#10 Most Stunning Birds

[tac-the-unseen]

Slapping Slasher's Ass and Running away!

Micheal Myers:

•He likes to believe he has complete control over his surroundings 

•He likes to imagine himself as a Jaguar; opportunistic, stealthy, adaptable, and an Apex predator

•And then there's you, here to snap them back to reality 

•If he's a Jaguar, you're an annoying bird that follows him 

•All this made clear when He's just standing in the kitchen and feels a hard smack on his Ass

•He whips his head around to see you, running at full speed and giggling 

•For a moment he's completely stunned 

•But only for a moment 

•He’s quick on your heels 

•In less than 10 seconds he's holding you in the air by your shirt, like holding a cat by its scruff

•You can immediately tell through the mask how pissed he is

•But for a few seconds he just leaves you suspended in the air, and soon enough he makes his decision. 

•He walks to your shared bedroom and drops you onto the bed

•You think you're in for some sexy-funtime

•That quickly washes away when Michael turns around and walk out the door 

•When you get up to follow you find that he's locks you in by putting a chair under the handle 

•This man is so sick of your shit, but loves you too much to actually harm you

•He just put you in time out while he waits for the stinging on his ass to go away

Billy loomis & Stu macher:

•When the school day ends you're walking towards the front door, you spot both of your boyfriends walking towards the door too

•With the coast clear of teachers and most other students you knew what you had to do

•You rub your hands together diabolically and begins to run towards them

•when you're finally in the perfect position, you wind your hands back and as hard as you can, you slap their ass

•They both tense up and freeze

•When they see you running past them and laughing, they are quick to give chase

•They Chase you down the field and into the parking lot

•Stu was the one to tackle you onto the grass, making sure to protect your head when you fall

•Stu pins you down while Billy catches up 

•When (a winded) Billy reaches you two he drops to his knees and starts tickling you

•Neither boy takes to seriously and think it's a playful invention to rough house and playfully fight

Thomas Hewitt:

•While he was meticulously cutting up some cow legs, you spotted a golden opportunity 

•Thom’s fat ass in perfect position 

•After circling him, carrying the same box of tools, you decide to go for the kill

•”Tommy!” You shout while running past him

•Your hand makes firm contact with the side of his rear 

•You leave a blazing trail up the stairs while Thom processes what happened

•Thom watches you run away while his ass stings 

•At most he's confused 

•He just goes back to work 

Bubba Sawyer:

•You were playing with him outside

•Running around, picking flowers, picking up pebbles, roughhousing

•While play fighting you slap is ass and run away hoping he would chase you

•instead he stands for confused 

•after an awkward couple seconds, you realize he's not going to chase you, So you walk back to him 

•You ask if He's okay and realize his eyes is watering 

•After a frantic apology and check over You managed to figure out that he's not hurt 

•Bubba Just associates spanking with being bad/bad behavior 

•He was upset because he thought you were punishing him for being too rough 

•You made it up to him by making him a flower crown 

Bo Sinclair:

•This could go one of two ways

•He could be really into it OR he could freak out

•It depends on what mood you catch him in

•One day he'll think it's sexy and want you to do it again 

•The next he'll have a PTSD attack remembering his childhood 

•It's honestly best if you keep your hands to yourself

Vincent Sinclair:

•He honestly thought you did it by accident 

•He didn't understand that you were trying to play 

•He didn't react at all 

•You have to tell him what you're trying to do 

•He gets very embarrassed about not understanding that he kind of shut down for the day 

•He remains hunched over on his desk for the rest of the day 

Lester Sinclair:

•It honestly doesn't matter what you do to Lester, He's just happy you're giving him attention 

•The man is the definition of a puppy 

•He's just happy to be here 

•So if you want to play a game of Chase, He’lll Chase

•As soon as you slap and run away he's hot on your heels 

•He chases you through a field and down the roads 

•When he catches you he's out of breath and takes a second to dry heave 

•Then he'll hug and kiss you while walking back to the Truck 

Billy Lenz:

•Billy is one of the characters you Can not hit

•You think he'd be into to quick slap, but he has the opposite reaction 

•He thinks you're planning on hurting him And will either attack you or hide 

•If he chooses to attack, You're likely going to have to hold him down until he calms 

•If he hides, leave him alone

•trying to find him would be like walking into a coyote's den

•eventually he'll come back out because you're the only person that still talks to him 

•He figures it's better to be physically abused than be lonely 

•Good luck explaining that it was just a joke 

Brahms Heelshire:

•He was acting up after you told him the grocery boy was coming today

•He was whining about how you don't need to interact with him and how the help shouldn't be seen or heard

•You remind them that you're technically ‘the help’ and he pouts on the couch 

•When the doorbell rings he immediately jumps up to try to stop you 

•You have a light bulb moment

•You get closer, reach around, and slap his ass

•You almost immediately push past him to run to the door 

•Brahms is quick to follow, but not quick enough

•You swing open the door before Brahms can reach you

•He hides just in time, and proceeds to stew behind the door.

Hannibal Lecter:

•While he was cooking up some breakfast you come up behind him and hug him

•He greets you and continues to cook 

•You two have a lazy conversation while you lean your head against his shoulders 

•Deciding he's not pay enough attention to you come up with a plan

•You steal one of his knives, slap his ass, and bolt out of the kitchen 

•He gives you about a 5-second Head start before he begins his hunt 

•In that time He turns off the stove and allows himself time to find you

•He slowly starts his prowl 

•Checking doors, behind furniture, around the stairs, and behind curtains 

•When he finds you, he pounces and pulls you into a pinning hug

•He forces the knife from your hand and kisses your forehead

•”Let me finish breakfast, then I'll spend time with you.”

Will Graham:

•While on the world's most boring fishing trip (Will Even admitted this trip sucked) You watch as no lines get tugged

•board out of your mind you decide to at least mess around 

•While Will was leaning over to check his lines you slap his ass as hard as to can, which throws him into the calm river

•You howl with laughter as Will get thrown overboard 

•When he resurfaces we comes back up with a scowls on his lips, but a playful look in his eyes

•”You suck” he chuckles while you help him back in

•As soon as he's on board, he throws you into the water and laughs

The Lost Boys:

•All the boys are up for a good chase, But they all have different reactions 

•David

-Slapping David's ass takes balls

-As soon as you try to run he has you by the arm 

-He smirks and pulls you towards him

-”Oh-ho-ho, where do you think you're going?”

-If you play your cards right he'll let you go to properly chase you 

-All’s well and good before he flies at you like a hawk

•Dwayne

-He'll let you run away But as soon as you're out of sight the game is on 

-It doesn't matter where you're at 

-The boardwalk, the cave, the forest, the beach 

-He sprints and tackles you to the floor 

-”Did you honestly believe you could outrun a vampire?” He muses

-could turn playful, could turn romantic 

•Paul

-as soon as your hand collides with his ass, he shrieks 

-He playful pretends he's wounded 

-He writhes on the ground, cries fake tears, hand over forehead

-”Why should you do this to me!” 

-”I thought you loved me!” 

-Walks around all day telling his brothers that you abuse him 

-gives you love bites while telling his tale of woe 

•Marko

-when you slap his ass he lets out a moan that causes both of you to freeze 

-after a few seconds Marko whips around 

-”Tell no one.” He says in a completely serious voice 

-You know for a fact the others would make fun of him for the rest of his unnatural life 

-Every time you're behind him, he turns around to face you So it never happens again

Thanks for reading <3

Sorry this took so long! I've had a busy week!

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Eartha Kitt (Anna Lucasta, St. Louis Blues)—My friend and I have a saying: NOBODY is Eartha Kitt. A thousand have tried, and they've all come up empty and will continue to do so. Everyone knows her for something: from "Santa Baby" to Yzma in Emperor's New Groove to Catwoman to making Lady Bird Johnson cry for the Vietnam War. She was a master of comedy and sex, an extremely vocal activist, and she aged like fine wine... I honestly don't know what I can say about her that hasn't already been said, so I'll stick to linking all my propaganda. Like what else do you want from me. She was iconic at everything she ever did. Literally name another. How can anyone even think of her and not want to absolutely drown?

Hedy Lamarr (Samson and Delilah, Ziegfeld Girl)—Look. I'm sure someone has already submitted Hedy Lamarr because she was spectacularly beautiful, and a very strong lady too: she fled both an abusive marriage AND nazi persecution at a very young age and rebuilt a life for herself pursuing her love for acting all on her own!! Her career as an actress was stellar; while she began acting outside of Hollywood (her very first movie, Ecstasy, won a prize at the Venice Film Festival), she conquered American hearts very quickly with her first movie in the US, Algiers, and then just kept getting better and better. If all this isn't enough, she was also an inventor: her invention of the frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio transmission technique forms the base of bluetooth and has a lot of applications in all kinds of communication technologies. I think that deserves a prize, don't you?

This is the final poll of the Hot & Vintage Movie Women Tournament. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

THIS POLL LASTS FOR 24 HOURS.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Eartha Kitt:

"A hot vintage woman who was not just known for her voice, beauty, poise, and presence, but also her unapologetic ways of speaking about how she was mistreated in the show business as a girl who grew up on cotton fields in South Carolina in the 1930s through the 1940s coming to Broadway first and then Hollywood."

"Have you watched her sing?? Have you seen her face?? Have you heard her talk?? How could you not fall instantly in love. She makes me incoherent with how hot she is."

"She can ACT she can SING she can speak FOUR LANGUAGES she is a GODDESS!!! Although she is (rightfully) remembered for her singing, TV appearances (Catwoman my beloved), and later film roles, her early appearances in film are no less impressive or noteworthy!! She’s an amazing actress with so much charisma in every role. She was also blacklisted from Hollywood for 10 years for criticizing the Johnson administration/Vietnam War, so. Iconic. Also Orson Welles apparently called her “the most exciting woman in the world.”

"She had such a stunning, remarkable appearance, like she could tear you to shreds with just a glance- but the most undeniable part of her hotness was her voice, and it makes sense that it's what most people nowadays know her for. Nothing encapsulates the sheer magnetism of her singing better than this clip of her and Nat King Cole in St. Louis Blues, she pops in at 2:49. Also I know it's post-1970 but her song that was cut from Emperor's New Groove is likely to make you feel Feelings."

"Even with as racist as Hollywood was in the 1950s and 60s, Eartha Kitt STILL managed to have a thriving career. She also once had a threesome with Paul Newman and James Dean, and called out LBJ over the Vietnam War so hard that it made First Lady Johnson cry. Eartha Kitt was talented, sexy, and a total badass activist."

Hedy Lamarr:

"The only person you can find both on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in the Inventor's Hall of Fame--her radio-frequency-hopping technology forms the basis for cordless phones, wi-fi, and a dozen other aspects of modern life. She was also passionate in her efforts to aid the Allies in WWII (unsurprising for a Jewish-Austrian Emigree to America), and her name served as the backbone for one of the best running jokes in what is possibly Mel Brooks' best movie. Look, Louis B. Mayer apparently believed he could plausibly promote her as "The world's most beautiful woman". Is an entire website full of people going to be less audacious than one Louis B. Mayer? I didn't think so!"

"Described as "Hedy has the most incredible personal sophistication. She knows the peculiarly European art of being womanly; she knows what men want in a beautiful woman, what attracts them, and she forces herself to be these things. She has magnetism with warmth, something that neither Dietrich nor Garbo has managed to achieve" by Howard Sharpe, she managed to escape her controlling husband (and Nazi Germany) by a) Disguising as her maid and fleeing to Paris or b) Convincing the husband to let her wear all of her jewelry to a dinner, only to disappear afterwards. Also she was particularly clever and helped develop Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (I can't really explain it but anyway...)"

"Her depiction of Delilah and Samson and Delilah just lives rent free in my head. The woman was gorgeous."

"One of the most beautiful women ever in film, spoken by many critics and fans. Beautiful shapely figure, deeper seductive voice, and often played femme fatale roles. She was also brilliant and an inventor. Mainly self-taught, she invested her spare time, including on set between takes, in designing and drafting inventions, which included an improved traffic stoplight and a tablet that would dissolve in water to create a flavored carbonated drink, and much more."

"Gorgeous and brilliant pioneer of modern technology and the middle part."

[reasonsforhope]

In 2016, when the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government, scientists realized that the rainforests, mountains, and savannahs, out of which the FARC waged a 50-year guerrilla war, and which were counted among the most biodiverse and least-explored places on earth, were suddenly safe to explore.

In Colombia, a few biologists who longed to journey to the heart of these places also saw them as the perfect way to bring 14,000 former guerrillas back into society in a meaningful way that would benefit not only them, but the country’s stunning biodiversity.

Colombia is often referred to as the world’s most biodiverse country. Although this is a hard thing to designate since many species around the world of all kinds remain undiscovered, she does lay claim to the most bird species anywhere on earth – both endemic and migratory.

Who better to help protect Colombia’s wild spaces than those who know them best, thought Jaime Góngora, a wildlife geneticist at the University of Sydney but who is originally from Colombia.

Góngora now leads a group of researchers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and 10 different Colombian scientific institutions in a program to train ex‑guerrillas to study Colombia’s native plants and animals, which to date has uncovered nearly 100 previously-unknown species.

Peace with Nature

Peace with Nature is the result of these scientists working together with guerillas to help protect Colombia’s biodiversity and aid in the post-conflict situation for thousands of people, 84% of whom, according to Góngora, are interested in pursuing, of all things, river habitat restoration as their post-conflict career path.

Góngora and his colleagues are only too happy to help, and Peace with Nature began hosting citizen scientist workshops to help train eager folks how to find, identify, catalogue, and study wild plants, insects, birds, amphibians, and more.

The preparation work was long and hard – between 15 and 18 months according to Góngora...

“In some of the workshops, we have the presence of the police and military forces along with the ex-combatants,” explains Góngora. “I think what has surprised me most is the opportunity that biodiversity offers for reconciliation and healing after an armed conflict. These workshops have been spaces for a respectful dialogue about biodiversity and nature.”"

-via World at Large, 7/13/20

Note: Video is half in English, half in Spanish. Spanish subtitles for English parts only.

[hermiones-amortentia]

Hermione's arc as a character in books

More I grow up more I realise what a disappointing character Hermione became in the last two books. Rowling ruined her whole character with narrative bias. If only she could let her face consequences for things and she learned from them.. what a great complex character she could have been.

PS- we meet Hermione, a socially awkard bookworm who is quite intelligent and shows she can break rules but most of the time she is obsessed with rules. We see Hermione panicking under pressure. So what flaws Hermione has in the 1st book?

Socially awkward, freezes under pressure, too bossy, rule follower, close minded. A character with strengths and flaws. 9.5/10.

COS- Hermione has a crush on an incompetent teacher. She learns books can be misleading. Looks can be deceiving. Still more competent than most of the teachers and figures out who the slytherin monster is. She is still uptight. But a bit less. Ron's influence is working.

Awesome character. 9/10(.5 deducted away bcz she brews a NEWT level potion. Not impossible. But very unlikely)

POA- narrative bias start but only slightly. Throughout that book Hermione refuses to control her cat and even drops him on Ron's bed despite Ron's warning. But she does apologise to Ron. She hugs him. later scabbers turns out to be Peter. So readers sub consciously side with her even though she is 100% wrong. She goes behind Harry's back and reports the firebolt. But it turns out she is right again. It was sent by Sirius. And Harry and Ron come across as assholes.

Still she helps Sirius to escape with buckbeak. 8.5/10.

GOF- everyone is dying to date an int Quidditch star. Hermione is totally uninterested. But whom does he choose? Hermione!!!! Hermione just use hair potion and wears a pretty dress robes. Bam!! She is the most beautiful person at the ball. Even Draco and pansy, her school bullies are stunned.

Ron comes across as an asshole for not seeing her beauty and treating her terribly. Ron thinks Krum is using her. Hermione thinks Krum is great. AGAIN she is right. Krum has no ill intention. He is the prince charming and treats Hermione with all the respect, kindness. But Hermione rejects him even though he is on the paper is written to be much much much more desirable than her canon love interest. Just show me a single character flaw of Krum(except for having strong affinity towards underage girls) I will be waiting. You can't. Bcz Krum is a plot device to stroke JKR's ego. Yes. Hermione is JKR.

She also stands by Harry's side when Ron and everyone else turns on Harry. She kidnaps Skeeter and puts her in a jar. Kidnaps a human being!! But who does the narrative side with? Her. Bcz Rita is a nasty, vile destructive bitch who needs to learn her lesson.

