#but y'all please can we talk about the differences between the two seasons my god!!!!

[mobius-m-mobius]

Lokius + touch in season 2 / (season 1)

[ackermanshoe]

March comes in like a lion, it's Portrayal of toxic & healthy relationship and how to compares rivamika + Ereh

Que the longest title everr 😌✨

So before I start on the actual analysis, I recently started watching March comes in like a lion instead of doing my assignments and I half way through season 2. For those of you who haven't watched it, it might be a spoilers so beware of that.

In this analysis I'll be comparing the similarities I found between Rei, Hina and Kyoko.

So watching any anime after being do emotionally attached to rivamika it's only natural that I compare them to the characters with even the tiniest bit similarities in their dynamic but Rei and hina's relationship jump in episode 4 of season 2 really caught me off guard and I was like omg?? Rivamika?? How do I make this about them 😩

Anyway so a little background on Rei's relationship with both girls Kyoko and Hina ( Hinata ). Firstly, i subconsciously placed Rei has Mikasa, kyoko has Eren and Hina as Levi, why? You will know on a minute. Rei is a depressed kid who has known only one way of life and that's through shogi games and after his parents death ( cough cough ) he was taken in by a old friend ( I think ) of his dad's who was also obsessed with shogi. Kyoko is the biological daughter of this man who has "adopted" Rei and later on Rei was came to know Hina and her sisters, they were super supportive of him from the start and having lost family members themselves they related to him on a personal level.

So you see why Eren and mikasa's dynamic matches with Rei and Kyoko and not only as "step siblings" it's also the fact that Rei became somewhat obsessed with her through the time he had spent over at their house, it's toxic and it's been showcased that way ever since kyoko was introduced into the series. Rei thought of her when he heard the word "love" and he even admitted to the fact that having her around is toxic and yet he can't push her away. He said he does not want to stop hearing her voice even tho she , herself is in love with a much older man who is married. Everytime she showed up to his bedroom uninvited and slept next to him my mind went "he is in love with her and their relationship is so toxic why does the author keep bringing her into his life?" Or "girl get the fuck away from him".

Without even thinking too much deep into their physical connection I already knew I would be able to related this dynamic to Eren and Mikasa. Although this series gives us much more depth into the main characters views since it's narrated from his own perspective, and the fact that he metaphorically compared his feelings of being lost and sadness helps me as an audience to understand what's happening much much easier than attack on titan. I personally feel like this kind of series are usually short ( idk how long this is) because it feels like the author knows exactly what he is going for, everything is set in stone.

Going back to Rei's ( mikasa's) relationship with kyoko ( Eren ) it's much much clear how toxic it had become for him in more than just one way. And the show isn't denying Rei of his feelings towards Kyoko and it's not even attempting to distant him from her and yet you just knew there had to be someone better right? That's when they introduced Hina and Kyoko in the same episode, meeting each other and a sense of invisible rivalry gushed over them, especially Hina. She is a happy go lucky girl and extremely sensitive to things to the point it kinda annoys me everytime she bursts out crying ( but hey you can't hate a genuinely good character ).

That's where things get interesting for me maybe because I am on that Levi X Mikasa agenda all the time but just like rivamika their relationship has been portrayed as platonic for the longest time in the seaosns. If I didn't go out of way to search up who Rei falls in love with and it didn't say hina's name I probably wouldn't be making this comparison right now because who wants to have their heart broken for the 2nd time in the same fucking month 🙄.

Anyway so in this one episode Hina comes home crying because of bullying issue at school and as she runs off into the dark streets Rei chases her and eventually catching up to her takes her hand and being able to relate to her problems, comparing his younger self to her present Rei reaches out his hand and God fucking damn it he says "you saved my life..I promise I'll stay with you" ofc I'm making this post now you know the real reason 🤡.

The unseen build up that happen between them reminds me of rivamika, the Portrayal of healthy relationship is rivamika. Hina (in our case Levi ) to Rei is the voice of emotion, she speaks out the feelings that Rei has been surpassing all these years inside of him. Just like how we talked about Levi is the voice of reason, while Mikasa has the impulsive urge to act up. Just like how Levi became the perosn who reasonably always took mikasa's side, he gave her personal reasons to take Erens side everytime have an actual meaning towards the scouts / everyone , he then became someone Mikasa was able to object & voice out her opinion towards because she knew that he would response and guide her the right way and finally he became someone she was able to fully trust.

Much like Hina and Rei, when Hina cried out her heart and Rei couldn't help but go back to his past self and imagine Hina coming to him and giving him a hand, being his saviour. It's much like how Levi saw his past self in Mikasa present ( S1 ), Levi gave Mikasa the hand she needed when she didn't know she needed.

Hina despite being much younger than him, was able to make him realise that he too was shutting out his emotions and was able to let himself be free through Hina when she cried, expressing her frustrations and very human like emotions. In the forest of the giant trees when Mikasa and Levi saved Eren for the first time he told her " we got your precious friend, didn't we?" A slight wake up call he had given her for the very first time, an attack on Mikasa's ego and evoking a different emotions within her. Like telling her it's not only about Eren and getting revenge, risking your life so easily, Levi had lost his entire squad in order to protect Eren so now that he is safe they better leave now.

So the question is did Levi and Mikasa save each other?

What can I say that I haven't said already in here about these two?

"you saved my life" Rei says to Hina as he reached out her hand and the beauty of that scene was the fact that it was delicate and soft despite it not being anything romantic. Remind me of that panel of Mikasa touching Levi's shoulder. How ironic is the fact that I'm comparing Hina, a openly emotional character to Levi who is said to be the most emotional inside?

Levi physically saved Mikasa a lot of the time however emotionally Levi saved Mikasa from being selfish and from herself. What if I said and ignoring 139, that Levi was one of of the biggest reasons Mikasa took the initiative and decapitated Eren that day?

Wait why does it feel like I already said it before lol

Through Levi, Mikasa learnt to trust more, learnt that even though they gave difference not only in height, age and in how they treat Eren ( Levi with force and Mikasa with care ), Mikasa still came in terms with Levi and relied on him, shared her burden with him. I think that's the biggest character twist Mikasa had, the fact that she was ready to draw sword at anyone who treated Eren wrong and everyone was scared of her and then came the grumpy shorty who beat her beloved brother right in front of her but eventually he became the biggest form of support she had in the end. I just can not help but laugh at all the unseen development this ship has had and all the implication of Futher interaction after season 3 between them, it's really obvious they had something going on because imagine you don't talk to someone for like 3 years and suddenly when you engage in battle against , paired up with them suddenly you become the strongest duo known to humanity. +?)!#)# make it make sense.

Sooo now you see the that having toxic relationship with a partner is only natural and inevitable but growing from that, opening your eyes to those who actually care there for you is rather healthy. So moral of the story is guys make sure stick with those who tells you to stay with them, the end.

Omg guys this turned out so much longer than I intended, anyway hopefully y'all liked it. I know it's not the strongest comparison or analysis but I feel like I'm running out of words for what I want to say about rivamika it feels like I'm recycling my sentences from previous analysis over and over again because ✨ lack of content ✨ and my inability to think of something new.

Please ignore all my spelling mistakes I have decided to embrace my mistakes instead of fixing them simply because I'm too lazy 😉

💜💜💜

[mallowstep]

I’m thinking about writing a short OC piece about Windclan and I’d love to see your notes about its culture and the hymns you’ve written so far, everything you’ve done for Windclan appreciation month has really inspired me :)

hello anon!

alright, first things first: please send me ur piece when ur done if you're comfortable doing so! i will publish it from you, or if you don't want to be associated with it in Any Way, i will also just read it and add it to the queue with no indication why it's there. or if you don't want me to share it at all, i'd still like to read it.

as for your ask,

hymns?

i'm working on it. however, underneath the read more, i'll include a few snippets for u.

culture

alright, i'm just going to post links with some commentary as i go. feel free to ask any more questions you have.

windclan (search) | windclan (tag) | wcam tag | five clans (narrative essays)

i would link the elders den, but there's no windclan stories in there ATM.

moving on, i'm just going to go through posts in reverse chronological order.

tallstar taking a mate admittedly, this is more about cats and sexuality than windclan, but i provide the commentary that windclan...has a particular view on sexuality and fluidity. one thing i haven't explored but should is the role visiting cats have in windclan.

whoops that's a code word, my plug for solacefruit has been activated. okay, as you may be aware, based on the fact that i have a whole tag for it, i'm obsessed with solacefruit. now, i love everything they do, but i would like to point you particularly to "make a mighty sound" for a fantastic exploration of this idea.

i don't want to spoil anything, but i do think windclan, and maybe cats as a whole, but windclan has a certain view towards relationships that very much breaks them into pieces. i'm a "love is a verb" person, so the idea that you can grow to love someone romantically by going through the actions of love makes sense. not to say you will, but you can.

(to be clear i'm not out advocating for arranged marriages just saying that they can work, they're not destined to be bad, and there's a difference between forced marriage and arranged marriage.)

anyway.

this was a lot of words to say, cats do not have a human (and particularly, western/american) understanding of relationships, which makes analyzing them in those terms difficult.

early hymn talk i'll probably say more below, but it is here.

general ibtwicm notes might get you into the headspace for some of my choices in ibtwicm.

i don't have a ton to say because this pretty much all holds, but uh, yeah.

poetry and language this isn't strictly about windclan, but it does explain some of what i think about when writing hymns.

obviously, i'm writing english translations, but these general themes are what i have in mind. it's also part of why i say i don't think i'll ever release a "full hymnal" for windclan, because i don't know if my weak worldbuilding heart could take it if i only had translations.

names part two very much not about windclan, but just some thoughts on names. as i've said before, i support all names and worldbuilding equally, but if you want my thoughts on names, go buckwild.

clan culture fic rec list just stuff i think does a good job, if you want other sources of inspiration.

general clan culture notes this is really old, but it mostly holds.

i've obviously expanded a lot on windclan since i wrote it, so shrug? idk man.

alright, i'm going to move into hymn discussion below the cut, but best of luck! and i hope u have a good time. it makes my brain shut down to read that i inspired you, straight up got brain juice pouring out of my ears, but i'm really, really happy to hear that.

windclan holds a special place in my heart. (i know my oc avatar is from skyclan shhh it's because of the backstory he sees ghosts.) but i grew up in this super sporty household as a lil asthmatic klutz, and running was a sport i couldn't mess up, so of course windclan appealed to me.

they're actually third on my list of favorite clans, but they. it's a special place in my heart that they hold, especially after reading dawn of the clans and moth flight's vision, where i got an asthmatic cat and an adhd cat, both in windclan.

god i should reread dotc it's good.

alright, here's the deal on hymns: i am not going to fight to get duets to post correctly. there's a 0% chance i can in tumblr's wonky ass new editor with no markdown, not to mention how difficult it would have been in the old editor. so i'm going to talk a lil about what i've got, and post some stanzas that i think don't get explored a lot in ibtwicm.

we're discussing these in the order that they go in. a reminder that these are all sections of one epic poem. that said, i don't know where the gaps are. like, i don't know what's between these, if that makes sense.

the wind

the wind, the very first hymn. this is an ode to, well, windclan. it's a song about everything that makes them them. it's filled with poetry about the wind, about the seasons, and it's just...well, it's a bit of a genesis, in a way.

The wind — like the rain, like the river — calls the name of each star in its breath. The wind — like the earth, like the stone — anchors us to our home. The wind — like the sun, like the sky — is knowable only by name.

i wanted to share this stanza because the last line doesn't show up in ibtwicm (at least so far, i cut the reference), and it really, really, makes a difference imo.

anyway, windclan is basically tying the wind in with every other fundamental part of their life here.

they are the wind, and that's that.

the hare

okay, this one has a line that comes up a lot in ch1, but i already talked about that, so instead, i'm going to talk about this stanza

Speak of the earth and the dens, and you will be answered: By the call of the howling gales, the open earth singing in response. But speak of that which grows above, of the grass and field, And you will be answered by the softness of the buds and the roots.

okay, we get deadfoot thinking about this when he's talking to yellowfang.

i like this stanza because it really tells us what the hare is about. now, hares are not something windclan catches. hares are huge, y'all, there's no way they take one down. i take liberties with ecology, but not that many.

(i.e., a team of cats definitely could take one down, but i know too much, and would prefer letting team hunting stay a plot thing, and not fundamentally alter the environment in the way it would.)

now anyway, all of these hymns come from the time of the tunnelers. and the point of this is, even though the work of tunnelers and moor runners is disconnected, they fundamentally affect each other.

a moor runner must trust the hollows of the earth beneath them won't collapse, and a tunneler must trust that the prey they chase up will be caught.

it's all very symbiotic and is, well, in a way, a love poem. plus i really like the line "the open earth singing in response"

of the warrens

so this has one line, one you might not even know is a hymn, in ch1, but i'll share the whole stanza.

And as for the subject of fallow fields: Fallowed fields make for hungry prey, Yet hungry prey makes desperate rabbits, Who leap into our claws.

and ig my big point is, the hymns are a cultural artifact. just like many of the rules in the old testament have to do with hygiene things being codified into religion, this whole hymn is about hunting advice.

the moon on the river

okay, out of all the hymns, this is the most complete, and because ashfoot and deadfoot sing it together, and deadfoot discusses it, i only have one stanza to share.

Under the coldness, you shine back at me, And I do everything to keep the clouds from threatening you.

now, this poem is about love, grief, and being separated. it's a particular kind of grief, and windclan discourages grief, so this is one of only a few ways to really, fully express it.

and this section, in particular, is about love in times of hardship.

i don't have. a lot to say here. but the way hardship changes how you love someone can be particular and intense.

(temporarily, this happens sometime before "Spare for my chosen few / All I have is given towards the distant ground.")

the gorse in the wind

oh shit! i have so fucking much to say okay first.

the series title does not come from this hymn.

second, this is a challenging hymn okay. fuck. i have so much to say. where to start so! moors are actually relatively wet. think british countryside, not, like, a cool desert.

this is something i always knew? i read the secret garden a lot as a kid. but. i've seen stuff about moors being dry, and it's just one of those things that really...starts to eat under your skin. anyway.

okay, so. gorse is a dry plant. it does not like rain. it grows in sandy soil, etc etc, and yet. aside from everything we know about gorse and warriors, it also grows in this moor. because i say so.

okay, so. so so so. the lines quotes here are really deceptive, and i bet no one understood why, and that makes me just a little sad, but i couldn't find a good way to explain it in text, so uh, yeah, anyway. there's an exchange between ashfoot and deadfoot: "THE GORSE: You called me the heather and I grew stronger. / THE WIND: I called you the heather and brought rain for you to grow."

so...so do you see? do you see the point? it's about communication, needs, challenging each other. fadskj;l i love this. okay, so. the point is that heather is fragile, soft, pretty, and gorse is the opposite. the part of the wind is trying to be kind and complimentary, but the gorse is saying, fuck that, you are not being kind to me by undercutting my strength.

anyway, this passage is sung by the gorse:

In what good company have I set down roots, That even through snow fall I flower. You called me the heather and yet I've weathered, Far more than your sweet-named love.

so uh, yeah, this adds context. gorse! gorse is a hardy plant that continues to flower basically all season round. it's cool. it's cool. gorse is super cool. fuuuck y'all it's such a small thing and i've contained talking about it until now, but now it's too much. the floodgates are open, and i thought about this small detail too much.

okay. deep breath. gorse is a really easy plant to grow, but it's still adapted for dry environments. so the "even through snow fall I flower" part is a little tongue in cheek: gorse itself will flower in the cold, but snow is a type of precipitation, which as we've covered, is not gorse friendly.

then we have some rhyming and puns in the next line, and finally, "yet I've weathered, / Far more than your sweet-named love." like. yes. love as a form of softness is not necessarily helpful.

i mean, consider the damaging "soft trans boi" problem. same energy.

right. okay. so we've got all that? now if you remember, this is sung when deadfoot thinks ashpaw doesn't respect him, and ashpaw says she'll sing with him if she can sing the gorse, so in essence, she's telling him...not to back off, per se, but that...she is the "hard part" of the relationship. like, okay, i refuse to even bring up gender roles in human relationships, but uh, her point is very much, "i am the gorse, and you are the wind," and it's a very monumental moment.

it's anchored, i believe, in the other scenes, but this is a small thing that matters a lot to me.

like a lot.

okay, now that i've talked about like four lines for the length of this entire post, moving on.

the heather and earth

okay, this is the last hymn i have in concrete terms, and i cut a bit of it from the latest chapter, so yeah. it's also, uh, okay everything i have for it is only a line or two, but i wanted to share this closing line (sung together):

Sing a song of forgiveness, of growing together, and we will make madness, And madness from hence will everything beautiful grow.

and i just like these lines. they got cut, it was initially part of an exchange between ashfoot and deadfoot, but i can't share the part of it they talk about, because i'm reusing it for a later chapter and i'll 100% spoil shit if i try to talk about it.

but these lines? mmm they speak to me.

i don't have a ton to say about them, but i just. i like it.

if we apply the same ecology discussion from the gorse and the wind, we see heather is a plant that grows in acidic, infertile soil, and heath (which is not the same as a heather, but also kind of is) is a defining quality of heathland, which is...i'm not kidding, it's hot discourse about the difference between moorland and heathland.

i'm not getting involved, but my point is, if the gorse in the wind is a hymn about finding a working relationship, about mutual respect, etc., then the heather and earth is a hymn about working well together in a terrible situation.

god.

uh, wow! can you tell i like plants? because while parts of my ecology are dubious (see: everything regarding the rabbits in ch1), the plants part are well thought out. this shit is carefully detailed metaphor.

and that's why i won't be releasing a full hymnal. it's hard to as on top of this as i want to be. i'm not kidding, writing even four lines of a hymn usually takes me about twenty minutes, because i pull up a lot of research about how things work, how they interact with each other, etc., and then there's wordsmithing, cat worldview filter, etc.

but i hope this overview of what i've got is a good insight into my general thoughts. and i will eventually release more and more of the hymns i've got written.

[at-the-exd-of-everythixg]

Memes! Part t h r e e

@awkward-snake-girl / @blind-mutant

Red: Does violence have to be the last resort. Can't it be like third

******

Samuel: You call it a "heinous violation of legal and ethical rules" I call it "creative problem-solving"

******

Rhys: You call yourself evil but you can't even stand up without getting dizzy

******

Rhys, talking about Sal: Stop messaging my bf bud

Mahogany: our boyfriend

******

Mattie: Do you have a self care routine?

Pascal: "Keep going bitch!" Said to myself in different accents

******

Morde, with Abby balls deep in him: Demons are usually depicated as red to indicate that they are heavily seasoned with paprika and chili pepper, like a chorizo

******

Finn: If I am sensitive. Why I gotta stop being sensitive? Why can't you just be a little nicer?

******

Pascal: Feeling cute today. Might commit acts of hubris.

******

Mattie: Why don't you plant some lavender and when it blooms you can squeeze a leaf or two between your fingers and the smell will calm you down. How about you do that. Bitch.

******

Rick: Well I don't want to be silly anymore. I want to engage in hoaxes and schemes now

******

Pascal: Any other unsettling promotions you'd like to share with the class?

******

Red: Could you be any more annoying

Rhys: Easily

******

Sal: Sorry for saying that you're "such an idiot" I'm actually "in love with you"

*******

Iris: It's not the most ethical move in the world, but in a pinch you can hand off a cursed object to basically any baby

******

Ava: Witches in old fairy tales had the idea. Living alone, unmarried, in the middle of the woods, and if a hero stumbled across their cottage theyre like "maybe I'll give you a magical token to help you out. Maybe I'll fuck up your entire life. Depends."

******

Dae: I am not going to unleash my bitterness on you because I am trying to become a better person. Have a nice day

Rhys: what were you originally going to say bitch omg

******

Lace: Why did my last two braincells have to be a sad one and a stupid one

******

Finn: You should have never doxxed the rabbit community

******

Sal: I'm glad we only live once cuz I cannot do this shit again

******

Pascal: HAVE YOU EVER TOUCHED A dog

******

Rhys: As your goth husband I will adorn you with cursed artifacts and then die mysteriously leaving you to be the most feared widow/er in the village

******

Edith: Some of you are simply not cut out to be the resident mean gay person. And that's okay, because I am. And I will be mean. And gay

******

Samuel: God complex this, victim complex that...I have an underground complex, it's where I perform my evil and fucked up experiments

******

Skaar, living by the sword: Haha! Fuck yeah! Yes!

Skaar, dying by the sword: well this fucking sucks. What the fuck.

******

Mahogany: I don't think my boyfriend, the 12 foot Halloween skeleton from Home Depot, would be too pleased to hear about this

******

Mattie: check in on your nemesis! Make sure they're doing poorly in these times!

******

Hulk: The hardest I've ever laughed was when I saw my dad cry. It was my moment of realization that I'm better than him.

*******

Ava: Knifehack

Ava: Just stab the problem

*******

Sal: What is wrong with you

Rhys: I will try to be brief (1/456)

*******

Mimi: One of the only downsides of actions is consequences. But it's a big downside.

*******

Samuel: I've done nothing wrong. Except for all the atrocities. Besides that I'm innocent.

******

Jen: After a thorough medical assessment, the doctors have described me as "a lot. Just like a lot to deal with."

*******

Lace: Necomancer that doesn't know they're a necromancer and thinks they're just a really good emt

*******

Pascal: Y'all ever want a pretty girl to just...boss you around a little bit

*******

Rhys: sorry I'm bisexual and easily distracted

******

Mordecai: Whenever I say "we" I am referring to both myself and the mental illness

******

Mattie: Date a girl who is a home and an adventure all at once

Rick: Date a girl who doubles as a haunted house

*******

Pascal: wlw what is your wisdom

Mimi: World hard and cold...tiddy warm and soft

Edith: girl hot

Mattie: Watch Naurto

******

Sal: No I'm not flirting I was only bothering my gay friends in a homoerotic way

*******

Mattie: You can be positive and break a bottle over someone's head though. Multiplicity of identity

*******

Edith: I wish men would stop having opinions about women. Honest to gog shut the hell up

*******

Wulf: tell your girl she's hot or I will

********

Mattie @ Samson: I'm gonna be honest I hate you and so do my friends

*******

Rhys: I am dying to see you topless

Dae: Then die

********

Sal: Money isn't real so don't worry about paying for stuff. Just take things for free. Nobody can stop you

[nerianasims]

Billboard #1s 1975

Under the cut.

Elton John – “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” -- January 4, 1975

He slowed it down. Of course he did. And he's singing it like every word must be perfectly enunciated so that you can understand how incredibly deep it is. Awful, terrible, ugh. William Shatner's version is actually preferable.

Barry Manilow – “Mandy” -- January 18, 1975

Barry Manilow got a lot of hate when I was a kid in the 80s, and I didn't understand from any first-hand experience because the only song I knew of his was "Copacabana." Now, listening -- he's not bad. Yeah, he's 70s light rock. But he sings with emotion that doesn't sound fake and this song has a beat. I'm not saying I like this song, in which the singer regrets sending away the woman he loves, but it's fine. I find it far more tolerable than any Elton John song on this list.

The Carpenters – “Please Mr. Postman” -- January 25, 1975

The Carpenters' asset was Karen Carpenter's amazing singing. This song does not showcase it. They'd have done better to cover "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" or "One Fine Day." Also the way they redid the music makes it sound more like a light 50s pop song than early Motown. Blech.

Neil Sedaka – “Laughter In The Rain” -- February 1, 1975

This song is about taking walks in the rain with his wife/girlfriend. There's something fake about his singing, and also he doesn't hit the high notes (which aren't that high) right. I'd actually like to hear what Barry Manilow would do with this. It's not terrible, but meh.

Ohio Players – “Fire” -- February 8, 1975

Putting sirens in a pop song is kinda dickish, because you're gonna get people driving in their cars to try to suddenly swerve off the road. Anyway, besides that, this is an Ohio Players song, so it's funk. I don't really know what else to say about it. Maybe it could have been a little faster? I'm a bit bored, and that should never happen with funk.

Linda Ronstadt – “You’re No Good” -- February 15, 1975

There are sure a lot of covers this year. Boomer nostalgia. But Linda Ronstadt put a hell of a lot of effort into this one, unlike the people who did the previous two covers. The song's also a really good one, with an interesting lyrical twist; not only is the singer telling the man who broke her heart that he's no good, but "I broke a heart that’s gentle and true/ Well, I broke a heart over someone like you.” That's some vinegar in the wound. And musically, it's really good rock -- not an ounce of schmaltz anywhere. Excellent song, and I went back to listen to it on repeat when I was done writing for the night.

Average White Band – “Pick Up The Pieces” -- February 22, 1975

It's a funk instrumental. I think this has been on a lot of soundtracks. I find it repetitive and kinda boring.

Eagles – “Best Of My Love” -- March 1, 1975

They're still in love but their marriage is falling apart. The divorce rate in the 70s was very high. People often claim those 70s statistics are the same today, but they very much are not. Anyway, it's not too whiny and he doesn't blame her, but the song is too slow and too light. You could replace the words with a straightforward love song without changing the music, so long as the love song was boring. Yawn.

Olivia Newton-John – “Have You Never Been Mellow” -- March 8, 1975

Wow, shut up Olivia. I can identify with being sick of someone who is wound up like an E string and wanting to tell them to just chill. Hell, I'm that tightly-wound person pretty often, and I do much better when I remember to be mellow when I can. But this song is condescending and superior. "Have you never tried to find a comfort from inside you?" Toxic positivity.

The Doobie Brothers – “Black Water” -- March 15, 1975

I saw the song title and the chorus immediately started up in my brain. This is a song about the Mississippi by people who may never have been east of Las Vegas. "I ain't got no worries/ Cuz I ain't in a hurry at all." Pfft right. But the music of this song is so catchy and fun, that even though I'm not fond of the lyrics, I like the song.

Frankie Valli – “My Eyes Adored You” -- March 22, 1975

This guy used to lead The Four Seasons, but thankfully he doesn't do that horrible falsetto in this one. Ostensibly this song is about how he's thinking about his first crush. I think that's a metaphor, though. I think it's a song worshiping nostalgia and missing childhood. Yuck.

LaBelle – “Lady Marmalade” -- March 29, 1975

Patti LaBelle claimed she didn't know what this song was about. Yeah right. It's about a guy who spent some time with a sex worker on his trip to New Orleans. There's no judgment. It's just a sort of funky, sort of disco-ey, definitely belted song and it’s great.

Minnie Riperton – “Lovin’ You” -- April 5, 1975

Turn it off turn it off turn it off. I hate this song. It's one of the first songs I knew I hated musically, rather than only lyrically. The lyrics are whatever, a 70s love song, but the music -- I can't handle it. It's like sandpaper on my brain.

Elton John – “Philadelphia Freedom” -- April 12, 1975

Elton John's ode to Philly soul. It doesn't work. It's too slow, it's repetitive, and Elton John's no soul singer. He's so boring.

B. J. Thomas – “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” -- April 26, 1975

Hey won't you not play that please. It's too slow, and it's without guts or grit. The Muppets sped it up and made it a multi-Muppet honky tonk singalong, which improved it a lot. Also I think Bo Burnham took the idea for "Y'all dumb motherfuckers want a key change?" from Rowlf's "Up a key!" line in the Muppet version.

Tony Orlando & Dawn – “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” -- May 3, 1975

Another cover of a 60s song. Linda Rondstadt is still the only one to do it right. The song itself, when sung by others, is a good one. Not when sung by Tony Orlando. It's like he bleached it. Also I expect him to tell me the slot machines are available all night when he's done.

Earth, Wind & Fire – “Shining Star” -- May 24, 1975

This song is absolutely awesome. It's disco-funk, and yet it's sort of a sermon about self-actualization too. "You’re a shining star, no matter who you are / Shining bright to see what you could truly be.” Compare and contrast with the condescending "Have You Never Been Mellow." This is how you inspire people.

Freddy Fender – “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” -- May 31, 1975

This song is in both English and Spanish. Musically, it sounds like it comes from way before 1975, but that's not a bad thing. The singer is losing his woman to another man, but he tells her if the new man ever hurts her, he'll be there before the next teardrop falls. It's a solid country song.

John Denver – “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” -- June 7, 1975

How much money did John Denver have by this point? He sounds like the typical rich conservative talking about how he's a good ol' down home boy while he's got a condo in New York, a mansion in California, and keeps an official residence in Oklahoma for tax purposes that he never visits. "A-raisin’ me a family and working on the farm / My days are all filled with an easy country charm." Total and absolute bullshit -- farm work is phenomenally hard, not "easy country charm." This song is offensively bad.

America – “Sister Golden Hair” -- June 14, 1975

The singer isn't ready for commitment but can't stop thinking about the woman he's singing to. So he's trying to keep her hangin' on. There's one line that I hate: "Will you love me just a little, just enough to show you care?" How about you show her you care first, you entitled brat? The music's pretty good, but the lyrics bug me.

The Captain & Tennille – “Love Will Keep Us Together” -- June 21, 1975

It has a beat and some bounce at least. She sings about how some girl may come along to try to take him away -- seriously? This silly hat-wearing doof? Okay, that's a problem. Another problem is that she sounds perfectly chipper throughout. She's not worried, but who would be? I think this song struck a chord because of the divorce rate in the 70s. That, along with it having an actual beat of some kind unlike so many other hits of the era, is my theory as to how it got big.

Wings – “Listen To What The Man Said” -- July 19, 1975

There is, of course, nothing wrong with silly love songs. But some of them are not good songs. I usually love to hear a saxophone on a pop song, but this one sounds like it belongs in background music on a TV show. The main melody line is boring. I think it's another song about divorce anxiety: "No matter what the man said/ And love is fine for all we know/ For all we know, our love will grow." Very true. But did you have to be so boring when imparting this message, Paul?

Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony – “The Hustle” -- July 26, 1975

Doo doo doo da doo doo doo da doo. My dad actually knew how to do the two-person hustle. I think. Anyway, how he showed me to dance is the way the couples are dancing in the Hustle video here. Minus that leg kick. There are almost no words to this song. Just "Do the Hustle" and "The Hustle. Do it." And -- okay! It is an irresistible dance song. I like it, though the piccolo (I think it's a piccolo) gets hard to listen to after a while.

Eagles – “One Of These Nights” -- August 2, 1975

Tom Breihan, whose Stereogum articles I've been using to track these songs, doesn't like the Eagles when they turned to a bit more of a rock direction with this song. This is one of many examples of how he's wrong. Okay, okay, an example of how my taste differs from his, which is one thing that pushed me to do this list. But yes, I really like this song a lot. The guitars are great. The narrator of this song is looking for a girlfriend. Or maybe a friend with benefits. The lyrics are all pretty good, if hardly Stevie Nicks level, but one line stands out: "Oh, loneliness will blind you in between the wrong and the right." It will.

The Bee Gees – “Jive Talkin'” -- August 9, 1975

I made a weird noise that scared my cat when I saw this was the next one. But thankfully, I have a little more time before Barry Gibb's horrible falsetto pierces my brain. This is nonetheless a Bee Gees disco song, which means my butt is firmly planted in my seat and I have no desire to dance whatsoever. It isn't ear-bleeding like their later songs, as the falsetto is absent, but it is terribly boring.

