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popculturebuffet · 7 months

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Little Retrospective of Horrors: The Original Corman Film (Comission for Emma Fici)

Happy halloween all you happy people! For those new here i'm jake and I review various media and for this halloween we have a special event as I take a look at all three major versions of Little Shop of Horrors.

This retrospective came about as a result of my love of the 1986 Frank Oz Film adapting the musical. It's one of my favorite films and was a favorite of mine long before I properly got into horror a few years ago. And while originally it was JUST going to be the mean green mother from outer space itself, the project slowly grew much like Audrey II/Junior itself into what it always should have been: A full look at the three pillars of this franchise and how it evolved , grew and eventually took Manhattan. And Peoria. And Demoines, and clevland, and where you live.

So first up is the original film by King of The Low Budget Film, Emperor of On Time, and mentor to countless film legends Roger Corman. Corman is someone who i've slowly become fasicnated by and plan to watch more of his work.

Originally I just saw Mr. Corman as a low budget schlockmeister who made whatever would make him money with a neat title and misleading poster. And he's simply not just that.. he's the KING of the low budget schlockmeisters, the master of his craft. Corman was famous for making his films on time, often under budget, and fast as possible in an industry where that's INCREDIBLY hard to do and still make an enjoyable product.

Granted part of the under budget part was his cheapness: The man would reuse props, sets, whatever he could to save a buck. His films were made not just on a budget of a paper clip and a piece of string but often reusing bits of the same paper clip and string. The man would stretch every dollar like they were reed richards. It's a mix of admirable and sketchy as hell: On the one hand the fact the man could still make decent effects or lovingly clunky ones with such a low budget is admirable.. on the other he underpaid his actors if he could which is not a good look in the slightest, especially with the SAG AFTRA strike going on at the time of this review.

That being said while Corman was a cheap bastard sure, he wasn't a total bastard, working hard with his actors and crew and helping mentor the younger set on his sets so they'd learn the craft well. It's telling that legends like Ron Howard, Martin Scorcese, Francis Ford Copolla, Joe Dante, Jonathan Demme and James Cameron were not only all mentored by the guy but have nothing but great things to say about him. Dante in particular really loved the man and made a point to use his staple actor Dick Miller in his own films. His impact on the industry cannot be overstated and he's STILL working as a producer to this day. The guy has his faults, again he REALLY should've paid his actors fair wages... but I can't deny he fostered a whole generation of talent or had a genuine love for his cast, as well as a love of women: While he'd gladly make fanservicy films, as the decades went on he made a point of putting women in the lead and was more prone than most producers to giving women a turn at the camera in the 70's and 80's.

It's also hard, even with his cheapness, to not admire how he bucked the hollywood system: at the time the studio system nightmare was falling apart, with courts forcing studios to sell their theaters. As a result Corman could offer his films decently cheap to distributors, and make a quick buck.

Little Shop was one of these films

See Corman had just finished making Bucket of Blood, another low budget horror comedy, and thus shopped around ideas to reuse the sets. After having to nix one starring a cannibal chef due to the hayes code, aka the 1950's and 60's equilvent of

So writer Charles P Griffith came up with a workaround that was goofy enough but still bloodtastic: a man eating plant. Thus the sets were converted and Little Shop of Horrors was born.

Famously the film was mostly shot in two days. They also did some night shots outside of the famous two days, but it's still bonkers and impressive they shot most of a film in only two days, with three days rehearsal.

The film did.. fine. Corman managed to staple it onto another feature after struggling with distribution and used neat tactics like doing short runs on college campuses, the perfect home for low budget wonderfully cheesy horror frankly. So he got his money back as always. But the film REALLY took off once it started running on tv, an easy film to run on creature features and eventually part of the public domain. It's why you can find the film on youtube and most streaming services and find plenty of grumpy amazon reviews mad they got "lied to" about what film they were buying because they didn't bother to check what film they were buying. As a result the film became a cult classic... and eventually a musical. But that's a story for next time, for now let's look at the original and see how it stands on it's own vines after all this time.

Watching this film was something long overdue for me: I had heard about it as a tween, researching it on wikipedia but I never really sought it out despite my deep love of the 86 film. It's weird too as it's not like it was hard to find: walmart and various other stores tended to have cheap copies of it pop up since the film somehow fell into the public domain. I simply just either didn't care or had other things to spend my money on. It just never occured to me. It may of simply been that for most of my life I wasn't a horror fan so I just never thought to seek it out. Samesies for the musical, though at least with a stage show I simply didn't think to look on youtube or the corners of the net for a good recording.

It wasn't till watching the Dead Meat Podcast episode on it that I finally decided to just buckle down and actually watch the film. And i'm glad I did as it's neat to see the same premise, an average dork working at a flower shop in 1960 (Or 61 for the musicals), works with a cranky father figure and his crush at a struggling flower shop. The shop turns around when his latest strange and intresting plant he's worked on brings in customers.. but also has a catch: the plant wants blood and he dosen't have more than enough.

The big difference is tone. The musical is purposfully cheestastic, from the wardrobe to both villians, Orin and Audrey II, being large hams beyond any earthly measure, and the comedy is a nice mix of goofy comedy like the "Dentist!" number with black comedy based on the situation, my faviorite bit of which being Tooey's glee when Seymour angrily suggests "What do you want me to do slit both my wrists?" A nice bit that's funny, disturbing, and tells our hero just what kind of monster her's created. What grounds it is the characters: Seymour is a down on his luck nerd working a dead end job who either tragically turns from decent person to self serving monster and only backpedals too late, or a decent person slowly doing worse and worse things due to circumstance who either only NEARLY learns his lesson too late, or once again is far too late to avoid the tragedy to come depending on the cut. Audrey has a unique and goofy high pitched voice.. but her abuse and self loathing is taken dead seriously. And the deaths themselves likewise are all tragic. Even the abusive shitstain that is Orin dies pathetically choking on his own gas begging for help as he slowly realizes the only person who CAN help him won't.

In sharp contrast the original Corman film.. is goofy as all hell and intentinally too. What's a tragedy on broadway and in the 80's movie.. is a farce here. The characters are slightly broader, the premise stupid and the murders played for pure black comedy.

As a result Semyour is less one of horror's biggest woobies or a tragic cautionary tale, and more a dumb goofus whose on the cusp of being fired from his failing job. Mushnik's treatment of Seymour in the 80's film is sad, his only parent left constantly abusing him for simply being a bit clumsy at worst despite working damn hard and genuinely respecting the man.

Here the genuine respect remains.. but you can undrestand why Gravis hates semyour here: instead of taking his failures out on someone who didn't deserve it, he's enraged by someone constantly fucking up at their job and making his attempts to save his shop from closing down HARDER simply by existing. The best example of this is the very incident that gets seymour fired: he has to cut some flowers for the local dentist, Dr. Phobeus Farb, whose just as much of a sadistic asshole as his musical counterpart, minus any connection to Audrey. Seymour cuts them.. but rather than just hold the two flowers together and cut the diffrence to make them match, he keeps noticing their mismatched and then cutting it lower till he eventually has just the buds and a pink slip.

Seymour hits just the right amount of comedic stupidity: he's utterly incompitent to the point his clumisiness later KILLS people , a lot, and his brain power

Isn't the most impressive. You get WHY Gravis hates him, but you can also see why Audrey has a thing for him: he's got a charming innocence to him. I also love his outfit

He ONLY keeps his job thanks to the best character in the film: Burson Fouch. Burson is absent from the other adaptations, loosely adapted into christopher guest's weird as hell customer guy. And it's a bit of a shame as Burson is a lot of fun. He's played by Dick Miller, Corman and Joe Dante Regular and loveable character actor I honestly didn't even realize was the guy in gremlins till watching the Kill Count on Bucket of Blood, done in honor of Miller's passing.

Fouch is what you'd EXPECT to be a one off joke character with a simple gimmick that I find utterly hilarous: he casually eats flowers. And not edible ones, which I found out while researching this are a thing it turns out, no just casual gardenias. The way he just casually brings it up, Mushnik looking utterly baffled before deciding "eh why not" (His exact words" and the coup de grace, the guy just pulling out a salt shaker and eating them in the background is great.

Fouch however ends up being a major engine of the plot, and shows up in most shop scenes, the part clearly made for him after Miller turned down Seymour. WHen Seymour tries to bring up his "Strange and intresting plant" to keep his job, it's Fouch who convinces Mushnik the stupid plan will actually work. And it's done organically too: Fouch is a Flower Foodie, and thus has traveled the world and seen this work. We even get another fantastic gag out of it

Fouch: I Knew one guy had a whole wall covered in ivy Mushnik: And it made him rich? Fouch (Casually): No he itched himself to death in an insane asylum.

Fouch is the reason Seymour brings Audrey Junior here. And yes that's as weird to type as it is to read. It's here we get the biggest thing the musical changed basic setup wise: Seymours Mom, a hypochondriac whose there... whose there for.. she's there because.. she's...

The bits with her just aren't funny. I think the intention at the tim ewas "Get it she's kinda nuts, that's funny right" but nowadays she comes off as having Munchahusen's syndrome and of either needing help or for Seymour to get away from her, as she constantly feeds both of them food that's allegedly healthy, to the point Seymour is UTTERLY BAFFLED when he has a pb and j with audrey late in the film and it's just.. to eat. It comes off way more messed up than they intended. Her roll in the film is to not want audrey to marry seymour so he leaves, and to faint at the climax. That's about it. Her actress does do her best, she's just not a well written character and is one of the down spots in this comedy.

At any rate Seymour brings in Audrey Junior.. which is still weird to type but is a nice gag. I can see why they changed it in the play as it works for the tone here.. but not so much for the name of their main villian there. Here Junior isn't an alien bent on conquest, but a crossbreed of a venus flytrap and a bullwort Seymour got and raised.. and as you'd expect finds out late at night needs blood. The blood helps Junior grow.. but as always Seymour's a tad tapped out.

It's here where things mostly pivot: Aside from some narration from a cop whose barely in the film for a half assed dragnet spoof, so far the film and the musicals line up decently enough: the shop is dying, seymour brings in twooey/junior to fix it, he feeds it with his fingers before realizing that just wont' do forever.

The diffrence is in HOW they get fed. In the film and musical Seymour seeks out his first target, is either talked into the second or gladly does it to save his own ass, and the third is a tragedy. Here.. the death's are just straight up wacky shenanigans. Every one of them barring the last is just some goofy accident that happened because Seymour was just out living his life. I'm still not entirely sure he wasn't clumsily accidental murdering people his whole life and this just happened to be the first time he noticed. This first death isn't even remotely his fault: he's simply throwing stones at a bottle some guy left on a rail, not aware the guy is around and simply asleep or something, and accidently pegs him and gets him run over with a train when the weirdo stands up. Granted he takes the flying leap to feed the body to his plant, but unlike the musical versions, he's not at all culpable. it was just a wacky accident. In fact unlike the musical version while Audrey is Sapient.. they aren't manipulating seymour. He tries not to feed it and only keeps doing so because he keeps wandering into crime scenes that look very bad for him. Their really just an animal for most of the runtime. Towards the end of the film they gain hypnotisim powers

And make Seymour go get them food, and they won't shut up during a date.. but in the former case it's clear Corman just needed another ten minutes on the runtime and in the latter Seymour himself ruined it by not you know.. not letting audrey could know the plant could talk. And given it only gives a few one liners before it's hypno antics at most, he has NO risk in telling her.

It's really just an animal that wants to be fed. Even the Hypnosis Bullshit is just a way for it to eat. The worst it does is snark to Mushnik "he looks fat enough" when asking to be fed. It's a take I like too, that the threat our heroes face, is their own incompetence (Seymour) and greed (Mushink). It also adds to the comedy, that this whole thing really woudln't keep happening if these two weren't stupidly keeping the murder plant around for their own selfish benefits.

That also brings us to another big diffrence: Mushnik himself. He's not only one of the funniest parts of the film, with his frantic outbursts and comical overeactions being comedy gold, paticuarlly when he declares Seymour son.. then disowns him when it looks like Audrey Junior's going to die.. he's also the deutragonist. In the musical he's largely blind to what Seymour's up to and learning it gets him killed either due to Seymour's greed or his own depending on the version. Here he finds out quickly, being witness to Seymour feeding audrey the railcar guy.. which also gives us the most chilling shot of the film and the one really creepy moment: Seymour giving the man's bloody foot to audrey.

What's neat is that Mushnik DOSEN'T kill audrey.. but also dosen't want people to die. Granted he dosen't know Seymour isn't doing the murder parts intentionally, but he veiledly asks semyour if audrey junior is all grown up, and asks again if Junior is full after another murder, before deciding to watch the plant himself. While he makes the very dumb mistake of keeping Junior around, I do like how active Gravis is: he TRIES to stop these murders best he can, and instead of just stupid logic, it's his own greed that keeps Junior alive, which is a character flaw rather than a flaw. I WILL say that having a very jewish character's main flaw be greed is

But it's a 1960's kind of yeesh, though many critics at the time did not care for that. However Mushnik is still a guy who tries his damndest to stop all the killing and tries to save Seymour by going along with the cops at the end to try and get them to you know, not kill him or something. He's an intresting character who lights up the screen every time shows up.

Getting back to the murders the next is The Deeennnnttttiiiiiisttttttt. Unlike the musicals where Seymour is going SPECIFICALLY to unalive the guy for being the worst, here he actually has a tooth ache. And in this case the murder's self defense, as Dr. Farb , much like his sucessor Orin, gets off on the pain he inflicts and plans to pull as many of Seymour's teeth as he can and saves the last one for laughs. He's a diffrent SORT of sadist from Orin in how he does it. Orin gets high as balls, thrills and revels in it. He knows he's an asshole and he'll gladly sing about it at length.

Farb on the other hand dosen't seem to get he's a bit off and shoudln't be practicing dentstiry, asking Seymour "Whose the dentist here you or me. Naughty boy Seymour practicing dentistry without a licensee." He's a loveable ham, and his exit suits that, with Seymour defending himself with a dental thing leading to a DENTAL SWORDFIGHT. I.. I love this job so much sometimes. Seymour accidently stabs him but like.. the guy might of killed him with pure neglegence.

This also leads to the appearance of the films most notable actor, Mr Jack Nicholson in his first roll. And despite being his first roll my god does the man nail it. Not enough to justify this 80's era box art

Where he's both drawn to look like his later self more and is holding a plant not at all like audrey and somehow billed over Dick Miller. But he's still one of the film's highlights easily. He plays a smiling masochist with this lon chaney style voice, Wilbur Force. WIlbur is delightfully off, badly wanting his apointment and happily reading pain magazine. Seymour is forced to pull it, and his teeth and it's VERY obvious that much like his later successor played by comedy legend and unprofessional asshole bill murray, he's INTO this. Nichelson REALLY nails the roll and while I get why this part isn't in the stage show, as Orin's death is even grislier there, i'm REALLY happy Oz put a version of this character into his movie.

The next victim is a burglar. While Seymour and Audrey have dinner at his place, Mushinik plans not to feed the plant.. but given the guy plans to rob him, the place was barely alive before Junior, and the guy you know, casually robs the place, it's not hard to blame him. It's an easy slip up to make.

The final victim.. is easily the weakest part of the film. As I said it's VERY clear the film ran short as they mention early Junior only needs to have three meals, like a flytrap. He ends up needing a fourth because the running time got padded out. So we get the goofy hynotism stuff which is just not goofy enough to really work and dosen't fit. The bhit after is also just.. eh. A sex worker, Lenora Clyde keeps following Seymour because he dosne't notice her. I don't think Roger Corman knows how sex work, hypnotisim, or dentistry works, but Seymour ends up killing her and feeding her to the plant.

The climax is decent: a fancy lady is having a sunset celebration to give seymour an award, with all the main cast minus dick miller present. That includes two giggling teenagers who convinced their school comittee to use Mushik's to buy the flowers for their float.

The reveal of Audrey's buds' opening up.. is mildly chiling, the faces of all of the victims on them in this weird uncanny valley type translation. It's a nice reveal. It's undrecut however as we get a nearly 5 minute chase with the police that acomplishes nothing> Seymour escapes and we get the real climax of him climbing into Junior to kill it.. and as his successor would learn, that not quite worknig, becoming a bud himself that wails out a "I didn't mean it" before dying. Granted his chopping could've killed it or Audrey Junior just died, but it's still a nice, weird, tragic ending.

Overall The Little Shop of Horrors is a pretty solid horror comedy. The third act isn't very good... but the first two are fun, most of the jokes land and those that don't are fun on just how goofy they are. The cast gets what their in and has fun with it accordingly and while it's super cheap the audrey junior puppet mostly works. Granted it's really jus ta shell filled with whatever craft suplies Corman could get, but the actual pupetry bits, while rare, are really impressive for his budget, and the cotton all inside gives Audrey 2 this unerving feeling when it' smouth is open, like this otherworldly jungle has opened up in this store. It's a fun film and I highly recommend watching it this spooky season. Thanks for reading and i'll have the next part in the next two weeks as Little Shop of Horrors goes off broadway!

#little shop of horrors #halloween #the little shop of horrors #roger corman #dick miller #seymour krelborn #audrey II #audrey junior #jack nicholson #horror

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ticktockmyclockworkhart · 1 month

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I'm perhaps one of the most easy to please Pokemon fans ever. I wouldn't identify myself as a nintendo fanboy or anything even though I love a lot of their IPs (largely because the number one prerequisite to being a "nintendo fanboy" is hating Nintendo more than anything on earth it seems), but I will be the first to admit my standards are much lower than they should be. I eat up everything Pokemon related like the blindly eager little consumer I am, I've beaten every main series game and damn near every spin-off.

All this to say I think it says something when even I haven't beaten BDSP yet, and not for lack of trying. But the game bored me to tears. I've reset my saves on that game more than any other I have in the hopes that "well, maybe the next file I'll be more attached to". I can eat my way through new Pokemon games when they first come out in a few days and never put them down, but whenever I'd put BDSP down I'd have to reset my file again when I picked it back up because I no longer cared about whatever I had going on.

I've been grappling with this for a long time, trying to figure out what it is about this remake that makes it the one Pokemon game someone as easy to please as me couldn't care enough to finish. I'll be fully honest when I say I'll happily take whatever table scraps Game Freak cares to toss me and I'm not proud of that fact lol. I love Gen 4, it's one of my favorite Gens, and I actually like the BDSP artstyle too, I think it's a fun way to keep the spirit of the original games, though it really would have been cool to see Sinnoh at full scale and free to explore in 3D.

But today after another attempted replay I think I figured it out. It's the dumb. Fucking. Experience Share.

Pokemon is a turn based RPG, battling is literally the main gameplay loop and I found that I kept putting the game down because I would get so incredibly bored by the battles. None of them felt necessary and all of them felt way too damn easy. Pokemon Scarlet/Violet had this problem too, I noticed, but what got me to finish those games was I'd never experienced the story before and I wanted to see it finished. But with BDSP I know the story, so why should I finish it if the battles are such a drag? In the original Gen 4 I'd make a point of battling every trainer on every route. I'm very meticulous about my leveling and my Pokemon all need to be within one level of each other, lol. So my incentive for fighting every trainer was to keep my team at a high enough level and also to keep my levels rounded out. But with that EXP share they're always rounded, or god forbid they have different growth rates and I have to keep putting Pokemon away to prevent overleveling which just bothers my OCD more than anything lmao.

It also makes me care so much less about my Pokemon. I cared about my team because I took time to individually raise and train each Pokemon, and if I don't care about my Pokemon then frankly I barely care about the game. In Scarlet/Violet where trainer battles have become entirely optional for the most part I barely did any of them! And in BDSP all I am is annoyed by the trainer battles. There's next to no new content to keep the game interesting and give me a reason to keep playing, and when the main gameplay loop isn't even fun anymore, why would I play at all?

I was worriedly thinking that maybe I'm just getting old and it's hampering my enjoyment of the games (Terrifying thought) but I have just as much fun with ROM hacks that I did with older games. Most notably, there's no broken EXP share. Can't we at least get the option to turn it off? I get trying to find a solution to make grinding less of a miserable drag, because grinding is always the worst part of playing Pokemon, but the broken exp share hasn't made grinding less tedious, it's just made battling as a whole feel hollow and boring.

I still want to beat you some day, BDSP, I really do. Nothing makes me feel sadder than being bored by a franchise I love and I know can do better.

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mel-the-fangirl · 3 years

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Toss A Coin to Your Witcher

Henry Cavill x Reader

Words: 2,362

I am so so so nervous to post this because this is my first time writing a Henry fic and I know that the Henry Cavill fandom is such a tightknit family, I hope you guys have room for one more hopeless Henry stan. I know this isn’t even half as good as the other Henry fics out there but I had this idea stuck in my head for a very long time.

Please like and reblog or leave me some replies if I should do a second part! Thank you!

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The makeup brush swept precisely along your cheekbone, covering it in a subtle shimmer. Production staff milled around behind you, testing sound, testing lights. Being an actor, these things were nothing new.

"Now remember, say it with me,"

"Don't say or do anything stupid." you recited with your long time agent and friend, Marge.

You thanked the makeup artist and made your way to the set.

"When have I ever said or done anything stupid though?" you asked

Marge looked at you appraisingly before replying,

"There's always a time for everything. Now go on."

The vibe on set dialled to a hundred when you stepped on. It was really flattering how they cheered as you plonked your butt down on the wooden chair, a red tarp was set up behind you and the studio lights surrounded the area.

"Ready when you are Y/N!" the producer aka the ring leader of this whole operation flashed you a thumbs up

You nodded, feeling the nervousness bubble up your throat.

Surprise, surprise. You still got nervous in front of the camera. It wasn't hard to handle though, you took a couple of deep breaths and you were good to go.

"Hey guys, gals, and non-binary pals! I'm Y/N Y/L/N. I'm here with Buzzfeed and we're gonna be playing Twenty Questions." you winked at the camera with your arms wrapped around the little jar that had your questions in it

"Let's get started, shall we?"

Eager to begin, you stuck your hand into the jar without a second thought.

"I freaking love Buzzfeed, really. Especially Tasty, I mean, I don't cook. But," you shrugged, wiggling your fingers, hearing the tiny bits of folded paper move around in the jar. "I love watching people cook. Then I love eating."

Scattered chuckles broke out through the crew.

After a few minutes of rustling around, you figured you’d just come clean, "Okay. Small problem."

You lifted your hand, the jar coming along with it. The pieces of folded paper crowding around your encased wrist as you waved your arm.

Another round of shocked giggles started up as a couple of assistants rushed to you and tried to yank the jar off.

"This is too good," the producer chortled, "Mind if we keep this in?"

"Fine by me!" you watched intently as Marge rolled up your sleeve so one assistant could pour oil all over it. Eagle eyed, she watched as a drop of oil landed on the bottom hem of your sweater.

"Great job, Y/N. This sweater was a gift from that designer you met last week, he said he made it just for you." she scolded, taking charge by grabbing the jar with two hands

"It was an accident, Marge. It's not like I planned on getting my hand stuck in a jar today!"

With a tug and a pop, your hand was free and slick with olive oil. Marge landed on her butt on the floor.

"Marge!" you howled with laughter, helping her up

She straightened her blouse, all business but her cheeks were stained red with embarrassment.

"Can someone help Y/N wash the oil off her hands? Let's get this show on the road, people!" she barked marching orders at the staff, clapping her hands as she went. She wasn't in charge here but no one dared to question her.

