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booksandabeer · 2 months

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Celebrating 10 Years of CA:TWS — A Stucky Rec List

Rec list for the CA:TWS 10th Anniversary Event @catws-anniversary (thank you so much for organizing this event! 💙) | Prompt: Memories

10 years, huh? 10 years of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. 10 years of what many—myself included—still consider to be the best MCU movie ever made.

But also 10 years of post-TWS fanfiction. 10 years of Bucky Barnes Recovering and Steve Rogers' Sadness Errands; of Up All Night to Get Bucky and Revenge Road Trips; of Winter Soldier Trauma Umbrellas and Everybody Needing A Goddamn Hug; of Good Bros and Soft Epilogues. 10 years and tens of thousands of Steve/Bucky fics later, here we are.

So, to mark the occasion, let's take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the movie and the stories it inspired: One fic from each year since it all began:

There's really only one rule here: All fics are set before, during, or after the events of CA:TWS and/or reimagine its plot in interesting ways. Naturally, many of the fics on this list are post-TWS canon divergent, but I tried to go for a nice variety of length, genre, and popularity to keep it interesting. Speaking of popularity, this is very much not intended as a round-up of ‘most popular fics of each year’ because—and I say this with all the love and respect in my heart for those stories and their authors—nobody needs a rec list for that, and I believe in spreading the love. Here we go:

Poltergeists by enemyofrome | 17K, T

Author's summary: When the helicarriers blow up and the Winter Soldier goes on the run, he takes Steve with him. He's got a name written in Morse code on the inside of his arm, a ton of questions he doesn't know how to ask, and now, a new handler with absolutely zero sense of self-preservation to contend with. Life is hard. In which Bucky tries to figure out whether he's a human being, Steve does everything he can to keep from losing him again, and there are lots of explosions.

Starting off with one of the best versions of the 'Bucky didn't leave Steve, he took him with him after the Potomac' fics that were (and still are!) so popular post-TWS. This one stands out because of its fantastic beginning, its interesting take on how Bucky was broken and remade into the Winter Soldier, and because it allows both characters to be messy. It's a popular fanon trope that it's Steve who brings out a ruthless, almost vicious streak in Bucky, but here it's emphasized that this is very much a mutual thing. Just like Bucky, who's often afforded the "excuse" of still figuring out how to be a person again, Steve gets to be difficult here—without ever turning him into a stubborn asshole. They're both traumatized, and they're both allowed to show it and to lash out, including at each other. Also, this fic will give you capital-F Feelings about morse codes and apples. Believe me.

sleepwalk back to the battle site by ftmsteverogers | 22K, T

Author's summary: “I’m going to track down every HYDRA agent that’s left,” Bucky says, buckling his gun deftly to his belt. “And then I’m going to kill them.” “Oh,” Steve says. “Come with me?” Bucky asks, dangerous hands tucked into his pockets.

A classic post-TWS fic that picks up right after the movie ends. Equal parts Revenge Roadtrip, Bucky Barnes recovering, and Steve Rogers being in urgent need of a good hug. This starts out intensely melancholic—Steve's despair and helplessness are palpable and there's a scene involving a drinking glass that still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Halfway through, the story changes pace and becomes much more action-heavy, but it still manages to allow space for the quiet, intimate moments between Steve and Bucky. They have both become sharp and deadly men, but they're also allowed to be soft with each other. Their coming together feels sweet and inevitable. I also really enjoyed the Steve characterization here. His absolute conviction that Bucky is still Bucky at his very core and always will be, but also his emotional and intellectual flexibility to adapt to this still-new-to-him, changed version of Bucky rang very true to me.

Surveillance by Sproings, 7K in 2 parts, G

Author's summary: If there are ears everywhere, that means it's somebody's job to listen. I hate my job.

Do you ever think about how SHIELD bugged Steves DC apartment and how horrible that was, but also...you're kind of curious what they might have overheard? Do you ever wonder about the people who listened in on his sad, lonely life? Well, here you go. An outsider POV fic told "through the ears" of an unnamed SHIELD agent assigned to spy on the private life of a man who doesn't really have much of one. The story begins just before IM3 and takes us all the way through the events of CA:TWS and beyond. It's clever, original and told with great empathy for both the subject under surveillance and the person carrying out that surveillance—who increasingly questions its purpose. Here's a small snippet to give you an idea of the fic's style:

He got a phone call, once. He put it on speaker, too, which was very exciting for me at the time. It was from an archivist at the Smithsonian. They seemed really surprised that he answered his own phone calls. The two of them talked for a long time about an exhibit the museum was planning. A very long time. As if one of them was starstruck, and the other was desperate for any kind of human interaction.

What Gets You Through by velleities | 12K, M

Author's summary: For Steve, getting through each day is a process – one he’s currently failing at spectacularly. Feeling out of place in this brave new world, he hopes to find a home in Bucky, and looks for him with everything he’s got. But Bucky doesn’t want to be found, and when he does touch base with Steve, he never sticks around for long. Bucky has embraced the modern age, leaving Steve lagging behind – or so Steve believes, until Bucky shows him otherwise.

This post-TWS fic revolves around five encounters in liminal spaces, and each time Bucky has pieced himself back together again just a little more. Despite their increasingly longer and more honest conversations, and Bucky's incremental progress, he always disappears again, leaving Steve to grapple with his heartbreak. There are quietly gorgeous moments in this fic (the bus and the church in particular were my personal favorites) as well as wonderfully crafted characterizations. Bucky is initially portrayed as somewhat feral in some ways yet surprisingly well-adjusted in others, and I love that Steve can't help but be a little annoyed at that. However, it quickly becomes clear that, in good old Bucky Barnes fashion, much of it is really just a front put up for Steve's benefit...

A Real Boy by itsnotbleak | 5K, T

Author's summary: It took the Winter Soldier three weeks to remember that human beings needed to sleep and eat. It took Steve far too long to realise the Winter Soldier was sleeping in his bed.

A wonderful, short-but-doesn't-feel-like-it fic (in the very best way) set immediately after CA:TWS, in which Bucky secretly and then soon not so secretly visits Steve in his apartment. Follow along as Bucky Barnes argues with his brain about sandwich toppings, the importance of a good night's sleep, and the necessity of personal hygiene. Also: how to best go about becoming a real boy (again). And who the hell is that Bucky guy anway? This is as soft and sweet a Bucky recovery fic as you're ever going to find. It's funny but not silly; sad in a way that all of these stories inherently are—because, well, these are some tragic boys—but not super angsty or depressing. A beautiful story with a lovely, hopeful ending.

Savage God by PottersPink | 36K, M

Author's summary (abbr.): Past, present, future, Steve knows Bucky Barnes. It’s why he recognized him when he found him in that alley in April of 1942, even though Bucky was older, stronger, wearier; he called himself The Asset, and had a metal fucking arm. He flinched when Steve tried to touch him, and when Steve told him he loved him, his first response was to ask why. Seventy years later, Steve wakes up in the twenty-first century, and he doesn’t know whether to be heartbroken or hopeful when some of the things Bucky revealed to him in 1942 start falling into place.

An absolutely riveting AU that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I'm itching to talk about it more but I cannot since it would mean spoiling the hell out of it. What I can say is that it's a very intriguing and clever exploration of what would happen if Steve knew about the future but without really knowing any of the details. How would it change the events of CA:TFA and CA:TWS, and how would it change Steve himself? I so very much appreciate this characterization of Steve as smart, competent, and unwavering with a hefty dose of no fucks left to give. This fic features some really nifty time travel and plotting, great action sequences and a very satisfying ending where certain people get their much-deserved comeuppance. Plus: Bonus Shrinkyclinks (kind of)!

Charlie Lock by seapigeon | 105K, M (hard M)

Author's summary (abbr.): The Winter Soldier knows that sometimes, in order to make the kill, you must destroy what the Target lives for. Steve Rogers knows that he can't fight his captors. If he fights, they'll kill Bucky. But the price of his life is steep. Tony Stark has nothing left to live for, but he's needed. So all these miserable motherfuckers better stay alive, too. Clint Barton never expected to be a leader. But a leader he is, and no one else is going to die on his watch. --- A story in which the first wave of Project Insight succeeds, and the Avengers must pick up the pieces and find a way to stop Hydra from completing its work with Zola's algorithm.

This is not only the longest fic on this list, but also the angstiest one—by a mile, so please heed the tags. It's dark, disturbing, and brutal. However, it is neither relentless misery porn nor is it shocking for shock's sake, where everything is magically forgotten and/or healed the moment Steve and Bucky start kissing. Instead, the author puts these characters into an absolutely horrifying situation and then slowly, gently guides them out of it and into the light.

It's a Stucky fic but it's also a multi-POV ensemble piece featuring all the Avengers and other familiar faces. If you are someone who'll always be a little bitter about the unfulfilled promise of an Avengers found family, then this is for you. In this AU, they do not only fight together, but grow together in every way. They truly become a team, not just co-workers barely tolerating each other. The story takes its time exploring the characters and the group dynamics. Steve and Bucky are definitely at the center of the narrative but there is space here for every member of the team to grieve and adjust to the new reality and to find at least some measure of healing. It's a story about the meaning and the consequences of revenge, about hope and resilience, and about love in all its many forms. It also has one of the most satisfying title drops that will have you pump your fist in triumph when it happens. It's a tough read, but ultimately a very rewarding one.

SPELEVINK by Ginny_Potter | 10K, G

Author's summary: Bucky’s back. He’s leaving me messages through IKEA plushies, Steve texts Sam. jesus christ, rogers, Sam texts back. Or, Bucky lives in an IKEA Tiny Apartment, Steve is a dancing monkey once again, and somehow they find their way back to each other.

This is an absolute DELIGHT of a fic that will have you alternately laughing out loud and crying quietly into your SVARTFIBBLA blanket (super-soft, recycled polyester, 47x63"). It's ‘crack treated seriously’ at its very best and a clear homage to the fandom classic Infinite Coffee… (that’s not a dig or a spoiler, the author says so in the author’s note).