Hamilton, Joe Frank And Reynolds – “Fallin’ In Love” -- August 23, 1975

He's fallin' in love with you again. Or maybe fallin' more in love with you. I dunno. I'm falling asleep.

KC & The Sunshine Band – “Get Down Tonight” -- August 30, 1975

Some dance songs are good listening songs. This one is not. The narrator wants to do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight. And if you are not there to get down, the song is not for you. Especially how repetitive it gets in the second half. It serves its purpose as a dance song well, though.

Glen Campbell – “Rhinestone Cowboy” -- September 6, 1975

I really like rhinestones. I like sparkly stuff. The narrator of this song does too. He's been trying to get somewhere for a long time and has had it. He's eager to sell out thoroughly at this point. I get it. Oh boy do I get it. And being a rhinestone cowboy doesn't hurt anyone. If I could churn out huge amounts of disposable fiction with a "load of compromising" to make a lot of money, I'd do it in a heartbeat. My 20-year old self would be shocked. But life's hard, and "cringe" isn't harm. Rhinestone Cowboy's good in my book.

David Bowie – “Fame” -- September 20, 1975

And here's a song about how chasing celebrity is maybe not such a great idea. A really bad idea, actually.  "It drives you to crime," for one thing. Yet this is musically not a dour song at all. It's angry but upbeat at the same time. Also brilliant musically, which from David Bowie is "of course." Most excellent.

John Denver – “I’m Sorry” -- September 27, 1975

The narrator is sorry about a breakup. He says he's also "sorry for the way things are in China." That one line makes me side-eye the entire song. Saying that they're sorry for huge things that have nothing to do with them is something abusive people sometimes do. The rest of the song sounds sincere enough though. And boring. Oh, so very boring.

Neil Sedaka – “Bad Blood” -- October 11, 1975

The narrator is telling a guy that the woman he's with is bad and is going to mess him up. And he's angry about it -- not at the woman, but at the guy. I think the narrator wanted the woman and is now calling her an evil bitch to try to turn his supposed friend against her. There's this happy flute in the background that sounds really odd with this deeply nasty song. Also, nastiness should be more interesting than this. It's both mean and boring.

Elton John – “Island Girl” -- November 1, 1975

Did Elton John start all his songs with the same chords? I feel like he did. This doesn't sound like an island song. It sounds like an ad jingle. A racist, sexist ad jingle. Ha-ha isn't it funny that a woman is tall and dark-skinned. The song calls her a "well-worn tire." So, so bad.

KC & The Sunshine Band – “That’s The Way (I Like It)” -- November 22, 1975

I have never understood any lyrics to this song but the chorus, or been curious enough to look them up. I just did. There are very few lyrics in this song besides the chorus, but yep, it's about sex. It's another KC & The Sunshine Band dance song that's great for dancing, and not really meant for anything else.

Silver Convention – “Fly, Robin, Fly” -- November 29, 1975

"Fly, robin, fly/ Up up to the sky" are the lyrics to this song. Over and over again. It's plastic Euro-disco and it is bad. Not danceable, no reason to listen to it, no reason for it to exist. I can only think that large amounts of cocaine were involved in this becoming a hit.

The Staple Singers – “Let’s Do It Again” -- December 27, 1975

It's another sleepy sex song, but this one is by a band with three sisters and their father. Their father sings on this track too. Apparently he didn't want to, and I wish he'd stuck by that, because ew.

BEST OF 1975 -- "Lady Marmalade" by LaBelle and "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind and Fire WORST OF 1975 -- "Island Girl" by Elton John

[nellie-elizabeth]

Supernatural: Inherit the Earth (15x19)

That was somehow simultaneously a crowded mess, and a complete anticlimax. I'm literally just like... super confused and afraid about what the finale is going to be now.

Cons:

Sam's the dog person. That's part of canon. I liked the moment when Dean found the dog, or whatever, but I wish Sam had gotten a moment with the puppy too, before Chuck took it away. A small thing, but one of those typical wrong details in Buckleming episodes, where it just honestly doesn't seem like they know the characters very well.

Lucifer and Michael have a fight in the Bunker and Michael takes Lucifer out really, really easily. So like. Remember when the first five seasons of the show were the buildup to the Apocalypse, and Sam sacrificed himself for an eternity in Lucifer's Cage to stop it from happening? Apparently a fight between the two archangels is just a bit of fisticuffs, nothing to get worked up about. That annoyed me. But I guess consistency has never been something this show has cared much about...

Also just... Lucifer in general, coming back for like five minutes so he can mug at the camera and then be unceremoniously killed? Here's the thing: we had Billie as Death, and she hated them but maybe it would have been interesting to see her and the boys team up to figure out Chuck's ending... but instead, she's gone, Lucifer gets a pointless return, provides us with another Death, who is there for two seconds, says a couple of vaguely funny lines, and then dies... and we still never find out what's in the book.

The fight with Chuck was so badly edited! It was so weird to see him just wail on Sam and Dean, and repeated shots of him hitting them, and them getting up, while he kept saying "okay fellas, enough, please stay down" over and over again. Given that the whole "erasing the people from the world" thing was so much like Infinity War, I kept comparing this fight with God to the climax of Endgame. In that instance, you have a small group of intrepid fighters going up against a big bad evil, and then just at the moment when they're run down and helpless, the whole crowd of friends returns and joins in the fight. Instead of that, it's just Jack showing up and absorbing God's powers, and then they leave him begging on the beach. Not a bad ending for Chuck, which I'll get to in a moment, but the epic-ness was seriously missing from this final showdown.

So, when Jack returned the world to its normal state, did he bring back all of their friends, too? I want to believe this was something that Covid took away from them, where instead of seeing shots of Charlie and her girlfriend, of Donna, Jody, the girls, Bobby, Eileen, they were forced to use stock footage of just random people around the world returning. Would have been cooler to see the epic return... and also super weird that Sam and Dean sit quietly in the bunker talking about free will, and we don't see Sam pull out his phone and call his girlfriend, like... I get not wanting to muddy the ending of the episode with a lot of fallout stuff, and I'm sure we'll get that next week? Like, I hope, anyway? But as it stood for this hour of television, it was super weird to me that the boys didn't immediately want to check on all of their friends to make sure everyone had returned from the dead.

Jack becoming the new God is actually a totally appropriate ending, people were speculating that he'd be the new God or Death or Empty, or some cosmic entity, anyway... and this honestly felt very fitting... BUT, I will say that there are two really, really stupid things about it. One, his "I'm everything and everywhere now" speech was super cheesy... "I'm in the air and the rocks and every drop of rain" or whatever. Such a cliche, I was almost painfully embarrassed listening to him. I honestly would have preferred less is more, here. Like, what if he'd said the stuff about how humans can be their best when they need to be, that was a good line... and then Sam says "what if we want to see you? Grab a beer?" And Jack just says "I'm around" and then vanishes, leaving it vague? I think the idea of a hands-off deity is perfect, of course... makes sense for the "free will wins the day" ending we've got going here, but I didn't think stating it outright was the best move.

The second reason Jack becoming God was rendered kind of comedically awful in the way it happened is... well, elephant in the room, let's talk about how Cas was handled in this episode.

Here's a quote from last week's review:

"I'm worried that Cas dying is gonna get swallowed up with everyone dying and not get its due, thus making the confession completely isolated. Like, here you go, gays, have this one scene, which, in isolation is quite heartfelt from Cas' perspective, but can be carefully boxed up and not touched for the last two hours of the show. If they don't want to touch on how this would affect Dean specifically, they don't have to. He can be generally angsty and sad about Cas, but they could get away with never bringing it up again, and that is some grade-A level bullshit right there, my friends."

And... yeah. Look, I know there are people on Tumblr right now saying that this episode being the "brothers only" ending means that next week we'll get Cas back and Dean will confess his love or whatever... but y'all, it's not going to happen. I'm sorry. I'd love to be wrong. If I'm wrong, I will gladly eat crow and celebrate along with the rest of you, but I just... I've been burned before. I know what's going on here, and it's not what you think it is.

Dean was undeniably devastated in this episode. We see him drinking to excess, falling asleep on the floor, grasping onto tiny moments of joy like with the dog and then being furious and upset when they fall through. But that devastation was not textually about Cas specifically. Sure, there were moments, like him telling God to bring everything back, and then namedropping Cas specifically. Or the way he ran up the stairs when Cas' voice was on the phone. But what I'm saying is? Those are crumbs, there for those of us who care to gobble up, easily ignored and subsumed by the larger losses the boys are suffering. Sam is devastated too, guys. About his girlfriend, about Charlie, about Donna, and Jody, etc. etc. etc. Who's to say their grief is any different from one another, even though they're handling it with different coping mechanisms? The "I love you" wasn't even on the "previously on".

Like. There's a universe where Dean does get a moment of Cas-related catharsis in the finale, even though Misha's not coming back. Maybe he has a private moment to grieve just for him, to contemplate that specific loss. But I'm telling you: I don't care if an openly gay man wrote 15x18, I don't care that Misha found it moving. The bottom line is, Cas confessing his love for Dean was the moment of catharsis the show was willing to offer us. We ain't getting much else.

So going back to Jack, why on earth does nobody suggest that maybe when he's popping the rest of the world back to the way it's supposed to be, he also brings Cas back? This is what I'm talking about with contrived sacrifices. Last week, they could have written a way for Dean to get out of that scrape without Cas dying. And this week, Jack's determination to be a "hands-off" God is not enough to explain why he wouldn't restore his father Castiel from the Empty. Especially since Chuck brought Lucifer back from the Empty, proving that God can do that. Even though that contradicts earlier lore but whatever. The point is, I'm saying it's sloppy. Cas' death, Cas staying dead, does not feel like an earned inevitability to me. I'm prepared to eat my words if they bring him back in the finale, but even if that happens (which it won't), he's not going to be smooching Dean Winchester on the mouth, y'all. He's just not.

So then that ending. "Finally free," says Dean, completely unaware that he's echoing the theme from the end of season five but making it hopeful now for some reason? And that end montage felt like an ending 100%, and I won't say it was bad to see it, see all the memories, the characters... I mean, Charlie dancing in the elevator, getting glimpses of Ellen and Jo, Bobby, Crowley... I'm not going to complain about that, it was honestly quite fun, but it also felt extremely anticlimactic and gave us no sense of where the characters are going to go from here. And yes, I know we have an episode next week, it's just...

Here's the thing I'm scared of, and I'm going to go ahead and put it here in the "cons" section because I don't know where it belongs yet. Despite my complaints about this episode, thematically there was one thing it got right: the answer to defeating Chuck wasn't destined, it wasn't in a book of preordained endings. They had to come up with it by themselves, using the tools at their disposal, and they won, and they get free will now, they get the release from having someone else tell their story. Great. So... what does that leave us next week?

As mentioned above, I really don't think the final 43 minutes is going to be an epic gay love story where Dean fights to get Cas back, I really don't. That leaves us two options: either a tepid re-tread of the themes already established, an epilogue of sorts where we just get to see a life in the day, a new normal for the boys. I wouldn't be furious about this, but I also think it won't really feel like closure for me. They just keep hunting? They keep saving people? That's fine, I guess, but they can't really walk back the fact that God is their son, can they? When they die the next time, do they go to the Empty? Who is Death, now? Are Heaven and Hell okay? Are we meant to be convinced that nothing will ever come back to bite them in the ass, they'll live long lives, and a benevolent afterlife is waiting for them when it's over? I'm not convinced I believe in things being that simple, so it sort of seems like the show would end by saying "okay, and more of the same."

The second possibility is worse, though, that being a total status-quo shift, like the end comes and the Empty is after them and they have to become the new Death and Empty as some speculated, or some wild harebrained plot twist gets thrown in at the last second and undoes the actual good parts of the theme established here. I hope for the first, but I don't know that it'll make me happy, to be quite honest. I really don't want it to feel this way, but Cas being gone is the big elephant in the room, for me. It truly is.

Pros:

I did like the earlier parts of the episode, the eeriness and the helplessness of them being alone. Continuing with the Avengers comparisons, it was very similar to the long, slow opening to Endgame, where we see a lot of grief, a lot of helplessness, an lot of directionless moping. That felt appropriate and it made it all the more invigorating when Michael showed up, giving us a spark of direction in which to move.

While I thought the fight with Chuck was edited really strangely and didn't work for me, I did like this ending for Chuck. Very much like the end of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Chuck doesn't die, which he honestly would have found a satisfying, creative ending for his story. Instead, he gets to live on as a normal human, sans powers, and be forgotten. Brutal and appropriate! It ties back into the free will thing. Chuck can do whatever he wants with his remaining time, but he can't steal other people's choices from them any longer. It's the black and the white, the good and the bad, of being just... human. Which ties in with Sam and Dean being more or less hopeful about their outlook moving forward. (God, I'm so fucking scared they're going to screw up the few things I liked about this episode in next week's finales.)

Like I said, I did find Jack becoming God an appropriate ending for him as a character. It's the right type of bittersweet: he's there, and we can imagine that in the future, he does go visit Sam and Dean for a beer. Or maybe he doesn't, and that's okay too. Knowing he's at peace, knowing he's benevolent, and that he'll do the best he can for the people of the world(s). It's nice, a comforting deity instead of a manipulative overlord. And the fact that his benevolence and kindness and compassion are born out of a human mother, and two human fathers, and an angel who embraced humanity with everything in himself... instead of from Lucifer, who tried to create him in his image? Well, that's a lovely resolution for a character that became a surprising favorite over the years.

As I think I mentioned last week, I'm willing to let this show manipulate my emotions here at the end, when it can manage to do so. So yeah, of course I loved that Cas and Jack's names are added to the table along with SW, DW, and MW. Obviously that's adorable as hell. And as I said, the montage worked for me, it was certainly quite lovely. I just... like I said at the start of this, I'm just frankly terrified of what's coming next week.

I mean, here's the thing, I want an ending that honors Sam and Dean as the protagonists of this show, but I want it where they live in the bunker, and Eileen and returned-from-the-dead-Castiel live with them as their partners. If someone told me I couldn't change a thing about what's happened so far, but I could decide how the last episode went, that's how I'd end it. Showing a network of hunters getting support and able to live more stable, reasonable lives while still doing a dangerous job. Sam embracing his intellectual prowess and running things from the bunker, Dean and Cas going out on the road, Sam and Eileen going out on the road, or any combination therein. Jack watching over them benevolently from above. Jody and Donna and the girls living their best lives. Kaia and Claire as a couple, onscreen. A glimpse of a more stable afterlife, now that Jack is there to run things, the confirmation of a peaceful ending whenever our human protagonists do finally shuffle off this mortal coil. Peace, but change, too.

I just don't believe that's what we're getting. I can't believe it, and that makes me really frightened for what comes next week. I'm prepared to be pissed off. Quite frankly, I'm expecting it.

6/10

[let-me-love-you-loki]

The Christmas that Wasn’t-Ch. 5

A/N: Written with the wonderful, amazing @mox-made-me-do-it​. Please forgive us. This chapter is LONG.

Chapter 5: Everyone

Leigh

           “Did you see how Kenny was looking at you?” Allie asked as we stood in the bathroom getting ready for dinner with the buys. Each of us had our own mirror and sink, but habit had us sharing one. She grinned at me in the mirror while she took her time wrapping my hair around her curling wand.

           I dusted finishing powder over my cheeks and glanced into her hazel eyes. She’d already done her hair. As soon as she was done with mine, I’d get to work on her makeup. For a moment, it felt like we were still in college, sharing a room in the Zeta Tau house.

           “It was shock. That’s all it was,” I replied.

           She rolled her eyes. “Leelee, that man looked like he was going to fall straight over the rail when you took off that robe. His eyes were going to pop out of his head.” Allie put the curling wand down on its mat and ran her hands through the curls, separating them and pinning them into a tumble of red down my back. “And he’s going to die when he sees you tonight. If he isn’t speechless, I’ll eat that makeup sponge.”

           I laughed and took a look at Allie’s handiwork, turning my head from one side to the other. The natural-looking curls fell down toward the center of my back. “You are a magician, Als.”

           Her lips pressed against my temple. “Because I’ve got an amazing subject. Now get up so you can do my makeup.”

           I stood and let her take the seat. She tipped her head up and batted her eyes at me. I grinned. “I wish I had your skin, Allie. You hardly need makeup at all.”

           “You’ve said that since college,” she replied. “I’m surprised you haven’t murdered me and stolen it yet.”

           “Why do you think we’re here…”

           We fell into giggles as I did her makeup. She really was one of those girls who was gifted with perpetually perfect skin. I couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a pimple. I suppose that’s why I got so good at doing makeup—I had a lot of imperfections to cover up.

           Once we finished with hair and makeup, we sat cross-legged on the big bed, the plate of fruit between us and the champagne on the nightstand. We each had a glass in hand, staring out the is-it-really-there window at the water as the sun began to sink behind the mountain. I wondered if she could hear my heart beating like a drum in my chest.

           “This wasn’t the plan,” I said with a nervous grin, sipping my glass.

           Allie leaned back against the pillows, smiling with a little more confidence. “Nothing ever goes to plan, Leelee. You should know that by now.”

           I shrugged and looked at my phone. “It’s almost time. I suppose we should get dressed.”

           We hopped off the bed and walked into the closet for our bags. Once we’d pulled ourselves away from the guys on the deck, we went through our bags, found our dress outfits, and hung them up to get the wrinkles out. I opened the closet and grinned.

           “I absolutely love this dress,” I said, pulling Allie’s outfit from the closet and holding it out to her. It was a wine red off-shoulder minidress with a wide V-shaped drape that hung down from the neckline. She had the courage and the coloring to wear it. It looked great with her blonde hair.

           She took the dress and turned in a circle, holding the dress up against her before slipping into the bathroom to change. I rolled my eyes. It wasn’t like we hadn’t been naked in front of each other before. My heart started to pound a little harder as I slipped on my royal blue floral wrap dress. It tied in a knot on left ribs, and had tied ribbons on the three-quarter sleeves. I actually felt pretty in it.

           I slipped on a pair of sandals and picked up my travel purse from the counter. Allie was already waiting for me in the living room of the bungalow. I grinned and followed her to the door. As soon as she pulled it shut, I reached for her hand. She threaded her fingers with mine and we started down the pier toward the gazebo hand in hand. It was visible at the end of the pier, the bannisters and posts wrapped in fairy lights.

           A table had been set up in the center of the gazebo, set with places for four. The benches around the edges had been draped in flowers. And standing at the entrance—in tennis shoes, gym shorts, and muscle tank tops—were Adam and Kenny.

           Allie and I looked at one another, grinning as we realized we were really overdressed.

Allie

           The boys stood side-by-side, their arms crossed over their chests. As soon as they saw us, they looked at one another sheepishly. “Oh my goodness, y'all,” I exclaimed, looking at the flowers that spilled over the gazebo benches. I could hear my Alabama accent showing through the excitement. “You guys are just too much. Look at all these flowers!”

           Adam and Kenny stood there in shock. I grinned softly and pulled Leigh toward the table, squeezing past the boys. As we passed by, I could sense them giving us the once over.

           “We should have dressed up, Hangman,” Kenny said as he slipped into place to hold out a chair for Leigh. “We aren't dressed to receive the beauty before us.”

           Adam quickly followed behind, pulling out a chair for me. “You, sir, are one hundred percent correct. These lovely ladies are incredibly out of our league.” He grinned, blue eyes sparkling. “Hopefully, they won't hold it against us.”

           Leigh bumped me in the shoulder and laughed. “Basketball shorts and muscle shirts are a good look on you guys. Trust me… we don’t mind.” I could feel my face turning beet red. She was right… I definitely didn’t mind the view of their beautifully muscled arms. It was easy to think about what I couldn’t see.

           And I was certain Leigh was doing the exact same thing.

           A server in the hotel uniform appeared as if on cue. We ordered drinks from the menu on the table—a Diet Coke for Kenny, Jack and Coke for Adam, and Malibu Cranberries for us—and spent a moment or two looking at our food options. But dinner was an easy decision—bacon wrapped filet mignon with mashed sweet potatoes and asparagus—all around. While we waited, we made small talk about what lead us to Bora Bora.

           “I still can't believe you guys upgraded your reservation just to be close to us. You know that's insane, right?” I teased with a smile and a wink to Adam. 

           “Well, we heard honeymoon suite and all-inclusive, and we were intrigued. Do you two usually get that when you go on vacation?” Adam asked, quirking an eyebrow as he smiled and laughed. He had his elbow on the table, drink in his hand, as he leaned forward to talk to us.

           I sat there suddenly wishing that I were invisible. That the world to swallow me whole. How was I supposed to explain this and not burst into tears? Leigh reached over and took my hand when she saw the color fade from my face. Adam’s smile slipped quickly.

           How do I explain this? I thought. Do I smile and laugh and play it off? Or do I let someone see me? 

           “Well, that's because this was supposed to be my honeymoon,” I said quietly, staring into the napkin laying in my lap. “I caught my ex in bed with my P.A. about a week ago and cancelled the wedding. Leelee was already on her way to L.A. for work and the wedding.”

           I sat there quietly for a moment, not really knowing what to say. My friend squeezed my fingers and I felt a jolt of courage. “So, instead of a honeymoon, we decided a girls’ trip was the best way to escape reality for a little while. And since I already paid for the honeymoon suite, we thought, why not? Wouldn't be the first time we shared a bed.” 

           Leigh bumped me gently, resting her chin on my shoulder. “Als, you know as well as I do that Jon’s dumb ass didn’t deserve you anyway. Besides… you’re way hotter and more amazing than Renee could ever be, babes.”

           “Hell yeah you are!” Adam chimed in quickly. “If he doesn't see that, it's his loss. Sounds like a real asshole to me. I mean, I've barely taken my eyes off of you since you boarded the plane.”

           Kenny nodded in agreement with a kind smile. I had to admit that it was a rush to have someone think I was attractive. God knew Jon had flushed my self-esteem down the toilet. They were so nice and quickly changed the subject. “So, what do you ladies do for a living?” Kenny asked, leaning against the table and taking a drink of Diet Coke.

           “Well, we own a film production company,” Leigh explained, giving me a moment to silence my thoughts. “It's kinda small, but we have some big things coming that we are really excited about.”

           “Oh, yeah? Which one?” Adam queried. “Done anything we would have seen?”

           “AlsLee Entertainment. I'm Als. She’s Lee,” I explained, feeling more in control of my emotions. “We are based out of North Carolina, but I work out of L.A. to be close to the talent pool. Leelee does the screenplays and location scouting. We’ve produced a couple TV shows out of Wilmington, but nothing that’s gotten beyond a season or two on the CW.”

           Leigh told the story of freshman orientation, how we met and all the late nights we shared over a decade of friendship. “We never had eye candy like you two in school, though,” she said with grin. “Cowboy over there would have been a busy guy.” She shot a wink at him over her glass.

           Adam grinned back and blushed just a little. He looked a little full of himself, and I had to admit it was adorable. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kenny's jaw clench… I knew that look. Jealousy. I would have to talk to him later about that. Leigh was friendly, and she was a flirt, but I knew good and well that she really only had eyes for Kenny.

           We all sat, ate, and laughed as night fell and the stars appeared in the skies. The drinks were flowing, and everything was so well. The four of us had demolished everything the server put in front of us.  “Glad you ladies didn't listen to your sorority sisters about pregaming before a date,” Kenny said, blue eyes crinkling when he smiled at Leigh.

           She looked away from him, fumbling with her napkin, turning redder than my dress. Just then, a different man in a hotel uniform approached our table.

           “Good evening, ladies. My name is Marco.” He turned toward the guys. For a split second, his brows lifted. Then he schooled his features. “Good evening, sirs. I trust everything was to your satisfaction this evening?”

           He seemed to be stuttering as he took in the sight of the boys looking like they had just come from the gym. He looked back at us, apologies written profusely in his eyes.

           “Yeah, Marco, everything was perfect. Thank you so much,” Adam replied with a smile. He turned his attention from Marco to us, glancing briefly at Leigh before settling his eyes on me. “Scenery is pretty perfect too. Thanks for the recommendation.”

           “Absolutely, Mr. Page. If I can be of any further assistance this evening, please don't hesitate to let me know.” I didn’t miss the wide-eyed glare Marco gave to the guys. “Ladies enjoy the rest of your night.”

           “So, would anyone like to walk up to the main house and look around?” I proposed to the group. The guys stood and rushed around the table to pull out our chairs. “Maybe we can find some trouble to get into.”

           “Well, Mango, I think that's a great idea,” Adam said bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck. “But, Ken, my friend, I think we need to change clothes. We can't be seen with these lovely ladies looking like this.” He gestured between the two of them, and Kenny nodded profusely.

           Leigh looked at me and then down at her watch. “You have five minutes.”

           They took off like a shot, almost tripping over each other.

Kenny

           We were three steps from the door of our bungalow when Marco appeared out of nowhere. For some reason, I felt ashamed under his glare.

           “Gentlemen,” he said, gesturing for us to lead the way into our bungalow. I glanced at Adam, who shrugged and went first. It was obvious that someone had been in the bungalow while we were gone. There was a rack of clothes in the living room. Clothes that were way better than anything we’d brought.

           “I suggest, if you intend to woo those lovely ladies appropriately,” Marco said delicately, “that you look the part. I’ve taken the liberty of having some options brought in for you. I believe you’ll find everything in the correct size.”

           Before we could respond, he dipped his head and was out of the bungalow. I walked over and pulled a shirt from the rack. Surprisingly, everything I saw was in the right size. But it was all…

           “Look at this yacht club shit,” Adam said, holding out a pair of linen shorts like they were going to catch on fire.

           “I get it,” I replied. “It’s not our normal stuff, but you’ve seen those girls out there, Hangman. We cannot go back out there with them looking like that and us looking like two goddamn beach bums.”

           Adam rolled his eyes and grumbled, but he grabbed a couple shirts and some pants and went into the bathroom. I chose a pair of grey linen shorts and a polo and changed right there in the living room. There was a rack of shoes, too, but I tugged my tennis shoes back on. It didn’t look too bad.

           And it was definitely better than how they’d seen us at dinner.

           There was a knock on the door. “Five minutes are up,” Allie called through the wood.

           “Coming!” I yelled a few seconds before opening the door.

           Allie gave me a quick head to toe and nodded as if I’d passed inspection. “Good, I wanted to talk to you.”

           I felt my brows knit together. “About what?”

           She looked back over her shoulder. Leigh stood with her back to us. I was almost immediately entranced by the way the breeze danced through her hair and fluttered the fabric of her dress. It felt like my heart had just stopped in my chest.

           “There’s something you need to know about Leigh. She’s fun and friendly and flirt… with her friends. Trust me, she isn’t interested in Adam. You don’t have to worry.” So she’d seen that at dinner. “Leigh likes you… a lot. And she’s nervous. Ask her to go for a walk on the beach.”

           It felt like a knot loosened behind my ribs. I grinned at her. “I thought we were getting into trouble in the main lodge?”

           “Go on,” Allie whispered, nudging me toward Leigh. I stumbled over, my heart thundering blood through my veins. Her red hair was like fire in the twinkling lights of the gazebo. My breath caught in my chest. I’d never been so nervous.

           “Leigh…” I stepped up beside her and ran my hand over my face, scratching at my few days’ growth. She was so beautiful, and she looked so pretty in that dress. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Would you like to take a walk down to the beach with me?”

           She looked up at me with her moss colored eyes. I had the urge to pull her into my arms. She smiled and I thought I was going to die.

           For a moment, she looked over my shoulder. I knew she was searching for Allie. “I’d like that,” she said quietly. Her cheeks went pink as she pushed away from the rail.

           We walked side by side down the pier toward the beach. The ever-present sound of the ocean drowned out the creak of the wood beneath our feet, and I knew in that moment that I would always associate the ocean with Leigh Keene. No matter where she went, where I went… she would be with me.

           I stepped off into the scrub grass and reached my hand out toward her. She licked her hips and ran her fingertips up her cheekbone to tuck her hair behind her ears as she settled her fingers in my palm. A shock ran down my spine as I closed my hand around hers as she stepped down into the grass.

           “You look nice,” she said, a small smile curling her mouth.

           I chuckled. “Marco figured we needed… ah… help.”

           She nodded as if that solved everything and slipped off her sandals. They dangled in her fingertips as she walked into the sand. I tucked my hands into my pockets and fell into step beside her. The ground shifted and sank beneath our feet as we trekked toward the water lapping up against the beach.

           “So a production company?” I asked after a few minutes of silence.

           She turned, looking at me over the curve of her shoulder. “It was our dream in college. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.”

           I breathed deep of the ocean air as she closed her eyes, tipping her face up toward the stars. She looked like a goddess just risen out of the sea. “What do you do, Kenny Omega?”

           I stepped into the space next to her. Her eyes were still closed, and I took the time to memorize her face. She was so beautiful. “I’m a professional wrestler. Adam too.”

           Leigh looked me over, head to toe, and nodded approvingly. “I can see it. You any good?”

           “I think so,” I replied, laughing. Courage spiked in my chest. I reached for her, taking her hand, our fingers tangling together. She didn’t pull away, and I thanked my lucky stars. Her attention swept out to the water. “Are you okay?”

           She took a breath. “Yes.” Her voice was soft, somehow present and distant at once. “I am now.”

           There was something melancholy about the way she said it. Like it was a bittersweet yes. My heart skipped a beat.

           “Leigh…” I pulled her closer, turning so she stood in front of me. The wind pushed locks of her hair across her face. My fingers shook as I tucked it behind her ear. My thumb traced the shape of her cheekbone; my fingers felt the shape of her jaw. “I barely know you, but I know that you are strong and intelligent. And you fiercely love Allie. Anyone who can’t see how wonderful you are…”

           She halved the space between us. Her eyes were wide and bright, almost grey in the starlight. I could feel the heat radiating from her body. I could smell the perfume that made me think of dark, delicious things.

           “I want to kiss you,” I said, the words tumbling out on their own. I wondered how she couldn’t see my heart jumping out of my chest. My fingers lingered on her skin, slipping down until I held her chin between my thumb and forefinger, tipping her face up. “I want to very much.”

           The smile that settled on her lips made me feel like I could do anything. Her free hand rose and settled on my collarbone. I watched her bite her bottom lip and nod. She rose up on her toes and tightened her fingers against the collar of my shirt. Her eyes closed, lashes casting shadows on her cheeks. I leaned down, drinking in the sight of her just then. The moment our mouths met, my eyes drifted shut and the only thing in the universe was the feel of her against me and the taste of her lips.

           It was brief and gentle with a ghost of hesitation beneath. I could taste the sharp notes of cranberry on her lips, and knew I would always remember this moment.

           The kiss ended, both of us drawing back at the same time. We hovered there, mouths just out of reach of each other. Her nose brushed against mine. I felt rather than saw her smile, and I knew it matched the one I wore.

