#not because of anything you said but because there's a very famous childhood story of me and my sister

[navree]

I see a lot of people complaining that Grrm has written Rhaenyra story with very misgonystic undertones, is this true ? I didn't read the book and rhaenyra in the show seems boring but she is fine i guess??

In the book Rhaenyra has a lot of very unpleasant traits, she's pouty and she's stubborn and petulant and she holds grudges and she's got that thing royals have where they think everything they do is great because they're royal. And she does some really bad things, far worse than stuff portrayed in the show (in the book Vaemond dies because Rhaenyra orders that Daemon sneak onto Driftmark and kill him and drag his body back so that she can feed it to Syrax), but so have a lot of Targaryens. The Targaryen family is filled with some genuinely good people, some genuinely bad people, and a lot of people who are a grey mix of both, it's why people find them so interesting. The misogyny in Rhaenyra's story isn't necessarily about how she was written as a person (I think the only developed adult woman from the Dance era who doesn't have sucky qualities is Laena), but the story she has. The story of a woman who was the eldest child of the king and explicitly made his heir, but had the throne stolen out from under her, tried to fight back and regain it, ended up dying horribly, and is remembered throughout history as being in the wrong for exercising her birthright. That's what people have a problem with, the fact that Westeros's one attempt at a ruling queen before the main series was given such a dismal story. The issue isn't how Rheanyra is written as a character. The issue is whether or not you approve of the fact that ASOIAF is a misogynistic world by design.

Take Tolkien or CS Lewis, for example. Great writers, great works, seminal and classic, etc. But it's not that hard to point to misogynistic elements in their works and in Middle-Earth and Narnia, due to the fact that these men were products of their time and had views on women and how involved they should be in stories, which is why in Narnia Santa gives a whole speech on how Susan and Lucy can't fight in the battle because They're Girls and why Lord of The Rings's important female characters can be counted on one hand. That's when author bias is bleeding almost unconsciously into the work, which isn't what George is doing. George is acutely aware of the misogyny his female characters are facing, and the misogyny of Westeros and other countries in that world, because he's doing it on purpose. Issues of discrimination are everywhere in ASOIAF, from the ableism Tyrion has to deal with the class discrimination we see through Arya's eyes to the slavery in Essos (even though it's significantly less race-based than it is in GOT, as George was basing it off the system of slavery from Ancient Rome/the Antiquity) to the misogyny suffered by all our female characters, seen especially poignantly in Cersei's chapters. These issues are vital to our understanding of the characters and why they do what they do, how the react the way they react and what drives them in the narrative. George is very clearly doing this on purpose, creating a world that's intensely patriarchal and misogynistic, and having a portion of that world's history include an attempt for a female ruler to reign in her own right only for it to be shot down is part of that. It's very purposeful and done under the express consciousness of the author.

But the problem people have is that this is a fantasy world. George based some of the story on history, specifically the Wars of the Roses in medieval England, but not all of it. And while some of the society is based on medieval England, this is a world with dragons and magic and zombies and shapeshifters. So why, exactly, does it need to be an intensely misogynistic society where women are constantly abused and suffering and child rape is the norm? What purpose, some people argue, does it actually serve the overall narrative, the story of people vying for the throne but eventually having to band together to defeat an existential threat to the entirety of humanity? Does the intensely misogynistic society of Westeros actually further any character arcs of major figures, particularly the Key Five of the story (Jon, Tyrion, Bran, Arya, and Daenerys) or is it largely just character justification and flavor text? Is there an actual point, narratively, to Rhaenyra being denied what was promised to her by rights, just because she's a woman? There are people who say no, and that it's largely there just because George wanted to be able to write some trauma porn about women and that it's emblematic of his own misogyny. And listen, I do not know George Raymond Richard Martin, I do not know whether or not he's sexist or what he includes because it's part of his worldbuilding or just because he finds it hot, or where that line blurs. And whether you agree with that take on misogyny in ASOIAF isn't really something I can answer for you, it's largely a personal preference thing that falls on a scale of your own making. I know some people who aren't bothered by it, I know people who are bothered by it enough that it's a turnoff of reading the series as a whole.

It's also that, again, Fire&Blood isn't a novel. It's a history book. This is largely flavor text to help us understand the wold of ASOIAF, it's not vital to our understanding of the main story and these characters aren't treated as characters, they're treated as historical figures that some might find interesting, and some might not. That's why there's a lot less detail and stuff for us to look into wrt to characterization than there is in the main series, which is an actual narrative. So you're not going to get as in depth a look into what drives these people in the source material, that's for the show now. So there are probably some people who look at how barebones Rhaenyra is, how most of what we see of her is largely bad qualities, and then compare to the incredibly well fleshed out male characters in ASOIAF like Tyrion, and view Rhaenyra as being misogynistically written. But we also know frighteningly little about a lot of male characters in Fire&Blood; Aegon the Conqueror is notoriously written to have very little actually known about what he was like as a person, because this is a history book and people's characters and thoughts and feelings aren't often recorded in historical chronicles (trust me, it can be so frustrating).

By and large, the issue just seems to be the fact that GRRM has misogyny playing such a big role in the story at all, and that's what "misogynistic undertones" means as it pertains to Rhaenyra's story, and whether or not you view that as valid is ultimately up to you. But I do hope this at least somewhat answered your question!

[springtrappd]

You said in one post that the author of Solar Lunacy is ableist. Could you explain how they're being problematic? I know almost nothing about them or the story itself, so I wouldn't know if they've said or done anything sus. Also, thank you for actually criticizing the Daycare Attendant stans, almost nobody in this site does that.

thank you for asking! it's rare to see, you're right, but it's also rare that people are willing to actually engage with that critical posting, so -- again, thank you! as for your question: oh boy, can i!

first: the basics. dissociation is a psychological response to overwhelming stress wherein the brain... disassociates from itself, placing a barrier between itself and the harsh reality. the most famous dissociative disorder is dissociative identity disorder (DID), known formerly as multiple personality disorder (MPD) or split personality. did occurs when someone without a fully-formed identity (read: a child) undergoes such severe stress that the 'brain' dissociates from its identity itself, creating alternate identities (personalities) to deal with the things they can't. these alternate identities work together to form a system. it's way more complicated than that and you can read more on it here and here but that's the bare minimum for the ignorant in the audience. we all caught up? good! moving on.

now, the question of whether or not the daycare attendant is a system is a touchy one. i've seen multiple different stances on the matter, seen a lot of arguments, and typed (and deleted) several hundreds of words about it, and the answer that i've come to is that, for the sake of this argument, whether the dca is a system in canon doesn't matter. what matters is how bamsara treats them. how do they handle the characters, how do they frame the switches in personality, the confusion, all the parallels to real-world symptoms -- how do they expect the viewer to feel, what do they pull from the cultural lexicon, yadda yadda. does bamsara -- regardless of their intentions -- depict the dca as a system, and if so, how do they handle it?

the answer is that they depict the dca as experiencing altered identity states, switching (and even blurring) between identities, and even repeatedly acknowledges them as a plural entity.

and it is these behaviours, specifically, that are used to make the dca scary. bamsara's daycare attendant is scary because they experience altered identity states. because they blur identities. because they are a plural entity. because they display the textbook symptoms and behaviours of a disorder most commonly caused by childhood sexual abuse. and it is the fear that this is inspires that makes them (but especially moon & eclipse) sexy.

now, one can argue that this is simply in line with existing horror media, and they would be correct: most pop culture depictions of dissociative disorders are extremely ableist, and have real-world consequences! but what makes it really, really shitty is that... i don't want to think about this stuff. i don't come to fandom to be reminded that people are terrified of what they don't understand, and that that very very often includes the mentally ill. i don't want to be reminded that there are people who don't believe dissociative disorders exist at all. i don't want to reminded that they -- the sick, the survivors, the unlucky 140 million -- are spoken of in the same way as monsters. i don't come here for harsh realities. but solar lunacy is the most kudos'd fnaf fic on ao3, and we all have to live with that.

if you liked solar lunacy or bamsara's content or... whatever, i don't particularly care. i'm not mad about people thinking evil alters are sexy, or engaging with horror content that says shitty things about systems -- it's your life, live it how you please (and i've got a vanny icon so who am i to judge lmao). sometimes the things that make us happy are kinda shitty, and that's okay! our views are shaped by the society we live in, and there is no society on earth that is kind to the mentally ill -- there's no way to undo that, to stop that from influencing you in some capacity. but... all i ask is for you to think about this stuff, and try to educate yourself on the topic. there's nothing wrong with making a mistake, or having flaws -- but there's something wrong with making a space that feels unsafe, that reflects some of the more uncomfortable aspects of our society, that unintentionally hurts people. it's just up to you if that something is something you care about.

i hope that answers your question, anon (and anyone else who's curious). take care, mate!

(edit 13/01/2023: due to some technical difficulties on tumblr's end, the notes aren't quite showing up properly, so here's the link to bamsara's reblog chain if you can't find it.)

[vixentheplanet]

illicit nights

“a little less conversation and a little more touch my body.”

shuri x black!reader | 18+

Summary: You were born and raised in Wakanda, but you chose to leave to pursue a modeling career. You've amassed global fame as an international model, gracing runway shows, featuring in luxury campaigns, and appearing in fashion magazines. You're in the spotlight, and the entire world is watching your every move. After a very public breakup, you decide to return home to reconnect with your country and the people you love.

You didn't expect to catch the attention of your sister's best friend in your attempt to get over your heartbreak, let alone end up in a private sexual relationship with said friend. The Wakandan Queen.

word count: 5.9k

themes: model/famous reader, queen shuri, childhood friends, hookups

warnings: sex, drinking, idk i forget y’all read this before

hi! 🤧😔 this is actually kinda hard because i never title my stories in the documents and i make copies when i’m editing in case i delete something and i want it so i’m going through so many documents to find the right one and then all the outfits are gone. i can’t remember the themes and warnings i put… anyways, y’all good sister is back up

When you decided not to attend Wakanda University to pursue a modeling career, you did not doubt that you would succeed. Your parents wanted you to follow in the footsteps of your elder sister, but subjects like physics and calculus never piqued your interest. There was a lot of debate regarding your decisions, especially when you told your family that you were leaving Wakanda. Many Wakandans live beyond the borders, but you weren't looking for a simple life.

You were blessed with breathtaking beauty and the qualities for which others were willing to pay millions. It's hardly surprising with a face like yours, in just a few years, your career has skyrocketed to unfathomable heights, catapulting you into worldwide fame. Every fashion week, you're on the runway, traveling worldwide for campaigns, fittings, and numerous billboards of your face.

While you like the acclaim and spotlight, you quickly learn that being such a public figure in the entertainment industry has drawbacks. You have been in a highly publicized relationship with actress Mya Hope for nearly two years. Maybe it was your naivety, being new to everyone, but you and Mya hit it off immediately. It was lovely initially, but as your relationship progressed, it was just continuous disputes, mistrust, and resentment. You endured it because you expected things to change one day, but then Mya cheated. You learned through a gossip article that several individuals provided you with via text and social media.

Because her infidelity provided concrete evidence that things weren't working out between the two of you, you broke up. It was awful after the public found out. You've had relationships in the past, but they were the silly childlike attachments all kids have as time passes. Nothing has ever been this long or public. Being followed around and pressured into making a statement about something so personal was a culture shock. Who in their right mind wants to expose their private grievances to the rest of the world?

This month was an emotional roller coaster, and after wrapping up a photo shoot for Dior's upcoming campaign, you instructed your manager not to arrange anything else. You needed some alone time and wanted to go home and rest away from everything and everyone—home, not LA.

With the help of your older sister, Izara, by the end of the week, you'll be back in the safety of your rightful home, Wakanda.

Your mother never approved of Mya, and despite your best efforts to keep your family informed, she had kept up with your activities in your work through Western media, including your relationship. You guessed it was because she was afraid you'd end up permanently residing outside of Wakanda, but maybe mother intuition told her the relationship wasn’t right for her daughter.

