#happy birthday Jon I hope it's a good one for ya!

[korn-maze]

Happy Birthday JD!

[huntingingoodwill]

happy birthday !!!! idk if im early or late or on time so i hope you have a really good bday! treat yourself, because you deserve it! 🖤🖤 will you accept my jonathan crane and robert fischer headcanons as a bday present? 😢 (me asking this like i just got on my knee and asked for your hand)

dear jonny loves when he's the center of his darling's attention. i feel like if his darling upsets him or he's mad at her, she'd desperately do anything to make it up to him. she'd be groveling the whole time and feeling upset, and this little man...he'd be milking it the whole time. ya, he'd sit there pouting and being grumpy and looking away while darling continues to cover his face and his neck in kisses, but secretly he's literally dying. inside he's all like 🤯😝🤪😍😘😏🔥 if that makes sense. he'd give her the silent treatment and she'd just be so upset and eager to please him. he'd come home from work, and she'd immediately throw herself at him, hugging and kissing him, telling him she's so sorry. and silly little jon is just indifferent to it, even though he is literally EATING it up.

as for robert, i don't know why but i feel like him and his fiance would have like a private bachelor/bachelorette party with just the two of them. and this party, robert really lets loose because it's his girl, what is he if he's not open with her? he'd REALLYYYY go wild. he's be singing ABBA at the top of his lungs, dancing on tables, and even stripping (stripper robert in a firefighter costume is literally killing me right now im so sorry 😭) future mrs. fischer would just laugh hysterically and even throw her bra at him like people do at concerts. it definitely is one of the best nights of her life because shes never seen robbie act this way and frankly, she's fallen even more in love with him!

thats all i have for today </3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN !!! i love birthdays, im so excited for yours! i hope you eat lots of cake and do everything your heart desires <3 much love !!!

-🦇

send me hcs :)))

rpat anon mon frère i love you!!!

thanks so much for the wishes and the hc 💕 ily and of course i’ll accept 🤧 i love your hcs please keep sendin them in. you always make my day :,)

jonathan being toxic + emotionally manipulative and robert being cute below the cut

absolutely. i mentioned something similar in a yan alphabet response (tumblr and its tags refuse to work, perhaps it’s lost to the world now. i mourn it.) jon's used to secretly pining and having his world revolve around darling so any reciprocation makes him want to scream. so he takes advantage, because he’s... well... a bad person! jon's really stubborn. he already puts on a fairly cold front but when he’s mad it’s brutal. silent treatment, a lot of brushing by darling or just watching them across the room, then looking away when they look back at him. he's mastered the icy, condescending look and it's an immediate indicator that something's wrong, and it makes darling's heart sink. he knows how to amp up the hurt and push the blame fully onto darling and make them feel sooo guilty. they'd try so hard to get back into his good books. puppy dog eyes, pouting, extra affection (tons of kisses, hugs, darling suddenly becomes extra clingy. very much tugging on his sleeve.), bringing him lunch- it makes him melt. he wants so badly to fall at their feet like YES IT'S OKAY I LOVE YOU 😭 but he makes them wait. it’s torturous. they'll hug him, burying their head in his chest, mumbling "i'msorryi'msorryi'msorry", clutching onto his sweater. nothing. for days. he may even slowly remove their arms from around his waist and leave. but one day he’ll very slowly hug them back. as a gift. darling's so relieved as he's finally not mad at them, and jon's even more relieved because though he loves the attention, he's been aching to reciprocate it. he's probably the type to lecture them after- "it's all for your own good" (condescending, as always). he explains while holding them, wiping away their tears. he's suddenly so gentle, so comforting, so kind. manipulative.

s t o p. that's so cute. i've always thought about what rob would be like at parties (i had an imagine planned where he's at a house party but i put it on hold. idk if anyone would want that?? lmao lmk ig) he's a little shy and acts serious (busy businessman things) - but i think he's got a bit of a silly sense of humour and can cut loose in the right setting- if his s.o. works with him they'd cajole him into going to the office christmas party and he'd just stand there like 🙃 with a little party hat on his head. downer. but in private!! him drunk with a wide smile and flushed pink cheeks. he'd totally wear his tie around his head as a headband, shirt unbuttoned. drunk businessman chic!!! he's my lil rockstar actually, and he'd do a disco medley for his number one fan. his voice cracking as he tries to reach the high notes in the bee gees songs>>> so many slurred lyrics, clumsy saturday night fever inspired dancing, and "you're so pretty." "no, you're pretty!" flying around all night. they'd rent a karaoke room, one of those bougie private ones with drinks, snacks, fancy mics and cool party lighting. and a great view of the city. stumbling home with each other, arms around each other's shoulders, singing and dancing in the street. couple of the century.

thank you so much rpat anon!! ily ily

[mmazzeroo]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, @helloimnotawesome !!!

What do you do when your usual beta (yes, that's what I'm gonna call you) is celebrating her birthday? You of course write her a completely un-beta'ed story :D

This is a a birthday gift to my dear latino sis, Val. Lova ya, sis, to the moon and back!!! (is that too short? I'm not good with distance) I'm so lucky and blessed to have you in my life.

So..this was meant to be a one-shot, but since you know I haven't been at my best lately (for a while actually) I received firm instructions to not stress or overwhelm myself. Being me I always listen to instructions *cough cough* - ok so well, I did in this case. So sis, you're getting one part of your gift today and 2nd (and last) part by the end of the week? Fingers crossed.

Hope you enjoy! Sorry for being so late to the game <3 ---

Safest Place To Hide

"Can I hide under your jacket?"

Jon's hand paused just as the edge of the glass broached his lips. Sighing, he reluctantly placed the glass back down on the bar counter. He was about to give the woman a piece of his mind when a look at her amethyst eyes told him that this was not a failed attempt to make a pass at him; the fear he saw there was all too real as was the worry coating her voice. Without further hesitation Jon unbuttoned the tux jacket and invited her in.

She rushed in and wrapped her arms tight around his waist. Pressing her forehead against his chest she took a deep breath in what, to Jon, sounded and felt like a sigh of relief.

"I'm Daenerys," she whispered in a hurry.

Her hot shaky breathes seethed through the shirt leaving small burns on Jon’s skin.

Over the top of her head Jon noticed a tall man approach with a nonchalant smile plastered on his face. No doubt this man being the reason for the petite woman's nervousness. Jon could feel her shiver as she continued clinging to him.

Giving her a soft squeeze, Jon placed an index finger under her chin and gently lifted her face. Beautiful amethyst eyes brimming with unshed tears looked back at him. Jon answered with a reassuring smile and an unspoken promise. Placing a tender kiss on her forehead he said, "you're burning up, honey. We should get you home."

Startling Daenerys, the man behind her now cleared his throat.

