#Rosaline Capulet 1996

[danyayeni2]

[fluffycoffeebuns]

Chat do we think lesbians are real

OH ALSO!! The girl on the right (Francesca) is physically disabled and needs to use mobility aids to move around. I tried to represent it accurately and it was. Somewhat achieved. But if there are any disabled artists willing to give me tips on how to draw mobility aids like crutches please let me know!! I’m always looking to improve <3

[danyayeni]

Shoutout 2 my Rosaline fans (Doodled Rosaline on my phone while at work 2day)

[fluffycoffeebuns]

OH MY FUCKING GOD.

Soulmates // web weave

[gxlds-doodles-moved]

Valentine & Rosaline 💌🌹 My designs of Valentine and Rosaline! Specifically based on the 1996 movie <3 making designs for characters that don't have an onscreen appearance is Fun 10/10 would do again

[rifftannen]

New Fic / One-Shot Time >:]

And if I Only Could, I’d Make a Deal With God (And I’d Get Him to Swap Our Places)

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Fandom - Romeo+Juliet (1996)

Warnings - Major Character Death

Category - Gen

Relationships - Juliet Capulet & Tybalt, Juliet Capulet & Nurse, Juliet Capulet/Romeo Montague, Abra Capulet & Juliet Capulet & Rosaline & Tybalt, Minor or Background Relationships

Characters - Juliet Capulet, Nurse (Romeo and Juliet), Other Mentioned Characters

Main Tags - Canon Compliant, During Canon, Heavy Angst, Hurt No Comfort

Summary - Juliet hears the news of her cousin's death, as well as the details that lead up to it.

Link - https://archiveofourown.org/works/39771837

Content Warnings are found in the beginning notes!!

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WOOOO actually posting here that I uploaded a new fic!! I get really embarrassed about my writing so sometimes I don't do it but I've been trying to get better at that <3 I may be cringe but I am free.

[ofsweetness]

i remember i used to write juliet capulet and tbh i need to watch rosaline today bc i think isabela merced could be absolutely perfect as her fc even though i think i’ll use... the shakespeare / 1996 canon more so and not the rosaline movie canon for the inspo, but- still. might lift some hcs from it and such! we love a good mixed canon portrayal 

[fandom-strumpet]

Hello you amazing human! Me having an unhealthy obsession with Kai Parker (and TV sociopaths in general) I am requesting like a Romeo and Juliet inspired story? It can be like the 1996 version of R and J and make it like modern? Idk I think you are talented and I love you and I want you to adopt me.

Here is a modern version of the 1996 Romeo and Juliet movie in the vampire diaries world. Story takes place in Mystic Falls.

Word Count: 11,032 OMG

The characters I have used/ re-written are:

Kai Parker in place of Romeo Montague from the Gemini Coven, Reader Cadell in place of Juliet Capulet from the Oasis Coven, Kai Parker's friends: Sampson, Gregory, Benvolio, Mercutio and Balthasar, The Cadell boys: Abra, Petruchio, Tybalt, The Father/ Priest, Reader Cadell’s nanny, Parents to Reader, Parents to Kai, Rosaline, The governor’s son aka Dave, Police Captain, news anchors

* * * * * * * * * * * *  Scene: Local gas station* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Kai Parker’s friends pull up to the gas station hooting and hollering. The ill tempered red head name Gregory shouts, 

“Those dogs called Cadells really piss me off! Any dog from that Oasis coven will make me angry enough to take a stand!” 

Sampson exclaims in response to his friend, “This quarrel is between our leaders...”

The red head interrupts “...and us their men! 

“I would be a tyrant, fighting the men and being merciful to the women by cutting off their heads!”

Gregory is mock outraged, “The heads of the women?”

Sampson turns up the car radio and the boys start to dance but stop abruptly at the sight of a black car. 

Sampson says, “Here comes the Oasis coven boys.”

Abra and Petruchio Cadell stare coldly. Sampson gulps nervously as Gregory nudges him mockingly.

“Fight back and take a stand, will ya?”

Sampson tries to hide his panic and responds, “Let them start the fight.”

The gas station door slams closed, BANG. The Parker boys jump at the sound, their attention drawn back to the Cadells who are laughing at the sight of the terrified group. Sampson brazenly flips them off out of embarrassment. Abra’s eyes look back in the mirror to see Sampson’s finger. Abra whips the car around full speed to block the Parker boys from escaping. He jumps out of the car and yanks Sampson out of his car. 

“You dare flip me off? Huh?”

“Yeah I gave the bird.” Sampson sneers.

“You dare to?!” Abra roars, gun drawn.

“You think the police will be on our side if I say yes?” Sampson turns to Gregory.

“Nope.” Gregory grimaces.

Sampson turns back to Abra stuttering, “Well I- I did give the bird. But I didn’t give it to you.”

“You want a fight?” Gregory asked.

“No I don’t want a fight,” Abra fake smiles.

Sampson turns to Gregory, “If you do fight, I will be by your side.”

Abra laughs, “Ha! Only you two? You can’t do better?”

“Uh...”

Just then, Benvolio comes back from the bathroom, and shocked by the scene pulls his gun out.

“Here comes our back up!”

“You fools!” Benvolio shrieks, “You don’t know what you’re doing! Let us keep the peace.”

“I hate peace.” Tybalt spits. He fires his gun at a child on accident, smacking the child’s toy gun to pieces. 

Benvolio panics and accidentally shoots a bullet near Tybalt’s head. Gregory shoots and nicks Abra’s arm when he attempts to move it away from his face with his magic. A gas tank explodes after a magically moved bullet hits it. A news van screeches around the corner going live with the gun fight and explosion. Tybalt corners Benvolio, placing a gun to his head.

“Look upon your death, Benvolio.”

Suddenly a burning light blinds Tybalt and the Police Captain yells through a megaphone. Police cars have surrounded the scene.

“Enemies! Place your weapons on the ground now! Stop using your magic!”

Tybalt looks to the police and stands down. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * At the police station * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Police Captain sits down at his desk, across from the leaders of the Gemini and Oasis covens. 

“This is the third time your covens have disrupted the peace of Mystic Falls in a brawl.”

Cadell’s lawyer tries to intervene, “Captain I can-”

The captain slams his fist down. “If you ever disrupt the peace again, I will personally see you both go to prison.”

* * * * * The Parkers are on an awkward ride back to their mansion * * * * *

Kai’s mother sighs and looks out the window. “Oh where is Malachai? Have you seen him yet today?” She turns to her husband. “I’m just glad he wasn’t at the fight today.”

Benvolio feels guilty and answers, “He’s been at the lake side. I saw him walking there this morning.”

Kai’s father scoffs, “He walks too much around there, crying like a child.”

“All he does is hide away in his room, penning himself up and shutting out the light to make it dark as night.”

The driver leans back, “Ma’am, I’ve just received word. He’s at the pier.”

Kai is eating a bag of pork rinds, looking out at the sunset. “Love is a smoke that leads to disappointed sighing. I will never be able to get her, the beautiful Rosaline. Niece of my enemy. Unflawed love would make me feel powerful and alive. But when one does not return the love, the love only creates sadness. Love is madness. Love is bitter tasting but keeps us preserved and alive with its sweetness.”

Back in the car the family continues to chat.

“It’s not healthy for Kai to shut himself away with this depressing behavior. He needs a friends counsel to get him over whatever troubles him.” Kai’s father urges Benvolio. 

“Let me out, I’ll talk to him and see if he will tell me what is wrong.”

Kai’s father gives an encouraging smile that disappears as soon as the door is closed. “Let’s go home.” He sighs.

* * * * * * * * * * On the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Good morning cousin,” Benvolio tries to act casual.

“Is it really only morning?” Kai asks seriously.

“It’s a new day.” He tries to act cheery.

“Sad hours seem long...” Kai turns to Benvolio. “Was that my father that just drove off?”

“Yes Kai but...” Kai shakes his head and starts to walk off, Benvolio walking swiftly after him. “What sadness makes your hours long?”

“Not having the love of her. With her the hours seem short.”

“You have gentle love in your view, but in others it is a sign of tyranny!” He exclaims.

“Whose view matters on my love...” Kai pauses when he sees a TV, playing back the news report of the fight from last night. “You had a fight?”

“I -”

Kai interrupts, “Don’t give me an excuse. I’ve heard them all. It’s much easier to hate someone than to love them. You are wasting so much time on someone who does not care about you.” He storms off in a rage, going up to the sidewalk heading toward a night club. “Why do you love to fight and love to hate, creating conflict out of nothing? My heart is swept away by love but it weighs on me that I am bound to it. It is agony my cousin.” He screams at a bouncer and uses his magic to flick him aside into trash cans. “There is no love like the one I feel,” he dark chuckles, “What cousin? Not going to laugh?”

Benvolio says nervously eyeing the crumpled bouncer, “No...I’d rather cry.”

Kai smiles mischievously, “Good bye, cousin.” And he takes off running down the sidewalk.

Benvolio sighs and starts to pursue. Finally arriving home, Kai gets to a car and a man hurriedly gives him the keys. 

Benvolio cuts him off panting, “Tell me... who is it...that you love?”

“My sad heart is in love with a woman.”

“I knew it was a woman,” he rolls his eyes, 

“She’s a beautiful lady.” Kai pulls down his shirt to reveal a small tattoo that says ‘Rosaline’.

“Rosaline?!” Benvolio is surprised but impressed. “She is quite beautiful.”

“She does not love me back, her heart is well guarded.”

“Hmm.. You know what? Forget about her!”

“How can I forget about her?”

“Look at all the other ladies,” he motions toward the girls on the sidewalk. 

Kai laughs dismissively. “Good bye. You can’t teach me how to forget.”

Benvolio hurries and jumps into the passenger seat of the moving car. The boys head to a bar.

“She would be in just as much trouble as I would be anyway, being a Cadell and a Parker.” He continues, “I think I could keep the peace between our families though.” 

The bartender smiles. “It’s honorable of you to try, it’s too bad your families are fighting.

* * * * * * * * * * At the Cadell Mansion * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Cadell leader of the coven, your father, is set down at a meeting with the governor’s son, Dave. 

“So what do you say to my proposition?” Dave asks.

Cadell looks at the picture frame of his wife and daughter. “My daughter is still young and innocent. Give her 2 more years and then she will be a perfect wife.”

Dave is persistent. “Sir, girls younger than her are happy mothers.”

“Hmm,” Cadell eyes him hard, “And younger girls married too soon are blemished. She is my pride and joy. If you can woo her and get her consent then you have mine as well.” He comes around the desk to give Dave a fatherly pat on the shoulder. “I will hold a large feast tonight, join us and meet y/n.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Back at the bar * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Benvolio and Kai have started playing pool. 

“Bring another lady into your sights and heart, then you will forget about her.” Benvolio hits a shot and Kai stops it with his hand, throwing it to hit other balls. “Are you insane?” Benvolio asks in mock outrage. 

“Insanely in love, yes.” Kai mocks back, stepping toward the bar.

An entertainment show is on the TV above, the female news anchor excitedly announcing. “Tonight the rich Cadell is hosting a great feast-” 

“A grand costumed event!” Her partner interrupts. 

