#and let's not forget our OTPs are all miserable

[psychewritesbs]

Syaoran + Sakura

[maurine07]

So today is fanfic writers’ appreciation day (thank you to @openheartfanfics for reminding us of that) and I just wanted to log in for a bit to show some writers my love because y’all are the backbone of our society. Without you, we would’ve all been miserable. So I’m just going to tag some of the writers that come to mind and while I would love to tag each and every single one of you but I’ll probably forget someone so I’m really sorry for that. You are all super talented and I’m in awe of each one of you beautiful people.

@terrm9 Terr, darling, I could write an entire book about how amazing your writing is and how much I love it. You’re an incredible writer and person. The writing style is so beautiful and unique and simply ethereal and I’m so in love with it. Every single time I read a fic of yours, no matter how many times I did, I always marvel at how one can possess so much talent. There is not one trope that you cannot write. How you write the characters, their emotions, you always know the characters and how they think, they would act so well, it’s insane, how you describe everything, the surroundings, what the person is doing, everything is always so perfect. Your mimi series The Couple & The Others is one of my favorites and it's comforting to me, it makes me feel at home. Cieli di Toscana is also a favorite of mine. I love everything about that fic so much. I also love your ch. 11 rewrite with the prompts "There are people who love you" and "Give me a hug, please". I adore the hurt/comfort in those two. The angst is just ugh- it's so good, way too good and it destroys me. As well as A thousand moons, a thousand waves, goodness that fic is just pure and utter perfection, I have no words to describe it. And How much mystery, this love of mine...wow. Seriously wow, I still haven't recovered from how amazing it was. It's so beautiful, they say they're so soft and tender with each other, it's perfect, so perfect. And of course, your you give it to me anyway series is one of the best things I've ever read and I have reread it so many times to the point where I'm not even sure it's healthy. I love it, I love it, I love it, more than words can say. And your OCs, Chiara, Lina, the Ray family, you always know how to make them feel so real. You are truly so magnificent and I just love you and everything you do<3333

@jamespotterthefirst Bree! God, where do I even start? Everything you do is out of this world. Other than the fact that you're extremely kind and funny, you're so wonderfully talented and I love you. The dynamics between Lilac and Ethan are everything, EVERYTHING I TELL YOU. I love how you include the gang as much as you do and how you write them. And while I absolutely love every single fic you write, For A Long Time Now and Most Beautiful will always have a special place in my heart. And I don't think I have to tell you how much I love Lilac. I adore that woman with my entire heart. She's amazing and I would do anything she asks me to. Thank you for creating her and just got being such an incredible part of this fandom❤

@writer-ish Kat, your writing is so stunning. Like, everything about it is so amazing. The way you write Brooke and Ethan, their banter, Brooke's sass, your smut, just everything is pure perfection. I love everything you write but makai is just something else. I especially love B&E in it for some reason, just them being so in love and soft with each other. And you know how much I love Brooke. I would choose her over Ethan any day. She's just incredible and Ethan should worship her like the goddess she is, period😌

@the-pale-goddess Hilde, my angst and smut Queen, there are no words, absolutely none, to describe how much I love your writing. Ma'am, is there anything you can't do? (Other than not break our heart further, of course. One of these days you're gonna need to pay for my therapy. I cannot count the amount of times I was like: I'm feeling pretty happy today. Let me go to Hilde's masterlist and break my own heart. I actually do that so many times, it's pretty concerning.) I'm so in awe of everything you do, your angst? Unmatched. Your smut? So freaking hot. Your fluff? Makes my heart melt. Running to the Edge of the World and (as much as I shouldn't be admitting this in public but) Cabin Fever are just amazing, AMAZING. Puncture Wound is also one of my favorites of yours, the angst, the longing. God, it's so perfect. Conquest is superior to anything, everything and everyone. And of course, Contaminated. That fic breaks my heart yet I read so often that I almost know it by heart. I love LOVE Ethan and Tiffany's relationship even if I am a bit jealous of Ethan. They're the OTP, period. And um... Can I please have Miss Addams' hand in marriage? Like, you can call me Pietro mf Maximoff because I will take a bullet for her. I may also have some unresolved trauma and mommy issues but I promise, I will not make her wait two years just to commit or run to the Amazon and sleep with a coworker. She's my Virgo Queen and I'm so in love with her. The point is, your writing is perfect and I love it so much❤❤❤

@monsoonblooms12 Manamee, you beautiful soul, we don't deserve you and your mind blowing talent. Everything you write is just beautiful and my mind cannot process how you do it. Your fics, your edits, your moodboards, there is nothing you're not good at. And you're such a wonderful person and it makes me want to cry sometimes. I love you, darling❤❤

@blossomanarchy I read your meet my MC posts (and I will get to reblogging those later. I have them in my drafts. I just don't really have any energy at the moment.) and I love Amelia so much. She's already one of absolute favorite MCs. I truly look forward to your fic (if you ever decide to post it, I will be eagerly waiting for it and I have no doubt it will be magnificent) And your moodboards are absolutely stunning. I could stare at them for hours, hell, even the rest of my life. They're so freaking pretty!!💗💗

@takemyopenheart Avy, you're so freaking talented and I love your writing super much. Luz is amazing and I love her more than words can say. I adore her relationship with Ethan so much. Your fluff is god-tier and your smut is just *chef's kiss* as well as your angst. Yours were some of the first fics I read for OH and I still love them just as much as the first time I read them if not more.💕💕

@mvalentine Mal, goodness, you are a godsend to this fandom. I cannot, for the life of me, find the words to properly describe how freaking amazing your writing is. Lana is a Queen and I'm in love with everything about her. Like, I need her to reject me so I can move on already. I love the way you write L&E. They're such an amazing couple and they have my whole heart (also, ngl, I miss them like crazy). Hold On To Me makes me sob every time I read it and it was heaven a moment ago is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read in my life, the sheer beauty of it, it's poetry. You're incredible, my dear and your writing is so beautiful.<333

@genevievemd Sara, from the minute I read your first fic, I knew you were an incredible writer and I was so right. I love everything about your writing, everything. G&E are couple goals and I love them so much. Your angst kills me every single time. Like, you seriously need to stop hurting me so much, I can't take it anymore. But seriously, you're extremely talented and I love you❤❤

@stygianflood Hiya, I just spent a good five minutes trying to come up with any words to describe how freaking beautiful and otherworldly your writing is and I couldn't find any because it's truly undescribable, in the best way possible. Like the Shoreline and the Sea and Bridge over Troubled Water always bring me an immense amount of comfort. They feel like a warm hug even though they hurt. I've binged your masterlist so many times and I still can't process how you're so talented.❤❤❤

@anntoldst0ries Ann, my love, I don't know how to put into words how much I adore you and your writing. It's freaking poetry. It's so smooth. Like I could be reading one of your fics and I come across a line that is just so utterly beautiful and I'm just like: how?? How can one be so talented and come up with such beautiful lines? Lost in Translation is one of those fics that I cannot process because it's so incredible, it's so unbelievable how you manage to capture Ethan's character and thoughts and emotions so well. Coda is just perfection, girl, your smut is so good. And as much as I love all your fics, Shinrin-Yoku will always be my favorite. I love how you write about Noelle's metal health. It makes her feel so real and I really do appreciate that fic so much. You're incredible and your writing is just so magical and I will forever be so in awe of you.💗💗💗

@gryffindordaughterofathena Dri, god, I have no clue how you do it but you always manage to leave speechless and awestruck by your writing. It's so poetic and beautiful and I love everything about it. The way you write the characters and their emotional will always make me so damn emotional. You're just so brilliant and I love all your work so much.❤❤

@starrystarrytrouble All hail Queen Ruby, our savior from the nightmare that was OH3 canon. I know you're not here these days but I just wanted you to know that I appreciate you and all the work you've put into this fandom so much. You're so so incredibly talented. E&E are god-tier and I love them so much, more than I can put into words. Secret is one of my favorites mainly because I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers but also because I love E&E in that fic so much. Also, Anonymous! That fic is everything, I love it so much. And Eve is just amazing. I love everything you create and I miss you💕💕💕

@writinghereandthere Ana, I know we haven’t interacted before and that I haven’t reblogged any of your fics before but I seriously love your writing so so much. I’ve read and reread your masterlist more times than I could count and every single time, I was left more in awe of you than the last. Your writing style is just so beautiful and so magnetic. Like, if anyone interrupts me while I’m reading one of your fics, they can say bye bye to the world. Your do you fear death? series is just something else. It’s so out of this world. Fourteen Hours is amazing, it was the first fic I read of yours and it made me fall in love with your writing, the first I read it, I immediately loved it so much. I love how you write Mariana and Ethan so much, they’re everything. And I'm so in love with Mariana. God, she's so perfect! And Two Days breaks my heart every time I read it but it’s one of my comfort fics. More Than A Drawer is also a favorite of mine. I love the domesticity of it so much. And Golden! God, that fic! How the hell did you write that?? It’s so fucking brilliant and I don’t have the right words to describe it. Also!! Finer Things is one of the best things I have ever read. I am an absolute whore for Harper Emery and that masterpiece just increased that. It’s so magnificent! You’re just so freaking incredible and I will always wonder how you’re so so talented❤️❤️

I'm pretty sure I forgot some amazingly talented people and I'm so sorry for that, truly. Your fics have always been a source of comfort to me. During some of the worst times in my life, I would always find happiness and comfort in your beautiful creations. Hope all of you are having a great day and I hope you know how truly appreciated you are💕💕💕💕

[signofwolf]

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas – book review

Series: Throne of Glass #7 Genre: YA, Fantasy Theme: Fae, magic users, war Warnings: mentions of torture, imprisonment Star rating: 0,5/10

Why did I pick this up?: I wanted to end this horrible series once and for all.

[Heavy spoilers ahead]

To make myself clear, before this book I quite liked this series. It wouldn’t place in my top 100 books, not even close, but it was a pleasant pageturner to listen to in audiobooks when working.

Language

Let’s start slow. I lack the words to express how much I hate the words ‘male’, ‘female’ and ‘mate’ after this series. Not even gonna try to express my trauma. But these 3 gems aside, Sarah J. Maas needs a dictionary. Or compress her work to a manageable size. Everything sang, Everyone melted, Every man roared, Every woman trembled, Everyone was unleashing themselves at least once a chapter (number of chapters: 122) ). And now I know definitely too much about Yrene’s ‘womb’. I know so much…

Dynamism

I thought that was a book about a war with heavy action content. Oh boy, I was wrong. This 984-pages monstrosity has maybe 5 pages of action. If you squint.

Every sequence, where by design action should take place was followed by one of two scripts:

Few sentences of action and then a few pages long internal monologue. Often repeated with the same character after the next few sentences of action, or with the next character and then the next (sometimes the first character made a second appearance and then everything would go all over again). And the word ‘character’ used in these sentences is not because I’m rambling. This book is written that way!

Few sentences of action and then action stops, and we are graced by a few pages long conversation. In the middle of a battle. Or spying. Or in Erawan’s chambers, when his castle is going down, and he is running up the stairs...

Time

Leaving alone the fact that apparently all series took less than a year (till this book I estimated the plot for about 3 years, Wiki told me it was 2, but Maas knows best), because that is a can of worms in itself. Time in this one? I honestly have no idea. There were many ‘few weeks of travel’ parts with two main groups of POVs. Personally my only time indicator was ‘Orynth won’t fall till Aelin gets here’. But nothing just fit. And I saw Lost Song when in the last episode we as the audience realized that our two POVs parallel storylines are in reality millennia apart. Lost Song made sense.

Emotional loading

… there wasn’t any. Really, it was like reading a milk label. Every time the scene was potentially emotionally impactful, Maas went ahead to overexplaining EVERY. GOD. DAMMED. THING. And it was abso-fucking-lutely everything. ‘Emotional dilemma? Let’s current POV explain it! 2 pages should be enough… Damn maybe it wasn’t enough. I know! I’ll switch POVs and explain it through the other character!’ <= My impression of Maas’ thought process. I’m fairly sure that the record was 7 POVs explaining the same thing in the row, but I was blacking out a little, so I cannot be sure.

And if that wasn’t enough, this book had a second way to defuse tension: random-plastic-repetitive-badly_written-smut. Really badly written and really repetitive. How could you not feel the spicy bits, when Manon (cruel, self assured 100+years old witch-queen) reacts the same in bed as Elide (20years old, virgin, ex-slave). And the rest of them were the same, there weren’t ANY distinctions.Just copy-paste.

The next point in current case: Someone died, it was impactful, I really liked the character, so I got sad. But then 2 of our characters came out of the room with a body, and after a paragraph of grieving they started making out, and then I was regaled with 2-pages-long description of melting cores. That was the place then this book stopped being badly written, and started being distasteful.

Characters

Remember when I was writing about switching POVs (which is 15(!!!) In the whole book. Oh and an omniscient narrator in places when our current POV was grieving too much to overthink something, but Maas still wanted to inform us about something)? They were all savagely murdered in the worst way: character mutilation. Somewhere between books our maybe-not-that-original but colorful and interesting characters became carbon copies of each other. I have no idea how many times I didn’t realise there was a POV switch. The only indicator was a change of pronoun, or when Maas was telling us the name of a current narrator. These were the only ways. And if you can't distinguish if you are in Dorian’s head or in Manon’s, that is the sign of a really BAD writing.

Romance

…there wasn't any. In all this book there wasn't any naturally progressing romantic scene. There were Maas’ endgame pairings which were sexing or pinning. As the author Maas loves to write about soulmates. And it’s not a bad thing itself. When I want some fluffy story I often tag ‘soulmates’ in AO3 and voila, +10 to good mood. But God above, it is not cute when every pair you write about are ‘true mates’ just BECAUSE. It is the only way Maas sees a relationship, as a fated pairing, written in the wake of the universe by the God himself. There is no choice, nor the work to put in it. They are the author's OTP and that means that they are perfect and they should have children right now. Point in case:

Guy was treating a girl like a shit on his sole, including throwing her naked out of tent, on a snow, with their friends present, all the while abusing her verbally in a worst way. But it’s okay, because when she almost died he realised his mistakes and apologised. Two scenes later, he was forgiven, because... fated mates?

The pathos

I know that many people don't like this type of scenes, but it's not my case. I’m reading by picturing images and not repeating words. I like sequences that I can imagine to be grand and glorious, even if they are a little corny. That said, the pathos scenes were the most disappointing ones for me. Maas likes to write parts that are more picturesquely exalted than logically possible [point in case: meeting of 5 armies/forces in the random patch of sand in Empire of Storms, and it being painted as ‘an Aelin’s great plan’. I laughed myself silly at that. But not taking logic and all the plot holes into consideration that was a nicely looking scene. In Kingdom of Ash that wasn’t the case. I would say that the author wanted to paint us a renaissance painting every 20 pages or so. In my opinion, every time she failed miserably. Each and every of those scenes was or to farfetched to be even remotely realistic, and evidently written only for a sake of the picture, or just plainly stupid.

Example, and it’s so priceless a scene, that I just need to share it: Battle of Orynth, 25th day or so (time in this book doesn’t exist), the 13. sacrificed themselves (like thousands before them but hush). And then, time stops: grieving Manon is going through the city, they open the gates for her (yes, the siege is still on), she goes to the place where they died, after her come out all of our main heroes, and half the city itself with ‘flowers, rocks and precious possessions’ and they lay it there in a tribute to these brave (evil till 2 months ago) witches. I honestly can’t remember when was the last time I saw such an abstract scene. It’s a material for an essay in itself. No, I could not take it seriously.

Additionally, it's hard to make an impact as every damn sentence is grand and lofty. In the end it became truly pathetic, Aelin vs Maeve was unreadable.

Character deaths:

Let's make a quick count: main characters in a series at the start of KoA: 12 secondary characters in a series at the start of KoA: 20ish minor and total background: a lot more

Death count: main: 0 secondary: 3 minor: 2 (11 if we try very hard)

Resurrections: 1 (possibly 3, but not gonna analyze it)

Did you feel emotions of this impossible war against this all-encompassing, all-powerful, invincible, immortal, cunning Evil with armies from 3 continents and 2 worlds? No? Me neither.

Oh well, but there were a lot of deaths of ordinary soldiers. I’m quite certain that all of Terrasen’s army was at least twice brought back to life for them to die in these numbers.

Logic or lack thereof

Oh, and let’s not forget about the Deus ex machina army of unbeatable, magical elves on wolves, from legends, living for the past thousands of years in the unreachable lands of the north, because they managed to run from the surprise attack 10 years earlier. Did I mention that they came from portals, which the whole book was telling us were impossible to make in this scenario? After the previous saviour army was already fighting there for a day? And that Aelin didn’t know they would come for sure (how did she contact them again?)? Even though they were waiting in the full armours for these portals? Ah, and also: that army didn’t do anything. They just came and fought for maybe 4 minutes. And there were just so many things like that!

And if we’re on the topic of armies I present you: ‘My favourite absurd-list in the series: allied armies’.

(As a comparison, in A Song of Ice and Fire by J.R.R Martin, in 7 kingdoms of Westeros, at the peak of war there were 7 forces present, but not all were even engaged in a war.)

First the ones that made sense:

Armies of Terrasen’s Lords (counted as one, not gonna nitpick)

The Khaganate army (also counted as one)

Galan Ashryver’s armada

Whitethorn fraction

Rebel Ironteeth witches

…should Dorian be counted as an ‘army’?

And there were some that did not:

Ansel of Briarcliff’s army

The Silent Assassins

Mycenians

Wild Men of the Fangs

Army of magical elves on wolves

And the ‘I don’t even know’ category:

Crochan witches

Overpowering and overreaching

Section title tells it all. The stakes were too high. I was honestly waiting for Aelin to become Super Saiyan and start to throw planets at Maeve and Erawan. I won’t spoil if this happened.

In my opinion it could be a really great series, if our list of villains ended with Arobynn and King of Adarlan, and the list of Aelin titles with an assassin and a princess. We could have had two main fight plots: one emotional with Arobynn, when Aelin would have to face a damage he had done to her, and overcome it. And the second one, with freeing Terrasen from Adarlan’s rule. That’s it. There was an asshole, power hungry king, who feared magic and wanted to rule the East part of a continent. A lot of plot, but not so much that we stopped to care, or didn’t have time to cover everything. We could really get to know what Terrasen and his people were like and not JUST GET TOLD that it was ‘the greatest place in the world’ every damn 20 pages.

Plus…should Dorian be counted as an ‘army’? It's a REALLY valid question.

Climaxes

IIf I have to write a list of things that disappointed me in this book, this review would be thrice its current size, but one of the worst grievances I have is the complete lack of acknowledging the plotlines that had been started. This book series has overall 4 372 pages (not counting novellas) and 12 main characters (still not gonna address this). All of them had their storylines and arcs but if they weren't tied up in the previous instalments they wouldn’t be in this one. I get it, Maeve and Erawan got beaten (in an extremely unsatisfactory way) but they were only a background in this series' plots.

