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harryskalechips · 4 years

Text

Hung up high in the gallery

A/N Hello I am back with an angsty story! I would like to call out an anon who gave me this idea! Sadly I made it turn into a depressing one-shot LMAO Anyways, please enjoy!

Harry and Jeff decide to spend their Friday night at a mysterious art opening. Harry starts to realize though that maybe these photos have a deeper meaning than he originally thought.

Word count 2350

“Look, dude, I know you’re busy on Friday nights writing music and all but why won’t you come to an art opening with me? Glenne is feeling sick and I was invited to go.” Jeff suggests as he talks to Harry through the phone. Harry was just laying on his couch, watching an old episode of friends.

“I mean… yeah, sure. I’m not doing much anyway.”

“Really? Wow, never thought it would be this easy to pull you out of your house.”

“Funny.” Harry sarcastically laughs as he finally sits up on his couch so he can make his way into his bedroom.

“Okay, how about I text you the address and we meet up? Let’s say at 6:30.”

“Wait, Jeff, what are we supposed to wear?” The thing about Harry is that he can go to events every night and they can all be the same ones but he wouldn’t know what to wear to an art opening.

“Wear whatever you want,” Jeff replies. He didn’t know who was the artist they were going to see but since he knew the gallery owner, he was automatically invited to these things.

Harry’s eyes light up a bit as he catches Jeff exiting out of his car. Doing the same, he meets his friend in the middle of the entrance right before they enter the building. “I can’t believe I’m your date tonight.” Harry teases as he hugs his best friend.

“Yeah, thanks, babe.” Jeff laughs along.

As they stepped inside, they noticed that they were at an art opening for a new photographer. Photographs of different colours and moods were framed on the white walls with a spotlight on each. They were beautiful and nonetheless carried a story each individually.

The boys were separated a bit throughout the night as Jeff was pulled into conversations with his father’s old pals. Harry entertained some guests who were driven to get to know him because of his fame. A glass of champagne and another, a few appetizers here and there and Harry was now completely bored.

He walked around by himself throughout the gallery. He didn’t want to pull Jeff out of his social circle nor did he want to stick around next to him like a regular date. The weird thing about this art opening was the artist.

They never presented themselves during the introduction of the night nor was their name plastered anywhere. It was kind of suspicious, Harry thought to himself. Maybe they’ll present themselves at the end of the night or something? He didn’t even realize he was entering a new hallway that led to an enclosed room. A couple smiles at him as they walk out leaving him to look around the room with a new set of pictures.

He was the only man in the room as he heard the soft music and conversation going on in the main hall. Looking around, he quickly notices how each picture around the room starts to lose colour until it’s just black and grey. What were these photos even about?

Starting at the right side of the room, he looks at the first photo with the most colour. It was a picture of a lot of flowers. It was a bit messy too but he started to notice that the flowers looked familiar. It kind of clicked when he realized that each flower he had a shirt of. Weird really, how the photo yelled at him. The title of the picture was just called Colourful. It was a basic name for a picture that showed so much mayhem. So much excitement.

He carried on through the range of photos, there were only ten but he took all his time in the world observing each one. How each photo gave him flashbacks. Specifically flashbacks of his time in New York.

During his time in One Direction around 2014, he lived in New York a bit. He bought himself a decent-sized penthouse and explored a bit during his time off. Went to every cliché place in the city, went to too many fancy events and fashion shows. Probably dated a lot of models too but he knew they were all flings anyway. It was because he met one girl at this coffee shop near his place.

Her name was Y/N. She loved photography probably as much as this artist right now. She had dreams in a busy city. She was still in university but despite both of their busy schedules, they managed to date for a whole year. He was so in love with her.

As Harry noticed he was eyeing the third photograph for too long, he started to wonder if this was her art opening. But how could that be possible anyways? Last time he remembered she wasn’t making much off her passion. She was becoming pessimistic with all the unlimited rejection New York City had to offer her. It would make his mind go crazy if she flew across America to start her career here. He knew she was damn well talented but he doesn’t think he can handle that idea if it were true.

If another person would observe these photos, they would call these pictures beautiful and deep but in reality, the artist knew that they wouldn’t understand anything from this specific collection. No one should. Yes, art is subjective and can be interpreted in many ways but no one would ever realize that the arrangement of photos showed the artist’s journey...in love.

Harry walks back to the second photo before moving on in the line, noticing that each specific detail seems to make him uncomfortable. After the random pictures of flowers, the next photo showed coffee beans sprinkled with glitter on a table? The mood? Energized. Childlike. The name? Addicted. The third photo showed a pair of stereotypical chelsea boots laying recklessly on a carpet with popcorn all over the floor. The mood? Unknown. The name? Comfortable. The fourth photo displayed a flame in a forest all alone with stars above. The mood? Intimate. The name? Ignited. The fifth photo, however, was different from the other four as the colour was the most saturated than the rest. A very big difference that catches a person’s attention. How he thought the colour was decreasing throughout each photo but now this proves him wrong. It was a picture of a girl’s hand in a man’s hair. The mood? Sexual. The name? S. S? Harry makes a face of confusion. The artist clearly took a photo while she was receiving oral pleasure. Harry thought to himself. This artist has to be a girl. The title… she has to be referring to sex.

The next 5 photos, however, took a turn as they showed a depressing mood. They slowly turned to black and white. The sixth photo was a bunch of shoes on one side of a sidewalk all facing one way. The seventh photo showed a glass wine with a goldfish inside with a little hole with water pouring out. The eighth photo showed the fourth picture but the trees no longer had leaves. The stars were gone and the flame has diminished. The ninth photo showed a simple white bed with the title Miss. The last photo was a picture of the artist’s neck. Oh, she is a girl. It was a picture of her holding a necklace with her fist covering the charm but you see Harry took his time to stare at the photo longer. In between her digits, was a sight of a ring. A ring he knew too well. A ring he gave to Y/N. The title? In love.

“Hi! Would you like to come to the main presentation room now? The photographer will be introducing herself.” Harry turns himself immediately to catch the girl who interrupted his thought process.

“Y/N.” He mumbles as he stands still, completely in shock. So she was here.

“Oh, Harry! It’s so nice to see you again. I-uh I didn’t realize you would be here tonight?” She smiles warmly as she tries to cover up her stutter. She was all dolled up. Her hair was curled nicely. She was wearing a simple white flowy dress with sparkly heels. She walks towards him and gives him a good hug.

“So, you’re the artist huh?” He tries to make his heart stop beating fast. It’s been five years, why is he acting unstable?

“That was actually supposed to be a secret but yeah, I am.” She smiles sweetly as she looks around the room he’s been standing in. “Oh, were you looking at this collection?” She crosses her arms and looks around the room of pictures. So, her photos in this collection weren’t exactly groundbreaking like the rest but she wanted to showcase this one too because it made her who she is.

“Yeah, it’s beautiful work Y/N.”

“Thank you.”

“Can you explain the whole story?” Harry bit his cheek a bit as he carefully watched her. He wanted her to admit that these photos were somehow about him. How could it not be? The photo of the flowers, his Chelsea boots, the model’s hair in between her thighs, the sidewalk… that had to be the paparazzi. The rest of the photos were metaphors except for the last one because he couldn’t understand it. In love? Why was it the last photo after all the depressing ones? Why was it black and white?

“Of these photos?” She laughs in shock. “I can’t. You need to interpret them.” She looks back at him and takes a big swallow.

“Well correct me if I’m wrong but these photos seem to be about us.” The mood Y/N brought along with her suddenly fell. She somehow forgot she had to introduce herself to the rest of her visitors as she stood in front of a man who changed her life.

“Why do you say that?” She doesn’t even try to correct him! Harry smirks to himself as he watches her fidget.

“I was there throughout each step of our relationship. Also this last photo,” He walks closer towards it and points at her fingers. “That ring, I bought it in a vintage shop in Paris in 2013. I gave it to you the first fight we had.” She glares at him for a few seconds before speaking out.

“Yeah.” She gives up and lets out an exhale. “You’re right. This collection is about us.” Harry couldn’t even properly listen to her as he stared coldly at her bare neck.

“Wow, can’t believe you dedicated a whole collection for our story.” He laughs and walks towards the fifth photo. Y/N stands silently, just watching him “You’re really clever. The title is S. We all know that meant sex.” He laughs out loud as he looks at her. Was it obvious he was trying to not talk about the depressing side of their love story? How this whole collection showed why their love stood no chance against his fame.

“The title S. actually doesn’t stand for sex.” She shakes her head and smirks. “It stands for Styles.” Now that made his laugh disappear. He realized that there was no way he can find humour in this whole collection because the truth is what happened between them was sad. It was sad to the point, he had to force himself to forget about her. How was that possible! Ever since New York. Track 8 on HS1.

“Oh.”

“Wondering about the colour difference?” She takes a seat on the lonely beach and offers him to sit beside her. He takes a seat without looking at her. He only looks at the picture of the paparazzi. He knew they were the reason. The reason he grew overprotective of her. The reason that he knew so well of what broke them apart.

“Yeah.”

“Many people won’t understand what’s going on this whole series. They think that the colour is probably my love that slowly drains out.” She pauses a bit and looks behind her to make sure no one can hear her. “But the truth is, the colour represents my fear. In the beginning when I first met you. I was scared to get to know you more. My head was in a party of different emotions. Different voices in my head. Just ultimate chaos, you know? But that slowly disappeared as I fell in love with you. That picture,” She points at the fourth one with the fire pit. “You ignited something in me. I felt reassurance that you would take care of me and love me the same way but as the fifth photo shows, all that fear came back rushing into me as we spent our first night sleeping together. I guess you can say S. does mean sex but I named it after you because when you were asleep in my sheets that night all I can think about is your name and who you truly are.”

“If you noticed, the colour is strongly decreasing for the rest of the photos. You know, despite the most hurtful part of our relationship that was so exhausting and stressful, I was still in love with you. I no longer had fear. I was no longer scared to admit to everyone that I was in love with you even though all this sad metaphorical shit represents us. I guess the last photo shows that I am in love with you even everything we went through. You get the vibe right?” She tearfully smiles at Harry as she notices he’s already looking at her.

“I’m sorry about what happened between us.” he takes a hold of her hand looks at her.

“It’s okay, it’s been five years. I’m okay now.” She laughs it off but he still knows her like the back of his hand. He knew there had to be something still there in between him but what happens if that’s a lie and it’s all in his head?

Something inside Harry that he kept buried in his heart began to grow pressure. It felt like his heart was actually aching like it was about to explode. What happens if I’m not? What happens if I tell you right now I’m still in love with you! “Yeah, five years. I’m okay now too.” He lies.

#harry styles #harry styles smut #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles x reader #harry styles oneshots #harry styles imagines #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanifiction #sad #fineline

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liliesoftherain · 4 years

Note

That Obsessed fic was so cute! Could I ask for 20 from the list with Izuku? owo

A/N: Okay so this was so CUTE, and I turned it into something not cute- Don’t be mad, the fluff is coming. But I decided to split this into two parts because it turned out longer than I thought. So fear not, I should get the second part out soon, I need to touch it up but have this for now(: I’m going on a short vacation and I don’t know if I’ll be able to post but I for sure as heck will try! Thank you again for asking this, I hope once you read the whole thing it was something you wanted

Title: Bittersweet Findings, in that Order.

Pairing: Izuku Midoriya x Reader

20. “Wait a minute… Are you jealous?”

Izuku Midoriya!: Part 1

Izuku wasn’t sure why he stayed, why he was here at all in the first place. He was studying for an upcoming test in the common room when Denki appeared out of nowhere, not giving him time to think as he was dragged by the blonde to the fourth floor. He was confused, trying to figure out just what was going on when a groan of annoyance stopped his questioning.

“Why the hell did you drag Deku here, are you stupid?” Bakugou seethed as soon as he laid eyes on the boy in question.

“Well, we all know he likes (l/n)-”

“W-what!?” Izuku blushed, cutting off Denki who just winked.

“Well it’s true, you make it pretty obvious.”

Ignoring the stuttering and red face, Sero threw his arm around Izuku’s shoulder.

“You better appreciate the opportunity.”

“No one but you two dumbasses appreciate this!” Katsuki rolled his eyes.

“You’re coming with us though?” Denki pointed out, a cheeky smirk on his face.

“To watch raccoon eyes kick your asses when she figures out what the hell you’re doing.”

“What are we doing?” Izuku questioned, his nerves building as all eyes were on him.

“Oh poor innocent Midoriya.” Hanta snickered, bringing Izuku down with the arm that was still around him to give his head a noogie.

“We are going to do what men were made to do.” Kaminari finished, laughing as Sero finally the flustered kid go.

“Men don’t spy on girls like this..” Kirishima crossed his arms with a pointed stare.

“We aren’t ‘spying’ no dude, we’re just trying to, yanno, get to know them better! Girls like to share secretes during this kind of thing you know?”

Izuku was still confused, but he knew that whatever spying plan they had was no good as he was now being pulled towards the girls side of the floor. He watched as Kirishima sighed and how Bakugou grunted in pure agitation, yet followed nonetheless.

They made it right outside Ashido’s door, and while he’s been on the side before years before when they showcased their rooms, it made him anxious to know he wasn’t where he was supposed to be at this time of night. The laughter coming from behind the door was indication enough that there was more than just one girl, but besides Ashido and you, he had no clue who else could be in there.

Denki and Hanta were quick to crouch right by the door, being as quiet as they could be while they leaned in close to hear everything. Bakugou, looking as if he would rather be anywhere else, leaned against the wall to the right of the door. Kirishima was squatting down on the wall opposite from the door, looking uneasy but listening anyways. Izuku was unsure of what he should do, so he stood like Bakugou on the left side of the door. His hands were fidgeting as he leaned his shoulder along the wall instead of his back, ear close to the door.

You girls were none the wiser, laughing as Jiro made Kaminari’s idiot face perfectly.

“YOU DO IT SO WELL!” Mina cackled, arms crossed over her stomach from laughing so hard, almost falling off her bed in the process.

“I would think so, based on how much she likes him.” Momo teased from her spot on the floor, the beanbag she sat upon squeaked as she moved to poke Kyoka’s cheek as she did.

“Ugh don’t remind me of.” She swatted Momo’s hand away, folding her arms over her chest with a blush.

“C’mon you guys would be super cute together, I think it’s adorable.” You smiled, swinging your legs in the air as you laid on your stomach next to Mina.