When you arrived at the house where you'd grown up and rushed back to your mother's arms, she didn't criticize or tell you that you should have listened. "I expected you to say I told you so." You inform her.

"A mother can only guide her child and hope that they will listen, but it's our responsibility to be here when you fall," she adds as she pulls you tight.

The next day, your sister comes over first thing in the morning. Izara was four years older than you. You two were close; she was your elder sibling, and you naturally respected her intelligence and accomplishments. However, as you matured, you came to see that you had different interests despite your shared affection for one another. While Izara excelled at technology and engineering, you discovered a love of fashion and beauty. You loved your nation and knew you could build a successful career in Wakanda once you found you wanted to be a model, but you wanted to be known worldwide.

Being the baby of the family, it was difficult for your family to accept that you were going, but they realized deep down that there wasn't much they could do to influence you or your choices. As they witnessed your success, your family became increasingly supportive and proud. The only disadvantage is that your career has kept you away from Wakanda and the people you care about. It was challenging to find time to return home while growing your profession. You weren't worried about taking time off now that you were in a secured position in the industry.

“What are you moving back in?” Your sister makes a joke about all the things you brought. One packing rule you had was that it was better to be cautious than sorry. You’d rather overpack than need something thousands of miles away. After all, you didn't arrive by plane. A Wakandan aircraft had no weight restrictions.

Your mother is quick to reprimand her. “Hush. My child is always welcome to come back.”

“I- I don’t know about moving back yet,” You admit, dismissing any thoughts your mother has about you moving in. "But, I'll be here a little while." Though you did not intend to stay in Wakanda indefinitely, you weren't in a hurry to go. The combination of fresh air and your mom's homemade pastries positively impacted your mood.

Later, you and your sister relaxed in the living room while your mother was in the kitchen. She was so excited to see both of her daughters under the same roof after such a long period that she rushed to prepare tea and lime cake. Your favorites. “No moping. Your sadness is going to make me sad,” Izara says, frowning at you.

"I'm not moping," you say with a sigh. “It wasn’t even going to last. We fought a lot. I knew I was unhappy, but all the attention was overwhelming. It simply has to blow over." Your sister was the only person who understood the ins and outs of your previous relationship. She was your closest confidante and had warned you to leave Mya so often that she was probably exhausted by how stubborn you were.

Izara hums understandingly. “Don’t worry. It will. Those silly foreigners will find something else trivial and pointless to focus on. In the meantime, you need to be out and enjoy being single.” She advises. “Like, when’s the last time you had sex?”

“Izara, shut up,” there’s a warning in your tone. You confided in your sister about many things, but that was where you drew the line. She didn't need to know what you did, and you didn’t need to know what she did. Though the question did make you think, it’s been over a month since the initial break up, and you and Mya had long stopped being intimate. The passion just wasn’t there.

Izara is always persistent and keeps talking. “What! We’re both grown. We can talk about that now.”

“Absolutely not.” You groan, deciding to change the conversation to focus on your sister, “How is work?” She’d recently been promoted at her job working in the laboratory at the palace. She had called to tell you, but you had been in the midst of a photoshoot. Part of you felt bad you couldn’t give her your full attention upon hearing the news.

As the director of research methodologies, she spent a great deal of time in the various villages conducting focus groups to determine where improvements were needed. She then brought the data back to the lab, where they worked to enhance the areas that needed it. “It's incredible. I feel good knowing that my work has a positive influence.” Your sister has always been active in the community, dedicating her life to helping others.

“That’s amazing, Izara. I’m proud of you.” You say because you genuinely are, even though you didn’t take after your sister and her love for science. Her drive and passion are admirable. “It’s okay. It’s your job not to be fucked up so I can be the rebellious one.”

That gets a laugh out of your sister. You’ve missed that sound. “Not to brag, but I’ve been considering returning to University for my Ph.D.. Shuri is encouraging me.”

Shuri. Since childhood, the Princess, now Queen of Wakanda, was your sister's best friend. They attended the same primary school and connected instantly. You recall when Izara snuck Shuri into your home for a playdate, unbeknownst to your mother and the King and Queen. The Dora Milaje arrived at your mother's home with spears in hand before learning that the mischievous princess had sneaked away to play with her new companion. Your cheeks rise as you recall that day. "There's that smile again!"

“Just remember the time you almost got our entire family executed.” You chuckle, and Izara groans. She hates this story.

“We didn’t know any better!” After that day, Queen Ramonda invited your sister to the palace to play to prevent any other misunderstandings. Shuri would occasionally come to your house, allowing the two girls to form a lasting bond. “You had the biggest crush on her. You used to follow us around whenever she’d come over,” Izara added, laughing as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

For the record, it was a brief crush. The wooden doll house you had collapsed a few weeks before your seventh birthday, and you cried all night about it. Shuri presented you with a fully equipped doll house for your birthday. You recall looking on with wide eyes as she demonstrated all of the functions, the lights switched on, and water poured out of the sink. Still, you'd never acknowledge it. “I did not have a crush on her. I was following you. I wanted to be just like you until I realized how boring you were.” You snickered. A look of disbelief crosses your sister's face, and you laugh harder.

"I should thank Shuri," you say once you've quieted down. When you told Izara you were planning to return home, she enlisted the assistance of her best friend, who made every effort to ensure your safe arrival. You're not sure you could have endured another moment amid the chaos.

“You should, and she would love to see you.” Your sister agrees. “I have to go to the office tomorrow. Actually, we can stop over there, and then we can go to the shops. I have to buy Aneka a birthday gift.” Aneka, another one of your sister's friends. She had such a bold personality but was always kind to you. “Oh, and you’re coming Saturday.”

"I-" you start, thinking for a moment. There's no justification for you staying at home, feeling miserable over a failed relationship that wasn't going anywhere. It's been a little more than a month, and you're supposed to be unwinding and having fun. Izara squeals and orders you to be prepared by an ungodly hour after you accept.

You and your sister traveled to Birnin Zana the following day. You knew the Golden City but had never been within the Citadel. While your sister is likely to be familiar with both the interior and outside of the high-rise glass tower, you have never stepped foot inside. With all the Dora Milaje present, it was a little intimidating, and you did your best to keep up with your sister in your heels. As Izara was a few steps ahead of you, someone you imagined was a staff member gave you a strange look. “Stop walking so fast.”

Izara ignores your request and keeps moving. "No one told you you had to wear those shoes." She lets you catch up by coming to a halt in front of an elevator.

“It’s not the shoes. It’s you.” You argue, coming up to her as you wait for the elevator.

As you rode the elevator, your thoughts turned to the new Queen. Several years have passed since your last interaction with her. Shuri had always impressed you with her intelligence, and she was extraordinarily strategic and visionary. She undoubtedly carried those attributes with her when she ascended to the throne.

“I didn't tell her you were coming. She’s going to be so surprised.” Izara scans her badge and enters the lab. You follow behind her. “Shuri, I have the file you asked for; sorry, I was reviewing it over to make sure we caught all the errors from the last trial and-”

Shuri had looked up when she heard your sister's voice, but you saw her eyes widen in your presence. “Y/N?” You watch as she blinks a few times, taking you in.

Shuri’s hair was short now, the sides shaved, and her hair coiled into a mohawk. She wore a light gray boiler suit. Truth be told, you did have a crush on Shuri when you were younger but grew out of it. It was the projection of a childish imagination. It faded with time and age as you ventured away from your sister and developed your own relationship with friends, no longer in the same space as the Wakandan Princess. But now, she looks good, very good.

“Hi,” you say, happy to see another familiar face. After being surrounded by strangers and new faces for the past few years, the familiarity of home was comforting. "I appreciate you arranging transportation for me to get here." You instantly tell her, knowing the reason for your visit. You did not intend to disturb her.

Shuri is quick to respond, “Of course, Izara said you wanted to visit. It was no trouble.” It was the honest truth. You know Shuri would do anything for your sister and, in relation, you.

Izara smiles, “I’m happy to have my little sister home though I wish it were under better circumstances. I’m trying to cheer her up.” Your sister pinches your cheeks and immediately moves away from reach when you swat her hand away. She might be a little obnoxious. You are not a baby.

“I am not a baby.” You vocalize, rolling your eyes.

"You'll always be my baby," she replies with a childish pout. "Now, wait right here. I’ll be back. I’m going to grab something from my office.” Izara says as she walks out of the lab, leaving you and Shuri alone.

You begin to appreciate the painting on the cylindrical pillar in the room, assuming you won't bother Shuri anymore, but Shuri speaks. “To what do I owe this visit? Not every day, I have Wakanda’s most famous supermodel walking into my lab,” she jokes.

It’s clear she’s being humorous, but your face heats up. “Oh, I wanted to see you and say thank you. I’m just following Izara around, and we’re going to pick out a birthday gift for Aneka.” You explain, trying to ignore the sensation in your cheeks.

Shuri is now leaning back against one of the tables, completely focused on you. "What did Izara mean when she said 'better circumstances'?" She inquires, her gaze fixed on yours.

She patiently waits. You pause, unsure how much you should reveal. All the arguments and nights of crying make you question if your sister ever mentioned Mya to Shuri. You make the decision to keep things simple. “I’m going through a very public breakup which means nothing to anyone here but everything to the media out there.”

“You know how hard it is to be walking down the street and be harassed with a thousand questions about your ex?” It was a rhetorical question. The media was ruthless and would stop at nothing until they could pull enough out of you to exploit for their own selfish advantage.

Shuri, being the intellect she is, probably realizes you'd rather not discuss this and moves on. "Wakanda, thankfully, does not have such an animalistic journalism system." Culturally, there was a high level of respect and awareness throughout the community that your business was private. Wakanda was far more developed and gave little thought to gossip and drama.

You were thankful for that. Breakups aren’t easy, no matter how shitty the relationship was. External stress wasn’t helping with your mood. You finally felt like you could breathe. “Exactly. Anyways I’m happy to be back.”

“Any plans?” She asks.

You shake your head. “Other than spending time with my family, no.” Further into your stay, you’d probably come up with some type of itinerary, but you were laying low for now. “Izara thinks I should be out enjoying being single.” She or your mom would probably try to set you up sooner or later.

Shuri nods in agreement. “She’s right, you know? There’s no reason to waste time thinking about someone who isn’t thinking about you when you could be having fun.”

The bluntness of Shuri’s words surprises you. “I suppose I’m young. I should be doing what I want with who I want.” You remark in a lighthearted tone.

Shuri glances at you, licking her lips, and winks. "Exactly," she replies. Your heart rate increases. Is she hitting on you?

Izara returns, and you both say goodbye to the Queen before heading to the shops. The brief exchange has left your thoughts in a frenzy. You spent the rest of the day trying to persuade yourself. Shuri was undoubtedly attractive, but there was no way a years-old crush would be rekindled within seconds of seeing her again. A crush you had when you were five at that, but the way her tone held so much suggestion.

Wakanda's nightlife was always lively. People come together, clubbing at the same venue, existing at the same time in the same place. It was an essential aspect of the culture and many people's choice for a social gathering or celebration.

The next night, you're on Elixir's second floor, famed for its massive and powerful alcoholic beverages. Aneka's party had the entire floor to themselves, and she leaped up and down as soon as she noticed you. “Ah! Baby Izara! We see your billboards when we’re on missions outside Wakanda.” She tells you, and you feel shy under all the attention. It was nice to know that the people at home were supportive in seeing you thrive. "Thank you!" You exclaim as you hug her. You said hello to a couple more people before ordering a cocktail and settling in. You're seated alone in one of the many round booths. Your sister and a few others had gone downstairs to join the sea of crowded and sweaty bodies.

You had the idea to go down there. Dance on someone, make an emotionless connection, and return to their apartment, but you know in the back of your mind that it wasn't for you. Impersonal connections lack the comfort of knowing each other's bodies and personalities.

There's quite a commotion at the club's entrance, and you peek down to see all the excitement. Shuri navigated the crowd with a small group of individuals following behind her. The woman was dressed in all black, with form-fitting pants and a tailored blazer—dark shades, shielding her eyes from those around her.

You felt something stirring deep within you the entire time your attention was drawn to her.

