#also the woman at concessions was flirting with me but the movie was starting so i got my icee and zoomed away

[dodecademons]

Bottoms was good and funny. It's unserious and had some bloopers/outtakes at the end which I love about movies. The behind the scenes stuff. Is it weird of me to say I liked the violent parts? Something about bloody noses and lips just *chefs kiss* anyway there was like 7 people in the theatre and this older lesbian couple sat sorta close to me and i wont lie it made me soft and a little emotional. It was nice.

[cloudy-minded-idiot]

closing time - part 2

pairing: Natasha Romanoff x female reader

warning: none that I can think of

word count: 2,700-ish

a/n: just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to comment, reblog or like the first part 💕 your support truly means a lot to me. everyone who has asked to be tagged or requested a second part has been @-ed below.

previous part

"Who are you talking to?”

The question came seemingly out of nowhere, making you jump so hard you almost dropped the phone in your hand.

“Jesus, woman!” you swore, putting your free hand over your rapidly beating heart, “Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

Natasha was fresh out of the shower, her wet hair twisted in a towel. The redhead was wearing an oversized grey hoodie and some sweatpants that you had found somewhere deep inside your closet. She looked adorable, you had to admit, like a kid wearing their parent's clothes. The sight strangely made your stomach flip.

“Force of habit, I'm afraid,” she smiled apologetically, carefully sitting down on the couch. Her face was finally clean, no more mud, blood, or grime sticking to her features. Except for the blue-ish bruise on her left cheekbone, and a small cut near her eyebrow, her skin was unfairly flawless.

“So, are you gonna answer my question?”, she plopped her feet up on your coffee table, shaking you out of your thoughts. With a shrug, you pocketed your phone, hoping she hadn’t noticed your staring.

“Just work. Called in sick until Tuesday. After all, I can’t let you roam around my apartment unsupervised. For one, you’re injured, for another, you’re still a stranger.”

On your way to the couch, you picked up the first aid kit from your kitchen counter.

“A stranger?” she repeated with mock hurt, putting a hand over her heart, “ You wound me. After everything we’ve been through, I really thought we were getting closer.”

Shaking your heart amusedly, you sat down next to her. Balancing the first aid kit on your thigh, you pulled on a pair of rubber gloves with a snap. You could feel her gaze on you, watching your every move. Nervously, you cleared your throat, a little uncomfortable with her attention.

“Let’s have a look,” you nod to her and she complied with your unspoken request, pulling the hoodie up just enough for you to access her injury. Gingerly, you removed the bandage, dumping it into the trash can and inspecting the stitched wound, quietly humming in concentration as you did.

“I think you strained it a bit with your morning escapades today but I don’t think you pulled any of the stitches,” you concluded after a moment. Your voice sounded more sure than you actually felt about your assessment, considering all your expertise came from the internet. But, apparently, your word was good enough for your patient.

“See, I told you. You worried for nothing,” she slapped your shoulder jestingly and you rolled your eyes, taking out a new bandage to re-wrap the wound.

“I wouldn’t say for nothing. After all, you have been stabbed and only received medical attention from an amateur,” you pointed out, giving her a chastising look when she tried to dismiss your troubles with a languid hand motion.

“I think you should be concerned by the fact that I seem to be more worried about your health than you are," you continued, undeterred, "How's the pain, by the way?”

She shrugged nonchalantly, waving away your concerns, “I’ve had worse.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“I'll be fine”, Natasha insisted with emphasis, “Besides, I don’t like taking painkillers. Dulls the senses.”

If you weren’t as tired as you were, you might have argued a little more. Instead, all you did was sigh and give a curt nod to signal your understanding. You didn’t really get her at all. If she was just going to hang around your apartment for the next couple of days, then who cares if her senses are dulled? It wasn't like anyone knew she would be here.

You finished wrapping her wound, leaning back to observe it from afar. You were admittedly getting better at bandaging. So that was a plus point.

“Alright, that’s it,” you nodded pleased, starting to clean up. Natasha inspected your work as well, pulling her hoodie back down once she was satisfied.

“You’re surprisingly good. Have you ever done this before?”

Chuckling, you shook your head, closing the little dark green box on your lap.

“You mean have I ever stitched someone together before and let them take refuge in my home? No. Can’t say I have.”

She smiled at your sarcastic tone, rolling her eyes playfully, before smirking mischievously.

“Ah, I'm your first. I'm honoured.”

You flushed at the implication of her statement, trying to hide your embarrassment by fiddling with the first aid kit. Don’t overthink it. You do not want these kinds of thoughts right now. Not about her. Sure, she is beautiful and it is kind of fun to banter with her and she has probably the most beautiful eyes you had ever seen and her lips…

“So, what’s your verdict doc?” she nudged you back to reality, amusement in her voice. You cleared your throat, shaking your head to clear your previous thoughts away.

“You need rest. Lots of it. No putting unnecessary strain on your injury,” you explained distractedly, pulling the gloves from your hands and letting them drop into the trash can, “So, I forbid you from leaving the couch for anything other than using the bathroom. Like I said before, if you need something, ask me.”

“You forbid me? My, my, how bossy of you. Then again, your home, your rules.”

“I just don’t want you to make anything worse,” you replied earnestly, ignoring her teasing tone.

Natasha grinned, eyes sparkling, leaning dangerously close to you.

“It's cute how concerned you are,” she almost whispered, her breath ghosting over your face. You felt your heart speed up.

“Don’t tell me you care about this lil old stranger here.”

Needing to remove yourself from this situation, you practically jumped off the couch, trying to play your reaction off with an annoyed eye-roll and a huff.

“Don’t be so full of yourself. I just don’t want you to start bleeding again. Might end up ruining my carpet,” you explained, the words leaving your mouth so quickly, it was a wonder you didn’t stumble over them. You resolved to change the topic entirely.

“Want anything to eat? Drink?”

Without sparing a second, you walked over to the kitchen, idly opening the fridge and looking through it just to keep your mind busy and eyes away from her. The frigid air definitely helped cool down your heated face as well. So that was a nice side effect.

“Vodka on the rocks would be nice,” she quipped. You shook your head, well-aware that she couldn’t see you, hidden away behind the fridge door. Apparently, your silence was answer enough though, because only a few seconds later, she let out a concessive sigh.

“Fine. Water will do.”

Preparing her a glass, you carried it over to the living room area, nudging her foot with your leg to get her to take them off your coffee table. She complied begrudgingly, accepting the glass and draining most of it in one gulp. It was only when you noticed a single droplet running down her chin that you realized you were staring. Again. Very obviously. Immediately you averted your gaze, opting to eyeball the wall in the far distance.

“So, what are you gonna do today? Anything planned?”

What a terrible question.

“Not really,” you saw her shrug out of the corner of your eye, “But I do need to use your radio again. Would you mind grabbing it for me?”

“Uh, sure.”

You spotted the device on the tv cabinet. Handing it over, you made certain that it was plugged in for her, watching the red digits on the small display light up. For a moment you remained in place, observing her as she fumble with it, her forehead creased in concentration. Feeling awkward just standing around, you approached, anxiously rubbing at the back of your neck in search for something to say.

“Can I ask, what exactly is it that you do with it?”

She seemed to mull your question over, before patting the couch cushion next to her.

“Sit. I’ll show you.”

You do, making sure to keep a decent amount of distance between you while still being able to see what she was doing. Natasha showed you how to switch to a shortwave radio station and how to input messages to be transmitted. The static sound filled your apartment again, changing to a couple of high-pitched sounds once in a while when she enters a new code. It was fascinating, something that seemed entirely taken out of an old spy movie.

“So, you’re sending encoded messages to someone?” you summarised her explanation, intrigued, “Do you use morse code for the encryption?”

“Morse code. That’s cute,” Natasha let out a short laugh, shaking her head in amusement. The towel her hair was wrapped somehow stayed in place. She looked up at you with a cocky smile, her eyes meeting yours and taking your breath away for a moment.

“If I wanted all the other agencies in the world to know my location, then yes, I'd use morse code. No, this is my very own code. Only a handful of people know it.”

“Impressive. So this means you’re a spy, right?”, you asked as she continued working on her transmission, “Because this is textbook spy behaviour.”

Natasha didn’t reply. Not that you had expected her to. Yep, definitely a spy. That would also explain her injury and need to lay low for a few days.

“So, do all secret spies have their own encryption codes, or are you just special?”

“Oh, I think you’ll find that I’m very special,” she quipped seriously, not looking up from her task, “Once I'm recovered, I’ll gladly show you my special set of skills up close.”

You blinked, perplexed, cocking your head to the side.

“I’m not sure whether you’re trying to threaten or flirt with me,” you remarked, a frown settling on your face. The redhead turned the radio off, putting it down next to her and looking up at you with a big grin.

“And isn’t that just part of the fun?”

--------

Natasha, it turned out, had quite the talent for coming up with pick-up lines that could double as thinly veiled threats. You did your best not to show how flustered she made you, either changing the subject, feigning ignorance, or trying to come across as exasperated or annoyed instead. To be honest, you did rather enjoy her flirtatious remarks. After all, it wasn’t every day that such a beautiful and quick-witted woman hit on you, even if it was just in jest. She also had something rather mysterious about her that intrigued you. It was probably a spy thing.

She, in turn, seemed to grow more comfortable around you as time passed. Daring to express her emotions more openly without always relying on sarcasm or flirtation. The memory of making her laugh out loud for the first time - a real laugh that had her throwing her head back and crinkling her eyes - was practically ingrained into your mind. Even now, just thinking about it, brought a fond smile to your face and made your heart flutter.

You weren’t stupid. At least you liked to think you weren’t. No, you were fully aware of the fact that you were developing feelings for the secretive redhead. And you knew that it was a terrible idea, that you should fight it. After all, she would be leaving soon and you weren't likely to see her again. But resisting her charms was a lot harder than you had anticipated. Especially, when you had to share your small apartment.