Instantly Jon felt her tense up in his arms and her erratic, shallow breathing only confirmed his suspicions. The dark-haired man stared daggers at Jon but he paid him no mind; his focus was on the woman currently wrapped in his arms, and who was desperately clenching the back of his shirt in her tight little fists. Daenerys was now trembling. Knowing he had to get her away, Jon quickly removed his tux jacket and draped it around Daenerys' small shoulders.

Before Jon could move to guide her out of the ballroom, the man once again cleared his throat. His eyes small slivers of tightly controlled impatience and entitlement.

"Yes?"

"Daario Naharis," the dark-haired man smiled confidently and extended a hand towards Jon.

"Do we know each other?"

"We will; I have a propo—"

"—with all due respect, mr. Naharis, I was just about to take Dany here home." Jon wrapped a protective arm around Daenerys' shoulders. "She's not feeling well you see and we don't want other guests catching the bug. Enjoy your evening, sir."

With a curt nod in Daario's direction, Jon proceeded to escort Daenerys out of the ballroom.

Read the rest on AO3

[bards-witcher]

Today has shat on me so bad that I've been near tears about five times and it's only 1:30 pm can I please have a short little fluff thing with Ohm? I don't care if it's shippy, I just need something. It's okay if you're too busy for this, I understand ❤

I’m so sorry to hear that :’( If you ever want to talk you’re always free to message me and I hope your day starts getting to be better and I hope my fic helps :)

[Luke POV]

The sound of the front door

clicking shut brought them both to attention, both racing the other off of the

couch to greet Ohm who had just gotten back from his weekend away. Normally he

didn’t act out on his desperate need for Ohms’ attention but given that it was said

man’s birthday tomorrow he figured that he could indulge himself a little, and

clearly Jon agreed with him.

They both gave the shorter man

a tight hug, laughing when Ohm would try to bat them away when it got a little

too tight, Jon ignoring Ohms’ efforts entirely and lifting him up and over his

shoulder to carry him into the living room.

Ohm was more or less thrown

onto the couch causing another laugh from the youngest of the three at Ohms’

look and shriek of indignation, which was short lived when Ohm wrapped an arm

around his neck and started rubbing his hair, he couldn’t hold back his own laugh

even if he wanted too.

“Oh, you think it’s funny

Toonzy? Didn’t see you bothering to help”

Before he could so much as

blink Ohm was off of Jon and had rushed over to him before putting him into a

headlock, it was endearing at first and he was willing to indulge the smaller

man for a moment, but when he showed no signs of stopping he was quick to

escape the grasp around him, picking up Ohm once again and chucking him onto

the couch.

“You keep your ass there okay?

I see you out that seat and there ain’t nobody that can save you”

All Ohm did was put his hands

behind his head as he laid back against the couch, giving a nod of approval he

motioned to Jon to follow, casting one final look to a now smirking Ohm as they

made their way to the kitchen.

Jon wasted no time in getting

out the cake that they had spent the day making, four tiers of chocolatey

goodness that gave him toothache to even think about but he’s sure his friends

would happily consume.

He left Jon to light the

candles whilst he brought out their joint present, nothing big, more of a joke

really but he hopes to catch Ohm in it at least once before it’s relegated to

the bottom of the mans’ cupboard.

He helped Jon light up the last

few candles before the younger man carefully picked up the cake and made his

slow advance towards the living room. He quickly made his way in front of Jon,

dropping the present just by the door to peek into the room to see Ohm fiddling

around with the Tv.

“What the hell did I say about

staying on that couch”

The way Ohm jumped in place

was almost comical and he was lucky not to hit his head on the Tv when turning

to face him, dropping the remote by the Tv as he quickly scurried back onto the

couch, mumbled apologies leaving his lips.

“That’s what I though Bitch”

“You’re so mean Toonzy, you

and Del” His heart could melt at the pout Ohm threw his way, he’s not going to

deny that the younger man had both him and Del wrapped around his pinky finger,

not that they’d tell him that of course.

“Get your ass out the way” He

jumped a little at the voice right behind him, earning a small giggle from both

Jon and Ohm before moving out of the way, letting the man make his way into the

room to the beginning tunes of happy birthday.

He was quick to join in,

enjoying the sparkle in Ohms eyes as he realised what his friends had done for

him. After the smaller man had blown out the candles he’d barely let Jon put

the cake down before wrapping him into a hug and dragging him onto the couch

with him. It quickly turned ugly, Ohm not above tickling the younger man to

keep him close, leaving said man helpless but to cry for help.

It was nice to watch someone

else be on the receiving end of Ohms’ antics for once and he was happy to let

Jons’ cries fall on deaf ears until his foot almost smashed the cake into the

table and he’d be damned if he let the cake they had made go to waste.

He grabbed the present that

was still by the door before making his way to the couch “Alright break it up

the both of ya, or neither of you are gettin’ cake” Ohm was quick throw his

pout at them again.

“But it’s my birthday Toonzy,

you literally can’t say no to me” He rolled his eyes at that statement which only

earned a giggle from Ohm.

“You’re birthday ain’t till

tomorrow bitch, until then we do as I say”

“Fuck that, I made that cake

as well, I damn well get to eat it when I want” He turned to cast a

disapproving look at Jon.

“Wanna try me bitch” Him and

Jon stared at each other, waiting for the other to make a move, until

eventually Jon relented, looking away.

“I hate you”

“Love ya too”

“Just give Ohm his present so

we can eat the damn thing, I swear it’s callin’ to me man” he rolled his eyes

He slapped Jon upside the head,

“C’mon man, don’t tell me you

“I swear to God you’re both as

They watched as Ohm measured

Not too long later Ohm came

“This is awesome guys,

“Don’t say that yet, wait till

Ohm gave both of them an extra

Despite all his complaining

They sat there for the rest of

Dropping him off in bed, he

[jbuffyangel]

The Weekly Rundown (10/07/18-10/13/18)

Sorry so late! I’m getting caught up on articles. Almost there :) Time to rundown what I’m watching, loving, hating and everything in between! Spoilers ahead!

God Friended Me (”The Good Samaritan”)

Confession time: I didn’t pay very close attention to this week’s episode, but Miles and Cara continue to be adorable. Pretty sure I ship it.

Manifest (”Turbulence”)

I’m not really feeling the chemistry between Josh Dallas and Athena Karkanis. However, the chemistry between  Melissa Roxburgh and JR Ramirez is smoldering.

Josh Dallas is my blue eye baby who makes me feel all the things. He conveyed so many emotions without saying a word in the scene where Ben and Grace discussed the man in her life. WOW!    

I want to believe Grace is in love with Ben and not Danny (because it's Josh Dallas and that's all the reason she needs), but I'm not buying it... yet

The whole twins being different ages is a never ending mind bender.

Seriously though what did Ben do for a living?