Now if you know me, you’ll know that angst o’clock is my happy hour and I’m usually not very into these heavy-on the-humor quasi-absurdist fics (because I’m super special and not like all the other girls, obviously). But. I LOVED this story so, so much. It’s such a fun read—even when it makes you cry—and it really became one of those ‘huh, I guess I’m into this after all’ moments of joyful (self)discovery via fanfic for me. I never thought a pair of oven mitts could move me like that, and I'll never be able to walk into an IKEA again without muttering "F******!" under my breath (iykyk). Absolutely fantastic.

a handful of dust by RecoveringTheSatellites | 20K, M

Author's summary: Steve looks for Bucky for a long time. But the thing is that Bucky doesn't get found, Bucky finds. Bucky always finds Steve. This takes a hard left after the Potomac and stumbles through the dark a lot after. Take a bit of running, the occasional synaptic misfire, the resurfacing of old memories, a dash or two of PTSD, and (eventually) a nice dose of action, stir, and serve over some unresolved issues.

Honestly, the second paragraph up there perfectly sums up the story. It's a good ol' fashioned Bucky recovery fic with some angst, some action, and a whole lot of healing and devotion. Steve and Bucky get to be very sappy about each other, but also extremely Badass Battle Boyfriends™ when somebody threatens their hard-won happiness. Both are allowed to be messy, unstable, and very co-dependent.

This was the first time this author played in the Stucky sandbox and I mean it 100% as a compliment when I say that you can tell. This is someone with "fresh legs" diving headfirst and very deep into the Stucky trope pool and they're doing it with great relish and enthusiam. The result is a story that rejects some of the tried and true conventions of the post-TWS fanfic canon and lovingly embraces others, but that is definitely aware of and in dialogue with the body of work that came before it. Also, it's just a really fun read that gives these two the very soft ending they deserve.

Everybody is Supposed to be Dead by pollutedstar | 22K, M

Author's summary: In 1944, Bucky Barnes falls off a train into the Alps, missing and presumed dead. Months later, Steve Rogers nosedives a plane into the arctic. In 2010, the Winter Soldier project is uncovered by S.H.I.E.L.D., and Bucky Barnes is found alive. Three years later, Steve Rogers’ frozen body is found in the ocean.

A really interesting AU and a fascinating exploration of what could’ve been; the impact it would’ve had on the events and characters if Bucky had been the one to be “found” first. How would it affect Steve to come back into a world where he isn’t quite so lonely and adrift, and where he does have the relief and reassurance of having Bucky by his side and at his back? How would that have changed the way he acted and reacted to this strange new world and the people and organizations trying to recruit him to their cause even though the ice hasn't even completely melted off his body yet?

There are a lot of astute and precise observations about characters like Tony, Natasha, and Clint in this story, and on top of that, it offers up some very compelling insights into Steve's conflicted and difficult relationship with his role as Captain America.

it's never over (hey orpheus) by romcommie | 12K WIP, 2/?, M

Author's summary: He remembers a song first and then everything else follows, burying him below. Or, Bucky Barnes pieces a life back together with a few choice verses, some duct tape and seventy years worth of spite. Steve Rogers tries very hard to relearn there's a life to be lived in the first place.

Ok, listen up, people! This is a WIP and there are only 2 chapters posted so far, but I haven't felt this absolutely bonkers excited about a post-CA:TWS fic in a long while. We're talking frothing at the mouth here. I have such a massive crush on this fic, it's a bit embarrassing, really. It's one of those fics where you know after just a few paragraphs that you're in very good, very competent hands. The wealth of historical and cultural detail; the way the story shifts/flips/flickers back and forth between time, perspective and narrative levels; the Bucky voice—it's all so well done! I'm so insanely excited to see where the author takes this!

ENJOY!

#catws10 #stucky #stucky fic rec #stucky fic #stucky rec list #steve x bucky #stucky fic recs #steve x bucky fic rec #stevebucky fic rec #stevebucky #my recs #*drops this and runs aways* this rec list nearly gave me an aneurysm. you're welcome!

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ornii · 6 months

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—They will be Loved—

So after finishing the Multiverse of Madness film, I had an idea of a story where the reader is the Widow of Black Widow (see what I did there?) and is also the spirit of Vengeance because Ghost Rider needs an R-Rated MCU Film, and shares his grief with an also grieving Wanda.

Strange Had requested help with a “little” issue as he called it, little being an absolute lie since it’s dealing with the god damn multiverse, but you relented and agreed. It’s been, lonely since Nat left and the avengers are gone, it’ll be nice to at least get out of the house.

You rode down the countryside, the hum of your chopper in your ears and the wind on your face, you went to the orchad of Mrs Maximoff. it was often you did the dirty work of others. This one, was personal though. Wanda did some things many would consider simply evil, but it’s not always so cut and dry with things like this. The white petal orchard trees lined the side of the road and nearing her home, a voice of pure evil calls from the back of your head like a speaker.

“I sense immense magic here..” the Spirit of Vengeance, my others self you could say, was speaking to you

“Yeah, I felt it too..” You replied, I saw from the corner of my eye a woman grafting the orchard. You slowly came to a halt and halted your bike and kicked up the stand. Stepping off, you approached her, the warm scent of apple and grass felt so, human. And you haven’t felt human in a long time.

You get behind her, and she obviously senses your presence.

“Apples, right?” You ask, trying to break the ice with your old friend. “Nat would have loved it..” you start.

“Eventually.” Wanda replies in Jest, she turns to face you and you can see that her beauty hasn’t changed at all. Those beautiful eyes hold so much grief behind them. You nod, “It’s almost to good to be true, you know?” You say, trying to hint at Wanda.

“It's all very real. Thanks. I put the magic behind me.” She said to you, she walks off to continue pruning limbs and you casually follow her, “Well, I knew sooner or later you'd... show up, wanting to discuss what happened at WestView. I made mistakes, and people were hurt.” She said, the pain in her eyes, her power was neatly unmatched, and that lead to catastrophic consequences.

“I'm not here to talk about WestView Wanda.” You say.

“Then what are you here for?”

“Strange, needs your help.” You start.

“With what?” She inquired, you rubbed your chin trying to think of a way to explain. “You, ever come across the concept of, the Multiverse?” You said, Wanda didn’t look as confused as you thought she would.

“The Multiverse. Vis had his theories. He believed it was real. And, dangerous.” She drops the limbs into a crate and then gives her full attention to you.

“Well, he was right about that. From what he told me, he found a girl who can somehow travel across it but she's being pursued.” You say.

“Pursued by who?”

“Some kind of demon. From what strange told me, I’d go with Underworld Deity, a Trickster wouldn’t try to take her by force but trick her into giving her soul or powers away. Strange is ready to defend her, and we could use another Avenger.” You offer, trying to get a smile out of Wanda, she gives you a sad one.

“There are other Avengers, (Y/n).”

“Yeah but, it’s not really the same, besides between Clint, A Teenager webslinger, and …Whatever I am. We’re the best line of defense for her.” You explain, and Wanda poses a question.

“What if you brought America here?” She asks.

“Here?” You reply? And the spirit in your head also picks it up.

“She knows the name of America Chavez…”

“Yeah, she’s been stalking her..” you think, and Wanda goes on.

“Yeah. I know what it's like. To be on your own, hunted for abilities you never wanted. I can protect her.” She explains, you continue to look at Wanda, not saying anything as she realizes her slip up.

“..You never told me her name, did you?” She asks, now realizing she’s been had.

“No. No, I didn't.” You reply, Wanda sighs, and looks around. “You know, the Hex was the easy part. The lying, not so much.”

Wanda calmly moves her hand, which dispels the illusion and reveals the truly hellish world she’s been on, it’s blood red, mixed with such evil darkenss, no life, no trees, no happy little farm. And what stood there for you, was a Book. The, Book.

“The Darkhold.” You felt its eternal power reach out to you, ready to swallow you whole. You fight its call of power and hear Wanda.

“You've heard of the Darkhold?” She asks you, turning your eyes to her, you see her dawned not in regular civilian clothes, but that of the Scarlet Witch.

“it's the Book of the Damned. And that it corrupts everything and everyone that it touches. The Way Chthon intended it, it shows you falsehoods and a sense of power you will never control.”

“The Darkhold only showed me the truth. Everything I lost... can be mine again.” She said, somehow believing her own lies, you shook your head in disbelief, that Wanda would go so, far.

“What do you want with America? And What do you want with the Multiverse?” You demand, and she gives up her plan.

“I'm going to leave this reality, and go to one where I can be with my children.” She said, but you calmly countered.

“Wanda, your children aren't real. They were made from magic.”

“That's what every mother does. If you knew... there was a universe, where you were happy, happy with Natasha, with a family, wouldn't you wanna go there?” She asks you, and admittedly, she’s right. A simple life on the countryside, away from the Spy games and Occult evil, a world where you’re happy. Your anger slowly transformed into melancholic empathy, you frowned softly to Wanda.

“You know… Nat couldn’t have kids, so we considered adopting. It was the last thing we talked about. She really would have loved any child we had. I know it can’t compare to you and Viz though. It’s not enough that, In Many other universes, they’ll be loved?” You ask, Wanda’s walls come down for a moment and you saw the real Her. A grieving mother and widow. A tear comes down her eye, and she couldn’t reply.

“You’re right, I would love a world where I can be happy with Nat, love her, hold her… but in order to do that I’d have to kill a version of myself that’s happy. I can’t do that, I can’t kill a version of myself for my own happiness. If I did that, would I even deserve to be happy? Would you kill a version of yourself that’s happy because you’re not?” You reply. Just for a moment you saw Wanda’s eyes have a hint of remorse in them. “Wanda, what you plan do to will cause irreparable damage to our universe and the one you intended to murder and implant yourself inside, if you try to child's power, she won't survive.” You warn her, but it seems she unfortunately stuck in a fusion of corruption and grief.

“I don't relish hurting anyone, (Y/n). But she's not a child. She's a supernatural being. Such raw power could wreak havoc on this, and other worlds. Her sacrifice would be for the greater good.” She said, still trying to justify this absolutely diabolical behavior.

“You’re starting to sound just like Him, the same man who killed Vision and half of the universe.” You shake you Head, turning away from her to walk away.

“Strange killed half of the universe When he gave Thanos the Time Stone.” She retorts back to you. You halt in your steps and slowly turn back to her.

“He breaks the rules and becomes a hero. I do it and I become the enemy. That doesn't seem fair.” She replies, You Storm over, frustration coming to a boil, she could see it, the red burning flame in your eyes, the Ghost Rider.

