#also is criminal how good nate looks in this

[andthatscanon]

dair parallels (143/?)

Gossip Girl 1x14 // Gossip Girl 4x21 // Gossip Girl 5x07 // Gossip Girl 5x22

[aardvaark]

leverage rewatch: s1e1 "the nigerian job"

i love that nate’s very first line is threatening to punch this guy in the throat, said while day drinking alone in a bar. really sets the stage for how broken up he is at this moment.

on the opposite end, hardisons first line is insulting the tech for this heist lol. immediately clear this team is gonna be a problem (affectionate) for nate.

eliot’s first line is said to somehow both commend and mock hardison ("you’re not as useless as you look") and that is a pretty good look into their dynamic for the whole series lol.

hardison and parker’s very first on-screen interaction is hardison being enamored with her (and eliot teasing him about it) <3

hardison telling eliot "i don’t even know what you do" is a fun little line because it starts to show how much the team actually know about each other before this heist. like, nate knows a decent amount about all of them, and they know a bit about nate. but hardison knows nothing about eliot, and eliot’s (previously mentioned) first line also implies that if he does know anything about hardison, it’s probably not much either. im gonna elaborate on this in a separate post before i get off track lol.

parker’s first *mention* comes before she’s actually on screen, when nate is looking through the files of the team he’s gonna work with and says that "parker is insane". people have pointed this out a bunch of times before but this is a really perfect first mention of her because we will spend most of her arc throughout the series showing that this isn’t really true! by season five, she’ll get to finally "respond" to that introduction of hers - "they said i was crazy, but i never was. i never was". and it’s really interesting to see nate go from being the person who calls her insane to fully trusting her with leading the team when he’s gone.

i still think about the giant sheet of glass that parker lets fall to the ground in the first heist lol. are the people on the street okay

also love the "why the f-" [cut off] line that parker gets. i think that's the closest we get to one of the main characters saying fuck?

nate calling them children in the first episode. ironic for a guy who did NOT set out to be a father figure to these weird criminals who are gonna follow him around for the next five years.

parker being the one to introduce the chess metaphor my beloved <3 shes very perceptive! and she also just knows that "crime is fun" and nate's bound to enjoy it lol.

hospital scene from the extended pilot <3 how come eliot's chained to a chair instead of a bed like the rest of them? anyway, i wish more people watched the extended pilot because in the season 1 finale when eliot shoves the hard hat on hardison's head, you should know that he's getting petty revenge for when hardison shoved eliot's head into the roof of the cop car in this scene.

nate saying there's "payback, and if it goes right, a lot of money" for eliot and "a lot of money, and if it goes right, payback" for parker, he's got their (current) motivations nailed already.

parker and hardison being like "yeah sure lets go get whatever a 'sophie' is" vs eliot asking lol. but he also evidently follows regardless. yeah thats pretty much how nate's gonna be, sorry eliot, you'll get used to this.

i find nate and sophie's first scenes so sweet. he watches her terrible acting but from his expression you'd think she was gonna win an oscar. and when she sees him in that alley, she's trying to continue being the cool and mysterious femme fatale but she's clearly so happy underneath - he came and found her! he sought her out! he's playing her side now, and that changes everything! (and one day soon she'll realise - oh shit, this changes everything. but tonight she's just over the moon). i know they're very much not the fan favourites, but u gotta admit that their interactions in the pilot... chefs kiss!!

in the next scene at hardison's apartment, (btw, rip hardison's awesome pilot apartment which we never see again), sophie is dressed down and intently listening and taking notes which is fairly unusual for her. but not out of character necessarily - when she mentors parker in grifting later, she encourages parker to take handwritten notes.

"that's an odd thing for you to know" "that's an odd place for you to be" (eliot and sophie's lines). he picks up on her suspicious knowledge and she challenges him right back. and he immediately knows to only trust sophie about as far as he can throw her.

i wish we got to see a little of sophie meeting the others! but there's no time and it would be an unnecessary scene. i like that their introduction to sophie was her awful acting though, because that will always be their first impression - not of an incredible grifter, but of a much sillier and more genuine version of sophie than we otherwise see for most of season one.

parker laughing at hardison's joke is also adorable.

no comments on the eliot + nate pool table scene, because @laser-tripwires has already written an incredible analysis of that interaction here. :) !!

actually the only thing i will mention is eliot saying that they all know about nate's kid dying - that's very important. nate wouldn't want them to know his vulnerabilities. even if they just pity him... well to him, that might be worse.

eliot saying "incoming" about sophie walking over is also really funny to me. referring to her like she's something dangerous, and he's joking but he's not wrong!

okay where did sophie get the "black king, white knight" line from? she was not there when parker said that. maybe everyone speaks in chess metaphors in the leverage Crime World.

[thefallenangelsgang]

Fuck it, I'm throwing my hat on the ring about the Emil announcing Nate from Fallout 4 is the bystander Soldier in the Fallout 1 opener.

First and foremost, it was a stupid thing to say. As he backtracks to later, the conceit of Fallout's protags is they are supposed to be anyone (and that issue is precisely why some people hate the extensive prewar character background given to you in Fallout 4). For the lead writer to pull a JK Rowling (why would you do that? None of those went over well) is such a major marketing misstep that it wouldn't surprise me if Emil gets reprimanded for it before we even get into the implication of what he said.

Emil your voice is as good as God when it comes to the canon. You can't just say shit like that and expect it to go well. Especially considering the implications.

Speaking of the implications, I'm not mad about Nate being a war criminal. It's a coloring I actually would welcome if the games discussed concepts like Capitalism, Racism, and War in any meaningful way anymore. And if Emil also didn't say this.

Fallout's canon is rooted in reality. That is part of its whole thing. It's fun to do goofy shit like becoming the Silver Shroud and having a make believe superhero fight with the Mechanist or write a woman obsessed with Nuka Cola so much she traverses two games to basically kidnap the CEO's cryogenically preserved head so she can talk to him for all eternity, but the setting is very much rooted in reality.

You aren't dealing with fictional countries, you aren't dealing with fictional races, you aren't dealing with fictional hypotheticals. That is The Elder Scrolls job. You are dealing with actual countries, actual racism, actual history, and actual fucking politics. You have to be mindful of what you are doing and saying. You can't just do things because it's an interesting plot device without first thinking about the implications.

Fallout's world is a heightened version of our own, a path we seem to stumble towards with ever passing year unless we do something about it. It fucking sucks. I'm sure writing it feels like prophesizing the future and eats your soul a bit. It would mine. But that doesn't mean Fallout can just take a sharp left in terms of story and reality and get away with it.

To have Nate be the bystander Soldier and then meet him when he has a very good thing going for him (an expensive house during an inflation crisis, a robot butler, he gets into a vault for free for fucks sake) very much speaks to life rewarding him for his crimes. There is no hatred in his words when he looks at the flag of the country that made him kill innocents. His speech is speaks of remorse for leaving his family and the cycle of war, it does not speak of the horrors. Of watching you comrades bleed out in the Anchorage snow. Of the scream of shells overhead. Of the fear in civilians eyes as your buddy puts a bullet between them.

You all have to see how it looks like the man is fine with what he had to do during the war, right?

Not interacting with these concepts enough paints a picture of apathy and acceptance. In this day and age where being keeping the government honest and responsible for their actions is so important, that isn't going to slide without it being EXTREMELY purposeful, which it is not. It's tone deaf and lazy.

I respect a lot of what Emil has done in the past, but I am not above keeping him culpable when he has something so delicate in his hands. I hope this situation is what he needed to get his head on straight, or is the light bulb moment where he realizes he needs to pass the torch onwards. There is no shame in subject matter becoming too much as time goes on. There is shame in letting a previously critical series become the very thing it was criticizing.

He is going to keep getting dragged until he realizes that or he manages to convince the fans to be complicit in the degradation of setting. In doing so he is going to lose Bethesda most of its biggest fans who well and truly love the series and what it stands for.

But that's just my take, and I'm just a kid who studies polisci and history and can't shield myself from the inherent horror of nuclear war no matter how much I try.

War really never changes

[carisisrolledupsleeves]

79. "we're not just friends you know that" with Sonny please please

thank you anon, i hope you like.....listening to one of my favorite songs (First Love/Late Spring by Mitski) inspired this....also Peter in Mutual Friends gif because I needed something pre-SVU (also i love Nate sm, iykyk)

i got a bit carried away with this ngl

PS: to anyone else sending prompts, im gonna be super busy in the next few days so i have no idea when ill be able to write again but keep on sending them!

‘Carisi, I swear to God you stay the fuck away from me with that water gun!’ you squeal while running to the other side of the pool to escape the ice-cold water stream he’s been trying to aim at you. 

