#absolutely iconic scene it makes me laugh every time

[mengyan]

“what’s the matter with you? i won’t lend you any money, so you won’t even recognize me as an aunt anymore?”

the letter from the cloud 云中谁寄锦书来 (2022) | EP 2

[fadedtoneverland]

ice on my teeth | c.sn

❤︎ synopsis — san’s been feeling a little bold lately after his most recent comeback

pairing: idol!choi san x afab!reader

theme: smut ❣︎

a/n: ice on my teeth slaps and san in the mv has me feeling some type of way. enjoy this fic i cranked out from the horniest crevices of my mind. banner credits to @sylusz

cw: no gendered pronouns for the reader. top!san. bottom!reader. pet names (baby, babe, honey). vaginal fingering. oral sex (f receiving). slight overstimulation. reader is hormonal for san. san is a bit of a freak

san was so unfairly hot.

and he knew it.

it was insanely obvious that he took advantage of that fact too, because this comeback, his stylists went all out for every single one of his looks.

as the partner of choi san himself, you had special privileges of freely roaming photoshoots and music video shootings whenever ateez prepared for their latest comeback. it’s a special opportunity that all of ateez partner’s got, per the request of the members themselves.

and damn, did your man really aim to make you go feral this time around.

the new golden hour part 2 ep was an absolute banger, hongjoong even gave you the luxury to have an early listen to one of the songs on the album. of course, with banger songs, comes with a banger music video.

a music video that was a little too sexy for your own sanity.

the entire process was a thrill for ateez, but an agonizing time for you. you were forced to sit behind the camera crew while they took the most sinful shots of your boyfriend, trying to be discreet with how you rubbed your thighs together every time san flashed one of his sultry, sexy smirks that he’d usually give you in the bedroom.

it’s like god was laughing at your misfortune from the clouds with a popcorn bucket in hand. oh how you so badly wanted to jump your man’s bones and suck his dick right then and there, but you knew better than to create that oddly graphic scenario.

there was one particular scene that was being filmed, where san was looking up into the camera through intricately decorated chains and jewelry, shooting his iconic dark, sultry eyes. san was dressed in nothing but a fur coat and pants, lowered ever so slightly to teasingly show off his dolce gabbana boxers.

and he definitely knew he was affecting you in such a way, because every time you even catch his gaze, he always flashes you that cocky ass smirk, which only fuels your desire to just wipe than smile off with your lips on his.

this man should be illegal.

finally, after what seemed to be a lifetime of undressing san with your eyes, the music video filming was finally over, and you got to take your man home to your place.

san had already told mingi and seonghwa ahead of time that he’d be staying over at your place for some “quality time with his partner”.

a few hickeys and one sloppy make out later, the tension had finally boiled over into a heated dance of passion and lust between the two of you, with san pushing you down onto your duvet, his large hands roaming over your body, worshipping your clear skin.

“gorgeous.” san panted out, lathering wet kisses over your stomach, pushing your shirt up to your chest to grant himself more access to your body.

breathy sighs escaped your wet lips, and your gaze drifted down to the masterpiece of a man between your legs. a breathless chuckle erupted from your throat.

“someone’s eager.” you teased. san responded with a nip to your inner thigh, making you gasp.

“you’re one to talk.” san lowly groaned while practically ripping off your pants in one swift motion, which only made your panties even more soaked.

“i saw how you were looking at me during the filming. you’re not that slick, honey.”

you laughed, though it came out more high-pitched than expected. “can you blame me? you were looking so damn hot for that camera.”

“good.” san punched out with a grunt, his head diving between your legs. catching the elastic band of your panties between his teeth, he dragged down the sodden fabric in a teasing manner, slowly egging you on and heightening your arousal.

when you finally kicked off the delicate fabric yourself, the bare sight of your glittering, wet cunt, was all it took for san to lose control.

san has always been an impatient man when it came to you, so he wasted no time spreading your thighs apart, licking up your slit in one, fat stripe, and then beginning to feast on you, moaning wantonly into your sensitive skin.

your moans were shameless and loud, fingers immediately darting down to tangle in san’s raven hair, tugging on the strands periodically as san devoured your pussy with his skilled tongue.

“fuck, i’ll never get tired of this taste,” san grunted into your skin, letting out a moan as his tongue lathered over your sensitive folds. “it’s just so damn good.”

a high pitched whine escaped your lips. “h-hah.. sannie…”

“yeah, that’s it, baby. say my name.” san continued to worship your dripping core, his lips latched around your clit and sucking hard, flicking his tongue over it every now and then. your moans only got louder each time, and san just reveled in your pleasure, getting off on it.

san’s cock was so hard in his pants it was almost painful, begging to be freed and just fuck your pussy silly. but san was focused on you, and only you, wanting to hear your sounds and your pleasure.

a tiny trail of saliva dripped from the corner of your mouth, moans and whines coming from your throat nonstop as san ate you out like it was the last time he was ever gonna taste pussy. his calloused hands gripped the plush of your thighs tightly every time they closed instinctively around your head, spreading them apart and keeping them locked in that position.

“no. keep them open for me, babe.” san hashed out with a slight whine in his voice. he then licked a quick line up his two fingers before plunging them inside of you, relishing the loud gasp that came from your mouth.

“wanna make you feel good. please.”

the desperation in his voice made your velvety walls clench around his digits, and san groaned loudly at the feeling. hooking your thighs over his broad shoulders, san dived back in to abuse your clit with his tongue, while his fingers beckoned inside of your cunt to drive you crazy.

god were you a mess, the way san’s fingers just dragged against your spongy walls in all the right places, plus how he was prodding your sensitive pearl with his tongue. it’s like this man was trying to kill you.

every single sound that escaped your mouth only made san redouble his efforts, reducing you to his babbling, incoherent mess. your fingers tightened in san’s hair, pulling harshly at his messy black locks, and your hips bucked up to meet with san’s tongue and finger movements.

“s-san- san i can’t— a-ah~…” you whined rather loudly. san chuckled into your skin, the deep sound resonating within his chest.

and san’s gaze never left your face. his sharp, catlike eyes were dark. so dark that there was almost no white left in them, nothing but pure lust present in those black orbs.

“fuck. keep doing that for me.” san groans before removing his fingers, and spearing his tongue into your pink pucker. that about made you lose it right then and there.

“come for me, honey.”

it’s like his words cast some sort of spell on your body, because you came right then and there. your white essence flooded his tongue, and he eagerly swallowed up the sweet taste, groaning loudly and keeping his face stuffed between your thighs.

but even after your mind-shattering orgasm, san didn’t relent with his tongue movements. his continued ministrations left you a broken, whimpering mess, desperately pushing his head to try and find some sort of relief.

“s-sannie— san- it’s too much- please-!” you cried out, choked up moans coming from you.

san responded with a low whine, pushing his tongue harshly between your folds, as if to physically disagree. san’s head then came up from between your thighs, his lips and chin glistening with your arousal.

“nuh-uh, honey. we’re not stopping now.” san cooed softly. you would’ve melted at the sound of his honeyed words if it weren’t for your body being so sensitive.

pushing his pants down, his hard, leaking cock jutted out from between his legs. the tip was an angry red, demanding to be pleasured. as he shimmied himself between your legs and hooked them around his waist, you knew you’d be in for a long night.

then again, it wasn’t like you minded.

“we ain’t stopping ‘till i get to cum. and i’ll be sure to fill you up so good, babe.”

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fadedtoneverland © 2024 | do not steal, modify or repost ANY of my work.

[onlyhereforthestories]

Snowstorms and Spiked Cocoa (Leah Williamson x Reader)

Day 12! I am not so sure about this one but it turned out okay I think. Sometimes I struggle to word things how I want to.

The snow had started as a gentle dusting that morning, swirling softly outside the windows as you and Leah sipped on coffee, watching the grey sky grow brighter. It was cozy inside her apartment, and the two of you had planned to run some errands and maybe grab lunch after the snow settled. But by noon, the light snowfall turned heavy, thick blankets of white covering the streets outside and so those plans would need to change.

Leah peered out the window, squinting as if that would change the forecast. “We’re not going anywhere, are we?” she asked, turning to you with a wry smile.

You laughed, wrapping your arms around her shoulders. “Not unless you have a sled hidden somewhere. And clothes that are ten times warmer than these.” You said whilst tugging at her thinner cotton pyjamas she was currently wearing.

Leah pulled you close, a playful grin on her face as she slapped away your tugging hand. “Well, guess we’re in for the long haul,” she murmured, nodding toward the couch. “So how about we make the most of it?”

Within a few minutes, you’d transformed the living room into a winter sanctuary. The two of you grabbed all the warm blankets you could find, piling them on the couch and adding a few extra pillows. Leah even lit some candles, their warm glow casting a golden hue across the room, mixing with the white glow of the snowy world outside.

“What’s a snow day without some hot chocolate?” Leah said, her tone already daring you to disagree.

You grinned, standing up. “Add a splash of something special?”

She raised her eyebrows in approval. “Absolutely.”

A quick trip to the kitchen later, you returned with two steaming mugs of hot cocoa, each topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, with a generous splash of Baileys added in for good measure. You handed Leah her mug and snuggled next to her on the couch as she scrolled through the holiday movie options.

She held up the remote, looking between you and the screen. “So, where should we start? Classics, rom-coms, or those cheesy made-for-TV movies?”

You feigned a thoughtful expression. “I say we go for the classics first. Home Alone?”

Leah’s eyes sparkled, and she eagerly selected the movie. “Good choice,” she said, grinning. “I’ve been quoting Kevin McCallister since I was a kid. Bet I know every line.” Even though she said it jovially, you knew secretly she was competitive enough to believe this.

As the opening credits rolled, you wrapped yourself in the blanket and leaned into her, the warmth of the cocoa, the Baileys and Leah’s arm around you making you feel entirely content with the change of plans. For a while, you just enjoyed the movie, laughing at the iconic scenes and quoting lines along with her. Every time a new trap was set, Leah gasped dramatically, elbowing you with exaggerated shock as if she was watching it for the first time and didn’t know that was what was going to happen.

“Look at him,” she said, laughing as Kevin outsmarted the burglars again. “Kid’s a genius. I’d be terrible at setting traps. My version would probably be me just hiding under a blanket hoping for the best.” You snorted, picturing it.

When the movie ended, you took a break to stretch and grab some popcorn. You handed her the bowl as you settled back in, scrolling through the lineup. “What’s next? Feeling more nostalgia or something cheesy?”

Leah’s eyes lit up mischievously. “Oh, cheesy, definitely. Let’s go for one of those Christmas rom-coms.”

She selected a feel-good holiday romance where the characters predictably met under a snow-covered tree in the city centre and exchanged longing looks with holiday lights twinkling in the background.

“Alright, you’re going to have to try really hard not to laugh through this,” you warned her, already grinning.

“Oh, I’m ready,” Leah said, nodding with mock seriousness. But just a few minutes in, you both were struggling to keep it together, pointing out the clichés and over-the-top scenes. Every time one of the characters had a “holiday epiphany,” Leah nudged you, trying her best to keep a straight face.

“So, wait,” Leah said, pausing the movie and turning her body to face you which was tricky as you were pretty much laying on top of her. “This girl just runs into a guy who’s conveniently single, successful, loves Christmas, and has nothing else going on?”

You nodded, rolling your eyes dramatically. “Of course! Isn’t that how life works?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “And all she has to do is realize her true feelings right before Christmas Eve? That’s it?”

“Exactly,” you said, holding up your mug. “Holiday magic.”

She shook her head, still laughing. “Unbelievable. It’s… it’s so bad that it’s so so good!”

The storm raged on outside, but you barely noticed, wrapped up together in the warm bubble you’d created. Each movie you chose brought its own little bit of holiday spirit, and between the cocoa and the cozy blankets, time seemed to drift by peacefully. By the time you’d watched a few more, the light outside had begun to dim, casting the snow-covered world into soft shadows.

