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svn-bangtan · 11 months

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The Favor ®

»pairing: Jungkook x Actress! reader

»wc/date: 7.9k | July 2023

» warnings: cursing, Dirty Talk, Oral (M/F rec) Size kink, penetration, unprotected sex (wrap it up and practice safe sex), rough sex, fingering, breast play, denial, and I think that’s it?

»Summary: You’ve always had a thing for the maknae of BTS, but due to your close friendship, you let it go. Throughout the friendship, however, he’d always ask you for small favors here and there, and being as close as you are, you never objected. However, that was until he came over one day asking for another favor, but this time, it was something you never would have expected.

» notes: THIS ONE-SHOT WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OLD ACCOUNT @loomdiamonds

» m.list | Taglist | Thoughts? Comments? Concerns

Y/n, a woman in her late twenties, heard her best friend's voice suddenly ring out through her house. She glanced at her manager, who stood in front of her while she was busy cooking. They were engrossed in a discussion about contracts for an upcoming drama that Y/n was set to star in after returning to Korea from filming a new movie in America. Raising an eyebrow, she responded, "Uh, yeah, Jungkook. I'm in the kitchen."

Within seconds, a visibly distressed Jungkook appeared and offered a slight bow to Y/n's manager. "Y/n, I need to talk to you."

Curious, she asked, with a piece of cucumber she was cutting in her mouth, "Okay, what about?"

"In private," Jungkook replied. Y/n glanced between her manager and Jungkook, noticing her manager's gaze, almost seeking permission to leave.

"Manager Chan, could you give us a moment alone?" Y/n requested. Nodding, her manager gathered her belongings and assured Y/n that she would return later to continue their conversation. After bowing towards Y/n and Jungkook, the manager left the premises. Y/n looked at Jungkook, perplexed, as he took a deep breath.

"What is so important that you needed her to leave? Did you get caught up in a scandal or something?" Y/n inquired, resuming her vegetable cutting as she heard the front door close, signaling her manager's departure.

"No," Jungkook replied.

"Did you break something in Yoongi's studio and now you need a place to hide?" Y/n asked, raising an eyebrow and continuing to focus on cutting her vegetables. She casually placed another piece of cucumber in her mouth.

"No, Y/n, I need your help with something really big!" Jungkook exclaimed.

Curiosity piqued, Y/n questioned, "And what might that be?"

"I need you to have sex with me," he stated bluntly, causing Y/n to choke on the cucumber in her mouth. Reacting swiftly, Jungkook handed her a water bottle, which she quickly drank from while taking deep breaths.

After a few moments, Y/n set the knife down and stared at Jungkook as if he had lost his mind. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I'm serious. I just need this one favor to help me out before we go to the Grammy's. Please, Y/n?" Jungkook pleaded. Y/n scoffed and set the water bottle down.

"Now is not the time for jokes, Jungkook," she retorted.

"But I'm not joking," he insisted, causing Y/n to freeze, wide-eyed.

Throughout all the years Y/n had known BTS, ever since they collaborated on the soundtrack for a drama she starred in and when she had the opportunity to appear in one of their music videos, nothing like this had ever happened before. While she had a strong bond with all seven members, if she had to choose the closest one, it would undoubtedly be Jungkook.

Jungkook and Y/n had a sibling-like relationship. They constantly teased each other, given their close age proximity, and often hung out together without the other members. However, Jungkook had frequently asked Y/n for favors over the years.

"Y/n, can you do me a favor and hide me? I can't let Jin-Hyung find me."

"I need a favor; can you text this girl pretending to be my girlfriend? She won't leave me alone."

"Y/n, I need a favor!"

Despite the numerous favors Jungkook had asked of her, Y/n always found herself helping him out in any way she could. Why she did so, she couldn't quite explain. However, she had to admit that most of the time, Jungkook's requests came with some sort of consequence.

In their years of friendship, Y/n had become accustomed to Jungkook's appeals for assistance. But this particular request was something entirely unexpected, even for him. She continued to gaze at him, trying to make sense of his words and the gravity behind them.

As her mind raced with a flurry of thoughts, Y/n contemplated their friendship. They had always been there for each other, offering support and lending a helping hand whenever needed. But this plea for a sexual encounter was uncharted territory, shattering the boundaries of their relationship.

Y/n couldn't deny the connection she shared with Jungkook. Their bond went beyond mere friendship, but she had never entertained the notion of taking it to a romantic or physical level. She couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden and audacious proposition.

Taking a moment to compose herself, Y/n finally found her voice. "Jungkook, I... I don't even know where to begin. This is... unexpected, to say the least."

Jungkook's expression was a mixture of vulnerability and desperation. He seemed genuinely earnest in his plea, but Y/n couldn't ignore the consequences that could arise from indulging him. She had learned from past experiences that Jungkook's requests often led to unforeseen complications.

"Please, Y/n," he implored, his voice tinged with a blend of urgency and uncertainty. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I need your help. It's for the Grammy's, and it's crucial for... everything."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Y/n couldn't help but feel torn. She cared deeply for Jungkook and wanted to support him, but she also valued their friendship and didn't want it jeopardized by impulsive decisions. She had always been his confidante, the one he turned to for aid, but this request pushed the boundaries further than ever before.

A million thoughts flooded Y/n's mind as she searched for the right response. She knew she had to be honest with herself and with Jungkook. Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze, her eyes filled with both compassion and determination.

"Jungkook, you know I care about you deeply," she began softly. "But this is not a decision to be made lightly. It could have lasting consequences, not just for us but for our friendship and the dynamics within our group. Have you considered the possible ramifications?"

Jungkook's face fell, a mix of disappointment and understanding sweeping over him. "I... I hadn't thought it through completely. I just... I thought you'd understand that you'd be willing to help me when no one else could."

Y/n's heart ached at his words, knowing that she had been a source of support for him countless times before. But this request was different. It went against the principles she held dear and the boundaries she had established for their relationship.

Y/n and Min-Seo continued their intense sparring session, their bodies moving in a synchronized rhythm. The sound of their wooden swords colliding filled the air, creating a symphony of clashing echoes.

"Oh, come on Min-Seo," Y/n playfully teased, her voice brimming with confidence, as she observed her trainer fall to the ground once again. Adjusting her shirt, she narrowed her eyes and tilted her head to the side, a smirk tugging at her lips. "I thought you were this badass, where is she at? You haven't been able to land a single hit."

Min-Seo, her competitive spirit aflame, wiped away a trickle of blood from her lip. Determination radiated from her as she pushed herself off the ground, a feral gleam in her eyes. “You want to see badass; I’ll show you badass.” With renewed vigor, she charged towards Y/n, her wooden sword poised for action.

Y/n swung her wooden sword at Min-Seo, aiming for her trainer's defenses. But Min-Seo was quick to block the strike, her movements fluid and precise. ““There she is,” Y/n murmured with a smirk. She retaliated with a rapid series of strikes, displaying her own prowess and skill. Y/n expertly deflected each blow, her body moving with a dancer's grace.

The sparring session intensified as their swords clashed with increasing speed and force. Their footwork was agile, their bodies weaving and dodging, each anticipating the other's next move. They circled each other, their eyes locked in an unwavering gaze, neither willing to yield an inch.

Y/n unleashed a flurry of strikes, testing Min-Seo's defenses. Their swords collided with a resounding impact, the force threatening to shake their grips. The exertion etched across their faces, they pushed each other to their limits, their determination fueling their every move.

Min-Seo countered Y/n's attacks with swift and calculated maneuvers. She weaved in and out of Y/n's reach, striking with precision and attempting to find an opening. But Y/n's agility and quick reflexes thwarted each attempt, her movements a seamless blend of defense and counterattack.

As the spar continued, both women grew increasingly breathless, their bodies drenched in sweat. Fatigue threatened to creep in, but they persevered, their focus unwavering. They were warriors engaged in a battle of skill, their dedication and passion for their craft evident in every strike and parry.

Y/n seized an opportunity as Min-Seo momentarily hesitated, her concentration wavering. With a swift feint, Y/n sidestepped and launched a surprise attack, catching Min-Seo off guard. Her wooden sword connected with Min-Seo's side, eliciting a gasp of surprise and a staggered step backward.

A triumphant smile graced Y/n's face as she pressed her advantage. She closed the distance between them, relentlessly driving Min-Seo backward with a barrage of strikes. Her sword whirled through the air, each swing calculated and precise. Min-Seo fought back, her determination undeterred, but Y/n's relentless assault was unyielding.

Finally, Y/n executed a sweeping low kick, knocking Min-Seo off balance. With a swift motion, she delivered a final strike, her wooden sword tapping against Min-Seo's chest, signifying victory. Min-Seo stumbled backward, conceding defeat with a nod of respect.

As they caught their breath, Y/n and Min-Seo locked eyes, their gazes filled with mutual admiration and camaraderie. The intensity of the spar had brought them even closer, their bond as trainer and trainee fortified by the shared dedication to their craft.

"You fought gracefully, Min-Seo," Y/n acknowledged, a note of admiration in her voice. "You always push me to be better."

Min-Seo, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction etched across her features, smiled warmly. "And you rise to the challenge every time, Y/n. Your growth as a fighter is truly remarkable. I trained you well."

The two women took a moment to recover, their chests rising and falling with each deep breath. The gym seemed to hold its breath, filled with the residual energy of their fierce sparring session.

It was during this momentary lull that Y/n became aware of a silent presence in the room. She turned her gaze towards the entrance, spotting Jungkook observing their bout with a mixture of awe and admiration. A fond smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized the extent of Jungkook's fascination.

Jungkook, captivated by the display of skill and determination before him, stood rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on Y/n. His admiration for her talent shone in his gaze, fueling her own confidence and pride.

As Y/n approached the edge of the mat, sweat dripping from her brow, she caught Jungkook's eye. The connection between them was instant, unspoken words passing between them.

"There's my biggest fan," Y/n quipped, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Enjoying the show?"

Jungkook's lips curved into a sheepish smile. "I can't help but be amazed by your abilities, Y/n. You never fail to impress me."

Basking in his praise, Y/n's confidence soared. She knew that she had earned Jungkook's respect through her relentless dedication to honing her skills.

As the training session drew to a close, Y/n and Min-Seo exchanged a final nod of mutual respect. They had pushed each other to new heights, embracing the challenges of their spar and emerging stronger as a result.

Y/n turned her attention back to Jungkook, her expression a mix of playfulness and curiosity. . "Impressed, Jungkook? I told you, this place is a gem."

Jungkook's gaze lingered on the state-of-the-art equipment, the pristine condition of the gym. He shook his head in awe, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This is amazing, Y/n. I had no idea your gym would be this... luxurious."

Y/n chuckled, wiping away the last traces of perspiration from her brow. "Well, I do like to train in style. Min-Seo has connections, you know." She gestured towards her trainer, who was catching her own breath a few feet away.

Y/n, amused by Jungkook's enthusiasm, chuckled lightly. "I know, right? It's a fitness paradise."

Intrigued, Jungkook approached one of the punching bags, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He flexed his fingers, testing the resilience of the bag before delivering a powerful punch that resonated through the room.

"I wonder if we could get something like this at the house or the company," Jungkook mused aloud, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Y/n's laughter filled the air, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Jungkook, as much as I'd love to see you work out in a gym like this, let's be realistic. With your busy schedule and constant touring with BTS, I doubt you'd have the time to make use of it."

Jungkook grinned sheepishly, understanding the truth in Y/n's words. "You have a point there. Maybe I'll just have to settle for the hotel gyms while we're on the road."

As Y/n moved to the cooling down area, Jungkook followed, curiosity shining in his eyes. He looked at her with a mix of admiration and intrigue. "So, how did you find this place, Y/n? And what were you doing here?"

Y/n smirked, teasingly rolling her eyes. "Oh, come on, Jungkook. Are you stalking my every move now? I regret ever giving you my manager's number."

Jungkook laughed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "No, it's not like that. Your manager mentioned that you were training here, so I thought I'd drop by and see what all the fuss is about."

Y/n chuckled, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind Jungkook's visit. "Well, it seems like you've arrived just in time to witness some of my impressive moves."

Jungkook's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Impressive, huh? Are you training for your Marvel Studios contract?"

Y/n's playful expression shifted to one of surprise, her mind racing to comprehend how Jungkook had obtained such information. The news of her involvement in a Marvel project had been kept under wraps, known only to a select few.

“So, what bring you here. Typically, you call me before showing up.” Jungkook stands still as he has his back towards her and takes a deep breath. Turning around to face Y/n, he smiles sweetly at her before clasping his hands together.

“I need a favor.”

“Which is?”

He was about to answer when a voice echoed through the gym, interrupting their conversation. "Jungkook!" shouted Hoseok, his tone a mix of annoyance and urgency.

Jungkook's attention snapped towards the source of the voice, his eyes widening as he spotted Hoseok storming towards them, his grip tight on a wooden sword. The air crackled with a mix of tension and anticipation.

Y/n exchanged a knowing glance with Jungkook, the corner of her lips curling into a wry smile. She had a feeling that this unexpected visit was about to take another surprising turn.

Hoseok reached them, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. "Jungkook, how many times have I told you to stay out of my studio?"

Jungkook's face paled slightly, his eyes darting between Y/n and Hoseok. He swallowed hard, a sheepish grin forming. "Well, you see, Hobi-hyung..."

Before he could explain himself further, Hoseok's impatience got the better of him, and he interrupted, waving the wooden sword in his hand for emphasis.

"I don't want to hear any excuses, Jungkook!" Hoseok exclaimed; his voice tinged with exasperation. "I trusted you with my precious KAWS figurines, and now one of them is broken!"

Y/n couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Hoseok's dramatic display. She stepped forward, placing a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, her voice laced with amusement. "Well, it seems like you've really done it this time, Jungkook. Breaking Hoseok's prized possessions."

Jungkook looked at Y/n, a mixture of guilt and embarrassment etched on his face. "I... I didn't mean to break it, Y/n. It was an accident, I swear!"

Hoseok's frustration softened slightly as he regarded Y/n. "You know Jungkook, he's always getting into some sort of trouble. That's why I had to rush here. I need your help to mediate this situation."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, her playful smile transforming into a more serious expression. "And how exactly am I supposed to mediate a broken KAWS figurine, Hoseok?"

Hoseok's gaze shifted between Y/n and Jungkook, his voice pleading. "Well, you have great persuasive skills, Y/n. Maybe you can talk him into replacing it or finding a way to make amends."

Y/n sighed, realizing she had been inadvertently dragged into yet another one of Jungkook's escapades. She glanced at Jungkook, her tone teasing but with a hint of exasperation. "You owe me big time for this, Jungkook. I can't believe I'm getting involved in your broken figurine drama."

Jungkook nodded, grateful for Y/n's willingness to help. "I know, I know. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Before they could proceed further, curiosity got the better of Y/n. She couldn't resist asking the burning question that had been lingering in her mind. "By the way, which one of Hobi’s KAWS broke?"

Jungkook's cheeks reddened, and he shifted uncomfortably under Y/n's gaze. "Well, it was... um... actually, it was my most expensive and rare one."

Y/n's eyes widened in surprise, her hand instinctively covering her mouth to stifle a gasp. "Your most expensive and rare one? Jungkook, you're in trouble."

Hoseok's expression transformed from relief to sheer horror. "What? Jungkook, you broke my most prized KAWS?"

Jungkook's eyes widened, and he took a step back, sensing the brewing storm. "I... I”

“YAH!” Hoseok yelled as he lunged toward Jungkook, wielding the wooden sword with determined resolve. "You need to learn your lesson, Jungkook!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with mock seriousness.

Jungkook pleaded for mercy, his laughter mixed with a tinge of desperation. Hoseok playfully delivered a few swipes to Jungkook's thighs, eliciting laughter and protests from both of them.

Getting up from the ground, Jungkook's eyes widened in fear as he turned on his heels, attempting to flee from J-Hope's wrath. The sound of J-Hope's furious footsteps filled the air as he chased after Jungkook, their commotion echoing through the gym.

Y/n couldn't help but laugh, her amusement bubbling up at the chaos unfolding before her eyes. She shook her head, a mixture of sympathy and amusement. "Good luck, Jungkook! Looks like you've really gotten yourself into a mess this time."

Y/n and her trainer exchanged amused glances, knowing all too well the dynamics within their group. Hoseok's exasperation, Jungkook's mischievous nature, and Y/n's ability to find herself caught in the middle of their antics had become a familiar sight over the years.

As the laughter subsided, Y/n turned to her trainer, a wry smile on her face. "I guess this is just another consequence of being friends with Jungkook."

Her trainer chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, but it's also what makes your friendship so special. The unexpected moments and shared adventures keep things interesting."

Y/n glanced back at Jungkook, who was now catching his breath, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Rubbing between her eyes in disbelief, Y/n took a deep breath, trying to process Jungkook's unusual request. "Jungkook..."

"Please, Y/n, I will never ask for a favor ever again. I'll give you whatever you want," Jungkook pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.

Y/n looked at him, her confusion evident on her face. She had grown out of her small crush on Jungkook as they became close friends, navigating their busy lives as an actress and an idol. Her feelings were a mess, but she cherished their friendship and didn't want to jeopardize it.

"Why do you need me to help you though?" Y/n asked, moving her hands away from her face and staring at him intently.

