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geckosong · 3 years

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Anime Recommendations

Here is a list of ten anime (in no particular order) that are definitely worth watching, yet don’t seem to get nearly as much recognition as they deserve.

Terror in Resonance (2014)

This is my personal favorite anime and I push people to watch it whenever I can, which is exactly what I’m doing here.

This show is set-in present-day Tokyo, which has been decimated by a terrorist attack, and the only hint to the identities of the culprits is a bizarre video uploaded on the internet. For the majority of the show the plot follows two different narratives: those of the investigators tasked with bringing down the terrorists, and of the terrorists themselves.

My Rating: 10/10

Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun (2020)

This anime is probably one of my favorites, if not my number one, in terms of art style. I love everything about the character designs and the colors used. It is just so soothing to look at.

The famous "Seven Wonders" that every school seems to have are a staple of Japanese urban legends. One of the most well-known of these tales is that of Hanako-san: Rumors claim that if one successfully manages to summon Hanako-san, the ghost of a young girl who haunts the school's bathrooms, she will grant her summoner any wish. When Nene Yashiro, a girl hoping for romantic fortune, dares to summon Hanako-san, she discovers that the rumored "girl" is actually a boy! After a series of unfortunate events involving Nene's romantic desires, she is unwillingly entangled in the world of the supernatural, becoming Hanako-kun's assistant. Soon, she finds out about Hanako-kun's lesser-known duty: maintaining the fragile balance between mortals and apparitions.

My Rating: 8/10

Kids on the Slope (2012)

If you love jazz, or history, or even heartwarming tales of friendship then this is the show for you. I will admit that is has a bit of a slow start, but by the time you get to the end you’ll be wishing for more.

In 1966, introverted classical pianist and top student Kaoru Nishimi has just arrived in Kyushu for his first year of high school. Having constantly moved from place to place since his childhood, he abandons all hope of fitting in, preparing himself for another lonely, meaningless year. That is, until he encounters the notorious delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi.

Sentarou's immeasurable love for jazz music inspires Kaoru to learn more about the genre, and as a result, he slowly starts to break out of his shell, making his very first friend. Kaoru begins playing the piano at after-school jazz sessions, located in the basement of fellow student Ritsuko Mukae's family-owned record shop. As he discovers the immense joy of using his musical talents to bring enjoyment to himself and others, Kaoru's summer might just crescendo into one that he will remember forever.

My Rating: 6/10

Hyouka (2012)

Energy-conservative high school student Houtarou Oreki ends up with more than he bargained for when he signs up for the Classics Club at his sister's behest—especially when he realizes how deep-rooted the club's history really is. Begrudgingly, Oreki is dragged into an investigation concerning the 45-year-old mystery that surrounds the club room.

Accompanied by his fellow club members, the knowledgeable Satoshi Fukube, the stern but benign Mayaka Ibara, and the ever-curious Eru Chitanda, Oreki must combat deadlines and lack of information with resourcefulness and hidden talent, in order to not only find the truth buried beneath the dust of works created years before them, but of other small side cases as well.

My Rating: 6/10

Tonari no Seki-Kun: The Master of Killing Time (2014)

I absolutely adore this show. The episodes are only about 8 minutes long, and there is very little talking, yet the story still comes through perfectly. It never fails to brighten my day when I’m feeling down.

All Rumi Yokoi wants to do is focus during school, but she is constantly distracted by Toshinari Seki, her neighboring classmate. Paying attention during class is the least of Seki's worries, as he obsesses over intricate setups created using an assortment of items, from an elaborate domino course on his desk to a treacherous war played out with shogi pieces. Yokoi desperately attempts to focus in class, only to be repeatedly sucked into his intriguing eccentricities; however, they always seem to end up with her getting in trouble with their teacher. Fortunately, lessons will never be dull with Seki's antics around!

My Rating: 9/10

Classroom of the Elite (2017)

On the surface, Koudo Ikusei Senior High School is a utopia. The students enjoy an unparalleled amount of freedom, and it is ranked highly in Japan. However, the reality is less than ideal. Four classes, A through D, are ranked in order of merit, and only the top classes receive favorable treatment.

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is a student of Class D, where the school dumps its worst. There he meets the unsociable Suzune Horikita, who believes she was placed in Class D by mistake and desires to climb all the way to Class A, and the seemingly amicable class idol Kikyou Kushida, whose aim is to make as many friends as possible.

While class membership is permanent, class rankings are not; students in lower ranked classes can rise in rankings if they score better than those in the top ones. Additionally, in Class D, there are no bars on what methods can be used to get ahead. In this cutthroat school, can they prevail against the odds and reach the top?

My Rating: 7/10

The Morose Mononokean (2016)

The start of Hanae Ashiya's high school career has not been easy—he has spent all of the first week in the infirmary, and his inexplicable condition is only getting worse. The cause of his torment is the mysterious fuzzy creature that has attached itself to him ever since he stumbled upon it the day before school began.

As his health continues to decline and the creature grows in size, Hanae comes across a flyer advertising an exorcist who expels youkai. Desperate and with nothing left to lose, he calls the number and is led to the Mononokean, a tea room which suddenly appears next to the infirmary. A morose-sounding man, Haruitsuki Abeno, reluctantly helps Hanae but demands payment afterward. Much to Hanae's dismay, he cannot afford the fee and must become an employee at the Mononokean to work off his debt. And to make things worse, his new boss is actually one of his classmates. If Hanae ever hopes to settle his debt, he must work together with Abeno to guide a variety of dangerous, strange, and interesting youkai back to the Underworld.

My Rating: 6/10

Beyond the Boundary (2013)

Another of my favorite aesthetically pleasing anime, this show has been the one that I show to friends who claim that anime cannot be beautiful (yes, several of my friends have actually said things along that line).

Mirai Kuriyama is the sole survivor of a clan of Spirit World warriors with the power to employ their blood as weapons. As such, Mirai is tasked with hunting down and killing "youmu"—creatures said to be the manifestation of negative human emotions. One day, while deep in thought on the school roof, Mirai comes across Akihito Kanbara, a rare half-breed of youmu in human form. In a panicked state, she plunges her blood saber into him only to realize that he's an immortal being. From then on, the two form an impromptu friendship that revolves around Mirai constantly trying to kill Akihito, in an effort to boost her own wavering confidence as a Spirit World warrior. Eventually, Akihito also manages to convince her to join the Literary Club, which houses two other powerful Spirit World warriors, Hiroomi and Mitsuki Nase.

As the group's bond strengthens, however, so does the tenacity of the youmu around them. Their misadventures will soon turn into a fight for survival as the inevitable release of the most powerful youmu, Beyond the Boundary, approaches.

My Rating: 7/10

Mekakucity Actors (2014)

I think about this show far more than I’d like to admit. The way they bring different plot lines together continues to amaze me 6 years after watching it for the first time.

On the hot summer day of August 14, Shintarou Kisaragi is forced to leave his room for the first time in two years. While arguing with the cyber girl Ene who lives in his computer, Shintarou Kisaragi accidentally spills soda all over his keyboard. Though they try to find a replacement online, most stores are closed due to the Obon festival, leaving them with no other choice but to visit the local department store. Venturing outside makes Shintarou extremely anxious, but the thought of living without his computer is even worse. It's just his luck that on the day he finally goes out, he's caught in a terrifying hostage situation.

Luckily, a group of teenagers with mysterious eye powers, who call themselves the "Mekakushi Dan," assist Shintarou in resolving the situation. As a result, he is forced to join their group, along with Ene. Their abilities seem to be like pieces of a puzzle, connecting one another, and as each member's past is unveiled, the secret that ties them together is slowly brought to light.

My Rating: 8/10

Angels of Death (2018)

You totally want to get emotionally attached to cereal killers, right? Of course you do, that’s why you should totally watch this anime.

With dead and lifeless eyes, Rachel Gardner wishes only to die. Waking up in the basement of a building, she has no idea how or why she's there. She stumbles across a bandaged murderer named Zack, who is trying to escape. After promising to kill her as soon as he is free, Rachel and Zack set out to ascend through the building floor by floor until they escape.

However, as they progress upward, they meet more twisted people, and all of them seem familiar with Rachel. What is her connection to the building, and why was she placed in it? Facing a new boss on each floor, can Rachel and Zack both achieve their wishes?

My Rating: 7/10

Bonus: Stars Align (2019)

I am adding one extra because this anime deserves so much more than it got. I adore every single character in this show and want nothing but to see them be happy. There is so much I adore about this show that I can’t put it all into words. I would recommend you watch this so you can share in my rage that the story was cut off halfway through with no current plans of completing it. There is no manga. There is no way of knowing what happens next. This recommendation is entirely for the purpose of generating more public outcry in the hopes that that causes them to finish the show. Please anime gods, if you are reading this I need to know what happens to my smol tennis boys. Are they safe? Are they alright?

Constantly outperformed by the girls' club, the boys' soft tennis club faces disbandment due to their poor skills and lack of positive results in matches. In desperate need of members,

Toma Shinjou is looking to recruit capable players, but he fails to scout anyone. Enter Maki Katsuragi, a new transfer student who demonstrates great reflexes when he catches a stray cat in his classroom, instantly capturing Toma's attention. With his interest piqued, Toma ambitiously asks Maki to join the boys' team but is quickly rejected, as Maki doesn't wish to join any clubs. Toma refuses to back down and ends up persuading Maki—only under the condition that Toma will pay him for his participation and cover other club expenses.

As Maki joins the team, his incredible form and quick learning allow him to immediately outshine the rest of the team. Although this gives rise to conflict among the boys, Maki challenges and pushes his fellow team members to not only keep up with his seemingly natural talent, but also drive them to devote themselves to the game they once neglected.

This story focuses on the potential of the boys' soft tennis club and their discovery of their own capability, while also enduring personal hardships and dealing with the darker side of growing up in middle school.

#anime #anime recommendation #zankyou no terror #terror in resonance #toilet bound hanako kun #kids on the slope #hyouka #tonari no seki kun #my neighbor seki #classroom of the elite #the morose mononokean #beyond the boundary #mekakucity actors #angels of death #stars align

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runawaymarbles · 5 years

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Good omens fic rec

A Letter from “Crawly” to Azirapil by mostlydeadlanguages | 500 Words | G

This remarkable letter of unknown provenance surfaced recently in the cuneiform collection of the University of West Wessex. Addressed to Azirapil from a Mr. “Crawly,” it appears to be begging for the other’s return to Ur from a western journey with another individual, Abiraham. The relationship between the two (brothers? business partners? friends?) is unknown.

404 Email Not Found by Dacelin | 700 words | G

The first the Metatron knew about Armageddon was when Aziraphale contacted him to beg for it to be called off. Being a professional, the Metatron murmured soothing things about it all being part of the plan and rerouted the call elsewhere instead of admitting he had no idea what the principality was talking about.

my black eye casts no shadow by gyzym | 1.5k | Not Rated, probably M

If you cut humanity to the quick, split it open, found its soul, it would have dark red hair and bright wild eyes.

So You Need To Get Into A.Z. Fell & Co.; Now What? (A Guide For Unfortunate Bookworms) by arkhamcycle | 1.8k | G

London’s antique enthusiasts and rare lit nerds alike know that if you’re looking for a specific vintage or antique book, you have a good chance of ending up in A.Z. Fell & Co. as a last resort. And if you’ve ever been in (or are currently in) this predicament, you know how much of an absolute nightmare it is trying to even get in the door. Luckily, this handy guide, the fruit of a months-long collaborative effort to create the perfect formula for gaming the A.Z. Fell system, will tell you everything you need to know, complete with a comprehensive breakdown of what, exactly, the opening hours are. Compiled by pageknight and inky of the Rare Antique Forums.

Quiet Light by drawlight | 2k | T |

There are rules. The trouble with hearts is that they play by none of them.

between the shadow and the soul by absopositivelutely | 2k | NR

(alternatively: it takes 6000 years for crowley to realize that aziraphale could love him too.)

i just happen to like apples (i am not afraid of snakes) by gyzym | 2k | Not Rated

Written for the following prompt: "Someone write me Crowley the bitter lesbian who only gave Eve the apple because she thought feminism should be there from day one." As such, please be warned that this story contains some fairly radical reinterpretations of Biblical stories and themes; if that sort of thing is not for you, please give this tale a pass.

Secret Agent Man by Emamel | 2.3k | G |

Edward was very good at two things: noticing things, and not being noticed in return. It was the sort of qualities that made you a good spy. These two never got the memo.

Ten Fathoms Deep On the Road to Hell by BuggreAlleThis | 2.5k | G

Aziraphale is given an assignment as a Captain in the Royal Navy and finds life at sea miserable. Crowley, on the other hand, is having plenty of fun as the Captain of a motley pirate crew.

Untitled Goose Fic by rattatatosk | 3k | T

It's a lovely week in the South Downs, and Crowley is at war with a Horrible Goose.

Anthony J. Crowley, Retired Demon and Airbnb Superhost by TheOldAquarian | 3k | G

What are you supposed to do when you've been fired from your sweet job in Hell for thwarting the schemes of Satan, you've got a swanky flat in Mayfair, and you're looking for an excuse to spend all your time in someone else's bookshop? Obviously, you turn to the dubious world of short-term vacation rentals. The resulting Airbnb property has been variously described as "an instagram trap," "a vampire den but make it botanical," and "the weirdest bed and breakfast in the shared history of beds and breakfasting."

Salinity (And Other Measurements of Brackish Water) by drawlight | 3k | T |

It's an odd thing, getting on after the End of the World. Crowley takes to sea-watching.

Stopgap by RC_McLachlan | 3k | T |

"Can you imagine ruining something so frustratingly perfect just to get a leg up with Management?" Crowley then remembers who he's talking to and why he's here in the first place. "Sorry, bad example, of course you can." A missing scene from Episode 6.

