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where-dreamers-go · 4 years ago

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“Dark Choices” Luke Skywalker x Reader

(A/N: So this was suppose to be an imagine and it quickly grew beyond my control. I was inspired to write a Dark Side!Luke Skywalker after reading an insert reader from the lovely @moonlit-imagines. This insert reader has morphed A LOT. That’s what happens when I just jump in to write without an outline. So instead of turning to the Dark Side, I wrote where Luke tapped into the Dark Side and explored his reactions and such. I love writing for Star Wars. How come I don’t do it more often?? Also platonic relationship with Luke! He’s a sweetie! Part of @girl-next-door-writes Bingo Challenge! Bingo Card: Hurt/Comfort Warnings: Angst. Canon violence and language (their curse words). Death (the Empire isn’t getting away with anything today). I used meters for estimated distance. Injury/Wound mention, but not described. Word Count: 3,661 words)

The rendezvous point was well behind you and the departure time had long since passed. Your group’s part of the mission was complete and reported in. The other part of the mission, Commander Luke Skywalker’s, had yet to be determined.

Something’s wrong, you thought as you gained sight of the caves up ahead. Soles of your boots padding quietly atop of rocky ground.

The Imperials had been looking for something and destroying the environment in their path. Skywalker’s job was to figure out what the subject of their interest was.

Luke had not reported in nor had he made any sign of arriving to the rendezvous. Contact had not been reestablished since he had found the caves.

Where is he?

Signs of Luke’s whereabouts was laid around the area. At least two different classes of stormtroopers had been taken out either by their own blasterfire or a lightsaber. Burn marks littered the rock faces, cargo crates, and stormtrooper armor.

He must have cleared the area. You kept a hand on your blaster pistol just in case. Cautiously nearing the closest of the cave’s mouthes, you stayed low. You were not sure if there were any more scouts in the area. It was relatively quiet much to your suspicion.

It was not in Luke Skywalker’s character to not report in when scheduled. Being that he did not, you called in that you were going to look for him. You had not waited for approval.

Sure, he was a Jedi and all, but Luke tended to find himself in unusual predicaments.

A chill ran up your spine as you entered the cave. Imperial supplies were scattered along the walls. Most were opened.

Explosives. Typical. You thought. But what are they after?

Another chill ran through you and you forced yourself to pick up the pace. You were strangely thankful that the Imperials had lined the tunnel with artificial lighting. The air inside was cooler, but not enough to relieve you of your growing worry.

A generator must still be on somewhere. I hope he’s not in trouble. You followed the curves of the walls. I was able to extract datacards worth of information with little security in my way. Kriff. How many Imperials were at this site instead? Are they always after him?

Coming to multiple tunnel openings, you stopped.

I don’t think I have time for this.

“Luke?” Your voice reverberated against the rocks. “LUKE?”

Patiently, you waited for a response. The echos of your voice had faded.

This is what happens when he goes alone. You trudged to the right-most tunnel to start, however turned as something reflective caught your eye. White stormtrooper armor.

Quickly changing directions, you kept a hurried pace. Passing more fallen Imperials, there was little doubt of Skywalker’s whereabouts.

Faint electrical sounds reached your ears and you followed them down another path. Up ahead crackles and small bursts came from an open area beyond a tunnel. Pieces of armor and blasters greeted the soles of your boots before you walked in.

What…?

You had to step over a fallen stormtrooper that had a very prominent hole through their chest plate.

“Luke?” Your eyes scanned over the immediate area. Sparking consoles with slashes through them. Every stormtrooper and Imperial officer was either crumpled by an interior wall or had the mark of a lightsaber’s blade.

The room, whatever it was used for, was destroyed. Debris decorated the cave floor. Large rocks and metal alike. There was no way to know if there was used to be another exit.

You let out an uneasy breath and called out again. “Commander Skywalker?”

Checking each body, there was one with hair you recognized nearby. No Imperial symbol on his attire.

Rushing to a cargo crate, you fell into a crouch. “Luke?”

Knees pulled up to his head, Luke was huddled in on himself.

You gently placed a hand on one of his arms he had wrapped around his legs.

He jolted as if you had shocked him. Face still tucked in and hidden, his breath was uneven.

“Are you okay?” You asked, eyes not finding any visible wounds.

“(Y/N)?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“It’s cold.” Luke murmured.

“What?”

“It’s so cold.”

Did something happen with the temperature in here? I don’t feel that chilly. Cave dampness.

“Why didn’t you show up? You missed the rendezvous.” You let your hand rest on his arm again. Luke was shaking. “Let’s get you out of here, okay?”

“I had to do it.”

You frowned.

“It was powerful.”

“An explosion?” You asked. “Luke, please look at me. What are—?”

Picking his head up, his eyes met yours.

Your words stilled.

Their usual brightness had dimmed, his blue eyes darkened in pain.

“They knew we’d come. They wanted us to take their files. The facility was set to explode.” Luke shuttered. “They were going to send in a whole squad of troopers.”

“But I made it out fine. Everyone else made it back.”

“I stopped them.” His voice cracked. “All of them.”

“Why didn’t you come back?”

Blue eyes looked behind you. He looked to the destruction, the taken lives, and rock walls. The room was full of wreckage and Imperial bodies.

What’s wrong? He’s been on missions before. Why’s this one got him so….unnerved?

You rubbed your thumb along the fabric of his sleeve. “You could have come back. You can come back now.”

“I made sure that they never ordered the troopers to attack. They couldn’t even send for help.”

You were hesitant before you asked, “What did you do?”

“I took down the ceiling.”

You followed Luke’s gaze. What you assumed to be another interior wall was actually a cave-in. Not just battle debris. There was no telling how large the room was before.

“There were so many of them. They didn’t even attack me first. I-I just….” Luke returned his eyes to you. “I couldn’t let you die.”

A lump formed in your throat and the corners of your eyes started to burn. Circling your arms around his shoulders, you hugged Luke. There were no second thoughts about it. His face pressed into your shoulder as his arms brought you closer.

“The call wasn’t going through to your comm.”

“It’s over, okay?” You said. “We can go back to the ship.”

What else could you say? You didn’t consider yourself incredibly close with Luke Skywalker, however being in the Rebellion meant you shared some missions together. His words seemed to prove you otherwise.

“I say this with all of the respect to you,” you said pulling out of the hug. “I think you need a break.”

The corner of Luke’s mouth tipped up.

“I think Leia would chew me out in a lecture if I leave you here any longer.” You added, trying to give him a motivational boost.

Wiping his face with his sleeves, Luke inhaled deeply before standing up with you.

As much as you knew Luke needed to sort through his feelings and what he had done, you both needed to physically get out of there. The Imperials could show up to investigate at any moment. Added that being in the same location that was causing him to be upset was not the best place for him to be.

“I’m sorry.” Luke said as he brushed dirt off of himself.

“Hey,” you caught his gaze. “Rule number one: survive.” You gave his arm a light squeeze. “Let’s go.”

After he gave a nod, you lead the way back into the tunnel system.

Remembering the way you came, but backwards was always either really easy, frustratingly hard, or filled with you double-checking. Walking beside Luke, you were double-checking each change in direction for boot sole marks and familiar details. Downed stormtroopers being a main detail that helped. Unfortunately for them.

“Ar—….fizz…lo…fizztt….roopers…out….rr….” An undistinguishable voice came from your commlink.

You looked from your commlink to Luke. The Rebel reached for his lightsaber and continued forward. A confident demeanor covering him like a fitted tunic. Any pain he had was hidden or extinguished. A Jedi walked beside you.

Imperial movement always at the wrong time. The reinforcements got here faster than I thought. So much for any heart to heart conversations.

The tunnel ahead was illuminated by the lighting setup along the walls. Crates were still in their same positions.

“We’re close to the exit now,” Luke said in a hushed tone.

You grabbed your blaster pistol from your hoister. The two of you turned and found yourselves amongst Imperial crates again. More of them. Up ahead was the mouth of the cave. Cluttered with crates and long cables, the way out was either going to be safe or loaded with trouble.

Stepping in front of you and causing you to halt in your tracks, Luke ignited his green lightsaber. Trouble. That was when you heard it. The clanking of armor, rushed stomps, and muffled orders. You raised your blaster pistol.

“I’ll shield you.” Luke took measured steps forward.

“Got it.”

In less than twenty seconds, the pair of you made your way through the tunnel to cover as much ground as possible. Getting out in one piece was a top priority. There was only about eight meters or so left until you were back under the open sky, but trouble had arrived.

“Rebels!”

A squad of stormtroopers jogged their way into position.

“REBEL SCUM!”

“Scum?” You called back.

“Blast them!”

The stormtroopers opened fire.

Before the first red laser had come within two paces of you, Luke was already tilting his lightsaber. Each fire was deflected.

Fanning out, the troopers had the environmental advantage, however they were not trained to go up against the likes of a Jedi.

Beams of red were ricocheted back as Luke blocked and you had started firing. The returned fire doubled with their own and took down stormtroopers one by one. Almost each Imperial shouted orders and aggravated commentary.

Not long now, you thought.

A confident-striding trooper with heavy armor appeared at the cave’s mouth and took a stance outside before their weapon started shooting out rapid blasts towards you both.

“That’s a problem.” Luke commented as his lightsaber deflected as much of the blasterfire as he could. A blur of green and a reverberating sound that made the hair on your neck stand on end.

“On it.” You ducked as a red beam passed your head. Time was temporary. Aiming higher, you fired multiple shots to your attacker. One of which took the trooper and their weapon down. You breathed out a quick sigh of relief.

It was short-lived.

From out of your line of sight, white armor of another group appeared and lined up behind the first squad. As a unit they marched into the cave.

Ah, kriff. Someone must have mentioned Jedi over the comms.

Words on the tip of your tongue, you abruptly dismissed them.

Black boots moved across the ground with barely a sound. No huffs of fatigue nor beads of sweat came from Skywalker. The air in front of him was illuminated by flashing red and green. Each attempt at firing at him was delivered right back. To the shoulder, his head, arm, chest; they failed. No matter where blasterfire was aimed on him it did not reach. A blur of green light was there to meet it.

There was a reason that lightsabers were referred to as weapons of a different age. An age where people had mystical powers and swords of light. Anyone trained to use one was someone who should not be ignored nor underestimated. A mastery and awareness in each swing.

You had seen firsthand what a direct blow sent to troopers did. As a rebel, you had been on your share of missions with Commander Skywalker, however this was the first time you had seen him go on full defensive mode. Defense and trickery were more his style. Yet what you were witnessing was him taking on almost all of the blasterfire. It was only the two of you against two squads.

Hearing a familiar vrrr, you had to take a quick step back as the green lightsaber came a little too close to you for comfort. A red laserbolt was deflected.

Woo, okay. Watch for that.

Returning fire, you weaved around Luke’s wide gestures to take aim at the stormtroopers.

Once one stormtrooper was down, another stepped around furthering their takeover in the cave.

You took a step to the right and were given a clearer shot of the approaching troopers. It was a step too far to the side.

“Ah!” A hit to your arm threw you back. Dropping behind the closest crate and taking cover, you immediately applied pressure to your upper arm with your free hand. The pain only then making itself really known.

Kriff! There’s one on the right somewhere, you thought as you looked to Luke.

The Jedi was not hiding, not ducking behind anything, nor dodging. He stood his ground. Green blade of his lightsaber twirled through the air and deflected each oncoming blast. Rapid blasterfire resounded throughout the tunnel and the shouting became louder.

For two seconds, you peeked around the crate before quickly taking cover again.

“Behind the crate!”

Darn it.

“I got him!”

“Take them out!”

“One behind the crate!”

If your heart was not hammering in your chest before, it was then.

How many of them are there?

Hearing a small whoosh through the air, you turned in time to witness a thermal detonator arch over your head and land about two meters away. The silver sphere rolled near a stack of crates. Crates full of explosives.

On your feet before you could speak, you were already running to Luke. He gestured with his hand and sent a group of stormtroopers either flying backwards or toppling over. Even as more stormtroopers were still standing and firing, both you and Luke sprinted to the opening of the cave.

Another gesture of his hand and Luke sent more Imperials back. Passing a line of them, your fear skyrocketed with knowing what was coming.

“Hurry!” Luke made sure to remain beside you.

As the soles of your boots reached the mouth of the cave, Luke turned —

KABOOM

The first explosion created a domino effect and set off more explosives within the tunnel. Heat waved out after the first sounds. The ground beneath your feet shook and you were sent flying forward. Soon, you had met the ground as you tumbled across and landed on your already hurting arm.

KABOOM

You covered your ears as you pushed yourself up on an elbow.

Black.

It took a second for you to recognize that Luke was knelt over you and facing the cave. Your chest tightened at the sight.

Various and many rocks that had splintered off in the explosions were levitating in the air above you. The explosions had stopped, but the debris was still on the move. Boulders rolled a distance away as the ground shook. The debris smaller in size with each second that passed.

How close of a call was it this time?

With extended arms, Luke set the rocks away from anyone. You, him, and the possibly still alive stormtroopers on the ground that were not there before.

Lowering your hands, your ears still buzzed from the detonations. There was no telling how sore you would be later from your tumble. But you would gladly take soreness over what the Imperials had.

Luke sat back on his heels and clipped his lightsaber to his belt. Sometime amongst the chaos he had deactivated it.

“Luke.”

The man looked to you with heavy concern in his eyes. His gloved hand gestured to your wounded arm.

“Hey, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere else?” His voice sounded muffled in your ears.

“Are you okay?” You asked quietly, sitting up.

“I’m better.” Luke’s expression softened until he inclined his head to you. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Yeah…well.” You gestured with your hand to the fallen Imperials. “I could be worse.”

He leaned away from you once you spoke.

“What?”

“I think we need to get your ears checked.”

“Sounds good.” You smiled despite yourself.

A black glove covered his mouth for a couple of moments before he looked over his shoulder then back to you. His expression less exuberant. “I’m sorry. I…I shouldn’t have let that happen. This isn’t what I wanted.”

“Neither of us wanted this.”

His chest rose and fell as he sighed. Shoulders more relaxed than they were a minute ago.

“This was all a trap. The Empire was looking for metals long before they were storing weapons. They knew we would show up.”

Typical. Now that we have a real chance at winning this war, they’re being sneaky and a little risky.

The air around you smelled of smoke that nipped at your nostrils and dried out your throat. With your hearing not up to parr, the only sound aside from your breathing was any shifting rocks. Nothing moved. White armor could be seen amongst the large rocks that were almost everywhere you looked in the open area. Some blasters were still in gloved hands.

Both you and Luke peered around as you slowly stood up. Even outside you found yourselves surrounded by destruction and Imperials.

When will it end?

Rubbing at your ear with a knuckle, you rested your sights on the Jedi.

Luke reached out a hand to the rubble and in a matter of seconds, your blaster pistol was in his grasp.

“Here. You might need this.” He turned to you.

“Hopefully not,” you said as you nodded in thanks and holstered your blaster pistol.

Walking over and around rock, the pair of you distanced yourselves from the caves as well as the Imperial locations.

“We should get back as soon as we can.” Luke said.

“Our absence and delay has probably climbed up the rank of command.”

Luke nodded as you grabbed your commlink. Heading out of the area was possibly the easiest part of your day, you hoped. You opened your comm.

“This is Lieutenant (Y/L/N). Commander Skywalker and I are heading to the rendezvous point. Over.”

“We hear you Lieutenant. Good to hear you.” An answer came from another Rebel officer. “Come back safely. Ship is waiting. Over.”

“Roger that. Over.” You set your commlink back into your attire. “Almost afraid they would have left already.” Hands free, you applied pressure to your wound.

“We don’t leave anyone behind if given the chance. You should know that more than anyone.”

Your footing only hesitated briefly. Hardly noticeable.

“Thank you.”

Turning, you were met with sincere blue eyes. The weight of the sincerity could have collapsed your ribcage with how it reached your heart.

If we weren’t still in Imperial territory, I’d hug him right now. How can he be so sweet with so little words?

“And thank you,” you said. “For what you did back there. I’m not sure I thanked you.”

“You would had done the same for me.”

“I’m not a Jedi, Luke.”

“I know.” His bright smile making an appearance. “But I’m just saying that if you had the opportunity—.”

“And skill.”

“—that you would have helped me.”

“You were by yourself.”

“Yes, but if I was in your position, I would have told the others that I had a wound on my arm.” He raised his eyebrows at you.

“…Oh yeah.”

“The sooner we reach the rendezvous point, the faster someone can look at your arm.”

“The faster we get to having a debriefing.” You added, your tone solemn.

No telling if there are more scout troopers either.

Were you really going to disclose every detail of your mission? Yes, however finding Luke was not a part of your assigned mission. That part was up to him to debrief. However personal and detailed he would speak was solely up to him. You would not speak with anyone, under any circumstances, what had happened with Commander Skywalker in the caves. The only portion you were willing to disclose was the part when you were leaving. That much needed to be reported.

What a day, you thought. At least Luke looks better. Brighter spirits. And…I’ll keep an eye on him, I guess. Make sure he’s okay.

“You’ll give your report first, right?” You looked over at Luke who already had his attention on you.

“Before you, you mean?”

“Yeah.”

“I will.”

“I won’t say anything…about…you know.”

Luke stopped and you were quick to follow suit.

