#TOM RYDER KISSES PLEASE

[dare-writes]

Messy Kissing

Tom has a photoshoot idea.

Aaron's Masterlist

tom ryder x female reader

genre: fluff, nsfw implication (paragraph starts with The photoshoot went great until Tom decided a ‘Lunch Break’ was necessary.)

WC: 2.0k

sexual content warnings: referenced m!receiving oral

warnings: reader gets hate from Tom's fans (mentioned), kissing, publicly... Tom is your #1 fan, Reader is a Tom Tamer!, reader fixed him????, established relationship, Tom loves love, and Tom hates haters, Tom is lowkey just always hot and bothered over you

Inspired by my ‘Tom Ryder, who got that as an approved photoshoot concept but only allowed you to kiss him. (He got you to do a few down his abs (alternating sides because “isn’t that cool?!”)and one kiss mark just at the waistband of the pants/boxers he wore)’

im so back (im exhausted this was meant to be done weeks ago im sorry chat)

__

If there were some things everyone should know about Tom, it would be 1) He loves you, 2) No, he doesn’t plan to leave, and 3) He is a chronic social media scroller. If he’s between roles, he’s lounging in his Beverly Hills house in The Flats, either tanning or rotting while scrolling through various secret social media accounts he had.

More often than not, he saw comments about you. Most were cute, some were funny, and few were rancid. It made Tom coil in irritation. Managing to find a lover outside of the film industry was the greatest thing to happen to him. Hell, a lover outside the industry got him sober, makes him happy, and most importantly to him? She supports him endlessly but keeps him humble.

The first time you visited the set, Tom insulted a crew member, and you were immediately on his tail. 

“Tom, did you insult her for getting a coffee order wrong? She’s not even your PA.”

“No, Tom, that isn’t okay! She’s a part of sound, not everyone who works for you.”

“You didn’t just say that—Thomas Ryder! You’re going to drive me insane! Working with you, they work with you! Not for you!” 

It took a few months of those conversations to get Tom to listen. Of course, he still has his moments. Thankfully, he’s gotten better. It’s like Tom entirely forgot about the little devil he always listened to on his shoulder, preferring the little angel holding his hand.

Tom hated seeing distasteful comments about you, so he often mass-reported them. Sometimes, he would get reported for his… distasteful response to nasty comments, but no one hurts his angel!

Your social media was rarely used, especially since it was a private account. It wasn’t hard to avoid hateful comments if you weren't active on the apps. Twitter was never somewhere you chose to be because of hurtful language.

Tom noticed that all your social media apps were offloaded on your phone while cuddling against your chest one day. You never knew Tom to be so observant. He knew your cafe/Starbucks orders and your go-to food places, but you would never expect the guy with his walls covered in sticky notes to notice something as small as this. That's when he began planning his next shoot with a creative director he worked closely with at the beginning of his career.

Months before Valentine’s Day, he was scheduled for a themed shoot. The company worked closely with Tom to make the concept, and Tom made it for them when he heard the ideal release would be just before February 14th. 

The studio wanted sexy. Tom wanted dedication to you. So they compromised. 

__

“Tom, I never come to your shoots, ‘sides I have the quarterly report coming up soon.”

“I know, baby, but please! I need your support!” Tom said, tugging you along into the studio. “Besides, you’re going out tonight with Lucky, Malina, and Gina?” 

You furrowed your eyebrows and stopped following him. His arm tried to tug you further, but you didn’t relent. He sighed and stood before you, waiting for the elevator. “Yeah, but that’s at like 7? It’s 8 in the morning, Tom.” 

Tom pouted and grabbed your other hand, “They can do your makeup; I’ll work my T.Ryder Magic! Please, baby, I want you to be there.”

“Really?” You asked skeptically. He loved your cinched eyebrows when you questioned him, even if it was slightly in doubt.

“Really,” Tom nodded. You sighed as the elevator dinged its presence. “Fine.”

Tom childishly pumped his fist and pulled you into a kiss, murmuring against you. “Good.”

It was a protracted fiasco, pulling you into costumes and makeup. The costumes weren’t bad, and Tom tried everything on while you watched. He was like a puppy, waiting for your approval for each outfit. And approval he got, each mostly dark in concept. Most also wore open shirts and praised his toned body one way or another. He tried them all on before getting pinned up for sizing to tailor. 

Soon enough, Tom was dragging you off to a new room. A few colorful backdrops, a bustling assistant, the photographer, and the digital technician were testing the camera and monitor, and a creative director was waving Tom over. 

“Stay here,” Tom mumbled before kissing your forehead. He took off his clothes, hair, and makeup, which were splendid. The director nodded at his appearance, approving his more straightforward outfits.

During the photo shoot, his clothing slowly shed, and you paid no mind. He had done plenty of scenes and photo shoots that were considered more risqué than this. As much as Tom loves his acting, he personally hates romance-related scenes. He wanted thrill and action, not slow, passionate romances. He got enough with you and was more than satisfied with you. 

White flashes have become customary to you; you are slightly used to them now. Despite that, Tom doesn’t ever want flash photography while down red carpets or any other flashy event. He tries to be considerate, even if he doesn’t seem like it. (Yes, there are instances of Tom yelling at the paparazzi for their overly white blinding flashes. It was a viral ‘issue’ that he spoke against .) 

Amid the white, a makeup artist rounded to your side. At some point, the creative director joined the MUA and, and various swatches of reds and pinks littered your now chapped lips. The occasional swipe of a random lip hydrates while they attack your drying lips with new lip colors.

Tom’s smile towards you was unknown to you; he liked watching the pampering and the unusual expression on your face. It was dumb early in the morning, your confused tilt and breathy sighs between new swipes of lip colors on you. Tom rarely got to see you dazed and confused, only getting that look from you after a very blazing night of messy kisses, heated whispers, and arousal swirling in the air. Tom would avoid looking at you as often as possible. He did his best only because he refused to get a stiffy in the middle of the photoshoot.

Lilian, the makeup artist, finally settled. After hundreds of lip swatches, thin papers are applied to the lips to create prints for kiss marks. 

Tom wandered over finally, barely in anything now. His low-rise jeans and the elastic band of his briefs peaked out. His overly defined pelvic bones pointed directly where his privates were. A pretty dark red painted across your lips. He looked back at the creative director for a moment, who nodded. 

Before you could look up at him, he leaned down to your lips and kissed you chastely. Instinctively, you leaned into the kiss. Then he moved his face to make you connect your lips to his right cheekbone. You audibly gasped when he pulled away, a well-placed dark kiss spot left on his cheekbone. 

“Tom!” 

“It’s fine,” he said, waving his hands. You tried to stand and reach his cheek to smear the red away, but he stopped—a simple soft hold on your wrist before he kissed it softly. 

“It’s a part of the shoot.”

His response fell on deaf ears. “Tom, we have to get your makeup redone-“ 

Lilian handed you a paper. The small Ariel print in the corner told you everything you needed. 

TRYDER_VDAY25_CONCEPT_SHOOT

Photoshopped kiss marks on Tom’s pre-shoot from a couple of weeks ago. He is in the same clothing from the initial fitting, dark red kiss marks littering his cheek, neck, and chest, and a few scandalous ones you can see peeking from beneath the waistband (it was half erased on the image to give that look).

The photo shoot was a whirlwind to begin with. Now, it was just making your head spin. You sighed in relief, the paper falling to your side with your other hand no longer scrunching your hair messily. The hairstylist groaned quietly in the corner underneath Tom’s coming sentence.

“Happy Valentine’s Day?” Tom questioned with a cocky smile. 

“That’s over a month away.”

“I know! But it was a surprise! For you! And between you and me?” Tom leaned in, kissing your temple softly before wrapping an arm around you. “I wanted to rub it in people's faces, and I’ve got a wonderful partner who loves me at all times.” 

Your lips unknowingly pouted as you looked up to meet his eyes. He winked back and pressed another kiss to your temple. “I love you.”

 “I love you too,” Tom said against your skin. 

“Shall we get started again?” The director asked. Tom looked back at him with a nod. “Ready.”

—

The photoshoot went great until Tom decided a ‘Lunch Break’ was necessary. He even bought a ton of food to get you stolen away to his private room for the time being. There wasn’t a lot of eating to be done, but a dark red lip stain around the base of his cock and your slightly tearful eyes said enough. 

He returned all the favor, saying he would do the same to you if he had lipstick ready. You said absolutely not. 

When the photos were released, people obviously had mixed reactions. Most people speculated they were edited. Plenty of people assumed it was just a Valentine’s Day thing. His haters were not pleased to see you in the interview behind-the-scenes videos. 

A steady camera recorded you smiling and talking with a creative director. The male director even leaned in to kiss Tom’s neck a few times to decide where it would look good on him. 

There are a few other clips of just Tom and a strangely weird close-up of you and Tom. It cut right to you just applying lipstick, your finger holding down on the next target spot to kiss. Following was of you leaning to kiss his collarbone. 

It was easy to understand why it was put in. Tom leaned down to kiss your head while you kissed his collarbone. 

Another was of Tom winking at the camera while you kissed down every opposite ab, left down right, right down left. “Isn’t that cool?” Tom said, pointing down at his girlfriend kissing his stomach. 

With a click of your tongue, you stood up. With a glare lacking real hatred, you walked beside the creative director. Watching Tom pose for the next few minutes was hypnotizing.

Tom, in his element, was never disappointing, and honestly, his attitude was deserved at the beginning of his career before it inflated his big head. If you weren't working your office job, you would find a way to watch Tom work, whether it was interviews, filming movies, or just these photoshoots. Part of you wished you were apart of this world instead of the stuffy business world you got stuck into.

Watching the video with Tom was even funnier, until the worst clip came to your disbelief.

Tom laughed maniacally as the director pointed you two into the shame corner. There was a single curtain and a full-length mirror for Tom to check his appearance. The camera zoomed in on you with your face hidden in your hand, and Tom dragged you in with a smile. 

The worst clip of all was when the creative director said you and Tom had to do the kiss stains beneath his waistband. It took about 10 minutes to find the right angle so that the kiss was visible. After those 10 minutes, Tom was finally pulling his briefs and jeans back up. 

The entire fiasco of planning a photo shoot to make haters revel in his love was worth it. Tom didn't care too much about the toxic people filling his DM requests; they weren't worth the time he could spend on you.

He was more than delighted to post you daily rather than scroll through comments from those who groveled over him.

It was even better to have Tom post a picture of you and him with a sloppy mess of dark red lipstick at midnight for Valentine’s Day that year after the photos were released. The outfits you two wore were the same as in the behind-the-scenes video.

At exactly 11:58 on February 14th, 2025, before the night ended, Tom posted another three stories about you. One is you guys on a real Valentine’s Day date from that day. You dolled up across the table from him, sporting the same dark-colored lipstick from that photoshoot.

Another was of you and him, red lipstick smeared across each of your lips again to mirror the original picture from the photo shoot.

Tom also had to make the caption Happy Messy Kissing Day, everyone!

[pretty-little-mind33]

Tom Ryder x fem!reader

summary: Your boyfriend likes overstimulating you.

warnings: overstimulation, use of toys (vibrator), hint of dom!tom and sub!reader, praise

KINTOBER MASTERLIST

You feel hazy, your eyes glued to the ceiling as your hands curl around the sheets. Fuck. This is torture. The sound of the low hum of the vibrator is drowned out by your little whimpers as Tom mercilessly presses the toy to your clit.

"T-too much," you whine, gripping the sheets as you squirm. Tom presses a hand against your stomach, sending you a harsh look as his dirty blond hair slips over his blue eyes. You stop squirming, tears pricking your eyes.

Tom's gaze softens as he leans down his lips brushing against your ear. "You can take it," he murmurs, voice low. He adjusts his hand and holds the toy firmly in place, despite your protests. "I know you can."

Your breath catches in your throat, overwhelmed by the sensation, the heat pooling in your stomach. Your legs tremble, and your body betrays you as it starts to chase the pleasure, even though you've already come three times.

"Good girl," Tom whispers, a hint of pride in his voice as he watches you arch your back. He moves the vibrator away for just a second, and you let out a shaky breath, only for him to bring it back again—harder this time—and it sends a jolt in your core.

Your hands clench the sheets tighter as the tension inside you builds to an unbearable peak. "Tom, please," you plead, tears finally spilling down your cheeks.

Tom just grins, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek as his hand moves to your thigh, keeping you pinned in place. "Just a little more," he says, teasingly. "You're almost there."

Your body jerks, hips twitching instinctively as Tom holds the toy against your sensitive spot, his other hand sliding up your thigh. His touch is both firm and possessive. You're teetering on the edge and every nerve feels raw and alive. 

Tom's name escapes your lips again, this time more desperate, more pleading. Your voice is shaky with need. Tom is relentless, however, keeping the pressure and you're in blissful agony.

Your boyfriend's eyes bore into yours, dark with desire but still laced with control. "You're so close, aren’t you?" His voice is a low, teasing growl as he leans in, his lips grazing your jawline. The way he speaks to you, sends a shiver down your spine, like he's also pulling you apart with just his words.

You nod, unable to form a proper response, your body writhing beneath him. Your mind is hazy, lost in the overwhelming sensations. "Then come for me," he commands softly. "Let go, baby."

And that's all you need. His voice, the pressure, the unbearable teasing—it all crashes down on you at once, sending you spiraling into your desperate release. Your back arches, lips parting in a silent cry as the pleasure tears through you, wave after wave, leaving you trembling under his hold. 

Tom's gaze remains on you, his lips curving into a satisfied smile as he slows the toy down, letting you ride out your fourth high.

Finally, he pulls the vibrator away, dropping it on the mattress, and then he leans down to kiss your forehead. "Good girl," he murmurs again, his fingers wiping away the tears from your cheeks as he strokes your hair gently, grounding you back into reality.

Your body is still humming, the aftershocks making you shudder as you catch your breath. You blink up at him, and for a moment, there's nothing but silence and an unspoken connection in the aftermath.

tags: @sauronsgirl, @earth-elemental18, @princesssunderworld, @siriuslycaptainofthedawntreader, @simplyreflected

[voxmortuus]

May I request #3 ☆ { overstimulating } them til they’re begging with Tom Ryder?

