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charlieslowartsies · 2 years ago

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17, 22, 25, 29 for the Weird Questions for Writers

Thank you for asking these aaaa

17. Talk to me about the minutiae of your current WIP. Tell me about the lore, the history, the detail, the things that won’t make it in the text.

We do not have time for the lore that is the FNAF timeline. I don’t even have time for it all in the KGA, hilariously enough. I’ve had to cherry pick and beat my sandcastles into a passable attempt at a coherent storyline and the sand gets wetter with each new FNAF related thing that is released. I hope its working. I don’t think my tower is up to code, but it’s a pretty tower.

However I am pretty proud of the upcoming plot stuff in terms of the characters getting either their comeuppance or much needed closure. I’ve set up almost all the hints by now for the major secret—well, I think it’s the most important one! It’s been my favorite to work on. There’s obviously other mysteries going on inside the Pizza Plex. I’ll try and answer them all, and hope the DLC doesn’t have to be entirely ignored if I want to write more KGA stuff. (It already looks like it will but…fuck it. This is why I call it an au. The second Mike stepped into Fazbear’s Fright with the Fazgang that storyline rocketed down its own path, and I’ve had to accept that.)

One thing I settled on early—I liked Vanessa’s character/presence. I like what she added to SB, although I wish we had better endings and perhaps more things to find that fleshed her out. She’s one of the few people Mike meets that he thinks Freddy Fazbear will approve of and even respect. That doesn’t happen often. I did not want her to be ‘the bitch’ and I did not want her to be a villain for evil’s sake either. I want her to be as complex as Max was when he first entered Last Shift. I mentioned before I’m mashing two or three endings of SB together for Lies Within. I still am, and she is included in the ending. I also did not want romance, either, between her and Mike. She needs help, yes, but help comes in a lot of different ways and I do not like ‘we spent 6 hours together and decided it was love.’ That’s not a message I think is realistic and I don’t want to focus on it, especially not when we have Mike’s previous relationships right behind him pretty constantly. *glances at a certain overprotective Puppet*

There’s a very jarring scene I’m trying to reconcile with. I want it to happen, it CAN work into the storyline, it DOES makes sense. But it hurts. A lot. It depends on far I want to go when I reference Devil’s Spine. If it does end up happening, I promise I’ll do it justice.

Plenty of things aren’t making the final cut to Lies Within. I unfortunately had this brilliant idea for an opening plotline that came to me around chapter 5. 8T There’s no way to salvage the concept either, because it would have hit better as the opening ‘act’ for Lies Within. I had this idea that Marion erased Mike’s memories to protect them from Glitchtrap’s clutches and he sent them to the Pizza Plex to work while he and the gang tried to recover lost ground. Goldy had gotten so damaged during an unseen fight with Glitchtrap too, so Mike was powerless. Max had his memory, and was there to keep an eye on their reckless night guard. Sunny and Moon were also in on the trick, and they had taken a liking to Mike too.

Another thing was Springtrap was going to be in this fic. I decided that didn’t really match the whole “Spring/Afton are dead and gone” point I made in Last Shift. (After all, we were told he was gone in FF, and Afton got back into Springtrap. Why would now be any different? Nah. I don’t wanna contradict my writing if I can avoid it.) Even if the characters are assuming differently, which is part of the fun of a mystery. What’s real and what’s not? Especially when we know things the characters don’t ;)

AFN 2 is nearly ready for its release. Lies Within is getting dark fast, and back when I was writing Ghost Strings I came up with the idea to explore the world using those episodic adventures. I’m solving the whole ‘I miss Springtrap’ thing by giving him his missing scenes that never made into FF. (I like the time jump I did, but it def left me hanging in some parts.)

One of the main themes for Mari’s plotline was and still is: “Just because someone is different doesn’t make them bad” but he’s also getting some more development in answering for his own past transgressions, such as how hard he’s been on Michael Afton.

I’m still working on the details for Max’s ending in this series. I think I have a good idea, and while it will be a happy one, it will also be melancholy one too. I don’t like using Loss for unneeded drama, if I make a character suffer I want them to learn from it, teach another character, or work to get what they lost back. Sometimes they have to earn it; sometimes we do get what we want even when we think we won’t. and sometimes, like perhaps in this zombie’s case, he’s learned enough and just deserves Something Nice for once.

22. How organized are you with your writing? Describe to me your organization method, if it exists. What tools do you use? Notebooks? Binders? Apps? The Cloud?

I started this process with London Bridge and kept it going until Lies Within. (As well as every other fic around that time in various fandoms, with a few exceptions. For example, my TF fic Resonance is written entirely in ONE document bc I wrote it in two weeks.)

I have a single word doc called ‘fic title NOTES.’ And in that doc is everything from the title ideas, there’s usually 5-6 of them until I pick one I like. There’s the summary, as well as all the necessary quotes.

Then I make a rough estimate of chapter titles. This is usually wrong, but I try. LB had 8 chapters and I actually kept the fic in that first guess. LS was supposed to be 12 and ended up being 24.

Then I name chapter titles that I think sound cool or interesting.

Then I just start writing in a new document. I don’t really plan. I go back and rewrite into the Notes Doc what happened after the chapter is finished and ready to be posted. Sometimes if I go ‘okay next chapter I need this scene to happen’ I will do that. But mostly I write down conflict to resolution across the chapter list. For ex:

LS chapter X: Freddy and the gang shut down by Henry/Marion. Resolves in chapter X because of: and a short note why/how so I don’t forget something.

Sometimes shit resolves in that same chapter, such as Max almost biting it in chapter 10 of LW. Sometimes it don’t, and sometimes, like in Finding Freddy, the conflict sets up for the following story, (Springtrap being Possessed again and escaping) so I make note of that.

I do work backwards. I don’t know why. I just write for fun but when working with a mystery/thriller, I recognize I need some level of organization to get my ducks in a row in time for curtain close.

25. What is a weird, hyper-specific detail you know about one of your characters that is completely irrelevant to the story?

Mike Schmidt is half Mexican. Mostly because I am too, so he’s got my skin tone (well the one I get in the summer.) Representation matters, kids. He also has the running joke as me, his wife and my girlfriend are pasty white and they learned Spanish better than he/I did lmao. Entirely immaterial but a fun detail!

A second, maybe not as useless to know but kind of: When Mike is bonded with Golden Freddy, he cannot swim. A computer’s response is to short circuit and turn off, so that’s what poor Fredbear does, and Mike sinks like a stone lmao. Obviously he avoids pools/lakes but he can still shower fine. Baths make him secondhand nervous though.

29. Where do you draw your inspiration? What do you do when the inspiration well runs dry?

Music, and reading mostly. I can also keep my writing juju-bees going by drawing or illustration a scene I’m having trouble describing. It’s mostly why there’s so much art for Make Believe and the KGA! When the well runs dry, I usually just need to take a break and I switch to doodles or read a new book. Horror is preferred. Lately my favorite author is Riley Sager, The Last Time I Lied is def a recommend.

#knight guard au #answered #kga #writing

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vergaytim · 4 years ago

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horror movies i think the marauders + friends would survive in

james would do really really well in a movie like friday the 13th. he may seem like a dumbass, but he’d be smart and leave anywhere as soon as someone goes down. actually has braincells (just one, but also athletic skillz).

remus would survive a nightmare on elm street. man doesn’t sleep, remus could literally stay awake for days. and he probably wouldn’t be afraid of freddy anyways, let’s be honest he’d probably just defeat him with the power of extreme sarcasm.

sirius would survive scream. he’d pull a randy and because he’s watched literally every horror movie in existence (i self reflect okay) he’d just be like “YEAH I KNEW IT WAS YOU FROM THE START *insert person here*!” smartass in a dumbass disguise.

i was gonna say peter would survive truth or dare, but his true horror universe would be ari aster’s world, specifically the plot of midsommar. if you know what happens in that movie...you’ll agree with me. if you don’t know what happens...you don’t wanna know.

lily, aka the true boss bitch, would survive halloween. she’s smart and resourceful, and likes rules but isn’t afraid to break them. plus, i can see lily very much loving kids. and spoilers- pentunia would make the perfect michael myers tbh.

marlene would totally survive ready or not!!! plus my personal fancast for her is the actress who plays grace so that helps. marlene isn’t afraid to fight for herself and she’d just dominate her way through a situation like that.

dorcas meadowes would survive i know what you did last summer!!! she’s one of the only people who seems to actually have braincells, and would honestly solve the mystery in five minutes and then leave town cause she’s smart unlike someone who didn’t just leave the estate and decided to kill everyone first. not saying who exactly i’m talking about.

let’s be honest, regulus would survive basically any situation you throw him in, but he’d take that pent up rage against his family and go all out if he was put in a you’re next type of situation. also this guy is really damn smart and should’ve been in ravenclaw i said what i said

bonus!!!

lol sirius and marlene would’ve had a really good time in mayhem. pure id, and no crimes you commit go against you? they’d literally just battle their way up to dumbledore and say bye bye to crusty old man once and for all, preventing the potter’s death cause james would have the cloak! woohoo! also samara weaving, the ultimate fancast for marlene plays mel (also grace in ready or not) so i mean...it has to be done

marlene as bill, sirius as richie, remus as eddie, peter as mike, james as ben, lily as bev, regulus as stan. the marauders are just the losers club in disguise

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moonahstone · 3 years ago

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Well I finally finished series 3 of ghosts with my family! That’s the last of the people I originally designated myself to watch it with (Myself, my friends and my family) Though that’s not going to stop me rewatching it a million times. So anyway some fun points from my fam watching it

The Bone Plot

My dad was terrified during the entire of episode one, he hates Barclay and was ready to throw hands if he died

The deafening cackle as Humphreys head got chopped off. Jesus Christ.

‘well someone's a little bitter’ - my mum every time Mary commented on death.

Sister translating everything Sophie said because heck why not it pisses my off royally

Well done to my sibling successfully spotting the bloopers reference.

A lot to take in

‘So, how did he die?’ Mum, that was AN ENTIRE SUBPLOT OF AN EPISODE HOW DID YOU NOT NOTICE

Somehow everyone in the house simultaneously googling Jessica Nappit because everyone was convinced they knew her from something and seen as I only really know her from Taskmaster, I was no help

My stuffed dinosaur called Graham has had a change of name. He’s now called Mr Cheese. Not my choice.

We all want to know more about that woman's story

My parents cheering when Mike quit was surprisingly wholesome

The Woodworm Men

If I had a Penny every time my Dad said ‘bless’ when Mary was scared of something then I wouldn’t have a lot but I would have a lot more than I should.

My siblings went on a conversation about how Grease was a bisexual nightmare.

Apparently I was the only one to find ‘rub a dub a rub a dub a’ funny.

I just wanted a biscuit. They all just stared at me ominously afterwards and menacingly whispered ‘aren’t you gonna dip it?’ WHAT HAVE I CREATED

Sooo... My sibling hadn’t heard of Freddie Krueger.

I Love Lucy

Insert my slightly prudish mother clearing her throat and asking ‘just how they connect?’

My sister doesn’t trust Lucy. Little does she know...

They are all immature. Giggling like kids at boob instead of Bob. The fact that I did too is completely besides the point

‘He was going to say his name! Did you hear that! He was going to say his name!!!’

Everyone thought Fanny was having an affair with Mary.

Something to share?

‘I don’t think I want to watch this’ My dad mumbles as Mum gets upset over Kitty

Silence after Mary's dream then suddenly ‘That’s the woman from not going out! I knew I knew her from somewhere!’ I... What... We’ve been watching this for ages, I pointed it out straight away when we watched not going out. How the heck... What?!

STOP SAYING SAME DAD! YOUR MOTHER DID NOT HAVE HER FACE BITTEN OFF BY A BEAR!!! SHE’S ALIVE AND WELL THANK YOU!

Balloon. Sibling found a balloon.

Well now is a fun time to hear about trying to raise the dead in their youth. Go ahead tell all why not.

Part of the Family

Yeah. They all started yelling Cow at the screen. Someone threw a pillow, I think it was my sister.

The pure amount of laughter as Pat did the thumb trick. It was very loud but so funny.

Quietly mumbles ‘run forest run’

‘They’re not always very nice to him are they?’ ‘what?’ ‘They used him as a ball. If I decapitate myself please don’t use my head as a ball,’ ... I mean I wasn’t planning on doing so, so sure mum, whatever you say.

I may not look like him, I may not always act like him, but damn I know this mans my father because no one else would be as close to tears as me at a bunch of dead people pretending to have an imaginary dinner together.

Oh and a final congratulations to my Family for realizing that ghosts isn’t just a decent show I like, It’s a hyperfixation. Good job. Not like I talk all the time about it, draw them all, paint them, write dumb story's and basically think about ghosts 24/7. Good job.

#bbc ghosts spoilers #lots of spoilers #I just thought this would be a laugh #They can be fun

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guiltypleasurefandomface · 3 years ago

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5+1 - phonebook edition

This was inspired by this post so thank you to @stesichoreanpalinode and @a-froger-epic for the inspiration!

