#Jessy the dog (insane girl)

[ohgoditssnek]

[dogmouthhorse]

have i told u all about my insatiable obsession with this song as a toddler. i would listen to it on loop for god knows how long. regularly. like glued to the tv. i dont even think it had a music video. um and it everyone drove everyone insane they hated it and my family made fun of me of it for like 20 years. my parents didnt believe i was autistic til i was 15. anyway have you seen the album art. look at that dog.

[nicollekidman]

st patty's tipsy so that's my excuse but abby i am here and knocking on your door and spilling into your house to share a drink and green-tinged edible brownies with you and to talk about dogs and being kept. to say that for all the crimes of s&b (book and show) there is something about kazinej and malina. something like. they ard very different obviously. obviously. but. kaz is kind of murdery in a nasty way, like he enjoys getting silly with it (it= scaring the shit out of people. also murder). inej battling the allegations that she is a murderous wraith by being pious, by being selective about her murders and condemning kaz when he asks her to kill certain people but doing it for him anyway - the struggle to be Good matters soo much to her. men who calls themselves monsters with a kind of bitter pride and young women who are trying really really hard to be Good but are negotiating with what it means to sometimes have power over others andd who actually would/do kill violently under circumstances and sometimes even feel good about it!! and like kaz is not a good person but he Is. the darkling is not a good person but if kaz had lived a few hundred years before meeting inej he would easily be on that level of nasty. jessie serving horny alina when she uses her powers for the first time..... girls and knives and captivity and men who are insane simps for them. self-hating-but-not-really monsters obsessed with myth-making their own faults. myth-making their wraiths their sun summoners. nasty monsters who are Not Normal about women who try to be Good........

and then. And then!! they reach across the funhouse-mirror parallelism because of the knife. That Knife. you Give a Girl a Knife.....i am just saying thatt these are four people who love blood and gravity and drama and being psychosexually obsessed with their own and each other's saintliness vs monstrosity. also i think kaz and the darkling would like very badly to be kept as small dogs by these women. they are so Stupid. kings of phantom thread romance because they would love alina and inej to poison them and tell them to slow down a little. unrelated but if they were all fucking each other, the four of them i mean, there would either be so much collateral trauma and casualty that their relationship could feasibly be called a war crime, or it would calm all of them the fuck down and bring about world peace ✌️ here finish the wine, i gotta go home but text me later xoxo

you scared the SHIT out of me by accidentally typing malina but then followed it up with such a sexy message thank god. i will comment on this later but rest assured we are on the same wavelength! you get it!!

[rainydawgradioblog]

Rainy Dawg's Favorite Smash Hits

Our tireless Blawg team recently put their heads together and parsed out their favorite radio smash hits ever.

DJ Willem Dafoe and Chat GPT 

Katy Perry - “California Gurls”

In the trenches of the great recession, Katy Perry knew what she had to do when she dropped California Gurls off her album Teenage Dream. With 84,000 downloads and 14.9 million plays on American radio, she single handedly stimulated the American economy back to greatness. The catchy chorus, integral Snoop Dogg feature, and shiny synthetic wig changed the course of pop stardom. 

California Gurls is pop at its finest. Right off the bat, Katy shines with her vocals. The whole song is so iconic from start to finish that in her 2016 Super Bowl performance she goes “I know a place..SING IT” and the audience sings back “Where the grass is really greener.” Who else can command a crowd like that???? There is no other time and song where there would be shark mascots dancing offbeat. Left shark, I will never forget about you. Katy has such mastery over creating catchy songs and summer vibes. The song captures the essence of summer with its lyrics about California, beaches, sunshine, and carefree fun. It evokes a sense of warmth, relaxation, and freedom, making it a popular choice for summer playlists. The Snoop Dogg verse also elevates the song to great heights. His line “toned, tan, fit, and ready. Turn it up 'cause it's gettin' heavy.” Those are my nightly prayers I recite before bed to be honest. Katy Kat Forever!

Other considerations why California Gurls is The Mega Hit of All Time. 

I ordered a sex on the beach at the bar because of this song and it was pretty good. 

The Glee Cast Performance 

The Candy Land visuals 

Kira

“Jessie’s Girl” - Rick Springfield

There are quite a few things I have inherited from my father, among them: light hair, affinity for chocolate, and a love of 80s music. One of my earliest memories of music was downloading the song “Jessie’s Girl” on the iPod classic my parents let me use at the tender age of 5. While my other musical escapades at the time were limited to the pop songs on the radio, “Jessie’s Girl” introduced me to the rock genre and its powerful guitar riffs and infectious drum rhythms. The dog on the album cover was a plus too. Though this song and its stellar reception was probably a nightmare for poor Jessie, it will always sound sweet and youthful to me. This song will always remind me of my dad jamming in the late evening while washing dishes. Also as a society we need to bring back little guitar solo bridges.  

Steven

Sade - “Smooth Operator"

After 3 bars of the most memorable percussive intro you have ever heard in your entire life, it is mandatory to audibly sing the bass fill going into the intro saxophone riff. Sade’s voice immediately swells and fills absolutely so much space over the simplistic and smooth bossa-nova-esque beat, with backup secondary backing harmonies filling even more space. The first verse finally cuts into a beat of silence before going back into the initial groove  of the song with the song’s hook. This song is an absolute song-writing clinic. “License to love, insurance to hold” is an insane line to throw into a song. My favorite part about the music video was the intermittent cutting between the main antagonist cheating on the protagonist (Sade) and a dude ripping a saxophone solo.

Ben

Snoop Dogg, Pharell Williams - “Drop It Like It’s Hot"

It is the summer of 2015 and you and your brother have recently been given a PS4 and a copy of 2K15. The soundtrack has been curated by Pharell. It is the peak of his power hat phase. You will spend countless hours being blown out by those using Steph Curry and wired internet connections. You will grip the controllers so tightly that you can still smell the sweat on them (sorry). “Drop It Like It’s Hot” will come up on the shuffle more often than any other song and you and your brother will end up memorizing the lyrics through pure rote exposure. You will imitate the instrumental with tongue clicks and lackluster hand drumming. And watch the music video many many times. You will lose to Steph Curry again. 

Emi

Blondie - “One Way Or Another” off Parallel Lines (1978) 

I’ve had this Blondie poster hanging in my room since my freshman year of high school; its moved with me through about 4 bedrooms. Moms everywhere love Blondie and mine is no exception. She was still pissed when I bleached my hair to copy Debbie Harry, though. 

I think Debbie Harry is one of my favorite icons ever. So I kind of have to pick one of my favorite Blondie signs for this post. “One Way Or Another'' is about an ex-boyfriend-turned-stalker that Debbie Harry had while living in New Jersey, reaching number 24 in 1978 on the Billboard Hot 100. While most all of Blondie songs are fun, this one seems especially whacky, with its guitar and bass doing weird riffs going down by half-steps and threatening vocals that’ll make anyone wish Debbie Harry would stalk them. I want to sing this song so badly right now really really loud but I can’t, so I’m going to leave and go somewhere else where I can. You should do the same!

Zola

Nelly Furtado, Timbaland - "Promiscuous"

There's a clip of Timbaland in the studio playing Jay Z the beat for what would become ‘Dirt off your shoulder”, where you can just tell Timbaland knows he has a hit on his hands. He’s got a gallon of water, and a smash hit. Timbaland ran the music industry in the 2000’s like nobody else. Cranking out hit after hit. The songs he had a hand in making would go on to become huge successes. Think Sexyback, Cry me a river, Apologize . In 2006, Nelly Furtado, and Timbaland came together to create promiscuous. The song which features a back and forth between two individuals’ both insisting on the promiscuity of the other. The song would go on to be a smash hit. In the United States, it went 7x platinum, and hit #1 on the Billboard hot 100, where it stayed for six weeks, until it was eventually dethroned by Fergie’s “London Bridge”. The song even inspired a line in the song “Give it to me”, another Timbaland song, featuring both Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, in which Furtado takes a swing at Fergie (I seen you to try switch it up, but girl, you ain't that dope), after a line in Fergalicious that she interpreted as a diss towards her (Fergalicious (So delicious) But, I ain't promiscuous) (I'm pretty sure Fergie just needed a word that would rhyme with fergalicious). Promiscuous continues to stay relevant, various remixes and sections of the song continue to trend on tiktok. I continue to listen to it weekly. It continues to be played at 70% of the parties I attend. Might be one of the best songs ever cooked up by Timbaland, which is saying alot, considering hes also responsible for Big pimpin’ and 4 minutes.

Sofia

Dexys Midnight Runners - “Come On Eileen," Too Rye Ay I mean, has there ever been a better song to dance to! Kevin Rowland’s desperate vocals with the violin and accordion that were far from the norm at the time plus the slow-to-fast chant give this song its folksy charm. This song had the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the U.S. during a week in April 1983, and it was Britain’s best-selling single of 1982; despite all that acclaim, hardly anyone knows who the artist is or that this song is about Rowland’s feelings of Catholic guilt and shame about feeling “dirty” after growing up religious. This song’s been following me my whole life, and nothing beats hearing “Come On Eileen” at a party and forcing your friends to get up.

Thank you for reading. Check back for more Official Rainy Dawg Blawg Posts™.

[jessithewanderer]

I would love to find a girl dog like this but as a pup so I can train her properly to poop and pee on her pad or outside. To be okay with getting baths more frequently than most dogs, to know where to go to get her food if I’m not around to feed her. Just so many things. I guess I’m just imagining things which I don’t mind doing 😊. That’s pretty much why I’m considered insane 😂 I’m always in my head or witnessing things no one else is witnessing. It’s all a blessing really. Make up my own reality outside of the one that stresses me out 😂. But Jessi would be well taken care of and happy. I used to have a poodle when I was little that I was so mean to. I cry about her all the time because I always wish I could have another chance to give her a better life. Maybe that’s why I’ve been cursed with allergies because I didn’t even deserve Banana. I remember when she came back from Uncle’s I was so happy and I was gonna try to right my wrongs because I missed her. I made her a little bed and everything. She was so happy to be free. She was running wild and I remember LeeLee picked her up. I told her to put her down which I wish I never did. She didn’t do anything wrong, we just always had a rocky relationship when I was a kid and I guess in that moment I didn’t want her holding Banana. She put her down which was the most painful moment I experienced as a kid. She ran in the street and got hit by a red car. I ran to pick up and she bit me; Then died in my arms. It was like I could feel her pain. She was shaking so much and when she bit me I was hoping the scar would never fade as a reminder to treat those you love with kindness while you have them because you may never get a chance to make it right. But I think me having allergies was my reminder that I’m not meant to make anything right in this world. The world didn’t deserve Banana and it honestly doesn’t deserve kind people. But it has them for a reason. God makes no mistakes and out of all of this. I learned to forgive. Forgive myself, others and most of all forgive God. I used to be so mad at God growing up but I still found myself thanking God even while I was hurting. But not forgiving is what always hurt me to be honest. If I would’ve forgave Leelee; Banana wouldn’t have ran out in the street. Holding anger in your heart for anyone or anything will always result in spiritual damage; if not physical. I pray forgiveness reaches all of us while God takes us through this journey called life. It’s not always easy because it makes more sense to us to stay mad. But I promise you it’s not. God bless.

[ilarbdisney]

Halloween on Disney+

Movies

Hocus Pocus

Girl Vs. Monster

Halloweentown

Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s revenge

Halloweentown High

Return to Halloweentown

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Twitches

Twitches Too

Monsters inc.