Aelin Well, Aelin was one of 3 people (+2 paragraf-long insertion from Nesryn and Chaol) who got their own POV’s after the battle (second was technically Rowan, who was ‘Aelin’s POV outside of Aelin’.The third Dorian, who got almost a full two pages). And from this we got that: she got crowned, Aedion got his bond and that Maas have no idea how the city looks after weeks of siege. In her case what angered me the most was ‘Terrasen is my home’ subplot. Only in this tome we read at least 3 times that Aelin will be okay with dying, if only she gets to see Terrasen one last time, or if she get to die on Terrassen soil. But you know what? Maas forgot to write the scene where Aelin actually ‘comes in’.

Mannon Didn't get her own POV after the battle, but here’s what we’ve got: She is going to the Wastes with Croachans and Ironteeth. Whait. What? Yes, that was the ending of this 500+ years of feud. They fought together and they decided to unite their two species, completely forgetting more than half a millenia of slaughter. I can only hope that there were at least some talks behind the scenes… NO! F*** NO! This isn’t how it works!

Rowan, Dorian, Chaol, Yrene, Lysandra, Aedion, Lorcan, Elide, Nesryn, Sartaq Lived happily ever after

Secondary minor and total background characters Survived (I acknowledge that they would be ignored in most books’ epilogues, but this abomination is almost 1000 pages of nothing!!).

Good Scenes

That saying, this book actually had 4 good scenes:

Crochan witches go to war - gathering-forces-to-fight trope, which is my *love-always trope* so I’m not even sure if it was relatively good, or if I’m just a slut for this trope. It was still only a paragraph long though.

[recurring] The children’s tale Aelin repeated to herself to remember who she is.

‘Lorcan Lochan’ - the only marginally funny scene in the whole book

I actually found Darrel making Evangeline his heir charming. Even if circumstances were far-fetched at least.

But the words crime of this book? It was agonisingly, mind-numbingly boring. If the overexplaining and repetitions were to be taken out I highly doubt that there would be 300 pages left.

For these 33 hours of audiobook I suffered through I give it half a star. Because Abraxos exist.

Please see my garishly accurate cover on my instagram! You can also like it there :D

instagram | goodreads

[blenalela]

Walt for the character asks 😊💜

Thank you!!😊💜

Walt Hasser

favorite thing about them

He’s just a cute little country boy who happened to stumble into the military. How could you NOT like this little bean? I mean, he is a brutal little bean, but STILL. Also, Walt remains one of the people who don’t spout shit or hate all the time and is just a super nice guy, like remember the scene with the gay Iraqi in Baghdad? Our boy Walt didn’t see anything wrong with that and now just imagine Trombley in the same scene. (correct me if I’m wrong there, it’s been a while since I last watched Gk) Again, how could you HATE him?🥺 (actually I know someone and this continues to be the only thing we argue about when speaking of Gk)

least favorite thing about them

When he shot the driver at the roadblock, my guess is that it happened because his lack of sleep. Brad constantly asked him if he wanted to take a break, sleep a bit, but Walt always refused. So he just felt more miserable and ultimately the lack of rest led to the shooting. So if Walt didn’t go on about how he was okay (when he really wasn’t) and just slowed a bit down, I don’t think it would’ve happened. (Only based on the show, I don’t remember exactly how the situation was in the book)

favorite line

„You‘re a messed-up hick. You can’t even eat ravioli!“

OKAY there’s a story behind this: when I‘m looking for pics for the lockscreens, I always take screenshots in the Sky Go app (all three hbo war shows on there, and you can take screenshots!), but the app is always set to the German dub and you have to change it every time you start to watch. But because I‘m too lazy sometimes to do that, I just let the German version roll. Problem: THIS ONE IS HORRIBLY TERRIBLE.

So the total gem of this line in german once flooded my brain and I can’t forget it anymore.

(For everyone who’s interested: „Du verfickter Bauer kannst noch nicht mal Ravioli essen!“ in a Voice that doesn’t fit Walt the least and conveys no emotion or anything)

brOTP

Walt and Ray (prepare for trouble - make it double!)

OTP

Bradwalt (it just fits, though Brad definitely belongs to Nate☝️, but this is also nice to read/look at edits/fanarts)

nOTP

Waltray tbh. I just don’t see ANY romantic between them, I‘m sorry😬

random headcannon

After he quit the military, he founded a country cover band which evolved into a ‘real‘ country band which then continued to get super popular in the states and even Brad (Country Music hater #1) listens to it. Also, Walt‘s the singer

unpopular opinion

Walt got super little screentime and if you ask me, he didn’t really have a personality. At least if I‘m writing him, I have a hard time doing it because I don’t really know how he would act in this or that situation and a lot of his character traits come from fanfic authors themselves in their fics so they vary.

Walt deserved better in the show, but I think we‘re all doing a great job portraying him by giving him character traits we think fit the picture we have of him🌻

song i associate with them

King Of The Road - Roger Miller (I know this is super boring because it literally is the one Walt sings, but it’s the only one I can think of and every time I listen to it, I have to think of Walt)

favorite picture of them (again, there’s so many good one that I love)

[gleefail]

Glee Memories: 1x10 Ballad

A long, long time ago, as Glee was approaching graduation in Season 3, I found myself nostalgic with some rare free time on my hands. So I decided to rewatch the series from the beginning and jot down some memories, discrepancies that have arisen since, fave quotes, tally solos - all that good stuff, strictly for shits and giggles.

8 years later (eek!) and once more I find myself with an unexpected abundance of free time. With so many revisiting or being newly introduced to the show between binge watching during Quarantine and all the tragedy that has surrounded the show since it went off the air, I figured I’d finish what I started. And by finish, I mean go through the end of S3. Cause I truly cannot acknowledge what happened after that. Except for 5B.

Kicking this off by reposting the first 15 episodes I already went through. Enjoy!

1x10 Ballad “Ok, who can tell me what a ballad is?” “It’s a male duck”

ok, I disagree with Schue’s definition of a ballad. “Stories set to music” – um…isn’t that every song? Or is it just in musicals that it’s supposed to be, lol?

“Looks like my weekly letter to the Ohio showchoir committee FINALLY paid off” and the look she gives Puck. Haha. This Rachel Berry is funny. Cause they’re letting us laugh at her right along with her. Not asking us to put her on a pedestal and/or take her seriously all the damn time. I’m not even gonna get started. I’m watching this post Props/Nationals, and though I didn’t think it could, my hate has grown. In abundance. Trying to keep it in check. Moving on…

“I bet that duck’s in the hat”

“Matt’s out sick today. He had to go to the hospital cause they found a spider in his ear” Um, ew. Also terrifying. However, humorous nonetheless. And an effort to explain a random absence of a Glee club member. Remember how they used to do that?

Aw, Artie drew Quinn’s name out of the hat. :) 2 seasons later and they’ll get 2 duets (both of which I loooove). Shame they didn’t do it this ep. Romantic or just friends, I ADORE the chemistry with Diana and Kevin. I really wanted to see more of that. :(

omg. Kurt’s face when Finn pulls his name. Adorable. Also, I love that Finn is not cool with it but a year later Sam is totes fine. Maybe that’s just cause I love dudes that are comfortable enough in their sexuality to do things that d-bags in high school might tease them about being gay for. Or maybe that’s just cause I love Sam Evans. Couldn’t tell ya. Except yeah, I totes could. It’s cause I wants a Trouty Mouth to call my very own. *lesigh*

“other asian” Ha!

Brittana!

“The fates talked, Mr. Schue” #BlessFinnsHeart

I love the voice-overs during Endless Love: “Screw him if he thinks he’s taking the Diana Ross part from me” “I love the days when I wear no underwear” “I never noticed how nice Rachel’s butt is…oh crap! I think Quinn knows I’m staring at it!”

I also love the facial expressions of Rachel and Mr. Schue here. Hilarious.

Haha – Brad’s like “wtf is happening?”

“Crap – she looks crazy right now!” hahahahahaha

Because of Rachel’s realization through this song, it means Lea Michele can’t squint nearly as much. Wow. It’s like a whole new Rachel with her eyes open while she’s singing.

Artie’s face after the duet. It’s like someone stepped in dog poop.

Ok, Charlotte Ross was in a show in the 90’s I used to watch that, if I recall, failed miserably but nonetheless had a brief stint as my guilty pleasure show. And I can’t remember what it is for the life of me and keep forgetting to look when I have access to google it. Anyone?

“I don’t want you to lift a finger for me. I’m your wife!” Oh wow. So unhealthy. So republican. Soooooo some parts of Ohio. These are the folks that voted for Bush. :/ Yep, I’m still ashamed to be from Ohio when I think of that election.

Suzy. Pepper. Yes. I love this actress. Bright and Hannah were my OTP on Everwood. I miss them.

“You knew it was me just by the sound of my breath. That’s so romantic.”

“Listen, you little psycho, this is Will’s wife, and if I don’t get enough sleep my anti-depressants won’t work, and then I’ll go crazy and I’ll kill you.” Oh Terri. So maternal and loving.

Suzy Pepper is sobbing to More Than Words. That was my jam back in the day!

“Your lashing out at me is fantastically compelling…and….inappropriate.”

“Thank God I never missed a piano lesson” – really Kurt? Is this the first and only time we’re to believe Kurt can play piano well enough to accompany someone from memory?

Finn singing I’ll Stand By You to a sonogram dvd on his laptop. I have no words. I don’t think I thought it was this weird the first time I watched it.

So Finn’s mom busts him singing to said laptop sonogram dvd…and he doesn’t close the laptop…or stop the dvd…or try to hide the screen. He sits up next to it as she approaches him, almost begging her to see it. I felt the same way then as I do now – it was an opportunity for him to not tell her necessarily but for her to find out anyways and I think he really wanted her to know so he could go to her for help and comfort and to relieve everything he couldn’t deal with about the situation. I’m just sayin’.

Oh old school Carol with her denim and that hair…she’s still such a great mom though. And this actress. My God. She’s amazing.

“You’re wrong, I’m right. I’m smart, you’re dumb.”

“Dude. Impulse control!” haha

“I dunno why I find his stupidity charming. I mean, he’s cheating off a girl who thinks the square root of 4 is rainbows.” #BlessFinnsHeart

Oh Young Girl/Don’t Stand So Close to Me mash-up. I fell in lust with you from the first moment I laid eyes on you.

Seriously. Matthew Morrison is so hot in this mash-up. Yowzah.

“So, Rachel, do you think you understood the message I was trying to get across with that ballad?” “Yes! It means I’m very young and it’s hard for you to stand close to me.”

“You’re a very good performer. He’s very good.”

Finn and Kurt bonding over their lost parents. This is a sweet scene.

“You think I should bring a gun?” #BlessFinnsHeart

“Casserole’s almost ready. Hope you like venison!” Ok. TERRIFYING to come home and find Rachel Berry in an apron, cooking you dinner, in your home.

Hey, remember that time that Rachel literally sang 3 lines of Crush and they released it in its entirety as a single from this episode? Ridonk.

“I found out today that my hamster was pregnant in biology class and I just started weeping!”

Aw, Mercedes and Puck are paired up for duet ballads.

haha. Babygate.

“Finn’s not the father! I am.” People be spilling out their truths to Mercedes y’all.

“Alright, look, you need to get something through your Mohawk real quick: you’re the baby’s daddy. It takes a hell of a lot more to be a father and that role’s already been cast because Quinn chose Finn. You need to accept that and move on cause you have no business messin’ up that girl’s life more than you already have. You need to back off. You owe her at least that much. ”Aw, Mercedes. Laying down tough love. And looking out for Quinn before they were even friends. Man. I love Mercedes.

Oh that’s right – Quinn has an older sister! Why did we never meet her?

“He wears a helmet when he plays, right?” – THAT’S WHAT I’M SAYIN’! #BlessFinnsHeart

“I have to go, they’ll think I’m pooping.” Hehehehe.

omg. So I love this still. Finn is doing karate moves in the bathroom mirror to pump himself up to sing to the Fabrays that Quinn’s pregnant. That is so effing funny. What happened to this Finn?

You’re Having My Baby. Haha. This song is so cheesy. This scene is so uncomfortable.

So Quinn’s parents, unlike Finn, are NOT simple-minded and have figured it out. And it’s terrifying.

“We didn’t even have sex” #BlessFinnsHeart

Quinn’s parents are kicking her out. Well, her dad is and her mom isn’t standing up to him. This is rough. Especially when you realize they’re supposed to be 15. So wrong. Poor Quinn. And her dad just screamed at her that she was a disappointment. Yeah…she’s had to deal with some shit. And in the end, they don’t acknowledge that she did and try to make her out to be the bad guy, and selfish… Way to go, RIB.

Oh good ole Carol, without a moment of hesitationlets Quinn stay with them.

“Honey, you can stay here as long as you want.” Carol’s the best. So glad she found Burt.

“We’re not so different, you and me. We’re both mildly attractive and extremely grating. Love is hard for us. We look for boys we know we can never have. Mr. Schue is a perfect target for our self-esteem issues. He can never reciprocate our feelings which only reinforces the conviction that we’re not worthy of being loved. Trust me. I’m a cautionary tale. You need to find some self-respect, Rachel. Get that mildly attractive groove back.” Suzy Pepper, ladies and gentlemen. Dropping truth bombs.

“There’s some boy out there who’s gonna like you for everything you are, including those parts of you that even you don’t like. Those are gonna be the things about you that he likes the most.” Hmm…might be true. Never thought about this, but I’d say that describes Jesse. But not Finn so much. Maybe recently. But…he has made several comments about her being annoying or controlling as they were dating. And not in a ‘those are my favorite things about her’ kinda way. Just sayin’.

Aw. Kurt seems like he feels really bad about Quinn getting kicked out.

“Open your eyes! I didn’t tell you to close your eyes.” “Is there a cake?” No, there’s no cake!” #BlessFinnsHeart

Lean On Me. Watching this now, with one ep left and it’s graduation…yeah, I’m crying. Dammit, Glee.

haha, Mercedes just kinda pushed past Rachel who was front and center to sing her solo. Probably not intentional but still funny.

Damn, Kevin McHale.

Damn, Amber Riley.

SOLOS: Rachel (1), Will (2), Finn (2), Artie (1), Mercedes (1)

[purrpickle]

Random Pezberry Thought of the Day #353

A/N: This is another long @thedeadflag and me headcanon waterfall/exercise/ramble (at least on my part). It’s full of FEELS and I think worth sharing. 

(And if you STILL haven’t read thedeadflag’s stuff, do it! Do it now! Here’s a handy dandy link: thedeadflag’s AO3. You won’t be disappointed. She’s amazing!)

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purrpickle sent a post Person A an...

otp-imagines-cult: 

Person A and Person B break up. One day, months after this, Person A goes out and sees person B wearing an article of clothing A got them on the last birthday they spent together. 

This made my heart hurt. ...And then I immediately thought of you. What does that say about our headcanoning/discussions? XD But seriously! This hurts, and makes my fic mind spin.

thedeadflag 

Being more than a little tactile and always complaining about needing someone warm under her, Rachel gets Santana a big super comfy and warm scarf (one that could double as a blanket in a pinch) that she agonized and spent weeks researching, knowing Santana was picky about her clothes (not to mention Rachel being super unsure regarding her fashion sense when it comes to Santana, because of their history around that particular topic, even despite Santana's reassurances since shortly before getting together that Rachel no longer dressed herself like the wet fantasy of a creepy Japanese business man with a very specific fetish). They spend the last part of Santana's birthday with that scarf splayed around them, among other blankets, and it more or less becomes something Santana wears when she's cold and missing Rachel, a turn of events that just completely makes Rachel's heart sing at the sentimentality (she pens a song about it that Santana wishes wasn't hideously disastrous, but she indulges Rachel regardless whenever the diva wants to sing it to her so long as it's in private). 

Flash forward two years later, about a year after they've parted ways, and Rachel's reading a tabloid on Saturday between her matinee and night-time performances on stage when she spots an article full of pap photos of celebs in New York after a major cold front rolled through the city in the winter. Her heart climbs up her throat at the sight of Santana. Santana, freshly broken up with some up-and-coming singer in a rock band, not that she paid an aching level of attention to her ex girlfriend, ex-best friend, and current distant friend who always seems to be busy, and who is only ever really available for brief FaceTime or Skype calls. 

Santana, who is walking through Central Park in the photo, on the same path they'd spent much of their first date on. Santana, who is weARING HER SCARF

purrpickle

And god, nausea just pushes up her throat - the kind like her throat's strangling and her stomach's rolling because of the sheer visceral reaction to seeing something incredibly life rocking - and she has to pour over the picture, convince herself that it IS the same scarf, not just a similar one, and she sits back, suddenly numb, limbs heavy. It had to have been deliberate, didn't it? Their first date, THEIR scarf... Rachel scrubs her hand over her face, truly confused, a mixture of old, buried bewilderment of how things had gone so wrong and hurt and awareness and something she'd long thought had unkindled out of her - a spark of yearning, what-ifs pounding through her head, racing, her hands trembling a little as she pulls her warmed mug of coffee, previously too hot to touch but now her fingers didn't care - it felt good and the slight plain anchored her - close. 

Staring at Santana's face, scrutinizing her neutral expression for ANYTHING, but getting no answers, she's only snapped out of her fog by her first alarm, alerting her she needed to start getting ready if she didn't want to be late for her habitual arrival an hour before she needed to be ready, and she decides, taking a deep, deep breath, forcing herself to close the magazine so it wouldn't blare out of her like a beacon each time she glanced in the table's direction, that she'll figure out how to feel later. And even if she had a decision to make in the first place.

*shares Katy Perry’s song Save as Draft*

thedeadflag

:O i know that song! And it definitely fits that AU and now I'm riding a wave of angst

purrpickle

You're welcome.

It's the lines: I still have the same phone number and we've both grown but I don't know (paraphrasing, of course) that really get to me and that AU.

thedeadflag

absolutely. Like, the fact that so much has changed, but that same line of communication remains as when you were together...makes it all that much easier to remember back, to succumb to the urge to reconnect, to feet the same waves of emotions you felt when things broke off, etc.

purrpickle

Also, like, Rachel doesn't want to make the attempt to reach out, rekindle things... And have Santana practically laugh in her face. That's the worst feeling of all.

So her number's the same, always has been, so if Santana really wanted to reach out, like that photo suggests, why didn't she?

thedeadflag

mmhmm 

Meanwhile, it's so similar with Santana. She's been just mowing through women since Rachel, and none of them hold a candle to the diva. And she just keeps trying, desperate to find someone who could make her feel like Rachel did, but there's just been heartache after heartache. But she's scared to reach out after their final big fight when things ended. Even though she knows with 99% certainty that one of Rachel's throwaway remarks about her being heartless was just a heat of the moment, slightly alcohol fueled remark from the diva, she can't help but call into question whether Rachel really thought that was true the whole time, whether Rachel hadn't really felt or believed her love for her. And Rachel's seemed so happy lately, so upbeat, and she's been miserable, and reaching out only to have those fears confirmed would be devastating.

purrpickle

My heartttttttt. 

