#I’ve always loved the look of capes with bright inner linings so I’m looking for an excuse to design a character w one lol | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

chatonyant · 4 years

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Some hella messy doodles for the shippuden designs! Excuse the every changing details because I am never truly happy with final designs dear lord-

I’ve got design notes! Long wall of words belooowww

Starting with Naruto once again!

his clothes are based off of several unfinished ideas I had of Uzushio and how their proficiency with seals would allow them to be more flamboyant or lighter in their gear. The magic of storage and protective seals!

there are seals embroidered into the inner lining and occasionally the exterior, acting as both armor and pack. Uzushio always seemed like a rather bright place, connected to the sea, so I made the robes generally blue themed but also darker as they are still shinobi in the end and bright colors are harder to hide.

I added a hood because Naruto just,,,, he has modern streetwear vibes. He’d love hoodies

The whole Uzushio inspired ensemble is cause I was thinking that in this au he finds the opportunity to find and visit the island itself. Probably during the time skip, considering it’s hard to really place the discovery of a long lost village within the six-month period between graduation and the chunnin exams

At first I wanted to give him like a mesh crop top to show his seal but then it kinda didn’t have that traditional vibe that I wanted, so I added the kimono top and a red obi with symbols that kinda symbolize the seal (because Naruto connects with Kurama much earlier in this AU)

The headband was honestly ridiculously tricky to place because i was trying to draw this longer hair without making it poof weirdly at the top. Plus I wanted to keep the headband where it was cause,,, cause i was thinking when he goes into tailed beast mode the ribbons flare up to look like Kurama’s ears :”DDD peek design amiright-

his hair. is longer. because i love long hair Naruto to bits and it makes him look like his parents ;;; both of them

the gloves. I have no excuse. They just Look Cool

Sakura:

I gave her an undercut

she deserves it

I didn’t mention this in the other redesign post but she has dimples (though i’m really bad at drawing them

that one scene where she tied up her hair in the Kazekage Rescue Arc was so fucking beautiful I couldn’t resist throwing it in here lmaoooo

i can’t draw it right but imagine the ponytail kinda flowering out like a sakura blossom

I took a lot of different things I liked about the older!Sakura designs and smooshed them in one with my own twist

like sleeveless qipao

Belt from pre-timeskip period stays, except now with an extra medical supply bag

longer pants cause they look nice

Sasuke:

honestly I like his normal shippuden design a lot so i kept most of it

I added a cape though, cause he does travel around a bit

and as i was drawing him the collar reverted to a similar shape to his kid clothes

fun fact

the reason that his outfit remains largely the same is because

Sasuke does leave

the action itself doesn’t change, but the circumstances and the ensuing effects do. quite a bit, actually.

and no it does not take the entirety of shippuden to get him back

because he is not a revenge obsessed angry kid here

the biggest reason for all this change is cause I want to change Orochimaru cause i wanna make him live purely because I love mitsuki so fucking much

also i gave him a little half ponytail cause i wanted to give him longer hair but then realized that idk how to draw that and make it look good sO new style boyos

Kakashi? what are you doing here?:

I wanted to change up Kakashi’s look as well because it’s actually really fun to design these outfits no matter difficult it may be bUT it was difficult because I just... can’t see him without a vest.

Not that i can’t see him without wearing a vest, because i have and it’s good and I like it, but i can’t see him going into battle or on missions without one.

I’ve got this headcannon that the vest is lowkey like a security blanket and it’s this grounding weight whenever he’s in this adrenaline filled situation where he may suffer many varieties of consequences if he’s not careful. It has his tools and it’s his armor. Replacing it with a robe feels like robbing him of something he’s always had and is always used to

he keeps a vest

i modified it a bit to make it more right hand sided (i may headcannon Kakashi to be ambidextrous but there’s no denying he uses his right hand more) and the collar to be a bit thinner

Kakashi is like, made for biker fashion. like leather or denim jackets on motorbikes. So I gave him a haori that emulates that look

Naruto came back, saw that Kakashi didn’t change at ALL and took it as a personal offense and dragged him around to get new threads because “Kakashi-sensei, we all upgraded our closet, you should too!”

kind of a sad headcannon that Kakashi didn’t quite let himself enjoy things that wouldn’t benefit him as a ninja and therefore just stuck to his normal outfit of ninja clothes and jonin vest. Icha Icha was the one exception and he picked it up because he had no idea what to do once he was out of ANBU (i would like to back this hc up by pointing to Boruto where Kakashi no longer really holds himself to this rigid ideal of a ninja and lets loose and has fun with Gai and Mirai)

ANYWAYS

he actually likes the stuff Naruto finds for him, though he has no idea where the boy is actually finding all this shit

some misc info about the outfits:

Naruto began learning sealing after the Wave Arc, and he took to it like a fish to water. (i have uzushio spirit hc that I will tell at a later time)

a rare nugget of information he found about uzushio seals was that they were often stitched into the clothing itself

so Naruto went wild with this

he learned sealing while practicing normal embroidery on the side and as he went on his 2-3 year trip with Jiraiya he learned more and just got better and better

He added the seal to his own haori himself and actually made one for Kakashi too. Kakashi just didn’t see him whip the gift haori from one of the stitched sealing scrolls

embroidering takes a really long time and matching it with sealing? oof, hard work. So he actually only got two done and is in process of Sakura’s next. Now that he’s back in the village, he can talk to her about certain things she would want/need considering Naruto isn’t sure what a medic-nin requires.

he made additional gifts for everyone in team seven (even sasuke, even if he doesn’t know what will happen) and hopefully as time passes little trinkets will start to appear

i just really like the idea of naruto being a really craftsy person. He just keeps making small trinkets except these trinkets have sEALING POWER cause he’s very chaotic with his experiments like that

#naruto #naruto shippuden #uzumaki naruto #haruno sakura #uchiha sasuke #hatake kakashi #team 7 #naruto fanart #au #nart au #alp art #doodles #was trying to figure out in what order i should post my thoughts but bOY i have no idea how #so ill just post as ideas come #hopefully that doesnt get too confusing #JESUS THIS WAS ONE OF MY FIRST DRAFTS AND I STILL HAVENT POSTED IT OOPS

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gaemkyuu · 3 years

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Of Kings & Queens (Part One)

Warnings: none! A/N: Here’s the first part! This is mostly context to the story, with a sneak peak of Prince Charlie! I’ll upload a little more tomorrow! AU!Prince Charlie Gillespie x Fictional Character Disclaimer: This is a FICITONAL writing piece! In no way do I claim characters in this piece act this way in real life.

Masterlist *now taking requests ;)

Part 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4/Part 5/Part 6

Four Kingdoms stood strong. North, East, South and West. Four Royal Families would unite the land. The Blood of Gillespie would rule the cold North, bountiful with forestry and game. The Blood of Shada would rule the Eastern coast and land, mastering the stormy seas and its’ treasures. The Blood of Joyners would rule the hot Southern lands, gathering the resources for petrol that kept the Kingdoms running. The Blood of Lee would rule the golden coast of the Western lands, providing crops and livestock to feed the people. In each Kingdom, a Ruler to bring prosperity and peace to all its’ people.

Dawn was breaking and people were already moving busily about the Western Kingdom. As more people woke, the excitement in the air increased, for today was a special day. Festivities would start early in the day and go late into the night as the Western Kingdom celebrated the coming of age the Princess. Not only was it the Princess’ birthday, it also signified that the Princess was now officially on the Royal Market, searching for a partner to become King of the Western Kingdom. Tonight’s celebration at the castle would bring people from all over the nation, including the royal families from the Eastern, Southern, and Northern kingdoms. Farmers harvested and packed their crops and livestock, Bakers made fresh delights by the dozens, Florists put out their best and brightest flowers and the Merchants polished their wares. This special occasion would bring people from all over the Four Kingdoms to their stores in celebration and vacation. All the work that was being put into the celebration brought the citizens together and united them on this special day.

Well... At least the citizens were excited...

The Princess was awoken by her best friend and handmaiden, much to her displeasure. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head as the curtains in her room were parted, trying to ignore the hustle and bustle going around her. She knew what day it was, and this made her want to stay in bed for much longer. She even debated not getting up at all. As her handmaiden made herself busy and gave directions to other servants that had entered her room, the princess pulled a pillow over her head, trying to make it clear that she had no intention of getting up. With a heavy sigh, her confidant gave the other servants orders and ushered them out before shutting the door softly behind them.

“Liv. I love you and you know how I feel about today, but I would really appreciate it if you would cooperate so we don’t have the queen on our butts this early” the princess groaned and her best friend pulled the covers off her body. She flinched at the bright sunlight streaming into her room.

“I’m not getting up today Sav. It’s not happening” Savannah shook her head and rolled her eyes at her friend. She knew that Olivia could be quite the drama queen, but today she needed her to cooperate so that she wouldn’t fall behind schedule. Savannah glanced at the clock, already knowing that the extra 15 minutes she allotted was now gone.

“Liv, unless you want to bathe in a cold bath, you will get up or so help me I will dump ice water on you myself!” Olivia groaned and finally sat up looking at her best friend with disdain. “Listen, I know you don’t want to do Today. I get it. But you don’t need another reason to get on the nerves of the King and Queen today” Savannah’s voice sounded slightly distressed and Olivia felt a little guilty at her dramatization this morning.

Olivia and Savannah were best friends ever since she could remember. Savannah was the only friend she had growing up in the palace and was the only friend her parents let her have that wasn’t Royalty. Sure, there were the Duchesses and Countesses of the smaller lands in the Western Kingdom, but Olivia always found them snooty or rude. Savannah’s family had been helping the royal family for generations and they were integral parts of the inner workings of the palace. Naturally, when Savannah’s parents were busy at work Savannah would wander the halls until she found Olivia. The two were like sisters and the King and Queen appreciated the hard work her family put in to serving the Royal family.

And while the Royal family paid them handsomely while providing them lodging, Olivia couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at times when the difference in their status showed. Olivia rarely wore the same dress twice, while Savannah had a very modest and small wardrobe. Olivia had a private instructor, while Savannah went to the school with other children. But Savannah never really cared and that’s what Olivia loved about her. She was a true and honest friend who Olivia felt safe confiding in.

“Sorry Sav. I didn’t mean to make this any harder on you than it already has been” Olivia offered her friend a smile, patting the spot beside her on the bed. “Think you can spend a few minutes off your feet? Debrief me on the day if you will?” Savannah greatly accepted the spot, giving her a knowing look and a big sigh.

“Well Princess-” Olivia glared at Savannah at the title. “You need to get into the baths and get clean so I can do your hair and make up before the lady the Queen hired arrives. There is no way I’m letting you face the neighbouring nations’ heirs with makeup and hair that I don’t approve of.” Olivia laughed at Savannah’s possessiveness.

“Do we know if the royal families are coming or just their heirs?” Olivia gave a stretch, preparing herself to start the day.

“To my knowledge, just the heirs... But I hear that Prince Charles is quite handsome!” Olivia rolled her eyes as Savannah winked at her. “What? I can’t help it! You hear the chitter chatter in the palace halls. They arrived yesterday and some of the other servants have already been gushing about him. He’s apparently really charming and great husband material” Savannah saw the look of defeat briefly cross her friend’s eyes, before covering it up with an annoyed sigh. “But enough of that. Let’s get you cleaned and dressed and ready to greet our guests.”

***

“Alright Liv, take a deep breath and hold it, I’m pulling up the zipper!” Olivia did as she was told, while Savannah pulled up the zipper to her dress. She was already dreading the fact that she would have to wear the elaborate garb for several hours. Although the light blue gown was absolutely stunning and represented her fashion sense too, she didn’t expect it to come in several pieces. After putting on two layers of skirt, she had a separate top that needed to be zipped up and a cape draped over her shoulders. She could already feel the weight of the material weighing her down a bit and she sighed at the fact that they hadn’t put on her jewelry yet. Savannah and her helpers busied themselves about putting on a bracelet here and a necklace there. Another girl was putting on her earrings while the other made small hems to her dress. Olivia felt like the dolls that her and Savannah played with as little girls.

“Voila! I’ve outdone myself!” Savannah exclaimed, admiring her bestfriend’s transformation, stepping away from her so that she could see herself in the mirror. As much as Olivia didn’t want to like this moment, she couldn’t stop the smile that graced her face. Her best friend had listened to her every request about her dress. Her mother insisted that her first dress be floor length, modest and a Queen Ann neckline. She requested that the dress be midnight blue with the lace accents to be gold. Her mother criticized her colour choice, saying that dark colours were for the evening, not the morning. Olivia argued that if she had no say in the dress at all, she would go naked, a response in which her mother glared angrily at her. However, as she looked at herself in the mirror, she realized that Savannah had taken her mother’s requests and her requests and blended them together. She had a high waisted, A-line skirt that held the princess look her mother wanted, but it wasn’t so big that Olivia felt like a pastry. The Queen Ann neckline was a dark blue mesh with gold lace accents that extended into long sleeves for her arms. Her bodice held very little decoration as the bottom of her dress held all the royal ornate details. The velvet floor length cape was held together by a golden broach.

As per tradition, Olivia wore her family jewels. The gold diamond festoon necklace sat proudly upon her collar and the gold and sapphire earrings were prominent but not over done. A small dainty gold bracelet sat on her wrist and her family ring decorated her right hand. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a loosened braided low bun with the occasional curl framing her face.

“You’ve done a fine job Savannah” the girls jumped at the voice of the Queen. Quickly turning around, Savannah curtsied to her majesty and Olivia followed with a smaller curtsy. “Savannah, could you please grab the tiara out of the case?”

“Yes, your majesty” Savannah hurried over to the velvet case on the vanity and presented it to the Queen. The small but simple gold tiara sparkled in the light of the room. As the Queen gently picked the tiara up, Olivia bowed, lowering her head, a gesture she was all too familiar with. Her mother placed her tiara upon her head and held her face in her hands. She kissed her daughter on the head, careful not to get any lipstick on her.

“The gods have been great to bless me with a daughter as beautiful as you.” Olivia smiled at her mom, not expecting the sudden emotional tenderness she displayed. “Happy Birthday my dearest. Promise me you’ll try to behave yourself today?” Olivia scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“I’ll try” her mother chuckled softly.

“Just like your father... All I ask is that you give today a chance to be great. You might be surprised at the unexpected events that may present themselves to you” Olivia could never see herself being as polished as her mother. She knew her mother had her best interest at heart, but Olivia couldn’t help but feel like her mother was forcing her to fit into traditional roles of the Kingdom. “If you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way to the throne room. I shall see you shortly Olivia. Savannah, please ensure that the Princess does not stall. I would hate to have her tardy for her grand entrance.”

“Yes your highness!” Savannah curtsied as her mother and the remaining servants exited, leaving the two of them in the room. “Ready to go my lady?”

“Savannah, you know you can drop the formalities around me.” Olivia stepped off the round fitting platform, Savannah catching her arm as Olivia stumbled for a moment, not used to wearing heels. “It makes me feel weird!”

“I know, but we are going to be around tons of people today and most of them would probably have my head if I called you by name in front of them. I’ll be at your side the entire time, but when others are around, you have to remember I’m your attendant” Olivia sighed in slight disappointment, but she knew her friend was right.

“How is it that you’re not the Princess and I am? You’d be way better at this than I am” Savannah giggled at her remarks and dusted her dress off before they opened the door. They knew that her royal guards were right behind it and that as soon as they exited the room, their dynamic had to change.

“Please, I can’t hide my feelings as easily as you. When I think someone is an idiot, it’s clear all over my face and I don’t even notice it!” they shared a laugh as they opened the door and officially started the day.

But they didn’t expect to see a brown haired man zoom by them in hysterical laughter as a taller blonde man chased after him.

“Charlie! Get back here with my crown!” and the two disappeared around the corner. Olivia blinked in shocked, trying to process whether the scene in front of her happened or not. As her and Savannah shared a look and shrugged their shoulders, they realized that today was going to indeed be very eventful.

tag list: @ifilwtmfc

#charlie gillespie #charlie gillespie x reader #charlie gillespie fanfiction #charlie gillespie imagines #owen joyner #jeremy shada

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saintheartwing · 3 years

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I've decided to put this up for reference and to help not only myself remember who's who, but clear a few things up for you, dear reader. All part of my “Breaking Dawn” Invader Zim story! From left to right, starting at the top...

