#and jim in his future <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[gregmarriage]

been waiting all season for oz and ed to properly meet and it did not disappoint. they were IMMEDIATELY faggy and bitchy to each other and i’m obsessed <3

[dargo9]

I think Mat Baynton has proven, over these eight episodes, plus his podcast appearance with Ed, that he's a Taskmaster fan and familiar with some of the lore. So I'd like to think that he purposely chose Jim Howick to borrow something from in the 19.8 prize task in order to guarantee Jim a win should he ever appear on a future series of Taskmaster.

For those who aren't aware... Sara Pascoe brought in John Robins's clock as a prize in series 3; John then won series 17. Mark Watson had Ed Gamble help him steal Greg's pants for a prize in series 5; Ed then won series 9. James Acaster brought in a drawing by Sam Campbell as a prize in series 7; Sam then won series 16.

[chaoticwriting]

YOU ARE MARRIED 4!!??

Part 3

Clockwork: Welcome back, my boy. How does the mission go?

Danny: I'm going to assume you ask that purely out of courtesy but it is going fine. I capture Vlad and only experience some minor inconveniences.

Clockwork: Hmmm, minor inconveniences for now it is.

Danny: I'm sorry what?

Clockwork: Nothing. Anyway, you should get ready to go pick up Ellie. Also take this.

Clockwork throws a bag full of things on to Danny as he clumsily catches it.

Danny: Oh no, you are not just brushing it off. Tell me wha- AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

A green portal opens below Danny as he falls into it, leaving behind an unconscious Vlad on the floor and Clockwork standing there looking solemnly at the closing green portal.

Clockwork: I hope you will be able to face your future challenges well my boy.

-Gotham-

Batman is seriously not having a good night tonight. He just finished Riddler's riddles when he gets news that Black Mask and Bane are currently engaging in a shootout in the harbor.

It's bad enough that there are 3 rogues that are out tonight, his daughter is also not talking to him since he forced her to go on patrol tonight since she has been benched for far too long.

It's not that he doesn't understand her but he seriously needs help with both Red Robin and him injured, Red Hood is dealing with something in his territory and Nightwing is out of town. Only Spoiler, Black Bat and Robin are available since they are not supposed to patrol tonight.

When they arrive at the scene though, all they see is knocked out Black Mask and Bane, alongside a line of goons that are sitting on the ground with head hanging low like they are ashamed of something.

Upon closer inspection, they see a man standing in front of the line of goons, lecturing them about gun safety and how irresponsible they are for shooting and disturbing the night.

Batman has been doing this vigilante work for a long time and this still can easily be ranked in the top 10 of the wildest things he has seen.

But he is Batman. So he will adapt to the situation. Slowly approaching the man, he is startled and stunned when the man turns around and starts to lecture him about fighting while injured and the importance of rest.

He is about to refute the man when a black shadow passes by him and pushes towards the man. He sees the man equally startled at first and finally intercepts the fast shadow with a hug.

Everyone falls into awkward silence as everyone from the goons and the Batfamily watch as the man and Black Bat hug each other for a long time.

Batman: Ehem!

Batman's fake cough catches the attention of the two hugging figures as they separate with a clear (green?) blush on the man's face. The man turns towards the goons and urges them to go back home and thinks about what he says.

Normally, Batman would have stopped him to capture all the goons but right now, there is a lot more important matter at hand. Batman watches as the goons pick up their belongings and scramble away to what he assumes to be their home.

Batman: Are you Daniel Fenton?

Danny: Yes and I assume you are Batman.

Batman: *Grunts*

Danny: I'll take that as a yes.

Batman: What are you doing here?

Danny: I have come to pick up my daughter. Unfortunately, my luck isn't that good. I got caught up in the shootout between these two guys and their minions and decided to stop it.

Danny says as he points towards the unconscious Bane and Black Mask laying on the ground. Spoiler and Robin approach them and check their condition. After confirming they are just unconscious, they tie the two unconscious men and contact Jim to come collect the rogues.

While Batman is supervising their work, he could hear the subtle flirting happening between Danny and his daughter. He usually is very good at handling his emotions but right now, he really doesn't know how he is supposed to feel.

Batman: Let's go back first. We will continue this conversation later.

Batman then returns to the Batmobile to see only Spoiler, Red Robin and Robin following him. He stares at Spoiler as she replies with a shrugs.

Black Bat: I will show Danny the way.

Batman releases another sigh. As the Batmobile engine booms through the streets, a silent invisible car follows it from behind.

When they arrive at the Batcave, it is quite a surprise when a car suddenly appears right beside them. Its sleek black with neon green gives it a weird retro style design.

Exiting it are an unmasked Black Bat that is blushing a little and Danny that is grinning widely. Bruce can feel his eyebrows twitching when he sees the scene. He controls his impulse to go beat up Danny and calls Alfred to inform him of their guest.

They sit together in silence as all of them think of what they question they are gonna ask him when the elevator lets out a ding and comes out Alfred.

Danny turns towards the elevator and is surprised to see a familiar face.

Danny: Mr. Pennyworth. How are you doing?

Alfred: I am good, Mr. Daniel. How are you doing? Still traveling I assume.

Danny: I am also good. Hahaha. I try to do less traveling now that I have a family but you know how it is. I don't find problems, problems find me.

Stephanie: Wait, you two knew each other.

Alfred: Why yes. We go way back with him sometimes helping me and me sometimes helping him.

Danny: Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you said you want to retire from fighting.

Alfred: A lot has happened since we last saw each other. I for one become the butler of this family.

Danny: A butler? Well you do make a good tea. Wait, you mean this family. As in all of you guys are one family?

Alfred: Oh, Miss Cassandra didn't tell you? I would have assumed you know.

Danny: You know I wouldn't pressure her to tell me if she isn't comfortable about it. After all, each of us has a secret of our own, right?

To that statement, both of them just let out a little knowing smile. The rest of them are pretty stunt at the revelation that both Danny and Alfred know each other.

Stephanie: Wait, Danny. How old are you?

Danny: I am 21. Why?

Stephanie: Then how did you know Alfred? Both of you have like half a century of age difference.

Danny: Oh! I can time travel.

Tim: *While getting his hand bandaged by Alfred* You can time travel?

Danny: Well, not me. I know someone that can send me traveling through time.

Stephanie: So when Alfred said you are traveling, he means traveling through time.

Danny: Well, that and dimension too.

Tim: And why did you travel to these places?

Danny: Many reasons. Visiting someone, delivering items, and even capturing prisoners.

Tim: So you are a servant of someone?

Danny: Servant in a sense your parents ask you to do something. Sure, I could avoid him and just run away. But last time I did that, he made me write a 1000 word apology essay in an ancient language.

Bruce: Is it Clockwork the one you are talking about?

Danny: Oh you heard of him? Yeah. He is like my mentor/parental figure. He helps me train my power and solve my problems and such.

Suddenly, a little figure pounces on Danny as he easily intercepts it and spins the little figure.

Ellie: Hi Papa!

Danny: Hello, honey. What are you doing still not sleeping?

Ellie: I was waiting for Mama to return from work.

Danny: I see. But it is quite late isn't it. We should take you to bed now.

Cass: Ellie, I thought I already put you to bed before I went out.

Ellie: I woke up when you were getting out of bed. I wanted to follow you but Alfred doesn't allow me to.

Cass looks at Alfred apologetically. It seems that her daughter is more perceptive than she thought.

Alfred: I do believe that this conversation can also be postponed to the next morning. I would rather that all of you have enough energy to deal with your day tomorrow too.

Bruce & Tim: *Groan*

Stephanie: Can I have a cookie before going to bed?

Ellie: Oh, I want it too!

Cass: You shouldn't eat sweets before going to bed, sweetheart.

Ellie: But Aunt Steph is also getting a cookie.

Cass: Don't follow your aunt Steph. You don't want to have your teeth all fall off right?

Ellie: *Covering her mouth* No!

Alfred: I also agree with Miss Cassandra. It is a little too late to have a midnight snack. Master Damian is also tired from how he is holding himself.

Everyone turns towards the oddly silent Damian and sees that Damian is leaning against the wall as his head bops up and down dozing off to sleep. Bruce goes to pick up Damian that snuggles closer into Bruce's shoulder as he is being carried up to his room.

Under Alfred's insistence, everyone returns to their bedroom that night.

[wandascosmic]

why can't you see? (8)

wanda maximoff x fem!reader

part eight of 'you belong with me' series

summary: basically a wanda series inspired by jim and pam from the office

word count: 3418

tags: best friends to lovers, actual idiots to lovers, they're so cute my little babies, 3/4 of this is just reader being a little shit but she's so real like she's me when im doing work, wanda's so here for it though they're so on the same wavelength it's adorable

taglist: @reginassweetheart @rroyale-109 @marvel-posts

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9

Tony suddenly feels the sensation of his jacket being pulled over his head. “Oh!” he grunts, as his eyesight his overshadowed by darkness. 

“What has two thumbs and likes to bone your mom?” Hayward asks in a gross joking tone, pulling the jacket back down. 

Tony turns around slowly, his eyes widening in surprise and happiness once he sees who’s surprised him. “Tyler!” Tony says excitedly before hugging the man. 

“What’s up Tony, how’s it going?” Hayward says cockily. Hayward smirks as he turns to you at your desk. “What’s up, L/N, still queer?” he asks. 

You give him a tight-lipped smile before going back to work, and Wanda watches you with an amused grin. Your absolute lack of ability to hide when you’re annoyed always made her laugh. 

“Man, we have loads of catching up to do,” Tony tells Hayward as he starts to lead him towards his office while the two begin to engage in chatter. 

You roll your eyes aggressively. 

God, you hated Tyler Hayward with a burning passion. 

Standing up from your desk, you grab your jacket ready to head out for lunch. But of course, you need to stop by your favourite receptionist’s desk for the fifth time today. Or maybe sixth. 

“What has two thumbs and hates Tyler Hayward?” you ask her as you walk over. 

 Wanda smiles knowingly. “Me,” you mouth to her, pointing your index finger at yourself.  

“Well,” Wanda says. “I’m always here if you need saving.” 

“Please,” you respond, giving her a knowing look. “Hey, do you want anything from the sandwich shop down the street?” 

“Oh! Yeah, could you get me that ham and cheese one you got me last time?” 

You smile. “Sure,” you say, before heading out the door. 

***

“I’m really excited to meet your mom,” you tell Wanda as you take a bite of your turkey sub. 

“You are?” Wanda asks, unwrapping the sandwich you got her. 

“Mhm,” you nod. “I’ve got many questions to ask her.” 

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Wanda asks curiously with a tilt of her head. 

You grin before assuming a quizzical expression. “Like this.” You shift in your seat slightly to get more into character. “As a child, did Wanda show any traits that would hint towards her future career as a receptionist?” 

Wanda laughs. “I’m not sure she’ll know how to answer that question.”  

***

The door opens quietly, and you smile as you see Iryna Maximoff start to slowly make her way towards her daughter. Wanda doesn’t notice, continuing to type on her computer. 

Suddenly, Wanda feels a tap on her shoulder. 

And turning her head, Wanda’s eyes light up once she sees who’s in front of her. Wanda’s told you how much she loves her mother, many, many times. 

Iryna smiles at her daughter. “Hi,” she says, before Wanda jumps out of her chair to hug her tight. 

“Mama!” Wanda exclaims, squeezing tighter. 

You smile at the heartwarming exchange. 

Deciding to go introduce yourself, you stand up from your chair, ready to go meet the woman who brought the most wonderful human being you’v ever known into this world. 

You faintly hear Wanda begin to tell her mother all the things she’s missed the past few weeks, but your nerves have caught up to you slightly and you desperately want to make a good impression. You brush the dust off your pants slightly, and start to walk over.  

Should you say hi? 

How are you?

Nice to meet you, I’m Y/N? 

Hi Ms. Maximoff, I’ve been in love with your daughter ever since she started working here so could you please like me? 

Nope. Definitely not. 

You groan, deciding to just get it over with. 

Taking a deep breath, you stand at Wanda’s desk with a smile, drumming your fingers on the wood as you prepare for the two Maximoffs to turn around.  

But of course, the universe had other plans. 

You turn your head to the sound of the door creaking open, and your heart drops as you see Vision enter. With fucking flowers. And gel in his hair. And the most obnoxious country club outfit you’ve ever seen. It made your work clothes seem like a potato sack in comparison, and you realize that you can’t meet Wanda’s mother looking like this compared to her fiance. Plus, Vision already hated you and had his suspicions. 

Regaining your composure, you eliminate any suspicion he may have had of you standing at Wanda’s desk by taking a candy from the communal dish at the front and immediately turn around to walk back to your own stupid desk. 

Sitting back down, you frown slightly, but ultimately decide that you should probably get back to the papers that were giving you a headache of boredom. 

All you wanted was to say hi. 

After a couple seconds, you overhear Iryna greet Vision. 

“Oh, there he is,” she says happily. Hey handsome, how are you?” You turn to see her greet him with a hug. 

“I’m pretty good. How are you?” Vision responds, very obviously sucking up as you’ve seen his true personality on a daily basis. “You look great, Iryna.” 

“Thank you very much,” Iryna responds with a smile. “So, are we ready for dinner?” 

“Oh,” You hear Wanda express, a bit forlorn. “Well, you know, actually I kind of need to stall a bit, since Tony’s gonna have a small meeting at the end of the day,” she says guiltily. “But, it’s okay since I’m very used to killing time.” Wanda chuckles a bit. 

“Oh, no worries,” Iryna tells her. “We’ll just wait a bit.” 

“For sure,” Vision agrees. “I’ll go wait in the parking lot.” Turning to Iryna, he asks, “and, uh, what kind of tunes do you want for the ride? Country? Oldies?”

“Oh, anything is fine,” Iryna replies kindly. 

“All right, well, see you soon!” Vision says before leaving the office. 

And the second the door closes, you finally hear something that makes you smile.

“So which one is Y/N?” Iryna asks her daughter cheekily. 

“Mama!” Wanda replies with a blush. 

***

It’s the next day, and you’ve never been as bored as you feel now. 

Actually, you’ve been on a boredom streak lately. 

But today is the absolute worst of all. 