Leah reached over to grab another blanket, wrapping it around both of you as she leaned in close. “Best snow day ever,” she murmured, her eyes soft and full of warmth as she looked at you. “I can’t remember the last time I just slowed down like this. Took a day to do nothing at all and not had an issue pop up because of it.”

You placed a soft kiss on her cheek before pressing another to her lips when she puckered them at you. “I love it too. I feel like we never get this kind of time together, just the two of us, no distractions, no interruptions.”

She smiled, her fingers intertwining with yours. “You’re right. It’s nice to not have anything pulling us away for once.”

As she hit play on the next movie, this time a comedy that neither of you had seen before, you snuggled even closer together. Determined to make the most of the quiet time and the warmth you had created throughout the day. Every so often, Leah would mutter something funny about a scene, or you’d giggle as she made faces at the overdramatic dialogue. It was like a little bubble of holiday festivities, untouched by the world outside and the normally full calendar.

Halfway through, you took her hand, lacing your fingers through hers. She looked down at your intertwined hands and gave your fingers a gentle squeeze.

“Let’s make this a tradition,” she said softly. “You, me, maybe snow, and every Christmas movie we can handle.” You didn’t live in a place you could rely on snow, in fact you were kind of lucky to get it this year.

You grinned, resting your head on her shoulder. “Deal. Only if we add in our famous hot cocoa with a little extra kick.”

Leah laughed, taking a sip from her mug. “Always,” she promised.

When the final credits rolled, Leah didn’t move to select another movie. Instead, she just sat there, her head resting against yours, her breath soft and steady.

“Thank you for today,” she whispered, breaking the quiet. “I didn’t know how much I needed this.”

You turned to her, feeling a warmth that went beyond the blankets, the cocoa and the alcohol. “Thank you for making it so wonderful.”

[regencygossipgirl]

Nic at the Norton Graham show highlights (imo)

She was an absolute delight—I loved every single second of it. Funny, charismatic, engaging… she’s just everything!

She mentioned having to rush straight from the Bridgerton set to The Graham Norton Show and even hopping on a motorcycle to get there on time! She's honestly iconic 🤩

She’s a big fan of Married at First Sight—she mentioned it so quickly! Honestly, she loves reality TV in general.

And Shoes… More Shoes came up too! She talked about how the idea started, which was super fun. But the real highlight? Watching Nic try to explain The Real Housewives to Daniel Craig and Jesse Eisenberg—absolutely hilarious!

She talked about being the romantic lead on Bridgerton and having to do intimate scenes, which funnily enough, at 35, she had never done before!

She also mentioned seeing a really beautiful scene in the film Queer that she thought was missing in Bridgerton because it’s so hard to make it look good on screen… and she was talking about a blowjob. I’m dead—she’s absolutely unhinged and I love her for it!

She shared her experience working on the Doctor Who Christmas special and how overwhelmed she felt when trying to dive into the lore.

Nic joked that she felt like one of those grandparents at weddings who have no clue what’s going on but are still having the time of their lives. “I didn’t know what was going on, but I was loving it—that was me on set.”

She had these grown men laughing out loud, and it was absolutely hilarious to watch!

She spoke very highly of Penelope and her role in Bridgerton—though not so much about the yellow dresses, which she hilariously compared to SpongeBob SquarePants, LOL. She also touched on how hard it was to keep the secret that she was Lady Whistledown, as we all know!

She mentioned that the real gossipers on set were the drivers, since they’re usually the ones who know everything.

She also had her champagne on hand—hopefully shutting down certain rumors once and for all—while giggling and making sure to include everyone in the conversation.

She just has this enchanting way about her that makes you fall in love with her instantly🥰

[the-menace-in-pink]

The Phantom Troupe auditioning for Romeo and Juliet (chaotic headcanons)

Letting these rascals live up to their theater kids fantasies… how bad can it get? 💀

Chrollo: He wants to be Juliet AND Romeo because he believes he’s got a deep understanding of both characters on a level no one else does, and he gets cast as neither. He ends up getting Prince Escalus’ role as the director thought Chrollo had the regal and commanding look for that.

Machi: She doesn’t bother auditioning—clearly not a big fan of the play. But the casting director is very adamant about her being the perfect Tybalt.

Pakunoda: Gets cast as Lady Capulet, Juliet’s mom, after so many people insisted she was so ‘mother’. Casting director said bring me the mother in question!!!!

Feitan: He wanted Tybalt’s role so badly but got everyone thinking ‘Damn, even Tybalt isn’t that much of a demon.’ No. Surprisingly nailed the Nurse’s role??? And no one in the Troupe is letting him live that one down.

Shalnark: Everyone thought his boyish and mediator (lmao) vibes were 100% Benvolio. Surprisingly he did very well, but kept cracking up every now and then during rehearsals—to the point Machi almost stabbed him fr during the early Benvolio vs Tybalt show off. No one knows how she snuck that sword on stage. Props staff had to make sure the rest of the weapons were fake.

Phinks: Was in competition with Feitan over Tybalt’s role even though he secretly wanted to be Romeo. Almost became Tybalt if not for Machi. He gets to play Count Paris ultimately. Hated the role but eh.

Nobunaga: Lord Capulet your honor, and Shalnark couldn’t resist making comments about him looking like the perfect ‘distinguished-but-not-so-much middle aged man’ for that role. But he was one of the most convincing on stage!

Kortopi: Wanted no part in it. Absolutely none. Got eventually cast as Peter and even that was too much for him.

Shizuku: Casting director wanted her to be Juliet but she couldn’t remember any line for crying out loud. She let out a very rare laugh over reading R&J’s first ever flirting sene. Also deadpans ‘Why must I say Romeo so many times in one sentence? Was Juliet summoning a demon?’ ‘This sounds so bad. They’ve known each other for 2 hours, why is she asking him to get disowned?’ She ended up walking out of the play, and bringing confettis with her to cheer on the others during rehearsals. The Critic no one asked for (Kept pointing out their mistakes all thorough and shouting/whispering every characters’ respective lines to fumbling actors. So much for not being able to remember her parts—)

Uvogin: Got Mercutio’s role a bit too easily. Was proud of himself until he got absolutely livid after finding out he’s gotta die in the play, by Machi’s hands no less! Each time he took a bit too long to give it up, drew out his last lines in the most dramatic ways possible. But audience loved it.

Franklin: Friar Laurence excellence. Pretty much the only person besides Pakunoda who didn’t make much fuss, although him having to stick around as Romeo and Juliet turned to sleeping beauties had him stand like 🧍‍♂️ ‘I thought that was supposed to be the greatest love story of all times?’

Bonolenov: Acted unbothered but begged the director to let him be one of the musicians during the ballroom scene instead. He got in a few nights just fine before some fussing spectators and sponsors inquired about why a mummy was on stage during R&J’s most iconic scenes, and if that was supposed to be a Halloween rendition or something.

Hisoka: You can bet he acted his arse out thinking he could bring a brand new flavor to Romeo. He’d have LOVED having to act it out with Chrollo as Juliet lmao, especially if the decors and stage burned down as the two ended up more busy aiming props and unlucky spectators at each other than acting.

All in all, the ones who got no roles: Shizuku (hates her character and can’t remember her lines), Hisoka (self-explanatory).

Members who got kicked out after a few performances: Bonolenov (stood out too much), Phinks (got out of character by bickering way too often with Feitan, made people think Count Paris was into the Nurse), Machi (she took her Tybalt era a bit too seriously), Chrollo (he kept trying to steal the spotlight like sir YOU’RE A SECOND ROLE SIT DOWN).

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Madhubala (Mughal-e-Azam, Barsaat Ki Raat, Mr. & Mrs. '55)—The Venus of India; heart-throb of all who saw her; responsible for the sexual awakening of every single desi lesbian I know (including me!) And my god, she is breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the subtle grace with which she moves, and that smile - the kind of radiant smile that can make you laugh with sheer delight, or cry because of its hidden pain. Those wild curls! That Cupid's bow! The way she tilts back her head and smiles at you with mischief dancing in her eyes! She has a way of looking at the camera that makes you feel she's sharing a private joke just with you; it's something about that quizzical twist of the lips and eyebrows. As an actress, she is inimitable; she seems to effortlessly inhabit roles ranging from a heart-broken courtesan to a laughter-loving socialite. Fun fact : she's had quite the fan following in Greece! Stelios Kazantidis even wrote a song as a tribute to her.

Olivia de Havilland (Adventures of Robin Hood, Gone With the Wind, The Heiress)— The woman who took on the Studio System at the height of their power and Won! A double Oscar winner! Is magnetic and beautiful in everything she's in and gave us all the juicy scandal with her sibling rivalry with Joan Fontaine! Before the Oscar Slap was the Oscar sister snub! Also everything she wears in Robin Hood she makes beautiful even a purple green and orange monstrosity how does she do it! Anyway this scene is one of my old Hollywood favourites

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Madhubala:

An icon of Bollywood, who was well known for her beauty and has continued to inspire performances and songs into the 21st century. She was at times described as "the number one beauty of the Indian screen" and "the biggest star in the world".

SHE IS EVERYTHING AHHH. JUST LOOK AT HER SMILE-

She's been nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe of India and was one of the highest paid actresses in the Hindi film industry (the term Bollywood did not exist yet) during the 1950s. Also an extremely talented dancer and singer

SHE'S JUST SO STUNNING, like seeing her eyes IMMEDIATELY CAPTIVATES YOU, THE DANCING, THE BEAUTY!!!!!!!!! She worked in Bollywood for over 20 years and passed away at a sad early age of 36, BUT THE IMPACT SHE HAD WAS UNMATCHED!!!!!

That sassy sideways glance she does always has me WEAK AT THE KNEES. And when she's making silly faces at the camera to mimic someone ahhhh my gay little heart <3

Olivia de Havilland:

She is just perfection. She has a smile that is looks like it is barely holding back, and yet so reserved as well.

Broke the contract system and won freedoms for actors (the de Havilland Law is still in effect I believe). 2 time Oscar winner. Beautiful and smart

She legally challenged the movie studios' unfair contracts and won, setting a precedent for other actors to be treated more fairly. This was at great cost to her financially and essentially getting her blacklisted for years but the resulting judicial opinion is still known as the De Havilland Law and has won her a great deal of praise and admiration.

Her performance in The Heiress is one of my all-time favorites, she’s so good at making melodrama feel real and grounded without sacrificing any of the passion/drama.

Serenely beautiful, she struck a balance between crowd-pleasing fluff and prestigious drama. Famously at odds with her equally successful sister Joan Fontaine, she was too much of a lady to ever say anything public. Successfully sued Ryan Murphy for portraying her as a saucy gossip in Feud.

the period costume + eye patch combo in That Lady is just an absolute serve

She has the most adorable and cherubic face and voice

[hrrystylesbookclub]

okay, i finally saw tbosas and here are my thoughts

1. i personally think it would have benefited from being split into two movies, one in the capitol, one in twelve

2. i feel like sejanus wasn’t fleshed out as well as he could have been. i absolutely adore him but in the movie he came across as more reckless as opposed to filled with righteous fury, and his death wasn’t as painful as i was expecting (let’s be honest i wanted to fall to my knees sobbing at his death and instead i was just ‘ahhh noooo ☹️’)

3. ma deserved to be better featured in the movie + she would have helped flesh sejanus out (also to show snow’s relationship with the plinths in general would have really hammered in HOW evil he is)

4. i wish we had been able to spend more time in 12, seen snows HATRED for mockingjays spelt out clearer and spent more time with the covey and see how close they all are and how much they genuinely did trust snow

5. changing the ending of the games with everyone dying from the snakes was a little disappointing but i did laugh when the students started chanting “get her out!” (also when dr gaul said she didn’t care if there wasn’t a victor vs snow demanding there has to be a victor, which 64 years later comes to bite him in the ass was MWUH chefs kiss)

6. critiques aside, every single actor was PHENOMENAL. not a single weak or subpar performance in sight, even characters without any/much dialogue were incredible and scene stealers (shoutout to irene böhm as lamina)

7. the sets and costumes were EVERYTHING, almost everything was exactly how i pictured and if it wasn’t plucked straight from my brain it was even better than i could have imagined

8. rachel zegler and tom blyth please marry me please

9. the part where marcus comes over and tells lucy gray that she can run and get out KILLED me, oh i could just feel my heart shatter in my chest

10. OH MY GOD lucky flickerman being an absolute scene stealer, what an ICON, i laughed at everything he said

okay that’s all i can think of at this moment. overall i did love it but i do find myself being all “the book was better 🤓” but very rarely do movies come close to being as good, and as far as adaptations go i loved it and could make peace with most of their changes

[nintendroid]

Happy belated birthday to the Nintendo 64, released in North America on September 29th making it 28 years old!