DIB Occupation: Student Power: Willpower Further Notes: Dilbert Membrane, little "Dibbun". He's both antagonist and protagonist like Zim in the television series "Invader Zim", and grew up with both a strong interest in the paranormal and the strange, and with a deep desire to protect the people of Earth. Even as a toddler he seemed to have a calling within him to protect the planet and those within it. He is capable of overcoming great fear, and with his strong resolution and imagination, he makes for an excellent green lantern. This brave-hearted youth grew up on "IZ-Prime", the "Base" planet of the Invader Zim youth, the Earth where all other Invader Zim universes are born from. His primary job is usually keeping Zim from experimenting on other people or unleashing some highly strange, oddly stupid and yet fiendishly clever doomsday weapon on the populace. Eventually Dib hit on an idea: Zim had managed to make himself a "friend" in Keef, who had done everything with him...and where was Batman without a Robin? He took in a charge, and recruited that slightly slow, but friendly and impressionable kid Nick whom Zim had stuck a probe in some time back. The two became an excellent team for a time until "The Incident" in which Zim crossed the line...and did something to Nick Dib would never forget...and possibly never forgive. Eventually the years went on and Zim slightly mellowed out, meaning that Dib could relax somewhat...until, that is, all of reality began to fall apart... GAZ Occupation: Student Power: Rage Further Notes: Gazeline Membrane blamed almost everybody when her mother Peggy died in a tragic lab accident. All of it was unfair blame, but she didn't care. She shut herself up in selfish desires and caprice, her rage slowly boiling underneath her like a volcano set to blow at the slightest notice. Interestingly, she began to warm up to Zim. The two had a surprising amount of things in common...the two even went to the dance together. She admits in private he "cleaned up alright". She was blushing heavily as she said this. She didn't, however, approve of what Zim did to Nick, because whilst she doesn't mind the exploitation of the stupid, the outright abuse he leveled was horrifying even to her. She tried to be nice to Nick in the hospital, giving him something of a crush on her. Being a being of revenge, private loss and fury, it's not surprising she bonded with the power of Rage, which had, at one point, been the might of Passion. Heck, she's ALL passion! ZIM Occupation: "Invader", Service Drone/Student Power: Avarice Further Notes: Zerinim, Zimmy-Wimmy, Zimri, etc, etc. You all know him. He's that short, tiny little thing who's determined to take over and/or destroy the Earth. You have to give him points for persistence, he keeps a-tryin', but his level of commitment and competence is "Team Rocket" level. Since he was little, he's been pretty much destroying everything he touches, but this isn't totally his fault. His PAK is defective, his mental processes aren't right. He's slow in some areas of development, but very bright in others, similar to that of an autistic child...obsessive and slightly anti-social behavior included. He's also never admit his deep concern for his beloved companions, mostly because he desperately clings to the inane idea that an Invader needs no one, even though he often relies on others for the "final touch" in his plan. The "incident" that happened with Nick actually struck him with so much guilt...it almost struck as hard as Dib did with that lead pipe after he snuck inside Zim's house and put Zim in a body cast for half a year. Zim's plans became less lethal and more annoying, and he began to appreciate his "friends" a bit more. He views Dib as something of an equal, and in a way, perhaps...more than that. And then...there's Gaz... GIR Occupation: Robot Power: Fear Further Notes: GIR. He's a GARBAGE-INFESTED-ROBOT! Useless as far as most robotic companions go because he's not usually taking things seriously, his head always in the clouds. And the few times he DOES focus don't last long at all. However, with the power of "Fear" flowing through him, the potential to inspire terror and impose HIS kind of order on the world brings out the dark, foul and pitiless cruelty he holds within. GIR has the potential to be even worse than Zim, and the ring focuses his inner psychopathic tendencies. GIR is very childlike...he doesn't always 'get' what he's supposed to do, or understand why things are the way they are. Yet he is also more intelligent and wise than people give him credit for, having access to fundamental truths about the universe he lives in. He understands what kind of world he's in, and has accepted that, and his role as the on-again off-again goofy sociopath. If your really are worried about him, give him something shiny. Or a lollipop. SKOODGE Occupation: Invader Power: Hope Further Notes: Invader Skoodge. No matter what terrible things happened in his life, he's always faced the future. He's remained cheery, helpful, friendly and optimistic, and therefore, it befits him to wear the robes of the Blue, wielder of the light that Hope brings. Skoodge and Zim go way back, and Skoodge considers Zim a dear friend, one of the few people who didn't treat him like a fat, useless lump. As such, he's willing to do almost anything for him, or anybody who treats him with respect and decency. He treats the revelation about the world he lives in with stoic acceptance, and doesn't raise a stink about it. Skoodge is too cool for school, baby. NOTHIN' rattles him. Plus I like this outfit the most. It's so stylish! GRETCHEN Occupation: Student Power: Love Further Notes: Gretchen has always had a huuuuge crush on Dib, admiring him and his work from afar. She eventually figured out the truth about Zim, which helped make Dib open up to her, but nobody really listened to HER either. Mostly because her braces weren't fixed yet...kids can be so cruel. But when wielding the light of Love, she's able to bring out her strongest potential, and become the brave defender that she always was inside, the sort of take-charge, admirable alien-busting girl that Dib would find his ideal. Plus, more importantly, the outfit she's wearing does NOT make her look half-naked. You're welcome. TAK Occupation: Former Invader/Current Patron of Emotion Power: Willpower Further Notes: Tessirak, or Tak, was at one point, a promising Irken training to be an Invader. She rose quickly through the ranks, impressing all of her superior officers (Red especially, he "loves that girl!")...and tragically getting trapped on her training planet when Zim caused a huge power outage in his desire to get a snack. Typical Zim. Tak got a LITTLE bit insane from that and from being forced to be a janitor for several years. She went to Earth to get her revenge and actually befriended Dib somewhat, but ultimately she lost against Zim and his "friends", and was sent out into space. Her old comrade who still had a great gentlemanly (and slightly romantic) concern for her, Darth, had a fellow comrade go pick her up upon hearing of her plight, and she was almost dead...if not for the fact that her Will was keeping her alive, beyond even her PAK, beyond anything else. This strong Will was what transformed her into the Patron of Willpower, and she bonded to Jayd when he arrived to aid her. Tak is very resolute and intelligent, and always follows through on her plans. She's clever as can be, and over time, developed a dear fondness for Dib and her host, Jayd, who views himself as a Knight, with her as his queen to protect. I like the way her design came out quite a lot, truth be told. She's so streamlined and stylish! I was tempted to give her a cape, truth be told. But like the movie "The Incredibles" said...no capes! JAYD Occupation: Medic Power: Willpower Patron: Tak Further Notes: Jayd was and always has been a lucky, lucky guy. He, like the others in Senior's care, found something fascinating about Earth Culture. Unlike the others though, this fascination came from comics. Ideals like justice and morality hit home with him, and he became fascinated by the tales in comics like "Superman", "X-Men" and, his personal favorite...Green Lantern. It could be the result of his programming: after all, he WAS encoded as a medic, helping the sick and injured and helpless is in his "blood". So was it the entity of Willpower, heroism and courage embodied, that he picked..or did it pick HIM? Either explanation makes sense, and that's what I'm leaving it at. Jayd is the heroic Irken that strives to be courageous and noble, the honorable warrior, a flame of chivalry that can't be blown out. The power of Will requires a living being to manifest, and it's representative is always changing based around who has the mightiest will in its presence. It was Tak that gained it, having the ability to overcome great fear, and she, in turn, bonded to Jayd after he was sent to rescue her courtesy of her dear old comrade, Darithil. With her indomitable will and his deep moral code, the two are a good fit. And I really like the wreathe he wears atop his head. It's a nice touch. MAHT Occupation: Service Drone Power: Compassion Patron: Fiyvr Further Notes: Maht's always been used all his life. Be he a tool of a general, being forced to sweep floors at a diner or being stuck bussing drinks, he's never had his own will. But he doesn't totally care. What he DOES care about is being able to be of some help or use to others. He accepts his lot in life because, for the most part, he feels he can do the most good in whatever position he happens to be in. Gaining the sympathetic light of Compassion and becoming wielder of the Indigo Light enabled him to be of even greater assistance to others. Maht, like the others, found a deep liking of Earthling ways. He finds the different races and cultures fascinating, and has a deep personal enjoyment of food from the small blue planet, especially if it's deep fried or contains cheese. Fiyvr, his patron, is from the world of Wahshyd Dawhn, and was a renowned prophet and seer. He's always happy to lend a hand in solving somebody's problems, and to be a shoulder to cry on...even if he's physically short on both accounts. Curse his lack of opposable thumbs! Still, Maht might be pretty much a rug for others to walk all over on, but he's a very HELPFUL rug, and a reliable type...and he'll still try and give the best hug he can when somebody's feelin' down. DITE Occupation: Elite Invader Power: Passion/Rage Patron: Chulainn Further Notes: Dite likes to be seen as strong. She handles fights like a man, handles anger like a man, and fights dirty like a man. All of her inner anger though, stems from personal loss. She loved someone once, many, many years ago, and gave her all for him. But the Empire let him rot. For that...she would never forgive them. And she adopted a gung-ho attitude similar to her beloved's personality. It is grief that fuels the greatest rage, and so Chulainn, who endured great pain in HIS life, naturally bonded to her and others who felt great suffering. He originated on Earth like Psyche and Jourmungdr, and his appearance changed to better fit his new nature. Dite has a deep love of the kind of "gritty and dark" action stories that Earth has. I'm talkin' "Bloodgun" or "Punisher" type stories. She really, REALLY likes making sure people get what they deserve. And get. And get some more. So yeah...she's a bloodthirsty vigilante with a tragic past. Never seen THOSE before! :roll" MIYUKI Occupation: Former Tallest, Current Resisty Leader and Television Personality Power: Hope Patron: Psyche Further Notes: Psyche comes from Earth like Chulainn and Joumungdr, and when Chulainn stood for passion, the two were very close. If one has hope and faith in the future, one should live passionately, living life to its fullest, unafraid. Furthermore, she likes poetry. His poetry. Yeah, weird relationship. Miyuki has had several weird relationships in HER life too. Darithil considers her a mother figure, to Senior, she was the "big sister" type boss, as dear as family, and to Spork she was an annoying wife that he felt he always had to drag around, like she was a nagging ball and chain and he was a prisoner on a chain gang. Of course, his biggest concern was usually whether the camera was getting his good side, whilst she cared more about, y'know, food shortages, the fate of physical defectives and whether or not the Meekrob would nuke her people. She lost almost all hope when Zim's creation, the Infinite Energy Absorbing Blob ate her, and was forced to maintain her consciousness and what little was left of her body by consuming living beings along with Spork. However, she held onto the idea that one day she could return, and bring her people out of darkness. She represents living hope...the hope that one day, the Irken people could be good and noble, if only they had the right person to show them the way...and she sure knows how to dress, woo! Her outfit is my favorite out of all the girls. It's so regal and dignified! FEYR Occupation: Consular (Interrogator) Power: Love Patron: Jourmungdr Further Notes: Most would be surprised that the power of Love is exemplified by a patron that's a giant snake which used to be a Norse monster, and represented by cannibalistic Irkens dressed in vaguely transsexual armor. Well the thing is, their love almost borders on obsession. Love is deep and complicated, and though usually innocent in intent, it has a bad tendency of not realizing that it's lost sight of the rest of the world...and lost its grip on logic. Consulars are all psychics, and their power has been manipulating Irk for generations. They seek to save Irk from "itself", feeling that the idea that "invaders need no one" is inane. If they didn't need anybody or anything, the Tallest wouldn't give them SIRs. Wouldn't give them PAKs. They love their planet and love other alien races, and not merely for dinner, either. They just have a tendency to get...carried away. Feyr is no exception. He wines and dines all he interrogates, and views shrinking and swallowing them as a high honor, keeping them safe forever, embedded in the crystals he generates with his power, safe until the day Irk is ready to accept love, and by extension, the right of other races to live freely. He's charming and sweet, but also very manipulative and cold-hearted when he wants to be. But what else could you expect from a slightly sociopathic cannibal? XEIL Occupation: Communications Officer Power: Intelligence/Fear Patron: Nollij (aka Panyck), co-bonded with Spork Further Notes: Xeil's problem isn't that she's an egotistical, proud, narcissistic bitch. The problem is that it's a front. The problem is that she could be better, and WAS better. She had a personality her own, which befits her station. Most communication officers are good at listening, can "hear beyond". She was no exception... But Xeil lost herself in her job too easily, and forgot how to feel. She was hearing what others said...but she stopped listening. She lost the zest she had for her job. Panyck is much the same. At one point, he was Knowledge made manifest, the pride and joy of his home planet, but he lost himself in HIS job, and became a fascist, a dictator who worshipped fear. He views it as the best way to establish real order, and that not knowing fear is utter insanity. Admittedly, he might have a point. SOME fear is necessary, some caution is always needed in life...but inflicting fear on others needlessly is something he began to enjoy, when once before he sought to instruct others on what was to be feared rather than being the thing feared. However a piece of his true self remains, brought out by Spork, who has had a long time to think about his own rule, and Xeil, who will, with time, remember HER true self...and why she chose to be a communications officer in the first place. PEECH Occupation: Guard Power: Diligence/Avarice Patron: Pyrsist Further Notes: Pyrsist didn't take a new name, but she focused more on getting stuff than getting stuff DONE. Peech's love of Earth culture is centered around things that can best be summed up in a single word...shiny. Shiny shiny shiny! A brand new shiny thing, that's her favorite object in all the world! She keeps most hidden in her backpack/jetpack, but usually you can hear it all jingling. She likes stealing things out of people's pockets and purses and the like, being something of a kleptomaniac. Peech believes in looking regal and elegant and beautiful, and that more jewels equal more happiness. In short, she's a petty, selfish little brat...she and Pyrsist deserve each other. At one point, Pyrsist was a hard-working citizen of Avianos, but that went out the window when she became Mistress of the Orange Light. Peech is also a huge fan of Earth fashion and likes imitating what's "in" on the planet. Were she a guy, she'd have no problem wearing things like dark biker jackets or cowboy hats. She believes full-heartedly in the right to choice, she sees nothing wrong with letting Irkens be free to dress how they want, and is witty enough to debate her point of view well. To Peech, Wiyn was more than a friend growing up. But when Peech tried to give her the love she felt...Wiyn couldn't give it back. Wouldn't give it back. So she sought to fill the void with junk. She went from being a deep, poem-writing romantic to a shallow valley girl. She didn't have to be that way... NICK. E. ODEON Occupation: Student Power: Death Patron: Himself Further Notes: He's a tragedy. He was eager-to-please. He wanted to satisfy the people who showed him attention and support. He wanted to make others happy and bonded instantly to somebody who he felt was "in need of a friend". But then Zim did the unspeakable, and he went from being childlike in heart to being childlike in mind and interests as well. He has problem getting dressed...tying his shoes. That's not his real hair. It's actually a wig. His old hair kinda...rotted off after... ...erm...well, at one point, he was Dib's comrade and friend. His solider. But Dib couldn't help him...and Dib didn't avenge him. He put Zim in a body cast for six months...but "Nick" never was the same. Ultimately, it's sort of unsurpriisng that he ended up being the Black Entity. He doesn't just blame Invader Zim for his pain. He blames the universe he's in for creating Invader Zim the way he is. He blames the people that made Zim ZIM. And he's gonna make them pay for making so flawed a universe. He views Zim and the universe of Invader Zim irredeemably flawed and better off dead because of all the immorality, cruelty and terrible tragedies that it and its alternate universes spawn. The problem is that he fails to see the good that can be found within, because he refuses to see any other part of IZ. In choosing to focus on one part, albeit a large one, of the realm, he ignores all the rest of it and doesn't get a clear enough view. He doesn't fully"get" Zim, even though he says he does. And yes. He is every bit as representative of you-know-what as you think he is. But it's not his fault. He just doesn't know any better. He's just trying to do what he thinks is best. WIYN Occupation: Elite Grunt Power: None, unless you count being a bitch. Patron: None, unless maybe Satan is her secret benefactor... Further Notes: Wiyn is every horrible, cruel, sadistic, by-the-book bitchy jackass that we've met. She will always stick to the rules but only if she thinks they fit her standards. She forces everyone to fit her standards and will blast anybody that doesn't, and instead of reasonable discussion, she prefers cruel words and violence. Wiyn was, at one point, a dearly beloved comrade of Xeil, and then some. But Wiyn refused to open her heart. Instead, it shriveled up. Don't set her up with a boyfriend. She's married to her work! She's proud, narcissistic, vain, ignorant of others feelings and apathetic to the suffering of innocents. In a word, she's evil. She's a constant whiner about what is or isn't "right" for an Irken to do because she looked into the Untempered Schism, seeing all the truths of her universe. As such, she considers herself a "true Irken" and anybody remotely different from her mold, even if they just have an unusual eye color or like wearing, say, a striped outfit, MUST DIE! She's a good representative of the part of the fandom that I hate...the ones that obsess over what's truly "canon" and what's not, and who have no tolerance or compassion for anybody or anything that stretches outside their boundaries. They've got little tolerance for the fandom and refuse to recognize what it brings to Invader Zim. I have no respect for Wiyn or what she represents. I yearn for the day when she will be turned into an AVOCADO. For those of you who get this inside joke...you know who you are. You rock. SENIOR, aka Nick Grey

Occupation: Senior Communications Officer Power: Life Patron: Sude Further Notes: Nick's Irken Form, now given a true name, "Senior". He's the oldest and most experienced communications officer on the Massive, and considers himself the "Safety Net" to those on the ship. He's there for its crew, to lend a helping hand, a pair of arms to lift them up, a shoulder to cry on. He's always been kind-hearted and harmonious, with a deep love of Earth music. It's no surprise the Entity of Life, Sude of the Planet Allforce, bonded to him. Sude's story is much like Senior's. He was happy with his life. He was upstandingly moral, kindhearted and believed in doing good...and he loved, LOVED music, always having a song in his heart. But in refusing to listen to the Force of Fate, he learned that whilst such forces might not dictate what it is we are destined to do, it's not a good idea to not just disregard the words of a force of nature. Sude's devoted to protecting and supporting life, and will spend the rest of his existence forever making up for his failure. Just like Senior, Sude will always be fighting. But Senior is less of an "immortal". He's been saving the many universes in the I-Z realm for years now, and he feels he was never truly given a choice, given an unfair deal. Ultimately though, his desire to do the right thing made him chose to keep up the fight, realizing that one should never put selfish desires above doing good, no matter how seemingly innocent those desires might be. Senior's come a long way, but at last, his true form is revealed. He is a superhero, meant to embody an ideal, an ideal of humanity brought to Irk, a blessed gift that other Irkens can learn from. I guess he was always going to become a superhero one way or another...he was just such a perfect fit. Plus, I really, REALLY like the new outfit he's got now. It looks damn good on him. Now he'll be fighting injustice and cruelty through the IZ-Realm and in style! White goes well with EVERYTHING.

#invader zim #Zim #Gaz #Dib #Senior #Irkens #irken #comic #cartoon #crossover #Tallest Miyuki #Miyuki #Tak #Skoodge #GIR

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here4theheartbreak · 4 years

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AO3 Link Here

Relationships: Lee Taemin x Park Jimin, Choi Minho x Kim Taehyung, Choi Minho x Kim Taehyung x Lee Taemin x Park Jimin (V3Min) Rating: Explicit

Genres: angst, smut Tags: smut, angst, fake dating, jealousy, pining, friends with benefits, getting together, bottom Taemin, switch Jimin, top Taehyung, top Minho

Summary: Minho has been in love with his best friend since forever. But Taemin was determined to be unattached... Until suddenly he wasn't. Taehyung spent his entire life pining after happiness with his best friend, only to have it ripped away when Jimin finds someone else. The rational response? Hatch a plan to make their respective crushes jealous. The part where they fell in love with each other, however, wasn't part of the plan.

Chapter Word Count: ~5.1k

“My father is literally trying to murder me.”

Minho didn’t bother to bite back his grin as soon as he entered the salon. He crossed the room as the handsome hairstylist whined and stomped one foot.

“You know, they say that a haircut is similar to going to a bar,” Minho commented as he took a seat.

“What?”

He lifted his chin to allow the cape to nestle against his throat. “The patrons dump their worries onto the stylist the same as they would a bartender. It’s cheap therapy. The bartender – and stylist – aren’t supposed to do things the other way around.”

Minho met Taemin’s gaze in the mirror, smirking at his pout.

“I’m having a crisis, hyung,” Taemin whined. Minho sighed patiently.

“Fine. Your father is metaphorically trying to murder you – I strongly doubt he’s intending to physically kill his youngest. Why do you think he’s out to get you?”

Taemin’s pout increased, making him look years younger than he actually was.

