#mr. marc reviews

[utopiaxd794]

Moon Knight Season 2, mr knight Graphic T-Shirt

[multific]

Something New

Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Jake Lockley x Reader

Summary: Meeting Steven and going on that date at the stake house even if he was days late was the best decision of your life.

Having powers certainly had its disadvantages, but it also had many advantages.

You being part of the Avengers, and fighting for what's right always gave you a feeling of belonging.

But after Thanos, and what happened with Tony, you needed a change.

You moved to London where one day, you met Steven Grant. The lovely gift shop worker took you off of your feet immediately. You thought you could finally have the quiet life you knew you needed, but of course, that wasn't the case.

Because why would it be?

Steven was a sweetheart. Who called you days after your date was supposed to take place. But you ended up going.

"Sorry! I'm stuck in traffic, I'll be there in about 20 minutes." and you were, you weren't able to dress up or anything but he didn't seem to mind, he even got you chocolate and flowers.

You soon learned the truth about Steven, Marc and Jake. You met an Ancient God, who was probably the sassiest God you have met in your life.

And they all made you realize, that a quiet life is not what you wanted, you wanted them.

One day, while you were at the boys' place, you were watching TV while Steven fed the fish. He let out a sigh.

"You know, Love, sometimes I do miss working at the museum." he said as he sat down next to you. "I do not miss Donna, but the people and the fact that I could do something producive was nice."

"Nicer than defeating Arthur?"

"Well, working there didn't feel as cool, but now all we do is sit here at home, Jake is making money from the cab but... I feel like I rely on you a lot."

"Of course you don't. I like helping you and it's not like the money is mine." you probably shouldn't have said that.

"W-What do you mean?"

"Oh, I-I mean... You know that I can control people? Make them say, do or believe things?" he nodded and you noticed in his eyes, all three of them were listening. "Once I made an extremely currupt polititan believe that he should send me at least 5 million per month. I donate most of that money and only use what I really need it for."

It took them a moment to fully realize what you just said.

"So-you?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"Yes. So, paying for things is no problem really. I also have some money when I worked for the Avengers."

"Okay, but we also want to provide for you, pay for dates, buy you nice things. Maybe even a nicer apartment where we can live together."

"I like this apartment but if you'd like a job I'm not going to stand in your way." you said. After that of course Steven had many questions about your powers and source of money.

But you had a plan. A plan so great, you jumped into it the next day.

You walked into the museum with confidence. Telling Marc you needed to be somewhere while he went to chase Khonshu.

"Good morning Miss, how may I help you?" asked the guy at the front, obviously implying if you wanted a ticket.

"I have a meeting with Mr. Jones this morning."

Mr Jones, the boss of them all, the manager of the museum.

The guy behind the desk didn't even ask anything. 

Your magic surely worked.

"Mr Jones, I came to talk to you about Steven Grant. I think you made a terrible mistake firing him. Especially since after you reviewed the footage, it is clear that his ex-suprvisor, Donna was behind the vandalism."

"Oh yes. I'd like to offer him his job back." he nodded, eyes cloudy from your magic. 

"His job? I'd assume you feel so bad for firing the wrong person, you'd instead offer him to be either a tour guide or the supervisor of the store, whichever he will take."

"Correct Ma'am."

You smiled, satisfied.

"Great, call him as soon as I leave."

And with that, you stood up and walked out of the museum.

---

Steven wasn't even sure if he should be there. He just got a call from the manager of the museum and called him in for a talk. 

Did they want him to pay for the damages he caused?

But as soon as he entered the office, the air felt different, it was light and inviting. 

He sat down in a chair with a cup of tea that was placed in his hand.

"Mr Grant, I'd like to apologize in the name of the entire museum. We made a terrible mistake." Mr Jones turned on the TV which showed the night when Steven was attacked, but the end was different, very different.

"We failed to recognize that Donna was the main culpit and she tried to frame you due to her jealousy."

Instead of Marc, the ending showed them walking away and then Donna sneaking back into the restroom.

Which never happened.

Steven put two and two together but Mr Jones spoke up.

"I would like to deeply apologize again and to correct this mistake I'd like to offer you a position. We are aware of your passion for Ancient Egypt and I'd like to offer you a job as a tour guide. We can never have enough and since summer is coming, we expect more groups."

"I-Oh-I-"

"Of course, I do not expect you to accept this offer right away. I do understand how insulting you must have felt when I fired you for the wrong reason, I'll give you time of course and you have my number in case you'd like to accept."

Steven took another look at the video then at Mr Jones before thanking him and he left.

"It was her. It had to be."

"Of course it was." said Marc in his head as he saw him in the reflection on the bus. 

"We need to tell her that this is not okay."

"Amigo, she literally went to your boss, got Donna fired because you mentioned that you miss work. I really don't think we should mention this as a bad thing so directly." 

As much as Steven didn't want to, he agreed with Jake, he knew this wasn't the right thing, but he also knew Donna had this coming.

Yet, they couldn't let this slide.

You were at his place, sitting at your usual spot. 

"Hi, Babe."

"Hi, Love. Can we-Can we talk?"

"Sure. Did you get a call?"

"I-I did but you really didn't have to." 

"When I went I originally just wanted to get your job back, but at the shop, there was a new guy, a new "Stevie" if you will, and she was just yelling at him, being rude, so she got what he deserved." you said as you watched Steven space out and Marc take over. 

"You really are amazing, your power is something else, and I know Donna's a bitch lets face it, but-"

"No buts. She deserved it, she abused her power, end of story, you should think about the job, are you going to accept?"

Marc didn't like how you avoided the question but he let out a long sigh and looked at the mirror then back at you.

"Maybe, it would be really good for Steven." 

"Then accept it. I'll miss you though, but it would be good for all of us." you said as you moved closer to him on the couch, he pulled you closer to himself.

---

A couple weeks later, you stood outside the museum, it was rather late in the afternoon. 

"Love!" you turned to see Steven walking down the stairs. 

"Hi." you said as you walked over and kissed him on the lips. "How was your first day?"

"Really good! They are obviously still training me, but I know the basics now. I still got a lot more to learn." 

You were happy to see him so excited about his new job and that you could help him.

All night he talked about it as you two sat down in a restaurant to have some dinner. He didn't even let the others front, he was so excited, he told you things like four times. But of course, you didn't mind. Seeing the shine in his eyes told you everything you needed to know, it proved you did something right. 

--

A/N: I actually live pretty close to the museum Moon Knight was filmed at, every day when I go to work I think about Steven. 🌙💖

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~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

[drifting-pieces-blog-blog]

Breaking down the comics: Doing good (Issue 34)

Moon Knight, Issue # 34: Primal Scream

Written by Tony Isabella and drawn by Bo Hampton. 

And Bonus short: The Vault of Knight

Written by Tony Isabella and drawn by Richard Howell.

Let's stop for a second. Take a little comic history lesson tour. 

This is not written by the usual Moon Knight team. 

Let's get into a little Moench history here and why he left. 

He did not really get along well with the then Marvel Chief editor James Shooter. Understandable. Here’s why: 

James Shooter got his start writing for DC then moved to Marvel. During the 70s and 80s, Marvel was experiencing a huge boom in content and new titles (like Moon Knight!) 

Further more, Stan Lee stepped away from monitoring comics to heading the animation works in LA right when Shooter became the cheif, leaving him fully in charge. 

Many felt that Shooter ran the place like a dictator, but there had been a huge influx of missed deadlines and Shooter put a stop to that. 

Despite keeping things running and overseeing a lot of new and important titles, he also alienated a LOT of long-time Marvel creators. 

Many of the long-time creators, like Moench, left Marvel to join with DC, who had a new editor. (He got to write for Batman!) 

NOTE: Shooter also enforced a policy forbidding the portrayal of Gay Characters in the Marvel Universe. In fact, the ONLY and first portrayal of a gay themed comic was of gay men attempting to rape Bruce Banner in the YMCA (which Shooter himself wrote), thus making Marvel to be widely considered Homophobic throughout Shooter's reign. (You should look into the history of LGBTQ+ in comics. It's a ride.)

I would like to point out that Moench's last issue during this time was about a reporter that was obsessed with making her deadlines and who wrote shitty pieces that were praised but awful and caused harm and eventual death in one character she wrote about. HMMMMM. 

When did he leave? Sources say the end of 1982, but those that understand the publishing timeline will note comic publish dates don't match the date they reach the shelves. 

So what is the official last Moon Knight Comic Moench worked on?

Let me put it this way... We aren't going to see Moench anymore for the 1980s run. 

He DOES come back for a bit later on, but it's short lived for a couple of limited run editions.

(And this is all new knowledge for me, who thought he originally finished the 1980s run and now I'm looking at an earlier review I did out of order because I'm an idiot and realize I've made a grave mistake.... Oh joy.) 

Farewell my sweet writer Doug Moench. Hats off to you. 

Now! That out of the way, let’s take a look at the first step we truly take away from Mr. Moench. 

For some reason, any time a guest writer sits in for early Moon Knight, they feel the need to over explain the character and introduce his past. Almost as if they were trying to explain who they are writing or getting a grasp on it for themselves. 

This is also a special double large edition. Another cause for writers to try to over explain characters as Marvel expects a bigger issue to draw in new fans. 

However, this is an odd story to push on the hopes of new fans. 

Let’s get into it! 

Yep. We open with a fast recap on who these characters are. 

It leaves me wondering what happened when Moench left. Did he have a script written out? Did he have to give notice and they knew he was leaving and this writer was already on the backburner? Or was this done in a hurry to get a planned comic deadline out on time? 

I would ALSO like to point out that when Bill left, he got a send off. Moench did not get a send off. He just disappears from the credits. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. 

"He was born Marc Spector and Spector wasn't a very nice man...Not so much evil as callous...A mercenary whose concern was reserved solely for himself and his Bankbook. 

That man could never have come to this deserted industrial wasteland on a mission made of equal parts mercy and vengeance." 

I disagree. Marc would be all over vengeance in a deserted wasteland. 

"Steven Grant could have. You've read about Grant... The committed millionaire about town...A pretty defendable guy as the upper crust goes. Still... 

Grant couldn't have found this place without Jake Lockley. Jake is the eyes and ears of Grant and Spector...A cabbie whose heart pulses to the beat of the city." 