She also starts to fight against house elf enslavement. But atleast narrative shows her method is all wrong. 6/10.

OOTP- Hermione is lot less uptight now. Good character development. She is also socially less awkward. She arranges DA meetings. She meets new ppl and she hardly ever loses patience with Harry when he is shouting at her and Ron 24/7. She is a lot snipy towards Ron in this book idk why. May be she hates that she is falling in love with him when he seems to vibe in his own world.

She scars a girl's face. Who does the narrative side with? Her. Bcz Marietta is a snitch.

She tells Harry voldy is trying to trap him. And she is right. As usual. Sirius dies bcz of Harry's idiocy. She also knits hats and tries to force them on elves. But again narrative shows that her method is wrong. 7/10.

HBP- the limit of bias. She attacks Ron with birds for dating lav. But who does get the blame? RON. The passage ends with 'Harry thought he heard a sob'. That means forget that Hermione attacked Ron with birds. Forget that Ron is in pain. Hermione is crying. She is the victim. Feel for her. Not him.

She laughs 'unkindly' at his moustache. Ron mocks her back. She starts crying. Who does Harry side with? Hermione.

And don't get me started on Ron/Lav. While Krum's sole pupose is to show how superior he is to Ron. Lavender's sole purpose is to show why Hermione is superior to her in every way and what an idiot Ron is for not seeing it. Their kissing scenes are written with phrases 'plunger being withdrawn from the sink'

She tells Harry the HBP book is dangerous. Again she is right. Harry almost murders malfoy. But she denies that malfoy is a DE and she is proven wrong afterwards. 3/10. HBP is my least favourite book.

DH- she does the 90% work during their camping trip. She rescues them from Lovegood's house. She rescues them from the ministry. So now she is great under pressure.

She also lies to Bellatrix while being crucioed. She denies Hallows existence. But Harry proves her wrong.

And the most crucial one. Ron breaks under pressure. He leaves. Hermione stays. Again she proves she is 'better' than Ron.

By the end of DH she has little to no flaw. She has overcome most of her flaws she has in PS. 6/10.

This is Hermione's whole arc. She didnt live up to the expectation. She was a much much better character in the 1st 3 books. But the narrative bias hindered her growth by justifying her all wrongdoings. I still love the 1st 3 book Hermione. The latter version is disappointing.

And the less I will talk about that one dimensional mary sue in movies more it will be better.

[moki-dokie]

rating the birds in my backyard on their tendency towards violence

@luulapants inspired me to make a bird post as well. we should talk about our local dinosaurs more! (not including the same birds from their post we also have here)

great-tailed grackle 7/10 physical violence is not how you guys operate. you wage mental warfare with a barrage of unending noises on the most annoying frequency imaginable to man. also some of you have mastered mimicry in the wild and this is simply too much power for a beast like you to wield. (similar to the common grackle but infinitely more annoying)

american kestrel 3/10 she's beauty, she's grace, she'll smack an eagle in the face. fearless and skilled little predator that delights me every time i get to see one. bit more secretive than other raptors tho.

red-tailed hawk -1/10 a majestic cry that always gets used for eagles in voiceovers, absolutely stunning, and a staple of the midwest and west but... baby ain't got a single braincell. head empty. mobbed on the regular by birds a tenth their size. i've personally watched a single sparrow harass one for 30 minutes before it gave up and ran away. can't steal shit to save its own life. scared of everything ever. they're basically horses of the birds of prey, if horses were a little less psychotic.

mallard duck 1/10 just little dudes doing their own thing. females can get a little aggro when nesting thats about it. sometimes pushy when food is involved. otherwise just chill, beautiful guys. but do me a solid, my web-footed friends? stop fucking nesting in my garden!! i don't like stressing you out when i'm tending to it!!

northern bobwhite (quail) -5000000/10 you're doing great sweetie just keep doing what you're doing. bob-bobwhite amirite

red-winged blackbird 4/10 you lot have a scare tactic technique that sparrows wish they had by just squaring up in numbers and looking fabulous while doing so. no notes.

eastern bluebird 0/10 they've literally never done anything ever wrong. perfection. little fairies but without all the deviousness. absolute cuteness. a blessing to be in ones presence.

scissor-tailed flycatcher 9/10 ahhh yes our stunning state bird. the herald of summer. the graceful acrobatic dancer. the beautiful singer. the brutal serial killer of all things insect. watching them 'hunt' is spectacular. one of the few birds that can hover. they're deadly accurate. almost exclusively capture their prey mid-air. but sometimes they'll get a bug too big to snipe on wing and do you know what they do in that case? they'll take it to their perch and beat it to death. remarkable.

carolina chickadee 4/10 don't let their round sweetness deceive you. they are full of spite and precisely zero fear. will absolutely pick on birds twenty times their size. small man syndrome.

mourning dove 0/10 hwoo hoo hoo hoo?

bald eagle, 2/10 WHAT are you doing this far south sir. we are landlocked my guy. the ocean is that way. big rivers and lakes are the other way. certainly there cannot be enough fish for you here!! surprisingly docile, for a giant raptor.

golden eagle 10/10 he'll eat your dog in front of you and then fuck your wife while maintaining eye contact with you the entire time. everything is afraid of this motherfucker.

great egret 0/10 they're chill and serenity incarnate. and their smaller cattle cousins are exactly the same. their size is the only thing intimidating about them. fuckers are HUGE

american goldfinch 3/10 food aggressive, mostly. lovely to look at. they really like to bitch up a storm tho.

california gull 90000000/10 nature's biggest asshole. we don't even have large bodies of water here. get out.

hummingbirds, all (ruby-throated pictured) 10/10 they choose violence every waking moment. god help you if you've forgotten to refill a nectar feeder. all they know is speed, feed, make things bleed.

barn swallow 9/10 Do Not Go Near The Nest. willing and able to peck you to death.

baltimore oriole 1/10 goofy guys with a great sense of fashion and one of the prettiest songs. they're just here to flirt and have a good time

greater roadrunner 3/10 i love our mini velociraptors so much i dare not speak ill of them. also one of the few birds that fuck outside of the need to reproduce. hell yeah my dudes get it on you freaky little dinos.

northern mockingbird 5/10 i think these guys are on par with how the europeans feel about magpies. they don't really steal shit, but they will, like grackles, commit psychological warfare by being the most annoying little shit possible. and sometimes they're bold enough to chase you. their hatred of cats outweighs their sense of self-preservation, too. they will get into a metaphorical fist fight with a cat. and win, usually.

eastern meadowlark 6/10 i know our prairies are awfully tempting to go frolicking in but unless you crave an unusual death that involves being relentlessly shrieked at with drive-by stabbings, i wouldn't recommend it. these guys are lurking in the tall grass, just waiting to fuck up your day.

black vulture 1/10 slightly smaller than their red-faced cousin, way more common here, and so so chill. they're all bark and no bite, unless you're roadkill. is one in the road blocking you from passing because he's chowing down on a dead opossum? go around, bitch. you are not important enough for him to get out of the way.

wild turkey 11/10 (males) female turkeys are pretty cool. they can be a bit Extra but generally they just want to eat. males, however. males would love nothing more but to beat you to death and then take a shit on your corpse. persistent. unyielding. once you have become a target your only hope is getting in a car and quickly driving away. if they don't beat the shit out of your car first, that is.

desert cardinal 2/10 these guys are great. they're not even supposed to be here. i always mistake them for female cardinals at first. about the same temperament as normal cardinals. they're weird but everyone seems to be okay with them.

great horned owl 8/10 so, so stupid and yet so spiteful. not a great combo. so ironic owls are the posterchild of wise when they're perhaps one of the dumbest birds of prey. its a wonder they haven't stupided their way into extinction. only thing this idiot has going for it is being so photogenic and has the most creepy mood-setting song ever.

[flownwrong]

dS rewatch shenanigans

So me and @mannequin3thereckoning rewatched 2.04 Bird in the Hand, 3.02 Eclipse and 4.03 The Ladies' Man (or 4.05, depending on the region; I like this ordering of the episodes better, it makes the season more equally paced to me). Somehow we picked a nice equal distribution between seasons 2-4 (sorry s1, I just did not have that much free time!)

It was fun to compare the impressions between us, a person who's fresh off a rewatch and one who didn't touch dS for some years :) Unlike my rigorous friend, I don't have it in me to do a separate post for each episode. It's all pretty chaotic, but here goes:

Bird in the Hand

It was funny to notice how much easier it is to judge the pacing of an episode while also chatting about it in real time compared to a regular watch. This one is pretty much perfect!

It's a great showcase for the side of Fraser that sometimes gets lost between screen and fic, or screen and meta—his lowkey permanent annoyance with his circumstances ("I'm not sulky. I don't sulk," he said. You know, like a liar!) and his masterfully contained intense anger. It's so funny how annoyed he gets with Turnbull! Finally, someone at the consulate who gets more shit than he does haha.

Also another great example of Ray consistently ready to both stir up shit and take shit for Fraser in a highly stressful situation where Fraser's hands are tied. “He’d shoot him for you if you asked"—even Dad knows <3 Linking this wonderful art to express my endless appreciation for how well-oiled Ray and Fraser's banter is. No one does put upon like Ray Vecchio. No one.

And, I mean, the emotional centerpiece of the episode is BRILLIANT. The tone balances on the usual dS edge between wacky and weighty juuust right for juuuuust long enough via Ghost Dad, and then it cannonballs right into heartbreaking because of the Ghost Dad in the span of two lines, sustains it for one of the most effective conversations in all of dS and eases out of it by—you guessed it—Ghost Dad diffusing the tension with continuous murderous overtures.

And I think Fraser's ✨Plan✨ in this one is a rare example of his speechifying that actually bares his underbelly as opposed to only expressing his beliefs illustrated by his experiences. He's very self-aware: he says to his father, "I'm no better", I, too, can't ask for help, I, too, can't express my love and my hurts—and then he goes and does exactly that—and then he immediately follows it by turning the tables on everyone and going "ah, but I stunned you all with my emotional openness on purpose so I could get the upper hand in the stand-off"—but it works both ways, and it's clearly also him using the excuse to actually be vulnerable for a second. Man, Fraser is a thing to behold in this episode.

But you can actually see how far he's come since the pilot, and how his partnership with Ray affected him—it's cool that this happens only two episodes after Ray bullies him into admitting his dissatisfaction with his circumstances. And here he's expressing grief, not the anger, not the desire for revenge, but grief, out loud, to everyone. "You broke my heart." Jesus.

10/10 episode, highly recommended.

Eclipse

This episode is like a favourite well-worn hoodie to me. Apart from the iconic "Do you find me attractive?" exchange it offers so many joys.

It's funny (The "now it's broken and it's working" exchange and "Mom, how you've changed—into cuban cigars" are both beautiful moments).

There's Fraser's "I'm acquainted with loss and, on occasion, loneliness" line which is I think a great thing to learn about him early in the season both if you tuned into the show without seeing s1-2 and if you're Ray Kowalski.

There's the great Ray intro, doubly so because we already had the intro, and were even given a lot of the info there that Eclipse reinforces (like Ray's compulsive need to express his vulnerabilities in hope of protecting himself from being judged too harshly, but also his competence—even if my man should really keep those glasses on—and his ability to think on his feet and his obsessive tendencies and his soft romantic underbelly and I could go on, we learn so. much. stuff. by the point we hear Fraser's exposition on Ray's professional record we're not even surprised).

I love that Fraser is immediately comfortable with his new position of being the more emotionally stable one in the duo, haha—while Ray Vecchio had his insecurities and great moments of learning to trust himself with Fraser's help, Fraser is clearly both fascinated by Ray Kowalski's openness and ready to offer his shoulder to lean on, with an added bonus of being in less danger of being perceived while near this dude who constantly makes himself available for perception.

Random little notes: I really love how Ray says his own name with so much disappointment when introducing himself: "I'm... *frustrated sigh* Kowalski." I love how he tentatively asks Fraser to repeat "friend" after his declaration of friendship. I love that he's a dork who throws the dreamcatcher like a frisbee. I love the b-plot letting us hang out with the station gang a little and see them stand up for each other. I love the insane angle on Ray's face while he's being interrogated (see: my eyelashes gifset). I love the birthday party. I love the crypt as a setting, and I love everyone in that impromptu holding cell.

And, in the words of my wiser friend, "ray finding out his imposter syndrome was caused by a guy who doesn’t even remember him is so very ray". I take my hat off to everyone involved in making this episode.

The Ladies' Man, which I'm very glad my friend suggested, bc otherwise I probably would've forced her to watch it anyway, and I'm not a fan of such cruelty.

Let's get some things out of the way:

Ray looks incredibly good in this episode. It's a crime to look this good AND suffer prettily on top of that. The fact that the camera that was already pretty obsessed with CKR these two seasons gets, like, terminally stuck on him here does Not hurt matters.

I have some Questions for the episode, and I'll get to them, but it's my top one dS episode on a pure viewing pleasure level because it pushes my buttons.

Can't say much about the cold open because it's pretty much perfect, tight and tense and we get the Homoerotic Calling Off Your Rabid Dog Partner When He's Losing It Before He Kills Someone, which is a timeless classic (complete with the obvious and iconic Look at me! Look! At! Me!), and Ray and Fraser are perfect characters to act it out. CKR is on fire, no notes.

One moment I somehow forgot from my many previous rewatches that really struck me during this one is Fraser's almost casual admission of imagining murdering his father's murderers—thinking again about Bird in the Hand up there. It's a great reminder late in the show, where we see this aspect of him less often, and it's cool that he can safely share it in the face of Ray's rawness, you know, as opposed to it being a great and painful admission when he's the vulnerable one.

A brief interlude to shake my fists at the sky and wail Why, o Paul Gross, did you have to add the singing—it's not just that the joke didn't age well, it didn't even land at the time, and I don't think it would in any episode, but especially here???— and the bark tea flirting—which is par for the course as far as dS goes and could be cute but it feels totally disconnected from the rest of the scene, let alone the episode, so, again, ???? It's not that I wanted a mournful monotony of an episode with no laughs—I would pick a different show then—but like, I think better jokes could've been made. Like later in the episode, where during a climactic scene they drop the "actually, all that exposition makes me feel a little thirsty" line, it works.

Back to the point: Dixie Seatle is fucking amazing??? Her and CKR work so well together that all the noise of failed gags and nonsensical continuity of Ray's cover and whatnot is super easy to wave away because they're the emotional core of the episode, and they deliver. They have such a fragile thing going on, with him being exhausted from all the guilt and her also being exhausted from his guilt on top of the, you know, the whole death penalty thing.

Which, speaking of, UM, that's one of Thee Darkest Premises in the whole show and encountering it for the first time was a trip, during a season I was not a fan of and considered dropping. And yes many rewatches later I'm still confused but grateful about it all. The world in this episode is brutal in the way it rarely is in the show; integrity and redemption and whatnot are big motives in dS, and the big point is usually that the world, imperfect and unfair as it is, can respond to kindness with kindness and this is worth upholding. It is Not So here; scenes like the whole precinct cheering away at the prospect of Beth's impending execution are just—wow, okay.

So, as far as dS goes, this is a super solipsistic episode. It's perfectly self-contained, and even though it could have, I don't know, implications for Ray the way some of Fraser's Bad Shit did for Fraser, it just isn't addressed in the end. And I don't think it should be. It's a character study, and whoever decided they needed a very heavy one for Ray is my hero. (Note: I think this is the reason I never read a coda for this episode that I enjoyed. Having your blorbo break down in tears right in front of his boyfriend right before the credits with no follow-up kind of begs for a coda, but—newp. It works so well because it cuts off with no big resolutions.)

And whoever wrote those two closing scenes deserves a medal; to have this much restraint is an achievement for late season dS. CKR and Dixie Seatle also deserve a medal each for creating something this excruciating with super precise line deliveries and body language.

Small things my mind always catches on:

Welsh and his pink duster, looking out for Ray

CKR's rolling over the car stunt (steam comes out of my ears)

tiny flashback Ray checking his hair in the mirror at the crime scene because of course he does

Ray casually fiddling with Fraser's hat as they walk around

Sam Franklin's whole deal. I mean, there's tension there. For god's sake he pats Ray's cheek like a proud mentor he played the whole time when Ray takes his gun during his arrest. I mean. Uh. Yeah.

the fact that truepenny quit her meta right before this episode is a human tragedy

Probably like 40% of what you've read above have been brought up or articulated by @mannequin3thereckoning, so thank her for all the fun. I hope we can do this again some time <3

[moonspirit]

TOP 10 favourite AA fanfics? (if you have one)

Oh hello xD That's a great blog name! Does that mean more questions will follow ._.?

