#i don't know what her opinion on the movie adaptation would be but i am sure she has strong opinions about movie adaptations of musicals
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mission launch for minkowski's crew was in march 2013. ostensibly, they were put through some mission training, though the extent and effectiveness of that is kinda dubious. pagliacci takes place in 2013, exact date unspecified. but it has to be early. let's say... mid-january.
eiffel thought he had ruined the rest of his life before he'd even turned thirty. he probably spent his thirtieth birthday in jail. and then... for some number of days, weeks, maybe even a couple of months, he exists in this state of, well. of limbo. cutter gets him released from prison, and flies him out to canaveral. he doesn't speak to his family, obviously. they don't want to hear from him, and don't even know. he's still a prisoner, but no one around him knows that, either. at some point in this time frame, goddard first exposes him to decima, before hilbert even knows who he is. and he lives wherever goddard is accommodating him, and he has to go about his day-to-day life in this transitory state between a 26-year sentence he'd just started really grappling with, and the very immediate reality he's now about to be sent into deep space instead.
they give him a certain amount of freedom; it's not like he can go anywhere. he doesn't do much, anyway, is not feeling appreciative for his momentary second chance at life, given the circumstances. he blows off most of his mission training, and they're surprisingly lax about that, which in retrospect probably should have been a sign. he sits around and smokes, mostly. gets takeout food. but he goes to see movies, as much as he can. as much as he wants to punish himself, he needs to do something, or he'll go crazy, and it's not like he'll get a chance to see a movie in a long time. he was already resigning himself to maybe never going to a movie theater again.
the film adaptation of les misérables was released in december 2012. it's entirely feasible it could've been one of the movies he saw in this time period. i think the idea adds some resonance to his shared reference with minkowski in the finale, at least, in the way it pulls things full circle. intentionally or otherwise. and, incidentally, the 2012 film adaptation of les misérables, a story that notably features an ex-convict protagonist seeking redemption, was released on december 25th. call that serendipity.
#wolf 359#w359#doug eiffel#i don't know. just a thought. just some coincidences i think are kind of neat.#and @ beth hephaestuscrew i'm so sorry i asked if i could reference our conversation and then reworked the post#but in spirit i want everyone to know that this thought came from a conversation with her a while ago#when she was writing her minkowski musicals essay. go read that also. putting this part in the tags but#i think it would be funny if minkowski never got around to seeing it and actually gets mad at eiffel for it later like#THAT'S what you were doing? instead of learning basic safety protocols or how to Operate Our Space Station??#you don't even like musicals!! and i was busy!!#i don't know what her opinion on the movie adaptation would be but i am sure she has strong opinions about movie adaptations of musicals
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Controversial opinion among Dune book fans maybe, but I loved the changes they made to Chani's character. Making her a fedaykin who is already an experienced fighter before Paul arrives was a brilliant choice. Dune Part Two is a war movie, and this puts her at the center of the action, side by side with Paul, and gives her a much more active role than she has in the book.
We got a hint of where things were going in the beginning of Dune Part One. The first thing we ever know about movie Chani is that she's a fighter. She serves as a voice for the Fremen, telling us the story of their struggle from her point of view. I wrote here about the difference this change makes compared to other adaptations of Dune, what a perspective shift it is to have the world of Arrakis introduced not by an outsider, describing it as a dangerous but valuable colonial prize, but by one of its native inhabitants, who tells us before all else that it's beautiful, her home that she's fighting to liberate. I am so, so glad that the second movie followed up on this characterization.
I never found Chani and Paul's love story in the book particularly convincing, because why would this woman, who already has a prominent and respected place in Fremen society, even give the time of day to her deposed would-be colonizer, let alone fall in love and have children with him? Without a compelling reason for Chani to love Paul, she ends up feeling like a prize to be won, and "indigenous culture personified as a woman to be wooed (or conquered) by the colonizing man" is a trope we've seen and don't need to repeat.
But as soon as you tell me it's a barricade romance I get it. Cool cool cool, I know exactly what this relationship is now and it makes sense. Movie Chani doesn't respect or even particularly like Paul when she first meets him, and she doesn't think he's the fulfillment of any prophecy. She comes to respect him, and eventually love him, through his actions. He's brave--sometimes recklessly so. He fights well. He's willing to stick his neck out on the front lines with the other Fremen fighters. He can (after a little help) hack surviving in the harsh desert environment. He's not too proud to learn from others. He seems to genuinely want to be her equal in a common political struggle. All these qualities make sense as things she values.
Fighting side by side as equals is just about the only way I can see movie Chani falling for Paul. And it fits perfectly with the film's pattern of reversals that Paul's capacity for violence would initially be one of the things Chani likes about him, only for her to be repelled later when she sees what he becomes.
And as for Paul, well, he's had people deferring to him his entire life. Someone who doesn't take any shit from him is probably refreshing. He seems to like people (Duncan, Gurney) who challenge him and engage in a little friendly teasing--and aren't afraid to go a few rounds in the sparring ring.
It's easy to speedrun a romance when you're spending all your time together in mortal danger fighting for a shared political cause. Especially if you then start winning in a war your people have been fighting for decades. Are you kidding me? That is the perfect environment for intense battle camaraderie to turn into romantic love, and lust.
It makes sense that this version of Chani never believes Paul is any kind of messiah. Of course a character like movie Chani wouldn't believe in or trust some outside savior to liberate them. She's been working to liberate her own people for years. The more Paul invokes the messianic myth, the more he starts sounding once again like someone who plans to rule over them, and the more uncomfortable Chani becomes. In this way she becomes a foil to Jessica, the two of them representing the choices Paul is pulled between. It's a great way of externalizing the political and philosophical debates that often happen within characters' heads in the book.
And of course this version of Chani would leave Paul at the end of the film. It's not just the personal, emotional betrayal--although that stings. What common cause does she have with someone who just declared himself emperor and is sending her own people off in a war of conquest against others? Given the important role she plays in Dune Messiah, I am super curious to see how they get her back into the story, but girl was so valid for being willing to just gtfo. Given that she has the last shot of the whole movie, I'm sure she'll be back somehow, and I can't wait to see what they do with her character in any future installments.
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I watched Ridley Scott's NAPOLEON yesterday and it was a complete Waterloo.
Yes, I am a big history nerd with a giant heart for movie adaptation of historical topics. But when I watched NAPOLEON I sat there... and tried not to laugh. It was not only so historical inaccurate, that I wanted to cry, at the same time it was filled with cringe dialogues, red flags and terrible color grading. This whole movie made me so sad yet so angry, that I HAVE to write this review:
(Disclaimer: This review is based on my own opinion. If you enjoyed the movie, it's completely fine. Btw. in that case or if you agree with me, feel free to tell me your opinion. I would love to know!)
First of all: Don't get me wrong, the medium film has its own rules and you can't put as much historical accuracy into a big scale movie as you would into a documentary - sometimes the story needs to be altered to be a good movie. And that is fine. Even if Gladiator is a complete fictional story set in the Roman Empire, I can still enjoy this movie for what it is: A good-written story with great characters, a beautiful score and iconic scenes. With Kingdom of Heaven it's kind of the same - and while the movie cut was very inconsistent, I still kind of liked it. But then the Directors Cut made it a a masterpiece for me.
Funny enough, both of these movies are made by the same person: Ridley Scott. So naturally I thought: Well, Napoleon won't be a historical accurate film, but I surely will enjoy it anyways. Well, ...no. It is not only historical incorrect, it's also a bad movie overall.
To start it short: NAPOLEON clearly lost itself in all the various topics it wanted to tell within a runtime of two and a half hours. It made the whole storytelling very weird and inconsistent, causing the problem, that the audience even loses itself in the questions of when and where. Where is that scene located? When did that happen? And then comes the question: Why is this even happening?
Ridley Scott wants to depict Napoleon as a lover, a military genius, a big political figure, a revolutionary and more. But in the end he tells all of this in the most shallow way possible, which waters down Napoleons personality traits and achievements to a series of small scenes. You never get a glimpse of the "true" Napoleon, who was described as a highly intelligent and charismatic man. In fact, you never really feel ANYTHING about him except that he was a cringe red flag in front of his wife. He just stands there, stares and has very limited dialogue scenes to get a picture of that man. What are his overall motivations? Only Josephine? If so, why is this motivation only vaguely explored?
The whole love story between him and Josephine feels so unnatural and got to the brink of being disgusting. This is particularly sad because I deeply respect Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix, they're both stunning actors. I don't know if they just couldn't fit the role or if it was rather a problem of the script (the last one is my guess). Yet whenever I saw Josephine and Napoleon on screen, I felt like acted very stiff and forced. Napoleon seemed more obsessed with her than actual love and that can be a character trait, but there wasn't a chance to explore that deeper. Before the movie entered the cinema, the lovestory between these two was marketed as intense, obsessive, deeper than you could imagine. What the audience got was a few scenes without real conversation, much staring and a bunch of cringeworthy s-scenes. And seriously, these "sexy" scene were the worst. I was so disgusted by them because they were SO DAMN WEIRD. There are no scenes that undermine ANY deep love between Josephine and Napoleon. It felt therefore so off, when they still longed for each other after their divorce.
And let's not start to ramble about the fact that they depicted Josephine ONLY in a somehow sexual way. Yeah, there is that scene where she says to Napoleon, that he is nothing without her. BUT SHOW, DON´T TELL! You never see her doing something instead of sitting there, talking with others or when the plot needs her to have sexy time with someone (not only Napoleon). As a woman myself this makes me so freaking furious, you have no idea. I don't need a marvel-coded super-strong woman with unlimited talents - I just need a female character that is written GOOD and plausible! Make me CARE for her plot and for the plot of Napoleon! Both of them don't even feel like normal human beings because they're like blank pieces of paper with their names written on it!
And don´t make me start to talk about the historical inaccuracies. At first I didn't want to draw that card. Actually, I don't need a historical movie to present 100% facts. If the movie is still enjoyable, it's okey. But even if many people say that the war scenes were awesome, I can only partly agree. Yeah, we have that cool ice-lake Austerlitz battle, but it took me a couple of minutes and a better look on the uniforms to know that Napoleon is now at war with Austria! You get nearly ZERO context to Napoleons battles. Yeah, nice, the scenes look cool - but there is nothing more to it? Is that all you need to show for the audience to care? For me at least, I just didn't care at all and I was very happy when I got out of the cinema. Overall this movie is full of messy non-sense choices that don't contribute to the story. Many moments just confused me and it left me with the question why Scott couldn't simply hire some historians to put together a consistent story. Everyone who read about Napoleons life knows that there are so much cinema worthy moments in his career that would've been so much better than what we now got.
I could ramble about that movie for hours if I´m honest, but I hope this little TED talk was enough to make my statement clear.
In the end, it just makes me sad. I wanted to like this movie, I wanted it to be good. For months I hyped myself up to this, read books about Napoleon, watched the trailer all over and over and talked with friends about how great this movie will be. Now I am just disappointed and frustrated. Oppenheimer was such a great biopic of a historical person that became a great success at the box office - even without great battle scenes. I hoped that Napoleon would push a cinema revolution, that shows people want big scaled films about historical personalities and history topics. But now I just want to forget this Napoleon movie to be honest.
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there are literally so many reasons why we don't need a third Narnia adaptation
first of all, while they might not be the most accurate, the Disney movies are actually so good and, in my opinion, still manage to capture the heart and soul of the series and what it's truly about. The characters are each perfectly portrayed; the Pevensies act like actual siblings and yet love each other dearly and would die for each other even through all the petty arguments; the music creates perfect atmosphere and emotion and never fails to make me tear up or get shivers down my spine; and the CGI is honestly just absolutely stunning.
I really do not feel like we need another adaptation by Netflix.
Especially not through Netflix.
