#I’m just a silly little guy who’s enamored by the horrors

[geodetojoy]

SEAHORSE I LOVE SEAHORSES THATS SO COOLLL

(Also ty for the tag :DDDDD)

Fuck yeah bro I had a feeling when I got the vibe of a lot of my answers but I’m still so happy about it angler fish are so interesting

Np tag!!!! @eowynarchives

FISH QUIZZZZ!!! FISH QUIZZZ!!!! TAKE IT!!! special request from my friend avery shoutout avery <3 it's right up my alley anyways... im so jellyfish coded !!

quiz made: june 2024

[wrenhyperfixates]

Cafés, Croissants, and Captured Hearts

Pairing: Loki x reader Summary: When Loki stumbles into your café, he is completely enamored with you, but will he be able to conquer his fears and move towards hope and happiness? Warnings: long and fluffy A/N: This is inspired by some of the headcanons from this list by @thelokiimaginechronicles

Disclaimer: Picture not mine

Loki will never forget that fateful morning when he stumbled upon your café. The intense summer sun and accompanying smell of hot garbage made him desperate for a haven away from the bustling city. Sure, he could have stayed in the Tower for breakfast, but the constant presence of the Avengers weighed heavily on him. Even now that he was accepted, relatively anyway, he was often the brunt of the jokes at the table. Thor had assured him that the teasing was just a Midgardian form of endearment, but it irked Loki to no end. And that’s how he ended up in front of a little Paris-themed café on the corner of a New York street.

He stood staring at it for a good moment, fully aware this might be one of the little gems that few knew about. That would mean the few people stopping for breakfast or morning coffee would be sure to take note of him. This is exactly why he opted to frequent larger chains and restaurants where it was easier to blend in. On the other hand, maybe it would be just empty enough that he could stand the few hateful glares sent his way. Whatever happened, it would surely be better than the stares he was getting from being stopped too long. For a city full of people so busy with going about their own tasks, everyone sure was nosy.  

Hesitantly pushing open the glass door, Loki entered and was immediately hit with the delicious aroma of pastries right out of the oven and freshly ground coffee. Then his eyes locked with yours, which, he thought, were perhaps the most intelligent, kind, and radiant ones he’d ever seen. The few other patrons littering the numerous tables paid him little mind, more interested in their phones and the morning news playing on the television. He cringed slightly, thinking of how, not too long ago, they would have been looking with terror at his face on the screens. It made him even more thankful that they had indeed not cared about one more body in the room.

You, however, were an entirely different story. You had yet to look away from him and had obvious interest displayed on your face. It made sense, he supposed, as you obviously worked here. It was your job to care about the customers. There was nothing more to it, he reassured himself. As he approached the counter where you were, he held his breath, waiting for recognition to dawn on your face, and for you to yell at him to get out. Or worse still, cower in fear. A younger version of himself would have preferred the latter, but now it made him feel disgusting. Anger he could deal with, but the fact that someone feared a person as pitiful and worthless as he thought himself, only served to make him more anxious.

Your face remained unchanged as he approached, though. If anything, your smile got brighter, which was a novel thing for someone like Loki. He just chalked it up to good customer service. Desperate to avoid looking at you, lest you finally figure out who he was, Loki looked down at the glass case displaying all the baked goods. He was so nervous that he almost walked out, but the growl in his stomach kept his feet rooted where they were.

“What can I get you, sir?” you said.

Your melodic voice brought Loki’s gaze back to your face. Standing this close to you, Loki realized that it wasn’t just your eyes. No. All of you was beautiful. He felt his heart beat faster in his chest, but did his best to convince himself it was just nerves brought about by the unfamiliar setting. It was silly, he knew, that a god as powerful as himself should act like this. Sure, he put on a good act, but deep down he was ashamed of what he’d done. He thought it futile to care what others thought when he would only ever be viewed as a monster, but he couldn’t help the feeling that he was embarrassing himself in front of you. Heck, he hadn’t even answered your question yet. And he realized he was staring at you. You seemed to get nervous then and started fidgeting while waiting for his reply.

“I’m uncertain. What would you recommend?”

He internally cheered for making a coherent statement. Then curiosity captured him as he saw excitement spark behind your eyes.

“Well, if you’re interested in coffee, I peg you for a dark roast hazelnut kind of guy. And our bestseller is without a doubt the blueberry crumb donut.” You paused a moment as if weighing your chances before continuing, “But if you’re in the mood for something exciting, I suggest trying our fig and raspberry croissants.”

Loki was shocked to hear the last recommendation leave your mouth. It was as if you somehow knew what his favorite fruits were. You must have misread the look on his face, though, because you started rambling about how he, in no way, had to go with that and almost recited your whole menu before he interrupted you.

“No,” he said somewhat harshly, causing you to shut your mouth. He made sure to speak in a gentler tone as he continued, “What I mean is, I would love to try one.”

The bright smile immediately returned to your face. Though he was more of a tea person, he ordered the coffee you had recommended, too, in the hopes your grin would get even wider. You quickly made up his order and then busied yourself with something else as he sat down. You did your best to not look at him as he unwrapped the flaky pastry, but he noticed the glances you kept stealing. A most curious creature, he thought as he bit into it. His eyes immediately closed in pure bliss. It was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted. Somehow, it was even better than the delicacies on Asgard. When his eyes popped open, you were no longer trying to avert your gaze but, rather, were staring at him with wide-eyes.

Before either of you could say anything, another customer came in. Loki finished eating while you prepared their order. The croissant was flaky, but not to the point where it completely fell apart in his hands. The combination of the figs and raspberries in the filling created a sweet sensation with a subtle, underlying tartness. Not to mention the light glaze on top that tasted like heaven on your tongue. In other words, it was perfect.

He was still sipping on his coffee when you finished serving the customer, only for another to walk in. The cup was nearly empty now, but for some reason Loki stayed where he was. He tried to reason it out. It was simply that he didn’t much like coffee but didn’t want to seem rude by leaving some. Thus, it was only natural that he stayed and finished the whole thing. Yes, that must still be the reason why he was still sitting there. It had nothing to do with the fact that your eyes had pulled him in and had yet to let go, despite the fact that they were no longer looking his way.

Soon, the café emptied as the early morning rush ended, leaving the god alone with you. He’d almost convinced himself it was silly to stay when you walked up to him.

“Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“No. But there is something I simply must tell you,” he said, gesturing at the seat across from him.

You sat down, curiosity clear on all your features. He didn’t know what exactly it was about you that made him feel so weak in the knees. A book he’d read a while ago came to mind. The two characters set eyes upon each other and instantly fell in love. However, Loki wasn’t one to believe in love at first sight. But attraction? Perhaps.

“That croissant you recommended,” he said as apprehension filled your eyes, “was delicious beyond what words can describe.”

Once again, you smiled at his words. It seemed to Loki that, sometime in the past twenty minutes, it became his goal to keep that smile on your face.

“Really?” you gasped. “See, it was a recipe of my own invention, and I hadn’t gotten anyone to try it. Sorry that I used you as a guinea pig, though.”

Loki giggled at that. An honest to goodness giggle from the God of Mischief. He couldn’t help but wonder what spell you’d cast that bewitched him so.

“It’s quite alright. In fact, you used two of my favorite fruits. They’re right up there with pears.”

“You don’t say. Maybe I could convince you to try my spiced pear muffins sometime.”

After that, the two of you got to talking. And of course that led to you bringing more original recipes for Loki to try. From macarons to biscuits to pies, everything you brought him was delicious. And Loki enjoyed your company even more than eating the baked goods. When the thought finally occurred to you to introduce yourself, Loki knew he had to do the same. So, at the risk of ruining this haven he found, he gave you his name. Your eyes widened for a second in recognition, but not in horror as he expected.

“You mean, you’re the Loki of Asgard? As in, like, I’m sitting with an Avenger right now?” you asked with a shocked tone.

It was true, he supposed, that he was an Avenger. No one ever really referred to him as such, but he technically was a member of the team. He tried to tell you that, no, he wasn’t really a superhero or anything, but you insisted. You said that you saw on the news how he was protecting a group of children while the team was fighting some villain or another. It was a comforting thought to him that the producers hadn’t cut that out completely. A spark of hope ignited in his chest that maybe one day the rest of the world would notice his heroic actions, too. He felt it odd that this mortal before him could give him such a positive outlook for the future.

There were times when you had to get up and tend to the customers that wandered in and out throughout the day. You were by no means the most popular place in town, but you did well enough. Loki took the time while you were distracted to survey the rest of the café and, when you weren’t looking, you. At some point his eyes rested on a framed picture of a small child with an old lady.

“That’s me with my grand-mère when I was younger,” you suddenly said, coming up behind him.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to stare.”

“Don’t be sorry,” you laughed. “After all, I have it out for everyone to see.”

“Well, it’s a lovely photo.”

You hummed in content for a second, obviously thinking back to when the picture was taken. “She passed away recently,” you finally said. “She lived her whole life in France—Paris, to be exact. Actually, the café is named after her. It’d be nice to open one in her home city one day. This may be stupid, but I think I’d feel closer to her. That’s not exactly in my budget right now, though. And you probably didn’t want to hear all that,” you finished with a nervous laugh.

