#the way this whole scene is written like a soap opera

[eleanorenchanted]

Do you ever just

#free! #free! the final stroke #asahi shiina #ikuya kirishima #asaiku #incoherent screaming #the way this whole scene is written like a soap opera #BE GENTLE WITH ME IT’S MY FIRST TIME - Ikuya Kirishima #my gifs #my edit

[atlabeth]

(not so) simple finale - anthony bridgerton

masterlist

summary: coercing lord bridgerton into pretending to court you to avoid the affections of a baron is very simple — that is, until it isn’t.

a/n: so um ignore how long every part of this took to come out. i have no excuse. anyways we are finally here at the end!! almost 10k words of proper regency soap opera type shit and it all ends happily i promise. i hope u enjoy because damn this was supposed to be a short one shot and ended up being over 40k lmao

wc: 9k

warning(s): angst, reader is a lil insecure, slightly steamy make out scene, happy ending<333

You’d never been this restless before. 

Your dreams had a part to play in it. They insisted on tormenting you, though not in the usual way. 

No, these dreams would have been pleasant had they come any sooner. For Anthony Bridgerton appeared in near every single one, with his charming smile and soft eyes and hair you always desired to run your fingers through. 

He would smile at you, offer his arm and walk with you all around the park and the city as you talked for hours. He would compliment you, and you would compliment him, and he would court you as a perfect gentleman would. 

He would kiss you, ravenously so. His hands would touch you where no one had touched before, leaving trails of fire in their wake, would unearth feelings you never could have imagined. He would revere you, near worship you, because in this world you never made such ill-advised choices. In this world, you never dragged him into a worthless scheme that ended with a ruined reputation and a broken heart.  

In this world, he loved you just as much as you loved him, and you never did a single thing to make him doubt that. 

But you were not there. 

You were here, in the real world. Where you were in the midst of reaping what you spent a whole season sowing. 

You were roused from that less than peaceful attempt at sleep—though thoughts of Anthony took longer to disappear—by the opening of your door, and despite your visitor attempting to be quiet, you found your eyes fluttering open against your will.

“Oh, dearest,” your mother lamented, “I did not mean to wake you. I apologize; I merely wanted to check on you. I will return later—please, rest.”

“No,” you murmured, and you rubbed your eyes as you pushed yourself into a sitting position. Small movements were much easier, which at least meant a step in the right direction. “No, stay. Please.”

“Are you sure?” she asked. When you nodded, she closed the door lightly behind her and sat on your bedside, laying her hand over yours. 

She whispered your name, her voice already thick with tears that she was trying to hide. “I am so glad you are alright.” 

“You say that every time you come in here,” you said.

“And I will continue to say it.” She shook her head. “You nearly perished. You should consider yourself lucky I am not in here at all hours of the day.” 

You managed a smile, and she sighed. “How do you feel?”

“Better,” you said. “I am still sore, but much better.”

“Good,” she said. “All I can ask is that you continue to get better.” 

“The rest has certainly been nice,” you said. “Am I still a true lady despite my late wakings?” 

“You have always been a true lady,” your mother assured with a slight smile. 

“I believe you may be the only one that still thinks so.” 

“If you are feeling ready, there is a ball in a fortnight,” she said. “It could be a good way to garner good will again.” You gave her a look, and she held up her hands. “I understand how you feel, but your presence is important. There are… rumors floating about, and we must lay them to rest.” 

“Rumors,” you muttered wryly. “That your daughter is an ungrateful wench and will die a spinster?” 

She said your name sternly, and you shook your head. “I read what Whistledown wrote about me—she’s likely written a hundred more. I do not care what any of them think of me, Mother. I am only sorry for the pain it has caused you and Father, and the Bridgertons.” 

“The Bridgerton name is strong enough to weather scandal,” she said. “We have to work a bit harder. And making an appearance in society again, especially with Lord Cardew by your side, will help.” 

You suppressed a scoff at the mere thought of him. You’d been granted such a reprieve from Lord Cardew because of Anthony’s influence, and while you were recovering, no one but family was to see you. But soon—very soon—he would be your entire life. 

“That brings up another question,” your mother said wryly, and when you met her eyes she was giving you a very pointed look. “Are you still sure about this?” 

No, you wanted to say. You couldn’t be less sure about Jonathan Cardew. But you’d dragged your family into this mess of yours, so it was your duty to fix it. 

Plenty of women married much more dreadful men every year. You should have considered yourself lucky that a man of his breeding, of his standing was interested in you at all—especially after the season you’d spent distancing yourself from him and the scandal you’d caused. 

“...Yes,” you finally said. “I am sure.”

Your mother sighed and said your name. “You are sure? You have not reached out to Anth—” 

“There is nothing left between us,” you interrupted. “I know it is not the best situation, and I know it is my fault, but I am making the best of it. All I ask is that you support me. It is hard enough attempting to make my way through this world—I need my mother to be there for me rather than constantly pushing against it all.”

“...Of course,” she said quietly. “And I am so sorry that I have ever done differently. My dear, all I ask in return is that you understand me, as well as the decisions I make. All I want is the best for you, and I know that marriage is not what you desire, but there are things we must do.” 

“Of course,” you said, and your echoing words spurned a small smile from her. “I am sorry that I have always fought you so much. All I could see was my hatred for any kind of union, but all I managed was hurting you and Father, as well as myself, and— and I cannot think of any apology that will be enough.” You shook your head with a mirthless laugh. “I’ve no idea how you put up with me for so long, truly.” 

“I’ve never had to put up with you,” she said. “I realize I may not have done the best job at showing it, but— but I love you more than anything in this world. Everything I have ever done has been for you, my darling. You are the future of our name, and I know you will do an excellent job at carrying on our legacy.” 

“Truly?” you asked softly. 

Your mother nodded as she took your hands and smiled at you. “Truly. Nothing in this world can change my love for you. You are our greatest accomplishment.” 

You swallowed the sudden lump in your throat as you smiled as well, and you pulled your mother into a hug. She reciprocated, and tears filled your eyes. You’d missed the comfort of her presence so dearly. 

“I love you too,” you whispered. 

-

“Are you alright, my lady?” 

Your lady’s maid's words snapped you out of the stupor you’d found yourself in, and it was all you could do to attempt a smile. 

“Yes, Julia,” you said. “Quite alright.” 

Her brows furrowed as she draped a pendant around your neck, the cold metal turning your exhale slightly shaky. “Pardon my plainness, my lady, but you are not believable in the slightest.” 

“You have been around me for far too long,” you said dryly. “I request another maid, one that cannot read me so easily.” 

Julia offered a wry smile. “You are stuck with me for now, my lady. What is weighing so heavily on your mind?” 

You stared yourself in the mirror as you turned the question over. It was not as easy to answer as it should have been, not when everything was so out of order. Not when you hardly recognized the reflection staring back at you, wrapped in orange silk and adorned in jewels courtesy of Lord Cardew. 

You were not yourself—you were to be Baron Jonathan Cardew’s wife, a baroness and status symbol to hang off his arm and smile prettily, and Baroness Cardew was who stared back at you. 

Only a few more balls remained until the season came to an end, and though Lord Cardew was doing your family an immense service by giving you a second chance, he did not want to wait much longer to make it official. 

It was all planned out. Your relationship would truly enter the public eye tonight with your dances, you would promenade in open parks to have as many eyes on you as possible. He would call on you and your meager staff would be encouraged to spread rumors. Another ball would pass together, enough to hopefully weather some of the scandal you’d created, and then…

Then, he would propose. 

You would accept. 

And the fate you’d been so intent on avoiding would be sealed. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat, blinking back the impending tears. 

“I am nervous,” you admitted. “My decision didn’t exactly feel… real. Not until I was standing at the modiste getting fitted for this gown with one of Cardew’s maids. And all this jewelry…” Your fingers trailed across the raised designs on the pendant. “It makes it even more so.” 

“I can only imagine,” Julia said. “He has certainly put in effort.” 

“And yet it all feels hollow.” You moved away from the mirror and stopped in front of your vanity. The light blue reticule sitting near your jewelry box felt as if it was mocking you. 

Julia said your name with a sigh. “You made your choice. You pushed him away.” 

“I know,” you murmured, tracing the embroidery with your finger. “But feelings do not disappear so quickly.” 

“He wrote letters,” she said. “After you moved from Bridgerton House to recover here, after I refused his calling on you for the hundredth time, he wrote letters and delivered them by hand.” 

You picked at a loose strand of white thread on the purse, jaw clenched so tight you thought your teeth might crack. 

“He told me he did not care if you didn’t want them,” Julia continued softly. “He just needed you to know how he felt.” 

“This is how it has to be,” you finally said, voice shaking. 

“And what makes you think that?” Julia challenged. “You believe you have to live a life of misery simply because half the ton does so in the name of reputation and riches?” 

“Two things I no longer have any of,” you murmured. “Cardew’s pedigree is enough to get both back for my family. It is my duty, Jules, and I can no longer hide from it.” 

Your lady’s maid looked at you with desperation in her eyes when there was a knock on the door followed by your mother calling your name. You nodded your permission and she opened it.

“Lady Worthing,” she said, curtsying just so to your mother. “I’ve finished getting her ready—I’ll give the two of you some time alone.” 

“Thank you, Julia,” your mother said with a smile. She turned back to you, her eyes softer than ever as she moved forward and set her hands on your shoulders. 

“My darling,” she said, “you look so beautiful. I did not lie when I called you the crown jewel of our family.” 

You couldn’t help but smile at her compliment, trying to ignore the tightness in your chest. “Thank you, Mother. I’m glad I can make you proud.” 

She murmured your name, turning you so you faced the mirror. You saw yourself more this time, feeling more assured with your mother standing behind you holding all the stars in her eyes. 

“I have always been proud of you, darling,” she murmured. “Even if I did not show it in the best way. I love you more than words can express. I meant it when I said you are our greatest achievement.” 

You let out a shaky breath, leaning back against her. She allowed you to sink into her and you felt the tears brimming in your eyes. 

“...I’m afraid, Mother,” you whispered. “To marry. To be a wife.” 

She was silent for a moment, busying herself with adjusting your jewelry before she spoke.

“I was afraid too,” she admitted. “I hardly knew your father outside of a few promenades, and one lovely bouquet of flowers. It was almost fully arranged by our parents. But when he proposed, he vowed to always be my friend, and to always take care of me.” 

“Has he?” you asked. 

“Yes,” she said. “We did not love each other on our wedding day. But he has always been kind to me, and he has always advocated for me, and we have always been there for each other. We love each other now, in our own way. And,” she smiled, smoothing down the lace on your sleeves, “together, we brought you into the world. I would do it all over again if it meant I would get you in the end.” 

You could not imagine considering Lord Cardew a friend, nor the opposite. He saw you as just another pretty jewel to adorn himself with. 

Anthony saw you as a friend— as more. He always listened to what you had to say, always entertained your jokes with some of us own, never talked down on you. He saw you as an equal. 

 “I do not know if any woman is prepared to marry,” she finally said. “Even those that marry for love still have initial doubts. There are so many expectations of our behavior when we are told so little of what we must actually do.” 

“How do you do it?” you asked. “You married a man you didn’t know. You raised a child. You held face against a society that shamed you for only having a daughter.” 

“All you can do is trust in yourself, and in those around you,” she said. “If you are with the right person, everything will feel as natural as breathing. You will not care what anything thinks of you, because there is only one opinion that matters.” 

There was one man you felt natural around, one who you felt you could speak your mind around and not be judged. One man that you’d fallen in love with, that surely hated you in return for what you’d done to him. 

Your voice came out as little more than a whisper. “What should I do, Mother?” 

“You know what you must do,” she said softly. “All I can do is support you.” 

-

You’d rubbed your palms on your dress at least fifteen times since you’d arrived. A fruitless effort, considering you were wearing gloves, but you could not stand still. 

Your conversation with Lord Cardew had taken everything out of you, your dance with him even more so—an especially damning fate seemed ahead of you. But you could tune him out well enough, at least. 

It was an entirely different deal when the Bridgertons showed up. 

Violet walked in arm and arm with Anthony and Benedict, and Colin had a loose hold on Eloise. And to make matters worse, Daphne Bridgerton, alongside her husband the Duke of Hastings, were making an appearance. What an honor, to have the chance to embarrass yourself in front of such highly ranking nobles. 

Eloise branched off immediately after they passed the threshold, much to the protests of her mother, but your mother immediately pulled you in their direction. You could only imagine her thoughts—if she could get the Duke of Hastings touting for the Worthings, that would make things much easier.  

Anything for the optics, you supposed. But when you met Anthony’s eyes for the first time, you had to avert your gaze. He just looked so damn sad. 

“It is good to see you again, Violet,” your mother said. “And it is an honor, Duke and Duchess Hastings.” The both of you curtsied, and you could see the Duke’s slight smile. 