The Gifted (“coMplications”)

All I want is for Marcos to hold Dawn forever and snuggle with Lorna. Why can’t I have the things that I want?

But seriously though these Marcos and baby scenes are killing me.

Marcos fighting the Frost sister’s mind control was amazing. He was ready to tear everything apart to get his Lorna and his baby. SO HOT.

Andy, buddy what are you doing? Sure, they gave you a better hair cut and cool clothes, but Reeva is crazy. Tell me you know that boy!

I’m having trouble understanding why Reed didn’t want to tell his wife and daughter his powers were coming back. He has two mutant children! They tried to equate Lauren’s fear of “coming out” to Reed’s but it’s just not the same. He was her parent and he hunted mutants. She legitimately feared her father’s rejection. Reed isn’t in the same situation at all and I see no reason to for him to be lying to everyone for months.

Kate hugs Reed once he tells her the truth, which is nice, but were we really expecting her to reject him? Did the writers forget they have two mutant children?

The Gifted blew past all the build up to Clarice and John’s relationship and now they’ve sewn the seeds for the break up - in the third episode. This whole “Clarice is a spy for the Erg and lies to John about it” storyline is only going one place. John is doing his fair share of lying and pushing Clarice away. Needless to say I am unhappy with how this relationship is being handled.

F.B.I. (“Green Birds” and  “Prey”)

Finally got caught up on F.B.I. I thought “Prey” was a much stronger episode than “Green Birds.” 

I am so glad they cast Sela Ward! I love her. Her character is much more likable as Maggie and Omar’s boss.

I’m here for Omar doing hot things because Omar is hot. I feel warm every time he talks about his military experience. 

Still a little iffy about this show, but I’ll stick with it for now.

This Is Us (Katie Girls)

The depth of my hate for Jack's father knows no bounds.

"Or you can stay and I'll kill him." Honestly, I was okay with that option too Jack.

Randall is a mess watching his brother's movie and I stan this bromance so hard.

I am really freaking glad Randall is taking Kate on because I AM SO MAD AT HER.

Well that conversation swerved quickly. Stay on point Randall.

Okay well now we're off on a whole other thing and Kate is crying. Good grief children.

Not sure how Randall & Kate's discussion became a fight about adoption. The point was to discuss Kate's insensitivity regarding her remark about being the only person able to pass on Jack's genes. How did she turn it into Randall's insensitivity about her miscarriage?

Beth, Miguel and Toby having a group text to discuss their messed up in laws is AMAZING.

Randall is terrible at apologizing but also WHY IS HE APOLOGIZING?

I'm trying to hang with my girl Kate here. I've had a miscarriage and it's devastating, but your personal pain is not an excuse to be hurtful to others. Understanding where Randall was coming from was not a long bridge to cross.

I am so relating to Kevin putting the pieces together regarding Jack's service.

Beth got fired? NOOOOOO. My Beth!  

Toby's reaction to Randall showing up was gold.

KATE AND JACK ARE DREAM SEQUENCING AND I AM NOT OKAY. Btw Jack could you advise Kate to stop being such a jackass to Randall? Thanks bro.

Awkward Rebecca and Jack is the worst. You are soul mates kids. Get it together.  

Jack wants to marry you Rebecca and have lots and lots of babies. You are his dream.

I hope Randall and Beth have 9 months of savings. Suze Orman says you need 9 months of savings.

Marriage is never 50/50. But I think Beth and Randall have been going 90/10 for awhile and it's time for that ratio to shift.

I love how the writers find commonality in their characters in ways you never thought of before. Randall and Toby sharing their struggles with depression and anxiety was such a beautiful way to bond these characters

Kate wanted to marry Mark Paul Gosselar. Same girl.

"You came across the country to say you are sorry. That's the most Dad move ever." HELLO KATE. NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN. You could have added that he didn't need to apologize and you are the one who is sorry but I don't want to editorialize too much. Carry on.)

Rebecca pulled a Jack Pearson on Jack Pearson. EPIC.

Marry you the man who does dishes. 

A Million Little Things (”Save The Date”)

HOLY. FREAKING. CRAP. THEY. ALL. FOUND. OUT. That was fast y’all! Wow!

If we’re blowing past the big affair secret does that mean we’ll find out the reason John killed himself? It’s an annoying mystery. Cough up the answers, show.

All the awards to Grace Park. She’s been sadly under utilized on this show until now and boy did she come out swinging. The scenes where she confronts Eddie and Delilah were amazing. 

I cheered when Grace slapped Eddie. I have no sympathy for him. He’s cheating because his wife is gone at work all the time? It’s called a mortgage jackass. Guitar lessons aren’t going to get it done. 

It irritates me when people act like they have no choice in who they sleep with. Eddie is walking around like falling in love with Delilah was an accident. Listen pal you are a grown ass man. You made choices. Own it. Cheating is such a mean thing to do.  Nobody is forcing anyone to stay in these marriages. Get a divorce before you go hopping into bed with someone else.

I’m only slightly less angry with Delilah but that’s only because her husband jumped off a building. Her scene where she screams to friends to ask if she was the reason John killed himself was gutting. Guit is a bitch.

By the way, even if Jon made his peace with the affair it doesn’t make the affair okay. Also, nobody asked for Katherine’s opinon. Pretty sure she’d tell everyone where to stick if if they’d did though.

I feel like Gary is representing the audience in this episode, i.e. me. I don’t think the writers needed to muddy the water with Gary’s issues with marriage, his parents divorce and his birthday. I understand Jon and Delilah were his shining example of marriage bliss, but we didn’t need to make this about his childhood trauma. His anger was warranted by itself. Delilah and Eddie did an awful thing.

We need to move it along with Maggie’s storyline. She’s the friends-with-benefit-rando-friend-everyone-just-met-but-pretend-like-they’ve-known-her-since-always. Her impermanence in all of these people’s lives makes the level she’s included in things... odd. Let’s get the cancer out in the open and solidify her relationships - particularly with Gary. 

Blindspot (“Hella Duplicitous”)

Jane's hair is long. That's how ya know she's evil again

Seriously how do they not know Remi is back? She's so cranky. Jane is much more cheerful. Also, I feel like her voice is three octaves lower.

Remi can fight with samurai swords. Who knew? A list of all of her skills would be great.

Do I call her Remi or Jane y'all? I'm going with Remi for now.

Remi's impression of Jane being worried about Kurt was pretty spot on. Well played evil one.

Anyone else enjoying Remi looking all murdery every time anyone mentions Roman is dead? Same girl. Except I'm sad Luke Mitchell isn't on the show anymore not murdery because that'd be weird.

Jane's dying except she's Remi so like that's a double dose of suck.

Oh score. Cure. This is like Elena being vampire. They'll fix it. I ain't worried. Imma gonna get Jeller babies. Or should I say PLEEEEEEEEEASE give me Jeller babies.