Netflix has already been known to mess up so many shows and movies by completely changing the source material or adding in unnecessary things that completely take away from the purpose of the story. I can already see them warping Narnia into something that barely even resembles the books, that strips it of its purpose and simply makes it about a fantasy world, nothing more. I've already seen posts saying that the new movies just can't end the way the books end, that heaven must be explained away, that Susan never forgets and falls down a dark path, that the faith aspect must be taken out so as not to offend new viewers.
Here's the thing.
If you take faith out of Narnia, you remove the very heart of the series. you remove the entire purpose. Because Narnia is entirely about faith, and trust, and Someone greater than yourself who sacrifices everything to save your own traitorous soul. the Disney movies did not shy away from portraying this faith as openly as possible. if anyone was offended, I've never seen proof. I have seen many nonbelievers talk about how much they were affected by Aslan's death, which goes to show that you simply don't have to be Christian to understand what Narnia is about, and to love and enjoy it.
So if these new remakes remove the faith aspect, then what is the point? four siblings go to a magical land and save it from a witch and befriend a talking lion with nothing special about him and live there as kings and queens and return home and live happily ever after? there is no sacrifice, there is no "he's not tame, but he is good," there is no creation, there is no redemption, there is no last battle, there is no "in your world, I have another name", there is no sister straying down a dark path because she has forgotten how to hope, and then returning because her story is unfinished and the road to heaven is paved with flowers that symbolize her name.
so then, what are you left with? Aslan is just a talking lion, nothing more. the stone table never cracks, the sun never rises. "That by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there" is forgotten entirely, because why would Aslan exist in our world if he is merely a talking lion in Narnia? Aslan's country is changed to be something else, and there is nothing about how Aslan suddenly no longer looks like a lion, and how the things that happened after are more great and beautiful than can be described. Edmund's life is never threatened because of his traitorous deeds; Aslan never offers his own life in place of a guilty boy, is never killed, is never resurrected.
the very core of Narnia is removed, and what you are left with is emptiness.
sure, it might make for a good fantasy story nonetheless. you might still have sweeping views and epic music and an intriguing plotline, but something will always feel like it is missing. like there is an empty hole, desperately needing to be filled.
of course, I don't know that all of that will happen; it's just speculation at this point. But I am fairly sure that it is safe to predict these upcoming movies as such. I highly doubt the producers will want to include the faith that shapes Narnia, because according to them, having a faith aspect means less viewers since too many people would be offended.
but if only they would look at the already wonderful existing adaptations, they would know that is simply not the case.
#i can already see cs lewis turning in his grave#this really just feels like another tired live action remake tbh#netflix keep ur shabby hands off of my beloveds or i will beat u with a broom#ANYWAY I AM ALSO TERRIFIED OF WHO IS GOING TO PLAY THE PEVENSIES#SKANDAR AND WILLIAM AND GEORGIE AND ANNA WERE ALREADY PERFECT PLS LEAVE MY CHILDREN ALONE#also so help me if people like these new movies better#when the disney ones are perfection imo even tho they're not fully accurate#and i would like to see them try to beat the music. i would like to see them try.#narnia netflix#netflix narnia#narnia#the chronicles of narnia#aslan#susan pevensie#lucy pevensie#edmund pevensie#peter pevensie#cs lewis#ramblings from the void
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An Alliance (Part 8)
Fem! Spy! (Y/N) x Yuri Briar
Parts: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, current part, nine, ten (to be continued when Spy x Family has more Yuri content!)
(Y/N) is given her own backstory that is important for the story!
The setting for this story is based off West and East Germany's (because Spy x Family is heavily based off Germany in the 1940-1950) laws (or at least replicated to the best of my abilities since it's unknown what time period Spy x Family is exactly in, we'll go with 1950 for the sake of this story).
Historically-accurate women misogyny and mistreatment! Only small comments and historically-accurate laws (replicated to the best of my ability).
The story, plot, and settings might not match up to the Spy x Family manga as it's not completed and the manga is still being crafted.
This series contains spoilers for the manga and anime!
Even more weeks passed as Yuri and I began to know each other more and more. Eventually, we started to figure out each other's likes and interests.
I used to hate Yuri for many things, like how he's extremely strict with work, a morning-person, extremely family-oriented (and I swear he has some weird thing with sisters. Would he date a girl if she was an older sister? 'Cause I am). I also hated him cause he's so bossy and stuck-up, not allowing me to even walk outside for a breath of air without him walking beside me.
Meanwhile, he hated me for a lot of reasons too. Like how I was seen as playful and tired a lot, seeming to have no clear goal of what I want in life. He also didn't like me because I'm carefree and love to tease him.
It's not that good of a match when we're both stubborn and opinionated, stuck in the same apartment for hours on end, not even having a break from work, but we eventually decided to put aside our differences.
Yuri allowed me to sleep in on our days off, and in return I'd lay back on my teasing. Yuri and I agreed on the groceries and dinners we made, deciding to work together to make dinner. I learned that Yuri likes his eggs sunny side up, and he learned I like mine (egg choice). I showed him how to make my family recipes, and Yuri showed me how to make recipes he's stumbled across and adapted (he admitted he doesn't like cooking Yor's dishes, but he eats what she makes anyways because he admires her).
Yuri doesn't care for horror movies as he never gets scared, but he's scared of porcelain dolls (just as I am) so we get scared when watching "The Invisible Man" (even though Yuri swears up and down he isn't scared, he agrees to hold me since I forced him to otherwise I'd have nightmares and talk about it in my sleep, effectively scaring him from my sleep-talk of demons and dolls).
We learned how to co-exist and work together, helping with interrogations and asking for each other's second-opinions. I tried to listen to bugged audios and such, but I end up falling asleep each time as I have to try and wait for something incriminating, so Yuri takes over that part.
Our co-workers are extremely convinced that we're a couple, and it really doesn't seem that off. It feels like as more and more time passes, we get used to having to call each other "wife" and "husband".
We took the bus since the traffic was way too crowded on the road today, that, and me and Yuri felt exhausted after working long hours for so long. We eventually fell asleep on the bus, leaning onto a each as the train peacefully cradled us.
"Yuri? (Y/N)?"
Yuri shot awake, causing me to way up from his harsh movement.
"Whu? Yor?" Yuri questioned.
"You two don't usually ride this train." Yor spoke.
"Oh, uh, just on our way back from a little work trip." Yuri spoke.
I nodded, agreeing before eventually dosing off on Yuri's shoulder, their conversation being alienated in my ears.
Yuri soon woke me up. I mumbled out a "bye" once I realized Yor was still onboard. Yuri grabbed my hand as he led me out.
"What did you and Yor talk about while I was asleep?" I muttered, keeping my eyes low on the ground.
It was too bright outside for me now, and I'm really too tired to keep walking yet I went.
"Nothing really, just small talk." Yuri hummed, he turned to look at me. "Are you okay? You're dragging your feet." Yuri pointed out.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just tired. I don't like having to do the interrogations so much. I'm still mad that guy tried punching me when I caught him lying." I sighed.
"Yeah. That was a quick punch..." Yuri spoke, recalling the memories.
I'm really glad Yuri was there to catch that punch and hold him down, since I was sitting down, there really wasn't enough time for me to move away from it.
"Yuri. Can you carry me?" I questioned.
"No." He immediately responded.
"Why?" I sighed, slightly whining.
"You're acting like a child." Yuri sighed.
"But I'm tired." I groaned, then paused, thinking. "You should carry me. It'll make us seem more like a couple to others."
"You're really trying to use that against me?" Yuri deadpanned.
"...Please?" I questioned, causing him to sigh.
"Whatever, hurry up and get on." Yuri groaned, rolling his eyes as he crouched down.
"Thank you, love~" I singed, not much energy into it.
"Whatever." He huffed, grabbed my thighs and placing his arms under them to get a firm grip.
"You're the best~" I praised, resting my head on his shoulder and sighing happily.
"I know I am." He snarked, hiding his face to hide his painfully obvious smile.
I decided not to fight back on it, resting my eyes again.
.
.
Mission after mission, I swear I'm going to go insane. I thought.
We were chasing after a suspect who ran, my legs were tired as I mentally cussed out the man we're chasing. I never ran as much in WISE as I do here! Usually I'd get escorted to my missions or at least have a motorcycle (well, at least in WISE I would)!
"The suspect fled to the back alley! Go around and cut him off, you two!" the Lieutenant ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Yuri responded.
I followed Yuri, not bothering to responded back to the Lieutenant in case I accidentally project my unprofessional thoughts to my higher-up. We chased in an empty alley, desperate to cut him off, but Yuri suddenly fell. He didn't trip, no, he just fell, plopped down face first into the ground.
"Yuri? Are you okay?!" I questioned, immediately stopping and checking Yuri's pulse to make sure it wasn't heart failure or a stroke.
"Yuri, what happened? Did he get the drop on you?!" the Lieutenant questioned, running to us.
"He just suddenly collapsed!" I spoke.
"Nngh... Captain... I think I..." Yuri paused, "caught a cold..."
"So suddenly?!" the Lieutenant exclaimed.
"No wonder you were sneezing and coughing today when you woke up. Sheesh, Yuri, if you felt bad, you could've called in sick." I sighed, putting his arm around my shoulder and picking him up with the help of the Lieutenant.
"Evil never waits..." Yuri responded.
I signed me and Yuri out early, the Lieutenant going to the Director to tell what happened and to excuse our absences. I took Yuri's car keys and drove us back to our apartment, resting him on the couch.
"You know, you really worried me, stupid. I thought you inhaled some poisonous gas or went into cardiac arrest. Tell me when you're feeling unwell, jerk..." I muttered, ignoring the tears swelling up in my eyes.
I thought I was gonna lose you, just like everyone else...
"Sorry..." Yuri mumbled.
"Don't worry, love. Just don't scare me like that again..." I sighed.
"Whenever I remember that... my sister's away... my immune system... breaks down." Yuri explained.
Woah. Sounds serious... seriously stupid. I thought.
"Right, business trip on a cruise." I commented. "I'll go get you some medicine at the pharmacy." I spoke.
"W-wait, you can't go alone!" Yuri spoke.
"I'll be fine, don't worry." I reassured.
"No... It's in the... contract... for me to not... leave you alone... in case you... leave..." Yuri huffed.
"Jerk!" I scoffed. "I wanted to make sure you heal up and you believe I'll abandon you while you're vulnerable! Besides, I've already left your sight before and I returned, did I not?!"
"Sorry..." Yuri sighed. "If you go... could you get some herbal tea? The kind with the bear on it..." He huffed.
"...Whatever..." I huffed, rolling my eyes.
I’ll get him it anyways since he’s sick. I thought.
I hurried to the pharmacy, buying the box and noticing the box’s bear it's the same herbal tea that taste like absolute shit.
Well, maybe he loses his tastes when he’s sick? So he doesn’t realize it’s bad? Maybe he likes the dirt-like texture. I thought, walking out of the pharmacy with the box and medication in hand.
I walked back into the apartment, unlocking the door with the key I borrowed (stole) from Yuri’s pocket. I walked back to the bedroom and noticed Yuri sleeping, moving around a lot in his sleep.
I decided I’d make the tea for him, getting a kettle of hot water brewing. I waited for the tea to boil, then placed a packet in a mug, pouring the water into it.
I’m not a fan of Japanese tea, I prefer American tea better, but maybe my sense of taste changed? I thought, taking a drink of the tea from the mug.
“BLEGH!” I immediately spit it in the sink, coughing profusely as the taste lingered in my mouth. “Hell no!” I exclaimed.
How could he willing choose something like that?!
I grumbled, muttering complaints and insults of the cartoon bear on the box as I carried Yuri’s mug of disgusting tea and a box of medicine for his cold.
I walked in, setting the stuff down on the drawer and looked at Yuri. He was awake, shooting up from his sleep rather quickly.