You chuckled, knowing that this was a cute little anecdote you’d be sharing with anyone who was willing to listen.

A few minutes later, you were back in your chair, having a laugh with everyone. The jar incident already stripped away the majority of your anxiety so you were ready to go.

"Okay! First question!" you squinted at the strip of paper, "What is the most expensive thing you’ve stolen from any set you’ve been on?"

“Well!” you widened your eyes at the camera, “Bold of you all to assume that I’ve ever stolen anything!”

Marge scoffed rather audibly, making everyone raise their eyebrows at you.

“Okay, fine!” you held up your hand. The stunning ring you had on sparkled underneath the lights, nearly blinding anyone who looked.

“I did a period movie a while back and they had these drop dead gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous pieces of jewelry. I wore this piece,” you gazed down at the ring fondly, “for the whole of the film and I just pinched it after we wrapped, I couldn’t part with it, okay? I’m like a fricking magpie, I love shiny things.”

The crew burst into fits of laughter, making you laugh along with them.

“To clarify! This is the replica the props department had made, a very expensive replica. I can see you freaking out, Marge. And no, you don’t have to call the insurance company.”

You were a big hit, to say the least. You had them in stitches every time you opened your mouth but all good things had to come to an end, right?

It didn’t matter how carefully you dipped your hand into the question jar, this next one was going to make things very messy for you.

"What do you like to do in your free time?" you read out loud, tapping a finger against your chin

"There hasn't been much free time lately,” you chuckled, “Let’s see… I play video games, yeah. I am so obsessed with the Witcher, it's borderline unhealthy. I’ve read all the books and played the games so many times."

"What do you think of Henry Cavill as Geralt?" the producer asked you

Henry Cavill.

Just hearing that man's name was enough to make the blood rush to your cheeks. You brushed an imaginary hair out of your face. From behind the camera, Marge raised a knowing brow.

"Well," you cleared your throat and sat up straighter

"To be honest, at first I was really skeptical about his casting. I mean, he is way too good looking. Like way. Way. Too good looking. But…"

"But?"

Your mind drifted to the first time you saw a picture of Henry Cavill in full costume. The white hair, the golden cat eyes, the intense gaze and all that leather? It definitely made you feel… Certain things.

You cleared your throat, propping yourself on the table with your arms. To be honest, your head was still in a Henry Cavill haze so you had zero control of what came out of your mouth next.

"I'd definitely toss all my coins to that Witcher. Toss a few other things as well."

Everyone in the room ooh'ed and whistled, delighted by your saucy reply. The ruckus snapped you out of it and your hand immediately flew to your mouth.

“Please tell me I didn’t just say that out loud.”

“You did.” Marge mouthed at you, trying but failing to contain her laughter

"So you enjoyed his performance as Geralt?" the producer pressed on, hoping to get more audience-raking answers

How many times were you going to blush during this interview?

"Oh, well, about that, I haven't really gotten around to actually watching it.” you admitted sheepishly, “But I've seen photos and some clips. Very impressed by what I've seen so far."

"You will watch it though, right?"

"Oh, absolutely. No way I’d miss out on that! Henry Cavill is an incredibly wonderful, talented actor. I think he’s also a fan of the franchise so I have no doubt that he played Geralt to perfection as with all his other roles." you nodded solemnly, putting a hand to your heart

Everyone in the room with you caught on that you were gushing over the actor, the sly looks they all exchanged with one another were a dead giveaway. Too bad you didn’t notice before you could try and play it cool.

“Alright! I think it’s time for the next question!” you declared, swiftly plucking another question out of the jar

By the time it was all over, you had convinced yourself that your little crush-related blunder wasn’t even a big deal, it would probably just be a little footnote in that video. No biggie.

But, Jesus Christ were you wrong.

The video took a couple of weeks to edit and in that time, you were busier than ever. A movie you had just done was getting a lot of attention, your performance in particular had critics singing your praises. At that point, you were definitely getting noticed a lot more when you stepped out for coffee.

So, the timing was just perfect.

The second the video went live, your phone was going off non stop. Twitter mentions, Instagram tags, and articles. A few notable entries being:

“WATCH: RISING STAR Y/N Y/L/N GUSHES ABOUT HENRY CAVILL IN CHARMING BUZZFEED VIDEO”

“@geraskier-rights: Y/N Y/L/N REALLY SAID SHE’D TOSS ALL HER COINS TO HENRY CAVILL’S GERALT AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS”

“@geralt-of-vengerberg: Y/N The Fond™ is showing👀👀👀”

Marge sat on your sofa with your phone in hand, absolutely thrilled while reading tweets out loud. You scheduled a panic session with her over lunch once everything blew up.

“Oh my God.” you groaned, massaging your temples. “Marge, what do I do?”

“About what?” she didn’t even bother to look up at you

You plopped yourself down next to her, laying your head in her lap, “All that. It’s everywhere.”

“And? There’s nothing wrong with it, they all think you’re charming and funny. A true Relatable Queen.”

Was it your sanity slipping through your fingers? Or the overpowering embarrassment? You had no idea but whatever it was, it had you laughing until your stomach hurt.

Marge tugged at your hair, “Get it together, bitch. Jeez.”

“What are you so worried about anyway?” she asked, placing your phone on your stomach

You swiped through your emails absentmindedly, “I’m not worried about anything, it’s just that what if…”

You left the words hanging in the air, you might as well have been dangling from a cliff from how much colour drained from your face.

“What if what?”

Marge shoveled some pasta into her mouth before noticing that you essentially turned into a statue right next to her.

“Y/N!” she shook your arm with a grip you were sure would leave some bruises. “What’s the matter?”

Wordlessly, you passed your phone to her, the comment from a certain verified account displayed prominently on Buzzfeed’s Instagram post of a little snippet from your video, the “I’d toss all my coins to that Witcher” part, naturally.

“@henrycavill: Dear Y/N, how many coins are we talking about here? Let’s talk about my reward.”

It was all Marge could do to not throw your phone across the room. Her eyes went wide, following your every move as you paced back and forth, a thumbnail in your mouth.

“That did not just happen, I did not just see that right now. I didn’t.” you babbled, your heart beating thunderously in your chest

There it went. Your very own ticking time bomb finally went off. Number of casualties? Just one. You.

“Okay. Just calm down, Y/N.” Marge caught you mid-pace, squeezing your arms

“Maybe it was a fan account. Tell me it was a fan account, Marge. Henry Cavill did not just hear me imply what I implied.” you grasped at her hand with your clammy one

“Well if he has a fan account that’s verified and has fourteen point five million followers?”

“Oh god.” you groaned, sinking to the floor and hugging your knees

“Oh, Christ.”

Marge hauled you to your feet and thrust your phone in your hand. She looked you hard in the eye, “Stop your whining and answer him. You’re Y/N fucking Y/L/N, one of the hottest people on the planet, start acting like it.”

You stared at her, eyes wide. Your chest rose and fell rapidly. Marge’s words started to make sense in your mind and adrenaline started surging through your veins. You nodded fervently, psyching yourself up.

“Fuck yeah.” you breathed, clicking ‘Reply’

“@yourinstagram: @henrycavill I know you take orens, crowns, and florens but maybe we should discuss further?”

Before you could even stop yourself (did you even want to?), your fingers already landed on the blue paper plane.

“I did it.” you exhaled, staring as the likes and overly enthusiastic replies started pouring in

“Fuck yeah, you did. Now, come on. Leave your phone. We’re getting drunk.”

More weeks passed and you actually ended up forgetting about that little reply you left Henry Cavill. You were busier than ever. Guestings, endorsement deals, and awards shows left and right. So, when you finally had a couple of days free, you decided you would set up camp on your sofa and finally watch Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia.

You even threw on your Superman pyjamas, “What the hell.” you shrugged

If you were going down this road, you might as well do it right. Maybe you would even watch the Man from U.N.C.L.E after or would it be Night Hunter? The decision would have to wait.

You watched, absolutely riveted as the White Wolf battled against the kikimora, his silver sword hacked at the creature with unmatched expertise. You were only a few minutes in but you already knew you’d be stuck on that sofa for hours.

When the kikimora had Geralt pinned underwater with his trusty sword just beyond arm’s reach, you found yourself on the edge of your seat, one of your cushions in a chokehold.

“Come on, come on, come on.” you muttered as Geralt reached for his sword

You wouldn’t find out if he got it or not. A knock on your door literally made you fall off the sofa.

“Fuck!” you exclaimed, your hip was already smarting from the impact

Whoever that asshole was, you swore you were going to give him a piece of your mind. You stomped to your front door just as that idiot started knocking again.

You huffed and threw the door open then your mind immediately went blank.

“I am so sorry. Are you alright? I think I heard you fall?”

Oh yeah. You were definitely falling.

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

You can find the second part here!

#henry cavill #geralt of rivia #the witcher #the man from uncle #night hunter #henry cavill x reader #henry cavill fic #henry cavill imagine #fanfiction #henry william dalgliesh cavill #cavillry

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theangrycomet · 3 years

Text

Why Reboot!Max is the best of the Grandpa Max’s in the Ben 10 Franchise: An Essay

This is a long one, so it goes beneath the cut so I don’t clog up the dash.

Note: I still love Classic Max, I just think Reboot Max was executed better.

Edit: I no longer love Max Prime.

The narrative doesn’t treat Reboot Mac like an infallible source of knowledge like Classic does:

Classic Max is seen as some wealth of knowledge not to be questioned, despite being shown to be an unreliable narrator. No one questions his decisions (except Gwen occasionally) and pretty much what he says is law, even when he’s wrong. This wouldn’t be so bad, but he never suffers consequences for his mistakes, and things that should cause character growth are just dismissed or forgotten about.

Reboot!Max is treated more like a bumbling but well meaning old an trying to seem cool to his grandkids. He’a allowed to be wrong and learn from it as well as the kiddos.

Reboot Max is more supportive of Gwen’s interests than OS!Max is.

Now I’m NOT saying OS!Max doesn’t support and love his Gwen, but how often had he advised her against using magic she didn’t understand while Ben was goofing off with the Omnitrix (the alien device which NO ONE understood)?

Gwen finding the Luck Charm of Bezel resulted in Max telling her basically (kindly) to get rid of it and leave the saving to Ben, as he’s got the Omnitrix.

Gwen’s finding Charmcaster’s spell book was taking in with a little more stride, but nevertheless Max never seemed overly fond of the idea of her fighting with it.

Now this could just be a bias of Magic vs Technology, but even so, in his efforts to keep Gwen away from magic, he’s really discouraging her from pursuing what actually’s gotten her attention.

Now, Reboot!Gwen doesn’t have powers aside from her intelligence, agility, and, when she puts her mind to it, an amazing ability to wreck a villains most indestructible of devices.

And when there’s trouble, Max helps her with this, the two forming the very aptly named Team Destroy.

Additionally, he regularly partakes in her interests whether its cosplaying as a wizard in a Renaissance Festival or dressing as a Cat for the KittyCon (a furry thing I think? Does it count if it’s not the full body being covered?).

How honest Max is with the kids.

Now I don’t know if Reboot Mac is a plumber for certain, but they have indicated that he and Phil know more than they let on about the whole alien thing. However, Reboot Max has repeatedly shown to be completely honest with the kids regarding his knowledge on the situation at hand. He doesn’t withhold information, especially in regards to whether said information will impact how the kids respond. In short, he’s very open.

OS Max however, plays it close to the chest. He’s always three steps ahead because he leaves other two steps behind. Max doesn’t explain his actions nor his reasoning as repeatedly demonstrated through UAF (going out on his own to deal the DNaliens, the whole Aliens things to his kids). Ben and Gwen had no idea what was going on and thought him DEAD for several months either out a word of contact.

he goes by his guts and that often time leads him down the lone wolf path.

His quirks and how they get passed down to the Kiddos:

This ones minor granted but this one actually bugs me a lot

Reboot Max is till a foodie who likes strange things; but he never has ever really pushed the kids to eat extremely weird things they don’t really want to. Instead, he helps them explore their pallets by making it fun and taking them food festivals and the like, which the kids atually enjoy.

OS Max kind of has the mentality of you get to eat what’s on your plate, no if’s or but’s about it.

I know this is really trivial, but That kind of mindset regarding kids and food really bother me personally for reasons I won’t delve into because they’re not really relevant.

The biggest thing though is his empathy towards the Franchise Favorite Angst Child.

Kevin: now, there is a distinct difference between Reboot Kevin and Kevin Prime, but these serve to exemplify certain traits of Max’s characters.

Kevin in the Classic Time line is an Osmosian or at least a Mutant, depending on the series you focus on (I’m going to say Osmosian for now because that makes more sense in the writing department)

This allows him the ability to absorb matter, but also energy. However too much raw energy (particularly living energy) results in “madness”. I don’t know enough about psychology to pinpoint an exact condition, but this strips Kevin of his Agency of his actions.additionally he was a homeless eleven year (trans? I thought that was canonical but apparently it’s not) mutant/ alien kid with powers that he could control in moderation.

So you would think that 60 year old experienced plumber, who KNEW his father and the conditions of Kevin’s powers, including what would happen if absorbed too much energy, would at least try to help him.

However, instead we have children trying to murder each other and Kevin (still 11) sent into an pocket Prison dimension that’s landscape is likely to kill you if the residents/prisoners/ plumbers don’t.

And he was pretty much forgotten and left there to rot.

[I am not going to address the Ultimate Kevin Arc, because Reboot!Max wouldn’t ever face a situation like this because of the Antitrix being Kevin’s source of power. Additionally that story arc was so OOC on everyone’s parts I can’t really critique OS!Max equally to Reboot.]

Reboot!Kevin doesn’t (as of the series and Ben vs the Universe) have any Osmosian powers. No energy/matter absorption at all.

Kevin instead has, with the indirect help of Vilgax, built his OWN version of the Omnitrix that works perfectly when is comes to DNA modification. It is still a knock off Omnitrix built in a human garage however, so it is not a perfect match and only has 11 aliens total.

[Still, considering the last guy who attempted to build an omnitrix was an adult Galvan who still managed to mess up his Default DNA to Ben’s, that’s pretty impressive.]

This grants Kevin significantly more control over his actions than OS, making him fully liable for his actions.

Despite this Reboot!Max, nor do the rest of the Tennysons, despise him for it. Like, they aren’t happy with his actions and will call him out on his behavior, but they don’t hate him nor pick a fight at every twist and turn.

Reboot!Max actively offers Kevin help and does not forget that he is still a child. Unafraid, he is kind to Kevin, despite his belligerence, and even praises him when he sees the kid trying to do better. Max is very likely the first adult, to tell Kevin he’s proud of him.

Reboot!Max is more Empathetic than Classic!Max

Note: this is more speculation and what if’s as the character I am discussing lives strictly in the Reboot Ben 10 Verse.

There is a second boy, not talked about too much in the fandom that Classic!Max would flat out not accept.

Glitch.

Glitch, for those who do not know, is a hybrid alien created when Ben used Upgrade to upgrade the Omntirix and Unlock master control. This caused a feedback energy wave through out the inner workings within the Omnitrix itself and breaking The Galvanic Mechamorph (I.e. Upgrade’s) DNA tube. In order to survive, the DNA merged its remaining DNA from a sample of it’s host, creating Glitch.

In short, he’s a mix of Ben and Upgrade’s DNA; though his genes seem to be mostly Mechamorph. He lived within the Omnitrix and basically ran maintenance on it until he left the Omnitrix curtesy of The Tennysons and Vilgax.

In the Ben 10 Reboot Universe, he is the only person (except for maybe Azmuth) that knows everything about the Omnitrix, so much so that he is assimilate Alien DNA into his own upon builds (see Glitch’s Vehicular state).

Classic Max would be flat out uncomfortable around Glitch and probably would try and get rid of him. Not so much because he is a “clone” of Ben, but that he can do so much damage with his knowledge. A “too much power is dangerous” sort of thing.

He would see Glitch more as a threat than a family member. With his intelligence and know how of the Omnitrix, in addition to his natural abilities and just how he came to be, Max would be more than a little concerned about this kid.

ESPECIALLY with the events of Malware fresh in memory.

Heck, Glitch might even scare Classic Max.

Reboot!Max takes Glitch in as part of the family without a seconds hesitation or question. He is considered a Tennyson and treated as such, which just would t happen with Classic Team Tennyson.

Conclusion

In short, Reboot!Max’s openness and empathy make him the Best of Grandpa Max’s, even if he is a bit of a oblivious dummy at times. :)

#Ben 10 #Ben 10 Reboot #Max Tennyson #Character Analysis #Ralationship Dynamics #AngryComet Rambles #Kevin Levin #Glitch Tennyson #Gwen Tennyson #Reboot!Max #Grandpa Max

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shinygoku · 3 years

Note

gordon gordon gordon gordon

Gordon Gordon Gordon Gordon!!

He's been sneaking into these asks by proxy, so it's finally time for his dedicated session, hehe~

First impression

WUAAAGH what's up with this WEIRD LONG NOT-THOMAS and his FACE?!

Impression now

His face is still pretty weird! But you know what else it is? Part of an Absolute Legend ✨

Like, man, Gordon is such a big presence and interesting character, the entire premise leans heavily on him. I'm inclined to go as far as to say that the Blue Boys of 1, 2 and 4 here are the three most important characters for the franchise (not at all to knock everyone else lmao) and they slot nicely into a Triforce of Courage, Wisdom and Power, and Gordon has Power in spades!

Gordon is The Vain One (not James!). He's legit very strong and the fastest on Sodor (which isn't just being a big fish in a small pond because that island has some crazy cool engines!) but unfortunately he lacks humility. His success seems to have been lodged in his head before the series even begins and this Pride is the source of pretty much every single conflict he's involved in.

But when it isn't his self satisfaction in his actions, it's being smug about being such a grand, magnificent Tender Engine and he is snooty as hell about it. He seems to look at smaller engines [pretty much everyone compared to him lol] as a lesser class, particularly if they're small and cheeky and Tank Engines. This may not be the case exactly, but his way of talking to them and some other things he says are very condescending.

However... as much as a gigantic jerk he is at several points, with Gordon I kinda feel like he plain ass doesn't conceive of his words being out of line. That and having to Unlearn things... he's not innately better than everyone else. He sees things in black and white. There are Useful Engines, and those who should be scrapped. There are Noble Tender Engines and Lesser Tank Engines who exist to do the tedious chores on behalf of the Superior ones. Edward doing shunting is seen as Demeaning and contradicts Gordon’s world view that Tender Engines Don't Stunt™, and he doesn't like that one bit! (Also Edward was crossing the picket line but that wasn't Awdry's concern lmao)

Related is Gordon does seem oddly dense at times, like assuming that Tenders are in of themselves a Status Symbol rather than a large lunchbox of sorts lol, or that Tender Engines like him being too heavy for Branch Lines being because something about Branch Lines are degrading. This might be all Elitist Brainwashing influence. But still, that he just takes these as The Truth means I get to affectionately call him an idiot. And there is no other way to explain how he genuinely believes Bill and Ben were going to murder him if he wasn't missing a few brain bolts in there.

Fortunately, he does eventually start to learn the important lessons.... very gradually, but the Early Gordon is a pretty different beast to Later Gordon, and it's wonderful~

Also, I gotta give credit to him for having some moments of utter brilliance and actual grasp of reality and more complex matters, like culture. (Yeah, I'm rolling with his geniune Opera Knowledge from s6 of all things. It's good!) As much as Awdry himself may have disagreed, Gordon was in the right to want a Station Pilot and the Strike was called for (not bullying Edward for it, but myeah) ...but this leads to my next point: He seems to have a mental block when it comes to Emotions.

Certainly, he's as emotional as the others are, it's not just a scale of Snooty, Arrogant, Condescending, Prideful ....well, it is, but ALSO the more mixed and varied feelings: Shame, Sadness, Fear, Ambivilance, Irritation, Anger, Passion, Amused, Delight and so on. However, Gordon is seemingly unaware of how his words may make the others feel, and even at his cruellest it doesn't look like he's aware he's twisting a knife in. To Gordon, he's being honest, but his verbose manner ends up twisting and wriggling away from any valid point like an overgrown vine that somehow links back to how [Other Engine] is disgracing him, Gordon, by association.

Examples include: Being offended by Henry's new shape (??? Gordon dude he nearly died and this is an improvement, a good thing!), saying that Edward's age and difficulty starting a heavy ass packed load of passengers is grounds to be Retired or even Scrapped, other little insulting things like calling the likes of Thomas and James Little insistently (it seems to vary if he's trying to put them down or actually be affectionate), and many more when in the hands of inept writers who have to wheel out the same Gordon Learns A Lesson Plot every other season.

Like I said in the James post, I also think he kinda poisoned the Red guy with his snooty attitude... but I maintain that I think Gordon was unaware of this. He may know he has Influence, and enjoy that, but he really truly doesn't appear to mean to mould James into a smaller, redder version of himself. He's oblivious and from his own point of view, benevolent. Which is in fact a dangerous combo indeed!

It's... a lot o7;;

Again though, if you're looking at the books and s1-s5 of TVS you can see him grow and change. He does take a while to learn the lessons, but as time goes on he moves 2 steps forward and 1 step back, then eventually less steps back entirely. It's great! And so is Gordon. A big dumb meathead with not entirely uncalled for delusions of granduer. A dramatic so-and-so who is the best engine for his job.

I love this sophisticated jock who grows more kindness~ 💙

Favourite moment

Hm! This isn't as easy to decide lol. We all like Gordon Goes Foreign... but you know what sticks in my mind more?

hOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH

Look, I’m not 100% objective, here! But Ringo’s read of this line is fantastic (and keeps making me expect him to finish saying OOOHH SHIT) and it’s also a well deserved bolt of divine retribution for how rude he was being earlier. (As long as my essay already was, he very much needed the knocking down of some pegs here!)

Idea for a story

While both my fics with him thus far have been variations of Pre-Canon, Full-Arrogance and Snobbish Gordon (and both were a lot of fun!) ...but I cannot bear the same expired horse being beaten more when the story is set waaay later but he’s still up his own ass. Please, PLEASE writers, let him hold what growth he’s managed to gain!

I think it’d be good to accept that he’s gonna be outdated sooner or later, so have him help train another High Speed Engine and take them under his wing. The Christopher Awdry books kinda have something similar with Pip and Emma, but I think a better way of having Gordon be involved would be if he was actively doing some mentoring himself, as well as being a neat parallel with Edward, whose type was once Express only but got outclassed by A1s, and so the same can happen to this big A1 -> A3 lad and he can form a healthy relationship with some bright eyed newbie (and maybe have some self awareness and try to stop their head getting too large, lol).

Unpopular opinion

I know I just said him mentoring would be a cool story idea, but in canon? He is NOT a resident Dad type!! He’s a hotshot young man but he’s also a hot mess. He’s physically large but he’s not got the Energy of someone who dispenses sage advice and a shoulder to cry on. At best, he’s a weird uncle! One who means well but you shouldn’t take his life advice to heart because he’s actually just as, if not more clueless than you!

Favourite relationship

I feel inclined to say Thomas here. Emphatically not because Gordon is ‘old’ and Thomas is ‘young’, but because they’re so damn alike and actually make an excellent, albeit unconventional type of Rivalry.

