#haley do your shoes need shining

[wheeloferis]

h,,,haley,,,

[glowingspence]

Can you do a platonic hotchreid with prompts 64 and 65???

"There was a kid with him, he is sitting in the waiting area but we can't get him to talk." The nurse tells Morgan when he arrives at the hospital.

Hotch had gotten a call that Gideon had been brought into the ER after someone tried breaking in and was surprised by him being home. Shots were exchanged while a bullet hit Gideon in the torso.

Hotch had called the team immediately, directing Morgan to drive down to the hospital for a reason he didn't understand because he and Gideon are hardly close, he knows he would rather have Hotch there but he had not been able to change his mind. Something had Hotch determind to check out the apartment.

"A kid?" Derek questions sceptical. He knows about Gideon's son, but they don't have any contact.

"Not a kid but a young man. Maybe a teenager. I can't tell you."

"Can you lead me to him?"

"Of course." The nurse leads him down the hall while she continues talking, "He seems distraught by what happened and he doesn't really let anyone talk to him but maybe you get lucky if you tell him that you are a friend of Agent Gideon."

"I will try, thank you." Slowly he walks into the waiting area that is apart from an old man in the corner and a woman reading a book empty. "Hey"

The man doesn't look up to him, he looks down on his blood soaked converse, the shoe lashes are open and have left a red pattern on the white floor.

"My name is Agent Derek Morgan, I work with Jason Gideon. Can you tell me who you are?" The man keeps on shuffling his feet over the ground, his thin hair covering parts of his face as he holds himself. "Did you call the ambulance?"

He nods and then looks away, still to the floor but more down the hall. "Can you tell me what happened?" He shakes his head and starts moving his leg left and right, "Is it okay if I sit down with you?"

"Agent Morgan played chess with me today, for a minute I thought that man is gonna outplay me." He recites and Morgan looks at him with confusion on his face.

"Did- did Agent Gideon say that?"

"Did Agent Gideon say that? Yes" The kid answers and looks up to him for the first time, eyeing every inch of him until something else catches his eyes and Morgan sees Hotch approaching them with fast steps before pulling the man in his arms who leaves out a strangled whine,

"Thank god you are okay" Hotch moves out of the hug and cups his face, "I know- I know no touches but I was so worried." He hugs him again, this time the young man presses his hands between them and pushes him off, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"They took Gideon." He speaks with huge eyes, "They took him. They wouldn't let me help."

"It's okay they are gonna take care of him okay?"

"Hotch?" Derek questions sceptical, "Care to explain what is going on?"

"Right, right." A little bit flustered Hotch gets up from the ground, "This is Spencer, Spencer is living with Jason and will work with us in the future. Right?"

"No"

"No?" Hotch questions with a frown, "Why not?"

"Need to write all the tests." He states as he rocks back in forth, "Kid I will make us a cup of coffee and then we can study- Spencer get down- get down-" He yells the last parts while he takes his hand up to his head, hitting it.

"It's okay, it's okay, you are safe. Deep breath." Hotch crouches down in front of him again, "Spencer hey!"

"Where is the painting? Where is the painting? Fuck why are they home? Why are there two? Only the kid was supposed to be here. Stay on the ground. Stay on the ground. Stay on the ground. Stay on the ground."

"Did they say that? Where there more than one?"

"Home" To their surprise he gets up from his seat, his ears still covered as he aims for the hallway before Hotch stops him with one hand around his waist, causing him again to leave out a high pitched noise.

"Where do you wanna go? Tell me"

"Today is the 3rd. Tomorrow is the 4th. Need to study. Today is the 3rd. Last chance. Gideon needs to help me. He was gone all week, now we need to study all of it in one night."

"Then let's drive to my home okay? I'll help you study."

"Fast" Spencer starts walking again while Hotch stays back for a second.

"Call JJ have her pick up Spencer's text books, they already must be on the table if they wanted to get started." Hotch orders.

"You can't be serious? How can he think about a test right now?"

"Better a test than this. Just do it." Hotch looks at him in a way that tells Derek not to ask any more questions and to just do what he just has been told.

"You remember Haley right?" Hotch questions when he unlocks the door to their house, "My wife?"

Timidly Spencer nods and steps into the house, a light shining in the kitchen, "Let's get our shoes off and then see if we can find us a good coffee to get us through the night."

"Books"

"Agent Jareau is going to get your books. It's going to take a few minutes though." Hotch smiles at him apologetic while he gets out of his shoes and places them near the others, "Come on."

He leads him into the kitchen where Haley is already up and preparing something to eat for him and two cups of coffee, "Hey you" With a warm motherly smile she places the cup in front of where Spencer sits down, "It's two sugar, right?"

Offended Spencer frowns at her and shakes his head while Hotch leaves out a chuckle, "She was kidding. You can have as much sugar as you want." She places the sugar next to him, watching him put multiple spoons in, "You are gonna get a heartattck one day."

"Good heart. Past physical." He taps his chest a few times.

"I heard" Hotch sits down next to him, taking a sip himself. "Why don't you go to the bathroom real quick? There is a lot of blood on your face and clothes. I will bring you new ones okay.."

Spencer shakes his head and grips a pen that is lying at the end of the table, "We can start studying when JJ was here? We have enough time that you can take care of yourself first."

"Seven hours and four minutes" He states and looks back at the ceiling.

"Good that you have that brain of yours then."

"No time"

"There is enough time." Hotch takes a warm wet washcloth from Haley and gently touches Spencer's head who immediately leaves out a whine and starts hitting Hotch with his hand, "It's okay, you are okay."

"No time, no time."

"Shh it's okay." He keeps on trying until Spencer forms his hand into a fist and hits him into the side with full force making Hotch grasp for air for a moment,

"Aaron!"

"No time. No time."

"I won't touch you again, I promise." Hotch places the washcloth on the kitchen, "It's okay, I am sorry."

"Only Gideon and Mom."

"I know I am sorry"

"No touching."

"It's okay."

"Only Gideon and Mom."

"I know that's okay. I respect that." Skeptical Spencer sits back down on the chair but keeps his eyes on Hotch and when Haley moves flinches and looks where she is going, "You are not in any danger."

"Want Gideon"

"I know." Slowly Hotch keeps his hands in sight and sits down, "The hospital is gonna call me on this phone if there are any news."

"Morgan?"

"No not Agent Morgan. He was there because I send him." Hesitant Spencer grabs Hotch's phone, "I drove down to Jason's place to see if you are there."

"Drove with Gideon."

"That was okay."

"Blood"

"I can imagine." Hotch has to hold back to not physically comfort him again. "Do you really need to study? Or are you just a little paranoid-"

"No time! Need to study!" He slams his hands down on the table, "Need to study"

"It's okay, it's okay we will study"

"Aaron-" Haley makes a motion for him to follow her out the room but he shakes his head and grabs an old bill from the corner of the table and the pen from Spencer's hands.

"Alright name everything you need to study." It takes some time till JJ gets the books from the crime scene and Hotch finds out that Gideon is right and that Spencer really does get too much anxiety over exams even if he can perfectly do it. So in the morning they are running on no sleep and the third cup of coffee, "Okay Agent Morgan is going to drive you, alright? He is going to wait for you to finish the test and then drive you to the hospital."

"Okay" Concentrated Spencer keeps fiddling with the pen in his hands, "Okay, okay, okay" he mutters while Derek looks at him with worry.

"There is gotta be a way that he can skip the test. Look at him. He hasn't even washed off the blood."

"I tried all night. Just drive him. I told him you will drive off at 7:20 am with him. Don't make it late."

"Okay, okay, okay" Spencer is still muttering under his breath while rereading the same pages for what must be the fifth time and when he climbs into Morgan's truck he starts rocking back and forth.

"Kid?"

"No time."

"Did Hotch give you at least something to eat?" Morgan questions and Spencer nods, "Did you eat it?"

He shakes his head and Derek reaches to the back, grabbing two protein bars and a soda can. "Eat and drink or you brain won't work."

"For me?"

"Yes kid, eat this while we drive."

"Thank you, Sir"

"No problem." They get quite a few stares when they walk into the room like this and Morgan walks up to the Agent supervising the test announcing he will sit in.

"He was not with Agent Gideon was he? I heard what happened." The old man questions while watching Spencer take a seat in the back.

"Kid got lucky but I would feel more comfortable sitting here, have an eye on him."

"No worries he will be done in twenty minutes anyway."

"Twenty?"

"Kid got a brain even Jason Gideon can't compete with." He tells him and offers to get him a stool and Spencer shyly looks up and waves to Derek who shoots him a smile back and when Spencer hands in his test like expected he even gets away with a pat on the shoulder. "You answered everything?"

"Yes, sir"

"Gideon will be proud of you."

"We will see him now right?"

"Yes of course." He looks at the kid a moment longer, "Does Gideon normally come with you to tests?"

"I get really anxious in tests so he does when he can. It was very nice of you to sit in, Sir."

"Of course."

"Do you think when I will start working at the BAU, you will still work there too?"

"I hope so."

"Will we be friends then, Sir?" He questions much to Derek's surprise. It's not something people ask usually but Spencer doesn't seem to mean this in a mocking way.

"That I am betting on." Encouraging he places his hand on Spencer's shoulder again, "Have you met anyone else from the team yet?"

"Only Gideon and Hotch."

"I am sure you will love the rest too."

"I wouldn't really say I love Hotch" Spencer states with a slightly sorry face that makes Derek break out into a chuckle.

"It's okay, you will."

"He is nice"

"And he loves you a lot."

"Really?"

"Really." When Spencer reaches the hospital he is first shy and timidly walking into the room before Gideon opens his arms for him,

"It's good to see you"

"I got through my whole test!"

"That's amazing, kiddo." He hugs him, ignoring the pain, "Hotch hold me you studied together"

"Yes he is a great study partner" Spencer sits down on the bed, "And Derek said we can be friends when I join the team."

"That's amazing." Proudly Gideon smiles at him, "Come here again, lay down." Spencer stripes off his shoes and then curls up against Gideon's healthy side, "I am glad you are okay."

"You too"

[Prompt list]

[doubleattitude]

NUVO Dance Convention, Dallas, TX: RESULTS

High Scores by Age:

NUbie Solo

1st: Ariella Scott-’My Boyfriend’s Back’

1st: Sylvie Win Szyndlar-���Rainbow Connection’

2nd: Sebastian Mancini-’Guerriero

3rd: Avery Olson-’Monster’

4th: Reis Terhune-’Saxx’

5th: Arianna Claxton-’Ride’

6th: Mackenzie Glover-’Suddenly’

7th: Avery Redus-’Lost Boy’

8th: Ella Benjamin-’In Love With A Monster’

Mini Solo

1st: Ellary Day Szyndlar-’Snow’

2nd: Naiya Abalos-’Forces’

2nd: Tiara Sherman-’The Things That Remain’

3rd: Roxie Onellion-’Mellow Yellow’

3rd: Alexis Alvarez-’Wide Eyes’

4th: Camilla Sonnier-’Ave Maria’

4th: Ainsley Epton-’Dangerous’

5th: Anna Holley-’Reminisce’

5th: Addison Price-’We Will Not Give In’

6th: Braylynn Grizzaffi-’Path5′

6th: Kazuma Brailsford-’Mugen’

7th: Esprit Frank-’Grains’

8th: Winter Eberts-’Dreamlike’

8th: Karyna Majeroni-’Pistolette’

9th: Maddie Pedder-’Vibrations’

10th: Delila Hewitt-’Shop Around’

Junior Solo

1st: Kennedy Kahler-’Inanna’

1st: Laci Stoico-’Mibiso’

2nd: Kayla Jinks-’First Ember’

2nd: Lucy Cavender-’Formed From Static’

2nd: Graham Johnson-’New Shoes’

3rd: Lilly Allen-’Femme Fatale’

3rd: Campbell Castner-’Hallelujah’

3rd: Jade Bontron-’Harlequinade’

3rd: Amaya Llewellyn-’Must’

4th: Kylie Kaminsky-’Beneath the Surface’

4th: Ava Mogote-’Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

4th: Sydney Kelly-’You Are the Reason’

5th: Julia Chavez-’Going Under’

5th: Ryleigh Jane Touchstone-’This Is Real’

6th: Anya Inger-’Quiet Thoughts’

7th: Adelyn Kolanz-’Transform’

7th: Alita Kneeland-’Transparent’

8th: Anabel Alexander-’It’s Okay ‘Till It’s Not’

8th: Colby Rich-’The Letting Go’

8th: Campbell Clark-’The Scarlett Effect’

9th: Nily Samara-’Dot 2 Dot’

9th: Brielle Ring-’I Remember Her’

9th: Finley Aldridge-’Jealous’

9th: Nyah Jackson-’Slow Meadows’

10th: Kylenn Pallohusky-’Get There’

10th: Kenlie Winsett-’Patterns of the Tides’

10th: Clare Loftus-’Restless Night’

10th: Makaia Roux-’Runaway’

Teen Solo

1st: Isabella Jarvis-’Allow The Light’

1st: Sarah Kate Kurzius-’Charmed’

1st: Avery Hall-’Lie To My Heart’

2nd: Hudson Pletcher-’Ascension’

2nd: Addison Middleton-’Dark Dissonance’

2nd: Savanna Kristich-’I Copy’

2nd: Avery Watson-’Locked’

3rd: Gianna Mojonnier-’One Note Samba’

3rd: Sabine Nehls-’Shout’

4th: Mini Preston-’Granular Breath’

4th: Macy Orvis-’Look At Me’

4th: Trinity Kelly-’Sorrow’

5th: Sydney Orr-’So Far’

5th: Ella Williams-’The Garden’

5th: Sydney Ishaug-’Unseen’

6th: Lydia Werschay-’A Deal With Chaos’

6th: Dru Neal-’Bring Back The Path’

6th: Drew Rosen-’Deconstruct Composition’

6th: Isabel Reese-’Inside’

6th: Kali Knewitz-’My Accomplice’

6th: Dasha Vishnyakova-’Partita’

6th: Lauren Rahimizadeh-’Settle For More’

7th: Ava Lynn-’Catch 22′

7th: Ava Miller-’Tarnished’

7th: Cambry Bethke-’Winging It’

8th: Kathryn Martinez-’Another Brick In The Wall’

8th: Natalie Bowen-’Distance Between’

8th: Beth Anne McGowans-’The Water Rises’

8th: Sophia Bishop-’Unravelings’

8th: Isaiah Bowens-’You Know What’

9th: Mikaella Lopez-’Mind In Flight’

9th: Brielle McCoy-’My Brightest Diamond’

9th: Gianna Garwacki-’Penance’

9th: Braylon Browner-’Run From Me’

10th: Aiden Skelte-’Baiao Destemperado’

10th: Katelyn Neasham-’How They Run’

10th: Kalen Latin-’Made of Silk’

Senior Solo

1st: Christian Burse-’Atlas’

2nd: Kamryn Funk-’5,6,7,8′

2nd: Charlotte Foldes-’Shock To Us All’

3rd: Raegan Davidson-’After That’

3rd: Peyton Winsett-’Distortion’

3rd: Lainey Myers-’You Are the Reason’

4th: Sophia Seymour-’Broken’

4th: Makenna Wallace-’Hope Is A Dangerous Thing’

4th: Taelynn Ritchie-’If You Could Do It Again’

5th: Raegan Stafford-’Beneath the Light’

5th: Gracie Lee-’Love of My Life’

5th: Emma Sucato-’Memories’

6th: Kylie Sicillan-’Time & I’

6th: Haley Beck-’Upside’

7th: Chloe Lopina-’In Love In Vain’

7th: Kennedy Barry-’The Distance Between’

8th: Makaila Teagle-’He Needs Me’

8th: Brooke Jensen-’Sunder’

9th: Riley Canterbury-’Figures’

9th: Haley Bogdon-’Giuseppe’

10th: Emmalynn Mackaron-’Georgia On My Mind’

10th: Gracie Zytysnki-’Letters of a Traveler’

10th: Emma Johnson-’To Be’

10th: Caroline Pierce-’What Remains’

Open Solo

1st: Summer Martin-’Insomnia’

NUbie Duo/Trio

1st: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’Tomorrow’

2nd: Beyond Belief Dance Company-’Insomnia’

Mini Duo/Trio

1st: The Pointe Performing Arts Center-’Angel by the Wings’

2nd: Stars Dance Studio-’Stronger’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Pour the Milk’

Junior Duo/Trio

1st: Beyond Belief Dance Company-’Painted Black’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’Inception’

3rd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’This Is Me, Sincerely’

Teen Duo/Trio

1st: Next Step Dance-’Georgia’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’After The Fall’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Kitri’s Friends’

2nd: Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts-’What Goes Around’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Daina & Acteon’

Senior Duo/Trio

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Tea for Two’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’As The Petals Fell’

NUbie Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Gypsy’

Mini Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’Knock On Wood’

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Ain’t Your Mama’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Charlie’s Angels’

Junior Group

1st: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Threads That Blind’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Marquises’

Teen Group

1st: Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

2nd: The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

3rd: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

Senior Group

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Manic’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Completely Gone’

NUbie Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Boy From New York City’

Mini Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Spring’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’The Chain’

Junior Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’On Your Radio’

2nd:Next Step Dance-’Opening’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’I’ll Be There’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Salute’

Teen Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Where Is My Body’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Tarentella’

3rd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Invocation of Lust’

Senior Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Devour’

Mini Extended Line

1st: Next Step Dance-’Runaway Baby’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Footloose’

Junior Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Don’t Stop Me’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Respect’

Teen Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Distortion’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’#FreeBritney’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’It’s All So Incredibly Loud’

Senior Extended Line

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Hotel California’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Sexy Crazy’

Mini Production

1st: Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Cool Rider’

Junior Production

1st: Next Step Dance-’Let It Cook’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

3rd: Next Step Dance-’Everlasting Love’

Teen Production

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Goodnight’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Overture in A’

Senior Production

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Crunk’

High Score by Performance Division:

NUbie Tap

Next Step Dance-’Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’

NUbie Hip-Hop

Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

NUbie Jazz

Next Step Dance-’Boy From New York City’

NUbie Lyrical

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Gypsy’

Mini Lyrical

1st: Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’We’ve Got Aways To Go’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Wings’

Mini Ballroom

1st: Next Step Dance-’Runaway Baby’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Ain’t Your Mama’

Mini Tap

1st: Next Step Dance-’Charlie’s Angels’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Weird Science’

Mini Jazz

1st: Next Step Dance-’Knock On Wood’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Boy Meets Girl’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’#Hashtag’

Mini Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

1st: Next Step Dance-’The Chain’

Mini Ballet

1st: Next Step Dance-’Spring’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’The Ladies of the Wild West’

Mini Specialty

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’The Stepford Wives’

Mini Musical Theatre

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Footloose’

Junior Musical Theatre

Paragon Dance-’The Internet Is Down, A Musical’

Junior Jazz

1st: Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

2nd: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

3rd:  Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’On Your Radio’

Junior Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Threads That Blind’

2nd: Paragon Dance-’My Life Is A Song’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Don’t Give Up On Me’

Junior Tap

1st: Next Step Dance-’I’ll Be There’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Sunny Side of the Street’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Shine’

Junior Ballet

1st: Next Step Dance-’Opening’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Salute’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’In Time’

Junior Specialty

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Marquises’

Junior Lyrical

Next Step Dance-’Free As A Bird’

Junior Ballroom

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Don’t Stop Me’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Respect’

Junior Hip-Hop

1st: Next Step Dance-’Let It Cook’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

Teen Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Goodnight’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

3rd: The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

Teen Jazz

1st: Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

1st: Next Step Dance-’Technologic’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’Cola’

3rd: The Dance Movement-’Thule’

Teen Ballet

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Overture in A’

2nd: Next Step Dance-’Tarentella’

3rd: Downtown Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’An American In Paris’

Teen Hip-Hop

1st: Next Step Dance-’#FreeBritney’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’Wow’

3rd: Contemporary Ballet Dallas-’Speed It Up: The Beginning’

Teen Tap

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

2nd: The Dance Movement-’I Feel Good’

Teen Ballroom

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Distortion’

Teen Musical Theatre

Next Step Dance-’All That Jazz’

Senior Ballet

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Completely Gone’

2nd: Next Step Dances-’Fratres’

Senior Contemporary

1st: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

2nd: Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Hotel California’

3rd:  Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Devour’

Senior Tap

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Manic’

Senior Lyrical

Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Yesterday’

Senior Ballroom

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Sexy Crazy’

Senior Jazz

Dance Industry Performing Arts Center-’Like A Boy’

Senior Hip-Hop

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Crunk’

Best NU Groups:

NUbie

Next Step Dance-’Milly Rock’

Mini

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Strings’

Next Step Dance-’Sweet Dreams’

Junior

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’Flatline’

Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Dance With You’

Next Step Dance-’Vogue’

Teen

The Rock Center for Dance-’Hey!’

Kim Massay Dance Productions-’Put A Spell On You’

Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’American Pie’

Senior

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

Next Step Dances-’Fratres’

Studio Pick:

The Dance Movement-’Gemini’

Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts Centre-’A Human, A Light’

Next Step Dance-’A Women Left Lonely’

[stripper-patrick]

Coffee🖌 Ethan Dolan

Warnings: smut, language, somewhat vanilla, choking, thumb sucking, oral (m)

Tags: @mrsbanreswillseeyou

Relationship: Ethan Dolan x black plus sized reader

I walk through the huge chocolate doors of the art studio belonging to Ethan Dolan. He’s a famous painter and photographer. He’s very famous for photographing people like Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles and ChloexHalle and many others.

My assistant Haley walks along with me running through the schedule for tomorrow. I have one more Photoshoot after this then I’m finished for the day.

Ethans POV

I’m cleaning the lens when I hear the door of my studio open. I look up seeing the illustrious and beautiful Y/N walk through the door. Her curvaceous body makes her more beautiful in person rather than instagram.

“Hi Ethan” she walks over and opens her arms. I set down my camera and hug her back inhaling her sweet scent of vanilla. I’m fan-boying a little right now seeing as she’s my celebrity crush next to Nicki Minaj of course.

“I’m so glad you came thank you so much” I smile graciously

“Of course I love your work” she smiles looking around my studio.

“Thank you so much” I smile “we’ll everything you need is in the back so feel free to get dressed and come when you’re ready” she winks at me and I bite my lip. I look at Haley and she smiles warmly.

....

Y/N walks out and I’m completely engulfed in the way she looks. The drape is wrapped beautifully around her body and her makeup and hair is flawless. This girl is truly beautiful.

“Wow” I smile. She giggles and steps onto the backdrop. “Ok go head and lay on the couch with your feet on the arm rest”

She does so “lay your head on the rest and can you put your hand up near your eye” I want her to pose like Rose from Titanic. Clearly she understands my reference as she laughs.

“Draw me like one of your French girls” she smiles. I laugh and the sunset light hits beautifully on her skin. She rests her face and I bring the camera to my eye snapping it. I look at it engulfed in her daring eyes staring back at me.

“This is outstanding” I snap more pictures and allow her to move as she pleases.

“Ok so I’m gonna move the couch and put the bed in and your second outfit is in the room” she nods walking off.

She stops by me “I can’t wait to see how the bed is gonna look” she whispers in my ear. Y/N walks back and I could’ve tackled her with strokes and kisses right then and there.

I switch lenses and hear her say “Haley do you mind grabbing us a coffee please”

“Sure any special requests” she turns to me

“Just sugar. I like my coffee black” I smile. She nods and leaves.

I wait for Y/N to come out with her towel draped around her like I asked and she has the heels held in her hand “do you mind helping me put these on?”

“Yea of course”

She sits on the bed and I come over getting on one knee. She opens her legs and leans back allowing me to put the heels on. I’m already hard just knowing if we both really wanted it I could stick my face between her legs until the whole world knows my name. I look up at her through my curls and she smiles innocently.

“If I didn’t think any better I’d have a strong feeling you’re trying to seduce me” I smile

She holds her chest with a fake shocked look on her face “ugh an innocent girl like me would never”

I grab the other shoe and put it on lacing it up. Once I’m finished I place my hand on her thigh rubbing the side of it. She grabs the back of my neck bringing me up and kissing me. The kiss has me struck. Is this really happening?

“Would it be outta pocket if we had sex?” She asks

“No I’ll just try not to mess up your makeup or wet the bed” I smile kissing her again. She lays back and I feel myself grinding against her thigh. She moves her hand between us and rubs me through my pants making me moan. I pull them down and pull her underwear off. Y/N places her hands on my shoulders while I slowly push my hips into her.

Her head moves to the crook of my neck and her nails dig down my back already as I stretch her out.

“Ugh you’re so big Ethan” once I’m all the way I groan start to thrust.

“You’re so tight angel” I start fucking her harder and she grabs my hand sticking my thumb in her mouth. She sucks on it making me grip the sheet.

“Ethan choke me” I take my thumb out of her mouth wrapping it around her neck. I apply pressure to the sides of her neck watching her eyes roll to the back of her head.

I roll my hips harder into her moaning in her ear “you look so sexy I’ve dreamt about this”

“Ethan just like that don’t stop” she chants

“Trust me I won’t til you’re creaming down my balls” she bites her lip

I kiss her again as she moans into my mouth. I sit on my knees putting her legs on my shoulders going deeper until I hit her cervix. Her legs shake around me and her back arches as she cums on me.

“Look at you falling apart on my dick” I moan. I grab the sheets and feel her soft hands touch my arms. Hearing Y/N, the woman of my dreams, moan my name at the top of her lungs, watching her toes curl and her legs shake as she continues cumming around my cock, is straight heaven.

“It’s so good” she moans

“Fuck I’m bout to bust” I moan

“I want it in my mouth” she moans. I give her 3 more strokes and move up to her face. She wraps her hands on my thigh sucking me off. My chest caves as I drop my head back cumming in her mouth.

“Shit” she jerks the rest of my dick in her mouth collecting all of my cum. She finishes me off and comes up with a pop.

The way she’s laying I completely forgot it was a Photoshoot “stay right there do. Not. Move”

She holds her position and I snap the picture. That perfect after sex glow with the sun shining on her face. Not a single hair out of place. She looks her absolute best.

“Hands up to your face please” I ask. She does so and I snap another picture.

“Perfect” I smile. I grab my pants slipping back into them.

Haley comes back with our coffee and I thank her. Y/N gets up and takes a sip as well as a deep breath.

“Good?” I ask taking a sip

“So good” she winks

[marlsbuck]

— && guests may mistake me as ( haley lu richardson ), but really i am ( marley buckley + cisfemale + she/her ) and my DOB is ( 6/13/1994 ). i am applying for the ( vet tech ) position as part of the EHP and would like to live in suite ( 211 ). i should be hired because i am ( witty & empathetic ), but i can also be ( indecisive & absent-minded ) at times. personally, i like to ( dance, knit & volunteer at the zoo ) when off the clock, but that won’t interfere with work.

hi pals! we’re back with a marley mae revamp! our favorite lil cowgirl is getting the makeover she deserves, so let’s get started, shall we?

before we get too into it, though, we have a stats page and a pinterest (which is also getting a revamp before too long bUT...i digress).

lil tw moment: abuse, alcohol, drug, death mention tws. per usual, i went a little heavy on the tws just to be safe! 

- marley mae buckley was born june 13th, 1994 to finnegan and shailene buckley.

- her father is a chief exec at an oil company and her mother was a stay at home mom and socialite, the latter of which she preferred.

- the family moved to billings, montana shortly after marley was born so her father could be more involved with work. this meant her mother had more time on her hands and more time to attempt to mold marley into the perfect daughter.

- except marley liked dirt, climbing tress, and pretending to ride the family dog like a rodeo bull.

- needless to say that did not go well????

- substance abuse tw early in marley’s life, her mother mixed prescription pills and pinot, which only made the tension between the two more intense. 

- abuse tw baby marls never understood why her mother would want to self medicate, essentially checking out and missing a majority of her only child’s life, until one night after her father came home after a day of ‘meetings’. smelling like expensive scotch and cigar smoke, marley saw her father hit her mother for the first time.

-  abuse tw she didn’t witness the actual abuse often, but marley started noticing the signs more and more often. bruises around wrists, large sunglasses when it wasn’t sunny out, concealer caked around her eyes and jaw. for a while, she begged her mother to take her and leave, but marley’s mother refused - firm in her belief that she wouldn’t be able to make it on her own.

- so they endured. more often than not, marley’s mother took her pain and frustration out on her daughter. it didn’t take long for marley’s parents toxicity to turn her into an angry, resentful person. marley was around 8 when she started acting out - “accidentally” breaking things around the house, saying out of pocket things at her father’s work events or fancy dinner parties. marley was 10 the first time she left home and didn’t come back for hours on end, only to come back and realize no one had really noticed she was gone.