The partner starts to read off some of the important guests who will be there. Rosaline’s name is on the list and Benvolio turns to Kai, wiggling his eyebrows. 

“Looks like Rosaline will be there.” Kai grimaces as Benvolio continues. “Let’s go to the feast, it’s perfect. We can sneak in disguised and find you another woman who is even more beautiful than Rosaline.”

“More beautiful than her? Ha! There has never been a more beautiful woman since the dawn of time.”

Their attention is drawn back to the anchor. “If you’re not a Parker, come and drink some wine at the feast!”

Kai pauses to think. “Fine. I’ll go, but only to prove that no one can be more beautiful than Rosaline.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the Cadell mansion * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Y/N!!! Y/N!!!!” Your nanny yells. 

She rushes around the house trying to find you. You roll your eyes and sink down further into the bubble bath, ignoring her calls. Lady Cadell is trying to ready herself for the feast, going maniacal at the nanny screaming. She yells your name. 

“God’s sake nanny, where is my daughter? Tell her to come to me.”

“I’ve been calling for her ma’am but I still can’t find her.”

“Mother, nanny? You called?” You said coolly, feigning innocence as you stood there in your bathrobe. 

The nanny exclaims in shock, “Oh! Get dressed y/n!

“Just leave her alone. We will speak in private, you can stay as I need your advice.” Your mother looks casually into the mirror, examining her costume and continuing. “You know, y/n darling...I was about your age when I was married.” She turns quickly, unable to hide her excitement anymore. “The governor’s son wants to make you his wife! Isn’t that exciting?”

The nanny tries to take her side. “He is a charming young man, miss.”

“Oh the most charming and handsome!” Your mother giggles, her drinks obviously kicking in. 

“What-” you are too stunned as she speaks again.

She grabs your arm, “He’s coming to the feast tonight! To see you! He is a rich man, fall in love with him. You will become his and all that is his will become yours!”

The nanny asks you cautiously, “What do you think of his love?”

You choose your words carefully, not wanting to put your mother in a foul mood. “I’ll try to like him and see if there is anything likeable, but ultimately I will only marry him if you approve and give me the strength.”

A maid comes in. “Lady Cadell, the guests have started to arrive.”

She gasps in excitement. “Hurry y/n, get ready!”

The nurse leans in to whisper, “And don’t forget to enjoy yourself.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Down by the pier * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kai Parker and a couple friends are sitting down at the pier, watching the bright lights of the Cadell mansion from across the lake. They hear a roar of a sports engine pull up and turn back to see who it is. Getting out of the car stands Mercutio, Kai’s best friend, dressed in drag. The boys practically fall over laughing as Mercutio pretends to be posing for paparazzi. 

“Now applaud!” He yells and whips out the party invites from his mini skirt.

“Holy shit dude, you did it!” Benvolio and friends jump up to grab them.

“I dunno.” Kai stands and continues to look out at the lake.

“Oh come on man! You have to go and dance.” He grabs Kai and starts to waltz. 

Kai laughs and shoves him away, “You can dance but I can’t, my heart is too sad.”

“Aw, poor heart broken child.” He mocks.

Kai looks at the stars. “Is love soft, or rough harsh and rude?”

Mercutio jumps on his back. “If love is rough with you, then be rough with it. Beat it down.”

“Your love is crushing me cousin.” Kai laughs, starting to fall down. 

Benvolio honks the horn impatiently. “Come on! We’re wasting daylight!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the feast * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The boys pull up hooting and hollering. Waltzing inside, it is obvious that Benvolio and another friend have already started drinking. Kai walks in calmly, looking at the dance floor. Mercutio dances with a woman and passes her off to Kai.

“Come on, every guy should have the chance to dance.”

A Cadell boy drunkenly strides up to Kai who is dressed as a knight. He puts an arm around him, not recognizing him to be a Parker. 

The Cadell yells out, “Musicians! Play us a song!” 

Kai felt as if his heart would burst out of his chest at any moment. He quickly ducks out of the boys grip, abandoning the lady and tries to find an area away from the crowd. As he is walking he spots an angel. A literal costumed angel in the form of you. You are wandering through the crowd aimlessly when you spot him. Kai stares back at you, his plump lips forming a smile. His brown hair falling to the side, frames his perfect face. In that moment you knew he was the one. A yell disrupts your focus and you turn to see the nanny calling you. 

“Y/N!”

You look back for the mystery boy but he has vanished. The nanny starts to drag you toward Lady Cadell and Dave, the governor’s son. 

He extends his hand, “Will you dance with me?”

Knowing you can’t decline, you place your hand in his. 

Your mother trills, “Oh such a fine young man.”

Kai didn’t know how it had happened but in one moment he had lost sight of you. Rushing through the crowd to find the angel again, he accidentally bumps into a Lucifer. Little did he know, the man dressed as Lucifer was Tybalt. 

Tybalt then turned to Abra. “How dare Malachai come to a Cadell event. He mocks us with his mischief and antics. I will not consider it a sin to kill him in order to protect our coven’s dignity.”

He starts to storm off when your father Cadell stops him with a strong arm. “Where are you going off to?”

“It’s Kai Parker, he’s here.”

“Calm yourself, Tybalt. Don’t ruin this night, be peaceful in this house. Tolerate him for tonight and don’t waste your time on him. He’s not worth it, save it for another night.”

“I won’t tolerate him!”

Cadell rages, “You will! You will behave and stay out of any fights!” He shoves Tybalt. “You are making a scene.”

An older couple looks on shocked and Cadell tries to regain his composure. Comforting the couple he turns.

“Don’t worry, cheer up and have some drinks.” 

They smile heartily and walk away. Turning back to Tybalt, he harshly whispers. “I am the leader of this coven and you will obey me. Now go away.” 

Kai spots you on the dance floor once again, but this time you are with a man. He whispers, “I have never known what love truly means until I have spotted this angel. I take back and disown the idea of love I had for Rosaline.”

Even dancing with Dave you were still distracted by looking for the handsome mystery boy. Then you spot him again, your eyes connecting. You quickly look back to Dave, not wanting to seem too distracted but within a moment you were back to staring at the boy over his shoulder. The lights black out, colorful spotlights turn on as confetti and balloons rain down. You had stopped dancing. You let out a gasp as a hand suddenly yanks you behind a curtain. There stands Kai, he pulls you close to his body so your chests are almost touching. 

“Your hand is so clearly holy, if I offend you by touching it with my rough unholy hand, then let me make it better with a kiss.” Kai woos.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You holding my hand is a sign of devotion. Placing our hands together is a palmer’s kiss.” 

“Might I suggest we do with our lips what we do with our hands?” Kai kisses your lips sweetly. “Now my sins are gone.”

“Oh but now your sins are on my lips and the only thing that can make it better is another kiss.”

Kai kisses you once again. “There, now all is right.”

“You are very clever in coming up with reasons to steal kisses from me.”

Suddenly the nanny interrupts. “Y/n, your mother wants a word with you.”

You head toward your mother, and wave a hand, signaling Kai not to follow but he trails anyway. Kai watches the nanny and you head up the staircase instead of leaving like the guests. At the top is a furious Lady Cadell standing with Dave. Your eyes dart nervously to Kai as your mother starts to harshly whisper in your ear. She pullls you away from the stairs and that is when it dawns on him.

“She is a Cadell?” he whispers under his breath. 

You stop to look back at Kai and the nanny whispers in your ear. “HIs name is Malachai Parker from the Gemini coven.”

You feel a coldness fill your chest, disappointment and reality crashing down. Mercution runs up and claps a hand on Kai’s shoulder. 

“The party is starting to break up, we need to leave now so we don’t draw the attention of the Cadells.”

“It’s what I thought, yet I’m still dissatisfied.”

Mercutio ushers him out to the waiting car while Kai looks back over his shoulder longingly. As Mercutio starts to drive the boys away, noisily singing, he spots you in the window. 

You see Kai and whisper, “My true love is born from the coven that I’m born to hate. I fell in love too soon and now it is too late to hate him. It is such a large degree of love, that I must love my enemy.” 

You close the window and lean your head against the glass, unable to take your eyes off Kai’s disappearing form. Down below in the doorway stands Tybalt, also unable to take his eyes off the enemy.

“I will obey my uncle tonight. Malachai’s intrusion may seem sweet but it is bitter and will come back to poison us in the end.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * Out at the car * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

There is a traffic jam from all the cars trying to leave. Kai sighs and whispers beside his noise raucous of friends. “How can I leave here when my heart stays behind? I have to go back.”

Kai leaps out of the slow moving car and Benvolio yells.

“Kai! Where are you going?”

Kai is running back along the road, using the cars and bushes as a way to shield himself from the guards’ view. He stealthily climbs vines and leaps onto the other side of the stone wall bordering the property. Mercutio pulls the car around in front of the gates that are swinging shut. 

Benvolio points out, “I think he ran that way. Call his name!”

“I’ll do you one better,” Mercutio laughs. Jumping out of the car he dances in front of the gate swaggering like a flirtatious drunk lady. “Oh Kai!” He calls in a falcetto voice, “It’s me Rosaline! Come to my plump lips, my bright eyes and my long legs and quivering thighs!”

The boys cheer Mercutio on. Kai smiles at his calling. 

“He makes fun of love scars that are non existent.”

The boys are now laughing hysterically at Mercutio swooning around like a love sick fool. The fun is cut short when a security guard yells and a spotlight comes to life, pinning Mercutio in its beam. 

“Alright boys, let’s go.” He quickly hops into the car and they speed off. 

Outside the rear wing of the house, Kai creeps near the pool, taking cover when a bright light comes on.

“But wait, what light shines through that window?”

Almost in response, the balcony doors open and you step out still in your angel robe. You start to walk near the pool, unaware of Kai hiding in the shadows.

He whispers, “Y/n is the sun, rising in the East and killing the jealous moon. She is far more beautiful than any others.”

You sit on the pool ledge, legs dangling in the still water.

“It is her! My love!”

You sigh. Looking longingly to the stars you ask, “Oh Malachai, my Kai. Where are you? Deny your father and rebuke your name, or if you will not, my love, I swear I will no longer be a Cadell.”

Kai whispers, “Should I say something or remain silent?”

Starting to pace you continue, “It’s only your last name that is my enemy, but you, yourself are not a Parker. But what is a Parker? It is not a body part of a man. Why can’t you have some other name! What is a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So if Kai, if not called called Kai Parker, would be just as perfect. Kai, lose your name. Trade in your name, which has nothing to do with you, and take all of me in exchange.”

“I will take all of you in exchange at your word!” Kai steps out of the shadows and calls wildly. “Proclaim your love for me, and you can call me whatever you want!”

You scream and topple backwards, Kai tries to balance you out by grabbing your hand but is instead plunged into the pool with you. A security guard moves toward the pool area and you wave him away. assuring that everything is fine.

“Kai, why did you hide in the darkness and listen to my private thoughts?”

He puts his hands up in a calming gesture. “My own name is so hateful to me, if it were written on a piece of paper I would rip it up.”