Both are self important with genuine finesse in their respective talents, both are honest to a fault, both have redeeming qualities to offset their initial abrasiveness, and the first TVS episode is centred on the both of them and sets the tone for the series as a whole. There’s more parallels, of course, but I also wanna point out they’re effectively the mascots of North Western Rail in universe too, and I absolutely love this picture:

I also have immense fondness for the Down the Mine paradigm shift! Thomas gives Gordon grief over the ditch incident and later when it emerges the Fat Controller is gonna send for Gordon to pull him out, Thomas is filled with dread. But Gordon isn’t using the chance to lord over Thomas, he’s actually so amused by Thomas’ mishap and it coming at a time where he’s been significantly humbled, they instead become Comrades and I love it. I eat it up! Paint Pots and Queens isn’t anywhere near as good but I adore the little bit where they’re appealing for the other, equals and watching each other’s back~

But yeah, as Friendly Rivals they both feel very authentic and yet, in a daft way, sweet ;3

Favourite headcanon

He still says “Hurry, hurry, hurry!” when pulling the Express. That’s a HC as I think the show phased it out, but I like it lol. I feel like my essay on him contains most of the headcanon stuff, but it’s all based on what’s shown, baybee!

#this is ttte #TTTE Gordon #ttte talk #Gordon the Big Engine #Thomas the Tank Engine #TTTE Thomas #snuck in a bit in there lol #mentioned Edward a lot as well but not in as much depth #I love me some Blue Engines #TTTE

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grigori77 · 3 years

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Summer 2021′s Movies - My Top Ten Favourite Films (Part 1)

The Runners-Up:

20. LUCA – I’ll admit I really wasn’t sold on Disney/Pixar’s coming-of-age fantasy comedy, which revolves around a pair of young sea monsters living off the coast of the 1950s Italian Riviera, who discover they can assume human form when they dry out and go on land on a quest of discovery. Thankfully the strong reviews convinced me to give it a chance – this is a frothy and irreverent romp through an exotically nostalgic world filled with Vespas, pasta-eating contests and found families that’s fun for kids of all ages.

19. FAST & FURIOUS 9 – the high concept action franchise may be bursting under the ever-increasing weight of its own ludicrousness, but it’s still TONS of fun, packed with stunning over-the-top action, colourful globe-trotting and a loveable bunch of misfits we’ve grown incredibly fond of over the past TWENTY YEARS. This time Dom (the irrepressible Vin Diesel) and the team are up against ruthless hi-tech mercenary Jakob (John Cena), a lethal jack-of-all-trades with a dark connection to the Toretto name.

18. REMINISCENCE – Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy’s attempt to make it on the big screen looks set to go down as one of the biggest cinematic flops of 2021, which is a shame because the feature-debuting writer-director has crafted a genuinely fascinating speculative sci-fi noir detective thriller. Set in a darkly dystopian future in which Global Warming has caused the sea levels to rise and society to start breaking down, it tells the story of Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a former soldier who ekes out a living using revolutionary tech to help the idle rich relive their fondest memories, until a life-changing mystery from his own past resurfaces, threatening to tear his whole world apart. Frustratingly, it looks like most audiences are going to bypass this, which is a criminal loss.

17. FREE GUY – after a seven year hiatus, Night at the Museum director Shawn Levy returns to the big screen in fine form with this deliriously inventive fantastical comedy adventure about Guy (a typically on-fire Ryan Reynolds), an NPC in an anarchic, Grand Theft Auto style MMORPG called Free City who discovers his own sentience after falling in love with Millie (Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer), a player with a hidden agenda that puts them both at odds with the game’s nefarious creator, Antwan (a thoroughly hilarious Taika Waititi).

16. EVANGELION 3.0 + 1.01: THRICE UPON A TIME – visionary anime creator Hideaki Anno brings his long-running sci-fi saga to a close with this fourth instalment to his wildly ambitious cinematic “Rebuild” of cult TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. It’s as frothy, melodramatic and bonkers as ever, packed full of weighty themes and crazy ideas, while the animation maintains this series’ ridiculously high levels of quality and the action is as explosive as ever, and Hideaki brings the whole mad mess to a climax that’s as rich, powerful and thoroughly befuddling as the saga deserves.

15. THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD – Sicario writer Taylor Sheridan returns to the director’s chair (after impressive debut Wind River) with this intense and enthralling suspense thriller adapted by bestselling author Michael Koryta (along with Sheridan and Blood Diamond’s Charles Leavitt) from his own acclaimed novel. Angelina Jolie is (ahem) fiery but fallible as haunted smokejumper Hanna Faber, whose PTSD drives her to protect a desperate boy (Finn Little) who’s being hunted through the wilds of Montana by a pair of relentless assassins (Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult).

14. CRUELLA – far from the clunky cash-in retcon many were predicting, Disney’s ambitious black comedy crime caper does a thoroughly admirable job in delivering this fascinating and deeply compelling reimagining of the story of rogue fashion designer Cruella de Vil (one of the best performances I’ve ever seen Emma Stone deliver, hands down), the dastardly villainess of 101 Dalmatians. She’s certainly far more complex here, no longer a raging monster, but far from a whitewashed PC apologist, either, much more of a morally grey antihero with a very wicked dark side – then again, with I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie at the helm it’s not really a surprise. Richly designed and dripping in spectacularly adventurous period detail, this is an divine romp from start to finish.

13. THE GREEN KNIGHT – the latest feature from writer director David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saits, Pete’s Dragon, The Old Man & the Gun) is as offbeat and unusual as you’d expect from a visionary filmmaker with such a wildly varied CV. Adapting the fantastical chivalric romance Sir Gawain & the Green Knight, he’s crafted what’s surely destined to be remembered as the year’s STRANGEST film, but it’s a work of aching beauty and introspective imagination that sears itself into the memory and rewards the viewer’s patience despite its leisurely pace. Dev Patel is unbearably sexy and wonderfully complex as Gawain, while Sean Harris delivers show-stopping support with stately charisma and world-weary integrity as King Arthur. This film is sure to divide opinions as well as audiences, but I think it’s a bona fide masterpiece that must be seen to be believed.

12. CANDYMAN – after watching this wildly imaginative and frequently gut-wrenching soft-reboot/sequel to Bernard Rose’s acclaimed adaptation of Clive Barker’s short story The Forbidden, I feel supremely confident about emerging writer-director Nia DaCosta’s coming MCU breakout with The Marvels. Wisely papering over the clunky previous sequels, this streamlined trailblazing deep dive into the pure horror of the legend of the righteously mad spectral killer haunting the Chicago housing ghetto of Cabrini-Green sees a daring modern artist (Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) find his latest project turning into a dangerously self-destructive obsession. Writer-producer Jordan Peele’s fingerprints are all over this, but DaCosta clearly shows signs that she’s going to be a hell of a talent to watch in the future.

11. THE WITCHER: NIGHTMARE OF THE WOLF – I wouldn’t normally shout about an animated spinoff to a TV series like this, but I was SO INSANELY IMPRESSED with this brilliant prequel to Netflix’ popular fantasy show (which clearly intends to lay some origin story groundwork for the impending second season) that I just can’t help myself. Recounting the backstory of Geralt of Rivia’s own Witcher mentor Vesemir, this beautifully expands on the already compelling universe the series has created, as well as delivering some breath-taking thrills and chills through some of the most exquisite cell animation I’ve ever seen outside of the greats of anime. A must-see for Witcher fans, then, but one I’d also highly recommend to anyone who likes their animation a bit more grown-up and edgy.

#movies 2021 #luca #disney luca #fast & furious 9 #reminiscence #reminiscence movie #free guy #evangelion thrice upon a time #rebuild of evangelion 4 #those who wish me dead #those who wish me dead movie #cruella #cruella movie #the green knight #the green knight movie #candyman #candyman 2021 #the witcher nightmare of the wolf #awesome sauce

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monster-bait · 4 years

Text

Talse, Telepathic Gelatinous Monster x F Human, NSFW, Monster Match

A commission for @edgier-than-a-diamond, based on a dream she shared ina "Show Me Your!" post

I wish you were able to see what I’m dealing with here, you thought, pressing your lips together to keep your laughter at bay. Bun fun time is proving to be a bit too much for the volunteer of the month.

Across the room, Marcie was struggling. You tried not to let the older woman get under your skin, for you knew she meant well. Still, that didn't mean you actually needed to hear about how long she’d been volunteering every single time you were scheduled together, nor did it help you do your job better to be reminded that she had been named the volunteer of the month a staggering eighteen times over her years of service at the animal shelter.

All of her experience and laminated certificates weren’t helping at the current moment, as Biscuit and Marshmallow raced around the exercise enclosure, tawny and white blurs, determined not to listen to Marcie. Every time the rabbits slowed, she would charge forward in victory, her hands barely grazing their fur before they’d be off again, gleefully evading her once more.

This is how you take the title from her. Bun mastery is absolutely worthy of volunteer of the month! Just start carrying a pocket full of whatever Biscuit likes to eat!

You had to turn away then, unable to hold back your huff of laughter as Marcie attempted to reach through her legs for Marshmallow, staggering forward as she did so and still completely missing him.

Not needing to speak aloud to have conversations was a double-edged sword. On one hand, you didn’t have to appear as though you were talking to yourself. You imagined that it would not endear you to your parents or people in shops if you were constantly carrying on one-sided conversations, and certainly wouldn’t earn you the volunteer of the month title.

On the other hand, controlling your facial features was sometimes a greater challenge. As it was, your parents had remarked about how “smiley” you’d become, how difficult it was at times to keep a neutral expression. You couldn’t help it—your conversation companion had a sense of humor you adored, slightly sarcastic but always kind, and you loved the time spent with them.

...In your head.

“What’s going on down there?”

A voice full of barely suppressed mirth crackled in your ear, the next volunteer radioing down from the upstairs office, and this time you didn’t bother hiding your snort of laughter, knowing full well she could see Biscuit racing like he was going for the gold around Marcie’s feet.

“Let me guess...she didn’t need your help.”

“Nope,” you confirmed with a chuckle, turning away from the amusing tableau as Marcie exclaimed in frustration. There were only two volunteers permitted on the floor at once, social distancing measures that had become the new normal. Despite her bluster about being the very best volunteer at the shelter, Marcie was typically the first person pushing out the door once replacements arrived, and you weren’t about to give up the rare opportunity to leave first.

“All the cats have fresh litter and water, check with her about the dogs...have a good night!”

I’m getting out of here, you announced silently once you’d left the shelter.

Ok...drive safely. Let me know when you get home.

Your cheeks warmed as you crossed the parking lot, keys already in hand. If it had been a text message, there would have been nothing amiss, you considered. Hell, for that matter you could have been talking aloud on speakerphone, and the brief exchange wouldn’t have raised the suspicions of anyone in the vicinity. You were announcing your departure and received the same sort of caring admonition people received from their loved ones every day.

The only difference was your conversation was taking place inside your head...with the voice.

It had started shortly after you’d moved back to your parent’s house.

It had made sense to come home: you were finished with school and had managed to secure a day job to cover rent and bills, but then everything had shut down, the whole world screeching to a grinding halt. You’d vacated your small apartment and moved back into your adolescent bedroom, with plans to either return to school for an advanced degree or start a successful freelancing business with your art.

You were grateful for having the safety net of coming home, but the nostalgia of being surrounded by your old things, your yard, the woods where you’d played endlessly as a child, had been overwhelming.

The woods had been the biggest change.

Hours and hours you’d spent there—never more than fifteen feet or so into the treeline, the light from the road clearly visible and your family’s house just across the street—but you pretended that you’d been transported to another world, deep in the heart of the forest. There was always a curious collection of random detritus to be collected: bottles and buttons and shoelaces, treasures from the woods which became potion vessels and magic amulets, objects which you used to construct traps for any intruder who might come barging into your tree-shaded sanctum, creating detailed origin stories for everything in your fortress and the woods beyond.

It had been your favorite place to play as a child, and you’d been more than a little upset when the first thing you’d noticed, as you pulled up to your parent’s house on the day you’d moved home, was the absence of trees. The frontage of the woods, the spot where you’d played, was gone; flattened and bare, leaving nothing behind but the newly-poured foundations of a house, the land purchased and developed.

It was silly to be upset, you told yourself, struggling into the house with bags full of clothes that day. You weren’t a kid anymore, it wasn’t as if you could just disappear into the woods and play with sticks and buttons and bits of colored glass as you’d done as a child...those days were gone, and the neighborhood was changing.

That hadn’t stopped you from thinking about it for days, nagging at the back of your mind until your feet carried you outside one night, seemingly of their own volition. You’re not a child, it’s not like you’re going to get in trouble for being out after dark, you’d reminded yourself. Standing on the front porch led to sitting on the stoop, until you began to restlessly pace the length of the driveway...until your feet acted independently once more, drawing you to the road. The woods which remained were dense and dark, deeper than you’d ever ventured as a child. But if that house had always been there, you would have played in this section instead. It’s no different.

The suburban neighborhood was quiet, the streetlamp above casting a long shadow over a car parked at the curb, and from the end of the driveway, you were able to see the waddling shape of a skunk moving purposefully across a manicured lawn, several yards away. Headlights lit the street briefly, a zooming compact car bearing the lit rooftop sign of a local pizza franchise turning into a driveway near the corner.

Rocking on the curb in front of the house, you’d held your breath and waited.

There were all the familiar sounds of suburbia which you knew so well: the dim sound of traffic from the main road, several blocks away from the twisting nest of side streets, lessened at this hour, but never entirely ceasing; the sound of music and childish shouting coming the home of one of the neighbors, the slam of a car door and the roar of an engine, as the pizza delivery car turned out of the driveway on two wheels, red brake lights flaring to life for only an instant before the car careened around the corner, out of sight. There was something else there as well, some unseen thrum of electricity that made your skin prickle pleasantly and your blood hum, and you’d been certain it was coming from the woods.

An interminable moment went by before you’d decided. This was the neighborhood you’d grown up in, and there was nothing of which to be afraid. Rocking forward one last time, you left the curb and crossed the road.

It was dimmer on the other side of the road, the streetlamp’s halo of light not quite extending that far, but the edge of the woods had seemed comfortably familiar as you walked through the grass leading to the treeline. You’d hesitated once more, closing your eyes to listen for the crunch of sticks or a rustle in the underbrush that might indicate you were not actually alone, but all you’d been able to hear was the sound of the neighbor’s children laughing in their playroom, and a car door slamming several houses away. The thrum of energy seemed stronger, and you pushed through the trees, stepping carefully. The peaty smell of dead leaves and bark brought a wave

You hadn’t gone more than ten feet when you were stopped.

Careful. There’s some water just ahead, and the rocks are terribly slippery.

You’d frozen, terror-stricken at the unexpected voice and unable to place from which direction it had come. Stupid, so stupid! What the hell are you thinking, going traipsing through the woods in the dark?! A million possible scenarios flooded through your mind, each one more terrifying and grisly than the next, but your mysterious navigator did not show themselves. They’re waiting to see what you do next. The thudding of your heartbeat was loud enough to surely alert them to your whereabouts, and your eyes casted about wildly, seeking the hidden shape of an assailant in the trees...but there had been no one. Play it cool...just thank them and walk away.

“Th-thank you,” you’d squeaked out, listening for the telltale rustle of branches, but the woods around you remained still and silent. “I...appreciate that.”

You’d turned around carefully, and managed to make it back to the treeline unmolested, although your pulse had still been racing. You heardit again, just as you’d stepped back through the branches, the safety of the streetlamp’s glow just ahead.

Come back in the daytime when there’s more light. The creek is very pretty, but you’ll want to know which spots to avoid.

The voice was just as clear and distinct as it had been in the dark woods, although you'd been positive you’d not been followed. Neither male nor female, the voice was smooth and even, with a slightly buzzy quality, like the hum of an old-fashioned television, it hadn’t come from the woods behind you, nor from your left or right...it had come from your head.

You ran. Realizing that you were technically running from nothing, you’d managed to slow to a casual jog, just in case any of the neighbors were peering from their windows, as though sprinting out of the woods hours after sunset was the most normal undertaking in the world.

It had only been a bit after eleven p.m. when you’d let yourself back into the house that night, but you’d immediately gone to your room and collapsed into your childhood bed, falling into a deep sleep, full of dark trees and a pulsing, thrumming energy.

It was several days before you went back.

At first you’d been afraid, convincing yourself that there had been someone there, that there must have been some odd reverberation from the trees which had made the sound seem as though it were coming from closer than it was.

But the sound hadn’t just been close.

It had been right in your head, as if you’d thought the words yourself! There was no way for an echo from the trees to carry into your consciousness, was there?

There was an old picnic table on the side of the house, one your mother had been telling your father to drag to the curb for several years, and you made quick work of dragging it around the house and across the yard. Pulling across the street had been a bit trickier, as had been hoisting it over the curb and across the hidden rits in the short field, but soon you had it positioned where you wanted it—close enough to the dense treeline for you to tell if that same thrumming hum was present, and just far enough for you to have a decent head start on anyone, or anything, that might come barreling through the trees.

It was a good spot to sketch, you thought that first evening, glad you’d brought a spiral-bound pad as an excuse. The light was softly diffused, and from your spot at the low table, you had a perfect view of the sunset between the houses, leaving the sky a wash of pink and orange, and you wasted no time in getting to work.

That’s quite good. You’re very talented.

You became so engrossed with capturing the wisping clouds, that you’d forgotten your purpose at the table before the trees, jumping in surprise when that same voice resonated in your head. There was no one looking over you, as their words implied, and you took a shuddering breath, your fight or flight response moving into overdrive.

“Th-thank you,” you called out uncertainly, carefully positioning your legs in a way that would allow you to spring away from the table if needed. “Um...who...where are you?”

You don’t need to be afraid, the voice responded, jumping over your question to address the audible thump of your heartbeat. I’m not going to hurt you, there’s no threat from me...I live here. In the woods. Have you lived here very long? I’ve only been here a few years myself, but I don’t remember you visiting before.

You blinked. It seemed to be such an innocuous conversation, as if the fact that they were an unseen voice issuing from inside your head meant little next to their desire for gossip. “I-I used to live here. My parents live across the street, this is where I grew up. I used to play in these woods for hours, I was sad to see so much of it had been cut down.”

Your answer surprised you, shocked that you were apparently going to play along with...whatever this was.

Ah, yes, I imagine that was disappointing. The bittersweetness of lost childhood coupled with the loss of nature...well, I’m glad that you’ve found some solace in the bit of green space left. You really are very talented. Is art your profession?

You’d nearly laughed aloud. You’d gone on only a handful of dates in the past year, and none had seemed as interested in you as this mysterious voice!

“I’m hoping to make it more than just a hobby,” you replied, unable to keep the smile from your face. Perhaps it’s a tree nymph, unable to leave the forest? “Thank you for the compliment.”

You went in not long after, and the voice had expressed regret that your conversation had to come to an end.

“I’ll be back,” you’d blurted, not thinking your actions through. Despite your initial trepidation, it had been a nice conversation. “I live just across the street, and this is a nice place to sketch...I’ll definitely be back. Maybe tomorrow?”

Tomorrow had turned into every day that week, several hours on Sunday, and clear into the following week in the blink of an eye. You couldn’t explain why you felt so comfortable with the voice, only that you did. Their words to you that first evening at the picnic bench had proved to be true—you sensed absolutely no threat from them. You were naturally quiet with a tendency to stay in your shell around most people, but at the low bench facing the woods with your back to the street, you felt free to be sociable.

They were insatiably curious about the neighborhood, and you couldn’t help but think it was adorable.

Do you think they’ll have children? Or a dog? they mused over the new house which was now being steadily constructed. I hope not, they can be so noisy...oh, but isn’t that what a house away from the city is for? Hopefully it’ll be a nice family with children who respect the woods as much as you did.

It was later that night, three weeks after you’d first dragged the table across the street, that it happened for the first time.

Tomorrow I’ll bring lunch out to the table...I wish we could have a picnic together. You did not give voice to the words in your head as you crossed the street, heading in before the mosquitoes got to be too overbearing. It would have been nice to have a picnic lunch with your mysterious friend, but you knew not to push the issue. A tree nymph...or maybe some sort of faerie. They had never offered their name, and you felt awkward asking at that point, and had never volunteered to come out of the forest, wherever it was they were hidden.

That sounds nice! You can tell me all about it, and I’ll tell you about the fight that happened over the weekend!

Your face pulled into a smile, charmed by their customary cheerfulness and love of gossip, thinking of the backyard swim party that had somehow turned into a multi-family brawl two streets away, a story you’d only heard snippets of from the ladies at the shelter, when you froze.

You hadn’t spoken your picnic plans aloud.

Are—are you able to hear me?

You were standing on the sidewalk facing your house, not daring to turn back to the woods, certain you’d imagined the cheery response...when it came again.

I am! How nice! This is almost like having one of those cellular devices!

You’d smiled, shaking your head fondly as your stomach flipped. Having them inside your head...that was different, you thought. Different, but not entirely unwelcome? After all, you rationalized, hadn’t you just been muttering to yourself that same morning that missed having actual friends to talk to throughout the day?

Well? Did bun fun time end in disaster?

We’ll never know, you thought back with a laugh. I left before Biscuit managed to trip her, but I’m sure I’ll find out when I go back later this week.

Your mother had plans to redecorate several rooms in the house, roping you into her planning the instant you stepped into the house that evening, but you managed to escape shortly after dusk, slipping out the side door and hurrying across the street.

Sorry, you announced, throwing a leg over the bench, my mom is obsessed with turning the house into something from HGTV. I’m really glad to be home and saving money, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of my apartment. You laughed, nearly missing their wistful sigh.

It must be nice having a house. It’s a space of one’s own, of course she’s excited to keep it looking beautiful!

Swallowing, you considered their words, thinking again of them being tethered to a tree. You—you’ve never lived in a house?

I haven’t, they confirmed. But I do so love the look of them. What are you drawing tonight? Have you started working on your commission yet?

The conversation had been thoroughly changed, but their words echoed in your mind long after you went in for the night, after they’d wished you a tender goodbye.

Sweet dreams, I hope you have a good morning.

Goodnight, you mentally called as you crossed the front lawn. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

I...I think we should meet. The words were out before you were able to control your traitorous thoughts, and your cheeks instantly heated. You had a habit of speaking without thinking, but this was really putting your foot in it, you considered, as all you had to do was control your thoughts. When no immediate answer was forthcoming, you pushed on as the fire spread to your ears. Don’t you? It’s just...it would be nice to finally have a conversation in person.

...I don’t know if that’s wise. Its voice was a murmur, more subdued than you could ever remember it being previously, and your heart fell. Things might be very different in person, and this has been so nice.

I agree, you argued vehemently. This has been the nicest summer of my life. I don’t see anything changing once we’re face to face, why would it?

Your pulse had begun to thud in your ears as they hesitated, another uncharacteristic element to their normal conversation. You managed to hold back voicing the depth of your feelings, the desire that heated your body when you were alone in your bed at night. The memory of the dream you’d had was still strong, still replayed in your mind almost every night, your fingers moving down your body to push between your legs and finding yourself slick at the thought of being with your mysterious friend.

We may not be very compatible.

The bottom your chest seemed to drop as your heart plummeted down to your feet. Not compatible. There had never been anyone else with whom you’d been more compatible, and you couldn’t foresee yourself having such a strong bond with anyone else, not the way you had with them. Not compatible. This was just a game to them, just a way to pass the time, and you’d gone and assigned it feelings which were clearly one-sided. You weren’t anything special at all.

That’s not what I meant—

I think we should leave things here then. Your eyes blurred with tears, unable to keep the thought from barreling forward, even though it hurt. No sense in wasting each other’s time if we’re so incompatible. This has been fun, but...all good things must come to an end, I guess. You spun on your heel and headed back into the shelter to finish the rest of your volunteer shift, closing your consciousness to the effortless connection you had with the invisible voice.