‘You’re gonna get wet eventually!’ he warns with a smirk, making it sound incredibly suggestive. 

You shake your head at him and roll your eyes but you can’t help blushing at the same time. Admittedly, you love his childish attempts at teasing you, and you know in this atmosphere and with all the alcohol flowing this weekend, the flirting will only get worse. Not that it ever leads to anything. You’re just friends, it’s innocent. So far. And you tell yourself you don’t want it to go further even though you catch yourself staring, your eyes wandering over his body as he takes off his shirt. 

It’s always been like that between you two. Ever since you met as undergrads at St. John’s a few years ago, taking the same sociology course. Sonny ended up sitting next to you, and that same evening you found each other again at a party and had started talking. He was sweet, and funny, and you could see yourself falling for him immediately if it hadn’t been for your recent heartbreak, that grueling breakup from your highschool sweetheart. You’d still had feelings for your ex although looking back now, it must have been nostalgia, and the fact that along with him, you had left girlhood behind for good. Going off to college meant becoming an adult and starting this new chapter was scary. When you met Sonny, all you needed was a friend. And he had been an amazing friend to you all these years, without ever asking for more. 

‘What’s that?’ your girlfriend asks, pointing at your chin and you avert your gaze from Sonny. 

‘What?’ you instinctively touch your face.

‘Oh, it’s nothing. Just swear I could see a bit of drool there.’ she laughs and you shove her.

‘Stop!’ 

‘Hey, I don’t blame you! He is hot. And you know he’s been checking you out in that bikini.’ she states and you swallow the lump in your throat just to let out an awkward laugh. 

‘We’re just playing around. You know how he is. It’s not that serious.’ you don’t know who you’re trying to convince, her or yourself. 

It’s true, your friendship has always been on the verge of becoming something more. The flirting wasn’t even the worst of it; it was the intimacy you shared, the fact that you had always been there for each other when times got tough. When Sonny questioned his choice of becoming a cop after finishing his degree in criminal justice, wishing he had gone to law school instead of the police academy. When your mom had that cancer scare and your dad was losing it, absolutely helpless and unable to take care of himself while she was getting her treatment. It wasn’t just fun and games. At the end of the day you had a deep and true friendship, and neither of you wanted to throw that away. 

But you can feel something shift. It is the way he looks at you as the sun goes down on that first day of your 4th of July weekend. Between laughs and giggles your eyes meet and he gets all quiet and serious, and there’s something in the air you can’t quite grasp. Or maybe it’s the way that friend of a friend asks you about him. If he’s single, and her smile in his direction when you tell her he’s not seeing anyone as far as you know. And then as you get tipsy in order to forget about it all, you realize that he’s keeping his distance for some reason, when he would normally be right by your side, having shots with you, annoying you with his lame jokes. 

Your phone vibrates and it’s a text from Sonny. A song by one of your favorite artists that you weren’t even aware he knew of. You look up to scan the crowd for him and find him sitting by the pool by himself, a bottle of beer in his hand. 

But I find that lately I’ve been crying like a tall child

You know the lyrics by heart, and there it is again, the lump in your throat. And that devastating feeling in your gut you’ve ignored so many times in the past. The longing to be close to him, to reach out and touch him, you’ve fought time and time again. His eyes meet yours and you draw in a sharp breath, wishing he would just go back to goofing around with you instead of this. Because this, you can’t come back from, you can’t undo.  

The only thing you can do is flee but he catches up with you just as you reach the top of the stairs, about to go hide in your room. Sonny’s hand grabs yours and you turn around to face him. And all of a sudden his lips are on yours.

Even if you wanted to protest, you can’t. It feels too good. After the initial shock you kiss him back, your hands are around his neck as his wrap around your waist. Maybe this isn’t right but you want it. You want him. Finally admitting it to yourself is your doom but what if it’s a blessing at the same time? Harboring this secret for so long, these fantasies you had about him and you, what if he’s had them too? Or was it all just another silly little game encouraged by the summer heat and booze?

Please, hurry, leave me, I can’t breathe

Please don’t say you love me

A spark shoots through you and starts to linger between your thighs as his tongue slips into your mouth, a needy moan on his breath. No, you can’t. You can’t give in to this if it’s simply a desire you have to satisfy, or curiosity. Your friendship means too much to you, and it would ruin everything. 

One word from you and I would jump off of this ledge I’m on, baby

Tell me “don’t” so I can crawl back in

You push him away and Sonny gives you a confused look, searching your eyes for the answer to a question that hasn’t been asked. 

‘We can’t, Sonny.’

‘Why not?’ 

‘Because…I know we would regret it. And then I would lose my best friend.’ you reply, looking down on the floor to avoid his blue eyes piercing into yours.

‘We’re not just friends, you know that.’ he whispers, his finger under your chin lifting up your head again. 

‘Don’t…’ you’re scared of what he’s going to say next but it bursts out of him.

‘I’ve been in love with you since the day I met you. But I knew you were hurting and being your friend was enough for me. I would never ask for more if I didn’t think it is what you wanted as well. And now we’ve been in denial for so long, and I keep thinking, what if it’s all in my head, y’know? So, please. Tell me it’s not all just in my head.’ he pleads and you can see his eyes filling with tears and it feels like your heart is twisting around itself in your chest. 

‘It’s not just in your head.’ you assure softly, your hand reaching out to touch his cheek where an ecstatic smile appears. 

‘So you’re in love with me too?’ Sonny asks, sounding like a little boy. 

It’s time to let go of your fears. Your own insecurities that had been holding you back although he had always brightened your day, always made your heart beat faster, ever since he asked you your name on that very first day of college. 

‘I am, Dominick. I’m in love with you.’ you confess, biting your lip shyly before kissing him again. 

A sweet, timid kiss, and yet it doesn’t take long until you pull him towards your room, shoving him against the door the second it closes. He groans, his hands traveling under your short sundress before almost tearing it off you. The rest of your clothes, and his, follow, landing all across the room. 

‘Fuck, you should always be naked. You’re so beautiful.’ Sonny breathes as you push him down on the bed, straddling him. 

‘I would get arrested.’ you grin, feeling him hard against you.

‘Good thing I’m gonna be a cop soon.’ he chuckles, his hands wandering over your body, making you tremble as one finds its way to your wet folds.

‘Dominick…’ you moan his name as he starts dragging his fingers back and forth through you, his thumb on your clit, massaging there. His touch is heavenly. 

You lift your hips again to guide his hard cock into you, letting him fill you to the hilt as you sink down on him. Fuck. In all your wildest fantasies you could have never imagined how amazing he would feel, stretching you in the most delightful way, throbbing so deep inside you. His thighs tense as he lets out the prettiest moan, taking in the sensation of your pussy around him, so wet and tight.

‘God, baby, you…-fuck!’ Sonny pants as you start moving on him, your fingers digging into his shoulders, waves of pleasure already crashing over your body. 

Finally being with him is exhilarating. The way he grips your hips, pulling you down harder onto him, showing you exactly how badly he wanted you for all this time. And you’re desperate for him too; your lips on his neck, sucking, licking, nibbling as blind passion takes over. His deep moans are music to your ears, unleashing something inside you you didn’t know was there before. You push him back on the bed in order to ride him harder, and his mouth hangs open as he watches his cock disappear into your glistening cunt. It doesn’t take long and you’re both panting hot messes, close to your orgasms. Sonny reaches down to find your clit, rubbing tight circles and you clench around him in response, feeling yourself climbing towards that peak and you steady yourself on his chest, smiling down at him. 

‘’You’re so fucking hot.’ you purr breathlessly. ‘You’re gonna m-make me c-cum. Fuck! Dominick!’ 

He thrusts up into you roughly, hitting that sweet spot just right, sending you over the edge. You come hard, scratching his skin and making him hiss as your pussy twitches around his cock. Your orgasm is earth-shattering, and if it wasn’t for the loud music downstairs, everyone would have heard your moans, the string of curse words leaving your mouth as you shake. You keep riding him, your flushed body grinding against his as you feel him tensing beneath you, and he spills into you, crying out your name. Fuck, having him come inside you makes you feel even more delirious; having him rub your clit still, making you pulsate around him again and again. 

When you finally collapse next to him you are both struggling to catch your breaths, and your thighs are still shaking as he pulls you close, kissing your hair. You remain like this for God knows how long before you decide you’re in need of a shower and you get up, dragging Sonny with you to the bathroom where you turn on the light.

‘Oh shit!’ you gasp, staring at his chest.

‘Guess I will have to keep my shirt on for the rest of the weekend.’ Sonny states, as he looks down, noticing the red scratch marks all over his upper body.

