#//let season 3 commence!
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flyhighisco · 3 months ago
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pouring one out for everybody who lost someone (finished season 3 of gilmore girls, jess moved to california to live with his fit dad)
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youcanautogeneratethese · 6 days ago
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Arcane is a tragedy, but S2 isn't a very good one.
So, I've seen people dismissing criticism on the idea of Arcane being a tragedy, the assumption being that the people who criticize S2 just wanted everything to be sunshine and rainbows. This doesn't make a lot of sense since the same people liked S1 which was also a tragedy.
But here's the thing...
The tragedies in a tragedy should have a narrative purpose. It shouldn't just be done for the sake of it. This is a story after all.
Let's compare the big tragedy of S1 to the big tragedy (Vander and Isha dying) of S2.
Season 1,
Powder's bomb causes more damage than she expected and instead of saving her friends, ends up killing them as well as Vander. This tragedy informs the character of everyone involved going forward.
-Vi lashes out at Powder in anger, calling her a jinx, which traumatizes Powder to the point she internalizes the identity and takes the name Jinx, permanently altering her character.
-Powder is found by Silco, the tragedy of the situation reminds him of being betrayed by Vander which stirs some compassion and prompts him to take her in. This kickstarts his entire character arc.
-This informs us as to why Vi wants to save Jinx so badly, beyond her being her sister. Because she feels guilty for what she said and blames herself for Powder turning into Jinx because of it.
-When we get peeks into Jinx's mind we see that she's haunted by images of her dead friends as well as Vi, so the tragedy continues to make her suffer for years going forward.
In other words, the tragedy was brutal but necessary for the plot.
Season 2,
Vander is lost to the monster inside, Warwick, and Isha randomly decides on a heroic sacrifice that gets her killed. The impact?
-Jinx is depressed and goes to blow herself up, then doesn't. Going right back to how she was before the tragedy occurred.
That's it, Vi doesn't seem to care about Vander or Isha. She's not even that invested in Jinx's obvious depression. Instead, she's portrayed as being dumber than a pile of rocks, failing to even pick on what happened.
-Isha is never mentioned again and the depression that Jinx feels could just as easily be because of Vander. It's like she never even existed.
-Jayce, who started it all by smashing Viktor to pieces isn't all that bothered, and no one is upset with him for causing the tragedy through his actions.
So, what was the point of this tragedy? I guess the Warwick thing could still work because he comes back and has a fight with them, but neither of the sisters even speak of it until the actual fight scene in act 3 commences.
Conclusion
Just because something is a tragedy doesn't mean there shouldn't be narrative importance to the tragedies that occur. If you don't have the time or will to tackle a new tragedy, then don't include and stay focused on the aftermath of the old one.
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seospicybin · 1 year ago
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TOO HOT TO HANDLE.
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PART III
Bangchan x reader. (s)
Too Hot To Handle Masterlist
Synopsis: You and Chan become contestants in a reality dating show, Too Hot To Handle. (11,7k words)
Author's note: Season 3 is done! See you on the next season :)
YOU: $0? [Facepalms] So, where do we go from here?
-
The bright sunny day is not working to cheer everyone up after the shocking announcement that there's no money left in the prize fund.
You've been sitting outside with Chan, holding each other's hand and trying to process everything while looking at the beautiful view of the endless sea and the surface of water glimmering under the sun.
Chan has been quiet for too long and it's concerning. You decide to break the silence, shaking his hand and saying, "We spent too much money, babe."
He sighs and rubs the back of your hand with his thumb, "Too much."
You don't want to put salt on the wound but it's time to face the the truth that you both fucked up.
"We let them down. We let everyone down," you say with a heavy heart.
He looks at you and sees you in the eyes, "I'm sure there'll be a way to make it up to them."
He doesn't sound that confident with what he said but you're grateful that in a time like this, he tries his best to comfort you.
"And we'll show them that we have a genuine connection," he says with a soft smile.
You return the smile and put your other hand on your clasped hands, "We took a big step last night."
Physical connection is not that new to you but after last night, you can feel that something shifts between the two of you into something that is peculiarly new yet familiar at the same time.
"I feel closer. I feel more connected to you," you honestly tell him the changes you felt.
"That's true," he agrees with a smile that is more brighter and hopeful than before.
You take the chance to comfort him this time and sweetly smile at him, "We got each other," you remind him.
It's you and him versus everyone. For better or worse, through ups and downs, you face it together. You may be at the bottom now but you're sure you both will be back on top, together.
"Always," he says.
He brings your mouth close to his mouth and kisses it, "Since day one."
That makes you take a look back. You've been going through so much together and it makes you realize that with him, you feel like you can do anything.
Together you are invincible.
-
YOU: I feel terrible for what I did but at least, now I no longer doubt the feelings I have for Chris. It feels real now and it's scary... in the best way.
-
In the afternoon, Lana calls everyone to the cabana.
Chan hasn't recovered from the announcements from this morning yet so he's not keen to know what's coming his way, he has an inkling that it's not good for him and you.
Just like you read his mind, you place a soft kiss on his neck and wipe the lipstick mark you left on it with your thumb.
"We got each other," you whisper.
Chan is grateful for you, you've been so open and understanding, even though he's a hard-shell type of person, you make it hard for him not to let you in.
The chime comes and Jace gags in response. The melodic chime is certainly, anxiety-inducing.
"The prize fund is currently at $0," Lana announces as if everyone has forgotten about it.
"However, there will be more tests and opportunities to replenish the prize fund," she further informs.
It's like everyone is collectively letting out a big sigh of relief and getting a breath of fresh air at the mention that there's a way to return some money into the pot.
"I'll commence the first test," Lana continues.
Chan gets stressed once again and so is everyone. Test means he's not doing great, test means that it's not going to be easy, test means bad.
The worst thing that could happen is his name got called by Lana for that test.
Like he manifested it into reality, Lana does call his name along with yours. He sees you look at him and feels bad that he can't show a brave face to you.
"I gifted you watches as an incentive to connect on a physical level for the right reasons. Yet you have shown a complete disregard for my gift and your fellow guests."
He looks at you and you put on a thin smile for him, he puts his arm around you to pull you closer, he needs something to hold on to.
"Therefore, drastic action is required," Lana sternly says.
-
CHRIS: I've messed up. Big time. [Deeply exhales]
-
Deep down, you know you deserve what's coming for you but you don't want to go home, no, not yet.
"You both..." Lana drags her words to heighten the suspense.
You and Chan still have some growing to do as a couple and if Lana is kind enough to let you stay, you'd be very grateful. If not, then... it's not like you didn't see this coming.
You have to own up to your mistakes so whatever happens, you will try to accept it.
"... have 12 hours to prove you can connect on a deeper, more emotional level."
You feel a little lighter knowing that it's not an elimination but it's not time to be relieved yet, you're still waiting for the catch.
"If you fail to get a green light in those 12 hours, your time here will be terminated."
There it is. The catch. This is you and Chan's biggest test yet. There's no wasting time, you have 12 hours to prove or you go home.
"Your time starts now!" Lana announces.
-
YOU: This is going to be a challenge for us. We've never really talked about our emotions.
-
It's going to be harder for Chan.
He realizes he rarely talked about his feelings with you. His default setting is to show affection through actions so he is never good at verbalizing it.
"I don't want to go home," you tell him, cuddling on the sofa outside, "I want to spend more time with you."
He holds your hand and puts it close to his chest, "I don't want to go home either but I just—"
He inhales air and finishes his sentence, "It's not easy for me, talking about emotions."
"We can try," you say with your fingers lightly caressing his bare chest.
You tilt your head to face him, "You know what? I'll start," you volunteer.
He puts your hair away from being blown by the wind and holds it there for you, "Yeah?"
"Remember when we first met and I made you tell your name again?"
He nods as the recollection of it plays in the back of his head.
"I pretended not to hear it because I wanted those lips near me," you confess with a giggle.
He can't tell if you're trying to get a green light or just want to make him feel better, either way, he finds it adorable of you.
You check your watch and pout seeing that it's not turning green, "Well, it's worth a try," you say with a laugh.
As he breaks into laughter, he pulls you close and kisses you on the cheek.
"No need to hurry," you playfully say.
You rub his back and place a sweet kiss on his neck, "We still have like ten hours to get a green light."
That only reminds him to hold you tighter, he needs it more now than ever after knowing that he possibly wouldn't be able to do it again.
-
CHRIS: I find it hard to open up and talk about my feelings. Not sure I can do it.
-
With time keep slipping out of your hand, and your heart is getting worried.
You give Chan space and time to be on his own, organizing his thoughts and maybe it'll help him find the courage to talk about what he truly feels.
You remind yourself that it'll not be his fault if both of you end up getting eliminated. So you let go of the guilt and prepare yourself for the worst outcomes.
Before he leaves for his workshop, you pull him aside and warmly hug him.
"I really like you, Chris," you murmur.
You look up and softly smile at him, "I care about you."
You don't want to pressure him but you want to let him know that whatever happens, you will have no hard feelings nor hold a grudge against him.
"I know it's tough for you to open up but if you weren't ready, it's okay. If we got sent home, that doesn't mean things between us are over, you know that?" You say with a smile.
"I know," he lowly answers.
You stand on your tiptoes to plant a long kiss on his cheek, "Don't pressure yourself, okay, baby?"
He nods and hugs you back, locking you in his big arms because this might be the last time you embrace each other like this.
-
YOU: This is more difficult than I thought. At that moment, I think we might be going home.
-
"That dress looks good on you, darling!" Dani praises you as she watches you checking your appearance on the big mirror in the dressing room.
"Yeah?" You ask yourself why bother looking this good on your last night in the retreat.
"Yes," you suddenly shout.
"I want to look good when I get eliminated," you take a jab at yourself and laugh.
"Nah..." Lola groans, "Don't say that!"
Dani props her chin with her hand and looks at you, "You're going to get that green light tonight," she says.
The boys are back from the workshop not long ago but they're all coming back with paints on their bodies. Chan is still showering and it'll take more time to get dressed.
You're waiting for him by the fire pit, sipping your wine while half-heartedly listening to Pierre, Alicia, and Olivia talking.
As you're sipping on your second glass of wine, Chan comes and holds his hand out at you.
"I believe we have to talk," he says to you.
You put your glass down and take his hand, feeling more nervous now than before.
"I'm rooting for you guys!" Alicia mutters with an encouraging smile.
Chan takes you somewhere quiet and sits on the bench that overlooks the sea with the reflection of the moon drawn on the surface of the water.
There are still three hours left to the time limit but it's never too early to start and try to open up.
"You want me to start again?" You ask because he's been so quiet even after you both get the privacy to talk.
He cracks a laugh and puts an arm around you, "Yeah, sure."
You lick your lips and try to articulate your feelings as best as you can. You look him in the eyes and just pour your heart out to him.
"I like you. I like that I can be myself around you. You understand me, you put up with a lot of shit to be with me..." you pause to let out a laugh, "I'm happy that we became closer."
Chan can't stop smiling as he listens to you speaking your heart out. You can see the fondness in his eyes and you also hope that he gets the sincerity in your words.
"And I think... this is a good chance for us to talk about how we feel about each other," you conclude.
-
YOU: I can tell him more things that I like about him but sadly, time is not on our side.
-
It feels great hearing what you thought about him but at the same time, Chan feels burdened to be as open as you.
He's aware of how much you've shared with him while he gave you so little in return. He owes you a lot and it's time for him to settle that debt.
"You look gorgeous," he starts with a compliment.
You reach for the collar of the baby blue linen shirt he's wearing and compliment him back, "So do you."
You rest your hand flat on his chest and dreamily sigh, "You look good in colors other than black and white, you know that?"
He grins at that and nods, "I'll wear more colors."
"Okay, good," you say with gentle pats on his chest.
It's not time for small talk, time is running out. Chan grits his teeth and starts talking, trying to empty his heart through words.
"I'll be honest with you," he begins.
He sees you swallow air and nods, "Okay."
"I haven't completely opened myself up to you."
"Mm-mmh," you hum in response.
He takes your hand and holds it tightly in his hand, "The last relationship I had..." he refrains from sharing too many details on his past.
"From that relationship, I got myself a trust issue out of it, and as much as I like you, it's hard for me to trust you. I got haunted by my experience with trusting someone with my heart..." Chan takes a moment to collect himself and not lose it completely to his emotions.
"I didn't think that I'd get here and find someone like you in here," he says with a low laugh.
You lowly laugh along with him, "Yeah."
"I feel extremely lucky to find you and I realize now that it's not fair that I compare you with my former partner. She might have caused me a trust issue but that doesn't mean you'll do the same to me," he says.
A smile blooms on your face and he feels your hand in shaking in his hold.
"I genuinely am feeling stronger emotions for you which I haven't felt in a long time," he earnestly says with a sincere smile.
His heart feels so much lighter and emptier now, that only means he has more space for these new feelings he has for you.
Chan's heart is full of warm feelings and other than that, it fills with hopes.
-
CHRIS: It's been such a long time since I've opened up like this with anyone but it feels so natural with her.
-
"I like you so much," Chan says while squeezing your hand in his.
It feels good to know that your feelings are reciprocated. You've been tormented inside and you keep it bottled up inside you, now you can let it go.
"I'm so excited for us," he adds with a smile.
Then the chime comes and you glance at your watch to see that it turns green.
You both did it and you didn't mean to cry but your eyes are like bursting dams right now, tears are flowing down your face. He immediately pulls you into a hug.
"I wasn't ready to go home yet," you croak with tears caught in your throat.
"Me too," he says.
He holds you for a moment and whispers into your ear, "Are we going to kiss or what?"
You completely forgot that the rules do not apply and you're allowed to kiss him. You hurriedly wipe the tears on your face with the back of your hands.
Chan doesn't hesitate to kiss you when you believe you look ugly from crying. He leans in and kisses you softly, brushing his lips as if he were telling you how you feel with it.
Your heart is heavy and quivering as it carries so much love inside you. You like him so much and it feels so good, it's so good that it's scary.
When he pulls away from the kiss, Chan holds your face and looks at you, tenderly wiping your eyes with his knuckle.
He's softly laughing as he says, "I can see now that you're just a baby."
He caresses your wet cheeks with his thumb as he fondly looks into your eyes, "just a baby, my baby," he says.
You pout yet smile at his words. There's no use to deny it when he can see everything now.
"My baby girl," he delightfully sighs and presses a long peck on your lips.
Sure you feel relieved you get to stay in the retreat but the best thing about all this is getting to know each other better, emotionally.
"Good job," you tell him with a smile.
"Good job," he says back to you.
-
YOU: Watching Chris open up and comfortably share his feelings makes me feel like I can understand him now. Also, it makes me fancy him more and more [smiles]
-
Chan didn’t expect everyone to wait for them to come back from their talk.
The resentment they have is nothing compared to the friendship they have sewn in time with both you and him. They look at him in anticipation of whether he passed the test or not. They're tucked in their beds and watch him as he walks to his bed with you trailing behind him.
"So...?" Pierre asks.
Chan can't contain his excitement anymore, he grins and says, "We got the green light!"
Everyone cheers for him and you, clapping with pride. Jace hurls a cushion at Chan as he shouts, "Congrats, Aussie boy!"
Alicia comes to his bed to hug you, "I told you. I'm rooting for you!"
Dani hugs her pillow in front of her and asks, "So, did anyone say anything?" She asks in curiosity.
"She told me she likes me," Chan answers without the slightest of embarrassed saying it out loud.
"Did you say it back to her?" Pierre asks.
"Of course!" He shortly replies.
You lay on your stomach on the bed, facing everyone, "It was really hard to begin with but he opened up to me."
"Aww..." Lola coo in response then lightly applauds for you.
"At least we don't have to worry about them rulebreaking now," Luke comments.
"Because there's no money to spend to begin with," Pierre adds.
Everyone is laughing the shared pain away. But with the promise that Lana will return some money through tests and you both passed one tonight, everyone gets hopeful again.
-
CHRIS: I'm so glad we're making progress. I'm so proud of her and me. We both got so far [smiles]
-
It's like you both got a fresh start at a new life.
Even with zero dollars on the prize fund, you feel happy to get to spend more time with him in the retreat. Yesterday was a torture and that only reminds you to use the time wisely.
But it's not like you can't keep yourself away from him you're smitten, you have butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
After last night, you talk about things deeply and openly, you talk more about your future together that it gets you giddy
You're straddling him on the bed and hovering above him, putting a safe space between your faces. You admire his beautiful face, trailing your fingers on his facial features, eyes, nose, and plush lips that lure you to kiss.
"Now that I'll be coming with you to Australia, where will you take me first?" You ask out of curiosity.
Chan has been resting his hands on your thighs and not letting them go anywhere. He looks up at you and answers, "My home."
You're giggling because your dirty mind can only think of one thing, "So we can—"
"I'll introduce you to my family," he slices through your sentence and takes you aback.
This seems that serious to him and you usually choose to step back when things get this serious, however, you're feeling excited about it instead.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I want them to know about our relationship," he casually says.
"Ooo... relationship," you point out the thing he just said and wonder if it accidentally slipped out of his mouth or he meant it. You bet it's the latter from how he gets so flustered and laughs at it.
"Why? Do you have anything else in mind?" He asks with a sly smile.
You look away from his eyes as he catches on your dirty thought, "You know what I'm thinking."
He sits up on the bed so he can hold you and you wrap your arms around his neck, "Well, before we do all that, I'll lock you in my room and we'll have lots of sex," he murmurs, then places a hot kiss on your neck.
You lowly moan at how his soft lips feel on your skin, sending a tingle down your spine.
"Oh, you have no idea what's coming for you," he seductively whispers with his breath tickling your ear.
He then switches to the other side of your neck and places a longer kiss with his tongue lightly licking the skin, leaving a wet kiss mark on it.
The emotional connection only heightens the sexual tension between you and him yet it feels like you've reached a new level in your relationship.
-
YOU: It's HARD! I like him so much therefore it's getting harder to resist him.
-
"Whoa, whoa, what am I walking into," Pierre says as he busted you straddling him on the bed.
Without getting up from his bed, Chan calmly responds with a joke, "There's no harm in losing more money."
"Damn right," Pierre replies with a laugh.
With someone else in the room, the tension is slowly fading out and you get off his lap, sitting next to him instead.
