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bradshawsbaby · 4 months

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Letters to My Love // Part X

Rosie the Riveter

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Pairing: Bob Floyd x Female Reader

Summary: When you signed up to volunteer with the USO, you never anticipated that you would meet a man like Ensign Robert Floyd. Fate brings you together one balmy spring evening in Charleston—the night before Bob is set to ship off across the Atlantic. Pen and paper become your only means of sharing your heart with the naval aviator who’s captivated it, igniting a correspondence that spans the distance between you. Can love blossom even as war rages and thousands of miles keep you apart?

Word Count: 2.9k

Author’s Note: I'm so sorry for how long it's taken me to update this story! One of my goals for 2024 is to get this series completed. Although it's taken me so long to update, Bobby and Peach are never far from my mind and are always in my heart. I hope you enjoy this latest installment of their story!

Set the Mood: If you’re looking for some 1940s vibes, check out the playlist I made to pair with the story.

The title of this chapter is obviously a tribute to the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter. But it was also inspired by the song of the same name by The Four Vagabonds, which you can listen to here!

Dedication: As always, this story is dedicated to my dear friend, Clara (@luminousnotmatter). She was the first person to listen to all my endless ramblings about this universe, and she has never stopped supporting me or believing that I can get it finished. Thank you, Clara!

Warnings: Alternating POV, references to casualties of war and grief, slight angst, lots and lots of fluff.

July 8, 1943

My Dearest Peach,

I want to start by saying that I’m terribly sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to your last letter. I think I’ve worn down the paper to nearly nothing with how many times I’ve read it, but it’s been hard to get a free moment to sit and write you the response you deserve. Things are really heating up over here, and we have to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to start a new letter, only for us to be called up just as I set my pen to the paper.

To set your mind at ease, I want you to know that I’m alright. I’m not sure how much information they’re sharing with you all back home, but I know one of the fellas got a letter from his wife recently and she told him that three different families on their street got notified that their boys had been killed in action in just one week. It made her real scared that she was going to be the next one getting a knock on the door. I won’t lie to you, Peach, because I don’t think that’s fair—we’re losing a lot of men over here. It’s scary to think that any day now, it could be me they’re sending a flag home for.

I hate to start this letter off so morbidly, but there’s been something weighing on my mind lately, especially since my buddy got that letter from his wife. If anything happens to me over here, you won’t know. They’ll tell my family, sure, but not you. And I can’t stand the thought of you waiting for another letter that isn’t going to come. So I’ve spoken to Paul, Tommy Boy, and Benny about it. If anything happens to me over here, Peach, they’re going to write to you and let you know. It gives me some comfort to think that their words will be a little softer and kinder than the formality of Uncle Sam.

I hope this doesn’t make you sad, Peach, although I admit it makes me a bit sad to write. The truth is, I’m quite alright right now, like I said, and I don’t plan on letting anything happen to me over here. We have to take that drive to Folly Beach and get ice cream on the pier, after all. I tell you, that thought alone is enough to get me through even the hardest days over here.

Alright, enough of all this. Time to get back to your lovely letter. They’re calling us for dinner right now, but as soon as I’m finished, I’m coming right back to continue this letter. Nothing’s going to stop me from getting it to you.

I’m back, Peach. All the fellas were teasing me in the galley because of how quickly I scarfed down my dinner, but I didn’t care because I knew I was getting back to you and your sweet words, and that means a whole lot more than the crummy food they’re serving over here. Boy, I tell you, I sure do miss home-cooked meals. They even had—I’m not lying, I promise—they even had peach cobbler for dessert tonight. It made me think of you, but I’m sure it’s nowhere near as good as the cobbler your family makes, so I didn’t even bother giving it a taste.

Now I do have to say that you’re right, of course. I hate hearing you call yourself shy and mousey. If that’s the way you feel when I call myself boring, then I certainly promise I won’t ever do it again. It’s a deal—neither of us will talk about ourselves like that anymore.

Nothing you say could ever sound silly to me, Peach. Even though we only got to spend a few hours in each other’s company, your letters have made me feel like we’ve known each other for years and years. I’m honored that I’ve been able to make you feel seen. I do see you, Peach. You’re the most beautiful, interesting, intelligent girl I’ve ever known, and I hope you can see that in yourself. For what it’s worth, you’ve helped me to come out of my shell, too. Paul was just saying the other day that I look like a new man—that I’m standing taller and seem more confident than he’s ever seen in all the years he’s known me. I had just finished reading one of your letters when he said that. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. You’re turning me into a new man, Peach, and I like it. I like it a lot.

I’m glad that you passed along my well wishes to Emily. Even though part of me still thinks her fiancé is a dunce, I do wish them all the best. Has she heard from Eddie? I don’t know where he’s stationed, but if you’d like to find out and send the information to me, I can try to keep an ear out. How has the wedding planning been going? I’m still confident you’re going to make the prettiest bridesmaid.

I did pass along your invitation in my last letter home to my family, and my mother said she would certainly inquire after the Sheridan residence should she ever happen to find herself in Charleston. I think she’s happy that you and I are still writing to each other. She’s even happier about the thought of swapping recipes with you. Watch out—if the two of you ever do meet, I think she’ll hold you hostage in the kitchen all day.

Now I am very proud to hear about all the fine work you and Dottie have been doing with your Victory Garden. I’m sure there must have been a lot of progress since you last wrote to me! I eagerly await news about the beans, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I’m sure you’ve been able to make lots of hearty soups and healthy salads. My mouth is watering at the notion. Like I said, the food in the galley has been pretty crummy lately.

I’m sorry to hear there’s been some trouble back home. I’m sure it can’t be easy for anyone, with all the rationing and the fear and the worry. I promise that we’re doing our best over here to bring this war to an end quickly so that life can return to normal for all of you over there. For us, too. We really can’t wait to be home again.

Peach, I want you to know that it is our duty, our honor, and, quite frankly, our privilege to be fighting for you over here. I know the other fellas would agree with me saying so. So I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything at home to “earn” us fighting for you. That said, I think it’s incredible that you want to contribute to the war effort in that way. I’m sure you haven’t been waiting for my response or my approval—which you shouldn’t, by the way—but I give a wholehearted yes to you applying for that position at the air station. We just recently saw Mr. Norman Rockwell’s illustration of Rosie the Riveter on the cover of the Post, and I have to say that I think you’d wear those coveralls a hundred times better.

I’m so proud of you, Peach. I want you to know that.

Speaking of the war effort, we have a couple big campaigns coming up very soon. I can’t say much more than that, but your well wishes and prayers for success would be very much appreciated. I’m always thankful for them.

Until next time, Peach! I’m already counting down the days until your next letter arrives.

Most Truly Yours,

Bobby

P.S. I almost forgot! I told Paul how much you loved the fact that he sends drawings home to Clara and Paul, Jr.—by the way, that reminds me, how is little Frankie doing?—and he was more than happy to create a few illustrations for you. He did a couple portraits—one of me and one of you, based off your beautiful photograph. He said to apologize that he’s too much of an amateur to capture all of your beauty. He did say that he thought he did a fine enough job capturing my likeness—I’m telling you, Peach, I think my friends officially like you better than they like me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 31, 1943

My Dearest Bobby,

Please don’t ever feel like you need to apologize for how long it takes you to write back to me. I can only imagine how difficult it is to find the time to write with everything that must be happening over there, and yet you always find the time to pen the most thoughtful and wonderful letters. I cherish each and every one of them, and I promise that I’m more than content to read your old letters as I await the new ones.

I’m so sorry to hear about how many of our boys we’re losing. Just last week, our neighbors, the Pattersons—you remember I mentioned Mrs. Patterson had helped me and Dottie with our Victory Garden?—received news that their son, Clarence was killed in action in France. It was devastating. Dottie and I had just been coming home from the grocery store when we saw the officer standing on their front steps with a telegram in hand. We knew what that meant. Mrs. Patterson has been inconsolable since. Mr. Patterson is equally devastated, but I think he’s trying to be strong for her. Dottie and I have been taking turns cooking meals for them and spending some time over at their house. We just want them to know that they’re not alone.

I admit, Bobby, that every time I hear news of someone else being lost in this war, I immediately think of you. It feels selfish, but I’m always so relieved when the news is about someone else and not you. I don’t know how I would bear it. I pray every day that I never have to receive that letter from Paul or Tommy Boy or Benny, but I am touched that you’ve thought about how I could be notified. Oh, Bobby, I hope more than anything that your parents never have to experience what the Pattersons are going through.

But you’re right—you’re going to come home safely. We have too many plans for you to do otherwise!

I’m sorry to hear that the food aboard your carrier has been so crummy lately. I wish that I could whip up a home-cooked feast and send it in the mail with my letters. Every time I sit down to dinner now, I think of all of you, and I count my blessings. Things aren’t perfect on the homefront, but I know that we certainly have no room to complain with all you boys are going through. I promise to have a peach cobbler waiting for you when you come home—and a pumpkin pie, for good measure.

If I’m turning you into a new man, Bobby, then you simply must know that you’re turning me into a new woman as well. I hardly remember the girl that I was before I met you. Can you believe that it’s been over a year now since our paths first crossed? I feel like my life is totally different now. The way that I see myself, the way I interact with others, the way that I’m not so terrified to step out of my comfort zone anymore—so much of that is thanks to you, Bobby. I’m still me, of course. But I feel like I’m a stronger, braver version of myself now. I like it, too.

It’s so kind of you to offer to keep an ear out for Eddie’s infantry! Emily received a letter from him around the same time that I received my letter from you, and he seems to be doing well, same as you, thank goodness. Eddie is part of the 1st Infantry Division. Emily said that last she knew, he was stationed somewhere near the Rhineland. The wedding planning has been going very well. Pretty much everything is set now—all we need is the groom. Emily can’t wait for Eddie to come home for good. Once he does, they’ll be able to officially set the date. Us bridesmaids are going to be wearing lilac-colored dresses. Dottie says she already knows how she’s going to style my hair. I hope that you’re home, too, when the wedding finally happens. Emily said that I could invite you to be my date. Only if you’d like that, of course.

I would be very happy to be kept hostage in the kitchen with your mother! I’m sure there’s so much I could learn from her, and it sounds like a splendid way to spend the day. I look forward to meeting her one of these days!

Oh, the Victory Garden, Bobby! You wouldn’t believe how it’s grown! Trust me, no one is more shocked than me and Dottie. Well, maybe Paddy. He knows firsthand what brown thumbs my sister and I normally have. At first, we weren’t so sure what was going to happen—the cucumbers seemed a bit small and some of the tomatoes didn’t really take. But by the end of June, everything was thriving! It’s been such a joy to watch, and I have to admit, both Dottie and I are feeling extremely accomplished. Frankie loves to spend time in the garden with us, although he spends a bit more time digging in the dirt than helping us pick vegetables, I’m afraid. Now that we’re in the middle of summer, we’re experimenting with zucchini and eggplant. We might also try radishes and turnips. We’re turning into quite the farmers! If your mother has any recipes to share, we’d be more than grateful and happy to try them out!

Now I admit that I’ve saved the most exciting news for last. At the beginning of June, I decided to go for it and I applied for the position at the air station in Goose Creek, the one Paddy told me about. I’m sure being his sister-in-law gave me a bit of an advantage, but it only took a couple days for me to hear back from them. I got the job! I’ve officially been working on the assembly line since the middle of June. It’s hard work, and I’ve never been so tired in all my life, but I have to say that I’m really proud of the work we’re doing. It’s funny that you mention Rosie the Riveter—my job these past few weeks has actually been to fasten pieces of the planes we’re assembling with rivets! So I guess you could call me Peach the Riveter. Doesn’t have quite the same ring though, does it?

I know that the chances are small that anything I’m helping to build is going to reach you specifically, Bobby, but I can’t help but smile every time we finish a new part, or get a new plane put together. I imagine you and Paul, or Tommy Boy or Benny hopping inside and it brings me more pleasure and pride than I could possibly explain. I feel like I’m doing something important, something meaningful and special. If spending hours riveting until my fingers turn numb brings you home even a day faster, then it will all have been worth it. And it gives me a real sense of purpose, driving to work each day with Paddy. I feel proud of myself.

I’ve made some new friends at work, too! Florence and Virginia—we call them Florie and Ginny—are the loveliest, kindest girls. They had already been working on the assembly line for a few months before I got the job, so they’ve been showing me the ropes and teaching me everything they know. They’ve made me feel so welcome, so a part of things. I have to admit that I was terrified my first week or so, terrified that I was going to mess something up or make a fool of myself. But I’ve settled in quite well, thankfully.

It means a lot to me to know that I have your support, Bobby. Truly, it does. Thinking of you and all that you’re doing to protect us is what really motivated me to take this job, so thank you.

Of course I’m sending all my best wishes for the campaigns you have coming up! Wherever you are right now, I pray that you’re safe and that your missions are successful.

You’re so brave, Bobby. Have I told you that lately? Even if I have, you deserve to hear it again. I’m so, so proud of you. You’re my hero.

I hope this letter gets to you soon. I wish it could grow wings and fly to you. I know time is going to pass so slowly until I’m holding a new letter from you in my hands. But until then, Bobby, I’m thinking of you and holding you in my heart.

Most Truly and Affectionately Yours,

Peach

P.S. Paul is quite the artist!!! I now have his portraits hanging right beside the photographs you sent me. Please tell him how talented I think he is, and how much I love the drawings he made for me! I was especially touched by the little note he wrote me on the back of your portrait. I hope he’s doing well. Send my best to him and Tommy Boy and Benny!

TAGLIST: @teacupsandtopgun @saturnsbabe69 @gigisimsonmars @marchingicenotes7 @high-speed-r @cadencebeat2662 @up-thereinthesky @lostinthefandoms11 @strangerparks @sweetwhispersofchaos @callsign-magnolia @the-wayward-daughter @becks-things @jostyriggslover96 @solo-pitstop-vibes @wretchedmo @muddwheelz123 @ryebecca @lewmagoo @withahappyrefrain @rhettabbotts

#robert bob floyd #bob floyd #bob floyd x reader #x reader #x female reader #top gun #top gun: maverick #WWII AU #1940s AU #lewis pullman

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katherinejess · 5 months

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The Volunteer (Part Two)

Part two!

Honestly I have so much of this written in advance but I keep going back and changing things.

Part one

Part 3 is up!

The train's main room is filled with flowers, food and various drinks. Finnick and Mags sit in the chairs talking quietly to Titan when I enter for dinner.

“Ah good, come sit and eat.” Mags waves me over. I recognize her thick accent though it takes me a second. I approach, pulling myself out a chair next to Titan and across from Mags. My plate is already made and Mags smiles at me when I look at her.