Putting a bit on Steven, but he'd want to do good. But a gritty back alley is not really his style. 

"Ready for the kicker? Spector, Grant, and Lockley are all the same man...A man you know better as..." 

(A side note... We see Moon Knight running through a warehouse complaining it smells like a sewer. HE WOULD KNOW. And then he's startled by a cat. This is hilarious to me for so many reasons.) 

And that leads us to the title page where a young man is leaking off the crates above to tackle Moon Knight. 

"Frank? Hate to do this to a hopped-up kid, but the quicker I put him down...the less chance of his getting hurt! Though when I think of what he did to Gena..." 

He tosses Frank across the warehouse. 

Moon Knight again alludes to the damage this kid did to Gena's diner after getting high on some new 'junk'. 

Moon Knight is about to call in to Frenchie to get the medics out to take care of the hopped-up kid when the kid takes off. 

He isn't worried. The fight has been knocked out of him and the police shouldn't have an issue. 

Now we head back to the diner where we find Jake having a cuppa wihth Gena and Crawley. 

Crawley is talking about "The Raiders" which is a young men's social club (read 'Gang'). They are known to be brutal and even the police are afraid of them. 

Gena mentions about how she never raised her boys to run in gangs. Out back, we see Frank leading a group of gang members up to the back door of the diner. 

The gang busts in and attacks the patrons, demanding food. 

Jake isn't about to lay down and let it slide. 

He clocks one of the kids and worries about his friends. 

"Gotta get over to Crawley and Gena fast! They're not used to this kind of action!" 

Jake's heart is made of gold. 

One of the kids jumps Jake, growling and snarling. 

"A for effort, punko, but I've seen a real werewolf up close--And all you've got in common with him are lousy table manners!" And Jake flips the man off. 

Frank jumps on Genna while Jake is preoccupied. He cries out that he's hungry and he bites into her arm. 

Her cries distract Jake and someone bashes him on the back of the head, knocking him out. 

On waking up, Jake immediately asks how Gena is. He finds Gena loading up into an ambulance. 

"His name is Frank... So much for my perfect record. Find him before the police do, Jake." 

"I...Understand. I'll make sure the boy isn't harmed." 

"You don't understand! I want that ungrateful little maggot harmed! I want him harmed so badly he won't ever be able to walk upright again! I treated that boy like family! He treated me like today's hot lunch special! Get him for me, Jake! Bring me his stinkin' head on a platter!" 

Jake's pretty irked about Gena getting hurt, but... 

"But that's not what Moon Knight stands for, is it? I'm the agent of vengeance, not vengeance itself." 

That’s an interesting thought for Jake to have. Jake who so often slips out to let the others handle the Moon Knight mission. He trusts that they can handle things. But what is the difference between being an agent of vengeance and vengeance itself? Perhaps, looking to another comic is where we see that line and the difference between Moon Knight and the Punisher. 

He sets out to find Frank and his gang. He hopes having Frank brought in will help Gena. 

"Because I never want to look into the eyes of someone I care for and see so much hatred and despair there. I've seen it too many times before... Within myself." 

So this issue I’m just going to be crying over Jake the whole time. Okay. Good to know. 

Back at the diner, Gena is out of the hospital and facing her fears. 

Moon Knight is searching the hideout of the Raiders. He fllows the smell till he comes across a delirious woman with some sort of chemical burn blotches all over her. 

Looking around, he realizes, Steven Grant has been here before. An old factory he had been trying to save to create jobs has fallen into ruin. 

The factory is left to rot and all the chemicals inside are left there as well. 

He radios to Frenchie to make sure medical is on standby. These kids have been living in the toxic waste too long. 

He asks if the police got anything out of Frank when they grabbed him. 

Yeah... they didn't get him. He got away. 

And he's still looking for food from Gena. 

Back at the diner, we see Gena trying to clean up on her own. 

She is skittish as she cleans but tries to tell herself that no one's coming for her. 

"Besides, I'm not gonna let anybody or anything chase me away from what's mine!" 

And that's when Frank breaks back into Genas’.

Moon Knight finds one of the kids conscious enough to talk. Alcaide, their leader, didn't let them leave the hideout. He found drums full of a top secret toxic waste that drove people wild and crazy. 

Moon Knight recalls that Grant had learned that the factory used to work for the government. 

"Grant saw that in their public records. But the Spector part of me can't help but wonder if they didn't also do some more discreet research for the feds." 

Bingo bango. He finds the drums, filled with "Primal Project" chemicals. 

Oh! time for a Marc Spector flashback! 

"Spector was working for the feds at the time, escorting a man named Wenzel through a south American jungle..." 

They were heading to meet up with a professor in Manaus (that’s in Brazil!) to shut down the Primal Project. 

"It was supposed to slow a man's thinking process...Make him docile...Easy to handle. Something went wrong." Wenzel talks about the project. 

Marc stops them in their tracks. He hears something stalking them from the trees above. 

A creature leaps at them and Marc fires his gun. 

The beast is hit and lays dead. Deformed and animalistic. 

Marc asks if this is the work of the professor they're heading to see. 

"Spector...That IS the professor." 

They reach the campsite to find men dead across the site and more creatures running around. 

They are attacked adn have to fend off the beasts. They ended up blowing up the site to get rid of the beasts and the remaining chemicals. 

Apparently not all the chemical was destroyed. 

Now, Alcaide, the gang leader, approaches, fully a beast now. 

Back in the diner, Gena fights for her life. 

The cops have arrived at the factory and the paramedics are working on the gang. 

Moon Knight still battles the crazed beast and so does Gena. 

The next day, Jake stops in to see Gena. 

Most of the kids will make a recovery and their lawyers claim they were unter the influence of the Primal toxin. 

Gena is still shaken deeply. 

"I trusted Frank like he was one of my own, Jake...And every time I come in here all the pain comes back. Maybe it wasn't all his fault, but nobody forced him to join that gang. And is it right that I can't walk into my own diner without getting sick?" 

Jake tries to comfort her. Or perhaps, he reaches out to her in a way that he wishes he could with himself and with Marc. Because he knows that it does eat them up. It eats Marc up every day. He isn’t sure if it will ever stop eating them up.

"No. But you're too good a lady to let this eat you up forever." 

"Yeah... I'll work it out."

Poor Gena. 

She shoos them away. She needs to lock up for the night. 

This story is beautiful. This one time special guest writer, Tony Isabella and artist Bo Hampton really did a beautiful job here. 

They manage to keep the usual Moon Knight pace and story feel. We have Jake trying to protect his people. We have Gena facing a kid she helped to raise up, despite him not being her own, joining a violent gang and hurting her, we have Governmental neglect to clean up their mess and doing experimental biochemical weapons on unsuspecting people (a thing that really did happen in ‘Nam), we have economic failure for the factory that lead to the failure to clean up the toxic chemicals, and then we go back to Gena who is now facing trauma. 

No one in this story won. No one goes home feeling good about the day. They just have to pick themselves up again and move on. And they shouldn’t have to. Yet here they are, facing it all alone. 

This moves us to the short story afterwards. "The Vault of Knight." 

This is a weird one. Stranger still is that the short is written by the same person who wrote the main line. That’s pretty rare. Usually the short is done as a commission to be filler or bonus issues. 

Weirder still is the way it’s presented. A commentary on the main storyline! I've seen it done before. It's sort of like the Watcher to the audience. 

We have a strange looking character that addresses the audience. He's dressed like a baseball catcher with a Cubs cap on. Fitting. 

He calls himself "The Score-Keeper". 

And this... Let me tell you....

"Aloha, Adventure-addicts! Was twenty-four pages of gratuitous Do-Gooding enough for you...Or does your Hero-Habit demand even more of (yawn) Moon Knight's exciting escapades? I'm your sinister statistician, The Score-Keeper, and what I wanna know is... 

What is this Turkey in his cowled skivvies accomplishing? Does he really make a difference? Let's add it up. You can't lie to a Scorecard!" 

Interesting. A common question that pops up in Moon Knight comics. 

"Take last story for example. Sure he put ONE gang of teen terrors out of commission, but what's he doing about the rest of the anti-social adolescents in this city?" 

We see Moon Knight on a stakeout, waiting where someone's been hitting the same place for a week. 

The someone is two punks that dress up like werewolves and rob the shops in the area. In fact, they've hit five places in the past week alone! 

They hit a store where an old man cowers in fear....Until Moon Knight swoops in and knocks the thugs out. 

"You...You're that Moon Mensch fella! And you came into MY shop to save me from those Gonifs." 

"It's sort of my job." Moon Knight pauses. 

"Nu? To you, it's maybe a job. To me, if my store gets robbed, maybe I don't eat that night. So I thank you a lot, you and your job." 

"Friend, it was a mechaieh." 

Oh boy oh boy oh boy you have no idea how happy I am to hear Moon Knight say THAT. 

Back to the score-keeper, he's not impressed. "Why can't these heroes ever save Bloomingdales?" 

And the score-keeper starts talking about Gena and the previous issue. 

"What about Gena? One of Moon Knight's own team and he couldn't prevent what happened to her in this issue's other story. I don't think she's over it yet." 

We see Gena's boys Ray and Ricky head into the diner. 

"What did you want to talk to us about?" 

"I...I was talkin' to your uncle Rollie today, the one with the big restaurant out in Houston and he...Well, he kinda offered...I mean..." 

Score-Keeper scoffs. 

"Way to go M.K. While you're brushin' up on your Yiddish, one of your closest friends is bookin' this urban paradise. Maybe we should ask the rest of your little outfit what they think of you..." 

And this cracks me up because we get Frenchie, Marlene, and Crawley. Each one speaks of a different altar. And Frenchie is just SO pissy about it and so protective of Marc... He calls him his friend. Marc could always count on Frenchie back in the day. 

I’m…Not going to get into the “Faces of Eve” thing. It’s… A lot. But it was the big DID story and eventual movie that came out around this time that somewhat inspired a loose input into the creation of Moon Knight having DID. 

"You ask me, you care more about these guys than you care about Moon Knight." 

A misnomer. These people are what makes Moon Knight and keeps him going. In his adventures, helping him, and even when he fails them, they stay with him. 

Score guy jabs at it, noting that Moon Knight hasn't protected any of them. 

Frenchie's girlfriend, Marlene's brother, Crawley's son... 

He moves on to Detective Flint. 