“He wants to arrange a marriage. Who even does that anymore?”

“Well, I mean quite a few families? It’s not like you have to marry the person he introduces you to.”

Taemin snorted, picking up his comb and spraying Minho’s hair lightly. “He all but threatened to cut me off and kick me out if I didn’t. Which is why I say, he’s out to get me.”

“Who’s the person, do you know?”

“Her name is Park Jisoo.”

“Oh, I know of that family. They’re pretty wealthy.”

“So my father said. I don’t care though. I don’t want to marry anyone, I’m happy how I am and I don’t wanna be tied down. If he’s so keen on me getting hitched, I might as well marry you.”

Minho snorted. “That’s never gonna happen.”

Taemin pouted again. “Why are you laughing?”

“Look, you and I might have fun in bed, but you said it yourself. You don’t want to be tied down. If you married me I’d drive you nuts. And either way, your dad is trying to set you up with a girl because he hates that you’re interested in men at all. Marrying me would set both of our fathers off.”

“It’d be fun to watch their heads explode though, wouldn’t it? Remember the first time your dad caught us kissing in the pool?”

“I thought mine was going to drown us both. I’ve never seen his face get so red. But to be fair… We were kids.”

“We were teenagers. All of our straight friends were already making out with their girlfriends in the broom closets.”

Minho chuckled. “Point made. Maybe she won’t be so bad. Everyone knows you’re a natural charmer, you’ll win her over in no time. You just have to make it clear you have boundaries and the marriage is a professional thing only.”

“That’s not fair to her.”

Minho smiled patiently. He watched Taemin through the mirror as he shaped the cut he knew Minho preferred, his brows furrowed in concentration. He’d known the man since Taemin was born, nearly – they’d grown up side by side in their apartment complex otherwise filled with teens and adults. Though there was an age gap, Minho adored Taemin, more than his same age friends most of the time. When Taemin realized at puberty that he might not be entirely into girls, it was natural for him to come to Minho… And to subsequently experiment with him.

Minho knew he was Taemin’s safety and friend… But not more.

Taemin had a reputation around their city as a bit of a player. People always came and went from his bed, and they had since he was barely legal. Minho was a constant, but the idea of being something more… It was a fantasy. Minho knew that, and resigned himself to what he was given. He loved Taemin in every way possible, and his happiness was what mattered. Minho honestly didn’t believe Taemin would ever find someone to settle down with – he was just too… Lee Taemin. Bouncing from person to person, content with a few nights of fun before moving on. It worked for them. Taemin never tired of Minho.

“So, when do you start shooting for your new role?” Taemin asked, breaking Minho’s inner dialogue.

“Hm? Oh, next week.”

“Do you need to leave Seoul for it?”

Minho grunted an affirmative. “Yeah, a month in Andong.”

“Ooh, it’s pretty there,” Taemin commented. He leaned down, resting his chin on Minho’s shoulder. “Pack me in your suitcase and take me with you.”

Minho beamed, pushing Taemin’s head playfully. “I wish. I don’t know any of the actors. There’s some rookie too, heard he thinks he’s hot shit.”

Taemin wrinkled his nose. “Gross.”

“I mean, he might be. I got that reputation too when I was new because I was good. I’ll give him a shot, but…” He shrugged the shoulder Taemin wasn’t perched on. “I’ll miss you.”

“Wanna hang out tonight?” Taemin smirked, tucking his bottom lip between his teeth. “Have a little fun?”

Minho chuckled. “Where’s Sehyoon?”

“Ah,” Taemin straightened up, angling his comb back to Minho’s hair. “You know how it is, easy come, easy go.”

“Dumped him, didn’t you?”

“Mutual separation. He wanted more, you know me.”

“He was cute.”

“He’s single.”

Minho snorted. “Not a chance. I’m not even dating you and I’ve got my hands full.”

Taemin smacked the back of Minho’s head with the comb. “I have scissors.”

Minho winced, rubbing the spot. “Such a brat.”

Taemin beamed at that, his entire face lighting up as he did. Minho couldn’t help but smile, his heart doing an all too familiar two step beat against his ribs. He knew he’d never end up with Taemin… But it didn’t stop him from secretly wanting to.

***

Minho bowed politely to Taemin’s father when he opened the door, not bothering to hide his smirk. “Good evening, Sir. Is Taemin in?”

“Not for the likes of you.”

Though Taemin’s father tolerated Minho to some degree, he was no fool about what went on between the two.

“I heard you intend to arrange a meeting for Taemin with the Park girl. She is quite beautiful.”

Taemin’s father straightened a little, scowling. “Her family is powerful. And she has the firm hand the boy needs.”

“Well, he does like a firm hand,” Minho bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the subtle widening of Taemin’s father’s eyes. “I mean… He certainly needs it to keep in line, correct?”

“Hm.”

“He discussed it with me today. He’s quite nervous. Wondered if I could come over before my trip and relax him, get him energized to meet his potential bride to be. That’s why I’m here.’ Minho planted his most sweet smile, letting his head tilt just a bit. “Nothing scandalous.”

Taemin’s father’s eyes narrowed. “Hm… He’s in his room, playing that damned music too loud.” He stepped aside, allowing Minho in. “For a boy his age, he certainly acts like a child. You’re older than him, shouldn’t you be a better influence?”

Minho smiled and bowed as he stepped out of his sneakers. “Ah, you know your son better than anyone, Mr. Lee. He’s as stubborn as a mule. It’s an admirable trait, even if it drives us all a bit insane. It’ll come in handy in business.”

“I suppose you’re right. Go. Go, leave the door open a crack. I know how your kind is.”

Minho nodded and jogged up the stairs, rapping on Taemin’s door before opening it and slipping through. He shut it firmly, kicking Taemin’s makeshift doorstop under it to effectively lock it.

Taemin was stretched out on his bed in a pair of shredded jeans, showing more skin than they were covering. He was flipping through a magazine, and glanced up when Minho entered.

“You came.”

“Not yet, but I intend to.”

Taemin smirked, sitting up and tossing the magazine aside. “Well come on then.” He leaned back on his hands, shifting to show off the curve of his body. Minho sighed deeply, letting his gaze roam over Taemin. He stripped off his hoodie and t-shirt, crawling up Taemin’s legs.

“You’re a tease,” he scolded without venom when their noses brushed. Taemin smirked.

“It’s only teasing if I don’t come through with it.” He slid his palm down Minho’s chest, cupping his crotch and giving a playful squeeze that had Minho’s eyelids fluttering. “And you know I always come through.”

“Oh, I do.” Minho brushed his lips over Taemin’s neck. “How are you feeling it today?”

Taemin laid back, looking up at Minho. “Hm. Not too rough… But don’t go easy on me either.”

“Deal… Do you still have my bag?”

Taemin nodded, then jutted his chin toward his closet. “Floor, left side… What do you need from it?” His lips curved up into a smirk.

“Guess you’ll have to find out.” Minho winked and wiggled off the bed, heading over to the closet. He dug around a bit before rising, turning back to the bed.

Taemin’s grin was irrationally bright given the handful of items Minho had. He held a heavy black rope and a bottle of lube, as well as a thin strip of flat wood like an unmarked ruler, and a sturdy rubber ring. He crawled back onto the bed, placing all the items but the rope onto the stand.

“Arms up.”

Taemin obeyed, his eyes wide and pupils dilated. He wet his lips, glancing up as Minho tied his arms together with the rope, then wound it through the rungs of the bedframe.

“I love when you’re like this,” Taemin whispered, nudging Minho’s arm with his cheek.

“Like what?”

“Bossy. Firm.”

“You need it,” Minho said, tugging the rope firmly. He grabbed Taemin’s jaw in a firm grip, squeezing just enough to pinch. “You’re a little shit. Always talking back and mouthing off to your elders. You’re lucky I do this instead of beating your ass.”

Taemin smirked. “I suck your cock too good for you to really be mad at any of that.”

Minho leaned forward, brushing his mouth against Taemin’s. “Says you.” He shoved his head back hard enough that Taemin bumped it against the wood frame, grimacing. He grinned broadly when Minho scooted down, tugging his belt off. He twisted his hips, helping Minho as much as he could to pull of his jeans. Minho swore.

“You know, if these weren’t so skintight…”

“Everyone would be disappointed,” Taemin snarked.

“I’d probably already be playing with your dick,” Minho said, finally yanking the denim down his slender legs. He tossed it off the bed and grabbed the base of Taemin’s foot firmly, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Don’t—” Taemin warned, his own eyes widening. Minho scraped his nail along the arch of Taemin’s foot, chuckling when he squeaked and began to writhe.

“Don’t,” he whined.

“You gonna be good? Or keep being a little brat?” Minho tickled him again.

“I’ll be good!” Taemin promised. Minho freed his foot, grabbed his boxers instead and yanking them off.

He pushed his legs open, sliding his hands over the smooth skin of his thighs. “You’re so ridiculously beautiful.”

“You don’t need to flirt,” Taemin said with a bright laugh, “I’ve been giving you my ass since we were teenagers.”

Minho smiled, but the words cut more deeply than Taemin would ever realize. It may have been true; they’d taken one another’s virginities, but Minho wished beyond all else that one day his praises and compliments and teasing suggestions would be seen as more… As a viable option for Taemin. But it just wasn’t in the cards. So he hid the hurt behind grins and playful flirtations, opting instead to be everything Taemin wanted.

He pushed his legs open a little further, the glint of something metallic catching his eye.

“Oh—”

“Found my surprise.” Taemin twisted his hips, spreading his legs wide to reveal a sturdy silver anal plug nestled in his ass. “I got myself ready for you. I know how worked up we get… Thought this could make it… Kinda fun.”

“You… You are perfect,” Minho whispered. He moved up, grabbing the thin wooden paddle. He smacked it on his own hand, ignoring the tickling sting in favor of watching the way Taemin’s eyes dilated, his lips parting. Almost tickle soft, he brushed the edge of the paddle along the curve of Taemin’s muscle, watching it tense and relax. The first time he’d discovered Taemin had this kink it had been an accident. They’d been making out and Taemin, per his usual teasing attitude, had risen to walk off, earning a sharp swat on his bare ass. Their relationship escalated naturally afterward, each learning the other’s secret kinks and preferences. Despite the number of people Taemin slept with, Minho was the only one he relaxed like this with.

The first crack of the wood on his thigh landed on a quiet beat of the music. Taemin’s moan broke into a giggle. “Shh… My Dad’s gonna hear.”

“He can’t get in,” Minho said simply, smacking the other side just as hard. Taemin gasped, moaning softly. Minho alternated his smacks between the inner thighs and outer thighs, pausing every few strikes to massage the welted skin. He let a blow land lightly on Taemin’s stomach, just a few centimeter’s away from his cock, just enough to startle.

Taemin whined, his hips twitching up.

“Ohh… You liked that,” Minho said simply, a teasing lit in his tone. Taemin nodded, his eyes fluttering open.

“Again.”

“You don’t to be the boss,” Minho warned. He swatted Taemin’s exposed forearm with some force, watching the smooth skin redden and welt. “Try that again. Politely.”

Taemin bared his teeth, eyes narrowing. “Hit me again.”

Minho swatted his other forearm, giving it a matching welt.

“Somewhere else,” Taemin growled. Minho dropped the paddle and slapped Taemin across the cheek. He gasped, blinking tears from his eyes. Minho smirked, grabbing his chin again and yanking him forward as much as his bound arms would allow. He crawled up, going almost nose to nose with him.

“Don’t. Be. A. Brat.”

“Why not?” Taemin breathed. “You fucking love it. I can see how hard your cock is already.” He jerked his hips up, emphasizing his point. Minho squeezed harder.

“I’ll only fuck you if you be a good boy for me, Taemin. Can you do that?”

“That’s no fun. Plus… You wanna come too.”

“There are other ways to come.” He slid his thumb over Taemin’s plush bottom lip, pushing it into his mouth and pressing down on his tongue. “I do have the gag.”

Taemin’s eyes fluttered for a moment, and Minho knew he was affecting him.

“Would you like me to get that, baby?” He threatened, his tone measured and even. “Fuck your pretty mouth and not let you come for me?”

Taemin shook his head as well as he could with Minho’s firm grip. “I’ll try to be good.”

“Good boy.” Minho let go of his face and kissed him hard.

He pulled back and grabbed the rubber ring, reaching down to stroke Taemin’s cock a few times. “Remember… You don’t come until I say you can, brat.”

Taemin hissed as Minho slid the ring on, settling it against the base of his cock. He reached lower and grabbed the plug, tugging it. It caught for a moment then slid out, a dribble of lube following.

Minho swore under his breath, sliding two fingers into Taemin. He wiggled.

“Don’t, please, hyung.” He blinked down at him, smiling as politely as he could likely manage. “I’m stretched. I want you just to put it in.”

“You sure? You still seem so tight…”

Taemin snorted. “You know I can take it. Just fuck my ass. Fill me up. I know you want to.” He purred, spreading his legs further. He lifted them with a practiced ease, the muscles in his thighs twitching as he pressed his knees against his chest, his breathing coming in strained pants. The motion gave Minho a perfect view of his ass, wet with lube, the smallest gape when he flexed.

Minho slid his hands up the backs of Taemin’s thighs, feeling the musculature under his palms. Despite his relatively stagnant job as stylist, Taemin had the body of a dancer. He was slender and flexible, head to toe lean muscle and stamina to boot.

“Get my dick wet first,” Minho finally said. He pushed Taemin’s legs back down and rose, stripping out of his jeans and boxers. He stroked his own cock lazily, gaze roaming over Taemin’s bound form.

Taemin peeked through his shaggy bangs, lips parted and wet. He squeezed his thighs together repeatedly, obviously seeking any stimulation he could manage.

“Beg,” Minho growled.

“Please,” Taemin whispered, clearly more eager to please and get his reward than play stubborn. “Come fuck my ass, hyung. You have to go without it for a whole month. Come take what you need, fill me up and make me ache when I sit down. Please, I need it… No one screws me like you do,” he whined, spreading his legs open.

Minho crawled back onto the bed, straddling his chest and fisting his hair.

“Look at me.”

Taemin rolled his eyes up, wetting his lips. “Gonna make me choke on it, sir?”

There was the attitude. Minho smirked. “You know it.” He slid his tip over Taemin’s bottom lip.

“Get it nice and wet for your ass.” He pushed his cock in and slid his hips forward until the tip bumped against the back of Taemin’s throat. His shoulders jerked and Minho groaned, tightening his grip on his hair. Starting off slow but persistent, Minho pumped his hips, driving his cock as deep as it would go. He pulled Taemin forward, grunting softly when his throat began to relax, giving into the intrusion. Taemin gagged around him, coughing up spit and precome as Minho worked his cock into his throat.

“There you go, Tae… Swallow it down, baby. Work on that gag reflex,” Minho praised, holding Taemin’s chin with his free hand. Taemin looked up, tears filling his dark eyes. One slid down his cheek, accompanied with a hard gag, that had Minho’s eyes rolling back as his throat squeezed around his tip.

“Fuck… The way I wanna fill your mouth,” he panted. Taemin began to struggle, his hands in fists. Minho pulled back immediately and loosened his grip, searching his face for distress. Taemin coughed, dragging in much needed air.

“Please, not today,” he rasped. “My ass.”

Minho smirked, wiping spit from his chin. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll come up your ass. That mouth is just a damn big temptation.”

Taemin grinned broadly. “When you come back from filming you can come down my throat, okay?”

“Deal.” He kissed him gently, brushing his hair down from where he’d mussed it pulling. He settled between Taemin’s thighs, pushing his knees up to his chest again. “Relax.”

Taemin nodded, letting his eyes slip shut. Minho added lube to his spit slicked cock and lined up, taking only a moment before pushing past Taemin’s tight rim. They both moaned. Taemin’s head fell back onto the pillow, a small, contented smile crossing his face.

Minho braced himself on either side of Taemin’s chest and began to thrust, slow and steady to begin. Taemin was unbearably tight, his hole clenching and releasing in a pulse-like rhythm as his body adjusted to the intrusion.

Minho grabbed the paddle again, sliding the edge over Taemin’s cock.

Taemin whined, biting his bottom lip. Minho swatted his tip as gently as he could. Taemin bucked upward, nearly forcing Minho’s cock out. He let his legs fall over Minho’s shoulders, a high whimper slipping from his lips. Minho swatted his cock lightly again, this time driving as deeply as he could.

Taemin cried out, his body tensing. “Stop teasing me,” he snarled, his teeth bared.

“What was that?” Minho asked. He pulled his cock free, ignoring Taemin’s strained plea. Instead, he smacked the thin paddle lightly over Taemin’s gaped hole three times before driving two fingers in, thrusting them aggressively.

“I asked you a question, brat.”

Taemin moaned brokenly, his cock twitching against his heaving stomach. “Fuck me, please— Put it back in!”

“Not until you behave. I warned you.” Minho brought the paddle down on the exposed meat of his ass, grunting when Taemin’s ass clamped down on his fingers. “You don’t control this situation, Taemin. Do you?”

Taemin bit his lap, a smirk curving the corners of his mouth up. “Since you’re using my ass... Don’t I?” He asked. Minho cocked a brow.

“If you wanna be that way.” Minho pushed Taemin’s legs off his shoulders, kneeling between them to keep them spread open. He swatted Taemin’s hole and ass four times in quick succession before placing the paddle aside. He poured lube into his hand and made a fist around his cock before beginning to thrust his hips forward, squeezing and relaxing his fist rhythmically as he did. The wet squelch of the lube and Minho’s grunts punctuated the soft points of the music.

“You sure I need your body?” Minho grunted out. Taemin was squirming on the bed, his hole flexing as he tended and relaxed, clearly needing more. He wet his lips, eyes not leaving Minho’s cock.

“Or do you maybe need my cock up your tight ass to come, hm?”

Taemin chewed his bottom lip. His cock twitched at Minho’s words. “It won’t be as good... Your hand is nothing compared to my hole and you know it.”

“Maybe,” Minho grunted, shivering as he squeezed his tip. “But I’ll still be able to come and be satisfied. Will you?”

Taemin squirmed again. He remained silent, watching Minho masturbate in front of him for a few moments.

“I need it,” Taemin finally whispered.

“Oh? What was that?”

Taemin swallowed thickly. “I need your cock to feel good... Please, Hyung.”

“Ah, I thought so.” Minho stopped jerking off, grabbing the paddle and swatting Taemin’s thigh. “I’m waiting for those special words though.”

“Please!” Taemin hissed.

“No, the other ones.”