⇘ PAIRING:⇙ Tom Ryder x F!Reader ⇘ UNIVERSE:⇙ The Fall Guy ⇘ WORD COUNT:⇙ 466 ⇘ TRIGGER WARNINGS:⇙ Appealing to Tom's Massive Ego | Clitoral stimulation | Overstimulation | Begging | PLEASE TELL ME IF I FORGOT ANYTHING!!! I want to make sure readers are fully aware of what they are getting themselves into when they read this… ⇘ NOTES:⇙ Sorry if this is total ass... but I hope this brings you some joy. Prompt from this list. ⇘ DIVIDER CREDIT:⇙ @nyxvuxoa ⇘ IMAGE CREDIT:⇙ @nyxvuxoa ⇘ My Master Masterlist ⇙ ⇘ My Aaron Taylor-Johnson Masterlist ⇙

Your breath, you couldn't catch it. It was like the whole world was non-existent, and you felt like you were floating. Your eyes flutter, your body shakes and quakes with such a fever that you feel beads of sweat forming at your brow and across your hairline. Clenching at the arms of the chair as he hovers over you, feeling your breath grace his skin. This sensation of static kisses the surface of your flesh, unable to make sense of much, it all becomes so overwhelming.

Pressing your legs against him as he keeps them open, working your swollen bud, you let out a shaking scream, your whole body feels so overwhelmed with pleasure you're unsure what to do with it. You can't close your legs, you can't move, you're just shaking. You can't find your words, each time you try to speak, it's nothing but breathy gasps.

Looking over you, he chuckles softly, kissing the corner of your lips as you press them together, whimpering. Your eyes search his face as you grab his arms, gripping tightly. Shaking your head, you still can't find your words. Your eyes flutter as you continue to shake your head.

"You're gonna need to use those words, Babe, I can't understand what you're tellin' me." Tom smirked.

You continue to shake your head, your breathing heavy and breathy. You can't find what you're trying to say, you press your hips up as you press your head back against the chair.

"If you can't find your words, I'm just gonna keep goin'."

Taking in a gasp, finally finding the free brain moment to form your words.

"Please -- Please stop!" you plead, though on the cusp of your finish, you need a moment to breathe.

Blinking twice, he looks over you, his fingers slow just a bit, but didn't quite stop.

"No, I think I'm going to make you beg for it." He smirked.

You weren't using your safe word, so he knew he was still okay to keep going. Groaning you shook your head again, biting your lip, your nails pressed into his arms a bit as you attempted to wiggle away, but unrelentingly his fingers kept working you.

"Tom. Please, please stop, I need a moment. Please." you whimper.

"You can do better than that, come on, beg for it." he groaned against your lips.

"My God, My Sir, My Master, please, please stop, I need a moment. Please, I beg of you, stop for a moment." you plead, appealing to that ego of his.

After a few brief moments of thought, he stopped for a moment but kept his hand there, covering your wet core. He searches your face and smiles a moment.

"When you're ready, let me know. We'll keep goin." he smirked and kissed you softly.

[tangerinesgf]

Loved your first Tom Ryder fic!!!

For a request I was thinking maybe something where he's supposed shooting a movie and everybody's looking for him trying to find him and he's off somewhere on set having sex with his girlfriend. They get caught and you can decide how it goes from there :) (if you're interested in writing it of course 🥰)

Tom Ryder x FEM!reader

Tags/Warnings: Smut 18+ MDNI, P in V sex, slight dirty talk, fluff, getting caught

A/N: Thank you so much for your request I absolutely loved it!! I hope you love it too! In my mind Tom Ryder is a total sub, so I tried to play with that a little bit, but I have more idea in that regard.

It was no unusual occurrence to find Tom Ryder missing from set. In fact it had become quite predictable and most of all frustrating for the people who were working with him. He is the movie star after all, the main character, without him there is no movie. 

Usually he would be found either daydrinking or in his trailer with the excuse of not being in the right mood to film the scenes that day. He had to be in the right headspace to portray his character. You see Tom Ryder was the world famous actor, in his eyes everyone had to accomodate to him and not the other way around.

Yet this time it was neither one of those things.

So while everyone was worrying about the disappearing daylight on set, that was the last thing on Tom’s mind while pushing you up against one of the huge fake rocks on set. It was one of the few days where you could actually be with him on set and he’d be damned if he was gonna let that go to waste. 

The moment he spotted you behind the camera, watching him do a scene he excused himself from set, earning him eye rolls from all the other cast and crew members. 

The two of you disappeard and haven't returned since.

“Fuck baby, it’s been so long..” He mutters in between kissing you from your lips to your neck, his hands roaming all over your body. He needs you badly. 

Tom hadn’t even bothered to put on something else, so here he was in his full on space cowboy attire including the hat, pressed against you. It almost felt like you were sneaking around like a bunch of horny teenagers in high school. 

“It’s only been a week, Tom.” You chuckle softly, your voice already a bit breathless from his touch. 

“Mhm.. too long.” He trails kissing down from your neck to your cleavage. His hand move down and start playing with your skirt, making his intentions quite clear to you. “I need you, baby.. please..”

How could you ever deny him when he looks up at you with those sad puppy eyes, begging you to let him fuck you into next week. You nod slowly and pull him in for a deep kiss. 

He kisses you like a starving man, exploring every inch of your mouth with his tongue. Meanwhile Tom’s hands hastily try to undo his belt, at this point he doesn’t care if he rips his entire costume. They probably have another 10 lined up for him anyway. All he can think about is being inside you right now, the sweet sounds you make when he fucks you, your hands in his hair, you lips on his.. 

Fuck, fuck. 

“Shit..” The actor mutters as he keeps struggling with his belt until he finally manages to unbuckle it. He quickly shoves his pants down his legs along with his underwear revealing his hard cock, the tip already red and leaking pre-cum. You practically groan at the sight of him, yes it had only been a week but you couldn’t wait to feel him inside you again. 

He lifts your skirt up and pulls your panties down, a grin appears on his face as he notices you’re already dripping for him. He licks his finger and teasingly runs it along your wet and sensitive folds. “God baby.. you’re so wet.”

You whine softly, aching for any kind of friction between your legs. Your eyes are locked on his as he licks your juices off his finger, if you weren’t so good at composing yourself you’d be drooling over him right now. 

“Ready?” You nod in return. He smiles at your consent and slowly pushes his throbbing cock inside you, dragging a long moan from your throat. He lets out a string of curses as he pushes himself in all the way in, everytime with you felt just like the first and he never got tired of it. 

Once he’s all the way inside he let’s you adjust to his size for a moment, kissing you from your neck down to your collarbone. “Doing so well f’me, baby..” He mutters.

When you give him the sign he slowly pulls out before slamming his cock right back into you, hitting you in just the right spot. Your hands move up to his dirty blonde hair, fisting your hand in it. “Fuck- Tom just like that..”

You get completely lost in the pleasure between the two of you. His hips rutting into you while he sucks marks onto your neck, dragging moan after moan from you.

“Missed you.. and your pretty little cunt.” He groans loudly as you clench around him. You’re so caught up in each other that you don’t even notice Gail coming around the corner until it’s too late. 

“Tom! We’ve been looking everywhere for ya!” She doesn’t seem bothered in the slightest about the position she’s found you both in, because let’s be honest she’s caught him do worse things. 

“Jesus fuck-” Both of you startle and Tom curses as he quickly uses his long coat to cover you both up. He stares at her with a look of annoyance and disbelieve, although he should have known that his producer is not one for playing around. “What the fuck Gail?”

“We’re losing dayligt, Ryder. Chop chop.” Gail ushers and crosses her arms as she stares you both down. 

“Fine.. fucking hell.. could you just- just turn around.” Gail rolls her eyes, but eventually turns around to give you both whatever privacy you got left. 

“You gotta talk boundaries with her, Tom. I swear to god.” You tell him in an ushered voice, so Gail can’t hear anything. He sighs and reluctantly pulls out of you, making you let out a soft whine. “I know, baby.. I’m sorry. Shoulda taken proper care of you, hm? I’m gonna make it up to you I promise, love.” 

He neatly fixes your panties and skirt back in place before pulling his own pants back up. Both of you are left disappointed and wanting, but Tom had a job to do. Unfortunately. 

“Meet me at the loft tonight?” He’s giving you those puppy eyes again. God you love him. 

You nod and receive a very happy Tom Ryder in return. He kisses your forehead softly before walking towards Gail with that usual annoyed look on his face.

“I told you not to interrupt me when i’m ‘busy’.” You can hear Tom whisper to Gail. 

“And I told you I wouldn't, but you were still wearing your damn mircophone, you idiot.” She tells him return and Tom just shrugs, seemingly not bothered by the fact that the entire cast and crew just hear him fuck his girlfriend. But then again you’ve never seen him embarrassed or ashamed of anything and you’ve seen things. You don’t hear anything else before they disappear out of view.  

Guess you’d have to finish this later tonight. 

A/N: Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any Tom Ryder requests pleasse don't hesitate to leave me a message, Reblogs and comments are so much appreciated you have no idea. Love you guys <3

Taglist: @earth-elemental18 (lemme know if you wanna be added or removed)

[dirty-little-mind33]

Tom Ryder is a star, an A-lister and terribly needy partner. He'll whine when you ignore him and drape himself over you until you pay attention to him. Being a big star is super stressful, y'know? Let him use you as a pillow, pet his hair while he complains and don't forget the kisses! Kissing usually escalates into grinding and wandering hands. He can't help it, you're hot! And while Tom thinks of himself as a rough dom in reality, he's more of a service top. Feed his ego (and praise kink) by telling him how amazing he is. Poor boy needs the reassurance. He loves to hear how you sound when he pleases you. He can never get enough of you and hopes you feel the same. -🍒 anon

love the idea of sub leaning Tom Ryder omg!

man just needs some fucking love. he's super insecure about himself and so while he wants everyone around him to think he's some macho dom, really he just needs to smother himself in your breasts and whine as you play with his curls.

he yearns for attention and he's SO whiny.

Tom loves praise as you said. he wants to be told he's doing good and he's a good person boy. and not in the way the people around him "yes man" him, in a sincere way. he knows you always tell him the truth and you truly love him for him.

i love him being a service dom bc yes he would want to bury himself in your thighs, licking at your pussy like it's his last meal on earth as he pleases you. he wants to make you feel good because it makes him feel good (always a little selfish 😭 has to stay character accurate)

Tom feels good because he feels accomplished for pleasing you and making you fall apart underneath him. he loves the sounds you make because they fuel his already huge ego.

[lost-pen-name]

Tom Ryder x fem!reader

Summary: Tom invited you to be his plus-one at a party with him. His friends are there along with a handful of your coworkers. Parties aren’t really your ideal pastimes (small talk, loud crowds, yuck) but you went anyway because maybe this one will be different. It wasn’t. Your introvert side kicks into gear after you lose track of Tom and make several terrible attempts at small talk. You escape the throngs of people and hide in the best place you could find: the grungy bathroom.

Word count: 2320

Warnings: mild spice, kissing

Author note: This was one of THE most fun fics I’ve ever written. 🙈 I was lowkey giddy the entire time. 😍 I hope you enjoy it just as much! ❤️

{ kiss me when nobody’s watching }

You startled at the sound of someone rapping their knuckles on the door.

“Hey, you in here?” Tom’s voice is muffled but you can tell it’s him.

“Go away, I’m not here,” you said as you took a step closer to the door. You pressed your forehead against it, the cool wood soothing the start of a headache. “Please leave, Tom.” You’re really starting to feel like Elsa from Frozen but there is zero chances he’s about to ask you to build a snowman with him.

“What, you scared of socializing?” You can just see the big dumb grin on his face. It’s that grin that makes you simultaneously want to slap the daylights out of him and kiss him until he saw stars.

Right now, it was definitely the first.

“No. I just want to go home.” You thumped your head on the door. It didn’t help the headache but it did help release some of the pent up frustration. “Whatever, just leave it. Go back to your party. Have fun without me, I know that’s very possible.”

It’s quiet for a few heartbeats. You held your breath and waited. Maybe he actually left? That’d be a miracle, he doesn’t typically listen to your requests. At least, not the first time you ask.

“No, I don’t want to.” Is he pouting?

“Ugh, Tom, please stop being so stubborn for one moment and go back.” No response. “I’ll be fine up here, I swear.” Maybe he’s worried about you? Highly unlikely but still.

“Can you just open the door so we can talk like normal humans? I can barely even hear you,” he whined.

You groaned. You hit your head on the door a few more times for good measure before reaching for the doorknob and opening the door an inch. The hallway was dark. With the faint glow coming from downstairs, you can make out Tom leaning against the wall by the door. He’s looking at his hands, using his thumbnail to clean out his other nails. He immediately straightened at the sound of the door being pushed open. You aren’t ready for the direct eye contact he made as he stood in front of you. His stormy eyes made your heart do acrobatics. You clenched your hands. He always seemed to have this effect on you just by standing close.

“Want to tell me why you’re hiding all the way up here?” He gestured around at the small bathroom.

You frowned. “Can’t a girl have a bathroom break?”

“Well, yeah,” he said as he pushed his way further into the room. Your eyes widened and you took a step back. “But you didn’t sound like you were going to come back down. Why?” Another step forward. Now he’s past the doorway, you and him almost standing body-to-body, leaning over you slightly.

You have got to look away from those heavy-lidded eyes. They’re making your thoughts lose motivation to stay afloat and drowning in those crashing waves was getting harder to fight. Your gaze moved down. Now you were counting the three buttons his shirt had undone and noticing how the fine hair on his chest was damp with sweat. Maybe looking here wasn’t much better but anything’s better than trying to think under that crushing gaze. “I don’t see how this matters.”

“Yes, it does. I invited you.” He pointed at himself. “And I want to know.”

“I just don’t like parties!” You threw your hands in the air. “There, satisfied?”

His gaze darkened. “Then why did you come?”

“Because, idiot, you invited me! And I wanted to come with you! I wanted to be with you. But now I’m chickening out and hiding up here and away from awkward small talk.” You let out a breath and looked back up at Tom. “Satisfied?”

He clenched his jaw and relaxed it. A tick he did when he was thinking. “You could’ve said you didn’t want us to go.”

You let out a sharp laugh. “As if that would’ve made a difference. I don’t have that kind of effect on you.”

He leaned down further, practically forcing you to look at him. Your throat tightened at the close proximity. You’d be surprised if he couldn’t hear your heart thundering against your rib cage.

“What are you talking about?” His gaze is searching as he looked into your eyes. “You’ve always had an effect on me.”

“Oh, c’mon, you’ve used that on every girl.” You sighed and turned to walk a few steps away from him.

You’re surprised when you heard the door shut and his footsteps as he followed you further into the bathroom. “You doubt me too much.”