“I have not heard you speak over a hundred words, but I recognize your voice and have memorized it’s sound. Should I not call you Malachai? And a Parker?”

“Neither my love, if you don’t like the names.”

“How did you get over the walls? If any men of my coven find you here, they will kill you.”

“The darkness of night will hide me, besides let them kill me. I would rather due than live without your love.” Kai leans forward, you kiss long and greedily until you push Kai away.

“I’m glad it’s night so you can’t see how embarrassed I am that you over heard me gushing about you. Part of me feels I should pretend I am not interested, as that is how proper ladies would act. But it is too late for that, do you love me?”

Kai starts to speak but you silence him and continue. “I know you will say yes and I believe you. Swear to me so you can’t be proven false my sweet Kai. Say it faithfully. If you think I’m too quickly won over then I will frown and see you no more, no matter what ends of the earth you may go to win me back. Honestly... I favor you too much, you may not believe me but I’ll prove myself to be more true and loyal than any other woman.” 

“My love, y/n, I swear by the moon, that lights the night so beautifully.’

“No, don’t swear by the moon for it constantly changes.”

“What should I swear by?”

“Do not swear at all. But if you dare to, swear by yourself. You are my idol and I will believe you.” You touch his cheek with your palm and Kai moves his lips close to yours.

“If my hearts dear love-”

Confused, you break away. “Do not swear then. I take joy in you, but not in a rash, sudden contract. We need to slow down, we don’t have to rush into anything. We should take our time and see where this love goes.”

Another light turns on and the nanny begins to call. “Y/N!” You rush up the pool stairs.

“Will you leave me so unsatisfied?” Kai tries to keep up.

You scoff and give a shocked expression, “What more satisfaction do you want tonight?”

“I would be satisfied if you promised me your love so we could exchange vows and be married.”

You run joyously into Kai’s arms. “I will gladly exchange vows with you and promise my love!” You kiss fiercely and passionately before being interrupted by the nanny’s yell again.

“Y/N!!”

“Good night dear Kai. If you really intend to marry me, send word tomorrow. I will come to you, tell me what time and place. I will leave all my fortunes behind and follow you all over the world.”

“Y/N!”

“I’m coming!” You holler. “A thousand times goodnight.” You kiss again and finally run inside. You reappear at the top of the balcony. “Kai! What time should I come to you tomorrow?”

“By 9 o’clock!”

“I will be there! Good night sweet Kai until tomorrow. Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

“Sleep well my lovely y/n.” Kai blows kisses to you and heads back toward the wall to take his leave. 

* * * * * * Morning time in a greenery * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A priest is giving an herbology lesson to some young boys. 

“Plants, herbs and stones are a beautiful thing.” He makes a small cut in the bulb of a purple flower. “In this flower, lies a poison while also having the power of a medicine.” He carefully puts the sap in a beaker. “It smells lovely, but if tasted, can stop the heart. Our lesson is done.” 

Turning to put the beaker away in the fridge, he pulls out a jar of candy. Looking at them sternly, the boys take their candy and scram. The Father starts to watch the TV but his thoughts are interrupted by Kai knocking on the door frame. 

“Good morning Father.”

“Good morning! Why do you come so early in the morning to see me?” The priest studies Kai for a minute. “It is very early for you to be getting out of bed, and if I guess right it means that you never went to bed last night!”

Kai follows the priest as he starts to walk through the empty church. “It’s true, I never slept because I was enjoying the sweet night.”

“God have mercy on you! Were you with Rosaline?”

“With Rosaline? Father no. That name is out of my mind and long forgotten.” 

The priest starts to lay out preparations for communion. “Good my son, so where have you been?”

Out of old habit, Kai starts to help him. “I was feasting at my enemies house. So suddenly I was wounded by love and now both of ours only cure can come from you. I gave no hatred, and your power will benefit my enemy.”

“Speak clearly. Tell me what you mean. I do not know how to help you if you speak in riddles.”

“I am in love with the leader Cadell’s daughter. I love her and she loves me. We’ve promised our love to each other but we need you to make it official. I’ll tell you more later about where and when we met, how we fell in love. But I’m begging you to marry us today.”

The priest stands there a moment, thunderstruck. Two of the young boys enter in robes and he dismisses them. They get the message and bolt. He turns back to Kai, still stunned.

“Holy Saint Francis! This is such a sudden change. Have you given up on Rosaline so quickly? The one you claimed you loved? Young men love with their eyes and not their hearts. How many tears did you waste crying over Rosaline? I can still freshly remember you crying to me about your heart’s woe. You’ve changed so suddenly.”

“You’ve always scolded me for loving Rosaline.”

“I did not scold you for loving her, but for obsessing over her.”

“Don’t scold me over y/n now, we truly love each other. Rosaline did not love me.”

“Rosaline knew you loved her but didn’t really know what it meant.” The priest sits down in a chair and looks off into the distance where the childrens choir are assembling. The priest is moved by the childrens singing and he turns back to a waiting Kai. 

“Come with me, I will help you with your secret wedding. If we’re lucky it may turn the hatred between your covens into love.”

“Then let’s go, I’m in a rush.”

The Father stands and looks down on Kai, “We need to be smart about this and take it slowly. We don’t want any slip-ups.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Benvolio and Mercutio are arguing. 

Mercutio snaps, “What do yo umean Kai didn’t come home last night?”

“I spoke to my uncle’s maid, she said Kai never came home.”

“He’s so obsessed with Rosaline, he’s gone insane.” Benvolio paces the sidewalk, “Tybalt sent a message to Kai’s father’s house.”

Mercutio interrupts, “I bet it’s a challenge.”

Benvolio stops pacing. “Do you think Kai will take up the challenge?”

“Anyone can write a letter demanding a challenge. But it takes a true witch to demand a fight with a siphoner like Malachai.”

“Kai is daring enough to challenge Tybalt.”

Kai’s car pulls up beside the lake’s parking lot. Benvolio heads toward him.

“Here comes Kai! Here comes Kai!” 

Mercutio saunters up the beach with mock chalance. “Bonjour Kai,” he speaks with an accent, “You gave us quite the slip last night, no?”

“Good morning to you too. What slip did I give you?” Kai feigns innocence.

“WHAT SLIP? You gave us the slip last night, are you mad?”

Kai grins smugly. “Oh my apologies, Mercutio. I had a great time, thanks for asking. It was very important business, I didn’t have time to say a proper goodbye.”

“Oh I’m sure you were kept quite busy last night.” He jokes and Benvolio hoots, jumping on Kai’s back.

“Oh shut up.” Kai shoves him off into the sand. “I’ll fight you.”

Mercutio flicks sand at him and starts to run down the beach. Kai laughs and starts to chase. Kai gains on Mercutio and dives into the sea, following him. 

“See, isn’t this better than groaning over love?” Mercutio splashes and Kai tries to dunk him underwater. “You’re much happier now!” He walks onto the beach, “Come on Kai.”

Kai tackles him onto the wet sand and Mercutio suddenly becomes serious. “How happy you are now, is who you naturally are.”

A shadow falls over the boys and there stands the nanny in a bright red ‘disguise’. 

“God, you are a beautiful woman.” Mercutio remarks, bemused at the sight.

The nanny ignores him and speaks to Kai, “I need to speak privately with you.” 

Kai gets up and starts to follow the woman up to a black car waiting in the parking lot. Mercutio looks questioningly to Benvolio who shrugs. “Maybe he’s going for dinner?” Mercutio yells at Kai, “Come home for dinner!.”

Before stepping into the car he yells back, “I will be there soon!”

“Goodbye old dragon lady!” He jests, blowing her a kiss.

* * * * * * * * * * * * In the car * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The nanny leaned in uncomfortably close to Kai and whispered harshly, “If you lead y/n on, treat her poorly or break her heart like a delicate tea cup then you will suffer an ill fate.” 

She leans back to her seat and there is a silence. Kai chooses his next words carefully. “Ask y/n to come to confession today. The Father will hear her out, absolve her sins and we will be married.”

* * * * * * * * * * The Cadell mansion * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You are waiting excitedly in your room, looking for the nanny’s arrival. The black car pulls into the driveway and out steps the nanny. 

“Here she comes!” 

You bolt from from your room to meet the nanny at the staircase going to the rear of the house. You burst into the kitchen following her where she proceeds to start looking in the fridge. 

“What did he say?” You ask again impatiently, “Nanny! What did he say!”

Stepping away from the fridge the nanny sets food down on the counter. “Let me rest a minute, I am tired and hungry.”

You continue to plead, walking to her. “Please tell me! Is it good news or bad?”

“My God, why such a hurry? Can’t you stay here and talk for a while? I am out of breath.”

You cannot stand the suspense anymore. “How are you out of breath? Tell me! Is it good news or bad? Just tell me that much!”

The nanny sits and take a big bite of her sandwich, talking between chews. “You’ve made a simple choice of a man. You don’t know how to pick one. He is a very handsome and attractive young man but he doesn’t have the best manners and composure. However, he has a gentle spirit and nature. Have you had something to eat yet?”

“I already know those things about him, tell me more! What does he say about our marriage?”

“Oh dear, I feel a headache coming on, and my back aches...”

This is a game you know well. You climb onto the back of the recliner, setting down so you can massage her,

“Ooooo yes! Get right there!”

You then coo sweetly, “Oh sweet nanny, what does my love say?”

“He is an honest man, kind, handsome and virtuous. Where is your mother?”

You crack. “Where is my mother? That’s your reply?! My love says like an honest gentleman, ��Where is your mother?!’”

The nanny pouts, “Calm yourself y/n!”

You explode in frustration. “How can you tell me to be calm? WHAT DID KAI SAY?”

The nanny goes quiet for a moment. “Do you have time to go to confession today?”

“I do.”

“Then go to the priest, Kai awaits there to be a husband and make you his wife!”

With a scream of joy, you hug the nanny.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the church * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The priest shakes his head. “Such extreme emotions about this kind of pleasure often ends in disaster. Even the taste of too much honey can become sickly because it is so sweet.” He looks to Kai. “So love carefully and long may your love live.”

You push through the oaken double doors to the church. The priest cues up the choir and beckons for you to come to the altar.

“Good afternoon Father.”

Before the priest can reply, you and Kai kiss passionately. He wait just a moment then delicately interrupts you.

“Come, come and we will make this quick. Because, if you don’t mind, I’m not leaving you two alone until you’re married.”

You and Kai exchange vows and rings. The priest follows the two of you out, throwing hand fulls of rice. Your driver takes a perfect picture as the bride and groom kiss. He holds the car door open and you reluctantly get in. As the car drives away, Kai runs along side it until he watches the big car speed away. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mercutio stands knee deep in the water fishing. Benvolio shelters himself from the heat under a life guard tower.

“Come on Mercutio, let’s go. It’s too hot!”

Mercutio ignores him and continues fishing with his gun. Benvolio looks around nervously hoping they don’t draw the attention of the Cadells.

“The Cadells are out, and if they see us, we won’t get away without a fight.”

“You are like one of those men who enter a bar and put their gun down on the table saying, ‘I pray I never have to use you’ but by the time he orders his second drink, he pulls the gun on the bartender for no reason at all.”

