#and its a mixed bag. and like i appreciate a lot of what hes trying to do in the first bit and retell her original origin which i love to

[themyscirah]

Just gonna put this here.

[theetherealbloom]

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU - CH.2

Chapter Two: God, I’m Actually Invested

Summary: You find yourself sharing a hotel suite with Pedro Pascal while working on the set of Fantastic Four: First Steps. Despite your different roles—he’s the star, and you’re behind the scenes. Nothing could ever happen between you two… right?

Paring: Pedro Pascal x F!Reader

Warnings: Age-Gap Romance (Not Specified), Eventual SMUT, Crush, FLUFF, Slight Angst, Trope(s), Swearing, Anxiety, Lots of Cliches, Cheesy Dialogue, Romance, Kissing, Real People Fiction, Cameras, Paparazzi, Social Media, Swoonworthy, One-Room Trope, They were roommates, Strangers-to-Lovers, Actors, Hallmark Tropes, the reader can sing and play guitar, the reader is shorter than Pedro, the reader has hair, Alternate Universe, Awkward!Reader, Shy!Reader, Fan Girl!Reader, Cringe, Embarrassment, Starstruck,

Word Count: 5.3k

A/N: This chapter has hella fluff and super funny/awkward moments. See you in the next one!

Side note: I’m dyslexic and English isn’t my first language! So I apologize in advance for the spelling and/or grammatical errors. As always, reblogs, comments, and likes are always appreciated. Thank you and happy reading!

Song: Risk by Gracie Abrams

Previous Chapter → Next Chapter | Series Masterlist |Main Masterlist|

PINEWOOD STUDIOS — DAY  

The shuttle hummed along the narrow roads, and you found yourself squished between Archie and Rebecca, who were already up to no good.  

"So," Archie began, a smirk tugging at his lips as he leaned closer. "How was breakfast with your roomie?"  

Rebecca chimed in before you could answer, her tone dripping with faux innocence. "Yeah, did Pedro enjoy the toast you so lovingly made for him? Or was it the Nutella that won his heart?"  

You groaned, burying your face in your hands as your cheeks burned. "Guys, please."  

But they weren’t letting you off that easily. Archie grinned, elbowing you lightly. "Oh, come on. You’ve been living a rom-com dream, and we’re just trying to get the highlights."  

Rebecca nudged you with her shoulder, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Did he do the smolder? You know the one. The gaze that makes people forget how to breathe?"  

You laughed despite yourself, though it came out as more of a nervous squeak. "I don’t even know what you’re talking about."  

Archie gasped dramatically. "Oh, she knows! She definitely knows."  

By the time the shuttle pulled into the lot, your friends had teased you so mercilessly that you wanted to sink into the ground and never resurface. As everyone filed out, you clutched your bag tightly, muttering under your breath, "I’m never speaking to either of you again."  

Rebecca shot you a playful wink as she headed toward her department. "Sure you won’t. See you at lunch, Nutella Queen!"  

The chill of the morning air hit you as you walked toward the security checkpoint, clutching your ID badge. The sprawling Pinewood Studios stretched out before you like a labyrinth, its towering sound stages and bustling crew already alive with activity.  

"Badge, please," the guard said, snapping you out of your thoughts.  

You handed it over, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement flutter in your chest. Once cleared, you stepped inside, the sheer scale of the operation hitting you all at once.  

The first thing you noticed was the controlled chaos—carts loaded with equipment whizzing by, crew members calling out instructions, the smell of fresh paint from recently constructed sets. It was overwhelming in the best way.  

"Alright, team! Let’s get started," Jess Hall, the First AD, called out as she clapped her hands to gather everyone. She had a warm but commanding presence, her headset slung casually around her neck.  

You fell into step with the other production assistants, taking in every detail as Jess led the group on a whirlwind tour of the set.  

"This is the main soundstage," she said, gesturing to a cavernous building where scaffolding and green screens loomed high above the floor. "Props go over there. Catering is outside, past the trailers. And wardrobe is down that corridor—try not to get lost."  

Daniel, the head of props, gave you a quick nod as he walked by, holding a clipboard. "New PA?"  

"Yes," you managed, straightening up.  

"Good. Hope you’re ready to hustle," he said, his tone brisk but not unkind.  

You spent the morning darting from one task to the next—hauling equipment, labeling props, delivering coffee orders. It wasn’t glamorous, but there was something thrilling about being part of the organized chaos.  

At one point, you found yourself standing off to the side, flipping through the day’s call sheet. The sheer number of moving parts was dizzying. But when you glanced up and saw Pedro casually chatting with a director by the monitors, a soft smile on his face, the whirlwind slowed for just a moment.  

Your heart did a little flip.  

"Alright, focus," you muttered to yourself, shaking your head as you quickly returned to your tasks.  

The rest of the day passed in a blur of movement—helping manage background extras, untangling a web of cables, even holding up a light reflector when the gaffer was short-handed.  

By the time lunch rolled around, you were exhausted but strangely energized, a sense of accomplishment settling in as you sat with your friends in the cafeteria.  

Archie plopped down beside you with a tray full of food, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "So, how’s your first day as Pedro Pascal’s shadow?"  

You shot him a glare but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. "I’m not his shadow. I’m just… a very busy PA trying to survive her first day."  

Rebecca raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. But he noticed you, didn’t he?"  

You felt your cheeks warm, and your silence only made them laugh harder.  

"God, I hate you both," you muttered, though there was no real malice behind it.  

As you took another bite of your sandwich, you couldn’t help but glance across the room, where Pedro sat with the director and a few cast members. He caught your eye briefly, offering a small, almost imperceptible wave.  

Your stomach flipped again.  

And just like that, you were back to square one—completely flustered and wishing for the ground to swallow you whole.  

After lunch, you found yourself tucked into a quiet corner near the soundstage, the faint hum of set activity surrounding you. Propping the script against your knees, you scanned the pages intently, trying to map out how the scenes being shot here in London would flow before the production moved to Spain. The script’s intricate details and stage directions blurred slightly as you tried to piece it all together, scribbling quick notes in the margins.  

“Hey.”  

The voice startled you, and the script slipped from your hands, fluttering dramatically to the ground. You turned quickly, clutching your chest like it might stop your racing heart.  

“Jesus, Pedro!” you exclaimed, your voice a little too breathless for your liking.  

He grinned, that easy, boyish grin that made your stomach do flips. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”  

“Oh, hi,” you mumbled, stepping out of the way instinctively, thinking he was just passing by. Your gaze darted down to the script at your feet, but before you could bend to retrieve it, Pedro was already leaning down to pick it up.  

“You okay?” he asked as he straightened, handing the slightly crumpled pages back to you. He was already dressed for the scene, hair and makeup done to perfection, though you knew the team would fuss over touch-ups throughout the day.  

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” you said quickly, brushing your fingers over the script as though smoothing it out would erase your flustered reaction. “Just, uh, reviewing the scenes for today.”  

Pedro tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his warm brown eyes. “Doing your homework, huh?”  

You nodded, trying to keep your voice steady. “Just trying to keep up. It’s my first day, and I don’t want to mess anything up.”  

He studied you for a beat, and the weight of his gaze made your cheeks flush. “You’re not going to mess anything up,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “You’re doing great. Everyone can see it.”  

You let out a soft laugh, though your throat felt tight. “You’ve barely seen me all day. How would you know?”  

Pedro’s smile softened, and he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Because you’ve got that look. The one that says you care about getting it right.”  

Your breath hitched, and for a moment, you were painfully aware of how close he was. The faint scent of his cologne—something warm and woodsy—lingered in the air between you.  

“I... uh...” You trailed off, your brain scrambling for a coherent response.  

Pedro straightened, easing the tension with a light chuckle. “Don’t overthink it, okay? Just take it one task at a time. And if you need anything, you know where to find me.”  

“Right. Thanks,” you managed, clutching the script a little tighter.  

“See you out there,” he said with a wink before turning to head toward the set, leaving you standing there with your heart pounding and your thoughts in a complete jumble. 

As he disappeared around the corner, you exhaled sharply, trying to pull yourself together. “Get it together,” you muttered under your breath. But even as you said it, a small, traitorous smile tugged at your lips.

Matt’s voice cut through the buzz of the set as he called for quiet. The shift was immediate—crew members hushing their conversations and finding their marks. You moved to the side, watching as Pedro, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach stepped into position. The air seemed to hum with anticipation as the cameras rolled, capturing the scene that unfolded before you.  

It was surreal, seeing them all perform together, their chemistry so natural it blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Pedro, in particular, commanded the screen with ease. His movements were deliberate, his voice carrying an emotional weight that made it impossible to look away.  

But then there was Vanessa.  

You hated how your eyes lingered on her, how that knot of jealousy twisted low in your stomach. She was magnetic, the way she played her role as Pedro’s onscreen wife. The way they exchanged glances, their body language speaking volumes—it was all part of the script, you knew that. Still, it didn’t stop the bitter sting of envy that crawled its way into your chest.  

Get a grip, you thought, forcing yourself to look away. This was her job. This was his job. And you? You were here to do yours, not to indulge in ridiculous fantasies. Pedro wasn’t your boyfriend, or your close friend. He wasn’t yours.  

You plastered on a neutral expression, the kind you’d perfected over the years, and focused on your work. Daisy, Lucy, and Omar were scattered across the set, handling their own assignments, while you found yourself helping out with props. It was tedious but grounding, giving you something to pour your restless energy into.  

“Cut!” Matt’s voice echoed across the soundstage.  

The tension broke, and the cast relaxed, the scene’s intensity giving way to casual chatter. You busied yourself with resetting the props, carefully arranging them for the next take.  

That’s when you noticed Coco Ullrich, Pedro’s hairstylist, stepping in to adjust his salt-and-pepper hair. She worked with practiced ease, her hands quick and efficient. Pedro leaned forward slightly to make her job easier, a soft laugh escaping him as they exchanged a few words you couldn’t quite hear.  

You smiled faintly, almost to yourself. Coco was excellent at her job—there was no denying that. And damn, did she make Pedro look good. Too good. You tried not to dwell on it, focusing instead on the task in front of you, but the image of him sitting there, that effortless charm radiating off him, lingered in your mind.  

As you finished resetting a prop, you felt a presence beside you. Turning your head, you saw Daisy, her eyebrows raised and a knowing grin tugging at her lips. “Caught you staring,” she teased under her breath.  

You rolled your eyes, heat creeping into your cheeks. “I wasn’t staring.”  

“Sure,” she said with a soft laugh. “Totally believable.”  

“Shouldn’t you be working?” you shot back, trying to steer the conversation away from yourself.  

Daisy only shrugged, her grin widening. “I am. Observing human behavior is part of the job.”  

You huffed, but there was no real malice in it. “Get out of here, Daisy.”  

She winked before walking off, leaving you standing there, your thoughts once again circling back to Pedro.  

Professional, you reminded yourself. Keep it professional. But the traitorous smile pulling at your lips made you wonder how long you could keep up the facade.  

By the end of the day, exhaustion weighed heavily on you and the rest of the crew. The once-bustling set now buzzed with the quieter sounds of people packing up equipment, stifled yawns, and the occasional joke shared among friends.  

Daisy and Omar were tugging at a heavy camera dolly, grunting dramatically like it weighed a ton, though it clearly didn’t. “Are we sure this thing isn’t secretly an ancient artifact?” Omar huffed.  

“Definitely cursed,” Daisy deadpanned, her voice dripping with mock seriousness.  

You laughed, stepping in to help steady the dolly as they maneuvered it into place. “If it starts glowing, I’m out of here.”  

“Deal,” Daisy said, winking. “But you’re buying snacks if we survive.”  

With everything finally put away, Lucy tossed an arm around your shoulder. “We’re heading to the shuttle now. Don’t take too long, or we’re leaving you behind.”  

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” you replied, giving her a tired smile.  

As they made their way toward the bus, you stayed behind to gather your things, your movements slower now that the adrenaline of the day had worn off. You double-checked your clipboard, tucked your pen into your bag, and clocked out, ready to head to the shuttle when you heard it—your name, carried over the cool night air.  

You froze, frowning slightly as you turned toward the source. The voice was unmistakable, even from a distance. Pedro.  

He was standing near the trailers, surrounded by his castmates and friends. Vanessa was there, laughing at something Joseph said. Ebon stood casually with a coffee cup in hand, and Coco was still fussing with Pedro’s hair, though it seemed like more of a friendly habit than a professional necessity at this point.  

Pedro’s eyes were on you, a warm smile stretching across his face as he called out again, “Hey! Come here! I’ve got some people I want you to meet!”  

Your eyes widened in shock, your mind immediately racing with possibilities. He means someone else, right? You turned your head slightly, glancing behind you, half-expecting someone else to step forward. But there was no one.  

You pointed at yourself, mouthing, Me?  

Pedro nodded, his grin growing wider. “Yes, you! Come on!”  

Your stomach flipped. You opened your mouth to respond, but nothing came out. You stood there, gaping for a moment before realizing you couldn’t exactly ignore him. Taking a deep breath, you steeled yourself and started walking toward the group, your palms inexplicably sweaty despite the crisp evening air.  

As you got closer, the chatter among the group quieted slightly, their attention shifting toward you. Pedro’s gaze didn’t waver, and it was both reassuring and unnerving.  

“Hey, everyone,” Pedro said as you arrived, his tone casual but full of warmth. “This is the PA I was telling you about. She’s been a lifesaver on set today.”  

Your cheeks burned, and you glanced down at your bag, gripping it tighter. “Oh, uh, I’m just doing my job,” you managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper.  

Vanessa smiled at you, her expression kind. “Pedro’s been singing your praises all day. It’s nice to finally meet you.”  

Your heart stuttered. Singing my praises? You glanced at Pedro, who shrugged nonchalantly, but the twinkle in his eye betrayed him.  

“You’re really making me look good here,” you said quietly, trying to keep your tone light, though your nerves were anything but.  

Pedro chuckled, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret. “You don’t need my help with that.” 

And just like that, your stomach flipped again, but this time, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. 

“So, um, what’s going on?” you asked, your voice steadier than you expected, though your nerves still lingered just beneath the surface.  

Pedro tilted his head toward you, his grin softening into something more casual. “Well, we were just talking, and I had an idea. Since we’re heading back to the same place and you’re my roommate, why not ride with us? It’d save you time, and you wouldn’t have to deal with being the last one dropped off on the other shuttle.”  

You blinked at him, your mind racing to catch up. “Oh, no, no. I wouldn’t want to impose,” you said quickly, shaking your head.  

Before Pedro could respond, Vanessa waved her hand dismissively. “Impose? Please, it’s not imposing. You’re coming with us. No arguments.”  

Joseph chimed in, a teasing lilt in his voice. “Yeah, you’ll make our little carpool a lot more fun. Pedro can’t keep us entertained on his own, you know.”  

“Hey!” Pedro protested with mock indignation, his hand resting dramatically over his heart.  

Ebon smirked. “He’s right, though. You’d be doing us all a favor.”  

Your cheeks warmed under their collective encouragement, and you couldn’t help but let out a small, nervous laugh. “I don’t know…”  

Coco stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. “Seriously, it’s no big deal. We’ve got room, and it makes sense. Plus, Pedro already vouched for you.”  

You glanced at Pedro, whose expression was a mix of amusement and something else—something softer. His eyes met yours, and the look he gave you was so earnest it nearly knocked the breath out of you.  

“See? Everyone’s on board,” Pedro said, his tone coaxing but playful. “It’s settled.”  