Chan notices that Pierre is smiling at himself and he knows that there must be something.
"What's up?" He asks while putting his arm out so you can rest your head on it.
"Alicia and I are going on a date later," Pierre replies.
"Oh, wow, that's great, man!" Chan offers his hand for a fist bump.
"I'm excited for you, Pierre!" You add with a gleeful smile.
But instead of bumping his fist at him, Pierre collapses onto his bed. It's the first time Chan sees him being this nervous, "Why are you so nervous?"
You're giggling next to him, "You've been sharing a bed with Alicia for so long," you add.
Pierre groans and holds his head with both hands, "Ugh... I don't know."
"Just do you, enjoy it, man," Chan suggests.
Pierre sits on the bed again now, "Yeah, you're right."
He gives Chan his fist bump now then gets up from the bed, "I have to get ready for the date now. See ya!"
"Good luck!" You shout at him before he gets out of the door.
It must be nice to get on a date with you but Chan understands that he has to earn it here. He looks at you and he can see that you're wishing for the same thing.
"We'll get our time," he tells you.
"Yeah," you reply with a smile.
"Come here! Hug me, baby girl!" He pulls you into a tight hug and flips over so you're under him now.
"I want to kiss you," he says as he looks at you.
You put your hand on his lips and glance at it, "We can't. We have to be good."
It's like the roles are reversed now. It's him playing the bad guy now and you're playing the good girl now.
"You're right," he says, he chooses to bury his head in your neck instead.
-
CHRIS: Lana, we’ve been good so please get us on a date too!
-
Lana throws a party tonight.
You're tired of guessing what she's trying to celebrate and if she has something behind it. The worst has happened, you want to enjoy tonight.
"What are you wearing tonight?" Chan asks while you're drying your hair.
"Uhm... nothing," you mindlessly answer.
He puts his arm around your neck and playfully puts you in a chokehold, making you laugh in response. He then nuzzles his nose into your hair and asks again, "I want to match my clothes with you."
"Aww... that's so cute, Chris!" Lola comments from the other end of the vanity table while putting make-up on her eyes.
You turn your head around and jokingly say, "Then... wear nothing."
He wraps his hand around your neck and tilts your head to the side so he can bite on your shoulder, "Just tell me what color!"
You're laughing as you try to get his hand away from you but he keeps ticking your neck with his nose. In the end, you both settle with his favorite color, black.
You're fixing the straps of your dress while looking at the mirror in the bathroom and Chan is leaning against the sink, running his eyes up and down your body.
"You're so gorgeous," he compliments with a grin and those cute dimples.
He bites his fist when you check the back of your dress in the mirror by turning your body to the side.
"Gosh, I'm the luckiest," he sighs.
You get flustered and say, "Stop it!"
Pulling him close, you turn him around and make him look at both of your reflections in the mirror. Not going to lie, you like what you see.
You turn to look at him and then say, "Damn! We look good!"
He looks back at you and smiles, "We look good together."
Without warning, he puts his arms around you and carries you out of the bathroom.
The party had just started when Pierre and Alicia were coming back from their date. Everyone is being nosy with their questions yet you can't help to get nosy as well.
"Tell us everything!" Lola demands.
From the look of it, Pierre and Alicia look happy and it makes you just as happy for them, everyone seems to feel the same way as well.
"It was nice. We went on a boat and enjoyed the sunset," Pierre says.
Alicia nods along to his words, "Then there was a funny question at the end," she says, then leers at Pierre.
Pierre cracks a laugh before answering, "I asked her to be my girlfriend."
Dani, being the one invested in the story, impatiently asks, "What did you say, Alicia?"
Alicia leers at Pierre again and smiles, "I said yes."
It's like watching a sports game and the home team scores, sending everyone into a celebration. Glasses of drinks raised to the air for a toast.
"To Pierre and Alicia!" Jace leads the toast.
"To Pierre and Alicia!" The rest repeat after him and take a sip of their drinks.
-
YOU: Well, unlike us... [chuckles] Pierre and Alicia are the most committed couple in the retreat so I couldn't be happier for them.
-
Instead of being jealous, Chan is happy for Pierre and Alicia.
He's happy to see his closest friend in the retreat happy and it's not like Chan is not happy, he is happy with you. He looks around and they're just as happy even though the prize fund is still at zero.
He holds you close and kisses the top of your head, "I'm so happy."
"Me too," you murmur with your head resting on his chest.
The music abruptly stops and Chan kind of guesses what comes next. There she is, the ultimate cockblocker and party crasher Lana.
Everyone already knows where to go and they drag their feet to head to the cabana. You sit next to Chan, putting one hand around his waist and the other clasped with him, resting it on his leg.
The money is at zero now but that doesn't make everyone less nervous, if anything, there's an anticipation for what Lana is going to announce this time.
Chan's heart skips a beat the second the cone lights up, signifying her arrival. She skips on greeting everyone and calls for both of your names.
You look at each other to exchange a mix of panicked and confused looks.
"On your previous test, you were able to access your true feelings for each other, proving to me that your connection is more than skin deep," Lana says.
That's good news and the applause everyone is giving toward both of you confirmed it.
"However, actions speak louder than words."
Chan hates it when that word comes in the sentence: 'however' because that means, Lana has bad news to tell.
"Tonight, you will both be put to the ultimate test, a night in the private suite."
Remembering that you both failed on the same test and knowing you both have to go through it again. Chan feels the pressure already and he sees you wince in response to that.
"If you refrain from breaking any rules, you will win back $100,000 for the group."
Everyone is cheering at the amount of money you can win back from it but your last failure reminds them not to haste to celebrate.
Chan notices a few pessimistic faces among the group and he understands that. But he knows that it's time he pays everyone back for the damages he did to the prize money.
"We'll try to win back the money for you guys," Chan earnestly says with you nodding along in agreement to his words.
"Please, make your way to the suite!" Lana orders.
He offers his hand to help you get up from the sofa and keeps holding your hand.
Jace nods at Chan to encourage him, "Don't mess up, 'kay? You got it!"
"Wish us luck!" You say to everyone for the last time.
-
CHRIS: This is it. This is the big, ultimate test.
-
The second you both enter the private suite, you throw yourself at him.
Thank goodness that he is quick to catch you and steadily holds you against him to keep you from falling. You loop your both hands around his neck and warmly hug him.
You pull away to look at his face, "We can do it," you murmur with a soft kiss on his cheek.
He returns the kiss but his lips land on your jaw instead, "for that to happen, we shouldn't have a bath."
You pout at him and say, "But I still need to have a bath. I'm dirty."
"You are dirty," he says with a sly smile.
You narrow your eyes at him and put your forehead against his, "Are you dirty?"
It's like a deja vu watching you get undressed in front of him, doing it so confidently like he isn't there and looking at your enticing body with dark, lustful eyes.
"You can join me or..." you nonchalantly say as you step into the tub.
"You can just watch," you continue as you lower yourself into the water, flashing him a naughty smile as you lean back in the tub.
Chan has seen and experienced this scene before but he doesn't like how it ended. This is why it's called a test, see if he can take it and come up with a better result than before.
"Atta, boy!" You exclaim as he starts to take his clothes off.
You intently watch him taking every piece of clothing on his body until there's none left. Your eyebrow raises as your eyes flick down there.
"Hi, there," you playfully talk to his semi-hard member.
Everything about you evokes the rebellious side of him, he just wants to do whatever he wants and pleases. He reminds himself that he needs to control himself and the money that he can win back from doing it.
With one foot down in the tub, Chan can already feel the heat of the moment.
-
CHRIS: When it's just the two of us the sexual tension goes...[Sighs] It's high!
-
Jumping onto the bed, you crawl over to get something from the tray of sex toys on the bedside table.
You know which one you want to get and take it with you as Chan dives onto the bed next to you. You waste no time straddling him, "Put your hands above your head!"
He ignores your order and laughs at you instead. He chooses to disobey you so you take both his hands and put them above his head, you cuff them with handcuffs.
"I'm sorry," you tell him with no hint of regrets whatsoever in your apology.
You look at him and smile in satisfaction that he's laying helpless underneath you.
"You've been very, very bad, Chris," you say in a low, sultry voice and run your fingertips down his bare chest.
He takes a deep breath and looks back at you, "I've been bad, so?" He dares you with a smirk.
As expected, he will disobey you and dare you to do things to him. He's enjoying it and you're more than willing to play along.
You crawl over to the side and use the opportunity to bring your ass close to his face while you take another sex toy from the tray.
You sit down on his crotch, intentionally hard, and enjoy the low groan he lets out. You show him the long, leather whip in your hand.
You put the end of the whip under his chin and used it to tilt his head to look at you, "Do you admit to being a bad, bad boy?"
Instead of answering, he bites his lips and fiercely looks at you. Taking him off guard, you slap his chest with the whip.
"Answer me!" You order.
He slyly smiles and refuses to answer again. You start to slap his chest and abdomen with the whip, making heart-shaped marks on his pale skin.
You decide to get off him and lay on your side next to him, "I'm going to keep doing it until you answer me," you taunt him as you drag the end of the whip down his thigh.
You lean into the side of his face and lowly whisper into his ear, "Answer me, Chris."
He shakes his head and you immediately land a slap on his inner thigh twice that he gasps in response. Feeling mischievous, you slip the whip under his boxer and rub him there.
"Will you answer me now, mmh?" You ask.
He catches you off guard now, rolling on the bed and putting his body on top of you. He buries his head deep in your neck while kissing you there.
"Oh..." you breathlessly moan as he bites on your neck.
Chan is always afraid to put his whole weight on you but you don't want to have it another way, so you put your legs around him and let him collapse on top of you.
He looks at you but his eyes are centered on your lips, "Do you want to kiss me, mmh?"
He alternates it by placing kisses along your jaw and finishes it with a sweet kiss on your cheek, "Actually, there are a lot more things I want to do to you."
-
YOU: Our prize fund is zero so that means there's no money to lose... [bites lips]
-
Chan keeps his handcuffed hands in front of him as you unlock it for him. He puts it back on the bedside table and sees you still straddling him.
He pats the space next to him, "Come here so we can cuddle!"
You shake your head and put your hands on his chest, "No, I like it here. I like sitting on top of you," you say with your eyes enchanting him to gaze back at them.
He puts his hands on your thighs, fingers teasing the hem of the short sleeping dress you're wearing, "Is this your favorite position?"
"Uh-huh," you answer and put your hands to hold your hair in a makeshift ponytail.
"You want to be on top, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm good when I'm on the top," you tell him with your head slightly tilted to the side and your lips curl into a naughty smile.
"Is that true?" He asks, allowing his hands to move up to your waist and hold you there.
"I can show it to you," you dare him.
Seeing you straddling him like this only gives him the glimpses of what you'd like fucking him and he bet it'd be so good. Swear his cock twitched just now from remembering how good it is inside you.
Now you're sitting on his crotch and there's only a layer of clothing that separates him from what he wants, he believes you can feel how his cock is achingly hard for you.
"Maybe next time," he kindly refuses no matter how much his body wants to scream yes.
"Why not now?" You ask with a low giggle.
You make it so hard for him that he has to lift you off him and lay you down next to him. Without giving you time to escape, he puts his arms and legs around you, limiting the things you can do around him.
"Stop teasing me," he presses a wet, long kiss on your cheek.
You helplessly try to get out of his hold while giggling but failing.
"Baby," you softly call.
You hold his chin in your fingers and turn your head at him, "I want to sleep naked tonight."
-
CHRIS: The longer they let us alone together, the more I want to do things to her [raises eyebrow]
-
Even after the morning comes, it doesn't mean that the test has been done yet.
Somehow, you wake up naked and find yourself snuggling to Chan who's just as naked. You don't want to force your brain to work just yet.
It seems like he's awake already as he puts his hand on your back and runs his fingers down your back, light and fluttering, lulling you back to sleep.
Realizing that the test is not over yet, he gets away from you only so he can lay next to you and easily places kisses on your bare back.
You delightfully hum every time his full lips make contact with your skin, warm and soft, making you tingle inside.
"You're so beautiful," he hums.
He then starts another trail of kisses from the nape of your neck and down your spine. He stops before he gets tempted to go lower than your waist.
"So soft, so beautiful..." he sighs with so much frustration as if he saw something he couldn't perceive.
Chan decides to prop both hands on each side of you and kisses your neck as he's hovering above you, waking you up with sweet, gentle kisses.
"Wake up, baby," he softly calls you.
Wanting more than just kisses, you pull him close so you can feel him whole, his body on your body, skin-to-skin. It feels rather more intimate than sex.
He puts all of your hair away to the side so he can pepper your shoulder with kisses, "Morning," he says in between kisses.
You smile with eyes closed and croak, "Morning."
There's not much time left in the private suite and you both have to face everyone soon.
"How are we going to tell them?" You meekly ask him, feeling the anxiety already.
He gently caresses your cheek with his knuckle, "I'll do the talking," he simply answers.
You overlap his body with yours and put your arm across his chest, "Can't we just stay here?" You innocently ask with a low laugh.
"We can stay a little longer," he consoles you with a kiss on your forehead.
As much as you want to stay, it's time to face the truth once more.
-
YOU: Last night was... special. The best night I ever had in the retreat. [smiles]
-
While holding Chan's hand, you wake slow walk on the way back to the villa, and meet everyone in the bedroom.
Everyone is looking a bit antsy even though they're still in their beds. They stop talking once they notice you're back from the private suite but they seem to be scared to ask the important question.
Chan gestures to you to sit on the sofa instead of on the bed next to the table where Lana is sitting still so prettily.
Before Chan can open his mouth and speak, Lana gets ahead of him, chiming on the table next to you.
"Last night, you faced your ultimate test," Lana skips the morning greeting and goes straight into business.
"As a couple, if you could refrain from breaking any retreat rules, the prize fund will be increased from $0 to $100,000."
You grimace at that because anything could happen at this point.
"However..."
Lola gasps at the mention of that word and hides behind the duvet. It's your turn to gasp as Lana calls your name.
"Even though you were successful in sexually arousing Chris, he was able to hold firm and respect the rules of my retreat."
Applause and cheers erupt from every corner of the room. You hate that Lana exposed you for what you did in the private suite but it won't stop you from celebrating as well.
"Which means that the prize fund now stands at $100,000," Lana updates.
More cheers and whistles are coming from everyone at the announcement that you both gained half of the total prize money back.
"I am so proud of you, babe!" Dani says to you.
You blow her a kiss as a token of gratitude and look at Chan, he's looking as proud as you are.
"This is what I call growth," Pierre comments with a smile.
"Yeah, that's true," Lola agrees.
Everyone gets quiet as Lana continues talking, "As a reward for showing restraint and putting the interest of the group above your own, you will be going on a date."
You turn to look at Chan and smile, feeling so proud of both of you. You look around the room and ask, "Can I hug him, now?"
They are all laughing before answering, "Yes."
You walk up to Chan and he welcomes you into his arms, holding you so tight while lifting you off your feet.
It feels good to do good and get rewarded for it, you lean close to murmur, "I'm so proud of you."
"I'm so proud of us," he says back with a kiss on your cheek.
-
YOU: The last few days have been so hard for us so I think we deserve this date and I'm just so excited [grins]
-
To be honest, Chan is nervous.
Yes, he's happy and excited for the date. What he's worrying so much about is the talk he'll be having with you and he wants to make sure that he gets his emotions across.
It's important that you know his feelings for you.
His face lights up as you walk toward him, he helps you board the boat to get to the other small island where the date will be.
"Gorgeous," he sweet compliments as he brushes your hair and tucks it behind your ear.
"Thank you, baby," you mutter and take his hand to hold it.
The two of you take a short walk to where the date has been prepared, a cute little picnic with a bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket of ice which Chan can easily pop open.
"Mmh... My man is so strong," you playfully praise him.
You take one of the champagne flutes so he can fill it for you, "What are toasting to?"
He thinks for a moment, "Mmh... for passing the ultimate test?"
You chuckle and nod in agreement, "For passing the ultimate test!"
You both clink your glasses together and take a sip of the bubbly wine.
-
CHRIS: We both know that we have a strong physical chemistry between us but I need to know if we have a strong connection as well. I want this to last.
-
The sun is slowly sinking into the horizon, painting the sky with stunning bursts of flaming gold colors.
Even Chan is here, in one of the most beautiful places he's ever been, he thinks that what makes it so special is because he's with you.
"Have you realized that it's been me and you since day one?" Chan asks.
You fix your hair and prop one hand next to you, "Yeah," you answer while nodding.
"We've been going through such... a long journey," he says, emphasizing how rough it has been for the two of you.
You nod again and softly laugh, "You know, with other people, I would push them away and keep moving forward. I never once in my life thought I would find 'that someone'."
This is why he's comfortable around you. He shares a piece and you share one piece of you too, it's never going one way with you. Everything is fair and he thinks this is what good communication is.
"As you know, the last relationship I had... it was ugly but in here, in this retreat, I learned how to confront my emotions and open up to someone," Chan shares his piece of him with you.
You're looking at him with eyes that match the soft smile on your face while tucking away the hair getting blown by the wind.
"Also, this retreat helps me put things into perspective," he continues, "I'm able to show sides of myself that I didn't know I had."
You take a sip of your drink and nod again, "Just like I said when people get into my space, I'd normally push them away."
You put your drink away before continuing, "But the fact that I met someone that I like... that makes me feel emotional and vulnerable."
Chan would be lying to say your words aren't making him feel the slightest bit emotional as well. He can feel the sincerity in your words, they are pure and heartfelt.
"I wonder if we're compatible moving forward in the outside world," you finish.
He takes your hand and holds it in the space between you and him. He then clears his throat before speaking.
"Now it's time where I can tell you and it would be wrong for me not to say this..."
His heart hurts as every bit of emotion is getting squeezed out of him into words but he wants to tell you everything, baring it out for you so you know his true feelings for you.
He looks into your eyes, it gives him the confidence to go on and say, "I genuinely do love you."
You close your eyes and break into laughter, it's not the reaction he hoped for but he waits for you to say something.
"I can't believe I came here and fell in love..." you say with a sheepish laugh.
You stare into his eyes and squeeze his hand as you say, "I love you too."
It feels like a ton of weight has been lifted off his chest. He thought he would be bound and confined the moment those words were out of his mouth, instead of that, Chan feels like he's been set free.
