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9worldstales · 3 years ago

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MCU Loki Ep 2 “The Variant” intensive analysis

So, the 2nd “Loki” episode come out and, again, I couldn’t stop myself from talking about it.

Beware about spoilers!

After a brief summary that’s basically made by showing us the most relevant scenes of Episode 1 we’ve the Marvel opening, this time with its usual music… though the Marvel studios logo is still in green and gold.

We start this episode in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1985, the year of “Back of the future”, only there’s no Martin or Doc or the DeLorean, but just some sort of medieval fair.

Pity.

Anyway Minutemen get on the place and didn’t care at all about how they’re attracting the general attention with their look. We know why, because they think to reset the timeline before leaving so it’s not like their magical apparition might change something.

They believe they’ve detected the Variant so they enter in a tent thinking they can capture them… only to fall straight in a trap, as the Variant was waiting for them, starting a registration as soon as they are where the Variant wants them to be.

Yeah, the registration was meant to be for the show that should have taken place there but the Minutemen are smart enough to get it’s a trap.

After a recorded message that seem to imply in that tent there was meant to happen some sort of contest or show about saving a princess…

My lords, my ladies, welcome and thank you for joining us, here at the castle. Please, settle into your seats for a great battle is about to commence. The prize? Our princess. Will evil prevail, or are we holding out for a hero?

…the song by Bonnie Tyler “Holding Out For A Hero” starts and, as it does Hunter C-20 gets possessed by the Variant (we can see a hand touching her head, green magic on the tip of its finger, and then Hunter C-20’s eyes take an odd green colouring for a moment, a sign she’s possessed) and starts murdering out her own men in a joint effort with the Loki Variant. However while she fights she suddenly drops unconscious and a figure in a cape, clearly our Variant, stabs with her sword the last minuteman. Then, as usual, the Variant steals from the Minuteman what she needs and, this time, also kidnaps Hunter C-20 before disappearing.

Many have seen in the scene a reference to the Shrek 2 scene in which Shrek and his friends storm the castle in order to stop Fiona from kissing Charming, disguised as Shrek.

Me, I would just want to know if the princess is meant to be Hunter C-20 or this Loki Variant.

We’ll see.

Well, anyway we get the Loki title and them we find ourselves with Loki reading a jet ski magazine when Miss Minute would want him to review what he had learnt instead. She tries to quiz him but, although Loki seems to know the answers, he’s not interested in being quizzed, defining it boring.

His attention focuses on Miss Minute, asking her if she’s a recording or alive. She explains she’s both.

Loki looks around then tries to test it, rolling the magazine and attempting to use it to hit Miss Minute, who jumps around in an effort to avoid his blows. He seems to have fun. If this is idea of venting for the mistreatment he suffered at the hands of the TVA or he’s just being playful that’s up to speculation.

Miss Minute escapes inside the pc, complaining he’s being a jerk.

Mobius joins him and from his dialogue we discover the magazine is actually Mobius’ not Loki’s. The guy gives him a package, telling him they’ve to go and that he has to wear what’s inside it, which is actually a jacket, which Loki wears.

They join the others and Hunter B-15 explains how C-20 and her team disappeared in 1885 and they expect it to be an ambush by a Loki Variant, although they don’t know which kind of Loki Variant it can be. Loki suggests they’re the lesser kind, lesser than him, of course.

Hunter B-15 demands to see the back of his jacket on which we can see the writing Variant. She laughs seeing the writing, mockingly, the way one would when he has managed to put an insulting sign on someone’s back without them realizing.

Loki points out she was very subtle in it and she explains she doesn’t want anyone to forget who he is… which, I guess, means Hunter B-15 found yellow, star shaped badges too subtle or maybe not fitting to everyone they deemed a less human to prune away.

Still Loki asks her back if she means they shouldn’t forger he’s their only hope of capturing a murderer.

B-15, who never believed him to be capable of something, correct him saying they should never forget he’s ‘a cosmic mistake’. In short the writing is there to make him recognizable, to ostracize and to humiliate him. He’s not like them, he’s a Variant.

She’s not doing this because he’s dangerous and they should be wary of him, just because he shouldn’t exist.

Mobius states that this is enough… which hints he’s not enjoying this, but he allowed it to happen and didn’t even warn or prepare Loki about it.

Long story short he’s clearly different from B-15 who relishes in all this (and mind you, this is not a critic to Wunmi Mosaku, who’s awesome in the part, just to her character) but he still doesn’t really take a big stance against it as he stopped it only when it dragged on too long.

Mobius brings them back to business, telling everyone they’re looking for a Loki, a variation of the guy with them. He reminds them they should be familiar with Loki because they had pruned more Loki Variants than any other Variant and they’re all different, in appearances.

As Mobius speak we’re shown some Loki Variations with their numbers. Our Loki is the Variant L1130.

I wanted to check the numbers near the Lokis but it seems there had been a mistake in the handling of the numbers

Jotun Loki appears to have first the number L1247 but in the close up it switches to L6792

Cyclist Loki is L1247 and the hulking one is L6792 while the green dressed one is L8914 and the last one with the big helmet is L7803.

Long story short Jotun Loki has probably 2 wrong numbers pasted on himself as they belong to other variations but all the Lokis’ numbers has in common the letter L at the beginning which I guess, stands for Loki.

The visual makes something interesting, projecting the various variants on Loki, which makes us immediately aware of the differences but also reminds us they’re all still Loki.

What leaves me perplex is how those Variants became so different from the original Loki. I mean, our Loki was caught few minutes after he escaped. Unless those Loki managed to escape to the TVA for a while (which would risk the timeline to reach a red line so it seems unlikely it happened) how did they manage to deviate so much from how they were meant to be in the Sacred Timeline?

I mean cyclist Loki would have needed the time to take part to a race to in that cup!

It’s true that in this episode it will turn out the TVA worries only of deviations that impact the timeline, so maybe the TVA started worrying late in their case but it’s still weird.

Anyway Mobius starts digging into the powers they’ve in common which are shape-shifting, illusion-projection, duplication-casting and Mobius’ favourite, which we don’t get to hear as Loki interrupts Mobius saying he got one of the names of his power wrong, it’s Duplication-casting, not Illusion-projection and explains the differences between the two, finishing with:

“But you already knew that.”

… which they didn’t. In short it’s Loki’s turn to point out they act as if they know him when they don’t know him and his powers as well as they think and that he’s actually of some use.

On a sidenote there’s to wonder which one is Mobius’ Loki’s favourite power and if it’s meant to be relevant. This Variant showed it could posses people, and I wonder if what happened to Selvig at the end of “Thor” is a hint our Loki can as well. Our Loki could travel through the secret paths… in “Thor” he could spell his knives, which we know he can make appear out of nowhere. In deleted scenes we learn he could cause mist to appear. “Thor: Ragnarok” said Loki turned Thor into a frog. I wouldn’t mind if he were to start turn people of the TVA into frogs.

Anyway Mobius accepts his explanation and tells the others they’re gonna break in two teams, one of which will include himself and ‘professor Loki’.

B-15’s words about Loki being a cosmic failure clearly made an impression as one of the minutemen question the idea and Mobius is forced to admit since they can’t find this Loki Variant they need an ‘expert’.

Loki takes his chance to remind everyone that by expert Mobius means him. He’s there because he has a use, an importance, a role and they shouldn’t look down on him.

The scene switches.

Loki and Mobius are walking toward the door that will bring them in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1985.

Loki, repeating a pattern seen in “Thor: The Dark World” asks for a weapon…

Loki (Thor: The Dark World): “You could at least furnish me with a weapon. My dagger, something!”

Loki (Loki): “Do I get a weapon?”

…which Mobius refuses to give him. Loki though points out once out of the TVA he’ll have his magic back and asks Mobius if no one is worried he’ll betray them.

Loki: “Well, I'll have my magic back. Is no one concerned about that?”

Mobius: “Of what?”

Loki: “Me betraying you.”

This also is something we saw in “Thor: The Dark World”.

Loki: “You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?”

Mobius can’t say Frigga did trust him or that he promises him vengeance in exchange of loyalty so he tries to go for something he knew Loki wanted, a meeting with the Time-Keepers. Considering Renslayer, who’s above Mobius, couldn’t grant Loki that, if I were in Loki I would genuinely doubt Mobius can. He just tries to dangle in front of his eyes something Loki might want to win him over.

Loki pauses as Mobius mentions he could meet the Time-Keepers and asks if that’s what’s on the table. Mobius doesn’t really give him a straight answer, just a ‘Keep that focus’.

I wonder if Loki really wants to meet the three space lizards or he just let Mobius believe so because, by acting that way, he made clear he’s interested.

Oh, now that I look at it behind the helmets of the minutemen there are codes which could be their identification codes or names, since they don’t seem to use names.

B-15 has obviously written B-15 while other minutemen had much longer codes.

The group arrives in 1985 and Loki makes a relevant question:

“Let me ask you this, why don't we just travel back to before the attack, when the Variant first arrives?”

It’s something many viewers have been wondering and it turns out that the answer is:

“Nexus events destabilize the time flow. This branch is still changing and growing, so you gotta show up in real time.”

In short the authors knew this could feel like a dumb plot hole so they made a rule to explain why this couldn’t be done. It’s still not perfert… I mean, what it means to show up in real time? They aren’t in the same time as 1985, when itìs real time for them? But whatever, it’s nice they tried to fix this problem.

Mobius asks Loki if he watched all the explicative videos he was supposed to watch and Loki replied only as many as he could stand because he find that their ‘TVA propaganda is exhausting’.

I’m glad Loki and I see things in the same way. Most of the TVA babbling is propaganda meant to brainwash people’s mind.

A Minuteman then asks Loki what ‘these’ (these being the Time Charges) do.

Loki knows perfectly and gives us the confirmation to the thing I, and many others, suspected in the past episode.

Time Charges…

“Reset charges prune the affected radius of a branched timeline, allowing time to heal all its wounds. Which sounds like a nice way of saying disintegrate everything in its vicinity.”

So yeah, it’s genocide or total destruction of that timeline and all the people in it.

But also yeah, Loki studied all he was supposed to study although he insists he watched only some of the videos. I’m not surprised though, a wizard had to be good at studying things and Loki clearly wanted to know how that world worked so of course he would have watched the video even if he’s downplaying it.

They reach the place in which the TVA fought Loki and discover the Loki Variant kidnapped C-20. It turns out that it’s the first time that Variant kidnapped someone. A minuteman suggests the Variant might have pruned (aka killed but the TVA doesn’t use that word) C-20.

B-15 acts defensively, saying a Loki couldn’t have beaten C-20. She clearly views the Lokis, the whole of them as this time she’s not even saying Variants, as inferior. She should probably remember she got collared by one Loki.

Loki tries to warn her saying she’s underestimating the Variant… which she’s doing as the Variant could have very well ‘pruned’ C-20 had the Variant wanted to.

B-15 isn’t interested in hearing him out as she interrupt him and tells the other to fan out and starts searching for C-20 fast as they’re approaching the red line.

Loki stops them, telling them if they’ll leave the tent they’ll end up killed. B-15 thinks it’s a waste of time but Mobius is willing to hear him out.

Loki launches himself in a long explanation, the gist of it being he thinks there’s a scheme behind the Variant’s actions, that they should be aware of their surrounding, listen more (like he does) and less prone to underestimate him or the ‘lesser Loki’.

Now… he’s not completely wrong, the TVA underestimates him, and they has underestimated the other Loki Variant, which we saw lead to some of their losses.

Loki claims the Variant wants him because they know he’s the stronger Loki and so wants to join forces with him to overthrown and rule the TVA. I’m not sure how the Variant would have known there’s a Loki working with the TVA but let’s assume they do and that Loki’s reasoning could make sense… or could be explained with him trying to paint himself as more important than he is.

But then he goes saying that this isn’t what he wants as he’s now a servant of the Sacred Timeline… which is patently untrue and hard to believe… who can hand them the Variant but what assurances he won’t be disintegrated once the job is done.

And okay, his own is a legitimate worry and a legitimate request.

It’s actually clever to ask for reassurances the TVA won’t dispose of him once the job is done… though it’s not like there’s an actual bargaining ground because, if Loki isn’t cooperative and therefore is useless, the TVA will dispose of him anyway.

It’s not so clever he would try to pass himself for a servant of the timeline when he clearly didn’t play the part well. Of course since he said Asgardians were fundamentally naïve, maybe that’s the kind of people he’s used to deal with�� but he has experienced distrust in Asgard in “Thor”, proof his own people isn’t so naïve… and he should have figured out Mobius isn’t either.

And then he presses for urgently meeting the Time-Keepers saying they’re in grave danger… and this jump isn’t smooth.

Mobius knows Loki wants to meet the Time-Keepers, so of course if Loki pushes the issue in this way he’s going to be prone to assume it’s a trick. The speech doesn’t even keep a logical flow because Loki first presented himself as better than the Variant and capable to handle it but reluctant to do so for fear of being erased… but now he’s presenting the Variant as a grave threat that requires them to urgently talk with the Time-Keepers.

So from one side it’s pushing for too much when he hadn’t even shown himself to be useful yet and for another it makes for a weak argument if he’s really as superior as he claims to be.

So… hum… the speech seems to tumble down in an unsatisfactory manner, ‘seems’ being the operative word because, if there’s a goal behind its weak points, then they still have a reason to exist.

I’m actually not quite sure which game Loki is playing with the TVA.

He’s for sure trying to survive but then what else does he want to get? I don’t believe he aims to control the universe but I’m pretty sure he’s not swallowing the TVA propaganda and he doesn’t enjoy to be there.

His timeline was pruned so he can’t go back there. Does he want to save Frigga? Is that what he aims to do? Does he want to go into the timeline after… let’s call it ‘canon Loki’ died so as to replace him?

Prior to it?

I don’t know.

Is he saying all those things for the Loki Variant’s benefit? He hopes the Variant is out there hearing him and his speech would make the Variant interested in joining forces?

I don’t know. We’ll see.

Anyway as expected Mobius figures it’s a trick and, since there’s no more time to do anything else, they just reset the timeline and leave.

On another note I like how Loki uses an Asgardian way to say. Way too often in movies even aliens feel compelled to use English ways to say instead than way to say from the world they belong to.

We also see how a time charge works. Loki hurries to move away as soon as he sees them starting it.

They… do something with the top part of it, I’m not sure if they push a button or pulled some sort of safety pin. We see something yellowish being released in the fluid inside the time charge which then turns purplish. The purple colour expands to the whole glass of the time charge until from below it something like a coloured expanding pool comes out. Everything that gets touched by that pool ends up being disintegrated.

At the TVA the monitors show that the ‘reset’ (read ‘disintegration’) of the timeline is done and that C-20 ended up MIA.

A music that’s half sad half… disquieting, start being played and we move into Renslayer’s office.

Mobius is complimenting for her office, pointing out how there’s a new snow globe in it and how he doesn’t remember bringing it to her.

She replies he’s not the only analyst working for her, which seems to imply analysts working for her are meant to bring her souvenirs from their missions. Or better… not quite. Mobius asks her why she gets to keep all the trophies from his cases, which seems to imply they weren’t given willingly.

Still, he tries to get her to admit he’s her favourite analyst.

I’m not really sure what’s going on between these two. They don’t seem to be in a relationship and I’m not sure if Mobius’ attempts at flattering her are because he’d like to be in a relationship with her but doesn’t dare to push the issue or because he’s currying her favours.

We’ll see.

Renslayer moves the discussion to the mission Mobius just botched and I don’t know if I would define it as such. Okay, so they didn’t find C-20 nor the other Loki Variant but chances here are two:

- the Loki Variant was out there using C-20 as bait as Loki said, setting a trap for them, and they successfully avoided it

- the Loki Variant wasn’t out there and so wasn’t C-20 and therefore was nothing for them to find.

Either way the mission wasn’t botched as they came back and successfully disintegrated… pardon, the TVA doesn’t like that word, they prefer ‘purged’ the branched timeline and any living being inside it.

Renslayer, referring to Loki as just ‘this Variant’ complains he’s insubordinate, stubborn and unpredictable like Mobius.

Honestly I think the whole series is trying to draw parallels between Loki and Mobius, where Mobius is however the one who chose to submit to the system where Loki just can’t stand it and wants to break it down.

So, although Mobius should be ‘all lawful’ we can see there’s a bit of ‘chaotic’ inside him.

It’s probably worth to remember that ‘lawful’ and ‘chaotic’ are nothing else but the two opposite extreme on the Ethical axis used for RPG alignment where Lawful represents obedience to the law and Chaotic leans toward personal freedom, without regards to the law.

There’s another sign Mobius isn’t fully lawful, the fact he has the bad habit to leave the glass rest on Renslayer’s furniture, leaving rings, and then insisting he’s not who caused them as they were already there… when Renslayer points out they’re all there due to him.

I know a part of the fandom loves Mobius but I wonder if he’s in the story not only to interact with Loki but also to work in contraposition to him. There are two paths for him, either he chooses the same path as Loki or the opposite. We’ll see.

Mobius tries to blame the ring on Renslayer’s other favourite analyst. I wonder if such person exists and is meant to have a relevance in the story. It’ll be interesting if it’s the other Loki Variant in disguise.

I mean… the other Loki Variant knows plenty of things about the TVA which hints at how they should have a previous and prolonged contact with them because the TVA explains nearly nothing about how their things work to their captives but the other Loki Variant knows what Reset charges are and how they work or how to use a TemPad to open Timedoors.

Yet Mobius doesn’t seem to have info on when they captured that Variant, carried it to the TVA and then let them escape, so again, how did the Variant learnt so much about the TVA?

From another escaping Variant?

Hard to say?

Did they saw the TVA and tailed them till the TVA unnoticed?

I can’t really tell, we’ll see.

Anyway, back to their conversation, Renslayer points out the issue isn’t Mobius’ methods with Loki, but the fact he towed a dangerous Variant into the field… meaning they consider Loki dangerous.

Mobius claims that from that they had learnt ‘the Variant’ likes to stall for time, so the other Variant might end up doing the same, because, to Mobius, understanding one Loki leads to understand the other.

And I’m:

- actually you didn’t need to bring Loki to the field to learn this, didn’t you notice that’s what he did in other circumstances?

- if the two Lokis are different, no, understanding one doesn’t mean understand the other. I mean you had a Loki who was fine living as a Jotun while this one was traumatized by the idea he was a Jotun, Loki can be pretty different about them, enough to be complete opposite so no, nobody said they’ll surely share that particular trait.

Whatever, let’s go on.

Renslayer says Mobius has a soft spot for broken things (which Mobius denies because he’s a bit like Loki and doesn’t want to show weakness), which acknowledges this Loki is broken… but gains him no sympathy from Renslayer as she said that ‘Loki is an evil, lying scourge’. Because he attacked New York? Nope, just because this is the part he plays on the sacred timeline and he can change only if the Time-Keepers decree so, not because he wants to.

Renslayer is big on the predeterminism when it’s about Loki (who’s a Variant by the way and therefore already out of the Sacred Timeline) but why doesn’t she apply it to the TVA as well? They’ll take the Variant only if the Time-Keepers will so.

I think the TVA’s faith in the Time-Keepers has plenty of weak points and is hypocritical. I wonder if the show will explore this.

Mobius switches topic asking how the Time-Keepers are and it turns out he NEVER met them. So he basically can’t even be sure they exist or not, yet he’s pouring all his faith in those three space lizard.

Mobius seems kind of glad he hadn’t met them, which seems to hit they’re either dangerous to meet or he doesn’t have a good opinion of them.

Renslayer says:

“The Time-Keepers are monitoring every aspect of this case. I've never seen them so involved. They want that Variant caught.”

…which seems a way to put Mobius under pressure but really, if they decide the flow of time, shouldn’t the decide if Mobius will catch the Variant or not? They can decide if a Variant Loki can change or not but they can’t control the other?

Anyway Mobius signs the event report Renslayer already signed. We can see Renslayer signs R Slayer while Mobius signs M. M. M.

Mobius notices the pen he used for signing has the writing ‘Franklyn D. Roosvelt High School’ on it and complains that pen too should be from the other analyst Renslayer favoured. And I wonder again, who they are? They’re meant to be relevant? Or they’re only a plot device to make Mobius jealous?

Renslayer only tells him to stay focused. As he’s about to leave though, she stops him asking him if he believes in that Variant. Mobius doesn’t confirm this, saying Loki believes in himself enough for the both of them, complaining Loki is really arrogant and that he will delete him himself if this doesn’t work.

Of course these might be just words he tells to Renslayer but we saw him taking part to erasing timelines and even if he showed sympathy and kindness to the French boy he met in the cathedral in the very first episode, he let him be reset.

“Don't worry, that devil's afraid of us. We're gonna take care of him. And we're gonna put you back where you belong.”

This apparently kind sentence meant they disintegrate him and his timeline so the place the boy belong is basically oblivion.

But I’ll dig on Mobius and Loki in a moment.

For now let me pause a moment on the pen, another gift of Renslayer’s mysterious over analyst, with written on it ‘Franklyn D. Roosvelt High School’.

Franklyn D. Roosvelt, ex-president of the united state is also relevant for the MCU.

In 1940 Roosevelt ordered the formation of the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) to fight the Nazi Party, even though the United States was still at peace with Germany. To ensure that only the greatest scientists work for the SSR, Roosevelt ordered Chester Phillips to recruit Howard Stark into the agency. SSR works in the creation of the Super Soldier Sierum, which ‘gives birth’ to Captain America then it is the re-tasked to fight Hydra. Later it will become part of S.H.I.E.L.D.

So yeah, maybe it’s a coincidence but it’s interesting.

Back to the story.

Mobius leaves Renslayer and we discover Loki has been left outside Renslayer’s office to wait.

