#and andrew is so dramatic for quoting so much shit

[rynwrites4fun]

Love You Anyway (2) | Andrew Cody x Brother's Best Friend ! Reader

Andrew Cody x F ! Brother’s Best Friend ! Reader

Summary: You and Deran ditch the rest of the school day, joining his brothers for an afternoon at the beach.

Word Count: 6657

Warnings: Nine-year age gap (late teens / late 20s) — Andrew Cody x reader are NOT together in the “Then” timeline, Violence/Physical Altercation, Injury (scrapes, bloody knuckle)

Author’s Notes: Hello! The amount of times I rewrote part 2 lol. I was like is this too much drama for the 2 part??? but then I was like you know what, fuck it bc the Cody’s are chaotic and end up in crazy shit a way, so be it! after the 1st part, I again scoured the depths of gifs to find young shawn hatosy (i saved a bunch so ya girl is prepared lol.) time to figure out the next part lol Enjoy - Ryn

(Someone yell at me bc I’m still only half way through season 2 🫣)

THEN: BEACH DAY, 2008

“Hey dork” Deran nudges your leg with his sneaker.

“Deran, I’m trying to focus,” you mutter, eyes locked on the open textbook in your lap, pencil tapping lightly against your thigh as you reread the same line for the third time. You were trying to plan out your essay for history class, gathering evidence and quotes for it.

Deran flops down beside you on the lawn, unwrapping a sandwich with zero concern for your concentration.

“What are you working on?” he asks, mouth full of sandwich.

“History paper. It’s due in a couple of weeks.”

He groans. “Can’t you just enjoy your lunch break? It’s called a break for a reason!” He shoots you a teasing grin. “You’re always trying to go above and beyond. Chill out for once.”

You roll your eyes, but your pencil stills in your hand. “Some of us actually want to pass.”

“Pff, You are passing,” he says through a bite. “You’ve got, like, straight A’s. You could fail one assignment and still graduate with honors or whatever”

You glance at him. “That’s not how it works.”

He swallows his bite. “It kind of is, though.”

You shake your head, eyes dropping back to your notebook. “I don’t want to barely make it. I want to do it right.”

Without a word, he reaches over and closes your textbook with one hand.

“Hey—”

He rummages through his bag, pulls out a wrinkled bag of chips, and tosses it onto your lap. “Here. Eat something. Be human.”

You huff, but you don’t toss them back.

His flip phone buzzes in his pocket, and he pulls it out with one hand, flipping it open like muscle memory. “Hello?” he says, already stuffing another bite of sandwich into his mouth.

There’s a pause. “Where?” he mumbles around the bread.

He stands up slowly, dusting crumbs off his jeans, phone still pressed to his ear. His brows draw together like whatever he just heard changed something.

He squints, glancing toward the front of the school. You turn to look, following his gaze—and there it is. Craig’s Jeep idling across the street, surfboards stacked crooked on the roof, Craig in the driver’s seat waving like an idiot. A breeze tugs at the palm trees lining the curb.

Deran hangs up and tucks the phone back into his pocket. That playful grin creeps across his face—the one you’ve learned to be very wary of.

“You up for the beach the rest of the afternoon?” he swinging his worn Jansport backpack over one shoulder like it weighs nothing

Your eyes go wide. “What? I’m not ditching.”

“Oh, come on,” Deran groans, dragging the word out with dramatic flair. “We’ve already survived half the day. Just two more periods. Let’s skip.”

He takes a step back like he’s daring you to follow, that familiar glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Ditching two periods won’t kill you,” he says, flashing that boyish, reckless smile. “Seriously, you need to get your head out of the books. Live a little! We’re only young once—might as well enjoy it while we can.”

You hesitate. “I don’t know…”

“Come on,” he grins, holding out his hand like it’s a promise

You stare at it for a moment, heart thudding. You shouldn’t. You never ditch. There’s still homework to finish, notes to organize, things you told yourself you’d get done today.

but what would really happen if you skipped—just this once?

Your fingers tighten around the chip bag. “I don’t even have a suit,” you mutter, almost like an excuse.

But you’re already rolling the bag closed.

You unzip your backpack, shove it inside along with your textbook, and zip it back up.

Then you take his hand.

As you stand and swing the bag over your shoulder, he’s already grinning.

“We can stop by the store,” he says. “I’ll buy you one. So… is that a yes?”

“Yeah I gue—woah!”

Before you can finish, he yanks you forward and the two of you take off, laughing as you run across the yard.

—

“Oh man,” Baz snickers, resting his arms along the edge of the truck bed.

“What?” Andrew asks, brows furrowing. He’s in the bed of Baz's truck, his shirt already half-stuck to his back from the heat. His sunglasses hanging on the back of his neck. He’s moving beach gear around, before yanking at the handle of the heavy cooler wedged between two chairs.

Baz jerks his chin toward the parking lot with that trademark grin of his. “Check it out.”

Andrew glances up, eyes following the direction of Baz’s nod. That’s when he sees Craig’s Jeep pulling in, kicking up dust as it turns into the spot across the aisle. The engine cuts, the doors swing open—and then you step out.

Hair tousled from the wind. Laughing at something Deran says as he hops out behind you.

Andrew’s grip tightens on the cooler handle. “What’s she doing here?”

Baz shrugs, barely hiding the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Guess Deran finally got her to loosen up.”

​​The last time they saw you was a couple weeks ago, when Deran brought you over to the house for their party. Andrew had figured that would be the end of it—that Deran would keep you away, that his warning that night would stick.

But apparently not.

Andrew doesn’t respond. His jaw flexes, the muscle ticking as he looks away and yanks the cooler free with a sharp tug, setting it down a little harder than necessary on the sand-streaked tailgate.

You spot them, Baz by the truck, Andrew in the bed. You break away from Craig and Deran as they take surfboards down from the rack from the top of the jeep.

You head toward the truck, lifting a hand in a small wave. “Hey.”

Baz grins wider. “Well, well. If it isn’t the little angel herself, come to grace us with her presence.”

“Angel?” you questioned.

“Yep,” he says, completely unbothered. “My new nickname for you.”

You figured it had something to do with those girls at the party—the way they’d made jabs at you for not drinking, smoking, not doing anything “fun.” Like being the only one with a clear head made you some kind of saint.

Baz still clearly thought it was hilarious.

You should probably tell him to cut it out. But you didn’t. Mostly because you knew it wouldn’t matter—he’d call you that anyway. And really, there were worse things to be called.

Angel.

It wasn’t the worst label to have.

Behind him, Andrew jumps down from the bed of the truck, not saying a word yet—but his eyes don’t leave you.

Baz throws him a look, then grins like he can’t help himself. “Honestly, this is perfect. Pope and Angel—look at you two. Holiest pair in Oceanside.” Bad throws his arm around Andrew’s shoulder.

Andrew knew that all too well.

Pope.

That one had followed him for years—another Baz original. He’d started calling Andrew “Pope” back when he took an interest in religion when he was younger. “Pope Andrew,” he’d say with a grin, and eventually everyone else joined in.

So yeah. Angel was probably here to stay.

Andrew knocks Baez’s arm off him. He mutters under his breath, “Don’t start.” rolling his eyes as he holds the cooler.

“You need some help?” you ask, stepping closer.

“We’re fine,” he replies curtly.

Then he turns, squeezing between the cars without another word, heading down toward the beach—leaving you standing there with Baz.

Deran and Craig come up beside you, their surfboards slung under their arms.

“Ignore him. He’s in a mood,” he tells you, glancing over at Andrew like it’s nothing new.

You nod, trying to push the unease down.

“When he is never not in a mood” Baz scores, grabbing stuff from the bed of his truck.

Craig nods toward the ocean. “Waves are decent.”

“You up for a surf lesson later?” Deran asks.

You hesitate, eyes drifting to where Andrew disappeared—his back already turned, putting distance between you like he couldn’t get away fast enough.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Baz chimes in, half-grinning.

“She’ll be fine—she'll be with us,” Craig replies.

“So you down later?

Baz just shakes his head, muttering something under his breath as he’s down towards the beach.

“Yeah, I’m down,” you say.

“All right. Craig and I are gonna go out for a while. We’ll come back in and teach you”

—

You went to the public beach bathroom to change into the suit Deran bought you. A one-piece floral rashguard swimsuit with bright colors and a pattern.

When you got down to the beach, the brothers had gone in the water. Deran and Craig were cutting through the waves, loud and reckless as ever, while Baz waded in farther down the shore.

Andrew was just stepping out of the ocean, water streaming down his chest, board shorts clinging to his frame. He ran a hand over his wet curls, the sun catching the droplets on his skin. You didn’t feel anything for the Cody brothers—not like that—but you’d be lying if you said they weren’t attractive. Fit, sun-kissed, and so effortlessly at ease in their own skin.

Still, it was Andrew you couldn’t stop staring at. He wasn’t bulky, just solid—broad shoulders, defined lines, that quiet strength he carried without needing to show it off. He moved with a calm confidence, grabbing a towel and walking past you like you weren’t even there.

“You just gonna stand and stare all day?” he asked as he dropped into the chair beside the cooler, voice even, eyes fixed on the horizon—never once looking your way.

You blinked, caught, heat rising to your face. “I—I wasn’t… staring.”

“You seem pretty fixated,” he said, casually toweling off his hair, still not looking at you.

It unnerved you—the way he could read you so easily without even meeting your eyes. Like he knew exactly what you were thinking… and didn’t care.

“I wasn’t staring. Or fixated,” you muttered.

He raised his beer to his lips. “Sure.”

Just that. No teasing, no smugness. Just calm, flat certainty. And somehow, that made it worse.

Flustered, you dropped your things beside him and sank into the sand, brushing your hair back as a gust of wind came off the water. He still hadn’t looked at you.

You sat there beside him, the heat lingering on your face as you leaned over and grabbed the sunscreen sitting on top of Deran’s towel, squeezing some into your palm before rubbing it onto your face and legs.

You shifted, unsure. You didn’t know how to act around him—not after the last time you talked to him after their party a couple weeks ago, when he’d looked at you with that same unreadable face and told you you didn’t belong.

Andrew didn’t say anything else. Just drank his beer and let the silence settle.

It wasn’t uncomfortable for him—you could tell. He sat still, steady. He lived in quiet the way most people lived in noise.

“You’re not getting in?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Later,” you said simply. “Deran and Craig are gonna teach me how to surf.”

He gave a slow nod, like he wasn’t surprised, then took another sip of his beer.

“Skipping school for surf lessons, huh? That’s one way to learn,” he said quietly, a hint of dry humor in his voice.

You shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Sometimes you gotta trade books for waves. ”

“That sounds like something Deran would say. Well, don’t let the waves wash away what little sense you’ve got left.”

“Yeah,” you answer, trying not to let his tone get under your skin.

“So you just do whatever Deran tells you now?”

“No…” you say slowly. “Deran didn’t make me ditch. He just… convinced me.”

Andrew scoffs under his breath, shaking his head like that’s somehow worse. “Yeah. That sounds about right.”

You glance at him, feeling the weight of his judgment. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He looks over at you, “I expected Deran to ditch…” Andrew says, voice low and a little rough around the edges. “You’re the last person I thought would skip school.”

You shrug, trying to play it off, even though your skin feels warmer under his stare. “Well, here I am.”

“Yeah…” he says, gaze lingering. “Here you are.”.

You could tell he had a problem with you being here. He didn’t say it outright, but it was clear—in the tone of his voice, in the way he carried himself. The vibe he gave off said it all.

“Look, I think we… got off on the wrong foot…at the party” you say, referencing the party from later weeks ago.

Andrew doesn’t even blink. “We didn’t get off on any foot. ”

“Really?” you say, the word sharper than you mean it to be. “Because we had been talking. You didn’t seem to have a problem with me then. And then suddenly you say I don't belong?”

Andrew’s expression doesn’t shift much, but his jaw tightens. That flicker of something crosses his face—guilt, maybe, or regret—but he doesn’t own up to it.

“You don’t,” he says, too flat, too fast.

The words land harder than you expect. You blink, once, trying to keep your face neutral.

“Wow. Okay. And you still don’t care to explain why?”

You cross your arms, not to look defiant, but because it’s the only thing keeping your hands from shaking.

He looks away again, like that’ll make it easier. “It’s not personal.”

You laugh, dry. “Could’ve fooled me.”

You shake your head, eyes narrowing. “You know, for someone who says they only talk ‘when it’s worth saying… when it matters,’funny how most of what you say just makes you sound like a complete asshole.”

He exhales, barely audible. “This isn’t about me being an asshole.”

“No?” you snap. “Because from where I’m standing, it feels a hell of a lot like it is.”

His eyes narrow slightly, but not in anger—more like restraint. “You don’t belong here. That’s not me being an asshole, that’s just the truth.”

“Right,” you say, your voice flat now. “Thanks for the reality check, Andrew. I appreciate it.”

“Whoa, what’s going on over here?” Baz’s voice cuts in as he saunters over, clearly amused. “having a little holy quarrel?” He grins, eyes flicking between you and Andrew.

You scoff “I get why you guys call him Pope now” you direct it to Baz as you stare at Andrew “—because all he does is sit back, observing everyone like he’s some higher power, judging them like he’s got us all figured out. Knows it all, full of wisdom, right? Oh, wise one.”

Andrew snaps back, quick and sharp. “You done?”

You clap your hands together. “In Jesus’ name I pray,” you say sweetly, your expression innocent for a half-second—then it shifts, hard. “A-fucking-men,” you spit, seething.

You push off the sand and head toward the water, leaving Andrew and Baz behind.

Andrew exhales a long, deep sigh.

Baz bursts out laughing. “What was that?”

He drops into the chair beside Andrew, still grinning, skin sun-warmed and hair tousled from the ocean. A few drops of water flick off his shoulder as he leans back, relaxed in that effortless way Baz always is.

Andrew doesn’t look at him. His eyes stay fixed on you as you enter the water, laughing with Deran as he comes back in from the surf. The sound of your laughter carries just enough to reach them.

“You ever seen him like that?” Baz asks quietly, nodding toward Deran.

Baz huffs a quiet laugh, almost fond. “He looks like a goddamn golden retriever.”

Their younger brother acted like a normal teenage kid when he was around you. Carefree, easygoing, laughing at dumb jokes or complaining about school like it actually mattered. Something he—Baz, even Craig—never really got to be. They’d had to grow up fast, too fast.

So did Deran, in his own way. But at least he got to experience some sense of normalcy. Maybe not much, and maybe not for long, but enough to remember what it feels like.

“She shouldn’t be here. She’s not supposed to be part of this,” Andrew mutters. “Not the beach. Not us. Not any of it.”

Deran lifts you into the air and spins you before dropping you into the waves. You pop up sputtering, laughing, and swat at him.

“Yeah?” Baz says, as he glances at Andrew’s expression. “It’s the beach, Pope. You trying to ban her from public sand now?”

Andrew doesn’t answer, and Baz lets out a soft breath, almost amused. He looks back toward the water. “Looks like it’s a little late for that.”

They watched you throw your arms up in mock defeat as Deran splashed you. You laugh, bright and unbothered, the kind of sound that didn’t belong anywhere near blood or secrets or guns tucked under beds.

“You know what I mean.”

“Relax. They’re just having fun. It’s not like Deran dragged her out on a job.”

Andrew’s jaw tightens. “That’s not the point.”

Baz raises a brow, still watching him. “You’re really wound up about this, huh?”

Baz shrugs. “She’s not around anything,” he says, voice even. “As long as Deran keeps her out of the real shit, she’ll be fine.”

Baz and Andrew continue to watch you and Deran in the water—Deran flicks water at you again, and you shriek, chasing after him now.

Andrew exhales slowly but says nothing, taking a sip of his beer.

Baz looks at him, eyes narrowing slightly. “Look, I don’t know what your motive is here. But you don’t owe her anything. She’s not your problem.”

Andrew’s eyes cut toward Baz, his jaw tight. “I’m aware she’s not my responsibility.”

