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mostlymovieswithmax · 3 years

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Movies I watched in May

Sadly, I kind of skipped writing a post for April. It was a mad month with so much going on: lots of emails sent and lots of stress. I started a new job so I’m getting to grips with that... and even then, I still watched a bunch of movies. But this is about what I watched in May and, yeah… still a bunch. So if you’re looking to get into some other movies - possibly some you’ve thought about watching but didn’t know what they were like, or maybe like the look of something you’ve never heard of - then this may help! So here’s every film I watched from the 1st to the 31st of May 2021 Tenet (2020) - 8/10 This was my third time watching Christopher Nolan’s most Christopher Nolan movie ever and it makes no sense but I still love it. The spectacle of it all is truly like nothing I’ve ever seen. I had also watched it four days prior to this watch also, only this time I had enabled audio description for the visually impaired, thinking it would make it funny… It didn’t.

Nomadland (2020) - 6/10 Chloé Zhao’s new movie got a lot of awards attention. Everyone was hyped for this and when it got put out on Disney+ I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. Seeing these real nomads certainly gave the film an authenticity, along with McDormand’s ever-praisable acting. But generally I found it quite underwhelming and lacking a lot in its pacing. Nomadland surely has its moments of captivating cinematography and enticing commentary on the culture of these people, but it felt like it went on forever without any kind of forward direction or goal. The Prince of Egypt (1998) - 6/10 I reviewed this on my podcast, The Sunday Movie Marathon. For what it is, it’s pretty fun but nowhere near as good as some of the best DreamWorks movies.

Chinatown (1974) - 8/10 What a fantastic and wonderfully unpredictable mystery crime film! I regret to say I’ve not seen many Jack Nicholson performances but he steals the show. Despite Polanski’s infamy, it’d be a lie to claim this wasn’t truly masterful. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) - 8/10 Admittedly I was half asleep as I curled up on the sofa to watch this again on a whim. I watched this with someone who demanded the dubbed version over the subtitled version and while I objected heavily, I knew I’d seen the movie before so it didn’t matter too much. That person also fell asleep about 20 minutes in, so how pointless an argument it was. Howl’s Moving Castle boasts superb animation, the likes of which I’ve only come to expect of Miyazaki. The story is so unique and the colours are absolutely gorgeous. This may not be my favourite from the legendary director but there’s no denying its splendour.

Bāhubali: The Beginning (2015) - 3/10 The next morning I watched some absolute trash. This crazy, over the top Indian movie is hilarious and I could perhaps recommend it if it weren’t so long. That being said, Bāhubali was not a dumpster fire; it has a lot of good-looking visual effects and it’s easy to see the ambition for this epic story, it just doesn’t come together. There’s fun to be had with how the main character is basically the strongest man in the world and yet still comes across as just a lucky dumbass, along with all the dancing that makes no sense but is still entertaining to watch. Seven Samurai (1954) - 10/10 If it wasn’t obvious already, Seven Samurai is a masterpiece. I reviewed this on The Sunday Movie Marathon podcast, so more thoughts can be found there. Red Road (2006) - 6/10 Another recommendation on episode 30 of the podcast. Red Road really captures the authentic British working class experience. Before Sunrise (1995) - 10/10 One of the best romances put to film. The first in Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy is undoubtedly my favourite, despite its counterparts being almost equally as good. It tells the story of a young couple travelling through Europe, who happen to meet on a train and spend the day together. It is gloriously shot on location in Vienna and features some of the most interesting dialogue I’ve ever seen put to film. Heartbreakingly beautiful.

Tokyo Story (1953) - 9/10 This Japanese classic - along with being visually and sonically masterful - is a lot about appreciating the people in your life and taking the time to show them that you love them. It’s about knowing it’s never too late to rekindle old relationships if you truly want to, which is something I’ve been able to relate to in recent years. It broke my heart in two. Tokyo Story will make you want to call your mother. Before Sunset (2004) - 10/10 Almost a decade after Sunrise, Sunset carries a sombre yet relieving feeling. Again, the performances from Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke take me away, evoking nostalgic feelings as they stroll through the contemporary Parisian streets. There is no regret in me for buying the Criterion blu-ray boxset for this trilogy. Before Midnight (2013) - 10/10 Here, Linklater cements this trilogy as one of the best in film history. It’s certainly not the ending I expected, yet it’s an ending I appreciate endlessly. Because it doesn’t really end. Midnight shows the troubling times of a strained relationship; one that has endured so long and despite initially feeling almost dreamlike in how idealistically that first encounter was portrayed, the cracks appear as the film forces you to come to terms with the fact that fairy-tale romances just don’t exist. Relationships require effort and sacrifice and sometimes the ones that truly work are those that endure through all the rough patches to emerge stronger. The Holy Mountain (1973) - 10/10 Jodorowsky’s masterpiece is absolute insanity. I talked more about it on The Sunday Movie Marathon podcast.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - 10/10 Another watch for Grand Budapest because I bought the Criterion blu-ray. As unalterably perfect as ever. Blue Jay (2016) - 6/10 Rather good up to a point. My co-hosts and I did not agree on how good this movie was, which is a discussion you can listen to on my podcast. Shadow and Bone: The Afterparty (2021) - 3/10 For what it’s worth, I really enjoyed the first season of Shadow and Bone, which is why I wanted to see what ‘The Afterparty’ was about. This could have been a lot better and much less annoying if all those terrible comedians weren’t hosting and telling bad jokes. I don’t want to see Fortune Feimster attempt to tell a joke about oiling her body as the cast of the show sit awkwardly in their homes over Zoom. If it had simply been a half hour, 45 minute chat with the cast and crew about how they made the show and their thoughts on it, a lot of embarrassment and time-wasting could have been spared. Wadjda (2012) - 6/10 Another recommendation discussed at length on The Sunday Movie Marathon. Wadjda was pretty interesting from a cultural perspective but largely familiar in terms of story structure.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001) - 2/10 A truly terrible movie with maybe one or two scenes that stop it from being a complete catastrophe. Tom Green tried to create something that almost holds a middle finger to everyone who watches it and to some that could be a fun experience, but to me it just came across as utterly irritating. It’s simply a bunch of scenes threaded together with an incredibly loose plot. He wears the skin of a dead deer, smacks a disabled woman over and over again on the legs to turn her on, and he swings a newborn baby around a hospital room by its umbilical cord (that part was actually pretty funny). I cannot believe I watched this again, although I think I repressed a lot of it since having seen it for the first time around five years ago. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 - (2011) I have to say, these movies seem to get better with each instalment. They’re still not very good though. That being said, I’m amazed at how many times I’ve watched each of the Twilight movies at this point. This time around, I watched Breaking Dawn - Part 1 with a YMS commentary track on YouTube and that made the experience a lot more entertaining. Otherwise, this film is super dumb but pretty entertaining. I would recommend watching these movies with friends. Solaris (1972) - 8/10 Andrei Tarkovsky’s grand sci-fi epic about the emotional crises of a crew on the space station orbiting the fictional planet Solaris is much as strange and creepy as you might expect from the master Russian auter. I had wanted to watch this for a while so I bought the Criterion blu-ray and it’s just stunning. It’s clear to see the 2001: A Space Odyssey inspiration but Solaris is quite a different beast entirely. Jaws (1975) - 4/10 I really tried to get into this classic movie, but Jaws exhibits basically everything I don’t like about Steven Spielberg’s directing. For sure, the effects are crazily good but the story itself is poorly handled and largely uninteresting. It was just a massive slog to get through.

Darkman (1990) - 6/10 Sam Raimi’s superhero movie is so much fun, albeit massively stupid. Further discussion on Darkman can be found on episode 32 of The Sunday Movie Marathon podcast. Darkman II: The Return of Durant (1995) - 1/10 Abysmal. I forgot the movie as I watched it. This was part of a marathon my friends and I did for episode 32 of our podcast. Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (1996) - 1/10 Perhaps this trilogy is not so great after all. Only marginally better than Darkman II but still pretty terrible. More thoughts on episode 32 of my podcast. F For Fake (1973) - 8/10 Rewatching this proved to be a worthwhile decision. Albeit slightly boring, there’s no denying how crazy the story of this documentary about art forgers is. The standout however, is the director himself. Orson Welles makes a lot of this film about himself and how hot his girlfriend is and it is hilarious.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) - 4/10 More style over substance, Sony’s new animated adventure wants so much to be in trend with the current internet culture but it simply doesn’t understand what it’s emulating. There’s a nyan cat reference, for crying out loud. For every joke that works, there are about ten more that do not and were it not for the wonderful animation, it simply wouldn’t be getting so much praise. Taxi Driver (1976) - 10/10 The first movie I’ve seen in a cinema since 2020 and damn it was good to be back! I’ve already reviewed Taxi Driver in my March wrap-up but seeing it in the cinema was a real treat. Irreversible (2002) - 8/10 One of the most viscerally horrendous experiences I’ve ever had while watching a movie. I cannot believe a friend of mine gave me the DVD to watch. More thoughts on episode 32 of The Sunday Movie Marathon podcast. Don’t watch it with the family. The Golden Compass (2007) - 1/10 I had no recollection of this being as bad as it is. The Golden Compass is the definition of a factory mandated movie. Nothing it does on its own is worth any kind of merit. I would say, if you wanted an experience like what this tries to communicate, a better option by far is the BBC series, His Dark Materials. More of my thoughts can be found in the review I wrote on Letterboxd.

Antichrist (2009) - 8/10 Lars von Trier is nothing if not provocative and I can understand why someone would not like Antichrist, but I enjoyed it quite a lot. After watching it, I wrote a slightly disjointed summary of my interpretations of this highly metaphorical movie in the group chat, so fair warning for a bit of spoilers and graphic descriptions: It's like, the patriarchy, man! Oppression! Men are the rational thinkers with big brains and the women just cry and be emotional. So she's seen as crazy when she's smashing his cock and driving a drill through his leg to keep him weighted down. Like, how does he like it, ya know? So then she mutilates herself like she did with him and now they're both wounded, but the animals crowd around her (and the crow that he couldn't kill because it's Mother nature, not Father nature, duh). Then he kills her, even though she could've killed him loads of times but didn't. So it's like "haha big win for the man who was subjected to such horrific torture. Victory!" And then all the women with no faces come out of the woods because it's like a constant cycle. Manchester By The Sea (2016) - 6/10 Great performances in this super sad movie. I can’t say I got too much out of it though. Roar (1981) - 9/10 Watching Roar again was still as terrifying an experience as the first time. If you want to watch something that’s loose on plot with poor acting but with real big cats getting in the way of production and physically attacking people, look no further. This is the scariest movie I’ve ever seen because it’s all basically real. Cannot recommend it enough. Eyes Without A Face (1960) - 8/10 I’m glad I checked this old French movie out again. There’s a lot to marvel at in so many aspects, what with the premise itself - a mad surgeon taking the faces from unsuspecting women and transplanting them onto another - being incredibly unique for the time. Short, sweet and entertaining!

