#i can't even watch the handshake line

[sleeplesssmoll]

I think Vertin might be a tactile person.

Here are examples taken from the voice lines and context clues.  This isn't an all conclusive list of touchy interactions, just what I could find. Someone stop her before she gets hurt. Update: I'm going to keep adding on as we find more interactions together because this is really fun.

Sotheby (hat and hair): Stop it! You can't just touch an adult's head! (She is 13. Vertin probably sees her as a baby and pat her head).

Bette (hands): Ha ha ... They might be a little rough. To tightly grab the eave does require abundant practice. (assuming Vertin is holding her hand. Don’t ask me how we got here.)

Rabies (clothing and torso): Straws ... be hugged. Rabies ... feels it. (she hugged him 🥹)

A Knight (hat and hair): One step further, and you will be in close contact with Someone's nose... As long as you can hit Someone's head. (how close is Vertin standing to the AK? Or maybe she was looking for an invisible head to pat.)

Mesmer Jr (Hands) :Compared to the incurable anxiety, these wounds are minor. Oh, watch your distance. (smh Vertin not everyone likes being touched.)

Melania (hat and hair): "Well done. Please keep on." ...Aren't you going to say that? (more headpats but Melania needs vocal praise too.)

Lilya

Clothing and torso:  Feel awesome? Now it's my turn to pet you. (...what is Vertin petting? This is clothing and torso but I'm lost.)

Hat and hair: You should be grateful that I am too lazy to move now. Or you should know that the first-class pilot’s got a first-glass head-butt, too. (Vertin taking advantage of the moment to give headpats. I'm telling you, its a THING)

Leilani (Hands): Shaka brah! Ooh! Do you want a handshake or a high-five, my friend? I'm fine with either! (She’s so wholesome)

Cristallo 

hat and hair: Are you patting my head? The doctor says, this is a reward for good children. Have I done something right? 

Hands and sleeves: Would you like to hold my hands? I could be with you anytime. (Cristallo is weak and frail. The nurses say she could be blown away by a gust of wind. Despite this she says she’ll be with Vertin anytime. To me it reads as Vertin being worried Cristallo will disappear too. Cristallo notices so she offers to hold hands and says she will always be here as a way to comfort her.)

Darley Clatter

Hat and Hair:  Oh ... I can't deny you are really good at patting.

Clothing and Torso: Take a look at my beautiful muscles! I don't need to explain how fabulous I am. Hey, watch out! Rub me in the direction my mane grows.

Bonus Intimacy : Adorable? Ahh? You don't even have a taste! (Vertin pets him and calls him adorable. Darley, don’t let the girlies know. They might end your noble bloodline.)

Pavia (Hat and Hair): Wanna know how many holes I've made on others' heads? No? Then stop it. (What possessed her to give Pavia headpats?)

Dikke (hat and hair): Thou art overstepping my boundaries, arcanist. (I’m guessing Vertin is at it again with the headpats. Dikke smiles when she says this so she isn’t offended. If anything, she seems amused. )

Eternity (hands and sleeves): Go on, try holding it, and feel its temperature rising in your hand… Easy, sweetheart… take it easy, heh heh… (more hand holding but Vertin wasn’t prepared this time)

An-an Lee (hands and sleeves): What? You want a palm reading? (Vertin, why are you like this? Are you randomly touching people's hands?)

Regulus (hands and sleeves): What do you want? I don't have any spare scratch. (I'm sure she knows you're broke since she's your boss. Vertin's just being Vertin at this point.)

Vertin leads Regulus by the hand into her Suitcase in the prologue

Blonney (hands): Interesting! It's been a while since I last met someone who would start with holding hands.

She also holds Blonney's hand as she calms her down during the green lake event.

I feel like I should have picked up on this sooner. Gift-giving, hand holding, and headpats. This is the Timekeeper way.

[hellfirecvnt]

First Trip

Lee Russell x Fem!Reader pt. 1

Summary: You're the new secretary at NJH. You've caught Lee's eye, but disaster strikes before anything can be done about it.

Read part two here. // Part three here. // Part four here. // Part five here.

The bright morning sun rays crack through the window into your small house in the new town you've just moved to. It was your very first night in your new home and today, you start your new job. Your goal was to be employed by a school and you achieved that goal, even if it wasn't the position you'd hoped for. You applied as a teacher for a plethora of subjects, but the only open positions they had were in the office.

You pull into the parking lot of your new home school, North Jackson High School. You exhale the nerves out of your body and check yourself one more time in the mirror before stepping out of the car and making your stroll inside. As you get closer, you notice a group of students surrounding something in front of the school. You hear a man demanding that they disperse, but you can't see him past the crowd.

"You. Who are you?" A round man with pushed-back hair points to you the second you step through the door.

"I'm the new Secretary. You must be Mr. Russell," you say, smiling and extending your hand to him.

"Strike one. Fuck no, I'm not Lee Russell." The man speaks sharply.

"Oh, I- I'm sorry. You're Mr. Neal Gamby." Once you correct his name, he meets your handshake. "Did you say 'Strike one?'"

"Keep up with me, Mrs. Y/L/N. I don't repeat myself. Percival left a pile of fucking horse shit in the front drop-off lane." The strict man guides you into the office, ignoring your question entirely.

"Um, it's Miss, actually. I'm not married." You quicken your walk behind Gamby, already reading him for the pretentious leader he is. At least now you know what the hype was outside.

"Me neither. My ex-wife's a bitch. This is your desk." He quickly points to the desk at the front of the office where an empty chair sits next to a discarded name plaque that reads "Janice Smith."

"Thank you, sir. I'll be sure to-" When you look up, he's already walking away, continuing a tour you thought would end right here.

"This is my office," his voice is faint as he disappears behind a corner. You drop your things off at the desk and speedily catch him down the hall. "This is Mr. Russell's office." He intrusively swings the door open to an empty office. Leaving you without a face to the name Lee Russell.

"Thank you, Mr. Gamby. I-" he cuts you off.

"Now the last secretary was shit. She was terrible. She was so bad," he starts, but a passing teacher cuts in.

"She started a six-figure business and quit on you, Gamby."

"That's not true. Regardless, I expect better from you Ms. Y/L/N. Don't fuck me over." He disappears into his office and you begin to settle into your desk. You remove the remnants of Ms. Smith and replace them with photos of your pets. You're a well-organized person and a quick learner. You make it a personal goal to give that severe asshat nothing to complain about. Anything to make the job less boring.

Lunchtime rolls around and you find yourself a little lost and even overwhelmed as you enter the booming volume of the cafeteria. You glance around the room, noticing the faculty table seems a little full. It's only your first day, and you haven't had time to introduce yourself to anyone with Mr. Gamby making odd, redundant requests on a two-minute basis.

You step through the line and purchase an apple before making your way back to your desk in the front office. It'd be nicer to sit somewhere quieter anyway. As you cross the lunch room, you're oblivious to the pair of deep brown eyes you've caught across the room. Lee spots your lanyard and immediately turns to face Neal.

"Who the fuck is that, Gamby?" His voice is a low whisper. Mr. Gamby looks over and watches you as you exit through the double doors.

"That's the new office secretary, Ms. Y/L/N," Gamby answers dryly and returns his attention to his sandwich.

"You didn't tell me you were hiring anybody yet," his voice kind of fades off as he's lost in thought.

"Yeah well, she applied to be a teacher, but we're about overrun by those fuckers," Neal says, met by sneers from the teachers sitting within earshot.

"So you've got her doing desk bitch-work?"

"The fuck are you acting so offended for?" Neal's resting face is one with arched brows, but one arches even higher now as he questions his friend.

"Forget about it, Gamby. She married? Did you see a ring?" Lee glances at the door again, wondering if you plan to come back.

"No, she said she isn't married. And why are you asking? Has your divorce even been finalized yet?"

"Yes, idiot. It's been finalized for a month if you ever fuckin' listen to me." Lee reaches over and disrupts something on Neal's lunch tray. Neal swats his hands away.

"Knock it off! Why are you even focused on ladies and women when we're supposed to be concocting a plan against Dr. Brown?"

"Would you lower your fucking voice, Gamby? Jesus!" Mr. Russell hisses as he follows the other vice principal out of the cafeteria. As the two men round the corner, they come face to face with their higher up. Principal Brown.

"Gamby, there you are. I need you to head up to the office and show Ms. Y/L/N how to log into her staff portal." The woman is dominant and sure in her words. Mr. Gamby sighs before nodding complacently and heading up front. Lee nods to Dr. Brown and quickly follows behind his coworker.

"So what'd you have in mind?" Lee whispers as they walk, coming up quickly on the desk you reside at.

"Now who needs to lower their voice? It's Y/L/N's first day on the job and you want her to hear us plotting against the boss?" Gamby scolds him, right in front of you. You stare at both of them with wide eyes, silent.

"Ms. Y/L/N, I'm Lee Russell. It's wonderful to meet you, darlin'." Lee reaches a charismatic hand across the desk and you happily shake it.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Russell." You smile warmly, hoping to make a good first impression. Suddenly, the phone rings and you're quick to answer, allowing Neal and Lee to slip back into their bickering.

"Well, now she definitely knows something's up, dick head. Don't piss her off before we get Belinda fired," Lee whispers harshly.

"Um, excuse me, Mr. Gamby?" You gain their attention. "Your daughter's shoes seemed to have broken or something during gym class. She needs you to bring her a new pair."

"God damn it, Janelle." Gamby slams his fist on your desk before bolting out the door. You watch him leave, your eyes wide with shock.

"Yeah, he's on his way I think. Thank you, goodbye." You hang up the phone and return your attention to Lee. "Could you please help me log into this faculty portal thing?"

"Yeah, sure, doll. Let's see what we can do." He joins you on the other side of your desk and takes a knee next to your computer chair. You sit and allow him to walk you through the steps. He's so close and the entire time he's next to you, his pulse races. You finish setting up your account and thank him for his help.

"It's no problem at all, Ms. Y/L/N," he smiles, basking in the interaction with you. "You new to town?"

"Yeah, I am. I just spent my first night in my new house last night," you chuckle nervously. Still accepting the new life you're making for yourself.

"First night in? Why, you need to be shown around! You probably don't even know where to find the good bars." He gushes, charismatically.

"That'd be pretty nice if you're offering, Mr. Russell," you smile. He wants so badly to solidify those plans, but it's risky business being your higher-up and saying these things out in the open. Especially with how many people hate him and would gladly report him.

"Let's put a pin in that." He smiles brightly. "I'd love to stay here and talk with you, honey, but I'm afraid I have to run a few errands."

"Is it the plotting?" You ask, flat out.

"Yeah... It's the plotting," he sighs, shaking his head as he walks down the hallway to his office. You giggle as he disappears from view. You're no stranger to the inner workings of a dysfunctional school staff, it's entertaining to just be a secretary instead of a teacher in the middle of it.