“On the contrary, I’d like to know more.”

And so, you told Loki about anything and everything in between. And when you were done, you insisted it was his turn. He agreed to your requests, so long as he got to try some more of your food. He also admitted to you that he preferred tea and would love to try one of your blends. You obliged, seeing as you needed a second opinion on some of the recipes.

At some point, the sugar from all the sweets got to Loki, so you fetched some fresh fruit for him. Remembering that he liked raspberries, you grabbed a bowl and brought it out. As he ate and told you tales of Asgard, you felt your eyes drift toward his lips, stained red from the berries. Cheesy as it may be, you gently wiped away some juice from around his mouth. There was something magnetic between the two of you in that moment. He brought his hand to rest upon yours, which was still lightly placed on his cheek. Loki felt himself leaning closer to your lips, feeling your gaze on his own. But since life isn’t a fairytale, in the moments before you met in a kiss, a customer walked in. You hurriedly stood up to help them, almost knocking over your chair in the process.

By the time you returned to Loki again, he’d realized how late it had gotten. He’d spent the whole day in your company. And, for the first time in a long time, he’d enjoyed himself. Glancing at his phone, he saw countless texts from the Avengers demanding to know where he was since he was still on probation, so to speak. At least his brother’s messages had a hint of concern to them.

“I’m afraid, my dear, that I must take my leave.”

“Oh, yeah. Of course. It was really nice meeting you.”

You looked as if you wanted to say something else but, in the end, decided better of it. He, too, had more words he wished to say, but didn’t know how to properly express them.

Back at the Tower, Loki indulged in Midgardian wine. Frustratingly, he never could get drunk off it, but it helped take the edge off. And right now his mind was a tornado of thoughts. Thoughts of you. Your hair. Your smile. Your voice. Your eyes. Oh god, your eyes. Never again would he see something as beautiful as you. In that moment, he made up his mind; he had to see you again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Loki prepared to visit your café once more. He put even more effort than normal into his appearance. It had occurred to Loki sometime last night that he had feelings for you. Somehow, in the short amount of time that he knew you, you had captured his heart. A weakness, he knew, but now that he’d admitted it, he couldn’t let you go. That meant he’d have to figure out the Midgardian way of courting. A question for his brother, he supposed. Luckily, he ran into said person on his way to the elevator.

“Greetings, brother,” Thor’s voice boomed as they stepped in. “Joining us this morning for breakfast, I see.”

“Actually no, I’m not.”

“Listen, if it were up to me, you could go out. You’ve more than proven yourself,” he said, thinking back to the times when Loki had saved his life on missions. “It’s just that the others aren’t as convinced.”

“Well, quite frankly, I don’t care. I want scones,” he lied, “so I’m going to have some. I don’t suppose you’ll be serving scones at this breakfast, now will you?”

“Well, no. But rest assured, Bruce’s frittata is delicious.”

“Did I say I wanted a frittata? No, no, I did not. I’m craving scones, so scones I will have.”

“But-”

“Scones, you idiot!” Loki snapped, losing his cool demeanor.

Of course, it was at that moment the elevator doors opened, so that the rest of the team could hear his outburst. Loki sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He grabbed Thor by the arm and pulled him aside, where he begrudgingly told him the truth. Thor was ecstatic and let Loki go, assuring him that he’d cover for him. Before they parted, he offered Loki the most typical advice of “be yourself”. It made Loki want to gag.

Soon enough, he found himself back in front of the little corner of heaven that is your café. He paced back and forth while running a hand through his hair. Maybe it was presumptuous of him to think you’d want to see him again. What if he’d read the signs wrong? What if you were already seeing someone else? What if he was about to make a fool of himself? He wanted to run away. Loki was no coward, though, so he stepped into the warm dining room, looking a lot more confident than he felt.

The second your eyes locked on his, you broke out into that smile he loved so much. You greeted him like an old friend as a warmth spread through his usually cold body. Without him asking you to, you presented him with another croissant, this time with a pear and honey tea instead of coffee. You shyly looked away as a smile of his own graced his face. This was his chance. All he had to do was ask you out. Simple.

“(Y/n), I just wanted to say,” he began but trailed off, the words stuck in his throat.

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For the tea. I’m surprised you remembered.”

“Oh, sure. It was no problem. Just let me know if you need anything else. But don’t go expecting free samples every day.”

You laughed then, drawing his eyes to your lips. He remembered yesterday and how you’d almost kissed. Still, he couldn’t muster the courage to say what he truly wanted to. Once he finished eating, he contemplated spending the day with you again but didn’t think he could stand to keep failing at asking you out. He waved goodbye to you and walked to the door, when suddenly your voice called out to him from across the room, stopping him in his tracks.

“Loki?” you said. “Do you maybe want to go get a drink or something?”

“That, my dear,” he replied, “would be the best treat of all.”

You two shared another warm smile and made arrangements before he left. As he made his way back to the Tower, he was elated and couldn’t believe his good fortune. Maybe life was a fairytale, after all.

[sunshinejihyun]

Enamored || Lucien

Author’s Note: So! This is my first time writing for Lucien, and I’m only on chapter 11 of the game so I apologize if he seems out of character for him later in the game, this is just how I find him right now.

Summary: Lucien finds love in a place he never expected: the orphanage he volunteered at

Warnings: Brief mentions of familial death, mutual pining, kinda a slow burn?

Word Count: 2568

Masterlist

On your 15th birthday, your present from the world was your parents passing in a terrible accident, leaving you to live on your own. Not too long after your family left you, you got taken in by an orphanage with a kind man as an owner who raised you as he would his own child. Now, at age 22, you were doing all you could to give back to the man who helped raise you, that included continuing to live at the orphanage and donating all your extra time to giving love and attention to all the wonderful children living there now.

As you groaned from being awoken by a soft kick to your stomach, you shoved your head into the thin mattress you were sharing with a child who had taken a particular liking to you. Peony was a sweet little girl with a kind smile, but she was a restless sleeper and you always ended with various bruises from her knocking into you during the night. Taking a deep breath, you rolled out of the bed, going over to the window that overlooked the large gate that kept all of the intruders who wanted to exploit the children out. As long as you remembered, you were completely intrigued with the volunteers who showed up early in the morning on weekends and spent their time reading, teaching, or just talking to the children. Every morning that there were volunteers there, you would wake up early as well and watch as the first group of early rising children ran out to greet the people they’d grown fond of, an endearing grin adorning your face.

This morning was different though; there was a new man in line. His clothes were cleanly pressed and his calculating eyes had a smile within them that you could see from far away. You watched as he bent down in front of a little boy and said something, a soft smile on his face, before the boy jumped up and shouted before throwing his chubby arms around the tall man in a tight hug.

Anxiety bubbled in your chest as the door to the sleeping area slammed open causing you to startle and you turned away from the window, grabbing a book and trying to make yourself look busy. “Is it possible you can start waking up the rest of the kids? They’re going to be sad if they miss visiting hours today..” One of the workers grabbed a broom from the corner of the room and smiled at you as you nodded your head. “Thanks, we’ve set aside some breakfast for you in the kitchen.”

When the worker left the room, you hurriedly went around and tried to wake them up so you could catch another glimpse of the new volunteer who looked so out of place in this environment. And when you did peek out of the window, you swore that the man was looking back at you.

The glances went on for days. Every weekend he would show up bright and early, and you would watch out the window as he greeted the kids before following them inside a room. By then, you also knew that it wasn’t just your imagination. The dark haired man was looking for you -  at you -  and watching, and that brought a flutter to your heart. You knew nothing about this person; you only knew his name from the children who came back chattering excitedly about the newest science experiment he taught them.

When the weather’s a little nicer, everyone would welcome opening a window or two and maybe then you could catch some of the soft words he spoke, but only if he was close enough to a window for the wind to pick up the sound and carry it to you. Until then, you just had to watch and wonder.

The owner of the orphanage silently watched as you curiously snuck around the orphanage, trying to catch a glimpse of the man who intrigued you so and he couldn’t help but smile as he whispered in that man’s ear that there was someone inside that day, looking for someone to help make lunch to feed the children.

You also watched the owner in horror as he whispered in Lucien’s ear before he made eye contact with you through the window, nodded, and started making his way towards the entrance near where you were currently located.

“The owner said you needed some help with lunch today?” His voice came out softer than you’d heard before and your heartbeat sped up. Lucien, noting your flushed cheeks, raised his eyebrows at you before gesturing in the general way to the kitchen.

As you chopped the apples for the children, Lucien started making the sandwiches and you both made idle conversation. You learned that he was a scientist who gave lectures and was researching a top secret project. You told him about how you got taken in here at the orphanage when you had no one and now you wanted to stay and help, to pay back the owner for the years he helped raise you. The conversation never died, it was never awkward with Lucien. One thing you’d say would lead him into talking about something else and vice versa. It was easy with him.

Before you knew it, you'd both worked your way through all the meals for the children and had no reason to continue chatting in the kitchen, so Lucien left to go back to his lab, but not before leaving without your phone number, so he can receive updates on the kids while he’s away, of course.