“I consider it my honor to meet the woman who has been the center of such conversation this season,” he said. You felt the heat rise to your cheeks, and thankfully Violet stepped in. 

“It is good to see you as well, Cecilia.” Violet smiled as she looked at you. “Especially you, my dear.” 

You bowed your head. “Thank you, Lady Bridgerton, Duke Hastings. I am grateful to be here.” 

Benedict smiled, the notion warmer than anything you deserved. “You look lovely, Miss Worthing. Especially for someone who escaped death with such recency.”

Anthony’s eyes remained on you the entire time, and more than anything you wished you could read this mind. The man probably hated you, and he had every right to do so. You just wished your feelings for him weren’t so insurmountable. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat and smiled as believably as you could. “Thank you, Mister Bridgerton. You also look well.”

Your mother nudged your shoulder and your gaze met Anthony’s once more. He still hadn’t looked away from you. 

You bowed your head once more. “Lord Bridgerton. It… is good to see you.”

No wonder you actually ended up falling in love with Anthony. It was the only way anyone could believe this ruse—you were quite an awful actress. 

Anthony lowered his head as well, his poise stiff. “A pleasure, Miss Worthing.”

“We’re glad to see you’re doing well,” Violet said, her smile a bit thin. You could only imagine the conversation that would occur between her and your mother later. “You caused us all quite a scare.”

“Oh, Anthony was so worried,�� Daphne said, pressing a hand to her chest. “I’m thankful we have the chance to attend this ball so I could see you in person.” 

“I’ve recovered well,” you nodded, and you looked at Violet. “My family and I thank you immensely for your kindness and your doctor’s care. We’ll be in your debt endlessly.”

“There is no need for that,” Violet said. “It is enough that you are still here.”

Your cheeks burned but you tried to smile anyways. You wanted to burrow into a hole and never come out. It seemed the Bridgertons were capable of endless grace in public when they surely had to despise you. 

“Eloise has run off somewhere over near the strings,” Benedict provided in the silence. “I’m sure she would appreciate your companionship tonight.”

You glanced at your mother and she nodded, and your smile at Benedict was much more genuine. “Of course. I’ve been meaning to talk with her.” 

You mouthed thank you to him when your mother could not see, and he nodded. He’d always been so decent to you. 

You could not help but glance at Anthony as you went, and his gaze followed you. He would resent you if he had any sense, but it seemed the opposite—the sadness in his eyes was fatal.

You took a glass of lemonade from the refreshments table when you passed it, needing something to do with your hands. You found your way to Eloise’s side soon enough, and her eyes lit up when she caught sight of you.

“It is so good to see you,” she breathed. “I’ve only just arrived, and I’ve already had to fend off suitors. They just cannot seem to understand I hold such little care for them.” 

“I am just as glad to see you,” you admitted. “I do not think I can get through this night alone.” 

“I cannot imagine why,” Eloise said sarcastically. “I’ve heard the news. And I must say, it is your poorest decision this season.”

Your laugh was mostly out of surprise, and you nearly dropped the flute of lemonade you were holding. You were on edge far more than you expected—you almost wished your glass was full of champagne. 

“At least somebody is speaking plainly,” you murmured, your gaze distant and unfocused. “I think the rest of your family must hate me, but they’re all too kind to say it.” 

Eloise frowned. “Why would any of them hate you?” 

Your grip tightened on your glass. “Because I caused an immense scandal and then ended things with Anthony?”

She huffed a laugh, her eyebrows now rising. “Our family has weathered many a scandal, and we are still here. Or have you forgotten how Daphne’s dearest husband chose to court her?”  

“That is different,” you insisted. 

“I think it is worse, actually,” Eloise said plainly. “Simon is a duke, and Anthony nearly killed him before Daphne knocked some sense into him.” She chuckled and shook her head. “Truly, it was a disaster. We Bridgertons have a knack for them.” 

“As do I,” you said with a loose laugh. “I was stabbed, Eloise. I nearly died in your brother’s arms.” 

“And we nearly died in our drawing room,” she said. “Anthony, most of all. He cares for you immensely.” 

“Surely he cannot,” you insisted. “Not after what I’ve done.” 

“I am not blind,” Eloise said, “and neither are you. So do not demerit our intelligence and pretend as if you do not see it.” 

“I— I know.” You wrapped your arms around your midsection, and you grimaced as the jewelry on your wrists brushed against your skin. You were covered head to toe in finery that didn’t belong to you, and you itched from the inside out. “But I don’t know where to go from here.” 

“It’s quite obvious, isn’t it?” Eloise looked across the room, where Lord Cardew stood talking to your mother, and then over at her brother, who couldn’t have been less interested in the lady trying to strike up conversation with him. Then her gaze fell to you. “You’ve got a choice to make.” 

“I’ve already ruined things,” you murmured. “I— I can’t just back out of this.”

“I can tell you that you certainly haven’t ruined things with my brother. And Lady Whistledown’s speculation is the only thing binding you to that lecher.” Eloise shrugged. “You’ve already broken off one courtship. What’s another?”

Your eyes met Anthony’s from across the room. Once again, he’d already been looking at you. You averted your gaze quickly, feeling the heat rush to your face, and you tried to steady your breathing. He had no right to still have such an effect on you. 

“I need some air,” you murmured. “Will you—”

“Of course,” Eloise said. “You are simply touching things up in the powder room.”

You nodded your thanks and slipped out of the ballroom, finally able to drop the facade you’d been trying to uphold. You truly felt as if you were overheating, and the cool air was hardly of aid once you reached the outdoors.

Everything was all wrong—your dress, this damned tiara, the bracelets and the necklaces and every jewel that Cardew thought he could buy you with. 

It all belonged to him. You would not be another prize on his shelf. 

You couldn’t help yourself. You began to shed the jewelry as your pace sped up, ripping bangles from your wrists and pendants from your neck—by the time you reached a deserted area of the gardens, you were considerably lighter and considerably close to tears. 

You let out a frustrated sob as you slammed your fists against some artistic stone structure. It earned you nothing but pain, but it grounded you in some strange way. You tore off your gloves and threw them to the ground, a shaky breath escaping you as you screwed your eyes shut and  pressed your palms to your forehead. 

You could not marry traditionally, you could not follow through with your feelings for Anthony, and now you could not follow through with this ill-advised plan. 

Were you truly this useless? To bring ruin to two families with your knack for destroying things for it all to amount to nothing? You waxed poetic about the life you thought you deserved to live, about going to university and gaining your independence and never marrying, and yet here you were, near tears in the gardens of the ball you were meant to reenter society at. 

“Miss Worthing.”

The whispered words blared through the silence, and you knew who it was without having to turn around. It still sent a shock through you, your breathing faltering for a moment. Your eyes stayed shut. 

“Why are you here?” you asked, your voice watery. 

“You do not know me if you think there is anywhere else I would be,” he said. 

“How did you find me?”

“I followed the trail of jewels. You’ve left an awfully expensive path in your wake.”

“All of it is worthless,” you mumbled, finally letting your hands drop. “It all belongs to Lord Cardew.”

“You’ll have made a magpie very happy.” 

“Enough with the jokes,” you said. “Why are you here?” 

“Why do you think?” Anthony asked with a slight laugh. 

“I do not know,” you responded. “That is why I asked.” 

“I am here because I want to talk to you,” he said. “You cannot just avoid me for the rest of the season.”

You turned away. “I can try.”

“I will not let you,” Anthony enunciated. “I will not let you make the biggest mistake of your life because you believe it is your duty.”

“If you are here to change my mind, you are wasting your time,” you said stiffly. 

“I don’t believe I have to do anything,” Anthony said. “It looks as if you’ve come to the conclusion yourself.” 

“And what makes you think that?”

“You have not even glanced in Cardew’s direction this entire night,” he said. “You’ve been looking at me instead.” 

“Because I have felt your eyes on me with every moment.” 

Anthony huffed. “Can you blame me? This is the first time I have seen you since that night.” 

“Then you should remember my words from that night,” you bit out. 

“Why are you so intent on pushing me away?” Anthony begged. 

You scoffed. “Why are you so intent on bothering me?”

“Because I cannot stand here and watch you marry another!” he exclaimed.

Your brows furrowed and you turned around. Anthony stood in front of you, his outfit impeccable but not at all looking put together. Desperation colored his eyes, and you saw how truly undone he’d become. 

“I— I thought I could, but I cannot.” He shook his head, a muscle working in his jaw as he glanced away. “Every moment you are in the vicinity of that man is a test of my strength. And I do not know how strong I am.” 

“I don’t understand,” you said hollowly. “You should hate me.” 

“I could never hate you,” Anthony murmured. “I thought I could, when you first told me of your plans, but— but I could hardly even dislike you.” A wistful smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head. “My mother had been bothering me for nearly a decade to find a wife and settle down, but I thought love was a fool’s game. I would have my fun as a bachelor, and then settle down with the most advantageous match. There was no need for further emotional baggage—when you love, you can lose. And I refused to lose again.” 

For a moment, your heart stopped in your chest. He lost his father, he nearly lost you, and then you pushed him away like he meant nothing. 

“Anthony—” you whispered, but he shook his head. 

“Please,” he said. “I have a lot to say.” 

You nodded, and he did as well. 

“Our deal was perfect for that. You were nothing but my sister’s nuisance of a friend—a bad influence that I could never see as more.” You could not help your soft laugh, and Anthony’s smile turned a bit more genuine. 

“But then we spent more time together. I… truly began to know you.” He shook his head with a chuckle. “You shattered every preconception I had of you. I began to look forward to our meetings, to our promenades—I would get home from calling on you and could think only of the next time I would see you.” 

“Throughout it all, you made me realize I was worthy of love,” he said. “You— you made me realize that I wanted it. That I wanted you.” His throat bobbed, and you could see his eyes glistening. “That I loved you.” 

You could hardly find the strength to speak. You felt as if you could melt into a puddle at his feet just from his words. You were so intent on avoiding Anthony because you couldn’t stand the thought of hurting him anymore— you believed he would be better off without you, without the scandal you’d dragged him into. 

But he… he loved you. 

He loved you just as you loved him. 

“I do not expect you to share any of my notions, and I know you value your freedom more than anything,” Anthony murmured. “So if it is not me you wish to be with, I understand, and I will accept it without complaint. I just beg of you—do not become that wretched man’s wife.” 

All you could do was stare at him for a moment more, words beyond your reach before you finally managed to speak through your emotions. 

“I tried to tell myself the exact same thing,” you said softly. “That you could not be happy with me. That I could never be happy chained to another—truly, that I could never love. Not when freedom is what I have always desired most. But Anthony…” you moved forward until you were mere centimeters apart, unable to suppress the shiver that ran through you at the proximity, “I have never felt more free than when I am with you.” 

“Miss—” Anthony started, but he paused and shook his head before saying your first name instead. His eyes were softer than anything. “Are you truly…?” 

“I could never fathom you sharing my feelings,” you said thickly. “That is why I pushed you away. But I love you, Anthony Bridgerton. And I think I have loved you for quite some time.” 

You swallowed the sudden lump in your throat, turning away so as to not betray the fullness of your emotions, and though you opened your mouth to provide some excuse, you were not granted the chance. 

Anthony’s hand encircled your wrist, pulling you back around, and just as soon did you feel his lips against yours. The tightness in your chest dissolved almost immediately as you all but fell into him, Anthony wrapping his arms around you to support you as your hands found purchase on anything they could. 

Your focus became devoted solely to the feeling of him, his soft lips against yours even as they plied for access. Anthony held you as if his only desire were to protect you from the world, and it made you feel a way you’d never even imagined. Only when air became a necessity did he pull away, his labored breaths in contrast to the pure adoration in his eyes. 

“Never in a thousand years did I think you would feel the same,” he murmured, his hands cupping your face on either side as he gazed into your eyes. “I thought myself a fool, falling for the one woman I could not have. You’ve no idea the relief it brings to hear you share my feelings.”

“I suppose I am just as foolish as you,” you breathed. Your heart felt as if it could burst. 

The corners of his lips quirked up in a smile. “I cannot imagine what my mother would think—that after so long spent searching for a wife, I fell for the one woman who never wanted the title.” 

You let out an airy laugh, relishing the feeling of his skin against yours. “Nor did I see myself falling for the one man who resented the chains of marriage as much as I.” 

Anthony pressed his lips against yours once more, and your hands traveled up until they tangled in his hair. You kissed until you were nearly breathless, but Anthony still managed to pull a very unladylike sound out of you as he bowed his head, kissing down the line of your jaw, your neck, until his teeth nipped your skin just above your decolletage.

“Anthony,” you gasped, clenching your fingers as they buried themselves further into his dark locks. You had never been this close with a man before, never this intimate — you never thought you would even desire it. 

But Anthony lit a fire inside of you that only he could quench, and yet the only thing he seemed to do was stoke it further. It was equally maddening and dizzying, the control he so effortlessly had over you. 