“Adorable, is that what you wanna call it? He’s an idiot, but I guess I am too for liking him.”

“You guys can be idiots together! You guys compliment each other so well.” Mina pointed out.

“I agree, you guys never have a dull moment together, and I think that can be one important aspect in a relationship. Even in comfortable silence, you are not bored.”

“OH! You know what Momo, that makes me think; what are must-haves in a significant other huh? Like, ideal types?”

“Ideal types?”

“Yeah like Kyoka’s ideal type would be considered a dumb blonde.” You teased, looking at said girl as she just pointed at you with finger guns.

“What can I say? Shockingly dumb blonde’s are hot, sorry.”

“If we are sharing types, or ideals in the sense, I suppose I can confess that I find-”

“Todoroki hot, we know!” You laughed while cutting Momo off, her face burning at the mention.

“ ‘Todoroki-kun, your form was excellent during practice today, your body-stance-looked great.’ “ Jiro spoke in a high pitched voice, badly imitating your friends voice.

“ ‘Todoroki-kun! I was hoping we could study together, you’re so handsome-I mean, smart.’ “ You followed suit, a sassy look on your face.

“ ‘TODOROKI-KUN YOU LOOK LIKE A SNACK-”

“Mina!” Momo threw a pillow, hitting her square in the face.

“We’re teasing, we’re sorry if we embarrassed you.” You apologized, but the amused smile on your face was anything but sorry.

She huffed at the laughter that rang out through the room, but smiled shyly nonetheless.

“I was actually going to say tattoos..”

“Woah you’re a tat girl?” Ashido’s eyes opened wide in surprise.

“Yes I know, it’s weird isn’t it? But they’re so, so captivating! The detail, the aggressiveness of it, it’s so dangerous.”

“Mm into bad boys huh? Todoroki doesn’t really fit that category.”

“He may be soft overall but he has his moments Mina, think about it,” Jiro said thoughtfully, “he may not be picking fights and having screaming matches like another bad boy we know, but he has the underlying traits.”

“Such as?”

“He’s passionate, and mysterious.”

“Exactly! He’s unpredictable,” You added, “he’s got that ‘I don’t care’ attitude, and that screams rebel bad boy.”

“Are we talking about the same guy here? The sweetie who literally apologized to a plant the other day because he walked into it? That Todoroki? Him, a bad boy?” Mina snorted in amusement.

“Yes.” You three replied in sync.

“If you can’t have a good bad-boy what’s the point? Some qualities in a bad boy are alright I suppose, but if it was just 100% rotten attitude than why bother?” You questioned.

“Oh?”

“What qualities do you find attractive then (y/n)?”

“I mean, I guess one of the bigger ones is someone who is assertive.”

“Assertive?” Jiro hummed, sitting up from her position on the ground to look at you.

“Yeah, I think it’s really appealing when someone knows what they want and won’t let anything get in their way. Someone who has a goal and doesn’t back down no matter what. Strong and willing to overcome anything, do whatever it takes.” You bite your lip, thinking of your freckled crush. He knows what kind of hero he wanted to be, and despite everything, he persevered.

“A man who takes what he pleases.”

“Dominate.”

“Exactly.” You sighed in longing, while Izuku may have not been the most dominant person you have ever met, you have seen the way he has grown since your first year into someone amazing. He was determined to reach his goal, and dominate in the sense of battle. When people needed to be helped he stepped up to the plate.

“Like Bakugou-kun?”

“Exac-wait, what?”

You were pulled from your thoughts at the mention of your friend, staring at Momo in shock as she suggested it.

“Yea I gotta agree, that does sound a whole lot like Bakugou, he’s always talking about how he’s going to be the best.” Kyoka chimed in.

“Yea but, Bakugou doesn’t really have that good boy aura, just the bad.”

“That’s not true, he won’t admit it but he’s a giant softy! Isn’t that right (y/n), you know first hand.” Mina remarked.

“I do?”

“Uh duh, him and I are good friends sure, but you two are closer than that.”

“I mean-”

You were cut off by the girls throwing their observations into the air, ignoring your stutters and blushing cheeks at the thought.

“She grins every time she gets to be his partner during training, it’s cute to see her so excited.”

“Yes indeed, she is always complimenting his skills.”

“Bakugou practically never yells at her, he seems really mellow,”

“She’s always rooting for him too!”

“Mina you do the same thing! He literally treats me just like you.” You whined, having enough.

You didn’t like Bakugou, you guys were just friends. Somehow able to form a bond back in your first year, and that’s how it’s been ever since. Sure, you two were close, but it was honestly nothing more than a brother/sister relationship. You found him attractive yea, and he did have his sweeter moments, but overall you didn’t feel anything romantic towards him.

“He’s softer for you girl. Awh look, she’s blushing!” Mina squealed as she pointed out your cheeks, which in turn grew darker, “You like Bakugou don’t you?”

The room went silent waiting for your answer. Your words came out jumbled, tongue feeling tied at the stares and devious grins.

“J-just because Bakugou is confident doesn’t mean I like him for it!”

“So you’re saying you like him for other things?”

“Minaaaaa.” You groaned, hiding your face in your hands.

Laughs filled the room until they died out, your embarrassment coming off in waves.

“Okay okay look.. I’ll tell you, I like-”

A hand quickly went over your mouth and you let out a startled gasp, which was muffled by the palm.

Kyoka put a finger to hips lips, signaling at you to be quiet, her extended lobe pointing to the door. Everyone quickly understood what she was saying, and strained to hear anything. Mina, deciding to take matters into her own hands, grinned evil while slapping the mattress for a sound effect, then cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at the door.

“Kya, (y/n)-chan if you liked me all you had to do was say it, not attack me so lewdly! We aren’t wearing clothes, your bare skin is making me blush!~”

Your mouth dropped open, what the hell was she doing? All you did was sit up from your original position, and you didn’t do anything! Plus, everyone here was fully clothed, what was she doing giving whoever was out there some twisted idea?

A thump and some hushed whispers were heard on the outside and Jiro quickly went to the door and flung it open, a glare on her face as two idiots crashed into the room.

Denki and Hanta froze as they looked up and saw nothing of what they thought was going on, you and Mina were both sitting on the bed, fully clothed and not touching.

“What the hell do you idiots think you’re doing? I expected this from these two, but you guys too?”

You looked up to try to see who else was there.

Kirishima looked guilty, immediately apologizing before bending down to pick up the two who had still been on the floor the entire time.You looked to Kirishima’s right and you felt your breath catch in your throat as green stared straight back at you.

Izuku couldn’t help the hurt that crept up into his heart, squeezing it painfully as if trying to make it burst. It really did feel like his heart was broken, your eyes stared straight into his soul and chilled him to the very core. He felt too vulnerable under your gaze, yet he couldn’t pull away from it. He couldn’t pull away and now he was sure you knew how he felt, how terrible it was to hear the girls gush about your crush.

He was fine when him and the other guys first started to listen in, nervous and a bit bored by hearing talk of Todoroki, but fine. He had stayed and listened to more, and that was his downfall, he just had to stay didn’t he. How he wished he could have just left before it got worse, before you started describing someone who wasn’t him in the slightest. You were too good for him anyways, who was he to think he had a chance with someone like you? His lungs ached, reminding him that he needed to breathe. But he couldn’t, his mind wasn’t working, blank on everything except for you and him-

Your eyes moved away from his all on your own, and he saw how your body tensed as your saw him. Izuku ripped his eyes away from your form to look at Katsuki as well, and saw that he too was staring straight at you. If his heart wasn’t broken before, it was shattered now at the sight of your intense gazes on one another.

The staring was interrupted by the slam of the door, the lock following. That was all it took for Izuku’s body to jump start, muscles contracting as if he were thrown into an icy river.

His quick intake of breath must have been louder than he thought, since it drew the attention of the boys as he backed up to leave. The looks of pity thrown his way were becoming too much, knowing everyone here knew why he was this upset, and couldn’t help but look at the one person he didn’t want to see.

The look in Katsuki’s eyes caught him by surprise, he was so used to being on the receiving end of heated glares. Izuku couldn’t remember a time where he had looked at him with anything but, and now here he was, doing just that. Was it a look of pity as well? No, there’s no way Katsuki Bakugou would at him in pity, he didn’t care enough to do so. Was it regret? Ha, that wasn’t right either, there was a higher chance of Bakugou begging than him being regretful.

Izuku couldn’t place what emotion was in the blonde’s eyes, but didn’t want to stay to decipher it. It was different and he didn’t like it, it just wasn’t right. It wasn’t the way Katsuki was supposed to look at him-just quit looking at him dammit!

Izuku turned and walked off, hurrying back to the common room to collect his forgotten items before rushing to his room. He made it without any more problems, but as soon as the door closed that’s where they started. A mix of sensations passed through his body all at once. The feeling of adrenaline kicking in causing his breathing to quicken, yet it was also as if molasses filled the room, causing his limbs to drag as he walked towards his bed. He fell onto it without another thought, the few moments outside Ashido’s door weighing down on him heavier than he thought was possible. His mind was now racing with images, the opposite of earlier, as every moment he shared with you flashed through his head. Every hangout, every spar, every smile, every look, every touch-

You just seemed so interested, or he had thought you were. Was it real, or did he really make everything up? Izuku truly questioned if he had made it all up in his head, if his hopes were forcing him to see what he wanted and not the truth. He hated to think about it, but you and Katsuki were really close, you were always with him and his friend group. More so than with Izuku and his own friends. Could he blame you? Of course not, you both had amazing quirks. You were both strong and fearless, complementing each other very well. You would be a power couple no doubt, too perfect..

It was just as you said, you wanted someone assertive. Someone who was strong and confident, and Izuku knew he was none of those things. He knew he was weak, timid, uncertain.

Everything you didn’t want. What you wanted wasn’t him, you wanted Katsuki.

Izuku didn’t even realize he was crying until a shuddering breath entered through his lips, a small whimper taking its place as he tried to exhale. His body was jerking in quieted sobs, tears trailing down his face as he looked up at the ceiling. The cries were getting louder in his ears, and he tried to muffle the noise as best as he could by placing the back of his hand over his mouth, biting on the scarred flesh.

He was pathetic.

He was certain you didn’t want someone like him.

This crybaby.

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wondersofdreaming · 4 years

Text

It was always you

Characters: Chris Evans x female reader

Word count: 2.839

Warnings: Fluff, jealousy, alcohol intake, angst.

Author’s note: Anonymous request:

“Reader befriending Evans at an industry party, forming a friendship then watching him date around while being madly in love with him but being too afraid of ruining their friendship to admit her feelings. One night while hanging at her place reader breaks down in tears after Chris casually talks about why him and his last chick didn’t work out and how he’s ready to give up on love. He’s in shock when reader admits her feelings &then realizes how stupid he’s been not to realize she’s the ONE!💍”

I hope I did your request justice!

I do not own any of the characters in this short story besides the reader, who is a figment of my imagination.

MASTERLIST

Feedback is appreciated.

Day 1:

The party was in full swing when you entered through the front entrance. Famous actors and actresses were dancing the night away. Everyone had a glass of champagne; they were celebrating the ending of another great movie premiere that had blasted the audience away. You walked towards the bar, in need of a drink as fast as possible, if you were ever to survive the night. Your friend had bailed you at the door, having found a hook-up for the night with a tall-dark-and-handsome.

“Whisky, double, no ice.” You told the bartender, who raised his brow but poured the whisky anyways. You downed it like a shot and motioned for him to pour you another.

“You’ll keel over, if you aren’t careful with those.” A deep voice said next to you. You looked over and saw Captain America himself. He was wearing a dark blue suit, his tie already having been loosened, well you had been three hours late to the party because of the traffic, and the fact that your friend couldn’t decide on what to wear took some time as well. He was nursing a bottle of beer, watching you closely as you devoured the second glass of whisky.

“My grandfather was Scottish. He will haunt me for the rest of my life if I pass out from drinking too much whisky.” You laughed.

“Then no complaints here. Which department are you from?” Chris asked as he inched closer. He was intrigued by you. His blue eyes watching you consumed the third glass of whisky. The golden liquid burned through your throat down to your stomach, but it felt good.

“Costumes, I sewed all the extras’ clothes. Nothing important, nothing like your job.” You motioned to the big poster hanging at the back wall, showcasing Chris’ face along with all his castmates.

“I wouldn’t say your job isn’t important. I think it’s even more so than mine. If you didn’t get the extras in the right clothing that fit the period, then the movie wouldn’t be believable. It could quickly make a scene look weird.” Chris chimed in, acknowledging your work.

“True, but anyone could do my job, no one can play Captain America the way you do.” You retorted, inhaling the fourth glass of whisky. Whisky was your liquid luck, just what you needed to talk to the Chris Evans.

You and Chris spent the rest of the evening talking about everything between heaven and earth. By the time it was 3AM you had consumed a whole bottle of whisky, Chris had drunk more than five beers, and who knew how many before you had shown up. You had gotten to know each other, and it felt like you had known him for a lot longer than the four hours you had been at the party.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Day 98:

You and Chris had been friends for over three months. You had been texting and calling at least once a week, sometimes more than that. A month into the friendship you had started visiting each other’s houses, watching movies, cooking dinner together, well you were the one cooking, while Chris was opening the wine. You had learned the hard way that Chris wasn’t a gourmet chef in the kitchen after he had served you an inedible dish, you didn’t dare guess what was in that dish, nor did you want to know. From then on it was either takeout or you cooked, you opted for cooking the food yourself.

The evenings would usually start with you cooking something exotic, something that Chris hadn’t tried before. He would keep the wine flowing, while you were finishing the dish. Then you would watch a movie or play either a video game or a board game. Hanging out with Chris was the easiest and most calming time you had ever experienced.

On day 98th of your friendship, something changed. He had cancelled on you an hour before he was supposed to arrive. Something important had come up and he was sorry, but you took a rain check. You opted for some Italian takeout that evening since you were going to eat alone. While waiting at the front door of the restaurant for your food, you heard his voice, Chris’ laughter filled the hall. You moved a few steps to the right and peaked into the restaurant, where he was sitting with a beautiful woman. He leaned over and kissed her.

You felt something stabbing in your heart. Until that moment you hadn’t known that you had been slowly, but steadily, falling in love with Chris Evans. A waiter came with your takeout, you quickly paid and ran all the way home. The takeout having been forgotten. All you wanted was to get the image of Chris kissing that woman out of your head.