The tiny bit of whine in his tone made you prickle. You whirled around to find Tom standing right behind you. You pressed a finger to his chest. “And you throw your words around too much. I know you flirt with almost every girl your eyes land on and I know I’m not any different than any one of them. So excuse me for not completely believing all of your smooth, honey-coated words.”

He reached up and grabbed at the hand you were using to point accusingly at him with. His warm hand enclosed your wrist and he pushed you backwards and pressed you up against the wall. He framed you in by putting his free hand on the wall next to your head.

“I don’t know why I have to tell you this but you aren’t like other girls, okay?” His voice was low, like you were the only two people left in the world and still he wanted to keep this moment a secret.

“Then what am I, Tom?” you breathed. The frustration was melting away and a gaping hole of yearning was replacing it. And you don’t know what to do with it. And that was terrifying.

“You’ve always been different, you aren’t like everyone else. You’re special,” he said. He brought his face down to the side of your face, his warm inhales and exhales now tickling your ear. “You’re mine.”

Your heart leapt up your throat as you felt his lips brush against your ear. A flutter, a mirage, a hint of a kiss. But then a small twinge. You couldn’t hold back the gasp as you felt a flash of teeth and a quick pull of your earlobe as he moved back. Heat rushed through your face and you prayed he wouldn’t be able to see how red you are in the dim lighting.

“Don’t do that.”

Tom licked his lips. It took everything within you not to press your mouth against his as you watched his tongue run over his plush lips. “Do what, darling?”

“Make me want to make out with you.” You jutted your lip out a bit in a pout. “I’m supposed to be mad at you, not madly want to kiss you.”

He grinned devilishly. “Oh yeah?” He reached out and fingered a lock of hair that had fallen loose from your ponytail bun. “Guess my Ryder charm is pulling through for me today.”

“Oh shut up.” You grabbed his head between your hands and pulled him down to your height and crushed your lips against his wet parted ones.

His eyes widened for a split second before he bent down further, deepening the kiss. He took no time in shaking off the surprise and taking control. He gently moved closer to you, pressing you firmly against the wall. His hands made their way into your hair and slowly undid the bun, his slender fingers tangling themselves in the strands. His mouth was warm, the heat of it sent tingles down to your toes. He wasn’t a desperate kisser, he kissed like there was nowhere to go, like he could always buy more time if we ever ran out. His touch was burning and excruciating but in all the right ways and you wanted more.

Your hands moved from his face and grabbed onto the open front of his shirt, anchoring yourself to him. You let your tongue push past his lips and did a quick run over his teeth. He tasted faintly of booze and citrus and jealousy. You can feel his mouth shift into a grin and he returned the favor but more forcibly, like he hasn’t eaten in days, ravenous, hungry.

You both break away for a breath. You opened your eyes and watched him as he panted. His cheeks are flushed and his eyes are wild and sweat glistened on his collarbones. It’s a beautiful sight. You honestly can’t quite believe it’s you who was the cause of it.

Words are hard to draw upon, your head is more full with ecstasy than of coherent sentences. “What about the party?” you murmured.

“Screw the party.” He kissed and broke away again. “Screw the whole freaking party.” Another stolen kiss. “If it’s you versus the party, you win every time, baby.”

You bit back a grin. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

He let out a laugh, a genuine laugh. The world paused at the sound of it. It’s a deep, rough laugh, like it isn’t quite used to coming out into the world but it’s so beautiful and lucent that the clumsiness of it is all forgotten.

You can’t help but stare up at him in awe. You could probably count how many times you’ve heard that laugh. It’s almost like it’s the eighth Wonder of the World and you wanted to savor the rarity of it.

Mild amusement flickered across his face. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re just so beautiful, that’s all.” You tilted your chin up and flashed a sly smile. “And you’re all mine.”

His hand grabbed your chin, angling it so your lips were just brushing each other, a butterfly’s flutter of a kiss. Goosebumps swept over your body. “All yours,” he said, his voice thick and rumbly. He closed the distance, his mouth desperate to be against yours again.

A knock at the door startled both of you. You untangled yourselves from each other.

“Um, hello, is this occupied? Kinda need to go.”

Tom growled under his breath. “Aren't there any other bathrooms in this place?”

“Maybe they’ll go look for a different one?” You hold your breath. Your tongue has the lingering taste of oranges and alcohol and it’d love to get a reminder how vibrant those flavors can be.

Another knock. “Hello? Can you hurry up in there?”

Tom turned his head towards the door. “The door’s closed for a reason, man, buzz off!”

“No, no, wait, it’s okay, we can let them use it.” You gently patted his chest, trying to regain his attention before he yelled more. “It’s okay.”

He looked back at you and his anger evaporated. He tilted his head down and looked remorseful. “I’m sorry we have to cut this short.”

“Me too.” You stood on tiptoes and placed a quick peck on his bristly cheek. “But we can always pick up where we left off, ‘kay?”

He grinned, his sharp canines glinting in the dim light. “Of course, darling.”

Your heart did a little leap at that. You shoved down the urge to just ignore the rest of humanity and stay here with Tom and quickly patted yourself down. Your hair was almost completely undone and your shirt was rumbled. You let your hair out of the ponytail and straightened your clothes.

“There,” you said as you did a check in the mirror. “Presentable.” You turned to look Tom over. He was mostly fine except for the red smears that covered his face. You groaned. “Oh no, you look like you’ve been mauled by cheap lipstick. Here, let me wipe it off—“

“It’s fine,” Tom interrupted. “I don’t care.”

You stopped in the middle of grabbing paper towel. “You sure?”

His mouth curled into a crooked smile. “I had one of the best nights of my life. I should let everybody see the souvenir.”

Your cheeks warmed and you gave Tom a joking shove. “That’s so dumb.”

“I enjoyed myself immensely.”

“Stop saying things that make me want to kiss you.”

“No, you.”

An impatient series of knocks made you both jump. “You know I can hear you talking in there. Hurry up. I really gotta go.”

Tom rolled his eyes before winking at you. He grabbed the doorknob. “Ready?”

You reached for his arm and linked yours around his and nodded.

With bravado, he flung open the door and pushed past the figures waiting in the hallway. As Tom bumped shoulders with the taller of the two, you heard him mutter, “Prick.

You almost had to run to keep up with Tom as he guided you down the hall. “Tom!” you hissed. You threw a quick glance behind you and had to slap a hand over your mouth to stifle a laugh. “That was Randy and Lauren! I’ve been practically begging Lauren to make a move for weeks! And you just called him a prick!” You slapped his forearm gently. “Thanks, now they’ll have questions for me.”

You stopped at the top of the stairs, the light from below cascading its way up. “Please,” Tom said as he bent down to plant a kiss on your head, “don’t worry about it too much, darling. If they have half as good of a time as we did, I doubt they’ll remember. And he is a prick, he ruined a good thing for me.” In the faded light, you see his lower lip slipped into a pout.

You laughed and cupped his face with your hand. Seeing him get upset over this, while it’s somewhat childish, sends happy tingles down your spine. It’s somehow endearing.

“Oh Tom, I’m always willing to go for round two.”

[gabrielemillers]

Addicted to You

Tom Ryder xF!Reader

Everyone warned you about him. They told you he is a real asshole and that someday he would break your heart. As you watch frozen in place, Tom kissing another woman on his lap, you realize you should have listen to them.

Today was your first anniversary together and he has a break from filming so you wanted to surprise him. And to celebrate the way you always do. It seems he had other plans. You leave his penthouse heartbroken, closing the door loudly, going straight to Colt’s appartement. He and Judy are your best friends.

When he opens the door and sees your tears, he immediately knows what happened. He knows Tom and how he is. That doesn’t stop Colt from wanting to kill him for breaking your heart. You enter inside completely devastated. What are you going to do? You are supposed to be working on the same set as him tomorrow. That was your other surprise, you are now his hair and makeup stylist.

-What am I going to do Colt? you say after telling him everything.

-It has always been a dream for you to work on a movie set right?

You nod.

-Well don’t let this bastard stop you. You’re going to work with me. I know Jody will agree. says Colt smiling.

You think it’s a good idea. For now, the less you will see Tom the better it will be. And Colt is such an angel, you will have fun working with him.

The next day, Colt tells Jody about the situation and as expected, she immediately agrees. You are nervous about crossing paths with Tom on set but also excited to work with your best friend. You didn’t tell Colt but last night you texted Tom to tell him you’re breaking up then you blocked his number.

The morning goes well, you are constantly busy since Colt is the stunt double and has to look perfect. You love the job, your talents are useful and it’s something you’ve achieved by yourself. Without Tom’s help. You know he would have helped and say it’s because of him that you’re here.

After lunch, the inevitable happens. You are walking back to Colt’s trailer when you see Tom. Alone. He seems preoccupied. Your first instinct is to ask him what’s wrong, but you remember he has cheated on you. So you continue your walk and as you look one last time in his direction, you catch him staring at you. Fuck.

Later, once the day is done, you’re leaving with Colt, laughing at something he said when Tom intercepts you both. Your smile disappears and Colt puts an arm around your shoulder protectively. Tom notices and you know it pisses him off. Good. He was always very possessive.

-What do you want Ryder? ask Colt drily.

-I need to speak with Y/N. says Tom.

-She doesn’t want to talk to you so get lost. Don’t you have more important things to do?

-No. Y/N please baby I need to talk to you. says Tom looking at you with his blue eyes.

You have never in your life heard Tom Ryder begs. That’s why you’re tempted to accept but Colt decides for you. Maybe it’s for the best. You feel like crying again and it would be easy to just fall back into the asshole’s arms.

-She won’t talk to you ever again. Forget her. Let’s go Y/N. says Colt pulling you with him.

You leave a angry and sad Tom Ryder standing there. On your way back home, a hour later, you think about him. He seemed distressed, but you cannot trust him anymore. Even if your heart aches for him. Tom can really be an ass sometimes but never as he been bad with you. Until yesterday.

When you arrive at your apartment it’s raining hard. Someone is waiting for you at your door steps. Tom. How did he got here so fast? He sees you and comes closer. He is soaked.

-What are you doing here Tom? What did you not understood in I don’t want to talk you to again? you say angry and sad.

-I know you don’t want to see me but please let me explain. It wasn’t what it looked like. says Tom desperate.

-Oh really? Well you seemed to enjoy the kiss for someone who pretends it wasn’t what it looked like. I loved you asshole and you cheated on me!

-I didn’t kiss her! She kissed me! It was my ex. I told her that I was with you and don’t love her. She kissed me in despair and you left before you could see me pushing her off me. I swear baby I love you. And only you. You are the most important person in my life and I don’t want to lose you. Please you have to believe me.

Because of the rain you didn’t realize you were crying. He really sounds sincere. And even if you should be mad and not forgive him, you still love him with all of your heart. Tom might be a world class asshole, but to you he is more than that. He is a man who just want to be love for who he is, not just because of his fame.

Tom approaches you and swipe away your tears tenderly before kissing slowly as he sees you’re not pulling away. In fact, you cling to him and kiss him back immediately. After a while of making out, you’re out of breath and start to feel cold, your clothes being completely soaked.

-Let’s get you inside. I know a good way to get you warm. says Tom with a smirk.

You laugh and feel warm inside your belly. You know what he means and you are not against his suggestion. After all, they say make up sex is the best right?

-Can’t wait to see what you’ve got Ryder. you say teasingly and happy as you lead him inside your apartment.

The next morning, as you lay naked in your bed in his arms, you realize how addicted you are to Tom and that you will always love him no matter what. And you know it’s the same for him.

Another Tom fic :) this one is a bit different I was feeling a bit sad 🥹

Tags: @tangerineboss @pretty-little-mind33

[wokeupinmars]

No Frills, No All Fuss, Just Us

Pairing: Colt Seavers x Actress!Reader

Summary: A longstanding rumor is pushed to the forefront when you and Colt elope in Vegas.

Warnings: Implied smut, dryhumping, kissing, brief mentions of a cult.

Word Count: 4.1K

Author's Note: This has been sitting in my drafts forever! But I finally had the time (and motivation) to write. This idea came to me while listening to "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups. Hope you guys like it <33

Please comment and/or reblog if you enjoyed this!!

RG Masterlist

Being Tom Ryder’s stuntman has led Colt to many places, most of which have been nothing but trouble. But between the chances to travel around the world and the headaches that came with working with Tom, being his stuntman led to meeting you, a then-rising star with a promising career who signed on to act alongside Tom in an action comedy. Colt could and would argue that you were no exception to his “all roads led by Tom lead to trouble” theory because that’s exactly what you were: trouble. He blamed it on that smile of yours, reeling him in and making his heart race.

There was something so intoxicating about you, you’d invaded his senses and blurred out his periphery. It was like he was hypnotized from the moment his eyes fell on you that fateful day, he knew he’d never be able to look away (not that he ever wanted to). Over three years had passed since then, and it was safe to say your career wasn’t the only thing that blossomed since the making of that movie. Nearly two and a half years into dating him, and now you were mere minutes away from donning a ring from the man you love. 

Colt was singing along softly to music playing in the background of the waiting room. "Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married. Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married,” his hand snakes around your waist, pulling you back against his chest. His chin rests on your shoulder as he starts swaying the two of you side to side. “Gee, I really love you and we're gonna get married."

“You guys are so sweet it’s disgusting,” Dan jokes as he records you and Colt with his camcorder. 

You don’t even bother fighting the grin stretching across your face when Colt plops a kiss on your cheek. Marriage was something that you and Colt had discussed early on in your relationship, you were enamored by each other. The question was never if you want to get married, but rather when do you want to get married. The idea of eloping had crossed your mind a handful of times, but after finding out that the two of you would be jetting off to the “Marriage Capital of the World” for Colt’s next project, it was all you could think about. And you’d been trying to figure out a way to bring it up without revealing that you knew about his shiny little secret tucked away in the closet.

Finding the ring was an accident. You were borrowing one of his jackets after deducing that an oversized jacket would truly make your outfit for grabbing dinner with your friends when you found the box in the pocket. Seeing the ring was an even bigger accident. You didn’t want to see it, but panic set in when you thought you heard the front door open, and you dropped the box in your scramble to take off the jacket. The ring was perfect, and the attention to detail showcased how well Colt knew you.

–

“What if we got married in Vegas?” You asked half-jokingly as the two of you sorted through the clothes you wanted to pack. 

“Who says I want to marry you?” He’s sporting a serious expression when he asks, but it crumbles and is replaced with a smile the second you attempt to push his face away. 

“The ring you’ve been hiding in your Miami Vice Stunt jacket told me so.” You hadn’t processed your own words until Colt’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “You know about that?!” 