After Vision had left, you had finally gotten the opportunity to properly greet Iryna before she left to join Vision in the parking lot, and Wanda had really seemed to enjoy the entire exchange. 

But now, it’s the next day, and you want to absolutely murder the papers in front of you. Depsite your hatred for Tyler Hayward, him showing up yesterday made your day somewhat different from the rest. 

Groaning loudly, you plop your forehead onto your desk and dread the day before you. 

Wanda, of course, is entertained by your shenanigans and snickers as she watches you. 

It was official.

You had died of boredom. 

(An occurence that happens once every sixth months. Seven if Tony’s being extra insane.) 

And your guys’ deal was that it was Wanda’s job to revive you. 

***

“You see Sam’s coffee mug?” Wanda asks as you stand in front of her at her desk.

“Mhm,” you say, turning to look at the mug along with her. 

Wanda leans slightly closer. “Sometimes when he’s not here, I try to throw stuff in it,” she whispers to you. 

“No way,” you laugh. 

Wanda nods at you with a sly grin, handing you a yellow piece of paper for you to crumple up into a ball. 

“We should play paper basketball one day with his mug,” you tell her as you crumple the paper absentmindedly. 

“No way,” Wanda shakes her head. “I’ve seen you play basketball.” 

“What if I get you chicken paprikash and your favorite candies?” 

“Deal.” Wanda says instantly. “Now throw, I can’t wait for Sam to drink it accidentally.” 

‘Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never seen this side of you Maximoff. You might be a bigger prankster than I am.” 

“You’re teasing me. I can tell,” Wanda narrows her eyes at you. “Throw the paper!” 

You laugh before throwing it as instructed. “Damn it,” you say when it misses. 

“I’m the only one who can keep up with your pranks, L/N. Plus, it’s fun doing them with you,” Wanda answers as she rummages through her drawers for something else for you to throw, unknowing of the fact that she just made your heart skip a beat. “Here, try paper clips.” 

You take a silver clip from the small box Wanda has just placed on the ledge of her desk, about to throw, before her voice stops you. 

“Oh wait,” she reaches to her side and grabs another paper, reading it over slightly. “This message, for Sam.” 

“Smart, Maximoff,” you say, causing Wanda to smile at you. 

Crumpling the paper, you throw it as best you can, but end up missing once more as it lands in Sam’s chair instead. 

“You know, I might actually beat you whenever we play that coffee mug basketball game.” 

***

“Hey, Steve,” you say, walking up to the man with a few sheets of paper in your hand. “Um, these new expense reports, do we really have to go back to last quarter?” 

“Yeah, It’s a terrible system, I know,” Steve sympathises with you. 

Suddenly, a board buried underneath the contents of Steve’s desk catches your eye. “Hey, what does 2005 season mean?” you ask. 

“Uh, that’s–” 

“No way,” you say as you pull the board out entirely. “Is this a scoreboard?” You ask, noticing the assortment of numbers written into various white boxes. 

“Yes, it is,” Steve acknowledges. 

“That’s so cool,” you say. “What’s it for?” 

Steve sighs. “Sometimes, when Tony’s out, Bucky and I play this paper football game he got me started on.”

“Or when we’re bored,” Bucky adds from his desk next to Steve. 

Inspecting the board a bit further, you see the hundreds of scores written on it. “Wait, this goes back two years! Oh my god,” you exclaim excitedly. 

“We’re bored a lot,” Bucky says, already folding a piece of paper into a small triangle. 

Steve turns to you. “Wanna try?” 

You nod with a grin. 

*** “Oh!” you exclaim as you flick the paper triangle to Bucky’s desk, making another shot. “Yes!” You high-five Steve who stands next to you. 

“Fun, right?” he says. 

“For sure, I really love the uh, paper triangle flicking and hitting things game.” You imitate the motion with your fingers.” It’s awesome.” 

“We call it Hateball,” Bucky tells you with a whisper. 

“Why?” you ask curiously. 

“Because of how much Nat hates it,” Steve says, nodding over to Nat who’s deep in her work on her computer. 

You look over at Nat, and you notice the hint of a smile on her face. 

“I don’t hate it,” she mouthes at you through the screen separating the desks once Bucky and Steve look away. 

You smile before turning back to Bucky and Steve. “Hey, do you guys have any other games?” 

Bucky inches forward towards you slightly. “Ask Bruce to teach you Shield ball, trust me.” 

***

“So, that’s what this sound is all day,” you exclaim with a smile as the ball hits the ceiling before passing between you and Bruce. 

“Fun, isn’t it?” Bruce replies back. 

“It’s awesome!” 

*** After exhausting the two new games you had discovered today as much as possible, you decided it was best to let your co-workers get back to work. 

Unfortunately, you had only blown off your work for about two hours, and needed to find a way to blow off the other five hours of the day. 

So, you created your own games. 

Something you liked to call ‘the Office Olympics.’ and you were surprisingly proud of what you could come up with. 

Wanda, like the incredible, wonderful, and kind person she was, had agreed to help you in creating your new project, and had ended up making beautiful medals out of paperclips and old yogurt lids. They looked surprisingly professional, which I guess shuoldn’t surprise you since it was Wanda.

You, and the majority of the office staff stand in the kitchen, with Wanda putting up a poster that says, ‘Games of the 1st Shield Industry Olympiad.’ 

Humming the Olympic Anthem, you hold a candle in your hand which you had found stashed away in your desk, a lighter in the other. “This scented candle,” you start with a smile. “Which I found at the bottom of my desk drawer,” you turn on the lighter and light the candle. “Represents the eternal….” you shake your head. “Burning of competition, or something.” 

“It smells like cookies,” Bruce says. 

“Yes, it does,” you look at him seriously. “Yes, it does, my friend.” 

“Okay, so, we’ll be competing for gold, silver, and bronze yogurt lids,” you say, holding up the medals by their paper clip chain. “Made specially by Wanda.” 

Wanda grins at you. 

“Let the games begin!” You lead the office staff out the kitchen with your candle above your head, all of you humming the Olympic anthem together. 

***

“Alright, so, here, what you have is the national sport of Icelandic paper companies,” you explain as you point to the paper boxes that have yellow rubber bands holding the lid and the vessel together at the top and bottom of their horizontal sides. “And, I’m blanking on the name, could you help me out, Wanda?” you turn to the brunette who stands next to you. 

“Y/N, they refer to it, as,” Wanda pauses. “Flonkerton.” 

You hum. 

“In English, ‘Box of Paper Snowshoe Racing’.” 

“Fair enough,” you say. “But, I like Flonkerton.” 

Wanda smiles. 

“So,” you continue. “Who will be challenging Bruce in Flonkerton?” 

“I’ll do it,” Jennifer says. 

“Yes, Jennifer! Cousins taking on cousins,” you exclaim. 

Both Jennifer and Bruce walk over to the boxes, Wanda helping Bruce with his footing while you help Jennifer. 

“So, if you could put your foot right through here,” you lift up the yellow band for her to slip her foot through. “Right through the flonk.” 

Once both Bruce and Jennifer were ready, the rest of the staff helped you put up the finish line at the end of the room, which was made of transparent tape. 

“Alright, are you guys ready?” you ask, receiving a nod from both parties. 

“Ready, set, go!” 

And the office erupts in cheers as Bruce and Jennifer try to make it to the other side of the room with the boxes on their feet. 

“Whoo! Go, go, go!” you exclaim, clapping your hands together. 

“Dig deep!” Steve yells. “Dig deep!” 

Soon, the two near the finish line, and you prepare to catch one of them in case they fall. 

“Oh, they’re neck and neck!” Bucky exclaims. 

“Come on!” Nat says. 

“Oh!” the staff exclaims all at once, as the two finally reach the finish line, Jennifer winning by the slightest edge. 

“Jennifer by a nose!” you announce. “Gold medal, in Flurnenton.” 

“Flonkerton,” Wanda corrects. 

“Thank you, delegate from Iceland,” you say teasingly. 

***

“Nat, are you sure you don’t want to join in on any games?” Wanda asks Nat as she stands next to her by the water dispenser. 

“I’m good with watching, thanks,” Nat chuckles, taking the last sip of her water. 

“Come on, don’t you have any games you enjoy?” 

“Well, there is one,” Nat says, throwing her cup out. 

“No way, what is it?” Wanda asks excitedly. 

“I call it Wanda-pong.” 

Wanda stares confused. “What?” she asks with a small laugh.

“Mhm,” Nat nods. “I count how many times Y/N gets up from her desk and goes to reception to talk to you.” 

Wanda pulls her head back in slight shock. “We’re friends.” 

“If you say so,” Nat says with a wink before heading off. 

***

“Peter! Gold medal,” you announce as the intern had correctly guessed who would be next to come up in the elevator. “Let’s move to our next destination, everyone.” 

“Oh, Y/N!” Wanda runs up to you and joins you at your side with a large box in her arms. 

“What’s up, Maximoff?” you ask with a laugh. 

“I made something for our closing ceremonies,” she says with a huge grin. 

“What?” you say with a smile, and Wanda opens up the box to show you. “Oh, my god,” you exclaim. “This is incredible!” 

Wanda smiles as she looks up at you. 

“When’d you have time to make it?” 

“Automatic voicemail,” Wanda responds cheekily.   

“”All right, Maximoff, all right,” you say, lifting up your hand and giving her a well-deserved high five. 

***

It was the absolute worst time for Tony to walk in with Sam. 

You were in the middle of the coffee race, seeing who could get a full mug of coffee from the coffee machine to Steve’s desk in the least amount of time. 

However, the two walked in halfway through the race, catching you all in your tracks. 

Now, you were back at your desk, filling out the stupid expense reports that had caused your death of boredom earlier this morning. But, in five minutes time you had gotten them done, and you had also closed two sales before the day was over. 

Truthfully, it was about as productive as any other day. If not, more so. 

“All done,” you tell Steve as you hand him the reports. 

“Great,” Steve responds before you walk off. 

You contemplate sitting down at your desk, and doing whatever you could find to do to entertain yourself, however, staring at the medal hung over your desk lamp, you think you have a better idea. 

“Hey,” you say to Wanda as you greet her at her desk. 

“I have 59 voicemails,” she responds with the phone to her shoulder. 

“Great,” you respond. “Actually, can you ignore those and do something for me instead?” 

Wanda stares at you for a moment before her face breaks out into a grin. “Sure.” She places the phone back into its holder. 

“Pefect,” you respond back. “So, today, 5 o’clock, closing ceremonies,” you tell her with a small smile. 

“Wait, really?” You nod. “Notify the athletes.” 

“Will do,” Wanda says as she gets up from her seat. 

***

Knocking on Tony’s door, you slowly enter his office, seeing him hunched over. 

“Tony?” 

“Y/N! Y/N, what’s going on?” he responds.

“Nothing, I just wanted to congratulate you on your condo.” 

Tony furrows his brows. “How did you find out about that?” 

Of course, the answer was Sam. And he had notified you all to be wary of Tony since the purchase was less than savory. 

“Sam,” you nod your head in the direction of his desk. 

“Of course,” Tony mutters. “But, thanks anyways.” 

“No problem. Hey, would you mind coming out here for a sec? I’ve got something for you.” 

“Really?” Tony asks, standing up from his chair. 

Slowly leading him out, you smile at the arranged closing ceremony Wanda had put together, a wonderful stage of first, second, and third place, along with a few surprises she had only told you about.  

“What’s this?” Tony asks. 

“These are the closing ceremonies,” you tell him. “Step up.” You lead him to the top stage, and pull out one of Wanda’s medals from your pocket. “Congratulations to Tony, because he closed on his condo. So, gold medal.” You place the item around his neck. 

“I’m not sure what to say,” Tony says. “But, thank you all, for this, I’m very grateful.” 

You smile. 

“And for, Sam Wilson,” you continue as Bruce leads Sam to the second highest stage. “The silver medal.” You place the award around his neck.

“And finally, for Jennifer Walters, the bronze medal.” You lead Jennifer to the final stage, as she had won most of the games of the Office Olympics. 

You nod at Wanda, and she pushes the play button on the speaker, the Star-Spangled banner beginning to play. 

All of you placing your hands on your heart, you begin to grin. 

“Why are you playing the National Anthem?” Tony whispers to you. 

“Um, because your condo’s in America.” you respond. 

“Fair enough,” Tony says. 

“Ready?” Wanda asks you, and you nod. 

Wanda starts to pull the string linked to the pieces of paper she had folded earlier, giving you a grin. 

“What is that?” Tony asks. 

“Those are the doves,” you answer. 

Wanda glances at you with a small smile, and you give her one in return. 

She did, in fact revive you from your boredom.

part 9

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Hi Guys!❤️✨

I’ve got some more Sonic 3 (2024)—related trivia for you all to enjoy! This comes from a recent interview that ScreenRant did with Jeff Fowler. I’ll post the subtitles and link the article for you to read when you’ve got some downtime:

1). Casting Maria In Sonic 3 Was Easy Because Of The Mad Max Franchise. Aylya Browne was an easy choice due to liking her performance in the Mad Max series and how she engages with fans in the fandom.

2). Early Versions Of Sonic 3 Included More Ozzie Subtitles. There were a few lines that Ozzie was meant to say at the B-earth-Day Party that were scrapped.

3). Keanu Reeves Pitched The First Interaction Between Sonic & Shadow. Reeves pitched the interaction between Shadow and Sonic being confused with one another’s appearance due to the humor of the situation.

4). Shadow Didn't Want To Start A Fight With Team Sonic At The Beginning Of Sonic 3. Fowler revealed that Shadow never wanted to fight Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles due to wanting to be alone. If Knuckles hadn’t started the fight, then Shadow wouldn’t have left them alone.

5). Fowler Wanted SCU!Shadow’s Origin Story to be Simple. He wanted to keep the concept simpler to introduce Black Doom in the future due to Shadow being made with Black Arms DNA in the games. The “creation” is still there with Shadow and Gerald in terms of harnessing chaos power and unlocking abilities.

6). Sonic 3 Was About Sonic Learning To Be A Leader. This was a conversation with Fowler and Schwartz on discussing where Sonic’s arc in the story would be. Ben felt that learning to be a team leader was the best due to dong things on his own for so long, as well as learning that he can have people to approach when needing help.