The sheer strength and command of her presence divides the crowd. She doesn’t have to ask. Everything about her screams dominance, and you can't deny that you're drawn to it, trying not to let your imagination wander into the illicit territory. This was not a crush. This was pure want. Shuri makes her way up the large metal steps, where she is embraced by the bubbly birthday girl who has had too many drinks. “Shuri! You made it,” Aneka says excitedly. The sweet look Ayo gives her excited girlfriend warms your heart. They're adorable.

Before hugging Aneka, the Queen leans in and says something only she can hear. She fades from view as she moves deeper into the scene, most likely conversing with others. When you see Shuri again, she's walking over to you, drink in hand, her steps purposeful.

She slides into the booth across from you without asking. “I’m surprised you’re not down there dancing. What happened to being young and single?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Please," you retort. "So I can have sweaty men press their balls on my back. Thank you, but no." Your lips were pursed.

“So you came out to sit around?” Shuri comments. “In such a pretty outfit,” she notes. Her eyes are covered behind those black shades, but her statement indicates she's checking you out, taking in the way your boobs sit nicely and the tiny skirt displaying the silky flesh of your upper thigh. There's a trace of something in her voice as if she's coaxing you to reveal more, understanding there's more to your decision to isolate yourself. Again, a tempting tone.

You’re not in the mood for mind games. “You ask a lot of questions. Besides, are you not doing the same thing?” Your voice is laced with skepticism as you eye her.

Shuri lets out a disagreeing sound. “I’m here to celebrate Aneka and enjoy my night.”

If she can tease you, why can’t you do the same? You twirl your tongue around the straw in your drink, and Shuri can’t look away. “Since you’re here with me, am I a part of the enjoyment?”

When your eyes meet, there’s a glint of danger in them. “I think you should behave.” Her tone was low and warning.

If she believed that would get you to listen, she was mistaken. That resulted in the opposite effect, as you felt arousal between your legs. "And what if I don't?" You push, your eyes innocent, as if you had no idea how provocative your tone was. She looked damn good in that suit.

You were putting aside the complication caused by the fact that Shuri was your sister's best friend and the Queen of your country. Something enticed you to make a move on her. You notice the cherry in her glass and immediately say, "I can tie that with my tongue." It was a cool trick you picked up from a model in Cannes. People were always shocked at how simple you made it look before trying it themselves.

Shuri glances at you as she takes the cherry into her mouth instead of answering vocally. The stem is just beyond her lips, and her brows are lifted, waiting for you. You bend across the table, making sure not to brush your lips together as you move the stem from her mouth to yours. She keeps a close eye on you while you concentrate on your task, stretching your tongue upward and trapping it against the roof of your mouth.

You stick your tongue out after pushing the end through the loop, revealing the knotted cherry stem to Shuri. She removes her glasses, folds them, and sets them next to her cherry-free drink. Eyes filled with fire. “Stop looking at me like that.” You could sense a level of hesitation from the woman. Behave wasn't a no; it simply indicated she was attempting to get you to back off since her resolve was slipping.

You roll your eyes as you remove the stem from your tongue and place it on a napkin. “You know you’re practically undressing me with your eyes.” You could see a glimmer of hunger in her features, and you knew you had her right there.

“Mmm, I’m not the one showing off tongue tricks,” Shuri smirks, sipping her drink.

Before you can say anything, a breathless voice breaks the tension between you. “Shuri!” your sister and two of the girls had returned from the dancefloor. “Scoot over. I’m taking a five-minute break.” Izara says. You can see the sweat on her forehead. You start to shift over to make room for everyone, and you’re forced to be pressed against Shuri, depleting the distance.

Upon their arrival, Shuri redirects her attention to her best friend, “Hey, Zar. I was just asking your sister why she wasn’t dancing.” Glancing at you with a smug look, she was enjoying this.

Izara nods, “I told her she needed to get down there and have fun. It’s been five weeks, and the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new.”

As you drum your fingers across the glass table top, a sigh escapes your lips. I’m trying, you think. "I'm not keen on hooking up with strangers," you answer instead. You were discrete with your words. Sneaking a quick look over at Shuri when you say it, you find her already staring back at you. Her expression has now become unreadable.

Izara sighs. Her sole motive for inviting you was for you to have fun; she probably believed you weren't having a great time, but your attention was attracted to something you didn't need to search for. You wouldn’t tell her that, though. "Oh, Bast, you need more liquor." She approaches a waiter and orders a round of shots.

As soon as the waiter places the shot glasses on the table, all eyes turn to you. You reached forward, grabbed one shot, pinched the lime, and tossed back the tequila, promptly sucking the lime between your teeth and dropping it into the empty shot glass. "That's my girl," Izara says, clapping.

The five-minute breaks last a lot longer than five minutes. Your poor sister was utterly unaware that she was cock-blocking. She and Shuri were having a casual conversation about who knows. You weren't paying attention. Maybe she senses you getting restless beside her, but you feel a hand rest on your leg. Shuri continues to converse with Izara while her fingertips brush your left thigh. You let out a sharp, deep breath before composing yourself. The soft touch riles you up. Shuri taunts you by not moving her hand any higher. She rests it there, stroking your skin, knowing it’s driving you crazy.

Shuri is winning this game you're playing together, but you have a plan.

When your sister returns to the main level, she attempts to get you to accompany her, and you make up an excuse, promising to do so after you use the restroom. When you and Shuri are alone again, you slap her hand and glare at her. “You should move your hand if you’re going to start something you can’t finish. I’m not in the mood to be teased.”

As you get up to leave, you grab a second shot, downing it before smiling. It's a mind-numbing high that blocks all of your feelings except lust. "I'll be really upset if this night doesn't end with me in your bed." You whisper, walking away, not bothering to wait for Shuri’s reaction. There was no point in playing games when you wanted her, and she clearly wanted you. That’s why you knew she would follow you.

The bathroom is located down a dim corridor with purple fluorescent lights. You're walking down the hall when you hear quick footsteps behind you. A hand catches your waist, pressing you against a solid body. Away from prying eyes, Shuri holds you against her, moving your hair to expose the side of your neck, “Do you want to dance with me after?” She speaks with hushed tones.

Mission completed.

You shook your head and turned to face her. "I wasn't here to dance." Dancing was a waste of time because neither of you wanted to do it. Every second more you spent in this club was a moment wasted when she could be inside of you.

Shuri paused for a moment, her eyes clouded with longing. "You realize what you're asking of me." Your mind wanders to Izara. All the red flags were flying in your head. This was your sister's closest friend and her most recent boss. Shuri felt off-limits for some reason. But you swiftly block out all of that.

“Don’t complicate things. I wouldn’t be here asking you to bring me home and fuck me in the middle of a club if I didn’t,” you said. You've teased and flirted with the Queen all night, and now nothing stops you from ending the night in bed with her. “No kissing, no intimacy, it’s just sex.” You assure her.

“Fuck, you feel so good.” You gasp as Shuri thrusts back inside, making your body tremble in response. It’s one of the many compliments you’ve given her through the night as she takes you further into euphoric bliss.

Maybe it's because you haven't had sex in what seems like an eternity, but the slide in feels like heaven. The first thrust has you seeing stars, and every move since then has you letting out an endless stream of moans. You were on your knees, Shuri kneeling behind you, going at unrelenting speed.

You're both high on adrenaline and lust, making your body hum and your head spin—sweaty bodies work together as your heartbeats syncopate in a rhythmic acceleration. You can't recall the last time you felt so attuned to another person, so alive.

Her hands are all over you, one of her arms reaching from behind to support your upper body, cupping your chest while her fingers tease your nipple. You figure the mind of a genius is used to focusing on multiple things at once because despite her fast thrust, the fingers on Shuri’s other hand stroke along your clit, gently knowing what you need, where to touch you, and how to touch you.

“Harder, harder- fuck, don’t stop.” You reach around to find Shuri’s hips and hold them, following her movements in an attempt to feel her closer. “Such a bossy girl.” Shuri pants but drives into you with more force.

She eventually removes the arm that has been holding you up and pushing you forward. At this angle, she's hitting the spot inside you that has you unable to speak, trapped in an endless repeat of pleasure as the sensation causes your skin to prickle.

Collapsing onto the bed, you cushion your head on the pillow, and your back arches beautifully. “Fuck Shuri. C-close,” you stutter, your voice weakly coming out between your pants. The way Shuri was easily manipulating your body to take her deeper made you want to scream. "I can't wait to see you come looking for me." Shuri breathes and snaps her hips.

"You're going to look gorgeous." She goes on, talking you through it. "Should take a picture and put it on the front cover of every magazine. Everyone can see how pretty you are when you’re getting fucked so good.”

Shuri's comments fill your head with filthy thoughts, even though you've never considered yourself an exhibitionist. Imagine one of the world's most famous models being railed by the Queen of Wakanda on a magazine cover. You two are certainly an obscene sight. “Should I let everybody see what a good girl you are, or is this only for me?”

"Only you," you answer thoughtlessly. Your mind was only centered on pleasure now. As you inhale sharply, the heat inside of you grows, and your body is frozen in ecstasy. Your eyes slip back as your stomach muscles contract in anticipation of eventually feeling that relief. Your eyes widen, your brows rise, your breath stutters, and your eyes close tightly. So tight, and you’re coming. It's quiet for a few moments, and then you're screaming Shuri's name, your voice breaking, your nails sinking into the covers.

As you move your hips back, little gasps escape your lips. “You’re perfect. It feels so good. Want to keep fucking you.” Her words and tone are desperate as she pants, grinding into you, using the friction and pressure to reach her orgasm. You could get off just from the sound of her moans alone.

When Shuri pulls out, you fall into the satin sheets and turn over, sticky and satisfied, staring at the ceiling. You take a few moments to collect your breath and come down from your climax. You sense the bed shifting as Shuri fades from view.

On shaky legs, you stand up to scan the room for your belongings. There was no need for closeness or caressing. Both of you agreed to just sex, and you needed to get home as soon as possible. Your top is lying right in front of the door. That was the first thing to go.

“I’ll have a member of the Dora escort you home.” Shuri comes back into the room from the bathroom, a tee shirt and boxers on now while you’re still struggling to locate your underwear.

“Are you crazy?” You pull the straps of your top on your shoulders and try to situate your breast inside. “I’m not even supposed to be here.” You whisper-shout. The reality was settling in now that the fire inside you had been put out. Izara would most likely interrogate you in the morning, thinking you went home with someone and you had time to think of a lie once you were home.

“Imagine going to my mother's house with the Dora Milaje. - have you seen my panties?” Her head wanders sideways, and you follow her gaze to discover your underwear on top of the lampshade on the bedside table.

They undoubtedly landed there in her haste to strip you naked. Shuri takes them and hands them to you. "You're so messy," you mutter as you take them from her, leaning down to slip them on.

"You weren't complaining," Shuri chuckles. There goes that smug tone.

Before leaving, you get dressed, put on your heels, and turn to Shuri. “This never happened. I was never here." You're both consenting adults, but having your sister in the mix complicates the situation. It was acceptable for the one time you both received much-needed relief, but it couldn't happen again for the sake of preserving normalcy. The elder remains silent. "Did you hear what I said?"

A confused sound leaves her lips. “I can’t hear anything. I'm here by myself.”

You roll your eyes and walk out the door. That’s the end of that.

When you’re showered in bed and reflecting on tonight‘s activities, it's later when your kimoyo beads ring.

It’s Shuri.

“Yes?” you answer, ensuring not to disturb your mom. It was late.

“I just wanted to make sure you got home safe.” you knew her concern was genuine because Izara would never forgive her if something happened to you.

“Yes, I did. Thank you.”

She hesitates for a second, staring at you in contemplation before asking, “So, are we going to talk about it?” There’s humor in her voice.

Not this. “Didn’t we agree that I wasn’t with you?”

"I'm not addressing that," Shuri responds immediately. "There is something far more intriguing on your lower back," she taunts, winking.