TW for mentioning Freddie’s death!

1) Brian’s dashing between his room and the shower because they’re running late and Roger’s decided it’s best they put the food order in to pick up on their way rather than go in and wait for it to be freshly made whilst they’re there. Roger knocks on the door and shouts to be heared over the noise of the shower.

Roger: What’s the number for the chinese place? Brian: It’s uh, look for the menu, it’ll be on the phone table Roger: I did, there’s no chinese menus there Brian: Oh. It’ll be in my phonebook then! My one, I mean Roger: The green book? Brian: That’s the one Roger: Alright! Roger: Brian, why am I in your phonebook as Roger Mitch Baker? Brian: Why were you snooping? Roger: Wanted to see if you had any interesting numbers in there. Brian: Did you call the chinese place? Roger: Yeah. It’ll ready by the time we get there

2) The hepatitus crisis. The nurses have said it might be best to “get the family around”.

Miami: We need to call Brian’s parents Roger: They haven’t really talked much... you know Miami: I know. Do you want me to call them? Roger: ... No. I’ll do it. Freddie: I can do it darling. You can stay with Brian and I’ll- Roger: No. I know where his phone book is.

Brian: Mum said you called them. Roger: Yeah. Was that the right thing to do? Brian: Yeah... Thak you. Roger: You’d do it for me. Brian: ... Roger: ... I saw I’m now just plain Rog in your phone book Brian: What have I told you about snooping?

3) They got to number 1 and survived a broken lift, and now they have loads of people who want to talk to them. They’ve been given cards of various music industry people, some journalists who seem like the good ones in the job to share their love of music, not the gutter press constantly implying Freddie’s on his way out of the band and Roger’s too beautiful to actually be a drummer... Brian makes use of their night in to transfer some of the cards he has in his pocket in to his phonebook, so he doesn’t lose any of the numbers he wants to keep.

Roger: Who’s Mike Hall? Brian: The guitar engineer from Guildford. Roger: Hm. Why are you writing his number down? Freddie: Jealous, Roggie? Roger gives Freddie the finger. Brian: He wanted to talk about Red. He wants to improve his own home made guitar. Roger: Hm. Roger snatches the notebook. Brian: Give it back, you child. Roger: Roger and Dom? Am I seriously in your phonebook as Roger and Dom? Brian: You do live together, Rog. Roger: Well yeah but you don’t call Dom... do you? Brian: Yes, Rog, we regularly complain about you every saturday morning. Give it back Roger: Yeah but, you don’t really do you? Roger hands the phone book back. Brian: Of course not. I’ve got enough problems, I don’t need Chrissie thinking I’m having some sort of phone affair with your girlfriend Roger: ... Well that’s not what I meant but thanks. Fine.

4) Roger marries and then divorces Dom. Brian finalises his divorce to Chrissie. Brian takes the time to clear out his phone book, it is after all falling to pieces and old and not all numbers are relevant anymore.

By the time he gets to the T’s, he’s gone a bit stir crazy. He’d already written down Freddie in his book as God Messenger Freddie and Jim and cats (+J+J+P+J etc).

He writes down The Best Little Drummer Boy in England +Mobile - +Car Phone -

A few months later when he needs to look up the number of a plumber, he’s put on hold and gets bored whilst waiting so flicks through his phone book. He finds the word “little” crossed out and “looking” written just above it in familiar handwriting, in red pen. And... he can’t bring himself to not agree with that. He laughs and nods and closes the phone book.

5) Roger has a new wife. A whole new house. Brian had both of these things too, now he just has the house. He had a whole new divorce after a whole new affair, and he supposes he’s only got himself to blame. But, he also has a new phone book so... no that’s just as bleak.

He couldn’t bare to not include Freddie in it so his information is copied over, John’s, Crystal’s, most of the other Roadie’s because more memorial shows are planned. Chrissie’s, Chrissie’s mum’s too. A lot of numbers over the last few years were put in where there was space, 4 of them Roger at the holiday homes, with no attention to alphabetical order, so he tries to correct that as he goes along.

He goes back to the T’s for Roger’s name and number. He doesn’t think too much of pang in his chest when he writes “Roger and Debbie”.

He vows this to be the last time he ever writes in any of Roger’s new numbers in a bloody phone book. It was ridiculous how often he’d had to do it over the years. If Roger gets a new phone, or a new house, or a new wife, then Roger would just have to find some way to answer the phone at the number Brian has in his phone book, or Roger will have to be the one to ring Brian.

Roger and Adam are in the kitchen of the penthouse suite, it’s breakfast time and it’s their day off. Adam is eating a fruit salad, Roger has an empty plate in front of him and he’s glaring at his iPhone.

Roger: There’s something wrong with this bloody thing, again. Adam, smirking: You know, they make these special phones now, for er, the older market. Roger: Shut it you. Adam: Big buttons. Roger: It just won’t ring out. Adam: Even a little button on the back to call your emergency contact, incase you’ve fallen and you can’t get up. Roger: We can fire you Adam: You Couuuulllld... But you won’t.. Roger: Brian! You’re the apple fan boy, whats up with this fucking thing? Brian comes out of his room, loose tshirt, loose pyjama pants, bed head with curls that are still flat on one side from sleeping on them. Brian: What fucking thing? Adam: This sounds like a conversation not fit for my ears... Roger: You can either be a help or a hindrance, which one do you want to choose? Adam: I think hindrance. I like the sound of that word Roger: Brian, what’s wrong with my phone Brian, sitting down and getting an apple from the fruit bowl: I don’t know, Rog, what is wrong with your phone? Roger: It won’t let me ring anyone Brian: Let me see. Roger gives him his phone Brian: Hm.... Brian pokes around the phone. Brian: Strange. The settings are all off, I don’t know. Did you piss off Apple somehow? Roger: Probably. Do I need to send it back? Brian: Let me play with it a bit. Do you want to borrow mine? Roger: If that’s alright. I just want to text the kids good morning. You know. Dad stuff. Brian takes out his phone and passes it to Roger. Brian: Here you go. Roger: Thanks, love.

Brian resets the phone a few times, messes with the settings, frowns at it, leaves it on the table to do it’s thing whilst he eats a healthy breakfast, following his apple with some peanut butter on toast, but eventually the signals back up, the phone’s on data and, with no way of knowing what was wrong with it, the phone was now fixed.

Brian picked up the phone and rung his own phone. The phone in Roger’s hand rings out, and the little screen changes to a picture of Brian and Roger together, with the name “Mr Husband” written over it. Adam: That is still so cute. It’s so 7th Grade but it’s cute. Roger answers the phone: You fixed it then? Brian, on Roger’s phone: Yes Roger: Okay. Thank you. Brian: You’re welcome, love. Roger: I’m going to hang up now Brian laughs: Okay. Roger hangs up and Brian hands back Roger’s phone back to Roger, and Roger hands Brian’s phone back to Brian. Adam: You know, I almost miss the fit Roger would pitch everytime he saw his name was Santa Claus in your phone. Roger: Oh, I can pitch a fit over anything if you’d like me to Brian: It’s true, he would. Let me tell you the fit he almost pitched when he saw me write Rog and Dom in my phonebook. I never did figure out what that was about... Adam didn’t answer, but his sudden coughing fit did sort of sound the word “territory issues”.

#OOps I maylor'd #Queen RPF #It's not a fic #But it's not not a fic #I'm going to bed now

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ponds-of-ink · 3 years ago

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Redesigned FNAF Lore to Match the Redesigns?

These FNAF redesigns I’m doing are making me think of different ways certain points of the overall redesign story could go. I put so many thoughts into this, I’m putting this under a “Keep Reading”. Enjoy?

*FNAF 1 and 2 don’t actually include Mike, because he’s too young/in college. I say this because FNAF 1 is in 1993-ish and FNAF 2 is 1987. The Bite of ‘87 gets closure due to a newspaper article hidden in the FNAF 2 end page. Turns out it was a malfunctioning animatronic that bit someone’s head. That’s it, really. The crazier stuff, of course, would be later on. This would be just a pre-show.

*FNAF 3 Springtrap can kind of talk, but it’s very very hoarse. You’d have to pull that figuring out what the FNAF 2 minigames were trying to spell maneuver. And, even then, you’d have to discern what his intent is. Is it a trick or a cry for help?

*Maybe Spring’s weak jumpscare would be on purpose. (1) Literally just figured out how to move again, so gentler movements tests would have to be run. (2) If this is Michael, then Spring might not want to hurt his son… as much.

*Have FNAF 3 hint towards Sister Location by having an ad for it in the newspaper that details the Fazbear Fright fire. Said ad would be highlighted by a drawn circle, implying that’s where Michael is going next. That way, there’d be no huge confusion over the over-arching timeline. Or as much confusion.

*FNAF 4 is just the first set of flashbacks for post-fire Springtrap interlaced with memories Evan has. Maybe a Golden-Freddy like Easter egg with Spring or a bonus 8-bit cutscene with a ghostly Evan greeting his sleeping father for seemingly the last time in the SL alleyway. And then, as it’s about to return to the title screen, a little ghostly girl with a bow in her hair arrives. Only her outline is visible, however, to show that she might not really be there.

*Oh, and the text for the Fredbear Plush is colored purple at certain times. Just an extra thing.

*In SL, we hear some sort of muttering in-between the Elizabeth flashback lines. It grows stronger and stronger until you hear a plaintive yell during Liz’s death. Everything falls silent, switch to gameplay.

*SL plays out, confirms the FNAF 4 placement, but with Ennard splitting between Molten Freddy and Scrap Baby as soon as Mike spews them out. The website Easter egg would‘ve explained why, now buried in the game’s code.

*Pizzeria Sim is the big one, so buckle up. You play as Mike, yes. You salvage the others and help Henry, yes. Scraptrap talks in coherent sentences, big yes. But where it gets interesting is when you do manage to collect them all and head towards the True Ending.

*Scraptrap, for whatever reason, vanishes after a day or so of him being scrapped. As if he’s literally left the building. But you can see that his signal’s still there. Of course, you’re both relieved and confused. What is going on?

*Meanwhile, in the mini-games, Midnight Motorist takes a different angle. You play as Purple Guy, yes. It’s literally confirmed in the sprite color now. But, there’s a catch. You drive home to a big empty house. You enter inside and try to get ready for bed… But something is hounding you. Something that’s not the ghost kids. Something worse.

*”What have you done now?” it asks. “Being a coward like usual?”

*Purple Guy gets unnerved. You try to help him move, but he’s not budging. He’s stuck. Trembling. The background is dark, but you can tell it’s glitching.

*”What? Too scared to answer your own father? SPEAK TO ME!”

*Purple Guy says something, but it’s too small to read. Suddenly, from some reflective surface, a towering shadow pounces on him. Ready to strike.

*Yes, this is Bill, the man hinted at in the Retro CDs in Security Breach. This time, he’s a hallucination William gets when his mind wanders too far back. Even in his days as a killer, Will still dreaded that man.

*Anyway, you play the mini-games to kill time and get the true/lore keeper ending regardless. Scrap Baby does her spiel, you wait for the inevitable, then the fire starts. But, as Henry’s message goes on, you hear a second voice giving its final goodbyes as well. Scraptrap.

*Turns out he was faking his return to being a villain due to all the painful self-reflecting he’s been doing. Or, well, he might‘ve chickened out thanks to Midnight Motorist. He’s not saying exactly why he’s helping. But at least he is, much to Liz’s shock.

*Thankfully, both men say goodbye to their daughters. Henry, a respectful eulogy. Scraptrap, a big ol’ “I’m sorry, but it has to be done”.

*Everything burns, you get your certificate, and go to the hill where the graves are. But, if you stay long enough, the graves will glow like in the FNAF 3 bad ending. And, of course, the covered grave will glow the brightest.

*Then the announcement for UCN arrives.

*Oh, no, you realize. We’re not done.

*Cassidy/Golden Freddy, not being in FNAF 6 or FNAF 3 through SL, hasn’t learned what happened with William. So, feeling vengeful, she drags him to some twisted dreamscape that serves as his “purgatory”. She’s keeping his soul alive and the others captive.

*You play the game, not realizing anything else is wrong until you beat 50/20. Then you get a little something. Purple Guy slumped on the office desk you just played in. He’s breathing hard, obviously tired. Then, sparks of a more neon purple and black spew out of him. To his own confusion, a goopy mess of a rabbit appears and waves back. Then, it vanishes. Fade to title screen.

*A few years later, Help Wanted comes out. Everything plays out as intended, you lock up Glitchtrap, shake your head at the idea of William getting a bad rap in-verse still… Then the DLC arrives.

*It’s normal at first. An Easter Egg here, a clown mini-game that might hint at what’s currently going on in UCN there… And then Vanny’s mask becomes a thing. You head over to the prize corner, equip the plushie and the mask, then the chaos starts.

*You can hear Glitchtrap properly now. He’s talking with Vanny about their vague plan, which wouldn’t be a bigger deal if it weren’t for the fact that he mentions another “him”.