Monsters University

The Black Hole

Bedknobs & Broomsticks

The Haunted Mansion

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Frankenweenie (1984)

Frankenweenie (2012)

James and the Giant Peach

The Black Cauldron

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Now You See It

Smart House

Don’t Look Under the Bed

Phantom of the Megaplex

Mr. Boogedy

Bride of Boogedy

The Ghosts of Buxley Hall

Invisible Sister

Coco

Spooky Buddies

Zombies

Zombies 2

The Scream Team

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire

Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Return From Witch Mountain

Maleficent

Return to Oz

Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween movie

Tower of Terror

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Under wraps

Into the Woods

Short films & specials

Mater and the Ghostlight

Mickey Mouse Lonesome Ghosts

Mickey’s House of Mouse Villains

Toy Story of Terror

Donald Duck Trick or Treat

Episodes

Big City Greens - Blood Moon pt. 1 & 2

Even Stevens - A Very Scary Story

Boy Meets World - And Then There Was Shawn

Girl Meets World - Girl Meets World of Terror Pt. 1, 2, & 3

Good Luck Charlie - Scary Had a Little Lamb, Le Halloween, Fright Knight

Hannah Montana - Torn Between Two Hannah’s

Jessie - The Whining, Ghost Bummers, The Runaway Bride of Frankenstein, The Ghostess With the Mostest

Bunk’d - Camp Kiki Slasher, Treehouse of Terror, In Your Wildest Dreams

K.C. Under Cover - All Hollows Eve, Virtual Insanity

Kim Possible - October 31st

Lizzie McGuire - Night of the Day of the Dead

Phil of the Future - Halloween

Phineas and Ferb - One Good Source Ought to Do It, The Monster of Phineas and Ferbinstein, That’s the Spirit, Druselsteinoween Face your Fear, Terrifying Tri-state Trilogy of Terror pt. 1 & 2

That’s So Raven - Don’t Have a Cow Raven’s Home - The Baxtercism of Levi Grayson, Switch-or-Treat, Creepin’ it Real, Don’t Trust the G in Apt 4B

Shake it Up - Halloween it Up, Haunt it Up

Sonny with a Chance - A So Random Halloween Special

The Proud Family - A Hero for Halloween

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody - Ghost of 613, Arwenstein

Suite Life on Deck - The Ghost and Mr. Martin

Wizards of Waverly Place - Halloween

Ant Farm - mutANT farm, mutANT farm 2, mutANT farm 3.0

Austin & Ally - Costumes and Courage, Horror Stories and Halloween Scares, Scary Spirits and Spooky Stories

Liv and Maddie - Kang-a-Rooney, Helgaween-a-Rooney, Haunt-a-Rooney, Scare-a-Rooney

Gravity Falls - Summerween

Dog With a Blog - Howloween pt. 1 & 2

Ducktales (reboot) - The Trickening

The Emperor’s New School - The Yzma That Stole Kuzcoween/ Monster Masquerade

Lilo and Stitch: The Series - Spooky

So Weird - Boo

[awssp12]

Here’s a link to Misha’s Spotify playlist. I always make playlists for my characters and the songs usually reflect their journey, aspects of their story or personality, and sometimes their relationship with other characters.

Here’s a list of all the songs on the playlist (so far, because I do tend to add more songs when I find them) and they’re in no particular order. I just kinda add them as I go.

Monster by Imagine Dragons

This Is War by Thirty Seconds To Mars

Stronger by The Score

brutal by Olivia Rodrigo

Seashore by The Regrettes

Teenagers by My Chemical Romance

Devil Town by Cavetown

Little Pistol by Mother Mother

Remember You from Adventure Time

Run Boy Run by Woodkid

Ship in a Bottle by fin

LEMONS - Demo by Brye

Burned by Grace VanderWaal

Venus Fly Trap by MARINA

Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths

You Don’t Own Me by Lesley Gore

It’s Alright by Mother Mother

Icarus by Bastille

Girls by MARINA

Demons by Hayley Kiyoko

This is Home by Cavetown

Choke by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Sweet Hibiscus Tea by Penelope Scott

Dance Monkey by Toned And I

WAKING UP by STARSET

Let’s Kill Tonight by Panic! At The Disco

Ghosting by Mother Mother

Disobedient from Steven Universe: The Movie

I Can’t Decide by Scissor Sisters

The Ghost of You by My Chemical Romance

Bust Your Kneecaps by Pomplamoose

Losing My Mind by MISSIO

Bang! by AJR

overwhelmed by Royal & the Serpent

This Is Love by Air Traffic Controller

Heathens by Twenty One Pilots

My Axe by Insane Clown Posse

Kiss With A Fist by Florence + The Machine

The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid by The Offspring

Nightmare by Halsey

Hayloft by Mother Mother

Uprising by Muse

Monster by STARSET

Killer In The Mirror by Set It Off

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

creature by half•alive

Cocaine Jesus by Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

Hayloft II by Mother Mother

Revenge by XXXTENTACION

Sinners by Barns Courtney

The Sharpest Lives by My Chemical Romance

Karma by AJR

Breakfast by Dove Cameron

Happy Loner by MARINA

Guardian Angel by Young the Giant

Just A Girl by No Doubt

Leave Me Alone by I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift

Start a War by Klergy, Valerie Broussard

Warriors by Imagine Dragons

The Horror and the Wild by The Amazing Devil

Implicit Demand For Proof by Twenty One Pilots

Mockingbird by Eminem

Family Line by Conan Gray

Could Have Been Me by The Struts

Oh the Places You’ll Go by I Fight Dragons

Sunflower by We Banjo 3

For Misha by Nicholas Podany

Soldier’s Daughter by Jhameel

Bathtub by The Front Bottoms

Thanks, I Hate It by Simple Creatures

Free by Mother Mother

Another Way Out by Hollywood Undead

Go Get Your Gun by The Dear Hunter

History Will Not Repeat by Jessie Paege

Who’s In Control by Set It Off

Villainous Thing by Shayfer Jones

The Hand That Feeds by The Crane Wives

If I Killed Someone For You by Alec Benjamin

Nightmares & Flare Guns by Seb Adams

Family by Mother Mother

Hellfire by Barns Courtney

Rule #21 - Momento Mori by Fish in a Birdcage

DEBT COLLECTOR by Jhariah

From The Gallows by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Nightmare by Set It Off

Hello My Old Heart by The Oh Hellos

Glitter & Gold by Barns Courtney

It Took Me By Surprise by Maria Mena

Like a Child by Mother Mother

You’re Not Welcome by Naethan Apollo

Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier

Me and the Devil by Soap&Skin

Still Alive by Demi Lovato

You’ve Created A Monster by Bohnes

Catch Me If You Can by Set It Off

ANTI-HERO by SEKAI NO OWARI

Who Are You, Really? by Mikky Ekko

Underworld by CYPRSS

labour by Paris Paloma

Ready Now by dodie

Ghosts by BANNERS

Body by Mother Mother

Misery Meat by Sodikken

Wildflowers - Bonus Track by Ed Sheeran

[pennyserenade]

tags: nameless female oc x frankie morales rating: m ( mature ) warnings: language, some yearning, maybe even a hint of angst, a lil suggestive, fluff (yeah you heard that right, i really wrote that) word count: 1k summary: coming back to familiar places doesn’t always have to be a painful experience.  notes: this is for the writer wednesday challenge set in place by @autumnleaves1991-blog​​

She knows its precarious situation, entangling her life in with the gentle and stable sway of Frankie Morales’ day-to-day, but she cannot resist the temptation. It has been a long time since she’s settled anywhere, moving from city to city, running as far as she possibly can from the quiet, Texas town they both grew up in. What he presents to her now is the sort of comfort she never could have imagined herself wanting all those years ago, though. A sort of comfort neither of them would’ve thought they would like, she supposes.

It’s an odd sight, seeing him pushing a stroller with a heavy-lidded toddler in it, but she doesn’t think it is not fitting. In fact, it sort of surprises her how well fatherhood does suit him. He’d existed in her mind for so long as a lanky teenager--just some boy who was a friend of her boyfriend--but now he’s entirely different. He’s about the same height, has the same features, but there’s wrinkles in spots there wasn’t before and a patchy beard that makes her laugh. He’s also much quieter. She never remembers him being loud, but sometimes his personality had the tendency to take up room when they were younger. Now it doesn’t. She reckons one could even call him shy if they wanted to.

If you’d told her that attending that silly high reunion would’ve led to this, a day trip to the fair with Francisco Morales and his daughter, she would’ve laughed incredulously two weekends ago. She almost can’t stand how much it doesn’t bother her, being like this with him, not hating every part of this town the way she used to.

“How do you feel about hot dogs?” he points to a stand. There’s a bit of a line, and in typical fair fashion, it boasts all kinds of insane choices. She scrunches up her nose, not rejecting the idea as much as she’s debating it.

“What?” he asks, smiling, “Fame made you too good for a Texas State Fair hot dog?”

“Fame has made me too good for nothing,” she answers. She looks over at him. “I’ll do it, but only if you order for me.”

“Why?” he laughs.

“I get nervous.”

“You get nervous?” he asked incredulously. “You’re an actress.”

“Playing different people is a bit different than playing yourself,” she shrugs. “I’ll pay if you order for me.”

He shakes his head. “Keep your Hollywood dollars, babe. I’ll pay.”

“You’re too much, Francisco,” she tells him as he moves the stroller into the line.

“Mm,” he raises his eyebrow, “That’s not what you were saying last night.”

She glares at him playfully. “Your mouth was doing better work then.”

“Could again, if you want,” he says nonchalantly, but there’s a challenge in his eyes. She smiles.

“You’d like that.”

“Love it,” he nods. “Could even stay over if you want. I don’t have to take her home until Sunday.”

She smiles softly. “We’ve got to leave at the same time.”

Frankie shakes his head. “No, you can stay longer if you want—“

“No, I mean I have to go Sunday. I’m shooting a movie next week.”

“Oh,” Frankie says. “Where?”

“México.”

“That’s not too far.”

“No,” she agrees. They step forward in the line. “It’s why I decided to stop through in the first place.”

“You never liked this place much, did you?” he asks.

“No, but I don’t remember you liking it so much, either.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “You get restless as a kid, but it’s not so bad as an adult. It’s quiet.”

“It is quiet,” she nods her head. She looks over at him, a soft grin on her lips. “The company’s not so bad, either.”

“Well,” he laughs, “You weren’t complaining about the company back then, were you? I think I remember you liking Jessie’s quite a lot.”

She cringes at the thought of that, the way she might’ve been when they were younger. Her and Frankie’s history didn’t expand far beyond the friendship they shared because she dated one of his friends in high school, but it almost ached to imagine that’s how he remembers her.

“Aw, hey, we all knew you were too good for him anyways,” he assures. “No need to get embarrassed.”

“I vowed to never go after another Texas boy again,” she says, shaking her head. “I must be some sort of fool for forgetting that.”

“I’m glad you did,” he tells her, voice a little too genuine for her to be able to handle without looking away.

“Yeah,” she nods. She squints her eye against the sun and stares ahead at the stand. “What are you gonna get?”

“Uh, I think I’m gonna get a regular hot dog just in case she doesn’t pass out before we order. I’ll share with her.” He looks down at his daughter before back at her. “What about you?”

“I’ll take the same, Top Gun.”

He grins. “Very cute nickname.”

“Only for the cutest pilot, yanno.”

He grins at her and they fall into a sort of comfortable silence as they inch their way forward in the line.

“Hey,” he begins, and she looks over at him. “I don’t wanna seem needy or anything, but how do you feel about stopping through again on the way back up?”

“Here?” she points to the ground. “This town?”

“Yeah, here,” he laughs. “I like you, believe it or not, and that’s kind of hard for me to do these days. I can’t leave here because of her,” he nods down to the stroller, “But I’d really like to see you again.”

She can’t help the grin that slides across her lips. Texas boys and their Texas boy charm, she thinks, before she finds herself nodding her head.

“If you want a strange girl like me, sure,” she tells him.

Frankie nods, grinning. “I do. I really do.”

“Order the hot dogs, hot shot,” she tells him, but she’s still smiling with all the might as before.

This is definitely not what she expected to get from the Texas State Fair, but she’s not disappointed by it. A part of her is almost overjoyed, actually.

She likes this Texas boy, she decides.

​

[ussgallifrey]

Change of Plans

✦ Summary: Bucky really wants to give you a good Valentine's day, but sometimes even the best thought plans don't work out the way you thought they would. ✦ Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader ✦ Warnings: Mentions of menstruating and periods ✦ Word Count: 3.3k

There was something about the girl, who made his heart thud with a continuous home home home, that made Bucky desperately want to get this right. 

At the admission that you'd never celebrated the holiday with a partner before, which was said nonchalantly over a shared pizza, he was absolutely determined to change that. Sure, you'd only been together seven months - give or take a few days - but there was just something about you that made all the little signals in his head go off all at once and his tongue would tie up and he felt hopelessly dumbstruck at the sight of your smile like all the time.

He was crazy about you. That's all.

And because of that, he wanted to do something for the 14th. Nothing overly insane, like dinner in Paris with fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. Though, if you asked, he would have no qualms about absconding a quinjet and flying you there on the spot. But that is definitely not your taste - not even close.

But you deserve flowers and chocolates and a card and probably one of those giant pink teddy bears with the heart that says XO-XO that you were cooing and awwing over in CVS last week. And, God help him, he might even attempt to make dinner. 

Yeah, he's got it bad for you.

And waking up in the same bed this morning, with the knowledge that my place or your place? had finally ended at long last and that this was how he got to wake up almost every day. Well, it just about made his heart thump out of his chest and wouldn't that be a messy cleanup?

