice cream and we would sit on the swings. We came here after my date left me at prom to go to a party with friends. We sat here on hot summer days with popsicles and watched the kids play.

Thor and Sif are suddenly fascinated with everything in the park and I take the opportunity to bring Loki to the bench Momma and I always sat at. The second he sits next to me and pulls me to him, I feel the illusion fall and I sob into his chest. He just holds me and strokes my hair, humming softly. He lets me cry all of the tears that I have been holding back all day and he does so without complaint.

As my sobs turn to whimpering, I turn my face so that I can see Thor and Sif on the swings. Well, Sif is on the swings. Thor is on his back under his. He must have fallen off because Sif is laughing hysterically. As big as Thor is, you can't deny his speed. Before she knows what is happening, Sif is on her back with him leaning over her. He laughs before she throws her arms behind his neck and pulls his lips down to hers. The sight of my friends happy brings a small smile to my smile. I look up at Loki, who is staring down at me with a worried look in his eyes. He gently brushes a strand of hair out of my face, letting his fingers linger on my face for a moment.

"I'm sorry," I tell him, tearing up again, "I know you wanted me to forgive him but I couldn't do it. You're wrong about this one, Loki." I keep eye contact as I watch the emotions pass behind his eyes.

"I never expected that, darling." He nods in the direction we came from, "That kind of forgiveness does not come so easily."

He pauses and pulls away enough to look me in the eyes without having to look down so much. "Life is a long time and I hope you get there someday. I hope I get there with you. But that is never what I was searching for right now."

My eyebrows pull together in confusion, "What did you want from me?" I ask him through the tears.

"Noelle, did you forgive yourself?"

We look at each other for a moment before I break down again. He holds me close as I cry. I'm so grateful for him at this moment. I don't know what I could have possibly done to deserve him.

'The question is not what you did, my love. The real question is what did I do to deserve you?'

I smile into his neck and lean my head up to kiss his jaw.

"Loki! Lady Noelle! Come join us on these things here!" Thor calls us over to where he and Sif are on the swings and Loki looks at me questioningly before standing and holding his hand out to me. I take his hand and we walk over to the swing set. I let go of Loki's hand and sit on the empty swing beside Sif.

I kick off and start to swing, throwing my feet forward and backwards to go higher. Sif follows suit and soon Thor and Loki are swinging with us. We are all laughing like little kids, getting progressively more competitive in terms of how high we could get. I show them how to jump off the swing while it's still moving and it isn't long until Thor and Loki make it a contest to see who could jump farther. Sif and I just sit and talk and laugh at the boys when they fall on their faces. I tell her stories of my mom and about things we did together.

By the time we head back to the hotel, the sun is starting to rise. The four of us get some breakfast from the little cafè in the lobby, then Loki checks Thor and Sif into a room near us. By the time my head hits the pillow, it is 6:30. Loki crawls into the bed after me and wraps his arms around my waist. He pulls me flush against him and I fall asleep instantly.

[yujachachacha]

AWM 2017 recap

Things I saw at AWM today plus some bonus content I was informed of by other attendees of the event (roughly in chronological order):

Cinderella Girls

- I know next to nothing about this series except that Rin and Uzuki and that Love Laika duo are popular yuri ships lol.

- I already forgot their setlist OTL sorry I’d probably remember if I listened to some of their songs again. I think they performed 5? STAR, GOIN…uh…

- They pretty much spoke Japanese the entire time and were impressed that the audience seemed to be following along well despite that.

- They did a live skit or something? They showed clips from the anime(?) for each character and had them read a script live. Was pretty cute.

- Lit songs of the set list: YES PARTY TIME (is…is that the right title lol I just remember screaming those words a lot), and of course their closing song Onegai Cinderella.

- Okay to be exact all the songs were exciting but those two were particularly lit. iM@S songs have somewhat difficult calls (at least compared to Aqours) but those two songs are pretty easy to follow along with for wotaing even if you’re not at all familiar with the series.

- They performed one song I wasn’t familiar with because it wasn’t on the AWM Day 0 fan-compiled playlist nor the CG callbook _(:3 」∠)_ I believe this was one of their opening songs, so I started off the concert vaguely waving my KB and chanting “HAI HAI HAI HAI Uhhhh I don’t know the calls for this OOOH HAI OOOH HAI”, thanks for carrying the rest of us, Producers 👌

- Okay a friend has told me that song is Yumeiro Harmony? RIP.

Wake Up, Girls!

