#couldn’t have asked for a better elphaba

[wolfridds]

the elphaba that stole my heart and soul 💚💚💚

i could literally go on an entire tangent about why she’s my favourite but for now look at her 🥹🤲

(yes i saw wicked…again hence the post 🤭)

Sheridan Adams (Elphaba Thropp) Defying Gravity - Wicked in Melbourne, Australia 2024

[wicked-secretsanta]

Merry Christmas @festivating!

Special message: happy holidays, my friend! I hope you enjoy this fic, I had so much fun writing it!

Read it on Ao3

Galinda gazed out the window at the snowflakes whirling through the air. This was not the first snowfall of the season- that had been the evening of Morrible’s first poetry soiree- and it surely wouldn’t be the last. But still, she found herself captivated by the phenomenon every time. She had better things to do. It was exam week and, as boring as the idea seemed, she knew that she should follow her roommate’s lead and study.

She sighed to herself as she tried to focus on her studying: a task which proved to be much easier said than done. How was she to maintain her concentration with such beautiful snowfall? And the prospect of winter recess only being a few days away was far too exciting. A few weeks away from the stress of classes would be much needed after—

A knocking at the door shook her from her thoughts. Elphaba, who had been silently studying on her bed, went to answer it. At the door was Morrible’s unnerving little Tiktok contraption, with a note in its claw-like hands. Elphaba took it and swiftly shut the door in the steely face of the miserable little creature.

“Miss Elphaba?” Galinda watched Elphaba’s dark eyes scan over the note, “What is it?”

“There’s a snowstorm coming– they say it’s going to make traveling out of the valley near impossible and that any student wishing to travel home for winter recess must leave by sunrise tomorrow or wait until after the blizzard passes.”

Galinda could only stare at her roommate in astonishment. She couldn’t leave that soon, she still had to take her sorcery exam, and there was no way Morrible would let her leave campus before taking her test.

Elphaba set the note on the nightstand and took up her previous position– folded up on her bed poring over some presumably dull reading. “It’s a good thing I wasn’t planning on going home anyways. And an even better thing that Nanny and Nessa left early– surely they’ve made it past the mountains and are safely on their way home by now.”

Galinda still didn’t have any words. This was supposed to be her time to go home and celebrate Lurlinemas, to finally see her parents again, to finally get some time away from Elphaba. Though she had begun to grow rather fond of the green girl, she didn’t know if she could bear the idea of spending the entire winter recess stuck with her.

“Will you be heading home, Miss Galinda?” Elphaba asked, and Galinda was surprised that she had taken an interest in her personal matters, even looking up from her book to pose the question.

“I don’t think I can,” Galinda replied, “I still have exams to take– we have our sorcery exam tomorrow afternoon, far beyond the cutoff for which we can safely leave.”

“Right,” Elphaba set down her book, standing up again from her favorite spot on the bed, green limbs unfurling like the fronds of a fern, “Seems we’ll be stuck here, then. I’m going to venture out and ask the boys what their plans are. Perhaps we can gather for some festivities, if we all are to be stuck on campus.”

“Very well.” Galinda said, and pretended to focus intently on her textbook as Elphaba bundled up in a thick trenchcoat and clunky boots. As she headed out the door, Galinda found herself amazed with the fact that Elphaba was so quick to make the best out of the situation. Where was Elphaba’s usual brand of dry humor and cynicism? 

Galinda closed her textbook. If even Miss Elphie, in all her terribleness, was going to make the most of being stuck here, then it was only natural that she should do the same.

She hunched down on the floor in a most unladylike manner, rummaging under the bed until she found a box of Lurlinemas decorations she had intended to put up several weeks ago. Now that she was sure to be here for the entirety of winter recess, decorations were much needed.

–

The sun had nearly set and Elphaba had not yet returned. Galinda was worried– and was surprised by that fact. Since when did she care so much for her roommate? 

She gave this a moment of thought, then decided that it was probably around the same time she’d first been caught by the surprise of her strange, unfamiliar beauty on that rainy autumn night. Embarrassingly, her heart fluttered at the memory of that terrible hat and Elphaba’s vehement insistence that she was in fact, not beautiful.

With a frustrated sigh, she dismissed the thought, resuming her task of adorning the room in Lurlinemas decorations. Tinsel and wreaths and garlands covered every suitable surface. She’d propped up an artificial tree in the corner of the room. It was much taller than her, and she struggled with properly adorning its higher branches with decorations. 

Elphaba finally stomped in, those miserably clunky black boots making quite a ruckus. “What in Oz’s name have you done…” she sighed as she shrugged off her jacket, taking in the sight of the room covered in even more decorations than usual.

“Do you like it?” Galinda asked, though she didn’t much care what the answer was. She’d keep the decor up either way.

Elphaba toyed with some of the garland that hung over the fireplace, “It’s a bit… much. Unionist holidays don’t involve nearly this much decorating.”

“What do they involve then?”

“Mostly repenting.”

“How dull…” Galinda was still pondering how to decorate the top part of the tree that was out of her reach. She noticed her roommate, who was significantly taller, and she was struck with an idea, “Come, Elphie, I need your help reaching the top of the tree.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes dismissively, “Not a chance. You may decorate to your heart’s content, so long as you don’t involve me in it.”

“Fine, if you’re going to be so unhelpful, then I’ll just have to decorate what I can reach.” Galinda said, and proceeded to drape a length of garland over Elphaba’s shoulders.

“What are you–?” Elphaba flinched as Galinda wrapped her in another strand of silvery tinsel.

“You’re green enough to count as a tree,” Galinda carefully hung an ornament from the frame of her glasses, taking great care not to poke her with the ornament’s hook. She then stood on her toes to balance a golden paper star on Elphie’s head, “And– somehow– I can actually reach all of you. Since you won’t help me decorate the tree, I’ll just have to decorate you.”

Elphaba laughed. She actually laughed! Such a rare sound, almost melodious. Galinda found herself laughing too, for Elphaba looked silly, all covered in tinsel. Despite the absurdity of it all, Galinda found herself awestruck. In the light of the fireplace, Elphie’s green skin seemed almost to glow, and the tinsel draped around her shimmered, and the rare surprise of her smile was– and Galinda found herself frightened by this prospect– indeed, beautiful. 

“You’re ridiculous, Miss Galinda,” Elphaba said, carefully removing the various accoutrements she had been bestowed, then walking over towards the tree and placing the decorations on the top portion of the tree where Galinda could not reach. Carefully, she affixed the gold star to the very top of the tree, then stepped back to admire her work. Galinda gasped as Elphaba’s fingers interlaced with hers. “Simply ridiculous.”

Within a day and a half, the worst of the blizzard had passed, and Shiz was left under a blanket of fluffy snow. Many students had left before the storm hit, but those that had remained had finally ventured out from the warmth of the dormitories, including Crope and naturally, Tibbett alongside him.

The pair sat on a bench in one of the courtyards, huddled together for warmth. The groundskeepers had attempted to clear the sidewalks of snow, but the valiant effort was only somewhat successful. Crope and Tibbett took great joy in watching people shuffle carefully through the streets like Penguins, only to lose their footing and land on their rear ends anyway.

“Ah, my dear,” Tibbett spoke up, gesturing towards a heavier-set Munchkin man wearing a ridiculous stocking cap, “Look at that one. He’s in a hurry, I bet he doesn’t make it as far as the fountain before falling on his arse.”

“But even in his hurry, look at how he carries himself, maintaining his forward momentum,” Crope responded, “I’m not saying he won’t fall, but if he does, it will likely be face first, and surely it will be sooner than the fountain.”

Their questions remained unanswered, for the stocky man quickly stepped into one of the libraries, no doubt to escape the cold. Crope’s eyes scanned the courtyard again, looking for the next victim of their schadenfreudian tendencies.

Two people rounded the corner of one of the far buildings, coming from the direction of Crage Hall. Even from a distance, the pair was recognizable. The pink and green gave it away, of course, but even if not for that, there would be no mistaking the pair based on their proximity and mannerisms alone. They walked closely, never quite touching. Galinda walked about a half step ahead of her green counterpart. Elphaba was hardly looking at the path ahead, instead maintaining focus on Galinda.

“Are the Misses Elphaba and Galinda considering themselves to be an item yet?” Tibbett asked.

“One would think so,” Crope responded, “Just look at them…”

The pair watched the two women stroll along, somehow maintaining their balance on the icy path much better than anyone else they’d seen that morning, despite being completely focused on each other. Galinda laughed about something, and Crope wondered what they could possibly be talking about.

“Don’t they remind you of anyone?” Tibbett posed, placing a gloved hand on Crope’s leg, “Perhaps two strapping young men who fell head over heels for each other last year?”

“Oh, I’d hardly consider myself to be strapping, dear,“ Crope answered, placing his hand over Tibbett’s, “You, on the other hand…” He pecked a quick kiss to Tibbett’s nose, reddened from the cold, “Are quite dashing.”

Galinda laughed again, recapturing Crope’s attention. “Yes, their mannerisms are similar to ours in the early days of our love. However, I merely alluded to the idea when speaking with Elphaba several days ago, and I was met with a glare that could cut through tempered steel.”

“Maybe they just need a little push…”

“You’re right…” Crope thought to Elphaba’s proposition that the group socialize during the winter recess since they couldn’t travel. Ideas quickly began to bubble forth. “A little push… Come, Tibbett, we must find Master Fiyero. I’ve got an idea.”

“I’ve already told you, I don’t own a pair of skates, Crope.” Boq protested, “Even if I did, the very idea of being out on the frozen lake terrifies me. What if I should fall through the ice, into the frigid waters, never to be seen again?”

“You worry too much, Boq. This ice is perfectly sturdy,” Crope said, thumping the blade of his skate on the ice. Sure enough, the ice remained intact. “If you’re content with sitting on the sidelines today, then so be it. But later this week, we’ll be having a snowball fight and we must have all hands on deck if our team is to emerge victorious.”

“I don’t see how such a violent activity could possibly be fun,” Boq answered, “But if you are so insistent, I’ll join. For today though, I’m fine watching you all skate. I’ve got my mug of tea to keep me company.”

“Enjoy your tea, then,” Crope said, heading onto the ice at Tibbett’s beckoning, “Perhaps I’ll get you a pair of ice skates for Lurlinemas, and you can join us the next time we all go skating together.”

Truly, Boq was content watching his friends dance and twirl and zip around on the ice. Crope and Tibbett, truly enamored with one another, performed some improvised dance routine for an invisible audience. Boq wished he could find someone to match him the way Crope and Tibbett so perfectly matched each other.

Miss Galinda… She glided across the ice effortlessly in perfect figure eights. In the cold, her face was rosy, just as pink as the winter gear she wore. Oz, she was so radiant in her beauty… Maybe he still had a chance with her yet?

His captive attention on Galinda was broken by Elphaba and Fiyero zipping past, evidently in some sort of race to see who could skate around the lake the fastest. Boq took an interest in this– Elphie had always had a bit of a competitive streak in her. It would be interesting to see how this turned out.

In the heat of their race, Fiyero lost his footing and bumped into Elphaba, who was then sent flying towards Galinda, who herself was absorbed in her task of crafting a perfect geometric design on the ice.

Galinda yelped as Elphaba fell into her arms, throwing her off balance. Somehow, they both maintained their footing despite the sudden shift in momentum, and Galinda kept on her path with Elphaba in her arms. 

Boq watched as Fiyero skated towards Crope and Tibbett, shooting them a quick thumbs-up. Now what was that all about?

He turned his attention to the girls again. Galinda, who he knew was a perfectionist, strayed off of the path of her intended design, gliding along as Elphaba hesitantly wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. Galinda smiled that beautiful smile and the pair moved along together in a fashion not dissimilar to the way Crope and Tibbett danced, albeit less showy and dramatic.

The dots started to connect, and Boq felt uneasy. His chances with Miss Galinda were quickly diminishing, and he knew it. But still– he was a man of resolve! He had a big heart, and he’d tried time and again to offer it to Galinda. He’d been rejected just as many times, sure, but until he was certain that her heart belonged to another, he would not give up!

It had been an eventful week as Lurlinemas drew closer. Elphaba, who never had been one for socializing, found a lovely comfort in the presence of her friends, and especially in the presence of Galinda.

On the first night of snow, when she had gone to make plans with Crope regarding what to do over the winter recess, the conversation had dragged on, eventually reaching a topic Elphaba dreaded. Crope had inquired into the state of Elphaba’s romantic life. As usual, she insisted it was nonexistent, only to be met with a raised eyebrow from her friend. She’d asked him what that look was about, and he’d muttered something about noticing how close she’d grown with Miss Galinda.

The exchange left her hot under the collar, and having to return to her shared quarters with Galinda only made matters worse. She’d been enthusiastically decorating, so happy despite the disappointment of not getting to return to see her parents. And despite the gaudy tinsel that covered every inch of the room– an eyesore, really– seeing Galinda so joyous caused something within Elphaba to stir.

And then, there was yesterday’s ice skating incident. She’d fallen right into Galinda, and though Fiyero had claimed it was an accident, she’d caught a glimpse of him skating towards Crope and Tibbett, looking awfully proud of himself. If she didn’t know any better, she’d have entertained the thought of the boys trying to set her up with Galinda.

What nonsense! Sure, she had grown… fond of Miss Galinda as of late, but why would the boys consider it any of their business? They were rather nosy, yes, but surely they wouldn’t go so far as to set up an impossible romance… especially considering it could only end in embarrassment for both parties.

Elphaba sighed to herself as she buttoned up her coat. Scheme or no scheme, there was no denying the warmth that had begun to blossom in her heart at the very thought of Miss Galinda.

Terrible, bothersome feelings…

Elphaba laced up her boots, trying to shake off the lingering fondness that clung to her heart, like cobwebs in an attic.

The boys had planned a snowball fight for today. Perhaps getting to pelt the object of her affections with snow would help relieve some of the tension in her heart.

–

A second wave of snow had blown through, and this particular storm had brought a layer of thick, heavy-wet snow– the kind that was perfect for building snowballs and snow forts. It wasn’t snowing as heavily now, only a few lingering flakes fluttering against the gray sky. Elphaba stood amongst her friends in a circle in one of the clearings on campus.

“Snowball fight,” Fiyero announced, tossing a snowball back and forth between his hands, “The rules are simple– each team will have an hour to prepare. Then, at the strike of noon, we go to war!”

“As for teams…” Crope chimed in, “I propose guys versus girls.”

“Well, that’s hardly fair!” Galinda protested, “There’s four of you, and only two of us– why can’t we have equal teams?”

Boq was quick to speak up. “I’ll join your team, Miss Galinda!”

“That won’t be necessary, Master Boq,” Crope shot him an icy glare, “See, Misses Elphaba and Galinda have the advantage of magic on their side, surely they can fend for themselves.”

“Right, then,” Elphaba turned to Galinda, “Guess it’s you and me.”

“Don’t look so unhappy about it, Elphie!” Galinda exclaimed, “It’ll be fun!”

As the clock in the campus center stuck eleven, everyone set to work preparing. Galinda, who had always had an affinity for architecture, quickly got to work constructing a massive snow fort. Elphaba didn’t quite understand all the structural premises, but she was happy to lend a hand in the form of ice magic. Together, they managed to build a small but impressive fort, while the boys had barely finished a loosely packed wall of snow.

The clock rang once again, twelve mighty peals echoing through the otherwise quiet air. A silence fell over the battlefield. Elphaba and Galinda hunched behind their fort, shivering both from the cold and from anticipation. Who would take the first shot?

Taking her chance, Galinda peered over the edge of the barrier, quickly ducking when four snowballs were flung her way. She laughed and got to work forming snowballs of her own, returning fire at the group of boys across the field. 

Snowflakes in her hair, blue eyes shimmering like frost, and that lovely smile… She truly was beautiful, and Elphaba got so caught up in admiring her that she’d forgotten the task at hand.

“Now, what’re you staring at? Come on, Elphie, help me out!”

Seconds after she finished speaking, Galinda was struck in the shoulder by a snowball. Elphaba sprung into action at her defense, hurling snowballs as fast as she could make them, until, out of nowhere, a large clump of snow hit her in the side of the face with more than enough force to knock her to the ground.

“Elphaba!” Galinda ducked behind the fort, hurrying to her side, “Oh stars, you’re bleeding…” Galinda removed her glove and gently caressed Elphaba’s face, wiping away the moisture that singed her skin.

“I…” Elphaba struggled for words, “My water allergy pertains to snow as well. A few flakes here and there is no matter, but this is different.”

“Why didn’t you say something before agreeing to a snowball fight?”

“I didn’t want to ruin the fun… I know how important this is to the boys… to you.”

“Elphaba… do you really think I care for you so little that I’d put my pleasure before your safety?” Galinda said, before whispering a healing spell and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. Her heart fluttered.

“Now…” Galinda waved her hands, and the stockpile of snowballs they’d made levitated in the air, “I’ll teach them what happens when they mess with my Elphie!”

Elphaba could only watch in awe as the air around Galinda shimmered with magic. With a wave of her hand, each snowball that hung in the air was propelled towards the enemy fort. At the same time, she’d crafted an energy shield that sparkled like a prism in the afternoon sun. Elphaba was captivated by the sheer display of power and beauty.

Elphaba felt something stir in her heart.

Oh stars… Was it… love? 

The following evening, Crope decided to do some shopping in the town square, for Tibbett had an extensive wishlist of gifts. The City of Shiz hosted a holiday market, with vendors from across Oz setting up booths and storefronts. Somehow, thank the stars, he’d managed to talk Elphaba into coming with him. 

“Sorry about the snowball yesterday,” Crope said as the pair walked side by side, “I didn’t mean to throw it that hard, and I certainly wasn’t aiming for your face..”

“It’s okay. Burned a bit, though.”

“What!?”

“My water allergy also pertains to snow. Such a dense snowball really did a number… Fear not, though. Miss Galinda knows some healing magic and she patched me right up.”

“Speaking of Miss Galinda…” Crope started, before realizing that Elphaba had stopped a few booths ago. She was looking thoughtfully at some glass creations from the Quadling Country. 

“I spent a lot of my childhood in Quadling Country. Now that was miserable for my water sensitivity. The air was so humid that being outside was enough to give me a wicked rash. But the artisans, the things they craft… really shows the beauty in that part of Oz.”

Crope was frustrated that his friend managed to dodge the question, as per usual.

“I know you were going to ask me about Galinda again,” Elphaba said plainly, “Since you mentioned it the other day, I’ve been thinking about it. I have some… growing feelings of fondness towards Miss Galinda. I care for her deeply, more than I’ve ever cared for anyone in my life. One could even be tempted to call it love. Certainly there’s no way she’d return any of my affections but still… I want to get her something special.”

Crope couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Such a soul-baring revelation, almost completely unprompted…

“Oh, look at this!” Elphaba pointed to something on the table, “It’s absolutely perfect.”

It was two days before Lurlinemas, and Fiyero had put off his shopping until the last minute. Galinda had decided to tag along with him– perfect for continuing on their plan.

It was a blustery day, and the pair had ducked into a store to escape the wind. It was a small bookshop with a tiny cafe tucked into the corner. Fiyero, ever the gentleman, purchased tea for both himself and Galinda, and they sat to wait out the storm.

“... and that’s how I met Sarima,” Fiyero said, finishing the tale of how he’d come to know his fiancee, “I don’t suppose you have any sweeping love stories to share, Miss Galinda?” He took a sip of tea, trying to remain nonchalant.

“Well,” Galinda mirrored his action of sipping from her cup, and they were at a societal impasse, “I do have something to share, but you cannot tell a soul!”

“Oh?”

“It’s awful, really, but… I fear I’ve fallen in love with Miss Elphaba…”

“How is that awful, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“She’s green.”

