#and as sandy in the last scene of grease

[fangirlingfromdownunder]

A Sweet Mishap - Chapter 23

Pairing - Jensen Ackles x Reader 

A/N: I just want to start by thanking everyone for all the love on this story so far. Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list. This chapter is a little heavier (as is the story going forward, but I'll include potential triggers for each chapter as relevant), so please read the TW below and only read on if you feel comfortable doing so.

Potential Trigger Warnings: none

A Sweet Mishap Masterlist | Main Masterlist

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The next few weeks pass by in a whirlwind. Jensen successfully persuades a New York-based production company to hire Mamma Jo’s to cater for their set. Each order is massive, requiring everyone to work a little later to cover the enhanced workload but it provides a steady income that almost entirely covers the rent, even with the added fuel costs for deliveries and the increased salaries. He asks me to officially take on the management position, this time with a pay rise. The added workload makes it harder to keep up with my studies, but the pay rise allows me to comfortably cover my bills for the apartment and help Anna so it’s worth it.

My contact with Jensen falls back to sporadic texts when I’m on break or on the subway but he constantly reassures me that he understands and is busy himself, while also slipping in warnings to look after myself and not burn myself out.

Before I know it, it’s opening night for Grease. I get to the theatre early for final rehearsals, hair, makeup and wardrobe fittings. My first costume consists of a simple white shirt, flowing green skirt and pumps, completed with a cream cardigan. Being in the ensemble, Alyson and I do each other’s makeup, a simple base with a touch of sparkle. I complete the look by styling my hair into a retro pinup bun. My job is just to fit in with the other ladies in the scene, but there’s no harm in trying to look my best. 

The wardrobe and hair and makeup department give us a once over, spraying obnoxious amounts of setting spray and hairspray over us as they give us the seal of approval to wait in the wings. We find a tiny crack in the curtains and peak through with excitement and trepidation as we watch the seats fill. While it’s not the largest theatre in New York, it’s by far the biggest I’ve ever performed in. Up until tonight my biggest performance was in a tiny production of Macbeth that I did as part of an assessment for a Performance and Skills class last year in the college’s teaching theatre with just a few other students and professors for an audience. The jump from an approximate 30-top audience to upwards of 1,000 has me sweating. I look over my shoulder and notice that Alyson is fairing no better. I reach for her hand and squeeze, and all of a sudden I’m glad I’m not the lead. As the lights dim and the overture starts playing, I feel a surge of adrenaline course through my veins.

The crowd falls silent as the leads, Mary and Jake, take to the stage fully in character laughing and giggling as ocean sounds fill the theatre. Despite my raging nerves, I just enjoy their performance from the wing. As the lighting changes and the crew seamlessly transform the beach into Rydell High I squeeze Alyson’s hand tighter. Once I hear the school lunch bell trill, us and the rest of the enemble enter the stage and perch on the lunch table and pretend to laugh and talk as the pink ladies and Sandy fill the table front and centre. 

The first act passes in a blur of music, dance, and dialogue. Every step, every word, every note is executed with precision, my heart pounding in time with the rhythm of the performance. As the final notes of the first act fade away and everyone clears the stage back to the dressing room for the intermission, I can't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me. Eventhough I know no one was focusing on me or likely even noticed me in the background, it’s such an accomplishment to just be up on that stage. I know from previous experience in the audience  and my classes that every role is essential, even the background actors and ensemble. The show wouldn’t be the same without them. So, I plan to give it my best every time I walk on that stage to help the leads shine and just enjoy every second. Now that I’ve got a real taste, I know there’s no going back.

After the show, as I’m walking out of the big theatre doors along with a couple of other cast and crew members someone tackles me into a hug. It doesn’t take me more than a second to hug back with a giant smile. 

“Stella! You made it!”

“There’s no way I’d miss my best friend’s first show on broadway!” 

I notice Nick and Anna standing off to the side with a massive bouquet of roses and we move out of the walkway. “Thank you all for coming! It means so much to know you were in the crowd.”

“We’ll always be there to cheer you on,” Stella replies happily and then nods at the bouquet. Nick holds out and I take it graciously, breathing in the intoxicatingly beautiful aroma. 

“You didn’t have to do this. Just being here is enough.”

“Uh, we didn’t actually. We’re just the messengers.” She pulls out a card from the side furthest from me and holds it out.

I don’t open it straight away. I know there’s only two options of who would send something so extravagant for my debut, but I already spoke to option one before the show and they apologised for not being able to make it to the debut, but promised that they would fly out during the week. So, knowing exactly who’s name is on that card, I slip it into my bag without opening it. 

Stella doesn’t question me. She knows I am working through everything at my own pace. “I could really go for a burger right about now,” she says to change the subject.

“I definitely worked up an appetite,” I agree.

So, the four of us walk to a nearby burger joint, order and then get a booth in the back. Once we sit down I place the flowers on my lap as Stella and Nick take the seat opposite Anna and me 

“Did he say anything?” I ask Stella.

“He just asked me to pick up the bouquet and get it to you. It was all already paid for and the card was already in it. I said that he had to fight his own battles. He promised he would.” She then quietly adds, “I may have also mentioned something about castrating him if he ever hurts you again…”

“Stella!”

“What? You’ve been hurt too many times before. But I’m here now. And I’m not scared of a fake monster hunter. Plus, us girls need to stick together.” She winks at Anna and she laughs – it’s a beautiful sound that we’re only just getting to hear.

Nick pats Stella’s knee and says, “She’s a force. But you’ve helped us so much. It’s now our turn to return the favor.” He looks at Stella with a knowing smile.

She looks at him and then back at me. “I think you should read the card.”

“You read it?”

“No, but I just think you should read it.”

As I pull it out of my bag the waitress comes over with our drinks and burgers. I take a sip of my soda before opening the card.

Hey Darlin’, You were amazing up there! You truly are a star! I hope this is the first of many times I get to see you shine. - J

I look up at Stella confused and she just says, “Take the back exit.” I look down at my untouched meal. “We’ve got it. Go!”

Still in shock, I grab the bouquet and my bag and sneak out the back door. I look around and see a black Range Rover parked to one side of the alley. The windows are dark so I can’t see in. I cautiously walk up to it and then the back passenger door pops open. “Jensen?” I call out softly, still unsure.

He slides to the edge of the seat and swings his legs out the door. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

“Me? What are you doing here?”

“I know things between us are still complicated. But I couldn’t miss your debut.” He offers his hand but doesn’t step closer. He waits for me to make the decision.

I hesitantly step forward and take his hand. “This doesn’t-”

“I know. But, I’ve gotta be back in Vancouver by morning. My flight leaves in a couple of hours, so, can we just…”

I nod and let him lead me into the car, out of the cold night air. “Hey Clif,” I say once I get in. 

“I think I’m gonna take a lap. I’ll be back in a bit, Boss. Nice to see you again, Y/N.” He steps out of the car and disappears down the alley. 

“I can’t believe you came. And these,” I hold up the oversized bouquet, “It’s too much.”

“I know you’re not the lead, but it’s a big deal. I was gonna get the flowers regardless, but seeing how happy you were up there. Even in the background, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You have a long career ahead of you and I just hope you’ll let me cheer you on from the sidelines, and maybe one day, front row when you’re the lead.”

“I’ve watched enough performances to know how important the ensemble is. I get to make the lead look good. And if I can do that, then maybe one day someone will be just as passionate about doing the same for me. Up on that stage…It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced and I never wanted the show to end.”

“You keep performing like you did tonight and it may never have to. This is just the beginning for you. I know it.” I notice his eyes flick down to my lips but I tun to look through the front windscreen.

“When did you fly in?”

“Last night. But I didn’t want to throw you off before your big night. And I swear I don’t have a big ego, I was just concerned that if you knew I was here you might get stressed and overthink things. And I just wanted you to go out there and give it your all. Exactly like you did.”

“Thank you.” I let myself relax a little and lean back against the cool leather seat as I look back over at him.

He lets out a breathy chuckle and nods. “Yeah…I may kinda suck at playing it cool. But then again I did coerce your best friend into letting me play at her wedding and then used her again to orchestrate tonight, so…”

“You really should leave poor Stella out of this. You’re taking advantage of her love for Dean.” I shake my head with a smile. “No one’s ever gone to so much trouble for me. My parents didn’t even make it tonight…”

“I’m sure they wanted to-”

“Yeah, they called and they’re coming later in the week. Their reasons were sound. It’s just…”

“You’re not used to being put first? I may’ve said a lot of dumb shit in the past, but of everything I’ve said, I did mean one thing with all my heart…I’m gonna prove that you’re my number one. I don’t expect you to believe it right away. But one day you will. I don’t care how long it takes or how much work I need to put in.”

“Jensen…” I smile at him and then teasingly ask, “How much have you had to drink?”

“Just a glass of wine during the show. I’m sober enough.”

I lean over and kiss his cheek. “Thank you for tonight. For coming, for being honest, for everything.”

“Much like your broadway career, this is just the beginning.” He puts his hand on my cheek softly to guide me to meet his eyes. “I know I’ve got a lot of walls to break through and a lot to prove and make up for. And I hope you hold me accountable for all of it. Give me a high bar. I want to be who you deserve, not someone else that you settle for.”

I nod. “Okay…But, what if I don’t know how?”

“I have a feeling you’re learning. You’re starting to realise your worth. But, really, just follow your heart and your gut. You know your fears and what you don’t like.” His eyes flick back to my lips and this time I don’t turn away. Instead I give him a small nod. He leans in and kisses me softly, his lips are soft and warm against mine. I close my eyes, savoring the moment, feeling a rush of emotions swirling inside me. When he pulls back, I can see the sincerity in his gaze, the vulnerability that he's allowing me to see. “I'll be patient, Y/N. I'll wait for you. Just promise me one thing.”

“Yeah?”

“That you won't give up on us before we even have a chance to begin. I know I let you down but-”

I smile, feeling the weight of his words but also the hope that they carry, and I cut him off by pecking his lips softly. “I promise,” I say softly, “But you have to promise to talk to me too. We can’t have a repeat of that night. Especially when it all could have been so easily avoided.”

He nods, “I promise.” He pecks my lips again and then pulls me close to snuggle up in his arms. “We don’t have long and you’ve been so busy. I want to know everything.”

“Jens-”

“No arguments. We don’t have time, just talk. I just want to be close to you and listen to you. Tell me anything.”

As I tell him about the changes at the cafe, my long hours, my upcoming exams and the relentless rehearsal schedule which will now turn into daily shows, he hugs me close. He peppers soft kisses over my head and slowly drifts down to my neck as he offers intermittent hums of agreement or approval. I try not focus on his smile or hot breath against my skin and just keep talking instead.

When I stop talking he pulls away. “Was that okay? Not too much?” I shake my head. “You let me touch you when you’re talking. You’re comfortable, relaxed. Even on those first nights…I love you like that.” He pulls away abruptly when he realises what he said.

I pull him back for a quick peck. “I know what you mean. It’s okay.”