*”You’d make him so proud”, “you have to get him out just like you did with me”, etc.

*Yes, Glitchtrap is split from William. This is confirmed in Princess Quest, when we see the goopy form again.

*Might need to do another post on SB, ‘cause oh b o y do I have ideas now.

*Also, yes, this is going by Will-Grief being a thing. Have fun with that?

#redesigned #five nights #fnaf lore #personal ideas

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smokeybrand · 3 years ago

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Smokey brand Select: Cut My Life Into Pieces

Whelp, Halloween is upon soon and the horror flicks are dropping right into place. I’ve seen a few Nightmare and Jason retrospectives and Malignant is bamboozling people into thinking it’s great. All this bloody fan fare has been waxing nostalgic about the Eighties hey day of the Slasher and the brief Nineties resurgence. I love horror flicks and the Slasher sub-genre is one of my favorites so i figured, concerning it’s Spooky Season, maybe drop a lit of my favorites. I made one about my favorite Supernatural Horror films, too, so that one might pop up soon, too. This thing might be real Wes Craven heavy. He’s like the Dude of this genre. Also, you’ll notice a distinct lack of Friday the 13th films. Those movies suck balls. I’ve never really liked any of them.

10. Scream

Scream sneaks into this list as a distant ten. I enjoy the subversion in this film and, overall, it’s quite good. As a kid who came of age during the Nineties, this flick was a big deal. This as the triumphant return of the Slasher genre as a whole but also of Wes Craven, himself. Scream is great and I'd love it more if i hadn’t seen New Nightmare a few years before this came out. That movie did everything Scream does, but much better. Also, Freddy Kreuger was in that one. Ghostface is dope and Sydney Prescott is a top five Final Girl, but Scream will always be New Nightmare’s little brother to me.

9a. The Strangers

This movie bugged me the f*ck out. Admittedly, i leans much more toward Home Invasion horror but they get sloppy in the end. Everything up to that pint is an exercise in sheer tension. This movie ramps you up with an unrelenting dread and never let’s you relax. I was thoroughly surprised by how f*cking terrified i was of this film. that never happens for me. Movies don’t scare me. It takes a lot, and i mean that, to get a rise out of me but The Strangers was able to do so almost effortlessly. Just the thought of people coming and going, in and out of my house as they please, while I'm completely oblivious to it, makes me cringe on a guttural level. F*cking fantastic film.

9b. Hush

Hush does what The Strangers does, but amps it up to another level. Instead of being a young couple in the middle of nowhere, it’s a single, deaf, woman out in the muddle of nowhere. That premise, alone, is enough to catch my attention but the execution of this idea in cinematic form, was brilliant. I loved this movie. It as everything i thought it would be. This one is a Mike Flannagan outing and, as far as i am concerned, he’s golden. He wrote it with his wife, Kate Siegel, who happens to be the lead. It sucks they couldn’t get an actual hearing impaired person for the lead but i get it. Hush put Flannagan on the map and without it, we wouldn’t have his growing catalog of pure, horror, excellence.

8. Fear Street trilogy

I referenced this in the Scream entry, but I'm an Eighties kid who grew up in the Nineties. A huge part of my childhood was those R.L. Stine Goosebump books. I grew up with those and, when i got to Junior high, he had a more mature series ready for me: Fear Street. I read that first book and thought it was dope but never revisited the franchise. Imagine my surprise when Netflix adapted that story to film and make it super f*cking bloody! We got three, solid, modern, Slasher flicks and i loved very bloody minute of it. For me, these films eclipse some of the more, better known, classics of the genre. Literally did the summer camp massacre thing better than Friday the 13th, with 1978 and I'll take that sh*t to the grave! Plus, any time i get to see Sadie Sink and Gillian Jacobs do their thing, I'm pretty happy.

7. Halloween

This is a little bit of a cheat because i mean to of the three Halloweens: 1978 and 2018. The first Halloween doesn’t rewrite the Slasher formula and it’s not even the first, i think Black Christmas or Psycho takes that honor, but it does have Michael f*cking Myers. I saw Halloween for the first time after seeing Nightmare 3 and MTV Freddy so, going from that to the malevolent force that is Michael Myers was jarring as f*ck. Dude cut a bloody swath through his movie and then did even more in it’s 2018 sequel. Like, sh*t, man, Myers is a f*cking monster! But his sister, Laurie, is every bit his match. I love Jamie Lee Curtis in this role, almost anytime she plays it. Laurie is top-two Final Girl for me and gives other brilliant female characters like Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor a run for their money.

6. Candyman

Listen, Candyman is arguably the worst film on this list. as a Slasher, it’s top tier but as a film? It’s adequate at best. Candyman isn’t terrible but it does nothing new. A lot of what it has going for it lies in the themes for me. I grew up Black and in the ghetto during the Nineties and this film deals with a lot of that. The backdrop of poverty and racial strife really hit home back then. Thy tried to do that with the new one released this year and it mostly works but not as well as the original. Plus, Candyman is Daniel Robitaille, portrayed with such roiling menace by Tony Todd. I’ll never forget how his voice thundered when he asked Helen to “Be my Victim?” That sh*t was dope. all the imagery as dope. The whole aesthetic was dope. The actual plot? Not so dope. Still, it left one hell of an impression and became one of my favorites.

5b. The Babysitter

Yo, i love this movie. It’s so f*cking ridiculous an makes next to no sense but it’s fun as f*ck. All these characters make the movie for me. More than that, it introduced me to Samara Weaving and I've been a fan of this chick eve since. She’s been in some interesting fare; Guns Akimbo, Bill and Ted Face the Music, Ready or Not (which one could argue deserves to be on this list), Mayhem, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, are all f*cking amazing films but it was The Babysitter that made me really start paying attention to her career. This movie is morbidly fun, darkly hilarious, and disturbingly wholesome. Like, i had the warm-and-fuzzes by the time those credits rolled and there was a substantial body count by then.

5a. Happy Death Day

I love this movie for almost all the same reasons that i love The Babysitter. It’s Groundhog’s Day meets Prom Night. It’s Palm Springs meets Urban Legend. The concept, in of itself, seems too simple to be interesting but the film in execution is surprisingly excellent. It has strong performances all around but this thing lives and dies by it’s lead, Tree Gelbman, portrayed by Jessica Roth. Believe me when i say, this move lives a life! Roth is exceptional in this role ans really makes the film. Her reaction to the absurdist nature of her bloody predicament is exactly how i would react to it, too. Just the idea of constantly repeating the day because some asshat keeps murdering you is enough to make me groan and Tree really groans a lot throughout this movie. By, like, her third death, she’s just so done with everything and proceeds to solve her own murder, eventually breaking the cycle, with so much f*ck apathy, it was like looking into a mirror.

4. Child’s Play

I love Chucky. This is some top tier murder movie, man. That first Child’s Play from the Eighties really did something special. Obviously, it’s problematic as f*ck nowadays because everyone is so soft but back then? This sh*t was rife for controversy. More than that, i love the technical aspect of this flick. As the movie progresses, Chucky becomes more and more human, which lends to his urgency in attaining a new, human, body. By the time the film ends, his little Good Guy body is actual flesh and blood. He missed his window to transfer and just wants to murder everything. Now, later entries lean heavy into the camp. Bride and Seed are not favorites but the two newer films, Curse and Cult, strike a good balance between the two tones. For my money, though, the first two Child’s Play films are peak Chucky. We’ll see which version we get in this new series.

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

And we have finally gotten to the Nightmare films. Freddy Kreuger is one of my favorite film antagonists of all times. Just the concept of an intangible, immortal, child-molesting, murderer, leaving bodies behind after slaying kids in their dreams, is a lot. Dream Warriors was my first Slasher, ever, and i was immediately enthralled. There was so much going on this movie and i loved every second of it. Each Dream Warrior and their personal abilities, the way Freddy responded in kind, and all of the imaginative kills: This movie made for one hell of a watch for wee lil’ Smokey. This movie made me an instant fan pf Wes Craven and sent me down the Nightmare on Elm Street rabbit hole. Imagine my surprise when there were only, like, two films better than this one in the entire f*cking franchise and, technically, one wouldn’t come out for years after i saw this one.

2. Wes Craven’s New Nightmare

New Nightmare f*cked me up when i saw it as a kid. Like, it legit scared me for some reason. That, alone, gets it on this list but, after watching it again as an adult, it would make this list based strictly on the brilliance of the writing. Wes wrote arguably the greatest meta script in film history with this one and ti have it come together so seamlessly on film the way it did was a real feat. Now, this thing has its problems, that climax is a little rough, but everything up to the final clash was pure brilliance. I love how confused reality became as the film played out, how the characters these actors played blended into their real life counterparts in the film. I love the strong performances from Heather Langenkamp as both herself and Nancy Thompson. But, the coup de grace is definitely Robert Englund as The Entity or “Freddy Kreuger”. See, the Freddy in New Nightmare is not the Freddy we know. It’s a demon that’s taken it’s form and he is every but the monster Freddy was in his first film. For me, that’s peak Fred Kreuger. While i will always respect this movie for it’s narrative discipline and excellent portrayal of my favorite Slasher antagonist, it’s not number one because the first Nightmare is the best Nightmare.

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street

A Nightmare on Elm Street is the perfect Slasher film. absolutely amazing watch. Brilliant idea to build around. Fertile ground for imaginative and gory kills. And a f*cking Antagonist who is a relentless force of violence incarnate. Just the idea of Freddy Kreuger is terrifying. Like i aid before, my first foray into the Nightmare was Dream Warriors. That version of the character was kind of campy, way more marketable than i think he should be. Then i saw Halloween. Michael Myers is f*cking terrifying. Then i saw the first Nightmare and was surprised by how effortless that version of Freddy split the difference. This first version of Freddy Kreuger is every bit the nightmare Wes Craven wanted him to be and more. This thing is a classic for a reason. The visuals, alone, get it to the top of this list but the performances send it over the top. Plus, this is the first time we get to see the very best Final Girl in Slasher history, Nancy Thompson. Now, i prefer her character more in New Nightmare but I'd be lying if i said i didn’t completely fall in love with her in the first Nightmare. Heather Langenkamp was every bit the equal to Robert Englund and that energy carried forward through the entire franchise. No one ever really pressed Kreuger like Nancy and it shows.

Honorable Mentions: The Final Girls, Sleepaway Camp, My Bloody Valentine, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Maniac, Black Christmas, You’re Next, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Trick or Treat, Child’s Play 2, High Tension, May, Scream

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captainelsaeverdeen · 5 years ago

Text

I like me better when I’m with you.

Okay so! I never considered writing on this blog, but I just had the cutest idea e v e r and I decided to do something about it. I used to write a lot but I stopped to publish anything years ago. Maybe it’s time to come back. Who knows! For now I just wanted to see if someone would like it! English is not my first language so pretty, pretty please forgive me if you find any mistakes :(

summary: based on ‘To All The Boys I Loved Before’. Y/N Henderson used to be in love a couple of times. This time she’s sure it’s something bigger, something serious. Her love for Jonathan Byers is unlimited, untamed and endless. At least she thought so. You can read Part 2 Here.

We knew that it was wrong. That he was betrothed to my best friend. But if this isn’t what he wanted then why did he come to the field of desire? It was faded, that we should meet like this. So when his lips touch my neck to put a gentle kiss on it…

“Mom asks you to wash the dishes” Dustin was standing in the doorway of your room, smiling silly. He presented his full teeth with pride, moving his eyebrows in a funny way. “It’s not my turn” you said and slowly turned over a page of book your brother interrupted you from reading. “Yours, if you’re planning on going out with Nancy and Jonathan today” he shrugged his shoulders innocently. “Excuse me?” you turned your head so fast that your neck hurt. “Says who?”

“Says me. You forced me to vacuum last week when I wanted to go to the arcade, but it was your turn. So if you don’t want to be late, you better hurry” “I hate you” you sighned putting the book down. You ran you fingers through the cover of it with two lovers, leaning towards each other just before the kiss. Dustin was still standing in the doorway.

“Do they not mind when you are going to their dates?” He asked suddenly. “They don’t call it ‘dates’ when I’m with them. They have time for each other, but we’re still friends. Just because they’re together doesn’t mean… that I’ll stop being their friend” you said. “Whatever you say. I think that’s weird. Totally weird. I wouldn’t want to take Mike or Lucas or Will if I wanted to meet my girl”. “No one asked for your opinion, you abominable little shit!” you screamed going to the kitchen, aggressively putting plates in the sink. They didn’t deserve such terrible treatment, but Dustin was right. It was weird. Weird as fuck.

After the infamous party at Tina’s last Halloween night, when Nancy broke up with Steve Harrington, and rumours about them didn’t go silent for a good month she and Jonathan became extremely close. You always spent time with them separately. When Nancy and her boyfriend wanted to be alone, you would watch movies on the couch at Joyce Byers’ house. When Jonathan promised Will to take him for a ride in the car listening to The Clash, Nancy combed your hair as Donna Summer filled her room with her songs. But after Halloween, everything changed. Nancy started sitting between you and Jonathan as you guys were watching ‘The Shining’ with a bowl of popcorn. And Jonathan knew ‘I Feel Love’ by heart, although he hated Donna Summer. Something was wrong. Something was diffrent.