“I was hoping you would join us. I figured you’d be hungry eventually so I made you a plate. It is all the best for you, we need you strong.” She encourages me, I nod slowly and start to dig in.

“I was telling Titan that a lot of tributes, besides careers most of the time, take this as a vacation. It is not a vacation. You should do what you can to be as prepared for the games and that includes not eating all the junk they try to give you.” Finnick says, Titan eagerly listening.

I stay quiet, not wanting to interrupt what little time Titan has to prepare. I’m not stupid enough to pretend I couldn’t use the help either. Anything I learn can be used to help Titan and hopefully get us to the end. If all goes well it will be the two of us and then he can go home.

My parents weren’t happy that both of us are here. But they said we better come home. One of us. I could tell they don’t really know who to support so they chose both of us. I told them Titan would be coming home and all my mother could do was try to keep the smile on her face.

My father was proud, he had said we had a better chance with the two of us. We can protect each other. Nobody else has the bond we do. He’s always been a fan of the games though he never ended up volunteering, choosing to stay with my mother. We weren’t such a career district in their days.

“That being said you should eat what you can, get lots of rest and train without overextending yourself too close to the games. Push what you can until the days before. Use that time to recover. You don’t want to be too sore the day of.” Finnick warns us,”What are your weapons?”

“Spear. Pyxis taught me what he knew. He taught both of us.” Titan tells him, our older brother wanted to volunteer but never had the chance. In recent years people have been volunteering more than ever.

He was tasked with looking after us, until he started working, while our parents worked. They work to send pearls to the districts and the capital for whatever they use them for. They are more of a luxury item but not every oyster has them. To keep up production and not kill every oyster trying to get the pearl takes a lot of time and energy.

“I’m decent with daggers.” I tell them, “I can hit a target.” My father got them for me as a present once I was of reaping age. Pyxis got a sword, I got daggers and Titan got a trident, in honor of Finnick Odairs victory three years ago. The last person from District Four to win.

“How about a moving target? Close range combat?” Finnick questions, I move the food around on my plate and shrug.

“She’s good. She trains against me and sometimes even Pyxis.” Titan grins, which makes me sit back in my plush chair as I remember all the times I would go easy on him to boost his confidence a little. I didn’t mean for him to get the confidence that he could win the hunger games.

Finnick nods along to Titans excited rambling and once he is finished, “So you all train at home.” He states and Titan goes on to tell him about everything we would do. My father wanted us all to be the best and the brightest in all categories.

“Yes. We all learn to work with a spear and chose an individual weapon once we are reaping age to add onto our training.” I inform him, “Daggers for me, trident for Titan. We have been top of our class in training but mainly in combat, not survival skills.” I tell Finnick, who nods in agreement as he thinks it over. Everyone has finished their plates besides me but I’m no longer hungry.

“Preferably I think it’s better to learn close combat but the goal is that neither you have to resort to that. Careers are usually older and have trained longer. They will excel in close combat so distance is your friend. They will have height and strength on both of you. Get your weapons and get out of there, it will be a bloodbath but between the two of you teaming up, hopefully they will go for the people singled out first. Keep your heads down and focus on each other so that they don’t notice you. That means they won’t see you as a threat if you’re together.” He tells us, focusing on Titan who is soaking up the information. His brown curly hair is floppy on his forehead and he seems younger than ever to me. I can’t even picture it in my head, him fighting in the arena.

I shake my head to lose the thought and look over at Mags who is watching me. Her gaze is soft and pitiful towards me. “I think I’m going to retire to bed now,” I push away from the table, running a hand over Titans head, “get some sleep, get me if you need me, yeah?”