7). Jim Carrey's Hair At The Beginning Of Sonic 3 Is Real (but I think that many of us knew that😂)

8). Jim Carrey's Ivo & Gerald Robotnik Scenes Had To Be Filmed On Separate Days. This was due to make-up and costume changes taking up most of the day for Dr. Robotnik and Professor Gerald.

9). Jim Carrey Pitched The Nanotechnology Idea For Ivo & Gerald Robotnik's Final Fight. This was an idea that Jim had due to physical comedy appearances, as well as the belief that the two would invent their own nanotechnology to see which one was better.

10). Jeff Fowler Teased Shadow's Role In Future Sonic Movies. We can expect more of Shadow to appear in potential spinoffs and Sonic 4. He is a loner and not an individual to join a team, but Fowler feels that he would come and assist when needed.

SCREEN-RANT INTERVIEW

[bayetea]

jason and hazel's beef in hoo was always way more interesting than whatever percy and jason had going on sorry. the differences in gravity and intrigue in the jason/hazel relationship vs jason/percy are only further compounded by the ways they're connected and the ways that their stories are similar

because 1. they have a HISTORY they knew each other before he went missing!!!!! they were in the fifth cohort together!!!! hazel is the ONLY person in the prophecy 7 that was in jason's life before he disappeared and had his memories stolen. yes they didn't know each other well but if you ask me that was just a bad writing choice rick made. can you imagine if they used to be friends/if jason had grown to be a big brother figure to hazel only to go missing for months and then they have a very awkward reunion on the argo because he barely remembers her and then she's even more betrayed because he doesn't wanna save nico initially. the drama. we could have had it all man

2. beef between a son of poseidon and a child of zeus/jupiter from the grace family? yeah been there done that why are we doing this again (and it was way more engaging the first time). god I wish we had gotten a big fight between a child of jupiter and a child of pluto instead

3. their issues regarding nico were way more high stakes than the silly alpha male posturing rick was trying to force between jason and percy especially considering how mega nerfed jason is written in hoo because no one's allowed to be on equal footing with percy

4. the tacit layer of betrayal in jason being hazel's ex-centurion/praetor only to end up preferring chb (to be clear this particular conflict belongs to jason and reyna and is more impactful between them - but since hazel is actually on the argo and reyna isn't she can still be an opportunity for this camp jupiter/camp half-blood conflict to be explored with jason)

5. I'm just gonna say it - I think hazel ought to have complicated feelings about white authority figures in a military camp as a black girl from the freaking jim crow era (not that this would have ever been explored satisfactorily in the books because as far as rick is concerned hazel is colorblind and hardly ever thinks about race despite growing up segregated. which is crazy unrealistic but whatever)

6. something something about the parallels that jason and hazel have about making hard choices about their pasts in order to have a more fulfilling future

7. this isn't necessarily interesting in and of itself but I just think it's neat that they're both big three roman kids with greek siblings that they didn't grow up with. what could have been interesting is jason seeing how close hazel and nico are and feeling some type of way about everything he never got to have with thalia and some exploration into how that impacts his feelings about the rescue mission. I'm starving for more grace sibling content by the way

8. they both have really awkward romantic conflicts in their pasts that intrude upon the present (whether he and reyna were ever even slightly romantically involved or not) because the jason/reyna thing is written as a initial source of conflict/uncertainty for jiper in the same way that hazel/leo (sammy) was a conflict for frazel to grapple with. this is interesting to me because like... hazel is connected to reyna and jason is connected to leo. like there could have been a moment of connection over letting go of pasts loves to wholeheartedly pursue new ones in the way that both of them are (were) with piper and frank

9. they both died. this bullet is a joke but I just thought I should put it here

10. percy is a well-established character and hazel and jason are new in hoo. percy has 50 povs in hoo and hazel has 28. economically speaking it would just be a more effective use of your limited pages to spend more time developing important interactions and conflicts between two new characters (esp new big three kids) who already have a more interesting foundation than the one involving our previous protagonist of 5 entire books

11. beryl grace and marie levesque. think about this for a second. ok that's all

12. both had their pasts taken away from them from major deities and are continually haunted and influenced by their presence throughout hoo

imo hazel and jason are the most weirdly written new additions to the main cast but I strongly feel that rick severely underutilized the way that characters like those two could play off of each other. hazel isn't just a sweet little cinnamon roll she is passionate and contemplative and morose and guilt-ridden and jason isn't just a bland rule-follower he is kind and committed and loyal and conflicted and they're both painfully self-sacrificing and I just think it's such a shame that these two characters with great concepts on paper and so many obvious threads to connect them didn't get as much as attention as.... whatever happened in kansas did

and I mean if you like the jason/percy conflict that's fine, but I think it's worthwhile to compare the merit of them because rick chose to centralize and build up to one more than the other when he had such perfect material to expand on the other instead and I think that says something about his biases. and I think part of the issue is that rick struggles with strengthening tension and applying complexity to conflicts between male/female characters that aren't romantic or onesidedly antagonistic like clarisse/percy. we have several noteworthy conflicts between male characters but when women are involved it's like rick doesn't know how to put them on equal footing and apply platonic depth. imo this is just another reason why big three girls (hazel/thalia/bianca) don't get to be as powerful and transformative in the overall narrative as big three guys (percy/jason/nico). all this world-changing narrative weight is afforded to big three kids but hazel in particular is weirdly excluded from all of that and doesn't get to have much impactful interconnectedness with the prophecy or with other big three kids. what happened to big three kids being super dangerous when put together or when they're on opposing sides of conflicts!!!!!!!! we had impactful percy/thalia and percy/nico and jason/percy and jason/nico conflict where is the fleshed out jason/hazel beef - it's right there!

anyways tldr all I'm saying is that jason and hazel complement each other well and rick was too hung up on the Colliding Of Alpha Male Strong Dudes (that he didn't even write well) to see everything that hazel and jason could have had instead

[milk-is-stable]

SFTH Hunger Games - Tribute Interviews

The Reaping (previous)

HA-HIYA! Welcome to the first ever Shoot from the Hip Hunger Games TRIBUTE INTERVIEWS, hosted by ME, the one and only ANDRE BEETROOT! Hooo, ladies and gentlemen today's gonna be a great day, it's the day before the greatest competition that you have ever seen, and we're gonna sit down and talk with each of our incredible tributes tonight!

First up from the beautiful luxurious District 1, we have Janusz and Alexa!

AB: NOW, the two of you hold the distinction of being two of our youngest tributes this year, can you tell me all about yourselves and what skills you're bringing to the competition today! Janusz: Um, I don't really know, I'm just a janitor's son...Alexa, she is the one with the skills and the talent. Alexa: But I don't think dancing will really help in this case...besides, I don't want to hurt anybody! I didn't want this! AB: Ah, but the two of you are very cute, and who knows, if the audience falls in love with you, they could shower you in enough gifts that you come out on top!

Now, for our next tributes tonight we have THE Power Couple of the century, from District 2 please welcome Caesar and Juliet!

AB: Now, the two of you are MARRIED, how does it feel going into the games with that weight hanging over your heads? Caesar: Yes, of course it's devastating, but we are going to stick together no matter what. Juliet: We will not allow Rome to fall without us, whatever it takes. I made a promise to Maximilian that we would overcome the odds and do whatever it took to preserve the empire. Caesar: ....wait, what do you mean you promised Maximilian? AB: UH OH, sounds like there might be trouble in paradise! Keep an eye on these two, folks, they're sure to deliver on the battlefield!

Coming up now from District 3, we have quite the peculiar pair, let's get a huge round of applause for Janae and his older brother Johnnyyyyy!

AB: Now Johnny, I hear you have an incredible gift, please, tell the audience all about it! Johnny: I, um...I have these dreams sometimes, and um...well, you see, um...what happens is.... Janae: My brother has supernatural premonitions, and acting upon those premonitions allows him to alter the future before it becomes fixed in time! So good luck trying to get anything past him, he'll always know exactly what to do to keep himself alive! AB: You're lucky to have such a powerful brother looking out for you! Let's hope the future holds good things!

Let's hear it now for our next tributes coming from the deep blue waters of District 4, it's Julian and Jasper!

AB: Tell me gentlemen, do you have any strategy going into tomorrow's games? Julian: Um, I'm just hoping not to get in any of the more dangerous tributes' way, I suppose... Jasper: Well, this isn't the first time that I've dealt with someone trying to kill me, so if I just do what I did last time then I'm sure I'll be able to come out on top! AB: HAHA, confidence! I like it!

Next up we have a real ELECTRIC set of tributes, from District 5 we have two young men sure to spark your interest, it's Jim L and John Hobson Junior!!!

AB: So my friends, tell us, why do you think YOU will be the one to take home the ultimate victor's crown in these games? Jim: I know I don't look it, but I've got a temper and I know how to use it! It's probably better for people to just avoid me in the arena than to get on my bad side. Junior: I'm a problem solver, and I also know to never underestimate the power of an alliance! Working together is always smarter than trying to do things all on your own. AB: Only time will tell, my friends, only time will tell!

OKAY everybody I want you to give me a huge WOO HOO CHOO CHOO for our incredible tributes from District 6, Clarissa and Benjamin!

AB: How does it feel coming out SMACK in the middle of the night's festivities? You've seen half the tributes speak before you and now half will speak after. Clarissa: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I think that the young man earlier was right, alliances are key. I definitely have some tributes now I'm thinking of approaching in the arena. Benjamin: Not to mention some tributes that it'd be smart to avoid...I certainly know who I wouldn't want to cross. AB: Yeah yeah yeah, I bet you do!

Speaking of people you wouldn't want to cross, coming up here from District 7 are two tributes who are no strangers to dealing with the extreme dangers you may find in the arena, we have Michael and Priscillaaaaa!

AB: Each of you has faced down certain death before, is that right? Michael: I have, and everything I went through taught me lessons that will serve me in that arena. Working with others, being resourceful, keeping your wits about you and making hard choices...all of that is key to survival. Priscilla: .....yes, what he said. Especially the part about working together. I think that sticking by people who have your back is very important. AB: Well we'll certainly be watching closely to see if that holds true!

Now folks, put your hands together for our sensational tributes from District 8, we have Jimmy and the one and only Robin!

Robin: IT'S SCOTTISH ROBIN TO YOU, YOU POMPOUS SHITHEAD! AB: .......Ah. I don't like you. Jimmy: Well that's not fair! What'd he do to you? AB: Just super annoying right out the gate, isn't he? Robin: OH I'M THE ONE WHO'S ANNOYING? NOT YOU, WITH YOUR STUPID FUCKIN COAT AND VISOR? Jimmy: Yeah! Honestly, your outfit really could use an upgrade, I know a great tailor actually, if I can just figure out how to get into his shop- AB: ALRIGHT THEN, that's enough of these two, out you get, go on.

NOW, to represent District 9 we have the beautiful blue-eyed Hugh and the lovely lady Inga!

AB: So how does it feel to be here on the day before the games finally begin? Hugh: It's all a bit overwhelming to be honest...I don't really know much outside of plants, but that does mean I know how to survive in the wild. And I'm brave! I won't just lie down and accept my fate. Inga: I also know how to survive in the wild, to forage and hunt and find food and shelter, and I even know how to deal with dangerous wildlife. I feel very prepared, and I'm certain that with some help from sponsors, I could take the entire competition by storm! AB: WHOA, amazing confidence from the young lady, let's see if she has the skill to back it up!

HEYO everyone you've seen many tributes tonight who are compliments to one another, but get ready now to see some polar opposites, from District 10 we have Peter Steven aaaaaaand MARTY!

AB: The two of you are no stranger to hardship, do you think what you've gone through in your life has been enough to prepare you for the arena? Peter: Well, I do like spending time outside! So it'll be nice to do some of that for a change. And there have been people on before us who seem like they'd be good ones to make allies with...but I'm no fool. I know what I have to do if I'm going to make it home to my mom, and I'm ready to do it! Marty: If you ask me, what most of these tributes lack is the proper *cough cough* conviction. I mean, let's face the facts! Twenty three of us are going to die in the next week, and even if I'm not one of them then I'll probably die in the month after! So may as well make the most of the time we've got...if those sponsors really want to see a show, then they know who to help. I'll make sure they have a...fantastic time. AB: ........HAHA, COOL!

Now ladies and gentlemen it's astonishing that it happened once, but the fact that it's happened TWICE, I can hardly believe. Please welcome our second set of sibling tributes, from District 11 it's Pinocchio and his sister, Maria Clarissio!

AB: Maria, as an older sister, how does it feel knowing you may not be able to protect your brother in the arena? Maria: Well...I've already failed him once before. And living with that failure hanging over my head these past months has been more than I can bear. You have to promise me something, Pinocchio. Promise me you'll do whatever it takes to win the competition and get home to Papa. Pinocchio: But sister, what about you? Maria: It doesn't matter what happens to me. Papa nearly lost you once, and it almost destroyed him. Don't let that happen again, okay? AB: OH MY GOSH, you two are gonna make the waterworks come on all across the audience!

Now finally tonight we have our amazing tributes from District 12, we have the rock solid Chip and the salacious Sally Xavier!

Sally: Hey! I'm only 17, don't be weird, alright? I've had enough of men being weird in my life already. AB: ANYWAY, tell me what your strategies are for dealing with your fellow tributes! Sally: Well, I know I don't look very strong, but I do know how to work well with people, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve that could surprise you. Don't count me out just yet! Chip: Look, telling you while they can hear me doesn't sound like the smartest move, to be honest. If I tell you my strategy now, then they could make a plan around it. I'll keep those cards close to my chest for now, thanks. I'm here to try and win, not make friends with someone I'll have to turn around and kill. AB: Ah, a social butterfly versus a lone wolf! We'll see who fares better tomorrow!

Ladies and Gentlemen and ALL other configurations of being I hope you had a FANTASTIC time watching our show tonight! I hope you got to know our tributes a bit better, and are ready to place your bets on who will be the one to be crowned the victor! We here at Capitol TV want to know your thoughts, so share them with us below or in this poll!

Once again I have been your incomparable host ANDRE BEETROOT, and the Shoot From the Hip Hunger Games begin TOMORROW! Good luck to all our tributes, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODYYYYY!