“Surely you’re not letting the color of someone’s skin affect your perception of them?”

“Of course not,” Galinda shifted in her chair, “These feelings are just… unexpected, is all. I’ve been in relationships before, but I’ve never felt anything so strong in my life. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do!”

“I think you should tell her.”

“That’s far too terrifying of a prospect, dear Fiyero. What if she should reject my feelings? How can I show her I care for her in a way that is less… daunting? “You could start with a gift,” Fiyero suggested, “Our Lurlinemas Eve party is tomorrow night.”

“Yes, but what do you get for the most minimalistic woman I’ve ever met?” Galinda stood up and returned her cup to the barista, then paced around the shop. Galinda stopped in front of a display, “Practical and beautiful, just like Elphie. Oh, this would be perfect for her!”

The morning of Lurlinemas Eve, Crope, Tibbett, Fiyero, and Boq all gathered in the lounge of the Briscoe Hall dormitory, for what Crope and Fiyero had deemed to be an urgent meeting. 

“I’ll cut right to the chase,” Crope said, “I was with Miss Elphaba at the market two days ago, and she confessed that she’s grown rather fond of Miss Galinda. Now, I wasn’t sure what to make of this, as fondness and love are not necessarily one and the same. But, Fiyero, you said you spoke to Galinda last night?”

“I did– she openly admitted to being in love with Miss Elphaba.”

“Then our plan surely must be working!”

“Excuse me?” Boq cut in, “What plan?”

“Ah…” Fiyero and Crope looked at each other, “You were busy during the meeting, and we never filled you in. We’ve devised a plan to encourage Misses Elphaba and Galinda to enter a courtship, since they are so clearly enamored with one another.”

“Right…” Boq’s face fell.

Tibbett was the first to speak up, “Look, Boq, we all know you had feelings for Miss Galinda, but it’s evident that her heart lies elsewhere.”

“I’m okay with that, really, I am. I’m more upset that you all didn’t tell me about this plan sooner! I must’ve looked like a fool!”

“Yes…” Fiyero started, “But a very dashing fool, mind you!”

“Flirting won’t help, Master Fiyero,” Boq laughed and rolled his eyes, “So what’s the next step in this grand plan of yours, knowing that the two have feelings for one another?”

“Well,” Crope answered, “They’ve bought each other gifts, which they’ll exchange at tonight’s party. I say we take some more measures. Any ideas?”

“We should find a way to get them alone,” Fiyero said.

“Don’t be a fool, if they’re alone, then we can’t see them!”

“As reluctant as I am to participate in this plan…” Boq sighed, “Have you considered a sprig of mistletoe in the doorway?”

“Ah, now there’s a good idea!” Crope laughed, “Sharp boy you are, Master Boq! And, it’ll be an excuse to kiss my dearest Tibbett! What do you think?”

“I think…” Tibbett paused, “That we’re trying too hard. The other day, you said Elphaba and Galinda reminded you of us as a young couple. We didn’t have people pushing for us to be together, did we? Our love developed as it should: simply and naturally. Who are we to deny that simplicity to our friends? We’ve given them the push, I think it would be best to let things run their course from here on.”

“Oh… such wise words, my dear.”

“Thank you, love,” Tibbett smiled.

That evening, all the friends gathered in the library commons for a feast of fresh bread and glazed vegetables and a roast. Spiced wine and cakes served as dessert, all under the glow of a beautifully lit pine tree.

As the night carried on, a multitude of gifts were exchanged. Crope had gotten Boq a pair of skates in jest, reveling in his protests before revealing his true gift– a new suit, custom tailored to fit his size.

“It’ll be perfect to wear to all the parties, you’ll be sure to catch the eye of every lady– or man–  there!”

“Thank you, Crope.” Boq replied, blushing, “I’ve a gift for you, too.”

“Really?”

Boq flipped Crope off. “That’s for the skates.”

“Why, Master Boq, you shouldn’t have!” Crope gasped. 

Boq proceeded to rise from the floor and moved over to Crope, giving him a kiss on the cheek, “And that’s for the suit.”

More gifts were exchanged throughout the night. Boq gave Galinda a notebook with flowers on the cover. Elphaba gave Fiyero a rare book she’d found, a collection of old Vinkan legends. Fiyero gave Crope and Tibbett a stack of raunchy magazines.

The exchange continued until only two gifts remained under the tree.

“For you, Miss Galinda,” Elphaba said, retrieving the small package, “I hope you like it.”

Galinda opened the box to reveal a necklace. Unlike most of the flashy, bejeweled things she wore, this one was rather simple. It was a silver chain with a small charm– a pink flower made of carved glass.

“It’s like the flower you gave me after the Ozdust, see?”

“Oh Elphie…” Galinda quickly put on the necklace, “It’s beautiful… How can I ever thank you?”

“Perhaps with the remaining gift under the tree?”

“Right!” Galinda quickly grabbed the last gift and handed it to Elphaba, who carefully undid the delicate wrapping. Inside was a leather-bound notebook and a stylish pen.

“Before you get too worried– the book is made of a plant-based leather. Apparently they can make leather out of mushrooms now!”

“Oh wow…” Elphaba ran a hand over the cover of the book, “It’s amazing.” She uncapped the pen and scrawled her name on the inside cover, “And the pen writes so smoothly…”

“There’s a second part to your gift,” Galinda said, and Elphaba looked confusedly at the empty space under the tree, “It’s scary, so bear with me.”

“A scary gift? Now what in the world–”

“I love you.” Galinda said, taking her hands.

The room went silent. Elphaba blinked at her wordlessly.

“I…” Elphaba laughed nervously, “You mean it?”

“I do.”

“I love you too,” Elphaba looked at the ground, then at her hands, then at Galinda, “I’ve never been great with this kind of stuff… what do we do now?”

Crope smiled and walked over to where the two sat, pulling out a sprig of mistletoe.

“Really?” Galinda laughed, blushing a bright pink, “In front of everyone?”

“Why not?” Elphaba smiled.

“We don’t mind,” Crope said with a wink, “In fact, we’ve all been rooting for it.”

The two women kissed, and the room seemed to exhale a sigh of relief. The festivities continued on, friends reveling with friends late into the night.

Room twenty two of Crage Hall was silent on Lurlinemas Eve, save for the scratching of pen on paper. Galinda was curled up next to Elphaba in bed. Elphie was writing away in her new journal, while Galinda was fiddling with the charm on her new necklace. They were in their same old dorm room, and yet everything felt so new. 

“Elphie, won’t you please tell me what you’re writing?”

“I will once I’m finished, my sweet.”

My sweet… The affection sent Galinda’s heart whirling.

Galinda, with a newfound patience, sat and watched Elphie’s studious gaze trace over the page.

After a few more minutes, Elphaba finally shifted, and began to read what she had written:

“Lurlinemas Eve, Year 1 at Shiz University,

Journal– I’ve had a most eventful week. Stranded on campus with Galinda was initially an intimidating prospect, but it proved to be the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Miss Galinda has a knack for decorating– she’s adorned our room in all manner of tinsel and glitter. Not my preferred style, but her passion and enthusiasm is unmatched. 

Furthermore, Miss Galinda seems to enjoy the winter weather. She skates in perfect patterns, as graceful as anything I’ve ever seen. And in a snowball fight, her dedication and vigor is impressive. Not to mention her excellence in healing magic. It would appear that it is made more powerful through kisses. I hope to further put this hypothesis to the test.

On Lurlinemas Eve, Miss Galinda was kind enough to gift me this very journal. To my surprise, the lovely Miss Galinda also professed her feelings for me. I of course, return these feelings, but I am so terrible at expressing them through spoken word. I suppose that this journal will suffice as a suitable outlet for said feelings.”

Elphaba set down her book and continued on from memory, pulling Galinda into a cozy embrace, nearly on top of her, running her slender fingers through blonde curls. 

“My Galinda… She is as radiant as the sun, as dazzling as the moon, as brilliant as the stars. She is so much more than meets the eye, and she looks beyond the surface of everyone she meets, sees them for who they truly are. She is beautiful in heart, mind, and body alike. I care for her more than words can speak, and I truly look forward to the time we are fortunate enough to spend together. May our love be long and prosperous.”

“Elphie…” tears pricked at Galinda’s eyes, “Oh, what am I supposed to say to that? You poetic thing, you!”

“You could say, ‘I love you,’ again,” Elphaba remarked, “I rather enjoyed hearing it before.”

“I love you,” Galinda laughed through her tears and kissed Elphaba, “I love you so much…” She kissed her again as the clock struck midnight, “Merry Lurlinemas, my dear.”

[pimento-playing-hopscotch]

This Wizard of Oz! And the sequels as well if you've seen them lol (also how do you feel about the new Wicked movie coming out?)

Hi! 😊 Thank you for the ask 🥰

So many feelings about the og Wizard of Oz! (Shameless self-plug; in the first chapter of my Find Carlos’s favorite movie fic, TK shows him the wizard of Oz- on Ao3 now)

First- I think it might be the most gorgeous movie ever made- like where she opens the door and everything is in color- like I am that screencap of “don’t disturb me; I’m experiencing childlike wonder” when I see that. I watched it last a few years ago and it is a good movie; like it’s still hard to watch where the flying monkeys rip the scarecrow apart and Toto is the cutest dog and for this to the first movie that used color- like were those people in the 30’s just blown away?!

Also I blame Glinda more for not telling Dorothy she could have left any time by her damn self more than Dorothy for taking the slippers cause like she chose where the damn house landers

But this movie it does bleed into for me the stories of how terribly they treated basically everyone when making a movie and that takes away some of the magic for me-

But it is an absolutely stunning film and Judy Garland was absolute perfection in this movie.

I only watched the Oz great and powerful once while babysitting years ago- Mila Kunis was in it as well- I think? James Franco was Oz and was weird- tell me if this one was memorable and I’m remembering it badly

(I had tk put Return to Oz at the bottom because of the screenshot I included lol)

The new Wicked intrigues me greatly!& I only learned after watching the trailer and looking it up that they’re splitting it into two movies- but the trailer looks outstanding and the casting for both Elphaba and Galinda is outstanding- and Jeff Goldblum as the wizard?? Like this sounds too good to be true lol)

Return to Oz- literally one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever damn seen- like okay I know this too was based on one of the books but holy hell! Like think we all know this that they genuinely couldn’t rate movies in the 80’s but this is-

(Like if you’ve never seen this Dorothy’s aunt and uncle are so tired of hearing her talk about Oz they take her to get electroshock therapy- and it just gets weirder from there- like in lieu of the flying monkeys they’re these things called Wheelers which are maniacal clowns who ride unicycles-

Actually IMDb can explain this better than I can (a great thing when you’re bored- look up the parents guide section for any given movie on IMDb to see what they think parents should be warned about; they’re occasionally hysterical- anyway this is all about Return to Oz:

[unoficially-racetracks-fanfics]

It Couldn’t Hurt To Smile

Chapter 1 - Dreams Come True

I scrolled website after website looking for shows that had open auditions. Nothing. My black walls covered with playbills and posters of musicals and broadways that I've seen.

I've been in a few as well. Such as a high school production of Wicked. I somehow managed to land myself the role of Elphaba. It was amazing.

So I switched majors to be an actress. I knew that's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Which my parents weren't to fond of, but I told them to deal with it. They can't keep me from doing something I love. I've always loved Broadway, even before I was in Wicked.

I continued to scroll when I came across Newsies. I smiled widely and eagerly clicked on it. It's going on tour? That's a first. Literally. I watched the screen as the small circle in the center span round and round until eventually the page popped up.

Stupid slow WiFi.

They were looking for a new female role to be the love interest of JoJo. I smiled wide. That's my favorite newsie. Even though he's only a background character, he's still so awesome. I read their requirements, meeting almost all of them.

I continued to read, noticing they want a recorded audition of yourself singing a few songs, and saying some of the lines. Apparently they're adding a small duet? That's awesome!

The Newsies name is flip, because apparently she's supposed to do a lot of flips or something. That sounds like something I can do.

I went into the parking garage, quickly singing some of the songs. All of my neighbors know I like to sing, and are all okay with me singing in the large parking garage, since I do audition sometimes. I also did some of the lines they provided.

I finished by recording myself doing some flips on the concrete floors, and doing some other tricks as well.

I emailed them to the Director Jeff Calhoun, and also sent in the other requirements that aren't video-ed, such as a picture of my ID, and other information.

—————

It hadn't even been two days before I received an email back, and even better it said:

Dear Kiara Travers,

We are so excited to welcome you to Newsies First National tours family! We can't wait to all meet you! Just a reminder, you will be surrounded by boys who don't know how to keep to themselves, so keep that in mind when you pick out your clothing attire.

We will be having a group meeting at the Nederlander theater at 12:00 p.m to get to know each other. Particularly the people with love interest's. The outfits are meant to be casual, for example sweat shirt and sweat pants, or anything nicer. However, We do ask it to be nothing fancy.

Again, we are so excited to meet you and can't wait to start our journey with you! More details will be shared at the meeting! If anything changes, please let us know.

Sincerely,

      Newsies Staff

I smiled widely as I read it. I quickly pulled off my smile, and acted as sad as I could, also allowing a tear to roll down me cheek to be more believable.

"Winnie!" I yelled to my best friend. I had told her about this, but we both didn't expect me to get in, especially not this early after I sent the email.

"What!" She shouts, running into my room, her long brunette braids bouncing on her back. "Kiara I'm so sorry." She says hurrying over to me. I guess those acting lessons paid off. I slowly smiled.

"Oh my god!" She shouts excitedly. We both start jumping up and down.

Dreams come true. They really do.

Chapters:

Chapter 1 - you are here

Chapter 2 - https://www.tumblr.com/unoficially-racetracks-fanfics/740622641002659840/it-couldnt-hurt-to-smile

[just-some-guy-at-shiz]

Okay, so here’s a scene: Nessa’s just gained power and started restricting rights, and Boq is bitter. There’s a bit where she keeps asking him to fetch her things out of this one particular cabinet, until eventually he gets fed up. Cue the sounds of furious hammering from another room. Nessa rolls in to see Boq standing hands-on-hips beside the cabinet, which has been ripped off the wall and sloppily nailed on farther down the wall, within Nessa’s reach. It is lopsided. One corner sticks out farther than the others, another corner is cracked, and bent nails stick out everywhere. There are patches of wallpaper missing where the cabinet used to be. This is purely an act of spite. But Nessa is thrilled, because now she can do this one thing without him.

Boq is genuinely puzzled that she’s thrilled. He kind of assumed she liked people to do things for her, because who wouldn’t, right? Didn’t really occur to see it from her point of view, because he’s too self-absorbed and oblivious for that. He figured she just had mean fun running him around on tasks 24/7. But he starts to realize that she really would rather be self-sufficient if she could, and he realizes how much the world she lives in is not disability-friendly.

Yes she’s the governor, so she definitely has the power to change things, but it doesn’t occur to her to do that, because there have never been accomodations that weren’t made special for her. She needs to be helped by Elphaba while at school because there are literally no ramps on the entire campus. Just stairs. Oz doesn’t seem to have any kind of accessibility standards for any of its institutions. Nessa doesn’t try to adjust everyday aspects of her life to fit her better because she never realized that was an option, because no one ever treated it as one. For her entire life, everyone just assumed she couldn’t do things for herself. So she believed that about herself as well.

But Boq doesn’t believe it. …Because he wants her to stop needing him. He’s very annoyed that he’s stuck with her, because in his eyes it would be very easy for her to be without him. Until the cabinet thing where he sees her excitement and realizes that it’s really not easy. So it becomes his one goal in life to fix everything standing in the way of Nessa being self-sufficient.

Out of spite.

Why is Nessa’s (one-story) home the only building with ramps on the porch stairs? You’re the governor! Put ramps on every building, so you can go to all your meetings and stuff without me! You’re already tyrannical, so outlaw stairs altogether! Ramps or bust!

Also, it’s home renovation time! Everything moved within reach (because it all really should have been anyway, but when Nessa’s father was alive he and Elphaba would have probably have gotten everything for Nessa, and she’d just be resigned to her own inability). Add other home-renovation lifehacks for wheelchair users that I don’t know about because I don’t need them and it’s too 12:22 AM for me to bother looking them up!

And Oz has somekinda steampunk technology, right? Too many gears on the set pieces for there not to be, nevermind the dragon. What if we could put a motor on their chair? What if there could be useful harnesses for times she needs to be out of the chair? What if there were those chair-lifty-seat-things on the side of tall staircases?

Anyway. My point is, Boq starts making more small changes, hoping it’ll make some difference. Nessa worries when he’s gone all day, but he comes back exhausted from working on a rough, bumpy dirt path that was impossible to roll over, chopping up logs to cover the path in smooth wooden planks. He re-positions more shelves and cabinets, more neatly this time. He does a few other domestic things that I can’t think of off the top of my head. All out of selfish desperation, mind you, but with each of these changes, Nessa’s mood lifts, and she demands less of Boq, which makes him less moody, and they start to actually get along. And now that they’re communicating, they work together on this accessibility improvements stuff, because who knows better what Nessa needs than Nessa? Now that she’s seen how much of a difference can be made, she’s taking charge of it all for herself, because she can.

Nessa stops being bitter about what she still can’t do for herself, because now there’s so many more things she can. Boq stops being bitter about his whole situation, because Nessa’s starting to ease up on the whole tyrant thing, and it’s sorta endearing how excited she gets. Now that she spends less time gloomy and solemn (or short-tempered), he can see the way her eyes light up when she’s happy, and she smiles just as sweetly as that night at the ballroom…

The huge problem I can’t get past is that he still doesn’t love her. Because Boq is seemingly the only person who doesn’t think she’s helpless because she’s in a wheelchair, who believes in her self-sufficiency, Nessa loves him even more than she did before. And now that he’s growing to be on friendlier terms with her, Nessa would be even more convinced Boq loves her back, when really, he just doesn’t like-like her and that’s that. This might all be for naught. She might still get heartbroken and magic-spell him. But… What if walking, amazing as it would be, wouldn’t “change everything”? What if she already feels mostly self-sufficient? What if she’s no longer bitter about being dependent? Would that change anything?

I expanded this too far. The only important thing is the scene where Boq rips a cabinet off the wall and practically just duct-tapes it on again lower down, and then gets baffled that it apparently wasn’t recieved as an act of rebellion.

[lailaliquorice]

AO3 stats game

Tagged by @writingloud - lets fucking go

Rule: Give us the links to your wonderful words with the most hits, most kudos, fourth most kudos, most comments, most bookmarks, most words and least words.

Most Words & Most Comments

Always You Three - Harry Potter professors, 285k words & 112 comments

Back in 1942, the trio of McGonagall, Pomfrey and Hooch first walked the corridors together, forging friendships that would last for all their lives. Faced with misfired curses, dragon pox, Quidditch-related mayhem and Slytherin's monster, they'll need all of Minerva's quick intelligence, Poppy's incredible knowledge, and Rolanda's reckless daring to get them through their school years in one piece.

(This is not a JKR-friendly fic - step inside for inherently queer characters written by a queer disabled author. Trans lives matter!)

Most Hits

we’ll find a new place to be from - Umbrella Academy, 8.3k hits

Diego and Vanya had gone for supplies. Klaus had declared himself in need of modern-day takeout, Allison following him hastily when everyone expressed concern over what Klaus’ idea of a gourmet meal might entail. Luther volunteered to be the first to brave the shower. Five, on the other hand, had been bundled into an armchair the second they all fell into the motel room and forbidden from moving on pain of rumours.

Set post-season two, in a crappy motel room with six siblings hiding out from the rest of the world.

Most Kudos & Most Bookmarks

there’s a candle in the window and the kettle’s always on - ATLA Modern University AU, 975 kudos & 172 bookmarks

It was by pure luck that they all fell into becoming housemates.