“I never knew how much I would delight in hearing you say my name,” he murmured, his lips trailing against your skin. “No more Lord Bridgerton, I beg of you.”

“I should think I’d like to hear you beg—” you breathed, but Anthony cut you off yet again as he pulled you into another searing kiss. You could hardly stand it anymore as your hands fell down to his shoulders, and you pulled away for just a moment as you began desperately undoing his waistcoat, Anthony taking the hint and removing his jacket. 

“These buttons were not designed with the needs of a lady in mind,” you huffed in frustration, fumbling fingers failing to make progress, and Anthony chuckled breathlessly.

“Have we finally found something I best you in?” he asked, and you rolled your eyes with a smile.

“Just take it off.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”

You groaned as you looked at him. “If you insist on teasing me this way, Lord Bridgerton, I shall go back inside and act as if nothing has happened.”

“There is no need for idle threats,” he defended, and you bit back your smile. Anthony made deft work of his waistcoat, and the second he tossed it aside he was back on you. 

“Besides,” his voice was a whisper a millimeter from your ear, and warmth blazed in your core, “I believe I told you to call me Anthony.”

“And I believe you should have to try harder than that.” You smiled into his kiss as you trailed your nails down his back, the thin fabric of his dress shirt doing little as you felt his involuntary shiver. 

“You’ve no idea the effect you have on me,” he groaned, once again dipping his head as he peppered even more kisses down your neck, sliding down the sleeve of your dress to allow himself better access. 

The night air on your newly freed skin did little for you, any coolness of the breeze instantly negated by the heat of Anthony against you. Your nails dug into his back as he moved down, each spot where his lips touched your skin erupting with fire. 

You gasped out his name, barely able to handle it—the feeling was so foreign yet familiar, as if you had been waiting all your life for Anthony in this way. 

You could hardly believe you nearly lost it of your own accord. 

“It appears I do not have to try hard at all,” he said, “the way you cry out for me.” 

You laughed breathlessly, though his words were indeed true. You knew, in this moment, that you would do anything for Anthony Bridgerton—and he would do anything for you. “How I fell for a man as irritating as you, I haven’t the slightest.” 

You caught the slightest glimpse of his grin before he ducked his head yet again, and he had only just begun pushing both sleeves of your dress down when a woman’s voice could be heard behind you. 

“Anthony— oh!” 

The unfamiliar voice struck fear into your heart you had never felt the likes of before. Anthony moved away from you quicker than you’d ever seen, you just as hasty as you tugged the sleeves of your dress back to where they belonged and attempted to smooth out everything that Anthony had so easily sullied. 

You’d never imagined this was how your reputation would be ruined, with Anthony Bridgerton in the gardens of some ball, but when you finally had the sense to look and see who had caught you in a most uncompromising position, you could hardly stifle your incredulous laugh. 

“Sister?” Anthony questioned in disbelief, so many emotions warring on his face you had to turn away to cover up your growing grin. 

“Anthony,” Daphne greeted in kind, fighting to conceal her smile as her eyes drifted to you. “Miss Worthing.” 

“Your Grace!” Your shaky fingers were hardly of use to you as you pulled your gloves back up to where they belonged and once again ran your hands down the skirt of your dress to smooth out the wrinkles. Your cheeks burned under her gaze and you were innately aware of the fire underneath your skin brought about by Anthony’s touch in contrast to the cool night air. “What brings you here?” 

“Mother was quite… nervous about tonight,” she explained. “She indulged in one too many glasses of champagne, so she is taking her leave with Benedict for aid. She requested I find you to alert you of her departure, but it seems she was not the one whose disappearance should have been questioned.” 

“I’m sure you know this is quite compromising.” Thinly veiled amusement crossed Daphne’s face as she eyed you pointedly. “I am afraid you must marry him at once Miss Worthing, else I shall have to duel you to protect my brother’s honor.” 

You laughed breathlessly as Anthony looked up at the sky, his face turning a deeper shade of red than you had ever seen. “Your Grace, are you suggesting that I have ruined him?” 

“Indeed I am,” she confirmed, and you could see how it took every muscle of her being to retain a serious image. “This is not a light matter, miss. I do not understand why you are laughing.” 

“Daphne,” Anthony groaned, avoiding her eyes as he occupied himself with his jacket. “Why do you insist on being a nuisance?” 

“Anthony,” she inflected his name the same way he did hers, “I cannot have this woman sullying your name! I know it was of no will of your own, but this can not stand as is. But do not worry; I am prepared to defend your honor to my last breath.” 

“My sincerest apologies for what I have done, Duchess Hastings,” you responded gravely. “I am prepared for pistols at dawn.” 

Anthony huffed as he buttoned his waistcoat back up then went to retrieve his jacket from the bushes. “You exaggerate, the both of you. This cannot be what I was like last season.” 

“You were worse, brother. But do not worry,” Daphne said with a grin, “I should think a taste of your own practices is only fair after all you put Simon and me through.”

Anthony sighed with a slight roll of his eyes. “I… suppose… that it is what I deserve.” 

“Thank you, brother,” she said. “I only wish we had a witness just so your confession is forever remembered.”

“I wish Mother had not sent you to seek me out,” he responded dryly. 

You and Daphne exchanged smiles with each other before your expression sobered slightly. “ I ask quite a bit of you with this, Your Grace, but… may I count on your discretion? I know we jest, but my reputation truly could not handle something like this. I do not know if…” you glanced at Anthony before looking back to her, “if we are yet ready to seal our union.” 

“Of course,” Daphne nodded, and a relieved smile tugged at your lips. “I shall not tell a soul.” 

“Thank you eternally, Your Grace,” you expressed, but at your short curtsy she shook her head.

“Please, call me Daphne.” She offered a smile of her own, slightly coy. “After what I have just witnessed, I’ve no doubt you will be joining our family soon enough.” 

“Sister!” Anthony scolded, and when you glanced at him his entire face was dusted pink, even the tips of his ears. It was enough to make you swoon. “You cannot just say things whenever you see fit.” 

Daphne merely shrugged, joyfully indifferent to her brother’s protests. “I outrank you now, dearest brother — I believe I can say whatever I see fit, particularly when it is the truth.”

“You are truly impossible,” Anthony muttered as he shook his head. 

Daphne just smiled before she looked back at you. “I believe it best if the two of you leave at separate times, so as to not allow room for any rumors. Miss Worthing, you should go first and return to your mother; you can claim you simply needed fresh air. Anthony and I will stroll around the grounds for a bit before allowing ourselves to be seen — we are simply catching up after such a stretch spent at Clyvedon.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath as you smoothed your mussed hair and wrinkled dress for the last time. Anthony certainly did a number on you, in more ways than one. “Thank you again, Your—” you caught yourself, correcting your error with a small smile, “Daphne. 

“You may count on me in the future whenever I am in London,” she reassured. “It is my hope anyway that I shall be able to welcome you to the family officially.”

“Daphne!” Anthony exclaimed yet again, glaring at her. “Might you take your leave so we may have a moment alone?” 

“I believe you just had quite a few moments alone,” Daphne said, but a pointed look from her brother had her conceding with a smile. “Alright. I will be by the trees when you need me.” 

Anthony turned to you with an odd look in his eyes when Daphne was out of hearing distance, and when he did eventually speak, his voice was far softer than usual. 

“Do you truly believe I would not marry you?” he asked, and the underlying hurt in his voice did not go unnoticed. “Even if there were not the risk of a scandal, I would not hesitate. My entire heart lies with you.”

“It is not you, Anthony,” you sighed with a slight shake of your head. “I do not… I do not know if I am even capable of marriage.” 

He frowned. “What do you mean?” 

“I have spent my entire life running from it,” you said, chuckling softly, “and yet, here I am, the one thing I never thought I would be.”

“In love,” Anthony realized, and you nodded. 

“It has always been easy enough to denounce marriage when I’d never experienced anything of the like. The union of my parents was for convenience rather than love, and for as long as I’ve been alive my mother has tried to drill it into my head that my feelings did not matter — so long as the man had the means to provide for me and was not completely awful, he was satisfactory.”

“A future like that— it was so completely absurd to me that denouncing it all was the easiest thing in the world. And then I nearly died and my entire world changed, and I decided that Cardew was the best option to allow myself to completely separate emotion from marriage, but now…” you looked at Anthony, feeling more vulnerable now than ever. “I have found a love in you I’ve never thought possible, and I cannot stop imagining a life with you. And that terrifies me more than anything.” 

“But…” you trailed off again and you turned away from him as you wrapped your arms around yourself. “But I do not know how to approach my future, especially one where we are so closely intertwined.” 

Silence hung in the air for a noticeable period before Anthony cleared his throat, and it was obvious the care he put into his words. 

“You know I never imagined I would marry for love. Truly, I never intended it—I expected to be miserable in marriage. I saw it as nothing more than another duty to take care of. I believed that love was trivial, a ridiculous distraction. You are the one who made me see differently.” 

You turned around with slightly wide eyes, your arms wrapped around your midsection doing little to ward off the cool night air that seemed far colder than it was before. Anthony’s gaze never left yours, the softness in his own at odds with the pure, unbridled passion. 

“I love you. Though I have only just allowed myself to accept the fact, you are someone that I cannot imagine living the rest of my days without. There was…” his throat bobbed as his voice crackled slightly, “there was a moment when I feared the worst, that you would permanently disappear from my life. And ever since you were all but brought back from the dead, I have known that you are the only woman I wish to be with. It is why as soon as I left you, I asked my mother for this.” 

Anthony took a box out of his pocket, and you gasped as he got down on one knee, your hands flying up to cover your mouth. 

“This is the ring my father proposed to my mother with, and their love was beyond anything I have seen before. But it is the love that I feel for you, something so strong, so overwhelming— something I never thought I would experience. And yet here I am, madly in love with the one woman who scorned me with every word, and only pursued me because of my brand as a lesser evil.” 

A laugh bubbled out of you, the sound slightly muffled through your gloves, and you could not help it as your eyes began to fill with tears. 

“I admire you; all of you. The part that loves her family with every part of her being, that looks out for those with less than her when those more fortunate turn a blind eye. The part that fights for the rights of her sex when it is so much easier to just bow one’s head, that puts her happiness on a rightful pedestal— the part that is so terrified to share herself with others and yet deserves a love of the purest form.”

“And I am aware of how the unknown is a fear of yours, as it is one of mine. But I assure you—” Anthony’s voice was filled with such passion, his eyes with such love, that you could hardly stand it, “—I will be there for you every step of the way. We will face our fears as one, and we will shape the future ourselves, not to be bound by anyone or anything.” 

“I do not know where my future will lead me, but I know I do not want to face a single second of it without you. If you do not feel the same, I understand, but I will not be able to live with myself if I do not at least try. It is why I ask you,” Anthony said your name with more love than ever before, “will you marry me?”

“Yes,” you sobbed, a smile breaking across your face even as tears of joy streamed down your cheeks. “Yes, yes, I will marry you!”

Anthony let out a sigh of relief as he grinned, and after he slid the ring on your finger he stood up and pulled you into a breathless kiss. Nothing picture perfect like you’d heard about as a young girl, the kind of effortless gentleman’s act— Anthony kissed you with pure passion, love, desire, and it nearly brought you to your knees. You thought it would have, were it not for Anthony’s strong arms wrapped around your waist, pressing you against him and supporting you. 

You could hardly believe the same man who treated you as if you were glass after your injury was the one standing before you now, the one who handled you in such a way that could get the both of you exiled were anyone to see—the one that you thought hated you.  

And you were more than willing to allow it to continue, to surrender yourself fully to your baser instincts, when you remembered something that made your eyes widen.

“Your sister,” you murmured between kisses until you finally managed to pull away, albeit reluctantly. “Daphne is still waiting.”

Anthony laughed breathlessly as he pulled you back in, and your earlier protest was shown to be completely nonsensical. “Let her wait.” 

You grinned as he peppered kisses down your neck, enjoying the sensation until you pushed him away. “Anthony.” 

He groaned. “Why must you be a better person than I?”

“Believe when I say it pains me,” you said. “But the last thing we need is yet another scandal by my hand.” 

“Let them know,” he said, taking your hands in his. “Let all of London know that I love you, that we will be wed. I do not care what we have to face so long as we face it together.” 

“The thought has never been so tempting,” you murmured. “But you should at least alert your sister. It would be improper to make her wait out here all night for nothing.” 

His grip tightened on your hands. “So you do wish to leave together?” 

“Anthony, I just accepted your proposal,” you said with a laugh. “I wish to spend the rest of our lives together.” 

“I believe tonight is a good place to start, then,” he grinned. 

Anthony would not let you leave his side, so you went to Daphne together. First she saw your smile, then her gaze drifted down to your hand—she looked knowingly at her brother, though she could not hide her smile either. 