And, like, maybe that day Santana had been walking that stretch of Central Park INDULGING that heart ache, having only just happened to brush her hand across that scarf she can't ever put away, even if a relationship gets semi-serious (before breaking almost immediately). She'd stared at it, hands helplessly feeling how soft and warm it was, Santana's eyes sliding towards her bedroom window to see how cold and blustery it looked outside. And maybe she'd wrapped it around her neck, heart skipping a beat as she smelled the faintest hint of what Rachel had always smelled like, and maybe, the scarf so noticeable around her neck, she'd, for the first time in years since traveling that path almost religiously for months after they'd broken up, just HOPING that she'd run into Rachel and they could have... maybe... worked things out..., taken the turn after meeting for lunch with her assistant. She'd tried to school her face impassible, tightening the scarf around her as the wind blew, almost laughing bitterly at herself for forgetting her gloves again, shoving her hands deep into her pockets as she remembered how Rachel used to chide her about that, taking Santana's hands in hers or pulling Santana's hand into her own coat pocket, gloved hand squeezing her tightly.

thedeadflag

 *gif of Emma Stone crying and eating ice cream*

purrpickle

She hadn't even noticed the paparazzi that day, trying desperately not to show what it felt like to know the bench where she and Rachel had had their first kiss at was coming up.

thedeadflag

Yep, definitely too deep in her "conceal" mode and her memories to realize anyone was following/watching her, for sure. Just thinking with every stinging heartbeat that this was a mistake, this was a mistake, this was a mistake. Because Rachel wasn't there, and the weather outside couldn't begin to compete with the bitter chill of loneliness and longing her walk down memory lane brought her

And for the rest of the week, she's haunted by the songs Rachel would softly sing when they'd get in from the cold and make their way up to the loft. And it's like whiplash, all those happy, loving memories with the renewed doubts that any of it was as real as she thought it was, as she felt it was back then.

purrpickle

Her footsteps had started to slow as she approached the bench... But with a sharp shake of her head she'd sped up and left it behind, telling herself she was stronger than she had been after the breakup when she'd sit at the bench and cry behind a magazine, hoping against hope that Rachel's warm, smaller body would settle down next to her, arms sliding around her and pulling her head to her chest.

It probably doesn't help that Rachel had been in a high profile, supposedly very serious and romantic, happy relationship for almost two years about a year after their breakup, with rumors that he was going to propose any time now until they had suddenly broken up. Santana didn't like to listen to rumors, knowing her own got out of hand, but it had still hurt. Because she'd been thinking about a wedding in the future - had ALWAYS been thinking a wedding was in the future once their relationship had settled and grown and became real, more REAL than any other relationship Santana had had. And the grapevine had said it was Rachel's boyfriend who had broken up with her, so it probably meant that Rachel had been ready and capable, definitely capable, of moving on. Sure, Rachel wasn't dating anyone currently, only casually here and there, and it had been a while since that serious relationship, but Santana couldn't help worrying that... That she wasn't needed. That Rachel had completely released her from her mind.

thedeadflag

i'm dying here !!! Ugh, the feels

purrpickle

Really, this is a LOT of feels. It's so gooood while it hurts, too. XD

(You know, I was thinking, and it's okay if your addition contradicts this, I just wanted to get it down, but: what if Rachel was actually the one who broke up with her boyfriend and let him say he was the one who did? Because she was happy, but she wasn't AS happy as she knew she could have been. And maybe he DID actually propose, but she turned him down, and that's what led to their breakup.)

(She's never told anyone.)

(Not even her closest friends. The only person she DID almost tell, who she WANTED to tell, was Santana. But she didn't.)

(It hurt too much. And they were over, weren't they?)

(She didn't tell anyone because she didn't want to admit who it was she still thought of. Too vulnerable. Too easy to hurt.)

thedeadflag

that's actually pretty much what I was going to add on, that Rachel was the one that couldn't go through with a bigger relationship commitment after Santana, because it never felt right, felt like enough. But she'd feel guilty enough to let the guy save face and say he dumped her. And she'd struggle with the urge to run to Santana to vent about the whole situation, because it was simply too much for her to handle reasonably well on her own, but she couldn't. Not when Santana had been the benchmark she'd measured him against, not when she and Santana were long since over with, not when they'd lost that best friends-style emotional intimacy long ago after their break-up. Even if Santana was the only one she would feel comfortable telling in theory, she couldn't, not when it was already super uncomfortable and exhausting and distressing to confront that she still thought of Santana. Not with all the distance carved between them since they'd split. Distance they pretended wasn't there, but was clear to anyone who cared to look.

purrpickle

What if... What if this is the first time other than directly succeeding their break up that they're both single at the same time again? Not even truly casually dating anyone.

thedeadflag

I could definitely see that

purrpickle

Like, absolutely single. Not talking single for two weeks or whatever or already forward towards the next relationship.

((("Did you truly think I was heartless?" Silence. Then, deep inhale. "No, Santana. I've always known you feel... Care too much.")))

Ohh, what if they start communicating through paparazzi pics? First Santana wearing that scarf in that part of Central Park, then Rachel fishes out one of Santana's shirts Rachel had found mixed into her things after the breakup and never given back.

thedeadflag

And they're both anxious messes, entirely on edge between pictures, trying to figure out if this is happening or if it's just coincidence, or if their foolish hope is blinding them to other messages at play. 

But then Rachel decides to be brave and lures the paps to Central Park, getting them to take a picture of her sitting on their bench, with a vegan ice cream cone in her hand. They hadn't had ice cream on their first date, or their fifth. It was later, on one of their routine walks in the park, after getting ice cream in the dead of winter for reasons that baffled Santana, that they'd found their way to the bench. And she'd been midway through licking her cone when Santana had leaned up against her, all taut and breathless, confessing she loved Rachel. 

And so there Santana is, years later, just staring through tears at the photo of Rachel in the park, cone in hand, head tilted towards where she'd been way back then. And maybe it wasn't a rekindling of the flames they once had, but it was...finally, for goddamn once...a clear sign that Rachel missed her. That she hadn't just been a stepping stone, an afterthought, a warm body. That Rachel really had seen her, known her.

purrpickle

 *gif of crying anime girl*

I think Santana loses some of her nerve, finally deciding that she's going to reach out - because it's definitely in her court now, after that pic - to Rachel through text. She writes everything out, hundreds of times, erasing and rewriting and erasing again. Finally, exhausted mentally and physically, she settles on, "Do you have time for coffee?"

thedeadflag

Was gonna respond in a bit to this when I had more time but YES

Santana being all "aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAA fuck my life whatever I'll just...fuck it, let's just see if she wants coffee" *send* Marches away and paces for fifteen minutes to work off her anxiousness

And she's just so exhausted, and worn down, and every minute that passes feels like an eternity, and brings a wealth of new doubts and second-guessing, 

But then her phone buzzes

Rachel had been sitting on her bed when Santana's text rolled in. She'd done a double take, hoping she wasn't dreaming, and then left the room for a moment to come back just to confirm that fact. Santana wanted coffee. And not coffee-coffee-wink-wink-nudge-nudge like some use it as shorthand for a more explicit invitation, because Santana was not the sort to beat around the bush when it came to that... but coffee. Coffee.

And Rachel's mind immediately jumped to Stumptown, and Ground Central, and Third Rail, and Intelligentsia, all their old coffee hangouts across Manhattan, and the Bushwick favorites like Hearts, or Brooklyn Whiskers, and Mixtape Bushwick. All places with histories, but old histories. And as much as she yearned for Santana, and loved so much of their time together, she knew she'd grown as a person since they'd split, and that Santana almost assuredly had too, so she needed a new home away from home where they could feel each other out. A new place, a new tradition. A new them. 

It took her twelve minutes to scour google for a place with good reviews that seemed to have the aesthetic that could fit them, and before she could overthink, she sent a name off. Abraço

And then quickly followed it up with an explanation and a flurry of potential times and dates she was available, because of course Santana wouldn't understand what the word meant on its own

purrpickle

I think Rachel's also struck at how it's worded. It's completely up to Rachel, how she'll respond. Rachel might have expected some demanding or direct request, but the Santana she had gotten to know... It did make sense. And it also spoke a lot to her because Santana was respecting her time. 

And Santana, having frowned down at the random word when she'd snatched it up almost before it was done vibrating, felt so much relief like heat pool through her body, almost making her limbs numb. But as she read over the times and dates, Santana felt her heart sink, along with her smile. She was busy. Each day. She'd forgotten that she was headed for LA that Monday, for two weeks, as well as not figured that, it being currently a Wednesday, Rachel would be busy with her shows through that week and weekend. 

Santana's shoulders dropped, her eyes burning. She hoped that this wasn't a sign. And the fact that Rachel had responded at ALL was a positive. But Santana didn't WANT to send back what could be construed as backpedaling, or having changed her mind. But it was true she just... Couldn't make it. Still, fingers trembling as she typed out something she hoped wouldn't stop everything, her heart pained, she sent it, and hoped it would be okay. 

“God, I'm sorry. I totally forgot I'm going to be in LA for two weeks starting Monday. This isn't an excuse not to meet. I'm sorry. Maybe after I come back?” 

(My thought being they could start texting slowly again, getting to know each other again before coming face to face. And they're adults, with busy lives, and, I think, it almost makes it mean more if it doesn't go smoothly.)

thedeadflag

!!! absolutely!

purrpickle

It also goes to show how impulsive and exhausted Santana was, completely forgetting that.

thedeadflag

I could definitely see it happen. Sometimes in her excitement/determination, she can get impulsive and not think things completely through

purrpickle

Okay, delete the second I'm sorry in the text. I was thinking I'd forgotten to put one in. And that way, when Rachel gets the first text, she DOES feel let down, but then Santana can quickly send another text with another I'm sorry in it. (Or is that too cliche? XD)

thedeadflag

Nah, they're awkward messes. They've already fumbled their way through communicating via pap pictures. What's a little fumbling through texting?

purrpickle

OH GOD. Though I'm not done exploring this adorable awkward mess of Rachel dealing with the high and abrupt low - while Santana's in LA, all the magazines and tabloids are talking about are her romantic lunch and dinner dates (with her producer or something), no matter where Rachel looks. Like, she and Santana are communicating, and she knows not to trust tabloids, but Santana looks so HAPPY in the pictures, with the smile on her face that always made Rachel's heart pound.

Like, it's not a big thing between them, but it does stick in the back of Rachel's mind.

I was thinking earlier that both women make a concrete decision to not rush things - or, let's be real, even discuss what's happening with each other because both are terrified the other isn't after trying again - and just hang out as friends for a long time. Sure, there's awkward moments and in drawn breaths when they accidentally brush against each other, but they just get coffee together, then more coffee, then maybe lunch or brunch, then Santana inviting Rachel round to watch some sort of television show together or something. They try very hard to rebuild up the friendship they lost.

And there are missteps. From both.

thedeadflag

Oh for sure. They've been so out of sync for so long that they're going to bring some friction, and fumble around. And some old habits will resurface that are (or at least feel) a bit too intimate for that stage in the relationship, and that'll throw them off their games, and have them retreating, and yeah. I definitely think that's likely

purrpickle

Oh yes. Definitely. Good point. It kinda stops them cold when they realize what's happening. And yeah, they retreat. It's them, after all.

It's like, is all this awkwardness, hyper focus of NOT to do the wrong thing, even worth it?

Somehow, Rachel and Santana manage to get coffee and talk and spend together for about two months before people start to catch on, or take pictures of it. Immediately, the tabloids clamor about "Old flames igniting" and "Rachel had never given up on Santana" and "Santana turning to Rachel to repair her scandalous reputation", etc. etc. 

It's not long before Quinn is calling up Santana, not wanting her old friend to be hurt again, while Tina and Mercedes show up on Rachel's doorstep, demanding a girls' night out/in - and Rachel, who had had plans to see Santana that evening has to cancel them, awkwardly starting, like, "Tina and Mercedes are in town..." and "Yeah, I get it," Santana answers, "Tell Wheezy and Chang One I's talk to them later." Both don't get too good of a night's sleep.

thedeadflag

And maybe they manage to sneak off to a coffee shop late the next morning, all bleary eyed and grumbly, and proceed to pass out against each other in a shared booth seat. They wouldn't mean, to, of course. It's the one place that has someone deliver coffee too their tables, but it takes longer than they expect (or, than Rachel expects, given Santana knows how complex Rachel's order always is) and they're both just so tired from being up all night thinking about how to navigate the situation with their friends when it'd been hard enough to navigate on their own without the interventions and interrogations.

purrpickle

It's Santana who wakes up first when the barista comes over, and she groans, nodding at the guy to just leave the coffees. She shifts a little, heart squeezing as Rachel's head rubs against her shoulder, the other woman protesting at getting moved, and Santana lightly nudges her shoulder. Her heart is beating hard, her brain telling her not to move her, to take the opportunity to feel her against her again, and breathe in the scent that had always been RACHEL... And her fingers hover over Rachel's cheek, aching to smooth her bangs from her eyes. They've gotten close again, but... Not close enough for that. And they - still - hadn't really talked about where they heading. 

Exhaling, her eyes averting as they threaten to water, Santana nudges Rachel's shoulder again, harder. "Coffee's here," she shrugs casually when Rachel sits up, blinking at her blearily. Rachel's scent and warmth is gone, and Santana takes a sip of her coffee to cover herself. 

"Oh, thank you. I... Was I sleeping on you?" Rachel almost stutters, blushing. She can't believe herself.

(There was a song I was listening to [on repeat when I couldn't find the case to swap out the CD] on my drive back up that very much reminded me of this story. Let me see if I can find the relevant lyrics.)

(We used to be inseparable, I used to think that I was irreplaceable We lit the whole world up, before we blew it up, I still don't know just how we screwed it up)

-Selena Gomez, Love Will Remember

thedeadflag

this angst has me wishing lesbian life alert was a real thing because I think I'm gonna need it if this keeps escalating XD

purrpickle

At least in this 'verse they're rebuilding and getting each other back. :D

thedeadflag

this is true :P

purrpickle

(But honestly, it screams angsty Pezberry to me.)

Who breaks and moves in for a kiss first?

thedeadflag

I think Rachel. It's the slow build-up of past memories and feelings alongside all the fantasies and ideas and hopes her overactive imagination and inner passion drum up over the months of playing it cool and feeling each other out. Rachel does her best to keep composure, to play it safe with her heart, but she's absolutely not a "bend, don't break" girl, she's composed and strong and willful until she's suddenly not, and it's in one of those moments of weakness where she just straight up finds herself moving in for a kiss before she can catch herself. She's always wanted anything and everything in her life too damn much, and after so long just dancing around with Santana in this pseudo relationship, she just gets overcome by a rush of need, and...well, she wouldn't be Rachel Berry if she wasn't driven to excel in everything she does

at least, that's my take

purrpickle

And Santana registers what Rachel's doing as she's moving in, Rachel's hand tight in the sleeve of Santana's coat, and god, she's shocked still, lips parted as Rachel, hesitating only a second, own lips trembling, presses into her. It's not a long kiss, Santana's hands rising to cup Rachel's sides, Rachel already leaning back even as Santana gently puts more and more weight on her as if to push her; but then Santana wavers, and with a breathy, needy exhale, she's closing the distance, her own lips molding back over Rachel's. It's not an exceedingly passionate kiss, this one, just lips pressing against lips, hearts jumping and chests heaving with bodies prickling, but both women are slightly dizzy from the sheer RELEASE and CONSTRICTION it blossoms inside of them. Release, because it means both are on the same page, but also constriction from the sheer anxiety and fear inside each other that is this right? Even if they want this so much, should they TRULY try it?

(But Santana's not strong enough to pretend she doesn't want this.)

But they take it slow. Don't fall into bed. Don't even have a hot and heavy macking session. They just kiss once, twice, then pull back, staring at each other. Then they talk. They talk a LOT. Things waterfall out. And then Santana goes home for the night, maybe even the one to suggest it, that they should take the time and think and make sure that if they agree to actually try again, it's with time away and it's not the rush of just how amazing their physical connection has always been.

thedeadflag

Yep. Maybe if it was their first time entering into a relationship, they would have fallen into each other and their passion, but they're older, more cautious, with greater willpower. As much as Rachel might want to give in completely, she knows they have to get it right this time if they do it at all. And that means patience, time, and lots of talking. And while she's only comfortable with the last of those three things, Santana's worth the effort. 

(and yeah, I can see Santana suggesting heading home...as much as Rachel is a fantastic planner, she's more reactive than cerebral in the moment, at least compared to Santana, not quite as quick at plotting out the smoothest, safest way to handle this new revelation after they've talked enough about it and what it means for them. Rachel would ask a lot of important and detailed questions, but Santana would be steering that particular ship and figuring out for the both of them when they need to call it a night)

purrpickle

Right. Santana wants to protect her heart - and part of her still can't help but want to protect Rachel's, too - and she knows when she needs to step away, to process, and especially knows when Rachel needs that too. She needs to know that when they meet up again the same feelings will be there - from BOTH of them. And she's scared. She's honest to god scared. Kissing Rachel scared her - because it was real, because it illustrated that the physical feelings are still there, and because Rachel hurt her before. She knows, logically, that they've been working towards this, that obviously they set out with the resuming of their relationship in mind, but if it's actually starting to happen... No one, aside from Brittany during high school and the time afterwards, has meant so much to Santana. And she doesn't want to squander this, knows her particular role to play in this, and NEEDS to see Rachel reach out and meet her. And part of that is slowing them, if just to feel like there truly IS a way she can control this, feel in control.

That the EMOTIONAL part of during the kiss was still there, too.

She's vulnerable, but what she's learned over the years they were apart and her trying to move on, is that they can't fall back together in their old love. They need to fall in love again, in their new lives.

thedeadflag

^^^ This is hitting me right in my fluffy angst feels

purrpickle

Me tooooo.

I thought it was very important, this part: they can't fall back together in their old love. They need to fall in love again, in their new lives. Because it's SO TRUE they could fall into the old trap of just picking up from where they were, bury themselves and hide in it. When what they really need to do is TRULY start over, MAKE new love and let it be them, not the echo of what it once was.

Basically, they can't live on the dying energy of a supernova. They need to live on the new world built from its stardust.

thedeadflag

Yep. They aren't who they used to be. They can't fall in love with the ghosts of who they were...they can appreciate the good times they shared back then, and the love they had for each other, but they're different people now. They need to completely explore each other's depths again, and and find out if they're compatible again, if they can fall in love with these new versions of each other. Just because they fell in love once, and were a good fit once, doesn't mean they would again. After all, they fell apart because they stopped being a good fit. Something changed, or at least something didn't fit where they thought it did, and that hurt more than anything. So they need to get it right. They need to be careful. They need to figure out if they really fit together instead of just hoping they will and ignoring the details, because neither of them want to get hurt again, or to hurt each other. They know they deserve love. It's whether or not each other is the right one to share it with is the question they need answering, and Santana's absolutely going to figure out if the people they built themselves into after the wreckage of their relationship are compatible pieces of their life's puzzle, or if they're just better off friends

purrpickle

Oh god my heart just died. And honestly, they're both so scared that they'll only fit as friends. Because the way they feel about each other, they can't see a future where just friends would be enough. And yeah, you should always be friends with your lover, but could they ever be friends if they weren't lovers? Would they be able to grow into that. 