Mobius whistles and also motions to Loki to follow him.

Some has compared this with how one would act to a dog. It’s possible they’re not so off track.

The TVA is a world that discriminates Variants and find them worth only being erased. They shouldn’t exist, they’re cosmic jokes, no one should forget someone is a Variant.

Mobius too in his discussion with Renslayer referred to Loki as just “the Variant”. Yet Mobius also feels some sympathy for Loki. Renslayer says he has a soft spot for broken things, if can mean she acknowledges Loki was broken by his experience… but she might also refer to the mere fact he’s a Variant and Variants, in a way, can be seen as ‘broken’ as they didn’t function properly but followed their own path instead than the one the Time-Keepers traced for them.

So the idea Mobius sees Loki as some sort of pet can be fitting. Mobius is growing fond of Loki… but he’s still imbued in all the TVA’s beliefs and teachings about predeterminism and how Variants are bad.

He doesn’t want to be needlessly mean to Loki, but the latter isn’t equal to him, he’s a tool, as everyone reminds him and as he has to remind to everyone else.

Variants has no rights in the TVA, they just exist to be pruned, reset, or, in less pretty but more realistic words, disintegrated.

And Mobius is a guy in the middle.

While he doesn’t want to be a jerk to Variants… or to people in the Sacred Timeline who’re going to die, he’s not really willing to fully fight against the system because he has faith in the system and a side of him he thinks Loki should just accept his place.

We see it in their discussion.

Loki is somewhat nervous… which, I’ll be honest, feels a little weird to me because he’s being openly nervous when usually Loki can keep controlled and hide this sort of things.

He had played a high risk bet during the mission and lost, he had time to think at what to say to Mobius while Mobius was discussing with Renslayer yet what he comes up isn’t really worth of someone who’s supposed to have a silver-tongue.

Okay, so it’s not like we were shown him using his silver-tongue in the movies, as people tended to do the opposite of what Loki asked them or not listen him at all, with the exception of Malekith and the Grandmaster… but we don’t get to see how Loki won the Grandmaster over.

Whatever, maybe there’s a reason, maybe not, we’ll see.

When facing the Variant later, Loki will say he kept the TVA vulnerable at the Renaissance Fair for some time and also that he has been working on gaining their trust. Presenting himself as openly insecure to Mobius, instead than hiding it as he would usually do, might be part of winning him over. As I said in the past commentary for ep 1, sometimes there are more benefits in being honest than in lying, so it can be that it’s not that Loki isn’t nervous, it can be he sees more benefits in showing it to Mobius.

We’ll see.

Mobius is in a bad mood. Although it didn’t seem Renslayer had given him a earful for his failure, it can be his failure burns. He tells Loki to show up, reminding him in the elevator he said he didn’t like to talk… which is something else that makes me think Loki is trying to give Mobius EXACTLY what Mobius asked for, so as to fulfil his expectations and lower his guard.

The following conversation is relevant.

Mobius: Okay. Just shut up! Please. What happened to the guy I met on the elevator? Who didn't like to talk. Remember him? Now I'm stuck with this guy who won't stop yacking away about what makes a Loki tick!

Loki: What? Isn't that precisely why I'm here?

Mobius: No. I don't care what makes you tick. You're here to help me catch the superior version of yourself. That's it!

Only Mobius in the previous episode told him he wanted exactly this from him.

Mobius: I'm serious. All I seek is a deeper understanding of the fearsome God of Mischief. What makes Loki tick?

This is the problem of an unequal partnership like their own. Loki isn’t there because he’s Mobius’ partner and equal, Loki is there to serve a purpose, capturing the other Loki. Renslayer might be right and Mobius might have a soft spot with him, but in the end Mobius ends up reminding Loki his place in the TVA, he’s there to be useful.

Loki takes offence by Mobius calling the other Variant “superior”.

Mobius gives us a slice of his mind… and Loki calls him out on his attempt of manipulation.

Mobius: See? There it is. Right there. I believed, stupidly, that insecure need for validation would motivate you to find the killer. Not 'cause you care about the TVA mission or bein' a hero, but because you know this Variant is better than you and you can't take it.

Loki: Very nice. I mean, it is adorable that you think you could possibly manipulate me. I'm ten steps ahead of you. I've been playing a game of my own all along.

But there’s something else worth pointing out. Mobius clearly believes working for the TVA equates at being a hero… and also that Loki would be so prideful he would serve the TVA merely to show them he’s better than the other without caring of how the TVA then might dispose of him.

And again Loki shows his cards way too openly so Mobius calls him out.

Mobius: What, charm your way in front of the Time-Keepers, hustle them, and seize control of the TVA? Am I getting warm? A double cross by history's most reliable liar.

Is really this what Loki aims at? This is what he’s telling around but is really this? Maybe but it seems so obvious, even Mobius could guess it in 5 minutes so… I don’t know, it seems too predictable for someone who’s supposedly smart.

The discussion goes on. Loki has figured since Mobius didn’t have him erased after that failure he is sticking his neck out for him so he asks him why.

Mobius: I'll give you two options, and you can believe whichever one you want. A, because I see a scared little boy, shivering in the cold. And you kinda feel bad for that ice runt. Or B, I just wanna catch this guy, and I'll tell you whatever I need to tell you.

I think both options are true, although usually, when proposing two options, the implication is the speaker is telling us to chose the last one… and it makes sense because this is the main motive Mobius is helping Loki. He could do nothing for him if it wasn’t because Loki could be useful… but this doesn’t men Mobius has no sympathy for him.

On another note it’s the second time the scripts hints at Loki as being young

Loki: I was young (in 1971), and I lost a bet to Thor. Where was the TVA when I was meddling with these affairs of men?

I really wonder if the idea is that Loki is young for Asgard standards.

Anyway Loki points out he doesn’t need Mobius’ sympathy, at which Mobius replies that’s good because he’s running out of it.

And again in itself there’s a problem. Mobius probably sees himself as a good person, because the fact he’s using Loki also means he’s sparing Loki from being pruned but, of course, if he has no use for Loki, this wouldn’t save him any longer.

If sympathy is tied to personal convenience, it’s not really sympathy.

As soon as they caught this Loki Mobius ran there to get him for himself because he thought it would be useful. He could have grown fond and it’s fine because it happens… but the key is still Loki has to be useful to him in order to be kept. So he’s not a really selfless act.

That’s why Mobius is no hero, who selflessly sacrifice for Loki, because he hopes in personal gain and… and it’s absolutely human. Mobius might have studied Loki but he basically just met him. Mobius has his own life. Why should he sacrifice it for Loki?

He’s planning for their allegiance to offer mutual benefits, Loki helps Mobius to wipe another Loki out of existence and Loki gets to live a little longer even though, being a Variant, Loki should have been already disposed of.

Mobius probably feels very kind and the other at the TVA would probably agree with him, because he’s giving a chance to someone who is lesser and has no right to chances and this is how their world work.

But we, viewers should be capable to understand their world works in the wrong way.

Loki: What's this? Next step of your manipulation...

Mobius: This is the final step. Your last chance.

Loki: Oh, and what does my desperate last chance require?

At this point Loki has moved back into keeping distance. He calls what’s Mobius is doing as manipulation and sounds flippant as he talks of his ‘desperate last chance’.

Mobius might have sympathy for him but Loki has likely figured out Mobius wouldn’t save him from the TVA beyond a certain point. The very best Mobius can offer him is to remain there working for the TVA to catch other Lokis, all while wearing a jacket that points out he’s a Variant as well, a cosmic joke.

Maybe Mobius might manage to have him dismiss wearing that jacket. Still, all this is tied to how much useful he can be. Mobius though can’t offer him freedom or a way back home.

Anyway Loki’s last chance is to work, to go over each and every one of the Variant's case files, and then, give him his unique Loki perspective and find something. All this while Mobius goes to eat something and keeping in mind his life depends on him proving to be of some use.

Again we’re reminded that Loki isn’t free to drop this work, he’s forced to cooperate, his life depends on it.

Loki starts looking through the documents which basically cover the various cases in which the Variant ambushed the Minutemen and stole their reset charge, clearly not finding them interesting. A woman hush him and he hush her back.

Loki tries going to the one who seems a librarian… but who’s actually so mechanical she feels more like a robot who can’t stop typing to pay attention to those who call her if they don’t ring at her first.

Loki asks her for more files. No, not files on the case, files pertaining to the creation of the TVA… but they’re all classified. The same goes for files pertaining to the beginning of time and the end of the time.

Exasperated Loki asks which files he can have and he’s handed a handful of them which, merely cover his case as a Variant and the life of his alternate self in the sacred timeline.

Loki reads them anyway and discovers of the destruction of Asgard.

As he does he can’t help but shed a tear for his former planet, before noticing the TVA also noted that during the event there was zero variance energy detected.

This causes him to connect some important dots and so he rushes to join Mobius to the restaurant.

At first Mobius doesn’t want to listen him, claiming he told him not to bother him until he read all the files which Loki claims to have done.

Honestly he didn’t seem particularly interested in them but he might have done it as someone who practices magic should have been good at studying. Mobius insists and Loki points out what they’re searching isn’t in the files but in the timeline as the Variant is hiding in the apocalypse.

Mobius asks which one and Loki mentions Ragnarok, asking him if he’s familiar to it. And I wonder if Loki wanted an answer to this one question, if he wanted to know if Mobius knew his homeland was wiped away, that this is something the TVA allowed.

Mobius confirms he knows about it and apologizes to him.

Loki pretends not to care and goes on discussing how a Nexus event is the result of someone doing something he’s not supposed to that causes a chain reaction of things that aren’t supposed to happen.

Mobius confirms.

At this point Loki steals the salad Mobius was eating for his example and decides in his metaphor that salad will represent Asgard.

And tell me whatever you want but, as far as I’m involved this is Loki paying back Mobius for letting him to work while he went to eat.

Mobius gets immediately that his lunch is going to meet an abrupt demise but Loki doesn’t let this deter him.

Loki suggests if he were to go on Asgard before Ragnarok he could do whatever he wants, even push Hulk off the Rainbow bridge, and to prove his point, he adds more salt to the salad. He then says he could also set fire to the place. I don’t know what he adds to Mobius’ salad as he says so, maybe pepper, but this is enough to make Mobius beg not to set fire to the place, which I find hilarious. Loki continues to put salt and… pepper? Into Mobius’ salad commenting that he can do whatever he wants without going against the dictates of the timeline.

He then picks up Mobius’ drink only to find it empty so he goes to get the drink from the nearby’s table, Casey’s table. He then pours it into Mobius’ salad, likely making it impossible to eat, explaining how the drink represents Surtur who will destroy Asgard no matter what Loki does so what he does doesn’t matter.

In short, in addition to making his point, Loki let Mobius too without lunch.

Fair since Loki didn’t have lunch at all.

Mobius still doesn’t get it so Loki goes further on explaining if they have an apocalypse of whatever kind it doesn’t matter what one would do in it because everything would get destroyed so the Variant has to be hiding in an apocalypse, doing whatever they want without them noticing.

Mobius is forced to admit it’s not a bad theory and Loki tells him to bring him to an apocalypse and he’ll show him.

Mobius accuses him of wanting to run back to his homeland and Loki says whatever apocalypse will do. Mobius makes clear he’s afraid to bring Loki around and Loki insists they’ve to test his theory. Mobius makes clear he’s afraid Loki would want to test how stabbable is his back.

Loki complains stabbing someone in the back is a boring form of betrayal. Mobius said he has done it 50 times… which is really not much for someone who lived as long as Loki especially since most of those stabbing if not all took place during battle, because Mobius is talking of literal stabbing here, not metaphorical one.

Loki is not really interested in arguing this one though and just says he won’t do it again because it got old which causes Mobius to laugh. Loki insists that he understands Mobius doesn’t trust him but he should trust something else, Loki loves to be right… and this seals the deal.

So the guys are at Pompeii, Italy – 78 AD, though it would be more correct to say they’re at Pompeii, ROMAN EMPIRE – AD 78 or 78 CE.

Eruption day.

While Mobius is absolutely scared they might mess up the timeline Loki is as overexcited like a kid on a sugar rush.

Loki cried reading of the destruction of Asgard but here he seems pretty giddy.

To Mobius scolding him because ‘it’s just not in good taste’ he replies ‘they’re gonna die anyway’.

And in itself is interesting. Mobius said he’s sorry for Asgard destruction, now he worries about ‘good taste’ but in the end he’s not going to do anything to spare those people’s lives.

The dead count will be of over 2.000 a good part of it dying a horrible albeit fast death as they’ll be literally vaporized by the heat of the pyroclastic flow.

In face of so many people about to die Mobius worrying Loki’s behaviour isn’t in good taste feels hypocritical, a mere care for the form, in fact he agrees with Loki it’s ‘cool’ the whole city will be wiped off the planet and his main worry is they shouldn’t create a huge branch.

Anyway, while Mobius insist they should start creating only a very small disturbance, Loki ends up freeing animals and announcing the eruption and the following death of everyone to the people.

Loki making all that chaos feels as if this is way to distance from the apocalypse that hit Asgard. Honestly I don’t think he wanted to go there during Ragnarok if there was nothing he could have done to save it.

However his speech is also an interesting way for Loki to try and pry info from Mobius about the TVA

Loki: ( Speaking latin ) You’re all about to die. That volcano is about to erupt! I would know, because I’m from the future. ( In english ) We are from the future, right? What is the TVA? I mean, it's from the future. It sounds from the future. It's pretty future-y.

Mobius won’t reply to him but the eruption will start right there, the Tempad continuing to sign zero variance energy, proving Loki was right. I wonder if this was also Loki’s way to try and see if an apocalypse could be prevented.

Oh, Loki talks Latin here but I’ve already talked about the language problem in the MCU and how the TVA seems to have a tv series version of Allspeak which, evidently passed to Loki too as he showed he previously couldn’t talk to Mongolian people.

On another note… the eruption, as depicted in the show, is not historically accurate.

Around 1:00 p.m., Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, spewing up a high-altitude column (the column supposedly as high as 30 km) from which ash and pumice began to fall, blanketing the area. Rescues and escapes occurred during this time.

It’s only much later, in the night or during the day after that the pyroclastic flows began and it Pompeei 4 minutes later, murdering everyone there.

The show instead seems to mix up the first eruption with the beginning of the pyroclastic flow (which is the one we see approaching from behind Loki), skipping the fall of ash and pumice.

Of course from a storytelling point of view it works a lot better, so it’s not a big deal and it’s just artistic freedom, it’s just my history lover’s heart which is bleeding.

If you want to enjoy how the eruption looked like there’s a nice video on Youtube “A Day in Pompeii - Full-length animation”.

The switch between Pompeii and back to the TVA feels a little abrupt, as if the Pompeii scene was meant to last more and they cut it.

Anyway they’re back on TVA and Mobius is summarizing Loki’s theory. Loki tells him he’s welcome, which, I take, is Loki’s clue he’d like to be thanked for his contribution. Mobius though is more focused on the mechanics of their new discovery.

He believes for Loki’s theory to hold the disasters have to be naturally-occurring, sudden, no warning, no survivors. So Ragnarok wouldn’t be okay because Loki and Thor triggered it and there were survivors. That is unless the TVA retconned “Thor: Ragnarok”.

Anyway, they decide they’ll have to find out how many of those natural disasters there are… but in the end Loki falls asleep on all the documents they’re checking.

I know there’s a debate if this proves he trusts Mobius or not… but the point is, he just proved himself he was of great help, so Mobius who has shown to have some measures of sympathy toward him despite his strict adherence to the TVA code and that make him capable to disintegrate him should need arise, has really no reason to harm him, quite the opposite.

Also he’s likely quite exhausted, both physically and emotionally otherwise he clearly wouldn’t fall asleep on an uncomfortable position over a stack of papers.

And differently from Mobius he supposedly didn’t even had lunch.

Mobius yawns which shows he’s clearly worn out as well, wakes him and tells him they’re going for a walk. So no bed, they’ll only take a small break.

I take they end up in the TVA version of a cafeteria where Loki asks Mobius about the jet ski magazine. Mobius ends up showing his total love for jet skis.

“Yeah. You know, some things... Actually, most things in history are kinda dumb, and everything gets ruined eventually. But in the early 1990s, for a brief, shining moment, there was a beautiful union of form and function, which we call the jet ski, and a reasonable man cannot differ.”

Actually he sounds like a fanboy, dismissive of everything he doesn’t like and imposing his own likes claiming no one could have a different opinion from him. It’s not a complain, it’s human. I like how the TVA members, despite their dystopian setting and their fanatic faith to the TVA religion have characteristics, both good and bad, that made them human.

However, at Loki’s question if he has ever tried a Jet Ski, Mobius admits he never been on one because if a TVA agent were to show up on a jet ski that would create a branch. It’s a poor excuse since they show up in timelines in their everyday clothes in time periods in which those clothes aren’t appropriate and anyway, who cares since they reset the branches so they could even show up naked and everything would get erased?

In this Mobius is the opposite of Loki, although he too has wishes that make him similar to Loki he doesn’t dare to fulfil them, he completely focuses on his work, he claims to read the magazines because they remind him what he’s fighting for… jet skis appearing in the Sacred Timeline in early 1990s apparently.

Okay, it’s more that he believes if the Sacred Timeline gets destroyed everything would but people who were believing to be heroes like he does would say they would fight for people, not for a beautiful vehicle that could be enjoyed only for a brief amount of time.

Mobius in a way is disconnected by the people on the sacred timeline, maybe because he never met them, he met the Variants, which are considered something to be pruned and nothing more and he actively help in pruning them.

So maybe he can’t work for people, because as soon as those people become variants, bang, they need to be wiped away. I think Mobius would like to be a decent person, I think he doesn’t want to harm people so he keeps distance and blindly swallows the TVA teaching and this discussion further proves it.

Loki asks if he really believes in all the TVA preaches and Mobius replies:

Mobius: I don't get hung up on, "Believe, not believe." I just accept what is.

It reminds me of a discussion he had with Loki in the past episode:

Loki: So that had the Time-Keepers' seal of approval, did it?

Mobius: Well, I wouldn't think of it in terms of approval and disapproval. That's sort of a... Let's get back to escapes...

Mobius just accepts things as they are presented. But why he accepts them?

Loki goes on summarizing how the TVA’s beliefs are that three magic lizards created the TVA and everyone in it including Mobius, which for Loki is clearly something dumb to believe.

Loki: Every time I start to admire your intelligence, you say something like that.

Mobius tries to retort it by turning tables on Loki.

Mobius: Okay, who created you, Loki?

Loki: A Frost Giant of Jotunheim.

Mobius: And who raised you?

Loki: Odin of Asgard.

Mobius: Odin, God of the Heavens. Asgard, mystical realm, beyond the stars. Frost Giants. Listen to yourself...

Loki: It's not the same. It's completely different. No. It's not the same.

Mobius: It's exactly the same thing.

The HUGE problem in Mobius’ reasoning is that he’s mixing up what Loki has experienced, his skin turning blue, proving he’s a Jotun, living his whole life with Odin, believing him to be his father, with Mobius merely believes as Mobius has no knowledge of what the Time-Keepers are since he never met them and likely doesn’t even remember when he was created or things like that.

Loki believes in what he lived though because he touched and sampled it and, in fact, he had a breakdown when he discovered part of it, the part he had no memory about but embraced out of faith was a lie (Loki couldn’t remember his Jotun heritage or his birth so he accepted what he was told, that Odin and Frigga were his parents). This likely makes even harder for him to accept that Mobius would just blindly believe in something he hadn’t experienced in the slightest.

Mobius had said:

Mobius: I don't get hung up on, "Believe, not believe." I just accept what is.

But at the end of it what motivates him is blind belief.

Mobius: Because if you think too hard about where any of us came from, who we truly are, it sounds kinda ridiculous. Existence is chaos. Nothing makes any sense, so we try to make some sense of it. And I'm just lucky that the chaos I emerged into gave me all this... My own glorious purpose. Cause the TVA is my life. And it's real because I believe it's real.

The TVA is real because he believes so. It has to be or his own ‘glorious purpose’ would mean nothing. Loki got burned by the truth. Mobius doesn’t want to end up the same, he doesn’t want to think at the absurdity the TVA feds him, he doesn’t want to question if what he does is right or wrong because the truth might disappoint it, it might be ridiculous, in bad taste, like being excited as Pompeii is about to be buried by the volcano.

The TVA is Mobius’ religion, and, to paraphrase Karl Marx faith in the TVA ‘is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.’

But this kind of mindset is also the mindset of whose who represent the ‘banality of evil’ of those who indulge in the capital vice of Acedia, whose who do not care, who do nothing to stop evil empower it and support it.

“...morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” ― Abraham Heschel

And, after all, Mobius works to support it, to support the TVA as they prune/reset countless lives.

There’s something else that’s interesting.

Mobius is supposed to be a lawful character… yet he doesn’t believe existence is order. Existence is chaos. And, in the same way as he’s afraid to try out a jet ski and making excuses for why he doesn’t do so, I think Mobius deep down is scared by chaos. Fascinated by it but scared by it as well. In fact he’ll later says that he believes when it all will end and the Time-Keepers will have finished untangling the timeline all that will emerge will be order.

Loki: Ah, I see. So, when they're finished, what happens then?

Mobius: So are we. No more nexus events. Just order. And we meet in peace at the end of time. Nice, right?

Loki: Only order?

Mobius: Mmm-hmm.

Loki: No chaos? It sounds boring.

Mobius: I'm sure it does to you.