Flint waits for him in a back alley. 

"Something happened --Didn't want you to read about it in the papers first. That Alaide kid you brought in was found dead in his cell an hour ago." 

"Yeah, that would've ruined my Breakfast all right." 

(Honestly, Jake is the one that reads the morning paper and eats breakfast. Jake would have been upset.) 

"Wasn't anybody's fault, guy. You know how crazed the kid was --He strangled himself before anyone could get to him." 

"That supposed to make me feel better?" 

"No...This is. It's the room number of the officer that was injured that night." 

Moon Knight pays the officer a visit. The officer is surprised to see him, thinking that he might not come. 

"Flint tells me that storage drum busted three ribs. I'm sorry. Maybe if I'd moved a little faster..." 

"It's all part of the job. But I don't have to tell you that...

You know, I figure you're pretty much a regular guy under that mask. Weird clothes, but no special 'powers'. I'll be honest... This job scares me a lot, like all the time. I was shaking when I went into that warehouse." 

Sometimes he doesn't see the good he does. 

Sometimes all he can see is the pain he leaves behind. Blaming himself for the pain of his friends. 

Maybe he doesn't really understand why this Daniels is thankful for him. But maybe in this moment he thinks it might be worth it. It might be why he is still trying. 

Back to Score-Keeper. It's time to add up the score. 

"Is Moon Knight doing any good or is he just swinging against the wind?" 

He looks at the results and seems surprised. Ripping up the scorecard, he tells us to figure it out for ourselves and leaves. 

A weird story, but I'm not mad at it. It ties into the main story line, shows the aftermath of what happened, and still shows their friends standing by them. 

It also lets Moon Knight take a moment to feel appreciated. 

And it does ask a question that Moon Knight has asked time and time again. “Am I doing good?” 

Is he causing the harm or is he just shouldering the blame because of his past traumas? The question remains over the years as things become more and more broken for them, and the answer has always been there. It’s just that sometimes it’s hard for them to see it… or accept it. 

[rubynationwins]

~Masterlist~

(last updated 10/22/22)

Hello, I’m Ruby! I’m a 23 y/o plus sized gal who likes to write steamy stories that mostly star my current obsessions *cough* Sebastian Stan & Chris Evens *cough* I often write PlusSize!Reader fics bc curvy babes are gorgeous, gorgeous, girls<3 Currently I’ve been on a dark!fic kick so keep that in mind if u don’t like those topics. Warnings are listed for each fic. Please feel free to talk to me or send me a request, if you want to know if I write for a certain character, just ask! I always appreciate feedback so plz comment, like, reblog, send me a hand written review-or all of the above! I cross-post on my AO3 Ruby_Nation but my works should not be posted anywhere else without my express permission.

🥵 = smut 😈 = dark fic 🥰 = fluff 😭 = angst 

Steve Rogers (MCU)

Happy Birthday Mr. America (Drabble) 🥵

Steve Rogers x Plus Size!Reader

A steamy drabble in honor of Chris Evans’ 41st B-day!

The Best Part of Waking Up (One Shot) 🥵

PA! Steve Rogers x Dom!Boss! Reader 

His boss may not be a morning person, but it’s up to Steve to get you to work on time. Things don’t exactly go the way he expects, though.

Bucky Barnes (MCU) /Sebastian Stan

Hard To Handle (One Shot, rpf) 😈 🥵

Soft!Dark!Sebastian Stan x Plus Size!Handler!Reader

You risk your safety trying to find Sebastian when he runs off, but you don’t understand why he’s so upset. As his handler, it’s your job to keep him in line. Plus, why would any man try something on a girl like you? He decides to show you just what men are capable of.

When Words Fail (One Shot) 😭 🥰 🥵ish 

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Who said running away from your problems couldn’t solve them? Well, Bucky sure didn’t seem to appreciate it.

Sleeping With A Friend (In Progress Series) 😈 🥵 😭

Soft!Dark!Bucky Barnes x Plus Size!Reader

When Bucky sees what you’re wearing for pajamas–or lack thereof–he can’t help how his body reacts. You’re a heavy sleeper anyway.

Wanna Be Yours (One Shot?) 🥰 😭

Sugar baby!Bucky Barnes x Plus Size!Reader

You don’t have a problem letting Bucky see other people, but Bucky wants to tell you that you’re all he wants.

Touch Me (Drabble) 😭

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Random angsty late night drabble

Moon Knight Boys (MCU)

I Saw Him Standing There (In Progress Series) *Hiatus* 

Marc Spector x reader, eventual Steven Grant x reader

Marc Spector has become somewhat of a regular at your (very legitimate and not at all illegal) business-much to his chagrin. When three months roll by with no word from your grumpy “friend” you decide to search him out. What you discover has you baffled.

Series Masterlist

Lloyd Hansen (The Gray Man)

Actions Have Consequences (Drabble) 😈 😭

Dark!Lloyd Hansen x Reader

Lloyd is so happy to have you home, but he needs to show you what happens when you don’t listen to his rules.

Front Row Seat (One Shot) 😈 🥵 😭

Soft!Dark!Lloyd Hansen x Plus Size!Reader

Lloyd gives you something to do while he’s getting information out of his target–keep his cock nice and warm.

Put On The Costume  (Drabble) 😭 😈

Dark!Lloyd Hansen x Reader

Late night angsty drabble 💍

Ransom Drysdale (Knives Out)

What’s In A Name? (One Shot) 😭 🥰

Soft!Ransom Drysdale x Plus Size!Reader

You finally tell Ransom how much you hate the nickname he gave you.

So You Want To Tango? (In Progress Series) 😈 🥵 😭

Stepbro!Ransom Drysdale x Virgin!Plus Size!Reader 

All you were trying to do was lose your v-card, was that too much to ask? Apparently so, according to your stepbrother.

Castiel Novak (Supernatural)

Kiddo (Modern Day AU Completed Series) 🥰 😭 🥵

 Older Bro’s Best Friend!Castiel x College Student!Reader

What can a girl do when the guy she’s loved since middle school still calls her “Kiddo”? Well, maybe a night no one expected and a few too many drinks can change everything

Pt.1

 Pt. 2 

 Pt. 3 🥵

Jack Kline (Supernatural)

Baking With The Devil’s Son (One Shot) 🥰

Jack Kline x Reader Platonic Relationship

It’s Jack’s birthday and you’re gonna make sure it’s a celebration to remember! Which means you get to deal with baking the cake. Jack does have some concerns about your expertise, though. (For @squirrel-moose-winchester Crack Fic Challenge. My prompt was ‘Jack Asks Questions’)

[a34trgv2]

Why It Worked: The Bad Guys

SPOILER WARNING: This post contains majors spoilers for The Bad Guys. If You haven't seen this film, you might want to before reading further. You've been warned.

Introduction: The Bad Guys is an animated action, comedy, heist film based on the children's book series by Adam Blabey. Directed by Pierre Perifel, the film stars Sam Rockwell, Marc Marron, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Craig Robinson, Zazi Beets, Alex Borstein, Richard Ayode, and Lilly Singh as Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark, Diane Foxington, Police Chief Misty Luggins, Prof. Marmalade, and Tiffany Fluffit. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film was released on April 22, 2022. Critics were very receptive to it as 88% of 172 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes gave an average rating of 6.9/10. The film was also a massive success, even by pre-pandemic standards, as it made $250 million on a budget of $69-80 million. When I first saw the trailer, I thought it looked super dope and upon watching it on Blu-ray I was absolutely blown away. This film excelled at all the aspects of it's filmmaking and I'm more than happy to talk about it on Why It Worked.

The Plot: Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, a group of convicted felons plot to pose as good samaritans to pull off the biggest heist of all time. Things start to go awry when Wolf, the leader of the group, starts to find that being good actually feels really good. This puts his friendship with the guys, particularly Snake, to the test and uncovers a conspiracy that puts all of LA in great danger. Right out of the gate, this film hooks you with an amazing opening chase sequence that brilliantly introduces the characters, the world they inhabit, and the main conflict at hand. In addition to witty dialogue and hilarious jokes, the opening showcases what the tone of the film is and why we sympathize with these characters. The best part? The film keeps the momentum of the first 7 minutes going for the rest of the picture! This film has exquisite pacing with each scene showcasing wonderful use of show, dont tell, clever jokes, and excellent camaraderie between the characters. The greatest highlight of the film's story is its happy marriage of 2D and 3D animation, clearly taking a page from Sony's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film brings these characters to life with remarkable cel-shading, unique body types based on their personalities, and very expressive facial features. LA also looks gorgeous with vibrant warm colors in the daytime, contrasting with soothing cool colors at night. The city also feels lived in with an abundance of people populating the backgrounds and the city feeling like a huge playground for the Bad Guys. The biggest highlights of the animation are the action scenes, which best showcase the speed, veracity, and vibrant colors the film offers. This film's story was already funny and unique, but the filmmakers went above and beyond in making this a masterclass of visual storytelling.

Cast and Characters: This has got to be among DreamWorks' best casted films! Everybody brings their A game to their roles, and they all have such great chemistry with one another. Our leading pickpocket and chief, Wolf, is such a swave, charismatic and funny leader who at first enjoys the life of crime he's chosen, but grows so fond of doing good he starts to drift from his original beliefs and becomes a really complex character. Major props to Sam Rockwell for delivering such an authentic and funny performance. His best friend, Snake, is a crusty, deadpan python who relishes his crime life more than Wolf, and they become at odds as the film progresses, and Wolf gradually becomes a different person. Marc Marron gave a very nuanced performance, making him sound crusty but also funny and fleshed out. Shark is a big, lovable master of disguise who adds extra comedy to the film thanks in large part to Craig Robinson's performance. Tarantula is the sassy, tech-savvy arachnid that serves as the group's hacker and is played brilliantly by Awkwafina. Piranha is a psychotic fish that acts first and thinks never and has some really good singing chops thanks to Anthony Ramos. Governor Diane Foxington is a sly, sassy, and clever public official who makes for a great foil for Wolf and is played wonderfully by Zazie Beets. Family Guy alum, Alex Borstein, absolutely kills it as Police Chief Misty Luggins, making her sound boisterous and manic in her pursuit of the Bad Guys. Lilly Singh did a really good job as Tiffany Fluffit, making her sound like an eccentric and bubbly news reporter. Then there's the film's surprise villain, Professor Marmalade. I honestly never saw the twist coming because, at first, he seemed like a genuinely good person who believes the Bad Guys can change, and everyone deserves a second chance. Once his true colors are revealed, that's when it all clicked. All this time, Marmalade was using the Bad Guys as a ruse to keep everyone's eyes off him so he could take the meteorite and harness its power to pull the biggest heist the world has ever known: using mind controlled guinea pigs to steal $1 billion dollars that was going to charity! Wow, now THAT'S evil! Richard Ayode provided such a brilliant performance, perfectly playing the kind, optimistic, good-hearted Marmalade while also devouring the scenery when his true colors are revealed. This is such a wonderful cast of characters, and everyone deserves a round of applause for their voice work.