After a while, Mr. Gamby returns from delivering new shoes to his daughter. He stomps through the door mumbling something along the lines of "Why the fuck Gail couldn't do it..."

"Hello, welcome back, Mr. Gamby." You wave, greeting him with a smile.

"Grab that ISS Board and follow me," he demands and you do as he says. He assigns the in-school suspension students to clean up duty for the "prank" left outside by the rival school's team this morning.

The next day, a pep rally is organized and Dr. Brown makes a hell of a speech, igniting school spirit all across the student body. You're just happy to be there, but you can see Neal and Lee leaning in to whisper things to each other. You only catch a small snippet from Lee.

"Look at Brown. She's all fucked out," he cackles with Gamby. You know he's speaking about her exhausted, spaced-out appearance, but hearing him use that phrase causes your cheeks to redden.

Throughout the day, you catch yourself attempting to eavesdrop on the two vice principals. Not to intervene or disrupt, but just for the tea. It's boring up front and they seem to know how to stay busy. You don't gather much. Tonight is the big game, and Lee and Neal have been out of sight, out of mind for a while now.

The day comes to an end and the students begin to prepare for the biggest game of the year. Gamby obnoxiously piles into the front office and summons you from your desk, demanding that you follow him with haste.

"We have to stop Mr. Russell from poisoning the North Jackson football team," he grunts as the two of you speedwalk through the corridors.

"He's doing what?!" But your question is left unanswered as the two of you enter the football field. Mr. Gamby quickly spots Mr. Russell across the grass and takes off at full speed after him. You try your best to keep up without exerting yourself.

"Lee! Stop right there. Don't do this," Gamby barges into the locker room behind him after the short pursuit.

"Don't do what? The thing I've already just done? I just did it," Lee shrugs, tossing the small, empty bottle of LSD at Gamby. The two men bicker for a moment before a match of tug of war breaks out between them over the large vat of dosed water meant for the players.

"I command you to let go!" Gamby thunders just before their hands slip, and all three of you become doused in the liquid.

"You fucking idiot! This shit gets absorbed through the skin!" Lee wails.

"What?!" The two men scramble out of the locker room and attempt to flee campus before the drugs kick in.

"Just get the fuck out of here!" Lee shoves Neal out the door and they leave you there, still in shock. The longer you wait, the more it sets in that you're going to trip on school grounds and there's no way around it. You take the drugs by the reigns and attempt to chase down your bosses.

By the time you find them, they're standing under the bleachers holding their arms out in front of two confused students like they have some sort of superpowers.

"You two," you say, voice barely trembling as you attempt to hold it together. You point at the students. "Get the fuck out of here and I won't let them write you up." The two kids nod and flee the scene. As they do, Neal and Lee raise their extended hands, gazing at each other with mouths agape.

"You two," you grab them both by the sleeve and turn them to face you. "This your first trip?" They look at each other and then back at you before nodding out of sync.

"North Jackson High Wins!" A voice booms over the field intercom. Gamby's eyes fall shut in relief, but Lee's just staring at you. It'd be hard to believe he heard the announcer at all with how he gazes into your eyes.

"You got beautiful eyes," Lee mumbles.

"You two need to come with me. We have to get out of here until this shit wears off." You take both of their hands and swiftly guide them back inside the school. You take refuge in the Circle room and place the privacy cover over the door window. "Here. Eat some popcorn. Calm the fuck down and maybe we'll all still have a job tomorrow."

"Ms. Y/L/N, I'm impressed by your initiation." Mr. Gamby misspeaks, staring intently into the pattern on the rug where he sits on a bean bag.

"Thank you, sir. I would've preferred not to be drugged by my bosses."

"Hey, now. Don't go around sayin' shit like that or we're all fucked," Lee chimes in.

"Don't start with me, Mr. Russell. You two were using The Force on some 9th graders who will no doubt have that information spread to everybody before 6 AM tomorrow !" You protest his light scolding. He chuckles at your response, unable to form a sensible response after that.

For the rest of the time in that room, you toss random activities at them to keep them busy. Sometimes it's just showing them the rug again if they've forgotten about it. Once you all come down, you're tired and sore, desperate to get home. The game is long over and the crowd has been gone for hours. The school is empty save for the three of you.

"I'll see you both tomorrow," you grumble, crumpling into your car.

"See you tomorrow, Y/L/N." Gamby waves you off as you pull out of the parking lot.

"She saved your ass tonight, Gamby," Lee smirks.

"She saved our asses tonight, Russell. Guess I didn't do too bad of a job hiring someone by myself, huh? Asshole." Neal settles into his car and pulls off, leaving Lee to sit in his car for a while.

He goes home to an empty house these days. He hasn't dated in 20 years. He wonders if there's any point in even looking at you that way after the mess he orchestrated tonight. He can't deny that your quick thinking saved their skin. You asked if it was their first time doing hallucinogens, and he wonders how often you partake to have been so coherent while they were melting face.

His ride home is quiet and he almost forgets to be pissed that North Jackson won the game and made Belinda look like a goddamn superwoman. He spends most of the journey thinking about you. It follows him home all the way up until he closes his eyes.

Suddenly work isn't so bad. He looks forward to seeing you tomorrow.

[chimindity]

I hate living with you

Summary | stepbro!rafe seems not to be happy with his new stepsister.

Pairing | stepbro!rafe x reader

Warning | Rafe doing drugs, angst but fluff at the end, reader accidentally hurts her hand.

A/N | this is my first fic omg!! there's no proof read but feel free to correct me if there's any mistake.

‧˚₊•┈┈┈┈୨୧┈┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

Rafe Cameron, your stepbrother, since your mom got married with Ward, you have to live with him as you are now part of his family.

The bad thing about this new lifestyle is that you don't really get along along with Rafe, even though you did nothing to him that could make him hate you.

-"why do I always have to brin' you with me, everywhere I go, uhh?" He huffs closing the front door behind you, not even daring to look at you.

-"I- I just could I have stayed home, I mean—" he cuts you off, finally glancing at you, his facial expression seems to be annoyed at your presence, -"j-just shut up, kay'? Can't let you stay in my house, alone".

You don't respond but nodd at his words, following him behind, the silence is thick only the sounds of your footsteps are being heard.

Few minutes later, you two have finally reach at barry's, walking on the little path Rafe raises his hand to knock on the door and step back as the door opens, a brown-haired man appears, who same to be the same age as Rafe, a man you have never seen before.

-"ayo country club, s'that your lil sis behind?" the man speaks glancing at you, a smirk appears on his face as he catches you trying to hide your smile.

You couldn't see but Rafe rolls his eyes as he walks in Barry's trailer, -"nah dude, step, step sister" he sits down legs spreads, looking at you as you come closer to the couch timidly.

-"here take a seat lovely, what's your name?" Barry speaks as he pats the couch beside Rafe, eyeing every moves you make.

-"I'm Y/n" you say smiling at him, hearing Rafe groaning at your nice behaviour, as Barry nodds smiling back at you, -"a'ight hey cut that shit out, m'here to get some drugs n-not to act all flirty and shit" Rafe finally speaks massaging his temples.

-"cmon country club you need to chill out, here take this, feel like you need good stuff" Barry throw a little package on the table, which contains white powder as he leans back on the couch, where you sit between him and Rafe.

-"nah shit man how much do I owe you for that?" Rafe smirks as he takes the package creating a thin white line on the glass table.

Closing one side of his nose and sniffs, -"you're good s'on the house" barry speaks as he looks at you getting tensed.

Finally Rafe leans back feeling euphoric as he wipes his nose clean from any left residue, -"that's the best yayo ever, i'm tellin' you". He says as you watch his pupils dilating.

-"wanna be a big girl and try it?" Barry smirks putting his hand on your thighs making you gasp, Rafe immediately glance at you sighting barry's hand grabbing your thigh.

-"hm I don't kn-"

Rafe cuts you off, -"the fuck, are you out of y'mind?" Barry smiles looking at you ignoring Rafe "one line won't hurt the princess dude" as soon as Rafe hears the nickname leaves Barry's mouth, he gives him a death stare.

-"kay' kay', country club I take it back" Barry raises his hands up his head as an apology.

They both watch you getting anxious, fidgeting with the hem of your pink sundress Rafe tsks you as he rolls his eyes, thinking how you always want to seek attention from anyone.

You glance down at Barry as he kneels down to look at you "are you always this quiet, lil one?" He smirks tucking some strands of your hair behind your ear, making you blush and smiling at his sentence.

Rafe was looking at the both of you until he stands up still looking at you from the corner of his eyes.

-"a'ight, we need to leave now, Y/n come on" Rafe handshakes Barry meanwhile you wave your hand at him, a smile lights up on your face as he waves back at you.

Barry closes the door behind the two of you.

-"always craving attention uh?" He spits not even glancing at you, as you both walk your way back home, being taken back by what he said, feeling confused.

-"w-what d'you mean?" You ask tilting your head to the side as a sign of confusion, Rafe turns back to look at you, the anger starting to grow in him as you stands in your pink sundress looking full of pureness.

Rafe comes closer to you, feeling vulnerable you step back, he raises his hands wanting to release his anger on you, as he is about to wrap his hand around your neck, there's something holding back in him, making him pulls his hand away from you.

You look up at him with fear, your eyes widen as you watch him sighing, sliding his hand through his hair, looking away from you.

-"shit, I mean, aren't you tired of being a attention seeker?" Rafe finally speaks, not even daring to look at you, you feel upset at his words.

As you both make your way back to the house, he goes in his room, as you make your way to the kitchen, preparing all the stuff to prepare a sandwich.

Always wanting to be nice to your stepbrother even though he could be the meanest person ever.

You cut the bread lengthwise, not paying attention when suddenly, -"ouch!" You squeal, the tip of the sharp knife cuts the palm of your hand, you try to not mind it as you focus on finishing his sandwich, even if dribbles of blood oozes from the wound.

After a lot of struggling, you are finally done with it, you walk upstair careful on not to make too much noise affraid it would annoy him.

Peeking your head around the corner of his bedroom, holding his sandwich firmly in your hands,

-"Rafey? Uh I made you a sandwich incase you're hungry" you say shyly afraid of what his reaction could be.

He stops what he's doing to look at you as you step in his room, Rafe comes closer to you noticing how your body is shaking, not daring to look up at him.

-"uh yeah, thanks that's sweet" he speaks in a lower tone taking the sandwich of your hands, closing the door behind you as soon as you leave his room.

You release the breath you didn't even know you were holding, and go back to the kitchen making yourself a bowl of cereales and lay down on the brown couch, watching a cartoon.

Few giggles left you mouth full of cereales as some footsteps are being heard from downstairs, you stop chewing looking at the door when Rafe shows up.

-"are you bein' serious about what you're watchin' on tv?" He says in a harsh tone rolling his eyes as he notices the bowl of cereales in your laps.

You try to not mind him and keep chewing, still feeling his eyes on you, -"you're really childish, jeez" he speaks to himself as he grabs a can from the fridge, then sitting down on the sofa beside the couch where you are sitting.