He nods. As he leans in to kiss me again, we’re startled by the front door opening. I pull back abruptly and stare at Clif. “Sorry to interrupt. I gave you as long as I could. We have to get to the airport.”

Jensen looks down at his watch, “Shit, already?”

I gather up the bouquet and my bag that dropped on the floor preparing to get out but Jensen grabs my arm. “We’ll drop you off on the way.” I go to unzip my bag to get my phone but he stops me, “They know. They’ve probably already gone home.” He takes his hand off mine, “But she’s your friend, if you want to check that’s fine.”

“It’s late, Nick would’ve forced her to sleep by now.” I see his slightly worried look at my choice of words and add, “Not in a bad way. She’d stay up all night and then sleep in and be grumpy at work. He does it for her own good. No one could truly make Stella do anything she doesn’t want to do or that she doesn’t know is in her best interests. She’s a force.”

“Yeah…She definitely seems like it,” Jensen says as Clif starts the engine. We both put our seat belts on as he pulls out of the alley. 

“Don’t worry, she won’t actually castrate you…unless you hurt me again…”

“Well, good thing I don’t plan on ever doing that again. But uh, thinking of work…Please tell me you don’t have an early start…”

“I’m used to it. Plus, I’d gladly trade a few hours sleep for the time we had tonight. I truly didn’t expect it. But what about you? It’ll be morning by the time you get back, especially with the time difference.”

“I have a late shoot tomorrow. So, don’t worry about me.” He smirks, “Actually…Maybe you can worry about me a little when I’m out there freezing my ass off in the middle of the night.”

Before long, Clif pulls up in front of my building. I don’t bother correcting them and telling them that I’ve been staying at Stella’s house. I don’t want them to go further out of their way for me, plus it would be nice to spend a night in my own bed. I undo my seatbelt and look over at Jensen with a smile. I put my free hand on the handle, but before I pull it open I turn and kiss his cheek again. “Text me when you get back? You came all the way out here for me, I want to know when you get back safe.”

“I promise.”

“Good.” I nod and jump out quickly before I hesitate any longer and make him miss his flight, or make Clif feel awkward. I stand on the sidewalk and wait until the car disappears into the distant traffic before making my way into the building.

As I step out of the cold night air, I can still feel the lingering warmth of Jensen’s touch on my cheek and his lips on mine. It brings a smile to my face as I kick off my heels and place the bouquet of roses in a vase of water on the kitchen counter. The events of the evening replay in my mind like scenes from a movie, each moment etched into my memory.

My phone buzzes with a text message, and I eagerly pick it up to see a message from Jensen: 

Thank you for an amazing night Sleep well, beautiful

I can’t help but blush at his words, feeling a rush of emotions flooding back.

Settling onto the couch, I let out a contented sigh and close my eyes, allowing myself to relive the evening once more. Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, there is a glimmer of hope blooming in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something real and beautiful.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Taglist: @stoneyggirl2 @hobby27, @n-o-p-e-never, @deansimpalababy,

@winchesterwild78, @kr804573, @chriszgirl92, @smoothdogsgirl

@speakinvain, @deans-baby-momma, @1967winchesterimpala

@lmg14, @superrey

[baby-alien11]

Y/N Ulrich Universe First Anniversary

taglist: @volturi-girl-imagines @dessxoxsworld @camiesully @ethanlandryluver @nowitsmissing @aliciacat20 @gabbylovesreading @nikfigueiredo @itsaaliyah2

She got the title of the 'Ghostface Princess' when she started to do content of Scream on social media

The title of 'Serpent Princess' was because the cast f Riverdale started to call her that during filming and interviews

While rehearsing for Carrie: The Musical, she was Chris Hargenssen while Spencer, her boyfriend at the time, was playing Tommy Ross, and during one rehearsal, she pulled the rope with the bucket (empty) and accidentally hit him in the back, he was okay, only a bruise for a few days (they broke up in january because he moved to Iowa)

The one sided feud with Kira started because she thought Y/N last name was weird and funny, until she found out who was her father

Sometimes when she doesn't have space in her room or closet, she uses her siblings room as storage room

She knows how to play piano

Her favorite book series is PJO and The Selection

Her favorite fashion houses are Vivienne Westwood and D&G

She became a TS fan during 2011 after seeing the music video of Our Song, and the rest is history, she has been to three tours: 1989 with her family and friend group, the Rep Stadium Tour again with family and friend group, and recently to The Eras Tour with Jack

The first horror movie she saw wasn't Scream, it was Alien

Her first kiss was with Sarah, before entering high school they were talking on how both of them haven't had their fisrt kiss yet, so they decided to kiss so that way they didn't regret having it with some other person

She already knows that when her wedding day comes, the song for the dad-daughter dance is going to be 'Never Grow Up' by TS or 'Slipping Through My Fingers' fom ABBA, Skeet agreed to that because the songs makes him emotional

She was in the teather club since elementary school, participating in Beauty and the Beast as Plumette, Grease as Sandy, The Little Mermaid as Vanessa, Matilda as Matilda, Bring It On as Eva, Hairspray as Penny, Les Mis as Cosette, West Side Story as Graziela, Carrie The Musical as Chris Hargenssen, her last role was going to be Sophie in Mamma Mia until pandemic started

Once a year, Y/N and her siblings have a small golf competition

Her first fashion campaign was with Kate Spade at 14

One ime during the filming of Scream VI, Melissa and Xavier adopted her for a day having a family day

The first thing she bought with her first salary as a Riverdale extra was her Prada nylon purse and bobba tea

(This is going to hurt) Luke Perry was like a second father to her, when Skeet had to film a violent scene, he would always distract her, helping her with homework or things like that, also attending her school plays, so when he died, she didn't left her room for a week because she coulnd't stop crying,even if the memorial was held at the Ulrich household, and when TS released evermore, she did a cover of Marjorie in his honor that she posted on Tik Tok

Her favorite movie is Corpse Bride, and always cries during the Emily song and the final scene

Her campaigns with brands include Pretty Little Thing, H&M, Coach, Hot Topic, Kate Spade, Killstar, Rare Beauty, Nyx, Charlotte Tilbury, alo, BaiBai Jewerly, Oh Polly, Tous, Armani, Club L London, Petco (ft Tatum), Dolls Kill, Cloe, KitchenAid

Her fashion icons are Zendaya, Cher, Princess Diana, Rihanna, Audrey Hepburn, Lewis Hamilton, Bratz, Monster High, Nicole Kidman, Blake Lively, Marilyn Monroe, Salma Hayek, Grace Kelly, Anne Hathaway

The love for VFX make up started when Skeet was telling her BTS facts about Scream, and it considelating during season two of Riverdale while helping with Cole Sprouse make up at the end of season two when he is beaten up by the Ghoulies

Besides the Southside Serpents leather jacket, she has a Vixens uniform (and all the variations), a Bulldogs football shirt, a Jughead beanie, a Pops uniform, Pussycats ears, a S shirt, letterman jacket, a Pretty Poisons jacket, and a 'Farm' shirt

Due to having family in NASCAR and with interest on racing, she learnt to drive at fourteen, and also knows how a motorcycle works

She (as almost everyone), had an 'all black clothes' phase, until she missed combining it with colorful clothes

Her favorite youtube horror cannels are dead meat and CZsWorld, and non-horror are uncarley, WatchMojo and Ms Mojo, Wait in the Wings, Spill Sesh, haylo hayley, Tea Spill

After meeting Jack, the song that she started to hear in her head was 'Enchanted'

Her first Ghostface mask was gifted by Wes Craven, after Skeet called him to tell him she watched the movies, the next week she recieved the mask with a handwritten letter

A F1 driver tried to hit on her two days after her 18 birthday, she left him on read (we all know who was at this point)

As almost every nepo baby, she got a bit of hate when she started to be a public figure, but ignored them, until they started to talk about her relationship with Jack and she couldn't ignore them

She knows all the Riverdale musical numbers and coreographies from season one to season five episode three

Since becoming best friends Y/N, Sarah and Abby anways practiced coreographies during sleepovers, the last time they presented them, where at the halloween party doing Sexy by Mean Girls Musical, Vigilante Shit by TS (chairs included) and Honey, Honey from Mamma Mia (ABBA)

Her favorite F1 teams are RB, Mercedes and Ferrari and drivers are Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Michael and Mick Schumacher, Max Verstappen, Dorianne Pin, Abbi Pulling, Pierre Gasly, Niki Lauda, Alex Albon, Yuki Tsonuda, Carlos Sainz Jr, Charles Leclerc, and queen Susie Wolff, and has extreme admiration for Romain Grosjean for getting out of the car on fire

Her phone case is the Casetify snake one, she just changes it depending on the model of phone she uses

[moljh]

Showers and Chamomile

Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: Movie night with your boyfriend Eddie and you only get more proof at how dorky and perfect he is. Pure fluff Unedited - idea I quickly threw together

Eddie liked to think he was all tough and dark. Whilst most of the town agreed with this persona, you were privy to a very different one.

Your Eddie liked a hot water bottle on cold nights, preferred tea over coffee once the sun went down so he didn't get too 'wired' and although vehemently denied it, loved a good romcom. Hence why on a Saturday night when Eddie claimed that he could be 'getting high and listening to good music at a bar with the guys', he was in fact at home watching Grease with you.

"I just don't get it," Eddie said

"What don't you get now?" you replied, chuckling slightly at the end of your question

"Well Sandy is trying to do all these things for Danny and he doesn't even seem all that great" he pointed out, waving a hand at the television

"I dunno..." you trailed off "he's pretty cute"

"Um excuse me?!" Eddie exclaimed with a look of horror and humour as he clutched his hand to his heart "I thought you only had eyes for me?"

"Sorry baby but think John Travolta might beat you out of top spot" you said sticking your tongue out at him "Though I do admit, you have better hair"

A smug grin spread across Eddie's face "Thank you" he said proudly

The two of you lay there and watched the rest of the movie. Another thing you loved about your boyfriend was when he was truly engrossed in something, concentrating so hard on what was in front of him, he stuck his tongue out of the side of his mouth. Just ever so slightly, but it always made you giggle. That's how you knew not to distract him because his tongue would be poking out of his lips.

During the musical scenes you always laughed as Eddie would roll his eyes as they started singing and then would end up tapping his fingers to the beat. You honestly weren't sure if he noticed what he was doing and this was usually the case in most musical movies you watched. You liked them, you couldn't deny that, but you especially liked when Eddie would start tapping his fingers against your leg.

You never said anything in case he became aware of it and stopped. So you would just sit there and nestle yourself closer into his chest and lighten your grip on him.

"Ok I have to admit the ending was a bit strange" you confessed as you got up from the couch

"See, I told you" Eddie replied, rolling his eyes

"They should have just ended it with the song, I don't get the need for the flying car" you continued talking as Eddie began cleaning up

The two of you pottered around for a moment, cleaning up the mess you both had made during the course of the evening.