Jungkook sat down on one of the stools at the island in Y/n's kitchen, his hood pulled up. He gestured towards her, trying to explain his reasoning. "You've been to American award shows multiple times, especially big ones like the Oscars!” Nodding her head, Y/n takes off the apron was wearing and reveals the black soft longue slip dress from skims and of course, Jungkook couldn’t help but stare as well as she pulls it down a bit. Gaining some composure, Jungkook continues.

“The guys and I were talking, and what if Megan Thee Stallion finally wants to give me a chance? Or if I were to run into any major celebrity, I want to make sure I'm at least good."

Y/n couldn't help but burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry," she said, still chuckling as she leaned back against the counter, studying Jungkook.

Once her laughter subsided, she tilted her head to the side, smirking. "First off, Megan would definitely go after Namjoon before you. Second of all, there are literally millions of girls who would love to help you out with this favor. Why ask me?"

Jungkook poked the inside of his cheek with his tongue and adjusted his hood, clearly feeling a bit embarrassed. "Because you have experience with these things," he said, his words stumbling out.

Y/n raised an eyebrow, amused by his flustered state. "Are you saying I sleep around?" she asked with a smirk, watching panic flash in Jungkook's eyes. "No, oh my god no. I meant that you know what American girls are like at these after parties and how they—"

"Jungkook, I'm messing with you," Y/n interjected, causing him to place a hand over his heart. "Don't do that, Y/n. Jesus," he replied, visibly relieved.

Rolling her eyes, Y/n studied him for a moment before smirking. "What happened to that American girl you were seeing? I'm sure you can call her, either fly her out here or meet her out there and do it. There's no one better than her to do it, plus you guys had sex before, right?"

Jungkook's gaze dropped, and Y/n crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for an answer. "Jungkook?" she prodded when he mumbled under his breath, causing her to scoff. "Speak up, dude. It's an easy question."

"She said my... it was too big for her, so no. I can't call her. Matter of fact, almost everyone I tried to hook up with couldn't take it, so I can't really call anyone," Jungkook admitted, his tone serious.

Y/n burst into laughter, finding it hard to believe. "That's absurd, there's no way," she exclaimed, still chuckling. But her laughter died down when she saw the seriousness in Jungkook's eyes.

Shaking her head slightly, Y/n straightened her posture and cleared her throat. "Jesus, I never knew someone could be too big."

Jungkook leaned forward, resting his elbows on the kitchen island. "But seriously, why come to me for this? I really doubt that I can be of any help, especially if you're so big. What if I can't handle it?"

Taking a deep breath, Y/n considered the situation at hand. Her best friend, the International Playboy and Golden Maknae of the world's biggest boy group, was asking her to sleep with him for the sake of honesty and to avoid potential scandals. It was an unexpected request, but she trusted Jungkook and understood his reasoning.

Scoffing playfully, she pushed some of her hair back and leaned against the counter. "Who would have thought the International Playboy of BTS would need my help for something like this? Honestly, Jungkook, if you wanted to sleep with me, you could have just asked instead of making up this excuse."

Silence hung in the air as Jungkook and Y/n stared at each other, the weight of their unspoken attraction lingering between them. After a moment, Y/n took a deep breath and pushed herself off the counter, walking towards him.

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she gently turned him to face her and tugged on the drawstring of his hoodie. "If we're going to do this, it won't only apply to American girls, but how girls are in general. Understood?"

Jungkook nodded, his eyes fixed on her. Y/n let her gaze travel up and down his form, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. "Okay, whatever you say," Jungkook replied in his Busan dialect, causing Y/n to cross her legs and hum softly.

"Follow me, then," she said, tugging on his drawstrings one last time before leading the way out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her bedroom. The excitement within her grew as Jungkook followed, their footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Once inside, Y/n instruct him to sit on the bench that is in front of her bed, and she stands there. “So, first things first, how far have you gone with a woman?”

“I’ve only ever done it twice, but that was around the time of my 20th birthday.” He says, causing Y/n to sigh in disbelief. “Jeez, you poor thing.”

Standing in front of him, she gently pull down her dress, exposing her breast a little and she watches as Jungkook’s eyes widen. Just like Y/n, he always realized how beautiful of a woman she was, but didn’t want to ruin the friendship, however with her in front of him like this, he knew that things wouldn’t be the same.

At least, not on his end.

“Well, get nice and comfortable on the bench for me. Then I’ll show you a few things girls like and then we can fuck, deal?” Y/n says as she watches him check her out.

Nodding his head, Y/n smiles innocently at him and stand in-between his legs as he manspreads in front of her. “When you’re at a party, or event in America and there’s almost always alcohol involved, girls tend to get a little slutty. So, I’m going to show you what happens when a girl comes up to you when you’re at a party.”

“Okay…” Turning around, Y/n gently sit down on his lap and grind against him, causing him to jerk forward a bit. “Fuck Y/n,”

“It’s okay Kook, relax.” she whisper as she continues to grind against him. Placing her hands on his knees, Y/n leans forward a little as she continue and smile as she feel his erection get bigger by the second.

Maybe he wasn’t lying, it feels huge. Y/n thinks to herself.

“So, there are a couple of rules you’ll need to remember when a girl comes up to you, and rule number one…” Y/n says as she stops and turns her head to look at Jungkook, who sits there with his mouth slightly open, his eyes looking at her ass. After a couple of seconds, he looks up at her and cocks an eyebrow up causing his eyebrow piercing to sparkle a little from the light hitting it. “Make sure your dick gets hard.”

“I think I got that covered,”

“I think so too, but make sure you keep it hard.” Y/n goes back to grinding against him, causing Jungkook to jerk forward several times causing her to smirk at her best friends reaction. “Does it feel good?”

“Fuck yes…” He whispers. “While she’s grinding on my dick, can I touch?”

“Yes, you’ll want to touch her.” Jungkook places his hands on Y/n’s hips, moving her against his lap causing Y/n to let out a small moan. “Keep a nice firm grip on her, that lets her know that you’re into it and rule number two is to not to cum. Though it may feel good, you don’t want to cum to quickly.” Jungkook simply squeezes in her thighs in response.

I wonder how much longer he’s going to sit here and pretend like he doesn’t know what he’s doing before he snaps. Y/n thought to herself as she pushes herself a bit deeper into his lap. To be quite frank, Y/n knew Jungkook like the back of her hand and knew that he has sex more times than he admitted, especially in the time they have been friends.

Hell, its Jeon Jungkook of BTS. No one in their right mind would think that he of all people hasn’t had sex.

Feeling herself throb between her thighs, she turns quickly to look at Jungkook to see how he’s doing and notice his eyes darken, possibly because he felt it too.

Gently biting her lip as Jungkook places a little pressure on her hips and Y/n bend over a little bit more, causing her dress to ride up to the top of her thigh. “Now if she is really slutty, she’s going to start taking off some of her clothes.” She says as she lifts her dress up and have it hug around her waist, causing Jungkook to hiss slightly as he places his hands back on her hips. “Will they also not have underwear on like you?”

“Maybe,” Y/n say as she turns her head, looking at him with a mischievous look. “Do you do that often, Y/n?”

Jokingly rolling her eyes, Y/n gently squeeze his knees in response as she can see that he wouldn’t be able to take much more of this, so to end his torment for the time being she stands up from his lap. “Now at some point she’ll want to take this upstairs to a bedroom, or somewhere private.”

“Okay,” Getting down on her knees in front of him, she looks up at him as she palms over his very prominent bulge through his sweats he’s wearing. Jungkook sits up a little as he watches her gently play with the waist band of his sweats and I tug of it. “This is where it’s very important for you to be hard.”

Jungkook nods his hard, and Y/n slowly pull down his sweats along with his underwear. It’s then she gasps as his thick cock spring into her view. Jungkook wasn’t kidding when he said his cock was big, I now understand.

“I told you.”

“Yeah-“ Y/n replies as she tries to keep her composure. Reaching up, Y/n gently wraps her hand around it as she looks up at him. She watches as Jungkook tilts his head to the side and stares down at her as she leans forward to lick the tip and lapping up his pre-cum. Jungkook lets out some noises that caused heat to build up in between her legs.

This boy, she thought to herself. Y/n was thoroughly convinced that Jungkook isn’t telling the truth, but she also can’t deny that she wondered what Jungkook would be like in bed.

Leaning back and running his fingers through his hair, Jungkook lets out a small moan as he stares down at her. Smiling a little as she places a small kiss on his tip, Y/n opens her mouth and begins moving her mouth down, taking him whole. Or as much as she could.

Slowly bobbing her head up and down, Jungkook tilts his head back feeling him hit the back of her throat since she was fortunate enough to not have a gag reflex. “Fuck Y/n,”

Rolling her tongue around, she hallows out her cheeks, sucking and pulling him deeper into her mouth as his fingers find a way to the back of her head to push her down deeper, trying to feel more. Hearing him moan and whine, Y/n feels Jungkook move lower as start bucking his hips into her mouth. “Shit that mouth is fucking amazing,”

Humming in response, Y/n pushes the limit as she pushes herself deeper and feels her jaw aching as her saliva drops down her chin. Feeling satisfied, she moves up and turns her attention on the head of his length before sucking it harshly. Hearing him groan loudly, Y/n barely has time to react before she is being picked up off the ground and thrown on her bed, causing her to laugh.

I knew sooner or later I’d beak him, “you’re such a fucking tease,” Jungkook says as he pulls her to the edge of the bed by her ankles. Before she can respond, Jungkook captures her lips and places his hands on her face. Slipping her tongue in his mouth, she can’t help but moan a little as she feels his erecting pressing into her.

Releasing her lips, Jungkook quickly begins to attack her neck causing Y/n to tilt her head back instinctively. “Don’t mark me Jungkook, I have a shoot tomorrow and my manager is coming back.” Y/n moans as he begins to suck her neck.

“I don’t care,” He mumbles. Feeling his hand go up the material of her dress and him grabbing her breast, Y/n’s eyes roll back without her realizing.

There’s no way this is happening. She thought to herself as her hands move down Jungkook’s neck, to his torso, all the way down the hem of his sweatshirt.

After he is done with his attack, Jungkook attaches his lips to her’s once again but rougher than before. This kiss was pact with all the tension that was always between the two but neither wanted to confront it.

Pulling away, she looks Jungkook up and down and smirks a little before looking him in his eyes. Jungkook takes this moment to take off his hoodie which causes her to prop herself onto her elbows.

Admiring her naked best friend. What, you’d admire too if he was Infront of you.

“I see you got some new tattoos.” Y/n says as she shamelessly checks him out, earning a eye roll from him. “I see you still like being a brat.” He reaches down to tug at her dress, which she obliges to taking off.

“I’m not being a brat, it’s just you have lie- oh shit” Y/n is interrupted when Jungkook quickly spreads her legs and was between her legs. All it took was for one lick from her hole to her slit to cause her to gasp for air. Has it been so long that I haven’t been touched?

Feeling her toes curl, Y/n tilts her head back which causing Jungkook to hum as he turns to kiss her thigh. He reaches up to tilt her head up and smirks. “No, you’re going to be a good girl and watch.” Wanting to reply with something snarky, Y/n stops as he wraps his arms around her thighs to hold her down, his thumb massaging her sensitive bus as he continues to flick his tongue in and out of her.

“Fucking hell,” She moans as she readjusts herself on her elbows, watching him. Moving one of his hands from her thighs, Jungkook slowly pushes in a finger inside and his lips envelop her swollen clit, his lip piercing rubbing up against her. “Taste so sweet,” He mumbles as he maintains eye contact with her.

For the next several moments as you both stare at each other, Jungkook watches as she moans and squirms around his finger, enjoying her reaction. She’s so beautiful like this, he thought to himself as he adds another finger inside and foes faster.

“Oh my god,” All that fills the room was the sound of how wet she was around his fingers and her moans that were now uncontrollable at this point. Jungkook groans into the wet heat, as Y/n buck against his face, causing her to reach down and gently gran his hair. “Fuck kook… Please don’t stop, I’m so close.”

Quickening his pace, Y/n’s back arches off the bed, thighs tightening around his head once his other hand lets go of her thigh and reaches up to palm her breast, tugging and teasing her nipple. “Oh god,”

“Come on. Y/n, cum for me.” That was all she needed to send her over the edge as her orgasm shoots throughout her body. Jungkook chuckles as he continues to help her through her orgasm before she started to pull away from being overstimulated.

“As I was saying before, you are such a fucking liar.” Y/n says as she tries catching her breath, watching him lick her cum off his fingers before standing up and pulls her into a kiss. “I never said I didn’t know how to eat a girl out,” Jungkook says in between kisses before moving down to her chin. She feels his tip brush against her slick folds, and she takes this moment to move her hips to tease him. Jungkook rests his forehead against hers as his tongue plays with his piercing. “Since you want to play this game, lie down Jungkook. The lesson isn’t over yet.”

Scoffing, Jungkook lies down against the bed as Y/n gets up and crawls on top of him. “Now this is typically when you ask a girl about condoms, if their clean…” She says as she looks down at him.

“Don’t you still have your IUD?” Jungkook asks as he looks up at her, causing her to raise an eyebrow. “How did you know about that?”

Jungkook shrugs, “I remember you telling me about how painful it was.”

Laughing a little, she leans down over him, her lips trailing over his collar bone. Once her lips meet his soft pale skin, she gently bites down, sucking at the area until she left a large dark bruise. Jungkook inhaled sharply through his nose, and she could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. Y/n moved her mouth over from the fresh mark she left and started to make a second one. “You’re complaining about me marking you, when you know I have stuff to do as well.”

“I still want to hear you ask Jungkook, you have to practice for the Grammy’s” She mumbles as she continues to leave yet another hickey.

“Are you clean and do you have a condom?” He asks as he tilts his head to the side, unamused. Smiling brightly, Y/n leans up from his chest, gently grabbing his length and slowly strokes him before she nods. “I’m clean and unfortunately, I am out of condoms. I would have thought you brought one with you.” She teases as she catches notice of Jungkook clenching his jaw.

“Y/n..”

“And to answer, yes, I still have my IUD in. So, we are good to go forward.” Gently biting her lip, she slides his length into her, stretching her walls and filling her perfectly. Y/n jolts as she goes down slowly, bottoming out smoothly as Jungkook’s hands grip her hips.

“Fuck, you’re so tight” Jungkook whispers as Y/n starts moving her hips in a circle, adjusting to his size. She can’t help but smile at the fact that all the dreams and fantasies she’s had about the maknae of BTS early on in their friendship are finally coming true. Jungkook gently squeezes her hips before they move to grip her ass and begins to rock her up and down. “Feels so much better than I imagined.”

“Oh yeah, you were imagining yourself fucking me, Y/n?” He asks, but instead of answering Y/n starts bouncing up and down slowly on him, grinding her hips in a circle each time he bottoms out. Placing both of her hands on his chest, Y/n moans out his name as Jungkook watches her. Clawing at her waist, he uses it to slam her down onto his length. “Fucking hell Jungkook,”

“Look so pretty on my dick,” he says as she racks her fingers down his muscled chest, guaranteed to leave marks. He moans at the feeling, speeding up the pace.

“Ah-“ Y/n says as she looks down at Jungkook and starts moving ever so slightly. “Now now, Jungkook. The lesson isn’t over,” Jungkook rolls his eyes, and he growls a little. “Y/n, stop fucking with the fucking teasing.” He takes his thumb, using it to rub firm circles on her swollen clit. Leaning down to kiss his neck, she giggles. “Until your honest, the lesson must continue.”

Without saying anything, Jungkook flips them over, so he is hovering over her. “Fuck the lesson,” he says before he thrust deep inside her, making Y/n’s eyes roll back. Jungkook watches her as his abdomen flexes as he begins moving fast, her body jolting all over the place. Y/n cries out as he leans down and locks his lips with hers again. “So, fucking beautiful,” He whispers against her lips as she reaches up and cups his cheeks. She feels as he pushes his tongue inside, licking into her mouth as she parts her lips to let out a breathy moan as he hits that spot inside of her. Never in her existence has she ever felt this good.

His tongue moves sultrily in her mouth as he pounds in and out of her, making Y/n pull back from him to catch her breath. “Please don’t stop,” She begs as her hands move above her head, gripping the comforter underneath. Smiling, Jungkook uses one hand to push back his hair before gripping her waist and begins to slow down to a tantalizing pace.

Whining, Y/n moves her hips the best she could before he uses his strength to hold her down. “Look who’s teasing now,” she says causing him to chuckle before speeding up again. Dropping his head to her side, burying his face into her neck. She tils her head back in pleasure as she feels a tight knot in her stomach, begging to be relived building up already.

Y/n moves her hands to his back as she drags them along his back from the extreme amount of pleasure she’s feeling. She must admit from all of her excursions, no one has ever made her feel this way.

But that doesn’t say much regarding the male population.

“Harder, make me cum,” She slurs as she feels herself so close, but instead of giving her what he wants, he pulls out of her and watches as she squirms from being denied. “Please, I’m sorry for teasing you, please.” She whines as he smirks.

Leaning down, he presses a small kiss on her lips as he reaches down to rub her clit. “Don’t worry, I will let you cum. Come here, get back on top of me.”

Nodding her head, Y/n watches as Jungkook lays down and once she is on his lap, he slides back into her. She looks down, trying to catch her breath as he bottoms out cmoothly causing her to gasp loudly as he moves against her walls. “Fuck Jungkook, I love your cock.”

Moving so she is on her knees with her back towards him, Y/n begins to move her hips, riding him to take him deeper. Puffing for breath as she speeds up, she ignores the ache in her limbs that had started to set in. moving forward, Y/n’s hands dig into her sheets between his legs.