While opening his can he looks at you, eyes starting to well up with tears, you say nothing and act like his words doesn't affect you. But it indeed does affect you.

-"what? M'just saying the truth, not my fault you're a cry baby" he smirks, if his plan was to make you feel embarrased it definitely worked.

What he hasn't noticed is the blood on your palm.

Until he stands up looking for the remote, he goes beside you throwing some of your pillows, his eyes lands on your fresh wound, you notice his facial features soften.

-"Y/n? What the fuck did you do?" He huffs looking at you as you try to avoid his gaze.

"s'nothing" you lie hoping it would quickly make him changes the subject, as he's about to touch you, you startle which quickly pulls him away, -" noo.." you mumble, your body tenses up, looking up at him your eyes full of fear.

-"got it, next time you getting hurt don't bother calling me cause I ain't coming to rescue you" he says feeling offended, leaving the living room as he walks back upstair in his room getting ready to sleep.

You slowly stand up from the couch, looking by yourself the first aid kit, walking to the bathroom you climb on the dressing table, to reach the little red box.

After turning the light off you tiptoe making your way to your room, sitting up on your bed, ready to clean the wound.

Biting down on one of your plushie to prevent from whimpers that could leave your mouth as you disinfect your injury, you struggle cleaning it slowly giving up.

You don't even notice Rafe's door opens, until his tall frame appears in your room, his eyes are full of guilt.

-"Y/n?" He talks in a soft tone.

-"mhm?" You raises your head up looking at him, as he sight the first aid kit beside you on your bed.

He walks near you sitting at the edge of your bed, -"here, listen m'sorry kay'? I shouldn't act rude and mean towards you uh yeah" he apologies, expecting you to push him away again, until he sees that little smile on your face.

-"w-why are you smilin' for?" He asks confuse, it only makes you smile even more.

-"nothing, i just love when you act nice with me that's all" you mumble as his heart aches at your pure reaction, feeling even more guilty.

-"yeah yeah give me your hand, lemme do it" he says trying to hide the fact that he's blushing.

He takes gently your hand in his, as he pickes up a pink band-aid, showing it to you. -"want this one?" He smiles watching your face lights up, a look pure of kindness, how could you still be nice toward him? He has only been nothing but mean to you.

-"yeah I know you would" he says, gently placing it on your injury and kissing your hand.

-"Barry called me few minutes ago, and uh I wanted to apologies, for being rude toward you all the time, i just didn't expect you to be like this, you're too pure for having a brother like me" he says looking at you as if you were the most precious thing in his life.

You stand up from your bed, slowly wrapping your arms around his shoulders, pulling him in a hug, -"s'okay Rafey, I forgive you" you smile against his neck.

-"I love you my pretty sister" he hugs you tighter almost suffocating you, trapping in his arms, smelling your soft fragrance.

You pull your face away from the hug, looking up at him giving him a peck on the cheek,-"I love you too Rafey".

He blushes even more and start kissing all over your face, -"m' the luckiest step brother ever" he says between each kisses.

-"Rafeee!" You whine but can't help blushing at finally for the first time feeling safe around him.

-"aww how does it feel to be trapped in your brother's arms mh?" He laughs on the crook of your neck, holding you in his arms.

-"s'feel amazing Rafe" you blush at his words, enjoying every moment of the kindness of your step brother.

[the-great-empress]

Goodbye, Demon Master. Hello, Sacrificial Bride.

Part 0 | Part I | Part II

*Diavolo's private office*

Diavolo to Mc: *nervous* L-let me see if I understand. *pause and take a deep breath* At no time did you talk to Karlheinz about bringing Lilith back even if it meant resigning from the student council and your pacts, and not only that, they talked about whether you knew a person capable of being the nanny of his "little children"

Shin and Kino: *laughs* A nanny...! *laughter*

Mc calm: Well... he also said that... he would like to have me as a wife and give his children a brother

Ruki and Carla: *serious*

Shin: *angry*

Mc: I told him no!

Kino to Mc: *Laughter* You're heartbreaker

Ayato: *Annoyed* Tks! That old man doesn't stop bothering us even when he's absent. Hey Kino! You are also his son, no?!

Mc: *firmly and holds the vampire's hand* Ayato. I made it clear to him that I will not marry him

Ayato: *irritated, but deep down relieved* I KNOW!! … *reciprocates the handshake*

Shin: *mumbles looks at Ayato* son of a-…

Lucifer: What?! B-but Lilith said…

Lilith: *nervous for having everyone present watching her* I-I… Karlheinz only told me to enjoy my new life next to my brothers… I… I may have misinterpreted the conversation between the two… *Goes to Lucifer* I was angry with Mc for that and… I was a little resentful that she paid more attention to Simeon instead of you when she found out about his punishment…

Carla, Shin, Ayato, Kino, Ruki and Mc:… .

Diavolo: *Shocked*

Lucifer: *distressed* L-Lilith!

Lilith: *on the verge of tears* S-sorry! It was a mistake!

Kino sadistic smile: Eh~ You call that cruelty a “mistake”?

Lucifer: I trust you! I-I told Lord Diavolo and he saw it as the truth because I believed you!

Diavolo: If I had asked Lilith personally… I would have known it was a lie…

Kino: *sadistic laughs* Huh~~~? Do you really think so? Not only did you have that option, if you demons said you “love” Mc so much you could ask her or give her time to talk instead of acting on impulse. We would do it.

Ayato: Kino!

Kino:*pretending innocence* Yes brother?

Lucifer and Diavolo: *They notice the message between the lines* You…?!

Lilith: B-but my descendant came back! *looks excitedly at Mc* You came back! You came back because you still love my brothers!

Shin was going to speak, but Carla silenced him with his look

Ayato and Kino: *mocking laughter*

Ruki:… *looks surreptitiously at Mc*

Mc: *stoic without doubting or wavering* No.

Lilith: What?

Mc: I didn't come for your brothers and that love died the moment they were willing to do all that.

Diavolo: I-I…

Mc: Prince Diavolo, I suggest you don't try to blame someone else or me like you did with the "ring", you were the one who signed, being in all your senses and voluntarily, my expulsion from the RAD.

Diavolo: W-we can solve it... you can come back-

Mc calmly: No. I'm not going back and I'm not interested, as you said before kicking me out of the Devildom, I have nothing to do with your kingdom anymore. I only came at Karlheinz's request, it's the least I owe him for turning Simeon into an angel again... besides... *smiles* thanks to him, I met them *refers to vampires and first blood*

Shin and Ayato: *surprised and blushing*

Carla and Ruki: *smile*

Kino:*recording the moment with his phone* I recorded it!

Lilith: B-But…

Mc: Look, what's done is done, the only thing we can do now is learn the lesson of “listening before reacting” apart from having a formal and professional relationship, also with you Lilith, you will say that you are my ancestor, but it is obvious that you are more sister than grandmother, besides that the Lilith of my bloodline was a human who died a long time ago and not the one I have in front of me, maybe we will become friends, but I can't guarantee it. Oh! And it would be good to go, the others have been without supervision for a long time and Reiji can't handle them all, besides I want to eat Luke's sweets again before Kanato eats them all.

*Silence*

Shin, Ayato and Kino: *laughs*

Kino: Well, Well, the bride is more interested in the sweets than this impromptu meeting *turns off his phone* Shall we go?

Diavolo: Yes... you can go... I need... *serious tone* to talk to Lucifer and Lilith in private.

Mc, the first bloods and vampires get up from their seats and leave the office, Kino was the last to leave, but Diavolo stops him

Diavolo: Wait! Kino right?

Kino: Yes, demon prince?

Diavolo: When you said “We would do it”… in what context did you say that?

Kino: Oh… Wasn’t it obvious? Well... There are many things that can happen between a vampire and a human, but our context *smirks* is very popular in human stories today.

Lucifer angry: Son of-

Diavolo: *angry* Lucifer. Shut. Up.

*At the party*

Reiji: What were you talking about?

Ayato: *Angry* He wanted to marry Mc and give us a brother!

Kanato, Laito and Subaru: *angry* WHAT!!???

Mc: Ayato!

[sofskywalkerr]

The Dead Skies

street racer hayden x reader

Chapter One

It’s a hot summer evening, and you and your friends are getting ready to go watch today's race.

You all get into your tops and mini skirts, do your makeup, and do your hair. After you’re all done, you and your friends hop into your car. You drive a sports car yourself since you used to street race too, but you quit.

You drove all the way to where the race was happening, and a lot of people were already crowded there. You and your friends passed the groups of people and parked. When you got out of the car, you watched your friends greet their boyfriends (or at least, guys for the night). Embarrassing.

You roll your eyes as you sit on the hood of your car, waiting for the racers to drive in. Your best friend Brian is racing tonight; he’s one of the main reasons you’re going. Racing has stopped being fun for you ever since the accident, but it's still a bit exciting for you to watch, and besides, you want to support Brian.

You realized you zoned out in thought after you heard loud cheering, and the sound of the car engine took you back into reality. You turn your head back to see Brian, Slap Jack, Suki, and Orange pull up to the street. You nod to Brian as you walk towards his car. Brian rolls down his window.

Brian: “sup y/n”

You smile and tap his car door. "You're going to win, no doubt about that. Just don’t get yourself killed,” you say with my teasing smirk, but you actually mean it.

You go to stand by one group of people you kind of like now, so it doesn’t feel as awkward. The race is ready to start; the money is bet; they’re just waiting for the countdown until—wait, why aren’t they starting?

Tej walks in front of the already ignited cars with racers in them that were so ready to start, and you notice he's holding the money they've bet and he's on the phone. Seriously? He's holding them up because of a damn phone call?

You look over to Brian, who just shrugs his shoulders in "I don't know” manner until you hear Suki yell from her car.

“What the hell is this supposed to be about?"

Tej gets off the phone with a grin as he speaks, "Well, it seems like one more car will be joining you this loooovely evening."

Everyone looks at each other with raised eyebrows and confused looks on their faces.

"Who the hell would be joining us?" Brian asks with an annoyed undertone.

"Oh, I think you should be the one to tell me." Tej says.

You look over to Brian, who seems to understand. "That's impossible he's too young; he can't race-“

A sound of a car approaching can be heard; it's a green mitsubishi; it looks hella good and fast too.

The stranger stops the car right at the start line and gets out of the car. Blonde. Tall. Hot. He looks familiar.

Blondie greets Tej with a simple "Wassup man," and a dab as he hands him the money he's betting. He looks around and sees the racers. He comes up to Brian's car, his smile never leaving his face.

"Long time, no see, huh?"

Do the two of them know each other? You ask yourself. You see the two of them greet each other with a handshake. They definitely know each other.

Stranger gets into his own car and nods to Tej. "All ready then." Before the countdown starts, he turns to Brian and says, "Be ready to lose."

3

2

1 

You don't even notice the cars leaving, as they're so fast away. You watch the race, walking around the streets and moving with the people so you'll have a better view of the cars.