So, instead, you decided to treasure whatever short time you did have with her. You cooked her your favourite dish, blushing when she complimented your skills in the kitchen. The two of you watched several movies huddled together on your couch. You had seen them all before but enjoyed watching her point out all the unrealistic plot points and inconsistencies, only to end up grinning like an idiot at the cheesy happy ending. You also came up with several bad and dorky jokes just to hear her laugh out loud again. It felt nice. Almost domestic and natural.

But in the end, Tuesday came sooner than you had hoped. All night long, you had laid tossing and turning in your bed, dreading what would happen.

The sun was not yet out when you heard the now-familiar sound of radio static coming from your living room. Suddenly very awake, you practically shot out of your bed and hurried out the door.

Natasha was already dressed to leave, hair pulled back into a braid. A few locks had escaped and framed her lovely face. She looked up when she heard you enter, putting the radio aside.

“Morning,” she greeted with a small smile, “You’re up uncharacteristically early. Did I wake you up?"

“It’s fine. Didn't sleep well anyways,” you assured her, brushing a hand through your hair. A moment of silence.

“So. It’s Tuesday, huh?”

“Observant as always. My colleague will be picking me up shortly if that is what you’re asking.”

Dread filled you. While you knew this moment was coming, you suddenly found yourself wholly unprepared for it.

“Then the air is clear again, right? Successfully laid low?”, you asked, fumbling with your hands as you rambled on, “That’s good. Great.”

The redhead quirked an eyebrow at you, shouldering a small duffel bag as she approached you.

“It is indeed great. Means I won’t be targeted the moment I step outside your door,” she commented casually. As if possibly being assassinated wasn’t a big deal.

“Right. Good,” you nodded in agreement, unsure what else to say to that. She stopped directly in front of you, regarding you curiously. Your pulse spiked.

“Need me to check out your wound again? One final examination before you’re dismissed from the hospital?” you offered. Natasha shook her head.

“I’m fine. You did a great job, doc,” she flashed you a big smile, “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me these past few days.”

Face growing warm, you make a throw-away motion with your arm.

“No need to thank me. I really enjoyed spending time with you,” you tell her genuinely, meeting her green gaze. Her expression softened. she took another step closer. Your breath hitched at her close proximity.

“Me, too. But I’d still like to express my deep gratitude."

Something mischievous flashed in her eyes. Before you could ask her what she meant, she had already cupped your face and pulled your face to hers.

The moment your lips met, every other thought you had vanished from your mind. Electricity shot through your veins, your skin tingled where she touched you. After a moment you caught yourself and returned the kiss, pressing back against her, your hands carefully settling on her waist.

For a while, nothing else seemed to matter. Breathing, thinking, everything appeared rather trivial in comparison to this feeling of her lips on yours. It wasn't until a loud knock sounded on the door, that you broke apart. You were both breathing hard. Your eyes met and the smile she gave you had to be the most beautiful sight you had ever seen.

“My colleague’s here", she whispered, somehow breaking through the fog in your mind. Right. She was about to leave. You swallow against the lump that formed in your throat. Still unable to find words, you just nod, taking a small step back. You tried to keep the sadness off your face and most likely failed miserably.

To your surprise, she laughed, shaking her head.

“Don’t look so glum. This doesn’t have to be goodbye.”

“It doesn’t?” you asked hopefully. Natasha gave you a look full of adoration, pulling a small slip of paper from her pocket.

“I'll probably be busy for a few days, but I have nothing planned next week,” she pressed the paper into your palm. Unfolding it, you saw a phone number scribbled on it in blue ink. A big grin overtook your face as she continued.

“I'm sure we can work something out. I'd love to take you out.”

You meet her eyes, butterflies going wild in your stomach.

“Take me out as in on a date, or…?” you asked jokingly.

Wordlessly, she pressed a small kiss to your cheek.

“Guess you’ll have to wait and find out.”

___________________________________________

taglist: @blackxwidowsxwife @fishlikestuff @madamevirgo @chickenhavewisdom

[mulletcal]

room for two - an ashton irwin one shot

a/n: hi lovelies! i’ve had this sitting in my docs for a while.  i originally wrote it as part of the fic gift event as a gift for the lovely @sexgodashton​ but chose to post the poly!mashton one instead, also this one came in under the word count requirement LOL. so enjoy some soft ash content to celebrate superbloom coming this week!!!

word count: 1.5k

warnings: none

***

Ever since you had moved to Los Angeles, you felt as though you struggled to find your place there. It felt hard to find something genuine or unique in a place full of creatives, and full of people who mainly wanted advantageous relationships. You knew what you were getting into when you moved to the city of course, but it just took a minute to find your footing.

Once place that always seemed to give you solace though was a movie theatre- it was hiding on the outskirts of the city, or rather hiding in plain sight. It was small, only two screens on the inside; you were told it was built in the 1940’s, it being one of the final few in the entire state that had yet to succumb to the design pressures of modern theatres. There were two staircases to go up to the respective theatres, the railing an intricate wood design you loved to trail your fingers over every time, noticing some small detail you had never seen before.

Something else you loved about this particular theatre was that they held Two Dollar Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, they would screen 1-2 movies per screen; usually they were black and white films made in the 50’s, which you enjoyed because it made you lose yourself for a little while - but on occasion they would do a night where they showed movies made within the last twenty years. 

Work had been busy the last couple weeks, so you had missed the past few weeks of showings. Thankfully they weren’t films that you were overly eager to see, or else you’d have forced yourself to rush through the last few things you needed to do during the day so you’d be able to make it in time. This week though, you checked their website as you typically would Monday night and saw they would be showing Burlesque - one of your favourites, so you knew you had to go. Finishing up your day at a decent time, you knew you had just enough time to leave work and get to the theatre to buy your ticket.

When you arrived, it seemed unusually dead, your head cocking to the side as you walked up to the ticket booth.

“Slow night?” You asked with a small smile to the woman behind the counter.

“We decided to show one of the Avengers movies, can’t remember which one now, but it started a bit ago, everyone’s in there,” she chuckled, sliding you your ticket, “You’re the only one for Burlesque so far.”

On any other day, you wouldn’t mind a slightly busier theatre; but after the last couple weeks where you had been drowning in work, the idea of having a movie theatre all to yourself sounded heavenly.

You headed to the concession stand, gathering some goodies to enjoy during the movie before heading inside. You opted for the second row from the top, directly in the middle of the aisle.  

The lights had just been dimmed for the start of the movie when another figure entered the theatre; the man appeared tall, sneaking in slightly hunched over as if he was going to obstruct someones’ view.  When the man realized you were the only other one in the theatre, he stood to his full height, and you could swear you heard him say ‘Oh’.

He began to study the seats, almost as if there were some sort of method to the seat he picked.  After a moment, you sat up straight to say something to him- then again, did you really want to share your peaceful evening with someone else? From what you could see given the glow of the screen, his features seemed appealing enough, so it could be an opportunity to toss in some harmless flirting.

“Do you wanna sit beside me?” You asked, a small smile on your face, “I arguably have taken the best seat in the house, and I would hate for you not to enjoy the show as much.”

The mans’ head picked up when you started your sentence, a smile growing on his lips when you finished, “Well that would be lovely, thanks.”

You watched as he made his way up to where you were seated, realizing he was much taller than you originally thought, his black joggers accentuating his long legs (and thick thighs, but you definitely weren’t looking). Chewing your popcorn in thought, you missed him sitting down and extending his hand, too distracted by your racing mind.

“Oh sorry, what did you say?” You asked, blushing a little, though he couldn’t see it. 

“My name’s Ashton,” He said, his Cheshire-like grin never leaving his lips.

You shook his hand, returning it to your popcorn after that and turning towards the screen to watch the movie.  Throughout the movie, you noticed Ashton mouthing the words beside you, making you bite your lip to keep from giggling softly. You failed at one point though, at a particularly sassy line where Ashton was moving his head along with the words he was saying.

“What?!” He asked, turning to you while a giggle fell from him as well.

“No, nothing! I just… you know this move probably as well, if not better than I do.”

“Well I don’t see you lip syncing along.”

“I could but really you are the star of the show,” Your words were almost barely audible through your laughter.

Ashton shook his head and turned back to watch the movie, never ceasing his lip syncing. 

In your haste to get to the movie theatre after work, you had forgotten that the theatre tended to get drafty the longer you sat there. You often spoke with the employees after the shows, listening to their stories how they believe the building was haunted; but you figured it was just the 80 years of wear and tear on the building. You shivered at one point, not catching how Ashton’s eyes flickered over to you; when it happened again, Ashton tugged off his bright orange hoodie, holding it out to you.

“Here, you’re shivering,” Came his quiet request, eyes meeting yours.

“Oh, it’s okay! I don’t want you to be cold,” You spoke with a frown, placing your hands over his in attempt to push the hoodie back towards him.

“Your hands are what are gonna make me cold, please put this on and warm up.”

You opened your mouth to argue again, but Ashton tossed the garment onto your head, not giving you a chance to. Once you slipped the hoodie on, you muttered a soft ‘thank you’, cuddling into the hoodie that was not only incredibly warm from Ashton’s body heat, but smelled like his cologne- it was bright, citrusy, and washed you in a warm feeling that instantly made you relax. 

Ashton turned to grab the snack he had purchased, giving you a perfect opportunity to see some (more) tattoos. 

“Nice rose tattoo,” you complimented, going to set your popcorn on the floor.

“Thank you! I got it for my sister,” His fingers traced the tattoo, a fond smile gracing his lips. 

“I love roses.”

“Mm, I’ll have to remember that.”

Another blush crossed your cheeks, and you weren’t sure if you were growing warm from his comment, or the sweater was doing its job. If anyone were to ask, you would 100% blame the sweater.

You couldn’t help but feel a little sad as the movie drew to a close. It was the most relaxed you had felt in a while, and also the man beside you was drawing you in slowly but surely. You knew after the movie was over, you’d never see this handsome stranger again, unless he happened to come see the same movie no one else was interested in.

Ashton stood and stretched when the credits rolled, and the lights were switched back on, giving you the full ability to see just what this man looked like. His disheveled black hair, hazel eyes, and dimples that just highlighted his charming smile; he was more breathtaking than you originally anticipated, and you knew you should try to make a move before he walked away.