Katara and Sokka had been put into separate flats in student dorms for their first year and knew they wanted to be back under the same roof. Aang had been one of Katara’s first year flatmates. Toph was both a friend of Aang’s from fresher’s week and a friend-of-a-friend of Sokka’s. And when the initial group of four found a house with a fifth bedroom, Toph dragged Zuko into the arrangement and refused to hear anything else on the matter.

[or, Volume I of Adventures in a Five Bedroom House - Zuko learns to let himself be happy]

Fourth Most Kudos

til touchdown brings me back around again - 13th Doctor post s11e5, 499 kudos

She keeps going until everyone else is safe. It’s only then that the Doctor has to let herself fall.

-

aka the author is hopping on the bandwagon and taking full advantage of that forgotten ecto-spleen injury.

Least Words

Roses - The Musketeers Modern AU oneshot, 749 words

Constance is the owner of a little flower shop, and her lonely Valentines Day takes a turn for the better when a new customer steps through her door.

Oneshot from a prompt that I liked a lot.

And because I’m the author and I’m in charge: the Underappreciated Gems Award

blue blood - Heathers Chansaw fix it fic, 13.5k words

For the first couple of days, Heather slept nearly constantly. Apparently that was something normal and to be expected, but Veronica couldn’t help but keep glancing over her shoulder while she tried to do homework. She looked so small in her sleep. Small like she’d done in her state of near-death. That image would haunt Veronica for the rest of her life.

-

In which Veronica acts quicker, Heather's life is saved, recovery is a rough journey, and they have time.

this is erosion - Wicked Gelphie fix it fic, 5k words

Briefly, Glinda was reminded of the first time she’d seen Elphaba bleed, a harmless papercut or something of the sort, back during their Shiz days. Glinda had wondered if the green girl would bleed red, or the golden ichor of the gods.

In which war brings a long-lost casualty to Glinda's window, and a chance to say what she should have long ago. Ask nicely and I might write a sequel.

Tagging: all my old friends from old fandoms who used to write with me <3

[i-am-baechu]

The People’s Princess | Chapter thirteen

Title: The People’s Princess 

Paring: Kim Seokjin x reader, Min Yoongi x reader 

Genre: Fantasy au, Angst, Romance, and Fluff 

Summary: “I, Y/N L/N, take thee Seokjin, to my wedded husband. To have and hold. From this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, to cherish and to...to obey. Till death do us part...”    

She looked at the man she barely knew for a month with an emotionless look. She turned towards her family to be met with sorrowful looks. This day was supposed to be the most beautiful day, a moment in a woman's life that signified a new chapter. A chapter that she no longer wants if he was part of the story. 

Masterlist

↜ Pervious chapter ♔  Next chapter ↝

The group landed on the ground hard and they all let out loud groans. Y/N opened her eyes and looked to her side to see Jin clenching his chest slightly. She sat up slowly and gently touched his shoulder, “Jin are you alright?”

He slowly turned towards her to see her sitting up, giving him a worried look. He brought his hand up to crease her face making her eyes widen, “Y/N... I should be asking you that. Are you okay?”

“I’m okay but,-” she looked around with a confused face when saw tall trees and the sounds of nature around them, “I have no idea where we are.” 

“Not only that, how did we get here?”

Y/N looked down as she furrowed her eyebrows hard trying to think. Her eyes widened and looked at Jin when she came up with a theory, “I think princess Anne had something to do with it. Right now I don’t hear her...Do you hear Albert?” 

“I don’t...Maybe they were overused.” 

Before she opened her mouth, Jungkook brought her into a tight hug pulling her away from Jin, “I was so worried about you, I-I thought I lost you.”

She blinked at the affection but let a small smile show. She hugged him back tightly and patted his back gently, “I’m alright, are you okay, my dear cousin?” 

“Damn me, you're the one that was dead for a few minutes. What happened?” 

“I-I was dead?” 

“Let us explain.” 

The two turned around to see Hoseok and Jimin standing looking over the group. Hoseok had his arms crossed as Jimin rubbed his arm up and down in a nervous manner. The group stood up and stared at Hoseok with confused looks but urged him to continue. 

“Centuries ago, Elphaba did the unthinkable and gained hell magic by becoming a murderer. She went against Albert when he didn’t return the love that she had for him and killed his fiance, princess Anne. She put a curse on him for all eternity until his soul completely vanished from existence. That wasn’t the end of her mission though. She sucked up the magic core in Margen and was set off to do the same in the other nations but Olruled, the keeper of hell, told her to go after Audaqira’s magic core only. Audaqira’s magic core was the strongest out of the other nations because of Anne. As centuries passed, Elphaba couldn’t find the core and Albert’s soul weakened with each generation-” Hoseok turned towards Jin and nodded his head at him as he turned back to look at Y/N, “-Princess Anne entered the world to end it for good. With Anne being in this world, the core grew stronger but Elphaba couldn’t sense it. So, she decided to focus on Albert.” 

“But Hoseok...why do you know this?”

He looked at Y/N with sad eyes, eyes that held pain for centuries, something she never noticed before nor did she ever look, “Elphaba was my sister and she killed our family in order to gain hell magic. I was sent down by Aliyah, the angel of light, to help end this. The same as Jimin.” 

“Sorry Y/N that we didn’t want to  tell you because we had to protect you. Aliyah knows Olruled won’t do anything because Anne lives...” 

She turned towards Jimin and nodded her head in an awkward manner, not knowing what to say to him. She looked around the trees and then back to Hoseok, “Where are we?” 

“We're in the deep forest of Audaqira. Princess Anne used her magic to send us here. Surely she would know where the core is, perhaps that's why we're here now.” 

Yoongi looked at Hoseok with an annoyed look and scoffed at this, “You think we believe you?”

Namjoon rolled his eyes at this and crossed his arms giving Yoongi an annoyed look, “Yes because Hoseok has taught me how to use basic magic, I don’t need any more convincing.” 

“Well I do. This was just thrown at us and you want us to solve a problem that technically isn’t our problem but his problem!” 

Yoongi pointed at Jin angrily, causing Taehyung to move in front of his older brother with a glare on his face, “It’s our problem now! Millions of people can get killed because of that witch including people of your nation. The fact that I have to explain this to you is disgusting.” 

“The whole thing sounds crazy and you want me to just go with it?”

“Yes...” Y/N glared at Yoongi and the two stared at each other with heated looks. The tension around them rose when Y/N shook her head at Yoongi, making him take a step back, “This doesn’t just affect Jin or me but all of us. People can die and a demon can take over the world in a matter of days but you want to argue with everyone because you don’t believe it. I understand the story sounds crazy but why would Hoseok lie? You know Hoseok, you know that he would never lie to us. Jimin even told us that lying makes you weak but you want to say they are lying. For fuck sakes, we just saw magic happen before our eyes at the church but you need more convincing?”

“Y/N, I-”

“Shhh, something's moving in the trees.” 

The group turned around to hear the trees being moved. Whatever was moving in the deep forest, it was large. Y/N looked down at Jungkook’s sword and took it out causing him to be shocked at her action. She brought the sword up to her skirt and cut the long skirt, making the skirt stop mid thigh. She put the sword back and looked at the group, “We have to move before we are killed and it's getting dark out. We must start a camp of sorts and rest for the night. Tomorrow we will discuss a plan.” 

The group nodded their heads and they started walking away from the spot. Y/N stumbled a bit because of the roots and her heeled boots causing Jin to grab. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile, “Thank you.” 

“You wore boots to your wedding?” 

“You never know what could happen and I preferred boots to heels.” 

“Are you able to walk?”

She looked down at her boots and then back at him with a nod, “I’ll be fine...”

“Hold my hand so it will be easy for you to walk. I don’t want you getting hurt.” 

He gave her a smile and she returned it as she held his hand tightly. No one saw this and she was thankful that Yoongi didn’t see the exchange, not wanting another argument to happen. Y/N noted that Jin’s hands were softer and warmer than Yoongi’s but even though his hand should feel forgin to her, they were the opposite. His hand sent warmth up her body like it did the night they danced. 

Her thoughts went back to her family and how they were frozen in the chapel. Are they okay? Would Elphaba kill them or even the people in the room? Also Hoseok has been living for centuries without a family because of that witch.She wished she could heal the pain but she knew there was nothing she could do to heal it. Her head hurt from all the information she gained today but she knew it wasn’t worth saying in this tense moment. 

Hoseok Stopped them and they saw a thin river going through the trees, “We’ll stop here for the night but one of us has to stay awake in case any monsters or animals come through this area.” 

He snapped his fingers and a small cabin appeared before them, making them shocked. Hoseok smirked and turned towards Yoongi whose mouth was gaped, “Do you still need convincing?” 

Later that night, Y/N woke from her sleep to see Jin leaning against the wall staring outside to the night sky. She got up from the couch in the living room, stepping over Taehyung and Jungkook carefully. She shuffled slowly towards him causing him to turn his head at the sudden noise. When he saw Y/N, his face turned into delight and he watched her sit next to him in the small sitting area near the window. He saw the moonlight on her skin and how it complimented every feature of her face. He noticed all the small details that he never did before and he couldn’t stop himself from leaning forward. He pushed some loose hair behind her and she turned her head at him with wide eyes, “Sorry.” 

“No need to be sorry, I wasn’t opposed to it,-” She turned her head back to the window and tilted her head to gaze at the stars above, “It's beautiful and peaceful.” 

He opened his mouth to say something but a snore from Jungkook stopped him, causing the two to let out a small laugh, “Somewhat peaceful.”

She looked down at lap with a frown causing Jin to tilt his head at the sudden mood change. She looked back up at him with a worried glance, “I’m sorry about Sylvia...I heard she was your lover.”

He raised his eyebrows, shocked that she knew but changed back to his normal face. He rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t think I was in love with her by choice. I do want to save her though, she seems so defenseless against Elphaba.”

She nodded her head at this, “It makes you wonder if she's okay now.”

“One can pray that she's okay. The same goes with our family at the chapel.” 

“You thought that too?” 

He nodded his head and moved to sit next to her with a mournful look at the ground, “I hope they're safe and alive.” 

“We have to believe that because it gives us another reason to fight,-” She looked down at his hand and she hesitantly placed her hand on top of his causing him to look up at her, “We’ll save them. I know it.” 

“Hopefully your determination can be amplified. Can I ask you a question?” She nodded her head at him and turned his body to face her, “When we danced that night, you were standoffish towards me...I understand why because of Margen but I was wondering if there was more to the story.” 

It was her turn to be shocked but she looked away ashamed but then she turned her head back at him, “I-I heard...rumors that the crown prince was cruel to those who stood in his way. I believed it the moment when I saw your cold stare but when I touched your hand that night I felt a shiver go up my back. Looking back on it, I think I was acting on other people's view on you instead of making my own and I apologize for that...” 

He nodded at this and intertwined their fingers together as a soft smile appeared on his lips, “I’ll admit...I was cruel but it wasn’t on my own accord. It was on Slyvia’s so, I understand why people would say the things they did and why you would believe them. If I could turn back time I would fix everything.” 

“Would you like to restart? Instead of being the crown prince of Margen or even my soon to be husband...how about you introduced yourself with your name?” 

“My name but you know my name?” 

“Even though I know your name doesn’t mean anything if I haven’t even heard your own voice say it.” 

He let out a small laugh and looked away rolling his eyes at her. He turned his head back and nodded his head, “Okay then. I’m Kim Seokjin...is that what you wanted?” 

“Yes...and I’m L/N Y/N. There now we used our own voices and our own will to introduce each other. It feels good when you have no pressure to make a good impression.” 

“I hope I gave you a good one.”

“You did...you have nothing to worry about. I would like to apologize about Yoongi from earlier today. He doesn’t mean harm...” 

Jin glanced at the sleeping figure in the kitchen and then back at Y/N, “He has every right to hate me. So I understand why he was against everything because I’m a key player in everything.” 

“But things are different now...people can die and it's very obvious that you were being controlled. He can’t let the past control the future or nothing will change.” 

“Yes but Y/N, hurt is hurt. Even if I change and go back to normal that doesn’t mean he has to accept me. Even if you explain everything to him repeatedly, he doesn’t have to listen nor accept it.” 

“It’s not fair to you...” 

“This whole thing isn’t fair to all of us but we have to try and move forward. Regardless of hardships.” 

She nodded her head at this and glanced back at Yoongi, “I’ve never seen him like that...I just don’t want people to die because of something we couldn’t fix.” 

He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and nodded at this, “I agree but let’s talk about this tomorrow morning. Go to sleep.” 

“What about you?” 

“I have two more hours until it's Jungkook’s turn to keep watch. Don’t worry.” 

She nodded her hand and let go of his hand slowly, not wanting to fully let go. She gave him a small smile and went back to the couch and she turned her head when she felt his stare. He gave a small smile to her and she smiled at the ground. She continued to make her way to the couch and laid down with the white blanket that Jimin gave her. She looked down at her hand with a small smile before closing her eyes with her mind playing never ending scenarios. 

The morning came fast and Y/N realized she was the last one up while the others talked silently in the kitchen. She folded the blanket and placed it at the end of the couch as she made her way to the kitchen. Taehyung was the first person to notice her and gave her a wide boxy grin, “Good morning.”

“Good morning. Why didn’t you guys wake me up?”

“I thought you deserved more sleep...”

Y/N glanced at Yoongi who gave her an uneasy smile and she gave him a quick small smile, “Thank you. What are we talking about?” 

They all looked at Hoseok who gave her a tight smile, “Y/N, I believe that Anne sent us here to go to the core before Elphaba does.”

“That makes sense. How are we going to fight against Elphaba if she beats us to it?” 

“Princess Anne and King Albert will show the both of you how to use your powers. Anne and Albert always used their magic together, they said that two is better than one.” 

She glanced at Jin who was already looking at her with a worried look. She nodded her head at this and looked at the others, “Do we all have powers? I don’t want anyone to get hurt...I couldn’t live with myself.” 

Jimin gave her a sad smile and stood up from his chair giving her a quick hug, “Lucky for us, everyone in this room is skilled with a sword. Namjoon already knows how to use some magic but I think we will be okay. Don’t worry, okay.”

She nodded her head and looked at Hoseok, “How can I become stronger?” 

After the discussion was over, Y/N walked out to get fresh air into her system and she knew she was being followed. She sat on the grass and she felt the person doing the same next to her. She sighed to herself and glanced at them, “Yoongi, do you have something to say to me?” 

He glanced at her and then the river with an ashamed look, “About yesterday...I’m sorry.” 

She nodded and looked back at the river with a blank expression, “Yoongi, you can’t keep hating Jin. Especially right now. The anger you have isn’t towards him, the Jin we know now. It's towards Elphaba and what she has done all these years. We can’t fight each other, we need each other or we will die. Regardless of the past, we have to look forward to the future because that's all we have left.”

Yoongi listened to every word she said but he had to stop himself from scoffing when she said he couldn’t be mad at Jin. He had every right to be mad at him, especially what he saw last night between the two. He ignored this and nodded his head at her, “Y/N, I love you...” 

“Yoongi, I love you but what I saw yesterday was a side of you I didn’t like. How could you act like that?” 

“I-I don’t know...”

“I think that's the problem, you say you don’t know but I know that you know why you said it. This isn’t about Jin, people can die, that's what the focus should be on. Jin and I will end this, we need your support.” 

Yoongi glared at this and shook his head, “It has to be you and Jin. That's all I've heard since we entered this damn forest.”

“It kinda has to be about us because we're the ones with souls inside us. If you love me then you would try and support me not go against me. I’m sorry that I have to work with Jin but the Jin you knew in school isn’t the same Jin now. I’m not going to beg you to help...” 

She looked away from his intense stare, not knowing what else to say. She was shocked at his behavior, the man that she was ready to drop everything and get married to was acting so selfish. She was disappointed in him. Death can happen and the only thing he cares about is Jin. She looked down at her fingers and glanced at him, “You have nothing to say now?” 

“I’ll help you.”

“Yoongi, you have to help all of us. Not just me.” 

He rolled his eyes and looked at her with a blank expression, “I’ll help.”

When he said this, he got up from the grass and started walking towards the forest. Y/N watched him with a confused look and yelled out his name but he ignored it. She shook her head at this and stood up from the grass going back inside feeling like the forest air was suffocating her now. She entered the house and saw Jungkook giving her a concerned look. She sat by the window staring out with a blank expression. 

Jungkook walked up to his cousin and sat next to her. He grabbed her hand gently making her look at him, “What's wrong?” 

“It's Yoongi...I understand seeing me with Jin can cause him to turn green but it's not about that. It's about how we can die and so many others can die because of this. It feels like I have to beg him for him to care. It wasn’t like this before...” 

Jungkook bit his lip hard not wanting to tell her something that he knew, “I’m sure he’ll turn around. Just give him time to truly accept this, it hasn't even been twenty-four hours.”

“I guess you're right...I’ll let him digest everything. I hope he does it rather quickly because I fear we don’t have much time.” 

“There was once a prince from the nation of Margan. He was the oldest and next in line for the crown. A handsome face with a personality that could make anyone weep, how he obtained the princess of Audaqira is unknown. The only people that truly know is the inner circle, the devil's heart themselves of Margan.”

“Papa, I don’t like this story.” 

The man looked at his daughter with a frown and caressed her cheek, “Neither did she, darling.”

“Does she have a happy ending?”

“In a way...The more time the princess spent with him, the more she realized he wasn’t cold. It was just rumors that people made. She saw the real him and learned that he loved her since they were children. The love they had for each other could heal a nation but sadly her tale ended in tragedy. The prince will never be the same but he will do everything in his power to make sure she will be happy in heaven. That’s the power of love...Irene, it's time for bed.”

“Okay, papa and mama. Goodnight.”

The woman gave her a small smile and kissed the top of her head, “Goodnight darling.” 

The two walked out of the room and went to the kitchen to sit at the table as the happy air turned into a tense one. The woman stared at the table with a blank expression as her husband gave her a worried look, “What are we going to do, Cassandra?” 

“Daniel, I-I don’t know. We have to keep moving or she will take Sylvia away from us and I won’t let her. I know she will kill me, if she finds us.” 

“Don’t speak like that...”

“If she kills me then...I know she will take Irene and make her do things that will destroy others. I know that's not our daughter but she will force it on to her...” 

“Cassandra...We have to keep moving...for her.”

Sylvia woke up from her dream and stared at the ceiling with wide eyes as she remembered the conversation between her poor parents. Two people that didn’t deserve to die, two people who protected her until their last breath. Everyday she missed them but she couldn’t let Elphaba read her mind and see this because she would get tortured. She knew that Elphaba can’t kill her because of her mother’s protection but that didn’t mean the torture didn’t hurt any less. 

Cassandra and Daniel Park, names that her hometown knows and saw as heroes. Heroes that saved the town from Elphaba, who burned most of it to the ground. Her old family home has become a tourist spot for the town folk and once in a while, Sylvia would sneak away to visit it. Something she did earlier that day. The plaque outside her old house read: 

Here lies the Park’s family home 

Violence is what tore this family apart but saved thousands in this town. Cassandra and Daniel Park protected this town and their daughter until their last dying breath. 

Their daughter Irene Cassandra May Park hasn’t been seen since that fateful night in December. One day, she will return and heal this town by letting her parents' souls be put to rest after all these years. 

We pray, she's safe and alive.      

Every time Sylvia read the plaque her heart would break. No matter what she did, she couldn’t go back and let her parents free because Elphaba would destroy the town if she did so. The only thing she could do is recite the plaque to herself in order to move forward.   