Adam

           I came out of our bungalow to see Kenny and Allie whispering together, looking toward Leigh. I figured she was giving him some advice, because he crossed the pier and in the next minute, the two of them were walking away toward the beach.

           “M'lady?" I asked, falling into the space beside her and holding out my arm for her to take. Allie's beautiful eyes were a bit greener in the soft lighting. I swore I could see the sadness behind her gorgeous smile.

           “Well, bless your heart, cowboy.” Allie blushed as her arm snaked through mine. 

           “Ya know, I’m really glad we missed our original flight out of LAX. Ken was mad at me until you two walked onto the plane.” I let her set the pace as we walked. “Like seriously pissed. It was my fault—I was at the club lounge,” I admitted as we strolled along the pier toward the sound of music.

           We walked in quiet for a while. I thought about her sad smile and felt my heart squeeze.

           “I'm really sorry to hear about your ex. No one should have to go through that. But I am glad you and OJ decided to still take your trip. You ladies are much better company than a grumpy Kenny-san.”

           She looked up at me, her brows raised. “Kenny-san? He doesn't look Japanese to me.” She walked toward a swing overlooking the beach. The driftwood poles were sunk deep in the beach, and two wooden plank seats were strung up with rope. She sat on the swing facing me, kicking her sandals off and dug her toes in the sand. 

           I leaned against the pole beside her and grinned. “Well, technically Kenny is actually Canadian, but we’ve worked in Japan a lot over the last several years. He’s got citizenship over there. Speaks fluently. It’s only been over the last year or so that we’ve been in the States a lot more,” I explained as I circled around behind her. I took hold of the ropes near the seat and pulled back a little. I let go and she swung forward and back like a pendulum. “How much do you know about the world of professional wrestling?”

           “Like the Rock and John Cena?” she asked as I gave her another push.  “So, you guys work for WWE?”

           I got distracted watching her blonde hair blowing in the breeze. It was like the corn silk in late summer back home. 

           “Before they were movie guys they worked for WWE. We work for a newer company called All Elite Wrestling.” I explained how Kenny and I met in Japan, the Bullet Club and the rest of the Elite as I pushed her gently back and forth.

           Then my heart skipped a beat when she jumped off mid-swing. Allie rounded on me, turning so fast she threw up sand.

           “So… let me get this straight. You're a professional athlete, obviously smoking hot, not gay, and you’re single? And you like me?” she asked, puzzled.

           I couldn't tell where she was heading with the question. I thought again of the sadness and the circumstances that led her to be right there in front of me. I smiled and nodded as she walked closer. Good Lord, my heart just dropped straight into my boots. She took my hand met my gaze with those green eyes like she was looking into my soul.

           When she was satisfied with her search, she looked out over the night-dark water. She was so pretty. So beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off her. I could watch her under the stars forever.

           Then, out of the blue, she asked, “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?”

           I looked at the water. “It's alright, I guess.” She turned to look up at me like I was crazy and found me watching her. “You, Allie Mason, are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

           We looked into each other's eyes for a moment. She was beautiful and breathtaking and so unique. I ached to touch her. It was a physical pain, this desire to touch her. Before I could stop myself, I pushed her long blonde hair behind her ear. My fingers lingered on the side of her neck.

           Then our lips crashed together in the moonlight. There wasn’t any hesitation. No shyness. My fingers tangled in her hair. She threw her arms around my neck. I lifted her against me, fighting the urge to deepen the kiss. It took everything I had to pull back.

           She let out a little giggle, her cheeks flushed. I took her hand and led the way over to the little bar on the beach. We ordered drinks and, before the bartender could shake a martini, we were joined by Ken and Leigh—both looking rather flushed themselves. 

Tag List

@mox-made-me-do-it​ @not-that-kinda-gurl08​

[abdicatedarchive]

Dinner Party at the Bishops || Wren, Chanel, Rory, Jonah

@chrysolites @missrory

Wren jumped up when he heard the doorbell ring and smoothed out his clothes before going to the door quickly, but his mother had already opened it. "Chanel Hampton, as I live and breathe" she said with a kind smile. She was happy that her son was finally together with the girl he never quite shut up about, even as a kid, but she wanted to know what this girl was like. She'd done her fair share of sleuthing online.

Chanel didn't realize how hard it was to find a family-friendly outfit in her closet until tonight. She picked out a cute pink, two piece set (she loved her two piece sets) and made sure to wear the new perfume she bought. Wren had told her to wear something new and she didn't think too much on it. Once she knocked on the door, she straightened out her skirt and took a deep breath in. She shouldn't have been so nervous, but she was. She hadn't seen them in so long so she needed to make a good impression. "Hi Chrys!" she spoke with a big smile on her face. "How have you been? How's work going?" she asked, before looking behind her to see Wren.

Jonah on the other hand was just a ball of stress. This was the first time he was ever meeting Rory's parents, the first time he was in a situation like this at all. Rory was his first and only girlfriend and though they had been seeing each other on and off for years, this news of her parent's coming to town scared him. He knocked on the door and said a little prayer in his head to the gods. Please don't mess this up. Please don't mess this up.

Chrys gave Chanel a tight hug and caught a whiff of the girl's perfume, not what she had been expecting. Wren's room smelled a particular way, and she assumed it had been the girl. She was very suspicious of all that Nana let go down here. "You've grown up so much!" she said kindly, "and work has been great, I just spent the last 3 months in the most interesting location. It was great for my writing and I really connected with the locals" said Wren's mom before Wren came over and took Chanel's hand to lead her into the living room along with his mother. "Mom, Chanel's team is heading to qualifiers soon" Wren added to the conversation, "Very exciting stuff, the teams really good".

Rory was upstairs when she heard the doorbell ring, she got up and saw Chanel at the door. Giving the girl a sweet smile she went to say hi. Wearing the scent Chanel usually wore she was hopefully not to feed any of her mother's suspicions. Then she heard the knock she ran to her fathers side as he opened the door so he wouldn't embarrass her in front of Jonah. "Hi." Rory smiled happy to see him." You must be Jonah." her father moved to the side to let boy in and fixed his glasses to get a better look at him.

Chanel hugged Chrys back with a smile on her face. She missed them a lot, they were always so kind to her when she was younger. Maybe they just felt bad for her cause her parents weren't exactly the best, but she pushed the thought out of her mind quickly. "It's must be so fun traveling everywhere! I'd love to do that someday. But I'm glad you're back, it's been so long since I've seen you both." she looked over at Wren as he grabbed her hand, and nodded once he mentioned cheer. "Oh yeah, super exciting. We won nationals last year, so hopefully we can deliver again. Wren's season just started too. You'll get to see him play, he's like, so good. The best on the team."

Wren blushed a little, "I'm not the best, it's just that no one can tell anyone on the team apart except for me" said Wren being modest. He had been working so hard to really kill it this season, he wanted to push himself. "Jonah!" said Wren going to give his buddy a good dapping up. It was nice that they were all together.

Jonah jumped a little when the door opened, but seeing Rory instantly relaxed him. She looked so beautiful. "Hi. Your hair looks really nice." he repeated back to her softly before looking over to her father. "Yes. Hello sir." he slowly put his hand out to shake her father's hand. "That's me, Jonah Keller. Nice to meet you." he said, hoping he didn't come off too awkward. Jonah smiled at Wren and dapped him up like good bros do.

Chanel smiled back at Rory and said hello. "Ooh you look so good!" she said excitedly to the girl. She turned back to Wren and nodded with wide eyes, "Oh yeah, everyone on the team looks a lot a like. Kinda confusing when you see them running around everywhere, but Wren's the tallest so you can spot him out easy. And he makes the most shots so he's totally the best." she nudged her boyfriend as she explained to Chrys. "It's a fun time."

Rory blushed as she touched her hair, she didn't know why she did that she knew it looked good but him noticing made her blush."Thank you I just got it done." She watched as her father took his hand and gave him his special handshake that's suppose to tell him everything he knows about a man. 'Chanel that outfit is everything." she complimented. Her mother making her way to greet Jonah."So this is the one huh?"she nudged Rory. 'Hello I'm Rory's mother it's nice to finally to meet you."

"I love it." Jonah said truthfully looking at Rory with a big, dorky smile on his face. He kept a smile on his face once her father shook his hand, but he was already mentally freaking out. Turning his attention to her mother, Jonah nodded his head in response, "Hello Mrs. Bishop. It's nice to meet you too." he spoke politely. "Thank you for inviting me tonight." It was nice to be around an actual family, it felt comforting.

Nana came in and pinched her son on the cheeks, "Oh my sweet baby boy is here, I am so happy to have all my favorite people in one place" she said looking around the room. "We have some good southern food, but also a little bit of savory kugel to keep with the Hanukah spirit" Nana announced to the room. "If y'all will join us in the dining room"

Chanel looked down at her outfit and smiled big at Rory, "Oh my god, thanks hun!" she said before Nana came in. She walked to the dining room with Wren and took a seat next to him as everyone was sitting down.

When Nana came in the attention went to her, both Rory and her Mother rolled their eyes at the interaction between him and his mother. "Yes let's go and get to know each other." Her mother said happily as she began to walk. Rory took Jonah's hand and followed suit. Sitting across from Wren and Chanel so they could silently communicate. Her hand still holding Jonah's under the table.

Alex was in blissful ignorance, he was just super happy to be home. He honestly did not even notice his wife or daughter roll their eyes, everybody loves Nana. They were all seated, "So, Jonah ... Chanel. What are your plans for college?" he asked as they started to pass food around. Chrys keeping a watchful eye on Wren's plate. They had been watching him like hawks the whole time they had been home.

Jonah smiled to himself once everyone was seated and he still had Rory's hand in his. The question shouldn't have really came as a surprise, but it did. College was honestly something Jonah didn't think about too much. He was too busy thinking about what was going to happen once he turned eighteen. His foster parent's were super sweet and he hoped they would actually adopt him and his brother one day but that wasn't certain. If they didn't, he'd have to move out and live on his own. He needed to make sure he had enough money. "College?" he asked, trying to come up with some kind of answer that was good enough. "I would like to be a writer." he said. "So hopefully if I have the money I'll be able to go to college and see that through." he answered, regretting how much he said.

Chanel looked over at Wren and Rory's parents and smiled, she also was little stuck when it came to the topic of college, but for different reasons. She just simply didn't know what she wanted to do. "I keep going back and forth with what I want to study. I wanna make sure it's what I love, you know?" she tilted her head to the side, "But I've sort of been thinking about culinary school. I've suddenly got this passion for cooking. Who would've thought!" she said, leaving out the part where she was sort of forced into cooking for herself back at home. Luckily she actually started to enjoy it, but she hadn't talked to Wren about her plans of culinary school. It wasn't for certain.

''Oooh A writer and a possible chef in the family hun, we could be so lucky." Chrys nudged her husband."Mom please." Rory whined. She could see the wheels in her moms head turning and planning their whole life together. "Oh hush, ignore her she's cranky." Chrys never let her smile falter. "Would you guys like wine? or tea to go with this delicious food." Rory gave Wren a what is she doing look before shaking her head and putting food on her and Jonah's plate.

Wren moved his hand to Chanel's knee and looked up at her and gave her a look that said please dear god do not fall for it. He prayed that Rory shot Jonah the same look, and he returned his gaze to Rory. "Nana the food is delicious" said Wren as he picked at what was on his plate, taking a big bite for everyone to see.

Chanel knew what was up. Her own parents would have asked the same question, but they would be serious about it. Or at least her mother would have. But Chanel knew not everyone was like her parents. "Oh I don't drink, but thank you for the offer. Tea for me please!" she said casually. She looked over as Wren took a bite and smiled. Jonah nodded his head in agreement with Chanel, "No thank you. I'll have tea as well." he smiled as he looked down at the food. "It does look delicious." he said before taking a bite.

'Tea it is." Chrys said getting up. Rory was relieved but that lasted a few seconds as Alex decided to speak."So how did these friendships." he did air quotes. "Happen. I want all the deets. I'm saying that right or is it tea, never mind I want the tea guys." he fixed his glasses as nana and Chrys came back with tea and more food.

"Dad" said Wren with a laugh, what a quirky man. Him and his sweaters. Wren smiled at the question though, "I thought Wren and Chanel were going to date when he moved here" said Nana, "and I thought those two were going to get back together. But it seems ... the Bishop children are a little slow paced" Nana added as she tried to put more food on Wren's plate from her seat. Wren shook his head to the food, "Hey now, it's not that we're slow. It's that we like to wait for the right moments" said the boy as he defended the fact that they were both total weenies.

"Look at my little baby of course she was smitten, look at that face." Chrys smiled pointing her fork at Wren. "Rory is absolutely stunning no way he could stay away from my sweetness." Rory shook her head at the comments that were being made." We had to do it with style, you know unforgettable moments?" she wasn't wrong the hoops they had to deal with wouldn't be forgotten anytime soon.

Chanel laughed along with Wren as Alex spoke. He hadn't changed one bit. "He is a cutie." she said with a single nod. "I was a little slow though. Guess I just thought he saw me as just a friend, but I feel really lucky. He's been nothing but sweet to me." she spoke truthfully. "I mean, he's always been sweet to me but he's an amazing boyfriend! Best I've ever had." she let the last comment slip and quickly took a bite from the food. Hopefully they didn't think too hard on that. Jonah looked over at Chanel, feeling nervous for her. "Huh? Oh yeah, Rory's amazing. She was one of my first friends when I got moved out here. I-I guess I was just too nervous to ask at first." he said, keeping out obvious details as to why they just started dating again. "She's incredible. I'm really happy I met her."

Wren smiled when Chanel said he was the best boyfriend she had ever had. It made him feel really good about himself. "Oh, so the Rorster made the first move? That's my girl" said Alex with some pride. He had raised a headstrong daughter, he could not exactly say the same about his son. They were all looking at Wren picking at his food, he had eaten a fair amount for him. "Wrennie, do you want seconds?" asked Chrys with the sweetest smile, "You had a big practice earlier" she added. She looked over to Rory for a little support. "I ate a late lunch, but I'm gonna go refill the water pitcher" said Wren as he got up from the table and went to the kitchen with the water pitcher to avoid having to talk more about his food. "Chrys" said Alex sternly, "We're not doing this right now, we have guests" he said quietly.

"Babe." Rory smiled at Jonah, before groaning internally at the nickname he let slip. Rory had also been watching how he would handle the food. She looked over at her mother then dad before speaking."We were pigging out at the salon, I don't even know how I'm making it through this first place." she lied. "See leave the boy alone." her father spoke waiting for Wren to come back." So are we in love or just infatuated?" he asked trying to put on his serious voice.

Chanel kept quiet once Wren left the room, she didn't know what to say. She didn't like to bring up that subject to Wren, she didn't want to upset him if everything was okay. Chanel believed what Rory was saying and tried to think positively on the situation. 

Jonah smiled at Rory once she said babe, but actively chose not to look at any adults in the eye. At least not right now. He started to become incredibly confused when Wren left and it seemed like he was the only one that felt that way. He just sat and awkwardly continued to eat the food before Alex asked that question. He could tell his face was heating up as he chewed on his food. He had just told Rory he loved her at the ski trip, but was he supposed to say it out loud right now? "I-I-I... Yes." he answered, completely flustered. Idiot! 

Chanel looked over at the parents and stayed quiet for a moment, "Love? Oh, we... we haven't... I mean I really like him, of course. But yeah, ya know?" she let out a forced laugh.

Wren came in at what felt like the worst time, Jonah was clearly flustered. Chanel was word vomitting about how they hadn't said that yet, "Chanel and I have only been dating like two weeks" said Wren as he put the water pitcher back down on the table and poured himself a glass. Why did his dad have to ask this right now? "Wow, these are some exciting developments" said Chrys as she took a sip of her wine. Jonah and Rory had said I love you, this was ... interesting information. She wondered why she had not heard more about this already. Wren ate some more of his food to please everybody at the table and put his hand under the table to hold hands with Chanel and smiled at her. Nana thought about how excited she was for a nightcap at the end of all of this, a stiff drink seemed very much in order.

Rory sighed eating some more food on her plate. She had lied about eating and she was starving but she knew if she ate too much her mother would catch on. She could already see the conversation about how she didn't tell her about being in love.  "May I ask about your parents? What are they like? Where are they from? Is a family dinner with all of us in a future  I make a delicious lasagna." Chrys prided. " she does, its what she made for the first date and I was hooked. I knew I was going to marry her then."

The mention of parents instantly made his stomach knot up. He hated bringing the mood down with his problems, but he wasn't even sure what to say. "P-Parents?" he repeated back, feeling pressure on his chest. "Uh right yeah, so Corey and Melissa are really nice. My... my foster parents." he specified, the words just kind of came out. It felt wrong to call them his parents. Jesse had already started calling them mom and dad, and he had been here less than Jonah. He wished he was that comfortable to call them that, but it still felt weird. "I'm um, not exactly sure where they're from... but Corey is the principal of the school and Melissa is a therapist. They've been amazing the whole time, I'm very grateful for them." he said truthfully, trying his best to make eye contact with everyone at the table. 

Chanel also wasn't too excited to bring up her parents. Chrys and Alex knew her parents already, but she didn't exactly want to talk about them. There wasn't anything good to talk about. "Oh they're doing good. Mom and dad are the same." she lied. More like a half-lie. They pretty much were the same, but things had been very different. "I'm sure my mom would love to see you guys again." she forced a smile on her face, hoping they wouldn't bump into each other while Chrys and Alex were in town.

Chrys and Alex felt instantly bad for what they had asked when Jonah was answering. "Well, your foster parents sound lovely" said Chrys kindly. No one was going to ask any more details from Jonah, they had clearly taken the conversation in the wrong direction. They had no clue. He seemed well adjusted though, clearly he had been through a lot, but he didn't show it too much. Luckily Chanel came in with the distract, "Well, any time your parents want to come by there are welcome here. They've always been excellent company" said Alex in response, was it necessarily true? Not exactly, but they had no idea about the ongoings of the town right now. It hadn't been something Wren had mentioned in their phone calls. "Jonah is an excellent writer, mom" said Wren, "the school paper is great, and it's all thanks to him" Wren added to gas up his pal.

Rory sighed pushing her plate looking at her parents. She knew they meant well they usually did but sometimes they missed the ball. "Mmhmm I have a few issues upstairs if you want to take a look."She was sure her mother had been through every nook and crannie to see what she was up to maybe she read one of the papers. "Chanel is killing it as a cheerleader and with Wren they are the ultimate power couple." Rory said proudly  making herself aware that she didn't participate in any school activities and if she caught on. Her parents were already planning a speech of being more social in their head.

Jonah awkwardly laughed and waved his hands from side to side, "I wouldn't say excellent." he shook his head. "Oh but thank you." he corrected himself. Jonah appreciated the compliment, but he never viewed himself as a great enough writer. It's why he put himself as an editor for the school paper. "I'm more of an editor, but I write up some issues every now and then." he explained to Chrys and Alex with a small smile on his face. "But I mean if we're talking about talent, Rory is the best at designing clothes! I wish I could do that. She's so creative, but I'm sure you all know that already." he said, more relaxed. He could gush about Rory all day. 

Chanel nodded her head and continued to eat, "I'll let them know." Another lie. She did not want her mother embarrassing her, she'd already done enough of that. She then smiled at Rory once the girl complimented her, "Aw thanks!" she said cheerfully. "You and Jonah are super cute though. Just a bunch of power couples here." she said, hyping up Rory. If Rory was into Jonah, he must be great.

"Mom, I showed you that jacket that Rory made me the other day. That's just the tip of the iceberg" said Wren thinking about the dope jacket that she had made. Rory was so talented. Sure, Wren had a full resume of high school experiences but Rosy was just so talented in something that could actually be used beyond a resume. "Well, I'm glad you all get along so well, happy that the twins still have such a good bond" said Chrys extending her hand to squeeze Alex's. Nana smiled, "They've really taken well to returning to White Lake" she said confidently. She felt like she was doing a good job, and proud of herself that two very successful parties had been thrown here with no one going to the hospital, thank the Lord himself.

For the most part they were right on the outside it looked like they were striving and adjusting well. "Of course the only time we fight is when he eats my  food that he knew I was saving for later.' Rory sighed dramatically. Chrys nodded happy to hear Wren being associated with food. " It's a Bishop man thing your father does that to me also. You got to be quick dear." She smiled. "So what plans do you have for the winter vacation? Or any hopping parties that are happening?" Alex sat back proud of his lingo even though his daughter looked less impressed.

Chanel wasn't sure if she was doing anything with her parents for Christmas. It was one of few holidays they sort of celebrated together, and that was only because it involved gifts, and Chanel's mom loved gifts. "You know my parents, they love to live in the now." she said, putting it nicely. "I'm not exactly sure what we'll be doing, but I do love a good party." she said without too much thought. Hopefully they wouldn't think she's some kind of crazy party girl, even though she sort of was. 

"Corey and Melissa like to go all out for the holidays. The kids really love it." Jonah explained with a small smile on his face. This was also going to be the first Christmas in a while that he was spending with Jesse. "I'm sure they have a bunch of family stuff planned for Christmas day." He then turned to Rory, "I'm sure they'd love if you came over during the break. They've been asking about you like crazy these past few days."

Chrys and Alex knew that Chanel was putting it very kindly that her parents were the flakiest people of all time. They had had their fair share of cancelled plans with the Hamptons. "Yeah the Hampton's big Christmas party" said Nana, going in for that fun correction so that Chanel could save a little face, "I go every year" because Nana also liked to have a good time. "How many kids are your parents fostering?" asked Chrys as she took another bite of food. Alex also turned to Jonah, very interested in his living situation.

Rory nodded, she didn't know what to say and if she didn't say anything then she  couldn't incriminate herself or anyone else. "Have they?" She was a little surprised. "Whenever you want me to come over I'm there. " she smiled before scanning the room, everyone was almost  finished eating and if she knew her parent's that meant they would separate them and talk to them privates.

Chanel looked over and nodded her head, "Yep. It's always a fun time when you're around." she responded to Nana, giving her a face to show she was grateful for the comment. It was always so hard to make her parents look good. 

Jonah was pretty much finishing up his meal when he got asked about Corey and Melissa. "The number changes every now and then, depending on if someone get adopted." he started to explain. "Jesse and I, oh my brother, we're the oldest. But there's always a pretty big group of kids there. Kinda feels like Cheaper by the Dozen." he chuckled. This house was the best one he had been in so far. He nodded his head at Rory, "You can come over sometime this week?" he suggested.

Wren was also nervous about everyone being separated and talked to, so he devised a plan for himself. "Chanel will you help me clear the table?" he asked as he started picking up plates for people and heading to the kitchen with a stack. Chrys corrected him, "Chanel's a guest" she instructed her son. "Mom, she eats here like 3 times a week. She's basically family" he said, he almost let it slip that it was like she lived here. She had been basically for weeks. There was a ton of her stuff that he had just dropped off at her house before his parents got home. Chrys allowed the two to head off to the kitchen with plates to start cleaning. Wren put the plates down and gave her a quick kiss, "You look really pretty tonight, I meant to tell you that earlier. Sorry my parents are ... well them" he said looking down at her.

"No problem, im Christmas shopping Monday and mom daughter day is Wednesday so any other day works." She glared at Wren when he took her idea. Rory couldn't think of anything else they could do. "Do you want to get some fresh air before my dad and you have a talk?" Rory said getting up. " Be back in 10 minutes." Chrys stated and keep the backporch light on." She wasn't sure if Jonah and Rory had started having sex but she wasn't going to take any chances

Chanel nodded her head instantly, she was already so used to helping with the dishes, "Don't worry! I don't mind help out at all." she said with a sweet smile on her face. Once she set the dishes down, Chanel got on her toes as she kissed Wren, "Yeah? I haven't worn this in like, forever! Forgot I had it. Wish you could take it off of me." she spoke quietly before giving him a wink. "What's to apologize for? They're great. Everything good with you?" she asked, trying to make it casual as she referred to him leaving for a bit when his eating became a subject at the table. 

"Maybe Friday?" Jonah asked before he got up from the seat, "Uh yeah." he smiled and walked outside with Rory. By the time they were outside, he let out a sigh of relief. "Oh god, I feel all shaky. Do I look shaky? Are my palms sweaty? Sorry that's a weird question. I just hope I'm doing fine." he rambled as he paced a bit back and forth. "Do you think they like me? Or, oh shit, do you think they hate me? Don't answer that. Wait no, maybe you should. Be honest."

Wren wanted to take the outfit off her too, he preferred their casual dinners with Nana where they weren't stuck at the table for so long. He put his hand on her waist but didn't say anything, he knew once he opened that door it would be impossible to shut and his parents were in the next room. But then, then she asked about how he was doing. She totally meant the food thing and the little outburst at the table about seconds, and who knows what his parents said when he was refilling the water. "I could be better" he said, moving her against the fridge and kissing her more deeply and moving his hand down from her waist onto her ass. It was a fool proof way to keep Chanel distracted from whatever his parents had said about food at dinner.

Rory watched him as he started rambling, he had done so well at the dinner table she was sure he was nervous on the inside but he hid it so well. She took his hand and pulled him closer to  her,fixing his hair. " I love you and my parents adore you and you look so good tonight." She wrapped her arms around him. "You're doing amazing babe,really." She kissed him softly. Jonah was a good guy and she was sure her parents saw that. " I hope they haven't made you uncomfortable in any way?"

Wren knew Chanel too well. She'd take any opportunity to get a little physical and this was no exception. She smiled against his lips as he began to kiss her, moving his hand down her ass and up her skirt. Once she got started, she didn't exactly know where to draw the line. She wasn't thinking about how they were literally in an open kitchen with his family in the next room. 

Jonah blinked a couple times as Rory pulled him closer to fix up his hair. "I love you too." he said with a genuine smile, practically forgetting everything he was thinking about before. Jonah just wanted to make a good impression, this was such a big deal for him. He couldn't mess this up. Hearing Rory's reassurance did help though, he trusted her. If she felt like he was doing a good job, then he'd take her word. Jonah kissed Rory back before shaking his head at her question. "No, I like them." he answered. The only question that caught him off guard was about his parents but that answer was bound to be a little awkward. It shouldn't have even surprised him. "Your dad's pretty funny." he said with a smile.

"Chanel Hampton, the things I am going to do to you later" whispered Wren into her ear as he moved down to kiss on her neck. A few moments later Nana came in and Wren immediately removed his hands from Chanel and went over to the kitchen island, "Nana, hi" he said with a deer in the headlights look. "You two better keep it together, your mother is nothing like she was when they were young. She's forgotten, so keep your hands to yourselves" she warned. Chrys walked into the kitchen, "Keeping our hands to ourselves?" she teased almost. "Mom, it was just a kiss. Nana's just making sure we're not grossing anyone out" Wren lied.

It was nice to have a minute alone with him, she was on edge hoping her parents didn't totally embarrass her, or catch him up with a question that would land them in hot water. Jonah was doing an amazing job with her parents, and they seem to like them so it seemed like the hard part was over. She let her lips touch his once more." Aww young love." Alex interrupted clasping his hands over his chest. "Is it really love or lust, They may mirror each other sometimes." He said." i know i have to..what do kids say curve the ladies." he said with a corny smile.

Chanel quickly straightened her skirt out and stepped away from Wren, unsure of what to say. All she did was nod at Nana in response. She had known Wren's parents since she was young, but a lot has changed, she's changed. She didn't want them to hate her. Chrys's voice made her jump a bit. "Yep. Uh, oh right! I should finish cleaning these dishes." she quickly said as she turned around to the dishes they placed on the counter. 

Jonah kissed Rory back before instantly turning his attention to Mr. Bishop as he came by. "Lust? Nonono. Just... love." he said awkwardly. He of course did really love Rory, but he wasn't sure if talking about love the first day he met her parents was right. Was there even a right answer to any of this? Jonah chuckled and nodded his head, "Ah right. It's that winning personality of yours, can't be beat." Maybe complimenting was the right answer.

Wren was deeply uncomfortable to say the least, and he was hiding the most poorly timed boner behind the kitchen island. "Oh Chanel, you don't have to do the dishes, we can just hangout" said Chrys, "I'm still fun old Chryssie" she said with a smile that was all too kind. She was trying way too hard, "Nana and Wren would love to do the dishes, wouldn't you two?" she asked. "Wren would love to do the dishes, of course" said Nana as she was poured herself some whiskey and sat down, "My old bones, ya know" Nana joked and Wren laughed. He felt bad that Chanel was about to be whisked away. 

 Chrys took Chanel on her arm and led her to the living room, "So Chanel, that instagram of yours" said Wren's mother, "you're such a pretty girl" she said. She meant it as a compliment, but it all came off as vaguely threatening.

Alex nodded," Good love is always better." He said proudly before looking over at his daughter and smiled. " I'm going to let you in on a little secret." He paused and Rory had already started rolling her eyes. " sweater vest, woman love them. Got one for everyday and my wife loves every single one of them." He boasted and rory rolled her eyes again. " im going to go help nana." She excused herself after kissing jonah's cheek.

Chanel smiled back at Chrys, her wanting to hangout must be a good sign. "Sounds good to me." she said, trying to move on from what just happened. It wasn't like his mom actually saw anything. As she walked to the living room, her smile slowly faded. "My instagram?" she asked softly. This was definitely not what she wanted to talk about with her boyfriend's mom. Yeah, she showed a lot, but she was Chanel. Of course she would. "Uh, thank you." she said, forcing the smile back on her face. "That's very nice of you to say."

Jonah relaxed a bit when he got the response he was given. He was doing good. Once Mr. Bishop said he had a secret, Jonah raised a brow, unsure of where this was going. He hadn't even noticed Rory rolling her eyes. "Oh wow, very fashionable." he said with a small smile. Jonah did like this man. He was a goober, in the best possible. "I'll have to make a mental note. Guess you'll be seeing me some sweater vests." he turned to Rory, but that was a lie. He was not going to do that. "O-Okay, yeah. See you soon." he smiled before looking over at Mr. Bishop, the nerves kicking back in. "Um, thank you for inviting me." he said automatically, even though there was a good chance he had already said that. He couldn't remember in this moment.

Chrys was being kind, and Chanel was a beautiful girl .. but there was something to be worried about. "I'm just concerned what colleges are going to think, no shaming or whatever. I'm just saying ... those archaic bastards are not exactly empowering" said Chrys. There was a reason she had chosen writing instead of teaching. 

Wren was doing dishes when Rory came in, "Guess we both have to do dishes. I tried my best to get you out of it" said Wren laughing as he tossed her the dish rag to be on drying duty. "So did Dad catch you too? Because Nana had the delight" he joked.

"Don't worry She'll never admit it but she gets her fashion sense from me." He stood in front of the younger man. "I wanted to have a little chat." Alex said not really sure how to do the questioning thing. "I see that you love my daughter and I know she loves you, but are you both past the problems that caused your previous breakup?"

"We were just kissing, no grinding." She smiled. " You lucky it was mom, I can see her now. Oh Lawrence what is going on here..then 2 hours about the birds, bees and everything in-between."