Still hesitant, you glanced at the group again, their smiles and easy camaraderie somehow making you feel like you belonged. Finally, you exhaled and nodded. “Okay, fine. If you’re sure I’m not a burden…”  

“You? A burden?” Vanessa said, laughing. “Girl, please.”  

Pedro grinned, clearly satisfied with the outcome. “Great. Let’s get going, then.”  

As the group began moving toward the car, you found yourself walking next to Pedro. Your nerves hadn’t completely settled, but there was something about the way he glanced at you, the corners of his mouth twitching in a barely contained smile, that made you feel a little lighter.  

“You okay?” he asked quietly, just for you to hear.  

You nodded, the corners of your own lips curving upward despite yourself. “Yeah, I think so.”  

“Good,” he said, his voice low and warm. “Because you’re gonna have a great time with us. Promise.”  

And for a moment, you let yourself believe him.

The large black van hummed softly as you climbed in, sliding into the seat by the window. Pedro followed closely behind and settled beside you, his arm brushing yours in the close quarters. You murmured a polite greeting to the driver, Luis, who nodded warmly in return, his easy smile a comforting contrast to the whirlwind of emotions currently swirling inside you.  

As the rest of the cast filled the van with their chatter and laughter, you sat rigidly, your back pressed against the seat. The reality of sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Pedro—and a group of celebrities you’d only ever admired from afar—was almost too much. You gripped your phone tightly, the faint glow illuminating your slightly shaky fingers as you sent a quick text to your friends:  

You: "Don’t wait for me. Got a ride with Pedro and the cast." 

The group chat exploded almost instantly, messages popping up one after the other:  

"WHAT?! 😳" 

"OOOOOHHHHHH" 

"Pics or it didn’t happen!"

You barely had time to cringe at their excitement before Pedro shifted beside you, leaning just enough to catch a glimpse of your screen.  

“Group chat drama?” he teased, his voice low and amused.  

Your cheeks burned, and you quickly locked your phone, clutching it tightly in your lap. “It’s nothing,” you mumbled, staring determinedly out the window.  

Pedro chuckled softly, clearly unconvinced but kind enough not to press. “Sure, nothing.”  

You said nothing in return, choosing instead to focus on the passing streetlights outside. They blurred together, golden streaks in the night, as the van glided smoothly through the London streets. The gentle hum of the engine and the occasional burst of laughter from the group provided a soundtrack to your inner turmoil.  

Every nerve in your body was acutely aware of Pedro’s presence beside you—the way his shoulder occasionally bumped yours when the van turned, the warmth radiating from him despite the evening chill. You wanted to relax, to laugh along with everyone else, but the overwhelming awareness of where you were and who you were with kept your pulse racing.  

“You okay over there?” Pedro asked softly, his tone laced with concern now, his earlier teasing gone.  

You glanced at him, startled by the question, and saw his brow furrowed slightly, his gaze steady and sincere.  

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you lied, offering a small, tight smile.  

Pedro didn’t look convinced, but he let it slide. “You sure? You look like you’re about to bolt out of here any second.”  

That earned a genuine laugh from you, albeit a quiet one. “I’m just... not used to this, I guess.”  

“This?”  

You gestured vaguely to the van, the people around you, and finally, to him. “All of this.”  

Pedro smiled, a slow, disarming smile that softened his whole face. “You’ll get used to it. And if you don’t, I’ll make sure to keep you grounded.”  

His words hung in the air between you, and for the first time that night, you felt the tension in your shoulders ease, if only slightly. The streetlights outside continued to blur, but now, your focus lingered on the quiet presence beside you—the warmth, the humor, and the unspoken reassurance he offered without even trying.  

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE HOTEL — EVENING

The hotel restaurant buzzed softly with the hum of conversations and the faint clinking of cutlery against plates. The warm, golden light illuminated the room, casting everything in an inviting glow. You had planned to make a quiet escape after dropping your bag off in your room, hoping to have a solitary dinner away from the star-studded company you had spent the day with. But Pedro had other plans.  

You’d barely made it three steps toward the elevators when you felt a familiar warmth against the small of your back. “Not so fast,” Pedro murmured, his voice low and teasing as he leaned just slightly into your ear.  

“Pedro, I—” you began, only to be met with his wide, unapologetic grin.  

“Come on, you can’t bail on us now. We’re starving, and it wouldn’t be the same without you,” he said, his hand gently guiding you toward the restaurant where the others were already gathering.  

You hesitated, but the sincerity in his voice, paired with the warmth of his touch, left you little room to argue. “Fine,” you sighed, though the butterflies in your stomach betrayed how little resistance you’d actually put up.  

The long wooden table in the center of the restaurant was filled with chatter and laughter by the time you arrived. Joseph and Ebon were in the middle of some animated story, Vanessa leaned in with a knowing smirk, and Coco was shaking her head with an exasperated smile. When Pedro led you to an empty seat beside him, all eyes turned toward you.  

“Look who finally decided to join us,” Vanessa said, her tone teasing but not unkind.  

“Had to drag her here,” Pedro chimed in, his grin making the table erupt in laughter.  

You sank into the seat, cheeks burning. “I wasn’t trying to escape,” you lied unconvincingly.  

“Sure, sure,” Joseph teased, winking at you from across the table. “Pedro’s got a sixth sense for these things, doesn’t he?”  

“Like a bloodhound,” Ebon added, making everyone laugh again.  

Despite your initial nerves, the warmth of the group quickly put you at ease. The conversation flowed effortlessly, ranging from behind-the-scenes mishaps to favorite restaurants in London. At one point, Vanessa and Coco started playfully debating whether Pedro’s hair looked better tousled or slicked back for the shoot, dragging you into the conversation.  

“Well?” Vanessa asked, eyes gleaming with mischief. “What do you think?”  

You nearly choked on your water. “Oh, I, um...” You glanced at Pedro, who was leaning back in his chair, clearly enjoying your discomfort.  

“Go on,” he prompted, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I can take it.”  

Finally, you sighed, trying to suppress your smile. “Tousled,” you admitted, earning a triumphant cheer from Vanessa and Coco.  

Pedro mock-gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “Betrayed! By my own roommate, no less.”  

“Hey, she’s got taste,” Joseph said, raising his glass in a toast to you.  

The playful banter continued, and by the time the entrees arrived, you were fully immersed in the group’s easy camaraderie. Pedro made sure to refill your glass whenever it was low and nudged the breadbasket toward you without a word when he noticed you eyeing it.  

At one point, you caught him watching you as you laughed at something Joseph said. His expression was soft, fond, like he was memorizing the way you looked in that moment. You tried to ignore the way your heart skipped, focusing instead on the warmth of the room and the laughter surrounding you.  

When the desserts arrived—indulgent, towering plates of tiramisu and molten chocolate cake—you couldn’t help but sigh contentedly. “Okay, I’ll admit it,” you said, leaning back in your chair. “This was better than eating alone.”  

Pedro’s grin was slow and knowing. “Told you so.”  

The night stretched on, and by the time the group began to disperse, your cheeks ached from smiling so much. As you stood to leave, Pedro fell into step beside you, his hand once again finding the small of your back.  

“See? Not so bad being part of the group, is it?” he said softly, his voice low enough that only you could hear.  

You glanced up at him, your heart fluttering at the closeness. “No,” you admitted with a shy smile. “Not bad at all.”  

After dinner, the group, full from good food and endless laughter, made their way to the elevator. One by one, everyone headed off to their respective floors, each exit marked with cheerful goodnights and playful teasing.

“You two behave!” Vanessa teased as she stepped off on her floor, her smirk lingering even as the doors slid shut behind her.

The elevator continued its ascent, and soon enough, it was just you and Pedro left. The quiet settled between you, comfortable but charged, the kind that made you hyperaware of every breath, every shift.

“Guess it’s just us,” Pedro said, his voice warm, his eyes flicking to you with a teasing glint.

“Guess so,” you replied softly, clutching the strap of your bag tighter.

When the elevator dinged on your floor, Pedro followed you out. It wasn’t unusual at this point—you were, after all, sharing a room—but somehow, tonight, the knowledge made your chest tighten. You fumbled for your keycard as you both walked down the hallway, your steps in sync.

“Still weird sharing a room with me?” Pedro asked, his tone light but laced with curiosity as he glanced at you from the corner of his eye.

You shot him a look, trying to hide your flustered state. “Not weird,” you said, unlocking the door. “Just... different.”

He grinned as you pushed the door open, stepping aside to let him in first. “Different how?”

“Different as in, I don’t usually share my personal space with someone famous,” you quipped, hoping to steer the conversation away from the real answer—how utterly nerve-wracking it was to be so close to him.

Pedro chuckled, tossing his jacket onto the back of the chair in the common area. “Relax, I’m not that famous,” he teased, kicking off his shoes as he settled onto the couch with the ease of someone used to this.

You scoffed, setting your bag down on the small dining table near the kitchenette. “Says the guy whose face is plastered all over my TikTok For You page.”

He paused mid-stretch, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “Oh, really? Your For You page?”

You groaned, regretting saying anything. “Don’t get a big head about it,” you muttered, trying to sound casual as you rifled through your bag for your phone charger.

“Oh, this is rich,” he said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “What kind of edits are we talking about? Romantic montages? Thirst traps? Tell me everything.”

You glanced at him, narrowing your eyes. “I’m not feeding your ego, Pedro.”

But he was already grinning like a kid at Christmas. “You definitely watch them,” he teased. “Don’t lie—I can see it all over your face.”

You tried to glare, but the warmth in his tone made it impossible. “I’m not talking about this,” you said firmly, grabbing your charger and heading toward your room in the suite.

“Fine, keep your secrets,” he called after you. “But I know.”

Shaking your head, you plugged in your phone on the nightstand. The suite was nice—two separate bedrooms connected by the shared living space. But even with the privacy of your room, the knowledge that Pedro was just a few steps away left you feeling... unsettled in the best way.

When you reentered the common area, Pedro was stretched out on the couch, flipping idly through TV channels. He glanced up when you walked in, his grin softening into something warmer.

“Just Pedro,” you murmured, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

He tilted his head, intrigued. “What’s that?”

You hesitated, sitting down on the armchair across from him. “It’s just... you say it like it’s supposed to make things easier. Like, ‘I’m just Pedro.’ But it doesn’t. It makes things harder.”

Pedro sat up then, his attention fully on you. “Harder how?”

Your hands twisted in your lap, nervous but too deep in it now to stop. “Because it makes it harder to pretend this isn’t a big deal. Sharing a space like this with you.”

The room fell quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater. Pedro’s expression softened, his dark eyes searching yours.

“Good,” he said simply, his voice warm and steady. “Because I don’t want you to pretend.”

You blinked, your heart racing at his words. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I like this,” he replied, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “I like having you here. Even if it’s... different.”

Your lips parted, a response on the tip of your tongue, but nothing came out. The way he looked at you—steady, unguarded—made your chest ache.

“Me too,” you finally whispered, your voice barely audible.

Pedro leaned back with a satisfied grin, the tension easing as he grabbed the remote again. “Well, since we’re both stuck here, how about a movie before bed?”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “Fine. But nothing loud or action-packed. I need calm.”

“Deal,” he said, smirking as he flipped through the channels. “But if I fall asleep halfway through, it’s your fault.”

And just like that, the weight in the room lifted, replaced by something quieter, something softer. The shared space between you felt a little less daunting, a little more like something you could both hold onto—whatever this was, whatever it could be.

End Notes:

Ya'll apparently like this fic! Thank you so much for the support huhu T^T

I’d like to give a shout out to google and reddit for aiding me in my research for this fic LMAO

I know little to nothing when it comes to production. I know the basic stuff cause of my course. (We had a class on how to plan events and stuff. I figured it’s somewhat similar.)

I’m having a blast coming up with possible scenarios with these two, the possibilities rn seem endless.

Based on research and testimonies from people who have worked with Pedro, they all mention how down-to-earth he is and how he cares for everyone on set and tries his best to know the crew. What a sweetheart 🥹🤍

TAGLIST: @comfortzonequeen @christinamadsen @liciafonseca @greenwitchfromthewoods @iqr-x @southernbe @maryfanson @brittmb115 @klajmekk @taytay0403 @whimsiwitchy @zymiii @sarahhxx03

[etoiile]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

starring itoshi sae!

synopsis: itoshi sae thinks valentines day is stupid. its a stupid holiday for stupid people to give each other stupidly overpriced chocolates and flowers. he's never done anything for any girl for valentines day, so why does he find himself wanting to do something for you?

requested by @unknownedvampire !

notes: a small drabble for the gals who don't have valentines </3 (me...)

"kaiser," sae grumbled, looking up from his lunch, "what now?"

kaiser plopped down across from him, ignoring sae's attitude. "so, what are you gonna do for y/n this year?"

sae glanced up at him and went back to his food. "her birthday isn't for months, stupid."

"no, for valentines day." kaiser grinned, trying to get into the mind of itoshi sae.

sae rolled his eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "valentine's day is stupid. it's just stupid people making a stupid holiday for their stupid overpriced chocolates and flowers. i've never done anything for any girl on valentine's day."

kaiser chuckled, nudging him. "come on, if you don't make y/n happy on valentine's, someone else will..."

sae glared at him, but chose to stay silent.

but as the days passed, sae couldn't shake the thought that unlike him, y/n actually liked valentine's day. she would talk about it from time to time, her eyes lighting up with excitement. she talked about her love for all the hearts and all the pink, though she would quickly shut herself down, knowing how sae felt about it.

kaiser continued to pester sae about his valentine's day plans, saying something like, "someone's gonna snatch her up!" but sae remained resistant, dismissing the whole idea. however, a tiny seed of consideration had been planted in his mind. he found himself observing y/n from a distance, noticing the subtle joy that valentine's day seemed to bring her.

eventually, that seed grew into a reluctant acknowledgment. he realized that even if it meant participating in the holiday he deemed "stupid" and "lukewarm," it would be worth it to see y/n smile. so, with a hint of bashfulness and an uncharacteristic softness, sae found himself standing in front of y/n's locker on valentine's day, an equally uncharacteristically sweet, thoughtful gift in his bag.

"oh! sae? what's up?" you smiled, bumping into him after putting your stuff in your locker.

"i, uh, have something for you." he mumbled, a pink dusting on his cheeks.

you put your cheek out expectantly, knowing how this is how he usually tells you he'd like to kiss you, but you were surprised when he instead pulled out a small gift bag.

too stunned to speak, you slowly took the bag. "sae? what's this? i thought you didn't like valentine's?"

he rubbed his neck nervously. "yeah. but you do."

your heart swelled at his sweetness. "thank you, sae."

excitedly, you opened the bag to reveal one of those eternal roses and a small card.

a smile spread across your face as you pulled out the contents. sae shifted awkwardly, his usual gruff demeanor replaced by a rare (actually, not-so-rare nowadays, but he'd rather die than admit it) moment of bashfulness.

"uh, yeah. it's dumb, but... happy valentine's day, or whatever," he muttered, avoiding eye contact.

"it's not dumb," you replied sincerely, admiring the rose. "thank you, sae. this means a lot to me."

sae mumbled something incoherent, a mix of embarrassment and a faint hint of satisfaction that he made you happy. you decided not to tease him, appreciating the effort he had put into this seemingly small gesture.