Benvolio doesn’t find him funny and turns away when a black Sedan rolling up stops him cold. “Oh great, here come the Cadells.”

“Well, well, I don’t care,” Mercutio drawls.

The car slides to a stop only feet away from where Benvolio stands. Tybalt, Abra and another Cadell emerge from the vehicle and step toward the Parkers menacingly.

“Good day gentleman, can I have a word with one of you.”

The rest of the Parker boys stand nervously at Tybalt’s words. Mercutio responds wittily, “You want just one word with one of us? Put it together with something else. Make it a word and a blow.”

“You’ll find me ready enough to do that sir, if you give me a reason.” 

Tybalt’s hand moves to rest on his gun handle. Mercutio stops jesting upon spotting the firearm.

Breathily he asks, “Could you not find a reason without me giving you one?” 

The Parker boys start to snicker again and Tybalt snaps. “Mercutio you hang out with Malachai.”

Mercutio’s anger grows. “Hang out? What do you think we are, a bunch of musicians? If I am a musician, then this is my fiddlestick,” he motions to his gun, “And I’ll use it to make you dance.”

Benvolio tries to mediate, “We’re talking in a public place. Either go someplace private, or it talk it over rationally or just go away. Out here everyone can see us.” 

Mercutio retorts, “People’s eyes were made to see things, so let them watch. I’m not moving to please anybody.”

Just then, Kai arrives in his car, heart full of happy news.

Tybalt walks away from Mercutio, “Nevermind you. Here is the man I am looking for.” He calls out to the approaching Kai, “Malachai, there’s only one thing I can call you. You are a villain!” Pulling his jacket aside, Tybalt reveals his gun to Kai.

“Tybalt, I have a reason to love you, let me put aside the hatred and forgive your remark. I am not a villain. So good bye. Clearly you do not know who I am.”

Kai turns and walks back to his car, surprising everybody. Tybalt is confused and outraged, hurling himself back into his Sedan. He kicks the car in a U-turn, slamming into Kai’s car. Kai locks the car as Tybalt gets out to beat down on it. He smashes the passenger window and hauls Kai out.

“Boy, your words can’t excuse the harm you’ve done to me!” Tybalt punches Kai across the face, sending him sprawling to the ground. “Turn and draw your gun!” He yells.

Kai shakily lifts himself from the ground, feeling his busted lip. Speaking through his bloody teeth, Kai answers. “I never hurt you. And so, good Cadell - which name I care for more than you can understand,” Kai cautiously pulls out his gun, “be satisfied.” He throws the gun to Tybalt’s feet.

The Parker boys can’t believe their eyes as Kai starts to walk down the beach. An angered Mercutio steps forward.

“This calm submission in dishonorable and vile!”

Tybalt grows angrier, handing Abra his weapon and sprinting down the beach after Kai. In a bone cracking collision, Tybalt tackles him to the ground near an abandoned life guard house. The boys run to catch up while Kai still refuses to fight and runs up the stairs. Tybalt trips him and he careens into the old wooden railing, smashing it to pieces. Tybalt kicks savagely at him, willing him to fight back. Mercutio runs after him, picking up a piece of wood from the broken railing and hitting him across the head making him fall down. 

“Tybalt, you ratcatcher!” Will you go and fight me?”

“What do you want from me?” Tybalt swings a lump of wood and Mercutio dodges. 

“Why, King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. I’ll take one and depending how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too.”

Tybalt swings his wood again and Mercutio blocks, throwing the stick away. Tybalt, now empty handed, charges and slams him against a window shattering the glass. Mercutio is back on his feet lightning fast. He raises a rock, ready to smash in his head when Kai rushes between them.

“Stop this fight Mercutio!”

Seizing his opportunity, Tybalt lunges up and aims to slash Kai with a piece of broken glass. Instead, he misses and slashes Mercutio across the stomach. He screams out in pain, grabbing his side. Everyone goes quiet. Abra tugs at a stunned Tybalt.

“Let’s go Tybalt!”

The pair bolts for their car and Benvolio goes to Mercutio.

“Are you hurt?”

Mercutio covers his wound and laughs, “Yes but it is just a scratch.”

Kai helps him get down the stairs. “Have courage, the cut can’t be that bad.”

“It’s not as deep as a well or as wide as a door, but it’s enough to do the job.” Mercutio jokes, “If you ask for me tomorrow, you’ll find me a very grave man. Goddammit! I can’t believe that rat could scratch me to death!” He says through crazed laughter.

He now turns his attention from the cheering boys to Kai who is struggling to support his weight.

“Why the hell did you come between us? He struck me under your arm.”

“I thought it was the right thing to do.” Kai starts to panic.

Mercutio pushes himself away screaming, “May a plague fall upon both your covens! They’ve turned me into food for the worms. I’m done for. Curse your families!” 

He collapses to the ground and Kai kneels, cradling his best friends dead body. Thunder booms and it starts to sprinkle, turning into a heavy rain. 

Benvolio whispers, “Mercutio is dead.”

Kai cries out, “Oh sweet y/n! Your beauty has made me weak, you have softened my bravery when before I was hard as steel.”

The sound of Tybalt’s car peeling off brings back cold reality. Kai’s sadness turns to uncontrollable rage. He runs to his car, in an effort to head him off. The rain is now blinding but Kai stops for nothing. Pedestrians scream and cars screech to a stop. He rounds a corner and slams into Tybalt’s car, veering out of control. Tybalt scrambles from his car and Kai runs toward him. Tybalt draws his gun but Kai continues to march on.

“Go on! Kill me so I can join him!” 

Tybalt nervously starts to walk backward.

“Either kill me or I will kill you!”

He shakes his head in panic, Kai flicks his wrist sending Tybalt’s gun into the air.

“Why did you come between us?”

Kai remains silent. Police cars screech to a halt, surrounding the area. The gun lands back in Kai’s hand and he fires three shots.

“Put down the weapon!” A police officer calls through a megaphone. 

Tybalt’s body collapses to the road. A cop fires, grazing Kai’s arm and he screams. 

“Oh! I have awful luck!”

A strong gust of wind and rain blinds the police. Balthasar drives up and starts screaming.

“Don’t just stand there! Come on!”

Kai quickly slides into the passenger seat, holding his wounded arm and crying. 

Lady Cadell pulls up to the scene and runs to crouch over the body. “Tybalt! Oh my sweet nephew. My family’s blood is spilled on the streets.” 

The Captain parts through the police line. “Where are the men who started the fight?”

A hand cuffed Benvolio is pushed forward. “Captain, I can tell you everything about the fight. Tybalt killed your relative Mercutio and then young Kai killed him.”

Lady Cadell begins to scream again. “Tybalt was my nephew! Oh my nephew is dead! Captain, you are honorable, take revenge by killing someone from the Parker family.”

The Captain ignores her and turns to Benvolio. “Benvolio, who started this fight?”

“Tybalt started the fight before he was killed by Kai. Kai spoke to him reasonably and didn’t want to start a fight but rather make a truce. Tybalt refused and was deaf to peace!”

Lady Cadell interjects savagely, “He’s lying! I want justice, Kai killed Tybalt so Kai must be killed!”

The Captain, losing his patience turns to the woman. “Kai killed him after Tybalt killed Mercutio.”

Malachai’s father, Sir Parker l arrives and begins to plead with the Captain as well. “Please Captain, don’t make Malachai pay the price. He was Mercutio’s friend. His death has been avenged by Tybalt’s. It is even.” 

The Captain eyes him coldly. “And for the crime of murder, Malachai is exiled from Mystic Falls. You have involved me in your rivalry. My nephew Mercutio is dead because of your bloody feud.”

“But Captain-” Parker starts to plead. 

The Captain silences him, “I will not listen to your excuses and your begging will not change my mind.” He turns to address his officers. “Tell Malachai to leave the city immediately or else if he is found he will be killed.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Your bedroom* * * * * * * * * * * *

“I wish the sun would hurry up and set already so night can come immediately. Because when the night comes and everyone goes to sleep, then my Kai will come to me, leap into my arms and no one will know. Gentle night, give me my Kai and when I die, turn him into the stars and make a constellation in his image. His face will make the heavens so beautiful that the whole world will fall in love with him. I belong to Kai now, this day has been so long, waiting for him.”

A car pulls up into the driveway and you rush down excited to meet the nanny. Your knees buckle and you fall to the ground at her news. 

“Oh god! Did Kai kill Tybalt?”

“He did, he did! This is a most cursed day!”

“He’s like a snake disguised as a flower. Was there ever such an evil book with such a beautiful cover? I can’t believe such evil lurked inside someone so beautiful!”

“There is no trust, faith or honesty in men. All of them lie, cheat and are wicked. Shame on Malachai!”

“How dare you wish shame upon him! He was not born to be shameful. He deserves only honor, I was an idiot to be angry at him.”

“How can you say such good things about the man who killed your cousin?”

“Am I supposed to speak badly about my own husband? Oh my husband! How could I speak bad of him when we’ve only been married 3 hours? Kai why did you kill my cousin? Probably because my cousin would have killed my husband. It is comforting to know my husband is alive, but I am crying still because he has been banished. This is worst than the murder of 10,000 Tybalts. No words can express my pain. Nanny, where are my father and mother?”

The nanny gets down to comfort you. “They are mourning the death of Tybalt. Go to your room, I’ll send Kai to comfort you. I know where he is.”

You look up through tears. “Please hurry and find him. Tell him to come and say his final good bye.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the church * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

The priest leads the nanny into a bedroom. Kai lays on the bed, shirtless and bandaged.

“Nanny!”

The woman rushed to his side.

“Tell me about y/n. Where is she? Is she okay? What does my hidden wife say about our ruined love?”

“She doesn’t say anything. She just cries and cries. She falls down but when she tries to get up, she just calls your name and collapses again in tears.”

Kai has started to cry uncontrollably, “She calls out my name as if I were a bullet murdering her, just like her cousin.”

The priest shakes Kai, “I thought you were smarter and more rational than this! Your y/n is alive, you should be happy. Tybalt wanted to kill you, but you killed him. Be happy that you’re alive. You have been banished, not sentenced to death. Be happy about that. Your life is full of blessings.”

Kai has calmed down and the priest helps him get changed into a new white shirt. 

“Go. Go to your wife and comfort her. Get out of here before daybreak. Good night.” 

The priest ushers Kai out of the church and gives him one last handshake good bye. Kai and the nanny sprint towards the car.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the mansion* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Dave stands by your father holding flowers awkwardly. Your mother comes down the staircase solemnly.

“She refuses to come out of her room.”

Dave replies calmly, “It’s understandable. These times of pain are bad for romance. Good night ma’am, give your daughter my regards.”

“I will. And I’ll find out what she thinks about marriage tomorrow morning but tonight she is shut up with sadness.” The three leave down the hallway.

* * * * * * * * * * In your room* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

You are softly crying into your pillow when you feel a hand gently touch your face. Your eyes dart up to see Kai standing above you. There’s a still moment of disbelief. Leaning down, Kai kisses away the tears that fall from your wide y/e/c eyes. Your lips find his and he gently sinks back into the bed with you.

