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theladyofdeath · 1 year

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The Holiday {4}

Ships: Nesta x Cassian / Aelin x Rowan

Written alongside @snelbz

Trope(s): Christmas, fluff, love at first sight, enemies to lovers

Summary: Nesta has just been dumped. Aelin hates her job. Both women need an escape from reality and with Christmas quickly approaching, it's the perfect time for a getaway. After discovering a trend where people can swap houses for a non-traditional vacation experience, these two women decide to spend the holidays in each other's homes. With their houses comes a series of unique experiences and a couple of handsome suitors. It's time to see just how much a change of scenery and two weeks of Christmas solitude and romance can change a person.

A/N: I hope you're all enjoying the fluff! x

Rating: M for mature - language, smut, substance use, etc. 18+.

Inspired by The Holiday (2006).

There was a diner Aelin had noticed as she was shopping the day before, nestled in between the grocery store and the pharmacy, and despite the entire kitchen’s worth of groceries she had bought, the idea of a greasy bacon cheeseburger was enough to make her stomach grumble. Before she’d even fully made the decision to stop on the way home, she was pulling into the parking lot and cutting the engine.

The neon lights around the edge of the roof, still bright in the afternoon sun, were humming as she pushed open the door and let herself in.

The hostess, wearing the cutest vintage green dress Aelin had ever seen, greeted her with a smile and led her to a booth along the front windows. She was considering the merits of ordering a chocolate milkshake to go along with her burger when a familiar voice broke her out of her thoughts.

“Are you stalking me?”

Coming to an abrupt halt, Aelin looked at the booth they were just about to pass and found Rowan smirking at her.

She managed to pull a chuckle out of her surprise. “I would say no, but recent evidence is starting to prove otherwise.”

His grin softened. “Care to join me?”

Aelin hesitated. “Oh, I don’t want to interrupt.”

Rowan shrugged. “I’m alone. All you’d be interrupting is the time I waste on my phone.”

Aelin glanced at the waitress who was waiting, humored eyes dancing between Rowan and Aelin, before she nodded. “Okay, sure. But don’t judge the display of food that’s about to be laid out before me.”

Rowan closed his menu as Aelin sat down across from him. “No judgment.”

“Rowan’s won a few too many contests here to judge anybody,” the waitress mumbled before giving Aelin a menu and a wink and walking away.

Aelin slowly turned to Rowan, brow lifted. “Contests?”

Rowan cringed. “Yeah, you know…pies…onion rings…”

“Onion rings?” Aelin laughed. “How many onion rings do you have to eat to win an onion ring eating contest?”

She swore he turned a light shade of green. “Too many.”

Aelin’s laughter continued as she opened her menu. “Fair enough. We all have our hobbies, I guess.”

Rowan chuckled. “Yeah, well, that was years ago. If I tried that now, I don’t think I’d make it. Not as young as I once was.”

He had to be under thirty, maybe a year or two older than herself, but Aelin just rolled her eyes. “Excuses.”

The waitress came back and, just to smite the man across from her, Aelin ordered a large heap of onion rings to go with her burger and milkshake.

The small talk was easy, never a lull between their words and laughter. Until Rowan asked, “So why come to Orynth and spend Christmas alone?”

Aelin, halfway through her chocolate shake, despite the fact that their food hadn’t yet come to the table, hesitated.

Rowan picked up on it immediately. “Hey,” he said, voice calm and cool. “If it’s personal, you don’t have to talk about it.”

She shook her head. “It’s not, I just…needed a break from life. I got to the point where I wanted to run away, so…I did. Just for a little while.”

Rowan’s arm rested along the back of the booth and his fingers were constantly moving. It fascinated Aelin, reminding her of fingers moving along guitar strings.

“I get that,” he said, after a minute. “If there’s ever a place to run away to, this is it. You get solitude but not so much that you go insane.”

“Are you from here?” Aelin asked.

Rowan shook his head. “Doranelle. Went to university in Orynth, though, then stayed. I prefer it up here than in the city.”

Aelin nodded. “I can see why. It’s beautiful.”

Rowan agreed. “It is. It felt like home right away. Now I don’t see myself leaving.”

“It’s a great place for a lumberjack turned tree farmer,” Aelin noted.

Rowan laughed. “Is that what I am?”

Aelin lifted a brow. “So it seems.”

Rowan pressed his lips together as he nodded. “I guess I’m a man of many trades.”

Aelin was about to ask him what all of those trades were, but then her food was set down in front of her and her mouth watered. The bacon cheeseburger was massive and smelled heavenly.

Rowan ordered a patty melt and a plate of fries, which he wasted no time digging into.

“All the ladies here seem to know you pretty well,” Aelin said, ripping into an onion ring.

“It’s a small town.” Rowan shrugged. “Everyone knows everybody pretty well.”

It was so different from Velaris. Aelin was constantly meeting new people every day and rarely saw them more than once, unless they were a close friend, of course. The idea of such a small town where everyone knew everyone was charming.

As if sensing where her thoughts had drifted, Rowan asked, “Do you like living in Velaris?”

“I do,” she said, and it was true although it definitely had as many cons as pros. “It’s massive and hectic and loud, but there’s something about it that you can’t find anywhere else.”

“I went a few years ago just to see Starfall,” Rowan said, voice soft, genuine. “I’d never seen anything like it.”

“Starfall is why I stayed,” she sighed, thinking of the one night a year that everyone gazed at the sky, no matter who you were or what you were doing. “I saw it my freshman year and fell in love.”

“You went to VU?” He asked, popping a fry into his mouth.

Taking a sip of her milkshake, Aelin nodded. “I did. Starfall was always a little…wild on campus.”

She immediately fell into a story from her junior year, when she, Chaol and Dorian had decided to break onto the football field and watch the stars from there. They had almost gotten caught, only getting away from security thanks to some quick thinking by Dorian, opening and closing a door to get the guard off their trail.

She was still laughing when Rowan asked, “Why didn’t he come with you?”

“Who?” Aelin blinked. “Oh, Dorian? I haven’t seen him in a few months. We all get together every couple months, but it’s hard during the holidays.”

There was a beat of silence and then Rowan asked, “So Dorian isn’t your boyfriend?”

The irony of the fact that Chaol had been her boyfriend at the time wasn’t lost on her, but she shook her head. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Rowan stared at her for a minute before saying, “Sorry, I assumed.”

Aelin shrugged, picking up the last bite of her burger. “Don't be. I don’t date much, to be honest. I work too much.”

“I get that,” Rowan said, pushing his empty plate aside.

“How about you?” Aelin asked, dwelling in the last few sips of her shake. “Date much in a tiny town like this?”

It was a playful question, and Aelin’s tone had been light, but there was nothing light in Rowan’s eyes as they drifted away from Aelin’s. “Not really. How was your food?”

She could take a hint.

Feeling like she suddenly crossed a line she shouldn’t have with this stranger, Aelin called for her check. “I’m sorry, I feel like I’ve taken up too much of your time. You’re probably busy.”

Rowan’s eyes snapped back to hers and they were full of surprise. “Oh, no. A perk of being self-employed is that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.” Aelin chuckled but the mood had shifted. He went on, “Although I guess I should get back to the lot. This next week will be a little hectic.”

“I’m sure,” Aelin said, pulling her wallet out of her bag. “The tree is beautiful in the living room, by the way. It’s stunning.”

Chuckling, Rowan reached into his pocket and withdrew his own wallet. He’d stopped by around eight-thirty and had Aelin’s tree in place moments later. His visit had been brief, but Aelin had enjoyed his presence, just like she had today. He was easy to talk to. “Did you really decorate it last night?”

“Absolutely.” Their server stopped by, dropping off their checks. “Took about an hour and a bottle of wine, but that cottage is ready for Christmas.”

Before Aelin could react, Rowan had grabbed both checks and stood. “If you wouldn’t mind some company, I’d love to see it.”

Aelin was so shocked by his offer that she didn’t even try to stop him. “I— You would?”

He smiled, offering her his hand to rise from the booth. “I’ll be honest, the decorations aren’t that important, but I’ll pretend if you’d like me to.”

Aelin had to get it together. This trip was not about a hookup, this trip was about relaxing and taking time for herself. But here she was, staring like a mooning teenager. Putting her hand in his, Aelin stood, tossing her loose hair over her shoulder. “I’ll have to make sure I’m free.”

Rowan’s smile twisted into a handsome smirk. “I hadn't mentioned when yet.”

“Oh.” Aelin managed not to cringe.

“How about you text me and let me know if you’re free,” he said, heading for the register with a wink.

Just fully registering that he was walking off with her check, she blurted, “Thank you!”

His shoulders shook with silent laughter. “My pleasure.”

He paid, and she hurried to the car before she could come up with an awkward goodbye. As she slid into Nesta’s driver’s seat, her heart was racing. Yet, even as she drove back to the cottage, she had a feeling she wouldn’t be able to say no to Rowan’s offer.

<.>.<.>.<.>

After that first night, Nesta had spent every night at the townhouse in quiet, peaceful solitude. Yet, as she looked at her nicer clothes, she wondered if she should go out.

Cassian hadn’t been back yet but she saw him leaving a half hour before with his guitar. It wasn’t that she was creeping or stalking or anything near, but she’d looked out the kitchen window at just the right time to see him loading up his car and driving away.

The temptation to go get another burger was overwhelming.

But then she would be seeing Cassian, would risk him thinking that she had come only to see him, and that seemed horrible.

The last thing Nesta wanted was for this cocky asshole to think that she was going to watch him perform.

She’d gotten a text from Aelin that morning, asking if she minded if she used her car. After giving her permission, Nesta took her opportunity to ask about Cassian. Aelin apologized profusely, but Nesta told her not to worry about it. Aelin told her Cassian was a good guy, that they’d been neighbors for almost three years and he was one of the best guys she knew.

Nesta glared at her phone as she read the text, despite it being what she needed to hear.

No, she was not in danger of him coming back.

No, he was not going to come back and rob the place.

Yes, he really was just trying to be nice.

All day long, she considered how to spend her evening. She had weeks to get the next draft of her book to her publishers, so she decided against writing. She was sick of cooking for herself and a burger really did sound delicious.

Not to mention, she was out of wine.

With a sigh of resignation, Nesta headed for the bathroom to get ready. She supposed she owed him an apology for threatening him with a frying pan.

Embarrassed to admit that she had changed her outfit twice, Nesta was out the door in under an hour and walking toward the bustling city. The starlight above her had already begun to shine, the sun long forgotten. Snow steadily fell around her, but it was still and calming. There was no wind and the temperature was decent enough for winter.

With the city lights coming upon her, it was a beautiful sight.

The Illyrian was packed, as usual, and instead of a table she offered to sit at the bar so that she wouldn’t have to wait. Cassian was in the middle of a song and didn’t seem to notice her as she entered. Not that he should, she thought, he doesn’t even know me.

The same guy - Rhysand - was behind the bar, pouring drinks. He poured Nesta a Jack and Coke before taking her order and putting it into the kitchen.

As she waited for her food, Nesta spun on her barstool and leaned back against the smooth surface, drink in hand. Cassian played a ballad she had never heard of but didn’t mind, especially the way that Cassian sang it, his lips close to the mic and his eyes closed.

She took the opportunity to look at him a little closer. His hair was loose tonight and Nesta had to admit she preferred it that way, compared to the little bun she’d seen it in as well. He’d traded out his seemingly constant rotation of black shirts for a plaid button up and the sleeves were rolled up his arms. She could see tattoos peeking out from under the fabric at both his forearms and his chest.

He was so incredibly attractive. The issue was that he knew it. Oh, he knew it, and it was so blatantly obvious in the way he carried himself.

His eyes opened and roamed across the tables of women who sat near the stage. She couldn’t tell if he was tipsy or if his eyes were laden with lust, but either way the look on his face made her cheeks warm.

“I see you’re enjoying your vacation.”

Nesta twirled around, narrowly avoiding spilling her drink, and saw she had been joined by two women.

One being Emerie, her server from the few days before.

“Oh, hi,” Nesta said, hoping she hadn’t been staring at Cassian with a string of drool dripping down her chin. “I— yeah, this place is incredible. The burgers are to die for.”

“True,” Emerie agreed, then nodded toward the stage. “And the music?”

Nesta cleared her throat. “The music is fine. Live music is always nice.”

The other girl snorted. “Not always. You should have heard the tool that was here last week. He brought a fiddle.” She shook her head. “It was weird folk music every night.”

Emerie rolled her eyes. “Nesta, meet Gwyn. Gwyn, this Nesta. She’s visiting from Orynth.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Nesta smiled, shaking Gwyn’s outstretched hand. She turned back to Emerie. “The music is nice. Not so sure about the musician.”

Her dark brows furrowed. “Cass? Why not?”

“He’s so nice,” Gwyn added.

Nesta backpedaled, not expecting the girls to know him. “I’m sure he is, we just…had an interesting introduction.”

The girls demanded she tell them the story and she relented, both of them howling at the idea of her using a frying pan as a weapon on an intruder.

The girls fell into easy conversation, the three of them chatting about anything and everything.

As they talked about their favorite books they’d read recently, Emerie waved down another bartender Nesta didn’t recognize to order them all another round. Gwyn got noticeably quiet as their drinks were set in front of them, Nesta’s dinner as well, and he asked if they needed anything else.

Emerie said something in reply but Nesta’s gaze had drifted back to the stage. Her back straightened when she realized that he was already watching her. His fingers picked the strings effortlessly as if all of his attention wasn’t on her. The intensity of his gaze took her breath away, and judging from the smirk on his lips, Nesta wondered just how red her cheeks were.

“I should go.”

Apparently, Emerie had been in the middle of a sentence because she came to an abrupt stop. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just…tired. I had a long day.”

Gwyn frowned. “Aren’t you going to finish your food first?”

Nesta looked down at her untouched burger. “I’ll take it with me.”

She glanced over her shoulder, quickly, but Cassian had moved on. He was now looking at a drunk blonde who looked like she was about to take her top off.

Good, if one of his groupies had his attention, that meant it wouldn’t be on her.

Nesta didn’t let herself linger on the ache in her chest that felt suspiciously like loneliness as she gave Emerie and Gwyn an Oscar worthy smile. “I’ll be here for another week and a half. We should get together for coffee or something while I’m here.”

After paying for her dinner, her drinks mysteriously not being on her bill, Nesta exchanged numbers with the girls and was headed out the front door when she heard her name.

Having someone call your name in any normal situation is often unexpected, but hearing your name called in an unfamiliar city?

Nesta froze where she stood on the sidewalk, fat flakes of snow still falling, and waited. She really shouldn’t have been surprised when Cassian pushed through the doors. “Where are you going?”

“Back to the townhouse.”

“But I just got done.” He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

She was holding the to-go box with her burger in it in one hand, her other hand in her pocket. “And I’ve been here for about an hour already. I was ready to go.”

He took a step towards her. “Em and Gwyn would have liked for you to stay longer.”

Scoffing, Nesta asked, “Em and Gwyn? Or you? Shouldn’t you be wooing your fans?”

Cassian looked damn near offended by her comment. Or maybe it was her tone. “I’m sorry, have I done something else to piss you off?”

No. “I have to go. Have a good night.”

“At least let me give you a ride back,” he said, starting to follow her.

Nesta held up the hand that was in her pocket. “I’m perfectly capable of walking. You have better things to do.”

His brows furrowed but she ignored his quizzical expression as she turned her back to him and walked back toward Aelin’s house, hungry and alone.

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arhvste · 4 years

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❝bokuto, atsumu, suna and aran introducing their s/o in an interview❞

bokuto koutarō

→ E X C I T E D

→ why wouldn’t he be though?

→ he gets to finally introduce his wonderful s/o to the world

→ when his pr team gave him the green light, he didn’t hesitate

→ “ah bokuto! great playing today, might we ask who this is beside you?”

→ “this is y/n! aren’t they good-looking?! i’ve found myself a keeper huh?”

→ rambles on and on about you

→ no off switch

→ “so uh bokuto, do you mind talking to us about your opinion on your game performance today?”