Where It Falters: 👏I👏want👏more! No seriously, this film is a 10/10 and the only gripe I have is I want more. The film is 100 minutes long and it very much feels like this is the beginning of DreamWorks' next big franchise. So I definitely expect a sequel to be made at some point. Yes, I know there's a holiday prequel on Netflix, but I saw the trailer for it and it looked like a very pale imitation of this film. Might as well just watch The Bad Guys again, which I did.

Conclusion: The Bad Guys is now among my all time favorite DreamWorks Animation movies, right next to Kung Fu Panda 2 and The Prince Of Egypt! With a fast paced and hilarious story, well developed characters, excellent vocal performances, amazing animation, and a killer sound track, this film didn't meet my expectations: it EXCEEDED them! I can't recommend this film enough, especially if you're a fan of heist movies. This film should also be studied for aspiring storytellers on how to brilliantly showcase visual storytelling and how to write clever and witty dialogue. Thank you all so much for reading and I'll see you soon 😉

[petertingle-yipyip]

DIRTY THOUGHTS - MARC SPECTOR

Pairing: merc!Marc Spector x merc!Reader

Word Count: 3,859

Summary: When the perfect mission falls in your lap, you and Marc take your assignment a bit too literally. //slight praise and i think minimal dirty talk, nothing explicit//

At that point, you couldn’t remember your contact’s real name. You had changed his name in your phone to simple dollar signs, a nod to the fact that you only called him or answered his calls when you needed extra cash. And that weekend, spare time meant taking a job.

“Just the girl I was thinking about.” Your contact said happily as he answered.

“Yeah, yeah.” You rolled your eyes, though you wore a small smile as you dropped over the arm of your couch. “I got a free weekend and need some extra cash. What do you got?”

“Félix Ortega.”

The man you had a personal vendetta against. Slum lord for your parent’s neighborhood. Cartel boss that roped your brother in. Murderer who killed your childhood friends. He pretty much had a hand in ruining everything in your life.

“Shut up.” You said firmly and sat up in shock. “Are you serious?”

“Have I ever lied to you?”

“Yes.” You deadpanned. “Multiple times.”

“Sure, okay, but not this time. I swear. I’ll send the file when we’re off the phone. Who do you wanna take?”

“Who’s available?”

“All of your favorites.”

You thought for a second.

“I want Spector.”

“I knew it.” He chuckled.

“What’s the payout?”

“200K.”

“Make it 250 each and I’m in.”

“Really?” He teased and you heard typing from the other side of the call. “You’ve been wanting to go after Félix for months and now you wanna barter?”

“Told you I need cash.” You shrugged. “We got a deal?”

“Whatever you want.” He sighed and you grinned triumphantly. “Where you flying out from? I’ll send a ticket and a hotel res with the file.”

“Vegas.. Where’s Marc?”

“London.”

The next day, you and Marc were in a taxi driving through the streets of Mexico City. You were sent the file the night before and you reviewed it on your flight. You and Marc met at the airport, his flight arriving a couple hours after yours.

You liked working with Marc. He was quick and efficient, but knew when enough was enough. He avoided civilian casualties and injuries as much as he could. He still had a heart and that was unheard of as far as mercenaries go. You wouldn’t even say you had a heart persay, just a stance against hurting kids or innocents.

But that soft spot Marc had, it earned him a special part in your head and heart. You tried to work with Marc as often as you could, just as an excuse to spend time with him. You thought that not only did he have a pretty face, but he had a good heart and that was something you wanted to keep.

Even if it technically wasn’t yours.

“Did you get the reservation?” You asked Marc as you two exited the cab and grabbed your bags from the curb. “All I got was the file and my plane.”

“Yeah, I got it.” Marc nodded, holding the hotel door open for you. He followed quickly behind you, sidestepping to get in front of you when you reached the desk.

“Hi.” He greeted the receptionist with a smile. Her eyes widened a bit before she looked him up and down. “We have a reservation, last name Grant.”

You quirked a brow at him but said nothing. You hadn’t realized your contact was going to use a fake name but you supposed it made sense.

“The honeymoon suite.” She nodded and slid over a paper and the keycards. “Congratulations.” There was a jealous bitterness to her voice. It almost made you laugh.

Marc signed the paper with a small chuckle, glancing up to shoot you a wink as he gathered the cards. He nodded in thanks to the receptionist and dragged you to the elevator.

“Honeymoon suite?” You teased as the door closed behind you two.

“Guess that makes you Mrs. Spector for the weekend.” He smirked, nudging you with his elbow.

“Mrs. Grant if anything, it seems.” You crossed your arms and he smiled. “You do realize the Honeymoon suite probably means one bed?”

You turned to look up at Marc and he held your wide-eyed gaze, if only for a second. You knew your cheeks were turning pink and your lips were fighting to turn upwards in a teasing smile. He cleared his throat when you tilted your head and turned to the elevator doors as they pinged and opened.

“Yeah.. The couch’s probably a pull-out so I can sleep there.” He shrugged and motioned for you to go first.

“We’ll see if I want you to.” You nodded, though Marc stole one more glance at your face as it fell slightly before you stepped out.

He followed quietly behind, only speaking up when you two got to the room. He unlocked it and sidestepped, again letting you go first. You hummed a thanks and stepped inside, not surprised to see the one massive bed in the room. Though the room was more spacious than you figured, having a bathroom to the left of the front door and a small kitchenette to the right. Beyond the bathroom was the bed and then a short step down to what you could best describe as a common area with two arm chairs, a plush sofa, an entertainment center with a fair sized TV, and a small dining table with two chairs to match. The farthest wall housed a sliding glass door that led to a wide balcony that had a beautiful view of the older, historical parts of town.

“Did you read over the file?” You asked Marc as you propped a knee on the edge of the bed.

“I glanced.” He nodded, dropping his bag down in one of the armchairs. “You?”

“Yeah, I read it on the plane.. Ortega has a pattern that we have to fit into, but should be easy enough”

“What kinda pattern?” Marc asked, though his back was to you as he rummaged through his bag.

“Every weekend, he goes to the same club.” You turned and opened your own bag, hunting for the dress you had packed for that night. Black, tight, short, and low cut with a slit. “He picks one or two girls and takes them home.”

“So you’re gonna seduce him?” He snorted. “How do you plan to seduce a guy you hate? You’ve-“ He chuckled. “You’ve probably told me seventeen different ways you’d want to kill him.”

“We are gonna seduce him, actually.” You corrected, turning to see him staring at you with hands on his hips. “He only goes after hot women-“ You gestured to yourself. “-with hot boyfriends.” You pointed to him.

“He likes his women to be trophies.” Marc nodded and turned away again.

“He has a type.” You shrugged and found the dress. You began changing out of your travel outfit. “That being said, when we get to the club, you need to pretend like you’re into me.”

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Okay, but not just ‘Yeah, she’s kinda hot’.” You rolled your eyes as you wiggled into your dress. “I need you to act like you want to fuck me or we’ll never get Ortega alone.”

There was no answer to that. You stepped into the bathroom and twisted around in the mirror to try and zip your dress. Though when you couldn’t quite get it, you huffed and went back out for your makeup bag.

You glanced up at Marc and saw him buttoning his shirt, a dark green shirt with sleeves neatly rolled up to his elbows. He tucked his shirt into his slacks and turned towards you as he zipped, buttoned, and did his belt. He cleared his throat and your attention snapped from the movement of his hands to his face, which gave you an amused smirk.

“Can you help with the zipper?” You asked sheepishly, turning your back to him quickly to hide the blush creeping across your cheeks.

The tension between you two wasn’t quite a secret, but it was still embarrassing to be caught staring. Especially as your mind was threatening to wander towards dirty thoughts.

He chuckled and came over, gently pushing your hair over your shoulder. He pulled the zipper up slowly, ghosting his fingers across your shoulders when he finished just to see if you would react. And you did, shivering slightly.

“Thanks.” You tossed your hair back and grabbed your small pouch so you could duck back into the bathroom.

“So.” He came and leaned against the doorway. “That’s the dress you’re wearing tonight…”

“No, I had you zip me up just to take it off.” You rolled your eyes slightly as you pulled out the makeup you needed. “Why?”

“You look good.. Really good., actually.”

“Then you’ll have no problem playing along, right?” You teased and started your quick makeup routine. “Less work I have to do the better.”

“Right… Might lead to another problem though.”

“Which is?” You turned to him.

He simply shook his head with a chuckle. He pushed himself off and left, leaving you to wonder what he could possibly mean by that. You turned back to the mirror and made a face to yourself before touching up your makeup. After a few minutes, you went back out and tossed the makeup in the bag before finding your heels.

You sat beside Marc on the bed, who had been laying on his back on his phone. Your weight making the bed dip drew his attention and he watched as you leaned over and worked the buckle on one shoe. He hauled himself up without a word and knelt in front of you, his hands covering yours and taking over. You glanced up and saw just how close he was and it made your breath catch in your throat.

Dirty thoughts, indeed.

His hands easily fastened the buckle and then switched to the other shoe. Once that was done, both hands went behind your knees and pulled you towards him. He offered you a shit eating grin after you gasped. You broke into a laugh and scooted yourself back, though it was hard to ignore that it was a beautiful angle to see him from.

“Fucker.” You laughed it off and he held a hand out for you as he stood.

You accepted his help and let him pull you up. He lifted your hand above your head and gave you a spin, letting out a long whistle as he did. You giggled and pulled the fabric of your dress down. His hand found your lower back as he guided you out of the room and towards the elevator.

“My purse.” You tried, though his hand continued to push you forward. “Wait-“

“Don’t worry about it.” He said with a shrug.