"At least I know you definitely have a type" Eddie said as he packed up the empty popcorn bowls from the coffee table

"What?" you asked, confused by his words

"A type, at least I don't have to be worried about that"

"What are you on about?" you laughed

"Danny Zuko and I are like the exact same"

You shot Eddie a smirk as he kept talking "C'mon, we both wear leather, like working on cars, don't get along with the popular crowd. We're practically twins"

"Really? Twins?"

"Oh yeah..." Eddie smiled, placing the bowls in the sink and walked up to you "and we also both landed someone who is super gorgeous and completely out of our league"

Slipping his arms around your waist, Eddie pulled you in close.

"Ok..." you said "you redeemed yourself with that last thing"

"Good, I'm glad you noticed that" Eddie smiled

"I have to say, I think between me and Sandy, I got the better deal" you said, leaning into Eddie and pulling him into a gentle kiss

The two of you stood there in each others embrace for what felt like ages until you had to come back up for air.

"Well I'm going to go have a shower" you said, giving him one last peck and slowly making your way to the bathroom

"I'm going to make some tea" Eddie informed you, "really craving some chamomile"

"Do you want to have a shower too?" You paused, slowly pulling your shirt off seductively  

"No, no," Eddie replied, too focussed on finding his favourite mug to realise what you were doing "I'll have one later"

Making an obnoxious coughing noise in an attempt to get his attention, you rolled your eyes at your boyfriends complete obliviousness.

"I meant, don't you want to have a shower with me?" you said and watched as his eyes widened and he dropped the box of tea bags from his hands

He finally looked at you and nodded "Yes, yes, I would like that very much" he said, frantically kicking off his shoes and desperately undoing his belt

Turning around you walked into the shower and heard a big thud behind you.

"I'm fine" Eddie shouted from the other room

You laughed as you turned on the water because you knew he had fallen over in his desperate attempt to get to you as quickly as possible "Dork" you muttered to yourself

"What was that?" Eddie asked

"Nothing" you quickly replied and jumped in the shower. 

As the warm water ran over you, you couldn’t help but wonder how you got so lucky.

[not-a-princess-but-a-queen]

Guys my Rise of the Pink Ladies Dvd came in!! I’m already rewatching!

Thoughts on the first episode rewatch

1) I forgot how much the opening scene of Buddy and Jane echos Danny and Sandy

2) The choreography for this show is still amazing to me

3) Jane and Richie’s first interaction also Jane and Olivia’s!!

4) Susan blatantly using her privilege and tears to try to get the Socs’ to hassle the T Birds when Richie rejects her is so uncomfortable it’s insane I don’t think I’ve seen another show tackle something like that let alone a musical.

5) I would be way harsher on her and Buddy if we didn’t see so much of their home life later

6) Richie saying that if Cynthia’s prank goes off he’d give his jacket and then leaving it with her when he’s expelled!!

7) Also in the scene where Jane decides to run for president some of the Thespians are the first to cheer for her after Cyn and the TBirds I find that interesting!

Favorite costumes

Nancy’s green dress in Grease is the Word!!!

Olivia’s first day outfit and the purple one in the last few scenes!!

I also love the specific shade of Red and Blue they use… Red in the Rydell letterman’s which I desperately need and the blues in Buddy’s sweater and in skirts and sweaters in a lot of the background actors really pop!

[alwaysteveswife]

Tina's Halloween Party | Steve Harrington x Fem! Reader.

a/n: I found this and what can I say, I love angst and unrequited love, plus I love Sandy Olsson. I wrote it in the middle of last year for an inktober lol.

This happens early in season 2, during the scene at Tina's house (and yes, I almost cried watching Joe cry in the bathroom, it broke my heart and I'm still not over it 🥲). Y/N has been in love with Steve for years, and due to his lack of good friends, she finds herself having to comfort him when Nancy yells cruel things at him while drunk.

Warnings: Angst, unrequited love, mentions of Sandy Olsson, Mention of Steve's great love for KFC.

Number of characters: 6,223

Y/N stopped in front of Tina's house, it was easy to spot her, among the drunken teenagers and the big sign at the entrance that said "spirit house" made it very inconspicuous.

She was wearing a costume of Sandy Olsson, the leading lady from Grease. She had to admit she had done a great job with the costume, it looked pretty much like her.

She walked into the house, seeing young people drunk and probably high on drugs. In one corner she saw Billy Hargrove, the new guy in from California, he was upside down, drinking from a giant beer mug. How could girls possibly like that?

Y/N shook her head, trying to erase the disgusting image of Billy with his naked torso full of sweat, alcohol and saliva. Inside the house the atmosphere was even worse. People canoodling, dancing around with each other, parties are definitely not her thing.

She started looking for someone she knew, so at least it wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. Luckily for her, Harrington was here. She noticed how he was dancing in a strange way, while smiling at Nancy. Y/N grimaced as she realized that they had most likely come as a couple.

She sighed, deciding to sit on the living room couch and tackle the kitchen so she could get out as much food as she could, no doubt the best way to drown her sorrows.

"Y/N! You came," Steve rested his hand on her shoulder, startling her. He was wearing a black suit along with sunglasses. He looked stupidly beautiful.

"Sure! I mean, how could I miss such an... amazing party?" She knew her face said it all. Disadvantages of being too expressive.

"I know this isn't your thing, but I promise after a while you'll get used to it," she could hear him laughing, sipping a glass of punch, or whatever that stuff was.

Y/N smiled hugely, proud that she was able to make him laugh. A year ago just dreaming about a situation like this made her gag. She never got along with Steve very well, but that didn't mean she was blind, she found him quite attractive. His attitude was that of a random jerk, or at least that's what she thought before she met him.

She's not sure at what point it happened, sometimes she think it was when he killed the demogorgon to defend her, or all the times they talked during the breaks when the two of them were waiting for Jonathan and Nancy. The point is, sooner rather than later, Y/N ended up falling for Harrington's charms, and she hated that.

And not exactly because he was a jerk, but because of how deeply in love he was with Nancy Wheeler. Having to see them every day kissing in the hallway, going home together, going on dates, was something she couldn't stand, it hurt.

Jonathan still didn't know about it, she was afraid to tell him and he would do something crazy, but she wanted to tell him more than enough.

"I see you came with Nancy" she looked at Nancy out of the corner of her eye. She was drinking like there was no tomorrow.

"Shit, wait here, okay?" Steve ran to her side, trying to get her to stop drinking.

From where she was she couldn't hear well, but Y/N could tell they were fighting, or rather, Nancy was fighting. As they struggled the punch landed on Nancy's skirt, leaving a big red stain on it.

After that they both went upstairs to the bathroom, and Y/N stayed there, alone. She went back to her plan A, drown her sorrows in food. For a second, she thought she saw Jonathan in the crowd, but dismissed that idea right away, he was supposed to go get candy with the guys.

She got up from the couch when she saw Steve come downstairs. He was coming without Nancy, and more importantly, he was crying. Y/N hurried to him, following him to the exit.

"Steve!" She grabbed his arm, breathing hard from the little run she had done.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to talk right now," He looked down at the floor, forcing his voice so it didn't sound like he wanted to cry.

"Then let's not talk, how about we go get a box of KFC? You like them, don't you?" She released her grip, waiting for him to agree.

"Okay," he sighed, getting into his car. "Get in".

"Yes!" She sat down as fast as she could, buckling up as soon as she got in.

The ride was quiet, they didn't talk until Steve asked for their order and asked Y/N what she wanted. Luckily, they didn't have to wait long, they had a few things ready, so Steve was only there for 15 minutes and then back to the car.

"Y/N?" Steve had his eyes fixed on the fried chicken in the box.

"Yes?" She stopped eating, looking in his direction.

"Do you think... You think I'm a bullshit?" He looked at her with teary eyes, biting his lower lip to keep from sobbing.

"Of course not," she hugged him tightly, avoiding touching his clothes with her fingers so as not to stain them with grease. "Why do you say that?"

"Nancy" He pulled his hair back, sighing "She said it was bullshit, that our relationship was bullshit, she... she said she didn't love me".

And he broke down. He began to cry as he hugged her. The only thing she chose to do was to try to comfort him, patting his back with her wrists.

"That's a lie, Steve, you wasn't a... that," she avoided the bad word, she didn't like to say them. Y/N pulled back a little to look him in the eye, "You've come so far this past year, and you know it. You're like a different person, a much better one. You got away from Carol and Tommy H. You saved my life" she was internally grateful that it was night and the car didn't have the lights on, she was probably red with embarrassment now "You're a handsome boy, and tender, and.... I'm sure there are many girls who would like to go out with you because of the way you are, because of this new and better version of you" her verbal vomit had sent thousands of hints, but to her good or bad luck, Steve is pretty slow at hints.

"You think so?" He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye. And no, it wasn't that glint they talk about in love books, it was the glint you get when you cry.

Y/N just nodded, sitting back in her seat, eating the rest of the chicken left in her box. "Maybe" thinks Y/N "when get home I'll go to my mom's room and cry and ask her why she had to have such an awkward daughter in love".

Masterlist

[a30somethingslookatpopculture]

Top 10 Movies that *Feel* Like Summer

(I only included films that I have seen or personally feel capture that summer feeling).

Stand By Me

The boys spend their summer day going on an adventure. Along the way, they connect on a deeper level. Sure, they’re on the hunt for a body, but it’s the perfect encapsulation of childhood and those summer memories with your friends. The Oregon backdrop really creates the mood; with beautiful mountain scapes, lots of sunshine, woodland areas and swamps, etc. It’s also a beautifully written (and even more beautifully acted) film. When I think of summer as a young teen, I think of this film. 

2. Friday The 13th / Sleepaway Camp (You could also put Fear Street Part 2 here as well)

I’m putting these two together since they are virtually the same thing. Both films take place at a summer camp. And of course, involve good, wholesome Slasher fun! They have beautiful lakeside views, summer camp activities, the whole shebang! We’ve all (or most of us) been to summer camp. So I think there’s something to relate to in these films, and admire. So what if a few teenagers get their comeuppance in the process. 

3. American Pie 2

The central plot of this film is a huge blowout party by the beach. The gang orchestrates a big bash to close out summer. It’s Stiffler and the gang, so of course chaos ensues. This one’s a lot of laughs! 

4. The Sandlot

  I really see this one and Stand By Me as sort of the same kind of thing. Both even share a scene where the kids have to escape a guard dog. But at their core, both are the epitome of hanging with your friends and getting into all sorts of fun during summer break. This one is just set in the summer of 1962, and with a baseball backdrop. 

5. Jaws

This one literally happens around the 4th of July weekend. It’s at the beach and is filled with holiday festivities. It’s about as summer a movie as it can get! Oh, and it has sharks, so that’s cool! 

6. Grease

“Summer lovin had me a blast”. It’s right there in the song. Danny and Sandy meet on the beach and fall in love. Neither realize that they’ll end up at the same school. The movie comes full circle when it ends at the end of the school year and it’s summer again. To cap things off, there’s a big carnival with all the summer vibes! 