-
CHRIS: When I arrived here, I didn't mean to meet a girl and tell her I love her. I'm a changed man and it's because of her [smiles]
-
Seeing him happy makes you happy.
The happiness only doubled knowing that the feelings go both ways. Never in a million years have you ever thought you would be falling in love with a guy like him.
Chan is a gentleman, he's kind and sweet, he's very thoughtful and caring, and he has everything that you're not looking for in a man.
But he changed you and made you realize that you deserve a better man. Meeting him and being with him is a blessing like a star falls right onto your lap.
"I always told myself I'm better single and do my things, but with you, I feel safe, comfortable, and powerful at the same time," you let your thoughts out loud to him.
You swallow air to not let the tears get in the way of you speaking your heart out to him, "The best thing is, with you, I feel more reassured and that's something that rarely happens."
The way he's looking at you now is the most beautiful view you've ever seen and you want to imprint it in the back of your head. You also want to bottle this precious moment so you can treasure it for life.
Chan has been quiet for a moment then he lets out a sigh, "I feel like I've won the lottery," he says.
This has been a long journey but you're grateful that you come out of it together, stronger and on top of that, in love more than ever.
Both of your watches chime at the same time and you glance to confirm that it's green.
"Oh?!" You look at him with a surprised face.
Chan smiles and crawls over to you, "Thank you, Lana!" He shouts.
The kiss feels special and it's ultimately because this kiss marks the beginning of your relationship, the first one of many, and hopefully, the start of a long-lasting relationship.
-
YOU: I'm the... [squeals] I'm the happiest girl in the world [gleefully smiles]
-
Everyone else is already sleeping when the two of you decide to sneak out to have one final swimming lesson.
Again, it's not a lesson and you both promise to not spend any money. You're doing it as tonight is the last night of the retreat.
Nothing is going to change even when the show is over but it doesn't stop you from feeling sentimental about it.
"It's going to be weird not waking up next to you," you sadly say as Chan hugs you from the back.
He rests his head on your shoulder with his hands wrapped around your waist, "You'll be coming home with me, remember?"
You nod but what you actually meant is how the outside world would be different than here. We have the stupid rules here but everything is much simpler and happier here, you're afraid of losing it all once you step out of this retreat.
"I'm just glad we won back the money," you say, shifting it to a much brighter topic.
"Or else we wouldn't have money for our flights home," Chan jokes.
Your shared waves of laughter are making ripples on the surface of the pool water.
"Who is going to win the money though?" You ask in genuine curiosity.
Chan shrugs in response to your question, "Definitely not us," he says.
Considering that the two of you are the big spenders in the retreat, you wouldn't even dare to think that there's the possibility of winning the prize money too.
To be able to come home with a man you are deeply in love with is already a big win for you.
-
YOU: I don't care about the money. I got what I want, I got my man [smiles]
-
"Good morning, friends!" Lola cheerily greets everyone the second the lights turned on.
Staying up until late last night causing him to feel sleepy, he keeps sleeping with his head buried in the pillow. He can feel you slipping your hands around him to spoon him from behind.
"Morning, Channie baby," you softly call him by his Korean name.
He told you about it last night, the name only his family and his close friends are allowed to call him with that name.
You are, of course, more than allowed to call him that. It feels strange to hear it at first but he likes the sound of it, especially the affectionate tone you're using.
He takes your hand and kisses it, putting it close to his chest as he tries to get a few more minutes of sleep. The sound of the melodic chime is enough to make him refrain from going back to sleep.
"Good morning, everyone!" Lana greets, sounding exceptionally kind even though she speaks in the same robotic voice.
"Morning, Lana darling!" Claire replies with a cracked voice.
"Welcome to the last day of the retreat," she announces.
Everyone sadly groans which is quite shocking compared to the first day of the retreat, now everyone is not wanting to leave.
His head snaps at you and it reminds him to soak up every minute left in this retreat with you.
"I will be announcing who the finalists are shortly," Lana further announces.
Everyone's ears perk up at the announcement, finalists in 'plural', which means there is more than one candidate to win the prize money.
Everyone else is secretly guessing who's going to win it but with his bad record, Chan chooses to sit back and wishes everyone the best of luck.
"It's the last day!" Luke remarks, still in disbelief of it.
"Let's make it the best one!" Dani adds as she yawns into her hand.
"And let's spend the whole money today," Chan jokes even though he's slurring his words.
"Funny, Aussie boy!" Jace says as he tosses a cushion at him.
-
CHRIS: I fully trust that Lana will choose the right person to win the money and I'm okay that I'm not it, Lana, I have no hard feelings [laughs]
-
"It's the last day so I'm going to wear the tiniest bikini."
Chan hears what you're saying since he's in the dressing room to take something out of his closet.
"Oh my, Gosh!" He responds to what you're saying.
You're chuckling and look at him as he stands across the room, "I'm putting another test on you."
He walks over to your chair and puts his hand around your neck, that way he can angle your head as he pleases. He attacks one side of your face with small kisses.
"Stop being so cute," Claire says as she hollowed her cheeks to apply some colors to them.
"Yeah, stop it before you spend some money," Alicia playfully adds.
Chan lets you go because he needs to go to the bathroom to style his hair, he finds Jace in there, putting his long blond hair into a small bun.
"Who do you think is going to win?" He asks.
It's the third time someone asked him the same question and he'll remain diplomatic about his answer, "Whoever wins I'll be happy for them."
Jace respects his answer and does not further press him to give a name but Chan gets curious about his answer.
"Who do you think?" He turns the table to him.
Jace sits on the edge of the tub and watches as Chan combs his hair in front of the mirror on the sink.
"I think it's you, Aussie boy."
Chan snorts in response, he figures that Jace wants to entertain him with his answer.
"Hey, the one who made a lot of mistakes is the one that is most improved," he defends his answer, proving that he's actually serious about his answer.
"Yeah, nah, I don't think it's me, mate," he refuses his answer to entertain the idea that he has a chance to win it.
"That's just my opinion," Jace says with a nonchalant shrug.
-
CHRIS: If it were up to me, I think everybody would win here but it's not, it's up to Lana. [Shrugs]
-
It's the time in the cabana again.
You're sad that it's going to be over soon but God! You're so glad that soon you'll not be hearing that melodic chime again. It's like hearing a soundtrack to a horror movie.
"Hello, everyone!"
"Hey, Lana," you reply, suppressing your anxious groan coming out of your mouth.
"I have been collecting data since you arrived and have now conducted my final analysis," Lana informs.
You can't tell what everyone is feeling right now, it's a mix of anticipation, anxiety or relief, sadness or happiness, everything is there.
"As you are aware, there was a prize fund of $200,000 allocated to aid your development."
You wince at the mention of the word 'was' and it brings back your not-so-finest moments in your head.
"The prize fund stands at $100,000."
"Whoo!" Lola whoops, "That's a lot of money, baby!"
"And it was very hard to gain," Chan playfully comments, sending everyone into laughter.
"Like literally," he adds.
You cover his mouth with your hand to stop him from embarrassing himself more and let Lana continue.
"There are three places in the final."
Now everyone is assessing each other for their possibilities to win the money. You're definitely not going to make the cut with how much you spent in the retreat.
-
YOU: It's clearly not going to be us. We're the antagonists in this show [chuckles]
-
"Following my rules alone isn't enough to win. The finalists are those who have shown personal growth during their time at the retreat."
Oh, wait? Personal growth?
If we're talking about personal growth, everyone can see how much Chan has grown since the first day of the retreat. People would think that it's a biased opinion but you believe that Lana sees it, or you hope so.
"The first finalist is..."
You're secretly praying that Chan's name gets called, it's not much about winning, he deserves to be in the final with the journey he's been through in this retreat.
"Pierre and Alicia."
It's kind of expected and everyone is clapping for them because they deserve it. You watch as they're hugging each other and looking so cute it makes you cooing adorably.
"The second finalist is..."
You continue to pray in your heart for one name to be called by Lana, you even have your hands clasped together and close your eyes as you deeply wish for it.
"Jace and Lola."
Again, everyone is clapping because they're genuinely made for each other, they complement each other in a way like no other.
"The third and final finalist is..."
For the last time, you wish and pray as hard as you can in your heart. You never wished for something this badly so for the first time in your life, please let—
"Chris."
Your mouth hangs open in response while he pulls you into a hug. You're at a loss for words for a moment until he pulls away from the hug.
You get teary as you see him standing up to take his place on the final, feeling so proud of him and the man he has become.
"Pierre and Alicia, Jace and Lola, Chris, one of you will walk away with $100,000."
Chan offers his hand at you so you can hold it while he's standing up in front of you. You can't fight the tears that are already pooling in your eyes.
"And the decision will be made by the remaining guests."
"Oh, my God!" You quietly gasp while dabbing the tears in the corner of your eyes.
"Will the shortlisted guests please leave the cabana while the voting takes place," Lana orders.
Chan bends down to hug you since he has to leave. He presses a long kiss on your cheek and caresses your cheek, "I'll see you soon, yeah?"
You nod with a smile, "Okay."
-
YOU: Oh, I don't care if people think that I am being biased but I saw his growth, every day in this retreat. My vote is going to Chris.
-
The dressing room is crowded because everyone is getting ready for the last party in the retreat. Everyone is wearing white per the dress code announced by the staff.
Chan pulls you to the bedroom to have some alone time before he gets to be separated from you because the finalists have their special entrance to the party.
He sits down at the end of the shared bed and then pulls you down onto his lap.
"I can't believe that I'm one of the finalists, it's... mad!" He says in disbelief.
You put your hands around his neck and look at him, "You deserve it, baby."
He takes a deep breath as though he was swimming in deep water. He then runs his hand in your hair and affectionately brushes your hair.
"Whatever happens, I'm happy, I'm winning," he says.
You nod.
"I'm going home with a girlfriend," he shyly says with his dimpled smile.
That gets you flustered as well and it seems like it has just sunk in you that you're dating him now, "oh, shoot, I have a boyfriend now," you say with a shocked laugh.
He hugs you as you both laugh at the sudden realization, he buries his head in your neck to drink in the scent that gives him a sense of comfort.
He allows his hands to trace down your sides and adores every curve of it, "Mmh... You look stunning tonight," he praises.
"Spin for me," he demands.
You get off his lap and elegantly raise your hands above your waist before spinning around on your feet to show him the whole look.
"Do you like it?" You ask.
"Oh, love it!" He answers with a dramatic, overwhelmed eye roll.
You sit on his lap again and let him rest his head on your chest, on the soft mounds of your clothed breasts. There are only hours left until the retreat ends but his hands are already getting impatient as they're teasing the zipper of your dress.
"Can't wait to take this off of you tonight," he murmurs with his lips grazing your cleavage as he speaks.
You're lowly humming in response and cradle his head close to your chest, "Anything you want," you tell him.
Those words are sending his mind wandering off and away from his head. He's not thinking about the money at all, all he can think about are the things he wants to do to you.
"You can do anything you want later," you say again with your fingers softly scratching the back of his hair.
"Now that's a real prize," he says with an enthusiastic smile.
-
CHRIS: Winning or not, I'm leaving in love [smiles]
-
You sit next to Claire and Nick as the rest of the guests are waiting for the finalists to come and join the party.
"It's sad, isn't it?" Dani says with a sad smile from the other bench.
"It's coming to an end, yeah," Claire shares with a pout.
You've been meaning to not feel sentimental about it but now everyone is feeling the same way, you can't help but have your say about it.
"It's bittersweet, you guys," you say.
Everyone is nodding in agreement and Luke initiates a toast to start the last party in the retreat. The talk continues with everyone sharing their memories here, happy, sad, or funny ones, also everything in between.
Mac has to abruptly stop talking as the finalists are about to enter.
A round of applause welcomes all five of them. First is Pierre and Alicia, and following behind them are Jace and Lola. Last but not least is your number one man, Chan.
You scoot on the bench to make space for Chan to sit on and welcome him with a hug.
"Missed you," you murmur even though you have only been separated from each other for less than an hour.
He caressingly kisses your cheek and puts his arm around you, you reckon he needs the comfort from how nervous he looks right now.
"Got all my fingers crossed for you," you whisper to him.
"Yeah?"
"Uh-huh!" You answer without a beat and grin at him.
You hold his face by the jaw and place a kiss right on his dimple, hurriedly wiping the lipstick mark with your thumb after.
The melodic chime comes from the cone and it's going to be the last you hear of her, Lana.
"During your time at the retreat, I have observed you all commit to the process, acknowledge your failures, and show significant change."
You nod and smile, "Thank you, Lana!" You sincerely say from the bottom of your heart.
"The time has now come to announce the winner of the $100,000 prize."
You put your heads together and hold each other's hands on his lap, letting go of everything all at once, and no matter what happens, you are happy with each other.
"Pierre and Alicia, Jace and Lola, Chris, please stand!" Lana orders.
-
YOU: At the end of the day, I'm leaving as a changed person and I'm in a relationship with a man I love. And that's something I have never imagined in a million years. [Brightly smiles]
-
Chan isn't that optimistic he would win the money.
Yet he feels so nervous Chan has to take a deep breath before getting up from his seat without letting go of your hand.
"You got it, baby," you mutter to him with a squeeze on his hand.
He peers over his shoulder to look at you and flashes you a grateful smile.
"Your fellow retreat guests have voted," Lana continues with the announcement.
Chan looks at the other finalists, at Jace and Lola, and the other way, at Pierre and Alicia. He never thought he would be considered as one of the finalists, he's still in denial about it.
"The person in third place is..."
His heart is beating faster and faster he starts to wonder if he's going to have a cardiac arrest.
"Jace and Lola," Lana announces.
Chan's head snaps in the direction of Jace and Lola who are embracing and congratulating each other despite they do not win the money.
-
CHRIS: I'm on the top two... [deeply inhales] not expecting this at all. If I win, it wouldn't be my own because she played a big part in my growth in the retreat.
-
Lana doesn't give him time to relax as she continues to the next announcement.
"Pierre and Alicia, Chris, one of you has been chosen to check out of the retreat with the prize fund."
He squeezes your hand in his hand hard enough that his knuckles turn white. He needs it, he needs something to hold on to.
"The winner who will be leaving with $100,000 is..."
Who doesn't want that much money? But honestly, it's not going to be a loss if he didn't win it. It's been one hell of a journey and an emotional one, he made friendships and experiences of a lifetime here.
"Pierre and Alicia."
He did end up not winning the money but he doesn't feel like losing at all. He's reeling from it and only aware of himself when you hug him so tightly.
-
CHRIS: Couldn't be happier for Pierre and Alicia.
YOU: [Nods] Yep, they definitely deserved it.
-
"Congrats, you two!" Chan takes his turn to congratulate the winning couple.
"So happy for you, man!" He says as he gives Pierre a big hug.
The celebration continues with them popping open bottles of champagne and spraying everyone with it. You hide behind Chan as Pierre is aiming the bottle at both you and him.
"You're dripping!" You exclaim, seeing his face sticky and wet with white wine.
You help by wiping it with the back of your hand while he brushes his hair to the back.
Chan looks around and sees that everyone is having fun and happy, there's nothing he wishes more than his. It's a memory he'll treasure for life.
Everyone settles back to their seats as Lana has one announcement left.
"Your time at the retreat is over and therefore, the rules no longer apply."
Chan is turning to you but you're looking the other way, you walk over to the other side and he sees that you're coming over to someone.
Chan and Luke can only laugh as you share another kiss after the retreat ends with Dani.
Luke has to pull Dani away from you to not let the kiss continue while Chan pulls you from behind.
"Okay, that was hot," He says with an impressed smile.
He puts his arms around you and pulls you close, "But it's my turn now."
You giggle at him and waste no time to kiss him, opening your mouth to let him kiss you deeper, relishing the craving he has for the taste of your lips.
-
CHRIS: We never thought we'd get this far.
YOU: [Nods] Yeah.
CHRIS: [Looks at you] I'm proud of you.
YOU: [Shyly smiles] And I'm so proud of you!
-
The sounds of the fireworks going off startle you and you both turn around to see them lighting up the sky in bright, colorful sparks.
He's hugging you from behind as everyone else is also watching the wondrous view. His heart feels full yet he wants more of it, he knows that the only way he can get more of it is by sharing it.
Chan brings his mouth close to your ear and says, "I love you."
You turn around to look at him with a confused look on your face, "I'm sorry what?"
It's the explosive sounds of the fireworks and the music playing that make it hard for you to hear what he said the first time.
He raises his voice a little louder and says again, "I love you."
"What?" You raise your voice even louder than him against the constant explosion in the distance.
Chan laughs because it reminds him of the first day you met. He can tell you're not pretending to not hear it this time, he tries again by pressing his mouth close to your ear with his hands cupping around his mouth, "I love you!"
You coo at him in response and turn around to face him, "I love you too."
He captures your lips in one long, lingering kiss and lets out everything in him, freely and intensely. He's not afraid to let go now because he knows that's the only way to love you fully.
And no one can stop him, not now, not ever.
-
CHRIS: No more Lana. No more rules.
YOU: [Looks at Chris] And that means...?
CHRIS: Get in here!
YOU: [Kisses Chan] [Moans]
CHRIS: [Let go of the kiss] [Looks at the camera] Can I go now? Cause she needs to be f—
-
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sandwhitches · 4 months ago
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Hiiii!! Thank you for opening requests for us!! Can I have cherry popsicle about Kenma and fem reader having date at sunflower fields?? (since it's about summer 😋) tysm!! May your days filled with happiness!!🌻
a/n: ahh ur too kind!! sure thing! enjoy :)
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-> genre: fluff!!
-> content warning: n/a
-> wc: 505
this is a part of my summer writing event!!! please feel free to send some requests my way :3
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It’s high noon and there’s no place in the world that you’d rather be than here. Life’s tasks will eventually catch up to you when you’re as busy as you two are, but you and Kenma can always manage to take a break from the bustle.
Today’s date had been a spur of the moment decision upon noticing that the clouds that have been looming for weeks were finally beginning to clear as a gradual commencement of the incoming summer months.
Admittedly, neither you nor Kenma are ever really ones to choose an outdoorsy route when given the option for dates, but how can you not enjoy the weather when it seems like today was practically made for the two of you to enjoy?