“That was different, Strange gave Thanos the stone because it’s the only way in Fourteen Million outcomes that we beat Thanos. You want it to bring back children that don’t exist for you, Strange was Selfless, you’re just Selfish.” The venom in your words, they haunt Wanda, the growing disconnect between her and reality was apparent.. she shook off your threat.

“Return to Kamar-Taj, and prepare to hand over America Chavez by sundown. Peacefully. After that... You'll never see me again.” She bargains.

“And if I refuse?” You ask, and her sinister aura changes.

“Then it won’t be Wanda who comes for her, it will be the Scarlet Witch.” With those haunting words, she turns to walk away, you felt a blend of anger, sadness, grief all your own.

“Wanda..” you say, she stood still but didn’t turn to face you.

“I… I Miss the people that we used to be..” you say. Wanda gives a shaky sigh, you can hear her trying not to break down into tears.

“.. So do I Pral..” she mutters before leaving, as much as it tore you apart, as much as you hated it. This, could only end one way.

#male reader #wanda maximoff x male reader #wanda x reader #wanda x you #wanda marvel #wanda maximoff #wanda fanfic #wandavision #wanda x y/n #ghost rider #marvel #wanda x male reader #angst #wanda angst #Ornii

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disfordevineaux · 1 year

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What's kind of phone I think each Carmen Sandiego character has:

Carmen: That limited edition red iPhone that came out a few years ago. Because it is red, along with a red case with a red pop socket on the back that keeps.falling.off. It's also mysteriously in perfect condition?

Player: A Google Pixel because he doesn't want to conform to the status quo of phone brands and claims he made it 'hack proof'. He sticks by it and claims it's better than any iPhone or Samsung on the market, but it's really not. And he knows that, we all know that. And no phone case because he literally can't find one for it because no one has a Google Pixel. So why make phone cases for a phone no one has?

Shadowsan: They got him an iPhone 12 Pro, big enough for him to use and see the screen because he has to view it from a distance as, and I quote 'The phone lights make his eyes blurry.' It also had one of those wallet cases mums have on their phones. He left it behind when he went on his sabbatical and got a Nokia brick and an international sim plan just for calls.

Zack: The most disgusting, feral, warped, sticky, crusty and shattered iPhone 6 in white you have ever witnessed in history yet it works completely fine despite the glass you find lodged in your finger when you use it and the centre button that is just an empty hole to the motherboard. REFUSES to get a new one because he doesn't want to lose the headphone jack and claims that apple removing it in the first place was cash grab and he will have no part in it. And honestly dam right zack I am with you there my man stay strong King xx

Ivy: She has a custom made franken-phone that is made up of various parts from all brands across the board. Alot of the parts donated from Devineaux's pile of fallen soldiers that met their doom between the 18-24 months he was actively chasing Carmen/VILE before VILE fell. Literally a beast and has a military grade case that she also crafted which she had tested. It is literally military grade, she has a certificate and everything.

Julia: Currently, a Lavender Samsung Ultra 23 256gb storage. She got it mostly for the cool pen it comes with, and because it's lavender. She updates her phone model every 2 years and sells the latter for almost the same price she bought it for because she keeps it in pristine condition. She's only ever cracked a phone once and it shook Julia to her core. It looked horrific in her opinion, the hair line crack so bad it made her gag when she brushed her finger over it. So now she always has a nice, strong silicone pastel purple case and screen protector over her phone which she cleans regularly.

Chase: He went through 6-7 phones during the 18-24 months while chasing Carmen/VILE before VILE fell. Before then and now after, he had whatever the latest phone was the year he got it regardless of the brand, about every 2-4 years or until it kicked the bucket. During that 18-24 months, he'd walk into a phone store, ask for the latest thing, and be on his way. Most of them died in his care before he even had the chance to take the back plastic off. Now, he's in far fewer situations that indanger his life or phone. Or if he is, takes the moment to hand his phone and wallet to whoever is nearby for safe keeping because he really likes the new one Julia picked out for him (which is just the same model as hers but black). Julia also being the one who made him get a case. He had no idea that phones came with their own clothing options.

Chief: Only uses holograms. But has a landline??????????????

Zari: She once owned a black Samsung A20 with a yellowing clear case back in 2015 before she was declared missing at sea? That's all the information I can get on it my sources tried their best sorry.

Brunt: Doesn't need it because she can project her voice across vast distances. Get her a rolled TV guide and she can blast your message from one side of America to the other 🇺🇸 yeehaw and also because she's scared those 5g mega hd3g Max phone microwave rays will melt her brain if she gets one of those flat things and slaps it to her face like an genz zombie.

Bellum: Has 17 Ipads all with different cases on them.

Cleo: She has other people do that phone thing for her so she isn't sure what kind of phone she has and I don't know either.

Maelstrom: A telepathic link chip he had installed into his brain to connect to cell towers. It doesn't really work... Or do anything... But it's in there so.... Yeah?

Dash: A Samsung flip BECAUSE ITS JUST AS PRETENTIOUS AS HE IS and so he can snap it shut to prove a point. He's been through like 10 of them because he snaps them closed too slay-ily damaging it. No case because I have no idea how you'd even get a case for it?? Like it folds? I don't know.

Paper Star: Lives off grid.

Sheena: A white iPhone 11 with a gold trim case that has a huge crack down the front. The back glass is completely shattered, but it doesn't stop her from endlessly scrolling through those insta reels about reviewing different tanning lotion brands.

Crackle: An oily iPhone with the most humongous case you've ever seen. You could drop it and it would bounce around like a ping pong ball. The grease that covers the lens gives his selfies an air brushed vibe to them that he just loves.

Mimebomb: An invisible 1970s orange rotary phone.

Neal: That mystic purple conch shell with the pull string from that one spongebob episode that answered questions or something. You know what I'm talking about don't make me pull up a picture.

Topo and Chev: They share one phone so covered in stickers you can't even tell what kind it is but its probably an iPhone. It's filled with couples selfies and can only work when permanently charging so it's always connected to a power bank that is also covered in stickers. Ugh.

#tag yourself Im the invisible 1970s orange rotary phone #i was bored and inspired by my new phone #Carmen Sandiego #disfordevineaux #chase devineaux #julia argent #cs 2019 #carmen sandiego netflix #carmen sandiego 2019 #cs ivy #cs zack

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cevansbaby-dove · 1 year

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Friends with Scott Evans 3

You wake up and see a text from Chris.

Chris-Morning...what did i do last night?

Y/N-Good morning chris, you didn't do anything, i drove you home oh you kissed my cheek and then i left. you were drunk

Chris-SHIT I WAS!? OH FUCK..wait...I uh..kissed your um cheek?

Y/N-Yup it's ok

Chris-good um..wow uh..see you on set then. drive safe.

Y/N-i'll try, LA traffic is the fucking worst. 🫤

Chris-yea i get that haha. see you.

You turn your phone off and get ready for work.

This is the outfit you pick.

You grab your coffee and walk to your car and drive off.

You walk on set half an hour and chris is there in his captain america suit. he looks at you and waves. You smile and walk over to him. 'hey what id i miss?"

You hand him a coffee and he takes it saying. 'Oh we just did a scene so i am looking over it.

You look at the screen and Chris is throwing his shield and you say in your mind. 'damn sexy throw' you look at Chris and he says to the director. 'great shot man." Chris says. "okay um what part are you in?"

You say as you bring your coffee to your lips. "fill in, They said they don't think i'll work on set much longer."

Chris looks at you as you two walk around on set. "What!? oh my god that's awful i'll talk to someone." he starts to walk away and you say. "Chris no it's not worth it."

He looks at you. 'yes it is y/n your a great actress i think so at least, you should ask to be in a movie with me, we are a great team." You look at him. "Wow never thought you'd say that"

He smiles at you. 'I am just a nice guy." You smile and chris says. "oh that reminds me, Scott was having a pool party tomorrow, care to join me?" You look at him. "As a date?" He says. "Not if you don't want to think of it that way."

You say. 'Um..I'll go but not as a date." He nods. 'Works for me"

You go over some things for the fight scenes and Scott walks in with some muffins. "hey bestie!" You look at him. 'Hey scottyy boy!" you hug him and he says. 'i brought food, again." You smile. 'That's okay, chris is in the middle of a fight."

You look over at him and he is throwing punches. They call "Cut!" and Chris starts dancing. "oh yea i did good"

You laugh. "Evans, your brother brought fooooodd" Chris smiles. 'Oh hey" he walks over and someone says. 'Chris we need you back on set in five"

He nods. "got it' he walks over to you and scott and Takes a muffin and sits down. "Whoa i'll tell ya, those fighting part are intense"

You smile. 'i bet." Taking a bite of the cinnamon apple muffin you say. 'Oh scott, chris told me about the pool party this weekend. do i need to bring anything?"

Scott says. 'no no darling just yourself and a swimsuit" You smile. 'i have lots of those from my trip to Bali last month"

"You went to Bali!? why?" Chris asks you as he finishes his muffin. You say. "None of you business Cap!"

He smiles and walks over to the trash can and says. "Alright got to go back to work see you guys later." he walks out of the tent and You sigh. Scott says. "What's up?" You say. 'He looks...good without the beard i like it"

Scott says. "Aww your crushing on my brother i knew it!" You blush. "no i am not i just said he looked good clean shaven."

Someone says. "hey chris here is the shirt you need." He takes it and puts it on. You walk out and see him he looks at you and waves as he buttons up the blue just right fitting shirt.

You bite your lip. 'shit y/n don't think that!'

You get on with working on set until it's time to head home. You are at your car and you hear chris say behind you. "Y/N wait up" You turn and see him walking towards you. He smiles. "Want to grab a coffee with me?"

You smile. "at seven pm!? Really Evans?" He puts his hand in his pocket and says. "just one coffee..." You nod. 'Alright i'll go just for one though." he nods and says. "of course"

You get into chris's car and he gets in and says as he drives away from the set. "I know the best place for coffee, you'll love it" you smile and look at him. "or else?"

Chris smiles. "never or else Sweets." You say. "Did you just call me...sweets?"

He nods. "hope that is ok" He turns onto a highway and you smile looking at your lap. "yea it's okay"

You and Chris get to the cafe and he gets out and opens your door and holds his hand out. You take his hand and say. "thank you" You guys walks into the cafe and Chris finds a table and pulls out the chair for you. You sit down. "Thanks chris"

You get a text from Scott.