Taemin rolled his eyes. Minho swatted his thigh hard with his bare hand, smirking when he whimpered. “Aw, and here I thought you wanted my cock.” He leaned back, fisting his cock again.

“I’m sorry!” Taemin cried. “I— I’m sorry, sir. Please— Use my ass.”

Minho nodded. “There we go.” He knew Taemin was far from sorry; this was just the game they played. He had nothing to be sorry for, but it was damn sexy to watch him plead.

Minho rammed his cock back in, moaning when Taemin clenched around him and bucked off the bed. He grabbed a handful of his ass and squeezed before smacking hard three times. Taemin’s ass clenched almost painfully tight, ripping a cry from Minho’s mouth.

He began to fuck into him hard and fast, smacking his ass every few thrusts for that perfect squeeze around his cock.

Taemin writhed under him, his hips twisting to help with the thrusts, head thrown back as soft cries of pleasure-pain fell from his bite swollen lips. He was the most beautiful person Minho had ever seen. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to Taemin’s parted lips.

“Tell me how it feels, baby,” he panted.

“Thick—“ Taemin whined, the muscles in his arms bulging as he struggled against the ropes. “So big, it almost hurts... Fuck me harder, please—“ he broke off in a moan when Minho shifted angles, driving just a bit deeper.

Minho leaned back, slowly pushing Taemin’s hips up as he fucked into him.

Taemin smirked, open mouthed. “Wanna see?” He panted. Minho nodded. He reached forward and fisted Taemin’s hair, dragging his head forward. As he did, he folded Taemin’s flexible body more inward, still thrusting into his ass. He grabbed Taemin’s cock and pulled the ring off, angling it outward and pushing his body until Taemin was able to place the tip of his own cock into his mouth.

His eyes rolled back as he sucked, moan muffled.

Minho swore, his cock throbbing hard at the sight. He continued to fuck Taemin’s ass, each thrust shifting the cock between his lips.

“You wanna come like this?” Minho panted.

Taemin nodded as well as he could.

“Don’t swallow.”

He began to thrust as hard as he could manage, chasing his own orgasm. Taemin’s eyes rolled back, his moans muffled by the twitching cock between his lips. He clenched around Minho, toes curling as his balls began to throb, cock twitching.

Minho groaned, sliding his thumb over the underside of Taemin’s cock as he spilled into his own mouth. When the throbs slowed and stopped, Minho shifted, letting Taemin’s head go. His cock slipped free and he opened his mouth, showing Minho the thick, milky fluid within. Minho groaned. He let Taemin’s legs fall and leaned forward, kissing him hard.

Taemin wrapped his legs around Minho’s hips, moaning as their tongues slid together, sharing his come.

Minho’s stomach clenched, his balls drawing up almost painfully tight. He grunted into Taemin’s mouth, hips losing rhythm as his nerves heightened in sensitivity. Taemin pulled back, his lips glossy with come and spit.

“Fill my ass, hyung... Please,” he whispered, looking up at Minho from half closed eyes.

Minho grunted his name, grabbing Taemin’s hip almost painfully tight as the pressure in his body peaked, a wall of tension that built in his cock and sent shudders through his form. He came, cock throbbing against Taemin’s tight inner walls, his body clenching and releasing each spurt of fluid. He could hear himself grunting and whining, and Taemin speaking softly, though making out the words was an impossible feat.

One final throb and the tension of his body released all at once, the flood of feel good hormones turning every muscle into pudding. He collapsed over Taemin, grinning dumbly.

Taemin shifted, tugging at the ropes binding him. Minho reached up and pulled the release he’d tied into the rope, freeing Taemin before relaxing once more, nuzzling against his soft shoulder.

“Talk to me,” Minho mumbled, pressing kisses to his skin.

“I’m good.”

Minho pulled back, meeting Taemin’s sleepy gaze. “Yeah?”

Taemin nodded. “I promise. No floating.”

Minho nodded. He sat up and stretched, rubbing the back of his neck. This was always the time he hated. For the time they were having sex, the ‘no strings attached’ part of their relationship didn’t matter. He could kiss and cuddle and hold Taemin to his heart’s content. When they went far enough, and Taemin hit that floaty, feel good feeling as he described it, it gave Minho an out. Free reign to take care of Taemin like he wanted to all the time, bring him back to earth slowly. When he didn’t reach that point… Minho was just another quick fuck. The only difference was that Taemin didn’t kick him out of his house when he was done. Minho wasn’t sure that would be worse.

He pulled on his jeans, passing Taemin his jeans and boxers before rising to put away their toys.

“Why is this door shut?!” The door shook in its frame as Taemin’s father rapped on it.

Minho pulled a face, showing his teeth before chuckling. He slid the closet shut and ran fingers through his hair before nudging the stopper out of the way and opening it, smiling sheepishly and bowing.

“Sorry, Sir.”

“I told you to keep that door open,” He snapped. “Why is your shirt off? I swear—"

“It’s just so hot,” Minho whined as well as he could, fanning his hand in front of his face. “We shut the door to try and keep the cool air from the window in the room.” He shifted to show Taemin on the bed, his jeans perfectly in place, shirt missing still. “Could we have permission to turn the AC up a little?”

Taemin’s father’s eyes narrowed. Minho knew he could likely smell the sex from the room. He kept the innocent smile planted on his face nonetheless even as Taemin’s father’s eyes searched the room for any physical sign of their coitus.

“I will turn up the air conditioning. Keep the door open, it allows for better airflow… And put on a damn shirt.”

Minho bowed his head politely, stepping further into the room and grabbing his shirt from the floor. Taemin’s father scanned the room once more, his lips disappearing into an annoyed line before he stalked off.

Minho sat on the bed, pulling his shirt on. “You have got to get a place of your own, Tae.”

“I like living rent free,” Taemin whined. “I can save my money for stuff I want.”

“I know, and I get it – I hated moving out of my parents… But your dad is so pushy.”

Taemin shrugged. He sat up and moved to where Minho was sitting, putting his head on his shoulder.

“I won’t have to worry about it in a few weeks. I’ll be getting hitched.” The sarcasm was obvious in his tone.

“You don’t have to say yes, Tae. You should follow your heart.”

Taemin snorted. “It’s easier. I’ll just do what you said, let her know I’m not gonna be some good husband. I’ll go through the motions, be married, but she has to accept that she won’t be my only person. I don’t do love.”

Minho sighed. “Maybe you will. What if she ends up being perfect for you?”

“I doubt it. You know I’m up for anything but I’ve always leaned toward guys. If I end up with anyone long term I think it’ll be someone male identifying.”

“Never know.” Minho nudged him playfully. “Just go to the date with an open mind, okay?”

“Okay.” Taemin sighed, flopping back onto the bed. “He’s sending me to her next Friday.”

“End of the same week I leave. You’ll have to text me with how it went. Or Facetime me in the evening.”

“I will. I’m sure I’ll need your support,” Taemin said through a laugh. “Wanna play a game? We can order something for food.”

Minho nodded. “Always. You order, I’ll set it up.”

The two fell into a comfortable silence as they played rounds of the game, spending the next few hours with one another. It was always this way, as long as Minho could remember. He loved it, and wouldn’t dare ruin it by asking for more. Even if, sometimes, in his dreams, he wished.

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angrylizardjacket · 4 years

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Brian May Exclusive Enterview: Queen, Debauchery and Freddie Mercury (May 21, 2017)

Originally from The Times (which you have to pay to read) but found on SpearHead News (who republished the whole thing for free and I love them for it). Not sure if people had seen it much before but Rock Dad Brian May is v sweet, and the spearhead link has images attached.

Tragedy, debauchery … and dwarves — the guitarist Brian May gives Krissi Murison an access-all-areas account of his life with Freddie Mercury and rock’s most flamboyant band. by The Sunday Times

Brian May does a great Freddie Mercury impression. He leans forward in his chair, clasps his hands together conspiratorially and channels the high-speed, staccato delivery of the greatest showman of the late 20th century: “ ‘I had an idea … you know Michael Jackson did this album and it’s called Bad?’ Yeah, Fred. ‘Well, the album we’re making, we could call it Good.’ ”

May laughs. “He would always knock you sideways. Sometimes it was great and sometimes it wasn’t.”

The visitors to Freddie’s dressing room started to change from hot chicks to hot men. It didn’t matter to us — why should it?

May, the guitarist in Queen since their 1970 inception, remembers when Mercury finally announced to him that he was gay, “years after it was obvious”. “In the beginning, the band lived on a shoestring. We couldn’t afford individual hotel rooms, so I would share a room with Freddie … There isn’t a lot I don’t know about Freddie and what he got up to in those days — which was not men, I have to tell you. It was fairly obvious when the visitors to Freddie’s dressing room started to change from hot chicks to hot men. It didn’t matter to us, why should it? But Freddie had this habit of saying, ‘Well, I suppose you realise this, that or the other,’ in this very offhand way, and he did say at some point, ‘I suppose you realise I’ve changed in my private life?’

“And years later, he said, ‘I suppose you realise that I’m dealing with this illness.’ Of course, we all knew [he had Aids], but we didn’t want to. He said, ‘You probably gather that I’m dealing with this thing and I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t want our lives to change, but that’s the situation.’ And then he would move on.”

Dredging through old memories has been the subject of May’s latest project: a compilation book of his personal collection of 3D photos from his time striding around the globe during Queen’s heady reign of stadium-rock supremacy. The accompanying words mark the first time any member of Queen has written about their experiences in the band.

It is harrowing to read of Freddie’s final days and the devastating effect the HIV virus took on his body before he died in late 1991. “The problem,” May writes, “was actually his foot, and tragically there was very little left of it. Once, he showed it to us at dinner. And he said, ‘Oh Brian, I’m sorry I’ve upset you by showing you that.’ And I said, ‘I’m not upset, Freddie, except to realise you have to put up with all this terrible pain.’ ”

Equally hard is May’s belief that the “magic cocktail” of drugs that has since stopped Aids becoming a death sentence was discovered just too late to save Freddie.

“He missed by just a few months,” May sighs. “If it had been a bit later he would still have been with us, I’m sure. It’s very …” he breaks off sadly. “Hmmm. You can’t do ‘what if’ can you? You can’t go there because therein lies madness.”

Brian May on his Queen picture book and Freddie Mercury

Honestly, I had expected to meet a sanctimonious old git. May has been dubbed “the world’s grumpiest rock star” thanks to his online blog, Brian’s Soapbox, on which he posts pious rants about politics, the press, badger culls and animal rights. There are flashes of the same hectoring tone in the book. But it must be a mean trick of the typing, because in real life he seems a terribly gentle and pleasant soul.

I meet him in Windlesham, Surrey, in the vast pile where he has his offices. The bookshelves are lined with antique cameras and 19th-century volumes of Punch. In the middle of the room is a female mannequin wearing a sweeping Victorian crinoline skirt — another of May’s esoteric interests.

He wanders in wearing clogs, gardening trousers and a woven red jacket, almost as arresting as his bright grey corkscrew barnet. Under the jacket is a white shirt, unbuttoned dangerously low for someone who turns 70 in July. Bohemian chain pendants clatter against nipple as he leans in to say hello. He is very tall — or maybe that’s just the hair — and frightfully easy-going.

Tea is arranged and he briefly excuses himself. I assume he’s gone to use the facilities or take an urgent phone call. But after 20 minutes I look out the window to see him tottering around the back garden taking pictures of his rhododendron. Has he forgotten me? When he finally returns, it’s with a box containing his treasured collection of “stereoscopic” (3D) cameras and some of the original slides he took.

He shows me one of his favourites: a picture of Freddie and the Queen bassist John Deacon on a private plane in 1977. A blonde woman gazes at Freddie from the seat next to him.

“That’s Mary, his long-term girlfriend.” Despite Mercury’s sexuality, Mary Austin was his longest relationship and the woman he called “the love of my life”. “They were still very close right to the end,” May nods. “He took care of Mary in his will.”

We look at another photo of Freddie having his make-up applied before a show. “You just feel he’s so close there, don’t you?” May smiles. “It’s almost painfully real. He was this strange mixture of flamboyance and shyness,” he says, remembering his first impressions of Mercury. “He had already built this image around himself, which was very confident and colourful. He was a rock star long before he made a record. In the old days they would have called him a dandy. And more recently a metrosexual. He was like a peacock, a person who brought his own fantasy to life.”

Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, east Africa, to Indian Parsi parents in 1946. He had already started calling himself Freddie before his family came to England, fleeing the Zanzibar revolution for Feltham in west London when he was 17. May grew up a few miles away in leafy Hampton, a studious only child who would later quit a PhD in astrophysics at Imperial College London to pursue his rock’n’roll dreams. (He eventually completed it 36 years later in 2007, specialising in zodiacal dust.)

May tells me about the day he met Freddie. The guitarist was already in a university band called Smile. One day Smile’s singer unwittingly brought his colourful, outspoken mate from Ealing Art College to watch a rehearsal. “Freddie was full of enthusiasm, really fired up,” May remembers. “He loved watching us. Then, on the other hand, he was: ‘But you’re doing all of this wrong. Why are you just standing there looking at the floor? Why aren’t you giving a show for people?’ ”

Was he angling for the frontman job himself?

“I think so. He was very complimentary to me. He said, ‘You should be my Jimi Hendrix.’ Freddie loved Hendrix, he followed him everywhere, he was like a disciple.”

A band, Queen, was born with Mercury as singer. I had no idea how revolutionary his crowd interaction was until May explains that most audiences going to watch a rock band in the early 1970s would sit on the floor, nodding. “These days groups encourage audience participation, but Freddie asking people to sing along was almost uncool in those days. It was viewed as something that might happen in cabaret. What we did, if you want to be crass about it, is we amalgamated rock with music hall. That’s why we wrote We Are the Champions, We Will Rock You and Radio Ga Ga — it was consciously allowing the audience to be part of the show.”

Then there were the outfits. May’s book features some beauties: early 1970s Freddie in flowing locks and Zandra Rhodes’s white pleated “winged” capes; gay-icon Freddie, barechested in black leather trousers and black leather biker hat; “Mediterranean prawn” Freddie with his porno moustache, bouffant wig and strappy red leotard.

Wasn’t he scared of getting beaten up?

“No, not really. There were times when we went, Fred, are you really going on in that? I think the maroon sequin shorts were close to the edge as far as we were concerned. But he loved to outrage people. We were very much a people’s band. If people stopped us in the street and got excited, it was generally bricklayers or truck drivers. Freddie had an amazing way of being in contact with everyone, making people feel like their inner selves were going to come out. We liberated a lot of people.”

Mercury the daring peacock, May the soft-spoken brainiac … it is hard not to see them as two polar opposites, but May disagrees. “We were all striding around the world being big-time rock stars, but actually we’re quite fragile inside. It’s probably the reason we’re rock stars, because it’s a big compensation thing, playing a loud guitar or strutting around singing. You do it because you want to feel confident, you want to find yourself and achieve your potential.”

It says much about Mercury’s light-sapping charisma that May spent much of his time in the shadow of the singer while he was alive. And it says much about May’s strategic brilliance that he hasn’t subsequently faded into obscurity, but become the figurehead of a band that is now even more successful than it was during Mercury’s lifetime. According to this year’s Rich List, May is worth £125m, while a recent survey named Queen the favourite band among fiftysomethings.

Next year will finally see the release of a long-awaited Freddie Mercury biopic, with Rami Malek playing the singer, and May and Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, on board as music producers. We Will Rock You, a musical based on Queen’s hits, ran at the Dominion Theatre for 12 years from 2002. Since 2012, Queen have toured live with the American Idol finalist Adam Lambert singing Mercury’s lines (heresy in my opinion, but apparently Freddie would have loved him). Nothing, though, can eclipse May’s 2002 moment astride the top of Buckingham Palace, playing a guitar solo of God Save the Queen for the jubilee. The roof was his idea; the organisers had initially envisaged him wandering through the state rooms for the performance, but he thought it lacked impact. Perhaps he is more like Freddie than we will ever know.

Absent from any of the post-Mercury Queen activity is the bassist, John Deacon, now said to be a recluse. “I don’t see him at all, no,” says May. “It’s his choice. He doesn’t contact us. John was quite delicate all along. He could be very outgoing and very funny, but I think some of the stuff that happened in Munich gave him a lot of damage, and I think losing Freddie was very hard for him as well. He found that incredibly hard to process, to the point where actually playing with us made it more difficult.”

Munich was where Queen holed up at the end of the 1970s and early 1980s to write and record. Things got out of hand. May coyly refers to it in the book as a period of heavy drinking in a local bar, “living in a fantasy world of vodka and barmaids”.

Today he is more forthright: “We all lost our minds … we were all in a perilous place where our emotions were out of control. It manifested itself in way too much drinking, a certain amount of drugs, which I didn’t share — but certainly an awful lot of vodka went through my body. We all fell to bits. That’s the moment Freddie wrote It’s a Hard Life. If you look at the video, it’s a metaphor. There’s all this wonderful, fanciful clothing and excess of food, wine and debauchery, but Freddie’s saying ‘It’s a hard life’ as the grapes are thrust into his mouth. The Freddie writing that song was actually in a very painful, emotional place.”

It inevitably also had an impact on the band dynamic. “We overreacted with each other at times. We all left the band at some point. The studio’s a hard place for a band anyway, but in our case all four of us as writers had had worldwide hits — and I think that’s unique, I don’t think there’s another band in history where that’s true. You have four writers trying to create the next statement of what we are, so what could that statement be except a fight between the different visions? The lifestyle we led magnified that conflict.” In Deacon’s case, it culminated in “John disappearing to Bali and seeing God or whatever”.

When it comes to legendary Queen decadence, May’s book does its best to brush over the carnage. So let me be the one to remind you: there was the Madison Square Garden aftershow party at which male guests were served by topless waitresses in stockings and heels and female guests by men in nothing but gym shorts (to avoid accusations of sexism). And the champagne bill for Freddie’s 35th birthday in New York in 1981, which is said to have been £30,000. Most outrageous, though, was a 1978 album-release party in New Orleans, involving “a flock of transvestites, fire-eaters, dancing girls, snake charmers and strippers dressed as nuns”, according to Mark Blake’s well-respected Queen biography. The tales of what happened next range from the lurid (naked mud-wrestling, public fornication) to the unprintable, but perhaps the most famous involves a fleet of dwarves carrying platters of cocaine strapped to their heads. Does May remember seeing them?

“We knew a lot of dwarves,” he concedes. “I’m still very friendly with the dwarf community because my wife, Anita, used to do pantomimes. I don’t want to sound big-headed, but I’m pretty big in the dwarf world. I’ve spent many long nights propping up bars with dwarves.”