When you went to take off the sweater to give it back to him, he grabbed your hand to stop you. 

“Hang on to it,” Ashton shook his head, rolling his lower lip between his teeth.

“You don’t want your sweater back?” You asked, confused.

“You look better in it than I do, and…” he trailed off, shoving his hands in his pockets, “I thought maybe you could give it back to me on our date?”

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise, a smile of disbelief crossing your lips, “A date, huh?”

“I mean, only if you wa-“

“Ashton, shut up I was playing with you. Of course I can give it back to you on our date.”

Ashton was smiling wider than he had all night (that you’d seen, anyways) as he walked you back to your car, the two of you exchanging phone numbers before you got into your car. You’d have to remember to come back next week to tell the girls that worked at the theatre, because you knew they’d be invested.

tag list:  @talkfastromance4​ @calmlftv​ @notinthesameguey​ @loveroflrh​ @mantlereid​ @irwinkitten​ @n-ctarinenga​​ @ashtonlftv​​ @blackbutterfliescal​ @monimickell​ @petunias-pet​ @treatallwithkindness​ @castaway-cashton​ @tea4sykes​  @wheniminouterspace​ @another-lonely-heart​ @myfavfanficsever​ @xsongxbirdx​ @stardust-galaxies​ @karajaynetoday​ @bestyearssos​ @cheekysos​ @suchalonelysunflower​ @aquarius-hood1996​ @wildflower-cth​ @becihadshawn @youngblood199456​ @cxddlyash​ @kindahoping4forever​

[plus-size-reader]

Poor Baby

Billy Hargrove x Plus size!reader

Word Count: 1,522 words

Warnings: none 

Summary: Billy’s girlfriend gets really jealous, especially when it comes to Karen.

———————————————————————————————————

You had always been jealous, so it shouldn't have surprised to him that you were slowly but surely developing an irrational hatred of Karen Wheeler.

However, that fact seemed to slip his mind completely, because you had only ever been jealous of girls your own age before.

Never had you shown a problem with cougars staring at him as he walked hand and hand with you down the street. Besides, what was the harm in having a little fun at the pool as long as he never screwed any of them?

It wasn't like he'd ever actually cheat on you. He knew better than that, he just liked the attention was all.

As if he would ever actually be interested in one of them.

To you though, it didn't matter  how many times he assured you that what he had going on at the pool was nothing but harmless fun, it still made your blood boil.

You could have killed him as you watched from where you were under the pool umbrella. He was clearly enjoying whatever conversation he was having, he was very clearly leaning into her.

Not to mention the laughter that left her lips each time he spoke.

You had seen other girls flirt with Billy of course, but not for quite some time. Where you'd lived in California, they all knew better.

The last girl who'd asked for Billy's number at a party got her car windows busted out. The cops never really figured out who did it, but everyone who'd been at the party knew.

However, Hawkins was a new place entirely and no one had put these girls in their place yet.

You cleared your throat, doing your best to calm that anger welling up in the pit of your stomach before you spoke. "Billy!?" you called, interrupting whatever it was he thought he was doing over there.

He turned to you as soon as he heard your voice but said nothing, only arching his brow as if to ask you what you needed.

"I need more lemonade" You called, shaking the glass which at this point was nothing more than an umbrella and some slowly melting ice.

Billy looked at you for a second, trying to figure out if you were serious or not. You very clearly could have gotten your own drink, but he didn't want to push it. If you wanted him to get you a drink, he would get you one.

"Excuse me Karen" he hummed, winking at her before turning toward you. It didn't take him long at all to get from one side of the pool to the other but the whole time, you had your eyes on him.

Your stare was intent and angry, but he had no idea why. He had only been making conversation.

"Problem, your highness?" he teased, taking the glass from you. Before you could answer though, he had already headed in the direction of the concession stand, which only served to make you angrier.

Your rolled your eyes before standing to follow him.

He knew you would. In fact, the sound of your bare feet hitting the concrete aggressively only brought a smile to his face.

By this point, he'd managed to put the pieces together. He'd seen you jealous enough times to recognize the signs and you'd hit all of his boxes just now.

You drew his attention away from her, and made him do something for you. There was also that stare, burning into his skull as he spoke to her, he'd know that look anywhere. Not to mention the fact that you were now chasing him down...

He was going to get an ear full but he wasn't upset about it. Billy liked playing this game with you.

Without missing a beat, he entered the staff door to the concession stand, even going to far to let the door shut before you could slip in behind him.

He happened to know that it was unlocked from the inside but even if it hadn't been, there was no doubt in his mind that you would have found another way in.

"Hargrove? What do you think you're doing?" you whisper yelled, slamming the open door to the concession store shut behind you.

You looked so angry. Your chest was heaving up and down with your erratic breathing pattern and you were fidgeting, something you only did when you were trying not to yell.

It was so goddamn sexy when you got like this.

"I have no idea what you're talking about" he lied, pulling his bottom lip into his mouth, holding it between his teeth. He was clearly trying not to laugh at the whole situation.

If he had, it would only make it worse.

You sighed, unsure if he was being serious or not. There was no way he didn't know what an ass he was being right now, was there?

"Right, well maybe I should go ask all those ancient skanks then huh?" you bit, folding your arms across your chest. The action pushed your breasts together more, drawing his attention downward for a moment.

There it was.

He was right.

"Oh, poor baby...are you jealous?" he teased, laughing at you as he filled your glass from the lemonade pitcher.

Was Billy really making fun of you?

Seriously?

“You are such an asshole” you barked, not believing that he would act like this when he was clearly in the wrong. You had been more than patient, letting the conversation go on and on but at a certain point, even he had to know that he was being ridiculous.

He wasn’t doing it to torment you however, it just amused him that you were so worked up over something that he saw as so small and insignificant.

To him, it was no big deal at all.

Billy had no intention of sleeping with Karen or any of the other moms, so it amused him that you cared so much.

He just didn’t get why it bothered you.

For him, you were the only woman that he wanted. The rest was nothing more than a game.

“Maybe, but you love me” he grinned, leaning down to try and get a kiss, though you turned your head away from him. It might have been true, but that didn’t mean you were any less angry about it.

It was going to take quite a while before Billy was out of the dog house.

However, he knew just how to make it up to you.

It was something so silly that you often tried to convince him to let you do but up until now, he wouldn’t let you.

You liked the idea of marking him as your own, you had seen it a million times before in movies and books but Billy had always said no.

It was all about lipstick.

You had seen it once in a white snake video and from that moment on, you were obsessed. You loved the idea of leaving lipstick kisses all over him, especially at the pool so that everyone could see that you’d claimed him...

All out in the open.

But, right about now, it didn’t seem like too bad of an idea.

If nothing else, it would make you feel better about his faithfulness toward you. There was nothing better than letting all those old birds know that Billy had already been claimed.

“Hold on sugar, I have the perfect way to make it up to you” he purred, reaching into your cross-body bag, that was across your chest. He rummaged around for a few moments before finding exactly what he was looking for.

Your favorite tube of red lipstick.

Perfect.

“Here you go, baby” he smiled, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth as he screwed the top off and started painting the ruby red color across your lips.

It was oh so pretty and as tempted as he was to mess up his near-perfect application, that wasn’t the purpose right now.

You looked shocked for a second, just thinking that he was finished off your look or trying to distract you from how angry you were but it wasn’t until he gestured down to his perfectly toned torso that you put two and two together.

...And you were so excited about it.

“Go to town sugar” he allowed, watching you bend down to press a single kiss to his right clavicle bone, leaving a perfect lip print in its place. It was pretty, and before long, his tanned skin was perfectly decorated in marks from you.

You were pretty proud of your work, and by the time that you were done, you could hardly remember the fight you’d been in the middle of previously.

In fact, it wasn’t until you and Billy walked back over to his lifeguards post that you remembered.

Across the pool were four very jealous, red in the face, mothers who couldn’t take their eyes off the very obvious message that was meant only for them. Billy had already been claimed and you were determined to make sure that everyone knew it.

[corie-the-writer]

Fate - Chapter 1

Please read first : This story will be mostly AU, with using different plots from the series through out this story. This story will contain angst, fluff, and smut at some point, and might possibly be triggering for some, so please be mindful. I will try to post warnings, but if not, please read with caution. Also, I will try to update once a week, but I want to take my time with this series. 

Chapter 1 

Three words. 

That is all it took for his entire world to change within seconds. 

Detective Jay Halstead was officially a father. He shared a son with the woman who has held his heart for over a decade.

They met when they were teenagers, at just sixteen years old.

Even though they went to different high schools, they both attended a football game since their schools were rivals, and found themselves at the same after party. 

Jay had found himself partnered up with Aubrey during a game of beer pong. He had to admit that she was a great shot with the little white ball, but he had been so mesmerized by her smile, he had missed the final shot. Aubrey smiled and shrugged her shoulders without a care in the world, helping him finish all the drinks filled with the cheap liquor. As the night progressed, Jay found himself learning more about Aubrey. That was until a dark haired man a few years older came barreling into the party, grabbing her arm. Jay quickly went to defend her, but Aubrey had put a hand on his chest, letting him know that the man was her brother, Justin. Before Jay could ask for her number, Justin had whisked Aubrey out of the party. 

He thought he had missed his chance, but a few weeks later, he had spotted her in the mall shopping with her brother, and he took the chance, asking for her number. Aubrey had agreed to go out on a date with him, and that is the first time his world changed. 

Jay and Aubrey were inseparable. 

When they weren't in school, they were doing homework together, studying for finals, spending practically every waking moment together when they could. After six months of dating, Jay and Aubrey lost their virginity to each other.

Of course, the entire relationship had been up and down. Since they were going to different schools, jealousy was easily reached. Jay would get out of school early and go to pick up Aubrey, seeing a male classmate flirt with her. Or Aubrey would see girls trying to text Jay when they would be studying. 