Chanel crossed her arms around her chest, feeling uncomfortable in the outfit she was wearing. Maybe this was even too revealing. Chrys and Alex must have already talked about her before she came, they must feel so disappointed in Wren for being with her. "I didn't really think of that..." she spoke softly. "I guess I do some things without really thinking it through." she shrugged, feeling embarrassed just talking about this. "I must get that from my mom." the words came out before she could stop it. She hated thinking about any kind of similarities between her and her mom, and she did not want to talk about her mom with Chrys, so she simply tried laughing it off.

Jonah's eyes widened a bit but tried to keep his composure. He wasn't expecting Rory's father to bring up their previous breakup, he wasn't even sure how much he knew. Thinking about it made his heart start to race. He just hoped he didn't look as nervous as he felt, "Um yeah, y-yes." he corrected himself. "We're... uh, we're working on our communication." he tried to explain. "I was really in my head about our relationship, but I'm just like that." he tapped his forehead, trying to laugh it off. "We're doing really good. Yeah."

Chrys and Alex had most definitely talked about Chanel before she came over, and they had been keeping up with her through the years online. How could they not? They worried about her, her parents were not exactly inspiring role models. They wanted to see Chanel succeed. "Well, we don't need to talk about your mother. We can just talk about Wren" said Chrys taking a deep breath, changing out one hard conversation for a harder one, "How much had Wren told you about his recovery?" she asked, doing her best to pry in an unrevealing way. It was not working that well, but at least she didn't ask outright how much Chanel saw him eat or when. She was deeply worried about him, especially getting into a relationship which could be another stressor.

"I think she might be giving Chanel the birds and the bees talk right now" said Wren, his heart rate picking up. "I love having them here, but why are we doing this? This is so stressful. They're being interviewed. We're not some book mom is going to write or some seminar that dad is going to teach for gods sake" Wren added with a laugh. Their parents were well meaning but also absolutely ridiculous sometimes.

Alex nodded as he listened. He knew his children and he knew them well they both developed a habit of keeping everything to themselves or just between them. Must be a twin thing because he always talked about everything to his mother and Chrys. "I'm glad that's very important. And are you to intimate? Like having sex?" he threw the question in there like his wife asked him to.  He hoped his angel was still pure, most girls didn't stay virgins this long but she had, 

"I could see the title now. How to relate to your teenage twins, school, clothes and sex." Rory grabbed a rag and dried a few of the dishes." I have no idea what dad could be saying, you know he tried to make sweater vest cool." she couldn't belover her father sometimes, she just wantedvto hang out, eat and make out maybe.

"Dad just doesn't understand that we are a turtleneck family" said Wren with a laugh, he did enjoy a good turtleneck. "We should go check their room for a manuscript. I really wouldn't put it past mom at all" said the boy as they finished up the last of the dishes, "Shall we... go snoop?" he asked with a grin and a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Our heights and length of our necks make us look so sophisticated. "  she raised her brow with a devious smile. "Yes and they left their phones upstairs, we can see what they've been up to." she folded the rag and put in the counter confident they won't get caught.

Chanel almost sighed from relief once Chrys said that they could just talk about Wren instead, but then she heard the question and it felt like a punch to the gut. She couldn't catch a break. "His recovery?" she asked back, only to get more time to answer the question. Chanel didn't know how to answer this. The past few times she wanted to bring the topic up to Wren, she didn't. Maybe she should have talked about this with him. "We don't really talk about it. He told me he went to a clinic." she answered, still pretty flustered. "He's been doing good. I mean, I think he has." she had to add in the last comment, Chanel should have been more on top of this but she didn't want to seem overbearing. "I haven't noticed anything since that time he came over my house after one of those workouts." she let it slip out, referring to the time when Wren came over to "fight" with Chanel but only resulted in him almost passing out. Fuck, why would she bring that up? She didn't want to have any problems with anyone, especially not with Wren.

Jonah stared at Mr. Bishop in silence for a quick moment. What do I say? Did Rory already tell them? Maybe she didn't. Unless this is a test. She might have told them and he's asking me to see if I'll lie or not. Oh god oh god oh god. his mind was racing. "Sex? Oh no, sir." he answered, hoping he was convincing enough. Jonah wasn't the best at lying, especially when he was internally panicking. But he couldn't possibly say yes. They had sex when they weren't even together, and then the rest of that night got him in a lot of trouble. As it should have. "I haven't uh, brought that up yet. We just got back together so... you know." he laughed nervously. Please believe me, please believe me. I don't want to get my ass kicked.

Wren and Rory raced upstairs to their parents room and started opening cabinets. Wren slammed a door shut, "Ew, sex toys drawer" said Wren faking a gag. It was deeply unfortunate, "Why was that the first one, and why isn't it in a bedside table drawer like a normal person??" Wren said as he looked at his sister. 

Chrys put her head in her hands before pulling up and pushing her hair back, "Just keep tabs on him, he takes everything so seriously but this" said Chrys. They had been good parents, they had really done all they could to build him up, but it wasn't enough. "It's something he's going to have for the rest of his life, but that doesn't mean that it's always going to be bad" Wren's mother added, "And it's by no means your responsibility. Just be patient with him and tell Nana or a hospital if things get really bad again" she warned.

Rory was happy she wasn't the one to open the cabinets she was sure that's not what she wanted to see. "I don't even..." she shook her head. "Our parents don't know what normal is." She said looking under the bed and pulling out a suitcase. "I'm scared to open this." 

Unlike Chrys, Alex was a bit more trusting. If the boy said he didn't deliver his daughter then he believed  him. More importantly he wanted to believe, he didn't want to think of her as anything less than his little girl. And if Jonah was lying he was happy to hear it. He wasn't like  Chrys when it came to that part of his daughters life" Good you guys should wait until never, you know just to be safe." He said half jokingly. " no but seriously  as long as my daughter is happy and you're happy i approve  the relationship."

Chanel was feeling overwhelmed by the conversation. She wanted to make sure Wren was okay but she didn't want to piss him off either. She needed to find some inbetween but all of this was so much. "Was it like, really bad? Back in California?" she asked softly. 

Jonah relaxed a bit once Mr. Bishop spoke. Maybe he shouldn't have lied about it, it felt weird to already be lying about something. But it was sex. It would have been weird either way. "I am happy. Very happy with her." he spoke truthfully with a genuine smile on his face. "I want to make her happy too. I really care about her." Jonah nodded, he really wanted this to work out this time. "She is in good hands, promise."

Chrys could see the care and concern in Chanel's face, "Yeah, he passed out during one of his srping basketball games and we had to take him to the hospital" said Wren's mom, "But he can tell you that story in his own time" she added. She put her hand on Chanel's shoulder, "Just watch him but don't make him feel like he's watched, me and Alex are pretty bad about it" she admitted.

Wren was now more curious than ever for Rory to open the suitcase, "If it's bad then you just shut it and put it back seconds after opening it. How bad could it be?" said Wren as he kneeled down next to her, "Just open it, I have to know now" the boy said as his heart rate started picking up for no reason. He had no idea what was in there.

Rory nodded her curiosity usually got the best of her so why would this time be different. Undoing the latches she opened  it."Drug test." she groaned handing her brother a box.   What do they think we do here, party and get super lit." she said a little annoyed. "I wonder if all parents do this or is it just ours?"           

Alex could tell he was telling the truth which made him all warm and fuzzy on the inside."Good because I will do absolutely nothing but my wife, she's the scary one out of us and you don't want to have to go against her because of her children." he said softly."I have one more inquiry if you don't mind young man.

Chanel nodded slowly once Chrys explained a bit. Thinking about how they were in basketball season right now made her panic a bit. These were already stressful times for Wren. "Watch him but don't make him feel watched. Right, okay. Got it." she forced a smile on her face. That seemed way easier said than done. "So I shouldn't ask him about it? Maybe not... He seemed good on Thanksgiving which is nice." Oh was she wrong about that.

Jonah could already feel the nerves coming back, "Oh okay... I-I-I'll make sure not to get on her bad side." she nodded a bit frantically. "I uh, don't mind at all." he responded back, but he very much minded. He thought the worst was over, but how bad could the question really be?

"He'll talk when he's ready to talk" said Chrys, her guard coming back up. She didn't need to divulge all her son's secrets to his girlfriend. "And make sure you keep up with Rory and Nana, I've read a lot about eating disorders and lying is a huge part of keeping up appearances. So if he says he ate with Rory, or Nana gave him dinner. Just check up later" she suggested. "Other than that, please don't get pregnant. You both have a lot going for you right now, and I'm just going to put that thought out there". 

"Drug tests? What are they going to test Nana too? What the fuck" said Wren rolling his eyes. "This is so annoying" he said, "If anything they should be happy I get high and have the munchies".

"I would love to see that exchange between those three." she chuckled." I really don't see the point of these." she shook her head, Rory knew some kids their age had drugs problems but they had to know the twins weren't like that.

"How is Wren, is he doing well?" Alex wanted to see without asking, he didn't want to push their son but if something was wrong he highly doubt Wren would come to him or Chrys would be the first ones to know, shit he might be surprised if he was the last one to know]

Chanel listened carefully, trying to take in everything at once. She knew she could go to Rory or Nana about it, but she always felt kind of weird doing that. It was like she was going behind Wren's back, but everyone just cared about him. "I will." she promised. Chanel couldn't help but laugh after Chrys's last statement. "My mom already told me the same thing, and my now my dad. A few times." she sighed. "That's definitely not gonna happen, trust me. Gotta keep my body like this a little longer. More like a lot longer."

Jonah furrowed his brows at the question, he wasn't expecting to be asked about Wren. "Wren? Oh yeah, he's great." he answered with a smile. Jonah had no clue what was going on with Wren and he was still thinking about what happened while they were all eating. It seemed like he was the only person that was confused about it. "He's really good with basketball from what I've seen and is class president. Oh he's also in a band, he really good on the drums." he went on, not sure if this is what Mr. Bishop meant by his question. "Is everything okay with him?"

"I always liked your parents" Chrys half lied, they were fun but they were not the best people. She should probably get coffee with Tiffany anyway, "I'll try to catch up with your mom while I'm here, but Chanel you know you are always welcome here. I know your parents aren't home often and Nana is more than hospitable to you and Taron and all Wren's new friends that he magically made when he got here. Not that he isn't great, but the kids here were so mean to him when he was little" said Wren's mom, "I'm so happy to hear he is doing as well as he is" she added with a kind smile. She was thankful her son had so many people looking out for him, it made her feel better about being away all the time.

Wren got up and looked out the window carefully to check on Jonah and Dad, "We need to wrap it up" he said as he double checked that everything was back in place. "Getting caught isn't going to go well" Wren added nervously, "they're probably not even going to test us".

"Of course, im just checking in on him to making sure he's doing well. He seems very active in school I just want to make sure he's not overdoing it. He needs to have fun too." Alex smiled. The twins were the independent types of something was wrong they never knew until it was too late and he didn't want that to happen again...especially with Wren. "Thank you for looking out for them. We should head back my mom made brownies."

Rory nodded closing the suitcase and pushing it back under the bed and getting up. "I really hope not." She made her way out the room. Closing the door. "Let's go save our beaus."

It was nice to hear that someone liked her parents, even if it was a lie or not. They definitely brought mixed feelings out of people. But even though Chanel had a complicated relationship with her parents, it hurt when she heard people talk negatively about them. She could cause they were her parents, but it was different when it came out of someone else's mouth. "They like you too." she said back. Chanel parent's at least remembered Chrys and Alex after all this time, that meant a lot in itself. "Thank you, that means a lot. Really." Once Wren left, all she had were Taron and Sophie's family. She appreciated everything they did for her, but she knew she had to be such an annoyance to the Bishops and Hayworths. "Everyone loves him, I can't think of one person that has a problem with him." she shook her head, it was about time people saw how amazing Wren was.

"I understand. We have a little friend group that hangout and play video games." Jonah explained with a smile, hoping that would somehow show that Wren was having fun and not overworking himself with school. "Oh you don't have to thank me. I just really care about them." he said truthfully before heading back inside the house. "I do love brownies."

"That is so good to hear, really" said Chrys with a smile across her face, not that Wren being liked was difficult. It was just a worry when they sent him back to White Lake. "Well, Nana made brownies" she said getting up, "So grilling session is over" she said with a laugh, "Just be careful with him, he's ... delicate" said Wren's mom as she led them back to the kitchen where Nana was waiting with a whole plate of brownies.

Wren and Rory headed down the stairs and into the kitchen before anyone came back, "Oooh, brownies" said Wren enthusiastically picking one up and taking a bite before putting it down and distracting people with conversation, "So, Chrismukkah?" he said to the room, "What are we thinking? Divide the house in half this time? Or mix the decorations?" he asked.

Rory followed her brother and picked two up  but she actually ate the first one.She closed her eyes and enjoyed the chocolate goodness"I say we mix the decorations. Last time we did half and half everything clashed." Rory said putting the rest of the brownie in her mouth. 

Alex made his way to his wife and whispered the information he found out. " Wren is doing well here and Rory is still a virgin but most importantly someone thinks my sweater vest are cool. So its obvious you and Rory were wrong."he said happily  grabbing  a piece of brownie.

Chanel smiled and followed Chrys to the kitchen, "I will." she answered with a single nod. "Brownies!" she exclaimed as she skipped over to Nana. "Your brownies are the best!" she said cheerfully as she took one of the brownies from the plate.

Jonah walked into the kitchen and smiled at Nana, "Thank you." he said as he grabbed a brownie and took a bite. He turned over to Chanel and gave each other a look. They were both winded from the separate conversations they just finished having.

Wren put his hand around Chanel's waist at they had the discussion, worried about whatever his mother had said. "Mixed decorations for sure" he nodded in agreement.

Chrys gave Alex a look, "Wren is doing well, Rory ... I'm on the fence about that virgin claim but he looks nervous enough, and ... do not get me started on the sweater vest. That is coming off as soon as we are upstairs" said Chrys with a quiet laugh as the two conferenced.

"You okay?"Rory whispered as she moved closer to Jonah. She wasn't sure what her father had said but she wanted find out. "We can go tree shopping...and find a theme." She said excitedly.

" I'm too scary to lie to babe." He shot a her a smile." If you want me naked then thats all you have to say." He turned his attention back to the kids. " Okay.  Okay you two or more than welcomed to join so they don't go overboard.

Chanel wrapped her arms around Wren for a moment, hugging him from the side before taking a bite out her brownie piece. "Rory's great with decorations, but I can't pass up an opportunity to tag along. It helps me get into the holiday spirit!"

Jonah placed his hand on the small of Rory's back and leaned in closer to her to speak, "Yeah, I'm fine." he answered with a smile. "But I told him we didn't have sex so if they ask you, right now, we're holy virgins." he whispered quickly, looking around to make sure no one heard. "I'm happy to join." he told Mr. Bishop politely.

The evening ended with decorating and Christmas music. A lovely evening at the Bishop house.

[romansrgn]

   ch. 6

taglist: @queenofthearchitect @calicina @never-sawft-princess @5dsinyourdirection @fancybarbii @aria725  @lustyromantic   @kai1996en @angelbaby908  @rebellious-desires @romans-empire-baby​

   "I got everything you asked for including the extra lawn chairs. How many people are you expecting anyway?"

Braelin stirred the baked beans before putting them back in the oven "Thirty give or take."

"Thirty?"

"Look, obviously it's getting harder to hide my pregnancy. I'm gaining two pounds a day and I haven't even entered my third trimester. So I figured I get it over with and let everyone know before they hear it from someone else."

Briyanna nodded "Is Roman coming?"

"Yea, he's coming."

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

Braelin laughed almost nervously "No, but I extended the invitation to him a while ago so it would be weird if I went back on it. Besides, his mom and sisters are flying in as well."

Briyanna knew that Braelin didn't always have the best judgment when it came to anything pertaining to Roman and inviting Roman and his family to this barbecue has proven to be no different. Her first instinct as the big sister was to intervene but at the same time, she knew what stress could do to a pregnant woman so she decided it was probably best not to add to it.

Braelin peeked over her shoulder at her big sister who was noticeably quiet "I know what you're thinking."

                    "I'm sure you do but in the event of full disclosure, I think this could get hella messy. But I want you to know that this is a celebration for your and you're—"

"Twins, I'm having twins."

Briyanna's eyes widen "What?"

Braelin nodded rubbing her belly "There's two growing in here."

"I'm— I don't. Are you ok with this?"

Braelin shrugged "I'm ok with it now that I've had time to process it. One was a lot but two almost seemed like too much to handle. But I'm grateful for this journey. I feel like I have a purpose outside of wrestling now that my career is basically over."

"I still think you're giving it too much. Your career is far from over."

"It's definitely shortened thanks to my knee injury but I'm ok. I want to raise my kids."

Briyanna smiled at hearing that. It's only been a few short months and it's obvious that this pregnancy is doing wonders for her sister's maturity. "Well, whatever you decide I'm here for you and" she jumped off the counter to place kisses all over her sisters baby bump "my little munchkins."

Keyon took a moment to assist the scene between his little sisters "Did I miss something?"

Braelin sighed "Nothing, outside the fact that I'm pregnant with twins."

 Keyon practically threw the grocery bags on the table before swinging Braelin around in his arms "Baby sister! Are you good? I mean are you aight? You need me to get you something?"

Braelin laughed because Keyon reacted just like this after finding out about all three of Briyanna's kids "I'm tired and hungry all of the time but other than that I'm ok."

"I'm assuming Mama and Daddy don't know yet?"

Braelin shook her head walking over to retrieve the bags from the table "No, that's why I'm having this barbecue so please don't say anything."

Keyon held up his hands "I won't. But I do want y'all to know that mama finna look at me sideways since y'all have given her grandbabies and I didn't."

Briyanna rolled her eyes "I'm sure there are probably six or seven different mini Keyon's running around here somewhere. You hoe."

Braelin threw her head back and laughed. Keyon, on the other hand, look almost affronted "First of all, I don't dip my—"

Briyanna held up her hand "Don't even go there."

Keyon winked "So how does Big D feel about being a father."

Braelin's eyes widen "He's—"

"Surprised." Dante said wrapping both arms around his girl's waist "It's almost as if it's happening to someone else. But the best thing about this is, is that I've got our future mapped out so I couldn't be more excited about this new journey." he said looking down at his baby girl "I'm not going anywhere."

Braelin smiled before kissing him on the lips. Could this man be any more perfect?

"I'm happy for yall. For real." Keyon said before giving Dante a bro hug "Welcome to the family."

"We're not engaged."

"Y'all created a life together that bond is more divine than any marriage in my opinion."

Briyanna who noticed how tense Braelin had suddenly gotten thought it was time to change the subject "Keyon, Zayden will be here soon so I think you and Dante should get started on the grill."

Keyon rolled his eyes "Damn, just say you want us to leave and we'll leave."

Briyanna balled up a piece of aluminum foil and tossed it at her big brother's head.

Dante laughed, grabbing the rack of ribs and seasoning following Keyon outside the door.

"Thank you," Braelin mumbled.

"No problem. Was that always the plan?"

Braelin ran a hand through her hair "No, but I mean people are going to assume, right? I mean since Dante and I are together—"

"No one would expect the alternative and if you're not ready to come clean this is probably what's best."

Braelin nibbled on her bottom lip. There was no way Roman was going to go along with this especially since he has every intention of telling the truth when the time was right. But what about her? was she really willing to take on that kind of stress? She was never one to back down but this was something she couldn't defend or was willing to do so.

"I think this is for the best. I'll talk to them both tonight before making the announcement."

Briyanna wrapped her arms around her baby sister. She knew this wasn't going to be easy on anyone but it had to be done.

Janelle was always a person who thought of herself as a woman who was sought after. She was a strong, beautiful, intelligent, hardworking and self-made career woman. She was the total package. Any man in their right mind would kill to have a woman like her carrying their last name. So you can imagine her surprise that her husband and college sweetheart cheated on her not once but twice with the same woman. Hearing that kind of shit opened a door full of insecurities that she never knew existed. Roman claimed that the other woman didn't mean anything to him. Apparently, they had a few drinks at a bar a few months ago after a house show and one thing led to another. That, of course, didn't give him a pass especially since he somehow managed to fuck the same woman while she was away in Seattle. But she prayed on it and left it to god to determine what was next for her and Roman and right now he was telling her not to give up on her marriage.

"I forgive you."

Roman looked over at her in the passenger seat "What?"

"I hate what you did and there's a part of me that wants to hurt you the way you hurt me, but— I can't. I know It's going to take me a while to trust you but I think what we have is worth fighting for."

"We'll talk about it after the party."

Janelle frowned "That's all you have to say to me?"

Roman shook his head "I'm not trying to upset you and that's why I think we should discuss this later. Now it is about having a good time with our friends and family, Can we do that?"

Janelle didn't look at all placated but she nodded anyway. The rest of the drive to Braelin's house was filled with silence.

  "I brought chips and your favorite dessert."

Braelin beamed "Upside down Pineapple cheesecake!  What did I do to deserve this?"

Patricia wrapped the small woman in a hug "Consider this a gift for a woman who has everything."

"I don't have everything. At least not everything I want."

Sika walked before walking into the kitchen "Well, isn't that a loaded statement."

"I'm just saying that a girl can have more if she wants. All she has to do is—"

"Work a little harder."

Braelin smiled at the new guest "Hi, daddy!"

Richard placed the large bowl potato salad down on the counter before kissing the young woman on the forehead  "I was wondering when you were finally going to throw a cookout in this big ole palace you call a house."

Braelin rolled her eyes "Daddy, please. This is no palace, you and mama are living larger than I am."

"Well, when you're mama finally retires we'll be living somewhere in the Bahamas like we planned on after you kids graduated from college."

"We told you to say the word and we can have you and mama living on a yacht in no time."

Richard grinned at Roman "You've always been a good man" he said pulling Roman into a hug. "How are you doing, son?"

 "I'm good, Pop. What about you?"

Richard shrugged "I don't have to cook so I'm doing great."

Carol cut her eye at her husband "And who said you weren't going to cook Richard?"

Richard gave Sika a look who laughed "Well, a man can dream. Come on Sika. Let's go see what theses boys are out here burning up."

Patricia shook her head "How are you doing sweetheart?"

Roman kissed his mother on the cheek "I'm fine mom."

Braelin looked between Roman and Patricia and thought it was best to leave them alone "Mama can you help me finish setting up outside?" Carol nodded before following her daughter outside.

Patricia grabbed her son's face when his eyes remained trained on Braelins retreating frame "Is that what's bothering you?"

"No, Janelle and I are having a hard time getting this family thing started. That's all."

"Well, these things don't happen overnight for some people but I'm sure it'll happen soon enough."

Roman wanted nothing more than to tell his mother the truth about his impending fatherhood but it wasn't the right time. Not until he talked to Braelin about their next steps.  "Maybe you're right."

"You haven't realized by now that mama always knows best."

Roman smiled pulling his mother into a hug.

Janelle made a plate of fruit salad before sitting down at the long table. Naomi, who joined the party along with Jimmy, Jey, Jey's wife Tamika and Rikishi about an hour ago sat down next to her.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Janelle smiled sadly "I'm just—do you ever feel like you're in a battle you can't win. Even when you didn't know it was a battle, to begin with?"

Naomi sat back in her chair "It depends on the situation. I feel like that all-time in my career. As gifted as I know I am, I'm always overlooked. I start thinking maybe I'm not as good as I think I am or that maybe someone else has that something I don't. But doubting myself does more for the people who want to see me lose than myself. I know what I'm worth and my goal is to make sure everyone else sees it and not forgets it."

Janelle soaked up Naomi's words "Thank you. That really helped."

Naomi squeezed Janelle's hand "I'm glad I can help."

Naomi knew Janelle was feeling unsure of herself at the moment. She also knew that Janelle was a smart woman. Janelle knew there was something off with her husband and despite how accurate she might be Janelle keeping Roman is what was best for everyone and she may not realize it now but it's definitely what's best for Braelin.

Dante walked into the kitchen with an empty bowl of barbecue sauce. "Everyone looks like they're having a good time."

Braelin smiled up at him "I'm glad. With everything that's happening I'm glad I can make this happen."

Dante kissed her lips "You taste like peaches."

Braelin pushed him playfully "Behave. My parents are outside."

Dante smirked down at his little beauty "Is that a challenge?"

Braelin squealed attempting to run away from her boyfriend but was quickly caught and pulled into his arms "I'm going to tell everyone about the babies."

"Are you?"

Braelin nodded "and I think we should tell everyone you're the father of my babies."

Dante raised a brow "What did Roman say?"

"What did Roman say about what?"

Braelin practically jumped at the sound of his voice "Damn it, Roman. Where the hell did you come from?"

Roman ignored her question instead of looking in between Dante and Braelin "Do I know what?"

Braelin sighed "I'm telling everyone tonight that I'm pregnant and I think— I think it's best if we tell them Dante is the father."

Roman's jaw clenched "There's no way that's fucking happening."

"It's probably what's best for every—"

"You're trying to have another man replace me as the father my fucking kids. Mine." he hissed.

"Their not fucking toys, Rome." Dante hissed back.

Braelin looked at Dante who was getting angry himself. She thought it was time to intervene "Ok, listen. I know this isn't ideal and it feels like I'm hitting you guys with bullshit after bullshit but what else can we do that wouldn't make this harder for everyone else?"

Roman ran a hand across his beard "This isn't about everyone else this is about our family."

"And whether or not you want to admit it I'm a part of the family and  in case you need further calcification I'm not going anywhere." Dante chimed.

Roman only laughed taking a step towards the couple "That's your plan, big D. You think you can replace me in her life?"

Dante shook his head stepping around Braelin "I'm not the biological father of her kids. You hold that honor but she's my girlfriend and whether you like it or not that's my honor playboy."

Braelin went to intervene "Guys—"

Keyon stepped in the kitchen "Y'all good?"

Braelin sighed in relief "Are the ribs done?"

Keyon looked between Dante and Roman and back again at Braelin "You ok baby sis?"

"I'm fine. I'm just hella hungry right now. " She said leaving the kitchen to join the party that seemed oblivious to the tension that was happening inside the kitchen.

Dante went to follow Braelin but Keyon stopped him "Listen, I don't know what's going on between y'all three but whatever it is y'all need figure out a way to deal with it. Braelin is pregnant and the last thing she needs is all this extra bullshit between y'all stressing her out."

Roman knew Keyon was doing what any big brother did and that was protecting his sister and for that, he couldn't be more thankful to Keyon as a man and as a father. Roman looked over at Dante who was clearly having similar thoughts. "You don't have to worry about that. We all want what's best for Brae and I think I can speak for everyone when I say we'll do damn near anything to ensure she's getting the best. Now if you don't excuse me those ribs are calling me."

"What was that about?"

Dante picked up a new bowl of barbecue sauce before heading outside  "You heard what Rome said. We all just want the best for Braelin."

Keyon didn't know what the hell was going on but he was definitely going to find out.

"Why are you so quiet?"

Braelin added more fruit to the already thinning fruit salad "What are you talking about? I haven't stopped talking since the party started."

"Well, you haven't said much to your mama."

Braelin smiled "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to make sure things are perfect. With all the craziness I think we all deserve it."

Mama Carol took the bowl of fruit out of her daughter's hand "I'm sure the fruit salad will remain a crowd favorite. I know somethings going on with you and I want—"

"Mama, I'm fine. But there is something going on with me and before you ask I will let you know everything soon, I promise." She kissed her mother on the cheek before scanning the area for Roman who was talking to Janelle.

Naomi and Briyanna noticed and decided now was the perfect time to make the big announcement. "Are you ready?" Briyanna asked standing beside her baby sister.

No, she wasn't ready. Braelin knew Dante was willing to go along with the plan if that was what she wanted to do. But Roman was completely against it and rightfully so. "I can't go along with this if Roman isn't ok with it and before you say anything I owe it to him as the father of my babies to get his approval. It wouldn't be right otherwise."

Briyanna nodded in understanding she knew what it would cost Roman to have another man claim responsibility and although it would be the best option for everyone it would further complicate things when the truth finally comes out. "I think you need to do what's best for you and the babies. Don't worry about Roman, Janelle and Dante. Worry about you and the babies."

"But I thought you said—"

Briyanna nodded "I know what I said and I was wrong. It was terrible big sister advice and I think you should completely ignore me."

Braelin laughed "This didn't help me at all."

"I know and I'm sorry."

Both girls laughed.

"I think I'm going to tell them the news and I'll deal with the rest later."

Briyanna grabbed Braelin's hand to give a reassuring squeeze "I like your idea better."

Braelin turned off the music which prompted everyone to look in her direction "First of all, I want to thank everyone for attending my first cook out. We all work so hard with working, traveling and whatnot and we don't really have time to spend moments like this together so I just wanted to thank you all for coming and I love you all dearly for it."

"Yeet! We love you too, Brae." Jey yelled.

"Yea, take that beer away from him, Tamika." Seth added, causing everyone to laugh.

"If he says yeet one more time I'm going to bury him in your backyard, Braelin." That was Dean.

Renee smacked Dean upside the head "Will you guys shut up. You're ruining Braelin's speech."

"The floor is yours queen, B."

Braelin smirked "Thank you, Becky and Renee. But, I did bring you all here for another reason. My decision to retire due to my knee injury was sudden but it wasn't the only reason for my retirement."

Jimmy looked over at Naomi who didn't seem at all surprised by this announcement "What's going on, Bug?"

Braelin looked over at Roman across the yard and at Dante who was standing next to her "I retired because four months ago I found out I was pregnant" She said revealing her baby bump "with twins. I'm having a boy and a girl."

Silence

More silence until Braelin was engulfed in two sets of arms that belonged to her parents.

Congratulations, cheers, and tears were shared between her friends and family. Everyone but one. Janelle was a smart woman and after remembering what Roman had told her knew that his first time cheating on her was a few months ago. Maybe even four months ago after a house show and considering the timing, it was more than possible that her husband was the father of Braelin's unborn babies and if that's the case:

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

AN: I'm sorry it took so long but the muse works when it wants to and due to this Pandemic I have more than enough to brainstorm and put together a chapter for you all. I hope you're all taking care of yourself during this time. Don't forget to wash your hands, don't touch your face and remain indoors. Stay safe and Happy Reading!

[ceaderblocks]

The Devil’s in the Details Ch. 6

Chapter One // Chapter Two // Chapter Three // Chapter Four // Chapter Five //

Read on A03

Created alongside @thematrixmutual

Join the discord here!

Cub knew it was wrong. He <em>knew</em> helping Scar carry the AFK Xisuma to the End was wrong (was he really AFK?), and he knew Scar shooing him away to hide Xisuma screamed bad. But he did it anyways, because Scar was his best friend.

Except Xisuma had been missing for three days now, and Scar was adamant he didn’t remember helping with the prank. Scar was also avoiding everyone, working at night and skipping social activities to work on the strange black tower in the shopping district.

He was still working on the large black pillar in the shopping district when Cub flew by, determined to catch him in person. It looked almost finished, imposing and dark against the other shops. Scar was at the base, humming as he dug through some chests. The sun was setting, and the torches began to let off some light.