They’re fast, but Blondie seems to be first. He’s good. He’s really good. He’s drifting- what? he’s actually drifting. Insane.

As he drives and passes you, you could see he’s struggling a bit, cursing and getting aggressive. That’s what a good racer does.

The stranger seems strangely competitive with Brian, but maybe that's just you.

Here comes the jump off the bridge. You keep your focus on the bridge, hoping for Brian, but you see the green Mitsubishi instead. 

"How in the world-" you mumble to yourself. Everybody knows Brian drives the best; there's no way for some blondie to just come and win.

Who the hell does he think he is?

Tej walks by the group of people surrounded by Blondies to give him the money he won.

You come up to Brian, who is still sitting in his car, so you just casually hop into the passenger seat.

“Wanna tell me what the fuck is going on?” The car stays quiet for a while before he speaks up.

“Race was pretty crazy, huh? I nearly didn’t make the jump-”

“Who is he? the new racer? Clearly, you know  him." You cut him off as you turn to face him.

"Would it be mad crazy if I told you that he’s my little brother?”

"Ain't no way in hell,” you say, shaking your head. “How long have we been friends for? How did I not know you had a brother?” Even you are surprised how calm you act about this.

“I don’t really mention him that much... He was there when your accident happened, actually."

You shut off and immediately changed the subject. "Well, he’s certainly a better racer than you."

“He got it from me; if I hadn't thought of him, he wouldn’t know a shit.”

“Jeez okay no need to get all pissy with me. Shouldn’t you like to go and talk to him, congratulate him, or something? Besides, you can introduce me.”

You look at him as he rolls his eyes and gets out of the car you are following right behind him.

Blondie is busy talking to girls surrounded by his car about the race, but as he sees Brian approach, he stands up with a smirk on his face.

“Still better than you,” he says in a teasing tone as he hugs his brother. Suddenly, his eyes dart to you.

“I’m gone for a bit, and you got yourself a girlfriend? Never have I ever thought that I’d see this day-”

“She’s my best friend, dumbass, and in fact, I do have a girlfriend."

“So she’s available?” Blondie asks bluntly.

You look at him with your eyebrows raised. "Well, nice to meet you too. I have a name, by the way, Y/N."

“A.J.” He nods to you as you shake hands. “A.J O’Conner.”

“Brian’s brother, huh? Your race was pretty  good."

“Yeah? Appreciate it”

“Your car looks cool too, not gonna lie."

“Shit this Mitsubishi? yeah it’s-“

Brian suddenly interrupts, “How cute! You’re trying to impress her with your car, even if you only knew her for less than two minutes. Sorry to break it to you, but we have to be somewhere. Tej invited us to some kind of after-race party or whatever he calls it." He speaks with a mocking tone.

“Aren’t I like supposed to go too? I mean I’m the winner."

"Oh, so now that you're the winner, you're going to-"

“Can you stop acting like fucking toddlers and get in the car?” You are clearly annoyed, you didn’t want to go to the race in the first place, and you definitely did not want to listen to two competitive asses.

A.J. and Brian just look down. Jesus, they act like fucking dogs now. You nod to your car as if to say for them to get in.

"Is this your car?” A.J mumbles.

“Hell yeah, that’s her car; she used to race, remember?”

“Hold on, you’re the chick who raced the dead skies thingy?”

Why the fuck is everyone asking? you think to yourself. It’s none of their business, and clearly you don’t want to talk about it. “Well yeah."

"Jeez, sorry, I didn’t know.” He friendly nudges you and smiles a bit. Weird.

“Get in the car.” You open the backseat door for them and then get into the driver's seat.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“No fucking idea,” Brian says as he laughs.

“Good to know.” You start the engine, your radio is on, and swimming pools start to play in the background. As you put your hands on the steering wheel, A.J. puts his hands on your seat and says, "Well, y/n, drive us fucking nowhere.”

You look in the rear view mirror, smirk, and start to drive.

[duchezss]

My favorite details/moments from Trolls Band Together because I have a problem.

Lemme just get this out of the way and say the soundtrack is a certified banger oh my god.

When brozone tries and hits the perfect family harmony the first time the colors that they get outlined in are all separate, the three colors don't blend at all.

Just Floyd comforting Branch....😭 😭

Branch's little hops when him and Floyd were talking about the bunker WAHHHH.

The real emotions of Branch missing his brothers while simultaneously not wanting to see them like???

"There goes my back" when JD was throwing Branch LMAOO.

The entire design of Mount Rageous is so whimsical and gorgeous I'm in love.

When the whole screen shakes when JD hits the counter eh oh el.

"If there was a brother I'd do this for...I'd be Floyd" WAHHHH.

The old MTV style music video Watch Me Work has.

Floyd singing with the posters of brozone floating around 😭

"Tiny, Poppy, Branch, and this random dude" I SPIT OUT MY DRINK LMAO.

"Are you a narc?" OH I LOST IT IM SO DEAD.

All of Branch's old hairstyles being references to Justin Timberlake's real hairstyles.

"Poppy seed" awwwww.

Branch's little "yay" is so cute.

The ongoing ring pop joke is actually so funny I'm sorry.

The way Bruce and JD just throw Branch on command.

Bruce still being considered the heart throb even though he's got a dad bod, a wife, and children 😭

THE BLEEPED OUT CURSE WORD I WAS IN TEARS.

The amount of songs they fit into Brozone's back is actually impressive, and the way they mesh so well together??? Legitness.

"That's not an idea, those are shoulder pads" I just can't...

When Floyd's hair started turning white and he was going transparent....WAHHH 😭 😭 WHEN I GET YOU VELVET AND VEENER WHEN I GET YOU......(But also the details to show how fast his health was declining? Someone cooked)

Branch's iconic clue board.

Bruce holding tiny diamond since he's also a dad.

Branch trying to be brave and talk to the clown but as soon as Viva came at him he backed up. That's such a real response I love is so much??

Clay's hair being green? Which kinda hints that JD or someone made him dye his hair yellow when he was younger.

Viva calling Clay "Mr. Clay" is actually the cutest thing everrr

Clay and Bruce's handshake, I also kinda like that it implies that they were really close, kinda like how Branch and Floyd were close. I think it really separates JD from them.

Also everyone's reaction to JD being super cold while everyone fawns over Branch.

Clay's so smart 😭 (and autistic) I love him so much.

All the brothers cute dancing in It Takes Two ❤️

The very real response of Viva not wanting to talk about her trauma and also not wanting Poppy to leave.

"I don't wanna lose my brother either" I feel like no one talks about how brave Clay is. He's in the same boat as Viva, he thinks Bergens still attack trolls, and he's going out into the world for the first time in who knows how's long. Just because he wants to help save Floyd, like that's so sweet???

Floyd's dead face was way funnier than it should've been.

"I thought ghosts just floated away" the delivery on this line is unmatched.

Floyd speaking one younger brother to Veener was so 😭, especially cause you know he felt like Veener did when Brozone was still active (on a lesser degree ofc) I can't.

We don't talk enough about how fire all of the choreos are, like they got professional dancers to make these dances, AND YOU CAN TELL OML.

JD's need for perfection constantly getting in the way of the greatness they all could achieve.

Branch being the voice for all younger siblings out there who will never be respected by their families hit me. But I also think there's something to say about the JD's of the world. The older siblings they took charge because they felt they had to. All parties end up getting hurt.

Also Branch actually wanting them to be a family so sweet. It really embodies the naive hope of wanting to stay together that youngest children have, but it's not unattainable. You can still be close with your siblings into adulthood, no matter how much time has passed, and that's what this movie represents as it's core.

"I didn't think we'd both find ourselves tied up on this honeymoon" WHATTTTT.

BRANCH AND FLOYD HUGGING THROUGH THE GLASS WAHHHHHHHH. Also Floyd being the only brother to respect that's he's grown....I just love them so much 😭

The whole interaction of all the brothers reuniting while in the diamonds is so funny for no reason lol.

Viva understanding she was wrong and striving to do better for her sister >>>

BRO THE ENTIRE CLIMAX IS SO GOOD??? THE TENSION?? THE MUSIC??? IT'S JUST PERFECTION. THE SONGS CHOICES WERE SO GOOD, AND THE WAY THEY REARRANGED WATCH ME WORK TO BE SO INTENSE IS BRILLIANT. THE SONG JUST KEEPS BUILDING AND THE STAKES GET HIGHER, IT'S WAY TO GOOD.

"Actually I've got two really brave sisters" When the message of this movie is that found family and blood family are just as important as each other, and that no matter what you get to pick who your family is >>> 😭

When Clay falls hard while in the diamond, Bruce and JD immediately check on him, meanwhile he's just focused on Floyd. The older brotherism... 😭

The message of this movie also being that perfection isn't important, but rather balance, harmony, and communication are key. ❤️

The acapella opening of Better Place....just.....wow.....

Clay's adlibs eating everyone up??? Kid Cudi I was not familiar with your game hold on.....

When they hit the perfect family harmony all their colors start mixing, showing their respect for individualism and also for the group.

The way Floyd eyes light up when they're all singing is just 😭

Branch building the bunker for all of them 💔, Floyd remembering the waterslide, all of them hugging?? Just peak filmmaking idk.

"Jail it is" also apparently someone did the math and in our world the twins would get over 6 life sentences for their crimes hello???

All of the boyband references are so funny idc.

Clay being excited to get to know Branch 😭 also JD reading a book in the back that presumably Clay recommended him?? That's so cute? He's really trying y'all, they're all trying, and that just warms my heart 😭

*NSYNC making their first song in over 20 years for this movie is actually the craziest thing ever I'm obsessed. Also they all designed their little trolls which I think is so cute.

The last songs....just bangers....I can't even, I sound like a broken record, why is every song in this movie so good.

Fav adlibs speedrun (from the last two songs): Floyd little "yeah yeah", Clay's "dohhh, ohhh," one of the nsync members "show the wayyy", Bruce's "so excited", Branch's "ohh" & "ayeee"

The layering when they all sing together is too good. It sounds so gorgeous and if you listen closely you can hear each persons vocals.

Also I just need to talk about the music production and mixing for a second. This movie has three version of Better Place, all of which are unique. The main one is the NSYNC version, which is notable for it's little rap section. The Family Harmony version use's the intro/pre-chorus as the main part of the song. It also lets the song slowly built, and adds instrumentals as the song progresses. The Reunion version doesn't use the intro/pre-chorus, but rather mainly focuses on the chorus. It also uses the bridge from the main song as the post-chorus/refrain. Just a very creative use of the song tbh. Also the instrumental differences between Watch Me Work and Mount Rageous? Like it's the same song, but the way they add more classical elements and more layers to build the tension and the song as a whole?? I have no words. Perfection.

Obsessed with this movie. If you haven't seen it pls go watch it.