Baz is unconvinced. “You say that, but you’re acting like she is.”

Andrew doesn’t respond, his gaze already drifting back toward the shoreline.

Baz, trying to ease the tension says “It’s a beach day, man. She’s not walking into anything but sand.”

—

Eventually, Craig came in from the surf, shaking water from his hair as he joined you and Deran.

“Ready for your lesson?”

Deran and Craig walked you back to shore, dropping their boards on the sand. They knelt beside you, demonstrating how to paddle out, find your balance, and pop up on the board. The waves crashed gently nearby, a steady rhythm in the background, and the sun warmed your skin as you listened closely, soaking in every word.

Deran leads the way, taking you out into the water while Craig stays on shore. You borrow Craig’s board, the smooth surface slippery under your hands. With Deran’s steady guidance, you paddle toward the waves, your heart racing with every push.

You catch a wave and manage to pop up—but your balance wobbles, and you fall back into the water. Deran grins, teasing but encouraging.

He then shows off a bit, cutting through the surf with ease, pulling off tricks that make you smile. His confidence pushes you to try again, determination growing with every attempt.

The sun is beginning to set, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink. The two of you sit side by side on your boards, quiet except for the gentle lapping of the waves and the distant call of gulls overhead. The ocean stretches endlessly before you, glowing gold under the fading light.

You glance toward the beach. From out here, the shore looked far, but you could still make out Baz’s loud gestures as he talked with Craig, and Andrew—still, quiet, arms crossed—watching the water.

Watching you, maybe.

You weren’t sure.

The ocean rolled gently beneath your board, sun glinting off the surface.

“I don’t think your brothers like me all that much”

He doesn’t answer right away.

You glance over, and Deran’s still staring at the horizon, watching for a wave you could ride.

“They just don’t know you,” he says finally, voice low. “Not yet. They’ll come around”

You give a small, dry laugh. “Pretty sure they don’t want to. I mean Craig's fine, Baz tolerates me…But Andrew…he’s…”

He shakes his head, looking out toward the horizon again. “Complicated. Always has been.”

“That’s one word for it.”

“He doesn’t hate you, you know.”

You scoff “I beg to differ”

Deran wanted to tell you—wanted to explain what he saw that night at the party when he came back with your drink. The way you sat there, unflinching under Andrew’s stare, not afraid, not intimidated like most people were. How Andrew, for once, didn’t shut down or walk off. He stayed. He talked.

Andrew didn’t talk to people. He barely tolerated most of them. But he watched you. Listened when you spoke.

Deran saw it. And it stuck with him.

But now, with the two of you drifting in the water, the sun low and the world quiet, he doesn’t say any of that. Instead, a grin spreads across his face, that familiar spark lighting up his eyes as he spots something behind you.

“Alright, this is it! This is the one!” he says, pointing toward the rising swell.

You glance back. Your heart starts to pound, adrenaline rushing just in time to see the wave forming, growing taller as it rolls toward you.

“Paddle, paddle, paddle!” he shouts, and you both take off, cutting through the water side by side.

You dig your hands into the cool water, pushing forward with everything you’ve got. The wave lifts you, and you pop up, shaky but steady, balancing as the water rushes beneath your board. The salty spray hits your face. For a moment, it feels like you’re flying.

You hear Deran cheer behind you.

Then, suddenly, a voice cuts through the roar of the ocean: “Watch it!” The guy drops in right in front of you, and you gasp, startled. It all happens so fast—the board shifts beneath you, your balance lost.

You fall off, plunging into the cold water. Fear spikes in your chest as you surface, heart racing from the shock.

Deran calls out after you as he paddles toward you, worry clear in his voice. “Shit, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine!” you say, treading water and grabbing hold of the leash to pull your board closer. “That guy came out of nowhere!”

“He fucking dropped in on you, almost clipped you,” Deran snaps, anger flashing across his face.

He’s angry, really angry. There’s something fierce in his eyes, protective. His knuckles are white around the edge of his board as he steadies it near yours.

He’s got that look in his eyes—the one that says he’s about to do something reckless.

“Deran—” you start, voice uncertain.

But before you can get another word out, he turns and starts paddling hard toward shore.

You curse under your breath and paddle after him, heart racing again for a different reason now. You knew exactly what was coming. Deran was going to find that guy, and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

—

You and Deran drifted further down the beach during the last few sets, far from where the others were, and too far for them to notice what was about to happen.

Deran made it to shore, board tucked under his arm, his pace quick and determined as he stalked after the guy who was several feet ahead, heading toward the showers.

With what energy you had left, your board in arm, you pushed through the soft sand to catch up, your breath coming fast. The tension in the air was thick, and you could see the way Deran’s shoulders were squared, his jaw tight, his whole body humming with anger.

“Deran,” you called, just loud enough for him to hear, “let’s go back to your brothers.”

He didn’t slow down.

“I’m okay, Deran!”

“But that wasn’t okay!” he snapped, stopping suddenly and whipping around to face you. His eyes were blazing, chest rising and falling with every breath.

You caught up to him, stepping in front of him, your board still clutched tightly in your hand. “I’m fine! I wasn’t hurt! It’s not worth it! Don’t start anything, please!”

He stared at you for a second, jaw clenched, like he was holding something back—like he wanted to listen to you, but couldn’t let it go.

Then he turned without a word, storming off again toward the showers.

“No, I’m gonna fucking say something!” he snapped over his shoulder. “He shouldn’t have dropped in and cut you off like that! That was your wave! You could’ve gotten seriously hurt!”

His voice carried down the beach, sharp and heated, drawing the attention of a few people nearby. You hurried after him

“Deran don’t!” You protested.

The two of you made it to the showers. Deran propped his board along the public's restroom building, you did the same

“Dude, what the fuck?!” Deran shouts as he barrels up to the guy rinsing off at the showers.

The guy turns, startled, water still running down his back. “What’s your problem, man?”

“You’re my fucking problem,” Deran snaps, getting in his face. “You don’t snake someone like that—she had the wave. You nearly ran her over!”

“It’s a crowded break. Shit happens.”

“Watch we’re you’re fucking going dipshit!”

“Deran, let’s go!” You’re pulling Deran back when the guy mutters under his breath, just loud enough to be heard over the showers,

“Maybe she shouldn’t be out there if she doesn’t know what she’s doing.”

Deran freezes.

You feel it before he even moves—his whole body goes rigid, like a switch flipped.

“The fuck did you just say?” he growls, spinning back around.

The guy shrugs, a smug grin spreading across his face. “It’s not my fault she wiped out. If she can’t hold her line, maybe she shouldn’t be out here.”

That’s all it takes.

“Deran!”

They clash instantly—shoving, fists flying, raw fury spilling over. The scuffle spills from the showers toward the nearby parking lot. Dirt dust and some sand kick up beneath their feet, the sound of grunts and punches echoing off the pavement.

You move without thinking, rushing after them.

“Hey—!” you shout, trying to wedge yourself between them, hand outstretched.

But in the chaos, a wild backhand meant for Deran catches you across the face and you hit the asphalt.

“Shit!” Deran barked, breaking from the scuffle.

You barely registered the way your hands and knees were scraped raw from the ground, your vision blurred.

The guy stumbles back, hand half-raised like he can take it back. “Shit—I didn’t mean to—she got in the way—”

You blink through the sting as you sit up.

Deran drops to his knees beside you, hands gripping your shoulders, frantic and wide-eyed.

“Hey—hey, look at me,” he says quickly, voice tight. Then his expression shifts when he sees the blood at your temple. “Fuck—your head. Hold on.”

The guy stammers something under his breath and backs away fast, grabbing his board in a rush before turning and sprinting off.

“Hey—!” Deran half-rises, fury flashing through him, but he stops himself. He can’t leave you.

“Fuck!” he hisses, torn, but kneels back beside you, one hand hovering near your face like he’s afraid to touch you wrong.

Gently but urgently, Deran helped you to your feet, one arm steadying. He didn’t say anything else, just guided you back toward the beach where his brothers were, his steps quick, protective. The surfboards were forgotten, abandoned and left without a second thought.

Craig was the first to spot the two of you coming down towards them on the beach. Standing up from the spot in the sand.

“What the—?” he said, rising to his feet fast, his eyes locking on your face. “What the hell happened?”

Deran’s jaw was tight, his voice low but barely controlled. “She got hit,” he muttered. “Some prick surfer dropped in on her. When I confronted him, we swung—and she tried to get in the middle.”

All three brothers stood now, the shift in energy sharp and immediate—like a storm rolling in.

Baz shook his head, voice heavy with disbelief. “You started a fight with her there? What the hell were you thinking, Deran?”

“I was just—” Deran began, but you cut in quickly.

You take a breath, steadying yourself.

“Yeah, the guy hit me—accidentally. I got in the middle trying to stop it. So, it’s on me.”

You glance at Deran, then back to his brothers, trying to calm the growing tension.

“Deran was trying to protect me, even if he went about it the wrong way”

You shifted beside Deran, the air still thick. You’d tried to stop him. You knew he was acting out of instinct, maybe even out of fear, but that didn’t excuse it. You hadn’t needed saving. You were fine before all this.

Andrew stood still, jaw clenched, eyes dark and cold. He looked past you, like the anger was burning beneath the surface. “Well where’s the guy now?”

“Gone,” Deran snapped. “Ran off like a coward soon as he realized what he did.”

Craig and Baz exchanged a heavy sigh before groaning in frustration, the sound thick with exasperation and disbelief. Baz ran a hand through his tousled hair, while Craig’s arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw tight in silent irritation. Andrew’s fists clenched at his sides.

“What does he look like?” Andrew asked.

Deran described the guy who’d dropped in on you in the surf—his build and characteristics.

Andrew didn’t respond. He just stared at you for a long moment, eyes unreadable, jaw clenched tight.

At this moment you left like an inconvenience to all of them.

Baz shifted in the sand, glancing at Andrew with a knowing look. He could see it coming—what Andrew was about to do.

“I take her to the truck,” Baz said suddenly, cutting through the tension. He was already moving toward you, his voice more serious than usual. “Grab our shit and let's bounce.”

Craig and Deran nodded wordlessly and moved to gather the towels, cooler, and scattered gear.

Baz didn’t wait. He placed a hand gently on your back, steering you up the sand. “Come on, angel,” he murmured. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

—

You sat on the tailgate of Baz’s truck, the cool metal pressing against your skin. He stood in front of you, his eyes focused and steady as he cleaned the cut on your temple, gently wiping the scrapes on your hands and knees with water from a bottle and the edge of his shirt.

“Well, good news—you don’t need stitches,” Baz said, glancing up at you. “It’s minor. Just bled a lot.”

“Do you feel dizzy or anything?”

“No, it just hurts”

You stayed quiet, your mind still reeling.

“You okay?” he asked.

Baz looked at you for a long moment, then wiped the last bit of blood from your skin. He tossed the bloodied shirt into the truck bed behind you.

“I told Deran I was fine,” you murmured. “Told him not to start anything.”

“Yeah, well… you know Deran. Fine doesn’t mean shit to him when he thinks someone messed with someone he cares about.”

He ripped open the bandage and gently pressed it to your temple, then stepped back, tossing the wrapper into the truck bed.

A few minutes later, Craig and Deran came walking up from the beach, arms full—towels, boards and the cooler.

“Where’s Pope?” Craig asked

Deran dropping the gear beside the truck. Craig set the cooler down beside the tailgate with a heavy thud.

Baz nodded behind them.

And then you saw him: Andrew. Walking quickly down the road toward the group, his pace steady like nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

“Where the hell did you—” Craig started, but stopped when his eyes landed on Andrew’s hands.

You felt your breath hitch, your eyes widening in shock. “Oh my god…” you muttered.

His knuckles were split and raw, streaks of red smeared across his skin, quickly becoming aware of what he had done.

He headed straight for the cooler beside you. He popped it open, grabbed a bottle of water, twisted the cap off, and poured it over his hands. The blood washed away in thin pink trails, disappearing into the dirt.

None of the brothers said anything.

They started moving again, business as usual—Craig and Deran went to strap the boards back onto the Jeep, Baz shook out the towels, acting like Andrew’s bloodied hands weren’t still dripping into the dirt.

But you stayed where you were, perched on the tailgate, watching him.

The water bottle hung loosely in his hand now, his other flexing and curling like the ache hadn't fully set in yet. His face was angry but something about the way he kept his head down, shoulders taut, made your skin prickle.

And something in your chest tightened.

He hadn’t said a word. Not to you. Not to anyone.

But you knew.

You didn’t know how you knew—but you were certain: the guy who dropped in on you out in the surf? Andrew found him. Andrew finished what Deran had started.

After a long moment, he looked up, his eyes locking with yours. His expression was angry—but you knew it wasn’t aimed at you.

“You okay?” he asked.

You hesitated, the answer caught somewhere between your chest and your throat.

“I… yeah,” you said quietly.

“Andrew…” you began, your eyebrows drawn together as you searched his eyes, your voice unsteady—unsure of what you were even trying to say. Grateful? Scared? Both?

He looked up after a long moment, eyes finding yours.

Andrew was angry.

It wasn’t because Deran started the fight with the surfer—or even because he did it for you. He understood that and probably would’ve done the same.

What bothered him was where it happened—in front of you.

He felt guilty, too. He’d warned Deran not to bring you around, but Deran hadn’t listened. He’d let his temper loose right there, reckless and stupid.

Still, Deran’s violence wasn’t the worst.

Deran had thrown punches, but Andrew? Andrew snapped.

When Deran brought you to the beach—hair wet, scraped hands and knees, bleeding forehead—there was no thinking. Andrew hadn’t seen the fight;only hearing what you and Deran said. But that was enough. That guy hurt you. That was all Andrew needed to know. No logic—just sharp, searing rage. He saw red. The kind of red that drowns out reason, leaves bruises on someone’s face, and blood on his knuckles.

Andrew had gone off and beaten the shit out of that surfer—and now you were seeing the aftermath. His knuckles were raw and reddened, the skin split open in places where it had met something—or someone—hard.

But he looked away, breaking eye contact, jaw tight like he couldn’t stand to see whatever was written on your face.

“Hey, you okay?” Deran asked, jogging up beside the truck, worry etched across his face.

“Yeah, Baz patched me up,” you said quickly, voice a little breathless, trying to keep the tremor out. You forced a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Deran said quietly

You swallowed hard, meeting his gaze for a split second before looking away. “Don’t do that again, please. I didn’t like that at all.”

Before Deran could answer, Andrew spoke up “Deran, I need to talk to you.”

Deran looked between the two of you, frowning, then nodded. “We’re just about done packing up. How about you head to the Jeep? I’ll be there in a minute, okay?”

“O-okay.” You slid off the tailgate, your legs a little shaky as you walked across the lot to Craig’s Jeep, the weight of everything pressing down on your shoulders.

Behind you, you could feel the tension shift the second you were out of earshot.

“I handled it.”

“Clearly,” Deran muttered, eyes flicking to the blood on Andrew’s knuckles.

Andrew’s voice sliced through the air—quiet, but razor-sharp.

“Next time you’re gonna confront and fight someone, do it when she’s not around. Don’t do shit like that again—understand me?”

Deran shifted his weight but didn’t back down. His eyes met Andrew’s evenly. “Yeah.”

Andrew didn’t soften. “I don’t want her around.”

Deran’s voice sharpened, “I’m not cutting her out just because you say so.”

“Did you not listen to me the first time? At the party?” Andrew’s tone went colder, more pointed. “She won’t last around us. I don’t want her around.”

“She’s my friend”

Andrew’s jaw flexed like steel, his eyes narrowing. “You really think it’s okay to drag your friend into this shit?”

Deran’s nostrils flared, frustration bubbling under his calm facade. “She’s not in anything,” he shot back, voice rising slightly. “You act like I brought her in on some job.”

Andrew took a step closer “You think it starts with that? It’s already started — the party, ditching school, the fight. This is how it happens. Piece by piece. One day, she’s too deep, and there’s no crawling back.”

