#and despite this colin appreciates her anyway

[dancingdorito]

HEAR ME OUT

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x02 Off To The Races (Part 1)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

Colin is back! Which means we have a lot to talk about :D

A Return Home

Before I get into the crux of this scene, I want to make a quick note about the opening Lady Whistledown narration -- which is mostly there to provide context and reiterate what happened in the first episode. But what I find most amusing is the commentary in relation to Penelope. Despite the fact she has some rather choice words to say about both Anthony and Kate, the amusing part is that she mostly doesn't seem to care all that much about it, and is just hanging out on the side of the wall with her bowl of popcorn ready to watch some drama that she has zero part in. Most likely unintentionally, it's also a nod to the fact that Penelope is even more removed from the main story than she was in Season 1.

Anyway, on to the scene at hand! We get Penelope coming to hang out with Eloise. And the first thing I want to note is that Violet is there -- and incredibly at ease with her. I believe, even though we have seen Penelope in the drawing room before, at dinner, and crossing paths with the entire Bridgerton family, this is the first time we've seen her exchange dialogue with Violet? But it's nice to see the comfort in which Violet has with Penelope. Not only does she seem like she's used to Penelope's presence, she even thinks Penelope would do some good in getting Eloise to think about things like marriage. It's a shame we don't get to see more of Penelope engaging with other Bridgertons, but at least there's some precedence to be had here.

When Penelope gets in, the first thing she does is note that Eloise is reading LW, and she's almost smugly amused by it -- especially when Eloise had claimed she was done with it. Violet then jumps in, encouraged that Eloise might be interested in finding a husband -- and I LOVE Eloise's line about how there's no other clever way to say 'no'. Claudia Jessie's delivery cracks me up every time.

So, they get into discussion about LW's slight change in writing - Eloise reiterating that she appreciates that LW stands up for women, and is somewhat less shallow than previous entries. Eloise is sure she can get LW to do more if she only had her ear, and Penelope, interestingly, states that maybe LW is content in how she writes.

Which kind of leads us to a big difference between the two. It's a continuation from the conversation they had in the previous episode. Eloise is is passionate about women's rights and independence, and her drive and desire to do more than settle down and get married. While Penelope, who does agree with Eloise that women she be allowed to do and be more, doesn't mind as much the whole getting married and (melo)drama of society.

Eloise is independent because she wants to be. Penelope is independent because she has to be. It's a subtle difference, but speaks volumes about the two women, and not only how they look at the world, but how the world has treated them, too.

I love the look on Violet's face when she jumps back into the conversation -- claiming that what Eloise really needs is happiness and that she could find that with another person - preferably a male person with whom she could marry. I love that she thinks that Penelope is going to be the one to help her convince Eloise to try.

Penelope says she could find happiness, not with LW but with someone like... Colin. Colin?! (Eloise's face when she says -- my brother -- mortified. I love it so much.)

Colin is back! Whoooo!

And of course, pointing out the obvious but not only is Penelope first to notice him walk into the room, but the first thing he does (even before that someone ridiculous push in with the camera) is notice her sitting there. It's not even a cursory glance, either, he full on stops and turns his body towards her (granted she is saying his name at that moment but still interesting to note).

(Eloise is smiling as she gets up to hug him - might be the one time she's actually happy to see him, lol. He is, after all, about to get in her way a lot more.)

So. Here's the fascinating thing about Penelope. In the previous episode - we've seen her at the top of her game, confident as LW and loving every second of it. And at the top of this episode, she's relaxed, assured, having fun coming between Violet and Eloise. And the second Colin walks into the room -- she is flustered and tongue tied and really unsure what to do with herself. This poor girl. Excited, thrilled that he's returned, especially after the correspondence they had while he was away. There's an intimacy they've shared already, that is just between the two of them, and of course, her deep feelings that have always been there. But now she's out of her element, and this is family time, and on top of the awkwardness, there's this sense that she's impeding the family space.

It makes me sad that we never really got to see what the dynamic was like when Penelope was over visiting the Bridgertons during season 1. Sure, we had the one family scene near the end of the season where she's there to spend time with Eloise. But it does make me wonder what Penelope and Colin's dynamic was like while she was at Bridgerton house -- because even here, their dynamic has shifted from what it was in Season 1. Ah well (I suppose that's what fanfic is for.)

But let's back up and talk about Colin's entrance for a moment. Because there's a lot to unpack in about a five second span.

Colin strolls in that room with a sense of confidence and positive energy. While we won't get a ton of details from the Greece/Mediterranean trip, but he's in good spirits, so we can only assume it went rather well. But Colin's first comment, noticeably, is that things haven't changed. This is somewhat directed at Penelope and Eloise still chatting away, but also that Violet is still sitting there doing her needlework, Benedict is just lounging around -- even though we are in a bright, new season, with the exception that Daphne is not there anymore, family dynamics really haven't shifted all that much -- and he has changed more than everyone else.

He's excited about his travels, and everyone is pretty much right where he left them. And there's some comfort in that -- returning home (and he has missed home) and finding that relief and comfort in everything being the same.

(It'll be an interesting contrast to when next season he returns, and everything is different.)

Also, let's talk about Colin's look for a moment. It's funny that people talk about the Season 3 changes, as if there weren't changes here, too. (I'd almost argue that Season 1 and Season 3's looks actually have more in common, and Season 2 Colin seems like an interesting detour.) The thing is Colin comes in looking much different than he had the previous year -- the hair is shorter, there's hair on his face, and doesn't look as boy-ish as he did in the first season.

(Btw - I did google Greek Fashion of the 1810s, just to see if his travels had any influence on his clothes, and my five second search didn't turn up any interesting results, so I can't talk to Colin's exact fashion here.)

The thing that interests me is the fact that (kind of like Penelope) this is that young adult stage -- that awkward (said affectionately) time between being young and looking it to looking like an actual adult. Part of it's make up, part of it's clothing, part of it is acting style (I mean, Nicola is a pro at being able to make herself appear nearly any age she wishes) - In Colin's case, in addition to all of that, we're watching Luke go from his mid-20s towards his 30s, and it kind of adds to the visual of Colin growing up.

Colin jokes that they should put aside the latest family squabble and embrace him. And it's nice to see that Colin has retained his lighthearted nature. In fact - after the amount of drama that happened to him in Season 1, it is nice to see such a beaming Colin return.

After Eloise, Violet hugs him next - and says she's surprised to see him back so soon. Which is interesting - what is the timeline here? How long was he gone? Why did they expect him gone longer? What is the norm for any of this? i have no idea. He does say that he misses them, and I have no doubt that he does. Family is a huge component in all of the Bridgertons' lives, and as much as I'm sure they all like to leave time and again, their familial bond is a strong one.

(And on a tangent, I kind of love that they keep picking up strays along the way.)

Anyway - Benedict is up next, happy to see his brother return - but it's Benedict gives him a curious look -- noting the physical changes, but we'll get to that comment in a second.

Time to talk about this infamous moment...

Penelope first... the moment he looks back to her, she gets excited - she's so giddy like -- here is her chance to possibly, maybe sneak in some physical contact. Which does make me wonder, they have danced together, held hands, he has brushed her arm. Has he hugged her before? She isn't his sister, but as we'll get into later in the episode, he doesn't think of her on the same lines as all the other women of the ton, either.

And then, oh, the awkwardness of her outstretching her hands just a little bit as if to receive a hug, only for the little Bridgertons to come racing around the corner. And she backs off immediately, not wanting to draw attention to herself, nor wanting to put her desires on display.

I also want to mention, cause I'll be digging into it more with Colin, that this is the first time they're seeing each other since writing to each other (for however long that was). And it's implied it wasn't a small or short correspondence either. I mentioned intimacy earlier, and yes that, but that means they now share something with each other that the rest of the world hasn't gotten to see. And that's special. And whether it be romantic or not, the fact that they've opened up and shared a part of themselves that they haven't with others is really important to their story. Penelope feels that connection - she always has, in a sense, or has always wanted that connection, but she now knows there is a reality to it.

Meanwhile. Colin. Dude. This is in an intense way to look at someone. He definitely did not look at any of his siblings or his mother this way. It's almost as if - when he sees Penelope, really looks at her, he sees her in a different light (and I'll define that more in a second).

There's no doubt, based on what we saw in the first season, there was care and affection from Colin to Penelope. But there was distance there as well. Not only was he too wrapped up in Marina, she was also Eloise's bff, another girl around, one whom he enjoyed and found amusing to be around sure, but he didn't really notice her.

So they've had this written correspondence and she's is now divorced from all the other connotations she has -- childhood friend, Eloise's bff, girl next door... She is Penelope - he sees her as a person in a way that he hasn't before. And -- we all know Penelope is better in written word than in person, so I'm sure those letters were delightful (and abundant), a way to keep him connected to home more than his own family, and as he's finding, she's someone he truly does like being in contact with. She's smart and witty and clever and manages to get him (as we'll see) when a lot of other people don't.

And all of that comes into play during this one moment. Where he looks at her and it's this kind of -- yes, good, Penelope, I need to spend more time with her.

Which brings me to a conversation that may be best to kick off here. I've often seen discourse about how and when Colin actually fell in love with Penelope. And -- I think trying to pinpoint an exact moment is something we can’t do with Colin. Because it wasn't one moment that made him fall in love with her.

And, I mean, before I get more into that I need to say this -- love isn't a definitive thing. It can be on a spectrum. It can take different shapes and forms. It can be romantic and it can be platonic and it can be familial. It can be casual, it can be intense, it can be easy, it can be difficult. There isn't one type of love. And I think me hammering this point in is just that this is one reason I really love the Polin story so much. Because it isn't about bam! in romantic/sexual love. It's about growing together and changing together and discovering love that's always been there.

Colin, in this moment, loves her. I don't think he necessarily recognizes it as that. And I don't necessarily think it's a romantic love, either. What he does know - and what this look signifies, is that he's coming back from his travels knowing that this person has changed his life, and he wants her in it more. She had bared herself in those letters, but so did he. And she saw him, too - which will be important as we go on. She is special to him. So even if it isn't romantic or sexual, it doesn't matter. They're connected in a way that they aren't to anyone else in their lives, and that's the important thing.

And... we're back to reality. Hyacinth and Gregory push back to jump on him as little siblings do. Benedict and Francesca tease him about his looks. It's also very much on brand for families (and I love it!).

Penelope, of course, gets that little sneaky line of stating that he looks distinguished -- not only defending him, but taking a rare moment to comment her admiration out in the open. Not that anyone notices her (and I think she's alright with that), but again, it's funny at how much she's backed off from the confidence she was showing in the first episode.

We don't get to see Colin make any kind of acknowledgement of what she said. The little Bridgertons are too busy arguing about their height (which, again, is such a sibling thing).

And, of course, we wrap the scene with the return of the 'intrepid viscount'. Eager and ready to take us to the next portion of the plot -- which happens to be a family outing to the races. And Colin is such an after thought, it's almost funny. Yo, Colin's back, great, I have to go best a girl, everyone to the races!

Colin doesn't get a moment to breathe (or unpack) -- family outing! Now!

Changes at the Featherington House

Penelope returns home from the Bridgertons to find that they've got some new decor at home. Jack has put up his musket rack, and the women of the Featherington house seem a bit (hilariously) perplexed by it.

Penelope calls him 'cousin Jack' and Portia is off-put by that. It's too familiar for her liking. Penelope calls her on it, wondering if Jack is bothering her, but Portia claims that it's fine. (It's not.)

Penelope almost doesn't know what to do with any of it. There are a lot of guns and a lot of deer heads and, you know, nice to have a little of that Americana pop up in this hoity British story (said with love). Jack comes in - claiming that there's a lot more decorating to do. Portia wishes he'd leave it to his own room, but Jack's like - nah.

Penelope goes from somewhat disgusted to intrigued very quickly. Her asking about whether or not he's shot them all feels -- a little crude and blunt, but also kind of hilarious for the moment. Jack tells her there are a lot of adventurous stories to tell -- and we all know Penelope loves a great adventurous story. She is still all in on Jack, despite Portia being pissed about all of it.

Jack tells them to all get ready, because they, too, are off to the races! (I love that this scene is there to somewhat tell Jack's backstory, but to also give them a reason to be at the races so they can continue with plot.)