[maybankxw]

Please make a part 3 to night call with reader and jj ending up together 🥺any way you want i just can't take a sad ending or I might cry/die 🐬

A NIGHT CALL, [3]

part 1 / part 2 / part 3

pairing: jj maybank x fem!reader

warnings: mature content ahead! [ cheating!; oral, male receiving; swearing; unprotected sex; mentions of blood, abuse; ] minors dni!!!

summary: its just a kook party where everything takes a turn

word count: 2.4k

a/n: pt 3 as requested! I hope you enjoyed these tiny series <3 if you have more requests you're welcome in ask box x her pov!

links: masterlist / taglist / ask box

any feedback (comments, reblogs, anon asks) would be appreciated! 

“Sarah is here, I’m gonna go say hi,” I let go of Nick’s arm, walking towards a friend of mine.

There was a huge event happening tonight, the alley covered in flowers and garland lights, drinks served all around, people dressed in black and white. Rich people. 

I didn’t wanna go at first, but they promised drinks and I loved getting some fun with those. Nick found himself a company, two old men, probably talking about some business shit. That wasn’t my forte, I was not interested in the slightest, so I made my way straight to Sarah.

Right when I was about to approach her, my eyes spotted a familiar figure. He looked, damn, he looked even hotter than before — white shirt was half unbuttoned, apparently he was wearing all his shirts like that, his little necklace dangled on the neck, black jacket and pants tight and tailored. Fuck me. I was staring and only snapped out if it when someone accidentally pushed past me.

Me and JJ haven’t spoken for three days and it drove me fucking insane. I was wondering what he was doing there anyways.

There were tables and plates and silverware and cards with participant’s names. I snatched one, fished out a lip liner from my bag. JJ was still there, laughing and squeezing Sarah’s shoulder. It looked like he was about to leave, so I wrote down a message right as I hurried forward. It said ‘Meet me on the shore at 10:15. Right side.’

There was a sea line down the alley, one side had moored yachts and ships, the other was in the dark, empty, now that it was around 10 PM it stood still and quiet. 

“Hey, Sarah!” I waved at her, making my way closer, giving her a tight hug, JJ remained on the same spot. I met a pair of blue eyes staring at me, there was something in those eyes that looked a lot like relief, like he was waiting for me to be here.

“Hi baby,” Sarah exclaimed, patting my back, “Long time no see! This is JJ Maybank, I assume you heard of him.”

“I have,” I gave him a smile, stretching my arm out to give a handshake, slipping him a note as well. 

“Don’t believe everything you hear, those are all lies,” he chuckled, clutching the card in his fist.

“Pleasure to meet you,” I murmured, watching him biting his smile back. I was so desperate to kiss him.

“The pleasure’s all mine.” He grinned and excused himself, walking in unknown direction. We chatted a little more with Sarah. She caught me up on all the news with her boyfriend, she also mentioned J again, saying he finally got the job as a security guard there.

We took a drink together, then her parents stole her away from me. It was nearly the time so I sneaked down to the shore only to find JJ already waiting there.

“You haven’t called.”

“I know.”

He walked closer, stopping a few inches away from me, his huge palms engulfed mine, his gaze fixated on our hands.

“So I heard you’ve gotten the job?”

“Mhm,” he smiled faintly at me, finally meeting my eyes, “I’m sorry, I figured you wouldn’t wanna talk to me. This sounds so stupid, but I guess I was just scared of you rejecting me so much I chose not to hear anything from you at all.”

“I always want to talk to you.”

The moment got so intimate, we were hidden in the dark, soft warm wind caressed our skin and messed with our hair, he looked so handsome, so inhumanly handsome I was ready to take him right there.

He pressed his forehead to mine as he held my face in his hands, trying to resist me so hard. His face scrunched up, like he was in pain and his jaws tightened, “I can’t stop thinking about you, I can’t get you out of my fucking system. That’s why I haven’t been calling. I thought that would help to ease, to forget, but how can I forget you?”

I kissed him. I kissed him deep, trying to fit all my love for him in that kiss, slowly and deliberately. Now I was the one holding his face as he pressed me further into his body by my waist. 

When our lips parted, he panted, hard, like he couldn’t believe he was kissing me, like he was scared he will never kiss me again. It felt the same for me. 

He dove in for more, catching my bottom lip in between his, not willing to let go of me. 

Someone started yelling up the alley, I recognised a familiar voice. That was Nick’s.

“We need to get back,” he rasped, our noses still brushing.

“I’ll find you later, I promise,” I planted one more kiss on his lips.

He ran to the alley to see what happened as I walked past him.

There was a fight between two guys, one of them was Nick. I saw them kicking each other in the face, so much rage, I felt uncomfortable.

“Stop it! Stop it now!” I yelled, approaching the scenery, noticing JJ already dragging the other guy away from my boyfriend and some other security holding Nick back. 

“You motherfucker,” a guy who started a fight yelled in Nick’s face, shoving JJ off of his back, accidentally hitting him in the face, “You touch her again, I’ll smash your fucking face against the wall.” He spat out some blood and turned to walk away. My face was filled with terror, my eyes started watering, Maybank was behind covering his whole cheek, I could see he was in pain.

“What the fuck was that?” I snapped at Nick, my jaws gritted. I was so mad at him, but the fight was nothing compared to the truth I found out later.

“Nothing,” he shoved past me heading to the bathroom.

I didn’t go after him.

“Someone bring the first aid kit,” I called as everyone kept staring in shock, “Now!”

“Here,” an old lady handed me a tiny bag.

“I’ll do it,” a brunette girl tried to snatch the bag away from me, she looked like a barbie, that was sickening.

“No,” I protested, gripping the material tighter, “I’m starting med school, need practice,” I gave her a fake smile, grasping the bag and turned back to JJ, he was hiding a chuckle.

He had a busted lip, it didn’t look as bad, but still needed some treatment. I helped him down on a bench, the rest of guests returned to what they were doing, except for a few curious, who still started at us from afar.

“Med school huh?” He grinned, hissing at the pain and licking his lips.

“I lied,” I grinned back, “Does it hurt a lot?” “It’s fine. I’ve had it worse. Don’t even need the first aid, but since it’s you’re the one doing it, I might actually pretend I’m in so much pain and stay here with you.”

I let out a happy sigh, pouring some alcohol onto a cotton pad, gently applying it around his wound, wiping the blood, “Now hold this for a while,” I scooped some ice from a champagne bucket and wrapped it into a napkin, pressing it against the corner of his lip.

Suddenly someone clamped my wrist, my head swivelled back to see Nick standing tall behind me. He looked angry.

“Let go,” JJ also stood up towering over me, I was caught in between them two.

“Who are you?” Nick snapped, jerking me, “Get up, we have to go.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you explain what the fuck happened here.”

I freed myself from his hold, my back was facing JJ now, I felt the warmth of his body behind mine. It was so tempting, just to lean back and sink into the enticement of his body.

“I’ll explain later.”

“Now, Nick.”

“I’ll leave you two to it,” JJ whispered in my ear, his fingertips brushed my hip, catching a hem of my silky dress, I wished he ripped it off of me. A whiff of his cologne caught my senses and for a second I felt my body weakening, lost in that night we spent together, “Find you later.”

“So?” my attention went back to the guy in front of me, “Who was that, what happened? Why did you fight?”

“I’ve been cheating on you.”

I froze on the spot. That meant it didn’t happen only once. That story took an interesting turn, I remained silent waiting for him to spill more.

“I screwed young girls, from eighteen to twenty. One of the latest only turned eighteen a week ago, that was her brother.”

“For how long?”

“Months.”

“I cheated on you too.”

“What?” His eyes widened, “You don’t mean it. You’re only saying it to hurt me, you’re fucking lying.”

“What makes you think that?” I licked my dry lips and stepped closer, “This haven’t been working for a while now and I see why. Things started feeling off back in November, let me guess this was the time you started fucking around? The only thing I don’t understand is why you kept being in this relationship, your parents hate me, you don’t have anything for me. That is fucking pathetic. It’s where we end. I fucked up too, but I’m happy I did. Goodbye Nick.”

I plopped down on the bench, gulping a glass of champagne. JJ was standing with two girls, chatting about something. He was smiling. 

I pulled out my phone and send him a text, ‘Going home. Come in for a drink after work.’ I also put my address in there and hit send.

Back in my house I felt relieved. Heels off and I poured myself a glass of wine, realising I haven’t eaten anything in hours. I put an apron on to keep my dress clean, turned the music louder to brighten up the mood and started cooking.

It didn’t take me too long to boil some pasta and make a sauce for it all. I swung my wine in my glass, taking tiny gulps.

A sudden knock on the door startled me, I turned the music down, heading to the entrance. JJ was there, he was hiding something behind his back. Involuntary, I smiled, twisting the lock and opening the door for him to come in.

“You came.”

“That’s what she said,” he whispered, grinning like an idiot.

I smacked him in the shoulder, “You just ruined a movie worth moment,” I said playfully, closing the door behind, “Are you hungry?”

“I’ve got something for you,” he pulled out a tiny bouquet of sunflowers handing it to me, “Met a granny passing the street, selling those, thought you might like it.”

“Can I kiss you,” my voice came out as a whisper as I accepted the flowers and walked closer.

“If you want.”

I let the bouquet rest on the coffee table, tiptoeing closer, winding my arms around JJ’s neck, planting a kiss on his lips. He tasted like alcohol, smoke and mint, “I want more than just to kiss you.”

“Oh fuck, come here.” He made me jump up, his fingers dug into my hips, holding me tight against his torso. We made it to the couch, he was hard, I could feel it through this trousers. 

I made a deliberate move, making him groan into the kiss and press me tighter into him. His hair was ticking my forehead, I could feel a subtle stubble on his cheeks, he smelled nice, musky, there was a hint of spice in his cologne. “This is a really nice fucking dress, but it will have to go off.”

Lust swirled in his eyes, his ocean blue turned dark. My fingers undid the rest of the buttons and I spread his shirt open, scratching a path down his chest and his stomach, finding his belt and zipper. His pants and underwear went down the floor to rest around his ankles, his cock sprung out, hard, leaking, begging for attention. 

His eyes turned molten, skimming my body, stopping at my panties, “Off.”

“No,” I replied, smirking, sliding off of his lap and kneeling in front of him. My fist wrapped around his cock and I gave him a few gentle strokes, planting a kiss on his tip, before sticking my tongue out and running a stripe up the underside of his base. JJ’s eyes fluttered closed, his hand settled in my hair and a groan fell from his lips when mine swirled around his broad head lapping it over and took him in. I moaned at the taste of him in my mouth, sending vibrations through his body, my head bobbed up and down slowly, one of my hands scratched his thigh.

“Fuck, yes,” he moaned, twisting my hair tighter, slightly pushing me down, his cock hitting the back of my throat, “Come up here,” he demanded, pulling me up, sliding my panties off and sitting me down on him, “Wanna kiss you, while I fuck you.”

He gave me some time to adjust, his palms were heavy on my hips as his lips teased my neck, making me whimper and start grinding back and forth.