For the first time in weeks, your mind was silent.

You’d felt on edge throughout the day.

Your concentration on even the smallest tasks was not existent, your gaze constantly settling on an invisible point in the middle distance, your thoughts a jumble.

The voice in your head had remained silent, and it was tearing you up.

You hadn’t gone this long without speaking to them since that first night on the edge of the woods, hadn’t realized that the absence of their chatter would leave you feeling as though you were suffering through the days. You regretted making things awkward and wished you could take back your words, but it wasn’t as though you were able to call or text them, couldn’t swing by their house on your way home from the shelter. You didn’t know how to fix things, although you badly wanted to try.

Things were beginning to open up, life slowly returning to normal, and you needed to start applying for jobs, you conceded, or else, start looking into university programs. You could go back to your alma mater, you considered, or investigate some of the other options which weren’t terribly far away. There was a state school just outside the closest city, and just beyond that was a community which housed a small, private university with an excellent liberal arts college…

You needed to start thinking about what was next, but the idea of doing so without your friend, whoever, whatever they were, broke your heart.

The rest of your shift at the animal shelter passed in a blur, and you hardly paid any mind to Marcie’s prattling or humblebragging, shouldering past her the instant you spotted the next volunteer up in the office window. She’d huffed when she realized your intent and that she’d not be able to leave first, calling out with a dodgy-sounding excuse, but you’d ignored the whine in her voice and pressed on. Your mother had mentioned needing your help with something when you got home, and you usually didn't take your sketchbook down to the picnic table until dusk, but you beelined across the street that evening, the moment you’d pulled into the driveway.

You felt the thrum, the familiar connection with the unseen force and your mind sparked, just before a stream of conversation exploded in your head.

I didn’t mean incompatible regarding our personalities. You’re funny and talented and kind and I love spending time with you, of course I do! Their voice burst to life behind your eyes, speaking in a rush as if they were afraid of being cut off again, and your chest heaved at their words. I only meant that we’re not...the same. I’m not like you. And...and I didn't want that to spoil things.

You understood their meaning immediately. Of course they weren’t human, how could they think you would assume they were?! You had been having telepathic conversations with them for the better part of the summer, and you thought constantly about what they might be, but you hadn’t wanted to ask, and it hadn’t seemed important. You had shared with them a part of yourself which was hard to share with anyone, a part of yourself you increasingly felt disinclined to share with anyone but them. You loved the sense of security you felt with them in your mind, their clever banter and humor, their innocent wistfulness when it came to the neighborhood. You loved spending time with them, loved...them. You loved them, and it didn’t matter what they were.

The town was predominately human, was all human, as far as you knew. There had been whispers when you’d gone to the local high school about certain families being werewolves and other creatures, but there had never been any proof, as far as you’d known, and you had no idea if any of them were still in the area...but there were towns where multiple species lived side-by-side. There had been a handful of non-human students at your university, and when you’d venture into the city with friends, there would be orcs and goblins and minotaurs, all crowding the restaurants and light rail trains, bustling up the sidewalks. There was a hair salon you’d visited a handful of times which was run by blue-skinned nymphs, and for her twenty-first birthday, your best friend had wanted to go to a posh nightclub in the city, where the doorman had been a brawny minotaur and the bartender a tall, green-skinned man with sparkling, laughing eyes. You weren’t worried about an inter-species relationship.

I don’t think it will, you challenged. Do you honestly think I’ve been assuming I’m talking to some random human sitting on a log in the woods? Of course I know you’re...different.

It’s not that simple, they began after another pause, interrupted this time by the clang of your phone ringer. Your mother. You sighed, knowing she’d be irritated to learn you were home and were actively avoiding helping her.

Look, you began, silencing the phone. I need to go, but we’re not done discussing this, okay? I’ll be out later.

Later, unfortunately, never arrived. Your mother was organizing the basement, an undertaking that seemed as if it would have no end, and it had been night by the time you’d finally trudged upstairs to shower away the grime. It was late, too late to go sit in the dark and have the conversation that you needed to have, and your head felt heavy, eyes aggravated from the dust of your chore. Skipping dinner, you went from the shower to your bed, dropping to sleep almost immediately.

Moonlight lit a small clearing in the deepest part of the forest across the road. You were dimly aware of its glow overhead, seeing it as you were from under a translucent surface, as if you were under water. Under water, yet...suspended, somehow. There was a humming, a pulse of energy more than an audible sound, and it shivered up your spine, making the hair on your neck stand on end. A pumping rhythm, a pulsing throb that escalated in its intensity until you were able to feel it thudding through you, matching your heartbeat and the pulse between your thighs. The rhythm engulfed you, pumping, pulsing, throbbing against you from every side until your body began to shake, waves of ecstasy arching your spine.

You sat up in bed, gasping.

Moonlight flooded through the windows, bathing the end of the bed in light, and you struggled to slow your breathing. It was a dream about them, your voice, you knew it. You didn’t know why you were so certain, couldn’t account for the strange sensation of being completely engulfed...but you knew it was true. Tingles still rippled up your spine and you could almost still feel the pulsing tension encasing you...You need to go to the woods. They would be there, and you would find them. As you clutched at the bed sheets, desperately trying to recover from the explosive climax in your dream, you couldn’t find any fault with your own line of reasoning.

The road was still, as you crept out of the house, careful not to wake your parents, and the air was silent, save for the buzz and chirp of crickets. Unlike that first night when you’d rocked off the curb to venture to the trees, it was truly late, the moon high in an inky-black sky. High, but still bright, and you were grateful as the moonlight filled in the gaps where the streetlamp diminished. You felt the thrum of energy, the familiar prickle of heat against your skin, and pushed into the trees without hesitation.

You knew where to step, which spots to avoid, and were grateful for the time you’d spent in the daylight hours, exploring the front part of the wood. You’d never gone very deep into the thick of the trees, but you would need to that night, you realized. You felt the soft hum of energy, felt your body responding to it...and pushed forward, following it into the darkness.

You knew you’d reached your destination before even breaking through the trees to the clearing, felt the buzz of energy beneath your skin so strongly you were nearly vibrating with it. The small hollow was bathed in moonlight, ringed in dark woods, and at its center sat them. Your voice, your constant companion for the last several months. You immediately understood why they’d been so worried over meeting, why they’d thought this might end things...but they were wrong, you decided. You would figure things out.

They were completely translucent and roughly the size of your neighbor’s Volkswagen, and as you approached cautiously, the dew drop trembled.

You’re so lovely

The voice in your head was soft, and heat rushed to your cheeks. You were still trembling from earlier, still not quite completely down from your climactic high, and as you gazed around the small clearing, so like the one in your dream, you had a thought.

I had a dream, you began, stomach flipping when they quickly confirmed.

Yes...I was able to sense you.

It was you, wasn’t it? You weren’t sure why it hadn’t occurred to you earlier, how real the dream had felt, why it had been so hard to catch your breath afterwards, as if you really had been submerged...Was that you calling for me?

Not exactly, they hesitated, and your shoulders slumped a bit, but their next words stalled your disappointment. I was...dreaming, I suppose. Dreaming of you.

The ramifications of their meaning took a moment for your mind to absorb. Dreaming...of me? Were we-were we sharing a dream?!

It would seem so, they hummed, and you drifted closer, unable to keep yourself from reaching out. I’ve never had a connection with another being so strongly before, and your consciousness...well, we’re very in-tune.

The outside of their droplet form had a surface tension you weren’t quite expecting, with a springiness your fingers could only sink into so far. In your dream, you realized, you’d been upright, as if you’d sunk straight down into them. You needed to climb to their top, you realized, kicking off your flip flops. I want to do that again, you announced, cutting off whatever they’d been saying in their even, thrumming voice. Your toes squished against their crystalline side, struggling for purchase as you climbed the dew drop form you’d somehow managed to fall for.

The climb was not difficult, and before you knew it, you were atop the shimmering orb. The texture of their squishy surface was pleasant, and as you steadied yourself, you felt it rippling against your skin, caressing up your bare leg in a ripple, and you struggled to pull off your pajama shorts. Bare from the waist down, you balanced on your knees and waited.

You began to sink slowly.

Too slowly, you griped to yourself, for the sucking, rippling sensation against the fronts of your legs as they were slowly submerged sent shockwaves of feeling up your body, and you were eager to feel it pressed against the far more sensitive bits of your anatomy.

You weren't sure if you’d begun to roll your hips or if their surface had begun to undulate in a wave-like pattern, but before you could think better of it you were grinding against them, gasping in pleasure as your hips moved. Cool and silky, and every time you managed to move your hips at just the right angle, the quivering surface kissed your clit, and you redoubled your efforts in order to feel it again.

You were submerged to your thighs at that point, so close to feeling the gelatinous ripples against the spot where you needed it most, when you mind buzzed with their voice.

Hold still. Their voice was a bit firmer than usual, sending a thrill of excitement down your neck, quick to obey their direction. Hold still, and stay straight. Let yourself sink straight down.

You wondered if they had spots where they were sensitive, if the inside of their gelatinous form had more sensation than the outside, if you sinking into them was as pleasurable for them as it was for you. Only one way to find out...Holding stock still, you did as they requested, keeping till and straight, allowing yourself to sink directly down.

The effects were instantaneous.

There was a pulsing churn within their crystalline depth, kneading against your sex rhythmically, a silky press against your clit that made you see stars. Your neck dropped back, but you did not fall. The dome-like surface you’d climbed upon had shifted, energy from within being rediverted, and three thick, tentacle-like protrusions pushed upwards, somehow retaining the surface tension of the dome, wrapping around each of your arms and curling around your back until you were fully supported.

Within the translucent dome of energy, something similar was happening.

Much as you’d ground against them as you waited to sink, you felt a rolling pressure against your slick folds. It was nearly like being underwater, the thrumming currents churning within reminding you of the jets of a whirlpool, although the idea that your mysterious friend might be experiencing the same pleasure you were made the entire adventure that much more satisfying. The sensation against your clit had become a sucking, pulsing throb, and the first warning tremors of climax were just quivering through you when you felt something entirely different added to the mix.

A current of the interior ooze, solidifying loosely to form another of the tentacles which supported you, with none of the outside surface tension. It was impossible to explain, and when it tentatively pushed into you, the need for explanation vanished as you moaned into the night air. You’d been surrounded in your dream, completely engulfed by the pulsing churn within the dome of their form, but now you were partially free, able to be an active participant in your own pleasure, and you cried out again.

“I’m so close,” you gasped aloud, forgetting to voice your thoughts silently. “Please don’t stop.”

The fluid tentacle within you writhed, pumping into you with the same pulsing energy as the sucking press at your clit, and your tentative dam of control broke at last. Your body shook within its gelatinous suspension, your core convulsing rhythmically against the fluid tentacle inside you, and your mind buzzed. It took you another moment to realize the buzzing energy was their own release vibrating against you until the sensation against your sensitive pearl was enough to wring another climax from your body. The stars above you in the inky black sky suddenly seemed impossibly bright, bright and close, and then the world went dark.

When you woke, you were cocooned in their gel-like center.

Your head was pillowed against the outside of the dome, and it was surprisingly comfortable and warm, the most comfortable mattress you’d ever slept upon. The tenderness with which they enveloped you stole your breath.

You’re so lovely, they murmured again, pleasant sparks pricking your skin at the sound in your head. I’ve missed you so much. I never meant to hurt you.

I know. It’s my fault too. It was just a miscommunication.

Can things go back to the way they were?

You waited several long moments before answering. Could they? You loved their humor and cheerfulness, didn’t want to be miserable without them again...but you couldn’t go backwards. Not now.

I don’t think so.

You felt their deflation before the small ‘oh’ sounded in your head, and you struggled to move your hand, to stroke at their smooth interior.

I don’t want things to go back, you explained quickly. But-but that doesn’t mean they can’t go forward. Their silence was a heavy weight, and you pushed forward unerringly. Schools are opening back up, and I need to think about work, about going back to school.

You’re going to leave.

Their voice was sad, sadder than you could bear and you pressed your cheek to their surface. I am...but you can come with me. There’s a town, it’s not even that far away, just on the other side of the city! Different species all live together there. I didn't even realize it until I was looking at the university’s website this week...if I get into the art program there, you could come with me. They have really cute little houses and condos for student housing and I’ll have a stipend, and-and there’s a forest if you can’t manage anything else.

Their domed surface had begun to recede, until you were able to stumble free.

A-a house? In a neighborhood?

Their voice was wondrous, and you laughed. That’s up to you.

You thought they were reforming into the great dewdrop again as they began to shift, but something else was happening, you realized. As you watched, their form began to shrink; shrink inwards, drawing energy inside and reforming until a shimmering, translucent, vaguely-human form stood before you.

I can manage, they announced, and you laughed as they once more swelled, engulfing you once more.

Good. You snuggled into their gelatinous confines, yawning hugely. We’ve got a lot of planning to do in that case. But first...do you have a name?

Their voice was tremulous, and you were glad you’d finally asked.

Talse.

Talse...two little syllables, easy on your tongue. Talse...wake me up just after sunrise. You’re really comfortable!

You recognized the thrum of energy in your mind as their laughter, and settled in against their squish.

Coming home for the summer had been a wonderful plan.

#exophilia #monster lover #monster x reader #monster x human #dewdrop #monsterbait writes #monster match

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spideyanakin · 4 years

Text

In My Life

Tom Holland x Reader

Part 2

Based on In My Life By The Beatles

Synopsis; Nikki doesn’t approve of you and Tom

A/n; I don’t see Nikki doing that at all but for the sake of this fan fiction 💀

Requested by; Anonymous // Hey! Please do a Tom Holland imagine where the reader meets Tom’s family for the first time. Everyone seems to be welcoming but at the end of the evening, when the reader and Tom are doing the dishes, Nikki pulls the reader to the side and blackmails the reader saying that she has to get Tom to break up with her. She does so out of fear and they break up. A few days later Tom finds out about what Nikki did and he immediately tries to get the reader back and it’s all fluffy and cute?

🧚🏻‍♀️Masterlist🧚🏻‍♀️

Saying that Tom had been busy with his script was an understatement. He had worked on it for so long now he was longing to finish it. But the amount of work that was added on set placed even more pressure on his shoulders.

So when Tom first met you he wasn't the friendliest. But little by little as he walked every day on the set of Uncharted, he slowly fell for you. He fell for your smile, your eyes, and just the daily brightness you would bring to set with you.

Berlin was certainly a place Tom would remember.

It was the city he'd met you. The city that made him fall for you. And the city where he felt all his stress come off his shoulders.

And months later he was back to London, and back with you.

He'd come to Berlin stressed out of his mind and came back relaxed holding your hand like it had been missing from his.

After five months of relationship, Tom was ready to introduce you to his parents. You'd had already met his brothers, all of them being as friendly and nice as the other. But his parents were a whole other story.

Tom was way too excited, and you had to admit you were a little stressed. No matter what Tom said meeting his parents was a huge step. One that you were a little scared to take.

You walked into the house both his parents and brothers being more then welcoming.

"Mom, dad this is Y/n" He introduced you like the most precious gem in the world. You smiled brightly as Nikki put on a fake smile.

You see she was fine with her son being an actor. She knew him and raised him. She knew he would never let his work get in the way of his personal life.

She clearly knew that if he had a role where he had to make out with another girl, he wouldn't let that get in the way if he had girlfriend. She knew his work and how professional he made sure everything was.

But with you it was different. She didn't know you and she especially didn't know if you would break her son's heart running off with another actors after a heated scene on set.

During dinner, she tried to make it look as everything was ok when inside she was boiling up.

"So... Y/n? What's your next big role?" She questioned as she took a bite of her food.

"Well it's pretty much a secret but I got cast as Satine in the new Obi-Wan series. As a Star Wars fan Im pretty excited." You smiled brightly as you answered her question. "Im really proud of that role." You nodded the smile never leaving.

"No way," Harry exclaimed as excited as you were. "Why didn't you tell us!?"

"I just got the call." You replied as you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

"That's insane."

"Im sorry who's Satine?" Nikkie asked not following the Star Wars franchise at all.

"Duchess Satine. Obi Wan's love interest. But they can never truly be together because he's a Jedi and she's a Duchess." Sam explained and Nikki's blood boiled as she heard you were going to have to kiss another man. Potential competition for Tom.

"Oh. And who plays this Obi-Wan?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well I know they're taking Ewan McGregor, but if they cast you as young Satine did they cast a young Obi-Wan?" Harry asked you.

"No, they're keeping Ewan just using some special effects to make him look a little younger. But I mean he weirdly hasn't aged at all." You chuckled. "I met him during my last few auditions and it was insane. You feel like he just finished shooting Revenge of The Sith." You chuckled.

"Oh my God are you going to meet Hayden?" Harry asked getting way too excited.

"That's a secret." You winked. "You'll just have to watch the show." You shrugged.

"Ewan as in, the actor who played your father in the impossible?" Nikki asked Tom.

"Yep! So glad she got the role, I mean I love Ewan he's so nice." Tom gave a bright smile.

"Well... Nice." Nikki added even more of a fake smile. She clearly knew Ewan's charms and wondered if you would possibly break Tom's heart and run away with him breaking Tom into a million pieces.

I mean actresses were always the same right? One runs off with the director, while the other with her love interest.

At least that's what Nikki always heard, and she wasn't going to have her son date an actress.

The rest of the dinner went well. You had the chance to have a Star Wars debate with Harry and Sam but you were far from knowing your fate when the dishes had to be made.

You smiled at Tom, confidence rising as you thought you'd made a good impression on the whole family, but when you were met with an angry Nikki on your way back from the bathroom, your new-found confidence fell.

"I don't want you to see my son anymore." She deadpanned.

"Excuse me?" You let out an awkward chuckle not quite understanding what she meant.

"I want you to break up with my son." She said again her tone getting even more serious.

"I- But- I don't want to. I actually really like him-" You said a little awkwardly.

"Well then break up with him. He deserves better than an actress who runs away with each other actor she gets the chance to kiss."

"Im sorry?" Your eyes widen at her comment.

"You heard me." She folded her arms. "You leave my son or I will make sure they take someone else to play Satine. All I have to do is make a few calls. If I recall I still have Ewan's phone number. I can ruin your career in one click." She replied in a tone that left you speechless. You were about to tear up when you picked up the last of your courage.

"This won't ruin my career." You replied finding all your cold blood.

"Yes but spreading a rumor would..."

You stayed speechless for a little while, the both of you unaware that Harry had watched the scene from the start with a dropped jaw.

"Alright." You looked down trying not to cry. "But just know that I love your son very much and you're making a big mistake for his happiness." and without another word, you left towards the kitchen trying to find a way to leave this place.

"You ok love?" Tom asked as he placed an arm around your waist. You gave him a quick nod and looked back to see Nikki shooting daggers at you behind Tom's back.

Your phone rang in your pocket as your best friend called.

"Do you mind, it's Bella?" You looked at it and it back to Tom.

"Not at all. Go." He smiled and kissed your forehead.

The call had nothing to do with what you were about to say you felt like you couldn't stay much longer after the comments Nikki had made.

"Im going to go." You gave Tom a tight smile. "She says there's a problem with her dog and she needs me." You sighed knowing very well Tom would buy it. She knew your best friend aka roommate's Doberman was hard on everyone and sometimes it would take two people to help wit hit. "It's kind of an emergency." You said.

"Alright, well let me drive you home." He said.

"Oh no please stay with your family." You smiled. "It's late and you're tired. I'll call an uber."

"Alright." It was the last thing Tom wanted to do but for some reason, he felt like you needed some space. He pushed it on the fact that you'd just met his parents.

"I'll see you." You smiled as you pressed a quick kiss to his lips and moved towards the door no one to stop you from leaving this place. Harry looked at you leave, a frown painting his face.

You started walking towards your house, which was about an hour's walk from here. You didn't know what to do from the shock of the conversation. Your mind felt blank. You took one step after the other until you arrived at a bridge.

You watched the water for a few minutes before digging into your pocket to grab your phone.

"Hey." Bella's voice cheered over the phone.

"Bella... Something happened... Tom's mom... doesn't want me to see him again."

"What?" You heard a gasp and then a blank silence from the other hand of the phone. You stared at the water for a few seconds.

"Can you come pick me up?"

Before you knew it you were eating a pot of ice cream in front of Lord of The Rings cuddling your friend's Doberman.

"You ok?"

She asked sitting next to you placing a cup of hot chocolate in front of you.

"You know what always bothered me?" You questioned as you placed another spoon full of ice cream in your mouth.

"What?"

"That Gandalf didn't understand the Mellon door thing." You pointed towards the tv where that scene was happening.

Your friend looked from the tv and back to you.

"Y/n..."

You stared at the tv for a while before starting to tear up.

"Of course im not ok. My boyfriend's mom wants me to break up with him." You sobbed and turned your attention back to your friend. "I thought I made a good impression but then she goes on and says that actors are cheaters." You cried onto her shoulders.

"Can't you just tell him?" She asked as she lowered the volume from your movie.

"I can't break up a family..." You sniffed.

A week later and you were dodging Tom's calls like the plague. Every message he would send you you'd respond with nothing more than a word or two saying you were busy.

Every fiber in your body wanted to stay with him, but you had to put your career first. You knew Nikki could do a lot of damage and you weren't going to let that happen.

So after a week, you thought it was time. Time to finally break it up. Break up the one relationship you were happy about in years.

"Tom?" Your heart pounded in your chest as you typed his name.

"Yes?" He replied way to quick for your liking. "Are you finally going to talk to me? 🧐"

"I think we need to break up." You replied every word feeling like weights on your fingers as you typed. Before you could even type anything your phone lit up with a call from him.

"Just please forget me." You felt the tears leave your eyes as you sent the message dodging his calls.

A flow a call and messages from him appeared on your phone but you felt too weak to reply. Instead, you simply dropped your phone on the counter and left to your room, ready for a movie marathon to take your mind off him.

"What the actual fuck." Tom groaned in frustration as he threw his phone on his couch. "What the hell did I do?" He groaned as placed his head in his hands.

Nikki watched the scene a small smirk painting her face.

"You ok honey?" She came near him rubbing circles behind his back.

"No." He sighed tears almost spilling. "Y/n broke up with me. She's been avoiding me for a week and now she said she wanted to end things." Tom spitted out.

"Oh, im so sorry... I'm sure you'll find another girl." She gave him a soft fake sad smile as she patted his shoulder.

"Oh please stop mom. Like you aren't glad she did what you asked her after you blackmailed her." Harry deadpanned before sipping his coffee sick of what this was doing to Tom.

"Excuse me?" The woman replied as she shot daggers with her eyes towards her son.

"What? You're going to deny it now mom? I saw you talking to her, the poor girl was frightened." Harry said again dropping small bombs into the living room.

Nikki didn't say anything and glared at Harry.

"What's that now?" Tom lifted his head from his hands, quickly wiping some tears that had slipped his eyes.

"Mom blackmailed your girlfriend into dumping you." He pointed to Nikki with his cup of coffee.

"What?" Tom's eyes went wide as he looked at his mother who's face twisted.

"What? It's not like you actually loved her? She's an actress Tom!" Nikki said in defense.

"And?" Tom stood up in anger.

"And actors are cheaters, you didn't really think you'd have a life with her?" She replied.

"Yes! Yes, mom! I love her. And plus IM AN ACTOR! What does that even mean actors are cheaters? In that case, are you saying that I'm a cheater too?" Tom almost raises his voice not taking any more of this conversation.