Sylvia got out of her bed and went to her journal that was hidden between the bookshelf. No one, not even Elphaba, knew about it. She took out a pen and started writing a message, 

The evil is moving towards the forest in the upcoming week. You must find the magic core before she finds you and kills you. To activate the path, you have to be from the royal bloodline and use the magic. The path will light up and show you the way. Elphaba doesn’t understand the forest, so you might have more time to find it. Please activate the core before she kills us all

-S

She puts her pen down and folds the paper. She looked at her door and took a deep breath. She walked towards the window and opened it slowly, she whispered Seokjin and the note disappeared in the night sky. She watched the note with a frown and closed the window quickly when she heard footsteps in the hall. She jumped into her bed when she heard the door opening. She sucked in her breath and closed her eyes when she saw the light from the hallway enter her bedroom. When the door closed and she didn’t hear any sound, she sat up in her bed staring at the wall with a fearful look. Whatever happens, she prays that Jin will beat her grandmother and everything can be over, for good. 

Masterlist

↜ Pervious chapter ♔ Next chapter ↝

[itspufflehuff]

Spidey - Sebastian Stan x Holland!Reader

Summary: Being Tom Holland’s twin sister isn't all that bad. You each live your own lives and have your own successes. You don’t get to visit Tom on set much but when you finally make it to Comic Con will there be a special someone there for you to meet?

Hi! This is my first post in here so please let me know what you think! If you ever have suggestions or you find a mistake in my writing feel free to message me. Thank you and enjoy!

MATERLIST // TAGLIST

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | 

Word Count: 2,840

~~~~

Being Tom's twin wasn't as intimidating as people expected.

Sure he was Spider-Man but you still had your own success. Tom went for the big screen but you went for the big stage, Broadway.

You started with local shows, then you went on to be ensemble on West End. Soon you became an understudy for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It wasn't too long until you got the lead as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked. With the attention you got as Elphaba you were scouted to audition for Broadway.

Seemingly around the same time Tom's fame skyrocketed so did yours. You two were so proud and happy for the other.

You decided to move out to New York seeing as how you were performing eight times a week.

Tom was your best friend so after every show, he called to ask how it went and to update you on his Spider-Man shenanigans.

The years came and went. You were still going strong on Broadway taking up different roles and Tom was still Spider-Man. He always talked about how fun it was being apart of the Marvel cast. You had still yet to meet anyone besides his Spider-Man co-stars like Zendaya and Jacob. Whenever they were doing a press event with the entire Marvel cast you were busy doing a show. Then one day you got a call to play Spider-Gwen.

You were so shocked when you got the call. You happened to be in your dressing room getting ready for a rehearsal. You sat there shocked, "Spider-Gwen?"

"Yes! Sony is making an animated Spider-Man and they think you would be perfect as Spider-Gwen. You wouldn't have to leave New York too long, just for some auditions. If you get the part you can do your recordings there."

"I don't know what to say." You were shocked. This is amazing! Imagine Tom's face when he finds out you're Spider-Man, well kind of.

"Say yes!"

"Yes!!"

~~~~

This was your first time attending Comic-Con. You never had a purpose to go before or even time. Now that you're apart of the Into the Spider-Verse cast you were attending so many different types of events you never did before. It was quite fun.

"Tom!" You shouted as soon as you saw him. You were in the middle of an interview but you didn't care. You hadn't seen your brother in ages. Tom laughed and walked over to you.

You two hugged and the interviewer spoke, "Our two favorite Spideys! Tom, how are you? What do you think of Y/N being Spider-Gwen?"

He laughed, "I'm doing well, I think it's great we have another Spider-Man in the family! But just so everyone knows I am the better Spidey." Everyone laughed.

"Sure you are." You playfully rolled your eyes.

"You're just a cartoon, I actually have to do flips and stuff," Tom argued.

You let out a 'pfft' before you spoke, "I could do the same things you can, you're not that special Tom."

"Alright, let's see it then!" He challenged.

"What? Right now?"

"Yes right now, come on let's go."

"Tom, I'm in heels."

He playfully rolled his eyes, "Heels aren't even that hard to jump around in, Y/N."

You looked to the interviewer who watched you twins bicker, "He did one dance wearing heels and he thinks he's amazing," turning to your brother you continued, "Newsflash Tommy I do that eight times a week."

The interviewer let out an 'ooo' as if you got him good. Everyone laughed as the interview wrapped up, "Well thank you for your time Y/N and thank you for joining Tom."

"Come on I want you to finally meet everyone." Tom grabbed your arm and pulled you along.

He basically ran through the crowd dragging you along behind him. When you finally got to where the rest of the Marvel cast was you and Tom were immediately surrounded by interviewers before you got to meet anyone.

Knowing neither of you were going to get through without at least one interview you both gave up trying to get by and stopped for an interview, "The Holland twins it's so amazing to see you both here today! How are you both?"

You answered first, "Thank you, I'm so excited to be here this is my first time so I'm a little nervous."

"Don't be nervous sis, just watch the pro." He smugly adjusted the jacket he had on.

You laughed and rolled your eyes as the interviewer asked another question, "Has there been any sibling rivalry now that both of have taken on the role of Spider-Man?"

You both looked at each other then Tom spoke, "You know what I was never mad because I know she's trying to be like her big brother which is flattering really."

You didn't notice before but next to Tom a couple of his castmates were doing an interview as well. The only reason you noticed them was because one of them came up to Tom and said, "Seriously Tom keep it down! Man, dude can't even do an interview without being a diva." You recognized him right away Anthony Mackie and next to him Sebastian Stan. Both you and Sebastian laughed at Anthony's obvious joke.

Tom looked down slightly embarrassed as he was trying to act smug before your interview was interrupted. "Y/N were you intimidated to take on Spider-Gwen knowing your brother was Spider-Man?"

"Umm, not really." you laughed, "I was actually really excited and thought it would funny to take on the role. I'm sure the casting directors thought the same thing."

The interviewer nodded, "Has there been a time where you two fought to prove who the better Spider-Man is?"

Before Tom could answer you did, "Well just a few minutes ago Tom tried to have a competition between us to see who was better at doing flips."

The three of you laughed, "And did you?"

"No, of course not! It is way too crowded in here and I'm in heels. I'm used to dancing in them not doing stunts. Maybe we can have that competition another time." You suggested to Tom.

He smiled mischievously, "You're on. May the best Spidey win." He held his hand out which you took. You both shook hands in front of the camera closing the deal to have a competition soon.

You didn't know this at the time but Sebastian couldn't take his eyes off of you for the rest of his interview. He knew who you were but never got the chance to meet you in person. Now seeing you several feet ahead of him he couldn't look away. You were more beautiful in person and your smile was radiating. Even after his interview ended he stood to the side watching you.

His eyes followed you as you smiled and waved to the interviewer. You were headed his way, quickly he turned and engulfed himself into a conversation with Chris Hemsworth.

Tom began introducing you to everyone as his little sister. He was only seven minutes older and always treated you like a kid for it. You were most excited to meet Robert Downey Jr. seeing as how he and Tom were so close. You two hit it off right away, he treated you like you were apart of the family.

You made your way down the line, meeting each member of the Marvel cast. You finally made it to Chris Hemsworth, Anthony, and Sebastian, "Hey guys I want you to finally meet my little sister, Y/N."

They all looked to you at you, well more like down at you. They were all so tall towering over.

Thank God I wore heels today.

"Pleasure to meet you," Chris grabbed your hand.

"Finally the famous Y/N! Now tell me was Tom always such a diva or is it just because he's Spider-Man that he's acting like a big shot?" Anthony asked.

You and Tom laughed. He did tell you about how he and Sebastian always teased him.

"Yeah and what about that juice obsession? Like, come on man you're too old for that." Sebastian joined in.

You looked to him and laughed, "You know what I've been telling him the same thing like come on Tom we're in our 20s and you're still hooked on juice like it's you're only will to live." You joked along and turned to Anthony, "As for the diva attitude he's always been this way like we get it you were Billy Elliot get over it!" Everyone laughed as Tom stood there pretending to look offended.

"Well, at least I never went out on stage looking like the green goblin!" He fought back.

"Hey! Elphaba is a very complex and demanding character. You're just jealous you don't have half the talent I do."

"Oh puh-lease, I totally do. Tell me who was it that taught you to dance?"

"Ok fine you have that but acting and singing was all me! All you can do is act and dance. I'm a triple threat."

That shut him up as everyone laughed at him, "I like this one." Anthony said. He reached out to shake your hand which you gladly accepted. He moved to the side, Sebastian happily took over his spot in front of you.

He reached out to shake your hand and when you grabbed it he pulled you in closer, "Just so you know you're my favorite Spidey." He whispered into your ear. A smile arose onto your lips as you pulled away, "Thank you."

"May I also add I think you have a beautiful voice, I want to one of your shows but wasn't able to catch you after the show."

A blush crept up to your face, "Thank you, again." A nervous laugh escaped, "I would've loved to have met you then. Sometimes I escape through the side exits. I love my job but I don't always love the crowds."

"I know what you mean, sometimes after movie premieres, I sneak out through the employee exit just to get away from the crowds."

Neither of you noticed but you were still holding onto each other's hand. It wasn't until Hemsworth cleared his throat beside you two, "Sorry to interrupt but we're heading to the panel room."

You both looked at him and quickly let go of each other's hands. "I'll meet you guys over there." Sebastian nodded to him. Chris looked over to the both of you, "Ok, well once again it was nice to meet you Y/N. I hope to see you soon." He gave you one last smile and walked away. You turned back to Sebastian. He spoke before you did, "I'd love to see you again late."

"Yeah, I'd love that too. I have a panel in twenty minutes. I was going to meet my brother after and join you all for the rest of the day, maybe we can talk more then." You smiled at him.

"Great, I'll see you then." He grabbed your hand gently, pulled it up to his lips, and placed a kiss there. He walked away to where his castmates went leaving you standing there with your heart beating fast.

You meet up with your cast and took photos with fans. Sebastian took up all of the thoughts in your head. You tried to focus on what was happening but your mind wandered off the feel of his lips on your had and how his eyes looked so deeply into yours.

Surprisingly enough your panel flew by. You were able to get Sebastian out of your head and get lost in hanging out with your cast as you answered fan questions. By the end, you walked out the door to see Tom waiting for you talking to some fans.

"Excuse me, I've got to go. It was nice meeting you all!" Tom excused himself from the group and walked towards you. "Ready to go?" He put his arm around your shoulder.

"Let's go." You said with a bit of excitement and nervousness.

Tom didn't notice, however. "So how many of your questions were about me?"

You were lost in thought once again unable to get Sebastian out of your mind, "Huh?"

"I got so many questions about the new Spider-Man in the Holland household." He chuckled.

Finally understanding him you laughed along, "Oh, yeah, I lost count after five. Someone asked about our rivalry so I started a rumor that we haven't spoken in months and I am actively hiding from you during this event."

Tom laughed, "Lucky for you, Mackie and Sebastian started a rumor that I'm a diva at home, so you're scared to be near me."

You laughed louder than you expected, "What?"

"Yes! They asked me about you and Mackie joined in saying you met everyone earlier and told them I've always been a diva. And of course, Sebastian had to join in," He imitated their American accent, "Poor girl looked terrified to be around him."

You both laughed as you walked into the room where the rest of the Marvel cast was.

The moment you walked in Sebastian's stomach flipped, in a good way. You were laughing when you walked in. It was the most amazing laugh he heard, he wanted to able to keep making you laugh like that. He watched as you walked around the room greeting everyone. You stopped at RDJ and Chris Evans. You all talked, but you were too far for Sebastian to hear what about. He saw you smiling from where he was at and he loved it. He excused himself from his friends and made his way to you.

"So, Y/N, what's it like to perform on stage like that? I mean it's all live and you have so much to remember, lines, songs, choreography, blocking." Evans sighed as if the thought of it made him exhausted, "I mean it's incredible."

"It was hard at first but this is my life. I love going up there each night. Sometimes we make mistakes but as long as you don't let the audience know it was a mistake then it doesn't matter. Plus we get to improve sometimes or make scenes better each night by seeing how the audience reacts."

He watched you talk about your work. The way your eyes lit up he could tell you really did love your job. Of course, he already knew that though. When he saw your performance as Eurydice in Hadestown. You had just happened to be there that night as the understudy, but he was glad to see it was you. He recognized you from the pictures on Tom's phone. He knew you were an actress on broadway so when he saw you he knew it was you. He fell in love with your performance that night. Your voice was so beautiful and the emotions you gave were so raw. Your energy was incredible it was as if you fell into the character.

"You should see her perform," He chimed into the conversation making his presence known.

Everyone turned to him, "I never did ask, which show did you see?" You tilted your head.

"Hadestown."

You broke out into a smile, "I know exactly which performance. You know that was the only time I played Eurydice?"

"Really?" His head hung in disbelief. From that performance, he would've been fooled to think you played that character a million times over, "Well you were incredible if I'd known you would be playing the lead I would've told Tom to set us up to meet."

You both smiled at each other for a moment before Tom spoke,  "Yeah, that's my sister. I don't like to admit it but she's an amazing actress. Maybe even better than me."

"Maybe? More like definitely." You challenged.

"What show were you working on before coming here?" RDJ asked.

"I was doing an off-broadway production of Mamma Mia. I let my understudy take my place so I could tour and do some promoting for Spider-Verse."

Tom excused himself so he could talk with some of his other castmates. Slowly RDJ and Evans left the conversation leaving you and Sebastian.

"You know I live out in New York as well," Sebastian said casually.

"Really? I just assumed all you movie stars lived out in LA."

"Heck no! I'm a New Yorker. I love it there" He smiled looking at you.

"Maybe we can meet up there someday, now that we're acquainted and all." You suggested nervously.

"Yeah, that would be great. Which part of New York are you in?"

"Ironically Midtown," you laughed. It took him a second but he got it, "Ah yes Spider-Man goes to Midtown." He dropped his head with a chuckle.

"38th and sixth." You clarified. He looked up with eyes wide, "You're kidding? I live on 43rd and ninth! That's like ten minutes away from me." You both stood there in disbelief.

"All of these coincidences, you would think we'd met by now."

He laughed, "Well, we have now. I'd like to keep meeting. If that's ok with you?"

You looked up at him smiling, "I'd love that."

[tattooyeol]

8 songs and 8 people tag!

Thank you for tagging me @baldyeol this was super cute and fun 💕🌸

1 - favourite song at the moment

My favourite song will always be Defying Gravity.. Its not the song i listen to the most, but its the song that basically GAVE me my voice bc i used it for training so much. And its just such a touching narrative. Elphaba will always be my favourite character and this song touches a deep part of my heart and soul.

Also basically any of Elsas songs from Frozen lmaooo but the danish version because she is the best one of the Elsa singers sorry Idina <3 (I'm a big musical theatre singer so any like big, powerful and beautiful songs like that are my jam. More for my own enjoyment of singing them than actually listening to them)

If we're talking just for listening, then any song by George Ezra or Hozier.... (this is me failing to pick just one song)

2 - song you associate your favourite ship with

Ok i'm about to expose myself in a big way lmaoo but i used to be an avid fanfic writer in the DC comics universe and i wrote a super popular nightwing fanfic that was like.. longer than the longest harry potter book and it was about this oc training under nightwing and i loved them so much so my favourite ship is like.. my own creation lmao???

Anyway the song I associate with them i Anthropology by Thrice. Its so perfect for them..

3 - a song that could be about you

This is difficult lol. If you'd asked me back when I was a heartbroken lil babe then I had like. ten songs i would say was about my heartbreak or whatever. I feel i do connect quite a but with Defying Gravity tho, the sentiment and message of the song is what i aspire to achieve

4 - a song you think is overrated

Idk I really listen a lot to like popular music so I couldn't tell you which songs are getting a "better rating" than deserved.. Maybe Lov on top by Beyoncé? The songs doesnt really have an appealing melody and it just kinda turns into screaming at the end...

5 - a song that reminds you of a good memory

Dear Marie by John Mayer. I went to a Mayer Concert with my bf, good friend and sister like a few months before Covid happened and it was a truly magical night and this song was an extra special moment, and I always think of it when I listen to the song

6 - the last song i listened to

Can't help falling in love by Elvis Presley

7 - a song that makes you laugh

Theres this one danish song that makes me laugh but i dont remember the name of it and nobody here would understand it anyway lmao

8 - a song i want my mutuals to listen to

Seriously Work Song by Hozier is so good.

I'm not sure if i can think of eight ppl to tag but I'll give it a go: @exoky @guardians-of-exo @your-sophie18 @his-mochi-cheeks @thedeviousdo @loveypetal @saintloey @exoafflatus

[seanfalco]

New York State of Mind: Part II | Misfits Timeline Anomaly’verse

an oc x oc collaboration between @seanfalco & @super-unpredictable98

Word Count: 2.7k Warnings: Language, Smut (rough sex, public sex, pool sex) Summary: The Quad comes back to the hotel after their night out, but they’re all still a little pent-up.  a/n: Like Flor mentioned last week, the NYC arc is probably one of my favourites as well!  It’s definitely a turning point for them.

[ masterlist ] [ New York State of Mind Part I ]

——

"Dancing through life, skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth.  Life is painless for the brainless..." Lydia sang mindlessly as they walked down the 51st after she made everyone wait for her to get her Playbill signed at the stage door.  It was probably the third or fourth time she had seen that show live, but she never ceased to be amazed by Elphaba's powerful solos, Glinda's giant bubble, and the enormous clock of the time dragon above the stage. 

"So, what did you guys think?" she asked as they passed through Times Square on the way back to the hotel.

“It was exciting!” Win exclaimed, smiling fondly at how happy Lyddie looked.  “I think that’s the first musical I’ve ever seen live,” she said. 

“Same here,” her Nathan added.  “It was somethin’ else.”

"It's one of my favorite shows ever, but I can't wait for Waitress to open in four years... By the way I saw you tearing up during For Good," Lydia poked her own Nathan. 

"No, I did not!  Somethin' got in my eye!" 

"Yeah, funny how something always gets in your eye every time we watch that show... I'm so glad everyone had a good time!" Lydia exclaimed.

“Aww, Nathan, such a softie,” Win teased, bumping Lyddie’s Nathan with her shoulder as she grinned up at him. 

“So... now what?” Win’s Nathan asked, unable to forget what Lyddie’d said to him in the cab on the way there.

"Now... I can't wait to get to our room and out of these clothes," she winked at him, taking his hand as they stepped into the elevator.  She wanted to tease him a little, make him beg, but she didn't have it in her to do so, she wanted him too much, there was no way to hold back.

Win’s Nathan grinned wider.  “Sounds like a solid plan,” he agreed and Win rolled her eyes.

“What about you, Natty?” she asked, addressing Lyddie‘s Nathan.

"Oh, y'know, I'm a little jet lagged, I'd love t'get some sleep," he teased, but broke down laughing at Win's expression.  "Classic... I can't wait t'help you out o'these clothes too."

“Uh huh, just for that, maybe I’ll just take a little swim and then go t’bed myself,” she replied, turning the cold shoulder on him, ruined somewhat by the grin that tugged at her lips.

"Aw, so petty..." Lyddie's Nathan wrapped his arms around her, nipping at her neck.  "I know what y'want, baby, it's alright," he whispered in her ear.

"Finally!" Lydia exclaimed as the elevator stopped, pulling Win's Nathan down the hall and fumbling with the key for a few seconds before opening the door.  "I'm burning up!"

“What’s got you so hot and bothered, Lyddie?” Win asked knowingly, cocking an eyebrow at her as she threaded her own fingers with the other Nathan’s.

"Um..." Lydia froze for a second.  "You know... I'm a sucker for his cocky charm, and look at those eyes, am I right?"  She glossed over it, shedding her dress and kicking her shoes away as soon as she entered the room.