Deran knew Andrew was right.

They only had a few months of high school left. You’d be going to college soon, off to some different world he couldn’t follow. Deran wanted you close—needed you close. He wanted to soak up every bit of your goodness before distance tore you two apart. It was selfish, he knew that. Even if it meant putting you at risk by keeping you around.

But you made things feel lighter. Easier. Like maybe the weight of their world didn’t have to crush everything.

College would take you away, and with you would go all the small moments that made life bearable.

“She’s not going anywhere,” Deran said stubbornly, like just saying it out loud could make it true.

Andrew didn’t argue this time. Just gave him a look—one that said you will learn.

Because his little brother wasn’t going to listen.

He was going to have to learn the hard way.

“You know what—fine,” Andrew snapped, jaw tight. “Keep her around. But when shit catches up to us—and it will—she’ll be the one standing in the crossfire.”

His eyes were sharp, voice low and cold.

“You keep pulling her into this life, that blood’s on you. Don’t come asking us for help.”

Deran didn’t say anything at first. Just stared back, jaw clenched, breathing hard through his nose.

“Deran, let’s go!” Craig called from the Jeep, his voice cutting through the tension.

Deran looked at Andrew one last time. Then, without another word, he turned and headed for the Jeep.

You had watched them through the rear windshield. They had been arguing—low voices at first, then sharper, more tense, like a storm building just beneath the surface. You couldn’t hear the words, but you didn’t need to. The way Andrew stood, rigid, and the way Deran’s hands kept flexing at his sides told you everything.

Deran climbed into the passenger seat without a word, slamming the door harder than necessary. Craig gave him a look but didn’t say anything, just threw the Jeep into gear and pulled away from the curb.

You stayed quiet in the back, heart still beating too fast.

You were still trying to wrap your head around why Andrew had gone after the surfer. It wasn’t even his fight to begin with. Was it just because you were his little brother’s friend—an extension of Deran?

He didn’t even like you or want you around, so why did he do it?

Maybe it didn’t mean anything. Maybe it was just instinct. Protection by proximity.

You glanced out the window as the beach faded behind you, sunlight slanting low across the water.

You didn’t understand Andrew. Not really. You were still trying to figure him out—where you stood with him, what he was thinking behind those unreadable looks and clipped words.

But one thing was clear: he wasn’t indifferent.

And that was enough to keep you wondering.

LYA Tag: @obfuscateyummy @princesssunderworld @jumpingjackalope @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @alexandrathegreat3 @cozyfanficnook @livingavilaloca @oldmanbunnylover @trustme3-13 @qardasngan @im-nowhere-but-also-somewhere

Love You Anyway | Then (1) (2)

[orionchildofhades]

Andrew Minyard, Literature Major ("Hell hath no fury" , "Jean Valjean") getting a PhD just to piss off Aaron so they're both Dr. Minyard is just--

[igotusernamecrisis]

this will interest exactly zero people but I've been thinking about it for a while now and spent like four hours on this so may I present:

AFTG characters in a Dracula! au

featuring Jean's glasshouse, a grey-haired Neil and Renee with a Dutch accent

disclaimer 1: if u see my aftg mina and lucy and ask how their friendship is supposed to work in this case I expand on that and some other interactions down below*

disclaimer 2: aftg obviously has way more core characters than dracula and I tried out a lot of combis but I'm still doubting the results so yeah... and also while I altered some relationships I tried to preserve the og dracula feel as much as I could

so here goes:

Jonathan Harker - Neil Josten (main character with zero survival skills, tries to lie low but can't NOT stir some shit up, had a lovely few weeks at Castle Dracula/Castle Evermore, dramatic hair colour changes by the end of the story)

Mina Harker - Andrew Minyard (clever™, done with everyone's dramatics, has to deal with Jonathan/Neil's shenanigans, quiet observer, the only one who seemingly has their shit together while actually suffering a lot but not wanting to let others be preoccupied by that)

Count Dracula - Riko Moriyama PLUS some others (it was difficult to place just one big bad guy because aftg has different layers of antagonists so while Riko is the primary Dracula 1.0 in his Castle (Evermore) whom Jonathan/Neil and the gang opposes they later on encounter another vampire, an ally of Dracula's from the west — Jonathan/Neil's father Nathan (the Butcher of Bristol) (no shade towards Bristol it just sounds neat) whom Neil thought he was long rid of in his life (Neil didn't know he became a vampire), think of him like Dracula 2.0, not less of an enemy than Riko)

Lucy Westenra - Jean Moreau (the epitome of being a victim of circumstances (made a target of Dracula/Riko's because fate just oh so wanted to screw them over), somehow simultaneously sweet summer child and hot icon, everybody wants them, lively extrovert (Jean IS canonically a sassy extrovert we just don't see a lot of it in tsc because his very fresh trauma dampens it but in tgr in becomes clearer)

Arthur Godalming - Kevin Day (the it girl, aristocrat (queen parallels), despite earnestly caring about Lucy/Jean still oversees a huge part of their pain; in my au Lucy/Jean doesn't choose him as husband)

Quincey Morris - Jeremy Knox (southern American sunshine, loyal to death and extremely protective over Lucy/Jean, quote from the og novel 'a rough fellow, who hasn't perhaps lived as a man should' (freshman jeremy giving a huge side eye rn) (his pupils are suspiciously diluted), the only one who does not canonically journal (concentration problems lol); in my au Lucy/Jean chooses Quincey/Jeremy over Arthur/Kevin)

Jack (John) Seward - Aaron Minyard !!! I swear !!! not just because they are both doctors it makes sense okay???? (logical thinker, has to deal with mentally unstable people on a daily basis, sceptical, secretly a softie, truly wants to help people get better; in my au he's crushing on Arthur/Kevin instead of Lucy/Jean but doesn't admit to it for a while because Art/Kev is a lordling and he is a common psychiatrist and also Art/Kev is too obsessed with Lucy/Jean to notice him (only at first though I'm a sap I like HEA))

Van Helsing - Renee Walker !! hear me out on this one before you ask wtf !! (seems like a cutie patootie but knows how to saw off a head, seen some shit in their life, has a deeper understanding of Mina/Andrew's intelligence, steps in to save Lucy/Jean's life, does not fear Dracula/Riko (or more like is not hesitant to challenge him despite the fear)

Renfield - this one was such a PAIN to place my first thought was Jean but I ended up giving him Lucy so after turning it this way and that way I thought maybe Seth Gordon would work? he died as a prop in Dracula/Riko's sick game so that fits but the overall dynamic still seems a tad off to me, let me know if you have a better take on aftg Renfield

* Lucy&Mina/Jean&Andrew:

so as I see it Andrew and Jean could actually have a nice platonic dynamic:

I think they are very compatible. In canon if Andrew was not (understandably) unable and unwilling to fully trust anyone but Neil (and Bee but to a certain degree) and if Jean was not royally fucked over by his time as Riko's property I believe they could have been friends or at least have a good understanding because they both couldn't care less about exy (and Kevin and Neil being exy junkies are the bane of their existence), they are sharp, sarcastic, often amused (but don't show it openly) by others' stupid behaviour (or what they perceive as stupid regardless of whether it actually is such).

In my dracula! au Andrew met Jean when he was ten and Jean nine after being thrown around various fucked up orphanages. He was separated from Aaron (who ended up adopted by a local physician) at birth.

Jean was adopted, too, when he was little (the Westenras saw a broody abandoned toddler on the streets of Marseille while on vacation and were like welp guess we have a kid now huh). His adoptive parents, the Westenras, took Andrew in because they thought Jean was lonely as a teenager (he was okay with the company of his dogs and the bugs in the garden and the swallows living in a nest under the slope of the roof by his room's window but whatever). The Westenras are the kind of wealthy who are trying to 'make a difference' and not be like those other rich folks or something like that but my world is all sunshine and rainbows so they actually are THAT nice and did not adopt the boys for public appearances only. They wanted to give Andrew a chance at good life though Andrew obv has the impression of it all being bs at the beginning (who can blame him he's been through Things). Jean was very patient about his attitude and supported him on the journey of healing from the childhood abuse so they are practically siblings. (Aaron is very hurt and bitter because his brother feels like that about some random ass obnoxious French guy and it makes him dislike Jean initially which is only made worse when Kevin ends up fawning over him but as they are forced to work together when Jean is targeted by Dracula/Riko Aaron sort of starts seeing more of his actual personality and they actually get to know each other outside of Aaron's jealousy). (Jean was actually not at all hostile and very curious (ahem) about Aaron at the start, the young gentleman who appeared exactly like his adoptive brother at first glance but somehow completely different, so contemplative, unreachable, oftentimes letting out bitter quips abot this and that, a competent doctor, so mysterious and lonesome, for some reason reluctant to respond to Jean's attempts at getting to know him better. But then Quincey/Jeremy turned up and Jean was done for lol).

The dracula!au version of Jean and Andrew not giving a damn about exy would be them not caring about high society soirées and such, they would rather go explore some ancient abbey ruins together, read a book or study shorthand (in Andrew's case) or do some gardening and pottery (in Jean's case), while Arthur/Kevin organises all these high society events and cricket games and whatnot desperately trying to spend some time with his bestie (Andrew, remains unimpressed) or engage Jean's attention (unsuccessful, Jean would rather visit Kevin's good friend Aaron at the asylum to hover at his side while Dr Minyard speaks to some guy expanding on how he would prepare Aaron for dinner should he have a chance to strangle him, or listen to yet another good pal of Kevin's, an eccentric American with tan arms and cute freckles rambling about rare plants he encountered on his journeys which he swears he could acquire for Jean's winter garden should his dear Mr Moreau express such a whish) (Jean has scored with this one lol the neighbourhood's ladies will be foaming at the mouth at the mere sight of his gorgeous conservatory)

**bonuses:

Swales (old guy in Whitby who sences Dracula's coming) - Wymack (ngl I chose this one because it's objectively hilarious: just an old man who's seen it all and does not hesitate to openly say his opinion on anything with no filter whatsoever, also kinda the voice of wisdom to Mina/Andrew although they do not take him very seriously but he ends up being right every time)

the three vampire women in Dracula's Castle - Lola, Romero and Jackson (basically Dracula 2.0/Nathan's sidekicks)

***what's up with the rest of the characters (not exactly based on the novel but I tried (emphasise on tried) to be loosely historically accurate to the Victorian era setting):

Matt and Dan are a married couple, both children of formerly enslaved abolitionist activists. They are working at Jonathan/Neil's solicitor office and are thoroughly baffled by him skipping work (he left a cryptic note temporarily transferring his responsibilities to them) after being abroad to work with a private client and showing up a couple weeks later completely grey-haired, stacking the office cupboard with gallons of holy water and decorating the space with awfully smelly flowers. Obviously, knowing Dan's character, she (with Matt's support) was also an active advocate for equality (for women's rights as well as black people's rights)

Allison is a countess. She's friends with Arthur/Kevin and although he is supportive of her he does not always get her since she mostly spends her time exploring the life of lower classes all over England and travelling around the world shooting documentaries about different cultures (of course she has early access to the curious new invention of moving pictures). She meets Van Helsing/Renee during her stay in London and they bond over interest in science and being explorers in their respective fields

Nicky Hemmick is a renowned tailor, his clothes are worn by every self-respecting Londoner who can afford it and quite a few aristocrats all around England. He discovers his relation to the twins a bit later in life than he would have wished but he tries to be there for them both as much as he can. He loves tailoring but he also runs his salon as a front for what is basically a safe space for queer people since they are targeted by the Labouchere Amendment. Nicky doesn't know it but Andrew (using Kevin's ties) watches out in case Nicky falls under the government's suspicion because of such activities. Also, Nicky is friends with Oscar Wilde :)

Cat and Laila live in their own little paradise on a ranch in Texas, Jean and Jeremy will secretly elope there eventually after the gang deals with all the vampires because I refuse to kill them off in this au

Okay I think that was it for now. What am I doing with my life

[whatareyoudoingwithamaserati]

hello. character asks:

2, 4, and 7 for princezam

17 and 30 for one seth gordon. enjoy (:

I AM GOING TO BITE YOU <333 it is Autism Time alright alright okay!!!!!!

PrinceZam!

2) When I think I truly started to like them

Honestly, the exact moment slips me! He got in my head one day and then he Did Not Get Out. I did run back through my discord channel and apparently an hour and a half after starting Zam’s s3 POV I messaged “WHAT IS THIS, THE BULLY ZAM SERVER????” so I think about then! (I had already watched Clown’s POV and thought that Zam was oooo such an asshole oooo for his whole building walls bit and then you watch Zam and he is so wet and pathetic that all of a sudden he did nothing wrong ever) It did not take me long to go ah. Yeah this is The Guy. I’m gonna make a plushie of him and throw it at walls

4) How many people I ship them with

SO many people. SO many fucking people. I think if princezam makes it on a server and doesn’t act like a raging gay then he will crumble to ash and fall apart in the wind. That said I am particularly fond of the idea of clownzam. They’re two guys committed to a bit defined by their usernames (clown) (prince) while also somehow managing to be mortal enemies and homoerotic losers at the same time. Would love to see more out of them

7) A quote of them that you remember

Okay so this one is. Not even going to be remotely serious despite his ability to be gutwrenching and dramatic. There’s a lot of Zam quotes I love and remember (shoutout “YES! YES! YESSSS!! VINDICATION!!!!” my beloved) but there is one in particular. that I cannot escape from. One that frequently comes to mind. Hey guys. Uhm. “YO. LEO. LEO. IF YOU DON’T STOP SWINGING THAT SWORD AT ME RIGHT NOW MAN I SWEAR TO FUCKING GOD I’M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS MAN I’M FUCKIN- I GOT I GOT I GOT LIKE FIFTEEN PEOPLE ON ME I’M NOT CLOWNPIERCE I CAN’T WIN THIS Y’KNOW LIKE I’M GETTING MY ASS BEAT I’VE GOT LIKE EVERYONE ON ME I DON’T KNOW I’M JUST SPAWNING PHANTOMS. I’M JUST TRYING TO SPAWN PHANTOMS. I DON’T SEE THE ISSUE. I PERSONALLY DON’T SEE THE ISSUE. I PERSONALLY DON’T EVEN SEE THE ISSUE I’M JUST TRYING TO SPAWN A COUPLE MOBS LIKE I DON’T EVEN SEE WHAT’S GOING ON—“

^^clip because his voice SELLS that shit. Luv this guy <3

Seth Gordon (the man the myth the legend <333)

17) What do you think their first word was?

For the jokes, I want to say his first word was fuck. His parents didn’t really care much about keeping their language in check, and I see him as one of the middle-younger kids of a big family, so all of his older brothers would be swearing already, and it would rub off on him. For the non jokes….. I think I would say his first word was dada. Give me a daddy’s boy Seth who had his father be his whole world for so many years only to be disappointed in the end that his father was just a man after all. He’s a Fox for a reason

30) The funniest scene they had?

OH MY GOD OKAY SO. Personally I am a fan of every scene he is in, and I think among his funniest are the ones where he drops everything to slug Kevin in the face. That said I think the funniest one is when he straight up hears Kevin's name and drags his ass out of deep sleep so he can fight him. There is NOTHING like a man and his homoerotic enemy who he hates with everything in him. Or maybe his funniest scene is the iconic "are you stupid" "yes" I'm sorry Seth you gotta deal with Neil being an absolute dumbass I'm not sure what else you expected. OR when Neil asked if Andrew and Renee were a thing and Seth looked like he might vomit. Or him flipping off their opponents and then Kevin. OR—[I am forcibly dragged off the stage. He could raise an eyebrow and I would probably find it funny]

[castlebyersafterdark]

they need to be aware of their arc and not going in blind. how can they truly understand their character otherwise?”