And honestly, I just saw a heartbreaking scene where Rachel's crying, sobbing, because she's so terrified Santana's going to say they won't fit, they won't work, and she's mature enough to realize that she shouldn't, wouldn't be able to MOLD herself into fitting together, or "changing" Santana to fit her inside herself either. Because if Santana says friends, that's it, and she'd abide by it, even as her heart's breaking. But she's crying, admitting to Santana that she wouldn't be happy, that she's terrified they won't/can't try again.

She's not trying to put Santana on the spot, but she can't help how she feels.

thedeadflag

She wouldn't be Rachel if she could

*help how she feels, that is. She's always been particularly vulnerable to her emotions pulling her all over the place. Again, she's always wanted things too much

purrpickle

I mean, that makes it sound like Santana's the gatekeeper for their relationship, but I kind of imagine, in this case, she is.

Rachel's not another rushed into high profile fling. But also, Santana does drag this on a bit too long. Maybe not entirely knowingly, but I can see Rachel finally pointing it out to Santana, quietly, forcibly stoically.

thedeadflag

and as much as she heard Rachel's words, as much as it all clicks together with perfect sense, it only lays her fears bare for all to see. She's always been cautious, calculating, and one of the few times she wasn't, she got her heart annihilated. She's terrified of that happening again. Even if everything points to them being a good fit, she second guesses herself, and though she realizes that a little late into their new attempt, she can't help it. She's scared. Because as much as she can see a vivid future together, she can still remember exactly how each one of the many breakdowns felt after she and Rachel fell apart the first time. 

But it's a good thing, it's exactly the kind of kick in the ass she needs, because she's been patient, she's been cautious, she's been so focused on them and how they fit, and she just hasn't let herself put all the pieces of their mosaic together in her mind yet because she's been terrified they won't fit, not just because she knows it'd break Rachel's heart for them to not be able to be friends, knowing it wouldn't be enough for Rachel, and that it also wouldn't be enough for her after everything. Not with how she feels. But also because she's terrified that they will fit, but that she's missed something, like last time (because of course Santana blames herself, regardless), and that they'll end up repeating past mistakes. 

But they're not the same people. Not anymore. And she goes over the differences between who they were when they started the first time with Rachel, and who they were when they ended. And the fact that Rachel isn't on-the-fly creating a powerpoint to visualize the differences as they brainstorm and reassess what they've learned over the past months...maybe it's a little absurd to focus on, but it's something that she uses to keep herself focused and faithful on the notion that it really isn't too good to be true, that maybe they really could work together. That in the years that have passed, they've grown and changed and the flaws that condemned their past relationship aren't there anymore. And at the end of the two and a half hour conversation, their coffees cold on the table, the sun long since set, Santana asks what they do now? (maybe? I don't know, is that the right sort of direction?)

purrpickle

(I'm not sure what you're asking?)

thedeadflag

like, I don't know, my mind's been a little foggy all day, so I'm not sure if I'm missing anything important in my on-the-fly stream of consciousness rambling/brainstorming

purrpickle

Hey, you're making more sense than my word deluge seems to make to me. Is this two and a half hour talk happening after Rachel tells Santana she's drawing things out?

thedeadflag

yeah, that's what I figured. Like, maybe Rachel says it, warns Santana, and plans on leaving directly after to let Santana think, but Santana reels Rachel back in, because okay, yeah, she HAS drawn this out too long, and if they need to get down to it and make the call, figure out if they're 100% in or out, then they do it right now. So it's two and a half hours of arguments and counter arguments and pros and cons and drudging up painful past memories yet again, and contrasting with what they've recently learned, and maybe some more info they share that seems innocuous but the other finds interesting or surprising, and it's all exhausting, and lasts much longer than expected, but by the end...every negative counterpoint, every con, has been dealt with or they're explicitly aware of it and have discussed how to work through that. And they're left with...all signs pointing to yes, pointing to "Pezberry: The Sequel" as Kurt and Quinn would call it. And as scared as she is, Santana's in. And Rachel, Rachel's overwhelmed and relieved, and frazzled, but she's in. But then they have to figure out where they go from there, and Santana's just blanking, because how do you ask a woman on an official date-date after you've spent 2 and a half hours going through an emotional gauntlet together?

purrpickle

You know, I think Rachel steps forward at this moment. She's scared, exhausted, too, but she can see how scared and exhausted Santana is, too. And Rachel carries a lot of the guilt inside herself, too. She reaches out, palm trembling, to cup Santana's cheek, pulling her to look at her. "We both want this," she whispers, "And we've talked enough that even I feel that anything more at this moment won't say anything more." Rachel laughs lightly, biting her lower lip, smiling as Santana's lips curl up, her dimples starting to show as her dark eyes meet Rachel's, "Why don't we..." Rachel licks her lips, heart starting to trip in her chest, gasping as Santana's hand finds her free one, almost shyly curling around it - just to feel Rachel's hand in hers, not let her lace their fingers together. "Why don't we do this? Go on a date. I... I want to. Tomorrow. Or... The next day. Yes, the next day." Rachel lets her hand fall, curling it around Santana's around hers. "We... We can talk in the meantime, but truly 'START' there."

And they do start out slow. Hold hands, sit next to each other, closer than they had before, but not cuddling yet, and short, light kisses when they get done with their dates or go home for the night.

Oh god. The first time they have an argument (like all couples do). Both are vibrating and scared that the other will say something that will break them, or bring up the past, so each are preemptively trying to protect themselves and prickling the other.

thedeadflag

Absolutely, it's like they almost expect something to go horribly wrong, like a veil being lifted to realize it was never real, they never had a chance, their past heartbreak was too much to overcome, that they'd be defined by their past actions yet again

and they don't even realize they're doing it at first, but they're throwing barbs in a sort of self-destructive "it was never going to work, so at least by creating its destruction, I was in control of it, I could minimize the pain" sort of way, and it's just leading down and down, and Santana realizes it first after a particularly pointed remark that sounds so much like her high school self that it's jarring. And it reminds her that this is exactly what she used to do in high school, to herself, at almost every opportunity for happiness.

purrpickle

((Okay, so I came up with this, but I don't know if it really, truly fits? Like, yes, it's vulnerable enough, but I'm not sure they'd really be able to stop the argument in such this way. What's your opinion?)) 

Finally, after a sharp word, Santana notices that Rachel's... shaking? Her heart squeezes, her own tension in her body suddenly more noticeable. "Rache?" she barks, it coming out more angry than she means it to, still riding high on frustration and fear, "You're... You're trembling?" She still wants to continue the argument, the self destructive part of her wanting to "win" the row, but the self sacrificing part of herself wants to just hug Rachel. It's only a stupid argument, not, hopefully, she yearns, the true end of their relationship. And Rachel's not even looking at her now, inhaling, as if to ignore Santana's question and shout out another painful jab... But she's trembling. And Santana realizes she's trembling too.

thedeadflag

it makes sense. Santana does love to win, and is terribly stubborn, but she's shown a willingness to shift away from those parts of herself (at least temporarily) to focus on more emotional matters. (example: arguing with Rachel over the disposed pregnancy test, pulling Rachel close and comforting her instead of continuing the argument when Rachel tells Santana she 'had no right' and subsequently breaks down)

purrpickle

*nods* I also see it as kind of an unconscious trade off... Rachel made the first move to ask Santana out (after forcing the conversation), and Santana's the first to stop this spiraling maelstrom. Obviously, both don't want all of their arguments or tiffs to end up in sabotage, so they talk, again, promise to try and not doom them before they truly have a chance. They're worth it... They have to be.

Ugh... So I'm feeling extremely fluffy right now. The first night they stay the night with each other, like in the same bed, as both have ended up crashing at the others' place before in a guest bed - no sex, not even taking off clothes, just in pajamas - but definitely touching each other, and waking up tangled together.

Touching each other as in lying next to each other or holding hands or even Santana opening her arms and letting Rachel snuggle into her.

thedeadflag

you know I'm a total sucker for soft, simple intimacy !!! Especially involving beds and snuggling !!

purrpickle

In the early morning hours, it's the special time of day where vulnerable, true things can be whispered without repercussions or second thoughts. It's the close, soft, warm moments, where Rachel can bury her face into Santana's chest and say, so softly, that she's missed this. That no one's arms around her has ever felt so good. And Santana nuzzles the top of her head, and admits, just as softly, voice as emotionally naked, that she agrees. That it's like they were meant to be. That, and she swallows, pressing her lips to Rachel's hair, that maybe everything had to happen so they could have this.

[qboo78]

“that boy is not your fish”

I thought the episode is so bad for Shirbert because of all the panic and anger happening in the tags but the episode was actually wonderful.

First off, the only villain in this episode was Billy Andrews and I have to say the difficulties of living in a small town where rumors are spread so easily... if only the people in this town do not take rumors as such a big deal but unfortunately this was the times that they lived in and Josie does not have a good support system at home for us to think that she will be okay even with the rumors and all. Thank God Anne has the best support system from Matthew and Marilla also from Diana, Cole and Aunt Josephine and even from Rachel, Jerry, Bash and Gilbert. Our girl has such a wonderful family surrounding her but Josie does not so I’m glad Anne without hesitation became that for Josie. Josie does not have people who believed in her which was proven by how people so easily believed the rumors about her. Her classmates, who grew up with Josie, easily believed the rumors and cannot even believe that it could be false. Good thing we can exclude Anne and Diana of course because they are the best! We all know Anne is very passionate so she was trying to convince the other girls when Gilbert interrupted them so he ended up being the receiving end of Anne’s frustration about the rumors and let’s face it part of that frustration was from her belief that she is in an unrequited love situation with Gilbert Blythe... and poor Gilbert did not know what hit him. The poor boy is just so undone by another rejection from Anne... that scene did not mean Gilbert is ok with the rumors about Josie and it did not mean he is ok with sexual assault! In fact, we don’t know yet what Gilbert thinks of the whole ugly situation about Josie but what we are shown in that scene was Anne’s POV only and her growing frustration that people are not seeing the things that she is seeing so what we are all feeling are Anne’s feelings...Anne knows that Josie was assaulted even without Josie saying it and so do we but the people of Avonlea did not know that, they think it was a lovers tryst that happened since they are engaged and the fact that the guy broke it off just means that the girl stupidly surrendered her maidenhead too early while the guy will now have a reputation of being a scoundrel which we all know is not the punishment that billy deserves... He deserves to be drawn and quartered for assaulting Josie... I’m not sure if it should be Gilbert to defend Josie’s honor, I rather like that it was Anne doing that ... I mean we don’t even expect Matthew, Jerry, Cole and Bash to defend Josie’s honor so why should we expect that from Gilbert? And if he does not, why would we condemn him much like we condemn Billy when Gilbert was not the perpetrator? Gilbert was never shown as the fighter of injustice in the show, that was always Anne’s wheelhouse... Gilbert was always shown as the one you can rely on in a MEDICAL EMERGENCY because he is the healer of the show... from time to time we do see Anne and Gilbert in each other’s roles (Anne with Minnie May and Gilbert with Bash) but we know that Anne will always be the social justice defender and Gilbert is the doctor. That is why they are so perfect for each other irregardless of the situation now with Winnifred... so give Gilbert a break okay? I’m sure when it counts, Gilbert will be right alongside Anne later defending against injustice.

Now let’s continue to the part of the episode where it shows that SHIRBERT is ON GUYS... It was after the fortune teller tells Anne “that boy (Gilbert of course) is not your fish”... then the show proceeds to demolish that conclusion with the next scene... first off we have Marilla saying to Matthew “where is she?” then Bash, Delphine, Gilbert and the Roses arrived with Matthew immediately asking Gilbert “have you seen Anne?” LOL Gilbert then replied he hasn’t seen Anne then would have proceded to introduce the Cuthberts to the Roses but then Anne appeared suddenly saying “I’m here, I’m here” with Gilbert suddenly forgetting to introduce Matthew and Marilla and proceeded to just introduce Anne hahaha... the way Gilbert introduced Anne was actually quite telling to me because he actually looked and sounded proud of Anne! While when he introduced Winnifred he has no clue how to introduce her hahaha... poor Winnifred had to end up introducing herself... then when Anne ran off after feeling embarrassed about her cake, GILBERT WITHOUT HESITATION ran after her! He removed Winnefred’s hand from his elbow and without even an excuse me to Winnifred just took off after Anne, I’m sure the only thing on his mind was to comfort Anne and to make sure her feelings were not hurt by the judges and the audience reaction to her cake...Little did Gilbert know that Anne’s feelings were already hurt not because of the cake but because of him bringing Winnifred to the fair lol... Also, I thought it was quite telling that no one and I mean Marilla and Matthew did not think it strange that it’s Gilbert who will comfort Anne and on top of that when Gilbert introduced Anne to Winnifred, Matthew and Marilla’s face we’re worried for Anne lol I love them both, they really know their girl....

So when Gilbert ran after Anne then they both stopped at the tunnel of love (talked about the show hitting us with a sledgehammer of foreshadowing), Gilbert was not prepared for Anne’s “I’m fine, I’m fine. Honestly, I wish you two every happiness” which totally threw him for a loop, poor Gilbert, he really has no clue how to handle Anne and since his brain turns to mush when it comes to Anne then he just continued with what he was planning to say which is to comfort Anne about the cake then proceeded to gaze into her eyes longingly same way he did during the dance practice lol... these two dorks are just so clueless about each other... the whole scene completely shows Gilbert is completely “HOOKED” with Anne and he is certainly Anne’s one and only “FISH” lol... I actually loved this... and I’m glad Anne finally realized her feelings for Gilbert... I mean season 1 and season 2 we have already been shown Gilbert pining for Anne and being rebuff time and time again... this pining was even so obvious that even Bash, Diana, Cole and even Ruby (even though she thinks it’s for her) noticed Gilbert’s feelings.... I actually don’t begrudge Gilbert trying to move on, I mean if we are happy that Ruby has finally moved on from Gilbert and that Moody has moved on from Diana shouldn’t we also be okay with Gilbert trying to do that even if he fails so miserably in the way he is doing it? We were even okay that Anne immediately tries to move on from Gilbert with Charlie!!!

I actually like that Gilbert has a lot of characterization and backstory and not just being the boy who pines for Anne because I want their love story to be about two characters who has flaws and insecurities but found in each other a person who accepts and loves them for who they really are warts and all... that is the kind of love story I’m here for... that is who Shirbert is to me... and if the show is saying that they will have parallels between my other OTP Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy then I can assure you folks we are in for a bumpy ride filled with longing, angst and misunderstandings but nevertheless a sure happy ending... and I can’t wait to enjoy this ride :)

[mattness]

Space Dementia

Another chapter is here! Read now! ^^    OTP: Jenniwise  ///// Chapter V. Famine took him again. It devoured Robert from the inside, causing everything to blur before my eyes and quicker to look for a new victim. He wanted to taste human flesh so that he could no longer hear the noise in him ears mixed with whispering voices. Sometimes it was so unbearable that he had to eat as much as he had not eaten in a month. And it helped. A strange habit developed after many years spent on Earth in the guise of a man on the trail of which could not get the police. With each new victim of forces became more and more. He felt fine, and nothing in this miserable world seemed to be able to stop him or kill him. It's impossible.

