#ezra cameo lol

[inkopolis-connection]

Little Buddy Masu! 🍣

[stealingpotatoes]

I love all your Jedi and especially your cal art!! The way you write him and Merrin is 💯💯

Anyway, in survivor he meets loads of people and makes friends everywhere because of course. I like to think that Luke mentions Cal to people and literally EVERYONE knows him. And Luke is like genuinely how the fuck does this man know every person in the galaxy

aww thank you so much!!!!!! i have severe merrical brainrot rn so you're in luck loll

and LOL love that. hey between cal's friends, the fact ezra met everyone ever w the rebels cameos, and ahsoka also knowing way too many important people thanks to her main character energy (see: filoni putting her in everything), the jedi academy's like INSANELY well connected

[katewalker]

Phoenix, Air, Kavinsky, a Ezra Koenig cameo... we would have killed it in 2012 with this, begging the young to learn about french touch (pop rock, electro, etc.) instead of just saying "they clearly wanted daft punk but couldn't lol" because the genre is soooo much more than daft punk, yeah they're the most iconic representants, but there are so many good artists out there making excellent music.

[tarisilmarwen]

Rebels Rewatch: “Idiot’s Array“

In which Lando has a helluva fun ride.  Everyone else?  Not so much.  Lol.

Even in the closest we have to a “filler” episode, Rebels brings the A-game lighting.

Lol Chopper banging his dome on the table.

Look at these idiots I love them.

Per the lore, an Idiot’s Array’s only use is to block a Sabaac.  Now taking calculations on how statistically unlikely it was that Lando just happened to have one ready.

Lando is either incredibly Force Lucky or, as Zeb thinks, he cheated.

Personally I’m a fan of Force Lucky because I think it’s a) cool and b) hilarious when people who are most assuredly NOT Force Sensitive in any way still have the Force tend to... bend funny around them.

See also: Jar-Jar and Han Solo.

I would point out, just on a side note, it has been five episodes since the last cameo, eight since an OT OG character was integrated into the plot.  Rebels spaces out its cameos and therefore does not feel like it’s overrelying on them to compensate for an uninteresting cast.

Please appreciate Ezra practicing floating his helmet and Hera apparently teaching Sabine how to ride a speeder with me.

The face of a man who knows he will be in the doghouse in a moment. XD

Hera doesn’t buy Lando’s attempts at flattery but that doesn’t stop Kanan from giving him the stink eye from here on out lol.

“Good thing I wasn’t there, you’d have bet me.”  “Nah, you wouldn’t have covered the pot.”  Zeb and Ezra bantering like true bros now.  <3

“I think Lando’s cool.”

“Nevermind I suddenly dislike him now.” XD

If no supposed to ship why include this moment of Ezra getting sore about Lando flattering Sabine at all?

If no supposed to ship literally why parallel Kanan’s jealousy and dislike of Lando existing charmingly next to Hera with Ezra’s jealousy and dislike of Lando existing charmingly next to Sabine, right down to parroting the same dialogue?

Seriously, Lando makes one witty remark towards their girls and Kanan and Ezra independently team up to verbally throw him under the bus at every possible opportunity lololol.

Y’all confusing, writers.

Also, oof, Lando’s line hitting back on those insecurities that got exposed back in the Jedi Temple visions.

A bouncy little cue comes in that sounds very similar to the Jawa theme “Little People Work”.  It’s a very fun ditty, recalls the more whimsical parts of Williams’s original trilogy score.

Hi James Hong.  Your voice continues to be instantly recognizable and distracting in everything I watch you in.

I do like Azmorigan’s unique alien design.  Very viscerally gross.

Subtle animation appreciation moment: That little food shudder Azmorigan does.

The trumpets burst in like a noise of alarm here, heh.

Hera of course has picked up on what she’s supposed to do but she’s really not happy about it.

“Uh, sounds like your ‘sophisticated mining equipment’... is snoring.“  :)

The sound design is also excellent this episode.

“That was a really useful tray.”  So many of the lines in this episode are just hilarious.

Also the pure comedic timing of losing sight of Hera and the guard riiiiiiiiight as she’s raising the tray lololol.

Excerpts of the Rebel Alliance theme as Hera makes her escape here.  There’s a loud brass theme that overplays this sequence, possibly it’s Azmorigan’s but I’d have to see if it reoccurs again when he makes another appearance.  The strings that pipe in under and between the brass lend a frenetic energy to the moment before the brass sections comes back in, softer and more triumphant, with the jump to hyperspace.

You can tell exactly where Hera aimed by the very slight strained squeak in Lando’s voice as he speaks here.  (Which I swear might be more pronounced on the DVD version?  Will have to double check.)

Zeb and Ezra are sharing the singular brain cell again, lol.

I agree Ezra, the puffer pigs are cute.

A light flute melody playing here, again, bringing back a bit of the whimsical feel of parts of the OT score.

Subtle animation appreciation moment: Ezra’s helpless chagrined shrug at Kanan as he and Zeb chase the pig past him.

Also Sabine covering her mouth trying not to laugh as Ezra divebombs after it.

Kanan sounds soooooo done lol.

Rebels said down with state-controlled industries that bar private business endeavors.

So apparently the way signal modulators work is that each ship has a unique identifying code which can be communicated to and picked up by other ships.  A signal modulator masks the ship’s actual identifying code and provides a false one, usually by cycling through a few fake or stolen ones.  (Hence “modulator”.)  This has been your obscure technical lore trivia for the day.

I love Ezra but this boy causes me so much secondhand embarrassment sometimes.

LOLOL Kanan’s expression.

Sabine attempting to be helpful by manning the Phantom’s rear guns.

One of the battle cues from Return of the Jedi drifts in a little bit here, and the track finishes with a brief flare of the Rebel Alliance motif.

Oh shit, and this tiny piece right here gets expanded and used in the finale!

*hums it*

Nn na na naaa naaaaaaa... nana naaaaaaaaaaa, yep that’s a tiny bit of one of the finale cues.  My gosh this must be its first iteration.  Eeee!  That’s exciting!

Just spitballing here, but maybe this particular tiny motif is to musically stand for the concept of victory?  It’s tacked onto the tail end of the blend of Ezra and Sabine’s themes that’s my favorite cue from the climax.

“It’s your face’s fault.”  Ezra radiating adorable little brother energy in that line lol.

“Did you walk here?  You don’t walk anywhere!”  Man at this point I’m just going to be quoting the whole episode just sooo many funny bits.

Ahhh yes, and the reveal that Ezra built a stun blaster into his saber hilt.  A practical, utilitarian, and very unique idea for a lightsaber.

Once again, Kanan and Ezra on the same wavelength about throwing Lando under the bus lol.

Oooh this is another excerpted Jedi track, from before the briefing I think?  I need to listen to my CDs again, pretty sure this bit is associated with the Alliance in any case.

If no supposed to ship, why juxtapose the Kanera/Sabezra banter moments, as if they are two sides of the same coin?

Sabine sound very patiently indulgent of Ezra here, too.

Oh and there’s that “victory” musical idea playing out again.  Man, I already liked that finale cue when I thought it was just Sabine and Ezra’s themes mixed together and now there’s another layer to appreciate on top of that.

Frick this is a good dust effect.

I love this episode it’s just so much fun.  One of my favorites to rewatch over and over again for sure.

Back to dramatic next week but this was a delightful break.

[oh-three]

Ahsoka S1E7

Oh, hello, Coruscant.

Oh no, Hera's on trial.

"I protected the New Republic by ignoring you." Lmfao.

AYY, Mando S3 mention. Thanks, Teva.

THREEPIO! Talk about unexpected cameos. Nice to see that Anthony Daniels is still hard at work.

Leia is such a lifesaver oh my god.

Hera, you are so lucky.

"How real is the threat of Thrawn's return?" Yeahhhhh, you don't wanna know.

ANAKIN HOLOGRAM.

"Practice these forms often...Or at least more than I do." Lmao Anakin.

Anakin had so much faith in Ahsoka, I love him.

"He made twenty more of these recordings." Lmao. Why am I not surprised.

Huyang has no faith in the purrgil navigation lol. 😂

I forgot how cool it is to watch purrgil come out of hyperspace.

WELP. I mean, Thrawn did want the purrgil wiped out. At least they know they're in the right place now? lol

Question: how did Thrawn deploy so many mines so quickly?

What are the chances Ahsoka & Huyang pull an Obi-Wan and fake their destruction to get those fighters off their backs?

INQUISITORIAL DATABASE. HELLO.

THE LOOK ON THRAWN'S FACE WHEN HE READ ANAKIN'S NAME. HE KNOWS.

The way Ahsoka realized that Morgan found Thrawn

Ooooh, Sabine's told Ezra about the fall of the Empire.

"The usual level [of complicated] or worse?" Always a good question.

"Great Mothers, I'm in need of your assistance." He's so scared lmao.

Ahsoka talking to Sabine through the Force >>>

HOLY SHIT, THE MOTHERS SENSED THEM USING THE FORCE.

"Friends of yours?" The best sarcastic line ever.

Oooof, Baylan's leaving Shin. Sound last advice though.

"If Lord Baylan proves capable-" Sir, Lord Baylan has abandoned you.

Omg, Ezra made the Noti slingshots. How adorable. (Seriously, the callback here, though)

Why. does this. remind me of cattle herding.

"Oh, not this again!" Ayyyy!

THE BANTER. LMFAO.

I don't see how fighting Baylan is currently helpful, but okay.

Ezra is back in action!! He doesn't even need a lightsaber, look at him.

HEY, DON'T RUIN MY BOY'S HAIR

Yeah, okay, ouch. That's a headache.

I thought Baylan just died for a sec there. He is way too accepting of the fact he just lost

The look on Thrawn's face when he realized Baylan abandoned them.

NICE TIMING, AHSOKA.

Ezra is a horrible negotiator

Well, Huyang's happy for once.

And Thrawn was worried about losses before. Rip, yeah, there go two crews.

"Acceptable" ???

Ahhh, it was a distraction, I see. Time was definitely lost, oh boy.

The way the night troopers are running to get on the ships and totally leaving Shin, the look on Shin's face as she realizes that they never cared about her.

HUG.

All these reunions make me wanna cry, man. These last few episodes have been everything.

"I think I might be going home after all." 😭

I am so happy for Ezra rn.

[silver-starss]

Ahsoka episode 7 thoughts

Hera deserves better :(

I love Mon Mothma here. You can tell she's on Hera's side, but is genuinely trying to be impartial when rendering judgment

NO WAY DID XIONO JUST DISRESPECT C-3PO. Also lol @ Chopper getting offended. My man was about to commit some light war crimes

I was going to say the C3PO cameo was a little much, but I think I prefer that to CGI Leia. And her involvement with the mission was mentioned several episodes ago so it doesn't come out of nowhere

Anakin holo-recording! And Ahsoka still keeping them in a stash!!! <3

Ventress mention??? Ventress mention!!! :)

Thrawn being actually tactical is nice to see. I wish they'd touched on his history with Anakin a bit more - he's clearly familiar with him, but he easily could have been describing Anakin's reputation alone

Zeb namedrop! At least he's doing something. Still no word on Kallus...

"The Emperor died??" "So they say" LMAO

We didn't get to see Ezra learn about Jacen :( Maybe an in-person meeting next episode??

Disappointing that Ezra and Sabine still aren't having an honest talk about how she got there

Nooooooo Baylan and Shin are such a good duo, I don't want to see them separated :(

What is Baylan doing? What is the destiny he's seeking??? I need to know!

The implication that Ezra taught the Noti to slingshot Raiders is sending me

HOLY SHIT. Ezra is a badass!

I can't believe I'm attracted to Ezra Bridger now but we're going with it. Between him and Shin, I'm in full Bi Panic Mode

THAT FORCE BLOCK THO

Some great action in this episode

Ahsoka stealing Baylan's ride is queen behavior

Ahsoka being a proud auntie to grown up Ezra is absolutely adorable

Ezra’s entire portrayal felt so on point in this episode. Quippy yet wise, confident but not overconfident, and his casting was perfect

I still wish Sabine would have told Ezra the truth before Ahsoka's arrival. I assume Ahsoka's going to out it in the finale, but the reveal will lose some impact now that she's come to the rescue

Love how you can see the difference in Rosario's demeanor before and after the WBW. We saw it in ep 5 but it's on full display here. She's so much lighter now, more like the Snips we all know and love.