With that I leave the room, making my way to my room where I lay awake until the sun rises. Titan never comes to get me but I’m not surprised. This is apparently his dream and my nightmare.

~~~

The amount of people it takes to get one person ready to be in the Capitol to stay for less than a week astounds me. I haven’t grown up in poverty by any means but I also haven't had three people waxing my body at any point in my life until now either. It doesn’t help that my family has thick dark hair, we are tan like the rest of District Four from how much time we spend outside and in the water.

Most of the people in Four tend to be golden or bronze haired like Finnick, though not all have the famous looks he has. He is the perfect ideal for someone from our district. No wonder he’s the Capitol golden boy.

By the time they’re done stripping the skin off my body, I'm left in a hospital gown waiting for my supposed personal stylist for the games. Everyone here has the craziest hair colors and style. I know it is more outrageous here than in the districts, even in the more favored ones but I didn’t think it was quite this insane. District Four is a little more natural because of how hot it tends to be. Any of these updo’s would melt under the beating sun. We are known for the bright coast, beaches and sunsets.

“Oh aren’t you wonderful!” a squeaky voice interrupts my thoughts as I turn to face the woman walking into the room, “I’m Phaedra, your stylist for the games as well as your brothers. You two are a dream, everyone is so jealous that I have siblings. It doesn’t hurt that you two aren’t ugly. You may not be the typical District Four tributes with your hair but it won’t matter.” she rambles as she comes closer. Her outfit is bright orange and molds to her body. There are blue strands weaving around her that are connected to the orange dress and are the same color as her hair which is put up into waves with the front strands clipped behind so they don’t fall into her face. It almost reminds me of flowing water.

“Now, tomorrow is the Tribute Parade and I am happy to announce that I have the perfect outfits for you both. It’s not like your brother has much to show off yet but I'm thinking for you we can do a darker look to match your hair. Seductive Siren. Scales and all that. If only we could put you as the sun but your hair is too dark for that, though it would be more fitting for your name. Are we attached to the dark hair?” She picks up a lock of hair and examines it, twirling it between her fingers. Her nails are painted a bright orange that matches her makeup.

Sirens are an old Four myth, the body of a woman with the voice of a mockingjay that can mimic anyone and use anyone. “I would like to keep it.” I murmur, she gives a slight pout and drops the strand.

“Your brother said the same.” Well at least we have that in common. “Oh well, I suppose not all of you can look like Finnick Odair. Isn’t he gorgeous?” she gossips, giving me a grin that makes me feel like she’s trying to get me to girl-talk with her.

“He’s focused on my brother. I don't exactly hang out with him.” I tell her, hopping off the table. The tile is cold against my bare feet, which would probably make the hair on me stand up if I had any.

“What a shame.” She comments, “Well your outfit is being made now that we have your measurements. I will see you in the morning for the Parade. Get some beauty sleep, the bags under your eyes aren’t doing you any favors.” she waves towards the general direction of my face as she walks out.

Lovely.

Phaedra fusses over the tresses of my hair, trying to make it perfectly frame my shoulders and chest. Scales are covering my chest that is kept up by a sticky band keeping everything up and pulled together, a few scales trailing down my arms sparingly until they reach the back of my hands. The rest go down to my navel and then the bottom of my body is covered by a black and blue cloth that shimmers against the light. I resemble a dark fish.

She goes to fix the headpiece that looks like dark seashells that seem to make a sort of crown. Her platform heels give her a few inches on me, even though I'm also wearing heels. As someone who does not wear heels often, it makes me wonder how I'll stay balanced on the chariot.

Mags approaches with Finnick behind her and a grinning Titan, where both of them have a face of shock as they see my outfit. I give a thin-lipped smile and thank Phaedra as she backs away with her hands clasped in front of her as she surveys me.

“Well look at you,” Mags says, “you look.. fancy.” she quickly adds, giving Phaedra a smile as she stops next to her.

“It makes you look older.” Finnick states, taking in my makeup and outfit.

“Well, what am I supposed to put her in a mermaid costume? Don’t be ridiculous Finnick, she’s almost 17, practically an adult.” Phaedra waves him off, he crosses his arms and turns to Mags who pats his arm.

I turn to Titan, who is shirtless but also has the same scales all over him and a pair of tight black scale pants. “You look great. You’re going to glow in the sun and give them all a big smile, okay?” I tell him, going to brush his hair out of his face until Phaedra bats my hand away.

“It is styled perfectly, don’t touch it.” she raises an eyebrow at me before going back to grinning. “Now both of you on the chariot, hop up. They’ll be starting any minute now.” Titan hops up eagerly, helping pull me up when the slit in the skirt only goes so far.

Mags comes around to me and says “Smiling and waving goes to you as well, you both could use the sponsors. Finnick and I can only advertise the District Four darling siblings so far. You need to win them over and this is your first main impression before the interviews.” she advises, I watch as the people ahead of us start to pull forward out of the corner of my eye and nod towards her. She moves back to the side to Finnick and Phaedra, who look like polar opposites. There is a dull roar of cheering coming from the opening of the building that the chariots are pulling out of.

Finnicks arms are crossed over his chest and there is a frown on his face while Phaedra looks like she is going to burst with a grin split over her face. The Chariot starts to pull forward and Mags pulls her chin up and motions for me to smile.

So that’s what I do. As the chariot pulls out from the covering and into the sun, I ignore the fact I'm blind for a second and raise my arm to wave towards the crowds on the side that slowly come into vision as the brightness fades. The crowds are much louder out here, and while I can’t really focus on anyone's face as the chariot keeps moving, I look around and on my brother's side to see the people there. In front of us are chariots pulling to where President Snow and Capitol people sit waiting for the Chariots to pull in.

We pull to a stop, where I keep waving until I glance over my shoulder to see a few others pull into the center. Eight more districts followed behind us but only take a few minutes to pull to a stop for the completed circle.

If I weren’t so scared of Phaedra’s reaction to messing up the scales precariously placed all over Titan, I would hug him because as I actually get a clear look at all the people staring at us, it gets harder to keep my smile. These people are here to get a clear look at us before they send us off to die. Few of them will actually become our sponsors and only with the encouragement of Mags and Finnick. There are probably even a few excited to see if Titan and I will turn on eachother.

That’s a hard pill to swallow as I watch him grin up at the people above in the stands. I only hope that he realizes this before the games. One of us will be going home and I hope it’s him. I don’t think I could come back here to do a victory tour and look at the people who cheered against us, or for us, not caring that I watched my little brother die and parade around after saying I won as if it’s a happy occasion. Or pretend to be so delusional that I'm happy to be a victor.

So he has to be the one to do it. He can be the new youngest Victor and I will support him in every way I can. Even if it means to smile and wave at the people sending 24 children to fight or die.

#finnick imagine #finnick odair imagine #the hunger games #hunger games #finnick odair

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con-clavi-con-jae · 6 months

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Ok so I recently (not so recently) went to see this ghost tribute band, it was absolutely amazing and it gave me ideas for a few ghoul OCs, so here you get me rambling about them (I can't draw but I made them on picrew bc I wanted to do smth)

Gold

fire and quintessence ghoulette

Backup vocalist

Ministry ghoulettes' lesbian icon (along with Mist)

Did Charcoal's piercings and dyed his hair

Loves big crowds of people

The type to take 5000 pics of everything she does

Her scales and horns are actually made of gold

Nimbus

Air ghoul

Keyboardist

Cumulus' younger brother

Refuses to sleep before or after shows

Gets along with Riptide the best, always spends time with him

Likes to put little decorations on his and Cumulus' horns to match with her

Loves the rain, and getting his hair wet

Riptide

Water and Earth ghoul

Bass player (and my husband, like that's no joke we're married)

Has moss growing on his body

Does everyone's eyeliner before shows

He's v shy but he loves interacting with his fans

Takes five hours to decide what he does with his hair

Most likely to cry backstage before and after a show

Did I mention that the guy I based him on threw a patch at me from his uniform? So yeah, he's my husband

Cyrus

Earth Ghoul

Drummer

He's from the same tribe as Ivy

Really sociable for an earth ghoul

Buys everyone drinks after shows, all the time

Used to have a piercing on the spade of his tail, but he doesn't wear it often anymore so it closed

The "mom" of the group (Nimbus and Charcoal already call him mom from time to time)

Charcoal

Fire ghoul

Lead guitar

He's literally Dewdrop's biggest fan, to the point where he specifically requested his mask to have white horns like Dew's

As I said, Gold dyed his hair and did his piercings

The only one to call him Charcoal is Vye (and Riptide when he's pissed), everyone else js calls him Charlie

Set fire to an Amp while practicing

Most likely to go on stage drunk

Vye

Quintessence ghoul

Rhythm guitar

Hates everyone except for his band (won't admit he likes them, tho)

The scar on his lips is from Cyrus accidentally throwing a drumstick at him during practice

He has a lot of tattoos (as is common in quintessence tribes) but he doesn't like showing them

He's the oldest of the band

His quintessence abilities allow him to turn into a shadow of sorts, so he uses it to get out of interacting with fans

#the band ghost #nameless ghouls #nameless ghouls headcanons #nameless ghoul oc #ghost band oc #i will always brag about the bassist of that one ghost tribute band throwing his patch at me and dedicating MOAC to me

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quaddmgd · 8 months

Text

Happy Birthday, Crystal

So today (August 25th) marks one year since I started playing Cyberpunk 2077 and created Crystal. A year is a really long time for me to still play the same singleplayer game with no subsequent playthroughs. Things like that don't happen often, and Crystal means a world to me, so why not ramble for a bit about my memories, feelings towards the game and other stuff. Keep in mind, it's nothing more than a journal entry. Unless you know me a bit better than a typical mutual, you won't find anything of value here.

[VERY LONG POST AHEAD]

Long time ago...

I was really hyped about the game before its release in December 2020, my s/o even more than me. There were some signs that it's going to turn out disappointing, but we were keeping our hopes up. Alas, came the release date, the game hit headlines due to it's poor technical state and some broken promises. We were very upset, especially since all we had to play it on was Xbox One and low-spec by today's standards PCs. First updates showed that CDPR has much more to fix than we expected, so our hype has slowly died down.

Since then, I played through Cruelty Squad, Red Dead Redemption 2, multiple Yakuza, Devil May Cry and Resident Evil games, and I couldn't care less about the game at the start of 2022.

Why I got the game?

I only purchased Cyberpunk 2077 in May-June 2022, along with Kao The Kangaroo (2022) which, to be honest, was the main attraction for me. Both games were physical Xbox releases and I only was hyped to play Cyberpunk thanks my to lil bro, who has finished the game twice, and showed me this trailer with a beautiful cover of Never Fade Away - a song very in-line with my music taste.

Speaking as a seasoned video editor, the trailer was masterfully realized, with multiple great cuts showing off the diverse cast and some of the action. Editing, music and the scenes they chose made the entire trailer feel more like a tribute video - obviously this was made with love.

Now, I played The Witcher 3, and I knew that this game will require time and dedication from me - something I couldn't afford at the time. And despite hearing about the next gen patch (update 1.5) bringing the game to a state it should've been released in, I remained skeptical about it being good. No offense, but people (especially on Twitter) tend to overreact and talk about stuff they know nothing about. Even with recent title releases, folks just assume the latest patch made them better and fixed important issues. But then you sit with the game and a proper frame rate analysis is enough to prove such reports to be false.

My life in corpo

Before we get to August 2022, I want to provide some more context regarding the state I was in. I was working a piss-poor corpo job, which was gradually eating away my soul for longer than I'd like to admit. It wasn't fulfilling and it was (and probably still is) full of ungrateful pricks, that were coming up with issues to justify their payrolls, only to send QA on us to not detect any issues mentioned. To keep it brief, it was a very hostile work environment, that was treating people like garbage. But hey, at least they were smiling, right?

Come summer 2022, I was feeling like a shell of a human being, and I'm happy that fate decided that it's time for me get out and take care of myself. I'm not sure where would I be right now if I didn't.

So, my time at the job was coming to an end and I couldn't give less of a fuck about looking for another one. I needed some well-deserved vacation. I was supposed to work until August 31st and during these last few days I was trying to take it really easy.

Still the work was going as usual, so despite of having only few days left, my mental and physical state was as shitty as before. After each remaining day I was a walking corpse, drinking coffee at 10pm to squeeze these additional two hours from a day and try to enjoy some of my hobbies before going to sleep and repeating the cycle.

Starting the playthrough

My job is the reason why my memory is hazy on how I decided that it's time to start Cyberpunk 2077, but it's possible that it was my s/o that encouraged me to do it. She surely wanted to see the character creator with her own eyes, and was always interested in me creating OCs - something I wasn't doing often back then.

So, on August 25th 2022, I started playing Cyberpunk 2077, knowing nothing about the lore, with a sole intention of creating my character and seeing what happens. It was already late and my entire evening was sponsored by coffee, but whatever.

Crystal/Valerie/V

I'm not really sure how long it took me to create Crystal, but I spent an ungodly amount of time on perfecting her looks. I wanted her to look badass and beautiful, maybe end up being a cooler version of me. While I don't think I based her off my looks, my partner noticed that we have similar jawlines and hairstyles (well, I'm a natural blonde, which later I consciously reflected on her while creating her flashback version).

Needless to say, I instantly fell in love with her. And I know I wouldn't create a female character I wouldn't wanna date :>, but I really mean it. She was, and still is, simply perfect.

Her name was Crystal since the moment I was adding finishing touches (like makeup and tattoos), but I wasn't planning on giving her a standalone story. She was supposed to be V, with her name later revealed to be Valerie - a name I really like the sound of, and it fits her nicely. Still, in my mind her name was Crystal - and I have no idea why... she just looks like Crystal.

So here I was with my nomad V, ready to play through the prologue and possibly the rest of the game.

Playing through the game

My first evening of playing ended on me visiting Wakako (I don't even remember the reason you are supposed to go there tbh but if you played, you know these are still introductory quests) and photographing the hell out of C. My lesbian ass couldn't even be bothered to change FOV (and back then I couldn't really see the issue with default FOV screenshots - it took me months to adjust my eyes tbh) but she looked so badass. The photo mode, for industry standards, isn't that bad too, so I was really hyped to play the game, meet more people and shoot pics. While I already loved her friendship with Jackie and the way CDPR handled introduction to some of the cast, I wasn't sold on the story yet.

some of pics made on the first night :>

Then on the next day I went through The Heist and Love Like Fire, and learned that my actions as Johnny led to 2023 Night City Holocaust. Everyone who played through these quests know how full of events and emotions they are. It was 3/4am on Friday (technically Saturday) night, mind you, and I still was living mostly off coffee. That's a lot to take in for a tired mind and in some way it might have helped me immerse in Crystal's position even more. After waking up as her, with Jackie dead, and a parasite in my head that actively wants me to join him, I was just as clueless as to what the fuck happened. All I knew was that she/we need to survive. I can't let her/us die.

Let me tell you, waking up in her apartment, to the original version of Never Fade Away on the radio, was one of the most powerful moments in the game. To me, it has become a theme song for the rest of the playthrough. Leaving the apartment after getting some irl sleep was just as powerful.

the first time C left her apartment after Jackie's death and Johnny's flashback

The playthrough was going alright and I was hooked. I don't think there are many things worth talking about here. One thing worth mentioning is that I was starting to feel a strong connection with Crystal - something I've never felt to such an extent in any game. Maybe it's my background in corpo, which was only coming to an end. Or maybe I subconsciously designed her to help me with some of identity issues I had back then. I will never know for sure, but either way, she has helped me. She was exactly who I wanted her to be, who she wanted herself to be and was constantly brave and punk about it. I was feeling a growing mix of immersion and adoration as I progressed through the game.

And progress through the game I did! I finished plenty of gigs/ncpd jobs and all available side quests before starting the last mission chain (or so I thought - in the end I totally missed the vending machine one and the entirety of Kerry's questline lmao). During this time I was put out of misery of working my job, each day feeling more alive than the last, playing more and more hours of Cyberpunk 2077, shooting many pictures, enjoying my time in Night City and being Crystal.