Wednesdays Are for This by magpiespirit | 3k | T

"D'you think we should have sex," he asks idly, pressing post on his addition to the exclusive How to Summon and Bind Demons forum. This one, he's sure, will both give Hell several annoying headaches and make a dent in the problem of demonology rising in the incel community. Bless, he loves having free time. "I think," Aziraphale replies frankly, giving Crowley a really, now look over the rims of his stupid glasses and the top of a first edition of something that probably uses a hundred words to say what could be said in five, "that should is a word best left to Heaven and Hell." And Crowley, who was only looking to fluster the angel a little, belatedly remembers that he's gotten commendations for Aziraphale's temptations.

build me a city, call it jerusalem by gyzym | 3.5k | T |

Man begets man begets The Tales of Men, and there's nothing godly in that; Those Above and Them Below haven't any need for the stories humans have been hungry for since the snake and the Angel with the flaming sword.

The Plantom Menace by theinkwell33 | 3.6k | G

There is an urban legend well known in this area regarding The Plant Man. Footage exists, blurry and ill-lit, of the trespassing fiend, but it never provides a good look at his face. He exists only as a rumor; a giggled whisper in someone’s ear at the pub, an inside joke at uni, and a viral sensation. None of these things mean he is not real. That being said, the only person who can corroborate the truth about the Plant Man is the man himself. And unfortunately, Anthony J. Crowley has no idea that it’s him.

get religion quick (cause you're looking divine) by brinnanza | 4k | G |

So it was fine. Even if Crowley couldn’t love him, he clearly liked him well enough, and that was almost the same thing. It no doubt would have continued to be fine, or at least fine-adjacent, were it not for a narrowly averted apocalypse and several bottles of a really quite nice Riesling Aziraphale had found in the back room of his newly restored bookshop.

to carthage then i came by Lvslie | 4k | T |

‘You’re difficult to follow sometimes.’ ‘Difficult?’ Crowley echoes, feeling hollow. ‘Am I too fast? Am I going—’ And just like that, there’s something new in the silence between them, a tightening. The glass almost slips from his grasp, sliding from between languid fingers. His vision clouds. —too fast for you?’

Snakes and Stones (Never Broke My Bones) by DeerstalkerDeathFrisbee | 4.5k | G

No one wants to say it, but the residents of Dorm A, floor 3, are collectively convinced Aziraphale Fell’s boyfriend does not exist. This is their story.

as the poets say by nikkiRA | 4.6k | T

Crowley takes a long drink of his wine and then says, before he can chicken out, “Aziraphale, I have always been sure about you.”

Re-Recalled by Jennistar | 5k | T |

Halfway through an argument, Aziraphale gets accidentally discorporated and doesn't come back. Crowley does the sensible thing and panics.

the bookshop nemesis witch by FlipSpring | 5k | G

The life and times of Nicole Percival Castings, Witch. Featuring: her ongoing love/rivalry with a particular magical bookstore, an Eccentric(TM) shopkeeper who keeps a huge snake in aforementioned bookstore, finding oneself and one's magical power, the cyclicality of life.

your smile speaks books to me by laiqualaurelote | 5k | T

Aziraphale's bookshop becomes accidentally famous on Instagram, to his great distress. Since Crowley invented Instagram, it's also his problem.

it's a new craze by attheborder | 5.5k | G |

CROWLEY: I try not to make a habit of gratitude, but I must give our appreciation to everyone out there who’s been listening and subscribing to The Ineffable Plan. AZIRAPHALE: Ooh, yes, we’ve become quite popular, haven’t we?CROWLEY: Yeah, just hit number eight on the advice charts … No advertising at all. AZIRAPHALE: Mm. How … miraculous. CROWLEY: … Aziraphale. You did not.

your apple-eating heathen by katarzi | G | 5.7k

History is written without them, and Crowley’s no lady.

the blues have run the game by indigostohelit | 6k | NC-17 (more of an M)

Halfway between the Beginning and the Apocalypse, Crowley visits the court of King Saul, and runs into a prince, a war camp, and a songbook.

the earth has never felt this old by brawlite | 6k | T

Crowley has a long history with holy places.

TwoFish by Grindylowe | 6k | T |

A love story about angels and demons. Also, fish

A Nice and Accurate Lesbian Herstory Archive by badwig | T | 6.6k

More or less just the opening montage from 'Hard Times' but they're lesbians - a series of vignettes from the Garden to now.

parable of shepherds by Lvslie | 6k | T |

‘Aziraphale, you need to stop telling that goddamned story to everyone we stumble upon,’ she hisses. ‘I’m serious. You keep it up much longer, everyone’s gonna think we’ve gone and murdered that alleged husband of mine. ‘Crowley,’ Aziraphale says blithely, a serene smile plastered to her face as a familiar-looking man passes by, ‘Dear. That’s what I want them to think.’

Nothing Like The Sun by mirawonderfulstar | 6k | T |

One tended to go through a number bodies in six thousand years, even if one was as cautious or sturdy as Aziraphale. Crowley, who was neither cautious nor sturdy, had gone through a large number. He’d changed appearance so many times that in Aziraphale’s memory he was often just his eyes, for no matter if Crowley was tall or short, lithe or stocky, blond or raven-haired, his eyes stayed the same.

Blessed/Cursed Retirement by DictionaryWrites | 7k | T

Liam Buttersby, a very normal, nine-year-old boy, makes a friend in the retiree who has recently moved to his village in the South Downs. The retiree in question claims to hate it, and is a liar.

the technology is neutral by Deputychairman | 7k | NC-17 |

“Stand up?” he echoed, incredulous but too undone by sensation to express the full force of his disbelief. “I can barely even remember my own name after that, and you want me to stand up?” “Your name is Anthony J Crowley, apparently, although you never did tell me what the J stood for so I can’t help you there,” he said, not hiding his smile. “Do stand up, I promise you’ll like it.”

Part of the Plan by HardlyFair | 7k | T |

In which things do not return to the exact way they were Before.

Where Thou Art by Mottlemoth | 7.5k | M |

A late-night bus to London, a few human comforts, and a long overdue confession... nothing will ever be the same for an angel and his demon.

The Ark by rfsmiley | 7k | T

We’ve all been assuming that it takes them 6,000 years to figure it out, but what if it takes 6,300?

Or: the ineffable husbands evacuate a dying Earth.

Ad Astra by drawlight | 8K | NC-17

Some things can only be said in the dark.

except you enthrall me, never shall be free by curtaincall | 8k | T

It's a classic story: Angel meets knight. Angel volunteers to get beheaded by knight. Knight turns out to be angel's demon frenemy. Somehow, there is kissing. Based on the Middle English ballad Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Falling Rain by Aria | 8k | T |

Once upon a time, an angel and a demon hitched a ride on the Ark.

such surpassing brightness by Handful_of_Silence | 8k | G |

The revelation that Aziraphale might have been in love with him for thousands of years is surprising. The fact that literal books have been written on the subject comes as even more of a shock.

Without Creativity by htebazytook | 8k | NC-17 |

Another Crowley and Aziraphale through the ages fic, with some heavy symbolism thrown in for good measure.

Exit Wounds by racketghost | 8k | T

“At least they were together for a time,” Crowley says, staring at the lit end of his cigarette, “maybe that’s enough.”

On The Matter Of Touch by Somedrunkpirate | 9k | T

“On the matter of touch,” Crowley begins, waving his teaspoon in what he hopes passes for idle curiosity. “Thoughts?”

and, so on by PaintedVanilla | 9k | M |

Crowley doesn’t remember heaven, but Aziraphale remembers him.

Going Home by Daegaer | 9k | G |

Aziraphale is recalled to Heaven, Crowley isn't impressed.

The future's going to break through by nieded | 10k | T

My take on South Downs: Aziraphale and Crowley decide to become professors. This is inspired by the headcanon that Crowley has 20 different degrees. He is the Serpent of the Tree of Knowledge after all.

Wings and How to Hide Them by triedunture | M | 10k

Crowley's been annoyingly in love for six thousand years. What's another lifetime between friends? Or: Aziraphale definitely fucks and isn't that just perfect?

The Gospel of Crowley by gutterandthestars | 10k | T

Crowley tempts Jesus in the wilderness! Turns out Jesus gives as good as he gets. Also Crowley pines over Aziraphale and has Big Gay Angsty Feelings because, well. Because Crowley.

A Nanny? In MY Summoning Circle? by pukner | 10k | Not Rated

(it's more likely than you think) Warlock "Lockie" Dowling summons a demon. Or, he buys a book off a suspiciously familiar bookseller and is convinced into demon summoning. It goes about as well as you'd expect.

damn.nation, now available on itunes by antistar_e (kaikamahine) | 10k | T

When lowly tempt-pusher Amphora (formerly of Stairwell 7B North, before she Fell,) gets the notice that end times are nigh, she gleefully quits her job and cancels her Netflix subscription and takes her place among the legions of hell. This, it turns out, was a bad plan.

Lie Back And Think Of Dinner by jessthereckless | 11k | M |

"Crowley, this is a disaster. This is everything I ever wanted. We’re in love. And there’s a picnic. And we don’t seem to be able to get…amorous without causing earthquakes.” Aziraphale attempts subterfuge. Crowley sees right through him.

Something to do with these sacred words by Solshine | 11k | T

Crowley confesses early, and Crowley confesses often. Aziraphale never knows quite what to say.

A Resurrection of Whales, and Other Omens of Varying Goodness by Margo_Kim | 11k | WIP | T

After the end of the world doesn't end anything, Heaven and Hell send replacements to Earth while the old representatives try to figure out their new normal.

Serpentine by sergeant_smudge | 11k | G |

Five ways in which Crowley is a snake. *And one more thing.

what's to come by PepperPrints, restlesslikeme | 11k | T

Post-Apocalyptic AU. Even without the Antichrist, both Heaven and Hell insist on Armageddon. Aziraphale is missing and Crowley sets out to find him, driving through a scorched Earth with a witch in his passenger seat.

Basking by bomberqueen17 | 15k | NC-17

Crowley is extremely confused about how or whether celestial beings can experience physical sexual desire. He's also not fantastic at using his words. Things go all... snake-shaped.

Nanny Knows Best by DictionaryWrites | 17k | M

Being a nanny, that should be simple. Simple. Easy as pie. Crowley wished that were true.

One Night In Bangor (And the World's Your Oyster) by Atalan | 17k | NC-17

"All right, I know I'm going to regret asking this," Aziraphale says. "What exactly does this wager entail?” Crowley grins like the cat that not only got the cream but has absconded with the entire cow. He grabs the bottle and swigs straight from it despite Aziraphale's tut of disapproval. "The pot goes to whichever demon can get an angel into bed by the end of the evening."

Soft (A Love Story in Three Bites) by mia_ugly | 18.3k | NC-17

Crowley was an angel, once. Before she fell. Aziraphale was a warrior (she fell too. It just took a little longer.)

The Persephone Clause by Zetared | 20k | T |

When Crowley is forcibly recalled to home office, Aziraphale conspires with a denounced saint and strikes a deal with the agents of Hell to get him back.

in search of the wind by drawlight | 27k | NC-17

After the World Doesn't End, Aziraphale is not returned to his body. Crowley tries to find a way to get to Heaven's fast-shut gates. Aziraphale tries to find his way back from the sky (and back in time).

And So We Come Full Circle by Hekateras | 30k | T |

"Angel. You know it's gonna be really bad, this time around," Crowley says slowly. "When the times comes, I want you to-"

Mirror, Mirror by ImprobableDreams900 | 44k | T

Adam, Eve, and Crawly flee Eden through the Western Gate, and it turns out that that simple decision makes all the difference in the world...

Slow Show by mia_ugly | 90k | NC-17

In which temptations are accomplished, grand romantic gestures are made, and two ineffable co-stars only take four seasons of an award-winning television program to realize they’re on their own side (at last, at last.)

Demonology and the Tri-Phasic Model of Trauma: An Integrative Approach by Nnm | 100k | T

What Aubrey Thyme, a professional, thought, upon first seeing her new client was: you’re going to be a fun one, aren’t you?

Eden!verse by ImprobableDreams900 | 550k | T-M

When Crowley gets captured by angels and dragged up to Heaven, Aziraphale knows he has to rescue him—no matter the consequences.

#good omens #ineffable husbands #fic rec #good omens fic #crowley #aziraphale #i saved some of these years ago i should reread them #op

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strsburn · 4 years

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hi angel !! could i request a joshua bassett imagine where he like bumps into you at disney world while he’s there with the gang (the cast of hsmtmts) and frankie like pushes josh to go back and ask for your number !?

kiss the girl - joshua bassett

pairing - joshua bassett x female!reader

genre - fluff

warnings - none

summary - in which joshua runs into a girl (quite literally) at disneyworld and somehow can't get her voice out of his head nor the thought of giving her his number and quite possibly a kiss.

see also - in which joshua takes the role of prince eric, and frankie plays the matchmaker.

tags ; @plutotown @parkerbassett @bocauhl @joshuaparker @harrysbowen @hunnybears @rickyboweniscute

side notes - I changed a few things and made the reader a princess at Disneyworld, she's ariel if you didn't already guess and uh yeah, hope you enjoy anon!

.・。.・゜✭・🐚・✫・゜・。.

"Where do you guys want to go to next?" Joshua asked aloud as he looked around the large yet familiar park of DisneyWorld. His friends had decided to head to florida for a mini vacation seeing as they had yet to film season two and not wanting to separate from his close friends now family he readily agreed. Which led to this very moment as the septet stood in the middle of magic kingdom, unsure of where to go.

"I was thinking maybe we can go on the Indiana Jones ride and then-" His voice cut off as he accidentally walked too far backwards and bumped into something hard both falling to the ground.

Scrambling from the ground Joshua looked to see who he bumped into and nearly felt his breath catch in his throat as he laid eyes upon the most beautiful version of an Ariel there could be. He quickly came to his senses when she seemed to have trouble getting back up and he offered his hand holding in a blush when their hands made contact.

"I'm so sorry, do forgive me, I'm new at this whole walking thing. It seems I'm still not used to legs." You spoke and your soft voice instantly had Joshua in a trance. He immediately picked up on the fact that you seemed to be working there as a Disney princess and happened to fit the mermaid role well.

"Uh no worries- it, uh, it was my fault." He added nervously and you merely smiled sweetly and with another wave bid him goodbye.

