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comradekatara · 1 month

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what genres of music do you think the gaang would listen to? what about some of their favorite artists? i think katara would be a big olivia rodrigo fan and that aang would listen to a lot of taylor swift lol

aw come on now be nice to aang. he would have better taste than THAT. i think he would listen to a lot of disco, like donna summer. he would like upbeat funky music that you can dance to. and he’d have a pretty eclectic and varied music taste. like i see him also loving joanna newsom (and not just because divers is about his life). and maaayyybe he’d listen to taylor swift, like one or two songs perhaps, but his ass would NOT be a swiftie.

that said, katara would feel very passionately about her, although whether positively or negatively i do not know. but there is no way she is simply swift-neutral. she would care way too much about pop culture as a phenomenon. i think that even if she really did love taylor swift she’d always preface her name with “famous climate criminal…”

and look, i respect olivia rodrigo, i think she’s a talented performer and makes great songs for amvs (ty lee all american bitch kendall roy brutal nanami vampire, to name a few highlights), but if anything, katara would listen to actual 90s riot grrrl and female singer songwriters, because olivia is simply not as good as her inspirations.

katara would also listen to any music that has a subversive political message or is sung by a woman with eminently powerful vocals. so a combination of punk, folk, some gospel, some heavy metal, and a lot of r&b. also i think she’d listen to very specific shwotunes and defend those musicals with her life.

sokka doesn’t have a music “taste” he has one song that he plays on repeat for weeks until he gets sick of it. sometimes that song is a symphony by beethoven, and sometimes that song is “fireworks” by mitski (okay, it’s often “firework” by mitski). but his one constant is kate bush. he’s fucking obsessed with kate bush.

toph grew up a piano prodigy so she has a lot of opinions on classical music and that’s most of what she listens to for the first decade or so of her life. then she gets introduced to like, tracy chapman and fiona apple through katara and sokka, and realizes that classifying all music with lyrics as “trash” may have been a bit reductive. and when she gets a bit older she gets really into indie rock and begs sokka to take her to concerts. and he doesn’t even really care for the concerts. he just takes her because he knows how much she loves it.

zuko is a mitskigirl thru and thru. i know that ppl say he’d be emo and listen to mcr but that music is too coarse and unpolished for his sensitive ears. he likes music with a beautiful melancholy quality that makes him feel sad yet gorgeous. he also listens to jbrekkie and jay som and other musical equivalents to ocean vuong. he’s literally gaysian what do u want from him.

suki is by far the most into music of anyone in their friendgroup. music is one of her favorite things in the entire world, and if she couldn’t play and listen to music she wouldn’t even want to exist. she’s in an indie folk rock band with her friends called the kyoshi warriors, and they have a lot of followers on bandcamp. she has an incredibly varied and extensive music taste, which is why she’s basically always designated the aux cord. sometimes she’s playing the cranberries and sometimes she’s playing googoosh and sometimes she’s playing otyken. and her taste never misses.

ty lee is one of those freaks who doesn’t really listen to music by choice. instead, she listens to: true crime podcasts, audiobooks (eg, of lacanian psychoanalysis), or sometimes simply has her earbuds in with nothing actually playing so as to seem as if she isn’t eavesdropping on the conversations taking place in her vicinity. but when people ask her what kind of music she likes she just says, “oh, you know…. pop.”

mai is also a mitskigirl she’s even more of a mitskigirl than zuko is (so she claims, although zuko would contest this). she’s very active on spotify because she loves making various playlists for different moods, different vibes, different blorbos from her shows. she likes all different genres, and takes suki’s recommendations very seriously above all.

azula’s two favorite artists are, unfortunately, rachmaninoff and kanye, and that’s all you really need to know about her.

#sapphikatara #asks #modern au #the gaang and #atlamusic #gee katara how come you get THREE bullet points

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aziraphales-library · 8 months

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Hello extraordinary mods!

I was wondering if you knew of any fics where madame Tracy was trying to get Aziraphale to confess his feelings to Crowley or just trying to get them together in general.

Thank you! 😇😈

Hey there! You might want to check our #matchmaking tag for fics like this. Here are some where Tracy meddles in Aziraphale's love life...

Doorway to Paradise by TawnyOwl95 (E)

Crowley is the guy everyone goes to for a good time. He’s the fling, the hook up, even though he hopes for more. Still, waking up to an empty bed the morning after a one night stand is not something he should be surprised by. In Aziraphale’s defence, he's never had a one night stand before, and really doesn't know how they work.

I’ve Got This Friend by Ambra_Sue (T)

Neither Aziraphale nor Crowley needs help in the dating department, or so they claim. Their friends Anathema and Tracy have other ideas.

Honeysuckle and White Jasmine by HolyCatsAndRabbits (E)

While on a bad blind date at a coffee shop, bookshop owner Aziraphale meets a gorgeous red-haired barista. Also Aziraphale knows flower language and he's not afraid to use it. So now Aziraphale was going on a date with someone Tracy knew. Since Tracy had arranged it, Aziraphale let her pick the place as well: Double Double, a new coffee shop. Tracy had promised that the shop was lovely and had a selection of rich desserts, which was honestly the part that had convinced Aziraphale. Aziraphale’s one bit of defiance was the flowers. He had a book or two in his shop on flower language, and he’d decided that the bouquet was going to be the sweetener for the day (besides the dessert), the spoonful of sugar that helped the medicine go down. Yellow carnations: Disdain, disappointment, rejection. Red snapdragon: Deception. Purple columbine: foolishness. White candytuft: indifference. And finally butterfly weed, a bright little orange cluster flower, which meant Let me go! Armed with his passive-aggressive (but quite lovely smelling) bouquet, Aziraphale took a cab to Double Double.

Vary my days by Aracloptia (G)

He could not recall how much time had passed between the invention of the book and himself owning a lot of books. He had simply woken up one day surrounded by them, as if he always had been. Crowley had been the first one to point it out. He always was. Except this time, he had not so much pointed it out as tripped over a pile of them, shouting ”FUCK, Angel, what's the DEAL with all these bloody BOOKS?” Aziraphale had tutted, put a drink in his hand and miracled up a sofa behind him without answering the question. The sofa was still there. Surrounded by piles and piles of books. ------ After Crowley leaves, Aziraphale needs a change. He sorts through his books, makes new friends (or tries to), and discovers the beauty of ansaphones.

I keep coming back to you by ducks_elise (T)

Aziraphale volunteers at the university library. Crowley usually doesn't go there but he went with two of his classmates to study. He keeps coming back to see Aziraphale, their relationship develops from there

The Invisible Touch by AppleSeeds (T)

Aziraphale is reduced to a quivering mess just looking at Crowley’s face smiling up at him from the programme, let alone sitting in the front row of the theatre watching him perform, or standing face-to-face with him, with Crowley's hand on his arm, after he summons him to the stage to help him with one of his tricks... When Aziraphale reveals that he too is a magician and the two actually become friends, Crowley soon realises that someone has severely knocked Aziraphale’s confidence, and becomes determined to do whatever he can to restore it.

- Mod D

#good omens #ineffable husbands #matchmaking #getting together #madame tracy #mod d

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edutainer2022 · 21 days

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There's a bit of headcanon backstory of Scott's disastrous trainwreck of a lovelife I always kinda mean to write out (shout out to @janetm74 and @liseylou!). So it features here. Gordon watches celebrity news. Fischler's brother (of all people!) gets married. Nothing goes as planned. Scott is NOT having a good time. Nor has he been for a while. Bereznik gets mentioned. An OC that might be relevant later gets mentioned. The GDF units I think may have IR on the radar get mentioned. Scott has great brothers and good friends. He's still not having a good time.

PAGE SIX

Ever since Kat Kavanaugh buried a hatchet and wasn't chasing conspiracy theories about them on Global Holovision anymore, watching the news live was a once in a blue moon activity in Casa Tracy. They followed the major world events through John and Eos (maybe a bit of social media on a relatively quiet morning), and they were likely to be part of those in some capacity at least a third of the times. Sometimes a half. But it was one of those days. A relative lull in rescues compiled with the exhaustion of the previous fortnight streak of disasters bred mildly numb boredom. Batteries too low to pursue their usual hobbies, they gravitated to the lounge.

Scott was ever at the desk with holo screens full of quarterly budget reports, because their biggest brother did stock market numbers for LEISURE, apparently. Virgil was playing, as usual, but the music was slowly fading to a halt. Alan was gaming, or pretending to be while napping, his VR goggles on. Kayo was going through some specs, half leaning on the couch cushions. Even John was in a quiet lull up in orbit, his hologram just bobbing at the comms unit, hanging out with everybody, but not really a part of any conversation. That left Gordon scrolling lazily through newsreels. The sudden yelp sent Alan tumbling on the floor and Scott at least half an inch closer to a cardiac arrest under thirty. A keen observer would have noticed Kayo reaching for a knife in the ankle holster. The piano music keened on an abrupt note and stopped. Several pairs of VERY unamused eyes stared Gordon down.

The Fish was on his feet already, bursting with excitement, sending the news holo to the center of the lounge.

"Did you guys know Fischler has a brother?!?!"

The assorted grumps and groans across the lounge indicated that they not only didn't know, but weren't in the least thrilled by that information. Only John and Kayo shared a quiet look, because OF COURSE they would know.

Gordon surveyed the lounge in triumph, setting the stage for a punchline.

"He has a brother and he's getting married!"

"Who, Fischler?"

Alan was still scrambling up from his hardwood landing and making a show of rubbing an ouchie. Scott at least looked ready to switch gears to the full "hurt brother!" mode. Gordon was not deterred.

"No, dummy, not Fischer! His brother is getting married!"

"And that's any of our business how?"

Alan was still not ready to relinquish attention from his boo-boo. Not with so many big brothers in attendance. But John, Kayo and Virgil were already sharing concerned LOOKS. Any widely publicized event with cameras rolling and hundreds in attendance, involving Fischler, could potentially turn into a showcase of his latest "invention", or ten. Which would mean potential casualties and work for IR. They would need to be on the look-out and on standby. Scott waved at the comm to get the volume up.