Of New Orleans, he says: “We chose to launch the album there because it was completely broad-minded. We knew a lot of people on the ‘edge of society’, as you would have called it then. You wouldn’t call it that now, you’d call it LGBTBF or whatever it is now. To that party came all sorts of pretty outrageous performers of every sex — and there are a lot! It was fun, nothing sinister went on at all. Nobody was abused, nobody was taken advantage of.”

Fat Bottomed Girls — I was proud of that song. The nude photoshoot was fun at the time, but I wouldn’t find it amusing now. Attitudes change

He would rather distance himself from some of Queen’s less politically correct japes. “For instance, Fat Bottomed Girls. I am very proud of that song, but as part of the album packaging we had this nude [female] bicycle race for a photo session and it all seemed quite innocent and fun at the time. Now I wouldn’t think that was amusing. Attitudes have changed to lots of things.”

He was far from the hardest-partying member of Queen. He’s never even tried drugs, having decided while still a student that “I want to get to the end of this and know that everything I felt was real”.

His weakness was always “company”. He bemoans his sensitive and emotionally immature nature, which meant he was endlessly trawling the world for “the perfect bond with the perfect partner … the place where you could dissolve with someone to the point where you don’t know where they start and you end.”

Did he ever find it? “No, it’s impossible. I’ve glimpsed it. Various times, various moments. But it’s a wonderful fiction, really.”

Don’t feel too bad for him. While he was searching, his then-wife, Chrissie Mullen, was stuck at home with their three children.

“It was very different in those days. There were no mobile phones and phone calls were incredibly expensive if you were on the other side of the world. There was this feeling that life on the road was this separate bubble from your life back home. Nowadays you can’t even begin to think that because communication is so good. We lived in a time that was very exciting, but lonely because you were cut off. You were exploring the frontiers of what was around you, but also the frontiers of what was inside you. In the same way as people who went to look for the Northwest Passage in the 1950s. It felt a bit like you were an explorer in another universe.”

As justifications for adultery go, I suppose it’s a pretty classy one.

He met his second wife, Anita Dobson — aka Angie, the original Queen Vic landlady from EastEnders — in 1986 at a film premiere, while he was still married to Mullen. He and Dobson wed in 2000. There was much amusement in the early days about them both having the same huge poodle perms — though May’s is the real deal and Dobson has been platinum and straight for some time now. In his book’s acknowledgments, he thanks her for managing to live with “possibly the most infuriating man in Britain for 30 years”.

“I know I’m not easy,” he says. “I’m constantly obsessed with one thing or another — astronomy, stereoscopy, music, saving animals … Living with someone like that is appallingly difficult, so I think she deserves a medal. I’m not going to tell you she’s easy, either. She’s an artist and a fearsomely creative person, so our life has always been turbulent, but I suppose that’s what’s kept us young.”

He has previously spoken about the depression he suffered from in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as he dealt with the fallout from his first marriage breaking down and the deaths of both his father and Mercury. Last year he cancelled a tour due to a mystery “persistent illness”. And on Christmas Day he published an alarming blog on Brian’s Soapbox. “I’ve been going through some radical and painful changes in my life … if you had seen me a few weeks ago, you would’ve wondered if I was going to make it to Christmas,” he wrote, before publishing a “tool kit” of apps, a book and a prayer to help others struggling to cope “physically or mentally or spiritually”.

“I went through a very bad period before Christmas and cancelled everything, not just the tour, everything,” he explains. “I just knew I couldn’t handle it.”

Would he call it depression?

“Strangely enough I prefer not to call it depression now. I’ve recently got very much into the body and mind. All my life I’ve been pathetic at doing exercises. I now have a regime — every morning I do 40 minutes’ exercise, then I finish with meditation. It’s really enabled me to recentre. I feel like I’m in a much better place.”

He is an advocate of mindful meditation — a way of living in the present that he believes Mercury used in the final days of his illness. May is happy to speak openly about his own mental health. “I noticed Prince Harry opened up in a similar way. I’ve always thought it’s nice to be open and I get reinforced in that because I get tons of mail saying the fact that you talked about it has helped me feel like I wasn’t alone and wasn’t a freak. I don’t think all this taboo business is helpful at all.”

I wonder if it might be a better use of his platform than his zealous activism on behalf of badgers, which seems a rather niche concern. In brief, then: he is a fierce campaigner against the policy of culling badgers to try to eradicate bovine TB. It is his scientific belief that the cull isn’t working. But it is muddled by his more deep-seated conviction: “Martin Luther King said we hold it self-evident that every man is born equal. I hold it self-evident that every creature is born equal.”

He can point to numerous childhood traumas that led him to this conclusion: watching his mother pour boiling water over an invasion of ants on the path outside his house; squirting a bumblebee with the pesticide DDT, then recoiling in shame as it dropped to the ground, buzzing to its slow and agonising death. If he hasn’t yet had therapy for the latter, he really should.

The animal fanaticism is odd, because on everything else he seems so calmly rational. Perhaps he learnt some of that composure from Freddie. Despite his pain, Freddie was determined to keep working during the band’s final days together in a recording studio in Montreux.

“What we did was get on with business as usual, which is what Freddie wanted,” May remembers. “He said, ‘I don’t want anything to change. We just do what we always do and we love what we do, so it’s going to be fine.’ Certainly those days towards the end were fabulous, full of laughter and joy, Freddie as wicked as ever. He was incredibly matter-of-fact about everything. ‘Oh darling, I’ll just get on with it.’ There wasn’t any self-pity at all. He wanted a ballad, so I very quickly sketched something in the studio and Freddie liked it. He said, ‘Gimme some words’. It was a question of scribbling a few lines and he’d chuck a couple of vodkas down — because he could hardly stand at that point — ‘Oh darling, I’ll do it now.’ Then he’d prop himself up on the desk and sing the lines. We didn’t quite get to the end. I gave him the last verse and he said, ‘Oh darling, I’m not feeling too good now, so I’ll come back to it. In a couple of days I’ll be fine, we’ll do it then.’ And he never did.”

May finished the song after Mercury’s death. It’s called Mother Love, “an attempt from the two of us to look at life and sum it up, to reconcile the end with the beginning, although we wouldn’t have put it that way.”

What does he think Freddie would be doing now if he were still alive? “I don’t think he’d have the patience for social media, because I hardly do and he was much more impatient than me. I don’t think he would be tweeting, he would probably be still writing his little memos on pieces of paper. He was becoming more and more reclusive towards the end of his life. That was partly because he was becoming more and more visible, but partly not wanting his illness to be public. But he was very private anyway and I think that would have continued.”

He is adamant Mercury would still be creating music. “His creativity would have carried on. He was unstoppable and very lateral-thinking. Always coming up with things that were surprising. Often Roger and I, if we’re creating something for Queen, both of us have said that we feel like he’s in the room and you know what he’d say. You can tell if he would have been scornful or enthusiastic — although of course the whole thing about Freddie was that he wasn’t expected.”

We have touched upon May’s depression, infidelity, the painful death of one of his closest friends and the painful death of a bee. Yet there is one subject so sensitive, I have avoided raising it until the very end. His hair. He hates talking about it, but he must on some level like the attention it brings, otherwise why doesn’t he just cut it off?

“I’m comfortable with it,” he says. “It’s completely real. For a time when it was going grey I got very worried that I had to keep it a certain way or I wouldn’t be me any more. Anita encouraged me not to worry about it.”

Would he ever cut it off?

“If it would achieve world peace, I’d do it tomorrow. If it would stop the badger cull, I’d probably do it tomorrow. Because the badger cull is a worthless, senseless operation, it’s not working and sooner or later our government has to realise …”

The images in May’s new book are not just any photos, but 3D pictures, taken on one of the Queen guitarist’s prized “stereoscopic” cameras.

Alongside music, astronomy and badgers, May is deliriously passionate about 3D photography. He first became hooked, aged 12, when Weetabix gave away free stereoscopic picture cards. He petitioned his parents to send off 1s 6d for the photo viewer so he could see them properly in 3D. “It’s probably about £2.50 by today’s money. But we were poor in those days — £2.50 was a lot of heating and lighting.”

“Stereoscopic” photography was originally a Victorian phenomenon and May’s book is published through the London Stereoscopic Company, a 19th-century business he brought back to life in 2008. He has also designed and prototyped his own stereoscopic photo viewer, the Owl, to see the images in their full, 3D majesty; it comes with the book. “It’s just magic to me,” he says, “when you see a picture of Freddie in the viewer and he springs to life.”

#brian may #queen #freddie mercury #roger taylor #john deacon #bohemian rhapsody #borhap #the angry lizard speaks

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bytheangell · 4 years

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All You Have to Do Is Stay

(Read on AO3) Square Filled: Wing Fic for @shadowhunterbingo Pairing: Jace Herondale/Simon Lewis Rating: Teen and Up – Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Summary: As Simon prepares to go out for Halloween, fangs and all, Jace considers a 'mark' of his own he's been hiding and wonders if it's time to show Simon... -------------

Jace doesn’t know if getting the night off on Halloween is a blessing or a curse. With demonic activity at a surprising low for this time of year, Isabelle decides to not run a full staff, which means Jace is free for the holiday for the first time in… well, maybe ever. Rebecca is flying in to visit Simon for Halloween, their yearly tradition; it’s also the first time she’s been back to New York since he and Simon started dating a few months ago. Against all of his better judgment, Jace agrees to go out with them for the night.

“You look ridiculous,” Jace says, eyeing Simon up and down. Simon looks like he was plucked directly out of a children’s cartoon, with his hair slicked back, wearing an all-black suit Raphael loaned him under a black cape with a bright red inner lining. “You’re literally a vampire, Simon. You do know no one dresses like that, right? I mean, I know I don’t spend a lot of time at the Dumort these days, but…”

“Of course I do,” Simon cuts him off. “But it has to be cheesy for no one to question it. If it’s exaggerated then it’s obviously a costume and no one thinks twice.”

Simon smiles, and that’s when Jace sees his fangs are out. His actual fangs, and not some piece of store-bought costume. And damn if that isn’t doing something to him just then. Even around the other Shadowhunters Simon usually keeps his fangs hidden. It’s strange to see him walking around with them so… casually.

Jace catches himself staring and tears his eyes away from the pointed canines.

“And you’re just going to walk around like that? In public?” Jace asks, ignoring the slight hitch in his breath.

Simon shrugs. “Sure. It’s Halloween. All of the mundanes just assume everything is a costume. The warlocks all go out without glamouring their marks, everyone will just think Seelies are some elaborate elf costume… the werewolves are kinda screwed, even the most detailed furry costume doesn’t look like an actual wolf. But yeah. It’s actually kind of cool.”

Jace almost asks what a ‘furry’ is and decides that he’s fine not knowing just then, especially not when a much larger and more consuming thought has now taken over his entire brain: letting his ‘mark’ show.

Two spots on his back itch in anticipation at the mere thought, muscles begging him to be released. No one knows about his ‘gift’ outside of the Lightwoods, and that’s only because while he was still growing they were still growing, and he couldn’t keep them glamoured and hidden for too long without ending up in horrible amounts of pain.

“Jace? Earth to Jace?” Simon’s voice breaks through his thoughts. “You alright? You zoned out, like, a lot just then.”

Jace doesn’t have an immediate reply. He wants to tell Simon, he really does. He wants to let Simon in, to let Simon know all of him. And it isn’t that he doesn’t trust Simon to keep his secret...

...it’s that he doesn’t think he’ll stay after he knows.

A lot of thoughts cross through Jace’s mind just then. He runs through a million and one scenarios in the blink of an eye, and 99% of them end with Simon very politely ending things because he didn’t sign up for this. It’s weird, even by Shadow World standards. Even by Simon standards. Alec and Izzy were always kind about it, but Maryse and Robert always stressed how important it is that no one ever finds out, that they’re something to be ashamed of, something to hide.

He also thinks of meeting Rebecca in an hour or two. Meeting Simon’s family, allowing them to get invested in him too, the same way Simon has. Maybe it’s best to get this done and over with now, like ripping off a bandaid.

“Okay, now you’re starting to worry me,” Simon says, frowning and taking a step closer, reaching an arm out towards Jace. Jace takes an instinctive step backward, defensive before he even started speaking, and that’s when he knows that he’s already made up his mind without realizing it.

“Simon, there’s something I have to tell you. Or, well, show you I guess,” Jace speaks finally. He watches Simon’s face closely, the small, cautious smile as Simon nods.

“Yeah, sure. What is it?” Simon is definitely worried, and Jace hates that he’s the reason for that concern.

“So, you know how Clary and I were, uh, experimented on as kids?” It’s rhetorical, they both know that Simon knows, but Jace waits anyway to buy himself a few more seconds to collect his thoughts. This isn’t how he imagined doing this, and he thought about it a lot the longer the two of them were together, but he usually pictured some quiet, intimate moment, and not while Simon was dressed up as Dracula.

“Yes,” Simon says, his tone soft and encouraging.

“Right. Well, I didn’t just get the ability to activate my runes without a stele,” he admits. “The angel blood in me, it… I also got, uh…” he stalls again, the words fading away. It isn’t too late to make up a lie, or say ‘nevermind’ and save this for another day. Maybe he can buy himself a few more weeks, hell, maybe a few more months, with Simon before he brings it up and sends him running.

“Hey,” Simon says, filling the silence Jace falls into. “Whatever it is, you know you can tell me. It’s alright.”

Jace wants to believe him, but he can’t undo two decades of being told it isn’t alright. So instead he takes a deep breath and steels himself for the inevitable.

“I have wings.”

He’s never said it out loud to anyone before. He couldn’t even say it to Maryse and Robert, it just sort of happened, and they were the ones to tell Alec and Isabelle. Jace always just referred to them as, well, them. I have to let them out again, he’d say, and Alec would know he needed help with the matted areas that inevitably formed from hiding them for too long.

A heavy silence falls between them when Simon doesn’t respond right away. Jace is bracing himself for a gentle let down. Maybe that Simon is going to go out with Becky alone, and come back and let him down easy so it doesn’t ruin his night. Or maybe Simon will be so mad that Jace kept this from him that he’ll just yell at him and kick him out here and now.

Simon doesn’t look upset, but he doesn’t look particularly happy, either. He’s studying Jace carefully, eyes narrowed a little.

“You have wings,” Simon repeats finally.

“Yeah,” Jace breathes out the word, on pins and needles in anticipation.

“Okay.”

“...okay?” Jace has no idea what the fuck to do with that.

Simon frowns. “I mean I’ve never… how do you have wings and I’ve never seen them, or felt them? I’ve definitely seen you naked before. Plenty of times, and-” Simon stops abruptly. “The scars. The two on your back. Are they-”

“Yeah,” Jace confirms, self-consciously shifting so that his back is facing away from Simon, the scars under his shirt included.

“I never thought to ask about them, I just assumed it was, you know, normal Shadowhunter injury stuff. Werewolf scratch or something.” Simon pauses, and Jace can feel his eyes on him even as Jace very intentionally avoids eye contact.

“I wish,” Jace mutters. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

Simon is being way too calm about all of this, and he doesn’t like it. When Jace doesn’t say anything else and neither does Simon the silence between them is almost too much. Jace can feel Simon’s eyes on him and can only think the worst: that Simon’s trying to find some polite way to say that it’s too weird, or too much, or that he lied about it for too long to be trusted. In fact, Jace is about to give him the easy out and beat him to it when Simon speaks again.

“Can I see them?” Simon asks quietly.

“What?” This isn’t what Jace expects to hear. In fact, he’s certain he must be hearing things.

“I mean if it’s too… personal, or whatever, that’s fine. I don’t want to overstep. But I’d love to see them, if you’ll let me,” Simon repeats.

Jace looks around Simon’s apartment as if half-expecting a small crowd to suddenly appear to watch as well. But it’s just them, and the curtains are drawn, and Rebecca hasn’t texted to say she’s anywhere close yet.

“I don’t know,” Jace stalls.

“Hey, that’s fine. I mean, I can’t imagine having wings and not wanting to show them off all the time, but if you ever do the offer is there.” Simon steps closer, taking Jace’s hand in his own and giving it a comforting squeeze.

And that’s when it hits Jace: Simon isn’t shying away. He isn’t running. In fact, he’s explicitly saying he’ll still be here whenever Jace changes his mind.

That’s the push he needs to take a deep breath and make that leap.

“Wait,” Jace says as Simon turns to head back towards his bedroom. Simon stops and turns, and as he does so Jace slowly takes off his shirt. Then he very slowly and carefully begins to spread his wings.

It’s been a while. He can feel the aches, moving in small, shifting increments instead of some quick, grand, dramatic gesture. The feathers are mostly golden - a soft, shining hue closest to his skin and along the tops of each wing, fading to a pure white at the tips. They match his eyes, which also shine with a shade of gold that almost glows under the light. Jace wonders how long it’s been since he brushed them out - a quick glance at them doesn’t seem to show any glaring issues and he’s silently praying they aren’t matted in places he can’t see as Simon watches with wide eyes.

There’s no fanfare, Jace doesn’t do a spin to show them off and has no snarky comment. He simply stands, his biggest secret on full display, feeling more exposed than he ever has before.

Simon continues to stare as Jace bites down on his lower lip. He knew this was a bad idea.

“Wow,” Simon finally breathes out. “That’s… they’re... wow.”

“They’re something alright,” Jace agrees, and allows himself a shaky, self-conscious laugh.

“They’re beautiful.”

Simon takes a step or two closer and Jace can feel his brain working overtime to process what Simon just said. Simon isn’t leaving. He isn’t even shocked into place. He’s coming closer. He’s smiling.

He likes them.

“They’re ridiculous,” Jace mumbles finally, still not making eye contact with Simon.

“They’re spectacular,” Simon corrects. “Can I-?” Simon starts to extend a hand slowly out towards Jace’s left wing and he’s helpless to do anything other than nod.

Simon moves carefully, each motion deliberate until his hand grazes the golden plumage. His touch is soft, first just brushing across the tops of them before growing a bit bolder and combing his fingers through the feathers. Jace gasps, feathers shaking from the involuntary shudder Simon’s touch causes, and Simon pulls his hand back quickly.

“Fuck, sorry, I hurt you?” Simon asks, concerned.

“No,” Jace says quickly, shaking his head. “No, it’s just - I haven’t had them out in a while. It feels good, I promise.” And it feels extra good because it’s Simon touching them. Sure, when Alec or Izzy would comb through his feathers it felt nice, like someone running fingers through your hair, but this was different. This was something more.