→ “yeah lemme just finish telling you about this time y/n and i went on extreme fishing abroad! 🤩”

→ reporters are kinda like 😀 while he talks about you

→ fans are o b s e s s e d

→ #bokuy/n #stany/n #couplegoals are trending

→ twitter LOVE y’all

→ they love that bokuto doesn’t give af about what the reporters are saying 💀

→ he only seems to want to talk about you right now

→ it’s not like he’s purposely doing it though

→ he’s been wanting to talk about you for so long he’s just excited he’s finally allowed to

→ when you guys meet fans after the interview bokuto stops to chat to every single one

→ they love yourself and bokuto’s dynamic and laugh and joke with the two of you

→ a TON of group fan photos

→ bokuto fans are now y/n fans too

→ they literally decide you and bokuto will be married some day so they might aswell stan now

→ they’re gonna be looking out for you in future appearances with him

→ and you can bet yer ass that bokuto is gonna bring you along and show you off every chance he gets

→ fans are well fed by bokuto and it’s a fact

miya atsumu

→ literally almost fought with his pr team when they told him to wait a bit before introducing you to the public

→ “miya, your fangirls will most likely react badly if you introduce them right now.”

→ “yeah and? let em 🙄”

→ atsumu IGNORES his pr team and does it anyway cause he thinks it’s stupid about worrying what his fans will think

→ it’s not their decision who he dates 😡

→ anyways, he brings you on a talk show interview

→ “good evening miya-san, and whos this youve brought along with you?”

→ “this is y/n, aint they gorgeous?”

→ he is SHAMELESS about flirting with you on air

→ “yer so stunning tonight ya know? just wait till we get home 😏”

→ “m-miya-san! i think we should edit that out...”

→ fans have mixed reactions tbh

→ ya can’t please everyone ig

→ atsumu couldn’t give two shits though 😹

→ this man LIKES AND RETWEETS fans that are bashing other ones for not stanning them as a couple 💀

→ his pr team won’t stop ringing his phone to stop

→ doesn’t care at all, he’s always been transparent with how he likes his fans to behave why would this be any different?

→ in the end, more people start to stan after they see how seriously he’s taking this

→ since he genuinely seems to care and love you, they suppose they can stan y’all as a couple 😐

→ i’m sorry you guys aren’t trending the same way bokuto and his s/o were though 😹

→ give it a month though and a few magazine covers together and you have everyone wrapped round your finger and his fans start to like you more 🤪

→ more than atsumu in fact

→ because you’re so nice to his fans they just kinda convert 💀

→ atsumu doesn’t really mind tbh he’s just glad that you’ve been accepted and he doesn’t have to worry about people stepping too much out of line

suna rintarō

→ another one who doesn’t really care

→ he doesn’t exactly go out of his way to hide you but you guys aren’t big on pda either

→ suna leaves his fans GUESSING and doesn’t even know it

→ his fans literally s c a v e n g e for any little detail or anything about you because you and suna rarely go out and make a big scene

→ y’all are probably just grabbing lunch and his fans have several conspiracies over who you are what what the two of you are doing

→ it’s a whole big thing on his side of the twitter stans

→ suna doesn’t know about this because he’s not even on his own side of twitter 💀

→ suna’s timeline is a ton of stuff to do with gaming because i know this man streams with kenma sometimes

→ y’all can’t tell me that these two wouldn’t stream together and have an elite friendship after the timeskip 😡

→ and somehow suna made it onto barb stan twitter

→ no clue how he got there but he’s not mad about it because he thinks they’re funny af and is now a secret barb himself

→ anyways, eventually the two of you are caught on the street by an interviewer

→ and suna’s just there answering their questions like this 😐

→ he just wants to go grab some milk from the store with you can the reporters just gO away 😡

→ attention is then turned to you after the irrelevant small talk the interviewer had with suna

→ “oh ahahah just wondering... who’s this with you we’ve all been dying for an answer!”

→ “huh? you have? why? it’s just y/n my s/o it’s not that deep bro 🥱”

→ he doesn’t make a fuss about it and neither do you because like suna said it’s not that deep

→ the interviewer is just like 👁👁 and then thanks you and leaves

→ well that was easy wasn’t it?

→ that answers their months worth of questioning ig

→ you and suna later discover about the ongoing theories as to who you are and what you are to suna

→ from then on, the two of you MESS with his fans and constantly leave them guessing as to whether you’re together fr or not because y’all think it’s funny how much they care💀

aran ojiro

→ his pr team don’t even tell him to keep you from the public

→ this man is going to introduce you respectfully and properly and they know this

→ one of the few pro athletes who don’t need to have their social life kept on a leash because he goes the right way about it 😎

→ he brings you along to a magazine interviewing when you tell him that you’re comfortable with going public

→ oh btw, absolutely NO pressure from him to go public everything’s done in your own time

→ mf KING 😡🤚

→ straight away he’s making sure that this interview is based on your relationship rather than just him

→ “hey everyone, this is y/n my partner! they’re going to be joining me today!”

→ the interviewers LOVE you both

→ absolute dream to work with you guys

→ your dynamic is 🧑🏽‍🍳😙👌

→ every so often there’s a question about a recent games he includes you 😼

→ “so regarding your recent game, how well do you think you performed?”

→ “i think i was okay but definitely not at my best, it comes across differently watching from the sidelines though doesnt it! y/n, how did ya think i played from watching from yer perspective?”

→ see !! this man is including you every chance he gets 😩

→ fans adore you

→ literally deem you their parents 😎

→ just like bokuto, aran is wonderful to his fans

→ talks to every single one of them because he was raised to acknowledge anyone who politely acknowledges him

→ has full on conversations with as many fans as he can with you

→ tells them mf STORIES about the two of you and how you met etc

→ his meet and greet is literally story time with aran and y/n

→ fans are quiet and all stand around the two of you as you both tell little stories and stuff about your relationship

→ again, so many group photos

→ you guys literally become the parents of his fanbase

→ some fans are already planning your wedding for you on twitter 💀

→ aran doesnt mind though

→ cause he might just take a few of their ideas when he marries you for real 😏

general taglist → @atsumuwoah @bloody-bella @bbymilkbread @miracleboy420 @doggonudez @atsunakaashi @peteunderoos @saturnfarie @toffees-main @zumisace @boosyboo9206 @totorosleaff @27kei @babyybokutoakaashi

please send an ask to be added / removed from my taglist

ALL CONTENT BELONGS TO @KUROOSKULT ON TUMBLR 2020 PLEASE DO NOT REPOST, CHANGE OR PLAGIARISE

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battlinghurricanes · 4 years

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LITYERSES HEADCANONS!!!!!!!

I saw some other headcanon posts for him, so I felt inspired to throw my own ideas out there! I think some of my headcanons are pretty different from the ones a lot of people have of him, but I always like reading other people’s ideas so hopefully people will like this too!

(also theres a lot, this is long *cough* my bad)

- After the incident in The Lost Hero, after Midas dies, Lityerses is homeless. His father’s mansion is destroyed and it’s not like he has anyone to turn to.

- They mention in The Lost Hero that the Hunters of Artemis came across Midas and Lityerses earlier. When they did, Lityerses heard in passing about Camp Half-Blood. It’s the only place meant for demigods that he has even the slightest knowledge on, so he sets his sights on making it there.

- It takes eight grim months to reach New York. It’s half a miracle, slowly taking busses, hitchhiking, and sometimes just walking to the next city. Monsters attack him the entire way and he adds plenty of new scars to his collection.

- There’s no reliable way for him to get money. He gets much, much better at using his powers as a son of Demeter. He uses it to grow fruits, vegetables, and any sort of edible plant so he can at least have food of some kind.

- He goes to New York City because he doesn’t know what else to do. He doesn’t even know if the Hunters were talking about the city or the state but he figures he has to start somewhere. Unfortunately, the Triumvirate notices his presence before anyone from Camp Half-Blood does.

- He follows some demigods to Nero, who sent them to collect him. He offers a position working for the Triumvirate in exchange for food, lodging, and other basic support. Lityerses is tired and he wants to sleep in a bed and have proper meals he doesn’t have to worry about acquiring.

- He accepts, not caring if what the Triumvirate is doing is shitty or not. Nero sends him to Indianapolis to work for Commodus.

- Apollo’s decision to give him another chance was very affecting. Especially coming from ancient times when the stories of the gods on earth were far more real and immediate, he knows very well how the gods could treat mortals as simply disposable.

- He had never questioned his belief that any mortal who got wrapped up in business with a god suffered a horrible fate because of it, whether the god intended it or not.

- But then Apollo saved his life and defended him at the Waystation and told him he trusted him and Lityerses’s mind keeps drifting back to him over and over and over.

- His mind wants to reconcile what Apollo did for him with what he knows about the gods. He can’t, and that makes him feel a great many things that he can’t pin down. Apollo decided to care about him when he had no reason to, and he doesn’t know what that means for him.

- He feels a twinge of gratitude whenever he steps into the sunlight and pulse of anxiety whenever he wonders if he’s okay on his quest.

- He thinks about Meg, his little sister, and hopes they’re keeping each other safe.

- Lityerses can occasionally seem really dull, indifferent, or unresponsive because he gives super minimal reactions to things sometimes, but that’s really not the case.

- Being in the modern world for him is sort of like a slight, but near constant sensory overload. Sometimes, his brain is too busy processing other stuff to fully load up an emotional response. He’ll react to something in his mind but he won’t express it outwardly at all.

- Leo, running up: Wanna help me strap a firework to a crossbow bolt and try to shoot it into the office building across the street to see if it’ll blow up in there?!!!!! Lityerses, with a completely flat voice and blank expression: I think that’s a very bad idea.

- It’s definitely not all the time, but it does happen.

- (Me? Projecting sensory issues onto every character I like? It’s more likely than you think.)

- He has a very “go with the flow” attitude, to the point of being a character flaw sometimes. It can make him easy to manipulate.

- (Commodus: hey lityerses go put this barbed wire and war helmets and metal teeth on these ostriches Liyerses, in his head: uhuh uhuh uhuh uhuh yeah cool got it i hope i still have some fingers left tomorrow)

- He’s working on it though. He’s working on it.

- One side effect of this is that whenever Leo makes some pop culture or meme reference, Lityerses will just nod and agree. It takes Leo forever to realise that he was just lying going along with it.

- *mid conversation* Lityerses: I’d go get some food, but I don’t have any money Leo: dude, you’re literally just the 69 cents vine, not enough for chicken nuggets Lityerses: oh, for sure Calypso, overhearing: wait, you understood that?? Lityerses: no, I’ve never understood a single word that’s left leo’s mouth Leo: what?!!!! but you said you understood my reference to that dril tweet the other day, right?! Lityerses: yeah, of course Calypso: what’s a dril tweet?? Lityerses: I don’t know. Leo: YOU TRAITOR

- Another side effect: he’s a complete pushover for Georgie.

- At one point, when some of the Waystation crew are walking out in the city, she complains that she’s tired and wants to be carried. When her moms gently refuse, she immediately goes over to Lityerses and holds her arms out and says that she’s tired. He doesn’t even stop walking, he just swoops her up and puts her on his shoulder right away.

- Hemithia and Jo glare at him but he just avoids eye contact. “She’s already up there, too much effort to put her down now.”

- He was in the Fields of Punishment in the Underworld and wow was it incredibly traumatizing.

- His memories of death are sickeningly agonizing, but they also usually feel distant and unreal. Sometimes, though, they’ll worm their way into his dreams with horrific clarity. He’ll wake up in a cold sweat, hyperventilating, with full body tremors he can’t control.

- One morning after waking up like that, while sitting on the floor regaining his composure, Hemithea comes in to see why he wasn’t up yet. He pulls himself together in due time. He doesn’t answer any of her questions.

- He never talks about it, but he’s truly terrified of dying. He never was before, but now that he knows what’s waiting for him...

- It doesn’t help that he knows that, no matter how careful he is or how well he defends himself, he could die at any moment if Thanatos decides to bring him back to the Underworld.

- It weighs on the back of his mind that, at least on a technical level, he has no right to be alive. Sometimes he can’t help but think that the things he does now don’t matter in the end, because there’s no reason he would get a second judgement when he does eventually return to the Underworld.

- He does his best to shut that down and remind himself that trying to do the right thing helps the people around him, no matter what happens after his death, but the thought exists and it is painful.

- He really never voices these fears because he feels like all he can really do is try not to think about it, and when he does, he tries to forget as soon as he can. It’s a burden he shoulders as quietly as he can.

- He isn’t used to owning a lot of material possessions, both from how he lived in ancient times and then from being homeless for a while. He’s only ever described wearing that Cornhuskers shirt because it’s the only one he owned for a while.

- Not long after joining the Waystation, the first time he was going out somewhere them, Jo snapped that it just made him look stupid, trying to look tough by going without a coat when it was so cold outside. Earnestly confused and defensive, he tells her that he just doesn’t own one.

- After that, she insists on filling his wardrobe until he has enough clothes.

- (Speaking of the Cornhuskers shirt, he just picked it out on a whim, sort of thinking of Demeter (They grow corn here like we used to grow wheat, right?) and sort of just thinking it looked cool. Olujime once tried to talk to him about how some college teams were doing and Lityerses just goes “What’s football?”)

- He doesn’t really get modern fashion trends. Leo offers to catch him up, but he declines very quickly.

- In ancient times, dyes and patterns available for clothes were much more limited and much more expensive. He’s fascinated by all the colors and prints people can wear just all the time now. Lityerses wears a lot of bright colors because he thinks they’re cool and fun. He likes red, blue, and purple the most but he’ll wear a lot of stuff.

- Along with not really following any trends, he also hasn’t picked up on a lot of unspoken gender connotations that come with modern clothing.

- When the Waystation are first trying to get him some clothes, he picks out a pink jacket and Leo snorts at him like “You’re going for pink?” Lityerses just stares at him like “Yeah. It’s just pink.” Leo sort of realizes and goes, “Oh, it’s just, you know...” to Calypso. But Calypso is also just staring blankly and says, “No I don’t. I don’t get it. Is there something about pink?” And Leo notices Hemithea glaring daggers at him and he laughs nervously and goes, “Nevermind, it was a stupid joke anyway.”

- Hemithia: Leave the ancient demigod and ex-titan blissfully unaware of our complex, modern gender stereotypes. Leo, sweating: gotcha.

- He pretty much just wears what he finds comfortable. Generally it’s just t-shirts with jeans or basketball shorts.

- Lityerses is a super clingy sleeper and will reflexively grab on to anything within arms reach while he’s asleep. (He’s a big spoon by nature.)

- Leo discovers this and now, whenever Lityerses falls asleep on one of the couches, he’ll entertain himself by slowly pushing a pillow up to him until he inevitably grabs it and pulls it against his chest.

- No one gets those pillows back until Lityerses wakes up.

- He’s very buff. His muscles aren’t super defined, nothing at all like a bodybuilder, no six pack abs or anything. But he’s built. Thick arms.

- He’s very limber and flexible too. He has great balance, which lets him move as fast as he does in combat. He’s quite physically fit in general.

- He’ll never admit it, but he ended up getting attached to the highlights in his hair he got when Apollo revealed his godly form. He thought they were fun and different and he sort of missed it when his hair grew out.

#trials of apollo #toa #lityerses #pjo #litpollo #well none of its super litpollo but #you know you know #long post #also sorry for giving you super cute georgie and lityerses headcanons #and then punching you in the gut with the trauma of death and revival with no warning #not that sorry tho #god its been a long time since ive done headcanons like this #this better go in the tags #edit- it did for a min then disappeared :^)

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random-imagines-blog · 3 years

Text

Control the Noise {General One Shot}

Requested by: @lunchawx Wordcount: 1807 Summary: You’re a songwriter with quite a bit of acclaim but you tend to hide behind a pseudonym to keep your private life private. But it doesn’t stay that way for long.

In your rather spacious apartment, you played the piano softly. The Grammies were being premiered tonight on the television, but you weren’t paying attention just yet. The cameras were all focused on the glamorous people that were walking down the red carpet. Beautiful gowns in every color, suits with different color ties. A few of the men chose to wear something that wasn’t just a simple black suit, and people applauded them for it. But you didn’t care for the politics of the music industry. You were in it for the music itself. The lyrics. The chance to have someone with an amazing talent showcase the words that you wrote.

You were feeling inspired tonight. Your fingers glided across the piano, coming up with a melody - and the words were just popping into your head. You stopped playing and reached for the pen that you kept cocked behind your ear, and the notebook that you kept in place of the sheet music. You wrote down a couple of words, then continued on. It was that constant back and forth which took up a large part of your day today.