Unless it’s Marvel. Marvel tells their actors nothing lol

mmm but to me, Marvel isnt cinema lol. It's like it's own thing. what was that martin scorsese quote lol? that's snobbery that actually has some grounds. i mean, pirates was a one-off, amazing. but marvel took the idea of turning theme park-esque stuff and turned it into some kind of machine i dont even know what. iron man was iconic, great, but after avengers assemble, it seemed to drop off. the gags were tired and old. the novelty of grown ass people dressed as superheroes lost itself - was it serious, like dark knight? was it tongue in cheek (the neon thor film got this right actually). it just became this self-referential thing that seemed designed to look into a mirror and jerk off lol, and include all these fans in the machine. it wasnt storytelling or art or even good old entertainment anymore. i dont wanna say cult but... idk. i dont like the greed. they dominated the box office for so long and for what? like, let original stories have a place.

its a funny one cos so many huge actors sign on, and you can see why for the job security, although i had no idea about the isolated process for actors! that sounds like the antithesis of what making art (especially in places that are typically community-and-collaborative-based, like theatre and film) should be about. but i remember timothee chalamet saying someone gave him advice about being an actor and one of the two things was never do comic book films lol.

i think the films and stories could be amazing. but i dont like the takeover. i was so sick of seeing that logo appear when i watched trailers in the cinema. like, have they never heard of 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' lol? hence why marvel itself just felt like consumerism rather than entertainment.

as for ST, as much as it got off on being all action hero-y with s4, at its core this show is not comparable to marvel to me at all. i truly dont see how people can look at el and think marvel. i suppose superhero stories are often about the pain of being alienated and different, but rarely do they tell this story in a human, grounded way, because there's always an emphasis on growing into your power and accepting your fate as an outcast and superhero. whereas to me el's story is about letting that go, its about her trauma and pain. we're not supposed to cheer when she does superhero shit in s4, yet everyone i see does. remember when she saved mike from the cliff in s1? iconic and thrilling. but her bringing down that helicopter in s4? we were supposed to be scared of her. and worried for her choices. she was a weapon, as mike said long ago.

Oh no, not the MCU! I'm a long suffering Marvel divorcee! Haha, it's honestly not that dramatic. Fond memories, things I still really liked - just not keeping up with it any more. There's too much to keep track of to be a completionist for a media franchise and I already was falling away by the time Endgame happened. I don't have enough time to dedicate to keeping up with it and I was never a comics fan either and too many new characters and storylines I just don't have enough interest in, broadening the movie universe more. Call me when Andrew Garfield makes another Spiderman movie and we'll see if I look in 😉

And I mean, I think not calling it cinema is a little broad. Movies vs. film - sure! The argument for popcorn, seat-filler blockbusters vs. dramas or traditional films is there and I agree. But cinema as an industry - there's still merit. There's ideas under all the shit and money-grubbing. I don't agree with the way they are filmed, and the more I leaned about the experiences in actually making the movies, the enjoyment and magic was lost a lot. Story-telling decisions I didn't agree with. Ughh. Don't get me started. I think giant franchises all suffer from being too-genre aware. Which isn't interesting to me.

More original stories, yes! That is anti-cinema, I agree - the domination of franchises. Because it suffocates something unique. Reboots and sequels and prequels and cinematic universes - yawn. Why I'm very much side-eyeing at the idea of an expanded Stranger Things universe with spin-offs. Gonna bring this to franchise fatigue if it's too expansive while right now it's still unique. Huge show - but it was an idea independent of anything else.

we're not supposed to cheer when she does superhero shit in s4, yet everyone i see does. remember when she saved mike from the cliff in s1? iconic and thrilling. but her bringing down that helicopter in s4? we were supposed to be scared of her. and worried for her choices.

Yes thank you!!!! This so much. Even if I do prefer the tone of the earlier seasons, the trajectory is just as important. And why her story has nuance that the greater audience and El stans all seem to miss. Her powers are not to be celebrated as this huge superhero thing - thus also the failing of Mike and El. She does have a different path yet to take, an arc unfulfilled until she learns who she is beyond what she can do. I don't think she's to be this admirable, enviable more-than-human character. Be scared for her and of her. She's still a work in progress. And I hope people like us are reading it right - otherwise, what a troubling message...

[radellama]

29, 42, 58?

29. favourite film(s)

Whenever people ask my top choices, it's always these:

Gattaca - beautiful character driven narrative, low concept sci-fi, and dramatic all at once. I really liked this movie the first time I saw it as a young teen when there was a run of it on TV, and then we had to watch it for year 11 English and I was like 'yoooo I love this movie!' (but unfortunately we had to compare it to a piece of shit play called cosi which I was lowkey offended by the way they handled the subject matter, but I digress. Worst thing to write a comparative essay to🙄) I also took the opportunity to write the scene analysis I wanted to in uni while studying film, which is so fun cause there's such evocative imagery in the film, even if it's a bit in your face at times haha. I watched it a lot during lockdown, I think at least 20 times in the latter half of 2020. It's just a nice film I like it. And Andrew Niccol (writer/director) also wrote The Truman Show, which adds a fascinating layer when you look at both films together 😉

Napoleon Dynamite - this is just such a funny and quoteable movie, and every other moment makes me laugh, either at a visual gag, the dialogue or delivery of, or just out of endearment. There's some interesting points at just watching a slice of life type of movie like this, and when they're pulled off in such an entertaining way like this I reaaaally love the mundanety of it!

Daddy Day Care - childhood favourite, what can I say. I could probably quote 90% of the movie off the top of my head, so much is ingrained in my mind lmao. Like any time I come across anything laminated, or this iconic scene, or the 'loser, loser, looooser!!' that I do to my siblings often. Another down to earth, slice of life type movie. Also all the licenced songs in the soundtrack I associate with this movie, and being a Trekkie enhances the experience but isn't necessary lmao

Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan - brilliant fucking movie. I know most Trekkies say this is their fave, but I think this is mine for the series. I started a new tradition when I trans gendered and now watch it every year the night before my bday with some apple crumble and ice cream. Been going strong the past couple of years! I just love how tense the story can get when there's the chase and circling of each other when Khan decides to get his revenge, and the emotional highs and lows of the movie just hit. It's the perfect kind of drama for star trek, and I'm so glad Nicholas Meyer chose to bring back Khan as an antagonist and create such a rich and layered narrative to enjoy

42. favourite book(s)

Unwind - Niel Shusterman

I read this in the library of my last high school, the one I graduated from. I had already moved a couple of times and was incredibly socially anxious (still am, but not that bad anymore.. Usually) and didn't really try to make any friends cause I couldn't be bothered LMAO. Before I ended up with a nice couple of friends, I'd just go through the sci-fi and dystopian sections in the school library, and amidst all the schlock, THIS stood out and was genuinely a great read. I bought the box set for a past bday gift to self, but haven't had the time and remembering to read align to go through it again. The topics explored here are so fascinating and get dark and confronting in ways that were really great and harrowing to read as a 16/17 year old, and I look forward to reading it again.

Levius - Haruhisa Nakata

This is a manga I just took a chance on, seeing it on the shelf and really liking the art style. Flicking through the pages just confirmed that it was fucking gorgeous, and after buying and reading it, I'm soooo glad I did. Although I enjoy the sequel/continuation levius est as well, there's just something about the original run that hits harder, and it was sad to see some details of it changed and undone in est. Still, great manga and I wanna go through and read it again soon and try draw stuff for it maybe

Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

Childhood favourite, I read and reread all the Narnia books over and over as a little kid. I don't remember much anymore cause it's been years, but I should really pick them up again and see what changes now I've lived a bit more life. I remember really liking the horse and his boy in particular when I was a kid, which is funny to look back on... But I'm saying the chronicles as a whole lol can't stop me

Noragami - Adachitoka

Na na na na naaa I'm saying the whole manga series! I need to finish catching up with the manga (I was doing well reading them but then some health issues popped up and I couldn't read for so long and it made me sad, I'll get back to it soon hopefully 👊😔) but seriously. What a fucking fantastic story, I love the kind of.. religious inspired fantasy here, it was my favourite anime as a teen (and probably still is) cause a lot of the drama and plot points just feel so good. The characters are all so fun and I loved the main trio of yato, hiyori and yukine so much, but the extended ensemble cast are so great and it's really fun getting to know them and their histories...

58. description of my best friend

Reverse jerk off time 😏

We've been friends for so long and it's funny to think about how different the dynamics have been over the years. I remember when we were in every single elective class for some reason in year seven, even tho all the electives were supposed to have rotating students so we all got a chance to meet each other and not have the same students all together. We didn't talk to each other until a mutual friend at the time introduced us, but I remember we got along singing Smosh songs and would discuss (and argue) almost everything LMAO. We also got on due to our mutual interest in writing, and I remember a lot of times where we'd share little bits of our stories and even try write some stuff together.

All these years later and we're still doing that. It's been fun seeing how much you've changed over the years, and how that reflects in your story telling (tho you should write more) cause you've had some really interesting ideas for characters and stories and it's fun hearing them grow into what they've become. We definitely need to write and film stuff together at some stage, even if it takes a few years to get going lolll

You're funny, a bit cheeky, clever and way too tall. Can't wait for the next phone call where we just make noises for a few hours and then once it's 2 am start discussing deep character motivations, like "do you think they get horrrnnyyyyyyyy???" And make up silly shit that is not at all canon to our stories. Unless it is, just depends 😏

[langdxn]

You spin me round by dead or alive!!! (Which came out in 84 how perfect is that!!) pleath

Oooooh I like your thtyle, anon 🥵 I miss Pete Burns as much as I miss Xavier! Hope you like the cheeky lyric quotes I’ve sneaked in everywhere...

It should’ve been another average Wednesday.

Swerving the Vanta-C into the car park for aerobics class, Xavier spotted a young lady scrambling under the hood of her car, teetering in impossibly high heels and a red metallic jumpsuit clinging to her curves like it was made specifically for her. Gulping hard, Xavier steered into the space beside her and flicked the engine off, swinging out of the driver’s seat and dipping under the hood ready to sass his way into her pants.

“What seems to be the matter, pretty lady?” Peering over the top of his sunglasses, Xavier scoured the workings of the car in the vain hope he could spot anything wrong. Who was he kidding? He wasn’t a mechanic, he knew nothing about cars. Maybe he could wing it and work around her at the same time, it’s the age old porno intro, tried and tested.

“I have no fucking idea,” she sighed, slapping a furious hand on the sides of the hood. “I only bought it yesterday, stupid piece of retro shit.”

“Easy tiger, it might be something simple,” Xavier’s slick tone easily concealed his cluelessness, tapping idly at each cap he could see like it would do anything. “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”

“Now why didn’t I think of that before?” She rolled her eyes and swung her hips as she made her way to the drivers seat. A turn of the keys in the ignition and all of a sudden, the engine revved as normal. She slapped the steering wheel with another rove of her eyes, relieved hands waving in the air. With any luck, she didn’t catch Xavier’s sigh of relief as his one solution actually solved her problem.

“Well what about that?” Xavier chuckled, hands posing on his hips as she swaggered back out of her car.

“How can I ever thank you, Mr...”

“Xavier, Xavier Plympton,” he proffered a hand which she took with her soft, perfectly manicured digits.

“Xavier? Xavier the saviour? Nice ring to it,” she purred, leaning back into her car to grab a rucksack from the passenger seat.

“And you are?” Xavier shoved the hood closed and leaned against it as provocatively as he possibly could. Even if he didn’t look slick, he sounded slick.

“I am… late for my drama class. You wouldn’t happen to know the way, would you?”

A broad, genuine smile spread like wildfire across Xavier’s lips.

“As it happens, yes,” he extended the crook of his arm toward her. “I’ll take you there, babe.”

———

“Xav, if you keep staring into the middle distance, you’ll steal Jack Nicholson’s thunder.”

Montana’s words flew straight over the actor’s head, too busy focusing on the blender in the corner of the break room.

“Xav…. Xav, I’m talking to you,” Montana pressed, clicking her fingers in his face. “Earth to Plympton!”

No response.

“Xavier… was that Julie Andrews walking past?”

Xavier shook dramatically, eyes darting around the room in a daze.

“Fucking knew that would get his attention,” Montana threw herself back into the couch giggling.

Chet leaned in to Xavier, who was still noticeably spaced out. “What’s her name, buddy?”

“What—who?” Xavier stuttered, knitting his brows.

“The chick you’re messed up about, man,” Ray interjected. “She must be a babe if you’re not even listening to us.”

“That’s the thing, I don’t even know her name. Do you guys know her name?”

“Dude, we don’t even know who she is,” Chet pressed. “You’re the only one that met her, remember?”

“If-if I get to know her name, I could—I, I could trace her number,” Xavier babbled, rubbing his face in his hands.

“Oh yeah, he’s got it bad,” Ray laughed as Xavier jumped to his feet, turning around with emphatic waving hands as his train of thought ran off the rails.

“Yeah, I could trace her number and find her and… and…”

“Xav, I’ve never seen you like this over a girl,” Montana planted a hand on his shoulder, putting a stop to his spinning. “Tell us, what does she look like?”

“Like… like heaven,” he sighed, a lovelorn glaze coating his eyes as he pictured her in his mind. “She looks like… like a lot of fun.”

“This is 1984, man,” Chet burst out laughing. “All girls look like fun if they’re wearing spandex.”

“Spandex!” Xavier cried like a eureka moment, a pointed finger aloft. “She was wearing red spandex!”

“Oh that chick,” Ray rose with a smile. “She was in my drama class earlier, new girl. Nice ass—”

Xavier lunged over to grab Ray’s striped shirt by the collar. “What’s her name? Do you remember her name?”

“I—I—I don’t know dude,” Ray raised his hands in his defence, causing Xavier to jump back. “I’m no good with names!”

“Fuck,” Xavier spat, grasping at his own frosted hair and pulling frantically. “What do I do now?”

“Could ask admin for Ray’s class register?” Montana shrugged.

“Oh—oh—okay, where’s admin?” Xavier grabbed his turquoise backpack, strapping himself in tightly as if preparing for a mountain trek.

“Front desk, by the parking lot,” Chet pointed a hand toward the door.

Xavier’s eyes widened.

“That’s it!” He squealed, bolting to the door with a thankful wave aimed back at the crew. “The parking lot!”

Staring at each other bemused, Xavier’s friends settled back into their seats.

“Well whoever he’s set his sights on,” Montana sighed, “she better watch out because here comes Xavier motherfucking Plympton.”

———

Xavier waited impatiently, breathlessly, cluelessly beside the Vanta-C, thoughts racing through genius chat-up lines to fire at her when the mysterious girl returned to her car. Perched in the open back door of his van, he tried out numerous seated positions to look more relaxed, but there was no hiding his nerves. By the time he settled for a crossed leg and arm, the unmistakable clink of her heels neared the vehicles. Slicking a hand over his quiff and chucking his sunglasses back on, his moment had finally come.

“Thought I’d find you here,” her honey tone broke through the pounding of Xavier’s heartbeat in his ears, completely throwing him off his plan.

“Me? I—I’ve just finished my aerobics class,” he smoothed his hair a second time, desperate to give his shaking hands something to do as she bundled into her car. “I’m teaching this week.”

“Of course you are, Xavier the saviour. Saving the world one hip roll at a time?”

“I guess so,” Xavier chuckled under his breath, gaze dropping to the floor as she closed her car door and wound her window down.

“Well it was nice meeting you, Plympton,” she dismissed as she slotted her key in the ignition. Xavier swallowed hard, willing it to fail.

She turned it once, the car revved but cut out immediately. Twice, nothing that time. Third time, nothing. Xavier had to fight the urge to punch the air.

“Fuck, not again,” she fumed, beating the steering wheel.

“I—I can give you a ride home?” Xavier stammered nervously. “I’m in no rush, babe.”

“Xavier the saviour strikes again,” she hummed, stepping out of her car and slamming the door behind her.

Xavier jumped to his feet to open the passenger door, but she grabbed his lavender sweater by the collar and pushed him down flat on his back, the Vanta-C’s carpet greeting his spine with a thud as she tumbled on top of him.