By Christmas, everyone was sure that Jonathan and Nancy started dating. They spent Christmas Eve together and then announced their relationship to you together. And that’s not when your heart started beating faster when you saw him. Not when they were holding hands, not when they kissed every time before the car started from the driveway when they came to your house. Not until Nancy Wheeler took your seat on the couch at Joyce’s house. It wasn’t until then that something unimaginable, something wrong happened, something that should never have happened. You started to have, a little, small, tiny crush on your best friend.

And it wasn’t that you were jealous of Nancy. She was a great girl, smart and deserving of a wise, loving boy, which Jonathan was. But the heart is a treacherous tool. You could leave it with a cat for a month, thinking everything would be all right, and when you get back, you’d find that it threw it out the window. Because it can never be trusted. Admitting your feelings was not an option. You could lose Nancy or Jonathan. Well, Robin and Dustin would still be staying by your side, of course, but losing someone close hurts too much. Too much to be dealt with by an organ that throws the cat out the window. So smiling is okay, pretending everything’s okay is okay. As long as no one guesses and stupid feelings go away.

Not for the first time, right?

“Y/N, honey, what are you still doing here? Jonathan’s here” Mom came to the kitchen. “Ask the youngest” you rolled my eyes and kissed her on the cheek, running out of the house. Nancy pressed the alarm button a couple of times, dropping the window on the passenger side. “I don’t think you’re so excited to see Jason Voorhees for the fourth time since you’re two minutes late” she said, putting her wrist with the watch on it out the window.

“Maybe if my brother weren’t such a troublesome goddamn gremlin, you guys wouldn’t have to wait for so long” you fastened your belt and smiled at Jonathan. “Tell me about it” Nancy rolled her eyes. Her hand was clenching on Jonathan’s hands, their intertwined fingers were on his thigh. He was probably just letting her go to change gear, to grab her hand back, wanting to touch her. You smiled slightly to yourself. “I’m a little offended” you hit the back of Nancy’s chair a little bit. “You questioned my love for Jason, knowing he’s the man of my dreams. I wouldn’t miss this movie now or ever”.

“Man, you have a strange taste in men” Jonathan twisted his head.

Oh boy, if you only knew.

“Who’s gonna pick them for you when I’m out of college?” Nancy said quietly. When you were a year younger than them, you had to reckon they would be gone soon, but the thought still was terrible. You opened the window and put my hand out, feeling the cold wind on your fingers. “Robin’s doing great” you smiled. “She likes Michael Myers”.

“I’m begging you. He’s not even half as terrible as Freddie” Jonathan rolled his eyes. “Yeah, and my father is Stephen King” you snorted. Nancy smiled a little. “And Robin’s driving terribly” Jonathan got ripped off. “Whatever my life depends on it, I’d rather give my car to Carol Perkins, she can at least turn around.

“I gotta get off so you two can both stop making fun of her?” “Oh no. We don’t want Jason to get you here… on a dark road… near the woods…” Nancy wiped out and turned to you with her hands ready to attack. You hit her hands to turn around so she didn’t even think to touch or tickle you. “You can ride with me” Jonathan shrugged his arm. “I like Robin, but your life is in danger when she’s behind the wheel. I’m not going anywhere yet.”

There it was. The stomach’s fickles, the heat on your cheeks and the smile and the awful awareness of how wrong it was. How inappropriate and how unfair it was to Nancy, who sat so close to you, that she could count your moles if she turned around. But before she even thought about him, he was yours. Not exactly, of course. But when Will went missing, he didn’t turn to her for help first. He wasn’t at her door in the middle of the night, rambling about how his mom is getting crazy. He was always a lonely ship drifting in the dark sea, and you were his anchor, which drifted in time to hold him.

Well, once Jason had killed everyone he was supposed to kill, and for most of the movie, Jonathan and Nancy spent most of the time giggling and whispering to each other, after looking at their inseparably intertwined hands, it was time to go home.

It’s not that you wanted to steal your best friend’s boyfriend. You were super happy for Nancy. She deserves a great guy like Jonathan. So it was time for another letter. Fifth, if you believe your stupid heart. “How’s the movie?” Dustin asked when I walked by his room. He was only wearing one sock and reading a comic book. “Didn’t you faint from the excess corn syrup blood?”

“I’m not you” you showed him your tongue. “I didn’t forget about the dishes!” “Oh, you did! The pan is still dirty!” Dustin screamed, but I already locked the door to my room and sat at my desk, hiding my face in my hands. After a few awfully long seconds and listening to the bang of an owl outside the window, I pulled the card out of the drawer looking for a black pen.

Dear Jonathan Byers…

These letters are your biggest secret. You weren’t going to send the letter, it was just for you to understand how you were feeling. But really, you guess it was mainly about how sometimes you imagined what it would’ve been like if you’d realized how you felt about them sooner. To all of them. There are five of them: Chris from summer camp, Stanley from the homecoming, Ralph from the neighborhood who lived across the street for just three months, Steve Harrington from high school, and Jonathan.

You’ve seen Chris once in you life, for two weeks in the riverside forest. Stanley was the only one who asked you to dance, seeing you sitting alone on a bench. Ralph moved into Hawkins a few years ago, but his parents decided to go back to Florida. Steve… well, he became quite a different person when you went to high school. And Jonathan… Jonathan is still an infinite chapter. A chapter in book that’s too beautiful to finish reading it early.

You write a letter when you have a crush so intense that you don’t know what else to do. Rereading your letters reminds you of how powerful your emotions can be, how all-consuming. You hide them between the vinyls on a shelf above the bed, where no one will ever find them. Robin would say you’re being dramatic, but drama can be fun…

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked suddenly, entering the room without knocking. “Nothing” you smiled, covering the unfinished part of the letter with your elbow. “Your room is a mess” brother looked around. “And listen, about that pan-”

“Good night, Dustin. I hope you will be dreaming of something nice” you smiled sweetly, showing him the way out. It wasn’t until he left that you finished pouring your feelings onto the paper that you put the letter into the envelope, addressed it and put it between the vinyl, where there were four similar envelopes. Each one was for another boy, who would always be a part of you.

Yeah, drama can be fun. Just as long nobody else knows about it.

“So you’re telling me” Robin stopped halfway down the track. She didn’t care about getting a pass at the PE, anyway, you too. The coach sent you an indulgent look, and your friend just shrugged her shoulders. The other girls ran past you, rubbing your shoulders, but besides that, they didn’t pay much attention to you. “That they were on another date, taking you with them again? Why don’t you just say no to them?”

“I don’t know” Robin groaned and grabbed her side. “What’s going on?” “My body reacts badly to physical effort” she muttered and sat on the treadmill, pulling her legs out. “Some running won’t hurt you” Becky Miller snorted, running alongside us. “Running is humiliating” Robin didn’t even look at her. “Dude, you have to stop this. Every fucking time you come to me and tell me how badly you’re feeling, you’re the one who’s responsible for it. Tell him finally how you feel. Nothing’s gonna happen. There will be no earthquake. The aliens won’t find their way to Earth. And you will finally fall asleep and free yourself from that strange triangle”.

“I don’t want it to be weird between us” you shruged your shoulders.”If I push them off, I’ll start losing them. They’ll find that the two of us are actually better off and… forget how cool it used to be.”

“That’s why relationships sucks” Robin moaned and grabbed your hand. Coach had already started walking towards us, but he was still far away. “But hey… Nancy is your friend. Jonathan is your friend. They care about you. They love you. Maybe not as much as I do, but they do. You don’t have to worry. Everything’s gonna be okay, just… just don’t let it break you. Okay?”

“Okay” you smiled. Robin smiled too and turned her back, frowning her eyebrows. “What’s Harrington doing here? He’s all sweaty and, oh, my God, he looks gross, but shouldn’t he have basketball practice now?”

“Hey, Henderson!” Steve has spoken to you. You lifted your head and swallowed. Steve hasn’t talked to you since you guys were thirteen. Damn thirteen. “On a scale from one to ten, how bad this looks like?” you asked when your hands started shaking. “I’m hovering somewhere in the high thirties” Robin responded quietly, standing up. “Me?” you made sure and Steve nodded his head. His hair was in terrible disarray, but although it was wet and stuck to his forehead, it still looked impressive. He wasn’t angry or upset, which was good, but… but he didn’t look happy either.

“If you need me, I’ll be in the nurse’s office” Robink winked and walked away. “Look, I just wanted to say that I really…” Steve licked his lips and wiped his forehead with the palm of his hand. What the hell was going on here. “Goddamn, this is the first time I’ve been in situation like this… I appreciate it, but it’s never gonna happen”.

“I’m sorry, what?” You asked. Why did Robin have to leave? Why did she have to leave you? “From what I remember that kiss was hot, you know, for being in seventh grade” Steve said slowly, leading the eye somewhere outside of you, just to avoid looking you in the eye. “And I think it’s really cool you think I have golden specks in my eyes. And that my hair is gorgeous. But this is a strange moment for me… I just broke up with Nancy, you know… Becky is… she’s fine, she seems fine. I may not be ready at all…”

You stopped listening to him and looked at his hands. You don’t know what you expected, maybe they will shake as much as yours, but no. He was holding the envelope. A white, slightly old envelope, with his name written with your writing. With your pen. And your hand.

“At first I thought it was just Dustin’s stupid joke, but that dipshit probably doesn’t even know how to write…” Steve kept on talking, but your mind was somewhere else. It went all the way from school to your house, tossing the whole room in it’s memory, wondering hhow did the letters get in sight. How did they even reach the people they were never supposed to reach?

“I don’t want to be an asshole, and I certainly don’t want you… I don’t know, to feel bad about it, but…” Steve’s voice was drilling into your brain, and your stomach started to shrink painfully. Maybe it’d have managed, if it wasn’t for the fact that Jonathan was just going to the pitch, and he also was holding the envelope.

Oh, no.

#steve harrington imagine #steve harringotn #jonathan byers imagine #jonathan byers #steve harrington x reader #stranger things #stranger things imagine

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lucarioisinthevoid · 2 years ago

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Epilogue ask time!! Okay, so I have been thinking about this non-stop ever since I read that line near the end, i dunno which chapter it was but it must've been before the Henry boss battle--Mike basically says something along the lines of "save that for the wedding" to Simon, and now I H A V E to ask. What would Simon and Mike's wedding REALLY be like? Would they invite everyone? What would their wedding cake look like? (gosh, I am SO pumped up for this couple, they are so goshdarn cute--)

.(I honestly can’t recall why I haven’t answered this ask when it was time :c I’m sorry Yeah, epilogue ask time! Even if you might never will see this answer, hah. Sorry for having been gone so long! But better late than never and all that. ALSO: TUMBLR DOESN'T PERMIT LONG ANSWERS ANYMORE? I'LL TRY TO EDIT IN THE WHOLE THING AFTER POSTING, BUT IF YOU CAN'T FIND IT, YOU’LL KNOW IT’S ON MY AO3)