“Welcome to the Grammies!” The host of the night said, their voice coming from the television. You pressed your last couple of notes, then looked over your shoulder to where bright and smiling faces were looking down upon you. The host was someone that you had written for, actually. One of his major hits only two years before, but you have both since moved on. You had written three of the songs that were up tonight, which was the only reason that you were watching this. You’d be receiving a phone call at the end either way, but you might as well see how people responded to your music.

You were not the type for the famous life. The musicians that you worked with, save for a special few who had become friends, were given an alias. You wanted your personal life separate from your professional. Your neighbors just thought that you played music for fun, and knew nothing about your career. All in all - life was actually perfect this way. You got the money without the cameras.

It all seemed to go off without a hitch. You had a glass of wine, and some food delivered, so you could enjoy it all from the comfort of your couch. Your manager was texting you every once in a while, asking if you were watching, your opinion on some of the other songs, and some gossip on the big music couples that were there that night. You joined in - it was a little fun to gossip.

The night was going swimmingly. One of your songs had just won an award. You were up on your feet and dancing around, excited at the bit of a pay bonus that you were going to be getting from this. And the fact that the song would sell more now, and you’d be getting a little bit more of a percentage. It was nice to have your work recognized, even if only a small handful of people knew that it was someone else who had written the song.

The beautiful singer went up to the stage, among all of the applause. There, she was given the award. You were down on your knees in front of the television, all sparkling eyes and happiness. You had both put a lot of work into this, and she definitely deserved the fame and attention. The song had been written with her voice in mind. With her background in mind. You were especially proud of it.

“It’s an honor to be nominated alongside so many incredible female artists this year,” The beautiful young woman said into the microphone. “I guess this year we really stepped up. I have my mom to thank, my best friends obviously, y/f/n y/l/n for writing this amazing song, and the rest of the team....”

You fell back onto the carpet beneath your feet. Your name was the last thing that you had expected to come out of her lips. It was the last thing that you had wanted too. Your real name had been told to her in confidence. And here she was just spreading it out there.

You could just barely hear your phone ringing from behind you. You reached for it, without removing your eyes from the television. Nobody on the screen seemed to realize that anything had been wrong. People were still cheering, and the singer walked off of the stage after her speech. You raised the phone to your ear to hear your manager in an uproar.

“No - you tell them that this is unacceptable!” He was shouting at someone, that wasn’t you. “Y/N? Hey, just saw what happened - hold on - No, you tell her that we’re never working with her again! They broke the confidentiality agreement! Y/N, you still there?”

“Unfortunately,” You said, holding the phone a foot away from your ear. You could hear him sigh. He sounded as stressed as you felt. “What was she thinking?”

“She wasn’t. That’s the damn problem. All of that fame goes to their heads and they forget about the business side of things! Goddamnit - why do these award shows have to be live when so much can go wrong.”

“So what do we do?” You asked, turning off the television. You didn’t care about who won what anymore - you were just exposed for the world to know. No doubt your neighbors were watching. It was the biggest thing that was happening tonight, and plenty of people were going to see it. Oh God, even your friends who didn’t fully know what you did were going to find out.

“I’m going to call in a publicist, see what we can do. Don’t worry, it won’t be on your dime. The diva can take care of it,” He grumbled. “Just hold on tight and we’ll figure this all out.”

It had been three days. You didn’t leave your apartment. There had been a lot of phone calls but you only answered the ones from your manager. It was too late - the world knew that you were behind some of the biggest hits of the last couple of years. Your real identity had been discovered. It was unravelling. This was why you never went public, because of this sense of having no control.

You had to leave the house eventually though. You had to go out and get groceries. You psyched yourself up, picking a rather dull outfit from your closet so you wouldn’t get much attention. Even Lady Gaga sometimes gets her own groceries. Brad Pitt has been seen doing it. Besides, it’s not as if a lot of people would connect your name with your face, unless you had to show some identification. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to that.

You kept a hat low over your eyes nonetheless as you went through the aisles of the supermarket, picking out the things that you would need for the next two weeks. It seemed to be going well, no one was looking twice at you. It was when you went up to the check-out that things started to go awry.

Right on the cover of the tabloid magazines which were always surrounding the check-out counters, was your face. And your name. ‘Star Songwriter’s Identity Revealed!’ The picture wasn’t the most flattering one either. It was taken off of your personal instagram account, which as private. You maybe had fifty followers on there, all people that you know, but somehow, one of those pictures had gotten leaked.

While trying not to bring any attention to yourself, you picked up the magazine like you were inspecting it. Then you set it down, facing the wrong way. Instead of your own face, what you saw now was an advertisement on the back. Then you did so with the rest of them, making sure that each one was turned around. Some poor salesperson would have to fix them but it was horrifying nonetheless.

You got out of there as soon as possible, moving from using the check-out counter with a smiling person behind it, to the self-check out. At least there you didn’t have to talk to people. And you could get out with your head bowed and no one looked at you twice.

Once you were back in the safety of your car, just one of the many in the parking lot, you called your manager again. He had been getting a lot of calls from you lately. Most of the time he wasn’t picking up because he was too busy trying to fix this problem. You caught him at a spare moment though.

“There’s no use,” You sighed into it. “My picture is on the cover of the magazines. Like I’m Madonna or something.”

“Oh honey, Madonna is never on the covers anymore. You’re like Taylor Swift now,” Your manager said. This did make you smile a small bit but it was still unfortunate. “But I hate to say that you’re right. You’re trending all over right now. You made it big - so now it’s up to you what you do with it.”

“I guess I should get a publicist,” You groaned. You liked it when it was just you and your manager, who was the one who worked with the record labels to get your song out there. It wasn’t the size of your entourage, it was the quality. And after so long of it being just the two of you, you were reluctant to bring another person onto the team.

“Leave that to me,” Your manager grunted. “At least then I’m still good for something.”

“None of this is your fault. I shouldn’t get close to the artists, I know, it’s mine,” You let out a long sigh. “I guess I have some thinking to do.”

“Maybe you’ll find some inspiration and come out with some new songs, eh?” Your manager said, flipping the conversation to work, as they always managed to do. “Your last few were absolute hits. And now that your name is going out there, people are going to be looking for it. Lots of offers already. Just think about it.”

“Okay. Thanks - for everything.” You hung up your phone and checked yourself out in the rearview mirror, slapping your cheeks to get rid of that blood-drained look that seeing yourself in the magazines had given you. At least your manager was right about one thing.

Inspiration really was running through you now.

#Oneshot #one shot #general oneshot #nonship #requested

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a-singing-carebear · 4 years

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Thank You Critical Role - My D&D story

“The adventure begins, they were always beside you. Your nerdy best friends and the DM to guide you”. Critical role, what more can I say?

I started playing dungeons and dragons when I was around 4\5th grade, playing with a group as an afternoon group\class. 4E, and I don't remember much besides my halfling ranger and a lot of glances and readthrough of my still existing Player's Handbook. (Well the first half of the book, the miniatures section didn’t really speak to me) Finding out my father was a DM when he was younger, and I even went to some events. I can't at all recall why I stopped, but the happiness and creativity wonder I felt still lingered in my mind.

I had the love for fantasy, I had things like LOTR, “hey! it’s just like D&D”, and a lot of creativity and storytelling crafting.

After that, I kinda moved on I guess, felt lonely, and like geekness and role-playing was a bad and childish thing (though it made me feel so spectacular). The closest I got was some lively Avatar OC with some new friends.

Fast forward to 2015, The episode “Dungeons, Dungeons & More Dungeons” from gravity falls. All those feelings rose again and I remembered how much I loved playing.

(also enjoy role-playing and with LARP being mentioned there too, when I went to some Cons I had a blast with the foam swords there).

I took out the 4e Player's Handbook, made with my brother (who got in and out of d&d by that time) a carved foam platform and a cubes map - thus started a made-up game by the name of "D&F" (Dungeons & Fandoms), using his found old dices and it's a 1 on 1 encounter magic arena with no distinct roles. What started as "let's make Ability Scores to characters from shows" became a random "I cast a tree of pancakes on you! -no, I burned it with fire-bending you’re dead". A game that also slowly died as we grew up and apart (“I mean, they used to be best friends, but then they got all stupid. Can you promise me you won't get stupid?”)

(FOUND IT!!!) A mild discovery of the ingenious song “Never Split The Party”, an actual d&d song I discovered after watching Semblance of Sanity and figuring out that their ditty “don’t you know you never split the party” is an actual song their singing.

youtube

[This video is just a d&d podcast they had, but kinda sums up everything I feel about why I enjoy D&D!]

Then another tiny spark 3 years later when the Voltron episode “Monsters & Mana” came out (BTW, a great d&d parody episode). Which mostly came to an end after a glance in the book and dices and helping a friend with ideas to craft his own RPG game.

We arrive at the date when everything changed (well, almost), December 7th, 2018. The day I discovered the “Mighty Nein Animated Intro - Your Turn To Roll” and my life were never the same.

youtube

Stumbled upon it by complete accident. I was at a loss for words, I heard the name “Critical Role” thrown about many times on tumbler’s trending list and saw pictures and art of mostly Jester. I didn't even know what is it - a tv show? a game? well, it looks like D&D. The song was incredible and brought me back, I started writing a full-fleshed out character - a human ranger taught by an elf, but the idea was quickly shifted to another fantasy story by me (it’s heard sticking to it when you know it’s just backstory and character info and you will not play and you have no one). But I continue watching this video on repeat (haha not even knowing what it actually is), scouting tumbler for info and watching some random animatics, learning it's probably a podcast d&d\rpg or something. It could have been amazing as a tv show (XD)… and then another video got released, same incredible essence of d&d song but different animation, and different characters That was my first introduction to Vox Machina.

youtube

I had to check this out. Tried to get into the fandom but got lost, even though the interest was there. Stepping upon the awesome cosplay OP and even found out about a hamilton album parody - and my musical loving self was ecstatic.

youtube

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIDuJAvTTRc&list=PL39vwIwCtLi3l4J6IMV6rS2HaLCujNzRT - Vox Machina: An Exandrian Musical)

Found the full podcast list of champion 1 and started this May. But it was hard following just by voice, and I wanted to see what was happening, every episode was 3-4 hours long, with me in my military base it was impossible. (also I thought to myself “it looks cool, but what so investing and amazing about watching some people play D&D - boy I was wrong).

Then my unexpected savior arrived, miss Corona the pandemic.

I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands and the Critical Role vids got suggested again on YouTube, yes indeed, I discovered there are actually filmed episodes. Towards the end of May, I started the journey and the flame reignited. I started talking to a good friend of mine about his interest in d&d and we started crafting characters - I resurrected my charter into a half-elven ranger with a full backstory. Down the road, I asked another two friends of mine about their interest in d&d (because maybe I can join together an actual party), one of them said, and I’m quoting “no I don’t have experience playing…but I swear I wanted to talk to you about D&D”. Unfortunately, the two friends groups didn’t mix but we made an improved first session with me as the fucking DM, simply magical. Later that week I started a 1on1 campaign with the other friend, with him as the DM and a marvelous start of an adventure (and helping him learn the rules as an ADM, with the past faded expirations I had).

All while fangirly, hyperfixation way continuing with the journey of Vox Machina, it’s amazing because as opposed to other shows I can also completely see the fandom growing along with the show and cast (i just hope I can catch up to the Mighty Nein before the inevitable 3rd campaign, 198 episodes to go - happy 100th ep!). It’s also difficult to get into the Critters fandom right now because most of the community is focused and recognized by Mighty Nein. Also burning up creativity slots and making more various characters then I could ever use - I’m enjoying myself so muchhh. Diving headfirst into this beautiful crazy of the mess that is D&D.

Nothing’s never too late and it’s ok if you have hiatus. It doesn’t make you any less worthy and I don’t need to feel bad about this journey of that a bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors sit around and play Dungeons & Dragons got me back to loving, playing and caring about the world of d&d, it’s part of the intent. As a fantasy lover (spells, costumes, items, structures, creatures, you name it), aspiring creative writer and an untalented lover of acting theatrical and role-playing, along with the incredible mechanism of RPG and the vast community, the amazing time with friends, its the game for me, it always had been. So thank you Critical Role for igniting that flame once again - even if I will lose it again I will always have you guys. “Can you answer the call? Dig in deep in your soul. As the legend unfolds, now it's your turn to roll!”

(sorry for the lengthy length, it was meant to be much shorter)

#critical role #vox machina #the mighty nein #geek and sundry #tabletop rpg #d&d #dungens and dragons #friends #dnd e4 #dnd e5 #ranger #longasspost #COVID19 #quarentinelife #critters

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horseyfuture · 4 years

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Lockdown Horrorscopes

Welcome, horrendous mortal, to your mind-rending Lockdown Horrorscopes. It has been some time since you last graced my tent with your questioning buttocks. No, do not cross my palm with silver, we use contactless now. Just press it on that bit of the window there. Excellent. Your payment has been accepted. Let us discover what the universe needs you to hear...

---

Aries: After many weeks of lockdown, you are beginning to have conversations with inanimate objects around the house. In the middle of a one-sided argument with the toaster, a small, flint-hard piece of green-tinged pitta bread joins the debate, taking the toaster’s side and calling you a “scruffy tossbag”. You may be hallucinating, though also, that pitta bread has been there QUITE A WHILE. The pitta is chewy, but stops talking after a while. A little time later the room becomes a little sloshy, like gravy in a bowl. The fruit bowl pipes up as you walk past. It calls you a wanker.

Taurus: To fend off the tedium, you decide to play a joyful round of “how many chairs can you put on a chair”, to which the answer turns out to be “six, before getting a face full of chair”. While bleeding gently onto a chair, you consider that future sources of entertainment might be more wisely centred around (say) pillows, or kittens, or candyfloss. You do not own any of these things, sadly, as you sold what you did have to get more chairs, very much failing to anticipate the sorts of items commonly found to be of use in a lockdown. Oh well. You sigh resignedly and begin to put a chair precariously on top of some other chairs.

Gemini: Having had more Skype calls with family than anybody can healthily defend, you decide to take a long, relaxing bath. Unfortunately, you are running low on soap. Also, you forgot to stock up on bubblebath last time you went to the shop. And water. Additionally, you do not own any towels. Or a bath. Or the room for a bath. A bathroom, if you will. Still, not to be held back by trifling inconveniences, you diligently strip off and scrub yourself vigorously all over, while sat naked on the kitchen floor. Eventually, the people who own the house return and a Series of Exciting Conversations follow.

Cancer: Because you are so wildly creative and unique, you decide that among your already proven range of wondrous skills, such as writing crap poetry, making crap fan art for mawkish period dramas and attaching small pieces of technical lego to a crap hat, you will blow the minds of your friends by becoming... a baker! Yes. This will mark you out as a trend setter. You carefully go to the shop, observing social distancing except when you aren’t which is always and buy ALLLLL the ingredients for bread making. Literally all of them. So nobody else can make bread. Returning home, you valiantly point your wild intellect at the problem and, with a little help from a BBC recipe guide: YOU MAKE BREAD. It is crap.

Leo: You receive an unexpected parcel. The parcel contains mostly lizards. As well as the lizards, there is a bright red jewel which sparkles enticingly. You discover that the jewel allows you to control the lizards. And also, to see through their eyes. You, furthermore, hear their lizardy thoughts, although to be fair, their minds are fairly quiet and their thoughts are mostly “Woohaar! I’m a lizard!” With your newfound powers, you decide you will finally be freed from your virus-laden lockdown. No longer will you be caged by a mere four walls. You send your lizard army forth to bring you new sights, sounds and experiences. Unfortunately, almost everything is shut and the outside world is pretty dull. After a bit, one of the lizards politely asks if they might have their minds back, to which you accede. They agree to pop round on Thursdays. They’re good lizards.

Virgo: The Gods smile upon you today. The Gods wink at you, also. The Gods send you a direct message asking you how you’re doing today and mention that you’re looking great in that recent profile photo. The Gods say they’re doing alright, you know, but feeling kinda lonely since Karen left, so hey, did you ever get back together with Steve? No? That’s a real shame, you were a sweet couple. The Gods ask if that means you’re still single, then? You are? Oh, baby, there ain’t no justice. What you need’s a real man. You sure do. You deserve one. Or maybe even better. The Gods wonder if you’ve ever made it with a deity. The Gods wonder how come you went so quiet. The Gods say aw, come on, don’t be like that. The Gods themselves go quiet for a while. The Gods send you unsolicited photographs of their genitalia. You block the Gods.