No other console I've owned gives me the nostalgia bug like the N64. I have so many stories of the adventures I had with it I could almost write a book. Maybe someday I will, but for right now let's talk about how you can celebrate Nintendo's most unappreciated console. We'll look at some modern software, some underappreciated games you should play and some cool N64 oddities. (NOTE: None of the items mentioned are sponsored. I just really dig the products)

Essential Hardware:

Brawler 64 Controller!

Available wired or wireless, the Brawler is for players who want to play the N64 with a more modern controller. I bought one some years back and have been nothing but satisfied with it. Check out my original review here. Shop here.

The Everdrive 64!

A cartridge capable of storing every N64 game EVER! Not just official games either, but fan-made game mods too! An absolute must if you're hardcore into N64 gaming. It should be noted, there are cheaper alternatives out there, but the rumor is that they can fry your console. KRIKzz-brand Everdrive's are known for their quality and for my money I want something that's not going to ruin my hardware. Check out my original review here. Shop here.

Underrated Games: Even with such a short library, there are good N64 games that don't have the Nintendo or Rare label on them. These aren't all of them, but here's a few that pop up in my mind when I think of the topic of underappreciated N64 games. Yes, some of these are ports but the N64 ports are the way I experienced them and I still prefer the N64 versions.

Duke Nukem: Zero Hour

In my opinion, the best sequel to Duke 3D. Don't let the 3rd-person perspective deter you, this is an authentic Duke Nukem game. Go through time shooting zombies, aliens, Jack the Ripper and send those alien scum packing. Duke's sense of humor is present, even under Nintendo's famous censorship guidelines.

Road Rash 64

A motorcycle racing game where you clobber the other racers with pipes, crowbars and plungers while avoiding the cops. It's so awesome and features one of the greatest songs Sugar Ray ever put out.

40 Winks

It was cancelled at 99% complete in the N64's heyday but publishing company Piko Interactive bought the rights and gave it an official release in 2019. While not what I would call a "classic" It's still a fun game to play over a weekend. As mentioned in my original review, it reminds me of a 3D adaptation of Nightmare on Elmstreet for NES.

007 - The World Is Not Enough

While not quite known as it's big brother, TWINE is a fun FPS Bond game in its own right. Eurocom (who developed Duke Nukem Zero Hour and 40 Winks!) knew they wasn't going to top Rare's iconic Goldeneye, but they did their best and it shows. The one advantage TWINE has over Goldeneye is multiplayer bots so you can play multiplayer because you don't have friends willing to come over because you're a 35-year-old father of two with a mortgage and 9-to-5.

Mods: The modding scene on the N64 is opening up and as a result we're getting some quality titles that extends the life of our favorite system. The one's mentioned here can be played on your actual N64 with the assistance of an Everdrive.

Smash Remix

Everyone collectively loves the original Super Smash Bros, but we can all agree it's pretty barebones in terms of content. Smash Remix fixed that with tons of new N64-era appropriate character additions, new levels, gameplay modes, music, costume changes and MORE. Phenomenal mod if you're a Smash 64 fan.

Shotgun Mario

Its Super Mario 64 but he has a shotgun. Fun for a laugh but adds a fun new mechanic to a classic. No more hoppin-and-boppin, Mario is here to dispense justice!

AKI-engine Wrestling Game Mods

I know most of you reading this aren't wrestling fans but the N64 had some iconic wrestling games thanks to Japanese studio AKI. Fans have been making mods for the AKI-developed titles like WWF No Mercy, Virtual Pro Wrestling 64, WCW vs NWO World Tour ect for years. It's hard to choose just one and each game has a wealth of characters, new arenas, match stipulations, create a wrestler options and much more.

Weirdo N64 Products: Any other time I would have 100 things to list but this is all I could find in the short time I have.

N64 Shirt!

Yes this bad boy is official. What other officially licensed shirt has Fox McCloud and a stormtrooper on it? In modern times, your best luck of finding something like this would be in a midwestern flea market.

Bill Goldberg Memory Card!

WCW legend Bill Goldberg had a memory card for some reason. I'm not complaining because it's awesome. Nothing I would love more than looking down after losing races in Diddy Kong to see big Bill yelling at me, motivating me to be a champion.

In conclusion: The N64 is a flawed but legendary console - it's popular but underrated, widely-known but intimate. My wishlist for the future is more awesome game mods of well known titles AND lesser known titles (let's fix Superman 64 or Carmageddon!). If you read this far, I hope this got you in the mood to play some N64.

[the-osborn-way]

Ghostface ranking please n thank you

OH MY GOD YES YES YES I LOVE RANKING ALL THE GHOSTIES

My ranking of all 15 Ghostfaces so far (yes.... I'm including Jason and Greg because if I don't, SOMEBODY'S gonna bitch about it I know--)

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR ALL 6 SCREAM FILMS

Rankings under the cut

Stu Macher (Scream)

The BEST Ghostface to ever Ghostface. A BIT underrated just because people will sometimes give Billy more credit. But like- hot man. Has no actual motive for killing, Billy was like "Hey, dude, let's kill people" and he literally needed nothing more. Thought up of some of the key parts of their plan, definitely gutted Casey and Steve, probably put Kenny on the van by himself (Billy wasn't around, so-) . Definitely top 3 or 4 strongest Ghosties to date. And the humor-- okay, I could go ON AND ON about Stu, but I'll stop here. Matthew Lillard really took the character from boring in the script to one of the only parts of the original film me and my mother (who's TERRIFIED of horror films and would rather forget them) remembered from our first watch when I was 13. (She said she'll never forget his laugh and that she hates him. ... She then got me a t-shirt of him not 3 weeks later for Christmas. Sorry, Mom-) Great job, man! Stu stole my heart, LOTS of my money, and a large part of my brain, so it's safe to say he'll always be my fave and an icon in my eyes. (Literally wearing my Stu shirt as I type this, what a fun coincidence LOL-)

2. Charlie Walker (Scream 4)

I said what I said. People either adore Charlie or despise him, and I love him DEARLY. Yes, he's very attractive, but on top of that, he racks up one of the highest kill counts by a single Ghostface alone in the entire franchise, beaten only by Roman, I believe. From Olivia Morris, which was obviously his kill, to tossing Rebecca Walters off a building, to Jenny and Marnie... definitely Robbie... Kirby... Kate Roberts... man just went crazy with the kills, and I respect it. He had loyalty, some great lines, a HILARIOUS deleted scene ( ), and he kept cool under pressure, never revealing himself until absolutely necessary. Do I relate to him? Yep. Is that bad? Probably, but I love him anyways.

3. Jill Roberts (Scream 4)

Another maybe controversial ranking, but I love Jill! I think her motive is fantastic, the way that she uses Charlie to get what she wants, and as someone who has acted innocent in situations where I'm definitely not, her acting is spot on. I never thought about it being her until her reveal, and it's still one of my favorites of all time. She is also, I believe, the Ghostface who got closest to the goal of killing Sidney and getting away with it, so congrats, girl! You had the whole world fooled till the hospital! She's a great take on what I think is the modern version of Billy Loomis, and she nailed the innocent act, truly. Did she kill anyone? Probably, but I can't think of anyone who I know is 100% a Jill Kill. Either way, good for her for not getting her hands dirty, or FOR getting her hands dirty! Impressive no matter what in my mind.

4. Billy Loomis (Scream)

Dont worry, Billy fans, he's still in my top 5! The only reason he's not my third is because I think he's just a BIT overrated. If the movies weren't constantly making him seem like he was the only killer and completely alienating Stu (I think there's a reason for that, but I won't explain that here), then I'd put him above Jill. I know that's a weird reason, but it's my reason. Billy is a fantastic manipulator who knew how to get exactly what he wanted from Sid, and also was a repressed drama queen, which I relate to a lot. While Stu was openly crazy, Billy hid behind the stone cold semi-facade. I don't think Billy would ever have gotten as crazy as Stu did, but he definitely showed the drama in several ways that make me smile and laugh every time. Falling down a flight of stairs? Fucking up Stu's couch cushions? Comedy gold every time. I give Billy credit for stabbing Casey, killing Himbry, and killing Tatum. I think the rest were Stu's because of the gutting and where Billy was at the time. I also think he killed Maureen, so a nice 4ish kills for him! Anyways, top tier Ghostie, another one I'll always respect respect and love.

5. Amber Freeman (Scream 5)

I'm gonna be honest, I hated her when I first watched Scream 5. Hated Richie too, but he's still terrible. Fuck him. I thought Amber was a trashy, third rate version of Stu that was extremely fake and her turn from cold to goofy seemed extremely forced. Then I took a deep dive and figured out why. (If you want a full explanation, let me know, I'm trying to stay short here.) So I believe that Richie is this movie's Stu and Amber is the movie's Billy. From her plans, her using the house, just her very cold, calm demeanor in the beginning, she just gives Billie energy, while Richie is just... well, he's the Netflix guy. He makes jokes left and right. But Amber, I think she was trying to be the Stu while Richie was trying to be the Billy. Everyone forgets that Stu was a boyfriend too, (Billy's) Tatum's boyfriend. Amber was supposed to be Tara's girlfriend in the original script. So now, I see her third act as more of her desperate attempt to look like her idol instead of sticking with the persona that served her well for the rest of the film. That really made me appreciate her more, and made her feel even underutilized, as did the Macher house. (I LOVE THAT HOUSE. I LOVE IT. Well, the actual actual house, not the Scream 5 version.) So yeah. Amber was a cold blooded killer trying to be just like the Macher before her, even if that wasn't the part she was meant to play in her movie. Taking credit for Dewey's kill? Absolutely. She was in the cult and she just wanted to piss Gale off by saying she did it. Fantastic lines, wonderful creep factor! Her death- *chef's kiss* Lovely homage to Sidney shooting Billy. And that's my top 5!

6. Quinn Bailey (Scream 6)

The only member of that damn family who did a good job killing. Richie included. Funny? Check. Didn't see her coming? Check. Ruthless? Double check. I don't think she did Gale's attack either, I think that just like Amber, she took the blame for someone else's work just to keep them hidden. Besides that, she was a good character, someone you thought was long gone until she wasn't. Bonus points for her saying Stu was her fave and definitely being the one to stab Mindy on the subway. Maybe not the greatest Ghostie ever, certainly low on kills, but I enjoy watching her a lot.

7. Nancy Loomis, aka "Debbie Salt" (Scream 2)

Another hidden killer who deserved more screen time after her reveal, and more backstory. I love her motive of "good, old-fashioned revenge", and I can see her killing Randy out of rage. Killing Mickey? Nice way to keep things in her favor! Debbie Salt was eh. Don't remember her much tbh- I would've liked to see Nancy more as herself, she just had great potential. Did she take some kills? Absolutely. Got her hands dirty to honor her son. But that's what I don't like. She leaves Hank, then suddenly after Billy dies, she's like the best mother ever?? Killing for the son SHE left?? Her leaving is the reason Scream happened, paired with Maureen and Hank's infidelity-- that's why she's a solid 7 in my book, and the best of the worst. Only goes downhill from here, folks.

8. Mickey Altieri (Scream 2)

GREAT in the Act 3. Other than that? Um... he was okay, I guess? He had some funny lines, but where I really like him is in the possibility possibility of what he's done. He definitely killed for Nancy, he was insane and just wanted people to see him that way. He DID talk to Matthew Lillard in the background of the sorority party... Mickey and Stu working together?? His Act 3 was good, he showed he could be a good Ghostface, scared Sidney, killed Derek... but that's where this ranking and my positive comments about him stop.