OH MY GOD SHE'S HALLUCINATING ROMAN. Luke Mitchell IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so here for Roman being the crazy voice in Jane/Remi's head.

Sorry Remi. Your super evil terrorist group is canceled. Sorry not sorry girl. Watch Season 1-Season 3 and catch up girl.

Two Sandstorm operatives is more like a club than a terrorist group, but okay Remi. Gotta start somewhere I guess.

It's weird that the cure is re-erasing Remi's memories but also let's re-erase Remi's memories. I ain't a fan.

Damn. Blake is dead? That... was unexpected. Okay so now I'm imagining that Blake and Roman are happy in heaven together. Leave me to my dream.

Kurt is scared... I love you my cupcake.

Wiping her memory and meeting Kurt Weller was the best thing that ever happened to Remi because she's not nice and Jane is awesome. Kudos to Blindspot for reinforcing their central love story while also wreaking absolute havoc on it.

Is Zapata evil now? Is everybody evil now?

Weitz is director. Ugh.

"You can't keep watching me all the time." Girl, he does that when you are totally healthy. Kurt Weller giving Jane fuzzy bunny stares is the show. Seriously, someone show Remi S1-S3.

Haha. She squeezed Kurt too hard to hurt him. What a bitch. Also awesome.

Zapata's smile when she sees Reade on TV. Girl go home.

Rich and Patterson are gonna cure Jane using Santa magic and it's gonna be friggin awesome.

Reciting the wedding video is creepy Remi.

Noooo.... don't break out Mama Shepherd. She be crazier than you Remi and at this point that's saying A LOT. 

[imaginexwwe]

Old Friend 2|? (DEAN AMBROSE)

(ANON) Reader has know Dean since his Moxley days and had since lost touch. But after a random run in, would be still remember the drunken promise they once made? (A) NGST

•

Warning: NONE

•

Writer's Notes: PART 2: Y/N's still trying to face the facts that the man she's sorta been holding out hope for is married, while Renee is growing more and more curious about her husband's 'OLD FRIEND' (C) URIOSITY (A) NGST

AGAIN, REAL NAMES WILL BE USED

•

Married, I repeated silently in my mind once again as I slowly came to a stop at the red light.

Jonathan Good, married.

My Jonathan Good, married.

Could that explain the lack of contact?

Well the loss of contact, considering it's basically been at a negative zero for the past few years.

A loud couple of car horns and a few angry yells from drivers behind me, was all it took to get me out of my head as I glanced up seeing the red light had turned green.

I'm actually happy that he found someone, one of us needed to eventually.

I just hope he's happy, I thought as I began driving the rest of the short distance to my house.

•

"This was an interesting morning, huh Jon..?" Renee asked as she crawled into bed next to her quiet husband. "I met a new friend who happened to be your old friend." She added with an somewhat awkward laugh.

•

Jon nodded, replying with an more forced than awkward laugh of his own. "Yep, interesting." He said finally speaking up with words, and not just head gestures.

No, he wasn't upset or mad over his short run in with Y/N.

It was actually nice getting to see her familiar face again.

He just hated how it went, or well the circumstances it was under.

Especially after that old, old promise he had brought up so long ago.

"If we're not married by the time we're thirty, let's marry eachother..." He silently recalled the promise to himself as he laid in bed on his back starring up at the ceiling.

Did she still remember that?

Was she even single, still?

While his eyes crept down to her fingers, yes, seconds into sitting down in front of a woman he hasn't seen in years, the first thing his eyes roamed was her fingers, he didn't notice a ring.

But that didn't mean she couldn't have been in a relationship, though.

Jon was aware that her birthday was sometime last month, on the twenty second, if he's not mistaking.

Meaning she was indeed thirty.

It just was no way she was the one that ended up with the short end of the stick, I guess you could say.

Y/N was a beautiful woman, has been since the day he met her years ago, and if he was able to find love and someone who was up for marrying him...

Jonathan shook his head.

He just couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Y/N wasn't as lucky.

It just seemed hard to believe.

•

"Jon, are you talking to yourself?" Renee asked with another laugh, as her eyebrows furrowing after noticing her husband shake his head.

"Uh, no." Jon answered quickly before adding, "Just thinking about something, ya know."

No I don't know, Renee wanted to say, and always about to before Jon spoke up again, this time giving her a quick "goodnight," and rolling over on his side with his back to her.

"Yeah," She mumbled, thinking how strange and how out of the ordinary that was for Jon.

They hardly ever slept with their backs to eachother, unless they were mad at eachother at the time, and she knew Jon wasn't always much of a cuddler but he still would pull her close cause he knew how much more relaxing it was for her to be in his arms even when sleeping.

And what was on his mind so much that he seemed to be having a mental conversation with himself?

Was it about the woman she'd befriended this morning at the coffee shop?

The woman, her husband couldn't seem to make eye contact with for more than a few seconds?

Not that Renee was complaining.

I don't know, she thought suddenly as a yawn escaped her lips.

Maybe I'm just reading to much into this.

But then again, it did seem like they had a history that was more complicated than any of a simple friendship, Renee's mind continued to wonder before sleep took over.

•

"... Joe, I know I'm stupid for asking b--"

Renee let out a frustrated sigh after being cut off by Joseph, a good friend of both her husband and her.

"If you know it's stupid, then why keep trying to ask?" Joseph questioned her back.

"I just needed answers." She quickly mumbled, her guilt building up more and more. "It'll be hard to have this conversation with Jon, and Y/N can't be asked cause I just met her and she seemed really cool from the conversations we had, so giving her the thought of me being this nosey, annoying wife of her friend is out of the running."

The built Somoan across from her nodded, his serious face seeming to have become even more serious, as Renee got out more words.

"I just want to know if this history of there's went deeper than Jon is letting on, Joe."

After a second or two, she could hear a sigh more frustrated than the one she had let put a few minutes ago, come from her friend. "All I've ever heard from Jon is that she was a great friend, and he hated how things were left between them." He said finally giving Renee some of what she wanted. "I don't know, but I never got the feeling that something happened with them..." He said finishing up with a mumble.

Renee knew just from the look on his face that he didn't want to be apart of this.

Telling his friend's stories behind his back.

Not that she needed the look to confirm it.

She, herself didn't want to ask Joseph anything that her husband may have confided to him but after his behavior last night, let's just say she wouldn't be able to get a good night's sleep or even focus on anything if she hadn't gotten some kind of answer.

But like she basically told Joe, there was no way in hell she was going to Y/N with her questions.

And even though there was another person, Colby to be more specific, that she could've went to, she knew better.

In the past he was the quickest to ruin simple surprises that she'd planned for Jonathan's birthdays or whatever, so she could just imagine how fast he'd be to run his mouth about something as big as her digging into her husband's past.