“I trust that you will give your report the way you always do. Honestly.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t say I was going to lie. Just…not say any personal stuff. Only what I need to say.” You squeezed your arm. “I completed my part of the mission, I left the ship, I found you, Imperials found us, I got shot, we ran, explosions hurt my ears, and we made our way back.”

“I think Leia will want more details than that.” His lips curved into a smirk. “But I am grateful that you respect my privacy. In matters of the Force.”

Sighing you continued forward, “I wish I could get to a state of calm as fast you.”

“It takes practice.”

“You’re something else, Luke Skywalker. I hope you know that.”

A chuckle was the only response he gave.

. . .

The pair of you headed back to the awaiting group of rebels. Their worries were written across their faces. Of course, Luke immediately alerted them of your injuries. Soon after, the ship had rose above the canopy of foliage and traveled through space. It would be a matter of time before the Base was back into your sights.

A small smile graced Luke’s lips as he sat beside you in the ship.

“What?” You asked quietly.

“You’re something else too.”

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful. coffee

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

DreamerDragon Tags: @cubedtriangle

Star Wars Tags: @darkenwolfy

**Let me know if you would like to be tagged in insert readers, either through replies, ask, or message.**

#Luke Skywalker x Reader #Girl Next Door's Make Me Feel Bingo #Luke Skywalker #Star Wars fanfiction #Star Wars #Star Wars imagines #Luke Skywalker imagines #where dreamers go #Jedi #Dark Side #Was I planning this in October and it was supposed to be a Dark Side!Luke? yes but I couldn't do that to him. I couldn't!#Rebellion

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grim-on-the-darkside · 3 years ago

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George Lucas Sequel Trilogy [Some new info and some old]

George Lucas's Sequel Trilogy

~ George Lucas Interview, Star Wars Archives: Eps I-III: 1999-2005: by author Paul Duncan.

"Darth Maul trained a girl. Darth Talon, who was in the comic books, as his apprentice. She was the new Darth Vader, and most of the action was with her. So these were the 2 main villains of the trilogy. Maul eventually becomes the Godfather of crime in the universe because as the Empire falls, he takes over.

The movies are about how Leia - I mean, who else is going to be the leader? - is trying to build the Republic. They still have the apparatus of the Republic but they have to get it under control from the gangsters. That was the main story.

It starts out a few years after Return of the Jedi and we establish pretty quickly that there's this underworld, there are these offshoot stormtroopers who started their own planets, and that Luke is trying to restart the Jedi. He puts the word out, so out of 100,000 Jedi, maybe 50 to 100 are left. The Jedi have to grow again from scratch, so Luke has to find two- and three-year-olds, and train them. It'll be 20 years before you have a new generation of Jedi.

By the end of the trilogy Luke would have rebuilt much of the Jedi, and we would have the renewal of the New Republic, with Leia, Senator Organa, becoming the Supreme Chancellor in charge of everything. So she ended up being the Chosen One."

............................

[Luke dies in Episode 9]

.............................

Commenter - 'How many students were at Luke's Jedi 'academy"? Was it even an academy?'

Pablo - "We'd likely never use that term. That's very EU, not very George. It'd be a temple. As for numbers, can't say now."

~ Pablo Hidalgo, 2015

https://ibb.co/k38HzwX

..............................

"In late August 2012 Star Wars fans from all around the world gathered in Orlando, Florida for the sixth official Star Wars convention, Celebration VI. The lineup was strong despite the live action movies, always the brightest and biggest stars in the franchise’s galaxy, coming to an end seven years earlier. Though he was not scheduled to attend, series creator George Lucas was there. Publicly, he was just there to make a surprise appearance during the panel for the animated The Clone Wars TV show. But privately he was there to talk to original trilogy stars Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. They were brought to a conference room away from the convention floor where George broke the news: he was working a new Star Wars trilogy and wanted them to reprise their iconic roles." [Disney didn't buy Lucasfilm/Star Wars until October 30th of 2012. This meeting occured two months before the sale, and at that point, the sale couldn't be assured.]

(1/3/2018)

Just days after posting this, Lucasfilm Story Group member Pablo Hidalgo tweeted out some information about the early versions of Episode VII (Skyler is another name for the Sam/Finn character).

Skyler and Kira (and Kira wasn’t the first proposed name either; she had at least two others) became, after a fashion, Finn and Rey. The Jedi Killer morphed from Talon corrupting the son to becoming the son. Uber became Snoke. The starting point shifted. Yadda yada yada.

The son falling to the dark side was always in the mix. The movies just ended up having it already an established fact.

Skyler was the son in some versions. And as for how all that was gonna go down, that ain’t my story to tell.

And in 2016, he confirmed that Thea (Kira/Rey), Skyler, Darth Talon, and the planet of Felucia were in George’s plans.

Question - ‘But Talon was in the treatment, right?’

Pablo - “Yes.” “

‘Hmm… assuming this is still 30 years after RoTJ, wouldn’t that kinda mess with the Chosen One thing?’

Pablo - “Depends on whether or not she was a Sith, I suppose. George wasn’t all that interested in her EU backstory.”

~ Pablo Hidalgo Tweet [Archived] (June 19, 2016)

https://ibb.co/NYVW7w3

......

(1/6/2018)

Added quote from Harrison Ford about George Lucas telling him during their first Episode VII related call that Han would die. Also added more information about the timeline.

(6/14/2018)

Added information and quotes from George about the inclusion of the Whills in his sequel trilogy.

(6/26/2018)

Added information from Mark Hamill about Luke training Leia in Episode IX before dying.

(11/28/2018)

Added concept painting from artist Christian Alzmann that received a “Fabulouso” stamp from George Lucas.

https://medium.com/@Oozer3993/george-lucas-episode-vii-c272563cc3ba

“The ones that I sold to Disney, they came up to the decision that they didn’t really want to do those. So they made up their own. So it’s not the ones that I originally wrote.” ~ Lucas on his Sequel Trilogy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

More generally, Hamill compared the approaches between Lucas and Disney's Star Wars films:

Mark Hamill quotes about Lucas Sequel Trilogy -

"George had an overall arc – if he didn't have all the details, he had sort of an overall feel for where the [sequel trilogy was] going – but this one's more like a relay race. You run and hand the torch off to the next guy, he picks it up and goes.

"I happen to know that George didn't kill Luke until the end of [Episode] 9, after he trained Leia. Which is another thread that was never played upon [in The Last Jedi]."

Where Lucas would have taken the second set of prequels. Though Leia and Luke communicate telepathically, fans have never really seen her use the Force. Mark Hamill had this to say about Leia using the Force in George Lucas' original writings.

"This is always something that interest me because we can communicate telepathically and I tell her in one of the movies, I guess the third one, you have that power too. So I always wondered, and I don't read the fanfiction, [Expanded Universe] why she wouldn't fully develop her Force sensibilities and I think that's something George Lucas addressed in his original outline for 7, 8, 9. I was talking to him last week, but they're not following George's ideas so we'll have to wait and see on that one. But it seems like a waste of an innate talent that she should utilize in some way."

https://movieweb.com/star-wars-leia-originally-used-force-george-lucas/

[The next three Star Wars films] were going to get into a microbiotic world. But there’s this world of creatures that operate differently than we do. I call them the Whills. And the Whills are the ones who actually control the universe. They feed off the Force.

Back in the day, I used to say ultimately what this means is we’re just cars, vehicles, for the Whills to travel around in…. We’re vessels for them. And the conduit is the midi-chlorians. The midi-chlorians are the ones that communicate with the Whills. The Whills, in a general sense, they are the Force.

All the way back to �� with the Jedi and the Force and everything — the whole concept of how things happen was laid out completely from [the beginning] to the end. But I never got to finish. I never got to tell people about it.

If I’d held onto the company I could have done it, and then it would have been done. Of course, a lot of the fans would have hated it, just like they did Phantom Menace and everything, but at least the whole story from beginning to end would be told.”

~ George Lucas, James Cameron interview

https://io9.gizmodo.com/george-lucas-ideas-for-his-own-star-wars-sequel-trilogy-1826798496

Dear Maker, You are missed. You are the canon.

#The Maker #Star Wars #Lucas Canon #Lucas Sequel Trilogy

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zambie-trashart · 4 years ago

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No Reason Not To Try

Phanfics masterlist

Originally posted on ao3 split in six parts plus full song written by me.

Summary: Alex just wants to live his life, he just wants to be himself without anyone judging, he wants to have a nice date, he wants to stay with his friends, he wants everything to settle, he wants to stop running away, he wants his friends to stop asking him questions, he just wants a hug, is that too much to ask for? Alternate Title: Five Times Alex Needed A Hug and The One Time He Got One

One: Alex Comes Out To His Parents

Luke, Reggie, Alex, and Bobby sat at their desks watching the clock waiting for class to be over and when the bell rang, they jumped up and ran out of the classroom.

“I have to go grab my drum sticks. I'll meet you guys there,” Alex said and Luke looked at him knowingly. Alex had come out to them a few months ago and he told Luke that he was planning on telling his parents. Alex stopped in front of his house feeling his heart hammer against his chest at an unfamiliar beat. He opened the door hoping that his parents weren’t home. His father sat on the couch with his mother running around the kitchen taking something out of the oven.

“Alex darling, could you help me with something really quickly?” Alex’s mother asked and Alex closed his eyes breathing in trying to calm himself before nodding and making his way into the kitchen.

“Something’s wrong isn’t it, what’s the matter precious?” Alex choked back the lump in his throat.

“I-I’m gay,” Alex said just low enough for his mother to hear and she gasped eyes wide.

“Don’t even joke about such a thing!” She yelled smacking her son upside the head.

“I’m not,” Alex said, tears welling up in his eyes and he ran to his room hearing his mother tell his father who came running after him. Alex was off his feet being carried to the couch he kicked screaming.

“You are no son of mine! Apologise to us!” His father yelled squeezing his arm so tight that Alex couldn’t feel his arm anymore.

“I can’t!” Alex yelled back and his father slapped him.

“Don’t yell at me boy!” He yelled, shoving Alex across the room into a glass table, glass shards embedded themselves in his arms and legs as he got up to run back to his room and out through his window. “Come back here boy! We’re not done!” Alex had a bag packed for this exact moment and ran down the street wiping tears from his eyes as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He stopped in front of the studio sniffling one last time and checking his reflection in the glass to make sure his eyes weren’t red anymore. He kneeled in front of the door taking off his gold chain with a cross on it pulling the cross off throwing it as far as he could breathing heavily and the door swung open.

“Alex?” Luke asked and Alex just nodded walking in.

“I’m fine,” Alex said, holding himself and putting his bag down grabbing his sticks from the side pocket.

“Are you sure? You seem a little frazzled man,” Reggie asked and Bobby agreed, walking closer to him. Alex pulled his sleeve down hiding the blood from the glass.

“Can we just play?” Alex asked a little upset and Luke gave Reggie and Bobby the look of we’ll get back to it later.

Later was nine pm on that Tuesday night when Alex should have been going home but he stayed in the studio with Luke picking glass out of dried bloody cuts in the small bathroom. He snuck up into the loft falling asleep easily but tossing and turning through the night. He was woken up by Luke that morning.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong now?” Luke asked and Alex shook his head bangs falling down into his eyes.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Alex said, because admitting that his parents hit him and hate him made it real and this was something that his parents would get over.

“I know you better than that man, something is wrong and I need you to tell me,” Luke grabbed Alex’s shoulders shaking him.

“I told you, it’s nothing,” Alex grabbed some clothes changing and grabbing his school bag storming out of the studio where Reggie and Bobby were waiting for him.

“Luke thought that you might try to get out of this conversation so he called us this morning,” Reggie explained but Alex sidestepped walking away from them running when he saw them walk after him. Alex stopped in front of the school breathing heavily.

“It’s just another day,” Alex told himself, wiping his eyes walking through the door letting himself be carried by denial. “Everything is fine.” He closed his eyes and breathed in walking to his first class sitting there staring off into space. It’s always going to be another day, another hit, another homophobe, another concerned friend, another “I’m fine” and Alex was realizing that but nothing ends that easily.

Two: Alex Goes On a Bad Date

Alex sat across from a guy from an opposing school. He had met him at a basketball game, he was so confident and it made Alex a little nervous at first but he was pretty sure that things were going to go well after the guy asked him out. Alex’s hand was shaking as he dragged Alex to a movie theater choosing a spot in the back.

“I didn’t know what you wanted to watch so I sort of just picked an action movie,” Cameron said smiling nervously over at Alex and Alex just shrugged.

“That’s fine I’m fine with anything as long as it’s not horror,” Alex said laughing a little and Cameron yawned putting his arm around Alex’s shoulders urging Alex to lean into him. Alex exhaled deeply before placing his head on Cameron’s shoulder hugging his knees up to his chest.

The movie started and Cameron started getting closer and Alex looked around at other couples around the theater who were making out vigorously. Alex gulped sneaking a glance at Cameron who’s hand moved to the back of his neck, his hand was cold and pushing him to look up at him. Alex looked around again and Cameron’s hand got tighter around his neck pushing harder. Alex stood up and walked out of the theater hearing footsteps behind him, Alex started running faster only to get pulled back by his jacket once he got outside of the theater being pushed into the wall.

“If you wanted to take it outside all you had to do was say so,” Cameron said smirking at Alex who was struggling to get past him. Alex tried to push him but Cameron pushed back grabbing Alex’s right wrist pinning it to the wall. “Come on, you didn’t seem like the feisty type when I asked you out,” Cameron said grabbing Alex’s chin with his other hand raising his head to meet Cameron’s. Alex tried to push his head back to the wall as far as possible. Cameron pressed his lips firmly to Alex’s pressing a knee in between his legs keeping him there as his hand trailed slowly down Alex’s body stopping at the small of his back. Alex kept his head against the wall trying not to cry, if he cried then Cameron would try to shut him up even more. Cameron had already “wasted” money on him and Alex didn’t want to test his patience.

Alex took a deep breath through his nose before pressing his lips back against Cameron’s feeling him smile into the kiss. Cameron pulled on the back of Alex’s hair disconnecting their lips before attacking his neck with rough kisses. Alex didn’t expect that his first date or even first kiss were going to go anything like this, would everyone do this to him? Could he trust anyone to go on a date with him? He thought he liked Cameron but when he bit down hard enough to bruise, Alex pushed him off successfully.

“I thought we were having fun,” Cameron said moving back in but Alex just shook his head.

“You’re having fun, I never asked for any of this. You asked me to go see a movie with you, I thought that just meant go and hold hands in a dark theater not make out in front of a movie theater,” Alex rambled breathing heavily after and Cameron lifted his face up with a finger.

“My dear Alex, you have so much to learn,” Cameron said pressing one last kiss to his lips and a bite to the neck before walking off. “Come back to me when you learn how a date is supposed to go hot stuff. You have so much potential!” Cameron yelled over his shoulder and Reggie picked that moment to walk around the corner and shrug at a disheveled Alex.

“Have fun?” Reggie asked taking in the hickey the size of a small continent forming on his neck.

“Sure,” Alex said feeling tears coming back to the surface. Reggie looked Alex over again noticing the way his body was starting to quiver.

“Are you sure you had fun?” Reggie asked and Alex put on a smile and nodded.

“Could you give me a ride to the studio, I want to write something down,” Alex said and Reggie nodded and the two made their way there and Alex pulled out a sheet of paper scribbling some lyrics down. I was alone, and I was cold, you left me with no hand to hold. I was a dreamer and I was meek you just wanted to see me weak. You can break me and make me a soul survivor, I will be on the front lines in the fire. You would stomp on me and push me to the ground only in this dark road is where I feel found. If you want me you have to let me go only on these highways is where I grow.

Alex smiled slightly at the words feeling his heart on the page before shoving it under his pillow and falling asleep feeling a tear roll down his face. It’s always going to be another day, another boy who doesn’t take no for an answer, another kiss without consent, another concerned friend, another “I’m fine” Alex sighed wiping the tear away falling asleep.

Three: Alex Gets Kidnapped But Makes a New Friend

2020 was a hysterical year, coming back from the dead, Nick turning out to be Caleb in disguise, Caleb taking Alex back to his club and holding him for a ransom and hell it’s only the beginning of October. Caleb walked in the room humming looking over Alex who groaned hitting his head back against the wall for the seventh time that minute. Caleb walked over to Alex ripping the tape off his mouth.

“Do you have a problem boy!” Caleb yelled and Alex nodded.

“You know you could write another song beside Other Side of Hollywood right cause I don’t want to listen to that one song for the rest of eternity,” Alex said and Caleb rolled his eyes gesturing for Willie to come in the room. Alex hadn’t seen Willie since before he was supposed to complete his unfinished business. Willie ran over to Alex holding his face before being thrown over to the other side of the room.

“All you have to do is agree to convince your friends to join the club and you can be free Alex, do we have a deal?” Caleb asked and Willie groaned getting up.

“Did you ever think that there was a reason why a band of young teens don’t want to work for an old ghost man like you?” Alex asked, tilting his head.

“No,” Caleb said, starting to think about it.