To transform from one image into another bring him an extraordinary pleasure. For hundreds of years, having stayed on this planet, whom he only not was, having studied human species as own fingers. Humanity developed, as did technology. It was necessary to correspond to each era, constantly switching to new inventions, forgetting old. He visited virtually everywhere, trying not to leave any mention of himself. No connections with people, as long as there is not a strong need. Of course, he had temporary friends he didn't really appreciate. Such human feelings as friendship or love, was alien to him. Most of all Robert was interested in negative emotions, bad feelings. Them he was ready to eat endlessly. In the twenty-first century, his choice fell on the face of a cruel man-killer (still eat human flesh was almost a necessity), which can not catch the police. On top of that, Robert Grey was rich enough to afford anything he wanted. His hands that were stained with blood, still "clean" because heaps of stupid pieces of paper. Now, saying goodbye to such a naive and pure soul Jennifer, he went along the wide corridors, looking for some poor person. His eyes acquired a bright-red hue, almost glowing, talking about the thirst of his master. Grey's choice fell on the old doorman, who was sitting near the restrooms and reading a book. He was distracted and politely smiled at the guest, as if understanding nothing. However, the doorman really didn't understand nothing. In an instant, the sound of bones crunching resounded along the empty corridor. Robert turned the doorman's neck and easily dragged him into the toilet, locking the door on the latch. Tearing a small piece of skin from the face of the dead victim, Grey smiled happily and began to chew. Blood sprayed on face, staining the floor. But this did not bother the man who was so pleased to gnaw his late dinner. Before his eyes nothing else was shaking, and terrible the roar in his ears vanished. Everything will be fine now. To next week, at least. * * *  Closing the door behind her in the room, Jennifer with a happy smile on her face went to the bed and immediately collapsed at it. The last time she felt so good about herself was when she graduated university. The guy who met her at the restaurant wasn't a spoiled and vulgar pervert. He spoke like the most ordinary person with average earnings, without showing or shouting about his wealth at every step. He had no interest in the money. This could not but please Jen, who continued to stay in the seventh heaven on happiness. It would be very nice to have such an interesting person as a friend. Robert communicated so freely and easily with her as if they were old friends who had not seen each other for many years. From this Wright feeling freedom and told him a lot of stories from her own life. With him really was fun and interesting, that much surprised her. To find a common language with the person with whom she met just now, for Jen has always been extremely difficult. Well, or just a mysterious Grey could read minds, but in that girl very much doubted. All thought now filled this a man. Jennifer sighed heavily, suddenly realizing that it is not worthy of such love. He's too good for her. If Robert dares to take the first step, the brunette will go crazy, never believing in the reality of what is happening. In life came to some overly white strip, forcing her to question everything. Wright stopped to dream. Not gonna happen. Especially with someone she only knows for one night. Tomorrow Jen maybe see him one last time and go to Bangor, where from she will go to New York. The hurricane outside the window fell a little, but the rain kept going. The sky long ago was painted in a dark blue hue, and the lights on the streets turned off. Jennifer once again sighed and undressed, climbed under the warm blanket and immediately passed out. Sound sleep was not long in coming. * * * Bright rays of the sun crept into the room and started to warm the girl's face. Feeling the warmth and light, Jen frowned. Wake up didn't want to, but rang on the phone alarm clock has already begun to strain. The brunette slowly opened her eyes and sat on the bed, scratching her head. In the room things still lay in their places. Last night caused a light smile on his lips, giving a kind of inspiration. Jen got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, where she cleaned up her face. Gathering things in a backpack, she looked in the mirror and combed her hair. Now she was ready to go on way. An unplanned stop a little spoiled the plans Jennifer. Upon arrival in New York, she wanted to see Tyra and Margot, but apparently, the meeting will have to be canceled. Hardly enough time to stay in the hotel, where the magazine gave her a room, and to meet with friends. Forces simply not enough. The girl looked around the room again to see if she had forgotten anything. Luckily not. So she calmly left the room and closed the door, taking the keycard and headed for the elevators. "Thank you for using the services of our hotel", smiled receptionist at Jen. "Come to us again as soon as you are in Orono." "Of course", coldly replied Wright and headed for the exit, but at the last moment the corner of her eye noticed his acquaintance of yesterday. He again sat in a makeshift recreational area and, as if he felt the view of blue eyes on himself, distracted from the magazine. Robert looked blank in amazement when the girl shyly waved goodbye and continued on her way. The man immediately jumped from his seat, throwing the magazine aside. "Jennifer!" in the street caught her Grey, neatly stopping at the elbow. "Are you leaving?" "As you can see", Jen shrugged, turning to him. She barely managed to restrain a cry of admiration, marveling at the beauty of Robert in the light of the sun. Pale skin literally glowed, and the gray-green eyes were completely green. How did he even notice her among the other hotel guests? God, what is she thinking? As if Jen suddenly became the main character of a snotty romance about cute vampires, glowing in the sun. Feeling mixed up inside, like Jen first fell in love and didn't know what to do with it. But she wasn't going to succumb to a sudden impulse, because she knew how it was stupid and humiliating. Whatever Robert was not handsome, brunette will try to withstand the pressure of his charms. She need to leave right now and not stop. Get him the fuck out of her head and forget. Deep down, something told her it was the right thing to do. Deep inside, she felt a certain danger emanating from him, mixed with madness. Just because he's handsome doesn't mean he doesn't have demons sitting around waiting for the right hour to break out. "I thought you'd be here for a few more days", Robert smiled confusedly, hesitantly stepping forward to Jen's side. The girl frowned, seem to understand his intentions. Still yesterday she in it have been proved wrong. "I need to go to New York for an internship. And the sooner I get there, the better", explained Wright, his arms crossed over her chest. The girl did not believe a single emotion that was displayed on the face of Grey. "Why would you?" "I'm just interested", Robert waved his hands. "You shouldn't be looking for some hidden meaning in my words." Jennifer didn't answer, suddenly she heard one of the employees of the hotel with a serious look and he called the porters from the street into the room. They quickly came running, hiding for glass automatic doors. Behind the window the brunette was able to see the hustle and bustle, suddenly started for no reason at all. Grey, too, drew attention to it and immediately changed in his face. He pursed his lips, barely noticeably frowning. In the green eyes began to appear in small reddish spots, and his hands involuntarily clenched into fists. A foolish obsession possessed his mind. He wanted to smash everything around him to hell, but Robert well-behaved in hands. He tried to catch his breath and looked again at the girl standing opposite. Another potential victim is about to slip out from under his nose, and he can't help it. Can't attack her right on the doorstep, or he'll get caught. The police will catch him and put him in jail, where he was only twice in his not human long life. The realization that Jennifer will have to let go, unpleasant pressured. "Listen", a faint smile reappeared on his face," I'll be in New York city in a couple of weeks, too. Maybe we'll meet sometime, huh?" "Maybe", shrugged the girl, pretending absolute indifference. Inside, heart pounding, not wanting to believe what is happening. Does he want to continue to communicate with her? It's impossible to believe, thought Jen. "Then here's my number", Robert handed her the visit-card. Jennifer took a piece of paper, folding in pocket sweaters. She certainly wasn't going to call. Card comes out in the pocket bomper up until this very bomper will not appear in the wash. Breath again lost, it was worth to Robert again to shorten the distance. Jen intently watched every action of a high handsome, not knowing what will happen next. She never imagined that Grey read her every thought. Robert grinned faintly, he took notice how the girl held her breath, and her blue eyes stopped for a moment on his lips. Jennifer was very worried. And this excitement mixed with light panic had a special flavor, which he cautiously listened to. For the first time in many centuries, Robert decided to make concessions to his own victim, doing one dirty wish. But then it will pay off with sweet flesh and mad satisfaction. He can try it once. "Mr. Grey, please return to your room", the doorman suddenly called, distracting him from the girl and spoiling the moment. He gritted his teeth angrily and turned to face the man. "It's an emergency?" "Yes. Until it turns out, we ask all guests to stay in their rooms", explained the hotel employee and went back to the building. Robert re-noticed the girl was gone. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, immediately looking around. Jennifer quick step reduced the distance to the old Audi and the key opened the lock, the first thing throwing a backpack in the passenger seat. Grey frowned, not wanting to let her go without a reminder about yourself. He caught the girl. From abound Jen flinched. "What the hell are you doing?" the brunette cried out indignantly as she was grabbed by the shoulders and turned to face Robert. "I didn't say goodbye to you", the man tried to say as calmly as possible, but it turned out crooked and unconvincing. His eyes gradually acquired an orange color that a lot of started to scare Jennifer. He had to show a little cruelty, and all the good impression about him suddenly vanished. Now Jen didn't want anything, except how to escape from those grasping hands that clasped her shoulders, and go away from the damned Orono to Bangor. Quickly as possible. Hearts pounding, the adrenaline was bubbling in the blood. The first time she was scared for his own life, and immediately came the question: who really she has managed to meet? "Let me go, Rob!" brunette tried to escape, but nothing came of it. Robert breathed into the lungs so dear the smell of fear, barely holding himself in hands. He was ready to pounce on the frightened girl right here and now, but by that time the hunger was already satisfied. He didn't want to overeat. So maybe should feel sorry for the unfortunate and let go? Long sixty seconds he took a difficult decision. In the end had to loosen the grip with a guilty smile. Eyes regained a natural green shade, like never became amber. Jennifer frowned, feeling his fingers finally stopped furiously dig into the skin through the fabric of the jackets. Nowhere to retreat: opposite - lost his temper Robert Grey, behind - her own car. There were few options. Jen tried to take a breath and calmly wait for what comes next. "Sorry", apologetically gasped Robert, stepping back. "I... It happens sometimes." The girl said nothing and opened the car door. She sat behind the wheel, inserting the key into the ignition. The motor, of course, the first attempt wouldn't start, forcing her to sighed. Jen noticed how Grey touched with his long fingers, glass door and leaned in the window. He continued to play puppy eyes, silently begging for forgiveness. "My car is on the West side of the hotel", he started, as if by chance. "If you want, I'll give you a lift to Bangor airport." There was no response. Jennifer tried again to start the car, this time successfully. She grunted and closed the side window, shifting gears and preparing to go away. However, puppy eyes does not give rest. Robert continued to stand near Audi, waiting for something.  "Jennifer." "What?" "At least leave me your number." "Why?" in surprise, arched her right eyebrow girl. "I should atone for another dinner", Grey quickly rammed, and a new plan immediately began to emerge in his head. Still, he will not leave this person alive. She have painfully delicious her emotions with feelings, and, of course, the flesh. From these thoughts in the mouth has accumulated too much saliva, which had to swallow, hoping that Jen didn't see it. "Give me your phone", with a heavy sigh, quietly said the brunette. Robert smiled smugly and handed her his iPhone, after unlocking the screen. In a few light movements, Jennifer wrote down her number and pulled the phone back to him. The man checked the record, retreating from the car. Finally, the girl with a calm soul turned the steering wheel to the left and pressed the gas pedal to the floor. This crazy new friend was now behind. Ahead waited only New York with a new job. Jennifer tried to get everything that happened last night out of her head. She quickly dialed a message for father to say him that she was on her way to the airport. From Orono to Bangor was less than half an hour drive. The day was in full swing. The sun was shining high in the sky, and the cool wind that blew into the open Windows of the car, pleasantly refreshed his head from the accumulated thoughts and emotions. Girl with large hard tried to recognize recent events. On the one hand, there was nothing wrong with meeting Robert Grey, but on the other… This man was too murky. Even not muddy, and strange. In his eyes sometimes read the real insanity, which, of course, frightened and repelled. Surely he is not all right, and now would like to stay away. Jennifer didn't want to link her lives with whom eventually is to suffer. "I need to talk with Tyra. I wonder what she will say about it", thought the girl, determined to destroy the oppressive inside the car the silence and turn on the radio. Until Bangor remained still ten miles, until New York city — four hours. "Damn Mr. Grey", Jennifer swore, snorting with laughter. "If call me Anastasia, and if I were awkward, clumsy and fabulously stupid, would think that all the idiocy of the book began to be embodied not only in the movie, but in real life. Tyra will laugh!" The car was rapidly heading along a wide highway towards the main cultural center of Maine. Music softly filled the salon, relaxing brunette. Gradually thoughts of spending the night in good hotel of Orono receded into the background, and the girl concentrated on the future flight. The plane was leaving for a while, and if things had turned out differently, and not as it happened, she would have been happy to stay in the hotel a couple of hours. The brain began to generate different outcomes of the same evening, which confused Jennifer: after all, a long absence of relations sometimes made itself felt. The phone suddenly rang, causing Jen to flinch slightly. On the screen flashed a familiar number. Thank God it was Tyra, not Robert. "How are you doing, Jenny?" she heard the joyful voice of a friend on the other end. "Perfectly!" the girl cried sarcastically, slamming her hand on the steering wheel. "You have no idea what happened to me while a hurricane raged in the vicinity of Bangor." "Let me guess: your car broke down as soon as you drove into Derry's driveway?" "No, wrong. And don't guess", Jennifer snorted. "You're the last one to assume it anyway." For a moment there was silence in the receiver. Jen knew that now Tyra frowned thoughtfully and rubbed his chin as she had always done, when she very hard thought. But still went from side to side in her room. The silence began to stretch Jennifer, and she already wanted to tell, but a friend suddenly "woke up" from insight. "Did you really meet someone?" she heard how Tyra cleverly smiled. "Wow! You're guessed", Jennifer chuckled, noticing a sign on the right side of the road with the inscription of the city. "Tell me!" "This is not a telephone conversation. When I get to New York, get to the publishing house, then we'll talk." "I'll take your word, Jen. You've got me intrigued." On this conversation was over. The girl threw the phone in the passenger seat, turning the steering wheel to the right. The car turned smoothly in the right direction, heading to the airport.

[angstymarshmallow]

Simply Between Us Part 4 (Thomas Hunt x MC)

[A little note: A little down time for my OTP currently miserable without each other].

Simply Between Us Series: Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3

[Summary: Weeks of separation has left Thomas Hunt feeling more desolate and confused as ever until Holly Chang helps to put things into perspective. Meanwhile Teja has finally convinced Tatum (MC) to leave the safety of her home and join the real world again].

[Words Counted: 3937]

Before his alarm can fill his ear within the early mornings from the confines of his bedroom, Thomas Hunt is already up – yanking his sheets away and hastily springing to his feet. He swiftly prepares for another long day; another day of burying himself under mountains of work. Another day of working till his body begged for sleep. It is the only thing that keeps him brain off her, off their conversation weeks ago when she decided it was better to spend time apart while he sorted his thoughts.

But his thoughts always lead back to her. 

Distractions never seem to last long, but he does make seldom progress in his current project - a five-part series special he started with Holly Chang and hopes to finish before the end of the year.

Still, on most days Thomas struggles with how much he daydreams. Days when he can’t get her out of his head – especially in moments where the work flow has stopped. Its long enough for him to see her, picture her as though she’s right in front of him instead of half across the city.

Thomas shakes thoughts of her clear before it becomes all he can think about again. He makes quick strides to the bathroom before impatiently grabbing his tooth brush. He doesn’t spend a lot of time peering at himself; noticing the five o-clock shadow and the dark bags around his eyes – rather he focuses on his mental checklist, ticking off things one by one that needed doing before the end of the day.

He spits and quickly rinses his mouth before grabbing his towel and walking back to his bedroom. He dries off, watching the view of L.A. absently from his window while the global network plays their morning stories from his television set. The anchorwoman’s voice increasingly becomes background noise as he finds himself less and less intent in listening for weeks than he has ever been before. Minutes pass until his hair is dry enough. He deposits his towel across the room in his waste basket before he checks his watch for the time.

He sighs.

4:55 am. He’s even up earlier than he has been before, with almost three hours of sleep under his belt. He supposes he could use an early day at the office anyway.

Rubbing his temples, he ventures for a suit within his walk-in closet. His fingers drift over each impeccable suit, over dozens that has well-suited his needs over the past year. Still, he can’t find anything. Uttering another sigh, he turns his fights to a sweater-vest and a buttoned-up shirt, tucking them swiftly under his arms before fishing for a pair of slacks.

A message dinged on his phone as he finishes getting ready. His fingers hover across the screen before he quickly reads the message; he’s surprised to hear it’s Holly Chang wanting to meet him before work.

I know you’re already up, so you might as well join me for coffee anyway – at your favourite place.

Thomas shakes his head ruefully, typing a swift and terse response that he would he meet her there before grabbing his keys and his coat.

-

Thomas meets Holly Chang’s familiar stare with a curt nod before he takes his seat across from her. He’s surprised to already see his favourite in front of him – a simple coffee as Holly stirs her chai latte thoughtfully with a plastic straw.

“Thank you.” He murmurs, inclining his head at her. He takes a sip and nearly sighs by how comforting it is to have the familiar hot liquid slide down his throat.

“You’re welcome.” She clears her throat. Her mouth slides open before quickly slamming shut again.

From where Thomas is sitting, it seems as though she’s almost hesitant to speak. “I assumed you wanted to meet for a reason.” He prompts, quirking an eyebrow at her. “Probably our project.”

“Actually no, that isn’t why I asked you to meet me here.” Holly’s shoulders remain stiff while she releases a short breath underneath her nose. “Our project is going swimmingly well and I can’t wait to get back to it – but this isn’t about that.”

Thomas pauses his cup by his mouth. “Then what is this about?” He has a strange feeling he will not like where this is headed.

“Well,” she looks suddenly uncomfortable. “Look Hunt,” she won’t meet his stare. “I’m not one to usually pry into other people’s personal lives.”

The strange feeling doubles and he stares pointedly at the corner of their table when she lifts her gaze back to him. “Then don’t.” The words are curt, sharper than he intends but he doesn’t apologize when she winces.

“You look like shit Hunt, and I’m not saying that metaphorically – I really mean that.” She gestures to his mismatched slacks and blazer. “I’ve never seen you like this.”

Thomas blinks down at himself; he thought it looked fine this morning. “Thanks Holly.” He purses his lips.

“I’m trying to be a good friend here, don’t make this anymore difficult by being a pain in the ass.”

He glances back up to find her glaring at him. “Just let me say my piece, okay?”

“My apologies,” he bites the stab of pride that rears its ugly head from her assessment. “Go on.”

“Okay.” She lets out a breath and straightens her shoulders before staring pointedly back at him. “You’ve been acting strange lately, mostly quiet than usual – and that’s saying something.”

He frowns. “I have no idea what you mean.”

She gives him a droll stare. “Are we really going to play this game?” When Thomas doesn’t answer, Holly utters an insufferable sigh. “You haven’t been the same since Priya showed up. And I know that it’s been bothering you even though you’re clearly trying to avoid the issue.”

He bristles inside his seat. “I haven’t been –” at the look she gives him, he changes tactics. “It has been…difficult lately.”

Holly nods, “I suppose it’s been affecting your relationship with Tatum, hasn’t it?”

“I don’t want to –”

“Talk about that?” She interjects. “Well neither do I, but if it’s affecting your performance at the studio – we do need to talk about it. If it’s affecting your health, I definitely can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

“There is nothing going on.” Thomas replies stubbornly, setting his jaw tight. “She wanted to end things and we did. End of story.”

Holly’s eyes widen in surprise then drop in sympathy. “Oh Thomas, I had no idea –”

“Why would you?” He cuts off sharply. “I don’t go around simply telling people these things when it’s clearly no one else’s business.” He clears his throat as he feels his hackles rise with every word. Although it’s been weeks since he’s heard from her, it still stings knowing she’s gone.

“Well like I said, you’ve made it my business when it’s affecting our project.” Her voice rises with every word as she stabs a finger in his direction.

“I thought you said it was doing well.” He barks back.

“I thought so too until I took a closer look at the shots you’ve chosen.”

Thomas winces. He hasn’t been exactly happy with those and he thought he had more time before she’d notice. “I was working through them.”

“I know, but you can’t let your personal life get blended into your work.” Her voice softens. “I’m not Addison – I don’t do comfort very well, but I am a very good listener.” She takes another sip of her hot beverage. “So tell me, what’s going on?”

Thomas remains stubbornly silent for a moment. His eyes roam over her, scrutinizing and assessing the sincerity behind her words. Where would he even begin? How can he ever begin to explain how much of a complete mess he’s been since Tatum left? How alone he’s felt all over again since the last time he’s seen her – since he’s heard her voice?

“I don’t even know where to start.” He says cautiously, finally ending the silence between them.

“Probably from the beginning. That’s a good of a place to start as any.”

He nods once. “Right,” clearing his throat, he takes a huge gulp of his coffee and relishes at the warm feeling that lingers behind in his chest. “I suppose the night Priya wanted to meet me for dinner.”

“So, she reached out to you first?”

“She did, and I said yes.”

“Why on Earth would you say yes?” Holly rolls her eyes, “did you seem to forget the mess she made when she left? How many months you spent buried under a rock without her?” She continues ruthlessly.

“No.” Thomas blanches at the thought. Then he stares at his friend. “I thought you said you were just going to listen – not badger me more than I have done to myself.”

“Sorry.” She even manages to look sheepish as she apologizes. “Please, go on.”

He lets out a tired breath as he retells the night they spent inside one of his favourite restaurants. It becomes a different experience; remembering all the details – the things he thinks he noticed and the gestures he made that night.

“So, seeing her brought up the ugly past again?”

He nods. “It did, and when she started talking about how good we were for each other – well she wasn’t wrong. We were good together Holly,” he meets her expression, “we were really good together.”

“I remember.” Holly frowns. “But I also remember nights where the two of you fought non-stop and it affected our friendship.”

“I –” He falters for a moment as images from the past assaulted his mind. There were indeed a lot of good and a lot of bad – all blended together; painting their complicated past. “It was complicated when we were together, but we were happy.”

“And then she left…” he trails for a moment running his fingers roughly through his hair. The images burn brighter as he thinks about them, they came fast unrelenting from years of keeping them locked inside his head. “I swear I buried how I felt about her, buried it into the ground. That was the only way I knew how to get over her.”

She nods in encouragement.

“And I really thought I was, over her I mean. But it wasn’t until she was right there – sitting in front of me with that daring smile of hers’ that I thought differently. Maybe I was wrong.” He glances away, watching some of the other patrons of the coffee shop with bittersweet resentment. She’s even still here – they both are underneath the hours they used to spend studying - god how has he never realized it before?

“To be quite frank, if I am being completely honest with myself maybe apart of me never really moved on from her. From how she made me feel.” He answers his own question earnestly, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all.