Late one night a few weeks later, you were awoken by your phone ringing, and you quickly grabbed it to silence it before it could wake the sleeping children. Peony only had just fallen asleep and you’d curse the person on the other end if they were the reason for her awakening.

“Hello?” Your voice came out in a soft whisper and the person on the other end laughed. You knew that laugh anywhere.

“I’m in a bit of a debacle and was wondering if you would be willing to help me out?” Lucien, the always cool and composed Lucien, sounded a bit panicked on the other end.

“Anything,” you responded before facepalming. You always seemed to make a fool of yourself when it came to Lucien and you only wished he didn’t think of you as someone who was silly and immature. “How can I help?”

“I’m actually outside the gates. Any way you can let me in and we can talk face to face?” Without responding, you threw back the covers on your legs and slipped your shoes on before quietly making your way out to where Lucien was waiting.

Sure enough, there he was, looking as dark and handsome as ever and you were thankful it was dark enough outside so he wouldn’t be able to see the flush across your cheeks and neck when you approached. “Are you okay?”

Lucien sighed and as you studied his face closer in the moonlight, you noticed the dark purples under his eyes, only barely concealed by the dark rimmed glasses he was wearing. “I’ve suddenly ran into trouble and can no longer stay at my apartment.” Glancing down at you, his mouth quirked into a small smile. “Do you think you guys have room for one more orphan for a few days? Just until I get back on my feet?”

“I’m sure we can make that work.” You replied before quietly leading the professor inside.

Lucien didn’t sleep at night and you woke up earlier than the rest of the kids in the orphanage, that much you two had figured out quickly. Once Lucien arrived, you had managed to swap beds with a few kids to get two beds next to each other so you both could stay up talking into the early morning. Peony was still right next to you, of course. Between hushed whispers in the early morning, you managed to learn a lot about him and vise versa.

Lucien told you about his hopes and dreams, to become a world renowned scientist and how all he wanted to do was research to make the world a better place. Lucien told you that he had plans to make his way around the world eventually and start a new life in a new place where he could research their lifestyle and help people in need.

What he didn’t tell you was that Lucien noticed every time you would sneak a glance out the window and your face would fall. He knew you didn’t want to stay in the orphanage forever, but felt obligated to the owner. He didn’t bring it up for the first few days but after he felt more comfortable with you, his curiosity got the best of him.

“If you could do anything with your life, what would it be?” Lucien asked, his voice coming out slurred and his arm extended towards you and goosebumps rose up your arm as his long fingers brushed against your shoulder. He had closed his eyes for a few minutes after he asked you, soft snores pouring out, and when he awoke again, you weren’t next to him; you were perched on the low window, looking out longingly. You opened your mouth to protest his questioning glance and he quieted you with a look that could command an entire room. “Don’t try to tell me you’re not looking for something, I’ve seen that wistful look across your face everytime you look out that window.”

You sighed, looking out the window once more before hopping down and crawling in the covers next to Peony before turning to face Lucien. “There’s just something about the outside. From the day I saw you, I was intrigued. Just a glance at you could send my mind racing and think of the possible life I could have led. And sometimes, it feels like that life is looking for me too.”

“What do you mean?” Lucien’s eyebrows were furrowed and you grabbed his hand and held it as close to you as you could..

“I don’t know how to explain,” you replied and you shut your eyes, moving closer to Peony for warmth. Lucien had so many questions, that much was obvious. But he knew you didn’t sleep much, so he dropped them for now, before turning over and hugging himself, his eyes closing as well.

A few weeks after your conversation with Lucien, you decided it was time to go off on your own, ready to live the life you longed for. The one that laid dormant until you met someone who made you want to live.

“Where are you going to go?”

You smiled softly, adjusting Lucien’s jacket so you didn’t have to make eye contact with him. “I’ll be around. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime.”

Lucien gently grabbed your hands, forcing you to look back up at him. “I’m thinking about trying to find a new place to go, a place where I can do the type of research I want without being watched all the time. It’s not a life of luxury but....” He trailed off and you could almost hear him finish his sentence. It’s not much, but it’s better than being by yourself. Lucien twisted his mouth into a teasing smile. “I know my life is better with you around.”

And with that sentence, you found yourself agreeing before you could even think to stop yourself. You wanted to go with Lucien, continue to help people as much as possible and just be free enough to live the life you’ve only read about in books. You’d miss the children and the owner of the orphanage, of course, but you could always visit. Come back to tell stories of your adventures with Mr. Lucien. So with one last goodbye to the place you called home, you grasped Lucien’s hand and began on your new adventure together.

Three months after you left the orphanage, you couldn’t be happier. You made quick friends with the new children in the place that you and Lucien ended up in and ended up taunting them much like an older sibling would. Lucien would watch as he worked with a fond smile and every time you felt his eyes on you, you gazed back before you shared an intimate smile with the other.

Everyone who knew you also knew about your crush on the dark haired man. All the women whose children you watched as they worked liked to sit you down and beg you to ‘just tell him, MC.’ But things were going good the way they were, you and Lucien were friends and you were happy with your new lifestyle, you didn’t want to ruin that by saying something he might find stupid.

There was a quiet air about your professor one day after you two finished work for the day, walking silently back to your shared apartment. “Lucien, are you okay?”

Lucien nodded his head and you sent him a disbelieving look. “I think so. I just, uh. Some of the ladies pulled me aside today.”

Your heartbeat picked up and your mouth went dry. “Really,”

Lucien grabbed your hand, intertwining your fingers. After months of knowing him, that soft touch could still turn your knees to jelly. “They told me something,” you looked at him, encouraging him to continue. “It was about you. They told me you have, y’know, a crush on me.”

You dropped your hand from his. Taking a deep breath, you looked him in his violet eyes and felt a slight bit calmer. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want you to find out. It’s just like I watched you for a while and was intrigued and then when we became friends it just grew into more of a crush and-”

Lucien cut you off by putting a hand over your mouth. “Can you let me finish please?” When you nodded, he dropped his arm and grabbed your hands again. “I’m glad they told me. Do you know why?” You shook your head no and Lucien smiled at you. “Ask me why.”

You sighed, just wanting to get this over with so that you could go home and hide in your bedroom forever. “Why are you glad they told you?”

Without responding, Lucien leaned in and before pressing a chaste kiss to your lips, he looked at you for visual confirmation that it was okay. Once you nodded, his slightly chapped lips met yours and before you could even relish in the taste of him, he pulled away. “It’s because I like you too.”

You felt a smile tug on your lips and Lucien’s mouth was almost mirroring yours. “Well that’s an interesting development.”

“I know a good word for how I felt the first time I saw you from the window.” Lucien said and then leaned in to kiss you once more. “Ask me what it is.”

“What was the word, Lucien?” You two probably looked like fools, standing in the middle of the street, both your hands joined with wide smiles that neither of you could wipe off your faces.

“Enamored,” Lucien responded, bringing your right hand up to his lips and kissing the top of it. “Being filled with complete love for something.”

[ocsxinxpurgatory]

Best Foot Forward (Introductory Drabble)

Series: Wynonna Earp

Disclaimer: Elaine, Roy, Dirk, and Sampson are mine as is the plot and everything else is borrowed in this work of fan-made fiction off of which no money is made. 

Setting: Season 1 Compliant

Pairing: None

Rating: G

On the heels of a relationship gone sour, Elaine Walker isn’t expecting much moving through one town to the next. Purgatory is not supposed to be any different. However, she finds herself more enamored than she likes when a bike shop owner gives her a chance...

*~*~*~*

Best Foot Forward

The town being named Purgatory seemed as much a joke as she was at this point or Elaine had just passed too tired to be amused or entertained. Pulling into an open space by the hotel she can only hope that there would be a room. At this point and with how things were she’s not exactly hopeful.

Stepping for the desk, she’s met with a half-asleep receptionist who nearly jumps at her approach and stares like they’re not actually sure what they’re seeing. “Um...hello! Little late isn’t it?”

“Sorry for the early intrusion,” she responds, “Was passing through and decided I needed somewhere to sleep before I tried any further. Is there a room?”

“Well, yes, of course there is. I just...You should be careful around the outskirts of town a little thing like you. Coyotes are numerous in this part and they can be dangerous.”

She blinks slowly. “Coyotes?”

“Mmhmm. Lots of them. Mostly at night if you’re not careful. So just, you know, be careful.”

As Elaine gives her information and gets the room key, she isn’t sure why she feels like it was the wrong word to be used though she can’t quite figure what else the male might mean.

Deciding she was reading way too much into things considering her exhausted state, she’s glad to be in the small room. The decor is rustic; a tribute to it’s western roots no doubt but it’s not the worst thing she’d seen. Setting her suitcase down, she slumps onto the bed. “It’s just for a day or two,” she mumbles, “Then I’ll figure this out. That’s it. Just a day or two.”