Scottyboy-um girl where r u? I thought we were doing movie night at my place? 🤨

You say out loud. "Shit" Chris sits and says. 'You alright?" You look at him. "yeah i forgot about movie night with your brother...I kind of fell bad now.." Chris says. "Maybe i can join if you want." You say. "i wanted to hang out with you..." he says. 'Alone? i wanted to as well.."

You text scott.

Y/N-Heyy scottybooyy! I am out with Chris right now, but we will be there in fifteen minutes 😁

Scottyboy-WAIT your with my brother!?!?? OMFG stay and have fun forget the movie!!

You laugh and chris says. "uh oh what did he say?" You show Chris what his brother said. Chris smiles as he read it then says. "wow i was being nice, he thinks he set us up!?"

You say setting your phone down. "what no chris i'm ok being here with you." he nods. You two order your drinks and talk about so much, from family, to pets to even jobs you both have wanted before becoming actors.

At the end of the so called date you walk to chris's car and he says. "So, Scott's place?' you look at him and nod while smiling. 'Sure"

You guys get to his house and Steve answers the door and he says. 'Darling Chris and Y/N are here" he says. "come on in." you step in and scott says with two glasses of wine. "Omg bestie!" You hug him and he says. "How was the date?"

You say. 'it wasn't a date Scotty.." Chris says. 'just two coworkers out for coffee." Scott says. "uh uh so two more glasses?" You say. 'um..chris might want one but i'm Driving back home so no thanks."

Scott says. "oh right just one glass if need be you can stay in my guest room." Chris says. "i'll take a beer just one"

Scott walks into the living room and says. "Steveie can you grab a beer please?" He nods. You sit down on the couch and Chris stands there and Scott says. "Chris you can sit by Y/N" He smiles at you. You roll your eyes and laugh.

Chris sits by you and says. "Hi" you smile. "Hey"

Steve walks back in and they put on A movie and Chris looks at you every once in a while and smiles.

Thanks for reading! Part 4 soon.

taglist:@cutedisneygrl @patzammit @katherineswritingsblog @armystay89

#chris evans #chrisevansandreader #Scottevansandbestfriendreader #chris evans x female reader

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illegally-blind-and-deaf · 6 months

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Young Tintin Headcanons Because I Can and I'm a Sentimental Person

Also, Tintin's mother is blind. That's my own headcanon

Tintin learnt Braille through his mother reading him Braille books while he sat on her lap. She also taught him to write formally using Braille and it's because of her that he became such a good journalist.

He loved to make paper planes and kites out of everything: newspapers, discarded letters, anything he could get his hands on. He loved to study the way birds' wings curve to catch the air and spent hours reading about how planes fly.

Every day, after school, Tintin and his mother would go to the market, buy some fruit (strawberries, oranges, apples, whatever was available) and would eat them in the park. Even when it was raining, they would eat then splash in the puddles.

Tintin's mother was kind off eccentric, but in the appreciate-the-little-things eccentric. When it stormed, she would open the windows until rain began to puddle on the floor. She would also lie in the floor a lot, either on the grass or on the carpet becay se she liked the feel of the ground below her. Tintin learnt to do the same, noticing the minutia of life that was truly special that so often gets overlooked. He loves the clouds especially.

Tintin used to ask a lot of questions (and then follow up with "why?" 5 times.) His mother never grew bored of it and always answered to the best of her ability. When she didn't know something, they would go to the library and Tintin would read aloud to her what he found.

One of Tintin's friends went to America and bought back "The Wizard of Oz" soundtrack on a record for him. His favourite song was "Over the Rainbow", but it wasn't until after the war that generalised just how sad the song was.

Tintin's hair started off a really warm, golden blond that had a couple of copper streaks when the light hit it. As he got older, his hair got darker until it grew into a solid ginger hue.

Museums. Enough said. Entire days spent wandering around, exploring the artifacts and paintings. Art museums, Natura history, modern history, science, anything. If it was a museum, Tintin had been at least once.

Tintin grew to really appreciate music. He had piano lessons, but stopped due to money and a certain war and never picked it back up again, but he loved listening to music on the radio or gramaphone, either dancing or lying on the floor staring at the ceiling. He especially loved Debussy and other impressionist musicians.

One of the reasons Tintin is such a phenomenal writer is because he became accustomed to describing the world around him and the little things happening to his mother. Describing without relying of visual explanations was difficult, but he managed to convey that sunshine was like fresh bread.

He read many classics, such as Tolkien, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Beatrix Potter, A A Milne, Mary Poppins, A Little Prince, etc. He was a very well-educated boy, despite hating school because everyone there were bullies and also he got bored very quickly writing simple sentences over and over again.

His baby teeth were crooked: his front two teeth were larger that the rest and overlapped with the other teeth. His adult teeth do the same, but much more subtly. You only notice if you stare hard enough.

Freckles. So many. That is all. Freckles.

He loved to dance. Just waving his arms about, twirling around in the living room, moving his body in any way he could to music or even just because.

He was in the Belgian resistance (Dutch-Paris network, 20th convoy and le faux soir) but if I say any more this will become too long and you will all hate me

Remember how Haddock asked Tintin if he could fly the plane and Tintin replied with "I interviewed a pilot once?" It was more of an interrogation between a British RAF pilot who had been shot down and a determined 11 year old Belgian boy in a dark basement somewhere on Rue Franklin as the pilot waited for his escape to Switzerland. Tintin had a book on planes and pestered the pilot to teach him how to fly planes until they had regular meetups in a broken garble of French and English.

#thanks #thats all #tintin #les adventures de tintin #the adventures of tintin #headcanons #tintinheadcanons

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doodling-doodle · 6 months

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Fluffcember 2023!

Day 4: Road Trip

PriceGraves

"What do you have planned?" Phil asked when John asked for him to cover his eyes as he led him outside.

"Okay. Now you open your eyes." John said, standing in front of him as he did.

His jaw dropped.

It was a brand-new RV. And a pretty big one at that.

"Oh. My. God." He said, "John, you did not."

"You said you wished you could travel more." John said, walking up to their new car. So I figured I'd find one and help with that since we're off for a while anyway."

"John!" He said excitedly, chuckling as he went inside of it. It was surprisingly spacious. Larger than the one his family had as a child. A fridge, a mini cook stove, a fold-out couch, space for a TV, a fake fireplace…

"Figured we could head out tomorrow." John said, "In the morning after breakfast. We pack up today, and we get all our food ready to go. And we'll head out."

Phil nodded, still looking around and going up to hug John.

He couldn't wait.

He had spent the whole day packing up, and now, they were about to get on the road. He was so excited, and so was John.

"I have a few places we can go planned out." John said as he got in the driver's seat, "The first one is in Mississippi."

Phil nodded, smiling brightly as they drove through Texas…

"How long do we plan to do this?" He asked

"At least a month." John replied, "Depends on what you want to do."

"I'm happy to drive around America for a month."

It took a long time to get to the place in Mississippi, but it was worth it.

"Where are we?" Phil asked.

"You once mentioned wanting to find an apple orchard, so I did." John replied, smiling as he found a place to park.

Phil lit up, so excited and hugging John.

"You are amazing!!" Phil said, and John chuckled.

"Just wanted you to have a good Season. But we will be back to have Christmas with the kids."

"That sounds perfect, John…"

They took a minute to get bundled up, and they went out to see what to do.

An older woman was there, smiling as she handed them a basket and told them to load up.

Phil happily went around, pulling a few branches down to get the best ones.

"You look like you're an expert." John said, chuckling

"Yeah… raided a few orchards as a kid when we were struggling. Quickly found out what was good and what wasn't."

John nodded softly, kissing Phil's head. He knew his history, and it was heartbreaking, but, Phil was never ashamed of it.

But now wasn't the time.

"Can you pile it any higher?" John asked.

"Probably not, honestly." Phil said, looking at the basket, then at John, "Let's go and get these."

John agreed, chuckling as Phil happily went back to the entrance.

They got to talking with the woman who ran the place, and she told them about a few places around the area that they might want to visit.

"There's also a really good cafe around half a mile from here." She said, "You might want to check it out before you go."

"We'll keep that in mind." John said, smiling, "Thank you."

"No problem. You boys enjoy the rest of your day."

They went back off to the RV, and drove until they found a place to hook up their utilities, and they cooked some dinner for themselves while talking about what to do next. They were going to try the cafe, but after that, they were probably going to change states again.

Either way, they were excited.

They did end up going to the cafe, and John picked up a pamphlet of things going on in the area while they ate.

"There's a resting stop a few miles from here." John said, "firepits and all."

Phil nodded, "we can go there tonight. Sounds really nice."

John smiled, "Good. Let's drive around some more, get lunch, and then find the place."

And that's what they did. They just enjoyed their little day of driving before going to where they could park, got firewood, and sat together at a firepit.

They held each other tight, and John just saw the pure joy on Phil's face.

"Thank you for this, bear…" Phil whispered as he leaned on John more.

"Oh, love… It's no problem. I'm just glad you're happy."

And they sat there in pure joy while it snowed around them.

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endlesstwanted · 6 months

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Picking Love

My entry for @fleurdelouvemonth day 22 prompt — Apple picking, inspired by this Stony drabble 🍎🥧

Fandom: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TV), Captain America (Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Sarah Wilson, minor Steve/Tony

Tags: Modern: No Powers, Meet-Cute, Apples, Flirting

Summary: Tony takes Bucky to the farmers’ market as an excuse to meet with his new fling, but Bucky makes the best out of it with the idea to bake something for his sister’s birthday.

Wordcount: 2k

Also created for: @buckybarnesevents’ Build-a-Bucky-Bingo — Farmer’s market / @slumberpartybingo — Would you rather ... Cook dinner OR eat out / @multifandom-flash’s taboo bingo — Please Put Some Clothes On / @tonystarkbingo — Asking For Trouble / @buckybarnesbingo — Terrible choices / @lyricalescape — “Light the signal fire, proceed without hesitation.”

Excerpt:

“Okay, I gotta say I was definitely not expecting that,” the woman said.

“Why is that?” Bucky frowned, but he side-smiled too. “Is it my long hair or my cool tattoos, the one telling you I’ve never baked a thing in my life?” he joked.