Joshua nearly forgot his friends were there and he looked up with a jolt as his friends all stared at him with raised eyebrows no doubt wondering what just took place before them.

"So, uh, Indiana Jones?" Joshua briskly changed the topic though his thoughts were on a particular redhead.

.・。.・゜✭・🐚・✫・゜・。.

"Ooh Josh look, it's your girlfriend." Frankie nudged Joshua subtly as they were sitting down to eat. Joshua looked up in confusion only to follow Frankie's line of sight and there she was, once again donning the bright red wig and pretty pink dress. His cheeks flared up and he looked down at the table ignoring the snickers of his friends as he nudged Frankie in the ribs.

Frankie however was not letting the matter go and with a shared glance with the others he quickly lifted his hands cupping them around his mouth as he stood to get the girl's attention.

"Ariel! Princess Ariel! Over here!" You turned at his call and upon seeing that Frankie was indeed waving at you-all while looking like a tube man from a toyota dealership- you bounded over with a gentle grin.

"Hello friends, how are you today? I trust Chef Louis has provided you with another delicious meal." You spoke and if the cast weren't old enough to understand this was all an act, they'd think you were the real life Ariel.

"Absolutely but what would make this meal even better is if you sat with us." Frankie smiled all too sweetly and then pulled out the chair next to Joshua. Joshua grit his teeth as he realized what his friend was getting up to.

Not quite knowing what to say, you sat down with a confused look as you attempted to stay in character.

It lasted a good few minutes with Frankie trying and failing to get the two to speak to one another, seeing as you couldn't break your act, and Joshua was too nervous to say anything.

Finally duty called and as you were leaving to go back to your next shift as a mermaid once again, Frankie quickly shoved Joshua in your direction before he along with the cast made a quick run for the exit. You stumbled back in shock at the sudden closeness and Joshua cleared this throat awkwardly as he took a step back.

"I, uh, sorry about that, my friend is, uh, well he's something." Joshua lifted his shoulders into a shrug and you held back a laugh at the description.

Seeing your laugh as a good sign Joshua shakily inhaled and then all in one breathe seemed to blurt out what he wanted so badly to say.

"Listen, I think you're really cute, and sweet and I'd love to get to know you more. Do you think maybe you'd want to exchange numbers?"

Exchange numbers, who even says that?

He mentally slapped himself. He daringly looked up and was surprised to see you holding your phone out with a new contact opened.

He gently took the phone from you and entered his information.

Then he watched in surprise as you stepped closer and with a determined look on your face pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

You didn't give him a chance to retaliate as you waves goodbye at him and then left with a slight skip in your step.

Joshua waited till you rounded the corner before he fist pumped the air and walked away with a small smile.

Just as he went to meet up with his friends, his phone let out a whistle alerting him that he had a new text, and he couldn't help but smile.

it don't take a word, not a single word. Next time, go on and kiss the girl.

#ppkrtingle #askmari #mari's asks #joshua bassett blurb #joshua bassett x female reader #joshua bassett #mari's blurbs #disneyworld

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diyunho · 6 years

Text

The Joker x Reader - “Secrets” Part 1

The Joker did something so unforgivable and despicable you don’t ever want to see him again. After months of avoiding The King of Gotham, you really can’t understand why he appointed you as the only person to take care of his son in case of emergency. There’s no way you’ll accept to help the little boy in his father’s absence, yet the three years old has no fault in what happened between you and your ex.

Part 2: http://diyunho(dot)tumblr(dot)com/post/178630090876/the-joker-x-reader-secrets-part-2

You have no idea for how long you’ve been driving, but you feel the need to pull over again: the restlessness is becoming unbearable and the tears clouding your vision make it dangerous to continue the trip for the moment.

You signal and switch lanes, slowly approaching the emergency shoulder ahead without a clue about what to do afterwards; one thing’s for sure though: Y/N will definitely take refuge in LA.

At this point it’s safe to say that the town her father owns is probably the only home she ever had; not a very comforting notion yet the shocking revelation she accidentally stumbled upon a few hours ago doesn’t leave any room for alternatives.

You park as close as possible to the concrete railing and get out of the SUV, the cold air making you shiver since your coat is quite thin for the chilly spring afternoon. You start pacing around the car, hesitantly glaring at your cellphone. Should you make the call now or wait?... …

Might as well get it over with.

You press the screen on the sole name listed under “Important Contacts”: Dad.

The Joker’s phone number used to be there also; it got blocked and removed when you had to stop for fuel at a gas station back in Gotham.

Jase picks up right away and the sound of his familiar voice makes it harder to keep yourself together.

“Hey, kiddo.”

“Hi daddy,” you sniffle and bite on your lip, not wanting to cry. “How are you?”

“Not bad for an old man, kid. How’s my favorite daughter?” he asks and despite not remembering being more upset in your life, you still crack a smile since the mobster doesn’t have any other children.

“I’m OK dad,” you gulp and continue. ”I’m actually on my way to Los Angeles; I should be there tomorrow night.”

“That’s great, Y/N! I didn’t see you in a while and I sure miss you. How long are you staying?”

You take a deep breath, almost chocking on the painful words:

“Indefinitely…”

Absolute silence for a few seconds and then Jase growls:

“What the fuck did he do now?”

You sigh, choosing not to share the specifics of your decision.

“It’s just not working out…So I’m coming home…Can I use the house again please?” your request makes your parent cringe.

“That’s your house and you don’t need my permission to live there, kiddo. What’s going on, hm? You know you can tell me,” the 62 years old attempts to reason with the distressed Y/N: although she’s doing a decent job at hiding her heartache, he can read in between the lines.

“I’ll…I’ll be fine dad, don’t worry,” you mutter and your father knows better than to push for a confession; you’ll probably bring him up to date when you’ll be ready. “I think I’ll get on the road again; I have to cover as much distance as possible today.”

“Sure kid, I’ll see you soon. Drive safe!” Jase agrees because he realizes his daughter won’t be able to talk for longer: she sounds flustered and will probably burst into tears as soon as she hangs up.

“I will daddy. Bye…” is the faint answer the King of LA discerns before the conversation ends.

That son of a bitch! Jase grinds his teeth, angered at the simple affirmation of what he feared for months: The Joker was the wrong choice and certainly didn’t deserve your affection.

You were in love with him regardless.

So what the hell happened?!

************

Five hours ago

You were beyond excited to see J after the four days business trip; your father had a special request for his daughter to help smoothing out a transaction with one of his main New York partners and you obliged. Things went better than expected: Y/N managed to finish the assignment a day earlier which made the anticipation of being reunited with her boyfriend feel like a well-deserved bonus.

You rushed out of the elevator straight into the living room at the Penthouse and your enthusiasm got cut off when you saw this woman wearing one of your silk robes nonchalantly organizing piles of money in a few suitcases scattered on the floor. Her eyes got big when she noticed your presence.

“You’re early,” the woman concluded, more annoyed than surprised. “Weren’t you supposed to return tomorrow?”

You gazed at her with contempt, unaware of how bad it was.

“Who are you?” you frowned, heart beating so fast it was deafening.

She smirked, taking it upon herself to brief the clueless Y/N about the truth despite knowing The Joker will go ballistic at her actions:

“I’m his wife you dumb girl.”

You seemed stupefied and she continued:

“He does this from time to time if it benefits us business wise. Though I have to admit one year is the longest I had to share him with anybody and I’m tired of it! My husband never tells me who the women are and I trust he’s doing whatever necessary to ensure our future. I’m sick of people not knowing he’s mine!” she raised her voice, jealousy taking over. “Who are you, hm? What’s so important about you that he didn’t break it up yet?” she got worked up, seeing that as her chance to unravel the mystery of The Joker’s lengthy relationship with the stunned Y/N.

“I’m the Godfather’s daughter,” you mumbled and her entitled smile died under the burden of understanding she messed up badly.

Damn, The King of LA’s offspring! That’s why the money was pouring in from all the transactions with the other gang, that’s why The Joker kept you for so long. Oh God, he’s going to lose his mind! He should have said something to his wife about your identity, at least this time around: you were probably his most ambitious and lucrative project ever. Unfortunately, his other half screwed up beyond repair.

J’s voice coming from upstairs got you out of trance:

“Who are you talking to Nessa?” and he starting descending from the top floor with a little boy in his arms. Half way through he realized you were there and abruptly stopped, prompting the child to complain:

“Daaaaddy, I’m hungry.”

The Joker gazed at the two women in his life and didn’t get the opportunity to reply the burning question:

“You have a child?!...”

Y/N ran out of the premises, unable to fully comprehend what she witnessed by mere coincidence. She took the stairs, stumbling and almost falling on the way down; her ears were ringing and she could barely see a few feet ahead which was much better than the aftermath of the encounter happening at the Penthouse.

The Joker put his son down and urged him to go back to the master bedroom, stomping towards his petrified wife.

“What did you tell her??” he yelled so loud it made her shiver. “What did you say??” J pushed her against the wall and Nessa took a stance despite the survival instinct advising of the opposite.

“I didn’t know she is the Godfather’s daughter, ok? I’m aware we’re doing this for us, but you should keep me in the loop! I didn’t know who she was. I’m sorry, alright? I’m sorry!”

“You’re sorry???” he snarled and the eerie grimace on his face turned into genuine insanity. “You ruined all of it and you’re sorry?? Who gave you permission to open your mouth, huh?? I could have fixed this, I could have made her think I was cheating and patch it up!!!”

“Why are you so mad?...” she had the nerve to fight and J slammed her on the floor, livid at the defiant behavior. “Do you…do you actually like her??!”

“Shut up!” he kicked her and she couldn’t stop:

“Is that it?! You like her?!”

“I said SHUT UP!” The Joker got on top of Nessa and pinned her body under his, wishing to squeeze the life out of her with his bare hands for the total disaster she was responsible for.

“Mommy…” their three years old son whimpered, scared to see his parents like that; they were caught up in the feud and didn’t see Alexis sneaking downstairs. “Mommy…” the terrified little boy made his father postpone his rampage.

“You ruined my hard work,” he hissed and got off her. “One year down the drain and you have the audacity to inquire if I like her??! Do you know how much money we lost since Jase won’t do business with me after this??!!”

“I’m sorry baby,” Nessa kept on coughing and curled up in a ball.

Alexis couldn’t stop sobbing and The Joker lift him up, panting with indignation while trying to suppress his rage.

“Sorry won’t fix shit!!!” he screamed and stormed out of the room, leaving his wife on the floor, grateful to have escaped his violent attack.

**************

After three months

You are at your father’s mansion, organizing his numerous accounts and updating wire transfers that need immediate attention after the settlements negotiated during the previous day.

“Done?” he uses his cane to knock at the opened door.

“Yes, dad. Probably 10 more minutes and I’m out of here.”

“Take your time kid,” he comes in and takes a stroll around his spacious office, wanting to share what he just found out.

You are completely absorbed into your assignment and Jase analyzes your features, delighted as always to see so much of him in his daughter.

“Say Y/N,” he gets your attention,”wanna hear some news?”

“Hmm?” you lift your head up from the laptop, not overly curious to discover whatever he wants to share.

“Your ex nearly lost his life two days ago. Apparently an ambush. His wife was with him, my sources inform. She’s dead and he’s not doing well either,” your parent emphasizes the secret relationship and watches you squirm in your chair, startled at his unexpected revelation. “Is that why you left him?” the interrogation makes you hold your breath and he shakes his head, irritated. “You found out the jerk was married? Why didn’t you tell me?”

You exhale, cornered by the impulsive Godfather.

“Because I didn’t want the business partnership between Gotham and LA to be impacted by my personal life,” you blur out one of the main reasons for your silence.

“Business partnership?! When it comes to my family to you think I give a damn about monetary gain? Are you serious?!”

“I knew you would retaliate and I didn’t want him to think that I care. Because…because I don’t,” the sadness in your voice makes Jase calm down a bit.

“… … Why are you crying then?...” he pushes the box of tissue in front of his devastated daughter; you didn’t even realize tears are rolling down your face. Jase grabs your hand and pulls you up in his embrace, holding you closer when you start bawling your eyes out on his shoulder. “Nobody messes with my little girl,” he whispers and caresses your hair, somewhat discouraged by your objection:

“I’m 30 daddy,” you sniffle and bury your face in his shoulder again.

“Still my little girl,” your father grumbles, displeased his own flesh and blood thought she didn’t mean more to him than a few million dollars.

It’s clear you kept the secret for other reasons also, probably the most important being the embarrassment of finding out you were used and taken for an idiot by the man you obviously loved.

A whole year of lies and deceit…

The cut runs deeper when it comes from the person that meant so much it got you convinced to change your mind about not wanting children; The Joker probably laughed at your willingness to give him an heir when he already had one with his own wife.

The two of them definitely deserved each other, but he definitely didn’t deserve you.

***********

2 weeks later at your house

“What does he want?” you sneer after one of the guards entrusted with your security told you Jonny Frost is here to ask for a meeting.

“I’m not sure, he says it’s an emergency. He has a little boy with him,” Nixon adds and you put aside the book you’re reading, intrigued. “Should I let him in?”

You nod a yes and furrow your eyebrows as soon as Frost enters the lounge: he’s carrying Alexis in his arms, the child fast asleep after the exhausting journey from Gotham to Los Angeles.

“Hello Y/N,” Jonny greets and you cut him off.

“What do you want?”

The Joker’s trusted henchman had a speech prepared for the encounter, yet given the current situation and the bitter look on your face he has to be as concise as possible.

“Mister J is very sick.”

“How is that any of my concern?!” you resentfully interrupt.

“Boss has to undergo a few surgeries since he can’t walk or talk properly,” Frost colors the big picture with a few carefully chosen words. “He left special instructions regarding his son: Mister J would like you to take care of Alexis in his absence.”

“Get out!” you snap and stand up from the couch. “Get out!” you repeat, disgusted by his demand. “The Joker has plenty of resources and people to fulfill his instructions. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!!!” you yell and the three years old is rubbing his eyes, almost woken up by the commotion. “How dare you come here and ask such a thing after what happened? Get out!”