Your lips form an unconscious gasp. “Shut up!” The first and only tattoo you’ve ever received was in Paris after your first fashion week. You and a few other models get tattoos while feeling celebratory and possibly under the influence of a bit too much champagne. A tribal butterfly is permanently affixed to the center of your lower back. "No, we can't discuss it since you've never seen it." You remind her of this, your face heated. You can't believe you overlooked that.

"I completely understand." She responds, but the way she looks at you and bites her lip suggests otherwise.

Everything about her was enticing. You decide to end the call, “Goodnight, Shuri.”

“Goodnight, Y/N.”

You went to bed vowing never to do it again, a commitment tainted by dishonesty because it happened again.

[mikyur]

The ghost of the theater~

Yandere oc x Gn Reader

Warnings: watching the reader, slight obsession, mention of death, general Yandere behavior.

You find yourself in an office room of a theater, your office and your theater, your uncle recently died and in his will he made you the new owner of his precious theater.

At first you didn't want to accept such a responsibility, but remembering the few times you visited him you realized how much he loved that place.

And with that you agreed to take care of and manage the famous theater of your dear and only uncle and make this place even more famous, it's a shame that not everything is a bed of roses and soon problems began to arise.

And the problem was that thanks to his uncle's death, the theater's audience fell, as if only his presence made that place work, and without him it's as if everything had lost its life. And you didn't know what to do to reverse it.

And now what do we do? .You ask the manager, one of the men your uncle trusted most and who you knew was willing to do whatever it took to keep this place afloat.

Well, I was thinking of something that might bring the audience back, I just don't know if you'll agree . He speaks a little anxiously.

Right now I'm accepting anything.

I was thinking about doing a presentation on the story 'The Duke's Madness'.

And why do you think I wouldn't accept that?. You ask genuinely confused.

Don't you know the story and what happens when some theater tries to recreate it?.

No, I don't know. At your response he sighs and adjusts his glasses before looking at you again and speaking.

The story tells about a duke who, after going through humiliation and being rejected by his childhood friend and love of his life, makes a deal with a demon and with that he gains powers and with With these powers he attracts women to his forest mansion and these women become his wives forever.

Wow... this story is very interesting, but I suppose there's more, right?.

Of course there is more, but I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to look for the ending on your own, but the most important thing here is that there is a legend about this story, which says that all the theaters that tried to recreate it disasters happened.

Disasters?.

Yes, some have tried but bad things have always happened to them, like actors getting hurt in rehearsals, some employees getting sick and even deaths.

... serious?...

Well, that's what they say, but I don't particularly believe that, just as I don't believe the rumors that there's a ghost here.

Wait, they say there are ghosts here?

Yes, have you never heard? Kind of strange since you've already been here for three days. He speaks and adjusts his glasses back on his face.

No, I didn't know any of that. You said trying to absorb all the information suddenly given to you.

Anyway, I don't believe in these things and I really hope you don't either.

No, I don't believe it, so do you believe that this story will really help us to build the theater again?

It's what I expect.

...ok then, you can start preparing everything for the play because that's the story we're going to show at the reopening!. You don't know where it came from but you feel a sudden enthusiasm and hope that everyone else has the same enthusiasm to make the presentation.

Right now. He says this to you and leaves to start his work.

Ghosts are... they don't exist You tell yourself and start doing your own work.

Time passes and once again you are the last person to leave the theater, as a boss your job ends up being the longest, and yet another night you are walking to the main door to go back to your home.

But unlike other nights, this time you felt cold, a slight current of cold air passed you from behind, which is strange since everything was closed so there was no way wind passed through there, and even stranger and scarier was the sound of a person singing a beautiful melody on the speakers You hadn't left them on, there was no reason for anyone to leave them on, and who was singing?

Gathering your courage you decided to go after the voice, which was definitely in the stage area, it was probably an actor singing, he or she must be training, that's definitely it, it has to be That's what you thought going to the place of the melody.

But when we got there, another surprise was that there was no one on stage and the music had stopped, you sighed with relief, it must have been all in your tired head and almost turning around to leave. You see a person on one of the benches in the middle of the stage, and your fear returned a little but, overcome by curiosity, you went there to see who it was and ask them to leave the place since it was closed.

Look, I'm sorry but the theater is closed so I ask you to leave. You speak approaching the person.

I know it's closed, but I can't leave. You got close and saw that the person was extremely white and their clothes were very beautiful, almost as if they were from some ancient story.

As? You can not exit?

I can't, I'm stuck here.

What do you mean you're stuck there? Sorry girl but you better leave soon before I call the police.

How rude of me She finally leaves the place she was sitting in front of me and leans down to make a gesture of introduction, one of those very old ones that you only see in movies about castles and such. I'm Levi, but you can call me the ghost of the theater.

What?. You couldn't have heard right, right?

It's a pleasure to meet you, the most beautiful person who has ever stepped foot here and I must warn you right away that I am not a girl. He then says laughing a little at the end.

This can't be true. This person who you now know is actually a boy cannot be a ghost, ghosts don't exist!

This is the purest truth, as true as its beauty.

You remain silent, not knowing what to do or say, and then he sees that you are in trouble and decides to take your hand, or I mean, he tried to take you but you only felt a slight tingling and a cold feeling.

It saw? I'm not a living being like you, but I was before and used to be on that stage.

You... were an actor?

Yes, I loved this place, and I precisely died here, ironic, right?. And again he laughs, but I feel a little melancholy coming from him.

So that's why you're here?

Yes, I can't leave and I don't want to leave, and I must confess I'm surprised that you're still here talking to me instead of running away.

My uncle always said that we should be afraid of the living and not the dead, and you don't scare me.

Your uncle was an amazing guy, it's a shame he already had to go, I will miss him.

I will miss him too. You say thoughtfully, remembering the moments you spent with your uncle.

Well at least you're here and I know you'll take good care of my house. He says and reads with a smile.

How are you sure I'll take good care of it here?.

'Cause I feel it, and I trust a pretty face.

You blush a little at his speech and look away from his smile.

In any case, I have the impression that you purposely lured me here.

Yes, yes I did it, you are really smart!

Why?.

Because I wanted to be able to talk to you, since you arrived I have been watching you and I wanted to finally talk to you face to face.

Have you been watching me?. You ask surprised.

Yes! All the time, without stopping looking at you for even a second.

Wow...that's kinda...creepy?.

Scary? I don't think looking at something beautiful all the time is scary. He says thoughtfully and then looks back at you with a smile.

Ok...but from now on you can stop staring at me from the shadows, if you want to talk to me you can come to me, ok?.

He didn't say anything and just disappeared from view, as if he had never been here.

Levi?. You call him to make sure this wasn't all in your head.

I promise not to stare at you from the shadows anymore, little star~

I hear his voice as if it came from the wind and it gives you chills.

Will he really stop? Did this really happen? You ask yourself this, returning to the entrance so you can go home.

Sorry for any writing errors 7w7

[millenianthemums]

New horror writing challenge idea. I have to write a short horror story about a completely random thing and make it scary somehow. Like, find a random noun generator or something and write about that thing being scary.

…okay, so i just did that and the word it gave me was “writer”. Which, I feel like that’s been done. But I wanted to come up with a horror concept for whatever it gave me, so okay. a scary writer.

so, what if there was a really famous writer. they’re very private and reclusive, but their work is super famous. their concepts are good enough, but they’re most praised for their deeply, intricately crafted characters. every character seems to have such a rich inner life. everybody loves this author’s books, including you. but one day you crack open their new bestseller and there’s a character in it who’s just. you.

like, it’s you. your mannerisms, your goals, your insecurities, your nervous tics. your memories. your childhood. it’s you.

nobody else points it out. you ask your friends and family how they’re liking the book, they all say it’s great, and they all love that character, but they don’t mention the similarities at all. you feel like you’re losing your mind because it’s so OBVIOUSLY you that this character’s based on. but how is that possible? you’re scared to bring it up because surely they’d have noticed?? why wouldn’t they say anything about it??? you even say at one point “i feel like this character’s kind of like me” and your mom tilts her head and says “yeah? how so?”

you don’t know what to say so you just drop it. honestly you’re starting to doubt it yourself. how well do you really remember your childhood? do you really do that one nervous tic that often? are you really particularly people-pleasing or charitable, like that character? you feel like you haven’t acted like that as much lately.

actually you can’t really remember how you’ve been acting. or how you normally act.

you show up to work and your coworkers look surprised to see you. your family keeps forgetting to return your calls. people on the street look right through you. you’re forgetting things about yourself, things that used to come so naturally. your favorite song. the color of your eyes.

then one night you remember something. you remember the person who came into the barber shop a couple years ago. they said they were an author, that they’d written a few books. you said that was awesome and they smiled. they were so friendly. they asked you so many questions. specific, personal questions. you didn’t notice back then. for some reason you were so happy to answer them. and you answered in such detail.

you’re tired. every day you’re more tired. every day you know less about yourself. you’re noticing more holes in your memory. didn’t you used to have more coworkers? more friends? didn’t you used to carpool to work with a full car of people? was there always that gap off to the side of the frame in that family portrait?

on the last day, you see them in the shadows. they’re watching from somewhere far away, smiling that gentle smile. why are you doing this, you try to ask them, even though you don’t have a voice anymore.

“Why are you so sad?” they ask in return. “You’re in the book. You’ll live forever in there. And everyone loves you, don’t you see? Everyone loves you so much.”

[9800sblog]

Hi Jes! I've just been catching up on your blog and really enjoy it. Not sure if this is something you'd be willing to do but if so could we get a reading on what Lewis Hamilton is like as a boyfriend/in a relationship? thank you <3 <3

lewis hamilton tarot reading

as a boyfriend

do I have his energy permission to do and share this reading? 10 of cups, 6 of wands

5 of pentacles - "us against the world" vibes, no matter what's happening, as long as you're together he is ok and he'll make sure his person is happy too. he makes time for his partner no matter how busy his life is, he'd rater miss out on important events and opportunities than miss out on quality time with his partner. can make anything/anywhere feel special. may not show off his partners, may prefer to keep it more low-key - prefers romantic getaways than a date in a famous restaurant, for example.

6 of cups - he's like a kid and he makes them feel young too, specially by being very silly and jokey. gifts is an obvious love language of most wealthy men, but he gives little thoughtful ones, like the person's favorite flowers or something they loved as a kid, an experience, something they mentioned once and forgot about. would plant an entire garden if they said they liked flowers. would give up on his job and run away to the mountains if the person asked. exchange of funny anecdotes and childhood stories, may imitate romances, definitely corny and nerdy.

4 of pentacles reversed - "what's mine is yours" "my world is your world and your world is my world". again, would give up EVERYTHING if the person asked, doesn't care about spending if it's with the right person. may not be very into physical touch or uses material things to suppress the lack of his physical presence since he's a busy man. may have difficulty putting a ring on it tho, although he definitely dates with that in mind.

king of cups reversed - specially clingy and emotional with his person, may cry a lot and be very very corny, always asking for reassurance. feels very intensely, wants to be their husband the second they get together, definitely daydreams about them often and gets distracted at work by it. a very ken type of guy, only has a good day if barbie is in it. struggles to show his emotions because they are very deep, may act cold and shallow if they're not close enough yet. tests the waters a lot, very hesitant.

ace of cups - wants to marry immediately, wants to make them feel like they've never felt before. thinks everything is a new beginning, romanticizes a lot, may wear rose colored glasses. very sexually inclined, very intense and emotional sex. looks for a soulmate type of feeling, someone to bring him a new sense of life and purpose. he may hold back a lot and then act impulsively.

[luna-loner]

Day 1: Paint Tales From Their Childhood

Asano Gakushuu:

It wouldn't surprise anyone to know that Gakushuu was an expert in the many forms of art; and painting certainly was on the list. What they might not know is that he's been doing it since his diaper days.

Good Guy Gakuhou fawned over every single masterpiece his little Da Vinci made, believing that each one meant something important about his child's development. Each one.

"He already understands the concept of complementary colors!" He squealed when he Gakushuu used red and green.

"He's figured out how to mix colors!" He exclaimed when Gakushuu accidentally added blue to the red blob he 'drew' on the canva.