Warm summer wind ripples through tall sunflowers, breezing past your cheek like an old friend, it ruffles through Kenma’s hair as it disappears once more into the distance. You can hear the sound of lazy clacking against buttons and the declaration of Hi-Score! every couple of minutes from the console he held in his hands.
The both of you were lolling around aimlessly on a picnic blanket after a rather sizable lunch in the sunflower fields, letting beams of the season’s brand new sunlight warm up your skin and send you into a drowsy spell.
With a hushed breath of relief, you stretch out your back, then lay back down, head nestled against Kenma’s collarbone. 
He lets out a soft, nearly undetectable hum of satisfaction at the touch, ever so slightly tilting his own head down to lean against yours, eyes remaining trained on the screen he held above him. 
“Why don’t we do this more often?” You murmur into his shirt, glancing up to watch the screen of his console with intrigue. Kenma shrugs, “Busy, I guess?” 
You mumble something incoherent in agreement, letting your eyes flutter shut. The sun paints a vivid orange on the back of your eyelids, lulling you into an afternoon haze as you toe the line between awake and asleep.
Somewhere along the line, you hear one final click to the console, followed by the shift of Kenma putting it down and nestling closer up into you. With a drawn out sigh, you feel the slowing rise and fall pattern of Kenma drifting off into a sleep as light as the clouds overhead, nimble hand drawn up to your arm. 
It’s true, you both never get the chance to laze around in each other’s arms like this anymore, and that’s what makes this afternoon even more priceless for the two of you. Kenma likes a lot of things about his life: his occupation, the people he works with, and begrudgingly, he doesn’t exactly mind his studies.
But in this moment, he knows his favorite thing out of all of his busy life, will always be getting to exist so closely to you. He grazes his lips against the crown of your head, finally whispering in concurrence with your first question, “Let’s do this more often.”
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tom-holland-stuff · 10 months ago
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Displeasing Encounters & Passionate Debates // Chapter 2
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My Masterlist
// Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 - mood-board // Chapter 3 //
Pairing: Coriolanus Snow x Fem!reader
Summery: After returning form district 12 Coriolanus snow has had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Wealth, status, power, he's got it all. What happens when he discovers that Dr Gaul, his mentor, has taken on a new assistant.
Warning: SFW - for now. Swearing. (let me know if i forgot any)
A/N: Hey Hey everyone, i'm so beyond glad that you all like chapter 1!! I honestly couldn't wait to share this next part with you all and i hope you enjoy it just as much if not more. Chapter 3 is actually already done, i just have to proof read and let me just say things will be gettin spicy...
Word Count: 2.3K
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The past week has been less than manageable for Coriolanus. Around this time of year the capital enters into a season of continuous social events. From opulent galas to extravagant balls and leisurely brunches, every imaginable type of festivity adorned the calendar. Not that the capital is known for anything less than a good time, but at this time of the year it seems to be occasion after occasion.
Yet, for Coriolanus, these events were more burdensome than enjoyable, especially since the war. There was a time when his family flourished in these festivities, but even with his new found riches and elitist status, Coryo has not developed a likeness for these such things.
To compound matters, the university's exam period loomed over him like a menacing spectre, casting a shadow over his already overwhelmed schedule.
Buried under a mountain of study materials and invitations, Coriolanus finally found a momentary respite as he made his way to visit his mentor, Dr. Gaul. His interactions with her have been limited to brief consultations after her office hours or clandestine meetings in the university's labs, where time for anything beyond academic pursuits was a luxury he couldn't afford. Needless to say, Coryo is keen to return to the lab and commence working with Dr. Gaul.
He makes his way down the sleek hallways of the Citadel. Being a weekday in office hours the building is busier than he is used to seeing it. People clad in white coats smoothly streamline through the halls at a steady pace.
Within no time he is approaching the all too familiar doors to the main lab. The surroundings jog memories from the past few weeks when he has attended brisque meetings with the professor,
because no matter how brief his meeting may have been he always managed to run it her. 
Y/n would always be seated in the same position as she was when they first met, and every-time he would walk past they would acknowledge each other with a harsh stare. If Coriolanus didn't know any better he would think her resting face was a constant look of utter displeasure. 
What a waste of a pretty face.
He quickly shakes his head, disgusted with the fact that he even conjured those words in his mind. 
The distasteful thought prompts him to look to his side ready to engage in the brief - displeasing interaction. But to his surprise, the desk is empty. 
A wave of relief washes over him, mingled with a tinge of curiosity.. 
He tries to affirm to himself that he is relieved to not have to see her face today, but he can’t help but wonder why y/n is not seated in her usual station.
His relief, however, was short-lived, replaced by a sense of unease as he collided with something—or rather, someone—unexpectedly.
It makes a disgruntled huff, causing Coryo to look down in the direction of where his body made impact. There he sees y/n. Kneeling on the floor in front of him…
She scrambles to pick up the papers and folders that are now in a heap on the floor. 
Coriolanus makes no attempt to help her, rather he watches in amusement. As she struggles to regain her composure, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
He crosses his arms and looks down on her. 
Once she has pulled herself together and neatly stacked her paperwork, y/n looks up at Coryo with a piercing gaze, still kneeling at his feet. 
His smirk drops as an unfamiliar feeling rushes over him, far to aware of the site he finds himself in. The position he and y/n found themselves in went from funny to…. to….
He can’t think of a word to describe it. (or he'd rather not think of it)
He takes a step back to give her some space to stand, her eyes never leaving his. 
“How kind of you to offer me help'' she states, words dripping in sarcasm. Seemingly unaffected the same way he was.
Coriolanus quickly straightens himself and plasters that dumb smirk back on his face.
“You're very welcome,” he grins, matching her tone.
With that, y/n huffs and rolls her eyes, making her way back to her desk.
Coriolanus takes this as his cue to continue his venture into the lab, but he can’t help but look back and examine y/n as she annoyedly rummages through her now disorganised papers. He can’t seem to shake that odd feeling he experienced before. So rather he focuses on how her current displeasure brings him joy.
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As the days passed, Coriolanus's encounters with Y/n grew increasingly frequent, each interaction punctuated by a palpable sense of discord. Whether it was their chance collisions in the university halls or their confrontations in Dr. Gaul's lectures, their dynamic seemed fraught with unresolved tension.
That brings us to the present moment. Coryo was attending university, walking through the halls with his fellow peers when he once again hit something hard as he turned a corner 
For god's sake, he thinks. 
And then he looks down...
For fuck's sake
One the ground once again is y/n scrambling to pick up the papers she had dropped… once again.
“Are you following me?” he asks semi-demandingly, annoyance hidden in the back of his throat.
y/n Stands up and quickly straightens her self “for me to have been following you would require me to watch where you're going, and based off our collision i would say no” she says matter of factly, barely even looking at him as she flicks through her papers to make sure they are all in order.
Coriolanus gives her a once over. Y/n is not dressed in her typical business attire, instead she adorns a crisp white lab coat and red scrub like top and pants.
Before he is able to say anything else, y/n squeezes between Coriolanus and his friends in the direction of Dr. Gauls office he assumes. As she moves she brushes past him, the contact making his nostrils flare in annoyance. 
And He Prays that he doesn't have to see her aggravating face again… for at last a while 
Coriolanus is not a religious person, but he is certain now if there is a god they definitely do not faver him. Not even a few hours later he is entering one of the university's lecture halls for Dr. Gauls tutorial in (think of a name for a subject that discusses the ethics of the hunger games) and there she is, Y/n, standing in the centre of the room taking notes as Dr. Gaul speaks to her.
The lecture hall is shaped like an amphitheater of sorts. Levels of chairs with desks cascade down and around a flat space in the middle of the room, similar to a stage. 
Coriolanus moves quickly to a seat not wanting to give y/n the satisfaction of his attention (not that she was looking anyway). 
As the class settles and Dr. Gauls takes her place in the centre to address her eager students, y/n sits down at a small desk on the floor, its space occupied with what looks like an acrylic black box, its colour a stark difference to the rest of the room. Coryo now can’t help but stare now as y/n reaches into the box… no cage, and pulls out a white snake.
y/n holds it softly in her hands as it weaves around her expenditures. She lifts the snake above her head and places it around her neck, it looked to be maybe two feet long, it wrapped it's self easily around her shoulders.
He brings his attention back to Gaul as y/n’s head shoots up in his direction. Quickly settling his gaze away he tunes into what his professor is explaining.
“This new form of technology allows the wearer of the device, similar to a headband, to control their chosen mutt , making them do as they wish. The device scans and mimics the waves made by our brain and delivers them to the chip implanted in the mutt's nervous system through electromagnetic currents.” 
Dr Gaul then turns in y/n’s direction, silently giving her a cue to demonstrate. Y/n looks at the snake and it pauses for a second, as if they are having a mental discussion, and then wraps itself around her torso, spiralling down her frame until it reaches the floor.
The reptile makes its way towards the stairs of the auditorium, swiftly slithering off the hardwood floor. Gasps and small squeals can be heard as the snake passes under Students feet, making its way higher and higher. Clemensia Dovecote lets out a blood curdling scream and stands on her table as the snake passes her bye. Unfazed the slithering creature makes a direct line for Coriolanus's table. 
The Reptile wraps itself around Coryo’s leg, spiralling upwards until it lays atop his desk.
He is Tensing every muscle in his body, Coriolanus didn't hate snakes but he certainly wasn’t fond of them (not having a great history with them himself). The slithering creature lifts its body up until its face to face with Coryo.
Its stark black tongue darts out rhythmically as it tastes the air, The dark colour contrasts the unnaturally silky white scales that adorn its body.
Coriolanus scrunches his face in unpleasantness. 
And then, as if it was able to register Coryo’s distaste for it, the snake let out a violent hiss, spreading its mouth open and flashing its fangs. He tries his best not to flinch, but he can’t help but lean back as the snake halls itself higher arching its body as if it was reading to strike.
“Thank you y/n” Dr Gaul’s voice echoes through the room and the snake freezes.
Coriolanus dosen’t let his gaze fall from the snake until it begins to move. He follows it with his eyes as it slithers away, noticing y/n now positioned directly in front of his desk. The snake curls around her arm and makes its way to her shoulders where it hangs comfortably.
“If i didn’t know any better i’d say you were afraid” Y/n taunts as she strokes the body of the reptilian creature. 
“You must be mistaking me for Clemmy here” he deflects her comment and points notedly at his peer who still remains curled up in her chair shaking with her eyes closed. 
y/n simply hums, and brings her attention back to the blonde haired boy in front of her.
Just as he thinks she is about to walk away the snake darts out, mere inches from Coriolanus's face. He only allows himself to get a glimpse of its sharp fangs before he screws his eyes shut.
Y/n chuckles deeply, the snakes behaviour clearly still under her command.
“Get that vile creature away from me before I turn into a belt myself” Coriolanus spits out, his words laced with venom.
“Now, now…” y/n tuts, slowly stroking the back of the snake as it resumes its position on her frame.
“... you should know better than to insult your own kind” she smirks.
y/n swiftly walks away before Coryo is able to get a last word in
The nerve on this bitch
He is barely able to focus on the rest of the lecture, far too riled up by the class's previous events. He sits rigid in his chair, nostrils flaring as he stares y/n down for the remainder of the class.
She however, never once looks back in his direction, but oh he knows she can feel his burning gaze by the way she shifts almost awkwardly, forcing herself to place her eyes anywhere other than him.
He barely even registers that the lecture is being dismissed until students begin to push past his desk. He reaches down for his bag and makes an effort to leave his chair, stopped by the sound of Dr. Gauls voice ringing through the almost empty hall. 
“Mr. Snow, a moment” she beckons him.
He makes his way steadily down the stairs of the room. Reaching the lower level, he surveys the area quickly, eyes falling on y/n as she whispers something to the black box that now holds the reptilian mutt, eyes locking with his. He refuses to look away, attempting to assert some sort of superiority to her. 
y/n narrows her eyes fiercely at him, picking up the cage and walks out of the room. 
Coriolanus shifts his attention back to his mentor. 
“In such fast paced times, one can only spread themselves so thin” Dr. Gaul plainly states. Unsure what she is vaguely referring too, Coriolanus offers her a curt nod in acknowledgment.
“I have a request,” she continues. 
“In the next coming nights there is to be a gala of sorts and i require you to be in attendance”
Coriolanus holds himself higher, the flattery of the innovation overpowering his distaste for such events. 
“Thank you, Dr. Gaul. i would be honoured” he asserts.
Dr. Gauls' already wicked grin grows wider, sinister even. She chuckles deeply, amused.
“How wonderful ... y/n and yourself will have the most splendid of times”
Are. 
you. 
Fucking. 
Serious. 
His jew clenches, he wishes he was able to protest. Instead he simply offers a strict nod in Dr. Gauls direction and races out of the room. 
As he leaves the lecture hall, Coriolanus found himself consumed by a turbulent mix of emotions—anger, frustration, and a gnawing sense of unease.
His interactions with Y/n had left him unsettled, his usual facade of indifference crumbling in the face of their escalating conflict. The prospect of spending more time in her company filled him with a sense of dread, his resentment simmering beneath a veneer of polite acquiescence.
As he swiftly makes his way through the halls of the university, wishing nothing more than to forgot the events of today, he swears he can hear the echoing of Dr. Gauls amused laugh.
what a strange, strange women.
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A/N: Soooooooo... what did we think?? what are your guy's thoughts on whats to happen next? please let me know if you have any suggestions ideas or ask me a question x you can do that here.
Also i don't give permission for my work to be posted without credit or whatever.
TAG LIST // Let me know if you want to be tagged!!!
@secretsicanthideanymore
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somehow-a-human · 8 months ago
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Whose POV is it Anyway?
The End?
DO NOT ASK NEIL ABOUT FAN THEORY
We're here. We did it. We made it to the final episode. I'm so proud of us.
For reference & context, I recommend reading these posts:
Whose POV is it Anyway? - Introduction
POV "Your 'Something's Wrong' Voice"
POV a Trip to Hell and a 25 Lazarii Miracle
POV a Companion to Owls
POV The Dirty Donkey & I think I Found a *Clue*!
POV Bodysnatchers & Cosplaying a bookseller
POV 1941
POV The Ball
Lens Filters
Lets fuckin go baybee.
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Up until the demons are accidentally allowed into the bookshop, the filter is clearly still the warm and hazy Bronze Glimmerglass of Aziraphale's POV. This is clearly visible after the demons enter and Aziraphale activates the portal. When viewing the top down shots, Aziraphale/Maggie/Nina's side is warm and golden toned, and the demons side is cold and green.
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As the bookshop battle commences the lighting gets cooler and cooler toned as the demons move farther into the bookshop. The lighting is still warm around Aziraphale when he removes his halo, but once it's blown up, we've instantly lost the warm glow and everything is now cool and dark toned.
Throughout Crowley's entire stint in heaven with Muriel, the lighting is cool and bright, and Crowley's sideburns are long. I'm going to give this an inconclusive POV.
When Crowley comes back to the bookshop with the archangels the lighting is still cooler, I would say its most similar to the Black Diffusion FX (BDFX) filter, however there is a fair bit of haziness so it may also be the Black Pro Mist (BPM) filter, and his sideburns are still long.
Gabriel then recovers his memories. And I think this next bit is key when we think of the filters.
The first memory we see is the Tadfield aribase. I did go back and compare this scene to season 1 and it is a fair bit more saturated and warmer toned than it was graded in season 1. I would say that's because Gabriel is now remembering this memory through his lens of how he now views Beelzebub.
The Russian Cafe memory is next, and the scene is very green toned, dark and cool. It reminds me clearly of the Black Pro Mist filter often used for Hell.
The American Bar memory is not nearly as dark, but still a bit cool toned and saturated. I'd say this one uses the Black Diffusion FX filter.
The Resurrectionist Pub is warm, golden, and hazy with fuzzy halos around the lights & I believe we're seeing it through the Bronze Glimmerglass filter.
3 stages of their relationship. Strangers at odds, then cautiously on the same page, then optimistically absorbed in their love for one another.
We return to present day scenes in the bookshop and these are all cool toned, and I would say in the BDFX filter.
... and I'm pretty sure the filter doesn't change the entire rest of the episode. The debate about Gabriel and Beelzebub, the conversation with the Metatron, the final 15. It stays the same, and Crowley's sideburns remain long. And I'm also going to give it an inconclusive POV label. We've reached some sort of equilibrium?
Don't worry, I'm ending this post here, but I'm following it up with my conclusion, and you don't even have to wait to read it! There's too much to summarize my feelings after writing these analysis at the end of this one post, it deserves it's own thing!
NEXT Whose POV is it Anyway - a Conclusion
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charlosvibesonly · 11 months ago
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Racing Hearts - Part 5
pairing : max x fem! driver/reader
it's the race. no mistakes this time.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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The dim light in the storage room painted shadows across Max's face as he cornered you, his presence looming. His eyes, once warm, now held a glint of intensity, and his hands, which once felt comforting, now gripped with an undeniable force. His gaze penetrated deep, and the room seemed to shrink with the weight of unspoken emotions.
"It's this headstrong nature of yours that I really like," Max uttered, his voice dropping into a low, serious tone. The compliment hung in the air, both sincere and unsettling.
"But we can't have two winners. You pull a foolish trick in the next race, and you will regret it," he whispered, the words sending a shiver down your spine. The proximity, the seriousness in his eyes, left you momentarily breathless.
Then, as abruptly as he had cornered you, Max released his grip, letting you go. The door closed behind him, leaving you alone in the room. The echoes of his words lingered, and the contrast between the current tension and the shared bond of a few weeks ago felt like an emotional whiplash, almost breaking you down.
The Mexico Grand Prix loomed ahead. This was the race. No mistakes.
As you slid into the sleek cockpit, you caught Max's piercing gaze. His eyes, once warm, were now cold, sending a shiver down your spine. You couldn't afford to let his intensity unsettle you; the race demanded your full focus.
The lights dimmed, and the engines roared to life. The race commenced, the cars hurtling down the track in a synchronized dance of power and precision. Pit stops unfolded, tires screeched on asphalt, and the fierce competition played out in each carefully calculated maneuver.
The Mexico Grand Prix, notorious for its high-altitude challenges, became a theater of strategy and skill. The commentators narrated the unfolding drama, dissecting every move with fervor.
"Here in Mexico, the stakes are high, and the racers are relentless. Verstappen and Y/N are neck and neck, trading positions like seasoned gladiators."