So, he's pleased as punch with himself when he can hear the happy little aww coming from the bedroom later that morning. He's obviously been up for hours already, attempting to throw together something edible in the kitchen while you slept away unawares.

You're a sight to see, as he leans against the bedroom door frame. Still under the covers, but sitting up enough to smell the vase of fresh flowers on your nightstand.

"You devil," you chide with a tired smile and a beckoning hand.

Bucky's more than happy to thread his fingers through yours as you pull him down next to you.

"When did you do this?"

He wants to kiss you.

"Had some time," he says instead, cupping a hand to your flushed cheek.

You hum happily, eyes fluttering closed as you lean into the simple touch. Warm lips feather-light against his palm.

"Keep it up, mister. See where it gets you."

Bucky chuckles, leaning his weight over you as his lips ghost against your own.

"Mmm, that's the plan," he murmurs before dropping a kiss to your waiting lips as you tug him ever closer.

Bucky likes to think he's pretty flexible. More of a flying by the seat of his pants type of person than a strict schedule follower. That's why he was going to let the day kind of flow on its own natural path. Breakfast in bed, maybe more in bed. Then a shower obviously, and maybe if things were to happen in there then that would be fine because you could still get the box of chocolates and the teddy bear whenever. And lunch and dinner didn't really have to fall on a set time either, so long as there was plenty of time left over for other activities later that night.

But even those simple plans are easily changed.

"Well, this sucks," you announce, emerging from the bathroom with a towel around you, hair damp against your skin.

He's already changed the sheets in hope of sparing you further embarrassment. 

"I'm sorry."

Dropping down onto the edge of the bed, Bucky folds himself around you to massage your warm shoulders.

"No, I'm sorry," you sigh, leaning back into his welcomed touch.

A kiss to your neck, fingers digging into the muscles of your back, "Hush. It's not like you can control it."

You nod slowly, head down and hands folded in your lap. He doesn't like the change one bit. But he lets the silence stretch at your discretion. Focusing all his skill into alleviating any and all pain he can with his impromptu massage.

After a moment, you admit, "It wasn't supposed to happen for three more days."

He gives a little hum of acknowledgment as he works his thumbs along your spine.

"It's bullshit, Buck."

That gets you a kiss to your cheek.

"I know, baby."

Leaving the comfort of the bed for only a moment to pad across the room, in your comfiest clothes and newly gifted heart-eyed taco-patterned socks, you return with an assorted box of chocolate and a small bag that had been hidden in the closet.

His heart, honest to god, wants to burst. He can't even remember the last time someone got him something for Valentine's.

Bucky holds up the covers for you to slip back in next to him, cuddling up against the large purple teddy bear wedged in between you both.

Handing over the red gift bag with silver ribbon tassels, "You're going to love this."

A raised eyebrow and a wary voice responds, "That sounds ominous."

You just smile, watching him untie the ribbon.

"Oh my god," he groans. "Why?"

All you can do is laugh as he pulls out the small Falcon plushie with a disgusted touch, as though the toy is actually burning him.

"I think this actually constitutes as a form of abuse."

You can't stop laughing, but you grab the bag from him while trying to fight back tears and pull out another stuffed animal. 

It's a sloth.

And then he sees the heart and he just shoots you a strange look and it sends you into another round of hysterics.

Snatching it from your hands as you collapse back against the pillow with howls of laughter, Bucky stares at the large red heart that says Damn Shawty You Fine.

As you continue to scroll through your phone, Bucky holds out one of the chocolates for you. Opening your mouth enough to let him slide the cream-filled piece into your mouth.

You were trading off all the coconut and walnut and pecan clusters his way, and in return, he was giving you all your favorites - despite his personal tastes.

"Mmm," you coo around the candy as you eagerly hold up your phone for him to see. "Look at this one - he's so cute."

Bucky stares at the curly-haired poodle wearing a heart headband.

"His name is Cupid. How cute is that?"

"Super cute," he responds with absolutely no disinterest whatsoever as he tries to catch up on the last few Dodgers' games before they were moved to California. The bastards.

You're not even bothered by it as you scroll through the adoption app and show him a tiny dachshund with a Free Kisses bandana.

"His name is Cupcake, Bucky. Cupcake."

He nods, "I can see that, yeah."

"Can you imagine if we got a dog? Oh my god, I haven't had a dog since I was a kid. We should get a dog."

Bucky shoves another piece of chocolate into your mouth as you laugh weakly around it, the protests dying on your lips.

It's absolutely freezing outside, but he insisted on going out to the store instead of using one of those delivery apps you were so crazy about. It was giving you a chance to sleep anyway, so if he was out for a while, then all the better.

- Midol

- Half-baked ice cream

- Gummy bears (not sour)

- A dog

- Rubbing alcohol & medical tape - ur fault

- We're almost out of dish soap too

- ♡

Is what the text reads.

Pulling his hood up and his coat closer, Bucky walks down the recently snowed-over sidewalk towards the store.

And you know what, it was all going just fine. He found everything you ask for - well, almost everything - and was at the register. And it was fine.

But the universe intervened and a pink poster caught his eye for the local animal shelter's Paws and Claws event. And he got a really stupid idea in his head. Because clearly, some higher power was trying to get him to check off everything on your list. 

Which is how he finds himself inside the FurEver Home animal rescue, almost forty minutes away from the apartment. Like an idiot. A lovesick idiot.

There's an older woman behind the counter that a white cat is walking across and dangling red heart banners wrap around the back wall. Small cat condos are in the one corner with a Kitty Haven sign above a room. And on the opposite side, it's not that difficult to miss the distinct sound of several dogs barking.

"Hi, how can I help you today?" she smiles warmly.

And that's when he realizes what he's actually doing. 

"Uhm, yeah, I actually wanted to look at the dogs, if you - "

She's already moving around the counter, "Yeah, of course."

Why did this seem like a good idea again?

"You can put that over here if you want?" she shows him a little shelf, pointing at his shopping bag.

"Oh, uh, yeah."

What the actual fuck was he doing?

"Okay, hands to yourself. If there's one you want to really meet, I'll get them leashed up and everything. Was there a certain one or a breed you were interested in?"

Bucky shakes his head dumbly, "No, just wanted to look around, I guess."

The barking is insanely louder once the soundproofed door is opened. Everything smells of wet dog and he's actually kind of overwhelmed, unsure of where to look as she guides him down the first row of kennels.

"These guys here are some of our newer arrivals," her voice is raised to be heard over the barking.

"Rocco here is a mixed pit, two years old. He's better with a quieter home right now. And Jessie was brought in from the same place. Little skittish, but she's a real sweetie."

He looks down at the large pitbull that's standing up on its hind legs to see him. And the nearly identical female in the kennel next to him. His heart squeezes.

"We have Cookie over here. She's a Collie mix, about five years is what our vet estimates. Domino is our oldest pup, she's ten, but she is so good with kids."

The little graying dog wags her tail when he walks in front of her kennel.

Oh, this was such a bad idea. He wants to take them all. Could he take them all?

They round the corner and another row of kennels. Max, Coco, Puff, Pebbles, Sascha, Twix, and Kit all bark and wag their tails and excitedly hop up as he walks by. And he is hit by the fact that this was a really really stupid idea.

A final row of kennels.

He passes by Margo and Finn, but pauses at last before a Golden Retriever - the only dog actually laying on a bed instead of right at the door.

"This is Lottie - hi, sweetheart."

The dog hops up and walks over to them, nuzzling her nose against the kennel as the woman stops in front of her.

"She's three, very well behaved. Housebroken, knows your basic commands."

The dog isn't even looking his way, just sniffing against the door, trying to get to the woman.

"Her last owners couldn't afford the vet bills; had to give her up. But we got you all taken care of, baby, didn't we?"

It's only then that the dog turns her head and Bucky realizes, "She's blind?"

"Yes. She got SARDS and her previous family couldn't afford the treatment and surgery."

"Is she on medication or…?"

"No, not anymore. Antibiotics post-surgery and some pain relievers, but she's all healed up now."

He stares at the healed-over scars where her eyes used to be and his chest aches.

The woman seems to pause, taking in his expression. 

"Would you like me to grab a leash?"

He nods wordlessly, struck by the dog in front of him, sniffing around the edge of her kennel. 

She opens the door and the dog backs up with an excited little tail wag. With the command, she sits and the woman is able to get the purple leash attached to her collar. And then she hands it to him and oh, hey. This is happening. 

"Free to walk in here or right out on the main sidewalk. When you're done, just bring her back over to me or one of the other volunteers. These guys are microchipped, just so you know."

Oh, darn. Looks like opening all the kennels and stealing the dogs wasn't going to work out then.

"Oh, okay," Bucky says instead.

The woman moves on to the other kennels, before disappearing around the corner, giving him room with the dog. Bucky looks down at her waiting patiently in front of him. Slowly, he kneels down, offering out his hand.

She sniffs it, once, twice, before inching her face a little closer. 

He's awestruck.

Hesitantly, he touches her muzzle with gentle little strokes. She leans right into it.

"Hey, sweetheart. Wow, hey, hey."

Her tail thumps happily against the concrete floor.

"Yeah, you're coming home with me, aren't ya, baby?"

Distantly, he thinks he's being a touch insane. But Bucky just stands up and slowly starts to walk her down the back row. Watching how Lottie stays right along his left side, her head occasionally bumping against him. When they reach the end of the row, he guides her with the leash to turn around and she does it perfectly. 

"Good girl," he rubs a hand between her ears as she pants.

The woman doesn't seem the least bit surprised when he meets her up front only a minute later.

He signs the adoption paper and the license registration. Gets coupons for a pet store and a vet visit. Is given several pamphlets about bringing a new dog home. And one very specific paper about blind dogs which he spends far more time reading over than the other ones.

The volunteer recommends getting a harness or collar that signals her disability to others and something called a Halo? It all just kind of keeps hitting him in waves with that underlying what the hell did I just do?

And then he's standing in the middle of the icy sidewalk with his dog. His Dog.

Ooh, boy. That's a crazy thought, ain't it?

He looks down at Lottie who's just patiently sitting on his left side, panting lightly.

"Come on, girl. Let's get you home."

The apartment is still dark when he walks in. Lottie remains on her leash - he'll have to lead her around the place first. Opening the contents of the shopping bag, he grimaces as he hurries to put the very warm ice cream into the freezer.

And then he hears a tired groan from the bedroom, "That you out there, handsome?"

His breath catches as he looks down at Lottie and back at the bedroom door.

"Uh…" he stalls. "I'm not sure if I'd go that far?"

"I'll be the judge of that," you call back playfully. "You got the goods?"

He nods with a silent laugh, unbagging the last few items as Lottie sits at his feet, sniffing the kitchen counter. Bucky pets her head affectionately. 

"Yeah, I knew a guy. He cut me a deal."

Your laugh brings warmth to his chest, "That's my man. I hope it was a good deal?"

There's a rustle of sheets and then your very distinct footsteps. And then a gasp.

"I think so," Bucky says with a shy smile.

"You didn't," your voice is adorably high pitched as you stare.

"I did."

You continue staring with a gaped mouth.

There's a jolt of nerves that hits him then. The realization that maybe this wasn't actually a good idea. And, hey, maybe you should have been there to pick a dog you actually wanted. And he should have at least told you or hinted at the possibility instead of just running out and literally adopting a dog.

But then you're crossing the room and crouching down next to Lottie.

"Hey there, pupper. Hi - awww!"

She leans right into your waiting arms as you rub down her sides and scratch behind her ears.

"You got a name, sweetie?"

Your eyes are glued right to her, a lovestruck look on your face.

"Lottie," Bucky says. "But we could change it if - "

"No," you stare up at him with admiration. "No, I like Lottie." And then you turn your attention back to the dog, "Yes, I do! Yes, I do. Oh, you are an angel, aren't you? What a pretty girl!"

He loves the way you wrap yourself around the dog, emitting all your affection onto her. Not even bothered by the obvious scars on her face. Seeing a dog in need of love and giving her all you've got.

And then you're standing up and squaring him with a lopsided smile.

"You're an idiot, you know that right?"

Bucky tries to look offended, but he just smiles. "Yeah. But I'm your idiot."

"Ah, ah, ah!" You chastise, a hand reaching down to rest on Lottie's head, "Our idiot."

He can't help but roll his eyes as you lean down and continue petting the dog.

"Yeah, I hope you're ready for the full force of this guy's stupidity, Lottie. He comes home looking like a mess almost weekly. Can't even take off his boots at the door like a normal person."

Bucky coughs loudly, "Anyway, dinner?"