“None of those, actually.” She laughed, and Bucky’s chest filled up with joy in knowing it was because of him. “Only said that because I rarely see people baking anything with fruit lately. Apple pies specially, they’re often bought from bakeries. I’m surprised, but in a good way.”

Continue reading on Ao3!

#fleuredelouvemonth #BaBB2023 #slumberpartybingo #multifandom-flash #TSBmvii #buckybarnesbingo2023 #sarah wilson #bucky barnes #marvel fanfic

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hlizr50 · 2 years

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Another drabble for my 600 follower celebration!

This lovely prompt came from @ofduskanddreams

She had conveniently just finished From Lukov with Love when I asked what she'd like to see in a drabble. So enjoy this little figure skating AU!!!

Prompt: Figure Skating AU (From Lukov with Love vibes)

Fandom: ACOTAR

Ship: Gwynriel

Word Count: 778 (a little long, but I couldn't help it!!)

“Come on, Berdara.” Azriel was growing increasingly frustrated. “We have to start practicing lifts if we have any hope of being competitive this season. I’m not like that scrawny twerp. I won’t drop you.” The glare that landed on him was downright glacial. He could understand her hesitation where lifts were concerned. Everyone in the figure skating world knew about what had happened two years ago, on the national stage and televised for all to see. A fall from an overhead lift, headfirst into the ice. Bad didn’t even begin to cover it - she’d had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher, unconscious, and the ice had been resurfaced after the blood had been dealt with.

She and her partner had split soon after, which had also rocked the sport. They’d been the most successful American pair in the last thirty years. Fans and fellow skaters were thrilled that they would be able to contend for top honors at worlds - and even the Olympics - finally giving the Russians a run for their money.

But Gwyn had never stopped practicing, stubborn as she was, and he’d jumped at the opportunity to partner with her. Of course, it had been under the guise of giving her one last shot. That at the side of America’s new golden boy, the world would see that she wasn’t just another has-been whose career had been cut short by injury.

That had never been the point. The point was that Azriel wanted to skate with her because she was the best. And she was incredible, and determined, and sassy, and beautiful…

“I know you’re stronger than Blake was,” she muttered as she lowered her eyes and wrapped her arms around her middle. This wasn’t the Gwyneth Berdara he knew, and his stomach twisted with unease even as he began to argue.

“Then what’s your problem?” he spat.

“You wouldn’t understand,” she hissed, turning to stalk away from him.

“If you won’t let me lift you then I don’t see how you think we’re going to–”

“He dropped me, Azriel!” she shrieked, turning back to him. Her eyes glimmered with wetness and he sighed to himself, running his fingers through his unruly hair.

“I get it, Gwyn, but I won’t–”

“No you don’t. He didn’t just miss his grip. His toe pick didn’t catch on the ice.”

Azriel’s dark brows furrowed. “What are you saying, Gwyn?” The copper-haired beauty stood before him, a single tear making its way over the freckled apples of her cheeks.

“Blake came on to me before Nationals. He wanted to be a couple, and tried to gaslight me into believing that I’d been flirting with him and hitting on him. I told him I only wanted to be skating partners.” Those beautiful eyes, the color of a sunlit sea, fell to the floor as she tightened her grip on herself. “He was angry. And he lifted me into the air, and then let me go. He let me fall.”

Azriel tensed, lips pressed into a thin line. Disbelief had frozen him to the floor. “I… you can’t possibly mean…” He couldn’t finish the thought. It was too much.

“I tried to plead my case to the police - that he’d done it on purpose. It was all too easy for Blake to claim that his arm had just given out and he hadn’t reacted quickly enough. But… I saw his eyes, when I was falling, and the only thing there was cruelty.”

The air whooshed out of him, and he barely realized his feet were moving before he was in front of her, gripping her face between his calloused palms. Rage simmered in his blood, and he was afraid he looked crazed as he searched her expression. No untruths. No malice. Just resignation.

Blake had dropped her. Intentionally. And Azriel swore right there that Blake might just also end up with a head injury.

“I’m not him, Gwyn,” he whispered fiercely, pressing his lips to her brow before he could even think. “Fuck.” Azriel pulled her into his arms, squeezing her as if she might disappear. And she could have. She could have been dead, and it would have been at the hands of her partner. Someone she should have been able to trust with something so infinitely precious as her life.

“We’ll take it slow,” he murmured into her hair, combing errant fingers through the strands as he felt her arms wrap around him. “We’ll go at your speed. But you can trust me, baby. I will never, ever let you fall. Okay?”

Gwyn nodded against his chest, but he didn’t let go. He wouldn’t ever.

He couldn’t.

Tag List: @tealnymph-writes @trashforazriel @ofduskanddreams @headcanonheadcase @vikingmagic33 @damedechance @mercarimari @mystical-blaise @daevastanner @secretlovelybeauty @meher-sumedha @imsointobooks @flora-shadowshine @positivewitch @imwritingthesewords @camreadsum @shisingh @gwynrielsupremacist @sagureads @deedz-thrillerkilller16 @sv0430 @writing-spaces @onemorenightdreamer @feyretale @almosttenaciousmoon @the-introverted-bibliophile @live-the-fangirl-life @silverflameataraxia @chosenfamily-valkyriequeens @rarephloxes @kimstclair @romancebooksandshit @booknerd87 @velidewrites

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terrence-silver · 11 months

Note

How do you think Terry celebrates 4th of July? Privately with Beloved or does he throw a huge party?

---

I tend to see Terry Silver as someone who is incredibly patriotic.

His share of personal gripes, baggages, traumas and feelings of jadedness after the Vietnam war aside which we can only speculate on (and I'm sure he has plenty of those too, but that is another subject altogether) he comes off as someone who could be nationalistic to the point of underlining bigotry and downright exceptionalism, once one knows him. Really knows him. Ugly, but true. John 'It is a free country' Kreese affirmably is, for example. And I don't think the snake-apple fell far from the snake-tree in John's and Terry's case. They're likeminded individuals, ultimately. So, of course the 4th of July gets celebrated. Do you even have to ask?

Man's just about as big, glitzy and bombastic as the holiday itself.

Especially in the 70's and 80's, where the political landscape was entirely different.

Nixon and Reagan were in office, after all.

He's undoubtedly at some thematic fundraiser, holding an inspirational speech on how important introducing American youth to the wonders of martial arts is all while generously (oh, so generously) donating training gear and equipment to the underprivileged and beaming when he receives a thunderous applause as the fireworks go off above head. America's the world, after all. Or perhaps, he's at a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony opening some facility, tactically choosing the 4th of July as the meaningful date to do it, purely to associate himself and all his endeavors with an inherently homegrown holiday, making himself and everything attached to himself as American as can be. Symbols are important. He gets that. He knows how to play public perceptions perfectly. Sure, maybe he hosts a color coded private party for his rich associates where the dress code is either red, either white or blue. Pick one. Tuxes obligatory. He's extravagant about it, he's exuberant about it, he's excessive and he's pretty proud about it too. Yes.

Things change drastically as the new millennia rolls around. In the 2010's

The 20's.

I speak frequently how Terry Silver changes as social norms change.

That he changes depending of what is the new acceptable 'it thing' and as times and generations move along, he moves along with them, like a chameleon, shedding skin, changing faces. Literally the thing he is best at. What was the norm thirty or forty years ago no longer is to the degree it would've been in his past and he switches masks accordingly, adapting to the new way of things to fly under the radar, and perhaps Terry, as an old man, seemingly wouldn't really celebrate the 4th of July. Not openly. It becomes a covert, private thing along with all his actual opinions and worldviews and quite literally his whole past as well.

He's not only an exceptionalist now, he's an isolationist too.

Especially when he maintains a seemingly more Liberal upper crust elite around himself as token company when we're reintroduced to him, because this time around, they're the new acceptable and the new good and he surrounds himself with them as background decoration because they serve a purpose or possibly helping everyone forget that he was that guy who ran Dynatox. You know? That company polluting developing countries for major global profit? Not very egalitarian or mindful of Terrence. Not only does he never mention (hide?) he served in the military, for example (Because I doubt any of them would be tremendously approving it. Emile might burst in and jokingly call him a war criminal.) but a great many of them might see celebrating the 4th of July as tacky. Nationalistic. Backwards. So, whatever Terry does becomes fiercely intimate in his later life in general, even though he might seem like the most open, friendly, rehabilitated person in the world on the surface level. I feel he is still patriotic, but things become tucked away. For his eyes only. Intimate.

4th rolls around and he might crack open some special vintage for himself.

Something priceless he's been saving for actual decades.

Toasting to what he might see as 'the good old days'.

#terry silver #kk3 #cobra kai #4th of july #tw; nationalism #tw; american exceptionalism #holidays #character analysis #angst #this ended up sounding oddly tragic #happy holidays to all those who celebrate though!#late as i may be!

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articlejunkie · 8 months

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Article Junkie tells you the Best Places to Pick Apples in the United States. Bring your pumpkin spice lattes and cosy sweaters: Fall is truly around the corner. When planning your next fall vacation, consider traveling to a location where you can admire fiery foliage while participating in seasonal outdoor activities like apple picking in the States. KY, which has become a timeless tradition for families and people of all ages. Across the country, you’ll find hundreds, if not thousands, of places where you can pick your own apples right from the source (read: not the grocery store). Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite apple picking destinations, along with the best orchards and farms: many of which offer additional on-site activities as well as food, apple-themed drinks and festivities to help make the experience more enjoyable. Specially.