- when she was about 13, marley really started acting out and rebelling. she started hanging out with a rougher group of kids who were significantly older than her. even though she never took part in the more intense stuff, marley did manage to get herself into some trouble that finally managed to catch her parents’ attention.

-  one night, while out with that older, rougher group of friends, marley was arrested for a destruction of property charge. since she was a minor, her parents were called immediately and, after making a sizable donation to billings pd, made the whole thing go away.

- officially done dealing with marley and the whole “mothering” of it all (if you can call it that), her parents shipped her back to their hometown of big timber to live with her paternal grandparents.

- she tried to run away a few times (even going so far as to steal her grandfather’s work truck - even tho she didn’t get far because she didn’t know how to drive stick yet) because rebellious, but after paw made her stay and help one of their cattle give birth, marley fell in love.

- marley fell in love with every animal on the ranch - all their quirks and distinct personalities. it quickly became the home marley’d never had. it was warm and loving and full of joy and life. her grandparents became the only parents she’d ever really known.

- they were the only reason marley agreed to go back to her parents. they’d made a deal that if she behaved at “home”, she’d be able to spend the rest of her summers at the ranch.

- so marley went back to her parents and did the dance classes, and dinner parties, and even did the whole debutante thing and “came out” to society.

- at 16 she petitioned to be emancipated and a judge granted said petition. she promptly moved into the renovated barn at the ranch that her grandparents had rented out while she finished school.

- marley ended up graduating early and began attending classes at the local community college, eventually getting her associates in science all while still working on the ranch when she could.

- at 19, marley began classes at montana state, majoring in microbiology as a pre-vet track.

- death tw shortly after she finished her first year at msu, marley found out her mother passed unexpectedly. when she went to attend the services, her father effectively disowned her (even though they hadn’t spoken in years) and blamed her for her mother’s issues and death.

- marley came back to the ranch more depressed than she’d ever been and instead of dealing with the hurricane of emotions she felt, marley dropped out of school and ran

- marley drove all along the west coast, eventually settling on a cattle farm in texas.

- there, marley met literally the worst thing to ever happen to her. only a month or two after settling in texas, marley started dating wade because mess attracts mess. duh. his parents owned the farm she was working on and he gave her attention. that’s it. that’s all it took.

- abuse tw it didn’t take long for the gas lighting, lying, and cheating to start. a short six months into their relationship was when the physical abuse started. growing up, she’d always told herself that she’d never allow a man to treat her the way she’d watched her father treat her mother - that she’d be stronger than her mother and leave after the first time. finally, though, marley realized the battle her mother had fought to endure all those years of abuse and just how hard it was to muster the courage to leave. 

- to this day, marley carries around the guilt of spending years blaming her mother for being weak and missing the opportunity to apologize while she was still alive.

- eventually paw caught on and WASN’T having any of it. so he snuck down with maw in the middle of the night while wade was out on a bender and packed marley’s shit and took her back home to the ranch like the knight in shining armor that man is.

- two years of animal therapy and literal therapy, marley applied to finish her bachelors in chicago after maw suggested it. she was accepted and once again left her home behind, but this time it was to chase her dream and we’re all v proud.

- she’s been at the mlanati now for two years and has finished her bachelors and is a certified vet tech. she’s currently in her last year of undergrad and is getting ready to start applying to vet schools officially.

hcs!

- marley is a jeeple. she owns a 2008 black jeep wrangler x. 100% named it ringo. definitely has a black jeep of the family bumper sticker and let me tell you, this girl is SO proud.

- y’all will never catch this girl in shoes. she will start the day in shoes and by the time lunch rolls around she’s barefoot. the only pair of shoes she enjoys wearing are her justin boots or her vvv worn out vans. 

- she knits when she’s anxious, which is more often than not now that she’s in a new place. but it also means she’s giving out cute lil beanies and scarves to her new frens.

- loves and i mean LOVES westerns. tombstone and gunsmoke were staples growing up.

- also probably the worlds biggest dolly parton fan. if it involves dolly, marley is in.

- ALIENS, MAN. your girl loves aliens and most space things. roswell (the og and new shows) are her jam bc...y’know....cowliens.

- she has three tattoos: some wildflowers on her upper left ribs, “worthy” in her grandpa’s handwriting on her upper right forearm, and the silhouette of big timber peak at the nape of her neck.

- marley is also one of those people that doesn’t need a ton of sleep? 4-5 hours max and she’s golden.

- cold brew coffee also runs through her veins. her coffee order is a trenta cold brew with hazelnut and almond milk, thanks. it’s also probably one of the reasons she never stops moving....ever.

- big time questioning her sexuality. marley’s only ever been with men, but uuuuuhhhhh WOMEN y’know? also nb folx are v nice. we do not discriminate in this house.

- 2 cats! doc (7 y/o himalayan long hair) and ike (2 y/o munchkin). both rescues she met while volunteering at a shelter.

- snake tw would also v much like a colombian rainbow boa pls and thank

- will always make time to take a dance class or book space to just dance all her feelings out. it’s one of the few joys she has that comes without feelings of pressure or stress. 

- holds most  people at arms length. she’s more than happy to listen and support everyone around her, but is a literal steel trap when it comes to talking about herself and her past.

- alcohol/drugs tw not a drinker. buckley’s don’t have a great track record of being able to handle their liquor (never let her do shots pls), so marley sticks to the occasional blunt. esp when she’s feeling extra anxious, it calms her down and evens her out.

- she do be jumpy af! loud noises (that don’t obviously come from animals) make her anxious and shaky. it’s the *pTsD*.

- marley’s triggers include but are not limited to: grabbing her face/chin, breaking glass, loud noises - specifically yelling, general violence, the smell of vodka or scotch and cigar smoke, being grabbed from behind/picked up without warning.

wanted connections!

- travel pals! : people marley met on her trip from montana to texas! she wouldn’t have stuck around long, but she was a hot ass mess and these would have been people who met her at p close to her lowest? so seeing her at the malnati would be like meeting a whole new person. she’ll probs be hella flustered and embarrassed so, like, we love that.

- hype squaaaaaad! : marley’s self esteem is still.........nonexistent, almost. she’s all about giving the love, but is the worst at accepting it, so obviously we need someone to shove all the love and positive affirmations her way! help ya girl see her worth!

- post hook ups! : likely only one or two! marley isn’t one to hook up unless she’s feeling pretty awful about her self and needs some instant validation. can be awkward or cordial! i’m down to plot specifics!

- crushes! : unrequited or nah (lbr i’d live for unrequited pls) male, female, nb - gimmie it all! babie is ready to give all the love....kinda. from afar. bc trauma. bUT!!! leggo. lololol.

- confidant! : literally probably the only connection that’s limited to one person. they know eeeeverything. every horrid, gruesome detail about marley’s past and all her insecurities. they could be someone that met her when she was on her way to texas/she met in texas or someone she met after and got to witness one of her panic attacks post texas. aka the one person she trusts most.

- scurry folx! : pls gimmie plots where marley is at odds with someone, whether or not it’s because they scare her a lil (aka angry, aggressively loud, bully-ish type someones) or just people who can’t handle her goofy, oddball, pollyanna type personality! i. need. ANGST!! pls. ty.

- chemistry, ofc!

[ambitionsource]

AMBITION Season 2 ♫ “Callbacks” [ 2.01 ]

CREATED BY Esther (rapunzles) & Maggie (daphnegolshiri) || S2 Tag || Official Page

THE SHOW MUST GO ON – A new year at AAA promises new troubles on top of the chaos left behind from the last. Angela’s replacement meets the junior class. While some students aim to embrace the change, others may never make it back through the doors.

55 Minutes (12.5K+ words) || No warning apply.

[ ← The World Will Never Be The Same ] [ S2 Synopsis ] [ Second Choice → ]

( Follow along with the music on Spotify here! )

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - ZAY’S ROOM - DAY

We’re close on a phone, laying on the surface of a vanity dresser. The screen lights up, displaying a notification from Instagram. The moment does give us a bit of AAAC-induced PTSD, but it’s innocuous -- “wholemayahartedly liked your photo.”

Underneath the notification, a reminder sits waiting. “Welcome back to AAA.”

As the clock hits 7:00AM, an alarm begins to go off, but the owner is already awake. A hand reaches out to quickly swipe away the alarm, and ZAY BABINEAUX returns to our screens once again. He’s already geared up for the day, looking fresh and cool as ever.

He glances at himself in the mirror, adjusting his hair and rolling his shoulders before letting out a sigh. Welcome back, indeed. As jaunty, cool beats float in…

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “New Shoes” as performed by Paolo Nutini || Performed by Zay Babineaux

As Zay gears up to head out for the day, he sings and freestyles to this easy-going tune. After so long without his impressive dance moves, it sure is good to see them again.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - DAY

Zay continues his journey out the door, sliding down the banister and landing with a flourish. He breezes through the house, grabs some fruit from the counter. He greets his parents, OMAR BABINEAUX with a nod and DONNA BABINEAUX with a kiss on the cheek.

He makes his way out the front door…

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

And emerges from the subway, continuing his stylings down the streets of Manhattan. He performs with confidence, comfort, the visuals a far cry from his more somber explorations of the city in 1.06.

Finally, he approaches the familiar institution of AAA.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Zay travels through the halls as he descends into the second verse, slowing down a bit as he takes stock of the setting in the new year. Despite all that’s happened here, it looks about the same as it did last year. He nods to friends as he passes, carrying a new sense of power as the reigning recipient of the Kossal Summer Program.

More familiar faces begin to join in on the choreography through the hallway -- NIGEL CHEY, YINDRA AMINO, HALEY FISHER and CLARISSA CRUZ. Zay dances with each of them, moving us through to the bridge…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Zay is showing off his freestylings on the AAA stage, suddenly alone again. The spotlight is on him and the number is clearly a performance, but it’s unclear for whom and why. Either way, he shines as he completes the routine, running through the final chorus with energy and obvious talent.

When he finishes, breathless and squinting into the lights, there are no applause. No standing ovation. Just quiet, save for the quiet scribbling of pens on paper. It’s clear there’s a panel of some kind seated in the back of the auditorium, but no other information.

Then, a familiar voice through the darkness:

Eric: Thank you, Zay. We’ll let you know.

Zay exhales, offering a tight smile and nodding a thank you. As he turns to exit the stage, his confident exterior falters somewhat.

What will they let him know? Who will let him know it? What the knick knack patty whack is going on, chief?

Another year, another jampacked adventure. Welcome back to Adams, indeed.

Cue opening titles.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Through the scope of an A/V club camera, DAVE WILLIAMS eagerly welcomes back the junior class as he and NICK YOGI, behind the camera, kick off the back-to-school cheer. Standing outside the doors to the black box theater, Dave waits for a cue from Yogi.

Dave: Is it -- are we ready? Are you rolling?

Yogi: It’s rolling.

Dave: There’s no like -- shouldn’t there be a light? Blinking or something?

Yogi: Just trust me, it’s rolling.

Dave: You know I trust you with my life.

Yogi: And me, you. It’s David and Goliath, baby.

Dave: It’s David and Goliath! Welcome back, AAA thotties, to the thunderdome.

Yogi explains that he and Dave are endeavoring to reinstate the A/V club to its former glory, and part of this task involves getting the scoop before anyone else. So they’ll be going around and catching up with their classmates after the disastrous way that last year wrapped up, offering what they refer to as “Dogi Exclusives.”

The whole sequence is a bit jarring considering Yogi is filming and Dave is a whole foot taller than him, but they make it work. And boy, do they certainly have some exclusives.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Shining Star” as performed by Jump5 || Instrumental

As the quick-paced montage kicks off, Dave and Yogi pursue Zay first. They follow him as he parades through the halls with his new level of confidence. He claims that his summer break was excellent, completely fulfilling in every possible way.

Although Dogi want to dig deeper on that, their questioning is interrupted by the trio of them running into MAYA HART. She looks even more polished than last year, radiating diva and her envy-worthy blonde locks as shiny and voluminous as ever. She and Zay exchange a quick, snappy handshake, indicating they’ve become better friends in the time we’ve spent away.

The two of them state that this year is going to be unlike any other, and all the bullshit from last year is completely irrelevant.

Dave: And all the stuff from the AAAC --

Maya: Old news.

Zay: The drama? The fakeness?

Maya: Farkle Minkus?

Zay: Gone. Caput.

Dave: What about the fact that you’re on scholarship --

Maya: Here’s what you need to focus on, Davis. Nothing that parasitic pinnacle of a page had to say means anything. And we’d all be wise to forget about it, because there are far more interesting things for us to be focused on this year.

When Dave and Yogi ask for elaboration, all that Maya will say is that there may very well be a new diva rising through the ranks in the junior class. Not above her or Zayby, of course, but someone with a lot of starpower is going to make Minkus more irrelevant than he already is.

An interesting promise…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

In the auditorium, Dave attempts to interview RILEY MATTHEWS. She’s more soft-spoken and reserved than last year, obviously hesitant as she talks with them. All that growing from the previous year, and for what…

She glances over her shoulder towards the technician’s booth as Dave asks her another question, growing pensive and distracted.

Dave: Riley. Riley. Superklutz. Riley.

Riley: [ blinking out of it ] Sorry, um, what was the question?

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Dave convenes with his techie pals ASHER GARCIA and DYLAN ORLANDO, both looking fresh and friendly upon their return from summer. As he attempts to talk with them about how they spent their break, Asher keeps having to interrupt Dylan to keep him from saying things it seems he’s not supposed to mention.

Dave: So how did you spend your summer?

Asher: Oh, nothing much. Went to the museums a couple times.

Dylan: Asher’s underselling. Summer was a hoot. We did so much wild stuff, man. [ Laughing. ] One day we met Lucas at grand central market and he made up this game where we --

Asher: Really. Nothing much at all.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Across the hall, Dave attempts to interview CHARLIE GARDNER in front of his locker. Although he seems to be doing a fair amount of damage control, for what it’s worth his outward appearance seems more relaxed than sophomore year.

He’s softened his attire to less straight-laced and more casual for his standards -- nice sweaters and plain tees. His hair has grown out over the summer, trimmed for back-to-school yet still more wild and free than before.

Exterior mellow aside, as he talks to Dave and Yogi he appears a bit shifty. He comes off like a politician rather than a peer, rehearsed and vague. Expert at avoiding confrontation.

Charlie: I’ve done a lot of self-reflection this summer, and I realize that sending those posts was the wrong decision. Those were the actions of someone who I do not wish to be, so I’m trying to do better and make up for those mistakes.

Dave: But why did you do it?

Charlie: I think what’s more important is how we move forward.

Charlie offers a thin smile. Dave gives the camera a look.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Back with Asher and Dylan. Yogi poses a new question.

Yogi: Speaking of Lucas, no one has seen him this morning for an illustrious comeback. Any idea where he is?

Dylan: [ with a snort ] Do we have any idea where he is? Our best friend --

Asher: [ hurriedly ] Nope, haven’t seen him.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Dave has to jog to keep up with the power walk of ISADORA DE LA CRUZ. She looks as fierce as ever, wearing her usual attire of ripped jeans (ripped not for fashion’s sake, but because they’ve been completely worn through) and a dark tee shirt sporting a reference to a film of some sort. The look is completed of course with Converse, although we note that she’s wearing a new pair of yellow high tops rather than her usual old black pair. Presumably a gift from someone (mayhaps a starlet mother?), since Isa isn’t inclined to spend her money on clothes.

Yogi asks if she’s worked on any short films over the summer, and she retorts that she actually spent more time focusing on her performance chops for this year. This is a bombshell revelation -- Isadora De La Cruz is going to take the stage! -- and Dave and Yogi are shook.

Dave: Breaking news!

Yogi: You heard it from Dogi FIRST!

Isadora doesn’t seem interested in humoring them further. Dave shouts one more question after her as she marches away, lucky that she turns around to gift them a snarky answer.

Dave: So where’s Lucas?

Isadora: Do I look like his keeper? Hell if I know.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Jumping back to Riley, Yogi asks Riley what she’s most excited about for the new year. She takes a long pause, evidently at a total loss for how to answer. She finally manages to stammer out a vague sentiment.

Riley: I’m mostly looking forward to everyone… coming back together. And um, renewed camaraderie.

Yogi: [ with a laugh ] Yeah, right.

Riley doesn’t seem thrilled with his dismissive comment.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Back to Dylan and Asher. They’ve gotten distracted, Asher focusing on nitpicking Dylan’s jacket collar while Dylan attempts to divide his attention between his boyfriend and the question at hand.

Yogi: So with Alvin out of commission, how are the two remaining chipmunks functioning then?

Dave: Yeah, how are things going for you two?

Dylan, enthusiastically: [ snapping to attention ] Oh, are you kidding? Things are great. We’ve had the best summer.

Asher, agreeably: Not wrong.

Dave: [ to the camera ] Dogi can confirm: “Dasher” are alive and well.

Dylan: We’re thriving, good sir. I can tell you, as a kissing expert --

Asher: Oh boy.

Dylan: Never been better. In fact, this summer we made some major strides --

Asher: [ covering Dylan’s mouth, dragging him away ] OKAY so we really have to go now, nice chatting with you Dave --

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Back outside the black box theater, Dave summarizes their video and prepares to wrap it up.

Dave: So as you can see, lots of tides shifting here in the bonkers halls of Triple A. Whether or not good ol’ Principal Cracker Jack and our faculty fave Mister E will be able to pull this clusterfuck back together remains to be seen.

Yogi: And whether Mister Shawn will be able to handle a new first-in-command.

Dave: Oh, yes, we are all eagerly awaiting to see which poor soul is going to attempt to fill the late and great Miss Moore’s large and insanely hot shoes.

Yogi: Press F to pay respects.

Dave, solemnly: F.

Which poor soul indeed? It will take a brave, ambitious warrior to tackle the monster that is the junior A class…

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

And that warrior takes a human form in HARPER BURGESS (26). She’s petite and baby-faced, an eager smile on her face as she finishes signing last minute paperwork for her employment. But don’t let her size be deceiving -- underneath the leather jacket and driven sparkle in her eyes is the fiery personality of a former AAA alumna returning to the homestead after being forged to steel in the real world.

She passes the finished papers across the desk to JACK HUNTER, who takes them happily. Given how run ragged he appeared at the end of last season, it is a relief to see him seemingly well and back on top of things. Polished as usual, in any case.

Jack congratulates Harper and welcomes her to the AAA team, both of them rising as he shakes her hand. He reiterates a fair warning that the junior class is no easy group, but Harper expresses optimism that she can handle it. After all, she was once a student just like them.

Harper: I survived my four years at this school fighting for my scrap of the spotlight, Jack. I think if I can do that, then I can survive just about anything.

Jack: Well, believe me when I say this crop of students isn’t quite like any other.

Still, he admires her optimism, and sends her off with the assurance that he also believes she will do an excellent job. As she heads out she bumps into ERIC MATTHEWS, who gives her a playful salute.

Eric: Welcome to the force, soldier.

Harper awkwardly returns the salute, trying her best to adjust to this new team of oddballs as efficiently as possible. Eric waits until she departs to shift his focus, questioning if Jack still wants to go over their game plan for the first week. He figures it would be good to double check that they’re both on the same page.

Jack enthusiastically agrees, gesturing Eric in and grabbing his coffee thermos. As Eric settles in the chair opposite his desk, we get the sense that the two administrators have done a lot of collaborating over the summer. They demonstrate a comfortable new rapport, definitely closer to being on the same wavelength than last year.

It’s also clear, for what it’s worth, that Eric is enjoying their dual efforts. He listens intently as Jack speaks, a light smile on his face as he flips through his notes. Jack paces the floor, walking through their thought process with zeal.

Jack: All of the students enrolled here are talented, there’s no doubt about that. Even the junior class specifically, I’ll say, has some of the brightest students I think we’ve had at Adams. They are not short of starpower.

Eric: Certainly not.

Jack: But the behavior we’ve witnessed over the last couple of years is unacceptable, and it reached a fever pitch in May. There’s no excuse for that sort of culture, and they all had their hand to play in it. We’re not letting it slide from here on out.

Eric: No, sir, we are not.

Jack: The fact of the matter is, as you and I have had to come to Jesus over --

Eric: Please, remind me for the hundredth time --

Jack: -- talent isn’t everything. Success requires hard work. Compassion. Integrity. These are the values we are going to uphold at Adams, and anyone who deems themselves above it all will find themselves facing a swift kick of reality. Mister Livingston was the first, and he doesn’t have to be the last.

Jack and Eric go on to discuss the logistics of their back-to-school shake-up, which contextualizes Zay’s solo from earlier (a flashforward, we now realize) -- they will be requiring every junior to “reaudition” over the course of the week. This is in terms of their performance, but also their attitudes and behavior.

Jack: They earned their places at this school, I firmly believe that. But they have to put the work in to prove they still deserve it. Because there are dozens of equally talented young dreamers out there with just as much ambition as them who would kill to have their place in this class. They need to remember that.

Eric, although disappointed with how things have ended up, nods in agreement. The mere shake-up of the reaudition should be a subtle but important wake up call.

Jack takes a sip of his coffee, glancing down at the new hire paperwork on his desk. So many changes already in effect.

Jack: If they want to see the success of their futures realized, then they better show up.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Isadora makes her way through the empty auditorium, early before class. She jogs up the stairs to the technician’s booth.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

Isadora cautiously pokes her head in, listening for any signs of life. She wanders further in, heading to the center of the cramped space and getting a good look around.

It’s empty. Untouched. The panel by the electrical cabinet is secure and in place, not acting as a living space by any means. It feels abandoned.

It feels wrong.

With an unsurprised sigh, Isadora heads back out before first bell.

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

The performing students have congregated in the black box classroom, chattering amongst themselves. Isadora hesitantly peers through the doors, cautious to step into her first official day as a performing arts student.

As she stands in the doorway, a ripple of reaction seems to go through the assembled class. Suddenly, a techie in their midst? Isadora clearly doesn’t know where to go. There’s a moment where she locks eyes with Riley sitting by Zay, but the way Isadora quickly averts her gaze from Riley’s awkward smile indicates that things aren’t all well and good in that camp.

Instead, another unlikely ally throws her a life preserver. Maya perks up when she spots her, eagerly waving her over to join her, Darby, and Yindra.

Maya: Izzy. Izzy, over here!

Isadora is grateful for the save, rushing over and sliding into the seat behind her. Maya whips around to give her a playful swat and eyebrow wiggle, just as Harper arrives and sends the room into uncertain silence.

There’s a long beat of trepidation, Harper gazing at her new classroom and the throng of her new students staring back at her. Taking a deep breath, she marches into the room with authority and greets them all, introducing herself as their new performance coach. She explains that she was once a student just like them, although she admittedly dabbled a bit more in the technical arts than she thinks most of them have these days.

Sarah: And you came back to teach us? Couldn’t catch a break, huh?

A few snickers through the room throw Harper off her game. She cheekily acknowledges Sarah’s comment, stating that she had her run in the backstages of Broadway, but she thought coming back here when the position miraculously opened up felt like a can’t-miss opportunity.

Still, the introduction has been sabotaged and the rest of her opening is on shaky ground. Many of her little asides don’t garner any favor, and the junior class is already proving to be a tough room. When Charlie, seated with Clarissa and Haley although somewhat removed, throws her a few words of encouragement it is met with a subtly coughed “teacher’s pet.”

Harper changes tact, choosing to redirect focus to attendance. She makes her way through the list until she hits a snag on Farkle, silence heavy in the room after she states his name. She repeats it, uncertainly given its odd status, but it’s clear he’s a no-show. Absent.

Ditching on the very first day. Maya and Zay exchange a look, obviously unimpressed.

INT. MINKUS HOME - DAY

At the luxurious Minkus suite, things admittedly feel somewhat muted. Most of the Minki children and Stuart are gone for school and work, only JENNIFER MINKUS present. She’s on the phone, pacing as she recounts to Stuart that Farkle has opted to stay home from school.

It’s evident she’s concerned, claiming that he’s been under the weather for “at least a month now.” She’s wondering if perhaps they should call the family doctor.

Jennifer: He could be iron deficient. Or anemic, you know how that runs in my family. And the amount of medications I take alone per day just to keep this body up and running in working order, maybe we should have him checked out for similar things...

INT. MINKUS HOME - FARKLE’S ROOM - DAY

Despite the morning hour, the room is dark when Jennifer pokes her head in to check on her son. The curtains are drawn, and the space itself feels stagnant. Somewhere in the mess of blankets on the bed is Farkle, barely visible in the dark.

Jennifer informs him gently that she called him in, but it would be a shame if he were to fully miss out on his first day back for junior year. Maybe later, depending on how he’s feeling, he can go in for the second half of the school day. Farkle doesn’t seem enthused, plaintively stating that he would like to keep resting.

It’s clear that this answer concerns Jennifer, but she gives him space as requested. It’s out of sorts for him to be so unmoved about missing time at AAA, but then, she has absolutely no idea what unfolded at the end of last year.

She closes the door, allowing him to rest and sheltering him back in the dark.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

In the first performance class of the semester, the entirely of the junior A class reunites and watches as SHAWN HUNTER and Harper take the stage together. It’s pointed from the get-go that they have no idea how to act around one another or work effectively in their new partnership, Harper looking for clues from Shawn while he’s attempting to just pretend everything is the same. In this case, that means proceeding as if she’s hardly there.

He takes the reins in dropping the new year bombshell on them, which is that they will be required over the course of the first week back to reaudition for their spot at AAA. Given how much of a mess the end of last year was, it was determined that a procedure was necessary to ensure that each of them are still eligible in their attendance.

Naturally, the students are not pleased about this announcement. The performers immediately start complaining about how unfair it is, while the techies seem particularly spooked by the notion considering they’re not performers. They’re not “audition” material.

Harper speaks up, hoping to alleviate some of the stress.

Harper: Well, actually, that’s one thing we’re hoping to work on this year. We’d love to see more engagement with the technical aspects from our performing students, as well as more performance participation from the technicians. That way, all of us will have a well-rounded understanding and appreciation for all angles of education at Adams.

A wonderful sentiment, but not what they want to hear right now. The uproar grows worse, Harper obviously stunned by the theatrics of this collective group. Turns out Jack was not kidding around about the junior class.

Shawn brings them back to Earth, assuring the techies that their auditions do not necessarily need to be performance-based. All they need to do in some fashion is demonstrate their skillset and why they deserve their spot at AAA. Just like when they applied the first time.

Part of this, as mentioned before, is reflected just in the act of showing up ready to learn. Farkle’s absence is pointed, as is Lucas’s. Shawn doesn’t look pleased as he scans the center section and finds no sign of his head technician.

Harper manages to interject over Shawn again, also explaining that they will be doing performance drills throughout the week to see what shape all of them are in after summer break. It’s important that they’re able to keep up to keep their spot. Isadora seems particularly intimidated by this information.

As they split for their first breakout groups of the year, Riley catches up to Isadora. She attempts to have a conversation with her and reassure her that she’ll be fine at drills, but Isadora ignores her. Somewhat isolated, Riley takes the hit and heads in the other direction.

Shawn pulls Dylan and Asher aside, asking them where the hell Lucas is. They unconvincingly claim that they have no idea. Shawn posits that this is a real shame, considering a) if Lucas doesn’t show up this week and participate in the stupid reaudition scheme he might very well be kicked out, and b) with Isadora having jumped ship they need a strong technician present to steer the ship with the rest of them.

Asher: Well, Mister Shawn, all due respect, but I think we deserve a little more credit --

Shawn: Oh, yeah? You wanna take charge, Garcia?

Asher: Absolutely not. Hopefully Lucas will get the message.

Shawn, flatly: Yeah. Hopefully.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Per tradition, Riley meets up with Eric for lunch given that it’s the first day. After settling in, she asks him what he thinks about the whole reaudition process. He claims it was the only solution he and Jack could come up with.

Eric: It’s only meant to be a reminder that your acceptance here is conditional. The opportunities all of you are benefitting from and the exposure to fellow talents is contingent upon your willingness to help foster a creative, collaborative community.

[ Riley nods along. That sounds too good to be true, at this point. ]

Eric: You all have all the talent in the world, you know I believe it. But there have to be lines, there have to be consequences for our actions. If you push it too far, then we’re going to push back.

Speaking of the negative climate, Eric asks Riley how she’s handling the less-than-stellar current atmosphere between the students. Is she feeling okay? She claims it’s fine -- after all, it’s nothing she couldn’t handle last year.

Eric points out that this is quite a bit different than the situation she entered before, but Riley doesn’t seem ready to confront that reality. She’s opting for denial, choosing to believe that this is merely another gap between her peers that she can bridge.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Isadora is meeting with Jack, finalizing the details to change her core focus from film studies to a dual focus in film and vocal performance.