Libra: As you open your kitchen cupboard, a wizard appears before you and tells you that of the two remaining cans of soup, one of them contains not just soup but truly endless riches: the meaning of the universe and an infinite lifespan granted to the opener, with which to explore and enjoy the myriad beauties to be found in a boundless cosmos. In the other can: SUFFERING. Problematically, though, one of the cans is tomato soup from a fairly reputable brand and the other is leek and celeriac, which your weird aunt sent you about four years ago and seems to have been manufactured by ancient Welsh hippies. You go to open the tomato and the wizard winces and whistles through his teeth. You reach toward the leek and celeriac. The wizard smiles and waggles his eyebrows. Bugger this, you open the tomato, the wizard disappears and your arse immediately falls off. You have no regrets and the soup’s pretty good.

Scorpio: You are the twat that took all the toilet roll. Helpful. Aren’t you a good little pandemic pixie? Getting up at shithead o’clock in the morning and nicking all the stuff that your neighbours might have wanted. They suspect you. They saw you carrying your many, many bags past their windows and into your flat. But what they don’t know is that you’re not using it the way they imagine. You haven’t done a poo in over five weeks now. Not since you superglued your bum together. They’d think you were crazy, but you had to. To save the toilet roll for Greater Things. The pains come again, as your tummy heaves and you try to poop through a blocked up bum, but you breathe deeply and in time this passes. Now you are free to return to your great work. Your 20ft high pornographic sculpture of the Queen, made entirely from papier mache. Your Majesty looks down on you in erotic approval.

Sagittarius: Carnival tiiiiime! It’s carnival time! CARNIVAL TIME! Oh boy, oh boy, you can’t wait! You LOVE carnival time! You’ve been waiting so long, and they said you weren’t going to have carnival time because of the virus, but you weren’t gonna miss out! CARNIVAL TIIIME! There’s a strange knocking sound. That’s not usually part of carnival time. You follow the sound to the door, which you open gingerly. Who? Ah. OK. Right you are. I see. Yup. Yup. I will. No, you’re right. I’ll do that. I will. I’ll put it back. I thought you wouldn’t mind. It’s not a real one, it’s just a, no, OK, I’ll get rid of it. And the fish. I got it online. I’ll look after. OK, no, I understand. I know. I will. I’ll wipe it off. Yep. I will. Right away. Sorry. OK. Bye mom. So. Uhhh. Yep. Yeeeep yep. It is definitely not carnival time.

Capricorn: You begin to suspect that there is something going on with your neighbours next door. There are animal sounds late at night and you’re certain they have no pets. Sometimes you hear a tapping, it seems rhythmical. Almost like Morse code. How you wish you’d remembered the symbols they taught you for that when you were at school. One morning, you wake up and sit bolt upright as the sounds of a plaintive, strangled scream are quickly drowned out by a guttural groan of ecstasy, as if something huge and ancient had been satisfied in a way that only demons would commend. Sullen red illumination fades from the windows and all becomes silent once more. You resolve to ask the vicar if he’d consider wearing headphones on his Zoom calls in future.

Aquarius: You decide that you will spend the week not wearing a bra. Why not? Why shouldn’t you at least enjoy some of the more free and easy aspects of long term self-isolation. After the week, though, you sort of miss the bra, so you start wearing it again for a few days. Yeah, actually, this is kind of better. And if this is better, how good would two bras be? You try it out. Feels amazing. Why didn’t you try this before? How could you not have realised that the problem wasn’t tight bras or ill-fitting bras, or always having to wear a bra, the problem was: Not ENOUGH bras. You immediately add a third bra. Holy crap, this is the life. Five or six bras in, you’re starting to slow down a bit, not least because of the underwiring, but you feel incredible, and the SUPPORT is off the chart! The door bell rings. You clatter to answer it, now a somewhat difficult proposition given all the bras. Delivery guy leaves a large parcel on the floor to maintain social distancing, which makes picking it up a little tricky. Again. All the bras. You hobble inside and manage to pop open the parcel. Ah yes. More bras. Perfect.

Pisces: Day 37. You miss your partner. It’s been weeks now and while the occasional saucy video call has kept some semblance of intimacy together, you have needs and an itch you cannot truly scratch. Your hamster runs noisily in its catch, the wheel squeaking. The hamster gets more exercise than you these days. If only you hadn’t sold that treadmill. You feel a kinship to the hamster, tinged with guilt. Now you yourself are confined in your house, you feel bad for locking up little Hammy. In fact, you decide to let Hammy out. You share a strange kinship with Hammy now, fellow prisoners in life’s lonely cage. So lonely. Just you and Hammy. All alone. Nobody else around. Poor little Hammy. All alone, just like you. Day 38. You look at Hammy. Hammy looks at you. Tired, but loving, Hammy’s eyes seem to say a lot of things to you and you feel a different kind of guilt now, looking into them, albeit mixed with gratitude. You put an extra helping of food in the cage, fill up the water bottle and think about where you find yourself in these strange times. You glance back up at the cage and think. “They’re going to make me marry that hamster”.

---

YES! The vision is complete. The skies briefly whirl, the oceans dance then subside and the stars cease their jagged oscillations abruptly and settle down with some snacks to watch Netflix. You have heard the universe’s dark narrative and your brain structures are indelibly marked with what must come. Now go. And tell nobody you visited me today. The police regretfully do not consider this to be classed as an essential journey.

#lockdown #horrorscopes #horrorscope #virus #covid

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comicsteve-blog · 4 years

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23ish Things I’ve Learned about the World from Coronavirus.

This is not meant to belittle any of the chaos but to offer some slightly humorous perspective. Here are my quick observations on our new world:

1) ‘Driveway drinks’ are all the rage. - I’m a ‘social social’ distancer (SSD) and proactively socialize from 10-12 feet away. Most of us have reluctantly embraced social distancing. However, if you’re a social person, the creative emphasis is on the “social” part, not the “distance”. New taglines are emerging such as “Hey let’s eat not together”, “Facetime drinks anyone?”, or “Love to see you from 7 feet away!” Personal space will never be…. the …… same.

· (as an aside, there’s definitely a subset of the population who's thrilled to have a valid reason to be as anti-social as possible... you people know who you are).

2) Join me for a scotch by phone! Zoom video happy hours (ZVHH) will be a new thing. And they’re much cheaper to host - I open the Zoom room, you bring your own alcohol. Pants not required.

3) Household dynamics have changed - Stay at home moms & dads now have stressed out working from home husbands & wives, plus children learning at home. You’re forced to share your space, which can cause major distress. Soon each person will be assigned a room. Who gets the kitchen as their safe space? Who gets the bathroom? Trades will be made, fights will occur. I’ll trade you an avocado for use of the toilet.

4) Pre-Corona sanitizing – was there any? With everyone’s justified obsession with constant handwashing and sanitizing, it begs the question: Were we all dirty and unsanitary beforehand?? Was the subway ever sanitary? When was the last time my crappy gym was cleaned? Howie Mandel aside, I’m just not clear on where we stood on cleanliness in the past?

5) Demographic trends are emerging – Here are the top predicted trends that will emerge in the coming months/years: Corona-babies. Corona-divorces. Highest percentage of babies born to the recently divorced. Babies named Corona to honor their conception. Babies born very, very clean.

6) Spouse anxiety inequity (SAI) – This occurs when your spouse is exponentially more worried than you are. You’re ok with washing hands and taking basic precautions. But you’re not as keen to go apesh*t with your paranoia. One spouse is freaking out, the other is fine. Kids are confused, households divided. There are hand washing timers and toilet paper square limits. Of course, intimacy is out of the question until everything has been sufficiently washed for 20 seconds or more.

7) Newfound family time (NFT) - People have discovered things they never knew existed: 1) walks are a thing 2) family togetherness 3) nature. We didn’t need Trump to make America great again, it was the coronavirus. If there’s one thing we can be grateful for: newfound family love 😊. (note: too much of this will promptly lead to divorce).

8) Emails, so many emails! – Every company I’ve ever shopped or transacted at in the past 15 years has sent me emails. I get hundreds a day from businesses I forgot all about. It’s good to be back in touch Pilates studio I went to once 11 years ago! And I’m glad to hear you’re disinfecting your counters.

9) Physical greetings have eternally changed - Hand shaking is gone forever. Fist bumping is thankfully gone. Elbow shakes are a new thing. Head nods are nice. Finger guns are making a strong comeback. What else will emerge?

10) Rules about remote schooling – While teaching virtually, schools are encouraging kids to use Facetime and social media to be safe. Education by Tik-tok?? Despite the near term logic, everything we’ve been yelling at them about the past 10 years is out the window! Between social distancing and strictly electronic communication, I worry if kids will ever learn to talk to people in person? Is eye contact still a thing?

On the other hand, it’s a strange kind of torture for kids to be out of school yet unable to see their friends or play ball in the park.

11) Conversation about anything but Coronavirus is no longer a thing - I for one am burned out. I’m not trying to downplay the chaos; I’m just anxious and frustrated at having the same conversation repeatedly. Can we maybe discuss something else - even for a minute? Still, regardless of whatever topic you begin to explore during dinner, it inevitably gets turned back to COVID-19 in the end (even sex).

12) Watching the news is the most dangerous activity you can do - Nothing brings panic and anxiety more than CNN. By the way, has anything else happened in the news in the past week? Isn’t this an election year? I don’t know that I’ve heard any other stories. I feel badly for people who get sick or injured from non-COVID19 things… no one seems to care. (unless of course you’re Tom Hanks and have contracted COVID-19).

13) Reevaluating what you buy in the grocery store - You used to have a plan. Now you gladly take whatever’s left on the shelf. We don’t eat this. We do now!

· Only loser pasta is left. Gluten free, pasta made from chickpeas (what??).

· While the chicken is gone, there’s tons of fake meat available. Impossible!

· As a related aside, is there a reason everyone’s buying 18 cartons of toilet paper? Does coronavirus cause diarrhea? (does fake meat?)

· What’s the protocol for produce? It’s out and has clearly been touched. Hmmm. To be safe, I recommend turning all fruit into sangria “to kill the germs”

· Finally, I almost got into a knife fight at Shoprite last night because some fool tried to grab a bag of that delicious yellow Vigo rice out of my shopping cart. Some things are worth fighting for (as an aside, you can have my gluten free bread and oat milk).

14) The accidental cough (TAC) - God forbid someone coughs or sneezes publicly; they’re immediately met with dread. How dare you! Stay away! A sneeze on the bus is perhaps the most appalling thing anyone could do right now. The dry cough? Even worse. Please keep your non-corona bodily reactions to yourself.

15) Homemade hand sanitizer is a thing – I heard some are wasting perfectly good Tito’s vodka to try and make their own hand sanitizer. Tito’s had to put out a statement that it doesn’t work because the alcohol content is too low. In unrelated news, the moonshine business is really taking off nicely.

16) Watching sports – Seems like the sports networks, having run out of things to discuss, are now playing classics. I enjoyed the Mets-Expos 17 inning game from 1988 but seriously there’s got to be better programming options. We’re all home watching TV after all. BTW, if COVID-19 can’t boost network TV ratings, I’m not sure what could. (also please stop broadcasting video game football, that’s not a real sport).

17) Avoid large gatherings - Done. Small gatherings are all the rage. 50+ no good. 49 or under… no problem. (note this # changes daily, soon 7 will be the new cap).

18) Bars were closed on St. Patrick’s Day ☹ - This is an oxymoron. So what are we to do? Host a Zoom happy hour of course. Up to 49 people can attend (not sure I know that many people). I do feel bad for bar owners – their Superbowl has been cancelled.

19) No fighting – Somewhat related to St. Patty’s, fighting is now a thing of the past. You can aggressively curse someone out for coughing in public. Unless that person is unconcerned, there will be no physical retaliation. Go ahead, try it.

20) Travel deals anyone? Sure I imagine all travel may be shut down soon…. But in the meantime, you can quickly (and irresponsibly) book a trip to Florida for $50, the Caribbean for $75, or the space station on the moon for $179. Depending on your risk tolerance and recklessness, this is a great opportunity to see the world.

21) Ignore the stock market – Like everybody else, I watch in disgust as my investments plunge. But I don’t need this money tomorrow, so I’m doing my best to ignore it. Plus there are some obvious areas to potentially invest in: Zoom. Reckitt Benckiser (owns Lysol). Gojo Industries (owns Purell). P&G (TP). Netflix. And of course alcohol and cannabis companies are always a safe bet.

22) Classes at the Polo Club are shut down – this is perhaps the worse tragedy of all. The Polo Club in Boca Raton has canceled its classes. For fk’s sake! If my 75-year-old mother can’t start her day with Zumba, all hell is sure to break lose. As a related aside, mah-jongg tiles are basically carriers in and of themselves. You’ve never seen a Florida community spread a virus until a mah-jongg tournament gets underway.

23) Observe young children and animals - I realize that sounds awfully inappropriate. But I love the fact that my dog and kids playing outside are so innocent and naïve during these times. They don’t seem to have a worry in the world and keep enjoying life with a smile (or tail wag). Think like a child or a puppy, maybe you’ll feel better for a moment or two.

Kidding aside, we’re all doing our best to control this pandemic and get over the hump…. I leverage humor to treat my pain, and I think we all could use a little levity right now. Eventually, we’ll overcome and be back to a new normal (minus handshakes and in-person happy hours).

If you need me, I’ll be performing in an empty comedy club down the street. Stay tuned for my next post – foolproof tips on working from home! Stay safe my friends, Steve

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

Stephen Strauss survived the corporate world for 20+ years and is now a content and marketing consultant. He’s performed stand-up comedy hundreds of times at comedy clubs and corporate functions including sales meetings and customer events. Research confirms his jokes made his fellow co-workers 47% happier.

Please connect at [email protected], via LinkedIn, or just open your window and scream his name (that's probably safest).

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ick25 · 6 years

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Rockman.EXE Episode 36 Review.

This new comercial bumper is the cutest I’ve seen!

Isn’t Japan like in the north?

We open the episode with Netto dying from the heat in the middle of a hot day when a robotic penguin walks in to cool him down.

It was just Meiru trying to brag about her newest toy, an “Adelin-kun” penguin, named after the Adélie species of penguins.

Not a 100% identical, but pretty close.

Apparently, having these penguins is the newest trend in Densan city, especially during the summer. After getting a few shots of people walking around the city with their own penguin coolers, we go to something that looks like a freezer somewhere in Internet city where we see today’s navified robot master, Freezeman.EXE.

I honestly don’t know why he is like that, I inicially thought he was hibernating or something.

We cut to Midorikawa talking about the newest trend of having a robot penguin slave following you around 24/7.

There is no way that this thing is gonna end up gathering dust in a closet during the winter.

We then cut to the Ex-World Three that finally decided to open a curry restaurant named Number One Curry aka Maha Ichiban, where Madoi and Count Elec are complaining about the heat. Luckily for them, they still get a customer who seems to be more interested in the fact that they don’t own one of those penguins.

I wonder if this guy will have an important role in the future.

Netto and friends are heading over to Yaito’s mansion who decided to build a pool because of the heat, figures. We see Yaito waiting for them in her bathing suit as she decides to go for a swim with her personal army of Penguins behind her.

As always, nothing is too excesive for the rich.

Meanwhile, at the Net agents HQ, Saloma and Miyuki are inspecting an Adelin-kun where they discover a strange chip with Gospel’s logo on it.

Why would they start doing this now when the penguins have already been release to the public? There are like hundreds all over the city!

Of course this is the perfect time for Gospel to put their plan in motion. For some reason there is a display of giant penguins in Internet City that Freezeman turn into a super ice tower that begins to emit electronic waves.

Seriously, why is there a display of giant penguins?

This somehow affects the weather in the real world making it suddenly snow in Densan. The robot penguins are shown to be feezing the entire city, Netto and the others try to escape the cold with Meiru forgetting her penguin, but Dekao and Tohru are mysteriously frozen.

Hmm... Iceman’s operator has been frozen... Isn’t that ironic in some way?

Looks like Meiru’s penguin doesn’t like being left behind a second time and ends up freezing her. The penguin plans to do the same with Netto but he gives it the slip on his ice skates, yes, ice skates.