"Thank you Joe," Renee replied with a smile as she got up from her seat in the catering area, pushing her chair back in. "You're the best." She added flashing a grateful smile to the man across from her.

She turned her back to him, beginning to walk out through the closest double doors, before she remembered the reason she had also gone to him.

The reason other than the questions she needed answers to.

"Oh and don't forget about me and Jon's housewarming party." Renee called out, looking over her shoulder. "I want you and Galina there."

•

I stopped typing away on my office computer after hearing my cell going off.

As soon as I picked it up, I noticed a text on the lit up screen.

RENEE: Me and Jon are having a housewarming Saturday want you there ☺

I flinched slightly after feeling a sharp pain on my bottom lip, only now realizing I had bitten it as I read the message.

If I'm being honest I had totally forgotten I had even given my number out to Renee.

And I totally didn't expect for her to actually text me, let alone invite me to a party she and Jon was having.

Like, isn't that the kind of stuff you do with friends that you actually know, and not one you just met literally a day ago?

I shook my head, putting my phone back onto my desk, focusing on my work once more.

A party at their place is the last thing I want to be apart of, but would it really be so bad?

Maybe me and Jonathan could have a chance to talk and I could settle my wondering mind once and for all, knowing for sure if he's happy or not with his life.

Not that I'm still holding on by a thread that he could be mines.

I'm just a friend concerned about another friend's happiness.

Years apart doesn't change that, especially in a friendship as close as ours once were.

•

Renee put down the Corona beer bottle she'd been holding in her hand the second her phone went off.

A huge smile forming on her face after seeing it was a reply from Y/N.

Y/N: Thanks for the invite

I'll be there

"Why are you all smiley?" She heard her husband ask, startling her and causing her to jump a little.

"Y/N," She replied bringing her hand up to her chest while her heart raced a bit. "I invited her to our housewarming Saturday and she just confirmed she'll be here."

•

"Oh," Jon mumbled his demeanor changing within seconds of hearing his wife's news. "That's good." He added trying to make his voice seem more cheerful that the "oh," he'd just mumbled.

It wasn't like he was made about it.

Jonathan just wasn't ready to be put in a situation where things could get awkward with Y/N.

If anything he would've liked the opportunity to meet up with her alone and talk about how things were left off.

Maybe even throw in an apology or two, considering the fact that he felt like their friendship ended because of him getting more and more busy while on the road trying to make his wrestling career happen.

Bottom line, he really wanted to get rid whatever tension that could be lingering over them because of that promise, when their was just the two of them, not when it was the two of them, his wife, and a bunch of other friends around.

•

TAGS:

@littleprincess1621 @princesstoniii @pookiepookie8 @monochrome-decadance @cam0flug3 @finnbalorsbabygirl @blondekel77 @calwitch @eshia16 @moonchildcorbin @jadalecki-jackles @jooheonie-bee @rebelfleur22 @lost-in-the-stories @scars-tears-and-suicide @panda-girl1999 @racheo91 @evelinhardy40

[obeydontstray]

The Little Things chapter 6

(The rest can be found on ao3!) -------- 26. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Joyce was posed on a step ladder, her body stretched upwards as she struggled to change the overhead lightbulb. With her oldest (and tallest) away at college, it was up to her to do things like this now. The ladder wobbled, making her nervous and she reached down with one hand to steady herself. She bit her bottom lip in determination, looking up at the empty socket with the fresh bulb in her hand. Jim walked in and when he saw Joyce and the ladder wobble, he strode forwards and caught the ladder. The movement caused Joyce to lurch forward, falling face first at eye level into Jim. The new bulb fell to the floor with a crash and Jim's hands flew to her elbows to catch her but he wasn't quick enough and their faces collided. Nearly mouth to mouth she collided with him, foreheads connecting. He grunted, caught her small frame and righted her on her ladder. They looked at each other wide eyed. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" She sputtered. "Well, I mean I know you didn't do that on purpose!" He chuckled as he rubbed his forehead. "Get down, I'll put the new bulb in. You know, tall people exist. You can ask for help." She stepped down the ladder, eyes on her feet. He retrieved a new bulb from the table, reached up and screwed it in with hardly any effort. "There!" He sighed. Joyce was skittering about, sweeping up the smashed bulb. When she turned back from the trash can he stilled her, pushed her hair back from her face. "You're gonna have a goose egg, kid." He observed. "Better ice it." "No thanks to your hard head." She laughed. He bent low, brushed her hair back and kissed the reddening skin. "Shush you. No one told you to fall face first into my forehead, either." 27. "Try some." "I don't trust you with cake." He teased, brushing away the scraps of cake she offered. She had shaved a thin layer off the top to make the cake perfectly flat. Perfectly good, fresh out the oven and warm cake. "I really really tried this time! Followed the recipe exactly! Try some, please." She said, picking out a piece of the yellow cake herself and popped it in her mouth. He watched her face for her reaction. Her eyes widened and she smiled. "I did it! It's good!" She celebrated. "Try some!" He gathered a piece, dropped it into his mouth. Warm and delicious. "Hey, you did it!" He said through a mouthful of cake. He dipped a finger into the icing and sucked it into his mouth, adding vanilla sweetness. He finished chewing, took a sip of his soda. "Hey, that's really good!" She gave him a warm smile and he reached to give her a pat on the back. 28. "Drive safely." Jim stood with his hands braced on the window frame of her little car, peering down at her. "You tell Jon that Jane and I said hello and we hope he's doing well." He commented. "Drive safely." He added. Joyce felt a strange compulsion for something more. Some final act before they parted ways. Cover one of his hands with her own? Leave him with an awkward I love you? "I will." She promised. Before she could act on any impulse he stepped back from the car, resting a hand on Jane's shoulder. "Will, keep your Mom outta trouble for me, will ya?" He smiled. "It's a hard job." Will mirrored his smile from the passenger seat, nodded. "I will." "Happy trails!" Jim said as Joyce started the car. Joyce watched them in her side mirror as she drove away, a strange pull in her chest at the thought of leaving them behind to head to the airport. 29. "Well, what do you want to do?" Hop and Joyce dropped their children off at the Wheeler's for a party. Sitting alone together in Hop's truck, he looked over at her. "Well, what do you want to do?" She breathed in deep. "I honestly want sleep." She said, yawning loudly suddenly and stifling it with the back of her hand. "I'll take you home." He volunteered. "Come to bed with me?" She asked. "Come hold me, please?" So Jim found himself in Joyce's bed again. Flat on his back with Joyce draped across his body. Her head in the crook between his arm and side, her arm across his ribcage and her leg over his. He had teased her, called her an octopus before he kissed the top of her head and settled in for sleep. 30. "One more chapter." The shouts startled Joyce, nearly giving her heart failure before she could walk in her own front door. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They had shouted in unison. Will and Jane, both wearing gigantic smiles came out from their hiding place behind the couch. "Happy birthday, Mom!" Will reiterated. "I'm so glad you wanted to celebrate it this year!" "I didn't." She admitted. "Hop said you'd want to." Jane said sheepishly, looking towards the kitchen where he must be hiding out. "Can I speak to him alone for a second?" Joyce asked the kids, thinking about wringing his neck. She hadn't celebrated a birthday since 39. She'd cried all day of her 40th, feeling like the best years of her life were behind her. When the kids shot looks at each other she hung up her coat and headed for the kitchen. "Happy birthday, Joycie." He said, giving her one of his warmest smiles. "You know I could kill you." "Turning 39 again are we Joyce?" "Well, since you're perpetually 21." "Touche." He nodded towards the table where a homemade cake sat frosted in pink icing and candy pieces spelling Happy Birthday. "They just wanted to show you how much they love you." She groaned at the pile of dirty dishes and pans. "Tut tut, I'm going to wash them after dinner. You relax tonight, okay?" He said. "Just enjoy your birthday. Which one is this? The 64th?" He said with a grin. She elbowed him lightly. "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64?" She sang. He pulled her close, wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Yes I will. This is just one more chapter, Joycie. With how things have been the last few years, we're lucky we're all getting more chapters." She looked up at him, a shy smile on her face. "I guess you're right." "Always am. Kids! Dinner time!" He called.