Click here - https://articlejunkie.in/best-apple-picking-usa/

#Best Places to Pick Apples in the United States #Best Way to Pick Apples in America #Hunterdon County #New Jersey #Portland #Oregon metropolitan area

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open-road-air · 2 years

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Goncharov (1973) cuts

So in the recent Gonchsplosion there’s been a lot of discussion and even dispute about the core facts of the film—who lives, who dies, which homoerotic cigarette lighting sequences appear, who shops for apples, etc. And I think most people don’t know that this is because of the truly bananas number of cuts of Goncharov that have been released at various times and places, often under unclear or conflicting names, with intersecting but nonidentical footage. Back in like, the mid-00s I saw a Geocities site about this—you know the type, it had everything all charted out in ASCII—that estimated that there were over fourteen hours of Goncharov that had been released in total, across I wanna say seven different cuts? That’s a lot of movie. Of course I have no idea how to find that site, it’s probably gone forever now, and there’s no way my iPhone-rotted brain can compare with the pure archival relentlessness of a mid-aughties film studies grad student with a beige desktop computer, so this is just off the top of my head listing of cuts I’m familiar with and what things they do and don’t include. Hope it helps. The Cinematic Release You know it, you love it, somehow the most famous one of all despite the fact it never showed in theaters because the mafia (*cough*CIA/KGB*cough*) destroyed almost all of the prints? Idk man, everyone is obsessed with the idea that this one is the “real” Goncharov which is like a nice change of pace from the common canard that the director’s cut is the “real” cut, but also, bizarre. They’re all real cuts! Get with the postmodern times! Runtime: 3:02. The studio insisted that Scorsese bring it down under three hours and he said he had but he lied. It’s probably apocryphal that Scorsese actually set the clock back 7 minutes during the second screener with the studio to fool them about the runtime—probably he just trimmed some of the opening sequences for this print—but you can see why the story spread, given how aligned it is with the themes/events of the film. Everybody loves a metatextual folktale. Scenes In/Out: Yes bridge scene, no boat scene. Yes Goncharov/Andrey at the fruit market, no Katya/Sofia at the market. No cigarette lighting at all. (I’m sorry but it’s true!) Goncharov dies, Katya dies, Ice Pick Joe lives (or dies offscreen, this is kinda unclear). Heavy clock imagery. Verdict: honestly this is a mid-tier Goncharov at best. The Director’s Cut (Pseudo-Scorsese) This one started to circulate in the 80s and 90s in the US film buff circuit. Some fly by night outfit put out a bootleg VHS which is considered the authoritative version even though you can get a way better digital rip straight from the film. The VHS box set says that this was the version Scorsese first screened for the studio but that’s probably not true. Not clear who actually cut this or why or how. Most of the Netflix footage is from this one but not all of it. Runtime: 4:12. If you’re thinking “damn, that’s a long movie,” then, uh, buddy, hold on to your fuckin hat. Scenes In/Out: Yes bridge scene, yes boat scene. Goncharov dies. Katya lives (doesn’t even fake her death, that’s just gone all together). Icepick Joe dies laughing. Both G/A and K/S at the fruit market but the scenes are played intercut to suggest that they’re there at the same time? Insane choice. Yes G/A cigarette scene. No K/S cigarettes but Sofia does go into the bedroom when Goncharov leaves. Camera doesn’t follow her, though, it just spends a minute and a half staring at the grandfather clock in the hall? Yes exterior Moscow scenes! This is the only cut I’m aware of that has them. Of course they weren’t actually shot on location, it’s all Red Square B-roll plus exterior shots still in Naples. Verdict: gayest Goncharov available in America before the turn of the millennium, probably the one the gay club reenactors had seen. Greater variety of thematic references. The Director’s Cut (Actual Scorsese)

This one came out straight to DVD in like 2003. It was, actually, authorized by Scorsese—although he’s subsequently denied it. But it was definitely stapled together over like a weekend from whatever bits of Goncharov he could get his hands on. This does mean it has an unusually high percentage of non-overlapping Goncharov content; it also means it’s a bit of a mess. Runtime: 3:34. Scenes In/Out: No bridge scene(!), no boat scene. Goncharov dies. (This is shot from like eight angles??) Katya fakes death, lives, gets extended in-credits epilogue in Argentina(!!) No cigarette, no fruit market. Way, way more footage of money, drugs, and guns being shipped into and out of Naples. Clock symbolism almost entirely absent. Icepick Joe gets a three minute death soliloquy for some reason. Palace ball gets like three different scenes? Andrey’s call from the phone booth goes to Valery instead of Goncharov for some reason?? A lot of frankly indulgent long shots and urban b-roll. Verdict: the worst Goncharov you might have actually watched. Only worth it for completionists, and because the DVD had a surprisingly thorough and high-quality soundtrack extra. (Don’t @ me, sapphics who are convinced it’s Sofia coming out of the cabin in Patagonia at the end of the credits and looking down the hillside at Katya—you’re right and it’s perfect but just watch the credits on DailyMotion like a human being, there’s no need to subject yourself to an hour and a half of basically arms trafficking surveillance footage.) The Director’s Cut (JWHJ0715) The version of the film that Matteo JWHJ0715 sent in for consideration at Cannes. (Scorsese did not want to send it in, didn’t feel like it was ready.) Never screened at the festival and it’s not clear how the print leaked. Runtime: 2:38. Yes, the shortest film cut (not counting abridged TV versions) is a “directors cut”. It just. It’s Goncharov, buddy. Scenes In/Out: Yes bridge, yes boat. Goncharov dies, Andrey dies, Katya lives. Icepick Joe dies in a shootout. K/S cigarette but it’s trimmed like crazy. G/A in the fruit market but it rolls straight into the car chase (the cutting is crazy but they mostly make it work.) Verdict: the most action-packed and claustrophobic Goncharov. The shots are mostly interior and the plot has no time to breathe. Kinda weird that that’s what JWHJ0715 thought would play in Cannes but it was a different time. The Director’s Cut (Pseudo-JWHJ0715) Okay, we’re through the looking glass here. This is real film-buff shit. This cut was primarily available in Yugoslavia, of all places. (This is why there are non-optional subtitles in Serbo-Croatian. It claims to be from Matteo JWHJ0715 but it’s almost certainly actually finally put out by his son, Luca. Whether "his son” means “his nephew whom he raised from toddlerhood”, “his long-lost natural child”, or “his younger lover, legally adopted to create some mutual rights for their unrecognized relationship” is as you’d might expect pretty controversial in the Gonchhead community and is unlikely to be resolved soon. Runtime: 6:48 (not a typo) Scenes In/Out: Yes bridge, yes boat. Goncharov, Katya, and Andrey all die. Icepick Joe plunges silently into the Tyrrhenian. Both cigarette scenes, both fruit market scenes (separated by over two hours of film to create a parallel rather than a frantic mishmash (good call imo). Yes palace ball, very early in the film, but only using footage that doesn’t appear in any other Goncharov cut. (The partner-swapping dance sequence.) When Andrey calls Goncharov from the phone booth, it’s Sofia who answers. There’s a flashback scene with B-roll of St. Petersburg but the subtitles insist that it’s happening in Belgrade? Very bizarre, may have contributed to the suppression of the film by the Yugoslav government. Great clock footage, mirror footage, fruit footage, the works. Verdict: the motherlode. the best Goncharov. Everyone who’s seen it says so. Block 9 hours to watch it and another 3 hours afterwards to have a psychological breakdown. More editions: There are maybe half a dozen other prints, but we mostly know them through backward extrapolations from the viciously abridged TV-versions, so who knows. It also seems likely that the whole world of Japanese/Hong Kong/Thai remakes was inspired by another cut totally unknown in the West (given the recurrent flower imagery, among other subtler points), but it’s impossible to say if we’re talking about another cut of the Goncharov footage or some sort of ur-remake. The point is you can keep going, but honestly, the Luca Cut is the one. If you’ve watched that, any other Goncharov just starts to seem like a blooper reel.

#goncharov #goncharov (1973)#unreality

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merryfortune · 4 months

Text

Life After High School

Written for Femslash February 2024 and the Sweetheart Bingo from @sweetspicybingo

Day 10. Ever After

Title: Life After High School

Ship: Damselshipping | Anzu/Asuka

Word Count:

Universe: GX - Canon Compliant

Rating: T

Tags: Meet Cute, Post-Canon, Flirting, Affection, Developing Relationship, Pre-Relationship

America really was everything that it was cracked up to be, Asuka discovered. It was a place of duality, of extremes in city life. It was completely different to her home country and for all its beauty and all its faults, she was glad that she had migrated there for university.

New York City, in particular, embodied this as it was the locale in which she studied and ergo knew best but just from this taste of the Big Apple, Asuka felt she knew all the country, all the states now.

The iconic spots of NYC - the Rockefeller Centre, the statue of Lady Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park - really were iconic! They were befuddling and dazzling, they took Asuka’s breath away as she revelled in what monuments to the modern American ideal they were.

Then there were the cons. There was to any place, any situation. The streets sometimes reeked and the subway was terrifying with how crowded it was and how the speakers never enunciated properly. The rats were big, too.

But even so, Asuka enjoyed her time in America tremendously. Though here she was the outsider. Not the inside of the upper echelon like she had become the focal point of during high school.

Life truly did exist after high school, amazingly enough. The ever after of it had Asuka enraptured. For the most part.

Her only complaint though was… Asuka would have liked more freedoms to enjoy given that the United States of America were meant to be the land of the free. But she had the complete opposite problem of anyone else in their coming of age movie era.

She wasn’t getting into trouble. She was staying far, far away from it and having no fun. By other people’s standards. Not so much her own as she very much considered her psychology textbook to be a hot Friday night date.

America was, allegedly, a place where anything was possible, any transformation of the self and attainment of glory. To feel like she was really pulling herself up by the bootstraps like Americans dreamed. It was kind of hard to feel that way when she had a rich family back home who wanted to nanny her still even from across oceans.

Asuka wanted to take up a pure and unadulterated mantle of responsibility. She was cooking her own meals and making her own choices, albeit really boring ones like studying until ten o’clock and being in bed by ten-thirty but still. Her parents were blowing up her phone asking how she was going, if she was settling in, and all that.

With their constant supervision, Asuka couldn’t even laugh at jokes about NYC rent being stupid high because hers was handled by her parents still. It wasn’t even a bad apartment, either. Close to school and close to the night life, too. Not that Asuka took much advantage of the latter. She was a studious young woman after all.

Something her brother would lament in particular. He knew, for sure, that if he were in her shoes, he would be tearing up the town and painting it red. So that’s why he took it upon himself to help her out.

“I got you a ticket to a Broadway show,” Fubuki said over the phone, “go out and enjoy it. I picked the one about a girl who studies hard to get into Harvard, even,. Just for you, sissy-pooh.”

“Sounds like a distraction to me.” Asuka said. “I’m kinda done with the tourist stuff. I want to try and be more… local.”

“Too bad, check your emails. You will find one ticket to Legally Blonde. Think of it as an early birthday present.”

“My birthday’s already come and gone.” Asuka grouched. “And you sent me a care package for it already.” She huffed in addition.