“I didn’t know,” Jonny responds since he guessed exactly what you’re referring to. “I had no clue. And even if I knew, I couldn’t have said anything anyway,” his honesty doesn’t make it better. “Please take Alexis, I can’t go back with him; you know how Mister J is. Please Y/N,” Frost pleads and you bark:

“You have 20 seconds to disappear from my sight!!”

Nixon and four other goons approach, signaling Jonny to follow them because it’s evident the fuming Y/N is not thrilled with the uninvited guests. Frost has no other option besides leaving the premises, wondering how he’s going to explain his failure to The Joker.

“Ava!” you address the woman patrolling the western corridor of the house. “Have the crew ready in one hour, I need to pick up some diamonds from Enzo Neroni.”

Jonny is too far to discern the rest of the conversation and a simple plan flourishes in his brain: Enzo is one of the smugglers J uses on a regular basis also. Frost knows exactly where to find him and this might be the only chance that will act in his favor.

At this point he has nothing to lose.

************

“What is he doing here?” you point out at The Joker’s son as Enzo neatly places the purchased diamonds in tiny jewelry boxes.

“Uhh,” he shrieks. “Frost dumped him here until he can find a safe place for the kid. I guess his father will be out of commission for at least one month and he doesn’t want anyone messing with his offspring. I’m sure they’ll be some jumping at the opportunity. Get out of my way!” Enzo pushes the little boy and he falls on his knees, picking himself up afterwards. Alexis holds his teddy bear tighter, staring at all the strangers around and seems terrified.

“Can you not do that?” you smack your lips, aggravated.

“Do what?” Enzo halts his task. “You don’t want the gems in boxes? I can put them in pouches.”

“I was talking about the young boy,” you clarify your statement.

The smuggler lifts his shoulders up, defending his indifference.

“My warehouse is no place for children. Hey, don’t touch that!” he slaps Alexis’s hand when he reaches for a bottle of water on the table. “I didn’t say you can have it! I fucking hate kids,” he gives the three years old a mean look and it pisses you off.

“Are you thirsty?” you ask and snatch the water, opening the lid.

“U-hum,” Alexis barely manages to utter.

“Can I have this water or do I need permission too?” you mock and Enzo lifts his hands up in surrender, not wanting to initiate trouble. “Here,” you offer it to the little one and help him drink. He sure is thirsty since it takes a few good seconds before finishing. “Are you hungry?” and the child shrivels up, not answering your question. “Did you give him anything to eat?”

“No; I suppose I can send somebody to fetch some food when I have a moment,” Enzo groans and arranges the boxes inside the empty suitcase you came with.

“Do you think The Joker would be happy with that answer?” you frown and the reply bothers you more than it should:

“Mister J is not here, Y/N. I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances.”

“Your best sucks!” you mutter and take the hasty decision that will change the future for the parties involved, even if you don’t know it yet. “Where are his things?”

“In my van. Why?” Enzo is curious to hear.

“He’s coming with me, that’s why! Nixon, get the diamonds,” you order the bodyguard and you extend the palm of your hand, waiting for Alexis to take it. “Come on, let’s go,” you force a grin on your face and the little boy stalls until you encourage him again. “Come on,” and the small fingers are finally trapped within yours. “Don’t be scared, it’s ok,” you walk at his pace towards the exit.

Once you and your team are gone, Enzo dials Frost’s number and informs:

“She took him.”

Jonny is not big on religion but feels that today he was granted divine intervention.

“Oh thank God! That was so close to disaster,” he sighs, relieved.

“You better tell Mister J I didn’t do anything to his son! You know she’ll talk, I don’t want him coming after me. Tell him I actually helped and it was part of the plan. Do you fucking understand? I don’t want any trouble!”

“I’ll tell him,” Frost reassures and Enzo hangs up, wondering if it was wise to get involved in the messy situation.

**************

“I’ll tuck you in,” you pull the warm covers on top of Alexis and he anxiously wiggles after another thunder strikes in the distance. “It’s alright, it’s just a storm,” you try to make the little boy relax.

You were gone for most of the day and Ava was left in charge of the kid; at least he was bathed, fed and changed in clean clothes, undoubtedly safe under your roof just like his father wished.

“My name is Y/N. What’s your name?” you adjust his stuffed teddy bear under the blankets.

“Alexis…” he shyly whispers and gulps when another strong thunder shakes the house.

“That was close,” you wink and he nervously whimpers, distracted by the loud noise.

“Whe’s mommy?” Alexis suddenly asks. “I…I want my daddy,” his eyes get teary because he doesn’t know you and he’s frightened.

A three years old can’t possibly fathom why he doesn’t see his mother anymore and why his dad disappeared also.

“They’re not here…” you bite on your cheek. “You’ll stay with me for a while.”

“I want my moommyyy,” the boy starts crying and you don’t really know what to do.

You get under the covers and pull him in your arms, attempting to comfort an agitated child that squirms to escape the stranger’s embrace.

“Ssssstt, it’s ok,” you keep on gently rocking him and another powerful thunder makes Alexis instinctively cling to your nightgown. “You’re ok, it’s just nasty weather. It will go away,” you caress his hair with one hand and use the other to hug him again. “There you go, don’t cry. It’s fine…” you smile and his eyes gaze into yours, totally immersed in your soothing presence. “Ssstttt, you’re good,” you cuddle with the kid, protectively holding him until his body is not tense anymore.

The Joker’s son is falling asleep and even if the raging tempest wreaks havoc outside, someone showing him affection after being tossed around all day makes him cozy. Alexis has no idea that the woman tricked into taking care of him has no obligation to do so; in fact quite the opposite. His luck has changed tonight especially since there are several groups interested in taking advantage at J’s present misfortune.

The secret is out and can’t be swept under the carpet: The King of Gotham was married and he does have a child. With many enemies lurking in the darkness waiting for a chance to strike, it’s a miracle it didn’t happen yet.

But a miracle never lasts for long and destiny has a funny way of making everyone pay their debts.

Or send unexpected help from a person that shouldn’t lift a finger in granting safe haven to a little boy that reminds Y/N of his father’s deception.

Also read: MASTERLIST

http://diyunho(dot)tumblr(dot)com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

#the joker x reader #the joker imagine #the joker fanfiction #the joker jared leto #the joker #the joker suicide squad #joker #joker fanfiction #joker x reader #mister j #Mistah J #mr. j #puddin #dc #DC comics #joker suicide squad #jared leto

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modestmuses-a · 5 years

Note

5, 6, 11, 18, 21, 23, 26, 30, 34, 35, 43, 50 - ekko

//CAS I ALREADY DON’T SHUT UP ABOUT THIS BOY AS IT IS. WHY WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE ME AND SUBJECT MY FOLLOWERS TO THIS?? i’m gonna have to fuckin readmore this for length because Christ…

Unusual Headcanons | accepting

5. How many blankets / pillows do they like to have on their bed?

One of each. When it’s exceptionally warm out, you can nix the blanket. Although, “blanket” is kind of a strong word for it. It’s really more of a threadbare rag at this point. When it gets cold out, he does think, “Hm, I better replace this,” but then he immediately forgets about it upon waking up and getting on with his day.

6. What do they normally dream about? Nightmares or nonsense?

Thanks to time travel fucking with his circadian rhythm, it’s very rare for Ekko to get any more than three or four hours of sleep at a time. More on that here.

But his terrible non-existent sleeping patterns, coupled with a whole host of repressed negative emotions that he hasn’t properly worked through because he doesn’t want to burden anyone with his problems, mean his nightmares are frequent and severe. Usually of the ridiculously gory variety. His nightmares typically end with him dying in some over-the-top, Final-Destination-esque way.

(Speaking of, my favorite death from those movies is from the third one, where the girl stumbles backwards into a nail gun and takes several nails through the back of her skull right out the front of her face.)

If you were to watch them, like, as a horror movie, some of them might be laughable. (If you’re into that sort of thing.) And indeed, he does try to laugh some of them off, although whether it’s genuine laughter or him trying to put on a brave face and again refusing to acknowledge that he’s got Issues is up for debate.

11. Bar soap or liquid? Do they like loofahs?

Bar soap. No loofahs.

18. Do they prefer cats or dogs? Or neither?

Ekko doesn’t really have a preference! He’ll drop scraps down to stray animals when he has the scraps to spare, and he’s made a number of furry friends of both species this way. Sometimes, you’ll just see random animals tailing him as he walks through the city, ‘cause they’re hoping to get more food out of him. He feels guilty when he doesn’t have anything to give them.

21. Did they have any fears growing up that they’ve since conquered?

Ekko used to be afraid of trees when he was younger and would always hold his breath when he walked by the cultivair. This is because he heard a story about a man who accidentally inhaled a tree seed and ended up growing a tree in his lung. He now knows that it’s ridiculous to be afraid of trees for that reason since the odds of it happening to him are infinitesimally small, but he’ll still tell people the story of Ol’ Tree Lung whenever they pass the cultivair, regardless of how many times his present company has heard it before. Most of his friends are sick to death of Ol’ Tree Lung by now.

23. How do they show fear? Sweating, shaking, blankness, anger, etc?

Ekko shakes something fierce when he gets scared. He also starts stammering and messing up sentences on account of his brain working much faster than his mouth. He’ll start a sentence and not finish it. Tries to restart the sentence slightly different this time and doesn’t finish that one either. Starts a sentence, cuts it off, starts a different sentence about a completely different thought, loses track of that one, too.

desperately tries not to cry

26. What are they most passionate about? What could they debate about for hours?

Ekko is passionate about… eating the rich. When are we bringing back the guillotine again?? kfhdgkdf

No, but seriously, Ekko is pretty adamant about “Capitalism sucks” and believes that the best use of wealth is providing for those less fortunate than you. He doesn’t have a lot, but he’s always using what he does have to help the Lost Children and his parents first and himself second. He sees people living these lives of luxury, and it makes him sick ‘cause he’s just like… *gestures @ starving orphans* “Y’all wanna like… maybe do something about this sometime?”

He believes that no one should have that much money for any reason because they should be putting it towards making society a better place instead of just… sitting on it. There is a reason I associate Billy Talent with him (and why “Man Alive!” is his main verse tag) and it’s because they have a lot of songs that just absolutely shit all over capitalism. I made a playlist for Ekko, and the first four songs on it are Billy Talent criticizing capitalism for the flawed, soul-sucking system that it is. (Three of the four are from the Dead Silence album.)

Anyway, Billy Talent tangent aside since I can’t control myself…

On April Fool’s, there were a couple IC posts of rich characters saying, “Rich people don’t have rights!” but then claiming to be exceptions to the rule. Like, one of them said, “I have rights ‘cause I didn’t choose to be rich. I was just born into a rich family.”

And let me tell you, I had to physically restrain Ekko ‘cause he was p i s s e d. He was in time-out that day, haha! “Oh, I’m so sorry, it must be so hard for you to have been born into a life of privilege,” he fumes to himself in the little corner I’ve trapped him in. “NONE OF YOU ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE! NONE OF YOU HAVE RIGHTS! AND WHEN THE REVOLUTION COMES, YOU’RE GOING TO THE GUILLOTINE WITH THE REST OF ‘EM!”

Me, desperately trying to calm him down like, “No, no, shh, look at the date! It’s probably just a joke!”

He’s like, “IT FUCKING BETTER BE.”

Tl;dr: Nothing gets Ekko riled quite like rich people being shitty and annoying.

I was also going to mention that Ekko’s passionate about maintaining hope and will argue the importance of not giving up and not letting bad situations turn you into a bad person, but this answer is already hella long, so here’s a brief passing mention of it lmao

30. Is there something about their personality they want to change?

Ekko is… angry deep down. Or maybe not even so deep down. Maybe right there, just under his skin. And he wishes he wasn’t.

He often questions his own goodness, wondering if he’s not just Fake Nice to conceal the wretched thing he actually is. If you skim the top layer of sweetness off of him, you’re left with this horrid, bitter, hateful little beast. Or that’s what he thinks sometimes, anyway.

Whether it’s justified or it isn’t, anger is such an ugly emotion, and he’s worried it’s going to cause him to hurt someone he cares about someday.

I often worry about my portrayal of Ekko and how damn inconsistent it is sometimes ‘cause in one thread, he’s this sweet helpful angel who wants to do his best, and in another thread, he’s more bitter than the blackest coffee, but like. This be why. He’s a good person. Just deep down, he’s angry about A Lot, but even deeper down, he’s an even better person. He feels like his anger is the thing standing between him and being the best person he can be, and he wishes he could get rid of it, but alas, it seems to be stuck to him.

I mean, maybe it wouldn’t be if he ever bothered to resolve any of his Issues, but y’know. Helping others comes first, so :’) He’ll worry about helping himself when he’s dead.

34. Are they the jealous type? What are they most likely to be jealous of?

Hmm, I wouldn’t say Ekko is much of the jealous type, no. Like, his anger towards rich folks isn’t because he’s jealous of their lifestyle or wants what they have. It’s because he wants them to be decent fucking people for once. It doesn’t make sense to a lot of people, but he’s content stomping around in the gutters. He does wish things were easier on his parents, but he can’t complain about the life of freedom he’s been allowed to lead up to this point.

He doesn’t really get jealous of other people’s relationships either. Like, I mentioned in a reply to Draven that in the Academy verse, Ekko has a crush on Ahri. (But only in the Academy verse.) But like, he doesn’t really get jealous when she dates other guys. In fact, he expects it. He hasn’t said anything about his crush on Ahri (although it’s probably a bit obvious), and he’s never going to because he doesn’t expect anything to come of it. He lowkey doesn’t want anything to come of it because he feels like it’ll just make the dynamics in their friend group weird. So, really, he’s got no problem with her dating whoever she wants.

35. Are they possessive over their things? Or over other people? Both?

The only thing Ekko is especially possessive of is the Zero Drive, for obvious reasons. It’d be just… the worst to have that fall into the wrong hands. Time travel is a huge responsibility, Ekko says as he abuses the shit out of it to skip class and get infinite Halloween candy. Can you imagine what would happen if any of the shadier characters in LoL had the ability to time travel??

He isn’t particularly possessive over the rest of his things, though, and he’ll frequently give stuff up to people he feels could use it more.