And here we stop for now, first toe dipped into an episode that I really enjoy. :)

[devastatinglygreen]

I always appreciate how much you put in your responses so thank you 😊

Honestly I’m glad Colin got to vocalize how much the LW comment at the beginning of the season hurt. He deserved that and the anger he felt. Despite the fact the segments of the audience don’t want to acknowledge it, Colin was completely justified in the entrapment comment given that she did not tell him the truth. Pen did not tell him during the myriad of times it was open for her to do so (AU…Colin: I thought LW would be cleverer Pen: You’re absolutely fucking right she is) and it’s that fact that she continued actively hiding it from the man she loves that makes me side with him on the entrapment line every time. I just wish Pen was allowed that same space to vocalize why she chose to keep it from him so long after the fact. But again Pen’s LW sins take precedence and thus she’s rarely allowed to speak up for herself in the moment.

Pen had much less excuse to accuse Colin of being out and up to things the night before the wedding as if this man hasn’t forgotten other women exist in the world after she accepted him. But I did enjoy that little bit of petty from her. More bratty!Pen and softdom!Colin omg who said that?? 👀

you're sweet!

i get both, tbh. i get why he said it and i get why pen didn't tell him. if you take her own guilt eating away at her, knowing how badly he (suddenly and not at all for plot reasons) dislikes LW, the conflicting advice from her mom, eloise, and genevieve, and losing eloise completely when she figured out pen was LW i could imagine she was apprehensive at best.

add in the love bomb honeymoon period and seeing colin, the man she loves, so insanely happy? i wouldn't want to disappoint him either.

but you're right, she should have been able to tell him why she didn't instead of the push back about being useful or whatever every time he asked her about it. it felt like the ghost of eloise came out of penelope's mouth every time she was given any room to talk to him about LW and that felt less like pen and more like what they thought the audience wanted to hear. colin should not have been able to tell cressida a more impassioned response to what LW was to pen than pen to colin.

the show leaned too hard in on LW being this heinous, hurtful thing and it's gossip ffs. it wasn't anything aside from what? 2 very specific instances that the ton wasn't talking about anyway, with an added embarrassing secret for pen where she still kept colin's name mostly clean and took the harder fall. it felt like an audience hand holding moment tbh to me and added drama because the polin relationship is fairly drama free in book canon. if the queen calls you out as the bridgerton guard dog, you're not exactly attacking them and doing the things the chronically online portion of the pen hating audience has accused you of for 4 years. but i digress.

ohhh yeah i enjoyed that petty fight. they both needed to get that out of their systems fr, she said excuse me sir whomst do you think you are out here late at night????

[megaawkwardhuman]

shit you not I've been really sleepy all day and so my tired ass didn't prosses that new image of nandor and guillermo was new until like five seconds ago after I took a nap

anyway not here to talk about this image WIJNJJNEJJNDNDJND NEW SHIT LET'S GOOOO

despite it all being like what 10 seconds of new footage over all THATS STILL ENOUGH FOR ME TO LOOK TOO DEEP INTO THIS LMAO

note: pulling all of these images from this post cuz I'm still a little eppy and while yeah I've seen the video these are from I'm not going to sit through it over and over again for screenshots

first things first not going in order

HELLOOOOOOOOOOO

my main question is does this mean nandor KNOWS what's going with guillermo or is laszlo and guillermo basically doing that thing where you give your sibling an unplugged controller and act like they're helping?

maybe if he doesn't know they're framing it as guillermo testing vampire myths with laszlo?

also LJDFSNSOJNBSQOJBOJBO OMFG THEY'RE BRINGING IN THE WHOLE VAMPIRES LIKE TO COUNT GRAINS THING LMAOOOOOO

this is one of my fav not that commonly used pieces of vampire lore just cuz of how funny it is

like imagine being chased by a hot vampire and then seeing them pausing just to count a small pile of rice on the ground

damn didn't expect them to show guillermo blowing nandor on camera

ok bad joke aside this is a cool shot

I'm assuming this is sometime after the colin X nadja scene?

maybe colin backed down and nadja is pissed? idk

imagine if you show up to a date and she pulls out a talking doll that looks like her (I mean I wouldn't mind but I think most people would)

this just confirms (as if it hasn't been basically confirmed already) that the nadja dating shit is mainly for doll nadja

I have nothing to say about this I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate this screenshot of nandor :)

also RINGS-

aaaand that's all I'm going to talk about since the rest is just too short from me to really read into if there's anything to read into

[variousqueerthings]

okokok I was gonna talk about the structure, but gonna say smthin about ethos instead with structure folded in I guess, which isn't going to be coherent

for me, I can say that ted lasso is not a perfect show (and then I can go on a tangent about there being no perfect shows) and also that actually comedy isn't my favourite genre anyway and include there that I think that it couldn't always balance the comedy, sincerity, and the reality it was attempting to challenge, especially in s3 -- I think an egregious example was rebecca talking about the love of football to a bunch of billionaires, it just stretched too much disbelief and therefore came off less as a natural development and just out-of-nowhere preaching

but then I was having a good time peeking into a little of rupert and rebecca's past relationship when it did work, and it being a scene that makes her able to let him go entirely (and generally I am fine with taking the good out of the bits that don't overall work for me)

anywhomst, there are things, and it also plays into the oddity of s3 not being two seasons (which I had been so sure was going to be the structure, and I was right to think it might not work out and seriously, are they covering up that it was cancelled, conspiracy unlocked)

there were a few things that happened very quickly and weren't explored in the writing (ex. jamie's dad going to rehab, nate making up with his dad after one talk and generally some nate things in s3, part of keeley's narrative in s3, etc.), which was a problem of structure rather than ethos in my opinion. there's story to be explored there, as there is in a fair few things that came and went too quickly on this show, which tbh I'm sure fanfiction can cover (except for the womens team feat. trent crimm show, that needs to happen On My Screen!)

it has gaps in how it can make the points it wants to make -- I've mentioned that in terms of romance too -- but it really really wants to make them nonetheless, flaws and all. it wants to tell the story about a man with mental health issues, who's scared that he'll fuck up his son in the way his dad's suicide affected him, who runs away and finds himself coaching a London football team of men who grow to be better with each other and the world beyond, and its vehicle is football, an intensely international and adaptable sport, with so much fluid potential for expression!

along the way it comes across limitations (either in the amount of time it has to tell the story or in the lack of in-depth knowledge I presume the creators have in radical kindness and community healing politics and philosophies and how they intersect with queer intersectional concepts), but it's made the story despite them, with all its messiness and it ends well. characters heal, start their attempts to heal, continue their journeys to help others around them

I cannot stress enough either how messy league football is, the level that this fictional team plays on. as someone who's been directly affected by the exclusionary ideals that are promoted by the FA it was good to see this fantasy, it was exhilarating to imagine this kind of change happening at that level in the way I have experienced it happening at grassroots levels. its subject matter is so in need of more of this, I hope it inspires more stories with the same core ethos, and I hope these go further and further with its radical ideas

colin kisses his boyfriend at the end! would I have loved to have seen more time to get to there, to have seen it folded into an arc about challenging homophobia in football at an institutional level, to have also had him apologising to nate for his bullying as part of toxic masculinity masking his homosexuality? all of these yes. do I appreciate what the show wants to do here about something that is barely beginning to be properly challenged in reality? yeah yeah yeah!

any of the gaps I think one can play with in fandom, and if that show about the women's team gets made we gently slide them some bell hooks and get megan rapinoe involved somehow

[reachingforthevoid]

Doctor Who: Trial of a Time Lord

I rewatched parts 8 to 14 on 10 May 2023. 

Yes, that does mean I started with part four of Mindwarp… turns out that Peri, Yrcanos and the others were all stunned. But, no. Danger still awaits Peri with a brain transfer on the cards. She really does go through the transformative wringer…  One thing that I hadn’t appreciated before is how much Yrcanos clearly falls in love with Peri and she doesn’t reject him. And, this is where we say farewell to Nicola Bryant as Peri. I do think Nicola tries her best with a character that has moments of excellence. The trauma, though. Oh my word.

Anyway, parts 9 to 12 are called Terror of the Vervoids, which involves the Doctor choosing events in his defence. It’s set on a space liner and set up a bit like a Agatha Christie murder mystery that wanders into another genetics experiment gone wrong. Having said that, the attempt to explore the morality is thought-provoking. Honor Blackman is fab. We meet new travelling companion, Mel Bush, played by Bonnie Langford. Mel is a fitness fanatic who has put the Doctor on a fitness regime involving exercise and carrot juice. As the serial continues, Mel is interested and interesting — I like her. I like her intelligence and gumption, and the fact that she gets on with the Doctor. It’s a fascinating experiment to have a companion appear at some stage during the adventure rather than having and “origin story” of sorts. 

Onward to the last two parts of Trial of a Time Lord, otherwise knowns as The Ultimate Foe. We get to the the trial point with the Doctor alleging that the Matrix was tampered with. Mel and Glitz arrive on the Time Lord space station…. and then the Master appears on the Matrix screen. Honestly, do Time Lords not study their own history?? I think this version of the Matrix is less weird than what we saw in The Deadly Assassin. Ooh, and there are weird revelations about the Valeyard being the Doctor, and all sorts of nonsense about regenerations cycles and whatnot. Finally, a bit of good news: Peri and Yrcanos are alive.

And this marks the point where we farewell Colin Baker as the Doctor. I like him as the Doctor, but I can’t say that I enjoy much of these seasons… the strain of the behind the scenes stuff shows a bit too much despite best efforts. I know people who adore what went out during 1985 and 1986, and that’s what I adore about Dr Who. Different things appeal to different people.

[afriendlyblackhottie]

Dance, Dance

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Summary: there’s been too much going on ever since you started messing around with your best friend.

Pairings: Colin Shea x Black!Best Friend!Reader

Warnings: minors dni, smut, angst, fluff

(A/N: yaaaay it’s done. This was a fun little series. I loved writing it. Titled after the song Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy. Thanks everyone that enjoyed. Like, follow, reblog, and comment ☺️)

»»——————————-　♡　—————-————-««

You didn’t even know it was possible for you to fake smile for this long. As much as you enjoyed doing the whole music thing, industry shit was kind of the worse. You’d been overdue for at least a glass of champagne, but now you needed something stronger like whisky.

Things had been hectic lately. Just getting stuff ready and playing ball. The label that signed you was a smaller offshoot of a bigger one and so now you were here watching Colin take one for the team and schmooze it up since he knew the rest of you hated this part.

It wasn’t like you were bad at the whole thing. It’s just there was only so much you could deal with before finally reaching your limit. And all the old men ogling you was definitely something you could live without.

“Hey,” Ryan, your bass player, greeted as he sat beside you. It was kind of funny seeing the rest of them in suits and shit. You didn’t think they could wear anything but jeans and converse.

Hell for Colin clothing was already optional. Now he was there wearing a suit. Playing the part. And doing it well. You couldn’t lie, though. He looked good as hell. Obviously you weren’t the only one to notice. The woman whispering in his ear right no clearly saw it too.

“Hey,” you said with a sigh. This dress was scratchy as hell, but it was cute. It was probably worth more than your rent so you were really trying to not mess it up. Fuck you felt awkward.

So, yeah things had been a little weird since they’d walked in on you on Colin’s lap. Not that they could see that his pants had been undone from how you were but let’s just say the rest of the band had been doing this thing where they’d been trying to figure out your couple name ever since.

Still you didn’t know how to act around them. Especially since you’d left like your ass was on fire. Unlike with the whole girlfriend thing, the two of you didn’t get the chance to talk even a little after that. It felt like life was pulling the both of you in so many directions what were you even supposed to say. Sure the guys managed to squeeze their jokes in but other than that nothing.

You’d had photo shoots and meetings and just all kinds of shit. Sure this was definitely the life you wanted and you kind of appreciated the distraction. Didn’t mean you wanted to keep living in limbo with him. So it’s not like you’d been avoiding him so much as finding the time to have serious conversations was kind of not there.

At the same time it’s like were you even prepared for whatever he had to say. You don’t give a guy head and then make out with him for him to stop and start with ‘I just don’t think-‘ and expect him to say something not terrible. Especially not a guy like Colin. Even if you were holding out hope.