“Isn’t that what you like about both Nathans though?” Win pressed, gasping as Lyddie’s Nathan pinched her.

"Yeah, of course... But-but he's the only one who didn't have his way with me today."  Lydia threw herself on the bed.  

"The bastard knows how t'get her pent up without even tryin'," Lyddie's Nathan whispered in Win's ear.  "But I'm here, baby, all yours."

“Yeahh it’s only fair!” Win’s Nathan exclaimed, quickly shedding his clothes, almost tripping in his haste while Win shivered at Lyddie’s Nathan’s voice in her ear and she turned in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck as she pressed herself against him. 

“Lucky me,” she purred, gazing up at him.

"So, Winnie," Lyddie's Nathan brushed his lips along Win's jaw. "D'you wanna stay here or go have that swim? I bet it's empty right now..."

“A swim sounds amazing,” she answered, her breath hitching.  “I don’t think I remembered to pack a swimsuit though,” she murmured in his ear.

"That's unfortunate..." Lyddie's Nathan opened the door, slapping Win ass on the way out.  "Guess the cameras’ll stop workin' tonight."

"I wanna give everyone some special attention..." Lydia murmured, bringing Win's Nathan close, barely noticing the door shutting behind the others, kissing him hungrily, moving with urgency.  "You have no idea how much I want you right now." 

“Holy shit, Lyddie,” Win’s Nathan exclaimed as she pulled him atop her. “God, you’re so hot,” he groaned, burying his face in her tits.

Lydia moaned under his touch, all the built-up tension finally dissolving in his arms.  "Fuck me until I can't remember my own name, Natty," she took his face in her hands, making him look up at her. 

Win’s Nathan raised his head, his brows raising as well.  “Whatever you want, Lollipop, my cock is yours to command,” he exclaimed, crawling atop her, reaching between them to tease her entrance with his tip.

"And the rest of you, huh?" Lyddie giggled, wrapping her legs firmly around his waist.  "Will you do anything for me?" 

“I’ll do anythin’ yeh want, princess,” he moaned, pressing into her.  “Just say th’word.  I’m all yours tonight.” 

Lydia felt a tingle, a knot in her stomach and she reached for a bottle her own Nathan had gotten from the mini-fridge, a tiny bottle of Baileys.  "Fancy a drink?  I wanna taste it on your tongue." 

Win’s Nathan took the bottle from her and tipped back the rest of the contents.  “You don’t like t’drink, but you wanna taste it on me, huh?” he teased, leaning down to kiss her as he slid into her, his tongue finding hers as he filled her. 

"Uhum..." she moaned into his mouth, rolling her hips to meet his thrusts.  "Everything tastes better like this."  She held on tightly to his shoulders, wanting him as close as possible.  

Win’s Nathan moaned into her mouth as she pulled him closer and he braced himself against the bed as he began to rut into her, each hard thrust bringing a cry to Lydia’s lips.  “Oh fuck, you’re so hot like this Lollipop,” he groaned. 

"Yes, yes, Natty, please..." Lydia squirmed, arching her back, seeking his lips again.  "Tell me I'm yours, I wanna hear you," she whimpered. 

“You’re mine, fuck, you’re all mine, Lydia,” Win’s Nathan exclaimed, his lips crashing against hers as he fucked her even rougher, grunting with each thrust.  

"All yours," she breathed, feeling like she could explode any minute, her pleasure racing through her body once again.  "I'm getting close, Nate..." 

“Don’t come until I say, darlin’,” he growled, sweat rolling down his temple, his muscles starting to cramp, but damn if she didn’t feel good.  “Do you still remember your name?” he asked breathlessly, not slowing. 

"I won't."  it took all her might not to come, he didn't slow down, it was almost impossible to hold back, but she was way too obedient. "I remember slightly..." 

“Good girl,” Win’s Nathan groaned, his thrusts slowing and becoming jerky.  “Ohhh okay, baby, I want yeh to come.  Come for me, Lollipop,” he cried, pressing his forehead to hers as he rammed into her, coming undone deep inside her. 

Following his command, Lydia finally came, burying her face on his shoulder to muffle her moans as she felt him filling her up.  "Oh my... That's just what I needed, now I feel better," she sighed. 

Nathan rolled off her, panting as he caught his breath. “Shit that was hot, Lyddie.  What got you so horny?” he asked with a breathless chuckle.  “I mean, Winnie got you off right before we left...”

"You did..." she snuggled against him, resting her head on his chest. "You're just so sexy, couldn't help myself."  She looked down, kissing his warm skin and hoping he didn't have her Nathan's ability to call out her bullshit. 

“I don’t think I did anything particularly sexy,” he mused, trying to remember, but he was growing sleepy.  Pulling Lyddie into his arms, he tucked her head under his chin. 

"Yeah, you were just being you..."  She placed a loving kiss on his chest, stroking his curls gently.  "I love you, Nats." 

“I love yeh too, Lyddie,” Nathan murmured, still sure he was missing something, but unable to put his finger on it. 

Lydia was finally able to breathe again.  He didn't know, thank God!  It was enough to have one Nathan weaponizing her... peculiar tastes, two would be a complete car wreck. "Good night, baby." 

Nathan was already out, his chest rising and falling peacefully as he held Lydia. 

——

Win laughed as the door shut behind them, arousal flooding her at the prospect of skinny dipping in the hotel pool, and this time on the elevator ride back down she pulled Lyddie’s Nathan in, kissing him hungrily as she massaged his growing bulge through his jeans.

"I see Lyds isn't isn't only one all worked up," Lyddie's Nathan groaned, kissing Win back with the same enthusiasm, his hands sliding down her back teasingly.

“Yeah, well, maybe Lyddie’s not the only one who’s feeling a little neglected,” Win pouted as the doors dinged open.

"No problem, I can fix that."  Lyddie's Nathan draped his arm around Win on the way to the pool, his hand brushing slightly over the slope of her breasts.

“I’m glad,” Win murmured, glancing around as they got to the pool.  It looked pretty deserted. “Looks like you were right, we’re the only ones here.”

"Sounds like a good time."  Lyddie's Nathan snapped his fingers, turning all the security cameras off and dimming the lights.  "Now let's get this off, shall we?" he said, unzipping her dress and exposing her chest.

Win gasped as the cool air hit her, her skin pebbling and she helped Lyddie’s Nathan out of his clothes til they were both naked.

"Jesus, y'look so sexy right now," Lyddie's Nathan exclaimed, capturing Win's lips, his thigh moving slowly between her legs, teasing her.  "Look at that... So wet for me."

“That’s right, Natty,” Win purred, kissing him back. “That’s not the only thing about to be wet,” she taunted, pushing him in the pool without warning, shrieking as he grabbed her on his way down, pulling her in with him.

"Y'think you're so clever, huh?"  Lyddie's Nathan emerged from the pool, shaking his hair around like a dog.  "Y'little tart!" he exclaimed, pulling Win closer, biting her neck hard enough to leave a mark as she cried out, amusement melting to a moan as she clutched at him, feeling his erection against her hip as they floated. 

“I think I’m pretty clever,” she exclaimed, breathing heavily as she melted against him, pressing her face to his shoulder.

"Y'do, do ya?" he groaned, kneading her breasts roughly under the water.  He was well aware water wasn't the best lubricant, so he concentrated for a second before sliding his cock inside of Win.  "Jesus, I love this power..." he chuckled, pinning her against one of the pool walls.

Win wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning as he moved inside her. “I’ve never shagged in a public pool before,” she confessed, playing with the wet curls plastered to Lyddie’s Nathan’s neck.  “You know—“ she paused to gasp as he filled her completely, hitting her deeply, “—you may know all of Lyddie’s turn ons and kinks, but I doubt you know mine,” she purred.

"Me neither, only the bathtub back home," Lyddie's Nathan grunted as he bucked his hips, thrusting firmly into her.  "I'd love t'know, Winnie, what gets you all hot and bothered?" he murmured while kissing her neck, leaving a trail of hickeys behind.

“Oh,” Win moaned, holding onto Nathan tighter as they bobbed in the water, each thrust pushing her back into the pool wall, but she didn’t care. “S-so you can use them against me?” she teased.  “How about I give you three guesses.”

"So it's all fun and games when we use Lyddie's kinks against her, but not yours?  Doesn't seem fair..." he mumbled, picking up his pace, fighting the urge to finish before Win.  "I think y'like t'shag in public places, don'tcha?"

“I guess you’re right...” Win murmured, turning her head away sheepishly, suddenly feeling guilty.  “Yeah, I do,” she admitted.

"Yeah, you also like t'be a tease, right?  Drive us all mad..." Lyddie's Nathan's chest was heaving as he stared down at their bodies connected in the water.

“Looks like you already got me all figured out, don’t you,” Win said softly, coming with a whimper, biting her lip to keep from crying out.

Lyddie's Nathan thrusted a couple more times as he came before pulling out.  "That's the problem, I don't think I do... and I want to.  I wanna know everythin'."

Win blinked as she turned her face back to Lyddie’s Nathan.  “...You do?”  Her words were so soft he barely heard them.  “Then ask me, I’ll... I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

"You already know how t'tease me, but what do you like, huh?  How can I get under your skin like I do to Lyds?" he whispered before pressing his lips to Win's shoulder.

Win shuddered at the tender caress of his lips.  “Uhm... I... I like PDA.  I like it when you’re bold in public.  I like being marked up where people can see.  I... I mean, you know I like being on top, but I like a little power struggle,” she admitted, the words spilling out, confessing her secrets and her desires to Lyddie’s Nathan as they floated in the pool.  

“I like playful banter, and when you stretch and I can see just that strip of skin between your shirt and your jeans.  I like th’way you look when you smoke.  And I... I like it like this... when you’re sweet t’me.” Win looked away, her gaze wavering.  “I know you all think I’m this tough, cool girl all the time, but I’m softer than I look... I just want someone to see that too.”

Nathan grinned, listening to every detail and nodding to show he was paying attention.  "All that can be arranged," he tucked a strand of Win's wet hair behind her ear and kissed her temple.  "I should probably work on bein' sweeter, t'you and t'Lyddie too, I can be sweet... and you girls deserve it.  I always knew there was a soft little heart under that bad girl exterior," Nathan teased, poking her playfully.  "That's why I love you, baby."

“I love you too, Nathan,” Win murmured, giving a tremulous smile as she blinked back the tears that had gathered in her eyes, hoping he hadn’t noticed.

Nathan held Win against his chest, he’d definitely noticed how teary she’d gotten, but he didn't wanna embarrass her by pointing it out.  He simply kissed the top of her head and sighed.  How could a moment be so romantic when they were both naked in a hotel pool past midnight after shagging?  It just was, it was special. 

"Wanna get back? I am pretty jet lagged," he said, stifling a yawn.

"Yeah, I'm exhausted," Win agreed, Nathan's yawn infectious and she covered her mouth with the back of her hand.

Helping Lyddie's Nathan out of the pool she grabbed two towels from the rack near the wall and wrapped hers around herself, tucking it around her chest as he wrapped his around his waist and grabbed their discarded clothes.  The elevator ride back to their floor was quiet, but Win didn't mind, Lyddie's Nathan's arm wrapped around her.

Nathan smiled when he saw Lydia and his clone already sleeping peacefully.  She looked so cute like that... 

"D'you think he figured it out yet?" he idly waved his hand making so both him and Win were dry and ready for bed.  It was weird to think he was so clueless when the very first time it happened back in the Community Centre, he immediately knew by the look in Lyddie's eyes.

"I doubt it," Win snorted, watching her boyfriend snoring softly, her heart constricting with affection.  "Say what you will about my Nathan, but he's not exactly the brightest sometimes," she murmured, crawling in the bed next to him, pulling Lyddie's Nathan with her.

"I feel like I should be offended..." he laughed, taking Win in his arms.  "But I'm too tired for that," he laughed, pulling the heavy duvet to cover all of them.  "Good night, baby."

"Good night, Natty," Win replied, scooting closer to press a kiss to his jaw before settling in his arms.

——

Tag list: @magic-multicolored-miracle @midnightseance @messengeronthemoon @the-freckled-luba @firstpersonnarrator @spanishmossmagnolia @salvador-daley @forenschik @a-ghoulish-tale @love-is-dirty-baby @captainsheeballs

[jewels2876]

Always. - A LOKI finale synopsis

So I thought I could write something magical or be inspired by the Loki finale for @the-th-horniest-book-club as it's their last day of celebration.

And it hit me. I can't.

Here's what I can do: dissect this episode down to its heartbreaking ending because at the end I still have a million questions and it's gonna take a cartoon What If?, a Spiderman movie, maybe a Hawkeye show?, and a Dr. Strange movie to answer them all and I'll STILL have questions after that.

Consider for just a moment what happened to 2012 Loki when the TVA captured him way back in Episode One - what the hell did removing Loki do to the MCU timeline? Thor: The Dark World never happened. And no I don't mean you can pretend Marvel put it out there because they did, and it's one of the worst Marvel movies, there I said it. But if TWD didn't happen, what else could have been affected?

And with that disturbing thought we begin...

The opening credits HAVE AUDIO! Every tag line uttered as the characters flash on the screen, EVEN LOKI gets his "We have a Hulk" in. It is awesome; it is glorious; it is expected with EVERY Marvel creation going forward.

Loki and Sylvie should know better than to stare at a door; they always seem to open on their own when that happens. Miss Minutes pops up out of nowhere, scaring the bejesus out of 70% of people, the other 30% wanted to see her one last time. And she's not the same Miss Minutes we first met. She's edgy, she's less peppy, and she gives our duo an offer. Honestly, she should have known the result but 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ravonna is doing something in her office; if she's cleaning it's a piss poor job. Miss Minutes shows up and tells Ravonna she gave her what she needs. Ominous.

Back to Loki and Sylvie who finally meet "He Who Remains." Now we all know guys with names like "He Who Must Not Be Named" are bad news. Guys, to answer the question asked in the show, I'm a little disappointed. The disappointment lasts about five seconds... The office they get transported to reminds me IMMEDIATELY of a certain movie and certain buildings we've seen before (insert duh at this point because you too have seen every Marvel movie ever.)

****** Side note: anyone know if Tom takes his tea with only two sugars? No? Yes? Okay getting back to other things ******

At this point, we get back to Ravonna and her lack of cleaning when Mobius shows up with the pruner (it has to have a cooler name! side side note: nope just glowing batons) and we get a nice little flashback to Original Ravonna (maybe?)

****** 2nd side note: since when did everyone who's not a Russo brother start using OHIO for origin stories? Seriously, go watch Black Widow. I'll wait.******

Now back to Loki, Sylvie, and He Who Remains, hereto known as HWR, who pulls the same trick we saw in the first episode with the "read and sign" guy with the adorable kitten. HWR needs a kitten, a pet at the very least. "You can't get to the end until you've been changed by the journey." HWR s is winding up for a pitch and also summarizes the show too. Loki asks if it's a manipulation; HWR finds the word interesting and I do to. Here's why:

Odin manipulated Loki's abandonment to his advantage

Thanos put Loki under mind control and used him

This is the 2012 Loki as a reminder, so he hasn't been subjected to imprisonment on Asgard or the brotherly banter/squabbles he and Thor have escaping Asgard, nor “Get help” from Ragnarok so it should come as no shock that Loki looks angry. After all, Odin and Thanos kind of killed any hope in Loki of feeling wanted or needed. Aren’t father figures supposed to instill hope, instead of disgust? Yeah, I can answer that one but that’d be an entire other post.

Now we’re back to Ravonna and Mobius and they spat over who was more betrayed - news flash: it was Mobius. But Ravonna has to do for the digs. “Those variants?” “You threw it away for a couple of Lokis.”  Mobius tries to reason with Ravonna, sounding exactly like Glenda and Elphaba from Wicked (his “together” is spot on Glenda!) Ravonna opens a portal looking for “free will” after giving Mobius one last beatdown.

And we’re back to Loki, Sylvie and HWR. HWR gives them a bit of his backstory; I have a suspicion he’s glossed over some of it (he admits being called a conqueror for cryin’ out loud!) He has a maniacal moment, standing on his desk, voice getting a little shrill and thin. He also admits he’s probably the saner of his variants (my words not his.) Then after his real-man-behind-the-curtain routine he makes them an offer. Take his place. Loki, who has been remarkably non verbal, asks why HWR would give up control. Good question from the guy who wants to be in control yet was meant to thrive on chaos he creates. If anyone is keeping score, questions have been asked but not a single ANSWER has been given! Sylvie isn’t believing a single word while our Loki’s wheels are turning.

****** 3rd side note: the acting has been PHENOMENAL this entire series. Forget what Marvel promised and didn’t deliver (fluid Loki) and a scene we’ll be getting to, Tom and company have been nothing short of an Emmy, which I expect next year.******

HWR finally gets fed up with Sylvie and tells her to grow up. Because she took her pruning personally. Now I’m not going to say she shouldn’t be upset about her pruning; Marvel made it A POINT of showing her playing, content on Asgard, when they took her. But HWR has a point. He’s offering an option that allows Loki and Sylvie to do whatever they feel is best and it’s the wrong time for Sylvie to get in her feelings. Of course 99% of us know that’s EXACTLY when feelings choose to surface.

Then something happens - we don’t know who or what did it. Was it Ravonna and her leaving? Did Ravonna meet someone we suspect? Was it Mobius? Miss Minutes? The agents? We may never know exactly but now HWR is actually in the dark. Mr. Know-It-All suddenly doesn’t know it all.

Sylvie thinks she has her opportunity to fulfil her quest but it’s our Loki who protects HWR. Loki doesn’t tell her she’s wrong or right, just to stop and THINK. And now we get a glimpse of 2018 Loki:

See the bigger picture

Let’s talk about it

I believe HWR

What fills the void of a dictator?

What if we unleash something worse than HWR?

Now here’s where Marvel gets an B+ in character development. They took the 2012 Loki hell bent on destroying Earth to rule it and gave him just enough growth to become the 2018 redeemed Loki ODINSON, willing to sacrifice himself to Thanos (even if he did think he wouldn’t die.) It’s not a perfect arc by any means, but Marvel got there and this is one thing I applaud.

Sylvie now thinks Loki is lying to her to get to a throne and is clearly upset they are not seeing eye to eye on this and another point to Marvel. Loki, for only seeing a few videos that Mobius showed him, still has more life experience in his SINGULAR moment with Thanos to know that there is ALWAYS something bigger, badder, WORSE around the corner and he does NOT want to make the wrong decision. Wow.

To trust or not to trust. 

It’s a beautiful sword fight that HWR sits back and watches like it’s ESPN. The lighting is gorgeous behind the action and is leading up to my next OMG moment: STOP.

Loki asks Sylvie to stop, almost like a child. Like someone who knows exactly where the fight leads, where it goes, and where it ends. And he says as much to her as well. Sylvie feels like that person who just wants the fight to be over; she hunches into Tom’s space and the lighting suddenly stays green and blue. Guess who’s green? Guess who is blue?

This goes back to my Emmy mention. Even if it’s ONLY for technical work, it’s so deserving. Sylvie, in green, tired, emotional, struggling with something we aren’t supposed to know just yet. Loki, in blue, almost as if his Jotun form has taken over, strong, sensible, relatable, empathetic.

And then that damn kiss!  Marvel missed another opportunity here. Two Lokis had the opportunity to show self-love, familial love, friendly love, ANYTHING BUT A DAMN KISS!!! I’m not saying they couldn’t have feelings for each other, but it NEVER has to be romantic just because it’s a guy and a girl. **dramatic sigh goes here**

Sylvie pushes Loki through a portal she has opened, then turns to stab HWR through the chest, as he predicted. HWR actually chuckles, which makes me wonder if he expected this exact turn of events. As if we’ll ever know for sure.