You don't even pay him a bit of attention. "And the smell. Doesn't even take a shower after a long mission. I hope your little doggy nose can handle it or maybe we'll just hose him down."

"Italian?"

Fixing him with a pointed look, "Could you get anymore cliched for Valentine's Day?"

He grumbles, feeling oddly left out now that you've placed all your attention on Lottie.

"Chinese?"

You smile, standing once again to press a kiss to his nose, "A man after my own heart."

Circling his arms around your waist, he tugs you against his chest, "All it took was the promise of takeout?"

"And a dog."

He nods, "And a dog."

You press a kiss to his lips.

"Oh! And taco socks," you wiggle your foot happily.

Another kiss, and then a longer one, and then a peck. He stares into your eyes, cupping your cheek with everything he has about to burst from his chest with love love love.

"I love you."

Your smile is sweeter than candy as you lean into his hand, "Love you too."

Lottie makes a little whining sound and you break away. Bucky ruffles her fur a bit, already planning a list out for all the things he would need to buy her.

Moving around him, you eye the goods on the counter - snatching the Midol up quickly.

 "You got my ice cream?"

He winces, keeping his face focused on Lottie, "Uh… it might have melted?"

You gasp.

"Way to go, Bucky. Just ruin my whole day, why don't you?"

Bucky gaps for a moment, then points at Lottie, "Look, sweetheart! I got you a dog!"

Another gasp of surprise as you move down next to him.

"Well, would you look at that! Guess I'll just have to forgive you then, won't I?"

Lottie thumps her tail against the floor, a smile seemingly on her face as she pants. Bucky pulls you in with one arm and kisses you soundly on the lips.

The day might not have gone as planned, but he thinks everything might have worked out the way it was supposed to after all.

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Best Movies Coming to Netflix in May 2021

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Movies are slowly coming back to life at the cinemas. You can see it with each glowing report about a Godzilla vs. Kong or Mortal Kombat doing solid business. And for those with more discerning tastes, films like In the Heights and Those Who Wish Me Dead are definitely going to make their release dates.

Nonetheless, there are many who are understandably not ready to go back to theaters (or have yet to get an HBO Max subscription). Thus Netflix remains an old reliable option. While the Netflix movie selection can be narrow, each month offers some worthwhile gems to revisit or even discover. And May has a surprisingly robust group of Hollywood films from the last 40 years coming to the streaming service on May 1. Here are the best ones.

Back to the Future (1985)

Great Scott! Back to the Future is coming to Netflix. As one of the most beloved films of the 1980s—if not ever—it’s doubtful we need to explain in great detail why this is exciting news. From its star-making turn by Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly to the grand musical score by Alan Silvestri, everything about this movie justworks. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s script is like a Swiss watch in precision, paying off every single setup in the film’s first act when Marty commandeers a time machine made by Doc Brown (a lovable Christopher Lloyd) and accidentally travels from 1985 to 1955… to meet his parents as teenagers!

More time has passed since the movie’s release than the once massive generational gap between the film’s primarily ‘50s setting and 1985. Yet it still plays as a timeless story about family, time travel, and manure. Large piles of manure. By the way, the rest of the Back to the Future trilogy is coming to Netflix, too.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

Forget about all the “sad” dog movies of the last decade where canines have funny voiceover narrations and then die on repeat. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is a very bitter, bittersweet dog’s journey based on a harder truth. A remake of the 1980s Japanese film, Hachikō Monogatari, this American movie is based on the real events surrounding Hachikō, an Akita dog who lived in 1920s Japan. Every day Hachikō would run to the train station, awaiting his master’s return from work. One day, after a fatal stroke, his master never returned. Yet for another 10 years, the dog would escape its various new owners and spend the afternoon waiting at the station.

Directed by The Cider House Rules’ Lasse Hallström, Hachi captures this anecdote about a dog’s loyalty with grace and genuine sweetness. But you’re not going to get through it dry-eyed.

The Land Before Time (1988)

Before it birthed a string of straight-to-video movies meant to babysit pint-sized millennials, the original Land Before Time was a generational touchstone for childhoods in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Overseen by Don Bluth at the height of his talent, and in partnership with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, The Land Before Time is a marvel in animation from the period before Disney Animation’s renaissance. It follows an assortment of baby dinosaurs, including a recently orphaned “longneck” named Littlefoot, after a horrible earthquake has rained devastation on all the isolated herbivores. But together they may just find salvation in a land called the Great Valley.

Essentially a dinosaur road movie for children, to the modern eye it’s told with a surprisingly delicate sensitivity. There is no fourth-wall breaking humor and sideways smirks here. It’s a very earnest fairytale captured in the lost art of hand-drawn animation.

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Based on Alice Sebold’s 2002 bestselling book of the same name, The Lovely Bones has a tough premise: a teen girl is raped and murdered, and goes to heaven where she watches her loved ones attempt to process and move on after her disappearance. The debut novel was not only very popular, but generally well-received for its treatment of trauma, sexual assault, and grief.

The movie, directed by Peter Jackson and starring Saoirse Ronan, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci, among others… was not as well received, fairly criticized for its prioritization of CGI heavenly visuals over a nuanced, character-driven story. You may wonder, then, why we’re recommending a movie that wasn’t great? Because The Lovely Bones is a fascinating watch for those interested in the limits of adaptation and, in particular, how a great filmmaker with expansive resources (including a very talented cast) can fail if they’re not the right person for the job. 

Mystic River (2003)

As one of Clint Eastwood’s best films as director, Mystic River was the first cinematic adaptation of a Dennis Lehane novel, and the author’s hardboiled vision of Boston’s tragically seedy underbelly is well realized here. As much about the hard luck community on the South Side as the story of three men, it nonetheless tracks how neighborhood lives intersect.

We meet three boyhood friends in the movie’s unnerving opening and then jump to their bitter middle age. Oe of them, reformed gangster Jimmy (Sean Penn), has a daughter who’s been found murdered in a gutter. His onetime pal Sean (Kevin Bacon), now a detective, swears he’ll figure out who the killer is, and both men’s estranged acquaintance Dave (Tim Robbins) knows more than he’s letting on. All three’s fates are interlinked in this operatic passion play about the traumas we keep hidden until we’re drowning in regret.

Notting Hill (1999)

Though Four Weddings and a Funeral might have put writer Richard Curtis and star Hugh Grant on the map as the kings of ‘90s British romance, Notting Hill is arguably their true pinnacle. Grant plays a foppish bookshop owner who happens to meet the most famous actress in the world, Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts who might just have been the most famous actress in the world at that time) when she stumbles into his shop.

Read more

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Time Travel and Romantic Comedies: A Perfect Love Match?

By Mark Harrison

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By David Crow

From the sympathy brownie competition, the junket where Grant’s William Thacker has to pretend to be a journalist from Horse & Hound, and Rhys Ifans in his pants, there are plenty of funny, moving moments. But it’s the two montage scenes—a walk through Notting Hill as seasons change to Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and the final montage to Elvis Costello’s “She”—that would melt the hardest of hearts. Rom-com perfection.

Scarface (1983)

Reviews were not initially kind to Scarface, director Brian de Palma’s explosive three-hour remake of the 1932 gangster classic starring Paul Muni (that in turn was based on a novel which loosely chronicled the rise of Al Capone). Written by Oliver Stone and starring Al Pacino as psychopathic Cuban refugee-turned-drug-kingpin Tony Montana, the 1983 film was excoriated by critics for its relentlessly graphic violence, excessive foul language, and over-the-top performances, especially by its leading man. But critics at the time missed the point: Scarface was a reflection of its time—the hedonistic, greed-driven, cocaine-fueled ‘80s—and was appropriately and utterly crazed as a result.

The film did mark the moment when Pacino transitioned from intense, thoughtful character actor to (mostly) histrionic circus barker, but he leaves it all on the field and his mania drives the fast-paced film to its epic, bloodsoaked, and unbelievable (in all aspects of the word) conclusion. As a metaphor for the insane decade of excess that birthed it, Scarface is riveting, breathless, occasionally shocking and often unintentionally hilarious. It’s the gangster movie on coke.

State of Play (2009)

Kevin Macdonald’s remake of a British miniseries by the same name turned out to be a strong thriller in its own right. With a whip smart script by Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray, this movie doubles as both an enjoyable investigative procedural and a love letter to journalism just as newspapers were beginning to die out in the 2000s. Russell Crowe plays Cal McAffrey in the film, the last of the old school guard of reporters, but his ethics will be challenged when the congressman with a dead young woman on his staff turns out to be his old college buddy (Ben Affleck). Rachel McAdams also stars as a young blogger who learns the thrill of chasing a story that takes more than an afternoon to research. Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, and Jeff Daniels also star.

The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

Remember when they made comedies for adults? The Whole Nine Yards is one such anomaly. Really a buddy film about a suicidal dentist (Matthew Perry) and a gangster living under a phony alias who moves in next door (Bruce Willis in one of his last truly charming performances), this giggles and gangsters laugher is a secretly delightful ensemble movie with a deep bench of talent. Indeed, Kevin Pollack, Amanda Peet, Nastsha Henstridge, and Michael Clarke Duncan, as the cuddliest gangster you’ll ever see punch your protagonist in the balls until he’s pissing blood, all get to shine. With a twisty plot, it’s an R-rated throwback to the type of screwball shenanigans that were once Hollywood’s bread and butter.

Zombieland (2009)

It’s rare when calling something the second best zombie comedy ever made is high praise, but in a horror subgenre that also includes Shaun of the Dead, this is high praise for Zombieland. As an R-rated teen comedy, one suspects the filmmakers almost lucked into the absurdly talented cast they assembled with Emma Stone, Jessie Eisenberg, and Woody Harrelson. In the years since this movie’s release, all three were nominated for Oscars (Stone even won one), but in ’09 they’re just having a blast with this goofy stoner hybrid about a dysfunctional makeshift family having fun during the zombie apocalypse.

Also, it features arguably the greatest comedy cameo ever conceived. If you haven’t seen it, I’m not going to spoil it for you here either…

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[userarchive]

Unexpected Circumstances Ch 8

Warnings: Language A/N: If this fic was to like, be on screen, Alejandro Martinez would be played by Justin Baldoni, like guy’s a perp, but he’s the King of Manhattan, he’s decked out in suits and drinks classy liquor, he’s a fancy man.

**

Since you and Sonny had come clean there was a lot less tension between you and Amanda, which meant that you were absolutely crushing it at solving cases, Benson was entirely too impressed with the way you worked together. Amanda thankfully didn’t know that you were well aware of her and Sonny’s will they won’t they relationship so there wasn’t any sense of awkwardness. You were quick to help her out one night when Carisi was supposed to help with the girls and cook dinner, she was surprised with not only how much the girls took to you but that your cooking skills were right up on par with your husband’s. A friendship bloomed throughout your partnership and you were happy to know that you had each other’s backs.

You had been at SVU for just over six months when Rollins mentioned she had a sitter ’til later than normal and asked if you wanted to grab a drink, and you enthusiastically agreed, the case you’d been working on was absolutely draining. You had to take the stand that afternoon, coming straight from court, meeting Amanda at the bar. It was early December, your blazer hung over the back of your chair, leaving you clad in a tank top button up and dress skirt, your shield clipped to your waist as you laughed at one of Amanda’s jokes. 

“I still don’t know how you managed to stay under that long, I mean, 7 years?” Amanda shook her head in disbelief,

“Honestly, when I look back on it, it does seem completely insane. It was a lifetime ago I first went under, but it was easier than I thought. We just kept getting busted by the wrong unit, or missing one of the key players,” You rolled your eyes, “The six month breaks were nice at least, kept me grounded.” You took a swig of your cider, “And when it comes to these sex rings, I mean, you have to gain trust, you have to really be deep into it before anyone gives you any information, you give up a lot of your life to do these ops, be happy you never had to.” You stared across the open space of the bar, chugging the last of your drink, signalling to the bartender that you needed another one.

“You ever get caught up in anything bad?” The blonde questioned,

“God no,” You shivered as a gust of wind blew through the room as the door opened. You looked over your shoulder to glance towards the entrance and the goosebumps on your skin were no longer from the cold. “Shit.” You muttered, grabbing your shield, shoving it into Amanda’s hand, “Hide this, and hide yours, please tell me you don’t have your gun.” You eyed your target to her, “Don’t say anything and don’t use my name.” She shoved the shields into her coat pocket, thankful her gun was at home, still having no idea what was going on. 