Jungkook smiles as he watches her, putting on of his hands behind his head as he places the other on her hip. Y/n was a moaning mess at this point, and already feels the knot in her stomach growing bigger by the second. Noticing this, Jungkook gently pushes her down, causing her to moan his name out louder from the new angle.

“Come on baby, I know you’re so close. Cum with me.”

Fucking hell!

Feeling himself getting closer, Jungkook sits up, wrapping his arm around her, pulling her up so her back hits his chest. He brings his other hand down to play with her clit and begins to kiss her shoulder. “Cum with me, Y/n”

A broken cry escapes from the back of Y/n’s throat, finally feeling the sense of release as well as him twitching inside of her. Her body was on fire, and she feels uncontrollable as her thighs quaked. Smiling from behind her, Jungkook kisses her shoulder once more. “Absolutely love the feeling of you coming around me.” He whispers as she lets out a hoarse whimper.

Turning so that she could see him fully, Y/n leans in to lock her lips with his before pulling away and shaking her head. She says as she gets off of him and lays besides him.

Gently biting her lower lip, Y/n touched herself slightly, surveying the aftermath of their passionate encounter. Jungkook, panting slightly, leaned over to kiss her shoulder before rolling over to lie next to her, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Fucking hell," he muttered.

Y/n laughed, tilting her head to look at him. "You're such a liar. Next time, just say you want to fuck instead of making up an excuse."

"It wasn't a lie, I promise," Jungkook replied, turning to face her, a big bunny smile on his face. Y/n grabbed one of her pillows and lightly hit him with it. "You are so full of shit, they way you just fucked me said otherwise."

Scoffing, Y/n shakes her head. “I haven’t had sex since I was 20, my ass” She mocked, making Jungkook laugh.

Laughing at her playful gesture, Jungkook rolled his eyes and turned onto his side. "I do have another favor to ask you, though."

Raising an eyebrow, Y/n propped herself up on her elbows and looked at him expectantly. "Twice in one day? This must be a record. What is it this time? Round two? Keeping it a secret?"

Shaking his head, Jungkook took a deep breath and reached for her hand. "Would you please do me the biggest favor and go on a date with me before we go to Vegas?"

"A date? Are you planning on doing this with all the girls when you go to Vegas?" Y/n asked, her curiosity piqued.

"No, only you. I don't care about the other girls, only you," Jungkook confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "To be honest, I've had feelings for you for a while. Initially, I thought I could ask you for this favor without acting on my feelings but screw it. I realize now that I don't think I'd be able to find someone as perfect as you."

"It took you fucking me to confess your feelings," Y/n interrupted, raising an eyebrow. Jungkook's eyes widened, searching for a way to salvage the situation, but Y/n shook her head and continued. "No need to worry, Jungkook. The feeling is mutual."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Jungkook smiled before leaning over to gently kiss Y/n. "So, if Megan Thee Stallion were to come up to you at the Grammy's afterparty and give you a chance—"

"I would tell her I have an amazing girl back home in Korea that I like very much," Y/n replied, meeting Jungkook's gaze. They locked eyes for several seconds before Jungkook pulled Y/n closer, allowing her to rest on his chest. "Besides, she'd go for Namjoon before me."

Y/n chuckled at his words, planting a small kiss on his chest. "Yes, Jungkook, I'd be more than happy to help you out with this favor. But we can't stay like this for long. My manager will be here any minute."

"Let her catch us," Jungkook whispered, his voice filled with mischievousness.

As Y/n smiled at his words, she realized that Jungkook's favors almost always came with consequences, but not all of them were necessarily bad. With a playful glint in her eyes, she leaned in closer, her lips grazing against his ear. "Well, if we're going to be caught, we might as well make it worth the scandal, don't you think?"

Jungkook's eyes widened, his face flushing with a mix of surprise and excitement. "Are you suggesting we take things to the next level?"

Y/n nodded, a seductive smile playing on her lips. "Why not? We've already crossed that line, and I have a feeling it's going to be one hell of a ride."

#bts x reader #jeon jungguk #jeon jungkook #jungkook #bts jungkook #jeon jungkook x reader #jungkook x reader #bangtan #jeon jungkook smut #jungkook smut #jungguk x reader #jungguk smut

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tangledinink · 10 months

Text

At long last! A new chapter... Of I'm Sorry, Teenage Mutant What Now? Chapter 22 is here. The Hamato Family focuses on re-adjusting to everyday life until suddenly they're not. Read it on ao3 or below the cut!

[ prev ]

“Donniiiieee!” Leo whined loudly, “Tell your drone to quit ignoring me! I never get any footage out of these things!”

“Skill issue,” Donnie remarked, and Leo gave an affronted gasp.

“What!?”

“Yeah!” Mikey chirped, an absolutely shit-eating grin on his face as he joined them; hopping from his skateboard when he reached the top of the half-pipe, grabbing it in his arms and making a smooth transition to solid ground. Donnie’s drone, buzzing softly overhead, followed after him. It was filming all of them, but it did, admittedly, spend a great deal of time trailing Mikey like an excited puppy. “If you want drone time, then you should do more cool stuff. Like me,” he teased.

“I do plenty of cool stuff, thank you!” Leo huffed.

“Where?” Donnie questioned, and April snorted softly.

She had missed this.

“You’re just jealous ‘cause I’m the best skateboarder, cuh-learly,” Mikey declared happily, all but peacocking, plopping down next to his siblings where they were currently all perched atop of the half-pipe platform, taking a break and lounging in the sun like seals on a ocean rock.

Or maybe like turtles on a log?...

Raph hummed in response, wordlessly rolling over so that he could flop on top of his baby brother, effectively pinning Mikey to the ground. Mikey squealed, shrieking in protest, even though laughter colored his voice.

“Raph! You are crushing me! Get off!”

“Gotta eliminate the competition,” Raph replied calmly, grinning as he settled down on top of him. April snickered, leaning forward to rest her chin atop her knees.

“Guess that’s the danger of being the best,” she teased.

“Oh, how the mighty fall,” Donnie said, grinning widely. The drone happily recorded.

“I will bite you!” Mikey threatened.

“No you won’t,” Raph said. “‘Cause if you do, I’ll stop getting stuff off the top shelves for you.”

Mikey gasped loudly in offense. “I am still growing!!!”

“Better hurry up,” Donnie said.

“Ex-squeeze me!? You’re five-three!”

“And yet, I am still taller than you…”

The weather was finally starting to get nice out, April observed, and the skatepark that she and the boys frequented was filled with people taking advantage. The steady orchestra of wheels on pavement and excited shouts in the background provided a comforting soundtrack, playing nicely with the birdsong and the sounds of the city that filtered in from around them. Now that it was getting warmer again, the entire city seemed to be waking up. All of New York was flooded with joggers, with dogs on leashes going on walks, with cyclists and parents with strollers and even just people walking around and enjoying the nice weather. April swore it was like animals waking up after hibernation; poking their heads from their burrows at long last. People sat on milk crates on street corners and talked and laughed with one another, trading cigarettes and stories alike, and all the balconies and stoops in her neighborhood were suddenly occupied now that the temperatures were rising. Leaves were beginning to grow on the trees again, and this was something April had always loved, getting excited to see them each and every year. But they had never made her smile so much as they did this time around. Mikey had taken the time to inform her about eight times now that it was the exact same hue as her life color, and now every time she looked at them, she couldn’t help but grin.

Raph eventually let Mikey loose with enough complaining, and the five lingered for a bit longer up top, readjusting knee pads and rollerskate straps or guzzling water, filling the space with idle chatter as they did so, until Leo got to his feet, stretching his arms up above his head.

“You guys wanna do another run?”

“Nah,” April sighed. “You guys go. I gotta get heading to work soon.”

“Booooo,” Mikey complained. “No working. Quit your job! Rollerskate for money!” April scoffed.

“Right, well, if you find someplace that accepts drone footage of rollerskating as currency, you let me know!”

“The new job good?” Donnie questioned, raising a brow, and April nodded.

“Yeah! It’s pretty cool. I mean, my bosses are sort of weird, but in a chill way,” she hummed. “I mean, it’s retail, but the pay is pretty good, so I like it alright.”

Leo sighed dramatically. “Wow. I can’t believe you love money more than you love us,”

“You just say that ‘cause you’ve never had a job,” Raph scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“What about you?” April asked, glancing over at Raphael. “Going back to work soon?”

Raph’s face absolutely lit up at the question, grinning big and giving a determined nod. “Yep! Next class is tomorrow!” He reported proudly. “Can’t leave my kids hangin’ for too long.”

“I’ll bet you any amount of money that that Penelope kid will yell at you for being gone for so long,” April said with a grin, and Raph laughed.

“Yeah. Probably.”

---

“Okay, deep breath in.”

Mikey agreeably inhaled, allowing oxygen to sweep inside of his lungs, feeling his chest swell up to accommodate the load.

“... And deep breath out.”

And he exhaled, slowly blowing all of the air back out, feeling his own breath tickle the edge of his lips as he went.

“... Dad?”

“Yes, my son?”

“Meditation is… really… boring.”

His dad laughed out loud, cracking open his eyes to glance over at his youngest son. “I cannot even disagree with you, Orange. I used to hate it when I was younger,” he confessed. “There were always just so many other things I’d rather be doing!”

“I don’t like it!” Mikey whined, flopping over onto his back, letting all his limbs splay out. “I thought it’d be like yoga! I like yoga! But you just sit in this one! Where’s the fun in that!?”

“I know, I know,” their dad hummed, waving a hand. “But it is an excellent tool for control and focus. And you are the one who asked me to teach you in the first place!”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think it’d be so lameeeeee,” Mikey whined, rolling over onto his side with a pout.

“Suck it up,” Dad hummed in reply, leaning over to nudge his shoulder slightly. “Come on, up. Five more minutes and we’ll be done.”

“Five minutes!?” Mikey wailed. “That’s so long!”

“It’s not that long,” his dad assured. “You will be fine. And this is the best method I know to keep your ninpo in check, Michelangelo. If you want to control your mystic powers, you’re going to have to focus and control your thoughts and emotions first.”

Mikey wrinkled his nose a bit, slowly sitting up and pursing his lips to form a pout.

That had never been a strength of his.

“Mikey.”

The sharpness of his teacher’s voice shocked Mikey back into reality, his head bobbing in surprise as he turned to glance over at her, leaning over his desk. When had she gotten here…?

“Have you finished your work yet?”

“Uhmmmm…” Mikey paused for a moment, glancing down at the math problems on his desk, clutching at his pencil a bit nervously. She had said to do the first two pages, and he had been going to, honestly! And he had done a few, but then the next one he didn’t know how to do on his own--

“Then why are you drawing?” She pressed, narrowing her eyes, and Mikey shrank a bit, his hands instinctively and self-consciously moving to cover up the little doodles that had begun to take over the margins and free space of the paper. All the little lightning bolts and shooting stars and cartoon unicorns and superheroes that he had been so happy about just a few minutes ago suddenly made his blood feel like ice.

“I dunno how to do these ones…” He defended weakly, his stomach flip-flopping as his eyes darted downwards, his fingers wiggling anxiously.

“We’ve talked about this, Michelangelo. If you need help, then you need to raise your hand and ask me to help you, not doodle,” she chided, her tone insistent, matter-of-fact. Mikey wanted to tell her that she had already been working with one of his classmates when he realized he needed help, and that he had intended to wait for her to be done so he could ask her about the math problems without interrupting, cause he knew she didn’t like it when he interrupted, but then he had gotten bored waiting and started drawing instead, and then he had forgot…

But somehow he didn’t think it would help.

He shrank under her eyes, his lower lip wobbling.

“Okay,” he mumbled, his voice very small, and she sighed with such an air of absolute exasperation that it sent hot, salty tears spilling unbidden over his lower lashes. He didn’t mean to! He was trying so hard not to cry, but she just…! It had just been an accident, but she just seemed so disappointed with him! She seemed so angry!

And now he was crying in class and he could feel his classmates looking at him out of the corners of their eyes. His face burned bright as he scrunched himself up into a teeny little ball, his chin tucked down to his chest to hide.

His teacher stood up straight again, and it felt suddenly like she was looming over him. “When you’re finished crying, call me over and I’ll help you with your work,” she told him, and Mikey shivered from the coldness of it. He had never been so ashamed to cry before. “And if I see any more drawings, I’m throwing them in the trash. Do you understand me?”

Mikey had hiccuped, just a tiny bit, without meaning to, and nodded.

His throat felt all achy and swollen up as he laid his head down in his arms, blinking past tears and sniffling softly, trying desperately to push everything back down and dismiss them. This wasn’t even the first time this had happened…! He was pretty much convinced by now that Mrs. Stephanidis must hate him with all the trouble he was always getting into. She was always upset with him. She was always sighing like that every time they talked… and he was trying, honest, he was! He didn’t mean to get distracted and end up doing something else when they were in class, it just…

Happened.

It was so hard to just sit still and listen and not do anything else. His fingers always wanted to move! So did his feet and his tongue! And he could keep some of them down, but he could never quite manage to keep them all in check all at the same time, despite his best efforts. He’d stay in his seat and be still, but then he’d get in trouble for chatting with his desk-neighbor, which he could never quite understand, because why was he in trouble for talking with his friend? Was it bad? He didn’t get it. He’d keep his hands still, not letting them wander off and do anything else, and he’d remain quiet in class, but then he’d spot something out the window and before he knew it he’d be out of his seat and peering out the window, belatedly finding some excuse to be up when he was confronted. And even when he could keep his mouth quiet and his bottom firmly in his chair…

Well, he’d find himself here.

There were just so many things all the time that he wanted to be doing! Like drawing little superheroes. Or debating with Madison about how high horses could jump. Or finding out how many erasers he could stack on top of one another (twelve), or teaching his deskmates how to say “butt” in Japanese (now the entire first grade knew how), or discovering what happened if you put your finger in the pencil sharpener, (it hurt, and you had to go the nurse to get a bandaid.)

It wasn’t like he didn’t like math and reading and all that stuff. It was just…

So slow sometimes.

As he ruminated on this all, he was slowly able to fight off some of the earlier sorrow, muscling all the wobbly little sobs back inside of his head once he put every bit of strength he had into it. It was exhausting, but it was worth it. He wanted Mrs. Stephanidis to like him. He wanted to be a good student! A good kid! He wanted to do his math and learn how…! He eventually picked his head back up, refocusing on the worksheets in front of him, now with a few wet spots.

He wiped at his cheeks, taking a few long, shaking breaths as he glanced over at his teacher across the room, wandering about and looking over other kids shoulders, occasionally making comments or remarks to his classmates. He supposed he could raise his hand and ask her to come and help him, but…

The idea made his throat puff up again. If he had her come help him, he’d have to raise his hand, and then everyone would look at him again. And, maybe even worse, then she would come over, and he’d have to talk with her again, and…

He hesitated, fear prickling up his spine, his sneakers nudging anxiously at the tile floor at the thought. Well. She would surely wander her way back over to his desk eventually…

Mikey sniffled softly, wiping at his nose with the backs of his sleeve. Maybe he just wasn’t trying hard enough before. Maybe he could figure this stuff out on his own, and he just hadn’t worked long enough on it…

His eyes wandered to the first problem, his pencil lingering over the surface of the paper, repeatedly leaving small, nervous marks and nicks in the surface of the paper as his hand squirmed and trembled. He had gone over some of this with Donnie before, so he probably knew how to do it, right? He just hadn’t tried hard enough to remember…

Very slowly, he tried to pick his way through the problem, his face scrunched up with concentration. Okay, so if it was six, plus nine, then it was like… if he had nine… he just had to count six more times higher, right? But wait, did he start from nine, or from ten? Was the rule different when you got into double digits?...

He hesitantly wrote out numbers on the sheet, his handwriting having morphed from his usual big, loopy letters and numbers to become itty bitty, tiny script, all scrunched together and small, like it wanted to curl up and hide just like he did. And he wasn’t sure if he was doing it right, but at least he was doing it, right? It was better to do it this way, wasn’t it…? He frowned, chewing at his eraser, digging his teeth into the surface.

He ground himself to a halt when he approached the subtraction problems, squirming anxiously in his seat. He knew Donnie taught him this, too, but he really didn’t remember how to do these ones. He knew he had to do it backwards, kinda, but he didn’t remember how it worked, or what the first step was.

His pencil twitched absently as he dug around in the back of his mind, searching desperately for anything helpful. He sketched repeatedly over the same lines he had already drawn earlier-- digging into the little canals and divots that the lead had carved into the soft surface of the paper, dragging it back and forth. Just an absent motion while he tried to think.

And he hadn’t realized Mrs. Stephanidis had come back. But the absolutely outraged gasp that clued him in made him jump, and his blood ran cold as he immediately froze, dropping the pencil like it had burned him.

“Michelangelo!”

“I wasn’t--” He tried desperately to explain himself, panic flaring through his chest.

“What did I just tell you?!”

“But I--”

Mikey realized quickly that she wasn’t interested in listening to him as she snatched the worksheets from his desk, his pencil knocked aside with the movement and rolling off his desk. Mikey resisted the urge to grab for them, remaining absolutely still in his seat. All the hard work he had just done to chase the tears away was instantly undone as he watched her march over to the trash can by the door.

She tore the papers in half the long way, right down the middle. And then she rotated them so she could do it again, ripping them the opposite direction, like a cross. Like a great big “X.” Pulled apart into four separate pieces. And then the scraps went fluttering into the black bin.