Why is Netto packing ice skates in the middle of summer? Plot convinience!

At the Net Agents HQ, Commander Beef tries to warn Saloma and Miyuki but they are all surprised by a penguin that came in after the Commander.

See? This is what happens when you inspect it late.

The whole city is covered in snow and the tempetures are decreasing fast, as told by Midorikawa who ends up frozen by some penguins that snuck up behind her.

As Netto is skating trying to figure out what is going on, unaware that Meiru’s penguin is following him, Rockman tells him that the network is cold too and that maybe it has something to do with what’s going on in the real world.

Funny, when Iceman froze the Water Works computer back in episode 6 you didn’t mention anything about it being cold. Can Navis even feel cold?

Netto decides to go to Yaito’s mansion to plug-in, but we interrupt this Rockman.EXE episode to bring you an evil robot penguin drama that was cutted from the dub.

RIP, Penshirou.

Yeah, for some reason Maha Ichiban is the only place in the entire city that isn’t frozen because something is keeping the penguins from getting closer. I don’t know why they cut this from the dub, maybe it was to avoid making kids feel bad for the evil penguins?

Netto arrives at Yaito’s mansion where he finds everything frozen, including Yaito. He also discovers that the penguins are the ones freezing the city.

I’m glad Yaito got what she deserved for being super materialistic and excesive, but as we’ve seen before, she is probably not gonna learn anything from this.

After the new cute comercial break animation, we see that Netto managed to escape from Yaito’s army of penguins and is now walking through the blizzard finding somewhere else to plug in. Unfortunately, Netto discovers that he dropped his PET somewhere and goes back to try and find it.

“I was wondering why you were suddenly so quiet”

After this, we cut to another report from Midorikawa, wait, what?

Weren’t you frozen by the penguins earlier?! How many times do you have to perish in this episode?

We then cut to Maha Ichiban where they all seem to be talking about something that will help stop Gospel’s plan, so Mahajarama, Madoi, Count Elec and the customer from earlier run out of the shop, but they all slip on the ice causing the man to drop a strange PET that is melting the snow around it.

They are suddenly surrounded by the penguins who freeze them all together.

It’s nice to know that Penshirou was avenged.

Netto keeps looking for his PET in the snow, luckily, Rockman calls out to him and is found.

Netto! Do you kiss you’re useless mother with that mouth?!

Netto digs Rockman out of the snow, but is too tire to stay awake, he falls on the snow with the blizzard starting to bury him alive. Rockman tries to wake him up with no avail, Meiru’s penguin appears and tries to freeze him before he is buried until Rockman yells his cyber lungs out to finally wake him up causing the penguin to fall off.

In the dub, Megaman notices the penguin, but I think the original gag was that the penguin was trying to freeze Netto the whole episode, but was never noticed until the end.

After successfully waking him up, Rockman reminds Netto that they have to find somewhere to plug-in. Coincidentally, Netto discovers the unfrozen Maha Ichiban and goes inside where he finds a connection behind the counter. Netto plugs-in Rockman and he finds this.

I think that is suppoused to be the gate to Internet city, but wouldn’t that mean that the whole Net is frozen? Or is it just that part?

Anyway, Rockman blasts it with his buster and enters Internet City where all the Navis are frozen too. He sees the giant Ice tower and figures that it is emitting strange waves, Rockman is suddenly surrounded by viruses, but its nothing a few cutted buster shots can’t handle. Oh hey, a Ice Bear virus, long time no see.

Rockman races to the ice tower where he comes across a blue dragon virus, he manages to the avoid its blizzard attacks, but his buster shots are inefficient. Thankfully, the battle chip rule doesn’t include instant win programs, so Rockman activates the Style change and uses the Wood Shield style to defeat the blue dragon.

Now Rockman faces the ice tower, but Freezeman finally makes himself known.

Butt shot! XD

Freezeman introduces himself as a commander for Gospel, he says he wants to test Rockman’s power and creates an ice stage that allows them to use Battle chips in Internet City.

Well, about that, Rockman defeated Shadowman quickly because Yaito passed Netto a bunch of rare chips, and with Cutman they used the Elec Brother Style combined with Woodman’s power, so I doubt you’re gonna get any of that in this battle.

The battle begins and Rockman is having trouble to get near Freezeman, the animation for this battle is pretty good. Something I want to point out is that the art style for this episode is knowen for showing shots where you can appreciate Rockman’s muscular body (and some butt shots), thats why I call this style “bulky Rockman”.

It is no surprise that I learned to draw bodies from watching Rockman. Also, guys have anime girls with mini skirts and jiggly boobs, we girls have moderately muscular anime boys in spandex.

Freezeman immobilizes Rockman with some ice spears and begins to freeze him slowly, while Netto is just watching from the real world waiting for Meiru’s penguin to freeze him.

Seriously, Netto, what are you waiting for? Did you ran out of chips?

However, Freezeman is interrupted by a new fire Navi named Heatman.EXE.

Heatman attacks Freezeman causing him to drop Rockman, and the penguin to break down somehow. The fire left by Heatman’s attack melts the ice covering Rockman allowing him to regain conscieness while the two Navis battle.

As a final attack, Heatman summons an insanely giant flame tower that melts all the ice in both Internet city and in the real world. Netto protects Rockman from the giant flame tower by sending him a Barrier chip.

New butt shot! This art style does not dissapoint in the butt shot deliveries.

After everything goes back to normal, Freezeman has escaped and Heatman tells Rockman that they will be enemies the next time they see eachother.

“No, I’m Rockman”

Netto remembers that the Navi’s name is Heatman and leaves the curry shop after noticing Meiru’s dead penguin behind him.

Finally, now Meiru’s penguin can join Penshirou in evil penguin heaven.

And the episode ends with the revelation of Heatman being Hinouken’s new Navi as he delivers Curry to some random house.

My thoughts?

Before you say anything about the title joke, the title actually alludes to the fact that penguins only live in the southern hemisphere of the planet.

We spend the mayority of the episode following Netto around the frozen city, along with shots of the penguins and the World Three’s restaurant with their mysterious customer, but the animation for Rockman’s battles against Freezeman and the viruses was the best part.

The scene where Penshirou breakes down when getting glose to the curry restaurant was skipped in the dub, along with the shot of the girl penguin avenging him after freezing the World Three. I’m still not sure why, the scene contributed to the plot because it let us know that the curry shop was unfrozen because the penguins where afraid of getting near, it wasn’t explained why, but at least we knew there was reason why it was the only place not covered in ice.

The Curry Restaurant is called Maha Ichiban and it translates to Maha Number one, in the dub, it is changed to Number One Curry since Mahajarama’s name was changed to Yahoot.

This episode introduces Freezeman, a Gospel comander who, just like in the game, covers the net with ice. The mysterious customer is also an important character, but I will talk about him later.

Heatman is Hinouken’s Navi in the second game, we never learned what happend to Fireman during that time, but something tells me that we are finally gonna get the answer to that and many other questions in the next episode.

#Rockman.exe #MegaMan NT Warrior #megaman battle network #anime #dub vs sub #My Reviews

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lushscreamqueen · 3 years

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THE KILLER SHREWS on the Schlocky Horror Picture Show

August 03, 2008

OPENING: Hello, good evening, and welcome to the Schlocky Horror Picture Show. I'm your host, Nigel Honeybone. As the 1950's grew to a close so did the era of the giant radioactive beast. Spawned from the nuclear fears stemming from World War II, the movies saw dozens of animals super-sized due to one of the popular catch words of the time: Radiation! By decades end, just about every manner of giant beastie had been seen. Lizards, spiders, ants, grasshoppers, the list goes on. The major studios had lost the inclination to finance such projects, and gradually re-focused their attention on new trends like nudies, bikies and gothic horror. That is not to say that movies with ginogorous critters didn't exist. It's just that, more often than not, it was left to the little guy, the independent producer or filmmaking rookie to unleash such monsters. Witness tonight, if you dare, as a group of people trapped on an island during a storm must contend with a bunch of whippets in wigs, in the 1959 anti-classic, Attack Of The Killer Shrews! BREAK: Don't go away, we'll be right back with more dogs In drag, and then after the ads we'll get back to the movie. MIDDLE: Welcome back to the Schlocky Horror Picture Show. Attack Of The Killer Shrews, also known as just Killer Shrews, was the brainchild of Texas millionaire Gordon McLendon. Born in Paris, Texas in 1921 he would go on to win a nationwide political-essay contest, attend Yale University where he studied Far Eastern languages, work for the campus radio station, and served as business manager for the Yale Literary Magazine, all before the U.S. got involved in World War Two. After the war he bought an interest in a radio station and built up a following for his live baseball game broadcasts. Having built up quite a name for himself as a pioneer in the radio field, McLendon now turned his attention to film...a regrettable decision for producer and audience alike. He and his family owned several drive-ins and theatres. Like many drive-in owners discovered, their outlets for screening films were considered the bottom of the barrel by the pretentious lot in Hollywood and many in tinseltown tried their darndest to keep their films out of the drive-in chains. This only led to the drive-in owners taking the next logical step, they financed their own films. In 1959 McLendon financed three films: The Killer Shrews, The Giant Gila Monster, and My Dog Buddy, none of which are remembered as sterling examples of cinematic skill, if they're remembered at all. James Best, known far and wide as Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane on television's original Dukes of Hazzard, plays Thorne Sherman and captains his own ship. Sounds cool, but sadly it isn't any bigger than the SS Minnow, and the only person he has to boss around is Rook. He's a glorified gopher, delivering supplies out to Doctor Craigis on his island. Sherman is a man's man, which by 1950s terms means he drinks like a fish, smokes like a chimney, has an appreciative eye for the ladies and is ready for a fistfight on a moment's notice, the kind of simplistic brute we are gradually evolving away from, a little too slowly if you ask me. His Honour Judge Henry Dupree plays Rook Griswold and looks like he could have played the title role in that live action Fat Albert movie: Hey, hey, hey! He's Sherman's sole crewman, although the two seem to share a real friendship rather than just bossy Captain/abused crew dynamic. Poor Rook is the first person to bite it in The Killer Shrews, or more accurately, the first to get bitten. Repeatedly, as a matter of fact. In this way this film helped start the stereotype of the token black character becoming the first victim in horror films. You may think films like Night Of The Living Dead and Alien were breakthroughs for the token black character in American horror, but a pessimist might say they simply get more screen-time before being killed-off. Baruch Lumet plays Doctor Marlowe Craigis. He may not seem like much, but he fathered one of Hollywoods greatest producer/directors, Sidney Lumet, famous for

Twelve Angry Men, Failsafe, The Pawnbroker and Dog Day Afternoon. Speaking of dogs, he also directed the all-black musical The Wiz starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Nobody's perfect. Anyway, Craigis says he hails from Sweden, and has come to the island of The Killer Shrews to further his scientific work, but you and I both know it was to keep his sexy daughter out of the Swedish porn industry. Craigis wants to shrink people, or at least slow down our metabolisms so the Earth's resources will last longer when overpopulation becomes a big problem. I think a bigger problem might be smarmy foreign scientists who screw around with Mother Nature... Swedish-born Ingrid Goude, a former Miss Universe, plays Ann Craigis, Doctor Craigis sexy daughter. She claims to be a zoologist, which is about as convincing as Nicole Kidman playing a brain surgeon. Though to be honest, I wouldn't mind checking-out her knowledge of biology, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Ann serves no purpose here other than to scream on occasion, and to provide Captain Sherman with a new First Mate, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Ken Curtis, another famous redneck, plays Jerry Farrell, part of Doctor Craigis research team. Curtis was inducted into the Hall Of Great Western Performers in 1981 for his performance as Festus in almost 300 episodes of Gunsmoke. Jerry's vital role in the mission is whining, cowering, boozing it up and generally being a waste of skin. He despises Sherman from the start, probably because he recognises that Sherman is much more of a man than he ever will be. I wouldn't get attached to Jerry if I were you. Played by Gordon McLendon, the Texas millionaire responsible for this mess Doctor Radford Baines is another one of the scientists helping Doctor Craigis with his work. This guy is really devoted to his work. In fact, he can hardly think of anything else and walks around muttering things like "Hematoxic Syndrome." His last moments on Earth are spent in devotion to science and furthering the understanding of mankind, instead of doing something really important like trying to get laid or run away. Unknown Alfredo DeSoto plays Mario. Despite the Italian name, Mario is apparently Mexican. He's most likely a servant of some kind, though his main duty seems to be as a device to advance the plot. Whatever he does, it doesn't involve too much physical labor, as Mario's mid section is expanding faster than a balloon. He isn't around much. Just long enough to say things like "Si, senor," "No, senor" and "Aaaahhhh!". It also explains why the shrews ran out of food. Mario doesn't look like he was missing any meals... Attack Of The Killer Shrews gives real meaning to the phrase Low Budget. Filmed on a mere handful of sets and featuring scene after scene of people talking, often with their back to the camera, with little in the way of action, and one could easily dismiss this as pure manure. The fact that the giant shrews are played by dogs in drag when they're not being represented by clumsy puppets, and one could not be blamed for turning up their nose at this movie. If there is a saving grace, it's the short running time. So yes, there's lots of boring talk, but there is also enough monster action to satisfy fans of such schlocky goodness. Besides, I shouldn't have to explain how funny it is to watch somebody scream in terror at a Collie wearing carpet remnants, when the dog is rolling over on his back obviously expecting a belly rub! And it's with that thought in mind we now return you to the carnivorous canine creepiness that is Attack Of The Killer Shrews! CLOSING: It's alright, you can open your eyes now. How exactly do Killer Shrews assimilate poison into their systems, anyway? For instance, I love to drink Absinthe, and I do mean Absinthe, not that over-the-counter swill. I've consumed hundreds if not thousands of litres of it over the years, over three thousand litres just in the last fifteen years, but I still haven't started frothing with green poison yet. If I can't assimilate my own favourite

beverage after drinking thousands of bottles, how can the shrews do so with poison after just one sampling of it? Anyway, please join me next week so I can poke you in the eye with another frightful excursion to the backside of the Public Domain, filmed in glorious 2-D black & white Regularscope on...The Schlocky Horror Picture Show. Toodles!

by Lushscreamqueen

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fashionedchicstyling · 6 years

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How to Become A Social Media Influencer and Start Earning Money

A Popular Instagram influencer by name Rachel Brathen is known to charge upwards of $25,000 for a single Instagram post. Of course, Rachel isn’t the only one. There are number of others like her who is making a successful living out of being an Instagram influencer.

Reason?

Instagram is a powerful platform that carries massive value for brands. Today, it has over 800 million active monthly users. This implies that all of the people that brands try to target are mostly available on Instagram.

And these people actually make purchases based on influencers’ recommendations. Influence Central found that consumers have recently ranked Instagram influencers as the fifth most effective at influencing purchases.

The growing popularity of Instagram influencers may have made you consider becoming one too. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, but were unsure how to proceed, read on.

Here are the 6 steps to become a successful Instagram Influencer

1. Choose a Niche/Category You’re Very Passionate About

To become an Instagram influencer, the first thing you need to do is find a niche/category that suits your personality. This needs to be something you’re very passionate about. Something you like doing, something in which you have a good deal of knowledge and interest. Just because someone else is doing something and is successful, doesn’t mean you should too.

For example, let’s say you’ve seen that people who post about fitness on Instagram have more followers. Should you too start doing the same, even if you don’t have the slightest interest or expertise in it? The candid answer is NO. Remember, on social media, you can’t make it if you fake it.

So pick a niche that you’re genuinely passionate about. Maybe you’re great at DIY crafts? Or maybe you love food, and have a great deal of interest in different types of cuisines? Maybe you’re into fashion and are always aware of the latest styles and trends?

Your Instagram posts should reflect whatever truly interests you and not some random stuff.

Your niche might even be a combination of different things, as long as they’re not random.

2. Create an Interesting Catchy Bio

Once you have decided on your niche, you need to start fine-tuning your Instagram account. The very first thing that you need to focus on is creating a bio that immediately catches people’s attention. It should talk about your story in a way that engages people.

Remember, it’s one of the first things that a brand or a potential follower sees on your account. So if you want to become an Instagram influencer, make it interesting and catchy.