9. Wayne Bailey (Scream 6)

Classic parent who wants revenge, angry, pulls it off decently. He has some good moments, funny, a definite suspect, and nowhere near as good a cop as Dewey. Points for trapping the Core 4 (minus Mindy) and Kirby in the second coolest location in the franchise, but that's where my positivity stops. Sam killed him easy, he was a shit parent until Richie died I bet. Did he get his kids to murder? Oh yeah, I think he's the one who made this whole plan up with Quinn and Ethan's help. He doesn't really stand out. Did he kill?? Even wear the fucking mask?? I honestly don't think so. I would put him lower, but compared to the next three... yeah, he's fine at 9.

10. Richie Kirsch (Scream 5)

WHYYYY. WHY. The only goof thing I can say is that like 5 of his lines made me laugh, and he also hates Stab 8. Me too, dude, that looks BAD. Motive? Pretty good, solid movie motive, getting with Sam to get the job done. Ruthless? Yeah. But he's sloppy. He's a Stu without the magic, just trying to make a movie. Him dating Amber?? *vomits* KILL ME NOW. He was 100% manipulated by her, I know he was. A sad attempt of Billy Loomis that leaned more towards Stu, and his cheesy shit throughout the film made his "true colors" seem kinda dull and not very scary. I don't like him. I don't.

11. Ethan Landry [Bailey] (Scream 6)

Like father, like sons!- all in my least favorite 5 of legitimate Ghostfaces. How much screen time did he have?? Not enough. Innocent guy, "I was in Econ!" to "HAHAHA I'M INSANE NOW!!"? I hate it. His transition was too forced, he was bland and stupid, his attempts at faking his knowledge about everything were embarrassing and made him look worse as a character. The easiest Ghostface to spot. I don't know, I mean I get people like him because he's insane and attractive, but I don't. Sorry to all of you who love this guy and his family. His best scene? When Tara stabbed him in the mouth. You go, queen!!

13. Roman Bridger (Scream 3)

Fuck. FUCK. I hate him, I hate this movie, I hate it all. His motive is pretty solid, I actually like it a lot... but he was stuck up, whiney, and underutilized. Like Ethan, low screen time, unbelievable shift from loser to villain- did he even share a scene with Sid?? Talk to her?? And this makes Billy and Stu look like lackeys. I HATE IT. I would've much rather had the Stu leading a Ghostface cult film, but I know why they went this route instead, and I respect that. Like Ethan, the best part about him, and of this movie, is his death. Dewey missing his head like 5ish times before finally hearing Sid and going for the head Thor in Endgame style?? Comedy. GOLD. I love Dewey Riley. But yeah, I just don't like Roman at all. His strengths are his motive, his INSANE kill count (I think he had an accomplice.), and his physical strength. Besides those? Useless. Sorry, Roman die-hards.

14. Jason Carvey (Scream 6)

Not bad for a Ghostface killed in the first 15 minutes. He had the makings of a good killer, definitely in the cult, but his time was just extremely short. Nothing much to say about him, but his only kill was a fantastic start to the film. I would put him higher, because I think he WAS a good Ghostface, but... 10 minutes or less of screen time? Sorry dude, don't know you well enough.

15. Greg (Scream 6)

Who?? Saw him a fridge. That's it. What's his last name, I don't remember- No screen time, not even alive on screen. Nothing more to say. He was probably pretty good though, if he was anything like Jason.

And there's my ranking of all 15 Ghostfaces!! If you want to add your own, feel free to below! If you wanna comment on mine, please be respectful, but I'd like to know why you don't like characters I do, or like ones I don't. If your faves are my faves, share!! I love finding new Scream buddies!! And thanks for listening if you made it this far, that was LONG.

[half-an-hour-hence]

Underrated friendships in Ghosts part 2!

Captain and Robin

Genuinely don’t know how I forgot about them on the first one but here we are

Besties who infodump together stay together

Kind of like the naughty x goody two shoes friendship trope

The stupid little comments they make about each other, like when Robin says ‘you are’ or ‘you’re a metaphor’, or when they make a bet on whether or not Pat gets sucked off moved on are so silly and they make me laugh every time

Pat and Mary

Possibly the most SEVERELY underrated duo yet

I think it’s just so adorable that they learn from each other and appreciate their differences

The duality of their friendship gets me every time as well. Like the Metal Cow scenes in 1x04 were fucking HILARIOUS and then you have the scene in 4x01 where Mary’s talking about her equivalent of a holiday with her husband and Pat gets all emotional. That scene has devastated me forever

Julian and Fanny

Perverted Tory Nation rise up‼️

Love how on the surface they seem completely different but they’re actually just ultra horny. Kudos to the Idiots for these two icons

Definitely wanted Julian to continue being a bad influence on her. That way Fanny could break free from her strict rules about how to act so that she could find freedom in doing more reckless and mischievous things

Robin and Pat

The way that they both care for each other and listen to their problems to try to help resolve them shatters my heart into tiny little pieces

I love Robin so much, but the amount of patience Pat has with him in the improvisation game was on godly levels

‘The brightest one in the sky’ ‘That international space station’ there was absolutely no need for Robin to serve that hard

[thenationaltreasuregazette]

National Treasure: The Musical

Previously, we hallucinated the first act of a National Treasure musical.

And now:

ACT II

INT. ROTUNDA - NIGHT

The curtain opens with AGENT SADUSKY and the other FBI AGENTS —JOHNSON, HENDRIX, & DAWES— and facing the audience. He addresses the audience as if we’re the gala guests ensuring us that everything is fine.

The ensemble is additional FBI agents.

Then he and the agents regroup by themselves. Agent Hendrix admits that they received a tip but it wasn’t recorded.

Sadusky: How ‘bout now?

SONG: Every Second Counts

The song starts on a very sassy, staccato note just after Sadusky says his sassy line. Its melody is urgent as he and the other agents try to figure out what happened.

They question:

MIKE, the guard that Ian and co knocked out. He doesn’t remember anything.

HEAD GUARD WOODRUFF, who tells them that a copy of the Declaration is on display and that there were no other guards in the vault hallway.

STAN, who says Abigail is missing but there’s no way she was involved.

CASHIER, who relays the weird interaction she had with Ben.

Different cast member come forward to meet them as the agents do basically a walk & talk around the stage.

↳ Btw Disney has generously paid for us to have one of those in-stage treadmill things so let’s use that for the blocking here to help the scene feel dynamic. Do your best Aaron Sorkin impression, you know?

That’s how the agents get Ben’s name: Benjamin Franklin Gates.

Now the song quiets down for Sadusky to have a verse alone thinking about Ben. This element is in the final movie, but it’s one of the things that stands out to me most from the 2003 script as well (at least, of things that aren’t ridiculous): the other agents are quick to assign roles and motivations to Ben. He must be an anti-american terrorist, etc. Sadusky waits and analyzes.

So this verse is a little bit more intimate as Sadusky wants to understand who Ben is and what’s making him tick before he makes any judgements.

Ends with the lead toward Patrick. “Closest relative first.”

END SONG

INT. GATES FAMILY HOME - NIGHT

Ben asks Patrick for the Silence Doogood letters.

Riley asks what the magic numbers mean. Ottendorf cypher.

Patrick explains that he donated the letters. Ben will absolutely still give his dad the finger in the way he pulls off his cotton gloves. Iconic.

Abigail says she can’t believe all this time no one knew what’s on the back.

Patrick: The back of what?

SONG: Too Far

Let’s have Patrick get a little angrier, yeah?

In this brief song Patrick will criticize Ben for taking things too far. He’ll say that he’s tolerated all of Ben’s treasure hunt shenanigans, him wasting his potential, but this is too much. The worst insult will come when he says Ben has let his grandfather down.

Patrick: And you’ve dragged me into all this

Ben: Well we can’t have that.

END SONG

Ben and the gang tape Patrick to the chair before leaving. They mention that they’re going to take Patrick’s car.

INT. HOTEL - NIGHT

Ian and the gang puzzle over the riddle. It’s a little more banter-y than in the movie but it’s clear Ian is in control. He’s the kind of guy where they henchmen will laugh if he laughs and stop if he stops.

Maybe we learn a bit more about each henchman here?

And they’re playing poker or something. Pretty chummy.

Ian figures out the “Silence is a name” clue.

INT. CLOTHING STORE - DAY

Although the scene in the car is one of my favorites, it won’t really work here, so we’ll have the Common Sense/how do they have cash discussion in the store while Ben and Abigail pick out clothes.

We’ll watch them make the plan to have Riley go and get the cypher clue because he’s the one least likely to be spotted.

Riley leaves and Ben and Abigail head into the questionably designed dressing rooms.

SONG: Cavalier

Oh we’re definitely doing a song for this one.

Abigail asks Ben about Patrick’s comment. Ben explains his dad’s philosophy on love.

Since we have time to get a bit more introspective here, let’s dig into this a little more. As I’ve discussed elsewhere, I think this whole “cavalier in your personal life” says way more about Patrick than it does about Ben.

So Ben will explain a bit more about who his dad is, what Patrick expects Ben to be, and how Ben actually lives his life.

Superstar bonus points if we make it canon that his mom is dead in this version.

This song is mostly Ben’s with Abigail popping in here and there. Subtextually it makes it clear that actually Ben does have a one true love just like his dad wanted, but it’s the treasure.

The song ends with Ben and Abigail doing a nice little harmony now that they’re falling more in sync. And yes, some of Ben’s old-time-y poetic phrasing will be used in the lyrics.

END SONG

EXT. FRANKLIN INSTITUTE - DAY/INT. CLOTHING STORY - DAY

The lights go down on the clothing store but it’s still visible. Ben and Abigail finish any quick changing they need to do.

Riley is on a bench downstage waiting for the the SCHOOLKID. (This can be the same kid who plays young Ben for double casting reasons, or not).

The kid walks in and gives Riley the next letter paper. Riley adds the letters to the riddle. We can use the same scrim projection deal to show the almost-finished puzzle. Super extra bonus points if we watch Riley erase part of it in time with the projections when the kid criticizes his handwriting.

Riley sends the kid in for the last letters.

He reads the end of the riddle to himself again and…

[what inspires his breakthrough here? A salesperson selling something liberty bell related? idk]

Riley jumps up and runs off stage. The lights go down on the bench and come up again on…

INT. CLOTHING STORE

Ben and Abigail come out of the changing rooms as Riley runs in with the next clue.

All of the same bits with the CASHIER, decoding the riddle, and daylight savings time.

The trio heads off to Independence Hall.

EXT. BENCH - DAY

Lights come back on the the bench and the kid comes out again looking for Riley. When he doesn’t see him, the kid walks part way across the stage looking for him, turns around…and walks right into Ian and the crew, who have taken Riley’s place.

They get the kid to give them the last four letters, and announce that they’re also heading to independence hall.

INT./EXT. INDEPENDENCE HALL - DAY

A NATIONAL PARK RANGER leads a tour group across the stage. Ben, Riley, and Abigail break off of it and climb up the scaffolding, which will now playing the role of Independence Hall. A bell has been raised above it.

They spot the shadow as Ian and co enter on stage level looking up at the hall. “Idiot.” “Who?” “Me. It’s not here. It’s there.”

↳ Also can we talk about Shaw’s reaction here? “Who?” It’s really encapsulates their dynamic.

Team Treasure climbs down while Ian and Shaw climb up, leaving the rest of the henchmen on the stage. Ben’s team heads to the signing room (downstage) while the other henchmen move around and accidentally miss them.

The blocking here should feel as close to a Scooby Doo doors sequence as is possible in real life.

INT. SIGNING ROOM - DAY

The set changes slightly so it’s clear we’re inside Independence Hall and the henchmen are outside. Ian and Shaw are still up in the belfry. Some old time-y desk push in from the edges.

Ben shows off the glasses and Riley and Abigail help him unroll the Declaration. When he gets to the bottom, Ben pauses.