As for people… I wouldn’t call him possessive, so much as protective. He might seem a bit possessive of his friends at times, but it’s only because he’s trying to keep them out of trouble. Whenever he tells people, “I don’t want you hanging out with so-and-so,” it’s not because he’s being possessive, it’s because so-and-so has Bad Vibes written all over them.

In the modern/K/DA verse, he’s friends with Akali before she gets famous. She ran away from the dojo and lived on the streets for a while, and it was there that she met Ekko, and honestly, he probably did a lot more than he realizes to keep her out of trouble. Who knows what kind of bullshit her dumb ass would have gotten into if she hadn’t been trying to set as good of an example for Ekko as she could?

Anyway, modern verse Ekko despises modern verse Shen. Akali gets back in touch with Shen, and Ekko is extremely vocal about how terrible he finds this whole idea.

And it’s not that he’s possessive of Akali. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When she needed to leave him to join K/DA, he let her go ‘cause he understood that was her big dream and it wouldn’t have been fair to keep her there. She was destined for better things, and he wanted to see her get off the streets.

But it’s just that… he’s heard stories about the way she was treated at the dojo, so when she tells him she got back in touch with Shen, he gets pissed and tells her that she can’t expect him to support her ripping open old wounds. He’s just scared that Shen’s going to hurt her again, so when she tries to introduce the two of them to each other, Ekko’s cold towards Shen at best and openly hostile towards him at worst. He might be inclined to strangle the guy if Akali didn’t have herself situated between them in a somewhat fruitless effort to ease the tension.

43. Do they like living alone or with another person / other people?

Ahaha, Ekko is a huge people-person, actually! I think he’d just die if he had to live alone. A big reason he spends so much time away from home and out on the streets is because his parents are never home, and the house feels too empty without them. He’ll roll back home in the evening, when his parents are getting off work, to enjoy their company for a bit before they both pass out, but unless somebody else is there, he doesn’t want to be either.

If he had to live alone, there wouldn’t be any point in him having a house or anything ‘cause he’d literally never stay there. He’d always be out chasing adventure and other people’s company.

50. Where do they see themselves in 2 / 5 / 10 years?

God, this is hard because the thing is that Ekko is terrible at making plans for the future, especially long-term plans. Thinking about the future causes him major stress, especially when he thinks of possibilities that might involve him relinquishing some of his freedom, which is a lot. Like, he has no desire to go to school or join the workforce - at least not in any sort of traditional way - or any of that, and the fact that he’s not going to be 16 forever is just something that he prefers not to think about!

Anyway, let’s take a crack at it, nonetheless…

In two years, Ekko hopes to have worked up the courage to tell his parents he doesn’t want to go to the academy in Piltover. Listen… he’s working on it. But like, he thinks at least part of the reason they work so hard is because they’re trying to put money back to send him to school, and… he’s really torn about it. He’d feel guilty if they kept working to send him to school without knowing he doesn’t want to go, but he’d also feel guilty if he told them he doesn’t want to go and crushed all their hopes and dreams. So, really, it is a lose-lose.

But hey, two years is plenty of time to work up the courage, right?

In five years, Ekko’s unsure of whether he’ll still be living with his parents or not. He knows that he wants to get them into a nicer house, and as such, he’ll likely have to find some way to make money other than thievery. So, he might consider commercializing an invention or two.

He knows his parents are fond of Piltover for whatever reason, and he would reluctantly let them go there, if they wanted. That’s why he isn’t sure if he’ll still be living with them or not because if they do choose to go to Piltover, he’s absolutely staying behind in Zaun. He wants them to be happy, but he’s not going to abandon Zaun like that. Plus, he can still come visit sometimes, so it’s like… whatever.

He would also like to make a little more progress on the Z-Drive by this point, maybe getting it to the point where he can go back days instead of only minutes. Just in case. You never know when that thing you did three days ago is gonna come back around to bite you in the ass.

In ten years, he’ll be 26 and probably (sadly) a bit old to be running around doing dumb teenager things. Still, he can’t see himself abandoning the Lost Children. They’ll still need someone, you know? A large part of his mission with the Lost Children has become keeping them out of trouble, more or less. The bad kind of trouble, anyway. Keeping them away from chem-punks and out of the factories and away from drugs and potentially dangerous augmentations, so on and so forth.

He’d like to keep doing that, keep helping kids stay out of bad situations. Maybe start some sort of home for them, where they can come get a bed and a warm meal. Or something like a school, but where they’re allowed to study what they want and hone the skills they think will be most useful to them, instead of some arbitrary curriculum they’re not even interested in. Maybe a bit ambitious for only ten years, but… he hopes to at least be on his way to that sort of thing by then.

He wants to see Zaun be a better place, and children are the future, and he doesn’t want to see any of them fall through the cracks. If there’s any hope for Zaun to get better - and he believes there is - it starts with its children being happy and safe.

So, his plans are currently:

Tell his parents he doesn’t want to go to the academy.

Get his parents somewhere nicer ‘cause they deserve it.

Improve time travel maybe.

Find a way to get as many children out of harm’s way as humanly possible.

And that’s basically it.

#hc: ekko #hc: akali #shensheng aoman #building nothing out of something [answered]#//i'd apologize for this taking so long but like #//you asked for it #//also i have to tag this as an akali headcanon too #//it's difficult for me to talk about modern verse ekko WITHOUT mentioning his friendship with akali #//bc it's very important to me!!#//anyway enjoy your essay #//*casually writes an 8-page thesis about ekko*#//seriously if you format this like a school essay #//with 1-inch margins 12-point times new roman double-spaced #//it's 8 pages long #gore tw #//i guess i should also include that tag #//for my inability to resist mentioning the nail gun scene from final destination 3

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submissiveharrylibrary · 7 years

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Top 100 Long Larry Fanfics

My top favorite Larry fanfics in no particular order (all over 10k words).

making this made me realize i have had no life these past 5 years lmao. And by the way, there are PLENTY more I would love to add, it was actually hard choosing a hundred (wow, I’m a sad person) but just go to my favorites tag and I have probably a hundred more.

We Will Be Remembered: AU where everything is the same except Harry was born exactly a year earlier and it changed absolutely everything.

Come on, Jump Out At Me: the one where actor Louis Tomlinson and One Direction superstar Harry Styles try to fake a sex tape to help Harry get out of the closet and they both get more than they bargained for.

Three French Hems: In which Louis is a designer at Burberry and Harry spends December wearing Lanvin… and Lanvin… and Lanvin.

The Cloud of the Unknowing: Harry knows he’s dying. Louis doesn’t.

It’s Been Awhile (Since I’ve felt butterflies): In which Louis works in an ice cream parlor and Harry is Gemma's cute little brother who starts working there, as well.

Let’s Talk About Making Love: Louis is just a simple phone sex line operator, but to Harry, he's Daddy.

Counting the Stars Behind the Clouds: The problem wasn’t that Harry was blind. The problem was Harry himself.or, in which Louis plays keyboard as part of touring singer Harry's back-up band, and spends his time stuck between being oblivious and in denial, while Harry just wants to know how many stars there are in the night sky.

Chances Under the Purple Sunrise: the one where Harry is a merman, prince of the Atlantic Ocean, whose curiosity and healthy envy takes over him and he steals Louis' shoes every time he fishes.

Faking it: A uni AU in which Louis has been Harry’s best friend since he offered him cubed fruit on the playground, and they spend more time cuddling in their dorm beds than they do apart, but it’s not like that. Or is it?

And I’ll Be Making History Like I Do: the one in which Louis is famous and more than a bit of an asshole and Harry remembers the little boy who looked kind of like a fairy auditioning for the X Factor all those years ago.

Nothing You Can Do (But You Can Learn How To Be You In Time): A Canon Compliant Semi-AU. Louis braids Harry’s hair. There are good times, bad times, fancy houses, supportive bandmates, secret boyfriends, small rebellions, bigger revolutions, some nail varnish, ribbons, cute clothing, and a Pinterest.

Give Me Truths: Louis is a psychology student with a tattoo count as high as his genius IQ. Harry is in a (sort-of) relationship with a homophobic man and hates himself a little more every day. Things fall apart and Louis puts him back together.

In Dreams: AU. When Harry moves to a new city, his new flat come with a number of sweet, anonymous gifts and surprises that brighten his days. Could it be a friendly ghost? Another friendly presence in his new building is his tattooed neighbor, Louis, who seems determined to put a smile back on his face.

It’s oh So Still: Harry doesn’t say much but Louis makes him want to try.

Uniquely Perfect: When Louis Tomlinson finds Harry Styles sitting in an alley, he doesn't at all expect Harry to be different... or different in a nonhuman way at least. Until his bestfriend Liam informs him that Harry is a hybrid. A cat hybrid to be exact. Will Louis keep Harry with him, or will he send Harry out on his own?

For Angels to Fly: Louis isn’t in love with a guy and Harry doesn’t need saving. Neither of these things end up being entirely true.

Shine: Louis is an actor who needs to get away from the real world. He does the only thing that he can and runs away, finding himself in a small town where he happens upon Harry. What Louis doesn't expect is to somehow fall in love and end up having to face what he was running from all along.

everything i can arrange, every part of me you change: Harry needs a big spoon and Louis refuses to let anyone steal his position.

Tell Me I’m Pretty: Louis Tomlinson is a fire fighting hero to many in the town of Manchester and Harry is a pretty slut who feeds off of other's telling him of his charm that just can't seem make Louis admit he's attractive.

It’s All Brand New Because of You: Louis starts a new job as a summer camp counselor at the local aquarium and Harry is a biologist who really likes teaching people about the ocean.

Thank the Moon for our Spotlight: A camp fic where Harry isn’t expecting to enjoy himself, and Louis just wants to have fun, and Harry’s a bit too shy and Louis’ a bit too comfortable, but somehow it works, anyway.

Walking Between the Raindrops: Harry Styles is a fan of One Direction, like not a massive one but they're cool. He doesn't go to their concerts, but he buys their CDs and it'd be cool to meet them. What he doesn't expect is actually meeting them and it just so happens he has a crush on, Louis Tomlinson.

Hush: an au where small towns suck, louis is losing it, and harry’s just too perfect.

Hate Me To The Moon: AU where Harry is a sexy nerd, Louis is a great actor, and they both pretend to hate each other's guts to convince themselves they're not feeling things future step-brothers shouldn't feel.

The Glass House: It wasn’t stalking. It wasn’t an obsession. It wasn’t anything. It was just — observing from a distance. At least that’s what seventeen-year-old Louis Tomlinson told himself when he got new neighbors across the street.

With Nothing But Your T-Shirt On: Harry is a camboy and Louis has been an avid subscriber for a while before he finds out they attend the same university

Sick: AU where Harry is sick with a lot of different things and Louis is the only one who can make him feel better.

When I’m Lost I Feel so Very Found: the one where Harry is an average university student who winds up pregnant with rising actor Louis Tomlinson's child

Kiss From a Rose: Louis’s in a rock band called No Control, Harry’s a pregnant model suffering from a broken heart. They've both got meddling friends.

Fake You’re Full and Feel Tomorrow: Louis is a high class prostitute and the best at what he does. Harry is a hard to please 17 year old who wants to give himself completely to another man.

Anklebiters: It was Louis' senior year when his life changed drastically - beginning with the pretty intersex boy, Harry.

Let’s Embrace the Point of No Return: Harry is an omega intern at an all alpha company. Louis is his boss. There's some complications.

iHeart You: The lads have a few days off before their performance at the iHeart Radio Music Festival. They're set to be in the studio recording their new album on those days. When Harry hears Louis talking to Eleanor, telling her he's bought her plane ticket so she can come out Harry decides he doesn't want to see her or have her anywhere near. He's sick of her. So he goes to management and for once in their lives they agree with him. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... but maybe not this time...

Haven: "I take it you’re not a new student?” “What?” Harry mumbles, caught up in the way his eyes are quite literally sparkling in the light. “Oh—No. Not a student.” “Are you a sub?” Louis asks. Harry clenches his hands into fists, holding them behind his back as he stumbles a bit. “I don’t, uh—I mean. I’ve never really gotten a chance to be a true sub, you know? My ex-partners were always scared they’d hurt me. But, like—If I trusted someone a lot, and if we used a, a safeword. And talked about, you know, boundaries, then—Yes, yeah, I-I’m a sub.” Louis’ eyes are so wide, his cheeks puffing out in the effort to not burst into laughter. “Oh shit, oh my god,” Harry whispers. “You meant—Oh god."

Sass the Week: Louis is the host of popular TV comedy ‘Sass the Week’ and Liam and Zayn are the team leaders. It just so happens this week Louis’ got the privilege of working along side his crush Harry Styles popstar who’s on the show as one of the guests.

The Best Laid Plans: When solo artist Harry Styles publicly admits to having a crush on One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, the band makes a plan: Use Harry’s fame to get back into business.

So Darling, Just Say You’ll Stay Right by My Side: AU where Louis is the chief of police in a small sea-side town and Harry is his new deputy who's a bit of a pacifist and a lot wonderful.

If You Wanna Try Me On: the Devil Wears Prada AU that no one wanted. Sort of.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: the one where Harry crashes Louis’ wedding.

This Ain't Just a Thing That You Give Up: The one where Harry is a baker in addition to being a college student who just happens to meet the crazy famous Louis Tomlinson while on spring break. Featuring personal assistant!niall, roommate and best friend!liam, and costar/model!zayn.

After Hours: Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson are the bane of each other's existences. Unfortunately, they're already in love--even if they aren't completely aware of this minor detail.

Hot Chocolate: Harry's just a little boy selling hot chocolate.Louis doesn't really like hot chocolate, but he does appreciate a good businessman(especially cute, baby-faced ones).

Like to keep You Laughing: the one where Louis is a frat boy who likes to hook up and Harry is someone who doesn't hook up ever.

Feel Your Presence (in your absence): Very simply, a fallout occurs in its most painful form and Harry takes on the world with empty hands and half a lasting heart.