Simon looks hesitant but nods and moves close again, crowding into Jace’s space to run his fingers through the feathers again before making his way around to Jace’s back. Jace feels the gentle touch of fingertips at the spots on his back where the wings emerge from. He knows exactly what Simon’s looking at from numerous hours spent staring in contempt at them in the bathroom mirror - red, inflamed skin, freshly torn open in a clean line, something that looks like it should be bleeding but isn’t. Simon’s fingers vanish, and a second later his lips take their place, leaving a trail of quick, tender kisses up the length of the laceration.

Jace doesn’t try to stop the tears that spring to his eyes, he knows he couldn’t even if he wanted to.

Simon circles back around to face him again. “Thank you for showing me.”

Jace nods, not trusting himself to speak.

Thankfully he doesn’t have to. Simon’s phone rings and he takes it out of his pocket to silence it but stops when he sees his sister’s name on the screen. Even still, he looks up at Jace questioningly.

“Answer your sister,” Jace encourages while clearing his throat, taking the minute or two Simon spends on the phone to collect himself again. When Simon hangs up his eyes are back on Jace immediately.

“So, this is terrible timing since she’s going to be here in, like, 5 minutes. But I want to talk more about this later if you’re up for it,” Simon tells him.

“I- yeah, I’d like that,” Jace admits. He’s wanted to talk to Simon about this for ages, honestly.

“I mean, I could make her wait for me at Taki’s or something if you wanted to talk now-”

“Simon, it’s fine. We can talk tomorrow. Tonight is all about Rebecca.” Normally this isn’t the sort of thing Jace would ever imagine himself leaving unresolved, but Simon doesn’t look like he’s about to turn and run overnight. In fact, Jace is convinced that if this hasn’t scared him away there might not be anything that will, and that’s a thought that both excites and terrifies him. He’s always relied on his ability to push people away when he needed to, there’s always been some stop he could pull to make people leave when he felt overwhelmed, or when things got too serious.

But with Simon? Jace is finally starting to realize that Simon might just be here to stay. Maybe nothing can scare him away, but Jace realizes with a sudden certainty that he doesn’t want to push Simon away.

“I don’t suppose you want to take them out for a Halloween test-run?” Simon offers, but Jace is already folding the wings back into place, tight and hidden and secret again.

“Maybe next year,” Jace compromises. Showing Simon is one thing - showing the entire world, well, that’s a step he isn’t ready for just yet, even if they’d all think it’s just some elaborate costume.

“Good,” Simon says, surprising Jace. “Because I kind of like the idea of me being the only one who gets to see them.” Simon closes the space between them, careful to place his hands by the base of Jace’s spine on his back as he wraps his arms around him and pulls him in for a kiss.

“Still up for coming out?” Simon asks when they finally pull away.

Jace knows he can say no and Simon would be totally fine with it. He can distance himself and overthink and self-sabotage everything that just happened in true Jonathan Herondale fashion…. but he doesn’t even consider it.

Because for the first time he can remember Jace doesn’t feel like he needs an escape plan.

“Absolutely,” Jace agrees without any hesitation. “Let’s go.”

#jace herondale #simon lewis #jimon #shadowhunters #ShadowhunterBingo #this was meant to be soft halloween crack #then i gave it emotions #and it turned into feelings and I'm sorry #elle writes a few deadbeat lines #long post

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recurring-polynya · 5 years

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I think it’s pretty evident by now that I am something of a connoisseur of Bleach filler. Like greatness, this is not a thing I have chosen for myself, it is just a thing that has been thrust upon me. And to that end, I need you to know that Bleach #147-149 is the template on which all other filler should be built. I love it. It’s perfect.

I’ve chosen to group it in with the Advance Team Filler, even though it really takes place during the early Hueco Mundo arc. There’s more HM filler much, much later, but it’s after the Cap’n Amagai filler arc, and I feel like this fits more thematically with the Advance Team filler. Also, all the other members of the Advance Team got their own episode and these are Rukia’s.

These episodes are everything I wanted #136-137 to be. One thing that I always want in filler is shitty bad guys who are way below our heroes’ usual standard. I get enough of Ichigo training and tapping into his inner strength during the canon parts. When I’m watching filler, I only want to see him whale on some throwaway villains. The Fullbringer Arc is not actually filler, but it has Big Filler Energy, and Zaraki killing that butler dude in half a second is the most gratifying part of it.

So, let’s jump in:

We’re in Hueco Mundo, Rukia and Renji have just showed up in their sweet capes, everyone is riding around on Bawabawa. Runuganga, the huge sand dude they defeated last episode, shows up again (he’s made of sand, so he can never die, I guess?) Rukia tries to Second Dance him, but she’s standing on Bawabawa during the part of the attack where the blades go down into the ground, they go into poor Bawabawa instead and he freaks out (and then Renji scolds her, it’s beautiful). Runuganga then makes a sand whirlpool and the process of falling into it, Rukia falls off Bawabawa and gets separated from everyone else as they fall down into the ::Forest::of::the::Menos:: (end reverb)

Everyone in this filler is extremely stupid, but it’s okay, because it doesn’t matter, in fact, it is charming and hilarious. There’s some physical comedy of the Great Desert Brothers falling on Ichigo’s head, Ishida holds forth on Hueco Mundo flora, and literally like 10 minutes pass before Renji notices Rukia is gone and everyone’s like “Whaaaaaa? Rukia, whaaaaat?” They go looking for her, and once again, I cannot emphasize enough that Ichigo and Renji are just Jason-from-the-Good-Place level morons in this episode. Ichigo theorizes that perhaps Rukia is so light that she has been blown away and Renji is all aboard his idiot train.

So, where is Rukia, anyway? She lands somewhere else and immediately gets attacked by Hollows. She’s not really having any trouble holding them off when this dude in a stinky cape covered in Hollow skulls shows up and “saves” her. It’s like this guy saw Renji’s bankai capelet, and said, “this, but cocktail length with extra skulls.” He takes Rukia back to his bachelor cave, where he has cubbies full of mushrooms and a sweet kidou lamp he made himself. Rukia realizes he is a shinigami and yells “WHAT’S YOUR SQUAD?” at him a bunch. He takes off his mask to reveal that he is in fact, dreamy. His name is Ashido and he is Extremely Rukia’s Type, by which I mean he is tall, has spikey hair, and is not very bright.

We get a flashback of Ashido’s sad origin story: he and a bunch of his squad members followed some Hollows back through a Garganta and got stuck in Hueco Mundo. He figures that he can do more good exterminating Hollows where they live rather than trying to get home, so they stay there and fight Hollows until all his friends are dead. Oops. The very sexy Hollow Zorak skull he wears as a mask was in fact, the head of the Hollow who killed his last friend. He uses Hollow skulls to deflect ceros which seems… useful? And sort of made up? As he’s telling this story, the camera pans out and there are a bunch of graves? And he’s like, “I wanted to tell you this story in front of my friends so they could hear the voice of a shinigami again.” Rukia, of course, is like “Ahhhh cool cool cool cool cool cool, no doubt, no doubt” as if she doesn’t also have a hill of friend graves that she likes to pose in front of. He asks Rukia if they have noticed a decrease in Hollows in the Living World due to his efforts and Rukia refuses to answer or to make eye contact. He then observes that some weird crap has been going on lately, did something happen in Soul Society? and Rukia is like “So many things happen in Soul Society, it’s basically unknowable.” Rukia is my queen and president, I love her.

Asido then observes that some morons with too much reiatsu seems to be fighting nearby and attracting every Hollow in the vicinity. Rukia is like, yeah, they’re mine. As they head off in that direction, they get attacked by Hollows and Ashido relives his entire flashback again, but in negative colors. Baller move, Filler Episode.

Some other stuff has happened-- Chad and Ishida rode Bawabawa up a tree? Nel and her Fraccion got kidnapped by the Hollows whom Aizen has allegedly put in charge of the Forest of Menos? I feel like Aizen just said that to get rid of them, these guys are more like some over-enthusiastic Steelers fans you accidentally sat next to at the bar than actual villains. All this is slightly boring, except for two things:

1. Everyone has started treating Bawabawa like Lassie, where he goes “BAWABAWAWAWABAWA” and someone will reply to him like he’s a person, “Nel has been kidnapped? She’s stuck in the old abandoned well?” I love Bawabawa so much, I love yelling “BAWABAWA”, and I never once got sick of this gag, not even for a second.

2. As you might expect, the Forest of Menos is full of Menos. Hundreds of Menos. Pantsloads of Menos. You may remember a million episodes ago, when Ichigo still had Rukia’s powers, and he had to tie his sword to Ishida’s head in order to defeat a Menos. Those days are over. Menos are bowling pins now. Ichigo and the gang are just annihilating Menos. Menos corpses everywhere. Chad punches a Menos in the foot and it dies. I’m pretty sure Renji deflects a cero with his bare arm and then kills like 30 Menos who are standing in a line, which makes them very convenient to run over with Hihiou Zabimaru. Ashido has been down here for *hundreds of years* trying to reduce the number of Hollows, and it’s clear that the Karakura Kids + Renji could clear this place out in an afternoon and still have the energy to go Cosmic Bowling afterwards.

Meanwhile, Rukia and Ashido run into Ashido’s old nemesis, the Boss Hollow of the Forest. Ashido fights him dramatically for a while, and then he makes a bad deflection and the guy is about to hit Rukia, “RUUUUUKIIAAAAA NOOOOOOO!”, mantis skull flashback *again.* And here is where this episode becomes next level, because Rukia goes to shikai and just goes ham on the guy, and you realize that she has been slumming this entire time. Ashido is a joke. He doesn’t even have shikai. Rukia is so much better than him and the only explanation for this is that she’s been letting him look cool because she wants to tap that. Ashido just accepts this, and I assume this is the point where they have mediocre Hueco Mundo sex.

We go back to the boys, who have defeated all the Hollows they could find and found the exit, and are fretting because they still don’t know where Rukia is. Then Rukia just walks up, “Hey guys, what’s going on in this thread?” They all start to leave when one of the Hollows from earlier comes back (you had ONE JOB, Ichigo, everyone else killed their Hollow) with 50 Menos. Keep in mind, based on earlier events, this would take Ishida like 6 seconds to take care of, but Ashido has to dramatically face them himself. There’s a hilarious bit where he turns back to fight the Hollow and Ichigo and Renji run right past him. He can’t even run fast. He’s terrible. Anyway, some rocks start falling and Ichigo and Renji get entranced by them (shiny!) and Ashido jumps past the rockslide to fight the Hollows and is therefore trapped and they have to leave him behind.

Back on the surface, Rukia takes a knee and makes a dramatic speech while Ichigo and Renji stand behind her like good wingmen and press F in chat. It ends with this:

I cannot see this without thinking about that part in Shrek 2 where Shrek says “I promise I shall repay you, unless I can’t find you, or I forget!” Especially because Rukia 100% forgets that Ashido exists and we never see him again.

Advance Team Filler Masterpost

#bleach filler #rukia kuchiki #ashido #hueco mundo #menos #six hearts beat as one #morons #these utter buffoons #BAWABAWA #rukia is perfect #i bet orihime is sad she missed this

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randombtsprincessa · 5 years

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The Man in the Pink Cape || 5

Author: Randombtsprincessa

Characters: Jin (Non Idol) x Reader (2nd POV)

Chapters: 01 02 03 04

Warning: Light Smut

Jin earned more than one date.

He earned you, fair and square. The second date, which was a lot more domestic, included movies, popcorn at his dorm. That in itself was not new but the spontaneous make out session definitely was.

His fingers had dug into your hips even before you had the time to turn towards him before his mouth was on yours, hot and demanding. It had led to you throwing your arms around his broad shoulders, clutching to him as he pressed you back against the couch.

He had kept himself from completely putting all of his weight on you, but you could already feel the excitement he was feeling which only made you blush hard and pull away, both of your cheeks bright red and breaths and coming out in heavy pants.

That had been five dates before, now you felt no shame in having him walk you to classes and fetch you from them, a glorious smile on his face and a sweet kiss always ready for you.

He also introduced you formally you to the pack members of Suga’s crew.

Yoongi, Hobi, Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook you already had met but you now got to meet Sarah properly who turned out to be an actually chirpy girl once the sun was at its proper place in the sky. She was the type of girl who would bond with you in the library but instead of reading, she shared her favorite quotes and memes under the small table lamp on our table, not that you minded, you loved her already.

The last person in that bunch happened to be M. She was the type of girl you know was a genius. She always had a tablet in her hand and the only time she looked up at you was when Jin had called out for her to pay attention during dinner.

“She’s like the head of the British Secret Service,” you had said, smiling slyly at her, making Jin chuckle.

“She’s my best friend. Mind you, she’s worse than that lady in Bond. If she had to shoot her best agent, she would.” He had said.

Along with Jin, you seemed to have attracted Damhongsaeg special attention. He seemed to be everywhere.

You could be walking over to get the bus if you had a special assignment and Jin couldn’t get you and you would see shadows flashing past while you could swear you saw pink and black.

The first time you brushed it off, thinking you were delusional from exhaustion but after the tenth time when you saw a figure standing well back into the trees as you dropped a drunken Eunji and exasperated Hanna to their dorms you were sure the Campus Vigilante was keeping an eye on you.

Why…well, you didn’t know, but it felt nice. It was like having a guardian angel.

Eunji and Hanna were both enthusiastic and scandalized when Jin had asked you out for the 6th date. You had no idea why until both of them showed up to your apartment, wearing huge smiles.

While Eunji immediately set to work on you, you kept protesting which was ignored. “Shut up, please, I had to go through Jiji’s lectures all morning.” Hanna said.

“Why, for what?” you asked irritated.

“Apparently, the sixth date is when the boy or the girl is supposed to make a move. Since, we’re pretty sure you won’t, she’s making you irresistible.” Hanna rolled her eyes.

The wave of embarrassment that flooded you was hard hitting and you were sure you were looking like a tomato.

Truth be told, after many more make outs in Jin’s dorm and one in his car when he’d dropped you off, had made you want to look in that direction but you weren’t sure if Jin was ready. You’d taken off his shirt once but when it came to you pulling off yours, he’d smiled and stopped you.

You had chalked it up to him being nice about it.

“Hey, you look great,” he said immediately when you showed up on his doorstep, a bottle of soju and wearing clothes a tad bit tighter. None of those things were your idea.

“Thanks,” you couldn’t help be nervous around him today, keeping a tight smile on your face when he reached out for the bottle and pulled you in for a gentle peck on the lips.

“You ok?” he asked, frowning when you pulled away quicker than you used to.

“Yes, I’m fine,” you threw him a smile as you took off his jacket. He kept a suspicious look on his face as he led you to the couch.

“So, is this a usual date?” you blurted out and immediately felt like clamping a hand on your mouth when you noticed glasses, pizza and popcorn on the coffee table and the TV on.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Were you expecting something else?”

“No…no, of course not,” you flopped down and gulped down the lump in your throat. Suddenly, you felt silly, like Eunji and Hanna had messed with you. Clearly Jin wasn’t like average guys and you felt dumb for thinking he would pull a move on you without talking to you first.

He took a moment to sit next to you, pulling off two slices of pizza and handing one to you as he pressed play to the comedy he had picked out.

You couldn’t help but feel a little hurt.

Yes, he kissed you, yes, he was your boyfriend and yes, he made out with you with no control over his passion but yet, weren’t you good enough or desirable enough to bed? What was wrong with you?

You peeked a little at him to see him leaning back, chewing, clearly oblivious to your inner turmoil.

He finally felt your gaze on his face and turned to you, his face scrunching in concern.

“Babe? What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing,” you said, horrified to hear that your voice shook. It actually shook. You were upset because a man didn’t seem to want to sleep with you. What was wrong with you?

You instead directed anger towards your irrational best friends and got up from the sofa, fully intending to rattle some sense into them. “I’m not feeling so good, I should go.” You hurriedly picked up your bag and began walking towards the door.

“Hey! Y/N, tell me, what’s wrong?” He was in front of you so fast you had to stumble back, gaping at him as you turned to look at the sofa and back at him. How did he move so fast?

“Tell me,” his voice deepened and he took a step closer to you, inches from your face.

He was back to intent Soekjin, no longer the sweet Jin who had been chewing pizza beside you.

This only made you want him more…

You threw yourself at him, crashing your lips to his, making him fall back in surprise before he caught you, gently pulling away and looking at you in shock.

“Is that what’s been bothering you?” he gasped.

“What?” you asked confused.

“You don’t think I want you? That’s what this is about?” he was getting upset. You could tell from the tightened grip on your shoulders, his furrowed brows and his voice.

“It’s not that.” You quickly said but he was already pressing his mouth to yours again, cutting you off harshly.

Your arms wrapped around his shoulders and he pulled away once again to glare at you.

“Of course I want you. I’ve wanted to get my hands on you ever since I saw you in that damned dress at Suga’s party. Jesus, you little idiot,” He gritted his teeth before his look softened. “I want you, I want you now as well but I wasn’t sure if you were ready. If we were ready,” He whispered pulling you to him so he could press his forehead to yours. “Jin,” You whispered your voice decidedly low and husky. He opened his eyes to look at you, seeing the decision in your eyes.

“Are you sure?” he whispered.

You nodded and his resolve strengthened.

Mouths pressing together again, he lifted you up, wrapping your legs around his swimmer’s waist as he carried you to his bedroom. He kept the lights off, allowing the small streak of silver moonlight to be the only illumination needed as he dropped you gently on the bed. You tried backing up, so you could get up higher on the bed but he gripped your ankle, pulling off your socks and dropping them off before allowing you to scoot upwards.

He watched you for a second before reaching down to the hem of his own sweater, neatly pulling it off of himself and throwing it to the side. The moonlight did an amazing job of highlighting his sculpted torso. A firm line of chest, shoulders huge and just begging for you sink your nails and teeth in, flowing up into the long neck. He was a god, you thought, feeling smaller and belittled by his beauty.

He moved away to a chest of drawers, opening the third and retrieving something. Was it…oh god, had he been waiting for this? Why hadn’t he made a move for so long?

He came back to the end of the bed and silently dropped the silver packet next to you.

“Only if you’re ready,” he promised but you were already reaching for him, desperate now to feel his body on top of yours.

You dug your fingers into his shoulders and pulled him to you, moving your lips against his throat, trying to come off as enticing. You probably tickled him because he backed off with a chuckle, grabbing your wrist as he placed a knee on the bed.

“Be nice, Jagi,” he whispered and pressed you down before finally putting his weight on top of you, hot and just perfect. Your lips met in a fiery kiss, a low groan escaping you to be swallowed by him when he placed his hips over you in a way that made you feel exactly how much he wanted you.