SONG: In the Company/Great Company/Great Minds

“The last time this was here, it was being signed.”

Ben envisions the scene, with a little bit of context for how the convention was actually going. He elaborates on his thing about being in the same place as historical happenings and what it feels like for him.

We’ll use Patrick’s line from later in the movie about being in the company of some of the greatest minds in history by understanding what they left behind.

Abigail is charmed by this, and Riley is affectionately annoyed. There’s another tour coming.

Then Ben spots some of Ian’s crew out the window. The song shifts to more of a “we’ve got company, uh-oh” bent. Ben, Riley, and Abigail split up with the artifacts.

Ian and the henchmen get a verse as they split up to pursue. Their verse uses “we’ve got company” in the sense of “we’ve found them”/“we have eyes on them.”

The ensemble floods in as the crowd outside of Independence hall. Team Treasure acts cool until all at the same moment they break into a run. Powell and McGregor chase Ben off in one direction and Shaw and Shippen follow Riley and Abigail in the other.

INT. READING TERMINAL MARKET - DAY

Riley and Abigail run back onto the stage as shop counters and patrons move in—one row in back and one on each side to create an aisle. She beckons for him to follow but they get split up (one gets pulled in the wrong direction by the treadmill?).

Everyone is still singing btw.

Abigail jumps behind the meat counter, which is facing the audience. Everything FREEZES and the lights all focus on Abigail and the woman behind the counter.

I’d love to do that thing where this song stops the previous one cold and takes over, so:

END SONG

SONG: Stick Around

This song is trying to cover a lot of ground so let’s see if we can make it work.

It starts with MEAT LADY behind the counter looking at Abigail. She’s trying to decide whether to let Abigail stay or not.

Behind the counter, in the aisle of the market, Shaw is prowling and doing a creepy “here kitty” kind of thing with the idea of “stick around and find out”

Abigail—frightened by this—is starting to wonder why she is sticking around. For the Declaration, yes, but she’s literally holding it. Once they’re clear of the immediate danger she could turn it in. Not Ben necessarily, but this song will explore why she still wants to be a part of the treasure hunt.

We’ll also see what Riley is doing. I’m thinking some comedic shenanigans pretending to be part of different families/groups? In his part he’ll explain why he is sticking with Ben. Maybe we'll learn that his interest in conspiracy theories comes out of a desire to be part of something that matters. And with Ben and Ben's mission he feels like he matters.

→ don't come at me Emmi, I'm trying to fix this ☺️

Meat Lady tells off Shaw, who leaves. Abigail and Riley both reaffirm their decision to stick with Ben.

END SONG

The lights come up, the crowd starts moving again, and Abigail runs back into the fray. She reunites with Riley and they run out. The market setting follows them as…

EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY

Ben backs onto the top catwalk, held at gunpoint by McGregor. Ben tries to reason with him, remind him they knew each other. Maybe a few extra lines about playing poker with the guys or whatever the crew did when Ben was with them.

Ben throws the document case and runs down the far staircase. McGregor sees that its empty and leaves in a huff.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Below, Riley and Abigail run through a crowd. Riley gets held up and Abigail gets knocked down.

She drops the Declaration case then dives after it. Riley pulls her back to the sound of a TRUCK HORN. Then the treadmill brings the case right to Ian’s feet.

Shaw and Shippen run in after them, but Ian lets Riley and Abigail go.

They call Ben, who comes from the other side of the stage, and tell him they lost it. Ben says to meet him at the car.

When Ben arrives at the car, Sadusky and his team are waiting. They arrest Ben.

Riley and Abigail backtrack before they can be spotted.

EXT. PARK - DAY

Riley and Abigail wonder what they’re going to do now.

SONG: One Step Short of Crazy (Abigail’s Reprise)

In this song, we get to see Abigail make the decision to call Ian and work with him to get Ben back, something she would never have dreamed she was capable of or willing to do 24 hours earlier.

But now she’s open to the idea of doing what’s considered wrong, in order to do what she knows is right.

We get to hear just the first few lines of their her and Ian’s conversation.

END SONG

INT. FBI FIELD OFFICE - DAY

The FBI team drag Ben in and handcuff him to a desk. We get to see a little more of the interrogation here, because I think the way Ben chooses to summarize the story thus far is probably funny/interresting.

SONG: Door Number Three

Sadusky lays out for Ben that he has two options, Door Number 1 and Door Number 2.

When Ian calls Sadusky has a line like “Door Number 2 just called” or “Door Number 2 is closing.”

Ian—from an aside at the front of the stage—tells them to meet at the Intrepid.

I’d love an extra line or two about how Ian and crew plan to get there.

EXT. USS INTREPID - DAY

The ensemble is once again the crowd, with the FBI agents in plain clothes but distinguished by light cues as Sadusky does roll call so we can see where they are.

Ben enters and quips about the agents being spotted. Sadusky and Agent Johnson sit in a van at the back of the stage with headphones.

The helicopter interruption is accomplished with sound effects, light cues, and a big fan. Shaw enters and talks to Ben, but we can’t hear them, only static and:

→ What we do hear is Shaw reprising the line “2000 ways this could go wrong/but only one way it needs to go right”

The ensemble moves around in the chaos, misdirecting so Ben can slip off stage.

When the wind clears, Sadusky is asking if anyone sees Ben, and the FBI agents come forward to say no, they don’t.

Ben enters on the catwalk. Fishing. Bait. He tells Sadusky he’s found door number 3, and he’s taking it. Then BEN JUMPS OVER THE SIDE OF THE CATWALK.

END SONG

The easy version is that he jumps onto a platform concealed as part of the Intrepid set, so he jumps somewhere we can’t see only a few feet down and a SPLASH sound effect does the rest.

The $$$ version is that Ben is on wire from the time he enters on the catwalk, and he actually jumps from it. Maybe even some strobe light to make the fall feel slower/farther/more dramatic. Perfect pencil position of course.

EXT. UNDERWATER - DARK

The stage goes dark. SPLASH sound. Ben is FLOATING near the stage because he’s already on wires so why not.

McGregor “swims” up (also on wires), hands Ben scuba gear “under water” and they get pulled out by the wires as if by the little torpedo propulsion device.

EXT. USS INTREPID - DAY

The lights come back up with FBI agents looking over the edge of the catwalk. “You first.”

Agent Dawes can just be standing there to say “Sir, it’s the Hudson. Nothing is visible.”

EXT. NEW JERSEY DOCK - DAY

Ben and McGregor climb up from the trap door. New clothes. Had to guess your sizes.

The phone call between Ben and Abigail happens before they get into the car, because blocking.

The henchmen just kinda push Ben along to…

EXT. TRINITY CHURCH - DAY

Ian waits for them. He offers Ben the Declaration and the pipe in exchange for the treasure.

Ian: Oh Ben. You know the secret to running a convincing bluff? Every once in a while you’ve got to be hold all the cards.

SONG: All the Cards

Yes, Ian’s big Act 2 villain song will focus on the poker theme and the idea that he’s holding all the cards. Each time he says it, one of the henchmen will tow in another “card”—Patrick, Abigail, and Riley.

INT. TRINITY CHURCH - DAY

It will also take some time to explore Ian a little more. What makes him tick? He’s wants money, sure, but he’s planning to get it in a pretty wild way at the start of the movie (funding this crackpot treasure hunter).

The song will pause for Ben and Ian to examine the map. Same effect with the scrim showing what they’re seeing on the document. Ian orders everyone down to the basement.

Patrick and Ben will have a verse and they discuss how to keep the status quo or overturn it, also framed as a poker metaphor.

END SONG

They progress to the tunnel. Ian leaves two men behind and everyone else goes in the tunnel.

Characters will enter the tunnel in the middle of the stage. Ben pulls Abigail aside for the kiss here before they go inside, and this can buy some time for other actors to get where they need to be.

INT. STAIR CHAMBER - DAY

They reappear on the top level of scaffolding, walking trepidatiously across it.

Okay. Now we’ve come to the stairs sequence, and we have some choices to make as far as how we do this.

I have a personal broadway-related philosophy that I’m all for effects, but I don’t think that actors should also be expected to be acrobats, because it limits the pool of performers, makes the show less accessible to future lower budget productions, and most importantly endangers people unnecessarily.

That said, we have this scaffolding-like set that’s been on stage the whole time, as many a show does, and it sure would be pretty damn cool if it collapsed right now, right?

Not a lot but like one end of one of the catwalks drops a foot in one direction and the other in the other.

Two elevator platforms hang in front of them. Patrick, Ian, and Powell step from the lower catwalk to the lower elevator. Riley finds safety on the least collaps-y point of the set.

Ben and Abigail, however, are still on the top catwalk and have to go for to the higher elevator.

Remember what I said a second ago about not wanting to include acrobatics? well…this is fictional, after all, so…

Ben and Abigail are now on the same to wire rigs used for the Intrepid sequence. They jump onto the elevator, which lurches and tilts dramatically, leaving Abigail to hang off the end.

Ben drops her to safety before grabbing for the Declaration.

Oh and we just drop Shaw off into the wing curtains. Sorry. but we’re not using a big effect on him.

Ben gets to working elevator, which picks up Abigail and Riley and then descends to the stage while the broke one ascends into the fly, which, along with possibly a moving projectiony background create the illusion that we are moving down.

INT. ANTECHAMBER - DAY

Once we reach the bottom the scaffolding resets to signal that we’re on solid ground again.

The same deal here. Ben and Patrick fake a clue and Ian leaves them behind.

SONG: Treasure is a Myth

Ben apologizes to Riley. A joyful, victorious song barely gets going before—

INT. FALSE TREASURE ROOM - DAY

—it cuts off for a sad musical interlude as they step forward into the empty treasure room.

Everyone apologizes to Ben as he stands in the center of the stage dumbstruck (fake torch in hand).

Then Ben sings a heartbreaking reprise of “Treasure is a Myth” in which he concedes that his father was right. He wasted his life, his freedom, risked his friends lives all for something that everybody else already knew: the treasure is a myth.

Patrick tries to convince him otherwise, that by finding this room he has made a great accomplishment. “For your grandfather, and all of us.”

The ensemble member who is John Gates returns to pat Ben on the back and tell him he’s proud of him, that Ben accomplished more than he ever imagined. The Gates Family Ensemble returns one by one/couple by couple to tell Ben the same.

The family, led by Patrick, tries to get Ben not to give up on the hunt. Abigail is in.

Ben lists various times he thought he’d found something and decides he can’t do it again, that he can’t take another heartbreak.

↳ Yes, we are diverging slightly from the movie here, where Ben agrees pretty readily to keep searching. It’s a quick turnaround in the movie, but I think it works largely because of Nic Cage’s performance. Ben is genuinely crushed/empty/broken and even when he says yes he’ll keep going it’s clearly something that is hard for him to agree to.

On stage that nuance might not come across as well, so I like the idea of making this beat a little stronger by making Ben’s ‘all is lost’ moment a little longer. What if he had to truly give up before he solves the final puzzle?

END SONG

Riley reminds them that they’re all stuck. Where’s this second exit?

SONG: Charlotte’s Riddle (Reprise)

This isn’t a full song as much as a haunting line or two from the Charlotte voice as Ben examines the room.

END SONG

Ben: Could it really be that simple?

We make a nice production of ‘the secret lies with Charlotte.’ Ben’s a bit more vocal about what he’s seeing and doing, again because the details will be less visible.

When he pushes the button all the torches flicker as a door opens on the side of the stage with a nice stone sound effect.

One by one the characters enter, Ben last.

INT. TREASURE ROOM - DAY

The lights go dark.

Patrick, Abigail, Riley, and Ben enter one by one from the back of the stage. They start out in a halo of light that’s just around the four of them.

A spotlight illuminates the oil podium.

Ben says something profound about all the places the treasure has traveled and all of the hands it passed through (replacing/bolstering the beat with the medallion, which, again, might not read as clearly on stage.)

He touches his torch to the oil and holy shit, holy shit—

Channels of fire spread across the stage…

…and down through LED lighting strips that have been placed/taped/embedded along the aisles of the theater.