— — —

Navigation:

The Reaping (previous)

Day 1: The Bloodbath (next)

Masterpost

[writingwithciara]

is she really yours -quinn hughes-

summary: quinn has loved y/n literally his whole life, but she's about to get married to someone else. will he have the nerve to tell her before it's too late?

word count: 3.9k

pairing: quinn hughes x reader

notes: i had an idea while listening to music, which is usually the case. i didn't like the way it ended but i honestly just wanted to finish it, plus i wrote most of the ending at 3am. i hope you enjoy it anyway.

when y/n was born, her mom made sure that ellen and jim were the first ones to meet her. she beamed with pride as she noticed the tears in her best friends eyes.

"would you like to hold her? she asked. ellen nodded and y/n's mom passed her the baby.

"welcome to the world, y/n." ellen smiled as she was handed the tiny baby. quinn, who wasn't even a year old, crawled his way over to his mother. "say hello, quinn."

the boy just babbled but when y/n reached her hand out and grasped his finger, he couldn't help but smile widely. ellen and y/n's mom exchanged a look, knowing that their children would be great friends

when luke was born, y/n had just turned 3 years old. she saw him for the first time and she was infatuated. she decided right then and there that she was going to protect him for the rest of her life.

quinn stood next to her and smiled down at his baby brother. he also decided that he would protect luke along with her. together they were going to be unstoppable.

when she was 9, y/n found herself with her first crush. she didn't know how to deal with it so she thought going to quinn for advice would help. it didn't.

when she found out the guy she liked was crushing on another girl, she experienced her first heartbreak. her immediate reaction was to run to quinn. he made sure she was safe and didn't leave her side until she was asleep. even though he was still young, he knew he loved her. and it pained him to see her so broken over a guy who wasn't even important.

at y/n's 13th birthday party, which only consisted of her family and the hughes family, y/n got a present from everybody. even jack got her something, despite labelling her as his 'rival' the year before. the only present she didn't receive during the party was one from quinn. she didn't know why it hurt her at the time, but she smiled anyway and moved onto the cake.

later that night, while sitting out by the pool in her backyard, y/n was alone & thinking about what her future was going to be like. she wasn't alone for long because quinn sat next to her and smiled.

"happy birthday, dumpling."

"yeah i suppose." she kicked the water and avoided eye contact.

"i'm sorry i didn't give you your present at the party." he handed her a small box wrapped in blue paper.

"it's alright. you didn't have to get me anything." she stared at the box in her hand.

"just open it. please?" quinn looked at her nervously as she slowly unwrapped the box.

"it's a charm bracelet." y/n picked it up and looked at the charms he picked out. "i love it, quinn. thank you." she threw her arms around his shoulders and he didn't hesitate to hug her back. y/n slipped the bracelet on her wrist and smiled.

"glad you like it." he smiled, kissed the top of her head and stood up. "happy birthday." he whispered to her before retreating back into the house to help with the cleanup.

it was decided right then that y/n loved quinn. she wasn't sure if it was platonically or something else, but she was sure there was love there.

when she finally turned 16, y/n was so happy. she had one thing on her wish list and that was to have her first kiss. the boys had each already had theirs. quinn's was last year, jack's was when he was 12 & luke's happened a month before jack's. y/n felt like she was far behind where she should be in life and that didn't sit right with her.

this was also the year that she determined that she loved quinn romantically & just as she was going to tell him, he announced to everyone that he had a girlfriend. it shattered y/n's heart and she couldn't run to him to pick up the pieces. so she turned to jack for help. he had gotten over his original 'hatred' for her when she ended up taking care of him during a particularly bad cold a few months prior to her birthday.

so when he saw the tears flowing down her face, he didn't hesitate to use the knowledge that quinn had passed on to him to make her feel better. he handed her one of his hockey hoodies and let her pick a movie to watch. as they settled into his bed for the night, jack felt a bit of anger towards his brother for announcing his relationship at y/n's party. he should've waited for another time, but instead he had to go and ruin y/n's special day.

when the movie was over, y/n looked at jack. "thank you for tonight. i thought for sure my birthday was ruined but this really helped me."

"it was my pleasure, truly." jack smiled down at her and suddenly realized he didn't get her a present this year. "oh my god. i am so sorry i didn't get you anything this year."

"it's fine. you did more than enough for me tonight." she bit her lip and began to pick at her nails. "besides, there was only one thing on my wish list this year."

"and what was that?"

"i wanted to have my first kiss at my party and i wanted it to be with quinn, but that was never going to happen. oh well. wishful thinking, right?" she chuckled nervously.

"i can do it, if you want."

"what?"

"i mean, i'm not quinn, but if your only wish was to have your first kiss, then i'd be more than happy to do it. but only if that's okay with you."

"i guess there's really no difference in who i get it from. as long as i get the kiss, right?"

"yeah. right. so, what do you say?"

"let's do it." y/n smiled and leaned in. jack's lips were way softer than she figured they would be. when they both pulled away, jack looked at her.

"so how was that?" he asked nervously, afraid he might have messed up her dream.

"i have nothing to compare it to. but it felt really good. better than i expected, actually. so, um, thank you."

"you're welcome." jack smiled and pressed play on another movie.

when y/n was 18, quinn was about to leave michigan to become a professional hockey player. y/n and quinn were at the draft and they were both nervous.

"you're going to get picked by an amazing team and you're going to have a great rookie year. i'll be cheering for you no matter where you are."

"thanks. that's actually really comforting to hear." quinn smiled as y/n squeezed his hand. they watched as other players were called onto the stage. so far, 6 people had been drafted by the nhl and quinn was starting to doubt himself. but when y/n tightened her grip on his hand, he knew he'd be okay.

"the vancouver canucks are proud to select, from the michigan wolverines, quinn hughes."

"that's you." y/n stood up with quinn as he hugged her tightly and headed to the stage to get his jersey. as she watched him up on the stage, she couldn't help but feel sad that he wouldn't be around anymore. he was going to be playing his heart out on the west coast while she was stuck on the east coast.

by the time time quinn returned to her, she was crying but she tried to hide it as he approached her.

"hey, what's wrong?"

"you're going to be so far away. who am i gonna come to when i have a problem or when i just want to talk?"

"facetime exists, you know." he chuckled.

"but you're going to be too busy."

"too busy for you? never." he reached up and wiped her tears. "i'm always going to be here." he pointed to her heart and smiled. "it's going to be okay."

"okay." she smiled weakly as he pulled her into a hug.

he was being strong for her but he was breaking inside knowing he couldn't physically be there for her. he needed her in his life and he was determined to keep her in it, no matter what it took.

their plan worked for a while. they called each other and facetimed as much as their busy schedules would allow. and it was sufficient enough to keep their friendship alive, but eventually, it came to an end.

the 'before bed' facetimes turned into rushed phone calls and the calls on their birthdays were shorter than either of them wanted. just a quick happy birthday and they were over.

but y/n understood. quinn was a professional hockey player and she was busy at school in california.

it was there that she met a guy named hunter and fell in love with him almost immediately. he was everything she had wished for and although he wasn't quinn, she was fine with that. he treated her like she deserved.

they were together for 2 years before he asked her to marry him. she said yes and they began to plan for their big day. when they were planning who to invite, y/n wrote out quinn's invitation immediately. hunter didn't question it because he knew how much it would mean to her to have him there. sure they had drifted apart because of their schedules but he was still one of her best friends.

when quinn received the invitation, he felt his heart break. he wasn't sure if he wanted to attend the wedding of the girl he loved his whole life. so he thought hard about his decision. he knew how much it would mean to her if he was there and he didn't want to ruin her big day. so he accepted the invitation and even though he could've checked box to bring a plus one, he didn't. there was nobody he wanted to attend a wedding with because none of the girls were ever going to measure up to her.

it was finally the day y/n had dreamed of. all her friends and family were going to be there and she couldn't be happier.

she was in the room getting ready with her bridal party, which consisted of jack's girlfriend, lindays & hunter's sister, destiny. her mom and ellen were also in the room.

"oh, honey. you look absolutely gorgeous." ellen sipped her drink and admired her best friends daughter.

"thanks, ellen." y/n smiled and looked in the mirror.

"how do you feel about getting married?"

"and to my brother, of all people." destiny smiled.

"hunter's great. he really is." y/n ran her hands down the front of her dress nervously.

"but?"

"but what?"

"the way you ended that sentence seemed like there was a 'but' coming."

"you guys know me so well." y/n sighed and turned to destiny. "hunter really is great. but it's just that he's-"

"he's not quinn?" she looked at her friend. "it's okay. i get it. quinn seems pretty awesome and i'm not mad that you love him more than you love my brother. but i think you should tell hunter before it's too late."

"ellen, are the boys here?" y/n ignored destiny and turned towards her best friends mom.

"i'm not sure. but i'll go check." she walked out of the room and in the hallway, she ran into quinn. "hey sweetie. so glad you could make it."

"i almost didn't come." he chuckled nervously.

"why?"

"because the girl i've been in love with my entire life is getting married. it hurts, mom." he sighed. "but i can suck it up for a night because it'll make her happy that i'm here."

"oh, sweetie. i'm so sorry. i always thought it would be you two on this day. ever since the day she came home from the hospital and grabbed onto your finger with her hand. you smiled so wide that day. i'll never forget it. i could tell you loved her, even if you were only a few months old."

"that's sweet, mom." he chuckled and pointed to the room. "is she in there?"

"yeah. let me get everyone out so you can talk to her." ellen smiled and returned to the room. she walked over to where y/n was standing and whispered in her ear. "quinn's outside and he wants to talk to you."

y/n turned to face everyone and smiled. "okay you guys. the wedding is about to start. let's get in our places."

none of the girls hesitated as they walked out of the room. quinn made sure to stay out of sight until he saw his mom. she gave him a thumbs up and he slowly approached the door. he knocked twice and waited.

"come in." y/n called from where she was standing. quinn walked in and they made eye contact through the mirror.

"wow. you look amazing." quinn smiled.

"thanks. you do too." y/n turned around and walked towards him. "i'm so glad you're here. didn't think i could do this without you."

"are you kidding? i wouldn't miss your special day for anything."

"you know, when we were younger, i had dreams of marrying you. it always went south though, like some kind of sign that it would never happen in real life. and i guess that ended up being true. because here i am, set to marry the man i currently love in about 10 minutes," she glanced up at the clock. "with the man i used to love standing right in front of me. crazy how life works, huh?"

"yeah. that is pretty crazy." quinn looked at her. "you and hunter seem really happy, from what i've seen. you must really love him."

"yeah. i do. he's the best."

"that's good to know. glad someone's taking care of you and treating you like you deserve." quinn smiled and pulled a box from his pocket. "open this after the ceremony."

"okay." she smiled. "see you out there?"

"yeah. i promise." quinn walked out slowly, regretting that he didn't take that opportunity. he walked down the hallway of the venue until he got to the foyer, where he stopped. there were 2 doors. he could either take a left and go find his seat, or he could walk out the front door and never look back.

before his mind could decide, his feet were already taking him to the front door. he got in his car and turned out of the parking lot. part of him felt bad for not sticking around after he promised y/n he would, but the other part of him knew that if he had stayed, it would've hurt him. so he was thankful for his decision.

back at the venue, y/n linked her arm through jim's as they prepared to walk down the aisle. y/n was nervous and he could tell.

"it's okay to feel this way, you know. you don't have to pretend everything is perfect."

"i know. but i'm getting married. a girl normally only gets one of these days her whole life. what if hunter isn't the one i'm supposed to be with?"

"then if the marriage doesn't work out, there's always another chance. you're still young and beautiful. shouldn't be hard to find someone."

"what if the guy i really wanted to be with was the guy who has been by my side my entire life? and i somehow screwed that up but not going with him to vancouver when he offered?"

"honey, if you don't love hunter, you need to tell him. and if you really love quinn, then you need to tell him that."

"you're right, jim. thank you." y/n sighed. "could you go and get hunter for me?

"yeah. sure." he opened the door and walked in. y/n got a brief glimpse of the seats and noticed the one she reserved for quinn was empty. did he really not stay?

"hey, honey. what's wrong? jim said you wanted to talk to me." hunter walked out and it was then that he noticed the tears on her face. "are you getting cold feet? because that's understandable."

"i don't think i can marry you, hunter." y/n took a deep breath. "i love you, i really do. it's just that..."

"you're not in love with me?" he sighed and looked at her. "is it quinn?"

"i'm sorry." y/n wiped her tears from her cheeks. "i tried to get over him. i really did. but seeing him here a few minutes ago just brought back so much memories and i regret not taking the chance when i had it." she looked up at him. "you're not mad, are you?"

"no. i'm actually glad you came to this conclusion before we got married." he chuckled. "if he really makes you happy, then i suggest you tell him. i'm sure he'd be thrilled to know you're in love with him."

"how are you so calm and understanding about this?" y/n smiled.

"because i love you and i value your happiness over anything else. and since we're being honest, i don't think we were meant to be together. of course i'm always going to love you. but you deserve to be happy. and if it's not with me, then i respect that. thank you for telling me."

"you're probably the coolest guy ever. thank you." y/n hugged him and smiled. "um, can you tell everyone that even though there wasn't a wedding, they can still take part in the reception? i'm not gonna deprive all these poor people of food and a party because i mde the decision to not get married."

"you got it." hunter smiled. "now go be happy."

y/n kissed his cheek and ran out to her car. she was thankful she didn't choose an extremely long or puffy dress, as she was able to fit in her seat. she threw the veil in the backseat and looked at her phone. quinn's location was pinging at the lake house so that's where she drove. she spent the drive trying to figure out what she was going to tell him.

when she arrived and saw his car parked in the driveway, her heart started beating faster. for the first time in her life, she was nervous to tell him the truth. she didn't have any reason to be nervous but she was.

she got out of her car and entered the house quietly. she wanted to head up to her room and change out of the dress before she went to see quinn. luckily, most of her clothes were still in the dresser. she grabbed a pair of shorts and one of quinn's old umich sweatshirts.

when she was done changing, she went down to the dock and found quinn sitting on the back of the boat. she climbed on slowly, being careful not to make the boat rock, before she settled down next to him.

"what are you doing here? shouldn't you be at your wedding?" quinn asked, sounding rather annoyed to see her.

"i couldn't go through with it."

"that was your one chance at happiness and you just blew it, y/n. why would you throw it all away?"