* * * * * * * * * * Back in the living room* * * * * * * * * * 

Your father sits reclined in an armchair. Dave and your mother sit opposite him. He whips himself in a drunken frenzy of excited thoughts.

“My sir, I’ll make a desperate argument for my daughter’s love. I think she’ll do whatever I say- no - I think she’ll do that and more. I have no doubt about it. Wait- what day is today?”

Dave answers, “Monday, sir.”

“I will talk to her tomorrow about marrying you on Thursday. Does that sound good to you?”

Dave tries to catch up, stunned at the suddenness. Your father eyes him.

“Sir- I wish Thursday was tomorrow. It sounds wonderful.”

Your father raises his glass to toast and they stand. “Well go home. Thursday it is then.” He turns to your mother, “Go see y/n to prepare her. Tell her to get ready for her wedding on Thursday.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Your room* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Morning time comes, shining light upon yours and Kai’s bodies tangles together. You lie blissfully asleep. Balthasar’s car quietly pulls into a side road near the estate. Sitting up suddenly, Kai wakes up remembering where he is. Sitting on the side of the bed he starts to get dressed. You silently wake up and climb onto his back, kissing him gently on the neck.

“You’re leaving already? The day has just begun.”

Kai turns and softly strokes your cheek. “If I want to live I must leave now, if I stay then I will die.” 

You sigh in resignation. “You’re right, you have to go. Now leave before it gets any lighter!” 

You frantically help Kai get dressed. You both freeze when there is an urgent knock on the door.

“Y/n!”

“Nanny!” 

“Your mother is coming to your room!”

You hurriedly usher Kai out to the balcony. 

“Good bye my love, one last kiss and I will leave.”

You caress his face and whisper. “Do you think we will meet again?”

“I have no doubt.” Kai smiles up at you and heads down the wall. 

You turn at your mother’s voice at the door. “Good morning y/n! Are you awake?” Your mother walks in right after you hastily flop back into bed. She crosses over to the window, opening the curtains to let light in. 

“You have a caring father. He has arranged a day of joy to end your sadness. A day you did not expect and that I did not look for.”

You try to play along. “What day is that?”

Your mother takes a deep breath in. “You will be married to the handsome and charming governor’s son! You will go to the church and there become his wife.”

You are too stunned, “By Saint Peter he will not make me his wife!”

A look of fear crosses your mother’s face. “Here comes your father, tell him that yourself.”

Cadell with a whiskey glass in hand, barges calmly into your room. “Have you told her what we have decided?”

“Yes, but she refuses to and says thank you. I wish the foolish girl was dead and married to her grave.”

Your father becomes dangerously calm. “How could she refuse? She should be grateful and proud of the match we’ve made. She’s not worthy of the gentleman.”

“I am not proud of what you have decided for me. I am thankful that you tried. I can’t be proud of something I hate, but I can be thankful it was done out of love.”

He thinks for a moment, then throws his glass across the room, shattering it against the wall. “You are a spoiled little girl and not really showing me any pride or thanks. You are going to get married to the governor’s son on Thursday. I will drag you there if I have to.”

You try to move into the hallway but he grabs your shoulders, shaking you. 

“Please listen to me...” you beg.

“NO! You will not speak back to me.” 

Your father throws you to the ground and you sob. His hand slaps you across the face. 

“Are you insane?!” Your mother retorts and he responds by backhanding her face.

“You disgust me y/n. My worthless daughter!”

The nanny gets between you and your father. “God bless her! You are wrong to berate her like that!”

Your father now furious, shoves the nanny aside and grabs your face up. “I’ll tell you what- you WILL get married at that church on Thursday or you will never show your face to me again. I will disown you and you can die on the streets, I swear to god!” He storms away down the stairs while you lay huddled on the floor. 

“Mother, please don’t disown me! Delay this marriage as long as you can or I will kill myself!”

She looks at her lip in the mirror and speaks softly. “Don’t talk to me because I will not say a word. Do whatever you want, I don’t care anymore.” Your mother turns and leaves.

You beg your nanny, “Please nanny! Tell me how I can stop this!”

The nanny doesn’t respond and sits in a heavy silence, moving towards you. 

“Please give me words of comfort!”

“Listen to me, I think it would be a good idea for you to marry this man. Malachai has been banished and can’t return unless he is undercover. I think you could be happy with the governor’s son, you are no use to Kai anyway.”

You stay still. “Do you honestly mean this?”

“I do.”

You decide to play along, despite the pain of faking. “You’ve comforted me a lot nanny. Tell me mother I am going to the priest to confess and be forgiven for angering my father.”

“Alright, I will. That’s a good idea.”

* * * * * * * * * * At the church* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

The priest stands at the front of the church with Dave talking about what will happen on Thursday. 

“Her father wants us to rush and be married very soon.”

Just then you walk into the church, not expecting to see them there.

“Look! There is the woman who is my wife!”

“That might be the case sir, after I’m married.” You respond icily, one hand hidden resting on a pistol.

“That ‘might be’ will be on Thursday.”

“What must be will be.” You walk down the isle coolly.

The priest states, “That is a certain truth.”

“Did you come here to confess?” Dave inquires.

“If I answered that question, I’d be confessing to you, Dave.”

You and the Father turn to leave and Dave starts to excuse himself. “Y/n, I will marry you early on Thursday morning. Until then, good bye.”

You give him a stone cold glare as he leans forward and kisses your cheek.

“Keep this kiss, and goodbye for now..”

As soon as Dave left, you stormed into the backroom, the priest following your lead. “Y/n, I already know about your sad situation.”

“Tell me how I can prevent it, Father.”

“I’ve heard you must marry a man on Thursday and that nothing can delay it.”

“If you’re so smart but can’t help me, then you will call my solution smart and I’ll solve it by myself.” 

You pull the gun out and point it at your head. Horrified, the priest moves to stop you but you panic and point the gun at him.

“Hold on, y/n!” He holds out a soothing hand. “I have an idea. But we must act boldly because the situation is so desperate. If you’re so desperate you would kill yourself instead of marrying Dave, then you must be desperate enough to try something similar to death to solve this problem. Come with me to the greenhouse.

You obey, eager and desperate to try anything on the face of the earth to be with your love.

The priest holds up a little vial with a blue liquid in it. “When you are in bed, drink this. The sleep inducing drug will run through your veins and stop your pulse. Your body will turn cold, you’ll stop breathing and you become so pale, your family and Dave will think you are dead. You will stay like this for 42 hours and then you’ll wake up like you’ve only been sleeping. They will take you to the family vault. I will tell Kai about the plan and he will come to you and take you far away.” The priest cautiously hands you the vial.

* * * * * * * * * * * * Later that night* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

At a trailer park out of town a mail truck pulls up to a bland looking trailer. The mail man knocks loudly at the door with the letters from the priest. Kai is too busy with his headphones to hear the knocking. The mail man shrugs and slips a ‘WE CALLED’ note under the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * The Cadell mansion* * * * * * * * * * * * 

It is the night before the wedding and you stand in front of a mirror. Two od the maids hold up your wedding dress, fussing over which shoes match the best. Disinterested you point to a pair and satisfied, the maids leave.

“Nanny will you please leave me alone tonight?”

“Why?” The nanny asks as you guide her to the door.

“I have to say a lot of prayers so the heavens will bless me. You know I am troubled and full of sin.”

The nanny leaves, shutting the door. Confident that you are alone, you rush to the bedside table and pull out the glass vial. 

You whisper, “What if this mixture doesn’t work? Will I be forced to marry Dave?”

You cautiously begin to unscrew the tiny black lid. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. You palm the vial and turn to see your mother walk in. 

“Do you need my help?”

“No, we’ve already figured out what I’m wearing tomorrow. So if it’s okay with you, I’d like to be alone now.”

You slip into bed and your mother sensing your unease nods. “Good night then.”

“Good night!” Your words surprise her and she smiles, closing the door. “There’s a slight cold fear running through me. I have to go through with this.” 

You bring the vial to your lips and toss your head back. You have a sudden violent convulsion and then collapse backward, face painted with fear.

It is morning time, the sun light shines down on an ambulance and police cars in front of the house.

One of the medics speaks over the radio. “Drugs?”

The second medic responds, “Yes, a deadly amount. She overdosed.”

The family numbly enter the house again, wedding decorations mocking their pain. The priest enters your bedroom, kneeling by your side and quickly checks your pupils. He pockets the vial and looks toward the undertaker.

“She is ready to go to the church.”

The man dressed in black nods. “We will take her to the Cadell vault.”

Balthasar, hearing the news of your death, rushes away to tell Kai.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At the trailer park* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Kai is sitting at his table, writing in his notebook, still not paying attention to the ‘WE CALLED’ card. Balthasar’s car speeds to a stop in front of the trailer and an excited Kai rushes out. 

“What is it Balthasar?”

Balthasar is too stunned to speak.

“Did you bring me the letters from the priest? How is y/n?”

Balthasar does not know how to word what he has come to tell Kai, and looks away. “She’s not well, she lies dead in the Cadell vault.”

For a long moment, Kai is still and when he speaks, his voice is chillingly calm. “Is it really true?”

Balthasar nods. Kai turns and stares out into the distant wasteland.

“Then I hate the stars!” he moves to the car. “I have to see her tonight.”

Balthasar tries to hold him back, “Just wait-”

“Leave me alone!” Kai roars, pushing him against the car.

“You look pale and wild as if you’re going to hurt yourself.”

“Well, you’re wrong. Leave me alone. Do you have a letter from the priest?”

“No I don’t.”

Kai shakes his head and smiles, “Nevermind. I’ll go see her tonight.” Kai hops into the passenger seat and Balthasar reluctantly gets behind the wheel. The car roars out of the park and Kai silently whispers, “I am coming to be with you tonight, y/n.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * At the church* * * * * * * * * * * * 

The priest speaks into a phone, concerned. “Did Malachai get my letter?”

The mailman responds, “No. He didn’t answer the door.”

The priest hangs up the phone and looks at the time. “I need to get to the vault, y/n will be waking up withing an hour.” 

* * * * * * * * * * * * At the cemetary* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Balthasar’s car pulls into the cemetary’s driveway and Kai hops out.

“Give me your flashlight.” Opening the trunk he pulls out a crowbar.

“Kai just listen to me.”

Kai turns around a punches him hard causing him to fall down, blood spilling from his nose. “Go and stay away from me or I will tear you apart!”

Balthasar rises slowly, both boys are trying not to cry.

“My plan is wild and savage, more fierce than a starving tiger.”

“I will go and leave you alone.”

Kai smiles and the boys hug. “Go live and be happy, good bye my friend.”

They part ways and Kai goes to the mausoleum, starting to pry the door open.

“You horrible mouth of death. You’ve taken the most precious girl on earth away from me. I will tear your jaw open.” 

Kai grunts and with a final heave, the door scrapes open. All is silent inside, flickering candle light the hallway.

“Despite my hatred for you beast, I’ve come to give you another body.”