Chris called the next day to apologize for bailing on you, but you dismissed it. He asked if you were free that evening, you were but you told him you had a date. His voice was disappointed but understanding as he told you, he would be out of the country for a few months, while promoting a new movie.

You hung up on him after saying goodbye. Your heart slowly breaking, but it was for the better.

Day 134:

It had been over a month since you had cancelled on Chris. He had been texting you almost every day, wanting to see you, but you were avoiding him like the plague. You came up with all kinds of excuses to not see him. It would just break your heart all over again. His relationship with the woman you had seen had ended, at least according to all the gossip magazines. But a week after the supposed breakup, he was seen with another woman.

As you were getting ready to eat your Chinese takeout on the sofa, the doorbell rang. Outside the door was a very drunk Chris, he slurred his excuse as to why he was at your front door. You heard something about his new girlfriend having cheated and now it was over. He started to slump down, you caught him, before he hit the floor, helping him to lie down on the sofa.

Day 135:

“Good morning, sleepy-head.” You told Chris as you entered the living room with two mugs of coffee. He groaned irritated but accepted the coffee, letting out a soft moan as he drank the hot liquid.

“Thanks for letting me crash. I’m really sorry if it was any inconvenience.” He said and leaned back. He closed his eyes. His head was throbbing, everything in his body was hurting. Maybe he had drunk a little bit too much the night before.

“No problem. Are you going to tell me what happened?” You asked. He groaned again, not wanting to tell you the embarrassing story.

“Okay, don’t tell me. Let me get you some aspirin for that headache you’re obviously having.”

“Wait…” He started saying, but you had already left the living room, opening a cabinet in the bathroom where you kept your medicine.

He was still sitting in the same spot, rubbing his temples. He swallowed the pills with a glass of water you’ve poured in the kitchen. He told you everything afterwards, feeling guilty for not wanting to talk about his situation. He told you that the night a month earlier, he had met with his girlfriend, who had broken up with him that same night. She hadn’t liked his travelling lifestyle. Then he had met a new woman at a bar, and they had started dating pretty quickly, but she wasn’t into monogamy. He had ended the relationship the evening before when he found her kissing with another guy at a bar.

“So that’s the story. Two women in under a month.” He sighed and downed the last of the cold coffee.

“You’ll find someone who’ll love you for you, Chris. You just need to open your eyes.” You told him and walked away with the mugs. Secretly hoping he would love you back.

Day 169:

Another month passed. Chris had dated a new woman each week, but you had started your weekly movie nights again. It was better to have him in your life than not at all, even though it hurt you to see him kissing another woman on the covers of every magazine and gossip webpage there exist.

So, you did what every sane person would do. You dated. None of the men you dated were Chris or anywhere like him. They didn’t make you laugh, feel safe, feel giddy nor did you feel anything for them except pity.

You even started pitying yourself for dating these men.

Day 252:

Chris was overseas filming another movie. You were on a skype call with him.

“I think I’ve finally found the one.” He told you. Your heart sank as a gorgeous woman came into the frame and introduced herself as Chris’ new girlfriend. You had to admit, she was very sweet and kind to talk to, she even made you laugh at a few womanly inside jokes.

“She seems amazing, Chris, congrats.” You said as the woman left the room.

“I’d like to introduce the two of you officially, when I get back home.” He said with a big goofy smile. He was head over heels in love, and it just hurt you even more, but you plastered on your biggest sincere smile and carried on.

Day 286:

You got back home from work, tired, exhausted was more the word for how you felt. You had been working almost non-stop for a month, every day of the week to get the costumes for a new movie ready. The grocery bags in your hands were heavy, so when you looked up from your garden gate and saw Chris sitting on your porch swing with his head in his hands, you let out a gasp. He looked up. Your eyes locking, his were red and teary. You dropped the bags and ran to hug him, as he walked towards you with his head down. You slumped to the ground with Chris sobbing in your arms.

“Shh, Chris. It’s okay.” You hushed, trying to comfort him.

An hour later you were sitting in your kitchen. He had a cup of tea with a little whisky in it, while you were cooking dinner. His new girlfriend wasn’t the one either. Some jazz music playing quietly from the radio.

“You know what? I should stop.” He said after downing the tea.

“Stop with what?” You asked, looking up from chopping onions.

“Stop dating. I can’t find the right woman. I’ve looked everywhere. There’s no one out there for me. I’m doomed to die alone.”

“You aren’t going to die alone, Chris.”

“Enough about me, what about you? Why haven’t you found a guy yet?”

“I’m waiting for the right partner.” You whispered; you were feeling a bit cheeky having used one of his lines in Captain America.

“Tell me about him, your right partner.”

You thought about it. Maybe you should just tell him about your feelings, and end up ruining your friendship, but on the other hand, you were tired of hiding your feelings.

“He is tall, has dark hair, blue eyes, preferably a cute dog. He is an outdoor kind of guy, comes from the New England area. He is intelligent and compassionate, he is kind and stubborn, he is funny and determined. He loves movies…” Your voice trailed off as Chris stood from the stool, his thoughts going a million miles an hour. He was slowly realizing what you were saying. You were describing him. He looked at you. Seeing you for the first time. How could he have been so stupid? His dancing partner had been right in front of him the whole time. You listened to him when he had problems. You always had a hug ready for him, when he got home from filming. You always had his favourite beer in the fridge. You knew him in and out.

You were kind to his dog. Dodger would always sleep next to you and completely ignore him when Chris brought the adorable dog with him to visit you. You were a caring woman, who had sown Halloween costumes for his nieces and nephews.

He finally started to understand the weird feeling he had felt when you had told him that you were dating. The feeling of jealousy. The green monster. He wanted to turn back time and ask you out on that very first night you met when you drank an entire bottle of whisky.

“… and he definitely needs to have a respectable job.” You ended your rant. Chris was standing next to you. He caressed your cheek with the tip of his fingers.

“Chris? What are you doing?” You asked, stuttering the words.

“I just had an epiphany.” He whispered. His hands cupped your cheeks, forcing your gaze to look into his blue eyes.

“What kind of epiphany?”

“The kind that kicks you in the gut and tells you that you have been the biggest idiot on the planet.”

“Why is that?”

“I realized that I found my partner a long time ago.”

“Really? Who is she or he?” You teased nervously.

“You. You are my perfect dance partner.”

Without having noticed you had been led away from the kitchen island towards the more open area of the kitchen. You were moving to the music.

“Chris…”

“I’m slow, I know. Give me a chance to make it up to you. Please?”

A single tear escaped your eye. You nodded. He moved closer, his lips mere centimetres away from yours, making you take the choice of kissing him. Your lips crashed together, your arms folding behind his neck, pulling him closer. The world disappeared behind you. Nothing existed but the two of you. You had imagined kissing Chris for months, and your imagination didn’t do the real thing justice. He had soft lips, a strong stubborn tongue that probed around in your mouth, fighting yours for dominance. You kissed for what felt like an eternity, but it was only a short moment as you had to get up for air. He put his forehead to yours, breathing in each other’s breaths. His eyes were closed. A sense of euphoria washed through your body.

“Go on a date with me.” Chris said, his eyes still closed, afraid that you wouldn’t be real if he opened them. “Friday. I’ll pick you up at six. Please?”

“Chris, look at me.” You whispered. He slowly opened his eyes and looked into yours with uncertainty. “Don’t be late.”

Day 327:

You and Chris had been dating for 38 days. He had wooed you for all 38 days. He sent you new flowers once a week, brought takeout from your favourite places when he knew you were working late. He would drive you to work and pick you up again, no matter the hour. He just wanted to be with you, and you wanted to be with him. You had never seen him so happy, and it made you giddy every time because you were the one making him happy.

That evening Chris had invited you out to a romantic dinner. At the end of the meal, he ordered you a double whisky, no ice, while he himself went with a dark’n’stormy. The restaurant thinning out as the evening proceeded. Not long after, you were the only two guests left.

“Chris, maybe we should start thinking about going home, so they can close down for the evening.” You said and drank the last of your whisky.

“Sure. I just need to order one more thing.” He said and waved the waiter down. You watched as the waiter came towards you with something under a cloche. The waited lifted it and there was a small square box. You looked confused at Chris. He smiled took the box and opened it. Inside was the most beautiful diamond ring you had ever seen. Chris bent down on one knee in front of you. The waiter slowly backed away, giving you privacy.

“I love you, my sweet angel. You make my day brighter. You make me laugh, even during the inappropriate times. You pull me out of the house, even when I just want to stay tucked away from the outside world. Your smile alone brightens my world. Your laughter brings peace to my mind. I fell in love with you the moment you downed that double whisky when we met. I was just too blind to see it. I love you, and I want to keep exploring our love. It was always you that I was looking for. So, even though we have only been dating for a month, I still want to ask you. Will you marry me?”

You had tears in your eyes. You covered your mouth and nodded.

“Yes! YES! Yes, I’ll marry you.”

#Chris Evans #Oh man #My story #Fanfiction #Fluff #My fic #Chris Evans x reader #Chris Evans x female reader #Request #Anon request #Anonymous request #It was always you #I need a drink #Short Story #chris evans fanfic

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tfw-no-tennis · 4 years

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hxh....MUSICAL

as soon as i saw that a hunter x hunter musical from the year 2002 starring the OG 99 VAs existed, i knew i has to see this...so i set out and watched the nightmare of zoldyck (i would later find out that theres ANOTHER musical, which i plan to watch too)

luckily its all on youtube subbed! in 360 quality...oh hell yes lmao

ok i logically knew this was gonna be a musical but seeing the characters singing is like. a lot. THIS IS SO STRANGE

musical illumi is played by a woman which is interesting. shes got a good voice

i think they just panned to killua but it was so pixelated that i legitimately could not tell hvbadjkfbjkdsf

i have no idea whats going on vhbajdfhhajsdf theres a bunch of people falling over on stage...i think theyre dying? who are yall

oh shit backup dancers?

lmao illumi killed the backup dancers rip.

oh that IS killua lol. s/o to the 3 pixels that are visible

is this gonna be the zoldyck arc but a musical? lmao

OH WAIT IS THAT KURAPIKA AND LEORIO? i cant even tell lmaoooo

i can 100% tell these are fan subs lmaooo i love bad fan subs SO MUCH it makes a viewing experience even better

this is p much just a musical version of the manga/anime so far lmao i love it

the way theyre spelling zoldyck is. a lot

is every character gonna get an intro song. how much of this musical is singing and how much of it is dialogue cause theres defs a range w/musicals

lmao i love gon leorio and kurapikas interactions even here, they rlly feel like two parents being dragged around by their energetic kid

i cant even see the set at all so im just gonna assume theres like, the gate and all that behind them, but it all just looks like a dark wall to me lmao

i love singing exposition

HISOKAS IN THIS???????????????????? oh my lorddddd

OH i see now in the description that hes played by the 99 VA too lmao i love it

wow musical hisoka rlly b like [writes himself into the zoldyck family arc]

oh here we go w/the song introducing the zoldycks

damn grandpa got mad flips

this is. wild

its especially wild that alluka isnt here bc she like...didnt even exist yet at this point in the story

zoldyck family sitcom wow

i see the gon/killua romance is still going strong in the musical

oh so they did all the training and goin thru the door stuff offscreen lol

this is actually doing a pretty good job expanding on the canon stuff from this arc lol so props. espec w/showing more of killua being scared of illumi

oooh this is interesting actually, this is like....an AU where illumi is present during this arc, and how that would change things. And Also They Sing

the zoldycks are so fucked up lmao

also i feel like theres some ‘early adaptation’ character weirdness going on, like w/the grandpa, who seems much less intense here than in the anime (at least after seeing him in the yorknew arc), and milluki, who seems like a gag character here lmao

oh my god lmao is hisoka here to visit illumi?

the hilarious irony of illumi telling killua that assassins cant have friends, then going to hang out with his good buddy hisoka

kurapika is the only one here with a brain cell (for now)

ah yes hisoka and illumi doing their nasty murder flirting thing

HISOKA IS SO NASTYYYY I HATE HIM tho his actor is very good and smarmy

OH its canary!! is there uh. blackface goin on there. i cant actually tell, what with there being only 3 pixels present at any given time

really love how half of this is just the regular arc but with the characters singing abt stuff during it

the lady playing killuas mom has a rlly good screeching voice jesus lmao

ohh i love musical fighting so much

the sound fx on kurapikas sticks are cracking me up

butlers got mad cartwheels

oh theyre doing the coin thing! this is so out of order lmao

oh my god i love that theyre doing like, sick dance moves while coin flipping

ah the zoldyck messenger hawk makes an appearance. i love that thats canon and real

the 12 yr old gay romance is REAL even here

the subs seems to be translated very literally, especially in the songs, so its honestly not clear what theyre even singing about vbsjkdjhfskjfd

gon and killua singing about each other is adorable tbh. also i love how silva asks killua abt his friends and killua is like yeah i made some friends. and then only talks abt gon ahjsduhfabhskdf gayboy

ok so the zoldyck arc is like, ending, but theres still an hr of musical left so whats even gonna happen lmao. also where did hisoka go

oh no the audio and video arent synced anymore huvbhjadfbhjsakdf

oooh they asked canary to come w/them, thats cool

theyre having a party??? hvbajdsfbhasjkdf

oh shit??? what did zeburo just do to killua??? WHATS GOING ONNN lol this is UNCHARTED TERRITORY

OH GOD IT WAS ILLUMI. SHOULDVE KNOWNNN

omggg all their formal outfits....everyone cheering wildly at kurapika is cute

LEORIO AND KURAPIKA DANCING.....

the fact that both killua and gon are taller than kurapika in this is rlly funny

the idea that the zoldycks are also highly trained ballroom dancers is super hilarious to think about, even moreso when you consider how isolationist they are

seriously grandpas got mad flips

also i love leorios outfit

this feels like a filler arc tbh. and i dont mean that in a bad way!

leorio trying to get kurapika to go to the hot springs with him lmaoooo

HVDSJBJFSBFJHS HISOKAS BACK. IN DISGUISE. OH MY GOD

hisokas stage presence is fantastic gotta say

damnnnn dad zoldycks got mad flips too. guess it runs in the family

props to the actors for managing to keep their wigs on while flipping around like that

its so fuckgin funny thats hisoka just introduces himself as illumis friend, when this whole arc is all about how assassins Cannot Have Friends

so hisoka is just here trying to get family approval too huh

gon miming a fishing trip was adorable and realistic...sometimes u get skunked and It Just Be Like That

leorio is rlly tryin to shoot his shot w/kurapika and kp is just Not Realizing huh vbjsdufjbsaukjf

wow leorio breakin the fourth wall like that lmao

wow so illumi hacked killua. rude

hisoka and illumi are lowkey hilarious in this

leorio is rlly sending every signal possible to kurapika and kp is like. No

leorio: killua is a scary murder baby, but also im adopting him

kurapika singing abt how weird it is having friends after dedicating their life to Revenge(tm) is v on brand