"my one chance? quinn, i'm 23 years old. i'm still young and beautiful. i'll have more chances."

"why did you come here?" he sighed.

"i needed to see you. felt like we had some unfinished business."

"what do you mean?"

"after we talked, i realized that marrying hunter was not what i wanted."

"and what do you want?"

"isn't it obvious? i just called off my wedding because i know that i'll never love hunter as much as i love you."

"why would you love me? i haven't been that great recently."

"i've loved you my whole damn life, quinn hughes. i didn't realize it til i was 9, but that's when my mom told me the story of my first day home from the hospital. i reached out and-"

"you grabbed my finger with your hand and didn't want to let go." quinn smiled, remembering the story his mom told him. the memory was slowly coming back to him.

"your mom was always telling me that with the way you smiled at me that day, that she knew we were destined to be together. i never believed her because it never seemed like it. but now i-"

"i love you. and i have loved you since the first moment i saw you." quinn interrupted y/n and looked over at her. "there have been so many times over the past 23 years that i've wanted to tell you, but i could never do it. i couldn't risk the friendship we've had our whole lives."

"i loved you too, quinn. and i was going to tell you on my 16th birthday but you brought nicole to the party and told everyone she was your girlfriend. it really hurt me and it sucked."

"i know. and i'm sorry i ruined your special day. it was not my intention."

"it wasn't completely ruined. i had jack." she smiled.

"wait a second. you told me that you had your first kiss on your 16th birthday. was it with jack?"

"yes. it was. but it would've been you if you hadn't shown up with your girlfriend and broke my heart."

"again, i'm really sorry about that. i really thought nicole was going to last longer than she did." quinn chuckled nervously. "what can i do to make that night up to you?"

"maybe you can give me what i really wanted that night. and maybe all will be forgiven."

"what did you really want that night?"

"well i wanted my first kiss to be with you."

"i can't be your first kiss. but i can be your last." he looked at her expectantly & moved a piece of hair from her face that had come loose.

"okay." y/n took a deep breath and leaned closer. after 23 years, her lips finally met quinn's and it was just as she had imagined it. his lips were softer than jack's and he was a way better kisser than hunter. the only time she felt fireworks in a kiss was in that exact moment.

by the time they both pulled away, y/n's face felt like it was on fire.

"what do you think? did it live up to your expectations?"

"even better than i imagined. easily the best kiss of my life."

"even better than hunter?"

"oh. by far. jack's kiss was better too, not gonna lie." she smiled and looked at him. "but yours is by far the most incredible kiss i've ever had."

"glad you think so." quinn smiled. "so, was hunter mad?"

"no. he was actually very understanding. told me to go to you & tell you how i feel."

"so, you love me?"

"yes, quinn. i think calling off my wedding for you makes it pretty obvious."

"is it too soon to ask you to be my girlfriend?"

"yeah. maybe a little too soon. let's go on a date first." she smiled and held his hand.

"can i still kiss you?"

"oh, absolutely." she smirked and pulled him in for another kiss.

she never belonged to hunter. she was always quinn's & they both knew that.

----------

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[self-made-purgatories]

Bare Feet on Holy Ground: A Story Of Doubt and Acceptance. (Part 5 of a series of long posts about my thoughts on Star Trek TMP and the Spirk fight arc that begins in Season 3.)

(Another long post, etc. etc., but this one is a good one! Here, finally, comes their happy ending.)

Leonard McCoy is a doctor, not a fortune-teller. And yet, he can foresee the future. In a certain sense, anyway. He is a realist. He isn't afraid to see the negative side of things and follow it to a logical conclusion. Unlike idealist Kirk, he can often guess where things are going to go wrong. It is a type of foresight.

His perspective is very valuable to Kirk. The two of them make a good team. And Kirk knows this. He trusts Bones' judgment. In spite of Bones' often blunt delivery, Kirk can trust him to tell the truth. And he often allows Bones to be the voice of reason, the voice of doubt in his life.

McCoy has had a front row seat to Spock and Kirk's painful breakup. Remember that look he gave them when Spock shouted in Kirk's face in The Cloud Minders?

He knows both of them better than anyone. He knows the whole story. He remembers. When Spock walks back in the door of the bridge, Kirk forgets everything. Not Bones. Bones has a long memory. He has not forgotten how Kirk hurt Spock. And he has not forgotten what Spock's leaving did to Kirk. And throughout the movie, McCoy is the voice of reason and doubt as Kirk grapples with his feelings for Spock.

I wrote last time about how, after Spock's return, Kirk goes through the five stages of grief about what his love's return to his life means for their relationship. It is difficult. Spock is here, but he is still gone. It's a long process we can see unfolding over several scenes.

For McCoy, however, this process happens almost instantaneously. When Spock answers McCoy's warm welcome on the bridge with a stony silence, McCoy's face falls from a warm smile to confusion to deep resolve in a matter of seconds.

By the time Spock exits the bridge, Kirk is still hopeful, but reeling with confusion. McCoy, on the other hand, already has his guard completely up. He can see that this isn't going to end well.

One Important Question

At the end of my last post, I left you all hanging (sorry, @mama-mia-its-mia) before Kirk reached the final Acceptance stage of grief. Spock returned, and then Kirk felt the deep pain of losing him all over again as he realized that Spock had come back, but he wasn't truly back. In fact, Spock inflicted seven emotional injuries on Kirk to show him exactly how not back he is.

At the end of the scene with the three of them in the officer's lounge, Spock gets up and leaves, even though so much is still left unsaid. Kirk jumps up to follow him, but McCoy stops him. After Spock leaves, the two of them conclude the scene with this conversation:

McCOY: Jim. If this super-intelligence is as important to him as he says, how do we know...? KIRK: ...That he wouldn't put his interests ahead of the ship's? I could never believe that. McCOY: How do we know about any of us?

Even with everything Kirk and Spock have been through, Kirk already trusts Spock again completely, as though nothing has happened. McCoy is more cautious.

It is also important that, earlier in the scene, when Kirk is trying to tell Spock that he loves him (remember, when Kirk says "I need you," it means, "I love you"), he technically says it to McCoy. He is looking right at Spock, he is talking about Spock in the third person, but he is talking to McCoy: "Bones. We need him. I need him." Kirk is still hoping that Spock will come back to him. But he doesn't just have to grapple with his own feelings. He has to grapple with the voice of reason and doubt.

The scene ends with Kirk compartmentalizing his grief so that he can get back to work. But the grief process continues. Throughout the movie, McCoy is the embodiment of Kirk's doubts about Spock and their relationship.

The (Silently) Continued Conversation

I also wrote recently about a particular moment on the bridge, when Spock again holds his own hand, but steeples just one finger on each hand. It's an important clue about what is going on in Spock's mind. But what is going on in Kirk's mind? There is actually a very important clue in the same scene.

When Spock's fingers are steepled, this conversation happens between Decker and Spock:

DECKER: Captain, a maximum phaser strike directly at the beam might weaken it just enough for us to break free. SPOCK: Break free to where, Commander? Any show of resistance would be futile, Captain. DECKER: We don't know that, Mister Spock. Why are you opposed to trying?

And this exchange is immediately followed by a very significant look between Kirk and McCoy.

Honestly, in general, I spend a lot of time watching Star Trek going, "Okay gentlemen, what the hell was THAT about?" so this shared look didn't actually register to me as important at first. But it's very important. It is a wordless continuation of that conversation in the officer's lounge.

Spock, who has already explained that he feels he must find his personal answers within V'Ger, is asserting that they should not try to escape. And both Kirk and McCoy are reacting to that assertion with an appropriate question of whether Spock is thinking of his own good at the expense of that of the ship and mission. Kirk throws a sharp look at Bones, whose face reads as both concern and an "I told you so." It is hard to interpret Kirk's sharp look. It could either be a "Yes, I know what you're going to say and don't you dare say it," or it could be a, "Yes. I heard that. And you might be right." In fact, it might be both.

When Love is Not Enough

In the meantime, the other plot of the movie advances. In a story that weirdly echoes and intertwines with Kirk and Spock's love story: Lieutenant Ilia is abducted and copied as a mechanical device that becomes a probe for V'Ger to interact with the humans on board the Enterprise.

Because of the uncharacteristically warm way the probe version of Ilia interacts with Decker specifically, Spock, of all people, suggests that there may be some echo of Ilia's emotions within the probe. Kirk and Spock suggest that Decker attempt to reconnect with the probe based on his shared history with Ilia. This dialogue is telling:

SPOCK: Captain, this probe may be a key a key to the aliens. DECKER: Probe? Ilia? SPOCK: Exactly. It's a programmed mechanism, Commander. Its body duplicates our navigator in precise detail. Suppose that beneath its programming, the real Ilia's memory patterns are duplicated with equal precision. KIRK: They had a pattern to follow. SPOCK: Indeed. They may have followed it too precisely. KIRK: Ilia's memory, her feelings of loyalty, obedience, friendship... might all be there. SPOCK: You did have a relationship with Lieutenant Ilia, Commander.

So Spock defines a relationship in terms of memory, loyalty, obedience, and friendship. Which, you may recall, are the exact things he has been purposely suppressing since he returned to the Enterprise. He refused to greet Kirk or any of his friends after his long absence (a betrayal of memory). Remember also the way Spock refused to sit down until Kirk had asked him three times. First, when Kirk asked him directly (a betrayal of obedience), when Kirk sat down himself as a way of invitation (a betrayal of loyalty), and finally, when Kirk lost his cool (a betrayal of friendship).

It is also worth noting that the relationship between Decker and Ilia, a canonically romantic relationship which concludes with the two of them literally becoming one whole (both a sex metaphor and a soulmate metaphor), is never actually described in terms of "love" or "romance." It is instead described in these terms, which are remarkably similar to the terms through which Kirk and Spock's relationship is also described in canon.

Decker departs with Ilia in an attempt to woo her, to reconnect with her, and to get through to V'Ger in the process. But Spock has other ideas. He says to Kirk, "I am concerned with that being our only source of information."

Spock does not trust love to be the answer to the problem. He feels he must resort to further exploration and experimentation.

Into the Dark

And so he steals a spacesuit and exits the Enterprise, in an attempt to travel as close as he can to V'Ger's center in search of the answers he seeks.

He begins recording a voice log of his progress. And he addresses the log directly to "Captain Kirk." His journey into the belly of the beast is not just a journey in the name of science or curiosity or even bravery and duty in the face of a danger to humanity. It is a journey in the name of love.

A short while later, back on the bridge, Chekov announces that a thruster suit has been taken. Kirk realizes right away that it is Spock. Observe (sound up):

CHEKOV: Sir! Airlock four has been opened. A thruster suit is reported missing! KIRK: A thruster suit? That's Spock! Damn him! Bring him back here... No, wait!... Get a fix on his position.

Welcome. to. Acceptance.

The whole movie, Spock has been running away figuratively. Now, he has finally run away literally.

The whole movie, Kirk has been grappling with two realities, love and doubt. Doubt says that Spock has hurt him and can't be trusted. Doubt says that exploring V'Ger is dangerous and that Spock must be brought back right away. Doubt says that Spock must be saved from himself.

But love. Love says that he still trusts Spock, completely, even after everything they have been through.

He trusts Spock. Completely.

Even if it means allowing him to leave.

In this exact moment, Kirk reaches Acceptance. He gives up reason and doubt and surrenders to love. He allows Spock to go. For the first time, he allows Spock to pursue the exploration he needs to find peace.

And, because he has reached Acceptance, because he trusts Spock with all that he is and has, he takes it even a step further. Without knowing or understanding what Spock is doing, he follows him into the dark.

And Spock returns to him. Broken. Nonresponsive. In many ways, his return is a powerful echo of the figuratively broken and nonresponsive Spock that returned to Kirk earlier in the movie. And he catches him. He holds him. He says his name over and over, just as he did when he first arrived on the bridge. And he carries him to safety.

A Miracle on Holy Ground

It strikes me as significant that Spock appears barefoot in this sickbay scene. First, it is a symbol of vulnerability. Spock is about to show a sacred inner part of himself that he never allows to show.

But also, it is another religious symbol: remove your shoes; you tread on holy ground. There are numerous religious traditions that call for bare feet on holy ground. It is not shown in the movie; the floor-scraping robes and strategic framing hide all views of the Vulcans' feet in the kolinahr scene. But consider this behind-the-scenes photograph of Leonard Nimoy as kolinahr Spock. I believe that Vulcans also hold this sacred tradition of bare feet on holy ground.

And Spock's feet are now bare in the sickbay. He has gone forth and faced his demons head-on and returned. And he is now on holy ground. A miracle is about to happen here.

At first he is dazed, still nonresponsive. But then, he returns to himself, and strangely enough, he laughs. Kirk and McCoy rush to his side.

KIRK: Spock! SPOCK: Jim... (Slight chuckle.) I should have known. KIRK: Were you right? About V'Ger? SPOCK: A lifeform of its own. A conscious, living entity. CHAPEL: A living machine? KIRK: It considers the Enterprise a living machine. That's why the probe refers it as an entity. SPOCK: I saw V'Ger's planet. A planet populated by living machines. Unbelievable technology. V'Ger has knowledge that spans this universe. And, yet with all this pure logic... V'Ger is barren. Cold. No mystery. No beauty. (His eyes fill with tears.) I should have... known. (Drifts out of consciousness.) KIRK: Known. Known what? Spock. MCCOY: (Grabs Kirk's arm.) Captain. KIRK: (Turns quickly, breaking free.) Bones.

I have seen three different versions of this movie: the Original Release, the Director's Cut, and the Remastered Director's Cut. These three versions are all slightly different, and each version casts a slightly different light over the story. For example, in the Original Release and the Remastered Director's Cut, Spock awakens from his trance with a laugh. This laugh is missing in the Director's Cut.

Perhaps more importantly, in this scene, there is a moment when Spock drifts back out of consciousness and Kirk calls him back to reality. In the Original Release, while Kirk is calling him back, Bones tries briefly to stop him. You can see this version in this YouTube clip.

To me, this is an extremely important detail. This is doubt again, rearing its head one last time, and Kirk swats it aside immediately. He knows that what is happening here is important. Call it persistence, call it blind faith; but he has chosen love, he has chosen trust, and it is about to pay off in the most miraculous way imaginable.