She went to her desk. She picked up a new set of worksheets, clean and fresh. She returned to Mikey’s desk, laying them down neatly where his previous work had once been. She picked his pencil up off the floor for him and leaned back over the desk.

“Okay. Now show me which problems you didn’t understand.”

Yeah. Dad hadn’t been too happy about that one.

He had started seeing his therapist, Cat, a little after that, and that had helped a lot. And then when he was seven, he started taking meds, and that helped a lot, too. It certainly wasn’t a magic band-aid. Things still… sucked sometimes.

And he still wasn’t the best at. You know. Focusing.

… But he couldn’t just let it keep getting the better of him.

Not if it was going to hurt his family.

Mikey took in a long, deep breath, sitting back upright again, scooting forward so he could copy his Dad’s posture once more, his legs crossed and his hands resting on his knees.

“Okay. I’m ready.”

---

It was just as he had suspected.

Penelope was pissed.

It had been endearing, quite frankly, how worked up she was. They all were-- Raphael had been nearly ambushed when he showed up at class, all five of his students throwing themselves at him and clinging to him as soon as they got the chance.

“Where were you?!” Penelope had demanded. “You were gone for forever!!! You’re supposed to teach us, remember!? We have a standing appointment!!!”

And Raph had laughed despite himself, wondering where she had heard that term, unable to keep himself from smiling even as they scolded him. He had already known he had missed them over the past month. But he hadn’t had the chance to actually feel it until just then. It was almost enough to make him tear up, emotion building up in the back of his throat, but he smoothed it back out, keeping himself steady. He didn’t even mind how much his cheeks hurt, because god.

He had missed this so much.

“Sorry, kiddo, my bad,” he told them. “Raph missed you guys, too. But I had to go take care of my family for a little while.”

“Why?” Penelope had demanded.

“Are they okay?” Another child had questioned, looking up at him with these huge, concerned eyes.

“It’s a real long story,” he had told them with a sigh and a lop-sided grin. “But don’t worry. Everyone is okay now.”

“Did something bad happen?” One of his students had asked.

“Did you protect them?” Said another, and Raph had chuckled.

“Nah,” he told them. “We all protected each other.”

Even thinking about it now, now that he was back in his own room in his own house, he couldn’t help but smile a little bit. He thought that there was a fifty-fifty chance he may grow to regret it, but he had even given in and done two ‘Ferry’ laps around the pool at the end of the lesson. Come on-- how could he not?

A knock on his door drew him from the memory, and he lifted his head slightly, his eyes darting over to meet the sound.

“Yeah?”

He was, admittedly, a little surprised when Leo made his way into the room with him, closing the door behind him. Not that he was unwelcome.

“Hey,” Leo greeted.

“Hey,” Raph echoed, raising a brow slightly, already wondering what it was that had brought his little brother here. He wasn’t just here to hang out or avoid doing homework-- he could already tell. He knew his brothers better than that. “What’s up?”

Leo had hesitated a second, wrinkling his nose. “Can you help me with something?”

What kind of a question is that?

“Yeah, a’course. What’s up?”

Leo had frowned, plopping down on Raph’s bed, and Raph took notice of the little black pouch he had brought with him for the first time.

“Okay, look. Can you just help me with my T-shot? Please?”

Raph blinked in surprise.

“Oh,” he said. “I mean. Yeah, sure. I can try. You haven’t done ‘em yet…?” Leo’s appointment had only been a few days ago, but still. He had been so excited for this!

“I’ve been making Dad do them,” Leo confessed, scrunching up his nose. “But I wanna be able to do them myself! And I can, I know how, I just--”

He cut out, squeezing his eyes shut for a second.

“This is so fucking stupid. Can you just-- count me down?”

Was that all? Raph just barely breathed out an amused little huff, though he didn’t dare laugh at his younger brother’s request, biting it back.

“Yeah, dude. No problem.”

“It’s just-- it psyches me out,” Leo muttered, curled up on the foot of his brother’s bed, beginning to unpack the kit he had brought with him with determined but still unpracticed hands.

“That’s fine,”

“It’s so dumb. I’ve done way scarier stuff than this. It doesn’t even really hurt that bad,” he mumbled.

“Yeah, but I do most of the scary stuff you do, too, and I’m still freaked out by puppets,” Raph countered, shrugging a bit. He hated to bring it up, and if anyone besides him said it, he’d smack them, but… sometimes you gotta make sacrifices for your family. “So I kinda think it probably doesn’t matter.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Leo sighed, biting the tip of his tongue as he fiddled with the syringe, occasionally stopping, stumbling, and starting again. Raph waited patiently. It wasn’t like he had any idea how to do any of this stuff, anyway, so he didn’t have much room to judge. He watched silently as his brother tore open an alcohol pad to wipe down his own thigh, scrunching his pajama shorts up ever-so-slightly to give himself more room.

“You ready?” Raph asked.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good.”

“Alright. I’ll count down from three.”

“Okay.”

“Three.”

“Mmmm…”

“Two.”

Leo adjusted his grip on the needle slightly.

“One.”

There was just the second of delay, Leo’s hand hoovering for just a second, like he was still thinking about backing down.

But just for a second.

He hissed a bit at the sting, but about three seconds later, it was done, the needle capped again and ready to be disposed of, and everything was finished.

“All good?”

“Yeah. I’m good. Thanks.”

“No problem,” Raph said, turning in his chair to face his desk again. And he meant it. He liked doing this kind of thing. He liked it when his brothers could come to him, when his family could rely on him-- he liked feeling needed like this. He was sure that Mikey would psychoanalyze the shit out of this, but he really did want to protect them. He wanted to be the one who kept them safe. Even when it was difficult.

And when it was easy, too. Just like this.

“”S not like I was really doin’ homework, anyway,” Raph added in with a chuckle, glancing over his shoulder at Leo again.

Leo made a face at the thought of homework, no doubt having his own, but he laughed a little, too.

“You want me to count you in tomorrow, too?” Raph asked, keeping his tone as casual as he possibly could, turning his head back to face the desk again as he spoke, leaving the other to consider the offer without eyes on him. And he could tell that Leo was thinking about it for a while, waffling for a moment before he answered.

“... Yeah. Okay. Thanks.”

---

“Dad, is this a touch screen?”

“No, it is not, so do not touch it.”

“DAD! Dad, look! There’s a dog over there!!!”

“Yes, Mikey, I see it.”

“Can I go--”

“No. Stay here with me.”

“Dad! Look! I can see the security guys!”

“Yes, and they are all very busy doing their jobs, so we probably should not distract them by screaming and pointing--”

“Do they have guns!?”

Their father sighed very deeply, not looking up from his current task, rummaging through his bag.

“No, they--”

“Do they have katanas?”

“Why would they have katanas?”

“‘Cause they’re cool,” Leo said, “I wanted to bring mine! This is sooo not fair”

“Well, you’re not old enough to compete in that event yet, so you’ll have to suck it up,” Dad replied. “And you do not have to worry about what weapons the security does or does not have, because you would not break any rules and give them any reason to use any of them. Right, Blue?”

“Right!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah!!! I’m for sure sure!”

“So if I go through your backpack right now, I will not find any cans of Jupiter Jim Comet Cola in there? Because I specifically told you not to bring any?”

Leo scowled.

“Go throw it out.”

“What!? But it’s limited edition!!!”

“Then you should have left it at home like I told you. Go.”

“I’ll drink it so fast--”

“Leonardo.”

Leo groaned loudly, flinging his head back dramatically as he slunk off towards the nearby trash can.

This had been about the energy pretty much all day.

“What kind of cameras are those?”

“Purple, I have absolutely no idea.”

“Can I--”

“Whatever it is, no,” Dad said, finally fishing their boarding passes from his bag. “Alright, come on, let’s go. That way, to the security check-- the blue sign over there.”

“I wanna hold my own ticket!” Leo demanded.

“Absolutely not.”

“Why not!?”

“You will lose it. Come on. Let’s go.”

“No I wouldn’t! I swear!”

“Well, we will never know,” Dad said. “Come on, or we will be late and miss our flight. Move. Shoo,” he insisted, nudging at the nearest child’s ankle slightly with his foot, as if to herd them. Mikey gave a short squeal in response, hopping away and giggling as he took off in a jog towards the blue TSA sign. He bobbed and weaved past all the hoards of people and their suitcases, his backpack bouncing about with each step.

Raph frowned a bit, hurrying his pace so he could catch up with Mikey, sticking close by his side. There were a ton of people here. What if he got lost or something? Then they’d definitely miss their flight. He picked up the pace slightly so he could catch up.

“Mikey,” he called, reaching out towards him and wriggling his fingers. “Hold hands?”

“Okay,” Mikey agreed easily, happily reaching over to grab Raph’s hand in his own, and Raph breathed out a very quiet sigh in relief. Mikey was always willing to hold hands when he asked. At least this way, he knew he wasn’t gonna get lost.

The five of them slowly snaked their way through the long, roped-off security lines, their father following after them, occasionally saying things like, ‘stop unhooking the lanes,’ or ‘do NOT touch the AED machine,’ or ‘Orange, get off the floor.’ Raph and Mikey took turns seeing who could walk on their hands the longest, and they only fell a few times, with their father grumbling at them to cut it out each time he caught them by their legs and prevented them from crashing into any fellow travelers, which they of course ignored. Eventually, they shuffled their way through the entire process, having all the boarding passes and documents checked by the security man up front, and then passing through the physical security check as well. Dad grumbled about how much more complicated flying had gotten since he had last done it, forbade Leo and Mikey from climbing up onto the conveyor belt for the X-Ray machine, and had, one by one, coaxed them all through the entire process until they were on the other side.

“Dad, can I have one of those?” Donnie questioned, pointing back at the equipment at the checkpoint.

“Ask me again when we get back home,” Dad said, letting out a long breath.

The rest of the process was actually pretty easy. They eventually made their way over to their gate, their dad sat them all down and put on a Jupiter Jim movie for them to watch together, and they waited until it was time for boarding. And the entire day had been very chaotic so far, with Raphael’s anxiety spiking and waning throughout it all in frantic little bursts, but now, it didn’t really seem so bad.

It wasn’t until they actually started to board the plane that some of the fear started to come back.

He and his siblings were arguing about who would get to sit in the window seat, their Dad hoisting carry-ons up into the overheads, when Raph kind of glanced outside through said window and came to the startling realization that they were on a plane.

And it was huge.

And it was gonna go up in the air. With them in it.

His carefully calculated talking points about how he was the oldest, and therefore, he should get the window seat sort of died in his throat, and he swallowed hard, balling his hands up into little fists.

They had never flown in a plane before.

“Hey, Dad?”

“Yes, Red…?”

“Are we… Are we, uhm…” He kind of broke off, his mouth suddenly feeling very dry. The air in here was so stale.

Their dad paused, glancing down at him for a moment, quickly finishing his task before kneeling down next to Raph, seeming unconcerned about the other people trying to walk down the aisle.

“What’s wrong, Red?”

“Is it…” He hesitated a little. “Are you sure planes are safe?”

“Yes, my son. I am sure planes are safe.”

“Oh,” he said, biting the insides of his cheeks. “And it’s not gonna be… I mean. Nothin’ bad is gonna happen?”

“I’m sure,” Dad assured. “It will be fine, Raph. I have flown many, many times before, and nothing bad has ever happened yet. At least nothing worse than my bag getting lost,” he said, chuckling a bit, and Raph wrinkled up his nose slightly. (Wait, what if their bags got lost? It had a bunch of their stuff for the tournament they were going to! They needed that stuff…!)

“Here,” Dad said, grabbing his shoulder and squeezing it slightly. “How about you sit here next to me? So if anything happens, I can explain it to you?”

Raph’s eyes widened a bit, his head immediately turning to glance over at his siblings.

“But what about--”

“They will be right there the entire time. You’ll be able to see them and talk to them the whole flight if you want,” Dad assured quickly. “And so will I. Just in case. Does that sound okay?”

Raph chewed quietly at his knuckle, considering this for a second before he nodded.

“Okay. Good. Here, sit down,” he bade, getting the two of them settled in their seats to clear up the aisle, giving a quick order to the other three to ‘sort it out.’ It took five games of rock-paper-scissors, but eventually, the others figured out what order they were sitting in. (Mikey in the window seat, Leo in the middle, and Donnie in the aisle.)

“Are you excited to go to the competition, Red?” Dad asked, settling down easily in his seat. Raph breathed in deeply, hesitating a second before he nodded.

“Yeah.”

“It’s pretty exciting, going to the National Tournament for the first time,” Dad continued. “I am looking forward to watching you four kick everyone else’s butt when we get there.”

“Mmm-hmmm…”

“And for you to see Colorado. I have never been there before, but I heard it’s very nice.”

“You haven’t?”

“No, not yet. So it will be new for me, too,” Dad said with a nod. “But I’m sure it will be lovely. I’m quite looking forward to it.”

Raph blinked thoughtfully, his shoulders slowly untensing a bit as they discussed.

“I thought you said you used to fly everywhere,” he challenged, and his dad laughed.

“I did! Just not to Colorado.”

“Well then that’s not everywhere, though!”

“Fair enough,” he chuckled. “But I have flown to many places. I enjoy flying. It’s relaxing. A good chance to catch up on my beauty sleep!” He laughed.

“It is?”

“Mmm-hmm,” Dad confirmed with a hum. “When we are taking off, the plane will go very fast so it can get up into the air. It is like, uh… A roller coaster. But in reverse order,” he explained. “And then once we are in the air, we just go straight in the direction we want to go, and it’s very calm. So I like it.”

A reverse roller-coaster?

Raph blinked in surprise, leaning over slightly as he considered this. Well, he did like roller coasters.

“How high are we gonna go?”

---

It’s really true what they say. You never really appreciate something until it’s taken from you. Absence and hearts growing fonder and all that. And really, they hadn’t been separated for very long-- no more than a few days.

But god, had Donnie missed his lab.

His dad had only kept him from the space for a few days before he was granted re-access, though only after a long discussion and several promises not to try to perform any more blood work on himself. And Donnie had relented, though perhaps a bit reluctantly. It was an interesting project, but he supposed he would have to put it on hold for the time being.

(Also, Dad had confiscated all his syringes.)

Besides, it wasn’t as though he didn’t have about half a dozen other fascinating things that he could throw himself into right now. He had a hard time picking one thing to focus on right now, quite frankly, with so many different things calling for his attention now that he finally had the energy to offer it.

The one thing that called the loudest, however, currently sat in his gloved hand-- held up closer to the light beneath several magnifying lenses.

He really had no idea what this little pink crystal that he had stolen from Draxum’s lab did. But if it came from him, he had a feeling it must be important. He was still in the early data collection stage, but already all the readings he had picked up were, quite frankly, baffling in the very best of ways, and he was already certain of one thing.

It wasn’t any kind of mineral that had been documented in human records before.

(Even just thinking that made him shiver with goosebumps. This was totally uncharted territory! Research that no one in documented modern science had done before! And here he was, holding this little stone in his hands, his own two hands, preparing to dive into unknown and crack open its secrets and lay them out and untangle them--)

“Dude!”

Donnie startled slightly, his head bobbing about to glance over at the entrance of his lab.

“Quit putting your phone on silent, it’s annoying,” Leo huffed. “Do you have any idea how many stairs are in between you and the kitchen?”

Donnie blinked slowly beneath his goggles. “... What?”

“We tried calling you!” Mikey added, poking his head into the lab as well. “Dinner is ready!!! Come on!”

Donnie floundered for a moment, looking sadly back at his research. “But I--”

“Family dinner. That I made myself. For my whole family to enjoy,” Mikey added in swiftly, batting his eyelashes. “Together.”

Right. Donnie sighed softly, reluctantly setting the crystal down, stripping himself of his safety gear and getting to his feet. It wasn’t like he didn’t appreciate the new emphasis on sit-down family dinners that they had recently developed…

But dang it, did it have to be at the expense of scientific advancement!?

“I’m coming. Put the eyes away, Michael,” he muttered, making his way across the lab to join them at the door. Mikey just grinned in response, seemingly perfectly pleased with himself as he spun around to begin making his way back down the stairs. Donnie, admittedly, smiled the tiniest bit.

Fine, fine. He supposed that the crystal would still be there when he got back.

The kitchen was already bustling by the time they all re-joined the fray, with Dad and Raph finishing up setting the table, which was already filled to the brim with Mikey’s cooking. Luckily, with the size of their family and the size of the appetites in it, there was never any concern about overabundance.

“‘S April coming?” He questioned, easily joining the organized chaos, slipping neatly into the familiar thick of it. He rapidly took inventory of the scene and moved by instinct to fill in any gaps, reaching into the cupboard to grab glasses for the table before fetching the Brita filter from the fridge. The rest of the family moved around him seamlessly, darting around and between one another as all the last-minute meal prep was completed.

“Yeah, she should be here in a few minutes. She said she was on her way,” Raph reported, tossing a stray backpack left on the back of a kitchen chair into the living room, letting it bounce off the couch and onto the floor to be fetched later.

“Guys, where’re the salad tongs? I can’t find them!” Mikey complained, shuffling through drawers.

“Mikey, no one except for you ever uses those,” Donnie scoffed in response, raising a brow. “They’re wherever you put them last.”

“But I can’t find them!”

“Did you check the dishwasher?” Raph questioned.

“Yeah!”

“Did you check all the cabinets?”