HISOKA OH BOY

LMAOOOO HISOKA IS SUCH A FUCKING SNITCH I CANT

no wonder illumi didnt wanna tell him abt his evil plan lmaoooo he fucked up even telling hisoka that much clearly

the zoldyck siblings just staring at hisoka in confusion bc How The Fuck Did This Clown Get In Our House hvbhjdksfnjksdf

you can tell the subs are off when the audience is cracking up but you dont even see a joke there lmao

oh my goddd hisoka using bungee gum to make everyone dance is. hilarious

oh my god synchronized dancing

HVBSHDJFBJDSKFHBSJ illumi doing a dance routine independent of hisoka and hisoka being like ????? vhbjsdkhfjkjsdnfkj THIS IS HILARIOUS

supremely funny to me how illumi makes such a big point abt assassins not having friends, yet hisoka is announcing himself as illumis friend w/every given opportunity hvbhajdkdfhjskf

this feels so filler arc i love it. thats so charming to me since the 2011 anime doesnt have any filler (from what i can tell?)

kurapika and leorio rlly feel like killuas parents here lmaooo

this is all dramatic but kurapika keeps repeating what leorio says and its cracking me up hvbajhkdhfbjsk

i lov this fambly

ah, even in the musical illumi is still such a manipulative bastard

i feel like the quality just went down EVEN MORE, which i didnt think was even possible hvbhjkdsfskf. at least the audio is synced w/the video again

illumis got a good evil laugh

this is the exact brand of dramatic angsty filler content that i was hoping for in this lmao i love it

oooh more zoldycks

honestly this is more how i expected the zoldyck arc to go in canon hbshjdkujfkjsfdas

dramatic gay filler angst + somewhat incorrect fansubs = perfection

OH SHIT CANARY

BRO DID SHE JUST DIE???? OMFG

the subs keep calling illumis power ‘spells’ which seems to imply that illumi is some sort of assassin wizard rather than a nen user hvbsudhfkjsdjgf

come to think of it, what point was the manga at when this musical was written? it has to be pretty early on, maybe just as nen was being introduced

gon boutta go ham on illumi...Get His Ass

OHHHH GON DOING THE ICONIC ARM GRAB....ARM GRAB REPRISE

gon doin the good ole reliable shounen ‘punch your friend and yell at them so they snap out of a funk’ lol

i do love how typically shounen this is. friendship speeches! but delivered by SONG!

illumis main hobby is butting in at the worst possible moments

HISOKAS BACK OH BOY

hisokas playing card blocked killuas hit hvbhjakdhsfjnakdsf thats like in jojo when those manga blocked dios knives

wow the whole zoldyck squad is here

ooh forbidden zoldyck lore lmao

killua: mom u guys are lame im joining this much cooler family now. bye

i love how hisoka is just weirdly lurking around for all this zoldyck drama lmao

silva seems like such a bro in this but i feel like hes rlly not like that in canon vhauidfhbsjhdkjfk

oh nope there he goes w/the evil laugh lmaooooo

sorry dude but leorio is his dad now

gon sniffing zeburo hgbajkdfshbjkdfjnsjdk oh my god

oh hell yeah some synchronized main character finale dancing

actor showcase! everyone loves kurapika which, same

ah so the director of this musical also directed the sailor moon musicals, which i didnt know existed but of course that exists...thats funny considering the hxh mangaka is married to the sailor moon mangaka

anyways that was fun honestly!!!! i fuckgin love musicals, and musical adaptations of non-musical source materials can be like, SO different tonally, but this honestly felt like a fun filler

it was really interesting seeing something based on the canon from this early on - as i said above, some of the characterizations (like the zoldycks) seems a bit different than we’re used to, but others were spot on - like hisoka only showing up intermittently to sow chaos and do nothing else vhjkadhbfhkjdsfnj im assuming the yorknew arc hadnt happened at this point, but hisokas actions in this musical were hilariously similar to how he acted in the yorknew arc, so, props.

plus it was cool to see the ‘what if’ factor w/hisoka and illumi also being there, espec illumi interacting w/killua bc its so wildly different from how killua reacts to any of his other family members - hes clearly scared of illumi, in a way he isnt w/anyone else, and that was done well here w/the scene where illumi threatens killua’s friends to get killua to listen to him

also the angst was honestly great, and there was some REALLY sweet wholesome parts that i loved. and the music wasnt half bad either!!

i think the VAs did a great job playing the characters - hisokas VA was especially great (and i really loved kurapika too). gons hair was not very similar to how it looks in the show so it was a little more obvious that he was being played by a grown woman, but still a great performance.

anyways fun times, i love musicals and this was a fun ole 2000s filler shounen musical adaptation

#lj watches hxh #well. hxh ancillary material #also we're almost done w/the chimera ant arc but i still gotta edit up my heavens arena stuff hvbhjsdfbjdskgs epic fails #i have all my chimera ant liveblogs ready to go but i dont wanna post things outta order Ls #hxh

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ramblingsrantsreviews · 4 years

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Season Review: 13 Reasons Why - Season 4 (Netflix, 2020)

Netflix’s dropped the final season of their controversial teen drama 13 Reasons Why last week and, as expected, it quickly climbed to the number one spot and was trending. Albeit the trending topic was full of just as many people saying “don’t watch the show” as there were fans talking about the show but that’s too be expected.

Inspired by the teen best selling novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why was adapted into a television series by Brian Yorkey in 2017 and has since spanned four seasons despite controversy from critics, parents, and teenagers. The fourth and final season of the series follow the same group of Liberty High teenagers, now seniors, as they grabble with the aftermath of their decision to frame a murder on a fellow Liberty High student who was sent to prison for sexual assault and ultimately died in prison. Each of the core cast is dealing with the aftermath in different ways with Clay (Dylan Minnette) experiencing the most negative reaction due in part to his deteriorating mental health.

In true 13 Reasons Why fashion, the season deals with a variety of topics ranging from the ongoing drug use of students, their safety in school, mental health, and it even touches upon the very timely topic of police brutality and racial profiling. And of course, it had to pull one last controversial publicity stunt which left one of our beloved characters dead before graduation day.

I’ve already written about my overall thoughts on the characters outcomes but I felt the final season also warranted its own review. In addition to the usual categories, I’ve also includes a spot for my favorite character and favorite couple of the entire season since this is the final season. Least favorite character of the series will not be featured because I don’t feel the need to write anything more about Bryce. I’m also going to try to keep the character portions short so that I don’t repeat myself.

As always, spoilers are ahead.

Favorite Episode: 4×09 — “Prom”

All I’ve ever wanted is for this group of teenagers to be happy and actually enjoy their youth instead of dealing with whatever shit was complicating their lives. Episode 9 finally gave that to us, if you ignore the last 3 minutes of the episode like I’m choosing to do.

This episode had some of my favorite scenes that left me crying tears of joy and had my heart swelling with pride. It was also the first time, in a long time, that we saw the entire group back together in Clay and Justin’s bedroom. I’ve always said this show is best when it’s characters are all united and share the screen together and that scene proved I was right. If only they would have supported each other from the beginning of this season instead of just at the end.

Episode 9 is also home to both Charlie and Alex’s coming out moments and they could not have been more perfect. I absolutely love that both of their families were accepting and didn’t even question their sons. Charlie’s scene with his dad literally had me laughing out loud when they were talking about Charlie’s obsession with Eli Manning. It’s such an innocent thing and yet it showcases that LGBT kids and teens are just like their heterosexual counterparts who have innocent crushes on celebrities and athletes. I also love that his dad basically said he knew but wanted Charlie to come to him when he was ready.

Alex’s coming out moment was equally as cute. I really loved the fact that his wasn’t a coming-out moment in the traditional sense because he didn’t sit his parents down and talk to them about his sexuality. Instead, he just shows up with Charlie who he introduces as his boyfriend. It was perfect and honestly, I think more shows and films should deal with coming-out stories that happen like this. I was once again laughing when Alex’s brother got all excited because he was dating the quarterback of the Liberty High football team. Plus, the heartfelt moment with both of his parents warmed my heart. All they’ve ever wanted for their son is to see him happy and healthy and they finally got that.

I loved Charlie’s promposals and how he kept trying to one-up them to get Alex to say yes. I’m wondering though if maybe he should have tried something more low-key and intimate since that seems to be more of Alex’s style. Either way, they were all cute and I’m glad Alex finally said yes. Also, I love that they finally realized that Jess didn’t need a boy on her arm to have a good time. Having her go with Ani was cute and felt a bit full circle since the only ever girlfriend she had was Hannah who she had a falling out with before her death. And I also love that Clay tagged along with Alex and Charlie to make sure Alex was comfortable. He’s always looking out. Honorable cute mentions also go to Caleb for finally getting Tony to participate in high school activities and Tyler for going with Estella and having the best time ever.

Of course, the prom scene as a whole was amazing (again, until the last 3 minutes which I will not be mentioning again…hopefully). Seeing these kids get to be teenagers warmed my heart and it was everything I ever wanted. I loved that the football team was behind Charlie and Alex winning Prom Kings. It really showed a growth in the team since they’d been homophobic and rapists in prior seasons but have finally started to mature and “be better” as Zach and later Charlie helped instill in them. I also love that Ani and Clay finally hashed out their weird relationship and that they were able to move on as friends.

I was so glad when Justin showed up at the prom. He deserved to have a great time and enjoy his dwindling senior year just like the rest of his friends. I love how they show the scene when Jess spots him in this cinematic and romantic way. Was it cheesy? Yes, but dammit these two deserve all the cheesiness after everything they’ve been through. I also love Jess’s line telling him to never love anything more than life. It was perfect and everything I wanted.

Oh, and Clay asking his mom to dance was equally as adorable.

The only thing I felt this episode needed (other than a different ending) was the inclusion of “The Night We Met.” That song is a staple of this series and it would have been nice to have it played at their final dance. Perhaps, they could have all come together on the dance floor like they did in season 2 for Clay.

Least Favorite Episode: 4×03 — “Valentine’s Day”

To be honest, the whole first half of the season was a hot mess but I think my least favorite episode had to be the third episode. I literally almost stopped watching after it because it no longer felt like I was watching 13 Reasons Why.

I found it to be an interesting choice by the writers to write another episode centered around a dance when we were going to get a prom episode and have had multiple dance centric episodes in prior seasons. I think it would have been more interesting if they set the drama somewhere else. Then again, dances seem to be the only way to get all these characters in one place at the same time so I digress.

My biggest issue with this episode was the whole plot surrounding Clay and the mysterious phone calls. I felt like I was watching a cheap knock off of Scream every time Clay answered the phone and was tormented by the caller. Of all the dumb things this show has done, this was the dumbest and completely unnecessary. After all, Clay had been cleared from being a person-of-interest in Bryce’s murder before Ani’s confession that Monty was the one who did it. Therefor, the football teams motive for taking their anger and emotions for Monty out on Clay made zero sense. Not to mention, they did it in the most unoriginal way ever.

This episode also featured Winston and Alex getting closer and dating. Look, I believe most characters can change and be good people but Winston doesn’t seem to be one of those people. Granted, Alex didn’t know who he was or his involvement with Monty at the time but we did which made it hard for me to root for these two. Winston may have actually had feelings for Alex, but to me he was just using him to get information and that is totally not cool.

I also greatly disliked Clay and Ani in this episode. It’s clear that their relationship has run its course and Ani’s constant need to keep pushing Clay to be with her was dumb. Ani is such a smart character and yet she does the stupidest things. She definitely needed one of Jess’s woman empowerment speeches.

Also I absolutely hated Zach yelling at Justin and then Jess yelling at Justin — even if she was right to do so.

By far the worst thing about this episode had to be the ending sequence with Clay in the shower and then on the football field. Of course, the episode then ended with him walking into the gym with a red stained shirt holding a knife. Definitely not a good image for Clay but what really killed me is that everyone blamed him for brining a knife to the dance when Diego and his boys literally planted it for him to take! Once again 13 Reasons Why forgets its own plot for more drama.

Favorite Character This Season: Charlie St. George

While Charlie might not be my all-time favorite character, he definitely earned the prize of being my favorite character this season.

Charlie was the one character this season who was actually there for everyone around him and wasn’t consumed with his own issues. In fact, Charlie is so selfless that he chose to get involved with all their drama last season when he didn’t need to but did anyway because he knew it was the right thing to do.

As for this season, well Charlie continued to out do himself. He helped Justin hold the football team accountable when they were being dicks. He made sure Jess was getting the team’s undivided attention during her speech. He tried to help Tony decide on what to do about Tyler’s gun pictures during the lockdown and he even calmed Alex down during one of his anxiety attacks. Not to mention, he researched Alex’s TBI so that he’d know what to expect and how to handle any issues that may arise from it. His helpfulness didn’t stop there. He also tried to be there for Clay and for Justin during the season. And he even went as far as tracking down Zach and forcing him to go see Justin in the hospital when he was dying.

If all that doesn’t prove that he’s the best character than I don’t know what will.

He also had the best coming-out moment and literally ruled the prom with Alex as his date.

So yeah, Charlie was the best.

Favorite Character Of The Series: Justin Foley

Since this is the final season, I also wanted to speak about my favorite character of the entire show: Justin Foley. If you read my other post this should come as no surprise that Justin is my ride-or-die character.

Justin is my favorite character because he has one of the best character arcs of the entire series (if you ignore the final episode and is horrible fate). In the first season he was this angry and broken kid who was so distraught with guilt that he turned to the streets for some kind of relief and eventual revenge. Thankfully, Clay and Tony were there to save him and the Jenson’s were kind enough to offer him a home when he had no where else to turn.

Sure, Justin still struggled with his addiction but he tried and fought so damn hard to get better. Relapse is part of the recovery process and if you recall, most of the times Justin relapsed were do in part to major things happening in his life, like his biological mother’s overdose which lead to her death.

Despite all the things against him, Justin finally got help this season and was on the path to recovery. He was thriving in school, had a college acceptance letter in his hands, and was finally happy. All Justin ever wanted to do was live and he constantly tried to do that.