‘I’m so sorry.’ you cover your mouth with your hand, looking at him apologetically. 

‘Don’t be. I like it.’ he bites his lip, wiggling his brows at you. 

You have to laugh, and he reaches out to tickle you, to make you laugh even harder. The excitement of it all makes you dizzy. Dominick makes you dizzy. And your hands are all over him once more as you step into the shower, the feeling of his body pressed against yours making you moan again.  

request a prompt from the smut prompt list 🔥

[geeky-nightphilosopher]

Okay, okay. You all are probably ANNOYED about my Leverage posts- and I was on the fence about posting this one because I'm only on season 3. However, I just have SO many thoughts and I need to process them. So- here it goes;

*takes a deep breath*

Leverage is home. Like, I don't- I don't know to explain it. In another post I said the show was intoxicating and that's still true. But it's also- it's also home. Maybe I'm the only one, but when I watch it- I feel like I belong. Which is ridiculous. I'm not talented at all- but Leverage is almost like a security blanket. It's- it's safe and warm... it's home.

The only thing I can think of why it's home is because of them. Because they make it feel like home. They make feel safe and like your being cared for. Like your not alone. Even if you don't think your good at something- Leverage has your back. It gives you a sense of security. Which is weird because their criminals. But- like they said; Sometimes the bad guys are the only good guys you get.

I mean- you have Nate Ford who is always two to three spaces in front of the bad guy. Who sits there and listens to victims and gives them hope. Who talks to his team and bounces ideas off of them- instead of talking down to them. He's the kinda guy that watches from the background and sees all sorts of angles. Gets into the minds of both the victim and assailant. And if the con goes wrong- he has a second one ready to cover. Whose weakness is an empty bottle in an occupied barstool.

You have Sophie. A terrible actress whose good at acting. She can play any part. Be unseen- while being seen. Whose brave, kind, and gentle- but can kick butt when needed. She's not a damsel in distress- but she'll play the part. And the thing about that part is; it's so convincing- even she believes it too. Despite that- she's honest and sincere, she'll tell you what she thinks. Her heart is gold. Her trust is thin. She's like a snake- hypnotizing. Her weakness is the love she gave to a man who thinks too much and feels too little.

You have Eliot. A man that- if you just look at him- you'll just shrug him off. He's like any other brute. Big and brawny. And that's why you shouldn't ever judge a book by it's cover. He's so much more than that. Yes. He's brawn. A real southern charmer. But he has a brain and a heart. He's that big brother and gives you hugs and you can't help but melt into the security of that feeling. That feeling of safety that you just know has an ocean of anger underneath. But your not scared, you can't be scared. Not of him. He's the kinda guy you run towards- because you know he'll keep you safe. And yeah- maybe he'll use his brawn to keep you safe, but he'll also use his brain and his heart. He'll get you out of the situation in one piece with a grumble and a growl. His weakness is his kindness and that's why doesn't let it show.

You have Alec. The brainiac. The hacker- who isn't all that much to look at (compared to Eliot,) at least not at first glance. Yet, there's something about him that screams safe. Just as much as Eliot. He's outgoing and kind. Smart and funny. And the way that he's got everyone's back- even when it doesn't seem like it. He's your go to- to find any kind of internet mistakes and he's a good shoulder to cry on. He's that brother who is dorky, awkward, and nerdy- but he's honest and sincere. His weakness is not being able to be there when it really matters.

And- and you have Parker. The thief. The master thief- that didn't belong anywhere. Nimble and lean as she flips and slinks through vents. She's the little sister the family didn't know they even wanted. Until finally they realized she was what they needed. She's bright and cheerful despite how she grew up. Her life wasn't easy foster care and street living is a rough life- but she still believes in good things; Santa clause, Nate, Sophie, and Eliot. Most importantly she believed in Hardison. She was on her own until she was found and working with a team. Then she belonged to them. Everything she had done- was so that they knew she loved them. Her weakness is having the ability to not get caught.

To end this; Leverage is an amazing shoe- because it reminds us that no matter our background. No matter how many times we've messed up and haven't belonged- we are all human. It tells us that we will find our home, our tribe, our safety. That no matter our weakness- we'll always have somebody who can take our weakness and become our strength.

I'm only on season 3. I'll more than likely have more thoughts come by season 4/ season 5. (If you agree or disagree- don't hesitate to message me!

[gina103]

Tiny Treasures (Nathan Drake x tiny!reader)

I know absolutely nothing about the Uncharted series other than the 2022 movie which I literally watched last night. Hopefully, this will get me out of my writer's block. Also note that the reader is female in this!

word count: 675

Nathan had no clue what he was looking at.

Nothing Sully had explained about this mission could've prepared him for this moment. Here he was, in the basement of some billionaire, trying to steal something that was incredibly valuable, and highly sought after by all kinds of rich people and criminals alike. Apparently, this something was worth billions, but Nathan had no idea that this wasn't a something, it was a someone.

You were sat in a bird cage, and you were so incredibly small. Nathan was pretty sure a New York City rat could take you out any day. You trembled in fear at the sight of him, crumpled up in the back of the cage, trying to appear even smaller than you already were. Besides your miniscule stature, you were so perfectly normal-looking, so human in your movements, in your fearful eyes, and in your shaking form. Nathan felt a surge of responsibility in his chest, he couldn't let some billionaire or criminal keep you for their own evil interests, he knew he needed to protect you at all costs.

"Hey Kid, what's the hold up? Whaddya see?" Sully's voice spoke from his earpiece.

Nathan didn't know where to begin.

"Yeah...about that, I don't think we can sell this, Sully."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It's not a thing, it's a girl..." Nathan slowly walked closer to the cage, noticing the way you seemed to shrivel up in utter fear at his presence.

"A girl? Are you joking?"

"Yeah..." He studied the lock on your cage, locking eyes with you in the process. He could only imagine what you had been through so far.

"Hey, hey, it's ok. I'm gonna get you outta here, don't worry," Nathan uttered to you. Even though he lowered his voice, you still flinched.

"Kid? Are you gonna explain, or are you just gonna leave me hanging here?"

Nathan stepped back from the cage to look around for the key. "Listen, Sully, you're just gonna have to see for yourself, I'll see you when I get up there."

"Hey! Wai-" He turned off his earpiece before Sully could finish.

Once he found the key, Nathan bent over before your cage once again. Trying to give you a reassuring look, he put the key in.

"Hey, I know this is all really scary and stuff, but I promise you I want to help. You're gonna have to trust me, ok?"

"How do I know?" You suddenly spoke, catching Nate off guard, "How do I know you aren't just like the others? That you aren't just going to sell me for a profit?"

You stared him straight in the eyes as you spoke, so you were courageous too?

"To tell you the truth, you don't," Nathan answered bluntly, "But I can tell you right now, I will do everything in my power to never let that happen again. It's your choice whether to trust me or not."

You seemed taken aback by his honesty, he opened the cage door and held his palm up, giving you the choice to walk on or not. You had been through so much up to this point, and you knew that trusting other people at this size wasn't a good idea. But something about the sincerity in this gigantic brunette's eyes was melting your resolve.

Nathan's heart leapt when you walked closer to the cage door, he was much happier than he'd liked to admit, you had chosen to trust him.

Slowly, you stepped onto his palm, hoping to God that you wouldn't regret this.

"That's it, you're doing great, sweetheart," He said softly, "My name's Nathan by the way." The sensation of your little body in his hands was positively electric, when you were finally settled, Nathan couldn't help but feel that you fit perfectly there.

Ignoring the way your heart fluttered at the nickname, you looked up into his chocolate brown eyes. "(y/n)," you answered.

"Pleasure to meet you, (y/n)," A smile bloomed on Nathan's face, "Now, let's get outta here."

[forensicated]

What are some of your favourite episodes of the bill?

Oooh crikey, so many! Thank you for the question! These are in no particular order. Also apologies for the formatting, I'm on my phone trying to reply and remember which numbered episode is which and have to go check some of them to ensure they're right as I've bounced everywhere around timelines the last couple of years doing the recaps and they blurred.

* All Change, the millennium new years eve when cid became uniform for the night.

* Respect 1 and 2, the end episodes. I don't like the way some of the character storylines were wound up but those two episodes were an amazing tribute.

* The Chief Super's Party, June and Roy flirting at the bar, Brownlow deeply unimpressed by the company that Roy kept. Roy getting one over on the super without Brownlow even realising which allowed him to support Ted. Ted's drunk driving crash ending up with him sleeping on a boat overnight and solving a robbery to save his job whilst hungover.