yeah it might be using default fov but it's still one of my favorite shots

Last Tapeworm, Chipping In and dying

To me, Cyberpunk 2077 was at its best when it was focusing on the relationship between V and Johnny. Last part of Tapeworm was a very powerful moment. There's no way I'll ever forget the conversation she had with Johnny in that apartment. Going from a foe that actively eating your life away, to possibly the only person that's ready to sacrifice their life to save yours, Johnny and his redemption arc are some of the biggest highlights of the game.

The conversation was of course followed by a side quest sequence started with Chipping In, with another memorable scene at Johnny's grave. Seeing how far we've come together, how many people we met, how often we were agreeing with each other - it was like talking to a friend who was right by your side for every important event in your life. And to think that only few days ago I was watching him trying to smash her head against the window...

side quests really were the best part of the story

It's hard to say which moment was more impactful, but for me it all clicked just after the Tapeworm cutscene. If I remember it right, I spent a few minutes more in this apartment block, staring away at the sunset, listening to waves breaking Pacifica's silence. Not even sure if I'll manage to save Crystal, I wasn't ready to finish it anytime soon. I still had a lot to do and it took me an additional day to finish everything and start Nocturne OP55N1, but I was looking at the game differently than before.

It might sound dramatic, but I mean it. For the remaining duration of the game, each time I didn't hear any music, it was just silence of a big city dying from heatstroke and sandstorms, echoing conversations with people I met during my journey, and uncertainty, if I'll even make it out alive in the end. Unfortunately, I can't convey it any better, but it has to do with the atmosphere of this city and CDPR's natural talent for creating gray characters, which Cyberpunk 2077 is full of, and last but not least, my connection to Crystal.

Nocturne OP55N1

So the time has come for me to start the last mission sequence and I knew that it might go bad. The moment I was warned that it's a point of no return, I backed out and went for a walk around the city. Don't know if it was scripted, but the weather was overcast and NC was covered in fog. In my experience it's such a rare occurrence, that either I was "lucky" or it was planned. I visited Judy (VCrystal's sweetheart) for the last time, disappointed by the lack of new dialogues to start, and went back to Megabuilding H10 to see a cute heart made out of consumables by her. I went to sleep in my own bed, probably for the last time.

During my last journey to Embers, Major Crimes by Health started playing on the radio, and I got emotional. Not often games make me cry, but I really didn't want Crystal to die, or my journey to end. It really felt like I was saying goodbye to everyone and not going back.

just look at the weather - shot outside of Embers, before starting Nocturne Op55N1

In the end I managed to go through the Embers section just fine, but very stressed. Then, after suffering through heartbreaking moments at Viktor's Clinic, I got to the rooftop.

Now, I'm not really sure how much time I spent there. Seems like an eternity, looking back on it. No choice felt right (and in the end, none was perfect), but I had to choose something. Unable to decide, I did something I really hate doing - I looked up endings to see which one will let me live happily with Judy... or survive at the very least.

While I didn't know it yet, I chose the happiest ending of the bunch. All I knew is that Crystal will be able to leave Night City with Judy - I didn't know that it'll be impossible to remove the chip in Mikoshi and that there's hope of achieving it in Arizona. Yes, I chose The Star ending.

I still was on the edge of my sit and really scared for C, but deep down, I knew that I probably won't get another chance to mess it up.

The ending was bittersweet and I got an instant hangover. I needed some time to come to terms with it, and make peace with me not getting the happy ending. In the end I managed to create a brief scenario where that guy Panam knows somehow manages to remove the chip, and Crystal and Judy got to live happily ever after.

I beat the game on September 4th.

Feelings Feelings Feelings

See, there's a reason I'm talking about the ending and my feelings about it in such detail. I really fell in love with Crystal. After all, it's the first time I got so immersed into a character and I can't put my finger on why exactly.

Maybe it's because it's the prettiest character I have ever created, maybe I just saw parallels in our stories or feelings, maybe I subconsciously made up all the connections in my head. Meh, it's probably a bit of everything, on top of a really good story, even if most of it is hidden in side content.

The thing is, I was in the right place, at the right time and, like I said, it all just clicked.

Back then, I was tired, angry, feeling exploited and robbed of soul. She was there to help me stop thinking about it, get revenge in a way, even if on a fictional corporation, however dumb it might sound. And the more I was thinking about her, dressing her up in cool clothing (bra + edgerunner combo ftw), the more I strived to be like her. I learned to love myself a bit more, I started dressing up for myself again, putting some makeup on just to stare at the mirror and enjoy the end result, maybe even shoot some selfies. It's almost like, on top of everything I already said, I was trying to express myself through her, which has in return influenced me. I hope that makes sense.

Crystal Hartley

Now, it took me some time to create her own story and separate her from V. And I wouldn't probably do it if it wasn't for my s/o. She was already working on her OCs story, and after many tries she finally talked me into writing my girl. The last modification date of the document with the initial version of the story is February 25th - exactly 6 months after starting the game. Since then, I made some changes and the end result can be seen here. It helped me further resonate with her and she didn't have a deadly chip inside anymore, at the cost of her not getting to know Johnny. She remained a warrior, a true badass who's not scared of anything.

Honestly she was and still is inspiring me. Being it her as V or real Crystal I wrote a few months back, she suffered hardships, she had her all-time low moment not that long ago, but she recovered and she always stands brave against all odds - knowing that in the end everything will turn out just fine.

For now, C has got some closure. She's living in Night City, she has a loving and beautiful girlfriend she's thinking about all the time, they're still doing gigs and getting in trouble together <3 While she still recovers from what happened in her nomad family, she has Elegy, Misty, Claire and Saul to help her deal with it. She's in a good place right now.

Other girls

Some time ago I made EV, a girl that was originally a Cyberpunk version of my Evie from Red Dead Online, albeit I made her personality a polar opposite to Evie's. I don't have a lot about her, really - she's beautiful, photogenic, conveys vibes the best out of all of my OCs. She's probably going to end up as my canon V. She and Johnny are a match made in heaven... or hell. Actually if I put them together in the same body Night City might end up in flames.

Then there's Thalia. A girl I initially only mentioned as a friendly gang member in Crystal's mega lore post. She wasn't hanging around with Crystal's group of friends, but they got really close after getting to know each other during a party. Officially, she sacrificed herself to save Crystal and the rest when they got overrun by enemies. She did survive, with help of [REDACTED] and is looking for Crystal in Night City to reunite with her and [REDACTED]. Hopefully they meet soon! It'll probably bring some unpleasant memories back, but in the end Crystal will reunite with Thalia and, with Elegy, they'll make a dream team.

Some stats!

Why not wrap it up with some interesting data!

Since I started Cyberpunk 2077:

I got all the achievements and I intend on doing the same for Phantom Liberty

according to Xbox I played the game for 268 hours* **

I made 3405 captures, taking up a whopping 36 GB of space*

421 of these captures were made during my initial playthrough

* - at the time of writing ** - including time I was afk

Conclusion

So... I just wanted to post some thoughts about Cyberpunk 2077 and, especially, Crystal. Going from a game I wasn't even that stoked to play, to an ongoing hyperfixation, that has helped me through tough times and still influences me to this very day! I even made some internet friends!

When I was working on a standalone story for Crystal, I decided that her birthday is the day I first played the game - 25th August... today.

Happy birthday, Crystal <3

#oc: crystal hartley #text.qd

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tuiyla · 1 year

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Hey, Happy New Year!! I wish you had been on the Glee fandom back when the show was airing; you'd have encouraged me to try to see things differently with your metas instead of just dismissing every one-shot character or absurd plotline that never went anywhere. You certainly gave me a newfound appreciation for certain chunks of S3 and S4-S6 as a whole. And your fancy gifsets are *chef's kiss* too but I guess they could only exist in the 2020s so thank you (and all the other gifmakers) for being here and keeping the fandom alive with this new giffing style bc it must take so much time and effort to make them look so gorgeous.

So anyway could you please rank the Glee seasons? Based on whatever standard you'd like - personal preference/enjoyment, whether the year was a good one for your faves, the actual writing and whether the plotlines were well-executed, etc.

Hey Anon, Happy New Year to you too! This was such a kind message, thank you so much. To be honest I don't wish I was here then haha just because I know how intense it all was and I would have burned out so quick. And I think we need this distance from the show to be able to analyze it in such ways. But! I'll take the compliment of course and I'm very happy if my ramblings can bring about new perspectives and appreciation. That's more than I could ever ask for.

And thank you for the kind words about giffing, too! It's become my primary way of adding to this fandom recently and it's always nice to see it being appreciated. I still maintain that I only do it because I want to and it's fun, but feedback is nice of course.

On the topic of Glee seasons, well I have a feeling that'd be a different ranking every day so take this as a very fluid list. It's also a mushed-together one because I kinda wanna consider several aspects, my personal enjoyment as well as what we'd call "good writing" in a more, though not completely objective sense. I'm happy if I can encourage appreciation for seasons 4 to 6 if only because it really irks me when people pretend there's a clear-cut divide in quality, though on previous lists I've also ranked the first three first and the later seasons last. So with that in mind, strap in:

Season 2

This is the easiest to decide. Season 2 is that sweet spot, imo, where we still only have three writers and therefore a semblance of consistency but it feels like a larger world with more developed characters than season 1 did. There are issues, sure, and I could go on and on about major gaps in all Glee seasons. But season 2 feels the most like Glee, to me. There's infighting and an overall arc and fun one-off themes and tributes. The focus is still too Finchel heavy and the Wemma drama throughout is meh, but those are general problems in Glee. I feel like, more than any other season after it season two has a beginning, middle, and end, and some of Glee's strongest character arcs. Scratch that, in Kurt and Santana we get the two strongest arcs of the series. And the way Karofsky's story builds on and makes both of these better, chef's kiss. And the whole Glee club feels much more like the dysfunctional family they are and there's more of an effort to include every member. Basically it's my fave and imo, the best, for many reasons. We could get more in-depth with this one day.

After no.1 is where we start going "Idunno" but I'll try to establish a ranking.

2. Season 4

I'm not sure if placing season 4 second feels quite right but ranking the other seasons above it doesn't, either. Look, it's a very flawed season of television. There's a clear shift between the two halves. For the better, but still. Santana took way too long to go to NYC. The most fascinating dynamics happen in two lines of dialogue and then entirely off-screen. The Lima-NYC split was not thought through. But it's by far the season where I can tolerate and even like Finn the most. It's arguably Santana's best. It brought me the newbies, my beloveds. Amazing group numbers. The best the New Directions have ever been as a group. Good one-offs, some crimes against humanity, surprisingly few duds. Will fades more and more into the background, bar wedding drama. No clear direction or purpose but a vibe of ND becoming a new sort of family and the alumni struggling. Waaaay too many characters and the season is worse off because of that but, somehow, it still kinda works. It's a ride.

3. Season 1

Sigh, listen, season 1 is the big struggle for me. If I muster as much objectivity as I can, it's the best-written and generally well-put-together season. Even when the back nine changes direction a bit, it's still a much more cohesive unit than even season 2. It's a good season of television. It's also one I saw all the way back in 2010 and said "uhm, no thanks, that was fine but I don't need more Glee." It's missing that je ne sais quoi, imo, that makes Glee truly great. And maybe truly bad, too, but that's part of the show's appeal and I still find season 1 one of the least engaging whenever I watch it. And there are many reasons, from my infuriation with the disproportion of singing to Finchel shenanigans to Quinn's storyline, and, of course, the lack of Santana. I still rank it in the top 3 just because I can't overlook how strong it is from a purely, this is good TV perspective, but make no mistake it's far from being among my personal faves. Deffo not the one I wanna be rewatching the most. It's so good in some aspects but I know what else Glee can be and yeah, that's messy and makes my blood boil but at least it makes me feel so much more than the Finchel features and Finn-Will bonding moments of season 1. Based on this you might think I should rank it lower. Maybe I should. I think I'm just being so hard on it because I know it's considered to be the best by many and it's just, not that for me. I only put it in the top 3 begrudgingly.

4. Season 3

Season 3 is impossible to rank and I feel bad putting it above season 6 but I can't lie and say it didn't have good stuff. I'm actually really curious to find out what parts of it you appreciate more now because of me haha because I feel like I'm always so hard on season 3. Because it sucks. I hate s3A so much. It pisses me off like no other season. But damn, it has the good stuff too. Some of my favourite GCVs, for starters. Nationals, graduation. All the nostalgia and sting of that. The underdogs winning. The end of an era. So much more Santana. (Soundtrack-wise, anyway.) The Troubletones. What did it cost? Everything, but we got it. There's a clear arc, it just takes a million detours. The most controversial season for me, personally. I wish it never existed. I wish it was so much better. I'm a different person for having witnessed it. Everything wrong with Glee but maybe everything great with it, too. The new writers? Not a great idea. An inevitability. Season 3 is a dumpster fire and quintessential Glee, dare I say even the peak of it in some ways. It makes me wanna choose violence. We should move on.

5. Season 6

Sweetie I'm so sorry for ranking you so low, I'm usually a season 6 defender. It's been too long since I've seen it to confidently be able to say that it's good, though, and it just very much feels like the swan song it is. I'll be completely honest, it's also the lack of Santana for me. Sure, she gets her own arc on the side but I'm not a 100% happy with how they bid her farewell and any given episode of Glee is just way less appealing to me without her in it. But putting the Santana of it all aside, season 6 fully leans into the insanity of Glee in its final season. It's also a breath of fresh air, of postmodernity and a new generation and goodbyes that feel as authentic as they could be at this point. It's... like a post-finale. It's surprisingly real about the concept of the aftermath. A fascinating case study of the show's identity, its underdog obsession, what it means to deconstruct that. It's also just a bit boring, innit, compared to earlier shenanigans. But still, season 6 defender over here.

6. Season 5

I really didn't think I'd rank season 5 last, again, because I always used to and I actually appreciate it a lot more these days. But it's a case of not wanting any of the others to be last. Season 5 seemed like as good a sacrificial lamb as any. I think it's that, much more than season 4, it doesn't feel like one season, not even like one show. And it's understandable, of course, because production and the people behind it went through hell when Cory died. Looked at through the lens of grief, it's a fascinating season. And there are aspects I really like but aspects I despise, and unlike season 3's controversy I also find a lot of it just dull. Now, this might change when I eventually rewatch it but as it stands I just don't feel as strongly about wanting to defend season 5 and I do season 6. It's great when it's great but it's lukewarm so often. There are also way too many character assassinations happening and part of me will never forgive dropping the newbies like that. And all of me will always be mad about Santana's/Naya's treatment in season 5B.

#anon #asks that spark joy #glee asks #glee ranking #this was fun to think about i'd love to discuss more and hear others' opinions #there's more to say about every season but that literally would have been so long if i went into detail #based on your pointers #i wanna though maybe under another ask #glee seasons

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dankusner · 2 months

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’Cago reader — southby ’92...

One of my favorite things is seeing an artist self-destruct onstage.

My favoritest recent example was at last year’s South by Southwest conference in Austin, when Michelle Shocked stumbled through a keynote speech of offensive stridency.

The erratic singer-songwriter, who followed up the almost perfectly realized folk album Short Sharp Shocked with a bozo excursion into jumping R & B, Captain Swing, told the assembled what her latest left turn was going to be: an album that would expose rock ‘n’ roll’s roots in “blackface minstrelsy.”