"Tom, your different... I raised you well..."

"I'm out of here," Tom said before grabbing his phone and leaving his house in a hurry.

"Where are you going?"

"To find the girl I love." And with that, he slammed the door rushing for your house.

"You!" Nikki pointed to Harry who looked at her with a sheepish grin.

"It's his life mom." He raised his hands in defense as he walked away.

Tom arrived at your house in a furry. He murmured curse words on the way there, wishing he could take all his mother's words back and mend things.

He didn't wait for a green light to walk into your apartment building, knocking on your familiar door. Tom heard the Doberman's barks and footsteps quickly following.

He was met with your puffy red-eyed face. You froze as the door frame your eyes lit up in shock as you met his.

"Look Tom..." you said as you played with his ends of your hoodie.

But instead of replying Tom smashed his lips with yours never wanting to let you go. Your eyes lit up in shock but you couldn't help melt into the kiss.

"I know... I know about everything." He slightly pushing away but still holding you in his arms. "Im sorry for what she said, but know that I don't believe a single word."

You stared into his eyes before letting your tears fall, the pressure being released from your shoulders.

"I love you, Tom."

- Tag List -

@averyfosterthoughts @justifymyfeelings @slytherinambitious

#tom holland x reader #tom holland x reader #tom holland #tom holland x you #tom holland x y/n #tom holland x reader fluff #The Avengers #peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker x you #peter parker x reader #peter parker imagine #tom holland imagine #spider man imagine #spiderman x reader #spiderman #spider man #spider man x you #spider man x y/n

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meimi-haneoka · 2 years

Text

I posted 393 times in 2021

176 posts created (45%)

217 posts reblogged (55%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 1.2 posts.

I added 953 tags in 2021

#cardcaptor sakura - 213 posts

#akiho shinomoto - 123 posts

#reply - 114 posts

#card captor sakura - 110 posts

#clear card arc - 88 posts

#yuna d. kaito - 81 posts

#ccsakura - 72 posts

#ccs spoilers - 61 posts

#anonymous - 56 posts

#syaosaku - 35 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#knowing her past i just can't help but feeling my heart being squeezed at how difficult it was for her to adjust to a new reality for the n

My Top Posts in 2021

Don't repost on other social media without permission, likes and reblogs always welcome 💕

103 notes • Posted 2021-11-21 15:39:43 GMT

Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card volume 10 Special Edition bonus - Mini Book translation

Thanks to a dear friend on the Clow Kingdom server I’ve been able to take a look at the Mini Book coming with the Special edition of Volume 10 of Cardcaptor Clear Card, the one that includes also a duet song between Sakura and Syaoran!!

I’ll provide an English translation of the little comic here, reminding you as usual that English is not my first language, so forgive me if the translation sounds weird in some parts, hehe!

Please send me a message first if you intend to use this translation anywhere.

Translation under the cut!

Title Page

“Until the day we’ll meet again”

Page 2

Sakura: I’m home!!

Kero: WAAAH!

Kero: What’s happening? You’re in such a hurry!

Page 3

Sakura: Sorry, was I too noisy?

*Kero notices she’s holding a letter coming from abroad*

Kero: I’ll go downstairs for a while! (I wonder what to eat for snack?)

Sakura, a bit confused: O-okay.

Sakura, thinking: I’m really happy to use once again the paper knife I bought to open Syaoran-kun’s letters...

Page 4

Hong Kong, Li mansion

Yelan: Your face looks as if your soul just left (your body).

Syaoran: Mother....

Yelan: Evil will take a hold of your empty body (if you keep that up).

Page 5

Yelan: I will be present during your training session in the afternoon.

Syaoran: But I’ve been told that you had an urgent request (to attend to)....

Yelan: I’ve already finished it.

Syaoran: But...

Yelan: Perhaps you don’t want to show to anyone what your training is about?

Syaoran: Not really...

Syaoran: But it’s still far from being enough.

Page 6

Syaoran: .....

Yelan: If there's something you want to accomplish, then training with your spells is surely important, but...

Yelan: More than anything else, you have to face your heart.

Yelan: Didn’t you make a decision?

Yelan: To become stronger for the sake of the Owner of the Cards who lives far away?

Page 7

Syaoran: I did.

Yelan: Then follow the path you have chosen.

Yelan: But you should never avert your eyes from your heart.

Yelan: If you lie to yourself, you will sadden the person who loves you so dearly.

Page 8

Syaoran: ...Yes.

Yelan: Well then. I’ll see you in the afternoon.

Syaoran: I hope my letter can make Sakura smile even a little bit.

Page 9

Syaoran: Sakura....

*Sakura has read Syaoran’s letter, and smiles*

Sakura: Syaoran-kun....

Page 10

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104 notes • Posted 2021-04-03 02:47:53 GMT

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119 notes • Posted 2021-08-26 23:09:20 GMT

Akiho Shinomoto - a manifesto of love

Despite becoming one of my favorite characters in the whole Cardcaptor Sakura franchise (and I would’ve never expected to love a new character this much), I realized I’ve never spent a long post for her, like the ones I did for SyaoSaku or for Tomoyo and Syaoran long time ago.

And there’s a lot to say, because Akiho Shinomoto is actually the first character who has introduced the concepts of evil and child abuse in Cardcaptor Sakura.

Something that wasn’t even remotely conceivable until (almost) 5 years ago.

Often considered boring and weak from the CCS fandom, Akiho actually harbors an immense strength inside of her, which goes mostly unnoticed to everyone, in-story friends included.

Let’s see why.

Sentenced to death, for lack of magical powers

See the full post

131 notes • Posted 2021-03-14 20:21:37 GMT

Cardcaptor Sakura x Bershka collaboration

See the full post

183 notes • Posted 2021-07-12 18:19:37 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

#my 2021 tumblr year in review #Hahaha no one's really surprised of my most popular tags #Since this is all I talk about here 😂#Though I'm so glad my Akiho post is my second most popular post ❤️#I've put all of my love into it #And I'm super happy my set of four wagashi (😂) was popular too #Cause I love all of them so dearly and I've put a lot of effort in those rakugaki #Here's to another year with Cardcaptor Sakura (cause at this point we have all of volume 13 too ahead #and probably a 14th one too lol)

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hslllot · 3 years

Text

Part I. Draft Day

fic masterlist | rated: m, mature | word count: 4.6k content/warning: hockey harry, nosey family members, a very brief mention of anxiety, overzealous hockey stans.

DRAFT REPORT: The 411 on Harry Styles by John Michaelson for Sportsnet

There’s this kid named Harry Styles. He plays hockey. Ever heard of him?

At this point there’s not much else to be said about the british Fighting Hawks’ centre, a lock to be the No.1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Dubbed a generational talent, Styles’ abilities are at a level typically only seen in video games. We all know the Edmonton Oilers will select him with the first overall pick on June 26. In years to come, hockey fans from around the globe (but especially Oilers fans) will be on the edge of their seats, watching to see if the phenom can develop into a future Hockey Hall of Fame talent the way Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux did.

Here’s what you need to know about Harry Styles:

Age on June 26: 19 Birthplace: Redditch, Worcestershire, England Current team: University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Position: Centre Shoots: Left Height: 6-foot Weight: 190 lbs NHL Central Scouting Rank (North American): 1st

Harry Styles is a franchise-changing player in every sense of the word. He looked like a pro player even before he flew across the pond at a young age to play in the Canadian Hockey League. This has been a long time coming but the future is finally here.

He is talented beyond his years and always has been… Styles has played against older competition his entire career. Growing up in the small village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, England, the options for minor hockey teams were limited. Styles struggled to find a team in his age group that matched his talent level and was forced to play with older kids - and even then his talent was unmatched. Like the two other players from the UK currently playing in the NHL, Styles eventually had to leave home and play junior hockey in Canada, where he still had to play up a year against Canadian kids that grew up in a country that eats, sleeps, and breathes the game.

He should have been drafted 1st overall last year… Styles shocked the hockey world in 2013 when, instead of declaring for the 2014 NHL Draft, he announced he would be attending the University of North Dakota and lead the Fighting Hawks to an NCAA Championship. Styles, ever the media-trained athlete, dodged questions about why he chose to go to university for a year before joining the NHL, simply stating “University was always a part of the plan, no matter what happened with hockey.” The hockey community let out a collective sigh of relief when his agent, Jeffrey Azoff (whose father was, coincidentally, Wayne Gretzky’s agent), announced shortly after his championship win that after one year at UND, Styles would be declaring for the 2015 Draft.

His trophy case is full... Harry Styles has won pretty much every individual hockey award he could possibly win in his career so far. During his CHL career with the Vancouver Giants he won Rookie of the Year, multiple MVP awards, the award for most goals, assists, and overall points, and scholastic player of the year. During his short-lived NCAA career with UND, he won Rookie of the Year, the Hobey Baker Award as the top men’s hockey player, and was named to the Academic All-American team. Unfortunately, Great Britain’s ice hockey team will not be qualifying for the Olympics or the World Championships any time soon, so unless Styles applies for Canadian citizenship, international trophies and medals will be difficult to come by. Regardless, I have a feeling that there will be many Stanley Cups in his future.

He really hates underperforming… The kid puts a lot of pressure on himself. As we have seen with many successful athletes, an insatiable inner drive to compete can lead to greatness. Styles has that drive to be great and can be his own worst critic. “When I was growing up, my mum was worried about me because I was a bit of a perfectionist.” Styles told The Hockey News back in December. “When I had a bad game, I would get so upset about it. It’s just how I am and how I think every athlete should be. Good is never enough. It’s important to always keep learning and growing to better yourself.”

He is excited to play for the Oilers… Not that he would have anything bad to say about any of the 30 NHL teams, but the Oilers do hold a special place in Styles’ heart. “It’s a great hockey town with fans that are super passionate about the game.” He told The Hockey News. “They’ve been on a bit of a slide the last couple years but the team has a great history. Not many people watch the NHL where I’m from, but my dad was always interested in it and that’s how I got into the game. He was an Oilers fan during their dynasty years with Gretzky and Messier… So if they do end up drafting me first overall, I’ll feel honored to be a part of the team, and it’ll be a nice tribute to my dad.”

Be sure to catch our live 2015 NHL Draft coverage on June 26 starting at 5pm EST/2pm PT only on Sportsnet.

“With the first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft the Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from Holmes Chapel in England, Harry Styles.”

The room erupted in loud cheers and applause as the Edmonton Oilers drafted the National Hockey League’s newest and most sought after commodity.

Y/N’s closest friends and extended family roamed around her parents’ living room, congratulating one another with hugs and handshakes like one of their own family members was just drafted. That wasn’t the case though, they were all just deeply invested in the hockey team and the boy from England that was meant to turn things around after so many years of losing. They were so invested, in fact, that the family organized a gathering similar to something you might see on a holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

While it was not a normal holiday, for Y/N’s family it was just as significant. It was Draft Day. And every hockey fan in North America wanted Harry Styles to play for their team.

“That’s quite the suit, isn’t it?” Her uncle Will pointed to the television where the young man is dressed in an ornate red floral suit and black dress shirt. The suit was flashier than what most hockey players would wear, but it’s clear that Harry Styles is not like most hockey players. The camera panned to him as he stood up from his seat and hugged the two brunette women sitting next to him. He stuck out like a sore thumb among a sea of other young hockey players all dressed in variations of black and grey as they patiently waited to be drafted from the stands of the BB&T Centre in Florida. It was clear to Y/N that, much like his hockey skills, Harry Styles’ fashion sense was superior compared to his peers.

There was an air of excitement in the room as the draft party, all clad in blue and orange jerseys, watched the generational talent walk down the stairs of the arena and make his way to the stage. They collectively held their breath, the room becoming silent, when he arrived at the stage where both the owner and general manager of the team were waiting to greet him. Harry shook their hands before they handed him his own blue and orange jersey. As he slipped the jersey over his head and posed for a photograph with the executives, the silence in the room broke and excited conversations and speculations for the upcoming season continued. Y/N couldn’t help but feel a stir in her belly and a sense of anticipation for what the upcoming hockey season would bring.

Her thoughts lingered on the man on the screen, wondering what it might be like to meet him, when her brother pulled her out of her reverie. “Can you believe you’ll be working with the Harry Styles?”

No - she couldn’t quite believe it.

In fact, everything happening in her life right now seemed a bit too good to be true.

Set to start her third year of university in September and having to complete mandatory practicum hours in order to graduate the following year, she somehow managed to secure a placement with her favourite hockey team. The Oilers were only taking three students from the university program and everyone in the program wanted one of those spots.

The application process was incredibly stressful for Y/N. One telephone interview, one in-person interview, and a practical session where she had to demonstrate her athletic therapy skills to the team’s head trainer. She did well with the phone interview, given that they weren’t able to see her. She was able to look down at the talking points she wrote in her notebook and pause to take a couple deep breaths without making it obvious that she was reeling on the inside. Her anxiety got the best of her during the in-person interview though, freezing up when they asked simple questions like “why do you want to work for the team?” and “what experience do you have working with sport teams?”

She left the interview feeling embarrassed, but instead of taking the time to wallow and feel sorry for herself, she went home and spent hours upon hours taping her brothers’ ankles in preparation for the practical session the following day. There was no way she was going to let the opportunity fall through the cracks. Her dream of working for the Oilers was the whole reason she decided to go to school for athletic therapy in the first place. She was never any good at playing hockey but she knew in her heart that, someday, she would work for the team she loved so much. At the end of it all, she reckons her taping skills saved her, so she took her brother out to his favourite restaurant to thank him for letting her use his ankles for practice.

Fast forward a few months and she’s now stood in her parents living room thinking about how in three months she could be taping Harry Styles’ ankles.

At the time of her application, no one knew the Oilers would be picking first in the draft. The aura around the team was a bit negative at the time (because of all the losing) and there were rumours circulating the city that some of the star players were rude to the support staff and liked to party a little too hard at The Ranch (which contributed to said losing).

When she first decided to apply for the position her father warned her, “there’s a saying that you should never meet your heroes. What if they’re all a bunch of assholes and you end up hating the team you’ve loved your whole life?”

Y/N ignored her father’s warning but silently hoped that others would feel that way, narrowing down the applicant pool. However, the rumours circulating the team had no effect on the amount of students applying for the job. The fans were loyal in Edmonton (a city not known by many around the world unless you follow hockey or are compelled to visit North America’s largest shopping mall) and although the team was losing, every kid studying athletic therapy wanted a shot with their favourite team. Y/N knew of at least fifteen students that she beat out for the position.

Now, it’s late June and there is a general hype surrounding the team, as if Harry was about to come in and shine a light on the Decade of Darkness (a term Oilers fans use to characterize the recent years in which their favourite team hadn’t made the playoffs). That’s a lot of pressure to put on one person, but Y/N supposed that he’s been dealing with this kind of pressure since he was sixteen, maybe even younger.

Everyone at her family’s draft party was, yet again, watching the television intently while Harry gave his first interview as an official member of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. While Y/N normally loved watching these types of interviews, she was a bit zoned out- mesmerized by the look of him. The suit, the wavy chestnut hair, the dimple in his left cheek, the accent. The accent. She had never really been that attracted to hockey players, which many people found hard to believe given that she’s such a fan of the sport. All of the guys from her high school who played minor hockey were rotten and thought they were better than everyone else. She did have favourite players in the NHL, players that she loved and admired, but they were her favourites because she loves how they play the game, not because she wants to fuck them.

There was something different about Harry Styles though. Not necessarily that she wanted to fuck him (especially since she recently signed an employment contract that would forbid it), but she was certainly feeling intrigued by him. He doesn’t look like the boys she went to high school with. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s British, or that he opted for a suit that set him apart from the rest of them, or maybe it was the duality of the way he held himself with unshakeable confidence in his floral suit, his gaze set intensely on the person interviewing him, posture strong and dominant, while simultaneously speaking so softly, his words laced with kindness and gratitude.

“When do you start working with the team, Y/N?” Her uncle Will asked from across the room, prompting everyone to look in her direction waiting for her response.

The news that Y/N would be working for the Oilers this season shook the family. As soon as her dad shared the news with his brother, she started receiving messages expressing congratulations from her many aunts, uncles, and cousins, shortly followed by messages asking if she would be getting free tickets to games.

“Um, mid-September, for training camp.”

“You get to meet Harry Styles?” her 9 year old cousin, Billy, asked.

“I do. I will be one of the team’s trainers.” The young boy held a look of wonder on his face, as if realizing for the first time that that his oldest cousin was actually kind of cool.

“Do you think he’s single?” Her aunt Maria asked with a smirk on her face, turning to the television to look at Harry Styles. Aunt Maria doesn’t care much for hockey but she never failed to mention which players she believed to be handsome. She was also the nosey type of aunt that liked to inquire about Y/N’s dating life. “Maybe you two will hit it off.”

Y/N playfully rolled her eyes at her aunt, waving off her comment. But before she could retort, her father chimed in. “Ha! Yea, right! That’s not going to happen. She’s not allowed to date anyone on the team, it’s the rules. Plus, Y/N knows better than to get involved with any of these guys.”

Her father was right. It is the rules. Y/N thought back to when she went into the Oilers headquarters back in April to sign her employment contract. She asked a lot of questions, making sure she understood everything about the document she was signing.

“Personal relationships? Even friendships are forbidden?” she asked the head trainer, TJ, for clarification.

“It depends. You can be friendly, sure, but I would avoid spending time with the players outside of training and game times. Could be seen as unprofessional.”

Y/N understood why such rules were in place, and she had no issue with it at the time. A woman securing a position on a professional sports team was rare, let alone a woman securing a position with a professional men’s team. She knew when she chose this career path that it would always be an uphill battle and that she’d have to work harder and be more strategic than the men in her field. She wanted- no, needed to excel and prove that she could be a talented athletic therapist and a valuable member of the team, so she had no intention whatsoever of messing that up with any type of personal relationships. She also understood the power dynamic between the professional athletes and the support staff, the different ways in which power can be abused, and how personal relationships could complicate things. It all made sense to her. Plus, she was happy enough with just becoming friends with the other trainers and she probably wouldn’t have a lot of free time, anyways, balancing her practicum and her school work.

Today, however, she couldn’t help the very slight pull on her heartstrings at the thought of not getting to know Harry Styles on a more personal level.

As if he’d even be interested in the first place.

In a hotel restaurant in Sunrise, Florida, a few hours after the draft, Harry Styles sat with his mother Anne, sister Gemma, and agent Jeff, celebrating his newly drafted status over a bottle of champagne. He knew he should be feeling elated, like it was the best day of his life, but all he felt was exhausted. The conversation at the table happened around him while he sat in his own head, unable to think about anything but what it might feel like to be tucked into his bed in his childhood bedroom in Holmes Chapel.

The weeks leading up to the draft were an absolute circus filled with interviews and talking to the media nearly every day (he hates talking to the media), shooting promo for all of his endorsements (he’s thankful for the money they give him but he knows he is an excruciatingly terrible actor), and flying around North America to visit all of the potential cities where he might be drafted (it was a pointless tour because everyone knew where he was going to end up).

He had only tonight to celebrate with his family before it was all set to start again. Him and Jeff will fly off to Edmonton tomorrow morning for a week to speak to the media there, meet the teammate he’ll be living with, and do a surprise skating session with some kids at a summer camp. Meanwhile, his mum and sister will fly back to England.

“Any idea where you’ll live then?” Anne asked her son, pulling him out of his thoughts and back into the conversation.

“Hm?” He hadn’t a clue what his mum just asked him but he’d hate to admit that rather than listening to anything the three of them had been talking about for the last hour he’d been thinking about how he’d rather be sleeping “Sorry, I think the champagne’s got to me a bit.”

“The team’s got him living with one of his older teammates and his family.” Jeff stepped in, knowing Harry wasn’t fully paying attention. “They do this with the young guys to get them used to living on their own. Teach ‘em how to cook, do laundry, and keep ‘em in line. He won’t be partying every night and bringing girls back to his place if he lives with the guy’s wife and kids.”

“Oh please,” Gemma chimed in. “Not like any of that would be an issue for Harry. He’s been away from home for years. And he’s hardly got time for partying and dating.”

Harry shot Jeff a look warning him to keep his mouth shut. When Harry found out about the living arrangements the team had planned for him, he was less than pleased. After all, he’d just spent the last year living in a dorm room at the University of North Dakota where he had complete freedom. Gemma was right, he didn’t have much time for partying and dating. But he liked having his own space, and he really liked being able to invite someone over after a game, either to celebrate a win or relieve some stress after a loss.

“You never know, some of these young guys get their first big pay cheque and a taste of the big leagues and it can go off the rails pretty fast.”

“I like to think I raised my baby to know better than to get caught up in a pay cheque.” Anne placed a comforting hand on her son’s shoulder and he quickly reciprocated, reaching up to place his hand over hers.

Not liking where this conversation was going, Harry finally cut in. “You did. And Jeffrey, you know I’m not that kinda guy. Either way, none of this matters if I don’t make it past training camp. For all we know I could be going back to the juniors for the season.”

“Doesn’t matter who you are or what kinda guy you are, H, it’s just what the team does. It’s tradition. And c’mon, I know you like to keep your expectations in check, but the team’s made it pretty clear that you’re gonna be in the starting lineup come October.”

Jeff was right. The team had all but promised that he would make it past training camp. The question wasn’t if he’d make it past training camp, but in what shape he’d be in and how long it would take for the team to start winning games.

“The coach said I’m small and need to bulk up, especially since I’ll be playing against older, more experienced men.” Harry could feel the weight of his mum’s gaze as she gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m not quite where I need to be yet, but I’ll get there.”

Harry and his family were stood in the hotel lobby with Jeff, convening on plans for the morning when he felt a small tug on the hem of his red floral suit jacket. He spun himself around, ready to confront the individual bold enough to touch him without his consent, to find a young girl, no older than five years old staring up at him.

Harry looked at her, a bit taken aback and undoubtedly with a bit of confusion written on his face, and then spotted, a few feet behind her, two individuals who were most likely her parents. Suddenly, he realized that he may have actually had a few too many glasses of champagne and immediately tried to compose himself, standing straighter and trying to will away the exhaustion in his eyes and the haziness in his mind.

“Oh - um, hello there.” He cleared his throat before using the soft voice he reserves for adorable, small children like the one stood before him.

“Are you Harry Styles?” She asked with wide eyes and a small, timid voice.

“I am, sweetheart. What can I do for you?”

A bright smile etched itself onto her face. But instead of answering him, she looked back at the adults standing behind her, motioning for them to help as she was too shy to proceed on her own. The man, who Harry presumed was her father, moved to stand beside her.

“This is Millie. She wanted to say hi to you because she’s a big fan of yours.”

Harry lowered himself in front of the young girl so that he was crouched down and eye-level with her. “Hi Millie, it’s a real pleasure to meet you.” He reached out to shake the young girl’s small hand. “Have you got anything that I could sign? Or I suppose we could take a photo if you’d like?”

The young girl removed her hand from Harry’s, nodding her head eagerly. She began to unzip her jacket, revealing a bright orange Edmonton Oilers jersey underneath.

“Oh? Look at that! You’re an Oilers fan. In Florida?” Harry lifted himself from his crouched position and directed his question toward at the girl’s father.