Order is reassuring, it gives people a sense, a purpose, order is explainable. Order follows laws so it’s lawful. But order, like Loki points out, is also boring, predictable. No bad surprise would come out of it, true, but no good surprise either. No change. No possibility to get worse… but no possibility to get better either. Order is static where chaos is always changing. You need a mixture of both to make a worthy life.

Besides the idea they ‘meet in peace at the end of time’ to me feels more like an attempt to use a different wording to say ‘we’re all dead’ or ‘we’ll be all pruned/reset’. So not particularly encouraging.

But I’m running ahead a bit. When Mobius says Loki that the TVA is real because he believes so, Loki accepts it. For the moment.

Loki: Fair enough. You believe it's real.

And I wonder if, in a way, Loki can understand. Because the chaos, the unpredictable, is what made him discover he wasn’t an Odinson. If he hadn’t questioned Odin’s words, if he hadn’t gone and taken the Casket of Ancient Winters in his hands but just turned his eyes away when his skin turned blue, if, like Mobius said, he hadn’t thought to hard at it, or at how bad Thor could be as a kind, if he just had shrugged everything off and said ‘yeah, I’m sorry Thor will be a poor kind but that’s what meant to be, who cares?’ and ‘yeah, it’s weird my skin turned blue but Odin said I’m his son so who am I to question him?’ he would have spared himself many unpleasant things.

He would be at Asgard, thinking to be Odin’s son, trying to help Thor, who prior to his banning to Earth was completely unfit to rule, not ruin completely the planet. That would be his own glorious purpose. Nothing more.

And while it wouldn’t be a great purpose… well, it would have spared him of a lot of pain so I think Loki can see the charm of it… but at the same time he can see the danger of it. If we’ll blindly follow the rules we give up on our free will.

Loki: So everything is written. Past, present, future. There's no such thing as free will.

Mobius: Well, I mean, you know, it's an oversimplification...

Mobius thinks it’s an oversimplification but it’s not. He’s probably telling himself since he submits to the rules willingly, well, that’s his free will. But we’ve seen that the other option is being reset. The Variants are nothing else but people who didn’t follow the dictation of the Time-keepers, a dictation they didn’t even know existed, but merely followed their free will. And the TVA erases them.

It’s true, the ones that follow the Sacred Timeline, not knowing they’re following the dictation of the Time-keepers, are still, in a way, following their free will, but it’s actually a pretty tricky situation because their options get pruned by the TVA.

People don’t exist in a vacuum. We take decisions according to what happens around us.

Now think to a world in which Odin tells Loki the truth right from the start. This would lead Loki to get very different decisions… only that Odin, if it ever existed, got pruned.

Think to a Thor who’s ready to rule when he’s about to be crowned so that Loki doesn’t have to disrupt the coronation. Well, think twice because that Thor got pruned.

Think to a Frigga who hands the crown to Loki but also sits next to him instead than next to Odin to support him while he’s going through his worst crisis. Pruned again.

Think to the Warriors Three and Sif not attempting to go fetch Thor after he’s banned. Sorry, they got pruned.

Think to Heimdall not allowing Thor to go to Jotunheim. Never mind he got pruned.

Loki made his choices. It was his free will. But his choices were tied to all that happened around him, and since all that happened around him was decided he was channelled toward certain decisions, everything working to make him take such decision.

Actually, each time he tried to take a different decision he too got pruned.

The resulting Loki that inhabits the Sacred Timeline, more than the result of his own free will, is the result of manipulation of the events and TVA selection. Which is kind of creepy.

But okay, it’s interesting how, in a way, Loki tries to connect with Mobius.

Maybe it’s Stockholm syndrome as Loki was someone held captive and sentenced to death and then Mobius came in and made clear that Loki’s survival depended on him, maybe it’s just that Mobius showed him some measure of kindness and appreciation and it doesn’t matter if he was being manipulative or not, Loki was so starved for it he fell for it, or he caught up on some similarities between them.

Sure, it can be that by connecting with him he can better use him but I don’t think that’s just it.

Mobius is someone Loki can connect with on an intellectual level, where Thor was just ‘let’s hit things’ and the Warriors Three and Sif were just, let’s do what Thor says.

And after Thor and his friends there were Thanos and the Other and clearly Loki couldn’t connect with them. So it doesn’t matter how screwed up the situation is and how Mobius manipulated Loki in their first meeting and what he told him, fundamentally Mobius is the only one Loki, who’s forced to go around with a jacket saying ‘Variant’ because no one has to forget he’s a cosmic joke, has in that setting.

So yes, it’s VERY screwed up but it makes sense Loki would partially latch on him. It’s human.

On another note I’m not really fond of the idea of Mobius using the French ‘au contraire’ while talking with Loki. Maybe it’s an ad-lib but since there’s already enough mess on how the TVA can talk all the languages and Asgardian somehow don’t have Allspeak, I would have preferred if they hadn’t mixed English and French now. Whatever, maybe that’s just me.

Loki goes on.

Loki: You called me a scared little boy.

Mobius: I called you a lotta things.

I wonder what Mobius means here, if he’s just telling Loki he shouldn’t focus on that (as calling him as such was Mobius’ attempt at showing him sympathy), but Loki nails another relevant topic.

Loki: You did. You're wrong, though. You see, I know something children don't.

Mobius: What's that?

Loki: That no one bad is ever truly bad. And no one good is ever truly good.

It’s interesting it’s coming from Loki because it means, differently from how sometimes Marvel movies seems to depict a world in black and white, Loki could see the shades of grey.

In his family. In the Avengers. In Thanos and the Other. Maybe even in the TVA people. And this means in himself as well.

And we go back to what he said in Ep 1:

Loki: I can't go back, can I? Back to my timeline. I don't enjoy hurting people. I... ( Sighs ) I don't enjoy it. I do it because I have to, because I've had to.

Mobius: Okay, explain that to me.

Loki: Because it's part of the illusion. It's the cruel, elaborate trick conjured by the weak to inspire fear.

Mobius: A desperate play for control. You do know yourself.

Loki: A villain. ( Sighs )

He painted himself as a villain, as someone all black, to show as if he was someone in control… in “Thor” when he was in an emotional storm, in “The Avengers” when he actually was working for Thanos.

But if we consider Loki’s words solely for their tie to the present discussion, he’s trying to tell Mobius that the black and white vision Mobius is trying to adopt doesn’t work. If there’s good in bad and bad in good, the perfect world Mobius thinks he can archive doesn’t exist and his glorious purpose is not so glorious.

Nothing is perfect and so no perfect order or perfect chaos can exist and trying to paint things or people black and white as the Time-Keepers are doing and the TVA as well, is a mistake.

Loki’s words though cause Mobius to remember the boy he met in the cathedral before going to Loki’s trial and how he had a candy box left by the Loki Variant. And I’ve always wondered WHY did the Loki Variant left that candy box behind? Is like she’s leaving breadcrumbs for the TVA or someone working with them to track her down.

Kablooie was only sold regionally on Earth from 2047 to 2051. While it wouldn’t be easy to track the Variant with just this, the Variant limits the place they’ve to search for them to only 4 years.

On an interesting note although Mobius claimed to know everything about Loki’s life he evidently had no idea if Asgardians had candies or not. So yeah, I think Mobius didn’t exactly knew EVERYTHING about Loki’s life, only what the TVA deemed relevant.

Anyway Mobius decides since they now know the Variant is hiding in an apocalyptic event in which Kablooie are involved they can cross-reference the two things.

Mobius has probably more clearance than Loki as he gets the files and then gives Loki a half, encouraging him to search fast through them by making it a competition… which actually is dumb, because the Variant can only be in one place so only the one who got that file among them can find it, no matter if he’s fast or slow… but whatever, Loki is motivated enough by this because he likes to win.

However, although Mobius asks him if he wants to bet on something, then he demands they’ll play for pride.

Anyway, as Mobius realizes it’s one apocalyptic event after another (all in 5 years) Loki finds what they’re searching for in an apocalyptic event in Alabama, 2050.

This gains him Mobius’ praise as he tells him he’ll take his job if he’s not careful.

I remember reading some interviews suggested Loki and Mobius had a mentor/student type of relation. Well, Mobius definitely feels like the mentor, one who takes care of Loki and teaches him how it works at the TVA, completely not focusing on how Loki was basically kidnapped by the place, doesn’t aim to stay there and people look down at him and is always ready to dispose of him because he’s a Variant… and what’s worse, the Variant of someone who, according to the Time-Keepers is meant to be ‘an evil, lying scourge’.

On the other side… working for the TVA is Loki’s only option to survive in that setting so Mobius likely sees it as Loki having to stop ‘thinking too hard’ and also make the TVA his life. In short he should just be like him and submit to the Time-Keepers.

So yeah, his point of view make sense but… it’s terrible, it’s actually telling people not to resist to wrong conditions but submit to them. It’s the typical mindsetting of a bureaucratic huge corporation or system, where no one matters and everyone obeys without worrying to much about what they’re obeying at.

But back to the story Mobius goes to Renslayer to asks her ‘to approve deployment of a fully-armed task force to the Variant's potential hiding spot’.

By the way said hising spot is in ‘Haven Hills, Alabama, corporate town owned by Roxxcart until it's wiped out by a hurricane’.

The name Roxxcart might remember to who read the comic or watched “Agent Carter” of the Roxxon Corporation, one of the world's largest conglomerates, founded in the 1940s. It also appeared in Marvel “Cloak & Dagger” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, with vague references at it in “Iron Man”, “Iron Man 2”, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer”, “Iron Man 3” and the MCU comic “The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week”. It’s hard to say if this will be another vague reference or there will be more.

Renslayer is prejudiced against our Loki as she continues to call him a Variant and tries dismissing the whole thing merely because HE suggested it and the other time he ‘blew up’ the previous mission. Which he didn’t but of this I’ve already talked.

Mobius is all happy Loki proved himself useful and his idea to use him was right but Renslayer instead insists on not trusting him, even though he just discovered a huge hole in their security system.

Now, okay, Loki isn’t to be trusted blindly, but Renslayer isn’t really giving a rational reason why this theory, which actually makes a lot of sense and is supported by some evidence Mobius collected, would be wrong. If they’re going to shot down any theory Loki comes up just because he’s Loki then she shouldn’t have even given him to Mobius.

In fact when Mobius point out how Loki HELPED discovering the hole in the security she’s only more worried.

Anyway Mobius is so excited he manages to get her to agree, although she warns him she won’t be able to help him if this doesn’t work out.

They kind of repeat something that was included in the video/commercial of the TVA Miss Minute showed Loki in the previous episode.

Mobius: For all time.

Ravonna Renslayer: Always.

I wonder if this is actually meant to be the TVA catchphrase.

Anyway Mobius leaves Renslayer and we see Loki is out of the room, nervous, waiting for him. He seems quite satisfied when Mobius says they’ve got permission.

Mobius is still all excited… and make a vague promise that amounts to… basically nothing, to Loki.

Mobius: I'm tellin' you. You actually help us catch this Variant, and who knows, my friend.

Loki: What, good enough for a face-to-face with the Time-Keepers?

Mobius: I didn't say that. One step at a time.

Loki: All right. One step at a time.

He actually promises nothing to him, because, as he said, he said nothing. ‘Who knows’ can mean anything, even that after they catch the Variant they’ll prune him, or they’ll merely allow him to live at the TVA, forcing him to work for them. Who knows what ‘who knows’ mean!

Loki tries to have some more solid confirmation and basically gets nothing, which is not very promising.

As far as I’m involved I think Mobius is doing this promise more because he’s trying to keep Loki loyal than because he has something solid to offer to him. In fact he hadn’t bargained with Renslayer for this. Loki is there to catch the Variant, catching the Variant would end their need to use Loki but, as soon as Mobius got permission for the mission he left without insuring if they were to succeed he could keep him.

Does Loki really want to meet the Time-Keepers? What he aims to get from them?

Anyway Mobius is so excited he tries to give knives to Loki.

Enters Hunter B-15, who strongly despise Loki who takes them away from him (I wonder if Loki managed to steal them back unknown to her. I would love if he did). She briefs her men for the mission, which also allows us viewers to get some info and orders them to prune Loki at sight. Clearly she doesn’t even believe in putting him to that mock trials the TVA offers to its captive Variants.

Loki makes present they should preferably prune the bad Loki, not him and then the scene moves to Haven Hills and I love how this time they had introduced it not by writing it on the screen but by showing us a sign saying we’re in Haven Hills, Alabama… before having it destroyed.

I really love this scene.

The TVA arrives at Roxxcart and they’ve the good sense to open their Timedoors outside of it.

It’s interesting how Loki looks up at the storming sky. I wonder if he’s searching for thunders (we saw one hitting the ground before the TVA appeared) as a way to check if Thor is around, even though it’s clear Thor wouldn’t cause such destruction.

To Hunter B-15’s surprise Loki uses his magic to dry up, which somehow seems to make her even more suspicious of him. Because yeah, drying yourself is such a sinister act.

Mobius would like to go with Loki at the Green House but Hunter B-15 forbids it, wanting to part them. Mobius has to go with Hunter D-90 while Loki has to stay with her.

And I’ve the personal suspicion that’s because she hopes in a not to obvious chance to prune him too away from Mobius’ eyes.

B-15 tells Mobius if he’s not fine with it, he can go argue with Renslayer about it.

It’s interesting how they’re arguing. I wonder if Hunters and Analysts actually form two different and opposite classes in TVA who argue against each other despite a poster depicting them as working together.

Anyway Loki gets in between and tells Mobius it’s fine, that he can trust him and that he’ll understand trust has to be gained so he’ll gain it.

Honestly the way Loki puts it makes him even more suspicious for me, but I wonder if the key is it has to work for B-15.

Mobius complains about how is always the people you can’t trust that tell you ‘trust me’. Well, the people you trust wouldn’t need to ask you your trust so they won’t tell it to you.

Mobius though at this surrender as well, he’s so excited to get the Variant he doesn’t consider he could ask to stay with B-15 as well, or that he could say B-15 is asking this because she wants to try to harm Loki. He just let the issue go after a jab about how the past time B-15 ended up wearing the Time Collar.

Meanwhile the Loki Variant has noticed they’re in thanks to all the cameras in the place, as if they were waiting for the TVA. Again I wonder if the Loki Variant has someone supporting them in the TVA because they seem to know too much, later they’ll even show knowing the other Loki was brought in by the TVA to capture them.

We see the Loki Variant leaving down a tempad on which there’s a countdown that’s at 20 minutes.

Back to Loki he’s in the greenhouse with B-15, trying to chat with her… which could be a genuine attempt at communication or an attempt at warning the Variant they’re there. I’m not sure on which side Loki is… but I wonder if his goal is to stall things.

He might suspect if they get the Variant he’ll be disposed off so his aim might be to show he’s useful but also to stall the capture of the Variant. This might be what he was trying to do in the previous mission as well. So it’s not exactly he’s trying to help the Variant, he’s trying to gain time for himself.

B-15 doesn’t feel like talking with him but then they find a guy who claims to be shopping for plants despite the hurricane.

B-15 asks Loki if the guy could be him and Loki points out he ‘probably would have worn a suit, but, yes, maybe’, hinting at how Loki cares about how he looks.

B-15 gets too close to the guy who manages to grab her. We see some green magic pass to B-15 and then the guy faints. Loki asks if he’s dead but ‘B-15’ tells him ‘they usually survive’, making clear she’s no more B-15 but the Variant possessing her, who also recognizes Loki for who he is:

“So, you're the fool the TVA brought in to hunt me down.”

As I said this sentence gives me the feeling the Variant knew the TVA brought him someone to hunt them, in short they’ve inside intel about the TVA and I would love to know how.

Now possessing B-15 is a good move as she’s a good fighter with a weapon in her hands and this also leaves Loki on her own.

Loki recognizes the speaker for what they are, the Loki Variant possessing B-15, in short himself.

The Variant points out:

“Please. If anyone's anyone, you're me.”

Implying the Variant saw themselves as the better/original Loki version.

Wunmi Mosaku does a good work at playing the Loki Variant here, really.

Back in the shelter people is clearly in deep distress and a guy thinks the TVA is there to help them.

I think Mobius is torn, a side of him would just search for the Variant, the other is being affected by the situation but he tries to suppress it.

D-90 instead doesn’t care and pushes the man away as if he didn’t even exist. Which he doesn’t for him.

Mobius: What are you doing? Hey! These people are scared.

Hunter D-90: They're about to die. They should be scared.

Mobius: Okay. Not of us.

Even though those people aren’t Variants as they’re going to die the TVA doesn’t acknowledge them right. Like the Loki Variant they don’t care what they do because everything will be erased, either by a reset charge or by the apocalypse.

Mobius doesn’t like this… but again it’s not like he’s trying to save those people, he’ll let them die because the Time-Keepers dictate so.

Hunters in the TVA are somehow all jerks. Again they would work well as stand in for police brutality but I don’t know if the series wants to go this way.

Mobius and D-90 are interrupted when a Minuteman informs them they had found a tied C-20 who’s in state of shock and repeating over and over ‘it’s real’.

So C-20’s role isn’t to be a bait, I think it’s possible the Variant wants to use her to deliver a message to the TVA.

Back to Loki he comments on the spell used.

“Enchantment is a clever trick. Cowardly, a bit amateur-ish, but clever.”

The fact enchantment was used seems to be a nod to how the Variant might be Sylvie Lushton, who also went under the alias of enchantress.

In the comics Sylvie is not the original enchantress, that one was Amora, sister of Lorelei who appeared in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”. Sylvie was supposedly a human created by Loki who also gave her her magical powers. Although she has no training she has amazing magical powers and moved from wanting to be an Avenger to trying to become a Villain.

We’ll see what this Variant will turn out to be.

Anyway the Variant blames Loki of being the coward one because he works for the TVA. She mocks this asking him if he really believes that, which he confirms so she dismisses him:

Hunter B-15 (possessed): ( The variant chuckles ) And here I was worried that they'd found a better version of me.

And this again seems to imply the Variant KNEW the TVA got themselves a Loki but who told them? They just discovered it at the fair?

A person, Randy, appear and B-15 touches him then faint. Loki almost hurries to help her before realizing what had happened.

Well, the Variant could have disintegrate Randy instead she preferred to transfer themselves into him. This is interesting because it seems although they’ve no hesitation in killing TVA people they’re against harming normal people.

Loki still go to check B-15… or can it be he placed something in one of her pockets? Like a message for Mobius? Loki touches his jacket before bending down on B-15 and this time we don’t see what he touches as she’s cut off the screen which is odd.

The Variant thinks he’s trying to search a transmitting device to call the others for help. Loki tails the Variant, challenging them to face him and then explaining how he had gained the TVA confidence.

The Variant is not that much impressed but they continue to give Loki their back. Not that it matter as that back isn’t really the Variant’s back.

Loki explains his plan… which I don’t know if it’s really his plan or a trick.

Loki: I'm going to overthrow the Time-Keepers. And, uh, cards on the table, I could use a qualified lieutenant.

It’s relevant how Loki, talking with the Variant, uses a more polite and Asgard like language.

The Variant is clearly not interested in working for Loki but what hits me is that they don’t want to be called ‘Loki’ which could be because they aren’t Loki after all.

Loki: What say you... Loki?

Randy (possessed): Ugh. Don't call me that. You can call me... Randy.

I love how this meeting helps Loki to realize why Thor found these techniques annoying.

Loki: God. Now I understand why Thor found this so annoying.

Loki claims he has helped the Variant at the fair so yes, apparently he has played that risky bet back then for a reason. I really would love to know which game Loki is playing.

Loki: Listen. Enough with your games. I've been trying to help you. I kept them vulnerable at the Renaissance Fair for some time.

The Variant still isn’t interested in joining him as they don’t care about ruling the TVA.

We see that there are Time charges placed all around, partially hidden from sight which don’t promise anything good and someone, likely the Variant, is tweaking with them while ‘Randy’ keeps Loki distracted. So yes, this Variant too is good at stalling.

C-20 is still babbling, while Mobius tries to get something out of her.

D-90 just waves her off saying she’s off the dial and showing a worrying lack of a care for a companion.

Although C-20 says she wants to go home when Mobius offers to send them back she says she can’t as she gave away the position of the Time-Keepers.

Oh, so C-20 knew it? Did she, differently from Mobius met them?

D-90 tries to contact B-15 causing her to wake up.

Loki tries to get what the Variant wants but the Variant refuses to explain themselves saying Loki is too late. Loki counters he’s ahead as he found the Variant’s hiding place, then notices the Time charges and thinks the Variant lead them there to blow the place up.

As he turns his gaze Randy has disappeared and the Variant has possessed a big guy who starts beating Loki. Loki is not really fighting back. Are possessed people really so powerful or Loki is trying to pass himself for weak?

Anyway, after pointing out:

Loki: I would never treat me like this.

Which might be our clue the Variant isn’t really a Loki but someone pretending to be one, Loki starts more actively to try to avoid blows and even use his magic to get something he can use as shield.

The Variant’s language is nowhere near as polite as Loki and the possessed guy manages to send Loki on the ground. The idea of a toy dachshund bumping against him is cute.

B-15 manages to find Mobius and she’s forced to confess she lost Loki. Likely she thinks it’s due to Loki but doesn’t know how to explain it while D-90 just says Mobius’ favourite Loki betrayed him as they run to search for him.

The possessed guy is using another tempad connecting it to another mechanism. Although Loki couldn’t move he hadn’t tried to kill him and now Loki wakes up and demands to know what the Variants wants from him and what is this about. He’s clearly angry.

The possessed guy stands up and then tells him to brace himself before fainting, a sign the Variant isn’t possessing him anymore.

A recording keeps on repeating Loki’s last two sentences ‘What do you want from me? What is this about?’.

I’m not sure why the Variant would record those two sentences and play them over unless we’re to assume they’re actually only playing in Loki’s head.