7. The Parent Trap

Another summer camp movie. Gosh, there’s so many. But this is a nice family-friendly one. Twins Hallie and Annie are both sent to the same summer camp, where they discover that they were separated at birth. Of course, there's the usual summer camp stuff in this one. But there’s also some great scenes later on where the whole family goes on a camping trip, and the twins totally torture their soon to be stepmom with pranks. It’s hilarious and worth the watch for that alone! 

8. National Lampoon’s Vacation

This one is a bit of nostalgia from the days of going on family vacations during the summer. The Griswold’s take a cross-country road trip to Walley World, a California amusement park. In true Griswold family fashion, they run into a lot of mishaps along the way. These are so entertaining! This film is complete with stopping at a campground for the night, skinny dipping, a visit to the Grand Canyon, and eventually making it to the amusement park. Which is quite the misadventure in and of itself. 

9. Dirty Dancing

It’s the summer of 1963, and Baby is vacationing at an upscale resort with her family. She falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle. Throughout the film we see the two of them grow closer together as he teaches her a routine for the upcoming end of summer shindig. This one isn't as summer filled as some of the others on this list, but it definitely takes place during that time and has  great lakeside views as well, 

10. I Know What You Did Last Summer 

Summer is literally in the name. This is another one that takes place on (and around) July 4th. On July 4, 1996, Julie James and her friends take a drive to the beach. They hit someone on the drive and dump the body to cover it up. Fast forward a year later, Julie is back from college for the summer when she and her friends begin receiving letters saying, "I know what you did last summer!" From there, someone in a rain slicker and a hook for a hand starts stalking and killing the characters off one by one. An integral part of this film is the 4th of July celebrations in the town. A Parade. A pageant. The seaside scapes! This (and Jaws) are July 4th MUST WATCHES for me every year! 

[joyfulpicklealmondhairdo]

Rise of pink ladies & Grease parallels

In honour of pride month, I just wanted to talk about parallels from last ep of ropl and the original, cause I think it's very interesting. (spoilers ahead)

I like, that cynthia had her moment with lydia at mirror maze, where they can convey their feelings towards each other openly & free, but I think it's fascinating, how in the original, when zuko and sandy are confessing to one another it's very loud, out in the open and kind of unites everyone together, like, true final sequence, whereas in pink ladies lydia & cynthia closed off from the world and alone (like, their love is something, that needs to be hidden, something private, cause of the time line), but also, them reflecting on different versions of themselves and different possibilities, that lie ahead of them, hence the 3 reflections in the mirror.

We don't see kiss unfolding infront of us, we're kinda looking from above and from the side, it's very interesting (also go nancy, for supporting, she is the best, mad genius, for sure)

And then we have the final sequence, were everyone singing. It's a smart choice and I really liked that & hope that s2 is on it's way.

Also, the ending scene was hilarious, I just look at cynthia's face and imagine her thinking "what in the holy hell is going on?"

[zenmasterlover]

I’m a sucker for bad boy x good girl tropes! So here’s a few (some spoilers!):

Jackie x Hyde (That 70s Show)- very obvious

Rory x Jess (Gilmore Girls)- I WISH THEY WERE END GAME!!! I always thought Jess (or Logan) was the best for Rory. Jess had my heart from the beginning, it obviously helped that he was a pretty boy, but Jess was always gentle with Rory and had an academia side that he didn’t show because it would ruin his bad boy image

John B x Sarah (Outer Banks)- CANNOT GER ENOUGH OF THESE TWO! Their chemistry is amazing. Typical poor, bad boy and rich, good girl trope! Just a chef’s kiss

Brenda x Dylan (90210)- Dylan is so misunderstood and has a very dark past but when Brenda comes in, he changes for the better. I love how Brenda accepts him and helps him through his alcoholism and abandonment issues. When Brenda’s parents tried to split them up and they eventually parted ways, I cried like a baby

Blair x Chuck (Gossip Girl)- obviously Chuck isn’t your typical bad boy because of his nice upbringing but he does love blackmailing people and making people’s lives difficult lol! He loved seeing people’s lives fall to flames but Blair changed that. Blair also had some icky tendencies, even though she presents herself like an angel. But Blair melts Chuck’s tough exterior and bring out the good guy in him

Haley x Nathan (One Tree Hill)- OK HEAR ME OUT: Nathan isn’t a typical bad boy but he has his tendencies and isn’t very focused on academics! He has Haley tutor her. I really believe they brought out the best in each other and even got through a teen pregnancy together

Emma x Spinner (Degrassi Next Gen)- love how they didn’t get together in high school but ended up together after that fated night :)

Claire x John (The Breakfast Club)- touched on this last night. Their relationship disgusts me a bit though in the movie because John treats her terribly (don’t get me started on the scene where John is under Claire’s table and puts his head between her legs). I like to be optimistic and believe that after the movie, John was better to her now that they were something. I love the end of the movie where Claire gives him her earring and he puts it in his own ear! Fun fact: the famous walkout scene where John is on the football field was filmed at my high school (along with some other scenes!)

Rapunzel x Flynn (Tangled)- another typical bad boy, good girl trope! I love when he takes her to see the lights!!

Sandy x Danny (Grease)- Jackie would eat this up for sure

Jane x Richie (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies)- I love how Jane was like the leader of the Pink Ladies until a rumor and after she met Richie (leader of the T-Birds), she stood up for herself because he gave her courage

Belle x The Beast (Beauty and the Beast)- I just love them so much. It’s such a typical trope… the Beast has a soft spot for her after years of being a “hideous beast” and they start to love each other. This was my favorite princess movie as a kid

[devious-little-milkmaiden]

All the Movies I Watched in 2023

This is a very long post so buckle up! (And I'm sorry. I love movies.)

Ticket to Paradise (2022)

5/5. I expected this movie to be a bad cash-grab, but was surprised to find that it had plenty of redeeming qualities. Maybe that's attributable to the charm of Julia Roberts and George Clooney. A lighthearted watch that's enjoyable if you allow yourself to relax and not treat every movie like it has to be a cinematic masterpiece.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

4.5/5. I am so, so ready for a Knives Out, Sherlock Holmes-esque series. This movie was so, so entertaining, and presented a mystery that was different from the first in Knives Out, yet equally enjoyable.

Signs (2002)

4.5/5. Mel Gibson, Rory Culkin, and Joaquin Phoenix are absolutely amazing in this movie. Definitely one of Shyamalan's stronger films, but the ending is weak and doesn't support the weight of the rest of the movie. The concept of combining a tragic backstory for characters in a horror/thriller movie certainly isn't new, and by all accounts this movie could suffice without it, but I think it is a good contribution to its depth and themes. I was watching this in class and when M. Night Shyamalan appeared someone said, with full sincerity, "Who's that random Indian?" 🫥

The Theory of Everything (2014)

4.5/5. I love Eddie Redmayne, and his performance was pretty good. This biopic suffers from the pitfall of refusing to portray their subject as a human (someone who makes good and bad choices), opting instead to paint them as a god-like figure (insisting that they are incredibly moralistic even if it's clear that they aren't), which I think takes away from the intelligence of the film. There's no harm in showing Stephen Hawking as a normal person, and I think more biopics should have a little less bias. Good soundtrack.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

2.5/5. It was fine. It was hard for me to stay invested or care about the characters. Pretty cliche, and didn't have much nuance considering the plot. I think you could live without ever seeing this movie.

Twilight (2008)

2/5. A great movie to play in the background while doing something else. That baseball scene is fantastic though. Romance is bad. I'm pretty sure Carlisle Cullen is Lestat. Alice Cullen's hair is my everything.

Senseless (1998)

2.5/5. This movie is bad, but somehow I can't help but love Marlon Wayans' surprisingly vulnerable performance. He has an effortless charm. David Spade and Matthew Lillard are two of my longtime favorites, and both of them give a solid delivery in their respective typecasts.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

4.5/5. More children's movies should take themselves seriously!!! More children's movies should treat their primary audience with respect and intelligence!!! Children are more intelligent than we give them credit for!!! Thank you to this movie for understanding that. The animation was incredible, such a beautiful watch. I've said this before and I will not be quieted: Puss is Zorro's fursona.

The Lost Boys (1987)

3.5/5. "AAA THEYRE COMING AAAA" I love Keifer Sutherland, and I wish there was more of him in this movie tbh. Kind of boring. I think this could be remedied with more Keifer Sutherland.

Grease (1978)

2/5. I honestly do not get the appeal of this movie. I like Sandy and love Frenchie, but the musical aspect is a little underwhelming and the story is (and I'm sorry) just godawful. I'm referring less to its problematic aspects and more how frustrating it is, misunderstandings and such.

LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

5/5. Peter Jackson Gets It. His love for the book series and the world of Middle Earth is just so evident in this movie's intricacies and imagination, yet it also strays away from the book in ways that I think are really good, such as some of the dialogue choices (Frodo's a little bit meaner in the books, which I don't think would make him very likable if we were actually hearing it be said.) I want to live in Bag End SO BAD.

LOTR: The Two Towers (2002)

5/5. Legolas, my beloved. A bridge between the first and last installments that doesn't feel plot-deprived. Balances perfectly between mounting the tension for the final installment and also maintaining its solitary plot points. I want to include my Letterboxd review because it's ~sO fUnNy~

LOTR: The Return of the King (2003)

5/5. Man. Wow. I cry. I cry. I cry. Literally cannot even give a review bc of the overwhelming mixture of emotions I feel when I think about this movie.

The gayest installment of the series, though that's a hard trophy to hold considreing the competition.

A League of Their Own (1992)

5/5. I do not think it is so bad to be a stereotypical underdog sports movie if you can approach the convention with a story as entertaining and genuinely as heartfelt as this. Very funny. Geena Davis!!!!! Geena Davis!!!!!!! Many of these women are lesbians in real life and although that was conveniently left out of the movie... you can still tell. I was scared that the conversation between Geena Davis and Tom Hanks meant a stupid romance subplot was going to happen, but thankfully this movie has too much dignity for that.

Suburban Gothic (2014)

2.5/5. I didn't really enjoy this movie because there wasn't a single strong aspect of it that I could rely on to forgive it. All of the characters were unlikable, the plot was strange and inconsistent (and I was upset because I was looking forward to it in this aspect). However, Jeffrey Combs is his usual amazing self and the humor is pretty good at times.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (rewatch) (2016)

3.5/5. I watched this when it came out and it was one of my favorite movies. It still holds a special place in my heart for the surprising breach of conventions it makes. Newt, as a leading man in a big-budget film, is shy, sensitive, and polite. I love him to death. (This is the movie that started my love for Eddie Redmayne) However, considering that it is a big-budget blockbuster, it's only allowed to go so far with its breach of conventions.