- 6 songs performed: Tachiagare!, Koi? de Ai? de Boukun Desu!, SHOUJO KOUKYOUKYOKU, Beyond the Bottom, 7 Girls War, Gokujou Smile. I…already forgot the exact order of the songs, but I *think* at least the first two are in the right places. Beyond the Bottom was close to the end iirc.

- I watched a grand total of 3 episodes of the anime plus the first movie so I’m not particularly familiar with the series, but I got attached to Minyami…to no one’s surprise lol, she happens to be the character whose image color is yellow and has a “nya” catchphrase 🙃 I screamed whenever she got a solo part she’s so cute aaah

- Mayushii is such a good singer holy fuck, kinda reminds me of a super-ikemen Emitsun (except ever since I saw a niconama of her crying hysterically over a horror game I can’t take her seriously :3c).

- They were saying things about having the audience smile or something as a lead-in into Gokujou Smile lol

- They tried to speak a bit of English, but it was mostly basic stuff. They were cute. :)

- I broke a UG (Ultra Green, the green version of a UO/Ultra Orange - which y'all might be familiar with from Snow halation) for Tachiagare and I lost my shit because Shukamod couldn’t find her UG, and she ended up breaking like 4-6 UBs (Ultra Blue, for songs like KoiAqua and MIRAI TICKET) unintentionally in her frantic search for one before I took pity on her and gave her my spare lol.

- SHOUJO KKK was motherfucking lit, everyone lost their shit at the hips great choreography and deep voices.

- Lowkey sad that they didn’t perform 16 sai no Agape because it’s the first WUG song I knew (thanks to King’s ANiUTa playlist) but I don’t have any complaints about their performance tbh. They are really, really good dancers and Mayushii’s singing is so damn ikemen I died.

- Everyone else in ONIBE was 🍝 for Yoppi lol.

- 15min intermission afterwards.

Walkure

- Only 2 members performed but it was still lit~

- These two are so talented??? The audience (me included) completely lost their shit at Ikenai Borderline.

- Shukamod probably had a good laugh at me screaming shit like “OH MY GOD JUNNA IS 16 HOW TF IS SHE THIS GOOD WHAT AN IKEBO HOLY SHIT”

- oh yeah, setlist…uhhh…also can’t recall the titles from the top of my head, but Ichi Do Dake no Koi Nara was one I remember. Really good song holy mother of god.

- Friends have reminded me that there was 5, and the first song was Koi Halation, other was Bokura no Senjou, and also supplied the title of the last song (I know the calls but not the title lol).

- In the MC, JUNNA and Minori talked about how they were really impressed by the American burgers. They wanted recommendations for more delicious burgers and several people in the audience had to start a chant to help them remember. They started to say McDonald’s and everyone screamed in horror until they eventually caught on that people were chanting “In N Out” lmao.

- They spoke so much Engrish bless these kids

- For the MC before the last song (Run ga Pikatta Hikattara), Minori was trying to teach the audience the call for it and was pleasantly surprised when the audience automatically did the call once she started singing a specific part of the song without her having to spell it out for us. What do you take us for, casuals? >:|

- All the solo parts were done by Minori…dunno if that’s normal but that’s what I noticed ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Aqours

- These are somewhat arbitrary numbers but it seemed like that the audience was made of like 25% CG fans, 10% WUG fans, 5% Walkure fans, and then the rest were there for Aqours. Possibly even more for Aqours, since I saw an insane number of people wearing the caps from the You birthday set lol. I even spotted someone cosplaying Ruby from the recent Time Travel set on SIF, holy shit how did they assemble that costume for AX so quickly… Anyways, of course the entire theater went wild when Aqours was finally up to perform.

- Like for their Christmas minilive and 1st Live, the members entered 1 by 1 through a splash screen introducing their character by default member order (i.e. Chika-Riko-Kanan-Dia-You-etc).

- To no one’s surprise, they started with Aozora Jumping Heart. @saitou-shuka and I were pretty much screaming our hearts out from the start. Shukamod broke a mega UO during Shukashuu’s intro lmao.

- They were wearing their MIRAI TICKET outfits and their set list basically turned out to be almost identical to their ANiUPa setlist.

- MC (member introductions using their standard character speeches e.g. Kanan going “I guess my appeal point is my muscles?”) after Aozora. They went down the line in the order Aikyan-Furirin-King-Rikyako-Anchan-Shukashuu-Suwawa-Arisha-Ainya.

- They didn’t do their call and responses (T_T) and I noticed that right away when Aikyan went into her introduction, so after she finished speaking I screamed “OHAYOSHIKO” and a few people copied me, I think? Me and Shukamod ended up shouting the call & responses before or after each introduction lol.