You knew his track record going into it. Which is why those rules had been in place. You’d been around a thousand Colin’s. You knew how it went. It was hit it and quit it every time. What made you different. If he really wanted to talk he would have. Nothing had ever kept him from telling you dumb shit all the time. Suddenly he couldn’t text?

Whatever. You didn’t even want to care. This was about the music. It was your fault anyway. You’d known better than to get tangled up in him but you’d done it anyway. You’d just have to live with that.

“So what are we doing tomorrow?” He asked.

You shrugged with a sigh. “I dunno. Was just thinking about keeping a low profile. I’m not really feeling it right now.”

Ryan frowned. “You know Colin doesn’t care,” he replied with a chuckle. “You know how he gets.”

“That’s fine,” you replied with a small smile with a shrug, bringing your glass of whiskey up to your lips. Thank goddess for an open bar, though, right. At least that would help you through the night.

“Okay so,” Colin said finally coming over to plop down beside you on a barstool,“how we feeling about an after party?”

You shrugged while him and Ryan started talking it over. If anything you’d probably go back to the hotel but whatever.

You rested your chin on your fists as the boys talked. It’s not that you wanted to be sad girl right now. You should be the happiest you’d ever been and you were but fuck this is gonna sound so lame but you missed your best friend. But no you forgot to wear underwear and now apparently neither of you knew how to act around each other.

“What about you?” He asked. “You know we’re no good without our fearless leader.”

“I thought this was a party,” you said setting your glass down. “I didn’t realize I was leading you into battle.”

Colin chuckled. “Oh it’s us against the world, Baby. There’s always a war.” He winked as he grabbed your glass. Not even phased when you protested and made grabby hands for it. “I’ll get you a new one if you say yes.”

“Eat a dick,” you grumbled then tried to get the bartender’s attention.

“Who pissed in your iced coffee?” He asked with a chuckle. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Better than whatever the fuck this is.” Can’t argue with that.

You shrugged. “I’ll see. I’m kinda tired.”

He pouted. “Don’t be a party pooper. Come on. Don’t you wanna hang with us. Keep us out of trouble.”

“Keep him out of trouble,” Ryan corrected making you laugh.

“Yes. Fine. Keep me out of trouble.” He rolled his eyes dramatically. “Come on. I’ll make it worth it.”

“How?” You asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well,” he started as he thought, “I’m already taking you out for breakfast tomorrow so that’s out.”

“You are?” You asked with a chuckle. This was news to you.

“Um, duh,” he said before poking your side. “Why wouldn’t I?”

You shrugged. “I dunno. It’s not that serious.”

Colin sighed, rolling his eyes. “Come on. I promise it’ll be fun.” He nudged you. Then his face softened. “Do you really not wanna go?”

No, but even though you were irritated with him you still felt like a lovesick puppy. And his eyes had gotten all romantic looking. It was so hard not giving in to him.

That’s how you found yourself out in the New York air. Crossing your arms in front of you. “What’s this?” You asked as you walked up to a limo.

“Our ride,” he said, into your ear.

“Hey, Colin,” the woman greeted him with a smile as she walked passed to get in. “You coming?”

He had the nerve to smile at you all brightly as he grabbed your arm. “Isn’t this cool,” he said as he sat beside her. You on the other side of him. Why didn’t you just go back to the fucking hotel when you had the chance.

The entire way to the party was filled with them laughing and talking. The entire time you were thinking say something, anything, but no you sat there awkward as hell. Ryan and your drummer James were sort of trying to include you while your rhythm guitarist Parker had decided to go to the hotel. You wish you’d just gone with him. You knew that’d be your first mistake.

You hated being in such a sour mood. Especially with so many people around. “You want a drink or something?” Colin asked into your ear, trying to talk over the loud music. You sighed, putting on another smile on as you nodded.

You tried to follow behind him, but this place was crowded. Looking back you saw that Ryan and James were no longer next to you either. Shit. Way to make this situation better, right.

Well Colin was right at least. This was better than that place crawling in suits. You walked along trying to find at least one of the men you came with and you were officially over it. Then you saw the balcony and decided to check out there next.

The fresh air was kind of nice. Maybe you just needed to clear your head for a minute. Hell you were ready to go to bed anyway.

Maybe tomorrow you’ll spend the day in the city. Doing whatever you wandered upon. No thinking about the next few months and how everything’s going to go from zero to one hundred. Not that you weren’t looking forward to it, but for now you wanted to welcome a little bit of peace.

Hopefully there’d be no thoughts about a certain guitar player either. That you doubt, but you could try. You yawned and groaned. Fuck it you’re leaving.

“Of all the people I thought I might see tonight,” a familiar voice said before you could get inside.

That voice made you stiffen. Then you started groaning as you turned to face him. “As if my night couldn’t get any worse. What are you even doing here?”

“What you think you’re the only one that gets invited to parties?” He asked.

When you’d parted from your last band, it wasn’t exactly the nicest situation. You always made your rule clear even if you’d broke it with Colin. Even with him it’s not like he did what Andrew did.

Things had been going okay with them, but it was nothing like now. This time around it felt so real. Like musically you were meant to be. Maybe that’s why you didn’t want to ruin things by blowing up even if Colin was sending you enough mixed signals to write an album about.

Back then though. It wasn’t like this. Yeah you liked your other bandmates back then, but with Colin, Ryan, and James it almost felt like a family. You all meshed. You all got along. Despite everything going on you loved them.

With Andrew’s band there was never a connection. You played. You went home. Over and done with. So the night he corned you, trying to kiss you it came out of nowhere. When you told the rest of them didn’t care. You were replaceable. Then you saw that flyer and decided to say fuck it and quit.

“What are you doing here?” He asked now, taking out a cigarette.

You shrugged. “That’s none of your business.”

He scoffed. “Heard you guys got signed. Who’d you sleep with to manage that?”

“Well, it wasn’t you.”

He rolled his eyes. “Who you here with? The new guys you’re blowing?”

You clenched your jaw before taking a deep breath. He didn’t know. Who the fuck cares. So you started walking away because you really did not give two shits.

“Yeah, my friend Dina was telling me you fucked her ex,” he said.

Your back stiffened as you stopped. Closing your eyes. God you wanted to scream at him, but he wasn’t worth the trouble. Wasn’t worth causing a scene. That’s what you told yourself last time and that’s what you were telling yourself now.

“Yeah said she walked in on you too,” he said coming up behind you.

“Dina doesn’t know what what she’s talking about.” You took a deep breath then bit your tongue, but still didn’t turn to face him.

“Well she sure had a lot to say. About how much of a whore you turned into after being a little tease.”

You closed your eyes suddenly feeling sick. You shouldn’t let it get to you. You knew it but fuck. This is why you didn’t do this. You didn’t need the drama.

“Dude, fuck off,” you finally said wrapping your arms around yourself as tried walking away again, trying to tune out whatever shit was spewing out of his mouth.

Promising yourself that you wouldn’t cry. Eyes finally catching Colin’s as he did a grin spread and then quickly fell from his face. Standing around the same girl from earlier. At least he managed to keep up with her.

He started walking towards you without a word and seeing his way was the only way towards the exit there was no avoiding him. That’s when you felt fingers grabbing at your wrist. Twisting your arm so you had no choice but to face him.

In between the, “you little sl-“ and Colin pushing him away from you, you’d ended knocking into someone. Beer spilling on the front of your dress. Way to make a shitty moment even worse guys. This was a fucking loan. Thanks for that. Fuck tonight just wasn’t your night huh.

“I’m so sorry,” a drunk girl slurred, putting her hands on your shoulders.

“No it’s okay,” you sighed feeling your eyes prickle with tears. Fuck you hated it. Your chest suddenly feeling tight. You had to get the fuck out of here.

As soon as you made it to the elevator you took a deep breath. Closing your eyes and leaning down the wall as the doors closed.

“What the hell was that?” Colin said. You squeezed your eyelids. The little bit of frustration that had left, coming back in an instant. “Did he hurt you?” He asked, grabbing your hand. “What the hell happened?”

“Stop,” you said, snatching it away. “Just… stop.” Your heart felt like it was sinking into your chest. You just wanted to eat and shower snd sleep. Fine fuck it. Shower and sleep. You’ll eat in the morning. You just wanted Colin to stop following you and for him to shut up.

“Hey!” He stopped you as soon as you got off. “What’s wrong? Just tell me what happened.”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes. “You don’t have to pretend to care okay.” You shrugged. “You weren’t thinking about me ten minutes ago.”

“What do you mean I was looking all over for you,” he said furrowing his eyebrow.

You rolled your eyes again. Ugh it felt like you couldn’t stop. “Yeah, it sure looked like it.”

“I was. You can ask Ryan and James. Alyssa was helping me.”

“Do you think I’m fucking stupid, Colin?” You asked raising your eyebrow. “I get it. We messed around and you’re a fuckboy or whatever. It’s not like I was expecting to be different or something. You do this all the time. That’s fine but you don’t have to pretend like you give a shit. And I’m the fucking idiot for thinking you would because I thougt-” your voice broke as you just shook your head and walked away.

Colin stood there looking stunned. Feeling like he was one second away from puking. Finally taking a deep breath when he realized that if he didn’t catch up to you know you’d get into a taxi without him.

“Wait, Y/N,” he called out.

But you didn’t turn around. Heart thumping in your chest. You blew out your cheeks and rested your head against the window. Feeling there was a lump in your throat.

You felt like such a baby. All teary eyed in a cab. Red eyed as you made your way to your room. Crying in the shower. Then not stopping as you settled into bed. And for what. You fucking up the one thing you always told yourself. Listening to your stupid vagina. And your heart as much as you hated to admit it.

Not only was it stressful to think about what this would do for the band, but you and Colin had really built up the best connection. Now what happens. You’re not gonna get that with someone else. And that was the worst part.

Your eyes were so heavy, but you were suddenly so awake. All that complaining about being tired. Now look you can’t even sleep. Your head felt too heavy. Nose too stuffy, too.

You scrolled through your phone. And may or may not have done a small dive into who this Alyssa girl could be. Then message after message started rolling in now that it was a little passed midnight. You’d get to them in the morning. You’d also stole his weed pen so you could relax a little bit.

So. Sucks to be him.

That’s when you heard the door open. Stomach flipping and mouthing, ‘fuck.’ Dropping your phone because if you could pretend you were asleep maybe he’d leave you fuck alone. Ugh he probably got the key from the front desk.

The television was still on and it’s not like he’d never walked in on you sleep in front of the TV before so he’d think nothing of it. Your back was facing the door so it’s not like he could see you. You’ll take your chances.

You heard crinkling and him shuffling a little, but you were mostly trying to be quiet. A few moments later you heard him getting down on his knees beside you. “Hey,” he whispered into your ear before kissing your temple.

Nope. Go away.

“I know you’re awake you little thief.” He chuckled, but then stopped when he realized you clearly weren’t giving in. Turning over away from him. Colin took a deep breath. “Babe, I’m sorry.”

Your eyebrow raised. Okay so maybe you weren’t expecting that.

“I’m sorry I lost you tonight,” he sighed. “I’m sorry for not talking about things sooner. And if I made you think there was anything going on with me and Alyssa. Who does not like me by the way. She’s into Ryan,” he added, with a chuckle.

You snorted out a laugh. “Seriously?” Finally breaking your silence.

“Uh huh.” He laughed. “I know right. They kept dragging me between them once he found out. I felt like I was in fucking middle school.”

Then it got quiet.

“I’m sorry if I made you think you were just a booty call,” he finally said.

Your eyes opened, but you still didn’t turn to face him. You weren’t really sure what you were supposed to say or do if you did.

“You have always been more than a booty call. I get that I’ve done things before, but I’d never treat you like that. Why do you think we haven’t had sex. I couldn’t have our first time be on that gross fucking couch.”

… fair.

Ugh.

UGH.

You wanted to pull his hair. Not even in the sexy way. He was so annoying. Why couldn’t you just have been asleep so you could have been mad at him for a little longer.

Colin didn’t wait for you to respond as he got in behind you. Scooping you into his arms from behind. “You’re my best friend, Baby. I’d never fuck us up. I don’t wanna lose you.” Then he started kissing your cheek softly.

“You’re so annoying,” you mumbled, but still didn’t turn over.