The race progressed, each lap intensifying the struggle for supremacy. As the final laps approached, your heart raced with the anticipation of the imminent showdown. Max, fueled by the warning he'd delivered earlier, clung to your tail, ready to exploit any vulnerability.
Approaching the last lap, the tension reached its zenith. The commentary box crackled with excitement.
"This is it, folks! The Mexico Grand Prix has delivered an edge-of-the-seat experience. Y/N and Verstappen are on a collision course, the finish line drawing near. Hopefully, this race gives us our champion."
The cars thundered down the straight, and Max, with the aid of DRS, closed in. Wheel to wheel, the race entered a heart-stopping crescendo. 
In the cockpit, you held the steering wheel tightly with determination. Beside you, Max's car loomed, threatening to tip the scales with each passing second. The finish line lay ahead, a ribbon waiting to crown the victor. The crowd was on the edge of the seat.
Who could cross it first? 
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whenmemorydies · 27 days ago
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Another Storer/Calo musical deep cut:
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Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam and the focus of so much of my adolescent thirst whose voice is featured all over The Bear’s soundtrack -
See: Vedder’s rapid-fire, gutteral one-two-three-four-five against one […] torture from you to me of PJ’s "Animal" over the end credits of 1x01 System or propelling the energy in Richie and Syd’s last ditch effort to save Friends and Family in 2x10 The Bear. See: Eddie (and Neil Finn) wailing And though we try to forget it, you will make me call your name, as I shout it to the blue, summer sky in "Throw Your Arms Around Me" over shots of Carmy making Syd's lamb ragu for Cl@ire while Syd undresses at home (this fucking show lmao) (also shout out to Melbourne/Naarm rock group Hunters & Collectors whose song Vedder and Finn covered). See: Eddie's yearning as he croons I've been planning out all that I'd say to you in PJ's "Come Back", as Carmy and Syd have metaphorical sex under a perfectly level table (shout out to @sydcarmyfan for that brilliant meta). See also: Vedder covering The English Beat's "Save It For Later" and singing, Save it for later, don't run away and let me down, you let me down in 3x02 Next while we see a litany of working class and racialised hospitality and food service workers gearing up for another work day in Chicago, just as Carmy is about to commence fucking over his working class and racialised crew at The Bear for the remainder of season 3 (this fucking show, gah) -
that Eddie Vedder, who is more commonly associated with Seattle and the grunge movement that was birthed there, was actually born in Evanston, Illinois: the same suburb of Chicago that its implied the Berzattos lived in (I say implied because its never explicitly stated on the show but we know that 2x06 Fishes was shot in Evanston). I always get a little chill up my spine when I come across connections like this on the show.
The Bear is such a love letter: to the food services industry, to film, to romance itself and almost certainly, to Chicago.
Author's note:
Enjoy this video of Eddie Vedder continuing to be a man after my own heart, talking about visiting his grandmother's old home in Evanston - a home he describes as the Sun that the rest of his family orbited around - which made me tear up because that's exactly how us grandkids felt about our Ammamma's apartment in Canada. Eddie talks about his grandmother having 6 kids and wishing he had bought the apartment to keep it like a time capsule, only to meet the current residents and changing his mind because it was a place full of "love and power and good vibes" that they took and also raised their 6 kids in. And all of this before launching into "Throw Your Arms Around Me" *sigh*
Its no secret that I love The Bear, but what I might love even more than the show itself are all the tangents, winding paths and deep cuts that it takes me to and which pull at my own memories and history. This art is so cathartic for so many reasons. And I doubt I'm the only one on here feeling that way.
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daffodildelight · 2 years ago
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Enemies (Part One) | Shuntarō Chishiya x Reader
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Title: Enemies (Part One) 
Pairing: Shuntarō Chishiya x fem!reader
Summary: You and Chishiya always had a rocky ‘friendship’ if you would even call it that. But feels get revealed under intense pressure
Themes/Warnings: fluff, guns, season 2 spoilers
Word count: 2500sh
A/N: So unedited, will deal with it later. First ever fanfic lol so please be nice, made this in under 3 hours.
You and Chishiya always had a rocky relationship, you had arrived at The Beach after him but slowly made your way up the ranks. Becoming semi-close friends with the Hatter can do that for you. Since you were making your way up the ranks you began getting close with all the high-ranking members, you got along with most of them except for Niragi and Chishiya. Niragi because he saw you as a piece of meat and you would do all your power to get away from him and Chishiya because in you’re eyes he sees you as a weak little girl.
But your relationship with Chishiya started to change leading up to the 10 of hearts games. He would start to act nicer towards you, making sure you had arrived from your game unscathed or even trying to make conversation with you. You had to admit, it was kind of nice. But you also found this rather confusing so you went to the one person who you could get answers from Hikari Kuina.
You found Kuina sitting in the main bar at the beach, wearing her signature blue bathing suit while chewing on her dummy cigarette. ‘’Now look what the cat dragged in, how are you doing (Y/N)’’ she looked genuine when she says this but you can see a little glint in her eye. ‘’I know you and Chishiya have gotten closer in the past few months and I was wondering if I could ask a question?’’ You tried to sound as neutral as possible but Kuina could always see right through you. ‘’Let me guess, it has to do with our mutual friend Chishiya?’’ she smirked, always right on target.
‘’Yeah, why has he been checking up on me lately? It’s getting kind of weird because it’s not in his personality. Is he trying to use my connection with Hatter to get something? I mean it’s the only logical reason’’ Kuina laughed at your comment. ‘’Only logical reason! I’ll tell you this right now but you can’t repeat this to anyone, he totally has the hots for you.’’ Now it’s you bursting into laughter. ‘’Very funny Kuina, tell me the real reason why.’’. Kuina looks stunned ‘’You know I would never lie to you (Y/N)’’. Giving up on your line of question you left with a ‘’yeah whatever.’’
A few days passed, and tensions are rising within The Beach, you can feel it. Ever since Aguni has taken over from the sidelines things are going from bad to worse. Chishiya seems more in his head than usual. You were hanging out in the bar when suddenly the P.A. went off. ‘’We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for staying at Seaside Paradise, Tokyo…’’ A man with a calming voice spoke on the P.A. Everyone at the bar looked around confused as were you, then the man continues ‘’As a token of our appreciation, we will now commence a game with all 59 participants in the venue…’’ All the TV’s around the room flash with one image which gains everyone's interest. The 10 of Hearts. The Beach is a venue and it’s a 10 of hearts game? You were not looking forward to this. ‘’All participants must assemble in the lobby immediately. The rules of the game will be explained.’’ There was a feeling in your stomach that this game was gonna cause massive problems. So you and everyone else in the bar migrated into the lobby and grabbed one of the many phones on the table to register for the game.
While waiting for all the players to arrive you make eye contact with Chishiya from across the room, none of you pulls away and it was probably the first time you never felt a dislike towards him, instead it was something much different. My focus was pulled away when someone yells ‘’Momoka!’’ and there she was living lifeless on the floor with her orange and white striped bikini knife stabbed into her heart. Being a part of the games you had seen lots of death but watching it be someone who lives in the house as you and has been helping you since you arrived sets a horrible gut feeling within you. A ding rings from the phone in your hands which now gains your attention. ‘’Game, witch hunt. The murderous witch who killed this girl is hiding amongst you in plain sight. The witch role is not limited to women. To clear the game you must find the witch and burn him or her in the fire of judgement. Time limit: 2 hours.’’ Massive roars were held within the lobby and you knew things were gonna go south within seconds. As you were trying to think of a plan to do anything Chishiya carefully grabs you by the arm and walks you away from the group in the lobby without raising any suspicion. He leads you through multiple corridors and rooms before placing you in a wardrobe. ‘’Things are going to turn into shit (Y/N), stay in here and don’t the door open for anyone except me, I’ll get you when this is finished.’’ Chishiya gets up to close the door before you ask: ‘’Why are you doing this? How do you know I’m not the witch?’’.Chishiya looks at you carefully. ‘’Because I need to know that your gonna be safe, and I know your not the witch because your not the type to kill a person (Y/N).’’ He then leaves through the door and you stay in the closet. After around 10 minutes you believe this to be a good idea because you can lot of screaming and multiple gunshots.
After what seems like an hour and a half sitting in a closet listening to screams Chishiya opens the door and pulls you out of the closet. The hallways were full of smoke and dead bodies on the floor. Chishiya takes you to Kuina and you guys make your way to god knows where. ‘’Will someone please tell me what's happening? Who’s the witch? Where’s Hatter and Aguni? Where are we even going?’’ you groaned loudly while walking barefoot into the city. ‘’Everything will be explained to you soonly (Y/N)’’.
You make your way through some ground tunnels until you reach a room with loads of dead bodies and computer scenes. Then you finally explode. ‘’What the fuck is happening!? Someone explain everything to me now! I'm so confused… where are we? Where’s hatter?” Chishiya sits me down and gives it to me straight, how hatter died a few days ago and thats why aguni took over. How Asahi told everyone she was the dealer of the game, and why Momoka killed herself because she was the witch. It was very hard to listen but Chishiya sits next to me and comforts me the best way he knows how. By stroking my hair, it was really nice minus the horrible things he was telling but all that stopped when we heard footsteps coming towards the computer scenes.  Arisu and Usagi walk through the darkness and Chishiya make us known to them. “So you actually found this place. I expected no less from you. Thanks to you two, I have all the numbered playing cards right here. Thank you.’’ Chishiya looks as smug as ever, you can’t help but feel a little bit more attracted to him.
Conversations were exchanged between the four of them, trying to figure out how each person got to the same place, and what even was this place. You tune yourself out of the conversation and decided to turn and sort out your conflicted feelings. Why did Chishiya save you? You don’t have anything to bring to the table, maybe a few hand-to-hand combat skills but that’s it. Why are you even having feelings for Chishiya? This was starting to get very annoying for you but your train of thought cuts out when all the screens turn on and you see Mira walk into the shot. Everyone exchanged confused glances. She goes on to explain how there are going to be new games and these games will be the ‘face’ card games. But it left all of us wondering, when will we ever get back home?
We all make our way into the centre of Tokyo trying to think about the new information Mira has given us. We look out into the streets of Tokyo and see multiple huge blimps with different kinds of face cards on them. One huge billboard with ‘Next Stage: Start’’ written on it. ‘’None of the games has started yet’’ spoke Arisu standing in the middle of the group looking so tired. ‘’Maybe we still have time’’ Usagi spoke next trying to reassure Arisu. ‘’Or they forgot to push the big red start button’’ Chishiya replied, Arisu and Usagi turned around and gave Chishiya a look, and I couldn’t help but give a chuckle. I noticed Chishiya smirk a little. ‘’They didn’t tell us about the rules for this one.’’ Signs Kuina. Everyone in the group continues to look around confused. Usagi looks like she notices something. ‘’What is it?’’ I ask with Chishiya to my right. ‘’I hear something’’ Usagi replies and looks towards the street. We all turn and watch the street with her. Multiple cars approach us, and I recognise them as Beach people. They all hop out of their cars and Arisu goes to investigate. ‘’What is this? What are you doing here?’’ He asks one of the members. The members of The Beach go on to say ‘’We saw the blimps show up, there are rumours that the next stage is starting’’. Arisu getting a little frustrated says ‘’Right… here's the thing’’ Suddenly the members of The Beach are getting shot down.
‘’A riffle, get moving,’’ Chishiya says in a weirdly calm way when people around him are dying. ‘’That thing is an anti-tank rifle. So I’d forget about hiding behind a car.’’ He tells the group. I decided to take initiative for Chishiya at this moment, I grab his arm and we follow Arisu towards some buildings. Chishiya runs ahead of me and covers me with the rifle. When the group meets behind the building Kuina asks ‘’Does this means the game started?’’ Chishiya quickly replies ‘’I don’t know’’. Kuina continues ‘’Did they give us any rules?’’ We slowly make our way around the building. ‘’Without rules this is just a massacre’’ Shouts Arisu. ‘’That rifle can kill from about a kilometre away,’’ Chishiya tells the group, he goes from covering me to holding my waist if not for the adrenaline I would assume my bodies reacting like this because of him. Different sounds now come from the gun. ‘’And now we’ve got an assault rifle.’’ Chishiya continues. We all huddle as a group and give comments about things we are witnessing and ideas on what could be happening. ‘’Maybe there are different shooters’’ Usagi speaks up, ‘’Other players are grouping up, I didn’t know there were this many players left’’ Kuina adds. ‘’There almost here!’’ Arisu shouts and backs away from the mysterious shooter. ‘’Let's go!’’ Arisu yells while taking the group back into the street. ‘’I don’t think this is a good idea Arisu!’’ I yell in hopes he can hear me but the blast from the rifle is too much. ‘’We need to split up’’ Chishiya yells and grabs me by the hand and pulls me from the group.
Chishiya and I start sprinting down the street, hands holding each other while bodies fall all around us. I trip on a rock and Chishiya is there to scoop me up from the ground and we continue running. Hands still interlocked tugging each other towards different directions. I see Kuina from a distance and drag Chishiya with me to catch up with her. Kuina looked grateful that somebody else was with her and the 3 of us crouched behind a car. Kuina looks down and see’s Chishiya and I’s hands interlocked. She gives me a knowing look and I turn around to focus on more important things like Arisu and Usagi running along the opposite side of the road trying to help somebody. I make eye contact with Arisu: ‘’Are you trying to get killed out there!’’ with that comment the gunman takes fire in our direction. I hide back behind the car. My back is up against Chishiya's torso and I can feel his breath on my neck. Kuina speaks up ‘’Where are they shooting from anyway?’’ we then hear a loud rumbling from above us and see the huge blimp with a kind of spade flag hanging below it. ‘’Huh, he must be the king of spades’’ Chishiya tells us he then turns to me. ‘’Take this it’s a good luck charm’’ He gives me a handmade explosive. ‘’Thank you Chishiya, I don’t know what to say’’ I can’t believe Chishiya would give up an explosive for me. ‘’Just use it if you have to.’’ and he gives me a smile. I turn to look away feeling a bit flustered but then I notice a man dressed in a long dark black cloak. I point towards him and direct Chishiya and Kuina towards what I’m looking at. ‘’That must be the king of spades’’ I whisper lightly. Chishiya whispers back into my ear ‘’I think your right’’ I turn around to say something but got caught looking into his eyes. My concentration on his eyes disappears when Kuina spots Arisu, Usagi and some random dead guy in the car next to us. ‘’Hey! You two okay? You hurt?’’ Kuina pipes up, and Chishiya gives them a wave. Shots continue to fire as we hide behind the car. ‘’We’re pinned down here’’ I say loud enough for us to hear. ‘’If we step out, he’ll get us!’’ Usagi replies. All of us try to figure out a plan to get out of there but nothing seems to be working out and the king of spades is getting closer. My train of thought gets broken when I green car that I’ve noticed from the beach before pulls in front of us honking its horn. ‘’Get in!’’ yells Tatta from the passenger seat. ‘’Tatta!?’’ Arisu and I yell in surprise and relief. ‘’Don’t just stand there!’’ someone yells from the driver's seat. ‘’Ann!’’ Kuina yells. Usagi and Arisu are the first to make their way to the car followed by Kuina, me and Chishiya. Ann opens the passenger seat and Arisu, Usagi and Kuina make it safely. Different story for Chishiya and me. A grenade is thrown towards the car door and Chishiya stops me from walking on it. ‘’That’s bad. Get going!’’ He yells towards Ann.
In a split-second decision, I decided to kick the grenade towards the kings of spades will Chishiya grabs my hand and tugged me the other way. ‘’(Y/N)! Chishiya!’’ I hear Kuina yell from the car. Chishiya pulls me behind a car and uses his body to shield me from the blast. At that moment I’m glad that I was stuck with Chishiya because I know that if I had to pick anyone out of the group to survive with it would be him and unfortunately for us, we won’t be seeing the group in a while.
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andorology · 29 days ago
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Sanguinity: Chapter 3 a rebelcaptain regency au
“But I would venture to say,” Bodhi added, “that there are times we cannot choose the people who will become part of our lives; one day they just enter and stay there—providence itself decides for us.”
“Well then,” Jyn said, “let us hope that in doing so, it is due to its benevolence, and that the people it chooses to grace us with will enrich the village.” She then briefly thought of the Andors, and found herself scouring the crowd, hoping to spot the sister. As for the brother, she did not know exactly what to look out for yet.
____
Everyone attends the Rook ball. Jyn hosts, seizes her prospects, and finally meets Cassian for the first time. Sparks fly.
Read Chapter 3 of Sanguinity below the cut, or check it out on ao3! Rating T.
The days passed by so gently, as though time floated along the easy winds of the spring. Friday came upon Endor Village like the quiet dawn, and before everyone knew it, the Rook ball, the first event of the season, finally commenced. 
Just as the last drop of daylight faded from the sky, Mabayar Hall received its first carriage, which transported the visiting Donwells—Sir Donwell, his wife Mrs. Donwell, and their ward, James Donwell. Soon the hundred other people that had been invited to attend followed, which included, among a few other persons of importance, the Ersos, Philip Krennic (without his father, who had to be away on an important meeting), and to the curiosity of everyone present, the Andors.
About an hour into the merriment, Jyn had been quickly pulled aside, for Bodhi’s particular want of her counsel on the matter of the chandelier. 
“I do not see what you have been worrying about, Mr. Rook,” said Jyn as they both stood by the corner of the ballroom, straining their necks to look at the fixture overhead. Streams of wax had already trickled down from the candles, their warm light softly fractured by the crystals. “I think it’s just right—neither ostentatious nor gauche.” 
“As long as you are sure,” Mr. Rook said. “I thought the same myself, but I do not want to stir conversation about its being too much or too little.”
Jyn looked at her friend, her expression mirthful. “For a gentleman whose reputation has already been established, you certainly still do worry about what others regard of you.”
Bodhi, chuckling, replied, “I know you are above forsaking me, Miss Erso, if I threw the worst party in the world, but I am not sure the others will be as tolerant of such failings.”
“If that is the case,” replied Jyn, “which I highly doubt it would be, then the only failing on your part would be consorting with the wrong company. Sensible friends would know that there are much worse blunders than a dowdy chandelier to reserve such sentiments for. Perhaps it is simply a matter of choosing the people with whom we are to be.”