Of course the timeline is going nebular and we’re treated to a shot back to the TVA. Mobius and B-15 exchange words as they watch the timelines grow and grow. Loki is sitting on a couch at the TVA and decides he’s not done? You’re supposed to guess the motivation because everything seems normal at the TVA. Loki finds Mobius and B-15 and admits to everything. Loki calling HWR terrifying is terrifying all on is own. And this of course is where it ends.

The post credit scene is just a “Loki returns in Season Two.”

Guys, this season was a mixed bag. There was some good, there was some not so good; there were laughs and a couple of tears. But it also has me SO HYPED for what’s to come. More Loki, more Marvel content, more... everything, I hope!

[imjusthereforbatfam]

Never-Ending Encore, ch.6

Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chapter Summary: Best way to make a new friend in the most dangerous city in the world? Simple! Offer them baked goods as a thanks after they patch you up from almost dying in a knife fight!! So easy!!! :D

Warning: minor blood, minor swearing

---

“There you go,” Red Hood said opening the window to Eden’s fire escape from inside the apartment. She’d cautiously – and, in this instance, annoyingly – locked it earlier. “Back at Casa de Eden, safe and—”

“Don’t do that again!” she whisper-shrilled in his face.

Red Hood jerked back, surprised. The nerve! He knew full well he’d given Eden a heart attack vaulting off the fire escape like that. And he barely held on to the building while he checked her other window!

“You scared the livin' crap out of me! We’re on the ninth floor, for Pete’s sake!"

He scoffed. “Guess it’s a good thing you left the other window unlocked then, huh? Can you imagine? One little slip then, splat! No more Red Hood." He sniffed obnoxiously and wiped an imaginary tear from the eye of his helmet. "So sad."

“Oh please.” Eden rolled her eyes as she passed her groceries to him. “Like you wouldn’t have pulled out your grappling hook or something and saved yourself.”

“Oh?” He offered her his free hand, dropping the act. “So you mean I had everything under control? And you had nothing to freak out about? Imagine that.”

“Listen you,” Eden said taking his hand, allowing him to help her through the window. “You know well and good by now that I am a panicky person. The very least you could do is give me a heads up before you do something crazy like that!”

“Alright, fine. Don’t freak out, but I’m about to walk over to your table. So scary!”

She rolled her eyes again. "Yeah, I’m absolutely petrified, Mr. Hood.”

He let out a small amused sound. 

Cautiously holding her, he led her toward her kitchen table. Eden felt a little ridiculous, but he probably thought she’d keel over if he let her walk on her own. That's what would probably happen to a normal person who’d lost as much blood as her. So, despite being perfectly fine, she played along — totally not enjoying how close he was to her. Nope. Not even the littlest bit. 

But as he led her across the room, Eden couldn’t help but see her place with a fresh set of eyes. The kind a person only ever saw through when an unexpected visitor walked through their door — or, in this case, window.

Her apartment was so tiny and barren there honestly wasn’t much to see to begin with. But that didn’t stop Eden from noticing every flaw that was there. Every crumb and speck of dust. Every scuff and scratch that marked the fake wooden floor. The huge pile of “clean” clothes sitting on a chair next to her – thankfully closed – closet door. The walls void of anything but cracks, holes, and an old pair of coat hooks by the front door. 

Being in such a small space, and hoping to be able to afford something a little nicer in the not-too-distant future, Eden had decided early on not to fill it with any big or unnecessary furniture. It wasn’t like she needed much to begin with, and she didn’t want to deal with nine flights of stairs when she moved, so it had made sense.

Plus, it wasn’t like she planned on ever having guests. Even if she had people to invite over, inviting anybody to her neck of the woods would just be asking for trouble. Her neighborhood was far too… unneighborly. She’d feel tremendously guilty if anything bad happened to someone who shouldn’t be there to begin with.

But now that she had a guest, Eden severely regretted not trying to turn the rundown studio into something a little homier.

Her “living area” was a piss poor sight with only a lazily made-up mattress and a scratched-up coffee table to fill it. The mattress, which sat on the floor, acted as both Eden’s bed and couch; its sheets half sprawled, half bunched up in a way that Mama never would’ve allowed. The square coffee table – small enough for her to have carried onto the subway with only a little trouble – was absolutely covered in scattered piles of books, notebooks, and pens. Her laptop and headphones – the only things she’d splurged on with Frank’s money – sat on her bed, glaringly shiny and new compared to everything around them.

At least the tight galley kitchen was clean and tidy. She still swept and wiped everything down each night, just like she would back home. Even if the linoleum was unsalvageable in places and the counters worn down, it looked better to Eden than the living space. The colorful dishrags, oven mitts, and canisters of utensils gave it more character than any other space in the apartment. Made it more… presentable.

“By the way, please tell me that’s not your cellphone,” Red Hood groaned.

Eden glanced down at her phone, still on the kitchen table where she’d left it, right next to the tiny notebook of phone numbers. Then she looked up at him, confused.

“Of course it is… Whose else would it be?”

He made a gruff sound, stopping in front of the chair Eden had fled from... gosh, was it only an hour ago? She sat down as he set her bags in front of her with a loud thud. 

“Seriously? You went out this late and you didn’t even bring your phone? Do you still think you’re in Kansas, Dorothy?”

Eden frowned. “I know exactly where I am, Glinda.”

“I am not Glinda,” he argued.

“Then are you Elphaba? Or the Great and Powerful Oz himself?” She twirled her hand and dipped her head, giving him a quick, theatrical bow. “Your Oziness.”

He snorted. “I’m just saying it was stupid.”

“I know it was stupid, I just…”

Her eyes flickered down to the little notebook with all her friends and family’s numbers inside. Guilt pulled at her heartstrings. Then she looked to her phone.

Like her laptop and headphones, it was new and bought with Frank’s money. The same money she used to get here. The money he'd given her for trusting him with her “donation”. For agreeing to that stupid meeting in the first place. For thinking he was still her father after all these years.

What a joke.

“It doesn’t matter,” she huffed, snatching them up as she stood. “I’m just an idiot.”

She moved to the smallest of her kitchen drawers, her designated “junk drawer”. So far it only contained a few pens, a pad of post-it notes, a screwdriver, some scissors, and a hair tie. She tossed the phone and notebook in too and shut it roughly.

“Anyway.” She turned back to Red Hood. “What would you like for your thank you?”

Red Hood, who’d been watching at her intently, lifted his head slightly. “Huh?”

“What would you like?” she asked again, thinking it obvious. “I know you liked the cookies I made last week. I think it was snickerdoodles, right? Did you want some more of those or something else?”

“Or… Wait, what?”

“Or something else,” she repeated. “I know you’re keen on calling me that dumb cookie name, but I bake more than cookies, you know. Brownies, fudge, pie, cake — you name it! It doesn’t even have to be sweet either. The only thing I can’t do is make something with filling. I mean, I could but I haven’t bought a piping bag so I’d have to make do with a makeshift one; which, again, I could do, but it’d be a lot messier and I'm actually not that great at filling pastries either way, so I’d really rather not, but—”

“Wait, wait,” he said raising a hand and moving forward. “What are you talking about? Piping bags? Filling?”

“Uh, a thank you?” she said, again, like it was obvious. “You helped me a lot tonight and I want to make it up to you."

“You’ve already thanked me a few times,” he said turning his head a moment. “You really don’t have to—”

“Ohhhh no you don’t, Mr. Hood!” she said stepping forward and wagging her finger at him. “Don't you pretend you didn't go out of your way for me tonight. I know you did, and I know y’all aren’t that big on manners here, but it’s only right I go a little out of my way too to repay you for it.”

"But I can’t stay with you all night, Cookie Girl,” he teased, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter opposite her. “There might be some other dumbass buying eggs and flour in the middle of the night who gets in a knife fight. Can't leave them to bleed out on the streets, now can I?"

"I suppose not," she agreed. "Though I have to admit I'm a little disappointed." She pouted and fluttered her eyelashes. "You really don't think I'm a one-of-a-kind kind of dumbass, Mr. Hood?"

Red Hood barked out a laugh, making Eden grin.

“Oh hey, how about this!" she said jumping black to their original conversation. "I can make a batch of fudge and keep it until you have time in your very busy rescuing-total-idiots schedule to stop by again. Would that work?”

He rubbed the jaw of his helmet as he considered it, then turned to her again. “How good’s your fudge?”

She choked on a laugh at how serious he sounded and cleared her throat. “Pretty good, I’d say. Never heard any complaints and I’ve been making it about as long as I’ve been making cookies.”

He hummed comically loud, the distortion making it unharmonious. “Tempting. Very tempting."

“Annnnnd,” she said leaning forward, “it’d be another one of my Mama’s recipes. It doesn't get much better than that, Mr. Hood, I promise you.”

He hummed again. “I guess one batch of fudge couldn’t hurt.”

“Perfect!” Eden beamed, clapping her hands together. “Any allergies I should know about? Nuts? Dairy? Special calorie diet? Please say no to that one; I hate dealing with low-fat nonsense. I'll do it, of course, for you, but I won't like it.”

“Nah,” he said, sounding amused. “I'm good with whatever. Go crazy, Cookie Girl.”

“Alrighty then. Oh!” She steepled her fingertips and drummed them together, grinning. “Oh, I know exactly what I'll make you... hehehe...”

“Uh, should I be scared?” 

“Not at all, Mr. Hood!" she said far too sweetly. "You said go crazy, so crazy I'll go.”

He shook his head at her, then tilted it slightly. “You might wanna take a shower before you go too crazy."

"Hm?"

He nodded to her shirt and Eden glanced down.

“Oh. Right.” She still looked like a crime scene. She looked up at him again, sheepishly. "Sorry."

He shrugged, unbothered. "Don't be sorry. I’m just not huge a fan of blood in my fudge.”

"That's fair," Eden giggled, grateful for the ease that came from talking to him. She looked at her shirt again, grimaced, and pulled at the bloodied fabric. “I should probably go do that now actually...”

“I'll get out of your hair then," Red Hood said pushing himself away from the counter. "Try not to get your stitches wet if you can help it.” Then he stopped and turned as if remembering something. Eden waited until he finally decided to speak. “You seem to be able to hold yourself up now.”

Suddenly, remembering the role she was meant to be playing, her body self-corrected and started to droop to one side. Eden corrected that self-correction by dramatically shifting her weight to the other side then back again — like she was testing her balance in a very, very bizarre way.

“Yeah," she said standing upright again. "I’m not as dizzy as I was before.” Which was not untrue. She’d been extremely dizzy when he'd first found her and wasn’t at all now, so, technically, not a lie. “But I’ll sit down if it gets bad again. That’s what you’re supposed to do, right?”

Red Hood nodded slowly, not saying anything. He slung the black medical bag off his shoulder and put it on the table next to her groceries.

“I’ll leave this in case you need it," he muttered.

Eden nodded, knowing she wouldn’t, then walked him to the window. “Thanks, Mr. Hood. I’ll try to replace whatever I use." She smiled. "I don’t suppose you could give me a rough ballpark on when you might come back?” 

“What,” he teased climbing back onto her fire escape, “miss me already?”

“No,” she said too quickly. “Of course not. Don’t be dumb. I’m asking for the, uh, timeline. For… fudge. Purposes. Obviously.”

“Obviously,” he repeated, kneeling in front of her window.

Eden’s cheeks grew warmer and she looked away. “Anyway," she mumbled. "I’m home by 7 most nights. But Sunday or Monday night would work best for me.”

“Alright, I’ll try to shoot for one of those.” Red Hood glanced over his shoulder and down the street. “I really should go now, Cookie Girl.” He stood from the window and pulled out his grappling hook. “Try not to do anything too stupid while I’m gone.”

“Yeah, I’ll do my best,” she scoffed. “Try not to do anything too crazy before you come back." 

He snorted. “I’ll do my best.”

Eden smiled, becoming more sincere. "I'll see you later then, Mr. Hood."

"Yeah. See you later, Cookie Girl." 

He jumped off the fire escape and Eden leaned out her window to watch him soar across the street. He passed several buildings before landing on a rooftop, where he paused for a moment.

He looked back at her and Eden jerked in surprise, nearly smacking her head against the glass. She sent him a small, shy wave, embarrassed at having been caught watching him go, and Red Hood returned it with a raise of his hand. It looked like he might be shaking his head, too.

Eden quickly ducked back inside and shut and locked her window. She spun around and leaned against it, trying to calm her beating heart and fiery face.

She was already being stupid, it seemed. She really had no reason to be so embarrassed! People watch other people leave their houses all the time! Eden had stood out on the front porch plenty of times back home to watch folks go — sometimes with a smile and a wave, sometimes with a scowl and a rifle in her arms. So how was watching Red Hood go any different? She shook her head and sighed.

That sigh acted as a signal and started a chain reaction.

With nobody else around, her body freely began to set off all kinds of alarms. It had saved her from another encore, yes; and now it demanded its due. She was tired, starved, and just flat out weak from her body's efforts to keep her alive. 

The sudden wave of exhaustion nearly brought her to the floor. “Okay,” she mumbled, forcing herself to stand up straight. “Food, then shower, then sleep. Then everything ’ll be better,” she promised.

She stagged back to the table to take care of her groceries. Aside from a few cracked eggs, everything was still intact and, considering the adventurous night she’d had, Eden counted that as a victory.

She could have turned on the stove and heated up some leftovers. She wasn’t so hungry that she was just grabbing anything and shoving it into her mouth. But sleep's siren call was loud and clear, and Eden was eager for bed, so she ate her food cold standing over the sink. The casserole dish was empty before her stomach was full, but it would suffice until morning. 

When she turned on the bathroom light and saw her reflection, she froze. Is this what she'd looked like all night? No wonder Red Hood had been so concerned! She looked like she’d caught the red death and was bleeding from every pore! Her shirt was completely soaked through, which she’d already known, but some of the blood had also seeped into her coat and even her pants.

She took a step closer to the mirror. “Holy heck…” Red Hood agreeing to see her again was nothing short of a miracle.

The blood had completely stained the skin around her neck and chest. Only the space around her stitches was clean. The top of her hair was wild and windswept while the bottom half was damp and matted with blood. Her cheeks grew warm as some silly part of her lamented over Red Hood seeing her so gross and uncouth. She tried to fix her hair – as if doing so now would somehow change how she’d looked before – but gave up shortly after beginning. 

She turned on the shower and peeled the wet, sticky clothing from her body. Stepping into the hot water, the leftover strain in her muscles eased further, making it harder to keep herself upright. Using her nails, she picked at the adhesive part of the band-aid Red Hood had, half-jokingly, stuck to her palm before bringing her home. The cut, little more than a paper cut now, stung as soap suds and shampoo found their way into the tiny cracks of her skin.

At first, she tried to keep her stitches dry like Red Hood had told her, but gave up quickly. She was too tired for all that. And whatever consequences there were for a normal person wetting their stitches, it likely wouldn’t affect Eden much. Besides, the constant stream of warm water on her neck felt amazing. At least until washed-out conditioner seeped into her stitches. Then Eden regretted everything.

When she got out, she rubbed the mirror clean of fog to inspect her neck. It was just as she’d predicted.

Though red with irritation, the cut no longer reached down to her collarbone and the once deep gash in the crook of her neck was now but a shallow slice. By the time she woke up tomorrow, she doubted there would be anything left of the wound at all. The stitches had been, as she'd known, completely unnecessary. And now she was stuck with them. And would soon have no slice, no cut, nor wound to justify their existence. Great.

Turning out the light, she took a long breath. Hopefully, her body would make short work of the stitches and they would dissolve quickly. But until then, she would just have to keep her neck covered.

---

When she finally crawled into bed, Eden snuggled into her covers and replayed the night in her mind. For as much agony as his stitches had – and would – put her through, Red Hood had transformed her awful, lonely night into something warm and wonderful. And now, she even had something to look forward to. As she drifted off to sleep, Eden found herself smiling. Maybe, somewhere in this big, dangerous city, Red Hood was smiling, too.

She giggled softly at the thought, hoping that maybe – just maybe – he was eager to see her again, too.

Chapter 7

Kinda short this time but I hope it was still a nice read!

As always, even the tiniest feedback is loved and appreciated 🥰💕

[indestinatus]

Storms & Secrets

TIVATOBER 2020 // DAY 24

↳ prompt: Thunder Storms - rated T (2,440 words)

summary: In the middle of a thunderstorm, Tony and Ziva face the consequences of bickering instead of keeping their eyes on the road. 

A/N: inspired by the movie “Leap Year”. This is so tropey and self-indulgent but also... why not? - aka the enemies to lovers fic of the series. 

read it on AO3 🌩️

Tony squinted his eyes to try to see through the darkness straight ahead, but it would be easier to see underwater. And he was - in a way - as the windshield wipers moved back and forth with a speed that was worrying how it wasn’t enough to clear away the rain. The skies had decided to fall tonight with all their strength, and now not even the headlights on in full potency could shine through the heavy fog. 

“I can’t see a thing,” he complained, leaning over the steering wheel to see if it helped somehow. It didn’t. 

Ziva let out an annoyed huff from the passenger seat. “I do not understand how difficult it is to just drive straight ahead.”

“Well, maybe because I know for a fact that this is not a straight road, David.”

“If you know it’s not straight, then you know the way,” she replied dryly, and he could almost sense the eye roll without even looking at her. “So why are you driving at a leech’s pace?”

“Snail,” Tony grunted.

“I have been locked inside this tiny, awful, smelly vehicle of yours for more than two hours. Do you really think it’s smart now to start calling me names?”

“I wasn’t calling you anything.” Her obliviousness was truly unbelievable sometimes. “It’s a ‘snail’s pace’. I’m driving at a ‘snail’s pace’.”

“Glad we could agree,” Ziva replied with a condescending huff, and Tony had to clench his jaw from keeping himself from saying things he knew he would later regret. “Now would you do me favor and step out of the car so I can drive us back? We’re practically going backwards.”

“I would rather crash this car than suffer from an impending death by your hands.”

“Oh, do not worry,” she laughed bitterly. “If I stay locked up here with you any longer, you’ll die before that.”

This really was going to be a nightmare. Tony mentally noted to make McGee pay for convincing the boss to stay in the navy yard while he and Ziva took a detour to Arlington to check an abandoned warehouse—one that didn’t lead anywhere after all. A pair of woman’s footprints in the dirt and some missing shell cases were the only leads they had found, and they still had no clue about who they belonged to other than the slugs matched the petty officer’s missing gun. 

The storm had started as soon as they set foot inside the warehouse, and there was only time to capture the footprints before the rain washed it away and left them stuck in the middle of nowhere. After an hour of waiting for the downpour to pass from inside the car, Tony had lost his patience with Ziva’s complaints and decided that the faster he could go back, the better—even if that meant having to sit through hours on end listening to her protests about his inability in driving efficiently enough.

It didn’t help that they hadn’t had anything to eat all day, and hungry Ziva usually meant dangerous Ziva. One wrong move and Tony would turn to dust, faster than being electrocuted by the lightning bolts that now pierced the clouds. But he just couldn’t help himself when she was like this—somehow it made the want to put her off even more compelling. This bad humor usually meant he could get to her easier, and Tony just couldn’t let any chance go to waste. To bug Ziva until she went mad may have turned into one of his life goals over the years. 

“Don’t lie to yourself,” Tony’s lips tilted upwards. “You’re enjoying every minute of it.”

“Of course,” she replied dryly. “This is exactly how I planned to spend my evening.”

“What?” Tony chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’d have preferred Probie as company.”

“He would certainly be less obnoxious than you.”

“Miss David,” Tony sent a sweet smile her way, “Say whatever you want, but your eyes tell a different story.”