“Maybe,” he said. “But it’s cuz I can’t stand when you’re mad at me.” He sighed wrapping you up in his arms. “Remember that one time? And it was just over lyrics.” He chuckle. Then when he realized you weren’t laughing he sighed again. “I promise I’ll make tomorrow better. Well today. Or whatever. You know what I mean.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t run in here on some I have to be the first shit.” You finally turned to look at him and he was quick to kiss your forehead. Eyes ask puffy. Nosy really stuffy. He didn’t care. Just wanted to have his lips on you.

“I am, but now I can’t stop apologizing.” He chuckled. “I really am sorry.”

“We can work on your road to forgiveness plan.”

“As long as you’re the one paving it I’ll do whatever it takes.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re so corny.”

“Maybe.” He chuckled. “I’m just trying to get you to smile.”

You sniffled. God he was so annoying. “I know.”

He looked at you softly before swiping his lips across yours. “Okay now I’m gonna be the first person. Happy birthday, Baby.”

Another sniffle as you couldn’t stop yourself from chuckling softly. “Thank you. How do you know you’re the first?”

“Oh you’re cool because all our little fan girls are wishing you a happy birthday,” he said with a laugh.

“You’re just jealous.”

“Never. You deserve it.”

“Stop being such a fucking sap right now.” You whined pushing him away.

“Nope. I actually have a surprise for you,” he said, letting go so he could get out of bed. “No peeking!” Then he kissed your cheek again.

Of course you weren’t gonna listen, but since he wasn’t made of glass you couldn’t see. His body blocking whatever view you may have had. Just heard the flicker of a lighter.

“So, I was gonna go with the old fashioned flowers and chocolate for an apology,” he started. “But since it’s your birthday,” he said as he turned around with a little cake in his hands, freshly lit numeral candles on top.

As he softly started to sing happy birthday you felt yourself tearing up again. Of course he had to do something like this. Sappy asshole. Just had to make it impossible to stay mad at him.

Now you were sitting with your legs criss crossed applesauce across from him. Not being able to help the smile that spread across your face.

“Make a wish, Baby,” he said. As you blew out the flame he looked at you softly. That same stupid romantic look in his eyes. And it was like you couldn’t help yourself as you started to lean in. Lips connecting and it almost felt relieving. 

Colin pulled away for a minute to set the cake on the night stand. Going back to you he pull you onto his lap. Lips moving against yours as you wrapped your arms around his neck then put your hands in his hair.

He laid you down. Thumb stroking your cheek. Tongues finally meeting. Kisses deep. Now sleep was the farthest thing from your mind. You just wanted to feel him.

All of the thoughts about how that was it had melted away. If he was going to be serious about this than you wanted it. Wanted him. “Colin,” you whimpered. His lips going against your throat.

“What do you want, Baby?” He asked in a whisper.

“You.”

Clothes started to be removed. Hands and lips going to intimate spots. Like between your legs as he made sure your pussy would be ready for him. His mouth touching you just how you needed. Moans and sighs spilling from your lips.

“Y/N, Baby,” he whispered as he wrapped his arm around your leg so he could spread you open for him. Getting snug between your thighs as he lined himself up. “You sure? We don’t have-“

You cut him off with a kiss. He obviously got the message as he started to push into you. The head of his cock already making your head spin.

“Colin,” you whimpered against his lips.

“That’s it,” he said. “It’s okay. I got you.”

You nodded and moaned, foreheads resting against each other. Looking into those soft blue eyes as he inched in. “Ah,” you squeaked.

“You’ve got this,” he whispered into your ear as he finally bottomed out. Staying still for a moment so you could could used to him. Fuck he was big. You don’t think you’d ever felt this full before.

Hips rocking slowly as his lips went back to yours again. “Colin,” you whimpered again.

“So fucking beautiful,” he whispered as he looked down at you.

“More?”

“Tell me what you do want, Baby. I’ll do anything you want.”

“Harder. Please.” Fuck you felt desperate. He was just filling you up so good. Just how you needed him.

He pressed his lips to yours as he started getting deeper. Rolling his hips into yours. Then pushing your arm above your head with his hands holding yours down.

“Right there!” You pulled away with a gasp.

“Where?” He asked into your ear not stopping what he was doing before pulling your earlobe between his teeth. Nibbling on it. Making your eyes go blurry.

“Oh,” you let out another little squeak. That wasn’t good enough for Colin, though. He wanted you to scream his name.

He raised up off of you. Getting on his knees and pushing your legs up by your ears. Hands on the back of your thighs.

Every time he went in, your body bounced from the force. Pussy squeezing him tight. He looked between you seeing the way your wetness covered him. “Fuck,” he groaned. “Pussy even prettier with my dick in it.”

Why was he doing this to you. Was it not enough that he was about to turn you inside out? He had to talk to you like that too. Why was he trying to ruin you like this. He was fucking you like he wanted to be the only man to fuck you. Maybe he did. Maybe you wanted him to be.

“Ah, ah, ah, ah!” You cried out

“That’s it. That’s what I like to fucking hear. Doing so good for me, Baby,” he groaned. “Gonna fuck you all night. Keep you full a me. Want that?”

“Uh huh,” was all you could say. Your orgasm was hitting you so hard. “Colin. I’m cumming.” It was like you were weeping. “Oh my god.”

“Fuck yeah,” he groaned as your pussy tightened around him. Orgasm gushing out of you. “That’s my girl,” he said as he put his hand on your clit. Coaxing it out even more. “Keep cumming for me, Baby. That’s it.”

It happened so quickly. One minute he was fucking into you and then the next his face was between your thighs. If he was trying to make you squirt he got his wish. Your legs shaking, body spasming as he forced you there.

You covered your eyes with your hand just as he pushed back into you. Where he grabbed your arm to push it up so you were no longer covered. “Don’t you ever cover yourself, you hear me,” he said as he started fucking into you again. “I want you to look at me when I make you cum.” He put his lips against your chin.

Fuck. This was gonna be a long night.

You don’t know how many times you’d orgasmed. Just that it felt like once they started they didn’t stop. Just the way he was getting you there and trying to keep you there was almost too much. As soon as he came in you, you were ready to pass out. Your body officially worn out. But forced yourself to use the bathroom before bed even though walking really didn’t seem like a great option at the moment.

Then you got back in his arms. Snuggling into him. Colin holding you tight. It felt like where you were supposed to be.

As the sunlight broke, you were so worn out that you stayed like that for a minute. Him waking up first with your head tucked under his chin. Yawning and checking the time. Not that he cared. He’d stay like this for as long as you wanted him to.

When you started to stir, he nuzzled you with his nose. Kissing your forehead gently. “Morning, Birthday Girl,” he whispered in a raspy voice.

You moaned and stretched. Putting your head in his neck again. “Not yet.”

He chuckled. “We have to get to brunch.”

“There’s always dinner. I’m tired.”

He smacked your butt. “No, no, no. I’m not letting you sleep the day away. I gotta make up for yesterday.”

“Make up for yesterday by being my pillow. And we can have sex in between.”

Colin laughed softly. “As tempting as that is, we gotta get up.”

You took a deep breath out your nose. “Fine, but I get to pick off your plate.”

“When do you not?” He rubbed your back. Colin reached over to grab his phone to check the time. “Wait, what the fuck,” he chuckled.

“What?” You asked, with a yawn.

“James said, ‘I’m happy for you guys really but we’re going to breakfast without you if you don’t hurry up. Happy birthday y/n.”

You laughed. “What?”

“The one before it was stop having sex we’re hungry. Ryan said, ‘Colin stop being the Yoko Ono of this ba-‘I’m the Yoko On- oh now they’re fighting about it.”

You snorted. “They’re gonna argue about this all day, aren’t they?”

“Yeah probably.” Colin laughed.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

[chainsawsangel]

THE BATMAN SPOILER REVIEW.

FAIR WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW. I REPEAT, THERE ARE SPOILERS. 

You’ve been warned. 

anyway, let’s get to it.

One thing I really enjoyed was the narration that was provided by Bruce Wayne himself. It wasn’t through the WHOLE movie of course but it definitely was included in certain areas.

And the opening, WOW. This is the main reason why the narration was sooo good, the way it was used as an opening for the movie was very interesting. You get a sense and feel of what gotham truly is and it’s executed very well.

Now, speaking of Bruce Wayne/The masked vigilante himself, let’s discuss Robert Pattinson’s big role in this. His take on this new batman is really interesting because we’re given a batman who’s still learning, still growing with the persona that we all know and have loved throughout the years. Given the fact that the caped crusader is based on year two batman, you can definitely see how that plays out throughout the movie. 

Also, just as partial mention: I gotta give credit to Andy Serkis because I really liked his take on Alfred Pennyworth. 

The character itself is kinda adored and loved too and when the riddler provided the bomb at The Wayne Manor, I really thought that they had just sliced off the famous butler himself but I was wrong and was quite relived when we got see him alive and well but still recovering from the incident at thew hospital. 

And WOW, I truly loved how Matt Reeves executed that one particular scene between Bruce and Alfred, the one that took place in the hospital. Definitely gives us a perspective as to what the relationship is like between the two. 

One BIG scene that got me smiling though is that of the whole car chase scene with Batman and Penguin. (Colin Ferrell did REALLYYY good with the role btw.)

Let me say, when Batman had the batmobile revving up, it was all over for me. As soon as I heard that theme start playing too, i was like “YES. GIMME MORE” and, I was pleased with what I got during that scene. When Batman and Jim got to penguin, it was kinda funny with how the penguin reacted afterwards. Particularly with the whole pronunciation of a spanish word. Very well done. 

Moving on, Zoe Kravitz. That should be it for her but, fine, I’ll go into a little more detail. I think her role as Catwoman was really good, and I genuinely mean that. I loved the action scenes she got, especially during the big fight scene she had with Carmine Falcone which…surprise! Turned out to be her father. Plus she executes the attitude and feel of Catwoman pretty well, also. 

Speaking of Catwoman too, as much as I LOVE (and I mean this) the dynamic that is Catwoman and Batman, I felt like the chemistry could’ve added a bit more. Don’t get me wrong, Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz did really well with their scenes together and I want to see more of them together in the future with the roles they were given with this movie but I wish the chemistry added just a bit more. Might be a controversial opinion but it’s one that I have and hopefully you understand what I mean. 

Now: I had to save one of the biggest roles (besides Batman of course) and the one I was most excited to see most. The Riddler (or Edward Nashton) himself! Provided by the oh so AMAZING Paul Dano. Trust me when I say: Imma be talking about this role for a bit. 

Which, by the way, let’s take a moment to appreciate how damn great of an actor Paul Dano is. Despite all the funny text posts I give out about him, I really am glad people are giving the recognition he deserves. I particularly enjoyed him in both “There Will Be Blood” as well as “Little Miss Sunshine” which is a movie I adore in general. The roles he’s given never miss even if they’re roles that are a part of not so perfect movies. Without a doubt, the same goes for the role he provides for the interesting villain that is The Riddler.  

The Riddler has always been an interesting Batman villain in general, especially when considering the fact that he fights off Batman with his brain and smarts instead of combat and punches. That’s why he’s a favorite Batman villain of mine just because of how interesting and intriguing he is. 

The Riddler in this role is no different and the scenes given are really well done. Yes, there are scenes where he’s a bit goofed up, more so with a few scenes with his whole livestream situation. But it’s the voice work that Paul Dano provides for the role that’s SO WELL DONE, you get a feel and sense with the character  when it comes to that. Plus the introduction to him when boom! He’s suddenly brought out of the shadows and standing behind the mayor before killing him off was a great way to kick off the riddler’s schemes. Definitely see the inspiration of the zodiac killer when it comes to the new riddler. 

I also wanna point out two other scenes with this performance. One is when Edward, or The Riddler, is brought into Arkham and you can see him looking out upon Gotham and seeing his plan being executed. Batman found out that, after putting him in jail, the riddler still had one final scheme that was waiting for the caped crusader and that was big explosions happening throughout Gotham. This is when we see the face of Edward getting amped up and mouthing the word “BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!” While a somber yet amped up track is played. It was done so well and Paul Dano was good with that. 