[dragon-snoots-a-boopin]

So, in my continued watching of the various Arrowverse TV show, I have finally gotten to see the big crossover event that the Arrowverse has been building to since the first season of The Flash and that is Crisis On Infinite Earths. I just kind of want to talk about what I liked, what surprised me and some other things. Remember, there might be spoilers here.

What I Liked:

To be honest, there is quite a lot that liked here but, I will try to keep this not too long.

All the cameos were pretty neat. Got to see an adult Robin from the 66' Batman series on Earth 66. There was a second of another Robin but, I am not sure which Robin that was supposed to be. Getting to see Kevin Conroy on camera in live action as Batman was pretty cool and really liked that take on him too. He basically admitted to killing a bunch of his foes, including that Earths Superman which, as you can imagine, didn't sit well with either Supergirl or Batwoman. We got to see Brandon Routh's Superman and he got to meet Ray Palmer/The Atom which was pretty funny. After the crossover we got to see Stargirl with some people that I am not sure who they are, we got to see Raven and Starfire which, I believe is the version from the Titans TV show and we also got to see the Doom Patrol. As much as I had not seen the show, it was cool getting to see Lucifer from the Lucifer TV show get to have a small part. Of course, it was neat getting to see Ezra Miller's Flash show up too. Lots of pretty neat cameos in my mind.

It was, in my opinion, about damn time that Black Lightning got to meet the other CW heroes, minus Green Arrow since he died before Black Lightning got the chance to meet him.

Nash got what he deserved once the universe was reset. I was so glad too see him get punched since pretty much all of Crisis was his fault. It was satisfying to see him get what deserved.

As I said, there was just so so much that I really liked here that it is hard to pick specifics so, I am just going to move on.

Things That Surprised Me:

In the moment that it happened, I was so not expecting The Flash from Earth-90 to sacrifice his life so that Earth 1 Flash could live and not vanish in Crisis which had been built up to since season 1 of The Flash. Not complaining that Earth 1 Flash survived but, I was not expecting Earth-90 Flash to make the sacrifice.

As much as I had anticipated Oliver's death (Arrow ends with season 8 and Flash has like three more seasons lol) I was not really expecting it to happen as early as it did.

Lex Luthor's involvement was not something I saw coming. I was not happy that The Monitor brought him back to life but, I was not really expecting him to help the heroes in the moment that he did.

Oliver basically becoming a cosmic entity was hugely unexpected but very cool too.

I'm sure there are probably more but, I can't think of more things at this time so, I am going to move on.

Other Things:

I am just lumping the rest of my thoughts here because I don't really know how else I want to categorize them.

I really wish that the episode of Black Lightning that was apart of the Crisis just had more to do with the actual Crisis. It spent too much time on how the anti-matter from the red sky was affect Jen and everything with the two other versions of herself. Like, they spent too much time on that crap and the the anti-matter wave comes, Black Lightning gets teleported out before that Earth gets wiped out. Plus, as a whole with all six episodes considered, Black Lightning only has like two appearances in the whole of the Crisis and I just wanted to see him interact with the other characters more. On the note of characters from Black Lightning, I wish that Black Lightning was not the only hero from that show to be apart of the crossover. Why couldn't Thunder & Lightning be in it? Dreamer got to make an appearance, why not those two?

I also wish that they had used all the characters from Legends of Tomorrow too. Like, they used Sara, Mick and Ray and only had Nate and the other guy, whose name is escaping me right, get like two seconds and that's it. Even in the Crisis part that was an episode of Legends of Tomorrow and still didn't use many of the members of the team.

The whole thing with Nash Wells just being stuck watching tragedies was really stupid to me. Especially when I basically helped the heroes break into the place where the Anti-Monitor's anti-matter canon is located. Like, if Nash was technically serving the Anti-Monitor, why didn't the Anti-Monitor stop Nash from revealing it? Why not do something to stop Vibe from getting the information they needed to get into that room.

Layla's whole thing felt extremely forced. She spends like two episodes of Arrow before the Crisis doing sketchy things and then bam, she's the Harbinger....who is somehow easily manipulated to help the Anti-Monitor and then does absolutely nothing to help the heroes.

I was not really a fan of the whole sub-plot of trying to bring Oliver back via a Lazarus Pit on another Earth. I mean, sure, it was an excuse to have Constantine be apart of the Crisis but, it was ultimately not worth it if you ask me since that is when he becomes a cosmic being. Could have done something a little more interesting without that little sub-plot.

The part after our heroes finish mourning Oliver's death when Barry reveals the table and chairs for all the heroes, that part was interesting to me. Like there's a spot for The Flash, Black Lightning, Supergirl, Superman, White Canary and Batwoman and they did this as a sort of Justice League setup sort of thing. I just find it interesting because like why doesn't Martian Manhunter, Dreamer, or any of the other Legends get chairs? It feels to me like they're saying that The Flash, Black Lightning, Supergirl, Superman, White Canary and Batwoman are the MORE IMPORTANT Arrowverse heroes and the others are just lesser heroes or something. Just how it felt to me.

Well, that is all that I can think of at the moment. Like I have already said, I really did enjoy the Crisis crossover. Is it pefect? No, but it is very clear to me that all the actors and crew and directors put their hearts into making this crossover the best that it can be. Also, I'd like to add, I've seen a few episodes of Arrow post-Crisis and my headcanon right now is that the Arrow TV show ended when Crisis ended lol.

[privmu]

EZRA EZEKIEL PUCKERMAN

AGE: 33

BIRTHDAY: July 11th, 1991

BIRTH ORDER: First

RELATION: Full

TYPE: Solo

GENDER: Cisman

PRONOUNS: He/Him

ORIENTATION(S): Pansexual

FACE CLAIM: Rege-Jean Page

JOB/SCHOOL

JOB: Events Manager for Empire Hotels

ALUMNI?: Yes

ABOUT

Ezra is a lot of things, but the most important thing you know about him is that he's severely Type A, will lose his shit over the color of orchids, and is a family man. He always felt that he had to step in for his dad's shortcomings and it's taken a toll on him in the form of making him an absolutely horrifying control freak. Ezra never wanted to be the guy who lost his shit over napkin folds but here we are. He thought he was going to marry Mari Lopez-- lol, marry Mari-- but she left him the equivalent of a celebrity Cameo and took their two kids with her. This made him feral as fuck, and Mari is back now and they're trying to like make it all work and co-parent but he feels super betrayed. Ezra also works for his best buddy Roman Smythe and the Empire Hotel chain and is obsessed with his job. They're two peas in a pod. Also, he loves boats, whiskey, and yacht rock.

[patternedlantern]

Oh we are so back! I've missed them 💕💕

Ok some of my favorite parts:

Yes! The Muppets conversation! I still remember sending in an ask when you reblogged the inspo lol. I’m with Seams - how do you not know the muppets, Ezra?!

I love how everyone’s just kind of adopted Marcus and Sunbeam. And the movie night cuddles! Ahh!

“Like fireflies, he thinks” this memory 🥺🥺🥺 And Missy (and Marcus) covered in glitter for a Sunbeam Halloween costume? Adorable

I’ve probably said this before but how you describe her sunlight powers and all the different effects they can have is so cool and creative. Shining as pseudo blushing, how it ebbs with her breathing, blowing a sunlight kiss. Amazing visuals.

The fake dating goodness is ramping up and I am soooo here for it! Poor Sunbeam having an internal mini crisis over Marcus. Marcus watching her sleep and thinking Thots™️ 👀 And his determination to prove he’s not so easily flustered (“You know how to woo a girl better than that, Moreno” and he said bet) *Squeals*

And this gorgeous magical Bridgerton-esque garden party omg 😍 Their party outfits (I need this dress) and their reactions to each other! Gah I’d have a meltdown seeing him too lbr 😂 THE HEDGE MAZE SCENE!!!! *Squealing intensifies by 1000x*

These cameos from familiar faces are so fun. I was Leonardo DiCaprio meme pointing all over the place lol

Anyway, I love it here. This fic is my happy place. 🥰

Anything That Shined: part 5

The Thief x Heroic!F!Reader x Marcus Moreno

Rating: T for Teen

Summary: The thief decides its the perfect time to throw a party, so you and Marcus suit up

Tags: friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, eventual threesomething; ~sexual tension~, the inner monologues are getting spicy (but are they self-aware? not yet); spot the PPCU characters

Word count: 10,719 (lmao???)

Note: Apparently it’s been THREE YEARS since I updated this fic??? ("I’ve abandoned my boy!") I’m deeply sorry, but in my defense, I did start several new stories (which I have also not finished). Hey ho. As atonement, I’ve finally made a masterlist and a moodboard for this story, for your convenience and pleasure 😌🥰

Fun fact, this chapter contains one of the scenes, yknow, one of the original scenes that i wrote for this story that i then had to build the rest of the series around 👀 a big ole smooch for anyone who guesses which one it was

As per, the wonderful art is by @patternedlantern

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

“Is that…Kermit the frog on your shirt?” Doc addresses Binary almost warily, as if afraid the answer will be a joke he won’t enjoy hearing.

Binary stretches herself into a graceful recline on a full-length pool chair, dropping her recently removed hoodie on the chair adjacent. “You know it, Doc. The icon himself.” The cropped hem of her graphic tee, depicting a glamor shot of one famous green puppet, rides up slightly above her leggings.

“I’m surprised you know who Kermit is, Doc. When was the last time you watched Saturday morning cartoons?” Deven drops himself at the neighboring table and pulls his hair free of its bun, setting loose a cascade of curls frizzy with sweat. In the midday sun flooding through the glass ceiling, they glint like Binary’s copper wire.

Doc casts Deven a withering look over the table between them. “The Muppets are quite literally older than both of us, Deven.”

“And the Muppets are hardly kiddy cartoons,” you point out. “Kermit is a pop culture icon for a reason. They’re universal.”

Doc gives you a nod of thanks. Your eyes crinkle in response as you shuffle into the row of pool chairs. The chair past the one holding Binary’s hoodie has a plush towel draped over the back, as they all do, in the same jewel-bright shade of aquamarine as the pool water. The glassy surface of it stretches away in a reflection of the greenhouse-like ceiling above. The air is damp and fragranced by trees and greenery bordering the room.

“Exactly.” Bellows chips in in agreement. “Plus, some of their humor is very adult-oriented. That sketch where Beaker and the doctor guy appear wearing each other’s clothes? With no explanation? Very naughty.” He leaves a gap between your chair and his so that Marcus, following him, can sit next to you. 

Marcus sits on your chair instead, and props his foot up on the spare one to untie his boots, mirroring you with your foot on Binary’s spare chair. You lean your back against his, feeling his thin t-shirt damp with sweat and the muscles beneath still warm with exertion.

Both of you are now more in the habit of the casual touching required to sustain your fake relationship. Your current contact is more weariness then affection, however, following a long stint in the mansion’s new training arena. The thief was absent for some reason, but everyone else joined, and someone had suggested relaxing afterward in the indoor pool- still another feature of the mansion you and Marcus had yet to discover.

“Aw, I always liked Beaker and his little meeps. Doesn’t his doctor boyfriend have a funny name?” Seams plops down on the chair between Marcus and Bellows.

Marcus says nothing, only withdraws his foot, but you feel him tense. Despite the nature of your game, he doesn’t like being forced into such positions. Briefly you place a reassuring palm on his shoulder, then shift away slightly to the end of the chair. 

Ever a gentleman, Marcus still responds to Seams’s query. “Dr. Bunsen,” he supplies.

You raise an eyebrow. Marcus spreads his hands in a shrug. “What? They’re universal,” he teases. “Plus, Missy went through a phase for awhile.” His voice drops slightly- he doesn’t like mentioning Missy in front of the others, as if scared to remind them of her existence. 

“That’s it! Bunsen and Beaker.” The nostalgia in Seams’s smile lends an unexpected sweetness to her face. 

An impression which is shattered by her subsequent hair toss and the appraising look she angles at Binary’s shirt. “But obviously Miss Piggy will always be number one.”

Ezra speaks up for the first time, appearing thoroughly- and uncharacteristically- bewildered. “What on earth are you all talkin’ about?” 

A long pale body suddenly leaps over the pool, limbs splayed and hair a trail of flame. 

Nobody ducks in time. 