“J—“ I whispered, locking my eyes with his, staring into the deep blue, my fingers fiddling with his necklace, “I don’t want you to go, ever.”

“What about—“ “We’re not together anymore, we broke up.”

His lips found mine again in a hot, lustful kiss as he started pounding into me harder, picking up the pace, making my breaths hitch and my nails dig into the skin of his shoulders. “Does that mean you’re mine now?” He rasped, unable to catch his own breath, locking his eyes with mine.

“As long as you want me to,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to his lips,  feeling my high too close. I nuzzled his neck to cover my whimpers, his hold on my body tightened, his eyes squeezed shut and so did mine. My clit brushed his pelvis as he lengthened his strokes, his groan was muffled by my collarbone. Thick warm ropes of cum filled me in, that spurred me to come harder, creaming over his cock, sensitive and out of breath, dizzy. 

I tug on his hair, still moving on top of him, whining under his ear, “Fuck, I— You feel so good.”

He gave me another kiss, his thumb brushed my lower lip as I studied his face, a thin layer of sweat coated his forehead, his hair a mess. He was fucked out. “Stay the night?” I whispered, mindlessly drawing patterns on his chest, feeling him softening inside me.

“Yeah?”

“Mhm, I’ve got wine, pasta and a second pillow.”

“That sounds like a date.”

“It might become one.”

[becauseplot]

*returns to yours* I HAVE THOUGHTS! NOT COHERENT ONES TOO SLEEPY AND NEED TO SAVE COHERENCY BUT THOUGHTS!!! MOSTLY ABOUT ISLAND TEAPARTIES AFTER THE KIDS ARE ASLEEP WHERE CELLBIT AND PHILZA DRINK TEA AND PHILZA TEACHES CELLBIT ABOUT STARS AND CELLBIT SLOWLY GETS BACK INTO HIS ENIGMAS AND THEY BOTH BITCH ABOUT TEA BUT DRINK IT ANYWAY BECAUSE IT HAS GOOD STATS

YEAAH!! YEAHHH!!! Okay okay okay so I meant to ramble more earlier when you initially responded to my ask and then I got sleepy and conked out and now it's super early for me, nailed it lmaooo. so anyway just like a couple things i noticed abt this scene *rolls out a scroll of notes, the bottom hits the floor and bounces out the door cartoon-style*

Chayanne gives Cellbit a rose!! Idk if Rose still has influence here (I'll have to sift through Phil's VOD to see if he says anything abt Rose, yesterday I mainly watched Cellbit's POV) but he's protected now!! That kinda folds him into Phil's "closer" circle of friends/family since it's primarily them who carries the roses for protection so!!!!! I'm!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE TEA!! Yes the tea the way the tea immediately broaches the topic of purgatory, and yeah the audible wince in Phil's voice after Cellbit says the tea triggers him and Phil agrees. Yeah it's so shit and they're both so sick of it but it's so OP. Phil survivalist (hardcore) :handshake: Cellbit survivalist (hunger games/"The War"), do and use what is necessary to keep yourself alive.

And AAA!! Yes, okay okay so like you remember that idea abt Phil and Cellbit having late-night convos at the Order pre-purgatory? This is basically that!! It's late at night, they're getting caught up with each other, they've both got the shitass tea and it's going cold and!! In my head this scene goes on for a full night and they just sit and talk and talk and talk, eventually conking out when it's late, just like old times EXCEPT THEY HAVE THEIR KIDS NOW WHICH IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER, THEIR DESIRE TO FIND THEIR KIDS, AND THEY FOUND THEM!!! (I should write a fic i NEED to write a fic, me vs the 754389 wips in my brain; in my head they still had late night convos in purgatory when their "play time" timers lined up, phil waking up early enough and cellbit staying up late enough for them to talk while the others slept)

The way Cellbit still minces his words abt what he and Bags did post-purg 1 "we had our fun...bolas...style..." is it because he thinks Phil will think less of him? because there's children present? because his SON is present? idk how much Richas knows abt what Cellbit did in purgatory, Richas *did* rescue him while he was fighting eye workers but does he know about Cellbit hunting fellow players for sport? what Cellbit did to his pai Pac? I NEED ANSWERS

Phil's "Dude! No! Oh my god... D:" to when Cellbit says Roier was better off without him. PHIL WAS AT THEIR WEDDING. HE TOOK THE GODDAMN PHOTOS OF THEM AT THEIR WEDDING. HE SAW HOW HAPPY THEY WERE, HOW HAPPY ROIER WAS, WHEN THEY WERE REUNITED IN PURGATORY. Phil isn't close enough to Roier nor speaks to him enough to really understand the full extent of Roier's grief after purgatory 1, but it's gotta be hard for Phil to imagine Roier happy with Cellbit gone. Whether he believes it when Cellbit says "yeah Roier told me he was better" (doied WHEN I GET YOU---) is up for debate but I think about this constantly.

Phil fucking laughing when Cellbit admits he ate some of the eye workers fhdjsk. I can't get over the combo of Cellbit POV (in character thinking: "I'm terrible I'm a cannibal I'm a monster") vs Philza POV (cc who laughs at everything that is even remotely cursed) honestly, taking this as in-character (bc ccPhil doesn't mute his mic to laugh and he...usually does that for ooc bits while in the middle of rp), it says a lot abt qPhil that he's able to just laugh abt an admission of eating corpses. ethics who? geneva convention who? qPhil doesn't know her. munch on those eye workers king they're dickheads. (fuck, DOES qPhil know that Cellbit is a cannibal, as in, he has eaten not just workers but other players?? hmmm...)

"I'm sorry I couldn't do much as bolas leader" "It's better that you didn't see us...I think you'll be disappointed" "oh I could never be disappointed what do you mean shut up *laughs*" GODDDDDDDD also Cellbit trying to say he got worse after purg 1 and Phil saying "nah bolas is already at ground level" (either not understanding or indirectly reiterating that he won't condemn Cellbit for his actions, I can't tell) and then Cellbit just,, going with it. because it's not worth it to argue and he's trying to move past all of that now anyway. (QCELLBIT PROCESS YOUR TRAUMA CHALLENGE LEVEL IMPOSSIBLE)

watching Phil's POV now and HFDJSK you can't hear it on Cellbit's stream but Phil catches Richas as they're both leaving and says quietly, "Take care of your dad, Richas, n' take care." I'M 💥💥💥💥 (<-banging table)

Anyway!! This is what happens when the two characters I'm obsessed with interact for the first time in months. Over-analyzing a 5 minute convo. Sorry, it will happen again :] Praying they stay as neighbors I'd love to see archivists have more interactions!! And yes yes yes yes the tea parties with the kids!! Phil routinely chatting with Cellbit and watching him slowly "regain his color" as he settles back into peaceful life post-purgatory, falls in love with enigmas again. They've always trusted each other when they don't trust themselves, and they're both a Stable Point for the other. I'll miss what we never got to have with the leaders-of-the-Order-having-meetings ideas (timezones, wails) but I'm so excited for new island mysteries!! :D

[weird-an]

Angel!Argyle dominates Demon!Billy :3

tw: Billy is missing one wing

Billy has been tempting humans for centuries now. To be honest, it's fucking boring. He'll bat his eyelashes, play with a curl of his blond hair and get them to do everything he wants - or rather, has to.

At least he doesn't have to do stupid crossroad deals anymore. These are boring and lonely. Being able to roam San Diego is lovely. Even if it sometimes means sucking it up to businessmen who are so greedy they'd end up in hell either way. To be honest Billy gets them a "skip the line" ticket.

"Thank you," the guy says, after he sealed his fate with a handshake and the nudge he needed to betray his company and leave the country. "You're a real angel."

"I've been called that." Billy grins, showing all his teeth, ignoring the shiver the word sends down his spine. It's not even a lie - thought that had been ages ago and he can't remember heaven, just a fleeting feeling of light and feeling out of place.

He watches the business suit leaving and decides that this is enough work for at least a month. Neil will hate his report either way, so fuck him. Time to get drunk.

"You shouldn't let him call you an angel," a warm voice behind him says.

Billy sighs. Of course, once he decided to carpe the fucking diem, one of heaven's killjoys shows up.

"Why? You're going to tell the big guy upstairs on me?" Billy sticks his tongue out. He has never met this angel. But he knows one when he sees one.

He's pretty. Black hair nearly reaching his hips and a smile so bright it's like Billy can see his halo.

"No," the angel grins. "But I don't like lies."

"Lying comes with the job - and you should mind your own business," Billy sneers. It's exhausting. Hell wants this, heaven wants that and Billy just wants a fucking break.

The angel steps closer. A knowing look on his face - and Billy isn't quite sure, what he knows.

They are in the middle of a bar and no one looks at them. It's disturbing. Billy needs to be looked at or hell will swallow him whole and never spit him out again.

There's an herby smell surrounding the guy, almost like - Billy frowns. There's a joint tugged behind the angel's ear.

"What kind of angel smokes weed?" he blurts out.

"What kind of demon likes to be called angel?" the angel retorts. He puts his hand on Billy's shoulder, thumb stroking the pulse Billy has learned to control after he crashed down to earth - but that now is running wild.

"I don't like it," he says. It sounds meek, even in his own ears. Neil would sent him to the pit for it.

"I don't like lies," the angel repeats, voice still warm and weirdly friendly. "It's not natural for me."

It's not natural for Billy either. It's a second skin that hurts every day, one he needs to survive, one he loathes.

His hand leaves Billy's shoulder, cupping his cheek. A touch that doesn't hurt, a touch that's soaked in mercy and goodness and all the things that aren't for Billy. It burns and Billy wants more.

"Fuck," Billy groans. Shame burns next to longing, for something he can't quite put his finger on. An angel of all possible beings seeing right through him.

"What's your name?"

"Billy," he says. He isn't William, he has never been William, no matter how many times heaven and then later Neil wanted him to be.

"My name is Argyle," the angel says. "Can you try to be good for me?"

Billy wants. It's what sent him away, what made him an outcast even in hell. It's what he has never been allowed to.

"I can't." Argyle's other hand is on his throat, not choking, giving only a slight squeeze. The stars Billy has watched for aeons dance before his eyes. "You know I can't."

He's a demon and even before he wasn't enough. He is all but good.

The bar around them fades and they are in a cabin, hell know where, lush plants, soft pillows and vibrant colors everywhere. It must be Argyle's place. Tension bleeds out of Billy's shoulders.

"I think you can." Argyle's hand stops caressing his cheek and grips Billy's curls. Tugs them, so hard pain starts blooming, but soft enough that it's sweet.

"You're an angel" he says, because there's a heat beginning to boil in his lower belly, searing hot. "You shouldn't..."

"Find joy?" Argyle asks. "Make you feel good?"

His dark eyes finds Billy's. "Can I make you feel good?"

"Yeah," Billy breathes, the first confession he has spoken in years. He needs to be, he wants to be and Argyle is so different - from all the other entities Billy ever met before. He's more human, but that doesn't make him less ethereal.