- Aikyan mentioned that this was her first time in America with Aqours, and when King did her introduction she sounded so smug going “This is my second time zura~~~”

- Rikyako mentioned that this was actually the first overseas performance for Aqours (which I already knew but it’s still cool to be reminded again) and everyone was hyped.

- Screamed a lot during Shuka’s intro RIP my voice.

- Suwawa started her self-intro and forgot what her lines were partway through so we had a good laugh when she went “Eh, nandake?” all of a sudden lol.

- People were cheering loudly for Arisha partway through her introduction, so she shushed everyone and then went “suki” and everyone lost their shit again.

- Ainya is so tiny omg what a shiny smol girl

- I made the resolution to be the American version of that one guy who always screams “AAAAaIiiNYAAAaaaAAa” at Aqours lives, and according to Shukamod I did a pretty good replication of it :3c

- Rikyako and Suwawa were in charge of the English language MC and their English has gotten really, really good holy crap. Only complaint I would have was the line “Let’s enjoy with us!” (should be something like “Let’s have fun together” or w/e), but their pronunciation and speed were godly. Both spoke a lot, but Rikyako in particular was really active in repeating stuff said in Japanese into English.

- Ainya was really clingy with Arisha lol I don’t remember which MC it was during but Ainya kept hugging Arisha and stuff lol

- Rikyako then said that the next song would be from their first single and everyone got hyped for KimiKoko.

- SHUKA LEAPFROG IN HER MIRAI TICKET OUTFIT WOOHOO SEEING IT LIVE WAS WILD

- KOIAQUA AFTERWARDS WHOOOOOOO SHUKA’S DANCING WAS SO GOOD!!! Also according to some people in other seats there were some audience members who were doing the “IE TAIGAAAA” calls for this song 🙃 Shukamod and I each broke a handful of UBS for this of course haha

- Another MC/small break afterwards! Furirin did that routine she always does at Aqours lives where she suddenly collapses and asks if she can have a water break lol is this gonna be a regular routine now?

- SHUKA ACCIDENTALLY TOOK ANCHAN’S BOTTLE AND FLAILED AND SAID SOMETHING LIKE “OH NO I DRANK SO MUCH OF CHIKA-CHAN’S WATER”

- MIRAI TICKET was announced as the Ep 13 insert song to be performed next! It was fun breaking out the UOs and UBS for this song too~ The “we say yousoro” part was of course enthusiastically screamed by all the You fans in particular o7

- Surprise song Yume Kataru yori Yume Utaou! They brought out pom poms too! Ainya and Arisha had a really cute hug in this song :D According to others apparently the 1st years were also super clingy and were doing lots of group hugs and stuff

Miscellaneous

- I spotted someone trying to record a part of the concert in the beginning and got really mad and pointed it out to the members of ONIBE I was sitting with. We screamed something like “HEY FUCKER YOU WITH THE CAMERA STOP FUCKING RECORDING” at him after the song, which caused a lot of stares but did achieve the effect of getting him to stop.

- When Aqours finished, Anchan became the MC for the closing speeches at the end.

- Minori had a paper at the closing MC with a speech written in English on it lol. She tweeted a picture of it after the performance, but basically it’s something along the lines of “Thanks everyone, In n Out burgers No. 1!!!” lmao

- JUNNA couldn’t come on stage at the closing MC with all the artists at the end because minors (JUNNA is 16) aren’t allowed to work after 10pm lmao, I had been so confused and concerned until that announcement was made and then I just cracked up.

- I saw Anchan making an adorable pouty face during one of the other groups’ closing speech aaaah so precious.

- Furirin and Shukashuu were doing small “ganbaruby” motions off to the side bless these two :’D

- King kept doing the Ohanamaru pose too lol

- Apparently for the VIP meet & greet after the concert, someone did a “hagu shiyo” with their friend in front of Suwawa, and in response Suwawa did it too with Shukashuu.

- Sosa (Korean Twitter artist famous for their NozoEli video comic of Garasu no Hanazono) was apparently at AWM today…AND RECEIVED A CALLBOOK FROM ONIBE. I MIGHT HAVE WALKED PAST ONE OF THE KOREAN ARTISTS WHO’VE I’VE TRANSLATED FOR. I MIGHT HAVE EVEN HANDED ONE TO THEM. WHAT THE HELL??

[kittyprincessofcats]

Thor Ragnarok Thoughts & Opinions

Heavy spoilers under the cut! You’ve been warned.

The bad

I liked the movie overall, so I thought I’d start out with the few things that bugged me...