As you know from my character thoughts post, I was completely devastated when he died. It’s been a week and I’m still not over it. I honestly feel like I lost someone I knew in real life.

Despite his ill fitted and unnecessary ending, Justin Foley had the best character development of this group. He was the one character who deserved to live more than anything. In my head, he’s alive and thriving in college while having regular FaceTime dates with Jess.

Least Favorite Character This Season: Winston

Avoiding the obvious answers like Bryce and Monty, who I hate with my entire being, I’ve decided that Winston is my least favorite character of season 4.

I mentioned this in my other post but I’m going to say it again, Winston is nothing more than a knock-off Clay who doesn’t have half the heart that Clay Jenson has.

I can’t get behind Winston because his entire character is rooted in being a rapist apologist because he “loved” Monty. Obviously, I don’t think Winston is a terrible person but I do think something is wrong with him since he is able to have feelings for Monty despite knowing all the terrible and hurtful things he did to people. I mean Mrs. Walker couldn’t look her own son in the eyes after learning everything he did and you’re telling me that Monty can turn a blind eye to it because he’s in love. I call bullshit.

I didn’t feel like Winston’s actions this season were rooted in good like Clay’s were. I think every relationship he formed with the core group was made because he wanted to get information out of them.

The only good thing Winston did was not turn Alex in for killing Bryce. In my opinion, though, that doesn’t redeem him for spending the entire season trying to seek revenge for Monty.

Favorite Couple This Season: Alex and Charlie

Let’s be honest, 13 Reasons Why doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to relationships. Even the most iconic and shippable couples on the show are problematic. Which is why I was so shocked and proud when the writers finally decided to show a happy and healthy relationship, between two boys to top it all off!

While I’ll admit, I had been hoping that Alex would end up with Zach this season I am 110% sold that he was destined to be with Charlie. As I’ve said before and in this very post, Charlie is so caring and attentive to Alex that you can tell his feelings are completely authentic and he has no ulterior motive for wanting/choosing to be with Alex.

In fact, if you watch the third season carefully, you’ll notice that Charlie had taken an interest in Alex during that season. It just wasn’t as prominent on the screen. Perhaps, that’s part of the reason Charlie decided to get involved with this group. And once he found out Alex was the one who needed saving he jumped into action to plant Bryce’s tape on Monty. But that might be my brain stretching.

Regardless, Charlie and Alex are the perfect teenage couple and the by far the healthiest couple of this entire show. They’re there for each other, they celebrate each other’s victories (even if Alex doesn’t always understand them) and their love is unconditional.

These two may be Prom Kings but they’re also Kings of healthy relationships.

Favorite Couple Of The Series: Justin and Jess

Even though Alex and Charlie are the healthiest couple and by far my favorite this season, I can’t help but continue to ship Jess and Justin.

Now listen, these two are not a couple that should be idolized. They’re extremely toxic at times and they are way too dependent on each other. Not to mention, the origins of their relationship are complex and for some, immensely problematic. And yet, here I am stanning this couple because they’re so made for each other.

Part of what makes Justin and Jess work is that they understand each other, even when they don’t always want to. They both have been in each others shows. They both know what it’s like to be at rock bottom and to climb out on top. Beyond that, they’re (usually) always there for each other or at least are cheering each other on in some way.

Was Jess wrong this season to lash out as Justin when he told her he needed to focus on herself? Absolutely. But Justin was also in the wrong a few seasons ago when he didn’t fight to help Jess enough. Regardless of their issues and arguments, these two are always finding their way back to each other.

I loved that Justin went to Jess’s aide during the lockdown. Sure, it took Diego being an ass to get him there but I’m pretty sure he would have went regardless. Frankly I’m convinced that Justin was texting Jess during the lockdown before he even went down to see her. And, despite everything going on, in that moment they felt safe, because they were together.

I love that Justin, even though he was jealous of Diego, never really made it an issue — or at least, a major issue. When Zach is trying to rile him up at the Valentine’s Day dance Justin reminds him that Jess doesn’t belong to him. It’s the smallest thing but it a sign that he loves and respects Jess enough to let her be on her own. In fact, I’d argue that the real issue he has with Jess seeing Diego is that Diego is a complete dick to Clay and is obsessed with finding out the truth about Monty.

I love that Jess is (almost) always there for Justin. Should she have pulled him out of the alleyway when she finds him doing drugs again? Absolutely, but I think her choosing to walk away was an extremely hard decision for her to make. And I’m glad their story didn’t end there. I absolutely loved Jess’s speech to Justin at the prom. And the scene of them in the hospital completely wrecked me. Hearing Jess say that Justin taught her to love when he was still convinced he ruined her life was seriously the most heartbreaking thing ever.

As I said, I’m pretending these two are living a happy and healthy life because that’s what they deserve.

Complaints:

13 Reasons Why is strongest when the cast is together and supporting each other. Unfortunately this season everything felt disjointed, especially these characters relationships with each other. Alex and Jess had barely any scenes together despite committing a murder together. Zach was messy the entire season and acting very out of character. And no one cared enough to help him. Alex did try but it didn’t feel like enough, or maybe Zach was just too stubborn to accept it. The golden trio (Clay, Justin, and Jess) had little to no scenes until the end which hurt me to my core. I felt like Justin was missing from the first half of the season and then when he did get more time on screen he was literally dying. Clay and Tony barely had any scenes together and seemed annoyed with each other. Tyler was basically on his own this season – at least he had Estella. I guess I had higher hopes that our core group would be stronger than ever but that simply wasn’t the case and I’m upset about it.

My other major problem this season was the show’s need to try to be a psychological thriller. I fully support them wanting to show Clay’s deteriorating mental state and I found it interesting that they chose to go the disassociating route but I am not a fan of how they did it. I felt like the writers forgot the genre of their show. As I mentioned above, I also hated the football team using their phones to torment Clay. It was stupid and unoriginal.

Another issue I had this season was the fact that both Ani and Zach out Alex to different people. In Ani’s case she outed Alex to Clay by confessing that she caught him making out with Winston in the hallway during the dance. As for Zach, he outed Alex to almost all of their friends during the senior camping trip after learning that Alex broke up with Winston. While neither of them outed Alex with malicious intent, it was still wrong. I would have liked to see Alex confront them about it, at some point.

I absolutely hated and was disgusted at the fact the show tried to portray both Clay and Zach as people who would rape unconscious women who were unable to consent. I will never forgive the writers for that. It literally served no purpose and completely went again both of their characters.

I also found it extremely random and unneccesary that Clay hooks up with Valerie, Sheriff Diaz’s daughter, at that party. I don’t care that he hooked up with someone but because it was the daughter of the Sheriff I wanted that to be a bigger moment. I was waiting and expecting Sheriff Diaz to find out and flip out on Clay but that never happened. As it stands now, the only purpose that scene had was to inform us that Sheriff Diaz did have a family which would make his speech to Alex’s dad at the end of the season make sense.

I also wasn’t a fan of Monty and Bryce’s presence this season. Both of them already got their moments in the spotlight we didn’t need to see them again. They were monsters who don’t deserve any sort of redemption or yet another attempt of a redemption arc. I also found it extremely peculiar that Clay was the one that was seeing them. As I’ve said before, Clay wasn’t the one who came up with the idea to frame Monty so I wasn’t totally sure why he felt so guilty. I also hated that they gave Jess another scene with ghost Bryce at the end instead of having her see ghost Justin. If anyone deserved to be in that final scene where they’re burying Hannah’s tapes it was Justin. After all, he’s where the story began.

Speaking of the final scene, I felt it odd that they decided to bring Courtney and Ryan back. If they were going to reunite the entire tape crew where were Marcus and Sheri? Even though they weren’t prominent in the episode I felt their screen time could have been given to one of the other core characters instead.

Another minor thing, I missed the smooth transitions in and out of scenes that 13 Reasons Why always seemed to nail. I know they were mainly used when the story was switching from past and present but I truly missed them this season. Everything felt harsh and jagged and I wasn’t a fan.

Lastly, and this one is going to be obvious. I hated that they killed Justin. There was no reason for his death. There was no hint that he was the one who was going to die. It was unnecessary and a last ditch attempt to be controversial and shocking. I’m not over it and I’ll never be over it.

Praise:

Most of the things I’m going to write here I’ve said elsewhere so I apologize for any repetition.

As I said above, one of my favorite things about this season was Alex and Charlie’s coming out scenes. Something I have yet to mention though, is that I love how Alex turned to Tony when he was still in the midst of questioning his sexuality. It was a really sweet moment and it showcased Tony and Alex’s friendship. I also love that Tony answered the question without questing Alex on why he was asking. Tony could have asked Alex if he was questioning his sexual identity or something else but he chose not to because it’s not his place.

Speaking of Tony, I adored the scene with his father when Caleb told him about Tony’s college opportunity. Tony was so adamant on turning it down because he wanted to keep the auto shop going and to hear his father tell him that Tony is his dream was heartwarming. I think we all knew that his father just wants what is best for Tony but to hear him say it was important.

I did like the scene where the tape crew was reunited. It felt very full circle but I think they should have burned the tapes instead of burying them. I swear to god, if in 10 years this show gets a reboot because someone finds the tapes I’m going to die. I was a bit confused though since it didn’t appear that all the tapes were in the box. And I still think Justin should have been a part of it in some way. After all, he was the start of the tapes. Bryce may have brought them all together in a twisted way, but without Justin they wouldn’t have existed either.

Everything considered, I’m glad we did get to see Jess and Justin together in the end. To me they are endgame — even though Diego tries to get Jess to date him right after Justin’s death. I’ll cherish the prom scene and even the scenes in the hospital forever.

Also regarding Justin’s fate, I loved his final scene with Clay. The series spends so much time trying to get us to believe that Justin found a brother in Bryce, but I never bought it. Justin’s only brother was Clay and that essay proved that. It was so heartfelt and sad and I loved it. I also love that Clay admits to Justin that he doesn’t know how to go on without him but Justin assures him that he does.

I also did like the ending scene with Clay and Tony, even though in my perfect world it was Clay and Justin driving off to college together. It was a nice full circle moment. Although, I will admit my anxiety was through the roof because I seriously thought they were going to get into an accident. After all, it is 13 Reasons Why.

Lastly, I want to discuss the final scene at the police station between Alex’s dad and Sheriff Diaz. I spent a lot of this season and last season hating Sheriff Diaz but he certainly redeemed himself in that moment. There’s no doubt in my mind that he realized that Alex was the one who killed Bryce. And yet, he understood that Alex is a good kid who doesn’t deserve to be in jail. He understood that Bryce and Monty were both monsters. He knew that if the truth got out Alex’s dad would fall apart. His speech about putting family before his job was important and impactful.

As I’ve said, of all the shitty things this show has done the one thing they actually got right was letting Alex walk free. I never would have forgiven them if they had sent Alex to jail. After all, he’s not a monster he’s the hero of the story.

* * *

I still have mixed feelings about the final season and I think I will for the rest of time. Had they not have killed Justin I feel like I would have felt a lot better about the conclusion of the show. But if 13 Reasons Why has taught me anything its that life is not fair and that we cannot let tragedy dictate our entire lives. We must live (and continue watching questionable television shows).

You can stream the final season of 13 Reasons Why on Netflix.

What did you think of the final season of 13 Reasons Why? What was your favorite and least favorite episode? Who do you ship? Are you happy with the ending? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting me @3RsBlog.

Featured Image Source: Netflix

#13 reasons why #13rw #clay jenson #Justin Foley #jessica davis #Alex Standall #charlie st. george #reviews #review

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teaandgames · 5 years

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A Shameful Review of Enter The Gungeon (2016)

I haven’t beaten Enter The Gungeon yet. It’ll happen, sooner or later, when the stars align. It’s my personal roguelike philosophy. Play the game enough and you get the timings down for everything and then you get that one perfect run and everything snaps into place. The perfect guns, items, plenty of health. Boom, boss done. Of course, the game has to be fun enough to justify the repeated failed runs.

Enter The Gungeon certainly ticks that box. It’s one of the smoothest roguelikes I’ve played in a long time and has enough fresh twists on the format to help it stand out, alongside its unique aesthetic. It also has cute little bullet enemies that make tragic squeaking noises when they die. While it does suffer from the usual bugbears of the genre, it has the best quality of all: mistakes feel like your fault. And when I do beat that final (which means it's absolutely not the final) boss, it’ll be all the sweeter because of it.

Enter the Gungeon is all about the guns. How could it not be with a name like that? We’re on Gunymede, a planet of sentient bullets, investigating a dungeon that was destroyed by a giant bullet to find a particular gun. Guns, guns, guns. How I mocked when this game was first announced at E3. Using guns to shoot weird, sentient bullets? Pish-posh. Well, I can report that my words taste awful. I’m really enjoying my time with Enter the Gungeon. And part of that is down to what I was previously mocking.

Bullets as enemies is nice and unique and is a great showcase of functional design, for the most part. Shotgun shell enemies fire in a shotgun spread, for example. ‘Course that’s where that ends, as the later enemies are quite different, but it’s neat. It’s also quite bright and colourful throughout. It’s a pleasant game to look at, with all the floors looking visually distinct. It’s not shy on splashing around colour, too. It also hides some serious depth beneath its cute exterior. For one thing, there’s a staggering range of guns to go along with the variety of enemies.

These are hit and miss, of course. When you have such a range of items, some are going to fall flat. The T-Shirt cannon comes to mind. Slow firing, doesn’t do a great amount of damage. It’s just a T-Shirt cannon. It can be quite disheartening to use a key and get that out of it. Still, that’s the cursed roguelike dice at work, which can sink many a promising run. You can use skill to overcome it, of course, but it means that the graph of fun per run is all over the damn place. That’s a problem with the genre, though, not Enter the Gungeon specifically.

Enter the Gungeon does work hard to try and overcome that. There’s a few elements that give skill the edge over luck. You can dodge roll for one thing, which helps immensely. It’s a better roll than the one found in Moonlighter, too. It’s fast but not a get out of jail free card. If you roll into a bullet, you’re getting hit. Combined with that are the tables. Seems a rather underwhelming addition but it’s actually straight out of an action film. You can roll over to them, flip them up and then shoot around them. Admittedly, it looks less badass when you have a corgi bounding after you and the enemies are a bunch of squeaking bullets.