“It’s cause you’re the bad guy, you take but you never give back and that really pisses me off,” Alex said and all of a sudden he was out of his chains. Willie got up and ran over to Alex taking his hand leading him out of the club. Alex poofed away from him and onto a rooftop already feeling tears spilling out of his eyes. He took out a piece of paper that had been in his pocket since the day he died. Bold lyrics stood out and the word Highways on the top of the page shouted at him to keep writing. He hummed a tune for the chorus before putting everything that he felt on the page.

“Take my hand as we walk across the way I hold on forever every rainy day. I was the slave and you were strong together, bound was where we belonged. I won’t give up at the ends of the road. You hurt me with words ready to reload,” Alex sang and a door flew open and a girl in slippers and a pink robe walked over to him.

“Hello?” she called out.

“Can I just have a minute before you try and kill me?” Alex asked looking out over the view.

“Why would I try and kill you, you haven’t done anything wrong?” she asked and Alex twisted around seeing Carrie looking down on him offering her hands to help him up. “I saw you poof up on the roof and figured that you could use a hand,” Carrie said smiling slightly.

“I-I’m just confused, the guy that I like works for the bad guy and tries to help me then all of a sudden he’s with the bad guy again, why is everything so complicated!” Alex yelled frustrated and Carrie just put a hand on his shoulder.

“Come inside, it might help you calm down a little,” Carrie said leading the poor ghost boy inside. Alex put the paper down and Carrie looked at it reading through the words. “Wow, this is good,” Carrie said and Alex went to grab the paper but Carrie walked ahead pulling it in the opposite direction he was reaching. “It has so much emotion in it: I will travel my way down cracked and broken highways. You will be there at the end of the road just out of reach a sight to behold. You are the highway that I have to roam, you are the highway that I walk alone,” Carrie read, feeling tears spring in her eyes at the words.

“That was private,” Alex said grabbing the paper.

“You should sing it,” Carrie said and Alex just shook his head.

“I should get back home, I’m kind of tired,” Alex said and Carrie went to block him from getting up.

“Just a little then you can leave,” Carrie said and Alex sighed, sitting down and starting to tap a beat on his leg.

“I will never see you the same way again, I was wrong to think we could be together til the end. I still need you near even when you were so cold, you were something about me that felt safe to hold. Not anymore, I don’t need you anymore. If you wanted me gone you would have sent me away, now just waiting till the day I feel sane,” Alex sang and Trevor came down the stairs and Alex hid.

“What dad?” Carrie asked.

“It’s just, that voice sounded familiar and so did the song,” Trevor said and Carrie shrugged. Alex had poofed back home and to the couch where his friends were sitting.

“Hey, what the hell were you thinking, we were all scared that we would never see you again,” Luke said hitting Alex lightly on the arm.

“Yeah, I was scared too,” Alex said walking up to the loft.

“Get some sleep man, you’re gonna need it for tomorrow!” Luke yelled up and Reggie laughed when Alex flipped him off crashing on the bed.

“I have no idea how he always stays so strong,” Reggie whispered.

“He doesn’t want us to see him weak,” Luke said pulling Reggie out of the room to go bother Julie.

It’s always going to be another day, another crush you can’t talk to, another person who doesn’t get it, another song you’re scared to sing, another “I’m fine” Alex smiled at the thought of his new friend before falling asleep..

Four: Alex Visits His Family

Puffs of hot air pressed out clearing themselves into the cool winter air, breathing could be heard and fast paced steps approached a small house with a brown exterior and a blue lantern hanging outside the door. Alex stood in front of the door phasing through and looking at the kitchen with white countertops, he saw a woman looking at a picture laughing at it before placing the frame back down on top of the fireplace. A girl with brown hair came walking through the door patting her back.

“Alex?” his mother asked and the girl shook her head.

“Sorry mom,” she said and Alex realized that it was his older sister Sarah. She was in college when he came out and when he died. “You always think I’m Alex, he hasn’t come to visit in forever mom, why would Alex come to visit now?” Sarah asked and Alex realized the cold truth that his older sister didn’t even know he has been dead for the last twenty-five years.

“He’s too embarrassed that he never played the Orpheum, he doesn’t want to come back after he realized that he wasn’t actually gay and that he’s married with two little kids now named after his sweet parents who tired to tell him his dreams were worthless,” she said looking straight forward and his father came in.

“Hey honey, Alex just called today with an update that things are well with him and his wife, the baby should be around in two weeks, Jenefer is so excited,” Alex’s father said and Alex felt tears in his eyes. His father was lying to all of them, making his mother and sister think that he was still alive, making them think he was married to a woman, making them think he was having a kid. It was cruel not only to his memory but to his family.

Alex ran to his sister’s room thanking whatever God there was that she still had a whiteboard on her wall.

Sarah, whatever mom and dad say, don’t believe them. I’m not getting married to a girl named Jenefer. I came out as gay twenty-five years ago and mom and dad must still be in denial that they lost me to a tainted hot dog before playing at the Orphuem. I died Sarah, dad must have been the only one who knew but I will always be looking over you. Please just find a way to tell mom.

Love, Alex

Alex poofed out of the room hearing the door open looking at her read the note on her whiteboard sinking to the ground.

“Alex, are you here?” Sarah asked quietly and Alex picked up a pen waving it at her. “I hate them, I hate that they did this to you, why didn’t you call me, how old are you, how did you get here, I have so many questions!” Sarah yelled tears streaming down her face. Alex grabbed a piece of paper.

I ran away, I hate it too, I thought you were going to be busy with some guy, I’m still 17 it doesn’t feel like a day has past since 1995, a girl summoned us with our demo, I had so many questions at first but I met a guy who answered so many of them and I think I might like him. Alex wrote and Sarah smiled.

“I’m happy for you, could you give me a hug?” Sarah asked, wiping tears from her eyes. Alex just poofed out. “Alex?” she asked and Alex held himself in the corner of his old bedroom. He didn’t even want to try hugging Sarah cause he knew it wouldn’t work.

“I’m so sorry Sarah, I love you,” Alex said hand to the wall where she would be.

“Sarah come play with me!” Alex yelled and she walked over to her ten-year-old brother.

“Ok, I can’t play for long ‘Lex,” Sarah said and some of her friends ran over too picking the boy up and one of the boys who was Sarah’s boyfriend placed a black tattered hat on his head.

“Be good ‘Lex,” he said ruffling his hidden hair and walking off to his truck with a guitar in the back and rock music started blasting. His mom ran outside screaming after her.

“Sarah!” she yelled before collapsing crying. “She’s always with that boy! He took her away from us, he took my girl!” she cried and Alex ran in through the back door hiding the hat under a box in his closet. For two years he just took out the hat and prayed to God that Sarah would come back. He eventually gave up and met a kid named Reggie who hung out with one of his old friends Luke.

“You have long hair,” Reggie said, feeling the taller’s hair.

“Yeah, I haven’t gotten it cut since Sarah left, she always liked messing it up right before church,” Alex said smiling a little at the thought of his sister’s hand in his hair again.

“I heard about Sarah leaving with her rocker boyfriend, sorry about that,” Luke said, hugging Alex around his shoulders and Alex bit back tears.

“She’ll come back, she always does, God will lead her home,” Alex said, reciting what his parents said.

“Yeah, she’ll come back dude, you have nothing to worry about!” Luke said and a boy passed them in the hall looking Alex up and down before smiling over to his friends. The pre-teen felt his eyebrown furrow looking at the eight grader.

“What’s his problem?” Reggie asked and Alex just sank back in on himself before running to the bathroom. Luke just looked after his friend sighing.

“His problem was that he always tries to freak Alex out with gross perverted looks, he always used to make some sort of excuse to pick him up when we were kids when they were teasing us. Stay away from him you creep!” Luke yelled, pulling Reggie along to the bathroom where Alex was crying on the floor.

“Get up,” Luke said, holding his hand out and Reggie smiling down on him. Alex grabbed each of their hands getting up and enveloped in a hug. He felt safe and warm in a way that he hadn’t felt since his sister left.

“Reggie always does something when he feels down, we’ll have to teach it to you if you join our band practice this afternoon,” Luke said and Alex smiled nodding.

“I’ll be there.”

“Alex, please, I need you to give me a hug!” Sarah cried and Alex phased through the wall only to see his father comforting her. Alex tried to hug her but just went right through her like he knew he would. He missed seven years of hugs and now this.

“Everything is ok darling, he ran away just like you,” his father said and Sarah cried.

“No, I didn’t Sarah! Trust me not him! He’s just telling you this cause you ran away!” Alex had to think for a second. “Can you, can you hear me?” Alex sang and Sarah looked back but their father kept dragging her forward. “Gotta get, gotta get ready, cause it’s been years,” Alex sang following them to the kitchen where the sat down.

“You guys never told me that Alex died eating a hot dog on the night he was supposed to play the Orpheum, or that he’s gay mom, why didn’t you tell me! I would have loved him and supported him but you two, you’re just too greedy to let him express himself! I should have come back for him or taken him with me where at least he could have been free from you!” Sarah stormed out of the house and Alex stood behind her as she cried. Alex felt tears roll down his face too. Alex grabbed a notebook from her bag and a pen and she watched.

It’s always going to be another day, another parent who won’t listen to you, another pinch of regret, another I’m sorry you’re scared to say, “But you’re fine,” Sarah finished for him.

But I’m fine . He wrote standing next to his sister for what felt like hours before her husband showed up in the same pickup truck calling to her.

“I love you Alex,” she said and Alex just cried cause once again, he was losing his sister but this time for good. He poofed back to the studio falling alseep peacefully cause thoughts of his sister alway kept him up at night and now he know where she is, what's she's doing, and who she's with and if his parents didn't care, that was their choice and they made it a long time ago.

"This is the highway that I have to roam," Alex sang softly to himself. "This is the highway that I walk alone."

Five: Alex Comes Out To His Fans

Luke, Reggie, and Alex just poofed off stage smiling and tapping each other’s backs laughing. Julie ran back to them jumping in a circle.

“That was so good guys! We killed it!” Julie yelled and Flynn came bursting in squealing.

“Ok, that drum solo was fire, and the voices, just OMG, I have to post this video, everyone has to see it!” Flynn squealed tapping her phone and posting it there were instantly about 20,000 views.

“This is awesome!” Julie yelled watching the counter get higher. Comments were coming in about how cute the boys were.

“Seems like Alex is at the top this week for girls wanted to just eat him alive and then make a home with him,” Flynn said, reading off one of the comments word for word nose scrunching up and Alex shivered.

“Did it just get ten times colder in here or was it just me?” Alex asked and Luke laughed, throwing a hand over his shoulder.

“See through shirt wasn’t the best idea bud,” Luke said smiling as Alex crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’m going out,” Alex said, poofing out and to Carrie’s house.

“I thought the shirt was just a myth,” Carrie said sarcastically before smiling.

“Girls want to have my children,” Alex said, flopping on her couch.

“I know and some of my girls are included in that crowd. Are you going to come out or just let girls keep attacking you with comments about how toned your chest is and how your hair is just so perfect and how you look so mysterious when you smile need I go on?” Carrie asked, scrolling through her phone.

“No, I get the hint, I should probably come out and walk around more often,” Alex said and Carrie smiled, grabbing his hand pulling him up.

“Let’s go out,” Carrie said and Alex laughed with her walking down the street singing a Sunset Curve song the last the boys had played before they died.

“You’re music is good,” Carrie said laughing a little as they walked into the mall, Alex tried hard to make himself visible to others and when he did, girls ran over to him knocking him over. “Off, all of you have no chill!” Carrie yelled helping Alex up.

“You guys really shouldn’t get your hopes that far up,” Alex said nervously scratching the back of his head.

“You’re with that spoiled brat!” a girl yelled and girls started screaming trying to take Carrie apart with their words and some of them even grabbed her.

“No!” Alex yelled eyes closed hands balled into fists. “I like a guy, you shouldn’t get your hopes up cause I’m gay,” Alex breathed out and girls sighed before brightening up.

“They’re going to just love you even more, nothing is better than an unattainable boy,” Carrie said and Alex’s eyes widened and he ran away poofing when he turned a corner going back to the entrance of the mall where Carrie would be.

“This just made me the band’s mascot didn’t it?” Alex asked and Carrie nodded and he sighed poofing back to the studio where Julie, Reggie, and Luke were waiting for him with crossed arms.

“Do you know what you just did?” Luke asked glaring slightly.

“I came out?” Alex asked back eyebrows going up trying to find a problem with what he just did.

“What Luke means is do you know what you just did?” Reggie asked in a deeper tone.

Alex thought back to everything he did, he knew he didn’t poof in front of anyone he had rounded into the boys bathroom while running and girls weren’t that desperate, unless they were and that would just be horrible.

“I came out?” Alex asked again and Luke slammed his head into a wall.

“You put yourself in the spotlight, people from our past life might come looking for us, that would be bad for the band and us cause Caleb can get to us Alex,” Luke said holding his friend’s shoulders.

“So you’re mad cause it’s not you and Julie up in the front anymore, maybe I get a little tired from being in the back all the time, I write songs too Luke,” Alex was interrupted by a piece of paper being held out in front of him.

“Highways, you wrote this after you came out the first time and then when Cameron did what he did, when everything was hard you would pull this out and add all of your pain to it, it’s a good song Alex and I know that you can’t just sing in the background forever so next song is yours,” Luke said and Reggie nodded along. Julie smiled at Alex as tears came down his face and he grabbed the paper poofing out and back to Carrie’s.

“They want me to sing,” Alex said behind Carrie making her jump.

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Carrie asked.

“I-I’ve never really done a solo before, I want you to sing with me,” Alex said and Carrie smiled turning around.

“I can’t do that for you Alex, you have to do that yourself,” Carrie said and Alex felt nerves build up. Alex poofed back to the studio breathing in deep leaning back against a wall. It’s always going to be another day, another person you try to get away from, another coming out, another song you’re scared to sing, another “I’m fine” Alex breathed in before humming the opening bars to Highways.

+1: Alex Sings

Willie stood outside the concert venue helping a nervous Alex breath even if he didn’t have to. Alex was scared and that was understandable. He had told him everything about the song and its meaning to his life, it was more than just some love song or break up song, this was his life on a piece of paper, his sister leaving, his first boyfriend, coming out to his parents, it was everything that he would have ever needed to write in one song. This song was his independence.

Willie poofed Alex into the dressing room with Julie, Luke, and Reggie. “I can’t sing something about my lif ein front of all these people, they’ll laugh and say that I deserved it, I can’t j-just d-do th-this like you guys can,” Alex cried into his hands going to walk away but a hand grabbed his shoulder and Julie was standing there with her hand on his shoulder, yes you can cause we all know you can,” Julie said and Alex looked over at her and he nodded grabbing the microphone. Julie walked out onto the stage and sat down at her piano and started playing a soft underbeat.

“Tonight, I have a friend who will be singing for us, most of you know him is the bashful drummer or now even the iconic drummer, Alex,” Julie said and the crowd cheered and Alex made himself seen picking up with Julie.

“I was alone, and I was cold, you left me with no hand to hold. I was a dreamer and I was meek you just wanted to see me weak. You can break me and make me a soul survivor, I will be on the front lines in the fire. You would stomp on me and push me to the ground only in this dark road is where I feel found. If you want me you have to let me go only on these highways is where I grow. I will travel my way down cracked and broken highways. You will be there at the end of the road just out of reach a sight to behold. You are the highway that I have to roam, you are the highway that I walk alone.” He sang the rest of the song carefree and the audience’s phones lit up swaying along with him. The applause for him just singing in general was overwhelming. He poofed out and smiled at his bandmates who clapped for him.

The rest of the performance went well and Willie asked to speak to him, they held hands walking down the side of a beach.

“I don’t know how you did it but you did it,” Willie said and Alex just looked at him in confusion.

“What did I do?” Alex asked puppy eyes looking into Willie’s making Willie’s heart melt just a little more.

“I’ve fallen even more in love with you,” Willie said stopping and Alex tripped over his own feet.

“Y-you…” Alex was cut off with hands caressing his face.

“I love you hotdog, is there anything I can do to make that more clear for you?” Willie asked and Alex tried to look down but Willie kept his face in place.

“I can think of one thing,” Alex said and Willie’s eyebrows raised.

“That was a little uncharacteristically brave of you,” Willie said and Alex wrapped his arms around Willie’s neck hugging him and Willie hugged him back holding him like his afterlife depended on it. Once Alex pulled back, Willie laughed.

“What, was that not what you had in mind?” Alex asked tilting his head.

“No, not really, I expected too much from you Alex,” Willie said laughing at Alex’s hurt face which then turned pink when he realized what Willie thought he was going to do.

“Oh, see I was waiting for you to make the first momph…” Willie pulled Alex’s lips to his by the back of the poor blonde’s hair putting him out of his embarrassed rambling. Wille’s arm snaked around his waist and Alex just settled on playing with where Wille’s hair met his shoulders. Alex could feel the hand brush his waistline and up under his shirt feeling his back, teeth biting into his lower lip pulling forth a small moan from the blonde before disconnecting.

“I made my move,” Willie said and Alex’s eyes were still closed lips still slightly parted, shoulders slouched, shirt untucked.

“Nice move,” Alex said laughing a little at how dumb that sounded to him.

“Probably one of my best,” Willie said taking Alex’s hand in his own walking again and Alex thought back through his checklist. He doesn’t want it to be another day, he doesn’t need another person to help him, coming out is always easy with Willie, he’s not scared to sing at the top of his lungs especially to the ones he loves.