“And I have,” Bodhi agreed. “For you are my dear friend.”
Jyn smiled.  
“But I would venture to say,” Bodhi added, “that there are times we cannot choose the people who will become part of our lives; one day they just enter and stay there—providence itself decides for us.”
“Well then,” Jyn said, “let us hope that in doing so, it is due to its benevolence, and that the people it chooses to grace us with will enrich the village.” She then briefly thought of the Andors, and found herself scouring the crowd, hoping to spot the sister. As for the brother, she did not know exactly what to look out for yet. 
“But I believe it has not renounced us thus far,” she finally continued after her failed attempt, “for our village is made up of do-good sorts of people, and I hope that whoever will enter it now will be the same. Which is why I beseech you, good friend, not to distress yourself.”
“You are right.” Bodhi nodded. “I do not believe anybody in this town has done or will do anybody anything in ill will, and over a trivial matter, no less.”
“I believe not, indeed.” 
Just then, a man from across the room came into their view, with a light head of hair and an easy, airy strut.
Bodhi leaned in closer to Jyn to try and direct her gaze. “Look, it is Philip.” 
Jyn, suddenly feeling alert, scrambled to spot the man in question from the crowd. “Oh.”
Bodhi then waved his hand in the air to capture the gentleman’s attention. “Mr. Krennic!”
The man’s face instantly lit up into a lopsided smile the moment he took notice of them. Jyn watched him, the object of her rather bizarre feelings for the last couple of weeks, pace towards their direction in big, perky strides. 
“Miss Erso!” he called out. “Mr. Rook!” 
When he stopped just before her, he gave her a curt nod, which Jyn cordially returned. 
“Mr. Krennic,” she greeted. “I hope you are having a good time this evening.”
Philip grinned. “I am, now that I’ve finally spotted you two tonight.”
“What do you mean?” Bodhi asked, suddenly anxious. “Have you not been enjoying the ball?”
Philip laughed. “Oh, not because you have hosted a terrible one, no. I cannot imagine ever offending you and Miss Erso on that point! No, I have just been dealing with an important matter with Sir Donwell.” 
This roused Jyn’s curiosity, for she very much liked Sir Donwell. “I hope he is all right?” she inquired. “And Mr. and Mrs. Donwell, too.” 
“Oh, yes, quite all right,” Philip easily assured her. “They are as healthy as ever. They are playing cards in the waiting room, James with them. No, we have only been discussing certain matters—” here he stopped himself “—but forgive me, I need not trouble you with the dull specifics, as I imagine you two have this party to preoccupy yourselves with at the moment.”
“Speaking of,” Bodhi said gravely, his eyes directed towards a footman who fast approached them, a somewhat panicked look on his face.
“A matter in the kitchen, sir,” he said before Bodhi pulled him in for barely audible whispers. Just then, he requested to excuse himself from Jyn and Philip, effectively leaving them both alone together as he followed his footman outside the hall, and towards the kitchen downstairs.
The gentleman Jyn was now left with then beheld her with a beamed up expression. Jyn tried to pay it back with her own polite smile. 
“So, Miss Erso,” he said, “you look like you could use a refreshment. Might I get you some?” 
To this Jyn had no objection; she was beyond parched. Together, they snaked through the crowd until they reached the table topped with all sorts of confections and liquor. 
Philip ladled some punch into a cup and handed it to Jyn. “I must say,” he said as he now arranged his own drink, “I am glad to have finally run into you, Miss Erso. I have been meaning to call on Vallt Park, but as I’ve been busy, I haven’t been able to.”
Jyn swallowed before responding. “Ah—it is no problem. I am sure Mama and Papa will be glad to receive you there should you find the time again.” 
This seemed to delight the gentleman. “You shall see me soon, then.” 
To this, Jyn only responded with an affirming nod.
Philip took a sip of his drink. “So tell me, have you been studying still?” 
This finally sparked Jyn’s genuine interest. “Oh, yes, actually. I’ve been reading up on Southern English flora.”
Philip’s eyes lit up. Enthused, he remarked, “That sounds incredibly fascinating, Miss Erso.”
Jyn felt a small smile break across her face, realizing that the subject being brought up was helping ease her nerves. Infused with more confident energy, she said, “It really is. Though, when I went to the shop the other day, I found that there were no pamphlets on the subject at all.”
Philip’s eyes narrowed. “Oh?”
“Well, there are books, yes, but I do not imagine them to be as accessible, for they are either too thick or too advanced. A pamphlet, in my opinion, makes it easier for anyone to be more interested in botany, for it divulges information in tidbits. You can choose one that simply interests you, and from there you can begin to nurse a deeper enthusiasm for your preferred niche. I thought it a shame, really, when I discovered it.”
Philip nodded thoughtfully as he seemed to ponder on this. “I see. Yes, that is truly a shame. I myself have learned a thing or two from pamphlets, and so concur with you there.”
“More people ought to write such publications,” continued Jyn, “for I imagine, if written well, they would attract a good number of readers. I know for certain it would attract me.”
“They really ought to, yes.” Then, quite passionately Philip added, “It is regrettable to know that our great botanists have not yet found the sense you have long already had, Miss Erso. I am of hope that one day you shall finally find the pamphlet you seek—on every shelf, in every shop and library, and in all of England.” 
Jyn watched him curiously, not at all insensible to the warm, if not fervent approbation he had given to her opinions. 
“I must say,” she remarked, “I appreciate that you not only see my point, but also acquiesce to it, Mr. Krennic.” 
Philip chuckled, swirling his drink. “I do not think there will ever be a time where I would not, if I’m being honest.”
Jyn knitted her brows. “Do you mean to say that you do not intend to ever disagree with me?”
After giving it some thought, Philip shook his head, his mouth down to a pout. “No. I do not find myself doing it.” 
“Forgive me, Mr. Krennic, but that is absurd.” Jyn let out a sharp chuckle, characteristic of both incredulity and amusement. “What if I had been wrong? What if I had said there ought to be more pamphlets on the various methods of killing wildlife instead? Would you still take this opinion for yourself, merely because I had said it?” 
“Well,” Philip explained, “if you did so to the best of your judgment, then you would be right, I still probably would.”
Jyn laughed in disbelief. “What if nothing else could have informed it but my lunacy?” 
Philip smiled. “But you are not lunatic, Miss Erso. Nor did you say those things.”
Jyn beheld Philip in quiet amazement. She shook her head. “You esteem my opinion too much, Mr. Krennic. I hope you do not mind my saying so, but I sometimes think you’re too agreeable. Too agreeable for anyone’s good, in fact.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” Philip enthralled.  
Jyn smiled. “Had I not known you for a while, I would totally suspect it.”
To this Philip did not reply, only laughed.
“Well,” Jyn posed, “must I, Mr. Krennic?” 
Smiling, Philip said, “Forgive me. I do not mean to come off as sycophantic. If I seem like it, well, that is only because I regard your opinion with utmost value. You have, on several occasions, shared your wisdom which has hardly failed you. Not to mention, too, that you have always had a delightful disposition, which makes it difficult for anybody to disagree with.”
“But I do not mind disagreement,” insisted Jyn. “In fact, I prefer it, for I believe there is a fundamental difference in being correct because someone told me I was, and being correct because I was able to prove that I was. I find the latter to be more fulfilling, and above all more purposeful to the pursuit of knowledge.”
Philip grinned. “I suppose I’ll just have to agree to disagree.” 
At this, Jyn could not help but muse again. But before she could say anything in return, a voice from somewhere behind her suddenly exclaimed:
“Miss Erso!”
Jyn spun around and saw there, filing through the crowd, the petite figure of her recent acquaintance, Kerri Andor. Behind her she pulled by the forearm a man of middling height and a dark head of hair. The black coat and matching waistcoat beneath that he wore made him stand out from the crowd—Jyn could only but stare. 
From the distance she vaguely saw his features to be similar with Kerri’s. That was when she instantly surmised that he must be her brother. 
Cassian Andor.
“Are those the Andors?” asked Philip, straining his eyes to spot them in the crowd.
“It would seem so,” replied Jyn, suddenly nervous. 
Soon Kerri and her companion stopped to meet Jyn. “Miss Erso, I finally found you tonight!”
Jyn smiled and gave her acquaintance a bow. “Good evening, Miss Andor. I’m glad you made it.” 
“I made it a point to, of course. I am immensely enjoying myself; you host quite a party! Nothing like the perfect opportunity for us to induct ourselves to the village.” 
Jyn’s eyes then flitted to the man behind her, noting the blank yet vaguely curious expression on his face. Though she privately remarked that she had seen stone statue faces more animated than this, she also thought, even more privately, that the features that made it were not so unpleasant to behold. 
For a brief moment their eyes met, at which she quickly looked away. 
“Some introductions are in order,” said Kerri. Addressing Jyn she said, “Miss Erso, I’d like to finally introduce you to my brother, Cassian. Brother, meet Jyn Erso—” then when she realized that Jyn also had a companion herself “—and er…”
“Philip,” quickly intercepted Philip, a gleeful expression on his face. “Philip Krennic. I am a long-time friend of Miss Erso’s.”
Jyn curtsied, addressing Cassian. “Mr. Andor. Nice to finally meet you. Welcome to Endor Village.” 
Cassian, a vague scowl now forming on his face, stiffly returned the greeting, and with significantly less gallantry. “Miss Erso.”
Jyn frowned.
Philip took a step forward. “It is great to finally meet you Miss Andor, Mr. Andor.” He offered Kerri a smile, and reached out a hand to Cassian. 
Cassian just stared at the hand being extended to him, with seemingly no intent to take it. It took Kerri to lightly nudge his arm with her elbow for him to finally take it, though with a most visible reluctance, which, to Jyn, was just as bad as not receiving the handshake at all. 
She found it odd, if not impolite.
“So,” Kerri said, her eyes narrowed in thought. “Mr. Krennic. Your name sounds familiar.”
“Hmm, you might have heard of my father,” replied Philip, “or my grandfather, for that matter. If you are involved in the affairs of shipbuilding, then it is likely. We invest in the trade, you see.” 
“Ah, that must be it,” said Kerri, not quite convinced, but nodding. “My brother here briefly had some solicitor work done in that arena.”
“Did he now?” asked Philip, interested.
Kerri stared at her brother, expectant. Upon observing his general snobbish disposition, it was apparent to Jyn that Cassian had no desire to indulge the question, but when he registered his sister’s application, he finally said in a very clipped tone, “Yes, I did.”
Jyn—and Philip too, it seemed—expected him to supply the statement further, but a few seconds passed, and no such elaboration came. 
Jyn was beginning to find no excuse for such impropriety. 
To this, all Philip could say was, “Ah. Well, I suppose there’s no point in discussing such droll matters on an occasion such as this, am I right, Mr. Andor?” He laughed, then turned to Kerri. “So, Miss Andor, have you danced tonight yet?” 
At that, Cassian’s frown seemed to deepen. 
Kerri, however, remained oblivious to this. “I have not yet, actually,” she answered. “We’ve just arrived.”
“Well then,” said Philip, “I hope you allow me to be the first to receive the honor. My friend Miss Erso is already quite tired to even dance once—” he glanced at Jyn with a charmed smile “—so I entreat you, Miss Andor.” 
He extended his hand. Where the brother had received such a gesture with total repugnance, his sister, on the other hand, took it with a light, easy grace. She glanced at her brother, and Jyn could tell by the intensity of their locked gazes that they were amounting to an unspoken disagreement. 
Kerri would come out the winner, for ultimately, Cassian broke his gaze away first, and his sister, half-smiling, joined Philip to the dance floor triumphant. 
As they commenced their uptempo waltz, Jyn suddenly became too aware that she now stood alone with the brother, and it would seem that neither she nor he were willing to break the air of awkward silence that hung about them. 
They stood side by side, facing the ballroom floor. Jyn tried to glimpse a side-eye glance at him (who she realized considerably towered over her) only to find that he was also trying to do the same. Immediately he shifted his gaze towards his sister on the dance floor, a quiet indignance constant upon his countenance. 
Too intrigued to ignore such behavior, Jyn finally spoke. “Are you not enjoying the party, Mr. Andor?”
To which, Cassian replied in a dismissive tone, “I had much rather be back at the house than be here.”
“You are liking Lah’mu Hall, then,” muttered Jyn bitterly under her breath.
Cassian did not respond.
She cleared her throat. “So, how has settling in been?”
The solicitor still did not respond. A few moments of silence passed without either one or the other speaking. 
Jyn now took full offense for this impoliteness. “It’s true what has been said about you, Mr. Andor," she said pointedly. "You really are frugal in conversation.”
This finally elicited some type of reaction; Cassian turned his neck to face her.
“You might as well have been absent during our acquaintance,” Jyn continued, “for you did not much talk at all.” 
After a few moments of him just staring at her, he finally spoke. “Well, Miss Erso, that usually happens when I find myself with company that does not warrant it.” 
Jyn’s eyes widened, her mouth hanging open. “Excuse me?”
Cassian turned his face away and again returned to his silences. 
Jyn could feel her blood begin to boil. “My, Mr. Andor,” she said in a tone of mockery, “have I not been interesting for you—not even enough to earn your basest civilities? Well then, forgive me for my insufficiency in meeting your expectations, so early into our introduction, no less.” She shifted her feet so she faced him. “Do enlighten me. When I had greeted you earlier, should I have already inquired into discussions of the suffering British economy, or the current uprisings and massacres following the calls for reform, or perhaps the long-standing question of parliamentary suffrage—not only for men, mind you, but for women, too?” 
Cassian looked at her again, during which he seemed to be now carefully and intently observing the features of her countenance. He remained unflinching, however, in his indifference. 
“Because I would have, Mr. Andor,” Jyn continued smugly, “but I had a feeling I should not have with you. And I was right.”
They then both found themselves in a staredown, with Jyn noticing, despite her budding abhorrence, the deep brown of Cassian’s eyes. 
The look on his face began to change; his mouth slowly broke into a small, dry smile. 
“Do I amuse you?” demanded Jyn.
Ignoring this question, Cassian said, rather sharply, “So, it’s true what has been said about you, Miss Erso.”
“What?”
“You have been given liberties much more than is due yourself.”
Jyn glowered. “For a man who so terribly wants to be interesting, that is a rather blasé predilection. I ought not to be given liberties? Why, because I am a lady?”
“Because it haphazardly bloats your self-importance,” answered Cassian. “And it is begging to make itself known to everybody.”
Jyn laughed dryly, so audibly that it captured the attention of a gentleman within her vicinity. “Now I’m unworthy of your conversation and self-important. Come on, Mr. Andor. You can try to be more unsubtle in showing your displeasure.”
“I am not displeased.”
“Oh I had much rather you were, if I’m being honest. I would hate to think this is your natural state.”
“What would that be?”
“Perpetually unpleasant.”
Cassian smiled coldly. “That does not offend me, for I do not imagine anybody pleases you much.”
“So says the man who has not shown a single sign of delight upon our introduction.”
Now Cassian motioned himself so that he now faced her. “Why?” he asked. “Have you just not, before even meeting me, already had presuppositions about my character? Why should I be glad to meet someone who already has prejudices against me? You’ve just admitted to having them.”
Jyn scoffed. “Not that I have to clarify my position to you, Mr. Andor, but I had actually hoped to make a pleasant acquaintance with you tonight, as your sister and my father have attested to your good character. And yet as I face you now, I admit I am lost, for I do not see a single modicum of pleasantness in you. You accuse me of prejudice, and yet you do nothing now to prove it wrong. You cannot hope to absolve yourself of my opinion if you are so solidly fixing it to me as fact.”
That was when Cassian stepped closer, bridging the considerable gap between them much shorter. Gravely, he said, “I do not believe I have to prove myself to you.”
“Clearly, you do not.” Jyn laughed. “But it humors me so that I seem to have so severely irked you—and without my even doing anything. What could I have possibly done to warrant myself a treatment of such boorish manner, Mr. Andor? Or are you just so dreadful that you make it a point to be mean because you can be?” 
Cassian scoffed, which made Jyn roll her eyes. 
“Is that all you can do?” she challenged. “Grunt and mumble and brood?”
Cassian slowly shook his head. “Clearly you are so caught up in your own head, so lost in your own perfect little world that you fail to see the answer to your question as it stands, plain as the day.” 
“What?” Total bewilderment overtook Jyn’s countenance, for she had absolutely no idea what he meant. 
She could hardly believe it. What an incredibly obnoxious man! What a truly ill-natured being for the new owner of her childhood home, and above all, her new very close neighbor! It quickly occurred to her that his arrival, as it turned out, did not signify a pleasant addition to the village; it only signified that he would plague it with his total lowliness.  
“You truly surprise me, Mr. Andor,” she snarled. “I did not know anyone could be so unlikeable as you. And yet, as it stands, I suppose I find endless repose in the revelation that I had been right about you all along.”  
Cassian let out a sharp gust of air through his nose. “Does that make you feel better about yourself? Being right?”
Jyn shrugged, and erected herself to a proud stance. “It very much does.” 
Just then, the waltz had finished, and Jyn saw Kerri walking back with Philip, a smile on both their faces as they laughed about something funny. Briefly they joined Jyn and Cassian, and they became a party of four again. 
“That was splendid,” Kerri beamed, addressing her brother.
Philip, in observing Jyn’s grim expression, asked, “Is something the matter, Miss Erso?” 
Jyn, who had been looking at Cassian the entire time, finally broke her gaze to address Philip. “No, Mr. Krennic. Not quite.” 
“We must leave, Kerri,” suddenly spoke Cassian, meeting his sister’s eyes.
“But I would like to talk some more with Miss Erso,” Kerri said. 
Cassian seemed ready with a reason against their staying, but Jyn, unwilling to give him the satisfaction, went on ahead and said, “I’m afraid I have to attend to something myself, Miss Andor. I am required there now, as a matter of fact. I only waited for you to finish to properly excuse myself.”
Kerri looked disappointed. “All right,” she said, uncertain. “Well, I at least hope to find you again tonight, if you would please. I have much I would like to talk about with you, Miss Erso.”
Jyn tried her best to nod and smile reassuringly. “I hope so too.” 
She gave Cassian one last look before she finally gave everyone a parting bow, turned on her heel, and walked away.
For some time after that, Jyn tried to spend a good few minutes on casual conversation with guests, but her irritation had gotten the best of her that she did not understand a single word they had said. 