KIRK: Spock. What should you have known? What should you have known? SPOCK: (Grabs Kirk's arm.) Jim... (Kirk and Spock grasp hands.) This. Simple. Feeling. Is beyond V'Ger's comprehension. (Kirk grasps their joined hands with his other hands. The two exchange a meaningful look. Kirk nods. Spock nods.) ... No meaning. No hope. Jim. No answers. It's asking questions. Is this all I am? Is there nothing more?

This is the miracle.

Spock is finally at peace with his human side.

Spock is finally at peace with his love for Kirk.

Spock has found his answers: the mystery and beauty that only love, not logic, can bring.

And he is. finally. at. peace.

The long look. The nods. This too is the miracle: they are communicating telepathically again.

Kirk says to him, Does this mean you are back? For good? Does this mean you are mine?

And Spock nods back. Yes, Jim. I am back for good. I have been, and always shall be yours.

Duty calls, as always. The commlink tweets and Kirk answers. It's an update from Uhura. Kirk must return to the bridge. Kirk turns around and says, "I need Spock on the bridge."

I need you.

Remember. It means, "I love you."

Resolution

There is another very important scene that is only in some versions of the movie; namely, the Director's Cut and the Remastered Director's Cut. I am not able to link more than one video in a post, but you can see it here.

KIRK: Spock… Spock? (Spock turns, and Kirk and McCoy see that he is crying.) KIRK: Not for us? SPOCK: No, Captain, not for us. For V'Ger. I weep for V'Ger as I would for a brother. As I was when I came aboard, so is V'Ger now. Empty. Incomplete. Searching. Logic and knowledge are not enough. McCOY: Spock, are you saying that you've found what you needed, but V'Ger hasn't? DECKER: What would V'Ger need to fulfill itself? SPOCK: Each of us, at some time in our life, turns to someone, a father, a brother, a god, and asks, "Why am I here? What was I meant to be?" V'Ger hopes to touch its Creator to find its answers. KIRK: "Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?"

This scene speaks volumes.

First, this shows that Spock has finished searching. He sees his prior self, the self "when he came aboard" the ship, in V'Ger's emptiness. And he weeps for himself, for lost time, as much as he does for V'Ger.

Second, Spock again folds his fingers together as he speaks. But there are no steepled fingers. They are interlaced loosely, both hands open. Although the ship is in grave danger, and he is weeping, the trapped feeling is gone. The feeling of identity crisis is gone. He is at peace.

Third, very importantly, McCoy is a part of this exchange. He is incredulous to see Spock crying, and he, ever the blunt truth-teller, asks him if he has found what he needed. It is now Kirk's turn to turn to McCoy and give him his own very brief, "I told you so" look. McCoy is convinced. Doubt is, finally and forever, laid to rest.

And finally, it is significant that Spock specifically mentions "a brother" as one of the people we might turn to for answers. Throughout the whole series, Spock canonically refers to Kirk as his "brother." Brother is also a part of the meaning of t'hy'la. Spock is referring to finding his own answers with Kirk. He also mentions that V'Ger hopes to touch its "Creator", which is how V'Ger has referred to the source of its own answers throughout the movie. In fact, before the movie is over, V'Ger will express a wish to be completely united with its Creator as one, and will complete that wish through the uniting of Ilia and Decker.

Spock is expressing the same wish: touching and touched, united forever as a new, complete whole.

"Why am I here?" he is asking. "What was I meant to be?" But he knows the answer now.

This. Exactly this. Together. Touching and touched. United forever as a new, complete whole.

[whathethriller]

Hey I'm a week early, yippie!

But this is just part 1 of my redesigns. I do plan on doing the other characters, but I'm going to need a break. (This is like 2-3 months of work and boy time sure flies by fast)

I'm still a bit unsure about the height chart, but this is the best I can do. Just gonna leave it like this for now until I decide to change it in the future.

Now for a closer look at the redesigns.

Here we got Jim and his mom + him in the Trollhunter armor and Troll Jim.

Claire and Toby.

Strickler and Nomura + their troll forms.

Draal. (This one is my favorite redesign because of the spikes)

Dictatious and Blinky. (What being the Darklands does to a mother ducker)

Angor Rot and Aaarrrgghhh!!! (Angor took awhile but I enjoyed redesigning him)

And finally, Bular and Gunmar. (These two took the longest and the most of my energy)

If you're paying close attention, a few of these redesigns are inspired by the concept art of the characters.

[jikooklove9795]

TIME TO CALL ME DELUSIONAL BUT HEAR ME OUT!!!!!

One of Jungkooks last lives was him wearing the black and white Nike jacket.

Later we seen Jimin wearing the same one.

Everyone pointed it out..

Not to mention they were even matching with wearing beanies but back to my point-

A year ago today Jikookers were in Japan together, they’re safe place really.

Once he saw the snow, Jungkook said he’d remember that moment with Jimin while enlisted.

Today. 11/27. Jungkook changes his/Bams IG pfp with him wearing the same black and white Nike jacket…

Do you see where I’m going with this???

Hey Anon 😊

You really got some points there

We got to see Jungkook wearing the Nike Swoosh Black Jacket along with a black beanie during his Dec 8 2023 live

But we have seen him wearing this Nike Jacket in a live before, right?

When?

The March 14 2023 live. Where Jungkook started the live at 8:11 KST (cough 8/11 cough). The same live where he teased Jimin's SMF pt2 reminding us all that something amazing is gonna come up at midnight. It was White Day in SK.

On Dec 27 2023 we see Jimin wearing the Nike Swoosh Black Jacket along with a black beanie in BTS Monuments Beyond The Star

Jimin was in self quarantine at the time. So, its from Dec 14 2021. We get to know about the date from Jimin's phone screen and also from his conversation with Hoseok the same day

Now let me do a brief recap of Jungkook's Dec 8 2023 live.

When Jungkook starts the live, we see him walking home. He's going home after his workout. He talks about Bam (cause there was a rude comment asking him if he abandoned Bam), how he adopted Bam, took him home and cared for him, about Bam's training center, how he often visits Bam there and brings him home whenever he can. It is during this live that he hints that maybe Bam will have an IG in the future.

He sings songs for ARMY. Complains about the sweat. And changes his outfit to a purple hoodie just 15 mins before the live ends.

Now let's talk about the second part of your ask. About Jikook's conversation in Japan

Jikook got their first snow of this year in SK on Nov 27 2024.

Jungkook changed Bam's IG profile pic on Nov 27 2024 to this pic

And posted a new pic of Bam (the 13th post as pointed out by sydneylaurelseven)

When I saw Bam in this outfit I immediately thought of Jikook twinning on Valentine's Day in 2017

The song is a romantic one released in Dec 2017.

These lyrics:

I hope the white snow will pile up tomorrow morning

Then I'll make you a warm cup of tea

Just keep staying by my side

Promise me

So, I think when the first snow fell in SK Jungkook was reminiscing about his time with Jimin in Sapporo. And also about Bam. His cute family of 3.

According to SK tradition, if you experience the first snow with the person you like, it will lead to a long lasting true love between the two. Because of this many couples promise to meet each other at a certain place to enjoy the first snow and hope for their love to be eternal.

BTS did this interview on Dec 2017. Here, Jimin said that his wish was to see the first snow every year.

And he did. He did it with Jungkook on Jan 8 2018. Their first snow together as a couple (that we know of). Maybe they had watched it before too but this was the only one they shared with us till now. They let us in on their cute, romantic moment

When asked about their favorite weather:

On Nov 25 2018 Jikook went on their ice skating date right after they landed in SK after their Japan Concert

This sweet, romantic moment where Jungkook wakes up, climbs the mountain, brings snow with him and gifts it to Jimin cause he knows Jimin loves snow. And we see Jimin being worried about Jungkook feeling cold. Both of them always thinking about the other

Jikook playing with the snow filters designed by Jimin (Oct 10 2016)

On Nov 25 2023 Jikook flew to Sapporo. Sapporo is also a wonderful winter honeymoon destination for couples.

Jungkook enjoying his trip to Sapporo with Jimin and expressing it

Also, do you notice the watch Jimin is wearing?

He's wearing the same watch he wore during his Sept 1 2023 live. The 1997 model watch, which was set to Jungkook's birth time when he started the live (I love that moment so much. Its so romantic and loud. There's no other explanation to why he did that other than the most obvious one which is proudly showing his love for Jungkook).

Jikook had so much fun in Sapporo, enjoying each other's company, creating memories to take back home with them

Did Jungkook post those 2 pics intentionally on the same day when the first snow fell in SK?

When we (jkks) saw those 2 pics our mind immediately went to Jikook, right? Because in the first pic of Jungkook with Bam, Jungkook's jacket is the same as the one Jimin was also seen wearing (including the black beanie). The second pic is the one where Bam's wearing a green and grey jacket. Again, Jikook were seen twinning in green and grey jackets on Valentine's Day.

So, is it all a coincidence?

In my opinion Jikook and the word coincidence don't go hand in hand. Cause once, twice or even thrice can be considered a coincidence. But when it comes to Jimin and Jungkook its not a coincidence but a consistent pattern of their choices.

We have seen the whole Jikook sharing/ matching clothes, accessories saga, right? They even did it during their Solo Era. So, I'm not gonna share all that here since most of you would have already seen it. But I'll share some which looks really interesting:

1) Jimin wearing Jungkook's old T-shirt in Hoseok's bday live

2) After Jungkook uploaded GCF Tokyo an Army commented under the official BH tweet asking Jimin if he's dating Jungkook and if he is then to post a selca with glasses. After 3 days Jimin uploads a video where he is seen wearing the same green hoodie which Jungkook wore during their Tokyo trip, with a glasses filter on. He captions it "glasses"

3) Jikook in denim shirts. They looked and acted so couple coded here that Namjoon asked them if they were dating to which neither of them responds nor denies it

4) BTS pic with TXT where Jikook are wearing matching black outfits along with the hats

5) Jikook in couple pajamas for LGO MV. Jungkook wanted it to be as realistic as possible. And thats why there were seen sharing a room together cause thats what they have been doing in real life. Sharing a room, a home and being a couple

6) Jikook's color coordinated outfits for AYS Sapporo (Black & beige and Grey)

7) The staff had already prepared pajama sets for them, which can be seen on the bed but they chose to wear the couple pajama sets they brought with them

8) Jimin wearing Jungkook's sweater to bed in Winter Package

Jikook knows very well that we catch on to the hints and clues they keep dropping here and there.

So, I don't think we are delusional if we connected the pics Jungkook uploaded today to Jikook. Cause I think that's exactly what Jungkook was hinting at. And Jungkook himself said that when its gonna snow during their ms he would recall the moment he shared with Jimin during their Sapporo trip.

But add to it Bam too cause he's also a part of their family. So, when it snowed today in SK Jungkook's thoughts were filled with Jimin and Bam. His small, precious family.

Have a nice day, Anon 👋🏻

Credits to the owner of the video

[rhysdarbinizedarby]

‘Our Flag Means Death’: How Blackbeard & Stede’s Fantastical Underwater Reunion Came Together

[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Our Flag Means Death, Season 2, Episodes 1-3.]

It doesn’t take more than a single second to recognize Kate Bush‘s haunting and heartbreaking tune “This Woman’s Work,” as Blackbeard, a.k.a. Ed (Taika Waititi), is pushed from a clifftop to plunge into the ocean’s depths below in Our Flag Means Death‘s Season 2 installment, “The Innkeeper.” But how did the pirate heartbroken over Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) wind up in this position? It’s a delicate and winding path that starts with the infamous pirate’s unraveling over the course of the latest season’s first two episodes.

Believing Stede intentionally abandoned him after planning to run away together at the end of Season 1, Blackbeard embraces the version of himself so many have conjured up in their minds as he leads the Revenge’s “new” crew to pillage and plunder on the high seas. His unhinged behavior eventually forces Jim (Vico Ortiz), Izzy (Con O’Neill), Frenchie (Joel Fry), Archie (Madeleine Sami), and Fang (David Fane) to violently take control of the ship and neutralize Blackbeard — or so they think — after he steers them directly into a storm.

When Zheng Yi Sao’s (Ruibo Qian) Red Flag happens across an eerie-looking Revenge on the ocean, Stede dives overboard in his excitement over the possibility of seeing Ed, only to be told various excuses for his absence by the crew aboard. When Stede directly addresses Izzy regarding Blackbeard’s lack of presence, the now peg-legged pirate claims the Revenge crew dropped Ed on a beach.

This seems to ring true as we see Blackbeard wash ashore and cared for by his own former captain Hornigold (Mark Mitchinson). While together, Blackbeard and Hornigold discuss the mutiny that took place and Blackbeard’s hopes for the future. When a role-playing scenario testing Blackbeard’s ability to be an Innkeeper, a profession he’s interested in, goes awry, he attacks Hornigold, killing the tarp-clad pirate. But when Hornigold rises again, Blackbeard realizes something is off.

Aboard the Revenge, Ed’s body is uncovered below deck. Believing him dead, Zheng Yi Sao is forced to consider killing the Revenge crew for mutiny after initially welcoming them aboard the Red Flag. And Stede has to cope with the idea that his love may be gone forever.

After hatching an escape plan for the Revenge team, Stede and pals return to their former ship, leaving Zheng stranded without a wheel. Going to sit with Ed’s body, Stede wonders why he had to go and get himself killed. Meanwhile, Blackbeard begins to realize he’s stuck somewhere between life and death, a place this Hornigold manifestation calls a “gravy basket.”

As the two men banter about the pros and cons of choosing life over death, Hornigold ties a boulder around Ed’s waist and throws it from the cliff they’re standing on, pushing Blackbeard into the ocean. Just as it seems as though he’ll succumb to the waves, Blackbeard proves Bush’s song right: Perhaps there’s a little life in him yet. When Stede lifts the cloth from his face on the Revenge, underwater Ed reacts to the change. Peering into the water, he sees a light from which a fantastical mermaid version of Stede emerges.

In the real world, Stede reacts to Blackbeard’s twitching hand, taking it in his and pleading for him to live as a montage of their moments together rolls alongside Bush’s still-playing song. The final seconds of the episode see Ed’s eyes open, giving Stede hope.

So, how did this moving turn of events come to pass? A team full of creatives was responsible for bringing the captivating and satisfying reunion.