The Variant appears, removes their hood to reveal it hid a blond woman face then in an unfriendly tone she states:

“This isn't about you.”

Loki’s surprise lasts only few seconds before he says ‘right’.

Meanwhile the countdown has reached 0, the light shot down, the time charges, tons of them, turn on but then below them timedoors appear, sending them away.

Mobius notices what’s going on and worries about where the Time charges are going.

Back at the TVA we assist to the sudden formation of LOTS of branches. The Analysts come to the conclusion someone ‘bombed’ the Sacred Timeline.

Renslayer, who has a hunter helmet that starts with A-25… which might mean she was one of the first hunters of the place, grabs her weapon as Minuteman spun to action.

Loki sees the Variant grabbing the Tempad again and using it to open a human size timedoor as she watches him. She waves at him the way he did at the Hulk when he went on the lift and goes through the Timedoor. Loki considers following but stalls for a moment. Mobius is running there, telling him to wait. Loki sees him but decides to go through the timedoor anyway and, as he does the timedoor disappears, leaving Mobius and the hunters outside.

The episode ends here.

People had been wondering what was Loki thinking when he went through the Timedoor and Tom Hiddleston explained it in an interview:

There's a very big moment at the end where Loki steps through that portal. From your perspective what is going through Loki's mind when he looks back at Mobius and then decides to go through the door anyway? Is he feeling any remorse there at all?

I think certainly there's conflict. I think he… you know, Mobius is someone who, perhaps for the first time in his life, he thinks he might be able to trust, and perhaps trusts him, and he doesn't want to betray that trust, but at the same time he has to go and see what that's what's going on, he has to do that. I think it was he can't help himself but follow… uh… because it's too strange and to, you know, provoke so much curiosity within him. So there is a huge conflict there, he thinks “I probably shouldn't do this, maybe there can be repercussions down the line, but I have to see what that's about”. ['Loki' - Tom Hiddleston & Owen Wilson Talk Ep 2 Twist! _ TVLine Interview]

Now this might be not the full truth because Tom might have been forced to withhold information in order not to give away the plot of future episodes but it’s worth considering it.

Undoubtedly following the other Loki is a risk. It’s clear the other is challenging him to follow… and he knows next to nothing about the other Loki so, if the TVA is bad for him, the other Loki could be worse and he might be trading a bad place for a pure hell. Who says the other Loki doesn’t work for Thanos for example?

In the TVA he has Mobius as some sort of interested ally, with the other Loki he has no one. You know, "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know". At the same time it makes sense he wants to try following the other Loki because he’s not the type to stagnate and remain there. He has to see, he has to try. Where Mobius wouldn’t risk, Loki does. I hope for him the bet will be worth it.

Last but not least it’s worth to mention in the ending theme they’ve replaced two photos of Loki with one of the Loki Variant and another with just a different image of Loki with the TVA jacket.

So anyway we’ve gotten to the end of it. I still wonder if the Loki Variant as an insider in the TVA passing her info and if she’s really a Loki or she just pretends to be. How she came to make all this big plan? Why she had looked like she wanted Loki to tail her?

We’ll see.

#loki #loki odinson #loki laufeyson #mobius m mobius #hunter b 15 #hunter c 20 #ravonna renslayer #casey #mcu loki #tom hiddleston #9 worlds study #9 worlds study mcu loki

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shadowhuntertrash · 4 years ago

Text

High Notes

Chapter 7

I dont own anything Cassandra Clare does 💕

The first thing Thomas noticed when he woke up was the unfamiliar weight across his stomach. He opened his eyes to investigate and felt his heart skip a beat because he remembered now where he was.The memories of last night flashes in his head like a movie and Thomas had to fight the groan rising in his throat.

He was in Alastair’s room. He slept with Alastair. Thomas felt himself blush at the thought. He hadn’t slept with Alastair; he had just slept next to him. Or under him, his mind suggested unhelpfully. Thomas blushed furiously and looked down at Alastair.

Alastair always looked peaceful when he slept. His head was cushioned against Thomas’ chest, his arm slung over Thomas’ stomach. It was so very intimate that Thomas couldn’t help but smile and stay frozen hoping against hope that he could lay there for a while longer.

Fate seemed to be in a good mood because Alastair remained asleep for another ten minutes. Thomas watched his face, the way his eyes moved under his eyelids. The way his mouth ghosted with a smile or a frown. The way he twitched when something occurred in his dream. Thomas wished he was able to read minds, he wanted to know what Alastair dreamed about. Thomas almost laughed at the thought, knowing that if the roles were reversed and Alastair looked in on Thomas’ dreams he would find them filled with himself.

Alastair started shifting his eyes fluttering as if he was trying to open his eyes but they were too heavy, Thomas assumed that’s what they felt like. Thomas sighed and Alastair froze. Thomas cursed himself mentally and stretched his arms as if he was just now waking up. He yawned loudly and Alastair scrambled off of him with much more grace than Thomas could dream of having.

“Good morning.” Alastair said, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot. Thomas smiled at him as if this was completely normal. “Good morning. Sorry for crashing.” Alastair snorted and Thomas smiled wider. So cute.

“It’s fine. Is your head still hurting?” Alastair asked softly stretching. Thomas’ eyes drifted to where Alastair’s shirt had ridden up. He was toned and Thomas knew for a fact that he had a six pact, how was it even allowed to be that attractive. With his stupidly hot and stupidly smooth skin and his beautiful eyes. His full lips- nope.

Thomas cleared his throat and shook his head. He started feeling around him and checked his pockets. He looked up curiously at Alastair. “Where’s my phone?” Alastair lifted an eyebrow and started looking around as well. Eventually Alastair picked up his phone and chucked it at him, a blur of red that landed roughly on Thomas’ lap.

He flinched at the impact and Alastair rushed out an apology which Thomas just waved off. Thomas turned his phone on and it lit up with a picture of him, Matthew, James, and Christopher. Lucie had taken it and it had an aesthetic that Thomas loved. The sun was setting in the background so all you could see of the boys was their shape, they looked like shadows and he loved it.

He had a bunch of texts from James, Matthew, and Christopher. The memory of standing in front of James and Matthew’s door came back and Thomas screwed his face up and shook his head. He did NOT need that to stay in his head.

He decided they didn’t need to know where he was yet and threw his phone back to the bottom of the bed and flopped down. Alastair was still standing next to the bed with a crooked smile on his face. His phone case was clear but there was a polaroid picture of him and Cordelia is fancy clothes from some party.

Cordelia’s words fluttered back into Thomas’ head. ‘Thomas, be careful with him.’ He flicked his eyes up to the ceiling not wanting to be caught staring at Alastair right now. He ran over the words in his head. Did she mean to be careful with him because Thomas could get hurt? He knew it was likely that his… affection was not reciprocated and that he would likely get hurt but for some reason that didn’t feel like what she was trying to say.

Was she insinuating that Thomas should be careful with him because Alastair was fragile or something of the like? Thomas was growing frustrated. He couldn’t hurt Alastair if Alastair didn’t like him. Cordelia was off her rocker, she must be to think Thomas could ever hurt him, he wouldn’t ever even want to.

Thomas was pulled out of his internal monologue by Alastair's smooth voice. “Do you want to go get breakfast? It’s,” He paused to check the time on his phone and chuckled. “It’s eleven so the other’s probably already ate and the hotel breakfast isn’t serving so we can go get something.” Thomas groaned.

He was supposed to have gone to practice with the boys at nine. No wonder he had so many texts, he felt bad but at the same time he had never missed any rehearsals before and wanted nothing more than to go eat with Alastair.

“Alastair.” He groaned dragging out the ‘r’. He briefly wondered when they had become close enough to not freak out about being themselves with each other. When they started being friends and not acquaintances. He had been under the impression that they weren’t friends but Alastair had acted as if they were lifelong friends since the moment they saw each other. Well, besides him calling Thomas ‘Lightwood’, but honestly Thomas didn’t mind it.

“Lightwood.” Alastair said in response laughing and dragging the ‘d’ for an unnecessarily long time. “I was supposed to meet the boys but if they ask when I get there tell them I woke up right before going there. Don’t mention breakfast.” Alastair laughed and nodded. “We haven’t even been on this tour a week and you’re already skipping? Deal anyway cause I’m hungry and need socialization. Where are we going?” Thomas shrugged to show his indifference. “You pick.” Thomas said, finally getting up.

Alastair flopped on the bed laying where Thomas had been moments before. Thomas was trying to breathe correctly as it hit him at full force the fact that they had been sleeping together. As in cuddling, snuggling, dating kind of thing. Thomas and Alastair. Oh god oh god oh god.

Thomas could feel himself start spinning into a panic attack he took a few staggering steps and sent Alastair an exasperated look that he was sure would have scared him had Alastair not been draping his arm over his eyes. “I-I’m gonna c-change. I’ll b-b-be right back.” He said all but running out of the room, ignoring Alastair’s distressed calls.

The hallways started spinning and Thomas fought it rushing to his room. He got to the door before realizing he had no idea what he did with his room key and Christopher was out with James and Matthew. They’re going to be upset Thomas thought distraught. He stood there shaking staring at the door too conscious of everything around him. No one had passed the hallway thankfully but Thomas felt bad. He felt as if he needed to get out of his body, like he was itchy and someone was wrapping their hands around his neck.

Thomas turned and slowly slid down the door to his room. He had almost calmed himself down when he saw Alastair walking quickly towards him. “Stupid hotel has too many hallways are you okay?” He asks kneeling in front of Thomas, not too close which Thomas was eternally grateful for. Thomas just nodded before stopping and shaking his head. “G-give me a second.” Alastair nodded and sat back on the balls of his feet.

Thomas sighed and rested his head on the door. He gave it another five minutes and when he thought he was in the clear he sat up more and ran a slightly shaky hand through his hair. Alastair reached forward tentatively before deciding that was the wrong thing to do and retracting it.

“What set it off?” Alastair asked quietly. Thomas blushed, how was he supposed to say sleeping with him had? “I guess I just got stressed about missing rehearsal already.” Alastiar frowned, I was only joking you know that right? "I wasn’t trying to freak you out, it’s totally fine you missed. You weren't feeling well anyway.” Thomas nodded and leaned forward a little to rest his forehead on Alastair’s collarbone.

He always got touchy after panic attacks. Normally it was James or Matthew who received it but they weren’t here so Alastair would do.

Alastair brought his hand up hesitantly and started rubbing soothing circles on his back. Thomas felt his heart skip a beat and was glad Alastair couldn’t see the blush on his face. “I’m sorry.” He said so quietly he was sure Alastair hadn’t heard. Alastair let out a breath and Thomas would have given anything in that moment to know what Alastair was thinking.

“You don’t have to apologize for things like that Thomas. Not with me or anyone I promise.” Thomas smiled weakly and pulled away, running his fingers through his hair. Alastair followed the movement and Thomas laughed lightly. “Okay. Thank you.”

Alastair shook his head a playful smile on his lips, “As much as I’m loving this, I’m rather hungry and you’re a snack but I’m thinking IHOP?” Thomas blanched and started sputtering while Alastair laughed standing up and reaching his hand down for Thomas to take.

Thomas took it, avoiding eye contact because did Alastair just freaking flirt? Did he just call Thomas a snack? That was a good thing right? He made a mental note to ask Matthew what it meant later. They walked together in silence, not uncomfortable but calm, and when they got to the car Alastair casually opened the door for him.

Thomas raised an amused eyebrow, Alastair wasn’t one to exactly be a ‘gentleman’. He was a nice person but he didn’t really go out of his way to help other people.

Alastair got in the driver's seat and turned on some music before pulling out of the parking lot. They listened to a few songs before one of Alastair’s songs came on, his voice filling the car. Alastair blushed and reached out to turn the channel but Thomas grabbed his wrist to stop him and just started singing along.

When the song finished Thomas turned to look at Alastair with an excited look, and was surprised to see Alastair still blushing. “Okay but hear me out,” Thomas started excitedly. Alastair turned to look at him for a second before turning back to the road. “I’m listening.” He said with an amused tint to his voice. Thomas ignored it and went straight to his idea.

“What if the last few concerts we start doing random groups for a few songs? Like we do our normal concerts and then mix up the groups and each mixed up group could sing a song?” Alastair pulled into the parking spot in front of IHOP and turned to look at Thomas. Thomas could practically hear the gears turning in his head.

“So what like we put names in a hat and draw kind of thing? Or we just break the groups up?” Thomas thought about it for a minute before nodding, “I think the hat idea would be fun don’t you? We could stick to having a solo, a group of four and a duet but have them different every night.” Alastair threw him a crooked smile. “Honestly, that sounds super fun and I’m one hundred percent down.”

Thomas smiled brightly at him as he ran through possibilities. The only thing he didn’t want to happen was get the solo part. He hated doing things solo but he felt like it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He knew some fans wouldn’t like it, but they couldn’t please everyone.

Thomas and Alastair spent breakfast talking about the tour and what to expect and how excited they were. It was an hour later when they finally parted ways and Thomas walked into the building they had supposed to be practicing in for the last few hours.

Thomas walked in the main room and was greeted by a load of questions. “Where did you go last night?” “Why are you late?” “Why weren’t you answering your phone?” “Are you okay? Don’t do that again you scared us!” Thomas just shook them off with a roll of his eyes.

“I had a migraine so I went to go get some meds from Matthew’s room but Matthew and James were uhm…” He cleared his throat uncomfortably and was pleased to see the blush rise up on Matthew and James’ face as they realized what he had walked in during. “Anyway they were busy so I went to go see if Lucie happened to have any, but then I wound up at Alastair’s and threw up and then passed out there for the night. Nothing happened.” He said glaring at Matthew who was now wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Matthew nodded emphatically. “Oh of course and so you just woke up right?” Thomas nodded slowly knowing by Matthew’s tone that Matthew didn’t believe it at all. “Oh okay then why did you leave me on read for the past two hours?” Thomas froze realizing he didn’t have a good answer to that.

“Okay so we might have gone to have breakfast, and I might have slightly ignored y’all because I was tired and wanted to have breakfast with Alastair.” Christopher and James laughed while Matthew mocked offense.

He put a hand to his chest as if Thomas had physically hurt him. “Thomas you wound me! We haven’t even had five rehearsals yet and you’re already skipping out?” Thomas rolled his eyes and noticed for the first time a boy, around their age, standing off to the side watching the boys interact with unreadable eyes.

Thomas froze and just stared for a minute. He had dark black hair and startling green eyes. He was tall and slender, ghastly white skin poking out from the sleeves of his shirt. Thomas cleared his throat embarrassed at having been staring. “Sorry I didn’t see you there, I’m Thomas.” The boy put on a polite smile and shook Thomas’ outreached hand.

“I’m Jesse, I’m the sound manager. I’ll be working with y’all for the trip. I’ll mostly be around before concert nights just to make sure things run smoothly and obviously I’ll be here for the concerts and such.” He said in a slightly monotone. Thomas was getting mixed vibes from him and didn’t quite know what to think of the unreadable boy in front of him.

He had a feeling that this person was going to be important but didn’t quite know why or how. Thomas shook his head plastering his smile back on when he realized it had fallen slightly. He clapped his hands and turned back to his band mates.

“Okay so are we still practicing?” The boys nodded and went to grab their respective instruments while Jesse went around the table to the board that had a bunch of buttons and slidey things and Thomas was greatly appreciative of the fact that he didn’t need to know what they did.

“What song are we practicing?” Thomas asked Matthew as he slid the guitar strap over his neck and began tuning. “Do you want to do a new one or an old one?” Matthew asked him, adjusting the microphone to his height. “How about 7 Years?” Matthew nodded and looked at James and Christopher who both nodded back. “Okay.” Matthew said pointing to Jesse who pushed some buttons and pointed back signalling them to start.

Once I was seven years old my momma told me

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely

Once I was seven years old

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Once I was eleven years old my daddy told me

Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely

Once I was eleven years old

I always had that dream like my daddy before me

So I started writing songs, I started writing stories

Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me

'Cause only those I really love will ever really know me

Once I was twenty years old, my story got told

Before the morning sun, when life was lonely

Once I was twenty years old

I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure

'Cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major

I got my boys with me at least those in favor

And if we don't meet before I leave, I hope I'll see you later

Once I was twenty years old, my story got told

I was writing 'bout everything, I saw before me

Once I was twenty years old

Soon we'll be thirty years old, our songs have been sold

We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming

Soon we'll be thirty years old

I'm still learning about life

My woman brought children for me

So I can sing them all my songs

And I can tell them stories

Most of my boys are with me

Some are still out seeking glory

And some I had to leave behind

My brother I'm still sorry

Soon I'll be sixty years old, my daddy got sixty-one

Remember life and then your life becomes a better one

I made a man so happy when I wrote a letter once

I hope my children come and visit, once or twice a month

Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be sixty years old

Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be sixty years old

Once I was seven years old, my momma told me

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely

Once I was seven years old

Matthew stopped singing and Christopher and Thomas stummed the last notes. Jesse smiled at them. “That was really good guys.” He said in a sincere voice Thomas smiled back at him. “Thank you.” He said politely watching Jesse start turning things off. Thomas turned to James who had also started packing up. “Are we done already?” Matthew raised an unamused eyebrow.

“We have been practicing for hours, you didn’t bother to show up so I think you should practice a little more.” Thomas rolled his eyes. Most people would have found that rude but he knew that Matthew was just stressing over everything going well. Thomas had already planned on practicing extra anyway.

The boys packed up and left after saying goodbye. Thomas continued plucking a few notes before he got out his notebook and a pencil to start writing.

About two hours later Thomas met up with the boys who were doing an instagram live with Cordelia, Lucie, and Alastair. Thomas smiled when Matthew flipped the camera around so they could see Thomas. “And here’s the late one. He decided to get breakfast with a friend instead of coming to rehearsal today.” Matthew said while Thomas laughed and rolled his eyes before turning the camera back to him.

“Anyway back to the questions.” Matthew said squinting at his phone screen. “This one is for you Jamie, Levy wants to know what your favorite song is by The Beautiful Cordelia.” James screwed up his face, a tell tale sign he was thinking and finally looked back at the camera with a smile. “Probably I Love It, that was a really good song.” Lucie laughed and nodded. “I loved that song Cordelia wrote most of it.” Cordelia blushed and rolled her eyes before looking at the phone and smirking as she read the next question.

“Thomas this one’s for you. Who were you skipping rehearsal for?” Thomas blushed and debated telling the truth or not. He didn’t want Alastair to get the wrong idea if he lied, he didn’t want him to think he was embarrassed or anything but he also didn’t want to say Alastair because then people would start rumors and Thomas didn’t want there to be dating rumors between them because then he would have to continuously deny something he wished would happen.

Thomas shrugged. “I’m skipping that one.” He said calmly watching and Alastiar, James, Lucie, and Cordelia’s eyebrows all shot up. He mouthed tell you later and went around the couch where Matthew was sitting so he could read the questions coming in.

There were quite a few that just said Thomas is all caps when he came into view but eventually they went back to questions. Thomas read them and then picked one he liked. “Alastair, this one wants to know if you have any new songs in the making.” Alastair smiled as Matthew shifted the phone so they could see him. “I do actually. I’m not sure yet when I’ll release them though.”

A bunch of comments began flooding in about how excited they were about the news. Thomas laughed reading them. He read one that asked when they’re first official concert was. “The first concert is happening tomorrow night.” Thomas chuckled at the excited comments. “I am very excited as well. I’m excited to meet you guys tomorrow.” He said straightening and stretching, his muscles sore and fingers aching from hours of guitar.

Matthew started laughing and handed Thomas the phone. “The comments.” Matthew said unable to refrain from laughing hysterically. Thomas raised an eyebrow at his friend and looked at the comments, immediately blushing bright red. Apparently his shirt had ridden up to reveal his toned stomach.

“Guys!” Thomas said eyes wide as he read the highly inappropriate messages. Thomas covered his face with his hand, handing Matthew the phone back. He hadn’t stopped laughing and couldn’t take it so Thomas thrust it in James’ hand instead. James took one look at the comments and started laughing as well.

Thomas flipped them off with a groan, turning and walking to his room. He wanted to get a moment alone, something that would be scarce to come across the next few months. He let out a deep breath when he stepped into the room. He sat on his bed and pulled his songbook and guitar out.

There was something different about writing and practicing. Sure he played the guitar in both but practice felt more forced and it automatically annoyed him, writing was more of a stress reliever for him.

He got his phone out and took a video of the new song he was writing so the boys could practice it if he happened to be late. He was singing so Matthew could hear it first before he tried to just read the notes.

When he was done he took a shower, turning the water as hot as it could go trying to ignore the growing pit of anxiety in his stomach over the fact that in less than twenty four hours they would have to go in front of tons of people performing songs that meant more to Thomas than any of them would ever know.

Thomas shook the thought off and put new clothes on heading back to Lucie’s room to hang out for about an hour before he went to sleep, hopefully socializing would help distract him.

#alastair x thomas #thomas and alastair #thomas x alastair #thomastair #thomas lightwood #matthew fairchild #lucie herondale #jesse blackthorn #cordelia carstairs #james herondale #alastair carstairs #christopher lightwood

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soviireign · 4 years ago

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OH BOY IT’S ANOTHER PLOTTING CALL.

Busts this out 209381038 years late to the party. So I heard there was this bandwagon going own called a PLOTTER CALL, and I figured it's nigh time to make one for Siete!

Like this post or reply with the number corresponding to the ideas below that you think would jive well with Siete and your muse. By default I'll use Tumblr's messaging system, but if you don't prefer that/have other options my Discord ID is also available for the taking - just ask if you want it, cause I don't really like showing it publicly. I'll also make sure to send any memes I find interesting, poke you when the brainworms come out, etcetera.