So she made the decision to head down to the kitchen instead. But before she could even reach the stairs, Bodhi had already found his way up and was on his way back to the party. 
He met her in the hallway. “You look irritated,” he observed with concern. “Did something happen while I was gone?”
Jyn, her fists balled so tightly her fingernails could rip through her glove and pierce her palms, replied, “I met Mr. Andor.”
Bodhi’s face turned cautious. “And…was he not to your liking?” 
“More like I am not to his liking, Mr. Rook, which I suppose, yes, makes him not to my liking.” She took a deep breath through her nose. “He is beyond improper, and not to mention hopelessly self-important!” 
“What?” Bodhi replied, incredulous. “That is impossible. I wouldn’t have recommended him to Mr. Erso if he was. I mean, did he not like him, too?” 
Jyn threw her arms in the air and let them fall back down against her thighs. “Well then, it would seem that he made a special, particular exception for me to this boundless agreeableness you speak of. I find it hard to believe that we talk of the same person. I am telling you, I have never met someone so unpleasant!”
Bodhi watched as Jyn paced back and forth in an attempt to dispel her anger. He had never seen his friend in such a state of distress over anybody before. “Miss Erso, you seem really agitated by him.”
“He is, without a doubt, the worst person I have ever met in my entire life,” she proclaimed with conviction. “I do not care if we are neighbors; I should hope to never see him again. For if I do, I shall hate him forever. And that is a promise, Mr. Rook.”
Jyn would soon remember, of course, that she would soon see Cassian again, when he would finally fulfill his commitment to calling on the Ersos at Vallt Park a few days from now.
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sarahsmi13s · 2 years ago
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Told Them (pt 2)
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pairing: jake ‘hangman’ seresin x wife!reader
characters: jake seresin, y/n seresin, grayson seresin, kennedy seresin, dagger squad, penny benjamin
warnings: third person pov, she/her pronouns used, domestic hangman, i believe that’s it
word count: ~2.9k
a/n: 3/3 (2/3) okay so I know i said this was supposed to be 3 parts but had i done this last part all at once it would have been unproportional: 3.4k (part 1), 2.9k (part 2) and then 9.4k (part 3)
soooo i broke part three up into 3 parts 
lightly proof-read
part 3 summary: after nearly losing his son, jake decides to tell the team about his family and invites them to his home for a cookout
part 3.2 summary: the squad has arrived, let the meet and greet commence!
pt 1  pt 2  pt 3.1  pt 3.3
********
The doorbell ringing startled Y/N as she seasoned the handmade burger patties.
“You good?” Jake laughed as he walked past her, just having come in from prepping the grill. “Shut it.” She rinsed her hands and wiped them on the towel by the sink before following Jake to the door.
Jake smiled down at her before opening the door. 
“Admiral Simpson, glad you could make it,” Y/N smiled as Cyclone and Jake shook hands. “Please, Mrs. Seresin, call me Cyclone.” She rolled her eyes, “We aren’t too keen on call signs while at home Admiral, and you can call me Y/N.” He chuckled, “Of course, call me Beau.” Y/N and Jake stepped to the side to let him in.
“How’s Grayson?” Jake closed the door, “Uh, he’s sore. But the medicine helps. Frustrated to say the least.” 
Beau nodded. “Also, something came up and Warlock won’t be able to make it. Is, uh, anyone else here?” “That’s okay and you’re the first one actually, I’m still setting up in the kitchen. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Jake and Beau went into the living room. “Kennedy, Grayson, you remember Cyclone right?” 
Both kids looked up, Kennedy nodding and waving at him. Cyclone smiled and waved back. Grayson shifted to stand and shake the admiral's hand. 
“Grayson, you don’t have to do that,” Beau held up his hands to keep Grayson seated, but still shook the boy’s hand.
The doorbell rang again and Y/N answered it. 
“Pete, Penny, hi!” They greeted with hugs. “Y/N,” Penny smiled as she hugged her before taking the two six packs from Mav. “I know we’re early, anything you need help with?” “Yes, please. I’m still trying to get the ice chest filled, and I could use an extra set of hands.”
“Darlin’, who’s here?” Jake’s voice rang out from the living room. “Pete and Penny!” 
She turned to the couple, “Pete, Jake and Beau are in the living room, Kennedy and Grayson are too. Make yourself comfortable.” Penny and Y/N went to the kitchen and Mav went to the living room.
About 10 minutes later, someone just walked in. 
“Seresins, the party has arrived,” Javy voice and laughter rang out in the house.
“Uncle Cy!” Kennedy launched herself off the couch and ran to the door. “Princess, be careful!” Jake tried to scold, but couldn’t stop the smile on his face. 
Javy came into the room, Kennedy on his hip. “Admiral, Captain,” he greeted the two with a nod. 
“Hey, Uncle J,” Grayson waved a little. “Hey G, how you feelin’?” “Better, thanks.”
Javy turned to Jake, “Where’s the missus?” Jake gestured over his shoulder, “Kitchen with Penny. I think they’re just talking now.” Javy nodded and set Kennedy down so she could settle in by her brother while they watched Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
“Hey, Javy, anyone comin’ in behind you?” “I think Rooster, Phoenix, and Bob were. Not sure though.” Jake nodded and pushed out of his chair. “I’ll be back.”
Jake went into the kitchen, Y/N was in deep conversation with Penny. “Hey, Sweetheart?” 
She glanced at him, and held a finger up while nodding to what Penny was saying. “Yeah, that sounds fun. I’m glad Amelia has a path she wants to follow. But I will say, she needs to be prepared for anything. And that it’s okay for plans to change.”
She turned to Jake, “Yes, Honey?” Jake smiled, “We got new faces showing up, figured you want to be with me when they got here.” Y/N nodded and smiled, “Of course, yeah. We just got all the drinks into these coolers, they probably should go outside before everyone gets here.” Jake nodded, “Okay, I will-”
The doorbell cut him off. 
“Guess they’re here.” Y/N looked to Penny, “Go make yourself comfortable in the living room.”
As Y/N and Jake went to the door he put his hand on the small of her back to relax her nerves. 
He pulled open the door to reveal Payback and Fanboy, instead of the other three he thought would be there. “Hey, guys.” “Hey, Hangman.” “Hey.” 
“Payback, Fanboy, this is my wife Y/N; Doll, this is Reuben and Mickey,” Jake introduced, a proud smile on his face.
She smiled back and opened her arms for a hug, which the two accepted, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you guys. Jake tells me a lot about you.” “Really?” “Yeah, all the time. Mainly when you bet 200 push-ups during an exercise, he wouldn’t stop complaining.” 
Payback cringed, “Yeah, not our brightest moment.” “Our? You said it. I just went along with it.” Y/N laughed and gestured for them to come inside.
Jake closed the door and followed behind them to the living room. 
“Grayson, will you pause the movie?” “Yes ma’am.” As he did so, he noticed the two new faces in the room and he got a little anxious.
“Kennedy, Grayson, this is Reuben and Mickey. They fly with your dad,” she said, nerves hidden to the untrained ear. 
Grayson carefully leaned forward to shake their hands. Kennedy sat up and tilted her head, “Mickey? Like the mouse?” Fanboy chuckled and nodded, “Yeah Kennedy, like the mouse.” “That’s so cool.”
Mickey chuckled at the five year old and caught the paused scene behind him. “Wait, are you watching Captain America?” Grayson nodded, “Yeah, it’s one of her favorites, Mom’s too.” “I love that one!”
Y/N smiled, “So, that’s why they call you ‘Fanboy’?” Mickey nodded, “Yeah.” She nodded and gestured to the furniture, “Feel free to sit wherever. As soon as the others get here we’ll probably move outside.” Reuben and Mickey found a seat and Grayson unpaused the movie.
Y/N pushed Jake to the kitchen so they could get the ice-chests. “Which has what?” Jake asked. “The big one’s got beer, a few ciders, and water. This one got sodas, water, and Kool-Aid.” Jake nodded and bent over to move the cooler.
“Uh, no sir. Do not try to carry that by yourself,” Y/N scolded, rolling the small one to the patio door. 
Jake straightened his back a little before reaching over and grabbing the handle. “And do not drag it over my hardwood floor!” Y/N’s voice called from around the corner. Jake huffed but laughed, “Yes ma’am.” 
She came back and grabbed the other handle, “Let’s go, cowboy.” They lifted it together and took it outside.
They came back in and went to the living room.
“So, Grayson, how old are you?” Jake and Y/N stopped when they heard Payback ask. “Oh, I’m 16, turned 16 back in May.”
Y/N held her breath a little bit and Jake squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear, “It’ll be okay.”
“Oh, that’s cool. So, you’ll be a junior?” Y/N let out the breath and Jake rubbed the back of her hand.
They walked the rest of the way into the living room. 
“Yeah, I’m ready for school to start.” “Really?” Pete asked. Grayson nodded, “Yeah, sitting around with nothing to do is really hard for me. I’m always doing sports or something.” The group nodded and the doorbell rang.
“If you guys want to head out back, we’ll be out there in just a minute,” Jake told them, gesturing to the sliding glass door. 
He placed his hand on the small of Y/N’s back and guided her to the door.
Y/N took a deep breath as Jake opened the door, revealing three people. 
“Hey guys.” “Hey Hangman. We weren’t sure what to bring so we brought assorted chips,” Rooster chuckled as he held up the bag. Y/N smiled and took the bag, “Thank you, you didn’t have to. But it’ll certainly help.” 
Jake smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, “Rooster, Phoenix, Bob, this is my lovely wife Y/N; Y/N this is Bradley, Natasha, and Bob.” 
Y/N smiled and hugged them, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you guys! I’ve heard a lot about you. You specifically Bob.” A light dusting of pink splayed over his face as he hugged her.
“Well, we haven’t heard a lot about you. But I’m definitely excited to do so,” Phoenix teased, wrapping her arms around Y/N. Y/N smiled, “Well, let’s hope I don’t disappoint.” She turned to Rooster, who actually embraced her first.
“Come in, come in,” Y/N said when she pulled away from the hug and waved for them to follow her. 
They passed the empty living room. 
“Living room got a little full, everyone’s outside,” she explained, feeling the confusion of the three behind her. They nodded and followed her outside.
Y/N got her kids attention, and brought the three new guests over. 
“Kids, this is Bradley, Natasha, and Bob. They also fly with your dad.” Grayson once again leaned forward to shake their hands, “Nice to meet you.” They nodded at him, “Nice to meet you too, Grayson.”
Kennedy smiled and gave them a small wave, acting a little more shy now. 
Phoenix knelt down in front of her, “Hi, Kennedy. I’m Natasha.” Kennedy’s eyes lit up, “Natasha? Like Black Widow?” Y/N chuckled a little, “Black Widow is one of her favorites.” Phoenix laughed, “Well, in that case. Yes, exactly like Black Widow.” She tapped Kennedy’s nose, making her laugh, before standing.
“Hey, that’s an unfair advantage!” Rooster joked, laughing. “Don’t worry Bradshaw, Kenni loves everyone. I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Jake called over from where he was getting the grill started. 
Bradley chuckled and nodded as everyone watched Kennedy run off to go play with a tiny basketball. 
“He’s right. It might take her a minute, but she’ll be crawlin’ in your lap before the night is over I’m sure of it,” Y/N smiled and patted his arm.
Y/N went to start setting up the ‘set-up’ table and everyone started making conversation.
“Grayson, you said you play sports?” Payback asked. Grayson nodded, carefully shifting to get more comfortable in the deck chair, “Yeah, helps keep me busy.” The aviators nodded. 
“What sports do you play?” Rooster asked, leaning back in his chair.
Grayson chuckled a little bit, “Pretty much any that I can. But football, basketball, and baseball are by goto’s. I tried soccer when I was 10 but there was only fall and spring, which took time away from football and baseball. But I gave it a shot.”
The aviators took notice that Grayson wasn’t really talking about his injuries. Like right now he could have brought them up in relation to sports, how he wasn’t going to get to play or that he may never play again. 
But he didn’t, he talked as if he was perfectly fine.
So, they didn’t bring them up unless it was brought up by him or his parents first.
Bradley nodded, “I loved baseball in high school. What position do you play?” “Catcher, usually, I may play outfield every once in a while. My mom was a catcher in high school and dad…” Grayson paused trying to remember. “Hey, Dad? What position did you play in baseball?” 
Jake did look up from the grill when he answered, “Firstbase, I could pitch if needed though.” Grayson nodded, “Right, yeah.”
The group nodded and Fanboy spoke up. “What about basketball?” 
“Oh, uh,” he scratched the back of his neck. “It really depends, I guess. Back in Texas I was usually a point guard or a forward. I was not the tallest on the team.” 
“How tall are you?” Bob asked, he assumed since Jake was tall, Grayson was tall. “About 6’1 – 6’2, just hit a growth spurt this past year. Get my height from my uncle, he’s like 6'4.”
Y/N chuckled when she heard that as she stepped outside to hand Jake the patties and hotdogs. 
“Yeah, Jake’s not very happy that he has to look up at him,” she tiptoed to kiss her husband’s cheek. “But I’m sure Kennedy is gonna be taller than me, so he won’t be alone.” Jake laughed, “Yeah, my sisters are a little above average height.”
Speaking of Kennedy, she ran up to Y/N, pulling on the green over shirt gently. “Mama?” “What Princess?” “Can I have a Kool-Aid?” “Sure, baby.”
The aviators watched the simple interaction and smiled. 
Bradley looked over at Jake and saw Jake’s expression. It was the softest he had ever seen him. It reminded him of his own dad, oddly enough. Just the pure love in his eyes was what he saw directed at his mother. He glanced at Mav who obviously saw the same thing.
Bradley jumped when he felt something cold hit his knee, he looked up to see Kennedy holding the blue Kool-Aid out to him. 
“Uncle Bradley, can you open this, please?” He smiled, “Course.” She placed it into his open palm. He easily twisted it off and handed the now open bottle to her. “There ya go, Ken.” “Thank you!” She smiled and went over to Mickey, crawling up beside him to sit down and drink her Kool-Aid.
“So, Y/N, what do you do for work?” Y/N opened the assorted bag of chips and dumped them onto the table. “I’m a hairstylist. I mainly focus on coloring and stuff like that, but I do cater to the military community when needed.” 
Jake pointed to her with his spatula, “She was booked out the ass in Texas.” “Language,” Kennedy said from her spot. “Right, sorry, princess.”
The aviators laughed. Mickey looked down at Kennedy, “Where’d you hear that?” “Captain America said it, in the one where they fight the big robot,” she said, drinking her Kool-Aid. “You and I are gonna be great friends, Ken.”
They all fell back into an easy flowing conversation, everyone making jokes. Bob, Bradley and Javy offered their help but Y/N just waved them off.
Kennedy had finished her drink and had been playing in the yard. 
“Kennedy, sweetie, come on. Let’s go wash your hands.” “Okay, Mama!” The little girl slid down the slide on her play set.
Y/N chased her into the house, washing her hands at the kitchen sink. Then she remembered something.
She opened the kitchen window. 
“Grayson!” She tried to get her son’s attention but he was so caught up in the conversation he was having with Rooster that he didn’t hear her. 
“Gray- Oh my goodness.” “I don’t think he can hear you Mama.” “Me either baby.”
But Bob heard her and turned, using his thumb to point to Grayson making sure he heard right. She nodded at him and he nodded, turning to get the teen’s attention.
“No, but this guy was seriously thinking he was better than the senior catcher as a freshman. It was-” “Hey, Grayson, your mom’s trying to get your attention,” Bob cut in.
The 16 year old perked up and looked for his mom, finally spotting her in the kitchen window. 
“Yes ma’am?” “How you feelin’? Do you need your pain meds?” “I’m all good right now, Mom. Thank you!” He winced a little bit, “Actually, could I get some ice?” “You got it.” “Thank you.”
Once Y/N and Kennedy came back outside and gave Grayson his ice pack, the feast began.
********
Reuben and Javy set up a folding table next to the normal glass patio table the Seresins usually ate at and they all sat down to eat.
Their plates were full and not much later so were their stomachs, but they still went in for seconds. And of course had room for dessert.
“This peach cobbler is sooo good,” Payback complimented, taking a huge bite. “Yeah, this is delicious Mom.” 
Y/N smiled, “Thank you. It’s actually my grandma’s recipe, she used to make it all the time when Jake and I were kids.”
Jake nodded, “Oh yeah, her house always smelled like some kind of dessert. But you’ve got to try her cousin’s dirt cake.” He did a chef’s kiss. Y/N nodded along with her husband, “Oh yeah, when we have any family get togethers when people get a plate of food, they usually get a bowl of her dirt cake. I’ve tried to make it, but it’s never the same.”
“Wait, you said when you and Jake were kids?” Natasha asked, her arm wrapped around Kennedy who had seated herself in the pilot's lap after she finished dessert. “He said you’d been married for 15 years but I didn’t know you’d known each other that long.”
Both nodded, “Yeah, our parents became friends in college.” “I was born in October the year my parents graduated and she was born the next year.” “It was inevitable that we would be best friends. And everyone in the neighborhood had a bet going if we would end up together.”
Jake grabbed her hand, “Yeah, nothing could really take us apart. We never let girlfriends or boyfriends try to tell us not to be friends. I think deep down we both knew we were it for the other person.” 
He brought Y/N’s wrist to his lips and kissed the tattooed ‘JS’ that resided there.
If the squad’s hearts hadn’t already melted before, they sure were now. They had never seen Jake so relaxed before.
The moment was disrupted by Kennedy slipping down from Natasha’s lap. “Uncle Bob, can you push me on the swing?” Bob smiled at her. “Of course, let’s go.”
************
hiiiii! i’m happy you’re here! thank you for reading!
i hope you enjoyed this part three! well part two of part 3! the other parts are up now!!
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nalyra-dreaming · 6 months ago
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Looking at what we’ve seen so far and what has been revealed and teased in interviews I have a few DM predictions/thoughts. Would love to hear yours and @cbrownjc opinions! First some observations:
1. Louis attacking Daniel in the 70’s, his and Armand’s fight (the clip of Armand repeating Lestat’s name), Armand’s ’Gentleman Death’ speech, biting of Daniel - all seems to occur during the same night/24 hours, as they are wearing the same clothes. All clips so far from the 70’s seem to take place during the same day(s). Could be intentional, a way of obscuring as much as possible or alternatively a lot of S02E05 will take place during the same few days in the 70’s.