The other scene that definitely got me saying: “YES! Paul Dano’s riddler is something new we needed” was during the big interrogation scene he and The Batman had. Paul Dano and Robert Pattinson’s chemistry in this was AMAZING. I know I use that word a lot but it’s true! You can sense a feeling of fear in a way when Riddler tells Batman that his (riddler) plan hasn’t been finished yet and Batman gets worked up when saying “What did you do to them?!?!” That's when we also hear the name “Bruce Wayne” that Riddler gives out and it’s eerie when he says it because knows that Bruce is the last and biggest target left. While he doesn’t know he’s talking to his target, the chilling talk he has with Batman still gives the sense that “Oh no, something bad’s about to happen” and it does, with Alfred and the whole bomb scene. Which, again, brings me back to that scene between Alfred and Bruce. Again, that scene was pretty well. 

I honestly hope we see more of Dano’s Riddler in the future because he did such an amazing job with what he was given and you can really tell he did the research, especially in interviews. 

With one last thought on this particular performance, I gotta say: Paul Dano’s performance as the riddler is definitely up there with Heath Ledger’s AMAZING and ICONIC performance as the joker in The Dark Knight. I know, I know, definitely a big comparison with both roles and I will say that a performance like Heath Ledger’s could never and will never be replaced when it comes to that because that role was such a big reveal back then and people got to see it on the big screen, it became a pivotal part of, not only pop culture but movies itself too. But yeah, I do rest my case with the fact that Paul Dano’s performance is up there with Heath Ledger's. 

Plus, speaking of acting too, one last final applause for Robert Pattinson because, really, he does of acting abilities and that’s shown throughout many films that came after twilight. Yeah, when twilight came out, his role for that was always talked about and there definitely were people that criticized his acting for it BUT lemme tell you something: his twilight days are long gone and have come and gone as well. The acting he provides today is very well done and I appreciate him for that. 

One last thing I wanted to get out of the way before giving final thoughts on the movie as a whole is the one big tease that was provided around the end or at least almost towards the end. This is a BIG one so you’ve been warned.  Basically, we’re back at Arkham with the riddler giving off some stress because he’s been brought down by Batman himself. However, someone next to his cell has provided him with a riddle, one that gives the answer: a friend. This “friend” that’s teased seems to be the big role that Barry Keoghan (of Eternals) has been rumored to play. 

Given the fact that we see bits of a chemical-esque and dried up face as well as a slitted smile, It’s safe to assume that this role belongs to the big baddie himself, Joker. I know! Crazy but the laugh that happens just before the scene ends definitely seems to confirm it. It seems Matt Reeves has confirmed this too BUT also has said that, while this is a big tease, it only seems to be a set up as to what he wants this universe to build upon for the future. So, who knows! This could be the only time we see Joker in this universe but it would be fun to see him pop back up especially when he’s Batman’s biggest foe yet. 

As a whole,  The Batman itself is up there with The Dark Knight trilogy BUT isn’t replaceable as being #1. TDK Trilogy will always be #1 in terms of live action batman adaptations. (though, I do like Michael Keaton’s take on the role too). 

I would LOVE to see where Matt Reeves goes from here with this universe, especially with the potential. And with a few confirmed spin-offs, one being focused on Arkham as a whole, I can definitely see a future for this universe as a whole. 

All-in-all, I give this movie a solid 4 ½ out of 5. It was a fun and very intriguing movie that sets up this big take on Batman. I loved the characters that we were given, loved the feel and atmosphere of the movie as a whole, the whole “detective noir” type vibes too, all of it! For sure a solid batman movie in my book. 

Oh! And no end credit scene. Just a heads up. 

(yeah…this is long I know.)

[piracytheorist]

And now some less excited thoughts on the film, as I didn’t want to include them in a happy post about the character. Spoilers for Luck.

I mean... I didn’t really expect much of the film. The whole idea behind it is a bit cliché already, taking an abstract concept and giving it physical form and qualities. Tried and tested, and with some physical comedy going on, you can’t really fail much.

But it’s nothing new, unfortunately. Plus I didn’t like the meaning of “We need bad luck uwu”, shut the f up. After more than two years of living in a world under a pandemic, you stop appreciating what “bad luck” can teach ya. Plus not to mention that most of our “bad luck” comes from capitalism and what the privileged people in high places do. Sam in the film is supposedly “super duper unlucky” but she had a healthy life and a roof over her head and peace. Kids die out of hunger and sickness and war but I’m sure they’ll relate because her toast falls jam side down. We cannot pass the message of “bad luck is needed” when shit happens because evil people in power abuse it while the lower classes have all the power to change it if they just try! ¡EL PUEBLO UNIDO JAMÁS SERÁ V-

Anyway, I am being very critical I know, but despite the fact that they went the way of “Due to her bad luck Sam was an orphan and was never adopted” which I kinda appreciated, it was really nothing out of the ordinary. Bob leaving the world of luck to go live with Sam was cute, though I don’t know what the point was of him to pretend to be Scottish only to be revealed he’s English. Wha?

The film though is a show of how detailed and expensive animation can still look poor, though. I didn’t feel the characters’ expressions showed that much emotion, despite the actors doing their best to deliver it through their voices. Sam especially looked like she only had one sad expression, and it wasn’t even deep enough for me to feel “Oh she’s really sad right now”. Like, it was actually good animation, but it didn’t deliver much when it came to facial expressions. Plus I feel Whoopi Goldberg got kinda the short end of the stick. I don’t feel her character allowed her to show off enough, and it’s Whoopi. Shame on them all!

Anyway. It was a bit of fun, with its clichés and very shallow and plot-necessary messages, but Gerry was perfect and I hope Colin had the time of his life voicing him.

[deathshallbenomore]

[sorry this is another ask but it was too long for the replies & too long for a reblog & i didnt want to not answer because of course i want to answer but this will be a long ask aaaaaaaaaah] [also if anyone else is reading: wwdits spoilers] omg yes to everything. it was such a fun yet heartbreaking episode. i loved that the guide & the satanic trio were included in the family portrait. i loved that guillermo insisted on saying goodbye to laszlo & nadja (despite the outcome :/). i loved that nandor my beloved (i talk a lot about laszlo simply because im surprised i like him so much. i LOVE nandor that goes without saying) had considered taking g with him, incredibly healthy and thoughtful of him (that sceneeeeee everything you said so true). And i loved that laszlo hated england on behalf of nadja he’s so right he should have burned the place down when they disrespected my queen. What i didnt really love was that letter “you have now grown into an indipendent woman” bitch SHE killed YOU, remember? Anyway. I was expecting there to be a baby colin robinson but for a moment i thought laszlo intended taking him with them in england (all the human food… yes oreos are not baby food but it’s not like he’s smart). ALSO. Thinking about my besties N & N and their similarities and their siblings dynamic AND how they’re both the only vampires we hear talk about making something out of their immortality im Thinking. Anyway. :)

not to cantarcela e suonarcela da sol* but I agree with you completely haha

i loved the inclusion of the other characters (I LOVE the baron and the guide) in the portrait and family drama because honestly. when it comes to chosen family, the bigger the more dramatic the better. I appreciate the fact that they are all [slowly and with many MANY ups and downs] realising they’re a family. maybe like 8 seasons from now [GOD FORBID, I could get baptised again just to pray more effectively against it] they’ll behave as one and have healthy dynamics :)

I also agree on laszlo’s letter. idk maybe it should be read under the “nadja is the supreme girlboss but you know sometimes the need to prove yourself can become a source of pressure” light, so he’s trying to say goodbye not without first providing further reassurance in his own way??? but eh, me too. he’s the one relying on her support, in most cases at least.

also YEA I’ve always seen nadja and nandor more like siblings than anything else. idk, I get big siblings vibes from them (but then I’m an only child, so how could I know) and I’d love to see more of them. and I’m rooting so much for them and for whatever they’re doing next! it’s like “vampirism is a curse” (as the lowest point of the cons of being immortal) so we’re trying to get something positive out of it, which might also be a good parallel with recovering from (or in any case dealing with) mental illness now that I think of it. like immortality is not bad per se but it can get to the point where it feels like an unbearable curse (like personal conditions irl) but once you learn how to make something positive out of if, that’s when you finally turn towards a healthier path I suppose. so yeah good for them. not so good that they’re dealing with all that on their own - nadja being unexpectedly abandoned (but she can do it. 100% sure of that) and especially nandor who’s been struggling with his loneliness this whole season but this is also me being unashamedly partial

ALSO can’t wait for more colin robinson (in whatever capacity lmao) shenanigans :)

[anarchistbitch]

hi hiiii

before I reply to everything else

Bridgerton.

KSJDJDJSKSKSSK I AM IN LOOOOOOOVE WITH KATE the scenes where she smiled or laughed added 10 years to my lifespan each

Anthony you dumbass bitch (affectionate), that post that said something like 'Anthony saying I'm a gentleman before acting like the biggest whore' so true <3333 I adore him

I feel bad for Edwina but she really was that blind bc those two were eyefucking every single time they were around each other and when they were not eyefucking they were trying to devour the other through their eyes, seriously wtf and come on at the lake she saw Kate staring at sopping wet Anthony and that post about how she kept sending them on dates, sorry baby but 🤡👌🏻

their last scenes together were my absolute favorite, I loved seeing them so happy and in love even if I was also thinking "damn bro, your whole family is right there"

I'll admit I laughed when Kate's accident happened bc it felt so damn dramatic and I couldn't take it too seriously but tHEN I SAW ANTHONY CRYING OVER HER WAKING UP AND I CRIED TOO BITCH THE FUCK

both of them had really complicated views on love and ah, I'm just glad that by the end they get to experience and enjoy it

I still cackle everytime I see a gif of the scene where Anthony smells the air after she walks by and Lady Danbury looks at him SO unimpressed and done ksdjdjdjsj it's just gold

Edwina as her own character was fantastic, I loved her so much, she's amazing and I hope she gets the happiness she deserves

Penelope, oh Penelope, I can understand her actions but I also disagree with some of them, her fallout with Eloise hurt a lot, she got into a very complicated spot with Lady Whistledown tbh, I wonder how Colin will take it when he finds out and how it will get resolved since the queen is so dead set on finding her

Lady Featherington and Lord Featherington made me so uncomfortable ugh despite that I really like Lady Featherington as a character, it's hilarious how most things always end up coming back to bite her into he ass but she is a woman put in a situation that today would be very complicated and it would be even more so in the 19th century so I do appreciate her

another scene that made me cry was the one with Gregory and Anthony in the study, it's just so painful that he doesn't really remember him and Hyacinth never even knew him

the pall-mall scenes were so fantastic, Anthont and Kate rolling in the mud my beloved <33 and the scene at the libry(study?) damn, it just took me out, I need to see Anthony reading to Kate when it storms

I also cried when Lady Mary had her talk with Kate about how she was family and she deserved all the love in the world, took me the fuck out (after Edwina left the wedding and she called Kate her half sister, that felt like a slap and I needed to see them reestablish Kate as an unquestionable part of the family)

my mans the jeweler was hilarious and the true mvp for making Kate try on the ring and when it got stuck? poetic cinema (also, between you and me, when I was little I used the very same tactic he used to get cake, super effective)

Benedict dragging Byron? loved it sksjdjzjzk

Colin and his drug tho ksndjdsksksksk that made me laugh so much too

idk about you but I absolutely hated the way Eloise just went through Penelope's room like that, that would've infuriated me but maybe that's bc my room us very own personal haven

I'm kinda sad that we didnt get to see Kate and Anthony's wedding

I couldn't help but notice how Lady Danbury, Lady Mary and Lady Bridgerton made a widow's club

ANYWAY, those are all the thoughts I can share rn cause hw awaits me, holy week can't come fast enough

take rest and eat good food!

tons of love, M♡

babe im so sorry tumblr glitched and i thought it posted before??? AHHHHH

ANYWAY. bridgerton. yes.

KATHANI SHARMA MY LOVE. i loooved the actor in sex education but in bridgerton idk she just blew it out of the stadium cuz dude. literally cannot stop thinking of the intense eye contact during the wedding scene.