Se7en (1995) - 10/10 The first in a David Fincher marathon we did for The Sunday Movie Marathon, episode 33. Zodiac (2007) - 10/10 Second in the marathon, as it was getting late, we decided to watch half that evening and the last half on the following evening. Zodiac is a brilliant movie and you can hear more of my thoughts on the podcast (though I apologise; my audio is not the best in this episode). Gone Girl (2014) - 10/10 My favourite Fincher movie. More insights into this masterpiece in episode 33 of the podcast. Friends: The Reunion (2021) - 6/10 It was heartwarming to see the old actors for this great show together again. I talked about the Friends reunion film at length in episode 33 of my podcast.

Wolfwalkers (2020) - 10/10 I reviewed this in an earlier post but would like to reiterate just how wonderful Wolfwalkers is. If you get the chance, please see it in the cinema. I couldn’t stop crying from how beautiful it was. Raya and The Last Dragon (2021) - 6/10 After watching Wolfwalkers, I decided I didn’t want to go home. So I had lunch in town and booked a ticket for Disney’s Raya and The Last Dragon. A child was coughing directly behind me the entire time. Again, I reviewed this in an earlier post but generally it was decent but I have so many problems with the execution. The Princess Bride (1987) - 9/10 Clearly I underrated this the last time I watched it. The Princess Bride is warm and hilarious with some delightfully memorable characters. A real classic!

The Invisible Kid (1988) - 1/10 About as good as you’d expect a movie with that name to be, The Invisible Kid was a pick for The Sunday Movie Marathon podcast, the discussion for which you can listen to in episode 34. Babel (2006) - 9/10 The same night that I watched The Invisible Kid, I watched a masterful and dour drama from the director of Birdman and The Revenant. Babel calls back to an earlier movie of Iñárritu’s, called Amores Perros and as I was informed while we watched this for the podcast, it turns out Babel is part of a trilogy alongside the aforementioned film. More thoughts in episode 34 of the podcast. Snake Eyes (1998) - 1/10 After feeling thoroughly emotionally wiped out after Babel, we immediately watched another recommendation for the podcast: Snake Eyes, starring Nicolas Cage. This was a truly underwhelming experience and for more of a breakdown into what makes this movie so bad, you can listen to us talk about it on the podcast.

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letterboxd · 4 years

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Pride: 25 Queer Films To Love.

Dating Amber writer and director David Freyne introduces our London correspondent Ella Kemp to 25 of his favorite LGBTQIA films.

A coming-out, coming-of-age film, David Freyne’s Dating Amber follows “baby gays” Eddie (Fionn O’Shea) and Amber (Lola Petticrew), who act as each other’s beards in order to stop speculation about their sexualities. Released on Amazon Prime Video in the UK for Pride month, it’s winning praise from Letterboxd members as a “charming” and “gentle” comedy-drama “full of loveliness that extends beyond the Irish accents”.

Lola Petticrew and Fionn O’Shea as Amber and Eddie in ‘Dating Amber’.

As the number of films by and about the gay and trans community expands, we asked Freyne if he could narrow down a list of ten favorites for us. The answer was no—instead, we got 25!

“There are so many extraordinary queer films beyond this list, but all of these films just really affected me when I saw them. Some were the first time I saw queerness on screen, while I deeply identified with others. And, as a filmmaker, each of them makes me braver to fight to tell stories that aren't always easy to get made.

“They are in no particular order because I don’t want to bump into Barry Jenkins (which is obviously going to happen) and have to explain that he is number five on that list (that he will definitely read) for no specific reason. It’s just a technicality.”

David Freyne’s 25 Favorite LGBTQIA+ Films

My Summer of Love (2004) Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski

Paweł Pawlikowski’s film feels like a dream that sweeps you up along with it, helped along by incredible early performances from Natalie Press and Emily Blunt. The hypnotic use of Goldfrapp's ‘Lovely Head’ is probably my favorite use of a song in any film ever. Their drug-fuelled dancing was a massive inspiration for Eddie and Amber’s baby steps into Dublin’s gay scene in Dating Amber.

Weekend (2011) Directed by Andrew Haigh

I never fail to cry buckets at the end of this heartbreaking gem. It’s small in the best sense of the word. Two people fall in love over one intimate weekend. Their gayness is both incidental and totally fundamental. It’s so delicate and moving. Andrew Haigh is a master.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) Directed by Jamie Babbit

Jamie Babbit’s debut is a brilliant, campy comedy about a cheerleader sent to a conversion therapy camp. I love it for all the reasons many critics (at the time) disliked it. It is subversive, quirky and defiantly upbeat. And it stars Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall. Enough said.

Paris is Burning (1990) Directed by Jennie Livingston

I’m not saying anything new when I say that Paris is Burning is necessary viewing. It’s a hilarious, moving and eye-opening look at the (mostly) Black trans women in New York’s ball scene. It is a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary people who risked everything to live authentically, for themselves and each other. And at a time when our trans family is so under attack, it is vital to see such iconic figures from our community. You’ve probably seen it. Re-watch it. Also those end notes will make you cry.

Happy Together (1997) Directed by Wong Kar-wai

As with all Wong Kar-wai’s work, it is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It’s a tough watch, a portrait of a toxic, failing relationship. But it looks beautiful. They’re miserable and co-dependent. It’s abusive and awful. But it’s great. It really is a great film. I’m not selling this one well. Just watch it.

Moonlight (2016) Directed by Barry Jenkins

Definitely worth watching after Happy Together. Not just because it will make you feel better, but because Barry Jenkins has noted it as a big influence. Also, Moonlight is a masterpiece. You know that, of course. Side note: I realize I’ll never be able to create a hand-job scene as powerful and tender as Jenkins did here, but, in Dating Amber, I made three comedy hand-jobs. Take that Jenkins!

God’s Own Country (2017) Directed by Francis Lee

You can feel Francis Lee in every frame of this film. It’s personal filmmaking at its very best, with wonderful performances from Josh O’Connor and Alec Secăreanu. And it has the most beautifully romantic ending that you only realize we lack for LGBTQ characters when you see it laid out so wonderfully. When we were trying to finance Dating Amber and people suggested it was too Irish, I’d just reference God’s Own Country, which is so defiantly Yorkshire, and they’d shut up. Also, Secăreanu’s jumper with a thumb hole is my style icon. Bring on Ammonite!

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) Directed by Marielle Heller

Marielle Heller is such a brilliant filmmaker. This film is based on the memoir by Lee Israel who forged letters by famous people to sell. It’s a genre piece that feels like it could have been made in the 70s. But what I love about it the most is that it is a rare example of a film that centers the friendship between a lesbian and a gay man. Why do films usually treat us like we exist in totally separate worlds? Anyway, it’s a joyous watch.

Tangerine (2015) Directed by Sean Baker

I’m obsessed with tightly plotted films and Tangerine doesn’t waste a frame. It’s 88 minutes of pure wit, charm and entertainment in line with the best of old-school Hollywood. You instantly forget that Baker’s film is shot on an iPhone and just get swept up in the extraordinary performances of Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez. It’s such a mystery they don’t work more. (Reader: it’s not a mystery. It’s because they are Black trans women, and the industry is shit.)

Portrait of a Lady On Fire (2019) Directed by Céline Sciamma

We all bow at the alter of Céline Sciamma. This film is perfection. The sparse-but-powerful use of music, exquisite photography and extraordinary performances that burn beneath the stillness. The final shots of Adèle Haenel will feed your soul for a year. (Side note: face masks have never looked so stylish.)

Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) Directed by John Schlesinger

This was John Schlesinger’s follow up to his best-known film, Midnight Cowboy. A middle-aged gay doctor (Peter Finch), and a divorced woman (Glenda Jackson), are both in an open love triangle with a younger, bisexual sculptor (Murray Head). It’s quite low-key and far tamer now than when it was released, but it’s a beautiful film and Schlesinger’s most personal. He was one of the few openly gay directors of his time. And Jackson’s performance steals it.

Far From Heaven (2002) Directed by Todd Haynes

Todd Haynes’ stunning film will make you immediately go out and discover all of Douglas Sirk’s glorious technicolor melodramas. Julianne Moore’s performance as a wife who discovers her husband is gay will break you. Dennis Quaid is also terrific as her closeted husband.

The Watermelon Woman (1996) Directed by Cheryl Dunye

Cheryl Dunye’s low-budget debut is a seminal queer film. A video store worker and documentarian (played by Dunye) starts a new relationship while becoming obsessed with ‘the watermelon woman’, a Black actress forgotten by history. It’s lo-fi, funny and a, far too rare, film about race and sexuality.

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) Directed by Stephen Frears

It may have been the first time I saw gay characters on screen and, at the time, it petrified me. But what an amazing film about love, acceptance and the power to change. Fun fact: Daniel Day-Lewis spent a year as a tumble dryer in preparation for his role.

Beautiful Thing (1996) Directed by Hettie MacDonald

Hettie MacDonald’s coming-of-age film is so lovely, honest and tender. James Harvey adapted it from his own play of the same name. The soundtrack is almost entirely The Mamas and the Papas. I am surprised some cigar-smoking West-End mogul hasn’t attempted a musical adaptation. Or maybe they have, I don’t know.

Pride (2014) Directed by Matthew Warchus

Such a purely entertaining film while being urgent, political and deeply moving. Beresford’s script is a masterclass in plotting and if you don’t cry at the end then you are dead inside. Sorry but that’s just science. Also it has the most emotional postscript coda since, well, Paris is Burning.