“But my gun is in my purse.”

“You won’t need it.”

“Marc.”

You turned to face him after you two got into the elevator.

“I got you covered, babe.” His fingers came under you chin as he gave your face a small shake. “You trust me?”

He looked down at you with a small smile and slightly raised brows. You knew you trusted him and he knew it too. You knew he just wanted to hear you say it. So if he said he had you covered, you were covered. You smiled widely and reached up to take his wrist. You slowly pulled his hand away, noting how his thumb dragged down your chin.

“Yeah, I trust you.”

The ride to the club was quick enough. The bouncers let you two in without much of a second thought and the music blasted you as soon as you walked in. The smell of liquor was all over as you two squeezed through the crowd, hand in hand. You weren’t sure if it was to sell the facade, make sure you two didn’t lose each other, or just because Marc wanted to.

“See him yet?” He leaned over to ask you.

“No… What do you wanna do?” You asked in return.

He jerked his head towards an open table near the dance floor. You followed him easily and sat close to him, close enough that your knees pressed together. He kept a hand on your thigh as he looked around. He had scooted forward to the edge of his seat, as if to block you from the rest of the club.

Your own eyes scanned the room and locked with someone familiar in the VIP area behind a thick velvet rope. You smiled at him and his eyes scanned Marc before he looked back to you. He nodded to Marc and then to you and you tilted your head back and forth as if you were thinking. He smiled and wagged a finger at you before he nodded and stepped away. You rolled your eyes once his eyes left you and nearly gagged at the interaction.

You sat up on your knees and leaned forward and draped your arm over his shoulder, resting your chin on the other side. You turned your head to speak lowly in Marc’s ear, his own head turning towards you slightly.

“Hi.” He smirked.

“I’ve got him.” You answered. He shifted in his seat to face you better. “VIP. We caught his eye already.”

“That was easy.”

You hummed in agreement and swung your leg over his lap. His eyes went wide for a second but his hands found a home at the back of your thighs and his fingers inched under the hen of your dress. He leaned his head back against the wall and smirked lazily up at you.

“Enjoying the view?” You teased and rested your hands on his shoulders.

“I am, actually.” He chuckled, pulling you up and closer to his chest.

“I can tell.” You nodded towards his lap and he just shook his head with a smile. “Is that the ‘other problem’ you mentioned?”

“Can you blame me?” He shrugged.

You leaned forward so your lips grazed his as you spoke. “Dance with me.”

“Fuck.” He groaned quietly, fingers gripping your thighs a bit tighter.

He tilted his head up as he shifted the position of his hands quickly. One hand landed on your hip and pushed you down against him while the other came to the back of your neck. Your own hands took a tight hold of his shirt as he pulled you closer so your lips finally met.

The pulsing music of the club seemed to disappear. The flashing lights behind your closed lids seemed brighter. Everything seemed to disappear other than Marc, his grip on your hip and the way your lips moved together. You had to be the one to pull away, though he chased your lips.

“Dance with me.” You repeated, mildly out of breath. “We still need Ortega.”

“Screw Ortega.” He shook his head and leaned into you again.

“No.” You giggled and pulled back, earning a frown in response. “We need to get this done first. We have a job to do, baby.”

You climbed out of his lap and pulled your skirt down again while he grumbled to himself before getting up. You held a hand out to him and he took it dramatically before you led him to the dance floor. You turned to face him while placing his hands on your lower back. You wrapped your arms around his neck. He pressed you close to him as you two began to match the fast beat of the music.

“I’m impressed, Mr. Spector.” You giggled.

“Why’s that?” He chuckled.

“I didn’t think you’d know how to dance to Hispanic music.”

“No? Guess there’s a lot you don’t know about me.” He shrugged with a cocky smirk.

“Is that an invitation to find out more?” You raised your brows. “Cause I’m willing to stick around.”

He smiled and spun you around so your back was against his chest. He leaned down to speak lowly in your ear.

“Speak of the Devil.” You grumbled as Marc reclaimed his hold on your hips.

“You’ve got an admirer.” He said before placing a teasing kiss below your ear. Your shoulder instinctively came up and your head turned towards him, earning a chuckle from him. “You okay, baby? You’re blushing.”

“Fuck off.” You smiled and turned away with a heat rising to your cheeks.

You locked eyes again with Ortega and he lifted his drink towards you. You blew him a kiss and his brows raised as he laughed. He nodded and held a finger to you, as if to ask you to give him a minute but your next actions made him hold your gaze with his mouth slightly agape.

Your hips moved in a steady rhythm against Marc. You felt one of his hands sliding up your spine and pressing gently to bend you over while the other held your waist. Your hands braced yourself against your knees while Marc moved with you to the music, hips grinding against each other in a way that sent goosebumps across your skin. Marc’s hands slid to your chest and pulled you up quickly, allowing you to flip your hair and lean your head back against his shoulder.

You were so lost in your movements and Marc’s presence that you forgot you were supposed to be teasing Ortega. Your mission had easily become a cat and mouse game between you two, and you both loved every second of it.

You guided Marc’s hands in two different directions. He hummed in interest as you brought one hand up and over your chest to the base of your throat. The other was guided down over your stomach to the top of your leg.

Your clouded gaze found Ortega, the eye contact practically slapping you back to reality as he grinned excitedly and turned to talk to his friends. Marc’s fingers landed on either side of your jaw and he jerked your head to the side to look at him. Your eyes were wide, only for a second.

“Do you know what you’re doin’ to me, pretty girl?” He mumbled.

“You’re doing so well, handsome.” You smiled lazily, returning his praise.

He squeezed your face gently and you bit your lower lip before he kissed you roughly. You hummed in content and twisted in his arms so you were chest to chest, his hands gripping your waist as your fingers slid into his hair. He bit your bottom lip gently, drawing a small noise from your throat.

“Perdón.”A voice said from your side. You two pulled apart slowly, though Marc’s grip on you never faltered. You had to drop your face to the crook of Marc’s neck to hide your expression, which was a mix of annoyance and disgust. “May I?”

Looking over, you saw Ortega staring at you with lust clouded eyes. You forced a smile and glanced back at Marc, finding he was already looking at you. You gave his arm a slight squeeze before kissing his cheek. He frowned at you slightly but released his grip and let you leave with Ortega.

The man led you out of the club and into the side alley that opened into the parking lot. He backed you against the wall and placed a hand against it near your head. You hummed slightly as you looked up at him with wide, doe-eyes.

“All night, I see you with him.” He said lowly, his free hand tracing your cheekbone. “But I see how you look at me.”

“You’re an easy man to be distracted by.” You answered smoothly, watching him swallow hard at your words.

“What is your name?”

“Whatever you want it to be.”

“That mouth gets you into trouble, doesn’t it?” He smiled as his thumb traced your lower lip.

“That’s not how my husband would explain it.” You glanced around and noticed Marc had followed you two out and was waiting behind one of the cars in the lot. He raised his brows at you expectantly when you caught his gaze but you ignored it. Instead, you turned back to Ortega.

“Husband, hmm?”

“Yes… My husband… Very handsome, very generous lover.”

“Yet you’re here with me.”

“Mhmm.” You slid your hands up his chest and under his jacket, earning a groan from his throat. Your fingers brushed the gun in his holster but he didn’t seem to notice. “I hope you’re worth it, Félix.”

“I assure you I-“ He began but paused, tilting his head with a small chuckle. “I didn’t tell you my name.”

“No.” You said softly, gripping his gun under his jacket. “You didn’t.”

You pulled the gun and pushed him away, pressing the barrel against his forehead. He backed away from you with hands raised in surrender until his back hit the opposite wall. Marc was quick to come to your side with his own gun in hand. One of his hands came around your waist and he pressed a quick kiss to your temple.

“The mastermind, Félix Ortega.” You mocked. “And all it took was a pretty face to get you alone. You’ve tormented my family for years… How fitting that I’m the one to end it.”

“I don’t even know who you are.” He tried to defend.

“Good.”

You pulled the trigger.

Later that night, back at your hotel room, you were still in your clothes from the club. Marc was getting out of the shower.

You thought you should be glad, relieved even. You caught up to Ortega and got rid of him. You earned 250k and hardly did anything. But still… Your mind was elsewhere.

Your mind replayed Marc’s touches, the way he gripped your body and the way he kissed you. Every memory reignited those parts of you, memories leaving that patch of skin alight with desire, with the ghost of his touch that you wanted to feel again - even though you knew it was fake. You were so caught up that you hadn’t even realized he came back into the room.

“You okay?” He asked. snapping your attention up.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m… great.” You tried.

“I know you better than that, Y/N.” He sighed and sat beside you. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just surreal, I guess. That he’s gone… That I did it.” You shrugged and looked down to your hands in your lap. “You were really good tonight… Real convincing. It was fun..”

“Cause I wasn’t pretending.” His fingers came under your chin and gently turned your face to look at him. “I didn’t have to. With the way you looked in that dress, I…” He licked his lips as he scanned your figure. “I had to try not to fuck you all night. Just the thought of it, I… I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

“Yeah?” You smiled slightly. “You gonna do something about it, handsome? Or are you just gonna think about it?”

“Oh, baby.” He groaned and pulled you closer by your chin. “Just want you to say it.”

“Say what?” You teased and leaned in closer. “That I want you?”

“Say it.”

“What do you want me to tell you?”

“Say it, baby. C’mon.” He squeezed your face gently and you hummed, biting your lower lip. “Lemme hear you, pretty girl.”

“Well, we are in the honeymoon suite after all. And what are honeymoons for?”

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ CATHERINE YEAR IN REVIEW : DECEMBER ✧• ─

1 DECEMBER - Catherine and William visted Greentown Labs and Roca Incorporated in Chelsea. They later attended an East Boston Climate Resiliency event at Piers Park. Subsequently, Catherine held a Meeting via telephone with Professor Marc Brackett (Founder and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence). Afterwards, Catherine and William took part in rehearsals for the Earthshot Awards to be held the next Day.

2 DECEMBER - Catherine attended a Reception at the Four Seasons Hotel along with William. Afterward, she visited Harvard Center for the Developing Child. In the evening, The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Earthshot Prize Awards 2022 at MGM Music Hall. Following this for their last engagement in Boston they attended a Reception at Fenway Park before departing Boston International Airport for the United Kingdom. Behind the Scenes photos of Catherine and William during the rehearsals the previous day were released by Kensington Palace.