AND THIS SHOT

SIMONE ASHLEY IS A MFING PRINCESS

anthony going"im a gentlemen" while trying not to horny LMAOOO

edwina really set them on a date leading to more anthony horny™ thoughts like dude took one look at legs and kbfksbfkerifehri

like dude they can't NOT look at each others eyes normally its always a)ravenous b) horny c) in LOVE

that scene where anthony is making out with kate in front of his family reminded me of that one zayn malik paparazzi photo where bella removed zayn's hand from gigi's butt cause they were lichrally in public lmaooo

honestly all i could think of during that scene where kate runs on her horse was the headless horseman[yea my thoughts wander a lot] and it def cut the tension but the next episode being titles the viscount who loved me(loved as in past tense freaked me out for a second there)

ppl really watched anthony and kate crush on each other in the most repressed way and collectively thought ,"we should let them handle it on their own" like no!!! interfere!! interfere!!

lady danbury everytime kathony looked at e/o

i love seeing pyramid schemes in different settings but lord featherington was disgustang😒 but lady featherington girlbossed and gatekept!! respect for that!!

oh i was fully on the floor when gregory said that cause the full story of the bridgerton patriarch's death fucked me up man😢 the way anthony stepped up as a father figure to his youngest siblings yea,, ;-;

oh man i didnt even check ao3 for bridgerton yet😳😳 but yea anthony would def read for kate during storms😊😊[the amount of times im writing the names-kate and anthony,,, im gonna say a & k]

edwina getting angry at the wedding was so full of raw anger and betrayal i really loved who that scene was acted out and the way she said "half-sister" . that hurt bad even for me. mary taking the time to reassure that k was a part of the family from the moment she had seen her , that hurt too 😭😭 they care for each other so much and its just. family yk???

that scene with the ring getting stuck was actually a's dad trying to tell a that he should marry k god bless him🙏🏾🙏🏾 [also im p sure the only reason that kate didnt give him cake anyway was cause it wasnt her house cause bro you gotta give ppl who visit ur house smth!! and that cake looked so good too,,]

no one hates byron more than everyone else-benedict bridgerton

colin does the absolute most every season like ?? youre going through a dinner high?? in front of ur entire family??

i think at that point eloise was at a breaking point with all those dead ends and many many scandals that she just had to know but was mostly hinging on penelope admission that yes she was lady whistledown [its like that cassie scene from euphoria s2, they knew the truth by the others reaction] but its was still a huge invasion of privacy. and how did eloise know how to look under the floor too??

i hope we get to see kanthonys wedding soon😔

best of luck on ur hw!!! take care , take rest and stay safe mwah mwha MWAH

[moldisgoodforyou]

can you write something where sophie gets in a fight but then she's pissed rafe goes in and tries to fight too?

warnings: mentions of a fight, cursing, asshole boy

wordcount: 1.5k

_____

Rafe saw everything unfold a moment too late. He was on the opposite side of the room, catching up with some frat brothers when he spotted Sophie yelling in some guy’s face, barely audible over the din of the bar. In the twenty seconds it took him to elbow his way through the crowd, she had flipped the bottom of the guy’s drink toward him, soaking his shoes and the hem of his pants, causing the guy to lightly shove her in response to get some space.

She kept yelling and chewing the guy out, turning red, until Rafe placed both big hands on her shoulders and quickly steered her out of the bar, though not without some resistance. The second they were outside he grabbed her wrist, searching over her for any sign of injury. “Are you alright?”  

“I’m fine, no thanks to you.” Sophie shot back, stepping away from him.

He ignored her comment, turning back to the bar. “Hey.” Rafe whistled to get James and Colin’s attention from just inside the bar, keeping his face straight as he pointed to Sophie. “Watch her.”

She scowled and yanked her wrist out of his grip. “Stop, I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can. Give me five minutes.” His jaw was set and he wouldn’t look at her, waiting for the boys to make their way out of the bar.

“Rafe, don’t -” She started helplessly, but he headed straight back into the bar the second the boys came out. James raised his eyebrows. “You gonna run?”

“Shut up.” She snapped.

He smirked to himself, nodding. “You know, I’d pay to see you actually fight someone. I’d put my money on you.”

Sophie just rolled her eyes, then bit the inside of her cheek as she turned back to them. “He’s not going to cause any issues. Right?”

Colin shrugged. “He’ll be fine.”

“I’m gonna -” She started, turning to go back in the open gate of the bar. James and Colin stepped in front of her quickly, blocking her path. “Let me through.” She argued, trying to push her way through.

“No can do, Sophie.” James shook his head, glancing over his shoulder to try and catch a glimpse of Rafe. “I’m gonna go check in on him, alright? I’m sure he’s fine.”  

Colin nodded and nudged her shoulder to turn her back around, bringing her out to the sidewalk. “Uh, do you have any homework due this weekend?”

Despite herself, Sophie laughed. “That’s your idea of a distraction?”

He smiled and barreled on. “I have stats homework, it’s kicking my ass. Macro too, but that’s not too bad.”

Meanwhile, Rafe had stormed into the bar, head held high as he marched straight up to the guy Sophie was yelling at. He looked entirely unbothered, sipping on another beer although his boat shoes were surely soaked through from the last one. “Oh, you’re back.” He stated dryly.  

Rafe took a step forward so he was in his face, looking down on him. “Don’t you ever - ever - lay your hand like that on a girl again. I will find out, and I will fuck. You. Up.” He stated, nostrils flaring.

The guy raised his hands in defense right away, but wore a smug grin anyways. “Chill out, man, you didn’t even see why she started flipping out.”

“I’m sure she had damn good reason.” Rafe stood his ground, but kept his hands at his side, not trying to escalate it further.

He raised his eyebrows. “Maybe you should learn to control your bitch.”

That was all it took for Rafe to send his fist straight into the guy’s chin, making his beer go flying as he crumpled back into the wall. Before too much commotion could start up, Rafe leaned in and grabbed the front of his shirt, keeping his voice low. “Watch your fucking mouth.” He dropped him, storming out of the bar and past James, who quickly followed him out.

Sophie rose the second she saw him out of the bar, frowning. “Rafe, what did you -”

“We’re going home.” He started walking, not waiting for her.

She set her jaw and turned the other way, ignoring the fact that they both lived in the opposite direction. James and Colin exchanged glances, until one of them yelled for Rafe to catch his attention. He grumbled and turned on his heel, following after her. “Wait, Soph.”

She kept walking, biting the inside of her cheek hard.

“Sophie!” He called out again, jogging to catch up with her. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder, only for her to shrug him off. “Sophie, come on.”

“I’m not doing this with you right now.” She told him, still walking.

“Baby, give me a break.” He tried, exasperated.

She stopped abruptly and whirled around, almost running into him - a brief reminder she was still way drunker than she wanted to be. “Don’t call me that. I told you I could handle myself.”

“Well - yeah, but -” Rafe reached out to steady her, only for her to swat his hand away.

“I’m going to walk home, and you’re not going to follow me.” She told him, crossing her arms to make her point.

“We live right next to each other.” He pointed out, confused.  

“I - okay, so take a lap, I don’t fucking care. Don’t follow me.” She walked past him, thoroughly annoyed.  

“I’m not letting you walk home alone!” He called out after her, raising his eyebrows as she caught her heel on the sidewalk and almost tripped.

“Great, I’ll take my best friends with me!” She yelled back, grabbing the sleeve of James and Colin’s shirts as she walked in between them to pull them along. To their credit, the boys stayed quiet for a moment as they walked alongside her, Rafe taking it as a cue to grab an Uber to beat them home. After a beat, James spoke up. “This isn’t some weird kinky roleplay shit we’re getting roped into, right?”

“What the - James, what the hell?” She asked, more confused by his comment than anything. Colin sighed, shaking his head. “Dumbass.”

“Sorry, jeez, trying to lighten the mood.”

“And that’s what you went with?” She shoved his arm and he yelped, making a show out of rubbing it. “Jesus, woman, I’m not the enemy here.”

“I’m confused, why are we mad at Rafe?” Colin asked.  

“We?” Sophie cocked her head.

Colin shrugged. “You probably have good reason.”

She just smiled to herself, pretending not to notice when she tripped again on the uneven sidewalk. James offered his arm and she took it silently, calming down just a little as they walked her to the Theta house. When she saw Rafe waiting for her up on the porch bench, she let out a small huff.

“You want us to stick around?” James asked.

“S’okay. Thank you both, I appreciate it.” She gave them a small smile and they nodded, Colin grinning as he flipped Rafe off from the sidewalk before they left.

She steeled herself, crossing her arms again as she strode up to him.

“Rafe, what the fuck was that?!”  

“What?!” He was completely thrown off guard, not expecting her anger. “I was protecting you!”

“I don’t need protecting! I had the asshole handled.” Her brow knitted together once she noticed his bruising fist. “Wait, did you -”

“No.” He responded quickly, not even letting her finish the question before he hid his hand behind his back.

She frowned, softening a little bit. “Show me.”

“What did he say to you? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Rafe ignored her  question and reached out hesitantly with his good hand, unsure if she’d welcome his touch. She shook her head and held out her open hand, palm facing up. “I’m okay. Show me what you did.”  

“I’m fine, Soph, I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be.”  

He gave her a small smile and took her hand, kissing her knuckles. “I’ll always worry about you.”

“Sounds unproductive.”

Rafe shrugged. “There’s this girl I love that makes it worth it.”

“How romantic.” She rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm, sighing when she saw his bruised fist. “Why?”  

“He pushed you, Sophie -”

“I don’t care, Rafe, we’re not in high school. I can handle myself just fine.” 

“Yeah, but that’s the whole point of having me. So you don’t have to handle yourself.” He argued, wincing when she accidentally squeezed his fingers. 

Her eyes narrowed. “You’re not allowed to complain about your hand hurting if I didn’t want you to fight.”  

“Didn’t say a word.” He gently tugged his hand from her grip and wrapped his arms around her, relaxing once she leaned into his touch. “I just want you safe, okay?” 

“I’ll allow it.” She murmured against his shoulder. “Just this once. Only because I love you.” 

He leaned back after a moment and tipped her chin up with a crooked finger, smirking. “Now who’s the romantic?” 

“I’ll take it back.” She threatened, but kissed him anyways.  

Rafe laughed against her lips. “I’d expect nothing less.”

[devastatinglygreen]

Despite you reminding me how fandom clings to terrible theories I WILL be adding you to my support list for the Butterfly Ball Baby Boom 😜

But seriously I’ve seen so many fans either upset about the fact that she got pregnant at all, or creating the angstiest theories surrounding the baby/pregnancy. Much like the LW future the discourse stems from fan speculation not going the way they planned. There are obviously valid criticisms on certain story elements but I think for the story they chose to tell, and the book elements they wanted to incorporate I’m mostly satisfied.