Jack asks her to confirm that she’s certain about this change. Although there is a moment of hesitation, she does assure him that she’s serious about it. He doesn’t seem displeased, reminding her that all of this is of course contingent upon her reaudition but also stating that he’s proud of her for deciding to try something out of her comfort zone. Especially given her natural talent.

As she starts to head out, Jack ventures another query.

Jack: Have you -- do you have any idea what the deal is with Mister Friar? Is he planning on coming back to school?

[ The question is a bit sarcastic, but the genuine concern behind it is loud and clear. ]

Isadora: [ with an uncertain shrug ] Believe me, Principal Hunter. If Lucas were here, I think we’d both know pretty quickly.

Jack nods acquiescence, dismissing her. After she’s gone, he sighs, reaching forward to pick up his phone and make a call.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - NIGHT

Riley is eating dinner with CORY MATTHEWS, the only two present. As we learn through the sparse conversation, Auggie is out with Topanga, demonstrating how the separation is impacting the familial dynamic.

Cory can tell that the first day back did not go swimmingly. He attempts to get Riley to talk about it, but she shrugs off the concern. He goes on to explain that when he was in high school he had tiffs with his friends too -- Shawn, even! -- but he never gave up on them. So if she feels like people are slipping away from her, then she should do everything in her power to close the distance. She’s always been impressive at that, after all.

Although Riley is down, she chews on the sentiment. Adding fuel to her problem-solving fire.

INT. MINKUS HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Jennifer hits the play button on the voicemail machine as she’s preparing for dinner, listening as Jack’s message comes through on the speaker.

Jack: I hope all things are well. I’m calling in regards to Farkle’s absence today. While we all wish him better health and a quick recovery, due to the circumstances surrounding the junior class and our newly implemented special policies, it is imperative that he return to school within the week to maintain his enrollment.

In the midst of the recording, a door in the hall creaks open. Timidly, FARKLE MINKUS emerges from the dark and pads into the room, catching the end of the message as Jack wishes them well again.

To be frank, he’s looked better. He’s slighter than when we last saw him, dressed rather slovenly in his large sweater and sweats. The perpetual bedhead doesn’t help, especially when paired with the glazed, unmoved expression on his face. Whether or not he’s actually ill, he sure looks the part.

He approaches the countertop as Jennifer pauses the message machine, examining him. She makes playful commentary about how he’s finally risen from the dead, explaining that dinner will be ready soon. They’re planning on calling Lila at university as a family afterwards to see how she’s settling in, so she’s happy he’s up and moving.

Farkle: Will dad be here?

Jennifer: … well, you know how busy your father is. He may dial in, but --

Farkle: So it’s not really as a family, is it?

Jennifer gives him a disappointed look, then dodges the question as she changes the subject. She states that she hopes he’ll be better for school tomorrow. It would be horrible for this illness to affect his time at AAA. He, personally, doesn’t seem all that concerned.

INT. FOSTER HOME - ISADORA’S ROOM - NIGHT

Isadora is on the phone, blocking out her foster siblings as she attempts to talk to Maya. The latter is giving her reassurance, reminding her that they went over her audition a hundred times and she’s going to kill it. No sweat. When Isadora asks what she’s planning to do for her audition, Maya plays coy and says it’s a surprise. Only time will tell, won’t it?

After they hang up, CATHERINA GONZALEZ enters and makes a comment about it’s nice to be let back into her own room. Isadora sneers at her sass, Catherina asking who the hell she was even talking to.

Catherina: It didn’t sound like Lucas.

Isadora: I have other friends, you know.

Catherina: [ with a scoff ] Since when?

Isadora opts to go back to tuning Catherina out, focusing on a different conversation. It’s a text conversation with her mother, Valerie De La Cruz. The last message that Isadora sent is an audio message, and from the message Valerie sent in reply it must be a recording of her audition.

Valerie expresses high praise, lauding how great she sounds and how her training is already shining through. She assures her that she’s going to ace this “audition” -- just don’t forget to breathe! Use diaphragm breaths! Isadora absorbs the sentiment again, taking it to heart.

INT. MAYA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Maya is crashed in her loft bed, having just hung up with Isadora. She hangs on her phone, scrolling through her other conversations. She hesitates when she sees Farkle, the last time they texted being as far back as summer. It wasn’t a very long or good conversation, and they’ve been silent since.

But now, she breaks the stalemate. She types a new message with a scowl on her face, obviously not pleased with his disappearance.

INT. MINKUS HOME - FARKLE’S ROOM - NIGHT

Farkle gets the message just as he’s climbing back into bed, about to go back to sleep. The message is simple, straight-forward, and gets the message across: “You really blew everything up, and now you won’t even come back to face it? Coward.”

As he reads, some of that natural manic spark we’re so familiar with seems to return to Farkle’s eyes. He may be a mess, and he may not be up for a scrap, but he most certainly is not going to get talked down to by Maya Penelope Hart.

He throws the blankets off of him, getting to his feet with renewed purpose.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Farkle isn’t the only one on the warpath. Riley is in hot pursuit of the techies, trying to get them to talk to her so she can start piecing together a way to reconnect with them. But all of them are freezing her out, albeit some more effectively than others.

JADE BEAMON is horrible at avoiding her, and she can’t even make eye contact as she jogs away from her. JEFF MONROE makes up an excuse, stating if he doesn’t set up the lighting booth, well, who will? NATE MARTINEZ lies and claims he’s running late for class, even though Riley points out that they have fifteen minutes until first bell.

Nate: Late to be early. I like to be punctual. Punctually punctual. Okay, see you later.

When she finally reaches Dave, he is by far the worst at subtlety.

Riley: Could you at least explain why you’re all running from me?

Dave: We’re not running.

Riley: Dave, we’re literally speedwalking like soccer moms right now. What is going on?

Dave: I can’t say.

Riley: Sure you can. We can talk about whatever it is --

Dave: No, Lucas and Isadora said we’re not supposed to talk to you. That’s the whole point. And now I’m fucking it up -- come on, Dave!

He marches onward, leaving Riley even more confused and more than a little stung. Ouch. But she’s not going to give up that easily.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Shawn is pacing, lamenting how doesn’t know how he’s going to handle this new teaching arrangement. He and Harper are not on the same page, and he has no idea how to communicate with her. She doesn’t know how things work around here. It’s all a mess. It’s not going to work.

Eric: It’s been one day, Shawn.

Still, Shawn claims he cannot get through these drills and auditions without someone he knows he can rely on there to keep things running. He needed someone who knows what they’re doing, so he called in for back up.

Before Eric can verbally ask for clarification, as if on cue ANGELA MOORE flurries into the office. She’s frazzled, wondering if everyone is okay. Shawn said there was an emergency. Eric rolls his eyes.

Eric: No, your grown man of a boyfriend is just a big baby.

Shawn clearly resents the implication, but Angela is totally lost. Eric gives her the quick rundown of the situation, also pointing out that this certainly won’t make Harper feel like her authority is being undermined.

Angela gives Shawn a disdainful look, but ultimately agrees to stick around for drills. It was nice to come back into the halls of AAA, surprisingly. So she’ll help where she can.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Charlie is at his locker, chatting with Haley and Clarissa. They tell him that they need to go get changed for drills, but they’ll see him in rehearsal. He nods them on their way, grabbing his things and getting ready to go himself.

But someone bumps into his locker and makes him drop his books, everything tumbling to the floor at their feet. Both of them immediately drop down to start picking things up, Charlie only lifting his head when the person apologizes.

It’s Zay. He offers another apology and helps collect the books, Charlie speechless for a second before assuring him it’s fine. They both rise back to their feet, Zay offering an awkward smile as he hands the books back to him.

His touch lingers. Charlie meets his eyes, and a tacit exchange passes between them. It’s hard to tell where they stand -- are they back to being acquaintances? Is this some kind of weird game? Or did they truly leave the summer on an uneven foot?

Either way, the tension of whatever kind is palpable. Zay says he’ll see him in class, passing him by and heading down the hall. Charlie takes a deep breath, closing his eyes and taking a moment before closing his locker.

EXT. AAA - DAY

Farkle makes his triumphant march back into school, returned to his former blazer glory… sort of. He’s nowhere near as put together as he was at the beginning of sophomore year, his hair barely combed and still all over the place. He looks more exhausted than impassioned, but he’s nothing if not dedicated to the dream.

Glaring up at the institution, he stomps up the steps and through the doors as the jaunty drill piano riff leads us in…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “I Hope I Get It” as performed by A Chorus Line Original Broadway Cast || Performed by AAA Juniors (feat. Angela Moore)

Matching the frenzy of the Broadway classic, Angela leads the performing students through an intense and fast-paced routine for drills. The opening sequence alone feels like a true return to form, and from the get-go the sense is clear that everything is going to be heightened this season, especially the singing and dancing.

Farkle takes the first solo about “needing this job.” As the ballet combination sequence ensues, the section is split between the junior girls performing the dance and the techie crew each giving their “auditions.”

Jade displays some of the costume pieces she created for the shows in the past, as well as projects she worked on over the summer. Dylan enthusiastically plays his guitar, as well as giving an excited speech of some kind that involves a lot of jumping around. Asher sits on the edge of the stage and shows off set designs he did for the last four productions.

Nate coolly shrugs and clearly makes a point of wondering why they have to be doing this at all, yet still obliging. Jeff waves at them from the lighting booth, doing all the work. Dave haphazardly wields a power tool and gabs on about all the set building he does, Eric, Jack, and Harper ready to hide behind their notepads in self-defense just in case.

When Angela beckons the boys to come forward, Farkle takes center stage with Zay on his left and Charlie his right. Zay tosses a glare to Farkle, who gives him a snide look in return. Charlie glances to Zay. Then Angela counts them in, sending them on a tight, impressive run through of the complicated routine.

As the girls are beckoned back to join, Maya steps back up next to Farkle. They exchange derisive stares, before putting more energy into the routine than ever before. Riley is managing to keep up after a year at AAA, but Isadora is clearly struggling.

On the last verse, the junior class makes their way to the front of the stage. Each blare of the horn sends one of the main players dropping into a crouch and spinning away from the front (the students behind them following suit), until it’s just Charlie standing in the center.

He takes the delicate final solo (“Who am I anyway? Am I my resume?”), seemingly frozen in time against his fellow classmates. As he steps cautiously forward...

INT. GARDNER HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Charlie is in front of his family fireplace, staring at the perfect photos on the mantle (“That is a picture of a person I don’t know.”)

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

The rest of the number is split between scrutinizing his own image and the stage, Charlie carefully stepping around the crouched shadows of his peers as to not make a disturbance.

He sings the last line wistfully, staring out at the stage lights and emphatically declaring how much he wants to remain at AAA (“I need this job, oh God, I need this show…”). Seems like there will be much to explore with the resident prince charming this season…

INT. AAA - GIRLS DRESSING ROOM - DAY

All the girls are lamenting the drills, complaining about how dumb the whole reaudition process is. Isadora is so exhausted, she doesn’t even have the energy to join in. While everyone else is merely vexed, she has so much catching up to do. The pressure is definitely catching up to her.

Maya asks if she’s okay, but she states she’s just overwhelmed and needs some space and quiet for a bit. She respects this, backing off and heading out with the others.

Isadora paces the confines of the dressing room, but it’s not calming to her. It’s not her place. She changes tracks, going in search of a safer place.

INT. AAA - CATWALK - DAY

From the top of the catwalk, Isadora can be above it all for a moment again. Isolated, protected, back where she belongs. She settles onto the metal walkway and looks out towards the house, gazing towards the empty booth with its dark windows. Emptier than it should be.

Pulling out her phone, she goes to her message thread with Lucas. The last couple of texts have been her, asking where he is and if he’s coming to school. Unanswered.

Dissatisfied, Isadora opts to make a call instead. It goes to voicemail, which she clearly isn’t surprised by. She debates hanging up, then decides to wait for the beep to signal her message.

Isadora: Hey, it’s Dora. Again. Just wondering where the fuck you are and why you’re ghosting me? Or just ghosting in general, I guess. You need to come back, they’re doing this weird reaudition thing and if you don’t participate… I don’t know. I don’t know what’ll happen. But things are changing around here, and I don’t think you want to get left behind. I know how you hate that. Also… I need you here. I need you to come back, or at least tell me you’re okay. [ A beat, then in frustration. ] Mostly, I need you to answer your damn phone.

She hangs up, releasing an exhausted sigh. She tilts her head back against the rail, closing her eyes and settling into the quiet.

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

Angela makes her way into the black box theater, exhaling a happy sigh as she steps back into her former domain. Shawn is on her heels, disrupting Harper as she continues to set up her classroom during lunch break.

Angela makes a point of introducing herself, obviously intending for no bad blood between the two women. Harper seems willing to meet her at that level, holding clear respect for her and commending her ability to handle this job so long and so well. But she shoots a pointed jab in Shawn’s direction, pointing out that a heads up about her arrival would’ve been nice.

It’s evident that Shawn and Harper are not going to make easy collaborators.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Farkle is heading to his locker, nearly running into Riley on the way. They make tentative eye contact, but when Farkle starts to say something she moves past him without allowing him the chance. The dismissal stings, especially from Riley, but he can’t very well blame her.

Facing his locker, he’s startled to find Maya there waiting for him, although her greeting is far from friendly. She glowers at him, questioning why he even bothered to come back.

Farkle: Oh, oh, sorry, was that Degrassi-style text you sent yesterday a butt dial? Was I not supposed to interpret “coward” as a challenge, or what other convoluted mixed message were you attempting to convey?

It’s clear that Maya doesn’t know what she wants from him either. She searches for something to say but comes up short, instead warning him to stay the hell out of her way before ramming into him as she storms past him. Farkle takes the hit, smiling sardonically and glancing over his shoulder to watch her go.

Once she’s gone, he opens his locker. It’s startling to see it as almost a time capsule from the year before, as he never bothered to clean it out after the fallout. Remnants of how things used to be are all over -- photos of him and Maya, mementos from the lighter parts of the school year, a playbill from Les Mis.

All of that, completely useless now. He remains passive, grabbing his books as the opening chords of his audition song fade in…

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Dancing With Myself” as performed by Glee Cast || Performed by Farkle Minkus

Starting in the hallway by himself, Farkle kicks off his reaudition by sauntering through the halls on his own. He snaps his fingers as he wanders backwards through the hallway, lightly grooving to the beat as he carries us through the first third of the song.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Things take on a bit of a surrealist slant as Farkle transitions to the auditorium, now on the stage. Only he’s not alone -- the rest of the core students (Riley, Maya, Zay, Charlie, Isadora) are frozen on stage, almost like wax figures rather than themselves. He dances around them as he continues, emphasizing how he’s essentially being frozen out of their lives.

During the bridge, the others disappear as the lights go down on each of them. Eventually it’s just Farkle in the middle of the stage with a light shining down from directly above, casting him in shadow as he sings the last “Cause it’ll give me… time to think.”

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

As he rounds out the final chorus, Farkle is back in the hallway again on his way to class. He’s constantly overlooked or ignored as people pass him by, literally getting bumped into a couple of times without apology. He doesn’t even seem bothered, taking the stride with a blank, somewhat neutral smile on his face.

He disappears around a corner, focus shifting as Isadora catches up to Dylan and Asher outside the doors to the auditorium. She corners them both, claiming that she knows they know where Lucas is. They can’t bullshit her, although they weakly refute it.

Irritation aside, Isadora tells them that they better make sure he gets the message about the audition bullshit. Also, he should really fucking answer his phone.

Then, attempting to break the awkwardness, she asks how the techie side of things are going now that she’s spending her time with the performers. They assure her that all is well, nothing new, and she has to accept that. While it seems like nothing is going to change between Isadora and her former crew, there’s a lot of room for her absence to make waves…

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

Farkle pokes his head in after school, swinging by to pick up the start of term paperwork he missed from Harper. They exchange more formal introductions, although it is clear neither of them are all that impressed by the other.

Harper comments on Farkle’s absence from the first day, insinuating that it doesn’t indicate great work ethic. She hopes he proves her wrong. He makes a flippant retort about how he didn’t realize illness was suddenly a punishable offense, and she is not pleased with it. If there’s a surefire way to start off on a bad foot, the two of them have found it.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

As Farkle is making his way out, he runs into Angela. For the no good day he’s having, it’s honestly nice to see her again. Angela treats him just as warmly as she always did even in his worst moments, asking him how things are going and if he’s feeling better -- she heard he missed the first day.

He brushes off the concern, instead changing the subject to her Off-Broadway rehearsal process. She invites him to walk with her, the two of them heading down the hall as she starts to recount what the experience has been like.

It’s the most at peace Farkle has seemed since our return.

INT. CHUBBIE’S DINER - DAY

KATY HART is working hard behind the counter, but food is not her focus. She’s hunched over the countertop with a calculator, crunching the numbers on bills. Her expression conveys the distress she’s feeling over the ordeal. When Maya shows up, she frantically hides it all away, putting on her usual smile as her daughter hops up onto a stool at the counter to talk to her.

Maya spares a second to talk about the idiocy of the reaudition thing, offhandedly complains about Lucas’s obnoxious absence as well as Farkle’s infamous return, and then eagerly swaps topics. She explains this outing that she, Zay, Charlie, Izzy, and Yindra want to do next weekend. It costs some money -- not a lot, but worth noting -- so she’s wondering if she’ll be able to go. Can they afford it?

Despite what we saw earlier, Katy offers another loving smile and says they’ll figure it out. Seems Riley isn’t the only one dealing in denial.

EXT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - DAY

On the opposite end of Manhattan, Isadora is marching down Lucas’s street. She buzzes herself into the shabby building.

INT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - HALL - DAY

Once she reaches his apartment, it’s not him who answers the door, but rather GRACE FRIAR. She is tense, distracted as Isadora attempts to have a conversation with her about whether or not Lucas is home. She keeps checking over her shoulder, and she’s absentmindedly adjusting the collar of her blouse to make sure it’s covering her collarbone. Isadora has to keep bringing her focus back, pushing more and more as she appears to be more of a dead end.

After a certain point, she gives Isadora a warning look.

Grace: Lucas isn’t here. I think you should really get going.

The tone of her words is pretty hard to misunderstand, so Isadora takes heed and heads out. But she’s clearly frustrated, retreating with no more answers than before.

EXT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - DAY

As Isadora descends the steps to the building, she finally makes a break through. She glances down the street just as LUCAS FRIAR is skulking back home, backpack on his shoulder although he clearly wasn’t at school.

They lock eyes, surprise and recognition coloring both of their features. Then Isadora sighs, expression shifting to a frustrated glare.

EXT. TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK - DAY

Lucas and Isadora have relocated to the park a couple of blocks from his apartment. She sits cross-legged on a picnic table bench while he sits on the ground with his knees pulled up, not looking at her as he rips blades of grass.

For what it’s worth, he doesn’t seem to have changed much since we last saw him. But considering the state that was, broken down in the booth, that’s not necessarily a good thing. He’s in his usual dark ensemble and sporting a snapback, black with a deep blue band. He has a brace on his left wrist, and although the reason why remains unstated, it goes without saying it’s probably not great.

Isadora is filling the silence, methodically explaining the reaudition process with far more detail than Lucas wants or needs. She starts to discuss how he’s going to need to throw something together, but he interrupts by tersely stating that he told her not to come to his apartment.

She fires back, acknowledging that agreement but claiming its null and void when he decides to drop off the fucking face of the Earth. He wasn’t answering her messages or calls. She didn’t know what else to do, or what to think. The reasons he doesn’t want her over are the exact reasons she had to come check that he was simply being a jackass rather than something worse.

Isadora: Look, I get… I get wanting to avoid everything. I get wanting space, you know I do. But to go completely off the grid is a whole other thing, and then [ with a scoff ] to keep Asher and Dylan in the loop and not me? The tweedledum and tweedledummer of our crew?

Lucas: [ warningly ] Hey, don’t --

Isadora: I’m sorry. I’m sorry, but that’s insane. That’s bullshit.

Lucas: Well you wouldn’t have wanted to know what we were up to anyway, so.

Isadora claims that’s not the point, the conversation dead-ending again. Silence settles over them. Finally, Isadora sighs.

Isadora: You cannot just ghost like that. You know what people suddenly disappearing does to me, Lucas.

Lucas: … I know. I’m sorry.

[ Another pointed silence. He still won’t look at her. She shakes her head. ]

Isadora: Listen, I’m sorry that things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to. I’m sorry shit sucks. It does. And I know you’re pissed about McCullough, but are you really going to blow the only other option you have? [ a beat ] More than that, are you really going to let Farkle Minkus have the last word?

Nothing is more powerful a motivator than spite, as Farkle himself can attest. Now that seems to spark something in Lucas. Not necessarily a good spark, but it’s better than nothing.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Eric swings by Jack’s office the next morning to confer, only to discover he’s not alone. He accidentally walks in on Jack exchanging a goodbye kiss with his new girlfriend, ANNE MARIE WINTHROP (38). She’s fair-haired, rather pretty, and carries herself with an air of composure and authority that Jack himself puts out.

Eric profusely apologizes but Jack waves him off, quickly introducing the two. Anne Marie accepts Eric’s hand shake, the latter nervously stumbling into a goofy greeting.

Eric: Anne Marie. Oh. Two names for the price of one, huh? Good deal!

Jack makes a face, obviously wondering why his usually tactful counselor is being so weird. Anne Marie takes it in stride, claiming he’s no bother at all and that she was just heading out. She confirms with Jack that he’ll meet her at the office for dinner, then gives them both a wave farewell. Seems like a lovely gal!

Jack asks Eric what he’s got, and he explains that the auditions are going relatively well given that the students absolutely hate them. He’s more unsettled by what he’s observed of the Shawn and Harper dynamic, as he has no idea how that partnership is going to fare without Angela there to smooth things over.

Jack defends his hiring of Harper, and both of them agree that transitions like these mostly just take time to set. The other news Eric has is much more pertinent and promises some real potential friction.

Because guess who’s back and ready to thrash...

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

The class has assembled, there to witness Lucas’s grand return to AAA. He’s standing center stage, a covered object placed on a couple of acting blocks beside him.

He first gives a small speech about how this whole audition process is bullshit and made specifically to punish a subsection of the class, so it’s not fair that he and the techies have to go through the motions.

Lucas: But then, when has anyone ever cared about the techies? This seems just about typical. I’d refuse to do it in protest, especially considering I’m the only multi-faceted technician aside from Dora and it would truly be a self-inflicted bullet wound if they expelled me...

Maya: God, if only.

Lucas: But I’ve already orchestrated one school-wide revolt, so whatever, I’ll play along.

Thusly, Lucas removes the tarp from his project, revealing a scaled-down diorama of the auditorium featuring little replicas the typical AAA junior class. A production design / tactile display, in a sense.

Nigel: Oh my God, you made little voodoo dolls.

Maybe so, Nigel. Maybe so. He also has commentary to go with the presentation, and suffice to say, it’s far from tame.

Lucas: So here’s Hart standing center stage and soaking up all the spotlight. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the time to add vocal tracks -- actually, I just didn’t care -- so just imagine a cat screeching bloody murder and you’ll get the full effect.

Maya looks like she’s about to commit murder. Isadora grimaces.

Lucas: This is Dave over here -- he’s holding pizza even though we’re not supposed to eat in the auditorium.

Dave: [ touched ] He knows me so well. :’)

The techies are far more amused by the whole thing than the performers. Charlie leans forward, squinting to get a better look.

Charlie: Do I not have a face?

Lucas: Oh, do you not? [ glancing to check ] Well. That can’t be a subconscious message, can it?

Once he’s run the full gamut, one creative choice becomes pointedly clear.

Darby: Where’s Riley?

Lucas: Oh.

[ Lucas glances at the diorama where she is clearly left out. Then he looks right at her, completely deadpan. ]

Lucas: Guess I forgot her.

Yikes. Riley tries not to let it get to her. She chews her lip, maintaining a neutral expression.

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

Farkle faces the lunch room shuffle, pausing by the entrance and scanning for where to plant himself. He eyes his former table where Maya, Zay, and Riley are currently situated… and opts to go in the other direction given the way Maya is glaring at him.

He takes an isolated seat at the other end of the table where Clarissa, Haley, and Darby are chatting. They’re discussing how much it’s going to suck now that Isadora is joining the ranks of the performers, as she’ll likely eat up any of the slim chances they had at getting good solos. Farkle is shocked by this news.

Farkle: I’m sorry, what?

Haley: Um, eavesdrop much?

Farkle: Smackle is joining our class? You can’t be serious.

Darby: That’s what happens when you miss the first day. Miss all the new developments.

Clarissa: Why do you even care, Farkle? It’s not like she’s really a threat for a tenor.

Haley: Oh, he doesn’t care about that. He’s just worried she’ll beat him out for other opportunities since he’s determined himself the most deserving.

Farkle rolls his eyes, suddenly not at all interested in eating. He seems more perturbed by this development than he maybe should be, but it’s not clear why.

Haley: Just don’t make another tantrum video, okay?

Clarissa: Yeah, we’ve had enough drama for a lifetime thanks to you.

He shoots them a glare, getting to his feet. He tosses his lunch without eating it, marching out of the cafeteria.

EXT. AAA - LUNCH COURTYARD - DAY

The techie table seems to be mostly back in order with Lucas back in their ranks. All seems to be well and good again… until Jade makes the mistake of innocently asking Isadora what her reaudition song is going to be. Lucas is disturbed by the notion.

Lucas: Why are you performing? You know you don’t have to do that, right? You can do something else. They can’t make you perform.

Isadora: … yes, I know. The thing is --

Before Isadora can break the news, Yindra interrupts. She pulls that Hermione-Granger-I’m-not-an-owl nonsense, and poorly delivers a message of Maya that it would be smart for all of them to attend her reaudition after lunch.

Yindra: I was chosen as the best representative to come bearing the… holy gospel… that Maya intends to knock all of our socks… no, she said something about water too --

Asher: Aren’t you an actor? You’re supposed to be good at memorizing stuff.

Yindra: Not when it’s nonsense.

Lucas: Get on with it, Yindra.

Yindra: Basically, Maya wants you all there for her reaudition. Specifically.

Nate: [ with a snort ] Why? As if we care about Broadway Barbie’s five hundredth solo?

Yindra: I’m just telling you what she told me. She has some… things she wants to say.

Ominous, but effective. Dylan and Asher look to Lucas, waiting to see what he does next.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

And so the techies show up, along with just about everyone else in their class. Maya eagerly takes the stage, delivering her first diva look of the season and confidently proclaiming that she’s about to set the tone for the rest of the year -- the year of Maya Hart.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Sue Me” as performed by Sabrina Carpenter || Performed by Maya Hart

Aside from an absolute bop and an impressive display of vocal chops, the things that Maya intends to say with her reaudition become pretty clear. She’s back with renewed fire as promised, and the number serves as a big “fuck you” to everyone who has wronged her or is pissing her off.

Namely, Lucas and Farkle. Maya basically sings the line “I know it’s hard to see me on when you’ve been off as hell / But I’m not gonna dull myself because you dull yourself” directly to Lucas, shrugging him off and flipping her hair over her shoulder with a flourish.

While it’s an undeniable good show and such a banger, and a majority of the class seems to be enjoying it, Farkle looks miserable. He slouches in his seat, gritting his teeth.

INT. AAA - DRESSING ROOM HALL - DAY

Farkle is hanging around in the hall, managing to catch Isadora just before her audition. She seems surprised he’s talking to her, until his intentions become clear -- he’s trying to convince her not to go through with it.

His motivations seem pretty transparent, and Isadora doesn’t hesitate to tell him to take a hike. She’s got enough doubt surrounding this decision, she doesn’t need him to echo it too just so he doesn’t have to have a little more competition. Still, certain things he says to try and convince her hint that maybe his intentions are more complex than they seem.

Farkle: Think about it. You hate the performers. You hate the way we act, how selfish we are, how nothing matters but the spotlight. Do you really want to dive right into the middle of that shallow pool?

Isadora: That’s funny, coming from you.

Farkle: Exactly. [ a beat ] Do you really want to end up like me?

There’s a chilling thought. Isadora hesitates, matching his glare… but no. She’s not taking any shit. Isadora is done letting people dictate which direction she’s allowed to go, and she’s not letting anyone stop her -- least of all Farkle Minkus.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Don’t Rain On My Parade” as performed by Glee Cast || Performed by Isadora De La Cruz

Isadora bursts through the doors to the wings, marching into the limelight as she launches into an impassioned rendition of the belter classic. She’s singing deep from the soul, pouring everything she’s got onto the stage for the chance to be taken seriously. And boy, is it a compelling plea.