Roaming the hallway he finds your coffin, collapsing to his knees he cries out. “Oh! How often are men happy before they die!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * Outside the mausoleum* * * * * * * * * * * * 

The priest thumps the steering wheel in frustration as he slowly pulls into the graveyard. “I am afraid something terrible is going to happen.” The priest shakes his head in horror seeing the vault’s door broken open.

* * * * * * * * * * * * Inside the mausoleum* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Kai pushes aside the lid and kneels by your figure. Moonlight streams in, lighting your beautiful face as you sleep.

“Oh my beautiful wife! Death has sucked the life out of you but it did not take away your beauty.” Unconscious tears fall from his eyes as he continues, “Ah y/n, why are you so beautiful? Should I believe death has fallen in love with you and he keeps you away from me? I hate that death, so I will stay with you and never leave this vault! Let me kiss you one last time!”

Kai kisses your lips one last time. Your hand twitches but he doesn’t notice. He pulls out a vial of poison he stole and drinks it quickly. He convulses and falls, his head resting on your body. Kai fights for breath and you wake up, becoming aware of Kai. 

“Kai? Is that you?” You sit up and cradle his head in your lap.

His clear wide eyes stare back up at you but he is unable to move, save for his weak breaths. You find the vial in his hand and start to cry.

“He drank it all and left none for me. I will kiss his lips, maybe there is some poison still on them to make me die with him.” You delicately kiss Kai on the lips. In a broken hearted whisper, “his lips are still warm.”

Desperately you both cling to each other. With all his might, Kai whispers, “Thus, with a kiss I will die.” 

His breathing stops, there is only silence from him as you sob, hugging his lifeless form.

“Malachai, oh my sweet Kai.” You look to the gun in his jacket.

* * * * * * * * * * * * Outside* * * * * * * * * * * * 

The priest hurries to the entrance of the vault when a gunshot rings out.

“God have mercy! Y/n? Malachai?”

His breath escapes him, coming upon the tragic scene. There, under the statue of Saint Peter, lie Kai and y/n. United again in death. 

THE END!

[biggesthalseystanxoxo]

romeo and juliet are hopeless now

"Good artists copy; great artists steal."

Was this quote uttered by Steve Jobs when he declared that he was willing to engage in thermonuclear warfare with Android in 1996? Or Pablo Picasso, who was misquoted as he referred to Igor Stravinsky's iteration, while they both borrowed from T.S Elliot's dictum, "Immature poets imitate, mature artists steal." Well, to be honest, it doesn't matter too much because everyone who uttered almost the same message moulded it to fit their own requirements. Regarding art at face value makes us see it as just stories and paintings to be hung on walls or choreographed into melodies and built into cities when there's so much more behind it.

For example, at a quick glance, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is nothing more than a story of two immature children who disregard their parents wishes to get married. But the tale of loverboy and manic pixie dream girl acts as a cautionary tale, a warning for foolishness, impulse, and rivalry; eliminating the repercussions the characters faced from their actions would remove the deterrent, and the play would lose its significance. And that - is what makes his work timeless. 

So timeless that Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been picked apart and scrutinised hundreds of times; in fact, in terms of movie adaptations alone, this 16th-century story has been staged for the screen over fifty times. But this time, we're having a look at singer/songwriter Halsey's take on iconic literature in the setting of her own discography. Instead of fair Verona, Halsey's entire album released in 2017 titled 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' is jam-packed with references as it plays with Shakespeare's original script, and she decides to set the two-hour traffic of her stage in Anorev (wildly creative; I know) - the fictional city housing her modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.

And while you may already be familiar with many of Shakespeare's works after being obligated to tap along to his iambic pentameter and pick apart his prose, Halsey has managed to take the cult classic film (Romeo + Juliet 1996) by Baz Luhrmann and reinvent it for herself. She chose to maintain critical concepts and themes like lust, conflict, the inevitability of fate, the idea of death and love that blinds but adds her own like same-sex love, betrayal, female sexual liberation and modern romance. 

The houses alike in dignity are Aureum as the Montagues and Angelus as the Capulets. Our main characters are now Solis Angelus and Luna Aureum, which mean sun and moon and represent Juliet and Romeo, respectively, making the quote "star-cross'd lovers" literal. Halsey says that Solis was chosen as the name for Juliet since, in Act 2 Scene 2 of the play, Romeo confesses that Juliet is his sun but, contradicting him, is Luna, meaning the moon. Throughout the music videos, we do not see the original Romeo's homie-o's Benvolio and Mercutio. However, we know that Solis's best friend is [SPOILER ALERT] the traitor, but the audience has no other means to identify him or relate him to since all we see is his withering lack of loyalty. To my excitement, we see some Rosa (depicting Rosaline) content in the music video about the song that describes Luna (or, well, Halsey) reflecting on her relationship with Rosa she had been trying to move on from (just like Act 1 Scene 2 in the original but with the same-sex love twist). 

Halsey has chosen not to follow the exact chronological order in Shakespeare's script, but she incorporates key points into each of the five music videos that conclusively create her circular plot. In the 'Strangers' MV, we see Luna and Rosa physically fighting in a boxing ring - symbolising their break up early, and towards the end, Luna meets Solis for the first time. The 'Now or Never' MV depicts Luna and Solis finally getting closer together and realising they love each other. Luna goes to a tarot reader, and he tells her their love is pure, yet there is interference, and before she gets to ask any more questions, she is forced to leave. Shortly after, Solis confesses to his best friend (who is unnamed, thankfully, or else I'd have started using his name to curse), who conveys Solis's secret to the elders of the house of Angelus, and warfare begins and ends as quickly as it started, resulting in bloodshed and civil hands staining with civil blood. This continues directly into the next MV of the song called 'Sorry', which is more of a lamenting ballad where Luna walks through the ruins of the battlefield as she sings apologetically. In the 'Bad At Love' MV, Luna is on the run/banished, much like Romeo after he murders Tybalt. She comes across the same place she took a tarot reading but finds it abandoned.

Meanwhile, back in the comfort of his home Solis quickly sprawls a message onto paper telling Luna he loves her and sends a messenger to deliver it immediately. Again, Mr McTraitorFace (aka Solis's best friend) meddles in other people's business and switches the letters so that it reads as if Solis wants Luna dead and that he hates her (referenced in the lyrics of her sidetrack titled 'Lie' - "I get the message you wish I was dead"). Luna receives this message, and the audience collectively winces as, just like in Shakespeare's original work, another untimely misconception occurs, and the phenomenon of blatant miscommunication strikes once again. Ultimately, the 'Alone' MV shows Luna moving over Solis at a party (which is visually similar to the Masked Capulet house party) and thus, we are back again to the start of the story - where an opportunity may arise for new love to be found. 

Halsey herself quotes her story to be a "celebration of death" because it's the end of their "death-marked love", and she's rejoicing as she's revolved once around the circle, and it's time to spin around another chapter while making way for new art to be created. 

[randjadaptations]

1996′s Romeo + Juliet

Basics

Title: William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet

First Released: 1996

Director:  Baz Luhrmann

Main actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Harold Perrineau, John Leguizamo

Plot and Script

Much like the 1968 film version (review here), 1996’s Romeo + Juliet doesn’t change much of the script. Some monologues are cut for time, but the original script is largely preserved. What makes this notable is that the movie is very much set in the 1990s. Like, characters have limousines and pink hair levels of “this movie is set in the 1990s.” They don’t even change out the word “sword,” for gun, instead opting to make guns with the brand name Sword. Posthaste is, instead of a word, Post Haste, a postal company that Friar Laurence relies upon to deliver news to Romeo. These changes are kind of ridiculous, but also delightful. 

Because the script is so much in tact, the plot doesn’t change too much, either. Paris and Rosaline show up (or in Rosaline’s case, are mentioned) less than in the original play, but more than in the 1968 film. However, that doesn’t mean there are no changes. Romeo’s entrance into Verona after being banished involves a whole helicopter chase and him taking a man hostage. Also, like in many adaptations, Paris and his servant aren’t murdered by Romeo, making the death roll four instead of six. The change that stood out the most to me, though, was that Juliet woke up from her sleep just in time to see Romeo poison himself. They were able to look at each other before his death, and even got to kiss before he passed. I actually really loved this change; at that point, they both knew that their deaths could have been avoided, that none of this had to happen, but it was too late to change anything. It really cements the tragedy of the whole situation.

Characters

Romeo and Juliet are a bit more pensive in this adaptation than others. Romeo spends a not-insignificant amount of time writing poetry, and Juliet’s isolation is fairly pronounced. This change might make them less lighthearted than other adaptations (not that they don’t have their lighthearted moments; they spend a good deal of the balcony scene goofing off in a pool), but it also gives the audience a deep sense that they understand each other. When they first meet at the party, looking at each other through a fish tank, we’ve just seen Romeo head off to the restroom to get a break from all the noise and color, and the audience also just recently saw Juliet avoid all of her mother’s glitz and glamour. We already know that they have similarities, a deep sense of isolation, and it makes the “love at first sight” feel much more authentic. They’re also both the same level of dramatic and unstable. Romeo has his helicopter chase and hostage moments, and Juliet is absolutely not afraid to point a gun at a priest in her distress. While these traits don’t come out around each other and Juliet’s still notably more stable than Romeo, it’s nice that they’re both allowed to go all out. 

Tybalt is a complete wildcard in this adaptation. The script is ambiguous about how much harm is done to the city in the opening scene of the play, but here, he engages in a shootout and then blows up a whole gas station with no regard for anyone who could possibly get in his way. He also is wearing the coolest pair of boots I’ve ever seen, but that’s besides the point. The Capulet parents are outright physically and emotionally abusive in this adaptation, with Lord Capulet (named Fulgencio Capulet here) hitting his wife and shoving his daughter, and Lady Capulet (named Gloria Capulet here) clearly not caring about her daughter’s wellbeing. The rest of the cast is well-done and while there are no performances that are objectively bad, Lord and Lady Montague fade away without much notice. 

Style and Medium

The style of this movie is kind of wild, and even if I don’t understand every choice, I have to respect the commitment that clearly went into it. Baz Luhrmann didn’t compromise on a thing, and honestly, good for him. The movie leaned into the religious aesthetic, putting images of Mary and Jesus everywhere from Juliet’s room (maybe a bit too much in Juliet’s room) to Tybalt’s gun, but some religious aspects got a modern glow-up. I never thought I’d see so many neon crosses in my life, and while it was distracting at first, it wound up creating a beautiful effect at the end of the movie when Romeo is walking into the church to see Juliet for one last time. Some choices seemed a bit random, though. The abundance of Hawaiian shirts that no one kept buttoned? The random children’s choir that was at Romeo and Juliet’s supposedly secret wedding? The literal helicopter chase that somehow doesn’t result in Romeo’s death? The purpose of these choices beyond the mere aesthetic is unclear. The aesthetic mostly worked and was insanely fun for me, but I can see points where it might be overwhelming for a lot of viewers. The only place where a stylistic choice objectively, unquestionably flopped was the freeze-frame introductions for each character. It was dated and corny and felt like something from a Lifetime movie.