Anyway your page has been so great post Part 2 and wanted you to know! Dissertations, horny vibes and all!

i'm always happy to be on a list!

probably on more lists than i want to think about tbh but that's an issue for future me.

oh for sure, i've seen people very upset that they're not off and traveling but they really did weave a lot of the book into their story and i do think a lot of fan theories have colin traveling as some sort of incontrovertible need of his when he very happily settles down with penelope after falling in love, people can be unhappy he says he's fulfilled by loving her but it's not as if he doesn't have his own goals and accomplishes them with her full support. not really sure what people want from them and some people will never be happy no matter what.

she obviously didn't marry him for his pull out game so like...you know.

there are very valid criticisms to be had (the editing oh my god some of the editing in 8 is unreal) but they upheld the spirit of the book in a lot of ways and i appreciate that. i think 2+ years of expectations always meant a lot of people were going to walk away unhappy. overall, i am happy with what we got. i think the angst gave the ending no room to breathe so a little space at the back would have been good but in general? we got a lot more of the ship itself and the book than others for me to feel like complaining.

even if i am surprised people need to be hand held into some things, the eros and psyche of it all should have given it away pretty much immediately.

dissertations and horny vibes? nice. now if i can get myself back into fic writing, i will be a triple threat to torment the rest of you with.💜

[duckie-baby]

let's talk about s02e08: the sins of the father.

let's talk about how this could've been a pivotal point in arthur's character arc, if the writers of this show weren't fucking cowards.

let's talk about how it was completely unfair on merlin's part to lie to arthur, because arthur deserved the truth goddamnit and it wasn't merlin's place to take that away from him.

of course, this is later justified by merlin saying that he knows arthur and that he wouldn't be able to live with himself or the guilt of it if he had gone ahead and killed his father. and of course, like every other potentially life-changing event, all of this is never mentioned by the show again.

magic is damned even further in arthur's eyes, uth*r threatens everyone who knows the truth into silence, vaguely implies that he's totally chill with his son fucking his manservant as long as they're all of the same anti-magic ideals, the episode ends in all smiles.

but whew! at least arthur's been protected from the harsher sides of reality, once again! god forbid this character gains any sense of self-awareness!

my point is, if all of this was to keep arthur from killing daddykins bc it would weigh on his delicate conscience, to preserve the Goodness Of His Character As A Man And King, why the fuck should merlin have to lie to him about it?

consider, instead of:

Morgause is lying! She's an enchantress. She tricked you. That was not your mother you saw. That was an illusion. Everything...everything your mother said to you...those were Morgause's words.

we could have had something along the lines of:

What your father did was wrong, Arthur, but is this man the man you want to be? The king you want to be? Would you be able to ascend the throne even as your father's blood glistens, still fresh, on your sword? Would you be able to live with yourself if you made this decision?

if he kills his darling father anyway, honestly, Good For Him. he has every right to. uth*r went through with a dangerous spell despite knowing the risks, then commited genocide in its name whilst lying about his reason as to why.

uth*r has commited genocide.

he is not a good king or father either, as proven several times throughout the show. he deserves no mercy, no pity.

but the choice should've been arthur's to make. this scene should've been a testament to arthur's character.

if he kills daddy dearest anyways but then feels Super Guilty about it later, we know he wouldn't have made a good king. you can't head a country when you're prone to making drastic decisions without thinking them through bc you were throwing pissy fit at the time.

so if he still goes through with it, he must not been shown to regret it.

but say he does let uth*r live. maybe for whatever love remains for the man who raised him. but he renounces him as his king, as his father.

arthur starts publicly going against his policies and decisions. bc if uth*r could have been so wrong about this alone, what else is he wrong about? arthur refuses to carry out his orders if he believes it’s against the interests of the people.

raising taxes? how about No. oh, he can’t knight commoners? just Try and stop him. he learns to trust in the counsel of merlin, gwen, morgana, people who we know interact direct directly with the citizens of camelot and want what’s best for them; builds his own circle. he routinely breaks out prisoners from the dungeons he believe have been punished unjustly.

especially the people who use magic. he openly speaks out against his father and his persecution of it.

uth*r can try and stop him, alright. but there is a clear rift in the kingdom now, two distinct factions. those who believe in the king that arthur will be, and those who believe their loyalty is still to the current monarch.

and look at these people, from the execution scene from s01e01:

look at their faces (and also hnfvbdjh colin morgan and his obscene fucking cheekbones jesus christ). they don't seem to appreciate uth*r saving them from the evils of magic much. how many of them have lost their friends and family to his crusade? how many of them remember a time when magic was still allowed in camelot and the kingdom flourished?

these people will stand with arthur pendragon.

yeah. the ones who still believe in uth*r’s authority are few and far in between. and they know where they can shove it.

arthur learns. about magic, about its history, the old religion. merlin finally reveals his magic to him, so does morgana. he goes to the druids and he falls to his knees and he begs for their forgiveness. morgause begrudgingly allies herself with him, seeing his determination to right his father’s mistakes. he still struggles with the little boy within him who just wants his only parent’s approval, sometimes. but he is slowly but surely becoming his own man.

arthur becomes king long before he takes the throne. uth*r is forced to watch, a meaningless figurehead, as everything he worked to achieve comes undone at the hands of his own son. no attempts to make the viewers sympathise with him. he is angry and miserable and wasting away and there is nothing he can do about it; and it’s exactly what he fucking deserves.

and merlin? merlin finally realises kilgharrah’s word isn’t gospel. morgana is redeemed before she ever loses herself. but they must learn to trust each other again, bc merlin left her to face her fear and self-loathing alone when she needed someone more than ever (you might be cute, merlin, but not enough to get away with THAT). he finds himself taking young sorcerers who don’t know how to control their power under his wing (gilli, daegal, oh god the endless opportunities here), including mordred. MORGAUSE TEACHING MERLIN AND MORGANA MAGIC.

he and arthur are equals now, partners in destiny; the world is theirs.

and for the love of god, give me villains whose entire personality and motivations don’t boil down to I Hate Uth*r Pendragon And Also His Son.

give me kings who are afraid of camelot’s growing power, give me bandits and slave traders who realise they have no place in arthur and merlin’s albion. give me uth*r apologists scrambling to maintain their position in court, hell, give me anarchist organisations if that’s what it takes to spice things up a little.

give me the golden age of albion we were promised.

of course, all of this requires characters acknowledging and growing from their mistakes, and making their actions have lasting consequences — so i suppose it really is a bit too much to ask of the writers.

[gleekto]

Full Fic: Even Better Than the Real Thing

Words: 18,295 (how did that happen?)

Full fic now on AO3

Summary: College AU/Famous!Blaine and Fanboy!Kurt - Kurt POV

Kurt really doesn’t have time to figure out the dating world between being a freshman at prestigious theatre school, LAADA,  and his active but secret blogging life in the Sing!Fandom. So what if Sing! ended last year? There are still fics to read and actors to follow. Especially the uber talented heartthrob lead, Blaine Anderson. He can act. He can sing. He can even dance. He’s gay. He’s out. And he’s only 24. Kurt is willing to twiddle his thumbs and click refresh until Blaine Anderson’s next project.

He just didn’t expect the next project to be on his roommate Rachel’s new TV show.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12

Even Better than the Real Thing (13/13)

They decide to tell Rachel first. Aside from being the obvious choice, she would be a nightmare if she ever found out she was second shrift to anyone in Kurt’s life. He would definitely not be able to handle her moping around the apartment wondering if he even really considered her a friend in the first place - last week he finishes her oat milk, this week, he’s dating her co-star and she’s the last to know. Of course, in this scenario he never had any of her oat milk, and she wouldn’t be the last to know, but regardless, not telling her first certainly wouldn’t be worth the headache.

“So you think we should just let her walk in on us?” They’re still lying half naked in Kurt’s bed hours after their “reunion”, Blaine lying on his front, Kurt on his back, with Blaine’s butt as his pillow. “I mean she should be home in what - 20 minutes?”

“Oh shit,” Kurt looks at his watch. “More like 10. And I think my breakfast dishes are still sitting on the table.”

They scramble to put on clothes, quickly make Kurt’s bed, and Kurt amusedly watches Blaine try to figure out how to arrange his throw pillows, while he finishes cleaning up his dishes. By the time Rachel waltzes in the front door, they’re sitting across from each other at the kitchen island, each with a cup of hot lemon tea, and trying to look casual.

“Hi Kurt. I have had the busiest day. Let me tell you I’m completely exhausted-” Rachel finally looks up and sees them. “Blaine?” Kurt can feel Rachel trying to come up with a way to phrase her obvious question.

“Hey Rachel,” Blaine smirks, amused, but doesn’t offer any explanation. Kurt kicks him under the table. “Ow.”

“So you’re um-” Rachel purses her lips. “Both feeling better now, I take it?”

“Much better,” Blaine smirks again. 

“Okay yes,” Kurt huffs. “We are feeling better and we are,” Kurt motions between Blaine and himself. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Rachel claps her hands excitedly. “This is so great - can you imagine the PR headlines for the show?” Kurt glares at her and she stops. At least for the moment. “I mean, I’m very happy for you. So anyways. You have my blessing.” Kurt laughs out loud.

“Thank you?” Blaine looks at her suspiciously.

“Well, Kurt is my best friend and I do have inside knowledge that you are a good kisser.” Now Blaine laughs out loud. “So may you be blessed with all that goodness.”

“Oh I will be,” Kurt says and Rachel at least looks slightly embarrassed. So he’ll take it as a win.

...

The fun part is telling Mercedes - it’s always so satisfying to have her approval. They FaceTime her.

“You look better,” She notices right away.

“I am,” Kurt beams, Blaine standing behind the computer out of her view. “We talked and-”

“And?” Her eyes go wide.

“And, yeah,” Kurt shakes his head still in a bit of disbelief. We’re seeing what happens.” She squeals in the best way. “And actually,” Kurt smiles even wider, “There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.” Kurt’s favourite part is watching Mercedes’ jaw drop as Blaine saunters into the frame.

“Hey Mercedes,” He smiles his warm smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“And you, Mr. Blaine Anderson.” Mercedes smiles reflexively shaking her head back and forth. “I am just - wow. Hello.” Kurt remembers being starstruck. It feels like a long time ago.

“No need to be so formal,” Blaine dismisses. “Kurt just calls me Mr. Anderson.”

“You wish,” Kurt elbows him in the side.

“And he even has a sense of humour,” Mercedes is still smiling dumbly.

“Well, maybe next time we’re alone,” Blaine whispers so only Kurt can hear and he gets elbowed even harder, Kurt trying to remain casual.

“So we do need to ask you not to mention this - or any of our future hang outs - on your blog,” Kurt adds, half in jest all in earnest. 

Mercedes nods but Blaine chimes in, “Though if you did say that you had a friend who met me, and that I do have a much better sense of style than Colin Red, I would appreciate it.”

“You did get yourself a comedian, Kurt.”

“My style is better,” Blaine huffs.

“And you can mention that ‘your friend’ said the guy Blaine was with was at least a 9/10,” Kurt says.

“You mean a 10?”

“Aren’t you sweet,” Mercedes nods at Kurt, impressed.

“You think I would date a 9? Please. It will all be confirmed when I talk to my publicist, anyways,” Blaine says nonchalantly.

“Your publicist?” Mercedes and Kurt repeat at the same time. Mercedes in shock, Kurt curious.

“Just give me five minutes.”

...

Who is the pretty face having coffee with Sing!’s favorite heartthrob? You asked  and JustJay has the answers. His name is Kurt Hummel and we have got the SCOOP! 

Kurt laughs as he clicks on the link the next morning. Blaine had spoken to his publicist for a total of five minutes and said a sum total of seven words. Kurt Hummel...Dating...19...LAADA...Rachel’s roommate.

Sorry to any of the hopeful fans out there. Blaine Anderson of Sing! and That’s So Rachel fame, officially confirmed that he is off the market. At least for now. He is dating Kurt Hummel - and he’s his co-star’s roommate. Awkward!

But good luck to the happy new couple!

And that’s it. Kurt Hummel is dating Blaine Anderson. And some of the more ‘high end’ entertainment bloggers note that Blaine requests privacy about his personal life at this time. At least that way they can decline couple selfies when a fan sees them out to eat.

...

Kurt isn’t able to see Blaine again until the weekend, thanks to a lengthy  location shoot. He has the week to catch up on his school work, only being mildly distracted by Blaine’s flirty texts - He laughs out loud to his empty apartment when a pic of Blaine shirtless in his trailer, with the top of his boxers showing above his jeans, pops up. 

Blaine: Finally gets to see me shirtless whenever he wants.

What an ego. 

Kurt: Definitely not as often as I want.

Kurt is pretty sure that’s what makes Blaine come right back to Kurt’s apartment with Rachel that Friday, rather than at least dropping his bag off at home first. “First weeks of dating are always the hardest,” Blaine says as he shuts Kurt’s bedroom door and pulls Kurt on top of him and kisses him long and slow. 

Kurt pulls back. “The hardest?”

“Mmmm,” Blaine mouths along his neck. “Very hard not to want to be naked all the time.” Kurt can’t really argue with that. Despite his sense of romance, he definitely does not want to go out right now.  

It doesn’t take them very long to shed their clothes and crawl into Kurt’s bed to wrap around each other. Then it slows down as if in slow motion. The last time they were together was desperate - Kurt was surprised and nervous and unsure of what was happening. Now he’s calm (in a horny sort of way) and he lets Blaine wrap around him as Blaine explores his body - the sensitive spot two inches under his armpit, the strip below his belly, even his balls which Blaine cups in his hands. He moans in appreciation and Blaine likes it. He likes it too.