Water spatters your face and clothes, and Marcus catches you when you reflexively flinch backward. His hands are twin suns on your hip and shoulder. Your own sunlight rises to meet his touch, quickly suffusing your whole body with warmth. Instinctively you duck your head from him. No, wait, you’re supposed to be reacting. Flustered now, you reach for a flirtatious expression, quirking your lips up and glancing meaningfully between Marcus’s hand and his face. 

Marcus’s own smile looks forced, but he gives your shoulder a quick squeeze. The two of you may have worked out the physical contact, but managing your faces has proven more of a challenge.

Laughter and complaints echo through the open space. Clicking her tongue, Binary shakes out her formerly dry hoodie and hangs it over the back of the chair in place of the towel.

“What? You were all going to get in anyway.” Deven’s hair is plastered to his head now, the red gleam doused to brown. Water drips from the small gold hoop in his left ear. He’d jumped right in in his gym shorts, although, according to Seams, there were lockers full of swimsuits for guests, and to spare anyone here the effort of having to go their rooms to change first.

Bellows’s chest swells. A breath later, a burst of water slaps Deven in the face. The Irishman splutters.

Sniggering, Bellows strips off his shirt, and you can’t help but raise an eyebrow. A thick dusting of dark hair doesn’t disguise the shape of the muscles beneath, filling out his narrow frame. All that breath control must be a constant ab workout. 

Marcus and Doc remain on dry land, but everyone else follows Deven in varying degrees of clothedness. You leave your leggings on- the wet spandex will be annoying to peel off later, but you’re not quite sure you’re ready to hang out with these people in your underwear. Nerea gives you a welcoming smile as you follow them in.

Water warm as a bath envelopes you, yet it’s still refreshing, buoying your stiff muscles and sore feet. The acrid tang of chlorine is pleasantly absent. Everyone drifts peacefully for a moment, soaking it in, floating instinctively toward a wide patch of sunlight. 

You turn to Ezra, determined to revisit his earlier question. “Did you say you don’t know who the Muppets are, Ezra?”

Water trickles down the pilot’s face, making islands of his freckles. “I keep hearing that word without the foggiest understandin’ of it, so that is indeed the sentiment I mean to express.” His eyes crinkle with amusement. “Would you care to enlighten me, starshine?”

Of course, you don’t manage to be Ezra’s sole teacher, as a clamor of disbelief immediately erupts. 

“Oh, I think I know these! The little blue one was my favorite- Grober?” Nerea’s accent throws you for a second, as does the name.

Bellows understands first. “Oh, Grover! Like from Sesame Street.” You all ohhh as if on cue. “He’s from a different show, technically,” Bell explains through the resulting giggles. “But they’re basically cousins.”

“We should have a movie night tonight,” Seams declares. “To properly acquaint Nerea and Ezra with the cultural phenomenon that is the Muppets.” She nudges the man beside her. “You’re not busy tonight, are you, Ez?” Seams tilts her head at him, a glint in her eye. She doesn’t say it like a question. 

Ezra, studying the way the water laps at the crevice between her breasts in a sports bra, takes his time lifting his gaze. It peruses the wet cling of blond hair to her neck, the roundness of her cheeks, with a lazy, leisurely privilege.

Finally his dark eyes catch her paler ones. “Not half as busy as I suspect I will be, spell-weaver.” Ezra’s voice is a low croon.

Something about their exchange makes you glance at Marcus. He’s looking at Ezra, as if captured by the other man’s tone. In the next second his gaze flicks to you; and then away, shuttering. 

“Well, that was something none of us wanted to hear.” Bellows interjects loudly, clapping his hands together to redirect everyone’s attention. “So, movie night! The normal place and time?”

Amid nods of agreement, Bell catches the uncertain glance between you and Marcus. “I’ll swing by your guys’ room and walk you,” he promises. 

--

Which in the end you’re very grateful for, because of course the ‘normal place’ happens to be a separate home theater, and of course you’re forced to admit you never would have found it on your own.

The problem is that all of these incredible things are hidden behind totally normal doors, you muse. There was not the slightest hint outside that this door contained what it did: 

A collection of mismatched couches and a projector facing a bare wall. Red velvet curtains lining the rest of the room. An impromptu kitchen consisting of a tabletop popcorn machine, cabinets filled with snacks, and a refrigerator stacked with drinks.

You’re instantly enamored by the cozy arrangement. “It’s a lot more…low-budget than I expected,” you confess.

Bellows laughs. “Oh, this isn’t the real home theater. Teo has a real setup down the hall, but we mostly only use that for new films. Or ones that deserve the respect of a giant screen and proper sound system.”

“Like Lord of the Rings?” Seams, passing you, snorts. She carries a bottle of white wine and a crinkly black bag depicting something that looks like seaweed chips.

Bell goes on the defensive at once. “When it’s the extended editions, absolutely!”

“Whatever,” Seams sing-songs, making her way to a couch. “All I’m saying is, if I have to sit through something four hours long, I at least want to be able to stretch out.”

Marcus has been silent thus far, the frown between his brows steadily deepening the more he hears of the thief’s excesses. At Seams’s statement, he snorts. 

You and Bell send him curious looks.

Marcus coughs slightly. “Well, they were really long,” he says sheepishly.

Bellows sniffs.

You and Marcus end up on a couch next to one holding Seams…and Ezra. Despite the latter’s unfamiliarity with the Muppets, and the former’s insistence that he become acquainted, she doesn’t seem to be demanding he paying very close attention.

Ezra’s husky tones drift over, and you shift uneasily. Obviously you and Marcus should be taking advantage of the environment to further rumors of your relationship- ie, snuggle or something. The only light besides the movie screen is a lamp in the kitchen space at the back of the room, and dimness wraps around you with an intimate familiarity, urging you to sit closer to him. Any other couple would happily curl up together, giggling furtively, turning the couch into their own little world. 

Marcus leans over, his lips almost touching your ear, and you freeze. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to break your ‘sitting on my lap’ rule?” he murmurs.

You almost burst out laughing. Your shoulders shake with it, one hand covering your mouth to keep it in. Still snickering, you elbow him.

Marcus’s eyes glimmer with amusement, his face still close to yours. Pleased, he continues in a whisper. “Seriously, though. Can I..?” He lifts his arm to indicate putting it around you. 

Affection for him warms your chest. You lick your lips nervously, but nod. A bit in disbelief, you scooch to your right, settling Marcus’s arm over your shoulders. Just for a second, your skin brightens gold, sunlight like a bioluminescent wave rushing up the shore.

You take a deep breath, willing the light to subside, keeping your face turned firmly toward the screen.

Marcus’s reaction, then, is outside your field of vision. The downward tilt of his eyes, the way his face softens at this manifestation of your powers.

Like fireflies, he thinks.

Those tiny blooms which appear at dusk. Insubstantial at first, little more than yellow flickers in the corner of your eye…until their glowing fills the darkness.

It reminds him of Missy’s childhood. Sitting on the porch on hot summer nights, watching the silhouette of her curls bobbing as she chased fireflies through the twilit backyard. Tiny hands clapping wildly until she learned that smooth, patient motions were more effective. 

Marina sitting beside him.

The thought of her doesn’t perturb him the way he thought he would. Somehow, Marcus thinks, I have a feeling she would find this whole situation very funny.

The thought warms him: that Marina would giggle to see the stiff, careful posture with which you sit under his arm. How cautious Marcus himself always is when touching you.

You know how to woo a girl better than that, Moreno.

Of course, he’s not wooing you for real, but…

Marcus tugs you toward him slightly.

You look at him in uncertainty, and then surprise. A fond smile turns up his mouth and the corners of his eyes- the most genuine smile he’s worn since arriving at the mansion. Marcus tugs on your shoulder again, and pats his leg with his other hand. A clear invitation. 

So you scoot closer, hesitantly nestling into his side. Gently Marcus takes your right arm and rests it on his thigh, guiding you into a more natural position. He leans back against the couch, clearly relaxed. 

Your sun hums in your chest. Marcus’s obvious comfort puts you at ease, transforming your proximity from intimidating into something familiar- you and Marcus, side by side on a mission together. Normal.

You dare to lean your head on his arm periodically. He smells nice- clean from showering after the pool earlier. Occasionally his body will vibrate with laughter at the movie, and your heart- and sunlight- will skip at the rumble of it against you. 

--

“Soo, what’s everyone wearing to the party tomorrow night?”

Binary, setting down her post-lunch coffee next to her empty pre-lunch travel mug, shakes her head at Seams’s question.

“What do you want to tell us to wear?” Bellows raises an eyebrow.

Seams appears affronted. “What you’ll look best in, obviously. I thought we agreed on the whole ‘united front’ thing?”

Doc interjects before her pointed look can pierce any deeper. “Do you think the thief’s gray suit would do me any favors? He offered to let me borrow it for the party, but I’m not sure about the color.”

Everyone looks at Doc then, picturing him in the steely gray suit jacket you assume he’s referring to. Pairing it with his sandy hair and hazel-blue eyes.

“The one he wore the other day? Hmm.” Seams taps her chin with a finger. “No, you’re right, the color will wash you out. Ask him for one of his more colorful plaids.”

“Much obliged.” Doc tips his mug to her in thanks.

(His mug contains tea, milky, courtesy of Deven: “You’ve been after something new to drink in the mornings, right? This will put hair on your chest, Doc. None for Belly, though.” Deven wagged a warning finger in Bellows’s direction.

You nearly choked on your tropical juice. Binary, her lips trembling from fighting her own laughter, gave the faux-sulking Bellows a pat on the shoulder.

Bel scoffed. “Please, I wouldn’t drink that stuff anyway. The only thing your people got right about tea is the size.” 

He tapped his mug with a fingernail, the clink ringing. It was a standard eight ounces but made of clear glass, decorated with patterns of concentric blue circles. The tea within was black and unadulterated but for a lush, leafy stem of mint. A sheen of undissolved sugar remained at the bottom, visible when he slurped a pointed sip, and remembering the amount he’d stirred in made you shudder all over again.)

No one escapes Seams’s interrogation (except for Ezra and the thief, who are absent). Nerea is the only person who agrees to be styled for the party, although Deven concedes to look through her jewelry collection.

“...But only because I want to see what kind of goodies that cute designer you stole from me at the last party is sending you.” Deven narrows his eyes at Seams accusingly.

She smiles with perfect innocence, and eats the last bite of her salad with a little too much relish.

Then Seams’s pale brown eyes turn to your end of the table. “And what about you two?”

“...Us?” You have to hide your astonishment. Marcus goes rigid.

You’d tried to remain unnoticed throughout the conversation. You and Marcus had been invited to the party, of course, but hadn’t decided if you’d go. What kind of message would it send if you did? You had no idea what circles the thief ran in. What kind of people would be there or who they’d talk to. Marcus would rather pluck out his own eyebrows hair by hair than go to any event hosted by the thief regardless, but you…you couldn’t help but be curious.

“Uh…we figured we’d find something in our closets that would work? Was it you who put together our wardrobes?” you ask in a sudden moment of insight. You feel foolish for not realizing it before. 

No wonder Marcus’s shirts fit him so deliciously.

The sudden thought is a rude intrusion, and you frown. You’d been having more and more thoughts like that of late; it’s unprecedented, and it makes you uneasy. We don’t think about our friends that way, you chide yourself.

…But if Seams had personally designed their wardrobes, then why was that? Why had she made Marcus’s clothes fit the way they did? He’s wearing the dove gray button-down again today, and it’s impossible not to notice the unique stitching making his shoulders look so wide-

“Obviously,” Seams replies with a flip of her hair.

But that confirms it-

Your face falls into a pleasantly neutral expression, while your breathing instinctively deepens in attempt to calm the sudden emotions clanging inside you- like a belltower, each thought tolling irresistibly preceding another. Jealousy, that Seams clearly also had ideas about Marcus’s most attractive features and how to emphasize them. Confusion, as to why you should be jealous that someone else finds Marcus attractive. Bewilderment- when had you started acknowledging that you found Marcus so attractive?

Only Marcus notices the shift in your breathing. Shit. The temperature hasn’t changed, but something has obviously provoked you, and it was his responsibility to be there for you.

“I guess we should thank you for that,” Marcus says. He smiles calmly at Seams and places a hand on your shoulder, offering your gratitude as a unit. It quells your chaotic emotions, for the moment.

“It’s what I do.” Seams gives a flourish of the hand and inclines her head as if bowing, but her satisfaction is obvious.