There was one night when Jay and Aubrey had went to the movies, a classmate of Aubrey's, Todd Michaels, had stopped her in line at the concession stand, asking her if she was going to the homecoming dance, something Jay didn't know about, and that upset him. Aubrey said that she wasn't sure she was going, which made Jay feel like she was embarrassed to be seen with him, which led to a fight in his old beat up truck, shouting at each other, until Aubrey confessed that she loved him. Jay immediately crashed his lips to hers, repeating the three words back to her.

Things were great for their relationship by their senior year, however Jay's life at home had gotten worse. His father had started to fight with him, a lot. He would show up at Aubrey's bedroom window with a black eye or a busted lip. As Aubrey graduated, preparing to go to Med School, Jay had broke the news to her three days later that he had signed up to become an Army Ranger. She was heartbroken, but promised that she would still be there for him. 

It was true. 

When Aubrey had taken him to the airport, Jay held her close to him, promising that he would always love her, no matter what and he would see her again.

When he was overseas, they would write to each other as much as they could. But Jay knew that he wasn't the same person she fell in love with, and he selfishly let her go when he had came back home for a short leave. He had left her sobbing in her dorm room after she had yelled at him for breaking his promise to her. 

Over the years Jay would see Aubrey out and about around Chicago, like fate was on their side. 

Jay would ask Aubrey to come home with him, even if it were just for the night, and she always would. Repeating the same mantras they said to each other in high school. When morning came, she would always disappear. 

When Jay had gotten out of the Army, he joined the police academy, and decided to try to give it a real shot with Aubrey once he had been recruited to the Intelligence Unit. 

They both were hesitant at first, but they were naturally gravitating towards each other, wanting to keep things between them while they figured out how to navigate their relationship with as much history as they had. 

The second time his world changed was the night that Justin was murdered. Everything had been going great in the relationship, Jay was going to ask Aubrey to move in with him, and when she showed up at his door, tears streaming down her face. She had collapsed in his arms, barely able to understand the news about Justin as she cried. He sat on the floor with her in his arms, holding her as tight as he could to bring her some sort of comfort.

He knew that Justin was a part of Aubrey. Justin was the one who was always there for her, going to soccer games when she was a little kid when Hank couldn't make it because of work. She would tell him stories of how Justin was always protecting her, guiding her and teaching her, Justin was like a best friend, a brother and father all rolled into one. 

Jay knew before she said anything, he could tell how distant she was. The day after Justin's funeral, Aubrey told him that she couldn't stay in Chicago. 

As much as he wanted to beg her to stay, to tell her not to go, he couldn't. He knew that she needed this just as much as he needed to enlist so many years ago. The only thing Jay could do was tell her that he loved her, always would as she walked out of her apartment, tears running down his face. 

The last he had seen her was when Justin's wife Olive, was throwing a birthday for her and Justin's son a year after his death. 

Aubrey had flown into Chicago for four days, the first day was for the birthday party, and the last three days were spent in Jay's apartment. The first night, Aubrey had told him about the job she had in a Colorado hospital, and the man she had met, and he would be lying if he said that didn't hurt. By the second night, they fell into the same patterns as before. 

On the last day they spent together in bed, Jay found the courage, asking her to come back to Chicago, to be with him, to have the life together that they always wanted. 

"Jay, I love you, I've loved you since I was sixteen. But right now, I need to figure out how to catch myself when I fall." 

"I'll catch you baby, I'll always catch you." 

"That's what I'm afraid of Jay." 

Now, here he sat in the small coffee shop, watching as Aubrey was walking through the door, wearing a long coral dress that fell just above her ankles, noticing the brown roman style sandals, with a thin light tan jacket on, her dark hair piled onto her head in a messy bun, sunglasses covering her eyes. 

The plan was to meet up first, talk about a few things, and then go meet his son for the first time. 

"Hey..." Aubrey approached the table with hesitation, Jay moved to stand up and gave her a hug. 

"Hey, how are you?" Jay questioned as he sat back down, with Aubrey sitting across from him. 

"Tired, had a long night at the hospital." Aubrey commented, "How are you?" Aubrey questioned. 

"I'm uh...processing." Jay chuckled lowly, taking a drink of his coffee, "You want anything? Coffee...tea?" Jay questioned. 

"No thanks, I usually hit the caffeine when I go to work." Aubrey laughed, "So uhm, I know this is a lot." Aubrey sighed, resting her elbows on the table, her hands under her chin, "I am so sorry that I didn't tell you. You probably hate me, and I don't blame you one bit." 

"I could never hate you." Jay nearly scoffed, "Look, I don't know how to feel knowing that I missed nearly three years of his life, but I understand why you did it. I get that." Jay sighed, "Your ex, he never hurt him, right?" Jay found himself wondering and watched as Aubrey shook her head. 

"There were a few times I thought he was going to but I...I uh tried like hell to get him out of whatever room we were in." 

"He hurt you?" Jay questioned lowly and watched as Aubrey gave a subtle nod, "We are going to have to discuss everything that happened, but when you're ready. I want you to know that you and our son will be safe." 

Aubrey gave a nod and remained silent for a few moments, "I asked you to meet me here first, because the apartment I was going to rent fell through at the last minute, I had been staying at Will's and now we are at pops." Aubrey explained, "Also, I don't want you to be upset with Will. I made him swear to me that he wouldn't say anything until I got on my feet. I feel like such an asshole with all of this, I just...I've been fighting for so long..." Aubrey sighed, resting her forehead against the palm of her hand. 

"Aubs, you gotta stop feeling bad. You did what you needed to do to make sure you both got here alive." Jay stated, "I'm going to be upset with Will, but I'll get over it, okay?" Jay watched as Aubrey nodded her head. 

"Here's the thing, you need to know that Henry is really shy around new people. I've shown him pictures of you, pops, so he's somewhat familiar with you both, but I didn't want you to get in front of him and be upset if he didn't react." Aubrey explained, "And I don't want to introduce you as his dad if you aren't one hundred percent sure that you want to be apart of his life. I don't want him to get attached and you not show up." 

Jay thought for a moment, "For the past two days, I've been staring at the pictures you sent me. I'm not gonna lie, I asked myself if I was capable of being a good dad, if I knew how to be a good dad." Jay admitted quietly, "I don't know what is going to happen with all of this, I don't know how to be a dad, but I know that I'm going to try like hell to be the dad I never had growing up." Jay stated. 

"It's not gonna be easy Jay." 

"I know." Jay gave a nod in agreement, "But I do know that no matter what happens in our lives, fate always brings us back together some how." 

Aubrey gave a soft smile, "Let's go meet your son, yeah?" 

Jay was in absolute awe seeing the little boy running around the living room. 

Henry Justin Halstead.

He was the perfect mixture of Jay and Aubrey. 

Henry had dark hair and olive skin just like Aubrey, he had Jay's eyes and bone structure. He swore his heart swelled a mile long seeing Aubrey walking towards the little boy, leaning down to speak to him, before pointing towards Jay. Jay watched as Aubrey lifted the little boy onto her hip, and slowly approached. Jay found tears building in his eyes, hating that he wasn't there for the birth of his son, to be there through the pregnancy with Aubrey. He noticed that Henry was a little smaller than most two year old's, but he had learned that Henry was born prematurely because of the stress Aubrey was under due to her ex-boyfriend. 

"Hi Henry..." Jay spoke, his voice cracking, thankful that Hank had disappeared out of the living room to give them some time alone, "I uh...I got you a few presents. Would you like to see them?" Jay questioned, silently scolding himself for not bringing them in with him from his truck. 

"It's okay baby." Aubrey encouraged the little boy as he looked to her for an answer and he watched as Henry gave a small nod. 

"Okay, I'm gonna go grab them. I'll be right back." 

Aubrey smiled softly seeing Jay rush out of the living room, knowing that he had bought a bunch of things for Henry over the past two days. Aubrey kissed her son's head as he patiently waited in her arms for Jay to return. 

A few moments later, several bags laying around the living room, with Jay and Aubrey sitting on the floor, as Henry was sitting on her lap, holding onto the new stuffed sloth as he was going through the different toy cars and trucks he now had, occasionally glancing to Jay who was watching him intently. 

"I bet he'll play with you if you ask." Aubrey spoke quietly into the little boys ear, and watched as he looked up to her and then back to Jay, "He likes cars and trucks just as much as you." Aubrey added with a smile. 

Henry pushed himself out of Aubrey's lap with the help of her. He tucked the sloth under his arm and tried to grab a couple of his cars and trucks but they kept falling from his hands, and Jay moved slowly to help him. 

Aubrey's heart swelled a little while later, seeing Jay laying on the floor, with Henry next to him pushing the cars and trucks around. Henry had warmed up to Jay almost instantly when he began to play with the little boy. 

"Can I take you guys out to dinner?" Jay questioned causing Aubrey to shake her head from spacing out at the scene in front of her. 

"Uh..yeah, that's fine." Aubrey commented, "I'm gonna go let pops know, and get him some fresh clothes. You okay with him?" Aubrey questioned as she pushed herself up off the floor. 

"Yeah, I'm good."  Jay flashed her the brighest smile she had ever seen, and she couldn't help but to smile in return.