It was a normal day in the renamed Afton household. Which means that the household was currently a dilapidated Freddy’s. Unlike most dilapidated Freddy’s, this just felt mildly depressing and empty. Any soul that would have haunted the immediate area was gone by now, as Dave and Old Sport were busy to pick the last few springlocks out of Dave’s skin. “How many children are we at now? This has at least been thirty! How did you even MANAGE to capture so many kids without anyone EVER noticing?” “Hey, Old Sport, it ain’t my fault that 460,000 children go missin’ every year! I’ve only ever gotten like- yeah, 30 a year, at best! With all the police swarmin’ and all that. That ain’t nothin’ compared to children goin’ missin’ every year!” “… we’ve only made it through ONE year’s worth of your murder?!” “Eh, we’re makin’ pretty good progress if you ask me-“ The door to the room was very abruptly slammed open. Circus Baby stood in there and after an appropriately dramatic pause, she came inside and slammed a few pictures onto the table. “IMPORTANT NEWS, DADS! MIKE AND SIMON ARE CURRENTLY ON THE MOVE. INTEL SAYS THIS IS THE LOCATION!” “You don’t need to scream, we hear you just fine!” Old Sport leaned back, relaxed. “Ooooh, pretty!” Dave picked up the images. “Yes… too pretty.” Baby scoffed. “Don’t you notice something about these pictures?” “Ya really got talkin’ like a crazy detective down. That Ethan guy really impressed you, didn’t he?” “No- no! Not at all!” She huffed and turned a bit. “But just- look! There’s a church there! And travelling all the way there… isn’t it clear what is going on?!” “Enlighten us, my body is ready.” Interested the Orange Guy leaned forward. “They. Are. Trying to…” A pause. Then abruptly she ripped one of her arms up, pointing a finger into nowhere. “MARRY!” “WHAT!?” “YES! AND THEY HAVEN’T INVITED US. AND FROM COMMUNICATION WITH BASE-“ “Oh, did you say hi to Jeremy for us?” “Yeah, I did- BUT NO THE POINT. COMMUNICATION WITH BASE REVEALED: THEY HAVE ALSO NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION. MIKE AND SIMON HAVE GONE ROGUE AND PLAN TO GET MARRIED PATHETICALLY AND ALONE WITHOUT ANY OF THEIR FRIENDS. CAN WE STAND FOR THAT!?” Immediately, the both of them stood up. “NO SIR!” “THAT IS WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR: OPERATION ‘BIG WEDDING, IF YOU LIKE IT OR NOT’ COMMENCES N O W!” The fact that maybe, POTENTIALLY these two were just going on a nice trip was carefully considered by Old Sport and then passionately discarded. As was the potential that they weren’t invited on purpose. Or that there were still children’s souls to save. They waited decades- surely, they could wait some more, eh? - - - Mike was the first to wake up. He was groggy and confused, but his hand immediately reached for his partner. “Ssss- simon…?” A cough beside him snapped him fully out of it. Simon was stirring besides him, groaning. Quickly Mike leaned over him, gently slapping his face. “Simon?! Please- wake the fuck up.” “… Mike…?” It came back, as groggy. Then, a soft, raspy laugh. “… you look… beautiful… am I dreaming…?” “Christ, Si. What’s with the sentimentalities? Wake up.” Shifting on the spot, the heavy fabric around his legs confused him for a moment- “WHAT THE FUCK.” Jumping back, he stared down at himself, inspecting baffled the completely white and glittering wedding dress he was wearing. Now that he thought of it- Simon was wearing an elegant dark suit with a light blue tint. “What the FUCK!?” “Aaah… were we kidnapped?” Simon got slowly up, looking around, not caring too much about his appearance. “… you’d think now that we’re away from Freddy’s, that would be over…” Flustered, Mike stood up straight and gritted his teeth. “… whoever the fuck did it, I’ll break their necks. You don’t fuck with a Freddy’s veteran, not if you want to live.” Simon just snorted in response, but allowed Mike to gentle help him up- laughing a little again, as Mike carefully checked him over. “Really- I’m fine. Don’t worry. Just a bit dizzy.” “Good. Their deaths will be quick instead of slow then.” They spotted a door. Their exit? Carefully they approached- and before Mike could try the handle, a hand wrapped itself around his. Looking back, Simon had furrowed his brow and nodded determinedly at him. We have been through worse. Together we will get out. They pushed open the door… … light flooded in. Immediate cheers from all sides and elegant organ music was playing. Glitter and white petals were falling from over them, as they tried to desperately to regain orientation. They were in a giant church, and the benches were filled with animatronics, fellow Phone Guys who looked rather confused, and at the very front was Jeremy, in a priestly outfit, smiling and waving at them. “CONGRATULATION!!!!” Marion was by his side like a shadow, looking skeptical- but also raising a hand in greeting. Old Sport was nowhere to be seen, however it turned out terrifyingly enough that it was Dave of all people on the organ, playing his heart out in the fanciest clothes he seemed to find. Actually, all these fancy suits seemed to have a similar style… “… did you rob a fucking wedding dress venue?!” Baby by the front gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. “ABSOLUTELY! ONLY THE BEST FOR YOU! Well- I wanted to give BOTH of you dresses, but Jeremy said that wasn’t traditional and that we didn’t know what you would want- so eh. I’m sorry, I gave my best to make BOTH of you beautiful.” Funtime Freddy didn’t even need to raise his voice to be audible over the cheers. “YYY---YYEAH! S-S-soo we G-GAVE it to the one who- one who- NEEDED IT THE MOST! HA-AHAHAha-A-A-A-AHAHAH!” Simon stood up straighter. “DO NOT TALK THIS WAY ABOUT MY MIKE! OR I’LL- I’LL UH- KICK YOU OUT OF MY WEDDING, RIGHT NOW!” “No—NOOOOO!” Funtime Freddy looked horrified. “I- I- AM SOooOO- S-SORRY! P-Pleas-eee-e! Don’t- don’t- kick m-e-e-e OUT!“ “Then watch yourself.” Simon dragged Mike a bit closer. “… are we actually fucking doing this?” Quietly Mike whispered to him as they walked up the rows. “… we should play along for now… and if we see a chance, we’ll get out. Take revenge, or- uh- whatever.” “If you say so. I’m with you to the end.” They arrived in front of Jeremy, who made a gesture to quiet the room, with Dave taking the que to play a quieter, marriage appropriate song on his instrument. “Hey, uh- Jeremy.” Casually Simon started, clearly having a plan. “I appreciate this, but uh- you’re not a priest, right? Aren’t only priests allowed to do stuff like this? Baptism, marriage, all that? We can wait for you guys to find a proper priest…” Sadly, Jeremy’s lovely smile broke that hope immediately. “Oh, actually, protestants are allowed to baptize themselves if no priest is there. I think as long as two witnesses are there…? But yes. Same for marriage! No worries- I gladly do it! I also made the cake!” The promised couple turned their head around to spot a giant cake. Beautiful multiple layers of delicious goodness. “It’s with strawberries!” Happily Jeremy said. “I picked the motive.” Cooly Marion pointed out. “Jeremy almost made a golden Fredbear and Springbonnie cake.” “It would have been cute.” Jerry pouted, but Marion’s eyes didn’t leave Phone Guy. “… I thought a cool fire motive would connect with you guys better.” And indeed, the huge red and orange cake was a piece of art with glass-like sugar tips that looked out and broke the light like a frozen fire. The rest of it looked mouth-watering filling, vanilla and chocolate pieces on top, to completement the fruity mass. Mike nudged Simon’s side. How about doing it for the free cake? Simon shrugged, not opposed. Jeremy rose his arms. “We have gathered today, to witness the wonderful and loving union of these two people. You will know them as your friends, your employers, to some even our heroes-“ “Can we speed it up?” Mike scoffed. Dave from above laughed. “TOLD YOU GUYS THEY WOULDN’T WANT THE WHOLE SPIEL.” Looking a tiny bit offended, Jeremy shook his head. “Fine, fine. Okay, so, in the name of god, pledging your lives, in sickness and in health, good times and bad times, through everything that could live throw at you- will you, Simon McCall, take Mike Schmidt as your husband?” What was that for a question even? Simon paused, looking into Mike’s storm-grey eyes. Those with the hint of blue, those that had looked at him so often in his life. The first time he hired him, the first time he stormed into his office complaining about the animatronics moving, the ones that had called him out relentlessly… the ones that had looked at him with untypical worry after he had fallen sick, the ones looking at him with apprehension, that slowly turned to trust… from then to now, this man had gone through all with him. Through all the disappointments, the terrors, the victories, the problems. “Yes, I do.” The words came out of him unintentionally seriously. But he meant them with his whole heart. “Good! Mike, through sickness and health, through the good and the bad-“ “Yes, I do.” Mike answered with an intensity untypical of him. A seriousness that could hardly be rivaled, only matched by Simon’s before him. They had been through sickness and health before, through pain and joy, through everything life could do to them. And for Simon? He would do it all again. Without hesitation. Jeremy sniffled a little, clearly moved. “Then- I shall declare you husband and husband. Put the rings onto each other’s fingers and kiss, a union for all to see.” A door to the side had opened among the cheers and cries of the audience and the glammed up Old Sport came out, holding a box. The noises of celebration became louder when he stepped beside Jeremy, between the couple and opened the box. Mike and Simon stayed quiet however. “… those are fucking grenades.” Cheerful Old Sport pointed at the golden rings with each two red and a blue stone at the top of the grenades. “No worries, the rings are at this part here. All you gotta do is pull them off!” “They will blow up if we do that.” “Love will protect you <3” “… how did you make that noise with your- you know what, never-fucking-mind.” The church had gone quiet again at this point, everyone watching breathlessly. Slowly Mike looked deep into Simon’s dial. They nodded slowly, at the same time. Their heartbeats were in totally synchroneity. It was time. Both of them picked up their respective grenade slowly. The entire church held their breath- Within one immediate movement they pulled their respective rings over and in the same movement, Phone Guy dropped it in Old Sport’s hands while Mike chucked it with ALL power to the place were Dave was sitting, who in response JUMPED, but not AWAY, no! TOWARDS it, reaching out to catch the bomb, while Marion had already grabbed Jeremy, pulling him upwards, out of the blast radius, while Mike and Simon at the same time rushed towards the door, past the confused attendants, who made gasps of confusion- Rolling over the ground, Dave held up his one, smiling like a maniac. “OLD SPORT! OLD SPORT LOOK! I CAUGHT IT! THAT MEANS WE GET MARRIED NEXT! OLD SPORT-“ B O O M ! Thankfully, the grenades had simply been smoke ones that were fitted to look and to some degree sound like real ones. However, the smoke was extensive and cough-inducing and when it cleared, Mike and Simon were gone. “These BASTARDS!” Old Sport called out, rubbing his soot-smeared face. “Ah, the eagerness of freshly married couples.” Dave put a hand on his chest. “Gotta say, I’m jealous.” “Not THAT!” Disgruntled Old Sport pointed at the table that had stood by the exit. “THEY TOOK OUR ENTIRE CAKE!” “What!?” Appalled Dave cried out. “Unbelievable! These fuckin’ sewer rats. Next time we ain’t gonna invite them to their weddin’, bet they’ll feel stupid then!” - - - Somewhere, far away, a camper stood, with two people sitting on top of it. Each of them held a place with a big piece of deliciously expensive and sweetly flavored cake. “You win some, you lose some.” Mike took a bit bite. “But I think we won more.” “Where do you think they got these rings from?” Carefully Simon inspected the admittedly beautiful ring on his finger. “You think they, uh- stole it?” “Probably.” A shrug. “But I mean- well. Do we want to be married to each other with stolen rings…?” For a moment they looked at each other. Then they both shrugged. “Yeah, fucking whatever.” “Totally fine by me.”

#microphone #simon mccall #mike schmidt #Dave Miller #Old Sport

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natromanxoff · 4 years ago

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Freddie Mercury and the Wade Deacon/Halewood Connection (by Mike Royden)

...Freddie lived for music, and in August 1969 he seized upon the opportunity he’d been waiting for – to sing in a band. Too impatient to form one of his own, he did the next best thing and found himself a ready-made outfit. His quarry was Ibex, a Merseyside-base trio comprising Mike Bersin (guitar and vocals.) and John ‘Tupp’ Taylor (bass and vocals) and a drummer by the name of Mike ‘Miffer’ Smith.

...“We met the members of Smile at a pub called the Kensington,” recalls ‘Tupp’ Taylor. “We saw them play a couple of times and they were really good. They had a great vocal-harmony thing going. Tim Staffell, their bass player, was a really good singer, and Freddie was a mate of theirs. We’d all sit around and have amazing vocal sessions singing Bee Gees, Beach Boys and Beatles songs. We could do great harmonies because there was three of them in Smile, myself, Mike Bersin, who’d chip in, and Freddie, of course.”

At this point, it was common knowledge among the Smile crowd that Freddie was desperate to get into Brian and Roger’s band. Perhaps joining Ibex might be a way in.

“Freddie hadn’t quite persuaded Smile to take him on as a vocalist,” confirms Mike Bersin. “They thought they were doing OK as they were. So, he said, “You know what you guys need, and that’s a vocalist.’ He was right, too, as John Taylor recalls: “I wasn’t the world’s greatest singer by any stretch of the imagination.” And as Ken Testi reveals “Mike had never been confident about his singing, but had been pushed into it.”

Freddie first met Ibex on 13th August 1969. Such was his enthusiasm, that just ten days later, he’d learned the bands’ set, brought in a few new songs, and had travelled up to Bolton, Lancashire, for a gig with them – his debut public performance. The date was 23rd August, and the occasion was one of Bolton’s regular afternoon ‘Bluesology’ sessions, held at the town’s Octagon theatre. For Ibex and friends, it was the event of the summer. No fewer than 15 bodies, including Freddie, Ken Testi, and the band’s other roadie Geoff Higgins, Paul Humberstone, assorted friends and girlfriends, plus Ibex’s instruments were squeezed into a transit van borrowed from Richard Thompson, a mate of Freddie’s who’d previously drummed in ‘1984’ with Brian May and Tim Staffell.

...The following day, Ibex appeared in the first ‘Bluesology pop-in’, an open-air event on the bandstand in Bolton’s Queen’s Park. On the bill were local band Back, another called Birth, Spyrogyra, Gum Boot Smith, The White Myth, Stuart Butterworth, Phil Renwick and, of course, Ibex. In a report published the day before the Bolton Evening News wrote ‘The last -named act make a journey from London especially for the concert. The climax of the whole affair will be a supergroup, in which all the performers will play together. If the weather is fine the noise should be terrific”.