You covered your mouth immediately, “Oh shit! You weren’t supposed to find out.” 

He looks at you like you’re nuts, “I wasn’t supposed to find out?! Baby, you weren’t supposed to find out!” You stare at each other for a few seconds, and you’re almost convinced he’s upset until he breaks and lets out a hearty chuckle, causing you to laugh as well. 

“How long have you known?” Colt questions once the laughter dies down. 

“Three months. It was the night I went out to dinner with the girls, and they called you to come get me after I had a few too many.” 

He lets out an ‘ah’ and nods his head, “So that’s why you kept calling me your husband.” 

You step forward and wrap your arms around his neck, “It’s called manifesting, honey.” 

Colt snickers at you and draws you in by the waist, “Do you actually want to get married in Vegas?” 

“I’d marry you anywhere.”

– 

Your confirmation was exactly why, almost a week later, the two of you had just spent the morning obtaining a marriage license, then the afternoon shopping for proper wedding attire and picking out a wedding band for Colt. You knew the ceremony would be operating on a time crunch, the website made that very clear when you made your appointment but the realization of just how fast things were going didn’t hit you until you were walking down the aisle, passing Dan sitting in the pew, to meet a teary-eyed Colt at the altar. He had the sweetest smile on his face as he watched you move towards him. “Don’t cry, you’ll make me cry,” you tell him as you blink back happy tears.

“You’re as beautiful as always,” he tells you before the officiant starts reading her speech. She kept what she had to say to a minimum, only sharing a few words about love and what a beautiful union marriage was. Once she concluded, she left the floor open for the exchanging of vows. You and Colt had been advised to keep it short, sweet, and sentimental. 

There’s a sense of giddy-nervousness as Colt reaches into his inner jacket pocket. His hand trembled as he unfolded the piece of paper. His voice is shaky as he starts, “You. You captured my heart before you even spoke a word to me. Everything–God–everything about you was so captivating. Your smile, your laugh, the way you carried yourself, and then you talked to me and I just knew.” He takes a deep breath before continuing, “You make my head spin, sweetheart. I didn’t think it was possible to love someone even a fraction of how much I love you. You and your love have taken my heart and soul to new heights. You mean everything to me; you are everything to me. I am the best and happiest version of myself when I’m with you, and I vow to never do anything to make you think otherwise. In sickness and health, through all the highs and lows, in this life and the next, I’ll be right there loving you all the same.” 

Your eyes gloss over as his words sink in. This man loved you. It wasn’t news by any means. Colt’s love for you was no secret; he loved you and he loved you loudly. His hand cups your cheek and wipes a stray tear, “Don’t cry, baby.” 

“You’re so sweet,” you whisper. You lean into his hand, turning your head just enough to kiss his inner palm before he lets go of your face. 

Your palms felt sweaty as you retrieved your vows from your bra. Colt’s unable to bite back his giggle, “That’s where you kept it?” 

“This dress doesn’t have pockets!”  

You take a second to compose yourself before you start reading, “The moment we met was so strange because there was nothing strange about it. You just had this sense of familiarity that I couldn’t place until you kissed me for the first time, and then I knew. You felt like home, you are home, you’re everything I’ve ever dreamt of and more. You’re an anomaly in the way you calm my nerves, yet are the reason my heart races. You’re a man of wonder, and I cannot thank you enough for being my person and for making everything better. I love you. I love you a million times over. I’ll love you through everything that life throws our way. I’ll love you forever.” 

Colt beams at you, his arms circling around your waist and pulling you close. He leans in for a kiss before the officiant wedges her hand between your faces, “We’re not at that part yet, loverboy.” A light pink hue dusts over Colt’s face as he mumbles an apology and opts to hold your hands in his instead. 

The officiant glances at her watch and clears her throat. She clears her throat, turning her attention towards Colt, and starts to recite the words from her notebook, “Do you Colt Seavers, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and health, in sorrow and joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?” 

“I do,” he affirms. There’s a glimmer in his eyes as he drinks in the set of you. His thumbs run over your knuckles as the officiant sets her sights on you. 

“And do you, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?” 

“I do,” you beam. 

The officiant motions for Dan to bring the rings to her. She holds them in the palm of her hand. She instructs you both, one after the other, to take the respective ring for the other and repeat after her, “With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge my love to you, now and forever.” 

A smile graces her face as she closes her book, “And with the authority vested in me by the State of Nevada, I pronounce you to each other, husband and wife. You may now kiss–” Colt doesn’t give her a chance to finish before his hands are around your waist and you’re being dipped into a kiss, “-the bride.” 

You can hear the sound of Dan cheering and the officiant as you stand up straight. She offers a few more words before heading out of the room, “Congratulations, you two. You guys have a few minutes to take photos if you’d like. We’ll file your paperwork with the Clark County clerk and have the copies of your marriage certification mailed to your residence. You two love birds have a wonderful honeymoon and a blissful rest of your lives together.” 

– 

The familiar weight of Colt’s arm draped across your stomach was the first thing you noted as you were pulled from your sleep. You squeeze your eyes shut the second you open them, the sudden brightness courtesy of the sunlight peeking through thin curtains and blinding you momentarily.  Once adjusted to the light, you sit up and survey the room in search of what could have possibly woken you, only to be met with the sight of your husband sprawled across the bed with his face squished against the pillow and last night’s wedding attire scattered across the floor. 

A tender smile sweeps across your face as you drink in the sight of him, as soft snores escape his lips. His hair was a mess, sticking up in various places, but the sun rays shining through and illuminating his back enhanced one of your favorite views. You reach out and carefully trace the freckles that decorate his skin, avoiding the red remnants of the scratch marks from the night before, charting your very own constellation across his back. 

“Don’t you know it’s rude to stare?” The raspiness of Colt’s morning voice slices through the silent room and captures your attention. 

“Staring? I’m merely admiring.” 

A wave of satisfaction washes over you when the corner of his mouth twitches up. He gives your waist a squeeze before rolling over, taking the top sheet with him in the process. You watch as he stretches out his limbs, letting out a groan and relaxing back against the mattress. “Is that what we’re calling it now?” 

You hum in acknowledgment, combing your fingers through his hair and gently massaging his scalp. He nuzzles his head into your hands, the dopey smile you’ve grown accustomed to spreading across his face. “Sleep well?” 

“Mhm…” he mumbles, “my wife tired me out real nice...makes for good sleep.”

“Is that so?” You shuffle closer and straddle him. He lets out a groan as you settle on his lap,  hands clutching your hips on instinct, his nails digging into the flesh. “Think you’re rested enough for another joyride, Mr. Seavers?” You knew you were getting a rise out of him, you could feel the rise you were getting out of him. 

“Whatever you want, Mrs. Seavers…I’m all yours.” 

You put your hands on the square of his chest, using the surface as support to rock your hips against his. “Are you now–” Your movement is halted by the sudden buzzing of your phone on the nightstand. 

Colt’s thumb rubs a circle against your hip, “Gonna get that? It was going off earlier.”

“It was?” 

He nods and slides his hands from your hips down to your thighs, squeezing them. “Thought that’s what woke you up, woke me up.” 

“Oh,” you say as everything clicks, “I think it did.” You move off his lap and reach for your phone, barely catching a glimpse of your publicist's name flashing across the screen as you grab it. You slide your finger across the screen and hold the phone up to your ear, “Hello?”

“Finally! Thought you’d never answer,” she exclaims. 

“Is everything okay?” The concern in your voice was apparent, she never called you this urgently unless it was something big. 

“Good news or bad news first?”

A sense of dread washes over you as you process her question, “Bad news.” You could hear her take a deep breath. “Firstly, did you and Colt actually get married?” 

“We did,” you confirm, looking over at him as he mouths ‘What’s she saying?’

“I don’t know whether or not I should congratulate you or yell at you.” 

You sit up, “Yell at me?” 

“Yes, yell. You know how many publications have been reaching out to me for a statement? I was being bombarded with emails and phone calls. There’s a video of the two of you leaving the chapel.” 

“Is that the bad news?”

“Not quite,” she says. 

Colt pokes at your sides and you swat his hands away, “So nosy,” you mumble as you put the phone on speaker and wait for her to continue, “Bad news is some sites are reporting that you married Tom.” 

“You’re joking, right? Please tell me you're joking.” 

“I like you far too much to make a joke that cruel.” You could hear her kettle whistle, the sound ringing in your ear while you digest everything she was saying. It had been a while since your name had been in the headlines with Tom, so long that you actually began to believe that the very rumor that had followed you around like a rain cloud had finally ceased.

It was a harmless rumor about you and Tom dating, or at the very least hooking up, that originated at the wrapped party for the Bonnie and Clyde-esque movie you’d done together, The Two Most Wanted. Your mind reels as you think back to that night. 

You couldn’t quite remember what song was playing throughout the bar, but you could remember Colt coming up to you as you sat at the bar,  “Hey there, pretty girl.” You remembered how hot your face felt when he called you that and how your heart fluttered in your chest when he cupped your face and kissed you. 

Maybe it was the liquor, maybe it was the fact that you were with Colt, and you no longer felt the need to be as hypervigilant as you usually were because you knew you were safe, or maybe it was both. You still hadn’t made up your mind, even now, years removed from it. All you knew for certain was that you, much like everyone else at the party, were enamored by whatever was in front of them, and for that was Colt. It was for that reason alone that you didn’t notice the sweet moment between the two of you being captured in the background of a video one of your costars was taking of her friends dancing. 

The video didn’t make its way into your realm of knowledge until the following afternoon when your publicist broke the news to you about the video circulating online because eagled eyed fans claimed to have recognized the back of “Tom’s” head. Your team was quick to deny the Deny, deny, deny, that seemed like all you’d been doing during the promotion of the film and every film after. It had become irritating to be tied to a man you weren’t with and had stated such on multiple occasions, even disclosing on a talk show that you were in a serious relationship with someone around the time you and Colt hit the one year mark. You had explained that you were protecting your peace, choosing to keep your relationship private, not only because your man was a private person, but also because it was nice to finally have something that was just yours in an industry that requires you to divulge so much of yourself to the public. 

You hoped that by finally addressing it head on and stating firmly that you were in a relationship and it wasn’t with Tom would finally put those rumors to rest, but with Colt being Tom’s stuntman and changing his hair to match the actors and you visiting him onset, the rumor mill always started back up again. With every “bigfoot shot,” as your husband called it, came a new article about the nonexistent romance. 

“What’s the good news?” You ask into the line while watching Colt move around, trying to get comfortable before ultimately deciding to lay on top of you. 

“The good news is…” You could hear her stirring her tea, the spoon clanking against the mug, “They think it’s for the movie that they’re filming. Another video got posted, it’s pretty grainy, but some people were able to make out Dan leaving with you guys, so it’s now being reported that you were shooting something there.”   

“Okay, okay, that’s not the worst thing in the world.” 

She hums in agreement, “Ryder’s publicist reached out to me about it before the other video came out. Asking if you’d be willing to lean in to give Tom some good PR after he tried to start that cult.” 

You can’t help but roll your eyes at the mention, threading your fingers through Colt’s hair. “Ryder’s angels, how could I forget?” 

“Obviously, I told her no. But I do think we should revisit you and Colt making a debut, just to get ahead of everything—and before you shut me down,  just think about it and talk to him about it. It doesn’t have to be big, just something that will really solidify that you’re taken.” 

“I’ll talk to him about it and let you know,” you affirm. 

"Alright, I’ll keep you updated if anything happens,” she tells you before hanging up. 

Colt lifts his head, his eyes scanning your face to gauge how you were feeling. He could see the gears turning in your head; the topic at hand always made you anxious. This wasn’t the first time the suggestion of going public had been made, but based on the fact you didn’t immediately dismiss the idea, this was the first time you were actually thinking about doing it. “I know it’s a cause for concern, but I wouldn’t mind going public.”

“You wouldn’t?”

He sits up properly to look at you, his hands stretching out to hold your face, “I love you–” “I love you too.” 

“And I love being your partner. I have no issue with people knowing that. It’s scary, yes. People are so invasive, and I know you're concerned about my privacy, but I can handle whatever comes my way. I’m a tough guy.”

He picks up on the shift in your demeanor right away. “What if it becomes too much? That kind of stuff is really overwhelming…you see what it does to me sometimes. I–I just don’t want to put you in that kind of position.”

“You’re not putting me in any position. I’m choosing to be with you, I knew what I signed up for when we got together. I can handle it, sweetheart. I’m a big boy.” His thumbs caress your cheeks as he speaks to you. 

You search his eyes for a glimpse of doubt, but you’re only met with certainty. “You’re really okay with it?” 

“Only if you are.” 

You take a deep breath, taking a moment to assess your feelings and approach it logically. “Okay.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah…I think we can go public in a way that doesn't turn our relationship into some sort of spectacle.” He hums in agreement, “Exactly! You don’t gotta worry your pretty little head about it. We’ll be okay.” 

Your features soften at his reassurance; he always knew how to ease your mind. “Maybe we can do it at the premiere of my movie next month? I know you’ll still be working, but maybe we can walk the carpet in LA? It’s only an hour and some change.” 

“I’d like that a lot.”

—

Your plans to go public are halted a little over a week later when an article is published by a more than reputable entertainment news outlet with a copy of your marriage certificate attached. Marriage records in the state of Nevada were public information, you knew that. It just didn’t occur to you that anyone would actively be searching your name in the Clark County Clerk’s office. 

The length of the article initially intimidated you, knowing the outlet was beyond invasive. But your worry slowly ceased as you read through the piece, only to realize they knew a lot less than it appeared. Sure, they published proof of your marriage, but they had nothing to say about either of you beyond your careers. The few paragraphs dedicated solely to Colt only pertained to his stunt career, the writer highlighting his work from being a part of the Miami Vice stunt team to his more recent work, like Bad Cop Good Dog and Annihilation. 

In addition to detailing Colt’s career, the journalist pointed out that Colt was Tom’s go-to stuntman and how the rumors regarding you and the actor were nothing more than a case of mistaken identity. An attempt was also made to map out a rough timeline of your relationship, piecing together sightings of the two of you sourced from fan pages. 

The internet was buzzing with the news, and your team was scrambling to figure out what your next move should be. You and Colt sat shoulder to shoulder as various members of your teams debated on the best course of action for you to take over a virtual meeting. It was split, one half suggesting that you confirm it by responding to one of the publications that reached out, and the other encouraging you to stick with the original plan to walk the carpet with. 

Your head was starting to hurt from the back and forth, “What if I just posted something? Like a photo of us?” 

“Are you sure?” 