“I’m fine,” Alex said into the ocean air and Willie hugged him from the side.

“You’re more than fine hotdog, you’re perfect.”

#julie and the phantoms #willie x alex #willie (Julie and the Phantoms)#Alex (Julie and the Phantoms)#carrie&alex #Reggie (Julie and the Phantoms)#julie molina #luke patterson #5+1 fic #give alex a hug #he needs one #original song #homophobic parents #original sister character #cause in like every fic alex has a sister #none of us can agree on a name though #phanfics

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chilling-seavey · 5 years ago

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Anything But Mine (d.s.) - Epilogue

A/N Just because this story has come to an end, doesn’t mean its over! I really love this universe and these characters so feel free to send in concepts or questions or things to keep this world alive if you want to! <3

Friday, October 13th, 2023

“Momma’s not going to be happy with us.” Daniel whispered to the two little girls who were wearing their matching blush pink dresses under white cardigans, their white Mary Janes clicking against the old wooden floors as he rushed them through the hallways.

“Why?” Penelope asked, holding onto his hand, almost needing to run to keep up with him, her sister on his other side.

“We’re late for rehearsal.” Daniel explained, finally reaching the double doors that led into the old library.

“Uh oh.” Clementine gigged quietly.

“You two distracted me.” Daniel bent down to smooth out her wind frazzled hair the best he could.

“Did not!” Clementine stuck her tongue out at him.

“Did to.” Daniel did the same back. Penelope held onto the material of his light blue button up, scuffing her shoe against the floor, staring open mouthed into the library. “Careful, don’t get those dirty.” Daniel whispered, scooping her around the waist to bring her in front of him as well. He adjusted her sweater that was falling off her shoulder but before he could even touch her hair, Clementine had grabbed her sister’s hand and they had run off in a fit of giggles into the library.

“Oh gosh.” Daniel sighed, following quickly after them.

The dark wood paneled room was filled with chatter as their small party sat around various white linen tables in groups of 6. Glass crystal chandeliers hung in rows, casting shimmering light over the room. The girls were clinging onto Florence’s legs in the center of the room when he found them as she tried to speak with one of the employees of the venue.

“There you are!” Florence sighed as Daniel approached. She seemed more relieved than angry at his late arrival and she gladly welcomed his soft apology and a kiss to her cheek.

“Is dinner ready to be served then, miss?” the manager asked, a clipboard in her hands and an earpiece tucked under her curly hair.

“Yes, absolutely.” Florence smiled. “Thank you for waiting.”

The manager walked out of the library as Florence turned to Daniel, “Where were you? We said 5. It’s almost 5:30.”

“I’m sorry. They kept running off when I was trying to get them dressed.” Daniel frowned, bending down to pick up Penelope, setting her on his hip as they headed for the table near the front where Callum, Aidan, Michael, Luke, and Connor sat.

“You better not be late tomorrow, or I might have to beat your ass.” Callum raised an eyebrow at Daniel as he sat Penelope beside him.

“I won’t be. These two are your responsibility tomorrow.” Daniel teased to the table.

“And for the rest of the week!” Aidan added, pulling out the last free chair for Clementine to get on to. She climbed up on her knees, reaching for the glass of apple juice that was already at her place setting.

“You girls behave for uncle Callum.” Florence said, brushing her hands over Penelope’s messy dark hair to try and smooth it down.

“They’ll be fine. Now go to your table before the appetizers come out!” Michael ordered gently, waving them off.

Daniel led her to the table at the center of the room with a gentle hand on her back over the soft material of her burgundy dress. He pulled out her chair for her and she thanked him softly as he sat down beside her.

Seconds later the waiters in all black came rushing into the room with the plates, placing each at a table setting, starting with Daniel and Florence first. They moved around the room to the two the tables with their university friends who finally figured out their busy post-grad schedules for once to make it there. Then they were serving Daniel’s family from Vancouver and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins from around the country. Of course, the two tables of the Clifford’s and Lester’s were next, sat with two of Florence’s old friends from high school. They never really talked since high school graduation, but she was desperate to find someone else to invite.

Her family never responded to her anxiety ridden invitation that was sent a year in advance.

It was probably shredded in a landfill in Los Angeles at that same moment.

It was as if Daniel could sense her sudden onset of sadness as he set his hand over hers on her lap, stopping her from twisting the small diamond around her left ring finger, making her look over at him.

“You haven’t touched your salad.” he said softly, concern washing over his features.

“I know.” Florence sat up straighter, looking down at the sparkling silver cutlery lined up on either side of her charger plate that held her white china bowl of salad. The crystal champagne glass sent little ripples of light over the white linen.

“You would have been miserable if they showed up.” Daniel whispered, tucking his fingers around hers.

“I know.” Florence repeated.

“Tomorrow’s supposed to be a good day. A really good day. It’s better this way, I promise. No stress is allowed.”

“Okay.” Florence smiled softly at him. “No stress.”

Daniel pressed a kiss to her pouted lips.

“Do you remember 5 years ago tomorrow…I told you that I’d marry you?”

“You were drunk when you said that.” Florence scoffed through a teasing eyeroll. “And we had literally just met minutes before.”

“Maybe so. Doesn’t make it a lie though. It came true didn’t it? Look where we are.”

Florence shook her head with disbelief, a smile over her lips, running her thumb over his, “Still can’t believe you wanted anything to do with me. I was like seven months pregnant, sitting alone at a college party.”

“Made you interesting.” Daniel teased. “Who could look away from that virgin mango margarita in your hand.”

“How the hell do you remember what I was drinking?” Florence laughed.

“I remember everything about you.” Daniel shrugged. “I told you…I planned on marrying you.”

“You’re so full of shit, Dani.” Florence chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear with her free hand, her pink cheeks facing the tabletop.

He brought her hand up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her soft skin, “I love you.”

“I love you.” Florence whispered, leaning in to kiss him.

Their moment was interrupted by two small girls wiggling between them, little hands grabbing onto anything they could find to pull themselves onto their laps.

“What are you two doing up here?” Daniel laughed, wrapping his arms around Clementine’s waist to keep her steady.

“Eating.” Clementine giggled, her little sister coping her actions of picking up the silver forks and pretending to feed themselves. She glanced between them to make sure they were watching, laughing at her own antics in the process. The girls’ matching blue eyes seemed to shimmer in the light from the crystal chandeliers, their youthful laughter filling the echoing room admits the chatter.

Daniel glanced over at Florence and his gentle smile sent her heart skipping beats like it always seemed to. Despite the twists that life had thrown at her in the previous years, she finally knew that she was meant to be there. Giving her life to her two girls as she was preparing to marry her best friend the very next day. She really didn’t need her judgemental parents in her life when her real family was sitting right in that room with her. Maybe it wasn’t how Florence had planned on leading her life, but it seemed to all fall into place regardless. She truly couldn’t see herself anywhere else.

#daniel seavey #daniel seavey fanfic #wdw #college!wdw #why dont we #why dont we fanfic #wdw fanfic #jonah marais #jack avery #corbyn besson #zach herron #limelight #writing #daniel seavey imagines #anything but mine

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son-of-alderaan · 5 years ago

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J.J. Abrams is racing.

The director has been tasked with bringing four decades of the most popular and longest-running sci-fi franchise of all time to an epic conclusion. And nowadays he’s feeling a bit like Luke Skywalker flying his X-wing down the Death Star trench in A New Hope as TIE fighters closed in — under a bit of pressure, in other words, with the fate of the entire Star Wars universe depending on him.

“We always knew we were going to have three fewer months to postproduction this film,” says Abrams, who took over co-writing and directing duties on the movie two years ago after successfully rebooting the franchise with 2015’s blockbuster The Force Awakens. “So much is still being worked on. It’s literally a practical race to get it finished.”

If that admission sounds worrisome, hold your fire on those tweets.

Despite a deadline crunch to make the film’s Dec. 20 worldwide launch (EW’s interview was conducted in late October), Abrams says he’s feeling “infinitely better” at this very late stage about The Rise of Skywalker than he was about The Force Awakens.

“We had more reshoots on Episode VII than this one,” Abrams says. “We had more story adjustments on VII than this one. We didn’t know if these characters would work, if the actors would be able to carry a Star Wars movie. There were a lot of things we didn’t know. On this, we knew who and what worked, and everyone is doing the best work I’ve ever seen anyone do. But the ambition of this movie is far greater than Force Awakens. What we set out to do was far more challenging. Everything is exponentially larger on this.”

For example: Disney has released three trailers for The Rise of Skywalker. Some of the shots are stunning and seemingly revealing: desert scavenger–turned–Jedi apprentice Rey (Daisy Ridley) and First Order leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) clashing with lightsabers on the half-submerged wreckage of the second Death Star, which was blown up in Return of the Jedi; Rey facing off against a somehow resurrected Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid); the Millennium Falcon flying into a massive armada of Star Destroyers. Plus, those bewildering teases of Rey turning to the Dark Side and teaming up with Kylo.

Yet Abrams says fans still don’t really know anything. “The [trailers] that have come out are scratching the surface of what the movie is,” the famously spoiler-averse director says.

Asked if there are major action sequences we’ve yet to see any footage from, Abrams replies with a firm “Yes” and then, naturally, goes silent.

John Boyega, who plays stormtrooper–turned–Resistance fighter Finn, says his first reaction to the script penned by Abrams and Chris Terrio was he had to “read the script six more times because there was so much information in there.”

Here’s what we know about how Episode IX begins: It’s been more than a year since the events of 2017’s The Last Jedi. The First Order has decimated the Resistance. Rey has been training to use the Force. Finn and hotshot pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) have been sent by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) to find allies throughout the galaxy, but so far haven’t had any luck. “They’re trying to put bandaids on this leaking ship of the Resistance,” Isaac says.

Their mission leads Finn, Poe, and Rey to work together, which has, oddly, never happened before in the trilogy. And since there’s a time jump, the characters have all grown and changed since we last saw them. “We’re not just a ragtag group of people who have been thrown together,” Isaac says. “We’ve actually had time to train. There are some really great sequences with the three of us in infiltrating spaces.”

Both Isaac and Boyega say they had their character wishes granted for the final film. Isaac wanted Poe to get “out the cockpit and into the group,” while Boyega wanted Finn to become a more capable solider (and not, as the actor candidly puts it, just a “comedic goofy dude who never gets stuff done”).

“I definitely wanted more after Episode VIII,” Boyega says. “[Rise of Skywalker] makes Finn’s Episode VIII arc make more sense. We got to bring out a side of Finn we haven’t seen.”

To help spark the trio’s on-screen chemistry, Abrams told his cast to feel free to improvise dialogue, and many scenes were shot using long, continuous takes to keep their flow going. “J.J. came back with a new energy and new vibe,” Boegya says. “He wanted dialogue to be messy and natural, and that got all of us really excited.”

“I think it really captures the spirit of the original trilogy,” Isaac adds. “On top of that there’s fact that Rey has…“

The actor stops, catching himself before revealing too much.

Rey has… what?

“Rey is driving her own thing,” Ridley says. “She’s not doing what other people are telling her to do.”

We last saw Rey mourning the death of her mentor Luke Skywalker (who returns in the film, presumably in Force ghost form, played once again by Mark Hamill) and shutting the door to Kylo’s power-mad seduction attempt. The heroine has since made progress in her Jedi training. “I have skills that have developed, but ‘confident’ isn’t a word I’d use to describe it,” Ridley says. “She’s definitely more in control of everything and can do new fun stuff, but she’s vulnerable and a little insecure about at all.”

Yet Rey will use more than her Force powers in the new film. As Abrams hints: “The scavenger who is desperate and haggling for portions and trying to survive [in Force Awakens] — those special skills and that special experience ends up being something that is essential to saving the galaxy.”

Ridley trained in kickboxing for the final chapter as well, but says the emotional toll of Rey’s journey was more difficult than any combat scenes. “It’s a heavy story for Rey,” Ridley says. “There were days where I was literally like, ‘I can’t do this, I’m so tired, I don’t know if I can like reach that emotion again.’”

Part of Rey’s journey involves solving the mystery of her identity. Well, again. Kylo revealed in The Last Jedi that Rey’s parents are deceased nobodies, “filthy junk traders [who] sold you off for drinking money.” The line embraced the idea that a hero doesn’t need to come from somebody special in order to be somebody special. Yet many fans called foul as the trilogy has teased Rey’s identity as being crucial information from the start (“Classified?” Rey echoed back to BB-8 during her debut sequence. “Me too. Big secret”).

“The parents thing is not satisfied — for her and for the audience,” Ridley says. “That’s something she’s still trying to figure out — where does she come from?”

It’s unclear if Abrams has made a course correction to Last Jedi writer-director Rian Johnson’s plan or there was always more to say about Rey’s parentage. Either way, wasn’t the Episode VIII scene supposed to be sincere?

“It’s not that she doesn’t believe it,” Ridley says carefully, “but she feels there’s more to the story. And she needs to figure out what’s come before so she can figure out what to do next…”

An even bigger cliffhanger is the resolution of Rey’s complex relationship with the First Order’s ruthless leader, who, okay, sure, also looks hot shirtless in high-waisted pants (but what if he didn’t?). Kylo has grown beyond being a “petulant teenager,” and Driver says Kylo’s killing of Supreme Leader Snoke was “kind of a birth moment for him.”

“He had all of these pseudo father figures that he had to either live up to or literally kill to become his own person for the first time,” the actor says.

Naturally, Kylo’s destiny will lead to at least one lightsaber clash with Rey. Abrams sees the duo as “two sides of the same coin,” noting, “even when they’re not together they still haunt each other in a way — they know they are each other’s unresolved business.”

For his part, Driver rejects any labels for the Rey-Kylo relationship. “I don’t think it’s all one thing,” he says. “Part of the fun of playing it is the boundaries of it keep changing. At times it’s more intimate, sometimes less intimate. Sometimes it’s codependent. And then it’s, obviously, adversarial.”

That Rey and Kylo end up battling on the wreckage of the second Death Star continues Abrams’ penchant for showcasing ruined relics of the original trilogy — like Rey spelunking in a wrecked Star Destroyer and living in an AT-AT walker on Jakku in Force Awakens. “It felt like going into the haunted house, the place that you have to go to,” Abrams says of bringing back the iconic space station. “This is a story of people having to grapple with the burden the prior generation dumps on those that follow. So literally returning to this wreck of the past and having to fight it out felt like an obvious metaphor, but also felt incredibly cinematic.”

Of course, there’s another original trilogy fallen icon in the film too. Fisher died after filming The Last Jedi. Figuring out how to utilize Fisher’s previously deleted scenes in the new movie was one of Abrams’ biggest challenges. “Saying Leia had passed away, or that she was off somewhere else, felt like a cheat,” Abrams says. “Then I remembered we had these scenes that we hadn’t used from Episode VII. It was like finding this impossible answer to this impossible question. Suddenly we had classic Carrie in these amazing moments. So when you see in the movie, it’s her, she’s there. It’s not like there’s some crazy digital trickery. She’s just in the movie.”

A couple of other original trilogy characters are likewise integral. Billy Dee Williams is back as that ol’ pirate Lando Calrissian for the first time in live action since Return of the Jedi. Williams says he’s excited to return to the character despite enduring fans coming up to him for decades accusing him of betraying Han Solo. “The whole Star Wars experience feels like it never goes away; It’s always there,” Williams says. “There are all of these things that have happened in Lando’s life that he’s got to resolve.”

There’s also paranoid android C-3PO, who in the latest Skywalker trailer ominously says he’s taking a “last look” at his friends. Threepio is essential to a movie’s plot for the first time since A New Hope (Ridley points out Rey might spend more time with Threepio than any character in the film).

“In previous recent movies Threepio has just been kind of window dressing, something on the mantlepiece, you polish it and dust it o when guests are coming,” says Anthony Daniels, who has played the golden droid’s body and voice in every Skywalker Saga movie. “J.J. and Chris came up with this aspect of Threepio we had not seen before that’s remarkably clever. They go down deep into ancient Star Wars and came up with something refreshingly new.”

Joining Threepio in the metal headgear club is newcomer to the saga Keri Russell. Despite having worked with Abrams for years on Felicity, the actress found herself escorted to a small room where she could only read the Skywalker script under watchful guard. Her character is Zorii Bliss, who’s “involved in some intimate, sketchy stuff” and wears a large brass-and-crimson Daft Punk-like helmet.

“For a shy person this is my ultimate dream job — I get to be in Star Wars and my face is covered,” Russell marvels. “I can see everyone and no one can see me. Though I now have giant throbbing neck muscles like Mr. T.”

There’s also newcomer Naomi Ackie portraying Jannah, a bow-and-arrow-wielding warrior who rides a horse-like creature called an Orbak. Real animals were used on set, and until you’ve ridden a horse dressed up like exotic alien across the surface of the Death Star you haven’t really lived. “I was just gobsmacked,” Ackie says of the experience. “Every day you’re grappling with the fact that every choice you make in a small moment is going to be broadcast to the entire world.”

While the film is introducing new characters, Abrams insists Rise of Skywalker won’t set up a future story. He’s not leaving loose threads for Disney to hang another trilogy directly onto the back of this one. Lucas’ original dream of an intergalactic tale about a farm boy from Tatooine is at last about to set — just like those dreamy twin suns collapsing into the desert. “It’s a very good ending, and a good ending feels right,” Daniels says simply.