The holo displayed a close pic of a younger and significantly more polished version of Langstrom Fischler, hair sleecked back, but a weaselly smile just a tad on the manic side. The celebrity news anchor was gushing about a "dashing fresh face on the World Senate, a philanthropist and patron of innovation, a devoted brother and a consummate athlete, setting off to be a force of a positive change in the world" and "his drop dead gorgeous fiancée, a once Miss Brazil runner-up, who dedicated herself to the selfless life of service, decorated for honor and courage". The picture on the screen changed for an official GDF snapshot of a tall young brunette in dress blues. The insignia on the collar indicated the rank of Captain and breastplanks - several high ranking awards for valor. The picture changed to a series of candid paparazzi snaps of the "happy couple". The show host droned on with one corny cliche after another about the "match made of dreams" and a " high profile dream wedding" scheduled to take place on a cozy remote island.

Gordon interrupted the stream of saccharine platitudes:

"Huh? How come we're not invited? Scott, you know like everyone in the World Senate!"

But his voice was drowned out by the deafening snap of the metal stylus, broken in Scott's fingers. The sound of the desk chair hitting the floor, as Scott stood up and all but ran from the lounge, was even louder.

"Huh?!"

Gordon, yet again, surmised the bewilderment of everyone present. Virgil was half out to follow Scott, when a ping came through on Gordon's comm. The sign flashed pink.

"Yay! Looks like I'm going after all! Penny needs a plus one! John, can I borrow your tux?!"

John half waved his brother off, brows furrowed and hands already flying over invisible files, when another pink ping came through. It was Kayo's turn for a "Huh?" moment.

"Looks like Penny needs a plus two, as well. I'm invited".

That deflated Gordon's initial excitement enough to notice Virgil leaving in the general direction of Dad's office, where Scott had locked himself. Before he reached the door to try and reason with big brother to talk about... whatever that was, John sent two files to his comm. One - a picture they all saw a hundred times on Dad's desk back in Kansas, but it didn't compute out of context. Scott's Airgroup Wing after a training flight. All hugging and laughing, still in flightsuits. Scott and the girl from the news today - Fischler Jr.'s fiancée - at the center. The other Virgil never saw before. It would figure since it was a screenshot from, what he recognized with some dread, was Dad's old phone. There was a picture sent to a private chat with Dad of the same girl, in a sundress, and Scott in a polo shirt, apparently both on leave. An almost ten years younger Scott was smiling like he could power up a sun. The message to Dad read "SHE SAID YES!!!". The date of the message indicated about a month and a half before Scott's mission to Bereznik. Virgil sank to the floor, leaning on the wall, never going through with the knock on the locked office door.

***

It was such an unbelievable cliché it felt surreal. The thunderstorm, the lightning, the lash of downpour across his face. Then again, it was fitting, as his world was going crashing down around him. Yet again. There was nothing surreal about the hard edges of Mom's ring she just gave him back. For about six weeks he was the happiest man alive. Dad's IR project was well underway, and he was to share that dream not only with Dad and brothers, but with the love of his life. He should have known better... The words were real too - hard and ruthless. About Dad yanking his leash, and expecting nothing but dutifully following in his footsteps and his vision, concealed by his looming shadow, and giving up what they both dreamed about and worked so hard for - test flights, command ranks, career in service. The echo came back to him often, in one dark hour or another, after his world shattered to pieces yet another time. Dad voiced his reservations clearly, but did agree to give him Mom's ring. "When you know, you know". Wasn't it how he and Mom got married? It WAS too soon, they WERE too young, and frateenization within a unit WAS an issue, but with IR lifting off that wasn't to be a problem, once he told her the full scale of the classified project. He should have known better...

He last remembered the ring yanked off his neck with the dogtags chain by a smirking Berezniki guard. He put up a hell of a fight for that and was beaten within an inch of his life. The first time. Next time he found it, inexplicably, in Dad's safe on the island, after the search for Zero-X was called off. He meant to ask Kyrano, as he wasn't conscious or coherent enough for the extraction op, or for months after, but the man never returned his calls anymore, sending in a resignation after half a year of following leads on the Hood. There wasn't much room in his mind or hours in his days to give it more thought for years after. Or more pieces for his heart to break into. He should have known better. And now she was getting married. To someone bright and promising, changing the world for the better, who wasn't him. He should have known better as well. The sound of glass shattering against the wall and a visceral scream finally sent Virgil in, wild-eyed, breaking past the lock.

***

John lifted an eyebrow in a perfect quizzical arch, putting the tablet down, as the "wedding party" poured, or rather, limped into the lounge. Gordon's tuxedo sleeve was torn clear off, his bowtie, undone, served as a makeshift tourniquet. Parker sported cuts, bruises and a glorious shiner. Penelope's elaborate updo was in disarray, one heel of a golden pump broken. Kayo's slip dress hem was torn, exposing a garter holster. As John hurried to the kitchen for the first aid kit, he heard her hiss something to the effect of "You should have seen the other guys".

The villa was quiet. Grandma had Alan on the mainland for the weekend. Virgil chased Scott up the volcano. There was a good chance biggest brother and his stormy mood was best quarantined at the Round House for the rest of the day. John was waiting in the lounge for the fallout, one way or another. He wasn't quite prepared to the sight on display, handing out ice packs.

Gordon hissed too and bit off a curse, as John set about cleaning the bullet graze on his arm.

"Pen, do all your friends whip out a standard issue gun at the altar and read the groom Miranda rights instead of vows?"

Lady Penelope was busy trying to look poised while breaking the second heel off a designer pump, to make them even.

"It was a deep undercover mission to round up a drug and slave trafficking ring. A destination wedding was a most fortunate venue for the occasion."

Kayo looked up from the kitchen isle at that, not pausing to stop extracting a considerable arsenal of throw-knives from her bodice.

"Looks like the Fischler brothers were bankrolled by mafia. The crazy inventions AND the World Senate election. In exchange for some... perks."

Kayo snorted and went back to her inventory of weapons.

Gordon perked up as the anesthetic cream kicked in and forgot to NOT wave the injured hand around to assist his narrative.

"It was actually kinda cool! The bride barked out "Hands up!" instead of "I do"! The bridesmaids all dropped their bouquets and brandished guns. The bridal party were all Organized Crime and Counterterrorism. Well, and us... A little heads up wouldn't have hurt, Penny. Then all hell broke loose. Rose petals and confetti everywhere. You should have seen Fischler's face!"

Gordon was nearly flailing with excitement, so John's hands pushed him mildly back into the seat. Turquoise eyes found Penelope's line of sight:

"So... no wedding?"

"No wedding indeed."

Up on the Tracy Volcano Virgil's comm vibrated, switched to silent mode hours ago. John's message read "No wedding."

Virgil exhaled a sigh, but didn't yet know how to break the subject with a brother, seated next to him on the sun-warmed boulder, overlooking the ocean. Blue eyes were fixed on a point far away in the distance, or maybe far away in the past, Scott still wouldn't talk about.

#thunderbirds are go #scott tracy #scott tracy needs a hug #gordon tracy #virgil tracy #virgil tracy didn’t subscribe to this #john tracy #john tracy didn't sign up for this #kayo kyrano #is a badass #penelope is a good friend #gdf are competent #on occasion #my fic #methinks i have astronomy #thunderbirds 2015 #thunder oc #past relationships #bereznik headcanons

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wardenparker · 1 year

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Connie!! Happy 2.5k, congratulations ❤️❤️ you deserve all of them and more darling!

Can I get our new man Tim Rockford with "you brought me flowers?"

Tim Rockford 286 words Fluff

“I don’t understand.” Standing on the threshold of your little house, you can feel the furrow in your forehead becomes more and more pronounced. You were just locking your door and straightening your jacket to head out to meeting Tim for dinner, but here he is: bouquet in hand and more dressed up thank you’ve seen him outside of a courtroom or family wedding in years. “You brought me flowers?”

“It’s— yeah. I mean— that’s what I’m supposed to do, right?” He swallows hard and takes in the little floral sundress you’re wearing. You always look so damn— “Gorgeous”. He says it out loud and the word almost makes him choke. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks…” For all the years you’ve known Tim, he’s never been nervous like this. Maybe his wedding day? Although he was right to be nervous – he should have called the whole thing off. Tracy was a nightmare. You had sat in the church and kept your mouth shut, hoping you were wrong and that your best friend – the man you had been in love with half your life – would actually be happy.

He had not been.

“I did this wrong, didn’t I?” He sighs, raking one hand through his dark hair.

“Did what?” You shake your head at him in confusion. As far as you knew you were just meeting him at the bar for burgers. Have dinner with me tonight was the request he had made when he called you this morning, and you had easily agreed. But apparently it wasn’t as easy for him at all.

Tim groans, a pitiful pout gracing his handsome face. “If you don’t even know I asked you out, then I definitely did it wrong.”

It’s a follower celebration microfic giveaway!

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Detective Tim Rockford #Tim Rockford x reader #Tim Rockford x you #follower celebration #2.5k followers #follower milestone #microfic

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gumnut-logic · 1 month

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Sweetapple Slice 7

Alexander Sweetapple series

No one asked a question for this one, I just needed a beach and to visualise something other than suburbia. Unfortunately, the boys are interested in other things and we don't get much scenery.

Just a short one this time, not read through, just thrown up here.

This one happens during that time after 'Along the Way' when Alex first visits the Island.

And if you are wondering why this is Slice 7 and yesterday was Slice 5, Slice 6 is on its way via a different author :D I have no doubt it will appear soon :D

I hope you enjoy this little scene.

-o-o-o-

“So, what’s it like living on your own private island?”

Virgil snorted, and, turning, skipped a pebble off the surface of the Pacific Ocean. It bounced across the smooth glass of the caldera a full six times before disappearing into the turquoise depths.

“As with everything, it has its pros and cons.” Virgil raised his arms, gesturing to it all. “We live in a wildlife documentary with sunsets to die for.” A smirk. “But there is no takeout. Everything on the Island is maintained by us - the housework, the lawn, the electricity, even the sewage.” Virgil’s nose wrinkled up at that last. “A lot of its automated, thank goodness, but where there is automation-“

“There is maintenance.”

“Yeah, that. Self-sufficiency has its downsides.” Virgil looked out at the caldera again. “But then we have all this, all to ourselves. We don’t have to worry about the paparazzi out here, we’re safe on our beautiful island home.” He shrugged. “As I said, pros and cons.”

Alex scanned his eyes around the beach. “You can’t get here without a plane either. I apologise ahead for the lack of surprise visits on birthdays and anniversaries.”

Virgil smiled at him. “We can work something out.”

“Oh?”

But Virgil only kept that smile on his face and said nothing further on the topic.

Okay, play it that way, Mr Mysterious Thunderbird.

And it hit him again. He was on the hidden island of the Thunderbirds.

Virgil chuckled. “You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?” Blushing at least.