* The Target Trilogy, June and Steve get shot at. It's thought that it's Steve being targeted but they soon realise how wrong they are. Poor Jo 😕

* An Honour To Serve, Gina's last episodes. Smithy's kiss on the cheek and how much he respects her 💔❤️ "Goodnight Ma'am" (RIP Roberta ❤️)

* Lullaby with Smithy going from reading Tim a bedtime story in a cell with absolutely no feeling in his voice through to him singing 5 little speckled frogs to try keep him calm and not worry him when they were kidnapped.

* Integrity, Nicks first episodes. The contrast of him and Smithy paired together is awesome. Especially when they unite.

* Gunrunner, Smithy and guns...

* Witness and the episodes featuring Carly in the run up. Smithy really became the paternal figure that he didn't want to initially and cared about her, Leanne and Brooke. (& laughing at Nate when he runs the wrong way after sending him to chase after her whilst he stands and has a nice little chat.)

* Righteous Kill 1 and 2, Max protecting the wife and son of a man he shot in S019.

* Brittaniamania, Mickey undercover as a football hooligan and Debbie pretending to be his girlfriend with Dave and Paul his workmates though Paul being shit at plastering almost got them caught.

* Episode 154, the aftermath of Mickeys rape. The acting is incredible.

* Tinderbox, Brownlow, Conway and Meadows in an outward bounds team building course against Manion and his cocky cheating team.

* Conviction - particularly the riot training episode where Smithy and Callum end up having a physical fight to end their frustration over what happened with Devlin. The last episode of that is a bit frustrating though as I don't think Smithy could give his guilt over that quickly to accept a promotion when it was eating him alive. It made out he and Stevie had continued a thing from Gunrunner too that they hadn't. (the promotion thing bugged me so much I made a fic about it)

* First Impressions 1 and 2, purely for WUK (or "WUS!") and nick and uniform hiding in Diane's cupboard to watch Ben on cctv.

* Blurred Around The Edges, Smithy's army friend makes an appearance and turns his world upside down. (another I did a fic about!)

* Soft Talking, Smithy delivers a baby in the middle of a street and has to try and find the mother when she disappears and get her away from the abusive boyfriend and dad.

* When the snow lay roundabout, Danny the elf knowing what Matt secretly wished, Reg being the only copper out because of the snow (he'd only gone to get a Christmas tree) Rod trying to scam uniform, a cheeky kid outing him and helping polly and Gary trim the tree and the barbershop quartet!

* PC Smith, Needing to show himself in a good light, Smithy volunteers with Nick to look after a gay couple who are receiving homophobic threats. Everyone is surprised, not least Smithy himself.

*Episode 372, Cop The Lot "Simon Cowell eat your heart out!"

* Cowboy Country, Max ends up using his mother's priest to try track a Polish criminal down

*Game Plan, Max goes undercover with the Monks family.

* Tolerance, Smithy's C019 training and interview.

* Episode 69 and 70, cop idol and Cass being taken hostage and murdered by the serial killer 💔

* 117 and 118 Smithy's first 2 Sgt episodes including singing at the gay club.

* Good Cop Bad Cop , callum's first. Smithy leaps on him twice and Dan is NOT impressed when Callum acts all dodgy and tries to shut him out.

* 131 Smithy goes undercover in prison to try locate some expensive cars and Ken's son.

* 138 and 139 Smithy and Gina go out for a drink and end up in a drinking game. Smithy cheats! "You're a cab!" The next morning Gina had a little prang and all hell breaks loose.

* 162 the first live episode

* 205 206 Nicks last episodes before going into witness protection. I hate that they didn't make more of his and Sgt!smithy's past but at least they acknowledge it in this episode. It's just a shame that a lot of newer viewers would have been confused as hell at what was going on with their goodbye.

* 214 215 the start of Gina and Jonathan properly.

* Appropriate Force, Callum comes face to face with his ex and her criminal husband. Smithy has to literally pull him away from beating the husband into a pulp for attacking his wife.

* 237 Jim and June get married. For the cast dressed up, Smithy teasing Gina about settling down and shoving her forward to catch the bouquet and the beautiful Gina and Jonathan moments. Though sadly they do end up breaking up.

Killer On The Run, Ryan Jones blames Smithy for him killing his wife. (Smithy had let slip that Ryan was infatuated with a prostitute the episode before) and tries to take revenge, holding both Smithy and Pauline, Smithy's mother at gunpoint at various times

* 272 273 Gina taken hostage by Irene Radford and the story of their history and how alike they were falls out.

* 286 Dan's first appearance at the driving school with Amber and Leela. Amber's attempts to get in with the instructor once she finds out she's a lesbian is hilarious.

* 288 289 Andrea is found out and the station explodes in a fireball thanks to Colin Fairfax. Smithy and Ken's final scene is heartbreaking 💔

*298 Dan transfers and puts himself in danger rescuing a woman who is treated as a slave by those she works for as well as being raped by the father. Rosa is terrified but Dan tries to help, made harder by the fact she's deaf and doesn't speak English.

* 302 303 Mickey returns with MIT colleagues and arrests Neil. It's a heartbreaking look at what the rape had done to Mickey or "Michael" as he insists he is now and then something further breaks his heart....

* 327 Gina is found having collapsed at home by Smithy and Jonathan. Gina and Jonathan have a heart to heart and she almost tells him she wants to reunite... Right as he tells her he has a girlfriend. She forces herself to let him go for good 💔💔

* 349 second live episode and the end of Prosser.

* 360 and 361 Dan finally discovers who it is that has been blackmailing him about his affair and a lot is revealed about his history in these 2.

* 402 403 Smithy returns to work after the Larson debarkle to find Gina graffiting his welcome back posters and his first case involving his ex cellmate

* The Fat Lady Sings, Dave is approached by an opera singer who tells him she's being stalked. He ignores her and soon regrets it. Duncan arrives and arouses suspicions when the others realise he lives in a fancy penthouse apartment and has connections in the operatic world.

* Whose Side Are You On?, Dashers arranges a football match against a group of teens and lets Viv play in goal. (Vivs only experience being netball) so he doesn't have to let Bob Cryer play.

* Square Peg Round Hole, John Boulton is stuck with a needle during an arrest and worries he might have HIV but being John he won't stay at home.

*Wannabe, A young girl makes her attraction to Rod very obvious and he uses it to get her druggy parents.

* Team Play, Jack forces Duncan to take part in a compulsory training course with him. Duncan wants to skip it and work a sexual assault case with Liz. Poor Tom keeps being chucked off the case everyrime Duncan can slip out or take calls before he's dragged back in again to unwillingly participate in the exercise 😂

Badlands, the episode with Daves assault and those leading up to it (and after) with Boultons obsession with the Lovers and trying to nail Mick. The one where George loses it and goes for John when he goads him is perfect. Just a shame it leads the the Dave, Jenny, George, Polly mess.

* Trial Run, Rod calls in sick to Moonlight as a bodyguard. He thinks he's getting a female model but ends up with his hands full with two rich kids, one of which is a little shit.

* 427 Dan at the go kart center

* 481 It's Smithy's birthday, but noone will leave him alone.

* In The Know, Leon finds himself under suspicion when he's spotted being roughed up by a target of CID

* That's Love For You & Rescue Me, Leon struggles with a case where the parents of a baby he has bonded with are suspected of abusing her.

* The Truth Will Out, Smithy asks callum to apologise to a bloke who is accusing him of pushing him. He helps out unofficially when a young kid goes missing and panics when he thinks Smithy had gotten stuck during an underwater rescue. Their final scene is amazing.

* Hide and Seek, Leon finds a little girl hiding in a fireplace and they bond a she looks after her whilst they try to find her mother. They have tea parties and pretend to be invisible and all sorts ❤️ and then Tilly breaks his heart when she says "I thought you were my friend." he later risks his job doing something naughty that is seen by Rachel...

* Solace and The Calling. Dominic is incredible in these episodes, it's a real masterclass of how he can show every bit of what Leon is feeling with the slightest change of expression.

* Tombstone, Callum tries to deal with the death of his estranged father and the knowledge that he was a rapist.

Twanky, Sun Hill put on a panto and catch a criminal attempting to off an officer during it, hopefully without the audience realising.

Sorry, went a little overboard there! Interested to hear about yours (and everyone else's!), Anon!? Could have gone on all night naming eps.