Anyways, my reading speed has taken a nosedive as of late; too many things have been going on and I'm trying to stick to my own writing schedule too... so my recs remain mostly the same as the previous times I've been asked. Still, here are a few of my faves:

Bury Me in the Shadows of Spring & My Yellow Light in Your Soft Whispers by @annawayne . Features some of the most compelling story-telling I've ever seen. The former is a historic AU set in the 1920s and holy shit the immersion? Anna comes armed with a deep, impressive knowledge base of history and so the fic takes you straight back in time, as if you were standing in the time period itself. BMSS is a story carrying very heavy themes, and the dive into the character's psyches is simply stellar.

As for the latter, a post-canon fic set 10 years after the Rumbling, MYLYSW is a story that takes an in-depth study into the ways that an intensely traumatic event can affect people - both the victims and of those around them. It's a wonderful telling of grief, heartache, unresolved ghosts from the past, with stunning imagery and descriptive writing. :3

Black Water & everything else in @distortedclouds 's collection. BW is, as another reader very aptly put it, the single best take I've seen on Annie's relationship with her father, and how it affects Aruani's relationship. Clouds' mastery in prose and narration is on a whole other level, and every chapter literally hurts your bones. Aside from that, all the other fics in the collection are simply wonderful reads, with everything ranging from fluff to angst to smut and everything in between! My wife is very talented you see :3 Unparalleled!

Little Bird by @aquietjune . Simply a fantastic Annie-centric post-canon story, with writing skills that simply leave you in awe. June takes a deep dive into many of Annie's issues and problems that are still left unresolved, though the world may be rid of titans. Her dedication to period-appropriate research, and the how's and why's of in-world problems make the story a truly delightful experience, and coupled with her talent of being able to tell so much in so few words, this remains one of the best post-canon fics I've ever read. Please also check out her other works, she has an uncanny ability to make you laugh until your sides hurt xD

Coveted by @honeytheriot . One of the first aruani fics I read after the S4 P3 P1 dropped in March 2023, and holy shit xD Every chapter is a smut-filled goodness and delight, and honeyriot makes it WORK with her writing!

Children of War by @/SeaTempest . Primarily a Jeanpiku fic with Aruani as a side-couple, this fic features some of the best writing I've ever seen. Smooth prose and convincing post-canon world-building, plus very good character monologues?? Hell yeah. Hasn't been updated in a while, but has plenty of content, absolutely worth a read.

Tater Tots & Heavy Thoughts by Anonymous and everything in this collection. TT&HT is a modern AU Aruani fic primarily from Armin's POV, dealing with some very dark and heavy subject matter. The writing is really good, and while I haven't caught upto later chapters, I highly recommend it. The other fics in the collection are great too :3

There are many more tbh, but my head is mushy for the moment xD However, I'll add some fics I've been following as of late!

on the path that led me to you by @the-last-thread-of-my-sanity & By Each Crime and Kindness (I'm bound to you) by @aruanimess - two Cadet Aruani fics taking place that are an absolute delight to read! Wonderful writing, wonderful characterization, lots of fluff, and the impending doom of angst~

Who painted the sky? by @dudewhy3 & Hiding in Plain Sight by @midnightraine131, two Modern AU fics that take a look into the issues Aruani deal with from their past, in a modern real-world setting. Engaging and fun, with sprinkles of heavy angst now and then.

A Force To Be Reckoned by @luciensdefenseattorney . Inspired by Bridgerton, this is a wonderfully written and highly engaging Aruani fic set in the regency era. You just want Armin and Annie to kiss and find out all about each other already.

Legends by @mimiwrites2000-fun . Canon-divergence and wonderfully written, this is an Aruani fic spanning 32 chapters and counting! Lots of emotional, heart-wrenching moments, Mimi is a writer who embraces angst with a passion and doesn't shy away from hurting you T^T

[olderjustneverwiser]

For the Hope of It All

Steve Harrington x fem reader. WC: 11K.

A story about old friends and a summer romance in Italy. Set roughly 10 years post season four (so mid-nineties? Yeah, let's go with that). Inspired by august by Taylor Swift and those Joe Keery Italy pictures.

Warnings: Smut, MDNI. Talks of death of a parent, discussions of leaving a toxic relationship (nothing is specified though). Not really a happy ending so if that's not your vibe consider this your warning.

The Playlist

June

Salt air, and the rust on your door

I never needed anything more

The day started as most of your off days did; with a steaming cup of coffee at your favorite little café down by the shore. You had found this gem just after moving to Italy, its gorgeous patio and delicious coffee had cemented itself as one of your most frequented spots in town. It had become somewhat of a custom over the past few years, to have your morning coffee with only the salt air and sea birds to keep you company.

It could be lonely at times, but it beat sipping mediocre coffee in an empty apartment.

May had just turned into June, though, so your part of the world was quickly becoming overrun with tourists on holiday, and it seemed like every single one had managed to find your favorite spot away from the tourist traps. The outdoor seating area had filled quickly given the nice weather, so it really came as no surprise when a voice broke you from your reverie, asking if they could take the empty seat across from you. What did surprise you was the voice that spoke. It was a voice you hadn't heard in nearly five years, since you left the backwater town you grew up in to get away from it all, from your fucking ex that drained the life out of you.

You almost didn't believe that you had heard it correctly, but you knew you did. You'd recognize that voice anywhere, even after all this time had passed. Once you turned your gaze away from the sea, what you knew to be true in your heart was confirmed.

The man was sun-kissed, with wild, windswept hair and a glittering smile that only widened when you turned to face him. Once he pulled his sunglasses away from his eyes and pushed them into his hair, you knew.

Steve fucking Harrington. 

Steve, once King Asshole Steve of Hawkins High, was in front of you, halfway around the world from Indiana. Steve, your good friend, confidante, partner-in-crime, first crush. Steve, who you left back in Hawkins, along with everyone else you cared about, because you just couldn't handle how suffocating the small town was or seeing him around town.

Steve fucking Harrington was standing right in front of you for the first time in years and you didn't know how to feel about that.

You almost had to laugh at the absolute absurdity of it all. Why the hell was he even in Italy? How, in all of the places in the world, had Steve managed to find you here? Was this planned, or a chance meeting? Pure happenstance, or fate? 

You had so many questions.

God, he was stunning. He still looked like the kind of men you'd read about in cheesy romance novels. Older, of course, and more filled out, but still looked like Steve. Soft, suave, too handsome for his own good. He looked golden, dangerous. 

He still looked like a heartbreaker.

His face morphed into something else once he noticed that it was you, a mix of surprise and pure elation as he whispered your name, seemingly to himself. Almost like he couldn't believe it either.

"In the flesh," you replied, a joking lilt in your voice because you just couldn't fucking believe this.

"Oh-oh my God!" His outburst seemed to bother the patrons around you, but neither of you really cared when you grabbed the hand he reached out to you, only to be pulled up into a crushing embrace. 

He smelled different than you remembered. A different cologne, more manly now, more comforting.

Dangerous.

Steve pulled away after a beat, but he didn't retreat completely. His hands moved from their spots around your frame only to land on your arms, like he didn't want to let you go yet.

For some reason, you didn't want him to let go either.

"What the hell are you doing here, Harrington?" 

Steve finally released you completely then, taking the seat across the tiny wooden table from the one you had occupied. You followed suit, allowing yourself to really look at him.

The years had been kind to him, that much was obvious. There were a few barely-there wrinkles around his eyes, a scar or beauty mark here and there that wasn't there before, but he still held the boyish charm he always had.

He still looked like your Steve. 

He seemed to realize that he'd yet to give an answer at the same time you did, so he just shook his head, ran his hands down his face like he couldn't believe this was happening, either.

"Sorry, I just- fuck. Can't believe I found you."

"Ah, so you were trying to find me," you said, taking a sip of your now lukewarm coffee to hide the smile that threatened to break.

Steve just shook his head, "I've actually been in Italy for a few weeks now, kinda a spur of the moment trip, y'know?"

You really didn't, but you supposed Harrington money could afford a month-long spontaneous vacation to Italy.

He continued on, "I started out in Rome and have just been kinda moving along. I knew you lived here, from your letters, so I wanted to come and see if I could find you. Turns out luck was on my side."

That explanation gave you even more questions than answers, but you let it rest for now.

"Well shit, Steve. I guess it was." You couldn't help but feel like this was meant to happen, somehow. Out of all of the little cafés and restaurants in this town, he'd turn up at the one you came to every weekend.

Definitely fate, or something like it.

"Why don't we talk about it over dinner tonight? Catch up on everything?" He asked, charm oozing out of every bit of him, and you wondered if this was how all of the girls felt when Steve Harrington asked them out. Pure butterflies and wildflowers in your chest, fluttering and blooming before you could blink. 

Something told you that letting Steve Harrington back into your life would be exhilarating, saccharine, all-encompassing. The summer would allow you to feel alive for the first time in years, while leaving you heartbroken at the inevitable end.

You should have heeded the warning signs; the small part of your brain telling you to stay friendly, but that was it. To not let him grow like ivy on your heart. To entertain him for a week or so then send him on his way because you had left your feelings for him back in Hawkins years ago, back before your heart got stolen away by someone else. You were fine, had been fine until he waltzed back into your life, looking like that and stirring up feelings that were long gone.

But if you were being honest with yourself, the thought of not being with Steve for as long as he'd stay hurt so much more than how it would feel when this would inevitably end in tears.

-

You took Steve to Ke Palle for dinner on that first night.

It quickly became one of your favorite restaurants ever since you moved, and Steve hadn’t been, so it was perfect. It was busy given that it was a Saturday evening, so you and Steve took your arancini to-go, got a bottle of wine at a shop across the way, and settled at a small table the two of you found near the water. The large red umbrella made the late afternoon sun just a little more bearable as the two of you ate, drank, and caught up on everything you had missed over the last few years. Once your bellies were full and the bottle of wine was near empty, you once again found yourself examining Steve in between conversations. 

It was odd, seeing him again. Sure, your friend group had exchanged a couple of pictures over the years but seeing him in person again was entirely different. He had matured since the last time you had been together. There was something in his eyes, a look that told you that he had grown up more than you knew. It told you that he definitely wasn't King Steve anymore; that he had seen shit, been through shit, and that he was a man now.

As the sun began to set around you, you noted the flecks of gold in his hair, the little highlights mixed in with the brown that you had never noticed before. You noticed that you missed seeing his eyes, given that they were currently shielded by his sunglasses, and you hated that you missed something like that. You definitely noticed how his arms filled out the navy tee he was wearing, how big his hands looked curling around his pack of cigarettes-

He cleared his throat and you turned away, embarrassed that he had caught you staring. But hell, how could you not, when he looked like that? The asshole smiled at you then, as if he knew exactly what you were thinking, when he pulled out a lone cigarette from the pack. "Want one?"

"Definitely not. You know how bad those things are for you, right?" You chastised.

"Still hate that I smoke, huh?"

"I'll always hate that you smoke, Steve. Keep it up and you'll fuck up that pretty face, and you know that's your best feature."

He just shook his head and chuckled, gave you a look that said, wanna bet? "Enough about my bad habits, tell me about life and all that."

You told Steve about your life; things that went farther than letters sent across an ocean could handle. You told him about the winery you worked at in town, about how stressful running the place could be, but you enjoyed it anyway. You talked about your favorite coworkers and about how the tourists got to be too much sometimes. Later on, after he indulged and bought another bottle of wine to share, you apologized for leaving Hawkins, that you hated to leave but you wanted more than Hawkins could ever offer, and that you just had to after finally mustering the courage and self-confidence to leave your ex. 

Steve asked if you were dating anyone. You tried not to read into it too much as you gave a definitive 'No'. It was impossible to tell if the flush on his cheeks was from the red wine he'd drunk or from your answer, but you hoped it was the latter.

"Enough about my nonexistent dating life," you said as you waved a rogue cloud of cigarette smoke away from your face, "Tell me about home, how's everyone?"

He shrugged noncommittally before answering. "Everything's good, Robin's good, Eddie's kid is hell on wheels, but she's awesome. Nancy is still livin’ it up in New York. Job is good, those little middle school fuckers drive me crazy, but I love them."

"Still teaching then?"

He nodded, "Yeah, still teaching the youth the joys of dodgeball and how to hold a baseball bat. Pay's not the best but, you know, it's fun. Rewarding, I guess." He was holding something back; even after being apart for so long you could tell there was something he wasn't telling you.

"Yeah, but you don't gotta worry about money, right? You're a Harrington."

The laugh that left him was devoid of humor. Instead, it held something like contempt. It almost sounded hollow. "Yeah, guess not. Especially now, since my dad left us a fortune." He sighed at the confused look on your face and continued on "My dad, uh, died back in April."

You felt your eyes widen in shock, you definitely did not expect that and you hated that you didn't know what to say, "Oh my God Steve, I'm so sorry. Why didn't you say anything?"

Steve just shrugged, "He was a dick."

"He was your dad, Steve."

"Yeah, and he didn't even like me," Steve said the words like they didn't phase him, and you wondered if they secretly did. "Anyway, I guess his life insurance had a pretty high payout. Left us with a pretty penny that my mom split with me. She sold the house in Loch Nora and left Hawkins. I had to get away from everything, so I took the rest of the school year off, and now I'm here with you. Seems like a perfect trade-off to me" He finished with a smirk.

"Steve…"

He took your hand in one of his then, dwarfing your own, "Hey, seriously, I'm fine. And if I'm ever not fine, you'll be the first person I tell, okay? I promise." His eyes were sincere, and suddenly you felt like you were eighteen again, Steve confiding in you that Nancy had dumped him and called him bullshit. You had missed the way the two of you had confided in each other back in Hawkins, but it was your fault that you hadn't had the chance to do that again, you figured. 

"Anyway," Steve leaned back, continuing like he hadn't just dropped that huge bomb on you, "I'm glad I found you. I missed you, y'know."

"Yeah, missed you too. This is nice."

"You look good, by the way. Polaroids don't do you justice." Your cheeks burned at his words. They sounded innocuous, innocent, but you could tell how he meant them by the way he looked at you when he leaned back in his chair, took another puff of a second cigarette he had pulled out of the pack.

Still, you gave a roll of your eyes, tried to pretend like his words didn't affect you at all. "Still a flirt, huh Harrington?"

"Hey, I'm just saying! The sea suits you, is all."

"Yeah, I suppose it does. Think it's done me some good over the years." You were quiet for a beat, just long enough to appreciate how the setting sun bathed Steve in its golden light. "You look good too, obviously."

Steve gave you some noise of acknowledgement, taking one last drag of his cigarette before stubbing it out in the ashtray. "I think I've had enough sun for one day. You wanna get outta here?"

And I can see us twisted in bedsheets

You felt like you were floating as you and Steve raced through the town to get to your apartment. It almost felt like a dream, the thought that something was about to happen. Neither of you had explicitly said that anything was happening once you got upstairs, but you could feel it. It was like an electric current in the air, something between your fingertips as he held your hand in his during the walk. Steve could feel it, too. You could tell by the way his eyes were a little wild the entire walk home, how tightly he held onto your hand.

You willed yourself to calm down as the two of you neared your building; your heart pounding against your rib cage. Part of you was nervous that you'd hyped this up so much in your head that the real thing would be a disappointment, but you knew that wouldn't be the case. No, you were scared that this would ruin you for anyone else.

Because this was Steve you were talking about. There was history here, secrets shared and experiences that had bonded you two for life, no matter how far apart you were. And the way Steve looked at you as you unlocked your front door and stepped into your living room, as if you were the only thing he wanted to see for the rest of his life, solidified the simple fact that you were going to be fucking ruined after this.

You didn't care.

He watched as you set your keys and bag down on the small table in your entryway before leaning back against your door, smoothing down the front of your sundress to calm your nerves because it had been so long since you had done this. Steve seemed to sense your nervousness by the way he leaned into you, softly, a finger tracing down your arm with just enough pressure for you to feel it. "You okay?"

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm great. Just been a while, that's all." If he noticed the goosebumps that erupted from his touch, he didn’t comment on it.

He nodded, his gaze softer now than it had been at dinner, "Yeah, been a while for me, too. Y'know we don't have to do anything, right? If it's too soon or whatever."

Maybe it was too soon, because while you and Steve had been friends for years, the two of you were so different than you were years ago. Different people at different stages in your lives. Different continents. Hell, you hadn’t even been in the same room as each other for half a decade. But you still knew Steve, still felt the same comfort and security you’d always felt with him. 