"Oh, he's practicing Kanji already." He smiled at the random brush strokes his infant son would make. He legit believed every stroke was his boy trying to draw a kanji he'd seen before.

It's safe to say Gakuhou has an album dedicated solely to Gakushuu's artwork, which he still keeps to this day, partly to subtly brag about his kid, and partly to tease said kid.

Sakakibara Ren:

After doing a finger painting at school, little Ren went home with a new goal in life-- to become a painter. His parents got him all the canvas and materials he needed. Ren mostly painted nature scenes since humans and animals were too complicated for his five-year-old self, plus he's always loved nature.

A week later, he was back to his books. He didn't touch his art supplies again until mother's day when he decided to author a short story starring his mom; and since it was going to be about his mom finding a magical rose garden (her favorite flower), he decided to add illustrations!

So he did just that. He folded the papers and used the strappler pins to make a book. He ended up with two extra pages, so he used one to write a short poem and the other to paint him and his mom holding hands (he wanted them to be hugging but it was too hard for him to do). His mom has the book to this day.

Araki Teppei:

Once, little Teppei was reading an article on renaissance artists with his dad when he suddenly decided he, too, wanted to be a famous painter. He got out a normal A4 paper and started painting random stuff since he didn't have a clear vision in mind, so he ended up using a lot more paper than he intended.

Eventually, he settled on a family portrait. Sure, the stick figures had disproportionate body parts and the colors were a bit messy, but his dad loved it nonetheless. Not only did he proudly hang it on the refrigerator, but he had his own surprise for his little artist the very next day: A news article on the famous painter, Teppei, was hung next to the artwork.

Years later, Teppei still has the artwork and the news article.

Koyama Natsuhiko:

This boy grew up roleplaying as a heroic wizard in his own little world. One day, he decided he wanted to bring his magical world to life, and what better way of doing so than by drawing and painting background pictures and taping them to the walls? He was home alone that day, so little dude got to enjoy his fantasy as much as he pleased. The paintings, while simple, really made his adventure all the more immersive.

His folks weren't exactly happy with the mess that greeted them once they arrived home. Literally every wall was covered in at least a dozen paper! Still, they didn't scold him for it...because little Natsu was already asleep by then. Evil little gremlin

Suffice to say, cleaning was a pain, and it took them two weeks until they could no longer find anymore of these papers. (Seriously, just when they thought they've put them all in trash, they find one on the ground, under the sofa, or still tapped to the wall! How?!)

Seo Tomoya:

Unlike the rest, Seo seemed to use his art supplies for anything other than art.

Once, he decided to fake chicken pox to skip school after watching Tom and Jerry (in you case you don't recall, there's an episode where Jerry paints red dots on a sleeping Tom and convinces him he's sick) so he did just that and came 'crying' to his parents.

His parents didn't buy it, and a grumpy little Tomoya was sent packing to school.

When Halloween was right around the corner, Tomoya decided he wanted to be an alian and thought painting his skin green would be the perfect costume. Not only that, he also decided to "dye" his hair green as well.

Guess who spent his Halloween grounded? Yup, Marvin the Martian over here.

In a similar instance, Tomoya discovered something called something called food coloring and decided, "Cool! I can make a flame-colored cake with my paint!" Because if it's colorful, it's edible, right?

Fortunately for everyone, his mom arrived home just in time to stop him. He had such a field day helping her clean up the kitchen...

[sofya-fanfics]

Your Melody In My Heart

Fandom : Fairy Tail

Relationship : Gray x Juvia

My Tropetember 2023 contribution for the prompt : Rockstar / Actor / Model / Famous AU.

I’m sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Summary : It had been a little over a year since Juvia had discovered this idol group made up of four boys. Natsu, Laxus, Jellal and especially Gray. Gray-sama, she thought with dreamy eyes.

Disclaimer : Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

@tropetember

AO3 / FF.NET

Juvia put her phone on the table and a huge smile lit up her face. She had managed to buy the last tickets for the concert of the band Fairy Tail. If she was not in a public place, she would have jumped for joy.

It had been a little over a year since she had discovered this idol group made up of four boys. Natsu, Laxus, Jellal and especially Gray. Gray-sama, Juvia thought with dreamy eyes. At that time, Juvia was going through a difficult time where she thought she would never get out of it. She was in her senior year of high school. Her boyfriend had broken up with her and the students in her class harassed her. They found her too gloomy, too strange and they did not like her way of speaking in the third person. She felt like it was constantly raining on her heart and that the rain would never stop.

One day, she had seen on television the band Fairy Tail who had been invited to a variety show to present their new song. It was then that she first saw Gray and heard his voice. By listening to him, the rain had stopped for the first time in a long time. The sun was reappearing in her life.

Since then, she never missed any broadcast show in which the band was invited, she followed them on social networks, she collected all the goodies in their image, she even sewed a plush toy with the effigy of Gray and she hoped to be able to offer it to him at the concert.

It would be the first time she would see him in person. She could not help imagining their meeting. She would meet him by chance before the concert. Their gaze would meet and it would be love at first sight. She would give him the plush toy and he would take her in his arms to thank her. During the concert, he would sing for her, never taking his eyes off her, and he would dedicate a song to her. This would be the start of their love story.

She came back to earth when she received a text message from Gajeel telling her that he would be here soon. She was in a cafe where she was waiting for her best friend. Both had spent their childhood in the same orphanage. They were lonely and had difficulty in bonding with others. They had become friends when girls from school were annoying Juvia and Gajeel had defended her. That day, Gajeel had become much more than her friend. He was her family. She smiled when she saw him enter the cafe. She waved her hand to signal her presence. Gajeel went to sit at her table.

“Weren't you supposed to come with a friend ?” Julia asked.

“He won't be long.”

A friend of him was in town for some time and Gajeel had insisted for Juvia to meet him. When she asked him why, he only replied with a big smile :

“I'm sure you'll be very happy to meet him.”

A few minutes later, the cafe door opened once again and a young man entered. Juvia frowned. He was tall and slender, but she could not see his face because of his cap, his sunglasses and the mask he wore.

“He looks like an idol trying to hide,” she commented.

“You don’t know how right you are.”

Juvia gave him a questioning look. Gajeel waved for the man to approach their table.

“Good to see you again,” Gajeel said.

“You could have chosen a more private place.”

“Sorry, I hadn't thought about it.”

But Gajeel was anything but sorry. The boy sat down and Juvia had a strange feeling. As if she had seen him somewhere before, but she could not remember where.

“G this is Juvia. Juvia, this is G.”

G looked at her. Juvia could not help blushing. His gestures, his voice, everything about him was familiar. She chatted with him and laughed. She felt comfortable and it was the first time she felt like this with a stranger. Yet something inside her told her that she knew him and she could not help staring at him. She blushed and looked away when G, feeling observed, looked at her. After a while, G received a text message from his work and had to leave.

“Your friend is really nice,” Juvia said.

Gajeel laughed lightly. She wondered why he was reacting like this.

“I can't believe you didn't recognize him.”

Juvia frowned. It was true that he was familiar to her and it annoyed her not to know where she had seen him. If only he were not wearing his sunglasses, she thought.

“Was he at the orphanage ?”

“No, I met him when I was playing hockey in middle school.”

“You know that Juvia didn't know your hockey friends.”

Gajeel smirked.

“You listen to him every day, him and his three friends. You have pictures of him in your room. You have a whole collection of goodies on him. You even sewed a plush toy that looks like him.”

Juvia opened her eyes wide and she put her hands to her mouth. Her heart was beating faster and faster, realizing what had just happened. She had just met :

“Gray-sama !”

It had nothing to do with the first meeting she had imagined. Suddenly, everything went black.

******

Two days had passed since Juvia's meeting with Gray. All she hoped was that she had not made a fool of herself in front of him. She arrived at Gajeel's apartment. His girlfriend’s birthday, Levy, was approaching and Juvia had promised her friend to help him find a present. She loved Levy and it was out of the question for her and Gajeel to break up because of an ill-chosen gift from the young man. Juvia opened the apartment door. She spent so much time at his place that Gajeel had given her a key.

“Gajeel, are you there ?” she called, closing the door behind her.

“He went to do some shopping. It shouldn't take long.”

Juvia jumped, not expecting anyone else to be in the apartment. She thought she was fainting when she turned to face the person.

“Gray-sama !”

She blushed and looked away.

“You're in your underwear.”

Gray looked at himself and gasped in surprise.

“Oh no,” he muttered. “I did it again.”

Juvia heard him get dressed and had to restrain herself with all her might not to look. She remembered she had read somewhere that Gray had a tendency to unconsciously undress. He had spent much of his childhood in the mountains and the cold did not bother him.

“You can watch.”

Juvia looked at him. He was now wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She was almost disappointed that he got dressed so quickly. She shook her head violently, telling herself she had to stop daydreaming.

“Is everything alright ?” Gray asked.

She nodded shyly. The images of their first meeting came back to her mind and she felt embarrassed.

“Ju…Juvia is sorry if she did or said anything embarrassing last time.”

Gray shook his head negatively.

“Quite the opposite. It made me happy to be able to speak and act normally in front of someone who didn't know who I was.”

Juvia realized that Gray's life must be very different from what she imagined. He was a celebrity scrutinized by everyone and the slightest misstep could end his career. The door opened abruptly and Gajeel entered.

******

Juvia turned over on the other side of the bed, clutching the Gray plush she had sewn. She could not sleep and stared at Gray's poster. They had seen each other several times, usually at Gajeel's. When they were outside, he always wore his cap, his sunglasses and a mask so he could not to be recognized.

It had been two weeks since the band traveled to the north of the country for a series of concerts which introduced the start of their tour. Gray was supposed to be back in town in three days. During the time he was away, Juvia had plenty of time to think about how she felt. She had gotten to know him and she had learned to make the distinction between Gray Fullbuster and Gray the idol.

The more time passed, the more she loved the real Gray. She loved him when he was happy or grumpy. When he got angry when Gajeel laughed at him. When he smiled at her when he heard her humming one of his songs. She liked his qualities and his faults. She had never felt this way for anyone and since he left, she missed him. She wondered if he felt the same. Probably not, she thought sadly. For him, she was just Gajeel's friend and one of his fan.

******

“Calm down,” Gajeel said. “You will end up tearing it by dint of tighten it like that.”

Juvia slightly loosened the bag containing the Gray plush she was holding against her and took a deep breath to calm herself. The band Fairy Tail was in town to give their concert. Thanks to Gray, Juvia and Gajeel had been able to go behind the scenes. Juvia had brought the Gray plush with her and she hoped she could give it to him.

She was both eager and anxious to see him again. Thousands of questions and possibilities raced through her head. How would their reunion be going on ? Had he thought of her ? Did he miss her as much as she missed him ? Her heart was beating faster as they approached the dressing rooms.

Juvia opened her eyes wide in wonder. Everything was as she had imagined. The band was here with the musicians and the staff. Some concentrated, others warmed up their voices or had their makeup done. Among all these people, Juvia saw Gray. He was at the back of the room, seated on a chair and concentrating on a score. He looked up and smiled when he saw Juvia and Gajeel. She waved at him and he waved back.

“Everyone, hurry up, it's time to go,” the band manager shouted.

The room gradually emptied and Juvia told Gajeel that she would join him in the concert hall. He smiled at her, wishing her good luck. He sincerely hoped that Gray would accept Juvia's plush and feelings. He knew they could be happy together. Juvia shyly approached Gray. He smiled blushing, and lightly scratched his cheek, embarrassed.

“I'm glad to see you again,” he said.

“Juvia too.”

She felt the fear she had for this reunion vanish. She had the courage to give him the plush.

“Juvia wanted to give you this.”

She handed him the bag, which he accepted. He took the plush out of it and opened his eyes wide. He had not expected to see a plush that looked like him and on closer inspection, he saw that it was handmade. It would have embarrassed him if someone else had given him this gift. Seeing all these goodies bearing the image of him embarrassed him. But coming from Juvia, it made him happy. He looked up at her. He restrained himself from laughing, seeing her face. She was both happy to give him his gift and anxious waiting for his reaction.