01. FRIENDS.

As a very outgoing and laidback individual, it's actually very easy to get on Siete’s good side. Armed with a smile and a (questionable) leadership charisma, it’s not that hard to feel at ease around him...that is, until he starts being way too pushy. He’s basically the annoying friend that doesn’t know when to stop talking, and it’s rather exhausting when you’re an introverted fellow (which happens to take up the majority of the Eternals). Still, if you need someone to push your boundaries, or just to get someone to hang out and do stuff more, Siete’s your guy.

02. SOMETIMES YOU NEED A [loud sighing] SIETE ONII-SAN

It’s quite natural for Siete to take up the big brother figure role. Whether the person wants a big brother figure in the first place is another issue altogether. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Siete’s the kind of person to look after people he thinks needs looking after! Are you a kid who has to rely on your own wits to survive? Are you someone who needs to bonk to you some good advice every now and then? Are you Quatre and Esser in need of awkward found family to groan at whenever they do something ridiculous? Having one (1) Siete to look over you ain’t as bad as it sounds! Promise. Maybe.

03. SO I HEARD YOU LIKE SWORDS

And oh boy, does Siete love his swords. If you happen to a) like swords, b) uses a sword, c) make swords, d) is a sword, chances are Siete would love to have a good ol’ conversation with you. He loves sparring with other swordsmen to test out his skills, or to hear exploits and legends any blade might be surrounded in! Things can get a bit blurry at what he considers to be swords - katanas are kinda on thin ice - but he would definitely love to find someone to talk about his One True Passion.

04. SO I HEARD YOU LIKE CLOTHES

Sword aficionado might be Siete’s true calling, but his second true calling would probably be sewing. (A needle is kinda like a blade, if you think about it.) Those fancy uniforms he and the other Eternals wear? All his design, baby! He also loves gifting his friends custom made clothes for special occasions or such. Just don’t be surprised if yours happens to have a bunch of belts with it - his tastes can get, er, flashy.

05. SO I HEARD YOU LIKE PASTRY

Another piece in Siete’s Mysterious Past™ is his apparent previous job as a pastry chef. While no prodigy, his cakes and baked goods are still pretty tasty! He doesn’t dabble on this as much as he does on swords or sewing, but it’s still another gift choice for him to rely on. He can cook savory dishes too, but you’re better off asking someone else for that. Otherwise? He’ll probably won’t mind teaching other people how to bake if they’re interested. Just remember to ask for specific design tips, or else all you’ll know is how to make your desserts sword shaped.

06. TERRA

Terra is the Eternal’s resident pet and housekeeper of sorts - in a literal sense, as their base was situated right on top of her back. Things are a bit different now though, since Terra isn’t island sized and all. Normally she’s very self-sufficient, but being a normal tortoise meant that she’s gonna need a bit of help from Siete. If you interested in pet care or just tortoises in general, this is a plot idea we can start off with!

07. ENEMIES

The Eternals was a crew founded in order to fight against potential sky-ending threats, being nerfed to hell and back in a different world isn’t going to stop Siete from doing his job. For better or for worse he’s not beholden to any form of law or government and he will take means to his own hands - sometimes even without output from his fellow crewmates, much to their own frustrations. He’s a good person at heart so chances are he’ll only target anyone planning to do something terrible at a large scale, and only to beat reasoning into their own heads more than anything.

08. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE YEARNING

Wow what kind of idiot would fall in love with this guy Oh boy do I love me some shipping. But here’s the problem - you’re going to have to go through like twenty chapters of slowburn pic to get to him. For starters, Siete has this problem of keeping things to himself and joking as a coping mechanism. At best he’s insensitive and at worst he never lets himself be vulnerable towards anybody. He might care a lot for the people likes, but he hardly pays any attention when it comes to his own personal needs. Chances are, he would fall in love way before he realizes he’s in love in the first place.

I’m a sucker for chemistry and all that jazz, but the biggest obstacle for a relationship with Siete would be himself, and chances are he’ll have to get over some of his issues first before anything would spark.

His endgame romance is currently tentatively planned but hey, if you’re up to some unrequited stuff I’m all ears!

Phew I wrote a lot. But if you have an idea what’s not under this list at all, feel free to throw suggestions my way! I’d love for a huge variety of plots and I hope this monolith of a text post could aid your way in thinking some ideas!! My dms are always open, winks at -

#isola rp ad #°✦ — SEOFUN TIMES #hate how my siete voice kinda bled into this

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hotoffthepressfics · 5 years ago

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Broke But Not Broken: Chapter 2

MASTERLIST

Part II

Previous | Next

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Word Count: 3,250

Summary: CiCi Continues to help you get set up for the night. The two of you seek a place to stay from a roguish gentleman. ;)

Warnings: Angst

Inspiration/Chapter Soundtrack:

“Used” - Wyvern Lingo

“Strip Me” - Gavin Mikhail

A/N: There’s only a tiny bit of Bucky in this chapter, but he’s gonna be making lots of appearances after this so buckle in! Enjoy!

Once you had left the small thrift store CiCi took you three blocks over to a little mom and pop place that was still open. Once you were seated in a booth towards the back of the diner and CiCi had ordered for you both the two of you sat in mutual silence. The plump, middle - aged woman waiting on you smiles sweetly as she places your drinks on the table. You watch her go, then reach for the steaming mug, and bring it to your lips. You sip your tea slowly, fingers laced around the ceramic mug allowing the heat to seep through your skin.

You glance up to notice CiCi is once again studying you for about the third time tonight. She leans forward setting her elbows on the Formica tabletop. Fingers steepled she rests her chin against them. You lean farther into the booth fidgeting uncomfortably under the new scrutiny. You bow your head and stare into the dark amber liquid in your mug. CiCi inhales a long breath bringing her hands away from her face.

"Alright baby, now I could sit here all night makin' up all sorts of stories for you, but I'd much rather know the truth. Now tell me, what's your story?"

Your cheeks heat and you try to sink even farther into the booth, but it doesn't give. Your eyes flick back to CiCi's face. She looks at you expectantly. You breathe in slowly, trying to stall as long as you can.

"T - " your voice is croaky. The air exerted to speak itches your throat and you cough. You take a long draw from your mug. Clearing your throat, you attempt again.

"T – there's... nothing to tell..." You give a noncommittal shrug of your shoulders. You hope the gesture is enough to hide the dread that was surging back through your veins. You press your hands harder against the smooth sides of the mug to keep them from shaking.

CiCi had given you nothing but patience and kindness since you had met. However, that didn't mean you were ready to lay bare all your personal details to her. Not yet. It had been nice to forget for a moment. To pretend that your life was just starting from the moment you stepped off that bus. You worry your bottom lip between your teeth, afraid to meet CiCi's eyes again. In your experience refusing to respond could get you very hurt.

CiCi snorts, "Well now that is just a bold –faced lie. Honey, no one gets this twitchy and nervous from nothin’... but," she leans back, and splays her hands out in surrender. "I know we just met. You don't wanna tell me what's what that's your business."

You can feel the guilt weaving around your heart; she has been so nice.

The less anyone knows about me, the safer I will be. He can't find me if I don't exist anywhere.

"Can I at least get your name?” CiCi played with the handle on her own mug, seeming to appear uninterested.

You weigh your options for a moment. You could lie. Come up with a false name. The idea made you unhappy. Out of everything that had been stripped away from you, your name was the only thing you had left that was yours. It was your identity. The last link to who you used to be.

"Y/N. Just Y/N." You barely speak above a whisper, still uncertain if you should reveal this small bit of truth about yourself.

The widest smile breaks out across CiCi's face and you feel the guilt subside. Your waitress comes to your table then, the plates of food balanced in both of her hands.

"There you are, is there anything else I can get you ladies?" Her kind eyes dart between you and CiCi.

"We’re mighty fine now hun, thank you." CiCi dismisses the waitress. She gives you both one last smile as she walks away.

"Okay Miss Y/N. Let's dig in to our meal here and start to fatten you up. It hurts me just looking at you. Lord knows if a good, stiff wind blew down the street I'd have to hold onto your or else you'd blow away." CiCi gave you another toothy grin and winked. You couldn’t help but smile sheepishly.

"After we finish here let's get you set up in a place to stay." You quickly swallow the bite you were working on chewing.

"I-I- I don't have much, just a - "

CiCi raised her hand up to silence you. "Hush, don't you worry. I know someone who's got some room to spare for the time being."

You stare at her, watching as she brings the slice of grilled cheese to her mouth. She realizes you are watching her and drops the food back onto the plate. She grabs her napkin from her lap.

"What? Did I smear some lipstick on my face or something?" She pulls the chrome napkin dispenser towards her to inspect her face.

"Why?" You swallow thickly, inhaling slowly to prevent the sobs that were bubbling to the surface. "Why are you being so nice to me? You don't even know me."

She straightens and pushes the dispenser back into place, "Lord almighty, she can say more than five syllables!"

You continue to stare waiting for an answer. CiCi chuckles.

"Why? I don't know." She shrugs "I guess because I recognized the look in your eyes in that alley. I've felt it in my own before. I didn't have any help from no one then, but I fought my way back from it. I guess I just wanted to offer you the help I wished I had had back then." She levels her gaze to you.

"I don't know your story. I don't need to know it. You ain't never gonna have to tell me if you don't want to. But life is messed up enough as it is. Turning a blind eye to another's hurts makes ya mean, and honey, I am too fabulous to be mean." CiCi preens and fluffs her hair.

You let out an involuntary laugh that breaks the dam of your control. Tears pour down your cheeks. Cici's face softens and she reaches an outstretched hand to you. You tentatively place your hand in hers and she firmly wraps her fingers around it. You pull a napkin from the dispenser and wipe at your nose.

"Hey," she shakes your hand gently. You glance to her and take in the somber expression on her face.

"This moment is only temporary. We are gonna get you a place to stay and then we are gonna get you back on your feet. Okay?" You nod and draw in a ragged breath. CiCi releases your hand with one last squeeze.

"Good, now eat up.”

•••

A thirty-minute ride on the C train across town and about a mile walk from the station exit brought the two of you in front of a brownstone apartment building. It looks sturdy and well built, albeit a little aged. You keep close to Cici as she climbs the steps. She turns to the list of residents by the call buttons. When she came to one with the name “Barnes” she repeatedly punches in the button. A series of short, obnoxious buzzes burst from the intercom. A minute passes before a longer buzz and click sound from the entry. CiCi pulls open the door and holds it for you. You scurry in.

Inside you can see rows of mailboxes followed by a small hallway ending at an elevator. You wait as CiCi walks back towards it and presses the button to call it down. You take the elevator to the fifth level. CiCi takes you down the hall of doorways stopping when she reaches the third on the right. She rhythmically wraps against the wood. A crash sounds on the other side followed by a slew of expletives.

You cringe and step closer to CiCi. A lock scrapes against its metal holding and the door is yanked open. A tall man with dark brown, saggy hair and scruff to match leans on the door frame and squints out at the pair of you. It takes a moment for him to register who he's seeing.

"Jesus, Cees! Do you have any idea what time it is?!" The man swipes his hand across his face.

CiCi stands with arms akimbo, one eyebrow cocked in derision.

“Oh, I’m sorry baby. Were you sleeping? I just assumed you’d be busy with company tonight.”

The man chuckles and adjusts his position so his back is against the frame.

“Naw, no dames breaking down this door tonight but you sugar.”

As he turns out towards the hall you notice the glint of metal come from his left arm. You pull back from CiCi to take closer look. You thought you were imagining it, but no. This man’s entire left arm was made from metal. You duck back, afraid to be caught gawking.

“Oh Bucky, you charmer. We both know I’m too woman for you and my man keeps me plenty happy.”

The man, Bucky, places his right hand over his heart as though he's been wounded. "Ouch, not pulling any punches tonight are we CiCi?"

By now Bucky notices you timidly standing behind CiCi. He gives you a wicked grin.

"How about your friend then? She looks like she could use some fun and I'm always game to make new friends."

You glare at him. CiCi's tenacity was apparently enough to make you bold, but not enough to help you stand your ground. You shuffle closer to her. He laughs.

"Down you dog. We didn't come here so you could practice your wooing skills. We need an apartment. Your apartment." CiCi explains.

Bucky blinks. "I thought you said you weren't here for me to practice "wooing". I've only the one bed in here, but I am very good at sharing."

CiCi smacks his metal shoulder. Bucky feigns injury, rubbing the spot she hit.

"Cut that out! You know exactly which apartment I'm talkin' about!"

"Ah," Bucky blows out a breath, settling his hands on his hips. "See that's gonna be a no Cees. Gotta keep that open for when... you know, B – Day hits."

You furrow your brows in confusion. B – Day? What was that supposed to be? You move slightly out from behind CiCi to look at her face. She rolls her eyes. Reaching back, she pulls you out from behind to stand between her and Bucky. You squeak and stumble a bit. CiCi places her hands on your shoulders.

"See this sweet young thing here? She's in need of a place to stay. Seeing as you're not entertaining for the time being means that... B – Day has been avoided for another day," her emphasis on the phrase drips with sarcasm.

Bucky glances down at you, fully taking you in for the first time. You droop into CiCi's hands, all the bravado you had gained evaporating under his inspection. You focus on the space between his feet and yours, willing your legs to stay put and not flee. The silence seems to stretch forever. Finally, Bucky sighs.

"Hang on."

You glance up slightly to see he has left the doorway. A moment later he comes back with a set of keys.

"Here. Apartment 406. You gotta be a little rough with it, the handle likes to stick a bit." You see his hand stretch out to you, key dangling from his fingers. You take the keys from him, briefly meeting his eyes for a moment. He winks and quirks the left side of his mouth. You flush and quickly drop your gaze.

Unable to stand the attention any longer you feint to your left and slip out from CiCi’s grasp. A couple more steps down the hall back towards the elevator you stop and prop yourself up against the wall to wait for CiCi. You hear Bucky whistle.

“I knew my flirting skills were subpar, but am I really that bad?”

CiCi reaches over and pats Bucky’s cheek.

“She’s just a little skittish, that’s all. Don’t take it too personally. Thank you for your help baby. Now go get some sleep. You look like hell.”

Bucky chuckles. “Goodnight Cees,” he leans farther out of his doorway to call out, “goodnight doll!”

You flinch. CiCi shakes her head and walks over to you as you hear the sound of Bucky’s door click back into place.

“C’mon little miss wallflower,” CiCi croons as she slips her arm around you. “Let’s get you set up for the night. I am beat!”

•••

A trip down to the third floor to CiCi’s apartment, who apparently lived in this building as well, and back up to the fourth brought you in front of the door to 406. Bucky hadn’t been kidding when he said you needed to be rough with the handle. It took you and CiCi twisting and butting up against the door to get the thing to pop open. As soon as it gave in you struggle to keep yourself from sprawling out across the apartment floor. CiCi straightens and wipes her brow.

“I’m gonna have a talk with Bucky about that door. Can’t have you throw in’ out your shoulder every time you wanna get in!” She chortles to herself as she leans back out the door and grabs the items she brought up with you.

“He’s the super for the apartment. He’s pretty good about the upkeep ‘round here. Though it seems he’s kind of let this one go…” CiCi runs her hand along the door jam. She shakes her head.

“I suppose it’s in preparation for B – Day.” She waggles her eyebrows at you. You stand in the middle of the apartments living area. The space is sparse. A battered recliner sits in a corner closest to the window looking out onto the street below. You see the fire escape ladder cross the window frame. Turning slowly on your heel you observe an ajar door to the left of the window and chair. That must be the bedroom. Another turn and you see the kitchen. Once again pretty bare but for the appliances you assume come with the apartment.

Completing your inspection of the place you turn back to CiCi and incline your head to the side. You give her a puzzled look.

“What… is “B – Day”?” CiCi gives a nod as though she knew this question was coming.

“It stands for Bitch – Day. Bucky is a good soul, but he has very poor taste in women and even poorer decision – making skills. I won’t get into his business but there has been many a time he’s brought a crazy bitch home only to find its much harder to get them to leave. So, he keeps this apartment below his to sneak away until they’ve decide it’s not worth sticking around.” She waves her hand around to take in the whole space.

You tense a little when she mentions his apartment is right above what would now be yours for the time being. You glance back at the window and out to the fire escape. The one that connected the upper level to yours.

CiCi perceives your discomfort as though she’s reading your thoughts. “Don’t you worry none sweetheart. He may seem like a scoundrel, but he’s a good one. He won’t try to come here now that you’re here.”

That seemed true enough. Bucky appeared to be a good man.

I had thought the same of Colton, and look how that had turned out…

You try to relax your shoulders. Silently, you walk towards the bedroom door and push it open with your hip. Feeling blindly against the wall you find the light switch and flip it on. Inside this room a full bed was pushed against the far wall to the corner. This allowed it to be hidden from the window. Your tension lessens more. At least you’d be able to see all the entry points from the safety of the corner.

Breezing by you CiCi began laying out the blanket and pillow she’d taken from her apartment and set up the bed. You place your bag of newly purchased clothing next to it and proceed to help smooth out the bedding. Once it was complete CiCi stands back and admires her handiwork.

“Alright! Well I think that will set you up for the night Y/N. Tomorrow we’ll see about getting you set up with groceries and hunt you down a job. You gonna be alright up here alone hun?” She swivels to you. You nod tiredly.

“Good. Get some sleep baby. It’ll be a bright new day for you.” Cici softly rubs your cheek before turning to go out the door.

“Thank you, CiCi.”

“You’re welcome, hun.” And with that she heads out.

You face back towards the bed taking in the meager belongings you’d accumulated that night. Some bought; even more borrowed. You feel the weight of it all pull at your shoulders. It had been a long, emotional day.

But you’re free. You’re alone and safe. Free.

You sift through the other items CiCi had left behind finding a camisole and light, silky night shorts. You assume she meant for you to sleep in these, but they felt too much like what you’d been forced to wear day and night before. Even if they were a little less… provocative.

He isn’t here. He didn’t choose these.

Exasperated with yourself you strip out of the night’s outfit and pull on your sleep attire. After you finish you go into the bathroom connected to the bedroom. Switching on the lights you push yours limits farther and peer into the mirror. You tug the hair tie of your braid out and begin to hand comb through your hair, wincing as it strains the hair on the sore spot of your scalp. That guy earlier tonight had yanked a lot harder than you supposed.

You mentally tally all the essentials you’ll need to purchase, like a tooth and hairbrush, while avoiding looking at the bruises peaking through the camisole. Some were almost healed. Others rather fresh from only being dealt a few days before.

You push aside the memories threatening to drag you under. You didn’t want to relive those moments. No here where a new life was so close to beginning. You turn abruptly and cut the lights off. You walk into the center of the bedroom. The bright lights above you and the thin clothing cause you to feel exposed and raw. You inhale through your nose and blow it out of your mouth fighting the hysteria, but you’re too exhausted. You kneel and sift through your clothes once more pulling out the gray sweater you got. Hugging it close, you pull it over your head. The heavy material seems to pull you back to your senses. Steadying you.

Taking a walkthrough of the apartment once more you double and triple check the locks to the windows and door, making certain it’s all secure.

Going back into the bedroom you shut the door and bolt the handle lock. Deciding to leave the light on you crawl onto the bed, curling into the blankets provided by CiCi. You wiggle your way into the corner of the bed, away from the window and facing the door, and fall slowly into a fitful rest.

EVERYTHING TAGLIST:

@booktvmoviefangirl @lowkeybuckyb @mrsdaamneron @xxashy999xx @c-ly-g @coal000 @rroguebones @ghostlyrose2 @part-time-patronus @emelielwh @peaceinourtime82 @buckysforeverprincess @geeksareunique @amnahs9695 @v-2bucky @scarlet-skywalkers @lokilvrr @thisismysecrethappyplace @sacre-bluhm @tatertot1097 @until-theend-oftheline @amoonagedaydreamer @marvelouspottering @littlemarvelfics @averyrogers83 @chuuulip @thatfanficstuff

BUCKY BARNES TAGLIST:

@bloodiedskirtts @igotkatiepowers @misplacedorphan @superwholockwannabe @moonstruckhargrove @ladysergeantbarnes

BBNB TAGLIST:

@imaginecrushes @that-bearshark @jademox @theraputicwritings @marvel-fanfiction @aubri1313 @xcriminalmastermindx @regulusirius @jacquelineisawkward @lostinspace33 @directionerfae @rainbowkisses31 @marie-is-in-the-dark @msgrungie @mrsbarneswillseeyounow @getmedeacon @owhatshername1 @drunkinthemiddleoftheday @mizzzpink @aveatquevale- @sweetlydecaf @absolukeyrh

#bucky barnes x reader #james bucky barnes x reader #james barnes x reader #bucky angst #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes series #bucky fluff #james bucky barnes fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #modern au #the winter soldier

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angelicdemonx13-blog · 4 years ago

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My n Nana’s story long version

Most of the things in my life I only explain ever once in a while, when i’m ready because in transitioning from young adult to adult we sometimes feel like we need to prove things or defend our choices or actions. When we don’t. There are very few ppl that are entitled to information or have your best interest at heart. The fact that they are trying t force information out of u, manipulating, n making u feel bad for nothing u did wrong, for information that is none of their business, shows that.

I’ve even had some doctors be insensitive, u know ppl u think know better, or would have more tact or care. ““I have a fur baby” “ehhh that’s not the same really”

I came home from deployment n got a truck, my first rented home, n I went to get my dog oreo who had been boarded all deployment. I had paid throughout deployment, but even returning it’s a costly thing. I still owed 2,000$ I paid 1,000$ til I could pay the rest.