“Nightmare?” I questioned.
“No. Just some past memories.” He sighed, his voice hoarse from his cold.
“Ah.” I hummed. “I got you the tea you wanted, though it tastes like shit.”
“Thanks. It’s the one that works the best. And also the one that tastes most like what Yor used to make.” Yuri spoke, sipping his tea.
He immediately threw up, but seemed re-energized.
“Gross! Yuri!” I wailed.
“Blarf! Now let’s go catch us some criminals! I’m back to 100 percent! We gotta purify the world before my sister returns!” Yuri shouted.
“Go back to bed, stupid!” I screamed.
.
.
More weeks passed as me and Yuri learned to fall into the husband and wife role perfectly. We can go anywhere and be seen as a couple—almost, which will be explained soon enough. But I realized a new problem arose…
It’s all fake.
All the hugs, all the handholding, all the “see you soon”s, all the kisses, we had to fake it all. We had to fake every compliment, every gift, everything we did outside, was fake. But all the insults, all the teasing, all the “I hate you’s", all the nagging, all of that was real.
And the problem was, I’ve begun to enjoy Yuri’s company too much.
I’ve begun to enjoy waking up next to him and complaining about not wanting to get up. I’ve begun to enjoy walking to the nearest cafe for breakfast or just skipping and deciding to eat a big lunch later. I’ve begun to enjoy our handholding sessions and hugs and kisses to prove that we’re a "couple". I’ve begun to enjoy being able to see Yuri everyday; but he doesn’t.
He doesn’t look forward to see me in the morning. He doesn’t look forward to our breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or desserts. He especially doesn’t enjoy the fake affection we had to broadcast to others.
I never expected to start wanting to fall in love, to start entertaining the idea of what life would be like with kids, to start a new chapter. I never wanted to leave someone with the fact that I was a bad-doer and that I’ll be at fault for making them cry—if they could even still think of me as their lover after knowing all I’ve done. All I've killed and sacrificed to be what I am today.
I don’t like to hold regrets, but I am just as human as the next, even if Yuri doesn’t believe it since I was once a Westalis citizen.
I regret that I killed people with no thought. That I’ve broken families in just a second, shattered them so they could never be mended back together. I regret stealing information, turning my back on people, and never once listening to my heart and feelings.
That’s for the best. I thought to myself. If I allow myself to get attached, then I’ll surely never be able to leave. I told myself.
But do I really want to leave him? I thought. I'm going to have to. I've read the Handler's message:
Hello, Agent Vixen. To ensure your alliance with WISE, we need you to gather information on what they know about WISE, who the members are, what our missions are; I want information such as this and more reported to us as soon as you can—without letting any of them know you're still working with us. We also need you to figure out what are their affiliations with the National Unity Party. What do they discuss about? What is said about Westalis? Anything and everything involving the war, our agents, Westalis, and Ostania, we need you to report without being found out. Don't worry about covering for WISE agents, if they were caught; they're no longer a WISE agent in our books. And if you're discovered, we will do our best to recruit you back to us as long as you're proven to be reliable and trustworthy for a second chance.
The Handler.
I'm a failure of a person. I can't even choose a side to back up; I'm a terrible wife too. I sighed, watching as a girl in the coffee line chatted with Yuri. And I’m not jealous. I thought, staring at them socialize.
Why would I be jealous? It’s all fake. I shouldn’t care if Yuri decides to leave with a girl. I shouldn’t care if I get kicked out and a new girl moves in. I shouldn’t care if the contract gets breached and I die (it really already has). I shouldn’t care at all, it’s Yuri’s life.
But what if he starts loving someone? I don’t think I could watch the stages of him slowly falling head over heels in love with someone. If that happens, I’ll be gone. I'll be forced to go back to Westalis; if WISE even deem me worthy enough to be kept alive, that is (but I bet the SSS would kill me before then).
But it’s not what I want, it’s what Yuri wants. I’ve been nothing but a nuisance ever since I was caught. I really started slacking, and I've been doing even worse now that I'm with Yuri; I'm losing my spark.
I stood up from the seat, deciding I was tired of waiting (and not because Yuri was talking with a girl) and walked up to them.
“Hey! You remember my order, right?” I questioned Yuri, budding into the conversation.
I don’t care if I’m being rude, it’s about time I start being selfish with my own feelings (haven't I been?)
“(Favorite coffee/drink), right?” Yuri questioned, looking down.
“Yep.” I smiled.
“Is this your girlfriend?” the girl questioned, smiling.
"Wife, actually." Yuri confirmed, grabbing my hand and holding it.
A wave of shock hit me. I was expecting Yuri to get mad at me budding in, potentially ruining his chances with a hot girl. I was expecting him to be bummed out, mad, shocked, sad, anything but supportive and proud.
I felt my heart race as my face heated up.
Wow. Wasn't what I was expecting. I thought.
"Really?" the girl spoke, shocked. "I didn't see a ring, sorry."
Me and Yuri looked down at our hands at the same time, noticing our fingers.
Ah, we still don't have rings, actually. I thought.
"We're engaged and saving up for rings." Yuri explained quickly.
"I see..." the girl went quiet. "Sorry for disturbing."
Yeah... I thought. Don't be a home-wrecker.
I decided to stay with Yuri in case she decides to change her mind about being a home-wrecker. The girl left and I sighed, feeling relieved, like I overcame a serious obstacle. Yuri is pretty attractive, but I've watched as girls quickly leave once he starts his obsessive rants about his sister.
Maybe I was a little jealous. I thought to myself. I think I got a little insecure… I’ll keep that in mind so it doesn’t happen again.
If Yuri noticed it, he decided not to question it. We ordered our drinks, waiting before receiving it. We walked into Yuri’s car, deciding today we’d drive instead of taking the bus. Yuri drives as I thought to myself intensely.
“Yuri.” I spoke up.
“Hm?” he acknowledged.
“Let’s get wedding rings.” I boldly spoke.
Yuri swerved the car, almost hitting another car before parking to the right side of the road.
“The hell’s your problem?!” I screamed, scared as I held my chest.
Did I just lose my heart? Is it gone? Am I dead?
“My problem?! What’s your problem?!” Yuri declared. “You don’t just go randomly asking that! Do you even know how much money rings cost?! We’re not married married!”
“Of course I know. We can go to a pawnshop and get them!” I hissed. “But it’s been pointed out that we don’t have rings! Usually when people engage, they at least have a engagement ring before a wedding ring! It’ll make our act look more believable.”
“People already believe us! Who do we need to coax?” Yuri questioned.
“Our coworkers! We work with detectives, Yuri, they’re bound to get suspicious about us when there’s no ring and we’re regularly visiting the Director.” I pointed out.
“Is this because of that girl?” Yuri questioned suddenly.
“No!” I immediately declared, determined to shut down that idea. “I’m just thinking about our contract!”
“Ugh… (Y/N)…” Yuri sighed, hitting his head against the steering wheel.
"My life is on the line, you know?! It all relies on this relationship!" I exclaimed.
The car horn honked as he did, but we both chose to ignore that as he raised his head.
“I don’t plan on falling in love or whatever you’re thinking of in that pretty little head of yours.” He sighed, flicking my forehead.
“Hey!” I yelped, offended that he flicked my forehead and called me stupid indirectly.
“You don’t have to worry. I never planned on having a wife or anything.” Yuri spoke.
“Why? Are you gay?” I immediately spoke.
“NO!” Yuri screamed, angry. “I just never saw the point of it. I decided to dedicate my life to helping Yor.”
Pathetic. I immediately thought.
“But what if you do fall in love?” I questioned. “What are you gonna do then?”
“I won’t.” Yuri sighed.
“But what if you do?” I questioned, determined for an answer.
“I’ll ignore them.” He groaned, hitting his head on the steering wheel once more.
“But what about the rings and our contract?” I questioned.
“What about them?” Yuri questioned.
“My life is literally held together by a paper packet and our relationship.” I spoke.
“And?” Yuri muttered.
“You’re not gonna care if I die...?” I questioned, tears welling up in my eyes.
“N-no! Of course I’d care. I’d—would you stop crying already?!” Yuri spoke, freaking out as tears started streaming down my face.
“I can’t help it!” I cried.
“No! Help it! Help it, damn it!” Yuri groaned.
“I just said I can’t!” I huffed.
“I didn’t mean it! I don’t want you to die, geez!” he sighed.
“Prove it…” I muttered.
“How am I gonna do that? I’m not going to kiss you.” He spoke bluntly.
“That wasn’t on the table!” I huffed, ignoring my offended and dejected feelings. “And to prove it…” I muttered, raising my left hand and holding it in the air as I pointed to my ring finger with the help of my other hand.
“I’ll think about it.” Yuri sighed almost rolling his eyes at me. “Are you happy now?”
“Not yet.” I spoke, causing Yuri to groan. “Would you cheat in our marriage?”
“Have you no trust in me?!” Yuri cried out.
“Since you didn’t mind if I died or not, yeah!” I immediately retorted.
“I said I would mind!” Yuri clarified quick. “And besides. If I actually did did get married, which would never happen, but hypothetically, I wouldn’t. That’s treason to the relationship, and I don’t support treason. Just think back to our interrogation with Jim Hayward.”
I don’t think it’d be that serious, but good job on being a decent person, Yuri. I thought.
“Why am I answering these questions and you’re not giving any information back?! This is trickery!” Yuri shouted, angry as he hit the gas pedal and drove back into the road, speeding a little off the appropriate speed limit to make it to work on time.
"You willing answered my questioned; I used no form of deception." I spoke, raising my hand up like I was testifying in court to prove innocence.
"Yeah right..." he grumbled. "What are you going to do when you fall in love?" he questioned. "And don't say you won't; I already used that."
"Hm." I hummed, thinking. "I'd wait and see if they recuperate. If they don't, I keep the feelings to myself, if they do, I won't do anything either. I have a marriage license with you, and I refuse to be a cheater, even in a fake relationship."
"Okay. And what about actual marriage?" Yuri questioned.
"I want to have a husband and kids one day, but I'm not going to settle for just anyone. They'll be put through a test to make sure they're the one." I stated.
"Pfft." Yuri scoffed, smiling. "What's this? Are you suddenly Cinderella waiting for Prince Charming?" Yuri joked.
"Ugh." I scoffed back. "As if! I meant that they need to follow my dad's expectations of my husband, with a few exceptions from me, of course. Plus, Cinderella sought out the Prince first, I'd be offended if the guy I danced with didn't recognize my face!"
"What's your dad's exceptions? And yours?" Yuri spoke. "Some buff guy who can lift 200 pounds?"
"Why? You been rejected for guys like that?" I questioned.
"I told you, I've never fallen in love and never will..." Yuri grumbled.
"My expectation of a lover is someone whose stable with a good sense of morals. I could care less about looks or the sex-drive, but I'd want a partner whose honest, loyal, responsible, and no one-sided expectations; like they can go out with friends but I can't, you know?" I spoke.
"I'm genuinely surprised; that's achievable." Yuri commented.
"Oh? Are you going to be a suitor for this bachelorette?" I joked.
"Like there's others." Yuri scoffed.
"Oi!" I exclaimed. "Of course there's others! I'm not as unlikable as you."
"Whatever floats your love boat." Yuri sighed.
"Your boat is Titanic." I retorted.
Titanic because it's a sunken ship...
Yuri grumbled under his breath, before speaking up.
“I couldn’t ever see you being a real wife.” Yuri claimed.
“Why?” I questioned, side-eyeing him.
“Cause you don’t act very sophisticated, I’d be surprised if you even find a guy interested in you.” Yuri stated as if it was a fact.
“Their loss; they don’t know what they’re missing.” I spoke.