“His wardrobe has suits that will be fine for the party,“ she continues, waving at Marcus. “But yours…” she eyes you critically.

“My dress from the deep sea party,” Binary says. Casually she grabs a cookie from the small platter in front of her and leans back in her chair.

Seams’s eyes widen. “The navy, sheer one.”

“Mmmhm.”

Seams turns to her. “This is why I forgive you for not letting me dress you.” Her pointed finger manages to make even her supposed forgiveness slightly threatening. 

Binary rolls her eyes. “I’ll bring it by later.”

--

For all of Marcus’s searching, neither he nor Sunbeam have found the room they dined in that very first night. The one with his swords- Marina’s swords- hanging on the walls. 

Walls which, in Marcus’s memory, seemed to drip in shades of rage and blood.

Obviously that was their first thought- try the easiest solution first. Marcus was sure the thief was too cocky to have taken down the swords. No, it would be just like him to leave them on display in the same room, taunt them with the possibility of swiping them from the wall and running.

But Marcus is not at all sure the thief wouldn’t simply shift the whole dining room instead. “Steal” it right out from under their noses and put another room in place of every door they open. Who’s to say he couldn’t? All those stories the thief tells, the things he claims to have stolen, and Marcus has no way of knowing which ones are bullshit and which ones are plausible. 

Marcus’s priorities had shifted as soon as he realized who was holding them captive. 

The thief. The man, the villain, who had haunted him so many years ago. 

He still hopes to find the swords, of course. But, Marcus rationalizes, if he can bring the thief to justice, then he’ll have uninhibited access to his collections afterward. 

So he stalks the house in his every spare moment. All but taking notes, assuming everything he sees has been acquired in some questionable way and slotting everything even remotely ancient or valuable or familiar-looking onto a mental list.

Animal figurines carved in wood with breathtaking detail. A collection of jewelry in patinated gold, each piece lined with microscopic, painstakingly placed beads. Marble statutes that wouldn’t look out of place in St. Peter’s Square.

Marcus Moreno, despite his profession, is not a violent man by nature. The combat he engages in is defensive. On behalf of others. He tries to disable, not hurt or maim. Yet every time they enter a new room, decorated with the thief’s glittering prizes, a red, pulsing rage fills him.

How many people have been hurt because of his exploits?

It was his government that stole people, not the thief, but if he hadn’t been stealing things in the first place…

No. Marcus shakes his head. That’s not how blame works and he knows this, has long accepted it with the help of his blessedly patient therapist.

But that doesn’t mean he can forgive the man. Marcus can get along with most people. For as long as is needed, anyway. But the thief is…strange. And then there’s your theory, that he’s- what, reformed now?

Marcus thinks of Doc’s halting progress in their self-defense lessons. The thief’s genuine gratitude and relief at Marcus’s willingness to train him.

And the camaraderie the thief has with the others who live here. They’re so…accepting. Welcoming Marcus and Sunbeam into their fold with hardly a whisper of mutiny. It’s uncomfortable to consider next to the memory of the pranks Miracle Guy and Crushing Low often played on new recruits. And even on the old hands- although they eased off somewhat after that time Lavagirl left their offices a molten waste. Marcus could never get it into their heads that being around the longest didn’t make them superior to everyone…

Nerea’s kind smile shines in his head, sparkling white as the snow they liked to conjure. How did someone like them agree to work with the thief? How did any of them end up here? The idea of befriending the people who are complicit in the thief’s work makes Marcus grind his teeth, but that’s what you and he agreed to. And then there’s their other little plan…

Marcus groans, rubbing the heels of his palms against his eyes, and resolves not to examine the situation so closely anymore. He gets up to see if you’re still lounging in their shared sitting room.

You are. You appear to be asleep- limbs a comfortable sprawl, head dropped back against the arm of the couch- but despite your closed eyes, your skin glimmers faintly, rhythmically. A long inhale, and it brightens enough to cast a dance on the polished wood of the coffee table. An exhale, and it fades again, to a shimmer fine enough that it could be a trick of cosmetics, like the glittery lotion that Missy had found once to go as you for Halloween. 

(Of course Marcus helped her apply it, and the sparkle had clung to his hands for days afterward. It was worth it only because his daughter- and you- grinned every time she saw it.)

Marcus follows the line of your arm up to your shoulder, where the neckline of your top has slumped to the side. His gaze traces your bra strap, your light the same shade of gold even as it leads to the slope of your breast.

He finds himself wondering if your whole body glows just the same. Do your nipples glow? Marcus’s cheeks flush at the thought. But if they’re a different shade than the rest of your skin, it makes sense that the light would look different. What about, say, the inside of you? 

His eyes glaze over as this thought plays out- as he considers the only place where the answer to that question might be visible.

Your skin brightens pointedly, and it jars Marcus from his depraved headspace. He unclenches his hands, clearing his throat as he offers you a sheepish smile.

Your expression is groggy yet forgiving, the air flickering warm with your amusement, as you rearrange yourself, making space for him on the couch. Marcus sits, being very careful not to touch you, still feeling as hot as if your sun had somehow gotten inside of him.

Now there’s a thought.

Marcus forcefully wrenches his mind from its perverted spiral, wondering, with a tinge of panic, what the fuck was wrong with him.

He says, “You want to go to the party.”

You look up and then away again, shades of guilt painting your face.

“I know we shouldn’t- I know why we shouldn’t, but…”

Marcus weighs his words. “You don’t think we should use the opportunity to dig around while the thief is distracted? See what we can find while everyone is out of the house?” To do so would be Marcus’s inclination, but you and he are great partners for a reason- you often have some insight that he doesn’t consider, and he values your thoughts on this. 

You consider, still blinking away the meditative haze of your catnap. “I think…it won’t make a difference if we go or not. 

“If we don’t go- even if we say it’s because of appearances or because we straight-up don’t like him- I don’t think the thief will believe we plan on just sulking in our rooms. He’ll have extra security measures in place around the swords, wherever they are.”

Marcus’s gaze is distant. “Do you think he still believes the swords are our primary objective?”

You look at him in surprise. “Aren’t they?”

Marcus worries a small throw pillow in his lap, thumb repeatedly tracing the textured pattern. “I don’t know. I think we should let him think so, but now that we’re here…” He leans toward you, lowering his voice. “I’ve been looking for other things. Really notable steals, records or an office of some kind. I haven’t found anything yet, but…bringing him in would make it all worth it.” His gaze is distant, but contemplative. 

“And we’d still get the swords that way,” you say slowly, completing his thought process. 

“...But there’s still no way he wouldn’t have extra security everywhere during a party. We have no idea what kind of people will show up! If this is some kind of special party of thieves, or if other people with superpowers will be there…maybe we wouldn’t even be who he’s worried about.” You give Marcus a wry twist of your lips. 

“Maybe we could sneak off at the height of the party. Try to assess the security measures before then, if it would be worth it…”

“I could stay and distract him for a while?” You snigger even as you say the words, knowing how Marcus will react. “He won’t notice you sneaking off if I’m sparkling all over his arm.”

Marcus scoffs, trying to ignore the way his chest tightens at your suggestion. “You already know what I’m going to say to that. It’s too risky.” He flicks you a long glance. “What if he notices I’m gone and takes it out on you? Plus…”

He hesitates, unsure if what he’s about to say is a good idea. “I think a fancy party will be a good chance to really double down on our ‘relationship’. Get dressed up, stay close together the whole time, maybe dance, if there’s the opportunity.” He looks away.

“Oooh, I like that.” You sit up straighter. “You’d have to contain your jealousy if anyone else asked me to dance. Especially if that someone was Theo.” Your eyes sparkle mischievously. 

Theo. Marcus hates the thief’s little nickname, but he hates even more the way it falls so easily from your lips. Seams’s creation, a natural extension from the sound of ‘thief’, is obviously not his real name, and Marcus worries at how you’ve grown used to using it. Worries that you might forget who the man truly is.

“You guys kind of look alike, you know.” Your smile is sly. “Tall, dark, and handsome.”

“Wha-” Marcus sputters. He thinks back to your conversation on the balcony. If you think he looks like the thief, does that mean that you think Marcus is…hot?

You watch Marcus’s face steadily redden, like a balloon about to pop, and burst into laughter. “Oh, Marcus, you’re way too easy to fluster for a superhero.” It takes several seconds to contain your giggling. You school your features into something sympathetic. “I’m joking, okay? I mean I’m sort of not, because you are tall, dark, and handsome, but just…don’t worry, okay? I can handle the thief.”

You’re up and heading to your room before Marcus can regain his dignity, squeezing his shoulder as you round the couch. To his surprise, he feels a thread of anger winding through his embarrassment. You think he’s so easy to fluster? A blushing schoolboy compared to your worldly remove?

Marcus storms into motion, face still burning, aiming for his wardrobe. He pulls out his phone. 

--

You look like Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Deep blue fabric flows over your body, draping and cinching and flattering in all the right places. Beadwork unfurls across it like a flung bolt of stars. Your skin is what really brings the effect to life- your golden light whorls beneath the dress’s sheer panels, making you shimmer like no painting ever could.

Only Marcus will know that your sunlight only moves like this when you’re nervous.

You head down to the party between Binary and Seams, your arms linked. The latter is still high on her transformation of you (“Maybe I should specialize in superhero styling.”) Her chin lifts regally, her every stride as sure as the strike of a blade. On your other side, Binary’s walk is more of a flow, liquid and calm as her expression, only an understated gleam in her eye betraying her anticipation.

Okay. You breathe. Focus on not burning your companions. All you have to do is find Marcus, and you’ll be fine. You can make it until then.

The length of marble hall ahead gets shorter and shorter, and the music grows louder. The cries and chatter of a crowd reach your ears. Your anxiety reaches a crescendo all at once.

The scene that opens before you is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. 

The lawn normally visible from the breakfast room staircase has been transformed. This morning there hadn’t been so much as a blade of grass out of place. Now you can hardly see the grass beneath a constant drift of flower petals and glittery confetti, and the bejeweled heels of a few hundred cavorting strangers.

Decorative towers rise from the ground and form a border for the party space. Also constructed are trellised walls woven with flowers, joined to create the illusion of enclosed rooms, slightly more private spaces. Through the gaps are glimpses of plush chaise lounges and fur carpets- the same decor, it appears, as that of the low, open daises also scattering the lawn. Several are already occupied, lounging guests and their finery glinting at every turn; through the heave of the crowd you think you spot someone in a crown.

Globes of light and glittery garland seem to hang from the sky. Also suspended, seemingly from midair, are dancers- or maybe acrobats- graceful and daring and entertaining with a variety of poses and powers.

Oh, right. This is a super party.

Heroics didn’t like to entertain with super-powered methods. They were too above such things- they used their powers for a higher purpose, and expressed that others should do the same. You’d never catch Granada at any theater using magic for their special effects.

Here there were no such qualms. Across the lawn, two figures on pedestals seemed to be dueling with fire and ice, to the delighted gasps of the watchers below. A woman on a nearby edge of the crowd seemed to have skin lined with points of cold light. She notices you- perhaps she has similar powers?- and nudges the man besides her. As he turns, a tiny plumed bird takes flight from his shoulder. It wings several meters away, straight to the sequined epaulet of another figure, who seems to cock their head to it, as if getting a message. They too, turn in your direction, and you get the feeling that your entrance will not go unremarked. 

You’re immensely grateful when Ezra appears in front of your trio. “At last, the final three birds to complete our flock.”

Oh good, that must mean Marcus is already here.

“Are we late?” you ask.

“Fashionably, of course,” Seams replies. She pecks Ezra on the cheek as she passes, her (terrifyingly) tall platform heels raising her to his same height. She seamlessly lifts a glass off the tray of a passing waiter and bounces into the crowd.

The waiter, noticing your drinklessness, pauses to offer his tray to the rest of you. It holds what can only be cocktails, ranging in color and sparkliness to a degree that would put a pride parade to shame. You select something blue and opalescent that tastes like a spring rain.

“Come on, let’s find the others.” Following Ezra’s directions, Binary leads you among clumps of finely-dressed people until you spot a familiar plaid suit- the thief’s, but fitted to Doc’s narrow frame. 

“There’s Marcus. You go on, there’s someone I need to talk to.” 

“Wait-” you whip your head around in alarm, but Binary is already gone, only a glint of copper at head-height providing a guess at her path.