3 DECEMBER - Catherine and William arrived at Heathrow Airport in London following their working trip to Boston.

5 DECEMBER - Catherine held a Meeting.

6 DECEMBER - The Princess of Wales along with Prince William received the Lord Hague of Richmond and Mr. Simon Patterson (Chairman & Vice Chairman, The Royal Foundation). Afterwards Catherine held an Early Years Meeting. Behind the Scenes photos from the 2022 Earthshot Awards were released. In the evening, Catherine and William attended the Diplomatic Corps Reception given by The King and Queen at Buckingham Palace.

10 DECEMBER - A new photograph of Catherine was released promoting 'Together At Christmas' Carol Concert.

14 DECEMBER - The 2022 Wales Christmas Card was released featuring Catherine, William and their three little cupcakes. Catherine, planted a tree for Queen Elizabeth's green Canopy in the Dean's Yard at Westminster Abbey. Kensington Palace released a video of Catherine decorating a Christmas Tree to promoting 'Together at Christmas' Carol Concert.

15 DECEMBER - Catherine hosted 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

21 DECEMBER - The Princess of Wales was announced as the new Colonel of The Irish Guards.

22 DECEMBER - Kensington Palace released a video of Catherine introducing her Christmas Carol Concert.

24 DECEMBER - Catherine's 'Together at Christmas' Carol Concert was aired on TV. During the broadcast, a surprise footage of Catherine speaking with Cat, Lionel and Akbar at Windsor Castle was shown.

25 DECEMBER - Catherine and William along with George, Charlotte and Louis attended the Christmas Church Service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

DECEMBER - William and Catherine along with their children were spotted during a holiday in Lapland UK.

[silverjetsystm]

What's up, gamers. Every so often, I get asked for MK comic recommendations. I'll include links to a couple of really good reading guides from the subreddit (that I had Zero hand in making) and toss my two cents below. Not that it'll buy you anything.

TL;DR: See reddit below, be sure to check out the Excel master list of appearances. Most of the quality runs has been printed in omnibus, Epic Collection, trade paperback, Marvel app. You know.

If those links don't work, go to the r/MoonKnight subreddit and check out the Reading Suggestions and Collected Editions in the menu.

Below the cut, I give a sort of non-spoiler walkthrough and talk about what's in print .

Cory's Reading List [Edited 2 April 2024]

I read everything on the below list. I have my opinions. If I tell you not to read something, it's because I don't like it. But I'm also some Jewish singlet/non DID/OSDD guy on the internet.

Here are some articles by a system who is a fan of the Moon Knight System.

Okay, finally, the list

Werewolf by Night (1975) #32 and #33. First appearance.

Marvel Spotlight #29

Hulk Magazine #13-15, #17-18, #20-21 (they're the backup stories, so if you're 'online' search and read by Hulk, scroll halfway through the issue)

Marvel Preview #21

Moon Knight (1980) #1-38 written mostly by Moench and drawn by Sienkiewicz. "But Cory, why are we reading all these old comics?" Because while different words are used now, the writers of the first run do really well at making Marc, Steven, and Jake a system. Iconic rogues are introduced. Marc's first backstory in #37 and #38 is the perfect backstory, imo.

Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu (1985) fucking sucks but #6 is great. So, read #1 so you know what the plot is and #6.

West Coast Avengers (1985-1994) goes here. The first time Khonshu is more than just some weird statue. Also includes Tigra and Marc kissing. MK is in issues #21-41, which is collected in 3 different Epic Collections and at least one is out of print because someone in Marvel hates me specifically /jk. The Epic Collections are titled: Lost in Space-Time, Tales To Astonish (out of print), and Vision Quest.

Marc Spector: Moon Knight (1989-1994) is 60 issues and it gets borderline unreadable about halfway through. That being said, the first half has some great stuff. So honestly, read a few stories from it, get tired, and know he dies at the end. Then read

Resurrection Wars and High Strangers - two separate mini-series by Moench because they killed his boy. Walks back some of the MS: MK things to the 1980s days.

MK (2006) is 30 grimdark issues. The first 13 issues are usually all I can stomach. Marc gets injured, kills Bushman in an extremely violent way, and has substance use issues. He also is extremely violent, lashes out/pushes away his original cast. The run is hella ableist.

Vengeance of the Moon Knight (2009): The most Marc acting Jake Lockley in existence, coming back from a stint in Mexico at the end of MK 2006. Some retcons. It's. Fine.

Secret Avengers (2010) #19 is one of the only issues with decent MK. First sighting of Mr. Knight. Too bad it's by Ellis. The rest of Secret Avengers is ableist or he's not really there.

Shadowland: MK is an event tie-in. Does some retcons I like but also our favorite can't stay dead brother is back.

MK (2011) by Bendis. Don't read it. Steven and Jake are replaced by Cap, Wolverine, and Spider-Man. Why isn't addressed.

MK (2014): Marc's back from LA. Introducing Mr. Knight. As far as plot goes, it's mid. As far as cool art goes, it fucks. Do you like black and white suit? Marc punching ghosts? Bird skull Khonshu? Tell Shavley thanks. This run is mostly out of print on account that the first writer, Ellis, sexually coerced people.

MK (2016): Lemire and Smallwood. The dream team. It's set in the System's inner world. If you can only get one run in print, this is the one I recommend.

MK (2017): The Bemis run. Websites attach it to the Lemire run. It's not. Stop reading 2016 when issue #188 appears. It's shit.

Avengers (2018) #31-38. Age of Khonshu only is relevant for what Marc does now and his mental state.

MK (2021) wrapped at 30 issues in December 2023.❤️ MacKay gets it right the vast majority of the time. The art (inks and colors) are some of my favorite work around Sienkiewicz and Shavley. Like Lemire, MacKay ties in classic points with new directions.

Vengeance of the Moon Knight (2024) is the current ongoing from January 2024-???. Same creative team as Moon Knight (2021).

Print Options:

Omnibus is a heavy, oversized, hardback and contains a lot more issues. They also have some weird printing smell and texture. Epic Collections are standard sized, softback that has more issues than a Trade Paper Back (TPB). Make sure you read the back of the volumes so you don't buy repeats. Weigh pros and cons. What do you value/can afford? And the physical weight of the omnibus.

As of Spring 2024, there are currently 5 omnibuses with another on the way.

MK OMNIBUS: Volume 1 (1975-1980) - MK's first appearance, the backups from Hulk magazine, half of the 1980 run.

MK OMNIBUS: Volume 2 (1980-1985) - other half of 1980 run, MK: Fist of Khonshu

MS: MK OMNIBUS Volume 1 (1989-1994) - #1-34 (out of the 60 issues), some Spidey, some Castle.

MS: MK OMNIBUS Volume 2 (1989-1994) - #35-60 and both of Moench's mini-series (Resurrection Wars and High Strangers) and 3 issues of Black Panther. Do I recommend this omnibus? Not really. After the first story in this omni (and even it is stretching it), it really does fall off that cliff. But, I got it because I wanted it on my shelf. Moench and Black Panther stuff helps soften the sting.

MK by Huston, Benson, & Hurwitz OMNIBUS (2006-2010) - all 30 issues of 2006's run and Vengeance of MK, and Shadowland.

Additionally, MacKay's 2021-2023 run will be published as an omnibus in October 2024. I'm only surprised it's happening this soon and without Vengeance but...We'll see what happens in Vengeance eh?

There are currently 6 (going on 7) Epic Collections for the pre-ehhhh... 2006 stuff. Everything after 2006 and Vengeance 2009 is far more accessible in Trades (paper or hardback) or single-volume for certain runs.

MK Epic Collection: Bad Moon Rising - early adventures pre-1980 and the first 4 issues of 1980.

MK: Countdown to Dark: the Hulk backups and Marvel Preview #21.

MK Epic Collection: Shadows of the Moon - MK (1980) #5-23

MK Epic Collection: Final Rest - MK (1980) #24-38

MK Epic Collection: Butcher's Moon - tie-ins, solo issues, and MS: MK (1989) #1-7.

MK Epic Collection: Death Watch. Collects MS: MK #39-51, Divided we fall, and some other tie-ins. Yes, we do jump ahead from #7 to #39.

MK Epic Collection: The Trial of Marc Spector fills in some of Death Watch's gap with MS: MK #8-25 and that Punisher annual. It comes out in October 2024 as well.

For Lemire's run, there is a one volume softcover collection called Moon Knight by Lemire & Smallwood: The Complete Collection. This is the one you want.

Happy reading!!

[coochiequeens]

A hospital made amends to one woman by paying to exploit another?

NHS pays £1 million for woman left infertile by bungled surgery to have a surrogate baby

Donna Roberts, 41, was left infertile by a botched operation 15 years ago

Baby Mia was born last summer and Donna hopes for her to have two siblings

By JAMES TOZER

PUBLISHED: 17:00 EDT, 4 August 2023 | UPDATED: 17:29 EDT, 4 August 2023

A woman left infertile by a bungling surgeon has fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother after the NHS paid £1million for a surrogate in California.

Donna Roberts, 41, was injured in a botched operation for a bowel condition 15 years ago.

The internal damage left her infertile, apparently robbing her and husband Marc, 47, of their hopes of starting a family. 

But in 2020 the Supreme Court ruled that women left unable to conceive due to medical negligence can claim the cost of a surrogacy abroad.

Mrs Roberts' lawyers secured a settlement to fund an egg donor and surrogate in San Diego.

And baby Mia was born last summer – and celebrates her first birthday next Saturday. The couple now hope the payout will fund up to two siblings for Mia.

'I still can't believe she's really here,' Mrs Roberts said yesterday. 'We're both absolutely besotted with her. 

After everything we've gone through since my surgery, it's incredible to think that we've finally got a family of our own.

'Mia is doing brilliantly, she's such a cheeky, bubbly, happy little thing. What I went through in hospital has changed my life forever, I'll never be the same again. But Mia is the ultimate silver lining.'

Mrs Roberts had surgery at Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, North Wales, in 2007 for complications from ulcerative colitis.

But after an operation, which a review found to be 'doomed to failure', she was left battling sepsis and MRSA, and told she could not conceive. 

The surgery meant it was unsafe to harvest her eggs. so she and her electrician husband began legal action.