“What was that for?”

Xavier laughed nervously as she hovered her lips dangerously close to his, before she slowly closed the gap between them and locked her lips over his. Xavier’s eyes stayed open for a split second, utterly dumbstruck for what felt like forever, until he eventually melted into her kiss, hands wandering to gently cup her face.

Surfacing for breath and leaving Xavier whimpering at the loss her lips, she reached back to close the van door and then toward the dashboard radio over the front seat.

“We need music?” Xavier asked with a chuckle as she clicked the radio on and cranked up the volume. Dead Or Alive’s You Spin Me Round poured through the crappy dashboard speakers, cracking a cheeky grin as she returned to fumble with Xavier’s sweater.

“I fucking love this song,” she exclaimed, returning her lips back to his but Xavier planted a hushing finger between them.

“Not until you tell me your goddamn name.”

[shirtlesssammy]

13x22: Exodus

Then:

Gabe came back to save the day!

Now:

Sam’s alive! And Lucifer just wants to be part of the gang, and to get to know his son. Dean is in protective Mom mode and tells Gabe to kill Lucifer. All the anger and hostility causes Jack to fly off to safety.

To keep some semblance of order, Cas puts the angel warded handcuffs on Lucifer, while Lucifer tells the group that they have about 31 hours before the rift closes. Rowena’s holding down the fort, and not looking too positive about the whole situation. Also, Sam sets his phones timer for 31 hours. A: Won’t the battery run out before then? And 2: Shouldn’t you maybe set it for 29 hours or something just to be safe?

Dean checks in with Sam to make sure he’s ok, and he is. Dean just thought he lost his brother, and Sam just thought he died. This was a worthy hug.

Now Sam, can you at least clean your blood off your neck? Yuck.

Sam tells Dean that he will handle Lucifer.

Meanwhile, Jack’s off alone reeling from meeting Lucifer for the first time. He flashes back to the video of his mother (was this new footage or from earlier?), and Sam (so protective, so parental), and then to the security guard he accidentally killed and au!Kevin dying for the “cause”. Oh, sweet little nougat (at what age does he have to reach before we have to stop calling him our little nougat?).

Cas escorts Lucifer from point A to point B at the camp (like, where were they going?) Anyway, they take a pit stop so Luci can be snarky and Mary can punch the devil in the face (again). Yay!

Mary is 100% badass and I love her, but do you ever stop to think about how great it was for Sam to have Dean raise him and not Mary or John? They were a mess! Sam and Dean show up to tell Mary they need to start heading back to the rift to make it home in time. Mary tells them she’s not leaving. There’s work to be done here. She’s fought beside the people here. There’s too much to fight for. That goes over like a lead balloon. Sidenote: Mary’s makeup is on point in the AU. Maybe it’s not such a bad place after all?

Cas, Jack, and Lucifer parley and Jack wants to listen (UGH) to what Lucifer has to say.

Lucifer tells Jack that he can ask him anything. “Why does everyone hate you?” Lucifer makes some good points (and some icky rapey Buckleming points, ugh), but nope, nope, nope, nope, nope.

Back in Dean, Sam, and Mary land, Dean’s arguing against fighting the good fight, and asks Sam to back him up, but Sam being Sam, he agrees with Mary. “Wait, what?” Dean asks, incredulous. “Mom doesn’t want to leave these people.” Dean’s poor face. Sam suggests they bring them with, regroup, and come back stronger than ever. Just as Dean questions the ability to cram 25 people through the rift, a VERY dramatic Cas arrives to tell them Jack is now with Lucifer.

Lucifer has a one on one with Jack but TFW interrupts, trying to make it clear to Jack that they’re his family, not Lucifer. Jack then calls Lucifer his father (BIG UGH).

The group heads out to the basecamp.

Mary and Dean get some time to talk. Mary wants Dean to give Jack a break. Man, Mary’s conversation about Jack learning about Lucifer, and seeing him for who he is through his own eyes. Dean should be taking notes on how to think about his own childhood, and his own memories of John.

Gabriel, who was off scouting, comes running at the group alerting them to incoming angels. Battle stances commence, and then the angels just disappear into smoke. It seems the handcuffs don’t work in the AU and Luci just smoked them all, and then dissolved the handcuffs. Oops.

It seems the basecamp is Singer Auto Salvage --it’s not in Sioux Falls but it’s damn nice to see that sign again. And it’s not our Bobby (Goddamnit, where is he?? Andrew Dabb, how have you failed us on that storyline?), but he’s just as much a curmudgeon. Dean asks about Charlie and finds out Ketch and her went off to find an angel kill squad.

Lucifer and Jack continue the family reunion. Lucifer tells him all about the other archangels. Ok, Buckleming, you get one pass if you scripted that high five. It was funny and cute. I give 90% of the credit to Jack though. They meet up with Gabriel.

Gabe can barely hold in his hostility for Lucifer. GABE!

Charlie and Ketch find the angels, but it’s a trap! They’re captured.

Team Free Winchester try to convince the leadership at the camp to head over to Sam and Dean’s world. “You want us to follow you through some magic door that’s gonna blast us the hell out of here and into some fairy tale world where everything’s pretty?”  DUH. Just do it, Andy!

The AU campers will talk about it. At the end of the meeting, Bobby comes up to tell Sam, Dean, and Mary that Charlie and Ketch were captured.

Ketch and Charlie are having a great time hanging with angels. Eating angel food cake, playing ring toss with halos. The whole nine yards. Or, urgh, Ketch is getting tortured and interrogated for the resistance base location. Ketch snarkily resists their efforts, earning my grudging respect. (Boris: Ngl, watching Ketch get tortured was kind of poetic. But he’s on his big redemption arc so I guess it’s also sad. Remember folks: Ketch killed Magda!) Then they bring in the big guns. AU!Castiel, complete with insane lip twitch. AU!Castiel does not look well, as evidenced by his non-floofy hair and rogue eye that's probably gone bad from incessant “reprogramming.”

In the resistance camp, TFW interrogates the human that betrayed Charlie and Ketch. I only picked up on this in the rewatch, but Dean nods to Cas to start and stop his mind meld on the guy. I know this can be seen as teamwork but I'm sort of super duper gutted by that. I keep remembering how Cas oftens sees himself as a tool and I feel like he's in that role right now – an instrument of torture wielded by Dean Winchester.

Anyway.

shudder

Cut to Lucifer whining to Gabriel about how boring it is to wait for an attack. Gabriel is quietly amused at Lucifer's desire to rush out and be big and heroic to impress Jack. “I've known you since the stars were made,” Gabriel tells him and he thinks Lucifer’s full of shit. “Humans are innocent and beautiful,” Gabriel says (while I whisper to him that I suddenly really really love him). Lucifer’s motivation for his corruption of humanity was down to jealousy, plain and simple. Lucifer pulls a single man tear which... Whatever, Luci.

Back with AU!Cas, he hones in on Charlie. “Everyone has a breaking point,” he tells her before he tries to suck her mind out of her head. (I'm definitely NOT thinking about how AU!Cas hit his breaking point. He's broken. Shattered. A sharp blade of pain.) There's a ruckus outside, saving Charlie momentarily. It's Mary and TFW! They bust in and defeat the angels guarding Charlie and Ketch. Outside, Castiel confronts AU!Castiel.

Cas tells Castiel that he's grown used to humanity and that he prefers humans to angels. Despite this, they both agree that they're the same, and then Cas kills AU!Castiel. I have a whole headcanon about this scene. Ready? Okay. AU!Castiel is broken, tortured by Heaven into existing as a mere weapon. Cas sees this and recognizes his fate, his horrible scars and terrible weaknesses. He sees the soldier. He sees the broken person. And he kills him easily because he views it as both mercy and necessity. AU!Cas is irredeemable, so damaged is he. Now, all he can do is rest eternally in the Empty.

Let's take a hug break.

Cas shakes it off (OR DOES HE?) and everyone reunites at the camp. Bobby announces to the Winchesters that they're all planning to head back with them. Super! It's time for a PARTY BUS! Dean fixes a school bus (Natasha fans herself) and everyone piles onto the bus to head out. Sam runs after Jack and tries to keep him from fulfilling his promise to kill Michael. Sam wants them to regroup and plan a good attack and Lucifer agrees. Jack...listens to Lucifer and then calls him “father.” Yikes, Jack.

The vehicles, packed full of many of my favorite characters, head down the road to the rift. Eek! I sure am glad those rifts mostly only open just off of roadways. When they arrive Sam sees the rift is starting to close.

Rowena's exhausted on the other side, desperately trying to keep the rift open. Everyone files in and through. “About bloody time,” Rowena greets Castiel breathlessly. On the other side of the portal, angels zoom in. Michael arrives with an impressive wing display.

Lucifer and Michael begin to fight while Sam, Dean, and Gabe just....stand around picking their noses, I guess. Until Gabe decides to start fighting Michael. Michael pulls out his archangel blade and they fight. We're feeling pretty good about it until Gabriel gets knifed. NOOOOOOOO every time! 

Sam angrily pushes a weakened Lucifer away from the rift and then jumps through. The rift closes behind him leaving Michael and Lucifer behind in the AU.

In the bunker it's a PARTY. Sam thanks Rowena. Charlie and Ketch have forged a friendship (odd but I’ll allow it). Dean and Cas share emotional stares a.k.a. an “eyefuck.” Jack is sad.

Bobby gives the troops a rallying speech and everyone experiences warm and fuzzy feelings. I mean, I certainly do. Look at all their friends! Take that, Team “All My Friends are Dead.”

Back in the AU, Gabriel lies apparently (possibly? definitely?) dead on the ground with charred wings. Lucifer and Michael plot together to get back into the Winchesters’ world and strike a deal. Lucifer will get his son and Michael gets the world. Booo bad deal.

Party Quotes:

What do we do about Lucifer?

You are who you choose to be.

I am not your “sport”

That may be the dumbest friggin’ idea in a landfill of dumb ideas.

You want us to follow you through a magic door that's gonna blast us the hell outta here and into some kind of fairy tale world where everything is pretty?

For whatever reason, I got a good feeling about you two.

See you on the other side, bitches.

And you’re an ass clown.

Way to go, DAD!

Want to read more? Check out our Recap Archive!

[andrewilnyckyjhateblog]

UM WHAT IS THIS HIGH SCHOOL AU YOU SPEAK OF???

OH I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED i’m gonna put it in bullet form below ↓ it’s mostly background so far with a snapshot into what the actual fic would be but! its what i got at the moment

so basically steven and andrew became best friends in their first year of middle school. they were in the same home ec class and got partnered up and steven kind of latched onto andrew like a lost puppy and andrew was like Alright I Guess

halfway through the school year adam transferred into their school and home ec class and got put into steven and andrew’s group and they kind of adopted him as one of their own and from that point forward the three of them were inseparable — like the three musketeers

they were all kind of losers in their own way, so when i say they stuck together it’s honestly ... not like they had an option to hang out with anyone else, but they wouldn’t have chosen to hang out with anyone else either really

steven was this excitable puppydog of a kid who was nerdy and had weird interests and always at weird food and was too smart and too loud for his own good (not to mention being one of the very few kids of colour at their majority-white school)

andrew was kind of an ugly duckling tbh? like he was an absolute sweetheart but he had like acne and braces with headgear and didnt know how to dress himself and you know how mean kids can be so he kind of closed himself off from everyone and steven was the only person who really bothered trying

and adam was just like ... a quiet new kid who never explained why he transferred schools so suddenly and since he was adopted by steven and andrew so quickly he never branched out and all the other kids saw him as kind of tainted by Those Freaks but adam was entirely happy being one of Those Freaks with them

they spent pretty much all their time together in middle school and going into high school — going to movies, grabbing burgers, hanging out in the park (where steven valiantly tried to learn how to skateboard and failed miserably), doing boyband dance routines in steven’s backyard and baking with andrew’s mom — most of which was caught on camera by adam, who was a blooming cinephile

things imploded during the summer between freshman and sophomore year of high school, though, in the month after school ended, midway through the summer, because two things happened:

andrew got hot

and andrew came out as bi

not even adam really knows exactly what went down between andrew and steven that severed such a rock solid friendship, but by the time school came back in, andrew was — different. not cool, but normal, and handsome, and being out seemed to give him this newfound self-assurance that attracted people who wouldn’t have noticed him otherwise (and it helped that he wasn’t constantly tagging along in steven’s escapades, where steven was perfectly contented to keep his social circle limited to andrew and adam and didn’t need ANYONE ELSE, THANKS) so he branched out and fell into a new crowd

steven on the other hand was really struggling after their quote-unquote “break up”. they had joint custody of adam, but he didn’t really have that kind of closeness when he only got adam half the time and didn’t have andrew anymore. so, on a whim, he started a kpop club, and his social circle became the three members of that club other than him (jen, amber and evan [who wasn’t even into kpop, but thought he’d get to meet other koreans and just never left]) + adam

it was really obvious to pretty much everyone how miserable steven was after he and andrew stopped being friends, walking around mopey and eating lunch alone most of the time (until his kpop club kind of blossomed). what wasn’t so evident was how andrew felt about everything that happened — he really didn’t show any obvious signs of distress, and that really upset steven. only adam really knew how broken up andrew was over that friendship exploding, and even he didn’t know the full extent. steven was the first person andrew had ever really been willing to let in and for that relationship to be severed so dramatically without him even really understanding why was really painful and he had felt really betrayed by it — but andrew, being andrew, just shut his emotions down, popped two aleve and kept it moving

in their senior year, steven and andrew have kind of fully drifted apart, but they were both still friends with adam, who was honestly sick of them like covertly trying to get updates about each other and clearly like ... pining (though none of them would’ve been able to verbalize it like that) so he sat steven down and started playing all these videos he had of them together and basically being like I Don’t Really Get Your Beef With Andrew But You’re Clearly Meant To Be Best Friends And This Is Your Last Shot To Make Things Right So Get Your Shit Act Together

so basically the fic is steven in his last year of high school, trying to juggle grades, clubs, family obligations, friends, romance, getting into college AND fixing the biggest mistake of his life and getting his ex best friend to forgive him for being a massive douchebag

and he might realize that he was in love with andrew the whole time at some point along the way

[see-jess-write]

Crescent || Matt & Phoenix

Tagging: Matthew Davidson & Phoenix Williams ( @shamelessly-yours​ ) When: August 8, 2019 Where: A house party  Notes: They meet and get to chatting.

Matt 

Matt was getting a little burnt out on these parties he kept getting dragged to. It didn’t help that there were some people at these things that wore buckets of cheap perfume and cologne so it left him with the loveliest of headaches. He wanted to take off but one of his friends asked him to come and after only being there an hour would probably result in hearing all the whines about it later. He tried to make the best of it and after stationing himself outside with his sixth beer; it wasn’t too bad. He chatted with some people her and there, checking them out and flashing that goofy, charming smile of his. Maybe he’ll take one of him home later. Hard to tell with the night being so young...

Phoenix 

Phoenix was quite frankly bored. These kind of parties weren't exactly her cup of tea, she'd sooner have a strawberry smoothie than a Coors light. She'd settled somewhere in the middle with a fruity cocktail some guy had been making in the kitchen. Her girl friends had all scattered now, no doubt chatting to guys or dancing their hearts out. Good on them. But that wasn't her scene either. The noise was too much and she decided to escape outside. The cool air made goosebumps raise on her exposed skin, the low cut emerald dress hardly doing anything to protect her, but she didn't mind. Outside was where she was happiest, in all weathers and conditions. Her eyes scanned across the area, everyone seemed happy enough, chatting away to each other. One guy sat alone, beer in hand. He had a nice smile, that he flashed in her direction. Fuck it, she thought, the cocktail going to her head a little and headed towards him, adding a little sway to her hips as she walked. "Lost your friends?" She joked, laughing at herself a moment later.