Tag List: @samiam9525 @yespleasejayhalstead @chloebear26 @readbasoeverything @bethii1 @faithhasnowords @death-star-canteen @wearesodrica @amylouwho9 @bellageorge03 @shadyfox242 @shadyfox242 @httphiddlestan @wemma554 @nikki1dxx @kadygirl @beachfan412 @katiehud @live-in-the-waves @alievans007 @raindreamsxx @onechicagofan20 @am918 @haileymatthewss @supyfish @chrisanddumness @esauthor @thesunwillriseagain-13 @spiridakoas-wp @kaite1996 @itsdesiree86 @hehurst23 @smalltowngirly05 @toomuchtv95@nursejuju86 @mamamiush @aparkel @fofisstilinski @tyzerman91 @daenerys-targaryes

[monstaxperiments]

Monsta X reaction to being jealous of your male friend (pt. 1)..~

Jooheon:

..~ Your bff, Mike has been working his ass off at his new job and finally has a Saturday off. You and Mike have been bffs since high school and even dated a short while but decided it would be best to just be friends. To catch up, he suggests hanging out, but it was also you and your bf Jooheon’s date night, so you decide to spend the day with both of your favorite guys. Jooheon was reluctant to let Mike tag along on your date but knows how close you two have been and he just wants to see you happy. He regrets his decision as soon as Mike walks up the theater steps and sees you practically sprinting to give him a huge hug. A hug that Jooheon felt took a little longer than needed. He says hello and gives Mike the fakest smile he could muster and follows behind the two of you into the theater lobby. Why am I following behind them? I’m y/n’s boyfriend not this guy Jooheon thinks to himself as he not so subtly squeezes in between you and Mike. You and Mike give him an odd look but brushes it off. “Oh, don’t worry about it, I got this,” Mike says as he pulls out his wallet “I feel like the third wheel anyway so I’ll pay for everyone’s ticket. Also just to say thanks Jooheon for letting me tag along. Not a lot of boyfriends would do that.” Mike gives Jooheon a friendly smile. “Yeah no problem.”Jooheon says with that fake smile of his. “Yeah you are third wheel.” Jooheon mumbles under his breathe just as Mike turns away to pay for the tickets. The three of you walk toward the concession stand next. “What do you guys want? I’m buying.” Mike says taking out a wad of cash. Jooheon rolls his eyes so hard he could’ve sworn he saw his brain. “Wow Mike! You’re really getting paid at your new job!” You say in a super impressed tone. A tone that Jooheon couldn’t help but feel inferior to. “Well, you know.” Mike says with a nonchalant shrug “Pretty soon you’ll be hanging out with a rich man” He smiles down at you, nudges you playfully. “Rich men get all the pretty girls.” Mike says this last sentence while looking over his shoulder at Jooheon with a sinister smirk. Jooheon stands there dumbfounded, unable to speak. You make your choices and Mike steps forward to pay for it “No I got it!” Jooheon says while squeezing in between you two again causing Mike to stumble back almost falling to the ground. “Jooheon! Stop being so so rude!” You say. “I’m not being rude, y/n. You’re my girlfriend I should be the one taking care of you.” Jooheon says while smiling at the clerk, handing them the cash. You three finally make it into the movie theater, with you in the middle. Jooheon rolls his eyes as he sees you and Mike chit chatting and giggling and sitting closely while waiting for the movie to start. Now he felt like the third wheel. 

The movie is about 30 minutes in and Jooheon finally felt at peace. You and Mike weren’t talking or giggling about the old days. Jooheon looks over at you to make sure you were enjoying the movie when he sees Mike’s arm over your seat. That sent Jooheon into a rage. “Ok I’ve had enough!” Jooheon yells as he stands up from his seat. A few people shush him and others turn around to see whats going on but Jooheon doesn’t care. He swats Mike arm away from you and gently pulls you up from your seat. “Since you got here you’ve been trying to steal y/n away from me but it stops right now. Don’t ever contact y/n again. And I better not see your face ever again.” He takes your hand and drags you out of the theater. 

Back in the car headed home ~ “I’m sorry y/n. I know you were really excited for that movie. I’ll take you to go see it again another time but I had to get you away from that guy.” He hears a sigh of relief from you. “I’m so glad you did. He was giving off weird vibes all night. And besides seeing you all jealous and possessive like that was a huge turn on.” You smirk at him. “Oh yeah? Well I must look unbelievably sexy right now because that guy really pissed me off.” “Yeah... I’m wondering if I should tell you he tried to grab my butt a few times.” Jooheon almost completely brakes on the highway, earning him a few car honks. “WHAT???” Jooheon is once again dumbfounded and threatens to turn the car around to kick some ass “Jooheon you can’t turn around on a one way street!”

I.M:

..~ “Ahahahahaha I win again y/n.” I.M says while sticking his tongue out at you like a little kid. This is the sixth round in a row you’ve lost to I.M while playing Mortal Kombat 11. You were starting to get annoyed but let him have his little victory. “I’m tired of this game. Can we play something else now?” You ask pouting and batting your eyes. “Sure. What game do you feel like losing next?” I.M chuckles to himself as he looks through the drawer full of games. Just then a notification pops up on the screen. ‘Handsomeguy90 is now online’. “Yay! Jesse is online!” I.M’s shoulder slump at the sound of that name. Jesse. Your bff from college. He currently lives about 10 hours away so I.M rarely had to see him, but he definitely hears his voice way too often. Another notification appears on the screen. ‘Handsomeguy90 is inviting you to play The Sims Online’. That was what you and Jesse liked to play together. An online game of avatars living everyday life and being able to text chat and voice chat with other players. Unfortunately for I.M, you two liked to voice chat. You grab the main controller from I.M’s lap and grab the headset that sat under the coffee table. You accept the invitation. “I guess were done?” I.M drops his hands into his lap with a sad expression. “Hey Jesse!” You say a little too excitedly. “Hey y/n! How are you? You sound so good!” I.M can hear Jesse’s voice through the headset which gave him a headache. He listens as you and Jesse make small talk before starting up the game. In this game you and Jesse’s avatars were married and had two kids with a third on the way. I.M hated when you played this game with Jesse. It made him feel like he wasn’t giving you what your heart truly wanted or you actually really wanted to be with Jesse. He watched with disgust as Jesse’s avatar continuously flirted with your avatar and also listened with disgust as Jesse said whatever his avatar said to your avatar. Things like you’re looking extra sexy today, that dress you’re wearing makes your butt look amazing, I love you so much, we were meant to be together, and so on. I.M couldn’t take it anymore. He got up to get a drink from the kitchen. As he returns he sees another avatar on the screen with the name I.M. The I.M in the game was an ugly old man with horrible traits and was the neighbor of you and Jesse. “What the fuck is that?” I.M asks in an annoyed tone. “Oh, Jesse thought it would be fun to include you in the game as sort of a comedy character. You’re our teched old neighbor who likes to spy on us and leave weird things in our mailbox and stuff like that. Isn’t that funny?” I.M just stares at you for a long moment. “Is he ok?” I.M could hear Jesse through the headset laughing. I.M swiftly lifts the headset from your ears. “Hey!” You exclaim in shock. “Goodbye Jesse.” I.M says into the headset and walks to the console and turns it off. “I.M what the hell?!” You say as you stand to turn it back on but I.M stands in your way. “Y/n I don’t want you playing that game with that guy ever again.” I.M says calmly. “You’re really that upset over a character in a game? It was just a stupid joke for the game.” You say crossing your arms. “I don’t care about the character, I care about the fact that you have this make believe life with a guy who obviously likes you says all this weird flirty stuff in your ear. That’s my job! I’m suppose to say weird flirty stuff in your ear.” You slowly uncross your arms listening to I.M. He was jealous. You felt bad for making him feel this way and being oblivious that you were doing it. You walk towards him and drape your arms around his waist. “I’m sorry baby you’re right only you can say weird flirty things to me.” I.M smiles and drapes his arms around your shoulders. “That’s right babe” he says kissing you on your forehead. 

Hyungwon:

..~ Hyungwon was asked to walk in a fashion show of a luxury brand. He got you a front row seat which made you super nervous. Only the elite sit front row at fashion shows, especially for luxury brands. Since Hyungwon was walking in the show, you two arrived early. While Hyungwon was backstage, you sat at the bar. You were sitting alone for a while until a handsome young man takes the seat next to you. He greets you with a hello and you greet him back. “What’s a pretty model doing here at the bar instead of getting ready backstage?” The man asks you after ordering a drink. You giggle and explain you’re not a model but your boyfriend is modeling in the show. “Oh what a shame to waste such a beautiful face and body to just have you sit in the crowd. How about you sit next to me then?” He says while sipping on his rather expensive looking drink. “I don’t think we can just change seats like that.” You say still a little flattered while sipping on your own drink. He smirks “I don’t think anyone would have a problem with it.” The two of you sit and chat for another hour until the show is about to start. While telling each other about yourselves, you learned that his name was Jason and that he was the son of the designer of the luxury brand and heir to the business. Hyungwon originally had you sitting on the left side at the end of the runway but now that you were sitting with Jason you were sitting on the right side dead in the middle. As you follow Jason you could feel the stares and hear the whispers of the elite around you. You notice the press turning their camera in your direction. You hear Jason chuckle. “They act like they’ve never seen a beautiful woman before. Tell your boyfriend to watch out, they might think we’re a couple y/n.” Jason flashes you a flirty smile. Suddenly the music changes, the outer lights dim, the inner lights start to flashes and swirl around each other, and the emcee comes on stage to start the show. You watch as the gorgeous and handsome models walk up and down the runway in awe. Soon you see a familiar face strutting down the runway. You let out a small shriek of excitement, you see Jason turn to you with curiosity, you smile and point at Hyungwon, “That’s my boyfriend.” Jason nods his head understandingly. You see Hyungwon’s eyes look in the direction of where he originally had you sitting. Oh shit where is she? She couldn’t find her seat? She didn’t get kicked out did she? Questions were racing through Hyungwon’s head and he started to get worried but he had to keep a straight face. Hyungwon gets to the end of the runway, strikes a pose and turns to walk back up the runway, but something catches his eye as he walks a few steps. He sees you waving your hands just at chest level. He was relieved to see you in crowd but he also notices another hand. On your shoulder. Belonging to the guy sitting next to you, smiling at him. In your excitement you hadn’t noticed that Jason’s arm found it’s way around your shoulder. Hyungwon was so shocked, confused, and distracted he almost walked right into the oncoming model going the opposite direction. A few gasps from the crowd were heard as Hyungwon quickly regains his composure and continues to walk backstage. You couldn’t help but feel bad for the sudden change, blaming yourself for distracting Hyungwon. Jason notices your state and comforts you, pulling you closer to him. I can’t believe the nerve of that guy Hyungwon thinks as he prepares for his final outfit. He had met Jason earlier that day and thought he was a decent guy. They bonded a little before the show, sharing things about their personal lives. Hyungwon even told him that his girlfriend was here at the show supporting him and that he felt bad that he had to leave her at the bar. That asshole. He better not let me catch him in the streets. Hyungwon finishes putting on his final outfit and waits behind the curtain for his turn. He peers around the curtain to the audience and sees you and Jason huddled together. Jason is even rubbing the top of your head. That’s my head! Hyungwon is furious. The model that went before Hyungwon is nearing backstage. Now it’s Hyungwon’s turn. He struts his stuff onto the catwalk. You were too busy with Jason to notice it was his turn again, but Jason definitely notices and makes sure you’re attention is on him. Hyungwom reaches the end of the catwalk, poses and turns around to exit. You finally notice. Hyungwon reaches the middle of the catwalk, and stops. Then he stretches out his hand towards you, eyes keeping forward. The whole room seemed to stare and stare out of intrigue, confusion, and everything in between, especially you. Almost in a trance like state you slowly rise to your feet, walk towards the catwalk, take that one step onto the catwalk, and grab Hyungwon’s hand. The camera flashes go off rapidly, a few cheers are heard from the crowd as you and Hyungwon walk hand in hand down the catwalk towards backstage. Just before you two turn the corner to be out of sight of the crowd, Hyungwon slightly turns his head toward Jason and winks. 