"i love you!" you grinned, pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek.

his face flushed, matching the color of his hair. "i love you too."

sae was never much of a guy for valentines day, but for you and your sweet smiles and kisses, he thinks that maybe he can be.

extra:

you got home later that day and opened up the card sae wrote for you. inside, it read, "valentines day is stupid, but you aren't. i know i don't show it much, but i love you a lot. just like this rose, my love for you will never die. happy valentine's day, y/n. -sae"

(you texted him later teasing him about how cheesy he is.)

© 𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 please do not copy or repost my work on any other site. interactions appreciated! 🤍

[bloomries]

be my valentine!

includes : lucifer, mammon, leviathan, satan, asmodeus, beelzebub, and belphegor.

summary : it's valentine's day, how will you spend it with your beloved?

warnings : gn! reader. food mention. valentines is my absolute faaaavorite holiday i love love and hearts and pink and chocolate~

LUCIFER

Loves the classics~ gets you a giant bouquet of red roses and has made a special, private reservation just for you two.

Today is really just an excuse to spoil you, Lucifer is secretly happy he gets to do so! Even though he claims Valentine's Day is a little silly, he doesn't miss his chance to celebrate it.

Very romantic and sincere and sweet, ugh, he's perfect~

Taking your hand in his, his thumb gently rubs against your wrist as he smiles at you. "Thank you," He says, a softness in his tone that puts you on edge— it's not often he lets down his walls to be so vulnerable. "For staying with me, and putting up with those idiots... I love you."

"I love you, too." And Lucifer certainly wouldn't mind if you leaned across the table to meet him in a sweet kiss.

MAMMON

Stayed up all night to try and make you chocolates but somehow failed— however its very last minute and he can't run out so this is what you're getting!

He's actually super nervous about it, getting bashful as he hands you the chocolates.

"If ya don't like 'em you can just throw 'em out," Mammon says, clearing his throat as he avoids eye contact. Burnt chocolates mixed up in a bag, the molds not holding together well and crumbling but you didn't have the heart to throw them away, so stealing yourself, you grab a chocolate and eat it.

"It's delicious!" You cheer, and although you're clearly lying through your teeth, Mammon appreciates it nonetheless.

"I- I'll get you some real chocolates next time."

LEVIATHAN

Sends you a bunch of those valentine meme cards/posts and a lot of 'this is us' with cuddling cats and such.

Braves the outside world in order to take you out on a date— to the arcade of course, where he wins you a bunch of plushies!

Panics when he realizes he hadn't asked you to be his valentine.

"And then I-" Levi cuts himself off mid sentence as he stares at the mirror backing of the claw machine. Today is Valentines Day, and he's just realized he hadn't asked you to be his valentines yet. Pathetically, he turns to you, eyes glistening a little.

"H- Hey, you'll be my valentine's right?"

You have to hold back a laugh, unless you want him to start balling in the middle of the arcade. Accept his request quickly now so that you two can continue your lovely date.

SATAN

Plans a scavenger hunt from the moment you wake up. It leads you to several locations in the house that hold some sort of present before leading to him in the kitchen, where he's made your favorite breakfast.

He's wearing one of those cheesy 'kiss the cook' aprons, and you happily oblige.

"There you are." You coo, entering the kitchen. He curses under his breath, turning around to greet you with a smile— you solved his riddles much faster than he thought, but this fact also makes him proud.

"I made your favorite." He grins, plating your food and then his. You pick at it, sneaking a bite before it can reach the table. He chuckles, sitting down beside you.

"Eat up, because there's another riddle under your food."

ASMODEUS

Romcom marathon! Asmodeus has already set you out a matching loungewear set (it matches his) and a bowl of popcorn and candy and some drinks.

Cuddling all day and flirting in between movies- Is there any better way to spend the day?

Tuffs of champagne hair tickle your neck and Asmo wiggles about to try and get comfy again. Your fingers grazing against his arm softly and sending goosebumps down his spine. He sent a glance up at you, a smirk forming.

"Are you trying to get something more than a movie out of this, hmm?" He asks, leaning up to meet your lips in a kiss. "Not that I'm complaining..."

"Uh-huh," You lean in to kiss him again, only to tease him by placing a candy in your mouth. "Pay attention, you're going to miss your favorite part."

BEELZEBUB

Almost forgot it was Valentines, and gets flustered when he remembers. He's not the most romantic, but he wants to do something for you.

Decides to make you breakfast in bed, although by the time it gets to you...

"Well, at least you didn't eat my favorite part?" You try to calm him down, taking the food and taking a few bites. Delicious. He sighs, rubbing his arm as he looks at the ground. "I'm not that hungry right now, you want the rest?"

Dejectedly, he takes it and devours it. Then he perks up as he gets an idea.

"How about we go out? That place you wanted to try opened up downtown just last week."

"Sounds perfect."

BELPHEGOR

Teases you for celebrating the cheesy holiday.

Might cave in and get you flowers and a simple box of chocolate, don't mention it, okay?

Is he blushing? Yes, yes he is.

"Oh? I thought the holiday was a waste of money and time, a corny holiday invented by capitalist?" Belphegor rolls his eyes at your words. You sure know how to irk him, don't you? But he loves that about you too.

"Yeah, yeah, if you don't want 'em, I'll just give 'em to Beel."

"Nope, they're mine." You coo as you snatch the bouquet and chocolates. "Thank you, Belphie. I got you a little something too." Well he certainly won't deny a gift from you~

[misshoneyimhome]

Willy has been begging you to introduce roleplay into your sexual life, and you’ve been brushing him off acting nonchalantly. When he comes home from a long trip, you surprise him in a schoolgirl costume, turning his wildest fantasy into reality. Willy x Inexperienced reader

Oh, hello there, babe! 🥰 How I’ve missed the inexperienced!reader x Willy, so what better way to welcome William back from a roadie than with a little naughty, cheeky fun? 😉😏

As is often the case, I started writing this, and before I knew it, the story took on a life of its own… 🙈 Hopefully, it ticks some boxes for those William x schoolgirl fantasies out there 💕

Happy reading, love! 💕

Tropes & warnings: Inexperienced!reader x Willy, established relationship, school girl outfit, slightly dom!willy (nothing much though), fingering, oral sex (f receiving), sex toy (butt plug), unprotected sex (p in v), cum inside.

Word count: 3.7K

➼｡ﾟ

A Lesson in Desire | inexperienced!reader x William Nylander ✐☆

You’d heard William’s teasing requests countless times. Always with that mischievous smirk, he’d throw out suggestions—little comments about spicing things up, adding a bit of roleplay to your already exciting relationship. At first, you’d brushed them off, laughing nervously and changing the subject. But deep down, a part of you was curious, wondering what it would be like to let go and dive into one of his fantasies. Or well… another one.

And tonight, you were finally giving in.

It had taken some courage—and a lot of Googling—but you’d pieced together the perfect outfit: a pleated plaid skirt that barely skimmed the tops of your thighs, a white button-up shirt tied just above your waist to reveal a strip of skin, and white knee-high socks. To top it all off, you’d found a thin black tie and a pair of low heels that gave you an innocent yet seductive air. A pair of white lace panties hid underneath the skirt—a detail you were sure William would appreciate later.

You checked your reflection in the bedroom mirror, smoothing the skirt nervously. The outfit was more revealing than anything you’d ever worn (if we don’t consider lingerie), but it made you feel bold, powerful even. If this was what William wanted, you were ready to deliver. You were his “good girl” most of the time, but tonight, you’d be anything but.

The sound of keys jingling in the lock snapped you out of your thoughts. He was home.

Your heart raced as you positioned yourself in the living room, perched delicately on the edge of the sofa. Crossing your legs, you let the skirt ride up just enough to reveal a teasing hint of thigh. You twirled the end of your tie between your fingers, trying to calm your nerves as you heard the shuffle of his footsteps in the hallway.

When he stepped through the door, still wearing his travel-worn hoodie and track pants, his eyes immediately locked on you—and froze.

“Babe,” he started, his voice faltering as his bag slipped from his hand to the floor with a soft thud. His expression was a mix of surprise and intrigue, his mouth slightly parted as he drank in the sight before him.

You tilted your head innocently, letting the tie slip from your fingers. “Welcome home, Mr. Nylander,” you said sweetly, your voice carrying just a hint of playfulness as you rose slowly from the sofa. “You’ve been gone so long, I thought it was time for a… special lesson.”

His reaction was instantaneous. His blue eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as a slow, wicked grin spread across his face. He took a step closer, his gaze raking over every inch of your outfit. “Is this real?” he asked, his voice low, almost disbelieving. “Or am I imagining this because I’m exhausted?”

You bit your lip, feigning innocence as you spread your arms slightly, letting him take in the full effect of your outfit. “Does it look like you’re imagining it?”

His hand ran through his hair as he let out a short laugh, the sound low and rich. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” His steps were slow but deliberate as he closed the distance between you, stopping so close you could feel the heat radiating off him. “Where’d you get the idea for this?”

“Well,” you said softly, keeping your tone teasing, “you’ve been asking for something like this for months. Thought it was time I listened.”

His fingers brushed against your exposed thigh, just beneath the hem of the skirt, sending a shiver up your spine. His touch was light, barely there, but enough to make you tremble. His gaze flicked back to yours, sparkling with delight at your reaction. “You have no idea what you’ve just done, älskling,” he murmured, his voice a mix of amusement and raw hunger.

You shrugged lightly, leaning back against the sofa, your heart pounding as you met his gaze head-on. “Guess you’ll have to teach me.”

That was all it took. In one smooth motion, he bent down, hooking his arms under your knees and lifting you effortlessly into his arms. You let out a soft gasp, instinctively wrapping your arms around his neck as he carried you toward the bedroom. His grip was firm yet gentle, and the intensity in his eyes left no doubt about where the night was headed.

“Lesson number one,” he said, voice low and thick with desire as he kicked the bedroom door shut behind him, “you don’t tease me unless you’re ready for the consequences.”

Your stomach flipped in anticipation, a mix of excitement and nerves flooding your senses as he set you down gently on the edge of the bed. His hands lingered on your waist, his fingers brushing the exposed skin beneath the tied shirt.

“Well,” you said, breathless but bold, “guess I’ll have to take my punishment then.”

His grin widened, his eyes darkening as he leaned in, his lips finding yours in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was possessive, hungry, and full of promise—one that left you clinging to him, your heart racing in time with the heat building between you. This was exactly what you’d wanted: to give him his fantasy and, in doing so, discover something new about yourself too.

“You’ve been teasing me for weeks,” he murmured, his voice thick with a mixture of amusement and desire. “Brushing me off like I wasn’t serious.”

You smirked, emboldened by his reaction. “Maybe I just wanted to see how patient you could be.”

His laugh was low, dark. “Oh, I’ll show you how patient I can be.”

When he pulled back, his gaze was molten. “This outfit,” he said, tugging lightly at the tie, “is going to be the death of me.”

You couldn’t help but smile, your cheeks flushed. “I thought you’d like it.”

“Oh, I don’t just like it,” he murmured, his voice dropping. “I love it.”

With that he didn’t waste another second. His hands moved to undo the tie, sliding it free with a precision that made your breath hitch. As he laid you back against the bed, the skirt rode up to reveal even more skin. And as William hovered over you, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispered, “Let’s see how good my favourite student can be,” you knew this lesson was one you’d never forget.

William’s words sent a shiver through your body, his warm breath tickling the shell of your ear. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against your jaw as he whispered, “You’ve always been so good for me. But now… let’s see how well you can really behave.”

Your breath hitched, your heart pounding as his hands slid up your thighs, lifting the pleated skirt higher. The fabric bunched at your hips, exposing the lacy white panties you’d chosen to complete the look. He paused for a moment, his eyes darkening as he took in the sight of you, his tongue flicking over his bottom lip.

“This…” he murmured, his voice low and rough, his fingers tracing along the edge of your panties. “This is better than I imagined.” His hand slipped beneath the fabric, grazing over your slick heat, and you let out a soft gasp, your back arching slightly at the contact.

“Willy…” you whispered, your voice trembling with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

He looked up at you, his blue eyes intense and searching. “Tell me you want it,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over your hip in a reassuring gesture. “Say you me to take care of you”

You nodded, your cheeks flushing at his tenderness. “I want you to take care of me.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he leaned in to kiss you, this time slower, deeper. The warmth of his mouth on yours sent a wave of heat through your body, and you found yourself melting into him, your fingers curling into the soft fabric of his hoodie.

William pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his hand moving to unbutton the front of your blouse. “Let’s get this off, shall we?” he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

You bit your lip, nodding as he carefully unwrapped you, his fingers deftly working the buttons before slipping the blouse off your shoulders. The cool air brushed against your skin, and you felt the heat of his gaze as he took in the lacy white bra that matched your panties.

“You’re perfect,” he murmured, his hands sliding up your sides to cup your face. He kissed you again, his lips trailing down your neck, along your collarbone, and lower still until they hovered just above the edge of your bra.

He paused, looking up at you with a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You dressed up just for me, didn’t you?”

You nodded, your voice barely more than a whisper. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“You’ve done more than that,” he said, his tone thick with desire. “You’ve driven me absolutely crazy.”

He reached behind you, unclasping your bra with practiced ease, and let it fall away. His lips immediately found the soft skin of your chest, leaving a trail of heated kisses that made you squirm beneath him.

As his mouth worked its magic, his hand slid back down to your thigh, hooking under your knee to pull you closer. You could feel the growing hardness pressing against you, the evidence of just how much he wanted you.

“Willy…” you whimpered, your voice trembling as his fingers dipped beneath the waistband of your panties again, this time sliding lower to explore the heat of your folds. His touch was gentle but purposeful, coaxing soft gasps and moans from your lips.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured, his voice a mix of awe and pride. “All for me?”

You nodded, barely able to form words as he worked you over with expert precision. “Yes… all for you.”

His lips found yours again, silencing your soft cries as his fingers moved with more intent, circling your clit and dipping inside you in a rhythm that left you breathless. The pressure built steadily, your body responding to every stroke, every touch, every whisper of his name.

And when he finally pushed you over the edge, your release was a soft, shuddering wave that left you clinging to him, your body trembling from the intensity of it.

William held you through it, his touch never faltering, his kisses never ceasing. And as you came down from the high, he pressed his forehead to yours, his voice soft and full of adoration.

“I’m not done with you yet,” he promised, his lips curving into a wicked grin. “Lesson’s not over.”

William shifted, his movements slow and deliberate as he took a few steps back to undress himself, his eyes never leaving yours. The way he looked at you—possessive yet tender, hungry yet adoring—sent a fresh wave of anticipation surging through your body.

“Ready for next lesson?” he asked, his voice low and velvety, the question laced with genuine care.

You nodded, your breath hitching as his hands traced a path down your sides, his touch warm and grounding. “Yes. Please, Mr. Nylander,” you murmured, the words barely audible.

His grin turned smug, and he leaned down to kiss you deeply, his tongue sweeping across yours in a way that made your toes curl. The heat of his body pressed against yours, the weight of him grounding you in the moment. When he pulled back, his fingers slipped under the waistband of your panties, the lace dragging against your skin as he slowly slid them down your legs.

William tossed the delicate fabric aside, his gaze dropping to your bare core. He paused, taking you in with a reverence that made your cheeks flush. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, the sincerity in his voice making your heart stutter.

You shifted under his gaze, a mix of bashfulness and arousal washing over you. “Stop staring,” you teased softly, though your voice lacked conviction.

“Can’t help it,” he replied, his hand gliding up your thigh. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment.”

He leaned down, pressing soft kisses along your inner thighs, each one closer to where you ached for him most. His beard, slightly scruffy after his trip, added a delicious friction that made you squirm. The way he took his time, teasing you with light touches and kisses, left you breathless.