2. The scene in S02E02 of Louis and Armand talking about the ’young men’ is framed in such a way as to imply that Daniel might have been one of these men. Additionally at least one review has talked about there being a ’couple/third’ dynamic in the show (as well as a hunter/prey dynamic and more). However as screeners have so far only seen episodes 1-6, this could be based on speculation/good(?) story literacy rather than on what has actually happened explicitly in the show thus far. Or this dynamic comes into play before/during Daniel’s first interview with Louis.
3. In an interview with the Nerdist EB answered when asked if viewers will see anything of Daniel and Armand’s complex relationship this season: ”We’re going to have to leave that to your imagination because there is a lot coming. But I guarantee there will be some cool stuff happening by the end of the second season”. And also: ”But, it’s also going to be heavy. There’s going to be a lot of heaviness.”
4. Taking into considerations what we know about Armand’s tragic and horrific back story, AZ’s comments about Armand, about Armand’s relationship with Louis and his fascination with Daniel (which starts at the original interview) we know that Armand is desperate to be loved (and love), that he needs/craves control (fully understandable) but also wants to be loved and seen for everything that he is (which implies a need to relinquish control and be vulnerable).
Taking all these aspects together I’m going to guess that Daniel might have hooked up with Louis at his and Armand’s flat before the interview started. After revealing thet he is in fact a vampire Daniel is told ”Don’t be afraid, start the tape” (heard in the trailer) and the interview commences. Daniel fascinates Armand during the interview. More precisely the way he is able to understand and connect with Louis is something that Armand finds intriguing. Daniel will however push too far, asking to become a vampire - as well as possibly reveal something about Louis’ narrative which causes Louis to attack him (“You don’t understand the meaning of your own story!”). Armand will save his life, probably at first plan to get rid of him through his ’Gentleman Death’ spiel but will change his mind and at some point let him go. The DM chase will possibly begin. Perhaps S02E05 will end with Daniel, after having been locked up for a few horrifying days, being let go. Meaning that the chase and the beginning of the romantic relationship between Daniel and Armand could be revealed in the season finale (if the show does the chase). Armand clearly truly loves Louis, and I think that Louis loves Armand, but there is some resentment and bitterness between them due to the events in Paris + Lestat. The fight therefore, motivated in part by Louis still talking/thinking about Lestat, might result in a temporary separation, during which Armand first chases and later falls for Daniel. Maybe Louis and Armand reconcile and Daniel become their ”third” for a while. Or Armand is separately in a relationship with Daniel, Louis probably has awareness of them but might lack insight into the depth of the relationship. If Louis and Armand separate for a while it’s possible that when they reconcile Armand ”let’s go” of Daniel. Possibly motivated by his need to not lose Louis (this could be what the couple/third dynamic is referring to, the fact that there’s an understanding between Louis and Armand to not get too close to the ’young men’ they engage with). So Armand could’ve been motivated by a fear of losing Louis - and just by his love and care of Louis, who he also in addition probably felt needs him after Claudia’s death.
Another factor could also be that Daniel wanted to be turned. Armand not wanting to turn Daniel could be because he believes vampirism is a curse or because this would entail a loss of control over Daniel/their relationship which Armand psychologically couldn’t cope with. Possibly he didn’t trust enough in Daniel’s love of him (giving the Alice comment more personal context). So Armand adjusts Daniel’s and Louis’ memories, the latter’s possibly with a certain level of consent - so that Louis can cope with what happened in Paris/the trial/Claudia’s resentment(?). This kind of breakup between Armand and Daniel, and the reasoning behind it could explain what the ’heaviness’ is referring to. Since it has nothing to do with a lack of love but rather with insecurity. A part of the heaviness from Daniel’s side could also be that as he is someone dealing with internalized homophobia, he felt truly seen and free with Armand and from Armand’s side Daniel’s ability and willingness to connect and not judge and love Armand set him free, and made him feel accepted. I’m very invested in the DM relationship, but I’m a worried that their relationship will nearly not be salvageable after all revelations. The heaviness comment concerns me. Adjusting someone’s memories to such an extent and in a way is an incredible violation, and perhaps more importantly, in a way, Armand chose Louis over Daniel. And that is a difficult hurdle to get over, even if Armand’s motivations were understandable. I’m happy to be wrong here though. I’m also fascinated by the idea of what’s next in Daniel’s and Armand’s dynamic. I don’t believe it’s Marius who’s behind Daniel’s blocked memories, simply because it feels like the show is going to use episode five to reveal through Daniel’s trauma in San Francisco the extent of Armand’s ‘Mind Gift’. As revealed in the trailer, Louis will have a moment of revelation where he realises that he is missing memories. Him and Daniel are seated at the same table with the same clothes in that scene as in the scene where Daniel tells Louis that he wants to remember for his own sake what happened in San Francisco. And for a causal viewers’ sake it makes sense to show the extent of the Mind Gift as well as Armand’s propensity to use it before we arrive at the finale (and the trial). It could be pretty good foreshadowing. I do think that Armand is not going to be revealed to simply be a moustache-twirling villain and manipulator behind it all - again I think a certain amount of memory manipulation might be somewhat consensual as Louis at some point will be almost crushed by Claudia’s death.
I’m honestly happy to be wrong about a lot of this - and I certainly don’t think I’m right about everything. It should go without saying that a lot of this is me synthesising speculation I’ve read on Tumblr and online. But I’ve just thought about this for a while and would love to hear your (and others who would like to comment) thoughts on it. So sorry for long post!!! Thank you! Love coming to your and @cbrownjc blogs and reading speculation! Also - plz don’t feel obliged to respond or comment on everything!
Hey!!
So. I think episode 5 will be the horrific parts of the DM arc. I do think that Daniel went up with Louis to that apartment and maybe something happened, but I think it was mostly about the interview at that point. I don’t think Daniel became their “third” right away, but I DO think that Daniel became that over time (which I think is not something I expect to see in episode 5 - IF we get to see that we will see it in a later episode I think).
I… am not sure Armand is fascinated by Daniel during the interview. In fact I think THAT will play out like in the book, namely Daniel being told to run (a true hunt across the globe). But yes, Daniel pushed too far in the interview, and Louis will attack him - and Armand will save him in that moment - but I do not think for Daniel’s sake, but for LOUIS’ sake. Because Armand likely knows that Louis would not really want to kill Daniel then.
Armand does love Louis. He betrays his coven for him! But… he goes about it in the only way he knows how, and that is not how Louis nor Lestat need to be loved. And he is so desperate to have and keep that love he does anything to keep it - unfortunately. (Luckily for him Daniel is the counterpart to that desire to love.)
I … don’t think that Louis will be “away” during the chase and the aftermath (resulting in Armand and Louis actually being together for so long) because I think… I think the Louis prior to SF is a different one after SF, namely in Dubai. The Louis in Dubai is more settled, tempered, but still spiraling. The Louis in that bar in SF? Is trying to numb himself, eaten alive by guilt, seeking out substance users to get high. So … something happened between Paris and modern day Dubai, and SF seems to be it - especially if the hints we got re this episode being THAT KIND of episode hold true (and I mean it’s episode 5, right^^). So, we’ll see. But I expect gutter punches.
Daniel… will want to be turned, yes. And I think it has already been hinted with the “Alice said no” that Daniel will ask Armand at some point as well - and that it will be driven by love - but Armand did not trust that love enough to turn him.
The thing about Armand is… that he is Armand. He is not a moustache-twirling villain!!! But he goes about things in his coven-master mentality, making decisions for others, using his gifts as he sees fit.
That is canon behavior. That does not make him a big caricature villain!
But he does canonically influence Louis, makes him do things. Louis, in s3 has already commented on that. And he lets the coven kill Claudia.
He is doing that not to be evil - but he is doing this to keep the ones he loves, and he does it to protect his own heart, which is very understandable, imho. In the only way he knows how.
And, unfortunately, he does not love Claudia.
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gabessquishytum · 9 months ago
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Hob is the omega son of a rich family that doesn't believe omegas have any value but their sale price.
They spend a season parading Hob around at various parties, working to "drum up" interest - low cut gowns, lace that only barely covers his nipples, sheer fabric dress barely lined to give Hob some modesty.....Hob is so embarrassed, but can't image any alpha wouldn't treat him similarly to his family.
He's resigned to being dressed like this and paraded around for the rest of his life. And Hob can't even say he doesn't like some of the exhibitionism, or that he wouldn't like it with the right alpha,,,,with their protection & respect. But that is not right now.
To make matters worse, once Hob's family has enough courting "offers", they allow these suitors more liberties with Hob's body. Hob has no choice but to let suitors fondle and suck the hoboobies his nipples & breasts. It's all above the waist "touching" (groping), with the goal to find the suitor the forces Hob into heat through just their smell and handling of his breast.
Dream is one of the alphas who makes an acceptable offer to court. Dream thought Hob was beautiful and all the "tailoring" done to highlight Hob's magnificent breasts was beguiling. If Dream was enthralled by the picture they presented, being able to touch and suck on them as part of the courting process, assured that Dream would fight to win Hob.
Then Dream's "attentions" pushed Hob into heat; Dream is exceedingly smug that he's won and gets to keep Hob.
Ooo, yes. I love the idea of smug alpha Dream enjoying his omega's magnificent tiddies!
After Hob’s heat is over, the marriage and mating commences immediately. Hob’s wedding gown is tailored exactly like his courting clothes - sheer, lined in white lace, with his breasts practically exploding outwards. He's still rather embarrassed, but at least he can feel secure in the knowledge that his alpha - an alpha biologically compatible enough to trigger his heat - will enjoy the spectacle. Hob is a good omega at heart, and he really wants nothing more than to please his mate.
And his mate is so pleased with him. Dream is delighted by Hob’s beauty, and thinks that he looks absolutely stunning in his gown. He can't wait to rip the bodice of the dress and let Hob’s beautiful tits spill forward, as intended. He nuzzles Hob’s throat happily as the mating is completed, and Hob purrs for him in return!
Its a huge relief for Hob to be married and no longer on the "market". He doesn't even mind that his alpha seems very much fixated on him physically - its better than being valued solely on his sale price. At least Dream thinks he's pretty. He's told Hob how he wants to show him off in all his glory, if Hob will allow it. That he's the most beautiful, magnificent omega and everyone should have a chance to admire him. Hob can feel himself getting turned on by his alpha's praise. Maybe deep down, he's just as horny as Dream is.
Discovering his omega's secret slutty streak is the absolute pleasure of Dream’s entire life. Within a few months, Hob is totally in love with the idea of showing off in public. Provided that Dream has sucked a fresh hickey into the meat of his breast, first. Hob wants the world to know that he is not for sale. You can look, but don't touch. Dream is the only one in the world who's earned the privilege to do that. His scent, and his mouth on Hob’s beautiful nipples, still send Hob spiralling into a heat if he's not careful!
Not that it's a hardship. Dream is only too pleased to assist his beloved mate <3 and if he knocks him up, the hoboobies will only get bigger!
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fangirlingfromdownunder · 5 months ago
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A Sweet Mishap - Chapter 3
Pairing - Jensen Ackles x Reader 
A/N: If you read my Christmas Advent stories then you may be familiar with this story already, however, I've been working hard to turn it into a longer fic and as such a few things have changed (hence the reposts). New chapters will commence next week. I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you want me to be added to the taglist
A Sweet Mishap Masterlist | Main Masterlist
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Jensen and I continue texting whenever we can around our busy schedules. I consider more than a few times over the weekend to throw caution to the wind and meet up with him in his hotel room or invite him to my apartment. But in the end, I manage to stay strong, stick to my convictions and better judgements regarding my safety, and text instead. Despite not having the courage to call, it feels like we’re building a connection. But even if I had the courage, he’s been pretty busy and the texts have been sporadic with replies coming in hours apart. He did say he had to work, so I just figure he’s busy with auditions or meetings and am grateful for him making the time to text amidst the chaos. 
One thing I do is Google his name to find out what he’s starred in. His biggest project appears to be a horror show called Supernatural. I consider watching it just to see, but I don’t want to get a false idea of who he is, so I decide to stay blissfully ignorant and try to get to know him for who he is as a person instead. He did say he preferred that, after all.
It’s almost dark when I finally strip off my apron and hang it on the hook in the staff room. I collect my phone and jacket from the locker and return to the dining area to leave. I check my missed notifications as I walk out. I find my mood dropping slightly when I discover there’s none from Jensen. Instead, I scroll through our last text-chain. Suddenly, I collide with something solid–or perhaps I should say, someone, causing my phone to shatter to the floor. I quickly duck down to inspect the screen, only to find it littered with cracks. I sigh and then remember the person I ran into. I look up to apologise but lose all words when I meet his emerald eyes. I just smile in shock. Even with his pulled-down baseball cap and dark sunglasses, and after a single meeting, I instantly recognise him.
“You really gotta stop running into me like this,” the man says with a laugh.
“Can I buy you a drink to make up for it?”
“As I recall, that didn’t end well. Regardless, I can’t stay long, I do have a flight to catch. I just really wanted to see you again before I left.”
“You sure you can’t stay?”
“I’m sure. Someday. Let’s just promise to stay in touch.”
“I promise. At least just let me make you something for the road.”
“You look like you’ve already finished for the day. Go rest. You look exhausted. We’ll talk later.”
“Alright. Have a safe flight.”
He pulls me in for a brief hug and then disappears out onto the street and into a dark Range Rover. I smile at the whirlwind visit and then go back to my apartment. I throw a microwave mac and cheese dinner in to cook while I shower and change into my worn-out PJs, which consist of an oversized sweater with a teddy on the front and pink, plaid flannel pants. I’m not sure how long his flight will be but by the time I sit on the couch with my cheap and unappealing dinner in my lap, over an hour has passed. Despite not knowing when he’ll see the message, I decide to text him anyway.
It was great to run into you again *literally*... I am sorry about that, I really need to watch where I’m going Have a nice flight home or wherever you’re going Text me when you get there 
Not expecting a response until later, I put your phone to sleep and flick through the TV channels. To my surprise, Supernatural is airing. I have no idea what episode or season it is, or what they’re up to, but when Jensen’s face appears on the screen I’m unable to bring myself to change the channel. Despite my initial desire to stay ignorant, I just can’t look away. I gasp and try to resist the urge to look away when his character, who you’ve gathered is called Dean, slices off someone or something’s head. But somehow he manages to make decapitation attractive. Every expression on his face keeps my eyes glued and I find myself getting even more engrossed. He tells the story so well even though I don’t really know what the full story is. His taller brother in the show is also incredibly attractive. The longer I watch, the more I find myself not caring about the plot and just enjoying the eye candy instead. Part of me feels a little guilty for looking and thinking about Jensen like that when he seems like such a nice, genuine guy in real life. And he genuinely seems interested in pursuing a friendship — or hopefully more — in the future. 
Once the episode ends I force myself to switch off the TV, clean up and go to bed; I have another early shift tomorrow. As I lay in bed, the images of Dean – or Jensen – flow through my head. Unable to sleep, Idecide to text him again.
I guess you’re still on your flight Just wanted to let you know I saw you on TV tonight Your show Supernatural was on when I was flicking through the channels Can’t say as I picked up on a lot of the plot but I can see why the paparazzi follow you Anyway, I’ll stop bombarding you now Good night
I force myself to switch my phone onto sleep mode and plug it in to charge. As I lay in bed, I relive the impromptu meeting until I finally fall asleep.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
Taglist: @stoneyggirl2
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logan-the-artist · 11 months ago
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okay i saw the new expression chart and i immediately thought 4B logan. let him go manic. let him go apeshit. let him be orange. let sanders sides season 3 lore commence.
sorry if i make a lot of asks btw, ur art is just great!!! :]
he deserves to go insane.
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and dw!! i love getting asks and requests, send as many as you want!!! :] <33
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pleasantspark · 2 days ago
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Rewriting Hazbin Hotel: Overture
Why I didn't start with Episode One, I dunno.
The beginning of Overture is the story of Heaven and how it came to be, but I decided to recycle "That's Entertainment" with "Always Chasing Rainbows" as well as using OG Overture's story. Actually give a reason to how these connect because Viv flipflops between what's canon and what's not.
Instead of wanting to make her Mom and Dad proud, she wants to prove to them that her idea isn't silly or not, similar to Pilot Episode Charlie.
Chaggie's relationship is retconned to have recently started, because there's NO FUCKING excuse as to why a 3 year long relationship has this amount of cracks then the Iceberg that hit the Titanic.
Instead of focusing on getting more hotel residents, they prioritize heavily on the one they do have. Which is Angel. It never made sense on why they had Sir Pentious exist only for a tasteless joke and a joke of a death similarly to Adam. (Whom are voiced by the same guy btw.)
The Ad for the Hotel is not made at all, because it's not needed, instead the entirety of the episode is spent with Angel Dust, while Charlie meets with Adam.
Meeting with Heaven 1.0 commences, and Adam is written as a tolerable character, his misogyny is not present here, and he isn't written as some sort of "God" because the whole talk about how Adam banged a bunch of chicks sounds like he's some sort of Incel who can't let go of the fact that a "chad" like Lucifer swooped in and took his two wives from him.
Instead of acting like a complete dick (cough cough dickmaster is removed cough cough) he acts professional, because why on earth would the second man in hell be unprofessional in a meeting regarding the place he's supposed to oversee exterminations on.
Yup, that's right, Adam isn't the Head of Exterminators baby, it's actual Azazel. But due to the incompetence of Azazel, he's a substitute.
Adam is pretty well spoken, speaks in Old English, pretty chill overall, and vibes with the idea of redeeming his children.
But just because he agrees doesn't mean he's willing to give a goal to the daughter of Lucifer.
He agrees to stop the exterminations (instead of cutting down the time tables) for a month if she could prove to everyone that her idea is working
This chance is given so she can have enough time to present her case to the Heaven, and partially the rushed season was mainly because of the 2 weeks notice they sprung on Charlie and the Hotel.
Adam is supposed to be controlled by Azazel as a plot twist to the end of Season One, but it's implied that Adam is being controlled by Azazel (Kinda like Roo is implied to be Eve. In a way to 'punish' both for their actions in Eden.)
Episode Ends with a faint shot of Azazel.
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