And yet, in another way, the final Skywalker Saga film is very much about the future of the franchise. Star Wars will continue to exist in an omniscient Force-like fashion, in everything from toys to TV shows to videogames to theme parks, but new movies have always been the brand’s creative core. Since buying Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney’s movies in a galaxy far, far away peaked early at the box office with Force Awakens and sunk to their lowest level with the most recent entry, 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story.

At one point during our interview, Abrams declares, “the stakes are all or nothing with this film.” He was referring to its high-stakes story line, but the same could also be said about the franchise. Even if we never see Rey, Finn and Poe on screen again, Rise of Skywalker’s popularity will likely make an impact on Disney’s next studio moves — guiding like a fallen Jedi or Sith’s unseen hand.

Speaking of: There’s at least one key player we haven’t discussed. Palpatine’s return may be the most closely guarded story line in the film. How is the Emperor, who Vader tossed into the Death Star’s reactor core, back in a seemingly corporeal form?

“This has been a very long chess match that’s been played between the Jedi and the Sith — all the way back to the very beginning,” Issac teases. “It’s an amazing thing to see that really come to the forefront.”

The Rise of Skywalker might very well turn out to be a full-fledged reunion special of Force ghosts. And what are the rules that govern the Jedi and Sith spirit realm anyway? Obi-Wan Kenobi said in Empire Strikes Back that he “cannot interfere” with Luke’s fight with Vader. But in The Last Jedi, Yoda suddenly called down a lightning strike. What can Force ghosts do — and not do — in our world?

Abrams’ reply to that key question is pretty much what you’d expect.

“That’s probably best answered,” the director says, “by not answering it.”

#star wars tros #entertainment weekly #j.j. abrams #daisy ridley #adam driver #john boyega #oscar isaac #billy dee williams #keri russell #anthony daniels #naomi ackie #long post

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pacificwanderer · 5 years ago

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Whole bunch of anons about “leaks” etc. So, don’t read under the cut if that’s not your jam :) Also, as an aside, I’m going out on a limb here (not really lol) and am gonna say that I think the recent bout of “leaks” are actually speculation based on “toy leaks,” that is, the short phrases on the backs of packaging and nothing more (as in, sure, they’re leaks, but not “plot” leaks from some mole in DLF). Hence, the reason the “leaks” are all over the place and shift around everytime confirmed information (trailers, etc) gets released.

Many retailers get product for major releases weeks in advance (I know because I used to work at one lol), so if they have endcap resets coming up, they’ll get a whole big product display for a specific endcap. If they want displays around the store, they’ll send bulkouts with product. DLF has huge sections in major retailers, so the square footage they need to cover with product is insane. I can only imagine what gets shipped early to them (and I suspect staff who don’t have overnight crews end up doing a hell of a lot of setup prior to their major releases).

Case in point, Walmarts were selling TRoS toys up until a few days ago because they were mistakenly marked for sale (they’re not supposed to be out till Force Friday in October). Once they caught on, they shifted the skus back to whatever bucket they should have been in (and customers weren’t allowed to buy them after that point).

Anyways, makes a whole shitton of sense now that I think about it and is another great reason why you should always take “plot leaks” with a grain of salt because, for the most part, they’re just speculation masquerading as “leaks.” Contrary to popular belief, most people aren’t willing to lose their jobs to get internet points with random strangers. But taking a quick peek at the back of a retail box? That’s more believable (though can still get people fired, so be careful toy leakers).

Remember when MSW spoiled all the Reylo scenes in the Last Jedi? Oh wait... *checks notes* they didn't report on... any of them?

Remember also how they had no idea about Dark Rey, or Palpatine, and seem to conveniently forgotten half of the cast this time around SO FUNNY how that happens.

Not that I believe MSW but I like this new update from them: "If this rumor is accurate in the way I've heard it described, it sets the tone of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hard and fast. This movie is about saving Ben Solo and bringing Rey into the fold."

So, they’ve gone from “there’s something between them, but it’s not love” for tlj (which was wrong, by the way lol there’s totally love between them if you’re not looking to miss it), to she’s gonna kill him, to he’s gonna try to kill her, to she’s going to save him and also become a part of his family? Sounds like backtracking after the latest comic got released and it was revealed that Ben was, indeed, abused by Snoke (WHOEVER COULD HAVE SEEN THAT COMING, Oh wait. The entirety of the Reylo fandom).

The idea or the “leak” that has Ben personally telling Rey that she is a Palpatine after what he said in TLJ is so stupid and nonsensical. Like if Kylo really wanted her by his side in TLJ then he should have said that her heritage is of the Sith or the Dark Side and that’s what comvinces her to follow that “destiny” or something. JJ did said that IX is not gonna retcon what happened in TLJ so I find this leaks hard to believe but who knows what the hell happens in IX. Anything can happen.

It’s nonsensical to believe that any dialogue at all has made its way out lol. Set descriptions, I could get. But actual dialogue? LOL GTFO. But you’re right, how much more convincing would it be to be all “YOU’RE EVIL, JUST LIKE ME! LET’S BE EVIL TOGETHER!” I mean, that’d be a conversation I’d wanna try first lol.

MSW: “...I do seem to remember first hearing of the flashback sequence [Leia and Luke training] and it being a secret location within Pinewood Studios itself.” A ‘secret location’?! If it was so “secretive” then how the fuck do you know about this?! Also how the hell do you know the context of the scene already when we know they are still editing the film and the script was too guarded?! How the hell do you know what the characters are talking about?!

All of the above, and honestly, how much do they really have of Carrie? I know some resistance scenes were cut out with her, and maybe some Maz stuff, but training Rey? When she herself didn’t want to train to be a Jedi? Really??? Iirc, Luke offered to train her and she was like nah? I’ll have to check on that. Leia’s connection with the Force has always been instinctual in the movies, so... It’s more believable that 3PO could train her lol what with all the shit he’s seen/helping her read the Jedi texts. Yeah, super secret, SO SECRET that random dude bros on the iternet found out about it!!!

It's funny how half the fandom thinks Rey is Luke's daughter because of MSW and no one is paying attention to to the fact that Disney/Lucasfilm have been defending Rey Nobody *and* they have allowed multiple people from the cast and crew to joke about Rey and Kylo being sexually attracted to one another. And then there is John Williams who shows Reylo scenes on the screen when he performs Han and Leia's love theme live in front of thousands of attendees who aren't even into shipping, lol.

Lol people still believe that? Man, it’s 2019. Reylo is real.

Do you think it's possible for Ben to have a convincing redemption if he he were to bring Palpatine back? I was already a bit disappointed that the Sithtroopers respond to him and the Knights of Ren but if he intentionally brings Sheev back it just seems like it'll be more difficult to convince the audience that he's worthy of redemption? I would like this movie to focus on him making good decisions for once, instead of bad ones until a last minute good one like Vader.

There’s nothing that’s going to happen to the Emperor that’s going to happen by accident. Period. He’s had plans working in the background the entire time, so if he comes back, it’s because he wants to come back, not because some accident on Ben’s part made it happen. Honestly, don’t pay attention to leaks that are basically rephrasing box text that says “yeah, kylo should be the most powerful person in the galaxy, but really he’s just fucking around like always, looking for answers to Force questions when he should be focusing on taking over the galaxy” which says to me that he never really did want to take over the galaxy. At all. He has it all, literally, and he’s still not finding what he wants. Which means he still has some exploring to do. Makes sense to me given how sad he looked at the end ot TLJ. These “leaks” also don’t really take into account that we’ve seen Kylo on that desert planet, like why is he there? What’s going on? Honestly, we know a whole lot of nothing about this movie and I’m sure the “leaks” will shift (again, just like they did last time) once the actual trailer gets dropped. Try not to worry about it :)

Hey so I'm kinda confused right now about some supposed "leaks"? Apparently its been "confirmed" by Lucasfilms that Kylo himself is resurrecting Palpatine? I saw some Reylos on twitter saying that Kylo was going to uncover secrets of the dark side and that it would lead to Palps being resurrected. I don't really keep up with leaks or extra material like comics so I'm kinda lost here. Do you know any thing about this? It just doesn't make sense to me why Kylo would do any of what was said?

It absolutely was not confirmed that he brings back palpatine, some box text on the back of his black series figure says, “As Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren wields more power than ever before. Nevertheless, Ren continues to search for secrets of the Force from the depths of the dark side.” So, secrets from the Force, doesn’t say shit about palpatine but they’re jumping to conclusions because it “confirms” (in their mind) recent “leaks” (which I actually think are rephrased speculation based on TOY leaks) that speculate he’s looking for Palpatine. Why he’d trade one asshole master for another is beyond me given that he wanted to burn it all down at the end of TLJ. I’m gonna wait till I see the trailer/read more comics/official sources of info, before bothering with this sort of thing. These “leakers” didn’t say shit about Palps returning before his laugh at the end of the first teaser, so they didn’t know shit about it and are only speculating NOW. The only person I saw predict Palp’s return was Wayward Jedi, which was speculation proven to be right.

Cheers all!

#sw leaks #sw spoilers #tros leaks #tros spoilers #epix leaks #epix spoilers #asks and answers #a bunch #anonymous asks #ask pacificwanderer #tros speculation

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nigel-twycross · 5 years ago

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Darling, It’s Cold Outside

October 29th, 1980

@lukeselwynx

Nigel:

Nigel needed a bit of an escape. By now, he felt as though the death eaters were breathing down his neck for his help and support in their planning of the next moves. There were people from the Order who were definitely onto him now, and getting more suspicious by the minute. As much as he tried to stay calm and ignore the looks he would get from various people lately, Nigel could only handle so much of it before he had had enough. Getting away for even just one night felt like more of a solution than cooping himself up in his flat forever just because he was afraid of possible consequences.

Pulling on a light jacket, Nigel stuffed his frigid hands into warm wooly pockets. The air was crisp this time of year, which often made his hands feel dry if they were exposed for too long. Still, he wanted to get a night out in the cool fresh air. The park was his favorite area to roam on clear nights like this, so that he could sit and look at the stars. However, as he was walking along, he noticed a male lounging on a park bench shivering. Walking over to him, the blond stared down in wonder. "Aren't you cold?" His voice was soft, curious, as he tipped his head to the side and waited for a response. "Clear night, though. Only a few clouds tonight."

Luke:

Luke stared up at the stars, finding the small details interesting - like how he couldn't look directly at them, because they would almost disappear from sight. Instead, he had to look at them almost in his peripheral vision, as difficult as that was for him to do. He had just started to make out one particular star when his vision was obstructed by someone standing over him.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but he blinked a few times and then squinted to see. This was someone he...recognized? Or maybe not. He had slightly common features? Luke had seen so many people through the years that all the faces started to blur together. Even if paying attention in the meetings for Death Eaters, he had a hard time picking out anyone on the street. "It's... a bit chilly. Yes," he admitted quietly, starting to sit up to better greet this person. "Yeah, that's true... The stars are easier to see and there isn't so much light pollution out here..." To be polite, he moved over for the other, not wanting to seem greedy. "I just needed to get away for a while..."

Nigel:

One thing that Nigel could say was his special talent other than his knack for healing, was his ability to recognize people extremely well. It only ever took him a few tries to memorize names, even less for faces. If he saw someone twice, almost always during that second meeting he would remember them. He knew this male, that much he knew for sure. Nigel was almost positive he knew his name, too, but held onto that information for a little while longer. Getting it wrong would be embarrassing. More so than guessing.

Nigel couldn't help but laugh as he inevitably gave in, and agreed that it was cold outside. Scrunching his nose as he chuckled, he took a seat beside him now, that there was room. "Small talk isn't exactly my forte, so excuse me if I start asking you intrusive questions. I like getting to know people," he smiled sweetly, looking over at the male. "Plus, I'm a healer, so it's natural." Letting a moment of silence fall between them as his eyes teetered up to the sky, a soft chuckle escaped Nigel's lips. "Me too. Sometimes I feel like getting away more than I feel like staying around. Guess that means I'm probably doing something wrong, hm?" With a slight smile tugging at his lip, Nigel looked back over at him. "What are you running from?"

Luke:

At first, Luke wasn't sure what to expect from this man. He seemed to recognize him somehow - Luke could see it in the man's eyes. But he might have been too polite to say anything.

The man's smile was nice. Innocent. Even as he mentioned asking questions, Luke didn't feel too worried. It was nothing he wasn't already used to. "A healer? That's probably useful I'd say. Sounds neat." His own tired eyes searched the man's features. He was handsome.

"It doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. I can speak from experience. Sometimes it just means you're with the wrong people, you know?" Luke's heart raced at the question, trying to decide what to say - the truth, or something not quite the same as truth. "I'm... I'm just running. From my past, and from feeling insecure and...sometimes fans, honestly... but most of the time I feel like I don't know who I am anymore. Like I'm just losing myself..." It was a lot to throw at a stranger but he felt an odd relief from doing so.

Nigel:

Knowing how to heal others was one of the greatest gifts Nigel could think of. He’d always found it to be an admirable profession that didnt get nearly enough praise as it should. “It is, for sure. My mother has a lot of experience in the field.” Even if Nigel had been sure that he knew the man, he was hesitant to admit that his mother was a muggle.

Letting out a laugh, Nigel ran a hand through his hair. “That’s nice of you to say. I guess you might have a point.” Of course he had a point, just like Han and Henry and Gilderoy and Miriam had points. Nigel couldn’t convince himself that anyone was right. There were so many voices in his head that he hardly knew which to listen to. When the male said he was simply just running, Nigel nodded in understanding. “Everyone feels insecure at times. Even the most confident people,” he assured him.

Giving the moment space to breathe, Nigel turned to him a bit more, tipping his head to the side. “Luke, right? You left Hogwarts early, did music for a while. Now you’re back.” And part of the Death Eater allegiance, but he refrained from mentioning that for now. “Let me see your hands, they must be cold.” He had been shivering earlier, and one thing that Nigel had learned from being cold quite often was how to charm his pockets to warm his hands when they were tucked away. Motioning for Luke’s, he held them in his own a moment to warm them up. “Maybe you need to do a bit of self discovery...”

Luke: Luke smiled at the other. Healing was something special, something that only certain people could have the personality to do. Not everyone could handle it, either emotionally or mentally, or physically... Luke was one of the people who would never dream of doing that kind of job. On the other hand, though, he was also in a bit of a mood. He felt conflicted and lost, and emotionally drained. So he knew for a fact he wasn't showing off his gratitude properly for the kinds of thing this man might be able to do, the number he could save.

"It's a point for sure... I need to follow my own advice... I always let people walk all over me and I feel like... I don't know, I just never feel satisfied you know? I never feel like I do great things anymore. I used to feel accomplished and secure and... Now it's cold, and I haven't been back to my flat in days, and I'm sitting on a bench staring at the stars with... well, you," he paused to laugh. It was pleasant to hear someone recognized him from Hogwarts, and not necessarily from the music scene alone. "Yeah... I'm Luke. I'm sorry, I'm so bloody horrible with names I... I know you from somewhere, I know I do but... Well, Hogwarts probably, right? And...well, you know..." Death Eaters, he wanted to say, but he knew he shouldn't. Not aloud.

He was glad it was dark enough out that the other couldn't really see how his cheeks flushed. He wasn't sure why he was blushing at a time like this. The man offered to warm his hands, that was all. It wasn't a huge deal. And his hands were very warm. The touch was calming and stabilizing. For a moment he didn't even mind that he was essentially holding another man's hands. "Self discovery, yeah... I thought I'd be done with that after traveling the world and... joining a group that might have made me feel like I belonged, and... I don't know. I'm young still, I know, but... I suppose I had hoped the time of self discovery would be over. I still don't know how to talk to girls, even. Certainly don't know how to date, or even maintain friendship really..."

Nigel:

Nigel listened without commentary for the most part, as he normally liked to take in everything that someone was saying before making a judgement on what to say back. However something about his recollection of the past few days caught the blond’s attention. “Have you just been wandering around outside? That’s a sure fire way to catch a cold,” Nigel warned, hoping he’d take him seriously.

“Not that I don’t enjoy stargazing with strangers,” he started. “But you should probably reconsider how often you’re out here at this time. Especially in this weather.” Nigel didn’t hold it against him in the slightest that Luke didn’t remember his name -if he had known it at all. It wasn’t as if Nigel was Mr. Outgoing either. “Nigel,” he answered with a smile. “Hogwarts definitely. And yes.” It didn’t need to be said for them to understand the silent communication.

Perhaps it was Nigel’s eyes playing tricks on him, though he could have sworn that he saw a hint of blush in the male’s cheeks as he took his hands. That wasn’t uncommon, though it was cute on Luke. Nigel said nothing more as they sat there. “Maybe you need a simpler method. Pick a bunch of activities to do at home and see which you like. Meditation, candle lighting...” Giving a shrug, Nigel kept thinking. “Imagine you’re talking to a guy, then. Would that help?” It was a hopeful question, though Nigel hadn’t given away why, attempting to sneak it by and see how Luke would react.

Luke:

Luke couldn't help but laugh softly at the other. He took his concern seriously, of course, but it was funny coming from the other, like a parental warning of sorts. He nodded in confirmation, not exactly proud that he'd been wandering outside for a good while, and intended to continue for a while yet. "It doesn't bother me too much. This weather, I mean."