Her talk was rambling and so disconnected as to be almost incoherent, but its main points seemed to be first that rock ‘n’ roll was all stolen from black sources, and second that it had compounded this crime by trafficking in gross racial stereotypes. I’m not being sexist to say (Shocked trumpets it herself) that she got much of this reductive self-righteousness from her husband, Bart Bull, a talented but humorless and somewhat wacko former Spin writer whose articles tended to be about how Bart Bull was the only white man alive who really truly appreciated black music. It’s a complex issue, but let me say two things. It’s not like this is a discovery made by Shocked and Bull: Bands like Fishbone (which Shock singled out for criticism) derive their force from the confrontational way they address just this heritage.

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It takes an almost willful mental blindness not to acknowledge this. Second, the calculation that would take a potentially interesting issue–which resonates not just in rock ‘n’ roll but in all of popular culture–and turn it into a campaign to boost a flagging career bespeaks to me something approaching artistic bankruptcy. Speaking of which, Shocked’s new record, Arkansas Traveler, contains one likable song, a rather clunky but pleasant ode to multicultural LA. The rest of it, her salute to the black roots of folk and rock ‘n’ roll, has all the right notes in all the right places, all the right sidepeople playing all the right roles. But it’s kind of ironic that this stalwart explorer into the realm of black music couldn’t muster the requisite amount of that crazy little thing called soul. Oops. These shows were supposed to include Uncle Tupelo and some remnants of the Band, but they’re no longer on the bill. Now Shocked plays with Taj Mahal and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, 7.30 PM (the Thursday show is sold out), Park West, 322 W. Armitage; 929-5959.

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Isn't that sumpin'? One of the low notes of old Hollywood . It's hard to believe this horribly racist "minstrel" performing was still around even then …but they were in much closer proximity to vaudeville (where minstrel shows were as common place as tap dancing and jugglers) than we are today, and we are lucky to be looking back from the other side of the civil rights movement. You should see the big number where she and Mickey Rooney are both in black face, though Judy's been toned up (as a more tropical make-up, or possibly mulatto) black, while all the other performers (and mickey) are very dark. They sing and dance their feet off to a HUGE (did I say H-U-G-E) production number extravaganza all to the tune of "Waitin' for the Rob't E. Lee" It’s a real old timer! That's the old song that goes "…way down on levee, in old Alabamy, there's Daddy, and Mammie, and Efram, and Sammie …it's the good ship Robert E. Lee comin' to carry the cotton away." The second chorus starts “See them shufflin’ along, here that music and song.” The likes of Stephen Sondheim cited this song as one of his favorite songs (that he didn't write). Barbara Cook performs it in a medley on that CD tribute to Sondheim at Carnegie Hall. I think one half of the program is dedicated to songs he loves, but didn’t write (which also includes one I love …Hard Hearted Hannah, The Vamp of Savannah …the meanest gal in town, leather is tough, Hannah’s heart is tougher, she’s really made to see men suffer.” Later on in the song “…I saw her by the seashore with a great big pan, there was Hannah throwin’ water on a drownin’ man! She’s hard hearted Hannah, the vamp of Savannah Ga !” Gotta love it. One thing about Judy …she definitely gave it her all, no matter what da’ shit was.

Starting off-key - South by Southwest opens to a rambling Michelle Shocked

Dallas Morning News, The (TX) (Published as The Dallas Morning News) - March 14, 1992

Author/Byline: Michael Corcoran, Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News, THE

Edition: HOME FINAL

Section: TODAY

Page: 5C

Column: POP MUSIC

Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1210)

AUSTIN -- The South By Southwest music and media conference got off to a dubious start Thursday when advertised opening greeter

Willie Nelson didn't show up. Even worse, however, Michelle Shocked did make it.

SXSW director Roland Swenson explained that Mr. Nelson was on his bus somewhere between Laredo and Austin but would arrive in

time to play a few songs at the Columbia Records' showcase at Auditorium Shores later that night.

There could be no explanation for Ms. Shock's relentless ramble, in which she compared the conference, attended by more than 3,000

people in the music business, to a minstrel show. During one tedious analogy (the gist: Hammer, good; Vanilla Ice, bad), the Gilmer,

Texas, native suddenly spun out of a sentence and said, "My mind is a blank.' She spent much of her 25-minute speech proving just that.

Her lack of coherence was underlined when she recounted a recent Fishbone concert in Los Angeles. Ms. Shocked said that as a

predominantly white audience went bonkers to the punk-funk music of the black band, she felt "both horribly alienated and powerfully

integrated.' Her point was as waylaid as Willie's bus.

The main purpose of conventions like SXSW is to make contacts and sell yourself and your product. Ms. Shocked made it all too obvious

that her reason for speaking was to make the industy aware of her new Arkansas Traveler album. Whatever theme there was -- tied

loosely to the LP, which is Ms. Shocked's '90s take on field recordings -- she also spent a lot of time plugging a pamphlet written by her

fiance, Bart Bull.

Ms. Shocked will be at Farm Aid V Saturday doing what she does best -- which is not public speaking.

The musical portion of SXSW began Wednesday night with the Austin Music Awards. Winners who performed were musician of the year,

Eric Johnson, best female vocalist, Kelly Willis, and best "none-of-the-above' band, Bed Livers. There to accept awards were best

songwriter Butch Hancock, band of the year, the Arc Angels, and best new band, the Best-O-Sonics.

Caption: PHOTO(S): Michelle ShockedPHOTO LOCATION: NR.

Dateline: AUSTIN

Record: DAL1251587

#Youtube

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thespiral · 3 years

Text

INTRODUCING THE 80S DOCUMENT... a comprehensive doc on this funny mentioned-only raider faction that is incredibly fucking cool and a crime no one has mentioned them yet

this is more or less a compilation of different canon, semi-canon and fanon references! most of it taken from the hearts of iron 4 mod old world blues, joshua sawyer's simple and sprinkled some fanon from my head in here as well. this is to hopefully make other people aware of these guys!

a MASSIVE thanks to my partner alex for helping me write this up, the tops server members for lore council, esseress and everyone else who i rambled on and on about these guys. thank you so much

you can find the document here!

(and also under the cut!)

The 80s are a gang of raiders that operate along the Northern California 80 Freeway, mostly in the region northeast of the lawless, uncontrolled city of Sacramento. They occupy their own territory stretching between New California and the shores of Great Salt Lake, bordering the land of their longtime enemies the White Legs.

They are known for raiding frontier towns for supplies, kidnapping people, their tireless pursuit of enemies and for their occasional use of motorcycles. They are rightly feared for their ability to cover large areas of land with very few men using said motorcycles. They have recently spread out over a larger area, notably the I-80, due to the collapse of the Nevada Desert Rangers and the NCR's inability to patrol or keep tabs on the territory.

History

After the bombs desolated the country, the 80s began as a group of people that banded together out of necessity and trekked through the I-80, believing that the highway had to lead somewhere safe. The early origins of the 80s are muddled by word of mouth and mostly forgotten, but they fully coalesced into a raider faction when others learned to fear them.

The first peak of the 80s’ was reached when they took Sacramento for their own. For the first time, many 80s began to settle down and build a raiding community, often attacking smaller settlements in the area. These transgressions eventually led to the New California Republic expanding and securing its borders by taking Sacramento back, forcing the 80s out of the city.

The 80s then tore through Nevada, following the I-80 and launching massive raids on almost every community they came across for supplies and equipment, including NCR cities such as New Reno or Vault City. This led to even greater notoriety and, despite having been mauled by the NCR, drove fear into the heart of the Republic as they made their way to Utah.

Currently, the 80s have mostly settled in Wendover, expanding it into a town. Most of their conflicts lie with the neighboring White Legs, and they await the opportunity to strike back at the NCR and reclaim Sacramento.

Culture

The 80s primary philosophies are that other 80s come before all else, that the enemy of their enemy is their friend, and that settling down is the opposite of freedom. They value a wild and free lifestyle, cheap thrills, mechanical and driving prowess, and the road. While some communities support them along the roads, they are their own priority above all, and many relations with other groups are sustained through physical threat.

While all 80s can be defined by a few common traits, most of them are decentralized and spread across various chapters. Each has their own rules, hierarchies and banners. Some chapters are nomadic, while others settle in towns they have conquered, and others live in self-made settlements by the road.

Identification between each chapter varies from chapter to chapter, with the most common traits being tattoos, body art, patches on armour and jackets, and so on. While in-fighting between chapters is common, the 80s are generally extremely close-knit compared to other raider factions. In most chapters, higher-ranking members wear red or blue I-80 road signs, while regular members wear the more common green signs, and initiates and hangarounds have no signs.

While most 80s are born into their respective chapters, the 80s will occasionally take on new initiates that are young or have potential when it comes to driving and repair skills. An initiate, or hangaround, mostly runs errands for fully-fledged 80s until the others have decided they are eligible for an initiation ritual. Most potential initiates have to go through a ritual to prove their worth, such as salvaging a motorcycle and making it their own.

Economy

When the 80s started out, they were disorganized and originally had to rely on raiding to get by. During their early years, raiding was quite profitable in the wasteland, and this time period would later be called the golden age of raiding. As time went on, however, theft and slavery became unsustainable as societies grew, and many chapters of the 80s were forced to turn to other means of survival.

Using their vehicles to travel greater distances faster than any other society could manage, many chapters of the 80s turned to drug trade, gun running, package delivery, caravan running and trading. Many chapters have become their own communities, and some have settled in certain locations to farm. There are still active raiding chapters, but in the present they are few and far between.

Despite no longer solely relying on raiding, some chapters still intimidate weaker communities into giving tribute to them, having no issue doing so with their vehicles. They also charge a travel tax on all outsiders that would cross their roads.

Military and Technology

The 80s are well-known for their expertise in and quantity of vehicles ranging from the common motorcycle to the large semi-truck. The 80s scavenge, repair and even build their own vehicles, and almost every member at least has their own motorcycle, as a common initiation rite requires new members to salvage their own bike. They also find and use old schematics to improve upon their designs, or create their own from scratch.

Most 80s make their own equipment when they cannot scavenge, from tires and tools to homemade fuel. Many bikes have been made to run on ethanol and other biofuels, while others run on energy cells, fusion cells, or any energy source that’s available.

Using these vehicles, the 80s utilize speed to break through enemy walls in battle, and often overwhelm their opponents before they can truly attack. They rely on hit-and-run tactics, and as a result have great offense and poor defense. For example, one common attack involves holding out a machete while driving by the enemy; destructive, but leaves the rider open for many attacks.

The most commonly used weapons are anything close and decimating. Many 80s carry shotguns, automatic guns and throwable explosives that are relatively easy to use while riding.

Politics and Diplomatic Relations

The cultural tenet of the 80s coming before anyone else carries into their politics. Little of the outside world affects their internal politics or laws (or lack thereof). They are somewhat hypocritical in that they believe in freedom for themselves and no one else. The 80s have no one leader, and overall are decentralized as a faction.

Each chapter has their own subset of laws, or none at all. While most 80s are close-knit, there is currently infighting between chapters as they debate on whether to settle down or continue raiding. Some believe that settling down goes against what the 80s stand for and would be abandoning their origins, while others believe they won’t stand a chance against other factions if they continue to raid.

The 80s are relatively cold toward other factions, with few allies and many enemies. They are generally neutral toward other raiding factions, such as the Jackals or the Vipers, but would put aside their differences for the sake of attacking the greater enemy, such as with the Great Khans or the Powder Gangers. No matter what, however, they will make it clear that they are their own priority.

The New California Republic is one of the 80s greatest and most powerful enemies. From the very beginning, the 80s and the NCR have fought each other as the 80s raided civilians and the NCR tried to stomp them out along with other raider factions. This culminated in the NCR taking Sacramento and forcing the 80s to leave for Utah, marking the NCR as the 80s’ worst enemy. Any 80s would not hesitate at any opportunity to get back at the NCR, no matter how petty or who they would have to ally with.

After the 80s were forced to travel to Utah, their territory began to border the White Legs’, and they frequently intruded on their land. This has led to many skirmishes between the two factions as they compete for their own territory.

While Caesar’s Legion does not have much presence in the West, many 80s have heard of this new threat against the NCR, and most who have are eager for any potential ally to get back at the NCR for Sacramento. The 80s know little of the Legion or what would happen to them if the Legion was successful, but are willing to do anything if it meant victory.

References

https://fallout-archive.fandom.com/wiki/Simple_organizations#80s

J.E. Sawyer’s Fallout Roleplaying Game

Hearts of Iron 4: Old World Blues

And all the other people that helped contribute to this document

#fallout new vegas #fnv #fallout

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cr0g-0 · 3 years

Text

Masterlist

Hemlo! We are the Pad Pal’s!

Cinderclan | Warrior cats Ask and Art account

ALL OF THESE WORKS ARE ABANDONED AND I DO NOT WANT ASKS ABOUT THEM ANYMORE IVE MOVED ON AND ONLY LEAVE THE WORK FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SEE IT. SOME FICS WILL BE ALTERED TO BE NONFANDOM SHOULD I FEEL MOTIVATION

Please take care of yourself and drink water <3

this is our blog! We write G/t sfw for Multiple fandoms! This includes Stranger Things, Mcyt, Owl house and Heartstopper

If you don't like us then just-don't interact or talk to us? Not hard to engage in basic human decency

important tags

#smog writes-The writing tag! Find all works regardless of if they have an au or not

#smog arts-Any of the art content posted! May be a comic may not-regardless of what it is the art is here

#smog ramble-my random bullshit! Might involve an au but yknow might be warrior cats shit

Only user banner we will ever use-

Ask box is open as long as it's appropriate and so is the submission box! Feel free to talk to us we swear we’re friendly!

Any works below this are for all the au's. If you wanna find stuff without going through a lot of stuff just click the tag!

Au’s, There Summaries and works below the cut! Feel free to ask about them when you want!

REMODELING MASTER LIST LATER

Mcyt Au’s

Monster Candy Au:

Tags- #monster candy au

Tws-Nomfs, Angst, Dark Themes, Dehumanization, Hurt/Comfort

Tommy, a human, gets taken to a world full of monsters and is separated from his brother and his best friend. He is found in a candy store by a monster named Wilbur who decides to spare Tommy’s life. Will Tommy ever fond his family or will he be making a new family?

Works-Candy Man | This Isn't Home | I'm Never Leaving

Snake Surprise Au:

Tags- #snake surprise

Tw-Nomfs, Angst, Hurt Comfort

Tommy is a lonely naga. When he meets two humans in the woods his first instinct is to kidnap them and make them be his friends! Techno and Wilbur do not take kindly to this what so ever. Phil, an overprotective father finds his sons gone and goes full protective mode, going to find his sons no matter what. Secrets are more than just scales deep however and hiding them can be catastrophic.

Works- Snake Surprise | Stay Away | Snakeskin | Scaly Friend(?) | Foolish Fangs (Abandoned Families)

Borrowing from the Internet au:

Tags- #borrowing from the internet au , #bfti au

Tws-Nomfs mention, Nomfs, Angst, Dehumanization, Very Dark Themes, Hurt/Comfort

Wilbur is a streamer. He plays games, talks with his friends and does everything a normal influencer does…well aside do fan interactions. Being a borrower is a challenge. Especially when the rights you hold are barely valued. One bad thing leads to another and suddenly Wilbur’s life has gone from bad to worse in just a single ask on his stream.

Works- Part 1 |

Arcadia Au:

Tags- #arcadia au

Tws-Angst, War mentions, Gore, Dehumanization

When playing the game Wilbur recently bought from a garage sale, he is sucked, Jumanji style, into the game Arcadia. There, he meets many friends and foes. He makes allies and enemies but not everyone is who they say they are. Will Wilbur and the gang he comes to trust make it out of the game or will they be there forever?

Works- Act 1 |

High Stakes Au:

Tags- #high stakes au

Tws-Angst, dehumanization

Wilbur goes to a casino ran by Quackity. He decides to gamble with Quackity ends up winning two borrowers. The two are terrified and Wilbur wants to do nothing more than help them but Quackity isn’t to keen on letting them go.

Works-

I’m Alive/God Au:

Tags- #i’m alive au

Tws-Nomfs, Angst, Death, Hurt Comfort

Wilbur is a god of chaos, music and entertainment. He takes sacrifices and tributes often and forces them all to compete in horrible games for his sick amusement. If they fail to succeed, break any of his rules or do not preform well enough he eats them. Phil has been elected to preside over a town that is often the target of Wilbur’s shenanigans. Phil has had enough and convinced Wilbur’s mother, The goddess of death and Exdee, God of life and Creation, to teach him a lesson