The familiar National Treasure score swells.

As the haze of warm light rises on the stage we can see that they are surrounded by treasure items—Egyptian sarcophagi, Chinese terracotta warriors, Greek marble columns and statues. Piles and piles of treasure.

They look out on us, the audience, who form the rest of the treasure cavern, and cheer.

↳ I think it’s important the the treasure room reveal happens all at once because the rest of the cavern won’t read that impressively on its own. Instead we’ll use the stage’s unique relationship to light/dark/spotlight to achieve the reveal.

↳ Option to have the Gates Family Chorus lining the scaffolding, maybe doing some choral harmonies to the score.

Riley has his Bluish-green man moment.

Abigail geeks out over her scrolls.

Ben and Patrick share a more direct moment of celebration. (to bolster the arms on each other’s backs)

Riley: Look. Stairs.

Added beat: they discuss that they’re ready to head up to the surface and face whatever consequences await.

INT. TRINITY CHURCH - DAY

Ben emerges from the tunnel mouth and calls Sadusky on his cell phone.

Sadusky and the FBI swarm in. Agents in FBI windbreakers help the others out of the tunnel as Sadusky slowly, ominously approaches Ben.

Ben offers up the Declaration. Not a bargaining chip.

SONG: Just Like That/Finale

Ben lists his requests.

The theme here is “it belongs to the world” and the idea that the treasure is bigger than any of them.

Everyone states what they got out of the treasure hunt. Ben got validation. Abigail got adventure. Riley got to be part of something. Patrick got his son back.

Armed guards come to take the Declaration to the National Archives NYC branch, and then back to D.C.. Abigail is welcome to come.

Before she leaves she goes up to Ben and they decide to get a cup of coffee after this is all over.

Riley pats Ben on the back.

Sadusky comes in to spoil the mood because someone has to go to prison. Ben offers up Ian instead. The FBI arrests Ian and the gang.

What now? Everything is about to change. But not the things that matter. Bla bla, the power of friendship; maybe the real treasure was the friends/found family/polycule we make along the way.

The score swells and we end on a big triumphant chorus.

END SONG

END ACT 2

[aois-amaterasu-painting]

Guitar Magazine - Aoi & Uruha interview (2022)

Uruha & Aoi Discuss the Evolution of Guitar Work in the GazettE

To mark the GazettE's 20th anniversary in 2022, we sat down with guitarists Uruha and Aoi from the iconic visual rock band. They recently released a commemorative best-of album and continue to gain momentum. This time, the two reflect on the band's history, focusing on their guitar work from the band's formation to the present.

Interviewer: The GazettE 20TH ANNIVERSARY BEST ALBUM HETERODOXY-DIVIDED 3 CONCEPTS was released as a three-disc set: “DISC1 SINGLES” compiles your singles, “DISC2 ABYSS” highlights tracks with memorable melodies, and “DISC3 LUCY” features rock tunes.

Uruha: We decided to make it a three-disc set after having many meetings with the members. DISC2, ABYSS, and DISC3, LUCY, are composed of tracks that form the core of the GazettE’s worldview, so we mainly focused on that when selecting the songs.

Aoi: ABYSS and LUCY are pretty close to the concept of our live shows. We always perform both emotional tracks (DISC2 ABYSS) and intense ones (DISC3 LUCY) in our concerts.

Uruha: The song selection felt like working on a live setlist with the members. We’d have discussions, like, “Not this, but maybe that?” That’s how it went, right?

Aoi: Yeah. When deciding the tracks, we thought about what structure would be best if we were to use this album for a live performance.

Uruha: For example, the idea to start DISC2: ABYSS with 'Naraku' came from Ruki (vocals). I think he already had a live performance vision in mind when he proposed it.

Aoi: I realized once again that we're a band that is centered around live performances, no matter what. That hasn’t changed from the beginning until now.

Interviewer: This album seems to encapsulate the essence of the GazettE. Aoi-san, you mentioned the phrase “the beginning” What kind of guitarists were the two of you when you first started this band?

Aoi: I wouldn’t say I wasn’t thinking at all… (laughs), but I approached everything with an open mind and flexibility. On the other hand, Uruha had a strong vision even back then.

Uruha: No, I didn’t! (laughs)

Aoi: Oh, come on! (laughs) I remember being drawn to the demo tape I received before joining the band. It had twin-guitar arrangements that were completely outside of what I know. So at first, I was just trying my best to understand everyone’s styles and preferences. It wasn’t until some time after I joined that I was able to add my own touch to our music.

Uruha: Honestly, in the beginning, I had no vision at all (laughs). At that time, we were frequently playing events with other bands, and all I could think about was, “How do we survive in this scene?” It was a very stimulating environment, and I found myself incorporating all sorts of influences and ideas to keep up.

Interviewer: Many guitarists in their early days seem to have strong preferences, like “the guitar tone must be distorted” or “there has to be a solo in every song.” Did you have those kinds of fixations?

Uruha: Back then, I think we were still in the stage before really diving into the musical aspects as guitarists. We weren’t as concerned with creating our own individual styles yet. Our main focus was figuring out how to survive as a band in the scene. Now that I think about it, I hadn’t even reached the point where I cared about things like guitar distortion. It was more about “How do we perform in a way that attracts fans?” That’s all I could think about. If we couldn’t draw fans, we couldn’t even keep the band going.

Aoi: For me, it wasn’t so much about my own personal direction as it was about “What would work best for the GazettE?” For example, metal-style riffs were an absolute no-go in our music. Whenever I brought up a riff like that, the response was always something like, “Yeah, that’s not really our vibe…” Back then, the trend was that lead play for intros felt more emotional and cool than heavy riffs, and that was reflected in our choices as well.

Interviewer: In your early days, it seems like you were focused more on being "edgy" rather than heavy. When would you say you reached a turning point as guitarists after starting the GazettE?

Uruha: It was around the time we started doing solo shows. That’s when rehearsals and recordings became more serious, and I began paying attention to each individual sound. That period when I started to focus on the band's overall sound was my first turning point.

Interviewer: So that’s when you began focusing on “honing your skills as a guitarist,” as you mentioned before?

Uruha: Yes, that’s right. Back then we didn't have the money to buy equipment. Without financial freedom, it was hard to really focus on the finer details or be particular about gear.

Aoi: For me… I’d say my first major turning point came about 15 years into the band’s career.

Interviewer: What?!

Aoi: (Laughs) Honestly, yes. Of course, I cared a lot about the sound during recordings, but I’ve always placed more importance on live performances. I feel like I’ve always prioritized what I do on stage more. In the first year or two, all I could think about was how much fun I could have on stage. My main concern was generating enough energy to match or outshine other bands when sharing the stage. Even conversations within the band leaned heavily towards that.

Interviewer: So that mindset lasted for about 15 years?

Aoi: Yeah, it did.

Interviewer: From the early days, it seemed like both of you had a strong dedication to sound as guitarists.

Aoi: Like Uruha mentioned earlier, there were plenty of people who were more particular about their sound or technically skilled than we were. I always felt like our abilities were just average compared to others. So, whether it was in making music or in our playing, I never thought we were particularly exceptional.

Interviewer: I see. I also think the two of you have an extraordinary ability to deepen the atmosphere and worldview of your songs.

Aoi: Incorporating guitar phrases into the band’s worldview is something that, to an extent, feels natural and expected. But with that in mind, my priority was always the stage. I had the basic mindset and skills to express the songs, so while I felt my playing was “lacking” in some ways, at the time, it was good enough.

Interviewer: I see. Let’s talk about guitar arrangements. How did you decide on the approach that would make the most of the twin guitars?

Aoi: Decisions like, “I’ll play this, and Uruha will play that,” came about pretty naturally. We were also conscious of having different approaches for the guitars in the left and right channels.

Uruha: I was influenced by a lot of twin-guitar bands since my teens, so the general theory of twin guitar work was something I absorbed intuitively. But did Aoi and I ever talk about how to divide the guitar parts…? Did we?

Aoi: No, we didn’t. I would just naturally play something different from the kind of phrases or melodies you were likely to play.

Uruha: That’s true.

Aoi: But, with the current the GazettE, there are songs where we both play the same riff, and honestly, I sometimes wonder, “Is this okay?” I’ve always felt that having the two of us play different phrases is musically richer.

Interviewer: The unison-heavy sound of recent years is also incredibly cool. Speaking of unison, starting around STACKED RUBBISH (2007), you began incorporating heavier elements into your music. How did that come about?

Aoi: As we continued to play live, we started talking about wanting some heavier elements. It was initially about creating a more impactful stage presence, but that naturally influenced our musical direction as well. Before settling on a heavier style, we experimented with punk and rock ’n’ roll sounds, but they didn’t quite fit the band. After going through that period, we eventually went in a heavier direction.

Uruha: At first, I felt a bit hesitant about the heavy elements. Back then, I thought music like Slipknot’s was cool, but I couldn’t imagine us pulling it off. Still, I felt it was necessary to take that first step, so I made a demo with a lower tuning than usual and shared it with the members. That experiment led to the idea of, “Why don't we try doing a heavy song?” Of course, we didn't feel like we got it right away, so we had to keep trying and refining it through many attempts.

Interviewer: Did it ever feel like, “Down-tuning… maybe not for us”?

Uruha: Yeah, it definitely did.

Aoi: Oh, for sure! I actually hated the idea at first (laughs). Switching to down-tuning meant I’d have to set up a whole new guitar specifically for that. It felt like a lot of hassle at the time, so I wasn’t really enthusiastic about it.

Uruha: Our knowledge of down-tuning was minimal back then, so I ended up playing on guitars with super low string tension. I was trying to figure out how to get the right amount of tension. Nowadays, we have well-established methods, but back then, we had none. Honestly, at first, I was just playing on a guitar that felt all floppy and wobbly (laughs).

Aoi: It took a long time to stabilize the tuning, didn’t it?

Uruha: Yeah. We didn’t even know much about using thicker strings or how thick they needed to be. It was all a process of feeling our way through.

Aoi: It takes years to create a decent sound with down tuning.

Interviewer: I understand. With heavier music, sometimes it’s hard to tell if the guitar sound is heavily distorted or actually not that distorted at all.

Uruha: That's right. I had this preconceived idea about what a heavy sound should be, so I’d just crank up the distortion. But the sound just wasn't cutting through. I kept wondering if it was the amp, or maybe the power of the pickups. I tried all sorts of things, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t find the answer.

Interviewer: Changing your playing style after the band became big must have been quite challenging. It’s impressive that you didn’t shy away from it.

Aoi: Part of it was because we started feeling bored. If we had just kept making the same kind of music without stepping out of the “This is what the GazettE’s sound is” box, we would’ve inevitably gotten bored. Even though I wasn’t excited about down-tuning at first, I agreed with the idea of trying new things. After all, if we weren’t enjoying ourselves, what would be the point of making music?

Interviewer: That makes sense. the GazettE has evolved constantly—whether by incorporating heavier or digital elements or, conversely, emphasizing a raw, live band feel.

Uruha: Regarding that, I think it’s less about reaching for a variety of things to expand our range and more about creating music within the scope of what we genuinely like. I feel the changes are a result of gaining proper knowledge while trying new things.

Interviewer: So, you’re becoming better at refining and expressing what you originally liked?

Uruha: That’s right. I feel like I’m gradually organizing my knowledge and experiences now. Even with ideas that didn’t quite work out at the time, I hope that someday I can revisit them and eventually transform them into something that elevates the band’s sound.

Aoi: The digital elements you referred to are from the DIVISION (2012) era. But even now, those elements haven’t disappeared entirely. I think we’ve become better at integrating different styles into our sound, so it feels more natural now compared to back then.

Uruha: Yeah, I agree.

Aoi: Before, we’d approach it with a set theme, like “a fusion of dance music and rock,” and create songs with that in mind. But now, we include digital elements without consciously focusing on them, so it doesn’t feel as forced as it did in the past. Many newer bands have members who listen to a wide variety of music, and they’re skilled at incorporating elements from different genres. We’re an older type of band, starting from a place of having no knowledge and doing things by trial and error. When we tried something new, it often ended up with that element being very prominent at first. Over time, though, we’ve gotten better at integrating those influences more subtly.