Nigel. That was the name. Now it sounded familiar, too. In some ways, he felt like he could have guessed it - but that was a name he figured he would never have guessed. "Hogwarts came first, I definitely thought it was that." He listened to the other's suggestions, trying to let them sink in despite the fact that none of them really stuck. They just didn't have that appeal he was looking for. "Well I mean, I haven't spoken to girls in a romantic context, but I can talk to them normally I think? Guys, you know, there's not really--... I mean, maybe?" He started to realize that he was overthinking it - or at least, he thought he was overthinking it. Surely, it wasn't a hint? No, no, Nigel was just trying to help. His heart raced and his cheeks flushed darker. He suddenly didn't know how to explain that it all depended on whether the person he was speaking with was flirting, regardless of male or female. Nothing sounded right in his head. "I... No, I don't think it's helping," he laughed nervously, unable to meet the other's eyes. It had been perfectly simple before, but now he couldn't help but look at Nigel in a flirty way and that ruined it. Now his tongue was tied, his lips pursed shut. He didn't move his hands, though.

Nigel:

Nigel met new people fairly regularly since he worked at St Mungos, but he much preferred meeting people in normal settings like this. He had never been one to prefer small talk though Nigel was good at it; you had to be, when you worked with people. Here they were, talking about the weather while looking up at partly cloudy skies and bright shimmering stars. That was the most muggle thing that Nigel could think of. “Well that’s good, then.” He could have badgered the male about how he really should be taking better care of himself else he get a cold, but he didn’t want to lecture.

Laughing warmly at the way Luke started to trip over his words, Nigel scrunched his nose slightly. It wasn’t that he was laughing at him, but rather admiring how flustered he seemed to be as he thought it was quite cute. “Talking to anyone normally is a proper way to start.” Not everyone enjoyed or felt entirely comfortable with flirting right off the bat. Done correctly, it could be extremely successful. Despite it being dark, the flush in the male’s cheeks deepening became extremely noticeable now, to which he hoped Luke didn’t feel as embarrassed as he looked. “Well... Do you think,” Nigel hesitated, wanting to word his question carefully. “That maybe, you could like both men and women? In a romantic sense?”

Luke:

Luke couldn't help but wonder how in the world he had landed himself here, in this conversation that always seemed to make him flustered. He hadn't spoken about this since being on tour, and now here he was chatting away with a stranger about things he rarely spoke about. Like it was nothing.

"I can talk to people normally, I mean... I have to. It's literally a major part of my career. But the aspect of really trying to flirt with someone is... daunting at best and I lose my way with words--" Then Nigel suggested that maybe it wasn't only women that made his heart race and his eyebrows raised a bit, both in surprise and consideration. He had never really considered that before - it was never something his parents would have approved of, and so he never gave it too much thought. But the fact was, he was sitting there blushing over a cute guy talking and holding his hands. He hadn't really allowed himself to go down that track, but he just realized the track instead moved on him and he found himself standing at the end of the path forced with a decision. Acknowledgment, or denial.

"I... don't know? I think so... maybe? I've had some men flirt with me but I was always on the road. It never would have worked so I...never really... entertained that idea..." He looked at Nigel, meeting his eye briefly before nervously chuckling and looking down.

Nigel:

Having always been raised to be comfortable talking about his feelings, Nigel could understand if not everyone shared his experience. He wouldn't ever want to push someone into talking about something that caused them anxiety or discomfort, which was why he was being so careful with his words, as to not upset the man. "Well that's good, then," he replied, trying to reassure him and make him feel a bit better.

Nigel was no cupid. He could flirt when he wanted to, but the act of someone flirting with him made him turn a bright shade of red. Coincidentally, not far from the flush in Luke's cheeks that he was seeing now. Perhaps they had more in common than he originally thought. "Conversing with someone in that matter can be tricky," he agreed, nodding his head. "You never know how it's going to end up. Then again, a normal conversation could be looked at the same way. I'm not saying that to scare you out of talking to people," Nigel chuckled. "But when you think about it, talking to strangers could go well, or horribly wrong, if they don't know your style of conversation. Even friends sometimes misunderstand each other."

It wasn't all that surprising to hear that men had flirted with him in the past. He was attractive, for starters. Nigel could certainly admit that. "Maybe you should consider it. It doesn't have to be now, but... in the future. I guess, just don't close it off entirely." Realizing he was still holding Luke's hands, Nigel gave a warm smile and slowly slipped out of them. "So... Mr. Musician, hm? What do you play?" A subject change seemed to be overdue at this point, and he didn't want to embarrass Luke any further.

Luke:

Luke laughed softly and bit his bottom lip, looking away for a moment. He was still processing this conversation. For a brief moment, he felt like maybe he could work at it now - right at this second, right here. It wasn't like he was doing anything else with his life anyway. But he quickly understood he was too nervous for that, and it only became slightly worse as the other pulled his hands away. Now, his hands felt cold...and empty. It wasn't to his liking, that much was for sure.

"I don't think I would close it off, not entirely..." he mumbled, nearly down to a whisper level. Why was he breathless all of a sudden? That was random. After blinking a few times to gain focus again, he smiled at the man and returned his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Hmm? Oh! I play piano. I can mess around on a few other instruments, but piano is my main one. And singing." It took him a moment to realize that the topic had changed so greatly, and he looked over. "Nigel? Have you ever... I dunno, been with someone? I mean, romantically, for any amount of time? Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person I know who hasn't. Never. Not even once."

Nigel:

Nigel had taken Luke's nervousness as a sign that perhaps he wasn't ready to talk about this further. Really, he wasn't even sure at this point how they had started in the first place, but it was an interesting topic to bring up between people who've just met. Then again, they had met before, likely, in passing at school. Though Nigel wouldn't call that knowing someone. Getting to know Luke on a more personal level after this night sounded like something he would be interested in, however. Perhaps even helping him build up his confidence.

The level of volume in the male's voice had dropped significantly, to which Nigel took that as a sign that a subject shift was a good call. His eyes lit up however when he mentioned piano. "Really? I play as well. Have since I was little." He could sing, too, but not likely to the caliber that Luke could. Besides, he was much more self conscious about his voice than his ability to play beautiful music. "My best friend plays the guitar. She's quite good." Before they could continue their conversation about music, it seemed that Luke was backtracking. Suddenly his question made Nigel blush, and his eyes widened a bit, taken aback. "Oh, erm... Well..."

He ran a hand through his hair awkwardly, trying to come up with the right words. "Not until very recently, actually." Conveniently enough, he avoided mentioning how complicated the situation was, considering the person he had slept with had a girlfriend, but their relationship was a bit open. "You're not the only person who hasn't, I can promise you that." Realizing that he could have meant several different things, Nigel opened his mouth to speak, inhaling sharply though no words came out right away. "Do you— I mean, do you mean you haven't been with someone intimately, or, haven't even kissed anyone? Sorry, I just, that was a bit vague..."

Luke:

Luke now noticed that Nigel had a blush on his own cheeks, which both made him feel better because he now wasn't alone, and made him feel more nervous. Maybe he had overstepped, a bit. He inhaled deeply and let it out, realizing that his breath was visible in the frigid air. He felt bad for changing the topic back, in a way, but at the same time he felt like if he hadn't, he never would have gone through with the conversation. "I mean... I've not had a real kiss... not a meaningful one with a person I was actually interested in, and... I guess, yeah, I've kissed some people, but it was stupid tour stuff. Like, truth or dare, or bets with other mates, or... I-I dunno. If you don't count that stuff, I've never even really had a first kiss... Certainly have never been with someone intimately, that's for sure," he laughed. "I just... I dunno." He couldn't say it. It wouldn't come out. You're cute, I'm cute, let's make out was something that he'd NEVER be able to say (especially since he never considered himself such, anyway).

With a defeated sigh, mixed with a strained chuckle, he shook his head like perhaps they could drop it. He was genuinely interested in the fact that Nigel played the piano as well. Maybe he should focus on that. "I played since I was little, too. I sang all the time and my parents pushed it, wanted me to pursue it...after school, of course."

Nigel:

Apparently Nigel had judged wrong when he had made the assumption that Luke was uncomfortable talking about it. At least, he wasn't entirely uncomfortable. It seemed more and more clear by the minute that he wanted to talk about it, but maybe he was just nervous, or scared of judgement. That was something Nigel could completely understand. If he wanted to talk about it more, Nigel was willing to, though he wasn't sure if they should be out here much longer.

It was a bit shocking to hear that Luke had never had a proper first kiss. Then again, first kisses were always awkward anyway, in his experience. No one ever knew what they were doing, and it was downright impossible to get it perfect. "I mean, I suppose that counts. You've gotten it out of the way, then, so when you do fancy someone enough to kiss them, you'll at least have a bit of experience." Having only kissed people because you'd been dared to however couldn't be the most rewarding experience. Unless you did have a bit of a crush on whoever you were kissing. For Nigel however that would have just made him anxious. "I don't think that's a bad thing at all." Nigel hadn't either, until a few months ago.

"Right, after school. That must be why you finished early, right?" After a moment, Nigel spoke again. "We don't have to avoid the other subject, if you want to keep talking about it," he offered, in a softer voice. "I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable." Some things were more private in conversation, so he hadn't wanted Luke to disclose anything he wasn't ready to share, either. "We could go somewhere else to talk? So we're out of the cold."

Luke:

Luke had to focus on breathing. There was something about the way Nigel was attempting to keep up with him (obviously an impossible feat, without the ability to read minds) that was absolutely endearing. He had to keep from laughing when the other described him as 'experienced', though. The kisses he shared with other people were always little more than pecks on the lips. He didn't know that he would call himself such. "I just... I dunno, I hate feeling lonely." He looked out at a patch of grass, zoning out for a moment. "Yeah. It was why I left early - had to work hard so that I could be 'properly educated' and still chase the dream..."

He looked over to Nigel again, recognition in his eyes. So the other noticed just how awkward he felt, after all. At the same time though, he wanted to talk this out. It wasn't like he had many people to vent this kind of information out to, anyway. "I make myself uncomfortable. You don't need to worry." He offered a small grin before letting his own eyes dart to Nigel's. His eyes were pretty - he might even be able to get lost in them for a while. "Oh! Right! Sorry, you must be freezing. Do you know somewhere? Or, we're sort of near my flat--"

Nigel:

"I think everyone does, to an extent." Sure, he knew plenty of people that liked being on their own, but being on your own wasn't the same as being lonely. He highly doubted there were many people -if any- that never got lonely. Nigel was the sort of person who not only craved physical attention from others but had almost always had access to it, so to be deprived of it, that made him feel lonely. The loneliest he had ever felt was that month between he and Henry's relationship where they had been fighting.

Offering him a small smile, Nigel chuckled. "Has that dream been chased to death? Or are you still making things work?" He always wondered if that sort of life was really what people expected, before going into it. Whether they truly enjoyed it, or if it was overrated. "That's sort of what I do, worry," he confessed with a laugh. Their eyes locked onto one another's for a moment, which made Nigel's smile a bit more genuine and infatuated, a light blush creeping back onto his cheeks that he would blame on the brisk autumn air. "A bit, yeah..."

When Luke mentioned being near his flat, Nigel figured that might be best. "We can go there, if you don't mind. I'm alright with that." It gave them privacy, and perhaps Luke would feel more at home there. More comfortable. "Should we apparate or walk? Up to you, I don't mind either."

Luke:

Luke shrugged, truly uncertain. It was difficult to say, really. "I don't think it was chased to death," he sighed. "Just...to sleep. It needed a break. I'm trying to find some sort of inspiration, some way to get back into it... but so far, no luck. The war and everything has just made it nearly impossible for me to really focus on it." At the worry comment, he couldn't help but let his grin spread wide across his face. "I can't blame you for that. I'm the same. It's almost all I do."

He stood up, but stayed close - both to the bench and to Nigel. "No, of course! We can definitely go back. You can stay the night, I've got a guest bedroom, and... Sorry-- bit strong, erm... I don't get guests over often enough." He scratched the back of his head nervously, trying to brush it all off with a smile. "We can apparate! Here--" He held his hand out for the other to take, then pop!

The room was nearly pitch black, which shouldn't have come as a surprise to him, but alas - he was never there, and it didn't cross his mind until now. "Oh, Merlin-- Hold on, let me grab my wand and-- Oh!" There was a crash that sounded to him like his piano bench toppling over. "Lumos!" The light revealed a spacious living room area with great windows that would normally view the outside world, only the curtains were drawn. There was a piano, a record player, dozens of records lining the wall, and big comfy furniture. Behind them was the kitchen, which came into view once Luke properly turned the lights on, and past the kitchen was the bedroom area. "Sorry about the mess... Clutter and such. Not around much really..." Now his blush was perfectly visible. "Would you...like a cup of tea? I could put a kettle on, and... well, I mean, we could warm up."

Nigel:

On one hand, it was sort of endearing how excited Luke seemed to be over having someone come visit his flat. While he wasn’t used to such immediate no-questions-asked hospitality other than at St Mungos, it came as a bit of a shock. However, it wasn’t enough to completely scare him away. “No, no, that’s alright. I mean, it might have been a bit strong, but that’s alright,” Nigel smiled softly to reassure him.

How quick Luke was to take his hand was surprising, but Nigel took it firmly and held tight as they disappeared from the park and wound up in a pitch black room. “Careful! Should I- oh, you’ve got it.” What came to view with the lights on was not what he had expected, but it was rather nice. Looking around, he didn’t think it was messy as Luke probably saw it, though he wasn’t sure. “Don’t apologize, really. I feel like I’m hardly ever home either.”

Taking the time to walk around a bit, Nigel couldn’t help but appreciate all of the details in the flat. He almost missed the question as he wandered around. “Hm? Oh, that would be nice, actually, yes. I would love some.” Nigel stripped of his jacket, laying it over the back of a chair. “This is a really nice flat. Where are you usually off to, if not here?”

Luke:

The flat was simple, which was how Luke liked it, but it was also spacious. Two or three people could easily live here together and not feel as though they were bumping into each other all the time. Perhaps that was a double-edged sword though, because the space also reminded Luke constantly of how empty he felt. "I...yeah, I feel like I'm never around. Actually this might be my first time back in...three days, this time?" he mumbled to himself.

He ran to the kitchen, which thankfully wasn't really walled off so he could continue conversation with Nigel as he prepared tea. They were half-walls, and he could see straight into the living room. "My mother always gave me a stern talking to when I didn't do the full shebang for tea. So I suppose it's only habit for me to get a tray going and everything." He flourished his wand this way and that while he grabbed other things here and there, the kettle starting to whistle. Meanwhile, small teacups and dishes for milk and sugar floated to the tray. Once he grabbed the kettle off the stove, he placed it on the tray and placed the strainer with tea leaves inside. He pulled the tray off the counter, bringing it to the coffee table in the living room and sitting on the couch. "We just have to wait for it to steep-- How strong do you like yours?"

It wasn't long before Luke was shrugging his own jacket off, placing it on the back of a couch and slipping his shoes off under the table. He made himself comfortable, expecting Nigel to do the same, pulling his legs up and crossing them on the cushions. "Thanks. I-I dunno, I normally just...go places to get away from here, honestly. It's a terribly lonely feeling when it gets quiet, and night falls, and... I mean, knowing I'm here alone..."

Nigel:

Nigel felt a bit bad for Luke, though he understood where the male was coming from. It must be hard to live in such a large place by oneself, especially if you craved the company of other people. Whilst Luke had run to start the tea, Nigel slowly made his way into the kitchen, running his fingers over the walls as he did so. "Your mother sounds like a proper lady," he teased, chuckling softly. "I don't think my mum is as educated in tea making. But she does enjoy a good cup."

Watching as Luke worked, Nigel joined him in the kitchen, leaning up against the counter. Had they been in his flat, he would have hopped up, though he didn't want to seem rude on his first visit. It had just become a natural habit for him over the years considering he was short for a male. He would have offered to help, but it seemed that the wizard had everything under control, to which Nigel decided to make his way back to the living room. "Normally I might say the stronger the better, but somewhere in the middle sounds all right, tonight."

Mimicking Luke's body position as they sat down, Nigel folded his hands in his lap, listening as the man spoke. "I can imagine." A hesitant pause filled the air before Nigel opened his mouth again. "You've never considered getting a roommate? What about your bandmates? Or, sorry... perhaps they don't live around here. Unless you've done most of your work on your own." Nigel wasn't really sure how Luke's music life faired, but he would have assumed that there were people he would have met along the way that he perhaps stayed in contact with.

Luke:

"Oh, she is. Very proper. Which is sort of odd? Because it wasn't like she came from money or anything. I think actually she wasn't wealthy at all growing up, and she ended up being just like her mother, who was the same way - had to have everything put together just right, had to make everything look as fancy as possible. Even if it was kind of fake, in a sense. She had to have the house tidy, had to teach us proper manners, all that..." Luke shook his head like he didn't really understand any of it, but it was just his way of life. He'd come to accept it a long time ago.