“It would appear as if I was right,” she mused. “I am always right when it comes to you though, Anthony, so it is not much of a surprise.” 

“Do not mock me,” Anthony said. “I could have left you waiting by the bushes all night.” 

“If you had not proposed to her after the conversation we had the other day, I would have questioned your sense,” Daphne said. “Trust me, I would not have been here long.” 

Your eyebrows rose. “What conversation?” 

“We do not need to start on this,” he said with a pointed look at his sister. “I have already bared my entire soul tonight. I do not need my sister embarrassing me further.” 

“Oh, I would never,” Daphne drawled. “After all, there will be plenty of time for us to gossip together when I come to visit you all.” 

“Won’t you be busy with your child?” Anthony asked. 

She shrugged. “You may be busy with one as well by the time I see you again.” 

You looked at Anthony only to find his gaze was already on you. There must have been some shred of doubt in your eyes, because he only took your hand in his. 

“I meant what I said,” he murmured. “We will take things as slowly as you desire.” 

You swallowed the sudden lump in your throat and nodded as you squeezed his hands—you knew what was expected of you as a wife, and you wanted it with Anthony, but you could not lie and say that his reassurances did not bring you relief. 

“My best wishes to the new Viscountess Bridgerton,” Daphne said, her voice full of affection as she clasped her hands together. “It is an honor to have you join our family.” 

“It is an honor to be accepted,” you said, bowing your head. 

Daphne smiled. “I assume you want to reveal this on your own terms.” 

You nodded. “I’ve dealt with enough attention from the ton lately.” 

“I am afraid to say that will not go away,” she said wryly. “But I will cover for the two of you.” 

You pressed a hand to your chest. “Thank you.” 

“It is only proper to welcome my sister in such a way,” she said with a wink, and you could not help but smile. “Now run along, you two. Before rumors start.” 

Anthony chuckled, and the two of them embraced before you started on your way.

“Viscountess Bridgerton,” Anthony murmured in your ear. “I love the sound of that.” 

You hummed in agreement. “As do I.” 

You laid your head on Anthony’s shoulder as you walked back with your hands intertwined—not to the ball, but to a carriage for the promise of time alone. You glanced over at Anthony and he smiled, and you pulled him to a stop as you pressed a kiss to his lips. He responded with hunger, the same vigor he displayed when you first stepped into the gardens together, and you could hardly believe he still had it left in him. 

Far too many minutes passed as you kissed and kissed and kissed, not a single care in the world of someone catching you. What could they do? You’d already endured enough scandal to weather anything, and there was no way to punish you and Anthony — you were already engaged. 

Your lips were sure to be bruised once you finally pulled away, Anthony gazing at you with complete adoration as he brushed a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“I cannot believe you are to be my wife,” he murmured. 

“I cannot believe you are to be my husband,” you breathed. “When will we reveal it?” 

“Tomorrow,” he said, intertwining your hands with his own. “Tomorrow, we will tell everyone, and we will deal with everything that comes along with it. But tonight…” 

“It is our secret.”

Anthony nodded. “Tonight, we start the rest of our lives together.” 

“The rest of our lives together,” you murmured. 

Truly, it sounded like a dream. Months ago you could not even consider the thought of marriage without an air of disgust—now, here with Anthony, you could not stop thinking about the fact that you were to be his wife. 

The rest of your life with Anthony would be anything but simple.

And yet, somehow, you could not think of anything more perfect.

-

taglist, only bc this series has been going on since i still had a taglist lmao. @ifilwtmfc @readers-post @fangirling-galore @funkydinosaurs @baby-i-am-fireproof @mess-is-my-aesthetic @likeballet @mdkfh @brezzybfan @magical-spit @lafy-taffy @miss-celestial-being @mercurysrhapsody @evilsailorsenshi @mainstreambitchlife @aangsupremacy @chloepluto1306 @lostaudfound @panhoeofmanyfandoms @blhemmings @my-acrylic-heart @seninjakitey @vlodi @arianagrandes-things @preciousbabypeter @youraliendaddo @stupidlittlebei @illuminwtesz @eringaitskill @otheliesstuff @users09 @chloepluto1306 @lady-loki-barnes-djarin @m-rae23 @the-horror-and-the-wild-simp @diemdurantia @theyoungestchild0w0 @mschievousx @alwaysreading1019 @ibelieveindragons141 @pretzywetzy

#anthony bridgerton x reader #anthony bridgerton x you #anthony bridgerton fic #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton fic #anthony bridgerton fanfic #x reader #bridgerton imagine #sadie writes

[briarcrawford]

Is This How You Write Romance?

I have never written a romance; not even once. That does not mean there is anything wrong with romance stories, just that I typically am drawn to writing stories that focus on other aspects. Now, that might sound like I am being a snob, but what I really mean is that I am a simple soul; I crave action scenes. Media that is majority romance just tends to bore me.

I do want to improve as a writer, though, and that does include writing romance(as a sub-plot). It is something most people expect in stories, and, if I am honest, a part of the reason I continue to avoid it is that I have no experience writing it. So, to help me get started, I have been doing what I do best: researching.

I have been (halfheartedly, with my phone in hand) watching the odd romance movie when my mom has them on(those ultra cheesy Hallmark ones), and it seems like most romances can break down into a simple formula.

The formula is:

1. The Meet-Cute

After the viewers have had a look into the life of the main character, the meet-cute happens. This scene is most likely funny or overly dramatic.

“In film and television, a meet cute is a scene in which the two people who will form a future romantic couple meet for the first time, typically under unusual, humorous, or cute circumstances. This type of scene is a staple of romantic comedies, though it can also occur in sitcoms and even soap operas.” Wikipedia

2. Building a Connection

Scenes that gradually bring them closer; typically do to coincidences or circumstances that force them to keep meeting. These scenes are when your readers will decide if they have chemistry or not.

3. Turning to Feelings

They continue having scenes together, and show signs of mutual interest. These scenes are when readers decide if they would make a healthy couple, and romance fans start looking forward to what could happen.

4. Feelings Confirmed

Something happens (such as a rescue, or a near kiss) that makes them realize or suspect that the feelings are mutual.

5. The Test

Their relationship is tested, and they realize how much they need each other. This is normally when one side runs off, and the other chases.

Without some sort of conflict and character building, the romance may come off feeling like filler content or fan service.

6. End

All is resolved, and they are together now.

Obvious, right? Well, the trick is to weave these into your main plot without them standing out too much.

Once you know what readers want in romance, the tricky part starts.

1. Confirm your genre.

What scenes are most important to you? If it is the romance scenes, you may want to rethink how you classify your genre. For example, there is a difference between writing a fantasy with a romance subplot, and a romance with a fantasy subplot. Deciding if you need to shift your main focus will change how much of each content makes up the percentage of your book.

2. Decide Your Goals.

What are your goals for the relationship? Sometimes, the plot points above stretch through just one book, while other times it can stretch for a whole series. If your goal is to have them get together in one book, know that you will have to deal with continuing that romance throughout the rest of the series(and adding in enough drama to keep it worth the subplot time).

3. They Should Amplify Your Main Plot.

If you have your characters become a couple in the middle of your main-plot’s climax, you risk ruining what tension you have built. Some writers do fight this and go with it anyway, though that is often because one of the love interests is almost guaranteed to die in the next scene.

Instead, consider having the relationship build at the same speed of the main plot. This is why end-of-series kisses are so popular to write.

Another popular option is to have them get together early on, but separated. That way, the hero is fighting not only to survive, but also to get back to their love.

This is, of course, all written by someone learning, so if any of you have any tips for writing romance, please let me know! I am not planning on watching any more of those movies(sorry, mom haha), so I will take all the help I can get.

#writing #writing help #writing advice #writing tips #romance #writing romance

[pinkerthings]

the significance of mileven simply not understanding each other (pt 1):

(others have brought this up before but I think it’s a bit overlooked imo)

There are numerous times throughout Stranger Things where Mileven is shown to not be on the same wavelength, and the Duffers like to make it quite apparent to the general audience.

Starting with the obvious scenes:

“BLANK makes you crazy”

El is literally staring at Mike like she has NO idea what he’s trying to say.

Shes STILL confused even after he tells her it’s something old people tell each other:

Like girl…. i KNOW you were watching them soap operas and old timey romances during that year in Hopper’s cabin. You really expect us to believe you have no clue what he’s trying to say?

This scene was written like this on purpose for two reasons: comedic effect and diving deeper into mileven.

Back to not ever being on the same wavelength:

I talked in this post here about Mike being okay with El standing up to bullies in the past when it came to Mike or Will, but Mike suddenly not understanding when it comes down to El defending herself against Angela, showcasing the idea that they are definitely not in agreeance over what happened at Rink-O-Mania.

The Duffers like to purposefully write Mileven out of step with one another.

It seems as though every season has something negative in store for the couple, and not in a fun, slow-burn agonizing romance type of way, but in the frustrating “why can’t they just work it out” kind of way.

Season 1 obviously has El “dying” and leaving Mike for a year, but on a smaller note also has Mike trying to explain to her that if she moved into his house, Nancy would be like her sister, but he would not be like her brother. She does not understand this, and has her classic confused face on.

Season 2 has her being gone and coming back to see Mike with Max, and even though nothing happened between the two of them, El was still cold to Max when they first met, showing even if El is incapable of knowing what the word “love” is, she still somehow knows what jealousy is.

Season 2 also brings us an interesting scene with Erica and Lucas, where the dialogue just seems….really off and random.

Lucas catches Erica playing with his He-Man action figure and gets mad, taking it from her. To which she says, “Hey! They’re in love!”

Lucas responds with:

The scene is extremely random and the dialogue is just weird to me, the only explanation it being a metaphor for something in the show, and the only viable explanation is Mileven.

Season 3 has the entire “boyfriends lie” side plot, resulting in El dumping Mike for lying to him about his grandmother after Hopper’s talk with him. Their relationship the entirety of season 3 is the epitome of immature pettiness caused by jealous and hormonal teenagers who don’t understand what being in a real relationship entails--

We get El and Max spying on the boys:

Eleven is a mystery to Mike, he pretty much says it himself.

Their whole relationship is based on immaturity, and the audience knows that. The audience can see that the two of are clearly immature and don’t have what it takes to be in a real, committed relationship. That’s the point. Their relationship in season three is almost entirely to move the plot around in whatever way the Duffer’s want, and to showcase the idea that their relationship in screen is nearly always shown in either a comedic, pre-teen immature light, or a jealous, misunderstood, and petty light. There is almost no stable relationship between the two of them in season 3. It’s either too clingy or too toxic or full of lies or immature, blah blah blah. The only scenes of them either not making out or fighting is the last scene of them together right before the Byers move, and that’s a whole scene in itself to unpack!

Season 4 is where things get a little chaotic, as if things weren’t chaotic enough.

There are so many miscommunications and misunderstandings with Mileven this season, but the big ones include:

El feeling like Mike thinks of her as a monster-

and Mike looking at her like she just spoke badly about his favorite Star Wars movie-

Directly after that we have Mike saying El is being "ridiculous" because she's upset that he won't tell her he loves her, and him calling her a superhero, the complete opposite of what she wants to hear in that moment, but Mike doesn't understand that, because who wouldn't want to be called a superhero? (his way of thinking)

Later on we get Mike recounting this to Will, saying, "and if I would have said that thing..." etc.

Mike can't even say that he loves El to other people, and we're expected to believe it's still true?

We also get this:

another misunderstanding on Mileven's part. El thinks Mike doesn't love her (at this point, does he?) so she finishes her letter the same way he has: From, El.

Next we have Will and Mike's conversation on top of the car:

"I think it's just scary to open up like that, to say how you really feel, especially to people you care about the most, because...what if they don't like the truth?"

I've said it before and I'll say it again,

why would El NOT like the truth if the truth is that Mike loves her?

Mike nods at Will's words and looks away, seemingly lost in thought. Why would he agree with Will---that it's hard for him to open up to El because she might not like the truth---if the truth is exactly what she wants to hear?

It literally makes no sense.

We also get the Byler van scene, where Mike compares her to a superhero yet again, something she clearly does not like (I don't have a vid but here's the official script, where he says the same thing):

Also El being Superman and him being Lois Lane in the analogy....okay.

Next we have him calling her a superhero YET AGAIN ! during his monologue:

Like girl if I was El I would just give up at this point. This is the last thing she wants to hear. She doesn't want to be a superhero all the time, she just wants to be a person ! a girlfriend ! a friend ! a daughter ! yet Mike is making it seem like the main reason he loves her is because she's a superhero, which she hates.

And lastly we have:

"Did she...talk to you at all?"

"Not much, I mean...a little bit."

Let me get this straight......you finally confess your love to your longtime girlfriend in the midst of her fighting a literal monster & monster from her past while she is being strangled and held captive all while she's also trying to save her friend from death, and she doesn't say anything to you for TWO days after?