‘Yes,” you respond, just wanting it to end, “Colt and I will pick a photo and I’ll post it.” There’s a moment of silence before your publicist speaks up, “Alright then if that’s what you want.” 

The meeting ends, leaving you and Colt alone. “Do you have a picture in mind?” 

“Maybe the one Dan took when we were showing our rings?” You offer, turning your phone towards him. The photo was taken by Dan on your digital camera, your faces weren’t visible, but your dress and his suit were as you both extended your left hands to showcase your wedding rings. 

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over you in that dress,” Colt murmurs. ��I think it’s the perfect picture to post.” Your fingers move at record speed as you message your team to let them know you would be posting the picture to your account shortly and then uploading the picture, the caption simply reading “Mr & Mrs. Seavers.”

[phoenixs-fandoms-and-writings]

This Is Spooky

Fandom: The Fall Guy

Pairing: Tom Ryder/GN!reader

Plot: the two of you are promoting your new zombie apocalypse movie at Comic-Con and the two of you are to go through a zombie maze that was set up for the promotion.

Notes: this is the first time I’m writing Tom Ryder. Hopefully y’all like it and I captured him properly. He’s slightly possessive towards reader in this one.

This was written for @flufftober day 12 prompt: “This is spooky.” - “Really.”

I know I’m a few days behind but I’m hoping to catch up within the next couple of days.

I’ve never been to Comic-Con but please just pretend something like this could happen, if it doesn’t in real life.

Flufftober 2024 Masterlist - General Masterlist

Bewitched by Your Co-Star - This is Spooky (if you want more in the series, send me an ask)

I do not give permission to anyone to repost or translate any of my stories. I also do not give anyone permission to feed my stories through AI or to be posted to any third party website or app. If anyone sees any of my work posted anywhere but here or my AO3 (simplyreflected), then it has been posted without permission.

Read on AO3 here.

You couldn’t believe it. This is the first time you’re at any convention as a guest, and it just happens to be Comic-Con.

Your latest movie was the first in a series of zombie apocalypse movies and you got to star alongside one of the most famous action stars ever, Tom Ryder. He was an ass, yes, but he was a complete flirt, which honestly, helped you get more comfortable understanding flirting.

Anyway, you were at Comic-Con next to Tom Ryder and while he was doing an interview for Entertainment Tonight, you were talking to fans nearby who had come to see you.

Your manager came over to explain what would happen, “after Tom has finished his interview, you’ll go over answer a couple of questions, then both of you will go into the zombie maze that has been set up to promote the movie. Got it?”

“Yes, got it,” you told her, before saying goodbye to the fans nearby. “I’ll head over now. Thank you.”

She nodded as you happily strutted off to where Tom was just finishing his interview. It literally was only a couple of questions, Tom answered the bulk of them before, thankfully. You were better with the fans where he was better with all the attention.

“Are you both ready?”

“Yes,” both of you responded.

“Right, you’ll go in and we’ll follow you recording all of it,” the interviewer explained. “Just act like we aren’t here.”

You nodded before turning to the archway leading in. You looked at Tom and nodded at each other, both of you moving in complete sync as you entered the maze.

For the first few minutes, you encountered a few zombies and ran different directions when you saw them, but you managed to lose the interviewer somewhere along the way without even realising it.

“This is spooky,” you whisper.

“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow at you.

“Yeah, it’s spooky how similar this is to the movie sets.”

He smirks at you. “That was the whole point.”

“I know, Ryder, but it’s almost exact.” You looked around. “I think we should go this way.”

He nodded and both of you were off again, running from zombies and somehow you made it through without a scratch, except in the abandoned building scene where you tripped.

Thankfully, Tom caught you and once you’d righted yourself, you blushed, before whispering “thank you.”

He lifted his hand cupping your cheek before kissing you, pulling you towards him and growling in your ear, “mine.”

You nodded and took his hand as both of you kept going, you were completely breathless. He was a really good kisser.

Before you knew it, you ran through the end of the maze and people were clapping. You looked up and saw more of your fans.

You looked over at Tom who smirked, before dipping you and giving you a big kiss in front of the fans and the interviewers and cameraman.

Everyone may have clapped when you exited the maze, but now they were cheering, whistling and when he stood you back up and held you to him, you realised that it was so loud. Everyone was cheering for the two of you.

[heygerald]

Can we get like a mini story reaction to one of Toms “friends” hitting Parker

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

Tom, a frown and furrowed brows marring his features, swept a hand across the bar to the recently vacated space next to Parker. An abandoned beer sat on a damp napkin, and the bar stool was still warm from the previous occupant.

"Who—Richie?" she echoed, furrowing her own brows in confusion. "I thought he was your friend?"

Tom clearly didn't seem pleased with that information, and as Parker attempted to catch the straw of her strawberry daiquiri between her teeth, he twisted against the bar so he could glare at everyone that walked by. "Yeah, he is," he said.

But he certainly didn't seem too pleased by that information, and she could only furrow her brows further.

"Don't you want me talking to your friends?" she asked, trying to be both mindful of whatever was bothering him and trying not to sound too put out by the whole situation. Afterall, she had just suffered through fifteen minutes of conversation with a male model who didn't know his left from his right all for Tom. "We were just talking."

"He wasn't just talking," Tom corrected her.

But that made even less sense to Parker, and so she set her glass down on the counter with a miserable frown. Half between pulling out her hair and crying, she used a hand to gently tilt his attention back to her. "Babe, I'm struggling to see what the big problem is here. Don't you want me to get along with your friends?"

He ground his jaw for a moment, eyes raking across her features in a burning path, before Tom spit out, "of course I want you to get along with my friends."

"Then—"

"He was hitting on you, Parker."

She blinked, before stupidly asking, "what?"

Tom rolled his eyes with a huff, but when Parker scowled at his reaction, he took a moment to take a deep calming breath. "Babe," he said, slowly, as if talking to a child. "He didn't care about what you did for work, he was flirting with you."

"But," she started, only to pause and rethink through their entire conversation. She supposed now it made sense why he kept moving closer to her, but Parker had only thought the bar was packed, and so she had offered him her bar stool so he didn't have to keep getting pushed around. She supposed the incredulous look he had given her made sense now. "Oh. But I..."

Tom shook his head, his hand trailed along her waist protectively. "Do you really not notice all the guys that stare at you?"

"At me?" she echoed, blustering. "You're the hot one! You're the—you know—famous movie star. Why would anyone be looking at me?"

It was such a ridiculous question that Parker turned to sweep her gaze over the bar. Heads turned away as she looked, men stooped in conversation, eyes darting between her and Tom surreptitiously. Yet, she just couldn't believe it. They were only looking because she was with Tom Ryder.

Right?

When she looked back at him, however, he no longer seemed upset. Instead, there was something so fond in his eyes that Parker felt herself melting into his touch. "You really don't notice?"

"Well," she hedged, "why would I care about them when I have you?"

Tom stared at her for a long moment before planting a heated kiss on her. It frazzled Parker even more, and it took shaking her head to come to her senses. Grabbing her daquiri, she nudged him off the bar. "Now, come on."

"Where are we going?"

"To spill my daquiri on the next guy that looks at me," she grinned, and when Tom tilted his head back and laughed, Parker had to remind herself that there were other people in the room. People that needed to be taught a lesson. "I guarantee no one is going to flirt with me after I ruin their Gucci shoes."

"You know what Gucci looks like?"

"Oh, shut up."

[shattered-glow]

Today is the 1 year AO3 anniversary of Slow Show by @mia-ugly. I am beyond grateful that this experience (and it is an experience) has existed in my life for a year and felt it needed commemorating. 🎂  

I’m not a creator but I made this playlist for me, so I could take the fic with me, have it with my eyes closed, while driving -- you get it. Today seems like an appropriate day to share it. 

It’s a. It’s a lot. Excessive you might even say. Tumblr will only give you the first 100 songs in this, so, Spotify will fulfill you (or overwhelm you). If you hit my username on the playlist, there are separate playlists for each chapter. 

This is also on Apple Music, if that’s your jam, just hit me up and I’ll send you the link. 

🎉 Happy Slow Show Day!! 🎉 

13 pages of track-lists and excerpts below the cut. Godspeed! 💙

Key:

Songs from Mia’s soundtrack

Songs from the Fic

.

--Title--

Slow Show – The National 

_

--Prequel--

Loverman – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 

Devils – Say Hi 

_

--Chapter 1--

Here I Go Again – Whitesnake 

_

bad guy – Billie Eilish 

-trash a set and shag your husband

_

Something About You (ODESZA Remix) – Hayden James 

-what it would take for Avery Fell to let his guard down

_

A Little Wicked – Valerie Broussard 

-The handkerchief in his hand is now stained purple

_

You Light Me Up In the Dark – The Hounds Below

-His hair catches the light like a halo, making him look more of an angel than ever.

_

Lazarus – David Bowie 

-This could be a problem

_

--Chapter 2--

Unsteady – X Ambassadors

-much easier than talking about the way his heartbeat is still racing

_

Heart of a Dog – The Kills

-Call me darling again.

_

The Twilight Hour - Still Corners

-Looked across the set and thought, Ah fuck me. I’m in love with him.

_

God’s Mistake – Tears for Fears 

-Avery: He’s closed his eyes again, mouth going flat and still.

_

Lounge Act – Nirvana

-Tell her all the terrible things I want to do to her husband

_

Transatlanticism – Death Cab for Cutie

-There’s a strange urgency tonight, though, and Crowley can guess why.

_

Do I Wanna Know? – Arctic Monkeys

-What could it hurt?

_

Clueless – The Marias 

-“Better - yeah. ‘S late.”

_

Motel – Meg Myers

-The hotel room is another disaster

_

--Chapter 3--

Alone in a Room – Asking Alexandria 

-“I’m having a moment here!”

_

Since You’ve Been Around – Rosie Thomas 

-makes Crowley feel like he can breathe again

_

Home Again – The Disco Biscuits 

-It’s starting to feel like home again

_

Every Other Freckle – alt-J

-Perfect. Ridiculous and impossible and perfect.

_

Something For the Longing – The Orchids 

_

As Far As I Can See – Phantogram 

-it’s been a really, really long time

_

Sinister Kid – The Black Keys 

-“Mothering buggering shit-”

_

All These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers

-Crowley fists one of his hands against his forehead, shuts his eyes tightly.

_

--Chapter 4--

I Like Me Better – Lauv

-I liked the outline of your face under the stagelights

_

I Do This for You (ft. Marlene) – Giorgio Moroder

-“Let me see what I can do. About your precious Hamlet.”

_

The Longing – Imelda May 

-Avery POV: “Look at him like - like - you can’t let him see the way you look at him.”

_

Just a Man – Los Lobos

-Avery POV: like he’s being led into battle and not onto a set to do the job he loves

_

World In My Eyes – Depeche Mode 

-wants to make that bastard purr

_

Tired (ft. Gavin James) – Alan Walker

-Let me be a magpie for you

_

Blow My Mind – The Benjamin Gate 

-Avery: “I know you now.”

_

Breathe You in My Dreams – Trixie Whitley

-Crowley’s seen that expression on Avery’s face in his dreams

_

Love Me Like That (ft. Carly Rae Jepsen) – The Knocks

-What have I done to - oh. Oh. Right.

_

Like Real People Do - Hozier

-“Sure, angel, what- whatever.”

_

Clearly – Grace VanderWaal 

-Crowley waits for the rest of the night.

_

Gwendel – PeelsDeen 

-Az sits in the back seat, away from Crowley. Alone.

_

Now I’m In It – HAIM

-Avery POV: It’s a look like an open grave, a look like desire tempered with grief…

_

Flesh for Fantasy – Billy Idol

-Crowley isn’t lonely for the rest of the night

_

--Chapter 5 (Avery POV)--

Smalltown Boy – Rosborough 

-1978, Hartlepool

_

Bright Horses – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

-1986, Newcastle Upon Tyne

_

The Runner – Foals

-1991, Bristol

_

Shock To Your System – Tegan and Sara

-Tracy: “Why d’you let them?”

_

Cracking Codes – Andrew Bird

-“Forever, of course. I’ll never -”

_

Colour me In – Damien Rice

-Their fingers - just touch. Slightly.

_

I’m Not in Love – 10cc

-Less to regret by not ever speaking of it.

_

--Chapter 6--

Electric Current – Lower Dens 

-“I’ll let you know when you find it.”

_

Guess I Miss(ed) You – The Daylights

-Keep talking, keep him here a little while longer.

_

Reflecting Light – Sam Phillips 

-“don’t meet his eyes like that, it looks like it’s a lead-in to a kiss”

_

King of Pain – The Police

-a good reminder of the kind of life he’s got to live

_

I Wanna Get Better – The Bleachers

-and Avery’s gaze is so gentle it hurts a bit

_

Feather – X Ambassadors 

-Avery: “Someone has to”

_

Darker Side - Jonny Lang

-Avery: “Oh - good Lord.”

_

Firestone (Acoustic) – Conrad Sewell 

-“Will you show me?”

_

Velvet Gloves and Spit - Timber Timbre 

-“Anthony - ”

_

Wrong – Depeche Mode

-Avery: “I have to go.”

_

F**k it I love you – Lana Del Rey 

-“Not your fault, angel”

_

--Chapter 7--

Somebody to Love – Queen 

_

Heavenly – Cigarettes After Sex 

-“I fucking still.”

_

Will Do - TV on the Radio

-“You too. I’ll see you there.”

_

Monster – Colours

-No wonder Avery ran off like a thief after a heist

_

Swallow My Pride – Ramones 

-“I feel fucking ill about it.”

_

I Was Wrong - The Oh Hellos

-Avery: “I’m the one who has to apologize, not you.”

_

The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret – Queens of the Stone Age

-Avery: “Please don’t tell anyone”

_

Wait for Me – Kings of Leon

-Avery: “Right now, I’m just - a bit in pieces.”

_

Don’t Stay – X Ambassadors 

-“You can - stay or leave or - whatever you like.”

_

The Moth - Aimee Mann

-Avery’s eyes meet his, and then it’s like a car accident

_

Red Door – Julien Baker 

-“I can - I can wait longer.”

_

Can’t Pretend - Tom Odell

-“I wasn’t apologizing for that. This morning. I won’t.”

_

Come Down to Me – Saving Jane

-Avery: “You were wonderful”

_

Secret Smile – Semisonic

-And if sometimes he catches Az watching him between takes

_

I Want More - KALEO

-Az laces both of their hands together, stares at them.

_

I’m Gonna Do My Thing – Royal Deluxe 

-“So don’t tell me what will hurt me. I know what hurts.”