“What? Like constant nagging about nothing and everything? Constant clumsily and running into still doors and still wall? Constant clinging onto them as you drag your feet about not wanting to get out of bed, or to work, or to the store, or to the doctors? Constant crying? Constant—“
“Say one more thing and I’ll turn that steering wheel so fast off that bridge we’re about to cross.” I spoke, pointing at the bridge we’re stalking towards.
"...Constant baking at three A.M.?" he shot me a dirty glare.
"You can't talk bad about my brownies! I love them and I know you love them too!" I shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at him.
I can deal with a lot of things, but disrespecting my brownies is a no no.
"As if." He spoke, rolling his eyes.
"Why do you wake up whenever I cook them, then eat them 0.2 seconds after they get out of the oven?" I spoke, crossing my arms. "I barely get two pieces!"
"I wake up because I don't feel you in bed, so I think you escaped." Yuri stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Why do you eat the brownies then?" I questioned.
"...Because they are in my line of sight and we do not waste food in our house." He stated.
"Or, you just love me and my cooking." I smiled.
Yuri jumped up, startled as his eyes blew wide and he looked at me with a red face.
"AS IF!" he shouted.
"Woah! Such a strong reaction! Maybe you do love me!" I laughed as he glared at me.
"Did you not catch the 'I’d be surprised if you even find a guy interested in you' earlier?" he questioned, his face showing he was unamused.
"I think I'm very pretty and interesting." I smirked, looking into the car's rear mirror for a second before focusing my attention back to Yuri. "Besides, people in love always like to give each other a hard time. Just ask Donnie and his wife." I smirked.
"...You're a brat." He muttered.
"Aw! You're the light of my day and stars of the night. You're my honey bunch sugar' plum gum drop pumpkin wumpkin lemon sundae swirl little love bug-" I gushed, smirking before he cut me off.
"STOP THAT!" he screamed, his face red.
"Sorry..." I muttered, acting sad before smiling brightly again. "My little cherry pie dandelion angel dove swan cupid baby cutie sweetie blackberry muffin lemon glaze chocolate-"
I went on until Yuri blasted the music on the radio until I shut up.
.
.
We made it to work, stepping out of the car and noticing our vans being loaded up with equipment.
Must be a big raid. I thought to myself as we walked into the building.
“Ah, Lieutenant, Mrs. Lieutenant.” A lieutenant greeted us as we walked down the hallway. “I heard your niece’s bus is being held hostage right now, are you aware?”
“Niece?” I questioned before my eyes widened. “You mean my niece?!” I exclaimed.
Little pink girl, Anya! I liked her! The first time I met her, I didn’t get to know her well. But the second time I saw her, I kept thinking of what she likes since me and Yuri had to watch her. She answered all my questions without me evening having to ask (she has perfect intuition! I like her!) and she even called me pretty and that’s why she kept staring at me!
“Chihuahua girl’s bus got hijacked?” Yuri questioned, shocked. “Let’s get to the scene!” Yuri exclaimed, grabbing my hand and dragging me down the hallway.
We ran down the hallways, finding the Lieutenant followed by a small squad with him.
"Captain! We heard Chihuahua Girl's bus got hijacked!" Yuri shouted as we both ran up to the scarred-face lieutenant.
"Hey, who told them that? And Chihuahua girl...?" he questioned. "You know I can't have you showing your face at the crime scene. Your sister's kid might recognize you both. And don't even think of telling city hall."
"Urk... Understood, sir." Yuri spoke, deep in thought.
"Like hell!" I shouted boisterously. "You have two options, but both of them will end up with me and Yuri ending up at that scene! Either you let us go with, or I'm hijacking one of those damn vans and driving there myself."
"You don't even have any information on the assignment. And you're too low of a level to participate." The Lieutenant informed.
"I have my ways. Watch me." I glared, then swiftly grabbed the paper packet out of one of the lieutenant's hand in the squad.
"Hey!" he exclaimed, reaching for it.
I took a step back and read the short packet. Not much information, two Eden Academy buses hijacked by the Red Circus, no straight motive on why they did so.
The Red Circus? I thought, shuddering. They used to be a peaceful student movement protest group, but their good ways turned sour once their movement for peace and equality for the weakest members of society. The state turned violent to them, causing the Red Circus to resort to an extreme methods, seeking revenge and justice after many of the students died.
I've done gigs to spy on the Red Circus to distribute peace in the country, as well as having to spoil their plans because they affected Westalis' and almost inflicted some serious protocols Ostania would've taken. Because of my interference, they have a target on me and other spies. If there's one thing I know, they're not friendly people.
Please be safe, Anya. I thought to myself, mentally panicking every second we're stuck here.
"Red Circus, two Eden Academy buses hijacked, motivations unknown." I spoke, dropping the papers down onto the desk. "Now that we know about the situation, we can go. We don't have to be right there, but we should be in a good distance for back up. You'd worry about your daughter and wife too, would you not?" I questioned, crossing my arms.
The Lieutenant sighed, not seeing to have much battle spirit in himself.
"Fine. But hurry to the vans otherwise you'll chase dust." He commanded, exiting the office.
"Yes, sir!" me and Yuri both saluted.
"Sometimes, your stubbornness is a blessing, but other times, it's a curse." Yuri sighed, smiling.
We ran out into the van, hopping in and taking off instantly as we closed the door.
"We'll go to the bus where your niece isn't present, that way we won't risk any exposure." Lieutenant spoke.
I resisted the urge to scream and kick the seats.
BUT IS ANYA SAFE?!
"Alright." Yuri acknowledged, nodding.
We made quick haste to the scene, scoping out the surroundings to make sure none of the members were outside.
"Here, take these earpieces so we can communicate." Lieutenant spoke. "Mrs. Lieutenant, you go with your husband to infiltrate. Take these." He handed both me and Yuri gas masks along with the ear pieces.
Me and Yuri nodded, moving into one of the entrances into the base.
"Hey." Yuri spoke, grabbing my arm. "You're not infiltrating. I'm not having you go into danger."
"What? Why?" I questioned.
"We can't risk it. Yor would get suspicious if you're hurt." Yuri spoke.
"She'll get even more suspicious if you're hurt. I can serve as backup to watch your back." I spoke.
"No. You can be backup from afar, but you're not going into battle." Yuri spoke sternly.
I glared at him, before huffing. "Fine. Whatever. But if you get hurt, then I told you so."
"Thanks." He smiled, placing the earpiece into his ear.
"Be safe, love." I spoke, leaning up and kissing his cheek before running away, to the side of the building and up one of the ladders.
I climbed up the ladder, listening to the conversation in my ear as I placed my gas mask on my face, just in case.
"I see six targets. They're total amateurs. They have to know the other bus is surrounded, but they're not being cautious at all." A man spoke into the earpiece. "Wait till all six are outside the bus. That's our opening. The guy with the beard seems to be their leader. Deal with the others."
I made it to the top, putting up the gas mask to wear and grabbed the gun from my belt.
If they have the audacity to even try something to those kids, I'll aim for the head instead of their legs... I thought, propping myself on the pillar cliff.
I took a quick look around, seeing as I'm probably the only sniper here. It wasn't the captain's orders, but honestly I could care less about what that man tells me. These are Yuri's orders, and as his coworker and "wife", I have to fulfill them.
"Do not give anyone a chance to radio out anything." The lookout ordered.
"Berta team, ready." One informed.
"Cäsar team, ready." Another informed.
"All teams ready. Prepare the tear gas." The captain commanded. "Execute!"
Two cans rolled into the way, causing the men to freak out.
"The cops?!" one shouted, confused.
"Koff! Retreat to the bus! Use the kids as-" I heard a man shout, but I didn't allow the man to finish his sentence as I locked my gun onto him, shooting straight into his head.
"Resistance confirmed." I spoke.
"Who the hell just did that?" the captain questioned.
"Me. I figured you needed backup." I smirked, following the battle with my gunsight.
"You didn't follow orders." He grumbled.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, instead opting watching the scene play out.
"A 'thank you' would've been appreciated." I spoke sarcastically.
"Aw! Damn it!" the supposed leader shouted.
He ran to the bus and gripped on the door handle. I was about to shoot before remembering how it could harm the kids if I miss my shot, and I redirected my gun.
One of the SSS agents quickly grabbed his arm and punched the leader in the face.
"A man your age, hiding behind a bunch of kids..." he spat.
Gunfire went off that wasn't mine, and the agent got shot in the shoulder by the leader.
"Ngh, yeah..." the lieutenant huffed. "Real mature!" he shouted, kicking him hard on the stomach.
The leader fell down and I watched a different agent fighting. I redirected my attention back to the leader and shot his leg, keeping him down as he tried to get back inside the bus.
Stay down, stubborn bitch... I thought.
I eyed the agent who got shot in their shoulder, making sure no remaining members of the Red Circus tried to harm them or see him pass out.
"Safety of the hostages confirmed. Berta team, do an area sweep as a precaution. We have one wounded." The captain spoke.
I climbed down from the ladder just in time to see Team Cäsar walking out, dragging the wounded one out of the building and taking off the mask. The agent shot turned out to be Yuri.
"Yuri!" I exclaimed, running over to him.
"He should be fine." One of them said.
"Fucking move!" I ordered, roughly slamming my shoulder on his and effectively pushing him out of the way.
"Ow! She's rude..." he muttered, rubbing his sore shoulder.
I observed Yuri's shoulder carefully as he groaned in pain.
"No major arteries damaged. Only one bullet. It didn't go out the other way, so the bullet is still lodged into his shoulder. Is there a first aid with forceps inside of any of the vans?" I questioned, doing my best to stay calm.
In actuality, I was freaking out. My hands were shaking along with my bottom lip as I took a deep breath, doing my best to stop myself from showing fear. If the patient (Yuri) notices I'm scared, he might get scared too, it'll speed up the pulse and the blood will pour out quicker.
Get a grip, it's not the first time you've seen someone shot. I thought to myself, hiding the vision of Rancher, or Hujo, or Net in my mind.
I'm not alone. I don't have a huge gun. I'm fine. Help is here. He'll be fine. I thought, my ears starting to ring from my blood quickening.
"No. We don't have forceps, but there's bandages." They spoke.
"We can get the bullet with this pocket knife?" another one questioned.
I shot them a look. "Are. You. Fucking. Stupid?" I spat. "Digging around in his wound will only cause even more damage. The bullet has done enough damage as it is, it's not harmful anymore. Just get the fucking first aid and bring it here."
"S-sorry, ma'am..." he stuttered, looking down. "I-I'll get that first aid, ma'am!"
"How you feeling, Yuri? You see any white or black lights? You feel overheated or too cold?" I questioned, looking down at his face.
"I'm dying!" he shouted.
"No, you're not!" I hissed, my tone harsher than I wanted it to.
Don't say stuff like that. I'm not going to lose another person like this.
"Here, ma'am!" the soldier came back.
I ripped open the first-aid, grabbing the bandages, dressing, and wipes. I cleaned off most of the blood I could manage with disposable wipes, and gently plugged the wound with foam dressing.
"YOWCH! IT HUUUUUURTS!" he screamed.
Where was that pain resistance while fighting earlier? I thought.
"Calm down, love. I'm trying my best, so stop moving." I spoke softly, hoping he'd copy my volume.
"Um, ma'am. I apologize for being clueless, but aren't you supposed to remove the bullet? I'm sure we could find a way without hurting him. Wouldn't keeping the bullet in get infected?" the soldier from earlier spoke.
"INFECTED?!" Yuri shouted. "Damn my luck! Why must I suffer like this for chihuahua girl, of all people?!" he screamed.
I rolled my eyes, quickly leaning down and kissing his lips.
"Shut it, Yuri!" I scolded. "You'll increase blood flow!"
He went quiet, dazed as he stared at me plugging the wound.