It's very beautiful to watch. The romance between Newt and Tina actually feels like a romance, which I find is surprisingly hard for movies to do. It's also the strongest installment in the series, and it goes downhill from there.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (rewatch) (2018)

3/5. I wanted to like this movie so bad when I first watched it, and I do, sort of. I love everything in this movie that replicates the last movie: Newt's characterization, Tina's characterization, the visual effects, the beasts!!!!!, the time period, the worldbuilding, the sophisticated air. I also love the addition of Newt's brother and Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam is just incredible!). And that's where my love for this movie ends. Everything else annoys me. Like, I understand that Queenie loves Jacob so much she'd do anything for him, but I find it hard to believe she'd be convinced by Grindelwald. She's smarter than that. And, I don't really care about the Dumbledore, Lestrange, and Credence Barebone/Nagini storyline. They just aren't that captivating. This is where the series starts to tip from an equal balance between the beasts and 1920s Wizarding World Politics into more WW Politics, which makes me sad.

Fantastic Beasts:The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

2/5. This movie makes me so fucking mad. Out of all the movies in the series, this one is the worst. It's not even about Newt Scamander anymore! If you wanted to make a Dumbledore/Grindelwald origin story, just make a separate movie series! I wanted to see beasts! I wanted to see Newt travel the world! Goddamn this movie for taking that away from me, and every other Scamander fan!!!! The last shot of this movie is of fucking Albus Dumbledore, for christ's sake!!! I just don't care!!! Fuck this!!! WHY.

I'm actually so sad.

(J. K. Rowling can't write for shit and she's a TERF. Neil Gaiman can write for shit and is a trans ally. Coincedence? I think not.)

I think Mads Mikkelsen is great as Grindelwald. He delivers a sophisticated and somewhat sinister performance to this movie that I think does more service to it than Johnny Depp's campiness, which isn't really right for this type of movie. If the stars had aligned differently, I would have liked Mikkelsen to play Grindelwald from the start. But not even that could have saved this shit movie.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

5/5. Beautiful and visually captivating. Very nuanced plot that I will not pretend to understand in its entirety, though I'm sure a rewatch would do it justice in that regard. This is not a movie you want spoiled, so look it up with caution. Jane Campion? More like Jane CHAMPION. Definitely recommend.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

4/5. Maybe a controversial take, but I actually really enjoyed this movie, as someone who hasn't read the book. Maybe I would enjoy it less so if I did read the book, (which I do eventually plan on doing) and I understand people's complaints about the movie. I don't think this movie (and the Hobbit series as a whole) should be considered with the same judgment as the LOTR series: despite being made by the same director, their appeal and intended demographic is vastly different. While LOTR's appeal was more based on its faithfulness to the books and authenticity, and intended demographic is more longtime LOTR/fantasy fans (nerds), the Hobbit trilogy's intended appeal is more of a meatheaded likability intended to appease more widespread audiences (everyone who's not a nerd). I don't think it lives up to LOTR, and I do think a singular movie should have been made more in the vein of LOTR (faithfulness to source material and avoidance of blockbuster stereotypes), but this movie is still fun. The performances are good and overall I can't hate this movie.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

4/5. This is probably my favorite in the Hobbit series. The romance between Kili and Tauriel is pretty solid. Bard is fantabulous. Smaug is an absolutely terrifying villain. Bilbo is a Chad. The story never feels stretched out or annoying. I dunno, I just like it. :)

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

4.5/5. Again, I don't expect anybody to agree with my opinions on the Hobbit trilogy. I just find them fun. This one is heartbreaking. But still fun!

Mikey and Nicky (1976)

3.5/5. Very interesting to watch this as a Columbo fan.

I expected this movie to be kind of boring, and while there are some slow bits, it's very entertaining throughout. The tension simmers on the back burner for almost the entire movie until the end, when it boils over and everything catches on fire. I think it's good that there are moments where the tension takes a backseat to let some of the other themes develop, particularly regarding the character development and relationship between Mikey and Nicky. I also love this movie's concept. Def recommend.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

4/5. I didn't expect too much from this movie, and found that it was good. Very entertaining. Johnny Depp is wonderful as Jack Sparrow (this is the type of movie where his campiness is appreciated). I love pirates. I'm so annoyed about the "You like pain? Try wearing a corset." Line sm. Like... they're called stays in that time period, for one thing. Secondly, they shouldn't hurt if you're wearing them properly. Like my god that line was so written-by-a-man it hurts. Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley were great. Fun.

Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

5/5. If people have told you to watch this movie, go watch this movie. If people haven't told you to go watch it, I'm telling you right now. Animation is gorgeous and it maintains and elevates all the appeal of the first movie. The diversity just exists in this movie, because this movie understands that diverse people just exist. PLEASE go watch it.

Bridesmaids (2011)

4.5/5. This is a movie for the girls who are morally grey and fear they may be a bad person and are just trying their best to trudge through a burned out existence. Emotional aspect is just as strong as the comedic aspect, and they transition in and out of each other really well. Just... skip the bridal dress scene.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

5/5. One of the most entertaining and lovable movies I've ever seen. A good watch for when you need to clear your head and just relax.

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

5/5. Intelligent and revolutionary-for-its-time movie that still has modern relevance. Sidney Poitier deserved an Oscar for this, and I'm really sad he didn't get one. (However he did get a British Academy Award for this movie.) Love the concept, though I do wish the racial aspect had been carried through to the end, as it kind of drops off in favor of the murder-mystery aspect, culminating in a resolution that's essentially just "I guess I'm not racist anymore because you're really good at solving crimes." I think Virgil deserved a better end to his story.

Rango (2011)

5/5. This is one of those rare children's movies that feels older, mostly because it takes itself seriously and delivers on that 100%. Animation is wonderful.

War of the Worlds (2005)

3/5. It's sort of fun, but so annoying and underwhelming that it's not even worth it. Tom Cruise's character is supposed to develop but we never really see that. Dakota Fanning screams so much. I was pretty scream-y when I was a little girl, but not even I screamed that much.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

4.5/5. Maybe I do believe in love.

I think this is like the Hobbit trilogy version of book adaptations: not totally faithful to source material but pretty enjoyable. Had me sobbing.

I always get a little annoyed when period pieces feel like they have to sacrifice historical accuracy in costuming and customs in favor of appealing to a modern audience because I think audiences are smarter and more open-minded than they give us credit for.

Stand by Me (1986)

4/5. Even though this isn't really horror, you can definitely tell it's a Stephen King movie: self-insert writer character, set in the pacific northwest or northern east coast, gratuitous 1950s-ness, psychopath bully, and bad parents.

This movie has so much heart behind it. It's such a genuine and heavy portrayal of boyhood and the emotional topsy-turviness of male adolescence. I can't say female adolescence because there's hardly any women in this movie at all. I think it's fine if it's a boyhood-centric movie (but when did boyhood mean that women don't exist?) but it is by no means a commentary on adolescence as a whole.

Clue (rewatch) (1985)

4.5/5. Witty humor and a well-crafted mystery. Very fun, even if it falls short in some of its intended appeal. You know what never falls short? Tim Curry.

Batman Begins (2005)

3.5/5. My least favorite installment in the Dark Knight trilogy. Just not as appealing as the other two in terms of tone and storytelling ability.

The Dark Knight (2008)

4.5/5. My FAVORITE installment in the trilogy. What can I say about this that hasn't already been said before? I'll tell you: YEAAHHH GARY OLDMAN!! I LOVE GARY OLDMAN!!!!

This movie is THE quintessential neo-noir movie.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

4/5. Again, what can I say that hasn't already been said before?

SPOILERS: I'm so glad Gary Oldman didn't die because I was almost certain he was going to. Also I love when Batman reveals his identity to Gordon by quoting what Gordon said to him when he was a kid, and of COURSE Gordon realizes because that's just the amazing person he is.

Apostle (2018)

4.5/5. I get that not everybody thinks this movie is good, but I can't help but love it. I think part of it is that it holds a lot of personal appeal (that being Michael Sheen, in case my 10,000 Good Omens posts didn't allude to that).

Here's a list of stuff I liked:

Michael Sheen

Dan Stevens (Now I know he'll never leave me.)

The solid romance subplot.

Michael Sheen

Religious symbolism.

Cults.

Solid historical accuracy in terms of clothing.

I liked this movie up until the very end, where it kinda feels underwhelming. I didn't like the supernatural aspect, which kind of undercut the themes of the movie.

1917 (2019)

5/5. I made a whole slide presentation on why this movie is amazing so I think I'll just link it here.

If you don't want to read all of that, just know that this movie is, a) incredible with historical costuming, b) an effective anti-war film, c) soundtrack is wonderful, d) it will rip your heart out and you will like it. You will like it.

Young Guns (rewatch) (1988)

3/5. A classic slightly-historically-accurate cowboy movie of the eighties. Keifer Sutherland :). Kinda gay. It's a bit boring and forgettable, and the romance aspect isn't that good. If I ever gave it another rewatch, I think I would just turn it off after Billy shoots that traitor, turn it back on for the peyote scene for a laugh, and then turn it off again.

Master and Commander (2003)

4.5/5. My rating may lead you to believe that I like this movie somewhat, but not very much. However, I love this movie so much I can hardly put it into words. There's just something about it. I didn't know I was starving until this movie fed me, to be dramatic. I love how precise it is with historical accuracy. I love the characters. I love the strings duet. I love James D'Arcy. I love Paul Bettany and his flightless birds (GOD I love him in this movie. Doctor characters in period pieces are always my favorites). I love bros. I want to live in this movie, it's so cozy. I want to be a sailor for the British Royal Navy in 1812 so damn bad.

I would recommend this movie. It happens to fit in a personal niche of mine, so I think it's the greatest thing ever, but I understand that not everybody has that same niche lol.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

5/5. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I prefer this miniseries to the 2005 movie. Maybe it's just because of its intense historical accuracy and closer allegiance to the book (if 2005 is the Hobbit trilogy of P&P adaptations, this is the LOTR trilogy), but this series really makes the book come to life. I think it's mostly because it has way more time to tell the story. Jennifer Elhe is so good as Elizabeth: her sly glances and clever deliveries have made me, a straight girl, fall hopelessly in love with her. Colin Firth falls in love. Just look:

I can't breathe. Look at him.

Damn this series is good. Definitely recommend 100000000%.

Surf's Up (2007)

4.5/5. So damn funny. A good story about penguins surfing to Green Day. A fun relaxer.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

4.5/5. A Christmas classic that I had never seen before. It has charm. It has a Good Omens reference 44 years before it was published ("angel" being confused to mean something gay)

Off Track (Ur Spår)

3.5/5. A Hallmark-y Swedish drama-comedy about an alcoholic single mother who is trying to turn her life around for her daughter, her ex-husband and his new wife, her brother (an amateur athlete training to compete in the Vasa race--a cross-country skiing competition), and his issues with his wife and their inability to conceive. It's not the greatest movie ever made, but what it does have is heaps of heart. Lisa is a character with so much determination, and it's incredibly satisfying when (spoiler) she crosses the finish line--the final person to do so--and she is given a celebratory wreath and the announcer calls her the true hero of the race. I cried. She's been at the bottom of the rank with every chance to turn back, but she endures, just as she does in life. Love her. Her brother on the other hand is sorta scummy and remains scummy throughout the entire movie. It's very easy to not root for him because his arc never really has a resolution. Klara deserves better.