Where was Marcus? There’s Bellows and a figure in green over with Doc, but you skim past them, scanning desperately for someone scowling or suspicious, anyone in a plain black suit and glasses.

A glint of red catches your eye. Deven, gesticulating at Doc in a way that sets the sequins on his top glinting like a signal fire. You breathe. Deven likes a gossip, he might have seen Marcus. You start toward the two familiar faces. 

Honestly, has Theo hired a super whose power is to manifest flowers? You can’t think of how else he could achieve the constant ‘petals in the breeze’ effect. Maybe you missed a memo on the theme. There are flowers everywhere, nowhere untouched by their sweet, heady scent, a demonstration of the last bounty of summer. Only the rapidly cooling air betrays the receding season.  

An end of summer theme would fit Seams’s outfit, you suppose. A short, frothy fuschia dress, with beaded vines and flowers peeking out amongst the ruffled layers. Her makeup as minimal yet as striking a complement as ever- a swipe of spring green eyeliner over her top lids, with a dot beneath each lower lashline. 

Speaking of green…the figure beside Doc and Deven turns, and you stumble to a halt.

It’s Marcus.

Marcus, wearing a suit of deep, forest green, and smiling at something Doc says, his eyes crinkling in full visibility without his glasses. Why isn’t he wearing his glasses?

His hair is swept up and back in a way that it normally only achieves after being windblown in a superfight, or styled by someone else for a PR event. Since when can he do his own hair like that? He stands with his shoulders back, appearing relaxed, all but dripping charm and control.

Your hands are warm. Marcus is stunning, and you can’t stop gaping, and if you don’t get ahold of yourself your powers will scorch your own carefully constructed outfit to ash.

Deven turns, and your eyes meet. His eyebrows lift nearly to his hairline. A second later, some realization sparks, and his lips move.

The heat under your skin is mounting, but you can’t seem to remember how to breathe. Marcus’s smile, the breadth of his shoulders- he’s all you can see. What is happening to you?

“Sunbeam.” Nerea appears in front of you, smile soothing and reassuring as they reach for your hands. You gasp.

Their touch is cold, a wintery slap to the face. Your breathing jolts back to a controlled pace. Your sun immediately simmers down, although your face remains uncomfortably hot in a way you suspect is purely biological. 

“Nerea,” you mumble. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Their lips quirk knowingly. “Here.” They rest the backs of their hands against your cheeks for a moment. The cold is crisp and reinvigorating as pressing your face to an icy windowpane. You sigh in relief.

--

Marcus sees you enter the party, of course. Heads turn like ripples in a pond toward you, Seams, and Binary- but mostly you, sparkling like a fucking star, your skin shimmering coyly beneath the semi-sheer portions of your dress. It takes a second glance to fully appreciate; or, if you’re Marcus, one endless, captivated stare, during which his lungs struggle to function and his brainpower ceases entirely.

How is it he feels like he’s never seen you before?

You and Marcus have been to countless Heroics events before, dressed in all degrees of formality. But tonight, here, through a crowd of potentially dangerous strangers and half-obscured by flower petals- it feels like his vision is clear for the first time.

Beside him, Doc’s head tilts. It’s his only visible reaction as he listens to Marcus’s blood sing and surge, much of it in a very particular direction-

Deven lets out a long, low whistle at the sight of the three women entering. “We are a pretty bunch, aren’t we?” He slings an arm each over the shoulders of Doc and Marcus.

Doc hums an amused sound. Marcus clears his throat, Deven’s gesture having yanked the leash on his senses, allowing his thoughts to return to his plan. Your impression that Marcus is some stammering schoolboy, unable to handle the slightest hint of flirtation, is unbearable- so he intends to put that idea to rest tonight.

“Cheers to that,” Marcus says. Flagging a passing waiter, he hands two flutes of standard sparkling champagne to his companions.

Their glasses clink. Across the crowd, Binary is leading you toward them. Resolved, Marcus half turns away as if he hasn’t seen you, letting himself smile at the arriving Bellows.

--

Your almost-meltdown seems to have gone miraculously unnoticed, despite that you’re barely ten steps from Marcus.

“Oh look, there are the others!” Nerea chirps. Their hands still refreshingly cool, they tug you forward.

There’s no way they didn’t know that, you think. But you’re so grateful for Nerea’s subtlety you don’t even care. Especially not as Marcus seems to get taller the closer you get him, his profile stunning against the tall white headdress of someone behind him.

“Sunshine!” Deven appears at your side like a flame bursting to life. His shoulder-length locks are half pulled back, and the earring in his left ear is long and bejeweled, dangling low enough to brush his bedazzled lapels.

“Hey, Deven.” You laugh in surprise at his hug and blush at his praise, modestly waving off his compliments on your appearance.

Someone comes up to you from behind. You sense them before you see them, their hand lowering toward your shoulder- but even the split second before it lands, an inconceivably, unfathomably brief instant- you recognize him.

Marcus.

Your sun retreats from where it would have scalded anyone else. “Sunbeam.” Marcus lightly touches your shoulder, and you turn and face him.

Marcus beams at you, radiating relief. And something else? He leans down and presses his lips to your cheek. “You look amazing,” he murmurs.

Your knees wobble. Marcus releases your shoulder, and your sun rushes back in like the sea into a tide pool, as if desperate to touch where he’d been.

“Marcus.” Giddy at his sudden closeness, but mostly with relief rushing through you like a drug, you grin. “Thanks. Seams’s work, obviously.” You make a little flourish as if to hand off some of the credit. Marcus shakes his head a little, his eyes darting all over you, from here to there and back again. Everywhere your sunlight is visible…

“You look nice too! I’ve never seen you in this color.” You’re genuinely proud of yourself for how normal you’ve sounded so far. You give Marcus a onceover now that you’re closer, immensely glad to have seen him before now, because otherwise you would have made a fool of yourself in point-blank HD. Speaking of which…

“Where are your glasses?” It’s always strange seeing him without them outside of superhero mode- he looks the same, but not. As if their lack lets you see things you can’t normally.

“Doc ordered me some contacts, too. ‘In case I prefer them.’” Marcus rolls his eyes in fond exasperation.

You laugh. “Of course.”

Strangely, everyone you know seems to have drifted away from you. Even Doc, who normally wouldn’t do anything so impolite as snub a greeting. You shuffle backwards slightly, suddenly aware of how close to Marcus you’re still standing. 

“Well, should we…make our way around?” you suggest.

Marcus looks around, his face turning serious as if remembering where they are. “I guess so. We should keep an eye out for the thief, too.”

“Of course.” You smirk. “Gotta show ourselves off.”

“Show you off, you mean. Come on.” Eyes twinkling, Marcus takes your arm and tugs you along. Your whole body tingles.

--

You don’t know what you expected, but apparently it wasn’t that everyone would be so chatty. Plenty of people choose to stare instead of approach- every time you turn a pair of eyes flits away, or a group shuffles guiltily. But just as many people seem perfectly at ease striking up a conversation with you and Marcus.

A man with canines that protruded out of his purple lipsticked-mouth asked if it was true that Granada didn’t age. A hugely buff, cheerful woman at a food table commented on the delicate perfection of the macarons. An individual wearing a shimmery dress but of otherwise indiscernible gender queried, with a twinkle in their eye, if the Heroics ever helped rebuild any of the property they destroyed during superhero battles.

Marcus rubs the bridge of his nose. “They must have been talking to Missy,” he grumbles. 

You send him an amused glance. The next generation of Heroics was notoriously outspoken on how different things would be when they were in charge. Every new proposal they sent to Marcus meant another pile of paperwork, but neither of you would dream of discouraging the young people’s ambition.

You pick up a glass filled with something in the same shade of violet as the earlier guy’s lipstick and examine it, thinking.

“I don’t know why,” Marcus begins, echoing your thoughts, “but I thought more people here would be…”

“Villainous? Aloof? Suspicious-looking?” you suggest. 

Marcus frowns around the rim of his glass. “...Yes.”

You agree. “But they’re all so..nice. Like totally normal people.”

“Almost all of them,” Marcus mutters, leveling a dark glance over his shoulder.

He’s glaring at the thief, who’s currently lounging on one of the cushioned platforms in the center of the lawn. Most of his ire is directed at the crown Theo wears- or was wearing when he arrived. Now it doesn’t look as much like he’s holding court. Another man on the dais currently wears the crown, and is chatting amongst a small group sprawled on the plush rugs, not paying the thief any mind. Theo himself appears engaged in conversation with just the two people sharing his couch. 

When Marcus looks back at you, there’s a creamy pink flower petal caught in your hair. He reaches for it. “Wait, you’ve got a flower.”

Your breath catches when Marcus leans over you. His other hand hovers near your jaw, as if to hold your head in place. It doesn’t touch, but the mere promise of it is more than enough to keep you still.

Finally Marcus leans back, proffering the offending petal between two fingers. 

“Thanks.” You take a sip of your drink, feigning unaffectedness as you look around.

Hiding a smile, Marcus lets the petal fall. You’re not quite as subtle as you think. Every time he touches you, the faintest shimmer blooms beneath your skin. It’s addicting, being able to watch the reactions he would normally have to helplessly hope for.

He sets down his empty glass and scans the crowd, wondering if any of the waiters are serving water. Movement on the thief’s dais catches his eye. He appears to be leaving, kissing cheeks as he goes. His long suit jacket, tonight black and embroidered with gold and blue flowers, swishes around his thighs as he places one foot on the stairs.

The man still wearing the crown stands. The thief turns, one hand going dramatically to his head. Their faces are inches apart as the other man lowers the crown into the thief’s tousled locks. 

The thief lightly grips the man’s chin, and Marcus hates that he can picture the exact challenging, flirtatious expression on the thief’s face. The other man smirks; the thief tugs him down until their lips meet.

Marcus isn’t sure that he expected to feel anything at the sight, but something is undeniably fomenting. You’d reported the tidbit about the thief and Ezra previously being involved, but knowing something and seeing it are two different things.

Marcus looks away, grateful to find your attention elsewhere.

“Whoa, look at that gorgeous woman Doc is talking to. Does she look familiar…?”

Marcus’s mouth falls open. Not because of the woman’s looks, although she is beautiful- long tanned limbs and elegant stature and dark, intelligent eyes- but because he knows who she is.

Oh god, they’re coming toward you. Marcus has met some important people as a Heroic, but none in this context. What is she doing here? Talking with Doc like they’re old friends?

Marcus is nudging you in their direction, apparently determined to intercept them. You go unresistingly, still wracking your brain for where you’ve seen her before.

Doc catches sight of you and slows to an uncertain stop. The woman follows his gaze, but no sooner have her eyes lit with curiosity than the thief appears, kissing her on both cheeks and asking after someone called Oberyn.

“He’s terribly busy, I’m afraid, but he bid me come and have fun for the both of us.” You’re close enough to overhear their conversation now- close enough that it could almost be considered rude for Theo not to introduce you.

Her dress sways with layers of fringe the color of saffron threads. Dark curls spill down her back in a loose bind. There’s an easy, sensual confidence about her- the look of someone deeply settled in their own body. With her dark coloring and flower petals in her hair, she looks like summer incarnate.

Her gaze flickers from the thief to you and back again. “Darling Teo, you must tell me about the company you’re keeping these days.” She threads her arm through his. “Heroics?” Her tone is benign, but her glance is very, very pointed.

The thief clears his throat, and although he gives you and Marcus a regal nod of acknowledgment it’s clear he has no intention for you to join them. “My darling queen, trust me when I say I’m just as surprised as you are…” He directs her back the way she came. If you didn’t know better, you’d say Theo looked almost nervous.

The woman flicks her hair as they walk, and the dip of her dress reveals a tattoo of a spear rippling along her spine. You stare after them, curiosity of a different flavor piqued. 

“Do you know who that was?” Marcus’s face resembles a thundercloud. 

You frown. “Is she a celebrity? She definitely looked familiar, but I couldn’t figure out why.”

“He called her queen. Because she’s an actual, politically recognized Queen.” 

At your obvious lack of recollection, Marcus turns his disbelieving gaze to the heavens. “That was Queen Ellaria of Dorne. She’s married to King Oberyn. And apparently, both of them are best friends with Teo.” Marcus sneers his name.

He appears deeply unsettled by this turn of events. You wait while Marcus processes, mumbling to himself, making several movements halfway before aborting them. When a familiar, frenetic glitter appears in his eye, you speak.