“... No.”

“... Do you want me to check the top ones?”

Mikey scowled.

“Yeah,” he muttered. And Raph grinned, but he didn’t say anything further, reaching up to the upper cupboards inaccessible to the rest of his family, beginning to search.

“Are they still in the fridge?” Leo questioned, raising a brow.

“Why would they be in the fridge?” Raph questioned.

“‘Cause Mikey was using them for those chocolate-strawberry-nachos he made the other day, and there’s still leftovers in the fridge.”

Mikey gasped, his face lighting up as he darted across the room.

“Oh, yeah--!”

“It’s a miracle we are able to keep track of anything in this house,” Dad scoffed softly, though he seemed more amused than anything, shaking his head as he dried a last-minute addition to the dishware lineup, dinner plate in one hand and hand towel in the other.

“That’s an understatement,” Donnie sighed.

“APRILLLL O’NEIL!!!”

Donnie would admit it. He had missed her dramatic entrances. He smiled a bit as his sister flung the front door open, bursting into the Hamato Household, grinning wide despite looking just a tiny bit frazzled. He suspected she had rushed her way over here-- she was still wearing her work uniform.

“Sorry I’m late,” April laughed, kicking the door shut behind her as she made her way into the kitchen. “This guy got one of the kiddie sandals stuck on his foot and I had to--”

Donnie was sure that whatever April was about to say would have been a good story. He would have been interested in hearing it. But he didn’t get the chance.

The sound of a ceramic plate shattering on the tile floor brought all conversation to a shrieking, shuddering halt.

---

Raphael’s conversation with his Dad, which had been going on for several minutes now, discussing the longest flight their father had ever been on, was cut off when he suddenly felt the entire plane jolt beneath him. His eyes widened as they began to taxi forward.

“We’re moving!”

“Mmm-hmmm,” Dad confirmed, steady and calm, leaning back to rest his head against the seat. “We’re going to the end of the runway, so the plane can get a running start and go fast enough to take off.”

Raph gaped slightly, glancing across the aisle to look over at his siblings-- and they were all wriggling with anticipation, too, straining to try to crowd around Mikey’s little window and see outside. Raph shifted a bit, glancing in the opposite direction, and realized that he could kind of see the window a little bit, too. He could see the world begin to shift around them. And Raph tensed a little bit, because he knew that things were about to start happening.

His dad shifted ever so slightly, moving to casually lay his hand on the armrest between them, and Raph immediately took the unspoken invitation and grabbed it. He could hear his own heartbeat.

“Here we go,” Dad hummed softly, and Raph nodded a tiny bit, biting the insides of his cheeks.

It was starting.

[ next ]

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mvltisstuff · 10 months

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meltdown - j.h.k

summary: y/n has to deal with a drunk jonah who won’t stop ranting about his girlfriend

jonah hauer king x reader

a/n: ur funny if you think i proofread this

“hey, y/n!” the giggly voice of one of jonah’s friends come through the phone. jonah had been out with his friends for the night, wanting to see them because he’d been so busy filming. y/n was thrilled to see him with his friends again, so she just decided to stay home and spend some time alone. “so, jonah’s like plastered, and he’s refusing to let any take him back to you. can you pick him up before he sleeps on the bar floor?”

“yeah, of course,” she sighs with a light grin on her face. “i’ll be there in 10, make him drink some water or something.”

she began the casual drive over to the bar they had been hanging out at. jonah told y/n he wasn’t going to drink that much, but clearly he made no promises.

“i’m not leaving until my girlfriend comes to get me,” jonah demands, slurring his words out at his friends.

“mate, she’s on her way, chill out!” his other friend laughs, trying to force some water into his mouth to sober him up. when y/n walks in, she’s confronted with the smell of liquor and the neon lights in her eyes. the music was blaring, making jonah’s voice even louder than it normally is when he’s drunk. “i’m getting your stuff, don’t even dare try anything.”

when y/n spots his dark curls and fidgeting fingers, she walks over to him and puts her hand on his shoulder, making him jump. “ready to go?”

“no, sorry,” he mumbles. “i’m waiting on someone.”

“like who?”

“my girlfriend, she’s supposed to pick me up and i’m not leaving if she’s not with me,” y/n smiles at his persistence, wanting her here with him so bad. he loved the night with his friends, surely having a great time, but y/n lights up whatever room she’s in.

“uh-huh,” she teases. “so who’s this mystery girl?”

“my y/n’s coming to pick me up,” he tells her sweetly, still having no idea that she’s next to him. “and i reeeeeally love her, she’s my soulmate and i would run across the globe a bajillion times for her, so if you’re looking for anyone, it’s not me.” his words mush together, speeding out of his lips before y/n walks to find his friends.

“oh good! did you find him?”

“i did, he has no fucking clue who i am, though,” she laughs. his friends eyes widen, his mouth dropping slightly.

“good luck with him,” he pats her shoulder, handing her jonah’s coat as she walks back over to see him slumped in his hand.

“jonah, cmon,” she puts her hand on the side of his face. “time to go home.”

“y/n?” he squints his eyes open, looking her right in the eyes. “i’m so happy you’re here, people keep trying to take me home and this girl would not walk away!”

“well, i’m here now, darling,” she helps him stand up, letting him place some of his weight on her as they stumble to the car. she yanks the door open, making him sit down and buckle. “have some of this,” she hands him her water bottle.

“can i play some music? my music?” he asks, smirking.

“knock yourself out,” she hands him the cord, letting him play the little mermaid soundtrack as he belts out to poor unfortunate souls in the speaker. y/n chuckles in the corner, trying to focus on the road and not her wasted boyfriend.

when she pulls into the driveway, she has to drag jonah out of the car to make him stop singing, trying not to wake up the neighbors by his drunken sounds. “alright, go upstairs and into the bathroom.”

jonah takes slow steps in front of y/n on the stairs, almost missing a few here and there but she keeps a steady hand on his back. he doesn’t release a hold on her hand in the bathroom, leaving her with one free hand to help him brush his teeth and get ready for bed. he tries to give her sly kisses while brushing his teeth, but she has to almost leave to room to get him to stop. “baby, if you don’t brush your damn teeth-“

“fine!” he complains, finishing up and moving into the bedroom. he falls facedown on the bed, y/n sighing at him as he cackles and sits up. she helps him move all the blankets before climbing in next to him. he rolls closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and putting his head on her chest.

“you know i love you, right?” he asks, sleepily.

“of course, jonah,” she looks, locking eyes with him. “you’re the only one for me.”

jonah blushes and grins like a little kid before shutting his eyes and falling asleep to one of y/n’s shows on the tv. she admires his soft expression, gently running her hands on his back to help him fall asleep.

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ohkaranetsmkor-blog · 1 year

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The Little Mermaid: First Thoughts

Just saw The Little Mermaid and oh my god I’m pretty impressed this is actually a lovely film! I had my doubts from those trailers and clips but now that I’ve seen the film it was better than I expected. Don’t get me wrong it’s not perfect but a couple of things (dw no spoilers, I’ll save that for later):

Halle Bailey as Ariel is absolutely perfect! Her voice, her acting, the way she moved underwater with her tail, she was absolutely majestic. There were a couple little moments were her acting was a bit stiff but honestly that’s just me being picky, SHE IS ARIEL AND F THE HATERS.

The scene stealer was definitely Melissa McCarthy as Ursula though. I had my doubts and at the beginning of the film she’s holding back a bit. But, after Poor Unfortunate Souls I was sold on her, she nailed that number and the whole Ursula package. Just an aside, the actress who plays Vanessa omg what a stunner and legit I’m now wondering what else she’s been on cause she was THAT good with a five seconds of screen time.

Prince Eric was given more to do in this film and is a way more interesting character than in the original. Personally I loved the extra back story they gave him and his song fits in with the original soundtrack pretty well. I thought Jonah was really cute and did some great acting. His lip syncing of Wild Uncharted Waters was a tad obvious but ehhh its minor and I’m a picky musical theatre nerd iykyk *low key you fanfiction writers out there I am patiently waiting for some Ariel x Eric fics ya’ll better get right on it*

On Ariel and Eric they are *chefs kiss*. The cutest chemistry ever so much so that I wish they had a couple more scenes together to really flesh it out. I loved how they made them have similar interests in the film (when you see it you’ll understand). The romance felt meant to be rather than forced, I’m lowkey wanting Jonah in Bridgerton or something the guy has pining heart eyes for days ugh my heart.

The only negative-ish thing to mention is just the CGI for the creatures and the underwater hair. Whilst its impressive how life-like they are it will never not be unnerving for me so oh well, I accept. The hair though...? Idk you’d think after Aquaman did it perfectly Disney would be able to pull it off too but there are couple of moments it just looks weird. But, these things are minor and from what I understand, these VFX contractors work under pretty poor conditions so I’m not too fussed.

Overall I’m so impressed by this film and the more I think about it the more I like it. It’s definitely up there as my fave or at least top 2 (with Aladdin), for the live action remakes so go see it!!! I promise it won’t disappoint you!!!!

#the little mermaid #halle bailey #ariel #jonah hauer king #prince eric #melissa mccarthy #ursula #disney #javier bardem #triton #awkwafina #daveed diggs #jacob tremblay #scuttle #sebastian #flounder #the little mermaid 2023

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thislovintime · 7 months

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Head premiered on November 6, 1968. (Edit featuring the two Tork songs - in the studio and demo versions, respectively - and a line from the movie.)

“What’s happening as time goes on is that the movie [Head] is becoming a chronicle of an age. At the time, it was just a chronicle of the Monkees.” - Peter Tork, The Monkees Tale (1985) Q: “What do you think of the music from the film ‘Head’?” Peter Tork: "Well, since I wrote and produced two of the songs myself, I think it’s fine. I did ‘Can You Dig It?’ And ‘[Long Title:] Do I Have To Do This All Over Again.’” - Goldmine, 1982 “The funny thing is that the lyrics [to ‘Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?’] came to me right out of the air. I was just playing those chord changes on the guitar, and I opened my mouth and that’s what popped out. The song was weirdly prophetic. I had no idea that was going to be my attitude about anything having to do with music when I wrote that song." - Peter Tork, Listen To The Band liner notes (more about "Long Title..." here) “‘Can You Dig It’ is about the Tao. The hook line I wrote in my dressing room on the set [of the television series in 1967]. The chords for the chorus I’d written in college, and [they] had just stuck with me.” - Peter Tork, Head box set liner notes (more about "Can You Dig It?" here) "I think they're ['Can You Dig It?' and 'Long Title...'] the best songs in the movie [Head]. I love both of them. I thought they were just terrific. He had plugged himself into that whole Stephen Stills connection and was working with those guys. I think they fit the movie better than anything did. When those two songs start up in the movie, it comes alive for me.” - Michael Nesmith, Head box set liner notes “Thorkelson expressed a preference for the Monkees’ ‘Headquarters’ album, because it was the group’s first self-performed album […]. The soundtrack to the [...] movie ‘Head’ also is among Thorkelson’s favorites. ‘It was a little tinny, but back then I guess we were a little tinny,’ he said. ‘That movie will always look good,’ commented Thorkelson.” - The Bowling Green News Revue, May 24, 1979 "'When we made Headquarters, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven,' says Tork. 'My whole goal had been to be a member of a band that worked. The next thing I know we're making a movie and it doesn't have anything to do with the business of being in a band together.' [...] 'There's some weight behind the idea that Bob and Bert wanted to wreck the Monkees, to stop it cold in its tracks,' says Tork. 'I've never known for sure. Bert and Bob might have thought out loud: "Let's kill the Monkees!" Or they may have not thought so out loud but at some unconscious level, they were sick of the Monkees and wanted to do something else.' [...] 'It was a joy seeing a movie being made, but I didn't like working for Bob Rafelson,' Tork says. 'I did what he told me, but I can't say that I ever had any heart connection with him.' His favorite scene, in which he recounts what he has learned from an Indian mystic, was actually directed by Nicholson. [...] Tork has seen Head around 80 times but it took him years to work out why it bothered him so much. In the movie, the Monkees are hoodwinked, bamboozled, chased, assaulted, mocked, trapped in a black box and reduced to dandruff in the hair of actor Victor Mature, before ending up back where they started. In the words of the sardonic Nicholson-penned theme tune, 'So make your choice and we'll rejoice/ In never being free.' 'Most people are dazzled by the psychedelia, and that's fine, but for me finally the point of the movie is the Monkees never get out,' Tork says sadly. 'Which is to say Bob Rafelson's view of life is you never get out of the black box you're in. There's no escape.' So how would a Peter Tork cut of Head end? 'There might have been a scene where we get out,' he says wistfully. 'We jump in the water and get away.'" - The Guardian, April 28, 2011

#Peter Tork #Tork quotes #Davy Jones #Micky Dolenz #Michael Nesmith #The Monkees #Monkees #Head (1968)#long read #<3 #Tork songs #Can You Dig It #Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?#Bob Rafelson #Bert Schneider #et al #can you queue it

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theinfinitedivides · 11 months

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listening to the PS:2 soundtrack again in an attempt to bite the bullet and psyche myself up to watch both films back to back in August(? that's the goal at least, if i get to watch it earlier even better) and i have been stuck on Veera Raja Veera for an hour and a half. i have also figured out my personal ranking for all versions of the song at last and it went about as well as i would have expected. it started to get too long for the f*cking tags tho so i decided to put in this post, we'll see how it goes from here—list is in order from least liked to most liked btw

5. going to start this off by saying i'm so so sorry to Gulzar but it's something about the rhythm for me. the lyrics are lovely but the way they are lining up with the music in the Hindi version,,,,,,, or failing to in certain parts,,,,,, it's not it. it's not it. it does well in the first minute or so and then heads downhill from there, and tbh it's not his fault i think it's just the sheer amount of syllables that they have to fit in compared to the original? and with that in mind it's not going to sound the same, obviously, but what salvages it from being a complete disappointment is the way we got both Shreya Ghoshal and Kavita Krishnamurthy as a duet in this year of our Lord 2023. Kavita, who still sounds the same as she did on the Dil Se soundtrack singing Satrangi Re and the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam soundtrack and the Devdas soundtrack and the Yaara Dildaara soundtrack and the K3G soundtrack with Bole Chudiyan and Shreya Ghoshal who is a pleasure to listen to on practically everything she touches (Bajirao Mastani and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and that aalap just before her verse with Kavita here i'm looking at you) and— *inhales* *exhales* ok. do appreciate them letting Kavita take the 'चुन चुन चुन चुन / जाली रे जाली चिंगारी' portion in the Hindi translation bc she sounded beautiful there. (she always reminded me of Lata in that regard i think, and for some inexplicable reason i've by extension connected the two of them to Zohra Sehgal in some of her roles)

favorite line — 'दुश्मन पे टूटे जब | बिजलियों का वीर' / 'dushman pe toote jab | bijilyon ka vaar'. this is one of those times where the rhythm works in their favor and works well, and it leads perfectly into the rest of the verse imo. also @ that one guy going 'योद्धा~~' / 'yodhaa~~' at the very end of the song ty for your service

3. in contrast to the rhythm problems of the Hindi the Kannada recording is very smooth? i don't know if that makes sense as someone who doesn't speak the language but it's like water. like water in a stream just one after another going over the stones in the riverbed as it passes or the waves lapping against the side of the ship or the gentle sound wind chimes make when they hit against each other in the lightest breeze—the phrasing doesn't feel forced (ty Jayant Kaikini sir) and the syllables match the music as well as the original. ofc Rakshita Suresh and Sivasri Skandaprasad have a part to play with their solos in this sounding as good as it does, despite its ranking on my list (which will be explained in the next entry), and while i expected nothing less from Rakshita after Kirunage, this is the first i'm hearing from Sivasri and she blew me away. i had to listen to it several times to be able to tell them apart, and i might still be wrong bc their voice color is very, very similar, but they took what Rahman gave them and made it their own. (is it Rakshita that starts and Sivasri that continues? i'm thinking that it alternates between them with Sivasri ending that portion)

favorite line — 'ಮಳೆಗರೆವಾಗ ಬಾಣ | ಅಡಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲಿ ತಾಣಾ' / 'malegarevaaga baana | adagalu elli thaana'. this is where the river analysis stands out to me bc this feels like putting pebbles said river into a tumbler and rolling them over and over until they come out smooth and polished and just. right. (i am using the word smooth a lot to talk about the Kannada version sksksksk but can you blame me)

3. technically Malayalam and Kannada tie for third place on here (there is no fourth place. there is 4.75th place rounded up to fifth place and that belongs to the Hindi entry as previously stated) but Malayalam has the slightest edge for me. in terms of sound/pronunciation it's the closest to the original—i know most scholars believe that Malayalam descended from Tamil and split early on, so that might have something to do with it, but it sounds like a perfect cross between the flow of Kannada and the strength of the Tamil and ugh. pair that with Srinivas featuring and Shweta Mohan taking on that solo (by herself!!! and eating that sh*t like it was a duet!!!) and Rafeeq Ahamed as the lyricist and i play it almost as often as i play the original. (i was almost half expecting to hear the extension at the end in this version, that's how good it was)

favorite line — 'കടലിൽ ചുഴലി പോലെ | തവ നൗക കളിരമ്പി' / 'kadalil chuzhali pole | thava noukakalirambi'. i am in love with what Shweta does here, especially with the latter half of the line ('... നൗക കളിരമ്പി' / 'noukakalirambi') since she just heads straight into the 'വൻകടൽ...' and for some reason that is so auditorily pleasing to me. i don't have any rational thoughts behind that that's just how it is. her aalap before her verse is also breathier/softer than Shreya's if that makes sense but it fits her perfectly