Matt 

Matt been in the middle of drinking his beer, which was practically water to him, and eyed who came up to him. The drink sat on his thigh and a warm smile spread, “Funny of you to assume I have any. Could he the total lone wolf kind of guy,” he teased, still lounging comfortably in the patio chair. “What brings you out here? Wait, let me guess. You got to missing me in there and went on the hunt to find me...” he knew that wasn’t it but still went on, “Yeah. I think that’s what happened.”

Phoenix 

Phoenix quirked her eyebrow at the cocky guy. Sure, he was pretty handsome and seemed comfortable being alone, but was there any need in that? "Wow," she breathed and gave another laugh, "You're big headed," she stated with a shake of her head. "The music was too loud, actually. I saw you all alone and figured you might like some company but if you're happy alone..." She drifted off and took a sip of her drink while slowly starting to turn away, giving him chance to call her back.

Matt 

A hand went to the side of his cheek, than the top of his head; "Am I? Figured my head is pretty normal size, so maybe I should check in with a doctor to make sure everything's okay." It took a lot, a loooooot a lot to really phase him. "Hey now. I may be putting out that leave me the fuck alone vibe but I wouldn't actually mind some company. You've been to one house party you've been to them all. But Jamie over there begged and begged for me to come so..." he motioned to himself and leaned forward with an easy smile. "You look familiar...." Matt looked at the red hair and a name popped in. "I think I know. Last name...Williams.....?"

Phoenix 

Phee quirked an eyebrow as he checked his head, obviously unimpressed by his antics. Why did she have to choose the most childish guy at the party to talk to? Still, she stayed as he continued and sleuthed out her last name. "I am impressed." She ran a hand through her long hair, pushing it behind her ear. "Hm..." She looked over her shoulder, "The idiot playing beer pong and missing every shot? That's my brother, Leo." She admitted and looked back to the lazing guy in front of her. "Think he's buddies with your pal Jamie too. I haven't seen you around before though," she admitted. "You new to town?"

Matt 

There was this type of expression, one he's seen before and most people would find this discouraging Matt practically lapped it up. He was a what do I've got to lose type of guy. Something he's grown accustomed to with his type of lifestyle, plus boring made him itchy. "Ah. Leo. Figured so. And you must be Phoebe, right?" He knew it was Phoenix,  because of the whole bird from the flames reference and the fact the light behind her made some of those long strands look aflame. "It's a good thing I'm not playing against your brother. Would have made it into strip beer pong and he'd be flashing his bits about now." Matt motioned to the seat next to him. "Guess you can say I'm new. Moved here about six months ago. I've seen you around but your Leo doesn't exactly invite you out to our little gatherings."

Phoenix 

"Phoenix." She corrected quickly, "Most people call me Phee." She glanced to her brother again, pulling a face as he missed another shot. Not that she's be any better, hand eye co ordination wasn't a strong trait in their family. "I'm very glad you're not playing against him then. I do not want to see my brother's dick hanging out." She glanced at the chair, then back to him. She'd rather stand than settle in beside him, just incase. "No, he doesn't. He'd probably kill me if he saw me here. Apparently I'm bad for his rep," she laughed and shook her head, red hair moving back into her face again. "I came with my girlfriend's. But they are all... Preoccupied at the moment.". She pointed to a brunette who was currently locking lips with some beefed up guy.

Matt 

“Ah. Phee. How could I not remember that? Bet you get a lot of people bringing up the usual River Phoenix reference with you, huh?” He’d be fucking floored if she actually knew who that was. “And there. That’s what I want to hear. I actually had one chick tell me she’s see her brother’s junk and I noped out of that conversation so fast.” Matt shook his head slowly and leaned back again. “Aren’t you cold in that dress? I’ve got a jacket on the back of this chair if you want it. Just have to promise not to go through the pockets. I keep my treasures in there.” He looked to the girl making out with Andrews and laughed. “Oh, I have a feeling we won’t be seeing those two for awhile.”

Phoenix 

River Phoenix. So funny. "Actually you're the first person to ever bring him up," she pointed out before laughing at the next comment. She'd have noped the fuck out of that conversation too. "I don't want your jacket, or your treasures," she air quoted the last word. Was that lame? Maybe. Phee didn't keep up with these things. "That's exactly why I'm here chatting to you." She realized something then. "And you are...?"

Matt 

“You’re shitting me? He was one of those one in a life time actors from the 90s. How can people not jump to that?” Matt shook his head, tsking this. “First you don’t take that seat that I so generously offered, was even about to clear all the crap off it for you. Now no jacket or what’s in my pockets; which you would have seen was a pack of gum and my phone.” He sighed dramatically. “Worried I’ve got cooties or something. I’m caught up with all my shots. Scout’s honor.” He finished his beer and set it next to another empty. “I’ll let you take a wild guess. If you get it right I’ll head in and get you whatever that is you’re drinking. Smells like something fruity. Strawberry daiquiri?”

Phoenix 

Phoenix moved her eyes to the empty cans beside him, then back to his face. "I don't want you getting any ideas, drunk guys do that sometimes." A hint that she knew he'd had a fair few. "As for your name..." She hummed, pushing her hair back again. Her brother hardly spoke to her these days, but she knew all of his high school buddies, which this guy was obviously not. "Matt? You know my drink. Fetch." She grinned at him deviously.

Matt 

He twiddled his thumbs, expecting her to get it wrong right off the bat but his jaw dropped and the man had to laugh. “You sneaky sneak. Over there acting like you don’t know who I am.” He shook his head and got up his feet. “It’s basically like you played me. But,” he ran his hand through his tussled auburn hair. “A deal’s a deal. I’ll go and fetch your daiquiri since you never told me what you’re drinking and now you’re stuck with that choice.”

Phoenix 

Phoenix dampened her lips because yeah, she'd never seen him before, but she knew the one name her brother had only just started mentioning. Phoenix shrugged her shoulders, proud of herself for beating the cocky asshole at his own game. "It is a daiquiri. You have a good nose." She replied with a half smirk as she sat down in the seat he'd just vacated to watch him head back towards the house. The space still smelled like him, or maybe it was his warm jacket hung on the back. Woody and musky. Not floral or over the top, not the stench of after shave or cologne, just a natural scent that made her insides quiver, just a bit. Fuck. She leaned back, inhaling his scent again because God did he smell good. Phee loved the outdoors and Matt smelled like the woods and growth and petricore. Refreshing. She drank the rest of her cocktail while she waited. Before long he was headed back towards her and Phee sat up straighter, crossing her long bare legs, leaning an elbow on her knee. "You took your time," she commented with a quirked eyebrow, challenging him as she held her hand out for her drink.

Matt 

There were more people at this party than before and Matt had to give it to Jamie. Kid acted like he didn’t know a lot of people and most of the city was crammed in this tiny ass house. He moseyed his way to the kitchen and grabbed a couple tequila shots while the blender did his thing. Matt even got an ass grab from an unknown person but he didn’t think much about it since he was currently annoying someone new. The shots warmed him for the most part but his high tolerance made it such a fucking pain to feel more than a slight buzz. He returned to the backyard and walked through someone’s vape cloud which made him grimace. But when he saw Phee in his seat he laughed and stood in front of her with the drink. “Hmmm. Since you’re fine with taking what’s mine, maybe I should do the same with yours.” Matt acted as if he was about to drink her daiquiri but he handed it to her. “Even added an umbrella. Flared it up.”

Phoenix 

Phee enjoyed the banter, her pink to give darting over her bottom lip. Even one daiquiri was enough to give her more confidence than usual, but she didn't react to him pretending to drink her cocktail, just took it and looked at the umbrella he'd added. "Well ain't I a lucky girl?" She asked with a grin before plucking the garnish from the drink and taking a long sip. "Except these things are a nightmare for the environment you know? Next time skip the fancy stuff,"

Matt 

Matt cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms over his chest, “Is it? It’s made out of wood and paper so why not toss it in the recycling bin?” He moved the plate from the chair next to her and sat down. Matt relaxed and did a bit of people watching, Well, more listening since he could pick up a lot of conversations happening around them. He leaned over and asked, “You see that guy over there? The one in the red shirt.” Matt motioned at him with a chin point,

Phoenix 

Phee pouted at him, "Just because you can recycle something, doesn't mean it's good for the environment. Think of how much energy and how many trees had to be killed for this tiny novelty one use thing," She sighed sadly as he sat beside her. "Hm?" Phee glanced to where he was indicating,noting the guy in the red shirt. "What about him?"

Matt 

Matt nodded along and thought about what she said. “Makes sense there, Phee. I never got into doing too much when it comes to recycling or environmental things but I’ll keep that in mind.” He said, turning to look at her and meaning it. If he hadn’t picked up at how the color in her cheeks reddened or the accelerated heart beat he might have dismissed it but her passion got him thinking at least. “So,” He said, returning his attention to red shirt guy. “He was on the phone with someone. Girl I think,” He knew it was a chick for sure because he heard her loud and clear. “Apparently they hooked up and he stole her panties. He doesn’t want to give them back.”

Phoenix 

Phee quirked her head in the direction of the man, brows drawing together. "I have so many questions right now,"she said with a little laugh, "Um, first of all, is that the kind of thing guys talk about? How they steal girls panties and won't give them back?"

Matt 

“Apparently that’s the kind of thing Mr. Red Shirt’s talking about. Can’t speak for all guys but I know the only time I get panties is if they’re given to me. But here’s the real question...” he let this drag on, a finger pointing at the guy as he turned to face her, leaning in just enough for only her to hear. “Do you think he’s wearing it right now?”

Phoenix 

Phoenix couldn't help it, she burst out into laughter, her whole face lighting up, hand trembling with it so her cocktail half ended up on the floor next to her before she managed to put it down. "Oh my God, Matt. That's fucking bad. I don't know. Maybe he is. Maybe it was a red pair to match his shirt," she grinned wickedly, "Oh, oh look..." The guy scratched at his ass and Phee laughed hard again. "Musta been riding up,"

Matt 

As soon as she laughed Matt joined in and it intensified when he glanced and saw what was happening. “Dude’s definitely wearing something. A lacy thong. Red like you said. Maybe with that tiny sweetheart bow on the front.” He’d been too busy laughing to notice the drink spilled and Matt pointed at you, grinning. “I fucking slayed a dragon and seduced a troll for that drink and now it’s just there. There Phee. For shame.”

Phoenix 

Phee laughed and laughed, unable to help herself because fuck, it was funny imagining some beefed up jock in a pretty red thong he'd stolen from his latest conquest. Where the fuck did this guy come up with this shit? "Then..." Phee had to stop because she was breathless from the laughter Still, "Then maybe you should t have made me laugh so much! You're lucky I didn't get any in my dress, or then you would be in for it," she warned with a playful wink and a grin.

Matt 

“Oooooooh would I? What would you have done? Taken it off and told me to get it to the dry cleaners stat. Or had me whisk you away to the closest sink to try to get the red out?” He smirked, going for a beer but remembered he never got another for himself. He was actually real good at removing stubborn stains, something he leaned over the years. “You thinking about keeping here awhile longer because as fun as this party is, I’m kinda in need of a scenery change.”

Phoenix 

Phoenix pointed again at his teasing. "You are such an asshole," she said with a soft laugh. Was he asking her to leave with him? She glanced around, but Katie was still locking lips and Leo was lying on the floor, probably spinning from drinking too much, regardless of his defeat at beer pong. "I'm thinking the same thing. Things are getting a little too... Messy for my liking," she admitted.

Matt 

Matt feigned a shocked expression and laid a hand onto his chest. “That’s Mr. Asshole to you, missy miss.” Not two seconds after saying this his face split into a smile. “Awesome! Let’s do what the trees do and shake a leg.” He stood up and leaned over her, getting close for a few seconds, to pull his jacket off the back of the chair she stole from him. “Thinking a walk around the neighborhood wouldn’t be too bad. Won’t reek of this place that’s for sure.”

Phoenix 

When Matt leaned in, Phee got another word of that natural scent of his and God, was it intoxicating. She wanted to bottle that smell and carry it with her everywhere. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth as he pulled away,swallowing to compose herself and giving a nod of her head. Getting away from the noise and the stench of stale beer sounded like a dream right now. "Sounds good," she said, standing. "Just... Let me check in with Leo." Her brother had made it to his feet but he was clinging to the wall for dear life. She was going to tease him so much tomorrow. She headed towards him with a grin. "Hey big bro, that your new girlfriend?" She asked, coming close and placing a hand on his arm. "Phoenix? Urg. Fuck off." He groaned and looked away from her. She giggled, shaking her head at how very drunk he was. "You gonna be alright? Want me to get Greg to give you a ride home?" She asked and her brother shook his head. Unlike her hair, his was dark in colour but they both had the same eyes. "No, just fuck off," he groaned again and Phee sighed. "Alright. Don't day I didn't try." She dampened her lips. "Me and Matt are gonna go for a walk. I'll see you tomorrow alright? Don't do anything fucking stupid, okay?"

Matt 

Matt didn’t need to move from his place to hear the exchange was between Leo and Phee, but if he wasn’t able to tune in it would have been amusing as hell to only watch the body language and movement of arms. He grinned for a moment and went over to where they stood. “You doing okay there, Le.” He asked, dropping the o in the guy’s name. Only he would shorten an already short name.

Phoenix 

Phee glanced to Matt as he joined them, she rolled her eyes. "He's fine. Just can't handle his beer." She teased and Leo wafted an arm in her direction, "Fuck off Phee." Phoenix laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "Right." She laughed and headed towards the house. Before Matt could follow her though, Leo had grabbed hold of his arm, seemingly sobering up for a moment. "Stay away from my sister." He warned, fuzzy eyes trying to meet Matt's.

Matt 

Matt was glad Phoenix wasn't nearby to see this and he knew Leo forgot his place with the grab, what with the massive amounts of alcohol he had to drink to even reach this level of intoxication. His hand went to Leo's and pried it away from him. "Think you're forgetting your place there, pup." He said in a low voice. "Your sister is in good hands. Don't worry about her." He moved away from him and added. "Get yourself cleaned up and help Jamie with the rest of this party. It's getting out of hand." Matt walked towards the house, in the direction Phee went and returned to his usual, good natured self. He didn't like to flex his power like that but he wasn't one who like others to tell him what to do. "You good to go?" He asked, easily finding her at the front near the door just by tracking down that sweet perfume she wore.

Phoenix 

Phee had only realized half way through the house that Matt was missing, she held still by the front door, sending out a mass text to her girls to let them know she was heading out. By the time Matt appeared, Phee was already getting replies but she quickly shoved her cell away in her little silver bag. They could wait until later. "So ready," she said with a sweet smile, tilting her head to the side just so and making hair fall down her shoulders. "You get lost on the way?" She asked with a little laugh as she opened the door and headed back out into the cool night air. Once more, goosebumps rose on her skin, but she didn't mind. She headed towards the sidewalk, her heels clicking on the pavement.

Matt 

“That’s because you didn’t put out a trail of bread crumbs so I had to go through this journey and happened to discover the true meaning of happiness has always been within me.” Matt added, “Wait. Should have spoiler alerted that.” He held the door open and waited for Phee to pass through. “Did you happen to let your friends know you left with one of the hottest guys at that party?” He asked while they walked down to the sidewalk. His jacket draped over his arm, ready to hand it over as soon as she needs it.

Phoenix 

Phee couldn't help but giggle about his explanation of getting lost along the way. It was silly and over the top, but kind of endearing too. Phee glanced over at him, "Not quite, " she replied, shifting her bag higher on her shoulder. "I told them I left with the guy with the biggest ego," she grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "Wonder if they guess who I mean..."She mused with a little chuckle. A breeze passes by and Phee felt herself shiver, but honestly she was too stubborn to ask for his jacket.