While they are at it they turn him mortal and human till they figure out what to do. That is till Phil has Wilbur executed for harassing his people while being a mortal himself. Wilbur wakes up to find he is in a very different world that has very different rules and gods he needs to follow if he wants to keep his head and live another day.

Works-

Mothbur Au:

Tags- #mothbur au

Tws-Fluff, Stupidity, Fluff again

Wilbur is a small little moth hybrid! It’s a very cold winter night and he really needs a shelter to stay at. This one big house seems good so he goes up to the ring camera and looks at it, entranced by the lights completely unaware of the chaos within the house about the possible home invader.

Works-

Grounded Au:

Tags- #grounded au

Tws-Bugs, Angst, Self Deprecation, Nomfs though rarely, Hurting and Comforting

Wilbur, who is vying for the attention of his father and mother who often disappears for months on end, invents a shrink ray in the hopes that they will both be proud of him and give him some of the attention Tommy and Techno, his brothers, are given. They end up arguing next to the machine outside and accidentally trigger it, causing them to all end up as small as insects.

Works-

Abandon Ship/Siren/Pirate Au:

Tags- #abandon ship au , #abs au

Tws- Angst, Hurt comfort, War mentions, Piracy, Murder

Phil is a siren. He can also sizeshift and preform magic in order to make himself appear human which allows him to get his food easily without issue. His food is human children. After murdering an entire pirate crew he decides present his ship as somewhere where all kids are welcome. He sings to lure children but only winds up with Tommy, an orphan.

Next port he goes to he meets Techno and Wilbur. The two look to be twins but the one clutching the guitar appears to not listen to Phil’s melodic commands but rather, is following Techno. These kids will suffice…

Works-

Clingy Vampires Au:

Tags- #Clingy Vampires Au , #cv au

Tws-Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Nomfs

Tommy and Tubbo are both Vampires. Borrower blood is extremely potent so when the two end up finding some borrowers they immediately want to get ahold of them…totally not for adoption purposes…for nomfs of course……….

Works-

Lullaby of Hell's Shadow Au

Tags- #Lullaby of Hell's Shadow au , #LoHS au

Tw-Murder, Gore, Angst, Neglect, Hurt Comfort, Found Family

Kristen had her throne taken from her by some upstart named Philza Craft. She wants revenge on the throne that is rightfully hers. So she trains her first born son to take the throne.

The shadows are irrevocably entwined to those born of the nether.

These are connected

Works- Part I |

Prank au

Tags- #prank au , #the prank

Tw-Angst, Dehumanization, Noms, Hurt/Comfort, Violence

Wilbur and Tommy may not be brothers by blood they are brothers by choice and thats all that matters. This year, the two have glorious plans for their greatest prank yet. But what happens when it goes to far?

Works- The Great Divide Between You and Me[I] | The Great Divide Between You and Me[II]

Night We Met

Tag- #night we met au , #nwm au

Tw-Angst, Fear of death, fear of losing loved ones, nomfs, violence

The night is young and you’ll always meet a strange character or two in the town of Esemtria. Though let it be known that the Emerald protectors no longer protect the town. Best make your stay short and brief and you best stay out of those woods. After all, who knows who or what you’ll meet in those woods.

Works- Part I |

Will be adding the other fandom aus at antoher time

Au Info Posts/things about the Au can be found under the correlating tag for said Au. Other writing without an au is listed in the writing tag

#Snake Surprise #arcadia au #High Stakes Au #Clingy Vampires Au #grounded au #monster candy au #borrowing from the internet au #bfti au #abandon ship au #mothbur au #i’m alive au #shifted dice and sorry smiles au #pretty shitty borrower au #the prank #prank au #nwm au #night we met au #lohs au #lullaby of hell's shadow

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angelhummel · 3 years

Note

Unpopular opinion

So I sat down to analysis the different seasons and decide which I like best, and I remain torn.

Season 1. Really great comedy bits including one line quotes. The first half of two thirds seemed to be all Rachel or Finn or Will or goddamn teenage pregnancy. It really was at its best when it was a Kurt’s story and all the brilliance that is Chris Colfer. Musically, it wasn’t the best though there are some very fine performances- mostly involving Kurt or Mercedes.

Season 2 I loved this season mainly because of Kurt, Blaine and the delight that became Klaine. Love everything Blaine and Warblers were involved in, Kurt’s magnificence again (As if we never said goodbye is just out of this world). A really good strong season.

Season 3 I loved the music throughout this season - so many highlights from the vast majority of the ND. But I agree that there were too many characters, too many sub plots, and in so many episodes the plot seemed just to revolve round the particular song they wanted to use. No continuity of storyline in many cases.

Season 4. I know this season gets a lot of hate but I think musically, there are so many gems. Obviously the Break Up was traumatic, but so on point musically. I really wasn’t invested in the newbies - love Unique completely and loved Jacob’s performances but wasn’t bothered about rest. Loved the episodes where Klaine were involved, I do and Girls(and boys) on film and fun episodes like Dynamic Duets, Diva and Guilty Pleasures. But hated so many of the rest, particularly the tail end.

Season 5. First half - loved the brilliance of the two Beatles episodes. Oh Klaine.... loved the Quarterback tribute, but then the Lima part just started to get tedious. I am out of the closet in respect of my love for the Puppet Master, but then I love Blaine and Darren is just great at comedy. Second half in NY was better, but couldn’t it just have one episode of domesticity and not arguments or drama? It really felt like a different writer every week and the remit was Klaine arguing. And the Rachel story just dragged on....

Season 6 The train crash.... though painful to watch episode 1, 3 and 5 was Chris and Darren at their absolute acting best. Great build up to A Wedding, but then I just got bored with the rest of the season. Absolute no nos - Blainofsky, Sue and Will’s vendetta, even Rachel/Will silibess, Sam idiocy, Child Star etc Musicalky this was very weak. Would have loved to have heard all the alumni sing more.

Phew -,sorry to ramble , this is just how I see the seasons!!!

Well I recently redid my own ranking of the seasons here so I’ll just go through this like a normal multi-opinion “unpopular opinion” post to agree or disagree lol. (Also seriously, never apologizing for rambling in my inbox! I’m happy for every long ass post I get, even if it takes me a while to answer!)

Season 1 - Neutral. I said this one was my absolute favorite but honestly it’s probably neck and neck with s5 for me. Even tho for the most part it was focused on characters that I’m not crazy about, it was still a fun watch for me. I just think there was something more simple and enjoyable about it in that first season where it was more offbeat. Wasn’t trying too hard to be woke or preachy or whatever. There’s still some offensive humor that makes me cringe or roll my eyes but idk. It was more offbeat and almost parody-like and I respect it for that. Also obviously I agree with Kurt storylines and Kurtcedes music moments being the highlights

Season 2 - Agree. Again, there’s a surprising amount of stuff I dislike this season. But we have Kurt, we have Blaine, we have Klaine, we have the Warblers. You can’t hate this season

Season 3 - Strongly Agree. I hate this season lmao. Your critiques are mild but 100% valid

Season 4 - Agree. Literally I forget that Wonderful exists bc it’s sandwiched between so many shitty episodes. I forget there’s a good episode there at the end lmao. I love the newbies even if their drama is painfully droll and hard to get through. I honestly hate The Break Up lmao but on music alone, it’s probably the best of the season. There’s some episodes I really like but honestly I think I’m in the minority here. I know a lot of the most popular episodes that season, I’m not really a fan of :/

Season 5 - Agree. I adore this season, idk what else to say. New New York is my #1 episode over all, and I love all the NY stuff. There are a small handful of eps I can do without but my love for the rest of it overshadows that completely

Season 6 - Strongly Agree. One of the definite highlights of the season is just Darren and Chris being amazing actors. The improvised scene in the elevator?? And also lots of great Klaine kisses. I hate the majority of episodes this season, and even the ones I tolerate aren’t any higher than like 70s-80s in my episode ranking. The music is SO WEAK (except for Jagged Little Tapestry, the songs in that one are FIRE) and the humor just doesn’t work for me. None of it works for meee I hate it (:

#glee #asks #answered #unpopular opinions #my thoughts #1908jmd

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lokislytherin · 3 years

Note

For the writing positivity ask meme: 3, 10, 15, 21, 30!

OOH A RESPONSE! thank you for the ask @khunfounded!

prepare for a lot of rambling

3. What is your favorite line/paragraph that you’ve written?

hmmm i’ve written a lot of things before this is hard lmao i’ll just pick my top two!

from tower of god, ships in the night ch14: this is one of the most poetic things i’ve written, ever (thank taylor swift’s ‘cardigan’ for the inspiration with the line “you drew stars around my scars // and now i’m bleeding” because i love folklore and taylor swift is megabrain)

“The wounds she'd dug into his mind may never truly heal, but they are merely memories of pain now, pale scars painted over with gold ink, tattooed with stars and guitars and whatever the night had to give.”

from bts, burn the stage ch1: circus poetics, of course. after reading the first (and only) chapter i wanna continue this again sdfjkldkls why do i keep starting fics but never finishing them? i should actually Commit

“without a sound, it creeps into cities in their darkest hours, bringing with it shadows of caravans dimly lit by rattling lanterns and flickering light bulbs. if you take a closer look, you can see the silhouette of an elephant in its trailer, illuminated by the faintest shine of moonlight. this time, the circus is in busan.”

10. What’s the best comment on a fic you’ve ever gotten?

time to scroll through my 1000+ comments lmao

okay after a while of scrolling i have no idea what the best comment is but ngl any comment from @resident-normal-person is bound to get me wheezing at some point because her comments are so long and detailed and it’s like watching reaction vids but in words

but ngl this comment from one of the fics i’ve kinda left behind (one chapter is up and i said I’M GONNA CONTINUE THIS IT’S GONNA BE SO LONG I HAVE SO MUCH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR JIN) cracks me up tho:

“Please continue? I'm actually interested”

15. Tell me about a time when you got super inspired.

laughs like i haven’t listened to taylor swift’s ‘willow’ five times today

so i get inspired by songs really easily? especially by taylor swift songs, because each song has a unique narrative and taylor is such an amazing songwriter she’s literally so talented i don’t know if i want to dissect her lyrics or her brain

yesterday her new album evermore came out and i promised my swiftie friend we’d listen and scream about it together, and we did, and before i knew it-

OK FIC PLANNING LET'S GO (this is me trying~) - ILLICIT AFFAIRS / CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS / CLOSURE?: FT KHUN EDUAN, JAHAD AND MAMA AGNIS, SITNVERSE - WILLOW: CRYSTAL SNOW PREQUEL, VLENE - NO BODY NO CRIME: I DON'T KNOW YET BUT PROBABLY KHUNBAM CRIMEBUSTERS AU - EVERMORE: PROBABLY RELATED TO 'EXILE' FIC holy crap the bridge i'm shivering in my seat (it's not the cold) - TOLERATE IT: I DON'T KNOW AS OF RIGHT NOW BUT I WILL, MAYBE JALENE UNREQUITED LOVE FROM JAHAD POV? - ivy: maybe a continuation of willow? but as a plant witch!arlene au, which might tie in to cruel summer? sfdlkasdfjfd - gold rush: part of khunbam celebs au? - marjorie: maybe part of 'the curious courtship ritual of a black turtle' as a tribute to arlene? marjorie was taylor's opera singer grandma - happiness: bam character study with links to rachel? or should i use clean for that - coney island: the lyrics are tragic, so maybe arlene's thoughts in her last moments in sitnverse? i need the angst practise - cowboy like me": city boy eduan gets stranded in a car trip and has to stay the night with country cowboy v? either way it does not end in true love forever or whatever - long story short: bam moving on from rachel and finding love with khun? or khun moving on from maria and finding bam? sfdkljsdfkjlfds i don't knowww so many ideasssss - dorothea: interesting song but i gotta admit i have no idea what to do with this one

kaboom

you can visibly see where i started chilling out lmao but me and my friend spent a little over an hour screaming about evermore, so far my favorite tracks are ‘no body no crime’ (true crime inspired! i want to dissect the narrative and write a fic, maybe start that fugou keiji x khunbam au) and ‘champagne problems’ (eduan-style ‘illicit affairs’ vibes, you’ll get it if you’re caught up to ships in the night)

i did pretty much the same thing for folklore too? like i linked every single song in the album to a oneshot idea and now my swiftie friend is screaming at me to hurry up and actually write the saga because she wants to read my fics

21. Tell me about a time when you impressed yourself.

me in may: *plans out the entire plot of ships in the night*

me in december, actually following the plot: *surprised pikachu* i- i can do that? i did that? just over 100k words? oh my gods this is what dedication actually is

(my inner kim namjoon, waving a razor: NOW STUDY OR I’LL SHAVE YOUR EYEBROWS)

okay but here’s another anecdote: this is me trying to analyze one of my fics, i’m connecting bts’s hyung line (kim seokjin, min yoongi, jung hoseok (hobi), kim namjoon) to space metaphors, i’m screaming at my army friend over whatsapp in the middle of the night because i was kinda high on sleep deprivation

this is like from some time early last year

hC: YOONGI IS THE NIGHT AND HOBI IS THE SUN SO HOBI BRINGS LIGHT TO YOONGI'S WORLD AND LETS HIM SEE THE BETTER PARTS OF HIMSELF AND MAKES HIS LIFE BETTER THEREFORE SOPE IS TECHNICALLY THE BEST SHIP

AND JIN IS THE STARS BECAUSE HE'S TRYING TO MAKE YOONGI SEE THE TRUTH, AND HIS MAGIC IS ALSO THE COLOR OF STARS AND WHEN HE DOES MAGIC HIS EYES GLOW SILVER AND I SHOULD FIND A PIC OF PLATINUM BLOND JIN BUT IDK IF IT WOULD LOOK GOOD

and then me a few days after that

actually no jin is the moon because he brings light to others but also because he helps them but he doesn't help himself so he's lonely that way like the moon

so namjoon could be the stars because they're not on the same level but he's still with jin

and the moon only glows because it reflects the light of the stars around it which suggests that the only reason why jin is still around is because of his love for namjoon and joon's love for him

me more than a year later, after the release of bts’s second most recent album map of the soul:7, which includes kim seokjin’s solo track ‘moon’

HOLY SHÏT DID I PREDICT MOON

LIKE JIN’S MOON MOON

i literally just remembered that just now? like i was looking for the namjinsope space analysis and then i saw jin = moon and was like JIN = MOON? I SAID THAT? ON 4/7/19? i even predicted the song meaning?

also go to 3:22 to see why jin owns my heart he deserves all the love in the world

30. Do you know how proud I am of you?

*tears up* you- you are? thank you so much

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gottawriteanegoortwo · 4 years

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Creativitwins - Talking in the Garden

Following on from ‘Helplessly in Love’, Roman and Remus have a serious conversation about Remus’ motives and the topic of love as a whole.

Word Count: 1,771

(if you ship the twins, I’ll throw a frisbee at you)

Roman paced back and forth across the walled garden. This quiet place was considered the most obvious ‘neutral zone’ in the realm of the Imagination both siblings resided over. It was neither overly inspired by fairy tales, nor overrun by monsters and decay, making it the perfect harmony between both halves of Creativity. Playing the role of a Secret Garden, it granted the other Sides an entry into the Imagination without the fear of getting too lost on either side. To the left, there were elegant red rose bushes, trees with ripe and delicious fruit, and wooden frames helping clematis plants climb high overhead and guide you to the elegantly carved maple door. On the right, the grass turned darker. The path was lined with weeds and venus flytraps that would gladly snap at ankles that stepped too close. The trees were barren, yet birds would regularly perch on the branches. Poison ivy climbed the wall surrounding the walnut door with identical carvings to the opposite door. In the middle, a large pond housed a variety of colourful koi and piranha that cohabit the waters peacefully. In the open court between the two doors were two stone stools. When the twins would squabble in their younger days, they would eventually meet here and claim a seat to talk through the problem. It was something that rang true to this day.

After recent events had calmed down, Patton had taken the time during one of their tea parties to fill Roman in on events leading up to the group appearing in his room with Remus of all Sides. Not only that, Remus applied a ‘what would Roman do’ approach. No tricks, no attempts to make Thomas feel worse about matters… It was all rather strange.

“I’m going to have to call him eventually,” Roman muttered, tightly folding his arms as he lapped the pond for the third time. “Talking to myself about it isn’t going to give me answers, and I know I can’t leave this be… Ugh!” He forced himself to stop walking with a firm stomp of his foot. “Remus! Get to the garden now!”

The dark door draped in ivy was pushed open to reveal a rather confused Duke. It slammed shut behind him once he was in the garden, leaving the pair in silence for several long seconds.

“While I am one to gladly talk through problems, I don’t know what I did this time.” One of Remus’ traits was honesty, after all, and he had been trying to keep out of the way of the other Sides in recent times.

“No, I know. Nothing’s wrong. I just… I need to talk, okay? This is neutral territory so it’s not gonna make either of us feel out of place, or something.” Roman slumped onto one of the stone stools, hands interlocked to hide potential fidgeting. “I’ve been thinking about what you did recently - when you brought everyone to my room like that. Patton told me what happened… Why did you do it?”

“I told you already. Thomas needed the ‘love expert’, and he trusts you a heck of a lot more than he does me. No one else could get to your room too easily without you, so I was the only option left.”