Remarkably, for such a relatively inauspicious event, Freddie’s first-ever public performance was extremely well documented. There were at least three photographers present, and the proceedings were covered in Bolton’s Evening News for the second time on 25th August. This even featured an uncredited photograph of Freddie, with the caption: ‘One of the performers gets into his stride’ If Freddie wanted to be a star, he was going about it the right way.”

“Freddie really loved going up to Bolton to play with Ibex,” remembers Paul Humberstone. “He was really on form. The band was very basic, but good. They did very reasonable cover versions, and were very loud. That was his very first outing with the band, but Fred struck his pose. Remember him doing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’? He was like that only without the eye makeup.”

“Freddie was shy offstage,” recalls Ken Testi, “but he knew how to front a show. It was his way of expressing that side of his personality. Everything on stage later in Queen, he was doing with Ibex at his first gig: marching from one end of the stage to another, from left to right and back again. Stomping about. He brought dynamics, freshness and presentation to the band that had been completely lacking previously.”

Mike Bersin agrees: “As a three piece, we’d thought it was sufficient to play fairly basic music and not worry too much about stage craft. Freddie was much better at putting on a show and entertaining people. That was pretty radical for us. I thought that’s what the light show was for, you know, we make the music and the audience can watch the pretty coloured bubbles behind us, but Freddie was different. He was so wonderfully camp in that beautifully English foppish way. With hindsight, I recognise the determination to succeed that he had in spades. He demanded to be treated as a star before he was one. His talent and ambition made people react in very different ways, but it wasn't an unpleasant thing.

As the rest of us would wear jeans and trench coats, he was the fur-and-satin man and all the moves and poses he had with Queen, were already there with Ibex, he never imitated anybody, Freddie was Freddie from day one, he was entirely his own creation and a culture shock. He worked extremely hard to be something worth to look at and to listen to. He only had one pair of boots, one t-shirt, one pair of trousers, one belt and one jacket. Still he remained immaculate. We had some gigs in Bolton which were very significant to the band. While we were getting ready, Freddie had been backcombing his long hair to make it stand out more and twitching himself in the mirror for ages. I eventually yelled at him: 'For God's sake, stop messing with your hair, Freddie!', to which he responded: 'But I'm a star, dear boy!'. There is not a lot you can say to that. In many ways, you felt Freddie almost wasn't real.”

“I don’t think Freddie developed,” reckons John ‘Tupp’ Taylor. “The first day he stood in front of that crowd, he had it all going. It seemed as if he’d been practicing for years to be ready. We’d only ever sang together as mates before that. We’d never done anything by way of trying it out. He was going to be in the band and everyone was happy with that. Once Freddie was in, we changed in loads of different directions. We began to play ‘Jailhouse Rock’, for a start! I think that was the first thing we did with him on stage.”

Back in London, a revitalised Ibex began to make plans. “Freddie and the band very quickly became inseparable,” remembers Ken Testi. “They were spending large parts of their time together, working out a new set which included different covers and some original stuff.”

Mike Bersin: “Freddie was the most musical of all of us. He was trained on the piano, and he could write on the black notes. He said ‘We’re never going to get anywhere playing all this three-chord blues crap, we’ll have to write some songs.’ A couple of things came out of it, but they’ve all vanished now. I can’t imagine they would be very satisfactory anyway – largely because he was working with me, and my understanding of music was incredibly rudimentary. We used to argue about whether we should put in key changes. I’d say ‘What do you want a key change for?’ And he’d say that it made a song more interesting, it gave it a lift. I’d think ‘Why has he got this thing about gratuitous key changes?’ The idea of changing the key of a song just because it made it more interesting to listen to was really alien to me.That said, Geoff Higgins remembers at least one decent Bulsara-Bersin tune: “ They did a great song called ‘Lover; the lyrics used to go, ‘Lover, you never believe me’ and Fred later turned it into ‘Liar, you never believe me’ It was almost the same tune, but not quite. In fact, it was similar to ‘Communication Breakdown’, they used to rip off Led Zeppelin a lot.”

That said, Geoff Higgins remembers at least one decent Bulsara-Bersin tune: “ They did a great song called ‘Lover; the lyrics used to go, ‘Lover, you never believe me’ and Fred later turned it into ‘Liar, you never believe me’ It was almost the same tune, but not quite. In fact, it was similar to ‘Communication Breakdown’, they used to rip off Led Zeppelin a lot.”

Before they knew it, however, the summer was over and it was September. Mike Bersin returned to Liverpool to begin his pre-diploma years at the local art college, at what is now John Moores University. With nothing better to celebrate than the new term, the pre-dip freshers threw a party, and who better to provide the entertainment than Mike’s band, Ibex? Subsequently Ibex’s third and final gig took place on 9th September 1969 at the Sink Club in Liverpool, a former soul-blue hang out in the basement of the Rumbling Tum – a place Ken Testi remembers as a “pretty dodgy, post beatnik café”.

...Geoff has a further revelation, which called to mind Paul McCartney’s presence in the audience at the first-ever recording of John Lennon with the Quarry Men back in 1957. “Smile were in Liverpool that night… playing another club, possibly the Green Door. And because we were at the Sink, they came down to see us.” The rest of the story is almost too good to be true. Brimming with encouragement for their flamboyant friend Brian May and Roger Taylor wasted no time in joining Freddie on stage (or as near as they could get.) They probably bashed out a few Smile numbers and this occasion marked the first time the three of them played together in front of an audience. “We virtually had Queen in there,” remarks Ken Testi, “although of course we didn’t know it then.” However, here’s the sting: although Geoff Higgins’ tape recorder was still only yards away at the time, the tape ran out before the three musicians had the chance to play a note together.

Wreckage

Sometime between 9th September and the end of October 1969, probably while Freddie was staying with Geoff Higgins in Liverpool, [flat above Dovedale Towers, Penny Lane], Ibex underwent a mini upheaval – at Freddie’s instigation. “I recall him canvassing the idea of calling the band Wreckage, but nobody was enthusiastic,” reveals Mike Bersin. “Then he phoned me one night and said, ‘the others don’t mind. How do you feel?’ I said. ‘If they agree then fine’. So, we went along to the next rehearsal and all the gear had been sprayed ‘Wreckage’. When I spoke to the others about it, Freddie had phoned them all up and had the same conversation”.

The name-change went hand-in-hand with the departure of drummer Mike ‘Miffer’ Smith as Freddie documented in a letter to Celine Daley. Dated 26th October the letter bears the address 40, Ferry Road, Barnes SW13 – another flat rented that summer by members of Ibex, Smile and various associates.

‘Miffer’ is not with us anymore,” wrote Freddie, “cause the bastard just got up and left one morning saying he was going to be a milkman back in Widnes. (he meant it too).” He goes on to boast that Roger and he go ‘poncing and ultrablagging just about everywhere,” which led to the pair “being termed as a couple of queens.” Interestingly, this word doesn’t seem to imply any of its more modern connotations. There was another term for that, as Ibex’s former drummer was well aware. “Miffer, the sod,” wrote Freddie, “went and told everyone down here that I had seriously turned into a fully-fledged queer.”

“You can see he was exploring the concept there, can’t you?” interjects Mike Bersin, “to see how many people felt about it and how comfortable he was with it. He was always very camp, but when I knew him, he was living with Mary Austin, and I certainly knew at least one other girlfriend he knew at the time. So, he was kind of straight then, but if he hadn’t come out of the closet, he was certainly looking through the keyhole.”

Crucially, as far as Queen’s pre-history is concerned, Freddie pinpoints the date when Ibex became Wreckage: “Our first booking as Wreckage is on Friday, 31st October at Ealing College,” he wrote. He also names Richard Thompson, the former drummer in Brian May’s 1984, as Miffer’s replacement.

“I’d known Freddie for years,” Richard recalls. “I first met him in 1966. I used to go round his house to listen to Beatles records. Then we’d go and watch Smile play, before he joined Ibex. I knew all of Ibex’s songs, as I’d watch them perform, so there was no point auditioning anyone else.”

With Wreckage’s first (and Freddie’s forth) concert appearance just five days away, the band set about rehearsing a new set. “Mike came down today,” wrote Freddie to Celine, “for a five-hour live marathon practise. Richard collapsed halfway through and I’ve really gone and lost my voice (no kidding). It hurts just to breathe. Hope I’m OK for this Friday, ‘cause I’m going to out-ponce everybody in sight. (it shall be easy.)” Freddie ended the letter with this hitherto unpublished information: “We’ve written a few new numbers: 1) ‘Green’; 2) ‘Without You’, 3) ‘Blag-a-blues’, 4) ‘Cancer on My Mind’ (originally called ‘Priestess’.)

“Freddie always had very unusual titles at that stage.” Recalls Mike Bersin. “I can’t remember what ‘Green’ was about. It might be the one with the intro which went, E, A, D, G, D, A, E, A, D, G, D, A in guitar chords”. As neither Ibex nor Wreckage went within striking distance of a recording studio, none of these songs was ever recorded officially. Miraculously, however one of them has survived – and it’s the one that stuck in Mike Bersin’s mind, ‘Green’.

...“We also played somewhere in Richmond, at a rugby club,” recalls John Taylor. “A friend of Brian May’s arranged it, and Brian came along. He thought our image was ‘savage’. He thought we were really good. ‘Oh Savage’ he said.”

#ibex #ibex band #wreckage #wreckage band #freddie mercury #smile #smile band #roger taylor #brian may

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multimetaverse · 4 years ago

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Jamie Johnson 5x08 Review

Tonight was one of the best, if not the best, Jamie Johnson eps so far. Dillon faced some of his toughest obstacles yet in his coming out journey and we got some sweet Delliot moments. Let’s dig in!

This British kids soccer show continues to make history. We saw some very nuanced and mature discussions between Dillon and Elliot about being gay and coming out; how often on tv do two gay kids actually discuss their sexualities? Elliot gave Dillon some great advice and perhaps more importantly told Dillon that he was in fact brave and a winner on and off the pitch

You’d have to be daft to deny that Dillon and Elliot have crushes on each other after this ep. Seeing both Dillon and Elliot trying their best to look nice before meeting up with each other was cute and their handhold at the pitch was very sweet. Lots of soft smiles and longing glances and we even got a hug before Elliot left

Laquarn has confirmed that he’s not in any more S5 eps and doesn’t know if he’s back for the yet to be filmed S6. I can only hope he’ll come back. It would be a waste of great chemistry and an engaging character if Elliot was just meant to help Dillon with his sexuality before passing the torch to Ruby. He clearly left the door open for a future reunion when he told Dillon to call him when he was ready. Patrick confirmed in an interview today that he’ll be back for S6 and presumably Dillon will be playing for Foxborough or some other pro team. Being in a relationship would certainly be a good spur for Dillon to come out more publicly. And Elliot’s love of astronomy is a perfect set up for a date under the staahs

It’s true that the show has not really focused on ships in a big way; the most we’ve gotten was Boggy and Nancy and the low key Jack, Jamie, and Michelle triangle. But at the same time if Dillon can take Indira out and kiss Sienna then he should be able to date a boy he likes. It would be tragic if the closest Dillon gets to having a boyfriend or kissing a boy is Liam outing Dillon and claiming that Elliot was Dillon’s boyfriend and that he thought they were gonna kiss

And it’s a bit shady that Eric of all people is suddenly getting a female love interest out of nowhere. I just hope when the show eventually ends that it doesn’t turn out to be another Andi Mack where Cyrus was able to kiss a girl twice and go on dates with a girl and use the word girlfriend when none of that happened with a boy

Jamie Johnson really covered a lot tonight with Dillon. We had a very helpful run down of Dillon’s past with girls and the show carefully explains that Dillon never liked Sienna like that, he never wanted to kiss her, he never had a crush on anyone else like she thought, and he never liked Ruby as more than a friend (at least Duby shippers still have Alba and Liam for an Osborne-Simmonds ship). It wasn’t subtle but I think it was necessary to really drive home that Dillon is really gay and there’s no going back. And we got confirmation that Elliot was Dillon’s first crush, he’s obviously never beaten anyone up on this show and the way he phrases it makes clear that he’s never really thought about liking boys that way until very recently

And boy did this ep ever tackle homophobia. Graham Simmonds was seriously out of order this ep. He clearly didn’t want to believe Liam but Dillon using his aftershave already primed him to believe he was trying to impress someone, he just assumed it had been a girl. He really ran through the homophobe’s greatest hits collection: blaming Ruby’s gay parents, saying being gay was a choice, saying that being gay would end Dillon’s career, and disowning and kicking Dillon out for being gay. I suspect that quite a few of the parents watching JJ with their kids hold some of the same views or act the same way and this ep really holds up a mirror and reflects how ugly that kind of behaviour is. We also see Graham praising Dillon’s accomplishments and character right before Liam outs him which just exposes his hypocrisy even more. I do give the show credit for not shying away from Graham’s awfulness, it’s not going to be a quick change for him to suddenly accept Dillon and I’m excited to see his journey to atoning for his mistakes