“Yes, well, we actually travelled here from Edmonton, to watch the draft in person.” Harry raised his eyebrows in shock. He knew that the flight from Edmonton to Florida is long, and likely expensive. The tickets to attend the draft live probably weren’t cheap either. “It’s not every day your favourite team picks first overall! Let alone gets to pick a player like you. We were so excited so we decided to make a family trip out of it. Turn around, Millie, show him the back!” Millie’s father handed Harry a sharpie as Millie turned her back to Harry.

It was at that moment that Harry started to understand the weight of the moment. The name ‘STYLES’ was embroidered on the back of Millie’s Oilers jersey, above the number ‘15’ indicating his draft year. He was speechless. This was, after all, the first time he was seeing his name in the classic Oilers’ orange and blue colours adorned on a fan’s back.

The feeling was different from earlier at the draft when they presented him with his own jersey. This one belonged to someone else. Someone bought his jersey before he’d even ever played a single minute for the team. They flew across the continent, from Edmonton to Florida, just to watch him get drafted. It was a lot for his hazy, champagne-diluted mind to take in.

Realizing he’d just been standing there staring at the jersey, he cleared his throat once again in hopes that he could hide the unknown thoughts and emotions he was trying to reconcile. “Wow, um, I didn’t realize you could get these already.”

Millie’s father laughed, “Man, they’ve been selling these in Edmonton since they announced we’d be picking first in the draft.” Again, the feeling was overwhelming for Harry.

We’d be picking first in the draft.

To this family, and probably others in Edmonton, the Oilers were “we”. They win together, they lose together. If the Oilers pick first in the draft, they all pick first. It was their team. And now he, Harry, was a part of that “we”.

Harry reached down to sign the jersey on Millie’s back, quickly scribbling his autograph on the left side. As he straightened himself, he felt Anne move to stand beside him, apparently having sensed her son’s unease and unconscious need for his mother to join him in this moment.

“Hi, I’m Harry’s mum, Anne. Would you like me to take a picture of the four of you?” Millie’s father eagerly handed his phone to Anne and waved his wife over to be in the photo. Several photos of Harry and the family were taken, followed by a few of just Harry and Millie.

“Would you mind if I took one of Harry and Millie on my phone as well?” Anne asked as she snapped the last photo. “This is the first time Harry’s met a fan wearing his name on an Oilers jersey. We’d like to remember it.”

The family was more than happy to oblige so Anne took a few more photos on her phone, including one where Millie’s back was to the camera and the ‘STYLES’ name in full view.

It was so like his mum to understand how special the moment was and to come in and save him. He couldn’t quite articulate what he was feeling in that moment, as understanding emotions and sentimentality were not his greatest strengths, and he most definitely never would have asked to take a photo to keep for himself had she not done it.

The obvious feelings were joy and gratitude. Every day he was thankful to play the game he loved, to be successful, and to have fans that loved and supported him. It didn’t always make sense that complete strangers paid him so much attention just for playing a game, but he accepted it and always tried to show those strangers kindness in return. However, there was another feeling lingering, one that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Looking at his mum, he knew that she knew what it was. She always knew. And certainly she would make him talk about it later.

As they separated from the family and walked toward the hotel elevators, where Gemma and Jeff were waiting, Anne grabbed onto her son’s arm, holding him close as they walked side by side.

“Do you see that they love you already, my darling?” She asked. Harry raised an eyebrow at his mum, unsure of what she was going on about. “I know you. I know that you care what people think and that you are scared to disappoint them. You just need to step out on the ice and be yourself. Just be Harry. They already love you and this is only just the beginning.”

WOW! OK. I know it’s a bit of a slow start, but I wanted this chapter to be more of an introduction to harry and the mc and to the fan culture that harry is about to experience!! I’ve already started on the next part so that should be up before Christmas! If you’ve made it this far, all I can say is that I love you and appreciate you. If you liked it, please let me know. I debated not posting this so many times (and I might even regret it later) so feedback will certainly ease my troubled mind!! I ALWAYS LOVE YOU, BUT ESPECIALLY TODAY!! xx Shan.

Harry’s Draft Day Look

talk to me about generational | fic masterlist

#wow i'm so nervous to post this #generational #harry styles writing #harry styles fanfic #harry styles series #harry styles au #harry styles x reader #hockey harry styles #athlete harry styles

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omegangrins · 3 years

Text

Universal took Tremors from its creators after 30 years of work.

TL;DR After 25-30 years making the series, Brent Maddock, Michael Gross, Nancy Roberts, Ron Underwood and S.S. Wilson were kicked out so Universal Studios could make more money off the merchandising before the Tremors copyright expires in 2025.

*****MAJOR SPOILERS**** This will make you sad, angry and frustrated. But there is hope. #StampedeTremors

Soooooo, ever since I blew up and sidetracked a post about David Fincher's Queen Biopic with Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury discussing the Tremors 7 ending, I've done some more research on the whole thing. The Graboid hole for this goes deep.

Michael Gross didn't want it.

“There’s a part of me that feels that Universal Home Entertainment might’ve had enough of Tremors. The suggestions that were made in the course of this [movie] made me think maybe they’ve had enough. They came to me and said, ‘What if we ended it at 7?’ and I said, ‘Whatever you choose to do, I’m good with that.'” “That being said, The door is still open for an eighth Tremors. It may seem unlikely by what people see on the screen, but it is possible. There could be an eighth. And if there were, and if it were an interesting story, I would be up for it because Burt is always a great deal of fun. It would depend on his physicality. How much they want me to do. If it’s in another two years, I’ll be 75 years old. So I will continue to hope and pray that I stay in shape, to do what is asked of me – if it is asked of me.”

AND Universal even killed off any ambiguity that he fought for.

"We shot it both ways, where everybody's mourning Burt, and he climbs up over the cliff and looks at all of them in mourning and goes, 'Jesus, God, I'm not dead. And he's really pissed off at them. It's like, 'How would you possibly think...?' But he's bloodied, just he's a mess. He looks like he's been through an earthquake, crushed by a house, but he's alive. And he says, 'You idiots. Of course, I'm alive.'" "They decided it just had this punch. Frankly, I thought to myself -- I didn't express it to them, but I thought to myself -- 'Maybe Universal's getting a little tired of this franchise.' Because this wasn't my idea." "I said, 'I can live with this. Because they came to me. They said, 'Look, you've been doing this so long. What do you think?' And I said, 'Well, as long as we kind of leave the door open.' I mean, I can kind of see an eighth film where it opens with Burt in a hospital bed, in a full body cast and saying, 'I survived.' He could hardly move a muscle. And maybe eight is...if I had a concept for eight, it would be Burt horribly injured, but in a motorized, weaponized wheelchair that has rocket mounts on the side and can leave an oil slick behind like James Bond's car. So nobody can chase him." "I always said, if Kevin Bacon or Fred [Ward] or Reba [McIntire] or anybody [wanted to return], I'd be there in a minute. Just because one, I love Burt, but I always thought of him as this guy kind of on the fringes, and I just came to the fore because everybody else walked away."

https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3637682/michael-gross-says-door-still-open-potential-eighth-tremors-movie/

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/tremors-shrieker-island-michael-gross-on-burt-gummer-death/

While Universal ignored how Michael Gross was setting up his son Travis Welker to pick up his torch (Which I'm give or take on Jamie Kennedy yet he brought a Grady-like optimism to the shittier of the series.)

"My reaction was disappointment, as I had planned an entire storyline around his participation."

Even Jamie Kennedy tried to but they wouldn't let him.

"Lot of people have been asking me, so I might as well spill it. I will NOT be in the upcoming TREMORS 7. I had a great time making the last two. But no TRAVIS this time around. But hey you neva’ know what can happen in the future.... have a great time boys! Tdawg out!!!"

https://mobile.twitter.com/JamieKennedy/status/1188981479973347329

After 7 movies and a TV show, nothing more than a spit in the face for the man who carried a franchise. Then when they do the montage at the end, we get clips of Hiram Gummer but NOTHING of Burt Gummer from the TV show. It's 13 episodes of Burt in Tremors that's longer than all the movies combined but yet they don't even include it in the ending montage while including his dead grandpa.

Same with the original creators. Did you know Stampede Entertainment (Brent Maddock, Nancy Roberts, Ron Underwood, and S.S. Wilson) were working on Tremors for 25 years and even had the 5th one written, "Thunder/Gummer Down Under".

Then were told to sit on it for 10 years before Universal eventually told them to eat dirt? That's gotta hurt. It hurts me and I'm not even connected to these movies. All that work down the drain just because of someone's say so. And for no reason. Well not exactly....

Universal knows fans want Tremors merch. I mean, look at how they took #BurtGummerDay from @BabyFarkMcGeeZax. And they want ALLLLLL of that merchandising money. With none of it going to Stampede because it would give them leverage. Not to mention they don't want anyone else getting the idea to make cute monster toys before they can roll out their own line.

Don't believe me? See Universal pull some Hollywood Accounting with Tremors already.

http://imgur.com/gallery/mFNIHV3

Half a billion dollars... completely untraceable. I've tried. Emailed the numbers people and they can't tell me anything unless you pay $50 a film to see the numbers. Which makes me ask, who paid for the numbers on 1,5, 6, & 7? And why only what they made? Not their cost. Same for the numbers on 2, 3, & 4. Why numbers on the cost, but nothing on what it made? It seems weirdly targeted to make it look like the Stampede Entertainment ones only cost money but made nothing.

Then when you find out that the copyright to Tremors will revert to its creators after the 35 year mark, which makes that date 2024-2025 since Tremors was filmed in '88-'89 but released in '90.....

Wellllllll some things start to add up. Especially when you consider it's Universal. They already know about owning copyrights for things long out of due. Ask Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman. Or Nintendo when Universal tried to sue them because Donkey Kong was too similar to King Kong.

Ask Stampede (S.S. Wilson) yourself. They have a Question and Answer page right on their site.

Like did you know you can't find ANY official Tremors merch? But you CAN find tons of fan-made creations. Give it a Google. They don't even list Tremors on the Universal website. Go ahead. Ask them. I try weekly. No responses ever.

https://www.universalpictures.com/about

Even with a longer history, more money made, and amount of sequel potential in comparison to their other films?

http://imgur.com/gallery/ZnXEsI3

Fans are clamoring for more but Universal says no?

Hell, you can watch the TV show for free on the NBC site.

But before my investigating, the episodes were so jumbled and missing it would ruin people's enjoyment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tremors/comments/m0wvwu/tremors_episode_9_graboid_rights_is_back_on_nbc/

What about how they made a Tremors series pilot with Kevin Bacon? The only bad thing about it is that they need to pull a Sonic redo on the Graboid at the end but who knows, I suspect it's like that for plot reasons after reading the unaired script.

https://youtu.be/hWU3GpKmIvw

That Universal/NBC/SyFy has proceeded to hide deeper than a Graboid burrows. https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/tremors-star-kevin-bacon-confused-sequel-series-picked/

Despite no one knowing why. http://imgur.com/gallery/w7rbUvZ

Read the script for yourself if you don't believe me. They've already hidden it for two years. Andrew Miller worked too hard for it to be hidden. And it plays. It works and plays with what's already there while being new and old. Quite good.

Have you seen the Kevin Bacon/Michael Gross commercial featuring them in Perfection Valley? The whole commercial is a sly way to use Tremors WITHOUT actually saying anything Universal would have claim to call copyright on. "Sandworms" "My old co-star" "Trevors". It's a great big middle finger to Universal.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E_O0K9hmlrw

How about the original script for Tremors 2: Aftershocks. The creators have wanted it seen for 20 years but it took a crazy Larry like me to get it out there. It's got Val, Earl, Burt and Heather in it too. Pretty good too. So good they reused the ending in the TV show episode "Shriek and Destroy".

All these things swirl together and make me wonder more and more. For the plethora of Tremors fandom goes deeper than even me... Like Imgur user @BabyFarkMcGeeZax. They created Burt Gummer Day five years ago through sweat and love alone.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tremors/comments/mb2rtz/babyfarkmcgeezax_created_burt_gummer_day_and/

Yet what does Universal do? Take the day, plaster it over the end of their hero's death, and not even give a line credit or thank you to @BabyFarkMcGeeZax or a mention on Twitter as they blurb it everywhere.

Ever seen the gif battles about Tremors at r/HighQualityGifs?

https://www.reddit.com/r/GifTournament/comments/luvt39/giftournament_battle_13_round_3/

https://www.reddit.com/r/HighQualityGifs/comments/dtz11k/battle_178_tremors/

How about The Everything Sequel podcast where they discuss how amazing all of The Tremors Saga is after discovering it for the first time. Even going so far as to pitch their own sequels.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/e24901de https://share.transistor.fm/s/bdea7b5e https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf79bbc1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fac66438 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a90415cd https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0e8153e https://share.transistor.fm/s/6b6572f9

There's so much fan content and people screaming for more Tremors! Like "Perfection, NV", a fan film.

youtube

Or this collection of alt Tremors posters.

http://imgur.com/gallery/MgkhnfE

Including the thousands of pieces of fanart.

http://imgur.com/gallery/6f7Txh0

http://imgur.com/gallery/nXG1ph1

The story behind Tremors comics. http://www.enemyofpeanuts.com/2013/03/09/the-short-story-behind-tremors-comics/

Even the new Tremors game. OR games.

https://youtu.be/G6PX1QY2oIc

https://stefanocagnani90.itch.io/tremors-thegame

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremors:_The_Game

https://www.playfg.com/dirt-dragons-game.html

Look at all this love.

And this isn't even an officially licensed game.

"A fortune", you say? Interesting....

So let's make Tremors 8 Ouroboros with the OG creators back on board.

https://imgur.com/gallery/o2kCFLu

We restart the TV show and end the movies for a while. Just like The Librarians. If Marvel can switch between movies and TV, Tremors can too.

If you think I'm crazy too, just see and know how I've been in this position before. I'm well aware of how this "story" plays out.

I mean, Tremors *does* foreshadows its ending with a sleeping bag. https://imgur.com/gallery/5HexQ

Notice too how you can find little Behind the Scenes for Tremors 5-7 despite a smorgasbord of material for 1-4 and both TV shows.

http://imgur.com/gallery/b4STAkl http://imgur.com/gallery/gSlZ1fC http://imgur.com/gallery/fnFt9MD http://imgur.com/gallery/6mDHTtg http://imgur.com/gallery/4M28quW http://imgur.com/gallery/w7rbUvZ http://imgur.com/gallery/6l0Dogl

And it's not like Universal isn't known for shady business practices. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Pictures

What about how they own the rights to damn near every monster except for Godzilla. And not just the classics like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman, Mummy and Invisible Man. They have Kong, Hulk, Jaws, Michael Myers, The Thing, all the Jurassic Park dinos, all the Romero zombies, Chucky, Casper, Riddick beasts, Hellboy, and Jaegers/Kaiju. These dudes know merchandising rights and they're looking to score the next Poke'Mon franchise.

https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2011/10/24/how-universal-re-copyrighted-frankensteins-monster/

Take a gander at all these articles gushing with love for Tremors:

Why the 'Tremors' Franchise Is Better Than the 'Alien' Movies https://collider.com/why-the-tremors-franchise-is-better-than-the-alien-movies/

As Kevin Bacon's Tremors returns to TV, we explain the entire franchise It's way more complicated than you think. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a807140/tremors-franchise-series-guide-kevin-bacon/

20 Fun Facts About Tremors https://ew.com/article/1990/07/13/tremors/

Thirty Years After Tremors, Reba McEntire Tells Us Why She's Absolutely Down to Return For a Reboot https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a30457996/tremors-30-anniversary-reba-mcentire-interview/

30 years ago, Tremors became perhaps the most perfect bad movie https://www.thv11.com/mobile/article/entertainment/movies/film-on-11/getting-reel/30-years-ago-tremors-became-perhaps-the-most-perfect-bad-movie/91-8f6854df-9dcc-4870-ab3a-4f91a658ac3f

How Tremors 7 Succeeds Where Other Horror Movie Franchises Failhttps://screenrant.com/tremors-7-movie-succeeds-better-horror-movie-franchises-reason/

A Complete Rundown of the Entire Tremors Saga https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/363290/beneath-perfection-thoughts-on-the-entire-tremors-franchise/

Kevin Bacon Wants to Revisit His Only Film He Ever Re-Watched https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kevin-bacon-tremors-1234956657/

Look at all this #BurtGummerDay love. That adds up to thousands of people watching Tremors for the first or fiftieth time. And this is only the first "official" year. It'll only grow.

http://imgur.com/t/burt_gummer_day

https://m.facebook.com/groups/2215552755347508/permalink/3124638257772282/?ref=m_notif¬if_t=group_comment

https://m.facebook.com/groups/2215552755347508/permalink/3124638397772268/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tremors/about

Can you see the Tremors? Can you feel them? Fans want Tremors and they want it from Stampede. http://imgur.com/gallery/ZaVL7Mc http://imgur.com/gallery/f37bEV7 http://imgur.com/gallery/De6DlqQ

After all this time, and all this love, and all this greed, it's time we break Hollywood tradition and give power back to the people. When people can #RestoreTheSnyderVerse or #SaveTheVentureBros, we can #StampedeTremors for #BurtGummerDay.

Take this hope and fly!

#StampedeTremors

BTS, gifs, and videos of The Tremors Saga. Tremors: The Lost Tapes from S.S. Wilson's personal collection https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1EA9246EF966DDA2

Monster Makers https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tmm-tremors/ https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tmm-tremors2/

ADI's creation documentaries https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR9WUo3tIVnb4CyMR1SLVsxPyBwz1Met_ BTS gallery of Tremors http://imgur.com/gallery/b4STAkl

The making of Tremors https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m-HUUt21tRA

Inside the Graboid workshop https://youtu.be/YgPuC2tNBpM

Stampede Entertainment's video archive for Tremors https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/category/videos/tremors/

Tremors opening https://youtu.be/gnqPYTOzc38

BTS gallery of Tremors 2: Aftershocks http://imgur.com/gallery/gSlZ1fC

Stampede Entertainment's behind the scenes of Tremors 2 https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tremors2/

The making of Tremors 2 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fAlqzM0CyPI

Tremors 2 original script with Val, Earl, Burt and Heather. http://imgur.com/gallery/8QaHPRy

Tremors 2: Aftershocks opening https://youtu.be/pVi24Gc0KdQ)

BTS gallery of Tremors 3: Back to Perfection http://imgur.com/gallery/fnFt9MD Stampede Entertainment's behind the scenes of Tremors 3 https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tremors3/

On the set of Tremors 3 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZhrvkB5nKs

Stampede Entertainment's video archive of Tremors 3 https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/category/videos/tremors3/

Tremors 3: Back to Perfection opening https://youtu.be/UXjdZitldB4

BTS gallery of Tremors the Series http://imgur.com/gallery/6mDHTtg

Stamede Entertainment's https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tremors-series/

Behind the scenes of Tremors the Series lost monsters. https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tremors-series-lost/

Cold opens for Tremors the Series https://youtu.be/srB6rZgv_Po https://youtu.be/v3ZkC08rKtg

BTS gallery of Tremors 4: The Legend Begins http://imgur.com/gallery/4M28quW Stampede Entertainment's behind the scenes of Tremors 4 https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/tremors4-2/

On the set of Tremors 4 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bppXVxldTqU The weapons of Tremors 4 https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/photos/weapons-of-tremors-4/

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins opening https://youtu.be/3gDlAEUBesg

BTS gallery of Tremors 5: Bloodlines http://imgur.com/gallery/6l0Dogl

Tremors 5: Bloodlines opening https://youtu.be/t8jrCVI676Y

BTS gallery of the unaired Kevin Bacon Tremors pilot http://imgur.com/gallery/w7rbUvZ

Script for the unaired Tremors pilot http://imgur.com/gallery/UbtTvyf

Trailer for the unreleased Tremors pilot https://youtu.be/hWU3GpKmIvw

Kevin Bacon talks Tremors. https://youtu.be/TAGOlEIR7mA

Interviews with Alec Gillis, Brent Maddock, Nancy Roberts, and Ron Underwood https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmUAAK3guQ8t6dKzwH9V0RzerkdLr0d1

S.S. Wilson talks his Tremors career. https://youtu.be/ZJhZmty_dKs Making Perfection https://youtu.be/hpCSCQJEmnk

Have a question about Tremors? Find it here and if you can't find it, ask S.S. Wilson yourself! https://stampede-entertainment.com/site/fan-extras/tremors-faq/?include_category=general

And if you love Tremors enough to have made it this far, enjoy a collection of gifs for you to use at your pleasure.

Tremors http://imgur.com/gallery/kPiEe3d http://imgur.com/gallery/5Sb4Vpg http://imgur.com/gallery/1uZxiue http://imgur.com/gallery/NX5r2

Tremors 2 Aftershocks http://imgur.com/gallery/i1IZZf8 http://imgur.com/gallery/krcmrgQ http://imgur.com/gallery/GjTxAg1 http://imgur.com/gallery/DabFZTt http://imgur.com/gallery/QLTStyx http://imgur.com/gallery/P92e1ri http://imgur.com/gallery/IUAvd http://imgur.com/gallery/h8BZ0qN http://imgur.com/gallery/ZQi2KOb http://imgur.com/gallery/WDZdM

Tremors 3 Back to Perfection http://imgur.com/gallery/5ebddmR http://imgur.com/gallery/Rj9fqIy http://imgur.com/gallery/ikzXFbd

Tremors the Series http://imgur.com/gallery/cqSMk40

Tremors 4 The Legend Begins

http://imgur.com/gallery/ufV3of1 http://imgur.com/gallery/zPGBOW3 http://imgur.com/gallery/ri5jLRd http://imgur.com/gallery/y7A3l5D

Tremors 5 Bloodlines

http://imgur.com/gallery/Pmunxjo http://imgur.com/gallery/0yazNVG

Tremors 6 A Cold Day In Hell http://imgur.com/gallery/S4qlPCI http://imgur.com/gallery/Xa2mUsS

Tremors Pilot http://imgur.com/gallery/RXXjbKr http://imgur.com/gallery/kCErQyF

Tremors 7 Shrieker Island

http://imgur.com/gallery/FzpJllb http://imgur.com/gallery/JGweZjH

21 notes · View notes

cant-blink · 3 years

Text

Favorite and Least Favorite Ghidorah Incarnations

Probably gonna regret making this post, but it’s been a long time coming, so let’s do it. I guess I should warn, not suitable for people sensitive to opinions that might be different from their own. Can’t believe I have to say that about a list of fav Ghidorahs, but alas...

Anyway, enjoy!

Let’s start with my Top 5 favorite Ghidorahs! Going from my most favorite down! All five of these are amazing and any one can easily become my #1 at any given time! :D But at the moment, my number 1 is...

Showa Ghidorah

Showa Ghidorah should come to nobody’s surprise, given how much I’ve been writing about him lately! I admit though, it wasn’t always like this. It took some time for him to grow on me, and he actually used to be one of my least favorite through design alone. But he has grown exponentially on me, and now I love everything about him! The manes are unique and I love the crescent moons on his heads too. His eyes are so big, and I feel they have more expression compared to other Ghidorahs. And the inspiration of the more traditional Eastern-style dragon is there in his face too.

His backstory and personality, though, is what really got me to change my mind about the character. His personality is perfect as far as I’m concerned! Coming from space to destroy planets just for the lolz, cackling maniacally all the way! Even the fact he was mind-controlled was something for me to delve into in my stories, on how such a thing impacts the character. It really opened my eyes to the more subtle parts to his personality, like I realize that Ghiddy wants NOTHING to do with Earth. He tried to destroy it once and that failure is all he needed to know to stay away. The plot device of mind-control is used to keep him coming back in future movies! Even when he defeated Godzilla and Rodan, he chose to fly away back into space! There’s layers to his character if you look deep enough!