All of the techies are there to support her, as well as Maya and Zay. Riley is also present, although she’s somewhat isolated from the others. Still, she has a proud smile on her face as Isadora commands the stage.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

Lucas isn’t with the rest of the crew, hidden away in the booth and watching from above. Although his best friend is inarguably dynamite, he doesn’t look thrilled as she wraps up her performance.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - ZAY’S ROOM - DAY

Zay is back at home, destressing from the week and touching up his hair in the mirror. He’s dressed in the same outfit we saw from the opening, so it’s evident his audition was also today.

He’s going on and on about how ridiculous the whole process is, making fun of the “we’ll let you know” tomfoolery of it all. It seems as though he’s just thinking out loud… until someone else joins in the exchange, jokingly stating that it would be “bananas” for them to kick him out, and he knows it. Zay cracks a smile, glancing at his reflection before looking over his shoulder…

At Charlie, seated cross-legged on his bed and watching him nitpick himself. He looks relaxed, far more comfortable and natural than we’ve seen him thus far. He props his chin on his hands, looking Zay over before raising his eyebrows to accent the point.

Given the way they banter back and forth about the auditions, it’s clear that Zay and Charlie now have a familiar rapport. Zay saunters over and settles down onto the bed next to him, nudging him playfully and leaning in rather close. Charlie doesn’t seem at all shaken by the proximity, nausea a long-forgotten side effect.

Zay alludes to how they spent a majority of the summer together after his return from Kossal, clarifying some of the gaps in their development.

Charlie: If I think you’re still worth keeping around after three months, I don’t see how they would get rid of you after three years.

Zay: Well, to be fair, the... talents that I’m sharing with you are a little more convincing than my dancing.

[ Charlie makes a face, scrunching his nose. Zay gasps in faux offense. ]

Zay: Are you shading my romantic prowess? [ at Charlie’s shrug ] Or do you just really love dance.

Charlie: [ grinning ] I think I just really love dance. But uh… [ glancing at his lips ] show me again what I’m judging?

Zay smirks, leaning forward to give him a kiss. The moment lingers, Charlie smiling in spite of himself.

Charlie: Oh, yeah. Right. That’s pretty good.

Zay: Uh-huh, yeah, sure.

The two of them kiss again, descending into laughter as they fall back against the mattress. The long and short of it is crystal clear -- Zay and Charlie are officially together.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Riley jogs after Dylan and Asher, desperate to break through the embargo in any way possible. She basically begs the two of them to hear her out, pulling them aside by the dressing room doors and out of the way of other students. She requests just two minutes of their time, which they grant. It’s clear neither of them are all that keen about the situation.

Finally being heard, Riley laments how stupid this whole situation is. She explains that she never meant to hurt anybody, especially considering the thing wasn’t even her words, and especially not Lucas.

Riley: You both know I was never… it wasn’t fake. Not for me. You guys have to know that.

[ Asher and Dylan exchange a look. ]

Riley: And I know that you’re talking to him, so could you just…

She trails off, able to tell from their expressions that they’re not going to be much help. They believe her, but it’s not their opinion that makes a difference. Even if they did tell him what she just told them -- if they haven’t already -- there’s little chance it would make a difference.

Still, they seem genuinely sympathetic. Asher reaches out and touches her arm, frowning.

Asher: I’m sorry, Riley. Really.

She meets his eyes, giving him a resigned nod. She watches them walk away, left alone in the hallway as everyone continues on their business around her.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Reason Why” as performed by Rachael Yamagata || Performed by Riley Matthews

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Riley delivers a sobering take on their current straits for her reaudition, alone under a single spotlight on the stage. No fanfare, no glitz -- just her and her emotions, as she operates best. The lyrics truly cut, her vocals tearing through them given how difficult the last few months have been. It’s a pertinent song for the world they exist in now, and her rendition of it is chilling.

Only a few other people are present, mainly Zay and Charlie as well as a couple of other stray classmates. The techies are nowhere to be found, Lucas most notably, though unsurprisingly.

When the song wraps, even the judging panel is feeling the low mood. Eric thanks Riley, barely getting the sentiment out before she dashes her way off stage.

Zay and Charlie exchange a look.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

Isadora finds Lucas in the booth later, the latter clearly having an off start to the school year. He’s oddly cold to her as she attempts to start a conversation, so she pokes at him to try and figure out what the hell is up with him. He coolly points out that she certainly didn’t tell him about her plans to jump to the other side of the tracks.

Isadora: Is that what this is about? Seriously? [ off his shrug ] I’m … I’m going to do both. You can do both.

Lucas: [ with a snort ] Okay.

When she pushes him on it, he brings up all of the contrary arguments to the decision that she’s been trying to ignore. The piss poor track record of the collective performer attitude. The cut-throat nature. The fact that she has no proper training and is leagues behind, which is only going to make her more overwhelmed.

When he brings up Valerie, it’s a bridge too far.

Lucas: Or what about how your mom literally dumped you because she cared more about the spotlight than raising her child? And you really want to follow in those footsteps --

Isadora, snapping: So you don’t speak to me for days, and now you’re offering your input? Now you think it’s cool to just waltz back in and say whatever the fuck you want?

A harsh dig, but a valid one. Lucas backs off, obviously unprepared for her sharp reaction. Both of them end up back under silence, not sure what to say next. Their exchange is softer when they speak again.

Lucas: I didn’t… I’m just looking out for you.

Isadora: I know.

Lucas: I didn’t mean to upset you, or whatever.

Isadora: Well, okay.

Lucas: Okay.

But it doesn’t really feel okay. Things are changing just like Isadora said they were, but perhaps even more than either of them recognized. And more than either of them know how to handle.

INT. AAA - PROP LOFT - DAY

Zay climbs his way up to the prop loft, startling Riley. She’s curled up by the shelf of set decor pieces, crying and growing embarrassed once she realizes she’s been caught. She starts to wipe her eyes and make up an excuse but Zay doesn’t harp on it, simply walking over and settling down next to her.

Riley: [ wiping her eyes, huffing ] Sorry.

Zay: What are you apologizing to me for? I’m the one who disrupted your space.

Riley laughs a little, even though nothing is funny. Zay doesn’t pressure her, but he’s there. Available to talk, if she wants to talk.

After a bout of quiet, Riley explains that this situation is harder for her than it probably should be. She states that this whole experience is reminiscent of things she’s already been through, going on to confide in Zay that reason she transferred to Adams in sophomore year was because of the intense bullying she endured at her former school.

Riley: Don’t get me wrong, I’d still much rather be here. And the situations aren’t really all that similar. But the feeling… going back to being isolated because of something that really doesn’t have anything to do with me, just because, it’s --

Zay: Just because it’s marginally better doesn’t make this experience hurt any less.

Riley could certainly use the validation. She nods, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

Zay notes that he’s no stranger to bullying, growing up Black and queer. But he reassures Riley that he’s going to be there for her -- she’s not isolated. She’s not going through it alone. Everything else can fall apart, but he’s not going anywhere.

Riley smiles, nodding gratefully. Zay puts his arm around her and she leans into his shoulder, the two of them taking in the peace and allowing it to hurt. Letting the hurt happen, before they have to rebuild again.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

The faculty five are assembled in Eric’s office, discussing the auditions and how they want to maneuver where things go from here on out. None of them are getting cut, of course, but they need to decide how to effectively get the message across with the announcement that that doesn’t mean there’s a free pass for more bullshit.

Case in point, Jack reiterates the point that they are lucky to be here. All of them are, and that’s what he wants this whole experiment to drive home. They had to fight for their spot again, and they should remember to cherish how privileged they are to have these opportunities even when things get tense.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

So that’s the message Harper delivers when she informs the assembled junior class that no one will be getting asked to leave. They all stand together on the stage as she gives a heartwarming speech about how lucky they all are to be in this position, and she hopes they remember that as they move through the challenges of this year. It’s a moving argument.

This sentiment goes over less smoothly in execution, however, as the juniors are pissed that the whole thing was just some elaborate mind game that they exerted time and energy towards. The jabs thrown around escalate, until somehow it all comes back to blaming Farkle for how the entire thing is his fault because of his stupid meltdown video.

Finally having had enough, Farkle snaps. He essentially gives a live show of the aforementioned meltdown, railing about how it’s bullshit that he’s getting the blame for everything when they’re all just as bitter and petty as he is. Sure, he sent in the video and yes, he shouldn’t have said the things he did, but all of them also submitted rude posts about one another. They all sent in bullshit for their own selfish reasons -- whether to tear down someone else or prop themselves up. Charlie casts a nervous glance to Riley, who avoids eye contact with him.

Harper is unimpressed with Farkle’s tirade, but she’s even more overwhelmed with how to bring this trainwreck back on track. Angela takes the reins instead, stepping forward and attempting to rally home Jack’s point that they should all feel lucky to be here.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Show People” as performed by Curtains Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Jack Hunter & Angela Moore (feat. AAA Juniors) (starting at 00:30)

[ Lyrics specific to characters -- follow along here! ]

Specifics of the situation modified, Angela covers the opening bit of the song in essentially trying to guilt and bully the junior class into realizing they’re being ridiculous.

When she claims the show must go on and they call horseshit, Jack steps up to take the soapbox. He elaborates how not only are they lucky to be here, they’re lucky to be performers at all. People all around the world wish they were in their shoes, people would kill to be where they are right now with all this talent and opportunity at their fingertips. Surrounded by other talented, passionate people. Doing what they love.

Of course, it’s appealing to that intrinsic love of the art that starts to win people over. First Angela and Jack carry the song, but then students begin to join in. Nigel, then Yindra. Yogi has the bad joke about tree surgeons.

For once, it’s clear that the junior class is having fun again. It’s also the first taste we’re getting of the full ensemble at work, the techies participating in the performance just as much as the rest. This season Harper said there would be more crossover, and that promise will indeed hold true!

About five minutes in, the performers come together in a kick line and declare that they are, in fact, show people. There’s a sense of unity for the first time all season, this rooted passion unlike any other that ties all of them together in spite of everything else.

As Angela takes the last few “and on” notes, she dances with a few key groups. Charlie and Zay are standing together in a half-circle with Yindra and Nigel, exchanging a playful look with Angela as she sings with them. Then she flutters over to the techie crew, pulling them back into the number with a flourish.

On the final, climactic repetition of the chorus, the entire ensemble is up on stage participating. Yes, all of them. As they march towards the front of the stage, Angela leading the charge, she makes one final definitive stomp that sends us smashing to black.

This is it! Round 2!

END OF EPISODE.

[harley-quinnn]

Guilty

Jared Leto x Reader

{A/N} After being gifted Gucci Guilty by my love, I was entirely inspired by its beautifully sweet scent. So, please enjoy being Jared’s latest collaborator for a new campaign in this fic (that started as an imagine) that no one asked for but I, your friendly neighborhood writer, suddenly wanted.

Can Gucci cut me a check for this ad? Lol, just kidding.

xo Harley

Warnings: The steamiest kiss you’ve ever known.

“Are you ready for hair and makeup?” A sweet face asked you, gesturing toward a chair in front of a large vanity lined with shining white bulbs in a room of a home in the Hollywood Hills- the newest set for the latest Gucci Guilty campaign.

The girl couldn’t have been older than twenty-two, with her rosy cheeks and bottle blonde hair tied up in a bun, indicating she’d been at work long before you arrived. She dug through a large case full of makeup supplies, picking what she needed for the look they assigned for you.

From what you’d been briefed on, the look for this campaign had a beautiful vintage fashion with a modern twist. Always on two ends of the spectrum, Gucci played every angle just right. Your makeup was going to consist of an old pin-up classic, dark red lips and thick winged liner. Your hair was already teased just right, and there was a real flower just above your ear. You had already spritzed your skin with the perfume, there was no helping it.

“I think so!” You chirped, hurrying to sit in the chair with an excitement you weren’t sure how to conceal.

“You’re so lucky,” the friendly girl began, pulling brushes and palettes from the case. “He’s a real looker isn’t he? I don’t think I’d be able to keep from screaming if I got the chance to do what you’re doing. I have to do his makeup when he arrives. How do I keep from crying?” She giggled, shaking her head as she carefully pinned some hair away from your face.

“Sorry. I’m Haley. It’s nice to meet you, {Y/N}. I’m a big fan, and I will- in case you haven’t noticed-  be doing your makeup for the shoot today.”

Her grin was warm and refreshing to see. You returned her giggle quietly, waving a hand to assure her it was okay.

“Trust me, you’re good. If I’m honest, I really have no idea how I’m even going to handle this. We haven’t met yet!” You revealed.

She gasped, and you nodded with doe-eyes.

“So your first time meeting will be just an hour before you have to work together? And I thought I had it bad. At least all I have to do is a little touch up makeup! I don’t even have to look him in the eye, really.”

You laughed, while she put you at ease, the all too real notion of a first meeting happening soon with a man you’d always admired seemed to be front and center all of the sudden. She was talkative, something you enjoyed to pass the time, keeping you giggling and distracted from any nerves you might’ve felt beforehand. You even exchanged phone numbers, and she promised if you needed her skills for any event, she’d make the time. You were glowing with delight in mid conversation when the entire room around you fell silent. Not noticing, you carried on, a sweet grin on your now burgundy lips.

“I just still can’t wrap my head around acting opposite Jared. It’s like a dream.”

Haley turned around from the vanity to face you, a tight-lipped smile on her lips as she drew into herself, saying nothing more, but pointing a dainty finger in the direction behind you. Your brow furrowed at her sudden clam-up, and you suddenly wondered if you said something wrong. When your line of sight landed on her finger, you felt your heart drop into your stomach. You let your eyes travel around the room slowly as you turned around in your chair even slower, noticing everyone in the room staring in the same direction she was pointing.

“Shit,” was all you could manage once you made eye contact with your new co-star, Jared Leto.

His stance commanded respect, though you doubted he meant for everyone to drop what they were doing when he entered. He wore dark sunglasses and a flannel shirt, his pants fitting just right. His hair fell just perfectly as it always looked to, and there was a cocky grin on his lips, showing he was clearly amused at your comment.

And then there you were, sitting in the makeup chair, your hair pinned back with clips, wearing leggings and an oversized hoodie paired with the Ugg boots you kicked off while you waited for Haley to finish up.

“You can quit dreaming, sweetheart. Here I am,” he said, mocking a sexy, masculine tone as he removed his shades. The entire room relaxed with laughter. You felt your cheeks grow hot with embarrassment as you turned back to Haley, cringing at your own expense, one eye closed shut and the other on the ceiling as your gritted your teeth for just a second.

“Oh, God…” you damned yourself.

“Don’t worry,” Haley whispered. “I hear he’s just as sweet as he is handsome.”

You nodded solemnly, forcing a grin as she gingerly unpinned your hair and added a few final touches. You discreetly glanced in the mirror, watching as he made his rounds with each and every person in the room. He greeted them all with a kind charm you hadn’t expected.

“Close your eyes!” Haley requested, and you did as she told you to.

She swept a brush over your eyelids a few extra times, then spritzed your face with what you assumed to be a setting spray.

“Is it my turn yet?” You heard Jared say just beside you, feeling his hand come in contact with your shoulder via a gentle squeeze.

Your eyes popped open, and Haley made a fist as she hoped you didn’t wreck your eye makeup with the sudden movement.

“If she keeps it up your turn will be tomorrow!” Haley scolded playfully, examining your makeup one last time before clearing you to leave.

When you stood, you felt dizzy at the curt movement, catching yourself on the vanity with a soft “whoah.”

You were met with his arms wrapping carefully around your waist, holding you upright again.

“You okay?” He asked. “I know it’s common for everyone to fall for me…”

He chuckled then, and it was beautiful. You lifted your brows, nodding with a wide grin.

“Guilty,” you joked in return, and he caught your pun with a nod of his head and a heart stopping grin.

When he let go of your frame, he looked down at you, taking in the job she’d done on your face.

“You look like a million bucks,” he stated, seeming almost in awe as his blue eyes bore into yours. “The look suits you, very well.”

Despite your hopes that the makeup was heavy enough to hide your blush, you were wrong.

“Thank you, Mr. Leto,” you said softly.

He winked at you before setting his sunglasses down on the vanity and taking a seat in the chair, rubbing his hands together.

“You better do my face as well as you did Miss {Y/N}’s over there. I want the whole nine, nothing less,” he pretend to demand, eliciting a giggle from both Haley and you.

“You got it, honey!” She exclaimed, though you both knew he didn’t need anything at all.

You stepped away from the scene as she chatted him up, happy for her that she was able to set aside her nerves and get to work.

As you approached the set, which was just down the stairs, you noticed the hustle and bustle of what seemed like a real dream. Extras were being told their positions, the creative director was focused on the task at hand and the wardrobe girl was frantic, handing everyone what they needed and helping everyone into their ensembles.

“{Y/N}!” She called out. “There you are! Here’s your first outfit! The other is laying up in the main master bedroom. I can’t risk them getting wrinkled down here should someone mess with it.”

She handed you your outfit, a beautiful Gucci look that was modeled after a 1950’s swing dress with matching pumps, gloves, and jewelry. The excitement settled in nicely.

You made your way back up the stairs quickly, disappearing into the master bedroom she’d pointed out to you and slid out of your clothes. You pulled the dress on, not bothering to check out the second outfit. It fit like a dream, tight around the top and torso, and flared at the bottom. After sliding into your shoes and accessories, you slipped out of the room, peeking around the door before making your way down the hall to the staircase again. As you were walking, you noticed a full length mirror. There was no harm in stopping to admire what Gucci had created for you.

You couldn’t help the grin that crossed your lips as your own eyes raked over your new look, your hands holding the bottom of your dress as you spun in a delicate circle.

“Beautiful. Magnificent,” Jared said from behind you, leaning in the doorway of the room used for makeup.

Your eyes caught his in the mirror, and you were taken aback by his own style.

“Wow, you.. You look amazing!” You assured, turning to face him in all his glory.

He was out of the time period you’d been modeled after, clad in a suit that could send anyone into an envious rage. His hair seemed to fall over his shoulders even better than it had earlier, and you weren’t sure how the stars seemed to align for you so wonderfully. All you could do was gawk in silence as you lifted your gloved hands to gesture in his direction.

“You’ve stolen the show,” he assured, holding his arm out for to you to take.

You gingerly moved some hair behind your shoulder and wrapped your hand around his toned arm, gripping gently as you made your way down the stairs.

“My God. It’s the prom king and queen,” the director said, looking up at you both as you descended to the first floor.

You jokingly gave your best pageant wave, and he held up a peace sign. Everyone looked as though they wanted to cry at the sight of you and him, and you deemed that a success.

“Doesn’t she fit the look perfectly? I think this is going to turn out great,” Jared said, lifting your hand and spinning you in a circle.

You bashfully came back to his side, squeezing his arm in a small show of thanks with a light giggle.

“This silver tongued devil over here. I’m not sure he’s looked in a mirror yet!” You complimented in return.

He was sweet, and you could already feel yourself falling for his ways in such a short amount of time. You figured it must’ve been easy for anyone to do so.

Once everyone took their places and the lighting changed, it was like your nerves suddenly turned off completely. There wasn’t much of a script, but there were general guidelines. You were to have as much genuine fun as possible within those guidelines and Jared made it painfully easy to forget there were cameras and a crew there at all.

In one scene, he clasped a diamond necklace around your neck, moving your hair tenderly over your shoulder to do so as you sprayed Gucci Guilty gracefully on your neck. He took your wrist in another, spritzing the eau de parfum against it before spinning you in a circle to a retro tune, -You’re Gonna Miss Me by Connie Francis- and kissing the inside of your wrist with his eyes on nothing else but your own. He ran with you hand in hand down a long corridor before carefully pinning you against the corner of the wall to another hallway, sensually burying his nose against your neck and hair, his lips delicately pressing against your soft flesh.

All the while, you were either all smiles and laughter, or biting your lip at the sudden rush of sensuality. A true match made in heaven to anyone who could see you together.

It wasn’t until the final scene to film that you couldn’t push away the nerves he made melt away any longer. You hadn’t realized that final outfit change was going to be a doozy.

With an inhale, you stepped out of the master bedroom again, this time in a black silk robe, with nothing but a set of lacy black lingerie underneath. Instead of stopping by the makeup door’s mirror, you scurried past, not wanting to see what you looked like as you almost tripped down the spiral staircase.

“Please remind me what this is for,” you whined to the director, a pout on your lips.

You knew exactly what this was for, but hoped that maybe they decided to flip the script somewhere. It wasn’t that you weren’t comfortable in your body, or that you didn’t love lingerie- you certainly were and did. But you were unprepared to be seen so scantily clad by Jared, especially after being caught up in the moment with him so deeply earlier.

“The boudoir scene..” the director began, as though announcing something marvelous. “Gucci is elegant, classy.. Sexy, passionate.. Who wouldn’t want to romp around with Leto, anyways, no?”

You had no response. Of course you wanted that. He was the most beautiful person you’d ever laid eyes on. But it didn’t negate the fact that you were feeling self conscious about yourself. Who knew how many women he’d seen this way. Sure, he complimented you all day, even let his touch linger a little longer than it usually would have when they called cut, and you only wanted more of it. But your mind loved to race on you, and you weren’t sure how to relax.

When you looked on into the bedroom, you saw him already laying on the large, plush California king sized bed. Haley was touching up his face and a man you recognized from the set earlier was touching up his hair. He was shirtless, but wore a pair of black slacks and had his dark hair tied up in a slick man bun this time. Your heart screamed with desire and anxiety all at once.

You cautiously made your way into the room, moving past the busy crew who were too caught up in making sure their preparations weren’t in vain. When Haley caught sight of you, she immediately grabbed your hand and pulled you quickly to the bed. You drew into yourself as she tugged at the sash holding your robe closed.

“You can’t wear this thing for.. this thing!” She exclaimed, opening your robe and sliding you out of it quickly, giving you no time to react before you found yourself half naked in front of Jared Leto. Forget the rest of the cast and crew, he was your main concern. You dared not turn around before you had to, trying to keep your breathing steady as you watched Haley walk further and further away with your robe for as long as you could.

“Am I scary?” He asked from behind once more, the grin evident in his voice.

You took a deep breath before turning around and faking calm and confident.

“You look like that dream I mentioned earlier when I didn’t know you were there,” you said a bit too enthusiastically.

His chuckle was all you heard before they called for quiet on the set. You climbed onto the bed next to him, ready for whatever he was going to throw at you. During this shoot, you realized he was a sucker for creative freedom when it came to these kinds of projects, and he kept you on your toes the entire time. He’d already revved you up to the hilt with his sweet and sensual antics just before. This time, as the anxiety seemed to fade, and as a sort of game, you wondered if you could do the same to him.

You were tangled up in one another, his lips on your neck, his hands on your bare flesh. These actions were all part of the “script” you’d been given. While it wasn’t exactly easy to be in the mood with a million people surrounding you, he once again proved to you that he made it easy to forget.

Your hands began to travel over his frame, your fingers digging into his skin as he touched you. You let yourself react to every move he made, and when it came close to wrapping the scene entirely, you did something completely off script. You let your lips meet his in the most feverish kiss you’d ever given, or received. Every sense tingled beautifully through your body as though you’d just received a sweet electric shock, and his touch became almost unbearably hot. You heard yourself sigh against his open mouth, but it sounded as though it were a thousand miles away in your ears. There was no more room in your chest for your heart as you felt his hand tangle in your hair just behind your ear, and his skin under your fingertips almost seemed to come alive with a blissful sensation that also hinted faintly between your thighs.

When the kiss was broken, your eyes remained shut, and so did his. When you opened them again, he was opening his. His stare was intense, deeply pulling every ounce of yourself into his own mind. Nothing else existed around you as you got lost in the world you’d just created between the two of you. It was clear there was an undeniable spark on both ends, and this was no longer acting.

“And, cut!” The director called. “I think we got it. I think that’s a wrap. That was truly phenomenal, guys. Wow..”

The room seemed to be just as in awe as they came back to earth themselves, starting to clear up the space as you and Jared remained in place on the bed.

You blinked a few times, trying to get your bearings on what had just happened. His eyes traveled from yours and downward as he smoothed a hand over his hair. It was almost a state of confusion you found yourself in as you sat up, swallowing hard.

“Wow,” you whispered.

He lifted a brow, sitting up and getting off of the bed.

“I think we should do that again sometime,” he mused with a smirk.

You hopped off the bed next, grabbing the robe you wore earlier from a hanger Haley had placed it on. Jared quickly moved to help you slide into it, his fingers brushing against your skin.

“I think we should, too,” you said quietly, turning around to face him.

Everyone was too busy to notice your private conversation now, and you were reminded of a quote from The Great Gatsby about large parties creating intimacy and privacy.

“You’re stunning,” he said, dragging his thumb down your lip before caressing your chin. “And you smell delicious. Is that Gucci Guilty?”

His grin was that of pure, cocky sarcasm.

“And you’re a God,” you gushed. “Who also smells amazing.”

That elicited a laugh from him.

“I can show you so much more where that came from,” he urged.

“So can I… If you think you’re up to the task of taming a brat.”

“Have I met my match?” He smirked.

“Maybe,” you smirked right back, your tone breathy. “I guess we’ll find out, huh?”

“I guess so, baby girl.”

[liliisms]

the one with the champagne kisses.

TAGGING: Lili, Cole @hqcolem

LOCATION: Haley and Brett’s wedding.

TIMEFRAME: June 8th, 2019.

NOTES: Lili & Cole celebrate their friend’s wedding and look forward to theirs.

Cole: "Alright, bye" Cole gently, watching the toddler skip across the small space to where the dinning tables were and back to her Mom and Dad. When Maya had asked if he would dance with her as he was talking to Justin, Cole had been unable to say no to her sweet smile and hopeful eyes and so had been dragged off to the dance floor with her. Three songs later and she'd finally grown bored of the sport before announcing she was done. Cole had waited for her reach her parents before averting his eyes from her and looking around the room to try and find his fiance`. The four glasses of champagne he had had earlier had started kicking in with a boost of adrenaline and Cole was keen to dance with Lili before they wore off and he needed more alcohol encouragement. Eventually finding her, he made his way over, offering his hand as a way of greeting "Can I steal you away for a dance?"

Lili was sitting at a table, her chin in her hands as she watched Cole dance with little Maya. A soft smile was on her lips as the two of them made an adorable sight. All she could think about was something like this in the future - watching Cole dance with their daughter, her tiny feet perched precariously on his shoes. It made her chest ache with want and the temptation to say "Put a baby in me" to Cole was high..but that had been done and they had discussed it. She bit her lip, straightening up as Cole came back over to her and tilted her head to the side. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were shining. She really, really loved him in this moment and couldn't deny him his request..not that she could at any other time. "Of course," she answered and gave him her hand to hold as she stood up. "Lead the way, Prince Charming."

Cole: "I'm never going to get rid of that nickname am I?" he asked, a playful grin on his lips. He'd been alikened to the fairytale character a few times and whilst Cole couldn't really see it, he had never minded. He took Lili's hand and lead her out onto the dance floor, placing a hand on her hip so they could dance. "I'm starting to realise it's much easier to dance with a small child than it is with anyone else. If you can't dance nobody really cares" It wasn't that Cole really hated dancing, but he had two left feet which had never helped him. Hopefully the (secret) dance classes he was taking for the wedding would help, he felt like they were, even if you couldn't really tell. "if I haven't told you yet, you look gorgeous tonight, baby"

Lili "If the nickname fits," Lili supplied easily as Cole swept her into him. "And you can dance, what are you talking about?" Cole might not be winning Dancing With The Stars anytime soon but he wasn't stepping on her toes at least. Why were men always so self-conscious about their footwork? She moved her hand down his chest comfortingly and smiled at him. "You're my prince and I'm happy to be dancing with you. I feel like a lucky princess." This wedding was about Brett and Haley, and Lili was happy for them. They were a beautiful couple together and anyone could look over and see how in love they were. Right now, however, Lili felt like it was just her and Cole on the dance floor. It was how she always felt with him and she hoped that feeling never went away. "Thank you. You look incredibly handsome too." She pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Cole: "Sure babe" Cole mused as they swayed together. "You look like one too" he replied to her next question. Lili had been compared to Cinderella and Rapunzel more times than Cole could count, especially on their debut red carpet at the Met Gala in 2018 and he could definitely see it, the hair color fit well at least. "Are you having fun?" He asked Lili as they danced. He hadn't had much time to spend with Lili today, mostly due to groomsmen and bridesmaid duties that they'd had to fulfil but still, the evening had been going off as well as Cole could have hoped. "It's been a nice almost trial run. Six months and everyone will be doing the same thing for us"

Lili nodded her head, moving her arms so that they were twined around Cole's neck now. "It's been a busy day but rewarding," she answered truthfully. She had taken careful stock of the craziness that had surrounded Haley on this day. She wanted to see what she would have to deal with but it seemed as if they could handle it, especially with their friends and family. "It's just nice to be around all this love." Lili looked around and smiled at the content expressions of everyone. This was why she loved weddings so much and why she was a big romantic. There was something so hopeful and pure about celebrating love and the idea of soulmates, even if that made her seem a little naive. "I hope they make it. I don't doubt they will but..I hope they're as happy together as I am with you." Lili connected eyes with Cole and her smile spread. "I can't wait for that day."