[bssaz97]

Fun Times #2

*Atlas, Red Queen Theatre*

If someone were to tell Whitley right now that he was acting very anxious, he would tell them that would be the understatement of the year. Whitley was waiting outside the entrance to the Red Queen, one of the most high class theatre in Atlas. How did he get reservations for a movie picture for ‘Hunter’s Cabin part 2’ on the night of its premiere one might ask? Well the easy answer was he received a monthly allowance of about 2.5 thousand lien and had a large number of connections to high class places due to his family’s name. The harder explanation was how he had to literally open a new bank account, one without his father’s knowledge and under his name rather so that Father wouldn’t be able to track it. Was it backhanded? Yes. Did he have regrets? Not particularly. Would he do it again? If it was the only way to meet Sun_Dragon without his family’s notice, then yes he would.

Which brings him here tonight, he’ll be meeting Sun_Dragon in person for the first time so yes he felt had good reason to be anxious. Why? Well while he knows his family is very influential in Atlas there comes a drawback to such influence. That would be social media. If he were to come dressed as Whitley Schnee, then the paparazzi would come in as a snowstorm and most likely scare her off. He wanted this night to happen as natural as possible. So that’s why he came prepared in his disguise; a dark blue herringbone newboy cap, a gray tweed knee length trench coat, a blue/silver/gray scarf, leather gloves for hands, and a pair of nonprescription glasses. This way he will stand out but not too much to get recognized as a heir to multi-billion lien company. He just hopes that she will be here soon, but at the same time does not wish to rush her arrival as he tries to formulate a greeting to her when she does come.

Yang: White Knight?

Whitley quickly turns toward the source of his voice and turned to see the person he was waiting for and....she was much more beautiful in person than a picture could ever hope to convey. Sun_Dragon was adorned tonight with her huntress outfit that she wore in most pictures he saw her in. He supposed when one made a career in fighting literal monsters of darkness, one always had to be ready. It honestly didn’t bother him at all though, she looked great in it.

Whitley:(Smiles) Sun_Dragon, I’m glad to finally meet you face to face.

Yang: Could say the same, like the hat!

Whitley: Oh thank you! You look good yourself....

Yang: ....Well I guess we should get going to see the movie right?

Whitley: Oh! Yes, you’re right. We should do that! Shall we. (Offers right arm)

Yang: Pfff, sure whatever you say Knight.

With that both of the online friends make their way inside. Both haven’t not stopped smiling yet.

*Mantle, Blum Cinema*

The group consisting of RNJRP having made their way to the local theatre, wait in line to buy tickets for the premiere of “Kill Softly part 4” featuring Spruce Fillis. Both Ruby and Jaune were fans of the first trilogy and had been anticipating the release of the fourth installment of the movie. Ren and Nora have also have seen the first three movies and while Ren thought they were ok, Nora absolutely loved the action of the films. So while they all waited they helped fill in the gaps to Oscar who had not seen any of the movies at this point.

Oscar: So pretty much all the movies starring Spruce Willis are about his character stopping terrorist plots in multiple places.

Ren: That would be the quick summary, yes.

Nora: And he blows stuff up! Don’t forget that part!

Once getting to the head of the line, all five friends walk up to the ticketing booth to pay for their entry. Once there they met a familiar face..... to one of them at least.

Jaune: Mrs. Lars?!

Mrs. Lars/Casserole Mom: Jaune? Oh my gods what are you doing here?!

Jaune: Well we were gonna see a movie here, I didn’t know you worked here.

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!!’

Mrs. Lars: Actually I work here as a part time manager over the weekend. But it’s so funny seeing you outside of Ginger’s school. What movie are you all watching tonight?

Jaune: Well we are coming to see ‘Kill Softly part 4’, four adults and one minor.

Ren: Um Jaune. (Gestures towards Ruby and points at a sign on the glass panel)

G: All children are welcome.

PG: Children may need to bring a parent.

PG-13: No children under the age of 13 without a Parent/Guardian.

R: No children under the age of 18 without Parent/Guardian.

NC-18: No children under the age of 18. Adults only.

Jaune:(Sheepish) Uuuhhhh. Actually can you switch those tickets for three adults and two minors please.

Ruby: Huh?! (Looks at sign, smushing her face on glass) Oh come on! They have this stupid thing here too! I’m a licensed huntress and still can’t do anything! (Puffs her cheeks irritably)

Oscar: It’s not all that bad being a minor, tickets cost less. (Smiles)

Ruby: But it’s so humiliating! I worked hard to build my mature image, and I still can’t be considered a adult. (Crosses arms and pouts)

Jaune:(Pats her head while giving Mrs. Lars the lien for tickets) If it’s any consolation, I still think you’re a adult.

Ruby:(Eyes go wide and blushes lightly) Helps a little...

Mrs. Lars: Alright, here are your tickets Jaune.

Jaune: Thanks.......Wait, these are premium seats. I didn’t pay for these.

Mrs. Lars: You didn’t need to. Consider this another gift of mine that isn’t just another casserole.~ (Giggles while winking)

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘OK NOW YOU’RE NOT EVEN TRYING TO HIDE THE FLIRTING!’

Jaune: Oh! Well thanks I really appreciate it then, hope the rest of your shift goes good.

Mrs. Lars: Anytime.~

Ruby:(Grumbles)

With that all five of them move to the door and enter the cinema. Once inside they show the tickets to the a man on the podium and he promptly points the way to their marked screen room.

Jaune: So does anyone want to get any refreshments or snacks before the movie starts.

Nora: Ooo~ Movie food! I’ll have a extra large popcorn, a blue Freezi, a salted pretzel with honey mustard-

Jaune: Ok so one ‘Nora special’, got it!

Nora: Thank you fearless leader!~

Jaune: Anything you want Ren?

Ren: I’ll have some iced tea if they have.

Jaune: Got it! Anything for you Oscar.

Oscar: Mmm, I think I’ll have some Red Whips and a Dunk a Cola.

Jaune: Sure thing buddy. What about you Rubes, anything you want?

Ruby:(Whispers) A cane to beat the hussies.

Jaune: What’s that Rubes, couldn’t hear you.

Ruby:(Smilies) Oh nothing just thinking! Mmmmm. I’ll have hotdog with ketchup, a medium popcorn, and a red Freezi.

Jaune: Gotcha, well if you guys want to grab the seats I’ll get the snacks!

Oscar: Isn’t that a lot stuff to carry on your own?

Jaune: It’s alright, I’m kinda used to carrying a lot of stuff with me growing up with-

Ruby/Ren/Nora: ‘Growing up with seven sisters.’

Jaune: See now you’re getting it!

Oscar: Still, one of us should stay to help.

Ruby: I can stay! Yang usually gets me to grab the goods back when we were little so I don’t mind.

Jaune: If you want to, Ruby. I won’t stop you.

Once the group go separate ways the two leaders make their way to the concession stand. After waiting five minutes in line they finally make it to the cashier..... Who they already met before.

Jaune: MRS.LARS!

Mrs. Lars: Hey! Just got out of the registry seat so now I’m helping with concessions!

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘SERIOUSLY!’

Jaune: But you...we just saw....ok. Anyway I kinda got a long list of things hope you don’t mind.

Mrs. Lars: Oh don’t worry about that honey. It’s my pleasure!

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘I’m about to slap a bitch.’

Jaune: Ooookay. Well I will need a extra large popcorn, one blue Freezi, one pretzel with honey mustard, a churro, a box of Sour Kids, a medium unsweetened iced tea if you have, a box of Red Whips, one small sized Duke a Cola, one red Freezi, a hotdog with ketchup, a medium popcorn, and for me I’ll have a medium Spurts with a medium popcorn as well with layered butter. Did I get everything Rubes?

Ruby:(Staring blankly at Mrs. Lars) Yep that’s everything.

Mrs. Lars: Great! Just give me once sec, and I’ll be right back. (Walk to the side to start getting everything set)

Ruby stares plainly at the young mother as she works tracking her every move as a hunter stalks a deer. She looked like a fast worker, so she already looks to have half the order almost done. A mature woman with good work ethic and younghful energy, a easy guise to fool young men to fall prey to the claws of the cougar. Not while this silver eyed eagle was around.

Jaune:(Looks at her with concern) Everything ok Ruby?

Ruby:(Smiles brightly at him) Oh yeah I’m good, no need to worry about me!

Jaune: You sure? If it’s about the whole ‘minor’ thing you can talk to me you know. I’m sorry if it came across as offensive.

Ruby: Huh? Oh no! No, no, no, no, no! You don’t need to worry about that it’s not a whole big thing, I know you guys didn’t mean it so it cool!

Jaune: Mmmm. Ok, if you say so.

Mrs. Lars: Here we are!

With the short time both Ruby and Jaune talked, it seemed Mrs. Lars spent getting there order done. With exceptional timing as well.

Jaune: Wow! That was probably the quickest service I ever had.

Mrs. Lars: I do my best for all my costumers!

Ruby:(Growls silently)

Jaune: Alright so what’s my balance looking like?