Stede’s Mermaid Tail

“It’s a huge process,” putting together Stede’s practical mermaid look, according to costume designer Gypsy Taylor. She says “it started with me begging everybody” to avoid visual FX and make a tail for the sequence. The orange and glittering look could have followed several different styles, but ultimately, Taylor notes, “I thought if Stede is going to turn into a mermaid, and it’s in Blackbeard’s dream, it’s sort of his vision of a mermaid.”

Considering this, in Taylor’s mind, Blackbeard wouldn’t envision some epic fantastical creature; instead, Stede would “just be like a goldfish. He’d just be like a sweet harmless goldfish.” In putting sketches together of the ensemble, Taylor acknowledges the symbolism of the goldfish motif: “There’s a huge Chinese element that we have coming through, and goldfish in Chinese culture is considered lucky.” As this vision of Stede was responsible for helping bring Ed back to life, that luck was certainly there.

“I thought that was a pretty beautiful thing, that they meet each other under the ocean and then they find each other,” Taylor gushes. “And so I went a little deep on that, but really he’s just a goldfish.” In order to achieve the goldfish mermaid look, Taylor teamed up with props master Hayley Egan, who’s based out of Australia. “She happens to excel at making mermaid tails,” Taylor shares.

After securing Egan’s involvement, Taylor says, “We fit Rhys in a jumbo stretch long skirt and made sure it was really tight so he could still sort of do this dolphin [swimming] action. And then we bought these mono fins, which you can purchase online and put your feet in.” Safety was key, though. “He had to swim really deep and for a really far distance, and he’d never done anything like that before,” Taylor explains. “So it had to be really safe and doable.”

Once that was figured out, Taylor says Egan “cast something like 3,000 hand-sculpted silicon scales. There’s something like five kilograms of glitter in the whole thing. And then we hand-dyed pleated chiffon for all the fins, so that when he was swimming through the water, it would have this magic feel.”

While the scene may play as emotional and romantic, the story behind getting Stede’s mermaid look from Australia to New Zealand was actually quite comical. “[Egan] sliced two suitcases in half, filled [them with the mermaid tail], and then when it went through customs, the customs guy said to her, ‘Are you bringing fish into this country?’ And she’s like, ‘Yes, yes I am.'”

In total, there were four tails, including “a practice tail, a stunt tail, because Rhys had to do quite a few lessons before we got the real one on. And the real one was super precious, and chlorine’s very strong, it eats fabrics away, so we wanted to save the hero one for the hero shot,” Taylor reveals. When it came time to film, “We put him in [the tail], and it was just amazing.” In order to get Darby into the pool, Taylor says a ramp had to be built and the actor was placed in a wheelchair while costumed “and pushed in.” As unglamorous as it sounds, she adds, “it was like Rhys’s dream come true.”

How Kate Bush Entered the Music Mix

It’s safe to say Kate Bush has been having a moment on TV since last year’s “Running Up That Hill” needle drop on Stranger Things, but music supervisor Maggie Phillips says, “This Woman’s Work” was selected before Netflix‘s hit made headlines with their use of the aforementioned song. “When we were placing [the song in the season lineup],” Phillips says, “it was maybe weeks after Stranger Things, and I was worried that we would look like copycats.”

Phillips maintains that the song was in the mix before, but it ultimately “doesn’t matter because really what matters is that Kate Bush is a queen and more and more people need to know her music.”

She says, “From what I heard from David [Jenkins], it was a song that Taika was attached to.” At first, Phillips was reluctant to go with the song due to its prior uses, but “David told me not to worry about [that], that people have short-term memory when it comes to music.”

While she debated with the team over cutting it, “[David] has the visuals in his mind. I don’t. I’m just hearing it with a script and I had no clue how it was going to work until I saw the first cut, and it was beautiful and they picked a part of the song that worked really well with the visuals, so they sort of made it their own,” Phillips explains. “They added a different context to the song that I wouldn’t have been able to imagine myself. So they proved me wrong for sure.”

It’s hard to imagine the scene without Bush’s song. “It changes the way you listen to the song,” Phillips notes. “I got chills watching it and I know that song so well and haven’t gotten chills like that in a long time.” With all of the buildup, “You’re waiting for them to have their romantic moment. You’re waiting for three episodes for that to happen. And so it’s so cathartic when that song comes on, and you see them come together in this fantasy world under the sea. It’s just perfect.” This led her to email Jenkins. “I was like, ‘You were right. I was wrong. But this was beautiful, and thank you so much.'”

Blackbeard’s Wet Wig Woes

Anyone watching the scene unfold would have to notice Blackbeard’s silver tresses weaving through the water, a feat much more difficult behind the scenes than the seemingly simple sequence onscreen. “We filmed that quite late in the season, and so we were really planning and thinking about that all the way through [filming]. I was a bit nervous,” hair and makeup designer Nancy Hennah admits. “I knew that he was going to have to be under the water with his wig on for quite a long time.”

Even with high-quality wig glue, Hennah says, “You can do everything you can to make that wig stay on, but there’s a limited amount of time that the glue will last. So we had to use different products than we would normally use to get the wig down.” Because the product Hennah normally uses to keep hair back in a wig is water soluble, “it melts, and the hair starts coming out from the lace, and it can ruin the whole look of the wig.” She had to come up with a creative fix.

“I glued his own hair back, and then we glued the lace on top of that, and wildly, it lasted right until the very last shot when they were dragging him through the water by the ankles,” Hennah reveals. “The wig just came off completely after they’d finished shooting. And so he came up out of the water, and the wig was off to the side, [and he goes], ‘I think my wig came off.'” She calls the success of the wig “incredible” and “just a fluke really.”

When it came to capturing Darby’s underwater look, it was all about blending the mermaid tail with his skin. “With Stede, Gypsy had a beautiful mermaid tail made, and we did a whole lot of practice with different types of silicon and things that we had to blend that piece between his skin and the tail. We made these pieces of silicon with glitter and things in them that we individually stuck over the top of the mermaid tail,” Hennah details.

Again, there were concerns about getting “things to stick underwater,” but watching the scene come together from behind the camera eased those. “[When] we were standing there on the set that day and watching the monitor, it just was so beautiful that we were all blown away by it, and that tank that they were filming in was a couple of stories deep, and to be out there in that water, it was challenging, and they both did so well. It just went off without a hitch. It was one of those great days where it just worked for everybody.”

Don’t miss what else is in store for the season. Stay tuned for additional interviews and content as the second season of Our Flag Means Death unfolds.

Our Flag Means Death, New Episodes, Thursdays, Max

Source: TV Insider

[atwhughesversion]

canucks management and their main shortcoming: interpersonal relationships

i apologize for writing a thesis built off of hate but i fear that in my heart i’m a complainer with lots of opinions, which is why i’m making this post 😭. for those who weren’t around, the management prior to allvin/rutherford — jim benning — was completely inept. believe it or not, we are in better hands right now. with last year’s success, it truly felt like the current group was turning the franchise around — and don’t get me wrong, they have done a lot of good. but since they got here, they’ve had one glaring flaw above all else and it is how they treat/speak about people. it’s becoming harder to ignore and as someone who’s loved this team for so long, it’s so frustrating to see these guys come in and constantly treat people in the organization like shit. so, let’s take a journey! this is literally so long, so if you’re genuinely interested maybe wait until you have more than a couple free minutes to try reading it 😭

a quick table of contents:

the firing of bruce boudreau

the bo horvat trade

threatening petey with a trade so he’d re-sign

asking jt miller to help pettersson get “tougher”

patrik allvin placing blame on his best players, then failing to maintain this opinion

allowing the perception of the miller/pettersson “rift” to spiral out of control

throwing brock boeser under the bus

1. the firing of bruce boudreau

the way allvin/rutherford treated bruce boudreau was their first big misstep as management, and imo remains the most inexcusable. bruce was the head coach brought in right around the same time that jim rutherford was hired, but rutherford didn’t pick him and it became very evident that he (and later on, allvin) wasn’t a fan. bruce was publicly criticized:

"If we were playing in a real strong structure, it would make it easier for our defence to play,'' [Rutherford] told a Vancouver radio station on Nov. 7. "And it wouldn't matter who was on our defence. But right now, we don't have that strong structure, and we need to change the makeup of our defence.''

bruce later said he had thought he was going to be fired after those remarks were made, but they kept him around. for months.

mid-january, after it was being reported nationally that bruce would be fired and rick tocchet was expected to take over, rutherford was quoted saying this:

"All I can say is that Bruce [Boudreau] is our coach right now.”

"But with that, I'm calling and talking, but don't know that we're making a change and don't want to make a change,"

rick tocchet was literally in vancouver as these rumours flying were around, but it was another week before they actually fired bruce.

way to go, jim and patrik.

2. the bo horvat trade

bo horvat was drafted by vancouver in 2013, became captain in 2019, and was traded in 2023. the canucks were essentially going to need to make a choice between miller and horvat, because both played the same position (top 6 centre) and were due for new contracts around the same time. miller wasn’t playing fantastic at this point in his canucks tenure, and the team tried to trade him but weren’t happy with the offers. they ended up re-signing miller in the 2022 offseason, and bo’s future was uncertain. he ended up having a phenomenal start to the year offensively, driving his up price too high, and he was traded.

this year, he said this about that whole situation (emphasis my own):

"I was never mad at [Miller]. Honestly, the way it was all handled is what I was most upset about," Horvat said. "They said one thing, and they did the complete opposite. It's just frustrating when you are told one thing, and the opposite happens. That's not to say I'm not happy where I am right now.

"Obviously, I love Long Island, love being here, and I'm happy to be here, but, yeah, just the way it was all handled rubbed me the wrong way.

the canucks have since traded jt miller as well, so now we have neither 👍

3. threatening petey with a trade to get him to re-sign in-season

when asked about his contract prior to the 2023-2024 season, elias pettersson said he wanted to wait until the off-season so that it wouldn’t be a distraction.

in the 2021-2022 season, he had a slow start to the year after missing training camp due to his lack of contract and starting the season with a wrist injury. he later admitted that the new contract contributed to what was causing this slump:

“I’m probably too honest, but I was a little caught up with like, new contract, missing training camp, expectations were raised.”

— and i suspect that that experience largely contributed to why he didn’t want to sign his new one in-season last year.

this was supported by his agent in january 2024:

“But he wants this team to win too, so he doesn’t like the distraction. We have to balance whether or not we think 'engaging' is a distraction or not, and a lot of that comes down to what the client wants.”

initially, rutherford and allvin implied that they were fine with this:

“There's not anybody getting anxious here,” Rutherford said. “Come the offseason, then things will get a lot more serious if in fact the situation gets to that point.”

however, as they approached the all-star break, their pressure on him to sign ramped up. they threatened to trade him to carolina if he didn’t re-sign prior to the trade deadline:

the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes had discussions about Elias Pettersson that advanced to a stage where both the Canucks and the player needed to make serious decisions about where their relationship was headed.

The Canucks ultimately decided in favour of another attempt at extending Pettersson, and he, facing the possibility Vancouver could move him, allowed agents Pat Brisson and JP Barry to resume negotiations. Previously, the talented forward indicated he preferred to wait until after the season.

he signed a few days later, and i can’t help but wonder how things may have turned out if management had just respected his desire to save the negotiations until after the season so as not to cause distractions. you can say they were just doing their job, but this is a player who had experienced a new contract in-season distracting him in the past and expressed he didn’t want that to be the case this time. He was initially supported by management, until they realized he had been serious — and then the daggers came out.

4. asking jt miller to help pettersson get “tougher”

near the beginning of this season, pettersson and miller had a bit of a physical and verbal scuffle during practice. seemed standard enough in terms of tension between teammates, regardless of their history, but elliotte friedman then reported this:

“I think it was felt that as great as he is, [management] needed him to be tougher.”

“And, what I also believe is that they didn’t want it to be up to Rutherford or Allvin or Tocchet to do it. They really believe in their leadership group; they believe that Hughes is a strong captain, and they believe that Miller is a strong alternate captain and that their group is a strong group. They said, ‘You guys are the ones who have to do it.’ Miller’s obviously taking that very literally.”

I think the message comes harder from some guys – Miller – as opposed to other guys – like Hughes. But I think that’s the goal here. They feel that tough love is the way.

“There’s a couple of other things at play. I don’t think he [Pettersson] always likes it.

at the time, i thought this was a weird call for rutherford/allvin to make. it had already been well-documented at that point that miller and pettersson didn’t have the best relationship, and this was before all the shit about a “rift” even started. so asking miller to participate in this little “toughening up petey” exercise felt like a bad choice to begin with. in hindsight, knowing what happened this season, it’s an even more egregious judgement call on management’s behalf — out of all the guys on the team, your choices include the one petey probably had the worst relationship with? and you didn’t think there might be consequences? way to go!!

5. patrik allvin placing blame on his best players, then failing to maintain this opinion

at the end of 2024, allvin did an interview expressing his general dissatisfaction with the canucks’ season thus far. in it, he was pretty blunt about his opinions on the star players, barring hughes:

“I think it's fair to say that you expect your best players to be the difference-makers, and the best players when you need them. And unfortunately, I think we haven't got the most out of those specific guys. If those guys would have performed to their capability, I think. . . we probably would have won a couple of more games. So it's hard. Do I expect more from them? Absolutely.”

less than a month after making these comments, he did a mid-season availability where he suddenly had a totally different mindset. instead of targeting players’ production, he mentioned the injuries, adversity, and outside noise as reasons why his team was struggling and specifically suggested he was happy with pettersson’s willingness to improve. almost as if his bad cop approach didn’t work, and perhaps made his players even more self-conscious, so he changed direction.

6. allowing the perception of the miller/pettersson “rift” to spiral out of control

to be clear, we still have no clue how significant miller and pettersson’s issues with each other were this season. i’ve generally been of the opinion that things were blown out of proportion, and there was probably more going on that led to miller’s trade. however, i don’t know that and it would be unfair of me to act as if the alternative isn’t a possibility. obviously the trade happened for a reason.

regardless of how serious things were, though, management absolutely fucked up by how much they allowed this to fester. every time the rumours seemed to die down, more came out. whenever a potential miller trade seemed to fizzle out, suddenly a new pettersson rumour popped up. when media and/or fans took the idea that one might need to be traded seriously, it was always discussed as if it was “one or the other.”

jim rutherford, my nemesis by this point, literally caused things to go to shit a few days before the miller trade:

Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford doesn't see any way to keep J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson happy together as teammates.