“Fanboying fit to bust something.”

“Hey!”

But Virgil had moved in closer, one hand sliding up the side of Alex’s neck and into his hair. It was very distracting. “From one fanboy to another, you are really adorable when you do that.” And Virgil was pulling him down into a soft kiss.

Mmmm.

But before his brain could white out into the pleasure that were this gorgeous man’s lips…

“Wait. You’re a fanboy? Of what?”

Virgil chuckled, soft breath teasing Alex’s neck as dropped his forehead to Alex’s shoulder.

Alex drew him into a hug, hands sliding over well-defined muscle through the light shirt Virgil was wearing. As always, Alex was struck by exactly how incredible Virgil Tracy actually was, what those muscles did on a daily basis, and how unbelievably lucky Alex was to be holding him.

“Have you heard of Kip Harris?” It was said into his collarbone, warm breath teasing the chest hair under his borrowed shirt.

Kip Harris…

“Is he the guy who designed that gas fire suppression regime you used in the Siberian gas fields, end of last year?”

Virgil’s head shot up. “How do you know about that?”

Alex arched an eyebrow. “Fanboy? I know quite a bit about your missions. They are fascinating. The equipment you use, the techniques-“

But Virgil was laughing into his shirt.

“What?”

Those dark eyes looked up at him again, filled with mirth. “Yet you didn’t recognise me when we first met.”

Alex opened his mouth but nothing came out.

Which prompted Virgil to start giggling even more.

“Hey, I’m an engineer. Sometimes I get distracted by cool gadgets.”

The giggles became full-on laughter.

“Well, if you’re going to be like that.” Alex pulled back a little, mock offended.

Virgil grabbed at him. “Hey, no, come here.” The laughter had turned into a struggling fond smile. “I can introduce myself, if you like.” The smile almost broke into a laugh, but the man managed to hold it back. “Hi, I’m Virgil Tracy, the man behind the cool gadgets. Oh, and the coffee. Apparently, I can make cool coffee, too.”

The smile was strained beyond belief and Alex had no choice but to kiss it into submission.

“It’s hot coffee.” Mumbled against soft lips. “Wonderfully warm and hot coffee.”

Virgil didn’t answer, instead using all his many skills to melt Alex under his touch. His big hands roamed up Alex’s back and…

Yeah, he could stop thinking now.

-o-o-o-

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #virgil tracy #alexander sweetapple #nuttyfic #romance #virgil tracy/alexander sweetapple

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blackswaneuroparedux · 1 year

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I could not think of anything but his fingers on my neck, his thumb on my lips.

- Tracy Chevalier, Girl with a Pearl Earring

Nicknamed the “Mona Lisa of the North,” Girl With a Pearl Earring is probably Johannes Vermeer's most celebrated work. The painting has captivated so many people throughout history, drawing unprecedented crowds to The Mauritshuis, the art museum in The Hague, Netherlands where it is now housed. It became iconic for the distinct position of the girl, her enigmatic gaze, the colours and the delicate quality of the light.

Girl With a Pearl Earring was not always as popular as it is now. It ended up in Vermeer's patron collection, before it was sold on by his son-in-law. The work was lost for 200 years until a collector bought it for 2 guilders and discovered it was a Vermeer once it had been cleaned. After his death in 1902, it was donated to the Mauritshuis in The Hague, where it has been hung ever since.

Vermeer himself is as enigmatic as his most famous painting in the history of art. Once nicknamed “the sphinx of Delft”, his native town which he never left, he produced little - only about 34 paintings survive from his oeuvre. He also left behind few biographical traces, though we do know that his wife bore him 15 children. He began his career as a history painter, depicting scenes from ancient Greek and Catholic lore, but from the outset, he trained his eye on women. He soon shifted to the genre scenes of domestic life that made him famous. As the art critic Edward Rothstein wrote, his lifetime project was “an almost metaphysical quest for the precariously poised instant, an ideal we would now consider photographic.”

He is recognised as a master of light who specialised in painting women in sparse domestic interiors, and his pictures are prized in part because they are often suffused with mystery. Unlike some of his Dutch contemporaries, who crammed their compositions full of material objects and narrative detail, Vermeer got a kick out of teasing the viewer and withholding meaning. In one of his canvases, for instance, an elegant couple is engaged in a music lesson - but is the gentleman her tutor, a suitor, or her lover? We will never know.

But what of the Girl herself?

The truth is that despite frenzied speculation (was she the artist’s daughter, or perhaps his mistress?), we will probably never know the identity of the model for Vermeer’s Girl - if there even was one. As such she is even more perplexing. 17th century viewers would have looked at Vermeer’s painting and seen not a portrait but a type of picture known as a ‘tronie’. A ‘tronie’ is a study of a head and shoulders dressed in exotic clothing. The giveaway is the turban: it lends an oriental flavour to the canvas, transporting viewers to a faraway realm of the imagination. While it is possible that someone modelled for it, just as Rubens often painted figures who looked like his wife, it isn’t meant to be a specific person, but someone more generalised, timeless and mysterious - perhaps a sibyl or a figure from the Bible.” Moreover, according to one theory, the impossible pearl, which is too big to be worn in reality, was meant to be understood as a piece of costume jewellery - so adding to the general atmosphere of artifice and make-believe.

This sense of mystery is what attracts people to the Girl. Partly, she’s just gorgeous. But the composition is also very clever. Out of that dark background, she pops into our space looking very much alive - and the gesture is a big part of that. Her mouth is open, which you don’t see that much in Dutch paintings, so she seems as if she is about to talk to you. The viewer is dying to know what she’s going to say. But she doesn’t say anything, thus revealing nothing, and the viewer is left trying to fill in the story.

Tracy Chevalier, the novelist herself chipped in with a similar observation that, “The image works because it is unresolved. You can’t ever answer the question of what she’s thinking or how she’s feeling. If it were resolved, then you’d move onto the next painting. But it isn’t, so you turn back to it again and again, trying to unlock that mystery. That’s what all masterpieces do: we long to understand them, but we never will.”

#chevalier #tracy chevalier #quote #vermeer #johannes vermeer #art #painting #dutch #girl with a pearl earring #arts #culture

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otakusparkle · 1 year

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Identity V 5th Anniversary is today!

All the Manor Residence is giving congratulations

(part 2)

Emma : Fifth anniversary at Eurydice Manor! How time flies, and the detectives have known each other for so long! Thanks to the detectives for their five years of company, Emma is very happy to have made so many new friends. In the days to come, please continue to enjoy the time's songs in Oletus!

Lucky Guy : Happy fifth anniversary! Continue to give this luck to everyone, and work hard together in the future! I hope that every wish of everyone will be successful!

Leo : Hey! Who arranged the fireworks when we just entered the door? It was so sudden and rude! There are so many children here, and there are always people who don't like these things, right? At least let me know in advance! Yes, of course I know what a conference this is!

Emily : During the 5th anniversary with all of you, there are really many beautiful memories, so precious. In the new year, I am still willing to use my ability to help everyone, and I wish everyone health and safety every day in the manor.

Freddy : It's an honor to meet all detectives. Celebrate the fifth birthday of the manor together. I will thank you all in the future!

Kreacher : Just look at this regal and gorgeous group of guests! Well, I mean, this big, boisterous celebration— What a great opportunity, the fifth anniversary celebration, Of course I want to participate!

Joker (Smiley) : A calm meeting needs a thrill, doesn't it? Let the scene liven up. crazy, ridiculous!!!

Martha : Best wishes for the 5th anniversary of Oletus Manor! Thank you detectives for your company all the way, and look forward to being with you in the future life of the manor. We cherish it all the way!

Bane : Happy new year. I'm just here to say hello, and I'm going back to the comb. By the way, please take care of those distinguished guests. But don't go my way.

Kurt : A new year, a new birthday, and a new adventure begins! Detectives, let's continue our journey in Oletus!

Naib : The fifth anniversary has come, thanks to the hard work of all detectives over the years. In the future, I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

Servais : Great magic, Dedicated to the great stage! The 5th birthday celebration of Oletus with a gathering of talents and a large number of guests, Servi Le Roy's magic show. Welcome!

Jack : Thank you for the invitation, it is a great honor to participate in this party. This bouquet of roses is for you. Congratulations on the fifth anniversary.

William : Happy, happy birthday, happy fifth anniversary! By the way, don't drink too much, there is a ball game tomorrow! Banquets and celebrations, how can there be only one day!

Violetta : Wonderful meeting, wonderful performers. You invited me the other day and asked me if I would play here again. And will provide me with a lovely repertoire... you say respect my meaning... my thoughts are...

Tracy : Hey detectives, I have an anniversary gift for you this year too! "Tracy's custom..." Shhh. Where is the gift hidden in the manor? Let's look for it!

Helena : Detective, happy fifth anniversary to us together. I wish you a happy birthday party... Don’t bother you. I’ll just go there by myself.

Michiko : A lively banquet. The young people in common...all this is so familiar that people can't recall it.

Fiona : Thanks to the blessings of the gods, another birthday is coming, and we are here to meet. I also thank all the detectives for their support and having fun together.

Hastur : Responding to new feelings, this time brings blessings. Wishing you a happy 5th anniversary at Manor Oletus.

Vera : The fifth anniversary, how commemorative it is! The beauty and luxury I like are here, maybe you are the same?

Kevin : Ah, this grand scene, what, come to the compete! Ride or lasso? Heh heh... not too difficult for me.

Wu Chang : Thank you for your kindness, thank you for the invitation. I wish you good luck on your anniversary and every year.

Margaretha : Detective, it was a pleasure to meet you at this fifth birthday party. Come on, come to the middle of the stage, let's dance together!

Joseph : Thank you for the invitation, and congratulations to Oletus on the 5th birthday! I cherish the group photos of every new year. Do you want me to take a picture for you this time?

Eli : Another year of celebration is upon us. This day, which is my 5th birthday, is a peaceful and enjoyable day, so please rest assured, detectives.

Burke : I've already said don't bring me to this kind of place, the banquet, it's too noisy, these living things are so noisy! I still have something to do, when can I leave?

Aesop : Happy 5th Anniversary to Oletus Manor....Greatful.

Yidhra : Five years later, ten years, twenty years...then eternity?

Norton : Happy fifth anniversary, thank you for your invitation.

Patricia : Congratulations on the time we have spent together. The gods will protect every sincere blessing. Congratulations on our shared anniversary.

Robbie : Well, a lot of bread, cake and candy. Let me try it...it's delicious! Thank you for the treat! By the way, can I take a some to home? Yes for my sister.