One or two days quickly becomes a lot longer as she explores Purgatory and finds that the rustic charm holds a strange sort of welcome for her. And it soothes the parts of her that had led her to needing out of the city she was born in. A help-wanted sign catches her attention at a bike shop and desires she’d long learned to push to the side flare in her. Couldn’t hurt to ask now could it? They were probably looking for someone more qualified, someone more...masculine. But she was knowledgeable and she was not about to be talked down to. Not ever again.

It’s with this in mind that she steps into the shop letting her shoulders tighten in determination as she strolls to the counter. The man behind it straightens on her approach before greeting, “Afternoon, miss, what can I do for ya?”

“You have a sign on the door. What are you looking for exactly?” she asks without preamble meeting his gaze evenly.

His lips curve upwards at the edges. “Need someone knowledgeable ‘bout bikes and putting them together. Also with makin’ deliveries to clients.”

“Is there an application?”

There is now a definite grin on the male’s face but it’s not the usual one of condescension she’s been used to up until now. “Not an application as it goes. More like a test run. You feel up to showin’ what you can do?”

“Absolutely.”

It doesn’t take an hour before she’s given a job offer and something in her shifts into place. “Thank you,” she tells him after signing the last form.

“Ain’t nothin’ to thank me for. Job should be done by someone capable of it. And you, little lady, are capable as hell. I’d be an idiot not to hire you. Just a few precautions though; one of our biggest clients is also half owner of this place. He owns a few businesses here and there in Purgatory so we tend to stay on his good side; man by the name of Bobo Del Rey. So long as his deliveries are on time and his boys are allowed free reign to come and go and work here everything is fine.”

“So keep the boss happy, huh?”

“Something like that.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard. I can watch myself around men.”

“Ain’t even gonna be that much of an issue there. They won’t care too much so long as you are capable and I have no doubts that you are. And if they do then Dirk or Sampson will get them under control. Those two head up one of the biker groups in town. And one does not mess with either of them if they know what’s good for them.”

“Okay, so just work around them. Gotcha. I can do that. But really, Roy, thanks for this opportunity. I really appreciate it.”

“Somehow, I think you’re gonna be the one needin’ the thankin’, little lady.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

It’s a week before she meets any of them. Walking in, she hears, “So, you hired a woman? Like you seriously…”

She watches Roy gaze at her before his lips curve and without missing a beat calls, “Afternoon, Elaine!”

“Afternoon,” she greets as she makes her way to the register, “Anything special on the agenda?”

“Oh, you know just a couple of idiots who decided to go off-roading and nearly killed themselves.”

“Ouch, someone should save the bikes from them if they’re going to be that awful.”

“Won’t lie, that’s a thought. Oh, by the way, Elaine, this is one of Del Rey’s boys. He was just leaving.”

Elaine watches the male still and look at her boss before something seems to register and he gives a rueful smile before responding, “I really didn’t mean anything by it, Roy. It’s just…”

“It’s just my shop and my rules. You want to sound like an idiot, you can do it elsewhere. You know exactly what Dirk would have said to you if…”

Elaine watches the look of horror that appears and finds it actually comical. “Please, oh god, please don’t tell him about this!”

She hides a grin as she clocks in. She’d liked Roy when he’d given her a chance, more now that he was defending her. Instead of saying anything, she just walks around the male heading for a bike she was finishing up on and resuming the work letting Roy finish the conversation. It’s not long before she hears, “That won’t happen again, I can promise you that.”

“The way he responded when you mentioned Dirk was like you were siccing Satan himself on the guy.”

“Oh no,” Roy chuckles, “That would be if I threatened to tell Del Rey but Dirk’s a scary second where they’re concerned.”

“Will I ever get a chance to meet this Dirk?”

Roy chuckles. “Oh, just you wait and you will. Him and Sampson. I, for one, cannot wait for that meeting.”

As she finishes the last few items needing to be adjusted on the current project, Elaine finds herself extremely curious for that as well. Her gaze shifts to the bikes against the wall looking like they’d been through a ringer. “How long do we have for those?”

“Oh, as long as it takes. Folks of the two who owned that are of the mind that the longer it takes the better the lesson the idiot teenagers will learn.”

“Of course it would be idiot kids,” she snorts.

“Well, at least they were wearing the proper gear so their trip to the hospital was probably short. But yeah, they can wait a few days so no rush on them.”

A moment later, the bell chimes and they both turn to see a new pair walk in. Roy chuckles as he gives them his attention. “Well, speak of the demons, I suppose. Elaine, I’d like to introduce you to Dirk and Sampson Shepherd. Dirk, Sampson, this is Elaine Walker. She’s my newest hire. So if any of the idiots come back grumpy about having nothin’ to do it’s ‘cause they’re being stupid.”

Elaine gazes at the pair who are giving her their attention instead of Roy and she’s sure it’s because they’re familiar with him. She gives a small smile before slowly rising wiping her hands on the smock she was wearing. “Pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”

“And you,” comes the easy reply, “I’m Dirk. This is Sampson. He doesn’t take much until he gets to know you. Welcome to Purgatory, by the way, since I have a feeling you’re new to town.”

“Sort of stumbled here and decided not to leave,” she admits, “There’s...something of a charm here that I like. Not sure exactly what that charm is but it’s there. Though, I’m getting a little concerned about how often I’m warned about coyotes.”

She’s surprised by the deep, amused laugh that earns from Sampson as he gazes avidly in a different direction and Dirk rolls his eyes at him before offering, “It’s something everyone is told when they come here. Tends to keep people from doing stupid things at night and getting into trouble.”

“See, I thought that might be it but…” She is quiet for a moment, “The word seemed wrong to me. Like they meant something else but…Never mind, I’m sure I’m being silly. It was just...strange to me.”

“Purgatory is one of those places where you’ll find that strangeness is our normal,” Roy remarks.

“I mean with a name like that, I would imagine so, I suppose,” she murmurs, “Anyway, pleasure to meet you both.”

“And you,” Dirk responds with a grin before he pokes the male beside him who still seems to be very amused, “And I am sure Sampson, here, agrees.”

“Of course,” comes the low rumbled response as he slowly gazes at her, eyes intense, “But do take care of yourself, little miss.”

“That’s the game plan.”

[thequlturecritic]

QULTURE’S TOP 20 SERIES OF 2018

20.  BUSY TONIGHT

You guys! Good energy is, like, totally in right now. And it’s never going away. You may know her from Freaks and Geeks, but I know her from Cougar Town as CC’s fun-loving, super-supportive sidekick. When you watch Busy Phillips on her cheeky, positive-vibes only E! talk show, a sense of “we’re all in this together” and “being kind to one another” is definitely a recipe for demolishing disaster. Remember how major Chelsea’s career became because of what so many probably considered a silly little talk show… well. I’m not a fortune teller or anything, but I could totally see Ms. Phillips taking over the universe. I want to be one of her minions. Cheers to another leading lady of late night! 

19. THE VOICE

I’ve always been anti-reality competition shows when it comes to singing, only because I’m a total snob when it comes to what I subject my ears to. My musical tastes are versed and varied, but I still am pretty picky about who I let in to my drums, mostly because I need it to stimulate an eargasm and coincide with my life’s soundtrack. When American Idol launched, I definitely was enamored with Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals, but I still kept the close mind that an artist is discovered naturally, not “created” by producers with the backdrop and illusion that AMERICA gets to vote and pick the winner. Ah, who knows, maybe they do… I would just never take the time out to vote. HOWEVER. When I found out Kelly was going to be a judge on The Voice, which is a whole separate animal than Idol, I was shitting my pants with glee, because she really is such a goddamn force of fucking nature. Her spirit is overwhelmingly angelic and I simply love everything about watching her. Last season’s competition was magical, at least for me, perhaps because it was the first time I really got to experience the message and place the show has in the universe. It really is inspiring and lovely to see how much these artists themselves care for the teams they build and the individuals they want to see grow – regardless of whether or not it leads to fame. Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson’s dynamic was really something special that inspired me in so many ways.

18. COMEDIANS IN CARS GETTING COFFEE

I love nothing more than a loose format, sans makeup, realistic conversation between famous people. Talk shows rock and all, but there’s something to be said for two people we all know and (often) admire, getting together and doing something that, ya know, regular people do! Like… go out to breakfast. I was never a fan of the Seinfeld sitcom, mostly because when it was popular it was kinda over my head and nothing that interested me. I’d probably be more inclined to watch and enjoy it now because of how much Veep has made me adore Julia-Louis Dreyfus and now much Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix series about him… getting coffee… with comedians… has made me adore his admiration for vintage cars, honesty in humanity and one of the most important things we all seem to forget sometimes – which is to LAUGH! We live in such politically charged times, and while I get how important it is to talk about the very things we were always brainwashed to believe were impolite to talk about, we also need to be able to make jokes and not be so sensitive about everything. Ya heard?

17. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

Oh how I love me some Tyra, but it seems the future is all about Ashley Graham. Yet again – another fucking beautiful superhuman. I am really starting to hate that people even think of someone as “plus size”, but hey, it’s the world we live in. All I see when I look at her is someone with a whole lot of personality, gorgeous features and a personality that you’d be crazy to not gravitate toward. She is living proof that good vibes, energy and kindness (in the fashion industry?! How dare you!) go a long way. Tyra and Co. are doing such a bang-up job sending young women empowering messages about feeling safe in their own skin by infusing all shapes, sizes, colors and archetypes. This cycle was full of hilarious moments and was totally unpredictable. Despite her Trump-loving, Republican ways and complaining about being transformed into a “fire-crotch”, I was rooting for Liberty, Rio and Jeana to compete in the Top 3. That certainly evolved as the season went on, mainly because Jeana’s insecurities were getting the best of her (she had alopecia and they convinced her to be the alien-like, bald beauty – which she looked 10X better as vs. wearing wigs) and Rio had the most off-putting temper tantrum that had me and my bestie Carlee yelling at the the TV, “Who da fuck you think you talkin’ to?!” as if we were speaking for Tyra. Be humble, girls! Beauty ain’t just skin deep. At the end of the day, I loved seeing Kyla take the crown, because her activism, big heart and growth really was something special at the end of the day. Keep up the good work! I want 1000 more cycles.

16. SWEETBITTER

Starz’s adaptation of the best-selling novel by Stephanie Danler is short, but bittersweet. Ella Purnell is a breakout star, headlining the cast of unknowns who are all as equally as fantastic. I think that’s one of my favorite things about it (Caitlin Fitzgerald, in particular, who definitely has that thing) – how naturally gifted the entire cast is. Purnell stars as Tess, an All-American girl from bumfuck who makes her way to New York City to chase the dream, even if she has no idea what it is yet. Any of you who have worked in the service industry as a waiter or waitress will appreciate the authenticity of how intimidating, grueling and chaotic the industry can be… but how much fun it can be once your shift is over.

15. MANIAC

What is Netflix’s limited, vivid, disturbing, funny, emotional rollercoaster about? My brain is exploding from trying to analyze. Typically, in each episode, I get so lost in the perfection that is Emma Stone, I’m completely enthralled by how inspiring it is to watch one of our most exceptional young talents only seem to get better and better. It’s also always a pleasant surprise to see someone like Jonah Hill continue to prove himself as truly versatile. Remember when these two were just getting into stoner cinema and taking over the shelves at Blockbuster, during their Superbad days? Justin Theroux, plus. Sally Field, super-plus. Julia Garner (also of Ozark), a star on the rise! It might make you feel a little crazy while watching, but hey, we all go a little mad sometimes.

14. SHARP OBJECTS

Gillian Flynn’s book to big screen success with Gone Girl made a lot of us anxious to see what would be translated next. Following the trend of mini-series, binge-worthy greatness and big stars coming to the “small” screen, HBO announced Amy Adams would star in Sharp Objects, a dark, sultry murder mystery set in the swampy south that co-stars the amazing Patricia Clarkson – one of my absolute favorite actors. I’ll never forget when I “discovered” her, in Lisa Cholodenko’s High Art, one of my all-time faves. There’s a similar hypnotism with the limited series which also features a deliciously naked Chris Messina, and, of course, the direction of the man I’d say is pretty much cinematic perfection these days – Jean Marc Valee. If you have not yet seen Dallas Buyers Club, and another all-time favorite of mine, Wild, you are missing out. I’m assuming you have watched all of Big Little Lies once or twice, and can’t wait for season two next year. Neither can I. These are the people doing AWESOME awesome things in Hollywood.

13. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALYPSE

So, I’m always back and forth with AHS. I always love how visually stunning it is, but some seasons either lack substance or are literally just too fucking freaky for me to engage. I can not even set my eyes on Freak Show, thought Cults was too gory and scattered (although fresh off of the Trump presidency was a possible prediction of the future if we don’t all get our shit together) and definitely didn’t even give that Roanoke one a chance. The first two seasons rocked, and Gaga slayed in Hotel, but being that I love witches (Hocus Pocus, Witches of Eastwick) I have to say Coven is my favorite season. I love every Farmiga in life, Precious’ Gaborey Sidibe always makes me laugh and Emma Roberts is a rock star. How gorgeous?! She’s also such a little asshole in the best way. She’s someone I can picture punching me in the face, and I’d invite her to. Apocalypse is the best infusion of boy/girl magic and the ultimate comradery casting wise – as what could make for a perfect finale for the series ties all of Ryan Murphy’s brilliance together. That’s just my opinion – because I think a great series needs to know when to wrap it up, but these days everything is all about milking everything to the last drop, so… idk.

12. THE CONNERS

Roseanne returning was definitely the best of the best in reboot land, until her big mouth got her fired from ABC and launched The Conners, which features the entire cast minus a dead mother. I still respect her as an artist and will always love when TV wasn’t so linked to the Twitterverse, but these days I guess everyone really does have to be super careful about the shit they say – especially when we should know better that racism isn’t cool. It’s such an odd thing, because Roseanne was always so controversial, brave with their material, and was one of the first shows to have an out lesbian comedian/actress and character (the great Sandra Bernhard)… so… idk. That Sarah Gilbert though… she’s somethin’ special.

11. THE GOOD PLACE

Kristen Bell!!!!!!! That’s all. Ok, well, that’s not all… because Ted Danson is equally as amazing. Who wouldn’t love someone married to a dame like Mary Steenburgen?! I’ve been a fan of his since Three Men (and a Little Lady!). The diversity, quick wit, modern spin on the classic sitcom and concept behind this hit NBC series reminds us of why the network is always killing it when it comes to delivering quality, quantity and maintaining its colorful edge. I’m surprised I didn’t get into this show when it premiered, as season 4 approaches and the Globes, and surely the Emmy’s now are getting into recognizing genius when they see it. This show is filled with all the good feels! Maybe Heaven really is a place on Earth.

10. WILL & GRACE

When the reboot of W&G first returned to NBC, I was a bit underwhelmed by some of the writing. It seemed forced and a bit insecure – but it just took a few episodes for them to really get back in the swing of things and season 2 of the return is really on point. Debra Messing is better than ever (congrats on a Globe nomination!), as are Eric, Megan and Sean Hayes – who I’ve always greatly admired because of, what I like to consider his “big break” – the film, Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss. Growing up gay, Will and Grace was a trailblazing, extremely important and relevant show to so many of us because there wasn’t much of that on TV. But I’ll always remember that adorable indie of Sean’s. He should make more movies! I love him in Pieces of April too!

9. I LOVE YOU AMERICA: with SARAH SILVERMAN

Sarah has always been my absolute favorite comedian. Jesus is Magic is probably one of the most brilliant stand-up comedy feature films I’ve ever seen (are there many of those) combining music, comedy, political satire, sexually inappropriate and explicit linguistics… nothing is off limits. From jokes about AIDS, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Holocaust, to her dead grandmother’s rape to pussy jokes about child lesbians she’s related to. On her new Hulu series, Silverman takes a tour of the great country we live in, United States of A, talking to Trump supporters, men and women of all colors, shapes and sizes and makes an honest, unbiased, non-judgmental effort to deliver an intellectual perspective on all things current and heated in the minds of many. I love her condescending approach, ability to keep her cool, remain true to herself and do something important with her career. It’s a humbled and divine dose of reality that I think we all need, as at the end of the day she’s basically trying to unite us and get people to understand that despite our differences, respect and kindness can truly inspire change.

8. POSE

First of all – watch Paris is Burning, if you’ve never seen it.

I remember when I worked for the super cool East-coast indie video chain, TLA Video, it was one of the most popular rentals in our Gay and Lesbian section, as it should be. It’s a classic documentary that captures the heart, sole and strut of African American LGBTQ culture during the AIDS epidemic, when being a queen and going to the balls would begin to define what FIERCE meant for a generation. (Play: Azealia Banks, Fierce). It’s one of RuPaul’s favorite movies and certainly inspiration for Ryan Murphy’s vivid and heartfelt FX series starring Evan Peters, James Van Der Beek, Kate Mara and a wonderful assortment of newcomers including the fetch, fierce, versatile and gorgeous MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson and (MY FAVE) Indya Moore.

7. CAMPING

Ever since 13 Going on 30, I’ve known Jennifer Garner was a unicorn. She has that innate ability to charm, impress and entertain us with charisma and natural comedic talent. When it comes to the American adaptation of the Brit series Camping, developed for HBO (in part with Girls’ master Lena Dunham), the team surely arranged the most perfect blend of talent for both behind and in front of the camera. Garner brings the most complicated and hilarious nuances to her character and proves she is more than capable of leading a most diverse and perfectly perfect blend of talent.

6. OZARK

Janet McTeer!! OMG! This woman is amazing and really the force that makes the sophomore season of the hit Netflix drug smuggling/money laundering/gangsta livin’ series all the more bombastic. Sure, Jason Bateman continues to be awesome in every way, but the women on the latest season (even the creepy old meth lady who wants a baby at 99) really slay and own the show, keeping us on the edges of our seats and beyond impressed with how hard anyone with a vagina is proving that they are taking over the world these days. As if we needed more reasons to be obsessed with Laura Linney – she takes her character to new heights, getting more screen time and really being thrust into a more evolved dynamic – sort of how Robin Wright does on House of Cards. As though the audience was more drawn to the female than the male lead the series was built around. But Janet McTeer?! Holy fuck, Janet McTeer. She’ll make your skin crawl and keep you up at night… binge-watching.