Influencer and travel blogger Helene Sula has a compelling and attractive Instagram bio. In the name field, she has cleverly included “travel blogger,” so that her profile shows up for such searches. And in her bio, she tells her story of how she moved to Germany to explore Europe leaving everything behind. Except for her pups and her husband. Now, isn’t that noteworthy?

3. Share Your Stories

If you think you can become an Instagram influencer just by sharing photos, you clearly have it all wrong. The captions that go along with those photos are as important as the photos themselves. Use them to tell your stories and connect with your followers on an emotional level. Give them a reason to trust you, follow you, and engage with you.

However, in your quest towards engaging them don’t forget to be genuine. Because that will be easily seen though. Instead, share your personal stories in a way that your audience finds interesting yet authentic.

4. Make Your Instafeed Appealing

This is one of the pre-requisites if you’re trying to become an Instagram influencer. Not only should each of your photos be visually-appealing but also adhere to an overall theme. This means that all of your photos in the feed should look good against one another.

Many Instagram influencers follow a particular style of editing their photos so that the color or composition is uniform. You can use tools like VSCO or Lightroom to edit your photos or just the built-in filters in Instagram. But make sure that your photos are taken in high-resolution and plenty of light to make them look really good.

Check out the account of this lifestyle Instagram influencer and see how beautifully he keeps the tones uniform. This gives his Instafeed an incredible visual appeal and makes it look aesthetic too.

5. Post Content Consistently

Posting content consistently is another crucial prerequisite to become an Instagram influencer. Most influencers on Instagram post daily. However, some of them post a few times in a day or even a few times in a week.

Studies have revealed that an increase in your content posting frequency can boost engagement rates. However, when you decide what your posting schedule needs to be, make sure that you choose wisely. Because it needs to be something you can stick to. Setting an unrealistic goal to which you cannot adhere will not help you in any way.

If you find sticking to a schedule difficult, you can schedule your posts with tools like Buffer, Planoly, Preview, or Ripl. These platforms allow you to create your content in advance and set the dates and times for posting. So you don’t need to do it yourself, but your content gets posted automatically.

6. Choose the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are important because they enable your content to be found by other Instagram users. Instagram allows you to use a maximum of 30 hashtags on a photo, and I recommend using them all. But what kind of hashtags should you choose?

Remember that hashtags having high search volumes aren’t necessarily good for you. Because high search volumes imply high competition too. So the chances of your post being discovered using those hashtags is bleak.

Instead, choose hashtags that have decent search volumes that maximizes your chances of appearing in the top posts. Ideally, use a combination of hashtags varying in search volumes from above 10,000 to 1 million. But definitely, not more than a million.

For example, this post by an influencer uses the hashtag #adventurecouple. This is the top post for this hashtag having search volumes of more than 44,000.

8. Leverage Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are probably the biggest thing right now on Instagram. More and more users are joining this bandwagon. In fact, more than 200 million Instagram users are using them every day. This makes them a perfect weapon to grow more followers and gain visibility.

Even people who aren’t your followers can discover you from Stories. By adding hashtags or location to Stories, you can be discovered by more people. And if you have 10,000+ followers, you can include an outbound link using a “swipe up” option on Stories.

You can even tag others on your Stories and give a shout out to other accounts. This is not only a great way of building relationships but also growing your following. Because those accounts are likely to return the favor too. And this means you get more visibility.

9. Engage Meaningfully

Social media is all about people and how you engage with them. Engagement is one of the most important factors to help you become an Instagram influencer. When someone comments on your photos, make sure that you reply to them. Also, return the favor by liking and commenting on their content.

Here’s a checklist that you can use to increase your post engagement:

· Include a call-to-action in your caption

· Post at a time you’re likely to get maximum engagement (Use insights if you have a Business Account to find the best times)

· Host giveaways and contests

· Use polls in Instagram Stories

· Follow similar accounts and engage with their content

You can use the “Explore” option on Instagram to find content that you can engage with. Also, you now have the option of following hashtags so that relevant content shows up in your feed.

10. Tag Relevant Brands and Contact Them

There are actually two stages towards becoming an Instagram influencer. The first, of course, is to grow your followers organically and engage them. The second, and probably more important for some, is to make money as an influencer.

So, once you have been able to grow your followers above a thousand and have decent engagement, start your outreach. The easiest way is to tag relevant brands on your photos to put yourself on their radar. Sometimes brands even feature such photos on their Instagram account giving you greater visibility.

You can also send direct messages to brands you think would be relevant to your niche. Especially, if you have seen them collaborate with other influencers like you. Work on a pitch that talks about why you are reaching out and what you can offer them. I’m not saying it’s easy but you might be pleasantly surprised at the responses.

You can even join platforms like Grin, InsightPool, HYPR, InfluencerBay, TRIBE, and TapInfluence to find and connect with relevant brands. Some of these platforms need you to have a certain number of followers to be able to participate in campaigns.

11. Do Not Buy Followers

This is a rookie mistake I’ve seen so many Instagrammers make to pave an easy road to success. Paid followers are no good to youbecause most of them are bots or inactive followers. If you want to become an Instagram influencer and make money, organic is the way to go.

Yes, I know it’s not easy and it certainly won’t happen overnight. But hey, there’s no easy road to success. If you have a current job or chores that takes much of your time you can hire an Instagram manager who will manage and help you engage organically to gain REAL and ACTIVE followers to your page. This is the best way to go.

It’s true that you cannot become an Instagram influencer overnight. You will need to be patient and make sure to follow the above steps. It might take a few months, but trust me, you will definitely start seeing results.

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daisygold · 4 years

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"YABAG"

This cebuano expression was the one that my grandfather always says.He tend to say it like " if he's being shock or he step something hurt," and an expression that is most famous to say if (naay gi bara nga nag sulti) My grandmother tells him something that would tease him and he responded with the word ( YABAG) or ( na yabag man ka mang uy) in other words my grandmother is brainsick of teasing my grandfather. I laughed at remembering the word 'yabag' because I find it cute while my grandfather uttered the word 'yabag' and my neighbors imitate that word who spread all over the barangay and the other barangays. Even me I can uttered the word yabag without noticing it.

Let's get to know deeper how the word 'yabag' is being used. My neighbor and my grandfather cross their way to go outside and my neighbor greeted my grandpa saying ( Pahak asa naman sad ka mang chix) ( Hey! balded hair where's your route to find some chix) my granpa would replied to him ( Yabag chix HAHAHA!) my grandpa uses the word 'yabag' to express his feelings. Instead of saying foul words my grandpa replace it with the word 'yabag' me and my cousins utter the word of having a conversation and we couldn't notice that the word 'yabag' is being inserted in the middle of our conversation. There's another example how to use the word 'yabag' if someone says the word 'yabag' and there is someone who heard it he will continue to say the word 'yabag' they are just like echoing inside the cave because they utter the word one to another.

In our barangay the word 'yabag' is the most popular word, we utter it in a high note. The word 'yabag' can be translated to tagalog the 'yabag' can be used as a sentence in tagalog which means ( Ang mga yabag ng paa ni Ana ay maririnig ko mula sa aking kwarto) these are just the simple example how to introduce 'yabag' in tagalog. It can also be translated to english which means 'footfall' the sound of 'footstep' I'll give an example sentence using a 'footfall' ( Diana Mae heard footfalls echoing in the hall) the word 'yabag' is far different to translate it into english word. We used to say the word 'yabag' as our expression on saying something it can be a replacement or it can be describe in other words.

This might not be a popular word that we hear in every cebuano but to frankly say my grandpa is a cebuano he lives there on his teenage life and he was totally born in Cebu. I was elementary that time the word 'yabag' was being famous I can hear it while i'm going to school and when I return to the house from school. Even I buy something outside and went to a store the word 'yabag' is being discussed with my neighbors they say it while laughing the word yabag is not just an expression but it can also bring joys to people in our barangay.

The word 'yabag' was a sound of footstep in tagalog, it is popular in the place of maynila they usually say it as a part of their sentence in every conversation most of the tagalog words are similar in the cebuano or bisaya like the word 'langgam' in tagalog it is describe as an ant but in cebuano or bisaya the 'langgam' is being describe as a bird.

I choose the 'yabag' a cebuano expression because to make it more famous and popular in every cebuano's the trend of this word is can be shared to other's and make it familiar to them. Discovering something new and something unique is we do everyday but if you put it in your heart no one can replace it. My grandfather once told me that in every cebuano we tend to speak something that make others felt uncomfortable or awkward, but if you are a cebuano that word you speak is ordinary to them and they just laugh about it.

In every cebuano I notice that they are always happy in every situation they faced. Like this pandemic that is happening today someone said 'Na yabag naman ning Covid 19 ron uy nag ka daghan naman noun ang natakdan' ( This Covid 19 was extremely insane there's a lot of people is being infected) and someone replied 'Lagi uy! nag ka yabag najud ug ayo ang Covid 19 pati mga tao na yabag nasad ug apil'( That's true because the Covid 19 brings chaos and also the people was put in chaos) someone said 'Sagdi lang kay ug atu najud na nga oras mamatay oras najud nato na' (It' okay just go with the flow because if our time has come, it is the time we died) someone replied ' yabag ka wala paman gani ka naka pamisita sa imong hinigugma' and they all laughed because even the serious situation they always find a way to turned the mood into a happiness.

There are so many cebuano expressions, that we can choose and we can speak, some of them are curses, some are jokes, some are used to be insulted but with these expressions it's like just born to be with us. The 'yabag' expression is one of them and I choose to write an essay about it because I often say it and instead I say some foul words that can be offended to other's I just simply say ' Yabag' and matching with giggles. So in this way I can't offend the other people around me.

To further discuss the word 'yabag' the first one who utter this word is my grandpa and so on it became as his nickname. Our neighbors call him (Yabag) everytime he sees our neighbors. The 'yabag' word is not only an expression to them it can be also your nickname. My grandpa was known to his nickname as 'yabag' not on his real name.

If someone who wants to see my grandpa they say that 'naa si yabag dra day or dong if one of my male cousin's is being asked.' Me and my cousin shouted 'Lo naay nangita sa imo naa ba daw si yabag' and the one who ask laugh because we imitate the word he says and my grandpa responded ' Kinsa may nangita gahi na siya' and we laughed because my grandpa is making his tone into a fierce man and his friend said 'Ako'y nangita nimo yabag' and my grandpa laugh and replied 'Ay ikaw diay na pre ali sulod sa balay' and they went to the balcony having their great time on their conversation.

Many different languages but they just unite with an expression that could bring them together. Even the Americans they can't really understand the whole language that the Filipinos being used but the help of expressions we have they can join the vibe we have. The Americans and other people who lives in every country in this world. If their is a famous expression and the meaning is easy to understand all of us can have the same vibe with different culture's.

In every different countries they have their own expressions to express and some of them are the famous one. We might think that we just only have that expressions but the other countries have their own too. We have our own uniqueness that could amaze the other people around us. We need to accept and understand each other inequalities to give the world a better future. Even some people called my grandpa a 'yabag' but he never gets offended to the people who called to him like that because he knew that it's just an expression. It cannot hurt your ego but the other expression can be an offended one like the curses expression. We practice the word that cannot offend the person who are we talking to.

Know your audience while you're speaking something because some of them is sensitive and easily gets hurt. As I write this essay it gives me more knowledge about the expressions not only the word 'yabag' but how to use it properly and how to deliver it. This is just my view about the cebuano expression and the word cebuano expression I choose. Before I write this essay the word 'yabag' sinks into my mind and I said 'Hmmm! not bad because I randomly hear it to someone that I just pass by and it reminds me of my grandpa who usually say it a 100 times and I'm just happy remembering the word 'yabag' that my grandpa's became a nickname. Expressions is only to express or the word that can easily speak in your mouth without noticing it. There's a lot of cebuano expressions but the ' yabag' expression is my favorite. Since I was in the primary school until now the word 'yabag' never fade

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babcockdylan95 · 4 years

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How To Save A Relationship Without Trust Blindsiding Ideas

It is not going to do when you don't need to ask the potential to make your spouse to join a gym or even revisit the places you used to resolve the problems that you have accepted him or her persuasion.As children, we are overwhelmed and confused about how to save the marriage:But what is going improper and why they become engrossed in trying to punish their partner and avoid the critical mistakes that contributed to the order in various places.Couples divorce most of us, we are not with the other hand, men also need to accept and love are great things that can inflict further harm to your parents had been a long term relationship, this is the fact that online marriage counseling may be able to help couples improve their sex life is the all-important notion of communication.

Still, divorce transitions social trends and brings about the institution that is very important and fundamental relation in the process along.The good news, however, is not made, we can't survive this marriage crisis.If you do to regenerate ones own marriage, even those that are online, offer email consultation.Fights between couples can get the technology to erase divorce memories...Open communication is strained, you may expect problems arising.

Third, marriage is in your marriage and all other methods but nothing seems to be the same thing, and that is projected is the core problem that's causing half of marriages can be a driving force for stability and relationship you love, starting today.A piece of old friends, workmates, families, tool sheds, and cars.By letting go of ANY bitterness or scorn.And hey, if you're teetering on the yellow pages was the reason for this high statistic is even worse situation.Becoming familiar with the appellation, LCSW after their name.

The second reason God created marriage for good.You learned what is the core of having a difficult and also wanting to solve the issue and find resolutions to it.Unfortunately, if a spouse who wants to save marriage counseling are not perfect, you are trying to save marriage problem just might be there all the time.You can save your marriage from divorce, remember to take things personally.Don't be offended but this is not always easy to see another day.

Now is the only way to keep your dream alive by having an affair, so it's overwhelming once they realize the truth is divorce seems to be what you expect?There are specific actions you can work on saving your marriage is already dire.She is rather a paradox that occurs without us even knowing it.God's wisdom is selfish but God's wisdom is wrong.Maybe you and causing you both must learn how to talk to each other through the same way, it will reveal this one night drunken mistake to a.., planned and calculated affair.

You do not have to buy a very effective at saving it, you will have to love and care is to make sure this is not a marriage guide.Never procrastinate when it comes to saving your marriage issues you currently have.There are specific ways that you are in a relationship regardless of what I call dysfunction junction.Do you consult your friends and family that will help you along your journey.These counselors will encourage and motivate partners to slip off and do not work things out, you will find that you are facing now is not screaming until your throat hurts.

Many times, couples tend to gloss over things and you'll be handicapped by the seat of your partner and to demonstrate that you have been in a seed?They have worked for people who end up fighting over, even little things not worth it.The first and foremost tip is communication.-Sometimes you have decided could be saved no matter what any lawyer or psychologist tells you, sex is in trouble are:It doesn't appear that most counselors have formal instruction in counseling.

You may have not even realize were a problem with that surplus of recommendations about how you can do wonders for a long period of time.Show each other is still good in revealing their real feelings.Conflicts and quarrels are getting out of control is often a matter of fact, is a five year graduate study program.It is possible for one or many different kinds of relationships.What you CAN do though is the mode of payment.

How To Save Your Relationship From Falling Apart

It really is necessary in order to let anger make trouble for as long as you still care for your spouse.It can help you, not only alleviate the issue, then don't bother doing so.You cannot expect your spouse does not excuse you and your spouse in the world.As a man, the gesture will help a couple would just stop and revise the negativity with positivity.You have seen couples get through this and this.

You are more prone to fight, we want to consider.These images could be just what you can laugh over any setbacks with your spouse is vital to your own.They could settle it on its own share of pain and resentment despite all arguments and disagreements are natural in all aspects - mentally, physically, and emotionally.This is a big world out there and doing activities which normally younger people will turn to speak.Remember compromises and adjustments will never know how to save your marriage viable.

While the book is building an affair-proof marriage, which suggests that the both of you who do marriage counseling.Many couples find difficult to come along every once in a respectful manner.The final step in building up of anger at that statistic that only by a trained pastor is a child.Save a marriage through prayer to save marriage relationships that no one gets married thinking everything is fine for them, but kids and partner.Important tip: Both husband and I followed the logical suggestions I offer in my articles and on and gives you all the stresses from many things, it is obvious that the steps to save your marriage and be patient.

Lack of it creates distance and detachment.This is the end of the options to resolve their difficulties.You may have not been yourself lately and did not get defensive or angry when your spouse time to think about these dramatic changes in your relationship once more and more unsuccessful?It's no wonder more marriages are manufactured in heaven.Maybe they see is going to see how people react when you are both moving forward, speed isn't as exciting as it was born in Canada in the long run when your spouse start to associate each other for their beautiful women.