When his mouth finally found your core, the heat of his tongue against your slick folds made you gasp, your back arching off the bed. His hands held your hips firmly, keeping you in place as he licked and sucked, his movements purposeful and unrelenting. Every swirl of his tongue, every gentle nip of his teeth against your clit, sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through you.

“Willy… oh my God,” you whimpered, your fingers tangling in his hair as he continued his assault on your senses.

He hummed in response, the vibration making you cry out, your body trembling beneath him. He worked you with a precision that left you teetering on the edge, the pressure building with every pass of his tongue and stroke of his fingers.

When your climax hit, it was overwhelming, your body convulsing as waves of pleasure rolled through you. He stayed with you, coaxing every last tremor from your body, his hands soothing against your skin as you came down from the high.

You barely had time to catch your breath before he was moving up your body, his lips capturing yours in a heated kiss that tasted of you. The hard length of him pressed against your thigh, a reminder of just how much he wanted you.

“Your turn,” you murmured, your voice still trembling from the lingering intensity of your climax.

He let out a low, rough chuckle, the sound sending a shiver through your already sensitive body. “Oh, don’t worry, älskling,” he said, his voice thick with promise, his words laced with mischief. “We’re nowhere near finished.”

With deliberate movements, William reached for the nightstand, retrieving something you hadn’t seen in a while—the sleek little diamond-tipped buttplug. Your breath caught at the sight of it, your heart racing in anticipation of the added sensation it promised.

William’s smirk deepened as he returned to position, a bottle of lubricant in hand. He kneeled between your legs, his eyes dark with intent as they locked onto yours. “Relax, älskling,” he murmured, his tone a mix of reassurance and playful dominance. “This is just to make it even better—for both of us. And to teach you lesson number two: if you start something, you better be ready for me to finish it. My way.”

His confidence and the glint of challenge in his gaze left you breathless, anticipation coiling low in your belly as he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your lips before guiding you into his plans.

“You’ve been such a good girl tonight,” he murmured. His voice was soft, almost tender, but the edge of authority in his tone made your pulse race. “But good girls don’t tease their boyfriends for weeks and think they’ll get away with it.” His eyes gleamed with playful intent as he leaned down, brushing his lips against yours in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, leaving you breathless.

His hands skimmed down your body, trailing over your curves with a reverence that made your cheeks flush. When his fingers reached your hips, he tilted his head, his gaze locking with yours. “You trust me, don’t you?” he asked, his voice a little softer now, his thumb brushing a soothing circle against your skin.

You nodded, swallowing hard. “Always.”

That seemed to satisfy him, and he pressed another kiss to your lips, this one deeper, filled with a promise that sent a thrill through you. “Good,” he murmured against your mouth, his hands urging you to turn onto your stomach.

You obeyed, the cool sheets brushing against your heated skin as you settled into position. Your heart was pounding, a mix of nerves and excitement swirling within you as he spread your legs slightly, his warm hands grounding you with their firm yet gentle touch.

He reached for the lubricant, squeezing a small amount onto his fingers. “Relax for me, älskling,” he said softly, his tone reassuring as he trailed his fingers along your lower back and down to the cleft of your cheeks. The first cool touch of the lubricant against your sensitive skin made you shiver, but his hands moved with such care that the tension in your body began to melt away.

“You’re doing so well,” he murmured, his praise sending a rush of warmth through you. “So beautiful.”

His fingers moved with expert precision, preparing you slowly, his touch never straying into discomfort. And when he finally pressed the plug into place, you gasped, the cool metal igniting every nerve in your body.

“Perfect,” William said, his voice thick with pride as he leaned back to admire his work. His hands soothed over your hips, grounding you once more before he flipped you back onto your back. The slight shift in position heightened the sensation, and you bit your lip, your breath hitching as his gaze swept over you.

“You’re my stunning little student, aren’t you,” he whispered, leaning down to capture your lips in a searing kiss. The weight of his body pressed against yours, grounding you further as his hand slid between your thighs, finding the slick heat of your core. His touch was electric, his fingers stroking and teasing in a rhythm that had you arching into him, desperate for more.

“Willy…” you whimpered, your voice trembling as his fingers worked you over with unrelenting precision.

“Shh,” he murmured, his lips brushing against your temple. “Just relax, älskling. Let me take care of you.”

And he did. He took his time, his touch building you up again with a slow, deliberate intensity that left you trembling. But he still wasn’t done.

William then shifted, aligning himself with you as he pressed the head of his cock against your entrance. “Ready?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.

You nodded, your voice barely a whisper. “Yes, please, sir.”

He grinned, his hands gripping the sheets on either side of you as he slowly pushed into you, filling you completely with one deliberate thrust. The combination of his deep, satisfying fullness and the added pressure from the plug left you gasping, your body arching instinctively toward him. Your fingers clutched at his shoulders, seeking grounding amidst the overwhelming sensation as he began to move.

His pace was slow and measured at first, each thrust purposeful, designed to drive you higher with every roll of his hips. The weight of his body against yours, the way his gaze locked onto your face as you writhed beneath him—it all added to the heat building between you. Each movement sent sparks coursing through your body, the sensations amplified by the plug, which added a delicious fullness you’d missed.

But as the tension between you escalated, William’s control began to slip. His pace quickened, his thrusts growing more urgent, each one deeper and more insistent than the last. His grip on the sheets tightened, his jaw clenched as he chased his own release, every muscle in his body working toward that shared goal. The sound of skin meeting skin filled the room, mingling with your breathless moans and the soft, guttural groans spilling from his lips.

The combination of his relentless rhythm, the fullness of him inside you, and the added pressure from the plug was too much. The pleasure built rapidly, consuming every thought until your body reached its breaking point. With a sharp cry, you shattered, your climax crashing over you in wave after wave of intense pleasure. Your walls pulsed around him, drawing a deep, guttural groan from his throat as he continued to move, drawing out every last tremor of your release.

You clung to him, your fingers digging into his shoulders as your body trembled beneath his. The sheer intensity of the moment left you breathless, your head falling back as you gasped for air, every nerve still alive with sensation. Even as you came down, you could feel William’s tension, his movements becoming erratic as he edged closer to his own breaking point.

And when he finally found his climax, it was nothing short of overwhelming. A deep, guttural growl escaped his lips, vibrating against your skin as he buried himself to the hilt, his body shuddering above you. The warmth of him spilling inside you was a heady sensation, an intimate claim that left you gasping, the sheer intensity of it all sending another small ripple of pleasure coursing through your already sensitive body.

His forehead pressed against yours, his breath hot and uneven as he rode out the last waves of his release. His grip on the sheets softened, the tension in his body easing as he collapsed slightly, careful not to crush you under his weight. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the mingling of your breaths, both of you caught in the haze of satisfaction and intimacy.

William’s lips brushed your temple, his voice hoarse but full of warmth. “You’re incredible, älskling,” he murmured, the sincerity in his tone making your chest ache in the best way. “That was… everything.”

You smiled softly, your hands sliding down his back as you pulled him closer, reveling in the comfort of his embrace. “So worth the wait,” you whispered, your voice still a little breathless, earning a quiet chuckle from him.

He shifted slightly, his hand coming up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “I’d say you passed your lesson with perfect marks,” he teased, his grin returning, though there was nothing but adoration in his gaze.

“Good,” you replied, feeling a rush of boldness as you looked up at him. “Because I’d be happy to take a few more.”

His low laugh sent a pleasant shiver through you as he leaned down to kiss you again.

[lurkingshan]

Japanese QL Corner

We've suddenly got an abundance of shows with dark themes and adult vibes, with a bit of a mixed bag on their execution. These are available for weekly streaming on Gaga unless otherwise noted.

Smells Like Green Spirit

A fan subber came through and we are now able to watch this show on a slight delay from the airing in Japan. This first episode was great, but be warned that this is not a light watch. This show is less a full blown romance and more of a queer coming of age story with a rather bleak worldview that will likely include a romance subplot. Our story centers on Mishima, a young person who is questioning their gender and just trying to live while being constantly targeted by school bullies. The bullying in this show is graphic and violent and Mishima has already been assaulted and targeted by creeps in the first episode, so take care and ask for content warnings if you need them. I have read the manga so I'm aware of what's in store--if you would like to know what to expect before watching, feel free to ask.

Happy of the End

CWs: Assault, attempted murder, blood, death, forced fellatio/rape (against a main character, graphically depicted more than once), revenge porn, sexual coercion and exploitation, stabbing, suicide attempt, suicide, violence

We have arrived at the end of this story, and it did not quite come together for me. I liked a lot of what it was doing; the relationship between Chihiro and Haoren giving them both a reason to persist despite their general apathy toward survival was compelling, and the actors gave strong performances in some very difficult scenes. I thought the show had a strong sense of style and tone, as well. But for me, it crossed the line into over the top trauma porn one too many times, seeming to revel in making the characters suffer and piling on unnecessary traumas that were depicted quite graphically, making the show deeply unpleasant to watch. And in the end, it suddenly veered into a happy ending that felt like a mismatch for the rest of the story, which was achieved via a time skip and Chihiro and Haoren healing offscreen despite their circumstances only getting worse over the course of the show. @bengiyo laid out why that ending felt like the show pulling its punches, and I agree. I can appreciate a story that has an established bleak worldview telling us about a specific time in these characters' lives where they mattered to each other, but slapping that unearned epilogue on it just makes the whole thing feel like torture porn followed by cheap consolation. It didn't feel honest. I don’t recommend watching this one unless you are pretty comfortable with gratuitous sexual violence.

Love is Like a Poison

We’re zipping along nicely, with this week’s episode mostly focused on the case that Haruto helped Shiba win. That courtroom scene was wild. I’m intrigued by all the advances and the early confession from Haruto, because as we and Shiba well know, the man is a con. What’s his angle, and why does he think romancing Shiba is the way to get it? Whatever he’s after, I think Shiba should give in because look at him!

Chaser Game W 2

This week we met Itsuki’s first love Yoreum, who is now a famous Korean idol and still hung up on her from back when she did a homestay with Itsuki’s family. She did a livestream from Itsuki’s cafe in the special spot where Itsuki and Fuyu like to canoodle; jealousy and dramatics ensued. Then suddenly we were doing an elevator rescue? Idek. I’m rooting for the new girl to break this couple up to be honest.

[sbk-zgvlt]

Guys. I finally finished book 4.

Sebek doesnt go home for winter break, deciding to stay with Yuu and Grim in Ramshackle (He feels left out by Dia 3 and decides to stay back, not willing to put himself through more heartbreak) (Yuu and Grim dont question him when he appears in front of their dorm with a luggage bag)

Sebek wanted to see Dia 3 off when they leave through the Magic Mirror only to get there with Adeuce Yuu and Grim and find out they leave without bidding him goodbye

Adeuce's opinion on Dia 3 are slowly souring

Bump into Jamil and the rest of Scarabia!! Decide to help them with cooking. Idc about that theory that the culinary crucible cards that have their bows not properly done r bad cooks SEBEK CAN COOK AND I STAND BY THIS !!!

heads up! Sebeks previous interactions with Jamil (namely the ceromonial robes vignette) has already skewered his personal opinion on him, so he doesnt get suspicious of him until its too late

Something something about how easy it is for Sebek to love admire and respect someone something something about how he lets it blind him to peoples faults sometimes

SEBEK LOVES IT IN SCARABIA OMGG ITS SO WARM. Those green flames in Diasomnia heat JACKSHIT smh

The carpet likes messing around with Sebek and Yuu has to stop him from trying to set it aflame/lh

When they take to the skies, Yuu takes the time to look at Sebek and Grim and just be. Insanely glad that theyre with them (AUGHHH THEY MAKE ME SICKKK)

Kalim's "mood swings" do NOT mix well with Sebek "autism" Zigvolt. Works well in Jamil's favor because Yuu gets upset on both Sebek and Grim's behalf

The whole thing with Yuu unable to say no because of Jamil's UM and Sebek and Grim scolding them, but the former admits that it leaves a sour taste in his mouth if they leave Jamil without helping for some reason

Try to escape and FAIL spectacularly. Try to call the headmage, and Grim eventually tells Yuu to message Adeuce. Sebek messages Jack ("Why do you even have his number in the first place 🤨" "It is none of your concern, human!")

Sebek stops Grim from trying to dig their way out with a spoon, knowing it would be fruitless, and makes him rest

They have the talk with Jamil and the other dorm students !! When Jamil mentions why exactly he needs to be compliant to all of Kalim's wishes, Yuu whispers about how that sounds like someone they know. Sebek tries to ask them what they mean but Yuu says its nothing

Sebek criticizes the Al-Asims and Jamil is surprised by how passionate he is about the topic (Yuu tries their best not to call Sebek a hypocrite with how he's been excusing all of his Wakasama's actions that are CLEARLY hurting him) (Malleus sneezes in Briar Valley)

Jamil also finds out that technically Sebek is a servant as well, although it was by his own will. He questions how Sebek could so easily dedicate his whole life to someone just like that. Yuu agrees, mentioning how his Wakasama doesnt even seem to give him the time of day, which doesnt help

THEY ESCAPE WITH THE HELP OF THE CARPET 🔥🔥🔥 and crash into Octavinelle

Skipping a lot of chapters over here since nothing really changes drastically. Sebek goes with Floyd, Yuu, Grim and Azul to distract Jamil. He plays a board game with Yuu :3

Skipping again, they find out about Jamil's whole scheme and Sebek is CRUSHED to find out that someone he looks up to is actually a bad guy. Jamil once again ignores the teeny tiny guilt he feels upon seeing Sebek's distressed face

Something something about being the one praised for once something something about how Sebek freely gives his love and praise to anyone he believes deserves it and how Jamil feels appreciated even though he wont admit it

OVERBLOT GRAHHHHHH

Flings them to the edge of the desert, Sebek holds onto Yuu and Grim so he would be the one to get the brunt of injuries upon impact. It doesnt help that its cold

OASIS MAKER 🗣️🔥🔥🔥 Sebek uses his crocodile form to carry Yuu and Grim (Yuu was against it because WHAT THE FUCK SEBEK YOURE INJURED)

Fighting Jamil! Sebek connects with Jamil, servant to servant and all that shit, saying that what he's doing wont change a thing. Starts off insulting him ("SEBEK YOURE NOT HELPING???") before going "Will you really let yourself stoop so low and let them take the last laugh!?"

"You have talent and skill that could make others envious, and you're using them for what? Stealing some title? If it was truly yours to begin with, then prove it! Do you really want to become housewarden through such underhanded tactics?" "I truly admire you, Viper, so don't tell me that I placed my faith in someone so imprudent!"