5. THE AFFAIR

Showtime’s scandalous, suspenseful and intricate portrait of love, marriage and infidelity has been one of my must-see series since its debut. The entire cast is pure magic, especially the four leads – Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. I’m constantly lobbying for Tierney, who continues to blow my mind with everything from those perfect, pouty lips to the way she can make my heart melt with a single tear. Last season, the twists and turns were so unexpected – something so refreshing these days when it comes to storytelling – that none of us could’ve ever seen coming what we now have to go into season five knowing (and grieving with, in my case). This is one of of those shows that stands tall from start to finish, and continues to inspire the way character and perspective is conveyed, as well as how we process it ourselves as an audience. I’ve always been fascinated by the same story being told through different goggles – kind of like in The Rules of Attraction, or Go. I can’t wait to see how this show wraps up, as I am pretty certain we move into the final act, which in itself is always a great quality for a series to know when to wrap it up.

4. HERE & NOW

Alan Ball, oh how I love thee. In the evidence of his brilliance, my affection toward Ball’s beautiful writing and ability to conduct such a beautiful cinematic symphony began with Six Feet Under, as it did most. If ever there were a perfect start to finish series… Rare is the artistic bird who can take such a celebrated drama and weave the social and political issues into a horror series – which is what he did with the addictive True Blood, a show that I would find myself equally hypnotized and aroused by. Ball’s latest gem is yet again a celebration of why we love HBO, his observant mind and heart, and ability to recognize genius when he sees it, in regard to casting. The always wonderful Holly Hunter and Tim Robbins headline a cast of brave, beautiful talents – including the tiny miracle that is the birth-child of Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, Sosie, who is one of my favorite actors/characters in this captivating new drama that celebrates all the feels of our current reality. It’s a mixed blend of understanding the human condition and how people of all walks relate to one another while truggling with matters of the heart and psychological warfare.

3. RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE

For ten seasons now, Queen of Drag, RuPaul Charles has been taking her dynasty and giving it a royal upgrade every season with eye-popping elements that consistently allow this groundbreaking competition series to be one of queer and pop culture’s most celebrated. From the guest judges (Season X premiered with a Farrah Moan-esque Christina Aguilera dolled up for all the queens to gag over, which they did – myself included) to Michelle Visage’s dazzling eyewear collection to the costumes to the casting and the challenges – which get more and more innovative – Rupaul’s Drag Race has become a small empire that has the promise to spinning into so many different types of series and assure celebrity drag careers are a thing of the future, now more than ever. I loved the queens this season, especially my future husband Kameron Michaels (beautiful inside and out, boy or girl) and the well-deserved winner Aquaria. This was the second season in a row for me (I haven’t seen a lot of the previous seasons) where Ru got it absolutely perfect. I’m also a huge fan of Vice’s The Trixie and Katya Show which you should get into as well!

2. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL

All of the hype surrounding the Golden Globe & Emmy winning Amazon Prime series starring the incomparable Rachel Brosnahan as Mrs. Maisel, is the type of perfection that isn’t all-talk. Everything you’ve heard about this hilarious gem of a binge-worthy comedy is true: the costumes, the production design, the brilliant performances, directing and top-notch writing is on trend with celebrating everything we love about women in the world right now, and the time capsule reminds us of how far everyone has come marching to the beat of optimism and fighting for equality. I’m so happy the great Alex Borstein has been honored and been receiving praise for her work, and rightfully so, as she steals scenes from the great Maisel herself in the latest season. It’s truly one of the best watches out there, so get into it!

1. SCHITT’S CREEK

What started out as a little Canadian sitcom from a then unknown Pop TV, has since become a pop culture phenomenon and one of the small screen’s most celebrated, quoted and adored comedies out there. In Season four, we continue to follow the Rose’s on their journey of personal growth, going from riches to rags in a small bumfuck town where they clearly stick out like a redneck tooth fairy for plenty of good reasons. We already knew Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy were totes brilliant, but every season I grow more and more enamored with how crazy talented Dan Levy & Annie Murphy are. Their nuances, the way the arcs of their characters have evolved… it’s like their learning from two comic legends and its working for them every step of the way. This is truly already an iconic, feel good show that is spreading such messages of love and beauty throughout society. Loves it!

[dong-hyucks]

tranquility. | bang chan

➳ genre.  fluff ➳ word count.  1.8k (it’s really short, i’m sorry) ➳ author’s note.  i loved writing this because i love bang chan. and also the request was vv cute (also i changed it from a movie to a show rip) - admin. cj ➳ synopsis.  once in awhile, chan gets a break from everything. he gets a break from the company and the stress, and he can just be bang chan. but, while watching a show, you begin to cry, and boy—it sure throws him through a loop.

➳ masterlists.

    “The universe has moved for us without missing a single thing because our happiness has been planned. ‘Cause you love me and I love you.”     - “Serendipity,” BTS’ Park Jimin  

A warm summer day wasn’t one that you’d expect to cry on. The warm daisies smiled at you from their spots in the lush grass, and the slight breeze blew past you quietly, almost begging for the same attention that you showed the flowers. On that warm summer day, Chan’s hand was the only thing keeping you attached to the real world. The two of you walked the familiar path back to the dorms in a comfortable silence, and sometimes, Chan squeezed your hand and pointed to a pair of birds soaring high above your heads. Everything was so beautiful. It was almost like the two of you weren’t even on the same planet anymore. Once in awhile, you would giggle to yourself. No reason was evident, but a reason wasn’t needed. At least—Chan didn’t need one. He just stared at you with a small smile painted on his lips, and gripped your hand a tiny bit harder. 

When the two of you reached the dorms, you looked to him with eyes clouded with more memories than a brain could hold, and he pulled you into a tight hug. “You know Chan, I always love going on walks with you.” Your voice was light—light enough to ride on the air. Chan gazed down at you with pure love on his face. “Me too, sweetheart. But, not even the sun can outshine you.” He placed a peck on your nose. “You’re just too bright.” Two kisses for both cheeks. “It doesn’t even come close.” One lingering kiss was left on your mouth, and you couldn’t have asked for more. Chan’s dimple became prominent as he grinned, “Hey, why don’t you come in and we can watch TV—or something? Woojin took the others out for food, so we’d be all by ourselves.” His mischievous little dimple was extremely tempting, and eventually made you give in. Then again, what was there to not like? A day in with your boyfriend, just lazing about and being yourselves? Sounded perfect.

But, that dream was short-lived as a deep voice shouted from the entryway. “We’re home! And, we brought ingredients, hyung!” Horror plastered itself across Chan’s features and the question ‘why?’ was clear in his eyes. Chuckling, you gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “Nice try, babe. it was worth a shot.” He just shook his head, flying past you to help them with the groceries. Every so often, you would glance at him—being his regular, leader self, and you would beam. It was a bright action, that made his heart swell when he caught you quickly looking away. 

Eventually, the kitchen was bustling with ten bodies moving around quickly with one purpose, and one purpose only: get dinner cooked for ten hungry people. As usual, Felix and Woojin took care of peeling foods. Hyunjin, Seungmin, and Chan were in charge of cooking the meat. Jisung and Changbin were setting up the ‘cooking playlist.’ And, you, Jeongin, and Minho were setting the table with paper plates and plastic forks. It may not have been a five course meal, but it felt like home—and that’s all that mattered. “Hey, noona,” Jeongin’s voice sounded from behind you, “do you think you would want to watch TV with us later?” You glanced over your shoulder, and laughed. “That’s what Chan asked me earlier. Do you boys all have the same mind?” Minho’s face was chock full of amusement as he looked up from the table, “I’m pretty sure we do.”

Dinner was surreal. The boys were all over the place; they chatted and talked loud enough to make trying to actually converse futile. But, despite all the noise, it was peaceful. The sun dipped its brush into the pooling horizon and painted a beautiful piece along the skyline. And, once again, Chan’s hand found its way into yours. The two of you stared out the window for awhile. Looking, watching, but never waiting. Because waiting was only needed when you wanted something, and everything you could ever want, was all around you. The boys, the sunset, Chan. Dinner was most definitely surreal.

After finishing, and cleaning up the mess, all ten of you settled on (or near) the couch. Comfortable on the piece of furniture were you, Chan, Woojin, and Hyunjin. But, that was only decided by an intense game of rock-paper-scissors. Jeongin and Felix occupied the arms of the couch; a blanket covering each boy. Changbin sat next to Felix on the little chair with a cushion under him. Seungmin sat on the floor in between your legs. And, Jisung and Minho sat on the mattress together. The setting was absolutely flawless.