Love is Strange (2014) Directed by Ira Sachs

Ira Sachs is one of my favorite current filmmakers and criminally underrated. I mean, he’s appreciated, but he needs to be lauded. Love is Strange is such a charming and quietly devastating love story about an older gay couple who lose their apartment and have to couch surf with relatives. It’s one of the most effective films in dealing with the rental crisis in big cities, something he does equally brilliantly in the follow-up, Little Men.

A Fantastic Woman (2017) Directed by Sebastián Lelio

Sebastián Lelio’s film is a beautiful story about one trans woman’s grief after the unexpected death of her older partner. But what makes this film so spectacular is the captivating performance by Daniela Vega. We need to see more of her on screen.

BPM (Beats per Minute) (2017) Directed by Robin Campillo

It’s a film about the AIDS activism of Act Up in 1990s Paris. What makes this so incredible is how joyous it is. Strobe-doused dance scenes punctuate this film that will make you want to take to the streets and fight for your rights.

The Queen of Ireland (2015) Directed by Conor Horgan

This documentary by Conor Horgan follows Ireland’s most famous drag queen, Panti Bliss (aka Rory O’Neill). It’s about his life, a legal battle (a bunch of homophobes sued Rory for calling them homophobes on national TV) and the staging of a show in his hometown. Central to all this is Ireland’s historic vote on marriage equality, something that Panti was a powerful figure in. If you want to laugh and have your heart soar in seeing confirmation of how a once painfully conservative country moved to love and equality, watch this.

The Kids Are All Right (2010) Directed by Lisa Cholodenko

Lisa Cholodenko’s feature is a warm, witty and realistic look at a lesbian couple and their children. Every performance is pitch perfect. I can’t believe it’s a decade old and that we have had so few similar films since.

Booksmart (2019) Directed by Olivia Wilde

We need more joyous films with queer leads and Olivia Wilde’s debut is just that. Set over one night of belated partying, we follow best friends Molly and Amy (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever), one of whom happens to be a lesbian. It is just so much fun to watch.

All About My Mother (1999) Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

I mean this list could just be an Almodóvar filmography, but All About My Mother just happened to be the first of his I saw and it blew my little gay mind. It’s simply about love in its truest sense. Almodóvar said it best with his dedication, “To all actresses who have played actresses. To all women who act. To men who act and become women. To all the people who want to be mothers. To my mother.”

Female Trouble (1974) Directed by John Waters

You can’t have a queer film list without John Waters, and this 1974 classic is my favorite of his. It follows Dawn Davenport (played by the legendary Divine) from teen delinquent to the electric chair. It’s hilarious, irreverent and distasteful in the ways only Waters can be.

Saint Maud (2019) Directed by Rose Glass

Rose Glass’s debut film isn’t out yet and so technically shouldn’t be on the list. But I saw at a festival last year and loved it, so there. It’s a horror film about a private nurse (rising star Morfydd Clark) who tries to save the soul of her deviant and lesbian patient (the always-brilliant Jennifer Ehle). It’s eerie, stylish and the sort of debut all us filmmakers wish we had. Shut up, you’re jealous!

Related content

MundoF’s Opening the Vault: a chronological history of queer interest and LGBTQ+ cinema.

Leonora’s list of Films by Transgender Writers and Directors.

Out of the Closets and Into the Cinemas!: meeting queer folks in dark rooms.

New Queer Cinema

Queer Films Everyone Must See

Queer, Black, 21st Century: A Pride 2020 List

Autostraddle’s Top 200 Lesbian, Bisexual & Queer Movies of All Time

Brianna’s list of LGBT+ Animation

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heyitmelexie · 5 years

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No One Compares To You (Bucky Barnes x Plus Size Reader) Chapter 1

Hi guys! Something new from me today!

This will be a fanfiction with several chapters. If you want to be tagged - just tell me!

Pairing: James Buchanan Barnes/The Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes x Plus Size! Reader

Word Count: 1935

Summary: You are the daughter of Pepper and Tony. Currently living isolated (by choice) in Siberia to work on your master’s exam, someone stumbles into your life and changes it completely.

Author’s Note: In this work Pepper and Tony are a couple for way longer. The Events starting with Captain America: The Winter Soldier (and following) will happen at the same time they actually did (sounds weird but I think you know what I mean).

Always here for advice so please tell me what you think and what I could do better! :)

Now enjoy ♥

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Snow was falling heavily outside your hut. Like every day, Siberia was covered in snow, a white fairy tale, far away from any other civilization. It was just you, the forest and its inhabitants. And you loved it.

The white landscape of Siberia was a dream. An introvert’s dream, mostly, but a dream after all. Although your hut was miles and miles away from the next city you didn’t feel alone or isolated. The animals here were your friends. Thanks to a part of your mutation, you were able to communicate with all animals. You didn’t need human interaction if it wasn’t necessary. All you needed was a nice cup of hot chocolate, your fire place, a good book and occasionally a funny chat with a bear friend maybe. Doesn’t sound so bad, right?

The silence here helped a lot to focus on your studies. You studied palaeontology and were working on your master’s exam. It consumed most of your time, but it was worth it. Fascinating and exactly what you wanted to do since you watched Jurassic Park for the first time when you were about 5.

You remember the moment you first looked at the hut your dad had bought for you. And he had said jokingly “I spared no expenses” when you walked around the rooms. Luckily, he respected your wishes and didn’t make it all too extravagant. You know, Tony Stark style, all tech and stuff. But you wanted it cosy and decent and he kept it that way. It was a beautiful little wooden hut in the middle of a Siberian forest with a little pond right next to it. A little kitchen, modern but nothing high-tech. Wooden furniture with fuzzy rugs, a bunch of fluffy pillows and blankets, stuff like that. Basically how you would imagine a semi-modern wooden hut in the middle of nowhere. With a basement stuffed with food and drinks for months. Cosy as heck.

Tony didn’t mind that you weren’t a tech geek like him or a business woman like your mother Pepper, he was proud anyways. You did everything in order to reach your goals and to achieve your dreams. Never once did you complain that it was stressful to write so many essays, that it was stressful having that many deadlines. Never. The only thing you did was huff in frustration occasionally, but nothing else. You were tough, like your mother, and he appreciated it. You looked like a chubby mini-version of Pepper mixed with Merida. You were a ginger, messy curls that almost reached your butt and pale skin covered in freckles. Eyes like your mothers and a character exactly like hers, with a little bit of Tony showing sometimes. The side of Tony that messed with Pepper all the time. So Tony saw a mini-Pepper in you and Pepper saw a mini-Tony in you. Perfect.

Your childhood as the Stark kid was rather normal, considering the circumstances. Your parents always made sure that you were out of danger and didn’t witness all of the things they’ve been put through. But when you grew up and developed your mutation, they had to take action.

At the age of 5 you started to do weird things by accident. The first thing that happened was that, during a tantrum, you somehow created a small tornado that completely messed up your whole room. Baffled you had stopped crying immediately and watched in silence, fascinated yet shocked at how that could have happened. You had only felt a slight vibration rushing throughout your body but assumed it was because of the anger you had felt. Today you know it was the power soaring through your body before all hell broke loose.

It would take too long to count and explain all the things that happened after that first incident, so let’s just explain the mutation rather simple: You were able to control all five elements and connected to that you could communicate with animals. ¹ To you the mutation was a gift. You absolutely loved it and wouldn’t want it any other way. It was perfect to you. Logically you went to Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. During your time there you discovered everything your mutation had to offer. Which sometimes resulted in cataclysmic situations (a huge and deep hole in the ground, a completely dried out pond, stuff like that) but today you were completely in charge of it. You used your mutation to do good things like growing trees and grass, creating wells with fresh water in regions of need, restoring sections of the rainforest, things like that. But, if necessary, you could use it as a weapon as well. You just didn’t have to, yet.

All in all your life wasn’t too bad. The only thing bothering you was your body.

You have always been a heavy kid. Your family didn’t mind, they loved you nonetheless and always thought you were the most beautiful girl in the entire universe. They always told you that it doesn’t matter if you’re thick or thin. That people might be mean towards you because they think they are better than you just because they were skinny but that their foul words would mean nothing.

One day you came home from school crying because the new kid in your class had called you bad names because of your weight and had made fun of you.

“People can be arse holes” your dad had said to you.

“Tony!” Your mother lightly slapped his arm and looked at him angrily.

“You know I’m right, Pepper. People can be really mean. So sweetie, listen to me. If they say mean things to you: Ignore them. Nothing, absolutely nothing is wrong with you. You are beyond perfect the way you are. Yes you are chubbier than other kids but you’ve got a heart of gold which they don’t have and that makes you better than them. Being kind is way more important than being skinny. You are a little angel and you make me and mommy extremely proud. And no one can ever tell us different. Because people are often very superficial and judge others by their looks. There are people that might be ‘super skinny and beautiful’ but when you get to know them they’re shit.” Another slap. You giggled a little and sniffled and he continued.

“Whatever you do in your life, remember that you do it for yourself and not for others. Never change yourself for anyone. Never let anyone tell you how to live your life and certainly never let anyone rule over you. Your life lies in your hands. Yours only. Your body doesn’t define you, but your character, your actions and the way you treat others do. So stay who and how you are. Be kind, help those that need help and do good things. And don’t you ever worry about the size and shape of your body. You are gorgeous the way you are, honey and I love you to pieces. You don’t need negative people in your life. But there will be people who will love you for who you are. And honestly? If someone thinks you’re not pretty just because you’re bigger, than they are idiots and superficial losers with sticks high up their asses.” He winked at you and you giggled. Your mom just shook her head but smiled.

It made you feel better to hear these words from your dad but the kids at school continued calling you names and bullying you. Their behaviour made you hate your body and at some point not even your parents or even auntie Nat could make you feel better.

You had always wished for a Prince Charming that would love every bit of your body passionately and that would treat you like a Greek goddess. Little did you know that someone would soon burst into your life like uncle Steve once crashed full force into a bridal shop back in the day (he had told you the story several times when you were younger) and turned it upside down, positively.