Amanda watched everything about you change, in the span of a few seconds one hand ripped the pins out of your hair so it could cascade over your shoulders while the other swiftly undid two more buttons on your shirt, exposing the curve of your breasts. You shifted slightly, your skirt riding higher up your bare legs, swinging an elbow over the back of your chair, a sly grin present on your lips as you drank in the man approaching you.

Alejandro Martinez, The King of Manhattan. You’d hoped he hadn’t seen you coming out of the courthouse earlier, but you’d managed to keep your cover so far, not to mention at this point he was completely wrapped around your finger. He smiled down at you, stroking the back of his hand over your cheek.

“Chiquita….” He began, “Glad to see you made it out. Didn’t tattle on me I hope.” You laughed, when you spoke your voice was dropped an octave, husking out into the air of the bar.

“Please Papi, you know I can talk my way out of anything. And why would I throw you under the bus when I can flip on anyone of those pervs they arrest?” The man kissed your cheek gently, lingering longer than Amanda would have liked, you smirked up at him. “What’re you doing here? Working?”

“I should ask you the same question Hermosa,” His eyes flicked over to Rollins, you laughed, rolling your eyes.

“I’m having a drink with my friend.”

“You know…I really missed you, Maldives are much more fun when you around,” He signalled the bartender over, asking for a round of tequila shots for the three of you, which you took willingly, “You’re my queen Rosebud, if you don’t want to come back I’ll have to hire O’Rourke.”

“Declan!” You thrust your hands against his chest, Amanda caught your eye, realizing who you were talking about, “Papi, NO, you can’t have him as part of your team!”

“Carino, he took over for Johnny D, are you saying I can’t trust him?” He quirked an eyebrow,

“I’m simply saying that he’s not good to be in business with, that man is bad news.” Your eyes bore up into his, a pout forming on your lips. “You’ll get your Queen back if he’s nowhere near us. I refuse to work with him, he’s violent, he’s an ass, it’s him or me.” Your voice was stern, Amanda was thinking that there was no way she’d be able to handle herself as well as you were, but, you’d been doing UC ops since you were in the academy, it made sense.

“Okay, okay, I’ll get rid of him” He smirked, pulling a card out of his suit pocket to hand to you, “Call me, Chiquita.” Then he motioned to the bartender, calling that he’d cover your tab, “I hope to hear from you soon.” He stroked your cheek gently, “You know where to find me.” Alejandro gave you a cheeky wink before he sauntered his way out of the bar.

Amanda waited until she was certain the door was shut before she turned to you, noticing you were buttoning back up your shirt while your eyes scanned through the rest of the patrons in the bar.

“Wanna explain to me what just happened?” Her voice was hushed, head close to yours as you shot back the rest of your drink.

“Probably exactly what you think just happened.”  You’d been a little on edge, looking over your shoulder more the last couple of weeks, you knew he was bound to pop up again and you were damn lucky it hadn’t been while you were on duty.

“Martinez?” You nodded, “So we need to go after him! Arrest the son of a bitch!” You huffed, 

“Amanda this is about so much more than just Alejandro! He may be in charge of the ring and hosting the parties but this is about the girls, about the guests, about charging as many people involved as possible while getting the girls to safety! Besides, we don’t have a warrant, we can’t just slap cuffs on him, he’ll end up walking.” You threw on your blazer, grabbing your coat, hand extended out to collect your badge from your partner. 

“What’re you doing?”

“Calling Liv, we’ve got to set up an op, and I’ve gotta get prepped, c’mon!” You were halfway across the room before she even realized, jogging to catch up with you. Outside and once you’d hung up the phone, starting to hail a cab, Amanda spoke again,

“Hey..that comment about Declan…that true, or just ‘cause you don’t want another cop around?” When you turned to her she was surprised to see the expression on your face, your eyes softened, 

“Manda…it’s true, he’s been under so long he got swept up in it all, he’s no longer under, he’s just fucking dirty.” You gave her a hand a sympathy squeeze, “I’m really sorry..” You gave her another sympathetic look as you pulled the door to your cab open, “If he’s on the certificate I’d highly recommend appealing it…” You were gone before she could even process the information, how in the hell did you know about Jessie’s dad?!

***

The call with Benson had been quick, she knew you knew way more about the situation than she did, and understood that you knew what you were doing. She told you to get ready to go back under in two days time, and bring her everything you had to her the following morning. You knew you needed to get home, but this time, you had a stop to make first… You and Sonny were still in the process of moving in together, he couldn’t exactly bail on his lease without consequences, but he knew you were going out with Rollins that night, and had returned to his place to continue to pack up his things.

Sonny padded over to his apartment door as the knocking grew more insistent, pulling open the door he was surprised to find you on the other side.

“Soph? I thought you were out with Rollins tonight?” 

“I was…can I come in?” 

“Yeah, course.” He moved back to let you into the entrance, closing the door behind you, “Everythin’ okay?” You sighed,

“Martinez showed up.” Sonny face scrunched, 

“Like, on the radar?”

“No. At the bar where Amanda and I were.”

“Did your cover get blown?” 

“No, but Sonny, I’m going back under on Thursday…figured I could give you a fair warning this time.” You noticed the way his face fell, “I’m sorry…” His lanky arms reached out to you, tugging you into a tight hug as he kissed your head.

“Doll, don’t be. Timing sucks but ya’ve gotta do your job. We knew this would happen.” He pulled away slightly, looking down at you with the most adorable puppy dog eyes he could muster, “Can you stay?”

“No..” You breathed out, “I’ve got to get a case file ready for Benson and start getting things packed.” You huffed when he pouted in response, rolling your eyes at him, “Grab a change of clothes, you can come to my place.” Sonny was gleeful at that, neither of you had any idea how long you’d end up being undercover, you could never really tell with things like this, and the last thing he wanted was to spend your remaining days on the surface separated.

[brooding-daydreaminggay]

Answer all the numbers 👀

1, 6 songs I listen to most: Jackson Wang- On the Rocks, Got7-Poison, Stray Kids-God’s Menu, Jake Miller- Blame it on You, Jessie J-Do it like a Dude, Thriving Ivory- Angels on the moon

2. If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?: Jackson Wang or Harry Styles.(celeb wise) Or my crush! 

3. Grab book, turn to page 23, line 17: I figure there’s hope for my father, no matter how bad he may have gotten. 

4. What do you think about most? My future. 

5. What does your lastest text message from someone else say? That is personal but You know what it says..about my mom convo. 

6. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? It all depends on my mood. 

7. What’s your strangest talent? LMAO hmmm it could be this thing I do with my tongue and lips or it could be the way my fingers bend. 

8. Girls...(finish the sentence) Boys...(finish the sentence): Girls are more powerful. Boys are just dumb. 

9. Ever had a poem or song written about you? -Not that I know of. 

10. When is the last time you played the air guitar? -Just last night actually. 

11. Do you have any strange phobias? -I don’t think so. I don’t really like being touched. 

12. Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose? -Unfortunately, yes.

13. What is your religion? -I believe in all things. 

14. If you are outside, what are you most likely doing? -Taking the dog out. 

15. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front? -Behind 

16. Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band? -The Fray 

17. What was the last lie you told? -I’m fine. 

18. Do you believe in karma? -FUCK YES

19. What does your URL mean? -That i am gay!

20. WHat is your greatest weakness: your greatest strength? -Being loyal

21. Who is your celeb crush? -Not really sure anymore. I don’t get into that stuff much. 

22. Have you ever gone skinny dipping? No

23. How do you vent your anger? -I punch stuff or I take it out on myself. 

24. Do you have a collection of anything? Yes 

25. Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online? Video chatting 

26. Are you happy with person you’ve become? Kind of 

27. Sound I hate, sound I love? Sound I hate probably ringing noises. Sound I love, my mom’s voice. 

28. What’s your biggest ‘what if”? WHAT IF WE SUDDENLY GO INTO A BLACK HOLE! 

29. Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens? Yes and yes. 

30. Stick your right arm out, what do you touch first? Same with left. Right: power cord. Left: book 

31. Smell the air. WHat do you smell? Lavender

32. What’s the worst place you have ever been to? My aunt’s house for christmas 

33. East or West coast? East for right now 

34. Most attractive singer of your opposite gender? FUUUUCK Jackson or Harry

35. To you, what is the meaning of life? Meaning of life is to slow down and smell the flowers, be kind to yourself and others, be aware, speak up for those who need help, and making sure the people you love are took care of. 

36. Define Art? Art is how you see beyond what is there. 

37. Do you believe in luck? Yes 

38. What’s the weather like right now? HOT and HUMID 

39. What time is it? 2:55pm 

40. Do you Drive? No and I use to but I didn’t crash 

41. What was the last book you read? After We Fell 

42. Do you like the smell of gasoline? No gives me a headache 

43. Do you have any nicknames? cina 

44. What was the last film you saw? 365 DNI 

45. What is the worst injury you’ve ever had? Grease burn 

46. Have you ever caught a butterfly? They usually catch me 

47. Do you have any obsessions right now? My crush  

48. What is your sexual orientation? Gay 

49. Ever had a rumor spread about you? Yes 

50. Do you believe in magic? Yes 

51. Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? I use to. 

52. What is your astrological sign? Leo.....I get this shit mixed up sometimes 

53. Do you save money or spend it? I usually save until I really need it 

54. What’s the last thing you purchased? A song 

55. Love or lust? LOVE 

56. IN a relationship? Trying to be 

57. HOw many relationships have you had? 4

58. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? No 

59. Where were you yesterday? Home 

60. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? MY hair 

61: Are you wearing socks right now? No 

62: What’s your favourite animal? Elephant 

63: What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you? I flirt a lot 

64: Where is your best friend? Nashville 

65: Give me your top 5 favourite blogs on Tumblr. @pearlchu and I don’t have others really 

66: What is your heritage? German Mexican 

67: What were you doing last night at 12AM? Talking to my crush 

68: What do you think is Satan’s last name? Morningstar 

69: Be honest. Ever gotten yourself off? YES

70: Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend? I hope so

71: You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do? Save the dog 

72: You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid? A: I tell people B: I fucking live it up C: Kind of 

73: You can only have one of these things; trust or love. Trust 

74: What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? Right now God’s Menu 

75: What are the last four digits in your cell phone number? 2150

76: In your opinion, what makes a great relationship? Communication and being goofy together 

77: How can I win your heart? Just by being yourself

78: Can insanity bring on more creativity? Yes

79: What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far? Stop drinking alcohol 

80: What size shoes do you wear? 10

81: What would you want to be written on your tombstone? Here lies Jescina, daughter, friend, mother, wife; who gave love to so many. 

82: What is your favourite word? FUck 

83: Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word; heart. Attack 

84: What is a saying you say a lot? Fuck a duck 

85: What’s the last song you listened to? Something by fall out boy...What a catch donnie 

86: Basic question; what’s your favourite colour/colours? Black, purple, gray, blue

87: What is your current desktop picture? Harry styles 

88: If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be? Uhhhhh....I plead the fifth 

89: What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on? None

90: One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren’t really doing anything, they’re just standing around your bed. What do you do? First I would be mad being woke up and then I would probably get up and get them the fuck out of my room 

91: You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power? Telaport or however you fucking spell it 

92: You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again? Ooo tough..probably spending time with my uncle 

93: You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be? That is personal but if you text me, I will tell you. But on here I will say seeing my dead uncle 

94: You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be? Oof...I am not sure. 

95: You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? Korea!!!

96: Do you have any relatives in jail? Not that I know of..anymore 

97: Have you ever thrown up in the car? Yes 

98: Ever been on a plane? No

99: If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Life is too short to hate. To be afraid. You have to go out and live your life and not care what anyone else thinks. You have to treat those around you with love and care. Don’t be scared of what you don’t have an understanding of. Learn and be patient. Learn about the things that make you afraid. Only then will you stop being afraid. We only have this one life. You can either spend it being afraid and miserable. Or you can spend it being loved and love those around you; making every day a day you want to wake up to. 

Thank you for coming to my ted talk! lol :) 

[self-proclaimed-chaotic-good]

Carry On My Wayward Family | Detective Loki x Reader (Oneshot)

Word Prompt: Family

Words: 3450

Fandom: Prisoners/SPN

A/N: Trying to catch up with @writersmonth (Day 28) when my wifi went down

Summary: Continuation of I Can Explain. Detective Loki is forced to take a week off after running himself to the ground, when he unwittingly finds himself in a case that’s more of a supernatural nature and calls for you to help. Through you, he finally experiences not only a taste of the hunting life, but also the family that you make from it.

-

In the peaceful suburbs of Mery City, a woman walks out of the local veterinary clinic, humming softly to her drowsy cat in her carrier after receiving a shot. The woman places the carrier in the passenger seat and climbs into the driver’s.