Mrs. Lars: Well with all the items here it should come up to 41 Lien.

Jaune: Wait that’s it? I don’t mean to seem unappreciative, but that seems way too low a price for the things we’re getting.

Mrs. Lars:(Smiling) Oh that’s because I gave you the 30% Huntsman discount. So you saved 9 lien with your purchase. Very good deal right.

Jaune: WOW! That’s....great. Thanks Mrs. Lars.

Mrs. Lars: Oh please, enough with the Mrs. Lars, makes me feel like a old woman. Call me Daisy.

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘Great! Now I have a full name to put on your tombstone!’

Jaune: Ok, well we should probably get going, thanks for the help Mrs.- I mean, Daisy.

Daisy: My pleasure Jaune.~ Enjoy the movie.

With this, both leaders make their way towards the cinema room for the movie and once inside they find Nora, Ren and Oscar sitting in the marked premium seating. Slowly walking up the stairs Jaune moves past the other guests to reach his team. Once making it to them he gives out the snacks and beverages they asked for. Meanwhile Ruby sits down in her assign seat with a neutral face and doesn’t seem to acknowledge anybody around her. Probably because while she is calm on the outside, her mind was brewing a storm.

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘Daisy. DAISY!!! Since when did they get on a first name basis now! It must have been at some point because I never heard Jaune call Casserole Witch by her first name. And what’s with all the ‘My Pleasure’ nonsense! It’s like she’s dropping land mines to catch him in her web of lust and perversion! Well not on her watch! No thank you Casserole Mom, but Jaune Arc is off limits!.....Even if technically he is free territory at the moment.’

Ruby looks to see Jaune almost blissfully unaware of what the temptress tried to do to him. His poor innocent, dense as a brick mind couldn’t probably detect that the single mother was trying to flirt with him.

Ruby:(Mentally) ‘Don’t worry Jaune I’m not letting that temptress get her ugly claws on you. It’s my territory she’s crossed and this reaper doesn’t share! .....Even if you’re not technically mine yet. It still stands!’

The War has begun!

[claudiadonovan]

Please write 70 paragraphs of meta about elizabeth and olive as characters

ok so first of all: i had multiple paragraphs of this typed up a couple days ago and then my computer crashed, so clearly the universe wants me to chill. but here i am, rewriting all the words to spite the universe, for I WILL NEVER KNOW CHILL. (disclaimer: this is largely incoherent, and the organization isn’t exactly thesis ready. tyfyt.)

anyway. let’s begin with something i’ve talked about at length before, because i do think it’s at least worth setting elizabeth’s narrative against the backdrop of the movie’s full scope—that is, elizabeth’s arc is the driving force of the movie. regardless of what the film is ostensibly about (at least in terms of marketing, for obvious reasons; it’s clear that everyone working on it knows better), what angela’s crafted is a love story. bill functions as a steady presence throughout, providing the technical framework (and the shoves that elizabeth needs in the direction of what she wants); olive certainly takes her own journey, but hers is a growth told largely in flashes; it is through elizabeth’s terror and conflict and indeed love that we see much of the movie unfold. all of those things are central to the conflicts we find and necessarily the heart of the movie’s resolution. there is a reason the film must end in the place it does, with elizabeth cracking open her heart and finding the means to build a bridge between them inside.

but i’m getting ahead of myself. (and, yes, rambling already. LISTEN, i was asked for 70 paragraphs, a lannister always pays her debts, etc. etc. you’ve been warned as to what lies beneath the cut!)

if you will let me set one final scene, before i move inside the universe of the movie: i saw professor marston for the first time at an advance screening. the theater wasn’t enormous, but it was completely packed. there were a couple moments in the opening bill/josette scene that drew a few chuckles, iirc, but the moment elizabeth spoke her first line, that entire theater came to life. and let me tell you: what a relief that that was my first experience with the movie, because clutching your leg and alternating between wheezing with laughter and delighted squealing draws a lot less attention if everyone around you is also in hysterics. the reaction both to “i know” and “i know that, too” was incomparable. it felt rare and wonderful, nevermind the fact that rebecca’s delivery remains impossible to oversell.

all of which is kind of beside the point, except that i will say i appreciate the in-universe acknowledgement that elizabeth is genuinely hilarious? BECAUSE SHE’S HILARIOUS. the fact is that angela, as she designed her (and rebecca, as she played her), allowed elizabeth to be SO MANY THINGS. there are a million ways that this could have (would have, lbr) gone wrong in literally anyone else’s hands, but one of those many ways is elizabeth herself. like, i think there’s a particular character cut-out for the combination of attributes that include controlling/ferocious/brisk/kind of a stubborn asshole, especially if you’re angling for the arc to conclude with a display of vulnerability. that sets off the WEE OOOH WEEE OOOH DO NOT TRUST WEE OOH alarms in my brain. but elizabeth is a million things, among them also funny, charming, pragmatic, and so utterly full of life. (i sort of figured “totally brilliant” went without saying.) she is never limited to one or two of these at a time, as they shift along some linear arc; there are moments that showcase particular aspects, but she is always the sum of all of her parts.

one of my very favorite moments, particularly in the way that it establishes both elizabeth/bill and, i think, to some degree the way that elizabeth interacts with the world, is the lie detector epiphany scene. one of the things about them is that they are able to shift very fluidly from “heated debate” to whatever the opposite of an argument looks like. which – i realize in that scene the lie detector was a Huge Deal, but there’s no sense of bill and elizabeth ever stagnating in their arguments; more often, they delight in them. they sharpen their wits and their knowledge against each other – it’s (a huge) part of what makes them work, and it’s also part of what makes them so damn extra. (olive’s utterly baffled face as she watches them that transforms slowly into an amused/fond/still-puzzled smile says all i want to say here.) the point is: they don’t require things like apologies from each other, particularly as a result of their exchanges. like, their arguments are more likely to lead to proposals than to pleas for forgiveness.

basically, i don’t think elizabeth has huge reserves of patience for other kinds of interactions; she spends much of her time with a person who always meets her halfway. anyone who can’t inevitably falls underfoot. she also thinks dropping things like “oh, and if you fuck my husband, i’ll kill you” into conversation during a first meeting with a student they’ve just brought on as an assistant is absolutely fine, especially since she doesn’t initially view them as on the same ~~~level. (not that she doesn’t mean to be hostile—and condescending—because obviously she has some self-awareness, but her casual, wry delivery of it is so very, very elizabeth. she gets a kick out of herself.) my other favorite thing is how much i do think she believes she’s offering some genuinely useful clarification as she carries on through that atrocious explanation of olive’s beauty—she gets it, it’s not olive’s fault, like any of those are reasonable things to say to another person. elizabeth’s answer to dealing with the emotions she was kind of pretending she didn’t have when she told bill it was fine to fuck olive? be a patronizing asshole! works every time!

but olive isn’t bill, and she’s not just gonna spring back from whatever that was, because literally what the fuck is wrong with this woman (i know, olive. i know). and it’s not like elizabeth doesn’t have the capacity for guilt; that’s the whole reason bill telling her she made olive cry finds them in the middle of the apology that unfolds. (let me side note here that bill gently leading elizabeth back onto the edge of some moral pathway with signs like “maybe be less of an asshole?” is one of my favorite things in the entire world.) which elizabeth begins delivering so perfectly awkwardly and vaguely sardonically that it’s hard to imagine anyone could even take it seriously? the way she ends the “i didn’t mean to insult you” with a smile that could physically not be less real—great, look, i did the apology, bye—really sums it up. and the exchange that follows—i’ve done nothing / no, i know, you’re right—is so peak elizabeth, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, like she’s sitting there like, yes, i know, all i said was don’t fuck my husband, i didn’t say you already had. anyway, didn’t i say it wasn’t your fault? why do i even bother talking???? elizabeth, who manages to jump into apologies without any real willingness to make overt concessions about any wrongdoing. (an apology that leads them to a speakeasy is much more suited to her, really.)

as mentioned before, elizabeth really is a million things all at once, and she’s a mess of contradictions on top of that—see: completely fearless and deeply terrified, a woman who answers her husband’s admission of her own brilliance with “i know” but cannot accept that olive thinks she’s amazing. a lot of that, imo, stems from the fact that every time she walks into a room, she has to prove herself. so she brandishes her intelligence like a blade, for it is only with a sword to their throats that the men inside her circles (and outside, presumably) are willing to acknowledge her beyond her gender. and even then, no doubt there are many who dismiss the weapon for a toy, or suggest she cannot even hold it properly, so unprepared are they to change a lifetime of bullshit ideas that they craft their own false reality. and bill has known her his whole life; presumably, elizabeth was central to the foundation of his own ideas surrounding gender. he has had access to her brilliance at every turn.

olive is an anomaly. olive catches her off guard. all elizabeth has done is upset her, and yet olive says with conviction almost virulent that it is criminal that they will not give her a degree. but elizabeth still holds the sword in her hand, and so she swings it in defense, instead, in aggressive disbelief. because, of course, elizabeth’s never met anyone like olive.

but, of course, olive’s existence forces elizabeth to reconcile much more than just that. at least, sort of, though elizabeth’s pretty stubborn about closing her eyes and putting her fingers in her ears and waiting for them to go away. (ELIZABETH YOUR HUSBAND LITERALLY FINGERBANGED YOU WHILE YOU WERE BOTH WATCHING OLIVE SPANK A GIRL BUT SURE, YEAH, VERY MYSTERIOUS FEELINGS.) that she manages to frame the conceit of them all trying this thing out more like a research project than like, hi, i like you too? is almost too elizabeth to handle. that the second there is no denying this particular combination of sexual attraction and love—what else is the lie detector good for if not invariably forcing inarguable realities at them?—elizabeth retreats into sarcasm. “open emotional dialogue” isn’t exactly her forte of fortes, is kind of the point i’m making here. (the surprising moments of truth are always interesting, though. “i was afraid i’d always be in his shadow,” for instance, is a startlingly sincere moment of vulnerability, which i think is an important nod to the shift in her relationship to olive. i mean, obviously they started flirting way back in the speakeasy, but it’s inherently a given with that line that she sees them as existing on the same playing field. elizabeth, inviting other people onto her level? a miracle!)