“And then suddenly I was thinking about Tatum –” a fleeting half-smile touches his lips, “her laugh, the way she always seems to brighten every room she’s in. The way she challenges me to think of things differently. The sound of her voice when she says my name…I wanted to prove to Priya that I didn’t have feelings for her anymore when I brought her up.” He sighs dejectedly, “it’s only now that I realize I was wrong, to mention her the way I did - just to be spiteful.” He shakes his head. “It wasn’t as if it worked anyway. I didn’t get under her skin, I just proved to her that I still wasn’t completely over her.”

“Ah.” Holly leans back, dropping her empty cup on the table.

“What?”

“I’m just processing…it isn’t often we talk like this.” Holly taps her fingers alongside the table between them. “I just can’t believe the hold still Priya has on you though.” Holly scowls. “It’s clear that you have feelings for Tatum – and for Priya to suddenly appear.” Her scowl deepens. “That can’t be a coincidence.”

“You can’t completely blame her.” Thomas clears his throat, “still caring about her isn’t her fault. It’s mine, and it’s why Tatum and I had a quarrel about it the day after.” He toys with the brim of his cup, his stomach suddenly churning at the thought. “I didn’t deny that I still had feelings for Priya when she asked me point-blank.”

“Hunt,” Holly’s expression turns to one of exasperation and matches her tone. “It’s been years.”

“I know,” he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Then why do you still care?” She continues, scrutinizing him. “You’re not the same person you were then. Neither is she.”

“I know,” he repeats. “Yet in all those years, the moment we started talking – I could still see it. So, I suppose some part of me which had always wondered what if – has never died, not completely.”

Holly is quiet for a moment as if mulling through his words. “I suppose that answers the question then.”

“Hmm?”

“Why I haven’t seen Tatum around much,” Holly informs him, “I figured you two had a little spat but this – this is so much worse.” She sighs, “I guess this is what I get for asking.”

“You wanted to know and make it your business. Thus, here we are.” Thomas points out, earning him a glare from her. “Though I am really sorry that it’s been….affecting my work.” He sighs, “I thought I was handling it all too well and now I’m not so sure.”

“So what now? What are you going to do about it?” Holly folds her arms.

“Pardon?”

“You can’t continue in this sorry state of limbo, it’s not you. You’re a self-assured man that doesn’t usually care for such things and the way things are going its going to continue to influence your professionalism,” she waves a hand dismissively. “And it won’t take very long before it’ll drive you insane.” She replies thinly.

“Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

“If you wanted me to coddle you, you’d be talking to Addison.”

Carefully, Thomas regards her with a faint frown. His eyes turn quizzical as he speaks. “What do you think I should do?”

She shrugs. “Hell, if I know. Figure your shit out is the best advice I can give you.”

“That isn’t very helpful.” He comments dryly.

“Well, what am I supposed to say?” Rolling her eyes, Holly shrugs again. “Look, whether you’re still into Priya or Tatum – or no one. It’s just a matter of figuring out why you’re into both of them….” She trails off for a moment, fumbling for an explanation. “What is it that draws you to them? Is it a reflection of yourself?”

He quirks an eyebrow at her.

“And who makes you feel loved. Cherished. Important. Like you matter enough.” She finishes, resting against the comfort of her chair again. “Because if it’s Priya then it’s Priya. But if it’s Tatum…well, I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned in all this but - are you in love with her?”

Thomas hesitates.

He doesn’t know how to answer. As his thoughts drift to her again, he can’t deny the ache in his chest that constantly reminds him of her absence.  He doesn’t know how to compare love when the only other women he’s loved have all ended terribly. He doesn’t want the same with her. He cares deeply for her but – is he in love with her?

“I don’t know,” he answers finally, dropping his expression to the table. “I wish I did but I don’t. Maybe I’m just afraid.”

“Afraid of what Thomas?” She asks softly.

Instead of answering her, Thomas scowls. “You know your question is leaving me with more questions than answers Holly.”

“Well, you asked and it’s not like I’ve got a good track record with relationships. I’m probably the worst person to tell all this to.” She gestures to herself, adjusting the frames of her glasses. “I’m practically married to my screenplays these days.”

Thomas rubs his temples. “Things were much simpler when I only had work to worry about.” Not women. Not his feelings towards anyone else – except for the work on his desk and inside his head even after he left the office.

But where would he be without Tatum? Working with her brought back some of the joy he believed was lost into the art of filmmaking. She made him see things differently, often challenged him in the most breath-taking ways and every memory of her makes him miss her even more.

The thought sobers him quickly.

“Workaholics, unite right?” Holly says with a rueful smile, interrupting his thoughts and placing an end to the silence that has fallen between them.

“Definitely,” he pushes his cup away from himself just as a server approaches their table. “Speaking of which we should probably return to it.” He checks his watch, “I wanted to get a head start on those scenes – especially after what your…words of endearment.”

She snorts derisively at his sarcasm before grabbing her coat. “I like telling things the way it is and I won’t apologize for it.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Good.” She pauses as he gets to his feet. “And Thomas?”

“Yes?”

“All I’m saying is you can’t whine about it if you aren’t doing something to fix it. Yeah Tatum broke things off - but maybe breaking it off is saving you in the long run.” As she notices his features twists with a frown, she continues. “Or maybe it’s not. All I’m saying is - don’t just wait. Save yourself from you. Take charge. That’s my advice.”

A small smile touches his lips. “I think that’s the best advice anyone has ever given me in a long time.”

“Good.” Holly smiles. “Now are you gonna listen, and take my advice?” 

Tucking his fingers inside his blazer, Thomas glances away thoughtfully. “Yes.”

-

Tatum picks up her tiny ocelot to drape insider her lap as she watches Ten Things I Hate About You curled up inside her giant blanket. Beside her are her other favourites Dirty Dancing, The Notebook and several others ready to continue the cycle she’s settled herself in for the past month.

“But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” She finishes the end of her poem with her, dabbing the corner of her eyes with a klinex before clutching it tightly into her hand. “Julia, I swear you are literally me. Right now.”

“Meow?” Her ocelot tilts her head to the side questioningly to peer up at her.

“You get me too Sapphire.” She pets the top of his head fondly, until he purrs and nuzzles into her open palm. “You’re probably the only one that gets me at the rate we’re going.” She grumbles to herself.

Sapphire merely tilts his head questioningly, his intelligent eyes the colour of his nickname seeming to share concern for her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.” She murmurs scratching behind his ear. “Although, the fact that I’m talking to a cat…does beg to question my sanity.”

“Meow?”

“Maybe I do need to get out more.”

Tatum can’t think of the last time she’s even seen the sun from the safety of her window. Keeping indoors for the last few weeks; binge-watching her favourites for comfort and reading a new script her agent recently procured for her in preparation of a new role, has left her cut off from the rest of the world. There simply was no reason to leave. At least, that’s what she tells herself.

The sudden ringing on her coffee table makes Sapphire jump. “Ssh, it’s okay.” Tatum murmurs smoothly, brushing the top of his head.

Teja’s name flashes across the screen.

She looks for the remote to quickly pause the movie before placing her phone between her shoulder and cheek while Sapphire paws at her lap for attention.  “Hey.”

“Tate?! Hey, it’s good to hear your voice.”

“It’s good to hear your voice too.”

“I really hope so, considering you haven’t heard it in weeks.” The way she emphasizes weeks makes Tatum feel a prick of guilt.

In her desire for solitude, she’s barely spoken to any of her friends but ignoring them had been apart of how she copes with loss. She doesn’t go for the comfort of a friend, she turns her sight to movies and junk-food when everything else. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.” She releases a sigh. “I’ve been pretty much off the radar since…Thomas and I broke up.” Saying Thomas after not being able to say it for weeks felt strange.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” There’s a pause on the other line as if Teja wants to say more but Tatum is relieved she doesn’t.

You and me both. She thinks clearing her throat. But she doesn’t want to discuss it – not yet. Not when she still has trouble even saying his name. “So, what’s up?” She changes the subject. “What totally awesome things have I missed out on lately?”

“Not much if you’ve been reading our group chat.” Teja snorts. “Victoria is finally back in L.A. and we wanted to have a night out to celebrate.” A hesitation. “I called hoping to get through to you.”

“Well, here I am.” Tatum answers simply.

“Here you are.” She agrees. Another pause.

Tatum breaks the silence first. “If you wanted to ask if I’m good with hanging out tonight,” she inhales a a breath, letting it out slowly. She can’t hide forever, “well I am. Or I think I am anyway. I’ve been hold up here long enough.”

“That’s great!” Teja squeals so loud on the other line that Tatum winces, briefly tilting away from her phone. “I mean,” Teja lowers her voice, “it’s also totally cool if you wanted to stay home too. We get it.”

Tatum rolls her eyes. “I know you’re only saying that to be nice.”

“Yup, what kind of a friend would I be otherwise?” She jokes. Then just as abruptly her tone grows somber, “but seriously though if you aren’t feeling it –”

“I’ve felt pretty crappy lately,” Tatum’s grip tightens on her phone, “Every time I think about him, I’m angry and hurt and sad all at once. When do I get to just feel like me again y’know?”

“I don’t know Tate. That’s really up to you and how you cope with everything.”

“Yeah, well I’ll admit…watching my favourite romance movies are the only way I’ve ever known.”

“And is it working?”

“Sort of. I still feel kinda crappy.”

“So, come out with us, it’ll take your mind off of everything – at least let us try. You can tell us how much of a jerk he is. We’ll listen.”

She gnaws on her bottom lip, considering her words thoughtfully. The truth is – she wished she could get him out of her mind. Even with all of her favourite movies and junk-food – none of it kept her mind from thinking about Thomas Hunt for long.

“I miss you. We all miss you.”

“I miss you guys too.” She confesses finally, “okay you’ve convinced me. For real this time.” Lowering her gaze to Sapphire, she rubbed between his ears. “And besides, you all are probably a step up from talking to Sapphire all the time – despite how charming he is, he doesn’t say anything back.”

Her cat’s ears perk up at the sound of his name but flattens as Teja and Tatum starts laughing.

“Great, I’m heading by you now.”

“Right now?” Tatum blinks in surprise, squinting at the time on her TV screen. “It’s only ten though.”

“Yes right now! Ladies are free till eleven, so get your ass in gear Tate. I’ll be there soon.”

Chuckling softly, Tatum shakes her head ruefully after saying goodbye to her friend. She scoops Sapphire into her arms and trudges towards her bedroom, feeling lighter with every step. For the first time in weeks, Tatum thinks she finally has something to look forward to.

-

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[frickengreenfrickyeah]

An Irreverent Intro to the Iliad

A/N:I’ve taken the introduction to the Lombardo translation and condensed it. Any time I says something to the effect of “don’t quote me on this” that means I’ve added my own analysis or thoughts that I cannot back up in any way, so don’t, like, put it in an essay if you don’t plan on doing your own research.

Anyway, you don’t care about that stuff, you came here to read about the Iliad.

It’s really fricken long, so, for the sake of mobile users, everything’s under the cut except for this:

“Rage. Bitch, lemme tell you about the time that Achilles fucked over the entire Greek army by Rage-quitting.”

Timeline for the Noobs 

Ten years ago:

Aphrodite bribes Paris so she can win a beauty contest between herself, Athena, and Hera. Paris’ reward for his ‘heroics’ is Helen

(There’s probably an essay’s worth of symbolism you could dig into here, what with the goddesses all representing different priorities: erotic love, wisdom/justice, and familial duty. I wonder what Paris’ choice reveals about his character?)

There’s some disagreement about whether or not Helen when with Paris willingly

Seeing as literally no other woman in the Iliad (and maybe the entire Cycle? Don’t quote me on that) willingly went with her kidnapper, I’m calling bull on that. Do with that what you will.

Menelaus gets really mad that Paris stole his wife, so he rounds up the Greek army, and they go to war. (It’s worth noting that Athena and Hera are both on his side here.)

Present day:

Agamemnon(Boo), Menelaus’ brother kidnaps a girl. Then he has the balls to get upset that the girl’s father called Apollo’s plague down upon the Greeks until she’s returned

Achilles points out that Agamemnon’s being a dick and people are literally dying because he won’t let go of one girl. Agamemnon says, “Fine. If I have to give up my lady-war-prize, I’m taking yours as recompense.”

Achilles allows Agamemnon to take his girl, then Rage-quits. As consequence, people die.

Hypocrites. Hypocrites everywhere. If you wanna analyze that for an essay, I think there’s plenty to talk about. 

The Theme Worth Giving a Shit About (Because it Drives the Narrative)

Heroes risk their lives on the battlefield in exchange for Prizes

Ie. riches, bitches, and clout

Honor <--> Shame is how they judge the value of others and themselves. Honor wins Prizes, Shame loses Prizes

3 Characters Worth Giving a Shit About (Because They Explore the Aforementioned Theme)

Achilles: Main character. Rage is his thing. Also, pouting. 

His honor is insulted by Agamemnon(Boo) taking away Briseis, his lady war prize. Since war prizes are how their society rewards heroes for risking their lives, Agamemnon is basically saying he doesn’t care of Achilles dies or not.

And that hurts Achilles’ feelings because he knows he’s gonna die. There’s a prophecy about it. 

The only reason he’s fighting is because society conditioned him to believe that Prizes and eternal glory were worth dying for.

Now that he doubts everything he knows, he refuses to fight for the Greeks.

The entire poem is the consequences of his Rage-quit

Agamemnon: fuck this guy

He loses his lady war prize, so he takes Achilles’. Because short-sighted spite is the best motivator.

He and Achilles start the poem in the same place, believing that material goods should equally compensate a loss. Achilles is the one who learns that that’s not how that works.

Agamemnon starts as a dick and ends as a dick. Google Iphigenia if you want to learn more. And that shit he pulls with Cassandra? Major dickbag. Fuck this guy. 

Hector: The Trojan hero, and honestly the only likable guy here. 

He is Achilles’ foil. 

Just like Achilles, he’s separated from society - but, unlike Achilles, it’s not because he rejects their values. It’s because he never questions them.

He’s basically the perfect hero, and he suffers for it:

His son is scared of his war helmet

He can’t stay closer to home to fight defensively because that’s ‘shameful’

And he can’t even stay in the city that long on his breaks because wine and women are too tempting. 

Side Characters to Maybe Give a Fuck About

Patroclus: The most important of the supporting cast, and he’s only in it for, like, maybe a book

Achilles’ BFF and probably more

(Read: Definitely more. If you listen carefully, you can hear me chanting OTP OTP OTP every time you open your book.)

He is Achilles’ double

He never doubts society but supports his bestie’s midlife crisis anyway

His death at the hands of Hector symbolizes Achilles’ death because he was wearing Achilles’ armor at the time

Achilles causes Patroclus’ death btw

When he Rage-quits, he asks Zeus to help the Trojans (because short-sighted spite is the best motivator). Patroclus goes to help the Greeks wearing Achilles’ very recognizable armor, causing Hector to target and kill him

His death redirects Achilles’ Rage at the Trojans instead of the Greeks

Diomedes: a badass fighter

Greater Ajax: a badass fighter

and (I think) the guy who talks sense into Achilles at some point

Ajax the Lesser: a badass fighter (are you sensing a theme in these characters?)

Odysseus: the only smart guy here

The Odyssey is about him btw

The Trojan horse was his idea, according to the Aeneid (and maybe other places? But definitely the Aeneid.)

WTF is an Epic Poem Anyway?

Epic Poem: recounts events with far-reaching historical consequences, sums up the values and achievements of an entire culture, and documents the full variety of the war

Basically, if “’Murica, Fuck Yeah” sums up America, then the Iliad sums up Ancient Greece

(Actually, Hamilton is a better comparison, but I needed to make a joke. Fite me.)

That “full variety” thing is why Book 2 and a couple other places just list off a bunch of ships or leaders and their dads. That shit is boring. Skip it. 

But also, that ‘full variety’ thing is what makes other parts of the story so interesting. Homer will sum up a dude’s life story right before he kills them or some shit. It magnifies the scale of the narrative by showing how insignificant one person’s experience is - no one person can stop the war.

That’s what makes Achilles’ story even more powerful --> because his impact on the war is significant. His Rage controls the ebb and flow of it. 

He can’t stop the war though. No one can. 

The Gods are Petty as Fuck

Homeric gods look/act like humans, but they’re different mainly because of two things:

1. They can’t die.

That means they treat the events of the war less seriously than the mortals do.

2. The gods know about fate

To the modern reader, it seems like the humans have no agency, but that’s not really the case

Knowing fate is a bit like knowing the plot of a movie. It gives insight into a character’s actions that would otherwise seem random.

By reading this poem, you’re basically a god. Don’t let it go to your head. (But, hey, there’s a reason I’m majoring in this shit)

Bards like Homer would more directly be gods because they changed and adapted the story as they told it, just like the gods influence human actions in the story.

Don't quote me on that tho

Character choices are usually doubly motivated - by the human, and by the gods

Ex: Achilles chooses not to kill Agamemnon because Athena tells him not to.

This is personifying the literal thought process he had so that the reader understands what’s going through his head.

Fate doesn’t force anyone to act out of character --> fate is the consequence of their life choices

The gods not caring about death and his own lack of foresight is what Achilles messes up on

He asks Zeus to help him get revenge on the Greeks because he assumes Zeus cares about that sort of thing, but Zeus is bigger than that.

That leads Patroclus’ death, btw.

The “Enduring Heart” Shit

Achilles is really butthurt that Agamemnon wronged him

The lesson he has to learn is that even if material goods can’t make up for losses, there’s no other option --> you can’t bring people back from the dead, so you have to move on

That’s the Enduring Heart shit

also, if you abstract that concept it sounds kinda like entropy to me (Don’t quote me on that tho)

He learns that lesson by feeling pity for Priam (Hector’s dad) instead of perpetuating the Rage Train

And, hey, that Enduring Heart shit is a lesson that all of us could take to heart. None of us want to die, but it’s gonna happen. Maybe that’s not fair, but throwing a temper tantrum isn’t going to change anything. Really, the only way to avoid being miserable is to embrace our mortality so we can appreciate life while we have it

don’t quote me on that tho

In a nutshell, Achilles has to accept his mortal-ness. Otherwise there’s a lot of unnecessary suffering. 

That’s why we don’t need to see him die in the Iliad even though everyone makes such a big deal about the prophecy about his death. His journey was completed as soon as he found pity in himself instead of Rage - essentially rejecting the godly side of himself (oh yeah, I forgot to mention. His mom is a goddess) and embracing his mortality. 

because gods don’t have to deal with death, they can Rage all they want, remember?

Also, if he never dies, he can’t be reunited with Patroclus. 

OTP OTP OTP

You could probably write an essay about how Achilles died as soon as Patroclus did.

Honestly Boring Historical Context (That might be interesting if you’re a nerd like me?

The poem was basically historical fantasy even when it was first written. There are gods and super strength and shit

Greek History Over-Simplified: The Mycanaean Period was prosperous but ended suddenly. The Dark Ages of Greece followed, and we don’t know much about what happened during that because they forgot the written word was a thin. 