“It came from the bottom of my heart regardless. Please. Take one night off.” Fubuki begged her.

“Fine. Only because I don’t want you wasting your money on me.” Asuka said and that was that.

She was going. She had never even heard of the play Legally Blonde before nor the movie. She was kind of behind on any and all pop culture, at home and abroad but sure. Looking over the synopsis, Asuka kind of dug it since she was also a smart blonde. Fubuki knew her well, bless.

Asuka checked her emails and the seat he had booked for her was decent, too. Not too close but not in the boonies either. A nice respectable seat in the middle. The only thing that really sent her for a surprise was that the showing was in three days’ time. Yup, trust Fubuki to let her know at the last minute. She didn’t even have anything to wear so she had better find something nice and quick-smart.

Though a trip to the mall the next day did fix that. Maybe getting her into the mall crawl was also part of Fubuki’s dastardly plan to get Asuka somewhere other than her house or her university’s lecture hall.

Night of the show, she put on a nice pair of slacks and matched it with a varsity, vest-cut sweater. Perfect for a brisk New York night on Broadway and made her way there via public transport, setting off so she could sit in her seat for at least twenty minutes in advance.

That extra twenty minutes she had allocated for herself came in clutch, too, because it was incredibly busy being debut night. Asuka bought herself some snacks and also bought some merchandise, too. Something practical - a tote bag which she could use as a book bag - and reasoned it was good to show support for local acts.

She read in the small print of the program that the majority of the performers were all New Yorkers in one form or another. Some had moved here specifically for the job, others moved with it, the professionals playing the big name characters.

With a couple minutes to spare before curtains open, Asuka sat in her seat and waited. She was more excited than she thought she would be but the atmosphere was infectious. The passion the performers had, their nerves, emanated from the wings and mixed with the joy of her fellow performance goers. Asuka found herself getting swept up in the zeitgeist of it and soon enough was rewarded for it.

She had a fabulous time to say the least.

Asuka didn’t know much about theatre or performance but she felt that everyone pulled their weight. There wasn’t a dull moment, she split her sides laughing at the comedy and found her toe-tapping to gaudy musical numbers. She found herself getting genuinely invested in seeing the protagonist succeed and one-up her ex-boyfriend and find herself in this strange new world of law without compromising herself.

It was excellent and that was just the main cast members!

The back-up dancers and chorus were great, too, and curiously enough, there was one Asuka kept her eye on. It was for no particular reason but she was fantastic. There was this one brunette dancer with striking blue eyes, they loved to put her in different scenes. She seemed like a hard worker and she was working hard, the one everyone else seemed to rely on to be in time with the music.

Asuka made a game of trying to spot her through the costume changes…

It was embarrassing but by the end of it, Asuka couldn’t help herself. She didn’t just applaud the performers and crew for their effort, she gave them a standing ovation. She was the only one in her row who did and she did cop some side-eye for it but that just made her clap harder, until her hands turned red and raw. They deserved it!

Though contrary to how enthusiastically she clapped, Asuka was somewhat eager to leave. She had a bedtime after all. Even if she was an adult.

After the show, as Asuka was leaving the venue and made it onto the glitzy street, she saw one of the dancers out of the corner of her eye. Asuka didn’t want to dilly-dally, she wanted to get straight home because she was boring like that but when saw that young woman, she knew she had to say hello. To be polite, compliment her on the hard work she had put into her performance. It was only right.

She just hoped that she wasn’t interrupting anything important. Asuka glanced her over - her long, lithe legs and her hand by them which was… holding a pack of gum. Huh. Not a cigarette like she expected. She thought New Yorkers were the hard boiled type but looking closer again, Asuka could see her chew.

So, holding onto the tote bag that she bought at the merch stand, to help support the theatre, Asuka walked up to her, “Hello.”

“Hi.” she said, trying to figure out if she was talking to an obsessive fan or not.

Asuka’s awkwardness as she muddled through the etiquette of the post-show daze made it more difficult than it had to be. And Asuka was aware. She could see the dancer balance friendly and guarded in the blue of her eyes.

“I, um, just wanted to say. You were excellent tonight.” Asuka said. “I’ve never said this about any dancer but I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

“Aw, thanks.” she said then got up from where she sat. “It's my first time getting told that.”

“Really? But you're so talented, you must have practised so hard.” Asuka gawked.

“This was, um, my first production where I wasn’t an understudy.” she said. “I’ll remember this, thank you.”

“Me too.” Asuka said and bowed.

The dancer had a flash of recognition in her eyes at Asuka’s courtesy.

“Um, excuse me, can I ask a personal question?” she asked.

“Sure?” Asuka said as she pulled back.

“Are you Japanese?” she asked.

“I am. My name is Tenjoin Asuka, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Asuka said and bowed again for good measure but this time…

The dancer did the same. “I thought so, I’m Japanese, too.” she said then introduced herself also, “The pleasure’s all mine, my name is Mazaki Anzu, I’m from Domino City.”

“Ah,” Asuka gasped, “I've visited before. It’s a lovely and exciting place,” she laughed, “would visit again. You are very fortunate to be able to call it your hometown.”

Anzu giggled and Asuka smiled. They paused, studied each other, their looks, their demeanour and that moment of guardedness from before, and awkwardness, too, melted away. They felt a comfortable silence in the beat before Anzu spoke again.

“My co-workers typically go drinking after a show but it’s not really my scene. I get the vibe that the hard-rock party isn’t your scene either.” Anzu said and Asuka felt her ears burn.

“I-I am.” Asuka replied.

She had to be mistaken. She simply had to be. She was infamously dense but she could swear that she was being flirted with right now.

“Well…” Anzu said, dragging out the syllables in that one word. “Do you want to hang out some more? Go somewhere? Your choice, of course.”

Asuka felt her heart leap out of her chest. Nope. Not mistaken. Though she couldn’t believe her ears. Her mouth dried as her throat clogged with words. Miraculously, despite all that, she did muster a reply.

“Sounds like fun.” she said. “Want to, uh, go to mine? I’ve got light refreshments. Tea, coffee…”

“I’d love a coffee right about now.” Anzu said and that settled it.

So, together, they set off. Asuka took Anzu back to hers via the same route she had come. She had never brought a stranger back to her apartment before and so, her heart pounded. Not that she thought Anzu was a bad person, or anything, quite the opposite.

Anzu was lovely. She had a warm glow about her and was oh so charming.

It was… It felt risky. Very much out of Asuka’s comfort zone but right about now, as she unlocked the front door to her apartment, that was where she wanted to be. She heard a click and then turned the handle.

“Nice place you got.” Anzu said as she peered into the darkness.

“Thanks.” Asuka said and she flipped a switch.

“Even nicer with the lights on.” Anzu joked.

Asuka agreed mutably as Anzu stepped inside first.

In doing so, it made Asuka’s own apartment feel oddly surreal and unknown to her as she allowed Anzu inside. They had a quick tour but it was mostly unimportant as they just made a beeline for her living room.

Together, they saddled up on the lounge in front of a turned off TV and Asuka’s collection of coffee table books and had a chat whilst her kettle warmed. It was well past midnight by now but both were craving a coffee to go with those hardcover books and, of course, the conversation, too.

They went back and forth getting to know one another. Two Japanese nationals in New York City, more or less fresh out of high school, they had plenty to talk about and talking came easily to them. The light conversation slipping into deep and meaningful territory in a matter of minutes (which were actually hours by the time they caffeinated themselves).

“That’s crazy, I can’t believe it.” Anzu said.

“Six degrees of separation is what they call it.” Asuka chuckled.

“When I’m in town next, I’ll have to tell Grandpa that I met his friends from Duel Academy then.” Anzu joyfully agreed.

“So, um, what brings you so far away from Domino City?” Asuka asked.

Anzu stared at her, a brow quirked.

“You know what I mean!” Asuka squealed. “Like has dancing on Broadway always been your dream or would you have been happy on an idol’s stage or… community theatre.”

“Broadway has always been my dream.” Anzu replied. “Ever since I was a little girl, it was Broadway or bust.”

Asuka exclaimed, murmuring Japanese under her breath. She was impressed. For so long, she didn’t have that drive. That direction. It made her a little bit jealous.

When she recovered from the absolute awe she had for Anzu’s motivation, she had another question, “You said tonight was your first time as first string, does it stop there or will the next time Legally Blonde plays, will you be Elle Woods?”

“I can’t sing or act to save my life.” Anzu said. “But that’s fine. Dancing is my passion, it's all I want to do.”

“Wow.” Asuka said.

“Besides,” Anzu harrumphed, “they prefer Elle to be a natural blonde so I think I wouldn’t be considered anyway. But you…” She lifted her hand off her coffee cup and reached towards Asuka. She ran her hand through Asuka’s hair and she could feel her soul ascend as attraction ignited from just the sensation of her fingertips. “You could get that part on looks alone.”

“I-I haven’t got a musical bone in my body.” Asuka stammered, flustered.

“We can’t all be the triple threat,” Anzu agreed, “but beauty and brains, that’s more than enough for most.”

“Y-You are also very beautiful, Anzu.” Asuka complimented her.

“Thanks.” Anzu replied.

She gave Asuka a wink as she drew her hair closer to her face. Anzu kissed her knuckles through the strands of Asuka’s hair and relished Asuka’s crimson hued expression. She knew all too well that this was Asuka’s first time being treated like this.

Her heart raced within her chest, her mind too. Anzu was all too flirty with her and for the first time, Asuka had someone she wanted to be flirty with. All in all culminating in what was truly a night of nights for Asuka…

#femslash #femslash february #femslash february 2024 #yugioh #yugioh gx #yugioh duel monsters #gx #duel monsters #ygodm #damselshipping #asuka tenjoin #tenjoin asuka #mazaki anzu #anzu mazaki #writing tag #life after high school #clover and violets #clover and violets 2024 #sweet and spicy bingo

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buckets-and-trees · 1 year

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Lovely, lovely Aspen 🌸 Which of your characters is the best one to take as your plus one to a wedding? And whom would your parents chose for you to go with? 😎

My parents would one thousand percent choose Mr. Captain America Steve Rogers if they could have their pick for my plus one at a wedding! No question! Looks like your all-American guy, has that public do-good persona, apple pie, stars and stripes. Under that we know he's more complex, but they would see the propaganda poster guy. So I wouldn't have a problem with this...