Ladies...the Mileven break up is writing itself, really.

And that is a thread on how the Duffers intentionally write Mileven to be on different wavelengths with each other every single season without fail to showcase how incompatible they really are.

They are setting this relationship up to where you want more for both parties; El deserves to be loved the way she wants to be loved, and Mike deserves to be loved the way he needs to be loved (if u know what i mean)

In part 2 I will discuss the importance of byler understanding each other, juxtaposed to mileven hehe bye !

part 2 analyzing Mike & Will here !

#stranger things #byler #mike wheeler #will byers #eleven #stranger things 5 #finn wolfhard #jane hopper #st5 #mike and will

[televised-uhhh-nerdistry]

in awe over the fact that community truly knows how to pack a punch. in season 3, episode 17, “basic lupine urology”, the show once again makes a parody, just like it has for the past three seasons. the entire episode is law and order based, and it every single joke is seamlessly written and performed, like genuinely the whole thing is perfect. the serious tone of law and order, coupled with the absurdity of the show, it works so well! by the end of the episode, despite the jokes, and despite the parody, the show manages to create a tone that is far more sombre and dramatic than most episodes so far. when the call about star burns’ (his name is alex) death comes in, it feels surreal, it feels genuinely heartbreaking, and it feels utterly different than the rest of the show.

they used the entire sombre setup, despite it being parodical, to force their last line to pack a ginormous punch. of course, the end credits scene show that the cast is back to their usual shenanigans, effectively breaking the soap-opera esque episode that they had just aired. it’s their way of saying “hey friends, thanks for watching, here’s a cookie”. and i eat that shit up every time!!

by the time they craft another parody of a serious crime related media, they manage to do the exact same thing over a season later while still making it fresh and new. in season 5, episode 3, “basic intergluteal numismatics”, they opt for a parody of david fincher’s “seven”, and if i’m being real here, i know next to nothing about the film other than its general premise. however, they still manage to use the same formula, while accomplishing something brand new. here, they use the sombre and serious tone to once again deliver bad news in a way that packs a punch. it’s their way of saying “we’re a comedy show, but we can go toe to toe with all the academy award winners if we so please”. but this time, they follow through on the storyline introduced in basic lupine urology: star burns. he’s alive and well, and they incorporate him seamlessly back into the show as if he never left. they set up his death perfectly, then use his death to set up arguably the biggest storyline in the series, before resolving it with what is simultaneously the most serious and the most silly resolution possible. then, just when you are comfortable in the show’s parody seriousness, they do it again! they lure you into a false sense of security and introduce another major character death without it feeling like a cliche or a repeat scenario.

man i love community

#community #jeff winger #annie edison #britta perry #pierce hawthorne #troy barnes #abed nadir #troy and abed #shirley bennett #starburns #my name is alex #television #perfection #the writers knew what they were doing #so good #in awe #in awe tbh #i love community #dean pelton #i love this show #best show ever #best show of all time

[mikuni14]

Last Twilight - Ep 12

I really gave this series a chance, I honestly sat down for this episode thinking, ok, maybe they will save this dumpster fire that was the finale of the previous ep. I really WANTED to like it.

The series went for my throat literally in the first minute 😀 After that everything was more or less torture. Almost every scene, every word felt like it was written specifically against me 😆

Let's start with a nice scene of a smiling Day saying coachy, positive bullshit suggesting that he pulled himself up by his bootstraps, and wasn't literally dragged out of the stagnation and depression by Mhok. A montage of scenes of Day thriving. All of this thanks to himself!

And then Mhok arrives, cue the romantic Halmark escalator scene and………… ……………………. ……………….. Mhok and Day slip into their old shoes, acting exactly like they did after their first kiss scene LMAOOOO they literally went back in time to this episode, Mhok flirts, Day is skittish. Everything that happened is pointless. They act like the 3 YEARS (!!!!) apart, or that horrible scene, or even the fact that Day fucking blocked Mhok didn't exist.

This whole episode killed me because it made it seem like Day was the victim of something really bad and Mhok was the bad guy, like it was all because of him, like he had done something terrible to Day. When Day asks his mother if he can give Mhok a chance because he might do "the same thing again", it sounds like Mhok was beating him or cheating on him????? Mhok thanking for the breakup????????? Mhok doing emotional labor again and winning over Day, while Day pushes him away (but not really) and is blushing and skittish and just takes the attention given to him was a literal repeat of the past and actively made me feel upset, for me it was humiliating to see Mhok like that.

And what's interesting - Mhok after his return is exactly the same, he behaves exactly the same, he is "overprotective" again. But now, Day and the plot are ok with it? 🤔

And this wedding, which somehow was about Day anyway. Like everything. (Night and Porjai in the future: remember our wedding? oh yes, that event when we took DAY to the airport and when DAY had his eye surgery? 😆)

Also, please leave the weddings, the profound speeches, the dramatic scenes, the tearjerkers, the airport runs, and the sudden phone calls about available transplants to the professionals. Soap operas do it so much better, so just… leave it. I can cry my eyes out at these scenes during Bollywood movies because they know how to do it. In Last Twilight I don't know where to hide because of embarrassment.

Day getting his sight back? I'm for it! It wasn't a miracle, just a medical procedure. Why would they deny him that? Especially since medicine could help in his case. But again, it's not about what happened, it's about HOW it happened, it's about the execution (which is also my main complaint about the scene from the previous episode). It was just melodramatic and crammed into the moment to force an emotional response from the audience. And did you notice how flat the scene when Day sees fell? "I can see!" haha, Porjai is pretty, end of the scene. Like???? The series told a certain story and from a narrative point of view, Day's regaining his sight at that moment and in such a way was artificial, so it does not give any satisfaction or joy in the fact that a blind person can see again - I was embarrassed by how cringe and saccharine this scene is. Not to mention the beginning of the episode contradicted the ending of the episode! The story must hold together, it must be coherent, the series should have a central, main idea. Last Twilight doesn't have that, it lost it 2 episodes ago, and the saccharine ending of this show was just a soap opera nail in the coffin.

tl;dr Mhok and Day are back in the past. Despite the loud speeches about development, growing and having a beautiful life despite adversities, the series made sure that the characters end it pretty much the same, in perfect circumstances, without the slightest cloud in their perfect sky 😀

The best things about this series are:

Mhok, my golden boy

Night without hesitation or making a big deal out of it, calling Porjai's baby his. I am a sucker for men who don't care whether their child is his blood. Night and Ha Do Young from The Glory, unconditionally loving their children regardless of whether they are their biological parents -> 💯💯💯

Right now, I'm not even angry, I don't even have any particular negative feelings. I just… I watched the whole episode like that:

#last twilight #last twilight the series #thai bl #bl drama

[piracytheorist]

fav greek movie and tv show?

So the thing about mainstream Greek media is that... they suck. There's very little effort put into them, and for the most part they try to satisfy a very conservative audience that doesn't know shit about acting, cinematography, directing, and you end up with bad films and shows that try their damnedest to look like something they can never reach. That's not to say there aren't good actors or directors, but the latter aren't given a chance in the mainstream scene and the former are usually "trapped" under bad directors and screenwriters.

And I'm not much of a film lover, so I don't think I've actually watched a Greek film that I can say it's good. But! I was lucky to have grown up at a time where some really good TV shows came out, where all the staff behind them were actually putting in effort and knowledge and weren't trying to be like mainstream American media. My favourite of those, I'd say, is "Είσαι το ταίρι μου" which translates to "You're my soulmate". If you've watched the film "While You Were Sleeping", the show has kind of a same idea (I mean, there's a scene where the dialogues are almost the same, lol), but more expanded.

Basically, it's about two Greek women who live in Melbourne and return to live in Greece. One of them, Vicky, wants to meet her fiancee's family (while the fiancee stays in Melbourne for business for a while), and the other, Stella, wants to try her luck and meanwhile meet a Greek guy she'd met on the internet. But circumstances and happenings lead to them switching places. Stella pretends to be Vicky and introduces herself as so to Vicky's future in-laws, and they absolutely adore her and she finally feels part of a family. Vicky pretends to be Stella and meets the guy from the internet, they fall madly in love but she slowly grows to learn what the consequences of her trickery are (it was her idea to switch places; Stella agreed on a whim and felt bad for lying from the first moment).

As I type all that I realize it sounds like a tacky soap opera but it's honestly so well written, smart, with respect to its story and characters and so much heart to it that the majority of Greek shows, soap operas or not, can't hold a candle to it.

It's funny, it's witty, it's self-conscious, and parts of it were filmed in Melbourne, Australia, and for us that's like wow!!! they travelled all the way down there to film!! and it has a kind of heart to it that I've never seen in any other of the Greek shows I've watched in my life. I've cried twice watching the ending - it's not exactly sad, more like bittersweet, but if you've watched the whole story you've connected with the characters and the relationships between them and you just feel sad to see them go.

#nette speaks #lentachorum #ask and ye shall receive

[gregorovitch-adler]

I really love this scene from No Más (S3, E1).

Instead of pulling the soap opera shit -

Skylar strolls around the living room, a large bag catches her eye, she opens it and finds a huge heap of cash. The coffee mug from her hand falls down, is shattered into pieces and the coffee spills across the floor. Just then she lets out a loud gasp. Unbelievable!

or something along those lines, they let her have a normal conversation with Walt where she just tries to put two and two together.

Hmm, let's see. My husband leaves the house for unreasonable amounts of time, doesn't care to explain his absence, is suddenly conveniently able to pay for his own chemotherapy (without asking a dime of money to Gretchen and Elliot or even his own mother for that matter) when for the whole time we've been together we weren't so well off at all. He's a high school chemistry teacher. We can't even afford to fix the lukewarm water-heater for God's sake. So, he's obviously up to some illegal shit. Now what would that might be? Given his previous interactions with that Pinkman kid, drug dealing is the most probable answer.

Now that's such a realistic and reasonable way for her to draw that conclusion. This scene in particular was quite impressive in that way.

Skylar initially comes off as quite naïve sometimes but as the show progresses further, she becomes strangely astute, time and again.

I really don't get the Skyler White hate. She's such a realistic character. That's exactly how any normal person would react if they were placed in the same situations as her. I know she can be quite hypocritical sometimes but that's how a realistic human being is like, honestly. We're all flawed. Nobody is perfect. I for one really liked the way she was written throughout the show.

Anna Gunn was perfect as Skylar White and so was everyone else in the Br Ba cast as their respective characters. I love this show so much.

#breaking bad #no más #season 3 #anna gunn #skyler white #breaking bad meta

[away-ward]

Devil's Night had so much potential that could set the series apart from other booktok series but it just falls short and on its face. I know you get this asks every day and I really hope I’m not bothering you, but some changes that would make the series a lot better for me are

Not making the Horsemen a wannabe gang or characters of a soap opera. If the plot began with rich kids suffering the consequences of their actions for the first time and later extand that theme to include more plot points that would eventually create a more solid theme, plot, and character arc, it would eliminate the whole mafia-esque theme that just didn’t suit the series. There is no need for them to be a gang or something dramatic. They are just a found family and will have their backs no matter what (with the privilege of money and power on their side).

Rika actually leaking the videos. It would make the series more interesting, and most importantly, make Rika an important character. Can’t come up with reasons for why she would do it right now (other than for a more reasonable reason than Trevor’s) but there is great potential. Her character can still be included to great extent in the following books without being annoying or unreasonable by being "redeemed" as the story goes on. We don’t need her paired with Michael (it can add tragedy, though) but they can still be each other’s love interest.

Getting rid of Blackchurch. I know you like Blackchurch but here me out 🫥. Emory wouldn’t know about Blackchurch if it wasn’t for Aydin, and I want to get rid off him. And while Blackchurch still can exist, I was thinking something along the lines of Will being suspected of Martin’s murder (happening after his initial assault on him that sent him to prison) while still keeping the whole "rich family tries to hide him/pay their way out of the case because they know he is guilty". Will refuses to enlarge information and refuses to plead guilty because he committed the murder with Emory. It can introduce readers to how much power the Graysons have (especially because they have an important political figure as the patriarch) and how much powerless Emory is in comparison.

A less intense Damon and Winter storyline. What do you mean you left a poor girl blind?! I would’ve get a restraining order too ngl. I would also add more significance to Winter’s character but I can’t come up with something right now. She can still be blind but not because of her love interest.

Incorporating the Horsemen concept. It was right there and we were left to starve. Michael can represent war, especially because the horse of war is red. He is leading the war against Rika because of what she did to the other Horsemen. It makes him an actual leader. Kai can represent scarcity, the black horse. It suggests a continuing abundance of luxuries for the wealthy and imperial oppression. It also carries a balance scale and Kai is a libra. Damon can be death, which rides a pale horse, and Will can be conquest, which rides a white horse and represent Christ and the Antichrist. The religious symbolism is already there with the Four Horsemen and the whole book of Hideaway.