It was an ordinary ride home, the car having to stop every now and then at the crosswalk as school had just finished. She drums her fingers against the steering wheel, checking on her cat sleeping soundly in the carrier.

They arrive home, the woman gently placing the carrier down and opening the door. She goes to the kitchen for something to drink when she finds something in the fridge. Her eyes widened as she staggered back screaming for her cat. She scrambles back to the cat carrier to see her cat waking up from her scream.

She whimpered, gathering her cat into her arms and hugged him before her stomach began to turn. A bright light bursts from the both of them, but only the cat was still present when it was over.

The front door opens and a pair of heavy boots stalks in. They stop, seeing the cat, who hisses at them, before picking them up and walking back out of the house.

-

It really was the last straw as Loki swiped the files off of his own desk and slumped in his chair, holding his head in frustration. The chief grimaced at the mess and worked out how to fix the situation. He waited until Loki had finished his recent case to call him into his office before he could pick up another one.

“Look, if you’re going to lecture me about calming down-”

“You need a vacation,” the chief said firmly, holding his hands on his desk.

Loki blinked, leaning back in his chair. “Excuse me?”

“You need a vacation,” he repeated, “Take a break, David. You’ve been working nonstop. It’s okay to step away for awhile. If we need the extra hand, we’ll let you know.”

“I don’t need a vacation,” Loki insisted, blinking again.

“Yes you do. If you don’t, you’re going to go insane or collapse, whichever comes first. Take a break, and that’s an order from your chief.”

Loki glared at him, but his superior wasn’t backing down. Working with Loki for so long, the chief was already familiar with his temper and seemed unfazed during his outbursts and curses. That’s just how he is and at least he gets the job done.

“Maybe a week or two should suffice, detective?”

-

Loki huffed, stuffing the last bag into his trunk before slamming it closed. What the hell was he going to do for a whole week? He leaned against his car and pulled out his phone, eyes blinking as he scrolled through his contacts until he found what he was looking for.

The line beeps two times until you finally answered his call. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite detective,” you said, a smile on your face. You stepped away from the kitchen and threw yourself on the couch. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of your lovely voice?”

“Chief gave me a week off,” he grumbled, forgetting why he was calling you out of all his contacts in the first place.

“Wow, you seem happy about that,” you said sarcastically, “I don’t suppose you had ever gone on a voluntary day off or called in sick.”

Claire and Alex sits across from you with a smirk on both their faces. “Who’s that?” Alex asked loudly.

You rolled your eyes. “A friend,” you said pointedly.

“I’m your friend now? When did this development take place?” Loki asked, climbing into his car.

“Since we’ve been talking for several months now.”

“Oh, is this the hot detective that you were talking about?” Claire piped in, loud enough for Loki to hear.

“Hot detective?” You could practically hear the smirk in his voice as he said it, too.

“Anyways, why did you call me?” you asked, changing the subject.

“I told you, chief forced me to take a vacation but I don’t know what to do.”

“My, god. You really haven’t taken a day off, have you?” you said, “What about going to the bar and drink with friends? Take a short road trip? Visit some friends and family-”

“I was in a Boys Home, remember,” he interrupted.

You winced at your slip. “Right, sorry... “

“And… and I don’t have that much friends,” he continued, speaking more slowly, “I… I’m sorry for calling you. I should go. You’re right, I can find something to do, maybe head to the city for a couple of days.”

“No, um…,” You felt the need to say something, but you didn’t know what.

Alex and Claire were persistently mouthing things for you to say. ‘Ask to see him’. ‘Invite him over’. You shake your head at their suggestions. You and Loki had only talked through calls or texts, but you haven’t seen him since that case in Conyers. Honestly, you were surprised that the two of you kept in contact for this long. Inviting him over might overwhelm him.

“You know what, I’m just going to take a road trip and visit a friend who transferred out of Conyers,” Loki said.

“Oh, okay. That sounds good. Have fun, detective,” you said before quickly hanging up. You were overwhelmingly awkward that you facepalmed. “I’m so stupid.”

“You don’t really go out on dates, do you?” Claire teased. Your grimaced answered for you.

You had gone ahead to help Jody get ready for the upcoming holiday, running errands and putting up decorations. Jody had invited you and the boys over for a special holiday dinner and you would have to be soulless to say no. On your way there, the boys heard a case near Iowa and decided to check it out before going over to Jody’s.

-

Detective Harold Goodman had never dealt with a kidnapping like this before. Five people within the last month, all around the same area. No pattern, no apparent motive, nothing. Well, except that they were all pet owners. If it was some kind of sick animal hater, or obsessed animal lover, why go after the owners, too? Two federal agents had stopped by to investigate, but they went missing, too.

He downed his third coffee that morning when he saw a familiar face. He smirked, slamming him mug down and stood up. “Now why is your dumbass face here in Mery City, Iowa? Tired of the small town life up there in Conyers?” Goodman remarked.

Loki smirked, punching his friend’s arm. “Apparently I’m a workaholic. Don’t know where the chief got that idea,” he said.

They squared each other up, almost inches from each other’s face before breaking out into a smile. Goodman shoved him away and invited him to sit with him. Loki took the seat across and ordered a cup of coffee from the server.

“But, seriously, Dave, why are you here?”

Loki shook his head and sighed. “I don’t know. Been busy with cases that I didn’t know what to do when I don’t have one.”

Goodman studied his friend for a moment. “No girl… or guy?” He saw a hint of a smile on Loki’s lips before he schooled his face again. “Who is this person that managed to get your cold dead heart pumping?”

“We’ve been talking on and off. Long distance stuff and… we’re just friends, that’s all.” The server came and placed his cup of coffee down. He thanked her and took a sip before leaning back, ignoring his friend’s curious look. “I’ve heard what’s going on in the news. Anything I could help with?”

Goodman laughed. “You’re on vacation, Loki. But… if you must know, and you never heard this from me, but there’s been some missing persons within the last month. I know this is kind of your thing, so I want a second brain to help me think this through.” Loki nodded at him to continue, so he proceeded to give him the gist of the missing persons cases. “It got so bad that the feds got involved. These two guys that look like Calvin Klein models-”

“Two tall brown hair guys that drives an Impala?”

“Y… yeah. How did you-”

“Was there another person with them?”

“No, it was just them. Agents Jessie and James. You know them?”

Loki nodded. “Yeah, they came by Conyers a few months ago when we had those crazy animal attacks. You say that they’re here?”

“Yeah, but I haven’t seen them for awhile. They weren’t at their motel, they haven’t answered their phones, but their Impala is still in the parking lot. You thinking these kidnappings are more serious than we thought?” Goodman asked, frowning.

“Maybe. Look, I know I can’t do anything since it’s not my county, but I know someone who could.”

-

It’s been awhile since you’ve done a case on your own. Being part of the Winchester’s hunts, you were used to having a towering body walking into the police station with you, giving you a bonus in intimidation so they could take you seriously.

You got the call from Loki that Sam and Dean were missing, so you had to excuse yourself for dinner and stop by Mery City to check it out. Jody wished she could go, too, but she had responsibilities with the girls and Sioux Falls. So, you had to go by yourself, taking your motorcycle all the way to Mery City and met up with Detective Harold Goodman.

“My friend, Detective Loki said you could help with this case. There’s been a recent case, but this time, the dog’s still here,” Goodman said.

“The dog?” you asked.

“Yeah, the missing persons seem to be pet owners, going missing along with their pet,” he explained with a shrug.

“I’m going to have to check their houses and look at the testimonies from their friends and families,” you said, placing your hands on your hips.

“Sure, anything that’ll help.”

After looking into the case files of the first five people, reading through the testimonies, and going through Sam’s notes on the cases, you moved on to investigating into the most recent case, searching the house for clues. The latest victim had a roommate that usually kept to himself, having only seen the victim when he’d come out of his room.

“It’s weird,” the roommate said, “He usually comes home on time and feeds Jerrold.”

“Jerrold?” you asked.

“Yeah, Steven’s pet crested gecko. I thought I heard him, then I heard a scream, and when I rushed out of my room, Jerrold was on the ground, but no Steven,” he said, gesturing over to Steven’s room.

“Mind if I take a look around?”

“Go ahead. I’m going to be heading out soon.”

This Steven was a neat freak that would put your room to shame. Desk neatly organized with a calendar that’s color coded, sheets clean, dirty laundry all thrown in the hamper and not scattered around. You inspected the glass tank, the bottom filled with pellets and a long branch rested from one corner to another. Perched on that branch was a cute fiery colored crested gecko.

You moved on, searching for anything out of place. It wasn’t until you reached the cabinet where Steven stored the food and equipment for his gecko did you find anything. You carefully pushed a few boxes aside and reached for the small pouch tucked away in the corner. This was definitely a hex bag, but of what kind?

You stood up and went to leave when the gecko climbed out of its tank. You picked Jerrold up and tried to place him back inside, but he kept struggling. A glint of metal reflecting off of the glass caught your attention. You just about dodged the attack, rolling out of the way of your assailant dressed in black with heavy set boots.

Your eyes darted around for a potential weapon, grabbing a metal ruler from the desk. The man stalked towards you with a meat cleaver, raising it above his head. You breathed in deeply before rushing at him, knocking the cleaver out of his hand with the ruler. He hissed, turning to the empty tank and growled in frustration. He ransacked the tank and cabinets before turning back to you. You rushed for the meat cleaver, his giant hands reaching it first. You backed away slowly, trying to read the masked man.

He was clearly looking for something, that much was obvious, and you’re only in the way. So far, he seemed human. You refused to draw a gun on him until it was absolutely necessary. But he was also big and heavy weight, which means you couldn’t tackle him easily.

Just as you figured out the right course of action, a flower vase was smashed onto his head. You backed away as he landed forward with a loud thud. Alex and Claire glared down at the man and had the decency to look sheepish at you. Their eyes then flickered over to your shoulder where Jerrold was quietly perched.

-

“How did you guys get here,” you demanded, “Does Jody know?”

They exchanged a look, then shook their heads. You sighed, unable to stay angry at them for long. They were old enough to go hunting, but you didn’t want Jody to worry.

“We were hoping to see the hot detective,” Claire said.

“And also help you save Sam and Dean,” Alex added.

“Right, well, you two order something and I’ll fill you guys in.” They grinned. “But, you guys have to call Jody first.”

They went ahead to call their mom while you try to reach the boys again. Whatever was going on, it involved witchcraft and the animals. When the boys didn’t pick up, you opened up your laptop and went into researching the type of hex used. You were a bit out of touch with witchcraft, being so engrossed with your research, you didn’t notice Alex and Claire whispering to each other and a figure making their way over to your table.

“Glad you could come over and help,” Loki said, taking the empty seat next to you.

You looked away from the screen and raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re supposed to be on vacation,” you scolded.

“What does that even mean?”

Your lips were drawn into a thin line, not amused by his remark. “Anyways,” you said, turning back to the girls, “This is definitely witchcraft. I found a hex bag in Steven’s room. This type that was used to bind a soul to another living being, using the essence of both subjects. For example,” you paused, holding up the hex bag, “This one has his hair and the tip of his gecko’s tail. Meaning…”

“Steven is in Jerrold?” Alex asked, looking over at the small cage placed at the end of the table where Jerrold was listening.

“We just need to burn the bags, right?” Claire said, looking at the hex bag.

“Right, but we need to find where everyone is. Detective Goodman has one of the dogs over at the station. For some reason, this man is after them. Find the animals, find the hex bags, we find the witch and we find the Winchesters. Got that, Loki?” You turned to the detective who looked blankly back at you.

“There are witches?”

“Since this is your version of a vacation, want to go on a hunt?”

Alex and Claire smiled, having been watching the two of you interact the entire time. It was no secret that your eyes would light up every time you looked at the detective, and Loki would always smiled softly when he looked at you. For years, you were like an aunt to them and they want you to be safe and happy. One slip up from detective Loki, and they’ll give him hell.

-

You’ve split into two teams, you with Alex and Loki with Claire, searching for the hex bags for each missing person. Detective Goodman helped looked into the assailant and found that their own pets had been either stolen or poisoned by heartless strangers just because. You went in to question him and found that he had been using witchcraft only recently and the other animals along with Sam and Dean were hidden away at an old family barn outside of the city.

You had the girls consolidate the hex bags and burn them while you, Loki and Goodman went out to search for the barn. By the time you reached there, Sam and Dean had broken the others out from below the barn and were checking that everyone was alright. Goodman had called backup to help transport them back to the city while you rushed at your boys, jumping up to wrap your arms around them.