He lets Blaine finger him open that night while Blaine gives him a blowjob and it doesn’t even feel like a thing. Kurt is on his back and Blaine is sinking up and down on him, wet and slow, slurping in a sort of grotesque satisfaction. Kurt lifts his knees up to see what might happen andBlaine pops off momentarily and stares at Kurt’s open legs, then stares at his eyes as he grabs the lube. When Kurt nods, Blaine sinks back down and touches him so effortlessly that Kurt forgets to be nervous. Light presses turn to one finger, then two. In and out.  So many sensations and then he’s coming in Blaine’s mouth.

There is just something very easy about being with Blaine Anderson.

...

Rachel is the one who convinces them to do the interview. 

They’ve been dating uneventfully for half a year when That’s So Rachel gets renewed for a second season. Other than the occasional photo request or silly headline - Blaine Anderson buys some strawberries while out for a walk with his beau - Kurt feels like he’s having a pretty regular first relationship. They spend several nights a week together, but not every night, they see plays, bake cookies, hang out, have spectacular sex thanks to Blaine’s well honed skills (It’s not my skills, it’s you, Blaine says over and over but Kurt still thinks he’s indulging him). Tumblr seems like a distant memory though Mercedes tells him there is an active RPF fandom writing fics about them  - Klaine, she says. What on earth is a klaine? And he’s still acing all his classes.

Then one day the request comes from good old JustJay, and Rachel is all in.

“It will be such great publicity for our new season,” Rachel insists. “The true love behind the show. Come on, you know it will be fun.”

Kurt definitely does not know that. Neither does Blaine. But they give in mostly because Rachel is pure enthusiasm and what really is the harm? So they find themselves sitting on a little couch in JustJay’s small rented studio, arms crossed on their laps like the little old couples in When Harry Met Sally.

“It’s true. He was a fan,” Blaine confirms. “Of my first TV show, Sing!”

“That’s his false modesty talking. I was a fan of Sing! But mostly, I was a fan of Blaine Anderson - young, out, gay. Not bad looking,” Kurt teases. “But I was Rachel’s friend and roommate long before I knew anything about them working together.”

“It was serendipity,” Blaine squeezes his hand and the camera pans in. Kurt can just imagine the fics that will come out of this.

“It was random luck.”

Blaine continues, “We have a lot in common - growing up gay in Ohio, love of musical theatre. We even both sang in show choirs. I’d never date a fan, though.”

“But,” Kurt continues his sentence. “When we met through Rachel, I was too embarrassed to admit I knew who he was. I was just trying to get through a five minute awkward conversation with my celebrity crush without making  a fool of myself.”

“But I wouldn’t let him go.”

“He wouldn’t let me go.”

And the rest is history.

[hedgefairy]

Okay, I know, I know, it's already old news, everybody and their uncle in the costuming community has already talked it over, but anyhoo, I made notes when I crawled my way through effing Bridgerton and I will be damned if I don't vomit them onto this site. I have 32 pages of this shit, I'm not gonna throw that away.

I'm also typing this on my phone because I'm stuck on a trainride that's just doubled in length because this is the 2021 Northern German snow storm. What, there's snowflakes on the rails? We cannot possibly keep up our schedule, say goodbye to 90% of the connections.

Okay, on to Bridgerton, Episode 1

We're in Britain (oh, London, okay), allegedly 1813. I see people who are clearly meant to be asympatico, but is this size incusivity I spot there? Daring! Gasp! Me li...

Oh wait, no. The character is promptly shamed for her figure (which is mostly caused by the horrible cut of her dress. Every size can look great in Regency garb, but never mind, we need to make the "fat one" look bad!).

Also, no shifts under the stays. Why. There was obviously enough budget, don't tell me you couldn't afford a few strappy tops - it's not like the rest is historically accurate, so it would have sufficed to send some poor underpaid intern to H&M and get some. Nvm, that wouldn't be sexay.

Wait, is the garishly dressed (always a sign of a character of bad character in a costume drama) woman Delphine from Selfridge? Does she always have to play bitches? That's not nice, and just because she has a recognisable face, which by modern (read: americanised) standards is not favourable enough. Ugh. But I like the actress, so I'll let it slide (for now).

Lol, buttocks.

Not sure about the girls' dresses. Also, the Queen is a WOC, cool!

Oh no, one of the Featherington sisters faints! But that's okay because the Featheringtons are just comic relief and foil anyway.

I get weird incest vibes from the Bridgertons.

So the court is clearly 18th century and the show is set in the 1810s. I've by now seen several explanations for this decision, I still think it robs the Queen of reproductions of her actual historical gowns which were heavily inspired by the 18th century but so. Magnificently. Weird. It would have been so neat, and more of a "hey, I'm kinda out of touch with things" vibe, but hey, I'm not the one getting paid for making those taffeta gowns here (her hair is glorious, tho).

I'm very into the intro.

That Regency gossip girl is a real b, not unlike the Dowager Countess of Downton (unpopular opinion, I think she's pretty overrated, yes, I like Maggie Smith).

Again, no shifts.

Where do I know the "pragmatic" Bridgerton sister from? Ah, it's The Paradise. And Jonathan Strange. (Wait, she's my age. And she's supposed to be a teenager. Man, do I love a good Dawson casting. I like the actress, though, she has a face ™!).

Aaaah. We get it. She's the spirited one. She also doesn't care about dresses because she's not like other girls™. I really like her voice (but she still doesn't sound like a teenager).

The heck is up with Lady F's dress and that of her friend? Oh, yeah. Antagonist fashion.

Of course the Featheringtons are Horrid Hags™ aside from Penny who's nice, but the pudgy one (at least we don't get a case of "she's not conventionally attractive so she's bad").

Oooh, the cousin! Supposed to suck, but ofc she's a stunner, and only Penny (who's the nice one, remember!) is delighted to have her around. She's also a POC, which is nice but apparently that means she does not follow fashion, hair-wise. I would have loved to see some Regency hair on her, it would have been so pretty *cries in Greek updo*

Ugh, we're still in Ep. 1, typing this on my phone was a bad idea.

Lady Danbury and the Duke guy are delightful with each other (more POC! So neat!).

The girl the oldest Bridgerbro screws is apparently a singer, which isn't up to status for his doucheship, and she doesn't wear a shift.

The music at the ball sounds like something from the Top 40s, but I'm woefully ignorant of contemporary music charts so I can't tell what it is. I like it when they do that in historical-ish works, making well-known pop or rock stuff work for the ambience (ugh, that dance scene to Golden Years in Knight's Tale. My heart. In a good way.)

I dig the Ducktail hair of Penny's crush. Oh, wait, that's a Bridgerbro. I don't quite get why the hair trends of the time don't apply to the POC characters or extras, but seeing how most white characters also show a shameful disregard for the weirdnes and gloriosity (that's not a word) that is early 1800s hair (the 1830s take the cake, tho) despite those hairdos being basically designed for white people hair, I don't think I care much (well, I do, but about all of them). Overall the hair is horrid and not very 1810s. Let's just leave it at that.

Like a good old romance novel (I've since been told that Bridgerton is supposed to be a pastiche of such novels, but I really couldn't tell from the series, not at all, and I'm not inclined to read the books) we have

a pretty, kind, superpure daughter of the main family

the mean matriarch (could have been an aunt, too, but here she's the mum) of the rivalling or antagonist family

a spirited daughter of the main family (in most romance novels this would be our heroine but so far she refreshingly lacks a love interest and pretty daughter seems to get the most screen time)

a Horrid Suitor™

a Hot Suitor™ who doesn't want attention

a really good and doting good parent

Lol, misheard Greece for Grease with Ducktail Bridgerbro, whose name is Colin, apparently. This is funny because of his Danny Zuko memorial hair.

Overall a bit too much bling for my taste, and too few pearls. It looks like an episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen with a Regency theme.

Of course the romance is going to be the Pretty One aka. Daphne and the Duke and he's even bros with her eldest bro. Wait, are they exes? I can haz bi? No? Aww, shucks. Maybe in another episode (spoiler: no).

Okay, WHAT is it with Lady F's dresses and hair. Like, she reminds me of Mars Attacks. Which, as you might remember, was not set in the Regency period.

Lord B (Bridgerbro the Eldest) sucks, he's screwing Opera Girl without any intention of marrying her but he's bitchy about his sister being ogled by his Eton (or wherever) bestie?

Oh, I'm in Hamburg now. And my train back home got canceled, so back to Berlin it is because there's not a single option to get to Hanover tonight, at least that's what the lady from the train station is saying, "oh well, you'll have to go back and try again tomorrow", so that's awesome...

Honestly, if it weren't so late and I didn't have things to do at home I'd find this terribly exciting.

Back to Bridgerton!

Where were we? Ah.

I can't even read my own annotation. Something about George III. I think I was upset about how they totally ignored that it's called Regency because George IV acted as the regent king, and he doesn't even feature in the series, I guess because they wanted to play up the Queen? Not a fan, because thanks to Horrible Histories I'm quite fond of that guy.

Again, no shifts.

Oh, look, it's Horrid Suitor™, destined for leftovers.

The Featherington cousin gets all the attention but no fleshed-out character.

Penny Featherington's dog is named Lord Byron, which ❤️

I like the Duke! He's there, drinking in his club (even though they're a patriarchal remnant of the past I have a weird appreciation for stuffy Gentlemen's Clubs, I blame Bertie Wooster and the Drones), calling Lord B out for his general fuckery.

Oh no, Ducktail Colin is more into the Cousin than Penny, who obviously pines for him!

Thank you, Lord B, for enabling Horrid Suitor™. Nobody asked you to be such a fucktwit.

The Queen is, of course, a bit of a bitch, but patronage from cool Lady *scrolls up for name* Danbury ensues for Protagonist Girl™ Daphne.

"I wish they had found a better trend language", what the heck did I even mean by that? That's what you get for just scribbling down notes while watching and simultaneously sewing. 18th century pants, in case you wanted to know.

Cousin is angry, probably because Lady F behaves like Cinderella's evil stepmother, because Cousin is prettier than her daughters and gets, like, all the suitors because Lord B bitched away everyone who wanted to get into Daphne's dowry ifyouknowwhatImeanwinkwinknudgenudge, right across the street into Cousins parlour.

The Bridgertons are annoyingly perfect. Ugh.

Oh look, it's "banter" between Daphne and Dukey! It's so Pride & Prejudice! It's almost a tiny bit Shakespeare! I put banter in parentheses because wow, nope, I'm not getting any chemistry here.

Uh, Lady B calls out Lord B (aka. her son aka. Bridgerbro the Eldest) for his screwery with Opera Girl and his outpimpery of his sister to Horrid Suitor™, buuuurrrrrnnn. He promptly calls of his affair with Opera Girl.

No shifts!

Penny gets to dance with Ducktail Colin at the thing! Good for her, but it's a country dance with jumping and fun, because she's a) the pudgy character and b) a Featherington, so it can't be something romantic and pretty (I personally like country dances, but they aren't protagonist dances).

Oooh, Cousin had her period, oh no, oh snap, oh she didn't, because she's PREGNANT! Shit, that's problematic, and not because she's an unmarried woman in the 1810s, but because she gets close to no lines at all so far, and suddenly she's pregnant and telling Lady F that she sucks for being privileged, violence ensues, this is ugly. Man, I get what some critics mean by "the POC actors*actresses get all the problems" and that not exactly being great.

Horrid Suitor™ makes property claims about Daphne, eeewwwww, thanks to Lord B's general suckiness, ewww, r@pe attempt ensues, was that really necessary? It doesn't really fit in with the rest of the series and generally nope, yay, broken nose! (which was indeed totally necessary). Nice one, and probably the only scene so far (spoiler: overall) in which I actually like Daphne. Dukey thinks a mean left hook is attractive, and, generally speaking, he's not wrong.

Daphne and Dukey come up with a pseudo-shakespearean plot to pretend to be totally into each other so she can attract suitors by being not available and he gets not to have fangirls by being not available, and as someone who has read a few too many historical-ish bodice rippers I know exactly where this is going. I mean, come on.

I can't see enough of the following choreography to complain about it. Man, I miss historical dance classes.

And that concludes Ep. 1! Finally! Thank you for getting this far, sorry for all of it (especially typos, it's the bane of unwanted autocorrect), I guess?

Update on the train situation: I've been told by the ticket control person that I shouldn't get my hopes up until noon tomorrow.

To be continued,

because I didn't take these 32 pages of notes for nothing.