[spopsalt]

spop fans: " I hate Scorpia so much, she invades Catra's personal space even if Catra told her many times that she doesn't like hugs or to be touched "

Me on my mind because i'm too scare to reply ( srs ) : Catra literally invade Adora's personal space and did it in a worse way, are this people okay or do they need help ?

no 'cause srs, friend, everytime i saw this i really wanna say something but i'm scare spop fans cancel me for it also idk how people can hate Scorpia for invade Catra's personal space when she did the same to Adora but worse ( maybe worse than Mother Gothel in tangled ). I mean if you are gonna hate Scorpia for doing that at least hate Catra too for it. The truth friend is that it's comfimerd that C//A shippers are blind. Also i don't hate Scorpia she's my second fav character and i hate so much that people dislike her only because she's too friendly ( like why hate the nice/friendly/sunshine character but not the toxic, abusive, gaslighte catgirl ? also i don't understand how the abuse is normalized like something goood, if the series showed that the abuse is wrong making Adora realize that Catra have 4 seasons tried to kill her and her friends, was a war criminal, have torture/gaslight/manipulated her and tries to go to therapy or change and then in s5 make glimmadora canon then it would okay ig ? because it shows to the kids to be careful with the abuse or that if a friend of their is having an abusive relationship that they help them to go out of it but NO! it shows the contrary saying that if you date your sister and abuse her for years that would save the unniverse and it's very disrespectful for the LGTB comunity and for people that have adoptive sisters, people just like it because it's a lesbian ship but shera looks like more a homophobic series when the abuse is normalize and i hate but really hate when they compare it to arcane or other series that are good because their ship for example caitvi/ bubbline/ lumity did it so much better because the creator of those series took their time to develop to make the ship healthy but Nate what he did is just rush everything in the last moment and make the ship looks forzed and bad )

Thanks for the ask! And exactly! Their is so much hypocrisy, if you want to hate Scropia for that fine, (I love scropia but I'm saying its a fair reason), but hate Catra for it too, when Catra does it its way more invaise and not done with good intentions

[frociaggine]

omfg pls pls do a TL s3 rewrite/au you could do it a million times better and actually keep the characters true to themselves rather than make them sitcom-victims

I am ITCHING to.... there are so many half baked ideas for S3 rewrites floating around in my head. I actually like so many of the elements the show introduced, I just hate where they went with it.

I yearn for those glorious moments in 3.01 & 3.02 where it looked like the show was actually going in the direction of giving Roy some self-doubt around his coaching career, how he felt like he had to step up in Nate's absence and would be lacking. How he's clearly someone who had a massively successful career out of doing the most of his innate talent and blatantly sucks at being a beginner at anything and will outright refuse to do things he can't do perfectly. Alas, for most of the season, we got Roy being a punchline :(

ZAVA oh my god. They could have done. SO many things with Zava. The team's reaction to Zava. Jamie's reaction to Zava. ROY'S reaction to Zava was criminally understated.

Keeley's whole office plotline. I actually really liked how they introduced Shandy, because she provided a very clear contrast to how Keeley's life used to be pre-series vs how she's now AND she genuinely had good insight! While being terrible at other parts of the job! It could have been a great tool to explore themes of classism, Keeley coming into her own in a supervision role, giving us a glimpse of WHAT Keeley's life is like separately from whatever ongoing relationship she's in. (I have so many thoughts about how she apparently cut down heavily on her social life once she started hanging out with Rebecca / living with Roy.) I also have so many thoughts about how Keeley's career change must have looked like FOR HER; the show in 2x12 frames it as "leaving Richmond", but there's so much involved in a decision of making such a drastic career change! Her life completely changed in a year and a half! Keeley Keeley KEELEY. (I think about her a normal amount)

Trent and Ted. Trent and Roy. Trent and Colin.

Nate's arc could have been about him struggling with the man-management side of the job. We also saw in S2 that he resented Ted getting credit for when his tactics saved the day, and Roy told him it was part of the job description — the boss takes the praise but also takes the heat when things go badly! I would've loved to see Nate dealing with that side of the job as well.

I would remove the sex tape leaks plotline altogether. If anyone has his sex tape leaked it should be a grainy VHS of Roy on holiday circa 2003. And give Keeley the chance to step up and do her JOB in a cool way in different circumstances.

... and like five other different things. S3 gives me brainworms in the way "shoddily written piece of canon with SO much potential" always gives me brainworms

[antispopausandstuff]

a discussion ( IMPORTANT )

.

hello, everyone.

i will get to the much more important matter of this first and foremost, and then get into much smaller details after.

if you are not aware, Palestine is suffering a genocide at the hands of Israeli government and military, and Palestine's connection with the outside world has been almost completely cut off after a bombing hit the center that controls all communications.

right now, Palestine is suffering even more bombings. to give you a picture in what has happened to them in detail:

there are now very little reporters and journalists to give word on what is currently happening, and they are getting murdered.

there is no way for the people to call 911 // 101, leaving many to slowly die or not have a chance at coming back.

they have cut off their electricity, water, food, and medical aid. they have left Palestine with nothing.

they have bombed hospitals, and are currently trying to bomb the largest hospital ( with 50,000+ inside ), under the claims ( with no evidence ) that terrorists // the hamas are inside.

since the attacks, over 7000 people ( 2000+ children ) have died, and there are documents of every single one of them. it is said there are even more.

even more is happening, and there are many recordings, articles, photos, etc. of the horrors of this genocide.

children are being buried under rubble in their sleep, they are praying for safety, for help, for protection, spouses are being torn apart, homes older than most of my community are bombed down into nothing. this is not a war. this is genocide.

families are being torn apart. children are becoming orphans. spouses are becoming widows. nothing justifies this, nothing justifies the slaughter of thousands of innocents.

in order to help:

demand a ceasefire ( this will send you to a site that has multiple options on how to help ).

share everything you know about Palestine's suffering. ( a good start is sbeih.jpg )

boycott companies ( the big 3: starbucks, mcdonalds, and disney plus, but please look into more ).

make donations to Palestine. ( there are also fundraisers on all of my instagram accounts )

inform your friends, family, anyone you can of what is happening. do not fall for the propaganda.

it is vital for their survival to do as much as we can to support them, to stand and fight for them. please, do not ignore this. do not look away. do not get used to what is happening. please, please, please do not stop caring for all of Palestine.

free Palestine.

.

i have made the rebranding for this account recently, but before i was aware of this horrifying act of inhumanity. now that i am more knowledgeable of this, it has changed a lot of how i view life.

it doesn't feel appropriate now, to call my take on this show as a story of war, with what i do know. the acts of the horde are very similar, if not exact, to the acts of the government on Palestine.

with this all in mind, how nate has made the original she-ra into what it is "known for" today has me absolutely appalled and disgusted, more than ever before. spop is not a story of love, it is a story of war criminal apologists, and war criminals getting a happy ending, because they were sad. it is a story of glorified propaganda.

it is a love letter to war criminals, no matter how much people want to argue otherwise, no matter what nate's intentions were. it is a disservice to those who have suffered from war, genocide, abuse, military, starvation, abuse of power, amongst many other things.

why am i bringing this up?

to tell you all that my remake will most likely not be out for a long, long time. i do not want to disrespect the stories told by victims, to bring shame to those who do not deserve it, by making the wrong decisions.

the story will definitely not be the next avatar, it will not be the next anything. but i do not want to be careless, or under the pretenses that i "know enough". i want to be a responsible writer, and that means taking responsibility for what i give to my audience.

so, if you've read this, please do not ask me further questions on how my writing for this story is coming along. this will take time, and time is what will be given. you can ask me about various things, of course ( such as what i will do with characters, relationships, etc. ), but i will not speak on what the story will entail or what it will evolve into.

thank you for your support, and stand with Palestine.

[ericleo108]

My Favorites 2024

Last Years: 2020, 2022, 2023

This is a list of my favorites. The picture of the cat is my favorite image I found when looking for pictures that represent "favorites." This started off as my favorite YouTube channels, but I have since expanded the list. I watch a lot of media over the internet. I still watch youtube every day. I do not have cable. I tend to gravitate to informative and educational content. As a hip-hop artist I watch a lot of rap-related content to keep my hand on the pulse of the culture. I have broken down my lists into categories. I still watch the posted YouTube clips from the night before late shows in the morning.

My Top Favorite (Late Night) TV Shows I watch on Youtube

Amber Ruffin

The Daily Show  

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Jimmy Kimmel

Stephen Colbert

Seth Meyers

Jimmy Fallon

Real Time with Bill Maher

My favorite Late Night host is probably Jimmy Kimmel. It’s good and bad, but I love how he makes fun of Trump for being a criminal rapist, it give me hope. The Daily Show is number 2 because John Stewart is back. Amber still has the number 1 spot. John Oliver shot up to the number 3 spot from 8th last year because he did a special about a subject close to my heart, specifically the disability system in America. If you wanna know why I call America a “POS” (go to FarmingHumans.com to read why [spoiler because] the economic rules don’t allow me to have a prosperous life) watch John’s “Disability Benefits” episode. 