The events of the poem probably take place during the Mycanaean Period because they use bronze weapons. 

But warfare is described from more of a Dark Ages perspective. Like, they don’t use chariots the right way

Which suggests that chariots were part of the source material, then the Dark Ages made people forget how they were supposed to be sued, so the bards just kinda made shit up to explain their presence. (Don’t quote me on that tho)

The Oral Tradition of the poem means that this story was told thousands of times over hundreds (thousands?) of years. So the narrative is hones at shit.

it has the sculpted body of an Olympic athlete. Each muscle toned to do a specific job and everything works perfectly together to accomplish the sporty feat of interest. Every verse is packed with character, setting, plot, and cultural significance

Except for that Catologue of Ships shit. Boooo boring ships.

There were probably lots of other versions of the poem, but Homer told it best. His version was written down as soon as the written word was (re)invented

Side Note that wasn’t in Lombardo’s Intro

The Iliad and Odyssey are both parts of a larger body of work known as the Epic Cycle 

(The Aeneid is basically Caesar Augustus-insert fanfiction at that, btw. Virgil was a satirical fanboy and I’m living for it.)

Characters and events are introduced with the assumptions that the reader already knows their importance

But we only have fragments of the rest of the Cycle today because it was either never written down or the manuscripts were lost

I’m looking at you, Burned Library of Alexandria

*sad fiddle music plays in the background

Videos That I Learned Shit From (Only, like, the first two links are relevant to the topic at hand, btw)

Basic Plot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faSrRHw6eZ8

More about the Epic Cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3bn0eKt4Rw 

Iphigenia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifFsKCrH3GM 

Oresteia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kpGhivh05k             

The Odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-3rHQ70Pag&index=4&list=PLDb22nlVXGgfwG1qbOtNgu897E_ky_8To (Also, this story is my favorite of the Epic Cycle)

The Aeneid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRruBVFXjnY&list=PLDb22nlVXGgfwG1qbOtNgu897E_ky_8To&index=5  

Ancient Greek History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzGVpkYiJ9w&index=2&list=PLDb22nlVXGgexsbafIwirG6Tk9uww9dSW    

And, yeah, these videos are all from the same channel. I’m a basic bitch and a ho for not leaving my comfort zone. Fite me. 

Honestly, if anyone has other sources, let me know. Youtube history/video essays are my shit.

I hope this was helpful.

[ilverhoney]

DO EM ALL! DO EM ALL!

♦: Relationship with your Muse.

I love her to bits and she thinks I’m a lazy ass who needs to actually do replies more often so storylines move along…. at least I would be thinking that with how slow I get. I do adore her, I knew I wanted to write her back when the first movie came out but I was always so shy about trying the fandom. I have a bad bit of history with HP fandom from the myspace days so it almost put me off but I decided to do this when the last movie came out. On the other side, my muse is also very selective and doesn’t always play ball when I do decide to tackle all of my drafts, she mostly wants to play in the ones she considers the most fun at the time. 

♠: What’s one thing you dislike about your Muse?

I don’t always like the fact that she lacks the sense of boundaries with other people. She can hear thoughts and mostly knows that she SHOULDN’T always listen but she is almost incapable of ignoring them. Something makes her talk about them or ask questions …which isn’t great as most wouldn’t want their hidden thoughts discussed but it’s the kind of person she is. And when I say I don’t always like it …. I don’t really hate it or anything, it’s just one thing I can think of as there is very little I dislike. 

♣: Any headcanons about your muse?

For the longest time, Queenie would try her hardest to see any of Tinas thoughts about their parents. There isn’t a huge age gap between the two of them but she knows that Tina remembers more and seeing them was always a comfort to her. 

Queenie has always found it very easy to latch on to another person.In the more recent years (and when it involves someone she find attractive) it can be of the romantic sense but mostly it’s that need for more connections … a familial need. Something she doesn’t always find with Tina as she isn’t always around – not that Queenie holds anything against her, she just misses having someone. 

♥: One thing you love about your Muse.

This is hard, I don’t know why I posted this meme now !! I love everything but most of all, I love that she follows her heart before anything else. She makes mistakes because of it and could end up severely hurt from it but … at the end of the day, her compassion towards the World is something you can’t take away from her and that is definitely one of the things I love the most. 

☾: Favorite moment from your Muse’s canon, and why. (If your Muse is an OC, then favorite aspect of their story.)

I would have to say the moment she uses her genuine charm and wit to actually find a way in to get to her sister. Of course, Tina didn’t end up needing to be rescued from her impending death but Queenie managed to get them all out in the case. Perhaps she was playing on the bombshell trait but it worked and that is proof that Queenie is SMARTER than most think.

☄: What you think of your Muse.

I think that there is a lot of hate around for her which I can understand, especially with the charm she cast on Jacob but I also know that she was never doing anything in malice. She loves him and wanted to make things work … she’s just very naive into thinking that she can just control the situation and make it work. In my mind, she knew that Jacob loved her so she wasn’t pushing something that wasn’t already there … was it wrong? YES. Does she regret her actions? Of course but she also knew there was no other way to get him over there. As for the walking to Grindelwald … that is something I’m still figuring out as I write. I know that she feels it is the only way forward, she wanted Jacob to go with her but when he refused she felt even more inclined to just go. She feels regret over that, a lot of conflict too but that is something I’m working on while I work on plots and such. Obviously we will work that out when we see the next movie too. 

♪: Favorite song.

I love so many songs but one of my favourites of all time has to be Wilson Philips Hold On …. idk, it’s cheesy but I also love Let me be your star from the TV show Smash. I love a lot of musical songs. Most of Wicked too. 

✫: Why you began RPing.

I broke up with my long term boyfriend, moved back home and felt a little lost with what to do with myself. I’d always enjoyed writing for my own benefit but then I found roleplaying on myspace and I never looked back. It was so much fun, a little drama filled for my liking but mostly fun. 

✽: Favorite season?

Spring. I am an EASTER baby. I was actually born on Easter Monday and I always love the weather when it is NICE outside but still a little breezy. 

❂: The Mun’s birthday. (Month and date–no year!)

April 12th :) 

☂: Favorite kind of weather. 

Cold is my favourite kind of weather, like the crisp cold days but over here most of our winter days are rain … or it at least rains at some point. And not the fun storms where they dry out fast. It’s miserable. 

✤: Favorite kind of food.

Chinese food, well pan Asian. 

▲: The Mun’s Zodiac sign. (Any kind of Zodiac works!)

Aries. 

●: If you could say just one thing to your Muse, what would it be?

You are strong and loved, never forget that. 

☑: An OTP with your Muse in it (if you have any).

Totally @bornauror ‘s fault but my OTP with Queenie is Queeneus? Queenie/Theseus. I didn’t see that ship coming but I love it so much and feel so very lucky that they put up with all my plots. 

☒: A NOTP with your Muse in it (if you have any).

Queenie / Tina … no no no. They are sisters but sometimes you need to make that obvious that you won’t ship it. 

☁: Favorite part of RPing.

Meeting new people who love the same fandoms that I do, getting to geek out as much as I want to and not being judged over it. I mean, people in work know I’m a nerd because my desk has pop vinyls all over it …which they all call my TOYS but yeah. Roleplay is such a fun escape and helps me keep my creativity going. 

✉: Any RPers the Mun admires. 

I admire so many but here are a few that I can think of in my sleepy state — @letaunloved @bornauror @creaturempath @practicallyperfecttm @exscurus and okay I could be here all day so I’ll stop but know that I admire you all. 

▶: A talent of the Mun’s (besides RPing, of course!)

I am lacking talent. Unless shopping is one? No, didn’t think so. I used to be able to draw … when my sister went away to university I used to draw her favourite TV characters and send them in letters. It was all pretty lame but she seemed to enjoy them enough to keep them … I also did a Vegeta birthday cake for my brother once which came out pretty good so that was an achievement. :)

MUN MEME ¬ Accepting ( some could have other answers?) ¬ @letaunloved

[ccurry00]

Kyosaya OneShot

Figured I should try another of my otps. I’m trying another fic type so its very experimental and hope I did it some justice! The song in the fic is Play That Song by Train. I was just listening to it one day and got hit with the idea for this fic. Enjoy!

It couldn’t get any worse, could it?. First of all, a certain pink-haired individual had been too caught up in some family matter to come to school, and her other supposed best friend was too busy with her boyfriend. There was a test she was pretty sure she bombed due to a lack of studying accommodating for her nightly activities, plus she dropped her lunch at the cafeteria, leaving her starving for most of the day. She was chewed out by a teacher in front of her classmates for being a minute late to class after said lunch, oh and have she mentioned forgetting to bring her homework and ended up staying behind to do it? It wasn't the end of the world, but it sure damn sucked.

Sayaka finally stepped relievedly into her apartment, her eyes glancing around as she stretched. It was one of the high-end residences in town, and it was supposedly her home. Comfortable was the word to describe her life growing up, but not necessarily happy. While understanding her parents having to work constantly and appreciative of Madoka's company, more often than not she wished sometimes they could be around more often. Sighing, her feet bounded towards the fridge to pick out a box of juice and poured herself a glass.

Tv or a nap? ,she thought. Well, i guess ei-

"Whats up?"

What was in her mouth was now everywhere when the very, very familiar voice spoke up. Coughing, she placed her glass on the kitchen counter before the temptation to throw it at the owner became too strong.

"Kyoko! Couldn't you greet like a normal person? Ring the doorbell, wait for me to open the door, and THEN say "Whats up"?"

"Oooo well, your window was open so uhh force of habit? " Kyoko snickered as she took a dry napkin near the kitchen basin to wipe up the mess on the floor she inadvertently created. Its the least she could do for scaring her.

"Having a swell day?"

A sigh came as she fetched another cloth to join her.

"You have no idea, I'm pretty sure the universe is trying to make me as miserable as possible today. And our night patrols haven't even started"

"Sounds rough"

"Urgghh its been weeks now, and you'd think Hitomi would stop being so clingy and start hanging out with me more"

"You sure you're not just jealous?"

"Kyoko"

"Alright, alright I was just kidding"

"...Urghhh, let's not talk about it, or my day really. It's giving me a headache as it is"

She stood up as they cleaned the last of it and Kyoko handed her the napkin she used.  

"What brings you here anyway?" she asked as she headed over to the basin.

"Oh...I thought we could go somewhere to hang out and then meet the others at night?"

"Kyoko I don't think now is the right time" The napkins in her hands wetted as the automatic sensors detected and turned the tap on." I just feel like watching boring tv or rest for a while"

"Oh come on, we haven't hung out in a while"

"I know...but just not today?" She placed the rags aside before facing back to her with an apologetic smile.

Kyoko just raised an eyebrow in response, shortly followed by a smirk across her cheeks.

"Let me borrow your phone' And promptly took it from her pocket

"Hey, Kyoko what are you-"

"Calm down, princess, trust me here for a sec here will you?

A beep indicated her phone was connected to the apartment speakers as Kyoko tapped on the screen before a pleasant song played out. Placing it on the counter, her hand extended to Sayaka.

"Dance with me"

"What? Kyoko I don't feel like-"

Rolling her eyes, Kyoko grabbed Sayaka's hands and started shimmying her shoulders to the beat.

"Come on Sayaka, it'll be fun"

She still stared at her nonplussed, her arms remaining limp in her grip. But Kyoko was anything but persistent and started to sing along.

".....When you gonna play that song, now

When you gonna earn that pay

When you gonna play that song and make my day

She said, play that song

The one that makes me go all night long, if you know what I mean" prompting Sayaka to snort and playfully slap her shoulder. Kyoko took her hand again, intertwining their fingers this time while looking intently into the azure eyes as she resumed her singing, her body swinging sideways.

“The one that makes me think of you

That's all you gotta do,

Hey, play that song

The one the makes me stay out till dawn

The one that makes me go, ooh

That's all you gotta do”

Kyoko could see the edges of Sayaka' lips curling up, her cheeks reddening just a bit as her feet began shuffling along to the music.  

Hey, Mr. Guitar

When you gonna strum it

My girl just heard this song and you should play it 'cause she loves it  Kyoko chose this moment to land a quick peck on Sayaka's forehead, causing her to giggle.

Can you get me off the hook, get them fingers picking now

I'll throw some money in your cup

Mister, please don't let me down

When you gonna play that song, now

Why you gotta hesitate

When you gonna play that song

And make my day 

Sayaka's initial reluctance was gradually chipped away as her body responded even more at Kyoko's infectious enthusiasm and goofy moves to the chorus once more. 

"Looks like you got some moves there."

"Kyoko, this is hardly dancing"

"Yea it's fine. Not everybody can be as good as me"

"Ohh you dork" But she broke out in stitches when Kyoko suddenly held their interlocked hands out and wrapped her arms around her lower back to pull her close, before swaying their hips in wide arc comically.

Oh

Wait till you see my baby moo-oo-oove

Moo-oo-oove Moo-oo-oove

Moo-oo-oove Wait till you see my baby moo-oo-oove

Moo-oo-oove Moo-oo-oove

Moo-oo-oove

“HAHAHAHA Kyoko!”

But she wasn’t finished. She couldn't resist mixing in other innuendos as she sang the final stretch, pulling off extravagant moves at the same time without letting Sayaka go, even going as far as lifting her up into the air with ease and twirling around, eliciting a loud squeal in both surprise and more delighted laughter.

Oh come on now

Play that song

The one that makes her go all night long

The one that makes her think of me

That's all you gotta do

Heeeyyy

Play that song

The one that makes her stay out till dawn

The one that makes her go oo

That's all you gotta do

Oo oo oo oo

Oo oo oo oo

Kyoko eventually settled Sayaka down, both her hands still on her waist. A pair of arms circle around Kyoko's neck and their bodies rocked gently against each other while the song finished its course, their heads inching closer.  

Her woeful day behind her now, Sayaka's eyes softened at the girl in front of her. Kyoko was smiling, not her usual smirks, but actual genuine smiles that were mostly reserved for her, and the little fang she always had amplifying her its already adorable factor. Her fiery eyes were especially gentle, the red pupils swimming with so much emotion. The music had changed into one of a slower tone, and Sayaka shifted to rest her head on Kyoko's green jacket. Even in its ratty state, Kyoko always wore it well, but it's her scent more than anything that always filled her with a sense of peace in their crazy lives. Their impromptu dance turned into a slow waltz, and Kyoko stopped her singing to hum instead, her cheek leaning on the warm weight on her shoulder but never breaking their rhythmic trance.

"Kyoko...."Sayaka finally leaning back to gaze at her affectionately."....Thank you"

"Don't mention it, I just don't like seeing you upset"

"Huh, that's pretty romantic coming from you, and you’re a hopeless slob"

“Hey, even a slob has her charms. I got you after all didn't I?

Instead of responding, she tilted her head and gave her a brief kiss. As expected, Kyoko's face colored to the same tint as her hair.

"What makes you think you got me? Pretty sure it’s the other way around, considering how much of a blushing mess you are" Sayaka grinned.

"......Shut up"

"Awwww just say that you-hmmpp"

Kyoko had returned to her lips, most probably to stop her teasing, but she melted into it anyways.

For now, at least, magical girls and wraiths be damned. They stayed that way for a long moment, unwilling to separate. The background music that had enveloped the house was all but forgotten, and taking its place, was the sweet, sweet feeling of home.

[mattysrpt-blog]

in celebration of hitting my next hundred, and of turning twenty five, i've compiled a list of eighty five who in your otp? questions that you can find under the cut. i got most of these from my best friend and i throwing these questions back and forth to help inspire our ship muse, so i help it helps you too! pls give a like or reblog if you found this helpful at all!

who in your otp:

drives when they go on road trips? do they switch at the halfway point? does one drive there and the other drive back?

looks over the menu for fifteen minutes before ordering the same thing they order EVERYWHERE they go? does the other half of your ship get annoyed by this, or do they find it endearing?

is more likely to get arrested?

is afraid of rollercoasters? does the other half of your ship try and convince them to face the fear, or do they take a softer approach and not push them at all?

shows up at home with a dog unannounced despite the fact they've already got three/four/however many pets?

demands that they do date night? does the other person complain or do they go with it just to see the excited look on their partners face?

is the clumsy one whose always tripping up flights of stairs or over their own feet? does it stress the other half of your ship out or do they find it hilarious?

picks the music when they're in the car? does the other complain about their taste in music?

insists on paying for everything when they're out? do they fight about it?

is the one to quietly suggest they get high together for the first time? how does the other half of your ship react?

is secretly terrified of horror movies and yet watches them all the time bc its something the other half of your ship loves?

talks in their sleep? does their partner record it and call them out, or not tell them and keep it as a secret so they can keep enjoying it?

brings up the conversation of marriage + babies? how does the conversation go?

has to pull the other back by their back of their sweater when they try and do something stupid in public?

is more likely to pick the other up from the airport with an obnoxiously large cardboard sign? what does the sign say?

tries to cook a meal and accidentally almost burns the house down?

deliberately makes a squeaky chair squeak until the other person flips out?

falls asleep no matter what position they're in + needs to be carried to bed?

is the little spoon when they cuddle?

hates thunderstorms and needs to be comforted for the duration?

brings the other breakfast in bed? is it a proper cooked breakfast - or just an old muffin?

convinces the other to go on a hike? do they love it, or are they absolutely miserable?

can never admit they're wrong?

lets the dog sleep on the bed when the other isn't paying attention?

uses emojis in replace of words? does it drive the other person insane?

who decorates their house? does the other come home and blink at all the pastel pink and force a smile despite how much they hate it?

is more likely to get into a fight to defend the other?

is constantly spewing random facts about absolutely anything and everything? does it annoy the other person or do they find it all interesting?

is the lovey dovey drunk?

laughs at their own jokes? does the other laugh at the joke... or at their partner?

is competitive about EVERYTHING?

apologises first when they have a fight?

makes the other a flower crown? does the other wear it without complaint or beg not to be embarrassed?

is more likely to put their fist through a wall when they're angry?

sends the other memes despite the fact they're laying in bed next to each other?

wears the others clothes the most?

pranks the other on a near constant basis? how does the other react?

comes up with obnoxiously sappy pet names for the other just to watch them roll their eyes?

forgets their anniversary?

is impulsive and makes big choices for them without stopping to think through what it all means?

writes cute messages for the other on the bathroom mirror when they have a shower?

has to do the dishes because the other gags any time they stick thier hands in the water?

jumps into the pool without testing the temperature, and who dips their toes in first?

tries to kill bugs in the house... and which one stops them and gets the bug out of the house alive and well?

can speak a second/third/forth language and uses it to annoy the other when they're fighting?

says i love you first? does the other immediately say it back?

wins when they arm wrestle?

gets caught singing some old, corny one direction song to themselves?

is forever forcing the other to take selfies with them? does the other person complain every time?

shows up at the others house with chinese food + a six pack of beer when they're having a bad day?

sends the cheesy good morning/night texts?

can never admit that they were wrong?

suggests they send out a christmas card together? does the other go for it, or question when they turned into old people?

is a morning person and who pulls the covers up over their head and begs for five more minutes?

is constantly insisting they won't need a jacket before they go out... and then has to steal the others when they get cold?

is a smoker and has to deal with the other forever showing them gross photos to try and convince them to quit?

decides they need to go on a health binge and throws out all the sugary food in the house? how does the other react?

holds all the important documents when they're travelling? why?

hates flying? how does the other help them relax before/during/after a flight?

is more likely to suggest a lil fool around in the bathrooms at a club? how does the other react?

plans a night of boardgames for date night, and who plans a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant?

cries watching the news?

teases the other one for having a crush on them... despite the fact they've been dating for a year?

belives in aliens?

is constantly leaving the lights on in every room in the house?

rocks the seat on the ferris wheel?

is a terrible liar?

is always reading the other their star sign despite the fact they don't believe in any of it?

who panics when mecury goes into retrograde?

insists they watch documentaries to broaden their knowledge?

is constantly renovating part of their house but not finishing one thing before moving on to the next?

uses all the hot water?

is the shower person? whose the bath person?

is most likely to be unfaithful?

bonus questions:

what is your otps song?

do their families approve of the relationship? why/why not?

whose friends do they hang out with more?

what do they do on their first date? did they have a first date, or did they just sort of... start dating?

what is their favorite way to spend the holidays? do they go to one of their families houses? or do they create their own tradition by staying in bed listening to christmas music and getting drunk?

what do they name their dog? do the give it a super boring name like allen - or do they name it something like bubblegum princess?

how do they handle emergencies? does one of them crack under the pressure - or do they bicker because they both need to be in control?

how did they meet? were they immediately drawn to each other?

what do they fight about the most? how do they resolve their fights?