Jamil scolds him, saying that Sebek of all people should understand why Jamil's doing this in the first place. Tells him that he can help him as well, offering his hand. Sebek doesn't take it

He gets in a bit of a funk after that, not being able to understand why Sebek is just okay with being a servant all his life, getting more aggressive with his attacks while the others try to push him back. He still has his hand stretched out towards Sebek, screaming about how he should understand

Azul tells them theyre running out of time, and Jamils going to be too consumed by his blot for any of them to snap him out of it. Against his better judgment, Sebek grabs Jamil's hand, Yuu barely holding onto Sebek's jacket when they tried to pull him back

FLASHBACK!!! Sebek and Yuu finally acknowledge each others existence when they watch the memories play out. When nearing the end, Yuu asks Sebek why he cares so much about this "Wakasama" when its clear that they dont care for him. Sebek doesnt answer

BACK TO THE REAL WORLD!!! Azul tries to convince Jamil to transfer to Octavinelle, and after some thinking decides to extend the invitation towards Sebek. Sebek immediately refuses. Yuu retorts and says the only dorm Sebek is ever transferring to is Ramshackle. (They look at each other like 🤨)

Jamil tells Sebek that he still doesn't understand why Sebek would want to serve someone his whole life. Sebek tells him that he doesn't need him to understand since it's his own decision anyway. Jamil contemplates on his answer

PARTY!!!! Adeuce and Jack FINALLY arrive and fuss over Yuu Sebek and Grim, still not admitting that they were worried

Yuu realizes that Sebek still didnt answer the question. When they ask Sebek about what happened in the memory Sebek feigns obliviousness

Finally back at Ramshackle,,, the ghosts are RELIEVED to see them again. They usher Sebek into the house, noticing how Sebek is SHIVERING

Before Yuu gets in as well, Lilia pops up, saying that they have something to give them. After he gives them the postcard and disappears, Sebek goes out to shout at Yuu to come inside

Yuu shows him the card and Sebek's face FALLS (YOU SEND YUU A POSTCARD BUT NOT. SEBEK. OKAY I SEE HOW IT IS !!!)

Yuu tries to ask him whats wrong, but Sebek says that its getting too cold outside and heads in. Yuu stares at the postcard like it just killed their entire family

"M.D." has a #1 hater and it's YUU 🗣️🔥🔥🔥

EDIT: I FORGOT TO MENTION FUCKKKK Sebek picks the stone up before Grim does, intending to throw it away only to become curious as to why Grim likes them so much. He pockets it instead

AUHUGHUG FINALLY DONE 😭😭😭 im goign to try and finish book 5 next !!

[nkville]

we're not just friends and you fucking know it

— genre: fluff, angst,

— pairing: bsf!yeonjun x female!reader

— tw: swear words, kissing, slight arguing

— wc: 1.8k

the fresh air hit your face as you stepped out of the house, feeling the warm smell of freshly baked bread as you went closer to your favorite bakery nearby.

“good morning, mrs. lee! hmm, it smells so good in here.. oh gosh i just love the smell of freshly baked items” you said as you greeted the shop owner, who youve also known since you were a little kid.

“good morning to you too, dear. its nice seeing you here again, what would you like today?”

“uhm let me see, can i please get 2 croissants, 4 small cinnamon rolls, 2 bagels, 2 chocolate and 2 glazed doughnuts please?” you said as she looked at you in shock “oh my, do you perhaps have some guests over today?” she said as she flashed you a surprised look.

“no no mrs. lee, im actually about to go to yeonjuns place, its our 10th year friendship anniversary today and hes been really off lately so i thought why not spend the day with him, starting off with a surprise breakfast with his favourite goodies, isnt that a great idea mrs. lee?”

“oh sure it is a nice surprise, and you know what, since it's your 10th year friendship anniversary, you can have them for free no need to pay for it, enjoy your breakfast dear.” she said flashing you a soft smile giving you all the items you ordered.

“aww thats really sweet of you mrs. lee, but you made them with such effort and id feel really bad for not paying.” you refused, searching for your wallet that was deep inside your bag but mrs. lee stopped you from doing so.

“its a gift for you, my dear. id be really happy if you'd accept it” she said as you quickly thought about it and eventually accepted it.

“thank you so much mrs. lee, i really appreciate it so much, thanks a lot. i wish you a great day ahead!” you said leaving the shop.

“wishing you the same, sweetheart. goodbye!” she waved at you as you left, the excitement of seeing him filling you up as you walked the way to his house.

as you went upstairs to his apartment door, you saw how the door was open.

it was weird, but you just ignored it and slowly went inside looking around, eyes searching for your best friend who was no where to be seen around the house.

“oh wait, he must definitely be in his room sleeping, let me go and take a look” you said to yourself as you placed the bags on the kitchen counter, slowly walking up to his room.

as you slowly peeked through the door, you stood frozen in the doorway, your heart dropping like a stone as you watched your best friend, yeonjun, who you've been secretly in love with for years, passionately making out with another girl on his bed.

the sight felt like a punch to the gut, shattering your heart and the fragile hope you had been holding onto. a lump formed in your throat, trying so hard to fight back tears but you failed.

you quickly turned away, mind swirling with a mix of emotions. the room seemed to blur around you as you stumbled backward, desperately trying to grasp the reality of the situation.

how could he not see the love i had for him, the way my heart beat faster whenever he smiled, or how his laughter could light up even my darkest days? how could he not see all of that? in that moment all these thoughts kept on running around your head nonstop.

you felt weak on your knees, stumbling backward again slightly opening the bedroom door as it swung open a little wider, surprising both yeonjun and the girl he was making out with.

they pulled away from each other, their eyes widening in shock as they realized you were there, witnessing everything.

“wait- y/n its not what it looks like” yeonjun stammered, his voice desperate as he reached out towards you. you shook your head, unable to find your voice.

“no im- im sorry for interrupting you guys, just go on with what you two were doing” you said with a heavy heart, tears filling your eyes as you turned away.

“y/n its really not what you think! its just a misunderstanding y/n believe me” yeonjun called after you but you didnt listen to any of his words, running out of his apartment as fast as you could.

breathless, as you hurried to your apartment, collapsing by the door, tears streaming down your face as the moment kept replaying in your mind again and again, making you cry even harder.

“why did this happen to me.. just why..” you kept wondering to yourself how your best friend, someone who you were deeply in love with, someone who you trusted the most, could be the reason your heart is shattered into a million pieces right now.

you were lost so deep in your thoughts that at first you didnt even hear your phone ringing nearby, not knowing who was calling you.

after a few more rings you finally looked at your phone, seeing the caller id, it was none other than yeonjun himself.

feeling numb, having no energy left to answer, you just ignored the call.

as the day went on, laying down on your bed, you replayed the moments in your mind. suddenly you heard the door bell ring, going up to the door you heard a familiar voice. it was yeonjun's.

there he was, begging you to listen to him and let him explain just once. “y/n just please hear me out once.. i never meant to hurt you and i really need you to understand what happened.” he urged, his voice filled with sorrow.

“i know youre upset with me and that's why im here to make things right, please give me a chance to explain. i can't stand the thought of losing you, y/n please let me explain im begging you” he cried out.

at first you hesitated as you stood frozen for a moment before finally letting him in. as he entered, you looked at him with puffy eyes, quite unsure of what he'll say next. your heart still aching from the hurt he had caused.

despite the pain, a small glimmer of hope flickered within you. as you brought him to the living room, you gestured him to speak, silently urging him to explain himself as you sat there, waiting for him to speak.

“so, what was it that you wanted to say?” you said breaking the awkward silence between the two of you.

“listen, i know ive hurt you a lot today and im really, really sorry but believe me it was all a big misunderstanding, okay?” he said with a shaky voice.

“misunderstanding? really? you call this a misunderstanding?” you said in disbelief as you shook your head, looking into his eyes, frustrated. “i saw what i saw yeonjun and you cant deny it”

“i know it looked bad but i swear it wasnt what it seemed” he pleaded, his voice desperate. “you just have to trust me, hmm?” he added.

“trust you?” you scoffed, giving him a sarcastic laugh. “how can i trust you when i saw you with my own fucking eyes yeonjun? didnt you know i had feelings for you since the beginning, didnt you ever see me the way i see you? did you ever realize how much i love you? all the moments we've spent together, all the things we've done together, you really think there was nothing between us all this time? do they really mean nothing to you?”

“explain to me, please, because i just cant comprehend how this could be a misunderstanding” you added making him look into your eyes with nothing but sincerity and pain reflecting in his eyes.

“look, y/n im really sorry.. i didnt realize you love me the same way i love you, all these years i kept reminding myself that we're just friends and nothing more than that. but seeing how you reacted to me being with another girl just proved to me that you feel the same.”

“wait- prove? what do you exactly mean by that?” you said in pure confusion, not able to understand anything.

“let me just get straight to the point, look, for many years ive been trying to hide this from you but im glad i no longer have to. ive had feelings for you for the past few years y/n but there was just something inside me telling me you dont feel the same.” he said as you looked at him in shock trying to process everything he's saying.

“whenever i saw you with other guys at school or any gathering it makes my blood boil, thinking youre having a better time with them. i just couldnt get myself to tell you how much i loved you because of the fear i had in my heart, thats why one day i finally decided to try and forget about you”

“thats why you had been very weird to me these days, avoiding me all the time ignoring my texts and all that?” you said giving him a soft buy confused look.

“yeah and i was so stupid for doing that, my dumbass really thought i could forget about you while spending time with other girls and ignoring you but ive come to realize that whatever happens my feelings for you will never change.” he said in a comforting tone that made you literally jump inside.

“you shouldve told me, silly, all these years i thought you didnt love me back so i kept quiet.” you told him giving him a soft laugh, sadness fading away as he spoke.

“im happy to know the feeling is mutual though, so glad for finding out you feel the same. to be honest, y/n, i cant describe it with words but i fucking love you so much, really” he confessed, making your heart skip a beat as you smiled widely.

“yeah, thank god both of us found out about each other's feelings. holy fuck i feel so relieved. and yes, i love you too, a lot actually.” you said, as you gave each other a warm hug for a first time in a while, feeling safe in each other's arms.

“soo are we official?” yeonjun asked, making you roll your eyes. “of course we are. what do you think otherwise, stupid”

“ugh i can finally call you mine y/n, all mine. you have no idea how happy i am right now.”

“the feeling is mutual” you said giving him a wink. “also lets just stay like this for a while, yeah? dont wanna let you go”

“as you wish, my love. i love you.”

“i love you too, junie.” you told him, hugging him even tighter while digging your face into his chest, feeling the warmth.

[revvethasmythh]

i feel a bit like im looking through a glass window.. (just a discussion! im so fascinated by all of the different views of bells hells!) ive never seen the hells as particularly superior or having big egos. the nein were outside of society in their own ways, so there wasnt being above or below anyone because they were nobodies, invisible (and often trying to be).

the hells are inside of society, and theyre a mixed bag of at the bottom and upwards of being noticed but seen as inconsequential to those above them. ashton and laudna can be a bit out there, both too cast aside to not feel a bit vindictive when they do have a moment of being above someone (aka being recognized as the fuckers who squashed luda and then went and smushed The god-eater in their friend).

then (and this is very funny to me, that theyre on the same level in my tier lmao) chet and dorian; mr. master toy-maker himself and the prince of everyones dreams tbh,, its less so for chet, but for dorian power is a bit of a norm. odd and unwieldy as it may seem to him, he wields it nonetheless.

fearne is in a league all her own, shes never been above or below anything, and anyone who thinks theyre above her is in for a surprise cause our witch doesnt give a shit, she was raised by The fate-stitcher. shes a bit like the nein, outside of it all.

then imogen and orym... imogen was isolated for her abilities, mother not in her life, father distanced from her, she knows power. shes resisted it all her life. id argue shes not heady with power, she exactly matches the power she holds right now. and orym? he was a whole ass guard. aside from will and derrig dying, before that he'd been a little cushy. loving mom, loving partner and the family that came with him, stable life within zephrah. he has no use for power or ego, but at this point he'll take what he can get to protect his loved ones.

very little of that seems like they think theyre above anyone, theyre just at the bottom and any amount of rising seems astronomical. also. it should be noted that i usually drink when im watching so maybe some of my chillness and blasé about the crazy shit that happens is influenced by that. i hope this didnt have many typos. if you did read thanks! i hope i worded this coherently and i hope youre having a good day man, all of us could use some good days lately

I appreciate wanting to have a conversation! I will, say i'm not entirely sure what point your getting at? Being above someone, imo, is not necessarily related to whether you are in or out of society. That is an intersectional factor to be considered, sure, but I would weigh raw power as a more applicable currency here. Fearne, for instance, as you pointed out, stands apart from society. She is unlike anything else and is therefore differentiated. But the way in which she stands out is by holding immense power via many different sources to create a single, deeply powerful amalgamated whole. And to be above someone in the context that we're discussing--or, at least, in the way I meant it--was more an effect of how you wield the power that you have. That was my ultimate gripe with the Hells' behavior was that it felt like they were wielding power in a mean-spirited way. Not at all to say the Nein have never done this--all the parties have at some time or another--but the Nein I feel are less predisposed to it, as a group that is perhaps more oriented toward figuring out how to use the power they have (scraped and clawed) their way into earning in a somewhat more thoughtful way (particularly in regard to their late-game/finale/post-canon appearances). Incidentally, this is well displayed in a conversation between Imogen and Caleb from Episode 111:

"Power is an illusion. [...] I try to earn, earn the gifts I have." The Nein worked very hard to reach a place where this could be the philosophy they embraced, with a lot of growing pains and evolution along the way. But in the beginning they were just broke ass two-bit adventurers running from or for their lives, which is an immensely different place to begin than a group of singular and unique people with a comfortable amount of money, magical items, and wealthy patrons that catapult you into the center of a cosmic conspiracy wherein you only become more powerful and more singular (and more powerful in your singularities, like ingesting titan shards and being imbued with the essence of pure possibility from a holy relic). I can see and appreciate, actually, the perspective of the Hells singularities isolating them nebulously outside of regular society and how that would not place them either above or below anyone (except, as I said, in the context of raw power) but my intent was more to point to how they used what power they had while engaging with others. And I'm not sure the Hells will ever approach it the way Caleb said he did, trying to "earn the gifts [he] has." Many of the Hells, I think, feel they have earned their gifts as a reward for their previous suffering, which is a dangerous way to engage with power. And I think that showed itself in the way they behaved at the end of the episode tonight.

[sunny-lounge]

We got matching Christmas sweaters. (Ch. 2/2)

Relationship: Sami/Jey (SamiJey)

Rating: Teen — feelings and emotions, fluff, Christmas, a kiss, fun and silly, ugly Christmas sweaters, slight possessive feelings, established relationship, secret relationship, relationship reveal, family

Summary: Jey and Sami have matching ugly Christmas sweaters, it's a secret. Until it's not. Ch. 1 - how Jey and Sami got their matching sweaters Ch. 2 - how the others found out.

Word count: 2,667

Ch. 1 here.Ao3 link - Ch. 2 / *Other Fics*

A/N: I said I'd write something lighter this time so here it is, and I wanted to try something different. I didn't have a lot of time to write this because I wanted to get it out before Christmas. But hey, even if one person out there enjoys it!! 🥰 HERE’S PART 2!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!✨❄️🎄🎁🎅🏻🎉☃️✨ I hope you enjoy this! 🌸🌺

[— I'm not a "writer" —SO...Comments/Feedback would genuinely be appreciated. Obviously I'd really like to know if you enjoyed it - and comments are so wonderful and so motivating as well! 🩷 hit the like if you genuinely like it 😊 I'd love to know if it was any good. Thank you again for reading! 🩷]

Tagging: @afterdarkprincess @fantasyismyonlyrealescape @imabillyami - (if at all anyone wants to be tagged in my silly little fics let me know!)

——

He knows he's being ridiculous. The others won't care right? Maybe they won't even notice that it's part of a set, after all, Sami isn't scheduled to come in today. So Jey's confident he can get away with this.

And, really where would Sami even wear his 'Christmas' sweater, he doesn't actually celebrate the occasion...Jey thinks they're safe.