Cole: "It really is, it's a great feeling" Cole wouldn't have wanted to feel any other feeling, today or any other day. There was nothing quite the same as being in love. It was magical and one of the happiest feelings there was. He was grateful that he'd had a constant stream of that feeling for a few years now and he didn't think it'd ever leave. "So do I" He agreed with Lili, keeping steady as the music changed "They seem really happy together and they're quite the pair, I'm happy they found each other" Cole and Haley had both been in long term relationships when they first met one another so it was sort of strange to think about his friend being without Brett. "I can't wait either. Today has been fun but mostly it's just made me really excited for when we get married" It was coming up quickly which was nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time.

Lili felt lucky to be marrying somebody who was just as excited to be married to her as she was to him. She couldn't imagine trying to plan a wedding with someone who just..didn't care. That wasn't to say that Cole peed himself over details such as flowers or had opinions upon opinions on what kind of tablecloth fabric they should use - just more that he wanted to make sure it was a day that was special to both of them. Lili knew that their love was one in a million, just like Brett and Haley's today and her grip around his neck tightened subconsciously at this thought. She never wanted to lose him or lose this feeling. She knew how fortunate she was to be here with him. "But I'm also enjoying the moments before," she smiled up at him. "I love walking around our venue, finding the perfect photo spots. Thinking of your face when you see my dress. Hearing how excited our friends are to celebrate. Counting down. We still have a lot of special moments left."

Cole: "Yeah, getting ready for it is just as much fun as the getting married part I think. Organising it can take months but the actual day is just a day you know? It'll be over before we know it" A fact which both excited and saddened Cole. Once the wedding was done, it was done and everything would be over. The excitement of planning the wedding was a lot of the fun, especially after the excitement of being engaged wore off. "We still get to plan the honeymoon too and go cake tasting, we should try and do that soon if we can while we have time to go to North Carolina" The song changed once again but Cole made no actions to move, just kept dancing with his fiance`. It was a special moment and Cole was happy to just be with Lili for a little bit.

Lili was very excited for the cake testing and Cole knew that. If he didn't, he didn't know who he was marrying. "I think once we send our save the dates, we can do a lot more fun stuff." Lili just wanted to make sure all the invites were sent off to give everyone adequate time to prepare to come to the wedding before they moved forward with the less formal wedding preparations. She was surprised, but pleased, when Cole continued dancing with Lili even though the song changed. She knew the DJ was bound to take a break soon but she'd take this moment with Cole for as long as she could. "I know Austyn said she's going to start planning the bachelorette party soon. I told her if she gets me any strippers, I'll kill her." Lili's cheeks burned at the thought, knowing how awkward she'd feel and be around them. She didn't need somebody shoving their man bits in her face to commemorate her last night before this new adventure with Cole.

Cole: "Yeah. That definitely makes a lot of sense. We should be able to send out the save the dates soon which will be nice. It'll be real after that, we won't be able to back out" he teased. Cole had never had to worry about Lili not going through with it or leaving him at the altar. He'd never really had to worry about her saying no to him asking for her hand. He still had, but he hadn't really needed to. " I get the idea but it doesn't make all that much sense to me either" He'd never really gotten it, if you were in that situation you were already with someone, so having a stripper just made no sense whether it was traditional or not. "You mean after I killed her first right?" He joked before continuing, "I told Dylan that he could supply all the alcohol or throw the party at All Wise if he agreed not to have any at the Bucks night. He seemed okay with that deal"

Lili "Why would I want to get rid of youuu," Lili teased, tipping her chin up at Cole as she gave him a goofy smile. They may tease all they want about backing out or leaving each other but you would have to pry Lili apart with the Jaws of Life to get her away from her man. She was holding onto him for as long as she possibly could, until her last breath. Not to be dramatic but..Her face softened as Cole admitted he wasn't too fond of that 'tradition' either. She knew he had gone to strip clubs in the past, but it always seemed as him enjoying the bizarreness of the situation rather than trying to get some sort of sexual release from it. She knew she could trust him and still, it was a relief to hear he didn't want to be surrounded by scantily clad women the night before their wedding. "Well, you know he'll use any chance to promote his mead," she chuckled and there was pride in her tone. Lili was marrying into a very impressive family. "We'll have to be apart but I'm still going to make sure you go to bed hearing I love you. We don't break that."

Cole: "Oh man, don't open that can of worms, I could give you a list. I'm surprised you managed to stick around this long" He joked to her but there was some truth to his tone. Cole really only had a handful of people in his life who had truly stuck around for everything and he didn't take it lightly that they had. Loyalty was everything to him, especially with his current line of work. He had never really expected Lili to leave ever and Cole knew he'd be fighting tooth and nail to get her to stay if anything drastic happened, which he didn't think it would. "Okay now I have a question about this night apart before the wedding. What actually happens if we don't spend the night apart, like are we cursed or does something happen? Or is it just what's meant to go on?"

Lili knew Cole was teasing but her face softened at the underlying hint of insecurity in his tone. She knew he hadn't had the best luck with his past relationships and he had been hurt by people he had done everything for. Cole had a big heart and even if he didn't leave it on display like she did, she knew it destroyed him when people left. Or betrayed his trust. She was never going to be that person and she had vowed from the beginning to be the person Cole could always count on. No matter what, even if they weren't a couple anymore, she was going to be a constant for him. Lili simply stroked Cole's cheek, knowing that said enough. "I don't know, it's a superstition," she joked. "But I don't want to jinx it. Besides, I think it just heightens the anticipation. A night away makes the heart grow fonder, right?" She smiled at him, still swaying in his arms.

Cole: "Fair enough. I was just curious, I don't want to be the couple who breaks it, we have no idea what would happen" Sleeping without Lili sucked and Cole would probably have to pop some sleeping pills to actually end up sleeping or else suffer through a long night of insomnia. It was better that they stuck to tradition though and the idea behind it didn't seem too far fetched. It probably would make everything a whole lot better when he did eventually see Lili walking down the aisle. At least the anticipation and excitment to see her would be there which would just build on the already budding emotions of the day. "Right. Mads said she'd come and check out tux's with me too so you won't have to"

Lili nodded. She was excited to see Cole in a tux and she knew Madelaine would make sure he didn't pick out anything too..extravagant. She never wanted Cole to tame himself down for her but their wedding pictures would be on display..forever..and she knew Mads would tactfully remind him of that. Knowing Cole, he'd end up looking dapper regardless because he always managed to make things work in his own fashion. He looked good in everything, as biased Lili would admit. "You're going to look so handsome," she smiled at him and her hands squeezed his arm. "I'm going to have the sexiest husband."

Cole: "She vetoed my yellow suit idea unfortunately and the hot pink one so I think I'm going to have to stick to traditional black" Cole had mostly been joking when he first mentioned those two ideas but he wasn't one to shy away from wearing anything really out there and he was sure that there would come anothe time and place where he could test those colors out. "And you're going to look beautiful. I can't wait to see what your dress looks like. I have no doubts that you'll look gorgeous"

Lili "Thank God," Lili mumbled. She knew her fiance well enough to know he was fifty percent teasing, fifty percent serious. She was just never sure which side he was going to give into. If he was smart though, he'd save those two fashion choices for another day. He'd have a whole wedding party ready to flay him alive. She smiled at the mention of her dress, turning her face away from him to stare at Haley in hers. She looked beautiful and Lili couldn't wait for her own moment to show off her special dress. It had fit her like a glove and it had been perfect, all four girls invited to the dress fitting oohing in awe. It was the dress of her dreams and she knew Cole was going to love it. "We'll see," she teased him.

Cole: As much as Cole joked, he'd never actually go through with any of those, on his wedding day at least. He'd have to save that for a different event or another party they attended. "What do you mean 'we'll see'?" he joked, "This is the part where you're meant to go "Actually you're totally right I looked hot as fuck and we're only getting married if you don't pass out when you see me!" He teased Lili. "But you know i'd marry you in a garbage can and it'd still be the best day of my life" Lili getting all done up in a pretty dress and Cole getting to watch her walk down the aisle and then celebrate their marriage with all their closest friends and family was only a bonus for him, being married to Lili was the real goal.

Lili shook her head, blushing despite herself. "I already threatened you if you didn't cry. Raising it to if you don't pass out seems a little extreme," Lili teased back. She knew her man and she knew he was going to find her gorgeous no matter what. That was one of the qualities she loved most in Cole - he always looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time, and it always made her feel beautiful and treasured. She just prayed he never stopped looking at her like that.

Cole: Cole's smile widened a little bit when he noticed the rosy tint that Lili's cheeks had taken after his latest words. His ability to make her blush so easily wasn't a skill he took lightly but it was something he loved. She always looked beautiful but there was always something especially gorgeous about the way her face lit up when she blushed. "True. You're not that savage" he agreed with her. Lili had never been particularly controlling about anything and it was one of his favorite qualities about her, she knew what she wanted and she wasn't afraid of it but she'd never go to any extreme about it. "I love you, do you want to grab another drink?"

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Eternity Springs-The McBrides-Tucker by Emily March

The McBrides of Texas #2

Walking down the road in red with sky-high-high-heels without a clue to location or how to get home, Gillian Thacker keeps moving forward. Tucker McBride, recently free from military commitment is on that road, sees the woman in red, realizes she needs help and stops to...help.

And thinking that was the hook, and it was, I had to WAIT because the two were not destined to move on from rescued maiden to happily ever after immediately. Nope, they had to deal with a pesky fiance that was a no good low down rather useless waste of space guy that should have been dropped by Gillian MUCH earlier. Again...Nope...I had to wait. I think Tucker knew he was attracted but he was still dealing with a bit of detritus from his past and being a good guy that did not poach, well, the moving on together thing had to wait.

What I liked:

* Tucker: what a wonderful man this one was! Smart, rugged, focused, ready to settle down, opening up a new business, a great friend, wonderful with family, all that a woman could ask for...and so much more

* Gillian:  a bit of an emotional mess but working to improve. Her sense of trust (of self and others) shaken and unwilling to believe in herself. I liked her but at times wanted to shake her and say...”wake up”...glad she did...eventually.

* Hints of previous characters in book in this and related series. Made me want to find those books and reread them again

* The S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L. and L.I.V.I.N.G. acronym portions and how they helped Gillian cope and grow

* Haley’s porti.on with Tucker

* The cave...what fun and what an impact it made on the story...along with the whole survival thing

* Boone’s situation – kind of curious how that will work out for him as he deals with whether or not to be the guardian of a child and how that will impact his life and how he will find hit partner.

* The play on words that cropped up here and there and mad me think while also making me smile

*The significance and power of red

* Just about everything except..

What I did not like:

* Jeremy: bottom feeder, user, cheater, etc – not worthy of licking Gillian’s boots

* Gillian’s dithering, insecurity and inability to trust her ability to truly know her feelings

* The bridezillas

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to Net Gally and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

BLURB

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emily March comes the second book in the Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas trilogy, TUCKER (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, February 25, 2020, $7.99). Two business owners come head-to-head in a feud with tulle and grit in this passionate story. This tale shows that even when life changes from the stress of a military career to working next to a wedding planner, love always finds a way to begin, even if it was never thought possible.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue, but an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime . . . until death do them part.

EXCERPT

Chapter Two

Tucker was a sixth-generation Texan, small-town born and bred. Certain behaviors were stamped into his DNA. A real man tipped his hat to the ladies, opened doors for females of any age, and never, ever failed to stop and assist a woman in distress.

So, of course, he had to turn around.

That this particular woman in distress was a total smoke show dressed in fire-engine red only made playing the role of Texas gentleman that much sweeter. He wondered how she’d managed to find herself out here in the middle of nowhere, no car in sight, not a house anywhere around, and the closest town a good ten miles away. Unfortunately, hot looks and a bright mind didn’t always go together.

He pulled to a stop beside her and flipped up the visor of his helmet. His assessing stare met a wary gaze shining from big, periwinkle-blue eyes that were swollen and red-rimmed with tears. She had an abrasion on her cheek just above her chin. Had someone hit her? When his quick visual sweep of her body revealed additional redness on both of her arms, he reconsidered. Airbag deployment, most likely. “Do you need some help, ma’am?”

He watched her intently and saw her quietly repeat the word ma’am. After a moment’s hesitation, she licked her lips, swallowed hard, and said, “Well, um, I, um. May I borrow your phone?”

Her voice was smooth as Tennessee whiskey with just enough Texas in her drawl to sound like home to ears too far away for too long. “Yes, ma’am.”

She took a small step backward as he set his kick- stand and climbed off his bike. She’s scared of me.

It was a perfectly natural reaction and showed some sense, but Tucker didn’t like scaring women, so when he pulled off his helmet, he was scowling. Her eyes widened, she took another step back, and he realized he’d made the situation worse. Well, hell.

He reached deep inside him for the charm that had grown rusty with disuse, made a stab at a reassuring smile, and addressed the elephant in the cotton field. “Don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you. I came back to see if I could help. That’s all. I give you my word, and a McBride’s word is his bond.”

“That’s so old-fashioned,” she said.

“Yes, well, that’s how we roll. Now, I’m going to reach into my pocket and pull out my phone.”

Her gaze dropped to his hand, and she gave a nervous little laugh. “No gun?”

“No gun.” That was in a different pocket.

Tucker unzipped his jacket and reached into an inner pouch for his phone while trying his best to look unthreatening. Their fingers brushed as he handed it over. Her fingernail color matched her dress.

“Thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome. My name is Tucker.”

“I’m Gillian.” Her teeth tugged on her bottom lip as she stared at the phone. “Do you have Google maps? I need to send a pin of my location to my—”

She broke off abruptly, and her head came up. Those glittering blue eyes—puffy and swollen from tears and framed by long, thick lashes—went round and big. Distracted, he fell into them. “Tucker Mc- Bride? Your name is Tucker McBride?”

He blinked and pulled slightly away. Now it was his turn to be wary. “Yes.”

She gave him a once-over, and some of the stiff- ness melted from her spine. “I know Jackson. Boone too. You’re the third cousin, aren’t you?”

Well, this was unexpected. “Yes, Boone and Jack- son are cousins of mine. Have we met?” He didn’t think so. He’d damned sure remember her.

“No.”

“I’m surprised you’d connect me to them. We’re a long way from Redemption.”

“Are we?” She gave a short, strained laugh. “I wouldn’t know. I’m lost. But you look just like them, and Tucker McBride is an unusual name. Plus, I re- member when the three of you arrived in Redemption the first time. You all rode motorcycles. My friend Maisy laughed that you had your own little McBride gang, so you were perfect for Ruin.”

Tucker grinned. “If you only knew.” He extended his hand toward her for a handshake. “Nice to meet you, Gillian . . . ?”

“Thacker. Gillian Thacker.” Her grip was firm, her smile filled with relief. “I’m a friend of Caroline Carruthers. Are you on your way to visit Redemption?”

Caroline was the woman Jackson was seeing, Tucker knew. He nodded. “Yes, I am. So now that you know I’m not a serial killer, want to tell me what you’re doing standing in a cotton field in a sundress and stilettos? Not exactly apparel for farming.”

She glanced down at her feet. “Technically, I’m not in the field but on the shoulder of a road. A narrow, two-lane, never-ending road. And no, cotton is not my thing. I’m all about satin and lace.”

Satin and lace? A vision of Gillian in lingerie the same shade of red as her dress flashed in Tucker’s mind as she continued, “I sell wedding gowns at a bridal shop in Redemption. Bliss Bridal Salon on Main Street.”

He tore his thoughts from the fantasy and listened when she began babbling about a pig and a pecan and a purse without a phone charger. When she finally wound down, she left Tucker shaking his head at her foolishness. He held up his hand. “Let me get this straight. You weren’t joking about being lost? You literally don’t know where you are?”

“No. Not exactly.” She lifted her chin, and her voice sharpened defensively. “I know I’m still in Central Texas. I’m somewhere between I-35 and I-45. I’m north of Austin. I think.”

He slowly shook his head. “Where is your car?

How far have you walked?”

“That way.” She hooked her thumb over her shoul- der. “Maybe two or three miles. I’ve been walking a while.”

“In those shoes?”

She gave a rueful smile.

Copyright © 2020 by Geralyn Dawson Williams.

AUTHOR BIO

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

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[theabominableblogger]

My Reaction to “The Dark Tower”

Oh boy.

So here’s my question:  why did they get Akiva freaking Goldsman to do the screenplay for this movie?  I think the only good movies that he did were “A Beautiful Mind” and “I, Robot”

Well there is absolutely nothing wrong with this situation at all...

What the...

WHAT

Matthew McConaughey!

What is going on?

The hell is going on?

I should take a shot every time there’s a Stephen King-ism but I don’t wanna die of liver failure

Wait, that was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake?

ESPN doesn’t cover earthquakes!  Their logo wasn’t even on the TV!  So boo to you, asshole stepdad.

Of course there’s freaking bullies

Wait, they’re [the school teachers] just gonna send Jake home after they just caught him beating up one of his bullies?  That’s not how school works.

Why does the psychiatrist have a framed picture of the Overlook hotel from “The Shining”?

1919?

*Jake takes down all his drawings*  OK, that’s a start...

OK, I like the cast of this movie.  This movie just needs to A) be a television series instead and B) get a better screenwriter

Well that was sudden

*The Man in Black catches Roland’s bullet right behind his head*  Oooohhh!

OK, so we have the most famous line in the entire story... AND IT’S FREAKING TOLD TO US!

Wait, so Jake’s parents didn’t look further into this clinic?  Are you serious?  Oh my God...

Dutch Hill, Brooklyn?

PARKOUR!

All hail the Crimson King?

What the...

Well go...

WHY DO YOU GOTTA TAKE OFF YOUR SHOE?

Are those tanks?  Or an AT-AT walker or something?

Keystone Earth?

“There are no gunslingers.  Not anymore.”  Then how long ago was that flashback with Roland’s dad dying?

Whoaaa....

Someone must have watched “Rise of the Guardians” while developing this movie and went “Y’know what?  I like the design for Pitch.  Let’s take that design for our bad guy.”  And here we are.

House demon?  So there’s a “house demon” that guards all the portals around the Earth and they eat those who take too long going through the damn portal?  I can roll with that...

The “shine”?  Isn’t that what they referred to Danny’s powers as in “The Shining?”

Oh my God there’s a sign that says “Pennywise”

Wait, the Man in Black’s real name is Walter?  What?

OK, so Walter is like a mix between Pitch Black from “RIse of the Guardians” and Kilgrave from “Jessica Jones.”  Scary combo.

Too bad we don’t get MORE OF IT

So what exactly does the Dark Tower do besides shoot crazy laser beams and cause earthquakes?

Whoa

How did Roland, a seasoned gunslinger, not hear Jake get up beforehand? 

“This isn’t real.”  Thank you...

Bro don’t...

“DARKNESS AND FIRE...”  Oh but of course.

Wait, isn’t that the Upside Down?

“That wasn’t anybody you [Jake] know.”  IT WAS MEEEEEE!!!

The hell is that?

Man, this lighting is way too dark.  I know it’s supposed to be night time but...

Wait what what?

WHAT?

Mothereffer’s even wearing an apron!  C’mon!

Wait, so Walter can even see the past too?

There’s a sign in Jake’s bedroom that says “Acid Jack.”

Naboo?

Not gonna deny, the scenery in this movie is great.  Where did they film this?

South Africa apparently.  That’s awesome.

I like that girl’s maroon jumpsuit

*Jake exchanges looks with one of the servant girls*  Ohhhhhh...

Wait, didn’t the Man in Black’s workers say earlier that using portals was illegal?  Wouldn’t Roland and Jake using the portal immediately attract them to the seer village?

Take a shot every time they remind us that Roland’s no longer a gunslinger

Whaaaaat??

Wait, King Arthur’s in this universe?  Seriously, what the crap is going on?

Shoot, you [Roland] dropped all ya bullets!

Wait, the guy who’s the head of the village looks like Davos from “Game of Thrones”...

How the holy hell did Roland shoot that thing from waaaaay far away?

Yeah yeah, I know, he doesn’t aim with his hand, that whole gunslinger creed thing, I know...

*Walter’s workers figure out that Roland and Jake used a portal to get away*  DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN?!?!?

I LITERALLY TALKED ABOUT THIS SEVEN BULLET POINTS AGO!

Is that a Geico commercial?

Chronic radiation sickness?  Is that from the constant portal jumping?

“Bring my guns.”  HOW DID THE HOSPITAL LET ROLAND EVEN CARRY THEM IN?!?!?

Ooh shit

Wait so that homeless guy from the beginning of the movie was originally one of the kids with the “shine?”

‘Dicky-boy?’

OH my God...

He [the Man in Black] even took the time to freaking draw a smiley face... son of a gun...

Whoo hoo you [Jake] shot a can!

Holy crap that’s a lot of bullets

OK they set up the fact that Roland and Walter have this history but we don’t see any more about it besides the fact that, in the present, they’re enemies.  We want some more background story, dang it!

“Get ready.  Tall, dark, and handsome [Roland] is about to crash the party.”  WHAT?!?!?

What’s with the portal?

HOW DID ROLAND GET THERE SO FAST?!?!!?

*Roland shoots down a couple of Walter’s followers*  So much for aiming with your heart...

They seriously need into go more detail about the meaning in the gunslinger creed

“You [Walter] killed my [Jake’s] mom!”  If her name was Martha, I swear to God...

Discount Sharlto Copley *ding*

“Here I [Walter] am.”  *sings*  HERE I AM/ ONCE AGAIN...

*Walter lifts debris in the air to block the bullets*  Ohhhhh that’s cool!

That’s some impressive telekinesis there, buddy

OK, does the “shine” grant Jake with really good memory because he only heard the whole gunslinger creed once

*Roland actually shoots Walter*  SHUT UP

They killed off the main villain just like that.  Laaaaammmee...

Well that whole ending was resolved really quicky.

“What is this?”  “It’s a hotdog.”  It’s recycled meat actually.

OK, I agree with probably the majority of the critics for this movie:  this would be way better as a TV show

There’s a theater there called the “Globe” Theater

That’s kind of a stupid end scene.  We don’t even see them [Roland and Jake] leave!

Where the hell was Jackie Earle Haley in this movie?!?!?  I sure as hell didn’t see him!

[pen-masta]

Swinging in the Rain

Just some cute fluff. Feeling the stresses of college so I wrote out my emotions in this little fic.

She sighs as she sits on the creaky swing, sniffling as residual tears roll down her cheeks. She doesn’t really know when it all started building up. Maybe it was when her teacher gave her a D on her art project that took her three weeks to create. Maybe it was when her parents started comparing her to her sisters. Maybe it was when her GPA dropped two letter grades. Maybe it was when her parents started having more arguments with her—with nothing seeming to be good enough anymore. Maybe it was when everything she did she was doing wrong, apparently in the eyes of all her teachers. Maybe it was when she couldn’t hold down a single part-time job. She couldn’t tell when it started building, but it all exploded today when she received a letter of rejection from her safety college. This was her third choice!

Her eyes still burned from the salty liquid that had been pouring from them for the past…who knows how long. She had her breaking point and had burst from the house, sprinting down the dampened sidewalk until she reached the old little town park. She had sat on the swing sobbing her eyes out feeling so lost, alone, useless, and overall an utter failure. The light drizzle that has been on and off has now dampened her hair to where it sticks to her cheeks and forehead.

She sniffles still feeling the heavy emotions thick in her chest. Her clothes cling to her body as her eyes drift around the empty playground. She and Castel used to play here all the time when they were little, it was close enough to walk to but far enough away to be a safe-haven when they needed to escape their reality. The trusty park is still holding it’s purpose even now. She breathes out a heavy sigh as she slides her hands up the cold chains.

She needs to get her life together. Her sisters had their lives together, being the youngest of four meant her parents had some preset cemented expectations for her. Tina was a college professor teaching Chemistry, Taylor was a pediatrician, and Haley was a veterinarian. The bar she had to reach had been raised so high above her head, a flexible pole and a running start wouldn’t even get her half way up the length. Her folks even compared her to Castel sometimes...

Having to try and fit into the cookie cutter designs of her sisters was one thing, but being compared to her best friend? That’s what pushed her over the edge. Castel had his life all in order, from the time he picked up a fourth grade level book and was able to read and understanding it at the age of six his life had been paved out for him. He’s got a full ride to the top university in the country, his SAT score was nearly perfect and he’s graduating valedictorian of their class. Programs were fighting for him to be in their college of studies, she’s never had his academic skills...

She scrunches her face again and kicks at the dirt by her feet causing her body to set the swing in motion slightly. She yips a little at the sudden swaying, but remains on the swing.

“Need a push?” A voice asks from behind her before two hands cover hers on the chains.

She blinks and tilts her head back and sighs in relief at the face she sees. Of course he’s here, he probably saw her run down the sidewalk in a blur of emotions and decided to follow her. But he didn’t come after her straight away, he gave her the space she needed and now he’s come to piece her back together.

She smiles up at him, “A push would be nice.”

He grins and disappears from her field of vision.

“Want an underdog?” He asks as he pulls her swing back

She giggles lightly, “Sure why not.”

He grins as he rears back lifting her as high as he can before charging forward, pushing her high enough from him to run under her. Despite the gloom and doom cloud that has filled her before, a smile breaks onto her face and her joyous laughter rings out as she flies high into the air. Little rain droplets pepper her skin and the old swing set creaks and screams out as she soars up nearly over the bar. Right now swinging back and forth she feels like she really could fly, fly high into the sky away from all the trouble, the problems, all people she’s disappointed.

As she glides backwards she opens her eyes to see him out in front of her. Smiling as wide as she is as he watches her having fun. His eyes sparkle and shine, shimmering with genuine happiness...maybe she hasn’t disappointed everyone.

“Now that’s what I call an underdog!” She howls out and he laughs.

“It was a good one, huh?”

“The best Cassie,” she giggles as she can feel her swing slowly losing it’s speed.

He grins and watches as she gradually decreases in velocity. Propping his umbrella up next to the swing set and taking the swing next to hers, he listens to her child-like giggles. He’s happy to see her smile.

“Betcha can’t go as high as me,” she challenges and beings to pump her legs.

He grins, “No fair you’re already moving because of my push.”

“Boo hoo big baby,” she taunts.

He chuckles and pushes off the ground accepting her challenge. She snorts at how he fumbles at first with his feet and the ground.

“Good grief C-bear can’t remember how to swing?” She teases

He sticks his tongue out at her, “I’m a lot taller than I was a few years ago, I need to find a good position.”

“Excuses, excuses,” she smirks sarcastically.

Soon they are both flying high above the ground almost in sync, but she’s still just a second or two faster than he is. They are both giggling and teasing each other, with taunting words being tossed into the air and raspberry retaliations being used when solid comebacks are out of reach.

“I’m still higher than you,” she cheers, “I win!”

“By whose standards?” He chuckles, “From where I’m sitting my legs are going much higher than yours.”

“The judges have made their decision already,” she shakes her head. “I am the winner you are the loser.”

“And who exactly are these judges?” He smirks

“The people judging our competition obvi,” she rolls her eyes lightheartedly.

“I want a recount!” He demands

“Don’t be a sore loser!” She chides

He laughs, “How about another competition as a tie breaker.”

“I’m listening,” she grins.

They haven’t played like this in a while, between the stresses of finals, clubs, jobs, and of course preparing for college there hasn’t been much time to goof off like children. She’s really enjoying this little bit of banter and she’s going to soak it in for all it’s worth.

“Let’s see who can jump the farthest,” he offers.

She gives a mock gasp, “Have my ears deceived me or is Castel Cubs Mr. Cautious Paranoid Goody-Two-Shoes, suggesting to jump off of a swing?”

He barks out a laugh, “I recent that name and yes I am.”

“What does the winner of our tie breaker get?” She inquires

He hums as he thinks, “How about loser buys the winner ice cream at the Dairy Mart.”

“You’re on Cubs!” She laughs and pumps her legs harder.