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lizziethereader · 9 months

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Mid-Year Book Freakout 2023

I was tagged by @bibliophilecats and @the-forest-library, thank you two lovelies! (sorry I couldn't get it done mid-year, haha)

1.Best book you’ve read so far this year Silver in the Wood Emily Tesh (a close second is probably Little Thieves + Painted Devils by Margaret Owen)

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year Painted Devils by Margaret Owen

3. New release you haven’t read yet Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year I somehow forgot to look at new releases this year, so I don't even have a list, but I guess I'm always excited when a new Brandon Sanderson Secret Project comes out? (so, one more to go)

5. Biggest disappointment the one that won't get me cancelled: Wicked by Gregory Maguire (honestly, what a shitshow) the one that will get me cancelled: Babel by R.F. Kuang (I just don't like when a story is bleak and tragic with no hope…)

6. Biggest surprise Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which I picked up on a whim and which was delightful! but also Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, which went totally unexpected places (and was delightful as well)

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you) Margaret Owen and Tracy Deonn

8. Newest fictional crush/newest favorite character both Vanja and Emeric from Little Thieves are great characters!!

9. Book that made you cry I don't think I've done that yet this year, but, weirdly, the one that got me closest might have been A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

10. Book that made you happy I've enjoyed many great books so far this year, but I'm not sure enjoying is the same as making happy? I'm not sure a book has "made" me happy…. I do enjoy how gorgeous the leatherbound editions of the Brandon Sanderson Secret Projects are, though!

11. Favorite Adaptation well, thanks to @bookcub I know that Little Thieves is a Goose Girl adaptation, so I'll have to go with that! in terms of movie/series adaptations, I can't say I have a favorite yet

12. Prettiest Cover I can't just choose one, so I'll go for Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, and also the Graceling series editions I have

13. A book you need to read before the end of the year a great many! But Still Life by Sarah Winman is high on my list

I'm tagging anyone who, like me, just hasn't had the energy or time to do this one yet and feels like they can and want to do it now!

#mid-year book freakout #tag thingy #It always takes me a while to get around to doing these but I do enjoy thinking about these things!#so thanks for the tag again!

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bobgasm · 7 months

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flashback | the meet-cute [01/04]

pairing: bob floyd x ofc!evelyn word count: 625 warnings: fluff, a meet-cute,

summary: in which evelyn and bob meet for the first time

author’s note: first flashback where we meet bob and evelyn! these are most likely going to be little drabbles rather than actual oneshots

the meet-cute | sincerely, | the elopement

The first time Robert saw Evelyn was in the street outside the antiques store. It had been a brief, fleeting glance. The bustling streets made it hard for him to find her again, but he knew he’d remember her smile if he ever had the pleasure of seeing it again.

Evelyn worked as a seamstress alongside a few other women – women who she’s grown close to. There was Tracy, who had bright red hair and a fiery personality to match. There was Valerie, who was the daughter of Caroline who owned the store. Both Valerie and Caroline were of the quieter type, but once they got comfortable around you, then never shut up. There was Willa, who hated every minute spent hemming and sewing clothes, but always knew everything about anyone who stepped inside the store.

Last but not least, was Doreen. Doreen had recently moved to town and had been desperate for a job. Caroline had taken a chance on her, and she fit in perfectly with the women at the store.

It was during Evelyn’s day off that she first saw Robert. He’d been at the newspaper stand talking with John, about what, she was unsure of. She hadn’t meant to stare, but he was truly the most handsome man she’d ever seen.

Their eyes had met for a brief second, shared a bashful smile, and she’d been captivated by the man ever since.

In her haste to get away, she’d lost sight of him in the busy street. She knew, though, that if she ever saw him again, she’d introduce herself.

The next day at work, Willa was talking about her new neighbour. Telling the women that he had the most gorgeous eyes and bashful smile, and the best part? He was single!

There was mention of a small housewarming party, and Evelyn found herself roped in. If not to prove that the man wasn’t the man she’d seen the day before, but something about Willa describing his smile as bashful sent her into a frenzy.

Evelyn cooked dinner for her parents before she left, assuring them she’d be home before midnight – she was opening the shop tomorrow, after all. They had no reason to believe she wouldn’t be home on time, and sent her off with a kiss and the neatly covered casserole dish that she’d prepared alongside preparing their own dinner.

The walk to Willa’s was a short way away. She enjoyed the cool breeze of the summer evening, but kept her cardigan on just in case. The sun was set low in the sky, casting a beautiful orange glow over the horizon. Evelyn rounded the corner that led to Willa’s place and took a second to straighten her clothing. Shuffling the casserole dish carefully so it didn’t drop, before eventually walking to Willa’s.

Willa was a petite woman, but her bark was definitely more ferocious than her bite. She looked like a stiff breeze would sweep her away, and then she spoke. Her soft voice didn’t match the fury she housed for the world, and it was almost comical.

“You took your time, Evie!”

“I was enjoying the evening stroll,” Evelyn confessed. “Why are you hosting the housewarming party, anyway?”

“Because Robert doesn’t know anyone yet, and if you saw how bland his place looked, you’d have suggested I just threw the party here anyway,” she replied with a dismissive tone. “Robert, this is my friend, Evelyn.”

The man from the newspaper stand stood before Evelyn wearing a crisp blue button down and slacks, and Evelyn felt like she’d had the breath knocked out of her.

The same could be said for Robert, who’s cheeks were rosy as he set eyes on the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

#robert floyd #robert floyd x ofc #robert floyd x oc #bob floyd #bob floyd x ofc #bob floyd x oc

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sapphireginger · 1 year

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Title: Don’t Be Talkin’ Bout My Girls

Characters: Stiles Stilinski & Jackson Whittemore

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Warnings:

Homophobic Behavior, Thoughts, Slurs & Etc. Objectification Implied Past Rape/Non-Con of a Minor Toxic Masculinity

Square Filled: Stiles x Jackson For: @lgbtqbingo

WC: 3,588

Summary:

Amber eyes found each of the attackers in the sea of students once more and smirked. “You came after me and while that was bad, I would’ve left you alone but then you came after my people. You came after my friends, my best friends. You. Came. After. My. Girls.”

Stiles had one best friend that he had known since diapers. Her name was Heather but when they were five years old, Heather’s father got a job and they had to move. It sucked and Stiles was really upset about it. He would watch the window, hoping it was just a joke and any minute she’d be back.

School started in the fall and Heather hadn’t come back. Stiles was really sad, but when he got to his kindergarten classroom, Stiles met Erica who became his closest friend. She was Catwoman and he was Batman.

After Erica was Allison who they called Ally, Hayden and Tracy, rounding out their group to four lovely ladies and one gorgeous guy. Then by the time they reached eight grade it was Stiles, Erica, Ally, Tracy, Hayden, Kira and Lydia. No one understood it. It made no sense to anyone. How was it possible for one guy to have all female friends and not be sleeping with at least two of them?

Freshman year of high school, Stiles tried out for the soccer team. He made it and got slotted into first string. Then came Sophomore year of high school and Stiles was first string once more as well as an alternate for captain.

Some of the guys on Stiles’s soccer team, who fancied some of the girls Stiles was friends with, decided to see if they could go through him, thereby getting an in with the girls. He was one of them, one of the guys, and they tried to get him to put in a good word for them with a couple of the girls.

However, Stiles would only scoff and tell them if they wanted to ask one of his friends out, then they had better grow a pair and do it themselves. That got him beat up and dumped in the shower. They turned on the freezing cold water, gagged him, tied him up and shouted slurs at him over and over again until he passed out. Then they left him there, snickering and elbowing each other. It was only after they left that they regretted not taking a picture for posterity.

The team left, shutting off all the lights and wondered how the little bitch would get home without his clothes which they decided last minute to take with them. A round of high fives was exchanged before they all parted ways, eager for the reactions of the rest of the school when they saw the state the little shit was in.

☆💗☆

However, the next day when the attackers leaned against their lockers and waited with glee to see just how cowed the amber eyed boy would be, they were stunned into silence.

When the school doors opened, Stilinski was there all right. However, he was now in a pair of purple spandex shorts, a long sleeved white Henley, a black and gray sleeveless vest, and his lucky converse, one pink and one blue. To top off the look he had pair of black rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He looked so soft and dare some of his peers say...cuddly? That in itself was shocking as it was the antithesis of his usual attire, but then, flanking him on both sides and covering him from behind, were Ally, Erica, Tracy, Hayden, Lydia, and Kira. Those six were joined by the newest girls, Danielle and Heather. Heather had moved back that past weekend and of course, she was right by Stiles’s side just like she always had been before.

While Stiles was more feminine in his appearance, the girls were more slightly masculine. They wore white skinny jeans, pink or purple t-shirts-alternating with each girl-and blue leather jackets. Their feet sported gray heeled boots or gray converse, once again alternating with each girl. The guys felt a bit intimidated and horny all at once. It wasn't what any of them had expected of today.

The group walked through the halls with their heads held high and ignored everyone else. Students watched with a myriad of expressions ranging from envy, jealousy and hatred to longing, disappointment and hope.

Everywhere Stiles was, the girls would be too. Wherever the girls were, Stiles would be there as well. No one could explain it but a couple of the guys from the soccer team who felt snubbed, convinced some cheerleaders from a rival school to help them out. It was easy to steal a couple journals and sneak some photos.

When they saw that most of the girls were drawn to other girls, they were furious, but the biggest revelation was that Stiles was asexual. That set off all the guys who were interested in the girls. It was obvious Stilinski didn’t want the girls in the way the rest of the guys did. So why the fuck was he keeping those beauties from the ones who did want them?

Why was he standing between those girls and the guys who could show them what real men are like? It wasn’t like they would ever find out from Stilinski. After all, the guy was a fucking fairy anyway. Everyone knew he had a boyfriend, but no one had ever seen said boyfriend. Therefore, a lot of people didn't believe the guy. Another reason it pissed the guys off was because they didn't believe he was truly asexual either. None of them could imagine not wanting sex or to fuck some pretty little thing. Maybe he didn't want to fuck the girls, but the guys exchanged a look with sadistic smirks. Perhaps he was a pillow biter and a fag.

It looked like the guys would be doing some more ass whooping on the Stilinski kid. He needed to learn a lesson and they were more than willing to make sure it got beaten into him if necessary.

☆💗☆

Sunday night, the guys broke into the school and got everything set up for the following morning.