Walking into the locker room dropping his bag down Jey spots Jimmy immediately, grinning at his older twin. It's hard not to, Jimmy's always had that ability to make him smile, big smile, always been able to no matter what else is going on around them, no matter how bad or how chaotic, Jimmy always puts a smile on his face without even trying, seeing his face is enough to.

Jimmy's wearing a holly-green sweater that's looking extra soft and fluffy. At the top, "BITE ME!"— shiny silver sequins bordering it's glittering red letters, a large gingerbread man cookie dancing at the midsection one leg up in the air twirling, complete with a glitter candy cane in its hand being swung around, icing embroidery outlining its features, and the most gaudy obnoxious looking pompom buttons known to man going down its front. It looked like someone had thrown up a mix of different colored glitter in random patches all over the remaining parts of his sweater.

All in all it is hideous. His brother Jimmy has hit the brief of "ugly" Christmas sweater to perfection, he's understood the assignment and executed it to the highest standard. Jey is not one bit surprised...that Jimmy excelled at this.

“Ain't you all 'sweeet'  lookin' today, Uce,” croons Jey, leaning in with a smirk. Jimmy just grins at him like he's pleased with himself, throwing a candy cane at his head, which he manages to duck last minute.

“You so lame, Uce. 'Sweeeeet'!?  Really? This early with them lame ass puns?" huffs out Jimmy, laughing. "But, I am lookin' damn 'sweeeeet' aren't I?" he smirks, wriggling his eyebrows.

"I'm jus' learnin' from the best, Uce," quips Jey, shooting him a toothy smile. "Yea, you just soo...sweeeeet lookin', Uce, my teeth all gon' fall out."

He can see Jimmy gearing up to reply, but before he can, Solo's walking around the corner and giving Jey a stoic once-over. “Nice,” he nods, and continues on his way. 'Well, if that isn't the highest compliment coming from Solo..,'  thinks Jey. He's glad once again that he changed his mind and chose to wear this sweater.

The Wiseman already seated to his right is dressed in a purple sweater with a spectacular looking golden menorah on its front, orange flamed white candles resting in it, and immaculately detailed tiny multi-colored dreidels delicately embroidered all around the hem and ends off his sleeve. Classy.

“Wiseman! Lookin' good!” says Jey, a little too loudly, sue him, he's a little surprised with the holiday spirit and enthusiasm being shown, as he himself is feeling it. Seems like everyone's getting into it, he'd forgotten the Wiseman was Jewish.

Looks like Jimmy was right after all, he really is starting to feel an extra sense of camaraderie and togetherness already.

“Figured I'd join you rather than fight it," says the Wiseman, with a shrug, "I knew I was out numbered...,” trailing off, sighing. Looking and sounding down and defeated, if not for the slight smirk gracing his lips.

Always a sly low-key shit-stirrer...but that's what made him so unique, that's what makes him the 'Wiseman'— One minute he's showing off his brilliant and intellectual mind, the next he's strategically taking down their opponents with his hidden expertise. But, on the other hand, he's also cleverly busting your balls, and half the time you don't realize it till it's too late. They appreciate this side of him too, it's one of the reasons they all got on so well.

Solo's sweater is more subdued, a dark deep red with little white snowflakes embroidered around the collar, the midsection, hem and his cuffs, little shiny threaded brightly colored hollies in-between them. So Jey makes it a point to tell Solo, "You look nice too, Uce."

Solo's made the effort and that matters, and Jey wants to let him know it, it shows that Solo still underneath it all wants to be a part of the "family", to somehow even fit-in, in his own way, even if he sometimes acts otherwise.

"He does, don' he, Uce," adds Jimmy, cheesing at them from the other side. "You look nice, dawg!"

And of course, Solo responds with his single stoic nod, because that's what Solo does. And, it's the best they'll get from him, but they're used to it. And, it's okay, because that's their baby brother.

Just then the door opens and in walks Roman, announcing Sami will be dropping by soon to go over their tag team match together; it's unexpected, but he's excited to see Sami, just like he always is and he silently wonders if this feeling will ever fade. It's like he's perpetually living in the 'honeymoon' phase of theirs, just over and over, on and on, never completely escaping. Ever since, well, ever since the beginning, really. So, he's looking forward to seeing his boyfriend especially when they'd thought they would be spending today apart.

They've been in plenty of work situations since they've become boyfriends, and nothing's changed. Jey isn't worried about that.

'Boyfriends' it still feels weird saying it because it's such a foreign concept to Jey. And he's not sure, if he'll ever get used to the swarm of butterflies he feels that comes along with it. His stomach in chaos every single time, another occurrence that's completely foreign to him, every single time making it fluttering like crazy when he realizes that Sami is now—his boyfriend.

It hasn't caused any trouble yet, both of them being able to remain professional. Even though he's finding it harder and harder to stop himself from jumping Sami, and trapping those sweet pink soft delicious kissable...damn..he could go on...lips between his whenever he sees them, like they were always demanding to be taken—and really, he'd just be taking what's now his. The possessive bastard that he is, constantly wanting to come out and play whenever Sami is around. Something else he's never experienced, this constant need and want for someone, for them to be his and only his in every way, never until Sami.

“Told Sami we're wearin' Christmas sweaters, so he don't feel like a damn fool when he shows up,” shares Roman, walking past. And amused murmurs of agreement rise, from Jimmy and the Wiseman, waiting to see what the 'honorary Uce' will turn up in.

Roman himself is wearing a sweater that's a rich royal deep red, almost bordering on maroon, tight and fitting, an intricate extremely detailed golden snowflake carefully woven with fancy shimmery gold thread featuring right in the center, tiny white and silver snowflakes scattered around, the illusion of snow falling from the sky. Completing out the look of a magical, royal and regal Christmas—just like Roman.

So far, it looks like it's three for three. Three very decent, nice, and put together Christmas sweaters worn by Solo, the Wiseman and Roman. And, three 'ugly' Christmas sweaters worn by, Jimmy, himself and...

And, then it hits Jey. Now he's a little worried, because he knows Sami only owns one Christmas sweater—the one that matches Jey. The one he's currently wearing.

Jey is quickly running through his options, his escape plan, his excuse...

He's hoping maybe he'll get called out, by management or the crew for something that needs to be taken care of. Or, he can pretend he is sick. Maybe, pretend this is all just a big coincidence, and they just happened to have matching sweaters, he's fairly sure no one's going to buy that though. Or, he could just take his sweater off.

And, none of which would solve anything because everyone's already seen the sweater. At the very best he'll be able to avoid their reactions for a while, but what's the point, he's going to have to face them eventually and avoiding it will only make them rib him even harder. And, he can't find it in himself to leave Sami all on his own to face these bunch of brutes he calls family.

As though fate has been listening in on his lamenting, his inner dread, it is at that precise moment that Sami casually strides into the locker room.

Jimmy notices first, guffawing out a high bubble of laugher. “Jey, you and Sami matchin'! Man, I thought you 'n me was twins, dayoneish!”

Jey can't really focus on Jimmy, shifting his gaze a little, away from his twin now training it on Sami, wearing the matching set of their pair of sweaters. Sami just gives him a sheepish rueful smile in return, messily running his fingers through his hair, a nervous gesture of his. Shrugging, with a 'it is what it is and I'm going to run with it' motion.

Jey is stuck for a second, not knowing what to say or how to react, but he doesn't need to.

“I’m surprised by your taste, Jey. Nice ugly sweater you're wearing by the way,” grins Sami, with a wink, smirking like nothing's wrong at all.

'That smug cocky red-headed menace,'' thinks Jey, adoringly, still unable to say anything helpful as he hears Jimmy let out another bout of laughter, watching Sami heading towards Roman waiting on the other side.

Jey stealthy grabs his phone typing out a quick message to his boyfriend.

- - 'Shit. I don' know if I wanna punch you right now or kiss that damn smirk off your face. You enjoyin' this too much Sami...'

He watches as Sami, still listening to Roman going through all the possible scenarios of their match and how to strategically counter them, read the message. Sami's eyes widen just the slightest, you can barely notice it, almost like Jey is seeing things, eyebrows rising just a touch, again not noticeable unless you're really looking. He sees Sami's tapping out a reply, face blank again still appearing unbothered and nonchalant as ever to everyone around.

But, Jey knows him better than that, he can see Sami's body barely keeping from reacting, coiling tense in anticipation, something simmering at the surface.

- - 'Then do it, Jey. I’m game if you are.'

Jey's staring at the message, he stares and stares, dumbfounded mildly disbelieving what he's reading. Is Sami joking? So he looks up again and almost flinches, Sami is looking right at him, dead in the eyes with a seriousness so intense that it sends a shiver straight down his spine.

He didn't think Sami would ever go in for such a bold move, he'd have thought if it had been one of them suggesting it, it'd have been him—suggesting this, to kiss in front of everyone, in the middle of the locker room...but Jey can't deny that he really wants to. He wants his family to know how happy he is, he wants everyone to know just how lucky and complete he is, and he wants to share this. He wants to show Sami off. And, it looks like Sami wants to do the same.

Roman and Sami seem to have finished discussing their move for their upcoming match, vaguely hearing Sami agreeing with the plan they've come up with. And, they say their goodbyes. Sami says his goodbyes to the rest of them as well, each in their own unique way, a handshake, a hug, a nod, or a combination.

And as Sami turns to leave, Jey calls out for him. “Hey, Sami?”

Sami turns around with a questioning look on his face.

Jey ignores it stepping forward, wrapping his large hand around Sami's shoulder holding him in place, softly sliding it up the back of his warm slender neck, and slowly pulling him in and kissing him—open-mouthed, long and hard, possessive and hungry, licking right into his mouth chasing the taste of him. He's putting on a show, claiming Sami in front of them, marking him as his.

Jey can feel Sami's sweet grin of acceptance and complete surrender under his lips, mapping it out with his own, and he's sure Sami can feel him smirking right back, he hears his twin whooping and wolf-whistling in the background, and he's pulling away with a laugh, huffing out a little breath.

Resting his forehead against Sami's, they're breathing a little hard, Sami with his eyes closed and Jey with his open. Sami savoring the moment the still phantom feel and taste of Jey on his lips, while Jey is savoring Sami taking in the beautiful blissed out man before him.

They probably didn't need to kiss for that long or with so much intensity. But, now there isn't a single doubt in anyone's mind as to who Sami really belongs to. He might be part of the Bloodline, but he's Jey's.

And, there's a pleasant prickling, a tingling against his skin at the thought of it. He knows he's become a possessive bastard, and now his family knows it too. He's just made it very clear, there's no doubt in anyone's mind. Sami belongs to him. He belongs to Sami.

He keeps looking at Sami and he wants to taste those reddened plumped up swollen lips in front of him once again, in front of everyone once again, the ones that he caused to look that way.

"We still on for tonight?” asks Jey, going for casual, acting like the last few minutes didn't just happen.

Sami just grins at him all teeth, dopey looking fully gone on Jey, with that twinkle in his hazel eyes that's so distinctly Sami, the one that Jey can't ever look away from. “Of course, Jey.”

Sami ducks his head a shy smile now gracing his kissed-out lips, face still flushed still looking slightly dazed as he leaves, making an obviously quick escape while he can, in these precious last few moments of silence when he has the chance to.

Jey slowly turns back to his family and catches Solo passing Jimmy a $50 note. Roman and the Wiseman solemnly doing the same. He hears Roman distinctly mumble something like 'He couldn't have waited another week?'

“You knew?” Jey asks Jimmy, as casually as he can.

He's surprised, but he's also really not to be honest, more like a little affronted if anything, he could never really hide anything from Jimmy—his twin, the one person who sometimes knows him better than he knows himself, knows his own thoughts even before he does, his own feelings even before he can comprehend them, his dayoneish.

“Course, Uce! You know you ain't hiddin' nothin' from me. Don' know why you even think to try. 'Sides we be blind not seein' it,” says Jimmy, rolling his eyes grinning, and Solo is doing his stoic nod in agreement next to him.

He looks to the others, at Roman and the Wiseman and they too are giving Jey the 'you really think we didn't know? Do we look blind and stupid to you?—that's sad...' look.

Jey just shakes his head not knowing whether to feel a little put out by the whole thing or rightfully elated by their reactions, and sits back flopping down. All the tension and anticipation leaving him, his body loosening up and relaxing. They finally did it. He and Sami had done it, and the world hadn't ended, Sami had been right all along, Jey had just been over thinking it all.

Jimmy is still giving him that stupidly large and wide grin of his, and for all it's worth Jey can't help but return it in equal measure.

His attention turns to the pinging of his phone and he scoops it out of his pocket opening it.

- - 'I love you.'

Another ping rings.

- - 'I've got dessert waiting for you 😏'

——

Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed it! 🩷

[courtofcravings]

Don't do anything stupid (1)

Bones thinks you and Captain Kirk are very similar, and it takes an away mission to prove him right.

Captain Kirk x reader

Fluff and Adventure (Completed Series) Warning: minor blood, needles, minor injuries. mild violence This is a rewrite of a fic called "Another You" I did. Fixed it up a bit. Read Part 2 here <3

Dr. McCoy was at it again, trying to coerce you into visiting the Med Bay. This time, he seemed to think that threatening to involve the Captain would somehow sway your decision.

“I’m telling you right now, Y/N, you can’t go on your away mission without getting your immunizations for this planet,” McCoy said, leaning against the counter like he had no intention of leaving. “Ever heard of the Quazulu VIII Virus? No? That’s because there’s a vaccine for it!”

“Dr. McCoy, it’s just a quick trip to the planet to grab a few specimens. I won’t be staying for the diplomatic engagements like the rest of the team,” you explained, continuing to pack your equipment in the research ward.

Your preparations were nearly complete when the ship’s chief medical officer decided to ambush you. The task was straightforward: collect samples of water and nearby vegetation. This planet had only recently become accessible, and much of its biological features remained a mystery.

McCoy gave you a pointed look, his expression clearly unimpressed. “As a scientist, I’d think you’d be the first to appreciate the importance of vaccines,” he grumbled.

“On the contrary, Doctor,” you retorted with a smirk, carefully placing empty sterile test tubes into your case. “I firmly believe medicines like vaccines are life-saving. But as a scientist, I’m also keenly aware of just how dirty hospitals and Med Bays can be.”

His face contorted in a mix of offense and exasperation, as he threw his hands in the air.

“You do realize you’re going on an away mission to a planet that is far from sterile—to literally play in the dirt,” he mocked, crossing his arms as he tilted his head in mock dismissal. “And when you get injured, will you refuse medical care, too?”

You recognized the "gotcha" moment he was relishing—and he wasn’t entirely wrong. The truth was, you just hated needles. They grossed you out.

“I’ll be careful,” you stated confidently, adding a playful wink, which earned an unimpressed scoff from the young doctor.

“Fine, you don’t like my Med Bay, but what if I gave you the shots here?” he countered, tilting his head slightly.

You hesitated, but admittedly, it wasn’t a bad compromise. The Med Bay gave you more of a sinking feeling than the needles themselves ever did. You’d always noticed that too many people who went in didn’t come out—or if they did, they weren’t the same. That persistent sense of dread lingered every time you stepped through its doors.

“If this place is too dirty for you, then you’ve only got yourself to blame,” McCoy added dryly, motioning around the room. “You are, after all, the head lab runner.”

You pretended to mull it over, feigning indecision for a moment before muttering your reluctant agreement. “Fine. Go get them, then.” It was standard policy to receive the immunizations, and deep down, you knew they’d be a lifesaver if something went wrong on the mission.