“But you didn’t try anything. You didn’t hurt Thomas, or ruin the excitement. That would’ve been the perfect chance without me blocking you.” It seemed Thomas had kept his word and didn’t tell Roman about Remus’ good intentions. However, it came at the price of the topic pestering Roman once the excitement of love had faded enough to focus on other matters. “The first time you met Thomas, you wanted to hurt him. Why not now?”

“It’s really not as deep as you’re trying to make it out to be. Thomas needed you, I could help! It was for the greater good for Thomas, really.”

“You could have taken my place! It’s what you always say you’d do. ‘I’m Creativity too. I should be listened to as well’!” Roman’s impression of Remus was emphasised by a wave of his right hand, just like how his brother would do it. “You know about love, just like me. You could have given him advice and taken all the credit -”

“No I don’t.”

“- and showed… What?” Remus’ blunt interruption had Roman’s rambling screech to a halt. He gawked up at his brother with a wide-eyed, puzzled expression. In the pause that followed, Remus made his way to the other stone stool and sat on it. Compared to his brother, Remus was slouched forward with his arms resting on both knees.

“I don’t know about love. I never have.” Why beat around the bush with this? “Sure, I know what it means and what happens when people fall in love, but I can’t talk about it as you could. I don’t have the same desire to fall in love with someone, so why should I be the one trying to tell Thomas how to declare his feelings?”

“You… Don’t know about love?” Roman felt like he had been slapped in the face. Guilt bubbled in his stomach. All this time, did Remus lack any sort of positive relationship with anyone?

“I did have friends once, you know. I have ‘loved’ platonically,” Remus scoffed. “But this whole ‘one true love’ or ‘wanting a boyfriend’ stuff you’re always on about… That isn’t what I’ve felt about anyone. I never brought it up when we were younger because I thought it wasn’t necessary, or that maybe I’d be proven when I found the guy of my dreams.” He let out a sigh with a quirked eyebrow when he noticed his brother’s reaction to this. “Oh, don’t act like I told you a shark chewed off my leg. It’s not that big of a deal. I could give advice, but it would be an outsider looking in. Since Thomas needed personal experience and better insight, he needed you. We always did say you were the one who could inspire others. I’d never be able to do that for love. But you could, and you did!” Roman has always been the hero. That’s why he was the favoured twin.

“... I’m sorry I never considered your feelings.” Roman’s voice was low as the pity stayed on his face. “All those times I tried to set you up with denizens in the Imagination when we were younger as part of our stories, all those times you’d side-step or find an excuse to worm out of it… I must have made you feel so uncomfortable.”

“Ah, ah, ah. Don’t start that. I’m not angry. This isn’t something to guilt you over. You didn’t know, and I didn’t understand. I only learned that being Aromantic was a ‘thing’ when Thomas was learning about all the LBGT strands and worrying about them all in case he offended someone.” At last, Remus’ confidence in the matter seemed to falter a little as he added, “It was a relief knowing I wasn’t completely ‘broken’.”

“You aren’t ‘broken’.” Roman blurted, hoping to stop whatever dark thoughts were bubbling in Remus’ mind. “You’re you. And while I might not like who you are, that… Doesn’t make you the worst.” The last part was admitted as a reluctant grumble. “Me wanting to fall in love doesn’t mean you’re wrong not feeling anything about it. Just like me not wanting any involvement in your sexual opinions on guys I thought were cute doesn’t mean I’m wrong either.” Now it was Remus’ turn to look surprised once the penny dropped.

“You’re Ace?”

“I guess we both had something to learn today, huh? Not that this was why I called you here.” Maybe it was the magic of the garden, where the feud was left outside the walls and the brothers could simply talk. It allowed Roman to swallow some of his pride on the original matter. “Thank you. For, you know, not using it as a chance to take my place.”

“What can I say? I make a terrible Roman impersonator. Just like when the day comes that Thomas needs my help, you’d make a terrible Remus!” The darker Creativity twin grinned in anticipation. Roman was quick to take the bait with a cocky laugh.

“Oh please. We both know Thomas isn’t gonna resort to using your ideas.”

“This Hallowe’en might be the year. There’s gonna be a full moon this year too. He’d be a fool not to do something terrifying!” Hey, maybe Remus could try and get back in contact with Virgil to get him on the Duke’s side!

“Not a chance! I’ll get him to work on an epic, fantastical tribute to ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’! There’s a simply wonderful suit of an alternate costume that Thomas would look marvellous in!” Fuelled with passion, Roman sprung to his feet with a triumphant laugh.

“And he could try to persuade the cutie to dress as a Sally-inspired character?”

“Why would I… Wait, that’s - that’s not a bad idea.”

“Especially if he gets to wear something short and scandalous~”

“Aaand there goes that little bubble of respect. Good going.” Roman waved a dismissive hand as Remus cackled. “Look, I’m sorry that I was surprised you didn’t wanna hurt Thomas, but don’t ruin this for him, okay?”

“I had no intention to do so. Thomas deserves to be happy, right? There’s plenty of other chances to jump in and have fun! Can’t be too predictable, dear brother, especially when you have the upper hand on the topic!” Now Remus pulled himself onto his feet and turned on the ball of his foot to face his door. “Until next time -”

“Wait!” Roman needed to have the last word. He couldn’t leave like this. “You… You did a good job. Thank you for helping Thomas when I couldn’t.” A gust of wind picked up, briefly obscuring Remus’ vision with rose petals. When the breeze died down, the Prince was gone. Once he realised he was alone in the walled garden, Remus walked to the door to his part of the Imagination, only to pause.

A black rose had blossomed on his side of the garden, thriving despite the weeds that should have suffocated it. He had considered plucking it and taking it with him as a memento… But why kill it? Instead, he knelt down to gently brush his thumb against a thorn.

The black rose amongst weeds was like him with the other Sides - the oddity that shouldn’t exist. Yet they both do in spite of exceptions. In time, maybe both would prosper in their own way.

#sanders sides fanfiction #roman sanders #remus sanders #sympathetic remus #aromantic remus #asexual roman #(why yes I wrote a follow up to a fic that I didn't fully post here)

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queerchoicesblog · 4 years

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The Birthday Party (SC Titanic, Zetta x Adele Series, Ch. 10/2)

Here it is the second part of chapter 10!

Guys, I'm gonna be honest with you: I'm not sure when the next one will be out: it could be Tuesday next week or in weeks from now. So consider this series on potential hiatus. I'm struggling to find words in my everyday life and writing feels quite pointless atm. Hopefully if will change soon but that's the situation atm, I'm sorry.

Little disclaimer-favor: if you do enjoy it, please consider supporting the author & sharing this. A little gesture that means a lot!

Word Count: 3000+

Zetta x Adele Tag: @storyscaped@storyscapefanficarchive@marmolady @animus-and-anima @hayley-carter19 @escako@everlastingchoices @andrxrneda @aestheticsayeed@indescribablechoices @ahrielstuff@bornonawdnsday @nazario-sayeed @h-doodles @adele-serda@marlcasters@brightpinkpeppercorn @nightwhite13@ramenwithaspoon@michelleconnoly @charliejane-blog @ghost-of-yuri@choicesgremlin @shadeofangelus @mistressofspiesxenia@orange-elephants

Zetta x Adele Series Tag: @eternal-langdon @nydeiri

➡️ Ch. 1, Ch. 2/1, Ch. 2/2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8/1, Ch. 8/2, Ch. 9, Ch. 10/1

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Returning to the party still in full swing after my stolen moment with Adele is disheartening. I guess going back to our miseries in this crazy world after experiencing a glimpse of Heaven is pretty much the same feeling. I wonder how poor Dante coped back then. A smiling waiter hands me another glass of sweet alcoholic poison and I put my mask back on, even if I struggle now. I try to distract myself and be entertained by the chirpy conversations and gossips of my guests but my mind keeps running back to her. "I know, I wish this moment didn't have to end" "We'll make our own plays. Whaddya say?" I giggle at their silly jokes and outrageous stories, I retort with witticisms out of a script but I can't hear them, not truly. I'm not here. The Zetta is, not me. I am still in my lover's company. I can only hear her soft voice, our words of love. I don't have time nor will to hear that hilarious improbable story I'll absolutely have to tell Richard or that marvellous recent scientific discovery. I smile, I fake interest and thank God -and myself- I am a great actress.

As I move to another table where Lucille is beckoning me over I look out of the window, taking in the starry sky. I'm surprised but a quick smile cross my lips when I spot Adele hanging in there with a steward I saw around the lifts. They're leaning on the railing and chatting. They look like close friends: maybe they were accidentally reunited on board or is it true what they say? Ships make fast friends. I'll ask her about him. Not out of jealousy, even if I wish I could neglect my party more and run at her side where he stands. Even if I wish I could be the one making her laugh now. I just smile at the two of them, grateful that my troubled love is in good company tonight. God knows if she doesn't need a friend and some happiness after all she went through. And I'm afraid the worst is yet to come...

I do my best to lose myself in the complicated story about a common acquaintance my friend is sharing with the ladies and it works, to some extent. At least until when Sabine comes find me and invite the whole group to stand as the waiters pick up the table moving then toward the wall to clear space. Oh, we'll have some dancing! Even the musicians are now moving to the center of the far wall to be heard best. The crowd, myself included, is delighted and in awe. As the first chords of my favorite waltz start playing, everyone is looking for their partners and hurrying to finish their drinks. I drain mine, trying not to think of how much I would love to have this dance with my love no matter how inappropriate it would sound to many here. I ditch the Baron though -that lovable shark isn't fast enough this time!- and a couple of other hopeful admirers to hold Lawrence's hand. "Shall we dance, darling?" I smile encouraged you at him. We both long for a partner we can't pick out in the sun: let our shared sorrow fade away on the note of The Blue Danube, my dear friend. Lawrence understands or so it seems by the bittersweet yet thankful smile he offers me. He reads the unwritten and hears the unspoken words too. My poor dear Lawrence... We chat like old friends as we sway among the crowd. He's not only a brilliant director but also one of the finest dancer I've ever met. He blush a little when I sing his praises and just shrugs saying he has loved dancing. Typical, humble Lawrence... He lowers his voice a little when he thanks me for inviting him to the party, "well, me and Felix". He looks touched when I assure him that I wouldn't have had it any other way, I deeply value our friendship. "Me too, Zetta. You can count on me" he beams before his melancholic smile reappears. "If we close our eyes, we're in a fancy ballroom in Vienna" he whispers, leaning close and guiding the two of us into a graceful turn. I'm about to share a memory of my youth there with him, when I was blinded by the beauty and luxury of the imperial aristocracy there when ruckus erupts from the other side of the room. Surprised cries and laughter ring as the guests stop dancing and the music ceases. "What? My party is not over yet" I playfully protest, pouting. I'm suddenly nervous. I fear the time has come: time for the squalid yet hurtful family theatrics, time for James's show. I try to find out what's going on but I can't make my way through a crowd of ladies and gentlemen stretching their necks and whispering to each other. My fears are sadly confirmed when I catch the baritone voice of the Baron saying "Good show, Miss Carrem. Getting smart with you, was he?" "I'm afraid I cannot stand overfamiliarity. I apologise for making a scene" My love's voice is a bit shaken: is it anger or fright? Concern and fury take hold of me and I shutter my jaw. Lawrence squeezes my hand and I am grateful. "It is I who should apologise, on behalf of those who call themselves gentle..." the Baron continues but James interrupts him. "Oh do be quiet!" His tone is harsh, pure drunk rage. The crowd seems to lose interest in the argument and the music resumes but I'm still wary. I know James is up to something and it's just a matter of time. "I'm sure it's nothing, Zetta. A little misunderstanding...and Miss Carrem knows how to take care of herself" It's Lawrence. I turn to him and he's smiling reassuringly down at me, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. I feels so grateful for his lovable kindness right now, an anchor in a troubled sea. I nod and try to shake my bad gut feelings away. "Why don't we take a break and enjoy the waltz with a drink?" he adds, gesturing to the drink table near the window. I compliment his idea and let him guide me through the crowd. The cold her of the night cools me down and I take a long breath to soothe my nerves. Maybe I was wrong, maybe I'll be spared the drama. Unlikely but I can still hope right? I almost sink the glass of sherry Lawrence hands me, triggering a concerned look that I dismiss, claiming I'm perfectly fine. I just needed a break, I'm not twenty anymore, I grimly joke. "True Beauty never ages, dear Zetta. A beautiful soul defies the cruel compass of time" Lawrence proclaims with a smile. I ask him what poet wrote that line because I can't recollect it in the moment but I'm not surprised in the least to hear that he is the one behind that sweet thought. I pull him into a hug whispering thank you into his ear. When we part, he encourage me to make a wish. "It's your birthday, after all: isn't it a tradition in America?" he asks. I'm still considering and rambling when Felix and Sabine approach us. The party is going well and the guests are enjoying themselves. They just wanted to check in on the honeree, Felix says. Lawrence shows our empty glasses making a funny face and we all laugh. I ask about the little incident before. Felix assures me once again that it was nothing. I turn towards my little Napoleon for confirmation. "Oui, Madam. Nothing more than a quid pro quo. You know how it is. Youth" Sabine says but the look in her eyes tells a different story. "Miss Zetta, any chance you'll make an appearance in our documentary?" Felix intervenes, quickly changing the topic. "We would be most honoured" Lawrence adds, beaming. "A little tribute to one of the finest passengers of the liner" I give a soft laugh, playing with the idea. Maybe I could, after all. A quick cameo. It wouldn't take too much time. I playfully brush them off calling out their flattery but they assure they had considered it over the last few days on board. "It would be a pleasure and an honor" Felix bows. I sigh contently, my eyes wandering from one admirer and friend to the other. "Very well then, my dear friends: I'm in! Why don't we meet...let's say over breakfast or lun-" I start but I stop mid-sentence. Behind my back, an hysterical laugh echoes through the café, drawing the general attention. Conversations and music fades away and an awkward tense silence settles. Cold runs down my spine and I fear my face suddenly goes pale as I recognise the voice. Jamie. It's time. I must endure this bad farçe. I inhale sharply. You can do this, you are a great actress and you survived worst days. You survived Franz. Get ready, Zetta. On scene in three, two one... When I turn, he's stalking towards me, shirt stained with wine and an hysterical light gleaming in his bright eyes. He's dragging Adele along like a puppet. A disheartening picture compared to my fondest memories of him. "Excuse me, Aunt, I merely wished to offer a toast: my salutations on this glorious occasion and-" he exclaims, raising his glass and sloshing wine over the edges. "You interrupting to chew the cud, here, James? Get to the point" I sound a bit harsh, as if annoyed of another interruption. I roll my eyes as I would do with a problematic kid throwing a tantrum and forgetting his manners. Ironically, it's what he's doing, even if he's no longer a child. A weird, unpleasant smile crosses his face. Maybe he was expecting my reaction? "And a fond farewell to your secretary" he adds menacingly as I take a sip of sherry. I narrow my eyes at him over my glass, half annoyed, half amused. Bring it on, Jaime dear. "A farewell? And why might that be?" I see Sabine tensing up at my peripheral. James looks so pleased of himself as he takes the stage like a practiced professional. He doesn't realise he's just behaving like a pathetic buffoon to my -and most guests's -eyes. "To put it simply: Adele is a confidence woman who agreed to come abroad the Titanic to help me destroy you" "Come again?" I fake surprise as the crowd gasps and starts whispering. The attention and the look on my face renew his foolish fervor. "I brought Adele to help me ruin your marriage to Richard King, to keep him from ruining our family... For the price of her freedom, your secretary was to get close to you, discover your worst secret, and deliver it to me." He stops, making a dramatic pause. And now I know: it's the moment of truth. Time of Adele's choice. I stand, concealing my inner turmoil and fears, as the crowd basks into this unexpected juicy coup de theatre. When he speaks again, his mouth twists with a rage I've never fathomed he could hide inside. "She failed!" She...protected me? Even knowing at what cost... My eyes instinctively search Adele's but James is not done yet. "And now she'll go back to jail, where I found her" he shouts, spiralling out of control but loud enough to be heard by everyone. At the word "jail", the crowd utters a collective gasp. He wants to publicly humiliate her since he can't get what he was looking for. Because she dared refuse him the key to my ruin. I wish I could just drop the act and slap some sense into him. What pains me most is seeing him succeeding, to some extent. Adele is frowning under that low blow. I throw glares at everyone taking a step back from her as if she suddenly turned into a criminal or an insect. Miserable bastards... My love proves herself to be superior to all this, again. She straightens up and addresses the crowd, providing explanations she doesn't owe to any of us" "I was arrested for public disruption at a protest for women's rights. I'm not proud of having been jailed, but I'm not ashamed of what I was fighting for" she says, grimacing. Then she looks at me and I smile at her, hoping to convey all my respect, deepest affection and admiration for my sweet brave revolutionary. Let me help you now, my angel. I turn towards James and my smile loses all its warmth. "Bravo, James. You're