“I love it.”

A huge smile lit up Juvia's face. Gray was about to tell her something else when his manager arrived.

“Gray !” he exclaimed. “What are you still doing here? Hurry up !”

He left as quickly as he had arrived.

“Juvia is going to meet Gajeel.”

She was about to leave, but Gray grabbed her hand.

“Wait, I want to talk to you.”

He took a deep breath to give himself courage. He was not one to easily talk about his feelings, but for Juvia, he was willing to open up to her.

“This time spent away from you got me thinking. I missed you. A lot. It's the first time I've felt this. It's as if you are in my heart and in my head and you refuse to leave. What I mean is...”

He nervously ran his hand through his hair.

“I love you.”

Juvia threw herself into his arms. She kissed him and Gray kissed her back with as much enthusiasm. Nothing mattered anymore but Juvia's lips on his and her body pressed against his. He felt like he was in another world and he did not want to leave.

“Gray !” His manager yelled.

Juvia and Gray moved away. Gray rolled his eyes and Juvia laughed lightly.

“I'll meet you after the concert,” he said as he kissed her knuckle.

Juvia nodded and Gray walked away as the manager screamed once again. When Juvia was sure she was alone, she jumped up and exploded with joy. Gray loved her. He had just confessed to her that he was in love with her and they had kissed. It was a dream come true and she could not be happier. She heard the first song start in the distance. She rushed to the concert hall to find Gajeel, where Gray was going to sing just for her.

The end

[absolutebozo]

So. In light of Clown's recent Welcome Home Update. I'm going to post the story for an AU my friend and I came up with together. This was completed on June 5, 2023. This is technically just part 1 but I have not even thought of starting part 2.

Shadows in a Wonderful Little Home.

Chapter 1: Setting up

What if the puppets were based on real actors? What if something sinister was lurking on set? This AU is based on the puppet as actors who control the puppets and is inspired from a picture of Julie that Clown made. I don't remember if it's canon or not.

A little Author's Note. I do not own Welcome Home or any of the characters. The rights to them belong to Clown. Credit to my homie for helping me make this AU.

Narrator's POV:

The eight cast members: Wally Darling, Barnaby B. Beagle, Howdy Pillar, Sally Starlet,  Julie Joyful, Poppy Partridge, Eddie Dear, and Frank Dear, had all known each other and for quite a while. Some for longer than others. Like Barnaby and Wally having been friends since childhood, Frank and Julie also being child hood friends, and Frank and Eddie having been married for six years.

Since all eight of them were very good friends, they decided to make a show together. A show called "Welcome Home." Of course because of all their fame in Hollywood films, it wasn't hard to get their pitch approved by a producer. Before long, production of the show was well under way.

Of course, all eight had helped design the set and made prominent desicions   in how things would be set up. A lot of the desicions were based off of the actors real life interests and past. For example, Eddie being a mail man. Eddie had worked as a mailman in his home town when he met Frank and decided to give acting a try. Sally came from a famous family of film producers, hence her last name. She produced some of her own films and plays too. Howdy had helped run the family grocery store while working odd acting jobs and taking off in his career as an actor. The building was laid out in a way where the actors dressing rooms were along the edge of the building, and the two sets (the neighborhood and the forest surrounding Home) were in the middle so they could have adequate space when acting. There was, of course, the same sets, but smaller so that whenever the puppets were used instead of live action, everything would remain proportional.

"I never realized how much went into producing our own show," Julie sighed as she flopped dramatically onto one of the couches in the common are. "Why didn't you say anything Sally? You're the one with producing knowledge, maybe give your friends a heads-up next time?"

"It's not my fault you didn't think it through Julie. You've been an actor in how many movies now?" Sally retorted back playfully. "Hmph," Julie let out while turning her head the other way. "Anyhow, everything seems to be going just fine. Isn't that right Poppy?" Howdy said, turning to the worry-wart of the group. "That's right Howdy. Everything is going jusy splendidly. We haven't run into many hiccups with production of what we want yet! I take that as a good sign." Poppy replied back. "Well, not yet at least. We all know how demanding Wally can be," Barnaby said jokingly, poking his best friend in the arm. "*gasp* I'll have you know, I'm not that demanding. Just meticulous in how I want things done. Like how much hairspray I need in the morning, where my apples are placed, how many apples I have every day-" Wally said, but was cut off by Barnaby plopping his big hand on Wally's face. "I know buddy. I was just joking around." The others giggled at the interaction between the two before heading back to their dressing rooms to start the days production. Every one was always so giddy to get the day started, especially recently since the building of the set was almost finished

---------------------------------------------------------

"What. What is that?" One of the set builders, Johnny, asked while looking at the floor. "That looks like. Like a pentagram." Macy, another set builder responded back. "S-so. The rumors are true? I thought that the boss said it WASN'T true!?" Johnny said, starting to freak out a little bit. "I mean, obviously this place was used as the base for a satanic cult and its rituals. How else do you explain the pentagram in the middle of the building?" Macy said back sarcastically. "Listen, we don't speak a word of this. To anyone. We'll just, cover it up. Paint over it and keep building. None of their rituals probably worked anyway" Macy said to Johnny, in hopes that this would calm him down a bit. "B-but. Why shouldn't we tell them? Isn't this, kind of important?" Johnny asked. He turned to Macy slowly. "It's not important if they don't know about it. Hand me the paint bucket." Macy said, starting to get a little exasperated with Johnny.

---------------------------------------------------------

"YAY! The set is finally done!" Wally exclaimed happily. "I-m glad we were just able to fit everything in the building and still have Home as the center of the building. It adds something I can't explain, the fact that Home is in the middle." Frank replied back. The eight of them decided that the shows message was going to be inclusivity. With Wally's character and house being in the middle since he was autistic but still really popular as an actor. The seven other cast members unanimously decided to have Wally as the main character because of this, even going so far as to put Wally's house in the very middle. Of course, Wally wasn't the only autistic one, Frank was also autistic, but Wally is a young, up-and-coming star. Everyone decided it would be important to show that you can be young, successful, and neurodivergent. Not that Frank was old, he was only 27, and Wally was 21.

Was. 

| Next |

[danceofthephilos]

Kaoru Sakurayashiki Character Intro + Hikaru Midorikawa Interview (spoon.2Di vol.71)

"Carla, calculate the angle."

Kaoru Sakurayashiki

"S" Name: Cherry Blossom Birthday: March 27th One of the big names at "S". Assisted by his AI partner Carla, he calculates the theoretical best way to skate. His public face is that of a famous AI calligrapher. He and Nanjo are childhood friends, and fight like cats and dogs.

Hikaru Midorikawa Interview

—Midorikawa-san, what sort of person do you feel Cherry Blossom is? Could you tell us any dialogue or scenes you think are key to understanding Cherry Blossom's character?

He's an overly complicated character, so I still don't understand him very well. (wry laughter) However, if I make a mistake in my performance, I can be corrected on it, and that's a part of acting I enjoy as well. It'd be nice to see how he came to be like this depicted someday. (laughter) As for what's important at this stage, that would be his constant low-level arguments with Joe. (laughter)

—What do you consider important in portraying Cherry Blossom, and what direction did you receive?

Like I said just a moment ago, his fighting with Joe is over the top to the point of being childish. (laughter) And delivering lines with a low center of gravity to make it feel like he's riding his board.

—In the episodes up to 7 that have been broadcast so far, are there any of Cherry Blossom's scenes or dialog that have had a particularly lasting impression on you?

Naturally, his scenes with Joe. Is it that they get along so well they can argue? (laughter) I thought Cherry was a cool character type at first, so I had the feeling like, "You're really going that far!?" but now I've completely gotten used to it. (laughter) Also, I'm interested in how kind he is to Carla. Why? (laughter)

—Cherry Blossom is constantly arguing with Joe, but Midorikawa-san, how do you feel about Cherry Blossom and Joe's relationship? What did you consider important when you were playing their interactions?

If they really had a bad relationship, they probably wouldn't take things that far. (laughter) Because there are so many scenes like that, we have to be mindful of keeping up a good tempo. I'm sure they've known each other for a long time and been repeating themselves for aaaaaaages, so it has to feel smooth, doesn't it? (wry laughter)

—Regarding Cherry Blossom, Joe, and ADAM, what impression do you have of them? Could you also give us your impressions of ADAM's skating scenes in episodes 4 and 5?

Something definitely happened between them in the past, didn't it? It's funny how Cherry has some kind of burning desire to fight him, but keeps getting flippantly ignored by ADAM. (laughter) As for ADAM's skating, it's absolutely crazy. (laughter) But it makes me want to watch it over and over again, or rather, it's addictive. (wry laughter)

—And what are your impressions of the student characters, Reki and Langa?

Absolutely adorable! Pure! Please skate together for your whole lives! ♪

—Is there anything in the upcoming story you think we should pay particular attention to, or look forward to?

How will Reki, who hasn't yet gotten to do anything protagonist-like, shape up to fill the position of a protagonist? (wry laughter) Also, Reki and Langa's friendship. I'd like them to keep being friends for a loooooong time.

(from spoon.2Di, volume 71 - February 2021)

[seolinah]

some new test muses -- if you're interested give this a like and i'll message you or lmk which one you like and i'll write you a starter with them !

park jae-hwa | fc: go min-so | social media influencer & model | vampire (if spn verse) | bisexual

selfish and greedy, does what's necessary to get what she wants; uses her looks to get ahead; deeply insecure about her upbringing so she lies about her past; relies heavily on her brother to get her out of the consequences of her actions

zachary davis | fc: josh hutcherson | journalist | heterosexual

awkward loner type but tries badly to socialize; came from nothing and has had to work twice as hard to get anywhere in his life; always trying to find the next big story to try and make a name for himself

johanna ryeo | fc: catherine haena kim | cello player | bisexual

was considered child prodigy in the music world; used to perfection in all aspects of her life and very ambitious; willing to do what it takes to remain on top and relevant

simone jensen | fc: rachel hilson | tutor & graduate student | bisexual

makes a living tutoring students of rich families in english, history, and piano; typically hates the families she works but is jealous of what they have

park jae-sung | fc: lee jongsuk | software engineer | vampire (if spn verse) | bisexual

was expected to take care of his family, especially his sister, and grew kind of resentful of it; tends to be on the antisocial side; if a vampire - cannot control his thirst & was turned against his will by his sister

jennifer chu | fc: son na-eun | dancer | bisexual

l*ve quinn coded; desperately wants to be in love and loved but is afraid they won't like the real her; can be on the obsessive side and will form a co-dependent/toxic relationship with you; will kill to protect someone she loves

hannah won | fc: yang hyeji | interior designer | bisexual

based on the book home before dark by riley sager; her family's famous because her father wrote a best selling "memoir" about their family fleeing a haunted house they lived in while she was a child; estranged from her family bc she thinks it's all lies despite not remembering anything about her childhood; has currently inherited said-haunted house after her parents' passing

carina torres | fc: carmela zumbado | former actress | bisexual

washed-up child/teen actress who barely gets roles anymore; constantly in tabloids for poor behavior; recently is growing concerned about her money drying up and very desperate to keep her current lifestyle up

david crawford | fc: penn badgley | mostly unemployed | heterosexual

libby day from dark places coded; sole survivor of a family murder that became an unsolved cold case; has made a living through donations he received from anonymous strangers but that well has slowly been drying up as he got older; makes appearances or speaks publicly for a fee

samuel hino | fc: andrew koji | professor | heterosexual

son of a serial killer; turned in his father for his crimes once his father tried to get him to kill too; still struggles with what he's grown up with; is concerned will end up having the same darkness as his father and maybe already does but doesn't know it yet

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

More Vast!Jon AU

I am back on my self-indulgent bullshit with this one, folks.

Martin/Jon Childhood Friends

YouTube Baker Martin!

Famous Photographer Jon!

A plane crash! Angst! Drama!

Stoker brothers!

Archivist Sasha!

The thing that's really interesting about this story is that Simon Fairchild would absolutely not bother withholding information from Jon.

So this adventure? Is going in very different directions.