Man of Steel

3.5/5. It's enjoyable. Henry Cavill is perfectly cast as Superman. Love how much of a sweet country boy he is. I kinda hate the way Lois Lane is written, but at the same time she has her moments.

Final Thoughts: I've watched a lot of really popular, big-budget blockbuster movies this year (e.g. LOTR series, Dark Knight series, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.). In the past I would have avoided movies like these because I always assume that I won't enjoy these types of movies. However, I think this year I was less over-assumptive and was able to sit back and enjoy movies without expecting every single movie to be the greatest thing I've ever seen.

I watched a lot of "dudebro" and male-centric movies in 2023, and though I enjoyed a good number of them, I'd like to watch more movies that are female-centric/feminist/have a good portrayal of women in 2024. I think I enjoyed male-centric movies like Master and Commander because of their nuanced characterization, mostly stemming from the fact that they were written by men and about men. (I don't think it's a bad thing to enjoy movies that celebrate masculinity, like Master and Commander, as long as it's not misogynistic in its celebration.) Some of the movies I watched that feature women are written by men, and therefore the women were underdeveloped and fall into the misogynistic storytelling pitfalls that portray women as stereotypes (whether conscious or not), which is why I'd like to see more movies written by women and about women, to see an honest and nuanced portrayal of women.

[airasilver]

I am loving and laughing at alot of these theories. There are like only two I had heard before so I’m liking learning new fan theories.

Reddit user u/froggysayshello asked, "Movie buffs of Reddit, what is your favorite fan theory for any well-loved and popular movie?" and people had A LOT to say.

Closeup of Nicole Kidman

AMC Theaters / Via youtube.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Here are the best replies:

1. "In Lord of the Rings, Frodo doesn't know Legolas's name. He never once says it. In the end scene where everyone runs in to see Frodo in the hospital, Frodo yells out everyone's name in excitement as they come in...except for Legolas, who he just stares at smiling. Then Gimli walks in, and Frodo's back to it yelling, 'Gimli!'"

Closeup of Frodo

©Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

—Grouchy_Cat8054

2. "Napoleon Dynamite is what poor people are like in the Wes Anderson universe."

Napoleon Dynamite sitting on a couch

Fox Searchlight / ©Fox Searchlight/Courtesy Everett Collection

—natelopez53

ADVERTISEMENT

Hot Topic

Obsessed with all things Disney? Join our fan community where you'll find hot topic discussions, quizzes, movie news, and more!

See our Disney Discussions

3. "In the 2002 live-action Scooby-Doo, the gang was able to smuggle Scooby onto the plane because they’re in an alternate time line where the TSA was never invented because 9/11 never happened."

Closeup of Scooby-Doo

Warner Bros / ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

—sometimes-i-say-stuf

4. "Sandy Olsson dies on the beach at the beginning of Grease, and Danny is her guide to the afterlife. As she is dying, she is imagining the senior year she never got to have at Rydell High and how her relationship with Danny would have played out. It ends on the last day when Danny takes her into the afterlife via the flying car."

Closeup of Sandy in "Grease"

Paramount / ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

—DrHowardCooperman

ADVERTISEMENT

5. "Shrek didn't actually have a name, so he made one up on the spot when Donkey asked him."

Screenshot from "Shrek"

Paramount / ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

—I_might_be_weasel

6. "Wall-E killed all the other Wall-Es in the city for spare parts."

Screenshot from "Wall-E"

Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

—giantvoice

"I thought that the other robots were too dirty, so they couldn't charge using the solar panels. Therefore, Wall-E used them for spare parts?"

—MettatonNeo1

"So they were 'asleep,' and he harvested their 'organs' like a psychopath instead of cleaning their solar panels. Diabolical!"

—SierraSeaWitch

ADVERTISEMENT

7. "Palpatine used Padme’s life force to keep Vader alive, and that’s why she dies — not from sadness."

Closeup of Palpatine

© 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. / courtesy Everett Collection

—chesterforbes

8. "The Machines are the good guys in The Matrix. If you watch The Animatrix, you see that the Machines tried to be democratic members of society, but the humans wouldn't let them so they created their own country. The humans then wage war against that nation. The Machines at any time could make the planet unlivable for humans, but they never do."

Screenshot from "The Matrix Resurrections"

© Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

"The humans actually have the bright idea to block out the sun because the Machines are primarily solar powered. The Machines convert to nuclear and win the war against humans. THEN they start plugging humans into the Matrix, an inferior source of energy to nuclear. I believe the Machines put the humans in there to keep them safe from the hellscape they created.

They never truly eradicate the humans that have escaped the Matrix, just keep them powerless enough to protect themselves. The Machines even ally with the humans against Agent Smith — an alliance the Machines readily accept because they always wanted to get along with humans. They call off the attack on Zion, thereby ending the cycle of destruction and rebuilding. They have no reason to honor Neo's terms after he dies, but they do because they wanted peace all along."

—NucularRobit

ADVERTISEMENT

9. "Bill didn’t die at the end of Kill Bill. Both he and Beatrix knew that the five point palm exploding heart technique was fake. Using it on him was Beatrix’s way of saying 'if you play along and play dead, I’ll just take my daughter and go.'"

Closeup of Bill in "Kill Bill"

Miramax / ©Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection

—Rhodie114

"Which is why she's crying in the bathroom saying 'thank you' afterwards. Also, during the credits when the names are being crossed off, Bill's name isn't crossed off."

—EMI326

ADVERTISEMENT

10. "Peter Dinklage plays the same character in both Death at a Funeral movies. He's a conman who tried the same scheme on two separate families."

Screenshot from "Death at a Funeral"

Screen Gems / ©Screen Gems/Courtesy Everett Collection

—AverageJoeDynamo

11. "Glinda is the actual villain of The Wizard of Oz. She knew the whole time that Dorothy could go back home. But after Dorothy defeated one of her rivals (the Wicked Witch of the East), she sent Dorothy off to defeat her other two rivals (the Wizard and the Wicked Witch of the West). By the time Dorothy leaves Oz, Glinda is the only powerful ruler left."

Screenshot from "The Wizard of Oz"

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

—mercfan3

ADVERTISEMENT

12. "Heavyweights is a prequel to Dodgeball. Tony Perkis = White Goodman."

Screenshot from "Dodgeball"

20thcentfox / ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

—drunkpilot2

13. "The Terminator wasn't the first pass through the timeline, and John Connor deliberately chose his own father to give himself a better chance."

Screenshot from "The Terminator"

Orion Pictures Corp / ©Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy Everett Collection

—Astramancer_

ADVERTISEMENT

14. "George McFly figured out Marty is his son in Back to the Future. Marty calls him dad a couple of times, the Van Halen tape he uses to 'torture' George is probably something that Marty listens to often (so adult George notices the similarities), and Marty is oddly specific about the rug accident at the dance. Plus, that look George gives Marty at the end of the first movie seemed like it said 'thanks for helping me, son; I love you, enjoy your new ride.'"

Screenshot from "Back to the Future"

©Universal Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

—JimGitara

"George HAS to eventually realize that his son looks exactly like that random dude who appeared out of nowhere when he was a teenager, then disappeared after basically helping him get his life together. So, he must know it's either time travel, or he's spent a lifetime constantly asking himself 'did my wife cheat on me with that random guy from high school?'"

—Honestnt

15. "Genie from Aladdin was secretly saving Aladdin's wishes for himself so he could try to gain his freedom."

Aladdin and Genie

© Buena Vista Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

"Wish 1: Aladdin says 'Genie, make me a prince.' It's later revealed he is not a real prince.

Wish 2: Genie wiggles Aladdin's lips and pretends he's telling Genie to save his life."

—AVX-768

ADVERTISEMENT

16. "All the main characters in Ghostbusters died at the end of the first movie when they crossed the streams. The sequel takes place in purgatory as each character works through their own personal issues."

Screenshot from "Ghostbusters"

Columbia Pictures / ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

—lukin187250

17. "The movie Batman & Robin was actually an in-universe movie made by people living in Gotham City."

Closeup of Batman

© Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett Collection

—Mr--Imp

ADVERTISEMENT

18. "The Mad Max movies all tell the same story. Max is a mythological figure in the post-apocalyptic wasteland, who in reality was maybe once a cop or something similar as society was breaking down. However, as younger generations lose more and more of a connection to society pre-collapse, subsequent generational retellings of the story have verged away more wildly from the truth."

Mel Gibson in "Mad Max"

Warner Bros / ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

"The bones of the story are that he is a man stricken by grief who adopts a small community in need and fights off a gang of vehicular maniacs but does not remain with them in the end."

—WhapXI

19. "Snowpiercer is a sequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Closeup of Willy Wonka

Paramount Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

—Fluid-Ideal-7438

ADVERTISEMENT

20. "Chris Pratt’s character in Jurassic World is the little kid from the original Jurassic Park who said raptors are just big birds."

Screenshot from "Jurassic World"

© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

—littlebigfat_

21. "Dominic Toretto was put into a coma at the end of The Fast and the Furious when he flipped his car, and everything that’s happened since has been his coma dream. At the end of the final movie, he'll wake with Mia, Letty, Vince, and Leo (sorry, Jesse really is dead) and a CGI Brian around his hospital bed as “See You Again” starts playing."

Closeup of Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto

© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

—Dancingedleslie

ADVERTISEMENT

22. "Se7en is set in pre-Batman Gotham."

Closeup of the Joker

Warner Bros / ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

—hkiani

"David Mills is driven mad by the entire ordeal and eventually becomes the Joker. As a former detective himself, David becomes obsessed with the Batman, and the rest is history."

—Honestnt

23. "Yoda speaks the way he does because he's so old that the rules of modern grammar are different from when he was younger. Correct way to speak in his day, this was."

Yoda and Kenobi

© 20th Century Fox Film Corp. / courtesy Everett Collection

—SexyNeanderthal

ADVERTISEMENT

24. "Remy in Ratatouille goes through a secular version of baptism. When he falls from the skylight and into the kitchen, he lands in a sink full of dishwater. The cleansing water purifies him — washes away his old country rat self — and prepares him for his new role working in a professional kitchen. He goes into the water a rat, but he emerges a chef."

Closeup of Remy

Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

—Jameseatscheese

H/T r/AskReddit

Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Movie buffs, I want to hear your favorite fan theories. Drop them in the comments below! 🎥🎞️🤔

[ghostchasersmagazine]

Another really cool piece of Speedy Buggy development history, these are some unused story ideas from one of the show's writers Sandy Krinski. (We also get a bonus interesting bit of information with these that Speed Buggy that character was at one point in development known as "Chug-A-Bug".)

Full transcript under the cut:

(...) perfect replicas of the Speed Bugg kids and Chug-A-Bug, leading to all sorts of wild and fun-filled confusion before the kids work out a way to defeat him and his scheme.

(2) A scientist who has perfected vapor that ages everything it touches, instantly turning the Speed Bugg kids into old people - and then into infants when it runs amok. Chug-A-Bug, too, is aged by this vapor, becomes a rusty old pile of junk -- and then reverting into a brand-new (perhaps baby) car.