I have broken down my favorite YouTube channels into two categories, general, and farm/animals/outdoors. I still watch a lot of farm-related content. I have also started watching more animal and landscaping related content like dog grooming. I have grouped the farm, animal, and lawn care channels in the same list

Top Ten YouTube Farm and Animal Channels

Gold Shaw Farm

Girl With The Dogs 2

Urban rescue ranch

Just A Few Acres Farm

SB Mowing

Ann of All Trades

Justin Rhodes

Nate Petroski 

Greg Judy Regenerative Rancher 

League of Pigs

Rocky Kanaka

Mrs Cog Hill Farm

Top Favorite YouTube Channels

Philip DeFranco

Leeja Miller 

Adam Conover

HasanAbi 

Democracy Now!

Mark Rober

Casey Neistat

Casual Geographic 

Alyssa Grenfell

Josh Johnson

I still watch Robert Reich, I’ve just been watching more Alyssa Grenfell who is an atheist making ex-mormon content. I still watch Phil every day he posts a show. Josh Johnson is hilarious and has a great perspective.

I still watch an ASMR video every night to fall asleep. I watch it on my phone though instead of youtube videos on my tv. My youtube list hasn’t changed much since I’m on tiktok more so I will give my top ten Youtube and Tiktok ASMR channels

Top YouTube ASMR Artists:

Dr. T

Ephemeral Rift

ASMR Zeitgeist

Hypnotic dreams

asmr_divinity

Dong

Trigger Happy ASMR

Peaches

Sophie Michelle

ASMR Bakery

Top Tiktok ASMR Chnnels:

Floofs4dayz_ASMR

Asmr kenobi

Raul ASMR

Tom Who

Jeffs ASMR

Miss Yu. ASMR

Luke ASMR

ASMR Shin

Chels ASMR

Han ASMR

I don’t really take naps during the day anymore and when I do I turn on tiktok and not my tv like I used too. My favorite ASMR artist is number 1 floofs. She does a dinosaur themed asmr that I watch while winding down for the night. Then after Floofs at 8:45 to 10 pm I watch ASMR Kenobi at 10:30 which is my bedtime. I have a stand next to my chair that holds a cellphone and I turn it on at 7pm when Raul goes live. I often watch Tom Who or Miss Yu after I take my nightly bathroom run in the middle of the night.

I haven’t found any new dance channels with the exception of Jasmine and James who have stolen the number one spot.  

Top 5 Dancing Channels on Tiktok/Instagram

Jasmine and James

The Pitman Sisters

Cost and mayor

Party with Carly

The Begin sisters 

The Song Twins

My current favorite artists

LaRussell

Russ

Kendrick Lamar

Snoop Dogg

Eminem

Mike Posner

Taylor Swift

Top ten affiliated underground rappers

Headband Henny

Jay Matthews

Cmadd

Rich G

Zen Requium 

Duce McGuire

Kurupt the killa

Gibson 

Kharii

Mr. J

Honorable mentions:

Hundo music

Ardea 

Lumi funk

I put my top 5 artists, not just rappers. Unless it’s cosmic luve, I don’t listen to a lot of music. I actually go out of my way to consume other artists material because otherwise I wouldn’t hear it.

The top ten affiliated underground hoonorable mentions are artists that I know or work with. Hundo is a guitar player with a couple albums. Ardea is my producer’s artist moniker from Kalalmazoo Michigan. And Lumi funk is a funkadelic band from the UP who I went to school with the bassist. 

Here are channels that are about hip-hop whether it be educational, entertainment or interviews. I updated my top favorite commentary channels.

Favorite Hip-hop related content channels

Kyle Beats

Pat cc

Ocean

Navie D

Hiphop dx

Big boys neighborhood

Curtis king

Dev Lemons

CrackaLacktv

Wendy day

Adam Ivy isn’t making music content anymore and Dev Lemons is hilarious.

Top 8 hip-hop commentary/reaction channels:

Scru Face Jean

Hiphop madness 

Anthony Fantano

Blacky speaks

Mattyballz

Louaista

Fantastic hiphop

Blacky speaks

F.D Signifier

Crypt The Rapper

Top 10 beat makers; I have a published songs made to all of these

Tantu

Keyano 

Ryini

Anno domini

That Kid Goran

Feniko 

Destiny

Kylo Got Beats

They Call Me Heat

Bb beats

[filthy-reckless-rp]

♛ Spotted on the Upper East Side…

Name: Valentina Mieux Pronouns: She/Her Age: 47 years old Hometown: Upper East Side, NY Occupation: Lawyer Social Status: Insider Faceclaim: Lana Parilla

Who Is Valentina?

"They say I did something bad, then why's it feel so good?”

Spotted: Valentina Mieux, the courtroom queen with a heart of ice and nerves of steel. Word is, she's not just breaking hearts—she’s shattering careers. They say her stare could turn you to stone, but it's her cross-examinations that’ll really leave you breathless. Once a rising star, now a full-blown legal legend, Valentina’s made it her mission to crush anyone who dares stand in her way. Ambition? Check. Power? Oh, she’s got plenty of that. And remorse? Not a shred. Careful, darlings—when Valentina’s on the case, nothing is off-limits. Everyone in her orbit is fair game. Looks like no one’s safe, but then again, they never were. XOXO ---Gossip Girl

A Little Extra

'I always liked to play with fire'. Valentina Mieux is a force to be reckoned with in the world of law, known for her brilliance in the courtroom and a reputation as a ruthless adversary. A high-profile attorney, Valentina has made a name for herself by taking on—and taking down—the biggest names in corporate, criminal, and civil law. Born to a modest family, her rise to the top was anything but easy, fueled by an unstoppable drive, unmatched intellect, and a thirst for justice, or perhaps, vengeance. From the beginning, it was clear that Valentina wasn't just another lawyer. She possessed a sharp mind and an unyielding will, quickly outmaneuvering her competition. Her reputation as a legal shark grew, with whispers of her cold, calculating methods spreading through the legal world. She became infamous for her ability to dismantle even the most ironclad cases, leaving opponents in her wake wondering how they'd lost before the trial had even begun. But it wasn’t just her courtroom victories that made Valentina notorious. Her personal brand of law came with an edge—she didn’t just win cases, she destroyed anyone who dared to cross her path. Her power extended far beyond legal tactics; it was rumored she had her fingers in the political and financial pies of the city's elite. If Valentina was on a case, one thing was certain: the opposition was in for a fight they wouldn’t forget. Despite her icy demeanor and cutthroat reputation, Valentina commands respect across the board. She is a symbol of power, ambition, and unrelenting success. However, her rise to the top has come at a cost—trust and loyalty are foreign concepts in her world, where control and dominance rule the day. Valentina Mieux is a woman on a mission, and no one, not even the most formidable, is safe in her path. Her legacy? Unstoppable, unshakable, and utterly untouchable.

What Does Gossip Girl Have On Them?

She's the second in command of who? That's one secret I'll never tell. XOXO

Connections

Nate Archibald - Valentina was the Archibald family lawyer for most of Nate's life. She was absolutely horrified when she learned about what Howard had done. The hurt that it caused the family... Valentina's going to do everything she can to make sure they're okay.

Elena and Gabriela Archibald - through Howard, Val also got to know Elena and Gabriela. She's impressed with how far Gabriela has come in her career and just how dangerous she can be when she puts her mind to it.

Nick Vanderbilt - Val is very familiar with the Vanderbilt family as well. She even mentored Nick as he worked his way through law school and into a career of his own.

Atticus Bass - Val hasn't worked with Bass Industries since Howard Archibald was arrested. Before then, she'd often come into contact with Head Lawyer, Atticus. Who knows? She might even try to mend bridges with him now.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Broken Crown by MJ Crouch

Gilded Empire #1

Marianna Elizabette Marcosa – “Mari” – was as a mafia princess knowing she was destined to be bartered in marriage to a man that would strength the mafia family. She grew up in Seattle, learned all that her twin brother was taught by their father, but never thought the leadership of the family would fall to her. She has worked hard to maintain control and though still into some shady and criminal activities, has put in effort to clean things up a bit and make Seattle safer for the crime lords and the city in general.

Mari has a well-oiled team that have promised loyalty to her and the Marcosa family – and they know the consequences for not keeping their sworn promise. Business is good but vigilance is necessary at all times as is maintaining alliances between the city’s crime lords. The boat is rocked with the assassination of a cousin followed by the arrival of a new player who intends to take over the city.