Once it had seemed like enough time had passed that the tea would be to Nigel's liking, he continued with his serving etiquette - in a way that would make his mother proud, ignoring the fact that his legs were crossed on the couch as he did it. "I haven't ever really found someone I like enough. My bandmates switch out every tour - I'm really the only constant member. Although, our drummer has been on tour with me three times in total! But he has a wife, three kids. I don't think he'd stay with me," he snickered. "Most of my work has been my own and...I just find people I like to take along with me, to play with me. They're not really officially 'my band', so to speak... But I like to get smaller players and then they'll come with me for the experience, so then it builds their profile as well. It gives them a leg up in the music business."

Nigel:

Nigel couldn't imagine living such a prim and proper life like that. He was well mannered and polite, and his parents had raised him well, but they were more the type of people to push for generosity, hospitality and empathy over properness. If he misplaced a piece of silverware or mistook a salad fork for a normal one, they wouldn't ridicule him. "I think I'm a combination of both of my parents, though some might say I take after my mother more, what with the interest in healing, and all." Again he had to bite his lip to avoid mentioning that his mum was a muggle.

Merlin's beard... No wonder he was lonely. Never having anyone constant in his life for longer than a few months? How were you supposed to get to know someone enough in that time? Sure, sometimes it didn't take as long, but to really know someone.... you had to dedicate months, sometimes years. "Oh, I see... And you played these tour games with someone who was married with three kids?" Nigel teased, referring to the dares he had mentioned earlier. "Kidding. Mostly," he added with a smirk. "So... have you really never had a proper kiss then? That's fascinating. If you could choose, do you think you'd want it to be with a girl, or maybe a boy?"

Luke:

Luke didn't really mind the fact that his life growing up was so 'proper'. It came in handy later on in life. Feigning coming from wealth bothered him, in that sense, because his mother and father always wanted it to seem like they had some sort of posh background, which was why they acted the way they did and why they raised him as such. Maybe they were hopeful that one day their son might make them rich...which, he did... but still.

"I like that, though. It's a good trait to get. Caring for others, wanting the best for them, helping them with injuries-- all of that is admirable. There's nothing wrong with that," Luke insisted, finishing serving the tea and handing the cup to Nigel before offering up the smaller tray of milk and sugar. "At least you didn't feel like you were a wannabe posh bloke, trying to fit in with kids richer than yourself. That was what my parents always pushed for, for some reason." He started to pour his own tea and get it ready, smiling at the comment about his tour days.

"So, yes, I would play these games with someone who was married - but at the time he only had one child," he teased back, like it made such a difference. "And he wouldn't partake in the dares, not really. He'd be the one daring me to kiss someone else. But there were all sorts of people I went on tour with, you know? Some really cute girls that had absolutely no original thoughts in their head, some really cute boys that lived across the country - one boy from Scotland that... gosh, Nigel, his eyes..." He sipped at his tea, seeming momentarily lost in thought.

"I've had plenty of...kisses, I suppose. But no, never a proper one. If I could choose?" He leaned against the couch, seeming to stare in the distance, but his eyes were focused on Nigel's shirt sleeve. "I don't think I would really care which, honestly? There are loads of men out there that might actually like me for who I am, not just my stage personality... I dunno."

Nigel:

Nigel couldn't help but laugh as Luke told him that it was better than pretending to be something you knew that you weren't. He had learned that the hard way, as it turned out, and was still battling that thought quite frequently. Especially now that he was questioning the side that he had chosen to take in the war. Taking the cup of tea that he was offered, he fixed it the way that he liked, milk and two sugars, before stirring it by waving his wand slightly.

"Well, that makes it loads better then," he teased, pushing lightly on Luke's leg as he rose the mug to his lips and took a sip. It was hot, of course, but not too hot, and just the way that he liked his tea. Satisfied, he let out a soft sigh and placed it down. They were back on the topic of exploring Luke's sexuality, which Nigel found rather interesting, as it seemed the more he spoke, the more obvious it became. Then again, sometimes things seemed clear and ended up very confusing. "What were his eyes like?" he wondered aloud, wanting to know so that he too could picture them.

In retrospect, Nigel knew that it wasn't likely that Luke was starring at him specifically, but rather in that general direction. However, feeling Luke's eyes on him or anywhere near him made Nigel start to get uncomfortable, but not in a bad way. In the way that someone would flush if they caught their crush staring at them. Sure, he thought Luke was cute, but he couldn't really tell if he had a crush or infatuation. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink for this, shaking his head. "Oh, I'm sure there is," he finally agreed after a few minutes. Mainly to get people to stop staring. "That's good though, it means you're open to new possibilities. I'm sure you won't have to wait long for that kiss."

Luke:

"Exactly! Loads better!" he laughed with him. Luke had obviously been fond of the man he was talking about, because he had a reminiscent look on his face, an old nostalgia in his eyes. "I still talk to him around holidays. Wonderful chap, in all seriousness."

When asked what the man's eyes looked like, he couldn't help but smile. "Nigel, they were... God, they were piercing and beautiful." His cheeks were turning red again, even as he sipped his own tea. "I mean... They were this striking blue. A blue I never would have believed possible. On rainy days, they were practically neon in color, if that makes sense? I just mean...wow. It was like he was a ghost and he could look right through you." He had a dreamy look in his own eyes, now, but he was ever present. His grin was wide, almost unbelieving, and he was meeting Nigel's gaze. "It's so hard to imagine it now, but... That was one pair of eyes that I'll never forget. They were just gorgeous... Sounds creepy though, I should probably modify how I talk about eyes--" He laughed and shook his head, running a hand through his messy hair. "Eyes are just...the first thing I really notice on a person usually. I always feel like souls connect through the eyes." He glanced back to his teacup when the other said he wouldn't have to wait long for the kiss, smiling softly. "Thanks... Here's hoping."

Nigel:

There was no way this boy wasn't at least partially attracted to boys, Nigel was convinced of that now. Whether or not he had admitted that to himself yet, it was quite painfully obvious that he felt attracted to some men. If you think about it, sexuality isn't as complicated as people make it out to be. Even if someone is straight, it didn't mean that they liked all members of the opposite sex, so why should people think of those who identify as gay or lesbian or whichever else, any differently? Luke may like some men, and not like others, which was a-okay.

The way that he described the man's eyes painted a beautiful picture in Nigel's head that he could see so vividly. Gorgeous blue eyes was something he would have noticed too, though he was quite the sucker for a pair of brown eyes. He had always thought they were underappreciated, especially considering most people tended to say things like eyes so blue I could drown in them. Well Nigel hadn't wanted to go swimming anyway. Figuratively, of course. "It doesn't sound creepy, trust me. Actually, I've thought the same things, before. Eyes can tell a lot about a person." It had been his favorite way of communicating, using your eyes.

"They're easy to notice. Plus, it means you maintain eye contact," Nigel pointed out, a smirk tugging at his lips as he took a sip of his tea. "I'm sure it'll happen soon. Did you... have any other questions, or? I mean, because you asked me before, you know. If I had ever been with someone I liked." Sure, it was a bit blunt to address the elephant in the room, but everyone was distracted.

Luke:

Luke laughed a little and nodded. "They're just... I don't know, there's so much you can see in them. And I have a theory, although I'm not sure how accurate it might be, or how it connects, but... Wands choose wizards, personality chooses patronuses, and... I think something in our genetic makeup determines eye color, but in a personality kind of way. It also sort of...determines a bit of who we're attracted to? It's a start, but it's not like I'm very scientific or have any real background knowledge of any of that... But I like greens, they're my favorites, with different browns following. Blues might be really pretty, but it depends on them for me... That's why that guy's were so fascinating to me. They were the brightest blue I'd ever seen in my life, it didn't remind me of an ocean or something it... It reminded me of ice," he finished. His own eyes flashed with delight at the subject before he calmed down and sipped at his tea again.

"Have any other questions? You mean-- Oh... I, erm... How do you know when it's the right time? Like, to go in for a kiss? Or, gosh, how do you know when to take things further? I've heard about all these different signals and things, but I've never experienced it, so I never followed what the bloody hell anyone was talking about."

Nigel:

Nigel listened to Luke's theory, which was a rather interesting one, even if there was no proof or evidence behind it. It sort of reminded him of the theory that names gave people certain personalities, too. "I think that's clever," he nodded with a smile. "In a way, I think you could argue that every part of a creature is related to personality. Their name, their home, who they associate with, their hair and eye color... all of it. It's a hard thing to prove, but it's a wonder to think about." When he mentioned green eyes being his favorite, Nigel couldn't help but laugh. "I'm fairly certain that true green eyes are the rarest color. A lot of people have hazel eyes, but call them green because of the way they look. Maybe that's why they're your favorite. You don't see them often."

To hear Luke talk so enthusiastically about something made Nigel smile, especially since in that moment, he spoke with such confidence that it was hard to imagine just moments ago he was tripping over his own words. Then again, it didn't last very long as they switched the conversation back. However, Nigel didn't mind it all that much. "Well," he started, thinking over his response. "For a first kiss, you're going to want to not overthink it. If you try too hard to make it perfect, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment. You also have to read your partner's body language," Nigel explained, sipping at his drink. "A good indication that someone wants to kiss you is if you notice they're staring at your lips a lot."

It was rather difficult to explain on the fly, so he understood why Luke would be confused. It wasn't like there were people talking about this everyday casually. "It's mostly about reading the situation, and seeing whether or not the person seems engaged and interested. Touch can be very helpful in figuring that out, as well. For example, say you've just kissed someone. If at any point their hands start to move more so down your body, well, at the least it's a sign that they desire to be closer to you physically. At most, that's probably an indication to take things further."

Luke:

Luke smiled and nodded as the other spoke, happy that he understood where he was coming from. He wanted to explain, for example, that Nigel's eyes were most unique in both shape and shade, and his facial structure was attractive and-- No. He couldn't say those kinds of things right now. It wouldn't be appropriate.

But then he started talking on about various signals, tips to read body language. He talked about hands moving down the body, and looking at lips, and Luke didn't even realize initially that his own gaze rested upon Nigel's. He nearly gulped, tearing his eyes away and looking down to the ground instead. Heart racing, he decided to focus on sipping his tea. He wasn't sure what to say or do, now, which only made it more awkward.

Nigel:

Nigel had gotten so carried away in answering the questions that Luke proposed in a rather logical and somewhat professional manner that he hardly noticed that the male was staring at him. He did however notice the abrupt shift in eye contact, and the man's eyes darting toward the ground. Instantly Nigel had assumed he said something that made the other uncomfortable. Back tracking slightly, Nigel passed the mug in his hands back and forth as he watched the other. "Are you alright? I haven't said anything that made you uncomfortable, have I?"

"It will be easier, in the moment when you do have that sort of experience. Talking about it feels a bit silly, I'm sure, but it does help a bit." If everyone talked about it, maybe less people would have these questions. After all, Nigel himself knew a fair share of people who were never properly given a sex education talk. "We don't have to keep on about it if you'd rather talk about something else.

Luke:

Luke blushed. "What? No! No, no... I just felt... silly." He glanced at the other's lips again and blinked, turning to look into his eyes again. "It's just... You're cute. And it's not like I didn't know that before, not like I didn't notice it... but we're talking about this and... I don't want you thinking poorly of me--" His cheeks were very red now, and he stared down into his teacup worriedly. It was better to come out with it now than to drag it on and be suspicious. Besides, it was better to talk it out now and get the hurt and rejection over with, rather than wait and end up heartbroken.

"You have nice eyes. They're almost hard to look at without staring," he mumbled, snickering lightly and trying hard to lighten the mood. "I mean... I dunno. I just want you to know so you aren't...uncomfortable too, I guess..."

Nigel:

Luke’s mouth was saying one thing but his body language was screaming out the opposite. Even if it had nothing to do with what Nigel had said, something must have switched to make him all flustered again. It was apparent in the way he stammered, the way his eyes widened a bit and the unforgiving blush on his cheeks. Nigel was about to interrupt when Luke gave him a compliment that now made his own eyes widen. “Oh...”

Nigel had only just started to get used to people calling him cute. He had never really thought of himself in that light until Henry had come along, and only started to believe it a bit more when Gilderoy had agreed. Now he was sitting in Luke’s flat and the male was telling him the same exact thing. Cheeks tinted pink as he sat there listening to Luke ramble on, hiding somewhat behind the mug of tea in his hands. “I can assure you it takes a lot for me to think poorly of someone,” he managed to get out without stuttering.

The sweetness in his words was not expected, and it was now rather certain that Luke was as attracted to guys as he was girls. At least by physical appearance. That often lead to sexual attraction as well, but they would open that door another day. For now they were just concerned with figuring out if Luke was attracted to men. “Thank you,” he replied meekly with a smile, shaking his head. “I’m not. Uncomfortable, I mean. I actually hadn’t noticed if you were staring, but that’s on me, then.”

Luke:

Luke sat there for what felt like forever, feeling almost sick to his stomach with nerves. He didn't want to cross a line, and at the same time the line kept inching closer to him somehow. Without him moving. Like it wanted him to just tiptoe further...

"I never want to make you... discomfort is the worst and... I think it's worse when you barely know the person who made you uncomfortable but... a-anyway, I just don't want that for you--" He sighed and shook his head, more at himself than anything. "I don't know much about this kind of thing. I could write songs about it all day but that's because I'm clever with lyrics and not much else... so it's not like I could be smooth and tuck your hair back, and stare into your eyes and start to lean in or anything-- I would only end up making a fool of myself... it would be horrible..."

Nigel:

Nigel wanted to laugh but held back, not wanting Luke to think that he was making fun of him. Rather, the reason for it would have been out of amusement for how cute and flustered he was getting. Even though Nigel himself too was a little flustered and surprised by these confessions, it was nice. The attention would certainly take some getting used to, but they had just met, so he was positive that didn't exactly make the situation super easy and comfortable.

"I'm not expecting you to be perfect, you know that, right? You don't have to try and impress me." The mere fact that they were both musicians and had things in common was impressive enough. Plus, Luke seemed like a genuine person, which Nigel admired. His cheeks flushed a bit hearing all of this, though he smiled softly and placed his tea cup down. "You're being far too hard on yourself. Try relaxing a bit, I'm sure you'd feel better," Nigel suggested. He waited until Luke wasn't looking at him before leaning in and pressing a kiss to the man's cheek, figuring it could be taken as friendly if anything, though he meant a little more behind it.

Luke:

Luke had not anticipated being so nervous. Was this normal? If this was what crushes were like, he finally understood why the hell people often tried to ignore these emotions. He worried at his bottom lip, holding it between his teeth again and again. Ears and cheeks hot, he was surprised to hear about Nigel's expectations.

"That's... probably a good thing, because I really don't think you'll be getting 'perfect', nowhere near it..." He laughed, surprised he could manage it given the current situation. "Wait, when you say... wh-what do you mean? In what context?" He didn't know if Nigel was brushing him off politely, or if he meant that this was okay, that Luke could keep trying... because if he could keep trying, that was both terrifying and exciting-- He couldn't even complete the thought, moving to set the teacup down as well. And that was when he felt the kiss pressed to his cheek, and he turned back and looked at Nigel with wide eyes, an adorable yet shocked expression. Suddenly, he laughed excitedly and touched his cheek. "Oh, right, now I most certainly can relax, Nigel!" He sank into the couch, still smiling like an idiot. It took him a moment to gather himself, and then he gazed over to look into the other's eyes. "Feel a bit like I'm flying, Merlin..."

Nigel:

Nigel never expected anyone to be perfect, especially not when he was first meeting someone. While it was true that first impressions were important, he also knew that people were human. They were bound to make mistakes and fuck up and get embarrassed. It happens to everyone, but that doesn't mean that they are a bad person, or not worth getting to know better. In fact, Nigel almost preferred that people got embarrassed around him and fumbled. Not only did it make him feel more comfortable but it meant that they weren't trying so hard to be something that couldn't exist in nature. If Luke had tried to come off as some suave musician who knew a lot of people and acted like they were famous, Nigel wouldn't be sitting here right now having tea with him. He would have taken him to be a stuck up bloke who thought that status made you more appealing.

That was part of the reason for the kiss. Nigel didn't normally kiss anyone he had just met, but then again, the first time that he hung out with Henry outside of the hospital they had been cuddling up to one another. The kiss was to get him to stop worrying, though he would have given it to him eventually that night. Laughter spilled from his lips like smooth wine as he pulled back, shaking his head. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself. At least you know now that you could fancy guys." Had he known a simple kiss on the cheek would have this much of an affect, perhaps he would have waited until right before he had to go.

"That was just your cheek, you know..." he casually reminded him, not bothering to go into specific details about what it would be like for different kisses. Luke could imagine that as he liked. "Not exactly a proper kiss, but closer." Picking his mug back up, Nigel drank the rest of his tea, leaning back against the sofa. "Don't overthink. Just do what makes sense in the moment when it comes, and you'll be fine."

Luke:

Luke held his breath for a moment like it might make him come back down to earth. He was still cross-legged on the couch, yet somehow it felt like he could have been floating. "I don't think it's really a matter of 'could' at this point..." Nigel's laugh was something that somehow was like music in itself - it reminded him of the colors green and yellow.

"I know it was just my cheek, so can you imagine?" For the first time in such a long time, he actually felt playful. He had energy that was comparable to when he performed onstage - lightning in his veins, zapping in his fingers and collecting in his chest. In one swift move, he managed to rise on his knees and almost hover over the other, one arm supporting him from the side of the couch so that he didn't exactly have Nigel cornered (he wasn't close or confident enough for that really- the man needed to be able to escape if he wanted) but he had definitely closed much of the space between them. "If... If I'm not overthinking and I'm doing what makes sense, then... could I?" His voice had dropped to a whisper, and somehow the atmosphere became more serious in his mind.