It might have been too soon, but in this moment, it felt like a long time coming. It felt like it was always going to happen, at some point. And there was nothing you wanted more.

"I know, but I want to. I really want to, if you do."

"Are you sure?" He whispered, his mouth now close enough to yours that you could smell the hints of smoke still on his breath and the spearmint gum he chewed on the way.

You wanted to reach out, to touch him, but all you could do was curl your hands into fists before flattening them out on the tops of your thighs again. Fingertips tingled, wanting to mirror the path he was making on your arm, trace the veins on his forearm. You held back, almost scared to pop this little bubble the two of you seemed to be in. You wanted to kiss him, really wanted to kiss him. It would be too easy to close the small gap that still lingered between you and finally find out what he tasted like, but you waited. It was torture, but you waited.

"Yeah, of course I'm sure. Are you?"

The nod of his head was earnest, his eyes refusing to leave yours as his fingers abandoned their path along your arm only to find purchase on your jaw, his thumb barely tugging on your bottom lip before finally pressing his lips to yours. 

It was a desperate sort of kiss, the kind that made your toes curl in your sandals and your hands wind in his hair, if only to pull him even closer. Steve pressed into you then, and the feeling of his weight against you had little moans leaving your mouth, which Steve took full advantage of, licking into your mouth when your lips parted.

You didn’t know why it felt so natural, kissing Steve, but it felt like both a first kiss, and a kiss that you had shared a thousand times. Somehow, it felt like this had to happen, because Steve had drawn you in and he was yours and you were so, so ready to fall. Face first, all in, into whatever this was, whatever this would turn out to be. Still, you tried your hardest to sear the feeling of him into your mind. How his kiss tasted, how he sounded, how it felt to have his body pressed against yours like this in case this one a one time thing.

You really, really hoped it wasn't a one time thing.

He let his hands wander, dropping them to squeeze at your waist, letting his mouth wander, too. He moved to your jaw, down to your throat and you felt him smile against your skin when you gasped.

You felt one hand snake down your dress to the side of your thigh, his hand spreading wide, ghosting a path beneath the hem until his fingertips found the edge of your underwear. You felt him shift against you, just slightly, only to continue his path to your front and press into you. It was pathetic, really, the noise that came out of you from just a simple touch.

“Like that, pretty?” Steve cooed, using the same finger to trace up and down over the thin fabric, “Saw you staring at my hands earlier. You wanted me to touch you like this, hmm?”

You tried to roll your eyes, but he pressed harder into you making you feel the wetness sticking to you and you could only close them, letting out a huff, "Are you always this annoying during foreplay?"

He just smirked, his fingers never stopping, "Only with you." He leaned in closer, leaving a peck just below your ear. "Besides, I think you like it." 

You did roll your eyes at that, taking hold of his forearm to stop him, tired of his teasing, "Steve, shut the hell up and take me to the bedroom."

The moment the two of you were in your bedroom, Steve had you pushed against the nearest bare wall he could find before kissing you again. His hands roamed your neck, your waist, the curve of your hip and you felt him everywhere. It was like a live wire running through you, from your lips, red and kiss bitten to the tips of your toes.

His hands found the hem of your sundress again, and he started to ask if he could take it off but you cut him off, answering with a breathless 'yes'. He backed up from you, just enough for you to loosen the zip on the side and let it fall to the floor around your feet. You felt warm under his gaze, him mapping out skin he hadn't seen. You felt too exposed, given that he was still fully dressed, but he was back on you in a second, pulling you out of your thoughts. 

"So fuckin' pretty," He praised, pulling your underwear to the side, let his fingers glide through your folds without the offending barrier before sinking one, then two fingers into you.

The smirk he was wearing quickly disappeared once your breaths turned to moans as his fingers worked you, in and out, long enough to hit that spot and have you feeling close to bursting. His jaw went slack, his cheeks a little flushed and he finally looked as affected as you. 

You scrambled for his shoulders for some sort of stability, nails pressing through his shirt when he crooked his fingers into you, making your breath hitch in your throat. 

"Fuck, that's it, huh? Feel good?"

You only nodded, already feeling dizzy. You let your head hit the wall as he worked you, eyes closing and getting lost in the feeling of him, here with you, against you. 

But you wanted more. You wanted him. 

“Steve, please,” you pleaded, your hands grazing down his abdomen until you reached his belt buckle. “Want you.”

His shirt was thrown near your bed post, his belt clinked as it hit the floor along with his pants, neither of you really caring where they landed. He was on you again, kissing you until you both crawled into bed, his mouth on your jaw, your collarbone until he reached the edge of your bra, mouthing at the fabric before unclasping it and throwing it to the floor. You were impatient, dragging your underwear down until you were fully bare and his lips parted; his eyes devouring you before reconnecting his mouth to yours.

After that, it didn’t take long for him to rid himself of his boxers, slip on a condom and push into you slowly. Teasing, controlled, trying to drag out the moment because you felt fucking fantastic around him. He stilled once he was buried inside you, interlacing your fingers with his and pressing your hands into the bed as you moaned into his neck. You clenched around him at the tender gesture, silently begging him to move by curling your legs around his waist. 

“Fuck, you feel - God - fucking amazing,” he grunted, eyes squeezed shut as he moved against you.

“Steve,” you keened, relishing in how he looked on top of you, blissed out and slick with sweat. How he felt against you, inside of you. How each drag of him made you feel that familiar hook in your belly, like a string pulled tight, stretched, close to snapping. A release building. 

“Yeah? You close?” he asked, fingertips digging into the softness of your hips and he'd sounded close himself. Your breath hitched, back arched prettily because he'd dropped his hand between you, thumb rubbing quick circles on your clit.

"Yeah, Steve yeahyeah," you twisted your fingers in his hair, hips lifting to meet his every thrust until you snapped, your orgasm ripping through you, making you tremble against him. It was enough to send him over his edge, his hips faltering as he came, his face buried in your neck to muffle his groan.

The night seemed quiet then, the sounds of skin on skin and dirty praise whispered between you gave way to your combined breaths, slowly evening out. The air smelled like sex and Steve; smoke and mint, a hint of the salty sea air. You felt calm, peaceful, so, so content with Steve next to you. 

And that was how your summer began.

-

You were vaguely aware of fingers tracing down the length of your back and the smell of fresh coffee invading your senses, but you were so warm and soft and relaxed and did not want to leave the dreamlike state you were currently in. But then you felt soft kisses to your shoulder, a murmur against your hair that made your eyes open to see Steve, mussed up hair and still shirtless from the night before, with a steaming mug of coffee in his hands.

He looked like a damn dream.

"Morning, sleepy. Coffee's on your nightstand, just a splash of cream and sugar, right?"

You nodded, finally making yourself sit up against your headboard and grab the mug from your bedside table, "How'd you remember that?"

Steve only shrugged, crossing the room to take his side of the bed again. You hadn't taken a look at your bedside clock yet but it had to be early morning, considering how the sunlight slipped through the open blinds. The light painted Steve's torso in bright stripes of light; his tan skin looking even more stunning in the sunshine. This whole scene felt almost too domestic. The two of you, drinking coffee in a comfortable silence, Steve leaning over ever so often to press a kiss to your shoulder, your cheek. 

It felt nice. It felt normal.

But you knew it couldn't last. You and Steve were friends, good friends, and he was just passing through, traveling through Italy to find himself, or whatever he was doing. The thought made you ache, but it was the reality. 

Clearing your throat, you started to ask the question, rip off the band-aid. "So, when do you think you'll move on from my part of the world?"

"Actually, I was thinking about sticking around for a while, if you'll have me." Steve said the words a little shyly and they lit a little spark of hope that bloomed in your chest. You knew it wouldn't be forever, that the end would come, but for now, you had him.

"I don't think I'd mind that at all, Harrington."

July 

The summer was a whirlwind, and you loved every second of it. 

Your back beneath the sun

Wishin' I could write my name on it

You still went to work everyday while Steve did his travels, sometimes taking day trips out of town for the day and then coming back to your apartment at night. He'd show you the photographs he'd taken, letting you pick one or two to keep for yourself. 

Sometimes he would join you when you went out with your friends. Your friends had promised to help you show Steve all of the best spots. The two of you would join them for drinks and dancing some nights, other nights opting to go on your own, then crawl home and end up back in your bed sheets before ending the night.

And then you'd do it all over again the next day. 

On the weekends, you'd let Steve pick a new city to see, and the two of you would spend a night or two. You had explored Cinque Terre, saw the canals in Venice (which Steve correctly decided were too touristy), and Steve even treated the two of you to a few days near Tuscany after you agreed to play hooky that following Monday. 

You felt like you were twenty again. Back in Hawkins, hanging with Steve and the gang. Swimming in the Harringtons’ pool, picnics at the lake, settling down with take-away pizza and a movie on quiet nights in. Weekend drives to Indy for rock shows that Eddie dragged you all to, stopping at the same all-night diner after for fries and milkshakes. It was familiar, it was lovely. 

Having one of your old friends back made you feel lighter. Besides the company and great sex, it was nice to just have someone from Hawkins here. Someone you grew up with, who knew you inside and out. Someone you felt comfortable with, someone you trusted with your life.

It made grueling work days a little easier, made coming home a little more fun but the days were slipping away too fast. July was ending, but it still felt like the beginning of June and Steve had just landed back into your life. It really was cruel, how quickly time starts to pass you by the older you grew. Especially when you didn’t want it to. When you needed it to slow down. 

You wondered if Steve felt the same. If the days he spent without you, doing whatever he was doing in whatever little towns he found, were ending too fast. Was he excited to go back to Hawkins, to his students and the friends you had left behind?

More importantly, when was he going back?

The two of you hadn’t talked about it; you didn’t have the time. You hadn't even talked about what the two of you were doing, as if kissing one of your best friends goodbye every morning and fucking them before bed was normal. In all honesty, you didn’t want to talk about it. Because talking about it would make it real, and you were perfectly happy with living in blissful ignorance for now. Seeing as July was coming to a close, the end would come soon enough, anyway.

-

Another work week had just ended for you, and since you had the next few days off, you and Steve were currently lazing on your couch, coming up with ideas for how to spend the weekend. 

The two of you bounced ideas back and forth to one another over a shared bottle of wine, none of them ever feeling quite exciting enough. Suddenly he looked at you, snapping his fingers like he had just thought of the perfect idea, “How about we rent a boat?” 

“Excuse me?” You couldn’t help the way your voice squeaked at that, because who just thinks to rent a fucking boat on a whim?

“Not like a big boat, just a boat. You know, take it out in the water, cool off in the sea. Any place we can rent a boat over here?”

You squinted at him across your sofa, “I forgot you know how to handle a boat. You really are the definition of a rich boy cliché, you know that?”

“Oh shut up,” he muttered, but the fondness in his eyes told you that he didn’t really mean it. “So, whaddya say?”

And that’s how the next morning found the two of you waking up with the sun, Steve cooking a light breakfast while you packed a cooler with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a big canteen full of limoncello. You took a cab to the ritzy part of the town, the part with the towering, expensive resorts and private beaches. You’d figured it would be the perfect place to get what Steve was looking for, and it turns out that you were right.

It wasn’t a big boat, but definitely enough room for you and Steve. You watched from the docks as Steve spoke with the worker, noting that the little Italian you’d managed to teach him was coming out of his mouth with ease. You wondered how it felt to be such a natural at damn near everything, how Steve could just pick up anything and be a pro.

Soon, the boat was yours for the day and you and Steve were off, Steve quickly shedding the linen button down he’d put on due to the hot sun. You had to admit, this was lovely. The waters were calm, the sun warmed your skin and you got to watch Steve work, looking like a natural behind the controls (and if you had stolen the disposable camera out of his bag and snapped a few pictures of him, shirtless and a cigar hanging from his lips, well, that was your business). Briefly, you wondered where he was taking you, if he even knew himself, but you found that you really didn’t care. The waters were a beautiful, deep blue, all around you, surrounded by gorgeous coastlines and away from everything else. You let yourself lay back and relax, focusing on the sound of Steve humming some song he knew as you closed your eyes and let yourself drift. It could have been minutes, maybe an hour, but eventually you came to a secluded shoreline that was more rocks and cliffs than beach, and he was beginning the process of anchoring down.

“Pretty spot, huh?” He said through a grunt as he lowered the anchor down.

You nodded, “Yeah, how’d you know this was here?”

“Guy working the docks mentioned something about this. He said there probably wouldn’t be many people here but damn, it’s nice not having anyone here.” He looked around, hands on his hips in an approving stance before he turned to look back at you, “Wanna cool off?”

Once Steve confirmed that the boat was secured, you shed the tank and shorts you were using as a cover-up and jumped into the cool water, Steve quickly following suit. The cold was a shock to your heated skin, but you welcomed it, taking your time to float back to the surface. Once you reached the surface you wiped the water from your eyes to look for Steve, only to find him right behind you in the water, hair an absolute mess and a hand reaching out for you. You took it, allowing Steve to pull you to him until you were settled in his lap, both of his arms around your waist to keep you flush against him. 

Steve smiled at you then, squinting a little under the bright summer sun. "Hey, sweetheart." 

"Hi," You answered back, winding your arms around his neck before kissing him, just because you wanted to. Just because you could. 

His eyes were softer when you pulled back, his grip a little tighter as if he was scared you'd float away if he wasn't careful. But soon after you noticed it, it was gone, replaced with a look of mischief you remember all too well.

"Steve, what're you-" before you could finish your sentence he'd maneuvered your legs from around his waist, grabbing handfuls of your thighs and throwing you back under the water. 

You were met with the cackle of Steve's laugh once you fight your way out again, "Way to ruin the moment, jackass."

"We'll make more," he told you, still smiling and you couldn't help but smile with him, not even minding when he lunged for you and pulled you under again, you taking him under, too. 

The hours passed, and the splash fights under the hot sun made you both crave the lunch you packed sooner than later. You swam back near the shore together, Steve making his way back to the boat to grab the cooler while you headed to a large, flat rock that looked suitable for lounging near the water.

The two of you were quiet as you ate, side by side, thighs touching as he peeled your oranges for you and you split your sandwich with him. Nostalgia hit you like a freight train, and you remembered sitting on the edge of Lover’s Lake some time in your very late teens, you and Steve in this exact same position, eating Pringles and candy while you two talked about life and what the two of you wanted to be.

Part of you wondered, back then, if you and Steve would ever be something more. If you could ever stop being scared and tell him how you felt about him, if he would feel the same. But Steve still seemed hung up on Nancy and you were scared, because Steve was a good friend, and he was Steve and the thought of not having him in your life hurt. So, you stayed quiet, met your business professor in your second year at Hawkins Community College, and fell in love. 

Or maybe lust, or just some false sense of security. Because he was an older guy, stable and sophisticated. He called you pretty and made you feel good and safe, enough to give everything up and make him your world. What a colossal fucking mistake. 

Needless to say, you and Steve never became anything more until now. Now, sitting beside him on a beautiful cliff in Italy, you wondered if you could have been more. If you would have told him then, would he have surprised you, told you he felt the same and kissed you breathless?

Would everything be different today?

“How’d you decide on this place?” Steve asked you suddenly, effectively breaking you from the thoughts spiraling in your brain.

“You mean Italy?” When he nodded, you replied, “I knew I hated Hawkins and I hated seeing my fucking ex everywhere, so I needed to leave. We had talked about coming here, maybe for a honeymoon or something. I always thought the pictures looked so pretty, so I came. Leaving you guys was hard as fuck, though. The hardest thing I've ever done."

Steve looked at you then. Something in his gaze told you that he wanted to say something else, but he settled for, “I was proud of you for leaving, you know.”

“Oh yeah?”

“For sure. I mean, I’m still proud of you for getting out when you did. Wish you would have never even met that asshole, but y’know, I’m glad you did what you wanted to do. I’d say you picked a good place, though. I like it here. Can see why you love living here so much.”

There it was again, that little bit of hope that just kept growing and growing. The hope that maybe, just maybe, he’d get out of Hawkins, too. It was a pipe dream, you knew it, but that small fact didn’t squash whatever was blooming. But then:

"Even though I was also super bummed when you left. You know, I had a huge crush on you."

What?

"Wait, what?" You exclaimed, turning your body to face him because what a fucking bombshell.

He scratched the back of his neck, suddenly shy under your wide eyes. "Yeah, had a crush for a while, even when you were, uh, with that guy. Just never had the guts to tell you."