“Scar,” Cub said, and the other builder jumped, smacking his head against the chest lid.

“Oh! Cub!” Scar said nervously, rubbing his head. He avoided eye contact, choosing to look at his scuffed shoes instead.

“I haven’t seen you in a while.” Cub said softly, placing a hand on Scar’s shoulder. He wasn’t wearing his jacket. “How’re you?”

“Busy as always,” Scar said, gesturing vaguely to the tower and still avoiding looking Cub in the eyes. Cub frowned.

“Are you okay, though?” Cub asked, concerned. Scar’s behavior was off.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Scar said, tugging on a pigtail nervously.

“You aren’t, though.” Cub said softly. “Scar, you’ve been acting strange lately.”

“Have I?” Scar frowned, looking concerned. “Guess I’m just tired.”

“Grian and False found both their bases aggressively terraformed, and they both said they hadn’t requested or paid for it. Black pillars have popped up all over the map. Jellie’s been sleeping at ConCorp. With me.” Cub said. Scar looked surprised at that final note, and finally looked at Cub.

Green eyes. Cub thought. Not blue.

“Is that where she’s been?” He asked, ignoring all the other points. “I was worried, I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“Jellie never sleeps with me.” Cub continued. “Please Scar, tell me what’s wrong.”

Scar looked away again. “I can’t. I’m sorry, Cub.”

“Three days ago, you and I moved an AFK Xisuma from here to the End. He hasn’t returned, and you refused to let me know where you put him.” Cub said, and watched Scar turn from sadness to confusion to horror.

“Scar, something has been seriously wrong for a while, hasn’t it? Since we both fell into the Void a week ago?”

Scar bit his lip, on the verge of tears. He wiped at his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt and nodded.

No jacket. Green eyes. Pigtails. Cub noted to himself.

“I’m really sorry Cub. Once I finish this build it’ll all go back to normal, I swear!” He said, and turned away, kneeling on the ground and re-opening the chest.

“Scar! Please!” Cub begged. He was so damn worried.

“Cub, I can’t-“ Scar suddenly fell quiet, doubling over and clutching his head for a moment before blinking rapidly and jerking upright, slamming the chest lid shut.

“Scar?” Cub asked, concerned. Scar turned to him, looking forlorn.

“Can we not talk about this?” He asked, an annoyed tone to his voice. He put a hand on Cub’s shoulder, leading him away from the tower. “Let’s do something else. Golf, maybe? We haven’t played golf in a while.”

“Scar-“ The grip on his shoulder tightened, and Cub fell silent, looking at his friend, panic leaping in his chest.

Blue eyes? Scar just had green eyes. What is going on?

“… Golf sounds great.” Cub finished, and Scar (this isn’t Scar) smiled, pulling his pigtails from his hair and re-arranging it into a ponytail.

“Super,” Scar said enthusiastically, pulling a rocket from his inventory. “Race you there?”

“Sure.” Cub said, hesitantly grabbing his own. “Should we invite some people to join us?”

“I think it’ll be a fun game between just you and I,” Scar said. “Besides, we haven’t gotten to have some quality time together in a while.”

“Right,” Cub said. “Of course.”

He needed to find out what was going on, and if he had to do it by being close to the enemy, so be it.

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The End was cold, as it usually was. Xisuma could usually spend lots of time in it just fine, but extended periods would even make the most well weathered Hermit a little chilly.

Xisuma was freezing.

Oscar had put him in Adventure mode, able to survive but not interact with most things. Xisuma had paced around the small cell, trying to get warm before realizing he was getting hungry and the Oscar hadn’t left him with food. He had then taken a few moments to figure out where he was. Xisuma came to the conclusion he was under an End Island, iron bars confining him to the small seven by seven block area. Oscar hadn’t left any food or water. Just Xisuma, his helmet and the emptiness of the Void. The doppelgänger had even taken his comm box.

“Bastard.” Xisuma had snarled, kicking an end stone through the bars and retreating to a corner to try and huddle and save body warmth.

That was a few days ago, now. Well, Xisuma thought it was a few days ago. Keeping track of time had never been a strong suit of his, and it was harder when there were no day cycles. It was also hard to focus when you were starving and freezing to death. He had stopped being nauseous from hunger a while back, the gnawing at the inside of his stomach taking second place to the violent shivers that wracked his body. He was exhausted but refused to fall asleep. Death had never bothered the Hermits before, but Xisuma was confident he wouldn’t wake up if he let his eyes shut.

A bright flash of white made Xisuma wince and weakly covered his eyes. Great. He was having hallucinations now. That’s cool.

“Finally.” A familiar voice said, and Xisuma uncovered his eyes, struggling to sit up. “It was terrible being banned. Nice of you to let me back.”

“Evil Xisuma?” Xisuma whispered, not willing to believe his eyes. There was his counterpart, dressed in red and stretching, seeming to not have taken notice of Xisuma quite yet.

“The one and only. Hey, where the fuck are we? The End??? God, you really didn’t want me to destroy the server if we’re all the way out here, huh.” EX said, touching his toes.

Xisuma was speechless. Evil X was banned. He shouldn’t be able to come back, let alone be summoned to him in this prison cell. This was definitely a hallucination. It had to be.

“Speechless, Xisuma?  I know, it’s cause- oh shit,” EX said, finally looking at his counterpart. “Dude, you look terrible.”

Rushing to his side, EX helped Xisuma sit up and lean against him. Xisuma shut his eyes, dizzy from the lack of food and water.

“Fuck, Xisuma.” EX said. “You didn’t unban me, did you?”

“No,” Xisuma said. Evil X dug through his inventory for a moment before pulling out a water bottle and some bread.

“Here, start with this. Slowly.” EX cautioned. Xisuma tore a small chunk off the bread and nibbled on it. His stomach growled. He felt sick from eating.

“If you didn’t bring me here, who did?” EX frowned, looking around. “Are we in a prison cell?”

“I don’t know who brought you,” Xisuma admitted, swallowing some water. “And we are. Scar’s evil counterpart put me here.”

“Hey, he’s stealing my style.” EX said. “I’m supposed to be the only evil twin here.”

“He’s dangerous.” Xisuma cautioned.

“And I’m not?” EX said. Xisuma chose to take another bite of bread instead of answering.

“If you’re here, you’re probably stuck in adventure mode with me.” Xisuma said.

EX frowned, opening his inventory. “Uh, no. I’m in survival. I have some stuff from last time and- holy shit Xisuma!”

“What?”

“I have admin controls!” EX said, thrilled. Xisuma perked up.

“You do?”

“Yeah, look!”

Evil Xisuma threw open a command screen. Xisuma was shocked. How was this happening?

“I haven’t been able to access this shit since season one.” EX said, typing in some commands. /give <Xisuma> golden carrots [64].

Xisuma gaped in surprise as 64 golden carrots popped into his otherwise empty inventory.

“Hell yeah,” EX said. “Now I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

“You need to help me,” Xisuma pleaded, grabbing onto Evil Xisuma’s arms. “Please, EX, the whole server is in danger.”

“You always say that when I’m around too,” EX snarled, looking unhappy.

“This is different.”

“How so?” EX asked.

“This evil version of Scar-“

“Oscar.” EX said.

“- right, Oscar, he's taking over the server by replacing Scar. He’s building towers everywhere and forcing the land in unnatural ways. You didn’t replace me, so- wait.” Xisuma stopped his explanation and struggled backwards, EX cocking an eyebrow.

“How do you know his name?”

“Because he spoke to me in the Void? Dude, we’re both results of Void death mis-happenings. He promised me admin powers if I came and helped him.”

Xisuma clenched his jaw. “And here you are with admin powers.”

“Yeah,” EX agreed, but he looked confused. “But I told him no. I thought you brought me back to help fuck him over or something. I’m not sure why I have admin abilities.”

“You gave that up?” Xisuma was rendered speechless for the second time.

“Hm?”

“You gave up being an admin and getting revenge on the server?”

“I’m not a dick,” EX snorted. “I just want a bit of mischief. Y'all are to uptight for your own good. Oscar’s a full-blown asshole. He wanted to ‘ruin everyones lives’ and ‘replace everything with death’ or whatever. Not my style. Anyways,” EX pulled up his command screens again.

/set gamemode creative <Xisuma> /give cheats <Xisuma>

Xisuma felt better instantly. The cold that had frozen his limbs dissipated, and the hunger gnawing at his insides left. He felt energized and alive for the first time in many days.

“Thank you,” Xisuma said. “Really, I mean it.”

“Can I ask a favour from you?” EX asked, suddenly looking very serious. Xisuma nodded, unsure once more.

“Let me live with you all- peacefully. And also let me kick Oscar’s ass.”

Xisuma snorted in laughter and smiled, sticking out his hand. Evil Xisuma took it, shaking it.

“Deal.”

[yoshichao]

the Smashers and their Host Ch11 Preview

[Read from the beginning here: x | Read the spin-off fic: x]

[It has been OVER A YEAR since I updated this fanfic, and I am so sorry! To make up for the wait, I'd like to offer y'all a sneak peak at what I have done so far - which is over 13,000 words of content. I wrote it a bit out of order so there are gaps, which will be marked by these square brackets where I discuss what is supposed to go in those gaps. Also please excuse the lack of bolding/italicizing, that stuff all got removed in a transfer haha. If you’re new and have never read this fanfic before, you can click the links at the top to get caught up! Regardless, I hope you enjoy!]

A few days later, two new Smashers arrive at once. You somehow are outside at the exact moment they run into each other.

“Oh, I remember you!” Roy gives the white-haired swordswoman a grin once he’s recognized her. “You were one of the surprise fighters at the end of the final tournament, right?”

“Um, yes, I suppose I was…”

“Aw, don’t be embarrassed! I was invited late into the tournament season too last time. But now we’re both here from the start! Thank the gods…” That last part is mumbled, and you get the impression that Roy may have been worried about getting cut again. You don’t blame him.

The woman makes a sound of acknowledgement before finally speaking up with a somewhat forced smile: “Let’s both do our best then, shall we?”

“Yeah! Of course!” Bags in tow, Roy turns to approach the front door of the mansion. When he spots you standing there (eavesdropping like a creep), his eyes widen into saucers and he gasps. “Ah!! Somebody new??”

Oh geez, not this again. You quickly intervene and introduce yourself and your role in the tournament. Roy lets out a little laugh in relief.

“Ohh, so you’re just the host! That’s good, I was worried…” What? What was he worried about?? You don’t get to ask, and he doesn’t elaborate. “My name is Roy - it’s a pleasure to meet you!”

The other arrival takes a moment before they chime in with their own introduction. “O-Oh, and my name is Corrin…”

You didn’t see much of Corrin in the previous tournament, but there’s something distinctly… different about her than from what you remember. You think she has more scars, and the expression she wears is particularly somber and withdrawn. Did something happen to her recently?

You’re not even sure if she’s happy to be here.

“WHO WANTS TO HAVE A SLEEPOVER?!” Daisy bursts out the front door hootin’ and hollerin’ while Zelda follows her out casually. The Hylian princess spots Roy and gives him a smile.

“Hey, Roy. I see you made it back this year.”

“Yup. And it’s great to be back!!” Grinning he turns to Daisy. His eyes are practically sparkling. “Did someone say ‘sleepover’? I wanna join!”

“Sorry, no boys allowed. Girls and cool hosts only.” Daisy turns to Corrin, ignoring Roy’s look of dismay. “Hey stranger! Wanna join our sleepover?”

“Um…”

“Corrin, right?” Zelda gives the swordswoman a kind smile. “I assume you’ve just arrived, so I imagine you’d want to get settled in first. You don’t have to join, but the invitation is open all night - stop by anytime.”

“Th-Thank you…”

Daisy looks to you again. “Aaaand? You’re joining us too, riiiight?”

You admittedly like having the night to yourself - alone and safe in your room - but where’s the fun in that? It’s just one night. Besides, how crazy can a girls’ sleepover get? Of all the lady Smashers you’ve met, none of them have been particularly frightening or destructive. So this might actually be fun!

“Sure, I’m in. Sounds fun.”

“That’s a relief!” Daisy laughs. “Cuz, actually, we were planning on having the sleepover in your room.”

...What?

“What?? Why?”

“We assumed your room would be bigger than any of ours,” Zelda explains, and Daisy looks excited enough to start bouncing off the walls. “We’re not sure how many of us there will be, but…”

“And we can’t just have it in any old room, or else the boys might stumble upon us and listen in.” Daisy side-eyes Roy, who pouts at the insinuation. You can’t help but admit that their reasoning makes sense, but…

For some reason, you kind of feel like you’ve been tricked into agreeing to this.

“...I guess… we could use my room…” You dislike the idea of people seeing your room, being one of the last spaces you have to yourself currently, but… it’s just one night. And you won’t leave the room! You can keep people from snooping for one night.

Daisy squeals and scoops you up in a hug. Her enthusiasm and affectionate gestures do nothing to quell the anxiety you feel. “This is going to be the BEST. NIGHT. EVER!!!” She releases you. “So, where’s your room? I’ll tell everyone to meet there tonight!!”

Yikes, you don’t want people to just show up randomly! Your room is blocked off from the rest of the mansion, so you’re going to have to find somewhere to make a temporary path. “U-Uh… A-Actually, why don’t we just meet… in the lobby?? And then I can lead everyone there!”

There’s a pause. Daisy gives you an unreadable look before breaking out into another grin. “That’s a GREAT idea! It’ll keep certain people from knowing where it is!”

“Stop talking like I’m not here!” Roy complains, to which Daisy just snickers in response. You’re just relieved that you don’t have to reconstruct the mansion right now to match up with whatever directions you come up with on the spot. And along that train of thought…

“A-Also,” you start to add, “you should tell everyone to make sure they have everything they might need… It’s kind of a long walk from my room to, um, the rest of the mansion.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea. Thanks for the heads up!” You have to hold back a sigh of relief. If people aren’t entering and leaving your room, then you can reroute the hallways and keep anyone from snooping. Thankfully, Daisy doesn’t notice your little scheme. Zelda, does, however, seem to be eying you a little more intently, but just allows her companion to continue the conversation.

“Alright, I’ll go tell everyone the news and start finding snacks! Any requests?”

You shrug. “Not really. Just whatever you guys like.” Daisy looks to Corrin, who takes a moment to realize she’s supposed to say something too, and pretty much echos your response. Daisy frowns for a moment, but is quick to smile again.

“I’ll just bring a bit of everything then! See you tonight!!” And with that, she’s dashing back inside like a whirlwind of orange and chaos. The atmosphere noticeably calms once she’s gone, and a part of you misses it when the sudden silence drags out. It takes you a moment to realize that Zelda has lingered behind.

“U-Um,” you start, trying to avoid the Hyrulean’s amused gaze, “did you… need something else?”

There’s a pause, and Zelda looks like she has something she wants to say, but eventually just shakes her head. “No, it’s nothing. I’ll see you soon - and I hope you decide to join us, Corrin.” With a smile and a wave, she turns and follows Daisy back inside the mansion. Now you are left with an awkward Corrin and a groaning Roy.

“Awww man! I wanted to join you guys…” The redhead lets out a deep sigh. “It feels like it’s been forever since I hung out with the Smash gang.”

While you feel bad for him, you think you understand why he was explicitly uninvited. Aren’t sleepovers usually a “girly” thing? That’s how it is in the movies, anyways… Letting a bunch of guys join sounds like a recipe for chaos, and that is not a cake you are keen on baking.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of other opportunities for everyone to get together,” Corrin says, trying to assuage Roy’s pain. You decide to chime in as well.

“Yeah, I mean, everyone has been hanging out a lot since day one. Just the other day, we all went to the beach--” Roy’s face falls, making it clear he would have liked to join, so you quickly continue. “--a-and I’m sure everyone would like to go again, among doing other things, so… Next time everyone starts making plans for a trip, we can hang out, okay?”

His eyes light up. “Really?? You mean it?”

“Uh… yeah, of course.”

Roy cheers and does a fist pump, making you giggle at his enthusiasm. You notice Corrin crack a smile as well - it seems she’s finally starting to relax a bit.

“Hey,” Corrin begins, grabbing Roy’s attention, “if this is just um, a ‘girls’ sleepover, wouldn’t that mean the other boys are free? Maybe you could make plans with them…?”

“Ah! You’re right!!” Roy breaks into a grin and bounds towards the front door. “I’m gonna go see what everyone’s up to! I’ll see you guys later!!” And with that, he’s throwing open the door and rushing inside, reminding you somewhat of Daisy’s energy.

And then there were two.

“So, uh, are you thinking about coming?” you ask. While you’d like to start getting ready ASAP, you think it would be rude to just… go. Also, you’d like to have an idea at who and how many are coming.

Corrin hesitates, thinking. “...Do you think I should?”

Geez, how are you supposed to answer that question? “I think it’ll be… fun.” To your dismay, she catches your strained tone and raises a brow.

“You… don’t sound very excited. Would you rather not join? Or… is it because it’ll be in your room? If so, then why didn’t you refuse?”

It feels like there are no good answers here. Time to do what you do best: dodge!!

“I-It’s really not a big deal. I mean, I like hanging out with everyone, and I trust them…  I think.” That last part slips out accidentally, and you curse yourself for it. “I’ve just never really done something like this before, that’s all! S-So um, don’t worry about me. If you want to join, then you should join. After all, ‘the more the merrier’, right??” You let out a nervous laugh for good measure, and you cannot help but notice the way her gaze is fixated on you. Judging.

“...I see. Well, I suppose… I’ll think about it.” She pauses awkwardly as she glances elsewhere, and the solemn look from earlier returns to her face. Silence stretches out between you for a moment too long. “...It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can get along.”

Corrin gives you a bow of her head before turning and heading inside. Once she’s gone and the door has shut behind her, you can’t help but let out a deep sigh. That certainly was a whirlwind of emotions! What even just happened??

…

Oh, right. Sleepover.

As soon as you’re sure no one can see you, you pop to your room. You were just outside, but you feel the need to peek out the window anyways to check the sky. Disregarding the sporadic gloomy clouds in the distance, the sky is going to be getting darker soon. Are sleepovers supposed to start at nightfall, or do they start earlier around evening? Aw heck, you have no idea - and even if you did, you can’t count on the Smashers following tradition.

Either way, you need to clean. Fast.

-

Keeping your sixth sense tuned, you know when people start gathering in the lobby without having to go and check. You can’t tell who is there, so you wait until the crowd gets a bit bigger before you go down yourself.

You travel to the lobby by foot and rearrange the mansion as you go, making sure it’s a functional path without intruding on any of the sections of the mansion people may actually be using. The old path to your room did not go this way - it used to just be a straight shot from the top floor - so it requires a bit more work than it would have otherwise. Fortunately, you still have chunks of hallway lying around, so that’s less you actually have to conjure up. You finally connect the hallway you’ve been extending to a certain door, then step out. You are now in a corridor connected to the lobby.

As soon as you open the door, you could hear the chatter of everyone gathered in the lobby. Nobody notices you right away, so you can study the group from afar before you approach. Nine are gathered there: Daisy, Zelda, Peach, Samus, Robin, Lucina, Isabelle, Inkling, and… Jigglypuff? Official Smash Bros. documents refer any Pokemon by using gender neutral terms, so you’ve never been positive about the gender thing for them. You suppose the fact that they’re here means that Jigglypuff is considered “one of the girls”, which has always been a popular assumption to make among Smash fans. But who cares? There are more important things to observe!

Such as: Cute! Pajamas!!

The first to draw your attention is Princess Peach, all decked out in pink. She’s wearing a simple knee-length nightgown and fuzzy slippers. Held to her chest are her blanket and square-shaped pillow. She also has her hair tied into a ponytail! Cute!!

Beside her is Daisy, who is following her signature colour a bit more loosely. Her orange tank top has a purple pig on it, with the word “HECK” written beneath the picture. Her shorts are dark blue with a starry pattern to them. Tucked under her arm is a flower-shaped pillow, and in her opposite hand she has managed to crabclaw five bags of chips and candy into her grip. You also can’t help but notice how burnt her skin still is from your last beach adventure. As you’re studying it, the girls’ conversation changes to that very topic, punctuated by Daisy poking her burns to show off the changing colours.

“Look! And it itches soooo bad - I just want to scratch it!! Ugh, this sucks!”

“Maybe you should have put on sunscreen like the rest of us,” Robin points out wryly. Her pajama pants are long and look like they’re made from silk. The pink-and-black pattern matches her unbuttoned shirt, revealing another shirt underneath. This one has “Cool Mom” written on it, with a picture of sunglasses separating the two words. Do her socks have red hearts on them? It’s hard to tell from this distance. The tactician is holding a giant bowl of popcorn, which you can smell all the way from where you’re lingering. Samus reaches to grab a handful, but her hand is slapped away.

“Hey! You’ve already had enough. Save some for the sleepover.”

“Whatever, mom.” Samus gives an exaggerated eye roll, then breaks into a grin as Zelda manages to snag a few pieces of popcorn from Robin’s other side while she was distracted. Robin realizes what’s going on a second too late, and just shakes her head as she’s forced to watch the Hylian princess munch away with a smile. While Samus is just wearing a faded t-shirt, thick sweatpants, and fuzzy socks for her sleepwear, Zelda is wearing a tank top with a little frog in the corner and pants that poof out along the legs before resting snuggly around her ankles. Zelda’s purple blanket looks large and comfy like Peach’s - in contrast, Samus seems to have opted for a black sleeping bag instead of a pillow and blanket.

“Sunscreen is for the weak!” Daisy exclaims, ignoring the popcorn burglary happening across from her. As she shouts, she jumps dramatically, turning in midair before she stomps back into the ground. The way she’s oriented upon landing leaves her staring directly at you. It seems to take the Sarasaland princess a moment before she recognizes you.

“Hey!!! What are you doing over there?! Come on, so we can finally get this party started!!”

Somewhat reluctantly, you step out of the shadows, steeling yourself before everyone’s gazes. Even though they all look pleased to see you, you can’t help but feel anxious anyways. Isabelle in particular beams at the sight of you.

“Eeeeek! Your pajamas are so cuuuute!!” The cute secretary is wearing a green checkered nightgown, buttoned up and with a white collar. She’s also wearing white bunny slippers. You personally just picked your favourite PJs, which you didn’t think were anything special. All of theirs are much cuter… but that would be weird to say out loud!!

“Um, thanks,” you mumble, already embarrassed. Ah geez, hopefully this isn’t indicative of the rest of the night. You might not be able to survive.

You take this moment to check out the rest of their sleepover choices. Jigglypuff is wearing a green-and-white speckled nightcap, and the pillow the balloon Pokemon is carrying is larger than its body. Said pillow looks like it has two pillowcases on it - you can’t see the second one, but the one on top has colourful music notes on it. Lucina is the only one who looks a little awkward to be here, wearing a white frilly nightgown that looks like it belongs to her time period. Her hand keeps reaching for her sword, moving to tug on her clothes when it meets empty air. She’s probably not used to being without it. You feel bad to see her so uncomfortable, but it’s a relief to know that’s one less weapon that can be used to destroy your room.

Inkling runs up to you, speaking excitedly as she hops up and down. She’s wearing a plain t-shirt and shorts with Inkopolis brands featured on them. Her slippers are shaped like a black-and-white cat.

“Yeah, we wanna see your super cool room now!” Daisy agrees, barely able to stop herself from hopping around as well. “Let’s go let’s go let’s go!!”

You’re not sure you’d call it “super cool”... but you smile and nod anyways, pretending you are not nervous as all heck.

“W-Well, uh, if everyone is ready, it’s just this way--!” Out of the corner of your eye, you spot somebody eavesdropping stealthily in another room. You almost start to panic!! ...But then you realize who it is.

“Corrin? Is that you?” Robin peers around the corner after following your gaze and gives the white-haired swordswoman a warm smile. You notice Corrin visibly flinch after being spotted. “Come on out and join us - we won’t bite! Well, not until the tournament starts at least.”

Slowly, Corrin creeps out of the shadows to join the group. She looks visibly uncomfortable to have everyone’s attention on her. “Um… hello everybody. I.. didn’t want to interrupt…”

“You’re not interrupting at all, dear! Come, join us!” Peach says kindly. “But, Corrin… where are your pajamas?”

Corrin is still in the outfit she was wearing earlier in the day. Maybe she still wasn’t sure if she wanted to join or not.

“Um… I don’t really… have any…?”

“Well, that won’t do,” Zelda says. “You can’t have a sleepover without pajamas.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

“I have a lot of extra clothes,” you offer, feeling admittedly eager to get a move on. “You could wear something of mine.”

Corrin shakes her head and takes a step back. “I wouldn’t want to be a burden--”

“It’s no burden at all, honest! I have so many clothes I don’t even wear, so it’s really not a problem.”

Robin gently links arms with Corrin. “See? Problem solved. So, are you joining us or what?”

Looking a bit like a cornered animal as her gaze darts over all the expectant faces, Corrin finally sighs. “I… okay, yes. I will join your sleepover.”

“Yay!” Peach claps her hands together. “Shall we be off now?”

“Uh, yeah, l-let’s go.” Finally, this is happening. With no more interruptions, you start down the hallways you came from, keeping your eyes focused on the door at the end of the hall in an attempt to drown out your anxiety. There’s going to be almost a dozen people in your room! It’s stressing you out just thinking about it! As you’re opening the door that has become temporarily connected to your private wing of the mansion, you hear Zelda’s voice speak up from behind you.

“So that’s where this door goes…”

“I should have known!” Even though you’re not looking at her, you can hear the grin in Daisy’s voice. “That’s one locked door mystery solved…”

It doesn’t surprise you that some Smashers have probably been trying every door they come across. You don’t blame them or anything - you’d be curious too. At least they respect you and your property enough that they aren’t breaking locks (as far as you know, at least - you don’t have any proof for… certain accidents).

“Right this way…” You stand aside and let everyone else go through the door first. Daisy and Inkling rush through it enthusiastically, while the others enter at their own pace. Peach, Zelda, Robin, and Isabelle give you pleasant smile as they pass, while Lucina and Corrin look a bit more tentative, curious about the unknown territory they are walking into. Samus and Jigglypuff remain neutral, leaving you wondering what they could possibly be thinking.

When it’s finally time for you to step through the doorway yourself, you look around the lobby one last time for any stragglers or spies before quickly hopping through and shutting the door behind you. The second you turn the lock, you’re breathing a deep sigh of relief. Bam! Step one is done. You easily shift the mansion’s passages so the door once again leads to the basement, and no one in your party notices anything amiss. Now, even if someone did break the lock, they wouldn’t reach this hallway and find your room. Nope, the only way someone could follow you guys in here is if they could teleport… or if they started breaking down walls.

Hopefully, tonight would not involve another disaster like that.

“Just keep going - it’s a linear path from here.” This transitional corridor is admittedly not your best work - instead of stairs, it’s just one long slope to the top. Hey, you were on a time crunch! There was no time to get fancy! You at least have the red carpet rolled out, and a row of windows on one side and candlesticks on the other. For mood lighting, of course. A gentle light from the nighttime outside filters through the windows.

“Ooh, ominous,” Zelda says teasingly as everyone starts making their way upwards. Daisy bounds forward to get ahead of everybody before spotting an ancient mask on the wall. With a devious grin, she grabs it and holds it in front of her face.

“Bleh! Look at me, I’m a Masked Ghoul! Oooooo!” She laughs and puts the mask back on the wall. “Hey, we should totally have a Halloween party! We can decorate the mansion and everything!”

Inkling turns away from the window she’s peering out of and asks a question. You decide to be the one to answer.

“Halloween is a holiday where people dress up as monsters and then, um, scare people for candy.” Some universes celebrate it a bit differently, so that’s the best way you think you can generalize it. Thankfully, the others start chiming in to help explain it.

“Oh, yes!” Isabelle smiles at the mention of the familiar holiday. “You dress up and then go around the village asking people if they want a trick or a treat! And if you scare someone successfully, they have to give you a lollipop!” She pauses, frowning a bit. “Umm, it’s not my favourite holiday… but the villagers always have fun with it!”

“In other places, you just dress up and go door-to-door around the neighbourhood.” Samus has a wry smile with her own explanation. “Then strangers are supposed to give you candy.”

“You don’t have to dress up as something scary though!” Peach clarifies. Samus gives a mock-frown.

“But where’s the fun in that?”

“Wait, but what happens if someone doesn’t have any candy to give?” Corrin asks. Samus shrugs.

“I guess that’s when you play a trick on them?”

“Yes, that’s how it works!” Isabelle confirms. “If someone doesn’t have candy, then you have to play a nasty trick! Like, umm, giving them old and dirty clothes… or torn wallpaper…”

“I think the definition of ‘trick’ varies from world to world,” Peach says.

“I’ve read about the holiday, but I’ve never celebrated it,” Robin says. “It sounds like it would be fun though.”

“I guess we could try,” you offer. “We can’t really go trick-or-treating here, but we could at least dress up and decorate the mansion, if you want. Maybe have a… party or something?”

Daisy cheers. “YEAH! Let’s do it!! We can go to all the worlds and see who has THE BEST Halloween stuff!”

“You can rule Hyrule out - we don’t celebrate it at all.”

“I think it would be difficult to find anything from our world as well,” Lucina adds. Daisy hums.

“We’ll have to make a list of what worlds to visit… But we can do that later! Right now we got a SLEEPOVER to have!” With a whoop, Daisy runs up the hall, candle flames flickering as she zips past them. Everyone else follows at their own pace, with you lagging behind to make sure nobody tries sneaking back the way you came. Thankfully, they’re all too distracted by their new surroundings to notice you.

At the top of the long ramp, you pass through the doorway to enter your little box of a corridor. Everyone has paused to gawk at the little collection you’ve amassed here.

“Uh, sorry about the mess,” you say awkwardly, wishing you relocated all this stuff to one of your secret rooms. Something in your stomach drops when you see everyone getting a bit too curious about all the nonsense you have collected. “Um, the door is just over there…”

“Wow, this is so cool!” Daisy says, looking around before finally grabbing a trophy out of the mess. “Did you win this?”

“Uh, no.” You do not know if it’s something one of your ancestors won, or if it’s one of the many things that fell into your world by accident. The name has been scratched out, but engraved text on the golden trophy say it’s for something called “Chia Bomber 2”. You have no idea what kind of game that is (if it is one??).

“I see why you keep these up here…” You turn and see Lucina examining a massive stained-glass picture alongside Peach and Isabelle. The picture is of a person, but just enough chunks of glass are missing that you can’t tell who it was meant to be. It showed up in your realm completely shattered, and you did your best to put it back together, but you never found those last few pieces.

Next to them, Inkling and Samus are examining a robot leg. The rest of the body never showed up, and you never ended up figuring out what the keypad on the bottom of the foot was for. Jigglypuff has found a ghastly mask of some monster, giving it a wary poke and cringing at the rubbery texture. Corrin is standing awkwardly in the middle of the hall studying from afar, clearly curious but graciously refraining from touching anything.