Ziva chuckled amused and Tony felt her gaze burn at the right side of his face. “Yes? And what story are they telling?” Her voice sounded kind but Tony knew her well enough to hear the note of disdain in it. He decided it was time to make her squirm.

“Wouldn’t this be the perfect excuse for getaway sex in the middle of nowhere?”

Tony glanced her way with a lopsided grin and was amused to see it had worked. Ziva looked at him almost surprised he had put it that bluntly, but neither of them was that oblivious of the sexual attraction they shared that they would deny thoughts like that weren’t common. Of course they had indulged it over the years but still felt like a forbidden topic. 

“Keep on dreaming, DiNozzo,” Ziva replied after some time, and Tony couldn’t help the grin that stretched across his face at her reaction. Of course she would deny it. 

“I think you are the one lying to yourself,” she added right after, and Tony pressed his lips together to keep from smiling.

“Is that right?”

“Yes. Sexual fantasies are always your last resource. It means you are desperate.”

Tony’s eyebrows shot skywards. It shouldn’t surprise him that she knew him that well. “For what, exactly?”

“Whatever it is that you are seeking.”

“So, Elphaba,” Tony pursed his lips, “What is it that I’m seeking?”

He could feel her staring at him even as he watched the road when Ziva replied quietly, “I would not know.”

“Hm,” Tony hummed, his mind conjuring up a thousand images per second, “Oh, I think you would.”

Tony’s gaze was pulled to the passenger seat and his heart did that crazy little flip he was familiar with when he found that Ziva was already staring, her face tilted to the side. Her hooded eyes skimmed his face lazily, and Tony felt his mouth turn dry when she started smirking knowingly. Good heavens, all he wanted to do right that instant was to wipe that smirk off her face and convince her to tell him what the hell she was thinking with her eyes sparkling like that. 

How did things escalate so quickly when she was concerned?

He was still trying to peer into her head when Ziva’s eyes widened, and Tony cursed out loud as the car bumped into something that made them take a sharp turn to the left, the steering wheel slipping away from his control. 

He heard Ziva’s muffled scream before the car distinctively hit a tree - the flashlights illuminating the wide trunk and foliage appearing out of nowhere - and Tony felt all the air being sucked from his lungs because of it. 

As soon as the car stopped, Tony saw some type of smoke coming from the bent hood that looked like more than just mere fog. With his fingers still gripping the steering wheel tightly, his heart was racing as he tried to process what had just happened. Then Ziva started cursing in a language he didn’t understand and some relief returned to him when he realized she wasn’t in fact hurt.

“This was your fault,” Tony said without thinking, blinking away the surprise as he ran a hand through his hair.

“And just how exactly was it my fault?” Ziva bit back. “You were the one ‘driving’ it.”

“You kept distracting me,” he swallowed.

Tony saw the sequence of anger, scorn, and annoyance pass her features, and Ziva shot him a sharp glare before opening the door. The sound of the thunderstorm increased for a second before she shut the door behind her, and a sudden uneasiness blurred Tony’s vision when he realized he would need to face the heavy rain to fix whatever mistake he had made. 

Stepping out of the car and into the storm, Tony felt his clothes soak immediately, and a strong gust of wind turned them instantly cold. He found Ziva crouching next to the front tire, her hair already dripping wet. She sighed unimpressed and Tony realized that the tire had been punctured, some flicker of hope dying as he remembered they weren’t carrying any spare ones to give space for all the evidence boxes they usually stocked in the trunk.

She must have had the very same thought, because Ziva stood up and crossed her arms, and even in the darkness, Tony could see the disdainful scowl of one deserved ‘I told you so’. He cast her a lip-tight smile that she mimicked it right back, and Tony took out his phone to see unsurprisingly that they had no signal there.

Huffing out an exasperated breath, Tony tried to think of a solution that felt more unattainable with each passing second. He began to shiver when thunder started to resonate across the sky. He looked up and down the road for any sign of life, but there was none - expected, it was the middle of the night in a heavy thunderstorm anyway - and the prospects of having to spend the whole night curled up inside a broken car were turning acutely real. 

Tony was already giving up and returning to the car when his eyes fell on the other side of the road and he exhaled out loud at the sight of a small window illuminated by lamplight. Through the rain, he could distinguish the blurred outlines of a little cabin just up the hill and mentally thanked the heavens for making the car break next to some sort of human civilization. 

“Where are you going?” asked Ziva as he jumped the highway bumps into the bushes that led to the light.

Tony turned over his shoulder to see that she had stayed next to the car, and halted when she gave him no sign of tagging along.

“Find shelter,” he yelled through the rain, then pointed to the cabin. “We’re lost, it’s the middle of a thunderstorm, and I already sent the photos to McGee.” 

Ziva eyed the house with some suspicion and hugged her arms tighter. Tony mentally registered the fact that she was also shivering, but decided not to comment on it when Ziva raised her chin in defiance and stood her ground. 

“You can stand here in the rain if you want to,” Tony declared before continuing to walk. “Heard it’s like acid for witches!” his scream sounded in the ravine.

“At least I’m not the one smelling!” Ziva yelled right back, but she appeared to be getting closer to him. 

“Or so you think.”

A head slap hit him a second later, and Tony had to bite his tongue not to give her any pleasure from a reaction. Ziva passed him with a smug smile and he watched as she made her way to the cabin, her hips visibly swaying even with all that rain.

He was right. This was going to be a nightmare, in whatever way.

Tony had no other choice than to follow her, the car left forgotten amidst loud thunder and rain.

°°°

The cabin was, in fact, a bed & breakfast, and Tony would’ve been immensely grateful if he wasn’t so irritated by Ziva’s ‘I was right’ attitude, which was driving him mad now. Also, the fact that a bed & breakfast was located up a hill, which was unusual, but Tony just couldn’t complain when he knocked on the door and an old lady opened it instantly, eyeing them with a concerned frown. 

“Oh, my poor dears! Come, come.” She pulled them in and closed the door in a hurry, muffling the sound of the storm at the same time the warmth coming from the cabin embraced him. 

Tony could’ve sworn he heard Ziva moan right next to him - downright moan out loud - but his mind suddenly felt like mud once he registered how wet she was with her dripping hair and her clothes unfairly clinging to her skin. 

How was it possible for someone to be that attractive after being completely drenched by a thunderstorm? 

“You’re lucky, so you are,” said the old lady with a pitying look directed at them, “Just half an hour ago, I had two backpackers at the door wanting the room. But they weren’t married. Admitted it right out. No shame. So I sent them packing.” She nodded at someone inside the living room and Tony stretched his neck to find probably the oldest man he would ever find breathing, nodding back at her. 

“Right is right,” she continued, glancing at them again, “Rain or no rain. So, it’s Mr. and Mrs.—”

Tony halted, then started coughing to disguise the sudden hysteria that kicked in while Ziva patted his back with more force than necessary.

“David,” Ziva faked a sweet voice.

“DiNozzo,” Tony hissed through the coughing.

Ziva hit him in the stomach and Tony huffed out a breath before shooting her a glare. Ziva was smiling forcefully, her eyes a bit wide as she motioned to the old lady with a sharp move of her head. Tony turned his attention to find the woman narrowing her eyes at them, and instantly felt the opportunity of good accommodation for the night slipping away as easily as it had appeared. 

“David-DiNozzo,” Tony said, pulling his best charming grin, then wrapped an arm around Ziva’s shoulders and didn’t miss the protesting hiss she tried to refrain. 

“We’re not long married, and the names are so similar we forget,” he continued, but the owner still eyed them with a certain degree of suspicion. 

“We pray that one day we’ll be able to have a son and heir to keep it going. Name him Daniel.” Ziva’s nails dug into his thigh. “Or Daisy,” Tony amended through gritted teeth, “Sweet as her mother.”

“Oh,” the woman’s expression softened and Tony mentally noted to tease Ziva about it later.

“Tony…” He tightened his arm around her, “And Ziva to you, ma’am.”

He didn’t know why he’d chosen to give her their real names, but Ziva let out a giggle that didn’t fit her at all and Tony found himself truly laughing, now at how ridiculous it all was. 

“Lovely,” replied the old lady with a satisfied grin. She beckoned them in and motioned to the stairs, saying, “Now let’s get you to your room.”

Tony wiggled his eyebrows and saw the amused sparkle in Ziva’s eyes, so fast he wondered if he had seen it at all. 

“After you, sweet cheeks,” he said with a duck of his head, adding a brief wink he was sure she had caught. 

“Thank you,” Ziva smirked knowingly and passed him to follow the lady upstairs. She looked over her shoulder to add, “Mon petit poi.”

part two of this story next chapter :)

[vindicatedvirgil]

only fools rush in / part eight: of flowers and freeing words

part one | part two | part three | part four | part five | part six | part seven

TW: sexual innuendo (thanks, Remus), mention of hospital visit, mentions of cancer/chronic illness, VERY vague mentions of domestic abuse, vague mentions of sex, cursing, anxiety attack

chapter summary: Patton reflects on his relationship with Remus, his friendship with Logan, and just... everything.

---

Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

-

Patton wasn’t sure if he believed in fate. Sure, his mom would read him fairytales as a kid and he hoped that someday, he would find where he was meant to be. But he had worked hard to get where he was, taking care of his mom when she got sick, helping to run the flower shop all throughout high school and helping when he could now that he was in college. Everyone he had dated in the past always felt… like a background character, or one of those characters in video games that you only really deal with for one quest and then you don’t see them ever again. A part of his journey, yes, but not someone to join him on the rest of his journey.

And then he met Remus. Remus, who was so unlike anyone he had ever dated, who looked at Patton like he held all of the stars in his hands, who held him so gently after their moments of intimacy that Patton almost felt like a porcelain doll, so fragile, so ready to break in the hands of the person who he loved so dearly, as long as Remus was happy.

It had all happened so quickly; from the moment they met, Patton was in it. Their first date was unlike any other he had ever had, because they both broke down their walls. And as they grew to know each other more, as they progressed physically and emotionally, Patton wanted more and more to believe that Remus was the one he was made for. That, perhaps, Patton Hart, in his mother’s womb all those years ago, was being crafted just so that he could be held tenderly by Remus Creative. 

He didn’t want to lose that. He couldn’t bear the thought of it falling apart; perhaps that was why he reacted so negatively to what Roman did during the power outage. For the first time in his life, Patton had something that he was terrified to lose other than his mother, Logan, and the flower shop. And even though Roman was one of his best friends, maybe especially so, he couldn’t bear the idea that the theater major would get in the way of what was, in Patton’s mind, meant to be.

It haunted his every thought, though. When he curled in Remus’ arms, the fresh afterglow settling above both of them, when he sat in his child development classes, when he cut the stems off of the flowers in the shop, it was all he could think of: Roman’s letter. And now he felt guilty for holding this grudge over him, but he didn’t know how to resolve things; until he realized that opening night of the musical was coming up.

-

“Hi, Mama,” Patton said, stepping into the flower shop, Remus in tow. “How are you today?” She swept him up into his arms, pressing kisses into his hair and on his cheeks.

“Much better now that you’re here, darling.” Her eyes fluttered over to Remus, who smiled, holding his hand out, but she pushed it aside and brought him into the hug as well. “Remus, you look very nice.” Remus glanced down at his outfit; he was wearing his dark green suit and had his hair brought back into a bun; it was the opening night of the play and they were making a quick stop before going to see it.

“Thank you, Ms. Hart.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek before stepping away to look at some roses, allowing time for Patton to explain what he needed.

“Yellow roses, Mama. For friendship,” he said thoughtfully, glancing at the vase he had dropped off with her the other day. “The usual fillers are good, though.” He fidgeted with the ends of his pink skirt a little bit. He had also dressed nicely; it was almost like he and Remus had decided to cosplay as Elphaba and Glinda. Patton wore white pumps, a white shirt with a sparkly bow tie was tucked into the skirt, and some sparkly tights. Remus had nearly dragged him into the bedroom when they met up at the apartment earlier. That would have to wait until later, though, because Patton didn’t want to miss a single moment of the musical. 

-

Patton cheered louder than anyone for Roman, even louder than Remus (which… seemed impossible, but he managed to do it). The only person who rivaled his deafening cries was Janus, who beamed with joy and proudness whenever Virgil was on stage. And even Logan had to brush a few tears from his eyes at the end of the musical, when the entire audience stood and cheered as soon as Roman stepped out into the curtain call.

After the curtain call ended, Janus, Logan, Remus, and Patton stood expectantly where they knew Virgil and Roman would be coming out. Janus held the bouquet for Virgil, and Patton had the one for Roman. They stood there for a while, watching as families and friends greeted the actors and then left, and soon it was quiet.

“Where are they?” Patton asked hesitantly, and he shared a worried look with Janus. “Do you think Virgil had another anxiety attack?”

“They’re probably just fucking,” Remus muttered, his hands snaking around Patton’s waist, leaning down to press his lips to his earlobe. “Exactly what I’ll be doing to you later tonight, little flower.”

“Re!” Patton flushed hard, batting away Remus with his free hand. Janus smirked, a low chuckle escaping as he watched the encounter with the two. “You keep making moves like that and you’ll get nothing but a door in your face tonight.” Patton was teasing, of course, but Remus stepped back, a hand clapping on Logan’s shoulder as the two discussed a project they had in a mutual class.

Finally, Roman and Virgil stepped out of the green room, their hands intertwined. They were both cleaned of their makeup and costumes, and it occurred to them all that since the two were dressed in intricate costumes and makeup for the tin man and the scarecrow that it would take them a little bit longer to finish cleaning up. Janus moved first, scooping Virgil into a big hug, murmuring how proud he was and complimenting his work. Patton stepped up to Roman hesitantly, holding out the bouquet of flowers.

“You did amazing, Ro,” he said quietly, smiling up at his friend, whose eyes brimmed with tears. Roman took the vase with flowers, then set them on an empty table before hugging Patton tightly, sobbing into the smaller man’s shoulder. “Hey, shh, it’s alright. We’re okay, Ro.” As the two hugged tightly, he felt a pat on his shoulder, and glanced to see Logan, smiling brightly, but shaking his head, as if to say ‘you idiots, I love you.’

“Get in here, nerd,” Roman muttered before pulling the smartest of the three into their hug. Patton didn’t know how long the three stood there for, but when they pulled away, Janus was still hugging Virgil tight. Remus gave Roman a brief hug.

“Proud of you, bro. Though I still say the medieval play in high school was your best,” the mustached twin said, and a look of realization crossed Roman’s features.

“You… saw that play?” he asked, and Remus nodded, confused. “Mom and Dad said you didn’t want to go.”

“I sat in the back corner, but I was so proud of you, Bro-man.” Remus smirked at the nickname he had used in the past for his brother, and Roman laughed, pulling his twin in for another hug. “You did awesome tonight.” Patton apparently had snapped a photo of the pair hugging with his polaroid camera, and thus entered the struggle over who would get to put it on the fridge.

Janus won that fight.

-

Patton sat alone at one of the tables in the schoolyard, his brown paper bag full of goodies that his mom made sure to include. It was scary, starting in a new school halfway through the year, and all of the other kids made fun of the flowers he brought in for his new teacher. Then they made fun of him for wearing a pink sweater, for his big round glasses, and for having long hair that his mom had put into a bun for him that morning before he got on the bus.

So, there he was, second grade, sitting all alone. He didn’t mind, because he knew that when he got home, he’d see his mom, and they’d be safe.

“What are you doing?” A voice said from beside him. He looked up to see a boy with square glasses, neatly combed hair, a polo shirt, and a tie. Patton remembered him as the boy who answered all of the questions during the science part of their class. “This is my table.”

“O-Oh… I’m sorry. I just… didn’t have anywhere else to sit.” Patton looked down, trying to hold in his tears. He didn’t want to be known as the kid who cried on his first day at the school, and his mom always knew when he’d been crying. “I’m s-so sorry…” The other boy sighed, sliding into the seat across from him and setting a book down.

“It’s fine, just stay quiet so I can read, okay Patton Hart?” he asked, and Patton looked up at him through teary eyes.

“Y-You know my name?” His voice was shaky, and he slid his glasses up to sit in his hair so he could wipe his tears with the sleeve of his sweater. The other boy nodded.

“You’re the new kid. You have a frog backpack and a notebook with a kitten on it,” the boy said matter-of-factly. “A little bit frivolous, but if it’s what you enjoy, then there is no harm there.”

“Fribolous?” Patton asked, giggling. “You use a lot of big words.” The other boy sighed again, adjusting his glasses.

“Yes. Frivolous. F-R-I-V-O-L-O-U-S. It’s something that does not have any serious purpose or value,” he explained, and Patton nodded, face deep in thought.

“You know that underwater sea animal, porpoise?”

“I am aware of them, yes. Why do you ask?” he asked, and Patton giggled, having thought of the perfect pun.

“So… if I put a porpoise with serious guy glasses and a tie on my notebook… would it stop being fribolous?” He giggled all the way through his joke, and the other boy groaned.

“That was… awful. Why did you do that?”

“I thought it would be funny,” Patton said, sinking down a little. “D-Do you not like jokes?” He thought about his father, who never made any jokes around him. Who glared at Patton whenever the jokes came out of the small boy.

“I do not think that they lead to important discussions, is all,” he explained, and Patton nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich. Then realization struck.

“What’s your name?”

“Oh. I’m Logan Crofters.”

-

As the weeks passed, Patton stayed sitting at Logan’s table, dishing out puns whenever necessary but mostly asking Logan about different kinds of science-related things. He liked the way that Logan explained things; he made a lot more sense than their teacher, sometimes.

“Am I bothering you?” Patton asked one day. He had slid over his grapes to Logan, who was munching on them between reading paragraphs from a book about frogs. 

“What?”

“Am I annoying?”

“No, Patton. you’re not annoying.” Logan seemed a bit exasperated with the question, but he answered it anyway.

“Are we friends?” Patton’s eyes were focused on Logan, it had been so long since he had a friend that wasn’t his mom or one of his many stuffed animals.

“Oh. Um… I don’t know. I’ve never had a friend before.” Logan’s response was curt, and Patton’s jaw dropped.

“What!?” He jumped up from where he was sitting, then ran over to sit next to Logan. “Can I be your best friend, then??”

“Um. Sure?”

“Yay!” He wrapped his arms around Logan tightly.

-

Logan ran into the waiting room of the hospital, finding Patton sitting on a chair, his head in his hands. He approached him quickly, a hand instinctively going to his best friend’s back. “I got here as soon as I could, is she okay?”

“She collapsed, Lo. I just… She went into the back to rinse off the new roses, and when I went to check on her… she was on the ground.” Patton leaned into Logan’s shoulder, tears staining the polo shirt he was wearing. “The doctors say... it might have come back, but they’re running tests.”

“She’s in good hands, Pat. I’m going to text my parents and let them know that I’ll be here with you until she goes home, okay? And then I can be there for you.” Logan’s phone was in his hand, and he sent a quick text.

“Tell me something logical, please,” Patton whispered once the two were seated together, hands twisted together, Patton’s head on Logan’s shoulder.

“Are you sure?” he asked, and just got a nod in return. “Well… logically speaking, a bee should not be physically able to fly–”

“Lo!” Patton was giggling, his grip tightening on Logan’s hand. “You know me so well. Thank you.”

-

The morning after opening night of the musical, Patton entered the apartment, yawning. He didn’t get much sleep thanks to Remus, and he was hoping to take a nap before delving into studying for his final exams. When he entered the apartment, he found Logan sitting at the kitchen table, papers spread out in front of him.

“Hey, Lo. No Janus?” he asked, glancing around. Logan shook his head.

“He went home a while ago. Roman and Virgil are still in bed, though,” he explained, stretching his arms up. “Did you have a good time with Remus last night?” Patton’s face reddened at the question, and he nodded. “Does Hannah like him?”