Monday morning, the halls were plastered with photos of the girls, copies of diary entries and worst of all, a photo of Stiles with bruises and some other unexplained markings had been blown up. Not that the guys cared. The little shit deserved it.

However, none of them took into account that Stiles as Student Body President and a TA was always there early before classes started. His eyes widened when he saw the photos, diary entries and the photo of himself. The hour he had before people showed up was usually spent helping the principal and the teachers but that day it was spent clearing the entire school of every single picture and diary entry. He nearly threw up when he tore down the picture of himself.

Once again, the guys were filled with sadistic glee as they hopped out of their sports cars and stalked up to the school doors. They were feeling victorious and confident that what they had done would finally knock Stilinski down for good. If not, well, they’d take a more drastic action. As it was, they were hoping to see tears but that was not what happened.

In fact, there wasn’t time to go to class or to their lockers as the principal announced over the intercom that there would be an all school assembly instead of first and second period. No one knew why but they didn’t have a choice. So, irked that they hadn’t gotten to see the look on the little shit’s face, the guys decided they’d handle it after the assembly. Everyone filed into the auditorium and took a seat, waiting to see what was going on.

As per usual, Stiles, as Student Body President, spoke to the students. Today he was wearing pair of skinny jeans, a white Henley and his glasses once more, rounding the outfit out with a pair of pink, blue and purple converse. As he spoke, his words were clear, concise and he articulated in a tone that was icy and cold. The rage he felt after what he had witnessed, was like fire waiting to be unleashed. The guys who had it out for him ignored the way they all gulped in response.

Then Stiles began. “Good morning, Beacon Hills High. Good morning teachers, staff, faculty and students. I know it might seem sudden that we are having an assembly out of the blue but honestly this has been a long time coming. I have a few things to say, and those for whom the words are intended will know who they are.

“To the ones it may concern, I could not care less about what you say to me. I could not care less what you say about me. I could not care less about what you do to me. What I do care about are my friends, my best friends. What I do care about are my girls. So, don’t you dare talk about my girls! I do not care why you feel the need to do to me what you did. I do not care why you feel the need to say to me what you have. I do not care why you feel the need to say about me the things you have said. As I said, say to and about me what you want. As I said, do to me what you want. I do not care but coming after the ones I love and will protect with everything I have, is where you–Sorry Principal Martin–is where you fucked up!

“These beautiful, strong, brave, intelligent, gorgeous women are worth so much more than your lust, your hunger, your desire, your degradation, your humiliating words and I know this because I know them. They are my best friends and have been for years. I know what you guys say about them when they aren’t there. Such gentlemen, right? You say they probably taste good, feel good, and smell good. You say they probably moan prettily, and say they probably beg beautifully. You even talk about their ‘O faces’ and flushed cheeks because you think you’ll do that great at pleasing them. You’re sick and think only with your dicks. The way you view women as objects for your own sexual gratification is exactly why you are not worthy of them, their time, their smiles, their laughter, their touch or their hugs.

“They don’t deserve to be seen as a prize to be won, a pound of flesh to satisfy your carnal desires, an object, or any other degrading thing.

“As for me? Well, in case you didn’t know already, my name is Stiles Stilinski. I am Student Body President here at Beacon Hills High and as usual I was here early today. When I arrived on campus this morning, I came across a disturbing, disgusting and degrading sight. On the walls, the windows, the doors and even the ceiling as well as the bathroom mirrors were the evidence of how you view me and my girls. I saw the pictures, the private diary entries and more. Perhaps, you thought it would scare us or break us up. Perhaps you thought it would beat me down or scare me. Perhaps you thought it would hurt me, but it didn’t accomplish that. You were not successful, and you should know this–” He cut off and looked up, his eyes alight with a smug rage. “We know who did it.”

A ripple of murmuring went through the student body at his words, and the guys on the soccer team blanched, their faces paling. They sat up straighter, determined not to be cowed.

Stiles smirked and shrugged one shoulder. His eyes found his best friends, Erica’s smile being the one to help calm him so he could continue. “Then of course there was a picture of me. I bet you felt clever. I bet you felt proud, and reveled in the pain you expected it to cause me. I wonder if, when I tell you what that picture is from, if you will still feel that way.”

His eyes lock onto the captain of the soccer team. “The picture that you had blown up of me was the aftermath of an assault. That picture was of what happened when I came out as biromantic asexual to a friend from another school and was overheard. That picture is the fate I suffered for being who I am. That picture was from the night I was raped. I was raped, beaten, drugged and left for near dead just a few blocks from the school. It was my best friends, Erica, Tracy and Ally, who found me and got me the medical attention I needed.”

He takes a breath, shuddering as he slowly inhales and exhales. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to be asexual and have no desire for sex? Do you have any idea what it’s like to be raped even if you were the most sexual person on the planet? Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. I don’t know if any of you do but let me tell you something. Listen up because here’s the honest to hell truth. It was excruciating and I blacked out. The guy who–” He cut off and locked eyes with Tracy who had a rage filled expression but came to stand beside him. She linked their fingers together and squeezed his hand to ground him.

“You can do this, Bambi,” she whispered, soft enough for his ears only.

Stiles nodded and looked back at the sea of students. “The guy who raped me, drugged me, beat me up and left me for dead is here. He’s a senior, with a full ride scholarship to Stanford of all places. I wonder if that would change if they knew what he’s done.” Amber eyes locked onto the senior who was frozen in terror with a murderous expression on his face as Stiles continued, “You can run if you want but they’re waiting for you.”

At the far right side of the auditorium a guy with a letterman jacket jumped up and bolted towards the double doors. He didn’t make it more than a few feet before he was taken down by Deputy Parrish, also known as Stiles’s older brother Jordan.

He held up his hand a small black remote visible. “So, consider this retribution.”

He pressed a button on the small remote and the lights dimmed slightly. Everyone looked up to see images and videos on the projector screen for everyone to see. There was detailed proof and clear evidence of what the guys had done to him and his girls. Every single one of the ones responsible for the photos, diary entries and more were exposed to everyone at the school.

“Thank you for your time, Beacon Hills High,” he said into the microphone after the video stopped, leaving thirteen pictures up on the screen. Each a culprit that had been called out for what they had done. He let Tracy lead him away and was immediately swarmed by the girls. He was grateful when the principal allowed him to head home. It was a surprise to him that all eight of his friends were dismissed as well.

That night Stiles painted Lydia’s toenails while Ally painted his and a movie played in the background. It was perfect. He loved his girls. Ally, Danielle, Erica, Hayden, Heather, Kira, Lydia, and Tracy. They were his best friends, and he was theirs. They became a pack, a group of close knit friends that were like family.

By the end of their junior year, they gained Malia, Cora, Laura, Paige, Lori and Caitlin, bringing their group, their pack, their family, to a total of fourteen beautiful young women and one handsome young man. At least that’s what the girls would label Stiles as, despite his protests that were only halfhearted at best.

The girls would teasingly call Stiles their alpha and pack mom. It made Stiles preen and the girls laughed fondly at the guy who they trusted with everything. He had proven himself to them over and over again and they would always be there for him. After all, he had always, always was and always would be there for them.

The sound of his phone ringing startled all of them, but Stiles grinned as he had a feeling, he knew who it was.

"Hey Jax!"

"Hey, Bambi. How did it go today?"

Stiles chewed his lip and shrugged even though his boyfriend couldn't see it. "It was okay."

Tracy scoffed. "It was better than okay, Stiles."

The other girls nodded in agreement before Paige spoke up. "You stood up for all fourteen of us, Stiles. That's not just a simple okay thing. It was amazing." She offered him a sweet smile. Paige had always been one of the sweetest of them.

"I swear those guys looked ready to piss themselves." Erica crowed with a snicker.

"Did you guys see the way Jordan took down the asshole who tried to run?" Cora said with a smirk. "Bet he will have a lot of fun in prison."

All of the girls continued to talk about how awesome Stiles had been and brave and then delved into other topics. Meanwhile, Jackson listened to his boyfriend try to downplay it again.

"It really wasn't much, Jax. I just did what anyone would do," he whispered from his place at the doorway. He didn't regret it at all, but he never knew what to do with compliments.

"I know you may think that, love. However, not everyone would do what you did. Are you doing okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Stiles asked, chewing on his thumb.

Jackson sighed softly. "Because you came out to the entire school, brought up the attack, stood up to those guys and-"

"Okay, Jax," Stiles said. "I hear you. I guess I'm okay. I mean, I��" He cut off and sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "When will you be home?"

"Well, I actually am just landing in Cali."

Stiles's eyes widened and he squeaked. "You're here? Where? When will you be here? How long? Can you speed? I wanna see you! I need cuddles!"

A laugh echoed through the phone. "I'll be there soon, Little Fawn."

"Is that a promise?"

"There's nowhere else I want to be. I'll text you when I'm close."

"Oh no you won't mister!" Stiles chided. "No texting and driving. I'll just track you like any normal person."

Jackson scoffed. "Uh huh. Well, you're lucky you're cute."

Stiles blushed and rolled his eyes with a playful, pleased smile on his face. "You love me and all my awesomeness."

"What gave it away?" Jackson teased.

"Oh, let's see..." Stiles started. "The kisses and the cuddles. The peanut butter and chocolate shakes from heaven but oh so sinful. I could go on for hours and by then you'd already be here. So, you just get here safe and sound. Then I'll talk your ears off."

Another chuckle from Jackson made Stiles smile wider. "Yes, sir, Little Fawn. I'll be there before you know it, but I do have to attend to a minor injury now."

"Injury?!?!" Stiles squawked.

"Mhm. I have to pick my ears up off the floor. I mean you did talk them off already."

Stiles pouted. "Hardy, har, har," Stiles said dryly.

"Don't pout, Bambi. Especially when I'm not there to kiss the pout away."

"Then hurry back." He glanced over his shoulder to see the girls setting up for family fun night and smiled at them. "I'm gonna get my butt back in the living room. It's game night you know?"

"Okay. I'll see you soon."

Stiles sighed happily. "I love you, Jax."

"Love you more, Bambi. And hey?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you, Little Fawn."

The tips of Stiles's ears matched his cheeks with the new wave of blush triggered by the praise. "Thank you," he whispered.

"You're welcome. Bye."

"Bye."

Stiles hung up and slipped his phone into his pocket. He scrubbed his hands down his face and sighed, missing the sound of fourteen vibrations in the living room.

[Jax-in-the-Box] Cuddle the fuck out of him for me please?

The girls grinned at each other, sending off a confirmation. Finally, after retrieving snacks and drinks, Stiles-their fearless leader-returned.