Thankfully Mrs. Simmonds returned from her banishment to the shadow realm to tell Dillon she loved him and to tell him to return home. Shaun Duggan said he hoped this ep would be a lifeline for kids watching who may be living in homophobic homes (he also mentioned that CBBC rules don’t allow eps to allow on cliffhangers so he has to end an ep showing that the characters are at least physically okay)

It also challenges the audience, most of whom are probably young boys and men, as to whether they will suddenly stop liking Dillon just because he’s gay. It was a real gamble on the show’s part to have their fan favourite character and the effective second lead of the show come out as gay but it has the tremendous pay off of really making the audience question their assumptions and hopefully for some of them it will change their world views

Dillon and Elliot also discussed homophobia in sports. Dillon correctly notes that there aren’t any out players in the top professional teams. Shaun Duggan mentioned in a BBC interview that they like to bring on professional soccer players when they’re having the kids going through things but this time he wasn’t able to have anyone come on to help Dillon because there are no out players. So it falls to Jamie Johnson to basically create that reality themselves by telling Dillon’s story

Patrick Ward did a phenomenal job tonight and he really is the best of the kid actors. He’s mentioned in interviews that he did a lot of research by watching shows and movies with similar gay story lines. In particular his breakdown set to Behind Blue Eyes by the Who was very well done (and once again the show has great taste in music). And of course, Shaun Duggan did an amazing job writing this ep. He’s openly gay himself and that makes all the difference in bringing an authenticity and depth to this story line. On Andi Mack of the 5 textual gay eps only one, 3x11, was written by a gay man and not surprisingly that was the best written by far of those eps

We were 19 minutes into the ep before Jamie himself briefly showed up. And he was 5th in the credits tonight with Dillon and Elliot taking the number 1 and 2 spots. Actually this whole ep had a very small cast and only a few locations, it really helped focus this ep on Dillon. Having Dillon seek out Jamie is interesting in that they’ve been foils for each from the start. But also because it sends a message to have Jamie Johnson himself praise Dillon, it’s a way for the writers to speak directly to the audience through the title character

We’ll doubtless get some more development on Dillon’s story line in the rest of the season but they’ve done historic work so far. A lot of what we’ve seen so far: the depiction of homophobia, coming out to parents, and two gay kids discussing their sexualities has yet to happen anywhere on Disney. Hell this ep alone had more uses of the word gay than Disney has yet to have

I loved how extra the black and white boxing match cold open was. Not surprising that Dillon sees Mike as the supportive (and non homophobic) father figure he wishes Graham was

This was a big step backwards for Liam’s redemption arc tonight but at least at the end he didn’t seem to buying into his dad’s bullshit about them being the only men left in the house. Liam is by no means blameless but he’s also a victim of his dad’s emotional abuse and his pitting his sons against each other. That little meet up with Eric was interesting because they’re foils for each other in some ways and I’m curious to see what lies ahead for Liam and the U13 crew and for how Liam makes this up to Dillon

Looking Ahead:

Finally we get back to the real meat and potatoes of this show; online gaming! Looks like Mike is bored of gardening at the allotment and wants Jamie to get back into real soccer. We’ll see if Jamie makes into the online tournament

Again, not really sure why Eric suddenly needs Ayesha but we’re getting some Freddie anger over Eric choosing lasses over lads

Until next week Jamie Johnsoners

#Jamie Johnson #Delliot #Dillon Simmonds #Elliot #Ruby Osborne #Graham Simmonds #Liam Simmonds #Jamie Johnson Reviews

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korra-the-red-lion · 3 years ago

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Unnatural Affairs. Chapter 22: I’ve Got You

(Ally + Lyn + Michael)

Michael.

Ally always said that if a ghost ever knew what your true name was, it was a really bad thing. That’s why she insisted if we have to call each other during the banishment, that she was going to call me ‘Mike,’ a name I hated. However, I respected her caution when it came to these things and agreed to the horrible nickname.

Just now, when Kinkly bellowed our names, I felt my body seize up. My knees hit the floor with a painful thump. But before I laid down, my whole body started to convulse. I didn’t understand what was going on and it freaked me out. This whole experience has been one freaky thing after another, but I think this takes the cake.

Then, I noticed it. The amulets were glowing. Although it seemed like forever ago that she did it for us, but it must have been Katherine’s protection. With great effort, I turned my head to look over at her. The vein in her head was bulging out as I saw her mouth moving. Her nose was bleeding and when she caught me looking, she gave me a weak smirk.

“I told you it would protect you,” she said. “He’s a lot stronger than I thought though, so I need to stay focused.” She immediately when back to saying the spell words again.

I looked over at the other two to see how they were faring. Lyn’s whole body shook with effort as she forced herself to her feet. I’m not gonna lie, she looked absolutely terrifying right now. She was covered in grime and blood and the silver sword was equally as filthy. She reminded me of Kill Bill, but even bloodier. Ally looked exhausted but determined to finish this through. The daggers she was glaring at Kinkly were fierce. She also stood up, much to the killer’s surprise.

“How are you…ah.” His eyes narrowed when he noticed our protective necklaces. “So, you must be the cause of all this, then. I best get rid of you first, you stupid whore.”

My eyes widened as I shouted at Katherine to get away. Kinkly raised a lazy hand and the ground tore open beneath her. Katherine shrieked as she tried to get away from the skeletal hands that were grabbing at her. Ally tried to take a step forward, but her own leg got wrapped up in a rope of intestines. She screamed and stabbed at them with her knife, but it wasn’t making much of a difference as the tissues continued to regrow.

Lyn and I struggled against the gory restraints that held us in place. Lyn wildly hacked away with the sword, pieces of flesh and bones flying around. Finally, she got one of her legs free and tore the other one out with sheer power. Kinkly was laughing as he watched our struggle, which angered me. When Lyn grabbed me by the armpit, I cut away from my own prison as she pulled me out. But Kinkly had no intention of making this easy for us, as he made the ground open up like a mouth under our feet as well. I yelled as I felt something bite down on my legs.

“As much as I’m enjoying myself,” he said bored, “it’s time for you all to die.”

I wasn’t ready to die. I struggled and cried as I tried to get away from the floor that was eating me. I could hear the others crying and shouting as well. I felt guilty suddenly. My parents wouldn’t ever know what happened to their son. That was such a horrible thought. And Katherine, it’s my fault she’s even here. It’s my fault that she’s going to die. I shouldn’t have dragged her into this mess.

The floor shook violently suddenly. I was confused when I was shot out of the floor like a cannon. I screamed as I flew through the air and landed on one of the bone trees. My sudden weight and force caused the tree to collapse. I crashed to the floor with a sickening crunch. I cried out when I sat up, my arm broken. Lyn crashed beside me, the air leaving her lungs with an oomph! I didn’t see where the other two ended up.

“Michael,” Lyn gasped when she sat up. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head. “My arm…” I felt sick even thinking about, let alone look at it.

“Shit.” She crawled over to me. I had to try very hard to not recoil at the sight or stench of her. “Let me see it.”

She gently touched my arm, sending shockwaves of pain through my body. I winced with a moan as she grimly nodded. “It’s broken, but it doesn’t feel like a bad break. I’m not an expert though. Though,” she giggled a little hysterically, “we might not even be alive for much longer for it to even matter.”

The situation was not funny at all, but I felt my own laughter bubble to the surface. I giggled madly as I nodded, the tears rolling down my face. Lyn giggled one more time before she sobered up. She pulled me into a tight hug, her body shaking. I gave her a one arm hug back.

“You should stay here,” she mumbled into my ear. “Look for a way out of here.”

“I won’t leave you guys alone,” I said back. “I’m seeing this through to the end.”

Lyn pulled back with a lobsided smirk, only her eyes betraying her true fear. “Fine. Just be careful.”

I nodded determinedly.

She got to her feet with difficulty, her face pinched with pain. She helped me up and when we looked over to where the others were, something in my chest soared.

They had help.

XXX

Ally.

When the floor had spat us out like a food it didn’t like, I was really confused. Grateful, but confused. When we hit the floor several feet away, I heard Kinkly growl in frustration. I sat up, blinking out my stunned state.

“Oh my God…” I heard Katherine gasp beside me.

I reached around until I found my glasses. I shoved them back on my face quickly and an involuntary gasp burst through my lips. Standing in front of us was Dahlia, but she wasn’t alone.

I could see the slicked back greaser hair of David. Jamieson’s floppy hair was recognizable from behind. Amelia stood next to Dahlia, her twisted braid tossed over her shoulder. Fiona and Fredrik stood side by side. Dahlia looked over her shoulder and smiled at me.

“Hello, darling. Sorry that we didn’t get here earlier.”

Tears sprung to my eyes. “I- you’re okay! I thought something happened to you!”

Dahlia nodded. “Something did. Kinkly figured out I had been helping you out and he dragged me here. But these two lovely people,” she waved her hand at the Moore siblings, “found me and freed me from the prison I was trapped in. I gathered the rest of them because I felt like it was time for them to get their payback.”

She bent down and cupped my face in her hands. “I’m not going to let him hurt you anymore, Ally. You’ve done a great job, let us handle the rest.”

I nodded and sat back. My whole body was exhausted. All I wanted to do was lie down, close my eyes, and not wake up for a very long time. I watched as all the ghosts approached Kinkly, different levels of hatred radiating off them.

Kinkly looked furious as they came into his view. He growled at them, “Why are you all here? I wouldn’t be here if I were all of you. You know what I can do to you all!”

“We’re very aware, Robert,” said Amelia quietly. “You’ve had too much power over us for years now. But one brave young woman showed us differently. She showed us that you can do amazing things, even if you are afraid.”

“She came back to talk to me even after how I treated her, and she made an emotional connection with me,” Jamieson sneered at Kinkly. “Ally’s courage is stronger than your manipulation.”

Fiona grasped Fredrik’s hand tightly. “Ally came back to see me even after you made Freddy attack her. She came back after you forced me to attack her. Ally is the reason why we’re able to come back here now and tell you to fuck off.”

Kinkly laughed. “You are all so dramatic! I should have figured out a way to kill your souls so I wouldn’t have to listen to this dribble.”

Dahlia stepped forward, her mouth twisted into a vicious grin. “Robert, you may have destroyed their bodies, but you never going to be able to break their spirits. These people…they are so amazing. I’m lucky to have known them this long. My life may have become boring since my death, but the past 3 months has been pretty interesting.”

Tears were running hot down my face. I didn’t realize the impact I had on all these people, these departed souls. The ground rumbled as the walls shifted around us. Kinkly was transforming into his monstrous form. His teeth grew into these massive fangs. His fingernails grew into giant claws. I realized with dread that the monster that Fredrik was is what Kinkly was turning into, only much larger and more dangerous.

Lyn and Michael ran over to us. I felt a tingling in my body when I saw the angle of Michael’s arm. I shifted to my knees and hugged the two of them. Lyn’s eyes flickered over before she reached over, dragging Katherine into the hug. She made a strange noise in the back of her throat when she did, but she didn’t pull away from the embrace.

“Are you okay?” Lyn asked, her grimy hand hovering over my face.

I took it anyway, my own hands pretty gross themselves. “I think so. Are you two okay?”

“Michael’s arm is broken,” Lyn’s eyes flickered around as she took everything in, looking panicked. “I’m pretty sure I’m okay. How about you?” she asked, her gaze falling on Katherine.

Katherine looked even more exhausted than me. There were dark circles under her eyes and there was a trail of blood from her nose all the way down to her chin. Sweaty hair was plastered on her forehead. At some point, her hearing aid was lost. She nodded slowly. “Just magical backlash,” she said, her voice a bit louder than usual.

Lyn nodded as she looked over at the ghosts who were fighting Kinkly. Her brows were furrowed as a flurry of emotions rushed over her face. “Are they going to be okay?”

“I hope so,” I said softly. “They’re doing this because of me.”

“How do we get out of here?” Michael asked, his voice strained with pain.

“I-I don’t know.”

We all jumped when we heard Kinkly bellow out in rage. The giant shadow monster smashed his hand into David’s chest, tossing the ghost across the world. Amelia shrieked as she was being crushed by his other hand. It looked like they were losing, and panic shot through me like an electric shock. I went to stand but my legs refused to listen to me.

“They need help!” I cried. Why wouldn’t my body listen to me?

“What can we do?” Michael asked, looking around.

Lyn looked between us. I could tell she was thinking of something because her expression turned stony. I squeezed her hand to draw her attention, and when she looked at me, I saw the determination in her eyes.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“Something really fucking stupid,” she smirked at me. “You guys are really wearing off on me, sheesh.”

“Lyn-”

She kissed my forehead before pushing herself to her feet. I didn’t notice that she had grabbed the sword again. I reached for her arm when I realized what she was about to do. She stepped back, her eyes shining wetly. She shook her head at me and pulled the amulet off. She ran over to where the ghosts were and said something to Dahlia. Kinkly smashed his arm into Fredrik, causing the young boy to fall to the ground. Dahlia glanced at me before nodding at Lyn. She disappeared and I saw Lyn curl into herself briefly before standing tall.

XXX

Lyn.

It was a weird feeling.