Other things I would get rid off is the sexual assault scenes. The guys are supposed to be redeemed and gain sympathy; a sexual assaulter doesn’t deserve any of that. Other unnecessary scenes can be thrown out and a better thought out story could have been written. Not to discredit PD’s work, but Devil’s Night is just not that good of a story. I enjoy the headcanons and the possibilities that came out of the books, not exactly the storylines themselves. SORRY FOR RANTING LUV 💕💕💕🍪

You're so lovely! No need to apologize. I love when people come to the table with new ideas.

I have always said that Devil’s Night had great bones. And for people who are just here for the spicy stuff, I’m sure it does wonders. But I read for plot and characters, and there was so much here to pick at but nothing fully fleshed out.

Not making the Horsemen a wannabe gang or characters of a soap opera

I didn’t fully mind the secret society vibe, but I much would have preferred if it were more like a found family. If the plot were rich kids suffer the consequence of their actions and either learn their lesson or learn to be better criminals, that would have been fun (especially if they just learned to be better criminals but they never did. They never learned anything!!)

But yeah. Totally agree with you here. I’d take found family that has a flimsy relationship with morals and the law when their loved ones are involved over the secret society/mafia/gang vibes that we had any day of the week.

Rika actually leaking the videos.

In the past, I proposed that an interesting storyline would have been if Rika wanted revenge for what happened to her that night, so I can fully understand wanting to give Rika more influence in the story. Maybe after she’s attacked, she ends up with the phone instead of Trevor, but Trevor comes to her later and, seeing how upset she is, convinces her to upload as revenge. She could be sort of thinking: The horsemen don’t get to be judge, jury, and executioner in Thunder Bay, and she’s going to be the one to stop them, not knowing the stories behind the videos she posted.

It falls in the same realm of Banks protecting Damon, and Winter not speaking up about her involvement with Damon, and Emory signing those papers, in that she actually did the thing she’s accused of, but that’s not the full story.

And maybe she should apologize for listening to Trevor, but who’s going to force her after what Damon did? And well, she didn’t know about Martin being a child abuser, but that doesn’t mean the horsemen get to play vigilante.

This creates a more dynamic plot, then just “Rika’s innocent. Revenge Night is off. Everyone go home!”

Getting rid of Blackchurch

…I like the blackchurch plot???

I don’t like the blackchurch plot at all. I would have preferred if Emory had been dragged back to Thunder Bay so that we can see her interact with the characters that I’m actually interested in. No offence to Micah and Rory, or their fans, but I just don’t care about them. Their stories, their families, how they ended up at blackchurch. None of that matters to me.

Give me Banks and Emory! Give me Banks – who knew in Hideaway that Martin was a child abuser and then inherited her father’s empire a year later – try to explain to Emory why Martin is still out there, getting married, getting promoted, having a great life. Give me Banks explaining that Martin is protected by Evans, and that’s why she can’t move on him, otherwise she’d have him strung up (how did Banks not know?). Give me Michael, Winter, and Emory bonding over their terrible siblings. There’s so much potential here that we miss because Emory and Will and Alex are over on an island suffering through Aydin’s power trip.

Let me understand these people.

while still keeping the whole "rich family tries to hide him/pay their way out of the case because they know he is guilty". Will refuses to enlarge information and refuses to plead guilty because he committed the murder with Emory.

Interesting to have Emory involved with the murder. I’m totally in for Will doing it for her, but I never considered Emory being there. There’s so many ways this could go. Very intriguing idea.

So is the idea then that the Grayson’s send Will to Blackchurch so that he can’t arrested? Like if the cops can’t find him, the family can plan his defense? Or are they getting him out of the way because he won’t tell them what really happened, as he’s protecting Emory?

What does Emory do?

A less intense Damon and Winter storyline

I thought the point that it was actually her father that caused her blindness, not Damon? Anyway, Damon seeking revenge on Winter was kinda dumb. Yeah, she didn't speak up. But he straight up manipulated and lied to her. And he was going to go serve time regardless. I think Rika having something on Damon and using that pull to go after Winter's dad for what he did to her dad would have been an interesting plot. Pitting Damon against the girl he wants, who's still suspicious of him, while trying to avoid going back to prison from whatever Rika has on him. Or something. Talk about a chess game. And after he did the same thing to Kai, who would he be to complain? I bet he'd be impressed she successfully took a page from his book.

Winter’s a tricky one. I really don’t know how to give her more power either. I do think I would have preferred if she, after she had her accident, she’d pivoted from dancing to music? Possibly pianist or something. I don’t think it improves her story arc at all, just something that’s a bit more interesting to me. There’s only really one notable blind ballerina and she lost her sight at 19, not 6. And she was an incredible dancer before that, as well, so the whole “Winter doesn’t need a walking stick; Winter can pirouette without spotting; blah blah blah” just really pushes the limits of believability for me. I don’t know.

Incorporating the Horsemen concept

Interesting. First, I’ve always since Michael as the conqueror because his name is Michael (like the archangel) Crist, which is another for of Christ. It’s very subtle, I know.

I saw Kai as War. He literally named his dojo Sensou, the Japanese word for war. He was at war with himself, with Damon, with Banks. It seemed he always had someone to fight and reason to be angry.

Damon as Death because… well obviously. He’s killed at least two people that we know of. And that whole conversation in Nightfall.

And Will as the Famine/Scarcity. He was a glutton before going to Blackchurch, over indulging in everything. Blackchurch represented a cutting off from all of his vices; literally starving himself of what brings him joy. However, it seemed by Nightfall, PD had forgone the Horsemen trend and instead focused on Peter Pan themes? A girl who grew up too quick and a boy who never wanted to. It was weird. I mean, a story can definitely have multiple themes and inspirations. It was just hard to see the horsemen theme in Will.

Anyway. Here’s a fun little graphic I made. Not the best, because I’d never created something like this before, but it was still a fun time.

Other things that could have changed:

Yeah, I would have enjoyed less assualty-scenes too. The KaiBanks one in particular never sat right with me.

There are so many things about this story to enjoy; the characters and the dynamics; the situations and problems posed – all of it was really interesting. And I the hands of a different author would have been a much different story. I’m not angry at PD for writing about what they’re interested in. I just sometimes wish this idea had occurred to someone else. I want this core story, but in a different package.

I enjoy the headcanons and the possibilities that came out of the books, not exactly the storylines themselves.

I share the same sentiment.

Thank you so much for all the time you put into this. Be sure, you’re never bothering me, and I wouldn’t call this a rant by any means. I genuinely enjoyed taking in your ideas!

Ko

#asked and answered 266 #asked and answered #devil's night series stuff #series changes #ko's headcanons #headcanoning

[lioncunt]

Lestat for the character impressions!!

fjdjsksk ok buckle in this is gonna be long

first impression: just like with armand it was the movie as a high school freshman, and i was immediately extremely obsessed with him. that kind of lovable antagonist has always been my favorite archetype, like spike from buffy etc, so it was very easy to become attached to him, especially in CONTRAST to movielouis who sucks. when he “died” i was very surprised and disappointed, which i think then colored my initial viewing of the second half of the story lmao i was like where the fuck is lestat why is antonio banderas here. after i watched the movie i looked up the books, and when i realized he was the protagonist for the rest of the series i was like oh ok i’m gonna read them now. i really did start reading them exclusively for him. when i read the book, i was taken aback by how he was much more of an abusive piece of shit, because i think the movie skips past a lot of his more cruel acts with louis and claudia and boils it down to claudia just growing up and louis being sad for no reason. (i have issues with the movie.) (the musical does this to an even more ridiculous degree.) anyway i was like wow he actually really sucks but that made me even more obsessed with him because it made him much more interesting to me, a real multifaceted dynamic character! and once the ending scene with him and louis occurred i was so struck by the entire tragedy of the book and how there wasn’t a true villain in the end. anyway then i read tvl and i lost my mind

impression now: i have a whole other post that i think encapsulates all my bookstat feelings so i won’t type it all out again. as for showstat, he’s less of my best friend who i have to berate for being a fucking idiot and more of my favorite science experiment, something thrilling and terrifying that i’m enamored with and am dying to dissect until i understand every inch of what he’s made of. it was very much a rollercoaster for me watching it week to week because i was never totally sure where they were going with him, but now that the dust has settled i think they made some really fantastic choices with him. they didn’t shy away from his horrific acts of abuse like anne did in the movie and musical, while also keeping the thread of tvl lestat. it’s interesting, because while bookstat also commits absolutely heinous, unforgivable crimes, most of them are from his point of view, so we have a much clearer idea of why he’s committing those crimes. with showstat, we get no explanations, no internal monologue, no perspective, which makes my brain burst from all the different ways one can interpret him. i love showstat with all my heart and soul but i viscerally hate him but he is also my girlfriend so there’s that to contend with as well

favorite moment: wolfkiller. idk the book started with that and i giggled and kicked my feet “wow you killed a pack of them wowww” just call me nicki de lenfent. for showstat “this CHARLATAN” he looks like he has rabies <3

idea for a story: i wanna see him go back to acting and he’s in a soap opera and he has joey tribbiani’s storyline from friends

unpopular opinion: i do think showstat loved claudia despite everything, that one interview sam had where he said he was proud of her gave me enough energy to power a small town. for bookstat i think he deserved to be the main character of the book series even though i wish that didn’t mean anne lobotomized everyone else. but like he’s written specifically for my enjoyment so i’m glad that i have a wealth of text of widely varying quality to enjoy him from lmao

favorite relationship: romantic relationship is loustat both in the books and the show, nothing will ever compare to them i want them trapped in a jar on my shelf for eternity. non-romantic relationship is him and claudia “my dark child, my love, evil of my evil, claudia broke my heart” what if i killed myself

favorite headcanon: he loves the phantom of the opera. i think he actually mentions it in memnoch, they’re playing something from it in the background. anyway he’s pro phantom/christine

#lestat de lioncourt #interview with the vampire #vampire chronicles #ask #this one took me like…..an hour to write LMAO

[ceciliatllis]

I think I would've enjoyed 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo more if I hadn't finished A song of Achilles shortly before starting to read Evelyn. How Achilles was written, this whole story just broke my heart and this soap opera like narrative in Evelyn wasn't the best thing that happened to me then. I was still very emotional about Song and all the moments where Evelyn was pointing out how her beatiful body allowed her to get what she wanted and made others do what she wanted was incredibly annoying. Evelyn sometimes had similar vibe to Scarlett O'Hara, but as much as I love Scarlett, I couldn't force myself to feel similar way about Evelyn. Evelyn also reminds me of Marlene Dietrich from biography written by her daughter Maria Riva. But all those complexities I love about both Scarlett and Marlene, I just don't like in Evelyn. I think it has nothing to do with Evelyn as a character, but with writing style. I didn't like it.

That's an interesting perspective as I actually haven't read The Song of Achilles but have seen the book frequently talked about online as it's received tons of praise from people; I'll have to read it in the future! I completely relate and as I mentioned in my other reply, I also was not a fan of Evelyn as a character and felt she was written in a very underdeveloped way right from the beginning. I could not find myself truly invested in who she was as a person and while I understand she clearly spoke to many readers who connected with her as a woman, I found myself not relating to her at all and being tired of the self-absorption she oftentimes exhibited. I ended up just rolling my eyes every time we got to yet another description where Evelyn was talking about how magnetic and beautiful she was, how movie stars are basically akin to gods of some sort compared to other people, and how she could easily wrap anyone around her finger to get what she wanted with her irresistible charm and glamour. It got old fast. We kept being told that she was this force to be reckoned with and a classic "IT girl" of Old Hollywood but it was tough to buy into that because Evelyn as a character was not compelling enough to warrant this reputation.

I lacked an emotional connection to her as a reader and while I know that she is displayed as this confident, ambitious Hollywood movie star and most people in that industry tend to hold themselves in very high regard, her selfishness and hunger for fame at any cost at the expense of other people did not resonate with me and she came across as emotionally hollow in most instances. Same as you, I also did not love the writing style and I've said this before but it oftentimes felt like the author was trying too hard to convince the reader that these friendships/romances are really emotionally riveting and important without actually developing them. The interactions feel soapy and surface-level and I think TJR believes giving a character a cliché, tragic backstory will automatically provide them with complexity and nuance which is not the case (I noticed this while watching Daisy Jones as well). She gives them a troubled family life and expects people to root for them based solely off of that but the characters themselves are not that profound or layered. I will say she is smart in that she chooses these aesthetically-pleasing, mythologized eras which grab people's interest since they are periods with so much history (such as the 70s rock scene with Daisy Jones and the 60s Old Hollywood imagery with Evelyn Hugo) but her characters themselves are lacking.