[ariswagbrams]

Party Rocking || Aritty

WHO: Ari Abrams & Kitty Wilde [ @awildecard ], ft. Evie Miller

WHEN: Evie’s birthday party

WHERE: Evie’s apartment

WHAT: Awkwardness, tbh. Just lots of that.

Ari

“Y’know, in a way, I’m like, your very own Drogon.” Ari’s kinda tipsy. Just kinda. It’s a party and she doesn’t drink much, so whenever she drinks even just a bit, she gets a bit tipsy pretty fast. But it’s fine, cause that’s what parties are for. For getting kinda tipsy, and for wheeling the birthday girl around like she’s a badass Targaryen dragon. Rawr, etc. “Wheee!” Well, that’s not super dragon-like. But it’s whatever. She can be a badass dragon anyway.

“Mmkay Drogon needs a dorito break, Khaleesi.” She sort of nudges Evie off her lap, but in a nice way cause she’s her friend and Ari loves her. She’s not horse-faced at all, where’d Kitty come up with that, anyway? She’s obviously friend-faced. “We can go find you a Jon Snow later.” Ari chuckles as she pushes her chair away from her friend, cause she knows Evie is about as interested in having a love life as Ari herself is. Which is to say, super interested in theory but like, totally not into putting herself through the endless pain of making it happen.

 “Heck yes, come to papa.” She practically sing-songs, wheeling herself to the snacks table and reaching for the dorito bowl that’s totally calling her name. Except- “Aw, man!” Someone left the bowl too far away from the edge of the snacks table, and she can’t reach. Luckily for her, Kitty is right there, and Ari’s face lights up at the sight. Cause she can hand her the doritos. Of course. “Hey, K-Dawg. Can I get a hand?”

Kitty

She’s not jealous. It’s not in her nature. And even if it was (a very real possibility she’ll never cop to), she’s certainly not jealous of horse face. And the way Ari is gleefully wheeling her around -- buzzed on the vodka she’d brought to share with her.

No, she’s not jealous. She just thinks’s it’s ridiculous for a woman of her age to be acting so childish. (Though if she like falls off and breaks her nose or something, Kitty supposes it won’t be the worst thing to happen). Honestly, can’t she find someone her own age to play with? The guy from the Six Flags commercial is probably free. 

Whatever. 

It's not a thing, her eyes are always green thank you very much! She’s just glaring because the lighting is poor, obviously. 

At least that’s what she tells herself when Ari rolls up to her and asks for the Doritos. She doesn’t even try to hide the eye roll. “Why don’t you ask your Khaleesi to help you?” she says pointedly, even as she reaches for the bowl and shoves it a little harder than necessary in Ari’s direction - she’s not a monster, she’s not going to keep a girl from her snacks, even if she is unreasonably annoyed. Annoyed. Not jealous. Becuase she’s definitely not that.

Ari

Dayum. Kitty’s mad. Ari’s not like, the best at reading body language or anything, but even she can tell Kitty’s mad. There’s the near-shoving of the bowl, and the stank eye, and the way she says Khaleesi, like it’s a bad word or something. Which don’t even make no sense, man. Khaleesi is, like, the best. And she knows Kitty loves her some Daenerys T. So her problem is clearly with... 

“What’s poor E-Mill done to ya, K-Dawg?” She munches on a Dorito, pleased to find it’s her beloved cool ranch flavor and not tex mex. Don’t get her wrong, she likes all doritos, but cool ranch is like, the Khaleesi of doritos. “You’re lookin’ at her like she’s Daenerys and you’re, like... Cersei, or something.” Ari grins, clearly teasing. “Told ya you’re a Lannister.” She pops a dorito in her mouth and winks at Kitty, cause she’s kinda tipsy and being kinda tipsy makes her do stuff like winking. Alcohol. Not even once.

“No, seriously, tho. You all right?” She tries to look concerned, but the eating is kinda making it hard so she swallows and leaves the bowl on the table with the rest of the snacks. Concerned face. Right. “It’s a party!” She shimmies her shoulders, hoping it’ll help Kitty crack a smile or something. “What’s botherin’ you, Your Grace?”

Kitty

Ari’s pretty tipsy. Kitty can tell because, well, Ari doesn’t drink often so it doesn’t take a lot. And it’s kind of cute if she’s being honest, but like -- in a way that only makes her annoyance grow. Because she’s happy. Ari’s happy wheeling horse face around her stupid party, and she doesn’t get that a lot. That carefree drunken silliness. 

And who is Kitty to ruin that with her -- somewhere in the back of her mind she shudders -- feelings. 

This is why it’s better when she doesn’t have any. Why she’s taken to shacking up with people she doesn’t have a ton for, and who definitely don’t have any for her. Becuase feelings make you vulnerable. And Kitty’s never been good at that.

“Nothing,” she shrugs, forcing a smile as if to prove her point -- see look how fine I am! “I’m a Lannister.”

Ari

Lies. Shaaaame. If she had a little bell, she’d start going ding ding ding while chanting ‘shame’ after Kitty cause that was a lie and it wasn’t even a good one. So Ari rolls her eyes dramatically and then pretends she’s hitting Kitty with a switch, complete with sound effect and everything. “You are not fooling me.” She points to her own eyes and then at Kitty, in the universal gesture for ‘I’m watching you’. At some point she stopped being Jaqen and started imitating some kind of Mr. Miyagi type character instead, but it’s whatever, cause she’s being serious. 

Kinda. 