But back to your current situation. It’s around five pm. You’re sitting on your sofa, wrapped up in a blanket, a mug with hot chocolate on the table and your laptop on your legs, working on your exam paper. This week has been very successful, you’ve filled about 21 more pages and the topic captivated you more and more. You wrote about the Jurassic Park movies and their accuracy compared to the real deal back then. As much as you loved the movies, but many facts were just wrong. A 2-meter Velociraptor? Yeah, no. There were 10 more pages ahead of you and 2 more weeks of time to fill them. 120 pages in 6 months, you felt very proud of yourself.

You decided to stop writing for today. Your eyes grew heavy and your mind was empty for now. And you knew that before you could have a relaxing bath you would have to go outside and carry some wood inside for the fire place. So you put on thick clothing and stepped outside into the cold evening. ² As you made your way to the little shack that holds your wood you noticed a dark pile of something between the trees, halfway covered in snow. This doesn’t look like an animal. It’s all black and doesn’t seem to have any fur covering it. Strange.

Wondering what or who this could possibly be you slowly made your way towards it, preparing for a possible assault. Maybe it’s a human? But who, besides me, would be out here? You hadn’t seen any other human in the past almost 6 months since you live here. And someone getting lost and finding exactly your hut in this isolated area? Only a small chance but you would have to see.

As you got closer you saw a face almost completely buried in the snow. Now you realized there was actually a man lying in the snow, half frozen to death, face blue and body stiff. You felt for a pulse. First you didn’t feel anything and almost panicked but then you could feel a slight beat against your fingers and exhaled relieved. He lived.

You picked him up but struggled. He was really heavy. Not able to carry him all the way back to your hut like this you just drag him through the snow and into the warmth. You put a thick blanket in front of the fire place and him onto it. Then you used your powers to slowly warm him up and at the same time dry him off. The colour slowly crawled back into his face and you felt his pulse getting stronger.

When his body had a normal temperature again you covered him in a bunch of blankets and went into the kitchen to prepare some hot chocolate.

He was wearing weird clothing. All black and it resembled some weird kind of uniform. Also a mask covering his mouth and goggles that you both had taken off his face. It gave you a creepy feeling but for now you would have to make sure he’d get better again before you could ask him some questions.

You just took some mini marshmallows out of the bag to put them on top of the hot chocolate as a body pressed you against the counter. The person wrapped an arm tightly around your torso to hold you in place and you felt a blade being pressed against your throat.

“Move and I’ll kill you.”

(End of Chapter 1)

Author’s Note:

1) Five elements: Air, Fire, Earth, Water and Soul. I got this idea from House of Nights. The main character was able to control the soul element if I remember correctly, I read the books too many years ago to remember any details but this is only an explanation as to why I am referring to five elements rather than four as people usually do. I also personally think seeing the soul as a fifth element is quite logical, it’s as natural as the other elements. But this is not just the soul of a human, it’s basically also the soul of animals and plants etc. It will occur that I’ll talk about auras and moods and stuff like that. Like, seeing the aura of people mostly (like the concept of Vampire Academy), the aura having different colours indicating their moods and states of their souls and stuff like that. I will also create a little legend that tells you what colour means which mood or state of mind/soul.

2) Of course basically you could warm yourself up with your mutation but everything has a price. Using it too much means you’re also using your own energy and that is exhausting. So you rather only use it if you have to, saving your energy.

#bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #the winter soldier #plus size #plus size reader #tony stark #pepper potts #Steve Rogers #captain america #black widow #natasha romanoff #fanfiction #bucky barns x reader #bucky barnes x plus size reader

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awkwardlittlepringle · 4 years

Text

Queer ‘n Crazy

CHAPTER 2

Hello fellow Fanders! This is the second chapter of Queer ‘n Crazy, and thank you so so so much for reading this! I appreciate it a lot. 😄 Also, does anyone know how to tag people? Or link things accurately? I have no clue how this website works.

Blurb thing : To say Virgil Black hasn’t had the easiest life would be an understatement. Considering all he’s been through, it’s no surprise that he has a few mental illnesses. But that doesn’t mean he appreciates being thrown into some government experiment, even if he does have a gorgeous roommate.

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Warnings : Mentions of an abusive family, OCD, depression and anxiety disorders, self deprecating thoughts.

.................

Virgil re-adjusted the backpack strap on his shoulder as he stared out the car window, biting his lip.

He'd been to the school before, on the orientation and moving days. However, his roommate had not been present on moving day. When he asked the receptionist about this, she said he'd arranged to move a different day. Meaning, that out of almost everyone in the school, he was the only one who had not been acquainted with his roommate.

"Are you alright, Virgil?" He nodded, turning to Mike, who was in the drivers seat. The car approached the campus, and Mike found a parking not too far from the dorms. Fidgeting, Virgil consulted the leaflet that he had clenched in his hand. A map of the institute.

His anxiety had caused several scenarios to run through Virgil's head concerning this day and needless to say, hardly any comforted him. But as Janice had reminded him about ten times that morning, "If you want to leave, just give us a call." Virgil looked at the map.

His dormitory, a building called Draconis, was a five minute walk from the parking lot. All of the dormitories were arranged in a pentagon, around a courtyard commons.

Virgil stepped out of the car to feel a light breeze ruffle his hair. Despite himself, he smiled. He'd seen the campus before, and there was no denying that it was beautiful.

Maple trees were planted around a the brick-lined sidewalk. A large reception blocked Virgil's view, but he could still see a slither of a large college-style campus, with small gardens and fountains. A few other students were getting out of cars, and like Virgil, all of them held a small suitcase or duffel bag.

"Goodbye, Virgil." said Mike, stepping out of the car himself to Virgil a hug. Virgil hugged back, ignoring the voice in his head that said the other students would judge him because of it. Mike stepped back into the car, and a stab of worry hit Virgil. What if he was an outcast here, too?

Just to give himself something to do, Virgil glanced at the map in his hand once more. He knew what he had to do, go to the reception and get a key, and then go to his dorm. Simple. But there were people in the reception. Chances are it was full of people waiting to get their dorm keys. Still, to prevent himself from looking like an idiot, Virgil willed his feet into motion. He was tempted to put on his headphones, but he didn't want to risk bumping into anyone.

He walked to the reception, and joined the line of about nine students, all queuing up to receive their room key. Most were accompanied by their roommates, chatting uncomfortably. Virgil fiddled with the strings of his hoodie and kept his gaze fixed on his feet to avoid the non-existent gazes he was sure were plaguing him.

He shuffled up to the desk, mumbled out his name and room number, and received a small silver key in return. He shuffled out the back door, grateful for the cool air that grazed his skin. shoving his hands into his pockets, he strode down the stone pathways that lined the school following signs for the dorms.

Six minutes later he was standing in a carpeted hallway in front of a door numbered 145. Virgil glanced at his key before slotting it into the lock. A small click quelled the thoughts running through his brain, and he entered the apartment-like complex.

He walked inside, taking in the carpeted room in front of him.

Two double beds were placed into either corner, laid with white sheets, a grey quilt and a navy and green tartan comforter each. A side table stood next to each bed, and at the foot of the bed, a desk. Not bad. There were two wardrobes as well, one of which was laying open, clothing hung neatly inside. Virgil's mouth dried up as he stepped into the room, his suitcase trailing behind him.

Upon closer inspection, Virgil realised that a navy suitcase was leaning neatly against the foot of the bed on the right, so Virgil moved toward the bed on the left. He placed his suitcase on top of the comforter, and opened it. He glanced at the comforter, his nose wrinkling up. It was ugly.

Instead he drew out a fuzzy purple blanket, laying it on top of the comforter, and turned to the side-table. He opened up the drawers and placed in the few items he had left over from moving day. He'd just finished the task before what he assumed was the bathroom door opened.

Out stepped a teen who looked like he had a metal rod instead of a spine. Immaculate posture, a sharp jawline, neatly styled hair and a black shirt and tie, dubbed him the most formal teenager Virgil had met by a mile. But somehow, he managed to pull it off.

He closed the door gently before stepping away from it. Then he turned around and Virgil felt the his breath being snatched away.

He had the most gorgeous eyes Virgil had ever seen. The were a curious dark blue, almost like navy mixed with a storm-cloud grey. But strangely enough, he could spot a small hazel streak near the edge of his irises. They had a depth that Virgil couldn't fathom, like they held the secrets of the universe underneath their captivating metallic pigment.

"Virgil Grant, I assume?" Virgil felt his cheeks heat up as the stranger cocked his head to the side, surveying Virgil. He'd noticed Virgil had been staring. "U-Uh, yeah. I'm Virgil." he said lamely, wincing at the sound of his voice. God he was pathetic. However, the stranger just smiled.

"My name is Logan Rouge, pleasure to make your acquaintance." Despite being a bit thrown off by his manner of speech, Virgil shook Logan's outstretched hand. "So you're my roommate." said Virgil, his eyes darting around Logan's profile. "Yes, it appears so." said Logan, smiling gently. He then moved to sit down on his bed. "So, what are you here for?"

"Depressive anxiety and PTSD. Y'know, just being a burden in general." Virgil fell back into his own bed with a tired smile. "You?"

"OCD and depression, mainly OCD though. Both are under control." Logan surveyed him with interest. "So that's how they're playing it. Odd." he murmured. Virgil glanced at him confused. "Huh?" "This building, Draconis, is inhabited by people with different types of anxiety." began Logan. "I assumed that people with the same syndromes would room together, although some triggers may be shared. But their putting people with different disorders in different dorms." His eyebrows furrowed. "It's strange. What if the triggers clash? That wouldn't end well." Virgil shrugged.

"You don't know if it's like that for everyone, so far you only know about our disorders, right?" Logan hummed. "I suppose." The two lapsed into silence. While Virgil knew he had no reason to be, he couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

"Anyway," said Logan breaking the silence. "Any triggers I should be aware of?" Virgil looked at him surprised. No one had asked him that before, they usually waited to find out when he panicked.

"Um..." Began Virgil, taken aback. "I don't particularly like yelling, or closed spaces," Logan hummed, his eyebrows crinkling adorably. "How about comfort objects?" "Just my hoodie. What about you? Any triggers?" said Virgil.

"Not yet, but I would prefer it if you don't touch my things," said Logan, a bit embarrassed. "I know it's odd but I do need a couple of weeks to figure out what arrangements don't upset me."