2. Telugu. holy f*ck, Telugu. you put Shankar Mahadevan (i don't think i've ever heard him sing a bad song. ever. at least not what i've heard) and Chinmayi (Tere Bina???? Mayya Mayya???? Titli???? i'm still not over any of them from her????) in the same song you make every f*cking verse rhyme almost exactly courtesy of Chandrabose if Kannada is the sound of water then Telugu is pure silk and honey and the feel of something melting in your mouth and you expect me to stay alive? the actual f*ck? admittedly i may be biased bc one of my OCs is Telugu and i have been putting Telugu covers from my Bollywood playlist on loop for inspo but uh Rahman what the f*ck. what the f*ck am i supposed to do with that kind of genius

favorite line(s) — 'సమరం శ్రుతించైరా శిఖరం స్పృశించైర' / 'samaram shruthinchaira shikharam spushinchaira' & 'విధిగా తెగించైర | విధినే వదించైర | విలయం దరించైర | విజయం వరించైర' / 'vidhigaa thegincheyraa | vidhine vadhincheyraa | vilayam dharincheyraa | vijayam varincheyraa'. the f*cking alliteration? hello? also the 'veera raja veera' at the end of this version in particular gives me full body chills bc there is someone going up with the harmonization every time there's a new line. i don't know who it is but he's (they're? could be multiple vocals) going up and i am crying shaking throwing up on the floor having a spiritual experience etc etc

and finally 1. the top spot. the place where everything has been leading through this long ass piece that i have put you to suffer through

and ykw Tamil is pretty much self-explanatory i think: we bring Shankar back as we should but this time K.S Chithra (Asoka!!! Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon!!! Bombay and Thoda Thoda from Indira/Priyanka and the live version of Jiya Jale that Rahman did in Dubai!!!) and Harini (also sang for Indira/Priyanka and featured on Varayo Thozhi from Jeans) are with him and Ilango Krishnan's lyrics take over and flatline me on the f*cking operating table. before it flatlines me however i break into goosebumps every time i hear it start, bc lbh it is impossible not to when you have the f*cking vocals coming in like 'காணீரோ? நீர் காண் | சோழ வெற்றி வாள் ஒன்றை காணீரோ? | ஓ அழகிய பூவே! செல்லுதியோ | மலரிடு போ சகி!' if you stay sane during that opening you are a liar get off my feed unfollow and block i don't want you anywhere near me for the next six years or however long it takes Mani Ratnam to make his next masterpiece. no coherent thoughts head empty MV playing on loop he and Rahman own me now they have the copyrights

favorite line (had to split everything into two blocks bc Tumblr was tryin to f*ck up my sh*t) — 'எம் தமிழ் வாழ்க வாழ்க! | வீர சோழம் வாழ்க! | நற்றமிழ் வாழ்க வாழ்க! | நல்லோர் தேசம் வாழ்க!' / 'em thamizh vaazhga vaazhga! | veera sozham vaazhga! | natramizh vaazhga vaazhga! | nallor thesam vaazhga!'. technically this isn't my favorite favorite line bc i have to do a seperate ranking for that below + it's exclusive to the Tamil version and i am trying to make this a wholistic review but. it's f*cking up there let's just say that. i think i mentioned in the tags of a different post of how i've been doing genealogy research and (in the process) tentatively confirmed the possibility of there being some South Asian descent from my dad's side, specifically Tamil or Telugu based on the stories/timeline of French occupation in the Caribbean and portions of the Indian subcontinent, and there's something in me that shifts every time we get down to the last twenty or so seconds and this hits. i don't know what it is, truly—maybe the remnants of the genes of my ancestors and their pride for their land, their language—but it's there and it's loud and if it's the right day at the right time i will start crying btw. full on sobbing like a little bitch. you didn't ask but i told you anyway

after all of *motions* that, i am also offering a bonus ranking of the section of VRV that makes me rewind every f*cking time it comes on in every language, bc it featured heavily in creating my eventual rankings and i would be remiss to not mention it. so here have this additional dive into my thought process during these trying times of hyperfixation rip

'आंधी से तेज़ | तूफ़ान से तेज़ | चुन चुन चुन चुन | जाली रे जाली चिंगारी | अंग अंग अंग अंग | लागे रे लागे अंगारे' / 'aandhi se tez | toofaan se tez | chun chun chun chun | jaali re jaali chingaari | ang ang ang ang | laagey re laagey angaare', Hindi — still at the bottom of the list here, but the inflection during the repetition ('chun chun chun chun' and 'ang ang ang ang') salvages it somewhat. nothing else to say it about it otherwise, since i already addressed Kavita's voice here earlier

'വാക്കാകെ നീ കാറ്റാക നീ | ശര ശര ശര ശരമേയ്ക | വേൽമഴ നെയ്തിട് | റ പറ പറ പറ വിറകൊൾക | പായട്ടെ പായ്വഞ്ചികൾ' / 'vaakkaaka nee kaattaaka nee | shara shara shara sharameyka | velmazha neythidu | para para para para virakolka | paayatte paayvanchikal', Malayalam — taking that third place as always, but its tied partner in the general rankings is higher up in this list for a change. i think the very last part ('പായട്ടെ പായ്വഞ്ചികൾ' / 'paayatte paayvanchikal') is what throws me off tho bc of the way they distributed the line, since on the first listen i was expecting them to go 'paayatte paayvan-chi-kal' and they chose 'paayatte pa-ay-van-chikal' instead. it's not like it decreases the overall quality of the song or anything it's just a very specific hang up i have. who knows maybe my preferred pronunciation would have f*cked with the meaning and we do not want that

'సుడిగాడ్పులా అడుగేయరా | సర సర సర సర | శరమే తనువే తాకగా | చర చర చర చర | చెలరేగాలి వేగంగా' / 'sudi gaadpulaa adugeyyaraa | sara sara sara sara | sharame thanuve thaakagaa | chara chara chara chara | chelaraegaali vegangaa', Telugu — this ties with Malayalam for third place and, much like it, my quirk is specfically with the last part ('చెలరేగాలి వేగంగా' / 'chelaregaali vegangaa'). my preferred is 'chelare-gaali ve-gan-gaa', they gave me 'chelare-gaa-li ve-gan-gaa'. again, not an issue, this is just me, i'm sure they knew what they were doing otherwise they wouldn't have recorded it like that in the first place

'ನೀ ಜ್ವಾಲೆಯು ನೀ ಗಾಳಿಯೂ | ಸರ ಸರ ಸುರಿವ | ಮಳೆಯಂತೆ ಶೂಲಗಳು | ಭರ ಭರ ಭರ ಭರನೆ | ಭೋರ್ಗರೆವ ಪಂಜುಗಳು' / 'nee jwaaleyu nee gaaliyuu | sara sara suriva | maleyanthe shoolagalu | bhara bhara bhara bharane | bhorgareva panjugalu', Kannada — there are at least two portions here that sound eerily similar to the original and that is why this version has moved up to spot two. it takes that water comparison i made and uses it to its advantage so much and it rotates in my mind like a rotisserie chicken at just at the right angle and it's just!!!! it's just!!!! God pls keep me from putting this in my mouth and biting it's too good

'கூற்றாகிச் செல்... | காற்றாகிச் செல்... | சர சர சர சரவெனவே | மழை தான் பெய்திட | பர பர பர பரவென | பாயட்டும் பாய்மரம்' / 'kootraagi sel... | kaatraagi sel... | sara sara sara saravena | velmazhai thaan peidhida | para para para paravena | paayattum paaimaram', Tamil — when this hits i blank out and come to at random intervals. cannot pinpoint the time the place etc but it happens and when it does i go f*cking feral. this one i am indeed putting in my mouth and biting bc the entire thing from 'para para...' onwards??? more alliteration more alliteration more f*cking alliteration. i remember someone making a post on here that said that certain parts of VRV sound like pearls bouncing off of the floor (was it @mizutaama? i apologize for the tag but i think that was you) and i think this is what they were referring to but my ears are that f*cking floor. i thank God every day for that

anyway mutuals (and non-mutuals who are just as obsessed about PS as i am) i'm sorry for clogging your feed with my opinions on a film i haven't even watched properly, pls feel free to roast me about my ranking choices. or agree but it doesn't really matter at this point bc even tho i could be talking out of my ass in terms of actually speaking said languages (i,,,,, do not unfortunately) i've said what i needed to say sksksksk

#film: ponniyin selvan ii #ponniyin selvan ii #ponniyin selvan: ii #ps:2 #ponniyin selvan #veera raja veera #jayam ravi #sobhita dhulipala #mani ratnam #a.r. rahman #kollywood #tl:dr: local gay takes that specific 'கூற்றாகிச் செல்... / காற்றாகிச் செல்...' section of Veera Raja Veera #and uses it as the base for their personal ranking of all five versions solely based on how it is translated and sung #writes an essay about it chooses their favorite lines from said versions that are not That One and posts it to tumblr.com .txt #look!!! i actually dragged myself away from streaming Shinee long enough to complete this thing that i've had #sitting in my drafts for weeks (the language analysis that is)!!!#it is f*cking hilarious at this point simply bc this is nowhere near the order of the rankings for Ponni Nadhi #like the list for that is upside down. dare i say inverted almost #i might do something for it as well in this same format idk but #doing this for VRV made me realize that every other language (except Hindi bc they have a diff version of the line)#pronounces 'soora' as 'shoora'. i think Malayalam's 'shoora' is the least pronounced and is almost ambiguous. almost not quite #you could mistake it for 'soora' but there's just enough aspiration(?) there to tell you that it's not. Telugu's 'shoora' too #the aspiration almost completely disappears when listening on Spotify it's much more prominent on Youtube #this feels like i should have posted it on my studyblr but i think i'll just reblog it there instead

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kylesvariouslistsandstuff · 1 month

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SHREK 2, approaching its 20th anniversary, took in around $1.3 million this past weekend... In its first theatrical run since its original release.

I have a movie theater job, and I worked this past Friday. Spring break for many schools was this past week, and this week too. Those screenings on Friday at my cinema were often packed, and a lot of them were packed with kids. As in, kids who were born well after this movie originally hit theaters. And *after* SHREK FOREVER AFTER was released, at that.

Yeah, there's some multi-generational appeal there with SHREK and SHREK 2.

Some animation fans jeered at the SHREK movies back in the day, feeling that their early 2000s attitude and pop culture references-aplenty scripts would date them, ditto their art direction and design... But no, nostalgia is very strong, especially when it's passed down. These movies appeal to little kids today. The second PUSS IN BOOTS movie being more recent also helps.

It goes to show that at the end of the day, the characters and what the movie does with them can make something a long-lasting flavor.

And I'm saying this, as someone who is not the biggest fan of those movies myself. As a kid, I did *love* SHREK and SHREK 2. I was the perfect age for them, you could argue - I was 8 1/2 when SHREK came out, 11 1/2 when SHREK 2 hit. I could probably quote whole sections of them verbatim. I know it's sacrilege to say these things, but to me, the SHREK movies are basically the animated equivalent of late '90s/early '00s live-action comedies that were usually made for adults, but in PG-rated form. Set in a fractured fairy tale world with ogres and talking donkeys and dragons and such. If not for those fantastical elements, these movies could've been some '00s live-action comedies with hot stars. They just have that vibe to them, right down to their contemporary soundtracks.

I don't see the first two SHREK movies as the high-water marks of the animation medium that they were sometimes made out to be by critics who didn't see animation as anything other than babysitter fluff. In addition to feeling that MONSTERS, INC. deserved the inaugural Best Animated Feature Oscar over this film, I also never bought that the first two SHREKs were these "revolutionary" "adult" alternatives to whatever Disney had out at the time. There's a roughly 2-second scene in Ralph Bakshi's X-rated FRITZ THE CAT - from 1972 - that's a way better satire of Disney than this movie is said to be, haha. I know at least one person who doesn't really like animation, but they will admit that they liked SHREK. That tells me a lot... SHREK was an animated movie that managed to appeal to just about everybody, including folks who would otherwise not bother with cartoons. It just has that zazz to it... Their core appeal, well specifically, SHREK 1 & 2, is undeniable. How many other relatively chill, less formal comedies like this did you see in mainstream feature animation at the time? It's not zany like, say, Disney's similarly irreverent buddy comedy THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE from five months earlier, nor is it like Pixar's clever, tightly-plotted movies.

The first SHREK movie hit a sweet spot with a lot of American audiences at the right time. Adult audiences who were burnt out on Disney's Renaissance formula being repeated for each movie after THE LION KING, and especially all the movies made at other studios following their lead. Like ANASTASIA and QUEST FOR CAMELOT. Even DreamWorks' own THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for that matter. These big, grandiose musical pictures... Certain young film fans nowadays will say "those movies went SO HARD", but back in the late '90s/early '00s, the attitude towards them was "Okay, enough of that already." They were often called things like "politically correct", that era's version of "woke". Audiences wanted an animated film that they could just laugh and have a fun time with, without the moral messaged in a specific way.

Adults had also avoided the slew of edgy action-adventure animated movies aimed at a demographic that would never be there, films like DreamWorks' THE ROAD TO EL DORADO, along with Disney's ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE and Fox's TITAN A.E.

So you have this particular landscape of animated features, circa early 2001... Big grandiose family-friendly musicals that have become rather traditional, and these action-adventures for preteen boys that few were interested in seeing in theaters. Few exceptions are in-between, like THE IRON GIANT, but those were ignored because of other circumstances. IRON GIANT by all means should've been a small respectable success back in 1999 at the very least, if not a sleeper hit/blockbuster, but distributor Warner Bros. didn't believe in it. That's the animated movie landscape of early 2001... and then this chill comedy with dick jokes and a gross-out factor to it comes along... Right place, right time, planets aligned... One person put it this way: SHREK was an animated movie that "you could have a beer with."

And to think that SHREK was at one point shaping up to be a cursed, troubled production. Something that animators were punished with. An impending bomberoo, a film that was stopped and restarted, that lurched through a tumultuous 5-year journey...

Then the sequel went on to break records in the spring/summer of 2004, a high that the later films in the franchise couldn't rekindle.

SHREK THE THIRD certainly made a lot of money back in 2007, it was the highest-grossing animated movie of that calendar year, beating out the likes of THE SIMPSONS MOVIE and RATATOUILLE... but I don't remember it landing the way SHREK 2 did. I remember seeing it opening weekend with my dad, my good friend, and his family... and... largely forgetting about it afterwards! I was in high school at the time, and had mentioned one day that a fourth one was coming. This was around late 2007, by the time SHREK 3 was out of theaters and close to DVD release. (And HD-DVD as well, remember that?) One of my classmates responded, "Ugh, they're making another one?" A new SHREK movie wasn't as novel and fresh by then, and when SHREK FOREVER AFTER came out in the spring of 2010, I remember everyone being hyped about TOY STORY 3 - opening less than a month later... Not a word on the fourth green ogre movie. SHREK 4 still made plenty of dough though, it was bigger worldwide than here. Then DreamWorks pumped the breaks on the green ogre, as FOREVER AFTER was billed as "The Final Chapter".

It's interesting to note that DreamWorks' original plan was to make five SHREK movies, and PUSS IN BOOTS would be a direct-to-video movie with the subtitle THE STORY OF AN OGRE KILLER. The fifth SHREK movie would've been a prequel, interestingly enough. But over time, as PUSS IN BOOTS graduated to theatrical feature film and was given to SHREK 3 director Chris Miller, the plans slightly changed...

PUSS IN BOOTS had a rather blah opening in fall 2011, no doubt fueled by franchise fatigue and arriving just a little over a year after SHREK 4... but the cat legged it up something fierce. Because it was pretty good, and for some, a return to form after two lackluster SHREK sequels. It was right for the time, too. An old-school swashbuckling adventure for the family, featuring a fan favorite character from the SHREK sequels. I'm not sure a Donkey or Gingy spin-off would've landed the same way, lol. I remember the early 2010s being a time of more sincere animated movies, a country mile from the ironic early 2000s attitude of the first SHREK movie and all of its imitators. PUSS IN BOOTS Uno was more in line with those kinds of movies, and some of the classic-style adventure movies that DreamWorks had out at the time, like HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and the first two KUNG FU PANDA films. Their then-recent comedies, like MONSTERS VS. ALIENS and THE CROODS, leaned in a more cartoony and wacky direction. The early 2010s, to reiterate, were way different from the early 2000s in terms of animated movie output. What goes on in the world moves the needle as much as the pop culture does, indeed.

So then, some 11 years and at least one period in limbo later, PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH comes out. An exciting reinvention of the whole franchise, and arriving after a decade-long void where SHREK became something of a meme. Add in nostalgia, word-of-mouth, THE LAST WISH was a gradual trip back into the world of SHREK for many audiences. A big hit in the end, and a beloved movie. It's certainly my favorite movie in this series, for sure. I still find it neat how they didn't just do the safe thing and simply make a SHREK 5 after Comcast acquired them, no. They stuck to that long-gestating PUSS IN BOOTS sequel and saw it through first, as a sort-of lead in to new SHREK movies... And still did something amazing with it, when it could've just been another typical-style SHREK universe movie. It could've also been the movie that it was initially planned to be.