Scarlett O'Hara is a clever comparison to draw because I too enjoyed Scarlett as a character when watching GWTW as a child and while she and Evelyn are both flawed, calculating women who unapologetically use people to get what they want, I agree in that Scarlett was generally more intriguing as a character in my opinion. I haven't read Marlene Dietrich's biography but it's not a far-fetched observation since TJR was clearly inspired by many "screen sirens" when writing this story. Overall, it's an entertaining read but I can't say I loved any character throughout the book.

#the seven husbands of evelyn hugo #taylor jenkins reid #evelyn hugo #re: thoughts #re: the seven husbands of evelyn hugo #re: lit #re: ask

[compofworksbybailey]

Had it all Once- By Bailey Matrix

Once upon a time in a land not so far away, there lived a person who seemed to have it all. An apartment, a good job, and a decent relationship. It was the kind of life that seemed to be plucked straight out of a glossy magazine, complete with a bow on top. But here's the kicker - this individual never even planned to live long enough to experience it. It was like stumbling into a fancy party wearing pajamas, except the party was life, and the pajamas were a lack of planning for the future.

Then, like a plot twist in a poorly written soap opera, one mistake led to a series of unfortunate events. The system, that big, lumbering beast, swept this poor soul up and spat them out like a watermelon seed. Suddenly, the apartment was gone, the good job was a distant memory, and the relationship? Well, let's just say it didn't survive the storm. It was like being caught in a whirlwind, only to find yourself unceremoniously dumped in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a broken compass and a half-eaten sandwich.

So here we are, lost in the maze of life, with no map, no plan, and no clue how to navigate the treacherous terrain. Every day feels like stumbling through a foggy forest, with no idea which way is up and which way is down. It's like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded, with one hand tied behind your back, and a parrot squawking in your ear.

And the worst part? No matter what this poor lost soul does, they just can't seem to get back on track. It's like trying to ride a unicycle on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches - sure, it sounds impressive, but in reality, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Every step forward feels like two steps back, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be flickering like a faulty neon sign.

But wait, there's more! Recently, to add an extra layer of chaos to this already topsy-turvy existence, a girlfriend appeared on the scene. Now, don't get me wrong, having a girlfriend can be a wonderful thing. It's like having a co-pilot on the rollercoaster of life, someone to share the ups and downs, the loop-de-loops and the stomach-churning drops. But in this case, it's more like adding an extra clown to an already overcrowded tiny car at the circus. It's fun, sure, but it's also a whole lot of distraction from the real work of figuring out how to get back on track.

So here we are, lost and adrift in the sea of life, with no compass, no map, and a whole lot of questionable decisions. It's like being in a choose-your-own-adventure book, except every page leads to a dead end or a pit of quicksand. But hey, at least there's one thing to be grateful for - in the midst of all this chaos, there's never a dull moment. It's like living in a sitcom, where the laugh track never stops and the plot twists come at you faster than a tennis ball machine on overdrive.

In conclusion, feeling lost in life and not ever having planned a future makes everyday hard to navigate. But hey, at least it makes for a great story, right? So, here's to embracing the chaos, navigating the maze with a wink and a smile, and hoping that someday, somehow, we'll stumble upon the right path. Until then, let's just enjoy the ride, even if it feels like we're on a rollercoaster designed by a mad scientist with a penchant for surprises. Cheers to the unexpected, the unplanned, and the downright ridiculous. After all, life is too short to take it too seriously.

[thedavinoparadox]

Sachertorte (2022)

Selenio

"Mr Before Sunrise is looking for Miss Sachertorte."

(⚜︎ 5.5 / 10)

After some long contemplation, I finally caved: I clicked on the little rectangular window that was looming on my "Recommended” list simply because “I’m also from Austria”, I assume…

I have to admit, I was a bit taken aback and prepared for the worst when I realized that “Sachertorte”. a movie about Austria, was written and produced mainly by Germans. (With this sentence alone I have probably by now sent a few hardened Austrians to the ICU with cardiac arrest).

However, when there is one thing that I have learned in my life it is to always judge a book by its cover, and in all honesty, the movie does look quite appealing at first glance.

Or I was simply hungry for Sachertorte.

But I have to admit… I’m a little unsure about this one.

“Sachertorte” (a chocolate cake with apricot jam in between two layers of Austrian origin, named after its inventor Franz Sacher) is a 2022 Amazon Prime original movie, directed by Tine Rogoli.

The premise of the movie can be summed up in just a few short sentences:

Man meets woman under hectic circumstances. Falls in love at first sight with said woman. Accidentally deletes her phone number. Moves to Vienna and frequents the Café Sacher every day at 3 p.m. in hopes of perhaps someday meeting the woman of his dreams (as she told him about her habit of visiting the café each year to celebrate her birthday). But - surprise! - maybe life doesn’t always have to play out like a scripted soap opera… or does it?

⚜︎ Characters (0.7/2)

The fact that I had to look up the protagonist's name before writing this is a testament to him being one of the most obnoxious characters in modern cinema. I seem to have repressed this memory already.

No, but in all honesty, Karl is absolutely delusional and stubborn to the point where he acts like an absolute dunce to everyone around him, including Miriam, who I have come to cherish as my favourite character in the course of the movie.

I also thought Karl’s roommates had a lot of potential in the way their individual characters were set up in the beginning but to my dismay, their only purpose was to serve as hollow plot devices and background noise filler.

⚜︎ Plot (0.9/2)

To be perfectly honest, at times the plot of the movie simply felt like a mere excuse to create an advertisement for the Hotel Sacher or Sachertorte in general. At some points in the movie, I was reminded of these unenthusiastic Viennese tour guides, ushering flocks of tourists through overcrowded castle halls and kitschy attractions. The Ferris wheel for one is something you maybe visit once in your lifetime… maybe even for a second date… but then that’s about enough — Its almost painful slowness is an ironic metaphor for the overall pacing of the film.

I’m usually the last person to judge a piece of media because of its lengthiness but in this case, the whole affair did just feel a little bit artificial and the storyline was neither believable nor truly enjoyable.

The most frustrating thing where the more subtle logical fallacies woven throughout the scenes. It leads to even more over-analyzing and questions such as “What if she skipped this year’s birthday visit?” or “What if she’s held up in traffic and 30 minutes to an hour late?”

It somehow takes away from the overall credibility and doesn’t make me root for Karl’s success but rather makes me beg for him to stop being so utterly delusional.

⚜︎ Writing Style (1.2/2)

I am very undecided about this category.

As a matter of fact, I wasn’t a massive fan of some of the character’s voices. Well, not in a literal sense of course - the actors all had lovely tones and voices.

“Actions speak louder than words” but still, direct and indirect characterization shouldn’t contradict each other. Especially the protagonist, Karl, is presented as way too logical and pragmatic to be sitting in a random coffee shop in another country and waiting on a girl he a) isn’t sure will really eventually show up and b) has only spent approximately two hours with before exchanging numbers.

Sure, the movie is trying to tell the story about finding one’s romantic soul in our hectic day and age but only in superficial ways. Like in telling us Karl’s favourite film (Before Sunrise) and letting other people praise him on his perseverance. It seems as if he’s not only trying to convince them of his impending success but also himself.

Maybe there is some kind of spark about him that I’m simply not getting but to me he is lacking a bit of depth and definitely that certain knack for fantasy and aesthetics, necessary for such irrational actions. His passion seems weirdly constructed and insincere almost as if he’s self-aware In him only playing a role in a movie.

Nevertheless, I do really enjoy the idea of the pursued love interest simply being a vague concept. However, just like the overall premise of this movie - which in my opinion was also quite creative - in the context of the entirety of the work it does feel just a little bit lackadaisical…

My favorite character - as briefly mentioned above - is Miriam, the owner of another small coffee shop. (I just realized that there certainly is a theme of overconsumption of caffeine and baked goods). The casting in this particular case was absolutely brilliant and would probably have benefitted her character even more if they hadn’t restricted her so much with the script. Some of her dialogue and actions - especially at the later end of her character development - feel incredibly forced. There is simply no middle stage between friendship and love, which somewhat destroys her purpose in the movie.

Despite my seemingly harsh criticism, I do think the movie was adequately well written and works as a "one-time-watch-and-enjoy" but could have undoubtedly lived up more to its potential with a more thought-out script. Overall, it undoubtedly has the capability of being what is often called a "comfort movie" for some people and ranks on the higher end of the few romantic comedies I have watched over the years.

⚜︎ Aesthetic (1.7/2)

Austria. Vienna. End of year melancholy. Arts and culture. Need I say more?

Even for the most tedious of movies I have set one single rule: if it is set in Vienna, I will watch it and give it a fair chance. The one singular ounce of patriotism I allow myself beside the annual “Faschingskrapfen” and “Osterlamm”.

There is just something magical about the museums, architecture, and people of Vienna which gives you a certain, dolefully beautiful sense of living in the past and future at the same time. Riding in a horse carriage through busy high-rise avenues or taking HD photographs of architecture from the 18th century. “Sachertorte” gives a remarkably specific, sort of touristy image of our capital, very much viewed from an outsider’s - a German’s - perspective.

Even though Karl may sometimes feel “accepted” by the people he meets he is still in a sense estranged from the city and its customs and philosophy, giving it a sort of hollow feel underneath the pretty shimmering surface. Something, which in my opinion somehow adds to the whole feeling instead of subtracting from it.

⚜︎ Recommendation (1/2)

For this movie, it is really 50/50.

If you have an afternoon to spare, are in possession of a Prime Video subscription, and are prepared for having a major sweet tooth and a longing for good Viennese coffee for a few days; I would say give the movie a watch.

If you are looking for something deeper, world-changing which you will still think about in years to come (but still set in Vienna), I think you’d be better off with something like “The Third Man”. If you like kitschy and don’t mind historical inaccuracy: “Sisi”. If thriller and longer style content is more up your alley, try "Freud".

If you are planning to visit the city, “Sachertorte” will most certainly get you in the mood.

Overall, I did really enjoy watching the movie, even if I may have raised my eyebrow at some of the scenes.

Due to major time struggles, I was forced to view it in two parts and perhaps this took a little bit away from the magic. “Sachertorte” is not a bad movie by any means. It is just somehow… very average and feels like it could have benefitted from just a little more production time (and effort).

„Dass er mir aber keine Schand' macht, heut Abend!"

"But don't let him disgrace me tonight!" - Fürst Metternich, the first time "Sachertorte" was served

#art #cinema #film #film critique #film review #german #german movie #austrian movie #austria #media #movie #review #romance #romcom #sachertorte #vienna #selenio

[hurdlehoops]

SPN did Market Research for Dean & Cas

Disclaimer: Yes this is a sock for safety reasons. Post is long, but please read it.

No shit there I was checking my email, as you do, and I saw I had a screener from one of the market research groups I’m signed up with.  On average, I do a market research thing every 3-4 months because I like non-reportable money. And giving my opinions. And talking to people behind 2 way mirrors without having to go to a police station.   

Market research itself was early December, 2016. First email contact with the screener was late October or early November. 

I see it’s an “offsite,” meaning a market research company is subcontracted by another company who wants to do the market research at their own facility, but doesn't want to find the participants on their own, so they use the Market research company (in this case Schlesinger and Associates) as an intermediary. I can’t remember if this screener identified itself as being for TV, not all do, some might identify only as entertainment, and some might be even more vague until you get into the screener. Regardless of the identification for the screener (TV or entertainment), I fill out almost every screener I receive unless it’s obvious, from the subject, they won’t want me (ie looking for certain types of professionals)- it didn’t matter, then, if the subject matter was something I particularly like, I would’ve filled it out anyway.  

After normal, but more detailed than usual demographics questions, the screener asked about TV habits. Eventually,  it said the word “fandom” and asked what TV fandoms I’d count myself in.  It was roughly a list of 20 shows and listed “fandom” (defined as I watch every episode and read additional materials about the show. Note this is not what fandom itself would consider fandom, but people most fandom dwellers would still count as GA).  Beyond fandom, one could indicate they: watch all episodes but don’t seek out more,  watch most episodes, have seen some episodes, watched a few, or haven’t watched.  (I just got a screener for soap operas and realized that part was the same and made note). Therefore, fandom, to corporate, are people who watch everything and maybe buy some swag for the show- magazines/shirts. Then, they asked about conventions I might have attended.  And then asked about my dream vacation, so I babbled a lot about my dream to go to SDCC (I hadn’t at this point). Supernatural was on the list of shows, so I made sure I answered the essay questions about it, because why not? It was my favorite of what was listed.  It was a long screener. I don’t remember the rest. Though sometimes I might remember a detail if a screener reminds me of it. Most fun screener I’ve filled out.

A few days/weeks later, I got a call for step 2- the phone screener for the people that sounded good when filling out the form. And where they try and make sure your answers match or fit that same person who answered them. I passed step 2, and was told there would be homework, and asked ifI’d have time for it, since I would only have so many days to watch the assigned material and write essays about them. 