"Not a problem, Lo." Logan froze, looking at Virgil. Oh shit, he hates him now, doesn't he. Stupid mouth giving stupid nicknames without asking the per-

"Lo..." he mused, a small smile slipping onto his face. "I like it." Virgil let out a small chuckle, marvelling the boy in front of him. He'd never gotten along with someone this easily before, it was kinda creeping him out.

"How come you ended up here, anyway? You seem to be doing alright." said Virgil sitting up. Logan sighed. "My parents can't be bothered dealing with my disorder. We were never really close, but I suppose the OCD really set them off. They can't understand why arrangements would upset me. But I can't blame them, I don't really get it either." Virgil shot him a sympathetic smile.

"You've got crappy parents too, huh?" Logan's mouth quirked up slightly. "Yes. How about parents stay out of casual conversation, would that be suitable?" Virgil nodded at his stoic faced acquaintance. "Deal."

"We should probably head to the auditorium, we wouldn't want to miss the speech." said Logan standing up. "I trust that you have a map?" Virgil nodded, pulling the brochure out of his pocket. "How'd you know?" "You seem like the type to overthink everything." he said fixing his tie.Virgil smirked.

"You got me there."

..............

TAG THING I’M SORRY I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS PROPERLY.

@someone-idk-is-here

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glorious-sea-pancakes · 6 years

Text

To people wondering why Captive Prince is beloved

Alright so I know a lot of people think that captive prince, the book series, is problematic. The whole thing is hotly debated.

As someone who loves the series fiercely and doesn’t think that it is problematic, I wanted to put in my two cents to the debate... because a lot of people who explain why it is a good series often fall short and don’t really explain adequately in my opinion. If I were someone on the fence that read a lot of the explanations I've seen, I wouldn’t be particularly convinced or happy. So I’ll do my best to articulate what I mean.

EDIT: wow this is long. Sorry?

EDIT EDIT: And in retrospect the only thing I see with Captive Prince that actually does bother me is the lack of female characters. This is very much a male dominated story. But you know what? That’s a pretty small gripe because I’m cool with a boy-focused story. Plus it has an awesome gay power couple as the main characters.

HOKAY so first: A lot of people try too hard to avoid any kind of spoilers that they keep it TOO vague. So, without spoilers, I’m gonna be a little clearer

Thing One: The premise.

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave. Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country. For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else…

With this alone, I can see why people get the wrong idea. At a glance you think it’ll be a Stockholm syndrome kinkfest with tons of rape and Fifty Shades of Grey consent issues--hence it being problematic.

However, I am telling you right here and now, the two main characters hate each other’s guts. Laurent would sooner break his own fingers than touch Damen. The two main characters have sex and a romance eventually, but it isn’t until they develop real respect wwwayy later. Ridiculously later. By the time those two hold hands you’ve been screaming for entire books kiss already!

Sooo, the first thing that I assumed when I picked Captive Prince was that there would be immediate hate sex, but I am halfway book 2 and the sex is nowhere to be seen and instead I am so caught up in the political intrigue that I don’t even care-- cosetteferaud

They are physically attracted from the beginning, true, but they hate so strongly that they couldn’t be bothered to take much interest in pretty faces.

Damen frowned. Laurent was a nest of scorpions in the body of one person. Torveld looked at him and saw a buttercup.

So, no, this isn’t a stokholm kinkfest.

Things in this summary you should focus on: Not just the pleasure slave thing.

The real focus is on the political intrigue and twisty politicking with EXTREMELY slowburn romance on the side.

The first book is widely known as the darkest of the three. In places it is hard to read but you DO have to read it to fully appreciate the second and third books. You must know what is at stake, get plot threads going, really see what they’re working so hard for. Gotta meet the villain and understand why they’re so bad. You need that dark first book understand why they end up loving so deeply. You need to see them at their worst. And on that note, their worst…

Thing Two: Their hatred.

I mean it when I say they have anger and hate. The chasm yawning between them is an ugly one.

So Laurent haaaAAATES Damen. He treats Damen like garbage. And Damen hates him because of it. Laurent is actively TRYING to be a dick. He’s aware that he’s doing things that are mean. Laurent is trying to put down someone he genuinely sees as an enemy. So, yeah, Laurent does Problematic things. However that’s… to be expected? When you hate someone’s guts? If your goal is to make sure someone hates you there are some pretty clear ways to achieve that. He doesn’t want to like Damen. If you wince and think that, ouch, that was cruel and charged with a lot of ugly implications: know that Laurent is fully aware and is eyes open trying to create distance between them by using those things deliberately. You won’t completely know the why until later in the series.

A thing to remember: you don’t yet know his motivations.

To me, the most important thing is not what the characters say or do but how the author frames those things.

When Laurent does something conniving or insults people: the reader, Damen, and the author all understand he’s being a dick. The author isn’t glorifying Laurent’s behavior. That means everything. She NEVER excuses them for what they do. You’re meant to look on the bad things that happen and agree that oh, no, that was a bad thing.

Characters should be able to do bad things otherwise what is the point of the story? Not every book can be conflict free coffee shop aus. If you only want to read problem free stories like that, this is NOT the series for you.

More than that, there’s value in discussing the dark things like the ones that this book discusses. There’s value in seeing people hate and attempt to destroy each other. I’m serious!

When Laurent says something nasty you’re meant to be like OOF LAURENT OW not ‘Oh the author believes this and wants people to be like this.’ Because that would be dumb? People should be able to talk about real life issues and problematic stuff without being equated as sermons. Because if you believe that even depicting the Bad Thing is gonna spread it, then you’re silencing education about the Bad Thing that could allow people to avoid and learn from it. Censorship does not encourage equality, it encourages ignorance. Censorship and purist ideology just denies that people, good people, can do bad things. It also denies the knowledge that Badguys are human.

One of the reasons I love storytelling so much is because it is the number one way to think about and discuss difficult topics that happen in the real world all the time. I’m sorry, you can’t escape reality. It is out there. Constantly. We need to think about and see these bad things and create a conversation about them to understand them. On a cultural level, storytelling is how we learn and frame opinions. We started out telling myths through oral tradition around campfires to explain and teach—what makes novels any different? Novels are one of many modern-day oral tradition adaptions. You must appreciate that for what it is.

Captive Prince is no exception.

Thing Three: The Virtues (AKA why you should read it)

-Srslyarts

This is a mature book. It discusses sex and has graphic smut. It discusses rape. It discusses pedophilia. People die. The author condones NONE of these things. But, more than anything, she also managed to capture delicious, thorny, complex, hard to explain pain of emotional conflict. Which is so hard to write. And that emotional pain and complexity is so interesting and beautiful.

This is a book about hurting others the way you’ve been hurt. It’s about abuse, recovery, redemption, forgiveness. Its about privilege, growing up too quickly, entitlement, sexual objectification, slavery, having no choice, responsibility, putting your past in perspective, realizing the people you hate are human, realizing you were wrong, realizing people aren’t who you thought they were, that you’ve made mistakes, realizing you don’t like the person you used to be, learning how much you’re willing to give up. It talks about abuse survivors who don’t get sad but become angry instead. It’s about the long-term effects, the vulnerabilities, of abuse. It’s about good people doing bad things. It’s about falling in love with someone who has done the unforgivable and being terrified of it. This novel does not take the easy way out on anything.

The emotional complexity in this book is gorgeous. I’ve heard so many people say they were moved deeply by Laurent because they saw themselves in him.

More than that, this book is intelligently written. All the political intrigue, the focus of the story, is SO SMART. Seriously. I predicted so little. Normally when I crack open a book I can generally see where a story is going and what is implied way before the reveal. But these characters are wickedly smart and four steps ahead of you as a reader. And you get to see their thought process!! I’ve noticed a lot of authors will tiptoe around the How of characters outsmarting people because they can’t figure it out themselves. Myself included. Not this story. You see every step of Laurent’s spider web being woven and the hand Damen has in it. Pacat is incredibly intelligent and it shows through her characters.

Laurent is quick as a whip and sees through everything—I never would have noticed half of the things he sees. Nor would I be able to prepare and respond so well. It is so cool seeing him explain what is happening politically.

Its even better because you’re reading from the perspective of Damen. Damen is a prince and a strategist. Damen is a master military man. However social subtleties aren’t his forte and a lot goes right over his head but not yours. Damen is notoriously honorable and oblivious. He thinks he knows what is going on but you will stop and squint. Even still, in the end both you and him are shocked silly by what actually happens. Moreover, Damen is a wonderful person and it is really cool being in his head. He’s every bit the noble prince who is quiet, thoughtful, serious, and honorable to a fault. He’s also a brat and inwardly very snarky despite being so good natured.

The writing style is delicate and eloquent. She remains consistent with lingo fitting for the time. And, honestly, the humor is super dry and I flipping love it.

Lastly. It is a truly good love story. For how ugly their relationship started Lamen ends up becoming one of the healthiest most loving and sweet I’ve read.

PS: We don’t deserve Charls the Veretian Cloth Merchant or Damen’s left cheek dimple.

-typohime

And, finally, a word from the author:

#Captive prince #discourse

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magicmirrored · 7 years

Photo

On March 22, 2014, I created whiteravenandblackdove, my first ever fandomless OC roleplay blog on Tumblr. I had previously only played canons up to that point, and I hadn’t been roleplaying on Tumblr for long. Over three years, I built up relationships, not just with muses but with muns, had interacted with pushy/rule-breaking blogs, had a months-long incident with an emotional manipulator, real-life matters, and long nights of fun dash shenanigans. I met some absolutely amazing people there, some I still talk to, others I don’t.

Eventually, I changed the years-old URL to magicmirrored.

Come 2017, and I was preoccupied with one of my other blogs, and had been neglecting the twins for months due to lack of motivation and just an overall feeling of negativity whenever I logged on. But I have had Laine and Zane Misota as characters for years, and I was not going to give up on them.

So I rebooted. Started over fresh. And it was the best idea I had.

I have never met a group of people so readily accepting and welcoming of a new person, so actively kind and appreciative of one another. On the old blog, I always had this issue of “belonging”--I was fandomless and an OC blog, I didn’t fit in anywhere. Now, despite my dash being a wide array of fandoms, I’ve realized that it isn’t a fandom that makes me feel loved: it was the people. And you all have made me feel so at home over the past two months that I’ve had this blog so far. I cannot express just how grateful I am.