"Steve, I liked you too!" You whined, "I always thought you wanted Nancy! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" He countered, sounding flustered as ever. "I mean, I did still want Nancy, y'know, after we broke up, but that didn't really last long. Not after we started hanging more."

You groaned when you let your head fall into his shoulder, "Dammit Steve, you mean we could have been doing this when I was still in Hawkins?" Your mind was racing, your heart felt like it was about to beat right out of your chest. The missed opportunities and what ifs flew through your mind at the thought, and it nearly made you sick. Because for so long, having Steve as you did back in Hawkins was enough for you, but God you wanted so much more. And now you knew that you could have had it.

The thought that Steve could have been yours for so much longer than these fleeting summer months, that maybe if one of you would have actually had the guts to speak your mind, everything would be different. Maybe you two would have been together. Hell, the two of you may have even been married by now, with one or two little Harrington spawn running rampant all over Hawkins.

The thought made your heart hurt.

"Yeah, guess we could've been," he said it more to himself than to you and it sounds a little like regret. You were both quiet as you sat there, your forehead to his shoulder and his hand on your bare back. You wondered if he was thinking the same thing you were, wondering where you went wrong, how you could be so stupid.

You wondered what this revelation meant for the two of you. 

August

The month of August was one of the best you could remember. 

August slipped away into a moment in time

'Cause it was never mine

After working overtime for the first two weeks of the month, you had managed to convince your boss to let you take your summer holiday during the last two weeks of August. It was normally unheard of, since most of the continent was on summer holiday and it was still peak tourist season, but you somehow managed to convince him that your second in command could handle the winery for a couple weeks. 

Begrudgingly, he agreed. 

Steve was set to leave on the last day of the month, since the school year was beginning just after the start of September. While you didn’t understand how that would leave him with enough time to get himself ready for the new school year, you didn’t question it. 

You had your friend for a little longer, and that’s all that really mattered to you.

Steve had insisted that the two of you do something fun for your last weeks together, promising to foot the bill and make it memorable for the both of you. After too many pretend arguments that almost always ended in kisses and one of you underneath the other in your bed, the two of you landed on Barcelona. It was freeing, to pack a bag and just leave for a good reason this time, with a good man with good intentions by your side. 

You and Steve went without a plan, apart from Steve booking The Serras Hotel for you both. It was a lovely old building, with bed linens softer than any fabric you'd ever felt in your life and a perfect view of the water from your room. 

If you didn't know any better, you'd think Steve was trying to impress you.

Your days were spent consuming your weight in paella and sangria, then walking it off in the city, only to find more delicious food in the evenings. Dancing the nights away at whatever little night club you walked by that looked interesting. Going to the beach, then deeming it entirely too overrun by people, then opting to go back and spend the day at the rooftop pool instead. You did whatever you wanted, or whatever Steve wanted, with no rules and it was some of the best times you could remember. 

Near the end of your trip, you and Steve decided to spend the day trying to find the Sagrada Familia simply by wandering the city. Steve had said that "It's such a tall, pointy building, how hard could it be to find?" And who were you to argue with that very sound logic?

It turned out, finding a 'tall, pointy building' was, in fact, very difficult when you were on the ground and literally every building around you was a tall building.

The two of you wandered for hours, stopping for a quick lunch only to walk some more. Your legs were tired, your back ached (Steve tried to carry both his bag and yours, but you shut him down every time). Near two in the afternoon, you were tempted to beg him to just get a fucking cab, but you didn't really mind because Steve never let go of your hand for the entire walk, and he never stopped trying to make it all a little more bearable. And God, it worked. He didn't even have to try to make you smile, really. He just had that effect on you now.

It was that day that you realized something very important, and very fucking terrifying. 

That day, as you were both sweaty and sticky, tired from walking and not minding one bit because Steve was by your side, you realized that you had fallen in love with him over the summer. 

Or had you fallen back in love? Had the love you felt for him in Hawkins ever really left you? You thought that it had, because it had been years. Years of a failed love with someone else, of moving to a different country and leaving everything you knew behind. You thought that the mark Steve left on your heart had faded away long ago, but now, you weren't so sure it had ever left.

Sometimes you swore you could see it in his eyes, too. Not just lust, but some sort of adoration that went far beyond the bedroom or the realm of friendship. You thought you saw it in the way he held you at night, the way he never let go of your hand in the busy city streets. It wasn't just Steve being Steve; no, there was something else there. Something else beyond the nice gestures and sweet smiles. 

You almost asked him about it countless times. If his feelings for you lingered like yours did. If they were somehow found again over the summer, or you were just making things up in your head. 

But once again, you were too scared. You never did ask.

On the last night of your stay, you were both tired of the sweaty nightclubs and busy streets, so you opted for walking down to the beach to get away from the tourists instead. 

The beach was peaceful as you spread a blanket out onto the cool sand. It was almost empty, save for the random passerby every now and then. The only sounds were the soft crashing of waves, the distant sounds of the city, and Steve’s voice in your ear as the two of you talked about the trip, the summer, what to eat for breakfast before heading back to the airport in the morning.

Never about what was coming in a couple day’s time. Not about him leaving, and not about what would come after.

That was okay, though. 

Because you were together, for now. You and Steve, sitting side by side, stealing kisses between watching the waves lap at the shore. 

"Good idea, huh? Coming here?" Steve said, gesturing at nothing, but you assumed he meant the overall trip.

You agreed. "Yeah, although you didn't have to do all this. You could at least let me pay you-"

"Nope, not a chance. This was paid for and sponsored by the Harrington Estate, thank you very much."

This was the first time he'd mentioned anything about what had happened ever since that first night. "Do you wanna talk about it?" You asked softly.

"About my dad? No, told you, I'm fine."

"Steve, are you sure?"

You felt Steve shift beside you then, mirroring him when he sat cross-legged to face you. "Hey, I promise I'm fine, okay? We hadn't talked in a few years before, anyway. Sure, he was my father, but he wasn't a dad. So, I'm okay. And if I'm ever not okay, I'll let you know, okay? I'll call you up and you can listen to me scream and cry. I promise."

You snorted despite the moment, "That'd be a hell of a phone bill."

"I don't care. I miss hearing your voice anyway. Letters aren't really the same, you know?"

You did know, they really weren’t the same. They were never enough, and they'd never be enough, especially after this summer.

Steve spoke again, "Are you okay? After everything that went down in Hawkins?"

"Oh, yeah! Yeah, I've been good. Went through a period of berating myself for being so fucking stupid, but that's about it." 

"We all do stupid shit when we're in our twenties. I think you're good."

You offered him a nod, "I forgave myself for it a while back. I just wish things could've been different." You hope he'd catch the meaning behind your words, that you wished things could have been different for you and Steve. That maybe the two of you could have built a life together. 

You didn’t miss the pain in his eyes before he averted your gaze, the nod of his head that told you that he knew exactly what you meant, and yeah, he felt it, too. "Yeah, wish they were different, too." He brought his hand to your bare knee, tracing some pattern onto the skin, "I'm gonna miss the hell outta you, you know that?"

A lump formed in your throat at his words, at how tender he was being, so you only nodded. Afraid that you’d let out a sob if you did anything else. So, you just laid a hand on his, squeezing, almost as if he’d float across the ocean right then and there. Because you were going home tomorrow, and Steve was leaving you the day after, and you weren't ready for that yet. He seemed to understand your silence, so he didn’t wait for you to respond. He already knew what the answer would be, anyway. Instead, his free hand found the nape of your neck, tangling through the hair there and pulled you closer to him, pressing his lips to yours. The kiss was a little clumsy, and a little messy, but neither of you seemed to care because the time was slipping through your fingers like the sand underneath you. 

And as the two of you fell back into bed together that night, something shifted. It felt different than all of the other times over the summer. It was like it always was, in a way, with Steve pressing his lips on any bare skin he found and whispering praises against you, but it felt different this time. This time, he made sure to take his time with you, exploring all he could, leaving marks he was sure would last for longer than his remaining time with you.

This time, it felt like saying goodbye. 

So much for summer love and saying "us"

If Steve noticed the way your mood would randomly sour during those last few days, or why you got a faraway look in your eye on the plane ride back to your home, he never commented. He'd always bring you back with sweet nothings and a kiss to take you out of your funk. You wondered if he was distracting you on purpose or if he was just that clueless. 

It would work, obviously. His little distractions would remind you that he was still here, still yours for a little while longer and you'd force the thoughts to the back of your mind. But they always came back, haunting you.  

The metaphorical tick of the clock was always there in your mind, because time was running out.

You wondered what would happen after. When Steve got on that plane back to America. Would things be as they were? A letter exchanged every few weeks, an email every other day once you both were able to get a computer? Would Steve ask you to go back to Hawkins to visit, or would he want to come back here to see you? How often would you be able to see one another? Because before, when you and Steve were just good friends, you both went five years without seeing one another, and somehow, you'd both survived. Letters sent across an ocean was enough. The wanting to see each other again was enough. But would it be enough now? How could it ever be?

You wondered if he would ask you to go home with him.

Would he want you to be with him, back in Hawkins? Would he want you to leave with him? Leave the life you've created for yourself here? If he begged you to run away with him, would you?

Or, would he want to stay here in Italy? Pack up his old life and build a new one in a new country? Shit, could you even ask him to do that?

More importantly, would he say yes if you did?

Livin' for the hope of it all, for the hope of it all

The morning of August 31st came way too soon.

You and Steve had been sitting on your bedroom floor all morning, packing the last of his things in between sipping coffee and reminiscing about the months you'd spent together before you had to leave for the airport after lunch. The coffee did little to soothe the knot in your stomach, but you held onto your mug anyway, needing something to do with your hands. A thought had been eating at you for the past few days; worming its way into your brain until you could hardly think about anything else. 

Because little sparks of hope had been lighting all summer. Comments made by Steve about the country, kisses pressed into your skin under bedsheets, laments about Steve not wanting to go back to Hawkins. They all bundled together and lit a fire of hope in your heart.

But what was the phrase, hope is a dangerous thing?

You wondered if you should just get it out. If you should ask the question that had been on the tip of your tongue for days. It might have been selfish, or wrong, to ask. It might have blown up in your face, but you had to ask. No more being scared to speak up for what you wanted. 

“Can we talk about something?” You asked suddenly. When Steve nodded, you opened your mouth to speak, closed it, then repeated the process. Now, that you had his attention, you couldn’t get the correct words out. Finally, you settled for, “Did you like it here?”

Steve didn’t answer right away, seemingly perplexed by your random question. “Yeah, I loved it here. Y’know, the food was awesome, I liked where you worked, it was cool. And yeah, being with you was amazing. Why?”

You considered his answer, averting his gaze when you asked your follow up, “You ever think about leaving Hawkins, too?”

“Sweetheart, what-”

“Would you want to stay here with me?” The silence that followed your question was deafening. After a beat, you allowed yourself to meet Steve’s eyes again to try and figure out what he was thinking. 

“Do you mean to- I, what do you mean?”

“I mean you could stay. This summer with you has been amazing and I-I think we would be good together. Would you ever consider it? We used to talk about leaving Hawkins, when we were younger - do you still think about it?”

He stood then, running his fingers through his hair. When he remained silent you continued on, rising to your feet as well. You felt frantic, like you had to explain yourself more. “You could go home, you know, get everything in order, but then come back, if you wanted? And then we could be together, like, actually together. Would you ever want that?”

Steve sighed then, a loud sound that made you stop in your tracks. “Sweetheart, I can’t just not go back, or go back just to leave again. What the hell would I even do here? I can't just pick up a teaching career in Italy, can I?” You hated how his voice sounded regretful, almost pitying and damn near making you cry, but then he surprised you.

“Would you want to come home with me?”

His words were a shock to your system. They knocked the air right out of your lungs. His eyes were on you, and they broke your heart because they were pleading, begging you to say yes. You couldn't think, could barely fucking breathe because didn't you want this? Didn't you want to be together with Steve? Didn't you want to keep him forever, build a life with him? To wake up in the morning close to him, sip coffee across from each other before work? Go home to him every night, instead of an empty apartment?

It sounded nice, right? 

But could you leave this? This little idyllic part of the world you’d called home for years now? The job you loved, and you had friends here, too. Could you be happy back in your shitty little hometown again? Worst of all, what if you did leave with him, and everything would blow up in your face? What if you followed Steve home, only to realize that you were only good for each other for a short while, and not for the long haul? And then you two would break up and have to see each other all over Hawkins, remembering what you gave up here?

You didn’t know if you would be able to handle that. 

Steve continued, “I thought about it too - it started in Barcelona - I was thinking about how much fun we had this summer, right? And thinking about leaving hurts, and it's 'cause I'm leaving you. So, would you ever consider coming back? Fuck, you could even come with me right now, I’ll buy you a ticket, I don’t care-" 

You knew what he meant, because the thought of him leaving was killing you. You hated knowing that you wouldn’t wake up next to him in the morning, and that you had no idea when you’d see him again. Still, you knew the answer to his question, and you hated that you had to give it.

"Steve, I don't want to go back." You tried to take a breath, but you couldn't calm yourself because you saw the hurt in Steve's eyes at your words. "I wanna be with you, I want it so badly, but not there. I can't just leave. I can't leave this just to go back to Hawkins."

You watched as he physically deflated, his disappointment quickly turning to indignation. "You're saying you'd never go back? For anything?"

"I- fuck!" You brought your hands to your eyes, rubbing until you saw stars, remembering the question you had tortured yourself with for days. 

If he begged you to run away with him, would you?

You had wanted the option for the whole summer. You wanted Steve to ask you to be with him, even if you didn't know if you could leave with him. Or, at the very least, you wanted him to want to stay. To fall in love with the country like you did and want to make his own life here. 

“I can’t leave this,” you said, tears gathering on your lash line because it killed you to say those words.

You watched as his eyes narrowed, shoulders rolled back, and you could practically see the fight ignite in his eyes, “Are you saying you won’t come back for me? After all this? You won’t come back, but you expect me to just stay here ‘cause you asked?”

“You’re a fucking Harrington, you can do whatever you damn well please. Hell, you booked this trip on a whim, you could stay on a whim if you wanted!”

“It’s not that easy!” He wasn't screaming, but the sudden volume of his voice startled you. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re adults now! We’ve got things to take care of, so no, I can’t just stay on a whim.”

He moved closer to you then, “You know what I think it is? I think you’re just scared. You were scared back then, after all that shit happened so you just left! You left me, and everyone else. You just ran away from your problems because you were a coward, and you’re still a coward.”

“Don’t call me a fucking coward!” you yelled, voice cracking, and you hated how his words cut you because this felt a lot like a breakup, like you were losing him for good. This felt like the end. 

It wasn't supposed to end like this.

Steve only continued, and you saw a glimpse of the old King Steve that you thought he had left behind. Biting, out for blood. “No, I think you’re just scared. You’re scared to admit how you feel, scared to leave this little bubble you’ve created for yourself.”

“Dammit Steve, you want me to admit how I really feel?” You felt your tears flowing freely at this point, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. “Yes, I’m scared to go back because I’m scared that it’ll all be for nothing! I’ll go back, and we’ll realize that we were only part-time soulmates, and then I’ll be miserable again. Because that would hurt even more than this does, and this hurts like hell.”

He was silent, his eyes were softer but you couldn't stop. "Why can't we be together here?" You begged, "Why can't we just stay here?"

When you were only met with his silence once more, you realized that you were at an impasse. Neither of you were willing to give up the lives you've built in order to build another life miles away, not even for each other. You both seem to come to this realization at the same time, because Steve's shoulders sag, and your breath hitches, and you see the shine of tears line Steve's eyes. You realize that the time for the two of you had passed, and that you're not going to be together after this. Now, you're just two people who fell in love at the wrong time.

"This isn't gonna work, is it?" His voice is lower now, but you don't miss the way it hitches at the end. "You're not coming with me."

You shake your head, heart sinking at the finality of his statement because this was it, "And you're not staying here."

"No, I can't, sweetheart."

You were expecting that answer, you knew that answer, but hearing it still stings. Because while you knew it was selfish, you wanted to keep him here, all for yourself. Even if you knew how unrealistic that dream was.

But the dream was over.

"Hey, come here," he whispered, and you didn't hesitate to fall into him when he reached for you. “I’m sorry for yelling; I didn’t mean to call you a coward. I didn’t mean any of it.”

You allowed the tears to fall, dropped your head to rest on his chest one more time. His grip around your waist was crushing and you felt the wetness of his own tears on your neck, but you didn't dare pull away from this. You breathed him in to ground yourself; rosemary and mint shampoo, fresh coffee, remnants of his cologne mixed with your laundry soap. The mix was intoxicating, comforting, and you wished you could bottle it up, save it for when your apartment would feel empty once he was gone.