Soon after that I was invited to a family mountain trip camping, and I took oreo, n she did great n had a good time, I left early for a relatives wedding and to visit a bf/ old friend of mine n brought oreo home.

Soon after that, my rented home, was not fenced n sat on a 5 lane highway. It was middle of the night early morning, 12am -5am n she was out pottying, n got a wild hair up her butt n ran across the street, no traffic. I called her, n she was on her way back across, when a black truck hit her, I don’t know what happened after that. She didn’t come t my side. N I looked fir her for days, n talked to neighbors. I didn’t find her.

I was distraught, I had recently lost my biological mother, n it hit me hard, I barely had her back.

A military friend had a puppy that they couldn’t keep, asking 400$ for her, I gave them 300$ intending t pay the rest, but that friend has never faulted me for that 100$.

A pure bred shepherd months old puppy, whose mom was a prize winning show dog n dad was a police dog.

Nana came into my life when I needed her most. N that started our journey together taking her on walks at the park. We hadn’t gotten her vaccinated yet cuz we just hadn’t gotten to it yet. She got parvo.

Again I just lost my biological mom, that I don’t feel like I got enough time t get my shit together so I could spend more time with her, oreo was gone,n now my saving grace was about t b taken too. Dogs surviving parvo is slim.

But I cleaned n sanitized, figured out what it was, n one evening decided to take her to the emergency animal hospital, bleeding all over the back seat of my truck, sat for hours for them t tell me they were keeping her over night, n sending meds home, for maybe...n it would cost 600$.

I didn’t have pet insurance, I paid the 600$, n went home n waited. I came t get her the next day. Brought her home with meds. N continued to clean n sanitize, n crush up her pills in water t get them down her throat with a syringe, n keep water in her with the syringe.

n she lived. She is such a fighter.

Potty n poop accidents, trying t train her t potty, her eating everything because she thinks she’s a goat, the fire mantel bottom bricking, the side of doors like cribbing, she ate my chair, like ppl had reapolstered it, n she ripped the back out n chewed on the old wood, the metal brackets, n there was even a sowing needle that fell out, thank goodness I got it before she tried t eat that, her being afraid of a feather, because she’s not ok with anything, until she can put it in her mouth. She has ruined, eaten, or broken cuz of her energy tons of special things t me, but that’s just stuff n she’s a living breathing, once ever thing that I only got a number of days with.

Soon after that, I lost my home. N that started me n her bouncing around from relatives n friends, areas I could keep her, trying t get on my feet. A pampered expensive dog went from nice surroundings to areas where it’s outside encloses that I come every couple of days to feed her n exercise her. N I know she thought she did something wrong, but I kept coming back. Long nights n hours in her crate bouncing around.

Her taring up other ppls stuff, that were helping us out. During my stay in transitional housing, in advocating for emotional support animals and educating, it’s a fight. My first peer support counselor, which is the person who is supposed to help u find housing prospects, n drive u there n help you navigate the rental interview process, did not want to back me up on my pet needs. He told me a story about his son having a shepherd n loving the dog n training it n they moved n had to shelter the dog, n tore his son up n decided they could keep it, but by the time they did, the dog had been homed.....so his story was that, it’s a nice breed it will go fast....sure she looks like a nice dog, but with her behavioral issues early, I knew ppl would not anticipate how much care she needs and she would bounce around n b in danger. With that in mind, here specific needs, the fact that I’ve invest money, time, n care into this animal, makes me the right care taker.

At a relatives house, I was trained her and taking long walks into downtown, taking her into post offices to teach her to sit quietly. N we had just come from a walk down town in my truck, I thought I had tired out n she usually did good with staying in a home yard but once in a while she’d get a wild hair up her butt, n run off, n she did that this night. She bolted off n I went after her calling her, n the same thing only in reverse. I heard her. I heard her get hit, I didn’t see it, and I found her. I picked her up a good size shepherd at 3-4 yrs. old. N carried her across a field as far as I could. N almost out of the field I put her down n told her ur gonna have t walk n she walked the rest of the way to the shed I was keeping her in. My cousin, a nurse, helped me get the bleeding t stop, n bandage her n give her meds. She does not like t stay down, it wasn’t long before she was back up n seemingly walking like normal, n I didn’t think anything was wrong.

We wouldn’t take quit as long walks and at her pace.

After this, when Nana n I were living in the trailer, before transitional housing, I noticed after our long walks, that here leg would be tender n ginger. She started getting red hairless areas that she chewed that no matter what I did,changing her food, put on it, I didn’t know what it was or what t do. But we were getting whatever food we could at that time too. It was during this time, a really low point, that anything I did was for her. I got up n dud stuff for her, I stayed positive fir her, I went t work no matter what was going on to provide for her, I stayed healthy n fit with n for her. I was in this position b/c any affordable housing option in this area either didn’t allow dogs, or didn’t allow her breed. N I, have no children, I’m a adult can fend fir myself. She’s a responsibility that I said yes to. I would rather live in a tent with my dog than not with her. Whatever food I had, she’s getting some. If we had McDonald’s, she’s either getting half of burger or she’s getting nuggets n water. No electricity, some running water but no hot water, we had heat, n food. N I could go t a near friends house to shower, wash clothes n bring back water n food for her. I worked a lot n she would b coupled up in the trailer fir 8 hrs at a time not using bathroom n no safe large area fir her t play n run. I would come let her out fir a bit n put right back, or I worked 7pm -closing shift n I’d bring her in my truck, windows down, dark evening, with water in a bowl n her food or treats for the evening. So after work, I could take her t a near by park which was still across town, to let her run n exercise, b/c no safe area at our trailer park. Before going home, eating something, washing up, n bed. N us sleeping, letting her out real quick, n after work was all the time we got together.

Soon after this, I decided to do something to get in a better position to care for both me n her. I put her in Guardian Angels for soldiers pets, so I could come to Charlotte n get on my feet. Everything that I did staying focused, completing it as quickly as I did, was motivated by wanting to get situated to get her back. It was in this n her intake vet exam that I found out the red spots were her being allergic t gluten, I also found out that her leg had grown it was a bit dislocated, n some muscle had grown between to pinch, but there wasn’t much to do about it at this point. She runs n does like normal but it needs t b rested some, n t watch her.

All these factors, along with I don’t like to be away from her for extended amounts of time, anything is better if she can be there. I do pay attention to her, I take information about her seriously. She is a investment, she is a support system that is always here. She isn’t 9-5. She makes me smile even recently when I’m crying, she laid in the cold with me at my lowest point heating me. She is not optional. This is why I fight for animals, for animal support. I get it if your not as committed as I am, it takes a certain type of person to advocate constantly. But my dog is worth it.

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lovingmyotp · 7 years ago

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BIG REC MASTERLIST

Ok so... I’ve been reading fanfiction since I was still a fetus, and by that I mean I was 11 to 12 years old by the time. Also, I have read plenty of books too, and manga.

So I thought, why don’t make a recommendation?? Of all I’ve ever read and I can’t get out of my head?

So, for ANYONE out there, you could find something interesting here. If not, this will be purely for self indulgence then.

B O O K S

Pride and Prejudice. - Jane Austen. What can I say about p&p? I was fluctuated with the 2005 movie adaptation since I was 10 years old. And while I don’t tent to read the books when I’ve already watched their movies, I simply had to. And BOM! favorite book has been stored.

The time traveler’s wife. - Audrey Niffenegger. I bought this at a bookfair because I thought it was from a movie I had seen the promotionals for... figures out I was wrong, but this had me crying one summer afternoon. Since then I love time traveling-related books. And the movie? amazing.

Brida. - Paulo Coelho. This made me the bookworm I am nowadays. I like to thank my abuela for that. This book is magic, and one of the reasons I’m such a hopeless romantic who believes in fate and soulmates. I can’t help it. Tho this is not the only good book from Paulo Coelho and not the only one I LOVE, this is by far my most favorite and it was my first from him.

Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe - Benjamin A. Saenz. Oh boy... this was the first book I read in english. It is special. It has a space in my heartsoul. I can’t remember how many times I have re-read it (and I don’t tend to do that) I find myself taking it from my bookshelf and searching for a specific scene so I can fall in love with it again. This is gold, it is a treasure, and when the day comes and a movie adaptation comes out I’m gonna die.

The book thief. - Markus Zuzak. This book was so precious that I had to stop mid-way through reading the e-book version to wait half a year a buy a physical copy. This book is meant to be read while you can touch it, toss it, let your tears flow over its pages... just to enjoy the experience. I came for this book after I was reading such a good written fanfiction and the author claimed that they’ve stolen the writing style from this book. I DO NOT REGRET IT. You won’t either.

Daughter of Smoke and bones triology. - Laini Taylor. It has been 4 years and I haven’t read the last one yet. But I love this. I love the protagonist. Reincarnation is on the list of things I freaking love about fiction and this book has it. Also, it’s the kind of book that makes you want to wish you could live in their fictional world. Just amazing. And the author?? is a ray of sunshine?? I love her.

The lux saga. - Jennifer L. Armentrout. These books made me go insane and stay up to morning. Kinda cliché-ish if you look too much into it. But that doesn’t stop them from being amazing. Hot aliens at the order. Main protagonist is relatable and a badass... why not?

The mortal instruments. - Cassandra Clare. EVERYONE knows TMI by now. But these books made me the 18 year old I am. While Shadowhunters is like a canon divergence to the books -and don’t get me wrong I LOVE THE SHOW-, but the books? they’re gold. All the shadowhunters verse is amazing, but tmi is the life changing. I waited for the last two books to come out so it was torturing, but you can go and read them and enjoy the ride because there’s still more to come!!

H O N O R I F I C M E N T I O N S:

The tunnel. - Ernesto Sabato.

Dead houses. - Miguel Otero Silva.

White like milk, red like blood. - Alessandro D’avenia.

Falcon’s Prey. - Penny Jordan.

Maya’s notebook. - Isabel Allende.

Of Love and Shadows. - Isabell Allende.

The house of spirits. - Isabell Allende.

Fan Art. - Sarah Tregay.

Like water for chocolate. - Laura Esquivel.

And I think that’s it for books? not so many since I just listed the ones that have left a mark on me.

M A N G A

Yaoi/Shonen-ai.

Jackass! - Sawatte Ii tte Dare ga Itta yo? - Scarlet Beriko. This manga makes you love legs. LEGS LEGS LEGS. Also, Scarlet Beriko’s art style is to be put into a museum and be looked at for all day long. Friends to lovers and that’s it. SHOUNEN AI if you want it to be.

Yondaime Ooyamato Tatsuyuki. - Scarlet Beriko. This is some good shit. GOOD ART. AMAZING BODIES. LOOK AT THAT SEME. HE IS SO CUTE?! Yakuzas. Did I mention the uke being a yakuza? well he is. One con of this manga? CW dubious-consent and rape at some point but with bl one kind of gets along with it (not that it is a good thing). Still a good manga. YAOI because yes.

Doushitemo Furetakunai. - Yoneda Kou. I cried. That’s it. IT HAS A LIVE-ACTION MOVIE??!! YES?! Cute, cute all over. SHOUNEN AI.

Udagawachou De Mattete Yo. - Hideyoshico. Enjoy how a boy loves wearing dresses and make-up because he slays with everything he puts on! and then succeeding at accepting himself. Also... IT HAS A LIVE-ACTION MOVIE TOO!??! YES! SHOUNEN AI.

Hana no mizu shiru, Hana no migoro ni, Hana no miyako de. - Takarai Rihito. I fell in love with Takarai Rihito thanks to this. I seem to keep forgetting the exact order to read all three of them, but boy at one point you’ll cry if you figure that out. SHOUNEN AI.

Yuki No Shita No Qualia. - Kii Kanna. I’m gonna be honest and say I don’t remember anything about this manga. The art style got me and that’s it. Maybe the story did it too and that’s why I have it on my fave list but... I must have read it too early in the morning and forgot everything ‘bout it. Thing is, if I binge-read-it it certainly is good. SHOUNEN AI for sure...(?)

Me o Tojite 3-Byou. - Aniya Yuiji. You looking for: Good art style? Checked. Angst? Checked. Childhood friends to lovers? Checked. Then I got you some news!!! this is pure as the purest cinnamon roll (at least until you read the smutty doujinshi but that comes later) and If you’re feeling like the world sucks you should read this cup of happiness. SHOUNEN AI.

Yozora no Sumikko de. - Hayakawa Nojiko. This is beautiful. Hayakawa Nojiko’s art style is precious. And this artwork is amazing. The story is full of angst and makes you go YeSSsyyYeSSSss all over. Read it. READ IT. SHOUNEN AI.

Konbini-kun. - Junko. I miss Junko. At least her bl works. She’s by far one of my faves mangakas just because she draws such cute boys I can’t help but love all of them. This story in specific is just perfect. Bullying, the character being actually gay since the beginning, and him coming to terms with it. I just love it. YAOI If you know Junko you know it.

Sora to Hara. - Nakamura Asumiko. L O V E THIS MANGA OK? I’M WAITING FOR A MOVIE ADAPTATION JUST AS DOUKYUUSEI GOT ITS OWN. MY SONS DESERVE IT. This manga is so pure, so full of happiness, so fulfilling, you’ll feel over the moon in love with the characters. Also... SUPER HAPPY ENDING?? YESS! SHOUNEN AI.

Elektel Delusion. - Yonezou Nekota. If I don’t remember wrong this was one of the firsts bl mangas I ever read. And I love it. It has a place in my heart. Well deserved. I must say it is a classic? Fumi is the man we all deserve but don’t get to own. ever. YAOI.

XXX Allergy. - Hinohara Meguru. A recently-added to my faves mangas. This is so cute. The seme is long-haired... that’s it. Cute history and they love each other. What else do you need? SHOUNEN AI.

Mou Ichido, Nando Demo. - Aniya Yuiji. Memory loss. Angst. Smut. Aniya Yuiji. Another reason to live for. Just cry and enjoy the ride. ALSO, REVERSIBLE COUPLE!!! HELLO???!!1 YES!!!! GO JAPAN GO!! YAOI.

Lonely To Organdy. - Ogeretsu Tanaka. I just love angst, ok? HAVE SOME. GET A BITTERSWEET ENDING. ENJOY IT AND KEEP ON LIVING KNOWING THIS ENDED UP LIKE THIS, WHAT ELSE DID YOU EXPECT? Some ghosts, some dreams, two boys... yep. SHOUNEN AI.

Veranda Nite. - Ichikawa Kei. Back at it again with the ghosts? Yes. I love Ichikawa Kei for a reason yet she hasn’t gotten me at her will (completely) yet. Nevertheless, this is awesome. I don’t remember the ending but it is a one-shot. SHOUNEN AI.

Hana wa saku ka. - Hidaka Shoko. This is the definition of SLOW BURN. The very definition. Good art. Amazing plot. Great characters... the bl manga you needed and now you know. GO! READ! IT! It is so long you grow up with it but you won’t regret it. SHOUNEN AI (at least until they finally do the do but it is a the very end)

YATAMOMO. - Harada. Harada scares me. But I had to give her a try (for a third time) and this is what I found. A deep plot, and good character development. Momo is the kind of ukes I love and want to protect. YAOI.

H O N O R I F I C M E N T I O N S: partially because they’re still ongoing.

Aitsu no Daihonmei. - Tanaka Suzuki. SHOUNEN AI.

Super Lovers. - Abe Miyuki. SHOUNEN AI.

Hidamari ga Kikoeru. - Fumino Yuki. SHOUNEN AI.

Ameiro Paradox. - Natsume Isaku. SHOUNEN AI.

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. - Shungiku Nakamura. YAOI.

Honto Yajuu. - Yamamoto Kotetsuko. SHOUNEN AI.

Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai. - Yoneda Kou. YAOI.

I prefer shounen ai because it is cute all over, even though a good old school hard yaoi isn’t bad for the health any other day...

Shoujo/Shounen: some are on-going.

Ao haru ride. - Sakisaka Io. First shoujo manga I ever read. I loved it. The only shoujo manga I’ve ever finished too. Everyone knows it. Angst is at the order, a good female protagonist and Haru being a cute boy since ever. SHOUJO. COMPLETE.

Watashi ga motete dousunda! - Junko. I’m hating the protagonist by the moment but... reverse harem. She’s a fujoshi and by being lucky she’s now with one of the best guys to ever exist in fiction. God blessed her and I want that kind of spell over me too. Funny times at the order. SHOUJO. ON GOING.

Haikyuu!! - Furudate Haruichi. WHO DOESN’T KNOW HAIKYUU?? GO WATCH ALL THREE SEASONS! WATCH THE OVAS! READ THE MANGA! ENJOY ADOPTING OVER 500+ SONS. You won’t hate anyone, it is impossible. SHOUNEN. ON GOING.

Kuroshitsuji. - Yana Toboso. This manga is fresh, its art style is amazing, the plot would make you go :O!! and right now is the best moment to apply for this ride because it sure is a rollercoaster. SHOUNEN. ON GOING.

Kiben Gakuha Yotsuya Senpai no Kaidan. - Furudate Haruichi. I don’t know why I read this, or when... but it is amazing. I love Furudate Haruichi’s art style and this was my way of getting more full of it besides from Haikyuu!! Mystery solving is always interesting. SHOUNEN. COMPLETE.

CODA. - Hitoshi Ichimura. Yuri!!! on ice from 2010. But instead of ice skating it is ballet and more of an open ending than rings that prove you’re a canon couple. It’s cute, you ship the characters and it doesn’t harm anyone. Read it, more people should love it. SHONEN. GENDER BENDER. shOujo?? COMPLETE.

Tokyo Ghoul - Ishida Sui. I only know my first son TG. I finished my friendship with TG:RE. What will happen to my dearest Kaneki Ken who should be protected at all costs? who knows. The manga is amazing, the anime not so much. SHOUNEN. COMPLETE.

Strobe Edge. - Sakisaka Io. I hate the ending. I hate the main characters. I love angst so I fell in love with Endou, the third wheel the other love interest of the protagonist and THE REAL GOOD BOY HERE HE DESERVED BETTER. SHOUJO. COMPLETE.

Shingeki no Kyojin. - Hajime Isayama. You know the one. Titans. Blood, sweat and tears but without good dancing. The manga is good is2g go and read it and enjoy the cliffhangers and lots of questions. SHOUNEN. ON GOING.

Yep, I read more yaoi manga than other genres... I’m a fujoshi I know that.

Finally... fanfiction. I’ll classify them by fandoms... that are not so many.

F A N F I C T I O N: all complete.

Shingeki no Kyojin.

Ereri/riren.

Not such thing as fate. by Mysecretfanmoments. Reincarnation AU. My thing. I felt so at peace while reading this one... I really miss reading ereri fanfiction on a daily basis.

Inocencia perdida. by hudgens77 ¿Recordar mucho del 2014 cuando todo lo que hacía era leer en español? Nop. No recuerdo mucho de esta fanfic, pero Dios mio como amaba a esta autora.

De cráneos y fotografías. by hudgens77 Una escena de esta fanfiction quedó por siempre en mi cabeza, por eso la adoro. Un poco extraña si no mal recuerdo pero es simplemente genial. Misterios y más misterios.

Fanboy. by RinAinsworth Fanboy!Eren ama a youtuber!Levi si no mal recuerdo. Su vida es el sueño de todo el mundo cuando este se muda en frente de su casa. Es muy graciosa y recuerdo haber disfrutado un montón el leerla en su tiempo.

I used to read ereri/riren fanfiction like crazy back in the good old days. They were like my first otp or something. Of course all of that was on fanfiction.net and in spanish... I had to search there for this list and I find out most of them were never finished, ow my heart.

Hannibal.

Hannigram.

Tormentor, Mentor, Pleaser, Appeaser. by DarkFairyTail. Don’t remember that much but Hannibal fanfiction is always so good written it hurts. Just murder husbands being happy while husbanding and murdering.

The Shape Of Me Will Always Be You. by MissDisoriental. Post canon fix it are always the best. Same as with the one above, just them being them and slow burn like salt in the sea.

MARVEL.

Stucktony.

Don’t say it. by Bibliomaniac. SOULMATES AU. YESS. TONY CAN’T TALK??! So his soulmates don’t have his words?? holy CRAP YESS ANGST MUCH ANGST I LOVE ANGST.

Hide a heart of war. by RayShippouUchiha. People get flowers on their skin depending on things that have happened to them... language of flowers is heavy on this one. ANGST AGAIN, WHO ASKED FOR IT?

It was an accident. by HabuSake. The author of this has received so much crap I can’t believe it... HOWEVER, I intensely love this one. OMEGAVERSE, have I ever said I love it? well I do. Angst again yeeeaaah.

Starquill. this is so random sorry.

Tony Stark Fucks Off Into Space. by itsallavengers. I’m always in for people loving Tony and here Peter Quill shows some of it. Also, post CW? Yess.

Stony.

A Nuke to Your Chest. by vorkosigan. Wanna know what calm feels like? read this. It is so... I don’t know... GOOD?!?!? you will not regret it. I cry just from remembering it.

I thought I'd have more stony fnf on the fave list but I guess the one from above is enough as it is PERFECT.

Yuri!!! on ICE.

Victuri.

Fever. by MilkTeaMiku Ok the thing I said about loving omegaverse? well yeah. This is pure smut. The first YOI fanfiction I ever read. Also I love the author.

Desires. by AL_KILLER. THIS FANFICTION IS SO GOOD THAT I CRY. VICTOR IS SO BLIND I CAN’T HELP BUT LAUGH. TOO MUCH EMOTIONS AT ONCE. OMEGAVERSE 4 THE WIN.

An Examination of Stamina by Viktor Nikiforov. by Anonymous_Ostrich Pure smut, just that. Someone said bottom Victor? it has that too. You’re welcome. It is omegaverse too.