"As for your question. It's fine, it wouldn't get infected unless dirt or dust got into the wound, which is why I'm covering it so no debris gets in and infects it, along with stopping blood flow too. The bullet is sterile, meaning it's no threat to being infected since the gun's blast heated the bullet hot enough to where it flies in the air at the target, the heat cures the metal, therefore the metal won't be a threat. Plus, to be extra safe, the bullet is plugging the wound from bleeding out excessively, and it didn't go completely through his body, so that's good (for the most part)." I explained.
"Wow. You're smart, ma'am." The soldier gushed.
"I didn't even know that... damn..." the other soldier spoke, looking down depressingly.
Well, no shit. You aren't a part of the medical squad, and you don't seem to have been apart of the military. I thought.
I noticed the two medical personnel that are supposed to be taking care of Yuri instead watching from the sidelines away from the two rookie second-lieutenants and us. They must believe I'm doing the job good enough to where they don't need to step in.
"Hey! That's my wife so watch what you're saying!" Yuri declared, snapping out of his hypnosis.
I wrapped his wound with triangle bandage, (which is also good for filtering water, I learned when I was in the military!)
"There, done." I spoke as tears welled up in his eyes.
"It still hurts!" he complained, quieter then before.
"Want a kiss to make it better?" I teased, rolling my eyes.
He immediately directed his attention to the side, going quiet.
"Up," I commanded. "Let's get you to a private hospital." I commented. "And you two." I spoke, turning my head to the two men who watched the procedure.
"Y-yes, ma'am!" they both saluted, a little scared.
What the hell are they scared for? I thought, confused.
"Grab hydrogen peroxide and scrub the blood off the floors in there, really good. It'll lose all of his DNA in the scene, that way there will be no evidence of us here in case the Red Circus or WISE decide to snoop out the place after we leave." I ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" they spoke.
"And good work today, men." I acknowledged, bowing my head and grabbing Yuri's hand that had his uninjured shoulder.
I dragged Yuri into the van, seeing that the captain was already there waiting for us.
"Hop in." He spoke.
I opened the door for Yuri (since chivalry is dead, I thought jokingly) and had him sit down. I got in and closely watched Yuri, making sure that he was okay.
"You disobeyed my commands." The captain spoke.
"Yes, sir. I did." I spoke.
"I told her to." Yuri admitted, panting. "I didn't want her getting hurt."
"It's part of the job to take bullets, literally..." the Lieutenant spoke. "However, because you disobeyed me, not only did you save the kids from a second stunt he pulled, but you also immobilized him to where we can arrest him. You also saved another solider from getting shot. And you're experienced in first aid as you've helped Yuri when other experienced agents couldn't get there in time or didn't know how." He sighed. "I really hate admitting this, but throughout the time we've worked together, you've exceeded my expectations; however, I am officially impressed in your abilities. I should've never doubted your position here as a SSS officer and lieutenant just because you are a lady."
"Thanks. I don't think you're that ugly." I admitted without second thought.
"Thanks— wait what?" he questioned.
"Hm?" I hummed.
"What did you— ...never mind." He sighed. "I'll write the report for the Director. I'll inform him of your vacations from work since I figure you'll help him heal." I was about to speak, before he answered. "Yes, you'll get paid while on vacation."
"Sweet..." I muttered.
"However, next time, please tell me if you disagree with your position in a plan or if you believe there's a better solution. If we're confused in action, we could die." The lieutenant spoke.
"Yes, sir." I acknowledged, feeling a slight pit of guilt inside of my stomach.
"And good job, Yuri. You never fail to impress me, as always." The lieutenant spoke.
"Thanks... can we just hurry up and get to the hospital?" he questioned.
"You heard him. Step on it, grandma." I gruffed to the male driver.
.
.
The hospital told me that the SSS would take care of the paper work and medical costs since it's apart of the job's perks. They gave me instructions on how to care for Yuri in his state. I led Yuri out of the hospital, taking the bus to the SSS building so we can go get our car.
Yuri was quiet the whole time, not that I don't mind. I understand with rethinking your choices and wondering how you got to getting shot since I've experienced it before.
I got Yuri into the passenger seat of the car and had Yuri toss me the keys, allowing me to start the engine. By now, us being alone in the car started to unease my nerves.
"Penny for your thoughts?" I suggested.
"How'd you know what to do?" he questioned.
"Dress your wounds?" I questioned.
"Yeah." He confirmed.
"I told you I was in the Westalis military when I was seven, did I not?" I spoke.
"You did, but how did you know exactly that?" he questioned.
"I studied up on first aid when I was seven, so I'd be prepared when they let me into the military after pestering them over and over to let me join. When I was in the military, they gave us first aid classes. Then, during battle, I lost two of my soldiers and friends in the battle, those two saved me when the bombings in Luwen, Westalis. If it wasn't for them, I would've died, and yet I couldn't save them because I froze up." I admitted.
"Then, I was assigned to another rescue mission a few weeks later, and my friend who was there to help save me with the other two, was shot. That time, I refused to leave. I was too close to enemy territory so the military refused to come aid us, I was low on ammo, and I wasn't strong enough to carry or drag him away without injuring him or making it in time. By a miracle, one of the soldier's heard my coordinates over the radio and retrieved me, but we had to leave because the enemy found us, and I had to leave my friend." I explained.
"After that, I left the military after some time, no longer wanting to watch those I love die or unknowingly step into another landmine, then I was sought out to be a spy, and I learned more medical shit there. And voilà, here we are." I smiled.
"Huh." Yuri commented.
"I also got shot twice in that last battle." I smirked.
"Twice? At seven? I can barely handle this!" Yuri exclaimed.
"I was just hella lucky I didn't die." I chuckled. "Now, what do you want for dinner?"
"I still have another question." Yuri spoke.
"Is it about dinner?" I asked.
"No." He admitted.
"I guess I can entertain you." I spoke, letting out a yawn.
"Why'd you kiss me? Twice?" Yuri questioned.
"That's what's so important?" I smiled. "Well, first was a good luck kiss. I was worried you'd be hurt, and look where we are. Besides, that helped our act." I explained. "And second, it was to shut you up so you didn't kill yourself. To calm you down."
Yuri hummed. "Do you want to keep our act fake?"
"What do you mean?" I questioned, turning my head to him before looking back at the road.
"I mean, earlier you were talking about getting rings, and I'll be honest, I've thought about it before." Yuri admitted, turning his head to the window. "I thought about it a lot, to where I planned to go through with it." He spoke, opening the car's storage port and pulling out a black case.
"...Yuri?" I questioned, surprised and pulling over to avoid crashing in my dazed surprise (I did it way better and more smoothly than Yuri did earlier that day, might I add).
"I figured... I'd make it official, especially if we're going to be living together for who knows how long. And... I might've caught something for you, and I was a jerk because I was afraid of falling in love with what I thought was the enemy, because I convinced myself that you'd leave; but you've proven more than once that you'd stay." Yuri smiled, opening the box.
"I know it ain't nothing fancy, no candlelight dinner or something. I would've planned something, but after today, I realized how easy it is to die, and I'd rather die knowing that I tried to be someone good for you rather than be some jerk." He chuckled.
I felt tears well up in my eyes as I started crying.
"Hey! What's wrong? If you don't feel the same, you can just reject!" Yuri spluttered, looking at me concerned.
"Today's been such a roller coaster. First, I get all mad about you and some random chick because I was jealous of her taking you away. Then, I almost have a heart attack that my niece is in danger. After that, I swear I was going to die because I almost lost you to the reaper. And now, I'm being proposed to." I laughed.
"Yeah, I guess I could've waited later." Yuri smiled.
"No. I'm glad you did now. I was thinking about sneaking out tonight and running to the nearest jewelry store to find a ring." I joked.
Yuri placed the ring on my ring finger and I smiled observing it.
Of course it has Yuri's touch. A ruby jewel and silver banding. I thought, swooning over the ring.
"Turn it over." Yuri spoke.
I took it off and turned it over, seeing that underneath, the wording "Mrs. Briar" was welded into it.
"I love it." I admitted. "I love you too."
"I mean, I'm hoping so." Yuri joked, causing me to laugh. "I love you too. Thank you for being with someone stubborn like me."
"That's my line." I smiled.
I'm happy, extremely, but I remembered what I have to do. As part of WISE and the SSS, relationships don't come first; work does. If Yuri found out, could he still love me? Would he still look at his (now-official) wife the same way again?
Something tells me if I told him, the only thing I'd receive from him is a bullet in my head. But I guess that's a story for later, huh?
Parts: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, current part, nine, ten (to be continued when Spy x Family has more Yuri content!)
Want more Yuri content? Check out these headcannons and one shots!
Yuri Briar x Sick! Fem! Reader
Slightly mean! Yuri Briar x Fem! Reader
Yuri Briar x Fem! Reader headcannons + other fandoms!
Have any requests? Check my masterlist to see the characters I write for: Masterlist (Please request, I have too much free time and too little fics).
#x y/n#x you#x reader#x yn#spy x family#yuri anime#yuri#yuri briar#yuri manga#yuri x reader#yuri briar x reader#sxf manga#sxf#sxf spoilers#yuri spy x family#sxf yuri#stellar constellations#spy x family manga#sxf anime#sxf manga spoilers#spy x family anime#spy x family yuri#spy family#spy x family spoilers#x female y/n#female#x fem!reader#x female reader#fem reader#yn
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I just want to get this out but I am getting tired of people complaining about Live action Katara's lack of rage in the show. Especially because now, because it is missing from the LA show, there is a general trend of people that were annoyed with her behavior before now are defending it being part of her character. And before people think I am hating on them, no. I am not against people defending her rage, as I liked it a lot growing up and watching the show causally just as the next person. Katara was one of my favorite character of being a kind person while also taking names and kicking butt, she was that awesome. So more defense for her the better. Hell, I would say from just the interviews I have seen of Kiawentiio, she has - to me - the Katara sass and I am living for it.
What I am hating on is that the Live action Katara is getting ragged on for a lot of reasons - some valid, but other are (in my opinion) surface level stupid and not knowing of what actually might have been going on during the filming of season and probably the mindset that caused her character to be deflated. Because there is a lot to consider as to why it had to be condensed either for conveniences sake or - in my personal opinion - was done on purpose by two individuals that have a track records of curving that behavior in Katara to their desire.
Also: DON'T use this as an excuse to attack the actress! She is doing her best and giving her all! She is doing her job and any slander on her will be instantly blocked! I will not take any slander on her or any of the actors!
Also, mid spoilers so read at your own risk near the bottom
First thing we should consider: the amount of episodes. Yes, I am aware of the telling and not showing arguments that are being flown around. I get it. Normally, I am one of the biggest supporters that this show needed time to breath and let be to show than telling. If it had more time to breath, Katara's rage might have been more visible and we could have had more time for her arc to improve. And this is not to say that they could not have been able to do it, but I will say that this show NEEDED more than 8 episodes to be able to get as much in (To be clear, there are some shows that this works for - Amazon's Reacher and Legend of Zorro have short seasons and formatted for hour long content. But it makes sense for those shows because they are working within parameters of their medium and are newer (both are adaptions of older stuff but still) shows that can play around with the format better). For as ambitious as this project is, it has a lot to condense. At least that it is a show and not a movie, but still. Let's not forget that it could have been so much worst if it was a movie.
Now some people will say, "Well if they were good enough writers then they could have done more to show than tell," which fair. I will admit that there are infinite number of ways that they could handled some of the topics: such as Sokka's sexism and Katara's rage that everyone is missing. But with the landscape of media as is where you would be damned if you do damned if you don't if you so much as talk about some sensitive topic and you could be canceled for it instantly! Which leads me to the next point!