He gazed around at his friends as they all chatted about the upcoming summer before senior year and the plans they had made as a group. He smiled, giving his opinion when they asked but mostly just listened. He didn’t care that he was the only guy. It didn’t matter to him. He felt fiercely loyal and protective over his girls. He loved each and every single one of them.

When he started to nod off later that night, he was shuffled into the center while all fourteen of his girls wrapped around him. It was family. It was love and it was home. There was only one thing–one person–missing.

He snapped a quick photo and sent it off to Jackson with a smile.

[Bambi] #definition of family Hurry home babe!

[Jax] Save me a spot, Little Fawn. xx

[Bambi] No saving needed, Jax. There's always a place for you. x

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lacontroller1991 · 2 years

Text

The Other Stevens: Chapter 2

gif by @ed-baldwin

Main Master List The Other Stevens Master List

Chapter 1

Warnings: age gap relationship, handjob, oral sex (female receiving), language, drinking, voyeurism???

Word Count: 3.5k

----------

It’s 6 o’clock on a Wednesday night by the time you step into the threshold of the Stevens’ house. After managing to subconsciously manipulate Danny into inviting you over for movie night, you ran home after school to quickly change into clean clothes, clean underwear, and spritz some perfume on your wrists and neck, and between your legs, just in time for Danny to round the block, honking on the horn. Rushing out of the room, you quickly grab your purse and press a kiss to your mom’s cheek, telling her that you’ll be back later.

Hopping in the car, you eye Danny up and down. “What’s with the get up?” He shrugs and produces a crumpled flower from his shirt pocket before offering it to you. You gently take the flower as a twinge of guilt hits you in the stomach because Danny Stevens is a sweet guy, and you’re using him to get close to his dad. “Thanks Dan.”

“It’s not a problem. Ready to go? Think we’re watching Empire Strikes Back,” he mumbles as you smile, sticking out your arm and waving it against the wind.

“Yeah. I’m excited. I don’t think I haven’t seen it yet.”

“(Y/N), it’s been three years. How have you not?” He questions as he eyes the road in front of him, watching for any oncoming traffic.

“I was never interested in it. I saw the first one and wasn’t completely impressed, so I didn’t bother with the second.” He scoffs as he turns down the street.

“Well, you’re gonna watch it and you’re gonna like it.” “Is Jimmy joining us?”

“Nah, little twerp probably gonna hide in his room. You know he doesn’t make friends,” you roll your eyes at his comments and Danny notes the sour look on your face. “I’m just sayin’, he’s very quiet, doesn’t get out much.”

“Yeah I suppose you’re right. Poor guy. Hey, who’s car is that in the drive way?” Danny’s eyes lighten up at the sight of the porsche.

“Mom’s home! Great! I’ve always wanted you to meet her. She’s the actual best,” you try your best to hide the jealousy. You know that Gordo and Trace are still friends for the sake of their children, but you can’t help the jealousy that creeps up underneath you. Stopping the car, Danny quickly rushes to the other side and opens the door for you. “Come on, I want you to meet her before she disappears for another couple of months.” You giggle at his antics as he takes your hand and drags you toward the door.

“She doesn’t visit much?”

“Nah, too busy with her new husband or whatever. Or too busy with Hollywood, it’s annoying,” he pushes the door open and shuts it after you enter the house. “Mom? You home?” Tracy appears in the doorway with a smile and insecurity hits you like a truck. Even though you’ve seen her pictures, they don’t do her justice because in real life, she’s drop dead gorgeous and now you know why Gordo fell for her in the first place. You tilt your head down and look at your shoes. Were you too overdressed? Did you look presentable? Did you look pretty? You thought you had known those answers but seeing her standing there in a black pants suit with a gold Versace belt and black Chanel heels has you doubting everything, making you very unaware of the way Gordo’s eyes rake over your body.

“Danny? Oh my boy, I’m so happy to see you,” she pulls him in for a hug and kisses all over his face as he tries to push her away.

“Alright mom, mom! That’s enough,” she ruffles his hair for good measure before looking at you.

“Who’s this Danny?”

“Mom, this is (Y/N). My gir-”

“Friend. I’m his friend from school. It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Stevens.” You stick out your hand and she takes it, shaking it with slight rigor.

“Please, just call me Tracy. You gonna join the boys for their movie night?” She questions as you nod, looking over to the coffee table where buckets of popcorn and soda already sit out.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Wow, you must be someone special to sit through three hours of make believe.”

“Alright, Trace. Why don’t you get going. Sure Sam doesn’t appreciate you being over here.” Gordo shoos his ex wife out as you walk into the living room, looking around as if you haven’t seen it a million times before. After the door shuts, Gordo and Danny make their way into the living room before taking seats on the couch. You plop down right between them, slightly leaning toward Gordo who fiddles with the remote. “Alright kiddos. I have coke, popcorn, and candy. Should I get anything else?”

“I’ll take a blanket if you have one,” you speak up as Danny eyes you in speculation.

“You know, if you get cold you can always cuddle with me,” he comments and Gordo listens into the conversation as he hands you a blanket. You accept it with a smile before looking over to your friend.

“I’d rather die.” Gordo chokes on his beer as Danny’s mouth gapes open. “Sorry, that was rude. But seriously, I’m good, thanks.”

“So dad, why was mom here?”

“Some bullshit about NASA press and upcoming launch. She doesn’t want me to go on the next Jamestown mission.”

“Wait, you’re going back to the moon?” “You’re going back?” Gordo looks between the two of you and takes another sip of his beer, nodding his head.

“Yep. As of this morning, I’m officially on Jamestown 91 crew. Trace was throwing a fit like normal.” “I thought you weren’t gonna go back up?” Danny leans forward as Gordo’s words repeat in your mind. He’s going back to the moon, with his ex, who he’s clearly not over. Now any chance of being with him seems impossible.

“Ed forced my hand. Bastard.”

“Do you not wanna go back Mr. Stevens?” His eyes go blank as you and Danny await his response. After a minute passes he grabs the remote and presses the play button.

“Let’s just watch the damn movie.”

Shifting for the tenth time, you crack your neck as you pick at your cuticles. You were right, Star Wars had been as boring as you had remembered it to be. But still, you sit between Gordo and Danny who eagerly watch the movie as they quote it line by line. Noticing your silence, Gordo looks over to you. “Are you okay (Y/N)? You’re awfully quiet today.”

“She doesn’t like Star Wars,” Danny comments, poking your side as Gordo gawks at you. “Isn’t that right?”

You roll your eyes, swatting his hand away. “I told you in the car, I’ve only seen the first one and I wasn’t impressed. I only came to get out of my house for a bit,” you lie through your teeth but they believe it. Truth be told, you have other things on your mind, like the astronaut sitting next to you. Letting your thoughts run, you slowly begin to zone out as you picture how warm his skin would be against yours. A wave of arousal spreads through your body as you let your thoughts get dirtier. You begin to wonder how his skin would feel against yours. How his hair would feel between your fingers. How his lips would feel against your lips. How he would feel as he claims you as his.

What you don’t know though is the way Gordo watches your lips tug between your teeth as your legs press together, for reasons he can only dream of. Are you aroused? Right now? If so, why? Surely not because of him. He supposes you could be fantasizing about him but he pushes that away as soon as it pops up because there’s no way you would go for him. Sure you’ve made flirty comments to him in passing, but he always brushed those off as you just being nice.

Deciding to let his thoughts go in the gutter, he slowly starts picturing you underneath him. He wonders if you’re still a virgin, and if so, how tight would you be. He honestly can’t remember the first time he took someone’s virginity, but he wishes he does. He wonders how you would sound. Would you be quiet? Noisy? He honestly prefers the latter, that way he knows he’s doing something right. The dirtier his thoughts get, the more the blood rushes south and the harder his erection becomes. Suddenly, nails gently scratching at his arm stirs him out of his thoughts as he realizes that you caught him looking at you.

It didn’t take you long to realize that Gordo was staring at you. At first you had thought it was just a brief look but then it got longer and longer. Deciding it was dark enough, you look over to him and note the dazed look in his eyes. Raising a brow, your eyes trail down his body until you find a tent in his pants. Blush immediately blooms underneath your skin. Is he thinking of you? Right now? Shifting the blanket over you, you discreetly run your hand over his exposed arm, stirring him from his thoughts. Having gotten caught red handed, Gordo immediately looks away in embarrassment but you don’t yield. Instead, your hand trails down his arm further until you reach his hand resting on his thigh. Gently taking his hand, you move it to the side as your hand takes its place.

Gordo’s eyes widen as he looks down at your hand on his thigh. Just what are you doing? The question answers itself as your hand slowly creeps toward his hard on. Gordo wants to push you away, he wants to tell you no and that it’s not appropriate in the slightest, but at the same time, he desperately wants your hand to wrap around him. So Gordo allows it. Spreading his legs slightly, he grabs an extra blanket and drapes it over as your hand reaches the button of his pants, your face turning to the tv screen as you pretend to be interested in the icy planet of Hoth.

Noticing the blanket, Danny looks over to his father and you, brows furrowing in wonder as to why the hell the two of you are staring straight at the tv. “You guys ok? Dad, you cold?”

“I’m fine, son. Just a lil chilly,” Gordo mumbles through his teeth, trying not to groan as your hand slips into his pants. Shrugging it off, Danny turns back to the tv and refocuses his attention on Han and Leia’s love story. Deciding it's safe to proceed, you slowly move your hand along his covered erection, paying close attention to the way his breathing hitches in his throat.

Leaning over quickly, you use your other hand to guide his hand to your wrist, the look in your eyes telling him all he needs to know. You’ve never done this before. He gulps thickly. Shit, just how pure is she? Giving in, he gently grasps onto your wrist and guides your hand along his length, slightly bucking forward underneath the blanket as he uses your hand to apply pressure to his aching member, precum wetting a small spot against his underwear. Pressing down more, he speeds up your hand as he struggles to not moan. Thank God it’s dark. Something about this whole situation; you giving him a hand job underneath a blanket while his son is sitting just a few feet away has Gordo reeling. Allowing his head to thump back against the couch, his hips thrust up against your hand as his orgasm nears, quicker than he would have liked. Just a little more. Just a little mo- Gordo’s eyes shutter close as his mouth hangs open, his spend collecting in his underwear and staining his pants. You continue to massage him despite his hand movement stopping as he collects himself. As his eyes open, he looks over at your blown pupils, neither of you paying attention to the movie.