Because you knew it would. You’d feel him everywhere, his side of your bed, his favorite coffee mug, the mark he'd left on your heart. He’d linger for long after he was on that plane.

“For what it’s worth, I love you” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Well that doesn’t do us any good now, does it? It might be the worst thing I’ve heard you say all summer” he responded with a caustic chuckle. “But for what it’s worth, I love you, too. You know that.”

Though it was hard to admit to yourself, you saw the bitter irony and humor in it all and found yourself letting out a small laugh through your tears. The two of you stood for a few more minutes, not wanting to break contact, but knowing it was inevitable.

"What happens now? Still friends?" You heard him mutter against your shoulder, felt him hug you a little tighter like he was scared to let go. You were glad that you weren't facing one another now, because you hated to lie to his face.

If you were honest, you'd say that you'd try to stay friends, but that wasn't really going to happen, was it? Not after everything that happened over these months. No, Steve would go home, you'd both write to each other for a while, acting like you never broke each other's hearts. But then, Steve would find someone else, and maybe you would, too, and the letters would just bring up glorious, painful memories about what happened here. What could have been if things had been different back home. And then, pretty soon, you would both forget about this summer. The pictures on your fridge would fade and eventually Steve would just be someone you knew in a past life.

You could try to keep things as they were, but soon, you'd drift apart. No matter how much you both wanted to pretend that you wouldn't. That's just how life goes.

"Yeah, Steve," you said, tears flowing freely, unashamed of the way you were clinging to him before this moment was over. "Still friends, always."

[feerz]

Ranking all the Jesuses from every version I've watched/listened to so far

without further ado let's get into it 🙌

Ian Gillan - 1970 Original concept album

The True Doer that you cannot outdo. The og who made this role what it is today. And since the og album was were I got my start and obsession with jcs, I have a huge fondness for him. There's just something so- so... about him. His vocals? Insane, fantastic, the golden standard. His Gethsemane is Everything. He raised the bar so high (literally lol) and made this role harder for everyone that came after him and I respect that. I also love his characterisation. He is a rockstar and he knows it. Adore this whiny ass messiah and his dramatics. 9/10

Ted Neeley - 1973 movie

Sad little mouse man. He's like some small rodent to me. His gethsemane is iconic, but beyond it I don't care to much about his Jesus. He's perfectly inoffensive, but I find him a bit boring. Poor guy also had the disadvantage of performing against Carl Anderson, who's too powerful and who commanded every scene he was in, outshining Jesus. Tedsus is not for me personally, but he's definitely not bad. 6/10

Camilo Sesto - Madrid 1975 album

I like him! He reminds me of Ian's Jesus but sadder (love to see it). Really good vocals. That 'POR QUE' ate. And his Gethsemane in general too. I don't have that much to say besides that, but Señor Sesto is really good in this role. 8/10

James Whitson - San Jose Civic Light Opera's 1990 production

Uhhhhhhh. Watched this in a discord watch party and for half of it we were thought this was Ted. It wasn't. Don't really know what to say, there wasn't anything really memorable or notable about him. Also has the disadvantage of being pared up with Carl Anderson, except it's even worse here. If Carl was anywhere near him, no chance I was paying attention to Jesus. Um... he chased Santa out of the Temple! That's something! 3/10

Steve Balsamo - 1996 London revival album

Steve Balsamo Jesus, my dearly beloved. How can you not love him. Just rewatch his Gethsemane for the 1000th time. His vocals are out of this world, man has organ pipes in place of vocal chords. Props to him for actually crying in gethsemane and still killing it. Absolutely fantastic. And his beautiful hair and those brown eyes really add to it. He's such a sad pathetic man, it's great. No complaints 10/10

Glenn Carter - 2000 movie

I'm shaking, please buy him brown contacts. I am a glensus hater, although I have to admit that during my second viewing I didn't dislike him as much. Easily my least favourite gethsemane (lmm excluded), except his delivery of "what you started, I didn't start it", that was surprisingly good. Again, I'm a hater but bonus points for the entertainment factor. 4/10

Paul Nolan - 2012 Broadway revival

BORING! Sorry your trouple doesn't save you from being so incredibly bland. It's like looking at a white wall that has just been painted over and you're watching it dry. Gethsemane is solid vocally, I like his interactions with others. But Jesus himself? No thanks. The staging of the crucifixion was so great, but then there he is with his mouth agape like a baby bird being fed and unconvincing "suffering". Also, no blood? 3/10

Ben Forster - 2012 UK Arena tour

THIS IS THE ONE. My roman empire. My most dear blorbo. He's been living in my head rent free for months. I love him so much. He's just so incredibly stressed out and angsty and pathetic and constantly on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. His gethsemane is my favourite. Just pretty much everything I could want from a performance of it. The way he curls up on the floor? The little moments when his voice breaks a bit from emotion?? The knee thing??? Great, fantastic, stunning, no notes. Also I adore his costuming, finally Jesus is given something more interesting. 11/10

John Legend - 2018 NBC

Hot take, but he's not nearly as bad as people make him out to be. He's just fine. I do enjoy his voice, Poor Jerusalem is especially good. Although I don't love his acting in the second act, but I really liked him in the first one. This Jesus just seems really nice and friendly and I love that. Gethsemane is solid vocally, even without the G5. Anyways he's not bad at all! 6/10

Andrew Latobesi - 2018 Villanova College

This was another wildcard from the watch party. Jesus didn't stand out much because we were all a bit distracted by Judi. And Mary. He was bland and the acting was not fantastic, but this is a high school prod, and for what it's worth he's not bad. Gethsemane was solid enough considering everything. The crucifixion surprisingly hit, good crying there. ??/10 since I don't think it would be fair to rank him against all those adult professional performers.

Jack Hopewell - 50th Anniversary North America tour

The only Jesus that made me cry while watching. He suffers real good (and looks very pretty while doing so). He's just so- so... I just wanted to wrap him up in a soft blanket and give him a kiss on the forehead and feed him soup. Tbh I think he's one of the best vocally too. His high note is my fav. Gethsemane in general is just great too. Love how much he's just some silly guy who then has to face the Horrors. He's just very cute :] 10/10

Jeangu Macrooy - 2024 Netherlands national tour

The most poor little meow meow Jesus ever. He's so pathetic it's great. Him smiling and being happy was also so cute. Really good vocals too, man killed those high notes. His gethsemane too... Jeangu Macrooy absolutely steels the show and it's fantastic and incredibly heartbreaking. Want to see his performance again so so badly. In the meantime everyone should check out a snippet of his performance 10/10

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[cypherdecypher]

Animal of the Day!

Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus)

(Photo by Bob Gress)

Conservation Status- Endangered

Habitat- Western Colorado; Eastern Utah

Size (Weight/Length)- 2 kg; 40 cm

Diet- Sage leaves; Insects

Cool Facts- While maybe not the most well known bird, the Gunnison sage-grouse is an American icon. Gathering in large groups, prize males jostle for the best areas and with dawn their displays begin. Swallowing a gallon of air and pushing it into their throat pouches, the males make a booming noise to attract females. The male with the most stunning tail, thickest neck plumage, and loudest call ends up with all the females in the group. Of course, if a rival gets too rowdy the head male won’t be afraid to chase them off with a few pecks and sharp talons. Hens then gather in small groups to create nests and raise their chicks.

Rating- 13/10 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeI8gLMl9Vs)

[diabolus1exmachina]

Ferrari GG50 by Giorgetto Giugiaro 

Concept cars are usually made before those who go straight into production. That is the reason why they are called so. Concepts do not limit the imagination of designers, but when the car comes into production, engineers take a more important role. As a result, a lovely concept of a car can sometimes become an ugly duck.However, that is the case about Hyundai, Nissan, Opel and other manufacturers that are producing millions of cars per year. It does not include the exclusive ones – Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, etc.This is a story about a car which life has been turned upside down. The production model came at first and the concept was shown off just a year after. This is a story about Ferrari GG50 – the concept car that Giorgetto Giugiaro made himself in 2005 while celebrating the 50th anniversary of creating stunning car designs.

The GG50 is based on Ferrari 612 Scaglietti series production car  – a four-seater with a front engine and rear wheel drive - a true Italian prancing horse. It has a twelve-cylinder, 5,7-liter engine under the hood, which generates 540 bhp and 588 Nm. At the time, turbochargers became extremely popular, but Ferrari tried to remain as traditional as possible. However, most engines manufactured in Modena were still highly revolutionary.

Like the original 612 Scaglietti, the following concept has the same 6-speed sequential rear-mounted gearbox, Brembo brakes, and other equipment. The main difference hides is design – the place where Giorgetto feels best.

Giugiaro took the idea a year before official presentation of GG50 and received all the support from Ferrari President at that time, Luca di Montezemolo. He gave the designer just one condition: no restrictions on creativity, but the concept must keep up with Ferrari tradition. Giugiaro started working on the concept half a year after. He did everything just like 50 years ago: sketched every detail entirely by hand, with a pencil. Finally, he created a 1:10 scale concept from four views: side, nose, tail and bird’s view. Later, the concepts were rendered in a 3D project. In April, a full-scale plaster model has been made. In June, a running prototype has been completed already! The concept has made its way from a scratch to running car in less than just five months. That’s the spirit when you’re in a hurry for your own birthday present.

Almost all technical details mentioned above remained the same except for some minor exceptions. The prototype’s wheelbase is the same, but overall length is shorter by 9 centimetres than the original 612 Scaglietti (4.81 meters vs. 4.9). The concept car is also lower – Giugiaro cut 2 centimetres of front overhang and nipped the rear by 7. There are more differences that we cannot see from outside. For example, a modified position of the 95-litre fuel tank that created a larger boot (270 vs. 240 litres). Also, a flat platform when rear seats are lowered (and a total capacity of 500 litres). The concept is more practical, no matter how funny the word “practical” sounds when we are talking about Ferrari.

Nevertheless, there are many stories about the concept’s appeal and originality. Ferrari GG50 is a true masterpiece because of the story of its creation. A very few production cars in history can boast that they have been a base for a concept car, but 612 Scaglietti is one of them.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Jane Fonda (Barbarella, Sunday in New York, Barefoot in the Park)—Feminist icon, LGBTQ+ rights activist since the 70s, Civil Rights and Native American rights advocate, environmentalist… she really is THE woman ever

Eartha Kitt (Anna Lucasta, St. Louis Blues)—My friend and I have a saying: NOBODY is Eartha Kitt. A thousand have tried, and they've all come up empty and will continue to do so. Everyone knows her for something: from "Santa Baby" to Yzma in Emperor's New Groove to Catwoman to making Lady Bird Johnson cry for the Vietnam War. She was a master of comedy and sex, an extremely vocal activist, and she aged like fine wine... I honestly don't know what I can say about her that hasn't already been said, so I'll stick to linking all my propaganda. Like what else do you want from me. She was iconic at everything she ever did. Literally name another. How can anyone even think of her and not want to absolutely drown?

This is round 6 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Jane Fonda:

"I assume she's already been submitted but I gotta make sure. I think there's an element to movies like Barbarella or her segment of Spirit of the Dead of those having been directed by her husband, who famously made movies about her being hot, and the incredible costume design also helped, but good lord. Look at her"

"She was so pretty, dear lord! She was and still us stunning. She’s great at comedy and drama."

"Shes so hot im so gay for me i will let her hit me with hers car"

"Gorgeous and also still getting arrested at climate protests, which is sexy behavior"

"Watching her in Barefoot in the Park seriously made me, a straight woman, question things"

"PLEASE I LOVE HER SO MUCH"

"Her vibes in these movies are so interesting because she, the daughter of an Old Hollywood star, went on to make both poignant dramatic movies and the some of the silliest things you've ever seen but even in the silly space adventures and sexploitations there's always this undeniable gravitas to her. It's like she's able not to take herself very seriously but at the same time never stops having this grace and elegance and makes it all work together. And she's always been very politically active which is also sexy. Her famous mugshot is from 1970 so right at the cutoff mark but come on"

Eartha Kitt:

"A hot vintage woman who was not just known for her voice, beauty, poise, and presence, but also her unapologetic ways of speaking about how she was mistreated in the show business as a girl who grew up on cotton fields in South Carolina in the 1930s through the 1940s coming to Broadway first and then Hollywood."

"Have you watched her sing?? Have you seen her face?? Have you heard her talk?? How could you not fall instantly in love. She makes me incoherent with how hot she is."

"She can ACT she can SING she can speak FOUR LANGUAGES she is a GODDESS!!! Although she is (rightfully) remembered for her singing, TV appearances (Catwoman my beloved), and later film roles, her early appearances in film are no less impressive or noteworthy!! She’s an amazing actress with so much charisma in every role. She was also blacklisted from Hollywood for 10 years for criticizing the Johnson administration/Vietnam War, so. Iconic. Also Orson Welles apparently called her “the most exciting woman in the world.”

"She had such a stunning, remarkable appearance, like she could tear you to shreds with just a glance- but the most undeniable part of her hotness was her voice, and it makes sense that it's what most people nowadays know her for. Nothing encapsulates the sheer magnetism of her singing better than this clip of her and Nat King Cole in St. Louis Blues, she pops in at 2:49. Also I know it's post-1970 but her song that was cut from Emperor's New Groove is likely to make you feel Feelings."

"Even with as racist as Hollywood was in the 1950s and 60s, Eartha Kitt STILL managed to have a thriving career. She also once had a threesome with Paul Newman and James Dean, and called out LBJ over the Vietnam War so hard that it made First Lady Johnson cry. Eartha Kitt was talented, sexy, and a total badass activist."

[disabled-dean]

Happy New Years Beloveds <3333

This was my first full year in the spn fandom. Most of the fics I read were fandom classics, so they're damn near impossible to rank, but for psychological damage alone, I've gotta go with 91 Whiskey by komodobits as my top pick. The grip this one had on me, besties. It's so deeply rooted in the viscera of the war and experience of the body.

And This Your Living Kiss by opal_bullets.  Dean is a middle aged mechanic and secret poet who goes back to school to help his mental health. He ends up in class with Professor Novak, who's the foremost scholar of Dean's poetry. A classic for a reason <3 This one is so lovely and the poetry is gorgeous. Really a triumph. There's a recording of it on spotify too which is beautifully narrated. 

Spirit of the West by @urne-buriall. Read this one while working at my aunt's ranch and it Changed Me. So hard to put words to this one. Such a lovely study on Dean's relationship with himself and his sexuality, the violence of his upbringing, and the space that meeting Cas opens in his life. Immaculate, immersive vibes. Have it in hardback. 10/10.

Where Black Stars Rise. @urne-buriall stays winning!!!! It's a haunted slot canyon! Cas wears hiking shorts! What more could you want? Seriously though, the environment of this fic continues to occupy me. Stunning.

Under The Midnight Sun by Northernsparrow

Dean is a camp director for a research facility in Alaska, Cas is, seemingly, doing something scientific with the local birds. This one is so lovely and immersive in its worldbuilding, and I'm haunted by the endnote that says that the author first thought of the idea for the fic 15 years before it was finished, during a stay in Alaska. Just exceptional. 

Clean Slate by @demora00 . Dean comes back from Hell without scars or tattoos. An immaculate study in identity and dysmorphia. 

AITA for disapproving of my brother's high sex drive? By birdsofthesoul and PlaidIsTheBestPattern. Sam finds out that Dean is bisexual and spins out about having accidentally sex-shamed and micro-aggressed him for years. On reddit. A fucking DELIGHT. 

And many more!!! Love you all!!!! See you in the new year!!!!! <3333

[yuki-boshi]

Kai no Kiseki - Act 1 Part 1 English Summary

Table of Contents

Hi all, I've been getting a lot of feedback and most of it has been really great. Thank you so much for reading these posts.

I just wanted to quickly mention that: this isn't a substitute for an actual translation. It's just a summary. I may miss points or not cover everything. Thank you for your understanding.

in addition, this Act is also super long so I am breaking it up like this and will make a separate post when I finish a bigger portion of the Act since tumblr also has a text and picture limit.

It takes around 10 hours for Van and the gang to make their way back to the capital. When they arrive, they run into familiar faces like Judith, Quatre, Aaron, Yume, Paulette, and more.