“Oh! I finally remember where I’ve seen her before.” Marcus looks up. “I read some listicle recently- ‘Ranking the 10 Hottest Monarchs in the World’, or something. But I remember laughing because King Oberyn was like, six, and his wife was all the way up at number two.” You chuckle at the memory.

Marcus stares at you. If before he’d been spiraling, worries spinning around him like debris in a tornado, now the storm had frozen in its path. Then Marcus guffaws, and his worries drop while his laughter continues, shaking him until his paranoid concerns are scattered at his feet.

You allow yourself a satisfied smile. Your skin brightens, your sunlight smug. “There’s nothing we can do but keep our eyes open. And let’s get another drink while we’re at it. I haven’t tried the orange one yet.”

So you continue your way around the party, sampling the food and flowers and drinks in every color of the rainbow. Despite the marvels all around, Ellaria’s appearance had had a sobering effect. The illusion had been shattered. Now you kept your eyes peeled, open to the real possibility of seeing someone you might recognize. You don’t, but Marcus spots someone who’s on the board of an international children’s charity, and his fists clench so tight that a crack appears in your highball glass. 

You find Ezra again, and he introduces you to a girl he calls his ‘ward’, Cee. Although she and her companion are easily the youngest people here, the elfin blonde looks plenty old enough to be independent.

“How are your lessons with Francisco coming?” Ezra asks her. 

“Fine,” she answers. Her gaze flits to you and Marcus with what’s by now a familiar uncertainty. How much to say around you who would normally be their enemies?

Ezra puts his arm around her. His right arm, the colored lights glinting dully off his sporadically-worn prosthetic. “Cee here is training to be a pilot. I’ve been a great source of inspiration to her, you see…” 

The woman plants her palm on his cheek and shoves gently at his face. Ezra cackles as he retreats, his blond streak sticking straight up amongst now-mussed hair. “A great source of pain, you mean,” Cee grumbles.

It’s somewhat jarring to see the mansion’s residents- a limited circle you thought you were getting to know- in such an expanded context. Ezra, with a daughter. Deven, blushing at a peck on the cheek from a tall, wide man and his companion. Bellows, appearing happily smothered in affection by a woman whose chatter was almost as bright as her intricately embroidered thaub.

You’re surprised to find yourself feeling slightly bereft at their distraction. It’s not that they’re ignoring you, but…Of course they want to spend time with their actual friends. It’s silly to think that they would prioritize you and Marcus, with your situation being what it was.  

Anyway, it’s not like you’re lonely. Marcus doesn’t leave your side the whole night. Literally- you’re not sure when he first got ahold of you, but you can’t think of a single moment when he hasn’t been touching you. At some point he found one of the gaps in the back of your dress, and his fingertips had seemed glued to your skin ever since. He leans down to hear you whenever you speak, and his lips nearly touch your ear when he replies. It’s entirely unnecessary. It’s making you warm. 

It only gets worse once a dance floor appears at the far side of the lawn. Marcus leads you toward it. 

“Dance?” His eyes gleam.

His palm splays on the small of your back. His other hand engulfs yours, holding it aloft as he sways you to the lilting music. Heat that has nothing to do with your power grows steadily inside you. Since when is Marcus this good of an actor?

Your sun can’t be contained either. Heat builds under your skin until you’re sure you look less like Starry Night and more like a certain sci-fi character about to regenerate. 

Marcus’s lips brush your ear. “Stay with me, Sunbeam. It’s just us, remember?” He leans back slightly, giving you some much-needed breathing room. His brown eyes catch yours and hold them.

Slowly, your temperature goes down. You become aware of watchful eyes all around, bright with anticipation. You look down.

A trickle of figures on the edge of the crowd catch your eye. Pairs and small groups head for the hedge maze, some more eagerly than others. Dark and quiet and alone? Yes please.

You catch Marcus’s eye again. “Wanna take a walk?” 

--

The hedge maze is everything the party isn’t. Cool and quiet, tranquil and relaxing. You and Marcus meander the dark paths aimlessly, your sunlight glimmering off glossy green leaves. He says nothing, and you neither.

Periodically, you hear evidence of others in the maze. Voices, giggling, rustling…moaning? You smirk to yourself and refrain from commenting. But the third time you pass what must be a very passionate hangout, without having seen a soul for at least twenty minutes, you begin to wonder. It’s not quite a maze, this. There are navigational signs, for a start. Almost all the lead-offs you peek into end in small, unadorned clearings.

From a shrouded, sordid corner of your mind rises the word. 

Pleasure garden.

Was that even a real thing? Or just something you’d absorbed from some historic fantasy novel? Either way, it rings true. The furtive yet eager behavior of the couples entering the maze- the fact that it was primarily small groups of two or three entering together. The paths are lush, but not overgrown. The atmosphere clandestine, but not spooky. More…romantic. Erotic.

“I think…” You slow to a stop, and Marcus with you. “I think this maze is meant for couples. Like, people who want to sneak away. That’s why we keep hearing…stuff.”

“I wouldn’t have expected you to be blushing over something like that, Sunbeam.” Marcus slides you a sideways smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “I figured that out too, somehow.” 

You roll your eyes like that will disguise your fidgeting. Normally you wouldn’t be so flustered in a situation like this, but you’re just so…hot already. As you have been all night.

There’s a gap in the hedges behind Marcus that you swear wasn’t there a second ago. 

“Well, if we really wanted to cement the rumors of our fake relationship…” You nod to the gap, and Marcus turns, the shadowy archway appearing in full. 

You and Marcus exchange a long glance.

“I’m ready if you are.” Marcus offers you his arm. The formal gesture strikes you as silly given the circumstances- you’ve already entered a pleasure garden together. Yet it puts you strangely at ease, too. This is Marcus, your friend, your companion-in-arms- giving you agency in keeping yourself safe, like he always has.

You loop your arm through his.

--

“I guess that means we’ll be here awhile,” you say, settling yourself on the softest grass you’ve ever felt. “Should have grabbed one of those champagne bottles.”

A number of the decorative towers glittering throughout the party had in fact been made of green glass bottles- drink option, decoration, and party favor all in one. You’d seen others brandishing them all evening, and now regretted not grabbing one before entering the maze.

Marcus is examining the barely-visible gap in the hedge that provided you entrance to your little clearing. The green of his suit nearly blends in with the leaves, adding to the enchanting surreality of his appearance.

At your words, he straightens. “I could go get one,” Marcus offers. “Or maybe…” 

His face alights with mischief. He turns his head in the direction of the party, eyes narrowing. Startled cries sound in the distance before transforming into awed, knowing oooohs. Marcus holds out his hand.

A second later, a green glass bottle sails down into his palm. He turns to you, grinning, lifting the bottle like a trophy.

You laugh in delight, applauding. Marcus indulges your praise with a little bow, looking pleased with himself in a way you don’t see very often anymore.

The two of you settle into the grass and pass the champagne back and forth. There’s no direct light source in your little enclave; a soft glow seems to emanate from the leaves themselves, doubtless some magic induced by the thief’s gardeners. However it works, it manages to cast everything in a warm, gentle light. It flatters Marcus’s already attractive features: his relaxed smile, the length of his throat, every flicker of muscle in his shoulders and arms beneath his fine white shirt. His suit jacket lay discarded, nearly invisible against the base of the hedge. You had nearly choked on fizz when he’d removed it.

The heat that had been building inside you all evening quiets, but doesn’t subside completely. It’s unignorable. It flares every time Marcus’s fingers brush yours on the bottle. Every time he laughs, his head tipping back. When you kick off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the grass, and he can’t quite tear his gaze from your legs. Your sunlight preens. You clear your throat and adjust your dress over your thighs, suppressing the ache between them. 

Silence settles comfortably between you. Marcus upends the champagne bottle, then holds it upside down over the grass, displaying its emptiness with a pout. You giggle, swaying where you sit. A pleasant, tipsy buzz has taken hold of both of you, making all of your troubles seem very far away. Why worry when you could simply relax for once, hidden away as you are?

For the first time, you hear other people outside the hedge. A trio, it sounds like, cooing at each other and laughing as they pass by. 

Only suddenly, they aren’t passing- the branches where you entered quiver, and the thump of stumbling footsteps sound.

You look at Marcus in alarm. 

His face hardens with sudden resolve. Quick as a flash, Marcus springs forward, and you find yourself sprawled on your back, his longer body covering yours like a blanket. The grass is cool against your spine. You gasp when Marcus’s mouth brushes your neck, his movements hurried and inelegant.

“Play along,” he mutters in your ear.

Right. You wrap your arms around his back, trying to grasp handfuls of his too-tight, tucked-in shirt. As your body relaxes into a more natural posture, Marcus’s tenses, the muscles in his back flickering. He grabs the back of your knee and hitches it over his hip, and you choke on a sound of shock.

You can’t see the intruders from your position, but Marcus whips his head toward them as they appear.

“Oops, sorry!” They back out immediately. Stifled squeals and giggles trail after them for a seemingly endless moment, until finally, finally, quiet falls again. 

The distant sounds of the party and the rustling of the hedges are the only sounds. 

No, that’s not true- you can hear Marcus breathing, harsh and fast. The humidity of it skims the shell of your ear. You’re barely breathing at all. Your chests brush every time you inhale, but you don’t dare make any other move.

“Are they gone?” Marcus whispers. 

The stubble on his jaw rasps against your cheek when he speaks. Despite that he holds the bulk of his weight off of you, you can still feel the mass of him, resting lightly against your body. It’s the only sensation that could possibly distract from the way he still grips your leg- barely above the knee, perfectly proprietary, but the real issue is that his fingers are on your skin. Keeping you in place in a way you know, instinctively, is going to haunt your dreams.

“It sounds like it,” you breathe in response. 

Marcus lifts his head enough to meet your eye. Neither of you move, frozen, close enough to taste the sweet champagne you shared on the other’s breath. Marcus’s eyes flicker to your mouth.

He flinches. Carefully Marcus scrambles off you, releasing your leg and sitting back by your feet. His eyes are huge and round and dark. He seems as stunned as you still are, staring up at him from the ground. Only a few moments had passed, yet the entire incident seemed both instantaneous and endless, echoing in the space between you. Somehow your sun hadn’t even reacted, only waited attentively in your chest for a coherent command.

“Sorry,” Marcus rasps. “It was the first thing I thought of.”

“It’s okay.” Clearing your throat, you slowly sit yourself up. “Do you think they recognized us?”

I hope so, is what Marcus doesn’t say. 

“Maybe. But we did want word to get back to the thief.” His mouth twitches infinitesimally, something that could be satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

“Well.” You flounder to recover the atmosphere. “If I knew you’d react like that, I’d have hired Seams to dress me ages ago.”

Marcus blinks. And then the tension dissolves, and his laughter bounces off the hedges.

--

Eventually, you and Marcus make your way out of the garden. He brushes grass off of your back with light, careful hands- although those hands still steal into the gap in your dress to rest against your spine as you walk. You’ve (not unhappily) resigned yourself to the endless, tingling warmth caused by his touch. Your skin maintains a low shimmer as you exit the maze, the champagne in your bloodstream loosening your grip on your power.

You sway a little as you walk, giggling, recounting to Marcus a story that Binary had told earlier. He chuckles in your ear, his head bent to yours. The crowd is noticeably thinner now, and you make it farther across the lawn than you realize without noticing- or putting your guards up.

The thief is back on the low dais in the center of the lawn, entertaining another (or possibly the same) group of people. Or maybe they’re the ones doing the entertaining, seeing as Theo is seated on the ground, seemingly unbothered by his position amongst the fluffy rugs. The crown he’d been passing around earlier now sits crookedly on his head, at the same angle as the smile on his face. A half-empty glass is in his hand.

When Marcus looks up, Theo is watching them. His gaze rests on their linked hands. A hollow sort of longing is carved on his face; Marcus, unexpectedly, feels sympathy pang in his chest. The reaction puts a deep furrow in his brow.

Theo tries to school his expression when he catches Marcus’s eye, but it’s delayed, clumsy, his finely tuned control unwieldy after too many drinks. He lifts his glass to Marcus, eventually mastering his usual refined smirk. 

Marcus looks away. He would have ignored the thief entirely if his company hadn’t spotted them, and erupted into exclamations with a lack of subtlety that indicated their state of inebriation.