Which brings me on to the characters. There are four to start with, the Marine, the Hunter, the Pilot and the Convict. I predominantly roll the Pilot because he has lockpicks that go some way towards breaking the reliance on keys. He’s also a handsome smooth talker that gets lower prices at the shop. We play who we cannot be, after all. It’s a good selection of skills across the board and there’s potential to unlock more. I say potential because, well, haven’t beaten the final boss.

All of this contributes to some of the best roguelike gameplay I’ve seen in a while. It combines all the different facets and somehow makes it into one cohesive whole. It’s split into seperate rooms, enemies use bullet hell mechanics and it’s very item focused. But the dodge roll, the tables and the ammo mechanic (we’re using guns after all) add an extra level of skill. Others in the genre, most notably The Binding of Isaac, make or break a run on their items. That’s still here, true, but it has a few more tools to help you get around it.

It’s worth mentioning that Enter the Gungeon operates at a high difficulty, particularly on the fourth level. You need perfect dodges and well aimed shots; there’s very little spray and pray here. That gives it quite a high skill floor. It’s not the game to play for an entry into the genre. Check out the gentler ones before checking in here. I’ve played a lot, for example, and it still kicks my arse (which admittedly means very little).

If you can knock through that floor though, you’ll find a charming game with a great sense of humour. The item descriptions are usually jokes or references and it knows how to have a laugh. Even the bosses fall into that category, seeing as one of them is called ‘Cannonbalrog’. ‘Guns in the Deep’, indeed. But underneath this funny, charming exterior beats a well-crafted but brutal heart. While the problems of the genre do nip at its heels, it’s done better than most at escaping them. Past me has an entire box of eggs on his face. Enter the Gungeon is fantastic. Pros -Great aesthetic and design -Core gameplay is smooth and great -Good variety of enemies and guns -Surprisingly nice soundtrack Cons -Quite a few misses in the gun range -Has the usual RNG bugbears Enter the Gungeon Developer: Dodge Roll Publisher: Devolver Digital Release Date: April 5th 2016 Play it on: Windows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch Played on: Windows

#Enter the Gungeon #review #Article #Gaming #Video Games #Tea And Video Games #Roguelike #Windows #Mac #Linux #PlayStation 4 #Xbox One #Nintendo Switch

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taste-in-music · 5 years

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It’s been four years, so let’s talk about LOVE + FEAR!

MARINA dropped the diamonds and came back swinging with her fourth studio album, a two part experience built around the concept that all positive emotions stem from LOVE and all negative emotions stem from FEAR. Up until this point, I’ve heard the LOVE side of the album, but I thought that I would give my thoughts on each song on the record, as well as my overall consensus. There are sixteen songs, so sit back, grab a snack, listen along to the album with me if you want, and let’s dive right in.

LOVE

Handmade Heaven

I 👀 ENVY 😑 THE BIRDS 🦅, HIGH UP IN THE 🌲 TREES 😊

I’ve talked before about how much I love this song, so I’ll try not to say to much

the production on this song is so lush, with the trilling flutes, pianos, gently tapping cymbals, and explosion at the chorus. this song just feels so grand and larger than life. we stan this production

this is definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album, if not the strongest

Superstar

I’m not going to lie, this isn’t one of my favorite tracks. I think the lyrics are kind of flat (despite this song having four writers,) and the production just doesn’t do that much for me

however, I do like the sparkly and fun drop, and, as always, MARINA’s vocals

Orange Trees

I’m just in love with those “🍊𝓸𝕆𝖔๏ⓞ𝓸𝕆𝖔๏range 𝓸𝕆𝖔๏ⓞ𝓸𝕆𝖔๏range🍊” riffs

this is definitely a bop. it makes me want to sprawl out on a beach so damn badly

I can see this song getting giant this summer. I hope it does, it’s the kind of song we need on the radio right now

this song makes me want to jet set to Greece

Baby ft. Clean Bandit & Luis Fonsi

you know what? some people I’ve seen in the MARINA fandom don’t like this song because they think it’s “basic” or “too mainstream,” but I don’t mind it at all

Clean Bandit’s production is sharp as hell here, the Latin influences like the guitar and beat in the instrumental help it stand out from the rest of MARINA’s discography and also make me want to dance. I don’t mind Fonsi’s presence either, I think he and MARINA have pretty good vocal chemistry

especially that chrous! say it doesn’t slap, I dare you

I can understand the critique that this song doesn’t really fit in the with the flow of the album, I don’t mind its presence here. if anything, it’s a refreshing switch up

Enjoy Your Life

this does work as a song to listen to if you just need to feel better

I don’t know if this was intentional, but the way the lyrics are written kind of make it seem like the song’s message is to just sit back and enjoy your life despite anything wrong that might be going on. I get what this is trying to communicate, but you don’t necessarily have to “sit back and enjoy your problems” and “might as well accept” your lot if you’re unhappy. you just have to be proactive and work to fix whatever it is you’re unhappy with. I don’t believe MARINA is saying that you should be passive and just let anything happen to you, I just think this song would hit a little harder if it mentioned how you can go about improving and enjoying your life

True

the chorus of this song low key goes hard as fuck, it’s so damn catchy

nothing much else to say about this song

To Be Human

the imagery in these lyrics really elevate this song. little details like the “gold leaf” on the buildings, “Lenin's body lying dead" in the Red Square, and the village “where [her] father’s from” are just beautiful.

more great lines! “the missiles and the bombs sound like symphonies gone wrong,” “and if there is a god, they will know why it’s so hard to be human”

“Savages” may have been MARINA roasting humanity, but this song is her appreciating it. while this song might not have quite the biting, poetic wit of “Savages,” it still has some of the sharpest writing on this album

End Of The Earth

that vocal processing at the start of the song might only last a handful of seconds, but I really like it

also, those dark synths are great

this song has a more entrancing atmosphere, and works as an interesting transition track from LOVE to FEAR

FEAR

Believe In Love

the synthy bassline at the start of this song is giving me major Grimes vibes

the restrained and almost whispered vocal delivery is a nice change of pace form the LOVE portion of the album, but some of the vocal processing messes with MARINA’s rich tone and it’s kind of annoying. just let her sing, she has a great voice!

I love how the lyrics of the songs link together the themes of love and fear, like the final line in the chorus: “losing you is what I'm afraid of, I need to believe in love”

Life Is Strange

yesss, violins! and tambourine?

we’re dipping back into those sweeping themes of humanity and human nature, like on To Be Human and Savages

“is it ever gonna be enough to love another and be loved?” IS THAT A MOWGLI’S ROAD REFERENCE I HEAR??! cuckoo bitches! (I guess she really does envy the birds high up in the trees)

“seems like everybody's having the best time of their lives but we don't know what's going on at any given time” is a big fat schmood

still, I wish the lyrics went more in depth here, like there were more specific details or music on why things are the way that they are

You

I’m sensing another tropical beat here

this is a real treat if you’re listening with headphones. that vocal warping on the “you”s in the background are fun

I wish that this drop had more oomph to it. it feels kind of like an anti-climax

the flowing feel of this song is nice. if I had one word to describe this song it would be “nice.” it’s not too over the top or surprising but I don’t hate it either

Karma

some more Latin-y guitars like the ones on Baby, as well as some hi-hats? I’m excited to see how this song builds

this song is giving me flashbacks to The Family Jewels with the “oh my god” and Electra Heart with the “heartbreaker” name drop.

something about those “doubt doubt doubts” remind me of the DJ Snake remix of “You Know You Like It” by AlunaGeorge. on that note, what the heck ever happened to AlunaGeorge?

this song is very melodically satisfying, especially the chorus, but I still can’t help but feel like this song is missing something. maybe harder-hitting percussion? some bass? I can’t quite put my finger on it

I still like that there’s some more sass on this track, with the vocal delivery and in the lyrics

Emotional Machine

everyone’s been shitting their pants over this song, so I’m excited to hear it for the first time

that “I’m a ,-*'^'~*-.,_,.-*~ må¢hᵢïᶦᶦᶦᶦᶦᶦᶦᶦiᵢñê,-*'^'~*-.,_,.-*~ ” really threw me for a loop and it’s fucking great there’s that MARINA weirdness I know and love!

Too Afraid

I don’t really have anything to say about this song. it’s fine, but there isn’t anything that special about it

the lyrics are kind of relatable, at least. with the idea of being afraid to open up in a relationship and be vulnerable

No More Suckers

everyone has also been shitting their pants over this song, but in a less enthusiastic way than with “Emotional Machine.” let’s pray this is an underrated bop

I like those peppering piano notes in the background, it’s very summery and fun

the instrumental reminds me of “Cheap Thrills” by Sia a little bit?

“you eat all of my food” and “you mess up all my towels” made me laugh out loud. are these suckers just really bad house guests? it kind of plunges so far into the valley of ridiculous that it rebounds back to being great

at least there’s a bit more sass and personality on this track

I don’t see why people dislike this. it’s about on par with the other songs on the album so far, at least for me

Soft To Be Strong

her vocals on this track are so lovely and delicate

“I choose to love you without fear, no shame in being sincere” is a really good lyric, I appreciate its sentiment

the way the production builds up near the end allows the song to gain more momentum, especially with those echoing background vocals and prominent drums. there’s some of that oomph I was looking for

My Thoughts Summarized: I’m all for artists evolving with their sound. Of course somebody who has been in the game as song as MARINA is going to sound different now then when she did back in 2010 with The Family Jewels when she was in her early twenties, and she has every right in the world to make the music that she wants to and that makes her happy. But something about a majority of the songs on this album don’t invoke the enthusiasm that I have for songs of hers on other albums. One of the qualities of MARINA’s that I especially admire is her strong lyricism, and the lyrics on some of these songs just fell a little flat for me, not going into detail or being clever with their wordplay. Along with that, the production on all the songs never really goes there, if you know what I mean. I was expecting a little bit more experimentation or change-ups in sound as the album progressed, and I didn’t really get that. As always, MARINA’s vocals are great throughout the entirety of the album. I just love how complex and unique her voice is, and I’m convinced she could sing “Happy Birthday” and have it sound amazing. To me, the best tracks are Handmade Heaven and To Be Human, which showcase strong writing and grander-scale production.

slay goddess aslhldghsdklgda

Overall, LOVE + FEAR is a pretty standard pop album. It’s not my personal favorite in MARINA’s discography, but there are some standout tracks and moments that will stick with you after every listen. What did you think of LOVE + FEAR? Agree or disagree? Comment or reblog with your thoughts, I’m excited to hear what you think.

#music #album review #MARINA #LOVE + FEAR #taste in music

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animebw · 6 years

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Short Reflection: Pop Team Epic

Some of you might remember my binge of Daily Lives of High School Boys from a little ago (If you haven’t and want to check it out, here you go). It was a variety show based around a bunch of loosely-connected comedy skits with the only real purpose to make the viewer laugh, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But something about the show’s sense of humor never clicked with me the way it wanted to, and as I discuss during that watch-along, I think it comes down to the fact that the show fuses typical skit scenarios with a weird sort of anti-comedy meta sensibility, and the disparate elements don’t fit comfortably. I kept longing for more traditional setup-punchline gags that the scenarios seemed to be implying, but they instead tended to lapse into utter absurdity without ever really breaking the constraints of their grounded premises, aiming for the best of both worlds and finding neither. In my opinion, absurdist comedy works best when the scenarios and ideas it explores are equally bizarre and outlandish as the unconventional joke structures and payoffs, so that the utterly jarring attention and tonal shifts feel right at home as opposed to unwelcome guests.

Anyway, all this rambling prelude is to say that Pop Team Epic was what I wanted Daily Lives to be, and the result is pretty damn entertaining.

Pop Team Epic is a variety comedy show of the same nature as Daily Lives, but with one key difference: there is absolutely no grounding in reality at all. It’s nothing but batshit insanity, ranging from extended movie/genre riffs to deep-cut nerdy references to a series of rotating returning bits and more, and all of it is delivered in the most fittingly bizarre and unexpected way possible. The schoolgirls Popuko and Pipimi are the one constant throughout all the bits, but even their characterizations and relationship to each other are in constant flux. It’s an excuse to throw literally every idea the creative team had at the wall and see what sticks. And while not every joke lands, they come at a fast enough pace that I was never left lacking at least a chuckle for too long. And yes, the way these jokes are structured is always nonsensical. Punchlines come too early or not at all, some setups never pay off, some payoffs are never set up, and there was at least one running bit (the purposefully shitty-Flash-animation-tier garbage Bob Team Epic) where the entire joke seemed to be as visually repulsive as humanly possible. But because we’ve abandoned any pretense of this show taking place in reality, the weird, anti-comedy meta stuff feels right at home, and as a result, the experience of trying to figure out whether a particular joke “worked” or not ends up being just as much a part of the gag as everything else.

What really helps keep it all together is that beyond the million different levels of crazy, there’s some genuine imagination and creativity going into this production. So many different animation styles are experimented with, and all of them are done well. The frequent fourth-wall breaks into the real world never just relied on the fact that they were, in fact, fourth wall breaks to carry the joke; they always went some extra mile into showcasing some really damn impressive technique or another. There was one such bit where two guys told a story entirely through the flipbook storyboards of an imaginary anime episode, and the obvious painstaking effort undertaken to figure out how those flipbooks would be designed had my jaw on the goddamn floor. Not to mention that this show probably has the best handle on its place in the cultural zeitgeist of any show I’ve seen, as its frequent callouts to its viewer base seem to perfectly predict how the modern anime audience would receive and interact with this kind of show. This was not a product of laziness and hack writing; this came from a team of adventurers and experimenters who were allowed to go as wild as they wanted to, and the results are really something to behold.

I don’t think Pop Team Epic is a masterpiece, or really any kind of enduring cultural icon. It’s basically a melting pot for a million different creative voices to just be creative, a patchwork tapestry of the modern age’s collective stream of consciousness, to be disseminated into a thousand memes of Twitter as its lasting legacy. But it definitely made me laugh more often than not, and sometimes, that’s all that matters. Pop Team Epic earns from me a score of:

6/10

Oh, also, I appreciated the chance to test how well my French holds with the Japon Mignon segments. That was fun. Cheers!