---------------------

Martin listens.

He tries to understand.

The sky ate Jon, he thinks, and has trouble believing it even with evidence of his senses.

Even with knowing Jon, who is so no-nonsense he practically only reads fiction.

“This is a lot, Jon.”

“Tell me about it. If I hadn’t… if…” Jon sighs. “I’m afraid. I’m so afraid.” He covers his face with his hands. “They told me there’s no way out. I can’t quit, or be myself again. And if I don’t somehow give this thing people’s fear, it’s going to… to eat me. They were so matter-of-fact about it.” He laughs, unsteadily. “They really made it clear. Showed me. I…” He swallows. “I suppose I’m grateful enough. They were sort of kind.”

“Sort of kind?”

Jon shrugs, not meeting his eyes.

Martin does not know the Fairchilds. 

He does not like the Fairchilds.

He does not like this, Jon visibly miserable, uncertain, afraid. 

Jon hasn’t looked like this since middle school, when Martin decided to end the bullying by befriending everyone and making them like Jon.

It had half worked, anyway. The bullying calmed down, and Martin helped Jon focus on his photography, and they made it through.

Still wouldn’t go back to that age for any money, he thinks, and shakes off the recollection. “Are they… I mean, do you even have to talk to them again?”

“Not really? I mean, there’s a plan. Simon said I can use my photos to protect myself.”

“To… scare people into feeding the sky god?” says Martin.

“The Vast. It’s not just the sky. It’s deep water and unseen horizon. It’s empty space and insignificance. It’s losing yourself in the enormity of the universe until there is no you anymore, and nothing ever mattered.” Jon stares at nothing as he says this, and it is…

His tone is…

Humming, smooth, hypnotic, just slightly roughened as if with fear, or as if with something else, or maybe a combination of fear and else, and Martin has never heard Jon speak that way before about anything.

He’s leaning in before he catches himself, pulls back, just barely.

Damn near kissed him. 

Damn near fell with him, because that’s what Martin wants to do.

He exhales slowly. “So, uh. Wow?”

Jon laughs weakly. “Wow.”

“Your photos can really feed the god? Or whatever it is?”

“Simon said so.”

“You’re taking him at his word a lot.”

“He’s about five hundred years old, so I think he knows what he’s doing,” Jon mumbles.

Okay, so that one takes a minute to process. 

“Are you going to age?” says Martin.

“I have no idea.” Jon rubs his face. “It… treats everyone a little differently. Apparently, my photos work because I’m marked by more than one of these things.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s another Entity called the Eye? Or the Beholding? I’m not really clear. It’s not Simon’s thing, so he didn't go into it. Instead, he's got an appointment for me with someone named Elias Bouchard to explain it to me better.”

Martin is very still for a moment.

Then he pulls out his phone. Taps. “You sure it’s Elias Bouchard?”

“Yes. Why?”

“So, uh. My press pass?”

“From the Magnus Institute?”

“Guess who’s head of it?”

“No!” Jon leans right up against him and grabs Martin’s hand to tilt the phone his way.

It’s one of those Jon movements, just utterly unselfconscious and unaware of proximity or touch. How he’s always been with Martin, more comfortable (it seems) with Martin’s skin than his own.

Martin swallows and tries not to think anything he oughtn’t.

“That can’t be the same person,” says Jon, sounding vaguely offended. “Coincidences like this do not happen.”

“At least Sasha says he’s fine as a boss?” says Martin. “Leaves her alone, mostly.”

“Who’s Sasha?”

“Danny’s ex, Tim’s new beau.”

“That was fast,” says Jon.

“You know those Stokers. No grass under their feet, or whatever.”

Jon does know those Stokers. He shakes his head and moves right along. “The appointment’s in two days. I…” He sighs heavily. “I need to talk to those reporters. It’s important to prep people for my new photos.”

“You sound like you’ve already taken them?”

So Jon rummages in his bag, brings out his camera, and shows him.

Even on the tiny screen, the power of these things jolts Martin to his core. 

They are stunning. Horrifying. Glorious.

They are freefall, and he doesn’t know how to explain how a still, small image can do that. “Wow,” he whispers.

“Yeah,” says Jon, and it is very clear he’s proud of them, without reservation.

Martin’s not sure how he feels about that. “So you want those reporter-people’s numbers?”

“Want them? No. But I think I should at least do the interviews. Even if I don’t use the photos, talking about the crash is a good career move.”

“Jon… what about your team?” says Martin very quietly.

There is a perilous moment of silence while Jon tries to keep it together.

He can’t. He curls forward, covers his face, and starts to cry.

Martin holds him. Pulls him back down onto the Murphy Bed. Holds him.

They can talk about next-of-kin or whatever when Jon’s done.

This quiet moment, of comfort and grief, of nakedness and safety, is more important than fear gods or photos or Simon Fucking Fairchild.

Martin is willing to wait.

For Jon, he always will.

[he1st]

PLOTTING  CHEAT  SHEET,  but  ranked  like  they're  characters  in  a  game  that  you  have  to  " beat ".   choose  your  fighter,  i  guess.   please  click  on  the  [ ♡ ]  and  i'll  approach  you  for  plotting.

GIANNA  LOMBARDI.   level :   beginner.   gianna  is  generally  nice,  maybe  a  slight  judgmental  if  your  fashion  sense  isn't  aligned  with  hers  or  she  just  thinks  it's  ugly.   she  networks  a  lot,  too,  so  it  makes  sense  for  muses  to  know  her.   especially  the  famous  or  famous  adjacent  ones.   potential  dynamic  ideas  include :   your  muse  being  her  client,  wlw  ships  that  could  be  anything  from  friends  to  lovers  /  rivals  to  lovers,  platonic  friends,  party  friends,  circumstantial  friends.

MIGUEL  ZAPATA.   level :   easy.   friendly,  chill,   &   an  overall  good  time.   who  doesn't  wanna  hang  out  with  a  retired  drug  dealer   &   car  enthusiast  who  still  has  all  his  connections?   potential  dynamic  ideas  include :   he  used  to  be  your  muse's  plug,   rival  dealers  or  old  dealer  friends,  friends  he  parties  with,  racers  who  were  friends  with  his  family  members  when  they  still  lived  in  nyc,  childhood  friends,  friends  with  benefits,  exes.

BENNY  JOVILLAR.   level :   intermediate.   benny  is  overall  friendly   &   good  natured,  but  suspicious   &   untrusting  due  to  his  lines  of  work.   i  mean,  you'd  also  be  this  way  if  you  work  around  cops  as  your  9 - 5  then  end  the  night  perched  with  a  sniper  rifle   &   eyes  on  your  victim.   please  note :   your  muse  will  never  know  he's  a  hitman  unless  it's  something  that  has  been  extensively  plotted.   benny  is  entirely  serious  about  keeping  his   &   jo's  identities  a  secret.   probably  the  only  thing  he's  serious  about.   potential  dynamics  include :   friends  from  work  ( those  who  work  in  law  enforcement  or  law  enforcement  adjacent  fields ),  general  friends  he  could've  met  at  parties  or  clubs  or  the  bars  he  frequents,  lovers,  exes,  neighbors.

HEART  BEAUMONT.   level :   intermediate.   look,  heart  isn't  difficult  to  befriend,  but  she's  definitely  judgmental  and  not  the  kind  of  person  you'd  want  to  befriend  because  frankly... she  can  be  mean.   thread  ideas :   your  muse  helping  her  with  a  PI  case,  or  someone  giving  her  gossip,  going  out  for  drinks  with  heart,  telling  heart  stories  because  she  loves  that.   dynamics :   neighbors,  friends,  bffs,  enemies,  someone  heart  teaches  how  to  play  the  violin  in  her  down  time.   the  possibilities  are  indeed  endless!   heart  will  love  you  more  if  you're  judgmental  and  always  have  gossip  or  if  you  tell  her  stories.

JOSEPHINE  " JO "  GATLIN.   level :   hard.   your  muse  can  know  jo  as  one  of  two  identities  :   the  matchmaker,  or  as  jo  gatlin,  the  bar  owner   and  violinist.   not  both,  unless  plotted  extensively.   josephine  keeps  the  list  of  people  who  know  her  criminal  identity  very  small  though  she  may  meet  some  criminals  in  person,  she  wouldn't  tell  them  her  real  name.   with  that  being  said,  potential  dynamics  include :   clients  who  often  seek  her  resources,  criminals  who  rely  on  her  to  make  ends  meet  or  for  jobs  in  general,  friends  who  run  in  similar  circles  if  they're  wealthy,  business  partners  the  matchmaker's  server  could  partner  with.

ANTONIO  LA  RUSSA.   level :   hard.   sigh.   antonio  is  a  kind  person,  however  he's  not  a  people  person.   his  work  keeps  him  busy,  and  he  tends  to  be  a  lone  wolf,  anyway.   he  has  plenty  of  acquaintances  and  some  real  friends,  but  it's  really  a  small  circle.   however,  one  of  the  dynamics  can  be  that  your  muse  and  antonio  are  friends  and  see  each  other  quite  a  bit  or  they're  both  in  the  business  field  and  network  a  lot  so  they're  always  seeing  each  other  at  events.

SECRET  MENU  MUSES.   these  are  the  muses  you  might  become  familiar  with  if  we  have  threads  or  talk  about  the  muses  ooc.   by  request  only.

RUSTY  BARING.   level :   easy.   rusty  is  pretty  easy-going  and  getting  along  with  him  isn't  difficult.   he  likes  bad  jokes,  drinking,  smoking  weed  with  his  friends,  and  overall  having  a  good  time.   rusty  isn't  really  trusting,  but  he's  easy  to  make  shallow  friends  with,  and  he's  fun.   potential  thread  ideas  include :   meeting  rusty  at  a  party  or  the  restaurant  where  he  works,  smoking  sessions,  him  as  a  shoulder  to  cry  on,  etc.   dynamic  ideas :   best  friends,  ride  or  dies,  even  high  school  friends  from  his  hometown  who  visit  glasgow.   he's  really  all  about  the  soft  dynamics.

THEO  DABNEY.   level :   easy.   theo  is  our  resident  sweetheart.   loves  people.   the  embodiment  of  the  chatty  bartender  trope  who  you  can  spill  all  your  problems  to.   non-judgmental.   possible  threads :   your  muse  meeting  theo  at  a  party  or  at  the  bar  for  the  first  time,  smoking  sessions  with  theo,  hanging  out  with  theo  in  general.   dynamics :   also  one  for  soft  dynamics,  your  muse  can  be  a  regular  at  the  bar,  theo  and  your  muse  can  be  really  good  friends  ( bonus  points  if  they're  good  friends  with  both  theo  and  rusty ),  sibling-figures,  exes  ( theo  is  bi  so  anything  goes ),  friends  from  when  he  was  trying  to  be  a  comedian.

FRIDA  DABNEY.   level :   easy.   the  daughter  of  olympia   &   theo.   aspiring  rnb  singer  who  isn't  aware  of  her  parents  being  criminals.   potential  dynamics :   musicians  who  are  willing  to  show  her  the  ropes,  aunts  or  uncle  figures  who  are  friends  with  her  parents,  friends,  lovers,  exes.

CATARINA  CASWELL.   level :   extreme.   cat's  rude  and  petty.   she  loves  making  fun  of  people  in  the  name  of  humor,  and  judging  people  as  well.   coming  from  a  rich  family  and  being  an  influencer,  she  thinks  everyone  should  know  who  she  is.   feel  free  to  humble  her.   or,  your  muse  and  her  can  plot  her  sister's  death.   up  to  you.  

[onwriting-hrarby]

How’d you like the show?! I agree it was very differnt I consider them two different pieces of media myself

I think the changes suited the show but I find it a shame that two of my favorite camila scenes were cut or lacked the impact they had in the book :,)

Oh oh anon get ready for a rant! My thoughts about differences film vs book:

Okay so far I'm liking the show because I'm seeing it as a total different thing, but overall I wouldn't say that the show is better whatsoever, and most of the changes just don't make sense regarding the story of the book.