The movie’s soundtrack was also really interesting. There were several songs that were on the softer, sweeter side and orchestral pieces, but there were also a lot of 90s pop songs. It was a mix that shouldn’t have worked, but it did. The music was well-placed, and even if the list looks jarring, it was mixed in such a way that it wasn’t actually too off-putting. It never overwhelmed the scene, which is hard to pull off when you’re putting music from the Butthole Surfers right next to Wagner. Also, I have to applaud the use of Radiohead for the end credits. This is partially because the song is really good, and also partially because I really like Radiohead. 

Final Thoughts

With nearly every actor giving it their all, some truly beautiful shots, and one of the best scripts of all time this movie is something to behold. It’s also deeply off-putting if you’re not prepared for 90s-era characters spouting Shakespeare and a bit of style overload. It’s fun and emotional, but also a bit of a rollercoaster. 

Rating: 11/10 for me personally, but 8/10 for an actual, semi-objective score. 

[eddonegan]

Profiles in Courage - Those whose work made Pillory possible

Profile in Courage Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms!

Our Secret Society Government is just such a form.

Romeo's emotional turmoil also reflects the chaos of Verona, a city divided by the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets. Just as the city is embattled by the feud between the families, Romeo is embattled by his unrequited love for Rosaline.

The British in a Secret Society launched by Cecil Rhodes largely control the USA and have subdued the USA via acts of of terror including overthrow of the POTUS by assassination.

The Emblems of Government in the USA are much like the Feudal Crests on the guns of a great film version of Romeo and Juliet.

William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (often shortened to Romeo + Juliet) is a 1996 romantic crime tragedy film directed, co-produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. It is a modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the title roles of two teenagers who fall in love, despite their being members of feuding families. Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo, Harold Perrineau, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Sorvino and Diane Venora also star in supporting roles. It is the third major film version of the play, following a 1936 film and a 1968 film.

This book like most I have written are derived from my life story of State sponsored abuse and Conspiracy Against My Rights the motive for which I discovered upon following the writings of deceased former Tracy California police office Jen Moore who continued work after abuse and tragedy and was silenced, but too later for the silencing of her to work.

The works left by Jen Moore taken as a whole are of world importance and create a Profile of her courage reporting on powerful criminal elites who never were driven from power since the East-India Tea Company days and who remain in power today.

The Espionage Agencies of the USA are subsumed by the British and used against the USA. Today's "hitlist" (referencing the book on the Kennedy Assassination( is the traitor wetdivsion of FBI DOJ of law abiding citizens to complete the cover up of the last stand the Kennedy's made against the Secret Society and the final fall of the USA.

Oh Dwarves so low of head in the tunnels dig

Cecil John Rhodes retrieved from Wikipedia and copied or modified to here

Rhodes, c. 1900 7th Prime Minister of the Cape Colony

Cecil John Rhodes (5 July 1853 – 26 March 1902)[1] was a British mining magnate and politician in southern Africa who served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896.

An ardent believer in British imperialism, Rhodes and his British South Africa Company founded the southern African territory of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), which the company named after him in 1895. South Africa's Rhodes University is also named after him. He also devoted much effort to realising his vision of a Cape to Cairo Railway through British territory. Rhodes set up the provisions of the Rhodes Scholarship, which is funded by his estate. Widely acknowledged also as a white supremacist, Rhodes explicitly believed in the superiority of white English people over all others, especially sub-Saharan Africans. He infamously said "to be born English is to win first prize in the lottery of life".[8][9] During his political career he successfully confiscated land from the African population of the Cape Colony, and falsely claimed southern African archeological sites such as Great Zimbabwe were built by European civilisations instead.

Ruby was part of Mafia world (Campisi, Marcello) RFK was deporting, NIXON Mafia was returing Ruby had talked with Sam and Joe Campisi and Marcello who had talked in advance of killing JFK and also Candy Barr stripper at Ruby Free Mason Donald Barr CIA Goerge H.W. Bush Free Mason Knight's of Malta and Free Mason J. Edgar Hoover James Angleton, John ulled Alan Dulles Cabell CIA https://youtu.be/PYI4PqtIyE0?t=5950 Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald? (full documentary) | FRONTLINE Oswald an hour late coming down stairs like to get Ruby in position.

CHORUS. Project Gutenburg * CHORUS.

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love, And the continuance of their parents’ rage, Which, but their children’s end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage; The which, if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

To Brian Lamb of CSPAN and John Simpkin of Spartacus

To Lawrence Mark Sanger an American Internet project developer and philosopher who co-founded the online encyclopedia Wikipedia along with Jimmy Wales. If splitting hairs about editorial wind vanes I agree left wing bias is energetic and skewing but I bave found wikipeda a great resource consistent if not better far better than typical MSM information and quicly and easily available.

Sanger's other interests include a focus on philosophy—in particular epistemology, early modern philosophy, and ethics. He taught philosophy at his alma mater Ohio State University.

This likely imbued in him something I have learned recently from Law. Argument, simply making a judgment devoid of a factual assertion is not only unhelpful it is likely destructive. Steps towards truth include facts asserted and competition to most reasonably explain the facts.

Pillory epub

[danyayeni2]

ROZZY RAAAAAAHHHH

Inspired by this photo of Fransaline (art by @fluffycoffeebuns)

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : Romeo + Juliet (1996)

When Baz Luhrmann envisioned the Red Curtain trilogy, he had intentions of demonstrating how a particular motif could amplify the film experience.  After exploring dance in Strictly Ballroom via the David and Goliath story arc, he set his sights on exploring how poetry could be used in a narrative sense for a film.  In a bold and brilliant move, he turned to one of the most historically famous poets, embarking on a venture to turn one of his most famous works into a hit film, and he more than succeeded.  The result was the stunningly beautiful and wholly captivating masterpiece that is Romeo + Juliet. 

In Verona Beach, two opposing families stand atop the social world with no hope of finding common ground in sight.  The Montague and Capulet families, while noble in stature, often find themselves the center of negative attention when the younger members of the family quarrel in the streets.  After a particularly brutal confrontation between Benvolio Montague (Dash Mihok) and Tybalt, Prince of Cats (John Leguizamo), both with crew in tact, Captain Prince (Vondie Curtis-Hall) warns the families that their next punishment may be more severe than they’re ready to handle.  In the wake of this madness, Romeo Montague (Leonardo DiCaprio), forlorn over his love for Rosaline, ends up at a party with Benvolio, the rest of his cousins, and their friend Mercutio (Harold Perrineau) at the House of Capulet.  While at the party, Romeo happens to run into Juliet (Claire Danes), daughter of the House of Capulet and soon-to-be bride to Dave Paris (Paul Rudd), and it’s love at first sight.  Tybalt, however, has spotted Romeo and the other Montagues, and vows to teach them a lesson.  Romeo, fixated on Juliet, devises a plan with Father Laurence (Pete Postlethwaite) and Juliet’s Nurse (Miriam Margolyes) to secretly wed Juliet.  After searching relentlessly, Tybalt finds Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio and the crew at Verona Beach, Tybalt attempts to confront the group, ending in the death of Mercutio at Tybalt’s hand.  Enraged, Romeo slays Tybalt, which results in his banishment from Verona Beach.  Father Laurence, Juliet and Nurse devise a plan to assist Juliet in escaping her marriage, but due to miscommunication and unforeseen circumstances, tragedy strikes that rocks the worlds of all involved.  

The face lift given to this timeless work does what very few re-creations of this type can do : modern day relevance is given to a centuries old tale.  Vehicles, businesses and residencies are adorned with religious insignia and family crests, similar to how the old-style architecture would have existed.  The traditional sword has been replaced with the latest weapon of choice, the gun, even to the degree where a pistol is a dagger, bigger pistols are standard swords, and shotguns/rifles are long swords.  Even the advertisements hanging around Verona Beach contain clever wordplay corresponding to creatures and tales befitting of the times.

While Romeo and Juliet is not necessarily a hard narrative to understand, Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet actually allows a slightly deeper understanding for some of the colloquial language, puns and wordplay-based humor, and even some of the language and terms used during the more dramatic moments, combining visuals by way of situations and relations between characters with the dialogue based off of the original text to punctuate the true meanings.  The playful insults hurled between Romeo and Mercutio, the more sinister threats issued by Tybalt, the nonchalance of Mercutio in the face of clear and present danger, and even the loved-based desperation of Romeo and Juliet during stressful and trying times are all made abundantly clear via the aforementioned methods.  The reshaping of Verona into Verona Beach, complete with affluent sections, run down sections, and even the slum-like outskirts where Romeo is banished serves to provide a deeper understanding of the stature the Montague and Capulet families hold in regards to the city and its residents.

Though mentioned briefly earlier, the high style and vivid imagery implemented by Luhrmann cannot be denied their recognition.  The beach scenes, House of Montague scenes and the final scenes in Juliet’s tomb burst with color.  By contrast, the nighttime scenes are composed like full-color noir, with deep shadows offsetting fleeting glimpses of the bright colors that rule the day.  The outfits worn by the entire cast not only pop off of the screen, but inform you to subtle aspects of character personality.  Even the mechanism of the chorus role being assigned to a barely-there TV with a newscaster is visually arresting due to its minimalism.  Add all of this to sonic support via a stellar soundtrack, and the end product is one of the most immersive Shakespeare works committed to film in recent memory.

Leonardo DiCaprio, already well on his way to stardom, sealed that fate in the minds of a generation via his wholly convincing portrayal of Romeo.  Claire Danes had a handful of solid roles under her belt, but her portrayal of Juliet was her breakout role, essentially making her a household name.  Giving the two families the stature they need via shorthand was achieved through casting, with Brian Dennehy and Christina Pickles’ Montagues having more than the stature to match Paul Sorvino and Diane Venora as the heads of the Capulet family.  John Leguizamo surprised many with his dramatic turn (and a convincing one at that) as Tybalt.  Dash Mihok as Benvolio makes me wonder why he has not been cast in more roles (although he may be booking plenty and I am merely unaware).  Pete Postlethwaite gives an invigorating performance as Father Laurence, more than emoting how much he cares for all that he shares time with.  Harold Perrineau graced us with a performance that should have made him a star at the time.

Though I had my apprehensions as a young man during this film’s original release, those apprehensions were immediately dashed once I viewed the film.  I regret not seeing it on the big screen when I had the chance... I can only imagine the impact of seeing the events play out larger than life.  Definitely a modern day classic.

[randosmstuff]

An unpopular opinion...

So, I finally mustered up the courage to watch Still Star-Crossed finale. I have to say that it was a much, much better put together episode. The background song for the Rosvolio kiss was on point (FINALLY). If I am not mistaken, the song they used for the Rosvolio kiss is a variation of the instrumental song from Baz Lhurmann’s Romeo and Juliet (1996); I might be wrong, though.

Now, let’s get to the point of this post.

Well, I decided to be completely honest with all of you. I want you to know that I am looking at the “Still Star-crossed Project” not as a fan of the show – which I am – but I am trying to look at it with critical eyes. No bias or whatsoever.

 I have to warn you. This is going to be a long post and a lot of what’s in here is most definitely going to “upset” a lot of people. But, please, don’t be mad at me just yet. Try to put your feelings towards the project aside and just read what I have to say and then, if you still think I am wrong, just say it so.