After the Supreme Court ruling, their lawyer, Richard Malloy of Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors, secured an apology from Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

A confidential settlement covered the £300,000 cost of organising a surrogate to California – where commercial surrogacy is legal – including legal, travel and accommodation bills. 

After choosing an egg donor who resembled Mrs Roberts and shared their Welsh roots, the eggs were fertilised in a laboratory using Mr Roberts' sperm. 

The embryos were then implanted in teacher Reggi'e Webster's womb. Mia was born on August 12 last year.

'It was just the most incredible moment,' Mrs Roberts said. 'Because surrogacy is so normal in California, there was absolutely no awkwardness about it.' 

The couple, who moved from Llangefni in Anglesey to Liverpool after losing faith with the health service in North Wales, now hope to try for a second child using the same surrogate. 

Mrs Roberts said: 'For some people the best option may be adoption. But for us it's been a dream come true.'

Mr Malloy said: 'The very significant hospital failings cruelly deprived Donna of the ability to conceive naturally, and we are delighted to have been able to support her and Marc.'

Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital is run by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which is in special measures after its leadership was branded 'dysfunctional'.

Executive medical director, Dr Nick Lyons, said: 'We offer our most sincere apologies to Mrs Roberts and hope that the settlement reached will provide the support she needs.' 

He added that 'significant changes' had been made to the way patients were treated and the operation she had was no longer offered.

[lost-the-plot-reviews]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (UK Tour) – 2023 Production (Original Production 25th Jun 2013)

Dir. James Brining           Based on the novel by Roald Dahl

Book: David Greig            Music: Marc Shaiman      Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

Date watched: Mar 17, 2023  Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

TW: Poverty, Obesity, Comic Violence and Child Abuse, Alcoholism.

Synopsis: In the shadow of a famous chocolate factory, Charlie Bucket lives in a decrepit shack with his overworked mother and four bedridden grandparents. When the mysterious Willy Wonka offers a VIP money can’t buy tour of his factory, Charlie and his family set their hopes on being one of the lucky five people who find a golden ticket in one of Wonka’s chocolate bars. By sheer luck modest Charlie joins four spoilt children and their families on a wacky tour that will change their lives for better or worse. Based on Roald Dahl novel of the same name this 2013 musical adaption takes you through the magical world of Willy Wonka through the eyes of the ever optimistic Charlie Bucket.

Rating: 3/5

Review: I want to preface this that going to the theatre is almost never a waste of time and I would highly recommend this show to anyone, particularly if you have children as this show makes a great family show with a familiar story and characters to get lost in. However I ultimately wasn’t as wowed as I expected to be. The tickets were not the cheapest I have seen Aberdeen offer and the show was running longer than the usual 5-6 days at the venue, so I was gearing up for a big spectacle. Now this show has spectacle, yes. An example would be the rubbish pile set piece adapted from the original London production that hides Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop. The Bucket’s house with all the grandparents lying in a bed in the attic whilst Mrs Bucket makes cabbage soup below and Charlie climbs between them. The practical effects in this show are fantastic, for a touring production that at some points appears low budget, the quality of the effects and the way the actors effortlessly pull them off is admittedly a lot of fun. But this show relies a lot on screens and projections, sometimes this was successful and other times it made the stage feel empty and it took me out of the immersion. The second half which has better songs and story - Willy Wonka barely features in the first half – is unfortunately very reliant on projections to create the chocolate factory scenes. For people that know the story all the pivotal factory scenes feature one to two large set pieces that although mostly functional for the story appear cheap in comparison to the set pieces in the first half, I believe the first half pieces are either original to the first production or have been adapted from that original production. If you are familiar with the West End show that opened in 2013 – I didn’t get the chance to see it but remember the trailers and the TV doc - than you might be aware that the production values in the second half were just as high as the first with huge interactive backdrops and puppetry. The Oompa-Loompas actually made sense in that production, compared to this touring one, where they are played as robots that look suspiciously like Cybermen in a doctor who episode from 1966.

In the wake of the pandemic and a current cost of living crisis, it ultimately makes sense why this production is scaled back. Even when this show moved to Broadway it lost a fair bit of production value. Smaller set pieces that would stop the stage feeling so empty would not have gone amiss such as candy foliage in the chocolate room or more control panels in the TV or inventing rooms. I understand that as a touring production they have to accommodate for different stages – At HMT, for example, we were missing the second set piece/platform for the nut room – But smaller props and set pieces are more versatile in this way and could be moved about and swapped out when needed. I’m not sure how I would change the Oompa-Loompas because they felt like an afterthought but it was because they wanted to feature a diverse ensemble and unless there is a lower budget way to bring back the puppet illusion I am not sure but the weird robot narrative felt off. The saving grace with the projections was the way the cast interacted with them, there’s a magical moment mid show where Wonka appears to throw a pixie dust type light back and forth through the screen as he sings ‘Pure Imagination’ to the children welcoming them into the chocolate room. Most of the illusions are well done but I was able to work them all out from the back of the balcony, compared to last year’s tour of Bedknobs and Broomsticks where after two viewings in different venues I still don’t know how most of the illusions work. However I am impressed with the creativity involved in showing how a character falls in a chocolate river and gets sucked through a pipe, or turns in a blueberry, or is teleported and shrunk into a television live on stage. It would be an insult to not call it ambitious and I think all these scenes were executed successfully.

I am not too familiar with any of the music from the show outside of the one or two songs from the 1971 film. I didn’t find any of the songs particularly memorable and occasionally the lyrics were a little bit too wordy especially when sung over a loud and complex score that I felt I could have needed subtitles. Some of the lyrics were original Dahl lyrics so it could maybe explain that but weirdly because I know those lyrics quite well, those songs were the few I was able to successfully make out. Kudos to the lead Noah Walton playing Charlie on this particular night, I could clearly hear everything he was singing and his acting was spot on. Genuinely no shade to the cast, I do not believe they were at fault, could be the original score and or the sound mixing wasn’t to standard. Also genuinely cannot really remember any of the songs three days after seeing this show so yeah don’t think I’ll add this to my musicals playlist anytime soon. As mentioned the cast were phenomenal, I wasn’t sure how I would feel with adults playing the other four children besides Charlie but it absolutely worked. Good trans representation here with Teddy Hinde playing Mike Teavee and Robin Simões da Silva playing Augustus Gloop (I saw Robin in Bedknobs last year so was excited to see him again in this show playing a principal part). Also hard of hearing actor Leonie Spilsbury plays Mrs Bucket and rather appropriately the show has incorporated sign language in her scenes which is nice to see, but sometimes you feel like if it can be incorporated it so easily there why not include it in the whole show à la Deaf West but maybe that is still a pipe dream. The iconic Willy Wonka was played by Gareth Snook, if you like a darker more sarcastic Wonka then he is your man. If you are more protective of the whimsical charm of Gene Wilder’s Wonka (though many would disagree with me but I always found Wilder both creepy and angry, and no I am not a Johnny Depp stan), then maybe Snook’s interpretation won’t be your cup of tea. I really enjoyed Snook as Wonka, I was worried I wouldn’t, but the car was divided on the way home so I understand he won’t be for everyone.

I found this show to be a lot of fun even though it has been scaled down and reliant on screens to tell the story. It was an enjoyable show that I am glad I got the chance to see. Also it makes me happy seeing the sheer amount of children in the auditorium as someone who fell in love with musicals as a child, I have no doubt that this show would have brought me so much happiness and wonder if I had first seen it at that age. Even though I know the plot pretty much inside out I still found myself rooting for Charlie to find an elusive golden ticket and got goose-bumps when he did. This show has a lot of the magic from the original Dahl story so you can’t really go wrong. It isn’t the best I have seen but really not a bad production by any means and I would still recommend it.

[utopiaxd794]

[cottoncandytrafficcones]

I posted 4,482 times in 2022

That's 1,068 more posts than 2021!

354 posts created (8%)

4,128 posts reblogged (92%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@maleficent-cannoli

@voicesofreasons

@killerandhealerqueen

@applenattawin

@teamteerayu

I tagged 588 of my posts in 2022

#kinnporsche - 178 posts

#vegas theerapanyakul - 51 posts

#kinnporsche the series - 49 posts

#moon knight - 43 posts

#911 lone star - 35 posts

#911 fox - 21 posts

#911 lone star spoilers - 19 posts

#marc spector - 19 posts

#steven grant - 17 posts

#iron widow - 16 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#and these things may be too childish for a lot of shows but this show is like screw it these adults get excited about things let's show it

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

MH Interacting with their Live Action Counterparts

Live action Clawdeen: You’re a full monster?

Clawdeen: You’re an only child? 

Draculaura: Here! Try some tomato juice! 

Live action Draculaura: *levitates away*

Live action Frankie: Hi! I’m Frankie, they them. *offers hand*

Frankie: Hi! I’m...also Frankie! She her. *gives hand*

*somehow both of their hands fall off*

Live action Abby: And then we finally got to eat the foot. 

Abby: Old candy is better. Here. *dumps bucket of old candy onto her lap*

Live action Ghoulia: Want to help me come up with new ways to scare freshman?

Ghoulia: *thinks about it* *moans* 

Live action Ghoulia: Great idea!

Cleo: I really like that top. 

Live action Cleo: Thanks. I like your wrappings. 

Lagoona: You eat people?

Live action Lagoona: Only when they bother my friends. 

Jackson: Wait so we’re evil?

Holt: And a teacher? That’s crayyyyzy!

Mr. Komos: *begging* Please put the guitar down. 

Live action Heath: Want to play some football?

Heath: Sure! *accidentally burns the foot*

Deuce: Dude.

Live action Deuce: Um. Dude?

286 notes - Posted October 21, 2022

#4

I love all of the actors’ relationships with their characters, but especially Bible and Jeff.

Jeff @ Kim: You need to stop

Bible @ Vegas: You’re doing amazing sweetie

294 notes - Posted July 20, 2022

#3

Something that I love love love about The Librarians is that it shows adults getting visibly excited about things that they love and are interested in, several times an episode, almost very episode. 

617 notes - Posted January 30, 2022

#2

Wow can’t believe Zombies 3 gave us werewolf queen x nonbinary alien. 

686 notes - Posted July 15, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

1,361 notes - Posted July 3, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[marcspectrr]

I posted 1,030 times in 2022

That's 6 more posts than 2021!