“Let’s take this off you,” he muttered, reaching down to flick at the edge of your slinky black top and slipping your arms out of the fancy clasps. He had to struggle a bit with the butterfly knot at the back of the halter overlay which made you curse Eunji for going overboard. This would’ve been easier if you’d just worn a shirt.

He finally pulled you free before wincing at the fact that you weren’t wearing a bra.

You flushed to your roots when you remembered that conversation.

“I am not going braless.” You said and Eunji frowned at you.

“You can’t wear a bra with this. You don’t have the right one and I didn’t bring mine. Besides you might get shy and not let the man take it off you!” She hissed making both you and Hanna cringe.

You dimly wondered how Duri would take this.

“I just can’t,” you whined before she crossed her arms.

“He’s your boyfriend. You’re serious about him. You have to let him see your assets sometime.” She said.

“Eunji, please, I don’t have enough sugar in my body for this conversation!” Hanna cried out.

“Me too, I need alcohol if I need to do this.” You muttered and her eyes lit up immediately. That’s how the bottle of Soju came into play.

Jin cursed lightly to himself as he reached out and pushed you back against the pillows, his eyes fixed on your exposed chest. His eyes darted up to yours as his hands gently brushed down your side, leaving Goosebumps against your too hot skin.

“Baby…you’re beautiful.” He murmured and leaned down to brush his lips against yours once before moving down to plant gently kisses against the side of your neck as he travelled down to the skin he had bared to his hungry eyes.

You whimpered when he finally swirled his tongue around the bud, making you buck up from the cool sensation as the night air hit you before he mouth engulfed the flesh, sucking and soothing each nibble with his now warm tongue.

His fingers went to the waistband of the black jeans; Eunji had mercifully allowed you to keep, playing with the button before undoing it, his mouth still working on you as he kept his eyes on your face, watching every expression minutely.

When no resistance came from you he pulled back, undoing his own pants and pulling them down along with his boxers, revealing himself to you. You pulled up to your elbows, watching him grip himself, his breaths now coming out as pants as you saw the almost painful looking hard on, or for you the first ever hard on.

He stroked himself, once, twice before his eyes lifted up to you. “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?” he asked.

Your eyes widened, your legs drawing closer out of sheer instinct. You couldn’t help but be shy now. Could he feel your inexperience? “Don’t hide from me,” he put his hands on your knee, gently pushing them apart again. “I need to know this.”

You gave him a scared, quick nod.

In reply he gave you a magnificent grin, the first for the night as he hooked his thumb and forefinger under your jeans and pulled them off you easily, his eyes falling on the black lace that covered you.

He let out a low hiss. “You were planning this, weren’t you, baby? You went all the way, I should’ve noticed. I haven’t paid attention to your properly tonight.” His eyes were pure black now, dilated from lust as he ran a finger down your slit over the cloth, it tightened when it reached the hem and soon the pretty little thing that Eunji had very carefully and thoughtfully picked out for you joined the pile of clothes on his floor. He smirked at the sight.

“I’m just going to have to make it up you now.”

With that his head sunk into your heat and your eyes closed, plying you for the ecstasy Jin would have your way to ‘make up’ for his inattention.

When you woke up, your body felt sore, like you’d run a long marathon but it was a nice sore. You could feel a heavy arm draped over your waist, your head resting on the crook of Jin’s elbow as he slept on.

A low blush lit up your cheek, thinking of last night as every thrust, every moan and grunt and the mind blowing climax made you snuggle closer to your boyfriend. Jesus, you loved him.

You froze for a second. You loved him. God, you loved him. Without a thought of your parents, your life ahead, you had fallen head over heels for this boy and you had not a shred of regret for it.

Your movement made him whine in protest, his arms loosening around you to allow you free movement but he nuzzled his head into your hair, falling asleep again. You giggled softly, placing a soft kiss on his temple and sitting up to see where your clothes had gone last night. It didn’t matter it they’d been yours but you had to return that damned top to Eunji.

Jin had been careful, he’d put all of your clothes in one single pile at the foot of his bed, so you glanced at him with an amused grin. Jin’s beautiful skin, you saw was unmarked, as you still hadn’t been able to bring yourself to actually suck and leave bites on his skin but he hadn’t been as generous. Small pink marks dotted your shoulder, they would fade with the day, you hoped.

You slid over slightly and got out of the bed, pressing your lips together to withhold the wince of pain from your core. You went over to the pile, kicking it over lightly but you didn’t want to wear the sweater from last night. It was heavy and you were already hot from last night. Instead you went over to the clothes he’d haphazardly left over his desk chair and pulled out a much lighter, blue shirt, the type which had pockets all over its front.

Even as you pulled it over your head, you felt the leather flop down on your head and you immediately jumped away from the foreign sensation, swatting your head to make it fall off you.

When you saw what it was, you froze.

It was black, leather with cut outs for eyes and long spikes running over to cover the rest of the face. It was a mask you had the vague recollection of from the night you were almost assaulted. It was Damhongsaeg mask.

“Baby, what are you doing?” you jumped again, whirling around to see Jin sitting up, his sheets pooling around his waist, a groggy expression on his face as he squinted at you.

“Nothing, I just…” you began when his eyes fell to the floor, right on the mask. His eyes popped open wide, all signs of sleep vanishing. “Y/N, don’t touch that!” He almost tripped over his feet as he tried to get up, but he stood up straight again, holding the sheets to cover himself as he snatched the mask off the floor, tossing it on the desk.

“You’re…you’re…the,” you stuttered.

He made a face at you before laughing, “No, I’m not the vigilante, Y/N. That’s a replica I had Jimin make for Jung kook’s birthday.” He said.

“What…? Why would you give that to him as a gift?” you asked, curious.

“Because he’s a weird kid, who cares, anyways…I’m hoping this stupid obsession dies before his birthday so I can just give him a normal gift, but no…this is what he told Hoseok he wants.”

“What does he want to do with it? What if someone blames him for being the vigilante?” you asked.

He shook his head. “No, he has an alibi for all the show ups I think. Like I said, he’s a weird kid. Now, I was thinking we could have breakfast; a shower to get you to cool off then we can go for a drive…? Or if you want, we can stay in, order take out for lunch and maybe go for a few more rounds?” he smiled cheekily at you, snaking one hand around your waist and pulling you to his chest, chasing away all thoughts of the masked hero from your mind.

#jin fanfic #jin smut #jin angst #bts fanfic #bts smut #bts angst #bts #jin #the man in the pink cape

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asterinjapan · 5 years

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Of gardens and animals

Good afternoon!

Well, five PM is still noon, right?

Anyway, a little earlier today, but I still managed to see quite a lot. Since tomorrow is Disney day, I’m not sure if I’ll still go out tonight or if I’ll just get some dinner and call it a day, but I have some time to think about it still. In the mean while, here’s my report for today!

I cheered at breakfast as they had scrambled egg (which works much better with my stomach), so I could have a pretty filling breakfast, whoo! After that, I grabbed my things and made my way to the station. This time, my goal was the subway: I took the Yurakucho line to Iidabashi station, which was just ten minutes.

A short walk away is a garden called Koishikawa Korakuen. It’s one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo as it was completed during the Edo era (1600-1868), more specifically in the 17th century, with Chinese influences. Like many Japanese gardens, this garden has reproductions of famous Japanese (and in this case also Chinese) scenery, like with miniature hills and bridges. There are several bridges and small rivers named after bridges and rivers I’ve seen in Kyoto, for example.

Koishikawa Korakuen is actually very central, close to the Tokyo Dome and an amusement park ( you can see the white dome and the top of a rollercoaster from the garden). And it was a whole lot bigger than I somehow thought, haha. I think I compared it to another garden on the map and didn’t realize the proper scale. Anyway! Most Japanese gardens have something special depending on the season, as the Japanese like to pride their country on having four very different seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring are famous, but the fall leaves are almost just as popular, and it can get super busy in the popular spots when the autumn leaves reach their brightest colours.

The maple trees here had dropped almost all their leaves, but I still found an area that was a vibrant red and yellow, making for very spectacular views as the sun was shining bright today. The tree tops looked to be on fire. I took a ton of pictures and then found out I’d only covered a quarter of the garden, at best, haha.

Overall, I took almost 3 hours trailing through the garden, and even then I rushed some parts because the trees were completely barren in that area. Whoa! It was also interesting to see some of the trees (like the weeping cherry blossom tree and the trees in the inner garden) protected against the winter weather. Some have straw belts, but the cherry blossom tree has a straw cape: straw ropes are suspended from a central pole to protect the tree from snow, in the process drawing out a very basic Christmas tree shape, haha.

Anyway! Two breaks in the garden later (I had some amazake – sweet sake, although this was non-alcoholic), I made my way back to the station again to take the Namboku subway line this time. Of course, it first went past a station called Korakuen… Oops. Oh well, the next stop was where I was getting off anyway, and riding the subway for just 2 stops sounds slightly less pathetic than for one whole stop.

The stop is Todaimae, ‘in front of Tokyo University’. No, I haven’t signed up for classes, there’s a statue here that I wanted to pay a short visit.

You see, you’re probably familiar with the statue of Hachiko – if only because I post a picture of it every trip without fail, ahem. In case you forgot the story: Hachiko was a dog who always came to pick up his master, professor Ueno, at Shibuya station after work. One day, he didn’t return anymore as he’d had a heart attack at work and died there. Hachiko kept coming to the station for the ten years after, until his own passing. Touched by the dog’s loyalty, a statue was erected at Shibuya station as early as 1934 (when Hachiko was still alive!). The bronze was molten for the war efforts, so in 1948, a new statue was placed in the same spot, where it remains a popular meet-up spot to this day. In 2015, 80 years after Hachiko passed, a new statue was erected at Tokyo University: one of Hachiko happily reuniting with his master. Excuse me, I have something in my eye all of a sudden…

Anyway! The statue is actually super close to Todaimae station. I was fully prepared for a long search, but nope. Just walked out the street, found the entrance gate, and bam! There was the statue. It’s amidst some trees, but the sun was hitting it completely today, so I took pictures from every angle.

It was a short stop regardless – when I made it back to the station, I think I may have missed one subway at the most, ahem. I wasn’t done with the Namboku line, though, as I rode it a couple of stations further to Oji.

Oji (technically Ôji, a long o sound) is mostly famous for the Oji Fox Parade, which is held on New Year’s Eve. It’s a bit early for that, but foxes are still very present in Oji, at least in its shrines. Foxes (or fox spirits, more accurately - kitsune) are depicted in Asian and Japanese folklore as tricksters with magical powers (usually shapeshifting into beautiful women), but also as sacred creatures that can be a good or a bad omen, and they’re messengers of the gods. In Japan, they’re mostly associated with Inari, the god of rice and business among other things. There’s a lot of Inari shrines in Japan, most famously in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari shrine with its many red gates. Numerous red gates in a row are usually a good tell if a shrine is dedicated to Inari, as well as the presence of fox statues.

Of course, Oji has several shrines with most of them featuring foxes, so I did 3 of them today. I started with the Oji shrine, which is close to the station and is also on a hill right next to dried out waterworks. It was a very lovely and unexpectedly rural scenery, so I sat down on a nearby rock to have lunch and enjoy the view. (My lunch was way too cute to eat by the way, I had melon bread shaped like a turtle.)

After that, I walked up the stairs to visit Oji shrine. The complex isn’t very big, but it’s one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo and supposedly grants protection against fires and natural disasters, making it a popular shrine for a new year’s visit. Not a lot of foxes to be spotted here yet, but there is a huge Ginkgo tree here which is said to be 600 years old! Whoa. It sure was big, anyway.

Next up, I took a little stroll to Oji Inari shrine. As expected with Inari in its name, there are more fox statues here, guarding the grounds and the small shrines at the complex. There’s indeed a pathway of several red gates, and then you find an Oishi-sama, or a ‘wish granting rock’ inside one of them. The story goes that if you can lift it, your wish will come true. The plaque next to it stated that if it is hard to lift, it’s a wish that can’t be easily fulfilled, so apparently this stone can change its weight depending on your wish. I gave it a go and barely managed to lift the rock, but I did it! (Hey, it’s a huge rock and I had two bags slung around my shoulder too, give me some credit.)

Interestingly, this shrine is not only in the middle of a normal neighbourhood, there’s actually a primary school in its backyard. Literally, even – one of the gates was closed, but led right into the playground, and the area around the shrine was in use as a bike park for all the mothers who went to pick up their kids. Huh.

The last stop of today was Shozoku Inari shrine, although not before going through an underground pass decorated with foxes, haha. According to legend, blue fires were spotted on New Year’s eve under a tree that used to stand here, said to be kitsunebi (fox fire) from foxes gathering from all over the country. The Fox Parade starts here every year due to this legend.

The shrine is tiny, but it’s very detailed and has some very elegant fox statues. I took my time (I was alone here anyway) and made a small prayer (if only to ward off any cheeky foxes, haha) before I decided to leave Oji again for today.

A quick hop to Tabata station and another quick hop to Ikebukuro brought me back to my hotel, so here I am! As said, tomorrow is Disneyland, so I’m not sure if I’ll go out anymore tonight. There’s some lovely winter illuminations still to see, like in Shibuya ,but I don’t want to ruin my feet before tomorrow, haha. Oh well, they’re not gone yet, so maybe another day if I can’t make it tonight.

For now, good evening and see you tomorrow! I suspect it’ll be late, haha.

#report #report: tokyo 2018 #tokyo 2018

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jabbers-written-world · 4 years

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Brightwire, Excerpt One

Meeting Cassius Regulus, of the Sunspire

A note on this, before we get started. This particular excerpt from my novel-in-progress entitled Brightwire, is one of my favorite pieces I’ve written to date. I love when characters in books have these almost dramatic, impressive introductions, without it being an overly flashy entrance that’s almost.. Well, almost akin to something out of an over-the-top superhero comic. Don’t get me wrong, I love superheroes as much as the next guy.

But you don’t need a wild, flashy entrance with a cool cape and crazy light show to leave an impression. The trick is all about characterization. The five methods of characterization, particularly.

Number One: Physical Description

How would this character be described. A lot of writers struggle with this, simply because there is a fine line between over-describing someone, and not describing them enough for the readers to have that understanding of who they’re supposed to be envisioning.

Find the balance, and try to keep it simple. But not too simple.

First feature you notice at a glance, i.e. eye color or skin tone or if they have any significant scars

Style of dress. This says a lot about a character, without actually saying much at all.

Are their clothes neatly tailored and close-fitting? Do they keep their clothing clean and well-maintained? Or perhaps their shirt is halfway hanging out and has a few stains? Already you’re making assumptions about two separate characters just by that, aren’t you.

What color clothing do they were? Bright colors? Or more neutral tones? Does it go well with their skin/hair/eyes? Or does it clash horribly? Again, you’re making inferences and assumptions, huh.

Body posture. This is another important one that tells a lot about a character just by the way they stand and hold themselves.

Do they slouch? Or stand up straight? Do they perhaps stand a little too straight and maybe seem a little stiff? Or maybe they’re slouched a bit, but it’s intentional and calmly relaxed?

Posture is all about attitude and how you view yourself/how you want others to see you.

But it’s also sometimes affected by mood, or physical exhaustion or stress, or even age.

Age. This is not a requirement, but it is a fun tool to play with, especially because the age someone appears might not always be their actual age.

Old does not mean wise or experienced.

Young does not mean immature or ignorant.

Do not overshare. It’s not necessary to go in-depth in long paragraphs of description. A little nod here and there to certain traits, and that should cover it.

Number Two: Action

How do they move? This ties in as well with physical description, especially owing to posture and the way someone carries themselves.

Action does not have to be obvious and direct. It can be subtle, too. Something small, like the twitch of a finger, or the flick of an ear if perhaps your character’s species allows for that (I have been known to do this with elves)

But there are also certain mannerisms and behaviors that are significant, and very definitive to a character.

Gait. How to they walk? What is their pacing? Fast? Slow? Do they have a limp? Perhaps they walk with a particular bounce to their step?

Hands. Do they move their hands often? Or do they keep them still? Some people are hand-talkers, they subconsciously make frequent gestures and are very mobile when speaking. These people also are often a lot more open and chatty as well.

Shifts in their mood. How does their body language reflect their mood? If they’re more reserved, perhaps they simply get noticeably more tense when upset, especially around the shoulders. Or perhaps if they’re very open, they start to bounce or move around in excitement, maybe they’re a hugger! (Not so fun for the more reserved characters around them, that one, lol)

Sitting. This is a fun one I really like to play with, because most don’t think of this as really any sort of action, but it is there and it does a lot to describe people.

How do they sit? Do they take up a lot of space? Or do they minimize themselves to be the least inconvenient possible? Perhaps they cross their legs? And if they do, how do they cross them? Wide cross, one leg over the other? Just crossing the ankles? Or if they don’t, are they spreading themselves out? Or are they keeping their knees touching together? (See how this works to describe people?)

Number Three: Inner Thoughts

This. This is another one some writers struggle with. Mostly because it’s hard to keep to one perspective and get everyone’s thoughts expressed. At least, if that’s what you’re going for. Third-person omniscient writing comes easier, because well, yeah. You get to go inside everyone’s head and know what they’re thinking. But, this can go really wrong too, because sometimes you’re getting jumbled around and there’s too many people to keep track of, and.. Yeah.

Third-person limited writing. It’s tougher than omniscient, yes. But it can be a good way to streamline things, and keep a centralized focus on one main character. And this is where the trick comes in for understanding the inner thoughts of characters.. whose minds we can’t just peek into.

Use expressive features to show thought, and have your protagonist interpret for the reader. Does your elf character have ears that express their feelings like a cat? Perhaps those ears just flicked back in what seems to be annoyance. Uh-oh. Now your protag has to be careful. Their elf buddy looks annoyed, and it might be because of them.

Have the protagonist vocalize and initiate. ‘Did I do something wrong?’ ‘Are you mad at me?’ Oftentimes, this can get some dialogue going to get an easy peek into what that other character might be thinking.

Or you can have the protag stay quiet, and just read the body language. Even the most stoic of characters will have their tells for what’s on their mind, and you just have to look for it.

Eyes. Never underestimate the power of a look. The eyes are powerful tools, and even if a character is blind, their eyes can and will still show their thoughts to an extent.

Number Four: Reactions

Here’s where it really gets fun. Like with the protagonist interpreting another’s thoughts, this is all about what other characters think, and how they respond to whoever you’re introducing to them.

Are they intimidated by this person? Do they get angry when they see them? Or are they excited just by hearing that person’s name?