You’d spotted Theo, too, as well as his excited friends. You flutter your fingers in a wave, and then blow a kiss toward the dais, sending a burst of sunlight in their direction. The guests ooh and ahh in the sudden warmth. Theo’s eyes close and his head tips back, basking in the light. The crown slips from his head. His face smooths into a serene, unguarded smile, and something squeezes in Marcus’s gut.

If you're still here, reading this story, I love you and I'm putting a freshly-baked cookie in your hand as we speak <3333

Taglist: @pinkninja200, @superwolflock29, @startrekkingaroundasgard, @punkerthanpascal

More on my Masterlist 💖

[agentthirsty]

OH I finally watched Ahsoka. Still wish Rosario Dawson had not been cast as Ahsoka and I'll die on that hill, but I buried my grievances and watched and I enjoyed it for the most part. There were multiple little things I had qualms with, aside from Rosario, but I'm not gonna focus on all that. The show really ended up being a Rebels sequel and I was very pleased with that aspect.

Loved seeing Sabine and Hera and Chopper. Cried when they showed Jacen the first time and then every time Kanan was brought up lkjasdfhsalkdfhasd. Was missing Zeb but we got that cameo in The Mandalorian so I'm not fretting too much over his absence. And then Ezra 😭😭😭😭 his casting was perfect. I didn't think we'd ever get him back but he's here and he's hot 😭😭😭

And Anakin and the Clone Wars flashbacks and Rex ooooooo I was beside myself. When Anakin called her Snips I had a conniption lkajsdfhsalkdf

I also really liked that they brought in more elements from the animated side like the Nightsisters and majik, the World Between Worlds, Morai there towards the end, and mentioning the Father, the Son, and the Daughter.

But yeah, I'm not going to focus on all the negatives. It's hard enough having your favorite character done wrong. I was so hesitant to even watch. But anyways, yeah, expect Ahsoka reblogs lol

OH AND THE NOTI ARE PRECIOUS I NEED TO PROTECT THEM

[im-no-jedi]

Ahsoka spoilers

maaaaaaaaan

if y’all thought my reaction from last week’s episode was intense…

you should’ve seen me last night watching episode 6 😆

I knew ahead of time that Ezra was in the episode, I had even seen screenshots of him

but the moment he appeared on screen while Ham and I were watching the episode, I lost it. I had a meltdown. I literally felt like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son. it was a lot LOL

I guess it was similar to last week in that I was seeing something extremely beloved by me that I thought I had lost (that being TCW), and I was seeing it in a new format to boot. but unlike that, the fact that Ezra was live action was irrelevant to me. sure, I was studying Eman like a HAWK, which was unnecessary cause holy frick that man is Ezra irl, he’s absolutely PERFECT. but the biggest thing for me, the thing I was mostly focused on, was simply seeing him again 🥺

I truly thought he was gone forever at the end of Rebels. Kanan had died, and Ezra disappearing honestly felt the same way for me. ngl I don’t blame Sabine for doing what she did cause I honestly probably would’ve done the same thing, especially for Ezra haha

it was one thing seeing a character like Rex last week. Rex is also one of my favorite characters (obviously). but he was just a little cameo, and he wasn’t even real in that moment, just a memory/illusion. but Ezra is real. he’s not just a cameo, he’s not going away next week. he’s here to stay. I get to see more of him. he’s part of the story again. so it’s just more meaningful overall to me really.

also lbr comparing a character that I think of like a son to a character that I simp for is actually incomparable. Ezra being an adult doesn’t change a thing for me, that is my SON. my CHILD. if Hera won’t admit to being his mom, then I will LOL

so yeah. big emotions last night. the prodigal son is home and I’m living. oh and Thrawn is pretty cool I guess 😜

[letsunity]

Not Afraid - Chapter 3

Summery -  

The Bad Batch go to Tatooine to resupply and avoid the Empire. As per the usual, Omega gets separated from the group. Fortunately for her, Krayt's Claw just so happens to be nearby. Bossk and Embo guide her to Boba Fett, who takes interest in why the Kaminoans want her. It's a reluctant partnership, with the Bad Batch having to rely on Krayt's Claw to navigate non-military life.

When it came to hunting, it's good to start small and work your way up. This lot were soldiers, so at least they already had training. Omega didn't, so they'd have to work on that. Being a usual child, she'd get into trouble, so she needs to learn how to protect herself.

A relatively safe place is Lothal, a minor planet nobody cared for. Because no one cared for it, it was a good spot for hunters to refuel and get some supplies. The kid gets to look around, too, which was a bonus. She couldn't be dad's clone, so he wanted to know who her template was.

There's also a connection; he could feel her more than most people. It was a sixth sense kind of thing, knowing people's feelings and such. He didn't talk about it, given that it gave him an advantage over adversaries. It also told him when to be wary around his comrades, as the concept of loyalty is very different in the hunting world.

Whatever it was, he knew that his father had it too. Dad could feel things and react to them, to the point where Boba didn't need to talk sometimes.

There was the possibility of Arla.

Jango had a sister in his original family but assumed her dead. If they had a sliver of her DNA, then that could've been used to make Omega. It was only a theory, but ignoring any possibility was stupid. For all he knew, she's a combination; the Kaminoans can certainly do it.

"Embo, you're babysitting."

Knowing how Dengar could get, the Kyuzo wasn't going to argue. The man had a habit of causing unmitigated chaos when left unsupervised. It was useful, but when not working, it was a pain. Marrok snarled at Dengar, shaking his head at the man's poor smell.

"Out of all planets, what's with this one?" Hunter inquired, noticing a settlement a mile away.

"In communities like this, there's always trouble. Where there's trouble, someone is willing to pay for it to disappear," Bossk answered, attaching his blaster to his back. "You're good with droids, but how're you with people?"

In the clone wars, they fought droids. They were trained to be ruthless with droids. When it came to people, however, they didn't have as much experience. People aren't as durable as droids, so they could seriously hurt someone without meaning to. Knowing how to restrain themselves was important.

"Highslinger can guard the ships; he isn't overly fond of crowds. One of your guys can go with Embo and Dengar to get food, the rest with us."

"I get to come?" Omega beamed, to which the Trandoshan grinned. Boba tossed his helmet to her, watching her investigate the design. "What's this for?"

"You've got a bounty, and people have eyes everywhere. That'll keep your identity hidden, and it's durable enough to take a blaster rifle. Stick with us, and it'll be fine," Boba said, feeling disapproval from the Batch. "Sheltering her is only going to make it easier to catch her. She's going to learn somehow, better early than later."

While Hunter didn't want Omega in danger, she had a habit of getting in trouble anyway. The helmet was a little big on her, but she was certainly obscured.

She could see clearly with the helmet, and it sealed around her neck, making it airtight. It filtered the air, keeping it fresh and safe. She couldn't smell anything, but Omega was ok with that. She could tag along and help instead of getting in the way.

Wrecker complimented her, calling her a little soldier.

"You're confident she'll be fine," Echo noted, disliking the look he got from the teenager. "What? What're you staring at?"

"I thought you were familiar. Everyone's heard about the 'Hero of Anaxes'. The one that escaped the Techno Union and used their own bullshit against them. It won't help much, but I doubt a traitor would do that."

As expected, the pale clone was heavily disturbed. Boba knew that he felt guilty over it, even though that didn't make much sense. It's like blaming a blaster for shooting somebody.

"We did that too!" Wrecker cheered, punching Bossk's shoulder. "We blew shit u-AH!"

Bossk punched him back, harder than he intended.

A thing many people forget is that Trandoshans and Wookies are natural enemies. Trandoshans are capable of being in a fistfight with a Wookie and potentially win. Puny clone trooper armour isn't going to protect against something like that. It made Wrecker excited, knowing he can brawl with someone without restraining himself.

Hunter didn't want them to get attached to this lot; it was a reluctant partnership. Walking with them made him constantly anxious, given how they aren't the honourable sort. The moment they deemed it necessary, they'd turn on Hunter in a second.

Their boss was Hunter's age, though he aged slower. The Bad Batch had been in the field for nearly four years; he's been out here his whole life. The only thing making them allies was the blonde question mark. As soon as Boba got his answers, there was no telling what he'd do.

He has leverage regarding the underworld, but Hunter has something to make the teen need him. If the hunters needed them, then they won't consider betraying them.

"What do you know about Order 66?" Hunter inquired, expecting the boy not to know.

As he did with Echo, the teen looked through him, like he was peering into Hunter's soul. He appeared amused, although Hunter couldn't imagine what he found so funny.

"No point being shy about it, Sarge. What've you got that I'd be interested in?"

So much for being sneaky about it. He'll figure this kid out, preferably sooner than later.

"Inside of every clone is a chip. Once activated, it makes you follow orders, regardless of loyalties. It's why the clone troopers turned on the Jedi," he stated, watching Omega skip around the grass.

Bossk and Wrecker were casually wrestling around, getting filthy and messing about. Echo was keeping Omega away from their frolicking, and Boba wasn't fazed by it. He was more interested in Hunter's revelation.

"Fuck that. Nobody's in charge of me except for me. The girl has one as well?"

He hadn't even considered that possibility. Sure, it was entirely likely that she had her own inhibitor chip, maybe with a different code. Once again, more questions that'll be dangerous to answer.

"Probably. We haven't been affected because of our mutations, and you're already aware of Echo. We had someone else with us, but his chip worked."

"Whose to say that they aren't? It could be acting slower for you."

"Which is why we're trying to deactivate them. When we do ours, we can save our friend, maybe save all of the troopers."

"And the ones that side with the Empire anyway?"

"We'll blow up that bridge when we come to it."

"Already talking like a Bounty Hunter, Sarge."

Alright, maybe the kid wasn't so bad after all.

"You don't have to call me Sarge."

"Listen, Jungle Ramclone; I do what I want. If I want to acknowledge your rank, I will. If you earn a title, you keep the damn thing."

That was the first time someone threateningly called him a Sergeant.

It didn't take too long to arrive at the settlement, a small town. People lived peacefully in a bustling market, trading goods and leading mundane but comfortable lives. Cut used to have a life like this before the Empire ruined it, and it was only a matter of time before the same happened here.

While Hunter wanted it for Omega, it wasn't the life she wanted. She wanted to stay with them, to be a part of their team. Learning how to look after herself would make matters easier. The more experience she had, the less that Hunter had to worry. He'd always worry, but at least he'd be comforted knowing that she could manage alone.

Running into Krayt's Claw could've been the best thing to happen to her. They had connections now, guides who can give them a footing in the galaxy. The dark secrets that the Republic fought to uncover was readily available for them. He didn't intend for this to last, but it provided options.

Maybe becoming a group of hunters was their best option, considering that civilian life doesn't suit them. They're warriors to the bone; combat was engineered in them. Becoming mercenaries with a strict moral code was something to look into.

While observing the various stalls, Hunter took notice of a Sakiyan causing trouble. Duty-bound, the Sergeant stepped in, getting between the man and the young woman. She had an infant in her arms, only a day or so old. The Sakiyan wasn't intimidated until Wrecker walked up behind him, glaring through his helmet.

His presence was enough to send the thief running, not wanting to be on the clone's anger. Hunter helped the woman stand, being careful of her infant child.

"Thank you, kind sirs," she smiled, looking over her baby. He had a small tuft of black hair reminiscent of stubble. "How may I repay you?"

"No problem. Just keep that little one alright, and it's all good," Wrecker smiled, forgetting that she couldn't see it. "If anyone needs a hand, we're gonna give it!"

The baby squirmed at the loud noise, opening a pair of lavender-blue eyes. He looked to hunter, gurgling slightly. Unsure of what to do, Hunter gave a short wave, not used to infants.

"Ezra likes you," she smiled, kissing her baby's forehead. "My name is Mira. If you need some help, come and find me. You're more than welcome in the Bridger home."

And like that, they made an ally. Wrecker felt good, and Hunter had a hunch that the kid would grow into someone special. It was just a feeling; he had something similar about Omega.

Said girl was with Echo, exploring the market with Bossk watching like a hawk. The Trandoshan bought her some fruit, slightly overpaying for it. Hunter started to decipher the reason for this behaviour.

By proving themselves to be generous and kind, the people would be more cooperative. They'd enjoy engaging with such 'honourable' gentlemen, even though they were violent by profession. Boba alone decimated a Star Destroyer at Omega's age, which could be why he had so much faith in her.

Hunter should have more faith in her, too. She was inexperienced, not a fragile piece of glass.