“Oh, ew, what is this!” Robin laughs as she pulls her hand out of a cauldron, her hand covered in green slime. Next to her, Zelda has found one of your ragged and extremely fragile tomes.

Okay, it’s time to move on.

“H-Hey,” you try, hoping to get everyone’s attention, “aren’t we supposed to be having a sleepover...?”

You almost think nobody heard you, but after a moment passes, Daisy looks up and goes “oh yeah!!”. Everyone abandons their finds, and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Hey, you got a washroom in there, right?” Robin asks, staring at her slime-covered hand in amusement. You nod and claim the opportunity to hop over to the door, eagerly turning the handle and pushing it open. Robin walks in first and you point her in the direction of the washroom. You’re thankful when she pauses for only a second to glance at your room before continuing on.

When everyone else files in, you can’t help but feel self-conscious at your disaster of a room. All of your interests - laid bare for them all to see! It seems so much more cluttered when you have this many people here. Agreeing to this was a bad idea--

“That’s the biggest bed I’ve ever seen!” Daisy bounds over and flops down on it, bouncing a bit when she hits the mattress. “Oh wowww, it’s so soooooft! I could lie here forever.”

Inkling comes over and climbs onto the bed as well, smiling as she drops onto the sheets. Enthralled by the small bounce she experiences, she sits up and drops down again… and again… before she just full-on starts jumping around, whooping with excitement.

Remembering you have a hostly thing to do, you turn to Corrin. “Oh, before I forget! Let’s find you some pajamas!” You lead her to your closet, pulling the double doors open and flicking on the light inside. Still on the bed, Daisy twists her body so she can watch what you’re doing.

“Oh my gosh YOU HAVE A WALK-IN CLOSET?!”

You didn’t think this would be a big deal, but nearly everyone comes over to check it out. You’re glad that your closet is absolutely massive, or else this situation would get crowded pretty fast.

“Haha, where do you even get all this stuff?” Zelda asks, wrapping a long blue feather boa around herself. Beside her, Daisy has put on a pair of massive heart-shaped glasses.

You shrug. “I just sorta find it… lying around.” You keep a variety in your room, but there are other rooms in the mansion where clothes are stored as well. Like with most things in your realm, you have no idea where they came from.

Jigglypuff and Peach are trying on hats and looking in the mirror with them. Lucina and Isabelle seem content to look at the various uniforms and formal wear you have. Returning your focus to the actual reason you’re in here, you lead Corrin to the pajama section. You tell her to pick anything she wants, and she seems to hesitate before gingerly digging through the selection. You notice her stop on a shirt that has a picture of a sleeping cartoon dragon on it, the words “good night!” embroidered onto a starry background. After staring at it for a minute with a solemn expression, she continues looking.

“Oh, this one is cute!!” Suddenly Daisy is at your side, snatching the dragon shirt off the rack. She’s wearing three pairs of goofy glasses and a blazer covered in question marks, but she shrugs all that off once she has the dragon shirt in her hands. “I’m gonna wear it!” she announces, and without waiting for anyone’s opinion, she pulls it over her head and down her body. It doesn’t quite fit her, but she’s beaming anyways and doesn’t express any discomfort.

Inkling wanders in the closet, staring in awe at the selection. Once she reaches the pajama section, she freezes at something in particular, before narrowing her eyes and approaching the rack. Slowly, she reaches for whatever caught her eye, resulting in her pulling down a shark onesie. Her tension is replaced by confusion as she examines it.

“They’re just pajamas,” you explain, assuming her suspicion spawned from fear. “It’s not a real shark or anything.” Well, unless it came from a universe where sharks are made of cotton, but you keep that possibility to yourself. Inkling’s expression lights up in realization and she puts on the onesie with a grin. It takes her some effort, but once she’s got it on, she bares her teeth and starts chomping at the air. Aw, that’s cute! You mentally remind yourself to take a picture later.

Corrin eventually picks out a pair of grey sweatpants and a plain t-shirt and you lead her to the bathroom so she can change. Along the way, you spot Samus going through your movies. Ignoring her, you step into the bathroom… and catch Robin snooping through your things.

“Whoops!” Robin pulls away from the cupboard she was peeking into and slams the door shut. She holds her hands up and grins. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Guilty as charged. You probably shouldn’t trust me to behave if I’m alone in a room filled with secrets.”

“It’s okay.” It’s just the bathroom, after all. That’s what you tell yourself, at least, to fight off the anxiety in your gut. “Um, Corrin needs to change, so…”

“Oh, of course!” Robin gets the message and follows you out, leaving Corrin to close the door behind her. Back out here, it seems everyone has emerged from your closet and have spread themselves out across the floor and your bed. Daisy and Inkling are still wearing the things they found in your closet, but it looks like no one else decided to take a souvenir. Robin sits on the floor between Lucina and Isabelle and brings the giant bowl of popcorn into her lap.

“Alright guys, what are we watching? The be all and end all of any good sleepover:” Samus holds up a different movie in each hand. “Romance?” She makes a face to express her distaste. “Or horror?” She grins and does a whispered cheer.

“Why not both?” Zelda replies. Peach nods.

“Yes, we could watch the scary movie first, then the romance movie later. That way, we won’t be scared before bed.”

“Fiiiine,” Samus groans exaggeratedly, a smile on her face. She opens the case and goes to put the horror movie in, but Zelda suddenly calls her out.

“Hey! Don’t we get any say in which one we watch?”

Samus turns and puts a hand to her chest in mock-hurt. “Are you saying you don’t trust my movie choices? Zel, babe… how could you say such a thing?”

“Oh, be quiet you!” Zelda laughs. “Maybe not everyone here wants to watch the scariest movie imaginable.”

“Whaaat? I don’t even understand those words you just said.”

“What’s the point of watching a scary movie if we’re not going to watch the best one?” Daisy adds, clearly sharing Samus’ tastes. Isabelle pipes up in a somewhat timid voice:

“U-Um, scarier doesn’t always mean better, you know…”

Lucina makes a noise of agreement while Samus rolls her eyes and scoffs. With the group at an impasse, Peach looks at you.

“Why don’t you pick a movie for us? You must have seen all these and know which one is best, right?”

Many pairs of eyes land on you, putting you on the spot. Aw geez. Samus puts the movie back where she got it.

“Yeah, that’s a great idea.” The bounty hunter scoots away from the entertainment unit and gestures for you to approach. “It’s all yours.”

“Pick a really scary one!” Daisy shouts.

“B-But not too scary please,” Isabelle adds. You are now left with a big choice here: which end of the spectrum do you want to cater to more? And, will they really like your weird movie picks??

With a sigh, you approach and study the spines of your movie collection, before finally deciding on one. You pull it out and stare at the unassuming cover for a moment before popping the disc in the movie player. As you set things up, Samus gets the lights, snickering maniacally at the quiet whimpers from the more skittish ladies present. The sky outside has grown dark, leaving the only source of light to be the TV. Corrin comes out of the bathroom just in time, clad in the PJs she picked out. Peach calls her over and, after closing the door, Corrin comes over and sits on the floor between Peach and Zelda.

“Is everyone ready?” you ask, finger poised over the play button. Daisy, Jigglypuff, Robin, Inkling, and Samus cheer and chant for you to push the button. Isabelle is already covering her eyes. Lucina suddenly looks awfully distracted by the bowl of popcorn. Corrin is silent, looking more nervous about the quantity of people around her rather than concerned about the movie. Zelda gives you a thumbs up while Peach smiles patiently.

You guess that’s the best you’re going to get.

“Okay,” you mumble, breathing out a wave of nerves, “here we go…”

And you start the movie.

-

Somehow, the lot of you ended up in some sort of blanket cuddle pile on the floor. You’re squished between Samus, Zelda, and Lucina, and at some point Daisy slid off the bed (leaving Inkling the only one up there, with a monopoly on all the abandoned snacks) to sit behind you. But breaking your proximity from everyone has been the furthest thing on your mind as you watch the girl on the screen run through the school to escape her unknown pursuer.

You may have seen this one before… but it’s still scary!!!

“No, don’t go in there - you’ll be trapped!” Lucina whispers, with her knees pulled to her chest and her hands ready to cover her face from fear. The banter between your little slumber posse has ranged from joking about the movie to trying to spook each other at tense moments, but that died down the further the movie progressed. The killings are gruesome and the mystery is tantalizing. Nowhere seems to be safe for the characters in the movie! And can they trust anybody? One boy was attacked and killed by their own dog completely out of the blue. And now, a girl is rushing into the attic and locking themselves in a storage room, foolishly thinking that would save them. In the movie, the doorknob starts rattling as the girl scrambles around, looking for a way to escape.

There’s a banging at the door - your door - and suddenly everyone starts screaming.

“No, don’t let them in!” Isabelle shouts, hiding under the blanket. Inkling falls off the bed from fright and scrambles to hide. Even the ones who have been the most lighthearted about the movie - Samus and Daisy - are looking at the door in your room with alarm. You mimic their expression, a thick sense of dread pounding in your ears, drowning out everything else.

Didn’t you disconnect these hallways from the mansion??

Who… or what... is out there??

Did you lock the door??????

You’re all so focused on the real life danger that the movie is practically forgotten. The door bangs and rattles again, and you feel several bodies around you jump in fright. Someone lets out a quiet shriek, while Zelda has prepared a ball of fire and Samus has taken out her pistol from somewhere, ready to strike if the intruder enters the room. The rattling stops and the ensuing near-silence is deafening - the screams from the TV suddenly seem louder than they’ve been all night, but no one makes a move to mute them. A moment passes and then…

...the doorknob clicks.

...

YOU DIDN’T LOCK THE DOOR.

Very slowly, the door creaks open (your door has never creaked before!!), allowing a sliver of light to enter the room from the hallway. It casts a shadow upon the figure, making it impossible to identify who they are at a glance. As the door swings open bit by bit, your eyes take in all the features of the intruder’s form, exaggerated by the screams of agony coming from the TV and further jostled by whoever has just thrown their arms around you in fright. Razor sharp horns!! Monstrously tall!! And they’re holding something that gleams in the darkness!!! The figure lets out a low, evil chuckle.

“Oooooo, somebody told me you ladies were having a slumber party~”

Suddenly, the figure is laughing, and several people around you groan.

“Palutena!”

“Geez, you scared me--”

Palutena laughs some more, and the light is suddenly flicked on without your command. You haven’t exactly registered the situation yet, so you’re still frozen in place.

“Aww, you all look so cute and cozy! Were you really that scared~?”

It is at this moment that you better realize the situation you’re in. There are actually two pairs of arms around you - Daisy is clinging to your torso and is peeking over your shoulder, while Lucina has pinned down your arms with her embrace and is hiding her face in your shoulder. A moment after the lights turn on, Daisy relaxes her grip on you but doesn’t move away, releasing her tension with a laugh.

“What the HECK, girl! Were you waiting out there for the perfect time or what?!”

“Oh, was that a bad time? My bad.” Palutena doesn’t look apologetic in the slightest. You notice that the monster traits you thought you saw in the darkness were actually courtesy of her pajamas - a… cow onesie. She holds up the objects in her hands - in one is a large tub of ice cream and two bags of Oreos, and in the other is a handful of spoons. “Will treats make it better?”

Samus rolls her eyes and puts her pistol back in the holster hidden under her clothes. “Yeah they will, get over here you imp.”

Palutena makes an expression of mock-hurt. “Comparing a Goddess of Light to such a lowly creature of the Underworld? I didn’t know your opinion of me was so low.”

“More like the Goddess of Bad Pranks,” Zelda scoffs, and that leads into a lighthearted tirade about other Goddess titles for her. The murder scene in the movie has ended and it has moved to a period of calm, so it goes largely ignored while the new snacks are passed out. During this, Lucina seems to finally come to her senses and pulls away from you, her face a bright pink.

“I-I’m so sorry! I… didn’t realize I… I thought…” She glances at her mother, who is giving her a sly, knowing smile as she pats a still-trembling Isabelle. While you are a little embarrassed too (you’re relieved when Daisy finally releases you in favour of grabbing a handful of Oreos), you try to keep your expression calm and fluster-free.

“That’s okay, I understand. It was uh, pretty scary.” So scary that you forgot you could have just mentally locked the doors.

So scary that you forgot Palutena shouldn’t have known where your room was.

You peek over at the goddess, who has taken a seat in the oddly-shaped circle you have going on right now. She’s in the middle of a lighthearted conversation with Zelda and Samus, ignorant to your stares. You don’t want to voice your thoughts aloud, in fear of seeming too overbearing, but you are just consumed by unease. You’re pretty sure she can teleport, so that makes the disconnected hallways a non-issue… but…

Maybe one of the others contacted her? You glance around the group, foregoing trying to seem inconspicuous. Do the Smashers have like… cell phones or something?? You don’t think you’ve seen any comms device that they all have. So then… how???

“Should we restart the movie for Palutena?” Peach asks, finally reminding everyone that the film is still going.

“I-I think we can just umm, give her a recap!” Isabelle announces, unable to hide her fright. Lucina nods a bit too enthusiastically.

“Y-Yes, I agree! I mean, there are plenty of other things we need to do during this sleepover… right?”

“I guess you’re right,” Zelda concedes, and the two sigh in relief, much to everyone’s amusement. Everyone tries to pitch into the summary, making the movie seem like more of a jumbled mess than it actually is.

Conveniently, no one remembers to turn the lights back off.

-

The credits finally roll, and the blanket of tension finally eases up. Things never got as scary as they did before Palutena arrived, but there’s a clear change in the atmosphere once the movie is over.

“Whew! That was an interesting movie,” Palutena said, entirely unaffected by the spooks and gore. She’s easily the least rattled out of the group, and you’re not sure if you saw or heard any genuine fright from her during the entire second half of the movie. As Peach and Corrin start collecting the trash strewn about from the devoured snacks, Zelda leans back against the bedpost and smiles at you.

“Yeah, it was. I didn’t expect it to involve witches and magic by the end. That was a fun movie - great choice.”

Eek! Someone approved of your pick! You feel like you won the lottery - although, you can’t help but feel bad for the ones who clearly didn’t enjoy it that much…

“N-Next we’re supposed to watch a romance movie, right??” Isabelle asks, sounding just a tiny bit desperate.

“Why don’t we take a break from movies first?” Palutena asks, getting up and approaching your desk. You’re a bit worried at first, but it’s replaced by confusion when you see her grab your fancy old-styled interdimensional phone. It’s vintage as heck - it looks like it came from the late 1800s - but it has like a billion dials of various sizes on it.

“Are… we calling someone?” Lucina asks, clearly curious about your phone’s design.

“Ooh, can we get delivery out here?” Robin asks you. “I could go for a pizza.”

“Yeah, we could order something,” you reply nonchalantly. You turn to Palutena. “I uh, assume that’s not what your plan was though.”

Palutena waves away your concern. “Nah, this can wait until we order something.”

You go around the group and write down everyone’s order before ringing up your usual delivery joint. You didn’t know many people personally before the Smashers came, but your trusty delivery guy? They were basically the closest thing you had to a “friend” for years. You shared a giant order of pasta with them once and watched half a movie before they had to skedaddle and pick-up their next delivery. You never let it show how much you relished those moments in fear of seeming weird or overbearing.

Yep. You’ve definitely developed some great and stable relationships over the years.

“So, what did you want to do with the phone?” you ask Palutena, handing the phone to her after everything’s been ordered. She looks around the group with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in her eyes.

“As the Goddess of Good Pranks, I declare we grace the multiverse with our voices and whisper only the sweetest of promises and prophecies into their delicate, mortal ears.”

Peach claps her hands together, looking oddly excited. “Oh! We’re doing prank calls?”

“Prank calls?” Corrin repeats. “Is that… what it sounds like? You call people and you prank them?”

“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Palutena replies. “We dial random numbers and pull some kind of joke on whoever answers. Anyone want to provide an example?”

Daisy’s hands shoot out, reaching for the phone. “Ooh, me! I do!” Once it’s in her hands, she studies it for a moment before turning to you. “How do I use this??”

“Uh, here--” You go to take the phone from her hands, but she doesn’t let go once it’s in your hands. Some of your fingers overlap hers. Awkwardly, you pull away and settle with just pointing at all the bits. “These dials are for the date and exact time you’re calling. This one is for the universe, and the smaller one inside is for alternate timelines. Then this dial is just for the phone number or an equivalent communications line. Once you’re done, you just press this button on the receiver. If any of the dials are incompatible, it’ll auto-correct itself.”

“Whoa, cool!” With a grin, Daisy puts the phone on the floor, picks up the receiver, and starts turning all the dials randomly. Once she’s done, she presses the button. You quickly spin the volume dial so everyone can hear the other end. A dial tone rings for a few moments, before finally someone picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hey man, just calling to tell you we’ll be at your place with the pizza in a few minutes. Sorry for the hold up - there was a lot of traffic, you see--”

“Huh? I think you have the wrong number - I didn’t order any pizza.”

Daisy pauses for effect, then reads off the phone number in a questioning tone. “This is your number, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Well, it says here you ordered ten thousand pizzas. And we got the pizzas right here.”

“T-TEN THOUSAND?! I didn’t order those! Why would I order ten thousand pizzas?!”

“I dunno man, you’re the customer.” The person on the other end stammers out their denial, but Daisy cuts them off as she holds back a smile. “Look buddy, we’re gonna be there in a minute and SOMEONE has to pay for all these pizzas. I don’t care who - we didn’t make all these just to dump ‘em.”

“I told you, I didn’t order them! And I’m NOT paying for them!”

“We’ll see about that, buddy. Or else I’m going to have to take you to court.”

“WHAT?! But I--”

“See you soon! Have a nice day!” Daisy hangs up the phone and immediately bursts out laughing, with several of the others following suit. Isabelle’s eyes are wide.

“But how are they supposed to pay for all those pizzas they didn’t order?”

“That’s part of the prank,” Zelda explains. “Nobody ordered ten thousand pizzas, and nobody is delivering ten thousand pizzas. But the person is going to be scared for the next little while that they are going to show up at their house.”

“Oh! I see!” Isabelle smiles in understanding for a moment before making a face. “Oooh, that’s a mean prank… I’d be scared too if I thought I would have to pay for ten thousand pizzas I didn’t order…”

“Well, I got a nicer prank for you,” Samus announces, taking the phone from Daisy. The bounty hunter spins the dials one by one before finally pressing the call button. It rings once before a groggy voice picks up.

“Mmmmgh… Hello?”

“Good mornin’, I’m callin’ from the Super Survey Committee,” Samus begins, putting on an exaggerated accent. “We’ve chosen you to be entered in a drawin’ for $10,000. All you have to do is answer a quick survey. Howzabout it?”

“Uhhh… okay, sure.” The sleepiness seems to leave their voice after hearing about the cash prize.

“Awright. Let’s start with your name.”

Conveniently, there is a sudden interference and the phone crackles. Samus is undeterred however, and continues as if nothing happened.

“Mmmm-hm. Gotcha. Excellent. Next, what d’ya do for a livin’?”

“Well, I’m uh, a student right now… but I’m also a detective! A great detective. Maybe you’ve heard of my grandfather - our family name is pretty famous.”

“Ohhhhh, yeah, yep. I’m talkin’ to a real celebrity, huh?”

“Yeppers!”

The voice sounds pretty young, so you assume they’re one of those teenage detectives you’ve read so much about. There are so many of them in the multiverse, it’s kind of wild, actually.

“Alrighty, now that we’ve got that out of the way… You ready to start? You somewhere comfortable right now?”

“Uh…” There’s a bit of rustling on the other end. “Yeah, I think so?”

“Ya think so? Bud, I can’t start unless you know so. Aren’t you supposed to be a great detective or somethin’?”

“I-I know so! I’m as comfortable as a calm right now! Couldn’t be more comfy than this!”

Samus grins, refraining from chuckling like the rest of you. “If y’ say so. First question… what’s yer favourite colour?”

“Red!” As the survey begins, Palutena suddenly starts passing around a pen and paper. One by one, everyone writes down weird questions for Samus to ask. While the paper goes around, Samus keeps going with the “normal” questions.

“Favourite flavour of ice cream?”

“Mmm… chocolate.”

“Least favourite subject in school?”

“Uh… can I say all of them?”

“Sure. Would ya rather be famous or have world peace?”

A pause. “...Um! World peace, of course. Haha…”

“You don’t sound so sure, dude.”

“Hey! Of course I want world peace - who doesn’t? It’s just, uh…”

“Just teasin’ ya, bud. Never said you had to be honest in the survey.” The paper reaches Samus, and she takes it in her hand. “Ready to continue?”

“Y-Yep! Lay em on me!”

“Fabulous. Next question… would you s-smooch a skeleton…?”

Samus’ fake accent falls apart as she reads the first question, trying to hold back her laughter. Robin grins and does a fist pump.

“Ooh, that’s a good start,” Palutena says quietly. The tactician is extremely proud of herself.

“Uhhhh… could you uh, repeat that? Please?”

“Sure thing.” And this time with more confidence: “Would you smooch a skeleton?”

The other line is silent, obviously trying to process the question. Finally, they speak up again: “Is it, uh… a cute skeleton?”

“The cutest,” Robin supplies.

“Absolutely,” Samus says into the phone, and a nervous hum can be heard from the other end.

“...sure, I guess?? N-Not that I would - or do - but--”

“Next question!” You have to hold back your giggles as Samus enthusiastically cuts him off. “Tell me about your favourite body pillow.”

You peek around the group to see if you can figure out who wrote down that query. Most of them seem to be smiling or giggling… but no one is giving off anything that explicitly looks like a hint.

“A-A-A body pillow? Wh-Why would I have one of those?” The person on the other end lets out a nervous laugh. “And, hey, that’s not even a question…!”

“Whaaaat? You don’t have a body pillow? Yer really missing out - they’re great. Got one myself. Makes me feel reeaaal comfy on those lonely nights.”

Something about Samus’ tone and accent leaves you shaking as you try to hold in your laughter. Daisy, Zelda, and Robin aren’t faring much better than you - the Sarasaland princess is doubled over with a hand over her mouth.

The other end is quiet for a moment. “...Okay, well. Maybe… I do have a body pillow. It’s uh, this idol I like… sh-she’s just soooo cute!!”

[insert transitional dialogue here]

“Next question! ...Wait, there are kids present, I can’t ask this one. Skipping that...”

Palutena pouts and shakes her head disapprovingly as Peach, Zelda, and Robin start giggling.

“Uh, I’m not a kid. I’m seventeen…”

“Say you have to diffuse a bomb and millions of lives are at stake. You’re down to the last two wires - one will deactivate it, while the other… well…” Samus pauses for dramatic effect. “Which do you choose: red or blue?”

“Don’t I get uh, more information than that…?”

“Nope. Red or blue dude, tick tock.”

“U-Uhh… blue, definitely blue…”

Samus sucks in a breath of air and shakes her head. The voice on the other line grows panicked.

“W-Wait, was that wrong??”

“There are no wrong answers here, bud. Only consequences. Anyways… which do you prefer: cats or dogs?”

The rest of the questions play out similarly - the rest of the girls didn’t put anything else outlandish. You admittedly didn’t put down anything - you just couldn’t think of anything on the fly, and you wanted to keep the paper moving! You’re pretty sure you’re not alone on that either, because the final number of questions doesn’t add up to the number of people in the room.

“Awwwright, that’s all of them. Thanks fer yer participation - we’ll be putting these results to good use.”

[insert the end of the call and the characters discussing it. jigglypuff decides they want to go next.]

Jigglypuff asks if you have a phone book as it moves closer to the phone. You get up to drag one out from under your desk. This phone book only has the area codes for about one trillion universes (of which there is an infinite number of, of course), but it is still massive. You could probably kill someone with this thing. You place it next to Jigglypuff with a thump, and the balloon Pokemon opens it up and starts flipping through it, entirely unbothered that the book is almost bigger than it. It finally finds the number it was looking for and puts it into the phone, placing the receiver on the ground. The phone rings three times before someone finally picks up. A bored voice comes through on the other end.

“This is the office for Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, front desk speaking.” The voice sighs. “Did you dial the wrong number? Hold on, I’ll get the phone book...”

You have to cover your mouth to hide your giggles, and you see Peach and Zelda doing the same. Samus and Robin are wearing wild grins. Jigglypuff’s expression turns devious for a moment before it sobers up, voice neutral when it speaks. You’re glad that your phone automatically translates both ways, or else your prank would probably be recognized right away.

“Hello? I’m looking for someone who can help me. I heard a rumour that Cloud Strife is joining the next Playstation All-Stars tournament - is this true?”

The other end is silent for a moment before the voice laughs awkwardly. “Uhhhh, I’m not sure where you heard that. You sure you’re not confusing us with Super Smash Bros.?”

“Haven’t you heard? He turned down the invitation for the next one, and he said he’s looking for a new and better tournament to join. So I suppose he’s not joining, then?”

“.......................Just a sec.” There’s some rustling as if the phone was being shifted, then the voice can be heard shouting enthusiastically: “BOSS! BOSS!!!!! GET ON THE PHONE, THERE’S-- THEY-- CLOUD STRIFE!!! WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET HIM--!”

A distant “WHAT?!” is heard and suddenly there’s a click, and a new voice is on the phone. “H-Hello?! What’s this about Mr. Strife--?!”

You can’t hold it in anymore. Everyone is laughing audibly now, and it takes a moment for the person on the other end to register what’s going on. “Wait… who is this? Is this a joke? When I find out who you kids work for, I’ll--”

“You’ll what? You’ll get us fired?” Jigglypuff scoffs and picks up the phone, holding it close. “Cloud Strife will NEVER join your tournament… and your miserable so-called Playstation ‘All-Stars’ will NEVER hold a candle to Smash Bros.”

Jigglypuff hangs up before the person on the other end can stammer out a response, and everyone in the room starts hollering. Wow, that was harsh. Of course, it’s not exactly wrong…

“What’s Playstation All-Stars?” Corrin asks among the cheers, unable to understand everyone’s reactions. Isabelle and Inkling are wearing similar looks of confusion.

“It’s another multi-verse tournament,” Zelda explains, “but it’s held pretty far from our section of the multi-verse. Around where Cloud comes from.”

“Who’s this ‘Cloud Strife’?” Isabelle asks. “Is he popular?” Even though she was called in as an assist character for the previous tournament, Cloud was invited so late that it looks like they never got to interact. She must have been too busy at the end of the season to even watch the fights.

“Oh, absolutely!” Peach responds, smiling. “Perhaps not as popular as Mario or Pikachu, but I’d say he’s as well-known as Link is.”

“Fans online often argue about which one is better,” Palutena adds.

“We actually went to the Playstation All-Stars tournament last season,” Robin mentions, bringing the conversation back around. You’re actually pretty surprised to hear this. “It coincided with the pre-Smash preparation so a bunch of us went ahead and… paid them a visit.”

“We crashed it,” Samus clarifies with zero hesitation.

Peach takes it upon herself to elaborate. “Well, most of us just watched it. Nobody interfered! Although, I believe a few Smashers received an escort out for throwing food at the stage…”

Daisy lets out a laugh. “Really? You never told me about that part! Man, I wish I could have been there.”

“Hey, that tournament was rigged and you all know it,” Samus says defensively. “It deserved everything we threw at it.”

“None of our favourites won,” Zelda tells you. “I think most of us who weren’t kicked out left before the final match.”

Robin just shrugs. “There were a few interesting characters in the tournament, but overall it wasn’t too impressive.”

Lucina frowns, murmuring almost inaudibly: “I didn’t think it was that bad…”

Palutena claps her hands, finally closing out the conversation. “Anyways, ladies and friends, shall we get back to pranking the multi-verse? Who wants to go next?”

“Oh, I will!” Peach announces with a smile, reaching over to take the phone. You’re not the only one in the room who is startled by this. Lucina is the first to comment on it.

“P-Peach? You too? But you’re always so… um, proper.”

“Don’t underestimate Peachy,” Daisy chides while Peach slowly dials a number, humming a tune as she does so. “She’s a pranking master.”

Peach suddenly looks up at you, smile still on her face. “Do you have a second phone?”

“Uh… yeah, hold on.” You don’t actually have another in this room, so you scurry over to your closet to appearify one away from curious eyes. This one is an antique - one of those “candlestick telephones” - but it has just as many dials littered across its slender frame. You usually kept this one in the study - a room you’ve been neglecting for awhile, so you’re glad to see something from it is still in one-piece. Exiting the closet, you return to the circle on the floor and hand the phone to Peach.

“Yay, thank you!”

[peach does her prank call. mc also does a prank call here. they're deciding on who's going to go next when...]

Before anyone can volunteer, there’s a knock from the window. Everyone else stares at it, baffled, but you leap to your feet and bound over to it.

“Food’s here!” you announce, throwing the curtains open. Outside, there is a figure clad in sleek silver, yellow, and black armour that covers them from head to toe. A silver and black cape flutters behind them. They’re standing on a similarly coloured winged hoverboard, holding a large bag branded with “7+13 LIGHT & DARK EXPRESS” and a heart-shaped emblem in one hand and waving with the other. As soon as you open the window, they hop off their board and start climbing in.

“Hey there, is someone having a party or what?” They see the group of Smashers sitting around the room, staring. “Oh, you really are having a party. Huh.”

“Geez, don’t say it like that,” you say lightheartedly. As the delivery dude opens up their bag, you move to your desk and start rifling around for some genuine space dollars. The stuff you could conjure up stops retaining its form shortly after it exits the realm. Thankfully, your ancestors were loaded and practically left the real stuff lying around.

“Okay, let’s see if I got all this right…” As they list them off, the delivery pal pulls each item out of his bag and stacks it all atop each other on their other hand. “One extra extra large pizza with mushrooms, herbs, and fine-cut dragon sausage. Twelve large Ambrosias. Three dozen Lava Cookies. Three cobblers - peach, coconut, and persimmon. Six Phazon Supremes.” They pause. “Haha, this is like a Smash Bros. grocery list.”

“Is it now?” Samus asks, smirking. The delivery guy looks up at the group.

“...wait a minute.” You can’t see their face, but you can tell they are looking back and forth at each Smasher. “You’re not… and you’re... “ They swivel on their heel to face you. “Dude. Is this a prank?”

“We have been doing a lot of pranks tonight!” Isabelle supplies helpfully.

“Every day I wake up and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming,” you answer half-honestly as you hand them the money. You’ve finally accepted this is real and happening, but every now and then you still have to confirm it when something truly absurd happens. Like having a sleepover and doing prank calls with some of Smash Bros.’s biggest all-stars.

The delivery guy is just shaking their head as they count the money. When they speak up, you can hear the disbelief in their voice: “Uh, wow. Remind me to remind you to call me up more often. Maybe one of these days I’ll have time to get some autographs, ha!”

“Autographs? You want an autograph??” Daisy leaps up with a napkin in her hand and snatches an orange pen off your desk. She clicks it a few times in excitement, wearing a huge grin. “Well, how could I say no?!” She’s snickering to herself as she scribbles her name and draws a little flower beside it. Wait… is that a Smash symbol inside the flower?

Somehow, you get the impression she’s been wanting to do this for a long time.