From Eight Until Late I Think About You: Involves a bunch of YouTube challenges (AKA excuses for Harry to get naked), some awkward snapchat mishaps, and a whole lot of pining.

now i need someone to breathe me back to life: the one where Louis is a nurse and a midwife, and Harry is so clumsy he just happens to fall into Louis' life and turn everything upside down in the best way possible.

If Tomorrow Never Comes (We Had Last Night): "Accidentally called your number while drunk asking for a ride and you actually came au"

We’re Having a Baby, My Baby and Me: the one where Harry really wants a baby.

Once in a Lifetime: Louis doesn't kill innocent people. He kills the unwanted criminals, outcasts, and poor beggars who won't be missed. After more than two hundred years of vampiric life, he doesn't feel guilt or regret anymore. But then he meets his next victim: a young, green-eyed stripper named Harry.

We Were Made to Love: Harry drives a kiddie train in the shopping centre for the summer and is obsessed with babies, and Louis never stood a chance.

To Be the Friction in Your Jeans: Harry is an exhibitionist. He gets up to shenanigans.

The Moment Where My Good Times Start to Fade: Where Harry is a flower child who works in a bakery and Louis is a guitarist who has no idea what it is he wants.

Weaker Without You: Louis and Harry have superpowers but that doesn't really define their lives. What does is meeting each other, and school and prom and life and bullies. But they get through that together because they're harryandlouis and they were meant to be, right from the start.

Away with the Fairies: Harry liked pretty things.

Home: Harry is a 10-year-old with bright green eyes and Louis is a 12-year-old with a football fascination. They become instant friends from the moment they meet. Through complications, fears and cuddles they learn and grow - in age and maturity.

Cookies, Notes and Blokes: The one where Harry blushes a lot and likes to bake, Louis may be the hottest delivery guy ever, and the written word is the chosen medium.

It’s Like I Breathe You: the one where louis volunteers to teach high school students about the ropes of business and running a company of your own, but he certainly does not plan on running into harry styles.

Paint Me a Story: In which a mute college student, whom Mr. Tomlinson dubs as bandanna boy, lets his words speak through art.

we'll play hide and seek to turn this around (give me love like never before): an au where harry paints his nails and drinks strawberry milk and is too nervous for it to be nothing and louis' just trying to figure out whats wrong with him

I’d Give Up Forever to Touch You: just your typical xfactor fic with a bit of a twist

Smile in Slow Motion: “It’s 2011, Niall. People can fuck their friends’ faces without it meaning anything more than that.” or, Louis is Harry's dom and maybe also his soulmate.

Red Freesias: Louis is a famous stage actor that is falling deeply for his new stylist Harry. Zayn's an artist, but to Liam he's the Greek god of beauty, and Niall seems to be making songs out of this all.

Never Gonna Dance Again: Louis is a spy and Harry is a dancer. The only real thing they know is each other.

Half a Heart: Eight years ago Harry Styles gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Scarlet Marie. Now, at the age of 26, he doesn't expect to run into the only man he ever loved. The man that left him when he needed him most. Eight years ago Louis Tomlinson made the biggest mistake of his life. Now, at the age of 27, that same mistake just got a whole lot bigger.

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! (thy candles shine so brightly): AU where Louis needs a Christmas tree and Harry just so happens to work at a Christmas tree farm.

Everywhere (I wanna be with you): Harry and Louis meet because they have terrible friends, they fall in love because something feels right in a world of uncertainty and shifting grounds. Louis is an actor and Harry is a model at the top of his game, the best things in life are the most unexpected ones and the things that hit you when you are least expecting it.

Sightless: Harry has been blind ever since birth - he can't see the world, and the world doesn't care about seeing him. His life gets flipped upside down when a twenty one year old man with an ever-lasting smile stumbles into his life.

Maybe I’m a Liar: Harry is different, Louis is in love, and Niall seems to know everything.

Wanna Taste Your Heart, Don’t Interfere: Harry presents as an omega, Louis is his alpha best friend, and there are hidden feelings that just get harder to control.

Your Flaws Upon Your Sleeves: Basically the au where Harry hides in strange places to hide his boners and Louis makes a lot of horrible assumptions. Niall gets high a lot, Zayn doesn't have as much wisdom as he thinks he does, and Liam feels like a badass in a police uniform usually. Featuring very few surprise guests.

Hideaway: Harry is in a borderline abusive relationship which ends after the news that Harry's pregnant. He is homeless for the night and travels 3 hours on the train to turn up at his best friend's Liam's house unexpectedly for somewhere to stay. He meets Louis, Liam's flatmate, and they discover that they have more in common that anyone would expect. They fall in love.

I’m Fearless with my Heart: The one where a young Louis is naive and fearless with his heart when he meets a very married Harry. He possibly doesn't stand a chance.

Teacher’s Pet: It was supposed to be a quick and easy gig: Teacher’s Assistant. All Louis had to do was spend a few months assigning reading and grading reports, and then he could continue his wayward life. He wasn’t supposed to get attached, especially not to one of his students.

Falling for Your Hallelujah: In which Louis works in a cafe, Harry has no home, and it's freezing cold but no one cares

I Love You More: Boys like Harry can't fall in love. But then he meets Louis. A love story in two parts. (prostitute!harry)

Here Comes the Sun: Harry is a pediatric specialist, Louis is a neurosurgeon. All they want is a baby.

I’ll Make this Feel Like Home: the one where Louis' hopelessly in love with his best mate... who just happens to be pregnant with another man's baby.

I Sleep Naked: "you're so small." as if to prove his point, louis squeezed harry tightly in his arms, and harry just scrunched up a little bit, snuggling his head impossibly farther into louis' chest. "my pretty paper doll."and when louis squeezed him again, placing a shaky, yet warm kiss on harry's cold forehead, harry felt his heart feel that way again, he felt love. a soft flutter, that even the most self control in the world couldn't stop. he loved louis. he loved him even though he didn't want to, he really didn't.okay, maybe a little.

All These Lights: the canon fic where Harry is an omega and dreams come with a price.

As You Are: AU. Five years after The X Factor launched his career as a radio host and songwriter, Louis Tomlinson returns as a judge. Falling for a contestant is the last thing he needs. It's also against his contract.

the whole world, it is sleeping (but my world is you): Louis never really knew commitment, never really knew love, until Harry. (canon fic but Harry is blind)

I’ll Be Waiting on Forever: A Romeo and Juliet AU where Louis is an alpha prince who falls in love with Harry, an omega prince from the neighboring kingdom

With Your Love we Could Breathe Under Water: AU where Harry is a mermaid, Louis is a human, and they both discover a lot more than they anticipated.

you can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight: Harry and Louis feel like their family is complete. Mixed feelings when they find out Harry's pregnant again, six years after their youngest was born.

Baby, What a Surprise: the one where shy, quiet Harry has no idea he's a carrier, and a one night stand with the most popular boy in school shows him just how wrong he was.

The Sweet Devotion: Harry loved Louis at 18 when he couldn’t afford to take him on a date, at 21 when he spent all his time trying to make it and now he adores every part of him as he professionally lives his dream every single day. And he will love him no matter how long trying for a baby will take them and every day after.

Blue eyes like Blue Skies: Harry's last relationship was horrific, leaving him with physical and mental scars. Louis comes into his life and does his best to treat Harry how he deserves.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder: Niall gives Harry until the end of marching season to either a) make a move on Louis Tomlinson or b) get the fuck over him. Either is easier said than done. Basically, your High School AU with a drum beat.

Never Knew I Needed: Louis Tomlinson didn't need anybody. If he didn't need anybody, then he didn't have to care for anybody in return. And that's just how he liked it. He had three close friends, and that's all he'd allow. Until Harry Styles came along and ruined everything.

Why Don’t We Go There?: Louis sends a text message to a wrong number by accident. They keep texting each other from there.

Drain the Whole Sea: When Harry finds an unusual yet promising opportunity that could possibly get him somewhere and help him further his current failure of a writing career, he doesn’t hesitate to take it. Despite his boyfriend Sam’s pleading, he lets this dream bring him to the luxurious yet quaint home of world-renowned, best-selling author Louis Tomlinson.

Your Bruised Lips: Harry is a prostitute but not by choice. Louis wants to heal him whilst trying to ignore the feeling in his chest when he looks at him. Zayn is exasperated with everyone. And Niam just don't like violence- well, Liam doesn't. That Irish bastard is always up for a good fight. (It says incomplete and i doubt it’s going to be updated, but the last chapter can basically be an ending)

One Night Stands: Harry was always great at making decisions; he never did anything too risky and he never really did anything stupid. He played by all the rules, which led to him living a quiet life. However, one night when he decides to go out with a few friends and have some drinks and randomly hooks up with a man, his specifically planned out life goes to shit.

Make Tea, Not War: Louis attempts to become a better flatmate, much to Harry's dismay.

I’d Burn this City Down to Show You the Light: Harry's a sheltered rich kid and Louis's a punk with a heart of gold. They meet when Louis breaks into Harry's house, Harry obtains an instant and all-encompassing crush, and they spend the summer falling into a whirlwind romance.

Lights Will Guide You Home: Louis Tomlinson is his school’s resident bad boy and easily the most liked person there. Harry Styles is more or less invisible at the same school (unless he’s being harassed). So, of course, it’s inevitable that they fall for each other.

Behind My Eyelids Are islands of Violence: Harry has epilepsy. No matter what time it is or where he's to be located, Louis will always come running.

I Need Home (Our Tangled Bones): the kid fic where Louis wants to make Harry a star, Zayn just needs everyone to stop being stupid, Niall laughs his arse off at everything, Liam attempts to keep things in order and Harry takes a chance.

Breathe Into Me and Make Me Real: Harry's fading away, bit by bit everyday, and all he can feel is numb. He finds Louis, who's like sunshine, bright and glowing, and smells like red velvet cupcakes and whipped cream.

Deep in my Heart I Know There’s Only You: harry and louis are best friends who engage in some platonic baby-making. very platonic.

And now here’s my self-advertising. Here are MY stories that I think are decent, if you want more:

there's a love and it grows (there's a life that we share): where Harry and Louis are strangers (not really) who had a one night stand at a party and end up having a baby together.

Gym Teacher: When Louis was offered a job as a temporary substitute gym teacher, he really didn't expect to fall for an annoying, rude and irritating 16 year old kid named Harry Styles.

It Started With Romeo: Harry is a sweet boy in a new town with a pregnant cat, secret kinks, a hatred for his rude neighbor and a stubborn attitude that leads him to a lot of drama. or the one where Louis' cat gets Harry's cat pregnant and there's some daddy kink in there.

Nudes: where Harry meets a very strange man on kik who likes to send nudes and way too many emojis, but he somehow doesn't end up blocking him.

The Boy Who Cried Suicide: Where Louis is in school and acts depressed to get attention, but then when he really is, no one believes him.

A Little Love: where Harry gets heartbroken, so Louis tries showing him love, but a bump is in the road. Literally.

Emerald Eyes: Louis is an on-the-run killer and when he goes after his next victim, things take a change. Because, Harry has sad emerald green eyes and didn't flinch nor seem at all scared of Louis. This causes Louis kidnap him instead of kill him.

Little Rendezvous: Where Harry and Louis are both innocent best friends and learn about sex together.

Hashtag Manslut: Where Louis is sick of his slutty roommate bringing strangers in their dorm and tries to pull a prank, but then see's cuts on his wrists. And, maybe not everyone is who they make themselves out to be.

#Larry Stylinson #larry fanfiction #larries #larry is real #favorites #Harry Styles #louis tomlinson #larry

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from-story-to-screen · 4 years

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A Compilation of some of my favorite Writing Prompts

The royal family employs no bodyguards. A would-be assassin discovers why.

Two gay guys and two lesbians have to pretend to be straight for an entire weekend, pretending to be each other’s dates for a wedding.

You, a time traveler, accidentally introduces 21st-century slang to Shakespeare.

Angel/demon romance, where the demon is the stuffy, orthodox one and the angel is like “hold my beer”.

A dating service where matching is based on people’s search histories. You’re a serial killer, you go on a date with a writer.

You have many of the abilities of a Disney princess. You can talk to animals, people burst into song around you, it seems every other day a “prince charming” type falls madly in love with you. As one of the most feared mafia enforcers in New York, it’s tough, but you make it work.

Dating an immortal and you find a photo album of their exes dating back a century. All the exes sort of look like you and the immortal’s been dating all of them in the hopes of getting you to remember your first life when you first met them.

You are what mankind believes to be the devil. However there are three things that they’re got all wrong: 1. Everyone goes to heaven, no matter what they do in life. 2. You’re the only one who’s ever escaped heaven. 3. Heaven is absolutely fucked.

The world goes through 2000 year natural cycles of magic and non-magic. The non-magical cycle is about to end any day now.

After Lucifer was kicked out of heaven, he decided to make his own paradise. Both compete to have the best afterlife, sadly you lived a sin-free life and got sent to heaven. God is throwing a very boring, sin-free party. You spend your time trying to get kicked out so you can go to hell.

You come from a family of highly respected heroes. All three of your big brothers are known as powerhouses, but you rarely see them since they’re always saving the city. One day you realize that the only way to see all of your brother is to become a villain. Turns out you’re better at it than you thought, and family dinners suddenly become the most amusing time of day.

Write a completely ordinary story about an ordinary person’s life with an almost unsettlingly idyllic environment, but at the end reveal that the main character is an unreliable narrator and has actually been on a murdering spree the entire time.

Your roommate is literally the devil, surprisingly, he is the best roommate you’ve ever had.

Every person on earth is born with a tattoo on each arm. One matches your soulmate, and one matches your worst enemy. However, most people have no clue which is which. You do, because they are both the same.

Grim Reaper, not tied to any particular religion, they just personify death and collect the soul and take them...where? What if they’re like afterlife HR? Where they go depends on their belief.

A show/book where each chapter has a new story with a new set of characters and each chapter ends in a cliffhanger. In the final chapter(s), they show conclusions for all the stories, and reveal that the stories connect like puzzle pieces.

Twilight, but Bella stays in Arizona and it’s about Charlie Swan finding out that his best friend is a werewolf and the town doctor he’s trusted for years is a vampire, and he helps stop the vampires that are murdering everyone.