here’s the thing; elizabeth is a disaster, and a revolutionary, and a realist. in an effort to achieve the goals she thinks she can (forcibly! with much effort!) achieve, she has already made concessions, things like: demand her goddamn doctorate due, but surrender her name. i think elizabeth has probably, pragmatically, already had to rearrange enough of herself and her life to fit into the crawl space that might, if she bends and scrapes and pushes hard enough, win her access to the other side—the things she wants, the vision she imagines. (a world she is as stubbornly committed to as she is her Opinions About Things.) bill has not had to make the same kinds of sacrifices, and so giving this thing up—this person up, this person they both love—is inconceivable to him. but elizabeth sees their love as something that has already bent her into the wrong shape; they have lost their jobs, an essential part of elizabeth’s future. bill demands their happiness be prioritized; elizabeth’s perspective isn’t half so black and white. since when can a woman simply have the things she wants?

one of the most interesting things elizabeth says, in the way that it sort of lays bare her character, is the whole: “they are right to shun us, and perhaps they are right to beat us. not because we fuck each other, but because we’re foolish enough to think we’re better than them.” which, a) obviously we have access to the amount of shame she keeps inside her, which is a lot, but b) this idea that elizabeth has always held herself a little aloof from the rest of the world, in terms of her own superiority complex, is v. real and v. interesting. and the idea that it’s that high ground that she feels come crashing down when they get caught is fascinating. like, only when the neighbors were suddenly able to exact judgment, to ruin the lives of their children, did she realize that she’d been pretending to see them from a tower above. that nothing she’d ever done—that no proof of her own intelligence—could change that, that it was her supposed disillusionment of their own superiority that had safeguarded their relationship in her head.

in the end, of course, she finds it is a loss she cannot bear. stubborn asshole that she is, one can only imagine how very long she would have spent miserable and steadfast about the decision were it not for bill’s prognosis. but with a little hand-holding from bill along the way, it’s elizabeth who finally chooses the thing that has brought her the most happiness, and who issues a damn apology like she means it. (and rebecca delivers a performance more than worthy of oscar buzz, dammit.)

WHICH BRINGS US BACK TO OLIVE. let’s start with the descriptors the movie provides for her, first from bill: beautiful, guileless, kind, pure of heart. and then, from elizabeth: an exceptional student, a quick study with a passion for learning, strong work ethic, keen mind, an unwavering moral compass, and a deeply instilled sense of justice. (obviously, a lot of those are re: academics, given it was from a letter of recommendation – a letter of recommendation for a student she and her husband have more or less just propositioned! iconic – and “an unwavering moral compass” is still a hilarious dig, but anyway.)

so obviously olive’s “beauty” is at the center of the film’s early conversations – this idea of asset vs. albatross plays a heavy role, and what it means as a quality that olive must manage and navigate. even though elizabeth acknowledges it as a detriment, it’s also basically the foundation of their first encounter—the way olive’s beauty has already invaded the space of elizabeth’s marriage, professionally speaking or otherwise. and it’s kind of interesting that it’s more or less the assumptions surrounding olive’s appearance and impressions that basically kickstart her interest in psychology in the first place – that she is so incredibly frustrated with her interactions with people (unlike elizabeth, she doesn’t walk a blade into every room she enters).

anyway, i’ve mentioned it before but it’s still one of my favorite things, and i do think it bears noting: olive’s investment in the marston/holloway duo begins with and is showcased in its beginning stages primarily via her admiration for elizabeth. in so many ways – both within the film’s universe and in meta terms – bill is the obvious choice here. young pretty ingénue ™ falls for charming intelligent attractive (male) professor ™ who is, as it happens, very clearly into her. all of which, of course, the movie (delightfully!) paves the way for, but by the time there’s more focus there they’ve also crystallized into people not done justice by those descriptors alone, particularly in olive’s case. the point: elizabeth being as compelling to olive as she is right from the beginning i think says a great deal about olive, who is utterly charmed by a woman so brazenly, indelicately brilliant.

i mean, honestly, here’s the thing: angela did a SHIT TON of research over the course of eight years about the marstons. that’s why it’s so easy to spot which decisions she made that were very active departures from likely history, like this one. honestly, as someone who truly could not give less of a shit about the “veracity” of the movie as it applies to the movie’s quality/worthwhileness/watchability, i definitely think it’s fascinating to consider in terms of the choices angela made—olive becoming a part of the family first as bill’s mistress in real life (note: not to suggest i’m wielding total historical fact, just at least one propagated history, and one that likely would have been developed by another director) vs. an olive whose initial attraction lands at the feet of elizabeth’s radicalism. an olive who is wooed by the ferociousness of elizabeth’s intellect! i ask again: WHO BUT ANGELA WOULD HAVE EVER WRITTEN THEIR STORY THIS WAY. (in case this needs clarifying: no, i do not in any way make this claim to make an “exclusive attraction” claim, i mean to make note of the particular choices that provided the early foundations for their relationship, narratively speaking; obviously, them all being in love with each other is quite literally the entire point of the film, wonder woman be damned.) (jk diana i love you!!!)

as a whole, olive’s relationship to feminism is super interesting and absolutely a thing i would have loved them to explore more (among, like, the other nine hours of things i want more content about). it’s also another part of the whole appearance vs. reality question as it applies to olive (i thought that you were just… / what? / i don’t know. not that.) and what a world that olive, too, is allowed to be so many things: a cult sorority pledge master, kind, just, raised in a convent; the daughter and niece of radical feminists, incredibly smart, the bravest person in the whole movie, etc. etc. (also, THE ONLY FUNCTIONING ADULT. but we’ll get there.) her “guilelessness” is complicated by her history, and even as we are presented with the possibility of naivete, the “observing olive” scene sort of dismisses that cut-out figure out of hand, by way of elizabeth. olive knows exactly what she’s doing; she has lived many years having to navigate precisely the right amount of eye contact to make with a boy, precisely the tone to select. that is practice, and experience. she both finds herself apologizing every other minute and is unwilling to be anyone’s doormat—accommodating, yes, generous, yes, but even as early as the elizabeth/bill/olive apology sequence, she by no means jumps at the chance to accept this vague gesture. she wears her emotions on her sleeve and finds herself the more powerful for it.

olive is absolutely searching at the beginning of the movie – for explanations, for answers, for the kind of life she wants to lead. (for, i think it’s safe to say, elizabeth’s respect—a much more arduous ask than her husband’s.) and the truly incredible thing about olive is that as soon as she experiences the thing that she wants, she knows herself well enough not only to know with absolute certainty that it is what she wants, but also to pursue the hell out of it. after their joint first time, olive literally has no doubt left in her; this makes her happier than anything else she has. “unwavering moral compass” or not (lmao), uh, what fiancé? because the truth is that olive’s heart is her conviction, not duty. if it’s right, she will feel it. and so she does.

olive’s connection to her emotions, to her convictions, to her awareness of what she wants—like, it’s honestly a superpower. emotional intelligence and academic intelligence? honestly, chill. she’s also kind of their guiding light, whether in the moment she steps out on that platform in the pseudo-wonder-woman outfit, thereby changing the conversation entirely, or the first time she kisses elizabeth and rearranges everybody’s headspace. she always casts light on the next step of the narrative, on a place often frightening but a place everybody else will end up by the next act, anyway. (elizabeth may expect people to meet her halfway in terms of words, but olive’s the one reaching out her hand at every turn, waiting for someone to take it. and olive is the one—in many ways—with everything to lose.)

olive takes most care of the children; olive is the one most often sending them off to school with lunches in hand; olive is the most capable at wrangling something edible out of the oven; let’s be honest, olive is definitely the only who can convince their 1930’s (etc) cars into motion when they’re feeling particularly stubborn; olive likely exchanges baked goods with the neighbors and shares small talk and offers the helpful advice only possible from someone who cares enough to be a good listener. olive makes friends. so i ask you: literally, how the fuck did elizabeth and bill ever live their lives without her?

elizabeth probably spends more time making snide comments about the neighbors than making friends with them; bill spends time working on manuscript #17 (and then, you know, the obvious), although i’m sure he can be wrangled out to offer some charm every now and again.

(clearly not enough for Prying Neighbor to call his name when she walks in their damn house, though. I WILL SAY, while i’m here and because i can, the biggest moment of discontinuity in this entire movie is Prying Neighbor shouting elizabeth’s name next after olive’s. OLIVE, yes, checks out, she’s home and available and friendliest most of the time. BUT WHY ELIZABETH??? WHEN WOULD ELIZABETH EVER BE HOME ON A WORK DAY??? BILL IS THE ONLY OTHER PERSON IN THE HOUSE WHO WOULD USUALLY BE HANGING AROUND. I CANNOT MAKE THIS MAKE SENSE. i mean, i’ve since headcanoned that they’re always making fun of the fact that she literally cannot get into her brain that it’s elizabeth with the regular job and not bill, but i’m just saying.) 

anyway, returning from that tangent: i think the exchange about happiness in the final hospital scene provides an interesting echo to elizabeth’s earlier “love – it doesn’t matter” (are you happy? / does it matter?), which is fairly heart-shattering from someone who’s been certain of and willing to pursue happiness throughout the course of the whole movie. but it’s also an incredibly valid question: it’s not as if “happiness” was in the calculus when elizabeth told her to leave, either. what does happiness actually mean to them? (the brief shots of them without OLIVE are! fucking! brilliant! angela’s ability to make that tiny bed look empty without olive in it was a stroke of genius.)

and, of course, “does it matter?” is the question the movie answers resoundingly in the affirmative. in the end, it’s olive’s choice that decides how the film will end. it’s olive who gets to say “no,” who gets to dictate the terms. it’s olive with all the leverage. it’s olive who decides if she will meet elizabeth halfway. it’s olive with elizabeth’s heart in her hands. it’s olive who deserves a new goddamn stove, you assholes.

in the end, it’s olive who has the capacity to shape their future, and shape it she does. for decades to come.