After a well-deserved break, the next day begins with everyone sporting their new outfits. Aaron, decked out in his fresh, stylish gear, boasts that he's quite the package and plans to do 4SPGs with flair. Quatre throws in a snide remark, wishing the "package" wasn’t so full of himself. Bergard, on the other hand, thinks Aaron pulls it off, while Feri praises Quatre's new look.

Quatre's outfit was suggested by Agnes and Judith, but he’s still adjusting to the brighter colors, as he usually prefers darker tones. His drone headset has also been miniaturized, no longer covering his ears, which has improved heat dissipation by 30%!

More antics follow, with Aaron teasing Judith by calling her a 痴女 (chijo -- despite fan translations, it means "kinkster," not "whore"), which naturally makes her mad. Agnes then enters the room with drinks, and everyone turns their attention to her new outfit, blushing as they compliment it.

Judith tries to nudge Van into saying something, and with a sigh, he admits that while her old outfit was good, the new one is nice too, albeit a bit embarrassed as he praises the craftsmanship of the fabric.

Agnes blushes at the compliment. Aaron is stunned, joking, "Did the old man actually say something nice?" while Quatre gets a bit jealous, wishing for Van's praise. Agnes awkwardly returns the compliment, saying she likes Van's new outfit as well.

Shifting back to more serious matters, the group talks about the space program, which is all anyone in the capital is discussing. The film industry is even pushing for an astronaut movie! Emilia's popularity is also starting to rival that of the “Sword Maiden,” and the group agrees that Emilia must be “her” (Hermes).

Aaron recalls hearing her being called a major during the coup, but discovering that she was once an ace pilot surprises him. The conversation shifts to her father, Commander Harling, and his role in Operation Mille Mirage, where Cassius Bright entrusted him with full command of the Republic's forces. Everyone is impressed, realizing the level of trust and importance Harling holds. Bergard also chimes in to praise him.

Van, however, remains suspicious about the involvement of various groups like the CID, MK, and Ikaruga in the space program. Agnes pulls out her Genesis and mentions how Epstein warned them they’d need it before the year 120X (1210), recalling Dingo’s words from Kuro 2 about the impending crisis not being averted.

Judith suggests they get moving to uncover more, but Quatre reminds her she has other plans. Judith looks confused, only to receive a call from Nina, asking where she is as she was supposed to attend an event together, including a pre-event for the Golden Requiem movie. Judith, realizing she forgot, panics and says she’s on her way.

Van and the group then decide to head out, running into Yume tending to a group of swallow birds. With some time to kill, they explore the town, stopping by the 4SPG board.

While talking to Paulette, a short scene plays where she asks Quatre’s FIO robot to pick up groceries for her.

The first 4SPG involves someone badmouthing the Laguna bathhouse. Van questions a nearby woman, who mentions she saw the culprit from the shadows, a person with green hair and a citrusy scent.

Later, the group visits a house where they meet two new residents of Old Town, Genie and Luke. They’ve heard about ASO and its accomplishments. Genie, realizing the time, gets upset at Luke for not waking her up earlier. Quatre comments that the two seem to get along quite well.

At the bathhouse, a patron suggests that the culprit might be a disgruntled customer who was reprimanded and is now acting out of spite because he finds it amusing. However, he grows irritated when Van starts asking too many questions and, notably, has a citrusy scent himself. Suspicious much?

You can also run into Graham, the racer from Kuro 2, who mentions he came to the Laguna bathhouse because Van recommended it.

Speaking with Aniya provides a keyword hinting that the culprit could be a rude customer. Meanwhile, the old ogling men suspect it’s a regular patron.

Once you’ve gathered enough clues, Van asks Agnes to identify the culprit. It turns out to be the first customer with green hair. When they confront him, he admits to the sabotage, saying the bathhouse had become too crowded, and he wanted to preserve his peaceful visits without drawing more people to the place.

Van then asks Agnes what action to take:

Option 1: Clean up the mess.

Option 2: Spread positive word of the bathhouse.

Option 3: Get banned from the establishment.

If you choose Option 1, Agnes tells the patron that his actions were dirty and wrong and suggests he help the bathhouse for a month. The patron, feeling guilty, agrees to extend his help for two to three months, earning praise from everyone for Agnes' quick and cool decision-making.

You’ll also come across Eddy from Kuro 1 and Kuro 2, the clueless bad boy that Baselia (the NPC girl who wanted attention from her dad by getting kidnapped) has fallen for. Eddy mutters to himself, trying to build up the courage to "get something," though after two games of buildup, it's probably obvious what it is. Talking to his mom Brenda reveals she’s concerned because Eddy has been deep in thought, but she instinctively knows it’s nothing bad.

You can freely explore other parts of the capital.

At Trion Mall, a Vega event is taking place on stage. Off to the side, Quatre mentions that he’s always loved astronomy, and now with the space program, he feels like the universe is even closer to him. Risette finds it neat that the space program has brought out this kind of joy in him.

At the event, the group encounters two new idols performing Planet Rain, a song that educates people about the space program in a fun, musical way! Prince Sherid, Kilika, and Kaela are also present. The group chats about how the space program’s excitement has allowed the Prince to attend the concert without heavy security. Van notes the CID must be busy since they aren’t around, and Kaela, frustrated, reveals that as the Prince’s bodyguard, she’s not thrilled about him sneaking off to a live concert. Despite her annoyance, the Prince is impressed by Gramheart and the space program, which worries Agnes. The Prince then tries to join the crowd for an otagei performance, much to Kaela’s horror as she pleads for him not to.

At the Liberl shop, Lila is being photographed by Nicole. Lila tells the group she’ll be away for a few days, and a different cashier will manage the store in her absence.

At the T-Phone store, you’ll encounter Moira and Bart from Kuro 2. Bart mentions he helped his mom, Moira, set up her phone since she struggles with technology. Moira, on the other hand, is thinking of getting a second phone for Bart and discussing a monthly payment plan with her husband.

When visiting the Stardust Cinema, the group reacts to a movie poster featuring Judith in a leading role. Aaron makes another rude comment, joking that he forgets she’s an actress and not a 痴女, which prompts Feri to scold him.

-----

4SPG

A man named Joann believes he was scammed after investing in a space company that’s since ghosted him. Van and Agnes meet him, and Agnes bluntly tells him that he’s likely fallen for an investment scam. Joann explains that he got swept up in the excitement around the space program and invested through a middleman who promised to buy stocks for him but disappeared after collecting the funds. Quatre notes that the company in question, StellaTech, is legitimate but never had any public investment opportunities since it’s part of Verne.

The group starts investigating by talking to the bank exchange, confirming that StellaTech isn’t a publicly traded company: it's fully funded by the government and Verne for the Startaker project. A visit to the Verne store confirms this as well.

To catch the scammer, Van poses as a potential investor and tracks the conman to a rooftop. Van lets Quatre handle the interrogation:

Option 1: Ask about his connection to rocket development.

Option 2: Question the technology disclosed during the listing.

Choosing Option 2, Quatre picks apart the scammer’s lies, debunking his fake knowledge of StellaTech’s offerings. Agnes steps in to question the legitimacy of the stock listing:

Option 1: Timing of the stock release.

Option 2: Future demand for satellite technology.

If you pick Option 1, Agnes points out that companies typically go public at the fiscal year's start, not in mid-September. Plus, given that the Startaker Project is a classified national endeavor, it would be unwise to reveal its patents through a public listing. The scammer becomes nervous and tries to leave, but the group corners him. Van demands the brokerage name supposedly handling the stocks, and the scammer stammers, naming Keith Securities. Van does a quick search with his Xipha and finds no record of such a company, calling the scammer’s bluff.

Faced with exposure, the scammer falls to his knees, pleading. Van gives him a choice:

Option 1: Threaten with MK Corp.

Option 2: Involve the CID.

If you choose Option 2, Van threatens to involve a cold-hearted CID analyst who could easily have the scammer taken away for tarnishing the national space program's reputation. Terrified, the scammer agrees to return the stolen mira and turn himself in to the police.

Joann thanks the Spriggans, to which Van replies, "That’s what we do!" Aaron, ever blunt, criticizes Joann for falling for such an obvious scam, while Quatre advises him to do better research next time. Agnes mentions that she’s reported the scam to both Verne and StellaTech to ensure the fraud is properly handled. The group reflects that taking on this 4SPG was worthwhile, as it confirmed the big companies' involvement in the Startaker Project.

At the Central Marche, Van and the group encounter familiar faces. Kyle and Makino, the duo from Kuro 2, have returned, and their presence unlocks the fishing mini-game.

Close by, near a bench, they find Hamilton and the two dancing sisters, Saara and Shahina. The duo has been invited to perform in the capital, and Hamilton reflects on her last visit during the Arts Festival (end of Kuro 2). Agnes recalls how Hamilton left for work in the East, while Quatre mentions that he bumped into her and Esmeray in Basel just yesterday, leading to some lighthearted talk about Risette's health.

Feri, curious as always, inquires about Hamilton’s connection to Saara and Shahina, prompting Saara to explain how they met before their debut, just as they were making their way to the capital. Van can't help but note the sheer number of connections the Spriggans have made with people from all walks of life. Saara also mentions that she and her sister are now represented by the same agency as Judith, and they'll soon be heading back to Tharbad with a tour planned in August of next year in the Republic.

Hamilton reveals that she's heading back to Basel the next day, needing to meet with Tausend, who’s back as the CEO. Aaron, never one to hold back, makes a sarcastic comment about Tausend's return, to which Quatre confirms he's been back for two months. Hamilton thinks it’s tied to the restructuring for the Startaker project, to which the group can only respond with a collective, “I knew it…”

Before leaving, Hamilton briefly hints at something more serious, catching the attention of both Van and Quatre. However, Agnes decides to hold back from pressing the issue, with too many people around.

On Station Street, the bustling energy of the capital is evident, especially with the second phase of the Startaker project officially in motion. Van suggests exchanging intel with the guild, but before that, they take a moment to enjoy the sights, with Agnes taking a particular interest in a cute orbal scooter.

Inside one of the shops, the group finds out that Rosalie of Zecht Arms: once facing serious charges managed to post bail and then promptly fled the country. Elsewhere, Towa and a few teachers gossip about one named Sonia-sensei, who’s dating someone from Internal Affairs but has recently been ghosted. Towa, in her usual determined fashion, encourages Sonia to be more upfront, causing a bit of surprise among the others.

At the Bracer Guild, familiar faces await. Zin, Fie, and Renne are present, with Renne sharing that her younger brother Albert is now the new Student Council President. She also reveals that she’s leaving Calvard to return to Liberl after the semester.

Van notices Elaine’s absence, but is reassured by the receptionist that she’s on guild duties. Fie and Van exchange information about the underground scene. Despite the mafia and Heiyue maintaining a stronghold, nothing major seems to be brewing at the moment. Agnes, always perceptive, suggests the space program is the reason the CID is staying quiet, a point that Renne agrees with.

The group then shifts the conversation to the Society. After a quick recap of their previous actions in Liberl and Crossbell, it becomes clear that more members are lurking beyond just Walter, Lucrezia, and the twins. This information surprises the group, especially as it hints at larger threats on the horizon.

Just then, Alvis overhears Zin and walks in, clearly annoyed to see Van. He’s still nursing resentment from the events of Kuro 2, though he begrudgingly admits he’s willing to cooperate with the Spriggans if needed. Regina, more straightforward in her approach, agrees with Alvis, prompting Van to tease him for his tsundere attitude. The two eventually leave for their Outskirt patrols, but not without a final jab from Van.

Renne takes her leave, throwing a playful wink at Van, who offers his help whenever needed, especially for any “gray” areas.

Fie, preparing to depart from the capital, suggests teaming up with Elaine for future missions, mentioning how well they worked together during the Zolga incident. Zin supports this idea, but the receptionist cheekily teases Van about always pairing up with Elaine, flustering him.

After the banter, Fie reflects on the events of Kuro 2, expressing admiration for how everyone came together. Zin comments that with the CID focused on the Startaker Project, it’s more important than ever for the guild and Spriggans to collaborate, and he looks forward to working with Van.

Upstairs, Lashkar, now working part-time with the Guild, has made strides in overcoming his guilt from the Creil Village incident. His newfound determination leaves the group impressed.

Outside the guild, a woman laments that she lost her job and is struggling to find another, as so much of the city's focus has shifted toward the Startaker Project.

4SPG:

In the back-alley, Van and the group encounter Colt, who seems deeply troubled. As they delve into his situation, it turns out that the 4SPG was about him, detailing his involvement in a shady part-time delivery job. Worse still, his personal information was held as blackmail. The team feels conflicted about accepting the request, with Agnes questioning whether this is more of a straightforward crime than a typical 4SPG. However, Van decides it’s worth hearing out.

Meeting Colt, he confesses he’s a college student who got lured into a job run by the anti-immigration groups or maybe even the mafia from Kuro 2. Desperate for money, he delivered something suspicious but later received a file with his personal information, a clear threat to ensure his silence. Colt explains that he’s ashamed of falling for the scheme, having worked hard to attend university, coming from a modest countryside background. If this got out, he'd be expelled, which is why he turned to the Spriggans for help.

Van agrees to help, reaffirming his stance that no one should be dragged into the underworld and suffer because of it. Quatre reveals that someone else, named Largo, is also caught in the same web of deceit. Tracking Largo down in the Seiden District, they discover he’s even more deeply involved. Largo agrees to cooperate, but only if he can return the dirty mira he’s earned. The group uncovers that the items being delivered are guns.

FIO, Quatre's robot, analyzes the odor on the gun and detects a seafood-like smell, with an estimated 78% likelihood the deliveries have been passing through the Central Marche. Following this lead, they track the culprits to the Duul Family, a mafia hiding out in the sewers. After defeating the mafia members, the group faces three options:

Delete the personal information and hand the rest to the Guild.

Leave the decision to the victims.

Completely destroy all the equipment.

Choosing Option 1, Van erases Colt and Largo’s data, allowing them to start anew. Colt expresses his relief, finally able to sleep in peace, while Largo thanks them for helping him escape a life he thought had no way out.

In the Seiden District, Van decides to exchange information with the police.

Upon arrival, Nate fawns over Agnes, much to Van’s irritation that he doesn't get any nice treatment. Daswani also cold towards Van is chalked up to police professionalism, but Aaron can't help but tease, mentioning Daswani’s family trip to Montmart. Daswani then notes that the CID (Calvard Intelligence Division) has stopped cooperating with the police, effectively ghosting them. This makes their job much harder, and Daswani wonders if Van knows anything, given his connections to Rene Kincaid. However, Van and the group admit they’ve been left in the dark too, even within MK.

As they continue their conversation, Nate inadvertently reveals a case involving a couple’s quarrel, where one person ran away and rescinded their request for help. Daswani scolds Nate for breaching confidentiality, but Aaron remarks that such cases are common.

At the Hotel, they find Baselia, upset that Eddy (her situationship) has been avoiding her. Agnes wonders if they had a fight. Baselia admits she’s been struggling to focus on her studies lately, worried that Eddy might hate her. Rumsfield, the now-receptionist, remarks that the hotel’s business has picked up, preventing him from being Baselia’s personal assistant anymore, a shift he sees as an opportunity for growth.

----

Another 4SPG involves clearing a monster from the waterway. Van unlocks a new ability called Awakening, and the group encounters a new mechanic where certain enemies can turn invisible, requiring the use of Shard Search to detect them.

----

Main 4SPG: After defeating the boss, the Guild Receptionist contacts Van to inform him that Alvis and Regina have lost contact with the Guild. With Fie and Zin tied up elsewhere, they ask Van to check in on them. Heading to the Western Suburbs of Edith, the group admires the view of the Trion Tower. Aaron teases Feri for being a kid, while Quatre comments on Edith’s population growth, including a significant rise in immigration. The outskirts of the city are slowly becoming part of the suburbs.

Upon arriving, they attempt to use the Xipha but are met with signal interference. Hearing sounds of combat, they rush over the hill and find Alvis and Regina fighting a large monster. Van steps in to help, marking the first time he’s officially teamed up with Alvis in three games. After the battle, communications are restored, and Regina, worried, tackle-hugs Alvis, who brushes it off with his usual aloofness. Feri teases them, calling the pair "lovey-dovey," but Alvis remains stoic.

Back at the Guild, the group discusses the odd occurrences. Zin recounts a similar experience with a beast showing up where it shouldn't and a similar comms issue. Elaine also wants more information on this, and Van agrees, as he needs to speak with her anyway. Fie prepares to leave for Basel, while Alvis gives a half-hearted thanks before departing.