“Jody would have been so pissed if you missed Christmas dinner,” you mumbled.

“No kidding,” Sam chuckled.

“Yeah, you saved us, kid, but what the hell is Batman and Joker’s lovechild here?” Dean asked, narrowing his eyes at Loki.

You turned back to Loki and smiled. “Long story. Maybe over at dinner?”

Loki blinked, startled. “Wait, are you asking me…”

“Got any place better to be?”

“Well, if it’s alright with everyone,” he said, looking between the two brothers. 

You turned to Dean and gave him your best puppy eyes. He let out an exasperated big brother sigh with a roll of his eyes and threw his hands up in defeat. You gave him a tight hug before dragging Loki, who was hiding a smile, back to the car.

Sam gave a teasing smirk to Dean. “Shut up, bitch,” Dean grumbled, pushing passed him.

“Jerk!” Sam called out after him.

-

When Sam and Dean rolled up to Jody’s driveway with Alex and Claire behind them, Jody was already waiting with her arms crossed. She hugged the brothers, glad that they were okay before moving on to her girls who she had also hugged, knowing that they’re safe. You parked your motorcycle near the mailbox, Loki holding on for dear life behind you. It was his first time riding a motorcycle, but he didn’t want to admit how nervous he was, though he did enjoy the fact that he got to hold you throughout the ride.

You helped Jody bring the food over as Alex and Claire set the table up. Jody didn’t want the boys to be sitting around and having the women do all the work, so she had them clean up the house and finish putting up decorations.

“I like him,” Claire suddenly told you.

“What do you mean?” you asked, looking over at Loki who was frowning at the tinsel decorations.

“Well, I spoke to him while we were searching through the houses and he seems pretty cool, though he did say he had a temper. I think he’s more like Dean in that sense,” she said, “You seem happy that he’s here.”

You shrugged, the corner of your lips turning up. “Well, I don’t think he had a chance to have a dinner like this, so I just thought it’d be nice to bring him, you know? He did help by calling me over to stop the witch.”

“He’s pretty cute, too,” Jody piped in, winking at you, “Awkward, but cute.”

“That’s enough from you guys,” you said, rolling your eyes.

For the first time in a long time, the dinner table was full. Jody, Alex, Claire, Sam, Dean, you, and Loki. Cas and Jack came later, along with Donna who had made her way over from Minnesota. The ten of you held hands and said grace, thanking whoever that cared to listen for this strong, wayward, found family that you had all made along the way. You looked over at Loki, who had a strange look on his face, and squeezed his hand. He blinked a couple of times and smiled at you, squeezing your hand back.

“Alright, let’s dig in. I’m starving!” Dean said, grabbing the nearest plate of food over.

To think in your hectic lives of being a hunter, there could be moments like these that you could relax and enjoy with the people you love. It made you wonder if it was possible to have many more like these, moments of peace, if the fighting would ever be over, and what would you do if it did. Anger, sadness, grief, pain in every sense of the word, are what hunters have to endure, mostly the Winchesters, but it’s all worth it when you save people so they don’t have to go through it. Then, you just simply carry on.

[randomvarious]

Rick Springfield - “Jessie’s Girl” Pure 80′s Song released in 1981. Compilation released in 1999. Pop Rock / Power Pop

Rick Springfield has accomplished a lot in his life. One, he’s the king of 80s power pop, having recorded sixteen top 40 US hits within the decade. Two, he’s a film and TV actor, with his most famous role being that of the dreamy Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. He’s also had roles on Californication and True Detective and starred alongside Meryl Streep in Ricki and the Flash. Springfield’s also penned a New York Times bestseller. He’s quite the triple threat.

Born in Australia, Springfield first struck serious fame in his native country as a guitarist and vocalist in a popular band called Zoot. Their biggest hit, a 1970 hard rock cover of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” peaked at #3. Following that success, Springfield decided to pursue a solo career and in 1971 moved to the States. He would release his fist hit, “Speak to the Sky,” which would reach #5 in Australia and #14 in the US. He was marketed as a teen heartthrob to compete with the likes of David Cassidy and Donny Osmond and it seemed like he was well on his way to becoming something of a pop superstar.

And that would happen, eventually, but he encountered some serious delays on the way. A nasty rumor started to spread after the release of “Speak to the Sky” that alleged that his label, Capitol Records, was busing in women to buy his album, Beginnings, in order to inflate its sales. As a result, radio stations  boycotted Springfield’s music, which immediately stopped his ascent towards stardom. His career was then further stalled due both to the lingering rumor and his newest label, Chelsea Records, going down the tubes.

Springfield decided that if he didn’t have a record contract, then he would try his hand at acting. He landed bit parts on popular TV shows including Wonder Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, Battlestar Galactica, and The Rockford Files. He also recorded demos, which RCA took a liking to, and signed him. He was then given his General Hospital role and released his album, Working Class Dog, all around the same time in 1981.

Springfield’s timing really could not have been better. His role on General Hospital fed into his success as a recording artist. After being on GH for some months, “Jessie’s Girl” was released as a single, and very slowly, climbed the charts, taking all of 19 weeks to assume the #1 spot in the US. And right when it claimed the top of the charts in August, MTV launched, which probably played a part in extending its stay on the charts for as long as it did. The song also struck #1 in Australia, and in 1982, it somehow managed to win a Grammy for best rock male performance. And while it’s probably more than a bit of a reach to think that award was justified, it’s undeniable that “Jessie’s Girl” is an absolute fucking earworm.

I think the lesson to be learned from  “Jessie’s Girl” is don’t be friends with Rick Springfield. He’s a grown-ass man in his 30s concurrently trying to ruin both a relationship and friendship in an act of jealous greed. Springfield didn’t write the first song in the Mr. Steal Yo Girl catalog, but he’s 100% responsible for its biggest hit. Some people jokingly posit that “Jessie’s Girl” is the prequel to Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom” and that Jessie’s girl and Stacy;s mom are the same person. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if “Stacy’s Mom” was actually inspired by “Jessie’s Girl” and I now have both songs playing in my head at the same time and it’s driving me just a teensy bit insane.

Anyway, there’s many reason as to why “Jessie’s Girl” is such a phenomenal 80s power pop hit. First of all, Dr. Noah Drake made it. GH had a viewership of something like 14 million people. The rumor that had previously dogged Springfield didn’t matter anymore, and anything this music-first dreamboat was gonna put out was bound to do good numbers. Second, the song’s subject matter is totally relatable. Everyone feels lust and jealousy from time to time, and shaping that honest admission into lyrics that can be easily sung along to is probably going to garner success.

But thirdly, and most importantly, it’s the build, both musically and lyrically. “Jessie’s Girl” opens with a simple, subdued riff and a light hi-hat tap that back Springfield’s hushed tones. After Rick tells us about his plot to nab Jessie’s girl, his hormones start to boil. A combination of muddy guitar chords, hand claps, and a kick drum suddenly appear as they catchily symbolize his sexual angst. His vocals multitrack like irrepressible voices in his head and he bitterly pictures Jessie and his girl deep in the throes of lust and love as goo goo eyes quickly transition to sex. Rick’s emotions then explode during the chorus, but thanks in part to an added synthesizer, the song just takes on a feeling of good, lighthearted, exceedingly poppy fun instead of jealous, raging, frustration.

 And then we hit the reset button just to do it all over again. The remainder of the song sustains itself on the residual amount of energy left by the second chorus, which in turn leaves an extended bridge that allows Springfield to give us a nice, little guitar solo before launching into the final chorus.

Check out the music video, too, where you can see Rick spray painting the words “Jessie’s girl” onto a wall, Rick’s guitar playing not matching the music at all, Rick stabbing his bathroom mirror to pieces with the neck of his guitar, and Rick’s dog, Ronnie, who stars on Working Class Dog’s album cover, dressed up in a button-down shirt and tie.

“Jessie’s Girl” is a song that was crafted to live inside your head, and it certainly ticks all the boxes to accomplish that goal. It enabled Springfield to unleash a torrent of hits throughout the rest of the decade and helped him achieve platinum status for a bunch of albums thereafter. What’s crazy is that he continued to act on General Hospital for the next few years, too. That hectic and tireless work schedule would take its toll and force him to dramatically dial it back, but Springfield has been able to continue his acting and music career into his 70s, and has added a writing dimension to his résumé as well. 

The good looks have certainly aided Rick Springfield throughout his life, but it definitely takes a good bit of talent and drive to have such a successful career for so long. A mix of a starring role on an immensely popular soap opera and an ability to craft such an incredibly catchy tune will afford you an opportunity to spread your wings and stick around for quite a while.

[remember-logan]

Logan Ehrenclou was a beautiful human being, and his energy is immortal. He was one of the goofiest, most charming people I’ve ever known. His smile was huge, bright, and insanely infectious. It ranged from silly and endearing, to mischievous and wily-but it was always handsome, and impossible not to smile back at. The energy shifted when Loges entered the room-things became more fun and exciting. He had this magnetizing quality about him that was palpable, and as a little boy all I wanted to do was hang around my cool older cousin. He could do a wide range of silly voices and impersonations and was super sharp witted and clever. He’d jump into a character and commit to it for hours, or sometimes days at a time. I have a vivid memory of him at Aunt Jessie’s one night doing a strikingly accurate impersonation of Doc Holiday in Tombstone, saying “I do declare”, and “say when” over and over again until we were crying with laughter. He had the innate ability to make any conversation or situation hysterical. You could just make eye contact with him and it would inspire a burst of laughter. I drank too many beers on one of our legendary Bill Fish/Uncle Cecil fishing expeditions and passed out in a chair snoring- Loges seized this opportunity to get everyone’s attention and spray whip cream in my open mouth. I woke up spitting it out furiously, and all I remember is him turning red with hysterical laughter, and the look of gleeful satisfaction on his face. Practical jokes and scaring people were an expertise of his. The number of times he successfully scared my Mother is impressive (and indicative of how brave he was). 

Loges was always one of the kids. He was never too cool to spend hours playing army with me in the woods of New Jersey/Never above spending hours on the phone with me talking about skateboarding, rap, and girls. The level of connectivity he had with children and animals was astounding. Little kids loved him and wanted to be around him, and dogs wagged their tails incessantly and hunkered up to him. He radiated fun and love. He was so creative and brilliant- whether that medium was a concrete wall, piece of paper, or a delicious dinner, Loges was making art. He was a naturally gifted musician, singer, and photographer. His David Allen Coe singing voice was spot on, Ironically, so was his Bob Marley. He had a deep catalogue of great Reggae and Hip Hop in his head and could freestyle rap his ass off. I remember driving around in my Grandmas station wagon blasting Mystikal with the volume turned all the way up- and Loges animatedly rapping along to every word. He was the type of dude that could befriend a thug from the projects, and a fisherman from the boonies in the same day. He adored people, and people adored him. 

Although he was extremely handsome and charming, Logan never had much luck with women. Sadly he died a virgin. 

That goofy beautiful energy that is Logan is with me every single day. He embodied fun, laughter, love, and joy. He shaped the man I am, and the man I will be. Every time I tell a funny joke, eat a delicious meal, see a beautiful piece of Graffiti, or hear a song that makes me smile- that’s Logan smiling through me. 

 Love you forever Logie’s Pierogis

Taiter

[cdyssey]

Hadestown (7/14/19), Act I

Act II

This is largely just me rambling about how much I love Hadestown and how beautiful it was to see live, but I’m going to be heavy on spoilers, so please don’t read this if you want to go in blind!!!

*An overlay pic I did in, like, three seconds on my phone, lol.

Hadestown, a sweeping thesis statement: It was the most beautiful musical I’ve seen in my life, and it touched me profoundly.

Hadestown, a hieroglyphic summary of me during the entire show: 😭😭😭😭😭😭 (I’m srs. I was in tears every three minutes. I cried during the standing ovation.)

Hadestown, Act One:

“Road to Hell” —

What an opening number. My gods—so vivacious and vital and joyfully, deliriously alive.

The first noises you hear in the moments before “Road to Hell” are the sharp clacks of André’s shoes as he makes his way across the stage. Even in a handful of silent seconds, he makes his presence known. Right before he starts the song, he unbuttons his coat and shows his sparkly vest off. I love him???????

Like, I adore how he so perfectly inhabits the role of an omniscient, omnipresent narrator. He’s literally a god walking among men, and that’s such a beautiful take on Hermes.

The stage for “Road to Hell” is set up to be a kind of bar where Orpheus works as a busboy! Orpheus sweeps around cleaning off tables, and Eurydice (Jessie Shelton!!) comes in seeking shelter from the cold. When Hermes announces that it’s the beginning of Orpheus and Eurydice’s tale, they come face to face for the first time and simply stare at each other.