I have no doubt that SHREK PLEADS THE FIFTH, when it hits in a few years, probably makes a good run at highest-grossing animated movie of all-time. SHREK 2 was just that for six years. $919m back in 2004 - without 3D, IMAX, and other such premium formats - was **massive**. TOY STORY 3 took the crown thereafter, and held onto that for three years. SHREK 5's target to beat is the 2019 CG remake of THE LION KING, $1.6 billion. If you don't count that, FROZEN II with $1.4 billion.

I wonder if this re-release of SHREK 2 sparks Universal and DreamWorks to re-release other older films of theirs. Maybe even one that didn't do so hot back in the day? This year also happens to be SHARK TALE's 20th, and MONSTERS VS. ALIENS' 15th. 2014 saw the release of three movies: MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2, and PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR. 2019 saw the arrival of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD and ABOMINABLE.

Who knows...

I think they should re-release animated movies more often, no matter the studio. The SHREK 2 re-release opened wider than the three recent Pixar first-time ever theatrical runs of movies that went straight to Disney+, and people turned out for it. It also helps that the movie is that old, whereas those three Pixars aren't that old. SOUL, the oldest of that trio, came out Christmas 2020. Not even four years ago.

Now, if Disney re-released a Pixar film wide like - say - THE INCREDIBLES this year, I'd imagine it'd get *some* traction like this SHREK 2 re-release did. Or if Disney did the same to an animated feature like LILO & STITCH. Remember those 3D re-releases of various Disney Animation and Pixar films? THE LION KING did quite well in 2011, while everything else barely made half of that... But still quite a bit nonetheless. $40m+ for, say, FINDING NEMO in 2012 is something a new animated feature would fight for today.

Every year, my cinema does the Studio Ghibli fest. Most of the beloved movies... Ya know, little tiny unheard-of movies like SPIRITED AWAY and PRINCESS MONONOKE? Always sold out to the front row.

The original KUNG FU PANDA ran for a few weeks earlier this year in the lead-up to KUNG FU PANDA 4, and a few people showed up for those screenings.

Yeah... More re-release of animated movies, please. Plus, they're great to experience on the big screen again.

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pmhusky · 8 months

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It surprised me.

EVERYTHING AFTER THIS IS SPOILERS FOR PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE.

@marshallpupfan So, I actually decided to go last minute (missing out on the AMC Theaters screening.. oh well I'll get the merch soon)

To begin the movie I *believe* this might have been what your friend was talking about as Marshall was supposed to be the main pup on call, being able to battle a fire ablaze in a junkyard, doing a donut and firing his water cannon to put out the fire before... managing to run out of water, Skye then swoops in and finishes Marshalls job in her jet. I paid really close attention to Marshall throughout the film, and either before or just after they find the crystals, they're climbing a staircase, and I noticed something: Marshall's paw slipped and he nearly falls down; its such a tiny detail I think one of the animators actually knew who Marshall was: and even though the camera was from behind, I thought it was extremely cute & relieving to at least see that. Now the only scene that Marshall & Chase directly interact (I did see them standing side by side a few times too) This scene is the only dialogue that the two have together, and its sad to see it like that. Marshall is then not of much importance until the PAW Patrol is cornered in an alley way without superpowers against Giant Humdinger, he along with the Junior Patrol is the one to take down Giant Humdinger, by bravely climbing his ladder and leaping into the Fmr. Mayor's coat pocket to take away his Crystal, Humdinger then grabs Marshall and attempts to crush him in his hands but with some quick action, Marshall attracts the Crystal: and using his powers burns Humdingers hands. Skipping to the finale, Marshall is one of every member of the PAW Patrol who helps take down the Mad Scientist (I honestly don't remember her name), and him alongside Rubble are able to actually use their vehicles: Marshall using his firetrucks... fire cannons (yikes don't use that to put out a fire).

That's everything major with Marshall done, now moving onto what I liked about the movie as a whole

• Even though Skye & Chases backstory has a lot of similarities I prefer Skyes due to presentation and the fact there are multiple flashbacks throughout the movie and it looming over the entire plot much more • Skye, when captured is out of action for much longer than Chase was, attempts to connect with the Mad Scientist, and has a reasonable explanation on why the PAW Patrol knows where she is. • Keeping Mature subjects in (I.E. Fires, jeez you can learn from this) Criticisms: • Rubble is still the clumsy, comedic relief rather than Marshall, like c'mon? • Even though I praised the movie for Skye's backstory being more intriguing than Chase's... its still the exact same besides some minor differences • Music: I get it, some people like random celeb songs in their movies, but I personally like original soundtracks (which it does have, and I thought sounded amazing G.G. Toprak Now, hope for the future

That Paw Slip

I really don't know if Cal, or an unknown Animator did that, but it shows that perhaps, someone knows Marshall's Character who was behind the curtains of the movie, and if that one slip can finally spread into the 3rd movie I might finally have hope that it won't ruin Marshall.... Am I getting hopeful for what could even possibly be an animation error? Maybe, but I finally have straws I can grasp at with the Movies.

Well MPF, if you've read this, this is my thoughts, if you have any questions about more stuff about the movie just lmk and I'll try to remember everything for you.

#paw patrol #paw patrol the mighty movie #review

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sugarsnappeases · 5 months

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top films of the year!!!

tagged by @standardlovers <3333 who actually has like Film Opinions that don't revolve around how silly/sexy the films were but anyway here's my films...

np tags for @themuseoftheviolets @stillagoodwitch @quillkiller @fxreflyes @star4daisy <3333

i’m also gonna do some comments like teddy did bc i never know how to shut up ever so…

1. Point Break (1991), the film of all films, i think i rewatched it like three times this year, its my favourite film of all time, i never shut up about it, it literally has it all - surfing, bank robbery, skydiving, keanu reeves, patrick swayze, an excessive amount of deaths, rampant homoeroticism etc etc

2. Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), another rewatch, another banger, hugh grant is his typical bumbling englishman but this time it involved the mafia!! which i love, and manslaughter and the fbi and it’s a bit ridiculous which, of course, is a necessity

3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), i said it on my letterboxd and i’ll say it again - there is NOTHING like the love between a man and his razor blades, also helena bonham carter is SO sexy as always and there’s a lot of fun murder, my only note would be that they don’t sing the ballad of sweeney todd, which is clearly the best song from the musical, but otherwise very enjoyable

4. My Own Private Idaho (1991), what was in the water for keanu in 1991?? bc honestly this film is incredible, the campfire scene broke me into pieces, humpty dumpty style, and i’m still not back together again, also there are excellent insults in this eg. you starfish, you vile punk etc so i loved it a lot, and river phoenix is brilliant, are you kidding me??

5. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), another keanu but this one is Overtly silly rather than just being silly by association (all keanu films are silly bc he’s a lovably awful actor but this one takes the cake), literally party on dudes like be excellent to each other, what more do you want me to say??

6. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), ohhh my god guys idk how i’d never watched this before but honestly just incredible, so so so SO good, my friends told me that i give riff-raff vibes which… i’ve chosen to take as a compliment bc after all… it’s astounding… time is fleeeting (picture me bursting into a choreographed musical number)

7. Dangerous Liaisons (1988), a banger, i watched cruel intentions like years ago but this is dare i say it… better??? there’s just something about a period drama that elevates everything, keanu was very sweet, i loved when he was all covered in blood and bedraggled, and just in general i love when women are evil and malicious

8. A Knight’s Tale (2001), this film was an experience… i do think it should’ve just been about the bros going on an adventure and doing a spot of jousting instead of having that romance plot which was kinda eh, but the soundtrack fucks and there were generally excellent vibes and heath ledger was fantastic

anyway that’s that i guess!!!

honourable mention for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) bc god that film goes so hard, and also But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) bc like come on now, need i say more??

#kara’s film opinions #tag games

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marciabrady · 1 year

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I had a realization recently that made me think of your blog! It’s unfortunately been a long time since i rewatched Snow White but the other day I was listening to the soundtrack and was really struck by one of Snow White’s lines. I was getting misty listening to “I’m Wishing” where she sings “and I’m dreaming of the nice things he’ll say.” Something about how Snow White could have imagined her love in any circumstance with any laundry list of traits but her one and truest wish was simply that he be nice to her and how it reflected how Snow Whole’s life had been so deprived of kindness. Only for the Prince to then appear and sing all her wildest dreams. It was so romantic and made me think of how annoying all the complaints around Snow White’s Prince can be (that’s he boring/ugly/barely talks to Snow White) bc when they did speak, he said everything she’d wanted to hear and when he appeared, he was exactly who Snow White had always wanted. I couldn’t help but think of a modern comparison (a bit unfair I know) of Anna singing about The One in “For the First Time in Forever” where she first describes him as “a beautiful stranger, tall and fair” and how simple and sweet and genuine Snow White’s wish felt in comparison to that. Nothing against Anna but I had a real moment of appreciation for Snow White I wanted to share with you. Thank you!

Okay, I completely agree with all of this on such a level! First off, the "and I'm dreaming of the nice things he'll say" was such an important lyric for me, too, to internalize while I was re-examining the character of Snow White a few years back and I have so many thoughts and feelings about it...I get really peeved when people only discuss Disney movies (well...Walt-era Disney movies) as if they were childhood memories or a babysitting companion to assist hyperactive kids or something that's akin to like a Care Bear or Dragon Tails type of moment or even when people discuss if the classic characters are good role models or not. They were not created to be educational material for children. Movies like Snow White were meant to be digested and observed and appreciated as pieces of art that reflected the broad spectrum and range of human emotion. They didn't have to appeal to logic or eight year olds are crazy parents who are convinced their children are going to pretend to be dead and wait for a prince to kiss them because they saw Snow White undergo a sleeping curse. That's for starters.

Second of all, Snow White is someone no one ever remembers was abused, just like Cinderella, and is an orphan. She is increasingly neglected throughout her young life. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, these films are meant to appeal to human emotion and the real part of our feelings that we all share. If we were neglected or abused and don't have anyone in this world, wouldn't we, too, long for love? For belonging, for companionship, for friendship- for someone to tell us something nice for a change? Remember, this is a character who is almost murdered by the only parental figure they have in the world seconds before they are thrown to the forest to fend for themselves, without any resources. And this is the Princess that everyone criticizes and vilifies! Also, it's literally a fact that humans are hardwired with a need for inclusion and engagement/connectivity is literally higher than food and water for human wellness for health pertaining to mind and body so...

I also think there's another component to Snow White that everyone overlooks. It's fine that some people are aromantic and don't see the value in romantic love, but Snow White does and that's her wish, which means she has autonomy over the storyline and this is something she's readily inviting into her life. It also goes to how powerful the women of this universe are. In the original story of Snow White, which is also canonical to the film as they released this information in every novelization that came out during that time period and publicity material, Snow White is literally a direct manifestation of her mother's wishes. When her mother sits, sewing against the windowsill, she wishes for a baby girl- which, again is interesting considering how common it was to devalue female children and only want a boy, ie heir. Snow White is then born, a direct result of her mother's wish. Snow White practices this same approach by wishing into the well for just what she wants, and that's exactly what appears. She's putting what she wants into the universe and, by being bold enough to voice her desires, it comes true. Also, the Prince is attracted to the voice he hears singing first- not her beauty.

Moving on to their relationship. I love the Prince so much and so many people misunderstand him and I have many thoughts about it! For starters, I like that him and Cinderella's Prince aren't in the film so much because it's the Princess's movie! When Tangled came out, they literally took Rapunzel's name out of the title and marketed it more toward boys with showing much more of Flynn in it than Rapunzel in trailers and I think an approach like that and even Beauty and the Beast, where it's almost more of the boy's story, kinda robs the female character. I like that Snow White and Cinderella's film put them at the helm. Also, I think people ignore some of the limitations the animators had at the time. Snow White's Prince was meant to have much more to do, which is still the case in the comic adaption, but it just didn't make it into the movie because of how limited they were with animating the male figure. Also, by no means, was he Snow White's life nor was she dependent on him! They meet by the Wishing Well, after it's her words that summon him I might add, and then we don't see him until the end of the film. Snow White never mentions him between when she runs away from the Castle until the Dwarfs ask her to tell them a love story. She doesn't cry out for him in the forest when she almost got murdered, she doesn't call upon him to help her find a sanctuary when she's homeless, and she doesn't ask him for help when the Dwarfs almost kick her out of their home, instead begging them to let her stay and telling them she'd work in exchange for food and shelter. In contrast, he's the one that spends all of his offscreen time searching for her (long enough for seasons to pass) in the forest...but she's the one that always gets the criticism...

Lastly, I'm discouraged by how Frozen is treating the Prince Charming archetype- because that's what it is, an archetype. The role of the romantic partners in Cinderella and Snow White is more-so meant to represent what Cinderella and Snow White want in love. Snow White's Prince doesn't sing of her beauty- he sings of their love as "constant and true" and as the "one love" that has possessed his heart and mind and soul. In a film like this, that again isn't meant to be taken as hyper-realistic (and Frozen is "you can't marry a man you just met" which is ridiculous because Elsa literally runs away from her kingdom and lives in a palace she's conjured of ice...and Snow White is ridiculous for falling in love with someone in a fairytale?), we are being told what their love is- again, constant and true. That's the type of love I want! Cinderella, too, is something that is so touching to me. Here's this girl who's also been abused, doesn't have anyone or anything in the world, and the first notes of "so this is love" is telling the audience that, after years of physical and emotional abuse she's finally being treated as an equal and with care and compassion and mutual admiration and it's the most thrilling thing in the world to her. "This is what makes life divine" and "the key to all heaven is mine" is so deep to me and not at all as superficial as people try to make it out to be. In this world where people are chasing increasingly capitalistic goals that are becoming more and more shallow, the desire for love- romantic or platonic- is something that speaks to the human condition of any age and is so evergreen. To me, it's the meaning of life and the deepest thing someone can ever achieve or wish to attain. It's something that we can both receive and give and I think that's what makes us special as humans. But again, all these complaints from mothers that think their children are too dense to receive this and instead believe Disney is telling them to wait out for these impossibly perfect men and instead want to kill the IDEA that true love exists to these children in the case of what happened to Hans is so disheartening. As I mentioned previously, Snow White and Cinderella weren't meant to be babysitters but Frozen was, in a way, and it was created to speak to children intentionally and the fact that this hardened ideology of "don't believe in love, it's too good to be true" in the form of what they did to the character of Hans really rubs me the wrong way because, here's the thing- Snow White and Cinderella's Prince aren't telling us SPECIFICALLY at all of who or what to look for in a partner or what they should appear to us as. Their lyrics focus more on how the pair makes one another feel- a "constant and true" love, "one love" that they're so devoted to they'll spend months and years looking for that person even if they seem lost, "so this is what makes life divine" instead of also chasing for the next thrill, and "the key to all heaven is mine" because you should be with someone that you love so much, it feels like your entire life has been renewed.

I know it's a romantic notion, but I do think we should be encouraged to believe that love can happen to us and that it will be the type of love that will change our lives for the better. I don't see the value in telling people that love doesn't exist, or that it exists but that it's so imperfect it'll be like a job to even stay together, or that you'll never find a connection like that because it just doesn't exist. Because, what type of situations are those children then going to get in and what treatment will they then accept? I think it encourages the "well, I guess this is as good as it's going to get" idea as opposed to realizing earlier on that a situation isn't for you because it doesn't feel right. And again, Snow White and Cinderella don't tell us to chase a specific type of love- ie a connection with a man that's richer than you or a man that looks a certain way, etc. You "constant and true" love can come in any shape, sexuality, gender, form, etc, but the focus should be on the love being constant and true! And I don't know about you all, but I hope the one I find one day would search for me for months in a forest if I'm lost to them lol I hope they'd love me so much, they'd tear their kingdom apart to find me even if they only have my shoe to go off of. I hope they would be bold enough to know they want me and approach me in public, when I'm not even focused on finding love, the way Charming pursued Cinderella at the ball. I hope, even if I run away initially like Snow White because I'm too shy or unsure, they'd be eloquent enough to reassure me and let me know why they love me or what they're looking for as beautifully as Snow White's Prince did in One Song.

#ask #anonymous #snow white #snow white and the seven dwarfs #this has gone wayyy too long and i'm sorry for rambling but yes!!!#i agree with you and love this take

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kindsoulbuddy · 1 year

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Today I watched an older video of “Tasting History with Max Miller” on YouTube, and was oddly amused by the idea of chartreuse jelly with peaches being the last thing many 1st class passengers ate on April the 14th, 1912.

That prompted me to research more about the Titanic. One thing led to another and I’m looking up photos of the wreck of the Titanic, as you do. I typed “Titanic today”, because I heard the wreck is literally vanishing.

And then…movie showtimes appear in my Google search. Multiple theaters, multiple showings.

Being a little confused, I looked deeper into this, and as it so happens:

We are now at the 25th anniversary of the film “Titanic”.

Why are we still captivated by the Titanic and it’s maiden voyage, which happened 110 years ago?

Why am I still thinking about the Titanic movie? That was apparently 25 years ago! But it feels like 84 some days.

Was I the perfect age at 11/12 for the 1997 movie to capture my imagination? I guess so. I was the perfect preteen age for the Titanic film, as well as The Spice Girls and later as a teenager, the Lord of the Rings. The stars aligned for me.

You think people are nuts about it now? People were Titanic-Crazy in 1997/98! The local library hosted a Titanic movie night (“A Night to Remember”, an old black and white film), and I also attended a Titanic themed tea party. I read the CD insert of the Titanic soundtrack while listening to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. My mom sewed a beautiful costume for my sister who dressed as Rose for Halloween, complete with the Heart of the Ocean “diamond” necklace.