There’s just so much story-potential to this guy, I love it! Even in real life, he has an arc, going from one of my least favorites to being the top of this list! That’s definitely special!

Overall, a lot of love for this character, often wrestling with Legendary for the number 1 spot! Speaking of which...

Legendary Ghidorah

The one that started it all for me and they’re second on the list?! Blasphemy!! Nah, seriously though, Showa and Legendary really do often switch places for me all the time! Just right now, Showa has squeezed into the top spot. For now........

Anyway, Legendary Ghidorah needs no explanation for being a favorite incarnation of the character. Whilst Godzilla has always been a very vague presence in my life, KotM’s is what had me diving headfirst into the fandom, all because of Ghidorah. Their design is amazing, sleek and intimidating! The detail that they whip up storms just by flying creates an awesome menacing atmosphere everytime they’re on screen!

The personalities between the heads is unique, providing all sorts of material for my writer side to explore! Their backstory is left open for me to explore as well, like where they came from and how their species functions! It’s been a lot of fun! I may be slightly burnt out from how much I’ve written and posted about them, but make no mistake, I still ADORE this Ghidorah and I have them to thank for starting this whole page in the first place!

Shin Ghidorah

That’s right, Shin Ghidorah exists in official TOHO canon and he needs more love!!

Shin Ghidorah was one I was introduced to not long after I learned Kamata-kun (oh, and Shin Godzilla) was a thing. With my obsession with Ghidorah, I wanted to know if there was a Ghidorah in the Shin universe and after some digging, I found that there was! Featured in a ride in Universal Studios Japan! And better yet, videos of it exists on youtube! I loved it the second I saw it!

The design is amazing and surprisingly unique! This is because Shin Ghidorah was originally a scrapped concept for the original Showa Ghidorah! Like, Shin Ghidorah is basically an oversized three-headed Skullcrawler with wings! Because you see those “legs” he has? Those are actually ARMS!! Ghidorah could’ve been a giant Skullcrawler all this time!!

I also love his movements, oddly enough. He doesn’t just fly, he SWIMS though the air, something I don’t recall seeing in any other Ghidorah!

The only thing I don’t like about him... is the fact that he wasn’t around longer! A shame the ride is so short, I would’ve LOVED to see more of him in a movie. Oh well...

Grand/Cretaceous Ghidorah

Both are the same individual, so they’re both in this entry! I remember learning about him through a video talking about Ghidorah’s most sadistic moment and this was it. Grand Ghidorah kidnaps children with the sole intent to devour them, but he doesnt eat them right away, no. He holds them hostage to stew in their terror, returning to them every so often just to listen to their screams and cries. You know he’s enjoying every minute, knowing he’s torn families apart. Without a doubt, all this is just a game before he destroys the world as Ghiddys do. The way he toyed with Mothra Leo, leaving him to suffer after beating him to near-death. Or the way he possessed one of the Mothra twins to try to kill her own sister! It was great! He has such a regal design too! I can see why the fanbase have come to call him Grand King Ghidorah, he’s absolutely majestic. Shame he’s overshadowed, likely due to not being in a Godzilla movie.

Cretaceous Ghidorah has a more Western-dragon look to him and it works. He is basically a baby Ghidorah and he is so cute! His big eyes and squeaky roars, I love it! He also SOMEHOW made me feel sorry for my least favorite dinosaur! That's some true power right there!

The regeneration ability too, is amazing! This is likely where Legendary got the idea, but Grand does it better by regenning from just a small piece of tail left behind. Just badass, all around!

Void Ghidorah

A controversial pick, I know. I made a whole post about my detailed thoughts on Void Ghidorah, see here. Long story short: I think he has great potential, just suffered from piss poor execution. I love the idea of turning this alien dragon into an interdimensional GOD, with followers and everything. His full-body model looks amazing! He’s the biggest and most powerful Ghidorah yet, the biggest kaiju in the entire franchise in fact, and I don’t see him ever being topped. Granted, I dun really judge how much I like a kaiju based on how strong they are, but it’s a bonus here. He needs all the help he can get!

Adding more, his roars are insane, not just a combination of Showa and Heisei Ghidorah! But sounds that are truly otherworldly.

Void Ghidorah deserves love, and a better movie. Guess I’ll just settle on Godzilla: Star-eating Wings as the go-to Void Ghidorah video!

I have no real opinion on the new ride Ghidorah, as I have yet to watch the full "movie” and thus, can’t judge how well I’ll like it compared to the others. So for now, tis neutral.

Now I’m totally going to get hate for this list of “least favorite Ghidorahs”, but this is my opinion. I don’t like any of them, and they’re all outshined by my favorite non-Ghidorah kaijus, and some even being beaten by my “meh” kaijus! Anyway, this is gonna go from “best” least favorite to my “worst” least favorite. Here goes:

Heisei/Mecha-Ghidorah

Tis no secret that I don’t particularly like Heisei’s version of the character. I’ve mentioned it more than enough. Oddly though, I liked the design when I first looked through Ghidorahs from past movies, and I DISLIKED Showa Ghidorah’s design. How things have changed when I learned more about both of them...

Now I’ve grown to not like Heisei very much. They took Ghidorah as an alien dragon that destroys planets for fun, and turned him into pets that I’m sure are meant to be cute, but just remind me of Furby’s in how creepy they are (tis not the good kind of creepy either!). I like the scrapped idea of him being an attempt to clone Showa Ghidorah from DNA left behind when he destroyed Venus, so I keep that canon in my head just for some attempt to like him more. Tis why I call him “Kitty Ghiddy” whenever I write him, I legit cannot take him seriously. Such a shame that he’s basically replaced Showa Ghiddy on merchandise, so it’s harder for me to find said Showa Ghiddy because of this thing. Oh, well.

Oh, and he replaced the BIDIBIDI of Showa with generic Rodan calls. And he also turns into a good guy at the end of the movie with Mecha-Ghidorah, and.... well, go down to the next entry for my thoughts on stuff like that.

GMK Ghidorah

He’s a good guy here. They nerfed the fuck out of him by having him be a juvenile (not even done well like Cretaceous Ghidorah), and turned him into a good guy. Granted, he was never meant to be in this movie in the first place and it shows. I’m a villain kind of person, and Ghidorah’s evilness is one of the biggest draws to his character for me. So taking that away... It just doesn’t work for me. It says something when I like GODZILLA more than Ghidorah in a movie. His design is okay, so at least he has that going. But...

Desghidorah

I really don’t like the design of the character. That’s literally it. I think four-legged Ghidorahs are very awkward looking; Ghidorah has a lot going on as is, three heads, two wings, two legs, two tails. Adding more legs... it’s just too much going on that tips the scales from ‘awesome’ to ‘messy’ in my mind. I can’t explain too well why I really don’t like the four-legged look to Ghidorahs, I just really don’t. But credit, he does pull off the look slightly better than the last one on my list.

AND MY LEAST FAVORITE GHIDORAH AND LIKELY TO GET A MOB ON ME IS.....

Keizer Ghidorah/Monster X

“An awkward horse” is what someone described him to me as, and I can’t help but agree. Again, that four-legged look breaks it for me but somehow, he looks EVEN MORE awkward than Des. I just can’t look passed it. Maybe it’s the front legs, or the wings looking too small for his body. Des just LOOKS a bit more natural in his four-legged-ness.

Making it worse for me, Keizer has a second form that I REALLY don’t like: Monster X. They don’t even resemble each other. I can’t help but feel MX was supposed to be his own Kaiju, but they felt pressured to make Ghidorah the final boss so they combined them. Dunno if that’s the case, but it feels like that to me. Not even getting into the “how the hell does a dragon come out of THAT, where does it all GO when he changes back?”. And the biggest thing: I don’t like human-looking characters. I don’t care for human characters at all in any sort of media, or anything that resembles humans too closely. I skip human scenes entirely just to get to the monsters. Tis why I don’t really care for gijinkas either. As far as I’m concerned, I like the kaiju for being kaiju, and making them human just takes away all things interesting.

If Ghidorah kept everything intact about his personality, but you made him human... I wouldn’t even give his character a second glance, much less devote my Tumblr page to him! But yeah, tangent over. Monster X just looks too human for my tastes.

Plus, tis hard to compete for my attention when you’re in the same movie as FW Gigan! It says something when Showa Gigan and Showa Ghidorah can share the screen and I love them both, but FW Gigan completely outshines FW Ghidorah...

So there we go, a complete list of my thoughts for every Ghidorah incarnation that I can think of. Hopefully I didn’t miss any. Again, these are my opinions and you’re free to like whatever Ghidorah. I’mma sleep now.

#ghidorah #king ghidorah #godzilla

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frightfurtabby · 3 years

Text

Himikiyo Week 2021 Day 5: Anniversary Party

// Cute and fluffy, make-up smearing kissies, slow dancing, and awards... enjoy~

Word count: 1434

Links

AO3- https://archiveofourown.org/works/34196977

Amino- (coming soon)

I need to catch up on cross-posting to amino so I’ll be doing that too.

The anniversary party was an important occasion. All actors from the danganronpa franchise were coming together for this event. 10 years ago was the release of the first series starring Makoto Naegi as the protagonist, since then there have been 3 further series and a spin off that took place between the first 2, though it had aired afterward. And they were all gathered together.

There were already plans for another spin-off that was summer camp themed and would be finished later the next year. It was really big but sometimes there were years of waiting between new productions and that led to a lot being covered by tabloids and other media outlets. Korekiyo moved up to a small town in Aomori prefecture with Himiko to stay as quiet as possible, keeping in contact with certain people from among their castmates.

The couple were sitting together in a backstage private dressing room once again, Himiko taking time to brush Kiyo’s hair. Most of their outfits were already in place, a puffy purple dress for Himiko, her matching magic hat sat on the table in front of them.It was so pretty and only a little bit difficult to move around in at first before she was getting used to it. The anniversary celebrations included a dance in the ballroom and awards for the newest batch of fan popularity polls.

“Babe are you sure you want to go for that hat, I don’t know if it fits with the rest of what you’ve got going on.”

Kiyo was wearing a white button-up long sleeved blouse with a burgundy vest, a green coat over both and a long black skirt. Near Himiko’s hat was their own for this occasion, a black fedora which was what she was referring to in her comments..

“I personally think it looks nice.” Kiyo gave an exaggerated pout.

Touching up both their make-up was all the couple needed before they got to head out to the event proper. Kiyo hadn’t decided on lipstick before they had to go to avoid running late. They could do without that but not without eating, which they had to finish on the way out.

When she was finished brushing she helped gather their locks together and band it to make a ponytail.

She chuckled. “Of course you do, well since you insist. Here, have this one, I think this color will compliment everything nicely. Now come closer!” She grabs a nice dark blood red shade. Kiyo had used it plenty of times, including the year they dressed up as a vampire for Halloween, so it was a classic go-to.

Kiyo leaned in like she asked. Puckering their lips out to give her a more complete canvas for her to work with. However, before Himiko touched the tip of the lipstick onto their lips, Kiyo stopped for a moment.

“I wouldn’t want to smudge this so soon, so please give me a kiss?”

Himiko giggled. “Alright, okay. But first…” Her free hand extended and her pointer finger booped them right on the nose.

The former Ultimate Anthropologist feigned shock. “What did I deserve that for?”

“For being cute, ya silly goose.”

They were gearing up for a follow up joke but they were pulled in by the collar and smooched. They leaned into and savored it. Even if it did ruin the set-up, it was fine. Any time was a lovely time to smooch Himiko.

“Okay, now we can do it.” she chirped.

Kiyo re-assumed the proper position and reached out, gently caressing Himiko’s cheek. A deep look into her eyes. “Alright, go ahead.”

She reached up to hold them still with one hand and eased the lipstick close. Drawing it, focused as close as she can on the precision. Even though they had just kissed, she was tempted to ruin it again.

So she did.

They giggled as soon as she let them go. “God I’m so lucky wearing a mask is my trademark. I’m sure people would have a field day if they actually saw how smudged you always end up making this.”

“Yeah well, I’m lucky to have you.” She said, making cute faces in their direction.

Kiyo pulled their mask up and put the fedora on, taking Himiko’s hand as a way to get up out of the chair.

They turned and exited the door. Upon entering the hallway they met up with Shuichi and Rantaro, spending time catching up. Talking about how the cats were doing, how busy it was lately, more recent gigs they’d lent their talents to, that kind of thing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon entering the ballroom, the couple noticed there were danganronpa themed decorations all over. A big banned reading “Happy 10th Anniversary'' went along the rafters. It was certainly doing its job of seeming like a mix between prom and a high school reunion.

At least this one was full of people both of them liked better than most people who’d been at either of their actual proms from back in the day. Even with personal problems here and there it was still more tolerable than that.

A slow waltz tune echoes around the ballroom. All the couples were paired up, most having stuck together pretty much the whole time up to this point regardless, but the Junko was making a big deal up on stage about how “If you’re not already, couple up and dance!”

Kiyo’s hand was around the back of Himiko’s head. They took time to pet her and look into her eyes as they performed slowly just like they had practiced. It felt nice and warm. Both could close their eyes for a bit and had a good amount of space to nuzzle up.

“I love you dear.”

“I love you too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few dance tracks later, Junko Enoshima got up and did a little bit of MC’ing. “And now everyone, having a good time? Well, it’s time to announce the first batch of winners from the polls! And here to read those names is someone we all know and love. The mysterious…”

She started getting a head count of all the danganronpa alumni, dragging it on for comedic effect. “The mysterious 40-somethingth student that was lying hidden somewhere in this very building… Mukuro Ikusaba!”

The crowd of students clapped, Himiko and Kiyo included. As Mukuro took time to further introduce the concept, showing off the envelopes for good measure, the lovers had a small conversation.

“Do you think we’ll win anything this year?”

“I hope we do. I’m not sure though, since competition is very stiff in all categories.”

“It’d be really cute if we won the couples one” she smiled, holding their arm close. “We may not have won it yet, but there's always a chance.”

“I’ve seen a little bit of buzz online telling fans to vote for us. So we might pull it off.”

It came time, the third category: the cutest off-screen couple. The options were always more open, as there were very few canonical on-screen romances in the show. Mukuro cut open this envelope, like she had done the previous two.

The MC cleared her throat. “Ahem. The winners are… Shinguuji Korekiyo and Yumeno Himiko”

The V3 cast members hooted and hollered. The other 2 main series had just picked up 1 win each and usually SDR2 would sweep these anniversary award contests. Picking up a surprise win would hopefully be a sign.

Escorted by several classmates like they just scored the winning points in a sport together, Himiko and Kiyo went up, and had to make up a speech off the cuff. That’s how much of a last second blindside actually pulling it off was.

Himiko took her spot close to Kiyo’s side and they both stood in front of the mic. Kiyo gently taps it and clears their throat.

“Thank you all, I’m… surprised. I thought for sure it would be another year of us being passed up.” they said

She added “The fans really pulled through!” She raised her award and held it up to clink it with Kiyo’s. “I’m not sure what else to even say.”

“We are grateful for the nomination, and thank everyone who cast a vote.” Asked if they had anything more to say, Kiyo finished with “As difficult as some fans can be, it's always good to feel appreciated.”

Everyone went back down, further winners were to be announced. Neither cared much, but would support friends who could get it. For now all they wanted was to cuddle up together on the bleachers. The rest of the night was for relaxing.

#himikiyo #himikiyo week #himikko yumeno #korekiyo shinguji #danganronpa #danganronpa v3 #fanfic #writing

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angelinasway · 3 years

Text

Regaining Hope

Chapter Six

Pairing: Clark Kent/Buffy Summers

Warnings/Triggers:Torture, Violence, Mention's of Major Character Death, Bad Language, Sexual Tension, Eventual Smut

Summary: Takes place during Man of Steel. When Buffy discovers the U.S Military trying to keep quiet about an object buried in a twenty thousand year old glacier, she immediately thinks the worst. However, when a surprise visit to the Canadian Arctic puts her in the path of a mysterious stranger her whole world is changed forever.

Previous Chapters: [Chapter One] [Chapter Two] [Chapter Three] [Chapter Four] [Chapter Five]

[TTH] [AO3] [FFN]

Authors Notes:Thank you all for you're amazing reviews. I never get tired of reading them. I just got to say I adored writing this chapter. It was so much fun and I loved the banter. I'm slowly falling in love with this couple the more I explore it. I should warn everyone that there's a subject that comes up that might offend some of you. I did not write this part to try to do that to anyone, so please don't take it seriously. It was more about showing Buffy's age and what some of us begin to contemplate as we get older. If Buffy was really only twenty-one it wouldn't be a topic that would come up, but I don't think its to far off the mark that a thirty-two year old Buffy would think these thing. Once again, a shout out and huge thanks to my amazing beta Hipkarma for being so insightful and just plain helpful while editing these chapters. I don't know what I would do without her.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Six

Buffy awoke, as always right around eight. It didn’t matter where she was in the world, she always woke up around the same time every morning. Except, this morning happened to be very different because a large warm arm was wrapped firmly around her waist and a large thigh was wedged between her legs. She blinked in surprise as the night before came rushing back in surround sound and technicolor. From the moment Faith and Gunn woke them up having obnoxiously loud sex to when she first heard Clark moan. The deep baritone of the sound sending such a shock wave of lust straight to her core, she’d never felt anything like it and she was certain she couldn’t have stopped herself from touching him after that even if she tried.

God, he was built like brick wall. A very soft and warm brick wall, but a brick wall nonetheless. Training him was going to be difficult for that reason. She was incredibly strong but he was a hell of a lot stronger than her. Getting hit by him at full strength wasn’t really going to be an option. Though, she could always train him in her suit, which might actually give her a little bit of advantage against anything he threw at her. The suit itself was highly warded, to the point where she could probably get hit by a train and be able to walk it off. So that might actually be able to work, as long as he didn’t go for her head which unfortunately the full leather and Kevlar body suit did not cover. They could definitely work around that though.

She bit her lip, remembering how good it felt to kiss him. It had been awkward at first, but he was an incredibly fast learner and eventually began to take the lead. Heat pooled in her belly at what came after though, the grinding and rubbing that ended in one of the best orgasms she ever had. He really was such a well-built man, everything about him was deceptively large from his broad shoulders to his thighs that were almost as big as tree trunks. Something she didn’t actually notice until she straddled him. The act itself had forced her legs farther apart than she was expecting. So, when he’d pulled her into his lap his cock was suddenly perfectly aligned against her clit, and boy did he feel big. Almost too big if she was being honest.

The familiar throb of arousal hit her; her panties suddenly soaked. She vaguely remembered telling him after he got out of the shower that he looked ridiculous squashed up on her couch and to just share the bed. She was now slightly regretting that, because at this moment she wanted nothing more than to press herself back against the body currently cuddling her and grind her ass against the erection she felt poking her. ‘Yep, it was definitely time to get up.’

She meant what she’d said earlier about not being ready for sex yet and she really did plan to stick to that. She wanted to get to know him first, find out what his likes and dislikes were, what his favorite movies were, hell even what his favorite color was. She truly did believe what Lorne had told her, but she craved the getting-to-know-you portion of the relationship process more than anything. It had been a long time since she had that. In fact, if she was being honest, she was pretty sure she never really had it.

Angel had always hated talking about himself and she remembered very clearly spending a few hours researching him alone just to try and understand more about him. Unfortunately, back then Giles only had his pre-soul history, which probably should have been her first clue that embarking on any type of relationship with him was a bad idea. Riley had been different however, but when they started the relationship, they had both been keeping secrets. So, there had been big honesty issues there. Spike she hadn’t bothered getting to know, at least not before his soul. Oh, there were plenty of times she would slip up and ask him a question about himself, and even be cordial to him, but the personal stuff hadn’t come until those long nights spent together planning against The First. And, then again, after Angelus had killed Giles when she was basically a walking zombie. He would talk to her for hours even if she didn’t talk back just to try and snap her out of her desolation. He told her all about his life when he was human, and would even talk about some of the places he traveled with Dru. He never mentioned Angelus in those times, and she was grateful for that.

It was in those moments that she realized why she and Spike meshed so well. He was very good at taking care of broken things and she was a very broken thing. He was created for it actually, and he needed to take care of her just as badly as she needed to be taken care of. She just hoped Clark could handle the task as well, because she had picked up a lot of the pieces of her shattered heart and soul and begun to paste them back together, but there were still several missing parts of herself that she had lost along the way. She was working on it and had been for awhile but she still had her moments of utter despair and moodiness. Buffy knew better than anyone how difficult she could be.

She slowly tried to extract herself from his hold, but the arm that held her in place tightened. She heard a sleepy moan next to ear and then she felt his body stiffen as he came awake. Clark quickly removed his arm from around her waist and the knee that had wedged itself between her thighs and turned over on his back.

“Sorry,” He murmured groggily.

Buffy turned to face him, a slow smile spreading across her face as she propped her head up with her hand. He was blushing again and she found she rather enjoyed it. “I think we’re past accidental sleepy cuddling, don’t you?”

A sleepy half smile crossed his lips at her words, "Mmm," he hummed. "So, that really did happen."

She chuckled; he was absolutely adorable. "Unless we were sharing the same dream, I'm gonna go with a big uh-huh."

His blue eyes met hers, and his smile stretched into a full grin. His hand reached up and he ran the back of it down her cheek.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

She nodded. "I could definitely eat."

He sighed. "We should probably get dressed then."

"Mmm," She agreed, rolling on her back and stretching her arms above her head. "Shower first though, and I should probably grab your clothes from yesterday out of the dryer."

His hand reached out again, running it along the flat of her stomach. "You shower, I remember where the laundry room is. I'll get them."

He sat up and then leaned down to kiss her, but she stopped him. "I have morning breath. I really don't think you want to do that before I brush my teeth."

He chuckled and shook his head. "I honestly don't think I care," and then he was on her, his lips sliding against hers.

She giggled, breaking the kiss and saying, "I think I created a monster."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have taken advantage of me last night." Clark said, a smirk forming on his lips.

Buffy’s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening. "I did no such thing!" She said on a laugh.

"Oh," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I think you did," and then he was kissing her again, sliding his tongue into her mouth before she could protest.

The kisses suddenly turned much more serious and before she knew what she was doing her legs had wrapped around his waist and her arms were around his neck. She felt his hard length push against her and she moaned.

"Mmm," He hummed, breaking the kiss. "I could get used to that sound."

His lips slid along her jawline, until he reached her neck where he placed a few wet kisses and then froze. He pulled away and Buffy’s eyes shot open. His eyes staring at her neck in a mixture horror and disbelief.

"Where...how did you get that?" He asked, his hand coming up to brush his thumb across her scar.

Buffy's own hand came up and rubbed the area. "Vampire bite. Well, three to be exact." She saw a pained look flash across his eyes as his hand came up to cup her cheek. "What is it?" She asked.

Clark shook his head, removing his hand and sitting back. "I just..." He sighed. "I can't help thinking how different your life might have been had I met you sooner." He looked away. “You’ve been through so much, some of it I read and some of it you told me.” He met her eyes, sadness and guilt shining in them, “And I’m guessing that’s only the half of it…and…and I can’t help thinking that I could have saved you from it all.”

She felt her heart melt a little at his words. That was definitely up there with at least the top five sweetest things anyone ever said to her, but he shouldn’t be beating himself up for something that was out of his hands.