#anime #the anime binge-watcher #tabw #poputepipikku #pop team epic #winter 2018 sr

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doctorwhonews · 6 years

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The Eighth Doctor: The Time War Series 2

Latest Review: Writer: Timothy X Atack, Guy Adams, Jonathan Morris Director: Ken Bentley Featuring: Paul McGann, Rakhee Thakrar, Nicholas Briggs, Jacqueline Pearce Big Finish Release (United Kingdom): Released July 2018 Running Time: 5 hours The Time War continues in the latest Eighth Doctor boxset from Big Finish, and it is another effort that showcases just how good Big Finish continues to be when the passion is there. I get the sense that the Monthly Range doesn't have the same passion and excitement it once had from those working on it, while the bigger scope and chance to truly expand on a topic that comes with the boxsets still has a flame of passion ignited. Admittedly, I don't listen to the Monthly Range as much as I used to, so I could be wrong, but this just seems to be an impression I can't shake. But this boxset keeps my hopes for the company continuing to release exciting stuff for some time alive. ****THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**** In The Lords of Terror, The Doctor takes Bliss to her homeworld, but they find it has already been ravaged by the time war. Instead of the home, Bliss remembers, her city is now encased in a dome, and it seems to be a dystopian nightmare. While the front story is that the Daleks attacked and they have protected themselves and are building a retaliation rocket in order to wipe out the Daleks, the Doctor soon discovers that it is even more nefarious. I rather loved what this story does with the Time War arc. It seems that the Time Lords are actually behind this plan, and they haven’t created one dome and one rocket, they have turned the entire planet into a missile production plant, with every city put into a dome and forced into slavery to create a rocket...all in the name of winning the war. The second episode (Planet of the Ogrons) has the Doctor and Bliss recruited by the the Twelve (a regenerated and more stable version of the Eleven), and an Ogron who believes himself to be the Doctor. They head to the Ogron homeworld, where a mad genius Dalek with hybrid DNA is performing crazy genetic experiments. While I certainly enjoyed this episode, it felt slightly less engaging after the killer of an opening episode. That said, it does still have a lot of fun to offer. For the third story, In the Garden of Death, we have the very familiar trope of the Doctor and friends locked up in jail with missing memories. I feel like the Eighth Doctor has been in this predicament before. Despite the well-worn territory, it isn't half bad. I like the places it takes the Twelve, and the idea that while in the prison camp no one can remember their captors, and only when taken for interrogation do they recall the Daleks. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that though I only just listened to the story, much of it has already faded from my brain. It is certainly an enjoyable listen, it just doesn't leave much of an impact. Jonah closes out the set, and it is a tense submarine thriller in which the Doctor is Captaining a sub in a body of water in which no time travel can take place...and beneath the waters a mythological creature that can see every possible outcome of the future, and that is a beast that neither the Daleks nor the Time Lords should get their hands on. I rather liked this story and felt it was a great closer to the set, and it is about as strong as the opening story, at least more so than the two stories that bridge them. While I can't say that the second and third stories are perfect, they are still rather engaging and fun, and with opening and closing stories that really are top notch, it is rather easy to recommend this set. I don't even want to come down to hard on the two lesser stories, because I still think they work in the long run. Even so, no matter what the first and fourth episodes are really great episodes of Doctor Who, and McGann is giving his usual quality performance throughout the set. Julia McKenzie should also get special notice for her turn as the Twelve, doing a great job running with what Mark Bonnar began as The Eleven. I have a soft spot for anything McGann or the Eighth Doctor, but I also think this set is worth the continued exploration of the Time War (and the weird ramifications of such a strange type of war), and Big Finish always put their all into these box sets, even the weaker stories have something to offer. Recommended. http://reviews.doctorwhonews.net/2018/07/the_eighth_doctor_the_time_war_series_2.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

#Eighth Doctor #Time War #Big Finish #Audio #{s{BFTheTimeWar02}}

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teamwoah · 3 years

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Where Have You Been, Neon Signs, and The place Are You Going?

Lots of gurus in the lights subject imagine that the all round outlook for neon signage would seem to be really optimistic. Neon symptoms have a history of a hundred years of productive use in advertising. If there were being no neon indicators metropolitan areas and towns would be darker spots and the neon indicator market would stop to exist, but that is not very likely to happen.Let us start off with some basic data about neon this kind of as why it really is made use of, uses other than promotion, wherever it is really made use of in this article and in other international locations, neon signage all-around the world, and so considerably a lot more. Everyone is aware of its most important use is for advertising and that’s what keeps the neon indicator sector going, but it has many other works by using that are useful to the public. Delight in viewing Television set? Neon is utilized in in tv tubes. Do you have a neon wall clock? Neon lights is use in the dwelling and in many businesses to improve and spotlight darkish locations. It is applied in gasoline lasers is employed to get rid of eye cataracts and for other professional medical problems. Many men and women have flown, but did you know this? It has been used in beacons and it has can be witnessed by pilots have seen it 20 miles absent when it was difficult for them to see other types of lights. Neon lights can be found via the fog. Quite a few tourists have discovered it pretty handy when hunting for a motel on a foggy night time. Neon does all this and extra.Even so, neon’s greatest and most broadly-known use is in neon symptoms. What tends to make it so helpful for indicators? There are two motives for this. Initially neon is a initial-level conductor of electrical energy, and next it has the astounding means to give off gentle that can be observed at fantastic distances. As really hard as it may perhaps be to feel neon technologies commenced in Europe in 1675. It really is not that neon signs had been invented then but just the thought that would mature into the present day neon indicator. In truth, weird as it may perhaps appear electricity was not even learned nonetheless. These two ideas designed independently due to the fact neither was dependent upon the other becoming in put.It wasn’t right until 1910 that in Paris a, man termed Georges Claude arrived up with the notion for neon signals. His first effort and hard work was a indication for a barber store in that city. How and when did they very first come to the United States. Earle Anthony, the owner of an automobile dealership in Los Angeles, seemingly read about neon signs and frequented Paris. The end result was two Packard neon indications which he obtained for $one,250. The year was 1923. The idea distribute quickly simply because each organizations and the public took keep of this new notion in advertising. Regular indication advertising was strike with the excellent explosion of neon indicators. These initially symptoms were being called “liquid fire” no question simply because of the vibrant purple light-weight they emitted seem to signify danger.The 1st indication that came to Las Vegas was a indication advertising a place termed the “Oasis Cafe Dwelling”. Who recognized then that the town would develop into one particular of the country’s two premiere neon signage showcases? It was a noteworthy party but couple individuals, gave a lot imagined other than that.When discussing neon signage in The usa the Las Vegas Strip(or “The Strip” as it is usually named) and New Yok City’s Periods Square are the rational starting up factors. It is effortless to see how they earned their titles. Both of those acquire millions of people each and every yr who look at neon displays that are virtually blinding. Las Vegas may well have an edge over Moments Sq. for the reason that it gets numerous far more website visitors because of its casinos who supply the city’s neon display screen. In comparison Periods Square signals are subject matter to extra regular modifications due to the point that companies in that

city modify typically when Las Vegas has casinos that are the mainstay of the city’s revenues and the casinos are generally in small business.The Las Vegas Strip is residence to a earth renowned iconic neon sign that was erected in 1959. The indication was the plan of Betty Willis, who worked for a nearby sign firm. The sign contained the words and phrases “WELCOME TO Magnificent LAS VEGAS NEVADA”. The indication was never copyrighted since Willis regarded it her present to the town. This signal is synonymous with the Metropolis of Las Vegas. The Willis signal is quantity a person on the checklist of the world’s 10 most spectacular neon signages. Las Vegas is also residence to the world’s largest neon indicator which carries the identify Hilton and is owned by the Hilton Resort Corporation. This sign was erected in 1996 and handles more than 70,000 feet, The Hilton title is 164 toes large and the letters are 28 feet higher. At a rate tag of about $nine billion it could quickly be termed the world’s most costly neon indicator.Moments Square obtained its initially neon sign in the mid-1920’s. The density of illuminated signals in Periods Square has achieved the level where by it truly is starting to give the Las Vegas Strip a run for its cash. This density is the result of the smaller size of Occasions Sq. as opposed to that of the Las Vegas Strip which runs for miles. In any circumstance both of those of these locations are filled with hundreds of indications.Turning our notice from these two neon showcases there are other sites in the Us that have notable neon indicators. Nevertheless, they are obviously not on the very same amount as the formerly outlined giants of neon signage. In Elk City, Oklahoma at the National Route 66 Museum proudly reveals the giant iconic Route 66 neon indication. The city of Saginaw, Michigan promises it has the major neon indication in the condition an d the largest figural signal in the nation. Figural neon symptoms display human beings and animals. This neon sign is 35 feet large and fifty feet lengthy.The record of the prime ten neon indicators in this region has many neon signs that are nationally acknowledged. Lots of of them are very long absent. Living Room Neon Signs They all as soon as brightened a city avenue. Number one is Boston which had its Schrafftt’s n sign which was a image of the company’s sweet and chocolate business. Second position on the checklist went to the “Vegas Vic” sign which was standing tall on the city’s Fremont Strees from 1951 to about 1995 when it was retired.In amount 3 posture is the Fantastic Grain Belt Bear indicator in Minneapolis which was employed a good many years since it was set up in 1940, and is now up for sale. Fourth is the Coppertone Woman indication that was erected on Miami’s Biscayne Boulevard to advertise the firm’s products, suntan lotion. It was a town landmark and was there from 1959 to the 1990’s. What created the sign so apparent was the puppy that was tugging on the minor girl’s bathing go well with. Subsequent on the checklist is the Skipping Female signal from Abbotsford, Australia. She was named”Small Audrey” and she marketed the Nycander Company’s merchandise, sugar. She was absent in 1968 but thanks to the public’s outrage at the decline of this landmark she was replaced by a duplicate in 1970. Portland, Oregon’s “Created in Oregon” indication which advertised sugar was erected in 1941. It was altered over the yrs and remained in position when the enterprise remaining the making in the 1950’s.The Westinghouse Company’s indicator in Pittsburgh to the variety seven location. It experienced been up considering the fact that the early 1920’s and was taken down in 1998. Using the variety eight place is the Magikist’s Enterprise of Chicago with its indication advertising and marketing carpets. The 41,four hundred pound lips on this indicator have been regarded as a metropolis landmark Nevertheless, all of the former neon symptoms stated are absent. The range 9 indicator, the Reno Arch in Reno, Nevada which was constructed in 1927 and

is however heading solid. Previous on the listing is the Traveler’s Insurance policies umbrella indication which can be uncovered in Des Moines, Iowa. It was designed in 1963 and however in procedure.No point out of neon signs would be entire without the need of which includes a list of the world’s 10 most impressive illustrations of neon signage. It really should be of no shock that range 1 on the checklist is the iconic WELCOME TO Fabulous LAS VEGAS, NEVADA neon signage. This is adopted by the Moments Square screen. Third place goes to Hong Kong’s fifteen moment full skyline light show, The upcoming spot belongs to Osaka’s Dotonbun signage which was the inspiration for the transfer, “The Blade Runner”. Shanghai’s Najinj Road will take place variety five with Tokyo’s Ginza and Shibuya occupying the variety six put. The Vegas Boneyard (the place old and iconic Las Vegas indicators are restored and displayed) is following. This is adopted by the signage displaying Classic Occasions Square neon indications from the 1920’s to the 1950’s.As for the past two on the record the Caesar’s Palace neon signage is in ninth place and Bankok’s soi cowboy street completes the record. It is fascinating to notice at this issue that at an earlier time London’s globe popular Piccadilly Circus would have most definitely come in in close proximity to the top of this record. It received what lots of have identified as the 1st neon sign to appear to Europe, a well known tender consume indication, which was changed a new version in 2003. Nevertheless, nowadays all of the neon signs in Piccadilly Circus are on a person creating with the names all being big international companies.Quite a few organizations have sprung up in all pieces of this state. Their goal to to collect, restore, and show previous classic neon and iconic neon signals. A single of these is the Neon Museum of Philadelphia which opened in 1983 and demonstrates neon signals from firms. The Neon Museum in Las Vegas has iconic neon signs from shut casinos and corporations. It has much more than one hundred fifty historic restored and non-restored neon indications. It is non-earnings and was established in 1996. The American Indication Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio was started in 1999 and is asid to have about 2,800 indications of all styles like neon. The Los Angeles Neon Museum opened its doors in 1981 with the intention of preserving old neon signs and other sorts of neon artwork. In a relevant vein a gallery and workshop termed Allow There Be Light opened up in New York City in 1972 to practice artists how to use neon.Soon after illuminated signal usage commenced in the United States other metropolitan areas followed even though at a a great deal slower tempo. Tokyo would seem to be one particular of the to start with towns outside the house of the United States to get them. They ended up mounted in a metropolis park in 1926. Australia’s very first a person appeared in a Melbourne suburb in 1930. Johannesburg, South Africa obtained its 1st just one in 1935. India didn’t get its initially a person till about 1940. Shanghai, China experienced to wait around right up until 1982 to get its 1st just one. Puskin Square in Moscow got its initial signal in 1989. It was a popular smooth drink indicator. Stockholm. Sweden received its initially a person close to 1936. On the other hand, Zurich Switzerland is reputed to have no neon indications.Even so, their are some metropolitan areas in the world that have banned the use of neon indications in just their jurisdictions. The Key Minister of Pakistan, trying to combat his countrys developing electric power dilemma, banned them and brightly-lit billboards. In January 2010 the town of Sao Paulo, Brazil, which is the world’s fourth premier town, banned them to try and quit its climbing air pollution difficulty. In the US in 1996 the town of Avon, Connecticut passed an ordinance banning the use of what they named exposed tubes, but neon indications encased in plastic had been alright to use. The town’s residents questioned the reasoning at the

rear of this ordinance. Extra just lately a ban against the manufacturing and sale of illuminated tubes has long gone into result in Vermont and Massachusetts with other states on the lookout to adhere to match. Illuminated tubes not employing mercury are permitted.The city of Madrid, Spain, has an ordinance that prohibits all illuminated signs in the city’s middle so as to decrease contamination, conserve strength, and to make the town a lot more aesthetically enjoyable. This ordinance handles all neon utilized in pharmacies, theater marquees, business enterprise signs, and bars. Madrid had had illuminated signs for about 70 a long time up to this level.The town of Duluth, Ga prohibits neon indications, and even nevertheless these indications are not prohibited in Mesa, Arizona the city’s existing day ordinances and guidelines weigh closely against the survival of illuminated indicators.Starting off in the 1960’s there was a movement in the United States and Canada in opposition to illuminated symptoms. The town of Vancouver banned the use of these signals on what at the time ended up brilliantly-lit streets which then became dim passageways that left the metropolis with a cold, heartless, search.Because we are chatting about neon indications it might be a great believed to get an idea about the neon indication business. In 2008 neon indicator business full revenues were being about $2.nine billion. The indication field, as a total, had revenues of about $eleven billion. At that time there have been some 35,00 indicator outlets, including illuminated indicator stores, in this state. These quantities have grown in thw succeeding many years.