Also, you know how Hermes takes extra care to mention that Orpheus’s mother was a Muse and a friend of his?? I think that tidbit helps set up the friendly, mentor-like relationship Hermes and Orpheus have throughout the musical!!

“Any Way the Wind Blows” —

Okay, this is where I desperately wish that the entire OBC was out because I only remember a couple of things from this song, and that makes me sad. ;-;

But what I can tell y’all is that Jessie Shelton is a brilliant, nuanced Eurydice. Her youth and her scrappiness shine through; her hunger—for sustenance, for hope, for a better life—evidences itself in every note she sings!!

AND THE FATES. MY GODS, THE FATES. I LOVE THEM. Kay, Jewelle, and Yvette imbue them with such chaotic evil energy™. They’re quite sinister throughout the musical, tempting and teasing whomever they’re stalking in turns. I’d literally die for all of them!!

But anyway, in this song, Eurydice lights a candle to protect herself from the cold, and the Fates constantly lurk over her shoulder, pretty much dogging her. It’s here you begin to realize what weight Eurydice has on her shoulders. She knows what’s behind her back. She knows who’s trying to steal her light.

OH, OH, and up to around “Epic I,” keep an eye on Hades and Persephone in the balcony!! They’re playing dominoes together.

“Come Home With Me” —

ASFVDS. The intro to this one is so funny. Hermes tries to play wingman for Orpheus and advises him to be chill and not come on too strong. Immediately afterwards, Orpheus is, like, COME HOME WITH ME. MARRY ME.

(Reeve Carney is a national treasure and should b protected.)

But basically, this song is Orpheus’s proposal song!! Eurydice is skeptical, but she increasingly and incrementally warms up to him.

“Wedding Song” —

OOH, this one’s a jam!! It sounds like something str8 off of a country album.

A lot of it is Eurydice warming up to the idea of marrying Orpheus. She’s obviously at war with what she knows and what she wants—the world she dreams about and the world she lives in.

Sometime during the song, Orpheus sings the “la, la, la” melody to her and inexplicably procures a flower for her. So awed by it and him and the magic they create together with their love, Eurydice melts.

Also, holy heck!!! The staging is really amazing for this one. At some point, Orpheus walks on a bridge of tables to Eurydice. He finishes one table, and one of the company members moves another so that it’s right in front of him.

“Epic I” —

Just so y’all know, every time an “Epic” is sung, I just full on start crying. 😭

“Epic I” starts with Orpheus trying to figure out where the “la, la, la” melody came from, and Hermes tells him it used to be sung by Persephone and Hades. He urges our boy to recall their love story through song.

As he sings, attention is drawn to the balcony for the first time since “Road to Hell” as the gods react to their story being sung. Hades is largely uninterested, but Persephone leans over the balcony to listen to Orpheus, obviously moved.

“Livin’ It Up On Top” —

Is this a good time 2 declare my undying love for Amber Gray and everything she stands for?????????

BECAUSE GODS, SHE’S AMAZING. I saw her in Great Comet as Hélène, and even then, I was impressed by the nuance she brought to what could have been a one-note character in the wrong hands, but her Persephone?????????? Brilliant. Flawless. The love of my life. I’m forever a stan. With her loose (but graceful) limbs and brightly lit eyes, she makes sure you know that Persephone is one hell of a character without even singing so much as a word, but when she does sing?? The power and liveliness in her voice echoes all over Walter Kerr.

Amber 👏 Gray 👏 is 👏 a 👏 powerhouse.

OKAY, back to the song!! This might be a little before it starts or right as it begins, but before she leaves the balcony to usher in spring, she kisses Hades on the cheek. He doesn’t really react, and that broke my heart.

(ALSO, BASELESS CONJECTURE, but you know how Hermes mentions that Persephone is always late?? I’ve always wondered if that’s her parallel to Hades being early. Even though their relationship has stagnated, she doesn’t want to leave him. 😭😭😭😭)

Like “Road to Hell,” this song’s just full of life and fun. Persephone plays around with Eurydice and Orpheus a lot, and it’s honestly the first time we see Eurydice loosen up and let herself be happy.

“All I’ve Ever Known” —

Eurydice and Orpheus make me emo. ;-;

At some point, when she’s singing that all she’s ever known is how to hold her own, Orpheus reaches out for her. She flinches at first, but a couple of verses later, reaches out to him.

When Orpheus sings “I’m gonna hold you forever,” he hugs her from behind and crushes her tightly to his chest, and the relief on her face was just palpable. Oh, my godssssss.

All the while, Persephone is watching them, obviously in love with their love, and Hades is reading a newspaper on the balcony!

“Way Down Hadestown” —

LEGIT ONE OF MY FAVES. GOD, THE LYRICS, THE ENERGY, AND THE ACTING WAS AMAZING.

“Better go get your suitcase packed! Guess it’s time to go!” The Fates sing this mockingly at Persephone, and shortly after this, she slowly bends over in despair, her face hidden, her arms limp.

BUT THEN, and this almost made me SCREAM, she begins to tap her feet to the music EVEN AS SHE’S STILL BENT OVER. ASFCDSS. I love Amber Gray. It’s almost like, depressed though she may be, she can’t help but dance to the rhythm. She does this right up until her next verse.

Throughout the first half of the song, Orpheus and Eurydice are just, like, hella enjoying the music together. They’re snuggling and cuddling, and at one point, they’re lying down at the front of the stage spooning as they watch Hermes, Persephone, and co. dance.

In the second half of the song, though, when Hermes starts warning them about the dangers of Hadestown, there’s a subtle shift. Even though the music is still jaunty, he and Persephone and the company are clearly trying to drill it into the lovebirds’ brains that all that glitters isn’t gold. I used to dislike tht those lines were taken from Orpheus, but now I really appreciate the meaning the change conveys.

Hades shows up in his jacket and glasses and gets a big laugh with his “I missed ya” line. (SPOILER ALERT: PATRICK PAGE IS ALSO THE LOML.)

“Seems like he owns everything.” / “Kinda makes you wonder how it feels...” When Eurydice longingly sings this line, Hades lowers his glasses to appraise her, his interest caught. Orpheus, seeing the way he looks at her, jumps in front of Eurydice as though to shield her.

GOD, this song was good.

(OH, and question? Is the accordion a big part of Hades’s musical motif? I noticed that there’s a lot more of it being played whenever he shows up or is being talked about.)

“A Gathering Storm” —

I’ll talk about this more later, but the lighting work is incredible in Hadestown. Like, in this song, for instance, the blues and grays are sharp departures from how brightly lit the stage was when Persephone was down for spring.

This song is where the ideological divide between Eurydice and Orpheus really becomes apparent as Orpheus grapples with the tragedy that spring is gone, while Eurydice just accepts it. It’s just how it is. He runs to finish his song, while Eurydice runs to find them food and shelter. You can see the fear and and hunger and desperation begin to creep upon Eurydice’s face again. Gone now is the girl who laughed and dance during “Livin’ It Up On Top.”

“Epic II / “Chant” —

“Epic II” is Orpheus trying to finish his song as he continues to piece together why winter came so early! I think Eurydice is offstage for this one, presumably scavenging for food while he writes like he’s running out of time.

I don’t remember WHY it’s so awesome, but the transition from “Epic II” to “Chant” is incredible. (@WHOEVER IS RESPONSIBLE - RELEASE THE REST OF THE OBC, PLS.)

ALSO, “CHANT.” GOD. This has always been up there in my top five for its lyrics alone, but the staging is insane. If there’s a song in Hadestown that works like a well-oiled machine made up of so many moving parts, then it’s “Chant.”

When Persephone starts singing about how bright and hot it is, she calls attention to the fact that the lighting upon her is exceptionally, painfully bright. Throughout this entire song, her face is shattered with fear and horror as she looks around and takes in what Hades did to their kingdom. It’s heartwrenching, and I CRIED.

The company is absolutely incredible in every song, but I was especially struck by their movements here. Toiling away, they circled the raised pedestal that Hades and Persephone stood on. At one point, their movements were such that they resembled a gear moving.

And also, these acting choices makes me so damn emo: For “Chant” up to “Epic III,” Hades can’t hardly keep his eyes off of Persephone, both when she’s singing to him or he’s singing to her. However, after she’s done singing to him, she nigh refuses to look at him while he sings to her. Patrick and Amber r the best.

When Orpheus sings his first “la, las” in “Chant,” he’s still trying to write his song. In her conversation with Hermes, Eurydice grows increasingly frustrated, as in, How the hell is a song going to save us? She still has a little hope at this point, but it’s quickly waning. The red carnation in her hair, put there by Persephone in “Livin’ It Up On Top” is the brightest item on the stage. (It especially contrasts well with Eurydice’s monochromatic costume.)

ALSO, Jessie went HARD on Eurydice’s high notes. SHE’S SO GOOD, Y’ALL.

In the middle of “Chant” when Orpheus is still trying to figure out Hades and Persephone’s story, Hermes is trying to warn him about the storm ahead, about Eurydice, but he’s so caught up in what he’s doing, that he can’t hear or see anything beyond his lyre and the lyrics.

Towards the tail end of “Chant,” the Fates steal Eurydice’s backpack and coat, really sealing in the apparent hopelessness of her situation. The way Eurydice hugs her arms against the wind made me want to CRY.

“Hey, Little Songbird” / “When the Chips Are Down” / “Gone, I’m Gone” —

It’s either at the tail end of “Chant” or the beginning of “Songbird,” but Persephone is lowered into the ground through the in-stage elevator (that usually symbolizes the ascent and descent to Hadestown), while Hades remains above ground to croon at Eurydice. The entire time she’s lowered down, she stares angrily at Hades until she’s pulled from sight.

TIME TO TALK ABOUT PATRICK PAGE NOW!!! His voice is so unreal—it’s like a sinkhole, so deep and consuming and churning with gravel. I literally can’t imagine any other person doing what he does in the role of Hades.

“Songbird” largely consists of Eurydice trying her best to resist Hades’s temptation, but faltering as he starts to echo her own thoughts. I think he hits the biggest nerve when he guesses that Orpheus is a penniless poet.

“SONGBIRD VS. RATTLESNAKE.” OMG, I didn’t realize that the Fates are the rattlesnake until seeing this song live and watching them sashay across the stage like one. ASDFVDS, I’m so dumb. Anyway, again, and I cannot stress this enough, but the Fates are incredible. If Hades opened the wound, then the Fates drove in the nail, reemphasizing what Eurydice already half-believes.

“THE FIRST SHALL BE FIRST, AND THE LAST SHALL BE LAST. CAST YOUR EYES TO HEAVEN—YOU GET A KNIFE IN THE BACK.” Omg, first of all, these lines go hard, and secondly, with the knife line, Eurydice acts like she’s been stabbed, and her entire face just contorts with pain.

“Gone, I’m Gone” is incredibly affecting. I don’t know if Eva does this live, but Jessie sounded like she was sobbing as she sung this.

When Eurydice decides to descend to Hadestown, the elevator goes down with her and returns with only her flower. I straight up lost it.

“Wait for Me” / “Why We Build the Wall”—

HELLO, AMERICAN THEATRE WING?? WHERE IS REEVE CARNEY’S TONY AND APOLOGY LETTER???? THANK YOU.

At the beginning of “Wait for Me,” Hermes picks up the carnation and twiddles it in his hand until the line “With all your heart?” Then, he places it on Orpheus’s, well, heart.

God, the lamps swinging through Walter Kerr made me weep. That’s such a beautiful staging choice. Rachel Chavkin, wherever you are, I love you.

“Wait For Me” received an extended applause. It most certainly went on for at least two minutes.

God, I love “Why We Build the Wall.” I could drown Patrick Page’s voice and be happy with that life decision. (On a side note, does the intro of this one remind anyone of Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”????)

This is the first song in which Persephone comes down in her Hadestown garb, a black dress, her hair restrained in a net(?). The difference between the bright green and the black is harrowing. All of the energy just seems to be vacuumed out of her. She, Hermes, and the company sycophantically sing when Hades asks them to.

After the instrumental portion of the song, Eurydice ascends on the elevator, arriving in Hadestown. She almost immediately makes eye contact with Persephone, quite obviously feeling the same shock that I did upon seeing the lively goddess clothed in black. Shock turns to horror as she realizes that this isn’t the rest she’d been hoping for. Persephone looks at her sadly as Hades calls her into the office to sign papers.

And oh, God, this musical absolutely ruined me in the best of possible ways. I’ll type up my thoughts on Act II tomorrow!!!