“Noona! Felix said he wanted to watch a sad show,” Jisung commented from his place in the corner. The brunette pivoted his body to look directly at you, and he showed off his teeth with a blinding grin. “Hey! I never said that!” Felix protested. Jisung nodded, “Yep! He said, ‘I want to see noona cry.’” Felix was cherry red from anger at this point, and so was the glare Chan was casting at him. “Jisung! Stop!” Felix shouted, but the laughter hidden in the depths of his voice was unmistakable. “Alright, alright. Let’s just watch the movie!” Chan’s authoritative objection made everyone freeze. Jisung snickered softly, while Felix stuck out his bottom lip in an over-exaggerated pout. Chan let out a deep sigh, and grabbed the remote from off his thigh, and pointed it at the TV halfheartedly. He shot a look at you, “Are you sure you wanna watch a sad movie?” Scoffing, you pursed your lips playfully, “Who do you think I am, Bang Chan? I’ll be fine. Just turn it on.” Pressing the buttons in an odd sequence, the black and red flashed on the screen, and the boys cheered. 

“If I may,” you wandered wistfully, “I would like to make a suggestion—that might even make you guys cry.” Nine pairs of wary eyes stared at you from various places in the living room, and you smirked slightly. Chan squinted at you, but handed you the controller nonetheless. The minuscule clicks that the TV made as you were typing in the title of the show were like the ticks and tocks of the clock on the wall. Every time your hand moved, the boys’ would grow more and more worried. They wouldn’t no—they couldn’t cry in front of you. It was something that seemed wrong, but they didn’t have any idea why. But, as you finally settled on a show, they all let out their metaphorical breaths and settled into their spots once again.

At first, the show moved slowly, and through the beginning three episodes, four boys were already down for the count. Jeongin’s head was leaned on Woojin’s shoulder as a tuft of his hair was rustled by little breaths that came from the youngest. On the other side of Woojin was Hyunjin—whose body had slumped over onto the eldest. Changbin’s cap was over the top of his face and his back was pressed against the wall, the small snores coming from under the hat were a lucid giveaway. And, Minho had also fallen into the clutches of sleep, his eyes fluttering open every so often when the main character would yell out an exclamation of love. But, Chan was wide awake. In fact, he couldn’t take his eyes off the TV screen. He was so invested, that the only time he spoke was to ask you for spoilers.

“What?” He asked, loudly, “Why’d he do that to her? Why’d he treat her like that?” You shushed him softly and he cautiously glanced around to see if he had woken any of the others up. “I’m not sure, Chan,” you fibbed, “let’s keep watching.” And so, the two of you did. Chan was gripping your hand as if his life depended on it, and tears were streaming down your cheeks. All the way to episode eight, the two of you watched. And, in the end, you didn’t regret a single thing. When the final credits rolled, Chan looked back to you and his eyes grew to the size of saucers.

“[Y/N], oh god, see this is why I asked you if you really wanted to watch a sad movie!” His scolding whisper didn’t faze you as you continued to cry. “Y-You’re right, Chan. A sad movie wasn’t a good idea,” the two sentences were difficult to make out, but Chan understood them and he pulled you into his chest, slowly rocking you side to side. In his warm embrace, you let out your cries. Though the cause was quite silly, they were absolutely real. But, all the while, Chan still held you securely in his strong arms. He placed his chin on the top of your head and whispered sweet nothings into your ears. 

“I love you, you know that, right?” You nodded. “You mean the world to me, [Y/N].” He kissed your forehead, his lips light as a feather. “I would never, ever treat you how Tan did. I promise.” Burying your face further into his chest, your shoulders still shook from the quiet sobs you were emitting. “[Y/N], can you please look at me?” Reluctantly, you craned your neck to meet his worried gaze, “I’m sorry, Chan. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s just been a beautiful day and I got to spend all my time with you, but this show got me thinking—what if I end up like Da-in? In an endless circle of people who I think love me, when in reality, they don’t.”

Chan stared at you for what seemed like an eternity before replying. He cupped your face in both of his hands, and looked into your eyes deeply, “[Y/N], that will never happen to you. The boys love you, your family loves you, your friends love you, and I love you. But, even if you do end up in an infinite circle, that just gives us forever to be together.” Feeling his voice rumble in his chest as he rambled on about how enamored he was with you started to put you to sleep. And, soon after he had started, you felt the familiar tug of slumber’s hand pulling you into the darkness. Your eyes began to flutter, and when Chan noticed, his rattling trailed off and he leaned back into the couch, allowing you to settle into his lanky frame.

“Chan,” you mumbled, “could you, maybe, keep talking? It’s soothing.” In response, a chuckle erupted from his lips and he answered with a small “sure.” He, once again, started to maunder and mull over points to your sleeping form, but he wouldn’t forget to slip in a phrase of adoration towards you. And, when he was sure you had finally slipped into sleep, he hugged you tighter to himself and relaxed back into the couch—his mind drifting into the welcoming cloudiness that slumber provided.

[rebelsofshield]

3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 18, 20, 25?

3. best special editions changeI sort of answered this already with my reply to @memetrash5001, but I adore the special edition ending to Return of the Jedi. I enjoy the new John Williams score and the sweeping scenes of galactic celebration. It carries with it an oddly comforting sense of closure that was absent from the original version.5. most overrated characterDid you mean every character in Rogue One? As much of a fan I am of Boba Fett, the guy honestly is just a background villain who took off for having a cool ass design. Legends Boba had a pretty solid personality and story that sprung up around him due to the huge cult following that developed, but in current canon Boba is pretty  unremarkable. But he sure does look awesome!

7. popular ship you can’t standI find most shipping pretty harmless, but I still find Clone Wars era Rexsoka shipping really repulsive. Regardless of how you look at it, you have to do some significant loop-hole jumping just to find a way in which both characters are remotely close to being of consenting age with one another. I enjoy the bond both characters formed, and I guess I would be fine if people were okay shipping Rebels-era Ahsoka and Rex considering that both characters are clearly coded as adults, but I can never find myself getting behind any romantic or sexual relationship between the two with how they are shown in TCW.

8. unpopular ship you loveI’ve been sitting here for like five minutes trying to think of a ship that’s unpopular that I like. I guess if Kanan and Hera hadn’t been a thing I would’ve been down for a relationship between him and Ahsoka? I mean, both are Jedi trying to find their way in a new galaxy and both were young in The Clone Wars. That would’ve been cute. Again though, Kanan and Hera are pretty much soul mates so I’m not gonna do anything there. 

10.thoughts on yoda?I love kooky, strange wise-man Yoda with a sense of humor, but not so much the Yoda we see in the prequels. Keep the little green mystic with a chip on his shoulder and I’m happy.

18. silly/weird fan theory you secretly likeI’ve always really liked the fan theories about Palpatine using the Empire as a means to defend against an invasion from the Unknown Regions. In Legends it was the Yuuzahn Vong and I guess in canon it would be Snoke. I love Palpatine being the evil, revenge-seeking bastard that he is in the canon, but adding an extra wrinkle to that would be neat.20. what spin-off film would you like to see next?

I already answered this for @skywalkersapprentice but here it is again.

I’m not really sure what I want out of a spin-off film. I’m one of the folks that wasn’t entirely enamored with Rogue One and a lot of the non-film Star Wars media we have been getting in books, tv, and comics have been so solid that I’m not sure if I really have a want for films that are outside of the main saga. I would honestly love it if they continued on with IX and then retired the movies for another decade or two unless an idea they really likes strikes their fancy. Rogue One conceptually was a neat idea in that I would much rather see areas of the Star Wars universe fleshed out in the anthology films rather than centering on characters we already know. Like, what about a political thriller about a journalist that accidentally discovers Palpatine is a Sith Lord? What about a horror film about a bunch of rebels trapped on a starship alone with Darth Vader? What about a psycho drama starring clones following the Clone Wars as they come to terms with their new place in the galaxy? I mean, I highly doubt that Disney is going to greenlight any projects like that, but I’d much rather see movies like those than ones starring Han Solo, Boba Fett, or Obi-Wan.

25. character you wish had more development/screen time

Did you mean the entire cast of Rogue One?  I do think that a clearer understanding of Mace Windu would’ve benefited the prequel films. In retrospect, it very much seems that Windu is intended to be Anakin’s antagonistic force within the Order, but also symbolic of the sort of misguided philosophy that the Order had adopted in its final years. The Clone Wars hints at this, but again never fully dives into it. I think it would have benefited both the films and the series if a little extra detail was provided for understanding both the character and what he means thematically. 

[gleefail]

Glee Memories: 1x13 SECTIONALS

A long, long time ago, as Glee was approaching graduation in Season 3, I found myself nostalgic with some rare free time on my hands. So I decided to rewatch the series from the beginning and jot down some memories, discrepancies that have arisen since, fave quotes, tally solos - all that good stuff, strictly for shits and giggles.

8 years later (eek!) and once more I find myself with an unexpected abundance of free time. With so many revisiting or being newly introduced to the show between binge watching during Quarantine and all the tragedy that has surrounded the show since it went off the air, I figured I’d finish what I started. And by finish, I mean go through the end of S3. Cause I truly cannot acknowledge what happened after that. Except for 5B.

Kicking this off by reposting the first 15 episodes I already went through. Enjoy!

1x13 SECTIONALS

Ah, memories. I watched this with someone who is now a very close friend of mine when we first started becoming good friends. I think it was the first time we hung out just the two of us outside of our big group of mutual friends or work. All snuggled up on her couch with her dog and wine and stars in our eyes over Matthew Morrison, lol.