Homework arrives: I have to watch and write essays on all the bonus features of Supernatural S10. There might’ve been something in there from another year, too. And all the bonus features from some season of  Big Bang Theory.  Essays for all of it, too.  And I mean essays, not short answers.  It was like the SATs, and I was analyzing blooper reels (among other things).  I still don’t get why they wanted essay questions on blooper reels, but I’ll always happily write one again cause that was the funniest essay to have to write! 

I had to both print and bring and email all my answers ahead of time.  I did not keep them.  I’m honestly curious what I might’ve written.  

So in December, I get to go to WB’s market research department. Fun fact: the entrance to that building faces what had recently been the Supernatural poster. I check in. At this point I think it’s a group. Because most market research is done in groups. Also they said I was there for the “DVD bonus features study” 

I wait in the lobby, but I’m surprised there seem to be very few others around. I don’t think I got there too early, but all the others were taken back before me. And they didn’t seem to be there for the same study.  Oh and I wore business casual clothes but had some show-based earrings for fun.  

Finally a nice lady brings me back to a room. She turns off the lights and gives me a fancy remote and has me play with a new system for watching bonus features. I had to start with BBT. Then we did something else. Then I was allowed to scroll through and I picked Supernatural, and answered all the things.  By this point I figured I would be released soonish   because I was supposed to be there only for an hour. And this was at least half an hour at the most. No clock, though and cell phone off.  Maybe this part went faster than I remember, but it was less interesting so it felt longer? Or less interesting compared to what came next. 

We switch gears. I’m no longer allowed to pick what we watch and talk about my thoughts on if SDCC panels belong in bonus features.  (Me: should have a preorder and you get to watch it when the season airs with DVD to arrive when season ends. Silly to watch it after the season when it’s mostly vague spoilers for the first episode or so). Obviously WB doesn’t listen to me about everything.

Oh! In the screener as part of normal demographics, I was asked about my sexuality. It isn’t completely rare (I can talk about another market research where you had to be queer to be part of it), but there were some short answers about representation or something similar. Something that is significant *now,* but at the time I didn’t notice as being too weird.  Since they probably had me listed to the people behind the mirror as X (if they even got my name) Y resident, bisexual, age.  I very specifically said stuff to her about representation cause I wasn’t gonna miss my shot.

Anyway so we switch from dvd extras and she queues up video from another file.

She puts a scene of Supernatural on and has me watch. Then repeats it. And asks questions about my opinions on what’s happening.  Then has me watch and only pay attention to Character D and tell her what I think his emotions are.  Then again but with Character C.  

Complete torture… lol… at this point I’m confused, but enjoying this torture.

So there I am watching the Crypt scene over and over and analyzing it.  And talking about their feelings.  

And then I stop her and say something to the effect of “look I’m bi. There’s not a lot of good representation on what being bi is like.  But from episode 1 I’ve known Dean is Bi.”    And I babbled about how important a macho badass but closeted character is for representation. And that I hoped they did more with that.  I included some anecdotes from other lgbtq friends and straight allies and how they all felt as I did- Dean is Bi, Cas is whatever he wants to identify as, and we felt we recognized our experiences on the screen and hoped for continued and louder representation. 

Bam. My interviewer was called out of the room by the people behind the mirror. Suddenly I’m getting a whole new set of questions

Like this is the most baffling and amazing thing that's happened to me in years. It imprinted in my mind, and I haven’t mentioned it to too many people, because of the NDA and being afraid to jinx things. But now I don’t feel like it matters to be as quiet. Obviously I don’t want WB to go after me but... market research isn’t unusual, just mostly used for spin-offs or new shows not for plot points of shows already happening. At least, that’s my understanding. 

The interviewer  comes back after a short discussion with whoever was behind the glass. Asks a few more questions

We’re now very much going into various things about what I’d just said. I took my shot. And apparently it paid off big time.  At some point she’s pulled out of the room again and given a paper with more questions. Some were about Dean’s bisexuality, or how I, and anecdotally my friends, saw him as bisexual.  Others were about the potential romance. None, that I remember, were about Castiel’s sexuality- I guess that was a given or not important. 

I don’t know if any of the writers were behind the glass from the beginning, but I felt like they stalled to get someone there, maybe.

The interviewer was baffled and made sure I knew nothing that was happening was normal.  They wanted to ask me more questions than they usually care to get out of their market research volunteers. 

So those are the most important parts. Basically almost everything I was asked after that was about character analysis and queerness and a whole bunch of other things that were related (I also mentioned needing more disability rep, too).  I was back there for at least 2 hours.

#supernatural #spn #destiel #deancas #castiel #dean winchester #misha collins #jensen ackles

[googledocsdyke]

in all these musings about jender, has anyone discussed the fact that dean did watch a clip of jensen in days of our lives in canon and thus confronted Jender Itself in its raw unadulterated form?

god you're so right. now i'm going insane thinking about jender and the french mistake because like....... the entire episode premise has sam and dean comparing themselves to the haunting traces of their alternate self. like they never actually MEET jared and jensen which i do think is both fascinating and key to what makes the episode really work — they just have to detangle, half-horrified half-in awe, what kind of impossibly easy life these strange half-famous men live. using like, context clues. the episode mostly focuses on sam in ways that are very funny and iconic as this post outlines but you're right there is also some SUPER fascinating stuff going on w/ dean's masculinity

dean is much more visibly disgusted than sam at everything that points to jensen and jared's "softness" — their actor-indulgences and their lack of hunting skills and their effeminised "male model" career and dumb little rich boy details like the fish tank in jensen's trailer. i feel sick. he's going to be sick! you already pay these two jokers enough money as it is! and like, of COURSE it's dean who notices that he's wearing makeup (it's always, always dean that has these too-eager jokes land — or not land? — at his expense; marcusantonius: how do we know dean is performing masculinity? because sam isn't) he traces his hand down his face and says, in horror, oh crap, i'm a painted whore. and it's funny! laugh track! the man written as the furious antithesis of femininity accidentally slips into it again (see dean manifesto) and theres a whole HOST of deeply complex and largely misogynistic associations bundled up there about dean’s relationships (both canonical and fanonical) with sex workers, but it's also like...... you are a man. you are a man. you are a straight man and you PRESS that embodiment of yourself into the world every day. and then suddenly you fall through a window and someone else has put makeup on your face. who the hell put makeup on your face? is it even still your face? do you look better with makeup on your face? it doesn't matter. you're a painted whore. this is not your life. wipe this life off your body, wipe the makeup off your face. get back home to kansas.

and then the days of our lives scene in the trailer! again this is so Much because if they wanted to poke fun at the actors' pre-spn careers... jared padalecki is RIGHT there. he was in gilmore girls (haha funny) playing a character named dean (haha funny) who was the love interest (fellas is it gay to be in a woman-centric romcom about mother-daughter affection). but there's no POINT in emasculating sam, there's no punchline. so instead we get days of our lives-era Jender

and he IMMEDIATELY slams the laptop shut. don’t like this universe, sammy. need to get out of this universe. this is the tipping point for both of them, the moment where it all cements. you were a pretty boy on a genre INEXTRICABLY tied up with an audience of women and by god that’s the final straw

IDK MAN like you're dean winchester and you crash into a strange new universe and a man who is not you is wearing your face. or at least you think he’s wearing your face — you never see him, and maybe it’s you who is wearing his face, industrial-strength foundation at all. and people pay you to look... pretty, soap opera lead pretty, male model sons of bitches pretty, network tv good-looking pretty. you’re not just rewarded for this, you’re swaddled in comfort for this. paid in weekly checks, not crumpled twenties. you feel sick. you’re a painted whore. you know you wouldn’t be happy here (you and sam aren’t even BROTHERS) but there’s some strange haunting young version of you living in another world’s computer who looks just past the camera with soulful romantic lead eyes and maybe you don’t know how to hold all that knowledge in you! maybe you just want to get back to where you can kill something clean and simple and not think about catching the right angle while doing it. you will never meet jensen ackles. if you met jensen ackles you would punch his lights out. probably. maybe not! he’s not a hunter, he just plays one on tv. jensen ackles is a man pretending to be a hunter and you hate him for it, but isn’t that all you are, too, at the end of it?

#answered #dean studies #spn #gendernatural #i am thinking #....... i am THINKING #dean winchester: girl reiterated #god vaccine WHEN #Anonymous

[incorrect-rqg]

Rqg specials ranked by how chaotic they are

(Not including Patreon Specials, or any of the side quests that are part of the main story)

Dredd 2015: 3/10 Meh. Funny enough thanks to everyone playing themselves irl, Alex being the villain and ending with conscripting James into an evil podcast empire was fun, but overall pretty tame. Feels like Alex was still getting a feel for how to operate the specials.

Goblinquest: 9/10 Comedy Gold. A personal favourite of mine. I can't point out my favourite joskes because there are so many. However, the game is built to be nonsensical and the chaos, though high, is relatively consistent.

Deadlands: 2/10 Very spooky, great atmosphere, very fun. Jonny does a great job, and Alex is, as usual, a blast. A great special, but almost entirely serious and not intended for chaos

New Year 2517 (corporation): 6/10 Another special that I absolutely love. James as a mime was fantastic, Mr. Dr. Medic is a timeless meme, and the whole Ferrero Rocher thing was very funny. However, everything goes pretty much in the party's favour and there's nothing especially off the wall.

Trail of Cthulu: 9/10 Lydia sells this one for me. She took a serious and spooky Lovecraftian horror story and turned it into a farce. The caricature of the Victorian Upper Class is absolute gold. Everyone behaves in a way that is so un-befitting of the setting

Fiasco: 10/10 this one is so chaotic because it goes from absolutely hysterical figure-skating soap-opera to grim capitalist tragedy in like... A minute and a half

Thanes of Beowulf: 8/10 look we love a good Entirely Himbo Barbarian Party. Helen's character is an incredible addition.

Jason Statham's Big Vacation: 10/10 I don't even know where to begin. Drugged owls, fake seals, one of the party dying to a polar bear, and finishing off with puppies falling from the sky. Not to mention there's something so funny about the fact that it's all based around Jason Statham, or all people. Another win for Grant Howett.

Spire: 5/10 A well written and serious story that takes place in an intriguing and unique fantasy setting. Only thing that brings this one up is Helen's humiliation, Lydia's Bees, and the immortal line of "It's ghost Jerry Seinfeld! Stuck in Train Hell, where he belongs."

Kill Six Billion Demons: 10/10 giving this full marks because it was meant to be a linear story. There were things to be done. Instead, they spent the first session and a half fucking around in a courtyard and murdering chickens, and it ends with Alex dying after immediately losing in a drinking game

Honey Heist: 10/10 look the fact that they just decided that the final villain was Prince Harry and Alex just said 'yeah okay that makes sense, that's canon now' immediately puts this one at a 10/10. Enough said.

Monster of the Week: 4/10 Another relatively serious and linear story. Alex' bit with the butcher is hysterical, but the Magnus-Worthy tragic ending drains away most of the fun. In the best way of course, one of my fav specials

Not far to Bermuda: 9/10 Man, I love this special. Everyone brings their all. Lowri's overly-earnest athletics coach throwing rocks at people, Helen's sexy gay Killmonger lookalike poet, and Lyd's incompetent teen 'yoga instructor'

Space Pals: 8/10 We love space Pals. As usual Alex brings the chaos, and the Merideth Bros duo is a guaranteed fun time. However I feel they didn't fully exploit just how limitless and bonkers the system is, and the ending, though funny, is nothing exceptional

Apocalypse World: 7/10, giant bugs, Alex playing a character named Torque with skin pockets and a fighter jet, Frank's impeccable "the feeling was friendship, but neither of them had ever experienced it before" scenes. Points off for having a relatively serious and well-structured main plot.

Sexy Battle Wizards: 15/10, you just can't beat Alexander J Newall has sex with a Furby while Helen Gould (who is nude with a floor length beard) seduces Jesus and then walks to space on a staircase made of ghost wolves.

4Thought: 2/10, funny and very enjoyable, but everything is played almost entirely straight and everything goes according to plan. I like that Ben's character was named Brian though that was good.

Beautiful Space Pirates: 9/10 okay yeah this one is pretty bonkers. The magic chandelier finding, the snake riding two sentient horses, the Magnus-eque tape recorders, the centaur club, I could go on. I blame Tim. Only gets a 9 instead of a 10 because, again, the system is built to be bonkers and chaotic.

Bite Marks: 6/10, for having the guts to be a gay a/b/o werewolf found family love story. Actual story is pretty serious and genuine though.

What is Here? 3/10, pretty tame until the end when Helen decides to go Full Evil Capitalist.

BenQuest: 7/10, okay obviously this is chaotic by its mere existence, which gets its most of the points. However, the actual story is played almost completely straight, and the only real chaos in the RP is Alex!Grizzop, and the ending scene which was gold.

One Quiet Year: 6/10, relatively serious but gets points for The Paste Hole

#rqg #rusty quill gaming #not a quote #rqg extras