Mari has devoted her life to the Marcosa Family Enterprise, has fought and bled for them, protects them, has lost friends and family due to the business they are in, and has few people she truly trusts and can rely on. Who does she have in her corner? A young woman who is a designer and wants out from under being a mafia princess herself. A cousin that is close as a brother. A housekeeper. Her soldiers. And three men who love her and would die for her.

- There is a man who has been at her side from childhood, is her best friend, protective, and her second in command,

- There is another man she knew as a teen who has just returned, he has memories of Mari that don’t quite hive with how she is now so some things to work through while working as the underboss

- And finally, there is a good Samaritan that shows up to help change a tire, gets pulled into a shootout, works as a bartender in Gilded – he has secrets that I want to have revealed.

This is the first book in a series. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending BUT I am hopeful things will work out well for the person in jeopardy because…there is a second book coming out soon. The main characters are people I can relate to and would like to have as friends. I’m not sure I could be Mari but do enjoy reading about her life and wonder how she will eventually handle the men who love her BUT I can’t wait to find out!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

I was raised to be a mafia wife—a bargaining chip, a tool, a toy. All that was expected of me was to look beautiful and stay quiet. I never anticipated becoming queen of the Marcosa empire. But when my father and brother were killed, there was no other choice. For six years I’ve learned to become ruthless, strategic, and deadly—to keep my empire intact. That path has been stained with my enemies’ blood. And sometimes my own. Now a new enemy has appeared. He hides in the shadows determined to destroy me piece by painful piece. With everything falling apart, I am unsure of who to trust. Except for the three men at the very foundation of my survival: Greyson - My best friend, my second-in-command, my savior. We’ve been bound together since birth and will remain so until we leave this life behind. Dominic – My new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He was my first. He’s determined to be my last. He brings out a gentle side in me I don’t know if I can afford. Nate – My good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—I can’t let myself forget that. He has secrets, which sometimes prove deadly in my world. But resisting him isn’t an option. Danger is coming at me from all sides. Without my three men, I won’t survive. They’ll burn the world to the ground to keep me safe. But that may not be enough. ••••• Author’s note: Broken Crown is the first book in the Gilded Empire series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a Why Choose romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men

[sergeant-angels-trashcan]

You are SO RIGHT bestie I have been having SO many thoughts lately about how Kate is THEE second chance giver of the Marvel Universe and how this just needs to be how people wind up on her teams. Literally all Steve or Maria would have to do is say something about you only get ONE STRIKE or smth in Kate's hearing and two seconds later she's inviting the person in question to work with her (like tommy and noh and David are literally criminals. Nate and Loki are dictators. Arrows are not Kate's brand, this is)

All this to say that I think Jason could be convinced that Kate does actually for real care about him and will give him a chance despite broose's attitude. She does that for EVERYONE, he's not special if she does it for him too. convincing him that Kate loves him and wants to smooch on him is a harder sell but you gotta start somewhere

And can't believe i missed the Joker killing proposal??!?!?! I think this is absolutely what happens when Wade dumps the Hawkeyes in Gotham after telling them about the clown who kills bird superheroes (is this when Kate loads the Joker into a weighted metal coffin to drop him in international waters? MAYBE) which anyway causes a ruckus and while Bruce is arguing with the Hawkeyes Jason calls Selina and is like, I need an engagement ring now can you help. which like of course she will??? she is HONORED to be asked. feel free to tell bruce >:)

Jason does, legitimately, propose to her that night. (If he had moved any slower Dick would have proposed, also because she killed the Joker)

i do think there's a lot of potential for mutual pining angst because Jason will pull away because he thinks he's not good for Kate (he also does not think he is good enough those are two different issues) and she's trying to respect his boundaries and look she knows she can be a lot, okay? (and you can't convince me that her own father trying to have her killed!!! did not produce some extreme trust and abandonment issues!!! Jason pulling away is clearly him seeing whatever unlovable thing in her that made her own father want her dead!! and then these two sad babies bonding over their parents trying to get them killed) once she figures out that it's a Jason Self-Esteem Issue she will barrel right through that. if he had a real reason for avoiding her, or something about her that was offputting?--but it's because he thinks he will ruin her or her life or he doesn't deserve nice things? That's the stupidest goddamn thing she's ever heard.

she would be so obviously and openly adoring and Jason doesn't know what to do with that!!!

i had more thoughts but they vanished into the ether. i may revisit this.

(i am seeing Jason trying to pull the "I'm a monster" card due to his time in the Pit and Kate looks him square in the eye and goes "I'm a monsterfucker")

Im getting into my dc batfam feels and I just want you to picture dc Kate during under the red hood she calls Bruce a pussy and shoots joker and Jason's like i consider that a marriage proposal I honestly picture Kate and robin!Jason being frenemies like omg you are so annoying but if anyone wants to hurt you they have to go through me vibes then when he comes back she gets protective even though he's literally a crime lord and like twice her size

God yes Kate is so fucking mad at Bruce about Jason's death. So what if Bats wanted to kill Joker? He didn't actually do it! Kate and Dick working together to find and kill him. Kate is very aware that this means she will no longer be welcome in Gotham. Worth it.

(Dick and Kate and New Robin Tim hunting down the Joker for Jason???? Dick and Kate looking at each other over Tim's head like wtf did we become this feral creature's parents?. Dick and Kate in their "I'm too young to die but too old to eat off the kids menu, what a stupid age I am!" era. Jason has someone set up a meeting with "the people who killed the Joker" and it's his childhood crush, his not-brother, and his replacement?!?!?! What the fuck. No, seriously, guys, what the fuck?? Jason reveals his identity out of shock more than anything and is suddenly at the bottom of a very weepy puppy pile)

Can also see Kate buying an apartment building in or just outside of crime alley because of Jason and the desire to look out for his neighborhood in his honor.

It takes waaaay too long for Jason to reveal he's Red Hood to her, mostly because she keeps trying to kill him with extreme prejudice. Like, he gets that's Joker's pre-joker name, right? Is this some kind of sick joke? Gets to the point where he pays Poison Ivy to drug her and dump her at one of his safe houses bc he a dramatic ass hoe

Potential for Kate to think she's dreaming or hallucinating Jason amd she pokes him and screams when he's solid which startles jason into screaming at her. I'm a fan of people screaming at each other for no reason.

as bbs they are TOOOOO much alike. They're enamored with the magic/awesomeness of being a superhero, they are the second of their name, both are birds, they're book nerds. Kate doesn't have a lot of fellow rich people friends so I think she'd take to Jason right away, I can see her giving him gala tips etc. I can see them liking each other as civilians and hating each other as superheroes because they are TOO alike which is kind of funny which is frenemies territory. Like god another bird themed superhero??? Getcha own thing. They get kidnapped from a gala and that's when they learn each other's superhero identity? Maybe???

BUT they always laugh at each other's bird jokes in solidarity

Kate was Jason's first kiss. Bbys holding hands!!!! Jaybin is SO bashful and SO respectful of her boundaries ahhhhh I'm dying

I saw a post about how there's a memorial to the second Robin on a rooftop in crime alley because they know he was one of theirs and I am OBSESSED with Kate tending to it with other residents of the area once she moves to Gotham (Kate moving to Gotham is her version of when a cat stares at you and then knocks your glass of water over. Bruce doesn't think she should be here? Oh he doesn't? How interesting. Unfortunately, all of her fucks have been promised to other issues so she has none for you, Brucie)

Kate is who Jason calls after the batarang to the neck incident. He texts her an SOS and she keeps it together to get jason bandaged up and in bed and then she breaks into the Manor and starts screaming and throwing things at bruce. Would she have been able to enter the Manor normally? Yes. Breaking in was to make a POINT. The point was FUCK YOU BRUCE. (VERY funny if this causes a falling out between Bruce and Ollie because the Hawkeyes are pissed at Batman and the arrow heroes have to stand in solidarity? Maybe prompting Ollie and Roy to patch up their relationship because Arrow Heroes. Honestly it's giving WWI vibes. Like, I got no beef with you but my boo does so fuck you.)