_

--Chapter 8--

Perfect Day – Lou Reed 

_

Remember to Breathe – Sturgil Simpson

-“You can’t sit in the car all night you absolute nightmare”

_

Wild Love (Acoustic) – James Bay

-The two of them stare at each other and then both look away awkwardly.

_

Seasons – Future Islands

-finally, fucking finally, he’s exactly where he wants to be

_

Closer – Tegan and Sara

-Avery: “if you like”

_

I Want All of You – The Verve Pipe 

-“If you think I can survive this without looking at you -”

_

Use Me – Miguel

-whatever he sees in Crowley’s face makes him come to some sort of decision

_

So Much Love – Depeche Mode

-Love, he said love

_

Don’t Be Scared, I Love You – Bill Ryder-Jones

-I know you, Crowley wants to say, but doesn’t.

_

Become My Dream – Silya & The Sailors 

-“Even if - anything, angel.”

_

I Belong In Your Arms – Chairlift

-For nearly two weeks it goes like this.

_

Faster - Matt Nathanson

-“You’re going to fucking kill me, angel -”

_

Come Together (feat. Sivu) – LAUREL

-In case you think they don’t wake up together

_

The High – Kelela

-Az has pulled a stool over to the edge of the tub

_

Just in Time – Valerie June

-Then Az’s hand is on his shoulder, turning him around.

_

I Can’t Take It – Tegan and Sara

-Avery: “Don’t rush, just - like this.”

_

Like This – Jake Scott

-Avery murmurs and it takes Crowley back to their first kiss

_

Terrible Love – The National

-Flinches away from him.

_

Help You Out - Emarosa

-And he nods.

_

--Chapter 9--

I Remember You – Ramones

-The first person Crowley loved was a liar.

_

Brighter Skies - Race Banyon

-As if they were cut with a jigsaw, as if they were meant to fit.

_

Not Tonight – Tegan and Sara

-When they reach the edge of the city, his hand slides out of Crowley’s.

_

As Sure as I Am – Crowded House

-So Crowley kisses him.

_

A Promise – Miriam Makeba

-And for awhile, he believed her.

_

Mistaken for Strangers – The National

-They’re only two small words, but they still make Crowley’s teeth ache.

_

Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye – Leonard Cohen

-“Good-“ Swallow, speak, leave.

_

The Fear – Pulp

-Crowley should have been smarter this time. He really should have been.

_

Take Me – Leela James 

-“I’d like you to close your blinds.”

_

Whenever You Want It – Clare Maguire 

-“What do we do now?”

_

At My Weakest – James Arthur 

-“It will be.”

_

Komm zurück - Fotos

-For years and years and years, nothing did.

_

Come on Get Higher – Matt Nathanson

-their feet sliding in the tub

_

Lay Down – Sarah Proctor

-I want to wake up with you.

_

Sort Of - Ingrid Michaelson

-Why is my heart breaking?

_

Fairytale of New York – The Pogues 

-Just pump that shit straight into his veins.

_

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? – Ella Fitzgerald

-Avery: “What do you think?”

_

We’re Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together – The Velvet Underground

-“You want to grab dinner somewhere?” 

_

Hiding – IAN SWEET

-Crowley stops walking. Looks at Az in the darkness.

_

Romance Dawn – Radkey

-A slice of light cuts through the darkness.

_

Crown of Love – Arcade Fire

-Crowley feels like the world has never been darker, and his heart will never stop beating

_

Devil’s Backbone – The Civil Wars

-He thought he was ready for this conversation, but at the sight of Az’s face, his throat has gotten too tight to speak.

_

Sinners – Lauren Aquilina 

-“If this all goes down in flames, if it all falls apart - we can go off together.”

_

Please Forgive Me (Song of the Crow) – William Fitzsimmons 

-Avery: “It’s over. I’m - I’m so sorry.”

_

Start a War – The National

-He twitches and trips and yet somehow manages to walk away without falling over.

_

Broken – Daley

-And this soft heartache was somehow the sharpest of them all.

_

--Chapter 10 (Avery POV)--

Daily Battles - Thom Yorke & Flea

-He tries to remember these things - but the background is still a chorus of beeping machines. There’s nowhere he can be but here. 

_

Everybody Wants You - Red Hearse

-Go out and surround himself with people much more interesting and available than Avery. Better people, certainly.

_

A Thin Line – Blackchords

-But still - roads not taken, and other fun middle-aged spirals.

_

My Own Soul’s Warning - The Killers

-When was the last time someone asked Avery that? When was the last time he asked himself?

_

Who Am I - NEEDTOBREATHE

-I miss you.  There. It didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would. 

_

Wait for Me - Jack Curley 

-What he wants to say is ‘don’t find someone else. Not yet. You and your black leather and your cut-glass profile: you’re gorgeous and God knows other people want you.’ 

_

Coming & Going – Amaal 

-“Two ships passing in the night,” he says quietly.  Then he takes a swallow of wine, lets it roll down his throat. “If you were here -” 

_

Iron - Woodkid

-Crowley leaves him there, pressed against the wet brick wall.  Crowley leaves him there.  Crowley steps between Avery and a camera, and then leaves him.

_

The Greatest Bastard - Damien Rice

-He can’t be the person that kicks Crowley into the ashes again. He can’t hurt him like this, and Avery’s going to hurt him - he already has. 

_

No Right to Love You – Rhys Lewis

-He deserves someone like - like Daniel. Deserves to be loved in the daylight.

_

If It’s Hurting You - Robbie Williams

-Time is a tricky business when you’re dying slowly; it skips like a flat stone on a quiet lake.

_

Happy For You – Gayle 

-But surely - surely he’s allowed just this much. Just one message, just so Crowley knows that - that he’s happy for him. That Avery is so happy.

_

I See You (ICU) - Phoebe Bridgers

-When Avery sees Crowley on the red carpet, it feels like the sudden remembrance of a lovely dream.

_

Once In My Life - The Decemberists

-Crowley: “I know there’ve been some - hard times. That’s - that is what it is. But for me - it’s been a privilege. A dream. So.” He nods and nods and nods again. “Thank you.”

_

Coming Down - Dum Dum Girls

-Tracy: “But I wasn’t. I was hurting you. This whole time, Az.”  She shakes her head, wiping frantically at tears that won’t stop falling. “He loves you.”

_

I Don’t Know Anything – Little Voice Cast

-He’s afraid of finding out that all this time - he was doing the wrong thing anyway. He’s afraid that Anthony Crowley will never talk to him again.

_

Sweet Sour - Band of Skulls

-"And you're fired"

_

Heart Attack - Devarrow

-The sun is still rising when Avery gets out of the car, closes the door behind him. Though some of the roads have changed, his feet still know the way down to the docks of his youth. He was never a sailor, but the shoreline is familiar as a childhood sweetheart, as a long lost love. 

_

Landslide - Robyn Sherwell

-He’s alone, and he’s nearly fifty years old. He could get on a ship, he could throw himself into the sea. There’s no one holding him back anymore. 

_

All I Can - Sharon van Etten

-And he knows. He knows.

_

--Chapter 11-- 

Salvation - The Strumbellas

- there’s a moment where he swears he sees a young idiot in black standing in the crowd. Red hair gelled up into spikes, black t-shirt full of holes and safety pins. A young man who has no idea how much he’s about to lose.

_

Soldier - Fleurie

-And he’s still fucking here.

_

Easier – Mansionair

-Then he gets the fuck above ground and he calls Beez (oh great, they’re his emotional-support-asshole now. That’s healthy).

_

Deep End – Holly Humberstone  

-“I brought you cheese,” Beez says, and Crowley starts crying.

_

Falling Short – Lapsley

-For the next few days, he lets his stupid body do what it needs to do to keep himself upright.

_

Chariot (Stripped Version) - Gavin DeGraw

-Shit, this was a bad bad idea. 

_

Quiet Light - The National

-There’s a text from Az later that night, and his name on Crowley’s phone makes him feel like jumping off a cliff.

_

All That We Had is Lost - Postiljonen

-He’s not allowed to be in love with that man anymore. Wasn’t ever, really.

_

Heal - Tom Odell

-It makes a rather hysterical laugh well out of his throat. Anthony fucking Crowley. You are still alive. 

_

Let Me Go - HAIM 

-Crowley tries to ignore the soft, injured expression on the other man’s face as he turns away.

_

A Beginning Song - The Decemberists

-“What’s more frightening than having a choice?”

_

The Spark - William Prince

-And he likes to think he would have just burned the world to ashes with the power of his love, would have said fuck everyone, I choose you – but who knows. 

_

Sharp Scratch - The Slow Show

-So stupid, I know, and I’m - sorry, I still love you and I’m tryin’ to stop and I will I just - needed to tell you that. I’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. Just miss you.

_

Beautiful & Brutal – Plested

-Crowley moves without thinking. Falls like a stagelight, glass everywhere. He walks forward and is kissing Az before the door has even been pulled shut.

_

Bad Chemistry - Fake Shark

-“I’ve been - thinking about this -” Az says between darts of his tongue against Crowley’s overheated skin.

_

All We Do – Oh Wonder

-“But I - I love you. And I can’t -  hide. It hurts too much.”

_

Broken Strings - James Morrison (ft Nelly Furtado)

-“I wouldn’t survive it. That way it was. I wouldn’t.”

_

Stole the Show – Parson James

-But even on their distant shores, Crowley and Az don’t stop looking at each other. It feels like an ending. Maybe it is one. Not a happy ending, but not a bad one either.

_

Level Up - Vienna Teng

-excerpt from Anthony Crowley: Out of the shadows, under the spotlight

_

The Wire (Alternate Version) – Patrick Droney 

-Avery: “I’m rather in - in love with you.”

_

Sweet Thing - Van Morrison

-“You can stay at my place. If you like.”

_

Falling in Love - Cigarettes After Sex

-“I love you. I’ve missed you, and I love you, and I want you -”

_

Stay - Cat Power

-He watches the slow flicker of awareness in Avery’s blue eyes. The curve of his mouth into a shade of smile that Crowley’s never seen before.

_

Freedom - George Michael

-“To the world.”

_

--Chapter 12--

Banks - NEEDTOBREATHE

-What he wasn’t used to was bringing someone else down with him, and jail would be a bloody blessing compared to seeing Az grey-faced and staring out windows, or that one time Crowley’s pretty sure the man was crying in the bathroom, trying to swallow down the sound so that Crowley didn’t notice (he clenches his hands into fists just thinking about it).

_

Black Mambo - Glass Animals

-“It’ll have to be.” Crowley drops to his knees. “There’s a lot of ground to cover.” 

_

Florets - Grace VanderWaal

-Crowley can let his fingers curl against Az’s palm, can watch him open as a flame, not caring who notices.

_

Sight of the Sun - fun.

-That this longing won’t destroy him, and won’t destroy Az either. It’s not a shovel for burying Crowley alive - it’s a spade for planting things.

_

Pale Blue Eyes - The Velvet Underground

-Az drops his hand onto Crowley’s knee (“What is this song? I rather like it.”).

_

Only Everything (Acoustic) – Quinn Lewis

-“It’s nice to have someone make it for you, right? Sometimes,” Crowley says softly, too much love in his throat and in his hands. It’s hard to breathe around it, especially when Avery is looking at him.

_

The Book of Love - The Magnetic Fields

-“You bought a cottage for us.” Crowley is an animal being taught to speak through scraps of meat and electric shocks. “This cottage.”

_

Say You’ll Be Mine – Christopher Cross

-Avery: “But if you wanted -” Fuck, there are tears in Avery’s eyes. “If you want. I’d like to call you my husband. I’d like to say ‘let me ask my husband,’ or ‘I brought my husband with me’ or ‘my husband won a BAFTA’.”

_

Anthem - Leonard Cohen

-Their broken edges match. And somehow, the light still shines through.

_

Precious Love – James Morrison

-When the light catches them both, they shine. And so do you. So do we.

_

Good Man (acoustic) - Josh Ritter

_

_

If you made it this far...wow, hi hello. So, this is ours and my musical exposure is limited, if you’ve got a better song for an excerpt, feel free to shoot it over, more than happy for this to be a living changeable thing. 🤡 

[the-cookie-of-doom]

Good morning! Whats your favorite show/movie? Who are your favorite characters? Why do you like them so much? Also!! Did you have a good sleep?

Okay so I was a film major for a while, and I have opinions. 

Penny Dreadful 

I love this show. Like, so much. I adore it. I can not get enough of that show. Just all of the imagery, and the fantastic writing and acting. The episode intro alone is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Eva Green is a goddess and I love everything she’s been in. The take on classic horror stories is So Good, and it actually became the inspiration for my Gay Frankenstein story! (Started as a stitch AU, and then went completely OC after I had Ideas) but the show itself is so intimate? I think it’s largely that the period they’re in, everything was so repressed and restricted. So when the characters break out of those moments, it’s more meaningful. And the love-hate relationship between Ms. Ives and Malcolm in season one? Exquisite.  I could literally write essay’s about this show, but I’ll restrain myself and just say: it’s the best ensemble show I’ve ever seen. The characters come together, but they also each have their own distinct lives that sometimes intersect, but in s2 especially, are quite separate. They are constant with one another like ensemble shows usually portray. Also gothic horror and romance? My absolute favorite. 

Anything by Guillermo del Toro

This man Owns My Entire Soul. I’m not even joking, everything he writes and directs is perfection. Crimson Peak is probably my favorite (I have a stitch AU for this too ;) ) because again, Gothic horror and romance. I’m a slut for that shit. Also Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain? Delightful casting. I think it’s obvious by now that I love tragic relationships, so their dynamic is *chef’s kiss* amazing. they’re so damaged. And this quote right here is one of the BEST things I’ve ever read: 

“But the horror... The horror was for love. The things we do for love like this are ugly, mad, full of sweat and regret. This love burns you and maims you and twists you inside out. It is a monstrous love and it makes monsters of us all.”

Engrave that on my headstone, please?? I’ve got a sort-of Dorian Gray AU (it’s delightful) that’s basically built on this entire premise. Mitch makes the mistake of falling in love with Stiles, and does many terrible things because of it. Mostly to himself, at least. 

I think my love of Crimson Peak is very closely tied with The Shape of Water. another beautiful movie, I could wax poetic about this forever. it was beautifully written, and such an artistic movie. I love the way it was filmed, and the set design, and all of the subtle imagery. Such as Elisa’s apartment being cast in cooler tones, it always felt very damp and had evidence of water damage, compared to Giles’, a mirror image of her own, in more warm tones. This is another one I could (and have) write essays about. There is so much packed into this movie, from the themes on toxic masculinity and entitlement, to the conversation on queerness and race and disability, and how all the various relationships are portrayed. Like. there is so much to pick apart in this movie. 