(3) A chemical engineer who has developed a ray that removes all iron from everything (like a giant magnet), causing buildings, bridges, and cars (like Chug-A-Bug) to fall apart.

(4) Creatures from another planet, who are far advanced over earth people -- except for that they do not have automobiles. So they want to take Chug-A-Bug back with them; they will learn to reproduce him on their planet -- and the kids struggle valiantly to save him from being whisked off to outer space.

(5) A heavy who has developed a method of converting himself to a mist or vapor, or any form of water or ice; this enables him to hide in fogs and streams and oceans, and thus elude his pursuers after he commites as evil act -- and it's only because of Chug-A-Bug's ingenuity that he is eventually trapped.

(6) A tall, thin villain who has the amazing ability to inhale and then swell up like a balloon, which enables him to float away from the scene of his nefarious activities before anyone can catch him. Tinker works out a way to inflate Chug-A-Bug -- enabling him to float, too, thus becoming the heavy's pursuer ... and eventual downfall.

***

SPEED BUGGY -- Premise

Tinker is servicing Speed Buggy and accidentally puts together a lubricating spray that completely eliminates friction. Speed Buggy tries a few drops, and, following Newton's Law for frictionless objects, he zips around like crazy until he hits something.

This draws the attention of Count Bingo von Freespace, the Macedonian game nut, who decides he must have the friction eliminator to help him defeat all of his opponents.

He lures the kids and car to his castle. There, each room is a larger-than-life mock-of a different game. For example:

When Tinker won't "confess" the formula (which he doesn't know to begin with), the Count coats the soles of his shoes with the friction eliminator and shows him into his Pin-Ball-Room. Tinker rebounds from pillar to post and back to pillar -- racking up a fantastic score -- while the Count in his balcony control room deftly works on the giant "flippers".

When the Speed Buggs finally turn the tables for the climatic chase, the Count coats himself with the last of the spray and becomes a streak of greased lightning that no one can hold onto...

***

SPEED BUGGY -- Premise

The kids and Speed Buggy are taking part in a cross country sports rally. They find themselves behind what appears to be a gasoline truck. When it stops at a traffic light, some of its contents slosh out through an overflow valve. Speed Buggy, hot, dry, and almost out of fuel, laps up a few of the drops. Then the light changes and he begins to zip around like crazy. Even in his lowest gear he is almost out of control.

Now, what they have accidentally stumbled across is the evil Professor Quicksilver's super-soapy liquid that completely eliminates friction. In the hopes of finding something to cure Speed Buggy's condition, they turn him into a mechanical bloodhound who tracks the truck to Professor Quicksilver's mansion. There they discover that the liquid has one additionally property and with it, Quicksilver intends to take over the world. Behind his mansion, he has constructed a gigantic bubble blowing machine. Using the super-soapy liquid, he will blow three-mile-wild bubbles, capture rain clouds within them, and thus create a drought that will wither crops, dry up rivers and bring the nation to its knees.

The kids and car are captured and Quicksilver treats them to a private demonstration of things to come by encapsulating the kids within bubbles and by applying the frictionless liquid to Speed Buggy's tires and shoving him into the "ballroom". Without friction to slow him, Speed Buggy rebounds from walls, pillars and furniture as if in a giant pin-ball machine.

Eventually, he discovers a way out, frees the kids, and turns the tables on Quicksilver.

And Quicksilver, living up to his name, tried to get away by coating himself with the liquid -- thus becoming a human greased pig that no one can hold onto ..... a condition that finally does him in when he finds he can't hold onto anything either. He can't pick up a glass or a sandwich or turn a doorknob and, when he tries to rest on his curved chaise, he keeps slipping off into the pool.

[sinsandsweetness]

i got in on a theater and choir scholarship sadly, cause i giggled and smoked all through high school and didn’t pay attention like i should’ve, so yeah i’m majoring in it even though i really wanted to major in criminal justice and minor in psychology(i wanna do what Spencer Reid does in Criminal Minds).

it’s only my freshman year though. i’ve got three more years of this bs.

i’m playing Jan btw🤭 she’s not a bad character but we’re also performing for the elementary school i used to go to so we can’t do a bunch of the songs and scenes from Grease. i have yet to watch Grease yet

bby anon

Criminology would be so cool! But drama is fun too. I did a little theatre in elementary but never much after that. I’m a little shy so performing in front of an audience isn’t rlly my thing. But I rlly admire those who can:)

Also, I love grease! Such a classic. I actually dressed as sandy for Halloween last year<3

[jackredfieldwasmyjacob]

Last Halloween ask! What is your favorite candy? Are you dressing up/doing something this weekend? I'm absolutely certain you're all througly sick of me and my bs, so this ask is just me saying thank you for indulging me and wish you a nice weekend and idk just tell me about anything you wish to talk about 😊

My favorite candy has to be gummy bears and those gominolas that are caramelo-shaped but are still gominolas, i love those :) And this weekend has been and is being very hectic lol, my sister's birthday was on Saturday, and she had an art exposition that same day, so we all helped her out there, went to eat with the family and then as my birthday present to her we two went to a ginebras concert!!! Yesterday she had her birthday party with her school friends at my grandparents' place so I was there to bring food and help my mum and grandma with everything, and finally today she has a second birthday party with her uni friends, also at my grandparents place. Tomorrow my parents my sister and I will be going out to lunch to a place my sister chooses, and then the only thing left will be a big family reunion at my grandparents' place, probably next weekend. So yeah, big couple of days, I'm soo exhausted.

[godheadjones]

“Is this costume too revealing?” jabitha

Halloween has come to Riverdale. Houses down the streets lined with decorations, carved pumpkins and paper ghosts were everywhere. No one could escape the holiday.

Not even Jughead, who tried so desperately to every year but was always dragged into it by Tabitha.

This year, she had brought up couple costumes a few weeks before and Jughead, unable to say no to her, obliged. Now he’s stuck with an obscene amount of gel in his hair, dressed in a white shirt and leather jacket over top.

“Who am I supposed to be again?” he asks his wife, who’s applying some last minute makeup touches.

“Danny Zuko, and I’m Sandy Olsson,” Tabitha answers him from the bathroom. “Have you seriously never watched Grease?”

He tries to run a hand through his hair but a glob of gel stops him. “I was never into romantic movies.”

“That’s a shame. Romantic comedies are my favourite.” She steps out of the bathroom, her lips bright red, blonde wig curled and black shirt sealed tight to her skin. “Is this costume too revealing?”

Jughead stares for a second. She’d shown him pictures of what they were getting themselves into but he didn’t imagine that Sandy’s outfit from the final scene would look so good on Tabitha.

Clearing his throat, he responds, “It looks fine, Tabs. And don’t worry too much about revealing, Cheryl’s probably wearing something with much less coverage.”

She laughs loudly. “I wouldn’t even be surprised.”

Jughead moves closer to her and kisses her on her cheek so as not to ruin her lipstick, and he starts to kiss the sides of her lips, slowly reaching her full lip-

“Mommy, Daddy, stop kissing already!”

He hears his daughters footsteps running around the apartment first before he spots her. She’s jumping on the couch, blankets wrinkling under her feet. “We have trick-or-treating to do, all the houses will be out of candy before we even leave, come on!”

“We’ll be there in a minute, Terri,” Tabitha calls to her, then faces Jughead again. “She’s not my child, you know? With that melodrama and eagerness for food?”

The remark is teasing, but it doesn’t bother Jughead. “You’re right,” he replies, taking his wife’s hand and locking eyes with her. “She’s ours.”

[fallingfavourites]

Footnote -Nancy Wheeler x reader

Summary: your in love with your best friend but she has a boyfriend and you aren't even sure if she returns the feelings that you have for her

Word count: 1,8k

CW/TW: implied fem!reader, but she/her pronouns isn't used, no use of y/n, brief description of puking/vomiting, underage drinking?? Im not sure how old they were in s2, small hint of internalized homophobia I think, probably shitty writing, maybe some ooc Nancy or Steve I'm not sure

A/n: yes I do have a few request laying in my inbox but I suddenly got inspired to write this at around 1am and I finished it around 4am. Also it's crazy how little Nancy fics there are heh

Inspired by: Footnote by Conan Gray and S2 E2

Gif credit: @strangrthings

Nancy had been dating Steve ‘the hair' Harrington for awhile now. You and Steve weren’t exactly friends. It wasn’t necessarily because he was a total douche a year ago. No it was because he was dating your best friend. They weren’t right for each other you knew that. They were in a total different state of mind and you just wished Nancy would see what you see.

As you were parking your car you noticed there were already quite a lot of people. Only going to Tina's Halloween party hadn’t initially been on your planning. Party’s have never really been your scene. This time your best friend Nancy Wheeler had somehow convinced you to come. And if you were being honest you would do anything for Nancy if she just asked.

With your head being too busy being occupied by Nancy’s relationship it had totally slipped your mind that this was a costume party. You look down at your clothes trying to figure out if you looked like a character from a movie you had seen recently. Suddenly you remembered that last week Nancy had forced you to rewatch Grease with her. And you realise your outfit sort of resembled the outfit Sandy wears at the end of the movie. Lucky you.

Walking into the living room your eyes immediately scan across the room trying to find Nancy. A small smile creeped on your lips as you realised she was dressed as Lana from Risky Business. She hadn’t shut up about that movie since she had seen it. Oh and don’t even get started on her Tom Cruise poster.

You automatically had started walking towards her. Not even noticing Steve who was standing next to her. You were a few steps away as she walked right past you. Your head followed the brunette as she walked away. Suddenly you bump into something hard. As you look up you realise you walked right into Steve.

“Oh shit, sorry.” You apologized to him. It was hard to see Steve’s expression since he was wearing sunglasses but you were almost sure you saw his eyes roll. “Where did Nance go?” You questioned, your face furrowed in confusion.

“I might have convinced her to just be stupid teenagers for the night and now she is probably somewhere getting sheet faced.” He informed you with a tired sigh.“Are you an idiot Harrington?” You remarked, “You know what, don’t answer that. Should i go look for Nance before she gets to drunk?”

Steve noticed the sincere concern you had for Nancy. Steve noticed the way you would look at her instead of the movie the three of you were watching. Steve noticed your protectiveness over her. Steve noticed the smile and twinkle in your eye when someone mentioned her name. Steve noticed the way you would change all your plans if Nancy just asked you to do so. Steve noticed everything but he always just convinced himself that those things were all best friend things.

“No, no don’t worry I’ll look after her you go have fun!” He exclaimed after stumbling over his first few words. You rolled your eyes as Steve jogged away before you could respond. You weren’t here to have fun you were here for Nancy. After scanning the crowd for Nancy or Steve you couldn’t find either of them. Letting out a sigh you decided you might just take Steve up on having fun. A little booze never hurt anyone.

By now you were well on your sixth.. or no maybe it was your seventh cup. You couldn’t really be bothered either way. Suddenly you see a beautiful girl in a black and white top coming your way. She has gorgeous short brown hair. And as if the girl couldn’t get prettier she looks just like your Nancy.