- Hela being Thor and Loki’s sister. Now, I don’t really mind this idea in and off itself, and I get why they didn’t want to make her Loki’s daughter like she is in mythology, but making her their long-lost sister did raise a few questions for me: First of all, does that mean we’re never going to see Angela in the MCU? Because honestly, I’d sell my soul for a movie about Angela and Sera. I mean, come on, Thor and Loki’s older sister they never knew, who’s a badass lesbian and literally goes to Hel to save her equally badass trans girlfriend... If Hela was supposed to replace that storyline, I’d be dissapointed. The second thing that bugged me about Hela being Odin’s daughter is that she doesn’t look like him at all? Her whole aesthetic with the black hair, green clothing and horns was very Loki-esque and I didn’t quite see the point of that if she’s not supposed to be (biologically) related to Loki? Did Loki just happen to randomly have very similar looks and a very similar fashion sense as the long-lost adopted sister he never knew? Also, I always had the headcanon that Loki’s looks (black hair while the rest of the family is blonde etc.) contributed to him being an outsider in Asgard, so I’m not quite sure how I feel about one of Odin’s biological kids literally looking the same. Also, this made me wonder if we’re ever going to see Lady Loki in the MCU. Because that’s another thing I really wanna see.

- The scene where Thor electroshocks Loki and then leaves him behind while he’s in pain. Enough said.

- That BruceNat bullshit again. This was why I didn’t want Bruce in this movie. I get that the writers couldn’t just ignore stuff that happened in Age of Ultron, but god, why did they have to remind me of that abomination of a movie?

- Am I seriously supposed to believe that Doctor Strange, a mortal, is more powerful that Loki, an actual god? Nope. I don’t buy it.

- Where was Sif? (Also, holy shit, did they really kill off the Warriors Three just like that?)

- So how did Loki survive in TDW?

The good

Now, on to the stuff I liked!

- Loki writing theatre plays about himself and having them performed in front of all of Asgard. This was something I didn’t know I needed until I saw it. Honestly, that was easily my favourite scene in the movie, hands down. It was definitely a funny scene, but it was so full of little things that made it meaningful. First of all, I’d like to note the fact that the play was only a little bit more dramatic than what actually happend. Loki didn’t even change that much about how he ‘died’. Also, I love that Loki finally gets to tell his own version of his story to the people of Asgard. Not Odin’s or Thor’s version, but his own. And people are finally listening to him and appreciating him. I get that the scene was meant to be funny, but I mean this in a completely serious way. Also, can we talk about Loki including his Jotun heritage in the play and therfore making it public to all of Asgard? And how the Asgardians are just fine with it? They don’t think it makes him a monster or anything less than their prince? And that must be so healing for Loki to see as well? He’s staring to accept himself and that’s so beautiful???

- Also, I found it really touching how despite everything Odin’s done to him, Loki clearly still loves him. First of all, he didn’t kill him at the end of TDW, and only banished him to a retirement home on Midgard instead? I’d say that’s surprisingly merciful. And then, even in his play he doesn’t make Odin the bad guy, and instead shows him as this loving father who’s “heart melted” when he met Loki? (Granted, that might have something to do with the fact that he’s currently impersonating Odin, so portraying him as a villain or tyrant might have backfired, but still.)

- Odin’s death scene actually made me so emotional?? I really didn’t expect that. Odin’s my most hated character in these movies and I thought I’d just be happy when he died, but they managed to make his death so sad and sweet?? He told Thor and Loki he loved them?? And Loki made that face and you could tell how much it meant for him to hear that, despite everything Odin’s done to him?? And then he praises Loki’s magic and says “Frigga would have been proud”?? And Loki looks like he’s about to cry?? And... that scene was just so full of feels I’m????

- The grandmaster hitting on Loki. That clip we know from the promos where the grandmaster is obviously giving Loki bedroom eyes is one thing. But then also later Loki says something like “I won the grandmaster’s favour” (not sure what exactly he says in English since I had to watch the German dub). And then there’s that scene where Loki wants to leave when he sees the Hulk and the grandmaster suddenly stops him by getting into his personal space and saying “Where do you think you’re going?” with that seductive smirk... Yeah, they probably had sex at some point.

- Which brings me to the next point: I love how this was the first Thor movie that at least hinted at Loki’s queerness. It still wasn’t explicit, unfortunately, but at the very least it’s clear that Loki understood the grandmaster was hitting on him. (@MCU writers: Make him bi in canon, you cowards!)

- Everything about Valkyrie. Awesome badass character, super intersting & likable, awesomely played. Having more women of colour in mainstream movies is always great, and Tessa Thompson saying she wanted to be faithful to Valkyrie’s bisexuality from the comics gets a big thumbs up from me. (Again, sad that it wasn’t explicit, but I’ll take what I can get.) Also, that woman who died in front of her in the flashback? Was her girlfriend. I’ll fight you on his.