Interviewer: It’s true that in the past, musicians tended to stick rigidly to one genre. For example, if someone loved metal, they wouldn’t know how to play anything outside of it.

Aoi: Right. For example I hadn’t even tried cutting until I joined the GazettE (laughs). I used to think, I’m never going to need to do cutting in my life. But when I had to play it in the band, it turned out to be really difficult.

Uruha: Don't metalheads do cutting?

Aoi: No (laughs).

Interviewer: That said, breaking free from conventions can lead to discovering new charms, don’t you think? Also, I’d like to revisit something you mentioned earlier about prioritizing live performances. When your musical style evolved, it must have affected your stage presence as well. Did you feel any resistance to that?

Aoi: I just force myself to adapt. When a song with a new style is created, I figure out how to adjust my stage performance to fit it. As long as I think it through and commit to it, there’s no reason it won’t work. In the end, whatever we, as members of the GazettE, choose to do on stage becomes the “right answer,” so I think it's fine. That’s why I actually enjoy the first night of a tour. At that point, the members’ movements haven’t fully settled yet, and everyone’s individuality still shows. I love seeing that freshness—it’s like the best appetizer! (laughs).

Uruha: I’m similar to Aoi in that I adjust and adapt to any type of song. My style is essentially shaped by everything I’ve done up to now, so I don’t really think of myself as having a fixed style. I also don’t have a specific vision of ‘this is how I want to be.’ Even if we ended up playing something like reggae, I’m confident I’d find a way to make it work.

Interviewer: The ability to adapt things into your own style probably has a lot to do with the fact that the GazettE consistently embarks on long tours. With a short tour, it would likely end right around the point Aoi mentioned—where you’re still in that “first-show freshness,” wouldn’t it?

Aoi: Yes. Japan has a particularly unique approach, doesn’t it? It’s become standard to release a new album, do a handful of shows, and then wrap things up. But that feels like such a waste to me. It’s not just about the way we present ourselves—playing songs live helps them grow and evolve. I feel like you need to keep working on them over a longer period of time.

Uruha: Lately, even at the end of our tours, we hear comments like, “It’s not enough,” “I’m not tired of it yet,” or “I want to see more.” It’s made me realize that this band has gotten to a point where we can keep playing these songs over and over without them losing impact. I think that’s an amazing thing. That's why I think the GazettE should continue with this approach moving forward.

[viburnt]

Heyyy loved your Izuku story, made me want to request one with the prompt "How could I do that to him/her?" Maybe someone is flirting with adult Izuku but he already has a partner and is very loyal OR maybe having an interview where the host makes a joke/insinuation he should go and take advantage that he is famous to meet many more people

Whatever you prefer 💖thank you

I hope I managed to convey the feelings you expected, Anon! Have some loyal dog Izuku *smooch* Also Pro-hero!Izuku is a smart crowd pleaser, he knows how to play his cards and outsmart malicious people. Also you didn't specify any gender so I went with gender neutral.

-Viburnt

𝐈𝐳𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐲𝐚 || 𝐓.𝐕 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬

— Welcome, everyone! Today, we're here with Japan's latest big shot and number one pro-hero, Deku! We are so excited that you were able to have some time for us, darling.— The model serving as a hostess said, her body language exaggerated, and her outfit provocative to gauge higher ratings for the show.

Izuku hadn't really planned to participate in the program, but after you convinced him to do so, he agreed; you'd always supported his career, so you encouraged him to engage with his fans often.

Izuku just wished it had been with a less slimy host, feeling uncomfortable with the frequent lascivious looks the model would throw at him.

—Thank you for having me.— The man said with his classic charming smile. —It's a pleasure to be here with you guys.

—Say, Deku, you've become quite an icon lately. Your popularity is almost as high as mine!— The woman joked, eliciting a slight laugh from the live public. —Have you grown used to being a groundbreaker?

Midoriya bashfully looked at her, feeling her eyes checking him out from head to toe as she spoke.

—Well, the hero life is a difficult path, I have to admit that.— He started, trying to formulate an answer that would suffice. —But it's something I love, and I'm trying to be the best at it.

The model nodded in understanding, allowing her hand to roam to the muscles of his arm.

—Absolutely! We are very alike in that aspect, you know?— She commented, giving a slight squeeze to his biceps. It was getting on Izuku's nerves. —It wouldn't be too far-fetched to be together as a couple.— He heard her say with a wink, the audience having mixed reactions to her blatant flirting.

—Don't you think we'd make a picture-perfect power couple?

Midoriya felt disgust towards the hostess, feeling overwhelmed by her constant indecency. "Talk about basking in reflected glory," he thought, wishing he could get away from her.

—Haha, well, I appreciate your interest, but I'm afraid I'm not available.— He answered with an unfaltering grin; even if it hadn't been long since he had first debuted as a pro-hero, he'd learnt a thing or two about managing his looks while facing the public eye.

The model pouted, pressing the matter even more.

— Just think of the headlines! We could be an 'it' couple.— She added to her desperate attempt to convince him. —Besides, wouldn't you prefer to change your old partner for a brand new model? You'd be the envy of your colleagues.

The public awkwardly laughed at the hostess' behavior. It was funny the first time, they'd guessed, but after a while, it just felt uncomfortable– Even they could sense the uneasiness in Izuku through his charismatic facade.

—How could I do that to them?— Midoriya answered, shaking his head. —I love my partner; they are the best. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

A loud wave of clapping and cheering soared after his answer, moved by the vulnerability and sweetness behind those words. Izuku swore he'd heard a man scream "I love you" at him.

—Hey, baby, if you are watching the show like you promised, wait for me for dinner.— Izuku said to one of the cameras, referring to you as he took his leave from the scene.

For a few weeks, the whole interview fiasco had spread on every social media platform, but every single post had one thing in common: they all agreed that Izuku was loyal to you.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday fandom :) I love these episodes for them. I know they’re not always a fan favorite but I adore them. Just for the Chenford content alone. The married moments, the touching, the sassy banter. What’s not to love? Just like I did for 3x07 I’ll just be analyzing their moments in this ep. Since they’re disconnected from rest of group for most part. Let's get going shall we?

4x16 Real Crime

Sunshine x Grumpy at it's absolute finest kicking this episode off. Lucy is so jazzed to be back. Her little foot kick after she asks how they are? I cannot. She’s so cute. Tim is already over it from the moment his sexy ass hits that chair. It’s so friggin funny. Our king of expressions is on one in this ep. Tim judges Lucy the entire time with serious sass throw in. Their banter mode is on right away and never turns off. We start off with them asking Tim if he saw the last one? Of course he didn't...

Why would he? The only way he would watch it is if Lucy forced him to. haha Lucy rolling her eyes at his answer but with a hint of fondness. She loves her grumpy old man so much. The married train has officially left the station. All aboard. The ride is gonna be hilarious. Tim gets them back on track saying they were first responders to the scene. Tim notes how frustrating it was with all the cameras and coverage nobody saw anything. Nothing useful for the investigation. I mean that is ridiculous tbh. I'm with him on that one.

Lucy tries to add colorful sound bites and Tim is judging her so damn hard. The amount of sass in that second gif. He was not about that line at all. Like who are you right now? Their mini fight in front of the interviewer I’m dying. ‘Why are you SO happy?’ 'I'm being colorful!' LMFAO Lucy defends why she’s doing this and Tim can’t believe it. The bickering in hushed tones is too funny. Like a true couple. Lucy imitating a wife scolding her husband while defending herself.

God I love these idiots sfm. Naturally this is the last thing Tim wants to be doing. The shake of his head above is one of many to come. We all know he would much rather be out on the streets than dealing with this circus. Lucy going the opposite direction. Wanting to get them as many segments as possible We all know the less he's in this the better for him. He barely wants to be in the amount he's in now. heh

This next section is one of my faves. First off I love and commend Lucy’s confidence to just rap in public. I adore her so very much. She couldn’t be cuter in this episode if she tried. Of course she has a karaoke jam I adore her. She is more than happy to share this info. We’ve talked about Eric’s comedic timing. He is absolute gold in this.

His reactions from start to finish are what make this portion so amusing. Goes from 'Huh?' to 'WTF is happening?' It's so funny every time I watch it. Tim doesn't need to say anything. His facial expressions say it all. The sheer amount of judgement he is throwing her way is immense. This is the woman you’ve chosen to love Timothy LOL

Lucy is in her own world as she jams this out. Tim is next her with all the judgment he can muster. These moments are one of the many reasons why he loves her though. Just being 100 percent herself no shame in the game. We know it’s these types of goobery scenes that he actually enjoys from her. She looks so joyful and happy when she turns to sing at him. Then she see's his reaction.... Prompting the iconic line below that always makes me laugh.

Tim’s confusion of her rapping is everything I have to say. I think she’s partly trying to impress him with her rapping skills. He doesn’t give her anything though. LOL They’re so cute I might burst. The marriage moment to end this scene is the best. ‘Can I be interviewed alone? ‘ LMFAO. She is already over his grumpy ass and I’m laughing so hard. Eric and Melissa play off each other so well. It’s a delight to watch them. They have so much chemistry just sitting next to one another. It''s unreal.

We flit back to them talking about Aaron’s father’s musical partner. Tim delivers a ‘colorful’ sound bit of his own. Lucy is beaming with pride. So much so she has to say to make sure it's noted. Interrupting to heap on that praise. Then casually touches his arm. Not a short touch either. It's 4 seconds. Yes I counted heh She lingers. I love watching Tim get all fidgety and hot under the collar after she does this.

Wringing his hands to shake off the feelings washing over him. Trying not to have his feelings recorded for this documentary. Too late... It’s so cute because one he clearly got a little contact high off that touch. Two she just complimented him publicly with the proudest look on her face. He is riding high ha Look at her. That is proud wifey mode right there. Especially after he thanks her for the compliment.

She tries to put herself back in check but is brimming with giddiness. It's adorable. I cannot with these two. *heart clutch* Be more in love please. It's one of those 'Everyone knows but them moments.' He’s also just so cute when he says ‘Thanks..’ haha Oh my Timothy you are so out of your depth with this documentary. But so adorable I wanna squeeze you. Part me of thinks he was trying to get into this for Lucy. Impress her a little with his quote. Mission accomplished sir. Your girl was very proud. Love these idiots in love so much.

Their chemistry is so palpable in these scenes. They're asked a question about the knife in Aaron's kitchen. Saying his DNA was all over the murder weapon. Well duh....Lucy slams the interviewer hard with some solid logic and sass. They're trying to implicate Aaron for having DNA all over the knife in his kitchen... Lucy absolutely destroys this guy's stupid question. Then starts to feel bad afterwards. Checks in with hubby and asks if that was too mean?

Lucy couldn't be cuter turning to her person for feedback. Her immediate reaction to do so getting me all in the feels. I adore him backing her like he does. She looks to him for reassurance and he gives it to her in spades. Saying no that it actually felt good. To be able to stick it to them a bit. You know he is proud of her for doing so. Instead of doing an evocative soundbite she knocked them down a peg. He didn't need to help her in the dept. But the support one? Nailed it.

I love her proud and smug face when he says it was a dumb question. Careful Lucy your feelings are showing my love. Look at her in that first gif. She a ten but crap at hiding her feelings. The second gif is that same look she always gets when he compliments her. *sigh* I just love them. He backs her so fiercely here and Lucy is so ecstatic with his reply. It’s all over her face especially in the last one. That smug smile when he validates her is everything fo her. Basically saying my hubby says I'm right so that means I am haha

Tag team of smug righteousness and it’s amazing. He is oozing proudness in this moment for her. He followed it up with having her back and she’s a happy girl. Let’s not forget the gloriousness that is Tim’s biceps and forearms out on display. Mmm defending his girl and his arms are crossed? Pass the ice water imma need it. This man is deliciously fit and I too am a happy girl in this moment.