 With that being said…

I completely understand why Still Star-crossed was canceled. Actually, in my opinion, it shouldn’t even have been aired in the first place.  I say this because there were so many mistakes, TOO MANY, actually.

The writing was all over the place, the editing, the transition between scenes, the music, the understanding of the characters, the network, the time slot it was given…

 So basically everything?

 No, not everything. Definitely, not everything.

 The cast is amazing.

The changes they made with some of the characters were really good and intriguing. Princess Isabella, Lord Montague, Lady Helena, Tessa Montague, Lord Capulet… I would love to see their stories unravel.

I don’t know if you understand what I’m saying so I’ll try to elaborate a bit more. 

This kind of story is not supposed to go on for seasons and seasons. It requires a beginning and an end. It was meant to be a limited series all along. 

I’m not sure if it was the writing that sunk the project or if it was the overall misunderstanding of the project in and of itself.

I think that they were trying to make a political statement… not really political, maybe a social statement or a race statement or an equality statement? I don’t know… 

It seems to me that they were trying to create something so bold and ambitious that they somehow forgot what the story was really about and how this kind of story really appeals to the audience. 

I don’t think Still Star-Crossed sunk because of the color blind casting or lack of promotion (I believe the lack of promotion was an effect, actually, not a cause). Still Star-Crossed didn’t work because it failed to connect with the audience. And when I say “audience” I don’t mean “us”.

Everything that was cut, everything that was left unsaid and unexplained… 

I know, they felt like they didn’t have to. But unfortunately we still live in a world where we need to explain why some family members are from one race and some are from another. This caused confusion in so many viewers (racists or not), just overall confusion. People wanted a simple and clean explanation. Nothing a flashback scene couldn’t handle.

Another issue that I noticed is that even though the narrative tried to imply it otherwise, the characters were emotionally distant. Again, not the actors fault. They did an amazing job with what they were given. There was only so much they could do… I am blaming the writers and the directors for this. Like I said before, they didn’t quite understand the characters. 

Another mistake: they changed Shakespeare. You can play with Shakespeare but you can not change it. Changing Romeo and Juliet’s story was a bad call. Specially because it was supposed to be a sequel. Never mentioning, not even once, that Romeo was in love with Rosaline first? How come? This very fact should be a catalyst between Rosaline and Benvolio and yet it was erased completely. With what puporse? I don’t know. Hide from Verona that Romeo and Juliet were in love? Not even her parents seemed to know those two married in secret. Or did I miss something? (Maybe I did). 

Now, a very, very delicate matter…The unbalanced relationship between the leads. 

Benvolio and Rosaline were not equals, they did not bring out the best and the worst in each other, at least, not how they were supposed to. 

They portraited Benvolio as a lost soul, a lone and misundertood character and I actually liked what they were trying to do with him but they also made him weak. He was supposed to be the hero of the story. The martyr. He was supposed to be strong and witted, like Rosaline implied herself but it was rather talked about than shown. She was always the one supplying all the answers. So many things came from Benvolio - bookBenvolio - that they shifted and had them come from Rosaline instead.  

Rosaline was super super strong and independent (the political, social, race, equality thing I mentioned before?). I was really annoyed at the fact that Rosaline always semeed so sure of herself. How she almost never faltered. I still can’t get over the fact that she seemed more annoyed than surprised or shaken by Escalus when she first tried to talk to him about Benvolio’s innocence and he played it out like she was doing it because Benvolio was her fiancé when he knew the truth. That was supposed to be a key moment. She was supposed to see him in a different light. It was supposed to be a grave moment but they played it out like a mockery (the music helped with the mockery tone as well). And Rosaline never really shown vulnerability. Even when she delivered that emotional speech about her parents’ death, she was more proud and angry than actually vulnerable. And that is where Benvolio was supposed to come in. 

Benvolio was supposed to make her vulnerable. He was supposed to make her falter. He was supposed to tear down her walls without asking permission. He was supposed to make her question herself. What he made her feel was supposed to be so strong and unexpected that even Livia would slip her mind. Her feelings for him was supposed to be so strong that she would rather die with him than let him be killed. And we didn’t get to see that. Not really. 

The balcony scene was good, it was great but I was expecting something breathtaking. They should have made him climb the balcony… Invade her personal space. In my opinion that scene was supposed to be powerful, emotional and sensual. What I mean is… The balcony scene is the scene were Benvolio was supposed to break her and at the same time expose himself completely (which he did) but we needed (or I needed) a physical proximity, faces inches apart, uneven breath takes, hands accidentally touching… Because that was supposed to be when they would feel the attraction awake something inside them for the first time. They were supposed to see each other as man and woman, not as Capulet and Montague. There’s a line from the book that explains it so well. “Had Romeo’s eyes ever yearned as Benvolio’s did now?” Remember, in the book, Benvolio was cupping her face (physical proximity, anyone?). 

Anyway, I could go on and on about every scene between our leads, but I wouldn’t dare to go deep about the other characters because I didn’t quite grasp them or actually care for them? Paris, for example. Why he was so twisted? Was it because of his father? Was he being manipulated? And Lady Capulet? They made her so confused that I didn’t know if she was evil or just grieving. Lord Montague interested me the most. I think there was more to him and they failed to show us. And Tessa Montague? That woman wanted power. I can’t shake the feeling she had somehting to do with the attack. Wouldn’t that be great? But they needed to show more of her. And Princess Isabella? What about our weak Prince? 

And the music? The sound effects are there to help us feel, to help us connect with the story. To help with the dynamic. But that was not what happened. 

The pace of story? It was all over the place. It was rushed and not dynamic at all. I understand they had to cut a lot of scenes but a fast paced story doesn’t always mean a dynamic one.

And what about the promos? The very first promo we saw made us believe the epic love story was between our beautiful brown leads. Benvolio was barely in the promos. They were misleading the audience and it backfired. I can’t stop thinking of a promo with a few Romeo and Juliet lines and images of Rosvolio. “My only love sprung from my only hate” “You only hate for my name” “And you hate me for mine”. Can you imagine the appeal it would have had?

So many details they missed. I know… The project was too ambitious. It got out of hand. It became too expansive. They should have planned better, then. They should have fixed the mistakes and not ignored them, knowing that in doing it so, the show would be doomed. 

I should stop here. There’s so much more I want to say. 

Please, don’t get me wrong. I still love the show. I love it, not because we have a black female lead in a period drama or because the cast was so diverse. Those were a plus, the icing on the cake. I love the show because of the story. The potential was, is enormous. And I am mad because they mistreated it. 

My intention with this post was to show they could have made different choices. They should have targeted the right demographic. The direction of the show could have been different but for that the story needed to be more important than whatever message they were trying to pull through. And maybe, even still achieve both. 

In other words, it was not the story itself, it was not the diverse cast, it was poor and careless execution.

I’m sorry, if you don’t agree with me. I still believe in the show. I still want more. Rosvolio is still my OTP. The chemistry between Lashana and Wade is too much to be wasted. And I know for a fact they can save the show and profit from it. They only need to make the right choices and changes. 

I truly hope TPTB will give Still Star-Crossed another chance. 

*By the way, I’m black. Just so you know…

[shakespeareanthoughts]

Romeo and Juliet in Modern Media

I was going to do a post about recent modern interpretations, adaptations and inspirations of Romeo and Juliet but with only one internet search it got way too overwhelming so I’m going to stick with a few (recent) examples I’ve come across.

Film

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Baz Luhrmann’s music video inspired film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Plenty of colour and a great soundtrack. Part of The Red Curtain Trilogy of theatre motif related films with Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge!

Shakespeare in Love

Will Shakespeare himself (Joseph Fiennes) is in the early years of his playwriting career when he meets Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) and essentially lives out several of his own plays. Plenty of British stars in this film plus Colin Firth has a truly awful mustache.

Gnomeo and Juliet

Nutcase: same story, but with garden gnomes. Plus James McAvoy and Emily Blunt. Pretty brutal story for a children’s animated film.

Literature

Still Star-Crossed

Haven’t read this yet, but the novel by Melinda Taub is set post-Romeo and Juliet with Prince Escalus setting up Rosaline Capulet and Benvolio Montague in order to end the still-standing family feud. Of course that doesn’t go over well with the youngsters and they try to end the betrothal while keeping their families from going at each others throats. It’s also being turned into a TV show.

Prince of Shadows

One of my favourite books by Rachel Caine, set during the events of Romeo and Juliet but with a twist on the original story line. Benvolio Montague steals from the Montague enemies but falls in love with Rosaline Capulet. When Mercutio dies he curses both families, hence Romeo and Juliet falling in love.

If We Were Villains

M.L. Rio’s debut novel follows seven Shakespearean actors through a riveting murder mystery. They stage four plays over the course of the novel, including Romeo and Juliet. The best part is Rio sets up the characters’ drama almost parallel to the plays they put on. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare you’ll love this.

Music

Love Story - Taylor Swift

Check out the music video: X

Verona - Koit Loome and Laura

Estonia’s Eurovision 2017 entry: X

Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits

A bit of a slower one: X

[brakespeare]

Color Coding and Costuming

Something I love about Still Star-Crossed is how they changed up the the perpetual color coding of the two houses.

If you look at the many adaptions of Romeo and Juliet, from West Side Story to Romeo+Juliet to the Russian Ballet’s costuming, the Capulet's are always wearing red, usually Tybalt being the reddest of them all. it also kind establishes Capulet’s as the most passionate and emotionally driven. On that note, when adapting Romeo and Juliet, its usually who are portrayed by people of colors, but Still Star-Crossed still subverts this. In West Side Story and Romeo+Juliet, this is problematic because it corresponds to stereotypes about Latinx being aggressive and inherently passionate to the point of violence. By contrast Montagues wear blue, which adds to Romeo melancholy disposition and visually justifies Benvolio as a reasonable character (which again Still Star-Crossed reinterprets this).

I love that Rosaline, and by extension The Capulet Household, is accented by blue. One, Lashana Lynch looks amazing but it also upsets this established theatrical tradition that the Capulets are the instigators. It feels like a much more intentional that will help define Rosaline as her own character and bring more depth and nuance to the depiction of the two families, which is already being developed in the plot. 

(above: Costumes used in films to depict the Capulets, or their equivalents. From Left to Right, Juliet in the 1968 film, John Leguizamo as Tybalt in Romeo+Juliet(1996), The Sharks from West Side Story (1961). )

(Houston Ballet Production of Romeo and Juliet, Montagues to the left, Capulets to the Right)

You can see in this picture how the Capulets are clothed in blue, from the parents to Livia and Rosaline. Meanwhile, Montague wears red which has always been associated with Capulets, particularity Tybalt. Isabella’s dress also calls attention to her royalty, more so than her brother. I think already in the show, we’re getting hints at who really wants power and who should rule. Also Paris is wearing green, and I bet he’s gonna be pretty envious and overall nasty.

This post only touches upon color and costume as well as the role race plays in Romeo and Juliet and I am sure a much more developed discussion, so if you have thoughts please share them