Amber Riley looks so different (and so good!) here. Like a new person. I think it’s the hair.

Kurt also looks older and a little less chubby-cheeked. Did they have a filming break before this or something?

Um…toddler or not, Rachel is wearing some SHORT skirts sometimes in these eps. Like in that flashback just now. Yowzah.

Quinn immediately starts yelling at Puck and Finn who try to help her when she falls. I’m telling ya. Hardcore rage there.

“I’ve never told you guys this before, but I’m a little psychic.” I kinda hate RIB for not keeping or exploring that talent of Rachel’s. Seriously. How funny would that shit be with her trying to predict things?

“It’s nothing to be scared of. It’s not like Carrie or anything!”

hahaha. I love this ridiculous cross calling as they all walk down the hall together. Wonderful.

“Sex is not dating.” “If it were, Santana and I would be dating.” Yes. The birth moment of Brittana. :) Also, the pause in response, even in the music. Golden.

Except Artie said Rachel’s a ‘total trout mouth’. No no no. Sam Evans (be still my heart) is the only Trouty Mouth at McKinley. Bite your tongue, Artie!

Rachel manipulating the truth out of Quinn. Ugh. Unnecessary. Yeesh, Rachel. None of your business! Real problems and people’s lives that you’re messing with! My God.

“She’s the one they made me talk to when they found out I was keeping that bird in my locker.”

Mercedes just said she works just as hard as Rachel. And Rachel doesn’t argue. So….when did that change? When did Rachel start working harder than everyone around her? I missed it. Let’s see if I can catch it in my rewatching.

Again, this moment with Mercedes, Mike and Matt. Isn’t she popular? Cause obvs, besides Kurt and Tina, they’re her friends. So…?

I love watching everyone watching Mercedes sing And I Am Telling You. Artie’s so enamored. Kurt’s such a proud papa.

You can’t see me. But I’m giving Mercedes a standing ovation right now. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Amber Riley, ladies and gentlemen. I have no words for that performance.

This is where it started. Rachel has to ‘approve’ of Mercedes getting that solo over her. Even though it’s not necessary, she’s gotta say her piece and give her blessing. It all started here.

Also, this is where Rachel’s “I’m gonna hug you now” thing she does that I hate started. It’s not cute. Stop it. Just hug her. Don’t announce it cause you want praise for it or whatever. Ugh. I need to stop before this all becomes an I hate Rachel Berry rant. (too late?)

“So all that stuff in the hot tub…you just made that up?” #BlessFinnsHeart

“I was selfish when I told him. I wanted to break you two up so that he would wanna be with me.” WHY IS THAT OKAY?!

Quinn’s gonna do this pregnancy thing on her own. Hmm…except…doesn’t she go straight into living with and dating Puck anyways?  Or am I forgetting about a step before that? Ugh. Not at all condoning what Quinn did but…just imagine when she had to see Carol to move out of Finn’s. The look of disappointment. God. I can’t even think about it anymore.

Jacob was a member of ND for a hot minute. I forgot!!!

Rachel says that going first or last is best. She learned this in her ‘extensive’ auditioning for community theatre. Her reasoning, as a Musical Theatre major, I completely stand by. However…Kurt asks her if she ever got any of those parts she auditioned for. Her face clearly says ‘not a one’. Besides Glee club and Maria, what on earth is on her resume? #oops.

Mercedes’ face while Jane Adams is singing And I Am Telling You is hiLARious. Omg.

Artie’s face as he watches them do Proud Mary. Aw. I just wanna hug him.

Rachel’s face as she’s trying to console them all and the crowd gives a standing O. Ha!

“I’m reasonably confident that you will be adding ‘revenge’ to the long list of things that you’re no good at right next to being married, running a high school glee club, and finding a hairstyle that doesn’t make you look like a lesbian. Love ya like a sistah.”

“Because sometimes being special sucks.”

“Mr. Schue, you forgot your keys.” “No I didn’t.” Cute. Also…can Finn drive?

“What happened to the white guy with the jerry curl?”

haha – Britany waves hi to the deaf choir as they’re performing as the rest of ND mopes. Hahaha, people are crying watching them.

Aw. Santana just admitted she likes being in glee club. :)

“Perhaps I could improvise some of my def poetry jams” oh Artie. Oh Tina’s response. Oh Artie’s “no?” in response to Tina’s response. You are all that is magical and glorious about this show. Moments like that.

Okay, I’m sorry, but no. It is not true that Rachel is the best SINGER that they’ve got. I get it that Rachel’s their star. I agree with that at this point in the series. But best singer is not accurate. It’s just not. I have a couple folks I’d throw in contention for that title.

Rachel just said she’s been working on Don’t Rain On My Parade since she was 4. Not 2 like she says in Choke. #oops.

I always hated (and still do) that they have all those damn songs they’ve CHOREOGRAPHED and LEARNED already this season and they can’t find a song besides Somebody to Love to complete their set list. Are you shitting me? Um…True Colors, His Name, Keep Holdin’ On, Crazy In Love/Hair, Halo/Walkin’ On Sunshine, It’s My Life/Confessions…no? None of em? …ok then.

I love that Finn non-chalantly mentions that he trashed the Cheerios copier after he used it to make copies of sheet music. Love it. Cause he’s so pissed at the world that I don’t doubt for a second that that copier was reduced to mere dust.

So they got dressed, did hair and make-up, learned that new song musically, rehearsed the other(s), choreographed that new song…in an hour? Riiiight.

Will on the phone with Emma confuses me. Is he not allowed, like the general public, to even be in the building to watch the performance? Really?

Alright, it’s happening so very much, I can’t NOT do it – restarting Don’t Rain On My Parade and counting the number of times Rachel squints/closes her eyes. Here we go: 23. In 2 minutes and 36 seconds. So…that’s a squint every 6.7 seconds. Hmm. I’m making a game of this from now on. “Can I count to 7 while she’s singing without her squinting her eyes shut?” is the name of said game. This will be fun.

OMG. First judge’s room ever. Ad;kfafdsasodi. I love these so much. Back when they were funny. OMGOMGOMGOMG!

“I’m just gonna come right out and say it: this is a singing competition. I dunno how those deaf kids got in. They weren’t singing, they were like, honking, and everyone was crying and I was like “get off the stage, you’re terrible, and you’re making me super uncomfortable”.”

“I have no idea what the hell I am doing here. I’m serious. I don’t understand what a glee club is and I had never even heard the term ‘showchoir’ til about 3 hours ago when my boss told me he had tickets to NASCAR and I had to fill in at this fool event.”

I just love that we see these kids put their hopes and dreams into this and stress and stress…and it comes down to 3 fools who have no idea what they’re doing. I LOVE the irony of this. I LOVE Glee that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Ah, memories.

“Get me the HELL outta HERE”

Terri’s seeing a therapist. Yay. ...at the local community center. Not yay. That can’t be real, right?

Oh. Even if people had come, this is the saddest wedding. There are just meat trays and lollipops and Munchies in a bowl.

I had forgotten until just now that I was a fan of Wemma. Like, it was the only relationship on the show I felt anything for at this point. Wow. That was so long ago.

“I can’t see you without feeling heartbroken” Oh Emma. I’ve been there hun. I feel your pain.

“The setlists were on Cheerios letterhead.” “I didn’t do it.” “They say ‘From the Desk of Sue Sylvester.” “Circumstantial evidence.” “They’re in your handwriting.” “Forgery.”

“(You have) besmirched the name of William McKinley!” “A FAILED PRESIDENT!” “Oh please – the greatest one who ever lived!”

Figgins just fired Sue. Knew she’d be back but thought it’d be awhile. RIB. Oh how little I knew you then and what you are capable of.

“Get ready for the ride of your life, Will Schuester. You are about to board the Sue Sylvester Express. Desination: HORROR.”

“You know you just woke a sleeping giant. Prepare to be crushed.” Silly Will. Didn’t you read the Hogwarts crest?! It warns you and everything!

So….Will was on the phone with Emma as they were performing. And Sectionals were Saturday. And it’s Monday. And he didn’t know until afterschool at Glee Club whether they won or not? Teacher of the Year indeed…

I still love My Life Would Suck Without You and the montage of former choreography and moments from musical numbers thus far in the season. It’s like…choreographed with memories. I love that. I would say I wish they’d do that on Tuesday in the graduation ep, but…I’ve learned not to get my hopes up. ;) This is still one of my favorite Glee moments though. And makes me all nostalgic and emotional watching it now, lol.

haha, towards the end of that, someone did something to fuck with Kurt’s little solo soul train moment cause he’s pissed.

ah, the first Wemma kiss!!! And then the promo was like “see ya in April!” and my friend and I were screaming and like “WHAT?! NOOOO!!!!” And then we continued to drink wine and wish we were Jayma Mays cause she got to kiss Matthew Morrison.

SOLOS: Mercedes (1), Rachel (3), Finn (1) MERCEDES TAKES THE GLORY NOTE: 4th time, 1st time in a competition