“Hey Danny?” Gordo calls over to his son, gaining the boy’s attention.

“Yeah?”

“How bout I give you 20 to go get more beer. Pretty sure we’re out.” Danny pauses the TV and stands, stretching himself before grabbing Gordo’s wallet and keys, grabbing a 20. “Budweizers?”

“Yep,” Danny nods before looking at you.

“Wanna come?”

“Oh, I think I’ll just stay here. Keep your dad company,” you offer a small smile as he shrugs.

“Suit yourself, I’ll be back in a bit,” he races out the door, leaving the room awkwardly silent. You make the first move, shoving the blanket off of you as you turn your body toward him. He eyes you, still recovering from his post orgasm bliss.

“What do you want from me?” His voice is hoarse as he zips up his pants.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you interested in me? You’ve been flirting with me, making passes at me, and now,” he motions down to the mess in his pants. “This. So, what are you trying to get from me? Money? A job? Recommendation,” you shake your head in denial, wanting to desperately climb his lap and kiss away his self doubt.

“No, Mr. Stevens. I just want you. I’ve been crushing on you for years now and well… seeing the way you looked at me a couple of minutes ago, I decided… what the hell do I have to lose?”

“Aren’t you dating Danny?” You laugh but quickly cover your mouth, Gordo’s lips twitch upward.

“Oh goodness no. He’s… just no. Besides, how can I date him when you’re literally right here,” you scoot closer to him and drag a hand down his chest, causing him to blush. “Danny is sweet and all, but I don’t want a boy.”

“What do you want?”

“A man. Gordon Stevens. And what I really want right now is for you to touch me.” You spread your legs, pulling up your skirt and exposing your dripping sex as Gordo slowly looks down, gulping at the sight. “Holy shit,” it looks so wet, warm, and tight. “Have you ever touched yourself?”

“Every night.”

“What do you think about?” He inches closer, wanting to reach out and pull you into him but also not wanting to scare you away.

“Always you. How you would feel in me, how you would hold me, talk to me, kiss me. Anything. Everytime I leave here, I always have to touch myself just for relief,” you comment as he eyes you skeptically. Grabbing his hand, you guide it toward your sex and gasp as he makes contact with your wet core. “I want you, I need you. Please, Mr. Stevens. Please touch me.”

“Okay, okay,” he lets out a shaky breath before looking at the door. “We gotta be quick though.” “I doubt that will be a problem,” you spread your legs a little further as you buck against his hand, urging him on. Gordo gulps as he presses against your panty covered mound, feeling your slickness even through the lacy undergarment.

“Shit. Just how bad do you want this?” His voice is breathy and heavy as his eyes darkened with lust, igniting an urge he thought was gone a long time ago. But having you here, the object of his recent fantasies, wanting him, has the old Gordo Stevens submerging from a place deep in his mind. “Have you ever been touched by a man?”

There's a slight cocky tone to his words as you lightly thrust against his hand, letting a moan fall from your lips as his palm presses against your covered clit. “No, I haven’t. Only myself,” you pant as your hips cant up against him before he readjusts his position on the couch, using his other arm to hold you down. “Mr. Stevens, please,” you whimper, looking down at his hand. “Touch me.” His eyes roll in the back of his head as his cock twitches. He can’t remember the last time he was ready for another round, but he guesses your youth is bringing out his.

“Alright, sweetheart. Imma take care of you. Is it alright if I move your underwear?” You breathlessly nod, watching his deft fingers pull your white underwear to the side, exposing your puffy sex to him. “Fuck, you’re soaked,” he licks his lips, wanting a taste of you. “What are you comfortable with?” The pad of his thumb slides between your folds and travels up to your bundle of nerves before he slowly rolls his thumb in tight circles as you squirm under him, your chest rising and falling with each sharp breath. Gordo quickly looks back to the door and down at his watch. Given the nearest liquor store is about 15 minutes away and Danny left 5 minutes ago, he should have a good 25 minutes to get you over the edge. “Anything, just please, do something.” Gordo smirks as he slips off the couch and pulls you to the edge, hitching your legs over his shoulders so that his face is parallel to your sex.

“Is it alright if I use my mouth?” The words have your head thump back as your eyes roll, your fantasy becoming a reality.

“Please,” you beg as he brings his face closer to you. Hesitantly, he presses a kiss to your inner thigh. But it's the hesitance that has your eyes open. “Mr. Stevens, if you’re not comfortable, you don’t have to do anything. It’s okay. I can take care of myself.”

He shakes his head in denial as he weighs the options. He could allow you to take care of yourself but then that could ruin the way you see him. Or, he could eat you out and then the two of you go back to acting like nothing happened. Either way, he has 20 minutes now. What has he got to lose? Deciding to go for it, he closes the gap between his mouth and you as his lips take your clit in between them, causing you to let out a sharp gasp, your hands flying to his hair and pulling at the strands as he lets his tongue slip out, tasting your juices and moaning. How do you taste so good? Lapping up at your arousal, Gordo slowly inserts a finger into your core, shuttering at the feeling of you constricting around just his finger. “Shit, you’re so tight,” he slowly pumps in and out of you as his tongue twirls you bundle of nerves around before closing around you, sucking you between his lips. Adding a second finger, he moves slowly as he allows you to get used to something stretching you out. He can only imagine how you would feel around his dick.

His ocean blue eyes peer up at you as he watches the way your mouth hangs open and your eyes screw shut, your hips rutting against his face, causing him to smirk, his mustache tickling your pubic bone. Feeling the familiar tension in your lower abdomen, you let out an elongated moan as your ruts become more frantic. “Mr. Stevens, please, more, I’m close,” Gordo shuts his eyes as he allows himself to become completely enraptured by you. The way you feel against him, the way you taste, the way you squirm and your moans. God, your moans. He swears he could listen to them forever.

Pumping his fingers in and out of you, he slightly curls them, dragging against your g-spot. “Oh shit, oh shit. So close, so close, so close,” Gordo’s tongue laps quicker, moaning against your sex as his fingers thrust in and out of you with a satisfying squelch while your hands pull at his brown hair, holding onto him as your orgasm crashes over you. “Holy shit,” you struggle to catch your breath as he pulls his fingers out of you and readjusts your panties so that they cover you. After cleaning off his fingers with his mouth, he helps you up as the both of you fix yourselves, just in time for the door to jingle before Danny walks in with two packs of beer. Thank God the room is still dark or else he would have been able to see the flushed looks on your face and his dad’s. “Did I miss anything?”

You shake your head, a smile etching its way onto your face as your hand subconsciously reaches for Gordo’s underneath the blanket, intertwining your fingers with his. “Nope, we were just talking ‘bout his upcoming mission.” Danny sits down next to you, handing the two of you beers as he kicks back, grabbing the remote. Sniffing the air, his face twists in confusion. “Hey, do you guys smell that?”

“Smell what?” Gordo asks, sipping on the beer though all he can taste is you. Danny decides to not press it and shakes his head.

“Nothing. Let’s finish the movie.” He presses play and immediately goes back to acting out the lightsaber noises as you and Gordo turn to each other, giving each other small, discreet smiles. Whatever the two of you are, it can wait until later.

==========

General Tag List: @marvelousmermaid @himbovillain-anon @babblydrabbly @a-reader-and-a-writer @fairchildflag @siliethkaijuy @infatuatedjanes @niki-xie

MCB Tag List: @ed-baldwin @sugapapichulo @reveluving @violetmuses @lafemmeahem @xoxabs88xox

#the other stevens #gordo stevens x reader #gordo stevens #michael dorman #gordon stevens x reader #gordon stevens #astronaut gordo stevens #for all mankind fic #for all mankind #for all mankind apple tv #i've got feelings for michael dorman it is what it is #mustached chubby bunny fan club

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popentertainment-moviereviews · 11 months

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THE BLACKENING (2022)

Starring Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah, Yvonne Orji, Diedrich Bader and James Preston Rogers.

Screenplay by Tracy Oliver & Dewayne Perkins.

Directed by Tim Story.

Distributed by Lionsgate. 97 minutes. Rated R.

The Blackening starts with a fun and somewhat subversive premise. In horror films, the first person to be killed is almost always the Black person (usually quickly followed by the nerd and the slut.) But if the Black person is going to be the first victim, what will happen when all of the potential victims are Black?

Hmm, strange that Hollywood has never thought of that.

Does the killer try to figure out who is the “Blackest” person there? Or does he (or she, or they, or it) just kill in random order? Or does he take on the other aspects as his order, moving down the list looking for the male virgin, the girl who loves to party and the homosexual and building up to the sensitive jock and gorgeous-but-abstinent girl-next-door?

The Blackening is essentially in the format of a slasher film, but in general it’s not all that scary. (Even the killer’s weapon of choice – a crossbow – while unique for this type of film, has the tendency to neuter the grisliness of the killings.)

However, The Blackening is not really a horror film at all. It’s a comedy, one that is surprisingly smart, often much funnier than you would expect, pop-culture savvy and very, very comfortable in its own Blackness. This film is made for a Black audience, daring the Caucasians in the audience to just figure out some of the references for themselves – like, for example, the rules of the card game “Spades” and the lyrics to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Despite the fact that The Blackening refuses to patronize for a larger audience – or perhaps because of it – this film is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time.

And that is coming from one of the Caucasians who is not really the film’s target audience. I’m sure I probably missed some of the references and in-jokes, but it doesn’t matter. So many of them hit squarely that knowing there are more in there which I may not have gotten just makes me even fonder of the film.

The storyline is pretty standard horror movie fare, although given an African American flare. Seven friends get together for a Juneteenth weekend outing at a remote cabin, looking forward to a weekend of drinking, partying and playing games.

The game that they are greeted by is the not-at-all subtly racist looking “The Blackening” – a board game that has a very old-fashioned racist image of a Black man at its center and asks such vaguely racial questions as “Name five Black actors who had a guest role on Friends.” And it says that if you get the answer incorrect, you will die.

Of course, the game doesn’t play fair. When they are finally able to come up with the Friends names, the game board insists that the real answer should have been that you were Black and have no idea about what happened on Friends.

They assume that they are in the hands of some white racists, hiding in the dark and wearing Blackface masks, and that’s kind of true, but not quite. In fact, there are only three white characters in The Blackening and they are all killed well before the climax. It turns out that there is something more ominous going on, forcing them to look at the dimensions and subtleties of race relations within the African American community.

Which may make this film seem like it was a philosophical treatise, but The Blackening was smart and funny enough that it never felt like preaching. This is a movie that knows what it is speaking of, and has a hell of a good time doing it.