Aside from that, ofc Hell Boy deserves an honorable mention because i grew up on those movies. I’m pretty sure the Golden Army especially is responsible for who I am today, given all the lore on the fae in that universe. Wow, that explains so much about me... Also one of my first WoW characters was an elf named Nuala xD I still have her, too, and it’s been like 12 years lol

Near-Future Sci-Fi

Sci-fi is one of my favorite genres, I am a huge nerd for theoretical and astrophysics. But my favorite kind of sci-fi is the stuff that still takes place on Earth, rather than epic battles in space. Ex Machina and Annihilation are at the top of that list. Alex Garland is another writer/director that I love. He has the same kind of approach as del Toro, where he puts a lot of fine details into his work. And I love that it’s very cerebral; there are so many layers to Ex Machina. My English 101 prof actually refused to analyze it in class when I suggested it to him, because he didn’t think my class could. Basically handle? Dissecting that movie? Because a lot of it comes across as very surface level, but in some cases when you look deeper, it’s actually suggesting the opposite of what you might think at first glance. (And he was right, my fellow students were awful. I miss that class though, it was one of my favorites T_T Mr. Ryder was an awesome dude and super chill.) 

Morgan is another good example. As you can see, I fucking love androids lol. Which brings me to another of my all time favorite movies: Cloud Atlas. I could literally watch this movie endlessly, I love it so much. The acting, the writing, the filming, all of it is top notch. And one thing they did in the movie that didn’t come across in the book, was reusing the same actors through the different eras in the book. That was just so neat, because it really encapsulates how connected these souls are, as we follow the threads of their story throughout time. If you haven’t seen the movie, I can’t recommend it enough.  

Another one I always think of alongside Cloud Atlas, even though they aren’t related at all, is Predestination. It’s a great movie that explores the idea of fate and free will in a really clever way, utilizes time travel in a very organized way that I think was neat (think Umbrella Academy. They even use briefcases! As you can see, I love sci-fi bureaucracy, it’s fun. In fact The Bureau is another movie I enjoyed) and the main character is actually, explicitly trans, which was cool. You basically get to see the entire story of their life, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but it’s just. So good. Mindfuckery galore. 

Shoot, and I almost forgot! Arrival! That is one of the best movies, and another one I could watch nonstop. It focuses on mathematics and linguistics and I swear to god, I almost altered my entire college course because of this movie. Amy Addams is brilliant, Jeremy Renner is so soft and nerdy, and again, it has an amazing take on time travel. I am very particular about how time is handled in Sci-fi, and this portrayal was one of my favorite. (Most of my physics studies have been dedicated to the theory of time, so like. Strong Opinions.) 

Fantasy

Stardust! It wasn’t until Good Omens can out that I realized Neil Gaiman is responsible for most of the stories I loved as a kid lol, and I had no idea he wrote stardust! But that is such a beautiful movie (I have a Stardust AU lol) and it’s definitely one of my comfort movies. Captain Shakespeare is one of the best characters ever, bless Robert de Niro. I would die for him. Fun fact, i had no idea Ipswitch was a real place until like. 2019. I 100% thought it was made up for the movie 😂

Alongside Stardust, I’ve always loved The Golden Compass. It’s fantasy, but also with that old-timey steampunk science feel, which is so fun and surprisingly difficult to find! 

Mortal Engines also has the same kind of feel, and it was such an epic movie in every sense of the word. I’m a little sad that after all the work that went into it, it didn’t get a dedicated following or fan base, because I feel there’s so much potential in it. But at the same time, fandom tends to gather around media that has plenty of flaws for us to repair with gold, and there wasn’t much room for that in Mortal Engines. 

I’m going to put Jupiter Ascending here even though it technically fits with the sci-fi, because that section is long as fuck and also this movie has such a fantastic feel. Mila Kunis? beautiful. The CGI? beautiful. Eddy Redmayne? One of the best villain portrayals i’ve ever seen. The whole oedipal vibe he had was immaculate, as was their portrayal of reincarnation, and just. The world building. GOD. I get so weak for through world building. Also the fkn intergalactic bureaucracy when they’re basically at the space DMV? One of my all time favorite scenes in movie history. 

Horror

I have very little room in my life for horror. As I said, I have strong movie opinions, especially when it comes to horror movies. I don’t like how most of them rely on cheap jump scares and overused gore and gratuitous rape scenes, instead of, y'know, actual good writing. 

Which is EXACTLY why I adore It: Chapter 1 & 2. It has none of those things, but still manages to be so terrifying. They are my favorite horror movies, and I’m saying this as someone who has genuine childhood trauma bc of the novel. Like. I couldn’t shower/take baths alone until I was almost 10 T_T When I was 6-7 and saw kids play by storm drains, I would run over screaming about how Pennywise was going to get them. Like, I had issues man. I was terrified to see the first one, and wouldn’t go until I could go with my best friend after she had already seen it, so she could warn me when something scary was about to happen 😂

And, one of my favorite aspects of the movie, and the thing that gave me Mad Respect for Any Muschietti? The way he filmed Bev and her father. They have a character who is literally being molested, but they never once have to show it. And yet their interactions are still so viscerally upsetting to watch. Sexploitation puts me off of most horror, and the fact that Muschietti doesn’t use it here, even when it would be actually somewhat justified? *chef’s kiss*. I love him. 

I love horror as a concept, I’m just really picky about it because I expect the writing to be good. I don’t like short cuts. But in a lot of cases, even if I don’t enjoy the movie itself, I love to watch analysis videos on youtube! I love to see the philosophy and symbolism in different horror movies, even if i don’t like to watch the movies themselves. It’s a fun hobby. 

Misc. 

Then in general, some other stuff I love in no particular order:

The Internship (Bless Dylan, Stuart is such a bitch and I love him) 

American Assassin (ofc. The writing itself is eh, but Mitch is my man) 

Dylan���s episode of Weird City. (I actually have a lot of feelings about this one. Jordan Peele is another amazing writer/director, I really need to catch up on his works.) 

Dorian Gray (*chef’s kiss*)

Rogue One (Makes me cry every time) 

WARCRAFT (Obviously this is a fav. It made me so happy, words cannot express.) 

Coraline and most other stop motion animation. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for that. 

Literally anything associated with Tim Burton. Fun fact, when I was 12 and in middle school, I planned to decorate my future house inspired by tim burton. Like, i had Plans. 

Most adaptations of Alice in Wonderland!

So! this got long as fuck! But you said you like that kind of thing lol 😂 I had kinda Eh sleep since I was up so late lmao, and I kept waking up (as usual, rip). And I’m so mad I go up for nothing! The dude I was supposed to show my listing to never showed, and is refusing to answer my calls >_> It’s been 2 hours now, and I still haven’t heard from him. But whatever, I already have a full price cash offer on the house so who cares. And that means I can play WoW all day, now! 

[pretty-little-mind33]

Tom Ryder x fem!reader

Summary: You try and convince Tom Ryder that doing his own stunt out of the blue is a very very bad decision.

Prompt: friends to lovers ~ "I've told you a dozen times and I'll tell you again: it's not possible!"

Warnings: implied sexual relationship.

i hope you love this @aways-and-forever-alone 🫶💖

TOM RYDER MASTERLIST

BLURB MASTERLIST

"Ryder, I've told you a dozen times and I'll tell you again: it's not possible!" you shout, hurrying behind him, holding your clipboard to your chest, your sneakers catching sand as you walk. "It's dangerous! Too dangerous," you hiss.

"Colt does it all the time," Tom simply shrugs.

"He's trained! You're just doing this to make yourself feel better. You're on some power trip again and I won't allow you to do this!" you tell him sternly. "As stunt coordinator and your friend, you're not doing this," you add, finally gripping his arm and turning him around so you can look at him directly. 

"You can't tell me what I can and can't do, sugar," Tom stares at you, his blue eyes shining. 

"I can actually, that's literally my job." You drop your hand from his arm and sigh, desperately thinking of how to convince him that he doesn't need to do his own stunts, especially one as dangerous as this to prove himself to anyone. "C'mon, this is stupid, Tom," you whisper his name, looking up at him pleadingly. 

Tom tilts his head, blond curls falling over his forehead as he takes in your nervous expression. His lips curl into a smirk and his shoulders relax.

He walks closer and on instinct, you walk back, your heart drumming so hard inside your chest you can hear it in your ears. You and Tom have been close during shooting, but never this close. You're friends, sure, but the way he's looking at you now makes it seem like you're way more than just friends.    

His hand skims your hair, stroking it in an affectionate gesture as he leans in close. His gaze flickers over your body for a moment. "Why are you so worried, babe?" he asks, his tone smooth and flirty. 

You hate when he does this.

"Tom," you say, doing your best to sound professional, "This is my job. It's important to me. I can't let any actors be injured because of one of my stunts." 

Tom rolls his eyes and grins. "Is your job important to you or am I important to you?" he asks boldly, having no shame. Your eyes round as his question sinks in and you can't help the heat that rises up your neck and settles in your cheeks. 

"What kind of question is that?" you ask, frowning. 

Tom's hand slinks around your waist, pulling you in and causing you to drop your clipboard in the process. You make a small, surprised sound as your hands hit his chest and his lips now press to your ear. "Ask me nicely and I won't do this stunt," he commands, his smirk evident in his tone. 

"Excuse me?" you exclaim, but your voice doesn't sound nearly as pissed off as you'd wanted considering he's so close to you and his cologne is making you feel dizzy. You look at his features, taking him in and all those late-night fantasies start to creep in as your throat dries.

"Ask me nicely," he repeats, "tell me how much you care about me, and I won't do the stunt." Tom finishes with a grin and kisses behind your ear. "I know you're more concerned than you let on, baby, just admit you like me and I'll listen to you."

His lips find a sensitive spot on your neck and your hands tighten in his shirt. This is wrong on so many levels. You're coworkers, friends, not lovers. Tom nips at your skin and you gasp, your mind turning hazy as you let him hear what he wants to hear. 

"Tom, please don't do this stunt. I don't want to see you hurt. Please, I care for you," you admit, feeling embarrassed. 

Your embarrassment dies the moment Tom kisses your forehead and mumbles, "Good girl," into your skin. His large hand comes up to press against one of your cheeks, stroking his thumb over your lip.

"Mmhm," he hums and leans down to press a quick kiss on your lips, "now there is no need to beg me, sugar," he teases and pats your cheek almost condescendingly in a way that makes your stomach flutter uncontrollably.

"Fuck you," you hiss, glaring at him.

Tom's grin just widens. "Fuck me? Well, I suppose we could arrange that, angel," he finishes with a wink that makes your knees weak.

[kaypeace21]

I feel like you’re the right person to tell this to, but Mileven makes me REALLY uncomfortable. I’m an adult fan (I watch the show mostly for Winona Ryder) and I felt really gross watching the scenes of them making out, knowing that adults wrote those scenes and shot them, and how many people would’ve been there during shooting. Please tell me I’m not alone.

I agree that it makes me feel uncomfortable and gross, too. But, I actually think the Duffers wanted you to feel uncomfortable (and I think mileven was portrayed as ‘off’ and ‘too much’ for that reason).  Think about it, when it comes to almost all their other cannon couples- they use kisses sparingly. Jancy has only kissed, romantically 3x (2 of those times were simple kisses- not full blown make-outs), and their first kiss (and only make-out) was quickly obscured as they closed the door.

(x)

Jopper has never kissed, and lumax had an innocent kid-kiss once (and even when back together in s3, they never kissed).

The duffers are sparing with kiss- scenes, unless they are portraying a relationship that won’t work.Most of the relationships that are cannon (with the exception of mileven) focus almost completely on how they communicate with one another- and relationships that lack this (spend most of their time just making-out).  What’s the ship that has had the most kiss scenes in the whole series? In the bathroom, library, bedroom(s), garage, in a car, multiple places at school (and has probably had at least 6-7 kiss scenes or more - and  who even made out on a bed to corny romance music just like mileven (pre-s3?)- Stancy.  Heck, we even see Nancy lose her v**ginity to Steve- but didn’t see Jancy do-it. Because we aren’t supposed to focus on their physical relationship but their emotional one.

Stancy and mileven have had alot of parallels. The wheelers (Nancy and Karen) already made a habit of pretending they’re in love with people- because that relationship is what is deemed the most socially acceptable. Nancy rebelling with the cool-jock (Steve), trying to not be like her parents. And Karen with Ted. Nancy even says in s1 “I don’t think my parents ever loved each other. My mom was young. My dad was older… but he had a cushy job, money, came from a good family. So they bought a house at the end of the cul de sac and started their nuclear family”. Ted  & Steve were paralleled to each other, having them both eat chicken as their partners  (Karen/Nancy) stormed off upset (and they did nothing). And El was paralleled to Ted by sitting in Ted’s laz-boy chair. And Dustin even refers to mileven as “bullshit” just like Nancy described Stancy as “bullshit”.  

(x)

So to reiterate , Mike is doing the same thing as Nancy & Karen- being with someone they don’t love. And only staying with them becuause they are the more socially acceptable/’correct’ option…because El’s a girl (unlike Will). 

Also, the fact that Murray’s line to Nancy sounds more queer coded than applicable to Nancy - “ Afraid that if you’d accept yourself for who you really are (cough queer-subtext), and retreated back to… name, name? Steve. Steve! we like Steve (El) but we don’t love Steve (El).”

So, the over-top kisses were done as yet another parallel. And again s2 made fun of (kids who are) mileven shippers ( I’ll talk about that later). 

But , S3 was the Duffers criticizing the adult mileven shippers- who are obsessed with mileven kissing. 

Like don’t get me wrong there’s some weird byler shippers (but the majority of byler shippers focus on the emotional not physical part of their relationship).

Think about it. Look how they framed this scene of mileven kissing- making us the viewer feel like a peeping-tom, watching them through the crack in the door. Then El sees the viewer and subsequently gasps and slams the door in front of our faces. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE! 

The Duffers and their crew (like good directors) were manipulating your emotions- without you realizing how or why. They were also calling-out the adult-mileven shippers (not all of them but the ones) who are obsessed with their kiss scenes - creepy AF. The duffers never even wrote for mileven to kiss in s2- but Millie said they “had to for the fans”. And so the Duffers conceded and put in a song about a bad-breakup during the mileven kiss - and their backup-song-choice was even about a divorce. XD

So the 2 mileven make-out scenes were supposed to make you uncomfortable- because not only are they kids (who are making out on a bed , but the way they were framed).