It’s been a long time since I’ve consistently had this much fun on a roleplay blog.

So! Let’s get to the sappy part, shall we?

THE SHITPOST CRUSADERS

I would be absolutely remiss to not mention these guys. These people have accepted me and treated me like one of their own from day one, have supported me in the lowest points of my life, have cheered me up whenever I needed it. We’ve dealt with drama and shitty people, dealt with our internal issues, and given each other a resource of love and support that I honestly don’t know where I’d be without. You guys aren’t just my closest friends, you guys are my family. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing group.

I’m not going to tag all of you because half of you aren’t on Tumblr too much anymore (not that I blame you), but know that I absolutely love you guys. Thank you for everything. <3

THE VANGUARD’S FINEST

These are the people I talk to/interact with the most, those who have become dear friends to me and who I love with all my heart.

@shadowhunting-wolf: Dakota!! My IRL best friend, my sister, my DUDE. Words can’t describe how absolutely proud I am of you. You’ve gone on to follow your dream, your calling, regardless of who says what. Even when you have doubts about yourself, you’ve never given up. You are a beautiful, creative, and astounding person who I’m honored to call my best friend. I love you bro <3

@unfriiended Wyatt! I honestly owe the success of my blog to you. Because of your immediate acceptance and welcome of me, others saw me and welcomed me as well, and suddenly, I had a new group of friends that had become invaluable to me--very much including you. You are such a positive force on my dash, the image of staying kind, even if the rest of the world around you is not. That speaks volumes about your personal integrity, and I am absolutely honored to be friends with someone as creative and talented and overall amazing as you are. Make sure to take care of yourself <3

@fakedself: Toki! Holy shit where do I even begin with you? Your writing’s gorgeous and fluid, your art is lovely (especially the coloring, fuck i love your coloring???), your characterization is absolutely top-notch, your passion for Jared is admirable--there’s just too much to talk about! OOC, however, you are simply amazing. You are such a fun and friendly individual to interact with, and are always willing to hear me out on whatever ideas I may have for our muses (whether they’re adorable, painful, or both if we’re lucky). Thanks for that, by the way--I know I can get long-winded, so thank you for being so patient with me. And when it came to personal shit, you were endlessly supportive, and it means to much to me. I fucking love you man <3

@greenxnova / @mysteryisms: Connor! One of the most adorable, kindest kids that I know! I love your writing, your art, your ideas--everything! You’re an absolute joy to talk to, whether it’s plotting or screaming about current interactions or just talking nonsense, I always love whenever we talk. Your creativity is amazing, and I love seeing what else you’ll do with your characters, and the interactions they have with others. I know sometimes you may doubt yourself, but never forget that you are such a talented person--and remember that you can only grow from where you are with practice <3

@h-eadphxnes: Cece! Ohhhh my god, where to begin, because there is so much that I can say about you?? You’re such a sweetheart to everyone you meet, you’re easygoing with a great sense of humor, you’re insanely creative, honestly you’re an inspiration! You have such interesting characterization and execution of said characterization, and your prose writing is something I always look forward to seeing. I am honored to know someone like you <3

@setsfire: Eli! I’ve followed you since this blog’s conception, and you have been nothing short of sweet and courteous to me, even when we weren’t mutuals (I have seen people been less than kind to their non-mutual followers). Your passion for Rich is incredibly admirable, and it’s always a joy to watch you develop him and flesh him out and give him the proper respect he deserves as a character. Your writing is gorgeous and lively, and it complements your characterization of Rich beautifully. I hope we can interact more soon <3

@totallyboss: Ky! You know I think it’s pretty fucking hilarious how we met over a game of CAH, and we’ve been friends ever since! Listen Ky, your writing is flowing and descriptive and bursting with character, your passion for Jake is infectious, your art is simply beautiful! And OOC, you are welcoming and excited and an absolute joy to talk to and plot with. I love talking to you, whether about characters or shows or art or whatever we happen to speak about. I always look forward to every conversation we have. Keep doing you <3

@snowlost / @vintageloved: Richie! Holy fuck dude I love you. Seeing you on my dashmakes my day a little bit brighter. I adore your characterization of whatever muse you have, and I always look forward to interacting with you. You are so sweet and fun and creative and are just so pleasant to speak with. You are precious and adorable and so talented, especially with your graphics! Thanks for staying with me for so long, it means so much to me, you are such a wonderful friend <3

@pitifulbefore: Lune! Like Eli, you have been nothing short of kind and courteous to me when we were non-mutuals, and nothing about that has changed since we became mutuals. Your passion for Jeremy is so admirable, and it’s always a pleasure to see you so excited over him. Your writing is fluid and personalized, capturing every tic and every motion expertly. -hugs- I know things haven’t been going well for you lately, so I’m sending out my love to you. You are a strong, brave person, and I believe in you <3

@plcyerone / @sawcoming: Minnie! Again, even when we weren’t mutuals, you were so kind and accepting of me. You treated me like a friend, and were so warm and open that I felt immediately comfortable around you. Your writing is beautiful, your characterization lively, your voice-acting really nice! And your edits, god, your talent for editing is simply fantastic! You are so kind,and I simply adore you <3

@irnwrk / @3amhigh: Bane! I really have to thank you--I had never really tried to interact with a blog I wasn’t mutuals with, but you were so polite in answering my questions and reassuring me. It meant so much to me. God, you are so creative and passionate with each muse that you make. Your writing is nothing short of captivating, and I look forward to reading each reply of yours. Thank you for being so accepting and kind; we need more people like you in the world <3

@wisheddead: Lex! Can I just mention how incredibly strong and brave you are? Even when faced with backlash and internal struggles, you still log on, still spread love and positivity to your friends. That is incredibly admirable, and you should be so proud. I love your take on Michael, how you portray his struggles, his flaws, his strengths. You are an absolute sweetheart and I love talking with you <3

@missingkxd: Hannah! The moment I posted that thing about wanting ships, it was all down hill from there. We are way too deep into this hell and I am loving it. There’s something so special about your writing that I can’t quite place--I think it’s just how much character is shown in your narration. It is nothing short of excellent. I adore plotting with you, and I always look forward to reading a reply of yours because I’m always captivated by what you write. You are an open and honest person, one who is so kind and considerate and so very, very strong. I love you so much <3

@outofthelight: Callie! Truly one of the sweetest people I know, someone with plenty of creative ideas and excellent characterization. Seriously, I cannot get over how much you nail Evan’s character, and how your writing style reflects that. You are such an articulate and well-spoken person; talking with you is a joy. You are always there to give me support when I need it, and you have no idea how much I appreciate that. You are absolutely wonderful, don’t forget that <3

@kibouzuru: Melody! My dude! You and I have been following each other for--fuck, for years now! We instantly clicked when I had my Komaru, and we’ve been friends ever since. You have been nothing short of kind and friendly and fun to me, whether it’s planning out angst or ships, huge fight scenes, or indulging ourselves in some self-insert writing. You are one of my dearest friends and I am so lucky to have met and continue to know you <3

@titanslayer: Nat! Holy fuck are you amazing. You try your absolute damnedest to make sure everyone else is happy and knows they’re loved, and you have enough sense to know when you yourself need time to recharge. You have an excellent grasp on the technicalities of writing, being able to go from serious writing to GARLIC KNOTS in an instant.I have seen few people with the passion for your muse that you do, and you have earned my respect for that (and, in turn, gave me more respect for Jason). Take care of yourself Gramma <3

@childrenofeney: Sol! God, where do I begin with you? No matter where I go, you follow, and you are so endlessly supportive and fun and cheerful and creative. It means so, so much to me that you care so much about me and my twins that you’ve stuck with me for nearly, what, four years? You are one of my dearest friends, and I wish you nothing but the best <3

@humcne / @lvnarloser: Dromio! To think just how fast we became friends because you sent in a meme that broke Laine on a whim. We clicked immediately, and started throwing out plots to one another and getting so excited over our kids! You are so sweet and compassionate, and we even had fun venting with one another. I love your passion for all your characters, and your writing is a joy to read. I certainly hope we continue to interact <3

@charmingxsolace / @sora12212: Sora! I don’t even know if you’re going to see this--I don’t know how often you lurk Tumblr anymore--but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention you. You have supported me for years, always willing to lend an ear when I needed it and give me some love when I was down. I love and appreciate you and everything you do, whether it’s writing, drawing, or screaming. I really hope you see this, because you deserve to know what a lovely, unique individual you are <3

MODEL SOLDIERS

Those who I haven’t talked to as much and/or admire from afar, but would very much like to interact with!

And, of course...

SIGNIFICANT ANNOYANCE

@hopeprevaiils/@nepvudum

Hi Som ily

No, but really... I have to have a separate section for my significant other, Somari. I would absolutely not be the person I am today without them. In the months leading up to our relationship, they became one of my closest friends. We vented to each other, we gushed with each other, we stayed up until 4 AM on multiple occasions discussing headcanons for our muses. Our relationship went off to a bit of a rocky start, with the aforementioned emotional manipulator doing, well, what they do best, but we did not waver. Because of them, I’ve begun a recovery process--years of self-deprecation and self-hatred have finally begun to leave me. Because of Somari, I’ve actually begun to build a basis of self-confidence. I’ve begun to look at the things I’ve made and say, “Hey, this is actually alright.” Because of them, I’m starting to see myself as someone who is worth something.

Because of them, I’ve begun to love myself.

I love you so, so much Somari. You are a gift to my life, and I hope our future is bright. And even if it isn’t, you know we’ll fight like hell to create some light ourselves.

Thank you to everyone for sticking with me, supporting me, writing with me, and being dear friends to me.

Here’s to even better times in the future!

--Sakra

#;blood of the covenant {follow forevers}#i love you guys so much.#thank you for everything. <3 #also FUCKING FINALLY I GOT THIS THING UP ADKFHSKHFKSHKJ #;author's notes {ooc}

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filmista · 7 years

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Baby Driver (2017)

“Don't feed me any more lines from Monsters Inc. It pisses me off.”

‘Baby Driver’ one of the films of 2017, that was almost impossible to miss. It was everywhere, people loved it and it mostly garnered positive reviews. Plenty of people I know saw it, and it got recommended to me every now and again.