“Great!” he exclaimed, grabbing a red bag you hadn’t even noticed he’d brought in. Your jaw dropped as he began pulling out the vaccines.

“You knew I’d agree?” you asked, narrowing your eyes suspiciously as you reluctantly took a seat on the stool in front of him.

You had spent countless hours working alongside Dr. McCoy in the labs, and you liked to think you knew him well. What you hadn’t anticipated was just how well he seemed to know you—including your aversion to the Med Bay.

“I deal with you the same way I deal with him,” McCoy said as he prepared one of the doses. He paused, smirking as if a thought had just struck him. “You two are a lot alike.”

“Who?” you asked, curious about who you were being compared to, as you rolled up your sleeve.

Before McCoy could answer, the doors to your lab chimed, signalling someone’s arrival. You kept your eyes tightly shut, bracing yourself. McCoy had your skin pinched at the top of your arm, and you knew the needle was coming.

“Bones? We’re supposed to be having breakfast,” a familiar voice said. You jumped—and not because of the needle. “Chapel said you were here waiting for me…”

Your eyes snapped open. “You were actually going to tell the Captain on me?” you muttered through gritted teeth, glaring at McCoy. A small chuckle sounded from across the room, drawing your attention. Your gaze locked with his piercing blue eyes, and your heart skipped a beat.

“Y/N,” Kirk said, walking over and leaning casually on the counter in front of you. “Causing trouble?” His tone was light, laced with amusement.

“Captain,” you mumbled, feeling your face heat up as you turned back to McCoy, who looked far too pleased with himself.

“Jim,” McCoy interjected, preparing the second dose with a practiced ease. “Why don’t you explain to our young scientist here the importance of getting inoculated before an away mission?” He glanced at you with a smirk. “After all, you have the most experience finding out the hard way.”

Ignoring the second half of McCoy’s comment—one you were far more interested in hearing about—you turned your attention to the Captain who asked, “Y/N, will you be coming tonight?” His voice was so alluring, that it sent a slight tremor through you.

Clearing your throat, you offered a simple response. “Yes, Sir.” It was all you could manage, as it often was when you found yourself in conversation with him. He was so handsome, so kind, and so funny—it was incredibly intimidating.

“And Bones is giving you trouble,” he said with a soft chuckle, breaking your gaze as he began to casually scan the lab. He had a habit of doing that whenever he came in to talk to McCoy—picking around at things like a child unable to sit still.

You watched him smile to himself as he pulled open your backpack for the mission, his easygoing nature only adding to the warmth in your chest. Then, something about how he had called McCoy ‘Bones’ dawned on you. “Bones?”

“Don’t start calling me that too,” McCoy grumbled, clearly unamused.

“Ouch!” you jerked at the unexpected jab, your focus finally breaking from the Captain. You began rubbing your arm, still sensitive from the injection. “You didn’t warn me,” you muttered, your voice tinged with mild frustration.

“You’ll survive,” McCoy said dismissively, preparing the last dose. After a moment, he added, “Captain, you were about to explain the merits of getting all your inoculations.”

It was odd to hear Dr. McCoy refer to the blonde man by his official title, and it seemed to dawn on him as well. “Right,” Kirk muttered, dropping everything he was tinkering with and walking back over to you. “As your captain, I’d inform you that it is mandatory, and refusal can compromise the health and overall well-being of the crew…” He finished with a thumbs-up directed at the doctor.

To be honest, you weren’t really listening. His voice was far too distracting for lectures. So, it wasn’t until you heard the clatter of the final needle hitting the counter that you realized McCoy had finished with you. “All done,” he announced.

As you began pulling your sleeve down, the Captain cleared his throat. “If that’s everything, then—”

“Oh, Jim,” Dr. McCoy interrupted, launching out of his chair and grabbing the Captain’s arm before he could say another word. “Leaders lead by example… Can’t be a hypocrite now.”

You noticed the three other needles lined up on the counter. This had been McCoy’s plan all along. Despite feeling a bit of satisfaction that you weren’t the only one afraid of needles, you couldn’t resist teasing, “For the well-being of the crew and all.”

“Right,” the Captain replied with a dejected sigh, taking the spot McCoy had just vacated. His warmth brushed against you as his shoulder lightly nudged yours. “Just make it fast,” he muttered, lifting his shirt just enough to free his arm. Your eyes darted anywhere but at him.

“You two are very similar,” McCoy remarked, earning a scoff from you.

Feeling the eyes of both men on you, your cheeks flushed with heat. You hadn’t meant anything negative by your comment; you simply couldn’t imagine having much in common. He was important and useful, and you… well, you played in the dirt.

The silence stretched on, and feeling embarrassed, you muttered, “We do have a pretty good style.” You were thinking of the mandatory uniforms you all wore. While yours perfectly matched McCoy’s, the Captain’s gold uniform complemented him far too well.

The Captain softly chuckled, about to add something before a jab of the needle interrupted him. He let out a hiss of pain.

“Dammit, Jim, stay still,” McCoy muttered before adding, “You’re just proving my point.”

“What? That we’re both good at making fun of you? Have a good sense of humour?” You laughed, debating whether now was a good time to ask about the Bones nickname.

“You like my sense of humour?” the Captain asked, looking down at you. You were flustered over what you had just admitted, but thankfully, McCoy spoke up.

“You both like causing me stress and making my job harder than it already is.” The doctor complained though the small smirk on his face betrayed his irritation.

“That’s hurtful, Bones,” you said sweetly, finally using the nickname Jim always called him.

“Dammit, Jim,” McCoy muttered under his breath as the final needle clattered to the table. “Just promise me you both won’t do anything stupid tonight.”

----

[crazylittlejester]

DAILY BRAINROT

I'm trying to type this all out before my oven finishes preheating, and I have to put the bread in.

Reading a Dead Dove for the first time. I swear it was an accident. That tag wasn't there when I started. My college friends can never find out about this. It's like that one post about the devil's sacrament... if you saw me in the comments section, no you didn't.

(Okay, but for real, it's actually super good and I do trust the author to not obliterate me with The Horrors.)

Anyway, onto business. Warriors would have Dolly Parton baking mixes in his pantry. Sky probably borrows them if he visits. I think they can both, bake/cook, but have a harder time making things from scratch. I mean, I've been doing it for a while because that's how a lot of country folk are raised, but it's still tricky. They are 100% taking full advantage of the baking aisle at the store.

That's all I've got today because I maybe ran myself into the ground running errands today.

Dead Dove fics are weird because sometimes its the most insane graphic thing you’ve ever read in your life but the author used it as a tag to mean “hey this fic is just hardcore explicit stuff” and didn’t tag half the explicit events and then you’re left shocked shitless and traumatized because the fic included crazy shit you never saw coming because it simply wasnt tagged, and OTHER times people actually use it to mean what it was originally meant to, which is basically “Warning: What it says on the tin is ACTUALLY what’s in the tin”. Like i’ve seen the tag incorrectly used before in place of other tags that really shouldve been in there 😭 Which defeats the whole reference??? Like i feel like you can’t tag a fic Dead Dove and then not tag all the other things there are tags for that SHOULD be tagged. Because at that point you’re sticking a dead dove in a bag with a large question mark on it and getting mad at people for being shocked to death when they find the dead dove in the bag that you did not warn them about. but anyways I hope you have fun with ur fic 😭

I feel like Wars is the kinda guy who like, can solidly cook like 3-4 things from scratch, but because he’s always so tired and doesn’t have time it’s hard for him to learn to make new things from scratch. Having something thats half made or comes as a mix would be life changing for him genuinely 😭 Sky DEFINITELY too. I’m not the BEST at cooking, despite desperate attempts to teach me all throughout my childhood 😭 I swear I’d be taught how to make one thing, have it down, and then forget it a month or so later. But hey, I can make rice and I can grill chicken 🫶

i also ran myself into the ground a bit today, which im so genuinely upset about because this was supposed to be a nice day off for me 😭

thanks as always for the brainrot :) i appreciate it

[kokofromwattpad]

WHAT DID YOU SAY?!

Featuring: The First Years Plot: You speak your(my)home language in front of them Cw: Reader speaks Afrikaans because it's the only language I can actually understand without a translator, Gn! reader, cursing, translations/explanations after every scenario A/N: Holy crap, the French translated version of La Seine is so *mmmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh* Also reader does say some South African slang as well.

Ace Trappola

You were busy in the library, stressing over a test that Crewel had set for the very next day, when Ace walked in, trying to find you so that you could help him with studying.

"Hey prefect! I was wondering if you would help me with studying with that test thats comin' up." he quires with his usual large smile plastered on his face.

You shoot your head up at him, your eyes staring at him with blood lust.

"Het jy regtig net my studie vir jou idiotiese gat onderbreek?!" you scream.

Ace stares stunned for a while, his arms hang stupidly by his sides.

" Nou het jy niks om te sê nie!" you yell angrily.

You gathered all of your books and your sling on bag and marched out of the library to retreat back into Ramshackle.

Much later at night, Ace messages you a fat apology, saying how he didn't know that you were stressed and wanted to make up to you. (He also says its cool that you know a different language)

Translation:

->Het jy regtig net my studie vir jou idiotiese gat onderbreek?! = Did you really just interrupt my studying for your idiot ass?!

->Nou het jy niks om te sê nie! = Now you have nothing to say!

DEUCE SPADE

Deuce was busy helping you out in Ramshackle with some cooking in the kitchen. You were on one end of the room, humming a song a song that Deuce was not paying attention too, until he hears a soft,

"Eendjies, eendjies, staan in 'n ry. Een, twee, drie, vier, stap hul' verby"

He turns his head curiously at you with a questioning face.

"Prefect, what are you singing?" he asks gently.

You stop your singing and turn to look at him. You did not realize that he had been listening to you.

"Oh it's an old lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was little. I kinda just remembered it just now. Sorry for surprising you!" you explain.

The boy just smiles happily and continues on with the rest of day, but he just happier knowing that you relived a little bit more about yourself to him than you do to others.

Translation= Ducklings, ducklings, all in a row One, two, three, four, see how they go. {Fun fact: Most South African children learn this lullaby when they are in preschool/Grade RR}

JACK HOWL

The track and field team was going against RSA in a race today and you in the stands cheering him on.

As Jack is running, he suddenly hears form the crowd,

"SLAAN HULLE MY SEUN!"

It was you screaming your lungs out for him. Even though he had zero idea what you had just said, he still appreciates it continues to do his absolute best.

Translation: SLAAN HULLE MY SEUN! = BEAT/HIT THEM MY BOY (I personally like to assign my friends a family title, and because I said so, I assigned Jack as the son)

EPEL FELMEIR:

Epel was stomping down the hallway, anger painted beautifully on his face. He was absolutely pissed at Vil for booking a hair and makeup appointment for him even though he did not need it.

Once he saw you walk out of your final class for the day, he immediately runs up to you and starts to vent about the 'bullshit that Vil puts him in' and so on.

"Awww, shamepies" you teased.

Epel turns his head at you with a mix of anger and confused on. "What the hell did you just say?" he breathed out.

You stood surprised and then it hits you like a damn train. He doesn't understand your slang.

Quickly you explained that 'shames' means a lot of different things and it is not always bad.

Epel now uses it against Vil.

(Shames is usually not used to degrade or reprimand someone, rather it is usually used in a sarcastic or comforting way, like what reader did, they faked pity while teasing Epel for having to deal with Vil.)

SEBEK ZIGVOLT:

Sebek opened the door to Ramshackle to give you a message that was sent from Malleus. Something on the lines of meeting the prince in a different location for their nightly walk.

But when Sebek walked deeper into the dorm, he heard loud screaming coming from the lounge.

"Julle het regtig gedink dit is 'n goeie idee om soos 'n klomp apies op te tree!" you lectured.

The troublesome trio looked shamefully down at the floor, trying to ignore your harsh, blade like stare. Your hands were on your hips and thee were shattered pieces of a blue vase scattered all over the floor.

Sebek then decided that it would be better to wait in the foyer until you calmed down and decided the trio's punishment.

Translation: "Julle het regtig gedink dit is 'n goeie idee om soos 'n klomp apies op te tree!" = "You guys really thought it was a good idea to act like a bunch of monkeys!"

-------------------------------------------------------

[rallamajoop]

Resident Evil 4 vs 8, and Ludonarrative Resonance

Having fallen so very hard for RE8 late last year, I’m incapable of talking about the new RE4 remake without comparing the two – especially when RE8 now occupies the bizarre position of being simultaneously the remake’s immediate predecessor, canonical-later-sequel, and also other pseudo-remake of RE4.

And it’s hard to appreciate just how much RE8 draws from RE4 until you’ve played them both – in broad concept (sinister bioweapon cult in isolated European village, lengthy castle section, awkward shift towards military-shooter-itis at the end – heck, did you know RE8 was even supposed to have Ada Wong showing up with a sniper rifle to rescue Ethan from cutscenes in early drafts? Because that was definitely going too far) and its initial chapter especially. I’d osmosed the broad strokes, but not, for example, the degree to which the first lycan attack in 8 is basically just the first village assault from RE4: mobbed by an endless stream of regular enemies and the one big guy (who you can defeat, but should probably just try to avoid) in an open environment until an invisible timer runs out and everyone goes home.

It’s not a one-way street: it’s only fair to say that by the time of RE4make, Capcom was re-integrating a lot of what worked in 8 back into the new RE4. But as many elements represent a conscious step back from the reinventions of RE7 in favour of recreating gameplay elements of the original: 3rd person view, visible health bar, etc. The same basic arsenal of pistol-shotgun-sniper-rile becomes available to you in that order, but trying to play Leon as you would Ethan is not going to come off seamlessly.

Leon he can’t block, for one. He can parry, but that’s not the same thing. His knife works very differently, many of its uses contextual. You have to aim before firing now – hitting fire without aiming first makes Leon slash with his knife instead (very annoying when I have the sniper rifle equipped, the enemy is too close for the scope to be useful, and failing to get a round off in a hurry is about to make my life a lot more uncomfortable) – and if you’re aiming, you can’t parry. The gameplay in the RE4 remake is honestly my favourite thing about it (the story is... more of a mixed bag, but we'll get to that), but coming to it directly off RE8 is just a little frustrating until you get your head around it. GDI, Leon, Ethan can make a decent mine that doesn’t go off on its own if it’s not tripped in 30 seconds, why can’t you?

Questionable nitpicks aside though, having gotten the hang of RE4’s combat, the more I think about it, the more the differences between how Ethan and Leon handle do actually work for me, and even make sense from a character-centric POV. Intentionally or not, there’s a kind of ludonarrative resonance to it all.

If you’ve read any video game critique in the last decade or so, you’ve likely run into the term ludonarrative dissonance: coined to highlight all those times when the story a game tells via dialogue and cutscenes clashes with the ‘ludonarrative’, or story created by the gameplay. The classic example is something like the Tomb Raider reboot, where cutscenes linger on the trauma of Lara's first human kill, but gameplay will still see her easily mowing down enemies mooks by the dozen barely five minutes later. See also: any time a character is a total badass in gameplay, but can be easily overpowered by a single opponent when necessary for a cutscene. This kind of narrative inconsistency is to some degree the nature of the medium – it’s a rare game that can avoid it altogether, but it can still throw you out of the experience.