[thelioncourts]

what are some of the most beautiful fics of wincest or j2? in your opinion? what the some of the funniest fics? which fics made you cry the most?

this is such a loaded question. our fandom is full of so many amazing stories and so many talented authors, and it’s almost impossible for me to make a list of anything without it being three miles long. that being said, I’ll try. mind you, I am far less read in Wincest. despite my love of it, J2 fics have always called to me more, and always, so forgive me if most of what I give are J2 stories. the beautiful and the ones that make me cry often criss-cross, so I’ll do my best to organize them as much as I can.

Beautiful Fics

Forever is a Lonely Number by lightinthehall

[ Written for the prompt ] “Jensen never ages, Jared does, but they stay together forever.”

Comment: an absolutely breathtaking story. so much is said in so few words and I both ache and dream and sigh happily at this story every time.

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 3286; Warnings: character death

In Becoming Who We Are by errant-jane

Fresh out of school with a degree from the University of Washington, Jensen meets and falls for Jeff Morgan. He may not know what he wants to do with his life, but for the first time since leaving Texas, he feels like things are coming together. Jeff seems like the perfect guy, right up until it all falls apart, and Jensen is left wondering where he went wrong. A couple failed relationships and a few years later, Jensen’s decided that one-night stands are preferable to dates. He’s got his friends and his roommate, Sophia, for everything non-sex related, after all. Until Sophia decides to move in with her boyfriend and Jensen’s stuck trying to find a new roommate. At Sophia’s insistence, Jensen meets Jared Padalecki and the two become fast friends. Only, the more they get to know each other, the more obvious it is that there’s something there. But Jensen is unwilling to risk losing Jared’s friendship for the possibility of more. Unfortunately, if he doesn’t get things figured out, he might lose Jared anyway.

Comment: this story is causes so much emotional confusion for me because it’s so perfect with just Jensen and Jeff and I couldn’t see how it would end up with Jared in the picture at all and then it just. happens. and it’s amazing to watch Jensen grow and to watch Jared worm his way, unknowingly really, into Jensen’s heart.

Rating: NC-17; Word Count: 82700; Warnings: none

A Song in the Stars by strive2bhappy

Jared Padalecki has dreamed of taking to the skies since he was five-years-old. When he becomes an adult and builds a spaceship of his own, he gets to do just that, looking for adventure – little did he know the adventure waiting for him. Jensen Ackles is born part human, part Terryn and his life as an outcast is difficult – music is his only real escape. When he’s captured by the Dominion, an organization hell-bent on taking over every galaxy in every way they can, he’s used as a lab experiment to see how his special, combined heritage can be advantageous for them. Fleeing Dominion control, he vows to himself, they will never find him again. A chance meeting between Jared and Jensen helps both of them get what they’re looking for – and the way things end up, it may have been more than just chance. From various planets throughout different galaxies, to nights under the stars in space, Jared and Jensen find in each other something worth fighting – and possibly dying – for.

Comment: I think about this story so often. sometimes I look at the stars and think of these boys.

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 39813; Warnings: none

Meet You at the Dock by grace_fully

jensen’s a third-year ivy league student home in small town Vermont for the summer. the lake, his family, his friends – all the way he left them last year. except jared. jared’s new.

Comment: grace_fully is one of the most talented writers this fandom has had and I miss her so much. this story is so simple and gorgeous and you can feel the pining just as much as you can feel drip of sweat on your skin in a muggy summer.

Rating: PG-13; Word Count: 5800; Warnings: None

Miles to Go by @dollyluxe

As Jensen’s assistant, Jared takes care of him at work. As a man in love, he can’t help that he wants to wrap him up in a warm blanket and take care of him in every other aspect of his life, too.

Comment: I read this fic at least once a month, if not more. it’s a Christmas fic that is so much more than a Christmas fic. it makes your heart stop in your chest and it makes you want. 

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 8176; Warnings: none

Funniest Fics

So Hurry Up and Bring Your Jukebox Money by curds_and_wheyface

It’s Mardi Gras at the beach and Chad wants to film Jared getting laid for his website. It says a lot about their friendship that this isn’t even the weirdest thing Chad’s ever asked of him.

Comment: it’s steaming hot and hysterical and Chad is a main character, which guarantees laughter. 

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 7527; Warnings: voyeurism, alcohol 

(A Shortage of) Sense and Sensibility by lightinthehall

[ Mockumentary!AU fic ] Except Jared just can’t understand why Jensen isn’t off-the-charts, truly, madly, deeply in love with him. He’s pretty used to merely looking at people and having them swoon all over the place. Not Jensen. Not only is Jensen apparently immune to the sex-power-stare of Jared Padalecki, he’s never around to witness it. Every time the director yells That’s a wrap! Jared turns to say, ask Jensen out for something casual like coffee at his place – or sex on the coffee table at his place -  poof! Jensen’s gone before he can even get a word out.

Comment: I love the mockumentary. I love that weirdo universe’s not-Jared and not-Jensen. this fic captures that so much and I just giggle constantly.

Rating: Teen; Word Count: 3533; Warnings: none

A Man’s Fortune by morrezela 

Jared is a dragon. Jensen is a pretty if foolhardy young man trespassing on Jared’s mountain. Nobody ever warned Jensen about the possessive nature of dragons.

Comment: this is so much more than just a funny fic, but it is funny and made me laugh out loud at times. Jared is just. so sad (hysterically sad) that Jensen doesn’t want to be captured by him, and I just. the poor thing. 

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 25791; Warnings: dubious consent 

To Hell and Back by ashtraythief

It is said that if a demon steals an angel from heaven he’ll gain immense power. Jared is a demon who doesn’t fit in and when he finds a spell to open a passage to heaven, he thinks he’s found a solution to all his problems: angel power. But Jensen, the angel he takes, is not at all what he expected a celestial being to be like and things don’t go as planned. At all. In the ensuing chaos, Jared and Jensen have to form a strained alliance to survive and embark on a dangerous journey through the deepest pits of hell to flee from Jared’s rivals and all the other demons jonesing for angel blood.

Comment: I read this last year and it was one of my favorites of the Big Bang that year. Jared is the most hysterical and adorablely wonderful demon and Jensen is the most un-angel-y guy and their adventure is amazing, whilst having a fantastic plot.

Rating: Explicit; Word Count: 28378; Warnings: violence

Decaffeinated by Molly

In which Jensen develops a drinking problem, and Jared solves it for him.

Comment: we all know that Jensen + coffee is the true OTP and, as a fellow coffee addict, I just couldn’t not love this fic

Rating: General; Word Count: 5071; Warnings: none 

#FlyTheUnfriendlySkies by dugindeep

Jensen is a customer service agent in American Airlines’ Admirals Club and Jared is the crabby celebrity who is always in his face.

Comment: literally just. this fic. lmao. 

Rating: NC-17; Word Count: 7600; Warnings: none

Fics that Made Me Cry

The Courtship of Jensen’s Co-Star by @qblackheart

Somewhere in the time between a handshake and a hug, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki went from being reel-life brothers to real-life best friends, and complete strangers to cosmic soul mates, no rhyme or reason to it that either of them could ever see. Jared was everything Jensen was not: friendly, funny, and full of life; one in six-point-whatever billion the Earth’s population currently stood at. Life was awesome. Work was amazing. Everything was fine until Jared kissed Jensen. Everything was peachy until Jensen fell in love. With desperate times unexpectedly calling for desperate measures, Jensen called Chad Michael Murray for relationship advice – because being in love led to temporary insanity obviously – so it really didn’t surprise him that he couldn’t seem to win when it came to wooing Jared. Still, Pisces must’ve been in a really good place in the night sky or something because suddenly, right smack dab in the middle of the miserable courtship of his co-star, Jensen discovered that maybe loving Jared was all he needed to do to win his heart. And luckily for Jensen, loving Jared was also the one thing he did best.

Comment: I talk about this fic all the time, but, god, I can’t help it. it’s them. and I cry and my hands shake and I’m completely overwhelmed by them. always.

Rating: NC-17; Word Count: 112,000+; Warnings: none

Forget-Me-Not by @babybrotherdean  

In 1547, they meet as children. Sometimes, even when two people are truly meant to be together, it takes a few lifetimes across a few centuries for everything to sort itself out.

Comment: reincarnation. meant-to-be. losing each other. ache ache ache. 

Rating: Mature; Word Count: 9400; Warnings: character death

I Saw You Shine by @dollyluxe

Jared gets a glimpse into Jensen’s new life.

Comment: this was written for me so I’m probably a bit biased (I cried when I saw the notification, let alone the tears that came when I read it), but I absolutely sob reading this story. I understand them both more than I care to ever explain, and it’s the most gorgeous kind of pain that ends as happy as it can because it’s our boys and it has to. 

Rating: Teen; Word Count: 3203; Warnings: depression, suicidal thoughts

Criminal Intentions by fftf

One murdered girl and no solid suspects’ leads local sheriff Jeffrey Dean Morgan to Jared - son of respected ex-sheriff, Gerald Padalecki, and soon-to-be newlywed. With nothing but shared history and circumstantial evidence to link him to the case, Jared’s name is cleared, but there is more than one life destroyed that night and harsh truths are brought to light which threaten everything Jared thought he could count on. Four years later Jared Padalecki returns to his hometown, and his old life – including his best friend and ex-fiancé Jensen – as a successful Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Jared has received information which endangers Jensen and everything Jared still holds dear, but his investigation provides him with more than he bargained for, including worrying insights into the crime that destroyed his life. Is Genevieve Cortese’s killer back and gunning for Jensen? Or is there more to the case than meets the eye?

Comment: this isn’t so much a crying-fic as it is just pure emotion. it’s so charged and intense and I could feel my breathing drop at times and. ugh. yes.

Rating: NC-17; Word Count: 69350; Warnings: character death

And a fic that fits all of these categories:

sadly is not online anymore. but.

The Doors of Time by felisblanco

god. this story. my forever-favorite fic ever. absolutely ever. I sob and dream and can see everything. absolutely everything that happens in this story. I wish I was more eloquent with my words so I could tell you what this story means to me, and one day I will. one day I’ll get all my thoughts about this story down. one day I’ll be able to comprehend the pain and joy this story brings me.  

[maddub23]

In honor of Valentine’s Day I’m going to do OTP prompts with some of my OTPs

Next: I can’t think of any other ones that I want to do this for and since no one is really going to see these probably and I’m just doing them cause they’re fun I’m going to stick to Marinette and Adrien and Lucy and Aspen. Okay? Okay.

talks in their sleep? does their partner record it and call them out, or not tell them and keep it as a secret so they can keep enjoying it?

-Lucy talks in her sleep. Aspen doesn’t say anything about it but he will take note of it and try to drop what she said into conversation in the morning. Just to see if she reacts.

-Adrien talks in his sleep and Marinette always listens to what he says and never says anything about it except for when he says something funny and she wakes him up from laughing.

brings up the conversation of marriage + babies? how does the conversation go?

-probably Aspen brought up marriage. Aspen is the bold one in the relationship so I think one day he’d just be like “I think we should get married.” And she of course goes along with it. As for babies I feel like it was always just kind of an unspoken thing. Of course they wanted kids, they just knew and didn’t have to say anything. Well, they didn’t have to say anything until the first miscarriage. After that they were both terribly sad. But Aspen just kept telling her that they would keep trying, and that it would work. They would have a baby, they just would.

-I think Marinette would be the first to actually say it. Even after all this time she still daydreamed about Adrien. One day she was caught up in imagining what their wedding would be like. That’s when Adrien came in. “Whatcha thinking about?” He says as he hugs her from behind and kisses her on the cheek. “Our wedding... wait! What? No I mean... not that we are getting married.... well! Gotta go!” Adrien of course knew that they were moving towards this and he thought her daydreaming and occasional spaz attack was cute so he just laughed and texted her later to say it was okay. A few weeks later he popped the question. At some point during their engagement Marinette asked Adrien if he wanted kids and he said that he did but wasn’t sure he was ready yet. She agreed.

has to pull the other back by their back of their sweater when they try and do something stupid in public?

-Lucy would never do anything stupid in public. Aspen on the other hand... well he did. When he did Lucy would simply put her hand on his arm and give him a look that could stop a herd of elephants in their tracks.

-Marinette would constantly be making sure Adrien wasn’t being stupid in public. However he was always watching out for her too. Not so much that she would do something stupid but she might make a fool of herself from time to time and he was there for her when she did. There have been many times when she hid in his chest for a while until she felt better

is more likely to pick the other up from the airport with an obnoxiously large cardboard sign? what does the sign say?

-here’s how I picture aspen doing things. He would not stop at a big sign for his wife. Oh no. He would get a palace guard to escort his wife back home.

-We all know how Adrien or more so Chat likes to acknowledge his lady. Just picture that in sign form.

tries to cook a meal and accidentally almost burns the house down?

-Aspen isn’t actually a terrible cook. But he would probably be the one to get distracted while cooking or get called into work and forget about the food and then things happen.

-Adrien has never cooked in his life. He tries once and it goes horribly wrong. Next time he wants to make something for Marinette, he goes to the bakery and has her parents help him.

deliberately makes a squeaky chair squeak until the other person flips out?

-once again it’s Aspen. It just is. But he would watch her very carefully to be sure he didn’t push it too far.

-both Adrien and Marinette would do this. I just imagine them hanging out in Marinette’s loft and one doing this. It has happened several times. They both think it’s funny as long as they are the one doing it.

falls asleep no matter what position they’re in + needs to be carried to bed?

-Lucy often tries to stay awake until Aspen gets home but she usually doesn’t make it. If the lamp in the living room is on when Aspen gets home he knows that his wife is near by. He gently kisses her forehead to wake her up a bit so that she can hold on and get comfortable when he picks her up to carry her to bed

-Adrien would probably be the one to fall asleep in random places but since Marinette can’t lift him, she would grab a blanket and tuck him in wherever he is. When Marinette falls asleep somewhere then Adrien would carry her to the nearest bed.

is the little spoon when they cuddle?

-Already covered this is past post for Aspen and Lucy. Lucy small, Aspen big

-Adrien and Marinette always start with Adrien as big and Marinette as little but they always seem to switch after they fall asleep

brings the other breakfast in bed? is it a proper cooked breakfast - or just an old muffin?

-Lucy would cook breakfast but if aspen worked all night he would bring Lucy something from the palace kitchen

-Marinette would bring Adrien breakfast from the bakery at least once a week

convinces the other to go on a hike? do they love it, or are they absolutely miserable?

-Lucy tries really hard to pretend like she enjoys the hikes Aspen drags her on sometimes

-It would always be Marinette’s idea but both Adrien and her really enjoy going on hikes together

uses emojis in replace of words? does it drive the other person insane?

-Both Aspen and Lucy would text pretty normally but when a message is just one word like “okay” Lucy would type it out and Aspen would do a thumbs up emoji. Lucy doesn’t really mind though

-Marinette doesn’t use them in place of words but definitely gets carried away sometimes with them. Adrien likes it because it is just her personality shining through her texts.

who decorates their house? does the other come home and blink at all the pastel pink and force a smile despite how much they hate it?

-Lucy would take care of most of the decorating and was very rational about it, making sure both her and Aspen liked it, but Aspen would be the type to bring home a really ugly lamp or something and Lucy would not let him put it in her house

-If Marinette was left alone to decorate the house I think she would lose control and it could get bad. She would just have so many ideas running through her head. That’s why Adrien wouldn’t leave her alone to do it, she would take the lead and he would be there to pull her back when she needed it.

is more likely to get into a fight to defend the other?

-Aspen knows that Lucy has a harder time sticking up for herself than he does so if anyone ever gives her trouble he is quick to jump in and make sure that no one hurts her or makes her uncomfortable

-Adrien would obviously put on a show about “protecting his lady” but Marinette can also stick up for herself. When someone says something rude about Adrien you beats believe Marinette is going to say something. And just imagine what it’s like when Marinette catches some girl looking at Adrien and she gets jealous...

is the lovey dovey drunk?

-I feel like when Lucy is drunk she just wants to cuddle with Aspen. And I think that the first time she told him she loved him was probably when they went to a party at the palace or something and got a little too wasted

-both are already pretty lovey dovey when sober but even more so when hammered. Picture this Adrien, Marinette, Alya, and Nino all go out for drinks one night. Once they’ve had a few drinks, Marinette and Adrien are confessing they’re love for each other like a middle school couple, “you’re cute” “not as cute as you!” Stuff like that. Then Alya goes “you guys do realize you’re already dating right...”

is competitive about EVERYTHING?

-In General, Aspen was more competitive but when they were playing games just them two, Lucy would get super competitive

-I feel like Adrien is a little more competitive but I don’t think any of them ever get overly competitive

apologises first when they have a fight?

-Lucy would be the first to get over the fight but it was almost always Aspens fault so he would be the one to apologize

-Their fights always ended pretty fast and they would take turns apologizing

makes the other a flower crown? does the other wear it without complaint or beg not to be embarrassed?

-Lucy would make one once and Aspen would insist that she wears it and then after that whenever there was a patch of flowers, Aspen would make one for her

-Adrien and Marinette would make them for each other and wear them with pride.

is more likely to put their fist through a wall when they’re angry?

-I think Aspen would be more physical when angry but I don’t think he’d punch a wall. I think that he would either have a punching bag to let out steam or go for a run

-Neither of them would punch a wall. But Adrien would be more prone to yell when angry and Marinette would be super passive aggressive