“Hey! I’m so happy you came!” A voice that sounded as sweet as honey yelled out above the music. Suddenly it hits you. This girl doesn’t just look like your Nancy, this girl is your Nancy. “Nance!” you exclaimed as you wrapped your arms around her.

You couldn’t help but smell the flowery parfume she wore. The sweet smell made you want to keep breathing it in forever. Nancy catched on pretty quickly that you were way past tipsy at this point. She grabbed your hand and guided you as you stumbled to the bathroom. When you both entered she closed the door, the music from outside could only softly be heard and there hanged a comfortable silence in the air.

You leaned against the bathroom sink while she leaned against the door. The two of you both looked up at each other at the same time and both of you broke out in a smile. However that smile quickly turned upside down for you as you began to gag.

Quickly you rushed to the toilet and you felt Nancy already holding whatever hair would fall in your face. Quickly flushing the toilet when your done you couldn’t help but grimace as you leaned your head against the cold tiles of the bathroom. The disgusting taste of vomit still lingering in your mouth.

Nancy was quick to get you a glass of water which you accepted gratefully as she sat down next to you on the floor. “You feeling okay?” She asked as you took a sip of your water. “I like you” You blurted out.

You didn’t know where it came from, maybe it was the alcohol that was in your system. After the words you were struggling to come to terms with what just slipped past your lips, you didn’t dare to look up at Nancy. After a few moments of silence Nancy stood up. “Sober up.” She mumbled as she looked down at you.

Somehow you found the courage to look up at her, “Nance I’m not just saying it ‘cause I’m drunk.” You told her. “You know I’m dating Steve.” Nancy reminded, if it wasn’t for the alcohol in you you might’ve noticed that she was more reminding herself than that she was reminding you.

“What if I waited for you Nance?” You questioned maybe a bit to hopeful as you stood up and placed the water on the sink. “Would that maybe help?” You asked as you reached out for her hand. Just as your hand brushes hers, she quickly pulls it back. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” Nancy stuttered out as she walks out the bathroom door.

You just ruined it. You just ruined everything. A few tears escaped past your lashes. You turn around and lean with your hands against the sink. You catch your own eyes in the dirty mirror. Your mascara has run out, your eyes looked red, you looked like a mess. You wipe the few tears that hadn’t fallen of your face yet and in doing so you smudged your make-up even more.

Opening the bathroom door you hoped no-one would be able to see your face and as quickly as you could you made your way outside. You opened your car door and sat down while burying your head in your hands. You dont quite know how long you sat there like that but a sudden and rappid knocking snapped you right back into reality.

As you rolled down your car window you notice Steve Harrington standing in front of you. “Hey, I can’t find my car keys can you drop me off at my house?” He asks, tiredness very clear in his voice. At first you were about to say no, but then you thought about what Nancy would want you to do. She wouldn’t want you to leave Steve out here in the cold.

So you nodded and mumbled ‘sure'. He gave a small but grateful smile and walked around the car to get into the passenger seat. You started your car and you turned down the volume of your radio so it wouldn’t be to bothering. Because of pure coincidence you had to stop around a street light and exactly at that moment Steve glanced at you.

From the corner of your eye it was clear he noticed your messed up make-up. “Hey, you.. uhm.. you alright?” He asked clearly not wanting to overstep any boundaries. “It’s just Na-" You shook your head and let out a sigh, “It’s just nothing really.” You corrected yourself not taking your eyes of the road. After a silent drive that felt like hours you finally reached his house.

You parked your car half on the sidewalk so he could get out easily. As Steve is about to open his door he pauses. “I think me and Nancy broke up.” He blurts out. Your head shoots his way with a confused look on your face. “After she came back from the bathroom she got like pretty drunk, then we got into a fight and she called our relationship bullshit and basically said she didn’t love me.” He explained.

“oh wow” Is all I can seem to mumble out. “oh wow really? Thats all you have to say?” He complains. “Well yeah, what did you expect me to say after you dump all of that on me?!” I exclaim as I throw my arms in defeat. After that it’s quiet for a bit.

As you focus your eyes on the hands in your lap you debate on telling Steve about what happened between you and Nancy tonight. As you toy with your fingers you can feel Steve’s piercing eyes staring at you. He’s clearly figured out you want to say something. “Me.. Me and Nancy.. I told her I liked her..” You struggled with your words.

Not sure how Steve would react to them. After a minute of silence or so, you feel the tears threatening to fall again. This is stupid earlier this night you disliked Steve and just now you told him something you couldn’t even tell your parents. “Oh..” Is all he seemed to be able to mumble out. “Oh? Really thats all you have to say?” You complain as your voice quivers.

“Well yeah, what did you expect me to say after you dump all of that on me.” He joked with a smirk on his face. You can’t help but roll your eyes at him. “How did she react?” He questioned, his tone more serious now. “I don’t really know, she only really said that she was dating you, which is not true anymore I think, but besides that I don’t think she likes me back.” You respond with a saddened smile on your lips.

Steve bumps your shoulder with his shoulder and cracks a smile, “Hey, I’ve seen the way you care about her and how you would do anything for her, so that’s her loss.” You can’t help but let a smile slip on your face. Steve gives you a small nod and opens his car door and you send him a quick wave.

You started your car again and drove home while your thoughts wouldn’t leave you alone. Does Nancy hate you? Could you still be friends after such a confession? Did her and Steve break up because of what you told her? The questions wouldn’t stop plaguing your head.

[carriagelamp]

Spent a lot of time reading outside in the sun this month, which is, of course, the ultimate bliss of summer. Under the tree, by the lake, while camping, next to the creek...

Blacksad

Blacksad is a crime noir story following the titular private investigator in the 1950s, though with anthropomorphized animals rather than humans. Like an adult version of Zootopia. I picked up this omnibus of the first three volumes because I was in the middle of playing the PS4 game and quite enjoying the world it laid out, though I ended up having mixed feelings about the series as a whole. It explores some complicated issues of American society during the 1950s, like racism, fascism, and nuclear armament, and since the creators are both Spanish rather than American themselves I liked the sort of outside perspective. It laid things bare in a way that you don’t always get from other works. 

That being said, some of the issues definitely hit weird, the stories often felt like they were trying to tackle more than they had space to actually tell, and the way they portray women is just absolute shit. It’s one of those “the men definitely Are Animals and the women Have A Lil Nose And Maybe Some Non-Descript Animals Ears”. It made the sex scenes VERY uncomfortable, to have a Definite Animal and a Definite Human. 

Still, the art itself is almost able to redeem all other faults.

Demon Slayer 5,6

I continue along with this series, which follows Tanjiro as he travels with his demon-turned sister, trying to find a cure and develop his skills as a demon slayer, to get revenge on the monsters that killed their family. I still like the premise, there’s something very pure about it, like a platonic ideal of shonen, and Tanjiro is a delight. These last two books though I found a bit more lackluster. Also we have entered Character Have Just The Weirdest Design that a lot of shonen seem to hit sooner or later.

Dennis the Menace: To The Core

Stumbled across this while cleaning and had to stop everything to read it. One of those cute classics you just can’t go wrong with. It's simple but always cute.

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 2

This series owns my soul. I am currently reading the third and trying to make it last because I will be going insane while I wait for the fourth book which doesn’t come out til WINTER. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wanji are complete fucking morons and I love them with my entire heart. This book was a little rough for deep, long sections of backstory that followed other characters. While I did technically enjoy those sections and I liked the characters in them, they often ended up feeling VERY long. I would have liked for them to have been a bit more interspersed with the actual protagonists. Still, I’m loving the lore and the world and the politics… ending of book 2 had me absolutely losing my shit.

and listen, adult novels that still give you full page illustrations? I'm a simple person and I love this.

Grease

Okay, so I am a sucker for a well done novelization. This is not that. I have never seen an author fail to understand their assignment so badly. This person has framed the story so that SONNY, a random T-Bird, is the narrator. You know, everyone’s favourite character. This also means it EXCLUSIVELY shows the POV of the T-Birds, and absolutely nothing about the Pink Ladies or Sandy except for when they intercept the T-Birds, and layered through Sonny’s sexist narrative. It honestly sucks so incredibly much. I did not finish this and was tempted to toss it in the river.

Haikyu 42-45

I! HAVE! FINISHED! THE! SERIES! Man, I can’t think of many manga that made me read for fourty fucking volumes but Haikyu managed it. Absolutely phenomenal sports manga, the way this author was able to follow so many different characters and make you really care about their development and struggles… absolutely masterful. And not just the main character, not just the main team, this manga-ka did a really fantastic job of placing you into the POV of other teams and I think that went a long way for keeping the series feeling fresh and exciting. And every time a character you cared about got better it felt like such a success! Admittedly, the last few volumes, which showed the post-high school lives of the characters, were not my favourite ending ever. Having the characters fail to win the Spring Tournament, as cliche as that may have been, took a lot of the wind from my sails and I never really got it back. The final match in the last book was enjoyable, seeing how Hinata has grown into a truly superb player was epic, and I love the peek at the Olympics, but it didn’t have the magic that the rest of the series had for me.

Love Stage

Disappointing. I’ve read a lot of other books by this author and have always really enjoyed them. I usually don’t by yaoi sight-unseen these days because I don’t trust like that, but I decided to give it a go because this author has never steered me wrong. This one, unfortunately did. It had funny moments, but the squickiness completely overpowered everything else. Would not recommend, unless you really enjoyed a very specific, standard yaoi format that was common in like… the mid-naughts.

Neon Sign Amber

Now this one was good. I had to read it in French because it never got an English translation, but it was worth the weirdness of having a French-English dictionary next to me while I read smut. It was a charming single book story with really nice art. If anything, I wouldn’t have minded another book just because the ending felt a bit rushed — one character has a lot of baggage about people knowing he’s gay, and the other is only just coming to terms with his sexuality, so seeing how these two adults navigate an actual relationship would have been very interesting. Are they open about it? What sort of road bumps do they have to sort out together? I dunno, I had more questions, but what it gave me was still very nice.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun 1,2

…Okay, I’ll be honest, I read the name, made some VERY specific assumptions, and pointedly avoided this manga. My cousin decided to actually read the back though and that’s how I found out my assumptions were wrong and it’s actually pretty cute. It’s about a “Hanako-san” ghost… which is normally a girl ghost, though not in this case. He helps keeps the other mysteries of the school in check, and ends up getting a human girl wrapped up in the local supernatural activity. It feels like a slightly more childish xxxHolic which isn’t an itch I ever expected to have scratched by another series, so that’s exciting.

What Did You Eat Yesterday 1

Just a cute domestic romance that’s all framed around the meals one of the main characters cooks. It has middle aged characters, which is a nice change from a lot of romances/yaoi, with more adult dilemmas to work through. And each chapter dedicates several loving pages to walking you through exactly what’s being cooked, to the point where I’m pretty sure you could cook along with the main character if you wanted. It was lovely.