A guy who runs for president and wins but suddenly realizes that he doesn’t want to be president and just starts doing ridiculous things to try to get impeached but it never works because they always end up miraculously being the right thing to do. 100% approval rating, most popular president ever.

The Purge but it’s 24 hours where retail workers can be as rude as they want.

You’re part of a community that lives on an island, no other land mass in sight. When a crime is committed, the person responsible has to “go find more land” to redeem their honor. Someone has yet to return. You’ve just been caught stealing.

Your alternate universe self comes to kill you. The only thing is, you are the evil version.

A seemingly bottomless pit was found, for which the depth can’t be determined. Over time, scores of people began using it to illegally dump trash, many have jumped in to die, while others jumped believing that they’ll find life’s answers within. Today, the truth about the hole is learned.

Your phone rings; the number looks familiar. You pick up to hear your own voice asking you for help.

Your daughter has been begging you for a pony, and you told her to write a letter to Santa. On Christmas morning, you find a fire-breathing horse in your front yard, and a package by your front door. Looks like she wrote a letter to Satan, and he delivered.

You’re an assassin with a 6th sense. You help ghosts seek out vengeance for the wrong that was done to them when they were alive.

If the eyes of an animal are on the sides of the animal’s head, they are a “prey” species. If the eyes are on the front, they are a “predator” species. Explain why nature designated dragons as a “prey” species.

In a world where what doesn’t kill you literally makes you stronger, you run a clinic that gives people near-death experiences.

The wrinkled fingertips are just the beginning of the transformation. We just always leave the water too early.

Since you were 8 years old, you’ve been helping people and giving things away for free; the only condition: that one day you’ll call on that person for a favor. You’re now 33 and owed 10,000 favors. You decide to call them in all at once.

As a babysitter you are putting a young girl to bed. She says, “Don’t worry, there aren’t any monsters in the closet. Daddy keeps them all locked up in the basement.”

The reaper does not bring death, he follows it. The reaper is not an omen of doom, he is a guardian, sent to protect your soul on its way from one world to the next. The things that wait between the worlds are...unpleasant.

A photographer and a sniper meet in a bar. Neither is aware of the other’s occupation. They talk about “how to take the perfect shot”.

You are the devil and you have been summoned via a satanic ritual. As you manifest yourself, you find yourself in a quaint living room and meet a sweet old lady who just wants some company.

Art museum guards don’t guard the painting in fear that someone might steal them, they guard the artwork in fear that someone might get too close and fall in.

The devil mixed up your paperwork and gave you someone else’s personal hell, which to you, is heaven.

When the police came to announce you the death of your husband, you refused to believe it. “That’s impossible,” you said. “Unfortunately, it’s the truth, miss,” answered the policemen. “It’s impossible,” you say again,” because he’s in the kitchen making dinner”.

A man who sees ghosts checks himself into a mental institution, oblivious to the fact that the facility has been closed for almost 30 years.

You’re in charge of assigning every child on earth the monster under their bed. One child in particular has caused every monster assigned to them to quit. You decide to assign yourself.

You have an ATM that gives you the exact amount of money you need to survive for the day, how you spend it is your choice. Today you are given $70,000,000.

Every time a person makes a promise or bargain, a tattoo is etched onto their skin. You just went out with friends drinking so much, you passed out. Upon awakening, you can’t recall what happened and realize that your whole arm has been inked black. Someone knocks on your door

“Welcome to hell! As the seventh human to ever arrive here, you are now an official member of the 7 Deadly Sins!”

Your oldest brother is a military genius. Your little sister has cured 3 types of cancer. The twins are working on a new method of locating planets fit for terraforming. And you...you are mom’s favorite.

I know i’m getting close to finishing my time machine because I’ve caught several older versions of myself trying to sabotage my lab.

Dream superpower: the ability to manipulate probability.

Every time you die your injured limbs and body parts are replaced by machines and you slowly become less and less human until the point where you have no human body parts left and must decide whether you will continue to fight for humanity, with which you have no remaining connection.

There’s a love triangle but then the girl realizes she’s asexual and gets a puppy and a cat and the two boys fall for each other. Boys realize they were only fighting for the girl because they wanted to impress one another other.

A ghost and a zombie come from the same person. Ghost watches their zombie body stumbling around with dismay.

A tattoo appears on people’s skin at key points in their life and they must figure out what they mean.

The asteroid that hit the earth and killed the dinosaurs was actually a UFO and humans are the aliens.

Four roommates are extraterrestrials who have taken human form in the hopes of learning about earth’s culture. Unfortunately, each alien is from a different planet and believes the other three are normal humans.

Your super power is that you are average at everything you do. (flying, communicating with aliens, curing cancer, etc.)

The year is 2030. The first astronauts have landed on Mars. They find a cave with a single human skeleton and 4 words written on the wall.

You have the ability to hear the honest answer to any question just by looking at a person and mentally asking the question. It was all fun and games until you looked in the mirror and asked a question you shouldn’t have.

A woman is cursed by the gods to kill any man she falls in love with. She falls in love with a man who was cursed by the gods with immortality.

The remains of the human race live in a glass dome with no entrance or exit, which protects them from the wasteland on the outside. One morning a dusty handprint appears on the outside.

Suddenly, all over the world, all children start drawing the same thing over and over again.

Your doorbell rings and it’s a person from an alternate universe who says “i just wanted you to know that you are my favorite book character and i know how it ends and i want to change it.”

You get a deep cut for the first time in your life; instead of bone or muscle, you see wires.

“My domain is time,” said the genie. “Instead of three wishes, you get three decisions. Go back and choose again.”

You’re an archaeologist working on a dig when you uncover a thick pane of glass. You dust the dirt away, and see the inside of a massive bio-dome, hidden for too long. Only one organism is inside, and it was meant to be forgotten.

A child is kidnapped. Outraged, the monsters living under the bed and in their closet vow to find them.

You die. As you go up to paradise, you notice it seems to be in ruins. Then you find the corpse of god.

“And the legions of Hell rose from the great split in the earth, but they did not emerge in a geyser of flame. The demons and monsters varied greatly, from delicate, sapphire wings to great, lumbering monstrosities. At the head of the army walked Lucifer himself, a dark cloak flowing beside him. The forces of Hell had arrived, to save humanity from Heaven’s wrath.”

Write a superhero story that’s narrated by the villain, who leads the reader to believe that they are the hero. However, due to the biased narration the reader only realizes that they’ve been misled in the final sentences.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has believed that death is universal. Everything that is born must also die. We’ve created our world around this single fact, worshipped gods, sacrificed and prayed, but when we finally make contact with the rest of the universe it is discovered that death is in fact not real. Most aliens believe it’s a silly old legend, and it is determined that only humans do in fact die. Write what comes of this discovery.

You’re alone in your room when suddenly, you disappear and arrive in an unknown location. Turns out you’re in hell and this time, the tables have been turned. You’ve been summoned by a demon who needs your help.

They say that “history is written by the victors.” Turns out, so are fairytales; they’ve been twisted by the “heroes” of the fairytale world to make themselves look like they’ve always been in the right. You are a fairytale villain at a support group for characters like you.

You’re a wealthy and famous writer whose bestselling children’s series, about a young girl escaping her house nightly to battle monsters in a fantasy world, has brought you endless success. Following your daughter’s eighth birthday, you start to notice strange cuts and bruises on her in the morning, which she casually dismisses. Your curiosity gets the best of you, and one night you enter your daughter’s bedroom far past her bedtime, but it’s not the room you know that you step into—it’s the world of your own series’ Book Five.

You’re a demon who governs the creation of Personal Hells; parts of Hell created for the truly despicable designed specifically around them. You’ve just gotten a submission for someone who doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything.

Apparently the tooth fairy is a pretty controversial figure among skeletons. some think she is a thief that steals mouth bones others think she is the true skeleton queen.

“I would probably win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in a biopic about my own life.”

Why can’t the pirate get the princess for once?

Conversation prompt: “We’re a team of highly trained professionals.” “No you’re not, you’re all wearing friendship bracelets.”

You have been accepted into a school for supernatural creatures. You decide to let your teachers and classmates guess what you are.

A story about vigilante Victorian prostitutes hunting down Jack The Ripper.

Every person, at exactly midnight on New Years following their 22nd birthday, possesses the body of their soulmate; people run around trying to figure out who they are so they can find one another, leave notes for the body’s owner to find with their address. There are language gaps so people have to translate it and travel to different countries carrying the notes they’re left. Write about the search and adventure of one.

A retired supervillain is in the bank with his 6 year old daughter when a new crew of super villains comes in to rob the place.

For as long as you can remember, you’ve worn glasses. Your parents always made sure you had them on and formed the habit. One day you forget them and realize you can see something no one else can.

The character wakes up multiple times a week with inexplicable bruises on their arms and legs. The day they graduate from college, an agent from the CIA approaches them and introduces them to Project Nightlight.

I hit play and watch myself in the recording. But what i see isn’t what i remember.

At birth, everyone has the date they will die imprinted on their arm. You were supposed to die yesterday.

Every baby is taken away by the government and returned when they are ten years old. They never remember what happened in those years, but they always recognize their parents. You, however, remember everything. And those aren’t your parents.

You were born with the ability to know what is buried beneath your feet. You have worked for years alongside archaeologists finding lost cities and ancient treasures. However, today is the first time you have ever said “We should not dig here.”

A man calls 911 and says in a soft voice, “I am currently sitting next to the little girl you are looking for. She is safe, for now, but if no one comes to get her quick enough, i will be forced to do something unspeakable to her kidnappers”.

Human emotions can be bottled and sold on the black market. You are in desperate need of money and sell yours. It will take months to grow back, leaving you empty inside. The next day you meet Her.

You are a recently hired psychiatrist in a mental hospital. Some of your patients insist that they were once staff, but are now being held prisoner/hostage by the actual patients that now run the hospital.

A depressed guy moves into a house which is inhabited by 7 demons, each one corresponding to a different Deadly Sin. But, they are trying to help him get back on his feet.

Your girl is a member of a shadowy organization bent on ruling the world. Your best friend is a CIA operative, and your dog is a secret escaped lab experiment. And you? Well, you run a website debunking conspiracy theories.

You slowly begin to realize that all your friends are undercover agents tasked with keeping you alive. Then, at your birthday party, with every one of your friends surrounding you, the people trying to kill you finally find you.

You adopt 4 teenage girls. As they grow up, you begin to realize that each one of them represents a horseman of the apocalypse. All hell breaks loose when Famine steals War’s significant other.

In the future, virtual reality has flourished. One of the more controversial uses is prisons. Whatever crime you commit, you have to relive it through your victim’s point of view. It’s your first day in prison and you’re terrified because of what you did.

#writing prompts

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miseensceneofthemind · 7 years

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The Good, The Bad and The LP: Maestro Morricone

Unpacking the deadly score to THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

Welcome to The Good, The Bad, and The LP, a column dedicated to the alluring world of film scores and soundtracks on vinyl. Join me, as I take a deep dive between the grooves and look at some of cinema's greatest marriages between sound and vision. As the name of this series suggests, scores and soundtracks of all types are up for discussion; the weird, the wonderful, and even the downright bizarre are on the metaphorical table, or more aptly in this case - turntable.

So without further ado, let's drop the needle and get to spinning...

The subject of this first instalment is one of my absolute favourite film scores and funnily enough the very inspiration for the name of this here column – Ennio Morricone's majestic score to Sergio Leone's 1966 Italian Western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. This soundtrack album was a surprise hit and a testament to Morricone's refreshing, unorthodox take on the western score, staying on the charts for over a year following its release and peaking at number 4 on Billboard's pop album chart. Leone's third and final film in what is affectionately know as the “dollars trilogy,” follows Clint Eastwood's enigmatic 'Man With No Name' (the 'Good'), the steely mercenary 'Angel Eyes' played by the inimitable Lee Van Cleef (the 'Bad'), and a charming miscreant on the run by the name of Tuco, played by legendary character actor Eli Wallach (the 'Ugly'), as they form uneasy and shifting alliances in a race across a Civil-War torn America to find a stash of buried Confederate gold. Culminating in one of the most iconic showdowns ever committed to celluloid, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly would not only retroactively stand as one of the pinnacles of the Western genre, but the score would come to typify the sonic palette of the Western in popular culture thanks largely in part to the eclectic, slightly askew and endlessly inventive score by Morricone, the apex of which can be heard in the film's instantly recognisable theme - *WHISTLE* - outside of the terror inducing theme to Jaws, you would be hard pressed to find a more iconic use of two musical notes in the history of cinema.

Here is a little anecdote for you, and full disclosure – I love Westerns something fierce: this album was actually the first film score I ever purchased on vinyl! Not too shabby for a first film record if I do say so myself! In 2012, I went to visit my good friend who was living in Melbourne at the time, James Buttery (a noted vinyl enthusiast who I highly recommend you check out, especially if you want to hear about some fantastic hard to find New Zealand releases). My purpose for visiting (other than to spend some time with one of my pals) was to see Japanese experimental noise rock trio, Boris, and scope the numerous record stores Melbourne has to offer in the hope of unearthing hidden gems I may not have otherwise encountered in little ol' New Zealand.

Unfortunately, things weren't looking too promising on the record pickup front – nothing in particular captured the heart of my music loving soul, let alone the somewhat diminutive but earnest heart of my pocketbook. Don't get me wrong, my enjoyment of the trip did not solely hinge upon successful record store finds, far from it! However, wouldn't it be nice to find treasure? To be the Indiana Jones of vinyl collecting (a 'recordologist' if you will) in the thick of a grand yet complicated adventure, when just as all hope seems lost, an artifact of unspeakable beauty and significance comes into your possession? Well, maybe not as enthralling or roguishly dashing as Mr Jones, but certainly as passionate when it comes to the thrill of the quest. So, you could imagine my heart stopping dead in its tracks upon flicking through a stack to see the faded red frame of an album cover I had coveted since before I had even owned a record. “Surely, it couldn't be,” I said to myself, trembling as my hands lifted this holy grail from its resting place. There, in all its glory, was the record. It was as if time slowed to an incomprehensible haze of euphoria, and strangely, fear; if I didn't get it then, would I ever chance upon a copy again? I don't think I've parted with money faster in my entire life.