Let your characters react organically. This can give a lot of insight into some history of the characters in general. If someone reacts poorly to the mention of someone else, that could mean they have a bad past with that person. If they react positively, then maybe they’re old friends who missed each other.

Background characters. These folks are important too, and often they get brushed aside in favor of the central focus. But they react too. What do they think of a negative reaction from a primary focus character? Do they know anything? Is this common knowledge? Or perhaps they’re shocked. It can do a lot to set a scene and add to the history if you let background citizens have their thoughts too.

Reactions also apply to physical descriptions too. Are they disgusted by how someone dresses? Or are they jealous of how well put together they are? Do they see this person as ugly or attractive? Have fun with this, and let characters be real.

Number Five: Speech

Ah, yes. My favorite bit of character work. How do your characters speak? This does a whole lot to really bring a character to life for your readers, and make them interactive for the other characters in the writing.

Accent. Does your character have an accent? Is it noticable? Perhaps they sometimes get misunderstood because of a thick accent.

Vocabulary. Big words, or short statements. A character’s vocabulary can say a lot about their level of education, and the environment they grew up in.

Language. Are they well-spoken, or do they just sort of let the words fall where they will? Maybe they have a tendency to pepper their speech with more.. colorful linguistics and come across more crass and aggressive. Or perhaps they hardly even know what swearing is and their innocence comes through in their fluffy little curses.

How does their dialogue stand out from the other characters? Straight and proper? Cool and casual? Bumbling and enthusiastic? Poor english? Amazing grammar? It’s all up to you.

And now, without further ado, I’d like to post this little excerpt for you guys, so you can get an example of how I use characterisation in my introductions to bring characters to life, and I hope you all enjoy it.

“I need to speak to the captain of this ship. It’s important!” She was already growing exasperated as she stared up at the man before her. He frowned and shook his head, grabbing another stack of crates to load on board.

“I’m sorry, miss, but I can’t help you.”

“Do you even understand? I said it’s important!”

“He understands perfectly, young lady.. But he does not have the authority to refer you to the ship’s captain.” She turned to face the source of this new voice, and almost immediately, her eyes were caught by his piercing golden gaze. It was like being caught frozen in a single moment, his eyes locked on hers, and she couldn’t bring herself to look away for what felt like an eternity. When she finally did, she soon found herself noticing his ears. Pointed, almost knife-like.. And his skin.. A deep, rich, tawny brown, like he was loved by the sun and the earth itself. But it was that that truly gave her pause yet again.

“You’re.. an elf..” She finally managed to utter just those words, and he quirked an eyebrow at her, as if she was dumber than dirt for even speaking.

“Yes. Such an astute observation..” Oh, he absolutely thought she was an idiot. She could tell just by the tone of his voice, but.. Everything she had ever been told about elves, all described them the same way. Fair skin, and either blonde or dark-haired. But here he was. His skin was earthen, warm brown tones, in such stark contrast to everything she’d ever been told, and even more blatantly in contrast with his shockingly snow white hair. Finally, she recovered herself, and a scowl affixed itself rather effectively upon her features yet again.

“If he can’t direct me to the captain, then I suppose you can.”

“Assuming I’d have interest in doing so, yes.”

“Well, do it. It’s important I talk to the captain!”

“Young lady. You already are.” Again, she was frozen, staring at the elven man. This time, though, it wasn’t because of his features, but his words. As she finally took notice of the crisply tailored red jacket he wore, not to mention the crest emblazoned on his breast pocket and the peaked cap upon his head, she couldn’t help but feel just as foolish as he clearly thought she was. He was the captain, and she was making a total spectacle of herself.

#;; a gem in the hoard (writing tips)#;; from a tiny lizard to a mighty dragon (writing advice)#;; the word of a beast (jabber writes)

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qammariqbal · 5 years

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All celebrity looks on Oscars Red Carpet 2019

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke got to the Oscars red carpet pretty early. I guess she couldn’t wait for night to begin. She looks absolutely stunning in this metallic pinky silvery dress. I love the asymmetric neckline and the form-fitting (but not too tight) silhouette.

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images I wonder if we’ll see any more Game of Thrones stars on this year’s red carpet. Keep reading to see if any other citizens of Westeros show up to Hollywood’s biggest night.

Constance Wu

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Constance Wu looks like a literal princess in this yellow chiffon dress. And by a literal princess, of course, I mean Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I know Disney just did a live action Beauty and the Beast, and Emma Watson was great in it, but now I kind of want Constance Wu to play Belle. There can never be too many live action Disney remakes, right? Don’t even talk to me about Aladdin…

Danielle Macdonald

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Danielle Macdonald was all over the place this year. It seemed like she was in every hit show that came out on Netflix. We loved her as Olympia in Bird Box, we loved her as Willowdean in Dumplin’, and we love her in this red dress on the red carpet. Danielle definitely stands out in this of the shoulder gown. This is the perfect dress to wear when you show up to the Oscars for the first time.

Spike Lee

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Unlike Danielle Macdonald, Spike Lee has been on this carpet a few times before. He knows how it’s done, and he’s walking the carpet with confidence. He looks like a regular Waluigi and he’s sporting some serious bling. Look at those brass knuckles. I think I like the "love" one more than the "hate" one, but I guess you can’t have one without the other. He’s even wearing purple glasses. This guy thought of everything.

Marie Kondo

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Just a few weeks ago, most people didn’t even know Marie Kondo’s name. Now everyone is using her name as a verb. The other day my sister told me that she just “Marie Kondo-ed her cutlery drawer.” Not only does Marie Kondo know how to organize a house, but she also knows how to dress. Look at this stunning floor-length pink gown with silver appliqués. Is she always this perfect?

Amandla Stenberg

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Amandla Stenberg has grown up a lot since we saw her play Rue in the first Hunger Games movie. Now she’s walking the Oscars red carpet in this absolutely stunning dress that looks like something straight out of The Great Gatsby. I think this is my favorite dress so far, but we’re going to have to wait to see who else steps out a limo wearing something none of us can afford.

Yalitza Aparicio

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage Yalitza Aparicio strutted her stuff on the Oscars red carpet wearing this gorgeous aquamarine dress. I love the one-shoulder neckline and the color compliments her skin tone so beautifully. Yalitza was amazing in Roma and I’m so glad that she got an Oscar nomination. Her performance was pitch perfect and I can’t wait to see what she does next. She looks even better in color than she does in black and white.

Regina King

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Ok, that settles it, Regina King is bona fide royalty. The clues were all there. I mean, her last name is king, her first name is Latin for “queen,” what more do I have to say? Regina looks like she belongs in a castle guarded by the entire cast of Game of Thrones. I love this white dress. It’s simple, it’s elegant, it’s everything we’ve ever wanted. I love the matching white shoes.

Octavia Spencer

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage Last year Octavia Spencer was in The Shape of Water, the film that ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. This year she showed up to the red carpet ready to present an award to another deserving artist. This midnight blue dress looks like something a very wealthy, very stylish person would wear to prom. I love the subtle sparkle in the fabric and the little clutch ties the whole look together.

Awkwafina

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage We should have known that Awkwafina wouldn’t wear a typical long gown to the Oscars. This is Hollywood’s biggest night, and Awkwafina isn’t going to miss an opportunity to be extraordinary. This pantsuit is everything we never knew we needed. It kind of looks like it’s made out of the same material as Emilia Clarke’s dress. Watch out, Emilia, Awkwafina is coming for your look. I’m just joshing, I’m sure there’s enough pinkish sparkly fabric to go around.

Billy Porter

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images There was a lot to see on the red carpet, but one of the first dresses was the most memorable. Singer and actor Billy Porter arrived in a one-of-a-kind Christian Siriano tuxedo ballgown. Before he hit the red carpet, Porter told Vogue that he wanted to play the part of both male and female on the red carpet. The internet was torn about whether or not they liked the bold outfit, but Porter acknowledged that people would be uncomfortable but that “it’s not anybody’s business but mine.”

Linda Cardellini

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Linda Cardellini definitely didn’t pick a dress that blends into the crowd. Her movie Green Book was up for Best Picture and that means it’s time to celebrate. This is a celebration dress. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many ruffles on one garment. Linda doesn’t care that she wasn’t nominated for an individual award this year. She’s here to celebrate her cast and their collective accomplishments. Also, this is a gorgeous shade of pink.

Melissa McCarthy And Ben Falcone

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Melissa McCarthy walked the red carpet in this beautiful black and white pantsuit. She’s looking fitter than ever and I think I need a long white cape now. Melissa McCarthy is channeling her inner superhero and I’m living for it. Her husband and frequent collaborator, Ben Falcone, doesn’t look too bad either. A classic tuxedo is always a good look. These two definitely coordinated their outfits. They look like a match made in heaven.

Sandy Powell

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images I had no idea who Sandy Powell was until this very moment, but how can you not stop and stare at this amazing suit. All those lines are making me dizzy and I can’t say that I’m mad about it. Her bright orange hair is the perfect counterpoint to this monochromatic look. Sandy Powell is the costume designer who dressed all of the actors in The Favourite. She also worked on Marry Poppins Returns.

Glenn Close

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Glenn Close looks like she’s ready to win a golden statue in this statuesque gold dress. We’ve seen Glenn Close play countless queens, Cruella Deville, and now an underappreciated wife. Well, she’s definitely not going to be underappreciated tonight. Glenn Close owns the red carpet. She may as well roll it up and take it home with her in her limo. I’m so happy for Glenn! This woman totally deserves all of the recognition.

Kacey Musgraves

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Kacey Musgraves just won a gigantic Grammy award and now she’s walking the red carpet at the 91st annual Academy Awards. She’s wearing a tiered tulle covered pink gown. Pink definitely themes to be the color of the night at this year’s Oscars, and I promise you there are more pink dresses to come. Kacey looks like a walking cloud or poof of cotton candy. That dress looks absolutely delicious.

Gemma Chan

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images I told you there would be more pink. Gemma Chan looks stunning in this easy, breezy, beautiful loose pink dress. It looks like she just threw this on even though I know it took her the whole day to get ready. Gemma showed up to the Oscars as part of the cast of Crazy Rich Asians which totally smashed it at the box office this year. Enjoy your moment, Gemma!

Jennifer Hudson

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Jennifer Hudson knows how to bring the drama to the red carpet. This dress screams drama, from its deep red color, to its one shoulder detail, to its giant center ruffle. Also, did you get a good look at those earrings? How much do you think just one of those earrings would cost? Probably more than my house. Jennifer looks absolutely stunning. Take note people, this is how you do Hollywood glamor right.

Tina Fey And Maya Rudolph

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph are kind of like yin and yang on the Oscars red carpet. Tina went for a low key cool blue strapless dress, and Maya chose a patterned, pink, long-sleeved gown. I love how these two balance each other out. Also, both of these dresses are perfect for the person wearing them. Which dress do you like best? Tina’s or Maya’s? Personally, I like Maya’s a little bit better.

Helen Mirren

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic It looks like Helen Mirren got the pink memo. A lot of celebrities have opted for lighter, more airy fabrics on Oscar night, and Helen Mirren is one of those celebrities. I love how this dress is made up of multiple pink tones, plus Helen’s stylist made a great decision to pair this gown with a diamond necklace that can only be described as a show stopper. How is anybody going to be able to pay attention to the awards when Helen Mirren is wearing that thing around her neck?

Amy Adams

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage I’ve always loved Amy Adams as an actress, but this year she starred in the HBO miniseries Sharp Objects and that show made me love her even more. Enough about Sharp Objects (which is amazing by the way, definitely watch it), let’s talk about this dress. Who says a white dress has to be boring? The structure of this dress is perfection, and the different shades of grey and subtle texturing in the fabric take the whole look right over the top.

Emma Stone

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images This isn’t Emma Stone’s first rodeo. She knows how this red carpet thing is done. She’s won an Oscar once before, remember? That whole La La Land and Moonlight fiasco? Anyway, let’s move onwards and upwards. Emma Stone always picks the loveliest dresses to wear to events, but this one is particularly special. It kind of looks like it’s made out of dragon scales. Maybe she’s just excited for the new season of Game of Thrones.

Lisa Bonet And Jason Momoa

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage Speaking of Game of Thrones, I told you we’d probably se some more stars of that show on this list. Jason Momoa may not be on the show currently (which means he doesn’t have any spoilers for us), but he’s definitely a big part of the whole saga. These two are wearing matching outfits and it’s way too cute for me. Jason Momoa is so much taller than Lisa Bonet, it’s ridiculous.

Brie Larson

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images I’m loving Brie Larson’s new ice blonde hair. She’s starting to look like a real superhero and I can’t wait to see her smash buildings and save the day in Captain Marvel. Brie Larson always looks gorgeous in a very particular girl next door kind of way. Like she’s pretty, but it’s a kind of pretty that seems attainable. I like it. This girl has charm seeping out of every pore. Also, that silver dress is stunning.

Charlize Theron

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Well, Brie Larson’s gone blonde and Charlize Theron is now a brunette. Who would have thought? I think the brown hair suits her. She looks like she’s ready to become the next president or something. This periwinkle blue dress is so unique. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it on the red carpet. Charlize is amazing. I wonder why she didn’t host the Oscars. She probably didn’t want to. She’s too busy ruling the world.

Laura Dern

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Laura Dern was amazing in Big Little Lies last year and in just about everything she’s ever done. I think Laura Dern is one of the most underrated actresses of our time. Where’s her Oscar nod, Academy? I don’t think she deserves an award for this dress though. I mean, she doesn’t belong on a worst dressed list, but I just don’t think it’s anything special. I think this burgundy number kind of looks like a bridesmaid’s dress.

Tessa Thompson

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage Tessa Thompson has been in this business for a long time, but I think 2018 was definitely her year. She was amazing in Westworld and she starred in all of Janelle Monae’s music videos. She went from being that girl in that thing to being absolutely iconic. This dress is stunning on her. She looks like a queen bee which is somehow very fitting. I love the details on this little black dress.

Jordan Peele And Chelsea Peretti

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Jordan Peele is working on some very big things that are coming out very soon and I can barely contain my excitement. He won an Oscar for best original screenplay last year for Get Out. Now he’s working on a Twilight Zone series and I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing. Chelsea Peretti, his partner in crime, is funny as heck and she looks amazing in this black and white off the shoulder dress.

Lady Gaga

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images We always expect wild and crazy fashion from Lady Gaga, but she decided to tone it down for this year’s Oscars. She’s wearing long black gloves and a long black strapless dress with some lovely crystal jewelry. Lady Gaga was nominated for multiple Academy Awards this year. She was nominated for awards in a music category and in an acting category, which seems appropriate for this pop star turned actress.

Olivia Colman

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Olivia Colman was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in The Favourite. She was absolutely amazing in that film, and I am so happy to see her looking so lovely on the red carpet. This green dress is stunning on her, and I especially like the long shawl she’s wearing over it. Olivia is a picture of beauty and grace (quite unlike the version of Queen Anne she plays in The Favourite).

John Mullaney And Annamarie Tendler

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic John Mullaney wasn’t about to wear a normal black tuxedo to the Academy Awards. Nope, he’s way to cool for that. He’s wearing a shiny patterned jacket because he’s John Mullaney and he can do whatever he wants. His wife, Anna Tendler, is also taking some fashion risks tonight, and I think they’re definitely paying off. That feathered neckline is everything. I can see why John likes her so much.

Rachel Weisz

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Rachel Weisz decided to one up the red carpet itself with this stunning two-piece red patent leather-esque ensemble. She’s accessorized her dress with a matching red clutch and a gorgeous jewelled headband. Rachel was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in The Favourite. Ultimately, she lost to Regina King, but she still looked stunning on the red carpet. Really, that’s what everyone is tuning in to see anyway.

Danai Gurrira

Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Danai Gurrira looks absolutely stunning is this floor length gold gown. I love how there are different shades of gold woven into the fabric. Danai showed up to the Oscars as part of the ensemble of Black Panther. You probably also know as Michone from The Walking Dead. Black Panther won several awards at the Oscars, including one for Best Costume Design. The film lost Best Picture to Green Book, but at least the cast got to have a great time on the red carpet.

Laura Marano

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Laura Marano is an actress best known for playing Ally on the Disney Chanel series Austin & Ally. Recently, she also had a part in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film, Lady Bird. Laura walked the Oscars red carpet in this gorgeous color blocked yellow and pink dress. Laura looks like she’s ready for Easter in this outfit. I especially love the pop of green she added to the look with her little emerald clutch.

Shangela

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Legendary drag queen Shangela wore this stunning ruffled lilac dress on the Oscars red carpet. She attended the Oscars as part of the cast of the Oscar nominated movie A Star is Born. Everything about this look is big and loud from the color to the metallic detaling to the hair. Shangela knows how to strut her stuff, and she can pose for pictures like it’s nobody’s business.

Julia Roberts

Photo by Matt Petit – Handout/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images It looks like Julia Roberts heard that pink was in style, because she also showed up to the Oscars in a pink toned dress. This off the shoulder fuchsia dress balances a simple silhouette with a bold color. Julia’s new blonde hair looks fantastic on her, and I swear it doesn’t look like she aged a day since she won her own Oscar. Remember that iconic acceptance speech? Julia never disappoints.

Elsie Fisher

Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Elsie Fisher, the breakout star of Bo Burnhams first feature film, Eighth Grade, walked the red carpet in this stunning pant suit. Leave it to this literal teenager to break fashion barriers and make a statement on the red carpet. Elsie Fisher is a queen and we don’t deserve her. Seriously, if you haven’t seen Eighth Grade yet, do yourself a favor and go see that movie immediately. I can’t wait to see what Elsie does next.

Billy Porter

Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Here it is. The outfit that everybody was talking about. Billy Porter’s half suit half ballgown may have just broken the internet. I think it’s clear that Billy Porter won the red carpet. I mean, how can you not love this look? That pose, though. The pose sells it. You can’t wear an outfit like this unless you have the attitude to match it. Billy definitely has a whole lot of attitude.

Sarah Paulson

Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images It’s been a big year for Sarah Paulson. This actress has just been quietly doing her thing for years, being an amazing actress and appearing in some of our favorite movies and TV shows. this year she was in Bird Box, which was something of a viral sensation. Sarah chose to wear this puffy pink dress on the red carpet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dress quite like this, and while it’s not to my personal taste, I applaud Sarah for taking a risk.

Ruth E. Carter

John Rasimus / Barcroft Media via Getty Images Ruth E. Carter just became the first black woman to win an Oscar for Costume Design. She was recognized for her work on Black Panther. Ruth has been working in this business for years, and it’s about time that she got to hold that golden trophy. Read the full article

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