“C’mon. You can tell me. I’m Ari!” Friendly, inoffensive Ari with the open ears and nothing else. Friend, friend, friend. Yep. A friend. That’s what she is. Not friends, however? “You havin’ Puckertroubles?” Ari likes both Puckergals, don’t get her wrong. They’re pretty cool. Hot and tall, and like... yeah. Cool. Not just friends, those two. They’re...def on a diff level. She doesn’t mind them. She just kinda minds their relationships with Kitty. 

In a friendly way. 

Sure.

Kitty

She’d hate Ari right now, to be honest. If like, that was a thing a person could actually do. Hate Ari. She’s pretty sure it’s scientifically impossible. She’d ask Miss Science Queen, but honestly, she’s pretty sure she’ll blurt out like five offensive things before she gets to the question, so it’s better this way.

But the point is, Ari makes it impossible. So while it’d be a hell of a lot easier to totally hate her for the feelings she didn’t ask to have. She can’t. 

She also apparently can’t lie about it, which is also a total drag. What’s the point of being a hot southern Christian gal if she can’t tell a convincing lie? Or pull an I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-genuine smile? 

So instead, she’ll focus on truths she’s comfortable.

“Nah,” she reaches for her -- vodka a mountain dew (more vodka than dew, but whatever), a weird combination, kind of like them -- and casually takes a sip. “Taking a break from Puckergals. It’s whatever.”

Ari

“Good.” 

Her eyes widen. Like, wider than normal. She knows her eyes are big af always. But that was like, so not what she should’ve said, cause Kitty seems sad and she’s prob sad she’s no longer doing whatever with the Puckergals (she knows ‘whatever’ is prob all sorts of like, acrobatic sex, but she doesn’t really wanna think about it) and Ari is supposed to be her friend. So ‘good’ is def like, the last thing she should’ve said. 

“I mean.” She clears her throat, suddenly wishing she’d never even had a sip of alcohol cause her brain is foggy and normally she can, like, be Kitty’s friend separately from someone who kinda likes Kitty but not in a creepy way or anything, just in a ‘you’re heckin beautiful and smart and I’d def love to date you but I’m not an awful person so I wouldn’t wish me upon you’ way. You know? She’s panicking, is what she’s saying. 

“I mean I’m glad you’re good? That’s good.” Her hands grip her wheels and she pushes herself back a couple inches, just like, putting space between herself and Kitty because damn, son. She’s bad at this. “The whole Puckerlovin’s prob not all it’s cracked up to be.” A shrug. She wouldn’t know. She hears it’s the bomb diggity and she’s sure it’s true, but whatever. She’s not here to tell Kitty she should go back to them, right? “You feelin’ ok about the break thing?”

Kitty

“Yeah.” 

She is good. Not like, in this moment, exactly. Honestly, she’s still a bit miffed that Bill Nye got to live out her personal wheelie fantasy like right in front of her or whatever. But she’s good with the Puckerbreak. 

Or she will be. She likes them both. In like a sexy way and as people, but she knows it’s not going anywhere. Puckerladies have to be free. And Kitty’s kind of done with the jealousy every time Jackie looks at Marley for too long or flirts with some loser trampy girl. It’s not going to be more than sex ever with either of them, so there’s really no point in racking up hell points over it. 

Besides, she’s kind of sort of realized lately, against all odds she actually likes spending time with Ari. And it doesn’t leave her feeling weird about herself or jealous (with the exception of this particular moment, obvs) - she actually, sort of feels good? 

But like, she can’t just say those words. Outloud. To Ari. She’s a lot of crazy (beautiful, talented, smart) -- but she hasn’t totally lost her marbles. 

 So she settles for, “Like I said, it’s whatever. Jackie’s got a weird third nipple anyway,” or so goes her story, and she’s sticking to it. “It’s super gross.”

Ari

“Good.” She doesn’t take it back this time. If anyone deserves a gross, weird third nipple, it’s a Puckerman. Both Puckermans. “Gotta balance out all that...” she gestures at her own body, even if it’s frankly like, the saddest comparison ever when she actually means the P-sisters’ bodies, but she thinks Kitty will know what she means anyway. “All that.” Yeah. Let’s leave it at that. Kitty knows like, way better than Ari does, what ‘all that’ means. And Ari doesn’t really wanna think about it. 

“So whaddaya wanna do?” Kitty is obv not happy, and she obv doesn’t wanna talk about it, so... what’s a nerd to do to help? “I have Netflix on my phone.” Wow. Impressive. Not like she’s been mooching Kitty’s HBO to watch GoT with her all this time. Smoooth. “Or uh... you can have my Doritos? Cool ranch.” That’s Ari’s love language right there. What else? She doesn’t have like, a ton of stuff to offer. Like she wants Kitty to not be sad or in whatever funk she’s in, but she’s like, the last person who should be in charge of cheering people up. Normal people, she means. If this was Evie or Sammy, she’d be pulling out Mario Kart or starting an impromptu D&D campaign. But Kitty is... Kitty. 

“I just wanna cheer you up, K-Dawg.” She shrugs and smiles and sort of rolls her chair back and forth for a second, cause she doesn’t know if Kitty wants her to get lost or stay and she’s kinda giving her a choice, she figures. “So just tell me what you want. We’ll make it happen. I’m like, a director. I make heckin’ good magic happen.”

Kitty

It’s probably bad -- like, she definitely knows it is. Somewhere Sweet Baby Jesus is frowning and shaking his little baby head. But like this, right here, Ari sort of jumping over herself to make Kitty feel better is... actually making her feel better. And like she said, it’s wrong, she knows. 

But fuck. 

Regardless of whether or not it’s true, she’s always played second fiddle in the eyes of like every girl she’s ever liked. And then here’s Ari. Making a show of putting her first and it feels really good. 

And while she doesn’t show it outwardly -- her expression still neutral and hard to read -- she does bend her knee just so, knocking it against Ari’s. (Is that weird? Can she feel that? Is that like super insensitive?) 

“I mean... I wouldn’t pass up a ride to like the balcony. Pop culture has taught me that fresh air heals, like, all things,” and it’s also a really great way to change the topic, so it kind of works on both those levels.

Ari

Ari doesn’t really feel Kitty’s knee against her own, but she sees it, and she appreciates the gesture. She’s sure she’d like it if she’d felt it. Like, she’s sure she’d like to feel anything of Kitty’s against her to be honest, not that she should be thinking about that, because she’s not a creeper and this is like, totally the alcohol talking. She should drink more. Like, she should prob have drunk less, but that can’t be fixed now, so she may as well just drink herself into a stupor at this point to stop her brain from thinking about feeling Kitty against-

“Oh.” A ride, really? Ari doesn’t know if Kitty’s like, just saying that to make her feel less useless, like ‘yes, Ariana (why is she always Ariana in her head? prob The Mothership’s fault somehow), I totes need you to take me outside’. But you know what they say about horses, gifts, and mouths. If Kitty wants to like, sit on her lap and go out into the balcony? Aint’ nobody gonna complain. 