"Build a relationship, provide a financial reward, and you've got yourself a spy," Boba smirked, chewing on some dried meat.

That's what he meant by eyes everywhere. Hunter assumed droids or cameras, but no, he meant average citizens. Anyone was a potential spy for a bounty hunter, the variety ensuring their secrecy. The entire town could be spies for anyone, even the likes of Fennec.

Omega needs to keep that helmet on until she gets her own. Keeping themselves obscure would be wise, too. Their armour is easily recognisable; they can't disappear if everyone knows what they look like.

The teenager nodded as he tossed some to Wrecker, who practically inhaled the meat.

"You're starting to get it."

While it was creepy how the kid knew his feelings, it also made things easier. Boba could feel his intentions, possibly explaining why he was helping. He threw a piece to Hunter, casually re-joining Bossk, Echo and Omega as the girl held a fuzzy loth-cat toy. Bossk repeated the action from before, complimenting the Rodian working there.

He was manipulating the woman. By appearing so sweet with a kid, it'd make her reluctant to tattle.

There was a lot more to this profession than even the Senate could ever realise. He wanted to know more about it.

[higheldertala]

the new mandalorian episode is gonna be wild

[anaarroyo93]

Seeing Ezra Miller/Flash on Crisis on Infinite Earths shocked me! I audibly gasped so loud and then giggled so much! Such a well kept secret, I’m glad they kept it! I had such a big smile on my face the entire scene!

[tarisilmarwen]

Rebels Rewatch: “Droids In Distress”

Wacky droid hijinks and nostalgia abound, let’s get into it.

Now, this is an episode that for a different show would have been used as the pilot.  It’s got all the earmarks of a weekly serial testing out its tone and character dynamics, while acting with confidence like those are already established.

Note that this isn’t a bad thing.  It reminds me most of Teen Titans’s early Season One, there’s a certain kind of charm and innocence and an earnest attempt at convincing you, “Don’t worry, this will be a FUN show! :D”

Frankly starting off lighter eases you better into the world and characters so when things do get more serious and dramatic later you’re more invested because you’ve had more time to get endeared to the characters.

See also, Star Trek: Lower Decks, which had the audacity to end its Season Two on a cliffhanger, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MY SILLY COMFORT SHOW, YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE STAKES!

Anyway we open rather appropriately In Media Res with the notes of the TIE Fighter Attack track from A New Hope, which auditorily puts us right into that OT headspace. :)

Once again the tight writing very quickly establishes the situation: The Ghost is on the run from the Empire, in need of cash flow and supplies, they have to occasionally run weapons for someone shady, Ezra is Force Sensitive, and--perhaps most importantly for the later story arc--Kanan has been avoiding training him.

Boy I miss concise exposition like this.  So much story is already set up in some densely-worded dialogue.  (Not just Kanan’s reluctance to teach Ezra but also Zeb’s misgivings with working for Vizago given the uncertain nature of the weapons he deals in.)

Also don’t think I missed Ezra being most concerned with the fact that they are running out of food.

RIGHT SO I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW GIDDY I WAS THE FIRST TIME I WATCHED THIS BECAUSE ICKLE MINI TARI LOVED THE STAR TOURS RIDE AT DISNEYWORLD.  Seriously it was one of my top favorites.  Never rode the updated version (haven’t been back to DW in years) but the classic version was iconic for me.

And this is a cameo/Easter Egg that actually works in context because you don’t need to know anything about this droid pilot, he works organically in the story as he is without any background knowledge required.

Unlike many of the other cameos we could name in certain other Star Wars shows *COUGH*.

Threepio and Artoo on the flipside... Okay, I’m not quite sure how to articulate that it still works better than in aforementioned other shows but it does.  Again Imma chalk it up to, they just fit more organically into the plot and around these characters and also advance the bigger plot by introducing a thread that suggests the crew is going to be connected to the larger Rebellion, which pays off this Season Finale... instead of being a sideshow diversion disconnected from the main characters that may or may not make another appearance down the line sometime.  Maybe.

Side note of appreciation for Chopper gleefully taking right to his role of Public Nuisance Annoying Everyone (But Especially Ezra).  I don’t think there was much acting involved for either of them lol.

XD

Still love how bouncy and dynamic the character animation was these early episodes.

Has that fun kid-friendly feel that lures you into a false sense of security lol.

Our first hint at Sabine’s backstory, cleverly hidden as part of her cover story.

I kinda like that Garel is close enough to Lothal that a very small shuttle is able to just ferry people back and forth in like twenty minutes.

Lol Zeb whapping Sabine because she’s laying it on too much.

One of the nice things about having low-stakes plots in the beginning is it allows room for lovely little breathing scenes like this one with Ezra leaping across the rooftops.  It’s not plot necessary, we could have easily just cut to him arriving at the other hanger, but it’s just... pleasant.

There’s some nice mood music (a very slowed down mellow Main Titles theme), some very mild action, and we feel a satisfied little thrill along with Ezra seeing just what he’s capable of already just knowing that he’s Force Sensitive.  This is the first time he’s consciously tapped into the Force and it’s just a little bit exciting.

Just look at his face gkjhgkjh I’m so proud of him and all he did was some parkour.

Subtle animation detail appreciation: Zeb visibly shudders backing away from the crates.

I love Threepio throwing some indignant shade Sabine’s way with his “[...] if she is an amateur.” line.

We know Zeb is the muscle  of the group, that’s already established, but it’s still obvious in the voice acting and Zeb’s intense tossing of the Stormtroopers that he’s more agitated than normal.

Threepio being oblivious and fussy as per usual.

Please enjoy the Fridge Horror of knowing that the Empire was planning to mass-produce T7 ion disruptors and probably not for their starship-crippling properties. :)

Ezra immediately backing off the hostility once he knows why Zeb’s upset. <333  He’s such an empath I love him.

See this is why I don’t understand people who hate Ezra.  Was he a little bratty this episode?  Sure, but also see how he lets that drop out of compassion once he understands the situation.

Also Ahsoka came onto the stage waaaaaaaaay brattier and a smug know-it-all to boot, just admit y’all hate the kid-appeal characters and refuse to let them be stupid and dumb in order to have some character growth.

Hera’s frustration when she hears that Kanan hasn’t been training Ezra. <333

Lol and love how there’s an immediate follow-up in the next scene.  I want to see the beginning of that conversation.

Pryce gets name-dropped here for the first time.  Predictably Threepio is making a muck of things.  See, this is why no one tells you anything or trusts you with the mission Threepio.

Ezra has clearly dealt with underworld figures like Vizago before lol.

I do wonder if all of this is just a massive Batman Gambit by Artoo, because he seems to be completely unfazed by anything that’s happening.

The AT-DPs get quite a bit of focus in this series and I think their ubiquitous presence in the first season preps us mentally for the heavy upgrade that is the AT-ATs.

Love this shot tracking Hera as she shoots at the AT-DP, very frenetic with the blocking and the camera movements.

The duel between Kallus and Zeb is honestly better than some of the lightsaber fights don’t @ me you know it’s true.

This music cue when they launch the disruptors is a unique one, particular to only this moment I think, but I like it.

Aaaaaaand the first of many times Kallus gets yeeted with the Force.  Lol.

See Sequel Trilogy, this is the general powerset of someone who only just learned they were Force Sensitive and hasn’t had any training. /salt

Kanan seems very surprised and amazed by what Ezra can already do without any formal guidance.  This’ll play into his insecurities later, his whole thing about how Ezra’s powers are growing faster than he can teach.

I think it’s safe to assume Ezra had a lot of latent natural talent that he’d been unconsciously using this whole time that just needed a tiny push to begin manifesting in earnest.

Again, though, Sequel Trilogy, all we unlock is basic shit like Force Sense, Force Jump, and Force Push.

Not surprising Kanan went to fetch Zeb, he’s about the only one even close to Zeb’s height lol.

Kanan looks so proud of Ezra, aww.

More lovely work with the subtle expressions; Kanan’s smile fades and his eyes drop a bit.  Like he realizes, “Oh boy, now I gotta face all my inadequacies and problems.”  Love it.  Love that it’s episode two and we’ve already established so many of the upcoming character arcs.

Hi Bail!

Luke’s theme closing us out once again, apropos given where we are and who we’re with.

For our first “official” non-pilot episode, this is a solid entry.  As I said, establishes a whole bunch about the characters and their relationship dynamics and upcoming arcs and plot points.  It’s also very fun, sets the general early tone of “Adventure and excitement but not too much... yet.” and the animation continues to impress in small ways, mostly the dynamic shot choices, camera angles and movements and the subtlety of emotion displayed on faces.

Coming back to this one always just leaves me with a warm feeling like, “Aahhh yes, back when everything was innocent.”  It definitely plays up the nostalgic feeling of the OT, which was always one of Rebels’ strengths as a show.

Next time, one of the many “filler” episodes that come back in an important and unexpected way in the finale.  You’d think, given the number of Avatar: The Last Airbender alums on the project, fandom would know better than to discount the seemingly light-hearted low-stakes disconnected episodes. XD

[ooops-i-arted]

Let’s go ahead and do Grogu + Child development for season 3 episode 3 because I honestly don’t have a lot of commentary since Grogu’s screentime is minimal.

(I will say I am still VERY curious still what Pershing was doing with Grogu specifically.  We know he was harvesting blood but what about DNA?  He talks about cloning - is the 101 Yoditos AU still a possibility???  Will we have an army of Grogru clones?????  Let me dream!!)

Right off the bat we see Grogu once again making sure Dad is okay.  You know, Din, it’s not healthy for your child to see you in danger so often, it’s gotta give him anxiety.  (Great tv for us, though.)  He’s patting Dad a bit, perhaps he remembers Cara looking after Din when they were trapped in the cantina in Redemption?  He definitely knows Dad would never want the helmet off.  (I loved the “wtf???” look he gave Bo & Friends in The Heiress when they took theirs off.)  Even after he’s in the pod, he’s still watching Dad, seeming concerned.

I wonder if we’re going to see more of his ability to connect with the living Force?  We know now he “connected” with Luke somehow during the Scotty Beam Me Up rock meditation sequence, and we saw him connect with and calm the rancor.  Does Grogu sense the mythosaur at all?  Will he be the one to ride the mighty beast?  We know there’s a Jedi out there who specializes in animal connection - I know I complain about excessive cameos a lot but I wouldn’t be as mad if it was Ezra Bridger, who I actually really like, come to teach Grogu some more Force stuff.  But this is all speculative and I digress.

Of course the big question is once again whether Grogu spoke.  Did he say “This is the Way”?  I think he intended to.  These new sounds are different than the stock baby sounds and even the classic patu.  I think Grogu is more purposefully trying to speak and imitate Basic!  This shows a huge leap in observational and cognitive skills.  We’ve already seen him put together that sounds can be communication and he can use them to get his needs met.  Now he’s at the next step, trying to speak so that he can communicate with people on their level!  It’s honestly a really huge step because a late learner has to want it on some level.  If they don’t care, they don’t get it.  (Had a student years ago, not a native English speaker and didn’t care about learning English or understanding us, until we put snowflake window clings up and she finally learned to speak just to ask us if she could have them, because she loved Elsa.  Before that she didn’t give a shit no matter what we tried to do to engage her.)

Side note but I am SO glad Grogu can close his new pod too.  It’s good he recognizes an unsafe situation and does it himself without being asked.  He really is paying attention to details so much and reacting quickly!  (Or maybe he’s just like, “there’s no way this lady will let me sit in her lap and have fun” and/or “there’s no way she’s as good a driver as dad” and just did it for that reason lol.)  I bet he wasn’t happy about having to do a whole trip away from Dad, ugh.  Think Bo spent that whole time putting Din on speaker because Grogu wouldn’t stop whining unless she did?  She’s still mostly an unknown to him, though she was pretty nice to him last episode, so he might’ve tried to test her.

For the end scene he’s pretty much just a quiet observer.  Writing-wise, he’s not really relevant to the scene, but I also think he’s picked up from Din that the Armorer is someone to be respectful of and listen to, and once again is imitating his primary caretaker.  Maybe next time we’ll get to see the other Mandos and Mando kids interacting with and playing with him?  Or Din and Paz get in a fight and Paz is very surprised when he’s thrown across the room lol?  If Grogu is officially a Mando now, I think it’d be fun to get to know his tribe members!