Second thing to consider: Multiple season renewal was never confirmed prior. Yes, we can all complain that the shows pacing was out of place. Yes, they cut some filler. And yes, it feels like we are getting too much of the world building through talking and now showing. But can you really blame them? To most people, if you saw the reaction of the cast before the news came out, you can see they were saddened by the fact they thought would not get a season 2. They changed their tune when season 2 and 3 was confirmed, and honestly happy for them. But again, that confirms to me that the writing had failed mostly because if they were never going to get their chance, might as well go all out. And with how easy shows can get picked up and canceled, I can see they needed to try and cram it in.
Which also plays into Katara's rage - they did not know if there was going to be a chance for her to grow and get bending abilities or go through her arc as steady as the animated. Again, I am not saying losing it was good, but that we need consider that if they were not going to get another season, they had to progress faster than usual. (Side note, while I like this show, Amazon's Hazbin Hotel has the same problem. We are steam rolling through what could be slow progression and change but can't slow because of episode constriction and no time to sit and allow the show to progress because it is so easy to drop the show for the studios, might as well end it on a note that at least can feel like it was it's own story.)
Speaking of studios, that would be my next point as well: studio and producer control. While I know directors can have a say in it, we should not forget about the studio that is allowing them to make this show in the first place and what they are asking for. As I keep saying, we don't know about what their restrictions are or if they can have more than a certain amount of episodes, and maybe that is a mandate of Netflix or something else, we as the audience don't know. We don't know what happens on set or behind the filming outside of glimpses and interviews, so for all we know, there was some changes to the script or teleplay to make it seem like they needed to cut Katara's rage to make her more meek. Which if this was the whole show, fine, that is a choice but not one I will have to like. But when watching the 3rd and 4th episodes, seeing Katara being a teenage girl and angry for once and even more open about her emotions was possible. Hell, it was the only times she was allowed to snap. And guess what people: it was because of the writing this time. That feminine rage you all wanted - while faint - was there. So clearly Netflix is not solely at fault - they have many mistakes but writing is not one of them.
But it is when you look who wrote what and where and what they were going for that - to me - puts EVERYTHING into place!
Final point: the original creators being brought on.
This might seem weird because one would think having the creators on the original show should be not as bad. The creators of the show is watching to make sure that the show is just right and that the characters feel the same or at least some of the story beats feel similar enough to enjoy. Why would them being on the set cause issues with the pacing and writing?
To a casual fan, yeah that makes sense. But to those that have been in the fandom, have see what they do post cannon to ALL of the characters - especially how they treat Katara in Legend of Korra - then anyone watching might have realized that that should have been a warning sign. Especially with how they would have wanted to depict the characters. And this is also the reason I think Katara's rage is gone: I think they wanted to make her like the comics version of her being a meek and demure girl that while caring was not getting as angry or as passionate about things because that would go against what Bryke wanted Katara to be in the show.
As I mentioned before, Katara's rage or at least genuine anger was only in for about two episodes out of the 8. And if you take out the 5th and 6th where she has been basically damseled with Sokka in the spirit world, that leaves on 4 more episodes to allow her to have her anger. Typically, one can thing, "Okay we can sprinkle it here or there in the other two and it should world". But all it takes is to see who was writing the episodes that truly not only hinder the world building of the show and breaks the rules of show don't tell or crammed it in so blatantly it feels like cringe and got rid of Katara being the one to free Aang because of her anger - was Bryke! They were the ones that were the head writers of the first episode and the 8th episode. The ones that had the most cramming down your throats dialogue, the clunky explaining of Aang's character out of now where and even curving Katara's rage or ability to be angry or snarky like she was in the show. Because Bryke wrote them, and also teleplayed a few - this being like adding notes and what the camera needs to do and how to frame scenes along side the dialogue. Meaning that they had some hand in making Live Action Katara this way.
If you notice in the episodes they didn't write: Omashu and the Cave of Two lovers - they were the only ones where Katara could be a bit more snappy and a bit more annoyed and vocal toward at least Sokka and Jet - not a lot but it was there. And oh would you look at that, the episode that they did not write had HEAVY hints for a certain firebender and waterbender being hinted at and color coded the lovers more vividly. And also, Katara getting to be empathetic while also not over explaining - which many always ragged on her for - where she could be human for once. Those episodes were the ones that they did not write and the story was somewhat better (Not better but I will take it over what we got prior)
And again, casual viewers might not know why this is a bad thing or probably wondering why I am against Bryke. But all it takes is looking at what they did to animated Katara that you all try to say "Was perfect as she was before" without considering what they did to her after the curtain fell. For any fan that has been following the show, you will find that most fans of Katara - the animated one -did not like what they did to her in the comics that continued their story and Legend of Korra, where she was a husk of a shell of her former self. And how she was all about "What Aang would have done, and what Aang did and oh how I missed Aang, he would know what to do". And yet, if she even showed any anger or negative emotions, she was painted as the bad person - easily look up Katara in the comics with a google search and you can see her being pushed around and flattened almost all the time when she is showing negative emotions that are genuine and not the funny mad in the show. Especially in the show as seen through this post, it did not always paint her anger in a natural thing for her or reinforced her angry as more comedic than actually something to consider as important until someone else stepped in to help her see it *cough* Zuko *cough*.
So to all the people that are trying to come after the live action Katara as being "Not the same energy girl power character who was expressive about her anger" you all "loved from the start'', please consider who and what was behind the scenes to make her this way. Especially since the animated show had other writers besides Bryke that understood Katara better if not more. Bryke wanted her to be more demure even in the pilot, and damsel. And yet the other writers gave her an actual story. Byrke have shown time and time again they do not want and angry passionate water bender that wants to be more active in changing the wrongs in the world, they want her to be more meek and docile and not fight back to let others save her in the comics and after. The OG had other writers that gave her her arc and Mae Whitmen give her the sass that we all love.
Live action Katara is no different. She has been trying to come into her own - with limited time to tell a story, limited time to get her arcs in fearful of cancellation, and with different writers, she can work, but not with Bryke. Same goes for the other characters too, not just Katara, but it seems that everyone pokes at Katara more and it is getting frustrating because some of these people just can never be happy with Katara.
Hopefully with season 2 and 3, we can have more time to flesh out the characters and maybe even have more show don't tell moments and being able to explore their feelings more. But only time will tell.
Rant over, sorry for the rambling mess.
#katara#live action avatar the last air bender#katara defense squad#live action atla#not the best but not the worst#anti bryke#actors are trying#the comics sucked#Katara deserves better
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A'right I'm just gonna be straight up real to you guys...
By the way, this post is for everyone who is willing to LISTEN and UNDERSTAND... If you don't, then just don't read
Throughout the years, we've seen a lot of adaptations of the TMNT which is good because this is where people would actually see what needs an improvement or what do you think we should remove..
Why am I saying this? WE ALL lived in a different era. WE were born in different years. WE GREW UP in different versions of the TMNT. I KNOW. I know because I grew up watching TMNT 1990, 1991, 1993, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2014 and 2016.
I know how you feel when ROTTMNT 2018 came up. The character design is different. The attitude is slightly different. The whole story concept is different. I know you hated it but that is the thing... IT IS MEANT TO BE DIFFERENT THAN THE PREVIOUS... THESE SERIES ARE MADE TO IMPROVE AND BE DIFFERENT.
You like TMNT 2003? Ok. Then you must hate Season 7 because it has mystic powers like ROTTMNT. You hate the "Dr. Strange" vibe in the ROTTMNT Movie? Ok. Then you must hate Season 6 because the turtles traveled from the past to the future to meet Cody Jones.
You don't want ROTTMNT because it looks too childish and no serious moments? Here is ROTTMNT: The Movie. What happened to the puns? Why is it too serious? Like what the shell?! YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE!
Anyways, this is just one fourth of my argument but the point is...
My point is... You call yourself a "Fan" of TMNT when you can't even at least give respect to the other versions because it is different FROM the version you grew up with.
What do I mean about RESPECT? Respect in the sense that even tho you don't like some of the versions of the TMNT, it doesn't give you the right to destroy it to others. Wait --- what does it mean? It means when someone asks you what do you think about ROTTMNT... Oh it sucks like hell. Is that the "respect" I am pertaining to? NO!
The respect I am pertaining to happens when you don't outright destroy and backlash it to someone or other people! When people asks you, it's ok to say it's fine. Not my cup of tea. It's ok to say those things but to just post a bad thing about that version isn't helping anyone. Not only you are degrading the movie, you are degrading yourself.
What am I saying is -- PLEASE -- before you post something about "hate" think about it. How about you let people just watch it. Let them experience it. It may not be "your cup of tea" but it might be to them. And thanks to you, you just destroyed it. Now they won't watch it. It might be their comfort version of the TMNT... But now...
Ya know, if you don't understand this or won't accept this argument because my opinion my rules and I don't like this so called respect... Sorry but YOU ARE NOT A FAN. Truth hurts buddy.
Sorry... If you are mad... Please.. share it with the world... I don't care. I don't mind. I say the truth that I'm seeing right now.
P.S: this just happened coz I am a member of a group on Facebook and I see a lot of people posting on how nice. How amazing ROTTMNT Movie is and some jack ass be like "it's the worst version." Like the person just wants to share his/her opinion and you... Anyways, sorry for the rant but.. someone has to say it.
REBLOG if you want... I don't mind... Spread this awareness that it is NOT cool to bully and post hate..
#tmnt#tmnt michelangelo#tmnt leonardo#tmnt donatello#tmnt raphael#rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles#tmnt 2012#rottmnt#teenage mutant ninja turtles#tmnt 2003#teenage mutant ninja turtle imagine#teenagemutantninjaturtle#tmnt 2014#rise of the tmnt#ranting post
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Austen Asks: 6, 12, 18, 24
6. Favorite movie adaptation
If we are including all movie and tv adaptations: I think Emma 2009 still reigns supreme in my heart. There's so many interesting interpretations of the text here that are plausible and yet not necessarily the ones one would think of first? It's a difficult balance of modern and faithful and I think it nails it really well.
If it is only movies... I'll pick a tv one and a cinema one (because I insist these are often separate categories enough).
Surprisingly, for the cinema one, I'm going for Love and Friendship? Epistolary novels are not easy to adapt? and it is an extra challenge to work with a main character like Lady Susan, and make her interesting to follow while not falling into girlboss-gaslight-gatekeep? And it's also not easy to shape Austen juvenilia into something workable this way' But they did and did really well?
I find I really like many of the tv movies XD ITV's Emma doesn't win because its Daviesisms bring it down, but otherwise, I really vibe with it. Northanger Abbey 2007 is much better than it has any right to be. The 1995 Persuasion is iconic for a reason. It's difficult to pick between those three.
12. Least favorite Austen heroine
This one is always a harsh question because I do truly love them all, and it makes it sound like I dislike one of them if I rate it less favorite. But I'll play along and say it is a tie between Fanny and Jane Fairfax, if she counts. It isn't really about finding them dull or boring or too uptight, but that I feel we wouldn't be friends. Sometimes they veer into Darcy's "my good opinion once lost is lost forever", and unlike Elinor, they tend to make little show of concealing it. Which, you know, it is justifiable in their circumstances, but would be exhausting to deal with (as I'd probably feel like I'm walking on eggshells around them. I often make blunders I regret soon enough, but I don't think they'd easily forgive or forget).
18. Moment that made you smile/happy while reading
So many, of course, but the first that comes to mind is Knightley's proposal. Yes, yes, we all talk about "if I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more" but what about "for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour’s conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma" and "you know what I am.—You hear nothing but truth from me." and "Yes, you see, you understand my feelings—and will return them if you can."? the whole thing is such an in-crescendo of joy and I clearly need to reread soon.
24. Already answered, but let's this time give a shoutout to Miss Bates, poor, hated miss Bates! She's doing the absolute best of a really trying and bleak life situation and she doesn't get enough credit for it, in this world of Mrs Bennet apologia and even Mr Collins apologia!!!
From this ask game.
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Okay so this is a pretty basic rant, but what I want to know is that am I justified in this opinion or am I just being racist?