I say that if I look for fluff of them both I better watch the anime. Let’s enjoy the dark side of them on internet.

Haikyuu!!

Kagehina.

De cuervos y amores. by Cerezo de Luna. Same case as with Ereri/riren, I used to read a shit-ton of kagehina back in the good old days... nowadays? not so much. Still... I forgot to write this in spanish. Ajá, esta es MUY LINDA. Recuerdo esperarla con ansias a que actualizara, FLUFF FLUFF y varias parejas del Karasuno.

Bokuaka.

Come downstairs. by youaremarvelous THIS IS SO CALM AND PEACEFUL. THEY FALL IN LOVE LIKE YOU WOULD WANT TO (AT LEAST I DO) READ THIS, BOKUAKA IS LIFE DUDES.

Voltron Legendary Defender.

Klance.

How to train your galra series. by magisterpavus. SMUT. SO MUCH SMUT. BUT VERY GOOD SMUT!

Fake it til you make it. by nikkiRA. Fake relationship anyone?? i’m into it. This is amazing, you’ll never regret it.

Never saw you coming. by dimpleforyourthoughts. Mutual pinning. Angst. Lance being the goodest friend ever... yes, my jam.

Time out of mind. by aknightley. The boys?? wake up?? married?? in the future?? this is so cute it hurts??

Langst.

So here’s what you’re not going to do. by BreakTheDawn. Lance telling the group what he really thinks, misunderstandings, my sweet boy getting stressed... yes, this is a work of art.

Nobody said it was easy. by heroami. Unrequited love. Angst. Not a happy ending... you feeling like reading that? go ahead.

Lancelot. please I need more of this where Lotor isn’t a dickhead.

The sunflower you lost. by peachii. I like to think of this fanfiction as lancelot, though Klance is endgame. Altean!Lance at the order. Reincarnation AU(or something among the line)... did I mention angst? where there is some of it too.

And... that would be all for fanfictions I guess. I’m really picky with what I read.

Hope you liked this big list! I’ll keep it updated! bye :)!

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d-i-y--projects · 7 years ago

Link

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We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

1. This corner caddy to help keep the clutter down in your shared shower. Promising review: "Put it together in less than 10 min and looks very nice. Plenty of tension to hold lots of stuff." —JT9 Price: $30

2. A privacy bed tent that'll let others know when you reaalllllllllly shouldn't be bothered. Most promising review: "This is perfect for any college student or kid who just likes to have their own quiet space. This is tall enough to sit up in, but a cozy fort-like spot for my daughter to have some quiet space. It blocks out light nicely and is warm and cozy in her room, which can get chilly at night. Windows are also located at the top and bottom of the bed, which serve as doggy doors for us so our labs can get in and snuggle at night." —Jennifer Berkheimer Price: $129.99

3. A shower locker for insuring that all your expensive hair stuff is only used by *you*. Promising review: "Wow, I ordered this product as a request for my girlfriend (because we share an apartment with other people) and I expected it to be a cheap thing that can easily be tampered with—boy I was wrong! To my surprise, the locker is very high quality and does the job while looking cool in my shower. We're sharing hers right now, but I'm gonna get myself one and I think it's an awesome gift idea." —E Price: $39.99

4. A whiteboard/pushpin board so all your messages and bills stay in sight. Promising review: "Works great for leaving notes, writing down rent information, and posting up bills to show the roommates so they remember to pay." —Stephanie Price: $19.87

5. This pair of noise-canceling headphones for those times you need to block out the guests who have outstayed their welcome. Promising review: "The noise canceling on these headphones = amazing. Even without them connected, you can power them on and noise is significantly reduced." —Chris Roberts Price: $99

6. Plus a jar of sleep supplement gummies to really help you knock out early for that exam in the morning (even with all the noise). Promising review: "I saw this product at a local store in the travel section and it works magically: I sleep like a baby. I purchased the mini packs for family and friends. I found a bigger bottle here and must say results are the same, I am able to get adequate sleep to function for school. Excellent product." — Pamela Price: $13.99

7. This grooming apron for keeping all those tiny shavings off the damn sink. Promising review: "The Beard Bib has been a godsend for solving our problems (a clogged drain and man hair everywhere on the sink, counter, and floor)! Not only did I purchase one for my bearded babe, but I sent my bearded brother one for his birthday. Both of my beard guys love their Beard Bibs; however, they both said to make sure you securely fasten it around the neck to minimize any stray hairs falling through at the neck. Guys, do your lady friends and loved ones a favor by ordering yourself a Beard Bib today! Now if only they would make one for downstairs manscaping....." —C. Andrews Price: $29.99

8. An eco trash can that'll make replacing the bag less of a chore. Promising review: "I love this trash can. It's so convenient for the bathroom where you definitely need a liner bag. A great way to recycle your grocery shopping bags and keep them out of sight. When you're ready to take out the trash, you simply pull the liner out then shimmy up the next bag and you're good to go. The plastic is very durable and sleek looking. The handles on the two side arms are great too, and make this such an awesome overall design!" —J B Price: $33.95

9. A fridge locker to keep your most valuable snacks safe from wandering hands. Promising review: "Solid enough, it has little locking tabs that permanently lock it all together. This isn't for someone who has a criminal trying to steal your most valuable possessions, but it does the trick if someone is picking at your stuff and being inconsiderate. I mean, just be realistic with your expectations. I put mine in the fridge at work because I buy the expensive coffee creamer and nobody wants to contribute, so I'm not sharing, lol." —Ben Couse Price: $19.95

10. This smart plug that can be programmed to shut off the lights at night...so that no one can ever forget. Promising review: "Solid enough, it has little locking tabs that permanently lock it all together. This isn't for someone who has a criminal trying to steal your most valuable possessions, but it does the trick if someone is picking at your stuff and being inconsiderate. I mean, just be realistic with your expectations. I put mine in the fridge at work because I buy the expensive coffee creamer and nobody wants to contribute, so I'm not sharing, lol." —Ben Couse Price: $19.95

11. These padded latch catchers to stop common area doors from being slammed shut. amazon.com Promising review: "Does the job! No more clicking while opening or closing the door." —Amazon Customer Price: $9.50

12. A noise machine for blocking out sex grunting through paper-thin walls. Promising review: "I have been using this every night for 2 years. It really has changed the quality of my sleep. I really don't think this is a gimmick at all. As a college student who lives in a noisy dorm, this helps to block out a lot of the noise. I bring it home with me anytime I go home. I love this product so much I even chose this as the topic of a presentation for a sales class I was in. The class loved it!" —Amazon Customer Price: $44.99

13. This automatic ice maker so you'll never have to refill the ice trays again. Promising review: "This product works great! We use a lot of ice in our family. Our ice maker broke, so we bought this. It gives us plenty of ice, more than we could use most days. So we started bagging it up and putting it in the freezer. The color is a great complement to our kitchen. I would definitely buy it again if we needed one. It would also be a great gift for a college student. Or even to use in an office." —Tammy Turner JS / Amazon / Via amzn.to Price: $89

14. A bill-splitting app to help sort out who pays what on which bill. Promising review: "Hands down the best app for sharing trip expenses and for recording all your money transactions with others." —smankala Get it from the App Store or the Google Play store for free. itunes.apple.com

15. This magnetic dishwasher indicator to rid you of the clean/dirty dish mystery. Promising review: "We have kept saying that we needed a magnet every time that my husband would unload dirty dishes and put them away in the cupboards!! This solves so much frustration! It has a nice magnet backing for use on dishwashers with stainless fronts, and little sticky circles to use on a plastic front." —Never Too Old To Learn amazon.com Price: $13.90

16. This notepad to let others know when you're down to the last bits of your last grocery trip and it's time to go shopping. Promising review: "I'm going into my third year of college and have tried so many different weekly planning systems that just didn't work out for me. With this, I can just rip out a new sheet each week and stick it in the front of my binder." —Nicole Harris amazon.com Price: $7

17. A letter rack that'll make it easy to sort through all the mail — it even has little hooks for your keys. amazon.com Promising review: "I received this product exactly as shown, mounting hardware included. I am incredibly satisfied. The color is more metallic than the picture can convey, but this product is gorgeous. I have roommates and this solved our mail issue. No more cluttered counters or tables." —Amazon Customer Price: $14.97

18. Some Poo-Pourri to keep on top of the toilet, because you really just don't want to be that ~acquainted~ with your roommates.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Really everyone should buy this stuff. It actually works and it makes it waaay easier to live with roommates." —Jeanette Decker

Price: $8.99

19. This TubShroom for stopping all your hair from clogging up the drain.

amazon.com

Promising review: "Ever since I moved into my apartment, I've had trouble with the drain in my tub clogging. I have long hair, my roommate sheds something fierce, I have a cat that enjoys the finer things in life like drinking water from the bottom of the shower, and a dog that needs regular bathing. I'd been buying liquid drain openers and using those zip line uncloggers for over a year before I finally saw a video for TubShroom on my FB feed. I have to say that I'm really glad I did." —Bonnie E. Morton

Price: $12.99

20. These color-coded bins to make recycling easier and much more clear.

Simon / Amazon / Via amzn.to

Promising review: "It's a huge pain to recycle at my house, so I just didn't do it. My roommate decided he wanted to recycle and brought two trash cans inside where we put our recyclables: this was disgusting to me, so I bought this set. The house is cleaner and smells better. I think he's happier too, because he can separate and bag them up easier to take to the recycling center." —Honest_Reviews

Price: $39.99

21. Or if you prefer recycling bags, these will also do the job at a cheaper price. amazon.com

Promising review: "I always want to recycle, but never really got myself organized enough to really do it. Bottles and cans would pile up on my counters, and I was too lazy to do anything with them so I'd just throw them away. I'm one of those people, if I have an organized system to follow and spot to put everything, I'll keep up with it. These bags are a huge help." —Liz Price: $19.95

22. This door guard that'll help block out sound as well as cold drafts. amazon.com

Promising review: "Sure glad I got this thing. Though I do not use mine for its intended purpose. While it does stop the draft through the big gap under the door between my roommate's room and my area, what I got it for was to block sound, which is also does very well." —Josh P. Price: $14.99

23. These reusable chalkboard stickers so there's no question as to what's in that weird jar in the pantry.

amazon.com, Lexi Foster / Via amzn.to

Promising review: "This is such a great value for the price! You get 90 in all different shapes and sizes. It also comes with a white paint pen to write on them! I have been doing so much reorganizing and these really come in handy. So far I have used them on clear containers in my pantry and on storage boxes in my craft closet." —Carson Paige Dickens Price: $7.99

24. Or a label maker to help you keep track of what's yours. amazon.com

Promising review: "Awesome product! I have two roommates, and this helps me keep track of which things in our kitchen are mine. Helps me keep everything in storage organized for me. Really fun to use!" —sbisese Price: $14.99

25. Some pod detergent to keep in your room (so you don't have to lug the jug back and forth to the washer). amazon.com / Via amzn.to

Promising review: "It makes laundry in college so much easier, enough said." —Maynor Morales Price: $19.97

26. These anti-snoring devices for keeing those z's down to a reasonable level. amazon.com

Promising review: "These nose vents are wonderful. I have been using nose strips, but the glue is so hard on the nose. I decided to try these. I can't believe the difference and the effect these have." —Vonnie Price: $14.70

27. And a jar of earplugs for the nights when those devices aren't working. Amazon Customer / Via amzn.to

Promising review: "As a college student with ridiculously loud roommates who blast rap and electronica music at 2 AM in the morning in party central town, these earplugs are a lifesaver." —Andrew Price: $8.99

28. A Nest thermostat to put an end to the temperature wars. amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased this thermostat for a home I live in with roommates. It works even better than I thought. Not only can I lock the temperature using the app on my iPhone, but it shows me when someone changes the temperature. I keep track of my power bills as well, and over the last 6 months it has reduced them." —SpeedRacerMann Price: $247

29. And a personalized mug that no one else will be able to pass off as their own. amazon.com

Promising review: "A well designed and great mug. Writing was perfect and delivered intact." —Lady Justice Price: $11.99

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeffbarron/things-to-keep-you-from-wanting-to-kill-your-roommate?origin=bru&utm_term=.rf4DLYdl6#.tqABDzXWe

#shopping-home #Roommate

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upontheshelfreviews · 7 years ago

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If you’re new to the blog or just want to revisit from the beginning, click HERE to read the review for “Tourist Trapped”.

Previously on Gravity Falls: Twelve year-old twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are spending the summer in Gravity Falls, Oregon, a little town where the strange and supernatural are almost everyday occurrences. When Dipper’s not trying to learn the identity of the Author of the enigmatic Journal that’s been aiding him in his adventures, or Mabel isn’t trying to start the perfect summer romance, they’re evading ghosts, monsters, zombies, and attracting the attention of a powerful demon who once sought to wreck their great-uncle’s mind. As of late Mabel’s formed a tentative truce with her former rival and rich bitch Pacifica Northwest after saving her from some murderous mini-golf balls, but things are complicated when it comes to her and Dipper…and they’re about to become even more so…

C-can it be? An episode review perfectly appropriate for Halloween at last? Huzzah!! Come everyone, let us partake in the Dance of Joy!

We begin not with the Pines family but with the Northwests in their resplendent mansion overlooking Gravity Falls. Preston Northwest (Nathan Fillion) and his wife are preparing for a gala event they’re set to host the following evening. Pacifica enters wearing the wrong dress – lake foam green, not sea foam green like her mother requested. Pacifica insists that she likes wearing this dress, but her father rings a tiny bell that silences her protests.

Without warning, the plates, silverware and chairs begin to float around the room and smash themselves. Preston insinuates that this unusual occurrence is a strangely familiar one. With only several hours left to deal with this supernatural problem, the Northwests happen upon the one person who could save their party.

The next afternoon Dipper settles himself in for a nice long marathon of his favorite show “Ghost Harassers”. Too bad for him it’s preempted by Mabel, Candy and Grenda wanting to watch live coverage of the rich and famous arriving at the Northwest Mansion for their annual high-society gala. Only the uppest of the upper-crust are allowed in while the common folk must content themselves by tailgating outside the manor gates.

Dipper shares my thoughts on these kind “news stories”; that it’s pointless celebrity worship that nobody should care about, especially when it’s about the Northwests, who have caused them so much trouble in the past. He even says that he’d tell Pacifica Northwest she’s the worst to her face. Then Pacifica shows up at the door asking for his help. His response?

When Mabel overhears Pacifica telling him to name his price for his aid, she demands Dipper give in so she and her friends can attend the party. Dipper and Pacifica reluctantly agree and she drives them up to the mansion. While Candy, Grenda and Mabel fawn over the fanciness, Preston welcomes Dipper and has Pacifica go dress him in more suitable party attire.

The girls get a sneak peek at the guest list and learn a wealthy young hottie from Austria, Marius Von Hauser, will be attending. As much as they want to pursue him Candy says that chasing someone in that league would only end in disaster and they tentatively agree that he’s off-limits. That doesn’t stop Mabel and Candy from taking turns flirting with him when Grenda’s not around since her outspokenness usually scares guys away. But Grenda finds out, they fight, she tries the whole “your shoe’s untied” trick on Marius to prove a point and I’m just getting this B-plot out of the way rather than cutting back and forth to it so we can focus on the A-plot.

All paranormal activity signs point to a painting of a very manly lumberjack in a room decorated with hunting trophies by Gaston (though there’s a surprising lack of antlers in all of this decorating). Dipper’s not too concerned with dealing with the pesky poltergeist, though. When it comes to the Journal’s ghosts, you’ve got your Caspers, your Slimers, your Pinheads and your Freddys to name a few, and chances are a spirit that pops in and out of pictures and just floats furniture around is gonna be in the first category.

And then Sam Raimi takes over directing duties.

Flesh, skin and clothes appear on the skeleton and it takes the form of a disfigured lumberjack with a beard of hellfire. It declares its thirst for Northwest blood and chases the kids through the manor grounds and back. A quick look through the Journal reveals that ghosts from paintings can be trapped in a silver mirror and Dipper spies one hanging on the wall of the bedroom. But Pacifica refuses to let him fetch it since their muddy shoes would ruin her parents’ favorite carpet and get them angry.

While arguing they fall through a portrait into a secret room where discarded furniture and other things are stored away. The ghost follows them in, ripping dust cloths off old paintings and knocking over boxes of silverware in its haste to kill Pacifica. Dipper finds a silver mirror in one of the boxes and throws it in the ghost’s path before it can finish her off. The impact blasts them out the window into the garden, but the ghost is captured and Pacifica uncharacteristically shows a fair bit gratitude to Dipper for saving her life.

The Northwest family thanks Dipper, none more so than Pacifica, and her parting with Dipper is adorably awkward. He leaves to make sure the ghost is exorcised properly, wondering aloud that maybe Pacifica isn’t as bad as he thought. The ghost laughs ominously, saying Dipper’s naivete reminds him of how he once felt when he was alive, and shares his tale:

Years ago the Northwests asked the lumberjacks of Gravity Falls to build them a mansion with the promise that, upon its completion, they would throw a grand party for the entire town once a year. Many hardworking folk died to ensure the mansion was built, but after years of labor the task was done. Yet the Northwests refused to let the common people who toiled away for them to be a part of their celebration and shut the gates to them permanently. As they trudged off, only the lumberjack remained behind to rail against the Northwests; but the deforestation around the mansion’s hilltop caused a terrible mudslide which resulted in his death. With his last breath the lumberjack cursed the Northwests, vowing to return 150 years to the day should the mansion gates still be closed, and spill the blood of the family who could never keep their promises. And not only did the ghost keep his word, but the Northwests knew he would…somehow.

Dipper is furious that the Northwests used him to avoid responsibility. Preston is welcoming guests, including Gravity Falls reclusive and ancient Mayor Befufftlefumpter, when Dipper storms back in. Pacifica is happy he returned but he tells her to can it and accuses them of not breaking the curse when they knew how to do it themselves all along and making him put his life on the line. Preston gloats that there’s no way he could hold a party for the richest, most powerful people in the world and have “his kind” mingle among them. Pacifica tries to apologize that she couldn’t tell him the truth but her father rings the bell again and she instantly shuts up.

This convinces Dipper that Pacifica is as terrible as her whole line and declines the invitation to stay at the party to finish exorcising the ghost. The lumberjack tells him that if he sets him free instead, they can both take revenge on the Northwests and their kind; but Dipper refuses only because Mabel is still at the party and he doesn’t want anything to befall her. He does however give in to the ghost’s final request to take one last look at the forest. Unsurprisingly, it’s a trick to get Dipper to drop the mirror. Once broken, the lumberjack is freed and it flies back to the mansion with Dipper in hot pursuit. He brings the taxidermied animals to life and begins turning all the terrified guests into wood.

Overhearing the lumberjack proclaim the only way to reverse the spell is for a Northwest to open the gates, Dipper searches the mansion for Pacifica and finds her in the hidden room in one of the most striking visuals of the episode.

In an episode that features some of the darkest imagery so far in the series, these are a few brief seconds that have resonated heavily with fans. Here we have Pacifica, raised from birth to act like an adult shown as what she really is – a lonely, scared, sad child.

Pacifica shows Dipper the reason why she’s so down and out with her flashlight. Surrounding her are portraits of every deceitful selfish act committed by her bloodline, things long covered up that she once believed were lies, now sneering down on her.

You wanna know why this room was locked up? This is what I found in here – a painted record of every horrible thing my family’s ever done. Lying, cheating, and then there’s me. I lied to you just ‘cuz I’m too scared to talk to my stupid parents. You were right about me. I AM just another link in the world’s worst chain.

Dipper promises her that it doesn’t have to be this way and they rush back to the great hall, which has become a forest of humans (even Mabel isn’t saved). Dipper confronts the ghost but it turns on him and leaves Dipper screaming for his life as he is transformed into wood.

“The last form you will ever take.”

For the coup de grace, the ghost begins to set the mansion aflame with the intention of burning everyone inside. Pacifica distracts him by promising to open the gates but the ghost calls her bluff. As she reaches for the lever, her parents pop up from a hidden shelter demanding she think of their reputation. Pacifica hesitates, but presses forward.

Then her father brings out the bell.

The tiny ringing drives Pacifica crazy, though to Preston’s annoyance she won’t give in.

And finally she jams down on the lever.

As the plebs pour in, the satisfied spirit gratefully tells Pacifica she is not like her family, lifts his curse and moves on to the afterlife. Preston is helpless as the masses turn his soiree into a uncouth but lively shendig. Even Pacifica and Dipper get in on the fun, messing up the carpet without a care. Pacifica thanks Dipper for believing in her. As for the girls, Mabel and Candy apologize to Grenda and the three reaffirm their friendship. Marius then approaches Grenda, confesses he’s taken by her boldness and gives her his phone number. Everything is going perfectly for nearly everyone…

…until Dipper bumps into Old Man McGucket, who’s been looking for him. He just finished fixing the laptop and wants to warn Dipper that something crazy is about to happen soon, something that could very well mean the end of the world. Dipper’s not in the mood to worry about that kind of thing, however, and he goes back to the party, leaving the inventor to fret over their swiftly impending doom.

This episode is easily among my top ten favorites. “Northwest Mansion Mystery” did to Pacifica what “Society of the Blind Eye” did to Old Man McGucket, taking a character we didn’t think could be capable of such depth and shining a light on them, with the added bonus that “The Golf War” helped foreshadow that. I’ve made no secret in the past that I wasn’t a fan of the one-dimensional valley girl bitch stereotype that Pacifica was in Season One – a sentiment shared by fans and the creators alike – so seeing her do a complete 180 while providing a peek at just why she turned out the way she did was certainly welcome. Those scenes with the bell, while not delved into, are pretty uncomfortable to watch; that on top of Pacifica’s repeated “You wouldn’t understand!” when Dipper asks why she’s so afraid of upsetting her parents brings up some unfortunate implications.