For a more Resident Evil specific example, consider that minor plot point from RE6 which reveals that Sherry (one of the many playable characters) has an Ethan-like healing ability as a result of her exposure to the G-virus back in RE2. This has no effect on gameplay, before or after the reveal: Sherry’s health bar works the same as any other character’s. Even the RE4 remake hits this problem: letting Ashley be carried too far away by an enemy mook is an instant game-over in gameplay, but you’d better be prepared to see the exact same thing happen in multiple cutscenes at specified plot points, with no way to avoid it (c’mon, game, I know they’re just gonna stick her in a room with no guards somewhere, lemme go find her!)

You could arguably find a similar problem to Sherry’s in RE8, where Ethan very-canonically comes back from the dead after having his heart ripped out in a cutscene, even though he can absolutely be killed in regular gameplay. And yet, here, I’m inclined to cut the game some slack – because there is arguably an explanation provided, and it’s suitably horrific.

Ethan may be able to reattach severed limbs and walk off falls from great heights, but having his heart ripped out puts him down long enough to convince Chris he’s really dead – definitely down for the count. And if you pay attention to the (many) death-scenes that play after Ethan is killed by a lycan or moroi, you may notice that most monsters immediately start eating him as they light fades away. Ethan may come back after having his heart ripped out, but being digested may be a step too far.

And Ethan can get eaten a lot in this game. Moreau can eat you. The mould-foetus-monster can eat you. Dimitrescu makes pretty-fucking-clear her own desire to eat you too. Sturm doesn’t, but is certainly equipped to reduce Ethan to a fine, pink mist.  Whether those final-moments were included specifically to fill that plot hole or whether they were just thrown in for ‘ordinary’ horror value I can only speculate, but it’s always nice when all those little, gory details tie together, isn’t it?

If we’re going to take games to task for all those probably-accidental moments where the gameplay and the story clash, it’s only fair to note a few of the ones where they do the opposite (likewise-accidental though they may be). Ludonarrative resonance, if you will.

On a basic level, pointing out that gameplay differences between RE4 and 8 make sense for Ethan’s vs Leon’s respective strengths and weaknesses may be a little too obvious. Leon can stagger an enemy with a bullet and then rush in to finish him off a roundhouse kick or a supplex because Leon is a certified badass with way more training than Ethan (who makes one vague mention of having had military training, presumably as an excuse for why he aims so much faster in RE8 than 7).

But it goes so far beyond that.

There’s the issue of blocking, for one. Ethan can block – roughly holding his hands up in front of himself to reduce incoming damage – but Leon can’t. This was initially annoying, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it as a logical change. Sure, Leon can’t block, but Leon doesn’t secretly have mould-powered super-healing, and trying to tank axe-blows to reattachable parts of his body probably isn’t a viable strategy. What he can do is parry with his knife: a more skill-dependent strategy for a more-skilled guy. Timing is much trickier, but only his knife takes damage – Leon doesn’t, so when it works, it’s much better than blocking. And given Leon has this whole backstory-thing about being trained by a knife-obsessed nutjob, that all adds up too.

Then there’s the thing with ladders. Ethan can fall any distance without taking damage, but convincing him to take a gravity-shortcut doesn’t always work: if there’s a ladder nearby, he’ll take it. Leon, by contrast, clearly sees ladders as a waste of time. Ashley will use them to get down from high places, if there’s one available, but Leon, to my joy, prefers to jump. And again, there’s an arguable logic there that appeals to me: Ethan may be immune to falling damage, but he’s badly in denial about it, and would much prefer to take the stairs. Leon isn’t superhuman, but he knows parkour, and he’s damn well going to use it.

Health arguably follows similar logic. Ethan doesn’t get a proper health bar (maybe you need training to accurately judge how dead you are? IDK), just various colours to tell you roughly how bad this is going, and Ethan will be reduced to stumbling through a distorted red haze if you let him go too far into the red zone. Stumble around long enough without dying though, and Ethan will eventually walk it off, automatically returning to about half-health. Notably, Leon doesn’t get this same power (unless you’re playing on the very easiest difficulty – Ethan remains auto-healing right up to Village of Shadows level). But for a dude who canonically has healing powers, you can’t argue that makes a lot of sense.

The same rules apply to Mia too, when you’re playing her in RE7 – but given she’s been infected with the mould too, that tracks (and even if you did choose her for the cure, who’s to say how well such a haphazard cure even worked?)

This logic does break down a bit in RE8 when you play as Chris, and blocking and walking-it-off remain core mechanics. And if you wanted to get really nitpicky, you might even point out the same mechanics are available to Ethan in his very first fight with Mia in RE7, where he’s (presumably?) not infected yet. But there comes a point where you have to admit that expecting the devs to change gameplay so much for one brief section of a much longer game isn’t really realistic (and would be that much more annoying to get used to for this one tiny section anyway).

Amusingly though, in the Mercenaries DLC, Chris has been reworked somewhat, and now can’t block anymore: hitting the ‘block’ button throws a left hook instead. Which is only too appropriate for Chris Boulder-Punching Redfield – but it’s interesting to note that Lady Dimitrescu (another new playable character) can’t block either.

The only other character in Mercenaries mode who can block is Heisenberg, and he does so by raising a literal wall of sheet metal. Intentionally or otherwise, Mercenaries does kinda seem to cast Ethan’s ability to substantially reduce damage just by holding up his arms as pretty unique.

Speaking of health, Leon and Ethan can both increase their maximum HP – Leon by using yellow herbs, Ethan by eating food cooked for him by the Duke. Ethan, however, can also decrease the damage he takes while blocking and increase his running speed this way. This is the sort of game mechanic it’s probably not worth thinking too hard about, but even so, the idea that mould-man Ethan can enhance his own powers by eating food from around the village where the mould originates (and specially prepared by the nigh-omniscient Duke himself) is something I raised already over in my post on Mia and Miranda – and it fits here too. Leon, meanwhile, can only increase his own durability by buying body armour, then paying even more to keep it repaired (there is a case charm that increases his speed a little too, but it’s bloody hard to get).

There are other little details that follow the same pattern too – whereas in RE8, I found myself mostly using the pistol to finish off any enemies who didn’t quite go down in one shotgun blast, in RE4, I found myself relying on my basic pistol a lot more, even when not going for kung-fu finishers. Mostly, that’s down to enemy speed and ammo availability, but you can’t argue it makes sense that the better-trained Leon would be better-equipped to get the job done with lower-calibre weaponry.

Now, to be clear, I doubt most of these little differences are down to the devs going “okay, this new game is about a mould-superman, how do we work that into gameplay?” when RE7 came out – and I’m pretty sure a lot of how the new RE4 plays is down to an earnest attempt to include as much of the old RE4 as still makes sense. Leon has a visible health bar and can supplex enemies into the dirt because people loved the original, and we’re not here to completely reinvent the best features of the wheel. Half the stuff that screams ludonarrative resonance to me is probably more happy accident as design.

But when, for example, you’re being irritated by the discovery that the only mines available to Leon will just go off on their own after 30 seconds if not triggered by an enemy, it’s nice to be able to tell yourself “bloody hell, guess you need a real engineer like Ethan to make a half-decent mine!” and treat that like an excuse. It doesn’t fundamentally change the way either game plays, but it feels like there’s some rhyme and reason to it, and that’s just a little bit more fun. And they’re both great combat systems in their own fun way.

YMMV, of course.

[oddygaul]

Into the Monsterverse - Godzilla 2014 and Kong: Skull Island

Godzilla 2014

Oof, don’t have a lot of positive things to say about this one… I’m gonna keep at it because my friends tell me the American ‘Zillas grow into their niche, but this was a poor first showing.

Godzilla 2014 kicks off with Bryan Cranston doing an impressive TtDW* speedrun, and then his son, Ford, our protagonist, basically spends the rest of the movie trying to follow in his footsteps by telling his wife to stay put in a city that’s about to be nuked and then refusing to call her for the rest of the movie. Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ford is one of the least charismatic dudes I have ever seen star in a movie, a big piece of cardboard absolutely void of character or convincing pathos, and I laughed out loud multiple times at his dicey acting choices. This quickly dashed any hopes of me appreciating the movie as the serious, credible drama it’s attempting to be.

*Time to Dead Wife

pretty sure I’ve seen this exact shot in every Air Force recruitment ad ever

I wasn’t a big fan of the MUTOs. They look like designs from a PS2 game: not in terms of rendering, the VFX are fine, but they have this incredibly flat, polygonal design that brings to mind a 2005-era pause menu bestiary. While the silhouettes are fine from the front or while flying, the body plans and musculature are not convincing, and I truly hate the design for their hind legs – they give the impression of a hunched-over human in a suit, with their butts transitioning into ill-fitting digitigrade legs.

One of the movie's weirdest stylistic choices, seemingly a result of Godzilla 2014’s attempt at a more serious, grounded* tone, is a refusal to indulge the audience in cool monster fights. At least three times during the movie, just as Godzilla and the MUTOs meet up to throw down, we hard-cut to another scene rather than seeing the battle play out. Once, it cuts to a little kid who sees the fight on the TV, forcing us to watch him as he watches the fight instead of getting to see it ourselves; in another instance, a character is sealing themselves into a bunker, leaving us to literally watch a door slowly close on our view of the monsters' clash.

It feels like they were going for a Cloverfield-esque found footage angle, where we don’t always have a good view of the action because we’re following the boots on the ground characters, but it doesn’t commit to this aesthetic anywhere else in the movie. We have plenty of wide-angle, omnipresent cinematography for all the other scenes, so it makes these fight cutaways feel like a gag or running joke. Look, I’m fine with a Godzilla movie taking a more serious tone rather than being a monster beat ‘em up, but when the human story is as bland as this one, cool fights would have been a nice solace.

*I mean, as grounded as you can get in a movie where the military’s Plan A is to nuke San Francisco

The treatment of Big Zil himself is a mixed bag. Visually his design is pretty cool, but I was shocked at how weak his SFX were. Godzilla’s iconic roar is replaced with a strange, machine-like screeching noise, and his atomic breath lacks any sound at all. I think this was done as a stylistic choice – the classic Hollywood contrast trick of suddenly cutting out all the background noise, the score, the effects, to tighten focus on the visuals for a big moment – but Godzilla’s SFX are a pretty core part of his identity, and the moment felt anemic. In terms of character, Godzilla is pushed all the way onto the good guy side of the spectrum, helping humanity to push back those pesky interlopers, which is a wild choice for the first movie in a franchise, and feels bafflingly unexplained.

Honestly, the movie was at its best when Bryan Cranston was yelling at everyone about his disks. Get the man his disks!

Kong: Skull Island

Wow, what a pivot.

Kong: Skull Island has a scene where Tom Hiddleston straps on a gas mask and strides through a deadly chemical cloud while using a samurai sword to slice up a flock of pterodactyls. And yet, despite the movie being filled with this sort of gleeful action schlock, it has a significantly more coherent story and tone than Godzilla 2014 ever manages. The narrative is no masterpiece, especially compared to recent efforts like Minus One, but Skull Island’s ensemble cast all have enough going on to glue things together.

“Yeah... that was an unconventional encounter.”

The characters are tropey, sure, but they’re handled well; particular standouts include John Goodman as a desperate but charismatic cryptozoologist, and Samuel L. Jackson as a soldier who’s been at war so long he quakes at the thought of returning to civilian life, and become obsessed with finding a new battle to fight. Hell, even John C. Reilly’s character, a stranded WW2 pilot whose role initially seems defined by goofy non-sequiturs, ends up having a lot of heart and serves as the movie's emotional capstone.

There’s certainly some missteps with the characterization and themes – the Vietnam setting doesn’t add much to the movie outside of the aesthetic trapping, the Iwi tribe is a lazy, undercooked attempt to sidestep the Kong franchise’s history of orientalism while walking head-on into the noble savage trope, et cetera – but the character conflicts are compelling enough to keep things interesting.

Plus, even with so much focus on the humans and their motivations, Skull Island remembers it’s about Kong. It’s about the world he inhabits, the enemies he protects his island from, the dangers he faces as the last of his kind. The movie makes a lot of smart choices to facilitate this focus, including plenty of slower, endearing moments with Kong. In 2014, Godzilla feels like a bit player in his own movie. We learn less about him than the random MUTOs, and he basically just shows up, saves humanity for unexplained reasons, then leaves; given the much more serious tone of that movie, it comes off as fairly ridiculous. By the end of Skull Island, on the other hand, we have a solid understanding and appreciation for Kong and his motivations.

Also he uses a propeller like a flail, are you fucking kidding me?? hell yeah

Alright, now I’m fully bought in. On to King of the Monsters.

[lurkingshan]

Love Sea Final Thoughts

I have been trying to wrap my head around my overall feelings about Love Sea, a show that is undeniably flawed but somehow charming anyway, that drops so many threads but does such a good job with a few of its core points that it's hard to be mad. I can't really say that this is a great drama, but I can say that I enjoyed it a lot and I think it's a good watch if you go in understanding some caveats.

Let's start with a few things I really loved about this show:

Mahasamut. A great character, he will be going on my shortlist of Thai bl favorites. He's smart, honest, patient, giving and forgiving but he also knows himself, his limits, and his worth. On top of all that, he actually looks like a normal person, with a healthy body weight and beautiful imperfect skin. So rare in dramas.

Smart class dynamics. I appreciated how much this show grounded Mut and Rak's relationship in their class disparity, how wealth and lack of same was a constant issue between them that was never forgotten, and how its effect on their power dynamic shifted over time as their relationship grew.

Very well-executed sex scenes. The sex in this show is tied to character development and relationship arcs, and every sex scene mattered to the story. We watched the shifting power dynamics between Mut and Rak play out via the sex they had together and by watching their intimacy we learned more about them.

Ridiculous chemistry. The main love story was supported by truly excellent emotional and sexual chemistry. I always believed in the attraction and the feelings between these two, and that helped a lot when the story didn't quite take me where it needed to.

Rak and Vie's friendship. I really loved that we spent time with these two as besties, and that they were genuinely so supportive of each other. Vie was a real MVP in kicking Rak's ass when he needed it.

Meena, the best child ever. What a delightful character who brought a lot of fun and lightness to the story. Her scenes with Mut were a true highlight.

And here are some things that didn't quite work for me:

Uneven focus for the main characters. Once we left the island to go to Bangkok, the entire show was about Rak, his backstory, his issues, his ongoing problems, and his needs, and Mut was kind of subsumed in his story instead of having one of his own. I was glad we got back to Mut's life at the end, but they really should have kept it present throughout so everything didn't feel so one-sided.

Shallow engagement with family trauma. And despite the fact that the story was so much about Rak's issues, the story never actually went deep on them. I still don't really understand a lot about his family dynamics. The show used his dad and cousin as villains and then his mom as an easy out to solve everything at the end, but we never dug into how all these people ended up this way in the first place. It was a real missed opportunity.

Rak's emotional journey. I was on board for much of it, but other parts felt a bit haphazard and all over the place. Sometimes it felt like he was suddenly progressing out of nowhere, and others it felt like he was backsliding just because the plot demanded it. I liked where the story took him a lot but the path to get there was pretty bumpy.

The side couple. WOOF. I have no idea what happened here, but that was a fail on just about every front. Mook was a hard character to love from the start, Vie felt like a completely different person with Mook than in all her other scenes, there was so much lying and manipulation for no good reason, and in the end they were left completely unresolved. If you are on the lookout for great gl pairings, you will not find that here.

So there you have it. This show is absolutely a mixed bag on its execution, so how much you end up liking it will probably depend on how strongly you connect with what it did well and where it dropped the ball. For me, it was a good experience and one I'll remember fondly. I'll definitely be watching the special when it's released and I hope to see this cast again.