Argyle's mouth is on his, a kiss first tender, more a question than an answer. Billy can't remember if he ever kissed like this. Their tongues meet, swirling and hungrier the longer the kiss lasts.

Argyle pushes him - slightly. They end up in the midst of a pile of pillows and the world around Billy is a blur of red, blue and green.

Argyle's hands stroke his skin, undressing him, fingers wandering from his chest to his belly and there are tears prickling in Billy's eyes.

"Open up," Argyle whispers and it's the first order, maybe ever, Billy wanted to follow. There's still a voice in his mind, sounding like Neil, that he's listening to one of them, to an angel, but Argyle's lips are on his again and it's just so easy to let go.

He spreads his legs. Argyle rubs a finger against his hole.

"Good," he smiles. He moves and his fingers press into Billy. Two at once, scissoring inside him, rubbing against a spot Billy didn't know was there.

Pleasure is no stranger, but for the first time Billy wants more. He moves his hips forward.

"Behave," Argyle says, slapping his ass. It burns, but in a way that turns the pleasure hotter.

"I'm not a fucking -"

Argyle grabs his chin. "You want to be good, don't you?"

There's this stupid word again, that makes Billy's cock throb.

Argyle's dick brushes against his hole, pulls Billy down to sit on it and Billy keens, dizzy from what's happening and what's about to come.

He breaches him and it's like Billy is on fire, but not the way he's used to. One thrust and he's groaning.

Argyle fucks into him. Clearly not a stranger to pleasure. He's hitting Billy's prostate hard. Billy forgets to breath. He doesn't need it. He only needs the arms around him and that warm smile that is still there.

He's leaking precome, his aching dick trapped between their bellies.

"See? You can be very good, Billy."

Argyle laughs in his ear, a song Billy wants to remember for centuries.

The world blurs and Billy only halfway registers that Argyle's wings spread out, nearly reaching the ceiling. He knows his own is there, too, but he's so high on pleasure, he doesn't care.

Argyle pants, thrusts again and suddenly Billy's vision blanks, all white joy exploding inside him. He comes, whole body trembling and the world around him shaking.

Argyle whispers in his ear, tells him he's doing well, that he's proud and all Billy can do is whine, his skin tingling. Argyle follows shortly after with groan getting tangled with a laugh, the happiest noise Billy ever heard.

Argyle still has his arms around Billy. He strokes his black feathers, carefully.

Billy's heart flutters like his wing can't anymore. He knows what's left is charred and ugly.

"You're beautiful," Argyle whispers - like Billy's wings aren't the proof he isn't. "A real angel."

Billy knows lies, can see them and taste them from miles around - but this isn't one. Tears burn in his eyes. He bites his tongue. This is embarrassing.

Argyle wraps his wings around them. Billy's limbs are tired. Argyle's hand is still buried in his feathers. No one has held him like that. It's calming, it feels safe. He buries his face in the nape of Argyle's neck and pretends he isn't crying.

[hauntedppgpaints]

I saw the holy goalie anon and now I’m just thinking about biblically accurate angel goalies. Reporters keep asking if the goalies are supposed to look like that, all players just shrug “it’s a goalie thing, I guess.” “What do you mean bud, they look fine to me.” Gaslight the world into thinking the humming orb of eyes and arms is Completely Normal and it’s just a goalie thing, you wouldn’t understand. Ignore the heaviness of the air inside the arena, the whiff of ozone like lightning is about the strike, the humming emanating from either end of the ice, the way the light catches their thousands of eyes that reflect back at you like a cats do. (On a side note, does this mean the pope has to watch NHL games to declare goalies certified miracles/ saints/ holy artifacts/ etc. ?)

ANON IM BUYING YOU A RING AS WELL. THREE WAY WEDDING NEXT WEEKEND.

the handshake line at the end of the game. the winners have to shake hands (where is the goalies' hand? do i just stick my hand into this writhing ball of light and energy and hope it works out?) with the losing goalie, who they can't even LOOK AT he's so bright. avert your eyes and hope the goalie understands.

a rookie gets a breakaway, and is about to shoot his shot he KNOWS will go in, until he sees the goalie (GOOD GOD THE EYES THEY'RE STARING AT ME) and whiffs because he's scared

happy goalies whose many eyes are half-lidded with laughter and many wings are puffed out and ruffled and their teammates are gathering around them to witness their joy

[whiskeyswifty]

I gotta be honest I’m really impressed by how Taylor still processes her emotions regarding her father through her art and shares that with fans but that’s still something that is in a weird way so public but so private to the extent that no media outlet has ever written about it in depth before. It’s just fascinating how people see certain things but don’t see the rest. It makes you wonder what else Taylor has shared that the public doesn’t fully understand

oh yeah i mean i'm probably the best person to send this ask to in that i've been that annoying bitch screaming from the rooftop that we don't know her at all for idk 6-7 years now lmaooo. i will also say that because that still stands for me, i'm resistant to the idea that we can say with certainty that subject matter about fathers are about her father exactly. we can only read into what we want to, but i'm not the blog for you if you want to definitively talk about Knowing Things About Her. art is always hyperbolic or dissociative or retconning things through fiction or projecting hopes and dreams through fiction. Even she has said not everything in her songs is actually true and she adds things to embellish or throw people off sometimes. so i don't wanna say all of the lines about fathers are necessarily about her father, confirmed, especially since she hasn't really said that herself. and i think that's why media outlets haven't picked up on it or strayed away from it, as it's all speculation at this point.

but i do find it an interesting insight that mothers in her songs gets the most delightful, loving lines and songs about how comforted and protected she is by her mother and devastated at the thought of losing her. and while there are nice lines written about fathers like "i love your handshake, meeting my father" or "charmed my dad with self effacing jokes", those lines aren't directly about the father, but about how she's impressed when a partner gets her father's approval. those are the nicest lyrics about fathers, and the rest are quite flippant verging on damning. "leaving like a father" or "careless man's careful daughter" or the one that's top of mind from seven about a presumably aggressive and/or verbally abusive father. it's just a fascinating comparison, how she paints mothers and fathers in her songs, and glaring in a way as well considering the STARK contrast. When you compare that to how she talks about her parents in real life, it's even more interesting! When talking about her mom, the sentiments line up pretty squarely with how mothers are depicted in her music, but when talking about her father, it's like night and day. She doesn't gush about her father in the way she does about her mother, no, but she says nice, charming things about him and only ever positively talks about him. because OF COURSE she would. why would she air her family drama to the public? her parents were divorced for YEARS before it became widespread fandom knowledge and still i don't think she's ever acknowledged it. maybe once, but hardly ever if that. i just find it so fascinating, and revealing in a way, that the most impressive thing a partner can do in her songs in regards to her parents is win over her father. perhaps something that's been somewhat elusive for taylor herself as she has strived for it, however subconsciously.

and also we have that scene from miss americana where she starts crying almost instantly when arguing with her dad about speaking out about politics. a scene i personally can't really watch often because of how it's an almost one to one mirror of my own conversations with my dad, down to how i also just start crying almost right away and how flippant and stubborn he is in refusing to understand where she's coming from. the most narrow minded approaches that he has and getting super defensive when she tries to get him to hear her point of view, as if what's most important to him is that he still comes off like a good person and not his daughter literally crying because of their dispute over something so personal. i shiver just thinking about it because of how i've been in that exact situation, and i deeply sympathize with her. it's a glimpse into how perhaps it's a rocky relationship and because of that, maybe she keeps her distance and keeps it a surface level relationship. i know i do with my dad to preserve the peace and my own sanity. it's a tricky thing to navigate, having a parent who loves you but doesn't fully respect your autonomy and even clashes with you ideologically to the point of diminishing you as a person, however unintentionally. they love you, but not fully in the way you maybe want them to. having a tricky relationship with a parent like that is really hard to talk about to a fucking therapist, let alone baring that to the public in art that can be picked apart. i wouldn't blame her for a second if she's shied away from that aspect of her life in her art for the most part. it bleeds through in her general depiction of fathers, as you said, and that's one of the ways that maybe helps her cope, idk who can say. i recognize that in her art and in that scene in particular just because i have those exact experiences in my life, but that doesn't mean that what i see is actually there in the same way i'm seeing it! it could be partially my projection, but it's also not uncommon and she is not immune to having the typical Tumultuous Father/Daughter friction relationship that seems to affect 90% of the world's daughters of fathers lmao.

i'm always trying to get people to the same realization you have which is that as much as she wants people to think she's an open book, she's really not. no human being could be, that's impossible they'd go insane. we only see the tip of the iceberg that is her life, even when it comes to her romantic relationships. most of her life, the 80% of it or whatever the iceberg stat is, goes entirely unnoticed and undisclosed. we see a very specific sliver of her that she CHOOSES to share with us, that she's painted with her favorite colors and is most comfortable revealing. we are not privy to the full reality of her life, the full scope of who she is as a person and what she does and engages with every day. there are ugly parts she doesn't want us to see, and also things she just plain doesn't want to share to keep herself feeling like a human being with a life that is her own. and yes there are some things she hints at through her art like you said, perhaps some of the details of her complicated relationship with her father. but also as you pondered, yes probably a myriad of other troubles or thoughts or experiences that are so vaguely referenced, nobody has ever picked up on them. but that's the point! she doesn't want to share them in a way that they can be consumed and taken from her. i think that's great and part of why she's somewhat of a stable famous person, so it appears (or at least hasn't had a gone of the deep end spiral like many famous people used to do like clockwork). maybe one day she will feel comfortable talking about her interpersonal relationship with her father in detail, but probably not and she never has to if she doesn't want to. there's a sort of dignity preservation in that i can understand completely, and a protectiveness that comes with that sort of relationship. as much as you may have disdain for your father, the burden of the daughter is that unimpeachable love that compels you to care for them despite what they do and want to protect them. she may hate him, but according to her, only she is allowed to hate him, that sort of thing, and we don't even know how she feels about him in totality. so she may want to keep that part of her life close to her chest and die without anyone ever knowing and that's entirely her decision to make, probably the best and most healthy one if you ask me.

anyway happy fathers day from taylor who says dads ain't shit!

[thisisjustmefangirling]

Merlin rewatch, 2x10 : Sweet dreams.

Episode rewatched on the 16th of april 2024

Summary :

Dignitaries from rival kingdoms descend on Camelot for peace talks, but what King Alined really wants is war and he'll do everything in his power to stir up hostilities, even if it means using magic. 

Alined's jester Trickler puts a spell on Arthur to make him fall madly in love with rival King Olaf's daughter Vivian. Chaos reigns in the palace and Camelot is once more poised on the brink of war. 

Can Merlin free Arthur's heart before the prince loses his head in battle?

Sounds like a crucial piece of information for Arthur's future, as he is supposedly destined to unite Albion.

Alined looks as amiable as a prison door. Funny to see how he treats his servant and compare it to how Arthur treats Merlin. I wish we'd see how Uther treats his own servant but it seems like this character doesn't exist.