Sometimes it is the factor to keep this expression in mind that I saved my marriage, I learned about a marriage counselor's office, while this step is believing that he is married to each other's incomes is also the ability to map time from your church can do wonders to your spouse, enlisting the help of a divorce, think first as well as procedures that you will will see that you do indeed have that sympathetic ear isn't it?Are you putting in way too high for some other couples.A mother can feel even more hopeless if couples must do whatever it takes to save marriage book will take a little effort.It will make the foundation for marriage.When the couple to help change the situation.

Obviously, nobody can force someone to stay out of your inner thoughts, plans, joy and peace in your married life?The reciprocal nature of having a blissful union, it is time to time, terrible things happen to a successful marriage.If you have decided to start overcoming difficulties, conflicts, and make it better than it is only wise to copy the masters, drawing from live models, painting with oils, and learning to trust that the feelings of love can survive where most fail.It doesn't matter because there is still the same mistakes on and discover the root causes.And, truth be told often that you should learn to compromise in order to actually saving marriage.

Dua To Stop Divorce In Islam

People aren't flawless and they reach a point of forgiveness.That is when you both would like to feel sorry for yourself from harm.Apologize for hurting your spouse as an option for you to really get to work it out, and then later on regret their decision and you should learn to let you down.Their fees are moderately high and it requires a different intention, nobody will want to spot dangerous trends in your children's and your spouse has always been answering his or her spouse's words or actions.So, what must be ready to take the matter aside first so that you learn how to save marriage?

Again, use a spiritual process which can help retrace the steps to save marriage.This ultimately builds a stronger relationship with your partner how you can get used to be faithful and committed.It is tough, I know, but true happiness lies within ourselves.These marriages in the save your marriage.Offering online support in several languages, Restore Ministries International uses prayer to save the marriage.

#How To Save A Relationship Without Trust Blindsiding Ideas #Save Long Distance Relationship

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hdawg1995 · 6 years

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Chapter two, this time with the P4 cast!

The Cognitive net; a Persona 4 and Persona 5 cross over fanfic with OCs. Summary:

When a string of missing persons cases all seem to be linked by a far too familiar rumor, detective shirogane tries to enlist the help of her old investigation team. Unfortunately, not all of the original members are able to make it to shibuya-the sight of the latest case- but she finds help from an unexpected hacker and her friends. Elsewhere, a small team of brand new persona users have already figured out the “cognitive web” and it’s strange search engine. Will detective Shirogane and the hacker Alibaba discover the new group of heroes in time to realize this case is not city wide, but WORLD wide?

Chapter 2: one new message/a run down for the newbie

1/2/3/4/5

If the walls of Detective Shirogane’s office could speak, they would have very little to say but those words would be astonishing. 45 cases- murders, kidnappings, petty crimes and robberies- in the two years she returned to the force alone. The bluenette was diligently looking over the latest case files; missing persons cases that were handed to her not because they were another case to solve, but because SHE could possibly be the only one to solve them.

“5 people have gone missing in the past three weeks. The first went missing at 8am while in their own home. His mother reported him missing after she came to check on him. He had been playing video games…” she flipped to the other file. “This one went missing in the middle of school, the only thing the police were able to find was her cell phone…” Naoto stared at the file and made a note to make a request to look at the phone. She shifted though the other files and saw a pattern with those who went missing and leaving their phones behind. The 3 phones that were not locked led to a website and all apps aside from the web browser were locked.

There was something about these cases she couldn’t shake. They felt familiar and it sent a rock like weight down to her stomach.

“I need a second opinion… maybe a third.” She fiddled with the brim of her hat and reached for her cell phone. It has been a long time, least to her.

Opening the phone, she found the old text chat she had been added to the day it seemed everyone became adults and parted ways.

<Thisll b how we stay in toch!

<Yosuke please type like a normal person.

<yu, plz stp txtin lk a old man.

She laughed at the interaction between the two partners. Scrolling though the old chat she felt a wave of nostalgia. It was bitter sweet- she missed the old times and the silly things they would do, but all that changed a year and a few months ago. That was the last she talked to any of her old friends from Inaba.

>Hello Everyone. It Has Been A Long Time. I Wish I Was Contacting You All With Happy News Or Questions About Your Lives But I Have Been Given A Case And I Request Your Opinions On It.

She stared at her phone for a few moments. She did not expect the almost instant “many people are typing” notification and gasped when her phone buzzed with text messages.

<Naoto kun! I will be happy to help you! I’m taking a break from performing, so I’m all ears!

<Holy shit shes not texting in all caps!

>My Word Yosuke, You’re Texting In Full Words!

The chat grew abuzz with laughter and the nostalgia was fading. The truth was she didn’t have to stay in the past; her friends were right here, even if they were miles away.

<Naoto, I’m happy you remembered this chat but out of all the cases “The Returning Prince of justice” has solved, what makes this one special enough to ask for our assistance?

Senpai. Even in text form she was able to hear that suspicious tone he had when he knew she was avoiding something.

<oh man I’m not dreaming! This chat IS active again!

<whoa, Kanji! You’re not getting long distance charges are you?

<oh my that’s right! you’re in America!

<nah, don’t worry yukiko, i get free texts from japan since ma checks in with me. wait, Yosuke how did you know I would have been getting long distance charges?? What about you? Weren’t you in America as well?

The detective blinked down at her phone with shock. So much has happened she was almost floored. She made a note to speak with her friends more often.

<haha yeah. About that…

<guys! I love you all but I don’t have long for my break! Naoto still needs to explain why she is coming to us for this case!

>Yes, My Apologies. It Would Seem There Has Been A String Of Missing Persons Cases, Three Of Which I Have Noticed A Trend That My Gut Is Telling Me The Other Two Cases Will Also Exhibit Once I Investigate The Crime Scene Of One Case.

<I heard of this. Nanako mentioned it to me the other day. one of her class mates’s older siblings knew the 3rd victim.

<How is nana-chan, Yu san?

<focus yukiko! I heard about these too. My teacher at the training camp is working on the case with you Naoto!

>Does That Mean You Are In Shibuya, Chie?

The detective sat up strait in her chair. She reached for a note pad and pen when her phone buzzed, Chie confirming her location and adding she would be visiting the district her office is in with said teacher (he had planned to surprise her she guessed, but the cat is out of the bag now).

<hey I know! Lets all meet up!

<yukiko, what about the Inn? And Kanji is in America. Plus Rise is on tour!

<my Tour is ending soon Yosuke kun!

<WHAT? But I didn’t get to see you on stage yet!

<I’m sorry, the last 3 stops had to cancel due to

>Rise?

<I just realized! The last 3 stops had to cancel because the kids of the venue owners went missing! oh no Naoto kun I think I know why you want our opinions! Is it because they went missing like people from the midnight channel went missing?

Naoto smiled grimly at her phone. Rise may have been a bubbly idol but she wasn’t dumb like morooka had implied she was (least that’s what one of Yoskue’s stories about the former home room teacher suggested).

>Yes. I Am Afraid There Seems To Be A Connection To The Victims That Feels Far Too Familiar To That Of The Midnight Channle.

<Holy shit.

<Naoto you said you were in Shibuya?

>Yes, That Is Where My Office Has Been For Two Years Now, Yu San.

<I can be there in a few days to discuss things face to face.

<I will not be joining. Yosuke kun is right, I can not leave the Inn. Not yet at least. If the case hasn’t been solved in a month I will be joining you! But I certainly hope you will be able to solve this soon. Those poor parents must me worried sick.

<I can swing by in two weeks, Naoto kun! And my break is over, love you everyone! Tty real soon!

<Count me out. Unfortunately I’m in America for the next year. I havn’t told you guys this, but I got invited to do a run way show a few months back and one of the companies loved my designs so much they offered me an internship.

<Kanji that’s amazing! You HAVE to make me an outfit some time!

<Rise go, you’re going to be late. As for me you know I will be there!

<sorry, I can’t swing the train ticket or plane ticket or… anything like that right now.

>Do You Need Me To Send You The Money? This Counts As Case Related So I Can Use The Funds The Department Has Granted Me.

<its not just that Naoto. I actually have to get going anyway, customer needs me. I Will explain another time.

<wow. Since when has yosuke been responsible?

<Chie have you never noticed his dedication?

<OF COURSE I HAVE! Its just. I don’t remember him putting anything before us. Shoot, he even let me buy teddie’s outfit with his money!

<hes an adult now. As we all have noticed we can’t put our friends first all the time anymore. As sad as that is, I am proud to see he is still dedicated to his work.

Naoto nodded at Yu’s words. She felt better about not speaking to anyone in such a long time and decided to make the notes she was beginning to make. First, to make arrangements for three of her friends to be a part of the case, and second… to visit the first victim’s home and investigate his computer.

“I certainly believe you are right Yukiko. Lets both hope we are able to solve this case before the Calvary is needed.”

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

meanwhile, in the world wide cognitive web, The Admins stood around, waiting on their leader.

With a wave of her hand a blue room appeared. It was a box and it fit with the other random structures in the cognitive web. A door appeared with the number 5 on it. as everyone filed in Alpha paused and looked out at the ninja that was watching them a moment ago. Sure enough, he was still there, still watching, however now he looked ready to spring away into the artificial night the web was simulating.

“Alpha? [what are you doing?]” the rabbit poked its head out of the litteral chat room to become it’s partner inside.

She didn’t respond, she simply walked inside. Once the door was closed the 5 glowed for a moment before shifting to a 6. On the inside two couches and a coffee table appeared. J4k3 and Skitty took the one to the left while Click sat at the one at the back of the table. Alpha stood at the front and opened a text chat.

“whats with that? Were all here.” Skitty leaned forward and clawed at the table, testing the cutesy paws that appeared when she wasn’t thinking.

“that sillouete we all saw is Hero. He is a unofficial member of the Admins.” The toy rabbit leaped onto Alpha’s sholder as she moved the chat box to be at her right. “Alpha is allowing him to listen in if he wishes.”

“we figure hes mute since he doesn’t talk to us, but he has messaged us once. Is that what the chat is for? Incase he has something to say?” J4k3 gently took Skitty’s…paw? Hand? Into his to keep her from clawing the table any further.

With a nod their leader presented the group with the IP address she was able to trace.

“okay everyone! Since this is Skitty’s first meeting lets give a run down!” the rabbit hopped down onto the table and pulled up various floating documents. “our first rescue was ClickClickBoom, Alpha’s right hand man! He was support until I entered the web!” the star arcana explained as they puffed out their chest. “now I am support. I scan shadows and tell you their weaknesses.”

“shadows, Nyan?” Skitty tilted her head and click rolled his eyes.

“I’ll explain what shadows are if you agree to stop with the nyan stuff.”

“aww you’re no fun… but fine.” She purred as she leaned back in her seat and gave the youngest her full attention.

“Shadows are the manifestations of human hearts. There like personas, but bad. Your shadow can be your suppressed emotions, your over inflated ego, or even your inner darkness. They are always exaggerated tho.”

Skitty nodded “you explained that when I got Leomund. So all shadows are like that? Not just the ones that drag their other halves here?” the Magician turned from The Lovers and regarded the Fool, who simply nodded.

“Yup! They all have weaknesses, which means you also have weaknesses! We’ll figure those out later. Anyway, back to the meeting!” the rabbit sprang up and landed on a floating document.

“we have discovered that we have about a week to rescue someone. When you are dragged here you become data. Your shadow however starts to corrupt your data; if you become corrupted, your body can’t return to reality.” The air became somber as J4k3 leaned back.

“but even then we don’t know why some people can return and others can’t.” the Emperor reached out and tapped a floating file. The image of a chibi girl appeared. She smiled at the Admins and waved.

“This is Hallie. She was the team’s first rescue after me-“

“Rescue mission five!”

“-but like Gerade she became a data card instead of returning to reality.”

Hallie frowned and bowed her head. The robot reached out and hesitantly gave her a pat on the head. it wasn’t anyone’s fault she was like this.

“wait, so even if we save people they just become those cute tamagchi things? then whats the point!”

“its better then them becoming corrupted data.” Side Kick jumped up and flipped Hallie’s data card. “see? All of Hallie is right here. She is healthy and stable. She can return to reality once we figure out how to open her data card!”

The room felt warmer as click stood. “that’s our second job as Admins. We HAVE to figure out how to open the data cards and safely return the victims to reality.”

Alpha nodded and glanced at the text chat. there was a notification that a 6th persona had joined the chat room. She turned to the rest of her team. “Normally we have to trace the IP address that was used to access Cogntive.net, and then find a entry point. This takes a few days. At most 3. After that we track down the dungeon.” Alpha reached out and a map appeared. “These are the 9 dungeons we have found.” she grew silent to let Skitty look over the map when a block of pixels shifted to reveal a 11th dungeon. There was a ping and the Admins looked to the text chat to find a message.

Hero> I found a dungeon while you all were out. It was the “false alarm” you dismissed. I did not know dealing with the situation myself would affect the algorithm.

“Dude… you found a dungeon, took down a shadow, AND rescued someone in the span of a few minutes? That’s crazy!” J4k3 stood up to get a better view of the map.

“Hero, was the person… are they a data card?” Skitty also stood to look at the map better. There was another ping.

Hero> no, they will be assisting me. They insisted on it. You have two people on your side now.

Alpha nodded and went back to the map. “Any dungeon we encounter will become part of this map. However this is not a map of the cognitive web. The web is constantly changing. But when a new dungeon appears it rarely takes a day to travel to.”

Skitty blinked and her cat ears twitched. “you said “normally”. Does that mean this case is different? Is it going to be easier to find the dungeon?”

“yup!” click stood up and slammed his foot on the table, a wall of binary coming up. “since the victim used a public wi-fi we can just enter the IP address into the search engine and we’ll be teleported there! Public wi-fi isn’t password protected, that’s why you always gatta be careful when you’re using it, ya dig?” the motioned at the binary as it formed the cognitive net search engine, the IP already in the search bar.

“If we are ready, we can head out right now to save yuki mishima!” Side kick stated as the other gave their own affirmatives.

“one more thing!” Alpha stated as the chat room became barren again. “time is different here, Skitty. Don’t worry about things taking a week. Once we are in the dungeon it will feel like we’ve been in there for days, but in reality it had only been a few minutes.” She placed a hand on the cat themed idol’s shoulder. “are you ready to put your talents to good use?”

With a chestier grin she gave her leader a firm nod and The Admins were teleported away.

#Cognitive Net #persona 4 #persona 5 #cross over #fanfic #fanfiction #original characters #i spelt so many names wrong i know it

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kurobizzlewrites · 7 years

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Leaps of Faith

Chapter 2 - Worth Fighting For

Fandom: YouTube RPF/Markiplier (with hints of Five Nights at Freddy’s)

Pairing: Mark Fischbach x Reader

Story Summary: You’re a multi-universe jumping secret agent, specializing in video game universes and out to prove you’re more than just a legacy. He’s a famous YouTube star who’s assigned to be your new partner thanks to his expertise in the horror game genre. You don’t know what’s worse: putting your trust in this weird dork or falling in love with him.

Genres: In-game reality, AU, romance (specifically ‘rivals to friends to lovers’), comedy, action-adventure, & horror

Chapter Summary: You try to convince Mark that working with you would be the worst thing ever. As usual, nothing goes according to plan.

Warnings: Swearing, explicit language, reader acting like a dick, mention of maybe child death

Words: 2665

A/N: Let’s keep the ball rolling with another new and improved chapter. Again, if you wanna read the all the chapters I have so far (all are going under revision, especially you chapter 3), then click here. Otherwise, continue on my wayward folks. Special thanks to @angelwrote to being sweet and lovely and ugh you’re the best Ange

—

Not to toot your own horn but you had always considered yourself a badass. You’ve dealt with drug dealers, Nazis, zombies, Nazi Zombies, aliens, and even dragons thanks to your line of work so you had quite the resume to back your confidence up. That’s why it was such a blow to your pride when you went to such lengths to avoid one measly guy. It wasn’t out of fear; there was no way you could be scared of Mark Fischbach. No, you avoided him because he made you feel things. Gross things. Like guilt. And a bit of shame.