“It only gets resolved for a short period of time and then it festers again and so it certainly appears like there’s not a good solution that would keep this group together.”

Rutherford told Mason he has held talks with both players to try to get them to see if they could co-exist for the good of the team.

“As you know, sometimes emotions get deep and as much as people try sometimes you can’t get over it. It certainly appears that’s what’s going on here.”

the reason he did this was most likely because he knew the miller trade was imminent and he wanted to make sure the heat was on the players — not management — in case people reacted badly. but it’s incredibly pertinent that despite him placing the blame on both players, and allowing the perception that they had to “choose” either miller or pettersson, jt miller was going to be traded regardless.

allvin made this even more clear in his post-trade meeting with the media:

After orchestrating one of the most impactful mid-season transaction days in franchise history, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said Saturday that he never viewed his roster decision as a choice between J.T. Miller or Elias Pettersson.

He viewed it a matter of team culture, involving everyone on the team.

he also implied that the decision to trade miller had begun ~2 months prior (right around his leave of absence — either during it, or directly before/after):

“This was a conversation between myself and J.T. and his agent. It started about two months ago with his health and the environment we had. During the time and during the discussions leading up to yesterday, I felt that he probably needed a fresh start in where he was in his life and in his age, and with his family, (and) that this was the best option for him and the Vancouver Canucks.”

and here is him confirming that this was not just a trade that occurred solely because miller and pettersson didn’t get along:

I wouldn't just say it's about two players; it's about 23 men in a dressing room.

the issue here is obvious, i think: everything that had been leaked to the media up until this point — and in other cases, explicitly stated by the director of hockey operations, jim rutherford — implied that the two of them were refusing to be mature about the situation and couldn’t coexist. it was implied that one of them had to go to change the environment. the fans were always going to equally blame whoever left, as well as whoever stayed, because of this.

and the whole time, they knew that miller would be traded. so why on earth would a management group choose to let all of this drama unfold with petey in the crossfire, and allow him to be blamed and carry the “burden,” when it was never one or the other? throwing a player who is already struggling (and is only 26 years old) under the bus even more, because you as management didn’t bother to contain your in-house drama, is totally unacceptable to me.

7. throwing brock boeser under the bus

that brings us to the catalyst, if you will, for this whole post. after doing nothing at the trade deadline, which meant that pending ufa brock boeser was not traded despite also not yet having a new contract, patrik allvin had this to say:

“If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser I think I would have to run out of here because you would not believe me.”

brock is the longest-tenured canuck. he is the only remaining player to have been teammates with the sedins. he has been through so much shit during his time with the canucks, both personal and professional, and yet despite all of this he’s been clear that he wants to stay. and the GM decided to just publicly tell everyone that nobody wanted to pay a good price to trade for him.

brock “read Allvin’s comments about the trade market for him and hasn’t really processed all of it.”

take frank seravalli’s info with a grain of salt, as i always do for canucks news, but he at least believes that because of this, brock is going to go to free agency.

longest-tenured canuck. beloved in the locker room and by the fans. has sacrificed close to a decade of his career to a team that’s made the playoffs twice, and yet still wanted to stay. and our general manager went and fucked all that up because he didn’t want to take accountability. thanks, patrik.

and for the record:

According to multiple sources, Carolina and Vancouver talked earlier in the day, with the Canes telling the Canucks that they needed to finalize the deal with Dallas but would be walking away from that deal with at least one first round pick, which they would then flip to the Canucks. When the Canes eventually called the Canucks (maybe even as soon as 20 minutes before the noon Pacific deadline) offering the first round pick the two sides previously talked about, it appears that it was too late for the Canucks.

is a first-round pick a best-case scenario return for a 40-goal scorer? no. is it so unbelievably bad that patrik allvin would be laughed out of the room by the media? nope, but that’s what he decided to imply about a core piece of this franchise.

in conclusion

this management group has been described as “ruthless,” but capable. sure. jim rutherford has certainly won stanley cups. but the amount of situations that have escalated and/or turned sour because of their inability to be courteous with their staff are becoming too numerous. they’ve never worked in a market that’s as scrutinized as vancouver is by its fans and media before, and they keep doing things that will never fly under the radar.

it’s all relevant to how good the team can be, too. do you think pettersson’s agent, pat brisson — one of the most powerful in the NHL — is happy about how this management has treated petey? do you think he’s going to be rushing to get quinn to sign an extension with them in a few years? do you think quinn will, after seeing how quickly jim and patrik turned on one of his best friends? it isn’t guaranteed that quinn will never again have his own poor stretch of hockey.

will free agents continue to want to come sign here, after seeing the soap opera they allowed to run rampant for months? will they feel comfortable that their position on the team will be safe? you can’t give everyone a no-movement clause, but i’m not sure how many UFAs will be eager to come here without one.

and given that rutherford and allvin are set on not rebuilding, this team won’t become a contender through the draft nor with their prospects — it has to be via trade or free agency.

so good job, jim. way to go, patrik. i’m so happy you guys are in charge of the team i’ve loved for my entire life.

[sealofarchives]

Could you create a headcanon for ‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ about what kind of fathers Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey would be? I find this idea fun. :3

Headcanon: Rise!Turtles being dads and sweetest husband to the reader (Separate) (Requested prompt)

A/N: I'm still uncomfortable with the idea of aging up the guys towards "mature content."

However, this idea was really cute. It only made sense for this prompt where the guys are aged up with some reference to their bad end!future selves. I went with around early 30's when the turtle of your choice and the reader are in a committed relationship and currently raising a kid at the moment.

So please have common sense and think before typing some snarky response with 'oh aged up content is bad lol' (Because I will put those ideas on the 'do not write list' if people get too weird about it...)

Raph

You know how he has the habit of that one baby voice with Mayhem. (and a bit of the hey buddy tone towards Mikey or Donnie)

- His kid is never gonna escape from it. (even by the time the kid is a grown up)

He definitely panicked for a bit when his kid (during the energetic toddler phase) enjoyed climbing over a big guy like him.

- So he had to ask Donnie to make a battle shell specifically as a soft cushion. So the spiky shell doesn't accidentally scratch the kid.

Part of him is worried anytime he has to scold his kid. And only when you're around is when he feels okay to do so.

- He definitely does the "Did you ask (Y/N) if you could have another cookie?" sort of question. (Sometimes willing to go along with what his kid wants or following (Y/N) if he got caught spoiling the kid)

You're getting at least one peck on the cheek by the end of the day.

- Or earlier in the day if he accidentally woke you up.

Compared to his younger self who slightly whined about chores, he grew to enjoy it when both of you worked on it together.

- Laundry being one example where you're usually folding clothing fresh from the dryer. And he stacks a pile back into the clean basket/hamper.

His eyesight in the right eye has gotten a bit worse. (not as bad as his bad end counterpart where he needs an eyepatch) But, you often act as his extra set of eyes and call out to any surprise attacks.

- Which earned the title of you two with a tag team couple and he still blushes thinking about it.

Leo

Every few hours before a night patrol, he always checks in to see what his kid is up to and often gives a hug before leaving.

Often gives bedtime stories through retellings of Lou Jitsu's movies or Jupiter Jim's comics.

- Even acting out of some of the scenes before a yawn decides its time to sleep.

Gave one of his spare bandana scarves to his kid.

- Had the biggest grin on his face when the kid realized "Oh hey! We're matching!!!"

Almost similar to the night patrol part, but if you can't make it because of work or some other boring life detour.

- Its a portal away for a light hang out sesh. For both of you to take a breather away from the grown up life.

Late night conversations are just a regular thing between the two of you.

- Especially when he couldn't sleep. By the time he almost dozes off to sleep in your arms, he still playfully teases you that your voice is soothing to him.

When light conversations about the bad end future was brought up during a casual match of video games, he was never used to the idea that he had a prosthetic arm.

- You instantly hugged his right arm, jokingly reassuring him.

"As long as you can crack a joke in the most serious moment. I'll still know that its you Leo."

"Even in a timeline where, me and the guys were raised by Draxum?"

You gave the red slider turtle a 'really?' pout before he hugged you into his lap.

"Nah I'm just kidding, but for real though. Draxum's former henchmen are still goofballs that know their way around the city. I'm pretty sure that Leo could get a couple of one liners and maybe from you as well."

Donnie

Almost went into a frenzy trying to child-proof the lair. (Especially the month before the kid's arrival changed the atmosphere) But eventually settled down.

- Realizing it would have stressed his kid out by any sudden new changes (and a bit of his family and your help explaining the reasoning as well)

Leo's showboating energy transferred to him but, in a way that, the softshell turtle is very grateful. That he has you as a spouse and both of you raising a kid along side his sentient inventions. And will try to bring it up in any conversation.

- The whole wallet photo gag of him showing family pictures. You love this silly turtle but, usually lightly pinch his face if its the wrong time for that.

He lights up whenever his kid goes to him for any sort of question.

- He slightly restrains himself to avoid going overboard with the answer. But, his kid is smart enough to know that and sometimes tells you that he's not being himself again.

Cannot force himself to sleep unless you're beside him. (or if you have to drag him to bed yourself)

- The few times where he woke up while you were still sleeping. He always gives you a light hug and a kiss on the forehead before getting out of bed.

He subtly took interest in one of your hobbies. (Either an ongoing or a new one) Just so he can step away from a tedious project that was going nowhere and not bother you with the boring details about it.

- Sometimes mentioning a fun fact to impress you.

You gave into his idea of letting your kid have a similar weapon like Casey Jr's.

- Only when they reached their 13th birthday and learning the basics of: constructing it and fixing parts along side their dad. How to use it defensively, offensively, and etc.

Mikey

Considering how his future self had some hair on his head, he kept it long so he can do a few matching embarrassing baby photos to his kid.

- Like giving the kid a tiny ponytail and etc. He definitely cried a bit while having his signature grin when the kid pulled too hard on his hair, laughing at one of his jokes. And you had to step in to help him.

He knows how to work around some of his kid's picky eating habits. Usually making sure his kid is having fun or decorating the plate in an artistic manner.

- However, there are times when the kid can hide the veggie or fruit out of plain sight. Or his kid asks his uncles for help when Mikey's focused on some other thing.

Absolutely does that peek-a-boo trick with hiding his face or whole body into his shell.

- He was nervous at first, if the trick might have scared his kid but, no the kid was giggling. Curiously crawling towards him in awe of it.

Will sometimes make meals ahead of time. (often being, if you returned from work, too exhausted to greet him)

- Either leaving a note on a plastic container in the fridge of: [(Y/N)'s breakfast: DO NOT EAT unless you want an surprise session with Dr Delicate Touch </3] (this also applies to lunch as well)

On very rare occasions, he will temporary wear a cloaking brooch. If you're at an area isn't very friendly towards mutants and/or yokai.

- The one time that happened, is when you forgot to bring your lunch at a job that barely lasted a week. (Stuff that was out of your control but, he was relieved that you got out of that place before your coworkers decided to physically fight back at the manager)

Spends at least one day in the week with you to do some light meditative exercises.

- On the really bad days, he doesn't mind letting you hold his hand as a stress ball or just have a quiet moment to relax while his brothers babysit your kid.

[d34dbvn]

"I'd wanna be next to you..."

(quote is a reference to the last verse of "Die with a Smile" by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga)

Don't touch me I'm not doing good (and neither are they tbh)

BEFORE YOU COME AT ME- I have some cute stuff planned for Stone, I loved his character throughout the trilogy and I don't mind if he's not in the 4th movie anymore considering how Sonic 3 ended... BUT! I would definitely love to see Lee Majdoub and his character make a comeback.

I love Jim Carrey too but as much as I'd love him to be back, I don't see it happening bc of his retirement, pickiness with script, the almost 3 year gap between the confirmation and the release of Sonic 4, the fact that he got paid for only one role despite playing 2 characters AND most importantly bc I suck at writing comedy so I would butcher Eggman so much if I gave him any thought, whether it was past/future Eggman or from a different timeline.

ALSO POSTING ART FROM 2 YEARS AGO FROM MY PAST BLOG BC I LWKY COOKED HERE (it was a vent lmfao)

I was looking through my old blog and went like "dayum who drew this- OMG ME??"

[demons-art-hell]

Golden Blood AU Masterpost!

Golden Blood AU, or GBAU, is a modern fantasy life/hermit AU, centered on mumscarian

In this au, Golden Blood is a unique substance both feared and revered for its strange properties and attachment to the gods, the watchers

It's primary and safest use is when dried and used as an energy source, in conjunction with redstone

It is still a blood, however, the blood of the gods And what if one supposed 'god' remained in his mortal body?...

All posts can be found under #golden blood au or #gbau

This post will be regularly updated as I draw more for the au and possibly write ? 🤔We'll see

Character & Worldbuilding Reference

Magic Summary | Initial concept post

Grian height/wing chart | Grian reference

Scar reference

Mumbo reference

Pearl drafting

Jimmy drafting

Tango drafting

Joel (& Ren) drafting | Joel introduction | Joel the Conspiracy Theorist

BigB drafting

Skizz introduction

Chronological Canon

KID ERA

Grian and Mumbo meet [1] [2]

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Badboys!

PRE INCIDENT

None for now

PRESENT

The Incident | Ao3 Link

Mumbo finds out | Aftermath [1] [2]

Research Session

Turn your gaze upon yourself, watcher

Grumbo First Kiss 🎉

FAR FUTURE

Eyeless Grian

Extra Drawings/Sillies (sorted by character)

1 (one) ☝️ Ren

Skyblings

Bird Jim

Conspiracy Joel

Cozy Grian | Grian wing study | Wing study 2 (feat. mumscarian) | Watcher Grian (feat. Scar) | Wing study 3

Assorted mumscarian (+ Scar drafting) | Blorbo bleebus | Vampire mumbo | Tax evasion | Valentines 24 | Kisses (spicy)

Expression Sheet Characters

Scar 9D | Grian 10E | Bdubs 7B | Gem 8H | Etho 5H

That's all for now! Updates may be slow/go through phases due to uni work but feel free to send asks and I will certainly answer!