We all know that the "How To Train Your Dragon" movie live action adaptation is set to hit cinemas in 2025, June 15 right?
Well I googled the cast today for the hell of it.
I was pretty happy to see that Hiccup would be played by Jay Baruchel, they look alike enough.
My issue is with Astrid's actress.
America Ferrera's acting skills aren't something I can give an opinion on, purely because I haven't watched any shows it movies with her in it. But here my issue is with her looks.
It's one thing to make inclusive live actions. It's one thing to show that times are moving forward.
I had a hard time swallowing Leah being Annabeth too, until I accepted it and now love her wholeheartedly, but I feel like doing the same with Astrid is a step too far.
The fair skinned, blonde VIKING girl living in the northern hemisphere in and around snowy islands and icy seas, being played by a brown American actress???
And again, I just want to reiterate that I am brown myself, but again, I just don't get it. At this point this doesn't even feel like they are trying to be inclusive, it just feels like they know they've messed up in the past so now they're trying willy-nilly to overcompensate for it by shoving things like this down our throats.
Let Astrid be blonde. Let her be fair and white. Let our childhood stay true to itself, that's all I'm saying.
#rosie rants#take two#on todays agenda:#is it racism#or am i justified?#httyd#httyd live action#httyd live action related rant#LET CHARACTERS RETAIN THIER ORIGINAL APPEARANCE#PLEASE#FFS#it makes no sense#in any way#especially geographically#like how
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This week marked the 12th anniversary of The Hunger Games movie release.
What do you think about THG as a movie adapatation?
Do you think THG influence other movie (/book) in the genre? Yes/No? Why?
Is there any difference in your opinion about it between when you first saw the movie (/read the book) and now?
Thank you :)
@curiousthg
Ugh, it has been 12 years, hasn't it? Which means it's also 12 years since I first read the books. I may be old, but I do remember that I saw a Jennifer Lawrence interview for a different movie, but the interviewer asked her about The Hunger Games, and I'd bought an ebook version of them like maybe a year prior to that, not knowing they were being made into movies. So then I was like, well... better read the books now, because I always like reading books before the movie so I can be even more disappointed.
I think THG is an okay movie adaptation of a book. It's not great, but it's also not the worst. I do think that the books are still far better in terms of character development and maintaining the themes of the stories. And I get that Hollywood has to cut out something in order to fit into their allotted approximately two hour runtime, but that doesn't change the fact that there are plenty of movie adaptations that do a much better job, in my opinion, of maintaining the integrity of their source story. I mean, Clueless is technically a modern AU of Emma and I think that movie was a fantastic movie adaptation. And there are others that are different from their books but actually work equally as well as the source material, in my opinion (How to Train Your Dragon, and The Bad Guys both come to mind for this one).
I don't think my opinion of it has changed all that much. If anything, I think my opinion of the movies has gone down over the years. Part of that might be because I was in theaters as they were being released, so I was swept up in the excitement of seeing these books I loved so much being brought to life. I kept getting my hopes up that the adaptations would improve with each successive installment. And now... I'm much more likely to devote the time to rereading the books than I am to watching the movies again. Can't take the increasing disappointment, lol.
I think there is definite influence that THG had on the genre. You can see it in series like Divergent, and the literally hundreds of other YA dystopias that came out in the years following the "success" of THG. Dystopia turned into a cash cow for publishers after THG. I'm not yet convinced that any other writers managed to capture the kind of depth of character, story, or world building that Suzanne Collins did, tho I have to admit that there's only one other YA dystopia series that I've managed to finish. It honestly felt like watered down THG fanfiction and I just couldn't push the "I believe" button on the world building enough to really love it. I kept reading it, thinking I knew the direction it was going to take, but it didn't. The ending kind of...ruined it for me? I dunno. None of the others I've tried have caught my interest enough to get me past the first book.
Thanks for the ask @curiousthg!
<3 kdnfb
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My friend saw both the 2005 and 1995 Pride and Prejudice and loved them. I now want to introduce my friend to the rest of Jane Austen, but realistically know that I'm going to have to do this through adaptations. What, in your opinion, is the best adaptation of each book to share with my friend?
I always go by most faithful to the novel. So for Pride & Prejudice I'd probably suggest 1995 or 1980, which are both pretty faithful. (I love 1967 but I might be a crazy person)
Sense & Sensibility I really need to watch the older mini series because I really dislike 2008. Their treatment of both Willoughby and Colonel Brandon make me unwilling to suggest it as a first watch. I'd go with the 1995 movie because the spirit of the story is very well preserved even with some changes. As for the older minis, ask @thatscarletflycatcher she's the expert.
Mansfield Park the only reasonable answer is the 1983 mini because neither movie is a good adaptation.
Northanger Abbey the 2007 movie for sure! The one from the 80s is only good for shits and giggles. Wish we had a mini.
Persuasion either the 1995 movie or the 1971 mini which in my opinion is sadly neglected. I think the 2007 movie is decent as well, with a hotter Wentworth, but the other two are more faithful
Emma... Emma is tricky. I am very partial to 2020, though it's a movie and Emma needs more room to breathe. The problem is I've watched both the 2009 and 1972 minis and i don't like them. 1972 adds a ton of non-book dialogue but it does have a perfect Harriet. 2009 is fairly faithful, but I don't like the false equivalent made between Jane, Emma, and Frank or the scene where Emma thanks her father for not sending her away (why in the world would he have? The dynamic is actually that he wants her with him forever). I also just found 2009 boring... As for the movies, I dislike Gwyneth Paltrow because it makes Emma too sweet and Kate Beckinsale because of the line they gave Knightley (you know the line!)
I guess I'll suggest 2020 as the movie adaptation and 2009 as the best mini.
(I hope I got all the years right on these things, forgive me if I'm a year or two off).
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Okay so as I mentioned earlier, I listened to Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and found it instructive in matters of creativity. In it, she talked about coming to the inspiration for The Signature of All Things, which I found very interesting, so then I decided I had to read it (she said she didn't have an idea about what to write next, and so spent some time just helping her mom garden, and then got to thinking about how all these different plants came to America, and then that made her start researching, and from there she thought of a story around it...IDK I just love hearing things like that about other people's creative processes, so then I had to read it out of respect for my interest in the process). I really liked that book, so then I decided I trusted her enough that I would read Eat Pray Love! And omg...I LOVE IT. It's so interesting and relatable and inspirational, I'm sorry (not sorry) to say.
I am sure there are valid criticisms to level at it, but if your view of it was formulated how mine was (basically, that the previews for the movie adaptation looked really hacky and annoying, and that anything popular is inherently suspect)...well, then I am pretty certain your view is wrong. If your view is formulated from more actual knowledge than that, well then okay.
Like, for instance, I knew she went to an ashram in India, and I assumed based on no other knowledge that probably she just did that on a lark because becoming spiritual sounded cool...but no, she did that as the next step in having a pretty dedicated meditation and yoga practice, and having started working with a guru already. So - we could still have opinions on that whole practice (I don't! Because I don't know enough to have opinions! But I know some people do), but she was at least working harder than I imagined based on my own judgmental opinions.
I guess that's one thing I can say for sure after having read these three books - Elizabeth Gilbert is dedicated, and willing to work hard for what she wants, in a way I find inspiring.
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Red White and Royal Blue - The MOVIE
I have some (spoiler free) opinions and I'm ready to talk.
My thoughts on the Red White and Royal Blue movie starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry and Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex Claremont-Diaz.
First and foremost, I think the cast did an amazing job. Taylor's Alex was the heart of the movie and Henry's Henry was absolutely the soul. Sarah Shahi?? Let's be honest, she's another reason we fell in love with the book! They filled the movie with emotionality that is what made us all fall in love with the book in the first place. I don't think there was one wrong casting here.
It made great cinematic choices, imo. I loved the way they did the phone calls, and the lake scene - Nicholas gets a 15/5 for that scene.
I am going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, that being said. As an adaptation I give it a 3/5. HOWEVER, as a standalone movie it's easily a 4-4.4/5. Maybe even a 5/5 depending on enjoyability. This is not a flaw, it just is what it is.
Big changes: No June - sorry y'all, but that's what happens often in adaptations, especially ones that don't HAVE HP budgets. It's going to be very rare to get those kind of adaptations. No Congressman Luna. We have another bad guy with different motives. But that's all I can really talk about without spoilers.
Now, had this been able to be adapted to a limited series, it would have been a much better adaptation - look at Heartstopper.
All of that being said, I don't really care to hear anyone complain that it's silly, or unrealistic, cheesy or any kind of negativity that you wouldn't give a straight comparable movie.
Queer folk are allowed to have a silly romcom, or a romcom without trauma porn. Queer folk are allowed to take up all the room at the table if they so choose. Audrey Plaza would have had justification if this was her story and that's the kind of content I want. (If you know you know).
Queer people deserve to have a million movies where they get their happy ever after without the trauma of existence. The fact that so many people (usually those who aren't LGBTQ+) want queer media that is full of trauma p*rn and y'all that's real fucking weird.
Queer people deserve movies and shows where they have wonderful supportive parents who love them and only want what's best for them, and yes talks to them about needing the HPV vaccines and PrEP. Queer people deserve media where they get to do all the things that opposite sex couples get to do without it being taboo - sex in a supply room, stolen kisses in front of Alexander Hamilton, slow dancing in a closed museum, words and affirmations for their eyes and ears only.
So, this went on way too long, but enjoy it for what it is. And what i is is two young men falling in love, hooking up whenever they can, and existing in this world that so often doesn't want queer folk existing at all.
Excuse me while I go watch it a third time. kthxbyyeeee
(Also, the movie was dedicated to Taylor's sister, Kristy, who unfortunately passed away from a courageous battle with stage IV cancer a few months ago. Taylor said in an interview that she was looking for to it and let's all send him some love. Especially given that they are on strike and he's not able to share this with the world as much.)
#rwrb#rwrbmovie#taylor zakhar perez#nicholas galitzine#sarah shahi#rip kristy lopez#queer#lgbtq#lqbtq+#queer media#lets talk about it#honestly#this has my whole heart#i love it so much#casey mcquiston#books & libraries#books#book adaptation#red white and royal blue#history huh#henry prince of wales#alex claremont diaz
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jen, i've been trying to think of something super unhinged for nice ask week and i haven't been able to think of anything. so here's my shit excuse for nice ask week and sorry that you might have to look some of these up. please rank these fictional vampires in order from least want to befriend to most want to befriend AND ALSO from not-est to hottest (others opinions are welcome - this is MY ask, MY rules - just kidding pls post this jen, i worked so hard on it):
1. count dracula, dracula (specifically, the 1992 adaptation of the novel in which gary oldman - admittedly, my older gentleman crush - plays dracula)
2. stefan salvatore, the vampire diaries
3. damon salvatore, the vampire diaries (had to ask for both brothers, come on)
4. laurent, twilight (u know i think he is a lil something something)
5. daddy cullen i mean carlisle cullen, twilight
6. dakota fanning looking extremely slay, twilight
7. spike, buffy the vampire slayer
8. count von count, seasame street
9. eric northman, true blood
10. bella swan, vampiric edition, twilight
11. blade, blade
12. me.
THANK YOU FOR COMING
hello, lola. first let me start by saying here is a different vampire ranking without a definition of best, just vibes (you create one vampire au and suddenly this is your whole life). I am not rereading it though, so no promises that I'm not about to contradict myself
I appreciate how hard you worked on asking this, so I hope you appreciate how hard I worked on answering it
Least want to befriend to most want to befriend:
damon - he seems like a walking red flag, he really does
2. dakota fanning - I respect a girlboss but I do think she would kill me after one wrong move. would constantly have a tummy ache, stressed to the max.