He smiles as they go higher, “Alright you first.”

“Scoping out the competition are ya?” She smirks

“You know it,” he grins.

She giggles and nods, “Alrighty watch and learn dork!”

At the right moment Joy launches herself off the swing and into the air. He watches and for a moment he’s terrified she’s going to get hurt, but Joy has the talent of falling with style. Her feet land on the ground for a split second before she falls into a somersault and pops back into the air like a spring. She throws her fists up in victory and turns beaming at him.

“Beat that nerd!”

He grins, “Watch this goof!”

He hurls himself into the air as well and does his best to copy her, but he does not have the same talents as Joy. Instead of falling with style he...just falls. He lands on his feet and tries to go into the somersault but he stumbles and ends up falling onto his side and rolls. He lands on his back and lays there for a moment as the world around his spins. Joy comes into his line of vision and he gives a goofy grin before throwing his fists into the air.

“How’d I do?” He asks through a laugh

She giggles, “You got some distance that’s for sure, buuuuuuut the judges are going to have to deduct some points for that landing.”

“Bummer,” he chuckles and she takes one of his hands.

“Come on second place,” she smiles as she helps him up.

He groans as he stands up and cracks his back, “Wow I am just too old for this.”

“You’re nineteen Cassierole,” she snickers and slaps his fallen cap back onto his head.

He smiles and flicks the brim of his cap up out of his eyes.

“And my time has coooome!” He says dramatically and leans into her becoming dead weight.

She yelps and giggles pushing back against him, “Get off you dork!”

They both laugh before making their way back to the swings. They sit again in comfortable silence lightly swinging. Joy’s smile slowly fades as the crippling emotions begin to flood her chest again.

“You wanna talk about it?” He asks without looking at her.

He can feel the sudden tension her body gives off before she shakes her head.

“It’s nothing,” she says.

He pauses before looking at her, “You don’t need to lie to me Jo-jo.”

She won’t look at him. She won’t. She knows if she does she’ll break.

“It’s nothing really,” she says trying her hardest to sound fine but the tremble in her voice gives away her ruse.

“Joy,” he says gently and puts his hand on hers.

That’s all it takes. New tears spring to her eyes and she dares to look at him. His curls poke out from under his red cap, his eyes are full of concern and she can make out every stroke of worry in his face, his eyes pleading for her to open up.

She sniffles as she forces the tears to stay in her eyes, “I’m just...I’m not good enough.”

He blinks, “What?”

Her voice quivers, “I’m not good enough. I’m not good enough for my parents, for my teachers, for any of these colleges, for this existence.” She sniffles and wipes her nose on her sleeve, “Or for you.”

The dame breaks and tears spill down her cheeks. The overwhelming feeling of unacceptable mediocrity engulfs her in one wave, she begins to breathe heavily as more tears trail down her pink cheeks.

His eyebrows pop up and his eyes widen, “What? Joy, who says you’re not good enough?”

She sniffles loudly before hiccuping, “No one has to say it out right they say it in how they treat me and react to me.” She closes her eyes, “I’m not as great as my sisters I can’t reach my parents’ expectations. My teachers are all upset with me and my grades, no matter how hard I try my work is never good enough.” She whimpers, “Three school! Three schools Cassie! I’m not good enough to get into any of them!” She drops her head into her hands.

He frowns deeply at how inadequate she’s been feeling, why hadn’t she talked to him? Why did she try to do this on her own?

“I can’t keep a job, I’ve let down everyone,” she sniffles and rubs her eyes. “I’m an all around disappointment.”

“You haven’t let everyone down Joy,” he says and puts his hand on her shoulder.

“I’m not good enough, I’m a screw up.” She cries and hiccups.

His eyebrows knit together, “You are not a screw up Jo-jo now look at me.” He demands.

She hesitates a moment before turning to look at him. His heart shatters at how completely broken she is, the defeated look in her eyes, the indescribable chagrin...it makes him angry. Joy was the strongest person he knew, she was incredible and amazing, and smart and beautiful and more than good enough for anything!

“You are not unworthy Joy, you’re not a screw up, you’re not a disappointment.” He says gently, “People make mistakes...you don’t need to be perfect.”

“I’m not just making mistakes Cassie I am the mistake,” she sniffles and rubs her eyes.

“No you’re not!” He snaps his anger taking over. “Joy you are anything but a mistake. So what about thse jobs! Who cares? You won’t be doing meaningless task-fillers all your life anyway, you’re gonna go to college and get a degree and sell your art and be famous.” He smiles calming down a little, “Those schools were too stuffy for you, the right school you need to be at will come along soon don’t worry. And as for your parents and teachers,” he shrugs. “They’re just trying to push you to be your absolute best.”

“My absolute best isn’t good enough,” she sighs and stares down at the ground. “I’m not my sisters...or you.”

“Exactly,” he grins and cups her cheek turning her to look at him. “You’re not. You’re not Tina, you’re not Taylor, you’re not Haley. You’re Joy Fiona Curtis.” He smiles lovingly, “You’re never going to be your sisters. And that’s the most amazing thing about you!”

She hiccups and although she smiles a little bit he can see there’s still a hint of doubt in her eyes.

He smiles, “Come here.”

She sniffles and nods before standing up and walking over to him. It takes a moment of adjustment and wiggling in the swing, but soon she’s in his lap facing him. Her legs drape his hips and her arms wrap around his neck.

He wraps his arms around her holding her close in his grip.

“You are not a disappointment, not to your parents, your teachers, your sisters.” He tightens his hold on her, “And especially not to me.”

She sniffles and smiles a small grin as he continues, “And what’s this about you not being me? Thank God you’re not me Jo-jo!” He laughs and puts his forehead against hers causing the brim of his hat to pop up allowing his dry curls to mesh with her wet ones.

“I’m not smart like you though,” she says weakly.

“I’m just book smart Joy,” he shrugs, “that means nothing. You’re not only book smart you’re street smart,” he smiles. “Without you I wouldn’t last a single moment out in the world on my own.” He gently pushes a loose curl behind her ear.

She giggles cutely as his words of comfort begin to take their affect.

“That is very true,” she teases.

He smiles, “You are wonderful, intelligent, amazing, and indescribably incredible Jo-jo. And I thank God every day you’re in my life.” He says and pecks her nose earning him an adorable giggle from her. He smiles brightly, “Please don’t ever say you’re not good enough ever again, because you’re more than good enough for everything. Especially me.” He cups her cheek again using his thumb to wipe away what remains of her tear trail.

She smiles feeling her anxieties, sorrows, and worries slowly melting away by his words and affection.

“You’ll get into college,” he reassures. “And if not then we both can just run away together, skip out on society.”

She snorts and laughs, “Live in the woods with our woodland friends.”

“Living off the land,” he chuckles, warmed by the thought of their future together. “Just you and me kid.”

She sniffles again and smiles lovingly at him, “I’d like that.” She says and kisses him.

He smiles into the kiss and pulls her close to him. As they sit their in the drizzling rain, in an old swing, her in his lap, sharing sweet kisses it becomes clear to here in that exact moment. She knows that no matter what happens, no matter what doors open and close, no matter who turns away from her, there will always be one constant truth in her life. He will always be here with her. Her dork-a-doo, her Cassierole, her best friend.

Her Casanova

...who owes her some ice cream.

[firetrucksandflowers-blog]

Reese Burns’s Character Sheet:

Because he’s so OBSCURE and I needed to get to know him more. 

GENERAL:

Full Name: Reese Burns

Meaning: Reese- “The name Reese is a Welsh baby name. In Welsh the meaning of the name Reese is: Ardent; fiery.” This suits him very well, I think. Ardent meaning enthusiastic and passionate, similar to fiery, which he is, about a great deal of things, just not on the outside. Also fiery because lmao he’s a firetruck.

Burns- “Scottish and northern English: topographic name for someone who lived by a stream or streams, from the Middle English nominative plural or genitive singular of burn (see Bourne). Scottish: variant of Burnhouse, habitational name from a place named with burn 'stream' + house 'house'.” Well, I chose burns because haha l o l he’s a firetruck, too, but I think the meaning is so ironic, which also kinda fits. In the movie Red always has his water hose, and firefighters put out fires, so the whole Burns meaning place by water fits as well.

Title: Mr.

Signature: His signature wouldn’t be very big or extravagant. Very simple and plain. All the letters are written out and there to see. It’s only just slightly slanted. Uppercase first letters while the rest are lowercase and the uppercase is larger than the rest of the letters. The letters aren’t short and stubby but they also aren’t tall and skinny, just somewhere in between. It doesn’t take up the whole space provided, just starts from the beginning and ends with a good amount of space at the end.    

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 30

Birthday: July 7th, 1987

Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Newcastle, England

Current Residence: Swynlake, England.

Immediate Family:

Mother- 56: Hannah Marie Burns (Geena Davis)

Father-Deceased: Martin Lucas Burns (Kurt Russell, bc I think I’m hilarious obviously.)

Eldest Sister- 35: Olivia Burns (Alexandra Breckenridge)

Middle Sister - 33: Daneel Burns (Holliday Grainger)

Distant Family:

Grandfather, Mother’s Father-Deceased: Michael Jonathan Lewis

Grandmother, Mother’s Mother - 89: Julia Beth Lewis

Grandfather, Father’s Father-Deceased: Blake Mitchell Burns

Grandmother, Father’s Mother-Deceased: Nora Burns

Aunt, Mother’s Younger Sister: Haley Miranda Lewis

Species: Human

Ethnicity: English, German, and Norwegian.

Preferred Hand: Left

Eye Color: I’m sad because he has them big brown eyes but Chris Pratt’s are those weird different colors at one time changy ones and you know what SOMETIMES they LOOK BROWN so. I’m EMO about it okay, I spent a million years looking for the right face claim doNT MAKE ME REGRET MY DECISIONS

Hair Color: Brown, but in the right lighting it’s auburn.

Height: 6 ft. 2in. Or 188cm

Shoe Size:  12.5 (UK)/13 (US)

Health: Well off

Organ Donor?: Yes.

Driver’s License?: Yes. He’s very passive, so thank your stars he isn’t licensed to drive the truck. (Not that if he DID drive it he would let anyone get between him and getting to the fire. I’m just sayin he’s too nice and wouldn’t be fit for the job tbh.) Stops for too long, uses his blinkers, goes the speed limitations. He doesn’t mind driving, since his counterpart is a flipping car, he’s good at it. He just makes sure he’s doing right by the other people on the road because car fires are the WORST.

Allergies: None

Grooming: Well kept, except when he just comes out of the garden or work. Got that patchy beard thing going on because when he shaves he literally looks like a sixteen year old in the face. Not that I guess he cares...wow okay so we’ll say his beard comes and goes in waves. Mostly well kept hair. Wears deodorant. And his cologne is nice, subtle, nothing too flashy because he does not peacock. But no one likes to get a whiff of those over the top ones. It’s warm and just all around pleasant.

Posture: Not particularly upright, but he doesn’t slouch over. His shoulders are usually forwards instead of pulled back because it’s a little bit if protection from the outside if his shoulders are more inwards. If that. Makes any sense. He likes to use the backs of chairs when he’s sitting. At the computer he’s hunched over though. Doing the typical, hand holding up his head by resting his chin on it, leaning forwards look.

Gait: He can be fast when he needs to be. Most of the time he goes an adamant speed. Tries to stay out of other people’s way.

Habits and Mannerisms: He worries his lower lip between his teeth a lot. Rubbing his cheek. Clasps his hands behind his back. Rocks on his feet.

Scent: Most of the time he smells of the outdoors or like a campfire. But if it’s been a good day he just smells subtly of the earth and his soap/cologne.

Expressiveness: His face is very expressive and hides little to nothing of what he’s feeling. I think, due to his inability to communicate via auditory language his body subconsciously tries to make for it. Hence why Chris Pratt’s face is kinda perfect for him, even tho he’s so smiley. (this is the part where mary tries to dignify her choice in fc to herself) He is VERY expressive in the face and it morphs and moves and tells the person speaking to him exactly what’s going on inside his head, even if he doesn’t know he’s doing it or if he can’t say it. And Chris Pratt has a very expressive face when he wants to. I shall just have to scavenge the happy go lucky for the sad and recluse arrgghh.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

  1. People don't behave the same way all the time. In fact, they generally have a mask for every social group -- friends, family, business. Sometimes they have a different mask for different groups of friends. How does your character act around different people? How does their personality shift and change?

Reese generally is always himself. At all times. Mostly because he never got the total socialization to behave differently around someone else. The only time he has a total change of pace with his actions are when he is outspoken. This rarely happens outside of his family gatherings or when he’s on the job. When he is on the job he is louder and larger than life because you can’t go into a burning building silently and you can’t expect others to understand you by just looking at them through the gas mask. MOST of the time he’s a quiet little wall flower, though.

  2. Your character has been brought to a party and promptly ditched. They don't have a ride back home. How does this work? How comfortable are they around all of these strangers? Do they interact?

SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE. He would never go to something with that many people unless he was guilt tripped or someone he really cared about asked him to go with them. He doesn’t do well around that many people since he doesn’t have the experience and just isn’t equipped for the over stimulation. Reese would probably bounce out as soon as he realized the person he came with left him high and dry. Unless he knows he was supposed to be the DD, then he would go outside and wait by the car for however long it took for the party to diminish. OR he would walk around making sure everyone was doing okay and that there were no fire hazards. Besides the amount of people.

  3. It's kind of awkward - what subjects are likely to make your character hesitate, flush, stumble on their words, etc.?

Anything? Really? He gets flustered talking about anything with anyone. Of course sex and love and all that stuff makes him blush a shade so red it looks as if he’s got rose petals coating him from the tips of his ears down to his neck and chest. A lot of things, man, he’s a shy little thing who is never not hesitant and stumbling over his words.

  4. Is your character more dominant or submissive to the people around them? Do they tend to follow others' orders and wait for people to give them instruction in life, or do they charge ahead and make decisions on their own?

This really depends on the situation! As I feel this always does with people. In a crisis situation he’s been trained to not panic, to be calm, whereas most people are freaking the hell out. Reese is the one telling them to take a steady breath and what to do next. When he’s working he’s the leader, when there’s a fire going on he will take charge. But on any other situation he would be submissive. He can’t really say no because it just seems so much easier to say yes and do whatever it is that needs to get done, done.

  5. What happens when your character doesn't get what they want?

Reese doesn’t want much of anything really. But, I guess if people’s happiness gets taken away or if his flowers don’t come in on time or someone has trampled through them he cries. If he doesn’t get what he wants he cries and runs.

  6. What's the character's self-esteem like? It’s okay, not the best.

Hoo, hoooooo, hoooooooo. Okay, so since Reese has never found his voice amongst the crowd, he’s never really found himself. BUT THE THING IS HE HAS. In the garden and in the fire station. He just hasn’t realized it because of all those years of getting beat down or ignored. His self esteem wanes and waxes throughout every situation. As he grows more comfortable with people it rises and his personality and humor comes out to shine in the sunlight. As he works in the garden or gets put on a call, his confidence is unmoving and he’s honestly a little intimidating to come up against. Then, when all that is done, and he’s in the grocery store or walking home from work, he recedes back into himself. Closes the door and locks everything away for no one to see.

  7. What's one flaw about themselves that they hate the most and wish they could change?

One???? Hahahha. Well. Reese here doesn’t really like much of anything about himself. He wishes he could talk! To! People! Everyone always seems to have such interesting opinions and experiences and dear lord, he wishes to be apart of those things. Most of the time, since he has the patience of ten thousand saints put together, he doesn’t mind just being alone with himself. But being shy and scared gets in the way of so many things. He just wants to be able to talk to someone without them asking why he’s so quiet or someone just moving along from him because he can’t give them the words they need.

  8. How does their personality shift when someone gets to know them well?

I don’t know and neither does he because he’s never had that experience. No one has ever sat down and taken the time to get to know who he is outside of his sisters and mom. But they saw him grow up and forced everything out of him from the moment he was able to speak. He’s use to them by now. But everyone else just deemed his shell too hard to crack open, not wanting to take up their time to see what was inside when everywhere else people had themselves open for display because that’s much easier.

  9. Do they prefer time alone, or with other people?

Time alone. Out in the garden. On a run, working out. Reading. He’s had a lot of time being alone. He doesn’t mind it at all. People are scary, enormous giants to him.

  10. Is it easy for this character to tell someone "no" when they don't want to do something?

Nope. Reese is the yes man of the century. Mostly because he hates the face people give him if he says no. He did it like, twice when he was a kid. If he did it any time after people would probably shrug and say ‘Oh! No problem then!’ but he’s too scared to say it ever since then. So he doesn’t. To him it’s easier to say yes and do it and make them happy.

  11. If this character were to describe their own personality, how would they do it?

He would agree that he’s quiet. But that’s preeeetty much it. He doesn’t think on himself at all.

  12. Is this character aware of their flaws?

Yeah. He himself gets frustrated with his inability to communicate to the ‘norms.’

  13. How has this character's personality changed from childhood to adulthood?

As a kid I think Reese was a little more outgoing and confident, as all children are before they see the real world for the shitty place that it is. He was always quiet, but as the time went on and as kids started picking on him more and more, he went radio silent. He was probably more talkative as a kid, but as he got older he stopped talking. And he’s observant and has a job that deals with people a lot so he isn’t totally socially inept, but he’s just too shy to start anything on his own.

  14. Who influenced this character's personality? Did they pick up any mannerisms or traits from someone?

His sisters and mother since they always talked for him, a lot of the older people in his life who always said how him being quiet was a good thing. And then of course his tormentors. His kindness came from his Grandmother, though. The sense to see that people are so much more and have so much more going on came from her talking to him about humanity. Lots of women influenced him, obviously. They showed him that his emotions were okay to have, but the kids at school kicked him in the shins for showing them off.

But his smile is his dad’s.

  15. Does this character express affection? Are they comfortable doing so?

Y E S. Okay, so this is kind of a weird phenomenon with Reese. Since he is so shy and avoids confrontation it’s odd for him to be okay with expressing affection, right? Right. But he does it. He gives the warmest hugs and would love to hold someone’s hands or press a forehead kiss to someone. He would be super careful about personal boundaries, though, too scared of running someone off. So on one hand he would LOVE to do things like that for someone but on the other hand he would wait to see if they gave him permission to do those things.

  16. When frightened, will the character "fight" or "flight"?

DEPENDS. Is it a fire? He’s the first one coming after it. Anything else? He’s running away in tears.

  17. Does this character ever put someone else's needs in front of their own? All the time. Every waking moment. He puts his life on the line for people's health and well being. His own is put in a box in the back of the closet. He would give up anything for someone else. Hell, he would probably die for a tree or if it meant the Earth to be okay.

  18. If this character suffered amnesia and lost all their memories, what would they be like?

W O W, what a QUESTION because he seriously is the way he is because of his surroundings. Everything he is is because of someone else, or because of an event that happen to him. Besides his love for the Earth and plants? He would be talkative for one thing. I think his gentle and nice nature would stay with him, because those are just deep rooted in his core, but probably a bit more lively.

  19. How does the character's living space reflect their personality?

Hmm, I think just like him it’s very muted but with small personal touches. Also like him it’s warm, cozy, and like a home. Blankets and pillows are all around and soft. So like, everything has a purpose or meaning and isn’t just for show. Also there are plants all over the place. Reese isn’t all that clean or organized, but he isn’t a complete slob either.

  20. What's one thing that other characters wish they could change about this character's personality?

For him to speak his mind, probably. To not be a pushover?

 EMOTIONAL PROFILE

  1. How easy is it for your character to feel anger? What's usually a good tip off that they're experiencing it? (Physical reactions, movements of appendages, etc.)

Anger is one of the hardest emotions to pull from Reese because he is so gentle and light to the touch. But if he is angry it’s probably out of trying to protect something or becoming super frustrated with someone. The clues to look for are he is talking, and he is very loud. Anger is a strong emotion and one that he doesn’t experience on the daily like most every other one. He would probably yell, but be able to keep enough of himself together to keep from lashing out too harshly? You never know.

      a. Sadness?

Very, very, very easy for him to experience. If he gets offended or someone is just talking trash to him he gets sad. Like I’ve been saying he is a crier who doesn’t even think about trying to keep it in. So when he is sad Reese starts crying and probably bolts to the nearest of exits. There are different types of sad cries which are either the loud wracking sobs that he lets loose on his way out or the silent moments he gets to himself when no one is around to see him.

      b. Happiness?

I would say it’s pretty easy to make him happy. Show him a picture of a seal looking fat and happy or of a type of flower or just anything remotely good and he’ll brighten. Hell, if someone smiles at him in passing I think it would make him happy for the rest of the day. If it’s the normal everyday he has a small smile on his lips and a lightness to his steps and maybe a little swing in his arms. If it’s a ridiculous amount of happy he, you guessed it, starts crying.

      c. Fear?

Easy to feel. Probably every time he sees a fire engulfing someone’s space of living or car or wherever. Also at any loud noises or someone coming at him in too sudden of movements. He would never say or think it, but those years of torment led to fear of getting abused again like that. He can defend himself now since the training to become a firefighter was tough and spit him out with more pounds of muscle, but he doesn’t really know his own strength.

  2. What state of mind is the character usually in?

I would say a good one. He doesn’t focus on the bad. He’s very optimistic. Not too busy or too blank either. Reese is able to have something on his mind, like plants or work, without becoming overwhelmed. One thing at a time.   

  3. Are there any emotions the character is particularly afraid of, or really resents having to feel?

First thing is first, he is very in touch with his emotions. Reese is a soft and squishy human being with his feelings out there on his person all day everyday. And it’s not that he knows them well, it’s just that he feels them and allows them to come and go as they please. So, now the question, is he afraid of feeling any kind of emotion; yes. Love, obviously, because pain is something he hates. Not on himself, but on someone else. And if he were to feel love for someone and somehow have to see them in pain? Because of him? It would probably kill him. It almost killed him to see a tree get cut down in his primary school park and no one really knows if plants can feel pain.

The emotion he resents is fear because that’s what he thinks is keeping him from speaking.

  4. How easily does this character trust their feelings with others?

Mmmm, well if someone were to ask he would be open about it. He probably wouldn’t be able to explain it very well to them, and insist that everyone’s interpretations of emotions are different, but if they asked it of him to explain he would let them know.

  5. Can this character easily hide their emotions?

PFT NO.

      a. Do they find it difficult to express emotion, thus tend to look neutral?

No. :)

  6. How well can this character resist their emotions and impulses?

Emotions: Can’t. At all. Impulses: MMM. He’s not very good with understanding what he wants? Besides normal things like sleeping or eating or going out to weed the garden, but other than that? He’s a hard worker, isn’t lazy or really that much of a procrastinator. Sooo, impulses, = non existent or easy to resist.

  7. Does this character ever get violent (with others, objects, themselves) when feeling any certain emotions?

No. No way. He would NEVER hurt anyone else….on purpose. Or let harm befall someone else. Especially because of him. Reese is never violent. He knows it causes more harm than good so he stays away from it at all costs. But...if a bug is bothering him when he’s trying to water the plants he’ll go a little overboard with the hose trying to get at it. But he’ll feel bad afterwards.

  8. Has this character contemplated suicide? No.

      a. Self-harm? No.

      b. Physically injuring others? N O

      c. Killing others? nooOOOOOoOooooOOOO

   9. Does the character have any triggers? Why do these things trigger them?

He doesn’t really realize but bullying. If he sees it he would break down. His first hand experience at being on the other end of the relentless teasing and physical abuse were enough to scar him for a lifetime. But he doesn’t?? Think it was that bad?? If you were to ask him he would say others in the world have it worse and he’s doing okay, so it’s nothing to worry about.

  10. What would hurt this character so badly they couldn't even breathe?

I know this is supposed to be a serious question, but lmao, someone killing his plants. It’s easy to hurt him because he’s so soft. So, just stepping on his gardenias would make him a mess.

  11. What is guaranteed to make this character smile?

Anything nice. Like, just seeing someone out on the town being happy would make him smile. Or looking out his window to see his garden alive and well would melt him. And, as always, listening to someone talk about something they love/are passionate about. Reese knows people are beautiful through and through and just to see someone with life in their eyes and love on their lips? Inspiring.

  12. If the character could remove one emotion from their life, which would they choose?

W O W. Hmm. He wouldn’t know what to say to this question because he knows that without one emotion the others wouldn’t make sense? But maybe fear? To be able to not be scared at all would appeal to him.

  13. If they're feeling upset, who are they likely to talk to for comfort? Or do they keep it inside?

He would mostly feel like he’s bothering someone if he wanted to talk to someone while he was upset. But the most likely people he’s going to call are his mother and sisters because they’d get mad at him if he didn’t, and they would find out eventually anyways.

  14. How would this character cope with losing someone extremely close to them?

He….wouldn’t. He would cry so much he would exhaust himself. Maybe he could work through it eventually, like a loooooooong eventually, because he’s so in touch with his feelings. But it would devastate him.

  15. How does this character look and feel when crying?

WELL, this probably isn’t supposed to be a big question, but for Reese this is a VERY IMPORTANT AND LOADED EXPLANATION.

The Sobbing, Sad Cry: This is the cry where Reese lets it loose and runs away to get far from the source of his woes and back to somewhere he can calm down and be out of the way of other people going about their day. This is the ugly cry, with tears dripping and running and there’s snot on the sleeve of his shirt and sweat because he’s crying that hard. After he has stopped running, and has found his secured place to cry, he curls up, and just cries. It’s ugly and his face is puffy, and he sounds like a baby. And he feels like shit, too, because it feels like he isn’t getting enough air so a little hyperventilation comes into play.

The Quiet Cry: The teary eyed, small amounts of tears cry. He will look upwards in an attempt to keep the tears from falling or just let them fall and not bother to wipe them away. He isn’t loud, he keeps the harsh breathing or reckless whines and whimpers choked in his throat. His eyes get squinty and his face gets red, his bottom lip will wiggle and he’ll try to stop its movements by pulling it between his teeth. Mostly for when he’s like stunned sad or doesn’t want to disturb the surroundings. Like a funeral.

The Angry Cry: Loud and not very proud. Obviously if he’s going to get angry he isn’t going to want to be crying while trying to get through it, or if he’s trying to talk to someone, but he is a crier and crier's cry when they get angry. It’s more subtle than his sad cries because he’ll probably be too wrapped up in anger to notice the wet streaks on his cheeks and dripping from his chin. And if he does, he’ll get even more angry, making a positive feedback loop for himself. His voice will probably get all shaky and broken when he talks.

The Frustrated Cry: Probably the least? Seen? But when his long, longlonglong, line of patience wears out and he can’t take the vast amount of emotion crashing over him, he’ll let it go. He’ll look distraught and mad at himself, and it’s probably best to leave him to his own unless he asks to not be.

The Relieved Cry: One he experiences after a fire or after getting someone out of a fire or seeing a plant come back to life. It’s a little breath and a few missed tears, but it doesn’t take long and it mostly just to let himself have a moment to realize things are going to be okay.

The Happy Cry: He will be laughing or smiling/grinning while tears flow. His hands will be shaky but he’ll be in a really good mood. Ever seen the Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan? Of course you have, don’t lie to yourself, but he gets like Martin when they find out Annie is Hallie. “I’ve never been so happy in my entire life!” But less sobby and more smiley.

The Laugh so Hard Until He Cries Cry: Self explanatory. He becomes a smiley little ball of sunshine.

The Watching a Movie/Tv Cry: There will be a pillow against his chest or a blanket pulled up to his chin and tears. So many tears. And tissues on the coffee table in front of him.

The ‘I didn’t even Realize I was Crying’ Cry: Also self explanatory. He’ll be just standing somewhere, distracted, and just be tearing up.

  16. If the character had to live out the rest of their life either perpetually angry, sad, or frightened, which would they choose?

Sad. He’s had enough experience with it. He doesn’t like any of them, but being scared he’s kinda already doing and it’s awful, and to always be angry would be dangerous.

  17. Does this character tend to blame or punish others for their own emotions?

Nope. Only himself.

  18. Is this character empathetic, and tends to be influenced by the emotions of others?

Yes yes yes. All the time.

  19. What is the strongest emotion they have felt?

….a lot, holy shit. So many things because every emotion is strong for him.

 PHYSICAL PROFILE

  1. Based on the current diet and exercise your character has, where do you see them physically in five years?

The same, maybe fitter? Being a firefighter he tries his best to be in his best physical condition in order to not hinder the people he is trying to help and save. So he feels as though he has to be well off. Who knows, maybe by then he’ll have gotten hurt enough to have to retire early from the firefighting game and be a pudgy guy.