quite the schemer" I knew he would be confused. I'll deny you something too, Jaime. You won't get an ounce of the despair you wanted. You won't see me crying and crumble under your betrayal: I'm not a Julius Caesar stumbling underneath your dagger. "That's all you have to say? You've been played. She was hired to ruin your marriage-" "She was, wasn't she?" I cut him short. "But she has a conscience, and a lot of courage" I take a pause before smiling again, cold and victorious. "Adele told me all about your terrible plan" His jaw drops and his rosy cheeks pale. He grabs Adele's arm and starts drunkly ramble again. "You - what? No. This doesn't change anything. I'll take you back-" This time Adele interrupts him, spitting the harsh truth right in his face. "Your only power was your wealth, and now that's gone. Along with the trust of your only relative" He releases her and I wonder if he finally realised what a fool, what an ungrateful fool he has been. Adele's right, James. When he turns to me, a desperate look on his face, I brace myself for his tears. Him begging for a forgiveness I'm not sure I will ever be able to give him. Apparently, I haven't learned my lesson: men can't be trusted. Men will always lie to you. "She's the one blackmailing me" Adding insult to injury, Jamie dear? "No, James. She's not" I'm cold and firm, despite the heartbreak I feel growing inside me. "You'll value the word of this secretary over your own blood?" His disbelief quickly turns into rage again. "I value my own sense, James; your plotting was plain as that smirk on your face" My voice is sharp: yes, I want to hurt him just like he hurt me. I want him to feel ashamed and sorry for what he did to me, to Adele. My sharp retort provokes some nervous giggles soon silenced in our audience. I sense fury building up inside him until it explodes. He bangs on the table with his fist, making everyone jump. "I'll get to Hileni, then, I'll hold her, I'll make you tell Zetta's secret-" Is he even speaking to Adele or...to himself? Honestly, I cannot tell. And I'm grateful to Matteo for intervening. I don't know what he's whispering into his ear but it seems to work. James seems to remember himself. For a split second, sadly. He straightens his cuffs and gives us all a tight, cruel smile. "Off to send word to the authorities, then" he says and turns to Adele and me. "As I said before, say your goodbyes" Then he walks away as the unabashed crowd part the way for his supposed grand exit. When he's out of the room, the guests are puzzled, unsure of what they just witnessed. They look at each other asking the neighbour or their partner what our family farçe was. I'm afraid this is just the beginning of another sorrow but the worst is gone. For the night, at least. I let out a long, exhausted sigh: God knows if it wasn't tough but I can breathe now. We can breathe again. And plan a counter attack to his pathetic scheme. I instinctively reach for her hand and take it into mine, uncaring of the crowd around us. "I didn't think the boy would actually do it" Yes, I tried to convince myself of that. I wanted to believe that he was apparently better than he actually is, that he wouldn't stoop so low...but what is my life if not a collection of disappointments from men? "Should I be worried?" There's a hint of concern in Adele's voice. I can't blame her: I don't recognise my nephew anymore, I can hardly tell how seriously we should consider his threats. "I doubt it, but he's not to be underestimated when his pocketbook is in peril" I know my answer offers little comfort but I continue, squeezing her hand to prove my loyalty to her: "Whatever he tries, though, I'll be by your side" Adele smiles down to our hands before meeting my eyes again. "I have faith in you, Zetta. Thank you" Despite I can see more than understandable concerns and fears written all over her face, she squeezes my hand back. I take a deep breath. The weight of the latest events is washing over me. "I'm going to retire to my room and prepare a message to my lawyers. If anyone can figure out a way to keep you out of jail, it's them" "Are you certain?" I give my love a sad smile. "There's little certain in this life, sweetheart, but lawyers with a high hourly rate? They're as close as we'll get" We just smile at my little mot d'esprit. "This wasn't exactly the soirée I wanted, but I suppose the truth had to come out sometime." I continue. I look at her in the eye as I add: "You're a true friend, Adele" I lean towards her so only she can hear. "And I'll wait up for you tonight, if you'd like" Please come find me later, my love. We will find a way to keep you out of trouble, we'll meet the dawn if need be and forget our sorrows and the unpleasantness of this soirée in each other arms. To my surprise, Adele wraps her around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. It takes me a moment to process it but I've never felt closer to tears. Surrounded by the familiar warmth of her body. I know someone is probably, surely staring with a bit of curiosity and malice after the melodrama we offered for free tonight but I don't care. Not now. So I hug her back and give a quick gentle stroke to her cheek as I part. After one last lingering weak smile at her, I gesture Sabine that it's time for our retreat. With the last ounce of strength left in me to keep my act on, I wave diplomatically at the gossiping guests and take my leave, my little Napoleon in tow. The show's over, lads. The show's over...

#titanic storyscape #zetta serda #adele carrem #zetta x adele #zetta x adele series

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sweetdreamsjeff · 4 years

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A few weeks ago, the Library of Congress called me to write an essay on the song "Hallelujah" recorded by Jeff Buckley that was added to the National Registry in 2014. I was both honored and nervous at the same time as I knew this would last forever. As with my book on Jeff Buckley where I wanted to put a stamp on his legacy, with others that knew him best, this is my last act as his manager. RIP my friend and I hope I did you proud. Here's to Eternal Life...

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah (1994)

Added to the National Registry: 2014

Essay by Dave Lory & Jim Irvin

Jeff Buckley’s recording of Hallelujah was not the original, and he wasn’t singing the song as conceived by its author, yet it has come to be widely regarded as the definitive version.

The song was written and composed by Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen (1934-2016), who said in interviews that it took at least four years and two notebooks to write an unspecified number of completed verses. “I don’t know if it was eighty, maybe more, or a little less.” Cohen recorded a four-verse version in June 1984 as part of his album, Various Positions, then revisited the song with alternative lyrics in 1988, a performance captured on the album Cohen Live! in 1994.

Cohen’s unmistakable vocal delivery, which has been described as a “near monotone rumble” and “a brazenly unmusical drone”, is directly opposite Buckley’s falsetto lyricism and musical precision. Cohen accepted one Canadian music award saying “Only in Canada could someone with a voice like mine win Vocalist of the Year.” His version of Hallelujah is full of wry irony.

Raised in an orthodox Jewish family, later becoming a Zen Buddhist, Cohen often used religious imagery in his work. In Hallelujah, the stories of two Biblical couples - King David and Bethsheba, Samson and Deliliah - represent the transformative powers of music, hubris, and lust. David and Samson both have ruinous relationships with their women. David is a musician. Samson has great hair. Both are poets, warriors and adulterers. Cohen could identify with all these qualities, some more lightheartedly than others. While citing Cohen during the PEN awards for Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence in 2012, novelist Salman Rushdie spoke of the song’s “jaundiced comedy”.

Hallelujah has also been celebrated for its uplifting melody, the ascending second half of the verse is particularly moving, while the chorus - simply the title repeated four times - makes the song function as both a gospel soul-stirrer and a kind of hymn for atheists, “I wanted to push the Hallelujah deep into the secular world,” Cohen said.

When an album paying tribute to Cohen, I’m Your Fan, was being prepared in 1991, John Cale, singer, producer and former member of the Velvet Underground, elected to sing Hallelujah, the first time anyone else had recorded the song. (Bob Dylan had sung it live in the 1980s.) He wasn’t familiar with the recorded version, having only seen Cohen perform it on stage, but he knew Cohen, so called him to ask for the lyrics. Cohen sent him, by fax, at least fifteen verses. Cale picked his favorite five, “the cheeky verses,” all of which, coincidentally, had appeared in one or other of Cohen’s recordings.

Jeff Buckley, an unknown 24-year-old singer, recently relocated to New York from LA, was more a fan of Cale than Cohen and listened to I’m Your Fan to hear Cale’s contribution, which closes that album. Struck by its spare vocal and piano arrangement, Buckley decided to include Hallelujah in the long, rambling sets he was playing each week at the Sin-é cafe on St Mark’s Place in Manhattan. These were intimate shows - just Buckley and a borrowed electric guitar - before small, appreciative audiences, covering a wide variety of material, including works previously performed by Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Edith Piaf and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, distilling all Buckley had absorbed in a lifetime of musical exploration. Those shows made Buckley’s name in New York and won him a recording deal with Columbia Records in 1992. Many who attended were especially moved by Hallelujah. Buckley would sing it slightly differently each night, but always emphasized the simmering sexual tension of the verses Cale had selected. He said that he thought the cry of “Hallelujah” was orgasmic. Buckley inhabited the song so well, many fans initially assumed he had written it.

When it came time to pick songs for his first album, Grace, Buckley decided - with producer Andy Wallace and A&R executive Steve Berkowitz, who had signed him to Columbia Records - to record a mix of original material and the best of the covers he had developed at Sin-é. Everyone agreed that Hallelujah had to be included. Though he would often use it as the climax to his live appearances, Buckley placed it in the middle of the album, a highpoint from which he could step into the finest of his own compositions, Lover, You Should Have Come Over.

Beginning with an exhalation of breath, Buckley’s performance, compiled by Wallace from five takes of the song, features him accompanied only by his delicate, skilful guitar playing, an arrangement akin to Cale’s and understated in comparison to subsequent covers, which often used choirs or orchestras to gild the song’s power.

Jeff Buckley drowned, aged 30, in a swimming accident in the Wolf River Harbor in Memphis, Tennessee on May 29, 1997 before completing his second album. He was singing a favorite Led Zeppelin song in the water shortly before he disappeared. Music was the love of his life, and that love went into everything he sang. Though never released as a single in his lifetime, his version of Hallelujah slowly grew in the public’s affection to become the version that other artists would most often discover, pass on and record themselves, “giving the song the final shove into the American consciousness,” said USA Today. The song has been covered over 300 times, with versions by k.d.lang, U2, Rufus Wainwright, Michael McDonald, Bon Jovi, Paramore, Justin Timberlake, Amanda Palmer, Jake Shimabukuro and Neil Diamond.

In March 2008, a performance of Hallelujah on the TV talent show, American Idol sent Buckley’s recording to #1 in the Billboard Digital Songs chart, almost 11 years after his death. Later that same year, three versions of Hallelujah charted simultaneously in the UK, with another talent-show winner, Alexandra Burke at #1, Buckley at #2 and Cohen’s original at #36. Cohen wondered for a while if too many Idol competitors or TV and movie climaxes were utilizing his song, but then decided he didn't mind. He noted, however, the irony that his most popular work started out on the one album, Various Positions, that had been rejected by his long-term label, Columbia Records, the label which handled Buckley’s recording.

Jeff would have been astonished, maybe unsettled, to know that this performance has made it into the National Registry, but it is no less than he deserved. He has become synonymous with this beautiful song. Indeed, no one who knew him can now hear the word Hallelujah without thinking of him.

Dave Lory was co-manager of Jeff Buckley until the artist’s death in 1997. He lives in New Jersey. Jim Irvin is a songwriter and music journalist who lives in the UK. They collaborated on Lory’s memoir, “Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye” published in 2018

#jeff buckley #Hallelujah #Dave Lory #library of congress #Tribute to a friend #the sweetest

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queenharumiura · 4 years

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|･ω･｀) hibari-kyouya-skylark

Send me |･ω･｀) + a URL and I’ll talk about this blog! ||Accepting||@hibari-kyouya-skylark [I was dumb and forgot to @ tag the last time so i’m making a point to remember this time OTL]

These memes are a time for me to just ramble and talk. So, to start, I guess I’ll go with: I was very confused when I looked in my notifs one day to see that I was followed by a Hibari blog. Not in a bad way! It’s like--- ???????????????? someone from KHR, with a popular muse, is following me?

Is this a mistake or---?

Forgive me, because I dealt with a lot when this blog started out. I won’t get into how many times I was told that people didn’t want to interact because: “My muse is gay” or “But my muse hasn’t canonically interacted with Haru before-- I don’t want to interact”. To put it simply, I became kinda jaded around that time.

I’ve gotten better, but there are certain habits that I formed because of that dark time. Such as, I virtually never follow first. I am too terrified to follow people first because of what happened in the past. I’ve had people follow back, but then later tell me they had no intentions of ever interacting. It’s like-- but why follow back then?

So, that’s why, I stopped following first. I have people follow me first as that’s a clearer indication that people are actually interested in rp’ing. So that’s the backstory on that. So, I was surprised to see a Hibari following. Essentially, i’m very unused to people from KHR following and interacting, so I was very ?????? for a bit.

Pretty sure I asked about the guidelines via ask or im. Probably because they weren’t there? I’ll admit that I was terrified to ask, but I did it. I like to read the rules before I do anything with a blog so I was very ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; what if I mess up. Highkey anxious.

I think I first came across the blog when they appeared on Rikku’s blog. Pretty sure I looked through the blog and was fascinated by the whole ‘ohhhhhhhh Yakuza backstory’ in the headcanons or about page. It was somewhere. I know that it was before the blog was then redone.

Basically, I am a curious bean and I like to look into who people interact with and read random stuff. So when I saw the follow on Haru, I noticed the slight difference in url name and also the blog layout. I didn’t have to admit that, but here we are. I lowkey stalked bc i’m curious bean. Then got followed and was “shock-desu.”

I’m very easily intimidated so I was highkey intimidated lol. I won’t lie and say that I’m still not. I’m just--- like that. It can take me a while to warm up to people. Some, I can warm up to quicker than others. I’m not really sure what it is. Basically, i’m just dumb. We can chalk it up to that.

So----- let’s see. Cycling back, I do think you said something about how you didn’t have rules up yet since you weren’t ready to do full blown rps yet since you were going back into the series to refresh your memory. I was okay with that and was pretty much, cool beans, i’ll wait.

I’m pretty sure it was not long afterwards that I saw a post for rules that was written and was like- oho. Proactive- for a lack of a better word bc I can’t words at the moment. Idk, somehow that left an impression on me. Perhaps because 1) It lessened my anxiety 2) it just somehow gave off the feel that ‘someone asked for it, so I will put something up/find something while I’m reliving KHR’

So I appreciated that. Even if it wasn’t done for that purpose, I still appreciated it. I think it’s in the rules where it’s stated that you normally don’t like to write starters because you feel as though you can’t write them well.

Did post a starter call tho, and I stared at it for a few seconds before I clicked on the lil heart. Will say that I was surprised that something was written pretty promptly. For another thing of backstory-- I don’t mean it in a bad way at all. I just-- am used to not getting starters written even if I like starter calls. I’ve just reached a point where I will like starter calls but not get my hopes up.

So, to see something so prompt was a shock for me, and also--- uhh--- touching? It’s like, it could’ve been ignored, but it wasn’t. Not only was it prompt, but it was a well written starter and so, it left a favorable impression to say the very least. It goes to show that you took care when writing it, and that meant a lot to me.

Afterwards, each reply was written very well and with a lot of detail. It’s clear that thought and effort was put into every reply, and-- idk, it made me pretty emotional. Like, wow, I think... Rena is enjoying this thread? New concept! A KHR blog who actually wants to interact. #Concept.

[Sorry that this goes down a dark point sporadically. I just-- have baggage when it comes to the KHR fandom from a few years ago aha;;;;;;; I honestly don’t get my hopes up to high with KHR fandom bc of the past. It hurts less that way. ]

It was recently we talked via im and you let me know that you actually liked Haru and enjoyed interacting with all sorts of muses as it allows one to explore through different themes. I feel the same way, and it was nice to know that we shared that thought.

Pretty sure I was also sent a fanart with Haru and Hibari in it and it’s like. omg. A picture tribute. #blessed.

Lil things like that mean a lot to me bc it’s like, ‘wow someone thought of me and thought to share with me something. I exist in their realm.’ So that really helped me warm up in the past couple of days.

Now i’m just intimidated because ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh such a good writer. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh can’t do justice. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh.

I can’t think of anything else to confess, write about, so i’ll stop there. alskjlaskjdlfajlfjals

#Anonymous ask #answered ask #thanks for the ask!#Meme answered #Neo speaks #((Sorry that I'm just everywhere))#((Also sorry that I just go through emotional bumps throughout))#((sorry if I say anything that came out wrongly OTL))#((I'm just a very shocked bean who has very low expectations for things))

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