Goddddd I love jason and Kate so much

[l0svers]

watching that 90’s show *ੈ✩‧₊˚

episode 01

love that they kept the silly transitions ah!

also the writing is so good — it stays so true to the original

i love kitty & red so funny

THE KELSO KID AH!

screamed when michael and jackie showed up

i want a summer like this anyways

so hyped to keep watching

episode 02

not much happened lol

love that sherri is becoming friends with kitty

FEZ!

episode 03

the commercial !!

not them going to the mall to get leia her first kiss

they had no right giving jay that much rizz for that car scene with leia — also since when was he so smart

red & his massage chair lmao

episode 04

RAVEEEE

love all the references and repeated situations from the original show

why did they do leia dirty with her hair

also their rave outfits are kinda rough — love the purple skirt overalls tho

the friends reference feels outta pocket like we’re ross & rachel even together by that point of the show being on air?

episode 05

the ✨internet✨

ew creepy hot tub lady

red being scared about the computer haha

the sex phone call lmao

“the internet is just two demons yelling at each other”

i knew hot tub girl was gonna be an issue

episode 06

i LOVE gwen’s fit

SHE WAS 14?!?! WHAT

please i thought they were at least 15

“you’ve got twice the balls, act like it” — CRYING

the who 90210 but point place version is so funny

bob singing karaoke lol

THE CAR HE GAVE HER THE CAR!!

THEY KISSED!!

THE COPS!!

episode 07

criminal mastermind without the mind a kelso lol

tattoos, babies and DUI’s the unholy trinity — CRYING SHERRI IS SO RIGHT

OH NO KITTY GOT A TATTOO

it’s a cat haha

red teaching sherri to ride a bike

episode 08

red is SPEED

ski jump arms haha

NOT THE CROTCH GRAB LMAO

the moose

episode 09

not school starting soon :,(

uh oh bf vs bff time fight

“those kids are idiots”

“i like you” haha

training montage love

kitty wanting to be the school nurse so cute

her nurse nightmare woof

uh oh couple lost in the woods ft leo

love how they snuck into the country club iconic

leia giving nate water haha

not gwen being snappy — but we love the heart to heart between nate & leia

KITTY GOT THE JOB!!

awww good friendship hug thank god

kinda loving all of jay’s stupid graphic tees — like this green one with the wolves

oh no not a serious relationship talk jay, i knew it was inevitable but ahh

episode 10

OMG THE KELSO BURN IS BACK

them dancing so cute! love!

oh nate… buddy your timing so bad

uh oh the breakup talk

OH CHEEZE WIZZ IN THE PANTS

i can’t take jay seriously with all the cheese wizz on his shirt

the phone in the pot haha

not the chili’s lol

leia turning into red lol “dumbasses”

donna figuring out about the boyfriend being a kelso and about him in general

fez’s tiny pants lmao

“i have a tv in my bathroom BITCH” crying

oh fenton

THEY ALMOST KISSED :O

WHATTTT

my literal reaction was: they are not about to kiss right now right? WRONG Z

love the throwback circle

awww they’re signing the water tower!

“well i made that birch my bitch” thank you fenton for being iconic

THE AWKWARD

THEN JAY SHOWS UP

ahhhhhh

she’s gone *sobbing*

aw so glad it showed the film

other notes

i could not for the life of me tell why jay looked so familiar — then it dawned on me (no pun intended) that he was in nicky ricky dicky and dawn haha

overall i really like the show i think it’s fun and a great tribute to the original but the pacing was a little weird especially towards the beginning/middle it felt like it reached a good pace towards the end — part of this is def the episode limit but yeah

intrigued to see how next season goes

the whole nate thing is kinda random — like i understand them having the same outlook or whatever but they barely interacted throughout the season

honestly that is one of my complaints is that there were so many characters that i didn’t get attached to a whole lot of them or know much about them by the end

[ragingbookdragon]

Does This Unit Have A Soul

Nick Valentine x Sole Survivor

Word Count: 1K Warnings: None

Author's Note: ...I do in fact have a desire to fuck the robot

It is, a lonely night that she finally comes to the realization that there’s something more than just friendship for the synth. The radiation storm coming has her upping the speed to find the nearest shelter and just as the first burst of sickly thunder snaps across the land, she’s pulling Nick and Dogmeat inside the small building. It’s musty, the last traces of a trader caravan evident as the layers of dust cover over one another.

She drops her gear, shucking off the leather jacket and armor before collapsing onto the ground, already pushing RadAway into her body to cleanse the burst of radiation she’d received from the storm. Dogmeat busies himself turning about three times before he plops down beside her with his head on her thigh. Nick, however, is pushing a chair up against the door and laying a landmine. It makes her laugh lowly in her throat, remembering the time she and the original Nick Valentine shared a hotel room together when they were on a case. He’d pushed one of the wooden chairs up underneath the doorknob and put a bottle behind it. You’re paranoid. She’d told him and he, being the wise-ass he was had cracked back, Yeah, and paranoid cops survive.

The chuckle is loud enough to register in his CPU because he looks over his shoulder and, “What?”

“I didn’t say anything,” she retorts, and he rolls his eyes.

“You were laughing.”

“I was not.”

“You were too.”

It slips out before she can help it. “You’re paranoid.”

Nick freezes, like he’s been struck by lightning and she sees it when he obviously remembers, because he lowers his head and replies, “Yeah, but paranoid detectives survive.”

She’s never explicitly told Nick she knew the original man, but she also knows this is still Nick Valentine, and he’s always been as sharp as a whip and able to jump to answers faster than light. She smiles softly, almost sadly as she asks, “How long have you known?”

Nick sighs, shoulders drooping as he turns and walks over and sits beside her along the wall. “Since just before helping me with Winter.”

“How come you never said anything?”

He shrugs. “You and Nick, the thing you two had back then wasn’t mine to intrude on.”

“It wasn’t like we were a thing, Nick. I was just his best criminal attorney and he my best detective.”

“But you knew.”

“Knew that he loved me?” she laughs. “Nick didn’t love me. Lust, maybe, but he never loved me. Not like Jenny.”

Nick eyes her for a moment, watches the way those words, Not like Jenny, come out of her mouth, the tone of her voice, the flash in her eye. “Green is best saved for mutants, doll.”

She startles for a moment, wide-eyed staring at him. “I beg your pardon?”

He gives her a knowing look.

“I was not jealous of Jenny. The two of us were friends. Just because Nick and I were good friends more doesn’t mean I was jealous of him having another relationship with another woman.”

“But this was before you married…Nicholas?”

“Nate,” she corrects with a scowl. “And yes, it was before I married him.”

Nick doesn’t say anything, but that annoying hum escapes him, and he lights a cigarette and looks away.

“I wasn’t jealous of her.”

“Of course not. But you were attracted to Nick.”

“Oh, for God’s sake! Anyone who knew Nick Valentine was attracted to him. He was a lady-killer! With that stupid, cocky grin and that face of his! Being a cop was a plus!” And then she realizes it all of two-hundred years later. “Oh my God, I was attracted to Nick the whole time.”

"Well I coulda told you that,” he snorts. “I’ve got loads of memories about his thoughts on you.” He’ll never tell her, but he enjoys the way she flusters at that and looks away. Though, he worries when her demeanor turns solemn. “Doll?”

“I’m sorry, Nick,” she murmurs.

“For what?”

She looks back, eyes sad, lips pulled down. “Back in May of 2077, we knew that it was getting dangerous for Jenny to continue being without witness protection. When the request came in for it, I pushed, but…I didn’t push hard enough and…and then…” her words fall short and she reaches up to wipe her eyes. “Oh, Nick, I’m so sorry. It was my fault that Jenny was killed. I should’ve pushed harder for my bosses to get her in, but I didn’t. Nate was at home with the baby and so much was happening and I just—”

Nick rests his hand on hers, the cool metal stilling her. “You didn’t kill Jenny,” he murmurs. “And Nick knew it too. He didn’t blame you.”

“You should’ve.” That’s the one thing she does, never separates the original and the synth. They’re both Nick, just different times and situations.

“I don’t,” he says and curls his hand around hers. “And Jenny wouldn’t either.”

Her lips wobble and she stares at him. “Do…do you think he and Jenny are resting now?”

Nick nods. “I do. I think their souls are finally at rest.”

She lays her head on his shoulder, cuddles close to him, knees brushing the cool of his thigh. “Do you think ours ever will, Nicky?”

She only calls him Nicky when she flirts with him; it makes his center circuits burst with something fierce. He lets out a deep breath and wraps his arm around her, letting her cuddle against his chest, ear pressed to the synthetic skin beneath his shirt. “I think…when it’s finally your time, doll, and you’re old and white haired, yours will.”

“I said ours.”

“Do you really think this old unit has a soul.”

Her head cocks up, stares him straight in his yellow lit eyes and says, “More than anything, I do, Nick Valentine.”

He smiles, softly at her, ushers her back to lay down, knowing she’s plum-tuckered out; he waits until she’s snoring against him, brushing his fingers through her hair and murmurs, “What a woman.”

Nick used to say that all the time about her. Back when he would watch her take down someone in court. Justice prevailing. What a woman.

But this time, Nick is here, she is here, it’s them against the world.

“What a woman, my girl is.”