3. spike - I have never seen buffy, but google tells me he was a villain. have to play it safe here
4. bella - I'm so sorry bella but I think you would annoy me
5. blade - I really tried looking him up to give an honest friend ranking, but there were so many version?? is it a comic? a movie? a tv show? idk I got confused therefore he defaults to the middle of the list
6. laurent - one of the nicer members of his little posse (unlike that bitch james). might try to kill me but a good sob story would probably get me out of it
7. count dracula - i just read his backstory. that's so tragic, I think he could use a friend
8. carlisle - turning a bunch of teenagers into vampires when they were on their death bed is a little odd, but he had good intentions. and now look at the house he provides for them like I'll move in no questions asked
9. stefan - admittedly have only seen a few seasons of tvd, but he seems to have some kind of morals so that's always a good place to start for a friendship
10. eric - "calculating yet loyal and generally willing to absolve those that aggravate him, unless they have grievously crossed him. However, he is fiercely vindictive towards anyone who harms or threatens those he loves". thank you, trueblood.fandom.com. If I'm befriending all of these vampires, making him a top priority seems like a good choice
11. count von count - he has a cat. I'm using him and abusing our friendship for that. sorry count
12. lola - who shouldn't (?) be on this list (unless you have a secret to tell)
okay hotness below the cut because this is already too long
Least hot to most hot
1. dakota fanning (jane) - default to last because she is a child lmao
2. count von count - he is a cartoon (puppet? I don't know). I feel like there is only one right answer here and it is to put him in the second least hot position (unless that's your thing. you do you)
3. damon - this man creeps me out. I don't know if it's the eyes or what but again, bad vibes. stay away from her (elena), old man!
4. count dracula - willy wonka looking vampire. sorry to your older gentleman crush. you can keep him
5. eric northman - I do not know this man but he is giving 'just some guy' with a little bit of finance bro
6. bella - one too many awkward smiles while tucks her hair behind her ear moments, you know?
7. spike - cheek bones are cheek boning. some may say too much though. hair is giving 90s boy band. although for his time I can excuse it
8. carlisle cullen - not the biggest dilf in twilight, but an important one
9. laurent - unfortunate that you didn't pick the picture where he rolls up with his jacket undone and no shirt underneath. what an entrance. he also gets hotness points because laurent is a very good vampire name
10. stefan salvatore - the objectively better brother based on my limited knowledge. good picture. love a henley moment. look at those forearms.
11. blade - I don't know this man, but I would like to.
*you can't be ranked on the hotness scale because you did not provide a picture. sorry ;)
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Beatrix Russell's insights
Beatrix Russell, I'm sure most Fallout New Vegas players know her, but when was the last time y''ad a proper conversation with her? I should also say we ay gonna be analysing 'er recruitment into the Wrangler's employment 'ere or her sexual side (mostly, it'll come up a bit).
Beatrix's Advice
Beatrix offers a lot of insights into Freeside and also offers a few bits of advice. We'll start wi' those for structure all of these responses come from saying 'Got any advice to share?' I'll be honest wi' ya, the 'these are reffrence to X' I'm gonna be sayin' is jus' Wiki information. But I'll also provide me opinions on the quotes.
"Feed a man for free, and he'll be back asking for more. Feed a man a bullet. You won't hear from him again."
That's certainly true, and pretty applicable in the Wasteland, I s'pose.
"Good, bad... The guy with the gun makes the rules."
That's a reference to the movie Army of Darkness and the line 'Good...bad...I'm the guy with the gun.' and, apparently, that's also something John Browning said possibly? Reportedly, anyway. Still, also applicable in the Wasteland (and, if we go metaphorical, applicable to most authority). Personally, I think 'good' isn't applicable when anyone makes rules with the authority of 'gun'.
"Time you enjoy wasting isn't wasted time."
This is an adaption of the quote 'The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.' by Bertrand Russell. The wiki points out the fact that they're both B. Russells, which is pretty curious. The quote itself I agree with (naturally, I mean, why else would I be doin' this? Hahahaa.) and is probably important to consider as someone as old as Beatrix.
"The only thing I know for certain is that I don't know nothing."
That's a pretty famous one, even wi'out the Wiki tellin' me I know that's Socrates accordin' t' Plato. Let's not get too deep into this 'un. Unlike the last two I see no particular relevance to Wasteland life and, quite frankly, this isn't even advice, Beatrix.
"Longing makes the heart grow fonder, but I've always been a fan of hog-tying my lovers to make sure they can't escape."
I'm sure that's advice to people who're into that sorta thing, but I'm very much not the target audience for it (bein' a proud aroace repulsed at the very idea of engaging personally in such acts). Still, maybe someone over the years has gotten into BDSM because the Ghoul Cowgirl who's name rhymes with 'dominatrix' an' good for that 'ypothetical person.
So, in review, some advice that makes sense in the Wasteland, some philosophy and a bit of oversharing that I s'pose could work as foreshadowing of her future profession in a lot of playthroughs. Let's get t' the juicy stuff now, the reason I decided t' make this.
Beatrix's on the History Freeside
Yes, this is the excitin' part. We'll start wi' the start 'Tell me about Freeside.'
"What starts in misery tends to stay there. Freeside wasn't Freeside until six or seven years ago. That's when Mr. House's robots rolled out of the Lucky 38 and started pushing everyone who wouldn't join him off the Strip. Lots of folks died. Some scattered to the winds. The rest wound up in Freeside and seem never to lose the habit of living like refugees."
Things like this, it puts it all into perspective Freeside, The Strip, Hell even Westside and North Vegas Square am all recent developments. The walls an' divisions aren't even 10 years old. Robert Edwin House created modern New Vegas through violence. We have no idea how many people were killed by it, what 'a lot' means here, but think about it this way: there's a good chance that everywhere on The Strip that ain't the Lucky 38 were all inhabited by people who were either killed or displaced by House less than 10 years prior to the game. That is t' say The Tops, Gomorrah, The Ultra-Luxe, the NCR Embassy an' Military Police HQ and even Michael Angelo's Workshop all were potential homes to people who's lives are now lost to time.
There were people already in Freeside, the buildings and streets not claimed by House, that's why you'll meet many people who are 'Freeside Locals' and have been far longer than 7 years, but as Beatrix said, Freeside as we know it wasn't the Freeside before House. None of the three families lived in those casinos (the Boot-Riders weren't even stationary before becoming The Chairmen). The place was created in an act of miserable violence by House.
Beatrix's Views of Factions
Now for faction opinions. After hearing Beatrix's statements about Freeside's violent and very recent founding we can ask 'What about The Kings?'
"What about them? Pretty much the sort of gang you'd find anywhere else, just with better clothes. The King himself, though? He's got that something special you can't put a finger on. Too bad he likes girls with skin."
I'm not 100% sure if Beatrix knows that last part or presumes it, regardless she overall has a rather cynical view on The Kings as 'just another gang'. An', y'know, while they do have points over a lot of nastier gangs, I'm gonna guess 'Gang as de facto government' is a very common arrangement throughout the entire Wasteland. The Kings isn't the worst bunch in the world and The King is a flawed idealist, but its worst tendencies, encouraged by Pacer and its other more nationalistic and violent members certainly makes them not as clean as I'm sure many see 'em. Still, the gimmick is fun (I bet Beatrix even knows who Elvis is).
'What do you think of the NCR?'
"I reckon they care about getting water and electricity from the dam, and that's where it ends. The locals here are just an inconvenience to them, something to step over or stomp down. They're here for the resources, plain and simple."
Beatrix is correct. Here's a link to Colonel James Hsu sayin' as much an' gettin' called an imperialist bastard by me due to it.
'What's your opinion of Mr. House?'
"Before or after the human race shot itself in the foot? I been around long enough to have both opinions, see. Before the war, Mr. House was a famous captain of industry - robotics, to be specific. Seemed charming in interviews, until he became a recluse. Since the war, though? Didn't make a peep for near two hundred years - but when he came back, he came back strong and killed a lot of people."
Some stuff we already knew there. Unlike Raul, Beatrix is 100% convinced and aware about House bein' House. Beatrix don't actually say her opinion on modern House, but the implication in the way she highlighted that he killed a lot of people 7-8 years ago says all that needs t' be said. She also revealed that House preparing for the War was noticed by the public.
'What do you think of the Followers of the Apocalypse?'
"I don't know how they do it. They're like saints, those Followers. If they didn't charge for their services, I'd think they was crazy. But no, they're just naive. Warms your heart."
Beatrix is a bit of a cynical person, as one would expect from someone who saw the War, saw the next 200 years, saw Mr House's rise and is aware of the intentions of the NCR. So, it's nice to see her have a bit of fondness for the Followers even if she sees them as naïve.
'What do you know about the Van Graffs?'
"A couple of Radscorpions, those two. Gloria is the stable one, but she'd slit your throat if there's a profit in it. Or rather she'd tell her brother to do it for her. Jean Baptiste is one of the sicker humans I've had the displeasure of observing."
Hmm, pretty comprehensive view. Wonder if she ever did any work for the Van Graffs from this view. Prob'ly not, actually, I'm gonna guess she just means she's seen Jean-Baptiste bein' a monster, been in the Silver Rush or maybe she knew the original inhabitants of the Silver Rush who the Van Graffs did a Mr House to. The only other time she uses the term 'observing' there am some sexual undertones, but I reckon that's not 'er intent 'ere.
Conclusion
So, that was Beatrix's insights Freeside, Various Factions and... life, I guess. Some interestin' stuff, I think. An' 'opefully me own provided thoughts an' commentary 'as been int'restin'.
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A Short Review Of Knuckles; No Spoilers
Hello, I am a random Sonic fan that none of yall care about but I'm gonna write my opinions on the new Knuckles series anyway!
Just to start off, I liked it! It wasn't ground breaking by any means, but it wasn't meant to be. It's a fun little comedy.
Now the main complaint I've seen is that it was too focused on the humans and not Knuckles. And I can agree but also still enjoy the show! Pretty much no show has the main character for 100% of the screen time. So Knuckles not being in all scenes shouldn't surprise anyone. But I will say yes the humans had a lot of screen time, but that's pretty common in the movies.
The movies are obviously going for an esthetic from games like 06, Unleashed, and SA2. All of those games heavily feature humans. And this setting appeals greatly to both the kids and parents that take their kids to see the movie. I know that may not be what you want, but that's what you get. And honestly I think it's pretty smart. But even then we could stand to have some more anthro characters. Like wouldn't it have been cool if Rouge was working for GUN in the show? It would give Knuckles his usual counterpart while also setting her up for Sonic 3.
But alas we got random GUN agents. Who tbf were pretty funny. And then obviously there's Wade and his family. Wade was a good choice I think. He plays off Knuckles well. He's the comic relief to Knuckes more no bullshit attitude. And he teaches Knuckles to let loose a bit more; but more importantly he teaches Knuckles about family and home. Something he hasn't had in a long time. And I just think that's a really cute dynamic.
Did it feel more like Wade was the main character and Knuckles the secondary lead? Yes. Was it probably a budget issue? Also yes. So while I wish we got more Knuckles, it's realistic what happened.
All in all it was a nice, cute, little show. Just a bit of fun before the emotional and edgy fest that will be an SA2 adaptation in Sonic 3.
I just wanted to share that it's possible to like a show while also having a few criticisms. I just think it's better to be constructive about it. There's people on twitter saying they have a "gun to their head" because they hated the show, and I just don't think it's that serious. If you have some opinions on what the show could have done better, then write about it! Let the creatives who worked on it know what you liked, and what you didn't! It's the best way to be heard.
All in all a solid 7/10. Completely average goofy fun, but that isn't always a bad thing. Here's to hoping Sonic 3 delivers on what everyone wants!
#Not gonna spoil but yes I also like episode 4#It's pretty funny#Knuckles#Knuckles The Echidna#Wade Whipple#Sonic The Hedgehog#Knuckles series#Sonic Movie
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