  2. How agile is this character? Can they dodge easily? Or are they clumsy?

He’s weirdly agile. Like not graceful at all but he isn’t clumsy.  Reese is a force to be reckoned with when he wants to be, you know. So his shoulder can slam into a door the the thing will go down after the first few tries. At the same time he also has a gentleness to him. When he’s touching plants or someone who is hurt he’s very careful. It’s kind of a weird combo, but he pulls it off. It’s a learned control over himself.

  3. Describe the muscle content of your character. Are they untrained and soft? Or lithe and powerful?

He was trained into something powerful. He’s a bigger guy, so his body isn’t exactly skinny or lithe. More like an elephant or a rhino. While he doesn’t know the exact limits to his strength he knows he’s fit enough to be doing the job. He pushes himself when working out and stuff to make sure he’s not losing too much muscle in order to be out of his depth when going into a dangerous situation. It also helps when carrying bags of mulch or soil from his car.

  4. What kind of body fat percentage do you suppose they have?

Not a lot tbh. Probably some around his middle, but.

  5. Do they have any scars? Where did those scars come from, and how did they get them?

Y es. He’s got a scar from when Nathan Peterson’s vengeance seeking friends attacked him. It’s on his left side. One of them had a knife that the others didn’t know about, so when they saw that sticking out of him they all took off because it suddenly got a little too real that he could die or whatever. Thankfully none of them pulled it out when they left, but it did enough damage.

  6. Describe some hairstyles your character has had in the past.

His mother probably gave him the buzzed look as a kid because that’s easy? Just shave his hair off, he doesn’t care what he looks like that the moment. Then his sisters got involved and started using him as their life size doll and messed up his hair a lot when he was younger. He never said anything, of course, but the kids at school did. And when he got to secondary they let it do it’s own thing. Mostly he kept it short. Like any other men’s style. Short on the sides, longer on the top.

      a. How about the present? What's their hair like now?

Just the regular short hair, a little flippy dippy on the front. It’s kinda curly when he lets it grow out, too.

  7. What are their teeth like? Any cavities? Root canals? Does their dentition ever hurt?

Uh, I mean he brushes and flosses twice a day, so they’re pretty well taken care of. Nothing too out of the box with them.

  8. Do their arches ever fall? That's painful.

Nope.

  9. How much endurance do they have? Do they easily get tired during a workout?

High endurance, he’s gotta to have passed to become a firefighter. Not easily tired out at all. He’s built it up to where he can go for a long time without becoming completely exhausted.

  10. How easily can they bear pain?

Very easily. A lot of the time he doesn’t say he’s in pain out loud because he doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal. One time when a kid managed to break his arm in school by doing the arm around his back and pushing him against a wall he didn’t say anything all day until he got home and his sister saw his ugly looking arm when he took his uniform blazer/shirt off. He’s probably not to woman level of pain tolerance, but he’s pretty up there.

  11. How long can this character sit still?

A long time. He is a patient man.

      a. Do they shift a lot when sleeping?

Not a lot of the time. He’s mostly stationary throughout the night.

  12. What do their nails look like? Do they bite them?

Short and mostly well kept. Has dirt under them a lot of the time, but he cleans them before doing anything else when he comes inside from the garden. He doesn’t bite them, no.

  13. How hairy is this character?

I’m WHEEZING, what a QUESTION, I’m sorry Chris Pratt we’re getting personal aren’t we.

      a. Arms? Normal??

      b. Legs? Normal

      c. Underarms? Oh dedarjk, normal

      d. Eyebrows? They’re there but they’re no Colin Farrell or Peter Gallagher.

   14. What is the most imperfect part of this character's body?

He thinks his hands are too big a lot of the time.

  15. Do they get cold easily?

Naah.

      a. How about overheated?

Yes. Since he is a little toaster oven in the shape of a human he can get hot very easily. Which means he sweats at the slightest hint of overheating. But it also means that he stays warm very easily.

      b. Seasick?

No, he does well with motion. His muse is a car so I feel like he would be okay. Probs fall asleep to it. Be one of those babies his mom put in a car seat and drove around to help him fall asleep that night. Not that he was a problematic baby.

      c. Do barometric changes in pressure affect them?

Nah.

  16. How do they react to getting an illness? Think about sore throats, achy bodies, headaches, stuffy noses, runny noses...

He ignores them until they get really serious. Most of the time his mom would never know because he ran hot, and she freaked out one too many times, so she just never knew when he was sick because he never said anything. Not until she noticed he sounded stuffy or was blowing his nose, or squinting a lot. On his own he doesn’t do anything until it affects him significantly. But he isn’t a whiny mess on the couch. Just a bundle in bed watching feel good movies and smelling mint he picked on his way in.

  17. Is this character's body sensitive to touch?

Wow, OKAY UH, I will say yes, yes he is. He’s really sensitive? Ticklish around the middle. And he stiffens when anyone gets to close to him because besides his family no one has ever touched him with anything but pain so he gets wary in tight spaces. Unless he’s getting someone out of a fire, then there’s layers of his suit to keep him from them. But yeah, besides his calloused hands from work, he’s very sensitive.

  18. How strong are this character's basic senses? Sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell.

Hmm, okay so his sense of sight is 20/20 and he doesn’t need any contacts or glasses. His hearing isn’t the best of the best. We discussed touch. Taste is normal, not too strong but not too weak. He’s got a tolerance for extreme heat in food, so if the food JUST came out of the oven he can eat it no problem. Or he’s just weird and enjoys that feeling of burning his tongue and roof of his mouth. His sense of smell has been tested in training to be able to detect a lot of things now, so it has been schooled to be stronger.

  19. If this character had to permanently lose one of their senses, which would they choose?

Taste most likely because he needs everything else to help people. See where he’s going, hear people calling for help, feel for heat, and smell for the source of the fires. He’d miss a lot of things, but he thinks he could get along fine without it.

      a. What if they could only have one sense, and had to lose the others?

HARD ONE. But touch.

  20. Does this character have any unusual limbs or physical features?

Nope.

 PREFERENCES AND PEEVES

  1. What's the state of your character's kitchen? What kind of foods do you find in it? Is it... clean?

Warm and inviting. He likes to cook. Like a lot. He grows a lot of vegetables and herbs in his garden, probably not a lot of fruit because that takes a while for them to grow besides the ol tomatoes. But he has a lot of fresh and local foods floating around the place. Also a lot of baked goods when he has the time are on platters or at the firestation when he knows he won’t be able to eat them all. It’s clean and only fairly organized. Things are kind of lingering around in drawers and the stacks of plates and bowls aren’t the tidiest, but it isn’t a headache to find things for people who aren’t familiar with the place.

  2. If they could only eat one type of food for the rest of their life, what would they choose?

Vegetables? Because they’re easily grown and healthy. As much as he’d miss cake.

  3. What kind of clothing does this character wear?

Comfortable things in the casual. Jeans or shorts and plain t-shirts with tennis shoes. Work out clothing for when that’s going on. And then when he needs to get dressed up it’s either his dress uniform, the whole get up, or a more casual looking suit and tie. At work he’s in his uniform. At night just a shirt and his boxers tbh, he gets too hot other wise and he can’t sleep in pajama pants.

And socks?? I feel like he wears socks at all times. Maybe...not to bed but just when he’s around the house he’s gotta be wearing socks.

  4. How does this character feel about piercings?

He doesn’t care what other people do with their image at all. It’s their body and if it makes them happy then he’s cool. As long as it isn’t hurting them.

      a. Tattoos? Honestly, he admires people who can sit through that. He doesn’t think he could, but he could. But hmm would he get one? Probably not.

      b. Dyed hair? You do you.

      c. Revealing clothing? As long as they’re happy with their body, he doesn’t care or glance twice.

  5. How does this character feel about animals?

He loves animals and they love him. Animals don’t bullshit around and don’t make him feel awkward because they’re genuine for the most part. They can also tell that he has a good soul and is kind. Not to mention he isn’t loud and he doesn’t coo at them like a lot of people. Kind of a mutual understanding thing going on there.

      a. Would they want any pets?

UHM YES. Let’s be honest he’s getting the fire station a dalmatian. Or 20. A L S O OMG, wow just had a very cute thought, he wants to be a beekeeper! He’s VERY adamant about the bees ever since he watched a documentary on them. It opened his eyes to all the fat fuzzy things hanging around his flowers. I’m imagining him being timid to go get them, scared he’ll kill them, but at the same time knowing they’ll be good for the flowers and the environment. Will probably never come to fruition because idk how this is gunna go into the rp but I can always headcanon he got them when he retired or something. They aren’t animals, but YOU KNOW WHAT he would love his little bees until the end.

      b. What animals are their favorite?

Whales. They’re relatable because they’re so big and yet they’re gentle and beautiful. Okay, maybe he doesn’t think he’s beautiful but whatever. They’re also super fierce when they need to be. He has newsletters about whales in his email. When he was in uni and had a small job at the library he spent a few of his pay checks donating to saving whales. He still does from time to time when it doesn’t go towards the rest of the environment.

  6. What type of movie is this character most interested in watching?

Feel good movies. Also romantic movies. He likes being a pile of goop at the end. He cannot do scary movies or super sad movies. The Shawshank Redemption is a good one for him because Andy was wrongfully accused and made the best of his situation. Also Morgan Freeman is bomb. And then he loves You’ve Got Mail and Pride and Prejudice. Hmm, Back to the Future and Ghostbusters, things like that. Nice lovely movies that end with the main character's happy. Worships Julie Andrews.

  7. If this character could master a skill instantly, which would they choose?

Social skills lmao.

  8. Are there any behaviors that other characters do that irk this character?

Littering! Hurting themselves! Being rude! Blatant disrespect for the Earth! How dare!

      a. Does the character ever voice their annoyance?

Only if it’s about defending something/someone that can’t defend itself. Like if some hoe just threw a piece of trash in the air for the wind to take he would snatch it and say, “I think you dropped this.” And then run for the hills.

  9. Would this character rather create something or destroy something?

Create. Or rather, help to create. He isn’t completely artistically inclined, so just to help things grow or make food from ingredients is his place.

  10. What kind of comedy does this character prefer? Toilet humor, vulgar, slapstick, morbid, etc.

Oddball. Physical humor gives him anxiety to watch, but hearing a good joke of words and set up make him laugh. Also I feel like really stupid jokes would make him laugh. Like all the ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?” ones. Why is a chicken crossing the road? That’s?? Funny in itself. At least to him. Also all the flower jokes.

  11. If they could stay at one age forever, which age would they choose and why?

Probably mid 50’s. Still able to move with some sort of ease, but too old to work in his field…...as a…...fireman…., so he can just be someone’s gardener and live in a little home in their backyard. Or like, above their garage. Just a small little job that would make someone happy? Omg, even better, he can be a booth at the local farmers market!! OR be helping the mother effing whales. Wow, yeah, he would love to retire and just do something for the environment. Also no one bothers you all that much when you’re an old man, so that would be, ideal.

  12. If the character could only wear clothing of one color, which would they choose?

Gray maybe? Keep it neutral. There are….several shades of it after all.  

  13. Describe the character's favorite possession. Where did they get it, and why are they so attached?

When he was recovering in the hospital his sisters got him a cactus. It’s alive and well and on his bedroom window sill in Swynlake now. He loves it because his sister’s got it for him and it was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. It’s stayed with him for years and years and saw him through that rough patch in his life. But he would never say that. He would say he loves all his plants equally. He just loves that one the best because his sisters were kind enough to think not to get him something that would die next to him in the room like everyone else with their flower arrangements.

  14. What is the character's favorite weather?

Rain. Not thunderstorms, because, yeah, he and thunder aren’t friends whatsoever, just a hard rain that comes and goes. One that makes the weather cool down and the plants perk back up. It gives him the opportunity to go outside and not have to sweat gallons and see to the plants while they’re happy. He also likes the smell of the dirt and the flowers when they’re wet. It’s nice and Earthy and just fills him with contentedness he can’t get anywhere else.

  15. Do they prefer sweet, salty, sour, meaty, spicy, or neutral tastes?

I think he really likes spicy food and has built up an immune system to it so it isn’t as painful as it once was. Just a nice burn on his tongue. But he also likes soft and sweet, hence his love for baked goods. And smoothies are usually sweet, too.

  16. Would they rather sleep in a cold room or a warm one?

Cold! He dies in hot rooms because he has to have a sheet or blanket out of comfort covering him in the night. But in a hot room his body temperature just makes it too bleeh to get comfortable. If he’s in a cold room that means he can snuggle into that one layer and be just the right temperature.

  17. Are there any hobbies this character absolutely hates and would never want to do?

Hunting? OoOOO ACTING/PUBLIC SPEAKING that would be the worst thing in the world to him. Having to get in front of a bunch of people and speak? No way.

  18. What's the easiest way to annoy this character?

Talk shit about the Earth, get hit. Being stupid with fire.

  19. Are their interests and likes socially appropriate?

Yeah. I mean? Maybe people don’t associate 30 year old men being out in the garden crying over how beautiful his peppers are turning out, but he isn’t doing anything super weird or gross. Also cooking is like a fad now. Thank you foodnetwork. (Lowkey he worships Alton Brown, too.)

OTHER

  1. What is the character's first memory?

His sisters playing with him in the living area. They were just messing around with some blocks and stuffed animals, building houses for them and giving them lives in this little neighborhood they had come up with. His mom was making dinner but they were all to caught up in their game to pay attention to when they were supposed to go wash their hands or sit at the table. It’s simple and small but it’s the oldest thing he can remember.

  2. Has the character ever experienced deja vu? Do you happen to know why?

Mmm, no. Tis a good question, but no he hasn’t.

  3. Sensations are powerful things, and often certain scents, sounds, touches, etc. can invoke memories strongly associated with them. Which have imprinted in your character's mind?

Loud noises always bring back when kids would yell at him or when the guys who ganged up on him were laughing at him as he asked them to please, stop. Also the smell of alcohol or weed will always be associated with Nathan and that night with Jules. Then of course fire and smoke just pulls up work.

  4. How'd they get along with their parents and/or other relatives?

Really well. He’s such a mama’s boy. Since his dad had died before he got to know him all he had for a parent was his mom and that didn’t hinder him in the slightest. He loves her so much and is so thankful to have had such a wonderful human being to raise him. Reese also gets on very well with his sisters. They’re all really close, even if they aren’t in years. Both of them are married and with kids. Olivia, the eldest, has a wife who adores Reese, and a son who loves his cool uncle who fights fires. And Atty, the middle, has a nice husband who Reese was very cautious of at first, but grew to like. Her two kids, older boy and younger girl, love Reese too.

His mom’s parents loved him and he loved them. He was connected to his grandmother the most since his grandfather died when he was 9. And his mom’s sister spoiled him to end because she never had kids and always wanted a little boy.

  5. What's the worst injury they've ever gotten?

Getting stabbed! Woo!

  6. How many places has this character lived in?

Four. His home town, his university town, town he trained to become a fireman, and now Swynlake.

  7. If the character could erase one memory from their mind, what would it be?

Uhm, probably that night he got jumped. Erase all that fear and pain and just utter helplessness and it would have given him back plenty of sleepless nights. Or all those times he had walked across campus alone, even in the day time, after he came back and not feeling so terrified.

  8. What was the character's economic situation?

Comfortable. He isn’t rich but he isn’t struggling. Probably?? Higher middle class since he’s got an established job with benefits and all that jazz. Not to mention he isn’t a big spender on anything at all. He’s doing fine.

  9. Describe the character's love life throughout the years.

WOW OKAY. So hmmm…...non existent. Legit. It’s hard to imagine him in any romantic relationship. Haaaaa. Because he doesn’t talk to people? outside his family. He’s never been good at talking to people, so there’s no way he ever approached anyone he thought was attractive. And if anyone were to come to him they would either get bored of him or deem him too much work. Also he’s too awkward for any sexual encounters outside of someone he would fully trust himself with which I’m not so sure anyone would so far in his life? Otherwise he would kind of be out of his shell a little bit, having had someone evoke that from him already. Yeeaah, if he had any kind of relationship like that it would have been with someone close and they would have pushed him to be a little more outspoken. But he’s still a recluse who has never felt that connection. But then on the flip side if he was in a relationship with someone who made his conditions worse I think he would have totally written off human interactions forever, even though he is an optimist who sees the best in people, but he would just make sure no one ever got near him again, because no DOUBT he would blame the ending of the relationship on himself.

WHAT A REVELATION. He’s Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed. I’m dealing with a 30 year old virgin here oh dear. I’m terrible to my characters.

  10. How did the family that raised this character influence them?

While they meant well, they always spoke for him, answering questions for him and all that. But it hindered him in being able to speak for himself. But his mother raised him right, to be polite, and his sisters were very protective of their younger brother, they’re also his best friends in life as he is to them.

  11. If this character could "unmeet" someone in their life, who would they choose?

NATHAN PETERSON. *timmy turner’s dad dinklebuuurg.*

[linda6788]

The Umbrella Adjustment

A/N: Hello everyone. I couldn't resist and wrote a small fluffy Shamy fanfiction based on a drawing from rgbcn from last October, I was so inspired when I saw the drawing and I had an idea in my head, which you can read below :). Rgbcn will post tomorrow a drawing related to the story.

Thank you so much Regina for the new version of this drawing. It means a lot to me. Also thank you for the daily drawings, the live sessions, the kind words and all the joy you bring us every day. This story is for you!

A huge thanks to my Beta darzyfitz. I couldn't believe when I ask her to be my Beta and she said yes. Thank you for helping me with my first story. I'm feeling really honored.

It's my first fanfiction ever and English is not my first language.

Please enjoy it and tell me what you think!

"What shitty weather." Mumbled Penny, as she entered the foyer. She rolled her eyes when she looked through the entrance door window, seeing the heavy rain storm.

She shook out her umbrella and some rain drops landed on her face and jacket, and with a shift of her arm she wiped the drops from her face. Her shoes were soaking wet and squeaked on every step as she climbed the stairs up to the 4th floor, with a big green umbrella and a trail of food in her hands. As she reached the 3rd floor as she heard a voice.

Amy´s voice. Amy´s very loud and angry voice. Penny couldn't see what was happening, but if Amy's tone was any indication, it must not be good. She tried not to eavesdrop, but Amy's yelling was making it difficult.

"Sheldon, I can't understand you! This is so ridiculous. We are living together, we share a bed and a toothbrush holder. We even sleep together. Why can't you try it? For me?" Amy begged.

Back upstairs, Amy paced back and forth in their apartment in a huff. During her speech, her angry green eyes looked Sheldon up and down as she came to stand in front of him. He sat on the blue couch with a comic in his hand, lowering the book and gazing at Amy in confusion as she glared at him with hurt shining in her eyes.

"Why are you getting so upset about such a silly thing?" He asked her innocently, hurting her even more.

Amy bristled at his lack of understanding for her feelings.

"Sheldon…why can't you hold my hand or give me a small kiss in public or when we are with our friends? We've been a couple for more than 6 years and we should try such things. Or better you should try this!" She said in annoyance.

Sheldon opened his mouth to say something, but closed it when Amy starts to once again admonish him.

"I know you don't like it very much, but this can't be the only reason. You never say you love me or give me even a peck in front of our friends. And today, it hurt a lot at the lunch when you ignored me. I could see that you wanted to kiss me, Sheldon. So why did you take a step back?" Amy asked, her voice softening in fear for what he'd say.

Sheldon frowned. How could he make her understand?

"But Amy, it's weird to kiss in public with all of those gawkers watching us. It's just… just...I don't like it." Sheldon whispered. "I said I loved you in front of our friends, but you didn't hear it."

His voice was small, but Amy overheard anyway.

"I need some fresh air!" She said, clearly upset even with Sheldon's explanation.

Sheldon still looked confused at her outburst as she turned around and without so much as a goodbye, walks through the door before slamming it with a loud bang. It took him a moment to realize that she actually left, before he jumped up and opened the door in a panic.

"But Amy, please come back. You forgot your purse and your jacket." He yelped to her retreating form, afraid to go after her and afraid not to. He still didn't understand why she was getting so upset about this.

Penny was still standing in between the 3rd and 4th floors, frozen to the spot as she listened to her friends fighting. Amy stomped down the stairs angrily, not even watching where she was going which was surprising for her.

"Ames, what's going on?" Penny asked with concern, finally unfreezing from her stupor.

Amy glared at her friend.

"Nothing, Penny! I'm not in the mood to talk about it yet." She said grumpily, nearly crashing into her as she zoomed past her down the stairs.

Penny turned around, trying to stop her.

"Amy! Please tell me, why are you so angry?"

Amy didn't stop her momentum as she was now rounding the 2nd floor landing.

"I said, not yet!" Amy screamed, in a rush to get out of the building. One tear streamed down her cheek and she wiped it away angrily, grateful Penny couldn't see it. She heard her blond friend's concerned voice filter down to her from where she stood upstairs.

"Amy, a big storm is coming. It's raining badly already. You have nothing with you." Penny said with concern.

Amy shook her head in annoyance.

"Yes, I realize that." She said, but in her mood she didn't understand Penny last words. The only thing she could hear was her pounding heartbeat and the thoughts inside her head.

"The only boyfriend I've ever had in my life, and he doesn't want to show me any affection. Argh! It´s so frustrating and it hurts so much." She mumbled to herself in agony as she stormed out of the building and into the rain.

"Oh no." She thought in resignation, upon realizing how bad the weather actually was. "This is not my day. First the drug addicted monkeys at work, next the weird situation with Sheldon in the cafeteria, and now this."

She looked up to the sky as the heavy raindrops began to fall on her.

"Whatever." She said sadly, not even caring anymore as she began walking aimlessly, soaked to the bone within moments.

_______________________________________________________________________

…A few hours earlier in the Caltech Cafeteria.

Raj, Howard, Leonard and Sheldon were sitting at the same table they normally occupied for lunch. It was like any other day; the four men chatting about work and their personal lives alike. Howard said something particular funny about baby Haley when Leonard looked up and noticed that Amy was walking towards their table, her tray in hand.

"Sheldon, Amy is here." Leonard teased, grinning at his best friend. He knew that since Sheldon had moved in with his girlfriend, things had progressed with them in the physical department. While they were still pretty tame in that regard, Leonard knew Sheldon had come a long way.

Sheldon turned his head to watch as his girlfriend approached them, absorbing her fully.

"She looks so hot in her white lab coat. She should wear that at home." Sheldon said happily, prompting his friends to raise their brows.

With a smooth move and a sly grin on his lips, Sheldon stood up to greet her. She smiled at him and lifted her head to give him a small peck on the lips, like she did every day at home. He seemed like he was about to do the same, but then he took a step back and looked uncertainly to his feet before looking back again to his girlfriend.

Amy stood still in her position, lowering her head in confusion at Sheldon's dismissive behavior. He sat back down and clearly expected her to do the same by the way he ushered to the free seat beside him. She sat down beside her boyfriend and began to eat her sandwich, but she had suddenly lost her appetite.

The guys began to chatter again around her, even trying to include her in the conversation. But Amy could only nod and bite her lip as she was sad, angry and injured at Sheldon's actions. It's not like if he kissed her back that the cafeteria occupants would think they were about to engage in coitus right there! It was merely a gentle peck on each other's lips to cheer her up after a long and stressful morning in her lab. But no. He still had this strict policy of no public displays of affection.

Amy loved Sheldon, quirks and all, but sometimes she wished he would cast off some of those quirks and just act like her feelings mattered.

After a tense and silent lunch on her part in which she finished earlier than normal, Amy rose to leave and offered the guys a friendly wave goodbye.

"See you later." She said quietly, picking up her tray.

The guys returned her sentiment with waves of their own.

Sheldon stopped eating mid bite, turning to give his girlfriend a peculiar look.

"Amy, why are you leaving so early? We still have 20 minutes until the lunch break is over." Sheldon pointed out eagerly.

Amy offered her boyfriend a tight lipped smile.

"I…I have a lot of work to do back in my lab. I'd better get back. Sorry, Sheldon. I'll see you later." She said quietly.

Without a word and with glassy eyes Amy went straight back to her lab.

The table fell silent as Sheldon's friends gave each other knowing looks. Sheldon was still watching Amy's retreating form, utterly bewildered.

"Well, that was strange. I wonder what made her leave so soon." Sheldon said, obviously confused.

Raj and Howard dared not say anything, focusing on the remainder of their lunch instead. It was Leonard who spoke up, knowing he had to point out Sheldon's fault to his best friend.

"Buddy, I think she's sad. I think that's why she was so quiet and why she left in such a hurry." Leonard said quietly.

Sheldon took a bit of his sandwich, his brows narrowing.

"Why should she be sad?" Sheldon asked, completely confused.

"I think it's about the kiss." Howard said reasonably, finally speaking up.

Sheldon's face displayed his bafflement.

"Which kiss?"

It was Raj's turn now to pipe in, and he rolled his eyes, ever the romantic.

"The kiss she wanted you to give her when she lifted her face to yours and you refused, you clueless jerk."

Sheldon gasped, his mouth falling open.

"What?" He bellowed in disbelief, certain his friends were wrong.

"That's why she was sad. You basically scorned her after she clearly wanted to kiss you. We saw it. You wanted to kiss her too, but at the last moment you hesitated and took a step back. Why?" Asked Raj, his tone less condescending.

Sheldon stared straight at his friend, his mind trying to formulate an answer.

"I don't like public displays of affection and what everybody thinks when I kiss Amy. It's none of their business anyway." Sheldon said quietly.

Leonard chewed his lip thoughtfully, sitting back and openly regarding his friend.

"Buddy, you never cared before about what other people think, especially about you or Amy. Why should you care now? A little hello peck isn't going to get the gossip mill going." Leonard pointed out reasonably. "Besides, you kiss her at home, don't you?"

Sheldon frowned, his lunch forgotten.

"But it's different at home. No prying eyes or nosy people staring." He said defensively.

Raj raised a brow.

"What is the difference?" Raj asked, as he took a forkful of his salad.

Sheldon shrugged, crossing his arms.

"Well…here, there is an audience. I don't like it when they see me and Amy show each other affection. That's private." He pouted.

Howard rolled his eyes at his friend, shaking his head.

"Sheldon, the woman wasn't asking you to shove the food off of the table and ravish her. She only wanted a little peck."

Sheldon had had enough of trying to justify his action to his friends. Standing up, he swiped his tray before glaring at each of his friends.

"Gentlemen." He said haughtily, storming away.

Yet on the way back to his office, he began to see the reasoning in Amy's logic. Perhaps he had overreacted when all Amy wanted was a small show of affection.

Maybe I should try to kiss her next time. A small peck is not the same as what we do on the couch every evening, after all. What could it hurt? He thought to himself.

With a small smile on his lips, Sheldon made his way back to work.

____________________________________________________________________

Sheldon came back to the couch after Amy's abrupt departure, in a bit of daze. Moments passed, before he finally came to his senses and bolted back up.

"I need to follow her." He said frantically.

Flinging open his door, he was startled to find Penny standing there in the hall between their two apartments. She looked at him oddly which put him on edge even more.

"What are you doing here?" He ask the blonde Nebraskan, his voice strained.

Penny raised a brow, shooting him an incredulous look.

"Me? I live here. The better question is, why did Amy run away like her life was in danger? She looked very angry. And hurt." Penny said with an accusatory tone.

Sheldon's eyes widened at that.

"What did you do to her?" Penny asked, pointing at him with her umbrella.

Sheldon's face fell at Penny's admonishment.

"Nothing." He sputtered defensively, yet a seed of doubt was beginning to form in his mind.

Penny rolled her eyes.

"Nothing? Well, it didn't look like nothing. It sure looked like something." Penny said dryly.

Sheldon bristled, crossing his arms.

"I might have hurt her feelings earlier." He admitted quietly, pointing out the obvious.

Penny narrowed her eyes.

"How?" She asked simply, her tone letting Sheldon know that she meant business.

Sheldon sighed, thinking back to not only the cafeteria scene, but at what the guy's had said afterwards.

"I…pulled away when she tried to kiss me in front of everyone. I think I made her feel like I was embarrassed of her." Sheldon said, the words making him realize how awful his behavior looked.

Penny pursed her lips, nodding at the same time.

"Huh. Well, now everything is crystal clear." She said matter-of-factly.

Sheldon tilted his head to gaze at her.

"Why is that crystal clear?" He asked, his typical clueless tone shining through.

Penny rolled her eyes again at her friend.

"Sheldon, you need to do something and not nothing." She said seriously, hoping he would finally get the hint.

For once, Sheldon understood Penny's verbal cues.

"Give me your umbrella! I need to find her. She rushed out of here without her jacket or an umbrella." He said, stating the obvious since Penny had seen the state Amy was in when she left.