It still caught Patton off guard whenever Logan referred to his mom by her first name, but they had been friends for almost fifteen years, so of course it made sense. Logan could call her mom, too, if he wanted to. He was there whenever Patton needed him, whenever she had a doctor’s appointment that Patton couldn’t drive her to because someone needed to look after the store.

Patton wondered why Logan did all of this. Sometimes he thought back to that time when he asked him if they were friends, all the way back when they were first getting to know each other. And Patton, little Patton, just… proclaimed them as best friends. Did he shoehorn Logan into their friendship so that he could never branch out?

No, that couldn’t be true, because Logan joined debate and chess and academic decathlon in high school, but still spent all of his free time with Patton. And even once Roman and Janus and now Virgil and Remus entered their lives, he still regarded Patton as one of his best friends.

“Hey, you look like you’re having some troubling thoughts, Patton. Want to talk about them?” Logan’s voice was pulling him back into the present, and he nodded, sitting on one of the stools. He was quiet for a bit, though, and Logan kept writing some notes down until Patton finally started talking again.

“Are you just my best friend out of convenience? Because I claimed you so early on and never really had any other friends? Do you just… stay my friend out of pity?” Patton was looking down until he felt Logan’s hand on his back, and then a laugh came from the usually stoic man.

“Patton, you’re my best friend because everyone else is annoying. If I didn’t want to be your friend I wouldn’t be, you’re a lot to deal with but I’ve been dealing with you for fifteen years and I plan on dealing with you for many more.” Logan’s voice was serious, and Patton could tell that he meant what he was saying. He leaned into Logan, wrapping his arms around his best friend.

“Thanks, Lo. Love ya.”

“Love you too, Pat.”

-

Patton’s arm burned, but in a good way. Underneath the plastic he could see the vibrant colors of his very first tattoo, his mother’s favorite flower and a bee sitting on its petals, to remind him of Logan. He didn’t tell anyone that he was getting it, not even Logan, so when he got home to find Logan sitting at the kitchen table doing homework while talking to his mom, he was surprised.

“Lo? What are you doing here?” he asked, putting his arm behind his back so neither of them could see. He kissed his mother on the cheek before sitting on one of the chairs beside them.

“I came by to study but Hannah said that you went out for something,” Logan explained, pushing his glasses up further on his nose.

“What did you do, baby?” his mother asked, glancing at him carefully. He was still hiding his arm, but he smiled and brought it out, settling it on the table.

“I uh, I got a tattoo, Mama,” Patton said hesitantly. She looked at it carefully, smiling a little bit. “A sunflower. Your favorite.” Logan eyed the tattoo as well, nodding in understanding. “To celebrate you beating the cancer again.”

“Patton, will you take me to get a tattoo?” Logan’s voice was there suddenly, and the two Harts looked at him with surprised expressions.

“Lo, you… want a tattoo?”

“I want to get a constellation tattooed on my shoulder. The one that was in the sky on the day we became best friends.”

-

Patton leaned into Remus’ side, the taller man’s arm wrapped around his shoulders. They were at the cafe, the others having gone home long ago to study or sleep, but the couple stayed long after, chatting with Remy whenever he brought them over refills on their drinks or small pastries. Remus’ grip got a little tighter around Patton each time he shone his signature bright smile at the barista, earning a soft thigh squeeze from the smaller man and a kiss on the cheek. Maybe that was why he did it; not because he was worried about Patton flirting, but because his boyfriend always comforted him with those delicate touches and sweet kisses. 

The bell above the door to the cafe rang gently as a few men stepped in. Remus glanced out of the corner of his eye at them, and he thought his heart would stop. “Shit,” he muttered, looking down, earning a confused squeak from Patton. “Shit, we need to go. Right now.” Patton glanced over at the group of men, all dressed in leather, covered in tattoos and piercings, evil smirks on their faces as they noticed Remus.

“Do you know them?” Patton asked softly, and Remus buried his face into the other’s shoulder, a small note of truth escaping his mouth. “Are they…?” He didn’t need to finish the sentence. Patton wasn’t a fool; he could tell by Remus’ body language and the way he tensed up that this was the group of boys he had spent time with in high school. “I’ll go pay our tab, will you be okay?” Remus said nothing but gripped onto Patton tighter, shaking his head.

“Remus Creative,” one of the voices said, dark and gritty, and Remus cringed, looking up at him. Him. “Looks like you found yourself a precious pansy, hm?”

“Fuck off,” his voice was weak, trembling, and the memories of those eyes tore through him. 

“Aw, don’t worry, kitten, he’ll tire of you soon enough and you won’t have to deal with his voices and crude comments,” another one said, and Patton considered lunging at him, but held back, because Remus was trembling beside him. 

“Everything alright, babes?” Remy was there, thank god, and Patton smiled sweetly at him, taking his debit card out of his pocket.

“Can we pay off our tab, please, Remy? We have to get going,” Patton said, his eyes flickering from the barista to the men, and a wave of understanding seemed to cross Remy’s face, who nodded and took the card, going back to the counter speedily.

“Running away again, Remus?” That voice asked again, and the mustached man shuddered, unable to look away from the grimace on his face. “You were always so good at that.” Patton’s frown deepened, and he glared at the man. “Aw, are you going to try to defend him, little kitten? Trying to be so cool with those floral tattoos–”

“I TOLD YOU TO FUCK OFF!” Remus was standing, his fists clenched, glaring at the men. Patton scrambled to his feet, a hand gripping the back of Remus’ jacket. Remy reappeared, handing the debit card to Patton, placing himself between Remus and the group of men.

“Alright, boys. Get out. You’re not welcome here if you’re going to torment some of my best customers.” His voice was firm, and they all glanced at the ‘Manager’ title on his name tag. “I don’t want to have to call the authorities. Get. Out.” The group scrambled out the door, the bell clanging almost annoying to the three, and Patton’s arms were around Remus.

“Hey, you okay, babe?” he asked, feeling his taller boyfriend shaking, his head low. “Shh, it’s okay, everything is okay, we’re okay.”

“Are you babes gonna be okay?” Remy asked, still standing there, arms crossed as he watched the group of men outside in deep discussion. 

“Thank you, Remy,” Remus finally spoke, his voice still low. “If you hadn’t stepped in… I might have done something I’d regret.” Remy smiled, setting a hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, no one messes with my babes like that,” he said before going back to behind the counter. Patton’s lips were against Remus’ cheek, grounding him.

“Let’s go, Re.”

-

Remus woke up, feeling Patton’s arms around him loosely. The smaller man was snoring softly, and Remus smiled, carding his fingers through the fading pink hair. When they got back to his bedroom last night, he needed to be grounded, and Patton was there, being gentle and soft, his hands and lips all over his body until Remus felt relaxed enough to fall asleep. 

Patton groaned a bit in his sleep, stretching his arms and legs, his eyes fluttering open to meet Remus’. “Hi,” he said softly, his voice heavy with sleepiness. “Morning, little flower,” Remus said, leaning down to press a stinky-mouthed kiss to his boyfriend’s lips. “Thank you for last night.”

“Oh. Of course, honey. Anything for you,” he said quietly, but Remus could tell something was on his mind. “What did they mean by… you tiring of me, or running away?”

“Before you… I never really had a… committed partner. I’d run at the first hint that things were getting serious, when they said those words, I ran,” Remus explained, looking down. “But… that’s not going to happen with you, Patton. You mean so much to me, you’re… everything to me.”

“Everything?” Patton asked, a smile appearing on his face, his lips pressing to Remus’ cheek and then his neck.

“Patton,” he started, his heartbeat speeding up, and he wondered if the other could hear it because soft blue eyes met his green ones. “I love you.” Patton blinked, absorbing the knowledge, and then his arms were around Remus’ neck, their lips pressing together joyously. 

“I love you too, Remus.”

Remus smiled into the kiss. He wasn’t afraid anymore. Patton was there, he was with him, and everything was good. And if things came up, they’d work through them together. They were a team, and they always would be. He kept repeating those words between kisses, the weight from his mouth lifted, and he wished he could have said those words to Patton weeks ago, because it felt so right to say them.

---

teaser for part nine: and the dark one is soft for the sunshine one

Roman wanted to object, but he knew that Virgil would just remind him of their nights practicing for the auditions, their super early mornings running lines, the way Roman was always there to watch Virgil’s scenes. Virgil was there too, always supporting, always smiling, even when his anxiety got the best of him, even when it was hard to focus.

part nine will be (hopefully) posted on Sunday, September 6 at 12PM PDT

---

part nine | part ten

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taglist

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@cemmy

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[justasoftplacetoland]

Chapter Three

Wow, it's been a year. We’re back in lockdown and I’m back writing again.

It's kinda crazy how much can change in a year. I like to think that it was changed for the better though.

Although 2020, I was really hoping COVID would vanish and life would go back to normal, that hasn’t been the case. It’s kinda like normal is fading farther away as the days go by.

But I’ve been wanting to write about this topic for ages, not exactly sure how, but here’s a shot I guess…

Do note that this is all my personal opinion and my little bit of thought into this topic.

It all started in a class when we were talking about Diversity and Representation on stage. It really sparked an interest for me. As a POC, I find it pretty interesting to read into these topics, especially with the amount of social justice showing up on social media and well.. reality really. With the increased awareness of racism around the world, people are starting to be more woke when it comes to people’s race and ethnicity.

Theatre to me, is a form of storytelling, no matter how unrealistic it may be, or how “fairytale-like” it may be, there’s always some truth to these stories. They all have to come from somewhere right? And with the diversity of people, comes many different stories to tell- Take In The Heights as an example, it's about the Latinx community in America, and how they survive as immigrants. A very real story, because to this day it’s still an active, growing story. Of course, written by Lin Manuel Miranda which is absolutely amazing I am honestly so obsessed with his musicals AND he is a Latino himself, having grown up in Washington Heights.

But then taking The Colour Purple as an example, this musical was written by Marsha Norman, who’s white. Writing about a story of an African American woman in the South.

Then comes the topic of representation.

White writers writing minority stories- Some of these stories HAVE to be told, the weight, the significance of the story, it's a chance for these minorities to be represented on stage. But it becomes a matter of how the casting directors, producers, directors and team behind the show is going to put it forward to the public.

But then the authenticity of the performance comes into play. Are these minorities represented accurately on stage or is it what the creative team *thinks* is who these minorities are? Then are we going to have someone of the specific minority group in the room while the creative team is having decisions for the show? Are we going to have someone in the cast playing someone who is essential to the story that they HAVE to be specifically that minority group? That all has to be present for an authentic, accurate representation of a show, to ensure that this story is told with that truth in it, no matter how much. The more real it is, the more important this authenticity is.

This ties into diversity too.

To me, diversity is the people we see on stage. Take Hamilton as an example, intentional colourblind casting- Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, the Schuyler Sisters, They’re all white in reality. But on stage, they’re played by African-Americans, Latinx, Asians and so many more minority groups.

Diversity to me means breaking barriers, theatre is to be shared by everyone. It’s a gorgeous art form that is out there for everyone to enjoy. It shouldn’t be something for people who are privileged one way or another. It is for actors of any kind to not be labelled by their race, ethnicity or religion, to have an equal chance of landing roles like every other white performer in the world (this is debatable in terms of geographic location as well but that on another day). But this ties into the authenticity of a role that’s being played as well.

If a role that is written as an Asian is out for casting, why cast a white actor when an Asian actor can play it authentically while allowing that Asian actor to play their truth? (Side note on that, there are MANY kinds of Asians out there, not all Asians are the same. Please get that right.) If there are Asians out there who are good actors, who can play the roles. It’s no excuse that an Asian actor isn’t suitable to play an Asian role but a White actor is. It makes no sense.

My mentor once asked me, what would make me enraged, pissed off. The first answer that came to mind was- If Miss Saigon was made out of a fully white cast.

Sure, the back end creative side has been pretty decently accurate (at least to my knowledge). But on stage, I think it is SO important to at least get Asians (as in the umbrella term) to play the Vietnamese and Thai roles. Sometimes you may not be able to find someone who is authentic to that specific ethnicity, sometimes there are actors who are mixed, but then it should go to at the very least POCs. POCs have very unique and sometimes united life experiences that some people are just unable to understand. And to ensure the authenticity of a show, I think it is very vital to at least have actors who are “like” the roles to play them.

But then on the flip side, you think about all the dominantly white roles out there in the theatre world. And you could argue that by casting people who are “not white” would affect the authenticity of the show.

And to this I ask you, think about the ratio between the pieces of theatre written for white people vs. pieces of theatre written for POCs. Clearly, there are SO many more written that have been dominantly cast, because it's the majority yes. And to this, I have to say, if the story is about a complete experience that only a white person would experience (btw I challenge you to name one!) and you want to go all out and cast only white actors sure by all means. But if this can be a shared experience, and a POC actor is suitable for the role, I don't see why those actors should be removed from the equation.

And I swear if one more person dares to tell me that Hamilton should’ve been cast fully white because America is majority white, I’m gonna lose it.

To me, POC actors shouldn't be defined by the colour of their skin, unless it’s necessary for the authenticity of the show (e.g. The King And I, Miss Saigon, Hamilton, The Colour Purple, In The Heights) If they are truly defined by the colour of their skin, you could literally count the number of shows on your hands. (That has to change btw- progress !!!) And if that is the case, SO many POC actors will be out of jobs. I don’t see why a Latina can’t be Elphaba in Wicked, or an Asian be Cosette in Les Miserables.

The problem is, so many casting directors have this image of who they want to cast in a show, most of the time, that image ends up being someone white.

BUT POCs shouldn't be defined by the colour of their skin and end up being the “token POC”.

Welcome readers, to Tokenism.

Tokenism is when, say an entire cast of 20 people, 19 are white, 1 is black.

Theatre companies take diversity into consideration and want to appear progressive, yes. But they use a single POC to show “HEY WE’RE DIVERSE”

Sorry, hun that's not how this works. It becomes a thing of casting actors, not for their talent or their suitability for the role, but because of the colour of their skin (again!). Now I'm not saying that the “token” actor isn't good at their craft because I have no doubt. But it becomes a front, and said actor would end up questioning if they got the role for their skills or because they fit the criteria for “one POC per cast”.

Nice try casting team, it’s a start, but not good enough.

We’re making progress, the first POC Christine has just been cast in Phantom Of The Opera on the West End and I couldn't be happier. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is made up of a VERY diverse cast as well. We’re getting there, but there's so much room to be better.

Here’s to more authentic stories about minorities, more diversity on stage, and more love to all humans.

So that's the end of my rather large chunk of thoughts on the theatre industry.

I sincerely hope I didn’t offend anyone reading!

See you in my next post! (Which hopefully won’t be written a whole year later)

C xx

[hq--fics]

Leading Lady- Part One

Scenarios of the Haikyuu!! boys watching their Fem!S/O preform. All characters are aged up in these. There’ll be a few other parts but feel free to request your own even if they’re already featured. 

Part one with: Akaashi Keiji, Sugawara Koshi

Warnings: Suggestive themes?

Parts: ONE//TWO//THREE

Masterlist

RENT//Out Tonight- Akaashi 

You had to wipe the tears of laughter from your eyes and applaud Kuroo and Bokuto as they finished their unexpectedly competitive duet. The pair high fived as they approached your table and took their seats to catch their breath. Immediately Kuroo’s eyes landed on your as he took a long drink and nudged your leg with his foot.

“Don’t think we didn’t see you laughing,” he grinned wickedly and nodded his head toward the stage where another patron was taking their place to entertain the crowded bar. “You’re on after that guy…if you’re not too scared to go up there alone that is.” His grin only widened as you blinked at his clear attempt to provoke you. The large booklet of songs slide across the table to you for emphasis and you arched an eyebrow.

“That’s it?” you asked innocently as you pretended to warily pick up the book to flip through its contents. “I just have to go up there and sing on my own? Something short and sweet. ” From your side your boyfriend eyed you carefully. Akaashi knew you could sing, the others had no clue and he was definitely not going to inform them. This was going to be all too entertaining to watch.

Kuroo, unaware of your musical talent merely wagged a finger at you and laughed. “Short and sweet? No, no. You’ve got to make it sexy like we did.” He gestures to Bokuto and continues. “I mean it’s easy for us since we ooze sex appeal but I’m sure you can find something in you.” That comment got a genuine reaction out of you. No one implied you didn’t have sex appeal and got away with it. Looking over you spotted a table against to the stage became free as the singer on stage was finishing.

“Come on. You’ll want good seats for this.” You told the group and went to claim the new spot before anyone else could. You didn’t bother sitting down and instead planted a soft kiss on Akaashi’s cheek before taking the stage and picking the song. The drums and electric guitar started your intro and you rolled your hips and danced until you began to sing. The sudden change in you and the sound of your voice had Kuroo’s and Bokuto’s jaws hitting the table. Little did they know you were only getting started.

Your free hand roamed across your body as you danced and sang on the stage, effortlessly stepping onto the table you’d moved them to moments before. Sinking onto your knees you leaned in just in time to sing a breathless ‘meow’ into Kuroo’s ear before pulling away from him and continue your performance on the table, making sure to torture both Bokuto and Kuroo just enough before zeroing all of your attention on Akaashi for the remainder of the song.  When the song finished Akaashi wasted no time in throwing you over his shoulder and carried you out of the bar. Both of you were extremely grateful that you lived close by otherwise neither of you would have had the patience to wait to pounce on each other. 

WICKED//Defying Gravity- Sugawara 

“I just can’t get it!” you groaned sinking into the sofa when you returned one evening from rehearsals. “Everything goes so well and then I mess it up on that one song.” With a frustrated groan you grabbed one of the cushions and pushed it against your face doubting why you got the part in the first place. Suga could only stare at you sadly. Ever since you found out you got the part of Elphaba, Defying Gravity was a constant worry for you, even before you started rehearsals.

With you constantly worrying and obsessing over messing it up that’s exactly what happened leading to you beating yourself up over it and letting the viscious cycle repeating. Some days you nailed it others you didn’t and the closer you got to the opening night the worries were plaguing you more and more. Some nights you woke up from vivid nightmares of letting everyone down. Through it all Suga was there to comfort you and reassure you that you’d do it. He loved your singing but he wasn’t a professional so the praise could only help so much.

Gently he took the pillow and coaxed you to sit up enough for him to slide down behind you, holding you lovingly against his chest. One hand running up your arm while the other gently played with your hair. You let your eyes close under his touch and then you let out a pained hiss when his thumb lightly pressed against your shoulder.

“You’re so tense.” You heard him murmur and your body tightened instinctively when his hand trailed to your back. “You’ve literally worried yourself into a knot.” Suga readjusted his position to get better access and began to slowly and carefully massage all the knots and stress from your body, making you the most relaxed you’d been in months and as you fell asleep in his arms both of you could sense the change.

Opening night came in no time and in the time leading up to it, it was like a switch in roles happened between the two of you. You were ready and he was a nervous wreck. He couldn’t stop his leg from shaking as he sat in his seat and waited for the curtain to rise and the show to start. Suga knew it would be great but he couldn’t stop shaking or the rapidly beating heart in his chest. Then the music started and the show began and his worries were pushed to the back of his head. That is however until Defying Gravity started. Through the entire performance he held his breath and kept his eyes intensely on you. If it was even possible his love and pride for you grew and grew as you made the song your own. As you delivered the final note perfectly he was on his feet with the rest of the audience to cheer and whistle for you.

When the show was finished and final bows were taken he was out of his seat and rushing backstage towards your dressing room. You jumped in surprise to see him there and laughed as he scooped you into his arms and spun you while chanting over and over how proud he was of you while pressing kissed over your face not caring that you hadn’t removed your green makeup yet. Finally he pulled away and grinned at you as he pulled a small box from his pocket. “Marry me?”