One of the things is that the book READS like a show, like a false documentary, and I think it would have been so interesting to maintain the main aspects of it: the unreliability, the shorter scene cuts (can we talk about Warren's obsession with Karen fucking Bones?! And how I was laughing every time he came up with it and then Graham kept like telling how he was fucking Karen?) and, overall, the severity in which they spoke all the time. The book had you hooked not because you knew it would end badly (how the series puts it) but because you didn't know the truth. I truly don't understand how you have a great base material for a show and you don't stick to it. Even in said dialogues... The dialogues in the book are just BETTER. Use them!

What they did to some characters doesn't make sense to me, or it's another series completely. Getting rid of Pete, although Pete just gives his version at the end (I actually thought, in the book, that he had died before giving the interview, similarly to Chuck) makes sense in a casting point of view but, again, it diminishes the resentment the band has towards those days. The relationship between Graham and Karen doesn't feel organic: why does Carol appear? In the book, Graham and Karen know each other A LONG TIME before Karen develops feelings, and it's not because she is suddenly jealous. God, that is... just not Karen! Karen who always wants to be an assured woman, who really calls the shots... To fall into this cliché again... Also: Eddie. Why, why is he in love with Camilla? For God's sake, it's easy enough to hate Billy! In the book, I hated Billy too. But in the show, they put him like the two goody-shoes, talented front man who messes up constantly and yes, okay, he's a little bit narcissistic BUT in the book he is INCREDIBLY narcissistic and that's why Eddie can't stand him. What they did to Camilla... I am raging. Camilla is the mother SUPERIOR in the book. She is caring and understanding but also not afraid of anything, and similarly to Karen, she calls the shots the majority of the time. I feel like they got rid of so many Camilla scenes in which she says that she chooses this path with Billy but Billy also chooses this path with Camilla. Their love in the book is not romantic, is not a triangle, because Billy knows what's at stake and doesn't want to lose it. And Daisy—Daisy was already famous when she met The Six. Everyone in LA knew her, being it for the night scene or for her music. I really liked that the stardom of Daisy in the book was much more organic in how she opened for The Six before joining the band. In having her like "a wonder" they diminished her perseverance and her hard work. They also made her (and Billy) less of an addicts, or they don't really show that part, and I felt like I was just watching two egos without the addiction, which I feel is one of the topics of the book.

But the worse, for me, was how they change the message of the book in the film... The book talks about perseverance: in love, in staying clean, in music, in your job. I love the way Billy refuses to be with Daisy in the book because he doesn't want to mess up what he has with Camilla, because he loves Camilla and wants to be a good father. He's a character with strong ideals that despises his own childhood and knows how difficult it was for him and Graham, so he does everything possible to not be the same. Similarly for Daisy, her childhood was horrible until she started writing music. Her love for Billy doesn't come of romantic love, but it's the first time that someone sees her for what she really is—a talented, worthy individual—and Billy portrays this kind of admiration because he is also good. Daisy, in the book, doesn't fit into the band. They are not the "found family" I felt they were in the series, and that's alright, because Daisy is not looking for another family, she's looking for a profession that dignifies her. By changing Billy and Daisy's relationship in the show—and I think I spoilt myself the ending, which enraged me further—they completely changed the message and the theme and they made it a show about LOVE. And the book is not about LOVE! The show felt Hollywood for me. The book, the main thing I liked from it, is that it wasn't. It's so human. It's so—"job". It talks about job, music, passion and the ways it makes us horrible and we try to keep it up. It doesn't talk about a man who falls in love with a co front-man but they are bad for each other and they choose not to stay together, oh, two flames burning! Even all of the other characters have the "love" theme revolving around them (Eddie and Camilla, Karen and her jealousy, SIMONE AND BERNIE!). Can't we just... can't we just appreciate friendship and professional connections without implying that all that happens is because of romantic love? Gosh!

So, too long to read: I like the series and the book because they read differently. But I would never, ever for a life, tell someone to just see the series. The book is amazing, intelligent, witty, mature. The series are some romance series. Which is fine if you're looking for romance, but not if you're looking for the topics in the series.

how did you like it??? i'm open to discussion because it has been my hyperfixation these last few days!

[writtenendings]

Cheryl Crane- An Important Parallel to Evelyn Hugo

(Cheryl Crane and her mother Lana Turner, accessed from IMDB)

I recently finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins-Reid. It is a 5/5 and I highly recommend reading it if you haven't yet. I'm in a book hangover from it, and naturally that means I'm readings anything online I can find about it.

I'm not sure this has been stated anywhere, but as far as I'm aware TJR hasn't directly named her, but I think her story is very relevant and has some interesting parallels to the story. Obviously, as with Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth, there are many differences between them and the characters the book presented, but I think she's worth acknowledging.

Cheryl Crane (CC initials is also interesting, could be coincidental, Connor Cameron?) was the sole child of Lana Turner, who was a Hollywood it-girl that many lauded as a sex-symbol that was remarkable for her acting abilities (this could be compared to Celia's image which contrasted Evelyn or Ruby). Turner had also had 7 marriages, and Cheryl was born during her marriage to Stephen Crane. They divorced quickly, and Cheryl was raised in LA, where she was "famous at birth and pampered silly" (Connor had a similar upbringing).

When she was 14, Cheryl stabbed her mother's lover to death while defending her from his domestic abuse. She was found to be justified in the act of self-defense, but faced a lot of media attention that only compounded with the trauma she had undergone. In my mind, this is reflected in both Evelyn's own childhood with her father and in how Connor is always under the public eye, so when she acts out in her early teens, it isn't private but something published on front covers.

Most importantly, in my opinion, is Cheryl's identity and memoir. She fell in love with a model named Joyce LeRoy, and revealed her identity publicly in a memoir in 1988. Joyce was her one true love, finally marrying in 2014 (which could have reflected the changing social acceptance of queer people, and it had only been legalized in 2013 in California where they resided). In some articles, they refer to Joyce with the nickname "Josh". I'm unable to find anywhere that elaborates, but this could be a pseudonym like 'Edward' that allowed them to more covertly communicate. Cheryl actually ended up being diagnose with Breast Cancer, which she recovered from and is living quite a quiet life. Much of the information we have is from ghost-written memoirs from 1988 and 2011 (the second focused on her mother and published after her death).

When Cheryl had told her mother the plan to write about her identity and relationship (she had already come out to her at 13, which initially shocked her mother but she quickly came to understand it), Lana Turner had expressed concern over what kinds of social stigma it would open them up to (Lana seemed to be, first and foremost, concerned with protecting the people she loved similarly to Evelyn. She didn't care about her daughter being a Lesbian, but what the world would do because of it). Lana stated that Cheryl's partner, Joyce, felt like a second daughter to her.

Later, when Cheryl was publishing mystery novels, many of her interviews remind me of the way Hugo would answer. When asked if she wished she was just Cheryl Crane and not The Cheryl Crane, she said she wouldn't change a thing, that she loved her mother. When asked about her mother's legacy mainly being the scandals she was involved in, Cheryl said that this wild life has kept her image alive when so many were forgotten.

[eugesounds]

A Saxophonist’s Journey

I have been a full-time musician for most of my adult life. I have not gone more than a few days without playing an instrument of some sort since the summer between my junior and senior years of high school.... and that was...gulp, about 50 years ago.

I am not famous and I am not rich, but I have a lifetime of amazing memories, many fantastic friends and colleagues in the industry, and a long history of great students that I feel very fortunate to have spent time with, and have hopefully helped along on their own musical journeys.

My earliest memories are almost all related to music. My parents had an old RCA Hi-fi in our living room. It was a magical box that would come to life with a warm glow, a comforting hum, and an enticing "electronic" smell. It emitted sounds that made the whole family smile and I was a big fan of all of it. When I was 4 years old I stood in front of that console imitating Louis Armstrong. I even kept my dad's handkerchief in my front pants pocket as a prop. Hello Dolly always brought the house down for the aunts and uncles.

Growing up Italian in NJ, it's only natural that Frank Sinatra's voice became the soundtrack of my childhood. I once asked my mom if we could "turn the volume down" as Sid Mark's radio show "Friday with Frank" blared from the living room at dinner time. She looked me dead in the eye, pointed down at the floor and said "Go eat in the basement". True story, but I digress.

My mom and dad loved to dance, so their record collection was full of great LP’s from the Big Band and swing eras. I would spend hours listening to old 78’s by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and others. And if there was someone my father admired slated to be on late-night television, he would wake me up so that we could watch them together.  I can still hear my mom saying "Arnold, just let him sleep!”. Those moments were so very special and they made a huge impact on me.

I was constantly trying to make music on anything I could get my hands on, from pots and pans to toy instruments. I'd tap out melodies on glasses full of water that were left on the table after a holiday dinner, trying to imitate something I saw on Ed Sullivan no doubt. I remember watching a half-time marching band show and then seeking out an old Maxwell House coffee can with a plastic lid to drum along.

I constantly asked my parents for any sort of toy instrument they might find and they provided me with a steady supply of plastic trumpets, small keyboards, slide whistles, and harmonicas. They made the mistake of getting me a snare drum one Christmas, but later came to their senses and allowed me to order a beautiful wooden Hohner recorder with a few leftover books of Green Stamps (look it up kids). By the way, the snare drum is long gone, but I still have the recorder.

There is one event from my childhood that looms larger than any other and accounts for why I chose saxophone as my main instrument when I had the chance. When I was 7 years old my mom sent me to get a haircut at "Uncle Lou's". Lou Cipriano was my godfather and a barber by trade. I'd walk over to his shop that was about a half mile from our house and he'd cut my hair. On this particular occasion I was walking home with a "fresh do" and happened upon what must have been a Memorial Day parade. 

As I made my way closer to the marchers, a magical sound caught my ear. I inched closer to catch a glimpse and stood mesmerized as a line of army veterans wearing period fatigues, complete with the flattish, "dough-boy" helmets, and brown boots laced up to just below the knee, approached. They were playing (what I now know as) curved soprano saxophone and I still get chills remembering that moment. It was as if the Universe was saying "Oh, you like that? Well that's just fine because you will be doing that exact thing for a very long time".

The distinct sound of those horns leapt into my ears and traveled directly to my core. I vividly remember how stunning, interesting, and beautiful I thought the saxophones were, and I knew instinctively that I could play that instrument if given the chance. I'm sure I stood in awe for many minutes until the men passed out of earshot. But that sound, on that day, has stayed with me my whole life.

A few years later my family moved from New Jersey to Massachusetts and the public school there had a robust music program. So mom, dad and I visited Robinson's Music on a Saturday morning to pick out an instrument. Mr Robinson pointed out the trumpets, clarinets, French horns and his favorite "The slide

trombone!". But there was not a chance in hell that I was leaving the store, on that day, without a saxophone.

I had wonderful teachers and mentors along the way and I enjoyed my time in concert band, marching band, and jazz band. They are some of my most cherished musical memories and I remain in touch with many buddies from those days, some of whom still make music an integral part of their lives. That's a huge testament to our teachers who encouraged us at every level.

As I mentioned up front, there was a short time between my junior and senior year of high school that I just put the horn down and was unsure if I wanted to play any more. But who was I kidding? My academics were woeful (I still don't get math) and music was one constant in my life. I distinctly remember my dad taking me aside that summer and saying "You want to quit? It's up to you. But God gave you a gift." And that really struck a chord with me as I was reminded of those soldiers marching by all those years ago.

I decided to attend the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I never desired to teach in a school system and instead opted to teach privately and pursue a playing career. You've probably never heard of me and that's fine. I have a wonderful studio full of students and get to play with a bunch of great musicians in and around the Dallas area where I make my home. 

With all of the distractions available today, I am happy to report that people of all ages still have the desire to learn saxophone, often after experiencing a musical moment like the one I had. I have a small YouTube channel where I post videos about once a week. I don't edit or add any special effects and almost every one was done in “one-take” so you’ll hear some goof ups now and again. I simply try to present that same, pure sound that I heard when I was 7 years old outside of Uncle Lou's barber shop, with the hope that I might encourage folks on their own musical  journey.