Speaking of Dipper and Pacifica, I never really took the fans shipping them seriously until this episode. In fact…it kind of made me ship them too. Their banter is fun to listen to, there’s some good chemistry, and they end up bringing out the best in one another. Sadly this is as far as a possible romance gets between the two of them, but you need only look as far as the internet if you’re not fully satisfied (just be careful when you do).

This is actually one of the very few episodes where Mabel’s subplot doesn’t really hold my attention; when it goes back to the girls arguing over pursuing Marius I just patiently wait for the scene to end so we’ll return to Dipper and Pacifica. Kevin Michael Richardson does a menacing turn as the lumberjack ghost, though there’s not much of a difference between his voice and the one he does for Sheriff Blubs. And I don’t know what it is about Nathan Fillion and douchebags but he plays them so well. As for the rest of the episode, there’s a lot of great spooky atmosphere, from the colors and strong shadows to the ghost’s haunting, which like I said is very reminiscent of Evil Dead. Much like the episode itself it manages to be both funny and scary, and like the best Gravity Falls’ adventures, is tied together with a lot of heart. And of course, there’s that ending which hints at greater and more terrifying things to come…

And the Internet Went:

End Credits Craziness: In the midst of the ghost’s chaos, a couple hides inside a closet. That couple is none other than… Agents Powers and Trigger in disguise! Powers reports that the bureau is detecting increasing readings from the Mystery Shack, and it’s time for them to act. Then they bicker like a married couple over where Trigger put his cell phone before Tambry stumbles upon them and makes things even more awkward.

Callbacks: Now that the Society of the Blind Eye is no longer a thing, supernatural happenings are gaining more attention as seen by the newspaper in the opening. That same giant vampire bat was featured in the Journal in the very first episode. Mabel and Pacifica are still on good terms after the events of “The Golf War”. Dipper casually rubs in the fact that Pacifica’s family lied about being the town founders as discovered in “Irrational Treasure”. McGucket has kept his word to look into his past and fix the laptop as a result of “Society of the Blind Eye”, though he keeps up the kooky old hillbilly act to throw off suspicion.

And then there’s the way Dipper is frozen into wood, as prophesized by the Shapeshifter from “Into the Bunker”…

There’s also the matter of a book I’ve failed in my duties as a Gravity Falls aficionado to mention, a large oversight considering I own a copy signed by Alex Hirsch (yes, really.) It’s called “Dipper & Mabel’s Guide to Mystery and Nonstop Fun!”, and it’s a cute little book full of activities and jokes aimed mostly for kids. Why I bring this up, however, is the inclusion of hidden messages sprinkled throughout that foreshadow certain events that were brought to light in this episode: Grenda will marry rich, the mayor of Gravity Falls is not long for this world, and the end of the world will come quicker than the end of summer…

Crowning Line of Hilawesomness: In an episode so full of good ones it’s hard once again to choose, but I think I’ll go with a tie between Pacifica’s confession and what she says to Dipper once she breaks her cute-awkward thank you hug –

“…Can I pay you to pretend that never happened?”

Mabel SWatch (Sweater Watch): Mustard yellow with a cartoon moose and hot pink pine tree border on the sleeves and hem. The pink dress she wears to the party just barely counts as a sweater since she knitted it herself.

Dear Princess Celestabelleabethabelle: Our family’s past and upbringing are not what make us, it’s what we choose to do in spite of it.

Have You Seen the Agents?

“…We really should have picked a better place to hide.”

Where’s that wacky triangle at?

Next time on Gravity Falls –

Hey, I just realized Grunkle Stan wasn’t in this episode. I wonder where he could be…

“Hey Shelf, you finish the review yet?”

(gasp) Kitty!

“Ugh, it’s me, Cynicism. I’m trying out my Halloween costume. I’m going as Optimism. What do you think?”

Wow, I didn’t even recognize you. Nice work.

“Yeah, yeah, save it for the actual holiday. Are you done yet or not?”

Just finished.

“You made any progress with the…you know…”

I wish I could say I did but –

“Oh come ON! It’s been a month since we last talked and you did NOTHING to get ready like you told us?!”

Don’t blame me, I’ve got a life outside this blog you know.

“Yeah, some life. Some life that isn’t even gonna exist with the rest of us if you make one more slip-up. But hey, what do I know? You’re the one sitting around working on your dumb little picture books while ordering everyone else to prepare for the -“

All right, all right, I’ll see what I can do for November!

“You’d better. I know we don’t have that many readers but there’s a fair few who’ve been looking forward to what you’ve had planned since last year.”

You think I don’t know that? You think this is the first time I’ve let my readers down? Listen to me you adorable little abomination, I may be stuck right now when it comes to doing movie reviews, but no matter how long it takes, I always finish what I start.

“Good. Now quit yappin’ and get crackin’.”

I will.

But you know, since I’ll most likely be too busy to go out on Halloween, I might be more motivated to finish quicker if someone were to bring me back some candy…

“…Fine. But I’m gonna throw out the junky ones so it can form into a giant child-eating monster.”

I wouldn’t have it any other way. Gravity Falls Review: “Northwest Mansion Mystery” (S02E10) If you're new to the blog or just want to revisit from the beginning, click HERE…

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clifi-journal-blog · 8 years ago

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Loosed Upon the World I

Looking at the Saga Anthology of Climate Fiction

Introduction:

TL;DR: We think it’s not gonna happen to us. We thought wrong. Here’s our attempt at making fiction make things seem more real. Humanize the threat.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Welcome to the end of the world, already in progress” (xi)—focus on already in progress, see CC. There’s no clear beginning or end, but for sure we are amidst massive climate upheaval.

“Fiction is a powerful tool for helping us contextualize the world around us.” – s/o at fiction for being able to help us understand what’s up.

Foreword:

TL;DR: Lust for techno-fix—instant gratification, instant solution. Oh, how fucking human. We keep avoiding the real problem and thinking oh yeah we’ll just go to Mars or something sci-fi like that. Multiple fantasies exists; there are stories that warn you about the dangers of climate change and then there are those that will defo tell you it isn’t real.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“If you were to live in that world…that might make an impact” (XIII) well, you think it means nothing b/c it’s not happening to you. INDIFFERENCE.

“It’s interesting that by creating a made-up world, you can show the real world more sharply and clearly” (XIV)—fiction is how we make sense of the world, ironically, forces us to empathize. A million is a statistic, one is a tragedy.

[About “feel-good technology” advertised to combat climate change] “They are, in fact, fiction, or if you really want to stick the knife in—fantasy” (XV)—less realistic than the possibilities embodied in the stories is the idea that one device can fix all these damages that we have done to the environment.

Shooting the Apocalypse, Paolo Bacigalupi

TL;DR: Timo and Lucy find trying to get some good scoop, comes across the reality of what happens when water becomes scarce. Sacrifices, fights, treason, all that BS, all about the Central Arizona Project. These people were getting ready to go to war, an army against the apocalypse—the end of the world, without water, a basic necessity.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“All anyone wants to do is tell their story, Timo. They need to know they matter.” – the power of storytelling in community and world-building (of how we interpret the world around us)

The Myth of the Rain, Seanan McGuire

TL;DR: Climate change’s effect on the local fauna (ft. migration, tourism, and the rich getting everything at the expense of the poor, of the marginalize who suffer the most even though they didn’t do as much damage as the rich people did). God Complex, manicured nature, “the great outdoors” and by doing our job, we pat ourselves in the back and say, well done.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Forget the poor. Forget the disenfranchised. They were the ones who had done the least to destroy the world as we’d known it for so long, and now they were the ones being left behind.” – see CC, CWC, why are those countries that contributed the least amount of pollution the ones suffering the most? Unfair.

“When the world catches fire, something has to burn” – s/o at THG series, see: very dystopian society, see: role of government intervention, and how someone has to take the consequences of it all.

“Humanity was the architect of its own destruction” (34)—we did this to ourselves. Architect= design, artificiality, we designed our own end.

“Was it mercy or arrogance…Did we have the right?” (36)—God Complex, roots back to Adam and Eve and control of environment.

OUTER RIMS, Toiya Kristen Finley

TL;DR: Mother helps this dude who’s sick, ends up getting infected. Everyone in family dies in hospital with the rest of the others.

Key Quotes and what’s up: “No one regretted last chances unless they weren’t taken” (39)—BIG MOOD, mother nature @ us, “only know you love her when you let her go”

KHELDYU, Karl Schroeder

TL;DR: Bro and sis fight about how to save the world, b/c one lowkey doing it for his own good and sis is like wtf?? And sis’s friend works for the bro and it’s all complicated af, but in the end, basically try to contain the damages of the bro’s plan.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“industrial logic. About what happened when the natural world became an abstraction, and the only reality was the system you were building” (71)—see Foreword and world building through fictions and the stories we tell, also see L2DIE and system mentality.

THE SNOWS OF YESTERYEAR, Jean-Louis Trudel

TL;DR: Making a business out of saving the word; rescuing the old professor. Sins of before come to haunt us now, but sorta happy ending= we aren’t as doomed after all= ISOLATED events, guy from Ontario love story lol

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Saving the world would have to yield dividends to catch this group’s attention” (71) profitability of green tech otherwise it’s useless, no one cares if you can’t make money off it.

“The world beyond the small tent…drowned cities, burning forests, shifting sand dunes…He’d stopped loving the snow when he’d realized it was an illusion” (103) effects of yesterday not so far from us but we feel distant, safe, cut-off= ILLUSION.

THE RAINY SEASON, Tobias S. Buckell

TL;DR: Acid rain, literally. Run offs and hallucinations and coming back “home”.

Key Quotes and what’s up:“The place wasn’t the same. The place you lived no longer existed.” (112)- see CC and the ending of the pastoral, nostalgic past.

A HUNDRED HUNDRED DAISIES, Nancy Kress

TL;DR: pipelines and water supply shortage, mutiny, and the loss of dreams, of “daisies”, have to make up a new, pretend one—kinda to give hope to the younger sis. PAPER DAISIES= not authentic, but an idea. Power of what’s on paper

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“I’m not a child, and this is my future, too” (129)—affects everyone, all ages, not just the oldies. Gotta take part of changing the system.

“It will be a war, won’t it, Danny? Like in history” (140)—shortages in anything triggers violence, everyone needs water=FIGHT FOR IT

“Even our small town…has a black market” (140)—making money out of the shortage of water, still people profiting from it

THE NETHERLANDS LIVES WITH WATER, Jim Shepard

TL;DR: In Netherlands, we cope with the rising water; life built around water. Public/Private interests—who wins?

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Henk’s class is viewing a presentation at the Climate Campus—Water: the Precious Resource and Deadly Companion” (153) 1)they actually have a campus dedicated to climate studies? Explain. 2) precious resource and deadly companion—you can say that again, the necessity of water is exactly want makes it dangerous, see previous story.

(***FAVE)THE PRECEDENT, Sean McCullen

TL;DR: law, climatologist setting the precedent in this post-apocalyptic kinda war camp, being visited by figure of death all the time. Realizing it’ll be a lot harder for him because now he’s set up these high expectations of how to live. Lots of Holocaust and Nazi references, and law & econ so BAE AF.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Economic growth was considered about as healthy as cancer” (177)—consumerism vs. environmental struggle.

“The world will go on, but your world has been unsustainable for a long time” (178)—see L2DIE and EOSC lectures about how it’s us dying, as humanity that scares us.

“Most were fools, not monsters.” “The fool kills just as dead as the monster” (186)—it doesn’t matter what the intentions are. Dead is dead. SHOOK.

“everyone born before 2000 is an eco-Nazi, guilty of climate crimes” (186)- ECO NAZI! WOWZA

“You look like me,” (@ Death) (196)—see L2DIE, death is a reflection of our own mortality.

“Without you (death), I will not be human” (201)—part of living, of being human is accepting death, see again L2DIE.

HOT SKY, Robert Silverberg

TL;DR: Delivering ice berg, ship encounters another ship, awks dilemma about mutiny and take these men who have gone crazy. Screen, a.k.a. sunscreen and going heat crazy. Question of conscience vs. survival. Helping others vs. helping yourself.

Key Quotes and what’s up:

“Who had asked for any of this…Not us. Our great-great-grandparents had, maybe, but not us. Only they’re not here to know what it’s like, and we are” (219)—lowkey guilt tripping this generation through voices of future possible grandchildren.

“No sense looking back. You look back, all you do is hurt your eyes.” (228)—survival of the fittest, that’s how it’s always gonna go.

THAT CREEPING SENSATION, Alan Dean Foster.

TL;DR: Super size me, NATURE edition.

Key Quotes and what’s up: “Humanity was adapting to changed climate…her only fear was that something else just might be adapting a little faster.” (239)—who will win?

#LUTW1

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shadowhuntertrash · 4 years ago

Text

High Notes

Chapter Seven

Characters belong to Cassandra Clare

The first thing Thomas noticed when he woke up was the unfamiliar weight across his stomach. He opened his eyes to investigate and felt his heart skip a beat because he remembered now where he was. The memories of last night flashed in his head like a movie and Thomas had to fight the groan rising in his throat.

Alastair always looked peaceful when he slept. His head was cushioned against Thomas’s chest, his arm slung over Thomas’ stomach. It was so very intimate that Thomas couldn’t help but smile and stay frozen hoping against hope that he could lay there for a while longer.

“It’s fine. Is your head still hurting?” Alastair asked softly stretching. Thomas’ eyes drifted to where Alastair’s shirt had ridden up. He was toned and Thomas knew for a fact that he had a six-pack, how was it even allowed to be that attractive. With his stupidly hot and stupidly smooth skin and his beautiful eyes. His full lips- nope.

Thomas cleared his throat and shook his head. He started feeling around him and checked his pockets. He looked up curiously at Alastair. “Where’s my phone?” Alastair lifted an eyebrow and started looking around as well. Eventually, Alastair picked up his phone and chucked it at him, a blur of red that landed roughly on Thomas’ lap.

He was supposed to have gone to practice with the boys at nine. No wonder he had so many texts, he felt bad but at the same time, he had never missed any rehearsals before and wanted nothing more than to go eat with Alastair.

“Thomas.” Alastair said in response laughing and dragging the ‘s’ for an unnecessarily long time. “I was supposed to meet the boys but if they ask when I get there tell them I woke up right before going there. Don’t mention breakfast.” Alastair laughed and nodded. “We haven’t even been on this tour a week and you’re already skipping? Deal anyway cause I’m hungry and need socialization. Where are we going?” Thomas shrugged to show his indifference. “You pick.” Thomas said, finally getting up.

The hallways started spinning and Thomas fought it rushing to his room. He got to the door before realizing he had no idea what he did with his room key and Christopher was out with James and Matthew. They’re going to be upset Thomas thought distraught. He stood there shaking staring at the door too conscious of everything around him. No one had passed the hallway thankfully but Thomas felt bad. He felt as if he needed to get out of his body like he was itchy and someone was wrapping their hands around his neck.

“What set it off?” Alastair asked quietly. Thomas blushed, how was he supposed to say sleeping with him had? “I guess I just got stressed about missing rehearsal already.” Alastair frowned, I was only joking you know that right? I wasn’t trying to freak you out, it’s totally fine you missed it. You weren't feeling well anyway.” Thomas nodded and leaned forward a little to rest his forehead on Alastair’s collarbone.

He always got touchy after panic attacks. Normally it was James or Matthew who received it but they weren’t here so Alastair would do.

“You don’t have to apologize for things like that Thomas. Not with me or anyone, I promise.” Thomas smiled weakly and pulled away, running his fingers through his hair. Alastair followed the movement and Thomas laughed lightly. “Okay. Thank you.”

Thomas raised an amused eyebrow, Alastair wasn’t one to exactly be a ‘gentleman’. He was a nice person but he didn’t really go out of his way to help other people.

When the song finished Thomas turned to look at Alastair with an excited look and was surprised to see Alastair still blushing. “Okay but hear me out,” Thomas started excitedly. Alastair turned to look at him for a second before turning back to the road. “I’m listening.” He said with an amused tint to his voice. Thomas ignored it and went straight to his idea.

“So what like we put names in a hat and draw kind of thing? Or we just break the groups up?” Thomas thought about it for a minute before nodding, “I think the hat idea would be fun, don’t you? We could stick to having a solo, a group of four, and a duet but have them different every night.” Alastair threw him a crooked smile. “Honestly, that sounds super fun and I’m one hundred percent down.”

Thomas smiled brightly at him as he ran through possibilities. The only thing he didn’t want to happen was to get the solo part. He hated doing things solo but he felt like it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He knew some fans wouldn’t like it, but they couldn’t please everyone.

Thomas walked into the main room and was greeted by a load of questions. “Where did you go last night?” “Why are you late?” “Why weren’t you answering your phone?” “Are you okay? Don’t do that again you scared us!” Thomas just shook them off with a roll of his eyes.

“I had a migraine so I went to go get some meds from Matthew’s room but Matthew and James were uhm…” He cleared his throat uncomfortably and was pleased to see the blush rise on Matthew and James’ face as they realized what he had walked in during. “Anyway they were busy so I went to go see if Lucie happened to have any, but then I wound up at Alastair’s and threw up and then passed out there for the night. Nothing happened.” He said glaring at Matthew who was now wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Matthew nodded emphatically. “Oh of course and so you just woke up, right?” Thomas nodded slowly knowing by Matthew’s tone that Matthew didn’t believe it at all. “Oh okay then why did you leave me on read for the past two hours?” Thomas froze realizing he didn’t have a good answer to that.

“I’m Jesse, I’m the sound manager. I’ll be working with y’all for the trip. I’ll mostly be around before concert nights just to make sure things run smoothly and obviously, I’ll be here for the concerts and such.” He said in a slightly monotone. Thomas was getting mixed vibes from him and didn’t quite know what to think of the unreadable boy in front of him.

Once I was seven years old my momma told me

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely

Once I was seven years old

It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure

Once I was eleven years old my daddy told me

Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely

Once I was eleven years old

I always had that dream like my daddy before me

So I started writing songs, I started writing stories

Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me

'Cause only those I really love will ever really know me

Once I was twenty years old, my story got told

Before the morning sun, when life was lonely

Once I was twenty years old

I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure

'Cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major

I got my boys with me at least those in favor

And if we don't meet before I leave, I hope I'll see you later

Once I was twenty years old, my story got told

I was writing 'bout everything, I saw before me

Once I was twenty years old

Soon we'll be thirty years old, our songs have been sold

We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming

Soon we'll be thirty years old

I'm still learning about life

My woman brought children for me

So I can sing them all my songs

And I can tell them stories

Most of my boys are with me

Some are still out seeking glory

And some I had to leave behind

My brother I'm still sorry

Soon I'll be sixty years old, my daddy got sixty-one

Remember life and then your life becomes a better one

I made a man so happy when I wrote a letter once

I hope my children come and visit, once or twice a month

Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be sixty years old

Soon I'll be sixty years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be sixty years old

Once I was seven years old, my momma told me

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely

Once I was seven years old

Matthew stopped singing and Christopher and Thomas strummed the last notes. Jesse smiled at them. “That was really good guys.” He said in a sincere voice Thomas smiled back at him. “Thank you.” He said politely watching Jesse start turning things off. Thomas turned to James who had also started packing up. “Are we done already?” Matthew raised an unamused eyebrow.

The boys packed up and left after saying goodbye. Thomas continued plucking a few notes before he got out his notebook and a pencil to start writing.

About two hours later Thomas met up with the boys who were doing an Instagram live with Cordelia, Lucie, and Alastair. Thomas smiled when Matthew flipped the camera around so they could see Thomas. “And here’s the late one. He decided to get breakfast with a friend instead of coming to rehearsal today.” Matthew said while Thomas laughed and rolled his eyes before turning the camera back to him.

“Anyway back to the questions.” Matthew said squinting at his phone screen. “This one is for you Jamie, Levy wants to know what your favorite song is by The Beautiful Cordelia.” James screwed up his face, a tell-tale sign he was thinking about, and finally looked back at the camera with a smile. “Probably I Love It, that was a really good song.” Lucie laughed and nodded. “I loved that song Cordelia wrote most of it.” Cordelia blushed and rolled her eyes before looking at the phone and smirking as she read the next question.

Thomas shrugged. “I’m skipping that one.” He said calmly watching and Alastair, James, Lucie, and Cordelia’s eyebrows all shot up. He mouthed tell you later and went around the couch where Matthew was sitting so he could read the questions coming in.

A bunch of comments began flooding in about how excited they were about the news. Thomas laughed reading them. He read one that asked when their first official concert was. “The first concert is happening tomorrow night.” Thomas chuckled at the excited comments. “I am very excited as well. I’m excited to meet you guys tomorrow.” He said straightening and stretching, his muscles sore and fingers aching from hours of the guitar.

Matthew started laughing and handed Thomas the phone. “The comments.” Matthew said unable to refrain from laughing hysterically. Thomas raised an eyebrow at his friend and looked at the comments, immediately blushing bright red. Apparently, his shirt had ridden up to reveal his toned stomach.

When he was done he took a shower, turning the water as hot as it could go trying to ignore the growing pit of anxiety in his stomach over the fact that in less than twenty-four hours they would have to go in front of tons of people performing songs that meant more to Thomas than any of them would ever know.

Thomas shook the thought off and put new clothes on heading back to Lucie’s room to hang out for about an hour before he went to sleep, hopefully socializing would help distract him.

#high notes #high notes: chapter seven #thomastair #thomas lightwood #alastair carstairs #merry thieves #cordelia carstairs #lucie herondale #band au

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