“Hop on, Your Grace.” Ari pats her lap and then puts both hands on her wheels just to keep them from accidentally touching Kitty cause she’s not about the creeper lifestyle. “Just for the record, I hope Drogon never, like, lets Cersei ride him. We’ll just make an exception for right now.”

Kitty

Ari agrees, albeit a bit awkwardly, but Kitty doesn’t take it personally. Frankly, Ari runs a bit on the awkward side. And because she’s like the hottest person Ari will have on her lap all night (Kitty knows how to toot her own horn) so like she can’t even blame her if the nerves are a bit extra tonight, can she? 

(and like... okay, so maybe she has a few anxieties of her own, too.) 

Rolling her eyes, Kitty slides onto Ari’s lap, her heart doing a funny thing as she settles in. And despite the fact that Ari’s body is like... super tense, it still kind of feels.... nice? Not like, in a friend way. But in a ‘well this wouldn’t be the worst mode of transportation to take for the rest of my life’ sort of way, and kitty feels...

She feels a lot. 

“It’ll be our secret,” she agrees, then taps Ari’s shoulder, “Get it, Drogon.”

[thenovelescapes]

february 2017

February is my favourite month. My birthday's in February. In February, daylight begins to stretch longer, reminding us that there will be an eventual end to winter. There is always a ton of discount chocolate available after Valentine's Day. So many reasons to celebrate!

- the television -

I continued my re-watch of The Good Wife this month with seasons six and seven. Really, the only good thing to have come from the last two seasons of the series is Lucca Quinn. I am very happy that she is a major part of the spin-off, The Good Fight. The constant firm reshuffling in season six is exhausting, and I definitely did not find Alicia's States Attorney campaign nearly as interesting as the writers wanted me to, but Jeffrey Dean Morgan's face and presence was a truly wonderful distraction from how bored I was by the plot.

And now, because I've been thinking very hard about this - my definitely ranking of seasons of The Good Wife:

1. Season 5  2. Season 2  3. Season 1  4. Season 3 5. Season 6 6. Season 7 7. Season 4 

After finishing Broadchurch with my parents, I was tasked - yet again - with finding a show we could watch together that they won't hate. As frustrating as this can be, I take pride in the fact that I've expanded their taste in television beyond Big Bang Theory reruns and 48 Hours (my dad) & House of Bryan (my mom). This month, I selected Mad Men. I'd heard all the rave reviews, scrolled past the live tweet sessions during it's final season, vaguely registered the Peggy Olsen meme, and watched everyone celebrate when Jon Hamm finally won an Emmy in 2015. But I'd never seen an episode until this month. Hey... hey guys. The show is good. (I am definitely the first person to make this observation). We're currently halfway through season 3, because we have terrible timing - the show was pulled from Netflix on March 1st - but my parents like it so much that my dad wants to buy the whole series on DVD. THIS IS UNPRECEDENTED FOR HIM.

Before this month, I had tried to watch the pilot of Crashing three separate times. Each time, I ended up aborting seven to ten minutes in. But I am incredibly glad that I gave it another shot and powered through the first episode. The series is so damn funny (and at times uncomfortable). I ended up watching all six episodes in a single night, staying up way too late and keeping a hand clapped over my mouth so my laughter didn't wake the whole household up. Watch the (unfortunately, solitary) season on Netflix!

I decided, after finishing Crashing, that I needed more Pheobe Waller-Bridge in my life and immediately began Fleabag. It has an extremely different style and sensibility than Crashing but is so interesting and different. I haven't quite finished the first season yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

- the movies -

My general feeling about the movies I watched this month is: "Meh."

The Heat was funny - Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy are great - but I was comparing it to Spy in my head the entire time, and for me, nothing is going to win out over Spy. Mother's Day was very blah and it featured Julia Roberts in a truly terrible wig, but it was fine? La La Land was sweet, the music was good, and Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone are wonderful together, but it was mostly forgettable.  

- the books -

Last month, I fell into a bit of a reading slump post-vacation, but came into February raring to go and read eight books.

Here are some (approximately) tweet-length reviews of my favourites of the bunch:

The Wangs Vs. the World by Jade Chang -- A delightfully dysfunctional family struggling with bankruptcy, disenfranchisement, and communication issues. Funny, smart, emotional.

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen -- Dessen's latest novel deals with grief, love, marriage, & dating in such a compassionate way; remains one of my favourite contemporary YA authors.

Dead Girls Society by Michelle Krys -- This book needs a sequel. The cast of characters - a diverse group of teen girls - are determined, brave & duplicitous. The twists are legitimately twisty and the ending is equal parts hopeful and anxiety-inducing. Seriously, sequel.

Girls on Fire by Robin Wasserman -- I finished this novel two weeks ago & I cannot stop thinking about it. Set in the '90s, Girls on Fire, focuses on passionate, violent, intense female friendship and is absolutely unputdownable.

The other books I read this month were: Where We Belong by Emily Giffen, To This Day: For the Bullied and Beautiful by Shane L. Koyczan, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith, and The Assistants by Camille Perri.

- podcasts -

In February, I started a new job! It's a grown-up, adult job in an office, and I am very excited about it, but it also means waking up at 5:30am and commuting nearly three hours a day. Podcasts have become my best friends.

I've written about Ask Me Another before, but I hadn't listened to it in months and months. Now, it is my favourite thing to listen to on the morning drive to work. It is always funny and high energy and the trivia games force my brain to wake up in the morning. In the afternoons, I've been alternating between Embedded (from NPR), Criminal, and Missing & Murdered: Who Killed Alberta Williams (CBC). There's something kind of perfect about listening to people talk about crime and murder while stuck in rush hour traffic. These trivia and crime podcasts have been occasionally interspersed with Bad With Money With Gaby Dunn and Missing Richard Simmons. Bad With Money is funny and honest and provides good information about loans, debt, investments, and so much more. Missing Richard Simmons is utterly fascinating. Dan Taberski, a filmmaker who was a regular in Richard Simmons' fitness class, searches for the fitness guru. From the website: "On February 15, 2014, fitness guru Richard Simmons disappeared. He stopped teaching his regular exercise class at Slimmons, cut off his closest friends, and removed himself from the public eye after decades as one of the most accessible celebrities in the world." Only three episodes have aired so far, but I'm already invested.

- other -

Dear Evan Hansen is a new Broadway musical centered on the title character, Evan Hansen, a high school senior with social anxiety disorder who becomes tangled in a family tragedy following the death of another teen. The cast album was released on February 3rd and I have been listening to it constantly ever since.

I hope you all enjoyed the shortest month of the year, and as always, happy reading, watching and listening!