She sighed sitting up, her hand reaching for his and entwining their fingers, bringing it into her lap. “As sweet as the sentiment is Clark, you can’t think like that.” She nodded, “Trust me, I’m the queen of blaming myself for things that are absolutely out of my control and the truth is, neither of us can know what would have happened had we met sooner.” She shrugged “I mean think about it. Sure, my life would have been easier but when the big stuff came up, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it as well, and do you honestly think I wouldn’t have jumped for Dawn?” She swallowed, “As shitty as the outcome was and even if I knew back then what I know now, I would do it again for her in a heartbeat.”

“I know,” he whispered, looking down. “I just…what if I could have stopped you from having to jump at all?”

She reached her free hand out, cupping his cheek, “Then I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would have never had the choice to take more power than I already had and have the strength and wherewithal to turn it down. I would have never found the Scythe and been able to use its power to activate the Slayers.” At Clark’s frown, she pulled away, getting off the bed and opened the closet. She unzipped her weapons bag and pulled out the Scythe.

“This,” she said, showing him the weapon from when they first met. “It was made thousands of years ago by something called the Guardians. It was made for the first Slayer and she used it to drive the last Old One from this plain of existence. Then it was hidden until the day I found it. It’s the whole reason Willow was able to tap into the Slayer line and activate the girls. It’s incredibly powerful, and I can feel the power thrumming underneath my hand as we speak.” She put the Scythe back and walked over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Kinda like you.”

Clark swallowed. “What…what do I feel like?”

“Powerful, almost overwhelmingly so,” she said honestly, sitting back on the bed. “But not evil or demonic. Those kinda things usually feel cold, like the temperature suddenly drops and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.” She gave him a small smile, “You feel warm, like I’ve been sunbathing for hours and my skin is that perfect mixture of overheated and sun kissed.”

He brought his hand up, cupping her chin and rubbing his thumb along her lower lip. "And when I kiss you?"

Buffy gasped, heat building in her belly. It took everything in her not to suck his thumb into her mouth. "If I answer that," she said breathily, "we won't ever make it to breakfast."

He blew out a breath, closing his eyes and leaning his forehead against hers. "I've never felt so out of control in my life." He opened his eyes, meeting hers. "You...you make me want to lose control."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" She asked, her hand coming up to rub down his chest.

"I honestly don't know," he sighed. "But it scares the hell out of me."

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

He kissed her then, his hand running into her hair before saying, "Don't be. I feel more alive than I have in years."

"I think that makes two of us then." She said softly. "You're not the only one who feels out of control or alive." She paused, "And I think if I don't get in the shower soon, I don't think I can be held responsible for my next actions."

He chuckled, pulling away. "Then you should probably take a shower," he said moving off the bed, "because I'm pretty sure you aren't alone in that either."

Buffy laughed, "You sure you can find the laundry room, okay?"

"I got it," he said, reaching out to stroke her cheek before grabbing his discarded sweats from last night, chucking them on and heading for the door.

Buffy watched him go and then shook herself out of her daze. God, he had a fabulous back. Why had she not noticed it before? This was going to be incredibly hard if they were both feeling this way. She once again opened her closet grabbing what she needed for the day.

****<S>**<S>****

Clark raised an eyebrow, looking at her in amusement, "You really think this is a good idea?"

She grinned, "No, but it’s cheap entertainment and they deserve it."

They were standing in the hallway outside Faith and Gunn’s room. Buffy having the bright idea of getting back at the couple for their shenanigan’s the night before, because as she said, “This was a long time coming.”

"Alright," he said chuckling. "Then hand me the bucket."

"What...why?" She asked confused.

Clark rolled his eyes, "Because I'm going to make the water colder."

Buffy frowned. "Is this another ability you've yet to tell me about?"

He looked at her innocently. “Maybe?”

The look she gave him was both parts annoyed and pouty. “Okay Mr. Secret Keeper, who keeps secrets. Here,” she grumbled, shoving the quarter filled bucket into his arms.

“I think you’ve been watching too much Harry Potter,” he said as seriously as he could, even though he knew it was obvious he was trying not to laugh.

She looked almost offended for a moment, “I have not!” A full-fledged pout finally broke out on her lips, “At least not willingly. Willow makes me watch it every year.” She sighed, “Then we get into an argument about if the Wizarding World is real or not in another dimension. It’s a thing.”

He snorted, "You're joking."

She rolled her eyes, "I wish," and then she shook her head. "Now hurry up, before they wake up."

He grinned, blowing softly into the bucket and handing it back. "There, it should be cold enough now."

She frowned at the water, reaching her hand into the bucket and touching it. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow! That's like seriously impressive." She grinned, "This is gonna be so good." Buffy looked at him, "You ready?"

At Clark’s nod, she said, "Alright, get ready to run."

He watched her take a step back and then her leg shot out, slamming into the door. The lock splintered and the door swung open, hitting the wall hard. Both Faith and Gunn shot up in alarm, suddenly alert and ready to fight.

“Wakey, wakey!” Buffy yelled, before tossing the contents of the bucket on them.

They both screamed when the ice water hit them. Their eyes widening in disbelief. Faith panted from the sudden shock of the water, looking at hers soaked tank top, her bed, and then Gunn before her eyes suddenly swung up to meet Buffy’s dancing ones. The look she gave them both could freeze over hell, it even managed to make Clark nervous enough to start backing up.

“You. Are. So. Fucking. Dead!” She ground out, fury flashing in her eyes.

“Run!” Buffy squealed, already pushing him down the hallway just as Faith shot out of bed. They were both through the living area and out the staff door in seconds, but Faith was fast and she was hot on their heels. The sound of her bare feet slapping against hardwood close behind them.

As they approached the stairwell a giggling Buffy yelled, “Jump, no time for stairs.”

Clark quickly launched himself over the banister, landing on the ground floor and turning just in time to see Buffy do the same. She landed on her feet and looked up in time to see a snarling Faith staring down at them, water still dripping from her hair and tank top.

“You’re dead B!” She yelled.

“What the hell!” Lisa said, coming around the corner a few of the girls hot on her heels just as Faith launched herself off the banister.

Buffy was pushing Clark again and they slammed out the front door and into the cool morning air. He wrapped his arms around her just as Faith reached the door in only a tank top and boxers and shot them into the air just before she could reach them. Both of them broke into fits of hysterics when they heard her scream, “He can fucking fly!”

“Wow,” Buffy said in between her giggles. “She’s really mad, isn’t she?”

****<S>**<S>****

“Okay,” Buffy said, snagging a piece of bacon off his plate. “Favorite comedy?”

They were in a restaurant not too far from the school. It was a very small establishment, but it was busy and the food smelt good. Buffy had recommended it to Clark, saying it was the best kept secret in Cleveland. It had taken them a little while to get a table, but now they were comfortably seated with two delicious looking breakfasts in front of them.

They had been exchanging questions since they arrived at the restaurant. Simple things, from favorite colors, to places traveled, and now they were on to movies. Except Buffy had just stolen a piece of bacon off his plate without even asking, and it was done in such a way it almost felt domestic. Almost as if this was a completely normal occurrence and they had dined together hundreds of times.

“Did you…did you just steal my bacon?” Clark said, raising an eyebrow.

She blinked at him innocently, taking a bite of the salty goodness while holding back a smile, “Maybe.”

He snorted, “Well, now I want a bite of your pancakes.”

Buffy’s face broke into a grin, and she used her fork to cut him a piece of her strawberry and banana pancakes. Leaning over the table and holding out the bite to him, while using her other hand to protect the table from any syrup dripping.

Clark leaned forward, wrapped his lips around the offered morsel and hummed as the sugary taste exploded on his tongue. He nodded, swallowing the bite before saying, “I should have gotten the pancakes.”

Buffy chuckled, cutting her own piece and taking a bite, her eyes rolling up at the homemade strawberry syrup. “I told you.” She said after swallowing. “This place has awesome pancakes for it being such a hole in the wall.”

Clark cut into his eggs benedict and took a bite. “Mmm,” He hummed, pointing at his plate as he chewed and swallowed. “But this is very good too.”

"What do you like better?" She asked.

"Hmm," he said thinking. "Well, it’s not a very fair comparison. One’s sweet and one’s savory."

"True," she acknowledged. "So, I guess the question should be, what do prefer sweet or salty?"

He licked his lips. "That's actually a tough question. My mom is an excellent cook on both fronts, but I think if I had to choose it would be sweet. I love pie and she does make the best."

She smiled softly, "She sounds pretty incredible."

He nodded, "My parents couldn't have kids so them finding me was what she calls a miracle." He smiled, "When I was a kid and my abilities first started showing, she was the one who helped me control it. She taught me how to focus and block everything else out."

"I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous about meeting her." She confessed shyly.

He frowned in confusion, "Why?"

Buffy shrugged, "Well, she raised you, didn’t she? Any woman capable of turning out a guy who so far has been one of the sweetest, most well-mannered men I’ve ever met, must have some superpowers of her own."

He chuckled a blush spreading across his cheeks. "I'm sure she'll be thrilled to know that."

Buffy grinned, shaking her head. "Anyway, back to our original topic. What's your favorite comedy?"

"Hmm," He thought for a moment. "Well right now, I think it’s a toss-up between Talladega Nights and Step Brothers." He said, taking another bite of his breakfast.

"Ah," she acknowledged. "A Ferrell fan. He is hilarious, but I myself would have to go with Sandler or Kevin Smith. I love Dogma and Fifty First Dates is probably my favorite romantic comedy."

He shook his head, "I've never seen Dogma. Isn't that the one that makes fun of religion?"

Buffy's mouth dropped open, "You've never seen it! Okay that's the first movie we are watching together,” Her cheeks suddenly pinkening as she cleared her throat and added. “And yes, it does make fun of religion but in a really unique way where it sends a good message too.” She shrugged, “I think I like it because of how well it rips the Bible apart as far as hypocrisy goes. I’m not very religious, but I mean I do believe there’s something. I don’t know if it’s all the Powers or God or what really, but there is definitely something beyond all this. However, the Bible is one of those things that gets used for evil, far more than it’s used for good. Plus, I’m living proof that some of the sins mentioned in the Bible are complete bullshit.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Because you went to heaven.”

She nodded, “Exactly. Let’s see,” she began to count off her sins on one hand. “Lying, I did a lot of that after I was called, also definitely did not honor my mother and father, I’ve taken the Lord’s name in vain on several occasions, I’ve stolen when I’ve had to, not for myself but for slaying.” She put her hand down. “Not to mention,” She whispered quietly. “I may have killed a few people who were after my sister back then, not intentionally of course but I’m pretty sure I killed at least one of them and I’m almost positive they were very human.” At Clark’s surprised frown she explained, “There were these, god I don’t even know a better way of describing it other than medieval knights charged with destroying the Key, and when we all tried to run, they attacked us.”

“But wouldn’t that be considered self-defense?” He asked with a frown and then added, “And maybe you were allowed to go to heaven because of what you are?”

Buffy snorted, “And how unfair is that. I get to go to heaven with the same kinda vague belief system as other people who live their lives with less red on their ledger than I have, but they don’t.” She shook her head. “It’s also kinda bullshit how no sin is greater than any other, or in Catholicism’s case it only applies to anyone in the church. I mean come on, I’ve heard of the Catholic church in particular, refusing to hold a funeral or allow burial over suicide, and yet they protect their pedophile priests like they are somehow above it all.” She sighed, a blush forming on her cheeks at her diatribe. “Sorry, I have many feelings about this particular subject.” She looked down, “I think that most religions have it wrong. It’s about our intents and choices, if we spend our lives at least trying to do good, no matter if we fall along the way or not, we have a place in heaven. If we however let the darkness that is always around us, whether we know it’s there or not, consume us, then we let ourselves be corrupted. If we begin to enjoy the pain and suffering, we as humans are quite capable of causing all on our own, I think that’s when we become hell bound.” She took a drink of her juice, meeting his eyes again, before adding. “I’m sorry if you’re religious and I offended you. I sometimes forget that not everyone thinks the same way I do.”

He smiled softly. She was really cute when she was passionate about something. He couldn’t really help playing devil’s advocate to watch that spark in her eyes as she got indignant over the topic of religion, but it had gone on long enough. He was trying to enjoy this moment, not offend her.

“I’m not,” He clarified. “I honestly don’t know what I believe. My dad and mom had me baptized as Presbyterian, but I think my dad might have stopped believing after they found me. My mom probably did too, but she would never admit it.”

Buffy frowned, “Then why–”

“Because I’m an alien Buffy,” He shook his head. “Neither of them knew where I was from or what I was. I looked human, but they both knew I wasn’t.” He shrugged, “I think they did it to teach me right from wrong the only way they really understood how. The same way their parents taught them.” He shook his head, “It wasn’t only that though, my dad used stories, his own life stories to drill into me how important it was that I always made the better choice, because for someone like me, losing my temper isn’t really an option if it’s going to hurt someone.” He sighed, “As for religion, I used to wonder why God would make me this way until my dad told me the truth. It’s very hard for me to worship a god that had no hand in my creation. In fact, I stopped going to church because I just felt like an imposter.”

Her eyes softened at his words and she reached her hand across the table and entwined their fingers. “You aren’t an imposter, Clark. I may not be religious, but I absolutely believe in destiny and the prophecy proves you were meant to be here. That somewhere in the ether the Powers or whoever, saw your soul and found it important enough to send a vision to some unsuspecting seer here on Earth.” She smiled, “No matter what happens, don’t ever feel you don’t belong here.”

“Yeah, for what purpose still remains to be seen.” He said, frowning slightly.

Buffy frowned, “I thought your dad said–”

Clark shook his head, “I’m not talking about why my parents sent me here, I’m talking about the prophecy.”

Understanding suddenly came into her eyes and she sighed, “I’ll try to work on Wes for you, okay? I know it’s frustrating but I don’t think he’s keeping it from us because he’s trying to be malicious or hoard information.” She nodded, “I do believe he’s genuinely trying to protect us, but I’m also not stupid enough to believe that’s the only reason.”

He looked at her surprised by her admission as he watched her take a bite of her pancakes. “What…what do you mean?”

Buffy swallowed and licked the syrup off her lips, using her napkin to dab up the excess. “Honestly, I think they’re trying to protect me from myself. Willow said it herself that day in the ship. There’re some things in it that would seriously wig me. Lorne said we’re soulmates, and I believe him, but it’s more than soulmates and I think you feel it too.” She raised her eyebrow at him. “If the prophecy say’s that we are destined in some way and they told me, there’s a very good chance we would not be sitting here right now because I would constantly be second guessing my feelings. At least that’s what they probably think.”

Clark studied her. She really was impressive, he found himself admiring her the more they got to know each other. “You already knew though, didn’t you?”

“I guessed it might be that in the ship, when Willow said what she said. Earlier that day when you were in my trailer and you left your poem.” Buffy smirked, “Clever by the way.” She said, looking at him appraisingly, before adding, “When you passed me, I felt something I’ve never felt before, it was like I was on fire. It was so powerful that even Hardy noticed my reaction and I was definitely not trying to draw attention to you.”

“Oh yes,” Clark acknowledged. “I remember over hearing that conversation.” He smirked at her, “What was it that you called me? Oh yeah, a well-built redneck with puppy eyes.” Watching her cheeks bloom with color was completely worth bringing it up.

“In my defense,” she said, embarrassment shining in her eyes. “I was trying to get him off your back.” Then she frowned in realization, “Seriously, you can hear that far?”

“I can hear anything on earth if I focus,” He admitted, her eyes widening in surprise. “When I was a kid and it first happened, it was like hearing everything at once. I thought I was going crazy.”

Her eyes softened. “That must have been horrible.”

“It was, and scary. I remember how scared I was.” He met her eyes as he thought about her admitting she already suspected that the prophecy said they were destined. “Can I ask you something?” At her nod, he continued, “Last night you said you usually fight things like this and even your friends thought you would freak-out. Why aren’t you fighting it?”

Her eyes dulled somewhat at the question and she pushed the few remaining bites she had around with her fork. “Honestly,” She paused, looking down at her food. “Honestly, I’m lonely.” She admitted. “I haven’t had this type of connection in years and it feels good.” She met his eyes then a blush staining her cheeks, “I thought about it and decided if the Powers are gonna give me something as beautiful as you after all the crap I’ve been through, then I was okay with that. Even this, just us talking and getting to know each other is more than I’ve had as far as romance goes in…I don’t even know how long. I had no idea how much I needed this kind of thing until I met you.”

Heat filled his cheeks at her words and their eyes remained locked on each other’s for what felt like a long time. Clark reached his hand across the table and placed it on hers.

"If it makes you feel any better, I've never felt like anything like this before." He sighed, "I had no idea something as simple as eating breakfast with a beautiful woman, who I don't have to hide from, could feel so good."

Buffy smiled softly, "We are a pair, aren't we?"

He chuckled, and nodded. "That we are."

Buffy’s cell phone rang the next second, her eyes glancing at the caller ID and widening in horror. "Shit," she hissed.

"What... what is it?" Clark asked in alarm.

"It's Dawn." She responded, staring at the phone.

He raised an eyebrow, "And that's a bad thing?"

"If Faith called her and mentioned you, yeah it could be bad." She answered, not taking her eyes off the phone.

"You don't think Faith would tell her what I am do you." Clark said, worry lacing his voice.

Buffy shook her head, "No, she's not that stupid. But I could see her hinting that you are something other as revenge for this morning." She sighed, "Which would just put my sister in a panic."

The phone luckily stopped ringing and Clark watched Buffy sigh in relief, only to have it melt away when her text message chime went off.

He watched her look at the message as the color drained from her face. "Shit!" She said again.

"What does it say?" He asked nervously.

"She said that if I don't pick up the phone, she's gonna show up here, and that I have five minutes." Buffy looked at him nervously and sighed. "Sometimes I really wish we didn't show her how to use her keyness, because unfortunately she's not bluffing."

She looked at him apologetically, "You're about to get the full of Dawn in rant mode, so prepare yourself."

Buffy dialed the number and squeezed her eyes shut as the other line connected and it was answered after the first ring.

“Hello, my beautiful and wonderful sister who doesn’t even bother to let me know she’s back in the amazing U.S. of A.” The sarcasm in the voice alone told Clark that Buffy was about to be chewed out.

“Dawn,” Buffy started, but was cut off immediately.

“So, my dearest sister, Buffy…you mind telling me why my husband is about to send one of his crew members out to fix the door and rent a fan to dry the bed in Faith’s and Gunn’s room?” An extremely sarcastic female voice said over the phone. “Or better yet, who’s this new recruit you’re getting so chummy with…hmm? Also, why the hell didn’t you tell me you were back in the states and not call!”

Buffy shifted uncomfortably in her chair, and Clark bit back his amusement, he had no siblings so this was somewhat fascinating for him. Buffy met his eyes and glared at the amusement dancing there. “Just you wait.” She mouthed, which made his nervousness skyrocket.

“Sorry Dawn,” She sighed. “I should have called, but I had just gotten out of quarantine and Wes was real big on me getting in touch with the new recruit.”

“Uh-uh, you don’t get to deflect like that, because Faith already told me. He felt more powerful than she has felt in long time, but she won’t tell me what he is.” There was a moment of pause before an exasperated tone came over the line. “So, what is he Buffy?”

“It’s not what you–” she started, but Dawn cut her off.

“If you tell me it’s not what I think I will show up there in the middle of Breakers Breakfast, I don’t care how busy it is, now spill!” Buffy’s little sister demanded.

Buffy looked at him and swallowed, “Seriously, this is not the time nor place to start talking about this.”

“He’s there, isn’t he?” Came her sister’s reply.

Buffy’s eyes widened, before quickly blurting, “Have you talked to Wes?”

Dawn paused, “Should I?”

‘Well, this was mostly his idea.” Buffy answered.

“So, Wes is okay with you boinking another demon?” Her sister’s indignant tone came over the line.

“First off,” Buffy growled, making Clark look around to see if anybody was listening. “I haven’t boinked anybody,” she said lowly. “Secondly, he’s not a demon, and third, when the hell did you turn into mom!”

“Maybe when I became a mother.” Dawn said exasperated. “Now give him the phone so I can give him the usual sisterly threats so he can know exactly what kinda hell he’ll reap if he hurts you.”

“Dawn,” Buffy warned.

“Do you actually think I won’t show up there.” Her sister countered.

Buffy’s eyes looked at him apologetically, and he saved her the humiliation of having to ask by holding out his hand. She sighed gratefully and handed him the phone.

“Hello,” Clark greeted.

“Now you listen here bub,” was the first thing she said. “I don’t really care what you are but if you do anything to hurt my sister, I will open a vein and send you to Quor’toth, do you understand?”

Clark cleared his throat. “I have no intention–”

“Of course you don’t,” She interrupted. “They never do. Now put me back on with my sister.” He blinked in surprised and shrugged, handing her back the phone.

“I think your threat was kinda lost on him, Dawn.” Buffy said in amusement, looking at a confused Clark. “I really don’t think he knows what Quor’toth is.”

“Well maybe you should tell him,” Came the snarky reply over the line. “Anyway, you better give me a phone call when you can talk in private, after the kids, me and Xand’s sex life isn’t exactly popping. So, I wanna know everything.”

A blush spread over Buffy’s cheeks, “There’s really nothing to tell Dawn.”

“Liar,” Dawn countered.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Fine, I’ll call you in a few hours.”

****<S>**<S>****

They had stopped by the school to grab the rest of Clark’s things before he went home. Buffy giving him an extra backpack she had lying around to store them in. Thankfully, both Gunn and Faith were out, so they didn’t have to deal with any unwanted confrontations.

“What time does your flight get in tomorrow?” Clark asked, adjusting the strap on the backpack.

“1000…I mean Ten in the morning.” She answered.

“Do you want me to pick you up?” He asked.

She smiled shyly, “Only if you want to, but there will be quite a lot to do before we can make it to Smallville.”

“Such as?” He asked, stepping closer and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Not really knowing how to stop himself from touching her since he knew he wouldn’t see her again until tomorrow.

“Well,” she said, stepping closer. “I’ve gotta open the safehouse and get you a keycard to get in.” She reached her hand up her fingers running along the seam of his outer shirt. “There will probably be some sort of contract as far as payment for helping us goes, that I’ll need to print out.”

“Payment?” He asked, confused.

Buffy nodded, “Of course, If you help us stop an apocalypse or go on a mission with a bunch of Slayers, you get paid. The amount however, depends on how serious a situation it is.” She looked at him softly, “You didn’t actually think we would ask you to do any of this without some sort of compensation, did you?”

He looked away and shrugged. “I honestly didn’t think about it.”

She smiled, “You really are the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”

When he met her eyes, she had moved even closer, but this time he wasn’t scared. His arms immediately wrapped around her and he lowered his head and brushed her lips softly, not taking it any farther than that. He leaned his head against hers and whispered. “I wish I didn’t have to go yet.”

“Me too.” She admitted, “But it’s okay, we’ll see each other tomorrow.” Then her eyes brightened and she pulled away. “I almost forgot, I got you this.” She reached in her back pocket and pulled out a cellphone. “Here.”

“That way, you can call me if you get bored.” She blushed.

He grinned taking the phone from her hand. “Thank you. I definitely will,” and then he sighed as he put the phone in the backpack. “I definitely need to go, my mom’s probably already worried since I didn’t come home last night.”

“Of course.” Buffy said, smiling sadly, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Clark leaned forward and they kissed one last time, before he stepped back and shot into the air, looking below at the girl who was slowly changing his world.

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