Jay S. Jacobs

#The Blackening #2023 #Movie Review #Jermaine Fowler #PopEntertainment.com #Jay S. Jacobs

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ak47stylegirl · 2 years

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The Fish Prince (Royal Tracy Au) - Chapter 4

hehe i enjoyed writing this bit, so i hope you guys enjoy reading it as well XD

Prev | Next

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“Soooo,” Gordon forced a grin, trying to break the gathering tension “I heard something about a welcome home party for little old me?”

Dad and Scott stopped their silent conversation, giving Gordon their full attention.

“Well, of course!” Virgil smiled at Gordon, playfully nudging him. “We need to welcome home our squid somehow, don’t we?”

Gordon smiled back at Virgil, grateful for the support. He could always count on Virgil to back him up.

“And I have information that a certain London lady is on the guest list..” John added with an almost sly look in his eyes. Gordon felt his cheeks and ears heat up, his face going a deep red colour.

How did John know about Penny?!

He had only met her six months ago when his ship stopped at a dock in England for refuelling. In all instances, they shouldn’t have met that day but fate had other ideas.

Gordon had been cleaning the deck when he heard a loud splash, and when he ran over to see what was going on, he saw that a part of the old dock had broken and that a young boy, no older than Alan, was in the rough water, struggling to stay afloat.

Everything around Gordon seemed to freeze as he dived overboard, only one thought going through his mind. ‘Save the kid!’

He didn’t register the sound of his captain calling his name or notice the blonde watching from the dock above, her eyes wide with surprise and hope. All that was going through his mind was ‘get the kid to safely’

But once he was on dry land again, Gordon quickly learnt that the blonde’s name was Lady Penelope, and the boy he had just saved was her younger brother.

The first thing he noticed when he saw her was ‘wow, she’s gorgeous...’ and the second had been ‘that’s a lot of pink…’

And yes, he may have a crush on her. (who didn’t, honestly? She was perfect…)

Was he going to do anything about it? No, because Gordon was pretty certain that her butler would tear him to pieces if he even looked at her the wrong way, royal status be damned…

But he really did like her…

“Yes, Jonathan is right-” John’s jaw clenched slightly “-nobles and diplomats from around the world will be in attendance...” Dad confirmed, completely misunderstanding what John had been implying.

“Now, I have to get back to work...” Dad sighed “but it’s good to have you back Gordon..” Dad smiled, giving his shoulder a light squeeze before disappearing inside; probably not to be seen until tomorrow night at the party knowing their father...

Having a workaholic for a Dad was hard…

“There’s going to be a party?” Alan wondered, peeking out from behind Scott's legs, feeling a bit more confident now that Dad was gone. ”Cool! Is there going to be chocolate?! there better be chocolate!”

“Sorry Allie, but it’s an adult-only party...” Scott chuckled, lightly patting the top of Alan’s head. “And chocolate isn’t good for you kiddo, you know that...”

Alan pouted, softly muttering to himself something that sounded suspiciously like, ‘It's always an adult-only party…and no chocolate? What kind of boring party is that?’

Gordon chuckled softly, remembering when he had been in Alan’s shoes.

He had always thought that the adults-only parties would be lots of fun but in truth, it was just a bunch of politics and small talk. With some alcohol thrown in, to make the whole thing more ‘pleasant’.

Definitely not a place for a six-year-old.

“So, who is this London lady that I’m hearing about?” Virgil asked, looking down at Gordon with a smirk. “Does our little fish have a lady friend?”

Gordon’s face lit on fire.

“What?! N-No! No, I don’t!” Gordon yelped, waving his hands in a desperate attempt to halt the conversation, “She’s not my-we’re not-Ahghh! Guys!” He buried his face into his hands, trying to hide from the teasing laughter “She’s nobody, really…”

John snickered. “I wouldn’t call Lady Penelope Crichton-Ward a nobody..” John replied, being the smart ass he was.

It was moments like this that Gordon seriously considered if fratricide was okay…

“Wait, isn't she the girl that you met at Oxford?” Scott asked John absentmindedly, his attention divided between the conversation and keeping an eye on Alan, who had wandered off from the main group.

Wait what? Gordon thought, looking up in surprise at that new bit of information.

“Yeah, we were in the same class together…” John nodded, recalling his college days with a fond smile. “She would always drag me out to college social events, if there’s one thing about Penny, it’s that she doesn’t take no for an answer...”

Well yes, Gordon thought; his brain still producing error messages. That was very Penny-like, but-

“That’s for sure! I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that you, Mr non-social were going to parties!” Virgil laughed, lightly punching John’s shoulder in jest. “I thought you had gone mad!”

Gordon shook his head several times, trying to figure out what he was hearing because it didn’t make sense to him. Penny? and John?! Collage?

Together?!

“I’ll be honest, I thought I did as well...” John chuckled, unaware that he had just broken Gordon’s brain.

“Wait! Wait! Wait! Hold up!” Gordon exclaimed, holding his hands up in shock, trying to process this new information. “They’re the same person?!”

TBC..

#Gordon Tracy #Virgil Tracy #John Tracy #Scott Tracy #jeff tracy #alan tracy #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #Royal Tracy Au

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signalwatch · 1 year

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Kevin Conroy Merges With The Infinite

Here at The Signal Watch, we're absolutely heartbroken to hear that actor Kevin Conroy has passed.

Conroy voiced Bruce Wayne/ Batman across innumerable cartoons, video games and other projects. For generations of Bat-fans was the definitive portrayal of the character.

In 1992, when Batman: The Animated Series hit the air, I was a Senior in high school, and - I don't think unreasonably - skeptical of any new Batman cartoons that might appear, believing that they'd be of about GI Joe or Transformer levels in quality of story and art, the same voice actors working from show to show. I don't think it was snobbery. I was just now older and stuff aimed at 8 year olds was not in my wheelhouse anymore.

You don't often remember the first time you saw a cartoon, but... boy, do I remember that one. It was the pilot Man-Bat episode that was an absolute showcase for what they were doing stylistically and technically. I had not heard of Bruce Timm at the time, but I knew someone had read and understood the comics. And, look, I am a fan of the Michael Keaton/ Tim Burton Bat-films, but they're their own thing. They bear almost zero relation to Batman of the comics. This was the storytelling of the comics, but with a look and feel that borrowed one part from the Anton Furst designs and one part from Dick Tracy and one part from the Fleischer cartoons. Absolutely gorgeous stuff no one had seen on TV before.

The point is, I don't know what I expected a Batman cartoon to be in 1992, but I remember Batman opening his mouth and a baritone, gravelly voice came out that was somehow exactly how Batman should sound. Even more incredible, when he removed the cowl and spoke as Bruce Wayne - he had an actual alter-ego.

And then my girlfriend at the time called and I remember "uh-huh"ing my way through the conversation as I watched this incredible show unspool in front of me. And given the way shows worked back then, I lost my mind knowing this would be on five days per week. How? I do recall trying to explain what was happening on TV to my ladyfriend, and her saying "Ok, cool. Anyway..." You will note, that romance was not to last.

This was 1992, so social media didn't exist. If BBS's covered it, I didn't know because my family hadn't had a computer since the Apple IIe was boosted in the infamous break-in in Spring of 1991.

So, by myself I watched this show somewhat religiously. I didn't have friends into this stuff, so it took a visit by my brother from college before I could do the "LOOK. LOOOOOOOOOK!!!" thing I wanted to do so badly.

My first year at the University of Texas, I found myself reunited with JAL (he of the podcast), a pal from my days growing up in Austin (I moved to Houston in 1990) and I think we'd been hanging out for maybe an hour when JAL said "you know the guy who plays Batman looks just like Scott Summers" (that's X-Men's Cyclops to you and me). It was maybe 2-3 years before I saw a picture of Kevin Conroy, and, wow, was JAL right.

Kevin Conroy brought gravitas and drama to Batman. While I understood the wild-eyed danger of Michael Keaton (who I think showed his true menace perfectly in the Spider-movies), he was not Batman as I understood him to be from multiple comics per month that I'd read for a few years now. Nor were two 2-hour movies the same as 30 minutes, 5 days per week. Timm's design, Dini's story aesthetic - all fantastic. But it was in making Batman rumble through your TV's tinny speakers that Conroy brought the myth of a Batman to life.

This was a voice that would send shivers up the spines of criminals, but Conroy also humanized it when it was right to do so. He was genuinely acting, not reading off lines on a page. In part, you can thank the always amazing Andrea Romano for working with the showrunners to find that sweet spot that went from that first episode of Batman to the final scenes of JLU. And in the years to come, when Conroy would step back in front of the mic, he was both a reminder of the greatness of the era and a pointer to what WB could have done better in every project after Romano retired.

By the early 00's, Conroy was appearing in DVD extras and then online, and at Cons. His fans got to know who he was, and he did not disappoint. While a mere mortal of good humor, he very much understood what it meant to be the voice of Batman to multiple generations of fans, and he never took it lightly or seemed to think it was silly or just a job. He got what people looked for and heard in his performance.

It was a nuanced performance over the years, including the surprisingly resonant Batman: Mask of the Phantasm to Batman sitting with Ace as she blinked out in that one episode of JLU. No matter what the edgelords would think a *real* Batman was like - we'd know. Conroy had brought it to life.

During the CW's daring Crisis on Infinite Earths riff, he actually did play Bruce Wayne, so the role was not limited to animation.

In those interviews, etc... I genuinely liked the guy. He seemed like the kind of person you'd want to include in your "you can have dinner with any six people" kind of conversation. But, mostly, I don't think you can measure how much Conroy helped push Batman and superheroes from a novelty when it wasn't a campy disaster or mediocrity for undiscriminating kids to set the stage for everything that would come after - from video games to the MCU. I'm not sure you get the recent Batman film without Conroy's Batman carrying Batman for decades and people growing up believing that taking Batman seriously is a normal thing to do.

I'm absolutely stunned at Conroy's passing. He was only 66. I'd heard nothing of illness, just what he might be up to next. Like Chadwick Boseman passing, it's catching me totally by surprise.

What I can say is that Bat-fans and comic folk are a bit like baseball fans. Many consider Conroy the ideal version of Batman - myself included - and like a good baseball fan, we'll pass down the names of the greats for a hundred years. And the good news is, there's so much of a record of that performance. We'll be able to return to it again and again, and it will guide performers for generations.

https://ift.tt/DOvEXL7

#The Signal Watch #Kevin Conroy Merges With The Infinite

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