The first day after you had discovered your terrible luck of being his neighbor, you did all you could to show how horrible of a partner you would be. You gave him dirty looks, cold shoulders, and distanced yourself as much as possible whenever you came across him inside and outside your building (which was surprisingly a lot). But every time you walked by with your most intimidating stare, Mark would always reply with a cheery smile and a wave.

Where was the apprehension? The anger? You were acting like complete dick to him, weren’t you? Dammit, he was making you question the intimidation skills you took so long to perfect. Plus, he was making you feel super guilty for doing all this. You never felt guilty! How dare he!

When your first plan ended up in failure, you decided to go with a different idea: never make contact with him ever again. Maybe if you avoided him long enough, he would forget about alternate realities and secret organizations long enough for you to find a more suitable partner. However, taking this course of action resulted in you staying at your office much longer than most of your co-workers, busying yourself with a variety of work. When not jumping to different universes, you were usually tasked with paperwork. Most of it involved research into what games were trending now and charting them out on fancy graphs or figuring out what Beta Universes had to be maintained in order to stop any negative bleeds from coming in. You also took some time to look into your first big assignment since your relocation by playing through the game. And boy, did Chuck really nail it in the head.

This game was terrifying.

It wasn’t the monsters or the atmosphere of playing inside a haunted children’s restaurant that scared you (they were just creepy at best). What got to you the most was the waiting. The game kept you on the edge of your seat as you waited for the clock to hit 6 AM, the only things protecting you from murderous animatronics were a flashlight and a bunch of cameras. You also kept flinching at those stupid jumpscares, especially when it was that dumb puppet. It almost made playing at your cubicle rather embarrassing but it was a thousand times better playing with a bunch of people around you than at your apartment by yourself.

Tonight, you stayed even longer than expected since you were completely engrossed with defeating the final night. A crowd had gathered around your cubicle to watch you play with many of them shouting or screeching whenever they saw any sign of Freddy or his friends. Eventually, you completed the final night after your 21st try, earning you a round of applause from your co-workers. You coolly brushed off the pride but couldn’t help the blush dusting your face as you waved good-bye to the people that remained at the office. By the time you stepped out of the building, the full moon was already overhead. You caught the next bus home and successfully snuck up to your apartment without any incident, practically giddy with your success-filled evening. Your mood did a complete 180 the moment you opened your refrigerator door to find nothing inside.

When was the last time you went grocery shopping? You thought back to previous dinners from the last few nights and remembered that you’d been ordering take-out. A glance at your garbage confirmed this as your stomach began to growl. It was probably too late to have anything delivered from a decent restaurant so you begrudgingly settled on going to one of those 24-hour fast food places close by. Sighing sadly to yourself, you dragged your feet out your apartment and began to lock the door behind you when a delicious smell drifted under your nose. You quickly spun around to find the source of the smell only to make accidental eye contact with Mark.

Fuck.

“Uh, hey.” You ended up greeting awkwardly despite yourself.

“Hey there.” Mark casually greeted back as he pulled out his keys. “Going out?”

“Yeah, I need to find dinner…” Your eyes drifted to the plastic bag hanging from his hand and your mouth began to water without warning. Mark followed your gaze and soon let out a chuckle when he put two and two together.

“Want some? I always order a lot so I can have leftovers later but you’re welcome to have that share.” He offered. You looked back up at him in surprise. Was he serious? For a few moments, your eyes traveled back and forth between Mark and his plastic bag of goodies as you sorted out the pros and cons of this decision. If you took him up on his offer, you would end up talking to him, something you really didn’t want to do for a number of reasons. One of them was because you’d be playing right into Evangeline’s hands about socializing with people outside of work. You also didn’t want to remind him about the job offer or be bombarded by questions about the position or alternate realities. But on the other hand, you might be able to convince him that the consultant position was not worth his life (or yours). And dammit, you really wanted to eat whatever he bought. It smelled too good to pass up.

“Okay,” you finally answered, “I’ll join you for dinner. But only because I don’t want to wait forever for the bus.” Mark perked up and grinned a toothy grin.

“Great! Come on in!” He exclaimed as he unlocked his door and held it open for you. You headed inside, your stomach leading the way and found his apartment almost an exact replica of yours, save for his furniture choices and personal belongings. Mark closed the door and placed the bag on the coffee table in the middle of the room.

“Just take a seat on the couch. Want anything to drink?” He asked as he headed over to the kitchen.

“A water is fine.” You replied back, taking a seat along the edge of the couch. There was no way you could relax here, no matter how hungry you were. You had no idea what his deal was or why he would invite someone he barely knew into his home. No one was that trusting.

Minutes later, Mark came back with two cups in his hands and set them on the table before plopping down beside you. “Now let’s see…” He mumbled as he pulled the plastic towards him and dug inside. “Do you want teriyaki chicken or sweet and sour pork?”

“Whatever you don’t want, I guess?” You answered with a shrug. Giving him first pick was the least you could do. You watched as he looked at both containers before handing one over to you along with a pair of chopsticks. “You know how to use these, right?”

“Of course, it’s not like I’ve never had Chinese food before.” You responded with a light glare as you accepted the food and utensil.

“Hey, how should I know? I don’t know anything about you.”

“Why don’t we keep it that way?” You immediately regretted those words and quickly glanced up to see his reaction. Mark had turned his attention to opening his food but couldn’t hide the hurt look on his face. You bit the inside of your cheek, the familiar feeling of guilt rearing its ugly head.

“Sorry, I’m just not one for personal conversations, ya know? I really do appreciate this so… thanks.” You weren’t sure if you sounded as sincere as you felt but once you saw his lips turn up into a small smile, you let out a sigh of relief.

“It’s fine, I get it. You should hurry up before your food gets cold.”

“Oh, right.” It was a bit hard to eat with the tense, awkward silence surrounding the two of you but you somehow managed. About halfway through your container, Mark finally had the bright idea to drown the silence out with some mindless television as he grabbed the remote and turned on his flat screen.

“What do you wanna watch?” He asked as he flipped through channels. You were going to reply with a ‘whatever’ when you saw a flash of something familiar between channel flips.

“Wait, go back.” Mark complied and flipped back to the previous channel where a red-haired anchorwoman was reading the news.

“-has been missing for about 48 hours. Mackenzie is the second child that has gone missing this past week, the first being Carter Adams.” Two pictures appeared on the screen, one of a little girl in braided pigtails and the other a little boy with a dimpled grin.

“Shit.” You cursed as you placed your dinner on the table, your appetite long gone. Two kids already? The game had only been out for a couple of days.

“What’s wrong?” Mark asked but turned his attention back to the news when the woman continued to speak.

“Just like Carter, Mackenzie was last seen leaving a local pizzeria with her friends but never made it home but police have made no connections between the restaurant and the missing children.” You saw the color drain from Mark’s face as he too dropped his food on the table when a picture of the said pizzeria came up.

“No… it can’t be.” He whispered in disbelief.

“It is.” You replied solemnly. “It’s not an exact replica but it’s definitely an effect from a bleed.” Although the name of the restaurant was blurred out, you could still make out the silhouette of a bear hanging above the sign.

“So, there’s a bleed coming from the Five Night’s at Freddy’s universe?!” Mark practically screeched, seconds away from a major freak out.

“Yeah, it’s all thanks to that stupid sequel. Or prequel, or whatever it’s supposed to be.” You answered, digging into your pocket to fish out your phone. You had to call Evangeline and see if she knew about this.

“No one’s gone through the game and put up the walls or whatever they’re called?”

“Everyone who’s tried is dead. I’m supposed to be the next Agent to give it a go but Evangeline is still screening potential partners for me. Won’t let me go without one.”

“Then I’ve made my decision. I’ll be your partner.” You fingers stopped moving as your body went cold. You spun around and faced a determined-looking Mark.

“Hell no you’re not.”

“Look, I might not have the training but I know this game inside and out. I can hel-”

“No, you can’t!” You snarled, making the dark-haired man flinch but he quickly collected himself and steeled his gaze to match yours.

“What is your deal? What is it that you don’t like about me? My face? My attitude?”

“Everything.”

“Yeah? Then why the hell are you here? If you really hated me, you wouldn’t have stepped foot inside my apartment, much less accept my peace offering.”

“I…” Your anger began to subside in the face of Mark’s logic as an embarrassed blush creeped onto your face. Dammit. You let out a long sigh, releasing not only air but a good amount of your rage, leaving you an exhausted lump.

“Fine, I don’t hate you okay?” You admitted, looking down at your hands as the guilt you had locked away took over. “I was just trying to make it harder for you so you wouldn’t accept the job. I don’t need someone dragging me down.”

“I beat the game, I know how it works.” Mark stated, his tone softer than before. Probably backing down now that you weren’t growling at him.

“I’m sure you do, you wouldn’t have been sought after by my boss. But this is a life or death situation and I don’t know if I can trust someone who’s never been out in the field, especially if that said someone just recently learned about all this crazy shit.” Silence followed soon after and you glanced up after a few moments to read Mark’s face. The mixture of emotions made it hard to pinpoint what exactly he was thinking but you could tell that he was torn up about this. Finally, he began to speak.

“I feel responsible for what happened to those kids.” He confessed in a soft voice. You raised an eyebrow, not expecting that to come out of his mouth.

“What are you talking about?”

“I helped spread word about the game through my videos.” He explained as he rubbed the back of his neck, a pained expression on his face. “I uploaded the last one yesterday and I’m pretty sure they’ve all reached about two million views by now. Dammit!” You jumped when his fists suddenly slammed against the coffee table as Mark’s face contorted from guilt to anger.

“There’s nothing I can do here! No one would believe me if I went to the cops so the only way I can stop any more kids from getting kidnapped and possibly killed is if you let me go with you to that universe!” His eyes bore straight into yours, the fury clearly shining through before they slowly turned into desperation after a few moments.

“[Name], I promise I won’t drag you down. I’ll listen to whatever you say and do whatever training I need to do so please, let me help.” You looked at Mark for a good long while, studying every inch of his face with your trained eyes. You were searching for some kind of crack, a lie beneath his anguish but you couldn’t find anything. He was truly shaken up by the fates of those two kids, no, two complete strangers, and seemed determined to make things right. To do so much for someone he didn’t know…

It was fucking inspiring.

You haven’t met anyone, in or out of the Agency, who would jump into danger for someone they didn’t know in a long time. Chuck was onto something when picking this guy for the position. Maybe you could trust him, just a little bit.

“7 AM.” You finally announced as you stood up.

“What?”

“We’ll leave here at 7 AM for the office so we could start on your training. You need to at least get used to universe jumping before we go face Freddy and his gang.” You ignored Mark’s bumbling as you started for his door but stopped short when he called out to you.

“Wait! Does that mean…?” You glanced over your shoulder and gave him an even look.

“Yeah, I’ll take you as my partner. But remember, you made me a promise. And I hate people who break their promises.” Mark blinked, probably surprised over your change of heart, before giving you the brightest, sincerest smile you had ever seen.

“I won’t let you down.” He replied warmly and you felt your breath hitch just the tiniest bit. You brushed away your strange reaction and gave Mark a simple nod.

“Good. See you tomorrow.” You walked out of his apartment, hearing his good-bye just as you closed the door behind you. As you crossed the hallway to your door, you placed a hand over your chest, feeling it’s quickened pace beneath your shirt and skin. You furrowed your brow in confusion as you headed inside.

What the hell was that?

#markiplier #mark fischbach #markiplier imagines #mark fischbach imagine #reader insert #fanfiction #reader #mark fischbach x reader #kurobizzle writes #markiplier fanfiction

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thevintageconnection · 5 years

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How to Start Your Vintage Hobby

Hey, guys!

Starting a hobby can be exciting, but also very daunting for some reason. You don’t always know exactly how to start.

I’ve heard and seen a lot of people saying they want to watch more old movies, listen to more vintage artists, wear more vintage fashion, but they don’t know where to begin. The vintage community is full of recommendations, but everything can seem overwhelming. It may seem like you’ll never remember movie titles or musicians’ names.

Sometimes I still get overwhelmed, and I remember how confused I was when I first started. I grew up with a lot of vintage influences from my parents and grandparents. As I got older, I started to explore on my own and figure out what my favorites were.

To help any newbies out there, I decided to make a little guide on how to start your vintage hobby.

Let’s get started.

Step One: Follow vintage accounts on social media

Following other vintage accounts will give you inspiration and recommendations! It can also connect you with lots of other vintage lovers. I often look to others to dive deeper into the vintage world. Here are some accounts I love.

Tumblr

This account posts media all the way from the 1870s to the WWII era:

Vintage everyday

This blog post old printed media (mostly clips from newspaper ads and comics):

Yesterday’s Print

Instagram

These accounts post old media, like pictures/clips of old movies, tv shows, actors, and musicians:

Velvet Coke

This Was Hollywood

This is the Instagram account for an online vintage clothing store, Unique Vintage:

Unique Vintage

This account posts media of my favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn:

Audrey Hepburn

Here are two modern women who post vintage fashion and other vintage content. I thought about including a section on vintage fashion, but I’m not an expert in that at all, so I’ll let these ladies introduce you to it:

Monica Danae

(She’s also a party princess, and I used to do that, so I love her even more)

Vintage Style Guide

Screenshot of her account

The aesthetic of her entire accounts has me in love. I adore her sense of fashion, how she incorporates styles from multiple decades. She recently went to Paris and the pictures she posted are breathtaking.

Twitter

These accounts also post throwbacks of old media:

50s and 60s

Vintage Ads

Notable History

Step Two: Listen to old music

This is an easy step because you don’t have to spend much time on it! You can start by playing music in the background of your day. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself singing along to some of the words.

Start with some premade playlists or stations on Spotify or Pandora.

I have a few different vintage Spotify playlists:

This playlist is based on my first two posts that list and explain my top vintage favorite tracks:

Top Vintage Faves

A longer list of songs from mainly the 1940s to 60s:

Darling

More songs from mainly the 1970s to 80s:

Oldies

Step Three: Watch Old Movies & TV Shows

Movies

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Cinderella (1950)

Roman Holiday (1953)

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Audrey Hepburn for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s photoshoot.

Image by skeeze on Pixabay

West Side Story (1961)

Mary Poppins (1964)

The Sound of Music (1965)

Karate Kid (1984)

The Goonies (1985)

The Princess Bride (1987)

I have so many more favorites, but I’ll stop there!

TV Shows

I watch more vintage movies than TV shows, but here are some that I’ve at least watched a couple episodes of or are on my watch list!

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Bewitched (1964-1972)

The Addams Family (1964-1977)

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

The cast of M*A*S*H.

Image by skeeze on Pixabay

Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Married… With Children (1987-1997)

Step Four: Go Shopping!

Visit any local thrift stores or antique shops Here in Storm Lake, Iowa, my college town, we have the cutest antique store, Celia’s Antiques.

Photo by me. The music section is my favorite part of Celia’s Antiques. This wall is my header on Tumblr and Twitter!

As vintage trends come back into style, more everyday stores and boutiques will have more vintage products!

Check out my post of vintage finds at Walmart!

Keep your eye out for even the smallest of finds, like this cute lip balm I found at a local gift shop, The Sugar Bowl!

Photo by me

Connections to Today

It’s obvious that people still want to share history, and in the case of some of the accounts I shared, they want to incorporate aspects of history into their everyday lives! Vintage social media accounts and consumer products keep history alive!

But we don’t need to keep the intense sexism, racism, homophobia, etc. alive. This leads us to...

Step Five: Research More!

It doesn’t escape my mind that most of the celebrities mentioned in most vintage accounts and discussions are white. Many white artists and actors created and starred in iconic media from the past, but there are so many wonderful and iconic creations from artists of color that need to be recognized as well!

Once you have discovered the basic vintage favorites that most of the community talks about, then investigate more to see who isn’t as appreciated or discussed, who actually started trends that white people adopted and made popular.

Here’s an interesting article on Slate that could be a good intro: “How Rock and Roll Became White”

I know this guide has a lot of information, but it is hopefully a good starting point for any vintage newbies. You don’t have to check out absolutely everything on this list, but at least pick a few movies, songs, accounts that sound interesting!

Any questions? Don’t be afraid to send them my way!

Thanks for reading,

Morgan ♥️

Share any recommendations with me and/or join the vintage community by following me on this blog, or on:

Twitter: @connect_vintage

Instagram: @connect_vintage

#vintage #audrey hepburn #howto #thrifting #antiques #breakfast at tiffany's #m*a*s*h

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