While for some people ‘Baby Driver’ was one of the best films of 2017, and while that certainly may be so, it won’t go down as one of my all-time favorites, I don’t quite find it memorable enough.

But I have to admit it is simply a wonderfully crafted film; in which you can feel the passion and the love of the director for the project, that’s very hard not to have a good time with, it’s so silly and yes absolutely over the top ridiculous at times (but not painfully aware of it) that it becomes fun.

While I may want to watch the film more than once, it’s not the sharpest, most beautiful or best film I’ve ever seen (and that’s an ever-changing and expanding list anyway, only some have a permanent place on there).

However I might return to it for when I simply want to have a good time when I want to watch something, that’ll make me feel good and happy, I didn’t look at my watch once throughout the film I was entertained throughout.

Now the very first minutes of the film, I wondered where it was going to go to, but then once it found it’s footing, it’s a fun, entertaining and especially uplifting film.

Now many people didn’t like it and I can also understand the point of view of some of them, firstly action films aren’t for everyone, and the combination of action and music, pop music probably also isn’t.

‘Baby Driver’ is simply lighter and at the same time more emotional than your average action film, this isn’t a film like ‘The Fast And Furious’ franchise. And then there were people that found it too cliche and that it had a lot of influences from other films.

Though I think that anyone disregarding the film for being too cliche, didn’t really realize that the film very well knows it’s cliche and actually embraces that, so many of the characters in the film and so many of the plotlines in it we’ve seen before.

Not that, that matters and makes the film any less fun and entertaining to watch, it knows it’s being cliche, so it’s never painfully so.

And the difference with other films that are cliche (that don’t know it) is that the love and passion with which this was made, simply sparks of the screen, Edgar Wright was just simply having a good time while filming and it shows, it’s a big production but it’s got a personal touch and part of his personality in it.

Plot-wise ‘Baby Driver’s doesn’t really do anything way, it’s about Baby, who’s actually a good person, but who through tough luck got to work in a criminal environment (as getaway driver) and happens to be good at his job, the best in fact.

But actually feels negatively towards it, he knows he’s the best at it, and certainly enjoys the adrenaline rush of it at times; but his conscience gnaws at him, and as soon as he can he wants to leave that world because he’s just too emotional and moral for it.

Meanwhile, he meets waitress Debora at a diner, who he forges an instant connection with, after an improvised, quirky date: listening to music at the laundromat; they’ve fallen for each other.

They’re both not the kind of people to have to talk all the time, both love music, both have probably dealt with pain, in the case of Baby that’s for sure, his mom was a waitress in abusive marriage, but with a voice of gold, and music was her love, when she wasn’t working as a waitress, she was recording music.

But ultimately passed in a car crash while having a fight with her husband. It’s possible, that Debora the waitress (who also happens to have heart of gold and a voice like honey) reminds him of his mother, not in a creepy Freudian sense of course.

And Debora likely also has some kind of struggle in her past, but that’s not really explored, Debora stays inside of the cliche of the diner waitress, who’s beautiful and sweet as pie at once. Not that it ever really matters, because Lily James plays her with such heart, charm and contagious energy that you just have to love her.

As I mentioned both love music, both kind of keep themselves and are outsiders of kinds, both long for escape. Baby longs for escape out of his line of work, and Debora longs for escape out of the diner she works in.

When they meet everything seems fairytale like and perfect; Baby had just had what was supposed to be his last job and they hatch a plan to drive off into the sunset towards an unknown destination without much of a clear plane and their music and one another.

But like always in this kind of thing, it’s of course not his last job and he’s forced to deceive the woman he loves in order to protect her. The rest of the film becomes about his trying to escape that; and have his happy end with Debora, and you can probably guess how it ends.

It’s a storyline that’s been done millions of times; but still, Wright’s script does have some surprises in it, towards the end of the film certain characters do develop in a way that you wouldn’t have expected at first sight.

Much more than anything it’s not the plot that makes ‘Baby Driver’ worth a watch, that’s as calcite and almost laughably simple as can be.

It’s merely an excuse to have something to work with; Wright had for years wanted to make a chase movie, that’s entirely structured around and driven by pop songs, and that’s what he did, with a distinct vision and eye for beauty.

‘Baby Driver’ is a pleasure for the sense; it treats to both lovely visuals and good music, it plays with special effects and using music in them, but rather than feel experimental, it turned out incredibly well and feels simply maybe not like the most innovative or most original film of all time, but like a well crafted and funky one.

In a way ‘Baby Driver’ is almost like a musical but with cars and chases. Some of the chases throughout the film are orchestrated so that they fit the rhythm of the music. And at times throughout the film, the characters move as if they’re dancing to music at certain points.

So the whole film becomes a sensory experience. Visuals are adapted to fit the music, or the other way around, it’s a delight for the eyes and the ears, and just as you think it risks getting too bombastic the film introduces self-relativizing humor.

But however, well crafted and pleasant to look and listen at ‘Baby Driver’ is, and undoubtedly is, (gorgeous and well-done flashback sequences as well as great special effects) it ultimately wouldn’t survive solely off of its style and story.

It’s the actors that elevate it into something more, Ansel Elgort (the man candy from The Fault In Our Starts) actually shows some charisma, he doesn’t have a whole lot of text.

So his body language and facial expressions become one of his most important ways of conveying emotion, and he does that surprisingly well, there’s energy and confidence in the way he carries himself, and that’s just what the character in question needs.

And Lily James as a waitress Debora always stays a bit inside of the cliche that she is, but still, she infuses the role with energy and warmth and gives her Debora, a lively, sunny personality, and that ultimately makes her for the film, then the girlfriend of the hero; she’s got individuality.

It might be a cliche, but this is probably the role, in which Lily James truly gets a chance to show her emotional range, and she does a fantastic job; Debora is truly one of the characters in the film that’s instantly captivating and likable.

As for the chemistry between Elgort and James, well it simply is very enjoyable, you’ve seen the kind of couple that they are before, that’s for sure, but they play off of each other really well, and they become yes a cute couple, but one that you can root for because they have so much in common, because they understand each other.

So to conclude, ‘Baby Driver’, is not one of the best films ever made, but one of the best of Edgar Wright, it’s well a worth a watch to simply see a director have fun, there’s no pretension in this one.

It knows what kind of film it is and all the formulas of such films, and it embraces that, while still becoming something that’s unique in its genre, because it ultimately still insists on putting its own spin on stuff and introducing twists, which ultimately makes it a smart film, but above all a fun watch.

“He had an accident when he was a kid. Still has a hum in the drum. Plays music to drown it out. And that's what makes him the best.”

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girlygameofthrones · 7 years

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The Game of Thrones Fanfiction Nobody Asked For

Fandom: Game of Thrones

Pairing: Eventually it will be Roose x Reader

Warning: None for now...except maybe foolishness

Summary: You are completely in love with this wonderful new HBO show Game of Thrones. You’ve read all the fanfiction and know exactly how they should go, but when you find yourself in Game of Thrones, you find out that being the “Original Character” isn’t exactly how you thought it would go. Story takes place before Season 3 was released, so Reader only knows Seasons 1 & 2.

Author’s Note: Okay guys, this shameful idea popped in my head probably at some ungodly hour of the morning. It’s totally stupid, and I apologize in advance for it.

Word Count: 2900

You adored this new show on HBO, Game of Thrones. You’d never seen anything like it before. It was dark, it was sexy, it was gritty, and the costumes were absolutely gorgeous. So far you had both laughed and cried, cheered and booed, and you’d even taken your socks off and thrown them at your television. The first season sucked you in, and the second season made sure you stayed there. Now that the third season was rapidly approaching, you could barely handle your excitement. By far, Game of Thrones was your new favorite show.

To quench your thirst of the show, while you waited for season three, you busied yourself by reading fanfictions. You generally kept these hidden, reading them on your phone, glancing around to make sure no one knew what you were reading. You had ships for everyone, and many of the boys you secretly shipped with yourself. To put it lightly, you were completely obsessed with it.

So the day you woke up in a strange new world, dressed up in a funny gown that looked like it was made from the same material as a potato sack, your immediate thought was: “I’m in Game of Thrones!”

As much as you wished it, you knew it couldn’t possibly be true. It was just a television show, and girls in real life weren’t like the OCs you found in fanfiction. You had school, homework to work on. You were finishing up your senior year in high school. Clearly you were dreaming, probably having a vivid one thanks to all the extra Mountain Dew you chugged before going to bed.

But it was so real!

“The Starks are requesting these men fight for them.”

“The Lannister forces left the battle, completely defeated. The Young Wolf had them on the run with their tails between their legs.”

You sat up, noticing you were in a lumpy bed. You took a look around, seeing dusty stone walls and flickering candles around you. Everything was so clear to you; you couldn’t possibly be sleeping. As if to prove this to you, when you put your feet down on the stone floor, you yelped at the icy cold stone. Yep, for some reason you were in a castle. For some reason you were dressed up in a hideous potato sack dress.

And for some reason, you were inside Game of Thrones.

Your first reaction was to grab your face and panic. What would you parents say? Game of Thrones was a terribly brutal show! It was gory and violent yet sexy in certain scenes. People died left and right in it! Was this really the sort of world you wanted to be in? Watching it was one thing, but living in it? How long would you last? What would happen when you breathed too heavily on Joffrey or trodded on the Mountain’s foot, and they retaliated by killing you?

But then (you were ashamed to think it) you thought of all your favorites. There was Robb Stark, Ned Stark’s eldest and very handsome son. After him was Jon Snow, the shy sweet virgin character up at the wall. He got extra woobie points for being a bastard. You wanted to like Jaime Lannister, as he was undeniably handsome, but he was an asshole who was sleeping with his sister. Oh, but there was Tyrion! You never thought you’d find a dwarf so charming. And that was just the boys! What of the girls? Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons! Or there was Arya, a tiny badass that stuck out in your mind. Even Sansa, who you didn’t like first season, was growing on you as she handled captivity in her subtle way.

But the question really was, where were you now? Winterfell? Would you see the Starks come out and would they greet you? You’d heard them refer to Robb as the Young Wolf, so this had to have been past season one at least. You knew you weren’t at the Wall. Girls couldn’t go there anyways (though they always seemed to find their way there in the stories) and judging by the dusty room you were in, it wasn’t King’s Landing.

Maybe you were with the Doth Wraki?