So that 3rd and last kiss. Was 100% supposed to make you uncomfortable (but just for a different reason).

Like it or not Mike either forgot that he said he “loved her”. Or just LIED to El (despite this being the reason they broke up in the first place)- and pretends he didn’t confess to her . He  has never said “ I love you’, once to her face! He even tries to take the words back (before the kiss) and says about the prior love confession “ Oh! Oh, yeah that.Man, that was so long ago. Um…”  and starts to scratch his head and says everything he said at the cabin was “in the heat of the moment stuff and we were arguing… I don’t really remember. What did I say exactly?”

  And , after that discussion, they frame El (before she says “I love you”), strangely. They make El look large and imposing, as she approaches the motionless Mike (who feels both physically & emotionally cornered) .You the viewer, subconsciously are feeling claustrophobic/trapped/and stuck along with Mike. Which is why you are so uncomfortable watching this scene, unfold.

(x)

When she says “I love you”, he looks genuinely confused- or just uncomfortable ( his eyebrows are still scrunched-up).

And then… cue the most awkward kiss in the history as Mike doesn’t kiss her back and keeps his eyes open the whole time… it’s just weird/awkward (sorry).

(x) 

We even see El’s reaction , after the kiss (happy, smiling and giddy). But then we blur the screen to see Mike’s opposing expression. He looks confused, bewildered and even furrows his brows again.

And In s2 they insulted the young-girls who are obsessed with mileven (since they can frankly,  be the most toxic of the milevens). 

In the Montauk pitch (later named Stranger things) they describe the Mike and El dynamic by saying “ If Mike is the Eliot of our show,Eleven is our Et.” (AKA they’re from different planets)

And In s2 , Erica  is forcing He-man and barbie to make out. Lucas angrily separates the two. And then this discussion happens.

Erica: “Hey , They’re in love!”

Lucas (livid- and standing right next to a rainbow): “No, actually, they’re not. They don’t even exist on the same planet.”

And again the Duffers have described El in multiple interviews as “similar to ET”, and “like an alien” (even after s3). And in s1, they alluded to El being like “an alien from another planet”  by comparing her to ET (with the Reese’s pieces vs eggos moments,  the bike-scene, and the makeover). 

S3 portrayed mileven as toxic in a myriad of ways. And these other examples, might be stretches, but Mike saying to Max in s2  “How can I hate you, I don’t know you.” could also be a ‘dig’ at mileven.(Because: he knew Max for a week, just as long as El- so how could he hate or love either of them?)

And Mike saying to Dustin incredulously “ You have a bond? Just cause he likes nougat (eggos)?” Could be another subtle jab.

Especially since it’s cannon Mike isn’t the biggest fan of eggos to begin with.

Don’t even get me started at how much the st writing staff- makes fun of mileven - more details about it here.  But just one example is when the ‘Stranger writers’ ( the official account of the ST writing staff ) got into a huge text-chain with ‘Stranger Things’ (the official account of the show) where they just low-key dragged mileven together.

Mileven was never meant to be end game-they planned for her to die in season 1 (which I’m glad didn’t happen). But, regardless, it was always supposed to be a simple fleeting crush … but the viewers decided to take it way too seriously. After s3, the Duffers reiterate that mileven is just that.

 And the Duffers are smart guys, I bet they’re are 100% aware of how toxic the milevens are to bylers (and how they can also be creepy and harass Finn). Not to mention, as writers, who put so much effort into the show- having people hyper-fixate on mileven (which they don’t even like), instead of the plot must drive them insane.Especially when those shippers can be toxic, homophobic, and entitled. The fact people don’t realize the Duffers hate mileven- is honestly hilarious XD.

[dherzogblog]

songs/20

Happy Holidays Everyone! I started making these yearly playlists in 2001 as an attempt to connect with friends in the wake of 911. It was just before the dawn of ITunes, and way before social media. We were not in touch like we are today. I burned dozens of individual cd’s one at a time, printed up customized jewel case covers and snail mailed them all out. It was an annual month-long labor of love. Over the past few years, streaming music has made it much easier and faster to compile and distribute, and frankly much more fun. I still look forward to putting the playlist and blog together and sharing it with all of you. Particularly this year as it gives me a chance to connect with so many friends I haven’t seen in quite some time. It was a tremendously challenging year for all of us. I was grateful to have had my family here in LA the entire time, we remain healthy and well. The west coast Herzogs know just how lucky we have been. The next year will not be without its own challenges, but I'm hopeful we are able to move past this pandemic and the exhausting events of the past 4. More than that, I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in 2021. Until then, be safe, be well, and be good to one another. Enjoy the music.

ox peace, dh

Los Angeles CA. December 2020

Khruangbin - Time (You And I) Don’t ask me to pronounce the name of this eclectic trio from Texas, but this dubby disco tune had me returning to its chilled out groove often during the last few decidedly “un-chill” months. Dreamy and funky, the groove takes me back to NYC’s early 80′s club scene and Ze Records releases from the likes of Kid Creole and Coati Mundi.

Anderson .Paak- Lockdown Scenes from the front, June 2020

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Bill Withers (1938-2020)- Use Me The legendary Bill Withers left the playing field at the top of his game in the early 80′s, hardly heard from again. And while he didn't pass from Covid, his healing pop hymn Lean On Me seemed to be everywhere as people found music to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Withers left behind a legendary and enduring group of hit songs that moved easily from soul to folk to pop, not to mention the subtle rolling funk of this one.

Black Pumas- Fire Strong debut from an unlikely Austin duo that garnerd both buzz and grammy nods. The critics are calling it “psychedelic soul”. Not quite sure that nails it, but like the artists coming up next, they’re carving out new ground while drawing inspiration from classic sources.

Gabe Lee- Babylon

Marcus King- Wildflowers and Wine

Charley Crockett- Welcome to Hard Times

Three artists that are literally changing the face of Country and Americana music. Soulful, authentic and diverse, reaching back for inspiration but always looking forward. If you like this sort of stuff they are all worth checking out. Each album is filled with quality songs.

Low Cut Connie_ Private Lives Philly’s Low Cut Connie are back at it with a double album that plays like the soundtrack to a boozy night at your favorite bar. Sweaty, funky and not a little bit messy. If Peter Wolf and Bruce had a kid it would be this blue eyed soul boy. Adam Weiner grew up in the shadow of the Jersey shore and can't help but have a bit of that E Street hustle.

Willie Nile- New York at Night One of New York’s beloved adopted  son’s dropped this love letter right into the jaws of a battered metropolis driven to its knees by the pandemic. It was heartbreaking to listen as the “city that never sleeps” came to a full stop. Somehow I still found myself coming back to it, imagining night’s ahead, when NYC is back on its feet and I’m roaming its streets. Looking for music, a beer, or maybe just a slice, and fueled by the irreplaceable energy and promise of the greatest city on earth.

The Long Ryders- Down to The Well Americana pioneers the Long Ryders reunited last year for a surprisingly solid album. This single sounds like it could have been recorded during their 80′s heyday featuring their trademark Byrds like jangle and harmonies, but the lyrics mark this song as unmistakably 2020.

The Speedways- Kisses Are History UK power pop outfit reach back to the the 60′s on this sweet slice of retro pop perfection.

Billie Joe Armstrong- That Thing You Do

In the early days of the pandemic we had all our kids (+ a significant other) at our house for a few months. It worked out great and we were luckier than most. The biggest issue was keeping enough food, weed and wine around.  There were some great nights with amazing meals, followed by gathering around the TV together. We re-watched The Sopranos, binged Billy On The Street, and revisited some of our favorite movies. One night we went back to a old family favorite, Tom Hanks’ underrated love letter to the one hit wonders of the post Beatles era, That Thing You Do!  I’ve seen the movie several times and it never fails to please. A true feel good film and a perfect Kodak snapshot capturing a simpler time in American pop culture. 

While we watch the unlikely chart topper’s The Oneders  fizzle as fast as they rose to fame, its not really the point. The movie is really an old fashioned love story. Playing like a perfect hit song you can listen to over and over, full of both hooks and heart. I always thought the title track, written by Fountains Of Wayne leader Adam Schlesinger  (who we lost to Covid), brilliantly captured the British Invasion sound every group wanted after The Beatles stormed America. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong must agree. During the pandemic he cut an album’s worth of cool covers including a faithful version of this one.

Gerard Way (W/Judith Hill - Here Comes the End A tale of discovering music in 2020:  Heard this on a Netflix trailer for the series The Umbrella Factory. Turns out it is performed by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) who also writes the comic book the series is based on. (got all that?) He’s joined on this searing garage/psych rave up by the talented and versatile Judith Hill doing her best Merry Clayton.

Hinds- Spanish Bombs I’ve been following this Madrid based, all female outfit of punky garage rockers for a few years now. I think they are pretty great. This track, recorded for a Joe Strummer tribute bursts with an unbridled joy the stone faced and politically minded Clash could never muster. I bet Joe would love it though

The Secret Sisters- Hand Over My Heart Have enjoyed their harmonies for some time now. This one gives me vague Wilson Phillips vibes and I don’t really mind. 

Tame Impala- Breathe Deeper I know I’m supposed to like this guy, all the cool kids do, I’ve even seen the band at Coachella. Over the years very little of the music has stuck to me, but the pandemic offered a bit more free time to dig into this funky dubby, chilled out jam, and it stuck with me. Not to mention that 2020 was all about deep breaths.

Ledisi (feat.Corey Henry)- What Kind of Love Is That Ledisi is back with some slinky, sultry R&B and jazzy vocals

Dinner Party- FreezeTag An R&B/Jazz collective featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder and Kamasi Washington use sweet soul on heartbreaking and all too familiar tale..

Toots and The Maytals- Time Tough  I’ve written an awful lot about my love for Reggae over the years. Right after Bob Marley kicked the door down for me, Toots showed me around the house. Ska, rock steady, and roots. He was true reggae royalty and sadly we lost him to Covid, just after he released what would be his last album. Check my Toots tribute blog and playlist.

Mungo’s Hi Fi- The Beat Goes SKA! These clever UK roots reggae collective never fail to surprise. This kitschy Sonny & Cher cover managed to make me smile every time I heard it. No mean feat in 2020

Stone Foundation (feat. Durand Jones)- Hold on To Love Frequent collaborators with Paul Weller  (he appears on a track on the album), Stone Foundation are back with another batch of their UK soul revival stylings. This one features Durand Jones ( of Durand Jones & The Indications) on vocals and some great reggae style horns at the top.

The Pretenders- You Can’t Hurt A Fool Can’t resist a good torch song, especially sung by the smokey voiced Chrissie Hynde. Was kind of shocked at how many good songs were on this album.

Shelby Lynne_ Don’t Even Believe in Love Sultry country soul and one of her strongest albums in awhile.

Jaime Wyatt- Neon Cross Outlaw country has a new bad girl. And in case you didn’t think she was serious, she enlisted producer Shooter Jennings (and his mom Jessi Colter on one track) to help make her point. 

Daniel Donato- Justice 25 year old guitar prodigy call his music “cosmic country”.  Ok, now I’m listening. You should be too.

The Jayhawks- This Forgotten Town 30 plus + after their debut this Twin Cities alt country group led by founding member Gary Louris continue to deliver. They find their inner Neil Young on this one.

Lucero- Time To Go Home God I wish I was in a bar right now listening to this, even if I might be crying in my beer.

John Prine (1946 -2020)- Lake Marie We lost so many this year, but this one really stung. A true American songwriting treasure, who was still making great music against all odds right up to his untimely passing. His songs are known for their simplicity, and economy of words. but this one goes against the grain. I’m still not exactly certain what it’s about. Sorrowful and haunting, yet somehow uplifting and redemptive. I heard him perform it live here in Los Angeles a just over a year ago and it has stuck in my head ever since. There is surely a place in heaven for the great John Prine.  He sang about it on his final studio album in 2018. Ironically it became the last song on his last record.

Thanks for making it this far....

***Play the entire songs/20 Spotify playlist HERE!***

[sosthemortalcoil]

SYD!!! how do the ros react to a gab who always has cold hands and who sometimes puts their hands on the ro’s face or stomach :o?

1. Stephanie gasps. “Those are cold!” She bats them away. “I’ll go make you a cup of tea. Even if you don’t drink it, holding it will warm those hands right up.”

2. Alice narrows her eyes but doesn’t move. “I’m going to give you three seconds to rethink your life choices before I take you down.”

3. Iain’s eyebrows shoot up. “How in the world do you always manage to have such freezing hands?” he asks, taking them between his and blowing on them.

4. Charleston laughs, a low, gravelly rumble. “Why do I get the feeling this is one of those perks of having a werewolf boyfriend you go on about?”

5. Zaria takes the skin of the back of your hand between her thumb and forefinger and removes your hands from her. “I work in the morgue where it’s cold all day. I don’t need it from you too.”

6. Tom shakes his head. “You should wear those gloves I got you,” he murmurs, kissing the knuckles of your hands. “Even the fingerless ones will help.”

7. Karyn yelps. “Hey! Watch where you’re sticking those things! I should classify that as assault oh ser policeman.”

8. Michael blinks. “Human hands are cold,” he complains.

9. Ramiel chases after the hands on his face, teeth nipping playfully at them. “Looks like someone needs some body heat to warm up,” he says with a wink.

10. Sabriel sighs. “You are remembering you have to pay more attention to temperature regulation, right? You can’t just change you body temperature with a thought.” She fusses over you, sounding grumpy but she seems pleased for any excuse to hold your hands.

11. Iro raises one eyebrow, lips thinning in displeasure. “Darling, did I give you permission? If you wanted to be punished there are far more entertaining ways to go about it.”

12. Aelius absently grabs your hands so he can tug you closer. “Technically the groin and under the armpits are better spots for warming your hands. At least, that’s what some of the literature I’ve been reading on the phenomenon has said.” A faint blush tints his cheeks. “Ah, that wasn’t--I mean--this is fine.”

13. Tadea startles, tensing at the sudden contact. “¡Mierda! Babe I love you but if you keep doing that I’m going to start charging. Your hands are cold.” She rubs her arms and shivers.

14. Leo smiles. “Anything else you need warmed up?” he asks, covering your hands with his.

15. Ryder scowls. “Really, if you get this cold in a time when you have the ability to control the inside temperature of buildings and no shortage of clothing, you have only yourself to blame. You would have never survived the winters of my youth,” he scoffs.