But who's the best one to take to a wedding?

Bucky Barnes. He knows how to blend in, so we're just going to fly under the radar and not draw any attention. But he'll get us out on the dance floor a couple of times - because pre-war Bucky did like that, and he's allowing himself to enjoy some of those old pieces of himself. He'll keep up a fun running commentary/banter back and forth throughout the event. There will be some wistful looks here and there. He'll have soft touches throughout the night - hand on the elbow, hand on the small of the back, brushing hair off the face. And by the end of the night when he's got my discarded heels in one hand and his other hand is interlocking fingers with mine as we leave, my mom would be grinning and totally won over and absolutely talking up how the retired Winter Soldier really is such a sweetheart to my aunt, and my stepdad would be talking to my uncles about how they're both from New York and Bucky's such a stand up guy. He won't have gone out of his way one bit to win them over, he just steadily was himself.

#aspen asks #eva/biteofcherry #bucky barnes imagines #bucky barnes imagine

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headingalaxys-spicy · 2 years

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To prepare for college this year, I’m spending some time in my dorm before the semester starts. It’s the farthest I’ve ever been from home alone (like multiple states away) and I’m actually kinda scared. Could I pretty please have France, America, Canada, and or Germany and Italy comforting a friend via a phone call or something?? Doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just fluffy would be nice. Thank you so much in advance! I really love your works! :)

I’m glad you like my work thank you. 🥹

Anyways…

*BUSTS DOWN DOOR WITH 2P AMERICA’s BAT because I came here to BEAT UP THE SADNESS*

Some of these are voicemails that are meant to be supportive and be funny distractions. There are two dialogues because I couldn’t think of anything but all of them but, the same I hope you like it. And congratulations on a new year in college you’re going to do great.

🇺🇸 America 🇺🇸

“Yo Y/N How are you? How was the flight? How is (university name)? Have you met anyone yet that you have super awesome super hero movie marathons with? I also heard that there was this weird school tradition that your school does where students run around in their underwear during finals? Dude that sounds wicked awesome! Your school knows how to party! I want to join you ! ahahahahahaha!”

He lets out his signature boisterous heroic laugh. He goes on about Halloween plans and other things he wants to do with you on that weekend. He also wanted to take you apple picking, have cozy bonfires and cuddles sessions, pumpkin carving, and scaring the living hell out of Arthur. At least for now you knew you had a friend who’d come to visit you while you started this new chapter in life.

🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦

“Hey Y/N how are you?” He detected the concern in his gentle voice.

“I’m alright.” You say in a low cracking voice.

You got up from your bottom bunk bed in your dorm room. It was 20:13 and you wanted to watch the sun sink below the city’s outline. You glided your eyes across the campus watching few spots move about in your vision. Not too many people were on campus just yet and not all summer sessions had ended. You had been lost in your foggy tangled forest of thought you didn’t reconizge that you hadn’t responded to Matthew’s question. You remaind silent for over a minute. This prompted Matthew to repeat your nave several times until he reached his chreshendo that pulled your attention back to him. But you were still in your emotional haze.

“Are you sure you don’t need me to come and comfort you ASAP? I can if you’re really not feeling so well. I know it’s hard but I know you can do it. But you’re also really far away.”

“You’re right Matthew. It is all overwhelming and even just a little bit scary.” You think about all of the bad scenarios running through your mind and you feel your heart start to race and maybe even a few tears make their way to your eyes.

“Of course. Being an adult tends to be that way but, you are one of the strongest people I know…Building the life that you’ve always have wanted. Going through this is importaint but you can do it I know you can.”

The swirling tornado of emotions froze and you still had those lingering feelings with less intsneity.

After another long pause you told Matthew.

“Don’t worry Matt. I can survive until I see you and the FACE family again for camping in September. Where we’re going to prank FRA-”

“ALFRED!” Matthew Shouts. He was still seething over the curel prank that his older brother pulled on him last year.

“Ahem. Sorry aboot that Y/N hahah…Anyways I believe in you have fun and make sure you try all the best pancakes in your university’s cafes!”

🇫🇷 France 🇫🇷

“Oh mon ami how are you?”

“Fine I guess…..” He caught on to your lack of sparkle in your voice.

“Tell me darling what is it? This is your dream school no? Why so glum?”

You take in a deep breath and explain to him in detail all of the sad feelings that washed over you like high tides during a full moon. You tell him about the loneliness and how the separtaion makes you long to be at home and far away from your current location. This profound chnage in your life was overwhelming and you had no one to give you one of the good tight hugs that only people who knew you well knew how to give. Your voice was cracking over the speaker and France being an empath felt his own heart begin to crumble at your distress with the introduction of a new chapter in your life. He reained quiet and allowed you to drain your heart of sadness. The air was filled with your range of emotions and that helped clear your mind just a little. You wouldnn’t be like this always. But for now it was okay to feel the feels.

“You know I’m glad you’re talking to me Y/N. Is there any other way I can help you? I have already started to prepare a care package to send to you that has the most luxurious sweets. Macaroons, Madeleines, Mille Feuille, Mendiants, Mousse au Chocolat. It will be the magnificent MMMMMMM box.”

(I’m sorry, not sorry XD)

“Good-bye Francis.” You hang up with a deadpan look on your face and the faint traces of a smile trying to bust out.

“Wait Y/N NOOOO! I LOVE YOU DON’T DO THIS TO ME!” He frantically tries to call you back.

🇩🇪 Germany 🇩🇪

*Intentionally left a voicemail while you were on your flight. He wanted to be supportive but is better when he has a script and has rehearsed his lines of what he wants to convey.*

“Y/N I hope this message finds you well. When you land make sure you get some water as you’ve been in the air for over 8 hours you’re likely dehydrated and you should find some hearty food and rest. Also I hope your okay your smile faded rather fast when your turned from the group to head into the airport. It seemed like the reality of it all was beginning to hit you. You’re far away now but never out of reach of your friends and family that care about you. We’re all a call or text message away. Anyways I’m going to do that American holiday with you this year the Friendsgiving. Ja. So I hope you don’t have any plans the weekend before Thanksgiving because I rented out a cabin in Tahoe and have a nice itinerary so we can have the most fun. Viel Glück k Y/N. I know you’ll have a good semester and make new friends and aquaintaances. And remember take breaks. Call me when you’ve settled in okay? Tschüss.”

🇮🇹 Italy 🇮🇹

*Voicemail*

“Ve Ciao Y/N I hope your flight was nice and got to see some pretty views! Check your dorm entrance in 20 minutes there will be an Italian delivery guy that I know who runs one of the best Italian cuisine places in your area. I hope you like it it has a 5 course meal from the bread to the gelato and tiramisu. I know it can be lonely being in a new place but this is only temporary. You’re good at making friends. It’s how you met me hahah. Make sure we can at least talk once a week. Also we should be penpals we’re far away enough to where sending letters nowadays is a way we can make our friendship even more special! Anways call me soon and I miss you already. Hasta la Pasta ❤️”

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rabbitcruiser · 7 months

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Apple Day

Apple Day is mainly celebrated in the United Kingdom, where it was started. Common Ground, a group dedicated to building strong communities, strengthening local distinctiveness, and connecting people with nature and each other, held the first Apple Day in 1990, at Covent Garden in London, England. Their goal was to create an autumn holiday that would not only be celebrated in London, but also in other cities, villages, parishes, markets, and even orchards. They wanted to demonstrate the richness and diversity of apples, but also the diversity of landscape, ecology, and culture as a whole.

Many different activities have taken place on the day. First and foremost has been the buying, tasting, and eating of apples. Other activities have included juicing, pruning, grafting, and identifying apples, and games, songs, and poetry about apples. In England, many groups such as museums, shops, restaurants, horticultural societies, Wildlife Trusts, National Trust properties, and schools organize activities for the day. By the second year of Apple Day, there were over 60 events. There were over 300 events in 1997, and 600 by the new millennium. Not all "apple days" are held on October 21. Some groups hold these celebrations on other days of the month.

Through the day's success, it has not only demonstrated the importance of the apple but the importance of local celebrations as well. The day has germinated local pride and grown interest in local distinctiveness. Apple Day has also led to an interest in raising awareness for the origins of food and to encouraging healthy eating.

The apple tree is a deciduous tree from the rose family and is cultivated around the world as a fruit tree. It originated in Central Asia; its ancestor is the malus sieversii, which still grows today. Apple trees grew for thousands of years in Asia, as well as in Europe—the starting place of Apple Day—before being brought to North America by European colonists in the seventeenth century. They are possibly the oldest tree to have been cultivated. The only apples native to North America are crab apples. Reverend William Braxton of Boston planted the first apple orchard on the North American continent in 1625. Apples were cultivated on colonial farms and spread along Native American trade routes. Johnny Appleseed introduced apple trees to the western frontier. Today apple trees are prominent in Eastern Washington, where apples are their leading product, and more apples are grown there than any other state.

If grown by seed in the wild, an apple tree can tower up to 30 feet, but they are generally 6-15 feet in height when cultivated. The height of the cultivars depends on how they were grafted onto rootstocks. There are over 7,500 cultivars of apples, which are grown for various purposes such as eating raw, cooking, and cider making. Apple tree flowers blossom in the spring, and the leaves bud at this time as well. Flowers cluster in groups of four to six and the center flower is called the "king bloom." It opens first and can grow into larger fruit than the other flowers. The fruit is ready to pick by late summer or fall.

How to Observe Apple Day

The best way to celebrate the day may be to attend an Apple Day event, most of which take place in England. You could visit Covent Garden in London, where the first Apple Day was held. One of the other best ways to celebrate the day may be to try as many different varieties of fresh apples as you can find, identifying them, and noting the differences and qualities each has.

Besides eating fresh apples, you could celebrate by eating apples in some of their many other forms as well. Have some cider or apple juice; treat your sweet tooth to apple dumplings, apple pie, apple cake, or a caramel apple; and find a use for apple cider vinegar. There are so many ways you could enjoy apples. Not only could you eat them, but you could plant an apple tree. Plant a cutting, or get a tree from a nursery.

As the heart of the day is about finding ways to connect with others and nature in your own community, the day can even be celebrated without apples. You could spend the day at any sort of community event, or by doing something to improve the place you call home. You could support small local businesses, join the committee for an annual festival, or work with others to clean up parks and waterfronts.

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