Matt 

"You think this ego is bad, you should have seen me when I was in my early twenties. It was so massive, Phee. So. Massive. I could hardly fit it through the door at most places." He couldn't help poking fun at this since he knew it was pretty bad. But he was a confident guy and didn't see anything wrong with flaunting it 24/7/365. There was that breeze, one Matt knew was destined to make its way to them as soon as they hit the sidewalk. He saw the shiver but didn't say anything about it. Instead his jacket freed his arm and he stepped behind her and set it around her shoulders without a word. "Do you live with Leo?" He asked as he went back to walking by her side.

Phoenix 

Almost without breaking step, Matt was placing his jacket around her shoulders, enveloping her in his warmth and woody scent and Phee honestly felt a quiver of something wonderful in her stomach. Not that she was about to admit that to this guy. "Unfortunately," Phee said with a soft laugh. "I can't really afford to live alone right now. College is pretty tough money wise," she said with a soft chuckle. "Leo had a spare room and he's barely home anyway, so it just worked out." She shrugged her shoulder slightly, the chain on her bag clinking. "Do you live alone?" She asked curiously. Matt was the one friend of Leo's that she didn't really know much about. Maybe that was because he was new though.

Matt 

"A-ha. College girl. Didn't think you were that young but it's not like I'm a grandpa here." He stuffed one hand into his pocket and looked from her to the houses they passed on either sides. He lived a neighborhood over but it looked somewhat identical to this. Cookie cutter. "I do. When I moved here from Alabama I made sure it was when I could afford my own place. Do you know where the fire station is off of Marinette and Parmer? Right near this spot. I live the street behind it. I actually work there."

Phoenix

Phee scrunched her nose. "I'm not that young,"She protested softly, "I'm 24, doing my Masters Degree if you must know," She said rather indignantly. At that, Phoenix felt her brows rise high. "You're a fire fighter?" She asked with a half laugh, unable to believe it. She'd never met one before, despite living in town all her life. "Woah, that's... Just wow." she said, honestly impressed.

Matt 

"You sure about that? I mean, you've got that whole look kinda young thing happening for you. It's okay to admit you're under twenty one. I won't tattle." Hearing her age actually set him at ease. It was hard to tell how old people were and he didn't want to run into issue if they decided to steer this into something...hotter. "Why do you look surprised by that?" he asked, clearly amused. "Been doing it for about nine years now. Started right out of high school and been doing it since. Used to do those awful twenty-four hours shifts but those stopped about five years ago. Thank God." Right around the time when his life took a drastic and unexpected turn for the wild.

Phoenix 

Phee pouted at his teasing about her age. She knew she looked young, but it had been a while since anyone had said she looked that young. "I swear, I'm twenty four. Leo is twenty six. Two years difference." Again, Phee was surprised to hear how long Matt had been a firefighter. Nine years would make him twenty seven, just a year older than Leo. But way more sensible it seemed. "I know it's a different world completely, but in my work, twenty four hours awake is almost a daily occurrence." She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm a programmer," she revealed a moment later, "I've gone fourty eight hours on energy drinks and cheetos," She admitted with a soft laugh.

Matt 

There was a pout, one Matt deserved and he wanted to tell her to put that away but he knew better than poking fun at a woman’s age. Having a mom and three sisters taught him better than that. “This forty-eight hour stretch. Were you at that point towards the end of it where you felt you were a type of God? Nothing felt normal and you were convinced you absorbed powers from a greater being?” Matt’s been through various mind trips due to exhaustion, shock, smoke inhalation...you name it. “Now you’ve got me wanting Cheetos. Thank you for that.” There was a convenience store walking distance from here and he decided to steer them in that direction. “Want to go and get a midnight snack with me? We can take it back to my place if you’re down for a hang there.”

Phoenix 

Phee laughed as he asked about her state of mind after the fourty eight hours. "Honestly, I don't even remember. I;m usually so exhausted by the end of it, sometimes it's like I wake up and someone else has done my work for me," She admitted with another little laugh. She raised her eyebrows as he asked her if she wanted to head back to his place. That was forward. And as wanton and adventurous as Phee could be, she wasn't quite that drunk yet. "You haven't even asked for my number and you're asking me back to your place? That isn't exactly gentlemanly. I expected more of you, Matt. I'm disappointed," She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, a hint of a smile curling her lips. "I'm a lady, y'know? I expect a little more than Cheeto's before I go to a guys house."

Matt 

“Oh. Well, my apologies, m’lady.” He bowed and tried not to smile but this was a change. Most people he brought back didn’t even bother with the number exchange. “Does it help I ate least know your last name? And that I’m not just buying Cheetos but slushees, too.” Matt started the walk again and had to laugh at this. “But, hey. Glad you jump to the idea of us fucking when we go to my house and not just playing a video game or watching Queer Eye.”

Phoenix 

Phee had to hold back another giggle as he bowed. He was an ass, but a pretty damn cute ass. She rolled her eyes at the offer of slushees too. "Well in that case... No." She replied with a grin, "And I never assumed we'd be... Y'know..." Her face flashed red almost as bright as her hair, "I just don't go to guys houses without knowing them first. My Daddy taught me better than that."

Matt 

“Fair enough,” he said not at all bothered by her turning down the invite. “I’ll still get the snacks though. Consider it me wanting to see you on a sugar high.” The bright light from the corner shop loomed ahead. “How does your daddy feel about someone you don’t know walking you home?”

Phoenix 

Phee smiled at the fact he still wanted to get snacks, "Stick around long enough and you will," she teased with a soft smile, glancing down as they walked. She was so glad she'd wore her comfortable silver heels tonight. Walking all this distance in anything else would have been agony. She wasn't really used to heels at all. "Hm, considering Daddy doesn't live with us, I don't think hed ever know," She said with a coy smile. "Leo though? That's another story. He doesn't like me knowing, but he's pretty protective of me," she said with a small laugh, looking back to Matt as they reached the store, purposefully waiting for him to open the door.

Matt 

“Well, alright then. Not that it makes much a difference with me know where you live since I’ve been to Leo’s before.” He said with a playful teasing tone. “But I’ll pretend I’ve never been. Even awe at the sight of the house as if it’s the first time.” Matt tugged the glass door open and waited for her to go through before following. “Yeah, Leo can get that way but I understand. I’ve got three sisters of my own. One just started college.”

Phoenix 

Phoenix was surprised to hear that Matt had been to her and Leo's place before. Leo had never mentioned it to her which was honestly a little odd. She shrugged it off and headed into the store, wandering slowly down the first aisle. "Yeah?" She hummed and picked up a packet of candy from the shelf, inspecting the back, "What's she studying?" Phee asked with a smile, glancing up to see if he'd waited for her to keep moving.

Matt 

He stayed at the foot of the aisle and looked at the jerky selection. He liked this place because they made their own jerky and it tasted leagues better than the packaged crap. “Fashion design I think. I’m sure there’s an actual name to it but that’s how I remember it.” He used tongs to get a few thick strips and then joined her in the aisle. “What you got there?”

Phoenix 

Phee hummed and nodded her head. Fashion design was interesting and creative but not exactly her thing. She showed him the packet of nerds she was holding with a small smile. "I know they're awful for you, but they're my favorite." She said with a laugh. "I always check the back though, you never know if they’re going to add a couple hundred more e numbers." She started to walk towards the end of the aisle. "What did you pick up?" She asked, eyeing his hands.

Matt 

“I have to say, you’re the first person I’ve met they actually likes that candy. Not ripping on you but now I want to call you Nerd Girl.” Matt showed her his jerky and then went to pluck a couple Cheeto bags. “Gotta our drinks, still feeling a cherry slurpee for myself, and then we can boot, scoot, and boogie.”

Phoenix 

"Whaaat?" She extended the word with a laugh."Who the fuck doesn't like candy? They lying." She shook her head and headed down the next aisle, back towards the counter. "I could go for a cheery Slurpee, it'll go well with my candy," She grinned and dampened her lips softly. "Boot, scoot and boogie?" She asked with squirmed brow, "What time zone are you from exactly?"

Matt 

“Hey now. I told you I wasn’t knocking on it. Just don’t usually see Nerds unless it’s when I’m giving candy out for trick or treaters.” He laughed and her reaction to it and went to tug a couple cups from the walls. Matt set the clear dome lids on both and poured the slurpees into each. “I’m offended by you picking fun at my lingo. Got me weeping on the inside here, Phee.” He handed her one with a red straw. “I’m from this time. I just like to use random shit to describe things. Keeps everyone on their toes.”

Phoenix 

Phee accepted the drink and took a slow sip, even with Matt's jacket still hung on her shoulders, her arms rose in goosebumps. "Keeps everyone confused more like," she said with a laugh as they got the counter,placing down her items and glancing to Matt with a sly grin. "My gentleman friend here will be paying," she informed the clerk.

Matt 

He handed over his debit card, which had a picture of Bugs Bunny on it. Matt opted for a bag for them to carry everything in and as they walked out he looked at her with such a grin. “Gentleman, huh? And here I was thinking you viewed me as some type of scoundrel.” Matt opened the door for her to go through, loving how she looks in his jacket.

Phoenix 

Phee did notice the picture on his card, but she didn't mention it - yet. She shrugged her shoulders slightly, but the movement was pretty well hidden by his jacket on her shoulders. "I'm not sure what to make of you yet, Mr... Oh!" She laughed, "What's your surname?" She asked with another giggle, now moving to slide her arms into the arms of his jacket, the cold settling in once more.

Matt 

“I made it a point to say I know your last name but you didn’t think to ask me mine. Now who’s the one not being a gentleman?” Matt have her a light-hearted smirk at that and said, “Davidson. Matthew John Davidson. But I get called Matt. Matty by my sisters.” He shared before sucking through his straw. “Want some of my jerky? I got the mild type.”

Phoenix 

Phee pouted softly, her full bottom lip poking out. "I'm a Lady," she pointed out a moment later, "Usually others tell us those details, friends and mothers and brothers," she said with a soft laugh. "Matty is cute," she said with a soft smile. She could see him being so gentle with his sister's, so protective the way Leo was with her and it was so damn endearing. "Thanks but no," She said while shaking her box of nerds, "Jerky and Candy don't quite mix well," She poured some of her sweets out into her hand and then transferred them to her mouth but not before giving Matt another grin.

Matt 

Jesus Christ that pout. He didn’t even really do anything to deserve it but it made him want to lean in and kiss it away. “Fine, fine. Leo should have said something about me but looks like he’s just being awful when it comes to talking about the new guy. Or he doesn’t want you messing with the likes of me.” Matt let the weight of that linger before laughing. “The world may never know.” “You would think that’s cute. It totally takes away from my badass look I’m aiming for whenever that name is dropped. Can take a Matty serious.” He knew that whatever name he was given he continued as the same, carrying the same weight as before. “So you’re going to smell sweet and I’ll be meaty.” He said as he bite a hunk out of the jerky. That alcohol did very little to get him drunk but it still swirled around in his stomach in the most unenjoyable way. “How long you’ve been messing with computers?”

Phoenix 

Phee was so going to quiz Leo about Matt when he got home. She had to wonder for a second if it was true that her brother had never spoken about him for a good reason. But that wasn't like Leo. She let it go for now along with the idea that you couldn't take a Matty serious because to her,that wasn't such a bad thing at all. Phee grimaced as he bit into the jerky, looking away. She hated Jerky honestly, dried meat? No thanks. But thankfully Matt asked her about something she was passionate about next. "Um... My whole life?" She said with a laugh, "I got my first computer at 12 I think and I've been programming pretty much every since then." She glanced to him with a smile. "You always been a fire bug?"

Matt 

He ripped some of the jerky off and ate it bit by bit as she talked about computers. “Was your first computer one of those brand new ones at the time or did you go with one of those ancient machines like Packard Bell?” He wrapped the rest of his meat into the white packaging and tucked it into his back pocket before focusing on his drink. “You bet your hot ass I always been. Ever since I was a kid. My parents said I went everywhere in my little firefighter uniform. Had a truck, too. It always spoke to me.”

Phoenix 

Phee chuckled at his comment about the computer she had. "It was a HP one, fully installed with the brand new windows XP. I still miss that OS." She grinned thinking about it and then even more as Matt told her about his childhood. It made her laugh, and she nodded her head. "Did you ever set a fire just so you could put it out?"

Matt 

“That was one of the best operating systems. Though I can’t remember which one was before that, back in the floppy disc days and when everyone wanted those After Dark screen savers. That was all when I was too young but my parents talked about it and how that was awesome technology at the time.” He stopped sucking on his straw and looked at her with an amused fire. “My dad did for me. He made sure it was in a controlled area and it was when I was about twelve. Nothing compared to the first real fire I put out during training. But there was still that stomach-flipping excitement.” He brought his drink to his side as they went to the other side of the neighborhood towards where she and Leo live. “Do you do any hacking like they show in the movies?”

Phoenix 

Phee laughed at the throw back to the early 90's computing. How easy things were back then. Back then there were maybe three or four programming languages, now there were hundreds. You tell someone your a programmer and their first question is usually 'What language?'. Still, she enjoyed it and when her grin had died down, she took a sip of her drink and carefully started to open her candy. Phee liked listening to Matt's story, finding it interesting that not only had his Dad helped him with a fire, but that he'd known what his dream job was his whole life. "You're braver than most people, I tell you," She said softly, shaking her head. "Or more stupid. But either way, you do something not a lot of people could." She found that quite endearing, actually. "Hmmm... hacking isn't exactly how they show it in the movies. And... sometimes it isn't half as illegal as they make it out to be in movies," She chuckled, "You know company's actually hire hackers to try and break into their websites and systems so they can fix any issues before someone bad gets to it? And honestly, it takes.... days, to hack into something these days. Not the quick two lines of code you often see on TV," She explained with a soft laugh.

Matt 

“I just don’t think too much about it. I like to help people when they need it the most. My mom isn’t thrilled I’m a first responder and wished I went into law, like my dad, but that makes me want to drill a hole between my eyes.” Though if he had gone with that office job he would have never encountered a call which changed the course of his life. Her and Leo’s house was just down the street now but Matt didn’t hurry his pace. “Damn. I was about to ask if I can watch you hurriedly hack into some high secure area to try to bring a doll to life ala Weird Science.” Matt bumped her with his hip after he said this. “A buddy of mine mentioned people who are paid to do that. White hat?”

Phoenix 

Phee couldn't see Matt in an office either. He had too much energy, too many comments that were a little risque. She liked that though. Her familiar street came into view and Phee was kind of disappointed she was almost home. She chuckled at the reference to weird science. "Shame. I'd need a good day to hack into anything interesting," She said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Yeah. Thats what they get called online. Or sometimes 'Ethical Hackers',"She chuckled softly, shaking her  head. "I'd rather build something myself than spend time breaking into someone else's shit to be honest,"

Matt 

“Something about Ethical Hacker kind of takes the mystery away from it. I mean, if you tell people you’re a White Hat they’ll think it’s some nick name for some type of espionage thing your a part of. Matt looked up to the sky, the clouds finally parted and he could see the sliver of the moon. It was a nice night. Cool, too. Which meant a lot of these Heat was on its way out. “Think Leo’s made it back?” He better not because it meant he didn’t stick to doing what he was told.”

Phoenix

"True," She conceded with a sigh. White Hat did sound way cooler, her house with just a few doors down now, and she was almost dreading leaving. "I dunno," She said softly in reference to her brother, "He's out most nights, honestly." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'll give him a call if he's not home when I get inside. Make sure he's with someone and got a ride home..." She chuckled softly, "I guess I can be pretty protective of him too,"

Matt 

“That’s good. You’ve got each other’s backs.” Matt wondered just how much of Leo’s life she knew about. He had to keep a good portion of it away from his own family, which he hated but it needed to keep that way. Matt opened the gate which went up a walkway. “How much school do you have left?” He thought about taking Emergency Management classes but that could be done online.

Phoenix 

Phee stepped into the space where the gate had been, heading up the walk way. Her garden was coming along nicely, and she was hit with the scent of her flowers. Even in the middle of the night, she could smell them. Things weren't as pretty as she wanted, nor as useful, but given she'd not long started, she wasn't doing so bad. "I have my last exams in December," She told him with a half smile, "Then I'll be Phoenix Williams, MA." She grinned, quite looking forwards to having the title. She reached her front door and realized she still had Matt's jacket on. "Oh," She shrugged her arms out of it, sliding it off but almost immediately missig it's warmth. "Here," She said holding it back towardsh him.