The case leads them to a woman named Colette who was brought home to their apt that same night. She had a controlling BF that was never questioned. Cue back to Lucy and Tim. Lucy explaining how a group of internet sleuths found him. How they spent countless hours investigating Aaron’s case. Tim notes this group also pointed the finger at a lot of innocent people ruining their lives… Lucy comments some of the members went little too far.... That's putting it lightly. lol

It’s here the interviewer reveals a prominent poster named ‘truecrimejunkie.’ Implying it’s Lucy who posts under that name. The amount of sass Tim is throwing her way is hysterical. I'm laughing so very hard. Tim’s reaction is the best part of this whole scene. It’s the intense stare down he does. This episode has me laughing from beginning to end. The way he fully turns to her is hilarious. Making fun of his wife with just a look. Lucy stumbling around for words and coming up short.

That moment when your husband finds out about your secret internet life LOL Lucy could not be more embarrassed. Stuttering trying to defend herself to Tim. It’s so funny. It finishes off with Tim’s ‘Seriously?’ Eric and Melissa are a god damn treasure. We are so lucky to have them. It's truly mind blowing the chemistry these two have just with their banter alone. What makes these episodes so very good with their segments. They are the best part with their back and forth. I love this episode for them. I defy you not to laugh or smile with this one.

It comes out Aaron’s mom was in Paris the day Patrick was murdered. Lucy gets all hyped up when they ask what they thought of this? The true crime junkie in her coming out. Saying what a game changer it was. Tim brings her back down to earth with his reply. Lucy doing her cute ‘Well yeah…’

Tim shaking his head. Not at her but this whole documentary. He hates the feelings/people being exploited in this whole thing. Doesn’t sit well with him at all. Once again proving Tim is just a good man on the daily. Not trying to impress anyone with it. It's just who he is as person. His integrity deeply ingrained in him.

Unlike the clown. He's not even in this one but I had to point this out and take a shot. lol Also let's not ignore the GLORIOUS forearm/bicep porn here. My god it's a miracle his work shirt contains those guns of his. Bursting at the seams with muscled goodness. I’m here for it. He could bench press me any day. I'm available is all I'm saying...

We cut back to Tim and Lucy talking about the case being closed. They have their killer finally. Aaron has been exonerated in the process. She starts on another ‘colorful’ bit and stops herself. Rubbing her tattoo feeling how wrong this is. The way she stops herself mid sentence knowing this. Tim jumping in saying ‘Feels gross doesn’t it?’ She agrees and says 'Yeah.'

Look at Lucy growing in this documentary at the end. No longer wanting to do 'colorful' sound bites to get them more time. Being much more focused on respecting those involved. Her ending statement is much better than her potential ‘juicy sound bite’ Look at our babies still growing. I love this episode. So nice to have after a clown fueled previous ep.

~~~

Side notes non-Chenford

Everyone is funny on these types of episodes. Always enjoy their bits. Especially Harper haha

Patrick’s dad coming to apologize to Aaron was a really nice way to close that chapter of his life. Was very sweet.

Thank you as always to those who like, comment and reblog. I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know. See you all in 4x17 :)

[neros-very-first-fiddle]

BEE’S TOP 20 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER EPISODES EVER:

20. S4 E1, The Freshman

Sunday and her gang are just so much fun to watch. I wish there were more fun vampire stoner-types in the show. I love the whole college allegory with Giles leaving Buffy to figure things out on her own. especially showing how she goes from being scared to realizing she does actually have the power to survive without an adult watching over her. Also I think about the klimt poster game every time I see a college dorm now.

19. S1 E9, The Puppet Show

The first (and only?) Buffy episode to ever genuinely scare me. I watched it late at night, alone in my room in the dark when no one else was awake. I don’t fuck with doll horror movies. The puppet skittering about Buffy’s room made me tremble. Also I just love anything theatre related and watching Giles very poorly do a magic circle was fun. And! Framing Snyder as a villain was such a good choice. And I think about him saying “I don’t get it” at the end of the ep a lot. Just really fun in general.

18. S1 E12, Prophecy Girl

“I may be dead, but I’m still pretty.” Her outfit is iconic. Her reaction to finding out she’s going to die is heartbreaking and realistic. I love that Xander is the one to revive her, forever cementing him as one of Buffy’s best friends and a crucial part of the gang.

17. S3 E20, The Prom

The class protector award will always make me tear up, like fuck. people in a town that actively ignores the horrors acknowledged that Buffy was keeping them safe from the horrors. she deserved that moment so much.

16. S3 E13, The Zeppo

I am a Xander apologist and I’m not afraid to say it. This episode is so fucking funny. I love getting to see what goes on in the background of every Buffy episode. I think it adds so much more to Xander’s character to know that he gets left out of the main plot and has his own wacky adventures that he doesn’t talk or brag about. He is the epitome of Just A Guy. He knows he isn’t like Buffy and the rest of the scoobies, but he also knows he can be just as brave as them. The moment where he’s in the basement and smiling about the bomb about to go off, “I like the quiet,” shakes me so much. Iconic.

15. S2 E6, Halloween

Ethan Rayne’s first appearance! I love how kitschy it feels. willow’s costume is gorgeous.

14. S6 E16, Hell’s Bells

Jesus fucking christ. The portrayal of dysfunctional families is just spot on. Anya looks stunning the entire time. Xander choosing to walk out because he loves Anya too much to even risk following in his family’s footsteps and abusing her is so heartbreakingly real. Is Xander in the wrong for ever letting their relationship get this far when he had doubts? ABSOLUTELY. Also the scene when Anya walks down the aisle crying makes me want to sob, it’s such a perfect shot. Ughh

13. S6 E8, Tabula Rasa

fun amnesia episode! I love seeing what’s inside the characters when they don’t remember anything about themselves. the loan shark bit is so stupid and funny. Giles and Spike having a father/son relationship is perfect. “RANDY GILES??!?? might as well call me desperate for a shag Giles.” also “a vampire with a soul? God, how lame is that?”

12. S4 E12, A New Man

This was the first Buffy episode I ever saw! Caught it on tv and fell in love. I remember watching willow and tara float the rose and thinking “gay.” Then I saw Giles and ethan laugh together over drinks after he, like pinned Ethan down in a crypt and I thought “gay.” And you know what, I was right on both fronts. Also spike crashing the car is so funny.

11. S2 E7, Lie To Me

Everyone talks about wanting to see more of ford, and we get to see more of the main girl, but all I want is Diego/marvin content. I love his stupid sparkly blue cape. I also love how Buffy reacts to finding out ford has cancer; “I’ll kill you myself.” Being in a horrible situation doesn’t excuse the horrible crime you’re about to commit! He’s just a very well written character

10. S7 E15, Get It Done

After watching this, I had to lie down for a moment because it was so much and I cried (which I rarely do with tv shows). The origins of the slayer just fucking wrecked me. The first slayer was just a girl who was violated and used.

9. S2 E22, Becoming pt. 2

Genuinely just one of the best season finales of all time. They perfectly took away everything Buffy had and brought her to the point of no return. The part when Angel asks her “what’s left?” before attempting to stab her with the sword, but Buffy shuts her eyes and perfectly catches it and says “me” is the most breathtaking, iconic scene ever. Gut wrenching and absolutely devastating.

8. S7 E7, Conversations With Dead People

Willow’s conversation with Cassie is so jarring. Buffy’s conversation is so so great and fun. Also “mommy’s milk is red today” is such an INSANE thing to write.

7. S2 E19, I Only Have Eyes For You

I love the concept that a haunting is just a house re-enacting a terrible night over and over again to try and understand what happened to it. This is extremely similar. Just a guy replaying his greatest and final mistake in an attempt to gain forgiveness, to somehow make everything turn out all right because he can’t live or die with that guilt. And the connection to Buffy and Angel’s relationship is just the cherry on top.

6. S2 E17, Passion

I’m a sucker for Angel’s monologue in this one. The scene where he kills Jenny is just, so. Her death perfectly shows how serious things have gotten. All the fun and games are over. Having Giles find her in his bed is absolutely sickening, but I love how they set up the fact that Giles has never seen Angel’s letters until then, he isn’t aware that’s the paper and handwriting from Angel and not Jenny. Also the shot where Willow and Buffy find out that she’s dead is great. I love that we see it from outside the house, looking in.

5. S4 E10, Hush

Astonishing that one of the greatest episodes has extremely little dialogue. the end from Riley’s perspective is just that his girlfriend screamed and the heads of these demons exploded… did he think she had like a banshee scream ability?? I would’ve. Giles’ drawings are so fun

4. S5 E7, Fool for Love

“I’ve always been bad” -jump cut to spike writing bad poetry. I love the little detail that Halfrek was the girl who turned down spike in 1880. The entire subway scene is perfect. Every slayer has a death wish. Buffy saying “you’re beneath me” is so perfectly cruel, and throwing the money is too. the end with spike going to kill Buffy then seeing her upset and comforting her is just a perfect picture of their entire relationship.

3. S4 E22, Restless

“Props?” “No.” “Props?” “YES!” Death of a salesman should have a cowboy in it, actually. Spike selling himself out as an attraction is so believable. like yeah, he would love to be photographed all the time by admirers.

2. S5 E16, The Body

One of the best portrayals of grief I’ve ever seen.

1. S6 E7, Once More With Feeling

Duh. I rewatch this episode A LOT. Anya and Xander’s song gets stuck in my head pretty regularly. I listen to the music on spotify. Hinton Battle kills. I recently watched this with my friend who does ballet and she said Dawn’s dance was really good! BROADWAY LEGEND HINTON BATTLE!!! Spike and Buffy’s kiss at the end is so perfectly built up and executed. Just an absolute masterpiece.

[that-random-outsider]

JUST CAME BACK FROM WICKED!!!! HOW DID THEY SOME HOW MAKE IT GAYER

Spoilers

OMG THE LOATHING SCENE!!! IT'S ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE FROM THE MUSICAL SO I WAS LIKE PRACTICALLY SHAKING WAITING FOR THE MOMENT WHERE THEY'D START WRITING THE NOTES TO THEIR PARENTS!! AND IT ABSOLUTELY DID NOT DISSAPOINT! IT WAS ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE BEST SCENES OF THE MOVIE AND I WILL BE WATCHING IT AT LEAST ANOTHER MILLION TIMES

THE DANCE SCENE ALMOST MADE ME CRY!! Like I was in there tearing up while my sister is over here whispering "this is corny as hell" like omg it hurt so much. Galinda being the one to wipe away her tears. Being the only one seeing how much pain she was in. The only one who understands her when everyone else was laughing. The way there was barely any dialog in the scene. It hurt way too much than I expected it to.

Omg POPULAR???? LIKE YES ARI ATE THAT!!! GALINDA IS SUPPOSED TO BE "TOO MUCH" SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE CHAOTIC!! SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE JUMPING UP AND DOWN OVERLY EXCITED AND MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH!! THAT'S AN IMPORTANT PART OF HER CHARACTER!! IT MEANS SOMETHING TO HER CHARACTER!! HER ABILITY TO SHIFT BETWEEN PEPPY AND SERIOUS IS WHY SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE HER CHARACTER AND I ALREADY KNOW THOSE WHO AREN'T THEATER NERDS WILL NOT GET THAT!!

THE WAY THEY WERE LAYING NEXT TO EACH OTHER!! ELPHABA'S FONDNESS AT THE WAY GALINDA GOT UPSET ABOUT NOT BEING TOLD A SECRET!! THAT SMILE SHE RESERVES JUST FOR HER!! I CAN'T BROO 😭😭

Omg and the iconic lines "pink goes good with green" or "you're beautiful" like my heart 😭😭 I can't!!

Omg and the use of the word mashes it was such a small detail but every time I heard one of them It just goes to show that they did their homework for this.

Also the going away scene "I hope you get what your heart desires -Galinda" like how do I explain how much that meant to me? Because like it meant a lot to me and idek why but it did.

Not to mention DEFYING GRAVITY like that entire scene deserves a post of its own and I'm not even going to touch it yet until I rewatch the movie at least 20 more times!!