Luke's eyes darted between the man's lips and his eyes, finally coming to rest on his lips. He didn't want to push forward, didn't want to cross over that line until it was okay... but he inched closer, letting their noses brush, letting this moment hang in the air.

Nigel:

The fact that Luke's reaction to Nigel kissing him had been so strong made him feel that he had some sort of super power. Normally, Nigel was the one getting flustered and embarrassed in these situations. Maybe it was because he had more experience than Luke did with these things? Though not much more, as he saw it. Nonetheless, Nigel was feeling rather pleased that he could make someone feel like that just by giving them a kiss on the cheek. He imagined it was what Gilderoy and Henry felt like when they had gotten Nigel to blush so easily.

Nigel was surprised at how quickly Luke's body position changed, and admittedly a bit confused. Raising a brow, he set the mug down officially after having finished the tea, his eyes locked onto the other male's movements. It was a bit nerve wracking to watch him like this, though not uncomfortable. There was more of a anxious anticipation in the air that Nigel was surrounded by. Then Luke spoke again, his voice lower and softer now, which made Nigel's heart skip a beat. He wasn't scared, however, as he was certain he knew where this was going, and though he would have never made this move first, the kiss to the cheek had been a subtle set up for Luke to pursue should he desire to do so.

Nigel didn't respond with words, though, as when you were going through the motions it was best to let your actions speak for you. Remaining still as he could as Luke leaned in closer, Nigel closed his eyes when he could feel their noses brush against one another, and leaned in a bit closer so that all of the remaining space between them had disappeared, their lips flushed against one another's. If anyone had asked what Nigel thought the night had in store for him prior to this, he would have answered something bland such as falling asleep to television. Never in a million years would he have imagined he'd be here, kissing someone that he had barely known though they got along rather brilliantly to start.

Luke was cute though, so Nigel hardly minded snogging him. His lips parted ever so slightly as they kissed, taking the lead. His lips were soft, which was surprising, but pleasantly so. As they kissed for a moment, Nigel nudged his nose gently against Luke's in a rather affectionate way, letting it linger for a bit.

Luke:

Luke felt like his heart was in his throat. He could feel it there, pounding, taking his breath away. The moment lasted an eternity. In honesty, he was expecting a verbal response. Something like a straight yes, but even a grunt or hum or... something would do. He didn't want to push him to discomfort. But then he noticed Nigel leaning in. His own eyes closed as their lips pressed together, his free hand falling to brush against the side of Nigel's neck. He was more than happy to allow him to take the lead, his own lips parting slightly to follow suit. As their noses brushed together, he let out a breathy laugh, feeling their breaths mingle. Goosebumps formed over his arms, as though they were back out in the cold. "You're a good kisser..." After inhaling deeply, he leaned in for another.

And suddenly his hand slipped, right off the back of the couch, and he bounced - bounced, how the hell did he bounce?- off the side and onto the floor. From the ground, on his back, he stared in horror and amusement at Nigel on the couch.

"...Don't mind me. I'm just gonna be down here... gonna sink into the floor and cease to exist..." With a strained laugh, he covered his face with his hands. "Ughhh, fuck me, why am I so terribly awkward? "

Nigel:

Nigel couldn’t help but laugh softly ay his comment, scrunching his nose. “You’re not so bad yourself,” he replied, teasingly. While Nigel wasn’t expecting a second kiss he certainly wasn’t going to refuse one, especially not after the first being so nice. Before they could even get that far however, Luke had somehow managed to topple over off of the couch and land on the hard floor beneath them. Nigel’s eyes shot open in fear and a bit of shock, wanting to make sure he was alright. Never before had someone fallen over after kissing him, so he wasn’t quite sure what to do in this instance.

“Are you alright?” he asked, uncrossing his legs and kneeling down on the floor to make sure he was fine. Perhaps it was a bit of the healer instinct in him, but Nigel casually started to examine for any bruising or injury. “Well... it could have been worse. You could have fallen on top of me,” he offered an attempt to lighten the mood a bit before standing and giving Luke a hand. “Come on, let me help you up.”

It was at that moment that Nigel truly realized their height difference. Luke wasn’t all that much taller than him, but it was more noticeable now, as he imagined what it would have been like to kiss him had they been standing. At the thought, his cheeks blushed slightly and his hand ran through his hair to cover up the awkwardness he was feeling in that moment. “Really though, are you alright?”

Luke:

"I'm fine, really I am. The only thing hurt is my dignity--" he laughed. This was cringe worthy, in his mind. So un-smooth that it would go down in history as the most awkward he had ever been. He hadn't anticipated that the man would start to inspect him, however. Nigel was so damn cute.

After standing with his assistance, he took in the silence that seemed to surround them, blinking and watching. Nigel was blushing again. "I'm fine, Nigel, I promise." After a moment, he reached out and gently took the man's hand, fingers tracing along the skin over his knuckles. "Should... should I stop?" he asked as he stepped closer, free hand rising to brush his fingers along Nigel's cheek. He was nervous again and yet, he still felt that electricity, that lightning in his chest, that spark as he caressed Nigel's skin.

Nigel:

Nigel was glad that Luke hadn’t seriously injured himself, as he would have taken it to be his fault. Or at least, part of it. It would have ruined the mood that they had carefully constructed, otherwise. “Good. We don’t need to be explaining that you broke a bone because I kissed you,” he teased, laughing softly under his breath. “It would hurt my healer reputation.” Of course he was only kidding, and he was far more concerned for Luke’s safety and well being than his image as a healer.

Having that physical attention felt so rewarding that Nigel didn’t want it to ever cease. It was something he craved often, even in a platonic sense. Draping one of his arms loosely around Luke’s neck as he spoke, Nigel thought for a moment before responding. “I’m going to let you read the situation.” His eyes glanced from the male’s lips back up to meet his eyes, a slight smirk playing on his face as he took a step closer to decrease the space between them. Luke’s breath was warm and comforting. He had a sort of rustic scent about him that smelled vaguely of aged wood and leather. Though Nigel wanted to kiss him again, the next move was completely up to Luke.

Luke:

Luke couldn't stop smiling as Nigel spoke. "I'll have to make it my duty to save your reputation, then - even if it means I end up with a bum arm~" He laughed, letting one arm go limp just for show.

That same arm only ended up wrapping slowly around the other's waist, though. He held him securely - despite his small frame, he actually had strong arms. He felt solid. "Letting me read... hm. I get a sense that this is some kind of test." After a playful, suspicious squint, he rested his forehead against the other's, looking into his eyes for a moment. He didn't hesitate after that, closing the space between their lips, free hand resting on the side of Nigel's neck. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears, but he didn't want it to stop.

Nigel:

Normally it took a lot for Nigel to be this comfortable around someone where he was able to interact like this. Perhaps that also had to do with his more reserves nature since he hadn’t had much experience involving himself with romantic partners. A kiss on the cheek seems like a friendly gesture compared to this. Despite all of that though, he found himself quite enjoying Luke‘s company. He was laughing, which he hadn’t allowed himself to do often anymore, and felt more like himself. Even, dare he say, a bit flirty. “There’s an easy way to test that theory,” Nigel countered, raising an eyebrow.

His lips quirked upward into a slight smile as their foreheads touched, brushing his nose against the other man’s as their lips met. With the arm that was around Luke’s neck, Nigel pulled him closer, his other hand resting against the male’s chest. It was a bizarre feeling, being in the man’s arms like this, though at the same time entirely thrilling. The kiss, although simple, left his stomach with butterflies. Pulling away after a moment, he smiled softly and looked upward. “You didn’t fall this time,” Nigel teased, stealing another quick kiss.

Luke:

Luke felt those soft lips press against his again and it almost made him feel like he were melting. Stress seemed to fade into the background. At the same time, the butterflies in his stomach fluttered wildly. He inhaled deeply upon feeling the hand on his chest, like he somehow felt the touch more that way. After Nigel pulled away, Luke had his eyes closed for just a second more. He wanted to hold onto that feeling. "I didn't. I mean, I could correct that if need be? Should I throw myself down?" he replied with a laugh. The quick kisses were practically a tease in themselves. He wanted to hold Nigel there, keep him against his lips somehow.

"I'm... honestly probably not great--" he managed to get out before sighing and scratching the back of his head. He looked so happy though. "Sorry... no practice. Not really."

Nigel:

Nigel shook his head and laughed when Luke suggested he could throw himself to the ground. “Please don’t, you’ll make me very anxious and then I’ll worry,” he admitted, not caring that he was being honest. Honesty was the best policy, was it not? He would much rather have Luke upright like he was now, arms wrapped around Nigel’s waist and close to him.

Luke was a good kisser. He didn’t give himself enough credit for it, likely because of the inexperience. If that really was his first proper a kiss, then Nigel was surprised. It almost felt as though Luke had embellished how little experience he had. “Would you like me to be honest? You’re actually rather good at it, considering.” Luke was just so in his head about it, that Nigel was sure that was why he had been nervous and a bit awkward. The arm that had been draped around his neck before now rested on his shoulder, while the other one stayed in place. “I really wasn’t expecting any of this tonight,” Nigel laughed under his breath.

Luke:

Luke smiled at him and shook his head to reassure Nigel that he wouldn't, in fact, throw himself onto the floor. No matter how funny it might be. He stood firm, holding the other close, wanting to keep him there as long as he could.

"Well when you lead into it with 'should I be honest?' it makes me all the less likely to imagine I'll like the answer!" He laughed, somehow in that moment looking younger than he was - childish in nature. "Makes me nervous-- Wait, really? You mean that?"

He appeared shocked, but he was also somewhat distracted by the placement of Nigel's hands. He'd never had anything like this, intimate and close. The closest thing to it was at a concert, running through a crowd as fans reached for any part of him they could get their hands on...and it was nothing by comparison. This was so much more personal, so much...nicer. "I-I really wasn't expecting it either, but... I'm glad it turned this way--"

Nigel:

Nigel scrunched his nose, biting back laughter. Admittedly he withheld just being straight up with him to tease. He was going to be nice either way, even if Luke had been terrible at snogging. Nigel would never flat out tell him he was horrible at anything. “I wouldn’t lie to you. I have no reason to.”

Luke’s expression was admirable, as though he almost didn’t believe him. In a way it was a sort of humbleness that Nigel didn’t see in people often. Hopefully it would be able to give him a little more confidence when he romanced people. “I am too,” Nigel smiled, moving the hand pressed to Luke’s chest up to his cheek. “Maybe I’ll have to wander parks more often.” Slowly, he dropped his hands and found Luke’s, taking them in his own as he stepped back. “Though I’m still a bit cold from being out there so long,” he chuckled. “The tea helped a bit.”

Luke:

Luke laughed, squeezing the man's hands in his own to try and warm them up. "If you want, I could find some blankets? Could make a fort, even..." He snickered, waving his wand and watching as some blankets from baskets in a corner flew over the couch. "Fire in the fireplace too? That might help..." He kept one hand around Nigel's waist, waving his wand again and sparking a fire in the fireplace. After the wand was no longer needed, he slipped it into his back pocket and looked back at his ... guest. Luke wanted to keep close to him, wanted to know him more. And not just from kissing, necessarily. It was as he said before- he didn't have many friends.

Nigel:

Luke was being so sweet that Nigel didn't have the heart to just up and leave afterward, even though he had work the next day. Then again, it was getting late, and he had offered for Nigel to stay the night... Perhaps he would have to after all. No, not have to, but rather maybe he would take that offer. "If you keep talking I'm not going to want to ever leave," he joked, chuckling a bit, though there was truth to his words. Nigel loved cuddling under piles of blankets and pillows, and by the fireplace? It was very romantic, even if it hadn't been intentional. Normally he might get shy over something like this, though for some reason, he was perfectly fine today.

"Let's just sit, and warm up, then," he decided, giving Luke's hands a gentle squeeze in return. They could relax a bit, get cozy. Perhaps talk a bit more, now that they had survived the awkward kissing conversation from before. Nigel felt like he needed to get to know Luke more. What sort of music he listened to, what he played, what he liked and disliked, what he thought about before he went to bed. Those little details about a person that no one ever seemed to wonder about, Nigel wanted to know. What he kept in his bedside table in the most innocent way, what his favorite book was, and which one last made him cry. Vulnerable things. They didn't have to get to those deeper ones tonight, but it helped him to get to know a person in the long run. "Come on," he nudged, pulling him back down to the couch.

Luke:

"That's good though, no? I mean, I'd never argue to having the company." Luke shrugged cutely. "I don't like to flaunt it, but... erm, I have money. I could honestly hold you over until you find another job. But maybe not. I think you've found your calling." He scrunched his nose a little just to be cute - he had to play to his strengths after all. "Maybe I shouldn't get you sacked." He moved with Nigel to the couch, taking a moment to sit down first before putting his arms out for the other. In his mind, he imagined holding the other, chatting, playing with his hair... things he dreamed he would do with someone.

"C'mere, Nigel." They would both be comfy. And one of the blankets could fall over them, too. Warm, close, together. "When do you have to go in next? Early tomorrow, or...?" He might be small, but he momentarily forgot his size - instead he felt like he was the larger man, ready to be the larger spoon.

Nigel:

Not having to work for a bit did sound lovely, sometimes, but Nigel knew that it would never be feasible. He loved his job, and he loved helping people. Sometimes though he didn't realize that he needed a break until it was too late, and for that reason alone, not having to work might be beneficial. "That's quite alright, I wouldn't ask you to do that. Besides, I quite like my job," he nodded with a smile. It was sort of adorable to see someone else scrunch their nose in the same way -or at least a similar way- as he himself did. It was just a quirk he had acquired over his lifetime, but it came in handy often. "I would appreciate if you didn't. But, if you were to visit... well, I wouldn't kick you out, let's just say that."

Oddly enough, Nigel didn't even hesitate to cuddle up to Luke, laying down with his back to the male's chest. It had never mattered all that much to him who was the big spoon and who was the little, but in this moment, little for him just made sense. "Not too early, or else I would have left by now," he replied with a brief chuckle. Though he wasn't entirely sure if that was accurate. He might have stayed either way. "Tomorrow morning. It's getting late, though. If I apparate home I might keep myself up all night."

Luke:

Luke felt the weight against him, and his arm wrapped around the man's waist. It was secure, it made him feel whole somehow. Even though normally, he slept in his underwear - and despite the fact that he would love to feel Nigel's warmth against the skin of his chest, his stomach - this made him so happy. He was comfortable. "Should I find reasons to visit then? Make up illnesses? Would you kiss it better? That's the important question."

He pressed a gentle kiss to the side of Nigel's head. "Keep yourself up all night? Why is that?" Luke's fingers traced Nigel's upper neck, before combing through his hair.

Nigel:

Nigel buried his face in his hands despite the fact that Luke probably couldn’t even see him. “Oh, shut up...” he laughed, swatting at him over his shoulder playfully. “Only if you’re lucky.” Of course he was only teasing, but he admired how confident Luke seemed to be now. Truthfully, he would love to maybe see Luke at St Mungos if it were for any reason other than needing immediate medical attention. Perhaps for a lunch break.

The kiss made his cheeks flush, sighing quietly. Relaxing into the male’s body, Nigel hummed to himself contently. “Apparating isn’t exactly the most relaxing type of transportation. And I’m already starting to fall asleep. A shiver shot down his spine, feeling Luke’s fingers creep around the nape of his neck and through his hair. The skin around that area was always a bit more sensitive, particularly near his ears.

“I think I should probably just stay put...” Waiting to hear Luke’s response, Nigel blinked slowly, enjoying the attention he was getting.

Luke:

"What? You wouldn't? You wouldn't kiss me? Oh how dare...?" he teased, laughing as he spoke into his hair, close to behind his ear. Luke loved that the other man relaxed around him, that he was comfortable enough to fall asleep here. His hand continued through the man's hair. "I'll wait to go in until I feel lucky," he hummed happily. "I think you should stay put too, then. Makes sense..." As he spoke, a blanket carefully wrapped around them as though it had a mind of its own. His eyes watched the fire, eyelids drooping slightly. "Let me know before you get up... I'll make breakfast." His voice was lowered to a whisper.

Nigel:

It was difficult to remain calm as Luke spoke so close to his ear. He had always had sensitive hearing, and it wasn’t that Luke was being loud, but talking directly into his ear like that often turned Nigel on,l which he was trying to avoid. “I didn’t say no...” Nigel smirked, tracing patterns into the couch with his finger absentmindedly. “In private, sure.”

The blanket dropping down onto them was like a cherry on top of this evening. Warm and cozy underneath it, Nigel felt safe and comfortable there. It said a lot that he trusted Luke enough to stay the night. Nigel’s breath hitched slightly at the lowering of Luke’s voice, covering it up by humming softly. Scooting back a bit so that he was closer to the male, Nigel closed whatever space had been between them, their bodies flush against one another now. “Sounds lovely,” Nigel murmured, starting to fall asleep to the sound of the fire crackling

#lukeselwynx #c: luke #/don't mind me #/just transferring discord things

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