For all of the talk given to the reasons why people gravitate towards records in modern times (many of which are highly subjective), one thing that is hard to argue is how the medium lends itself beautifully to artwork; it's just something that you don't truly get with other physical music media such as compact discs or digital releases, and let me tell you – the album art for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly , painted by illustrator and collage artist Fred Otnes is a sight to behold. Laid out with the evocative colour palette of a tequila sunset, the cover is adorned with a painted depiction of the three titular characters of the film above a battle scene from the war; of note, Clint Eastwood's character is literally stepping down into the the battle scene from a position of power, simultaneously foreshadowing the involvement of these characters getting dragged into the conflict, and also suggesting the violent and tumultuous emergence of the new west in the wake of the American Civil War.

Although the original United Artists release doesn't contain the entirety of the score as featured in the film, what is included is a tight representation of its many musical highlights . The two copies I have in my collection (because let's be honest, one is never enough when it comes to holy grails), were released on The United Artists Records label – one is an original 1967 US pressing that I accidentally stumbled across a few years ago in Auckland's Real Groovy in one of those divine moments gifted by the universe; the other is the aforementioned Melbourne discovery, a 1968 UK first pressing. Both pressings sound absolutely fantastic – turning the volume up reveals an energised sonic palette, with the authoritative low end of thunderous percussion and orchestral strings carrying enough power to shake the foundations – let's put it this way – The Man With No Name and Tuco would have had no trouble blowing a bridge up with this record in place of dynamite. The mid range and high-end reveals a raggedly gorgeous bite, particularly evident in the electric guitar sound, with its glassy distorted sting contrasted arrestingly against the background orchestral arrangement.

Much like the film's visuals, so much of the aural charm comes from the imperfections of the medium, recording environment and technology employed, which we'll get to in practical recording terms a bit later. Sergio Leone's use of Techniscope, an inexpensive film stock that exhibits a more pronounced film grain when enlarged to Cinemascope projection size, resulted in a visual image that gave a gritty toughness to the presentation. The uncanny knack Leone had for framing actors with amazing faces attained a whole new level of lived in dirt and grime when coupled with the added grain texture; facial hair stubble on-screen exhibited a coarseness that suddenly gave the illusion that one could light a match when struck against it. This film was mean and dirty visually. Comparatively speaking when compared to what came before, to borrow a parlance, “this ain't your daddy's western.” Similarly, Ennio Morricone's score was unlike any American Western score that had come before it.

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As the main title theme to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, encompasses so much of what makes the entire score unique, I am going to pull apart some of the more idiosyncratic elements that I find to be, well, just darned right clever as a set of spurs that enter through the window instead of the door, to paraphrase a man by the name of Tuco. As is widely noted, Morricone's main musical motif, *WHISTLE,* inspired by the howling sound of a coyote, is a shared theme of sorts for all three main characters, and as such, is wonderfully categorized by three distinct sounds: For Blondie, a.k.a. 'The Man With No Name,' this motif is played by a flute, for Angel Eyes, an ocarina, and for Tuco, by human voice. Now, this is a seemingly simple thing to have in place, but it is what each sound represents and evokes from a character standpoint that makes it brilliant.

Morricone scores the credit sequence instrumentation as such, to get to the core of who each character is immediately before the narrative even begins. With the choice of flute for Blondie, Morricone uses a light timbre, rather chirpy instrument played in a higher register to represent The Man With No Name's inherent goodness. The tail end of this musical phrase, is punctuated by the sound of a harmonica, using traditional western aural iconography to telegraph Clint Eastwood's character as signaling the coming of something familiar, yet somehow different... he is, the new west.

Here is where things start to get rather excellent. For Angel Eyes, Morricone employs the pure and natural sounding tone of an ocarina, an instrument I am sure many of you gaming fans out there are familiar with due to a little known title called The Legend of Zelda. This instrument has a slightly fuller, deeper timbre than a flute and is played an octave lower than what was used for Blondie. The simple act of making Angel Eyes' part of the theme sound deeper than Blondie's, both in terms of instrumentation and register, very clearly and literally delineates Angel Eyes as being lower than Blondie in a moral sense. In the scene that introduces Angel Eyes as 'The Bad' not far into the film, the ocarina motif is punctuated by the dastardly twang of a low register electric guitar. Angel Eyes becomes a mysterious and elemental force of nature, deadly and not to be trifled with. Already in a short musical space, we can vividly see the characters in our mind's eye.

When it comes to the character of Tuco, Morricone takes a bit of a risk and employs human voices to underscore the fact that Tuco in many ways, is the most human character of the trio – rough around the edges, endlessly fallible, and yet somehow endearing as heck. One can't help but cheer Tuco on – sure, he's a bastard, a scallywag, a good fur-nothin' rapscallion, but there's a complexity to him – a grey area that escapes easy classification, neither good or bad, and harder to pin down – more messy and chaotic. If that's not human, I don't know what is. When one initially listens to the human cries of 'AAAHYEAAAHYEAAA,' it is very tempting to dismiss it as being utterly ridiculous. I mean, it's hilariously startling compared to what precedes it, but that's the point – it's joyous, strange, and replete with a cackling kind of energy, which is most definitely Tuco to a capital 'T.'

Sergio Leone worked very closely with Eli Wallach in the creation of the Tuco persona, suggesting a great affinity for the character. Tuco in fact is the only one of the three leads we get to learn about in more than passing detail. The sequence where Tuco confronts his brother, catholic friar Father Pablo, reveals an underlying sadness and regret. Later in the film in an emotional scene which effectively juxtaposes on screen violence with music (hello there rabid fan of this film, Mr. Quentin Tarantino), Tuco is tortured to the mournful sounds of captured soldiers performing outside the room of interrogation to mask the sounds of abuse within. The coyote howl may be indicative of a wild animal, a potentially dangerous one at that, but beneath the teeth, the snarls and the bravado, remains a painful, plaintive cry.

So, in the main theme, we have our three characters covered, sharing the same motif inspired by the solitary call of a coyote, but represented individually by having different instrumentation. Another central presence in the film, is that of the soldiers of war. Here, Morricone uses trumpets played in rapid, staccato like-fashion to evoke the rousing charge of battle. In an example of Morricone's lateral approach to score, he uses the cacophonous sound of spring reverb to sonically stand in for the conflict of war – the rattling sound that is heard during the trumpet solos of the main theme, is quite literally produced by kicking a reverb tank, a spring loaded contraption used by electric guitarists in the sixties to produce the lush, wet sound of the surf guitar genre. Talk about the old western genre getting a kick or what!

To cap it all off, we have the striking use of electric guitar. Morricone, having come from a background in pop music arranging at RCA records, brought into the score for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly the sound of heavily reverbed electric guitar. This appropriation of a populist instrument into the western genre, an outsider move if ever there was one, is the final piece of what makes this score so memorable. When thinking of Morricone, it's hard for the mind not to jump straight to whistles, human coyote howls, and the twang of a Fender Amplifier cranked all the way up to 10 (eleven being strictly reserved for Marshall amps only – THANKS SPINAL TAP). In Morricone's metaphorical hands, the electric guitar becomes a weapon – sharp, shrill, and bloody deadly. This instrument also becomes the thing that links all men in the film, with its seductive sound cutting though (and ringing out rather obnoxiously over) the orchestra implying the notion, and some may say folly, of power and violence - take the Native American-like chants that are contrasted against guitar in the theme. Leone was explicit in saying that the film was a deconstruction of traditional Western narrative and iconography with its focus on violence and anti-war themes. Morricone seems to have taken Leone's lead in this regard, suggesting an unending cycle of violence in this sonic contrast. The violence of American colonisation that the chants evoke, is challenged by the new emerging sounds of a violent Civil War, represented by the electric guitar. In Leone and Morricone's world of mercenaries, bandits and soldiers, it would seem violence, begets violence.

It would be remiss of me in a discussion of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, to not mention (in my opinion) one of the greatest pieces of music ever put to screen. Cue, 'The Ecstasy of Gold'

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'The Ecstasy of Gold,' marks one of the great turning points in the collaborative relationship between Leone and Morricone. Prior to filming, unlike with what transpired making the other 'Dollars' films, For a Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, Morricone actually was asked to compose a few of the tracks for Leone to play on set for inspiration. In fact, this process ended up being so successful that every film Leone worked on with Morricone post The Good, the Bad and the Ugly utilised this method of preproduction composition prior to filming, which is an uncommon practice even today. One of these such pieces was 'The Ecstasy of Gold,' and it is immediately noticeable how much influence the musicality of the track had on Leone's compositional and pacing decisions in the featured graveyard sequence toward the end of the film. The cyclical, escalating nature of the song is reflected on-screen in the frenetic circular panning of the camera, keeping Tuco in focus with the surrounding graves in the background becoming increasingly visually incomprehensible as the sequence reaches its euphoric climax, when Tuco discovers the grave marked 'Arch Stanton.' (By the way, how great a name is Arch Stanton?!?) Outside of the film, the song has become well known in music circles for its use as the introductory entrance music for Metallica's concert performances – say what you will about the merits of Metallica, but they sure know how to co-opt a hell of an epic song for a prelude.

Not a terrible amount is known of the exact details behind the score's recording sessions – we do know the score was recorded in Rome at International Recording Studio (quaint name, I'm sure you'll agree) in 1966, with fellow composer and conductor Bruno Nicolai conducting Morricone's score with the Unione Musicisti di Roma as his sitting orchestra. Accounts of the sessions being hastily arranged as the film was being edited gain weight when considering Morricone's ridiculous scoring output at the time. Contemplate the following: by the time The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was released in Italy in 1966, Morricone had already scored a dozen other projects that year. That folks, is the creative force of a musical sledgehammer (other than Peter Gabriel of course) obliterating all manner of competition. No wonder the man is rightly regarded as an institution unto himself.

I'm going to get into a bit of recording insider talk here, so bear with me! It'll pay off in just a moment, I promise you. Most orchestral recordings are achieved primarily through a recording technique which was developed in the early 1950's called a Decca Tree, named after the record label the practice originated at, Decca Records. In this method, three microphones are arranged in a 'T' shape to make a figurative tree, usually placed behind and above the conductor – when mixed down, the end result is a natural, well balanced stereo sound that wonderfully captures the nuances and details of orchestral recordings in large acoustic spaces. Other microphones, termed spot microphones, can be added closer to individual instrument groups in order to fill any sonic gaps so to speak, but the core of the sound comes from this Decca tree arrangement. Based on an interview with Morricone's long collaborative recording engineer, Fabio Venturi, and from what was common practice at the time, it is highly likely that the sessions were recorded in this manner. Okay Dan, pretty standard stuff thus far.

So, imagine this if you will: your typical orchestra is arranged in wait, ready to perform, eagerly anticipating the first graceful flick of the conductor's baton, and yet, something is slightly amiss... Let's say, you were a violinist in this session – the title theme begins – you're there minding you own business, waiting for your turn to shine when seemingly out of no where, someone starts to whistle – intentionally – not some nervous new player getting caught up in the melody of the piece, but a professional who was paid to be there. Odd, to be sure to be sure, but nothing that's going to make the pillars of the earth shake. Composing themselves (and yes, that pun is terrible and yet somehow absolutely necessary, if not for anything other than my own amusement), the violinist focuses once more and the piece starts moving along, when BAM – off to the side, the piercing sound of a vengeful surf guitar makes itself known in all its electrified glory. What on Earth is going on here? By this point, the violinist is breaking into a cold sweat. The guitarist has put in their two cents worth, and the main melodic motif returns. Only this time, it's not flutes or ocarinas playing the melody – it's the startling sound of humans, imitating the howling cries of a coyote. The violinist, being the professional that they are, keeps playing, but their mind is no longer of this world, having been shot through the ether into outerspace from a cannon of unfathomable delights (which is incidentally the first and only time you'll hear a cannon be described in such terms - well, that is until the sad but inevitable Good, The Bad and the Sexy parody is made, but that dear reader is a whole other kettle of kittens).

Anyway, the point of that somewhat wordy diatribe was to get across the idea that this recording ensemble had a quirky edge that most other score recording sessions up to that point did not. Having eclectic and unusual instrumentation, and case in point an electric instrument thrown into the mix, adds an extra set of considerations and side effects to the technical process of sonically capturing Morricone's score. The added volume, or as I like to think of it as, pure gumption, pushes the meters – that is to say, the combined room sound of orchestra plus electric guitar when captured by the Decca Tree and additional spot microphones, hits the recording console harder than usual and subsequently saturates the tracking tape machine (hey, remember those?) in a more exaggerated fashion. This saturation, while technically distortion, is aurally pleasing due to its very analogueness. In fact, the imperfections and quirks that the recording methods and technology of the era afforded – the slight presence of noise; the scrappiness of it all; a certain je ne sais quoi - couldn't be a more apt pairing for Leone's beautifully rugged visual swagger.

“So Dan,” I hear you say, “what can you tell me about where I can track this sucker down?” For the digitally inclined who wish to experience the score's majesty this very instant - perhaps for the first time; maybe you've heard it a gazillion times, and just want to pay a casual visit to the house that Morricone built – you can find a couple of different versions on Spotify. They are more or less identical, save for the tracks 'The Story of a Soldier, ' and 'The Trio,' which are both longer on the Italian soundtrack remaster that clocks in at 59 minutes as opposed to the standard Capitol version which is 55 minutes. Either way you go, you're going to be winning at life so don't fret too much!

On the vinyl front, from what I have heard, the recent Back to Black reissue from 2015 is a bit hit and miss when it comes to sound quality and noisiness, but as it goes with these things, give it a spin and trust your ears before you buy if at all possible. If you do happen to come across a reasonably priced secondhand pressing from the late sixties or early seventies in the wild however, don't stop and think about it – lay that money down and walk out with one of the greatest scores ever cut to tape, and put on wax.

Listen on Spotify:

#ennio morricone #the good the bad and the ugly #film score

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