“Ooh, me next~!” Peach grabs a pink pen from the desk and adds her own elegant autograph to the napkin. Everyone else suddenly crowds around the desk to cram their name on the napkin with their favourite colours. Zelda and Robin are similarly formal with their autographs. Samus’ starts with something that looks like an S and an A, but the rest just looks like a squiggly line. Jigglypuff’s looks similarly squiggly, but it adds a music note to the end. Palutena opts to write “Goddess of Good Pranks” in the biggest space available, then turning the first G into a cow head. You still don’t understand the cow thing.

Inkling and Isabelle draw their own face, but the latter adds “do your best!” beside hers. Lucina tries to write her name to be fancy, but it’s clearly not something she’s used to. After a bit of persuasion, Corrin adds her name as well in her normal handwriting. Once she’s done, she surprises you by holding the black pen she was using in your direction.

“Did you want to add yours…?”

“Uh… n-no, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Yeah, I already have tons of autographs from them,” Delivery Guy jokes, and you can’t help but snort. “But, oh man, if you’re associated with Super Smash Bros.... maybe I’ll have to get some more from you next time.”

The two of you may or may not have used your library to find and replicate signatures of famous individuals throughout time and space, and then sold them for a profit. Because, turns out working for an intergalactic postal service doesn’t actually pay that well. Who knew?

“I better not see that being sold online,” Palutena chides, as if reading your minds. Delivery Buddy just laughs, taking the napkin before heading back to the window.

“Oh yeah, I wouldn’t dare angering a goddess like that. Don’t want to get smited! ...Smote? Smitten?”

“It’s definitely smote,” Palutena replies, with such confidence and assurance that you think you believe her. “I will absolutely and undoubtedly smote you.”

“Sounds good - looking forward to it.” Yeah, you’re going to see that napkin being sold later. “Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have more deliveries to make. Call again sometime - ‘though Light or Dark, we’re always Express’!” They give you a two-fingered salute before revving up their hoverboard and shooting off into the dark sky. You lean your body out of the window to wave as they zip away.

“Thanks, Ven! We’ll call again soon!!”

“Dude, that slogan sucks,” Samus says as soon as you’ve closed the window. The food is already getting passed around, and your senses are assaulted by the variety of smells that have been introduced to the room. You’ve tried a couple of these (I mean, who hasn’t had pizza??) but there’s definitely a lot of new things to try here.

“Oh yeah, it totally sucks,” you agree as you sit down and help yourself to a paper plate, loading it up with anything you can get your greedy little hands on. “The owner of the company is super stubborn though and refuses to change it. They got enough complaints from the employees about it, so one time they held a contest to change it… and the winner was just the same slogan, submitted by someone who went by an anagram of the owner’s name but with an ‘X’ in it.”

“Wow,” Robin chuckles, biting into a slice of pizza. Isabelle pauses before she can bite down into her cookie, frowning.

“Does that mean… the owner got their twin to enter the contest?? It’s good that they seem to have a good relationship, but that’s just dirty!!”

Well, she’s half right.

“So, what’s this universe this company comes from?” Palutena asks with an unreadable twinkle in her eye. “Don’t think I’ve ever heard of it.”

“It’s located in an alternate layer of the multi-verse,” you explain. Then realizing not everyone here understands the multi-verse as well as you, you hastily add: “Uh, imagine there are an infinite amount of worlds that overlap each other in their coordinates, but they’re all in different dimensions, so you usually can’t interact with them at all.”

“An alternate universe,” Palutena clarifies. You nod.

“Y-Yeah, that’s it. So, you guys wouldn’t know about this world since it’s not in the same collective universe as us-- err, you guys.” Your realm can be a bit special at times, after all. A few of the Smashers still look a bit confused, but you decide to carry on anyways. “A-Anyways, Ven’s world is like, uhh… pretty normal, but multi-verse travel is a big part of the economy. For reference, Light & Dark Express is like a company for part-timers - Ven’s only working there over the summer.” Though… he’s been delivering to you since the first time you ordered from them. You once joked that it seems like he’s always on summer break, but he just shrugged instead of explaining you a thing. Ugh, alternate universes can be weird sometimes.

“That sounds interesting,” Corrin says, bringing you out of your wandering thoughts. Her gaze is fixated on the food as her expression turns pensive. You want to ask what she’s thinking about, but Inkling excitedly lunging for your phone distracts you.

“It’s my turn!! To do!!! The thing!!!!!!!” She lifts the receiver and starts wildly rubbing her free hand across the dials, clearly trying to get the most random result possible.

[inkling does her prank call, then is followed by isabelle's, zelda's, corrin's, and palutena's. lmao you see why i skipped around and ended up not finishing this? this was a lesson for me to no longer replicate the same activity 10 times for different characters in this fic. after all of them do their call, it is finally lucina's turn.]

“Okay… here goes…” Lucina picks up the receiver and starts dialing with a shaky hand. She hesitates halfway through before steeling her resolve and adding random numbers. Gripping the phone tightly with both hands, Lucina stares at it intensely as the dial tone rings out.

Click.

“Hello?”

“Oh no, it connected!!” Lucina whispers, suddenly panicked. Peach puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“It’s okay, you can do it!”

“U-Uhhh… I...”

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

Lucina takes a deep breath before raising her voice to be heard. “I… Hey, you…! Umm…!”

“Uhh, hello? Who is this?”

“I… um, I-I’m hanging up!!!” And she immediately does just that, letting out a distressed hum as she buries her face in her hands. Samus and Jigglypuff start cackling, while most of the others (including you) are fighting back smiles and giggles of their own. Isabelle is the only one who gives her a genuine smile, placing a paw on her back.

“It’s okay, you tried your best! It’s actually pretty hard to do!”

“Do you wanna try again?” you ask, hoping you look more sympathetic than amused. Because you’re definitely feeling the latter. Lucina doesn’t even look up as she shakes her head in the negative.

“Don’t worry sweetie, momma’s gonna show you how it’s done.” Robin reaches for the phone with an air of confidence. “Amateur hour’s over, kiddos. Let me show you how a pranking master gets it done.”

Isabelle and Inkling let out awed noises. Samus raises an eyebrow at the tactician. “This oughta be good. Let’s see what you got.”

With a wicked smile, Robin starts dialling randomly. You’re all eagerly anticipating whatever Robin has in store for the unfortunate soul on the other end. The snacks are busted out again now that most of the takeout is gone, with most of the leftovers dumped into the empty popcorn bowl and passed around. You manage to snag a handful of chisps and chocolate chips before the bowl continues to the next person. As the dial tone rings, Robin dramatically cracks her knuckles in preparation. When the call connects, she brings the receiver close to her face.

“Hello?”

“Why hello there! Is your refrigerator running?”

“...Robin? Is that you?”

Robin’s smile grows strained, alarm clear on her face. Samus bursts out laughing. Peach lets out a small “oh”, pinpointing the identity of the voice.

“Rosalina? Is that you?”

“Oh, that is Rosie!” Zelda laughs. “What a coincidence!”

“...Princess Peach? And Zelda too?” Rosalina pauses. “Oh, I see. You’re all at the Smash event right now, aren’t you? That would explain it…”

“Eyy, wassup space goddess?” Palutena chimes, chuckling to herself. “Where you at? Smash isn’t the same without you, party animal.”

You can’t tell if that’s sarcasm or not - you can’t imagine someone like Rosalina being a “party animal”. Unfortunately, her next words do nothing to clear things up in that regard.

“I told you I’m not a ‘goddess’... Regardless, I’m actually on my way right now - I was merely quite far when I received the invitation. The coordinates given are… not typically in the comet’s path.”

Yeah, you kind of are in the middle of nowhere… literally. It does make you curious however: how far in the multiverse does the Comet Observatory go? It kind of sounds like it’s not just restricted to the Mario universe…

Peach claps her hands as Daisy squeals with delight. Palutena nodding along to Rosalina’s words.

“Glad to hear you’re on your way, at least. A lot of us ladies are being invited back - we’ve got Sammy, Lucina, Jiggs, and Corrin here too, along with some new kids. Cute little Isabelle is a fighter this time!” Hearing that, Isabelle blushes and nervously says “hello”.

“Guess who got invited too!” Daisy yells excitedly. Rosalina chuckles on the other end.

“Greetings, Princess Daisy - I thought I recognized your voice. It will be lovely to see you all again. It sounds like it will be quite the tournament this year...”

“And y’know--” Robin suddenly leans in your direction, grinning playfully, “there is ONE person here who knows who else is coming back, but they won’t tell us! Isn’t that just plain rude of them?”

“Ooh! Rosie! Roooosie!” Daisy slings an arm around your shoulder and gives you a friendly jostle, even though Rosalina can’t see the gesture. “Our host is just the coolest EVER! You’re gonna love them! You should have seen the baseball game - they were like, pshoooo! And the ball hit Bowser’s big dumb airship! Ha!!! Serves him right!!”

Rosalina chuckles again. “It sounds like you’ve already started having fun without me. I can’t wait to meet them…” And suddenly you feel embarrassed - both from Daisy’s praise, and from Rosalina’s smooth voice. Is she actually excited to meet you?? No, she’s probably just being polite… or getting the wrong idea from Daisy’s description. You’re not cool at all!

“So how long do you think you’ll be?” Lucina asks.

On the other end, Rosalina hums in thought for a moment. “...My apologies, it will still be awhile… Certainly before the tournament starts, but…”

Daisy groans in disappointment. “But you’re gonna miss the super cool Hallowe’en party we’re having! Can’t you get here by then??”

“That would certainly be pushing it, so I’m afraid not. If it makes you feel better, I can have the Lumas dress up so we can celebrate it with you in spirit.”

“Don’t forget you have to dress up too!” Peach chimes.

“And show us pictures when you get here!” Robin adds. Rosalina laughs softly.

“Yes, of course. I’m sure I can put something together…” That last part is a murmur, trailing off into silence. She speaks up again after a moment: “Well, I’m sure I’ve kept you long enough… Oh, wait, you were the ones who called me, correct? Something about a refrigerator…?”

“D-Don’t worry about it,” Robin stammers, ignoring the snickers from the others. “You have a nice journey, alright? We can catch up when you get here.”

“If you say so…” There’s a hint of curiosity in Rosalina’s tone, but she doesn’t press the issue further. “I’ll see you all soon. May the stars shine down on you all…”

There’s a chorus of byes before Robin finally hangs up. Samus immediately starts laughing again, earning some playful finger jabs in the side from the tactician.

“Ooooh, you!! C’mere!”

“The pranking master, huh?” The bounty hunter keeps laughing as she blocks herself from Robin’s attack. “Man, you sure showed us!”

“Oh, be quiet you! What are the odds that I’d call someone we actually knew??”

As Samus and Robin suddenly find themselves in a poke war, Peach grabs the phone and moves it aside. “It’s getting late, so why don’t we get back to movies? It’s time for a romantic one, right?”

Samus starts booing between fits of laughter. Isabelle perks up at the mention of the genre switch. “Yes! Let’s watch something cute!!”

You opt out of picking the movie this time, letting the others crowd around your entertainment unit to pick something. You sit between Inkling and Corrin and get a headstart on reclaiming the snacks. Lucina has also stayed back, fetching herself another slice of pizza. As the great movie debate begins, you decide to strike up a friendly chat with the three around you.

“So… have you guys been having fun?” Oops, you can’t think of anything else! But, you are actually curious whether or not they’re having a good time. You do want to be a good host, after all!

Inkling is the first to reply, saying “YEAH!!” and giving you a thumbs up before she digs back into the collection of candy she has amassed. Wait, should she be having all this sugar? You hope the little shark-clad squidkid crashes before she decides to put her energy towards being destructive.

“I too have been enjoying myself,” Corrin replies. When you look at her, she’s giving you a soft but genuine smile, and it makes your chest feel warm. “Thank you for inviting me. And for the clothes…”

“Don’t mention it.” You were worried about the white-haired swordswoman considering how reserved she had been before, but she looks visibly more comfortable than before.

You notice that Lucina doesn’t answer right away, however.

“M-Me? Oh, um, I’ve been having fun,” she finally says after you prompt her again. You suppose between the horror movie and her botched prank call, the festivities haven’t been favourable to her. “If I must say… it is a bit… crowded for my tastes,” she admits after a pause.

“Oh, I agree with you there,” Corrin says lightheartedly, and Lucina visibly relaxes.

“Me three,” you add. “I’ve never had this many people in my room before. It’s uh, kind of weird. ...But fun, actually.” You find yourself smiling despite everything. Most of your anxiety from earlier is gone, now that you’ve gone this long without a disaster happening.

“Is that so…?” Lucina’s expression grows thoughtful, and then increasingly flustered as she continues talking: “W-Well, in that case, perhaps sometime in the future… just the three of us could--”

“Puff!” The three of you look up to see Jigglypuff whip a disc over the heads of the other Smashers. Daisy, Robin, and Zelda are working together to restrain Samus against the floor as Peach catches the disc and cheerfully sticks it in the movie player.

“Ugh, you guys suck! And you have no taste in movies!”

Once the movie is securely in the player, the others let Samus go with victorious grins. The bounty hunter sits up and harrrumphs dramatically.

“If you wanted to trick us into watching a non-romance movie, you should have picked something we haven’t seen already,” Zelda says, shoving a case back onto the shelf. Samus grunts intelligibly as she returns to your side of the room, eagerly grabbing a handful of chisps and shoving them in her mouth all at once, being sure to keep eye contact with the others.

“Ugh, you’re gross,” Zelda says with a laugh, no malice behind her tone. Robin moves to join Samus, forcing her to share the half-finished bag. The others gradually move away from the TV to rejoin the blanket pile, grabbing their snacks of choice.

[...Aaaaand this is almost the end of the chapter, so I'll cut it here to save the end for the actual release! As you can see, I just have a lot of gaps to fill in. I have notes for all the events I have to write, it's just a matter of sitting down and writing them. Thank you for reading then and for your patience - see you when "the Smashers and their Host" continues in (hopefully) either March or April!]

[nazario-sayeed]

Mardi Gras, New Orleans and Nightbound

After that Nightbound sneak peek, I started to furiously research about Mardi Gras and New Orleans. I'm obsessed and bombing @lahelalove​ and @nazariortega​ with all information I can get, but I decided to organize my thoughts and what I've learned in a few minutes. English is not my first language and this is way too much information that I'm trying to summarize, so please bear with me. I'll put the information under a cut because it turned out way longer than I previously thought. There might be some sensitive sexual content under the cut, so proceed with caution. 

First of all, the concept of Mardi Gras may not be familiar for non americans (I had no idea of what it was until a hour ago). So, what the hell is it? According to the internet, "Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility. When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday." It is also known as Carnival or Carnaval, and the most famous celebrations around the world happen in Brazil (where I'm from so y'all don't mind if I scream), Venice and New Orleans. I can't talk for the celebration in other places, but here in Brazil it's all about celebrating the pleasures of the flesh, it's about excess. Food, drinks, sex... A few days of profanity leading up to 40 days to cleanse your soul or whatever before Easter (I'm not religious so I'm not sure how it works exactly, sorry). And for what I've read online, what happens in NOLA is not that different. Mardi Gras literally means Fat Tuesday, even though it's more focused on the food aspect of the tradition- eating fat, rich food (especially King Cake) in the days leading up to the Lent.

Although we still celebrate Mardi Gras to this day, its earliest record comes from ancient times, from the celebration of a fertility festival called Lupercalia that welcomed the arrival of Spring. This Lupercalia celebration has been described as “a drunken orgy of merrymaking held each February in Rome, after which participants fasted for 40 days.”

The word Lupercalia caught my eye when I started to research. Thanks to Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, I knew it was somehow related to wolves and fertility, and that it was celebrated on the day after Valentine's Day. Let's learn a bit about its origin and meaning: "In its classical manifestation, Lupercalia (“The Wolf Festival”) was a bizarre ritual where young men (who were called Luperci, the wolf people) would run around whipping women with goat skin thongs. (...) Some writers associated the celebration with the Luperca, the she-wolf who fed the twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Most often, however, the celebration was associated with the god Pan- the Faunus. Pan was a half-man half-goat divinity. A god of sheepherders, Pan was a divinity of the forests, wild life, and, remarkably, fertility. The sexuality of Pan would indeed explain the young men’s lashings of women at the Lupercalia festival. The whippings were supposed to induce fertility and can be seen as a symbolical sexual act. If the festival of the Lupercalia was in honor of Pan, how could we explain the name of “Wolf Festival”? Pan was not obviously associated with wolves, but rather with goats. However, the Pan celebrated in Rome was, we are told, Pan Lykaios, the wolf-Pan. St Augustine tells us that this Pan was so named because he held the key to the mystery of men becoming wolves. In other words, Pan was the master of werewolves." 

As I said before, New Orleans holds one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebration across the world- and it's definitely the most famous one in the USA. "The city is obsessed with eating, costuming, bead-tossing and parading that increases in intensity as Ash Wednesday nears. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town". Does it ring any bells? In the very first chapter of Nightbound, we got to experience all of this: parades, bead-tossing and partying. I can only imagine that Mardi Gras itself will take place in tomorrow's chapter- and shit will go down. 

The festival is linked to wolves, so I think we might be getting some wolf content tomorrow (probably a Cal scene, or maybe we'll get to see some others wolves again). I doubt they would give us sex scenes two weeks in a row, but Mardi Gras is about fertility and debauchery, so maybe they will explore that side we can only hope so. Another important thing about Mardi Gras': the masks and the parades. When we found Thomas last chapter, he was in some kind of deposit and we could see Mardi Gras props on the background. Those masked skeleton things attacked us as well, which showed us that Thomas could control then. So yeah, he'll probably attack us in the middle of the parade with those things. 

I don't know if anyone read everything and to be honest I don't even know what is the point I'm trying to make with this post. I just thought all of this was interesting and hopefully someone will think the same. Maybe we'll learn more about Mardi Gras in tomorrow's chapter, but I guess I thought it would be nice to go into the chapter knowing at least a bit about all of this. 

[iamnotbrianmay]

The A Experience

tag list: @seven-seas-of-why, @twotitsjohndeacon, @dancindeaky, @gee-uloser, @mozzarellamazzello, @mozzie-s, @deracine-dogma-deux, @shutupanddontjudge, @warping-reality, @demianhill

Okay thank you all for sticking with me, this chapter marks what I will call a mid-season finale, because next week I'm going on my school trip to the beach, then I'm having a week long soccer tournament and then I'm going to New York to participate at an MUN, so I probably won't post for like two weeks or more.

There hasn't been a first kiss, first fuck, first anything and all of you are still loyal, so for that thank you very much. Also, I ask for your patience because it won't happen for a while.

But now, I'm going to write a very long chapter, very angst filled, very plot developing, and then leave you in the biggest fucking cliffhanger I could ever possibly leave you in because I just love to torture y'all. But seriously, thank you for sticking around, and I hope you enjoy.

Also, the writing style is a little bit different, but I hope you like it!

WARNINGS: This chapter contains a non-consensual kiss, an abusive relationship, and very heavy panic attacks and angst. If you are not into that please proceed with caution.

"Roger, I didn't think I would see you tonight."

The bar crowded and smelled strongly of beer and cigarettes. Once he hears the voice his head shoots up, and he meets the eyes of one of his classmates. His hair is messy and wavy, his eyes the colour of warm chocolate, and his smile is almost infectious. Roger runs a quick hand over his messy, short, hair trying to make it at least presentable.

"Tim," Roger says, a little bit breathless, "didn't take you for the kind that would come to a gay bar."

The older man threw his head back in laughter, the neon lights of the club making his features soft and beautiful at the same time. Roger melted into his chair, and instantly realised he was too far gone.

The memory comes and goes in the blink of an eye, and he takes a step back, burying himself further into Brian. As if to trying to gain energy from his friend, "Tim. Hi."

He feels Brian bristle, "You know him?"

Before Roger can answer Tim takes another step forward, and the blond instinctively wraps his arm around Brian. Something flashes through Tim's eyes, "We dated a few months ago. But there no bad blood between us, is there Roger?"

It's like someone else is moving his body for him, someone else shaking his head and giving Tim a sweet smile while answering, "No, none at all."

Brian was the only one to notice Roger's tension, or rather his arm did, because he felt blunt fingernails burying into his flesh and his fingers tense as the shorter man spoke.

"Roger, I didn't think I would see you tonight."

"Can't live in fear, can I?" The younger man said as he twirled his drumstick between his fingers. "You made me realise that."

The bassist took one step forward, and Roger held his ground, not willing to back down once he was so close to getting what he wanted. Tim leaned down and brushed his lips against Roger's, and the world seemed to stop. Once he pulled away Roger had to bite his lip to pounce on Tim and kiss him senseless. They had a gig to preform.

"I knew you just needed a little coaxing, baby." The bassist whispered, "I knew I would get you."

Once Tim greeted everyone inside the house he walked over to Phoebe and started chatting with him. Leaving Roger and Brian alone. The guitarist grabs the drink from Roger's hand and places it on the nearest table. Soon the taller man was guiding Roger out of the living room and into the house's backyard. Out on the cold Roger feels like he can finally breathe, and he reaches for his Juul only to find that he must have left it at home when he left with Freddie.

He runs his hands through his long hair, relishing in the way it now reached below his shoulders, and let a soft whimper escape from his lips.

"Roggie," he hears Brian say softly, "Roggie, talk to me. What's wrong?"

Roger's hands are trembling, and when he tried to speak the words get caught in his throat.

"Roger, do you need me to tell Tim to leave?"

"Roger, I didn't think I would see you tonight."

"I know, Tim," Roger said as he pressed a soft kiss to the other man's lips. He couldn't seem to get enough, couldn't seem to stop himself now that he knew he didn't need to stop, "You told me that already."

"I'm so glad you came."

Roger smiled, looking at his boyfriend who in turn was looking at him through heavy-lidded eyes, a lazy smile plastered on his face, and the softness of the afterglow making him look like an angel to Roger. The blond couldn't hold himself back any more, he pressed himself to Tim's lips, and then switched his position so that he was laying on top of the older man.

Tim chuckled, "Eager for round two, are we?"

Roger grinded down on Tim, "You have no idea."

Roger can't speak, he can't will his body to nod, and he curses at the sky for sapping all of his strength on the moment he needs it the most. The only thing he can do is let out a single, very pathetic, whimper that makes Brian step forward and wrap his arms around Roger's shoulders.

"Hey," the taller man tells him as he places his chin, "It's alright, I'm here."

He can't even will himself to wrap his arms around Brian.

"It's alright," he whispers again, "I can take you home if you want to."

"Roger, I thought I wouldn't see you tonight."

The rain was falling down in what seemed like buckets, fat, cold, droplets rolled down Roger's back and he wrapped his arms around himself to try and keep warm. A small part in his brain unhelpfully reminded him that the rain was not what was making him cold.

"I thought I had explicitly told you that you had to stay home."

Roger shrugged, "I know, but I got bored."

"I can't fucking believe you always have to go against everything I say!"

Raged filled Roger's chest, "I have a right to choose what I can and can't do! You can't control me, Staffell!"  

There was a beat of silence, "I'm sorry, baby. I was just trying to protect you."

"It's—" The blond felt his anger deflate like a balloon, "It's alright, I guess. Just don't do that again."

This time, at the mention of home, at the mention of being far away from the monster currently lurking in the living room, his body obliged to his commands. "Please."

He felt Brian nod, then he felt another quick squeeze, "I'll go inside to tell everyone you are not feeling well. Think you can wait for me here?" Roger nodded, and Brian left. Pulling open the door before stopping for a second and turning towards Roger, "Is there anything you want before we leave?"

Did Roger need anything? His answers seemed to be reduced to a single word per answer, but Brian didn't mind, "Cigarette."

The curly haired man pursed his lips in distaste, but then he nodded and walked inside.

"Roger, I can't believe you turned that down."   "It was nothing, Tim." Roger said, as he brewed his boyfriend some tea, "I don't really like to smoke."

"Yeah," Tim said, "But I got that pack specially for you. Do you know how expensive flavoured cigarettes are?"

Guilt flooded Roger's chest, but he pushed it down and smiled at Tim once he handed him the cup of tea, the brunette did not return the smile, "You know I hate the smell, and the taste.

It was true, he made Tim wash his mouth every time he smoked before kissing him. He walked away every time someone took out one of their stupid-looking vape boxes, and vehemently turned down everyone who had ever offered a cigarette or vape to him in his short life time. All in all, Roger Meddows Taylor was not a smoker.

"That's why I bought them for you," Tim insisted, "'cause I love you and I know you hate normal ones. But it's fine, I can give someone else your gift if you don't want them.”

This time Roger couldn't keep down the wave of guilt that washed over him, the same wave of guilt that pushed him to grab one of the apple flavoured cigarettes and lighting it.

Roger turned his head towards the sky. The night was pretty clear, with a bright, large, moon, and one or two stars here and there. A voice on the back of his mind reminded him about Freddie's suggestion of taking Brian stargazing for their first date, and Roger allowed a small smile to cross his lips.

He heard the door open and close softly, and expectantly waited for Brian to come stand by his side. And the person did come to stand next to him, but when Roger turned to look at Brian, he didn't see the curly haired, absolutely adorable, guitarist. But rather Tim, who stood there looking at the stars as if he wasn't causing Roger's Universe to collapse.

"Roger, that's the third time you turn down a drink tonight, are you sure you are alright?"

"Yeah, don't worry," he said nonchalantly, "Tim just advised me to cut back the drinking, and to be honest? I feel pretty good about it."

"Rog, that's the third thing he tells you to cut back on."

Roger nodded, "I know, Bowie, but he has been right about everything until now. So I think I'm gonna follow his advise."

David looked at Roger as he took a long drag from his cigarette, "Will he ever advise you against smoking as much as you are?"

"Nah," another drag and a large cloud of smoke, "He is the one that buys me the ciggies."

"I don't know why you were looking up," Tim said, "you can't see shit through the pollution."

A blanket of cold seemed to settle on Roger, "What are you doing here?"

God, he hates how pathetic he sounds, hates how small and scared his words sounded next to Tim's, which seemed to command Roger to answer him, even if no question was asked.

"Well, this are my friends," Tim says, as if that were the most obvious fact in the world, "now the question is what you are doing here."

"Brian is my boyfriend." He says, and Tim's head snaps towards him, "And Freddie and Deacy are my friends."

"Roger, I didn't think I would see you tonight."

"I wasn't planning on coming," his voice sounded small, even to his own ears, "but I really need your help, Bowie."

The other man rounded the counter and came to sit beside Roger, "What's wrong?"

"When did you notice that Tim had gone too far?"

The other man seemed taken aback by the question, and covered Roger's hands with his own, "Did he do something to you?"

When Roger nodded his shoulder felt like it was on fire, and tears threaten to spill from his eyes.

There is a commotion inside, something that sounds like angry shouts. But the sounds are far, far, away; getting even more blurred and nonsensical as Tim takes a step towards him.

"Brian is your what?"

His voice is barely above a whisper, "Boyfriend."

Tim raises his eyebrow, and lets out a humourless chuckle, "You could have chosen anyone in the world and you chose Brian May?"

"What?" The words are out before Roger can stop them, he is looking at Tim's eyes as they become steely. The words taste like lead, like poison, and he doesn't need to be a genius to know he shouldn't have fucking done that. "Are you jealous?"

"Roger, is everything alright?"

The rain was falling down on the sidewalk outside, and water droplets were falling from his hair and into his eyes. He feels his tears mixing with the rainwater, and feels the cold bringing down his already low energy. "I can't stop."

Dominique takes a step towards Roger, "What?"

"I can't stop smoking."

Thunder rumbles in the distance.

"It's been three months since I broke up with him and I can't stop smoking."

Roger's sister had taken one look at Tim before deciding she didn't like the other man. Clare, beautiful and strong Clare, had taken him into her room that night and told him to dump Tim Staffell before it was too late. Before he fell in love with someone who definitively did not love him back. Roger had laughed at her face, and told her to shove her jealousy up her butt.

She was the first one to know when Roger had dumped Tim. The first one to open up her arms and let him cry until he couldn't utter a single tear. She was the first one to look at him with pity in her eyes once he took out one of his cancer sticks, and smoked it. The first one to ask a question that would haunt him through the next two months of his life, "Oh Meddows, what did he do to my brother?"

To say Brian was fuming was an understatement. He thundered into the house, marching up to the only person he knew could have even thought about inviting Tim Staffell after he had told them not to, and turned Freddie Mercury around. The other man smiled innocently, and chuckled once he saw Brian's face, "Oh dear, what did I do now?"

"Why did you invite Tim?"

Freddie frowned, "You are angry about that?"

"What else would I be angry about, Freddie?" Brian raised his voice, anger fuelling the volume, "You invited the person I had been in love with for years to the first time I bring my boyfriend to a dinner. What else am I supposed to be angry about?"

Confusion clouded his face, "Nothing happened between you and Roger?"

"What?" Brian felt the anger rise, "Why would anything happen between us?"

"I—" Freddie's face went through a thousand different emotions before settling on regret, "I thought bringing Tim here would make you realise what you have with Roger is invaluable."

The worst part was the Freddie's planned had worked for about fifteen seconds. He had looked at Tim and his first thought had been, well, he really doesn't have anything on Roger. That was until he saw Roger crumble right before his eyes, and Tim looking at Roger with hunger. Only then did the spell break, and did Brian realise that Roger was probably in danger.

"You fucking knew," Brian accused Freddie, "you knew about what we were doing and you didn't think about fucking telling me?"

"It would have ruined the surprise."

"What bloody surprise?"

"Roger was going to ask you out on a date tonight."

That was all it took for Brian to snap out of his trance, he felt his breath shorten and his vision become blurry. He look around the room, and found that everyone was around them, watching the exchange intently. Everyone but two people, Tim and Roger. Now, he didn't know what the history behind Tim and Roger was, he only knew that the older man had shaken up Roger enough for him to become a trembling, mute, mess. And Brian had left him alone in a place that Tim could easily reach him.

"Roger," he whispers, as his anger starts to dissipate, and turns into worry, "Roger!"

He runs out, ignoring the shouts for him to come back, ignoring the way that something glass-like falls to the floor and shatters. He ran out without stopping to see if Freddie was alright from the sudden aggression.

And he was damn glad he didn't stop.

The world around Roger melts away, leaving him cold, alone, and terrified. Tim lets out something resembling a growl and fear curls at the pit of his stomach. Then Tim is pressing him against the nearest wall, pinning his hands at his sides, his hips to Roger's, and his lips against his.

The worst part is that Tim still tastes like home.

Roger feels completely numb, completely disconnected from the world, as Tim kissed him like he used to do when they were still together. And the only thought he can muster is a plead for Brian to burst through that door and knock Tim's teeth out.

He can hear his name being called from inside, he can hear Brian's voice as he frantically calls for him, but he can't find it in him to break the kiss. He is pinned to the wall by more than just a single man. And when he wills his body to move all he can do is twitch pathetically and feel as a tear falls down his cheek.

And for the second time that night Roger Meddows Taylor is left absolutely powerless.