Old tech alert: I remember when the 1st vhs ended and it was time to take the 2nd half of the movie out and pop it in the vcr.

“Well, I believe you may get your headlines, Mr. Ismay,” - Captain John Smith. Then…black screen.

Technically it’s a disaster movie, but it had the love story and that did it for many people.

If I’m honest, the love story wasn’t my favorite but the sinking in almost real time was thrilling. I also loved and still love the costumes and the set decorations and the music.

I think seeing a young girl finding joy in life and deciding that she’s never going to be small and meek ever again, was my favorite thing.

Rose got to do everything she and Jack talked about (including, I imagine, throwing up on the Coney Island roller coaster). If she hadn’t met Jack, she’d be long dead inside, if not actually passed on. Her life force was in danger of being snuffed out at 17. She was literally suicidal. I think they could have had this storyline without the whirlwind romance but, at the end of the day that’s what sells.

I vividly remember my theater experience watching it. I was not allowed to watch 2 scenes:

1. When Jack draws Rose like one or his French girls. (So, I peeked through my fingers anyway. And seeing the gorgeous Kate Winslet posing nude on a couch awakened something in me…yeah I’m Bi. My friends swooned over Jack; I had complicated feelings about Rose, and didn’t understand them yet.).

2. And toward the end when we see frozen dead, wide eyed people being pulled from the dark water. I actually listened to my mom and didn’t look; many years later I looked and I’m still sorry.

I also remember looking around me during Jack’s death/“I’ll never let go!” scene, and seeing in every direction in the movie theater, crying women and girls. Tears streaming down faces, heaving sobs, ugly crying. Faces lit up by the blue light the screen was giving off; the scene was a blue dimly lit one.

I never cried at that scene. But I always cry or tear up at these scenes:

1. The father telling his children they’ll be separated only for a little while, as they cry for him from the lifeboat.

2. The scene when the 3rd class mother tucks her children into bed, telling them a bedtime story. The lifeboats were gone, and the ship was sinking fast, and she knew they would die.

I’m not sure how, as a parent, you don’t feel something during these scenes.

I’m not going to go to the theater to experience 4k Titanic. But it’s fun to revisit this movie.

#max miller #tasting history #youtube #titanic #1997 #1998 #captain john smith #25th anniversary #chartreuse #peaches #jello mold #james cameron #king of the world #4k #3d #rose and jack

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bdzonthareel · 10 months

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Barbie

When I first heard about a Barbie movie, I like many people rolled their eyes at the very thought of it. Barbie media has often (at times unfairly) lambasted for being a cash grab and that was my initial reaction, however we I heard that Margot Robbie was involved and her production company was fitting the bill, my interest was piqued. So without further ado, (and I never thought I would ever say these words) let’s talk about Barbie!

We’re introduced to the fictional world of Barbieland, where every concept of Barbie exists and lives in perfect harmony with a respective Ken, and Allan (there’s only one of him.) But the harmony is disrupted when Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie begins to suffer from an existential crisis and in order for her to fix what’s wrong she must go to the real world and meet the girl who is playing with her and figure out what’s wrong.

In all genres of entertainment, comedy is one of those that I am insanely harsh on, as comedian myself I feel like there should be a flow to long form story, especially in comedy. But I can say that Director and co-screenwriter Greta Gerwig created a work that was heartfelt and hilarious in this film.

The cinematography is nothing short of brilliant, lots and lots of pink paint was used to bring Barbieland to life and it felt like one massive play set. And the various Real World shots were not to be out done giving off a stark contrast to each other.

The soundtrack was a delightful mix of classic top 40s, newer hits and self-aware comedic songs. The score was equally light poppy and fun, composers (pop music legend) Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt brought an amazing upbeat energy to this film.

Co-writer Noah Baumbach, helped with some very well-timed jokes, and you know they worked because they triggered a metric ton of incels, and that alone was worth the price of admission. Together with Gerwig, I was throughly impressed with the amount of meta commentary on display, and despite what some might lead you to believe, the film doesn’t demonize men; the film’s message is far more complex than that. I also appreciate the fact that they made the movie about the titular character, with seems to be something that franchises like Transformers can’t seem to get right.

And the performances were hilariously well done, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gossling have great chemistry as they lampoon the ideas of these characters’ roles. Simu Liu, is amazing versatile and brings the same amazing timing that he brought to Kim’s Convenience and it was delightful. Although my favorite Barbies were Issa Rei as President Barbie and Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie. And I would be remised to ignore Hari Nef whose Doctor Barbie was whimsical and charming, Also since I’m madly in love with Alexandra Shipp I can say that she another of my favorite parts. America Ferreira and Ariana Greenblat served as great moral support for the various inhabitants of Barbieland and then there Will Ferrell I was almost convinced was Ken at one point given his goofball behavior. I also enjoyed seeing Rhea Pearlman as one (spoilers), she just gets better with age. Kate McKinnon really went all in as Weird Barbie as did Michael Cera as Allan (easily my favorite character in the film.) And last but certainly NOT least, Dame Hellen Mirren as the narrator brought a nice touch of her

Barbie was more than what I and many others initially expected, it was packaged as a goofball fish-out-of-water comedy which is a tired cliché in its own right, I sat down on this for a good while before writing this and I feel like its one of the best comedies I have seen in a very long time. It was very funny, but it also had a lot to say about growing up, holding on to thing that we love, and letting go of them. The biggest message that we all have to find our own way, because we are all more than just an idea and life doesn’t exist in just a straight line and at the end of the day isn’t that what it means to be human?

I give Barbie a well-deserved, 5 out of 5.

#movie review #hollywood #barbie #ryan gosling #margot robbie #barbieheimer #ken doll #micheal cera #dua lipa #john cena #greta gerwig #will ferrell #comedy #matel #barbie doll #barbie girl #barbieland #barbie world

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denimbex1986 · 3 months

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'Andrew Haigh’s dark love story All of Us Strangers arrived to Hulu on Feb. 22, after two quiet months of building up word of mouth in theaters. Debuting just before Christmas and competing with a lot of more bombastic releases, it initially reached a small audience — but it was evident that it made an impression, as critics and viewers spun out lengthy online analyses and discussions of its memorable, divisive ending.

Here at Polygon, we’re united in admiring the film, but we disagree about the impact of that ending — whether it’s necessary, fair to the characters, constructive to the film, you name it. And when we have strong disagreements on Polygon’s entertainment team, we send the case to Polygon Court, as we did when we debated the alternate ending of James Cameron’s Titanic, the most important part of the Fast and Furious franchise, the problem of Spider in Avatar: The Way of Water, and the song cut from The Muppet Christmas Carol, among other knotty pop culture cases.

In this case, we have divergent opinions on what the end of All of Us Strangers accomplishes. Polygon Court is now in session.

THE ENDING OF ALL OF US STRANGERS

All of Us Strangers is a quiet love story about a lonely, isolated screenwriter, Adam (Andrew Scott), who returns to his childhood home while working on a script, and finds his parents there, even though they died when he was a child. Over the course of the movie, he gets some much-needed closure with these ghosts, but they also gently tell him that his relationship with them is holding him back, and they leave him behind in a tearful scene.

At the same time all this is going on, Adam meets a neighbor, Harry (Paul Mescal), seemingly the only other person already living in his high-rise apartment building. Harry shows up at Adam’s door drunk one night, seeking company. Adam, shy and awkward, shuts him out. Later, though, they reconnect, and launch an initially tentative, then passionate relationship. Adam eventually tries to introduce Harry to his ghost-parents, which goes poorly, and Harry flees. When Adam seeks him out, visiting Harry’s apartment for the first time, he finds that Harry is dead — and has been dead since the night of that first meeting, when Adam rebuffed him, and Harry returned to his own bed and overdosed.

In the movie’s final sequence, Adam accepts his lover as a ghost, comforts him, and curls up in bed with him. The camera slowly retreats, leaving them in darkness.

OPENING STATEMENTS: THE POWER OF LOVE

Tasha: Pete, the ending of All of Us Strangers had a powerful emotional effect on me. I found it stunning — the performances, the emotional tenor they bring to Adam and Harry’s relationship, the way the sequence pays off the themes that have been building throughout the movie, the use of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “The Power Of Love” both on the soundtrack and in the lyrics Adam quotes. I loved it! So I was shocked to find out it was your least favorite part of the movie. Sum it up for me: What was your reaction to it?

Pete: I found it bitter and disappointing. I absolutely loved the first 80-ish minutes of the movie, gorgeously shot and acted story about the lingering power of love and being loved. But the reveal at the end about Harry’s fate felt like a cheap narrative trick. It’s unnecessarily cruel, without adding much depth or impact to what was already an incredibly powerful story.

PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE: IS THE ENDING OF ALL OF US STRANGERS JUSTIFIED?

Tasha, the case for the ending: There’s a lot to unpack there, but the part that surprises me most is the idea that Harry’s death doesn’t add depth to the story. For me, the ending turns a fairly simple, straightforward “let go of the past, embrace the future” love story into something much more thematically complicated, where we have to consider the differences between Adam’s relationship with his parents and with Harry, and what each of them says about him.

If Adam’s relationship with his ghost-parents was holding him back, are we meant to see his relationship with his ghost-boyfriend in the same way? Is their embrace contradictory? Is it backsliding? Is it fundamentally different because he’s supporting someone who needs him, instead of the opposite? Adam didn’t create Harry’s addiction or depression, but does he bear any guilt or blame for what happened to Harry? Or is he just feeling the responsibility of taking care of someone he loves?

How are we meant to feel about this ending, and what it says about the movie’s themes and Adam’s state of mind? I’ve been weighing all these things ever since I first saw the movie months ago, and I guarantee that wouldn’t be true if it was just a simple tale of someone learning to move past his own past.

Pete, the case against: I think these are all incredibly interesting questions, and at the end of the day, what I’ve settled on is that this narrative choice wouldn’t have felt so jarring for me if it had been established early on. Instead, as a very late twist to what you’ve seen, it comes across to me as too enamored with its own cleverness and ultimately cruel to Adam, sentencing him to a lifetime of misery and loneliness. (And as you noted, bringing the question of guilt and blame into the situation.)

Yes, he “has” Harry in his life, but part of the joy of being in a romantic partnership is being able to share the love of your life with other people you care for — as Adam shows by “taking” Harry out to a bar and to his parents’ house. The reveal tells us how empty their life together will actually be.

Tasha, the case for the ending: I don’t see it the same way at all! It doesn’t seem like Adam has anyone in his life to introduce Harry to. The fact that they can go out to a bar and dance together proves that they aren’t limited to hiding in private, and going out with Harry frees Adam from cloistered isolation. Maybe they aren’t destined for sparkling dinner parties or group vacations with a crowd of friends, but there wasn’t any of that in Adam’s life before Harry came along, either. At least with Harry, he has someone.

I’m certainly not arguing that All of Us Strangers’ ending is a happy one: At absolute best, it’s bittersweet, and yes, pretty lonely. But within that tragic-romance space, there’s a melancholy power to the idea of finding someone you feel so connected to that you’re willing to give up the world for them if need be — and someone you love so much that your romance transcends death itself.

And I’d argue that there’s also a really significant power in a movie ending where what the audience feels about the protagonist’s situation and what the protagonist feels about it are radically different from each other. I’m thinking about the ending of one of my all-time favorite movies, Brazil, or more recently, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In both cases, the audience is left somewhere between saddened and horrified in spite of the characters’ happiness. I see something similar going on in this ending, and I respect it as a difficult but emotionally effective thing to pull off.

Pete, the case against: For me, part of the power of the movie is the fact that the questions you raised still linger meaningfully despite my distaste for the ending. It is contradictory, which is fascinating, and I think the movie frames Adam and Harry’s embrace as comfort, even if to me it is a very cold one. I’ll disagree with you on one main point: I think the movie would have been just as powerful for me had it only been about Adam moving on from his parents’ death and moving forward with Harry.

For me, that story still had so much to say about the enduring power of love (something Haigh has said he wanted to communicate with the film) and its ability to cross unfathomable, even metaphysical boundaries. Claire Foy and Jamie Bell’s uncontainable curiosity about their son’s life and interests hit me hard, and I felt his relationship with Harry was a wonderful counterbalance because of the generational gaps (big and small) throughout the movie, and the opportunity it presented for him to finally be happy.

Tasha, the case for the ending: But then how would Harry have interacted with that storyline at all? Would the narrative focus just been a simple choice between the living and the dead, the past and the present?

You said you would have preferred to know that Harry was dead earlier in the movie, but I don’t think that could have worked narratively. And the reason is what you just noted about Adam’s parents. I don’t think we could have processed Harry’s death or decided what to do with it until Adam’s arc with his parents was resolved. Their curiosity about Adam’s life and about their own deaths, their feelings about their ongoing relationship with Adam and what he needs in order to move forward — those are all priming us to understand how ghosts work in this world, and what a relationship with one would be like. (The details are pretty unique!)

Yes, I agree it plays as a “gotcha” kind of twist — not a gleeful one, but certainly a “You didn’t see this coming.” (I’ve thought a lot about whether there’s an argument to be made that All of Us Strangers is a stealth sequel to The Sixth Sense, which features a similar kind of ending twist, though in that world, the dead don’t know they’re dead.)

But I also think it needed to be the last thing that happens in the movie, because until Adam’s wrapped his arc with his parents, he’s still a man in transition. He has to make it through that experience in order to decide how to approach Harry based on everything he’s learned — and we the audience need his relationships with his parents and with Harry to be distinct from each other, related and intertwined, but still not just simple extensions of each other.

Pete, the case against: One thing I struggled with after finishing the film was concern that my distaste came out of a dislike of something bad happening to a character I liked. But then I watched Hirokazu Kore-eda’s new film Monster, a movie I love where plenty of bad things happen to characters I like (and that includes some clever twists!). That helped reaffirm where I was coming from here, despite how jumbled my feelings about All of Us Strangers are.

And my feelings continue to be jumbled as we talk about it — I find myself agreeing with a lot of what you’re saying, and the difficulty the movie would have had narratively if it hadn’t positioned Harry’s death as a twist. I do think it’s possible, and in my version, rather than a choice between the living or the dead, it would be the living and the dead — accepting both the permanence and consequences of death, as well as the opportunity of life in the new world he has for himself. As constructed, he does choose between the living and the dead, and the choice he makes is “the dead.” But I’ll push that hypothetical rewrite onto Andrew Haigh instead, and leave that up to him to figure out.

Ultimately what I’m grateful for is this isn’t one of those movies where I’m left completely bewildered by other people’s responses to it. I think there are a lot of excellent things about All of Us Strangers, and I’m incredibly glad that people are responding to it so positively, even if I didn’t all the way through.

Tasha, the case for the ending: And I certainly understand your objections! The thing I’m left questioning the most about the movie is the narrative perversity of Adam having his dependence on two ghosts broken against his will, for his own good — and then turning around and emotionally committing to a third one.

That, and one more thing that does really give me pause: the way this movie unfortunately falls into the “bury your gays” trope. It’s a longstanding, well-noted issue that queer characters disproportionately suffer tragic symbolic endings, and it’s rare to see a queer couple get an uncompromised happy ending. I’m in favor of this specific movie ending, but I’m not entirely comfortable with how the movie fits into the cliché.

Looking into the source material here — the movie is a loose adaptation of Taichi Yamada’s 1987 Japanese novel Strangers — this ending is very much Haigh’s radical revision of a story involving a straight relationship, and a man plagued by predatory ghosts. The Harry equivalent, a woman named Kei, even reads as vengeful and angry about the Adam equivalent refusing her early in the story — a rejection that pushed her to take her own life by repeatedly stabbing herself. There’s no question that the Adam character needs to escape her before she kills him. It’s a remarkably different story all around, which means this version of the story — and the way it falls into that frustrating old trope — is entirely Haigh’s vision. Did that aspect bother you at all?

Pete, the case against: That’s very interesting, and I’m glad you brought that into the conversation. I was curious about the source material, but hadn’t taken the step to look closer into it yet.

And yes, I’d be lying if I said the litany of stories about gay love that end in tragedy didn’t play a role here. But I was less bothered by similar decisions in other 2023 queer films (examples redacted due to spoilers), so I feel confident saying it’s not just that.

CLOSING STATEMENTS: WHAT COMES FROM DARKNESS

Tasha, the case for the ending: Ultimately, to me, the ending of All of Us Strangers is dark, sad, and strange, but none of those things are knocks against it — they come across as daring to me, and thoughtful. I suspect Haigh has clear answers in mind for the questions we’ve posed here, but he’s made it clear with his careful answers in interviews that he doesn’t want to give them away. He wants people to consider them for themselves, and come away from the film moved, engaged, and primed for a discussion. In that spirit, this ending absolutely worked for me.

Pete, the case against: I still have a lot of love for All of Us Strangers, and I’m truly glad that a beautiful, aching queer love story that has thorny elements and takes on difficult topics has been able to connect with audiences in such a strong way. I don’t have a perfect picture of what this movie looks like without the late twist, but as currently constructed, the ending just didn’t land for me, and left a sour taste in my mouth after what was otherwise a wonderful experience. And you know what? I’m okay with that.'

#Andrew Haigh #All of Us Strangers #Strangers #Taichi Yamada #Andrew Scott #Paul Mescal #Frankie Goes to Hollywood #The Power of Love #Claire Foy #Jamie Bell

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