- Thor saying he wanted to be a Valkyrie as a kid before finding out they were all women. Precious <3

- Seeing Thor and Loki’s brotherly relationship and hearing more about their childhood. Also, Thor saying he’s always loved snakes.

- Loki calling Bruce by his first name, while even Thor calls him “Banner”. I’m not gonna lie, I used to really ship Loki and Bruce back when the first Avengers was released, so that was just a nice little detail I liked.

- Heimdall being a badass. (That moment where he greets Loki with “I saw you coming. Welcome home”??? MY HEART)

- The whole lovestory-plot and earth-plot from the previous Thor movies just not being a thing. HALLELUJAH. (Also: “Sorry Jane dumped you!” :D)

- The fact that there was no love story in this at all. Hell yes. Thor and Loki got to focus on their brotherly relationship instead and Valkyrie got to be a badass female character without needing to be shoehorned into some romantic subplot. Good shit.

- Loki actually coming to save the people of Asgard?!?!?! He could have just abandonend them, but he came back and helped make sure everyone was safe?? I honestly wouldn’t call him a villain anymore at this point.

- Loki’s proud smirk when Thor discovers his powers. He’s like “That’s my bro!”

- “If you were really here, I might even hug you.” “I’m here.”

- Loki standing by Thor’s side in the end? They’ve come so far <3

And there’s probably more  but that’s all I can think of rn

[ella-ventic]

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

SPOILERS, OBVIOUSLY.

I am not sure what I think of it, yet!

Okay, first: it was a ROLLICKING good time. Seeing the first showing at my local movie palace meant that it was the hard-core fans out for the show, and the atmosphere was alive. Whoops, hoots, rounds of applause, everything. Great time.

And the movie is 100% built for that exact experience. Watching the marathon was SUCH a good idea for this. It has all the moments you want (CAP AND THE HAMMER W00T W00T) just lined up in order, ready to go. Tons of callbacks, everyone gets a triumphant entrance, everyone gets a “FUCK YEAH” moment, all of that. 

But I’m not sure if I don’t want more from this. The actual emotional beats rang hollow to me, even the ones that were supposed to be the most affecting. I nodded my head in agreement at how they were wrapping up the storylines, but I didn’t feel it, you know? Compare with the death of Yondu, where I tear up every time even though he wasn’t a major character. And here, we lost two major ones and I didn’t cry a whit. Seems off. The build-up wasn’t there.

Other things: 

1) THIS IS NOT A DRILL WE NOW HAVE A TV CHARACTER WHO HAS CROSSED OVER INTO THE FILMS ALERT ALERT James D’Arcy as Edwin Jarvis please take a bow! You have done what nobody else has managed to accomplish. Although I do wonder if your TV show is now non-canonical (what year did Steve go back to...?)

2) Actually, all of canon is pretty fucked now. Time-travel shenanigans will do that to you. Some, I suppose, are “fixable” by Steve on his final journey; maybe he can interfere so that Loki doesn’t get the Tesseract, for example. If he can’t, Thor 2 and 3 couldn’t possibly have happened the way we think. On the non-fixable end is the Guardians franchise; Nebula, Thanos and all his minions are permanently removed from the timeline before we encounter them there. (How can present-Nebula kill past-Nebula and still exist...?)

3) But once again, the biggest timeline fuckup comes from Spider-Man. It’s five years after the snap! Peter’s entire class, including Ned, should have graduated by now. I get that they don’t want to do that, of course! But yeah, Ned should have gone the way of Cassie... who looked far older than just five years on, btw. (And it’s a crime we won’t get more of Abby Ryder Fortson. That kid was adorbs.) (...Edited to Add! Just read a post that posited Ned was snapped, too. That makes sense, though the Peter/Ned reunion scene felt like Ned had been waiting... but they didn’t actually say either way, so maybe not. Presumably all of Peter’s classmates will have been snapped likewise, for the next film, yeah?)

4) I’m still wondering if both Black Widow and present-day Gamora (though she should also be removed from that timeline, really, But at least her past self isn’t actually dead) will show up intact in the Soul Stone. I guess we’ll have to wait for Guardians 3 to find out. (ALSO. WHERE IS SIF.)

And finally, it’s just sadistic to have a scene involving rushing water two hours into a three-hour film. I started having to go, like, RIGHT before that. Couldn’t have been timed better if they had focus-grouped it.

On that note, I’m out!

...Nope, sorry, there is no end credits scene. (A+ trolling, there, Marvel. A-freaking-plus.)