Zin, feeling bad for how often Van has dropped by the Guild, suggests meeting at his place at 1 PM to discuss things further. Fie says her goodbyes to Feri, and the group decides to patrol unfamiliar districts in the meantime.

In Old Town, at Zecht Arms, the group learns that Rosalie fled after being bailed out. Zecht Arms weapons are rumored to be in Edith, and they follow a series of leads, eventually reaching Yazan in the Central Marche. Yazan initially hides the fact that he possesses one of these weapons, but after some persuasion, reveals that he found it lying around and didn't want it to fall into the wrong hands. He was planning to break it apart and sell it. The group learns that the weapon is equipped with a limiter, making it legal, but removing it would make it extremely lethal.

They are given two choices:

Buy the weapon with the limiter enabled.

Buy it with the limiter disabled.

Opting for safety, Van chooses Option 1, acquiring the weapon with the limiter intact.

Feri Connect Event: Van and Feri head to the Grand Prix area for some rock climbing. Van’s age catches up with him quickly, while Feri seems to be a natural. She offers him some tips, and although Van makes some progress, he ultimately falls and gives up, unable to even lift his Xipha afterward. Feri wants to keep going, but Van admits defeat.

Suddenly, Fie shows up (even though she was supposed to have left for Basel already). She suggests joining in, saying it's a good way to unwind before her trip.

The two compete in a friendly race and afterward, they sit beneath a billboard reminiscing about Aida and the events of Kuro 2. Fie mentions how she wishes she could have been there. Surprisingly, Van eventually catches up to them, leaving Feri impressed since she thought he had run out of strength. Fie praises Feri, treating her as an equal, and takes her leave.

Feri then opens up to Van about how impressive Fie is as a frontline Bracer. Van asks what Feri plans to do next, now that she’s had her coming-of-age ceremony and been chosen as the Priestess of Flames. Reflecting on the people she’s met and everything that’s happened since the prologue, Feri acknowledges that there’s more to life than just being a Jaegar. She realizes that she, too, can become anything she sets her mind to.

Yume Connect Event:

Van takes Yume out shopping, having been given money by both Paulette and Viktor to buy Agnes a birthday present. They finally decide on a sentimental picture book, hoping Agnes will appreciate it. However, Yume notices someone holding a toy camera and expresses her own desire for one. Though the outing is supposed to focus on Agnes, Yume admirably puts her own wishes aside. Impressed by her thoughtfulness, Van buys her the camera anyway, jokingly calling himself a softie.

Back in Old Town, Yume explains why she wanted the toy camera: to capture precious memories. She reflects on how much things have changed since Van came into her life, noting that even her mother and grandpa seem more energetic, and Maxim has changed too. She expresses her desire to cherish the present moment, which she considers her best life, and wishes the same happiness for Agnes.

Viktor appears, noticing the camera, and gives Van a stern look for overspending. He insists on giving Van some money back, which Van tries to refuse, but Viktor demands he take it.

---

Levre District: Van and the group visit the 10th district, Levre. Quatre comments on its beautiful, varied terrain, and the others agree. Judith casually mentions that she’s been here at night punishing corrupt politicians as Grimcats. Aaron, surprised, asks when she even joined them, considering she was late earlier in the act. Judith brushes it off, saying she already finished her previous event.

Agnes invites the group to her father’s home after they finish their activities, offering to prepare lunch. While exploring, Agnes points out La Provence Café, noting that Albert and Odette often study there. Talking to an NPC named Mylene, they learn that she’s Odette’s mother and expresses gratitude to the group. In the chapel, Bergard admits he’s never been to this one before, and Agnes shares trivia about climbing to the bell tower. Feri is excited by the idea. Approaching the park, Feri comments on the great view of Trion Tower and the city, and Agnes mentions that Levre’s best feature is its sunrise, if you wake up early enough to see it.

They check a bulletin board but find no 4SPGs. However, a ripped piece of paper on the back raises questions. Van asks Bergard for his thoughts, and you have several options to choose from:

Option 1: Prank by a Child

Option 2: Code for a Crime

Option 3: It was a 4SPG

Option 4: It's a Mystery

I chose Option 3, and Van concludes that it was likely taken down after three days, since he doesn’t frequent the area. This choice rewards you with 2 SP.

----

Agnes’s Home:

Upon entering Agnes’s home, her dog Alphonse enthusiastically jumps on Van. Gramheart, taking a break, is surprised to see the group and invites them in. In the living room, Van asks about the space project and whether activating Phase 2 ahead of schedule was planned. Gramheart confirms it was due to everyone’s hard work. Aaron bluntly asks if the Dummy Unit is meant to represent an AF at all, as it looks nothing like the ones in the previous game. Van and Feri both give Aaron unamused looks. Gramheart laughs, saying the new model was built from the ground up and to look forward to its debut on launch day. Van asks if it's being tested in secret, but Gramheart jokingly suggests Van could be a test pilot if he’s that curious, even offering to suggest it to Kincaid. Van, flustered, begs him not to.

Bergard, suspicious, asks about Gramheart’s involvement with the Organization. Gramheart insists their agreement was just to ensure they didn’t interfere with his plans. After the discussion, Gramheart points out that the house is 70 years old. Judith’s Grimcat device suddenly glows, catching her off guard, though Gramheart seems unfazed. He leaves soon after.

As the group explores the house, Van reflects on its age, noting that it must have been built during Sheena Dirke’s time in the Third Republic. In the living room, a vinyl player plays "Life Goes On" (or "Days Gone By" from Hajimari). Upstairs, Van, Quatre, and Feri explore Agnes’s room and find Epstein’s notes. Feri notices the name “Herschel” in the notes, and the group immediately thinks of Towa.

In Gramheart’s office, they discover three photos. The first is of a young Gramheart with Agnes’s mom, Sophie Claudel, and her grandmother, Liliya, Epstein’s adopted daughter. The second photo shows Gramheart as an adult, now a military officer, with Sophie as a high school student. The final photo shows Gramheart, Agnes, and Sophie, with Agnes looking about twelve years old. Van notes that Gramheart doesn’t look much different now. Agnes walks in, explaining that she’s never met her grandmother, Liliya, but thinks the photos show a nice expression. Van jokes about how the Claudel family genes are strong since they all look nearly identical, but Agnes disagrees, saying their personalities are all different. She then remembers she was supposed to be cooking and hurries off.

Outside, Van and Aaron chat as Aaron plays with Alphonse. Van asks if Aaron is a dog lover, leading to a story about Aaron’s childhood in rentals where pets weren’t allowed. He would wander the streets, petting random dogs. Meanwhile, Bergard notices the flowers are arranged in a way reminiscent of the Middle Ages. After eating Agnes’s sandwich, they think about Grendel Zolga’s last words about the resets, and  how the “observation” from the Eighth Genesis still isn’t over. Van wonders if the observing was meant for the Demon Core that Van had and wonders what could the observation be if it’s just observing the negative aspects of mankind and what it’s trying to accomplish.

They bring up the name “Herschel” again and wonder if it’s just a coincidence that Towa shares the same last name. Bergard clarifies that it’s no coincidence: Towa’s grandfather was a well-known astrologist in the Erebonian Empire. Their conversation is interrupted when Odette and Albert show up, with Albert a little annoyed to see Van at Agnes’s house. Odette teases him, saying he’s been whining about not seeing Agnes in a while, even though exams are over. The group encourages Agnes to help them out, while Van suggests the others handle the 4SPGs, since the Student Council can’t always rely on Renne and must grow on their own.

---

And that's where the SAVE option finally appears. So much content!

I will make another post, thank you if you made it this far.

[hotheadrednecksimmer]

Birds of a Feather - Struck By Love Legacy Challenge - Episode 8

After the Halloween Party, Star ended up staying over. Star and Maeve stayed up all night talking, from childhood memories, to funny things they did as teens, and to past relationships. Maeve shared how her Ex-Husband, Akira, cheated on her after being together for 10-15 years as they raised their 2 children. Maeve shared that Akira expressed he never wanted children, just wanted her to have it all. Star was very empathetic towards Maeve, almost like sharing her pain with her. Star told Maeve that his actions were awful and she deserved better. They ended the night by hugging each other and Star went home to her apartment.

The next day, Star asked out Maeve for a lunch date.

Star: Thanks for coming to lunch with me, I hate eating alone.

Maeve thinking this was a date, kinda relieved that it wasn't. She wasn't sure if she was ready to be romantic with another person after what happened with Akira. The main reason her and Samson called off their romance.

Maeve: Yeah, thanks for the invite.

Star: Have you been to this place before? I've heard great reviews.

Maeve looking over the menu: Uh, no. The last time I was in this building it was a clothing store.

Star: Oh they closed that down about 8 years ago.

Maeve lightly chuckles: I guess I'm showing my age here.

After ordering when the waitress came by, Maeve and Star touched hands while trying to grab some bread that was on the table. Maeve looks up into Star's eyes.

Maeve thinks Star is the most beautiful woman she's ever seen. Maeve could feel her cheeks heating up. They hold the shared stare for several minutes only to be broken when there was a loud noise coming from where the kitchen was.

Maeve: I- uh, I'm sorry for staring.

Star blushes: I'm sorry from staring, you're the most beautiful person I've ever met.

Maeve blushes and looks at her plate: You don't mean that, I mean look at you.

Star reaches across the table to hold Maeve's hand.

Star: I truly mean it Maeve, you are an incredible woman. After everything you've been through, you could be so bitter about the world, yet here you are, looking on the bright side and pouring all your energy into raising your kids. I admire you for it. That, and how stunning you are. You're the whole package, Maeve.

Maeve was too stunned to speak. She didn't know what to say. Maeve didn't feel those things about herself, but hearing Star describe her like that, she almost felt like it was real, the true her. Several minutes goes by with Maeve staring at Star. Star removes her hands from Maeve.

Star wiping her mouth with her napkin and looks down at her plate: Sorry if that was too forward, ever since last night after having that long talk. You're all that I can think about and I guess I got ahead of myself.

Maeve reaches across the table for Star's hand: No, Star, I feel the same way. I don't feel those things about myself yet you make me believe in them. I share your feelings, I'm just scared.

Star looking up into Maeve's eyes: It's okay to be scared. I promise you that everything I do or say to you, I mean it. It's not a lie.

Maeve with tears in her eyes, thankful that Star knew exactly what to say: We can take things slow. I'm willing to try, with you.

Star: Of course, we'll only go as fast as you want it to go.

As they continue eating and conversating about their lives and their relationship. Star walked Maeve to her door.

Maeve chuckles: Well this is me, as you know.

Star awkwardly laughs and points at her door: Yeah, I'm over there.

They stared into their eyes with want. Maeve took a deep breath and leaned into Star, hoping that Star would kiss her back.

Star kisses her back and their share a deep kiss lasting for several seconds.

Maeve startled by her own actions, quickly shouts: See you around!

Maeve runs inside her apartment and shuts the door, taking another deep breath.

Maeve: Well, that was dumb of me! Why am I acting like I've never been on a date before??? Hopefully she still likes me....

╭┈◦•◦❥•◦ First | Previous | Next

[starry-eyesanddaydreams]

Another try at @deepperplexity 's Rickmas prompts. Time for some sweet Colonel Brandon <3

December 10: Snow Prints

Colonel Brandon x Female reader

_______________________________________________________

Christopher loved this time of year. Everything was covered by a blanket of soft snow, casting a peaceful spell over the countryside. It had snowed steadily the night before, and today the clouds were high and thin, muffling the sunlight into a cool glow. He was riding his horse across the foothills near Delaford when he saw the tracks of another horse crossing the hill ahead of him. Part of him was curious as to who the rider was. None of the neighbours he knew were much for winter rides. The snow prints continued ahead of him for a bit before they suddenly devolved into a flurry of hoof prints and displaced snow, and a distinctly person shaped dent in the snow. The unfortunate rider had clearly been thrown, and by the footprints had walked in the same direction as their runaway mount. Christopher saw the footprints and the drag marks of a winter cloak trail off down the hill. The rider must be unharmed enough to walk, but it was still a fair hike to any nearby houses. He urged his horse down the path of the tracks. He should check that they were alright, maybe needed help getting home.

It wasn’t long before he caught sight of the person ahead of him. Clad in a dark blue cloak with a hood pulled up over their head, trudging across the snow-covered field. The person turned when they heard Christopher approaching, pulling back the hood as they did so. It was a lady. Christopher was stunned as he looked at her. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Locks of her hair had come loose from its style and curled softly either side of her face and her beautiful eyes shone with life. “Hello.” She said. Christopher mentally shook himself, “Hello Miss.” He swung down out of the saddle, and took a few steps towards her, “Are you alright? I saw the tracks up the hill.” “Oh. Yes, I’m alright.” She laughed softly, a bit embarrassed “My horse spooked. A bird flew up from the snow in front of him and I fell when he reared up. No real damage. Thank you for your concern though, Mr…” “Brandon,” He bowed his head, “Christopher Brandon, miss.” She smiled brighter at him, “Colonel Brandon? I believe you know my uncle and aunt, George and Eliza Coppersmith?” Christopher remembered his friends, the Coppersmiths telling him about their niece from London who would be visiting over the winter, “Yes, they did say their niece would be visiting. Although I hardly expected to run into you out here.” “I couldn’t resist taking a ride today. It gets so stuffy in London, and the snow today looked so clean and the air so fresh. But I haven’t ridden in a while, I think I’m a bit out of practice.” Christopher felt enchanted by the brightness of her smile and the bold way she spoke. But then he remembered that they were standing in the middle of a field, standing ankle deep in snow. “It’s quite a walk back to the Coppersmith estate. I can give you a ride back, if you are agreeable with riding double.” He offered. “It’s very kind of you, I accept.” In other circumstances, getting on a horse with a man you’d just me might not be a good idea. But you’d heard your uncle talking about Colonel Brandon, that he was a true gentleman of good character. Now having met the man, you felt that was not exaggerating.

Christopher helped you up to sit in front of him on the horse, one hand on the reigns and the other carefully placed on your waist to hold you steady, he set the horse at a walk towards your home. The two of you spoke softly as you made your way to and alone the winding road. You had never been this close to a man, other than at dances, and it was unlike anything you’d felt before. You were sat with your side resting against his chest, his strong arm around your back keeping you held safe. The feeling of being held like this stirred a warmth inside your chest. You looked up at him as you talked, he was a remarkable handsome man. His strong Romanesque features were countered by soft hazel eyes and his deep, rumbling voice wrapped you up in an embrace all its own. He made you feel relaxed and excited at the same time.

Far to soon, you thought, you arrived at your aunt and uncle’s house. As you approached the entrance, a young stable boy came hurrying out from the side of the house, “Miss!” He called excitedly, “We were worried, your horse came back ten minutes ago without you. We were heading out to look for you.” Christopher was helping you down from the horse and you immediately missed his closeness. “It’s alright, Toby, I’m…” before you could finish answering, your uncle came hurrying out. “Thank goodness, you’re safe. What happened? Are you harmed?” “I’m perfectly alright, Uncle. My horse spooked and threw me. Fortunately, Colonel Brandon found me and helped me home.” Your uncle reached out and shook Christopher’s hand in gratitude. “My heartfelt thanks, Brandon. I’m glad it was you that found her.” You ducked your head a little to hide your smile. You were also very glad he had found you. “It’s freezing out here,” Your uncle continued, “Won’t you come in, Brandon? Join us for some tea and warm up.” Chrisopher’s eyes looked to you quickly before accepting his offer.

After your aunt had equally fussed over you and you’d quickly changed out of your snow crusted riding clothes, the four of you passed a good part of the afternoon in the drawing room. You and Christoper kept ending up in conversations of your own, something your aunt and uncle couldn’t help but notice and feel happy about. It was getting late in the afternoon when Christopher left, needing to head back to Delaford before it got dark. You walked with him to the door, wanting to stay in his company as long as you could. He stopped by the door, fidgeting nervously with his hat in his hands, “I’m so very glad to have met you today.” “As am I.” Still fidgeting with his hat, he said, “I’m hosting a Christmas party on the 21st. I’ve already invited your aunt and uncle. I would be honoured if you would be my guest.” “I’d like that very much.” Christopher’s smile was the most beautiful you’d ever seen, “I was also wondering if you would permit me to call on you again?” You felt your cheeks warm. You’d been so hoping he would ask. “That would be wonderful. Would you perhaps come to lunch on Wednesday?” Christopher gently lifted your hand to his lips and kissed your knuckles, “Until then, my Dear.”

________________________________________________________

(Ended a bit abruptly but I was having trouble trying to reach a good ending)