Matt 

Matt didn’t take his jacket back, instead motioning to the steps. “We don’t have to call it a night, yet. I kind of want to sit here a bit, take in the smell of the flowers. Which is a nice addition to this place, by the way. But I’ll admit I’m not ready to stop talking to you. Make fun of me if you want but I had a better time getting to know you than the whole time I was at the party.”

Phoenix 

"Oh," Phee wasn't exactly opposed to the idea, she was just concerned what Leo might think should he arrive home and find her chatting away to one of his friends. But then again, Leo wasn't the boss of her, she was a grown ass woman, right? Maybe. She still liked her brothers approval, as much as she pretended she didn't. "Um, Sure," She said with a smile, taking a seat on the top step and carefully draping Matt's jacket over her knees to protect them from the wind in the air. "How did you meet Leo?" She asked curiously after a beat, realizing how very little she knew about not only Matt, but her brother.

Matt 

Matt settled on the next step down and leaned his back against the railing. “God...” he said as he thought about this. He knew exactly how they met but the story was one which needed some tweaking. “I’d been here a couple of weeks and was hanging at the bar. Some fight broke out and I got in to break it apart.” That part was true but the fight carried over to the back alley and it went from bad to worse real fast. “It’s how I met a few of the other guys, too.”

Phoenix 

Phee listened to the story, taking a slow sip of her drink and pouring a couple nerds into her hand to eat. "And which side was Leo on? Yours or the bag guys?" She asked with a soft grin.

Matt 

He didn’t expect this question and had to give Phee this look, “Damn, over here asking if your brother was on the bad guy’s side.” This amused him so fucking much. “On the good side. Turned out some guys that were banned from the bar showed up and they wouldn’t leave.”

Phoenix 

Phoenix gave a shrug of her shoulders. Her brother was generally a good guy, but she knew he had a tendency to get mixed up in bad shit, usually by accident. Phee smiled softly, nodding her head at the rest of the story. "I'm glad he was on the good side and not one of the banned people," she said with a smile, popping another candy into her mouth. "I worry about him sometimes," She admitted, "He can be a bit of an ass, but he's my ass, yknow?" She said softly with a laugh.

Matt 

Matt felt pretty mellow now and he knew it was because he could chill for a bit before heading home. He took that moment to look at Phoenix and the way her expression softened while she spoke about Leo. “He’s a tough guy, that I’ve seen. But he’s also someone that knows how to use his head.” Matt chuckled as his hand went through his hair. “Seeing the way you are with him makes me homesick.”

Phoenix 

Phee wasn't so sure about Leo knowing how to use his head, he did some pretty dumb shit, like getting so drunk tonight. She took a sip of her drink again, closing her eyes and then placing it on the step next to her. "Does your family love far away?" She asked as she flickered open her eyes, a nice way of finding out where Matt's home town was.

Matt 

“They’re a good seven hour car ride away. I used to live on the same block as them for a few years before I packed up the ol’ jalopy and made my way out west.” He sighed. The move was necessary. It was a way he knew he couldn’t put them in danger. “We talk and shit everyday. So, there’s that but not seeing each other a good few times a week was a huge adjustment.” Matts fingers pinched the red straw and he moved it around to mix the last of his drink. “What about you? Is it just you and Le here?”

Phoenix 

Phee was surprised to hear how far away Matt's family where. She and Leo had always been home birds. When he'd moved away for college, Phee had missed him like crazy and as soon as he could, he'd moved back home. She knew how hard it was being away from family and felt sorry for Matt, being here on his own. She popped the last few candy pieces into her mouth and shook her head. "Our Mom lives about three blocks that way," she pointed, "Dad died about five years ago." She felt that pang of hurt in her chest that always rose its head whenever she spoke about her Dad. She missed him like crazy, the way he made her feel safe and loved just by being in the same room as her. "He had a heart attack. One minute he was there, the next just... Gone." She breathed and had to bite her bottom lip for a moment to compose herself. "I go see my mom as often as I can. But she texts me like, ten times a day." She said with a chuckle.

Matt 

“Oh, hey. That’s awesome. Tell me that means you get to go over whenever you want and raid the fridge or she takes care of dinner or your laundry. Not because you asked but because she wants to do it.” It was when she mentioned her dad that Matt’s features softened and his hand went to her knee. “I’m sorry, Phee.” His hand squeezed her knee slightly. “Was it a heart attack?” His dad had one last year and it was hard trying to be there during certain times but he managed to make it work. Matt brought his phone out and opened WhatsApp. “My mom likes to spam me with everything she finds online.” He leaned back against the railing and smiled some. “I’m glad to know your close with you mom. Don’t come across too many people who are or feel they have to hide it.”

Phoenix 

Phee nodded her head, she was forever at her Mom's place, making herself at home, cooking and drinking and taking her things to do to keep her busy. "It was," she answered about the heart attack, the feel of the gentle squeeze to her leg enough to soothe the ache in her chest. Not many things did that for her. "Why would anyone hide it?" She asked curiously. "Honestly, my mom is my best friend, sad as that sounds. I mean, I have the girls but no one quite gets me like she does," she said with a soft smile, sipping the last of her drink slowly. "I should get going," She said with a soft sigh. "Find out where Leo is. Make sure he's got a ride home," she said with a soft smile.

Matt 

He and his family were lucky. It took his dad time to bounce back, which he was completely, but he was still there. Still making his comments and expressing how he felt his son would have been a great asset to the law firm. But Matt didn't voice any of this. "People get weird about showing how much they dig their family. You'd think you were about to accuse them of being incesty." Matt shrugged and watched her expression about calling it a night. Matt knew Leo tend to stay out late some nights and if he had a feeling Matt was out with his sister then he could very well be watching them from a distance. Except Matt couldn't smell him. "That sounds like a good idea. He could have fallen asleep in someone's bushes on the way back home." Matt grabbed their cups and stashed them in the plastic bag. The unopened Cheetos were still in there and he handed them to her. "For your next all nighter."

Phoenix 

Phee imagined falling asleep in the bushes was exactly something Leo would do and she was surprised it hadn't happened before. Or maybe it had but she had yet to hear of it. Either way, she needed to call her brother. She was surprised when the Cheetos were placed on her lap, giving him a soft smile. "Oh. Um. Thank you," her cheeks blushed nearly as red as her hair, the small gift making her stomach twist. She carefully lifted his jacket off her knees, handing it over to him and starting to stand. "Want me to put those in the trash?" She asked, eyeing the plastic bag.

Matt 

It might have been dark on this step but Matt knew a blush when he saw one. He would have teased her about it but he decided to be good and smirked instead. "No problem. Just think of me when you eat them." That was when he tossed a wink in her direction and took the jacket from her. "Sure. Saves me from lugging this until I find a dumpster." Matt slid his jacket on and dragged a hand through his wind tussled hair. "We should keep talking. Tonight was good and it felt easy shooting the shit with you. We can exchange numbers."

Phoenix 

The wink made Phee feel like blushing even more, maybe she did a little, it was hard to tell since her face was already so warm.  God, he was handsome when he brushed a hand through his hair. She pushed the bag of Cheetos under her arm,the plastic bag going to the floor for a moment while she held her hand out to him. "Give me your cell then," She said with a soft, playful grin, clasping her hand and unclasping like a child who wanted a toy, hoping it would confirm to him that she'd agreed it had been fun chatting.

Matt 

"This makes me feel like I'm at a bar," he joked as his phone fished out of his jacket pocket and Matt unlocked it. There was a picture of him dressed up like the 80s version of Teen Wolf as his background, a running joke with he and his friends. "You should take a pic of you so I can place it as the contact one." He added after it was handed to her.

Phoenix 

Phee noted the image in the background. It said a lot about the guy - that he was fun and willing to participate and not afraid of making a fool of himself. She keyed in her number, "You want a photo of me already?" She asked with a soft laugh, quickly brushing her fingers through her hair to smooth it out before switching on his camera. "Just don't watch me okay? I'll laugh if you do," she warned and switching the camera to front facing, she blinked at her image on screen, angling the camera just so and smiling ever so slightly before clicking the button to take the photo. "Here," she said, handing the phone back.

Matt 

He was gonna say something to that but Phee was already posing and he made it a point to turn around completely so she could take the picture in peace. When it was done Matt turned around and looked at the picture. "I like it. Maybe I'll put on one of those filters and give you bunny ears." He grinned as his fingers tapped a few places on the screen and saved everything. "I'll text you in a couple days. Might be a meme. Might be me saying hey. You never know." He took a step down the step, moving backwards. "Until we meet again, Phee." Matt bowed at the waist and looked up with a playful smile. "You have a good night."

Phoenix

Phee found his playful antics cute and endearing. "Bye Matt," she replied, giving him a little wave before turning her back when he reached the bottom of the steps and heading into her home. Inside, she rested her back against the door and gave a happy sigh before kicking off her heels and tugging her dress off over her head. Now she just had to find out where her pesky brother was.

[mikeyd1986]

FALL OUT BOY - MANIA (ALBUM REVIEW)

"M A N I A" is the seventh studio album to be released by this Alternative Pop Punk outfit from Illinois, United States. It's very clear that on this release, the four piece were wanting to make a dramatic departure from their earlier material in terms of musical direction. There's everything here from EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Ska/Reggae, R&B, Hip-hop, Electro-pop, Trap music and Alternative/Indie. Whilst for the most part this album is very bold and ambitious in its intentions, there are also moments where it sounds like a chaotic mess and feels very inconsistent.

The band selected quite a number of different producers for this record including Jesse Shatkin, D. Sardy, Butch Walker, Illangelo, Andrew Wells and Fall Out Boy themselves. MANIA was intended for a September 2017 release but got delayed several months as "The album just really isn't ready, and it felt very rushed," (Quote from Patrick Stump, wikipedia page). Overall, this album is very much a mixed bag but certainly has some quality tracks on it.

Here is my track-by-track review of MANIA...

1. Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea...This track begins with some overpowering electronic drum beats but unfortunately the first of many awkward lyrics threatens to ruin it entirely (Are you smelling that shit? Repeated 8 times!). Not the best way to open the album. 6/10

2. The Last of The Real Ones...By contrast, this track is much stronger both lyrically and musically with some groovy rhythmic keyboards and a rollicking guitar riff throughout. Vocalist Patrick Stump delivers some of the best lyrics of the album here (I wonder if your therapist knows everything about me). The song itself is about finding a genuine person to fall in love with. 9/10

3. Hold Me Tight or Don't...Here is the first taste of how experimental FOB have pushed themselves on this record with a catchy tropical reggae-pop beat throughout the track. Sadly the same can't be said for the lyrics which veer into WTF? territory (I want to sleep on every piece of fuzz and stuffing that comes out of you). But if you can get past that, it's a great track. 8/10

4. Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)...This track is probably the closest you're going to get to a "traditional" Fall Out Boy track. It's also got one of the best one-liners on the whole album as well (I'll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour). Musically, it just trudges along until it hits a catchy sing-a-long chorus which saves it from complete tedium. 8/10

5. Church...This is yet another bold and daring track complete with organs, bells and a sampled gospel backing choir which all feel very appropriate. Lyrically, there are metaphors abound particularly during the chorus (If you were church, I'd get on my knees). Definitely not subtle! 8.5/10

6. Heaven's Gate...Similar to the above track however this is where things begin to fall apart structurally with a painfully long held note from Patrick opening the song and some far from subtle references to getting high on drugs (Would you give me a boost over Heaven's gate...You're one habit I just can't kick). Not their best. 7/10

7. Champion...Another really strong track both musically and lyrically. The opening seems to be inspired by the Rocky theme song and the chorus is very punchy and intense. It's a very inspiring and empowering song hence why I probably like it so much (If I can live through this, I can do anything). 9.5/10

8. Sunshine Riptide...Now we go from the best song on the album to the worst. I have no idea what FOB were thinking. Adding autotune to Patrick's vocals during the verses was a terrible idea as was throwing guest rapper Burna Boy (God knows what the fuck he's rapping about). The only thing that slightly redeems the track is the punchy chorus probably as they remove the autotune from Patrick's vocals. 5/10

9. Young and Menace...When I first heard this track, I legitimately had mixed feelings about it as I really wanted to like it. However, the chorus nearly kills the entire vibe of the song with it's screechy, high-pitched vocals and chopped up beats. What's worse is that you have to endure it for near 30 seconds. The verses work much better with a neat reference to Britney Spears (Oops, I did it again, I forgot what I was losing my mind about). 7.5/10

10. Bishops Knife Trick...Thankfully the album finishes on a high note after some really average moments. It starts off really laid-back before it opens up to a soaring, powerful chorus. It also shows off Patrick's range as a vocalist (These are the last blues we're ever gonna have. Let's see how far we get). I just wish the whole album was as consistent as this track is. 8.5/10

OVERALL SCORE: 75/100

Standout Tracks: The Last of the Real Ones, Church, Champion, Bishops Knife Trick.

[njawaidofficial]

Andrew Garfield Isn't Gay for Anything But Acting

http://styleveryday.com/2017/07/06/andrew-garfield-isnt-gay-for-anything-but-acting/

Andrew Garfield Isn't Gay for Anything But Acting

Since Monday the media and the Twitter judgmenati have been ripping Andrew Garfield a new b-hole right between his assless chaps for claiming to be a gay man “without the physical act.” He says he achieved homosexual enlightenment by watching every episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, listening to a ton of Cher, and saying “yaaass” as an affirmative… Alright he didn’t say he did those last two things, but that’s kind of a given when watching that show.

What’s going on here with this whole “Andrew Garfield is a dick” thing is another example of a quote being taken out of context by click-hungry gossipers (not me, obviously… wanna see some bikinis?) in order to make the former Spiderman and generally solid dramatic actor look like a big, bulging hunk of insensitive shit. So let’s put this whole “without the physical act” misquote into context.

Garfield has been preparing for a run of Angels in America and playing a character struggling with AIDS. In a panel discussion he was asked how he prepared for the role and he was actually pretty steadfast in making sure he didn’t ruin the play by acting like the token gay dude from an Adam Sandler movie. Instead he did what actors do – research their role. Immersing himself in other works to find ideas and understanding. I’m no actor but I assume for most serious roles this is pretty S.O.P. (unless you’re Nicolas Cage – then just do a bunch of K).

Here’s the full quote behind the blurb that’s slagging a decent actor through the tabloids (from GT):

As far as I know, I am not a gay man… Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?

…

I had to trust that it was the right thing and Tony [Kushner, writer of Angels in America] had asked me and maybe if he’d asked me, it was the right thing. It was as about doing honor, doing justice and knowing my history… The preparation had begun before (rehearsals began) with a lot of my friends. (The play is) As much devoted to my friends in the gay community as it is those that passed during the epidemic.

…

My only time off during rehearsals – every Sunday I would have eight friends over and we would just watch Ru. This is my life outside of this play. I am a gay man right now just without the physical act – that’s all.

There you have it, folks… Andrew Garfield hurt the feelings of a bunch of gay Twitter users by trying to better understand what it means to be gay. He’s not A-sexual. He’s not shaming his gay deeper inside of him. He’s just doing his job and playing pretend… and probably drowning in vagina – did you see Hacksaw Ridge? Dude’s a pacifist with a overly-sensitive southern accent who gets plopped into Okinawa, it’s a squirtfest.

  Source

#Acting #Andrew #Garfield #Gay #Isnt

[capricandoitall]

When Andrew goes to law school and receives his juris doctor, he would absolutely call himself a doctor whenever in Aaron's hearing.

Andrew Minyard, Literature Major ("Hell hath no fury" , "Jean Valjean") getting a PhD just to piss off Aaron so they're both Dr. Minyard is just--