Penny smiled at Sheldon, handing him her umbrella.

"Here, bring our girl back home." She said kindly.

Sheldon took the green umbrella from her hand, mumbling a hasty "Thanks" before running like a madman down the stairs as fast as his long legs would carry him. Hopefully he could find his Vixen and explain.

______________________________________________________________________

The rain hadn't let up as Amy wandered aimlessly, her long hair soaking and obscuring her vision. She knew if she kept going she might get chilled and possibly sick, but she had so much adrenalin that she hadn't realized how far she'd walked until she began to grow tired.

"I need a place to think." Amy mumbled to herself, and her feet knew exactly which place it would be. The small Pasadena Library was one of her favorite places and not much further from where she was. The smell of old and used books was calming and familiar.

_____________________________________________________________________

Sheldon couldn't believe how heavy the rainstorm was. Pasadena wasn't prone to such violent storms, but it only seemed fitting that it happened right now.

"Oh Amy!" He said aloud, his worry for her growing as he imagined her practically drowning in this downpour. It was all his fault and he had to find her and make things right. He had walked for what seemed like miles already, but there was still no trace of her in any of their usual hangouts. Stopping at an intersection, he looked left and right but had no idea in which direction he should go. A big gust of wind apprehended under Sheldon's umbrella and drew him in the right direction. After a few seconds of holding the umbrella in his grip he saw her.

She was a street over standing at the intersection, totally drenched and with her crossed arms over her chest. His heart sank at how miserable she looked, and his annoyance at her disregard for putting herself in harm's way melted away at the sight of her.

'I should catch her on the next traffic light. I need to go faster'. He thought and started walking at a faster pace once the light changed to red, allowing him to cross.

"Only one crosswalk left and I'm safe. I hope they have something resembling a towel for me." Amy murmured to herself.

She stopped at the traffic light and waited with some other people until the lights turned red. Some of them stared at her because of her soaking wet clothes and the sad expression of her face, and the fact she had no umbrella. Amy began to quiver as the rain suddenly slowed down, granting her a reprieve. She couldn't get any wetter, but it was something. She looked up to the sky to see that the storm was moving on, thankfully. Glancing around her at the rain drenched streets, it was no longer blinding rain she saw but a green umbrella. Amy turned around completely and looked surprised to be staring into Sheldon's ocean blue eyes.

Letting out a little gasp of shock at not only to be seeing him but that he'd found her at all, Amy tried to compose herself.

"What are you doing here?" She spat at him, no real venom in her voice but it sounded a lot like pain.

She tried to turn around but Sheldon had another idea. He grabbed her by the waist with his right hand, still holding the umbrella in the left. Sheldon moved the hand that was gripping her waist slowly up her side, to her arm, and finally to Amy's cheek. He cupped her face with his hand while his thumb caressed her cheek. Tightening his grip, he leaned in against her. Amy was as still as a statue as Sheldon gazed intensively into her eyes, ocean blue meeting jade green.

"Amy, I'm sorry. I never wanted you to be sad about a thing what we enjoy. I love kissing you. I do. I just…you know how private I've always been, especially about affection. Old habits die hard, and I guess you just surprised me today when you wanted a kiss in front of everyone. I know that you didn't do it to upset me, but because you love me." He whispered, his thumb stroking her cheekbone tenderly.

Amy looked stunned, staring at her boyfriend in wonder. His tender actions and soft voice touched her greatly.

"Shel…"Amy began, but before she could say anything his lips meet hers. Totally overwhelmed by his actions, Amy tried to move away from him but it was very difficult when he pulled her closer and moved his lips over hers sensually. It was a sweet, chaste kiss but Sheldon knew that he wanted more. Amy deserved more. And oh, it felt so wonderful kissing her out here in the crisp, damp air that he couldn't help his next actions.

'Now or never', he thought bravely, his hand moving from her cheek to clutch the back of her neck as he dragged her totally against him.

Deepening the kiss, his tongue slid over her lower lip to ask her for entrance. She allowed his tongue access and in that moment she slipped her eyes shut and melted against Sheldon's lips. It started out very slow and sweet, but as the seconds went by it heated up to an incredible battle of their tongues as they explored and tasted one another. It was a kiss unlike neither of them had ever shared; full of power, love, passion, and apology.

Breathlessly Amy and Sheldon pulled apart as he leaned his forehead against hers.

Amy giggled, the shock of their public display suddenly making her self-conscious. No one had ever kissed her like that before, especially out in the open. The fact that it was Sheldon made her heart race out of control. Calming down a little, she nuzzled her nose against Sheldon's sweetly.

"Sheldon, we are in public! I can't believe that you did that." She remarked, her voice registering her shock at his total lack of abandon.

Sheldon smiled widely, pulling away a bit so that he could look her properly in the eyes. His eyes were shining brightly with love, passion, and mischief. Amy loved it. He looked like a little boy that got caught doing something naughty.

"I know we're in public! And look, we have an audience. Some of them are shamelessly gawking at us. Isn't it wonderful?" He asked excitedly, crooking a finger in the direction of the small crowd gathered around them watching their tender moment.

Amy shyly turned around to face the people Sheldon had alluded to, offering them all a sheepish smile.

Sheldon looked away from their audience and turned his head back to his Amy, growing serious.

"I´m really sorry about today, Amy. It was not my intention to make you angry or hurt your feelings." He said sincerely.

Amy titled her head, smiling softly at the man she loved. She knew deep down that Sheldon would always be Sheldon. Shy, reserved, and hers. She truly loved him, quirks and all. And she would have patience with him, because she knew how hard he tried for her and much he'd changed for her, too.

"I´m sorry…" She began, but he hushed her with a finger to her soft lips.

"Shh, don't say sorry. It's my fault. Please forgive me. This will never happen again. I promise!" He said lovingly.

Appeased, Amy nodded silently and gazed at Sheldon's sweet face. He smiled down at her before lowering his head and giving Amy a tender kiss on her lips again. It went on and on and Amy began to feel her cheeks heating up from this new side of Sheldon.

After kissing her senseless there on the street for the whole of Pasadena to see, Sheldon pulled back and gazed into her eyes intensively. He hooked his arms around her possessively, green umbrella forgotten on the sidewalk besides them.

"Amy…if it's okay, I would like to get you home and out of these soaking wet clothes." He whispered, his voice dropping an octave.

Amy shivered at his suggestive voice, which had nothing to do with the rain and cold. She cleared her throat, meeting Sheldon's scorching gaze.

"That…that's a good idea, I'm so cold." She squeaked out, suddenly shy at the look he was giving her.

Sheldon leaned in and nuzzled her neck, his lips just inches away from her ear. Amy shivered violently as a thrill run up her spine.

"Well I have the remedy for that, little lady. You need to take a hot shower…with me." He whispered seductively, his hands reaching down to grip her waist.

"Sheldon…" Amy murmured, her hands coming to rest themselves on his strong biceps as Sheldon pulled her flush against him.

Sheldon smirked with pride and arousal then, because his favorite word in the world left Amy's lips at that moment. And it had never sounded sweeter.

"Hoo."

The End…

[justjdm]

You Scared of Me Now, Babydoll? (Part 4)

Pairing: Negan x Reader

Summary: You’re assigned to an actual job by Negan. But is it really what you want?

Word Count: 1,337

Warning(s): Language, some graphic Walker killing

A/N: I apologize for this chapter being on the shorter side! Trust me, smut is in the future! I just have to build plot and tension ;) Masterlist is here. Enjoy!

You had trouble sleeping that night. Mainly because even though Negan was a whole floor above you, you could still hear him in his bedroom with one of his other wives. You thought if they were any louder, the bed might as well fall down through the ceiling.

You found yourself wondering why you were even attracted to him. The thought of him screwing these other women disgusted you. But why was he so taken by you? Why make you a wife when you told him you weren’t going to sleep with him? Why were you so special?

All of these thoughts danced around in your head the entire night.

The next morning after tossing and turning for hours, a knock at your door made you groan.

“Rise and shine, Y/N! Time to start the day,” Dwight called.

You crawled out of bed and to your dresser, taking out the black dress you had tucked underneath your other clothes. You held it up to your body, already knowing you were going to regret this decision.

Part of you wanted to not wear it again, thinking that maybe Negan would sexily growl at you, maybe pin you up against the wall…

But then again, you had been warned enough to not get onto his bad side. Not to mention, he may not be as forgiving the second time around.

You rolled your eyes in the freedom of your privacy and changed into the dress. You were surprised to find it really did fit you perfectly. It hugged perfectly against your curves and surprisingly didn’t show too much cleavage. It was still short though. You blushed at the thought of Negan picking out a dress, just knowing it would be the right fit on you.

After getting dressed, you headed back downstairs to the parlour where most of the wives were already waiting. You found Sherry in the same corner as before and approached her. Dwight entered not long after, barking orders at the rest of the wives. He sent a handful down to kitchen duty and another to laundry. By the time he was finished, the last two people standing in the room were you and Sherry.

“Ladies,” he approached you both cautiously.

“Dwight,” Sherry responded coolly. This was the first time you had seen Dwight soften a bit and you wondered if they knew each other.

“Uh, so Negan assigned you to me today,” he looked at Sherry. “And Y/N, Negan requested your work for the day.”

You nodded looking from Sherry to Dwight. They were having some sort of moment, staring into each other’s eyes rather awkwardly.

“You sure you’re okay here, Sherry?” you asked.

She nodded.

You just shrugged, trusting her judgement and made your way back out of the parlour and out into the courtyard. The sun was shining and it was a fairly nice day compared to the rather chilly early spring weather you’d been experiencing the past few weeks. You kicked the heels you were wearing against the dirt, scuffing the tip of your shoe. Seriously, what the hell was with this uniform? So impractical.

You could feel eyes on you as men walked by, all eyeballing your figure. A few whistled and made whispering comments. You closed your eyes, wondering for the millionth time why you were doing this. You had told Negan your deal breakers, and this was definitely one of them. You tried your best to drone them out, trying to focus on the sounds of the birds chirping nearby.

“Good morning, beautiful,” a voice hummed from behind you.

“Alright, that’s fucking it,” you snapped, spinning around and being extremely close to slapping whoever was behind you.

A leathered hand caught yours.

“Shit, babydoll! Someone’s feisty this morning.”

“Negan?! Jesus, don’t sneak up on me like that,” you breathed, happy you didn’t go through with hitting him. “I thought you were another one of those catcalling pigs.”

His flirtatious smile faded, his brows quickly furrowing.

“There’s people catcalling you? Tell me who was, and I’ll fucking teach them a lesson–”

“Negan, no.” You reached out to stop him, grabbing his arm. God, he was so muscular. You had never touched him before. “I can handle myself.”

He softened a bit, letting Lucille down by his side.

“I know you can, it’s those fuckin’ animals I don’t trust.”

He paused, looking back over to you. His eyes darkened at the sight of you.

“I on the other hand, am allowed to oogle,” he smirked, leaning back. That lean backwards he always did when he was cocky was somehow extremely hot.

You sighed.

“So you wanted me to work for you today?”

He licked his lips, muttering a ‘you’re no fun, babydoll,’ before turning around and motioning you to follow.

He led you to the front gate of Sanctuary where a herd of walkers were trying to claw their way through the chainlink fence. 

“Are you trying to kick me out?” you frowned.

He managed a chuckle.

“You’re a little comedian, you know that? No. This is your job for the day. You said you wanted some real fuckin’ work, so here.”

He walked over to the side of one of the buildings and picked up a large piece of pipe. He held it out to you.

“Have at it.”

You gawked at him and then to the pipe.

“This is a blunt piece of metal, you expect me to–”

“I expect you to work hard, like you always do. This shit needs to be cleaned up. Now kill some of those fuckin’ things before they take down my fence.”

You sighed, biting back a smartass remark as you took the pipe from his hands. He stepped back and crossed his arms, watching you intently.

You shook your head. Why was he making you do this? There was nothing wrong with a little work; you had always been a hard worker. But killing walkers by yourself with a blunt lead pipe in a pair of stilettos was fucking ridiculous.

You reluctantly approached the fence, watching as the dead tried to reach out to you. You couldn’t believe those things were once human. Now they were just decaying, rotting corpses with goo for brains. You lifted the pipe above your head, driving the blunt end through the fence and into a walker’s skull. It groaned one final time before slumping to the ground.

The herd continued to moan and groan, trying their best to break down the fence.

You lunged for another one but you couldn’t get the pipe back out. It stuck through its eye socket with a sickening squash sound.

You grunted as you tried to pull the metal from its skull. The walker went limp on you. You dug your heels into the dirt and pulled as hard as you could. The pipe finally dislodged and you almost went flying back from the force. You caught yourself as your foot slipped out of your heel, your bare foot touching the dirt.

“Is this getting you off or something?” you breathed, brushing a piece of hair from your face and turning back to look at Negan.

“It sure as fuck is, darlin’. I gotta go do rounds so you keep this up. Hopefully you’ll be done by this afternoon,” he winked, heading back towards the courtyard.

“Fucking asshole,” you muttered, taking the heel out of the ground and slipping it back on.

You turned back to the walkers, killing a few more. You felt stupid killing them in such a short revealing dress. For a brief, fleeting moment, you wondered if walkers somehow had a functioning part of their brain that could care that you were this exposed.

The pipe you were using was heavy and inconveniently long, making it awkward to stab through the fence. Your hands felt calloused from the pipe’s rusting exterior and you looked down to see a patch of skin bleeding.

You muttered to yourself, wiping your brow and getting back to work.

Taglist: @haley-the-human  @certifiedtwdtrash @elinyaes @e-jupiter-s @finally-clean-in-wonderland @namelesslosers @frobert20 @miiraal @lilablauerhimmel

[hearts-in-ashes]

all the lines that make up you and me

song lyrics that reflect the unspoken words between you and me

1. When You Say Nothing At All. (Ronan Keating)

without saying a word, you can light up the dark; the smile on your face lets me know that you need me there’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me

2. At the Beginning. (Christy Altomare, Derek Klena) *

no one told me, i was going to find you unexpected, what you did to my heart; i’ll be there when the world stops turning i’ll be there when the storm is through in the end i want to be standing at the beginning with you

3. Can’t Help Falling in Love. (Haley Reinhart)

wise men says only fools rush in, would it be a sin? take my hand, take my whole life too if i can’t help falling in love with you

4. The Cure. (Lady Gaga)

may not have the fancy things but i'll give you everything you could ever want, it's in my arms; i will be right by your side i’ll fix you with my love, and if you say you're okay i'm gonna heal you anyway promise i'll always be there promise i'll be the cure

5. Rewrite the Stars. (Zac Efron, Zendaya)

all i want is to fly with you all i want is to fall with you so just give me all of you; nothing can keep us apart ‘cause you are the one i was meant to find; and why don’t me rewrite the stars change this world to be ours

6. Call It What You Want. (Taylor Swift) **

my baby's fit like a daydream walking with his head down i'm the one he's walking to; all the drama queens taking swings all the jokers dressing up as kings they fade to nothing when I look at him; and i know i make the same mistakes every time bridges burn, i never learn; starry eyes sparkin' up my darkest night i want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck not because he owns me but 'cause he really knows me

7. As Long As You’re Mine. (Wicked: Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit) *

my wildest dreamings could not foresee lying beside you, with you wanting me

8. Best Mistake. (Ariana Grande)

cause if the water dries up and the moon stops shining stars fall, and the world goes blind boy, you know i'll be saving my love for you

9. Way Back Into Love. (Hugh Grant, Haley Bennett)

i can't make it through without a way back into love and if i open my heart again i guess i'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

10. You & I. (One Direction)

we don't wanna be like them we can make it 'til the end nothing can come between you and i not even the Gods above can separate the two of us

11. Endless Love. (Lionel Richie, Diana Ross)

your eyes tell me how much you care i’ll be a fool for you, i’m sure ‘cause you mean the world to me

12. You’re The Reason. (Victoria Justice)

have i told you lately that i love you, you're the only reason that i'm not afraid to fly and it's crazy that someone could change me now no matter what it is i have to do, i'm not afraid to try and you need to know that you're the reason why

13. Half a Heart. (One Direction)

i’ve been sleeping in your shirt because i can’t stop missing you; and being here without you is like waking up to only half a blue sky kinda there but not quite walking around with just one shoe i'm half a heart without you

14. Hello. (Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff) *

i've been alone with you inside my mind and in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times; sometimes i feel my heart will overflow

15. Perfect. (Ed Sheeran)

we are still kids, but we're so in love fighting against all odds; darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own and in your eyes you're holding mine; dancing in the dark, with you between my arms barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song; and maybe i don’t deserve you, because you’re too perfect for me

16. I’d Rather. (Luther Vandross) **

i'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else i'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself i'd rather have hard times together than to have it easy apart i'd rather have the one who holds my heart

17. Infinity. (One Direction)

how many nights does it take to count the stars? that's the time it would take to fix my heart

18. When We Were Young. (Adele)

'cause you feel like home you're like a dream come true

19. Home. (Reese Lansangan)

my bones are safe and my heart can rest knowing it belongs to you

20. It Will Rain. (Bruno Mars)

there'll be no sunlight if i lose you, baby there'll be no clear skies if I lose you, baby just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same, if you walk away, everyday it will rain

21. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now. (Starship) **

i'm so glad i found you, i'm not gonna lose you whatever it takes, i will stay here with you take you to the good times, see you through the bad times whatever it takes is what i'm gonna do; and we can build this dream together standing strong forever nothing's gonna stop us now and if this world runs out of lovers we'll still have each other

22. Valentine. (Jim Brickman, Martina McBride) **

even if the sun refused to shine even if romance ran out of rhyme you would still have my heart until the end of time you're all I need, my love, my valentine

23. If You’re Not the One. (Daniel Bedingfield) **

i never know what the future brings, but i know you are here with me now, we'll make it through, and i hope you are the one i share my life with

24. Sparks Fly. (Taylor Swift)

drop everything now meet me in the pouring rain kiss me on the sidewalk take away the pain 'cause i see sparks fly whenever you smile

25. Di Makatulog. (Sud)

ang panalangin ko ako sana ang iniisip mo bago pumikit ang iyong mata

* listen to this exact version, I like it and I really want you to hear it

** makes me cry every time I think of you while listening to it

[tsgmobilebayalabama]

SCOUTED CALENDAR APRIL

As the first full month of Spring, April always seems to bring new energy and excitement as the landscape transforms around us and our attention shifts outdoors. Accordingly, there is plenty to do throughout our community and Scouted Businesses during the month. From a music and art festival in downtown Mobile to a fundraiser farmer’s market brunch locally sourced from Baldwin County growers and producers. Here’s what we’re looking forward to in April.

SALES

HALEY DERMATOLOGY APRIL SPECIALS                                                                                                     

All Filler 20% off  -This special includes ALL of your favorites: Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, Belotero, Bellafill and more! .Learn More.

Halo with BBL FREE! Boost your Halo results with a BBL!

Revision Skincare 15% off - Save onyour favorites: Nectifirm, Intellishade, Brightening Wash and more!

April 4th - Wrinkle Free Wednesday Save $50 on 50+ units of Dysport!

EVENTS

GRAND EASTER BUFFET

April 1st | 10:30am-2:00pm | The Grand Hotel | Celebrate Easter with a delicious buffet in the Grand Ballroom. Reservations are required. Learn More.

YOGA FOR BEGINNERS

April 3rd | Soul Shine Yoga | This series takes place one evening a week for three weeks and is designed for beginners. In this series learn and explore the principles of alignment for the most common poses in Vinyasa & Hatha Yoga classes, as well as basic breathing and meditation. If you're brand new to yoga or if you need a refresher for your current practice then this series is also for you! Classes are unheated and will meet on 3 consecutive weeks. Learn More.

FAIRHOPE FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK 

April 6th | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Downtown Fairhope | Visit local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community.

SHOULDER STABILITY | INTEGRATION + SLOW FLOW

April 8th | Soul Shine Yoga | Poor postural habits in everyday life can result in neck, shoulder and back pain. Unfortunately, we bring these habits into our yoga class.We'll explore shoulder integration, mobility and stability techniques, exercises to strengthen and align the wrists, and poses to release tension in your neck and shoulders. Leave with tools and tips to improve postural alignment. Knowing and understanding your shoulders will help you flow and move with ease in yoga and everyday life.  Learn More.

PRENATAL YOGA + 4 WEEK SERIES

April 8th-15th | 5:15pm | Soul Shine Yoga | Prenatal yoga gives a woman energy to enjoy her pregnancy, serenity to build a deeper intimacy with her own body and baby, and the presence of mind to expect the unexpected and be present. Learn More.

REDFISH & SPECKLED TROUT FISHING SEMINAR 

April 12th | 5:00pm-6:00pm | McCoy Outdoor Company | Capt. Bobby Abruscato of A-Team Fishing Adventures will lead the seminar that will focus on tackle and tactics for Springtime Redfish and Speckled trout. Learn More.

LIVE MUSIC: DISCIPLES OF THE CROW

April 13th | 6:00pm-10:00pm | BLUEGILL RESTAURANT | Bring the entire family. Live music, Food, Drinks, Dancing…whatever you like this is the place to be. Learn More.

SOUTHSOUNDS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

April 13th-15th | 6:00pm | Downtown Mobile | Founded in 2011, SouthSounds Music & Arts Festival is the first festival in the country dedicated to showcasing the best emerging and independent Southern music and art. SouthSounds is held in various music venues and on outdoor public stages throughout Downtown. Learn More.

LODA ARTWALK 

April 13th | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Lower Dauphin Street | LoDa ArtWalk takes place every second Friday of the month in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District. On this evening, local art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops open their doors for the public to come inside to view beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods, and hear the music of Mobile. This free family-friendly event is a staple of Mobile’s arts and culture. 

TITANIC IN THE PARK

April 13th | 7:30pm-11:00pm | Mardi Gras Park | A seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S Titanic. Bring a lawn chair/blanket and view James Cameron's Titanic (1997) in Mardi Gras Park. 

A DAY FOR SCIENCE

April 14th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Bienville Square |  This free, family-friendly event is an open-air science fair for all ages that celebrates the importance of science to our community. It will start with a science fair, a sign-making contest, keynote speaker, and finish up with a science parade. Learn More.

LOCAL GOODNESS

April 15th | 4:00-7:00pm| USA Health Strada Patient Care Center | USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will host the fifth annual Local Goodness, a unique farm-to-table experience, on Sunday, April 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the USA Health Strada Patient Care Center. At this casual seated dinner and silent auction, guests will dine on local meats, seafood and produce as they enjoy live entertainment. Learn More.

A TASTE OF ROTARY

April 17th | 6:00pm-9:30pm | Fairhope Civic Center | Local Restaurants and Guest Chefs will be serving their specialties. This event is the primary fundraiser for the club and 100% of the monies raised by the event are returned to the community.  The primary beneficiaries last year continue to be the Fairhope/Point Clear Rotary Youth Club (formerly known as the Fairhope Boys and Girls Club) and the Salvation Army.  Additionally, the Point Clear Rotary club provides educational scholarships for local students and grants for a variety of local charities and support services in the Baldwin County area. Learn More.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

April 19th | 6:30pm | Fort Whiting | Little Black Dress is the premier fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile, which provides a supportive home environment offering care, compassion and hope to families with seriously ill and injured children being treated at Mobile area hospitals. Learn More.

CIRQUE ITALIA

April 19th-22nd | 7:30pm | The Grounds | The first traveling Water Circus. This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent - the result is simply out of this world! Learn More.

GRAND BEVERAGE ACADEMY: INTRO TO GIN

April 20th | 5:30pm-6:30pm | Grand Hotel | Participants  will learn about the history of gin as well as how to make French 75 and a Bramble. Learn More.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN W/ RYAN DRYER

April 20th | 7:00pm |  The Steeple on St. Francis | Part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series downtown Mobile at the Steeple on St Francis. Learn More.

BAREFOOT BALL

April 20th | 7:00-10:00pm | Cathedral Square | Dress to be photographed, but come ready to kick off your shoes and dance to the beats of DJ Braxton Clarke! Sip a complimentary signature cocktail (cash bar also available), graze the grilled cheese bar, and enjoy curated activities which include personalized haiku, corn hole, henna tattoos and a photo booth. Score a VIP ticket for bottomless champagne, caricature artist, and charcuterie! Best part? This party is for a good cause! Proceeds from the Barefoot Ball go directly to Urban Emporium, Mobile's only non-profit retail incubator that houses and trains entrepreneurs to become successful retailers. Learn More.

GRAND CULINARY ACADEMY: SAUTE

April 21st | 10:00am-11:30am | Grand Hotel | A culinary class featuring the art of sautéing. Participants will make seared scallops, warm carrot puree and caramelized fennel, sautéed chicken liver with wild mushrooms, balsamic vinaigrette and baby spinach, and class shrimp scampi. Learn More.

BALD EAGLE BASH

April 21st | 4:00pm-7:00pm | Weeks Bay Tonsmeire Resource Center | A “Party for Preservation” featuring over a dozen local restaurants, music by Johnny Hayes and the Loveseats, beer, wine and a fabulous sunset. Proceeds go to support the Weeks Bay Foundation’s mission of protecting important coastal habitat and educating the community about the importance of these resources. Learn More.

GREAT DRIFT

April 21st | 1:00pm-3:00pm | McNally Park | Be a part of the fun, FREE drift along a quiet portion of the Dog River Scenic Blueway inside the southern most section of the vast urban watershed. Required launch/safety meeting at 1pm, launch to follow. Return to Perch Creek inside McNally Park located at 4380 Park Road off Dauphin Island Parkway near the tip of Mobile's Peninsula. Learn More.

NATURALLY INSPIRED

April 21st | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Marnée’s Studio | This Earth Day event is FREE to attend and will feature nature-themed work by talented artists in the Mobile Bay area. A portion of art sales will benefit Mobile Baykeeper who serves as an environmental watchdog for Mobile bay and coastal Alabama to ensure clean water, air, and healthy communities. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, live painting, and book sales by local, award-winning authors. Learn More.

EXPLORING THE PSOAS WITH SYBIL

April 21st | 2:00pm-4:30pm | Soul Shine Yoga | Sybil will magically weave empirical and esoteric wisdom on the inherently "tight" hips of today and how we can release ourselves from discomfort. + Movement subtle and deeply therapeutic + Breath tools that are easy to follow + Spiritual philosophy and discussion + Guided meditation with process work of releasing stress tension and fear will all support and nourish healing. Learn More.

FELIX’S FISH CAMP PRESENTS SUGARCANE JANE

April 21st | Felix’s Fish Camp | Sugarcane Jane, the Alabama Gulf Coast-based husband and wife duo has amassed an extremely loyal following. Anthony and Savana Lee Crawford purvey what they proudly call “Organic Music at its Finest.” Rich, homegrown, and natural, their brand of Americana draws from a deep well of roots influences, interwoven with inflections of gospel, country, jazz, and rock. Learn More.

EATYALL PRESENTS: CONNECT DINNER W/ CHEF CHRIS RAINOSEK & CHEF SUSAN SPICER. 

April 24th | Downtown Mobile  | An evening featuring Mobile Chef Chris Rainosek of Noble South and New Orleans Chef Susan Spicer, as they work with local farmers to bring you the tastiest and most beautiful food the South has to offer.The evening will consist of a 5-course dinner served with wine pairings.TICKETS ARE $169 EACH. Included in your ticket: 5-course dinner, drinks, gratuity, tax and a generous donation to Feeding the Gulf Coast. Learn More.

EASTERN SHORE BUSINESS EXPO

April 24th | 12:00pm-5:00pm | Fairhope Civic Center | The Eastern Shore Business Expo is Baldwin County’s premier business event showcasing regional companies. This event offers the business community- from small business entrepreneurs to executives, an opportunity to network with local professionals, engage with exhibitors, and discover resources for business growth. The goal for this expo is to bring together business owners (large and small) to network and build new business relationships, as well as reach the Baldwin County market. It's an excellent opportunity to form strategic alliances to grow your business. Learn More. 

INFIRMARY DUATHLON

April 28th | 8:00am-11:00am | Mobile Infirmary | This running and cycling combination race consists of a two-mile run, 10-mile bike ride and a two-mile run through the streets of midtown Mobile. The event will also include a post-party featuring a variety of local food truck vendors for athletes and spectators to enjoy. Learn More.

HOPE GROWS HERE

April 29th | 12:30pm-4:00pm | USA MCI Kilborn Clinic | A farmer’s market brunch locally sourced from Baldwin County growers and producers. Tickets are $125 each. All proceeds will benefit the USA MCI Kilborn Clinic in Fairhope.  Learn More.

                             TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!