So this happened, I can't say I regret this, but I certainly do feel like it just changed the course of the story for all of you who thought you knew what you were getting into. You didn't think I'd be kind enough to let you go without drama, did you?

I am a slut for kudos and comments, also please do tell me what you think about what just happened cause I felt like it was the absolute BEST but I really want to hear what you have to say.

[inikavulpixelreviews]

Let’s Talk About Pokemon - Halloween Special

Boys and girls of every age Wouldn't you like to see something strange?

Come with us and you will see This, our town of Halloween

This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Pumpkins scream in the dead of night

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene! Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright

It's our town, everybody scream! In this town of Halloween

I am the one hiding under your bed Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red

I am the one hiding under your stairs Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair

This is Halloween, this is Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween! 

Halloween! Halloween!

In this town we call home Everyone hail to the pumpkin song

In this town, don't we love it now? Everybody's waiting for the next surprise

'Round that corner, man hiding in the trash can Something's waiting now to pounce, and how you'll

Scream! 

This is Halloween Red 'n' black, and slimy green

Aren't you scared?

Well, that's just fine Say it once, say it twice Take a chance and roll the dice Ride with the moon in the dead of night

Everybody scream, everybody scream!

In our town of Halloween!

I am the clown with the tear-away face Here in a flash and gone without a trace

I am the "who" in the call, "Who's there?" I am the wind blowing in your hair

I am the shadow on the moon at night Filling your dreams to the brim with fright

This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!

Tender lumplings everywhere Life's no fun without a good scare

That's our job, but we're not mean In our town of Halloween

In this town Don't we love it now?

Everybody's waiting for the next surprise

Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back And scream like a banshee Make you jump out of your skin

This is Halloween, everybody scream Won't ya please make way for a very special guy

Our man Jack is King of the Pumpkin patch Everyone hail to the Pumpkin King, now!

This is Halloween, this is Halloween Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!

In this town we call home Everyone hail to the pumpkin song

La la la la la la la la la la (Halloween! Halloween!) La la la la la la la la la la (Halloween! Halloween!)

Ohhhh yes, today is a special day indeed! We're about to dive into not only what I'd call the four most definitively “Halloween” Pokemon in the entire series, but a group of some of my top faves in the entire franchise's history. I've never stopped appreciating Halloween, even long past growing too old to be trick-or-treating. I'm already big into Autumn as my favorite season but Halloween only escalates that aesthetic appeal.

Nothing gets me quite like that child-like spooky look. The Jack-o-lanterns, black cats, ghosts, gargoyles, and slimy critters. (And the PUMPKIN REESE'S CUPS) Obviously I'm quite into more adult-oriented  horror like Silent Hill, Creepypastas, and DOOM. But nothing beats some wholesome all-ages Halloween creepy monster creation for me. And Pokemon's of course had no shortage of that. Especially in these later Generations.

In fact, between these four I'm about to cover, Klefki, Sliggoo, Malamar, Spritzee, Honedge, Espurr, and Braixen/Delphox, Gen 6 feels like arguably the most Halloweeny Generation out there so far. Probably part-way why I'd call this my third closest to favorite Generation.

But in any case, let's get to covering these four. Yes, just as a little Halloween treat for y'all I'll cover two lines today!

708: Phantump

And right off the haunted mansion gates, we're getting treated to some James Turnery goodness! I've not brought him up in a while so I don't sound like a broken record, but for whatever it's worth, he's the designer that's made gold like Golurk and Mandibuzz as well. Sadly this and Trevenant are his only additions this time around, but I'll definitely not complain!

Phantump is just an absolutely precious little ghost kid! And that's not even an exaggeration, this thing is literally the ghost of children that got lost and died in the woods. Which of course is arguably one of the most dire-sounding Pokedex entry tidbits ever. Just something to keep in mind when you go around catching these or beating them up for experience.

Phantump is simply too cute for words though. It's trying to spook you but in a way only a child would know how, going up to you and making a little stereotypical “oooooooo!!!” ghost face and scream. It's the perfect blend of spooky and ADORABLE. I even like how the bark marks on the side of its eyes look like sleep-deprived/stressed out little eye bags. Such a tiny detail as an itty bitty little line just adds so much more personality to this thing.

Another reason I'm so excited about these four. Like Bug/Water, Grass/Ghost up until now has been something I was yearning for hardcore since like, Gen 3. There's so much potential in the type between haunted trees, jack-o-lanterns, and just generally spooky-looking woodland monsters that it pained me to see both Gen 4 and 5 go by with nothing. Ohoho, but then I got to Route 16 in my first playthrough of X to lay eyes on a wild Phantump for the first time ever and to find it's A HAUNTED STUMP! FINALLY, MY PRAYERS ANSWERED!!

Personal Score: 10/10

This literally has eaten up one page on a word document so far and we're still only on the FIRST POKEMON HERE...

709: Trevenant

Things only get spookier as we move on down to Trevenant, and god yes. I've wanted a haunted tree Pokemon for so long. It's just such a staple to Halloween, and Ents are a high-fantasy monster that have been missing from Pokemon anyways. And I'm so glad they meshed the two ideas into one here. It's even better by not just being a bipedal tree so much as a literal tree that uprooted itself and uses its hunking roots as legs. Hell yes.

Trevenant in general is just one of the coolest spooky Pokemon in the whole series. And even one of the conceptually more frightening in the entire game as well. This child spirit has grown so angry to those that want to harm the forest, that this thing can root itself to bend a whole forest to its will, forcing anyone polluting or chopping down trees in its forest to get lost and never be able to leave. But to other wild Pokemon and those that respect the forests, it is kind to.

In fact, this Pokemon has one of the spookier moves in the whole game. Its signature move, Forest’s Curse, changes the opponent’s type to Grass. Seems simple and innocent enough on the surface. But there’s a ridiculous amount of implications with this move. Forest’s Curse. Ever so somewhat implying that Trevenant may turn its human victims into trees themselves, permanent fixtures in Trevenant’s forest. That and there’s a ridiculous amount of existential dread in the thought of being polymorphed into an inanimate object. Becoming just another tree in the forst, which no other person would be able to distinguish you from any other tree.

Trevenant is just a nearly-perfect tree ghost. The decrepit barely-alive tree look, the cool, somewhat pale color scheme. The rad branch-antlers. The aforementioned root legs. The piercing red cycloptic eye. How the breaks in the bark for an unhinged-jaw kind of mouth look. This is a Pokemon clearly designed by Halloween lovers and for Halloween lovers.

Personal Score: 10/10

This Pokemon was MADE FOR ME.

710: Pumpkaboo

Oh, but the Halloween goodness doesn't stop there. Imagine my delight when I continued exploring around the routes I found Phantump on only to encounter THIS THING. THIS CUTIE. THIS BLACK-CAT-JACK-O-LANTERN MONSTER. I've wanted a pumpkin critter in Pokemon for about as long as I can remember. Ever since I’ve become so obsessed with Halloween. Things like Cacnea, Spiritomb, and maybe even Lampent/Chandelure have given us fairly close approximations but nothing to exactly hit the specifically, undoubtedly, undeniably Halloween mark that is a clear as horrid night Jack-o-lantern. And the wait has more than paid off.

The one sole flaw I can think of with Pumpkaboo is that it'll probably the peak of Halloween creatures we'll get in Pokemon PROBABLY for good. Like, I don't know if we'll ever get more Halloweeny than a thing that is half black cat, half bat (and pretty much half vampire), half pumpkin. It's impossible. You can't out-Halloween that in a single cohesive creature. You just merged three to four of Halloween's biggest icons into ONE creature so seamlessly. It even comes with a signature move Trick-or-Treat!! Which does what else but turn its opponents into fellow GHOST TYPES. GHHHH.

Pumpkaboo is just a brilliantly unexpected twist on the usual jack-o-lantern monster. There's a countless number of em that have the pumpkin as the head with the usual face carved out of the front. And as much as those never get old for me, Pumpkaboo is just such a fun and unique take on it! The pumpkin is more like a body; still with little eyespots carved into it, but the head is poofing out of the top of the pumpkin, looking like a merging between a black cat and a vampire bat. Like I've been saying, you've fused so much Halloween into one adorably poutty and yet clean and coherent critter than I can't handle it. I'm gonna be reduced to a dribbling MESS over here.

And as a fun bonus, it even comes in different sizes! And with slight stat changes to go with those sizes. You can use the smaller and less durable but faster tiny Pumpkaboos or the huge, bulky, but slow ones.

This is just ENTIRELY Halloween goodness. And I'm being spoiled by Gamefreak over here. Wanted a Grass/Ghost for years and years? Here, have TWO LINES OF TWO EACH. Jack-o-lantern a hard want on your Pokemon wishlist? Here's a little bcatkin to absolutely ERADICATE my expectations. This is so perfect for me I would almost half suspect Junichi Masuda himself to come to my doorstep and tell me to never ask them for anything ever again.

Personal Score: 10/10

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HAMBOLEEN!!!

HANDBAMBOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!

711: Gourgeist

We’re finally at our final addition on this spooky parade. Sadly Gourgeist doesn't make a bumbling buffoon out of me quite like Pumpkaboo does, but I still love the thing a lot. It's still a different and cool flavor of squash monster, just fairly different from Pumpkaboo's. It's a little LESS genius of a mish-mash too but oh well.

This like we're looking at something of a creature I liked to look at as more of a giant melty candlestick hanging out of a gourd. May or may not be the intention, but y'know.

Gourgeist is still a very lovable Halloween monster in its own merits! It's more or less got the same face, and I love me tiny little fangs. (Even if they only show with its mouth open) The hair-hands are also really neat, and generally are a monster feature that doesn't get used enough. And the fringe covering one eye too. It's like a Hot Topic brand of Halloween!

And it does get a much more traditional pumpkin carving face too. It's just different ENOUGH to not be a bit odd how Pumpkaboo looks one way with Gourgeist totally another. You could somewhat even see it as a face-marking adaptation, like how many moths adapt a pattern on their wings that look like a giant face to scare off predators. It would've been nice to see the cat-bat parts played up in a Pumpkaboo evolution, but Gourgeist has enough goodness going on its own where I'm not upset of course.

I just generally love its shape too. A real odd body shape between the arms being on its head and the pear-shaped silhouette to it. It's easily one of the Pokemon I have the most fun drawing when I find the mood to. It's just so. Drawable. And pretty. Oh hey, that's another thing! We don't have that many pretty-creeps in the Pokedex yet. So there's another niche Gourgeist can fill!

Personal Score: 10/10

Everyone! Everyone wins!

Oh and one more thing! I don't talk about shinies a lot in these reviews obviously but I wanna highlight these just because on top of being some of my top favorite Pokemon in the whole series, they even have some of my top favorite shinies in the whole series!! Phantump and Trevenant not only rock the absolutely beautiful white with red accents color scheme, but that's actually based on a real tree! White aspens are indeed white-bark trees that have leaves that grow red in the fall. So PRETTY.

And while Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist's aren't seemingly based on anything in particular other than some alternative jack-o-lantern decoration colors, you just can't go wrong with black, purple, and yellow. So good.

So that's only BONUS POINTS for some already glorious Pokemon.

Happy Halloween everybody! Stay spooky!

[Archive]

[survivorreelsmagicwithin]

Episode 1A - “The Hufflepuffs are too nice even for me”-Ruthie

This is not the tribe I would have picked. I do not know anyone here which means I am at a disadvantage from the start. However, I am really connecting with Jules right now so maybe I can vibe with them enough to get an immediate ally. But I still need someone else. I am still figuring out my tribe so it will take me a hot minute to adjust. I hope I am not the first boot. I am going to pull my weight in this challenge and pull my first W ever!

I'm fucked, Jess knows how i play bc she literally just hosted me for Old west like a month ago. Whoops. Also joanna is in a competely different house than be so I'm crying. So far I do like my other housemates but we'll see how much of a slytherin they truly are as the days go by.

why. does. this. cast. have. to. be. full. of. icons. i'm really not that good at survivor?? hopefully i do okay??? just tryna be social and shit. (also Ravenclaw is the best)

I’m heading to bed and the boys are about to have a call... I hope an all boys alliance isn’t about to form I’m not here for that! So far I’ve just talked to Kevin and Lily one on one and so far I really like both of them! I’m going to get to know the others tomorrow. This cast is so iconic. I talked to Owen before I read that we weren’t supposed to and he and I are going to go to final two together if neither of us get voted out!

i am SO NERVOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DONT HAVE ANY INITIAL GOOD VIBES ABOUT ANYONE ON MY TRIBE!!!!!! NOT A PERSON!!!!!!!! AND I DONT WANT TO BE THAT ANNOYING BITCH ASKING THEM QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR LIVES!!!! AND SHIT!!!!!!!!! ugh i dont want to be first boot EITHER LIKE!!!!!!! ugh. uGH.

Me and Jules are literally kindred souls. I love her so much already and she is my ride or die for the rest of the season. Fuck these other bitches!

Why do I feel like I am the only one putting in effort for this challenge. At least this means I will be safe for a hot minute, right?

Okay so... Max and Landen still haven't accepted my friend request I noticed when I just tried to message them.  I'm still talking to Kevin and Lily A LOT!  Kevin is so easy to talk to and Lily is too and she and I have SO much in common!  I really like the idea of aligning with the two of them but I'm too nervous to suggest it just yet. 

 Also, my wand was special and I got a special idol hunt out of it!  I didn't find anything but still!  I'm glad that I at least got one word??  Not sure if our team will win a reward or not but it would be nice!

Honestly, my tribe seems to be particularly inactive and nonchalant. I am the most active person here, in my opinion. It is kind of frustrating, however, to be the only one trying in this challenge except for the very few and far between exceptions. Joshua even forgot about the challenge entirely! I hope to God that these people, if we have to go to tribal because we lose the immunity challenge, do not vote me out. Honestly, it would make no sense since I am already proving that I will be a challenge asset and very active. I would make the best ally out of everyone on my tribe! I would be allies with myself!

I LOVE YOU OWEN BUT PLEASE GO SUCK A DICK. You need to stop. Wth, go back to school so we can get some points. You too Kevin DX But we're in the lead so far *knock on wood* and hopefully stay that way. Love Jess and I hope I can take her to like f4 but I think I want to take Joanna and Owen to f3 if I even make it that far

This cast.... WHOA!!!! feel like yall had to put some of these ppl under imperius curse to get them back because I havent seen these faces in a WHILE!!!! Ruthie is a queen, first thing we messaged to each other was f2 <333 love her but dont trust that she wont turn on me at some point lol. Raffy my little island of shade bro, and Autumn <3 crossroads queen.... nice to see some of my children back here. I'm glad Jess is in the game because I like her a lot but I did just disappoint her in eve's challenge game so...we will see. but i love jess regardless :) ummmm... so happy I was sorted onto the brain tribe, then immediately proceeded to fuck up several times in the spelling challenge LOL

My tribe is nice though. I'm glad I'm with Dan - we have a weird history in games, but we've both been here for 7/8 years at this point and our ancient bones will prob work together. I already think him and Jules are going to be my alliance on this tribe <3 jules is AMAZING but I can tell they (? is this correct pronouns i dont remember and it wasnt in the posts) are a social legend and are going to be on EVERYONE's good side. love them though already, we have a lot in common and it was easier to talk to them + also get into a bit of game chat.

Joanna and Miguel....not so much. I like them both fine, but they don't know how to converse. I asked them all a shit ton of questions and they didn't ask a SINGLE thing back???? Like...okay work! I can't do it all for you, give me somethin!!!! I do like them both, it's just....they don't give a shit about me! LOL

Miguel is also an awkward one because I played with him LEGIT five years ago or more, in a game where we were on opposite sides. I'd rather work with him based on that connection than not but...apparently he already told Jules that we were against each other before??? and he's barely spoken to me so whatever. I like him, he's cute and he's funny, but.... if he's telling people more about me than he's willing to even get out of me myself, it's a no from me :)

WOOHOOOO WE WON REWARD!! I DIDN'T REALLY HELP (i tried but with no success) BUT I'M STILL REALLY HAPPY ABOUT IT! THANK GOD FOR OWEN

Well it’s day 2, we just lost reward but Immunity is still up for grabs!! Hopefully it’s something we can excell it but 👀 a bitch don’t have many skills so we gon have to see on that one! Other than that we got to know our tribe mates, I have a really good tribe! First off there is Ruthie who I played an old season of TS with and I worked with her BUT also voted her out :c so maybe we can work together and look past that? She was a really good ally of mine but it didn’t work out. I’ve loved talking to her again tho <3 then there is Lily! A new person to me but I absolutely adore her I love her energy she’s so talkative our conversations have been really good! If I had it my way I would work with her in this game, but I don’t want to force anything so I’m not gonna bring that up to her this early. Then there is landen another familiar face to me, I played also a TS season with him, and we had a rocky relationship in that game, not really do in part to either of us just how the cards fell. I did NOT vote him out but we didn’t end our game relationship on the best terms. He seems the least eager to want to talk to me which is not a good sign bc I remember him being so outgoing in 2020 and that energy not being matched here worries me. He also addressed me as “mr. 2020 winner” in our first talk so <3 maybe he might target me <3 thays so fun <3 lastly there is MAX! Max is fun, kinda loud but in a good way, he wasn’t all that helpful in the challenge for reward (him nor landen were all that active) and we had a good first conversation and then it’s seemingly gone downhill? I still have to see if our momentum picks back up before I decide what my plans with him are, i wouldn’t mind working with him if possible but he is also fairly close to landen (apparent after an over 2 hour long call last night.. IN THE TRIBE CHAT) so if landen has a distaste for me he’ll definitely spread that to max if he has the choice, so I gotta tread carefully but only time will tell how I end up fairing on this tribe :o WISH ME LUCK 

It is second day of school and I already hate everyone. It seems that I actually went back to Junior high where everyone's playing PENIS on the great hall. I forgot how it felt to play with teenagers and I'm not here for it. I think I'll be a true ravenclaw and isolate myself reading a book or learning new spells cause I don't have many interests in common with these people. On a side note I'm really happy to be a Ravenclaw, and I actually like our team, I think we are strong and I hope I'm not in danger if we do lose, I'll try to work on my foreigner charm and start faking even more my mexican accent if that's what I need to do in order to stay, Jules is amazing, loved her and I hope we can work well together. Also I love the whole castle idol hunt idea , so... charming.

First things first... this cast is... BONKERS. I didn't expect it to be as stacked as it is..

I'm scared.

I hate it here.

There are sooo many weird relationships here which is kind of a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing about it is... I THINK that means some people got beef and I can maybe piggy back off of some of these relationships... IDK I'm not trying to think too deep into anything right now.

BUT... y'all put me on a tribe with someone who just single handily put me out of a game TWO FUCKING DAYS AGO and I'd like to complain to your MANAGERS @hosts.

In all seriousness I'm going to try and have fun in this game and not take it entirely tooo seriously.

ALSO.. my fucking wand gave me the option for a "quest" yesterday but it'd have to remove me from the tribe chat... so obviously... I gave the quest to someone else. Aka: Jacob.. who I knew would be a selfish bitch and take the quest. I also knew the likelihood of him telling me about what actually happened were high and I'd virtually get no weird looks my way because I WASN'T the one who was removed from the tribe chat. This basically ensured that I got to know what the quest was, its potential contents, and paint a target on someone else rather than myself in case there was virtually nothing to base the first couple of votes on... right?

I think I'm onto something with the idol guesses. There's weird storylines in them and I THINK if I can somehow get to the green house and find the other ingredients that were in Snape's writing I'll be onto something.

Also me and Jacob snapped in that Reward challenge and these HEATHENS should thank us for single-handily giving them a reward. Nick randomly slept all god damn day.. which really annoyed me. We have a reward and you are gonna SLEEP ALL DAY? SIR? I get real life happens but at least hide the fact you sleeping sis.

My tribe is literally probably the LAST TRIBE I wanted to end up on because well.. 1. Nick is shady and social. He might take the fact that I was loyal to people in the other game into account. I've tried the whole "I start off each game fresh and no hard feelings" spell but will he accept it? Tune in folks. I also technically can't explain my actions in the game to him because he is currently still in it so... PARTY!

2. Jacob is amazing and I love him. We've actually played several games together and weirdly always end up super loyal to people. He's a crackhead though so I'm gonna have to be a BIT cautious with him. I sipped dumb bitch juice and told him about Snape's writing because I want to show him some sort of token of loyalty.

3. Vi is a crackhead. I know this because I've hosted her. Kind of wanna fuck around and give her first boot from the tribe because I DO NOT TRUST HER. When she gets bored, she fucks things up, she lies for fun, and well... no.

4. Jessie seems really sweet so far. We haven't really spoken much which kind of sucks but we will get there!? I think?

I think some may have found something, because I just idol searched and I the exact same path I did yesterday, and yesterday there were three different choices and today there were only two. The only reason I could think of why one of the ending options were removed is that something was there and something was found...

12 minutes later

turns out it was a mistake, never mind

Okay it is challenge time and Max is around I think and Lily is finishing a class but KEVIN AND LANDEN ARE LATE, they are delinquents I expect more from Hufflepuffs than this tardiness.

I'm definitely kidding but... may not be able to be around for the entire challenge if they don't hurry the heck up.  Part of me wants to start but I don't want this to be on me if we don't do well.  OH Kevin just messaged me so at least another tribe member is on... WHY is he not messaging the tribe chat?? OH Lily is on now so I should stop writing and get to business...  WISH us cute little badgers luck!

I'm definitely kidding but... may not be able to be around for the entire challenge if they don't hurry the heck up.  Part of me wants to start but I don't want this to be on me if we don't do well.  OH Kevin just messaged me so at least another tribe member is on... WHY is he not messaging the tribe chat?? OH Lily is on now so I should stop writing and get to business...  WISH us cute little badgers luck!

20 minutes later

been doing this challenge for over an hour, i feel defeated

If this wasn't a team work thing I would be done by now these people are slowing me down. x_x.  DLSJFSLDFJ I shouldn't complain. They all have good ideas but it takes FOREVER to agree on something.  Also I do feel like an asset to the hufflepuff tribe because when I was eating lunch with my family Lily messaged me and told me I was the glue holding the tribe together and she wished I was back and that made me feel VERY good about my place on the tribe!

But seriously I'm just ready for the challenge to be over so low key I hope that Max stops responding for awhile again so I can just say random shit until we finish the dang thing LSDJFLSJDF.

The Hufflepuffs are too nice even for me.

That challenge went terribly. In all honesty, I would not blame my tribe for wanting to take me out because I took up the leadership role. But it was not like anyone else was taking the reigns so I needed to do something. I just hope they can see the merits of keeping me in this game. I really don't want to be first boot. I think we're going to have to go to tribal because we we took so long. God this is going to be so frustrating.

This challenge is NEVER going to end I'm trying to be patient but Max always interjects with something and it SLOWS EVERYTHING DOWN FOR TEN MINUTES.  OR MORE. I just have this window open to complain, lol, I won't send this for awhile. LOL Max is killing me. All the boys are exhausting I don't think they have been paying any attention to the notes I have been making, if we go to tribal council Lily and I SHOULD be safe.

OKAY it was fun that everyone just joined in in the end but I'm so glad that it is over and I hope that we won this thing and are safe!

me: im gonna be sneaky and not tell my alliance ALL the info i have also me: tells them info i couldnt possibly know without telling them ALL the info i have anyways.

https://youtu.be/qhfHo_Ns1xQ

Living my dream as a huff puff, no big deal. So far I’m really enjoying being on my tribe. We all communicate well and have positive attitudes about things. We also had so much fun at the immunity challenge but I can tell we are all stressed about the results. I’m really impressed by everyone this season being involved and I could tell people were on their A game during the reward challenge. I would really hate to see us as the bottom tribe having to go to tribal. I honestly don’t want to see any of these people go but I certainly don’t want to be first boot. I’m really proud of our tribe and I would hate to have a loss right now put a crack in the friendships we have been building.

[nellie-elizabeth]

Supernatural: Last Call (15x07)

My heart is so full, y'all. Damn.

Cons:

Will you just let Eileen and Sam kiss, though? The slow-burn is charming to a point, but we're running out of episodes, here. Let's get this show on the road. They are so freakin' cute.

I love Christian Kane so much and I loved his performance. I do think it's a little silly to shoe-horn this awesome friend into Dean's past like this. I get it - this was someone he used to hunt with on occasion when he was younger. That part I'm fine with. But they talked like John was a father-figure in this guy's life, that he took them both out on hunts together, played them music, etc. That's not the kind of friend I thought Dean had in his life. It feels like too much of a retcon, in some ways, to introduce that idea now.

Also... this is a small thing, but it was hilarious to me how easy it was for Dean to break out of his bonds when Lee had him trapped. Come on, guys. The Winchesters are always getting in to trouble, and it's always dumb luck or mistakes from the bad guys that let them escape with their lives. Isn't Lee supposed to be a former hunter?

Sam got to lay around and be unconscious for a good chunk of this episode. I just want to point out that Cas has plot-convenient incompetence syndrome, and it annoys me sometimes. What I mean is that he comes in and messes things up when things need to get messed up. He's always well-meaning, but... Sam could have died. And Jack killed Mary because Cas made a mistake. Etc. etc. I'm not saying Dean was right during the now famous breakup scene. I'm just saying, Cas' level of competence and bad-assery shifts wildly depending on what the plot needs him to be doing. Sometimes it gets on my nerves.

I want to say it's bad-ass that Dean says "God bless Texas" as he pulls a gun out from under the bar. But honestly... can we not with that? Please?

Pros:

This episode makes me so very incredibly happy, though. Let's start with the Cas, Sam, and Eileen plot.

First of all, even though I wanted Sam and Eileen to kiss, even without that I'm still squealing with how cute and precious their relationship is. They nurse margarita hangovers together, Sam is picking up more sign language, they're doing research together, Eileen totally wants to hit that, and Sam is cute and nervous about it. I'm... so happy? What I think I loved most about their dynamic together is that it shows what a future between them could look like. Making a home together in the bunker, cheering each other up, giving each other breaks, defending each other and doing whatever they can to protect each other.

I'm in love with Sam learning more and more sign language, and the careful way he always makes sure that Eileen can see his lips when he's talking. Sure, I wish there was even more sign, but I can still tell they're putting in the effort, and I really appreciate it. I cannot tell you enough how cute it was to see the two of them making breakfast, Sam signing "margaritas," and Dean just staring at them with raised eyebrows like... oh so that's how it is.

The fact that Eileen was there for an Important Plot thing like Cas trying to discover the link between Sam and Chuck, and the fact that she was present for the last scene where Sam was explaining everything to Dean and Cas... that gives me high hopes. Even if she's not in too many more episodes, I think her presence will be felt. I am so here for it.

Despite Cas being something of an idiot and almost getting Sam killed, I freakin' love Cas being an angry, anxious bad-ass in the bulk of this episode. He shows up ready to re-join the fray, nearly gets Sam killed, then threatens a super dangerous dude and with Eileen's help, gets Sam back on his feet. Even though things almost broke really bad, we still got valuable information out of this, and we got to see Cas going to any length to protect Sam. Heck yes.

Before I turn to Dean's side of the episode, I want to touch on the few moments that he interacted with the Sam, Cas, and Eileen side of the plot. First of all, I love that he needed to get out of the bunker, to be away from the domestic bliss of Sam and Eileen. He's been in his head, feeling trapped and alone, and he's obviously still hurt over the way things went down between him and Cas. I like that he's restless, because it means that his ennui of the past few weeks has started to fade. I also like that he feels some measure of discomfort around Sam and Eileen, even if he's happy for his brother. Of course there's the Cas aspect of it, as Dean is behaving like someone going through a breakup. But I think even removing Cas from the scenario, it's weird for Dean to watch Sam being so... happy. He's not used to that and it certainly shifts the dynamic a bit. I hope that gets explored at least a little bit.

And then at the end, Dean rushes back into the bunker, having finally received Cas' message that Sam is in trouble. At first, he's all frantic worry, but the minute Cas tells him that Sam is okay, things immediately become awkward and strained between them. I love how Cas just tells Dean that Sam is fine, and then says "yeah," and storms away. And Dean is equal parts annoyed and hurt. The strain between them is real, and I'm excited to watch them play off of each other in this way until we finally get to some peace between them.

So we've got Dean Winchester going off on a solo hunt and then spending a night drinking and flirting with a woman and a man at a bar. And singing. And fighting. This was peak bi-Dean Winchester. I know it might not mean anything, but Dean singing that song while the colors of the bi pride flag light up the stage behind him... aw man. I was feeling some feelings.

Christian Kane does a great job with the character of Lee. He's just a bit too charming, so you know something's up... but you also get the sense that this is a guy who lost his way, that his greed and villainy now are not so different from the kinds of lines that Sam and Dean have crossed over the years. Sure, Lee is doing what he's doing for personal benefit like wealth and long life. Sam and Dean would never do that. But would Dean feed innocent people to a monster in order to save Sam's life? I mean... all signs point to yes. We've seen Sam drink demon blood, we've seen Dean torture people... these boys cross lines all the time.

And the fact that Lee is this jaded figure, someone who hunted when he was younger but doesn't see the point now, fits in so wonderfully with where Dean is at mentally right now. He literally has to fight with Lee, while re-emphasizing that even if the world is totally screwed, the response to that should be to try and fix it, not to run and hide and give up. "You fix it," he says, as he fights against the manifestation of his own internal apathy. "You don't walk away, you fight for it." Yes, Dean! Yes!

I mean, Dean and Lee spent this episode definitely 100% flirting with each other, and Lee looked at Dean like he actually loved him when Dean finally stabbed him. It was so... tender, that final moment where Dean stabbed his former friend and watched the light leave his eyes. My "Dean Winchester is Bi" alert was going haywire, but it was also more than that. We've seen Dean kill Benny, and now Lee - two people who he was close to, who were actual friends of his. The kinds of people who he would naturally gravitate to, unlike Sam and Cas, who he loves but who aren't always exactly on the same page as him socially. The fact that he has to make this sacrifice, to "kill a monster," is just so tragic, even as it puts Dean back on the right path when it comes to the larger fight against Chuck.

As a small side-note, line of the night goes to Lee: "You can't just sit around lip-syncing 'Eye of the Tiger' when no one's watching." I cackled. And the song was amazing. I'm so glad Jensen got to show off his singing chops here.

Another small note... great fight choreography and great bad-assery from Dean in this episode, what with the cool fight with Lee, and also the half-comedic, half-awesome image of Dean rolling the head of the monster out of the door. We didn't even get to see that fight - Dean is just that cool.

Timing-wise, I love that Dean fought this very symbolic fight right before Sam gets another piece of the puzzle that will lead to the defeat of Chuck. Dean's experience with Lee has put him in the right mindset to be ready to take on this fight, and now Sam has realized that Chuck is weak, and they might have a chance to end this once and for all.

Next week is the mid-season finale, I do believe. We get to see Adam, which is really exciting! My heart is breaking a little bit with how quickly this season is flying by. But I'm happy to report that all things considered, this final season of Supernatural isn't too shabby!

9/10