125 posts created (12%)

905 posts reblogged (88%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@mrs-steve-harrington

@marcspectrr

@moonlayl

@msaudreyanne

@themandaloriandaily

I tagged 761 of my posts in 2022

Only 26% of my posts had no tags

#moon knight - 313 posts

#marc spector - 183 posts

#steven grant - 146 posts

#layla el faouly - 107 posts

#moonlayl - 67 posts

#moon knight fan art - 64 posts

#star wars - 49 posts

#obx - 39 posts

#jake lockley - 38 posts

#the mandalorian - 37 posts

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Reasons why the way in which Marc and Layla's relationship was physically depicted is so special.

380 notes - Posted June 29, 2022

#4

Something that's interesting about the way Steven keeps his space in comparison to Marc's...

571 notes - Posted July 19, 2022

#3

It's this one word that's got me reeling a little bit this time. Someone come join me in this rabbit hole.

We've heard Marc's voice when he's angry, right? And seen his face, when he's frustrated and upset?

You should really quickly rewatch this scene right here, specifically 30:32-30:45, right before we hear Layla's hesitant"Marc?" , then we get her looking at him, reading him, at this point having just seen another suit.

Because none of those things are in his voice or on his face here.

Marc's eyes finally find her, watching him so carefully, and it's not anger that causes his voice to come out so quietly, it's not frustration that causes it to shake. His breathless "Yeah" sounds like both a reassurance and a question, directed at her and himself, and it's filled with unease, his "I blacked out" holding so much fear.

I just feel like this being the most explicit acknowledgment of Jake we get and pairing it with Marc not holding back actual fear (a very rare thing, no?) is so...perfect. Showing how Jake just...emotionally disarms Marc before even really meeting him. Both of them being so scared to meet, Marc realizing what exactly Jake has been doing for him, Jake realizing that Marc doesn't actually hate him for always pulling them back from the edge ahdjfkfkfk

658 notes - Posted October 2, 2022

#2

It's funny because Steven will stand there, physically trying to take up the least amount of room possible, making himself seem small with his postures and his gestures but he won't hesitate to spill his heart out about the most mundane sentiments, being unapologetically himself no matter how much space that means he takes up. Then you have Marc, who will keep his chin up only so people can't see how much he truly wants to drop it and hide instead, who will stand tall even though all he wants to do is disappear, knowing that being himself means being deemed as an ungrateful waste of space.

793 notes - Posted November 2, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

sometimes I think about the instances where Marc genuinely smiles

1,415 notes - Posted September 2, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Monday 2.. December 1839

8 35/..

2

fine morning F62 ½° on my bedroom table now at 10 5/.. and breakfast – at Russian grammar till now 10 5/.. – breakfast and having a man of 50 who said he was recommended by Mr. Howard – speaking bad French and Russian of which of course I cannot judge – 3/50 without table (nourriture) and 5/. finding his own – i.e. 5/. a day tout compris – not at all likely to suit us – told him to give himself no further trouble – if I wanted him, I would let him know – if not, he would hear no more about it – all this and paying washing bills of last week but one and this last week including the Russian girl ./75 = 20/. – all this took till 11 5/.. – felt as if my cousin was come  went to see   yes decidedly   first time since my being in Russia Mr. Camidge sent us this morning (at breakfast) another batch of newspapers – sent back by his servant the preceding batch and the 2 Quarterly Review – ‘tis now 11 ½ - walked from 12 ¾ to 2 – turnedat our 2nd going from the bottom of the boulevard in returning (left) and walked to the end of the long street in ¼ hour – ¼ hour there and ¼ hour back – home at 2 3/60 – count Panin about 2 10/.. and staid an hour – had heard of an equipage, entre Kibitka and diligence likely to suit us – 140/. and would cost as much more fitting up – gave us some written notices – agreed we have no time to spare, if we wish to reach Astracan [Astrachan’] by snow – wish to be off in a fortnight – sat talking to A- poorly and low – the equipage came for me to look at between 4 and 5 – think it will do very well – wrote note (compliments) to Mr. Mark, dated this evening – should be glad to see him anytime tomorrow or Wednesday anxious to consult him about our intended journey as soon as possible – Leopold to take it early tomorrow morning – ‘Monsieur Monsieur A. Marc Esquire etc. etc. etc.’ dinner at 6 5/.. to near 7 – off at 7 40/.. to la jeune countess Panin – talked over our journey – with her and count P- she to come between 9 and 10am tomorrow – the equipage ordered – nothing more said about price or about lining and fitting up – better to apply to the Directeur des postes for a psotillion than to prince Galitzin – came away at 9 35/.. having settled to go to the Cholera Institution at 11am on Saturday to be at countess P-‘s door at 10 ¾ - to go and see them in the country on our return from our journey – their chateau on the Smolensko road  200v. from here, and 50 from Borodino then to princess Orousoffs’ – arrived about 9 50/.. and staid about ¾ hour and home about 10 50/.. – princess R- better? not much mais charmante comme toujours – she gave me copy of note to princess Dalgorouky– to ask princess D- to ask her father the directeur des postes for a postillion – they wonder at our going in the great cold – mais vous êtes originale! said she – sometime talking to A- then had Grotza, and read the St. James’s chronicle of from 8 to 10 October – Sir James Clakres’ long version of the Lady F. Hastings business – does not me judice mend his story much – then stood talking to A- in her bed – then till now 2 tonight wrote all but the 1st ten lines of today – fine day – R -11° tonight said prince O-

[dollycas]

Sunday Salon / Sunday Post – A Week in the Life of Dollycas – Weekly Rewind – New Arrivals - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! Happy Mother's Day! Today I am missing my mom, treasuring my mother-in-law, and proud of my girls, Kaden and Remi's mom, Natalie's mom, and Thomas, Charlotte, and Athena's mom. I am blessed to have great women/moms in my life. Monday was a busy day. Mr. Dollycas had a doctor's appointment in the morning. He is still working out his back and neck pain. I had a 6-month cancer follow-up in the afternoon that went great. Then we went to watch Natalie play a softball doubleheader. The teams were very evenly matched but Natalie's team won the first game 7-2. The second game was a nail-biter. Going into the 5th and final inning the score was tied 4-4. Natalie was playing right field and a left-handed hitter was up to bat. She had a great hit in Natalie's direction and somehow Natalie caught that ball for the 3rd out. Her glove was upside down and twisted but she caught it. We asked if she watched it all the way and she said "I think I closed my eyes". They scored another run at their at-bat to win 5-4. That was plenty of excitement for us old folks. Yesterday morning it was opening day at the local ballpark and we went to Thomas's first baseball game ever and we think that boy has found his sport. He hit the ball, ran fast, fielded well, and while he looked a little nervous once in a while it looked like he was having fun. We had fun watching him and all the other boys too. Later Daughter #1 and Kaden came up to help us with a project. I purchased myself a new recliner because I needed one that would elevate my feet without reclining the back. I couldn't read or watch television at that angle but I needed the legs raised as often as possible to relieve the edema in my bad leg. The chair I had has massage and heat like the new one, I just needed that one feature. So Mr. Dollycas's recliner was moved to another room and he now has my old one which should help relieve some of his back pain. Then the kids put together my new one and I love it. It is going to be hard to walk away from when I need to be here at the computer. How was your week? Weekly Rewind - May 6 - 11, 2024 Monday - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #19 – 2024 Plus - Special Guest – Brenda Whiteside – Author of Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery) with Joyce Proell @BrendaWhitesideAuthor @JoyceProellAuthor Tuesday - At the Edge of the Woods (A Lew Ferris Mystery) by Victoria Houston #Review / #Giveaway @crookedlanebks @VictoriaHouston’sMysteries Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring An Escape Goat: A Zen Goat Mystery by Janna Rollins #Review / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @rainy_day_mysteries @levelbestbooks Thursday - The Audrey Hepburn Heist: A Charlotte Donovan Mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan #Review @molliebryan @molliecoxbryanauthor Friday - Trotting into Trouble (A Horse Rescue Mystery) by Amber Camp #Review / #Giveaway @ambercatcamp @crookedlanebks Saturday - Special Guest – Marc Jedel – Author of Pride and Principal: A Silicon Valley Mystery #AuthorInterview / #Giveaway @MarcJedel.Author – Great Escapes Book Tour Plus - Special Guest – Connie di Marco – The Light Beside the Sea (A Zodiac Mystery) #AuthorInterview / #Giveaway Great Escapes Book Tour @Connie di Marco I hope you have an amazing week! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

[eri-utf]

森林と気候の変化が水循環に及ぼす影響と水文研究に関するワークショップと現地検討会を開催しました。We held workshops and field review meetings on the effect of forest and climate changes on the hydrological cycle and catchment hydrology.

チューリッヒ大学のイリヤ先生とマーク氏をお招きして、3月11日から15日にかけて生態水文学研究所およびその周辺地域で行っている研究やプロジェクトサイトにおいて、現地検討会を行いました。 Dr. Ilja van Meerveld and Mr. Marc Vis from the University of Zurich were invited to join us from March 11-15 for a field review meeting at the Ecohydrology Research Institute and project sites we are conducting in the surrounding area.

森林と気候の変化が水循環に及ぼす影響や流域水文学に関するワークショップを開催し、他大学からも水文研究を専門とする多くの研究者や学生が参加しました。 We held workshops on the effects of forest and climate changes on the hydrological cycle and catchment hydrology. Many researchers and students specializing in hydrological research from other universities also joined.

学生からの質問や議論が活発に行われ、大いに盛り上がりました。 The event was very successful, with students asking questions and engaging in lively discussions.

イリヤ先生による森林科学セミナー「森林の回復と土壌発達が斜面の流出プロセスに及ぼす影響」は対面とオンラインによるハイブリットで実施され、多くの参加者がありました。 Forest science seminar by Dr. Ilja van Meerveld, "Effects of forest restoration and soil development on hillslope runoff processes," was conducted in a hybrid format, face-to-face and online, and there were many participants.

会場で参加した研究者からも多くの質問が寄せられました。 The researchers who attended the event, asked many questions.

オンラインでの参加者からはパソコン越しに質疑応答をしました。 Online participants asked and answered questions over the computer.

多くの参加者にとって、とても有意義なワークショップとなりました。 The workshop was very meaningful for many participants.