But Doth Wraki didn’t have castles. They moved around and stayed in tents. As you pondered for a moment where you had found yourself (you felt ashamed in the back of your mind for enjoying this instead of panicking) the door to your room opened and in came two grubby looking men.

And grubby was an understatement! You wrinkled your nose as a certain stench wafted in with them. Were they servants? The two of them were unkempt and wore widow peaked skullcaps that hung down their bony faces. As you looked closer, you realized they were wearing jackets made from the same material as your potato dress.

“Sister,” one said with a thick accent. “You’re not even dressed! Father is waiting for you!”

Your jaw dropped open.

“Um, excuse me, but what?” You said, gaping like a fish.

“Come on,” the other man said. “Out of bed you! You gotta get prettied up! The Lord’s comin’ by to choose himself a wife!”

What lord? Maybe it was Robb? Your heart sank; he’d married that nurse girl, Talisa, at the end of season two. She was alright, but you still liked fantasizing about him. What other lords were there? Then again, this was like a crazy fanfiction, so maybe Robb hadn’t married her…

“Uh, well, if I’m going to get ready to meet a possible future husband, shouldn’t I at least wear something nicer than this?” You fingered the fraying gown, several loose threads poking out here and there.

The men, who apparently in this world were your brothers, blinked a few times.

“Are you ill, sister?” One asked. They looked kind of familiar, but you couldn’t put your finger on it. You’d seen them in the show, but they hadn’t made a lasting impression on you.

“No, I don’t think so,” You said confusedly. “Really though, I must have something nicer in my closet…”

“That’s what you always wear,” your new brother said. “Nicer clothes? Really, Father has other matters he needs to take care of with the family’s gold. You can’t expect nice clothing. Where do you think we are? In King’s Landing?”

Your head spun. Maybe you were in a poor family. But that didn’t make sense either, because you were being lined up for a lord to choose a bride. You were part of some noble house… You mentally pouted, thinking of all the gorgeous dressed and costumes they had on the show, and you were stuck in this horrible thing!

“Silly me,” You said broodily. You hopped up though and went over to the foggy mirror to fix up your hair. You were put off when your other brother handed you a brown skull cap just like his. “What’s this?”

“Your cap,” he said. “For your hair.”

Well, if there was any way to make the outfit that much uglier, they had found it. They were trying to be helpful, you thought. You took it from him and placed it over your hair, the sight of it making you choke up with disappointment. If you were going to be the OC in a fanfiction, why couldn’t you dress like Daenerys, or hell, even Cersei?

“Come on now, they’re all waiting for you,” your brother said to you and took your hand. He didn’t wait for you to say anything as he led you out the door.

The rest of the castle was just as utterly depressing as the room you woke up in. Whoever owned it seemed to be cutting back on candles. There was a thick layer of dust that wafted around no matter where you went. There were a few fireplaces, but most didn’t have fires in them, giving the fortress a constant chill, and the windows, when you found them, were foggy and yellowing. You knew deep down you weren’t in Winterfell, but this was definite proof you weren’t. Winterfell was never as fancy as the Capital, but it at least had its own kind of charm. This place had nothing of the sort.

You were brought inside a room with one long table at the front and several girls (your sisters? But there were so many of them!) standing in a row. They all wore various styles of the potato sack dress and those awful caps. There had to have been twelve of them though. Plus there were your two brothers. Each girl had her eyes downcast.

“Father, we present to you Y/N,” one of your brothers announced.

You looked at the front table, which had a large chair, and your heart sank. It appeared that all the kingdom’s money went into buying this chair your father sat on. And what an awful father he was!

You knew who he was, even though he hadn’t played much of a role so far in the show. Walder Frey, Lord of the Twins, was one of Catelyn Stark’s father’s bannermen. You remembered his big scene, the one where he bragged to Cat about being married to a fifteen year old. You had gagged when you saw it. That’s when you saw the mousy teen sitting beside him, eyes darting around nervously. Somehow in real life he was even more repulsing than he’d been on your living room television.

All the families in Westeros to be adopted into, you thought bitterly, and I’m a stinky Frey!

Walder Frey studied the group of daughters and wrinkled his nose. “Well, you’re certainly an ugly lot. It’s a good thing you were born into this family. If not, what man would ever take you?” His mean eyes scanned the room, jowls quivering, his yellow teeth peeking out from his thin lips. When he saw you, his eyebrows rose a hair. “What’s this? I don’t remember having a daughter this pretty! What was your name again?”

You couldn’t believe your ears. Who forgot they had a daughter? He couldn’t even remember your name!

“Father, that’s Y/N,” one of the brothers that retrieved you said. “You remember, right?”

Walder settled back in his chair and chewed his lip a moment. “Hmm, well then, I guess the whole lot of you isn’t so ugly after all. Maybe one of you will impress the lord and you’ll become a real lady.”

What lord was even coming?

“Catelyn Stark said her son Robb, the King in the North,” (he tacked on the extra title mockingly) “would marry one of you.”

Your eyes widened, and you bit your lip, holding back the squeal. You knew in the show that Robb didn’t marry one of the Freys, but maybe if he came, maybe if he saw you...maybe it would be love at first sight! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? You could be lady of Winterfell! You could be a queen, the Queen in the North! You chewed your lip as your eyes wandered, completely lost in lalaland.

“Unfortunately for you, King Robb is too important to keep his promises.” He made a hideous sound. “When you’re king, commitment clearly isn’t honored!”

Your face fell, the fantasy being knocked right out of you. Some fanfiction this was. Robb was doing exactly what he did in the show...marrying another girl. And why wouldn’t he? Talisa was pretty and kind and talented. He’d probably heard about the weathered Frey girls. As disappointed as you were, you still hoped the best for Robb. He and Talisa were cute together after all.

Again, though, you wondered: Which Lord was coming here to find a new bride?

“But one of you at least will marry the second greatest lord of the North,” Walder went on. “Lord Bolton will be arriving soon, and one of you lucky girls will be going with him.”

All your sisters refused to make eye contact, but as for you, you looked up and met Walder’s eyes. Who was Lord Bolton again? A northerner? Did he have many scenes? You wished more than anything you could google House Bolton on your phone. You couldn’t even remember what sigil they had. Was this lord old, young, handsome, cruel? Well, if he was a Northerner, that meant he was one of Robb’s bannermen.

And apart from Tyrion down south, everyone knew the Northerners were the good guys, so if you were picked, you’d be fine, right?

Just then a Frey servant came inside to tell Lord Frey that Lord Bolton had arrived. Your ears perked up. You hoped he was handsome and young like Robb was.

“Peh, bring him in,” Walder said carelessly.

The doors opened and you finally caught sight of your potential husband.

And you were not impressed.

Actually, it wasn’t that you were unimpressed, it was just Lord Bolton wasn’t the idea you had in mind. He certainly wasn’t unattractive, but he wasn’t young, strong, handsome like Robb. He was slender, definitely older, and had short greying hair. What got your attention were his cold eyes. Were they cold, though? You couldn’t tell. You could read him just as well as you could read a book written in Mandarin. Lord Bolton dressed exclusively in black, and his wardrobe made him look almost sinister.

“Welcome to the Twins, my lord,” one of your brothers said pleasantly, nodding his head.

Lord Bolton’s eyes scanned the line of your sisters, including you. You weren’t sure if you wanted to be chosen by him or not. This was not the fanfiction you had in mind, but you also didn’t want to spend any more time with the Freys. As you thought about what you really wanted, Lord Bolton gave a curt nod to Walder and then went back to studying you. None of your sisters could make eye contact with him, but as for you, you made sure to keep your head high, curiosity bubbling up inside you.

“As you can tell there’s plenty to choose from,” came Walder’s cruel voice. “Pick whichever. Pick two of if you’d like. I can’t find husbands for all of them. One can be your wife, the other a whore for all I care.”

Your cheeks burned, and before you could really think about what you were doing, you took a step forward and snapped at the old lord: “Are you freaking kidding me? What an awful thing to say! They’re your daughters, not some whores to do whatever you please with!”

At first Walder visibly stiffened, saggy chin shaking as he took in what you’d just said. Lord Bolton’s eyebrows raised just a fraction as he watched the scene before him the way you sometimes watched television. Was he amused by your outburst or annoyed? On top of that, your sisters heads dropped down even further, like they wanted desperately to hide from Walder’s wrath. You stood your ground though, fed up and unwilling to back down. After a tense moment, Walder choked on a bit of laughter.

“Well isn’t she feisty,” he said to Lord Bolton. “Couldn’t even remember her name this morning. Come to think of it...can’t even recall who her mother was. Some spirited whore, probably.”

Lord Bolton ended up smiling, which made your blood boil. “Yes, yes, I know a little about spirited children.”

You were a little taken aback by the Lord’s cold, smooth voice. It was the kind you would have fangirled over in any other circumstance.

Lord Frey grumbled something before taking a big swig of his wine. He grinned, the purple drink having stained his already yellow mouth. “Well, see anything you like? Like I said, take whichever one you’d like!”

“It’s a difficult decision, my lord,” Lord Bolton said casually. He showed absolutely no interest in any of the girls, except for you, but it wasn’t the kind of interest that said he wanted to marry you. “Perhaps I should think on it, get a feel for your daughters before making my decision. It won’t be easy becoming a Bolton.”

“No, that reputation of yours has stuck,” Walder grumbled. He waved a hand dismissively. “Fine. Stay here a night or two. Keep an eye on them and marry the one you want. I can wait a few days.” He turned to your brothers first. “Find a room, for Lord Bolton.” Then he snapped at his daughters. “And you lot, out! Out of here now!”

Everyone stumbled and ran into each other in an attempt to get out all at once. You didn’t budge, catching the gaze of Lord Bolton. You hoped to be able to read something of his expression this time but still you weren’t able. Then one of your sisters grabbed your arm, and before you knew it, you were being dragged out of the room with the rest of them. The whole time your head spun as you made sense of your options and what you wanted to happen.

On one hand, compared to Robb, Lord Bolton was a major disappointment. Not that he was bad looking, but he just wasn’t Robb. Your fantasy was crashing down around you.

But on the other hand...anything was better than the Freys.

So you crossed your fingers, hoping that out of the Freys, Lord Bolton would choose you to marry.

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