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islamcketta · 6 years

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The recent “describe yourself like a male author would” meme is a reminder not just that there’s a whole lot of bad (read: thoughtless) writing out there, but that we love to apply categories to understand the world. This completely reasonable coping strategy for our overloaded brains comes with a danger, though, of not only dismissing some potentially great work because the author is male, but (more importantly) of failing to question and confront what’s expected of us as women writers. Don’t get me wrong, I love myself a rainy afternoon with the comforts of Austen and Wharton, but (brilliant as both are) it’s writers like Siri Hustvedt, Carmen Maria Machado, and Paige Cooper that are pushing me to be my best author (and self). Here’s a small subset of what they’re teaching me.

Smart is Sexy

I’ve long admired Hustvedt’s writing and was very excited when A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women arrived in time for a lengthy convalescence earlier this week. But the best thing I did for myself was to not read all 500 pages in one go. Instead, I’m going to savor her signature intelligence. So far I’ve read about the differences in modes of knowing between scientists and artists and the contextual coding (and unconscious bias) in how we view art which has led me to question everything about how I encounter arts of all kinds and to better appreciate the instinctual approach to my work that’s been evolving over the last decade.

Hustvedt wonderfully spans the line between wonky academic and literary powerhouse and though her essays are my favorite of her work, her fiction is flat out great, too. She has a keen eye for observing the world and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks, no matter how that sits with contemporary conversations.

I’m only 24 pages into A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women, but up next is an essay on Louise Bourgeois (one of my favorite artists!) and I can’t wait to savor every last word.

Louise Bourgeois at SFMOMA

Sexy is Sexy

If you haven’t already read “The Husband Stitch” by Carmen Maria Machado, do it now. It’s okay. I’ll wait.

Actually, I couldn’t wait, I went back and read it again, too, because this story, and the book it’s collected in, Her Body and Other Parties blew my fucking mind. Machado’s writing is very intelligent and beautiful, but the thing that stretched me in all the right ways is that it’s really unapologetically, lusciously sexy. So much so that when I shared “The Husband Stitch” with a friend at work, I had to go back and blushingly mention (for the sake of HR) that I’d forgotten just how sexy it is.

“That night, I wash myself. The silky suds between my legs are the color and scent of rust, but I am newer than I have ever been.” – Carmen Maria Machado, “The Husband Stitch”

It’s freeing to read this kind of writing, both as a writer and as a woman. There is enough lust in these stories to rival the wildest Harlequin, but it’s the combination of that lust with an achingly acute awareness of the constraints we are subjected to and that we subject ourselves to that makes Machado’s writing so astounding. Like Wharton she showcases society’s unwritten rules with lines like “scoffing is the first mistake a woman can make,” “pride is the second mistake,” and “being right was the third, and worst, mistake.” Also like Wharton, she shows us what happens when we refuse to obey. But unlike Wharton, Machado’s characters trample all over the rules and not only own the consequences of their rebellions but revel in the journeys and the outcomes.

I learned so much from the exactness of descriptions like “a crack that passes through her lip like she is dirt that has never known rain,” the ways Machado breaks the fourth wall, and most of all, from her willingness to morph form to suit her own purposes as with “Inventory.” Seemingly a catalogue of a woman’s lovers, this story unfolds to contain much, much more…

“One woman. Brunette. A former CDC employee. I met her at a community meeting where they taught us how to stockpile food and manage outbreaks in our neighborhoods should the virus hop the firebreak. I had not slept with a woman since my wife, but as she lifted her shirt I realized how much I’d been craving breasts, wetness, soft mouths. She wanted cock and I obliged. Afterward, she traced the soft indents in my skin from the harness, and confessed to me that no one was having any luck developing a vaccine.” – Carmen Maria Machado, “Inventory”

Machado is not writing genre fiction (whatever that is). She’s writing exactly what she wants in order to tell the right story at the right time.

Weird and Intense is Sexy, Too

Another writer who demolishes the prejudicial line between “genre” and “literary” fiction is Paige Cooper. The stories in Zolitude are dense, rich, and wildly intelligent. This is not a bedtime book (trust me), not only because of the often chilling plotlines, but because you won’t want to miss a single detail of Cooper’s intricately crafted stories lest you discover, too late, that the women you’re reading about have become animals (or that they always were).

Cooper’s stories cover a wide range of subjects, and she fully immerses herself in each. You’ll find a deeply detailed plan for the quotidian details of colonizing other planets in “Pre-Occupants.” “La Folie” upends stereotypes with the story of a white woman who’d been sold into slavery for the benefit of her sister and the lengths she’ll then go to in order to save that sister. And “Thanatos” takes us to the limits (I hope, though I’m not that dumb) of medical science with the stitching together of two bodies to form one (improved?) whole. There are also vampires, tortured (and torturing) geniuses, and a librarian.

All of these wild stories are wrapped in perfectly wrought and unusual images like “her hair is a trash tide over her head” and “he deletes truth like weather deletes history, imperfectly” paired with spot-on maxims like “it’s not heroism to crawl into someone’s grave with them.” The writing is sometimes sexy, always intelligent and intensely weird (in all the best ways).

I’ll admit I got lost in the density of Cooper’s pages. I liked it.

How a male author would describe any of these women probably depends on the male author. I won’t start pigeonholing them and I think I might finally be ready to stop pigeonholing myself, too. Let’s go write some cool shit.

To expand your view of women writers (or just read some really good work) pick up copies of A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women, Her Body and Other Parties, and Zolitude from Powell’s Books. Your purchase keeps indie booksellers in business and I receive a commission.

The post Carmen Maria Machado, Paige Cooper, Siri Hustvedt and What We Expect of Women Writers appeared first on A Geography of Reading.

#Lit #Books #USA & Canada #carmen maria machado #her body and other parties #paige cooper #siri hustv

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brerediddy · 6 years

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more than survive - chapter 7

Jeremy's second session with the SQUIP wasn't as tiring as the first, but he also hadn't done much in the realm of physicality. The man required that he bring his suit so that tests could be run on it. Part of the boy’s brain told him that this was a horrible, no good, very bad idea. What if the SQUIP decided to sabotage it, or something? Regardless of his concerns, the suit had been handed over. When his hesitance was showcased, the villain had simply reminded Jeremy of what - or rather, who - was on the line.

After the appointment was over, Jeremy took his suit back and decided to make up for the pit in his stomach with some good, old-fashioned, vigilante justice. He changed in an alley, leaving his clothes hidden behind a dumpster. Not the most hygienic place, but better than nothing.

The boy ventured out along rooftops and power lines. Dusk was setting in and encapsulating the city in a low, hazy light. The brightness of the buildings guided him along each street and he remembered why he loved protecting the city so much. He considered how it felt to get this view as often as he wanted, how beautiful the sunset was from the top of skyscrapers. How cool it was to find a car thief or a small-time robber and know instantly that he would win. That was an opportunity that most people would never get - and he had it constantly! Jeremy watched the city from one of his favorite spots, his legs dangling over the side of an indescribably tall building. He wasn't sure of what was inside the exterior, but he often saw lights flickering off and on at odd hours, so he assumed it was a business of some sort with overworking associates.

Jeremy wondered if he’d ever have an office job someday, if Spider-Man was really all there was for him. Not that the heroism wasn't enough but he surely couldn't keep it up forever. On second thought, he probably could. He figured that he was likely to die young anyway, what with his current track record. He considered the possibility of a future where he was just normal and for some reason, he couldn't picture it.

The boy was pulled from his thoughts as his phone rang. He jumped ever so slightly, tearing his eyes away from the streets. Michael was calling him. Jeremy pulled his mask up just enough to free his mouth of the muffled noise that the fabric could produce over the phone.

“Hey,” Michael’s voice greeted. “What's up?”

“Not a whole lot,” Jeremy said. He refocused his eyes on the pedestrians and cars and lights. “Just finishing up some homework.”

“C’mon, dude, it’s Saturday. Give yourself a night off,” the other boy chastised kindly. He cleared his throat and then added, “I was calling to see if you want to come over tomorrow. We could rent a movie, or something. I reorganized my room and it's no good if I can't show it off.”

“By ‘reorganized’, do you mean that you alphabetized your games and moved your record player off of your desk?” Jeremy gave a small laugh.

“How'd you know?” Michael spoke, his smile evident through the phone.

“You hate change, Michael Mell.” Jeremy pushed a pebble over the side of the building and watched it fall...and fall...and fall. “I would love to hang out with you tomorrow, though. You pick the movie and I’ll be there.”

“Great. Can't wait,” the taller boy said. “What homework do you have, anyway? I have nothing.”

“Make-up work from earlier this week,” Jeremy answered smoothly. As Michael responded, his eye caught movement down below. What was it? Guys messing around or something more? He observed the scene, one man chasing another, and his senses finally gave him some warning. A small tingle trailed along his spine.

“And Christine is so funny, did you know-”

“Michael, sorry, I have to go. I, um, I think my dad is calling me,” he said quickly. He stood up and brushed himself off, preparing for the confrontation.

“Oh, okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.” As the line went dead, Jeremy pocketed his phone and pulled his mask down. Time for some fun.

He swung down to the alleyway, making sure to be quiet. He wasn't sure if the attacker had a gun and there was nothing more important than the safety of the victim. As he lowered himself down, he could make out the situation. It was a typical mugging and the attacker didn't have a gun but rather held a knife. The other man was pressed against brick and looked panicked, his hand reaching into his pocket for what could only be assumed to be a wallet.

Jeremy cleared his throat loudly and planted his feet firmly on the ground a few feet away from them. “What's up, guys?”

“Spider-Man,” the victim gasped.

“Get out of here. This doesn't concern you,” the mugger spoke with a grumble.

“I mean, it kind of does.” He gestured to the spider symbol on his chest and said, “Vigilante justice, and all.”

“Do you want a knife in your chest, kid?”

“Aw, you would do that for me?” Jeremy responded in his best faux-amazed voice. In an instant, he shot a web out to apprehend the man’s knife. The mugger, his face red and his fists curled, lunged for the boy. The other man took the opportunity to run away, not even glancing behind him.

“Listen, Spidey, I need to make money somehow. I don't appreciate you interfering with my business.”

“I don't appreciate you robbing people. It's actually a really shitty thing to do, man,” Jeremy said. Before the man could respond, he was webbed to the brick wall. Jeremy pulled his phone out to call the police and stared at the now-defeated robber as he did so. “Hello, 911? Yeah, I found a robber in the alley on 36th and North. Looks like Spider-Man got to him.” As the call ended, he gave one last glance at the man and began to walk away.

“Hey! Come back here!”

Jeremy continued on, ignoring the yelling as he shot a web to a nearby lamp-post and swung away from the scene.

Jeremy spent the next day at Michael's house, relaxing and watching movies and letting his mind numb a bit. Being with the other boy always reminded him of fireworks, not in the stupid cliché way but in the sense that when fireworks are on display, nothing else mattered for those fifteen minutes. Head held to the sky, ears focused on music. Nothing else mattered. He figured that everyone needed someone like Michael in their lives—just not his Michael.

They had a great day together and then the smaller boy climbed out of bed at five in the morning and jostled the other awake.

“Where are you going? It’s too early,” Michael asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

“I have a project that I need to work on before school. Sorry. I’ll see you later,” Jeremy whispered in response. Michael nodded, his sleepy brain not even thinking to inquire more. Once he fell back to sleep, Jeremy ran a hand through his best friend’s hair gently, gazing at his peaceful features before turning to leave.

His third session with the SQUIP seemed more rigorous than the previous ones, only because the villain had attached electrodes to the boy as he was told to repeat stunt after stunt. Something about monitoring brain activity. He wasn’t a fan. He felt like a monkey doing tricks and made sure that the SQUIP knew about his displeasure.

“I need to know how your brain-waves work, Jeremy. What kind of study would it be if I didn’t do this?”

“A slightly more ethical one.”

“Tsk-tsk. You know well enough by now that ‘ethical’,” the SQUIP spoke, making air quotes with his fingers, “Isn’t really my style.”

Jeremy grumbled something about how horrible the man was to which he responded, “Twenty push-ups, kid.”

The fourth SQUIP-Session, as Jeremy liked to think of it, wasn’t horrible. It had been a mediocre day of school and as much as he hated the villain, at least it was something to do. Actually, he didn’t really do much—but he did sit on the rough asphalt as the villain typed away on his tablet.

The teenager kicked at a few rocks and asked, “What are you even doing?”

He crafted another line of code and then said, “Typing,” with a rather chastising tone.

“Right, but,” Jeremy spoke, “Why am I here, then?”

“Because you’re going to test this out for me.”

“The code?”

“No, kid. This.” The SQUIP held up a gray capsule roughly the size of a tic-tac.

Jeremy’s chest felt all tight and weird again. “What is that ?”

“I guess you’ll find out, won’t you?” The man pressed a few more buttons and let out a sigh. “Alright, I guess this is it.” He held the pill out in the palm of his hand.

“This goes against literally everything that I’ve ever been taught,” Jeremy said as he picked up the capsule. He could see staggered blue lines, branching out all around the casing. “It looks like a hard drive.”

“It essentially is, Jeremy. Now just swallow it.” The boy must have looked hesitant because the SQUIP added, “If you won’t do it, then I can gladly find a new test subject. Maybe one named Michael?”

Jeremy furrowed his brows and stared at the SQUIP coldly. “I’ll take it. I will,” he murmured. “Just give me a second.”

He thought of Michael. Michael with his perfect hair and kind eyes and friendly smile. He thought of that soft tone that the other boy only reserved for him. He thought about all of the times that Michael had been there for him in the past, all of the times he had saved him without even knowing.

Jeremy figured that maybe when this was all over, when the SQUIP won, maybe he would let the two of them go free. Maybe they’d move to Europe and find a countryside where no one has ever heard of superheros. Maybe he would just be with Michael and they’d both forget about their hometown and how Jeremy had handed it over willingly.

“C’mon, kid. It takes twenty-four hours to activate. You’ll put me behind schedule.”

In one swift motion, he swallowed the pill.

#meremy hell #boyf riends #bmc #be more chill #bmc spiderman au #my writing #my post

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