I was aware of what was happening, but the actions weren’t my own. It was like I was watching a movie or something.

Kinkly was standing in front of me. I could feel my own fear and Dahlia’s as we faced the beast. The sword was held high as I felt energy coursing off my arms onto the blade. I raced over and ducked under his swinging arm, slicing a huge gash into his leg. Kinkly howled in pain as he kicked out. I danced out of the way and swung upwards, cutting his hand open. Blood sprayed out, covering me and the floor.

“You stupid child. You didn’t need to get involved,” he said to me, his eyes glowing like lamp lights.

My lips quirked upwards. “I didn’t, you’re right. But I couldn’t stand by and let you do this any longer, Robert.” The voice was mine, but the words weren’t.

I scrambled to the left when Kinkly launched himself forward, trying to take a chunk out of me with his teeth. I could hear Ally and Michael screaming at me, and I knew I needed to get into the zone. I focused on the fight, on keeping myself alive. The sounds disappeared all around me as I ducked under Kinkly’s legs and slashed his belly downwards. Blood splashed all over me, making my grip on the sword slippery.

I stumbled back when a pair of hands steadied me. I glanced back and Dahlia recognized this one as David. I nodded in thanks as he smiled at me. Half his face was missing, and his brains were exposed. I felt sick looking at him, but I had to focus.

Kinkly pressed a hand against the wound on his stomach. I don’t know what the weird glowing energy was that Dahlia was exuding on the sword, but it seemed to be hurting him badly. Her voice whispered in my head, “Lyn, darling. He’s starting to weaken. As soon as he is weak enough, his hold on this place will go away and you’ll be able to escape. Make sure you take the chance as soon as it presents itself, okay?”

Okay.

The other ghosts came to stand next to me. They put their hands on my back and I felt the energy filling me up. The exhaustion I felt before is now gone, my muscles twitching. I ran forward and yelled loudly as Kinkly’s claws brushed by my face. I ignored the pain and slashed the sword through his leg. He collapsed on his right side as his bottom leg fell to the floor with a wet plop. Kinkly roared as he tried to catch himself. I jabbed the sword into his gut and tore it upwards. Dahlia was viciously attacking him while he was weakened.

Suddenly the floor opened up again, but this time the hands grabbed at Kinkly. He screamed as he realized what was happening. “NO, NO! I CAN’T GO BACK THERE. STOP!!”

I stepped away, my jaw opened in horror from what I was seeing. Dahlia’s confusion was mixing in with my fear. Then the other ghosts slowly approached him, helping the hands drag him down into the floor. His screaming became more frantic and panicked as he got dragged down. Dahlia separated from my body, causing me to stumble forward in sudden exhaustion.

“You need to get away from here, now!” I was taken aback by how similar she looked to my dad. She shook me to get my attention and then shoved me towards the others. “Quickly, Lyndsey!”

I felt my legs moving on their own as I ran over to where they were. I wasn’t sure if it was fear or adrenaline that was driving me, but whatever it was, I felt like I needed more of it. My legs felt like concreate blocks were glued to my feet.

“Dahlia says we need to get out of here!” I explained as I hoisted Ally to her feet.

“Lyn, Jesus, are you okay?!” She gripped my arms tightly.

The whole place shook ferociously, causing us all to stumble around. “We don’t have time to talk!” I grabbed her hand, looking for an exit. There was another big shake, pieces of bones falling to the ground. Michael pointed with his good arm and shouted.

“It’s over there!”

Katherine led the charge as we raced to the opening. It looked like a tear in reality or something. It reminded me of something you would see superhero movie or something like that. I spared a backwards look to see that Kinkly’s head was the only thing remaining. He was screaming loudly as blood gurgled out of his mouth. There was a horrible sound of bones cracking in multiple places.

Quickly we all ran through the strange opening. A light blinded me as we passed through. I could hear the sounds of screaming all around us, could hear the sounds of people dying. Hands were grabbing at us, trying to drag us back. Katherine stabbed a hand that had grabbed a hold of Michael’s non-broken arm, making it very hard for him to get away. But just as quickly as the torture started, it ended.

The blistering cold air hit my face, and I fell to my knees in blissful relief.

XXX

Ally.

I fell face first in the snow.

My chest was heaving from everything. We were out, and we were alive. I looked up at Lyn, who was covered in so much blood that it was hard to tell what was her blood and what wasn’t. I looked over at Michael, who was kneeling in the snow, babying his arm. He caught my eye and give me a tiny thumbs up. Katherine looked tired but mostly unharmed. She pushed her hair out of her face and fell back into a pile of snow.

“I told you it was going to be dangerous,” she muttered darkly.

I laughed, though it sounded a little manic to my ears. “Yeah, I guess you did.”

Lyn fell back to lay beside me. She ran a bloody hand through her bloody hair. “And good fucking thing I told you to wear pants, eh?”

“Whatever,” I chuckled. There was pieces of flesh and bone shard on my pants, and blood splatters.

Michael sat down and dropped his head into his knees. “I can’t believe that happened. I can’t believe we survived.”

“Don’t fucking mess with the Spook Searchers!” Lyn lifted her hand in the air.

I nodded weakly. My whole body felt like I got ran over by a truck or something worse. I just wanted to curl up and die. All that was supposed to happen tonight was getting rid of Fredrik, but instead we got rid of Kinkly. It was just unthinkable, but it happened.

“You guys need to see a doctor,” said Katherine tiredly.

“No kidding,” said Lyn sarcastically.

Katherine rolled her eyes. “Let me finish, asshole. But there’s no way you can explain all this. We’ll have to get cleaned up first.”

I turned so I was facing her. “Where do you suggest we do that?” Katherine shrugged.

There was a sucking sound that drew my attention. I tilted my head back and saw all the others walking though the same tear that we came from. They smiled when they saw me. I used Lyn to pull myself up so I could face them.

Dahlia knelt in front of her, her eyes shining with pride. She wrapped her arms around me, even though she was no longer physical. “You figured it out, Ally. You did such a wonderful job.”

I nodded, feeling a little numb. “Thank you,” I mumbled out, my words feeling clunky off my lips.

Jamieson ran a hand through my hair. Amelia gave me a hug as well. Fiona and Fredrik both kissed my cheeks. David tipped his head at me.

“What happens to you guys?” I asked, my face warm from all the attention.

“We can finally rest,” said Amelia, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“That’s good,” I bowed my head into my chest. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

I lifted it slightly to watch them all pass through a different opening. It looked lighter, happier. I waved to them as they all walked into it, finally able to leave this place that had anchored them here for so long. I felt my eyes sting as tears welled up in them, but they never fell. I felt Lyn take my hand into hers, and Michael squeezed my shoulder.

Dahlia watched them leave, her expression hard to read. Once the opening had closed, she turned back to me and smiled. I smiled back, even though I could feel my heartbeat stuttering a little. An anxiety attack was building as things started flashing through my mind.

“Good job, darling. You deserve a rest.”

“I know,” I croaked. “What happened to him? To Kinkly?”

Dahlia’s expression got dark as she glanced away. When she looked back at me, she looked thoughtful. “Robert is gone, forever. What he said to you, about killing the others so he could live. That is something dark, something that no one should ever work with. The deal he struck was that he would feed the demon that he sold his soul too, otherwise his soul would be taken. He was going to kill just before exams, but you caught him in time.”

I raked my free hand through my hair. It was a lot to take in but at least it was over. I took a shuddering breath and nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Dahlia. I-I just need to rest now.”

“Take all the rest you need,” she smiled at me. “I’m sure we’ll talk again.”

She disappeared from view, but I knew she wasn’t too far. I took in my friends and felt grateful that we were all mostly okay. Now, to find a shower.

XXX

I was getting really used to the smell of the hospital.

We sat in the waiting room as Michael got his arm casted. Turns out I sprained both my ankles when I was trying to get away from the gore trap, so I had ACE wraps on them both. Lyn was mostly fine, just needed her hands wrapped and a bandage for her face. The nurse ensured it was shallow enough that it wasn’t going to scar, which made her sag in relief. Katherine sat with us too, even though we said she could go home if she wanted to. She had a bandage wrapped around her fingers and hands, but otherwise she was fine.

Lyn had brought me down before my anxiety got out of control. I was glad she did because I didn’t want to spend a night here. When they asked us what happened, Lyn said that we got into a car accident. Except there was no car we could use as proof. They didn’t ask to see the vehicle though.

I leaned my head on Lyn’s arm, and she trailed her fingers down my arm comfortably. The hum of the overhead lights was making me feel drowsy.

“If you told me this was how this term was gonna end, I would have thought you were pulling my chain,” said Lyn suddenly, her voice cutting through the silence. I glanced up at her, curious.

“But, in some super fucked way, I…it was good for me.” She paused, her look far away. “It really made me realize some stuff about myself. I’m glad that I met you and Michael. It was something that helped me grow as a person.”

I nodded, putting my hand on top of hers. “I’m glad I met you two too. I was so worried that it was going to be like high school all over again, and that you guys would just think I was the freaky girl. You really got me to open up and I’m glad that I’m learning to be okay with myself.”

Lyn gave me a lopsided smile, avoided the injured side. She bent down and kissed me deeply. I kissed back and cupped her cheek. I ran my thumb over her cheek as I pulled away. I was about to kiss her again when I heard Katherine snort beside us. My cheeks turned red as I sunk back down in my chair and Lyn’s ears turned bright red as she looked away embarrassedly.

“Sorry,” she said sheepishly, her face flushed as well. “I just…never mind.”

The three of us sat in awkward silence.

After a few agonizing minutes, I cleared my throat and turned in my chair slightly, so I was facing Katherine. She glanced up from her phone to show me she was listening.

“So, I guess you’re kinda like an honourary member of the team now,” I said with a grin. “Unless you want to be a full-time member. But there’s a bunch of paperwork to fill out.” I shot Lyn a look when she snorted loudly.

Katherine stared at me with wide eyes before she shook her in disbelief. “No offence, Ally, but tonight sucked,” she laughed. She stopped and looked thoughtful, tucking a strand a hair behind her ear. “Though…you guys are kind of fun to hang around. I’ll think about it,” she said with a small smile.

“Here I am!” said Michael cheerfully as the nurse walked out with him. He grinned as he held up his casted arm, the plaster a cheerful blue colour. “They said the colours were for the kids, but I ain’t basic.”

The nurse glanced at all of us with concern. “I really do think you should all stay overnight for observation if you got into a car accident.”

I looked down at my busted ankles, looked at Lyn’s and Katherine’s hands, and Michael’s arm. I smiled up at the nurse with the slightest shake of my head. “I know we look rough, but I think we’ll be okay. Thank you, though.”

The nurse looked like she didn’t agree with that, but she didn’t argue. Lyn pushed my wheelchair out to the front door and helped me get into the back of Talia’s car, who graciously drove us here. I squeezed in the back with Lyn and Michael. Katherine slipped into the front seat next to her mom and she drove us back to our dorms.

It was so dark when we got back onto campus. Katherine got out of the car and gave us all quick hugs to say bye. When we hugged, I felt that weird feeling that I couldn’t place again. I looked at her quizzically and she stared back flatly. Maybe it was just my imagination. She wished us luck on our exams and hopped back into the car. We waved to her and Talia as they disappeared into the night. Michael and Lyn both helped me walk as we headed to Michael’s residence.

Once we got there, Michael told us to wait a second before he ran inside. He came back a minute later with a big grin and a black permanent marker. I signed his cast with ‘Nancy Mars: Ghost Whisperer’ and my actual name. Lyn rolled her eyes when she saw but I could see the amusement in her eyes as she signed both her names as well.

We wished Michael goodnight and Lyn helped me hobble all the way back to my res. I wondered if Sarah would question my outfit change and wrapped ankles. I sighed when the building came into focus. I was ready for my bed.

“Therapy is going to be really fun for all of us,” said Lyn as she helped me inside.

“I’ve been going for awhile now,” I remarked, “but never in a group format.”

Lyn’s lip quirked upwards. “Well, I’ve gone like, twice, and it’s not fun. But yeah, going with you two crazy people? I’m sure it will be a riot.”

“Maybe they’ll give us a discount when we tell them we stopped a murderer.”

Lyn shook her head. “Not sure how we’re going to sell that one, since he died on us, you know?”

The memory flashed through my head, and I shuddered. “I’m not going to forget that anytime soon.”

Lyn nodded silently as we approached my door. I craned my head up to kiss her, but Lyn lifted me up instead. I wrapped my legs around her waist as she kissed me. It was only after a few minutes I noticed that her face was wet. I broke the kiss off with concern and saw that she was crying.

“What’s wrong?” I asked softly.

She pressed her forehead against mine. “I was so scared. I was so, so, scared that we were going to die,” she choked out. “I kept it together while we were there because I had to, Ally. I-I just felt like that was going to be where I d-d-died and no one was going to know.” She openly sobbed now as she fell to her knees, her grip tight on me. I cried with her, understanding the emotions she was feeling. We just held on to each other and cried.

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