That knight handshake cracks me up all the time. Supposing that we don't sneeze or cough into our elbow, this is a very Covid-era like way of saying hello.

Oh hi Georgia Tennant ! <3

Arthur, you can be such a gentleman sometimes !

Oh wait THIS IS THE "Destiny and chicken" episode !!!!! Aaaaah I'm excited ! I love this line.

Why does the servant's face looks so familiar to me ? He must have acted in something else I've watched.

Vivian quickly revealing herself to be a brat like one of those Upper East side nepo babies from Gossip girl... That's gonna be fun ! I wonder what Georgia remembers from shooting this episode.

Arthur praising Guinevere <3

"She is one of Camelot's finest". "Then I fear for Camelot".

Milady. You're getting Lady Morgana's private maid. This is special treatment. Be graceful about it.

The disbelief on Arthur's face !

"Good luck with that one".

And then they laugh. How cute !

I think Vivian is an incredibly interesting character because she serves as a contrast for several character : Guinevere, and Arthur.

Let's not forget that she is acting like a spoiled brat, just like Arthur was when he first met Merlin. He's made some progress since then, and we see that in how he reacts to Vivian's behaviour.

Then, Vivian is a contrast to Guinevere : one is spoilt, demanding and arrogant, the other is hardworking, sweet, humble and kind. Two kinds of woman, two kinds of love interest.

"You should have heard what she said to Gwen".

I love these scenes between Arthur and Merlin when they're going about their daily routine, especially when they're in Arthur's bedroom being all domestic. Here, Arthur is dressing for the feast.

He had a hole in his first shirt, created by moths ! It's pretty weird that Merlin doesn't seem to care it would leave a bad impression on the five kings present at the feast. I like to think Merlin is both a bad and an extremely competent servant in his own way. He'll mess with unimportant stuff but will be extremely careful with Arthur's armor and making him look good to other people, especially foreign dignitaries. Well, that's my headcanon.

Merlin truly has no fear, he can just bring up Arthur's love for Gwen like that, out of the blue, when Arthur doesn't want to talk about it and is denying it (even after admitting his feelings about her to Merlin a few episodes ago when they were on their way to rescue Gwen from those bandits).

Arthur's threats can't make Merlin back down. He knows deep down, Arthur won't hurt him. He can keep on teasing him and laugh a bit about it.

"You're blushing !" "No I'm not."

Morgana should always be surrounded with pretty women. This should have been her destiny.

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME ? BLUE BUTTERFLIES ? MERLIN'S FAVOURITE MAGIC SPELL ?

How can Alined treat his servant like a total buffoon when he knows he has magic ?

Also while sometimes love potions can make people act stupid and in funny ways on tv, I think we'd laugh way less if this was GHB.

Are the CROWN PRINCE'S CHAMBERS never properly guarded ? I swear ! Fuck ! No wonder prisoners keep escaping, the security in this castle is a vast mess ! And why is Arthur not waking up ? You're a soldier for fuck's sake. The way the guy pops up and down like he came from under the mattress and is going back there... Comical but illogical. Get up and leave, maybe ?

"You're dressed".

Everytime Merlin shows up to Arthur's room in the morning and Arthur is awake, up and dressed, Merlin is surprised.

"Indeed, you are very skilled... at getting people to do things for you." "That is your job".

Merlin is not afraid to spit the truth hahaha.

"I wish to make a proclamation of love".

Arthur you never speak of your feelings so openly. Ever.

Aww I love when Merlin is arranging Arthur's clothes and basically touching him as part of his job.

"Right. What will you tell your father?" "What does my father matter?" "Well, that's one way of approaching things."

"Of course" Merlin replies, and Merlin rolls his eyes, because of course even in love Merlin has to do Arthur's job for him.

Arthur you are clumsy with your feelings and how to express them even under a lovespell, but you still look extremely cute <3

You know what, this is the kind of scene that make me doubt that Merlin is bi and think he might actually be gay, and his short lived affair with Freya was more about compassion and the feeling of finally be with kin, people who understand him, that about attraction and romantic love.

"Flowers ?" "Excellent. Find some. Perhaps you should also send a note". "Brilliant idea". "Something moving. Something... from the heart. Something... You'll think of something".

Arthur relies so much on Merlin omg. I would say that this is because he's enchanted but I think I remember him making Merlin pick flowers to give Gwen in season 5.

OHMYGOD MERLIN THIS IS WHAT YOU WROTE TO GWEN ? You have strong Cyrano powers ! It never ends well. Gosh. And the flowers are in the colours of Gwen's favourite outfits : cream and light purple. Merlin, were you ever to court someone, you would have a VERY strong game. Anyone you would woo would fall under your charm instantly.

Intricate ritual : manhandle your servant as you talk about what you made him do to court the woman you are enchanted to be in love with. Touch him, grab him. And then talk about how beautiful that woman is.

Merlin you're finally picking up on something.

This is the face of someone who realised that :

A) There's something wrong happening with Arthur

B) He fucked up.

Two things to know about Merlin :

He never knocks.

He always has the lamest excuses for being somewhere and they usually involve vermin : moths, woodworms, and now rats.

I love seeing Gwen smile... Her life probably isn't easy, and it shows a nice attention like a bouquet of flowers can change someone's day for the better <3

Haha Merlin trying to get Gaius to help but he can't tell him the specifics because he can't reveal Arthur is actually in love with Gwen ! He's being a good friend.

One of my favourite lines ever from the show.

Help he's so insistent and into the food x)

He's so lucky Merlin arrived when he did! Poor Arthur, his feelings are hurt...

There is no straight explanation for this, Alined.

Arthur, you're cute. You need a hug.

"It might be worthwhile returning to your old love."

You know what, this is actually the first time I hear Merlin expressing doubts about Arthur's feelings for Gwen and their relationship.

Part 2 in another post, I can't add more pictures to this one.

[adarafaelbarba]

Officer Down

Pairing: Mike Duarte x Reader (reader’s pov)

Fandom: Law and Order SVU (season 24)

Trigger warnings: Character death (not how he died though. Cause that’s too brutal for this).

An: This has plagued my mind since we lost him, and I need to get it out of my system asap! Please read with caution though! 🫣❤️ We’ll miss you Captain Duarte 🥺💔❤️

Based on this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkvjx9CCdRo

Red and blue lights cover 213 W 30th St like a train Miles of cars, full of people with nothing to say

Your hands fidgeted as you sat next to Liv in the back of the black SUV, an old habit that you’d picked back up from being on the job. Even more so now with the current situation.

“You ready, y/n?” She asked, her voice muffled by all the thoughts flashing through your mind. The last moments you’d had with him. “y/n?”

Looking up at your Captain, eyes filled with tears, you bit back a sob, “I don’t want to say goodbye to him, cause that means moving on.”

She let out a soft sigh at that, hugging you, telling you you’d always have him with you.

He’d found it endearing, watching you get nervous, had called it cute, his face lighting up in a smile when you blushed. You’d missed that smile, the way his dimples showed, his head falling back when he laughed. His laugh…You’d miss that too.

The sun's out, you'd think that it's just another November day Oh and I can't help but be mad, knowing I'll leave and you're gonna stay

Stopping outside the church, you and Liv got out, followed by Grace and Joe. Sonny, Terry, Fin and Amanda following close behind. Once on the sidewalk you fixed your uniform, flattening out the creases.

The entire area was filled with officer, all clad in uniform, and all there to take part in the funeral.

When they spotted you, they all got up in attention, Chief McGrath barking out orders, all of them presenting arms. It was almost as if you were the one they were honoring, that you’d been the one to die. And in a sense you had, if only a small part of you when Mike died

They called me on a cell phone Telling me there's an officer down And we prayed for a miracle, but you didn't come back around Oh, I've kissed you goodbye a thousand times But never like I'm doing right now

Oh, with twenty-one shots going up for the officer down

Never in your life did you think you’d be here. Least of all alive, in place of a spouse, ready to take farewell with their serving spouse. The engagement ring burning on your fingers as you walked past them all, a reminder of what could’ve been. Your squad following close behind should anything happen.

Tears threaten to spill again, but you do your best to hold them back, lifting your head bravely.

When you get to the end of the line, McGrath stands there, stoic as always. You stop in front of him, offering your hand, “Thank you, Tommy, for this, all of this. Miguel would’ve hated all this for him.” A tear laugh escaped your lips, followed by a strangled sob.

“I’m just happy we could honor him, y/n.”

You shared a quick handshake, then you pulled him in for a hug, needing to be anchored before tears spilled again, not that you were really succeeding in holding them back.

I begged you to throw out that t-shirt that I sleep in now And badge number 0477 is all over town And people keep asking if there's anything they can do But no one can give me back you

“If there’s ever anything, y/n, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.” He sounded sincere, and you knew he was, but what you really wanted couldn’t be given. So you simply nodded, thanking him before you walked up the rest of the steps to the church.

They called me on a cell phone Telling me there's an officer down And we prayed for a miracle, but you didn't come back around Oh, I've kissed you goodbye a thousand times But never like I'm doing right now Oh, with twenty-one shots going up for the officer down

The service was beautiful. Some of his guys said a few words. Grace spoke. And then you did, through tears, taking one last goodbye with the man you loved.

Once you’d finished speaking, you walked down the few steps to the casket, leaning down to press your forehead on it, the hand that had your wedding ring on, while also holding his dog tag and wedding ring on a chain, pressed against the casket too.

I held ya tight when they told me it's time to let go And I know that somehow you knew that you weren't alone

Someone’s hand rested on your shoulder, telling you it was time. But you didn’t let go, tears flowing freely now, not caring who saw. “Come back to me Miguel.” You whispered, begging him.

“y/n, it’s time.” Liv said softly, her hand rubbing your shoulder.

They called me and told me It's my officer down And I talked to you and begged you, but you didn't come back around

“Please, Miguel—please come back to me, I can’t do this without you.” You begged, clutching anything you could hold onto, whispering into the void to please give you back your one true love.

Oh, I kissed you goodbye a thousand times But never like I'm doing right now

You finally pressed your lips to the casket, “te amo, mi vida.” The silence that had previously been in the room broke as you let out a sob, at last allowing yourself to cry over him.

Oh, with twenty-one shots going up I wish you had more time with us 'Cause thirty-three years ain't enough for the officer down

~~~

tagging:

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[marley-manson]

For mash! 2, 5, 12, 25 🎊

Thank you!

2 . what’s a detail that you would consider insignificant but you like ?

Honestly it's hard to think of anything I'd consider insignificant because everything contributes to the whole and I see significance everywhere in the creation of a story and how details contribute to theme, characters, tone, etc.

That said, if I'm not getting pretentious about it lol, I'm gonna say Hawkeye's limp-wristed handshake in Hey, Doc as an immediate way to set himself apart from the officer introducing himself and the soldiers he's talking about. I just love that moment.

5 . do you have a favorite patient ? which and why ?

Hm, there's the kid in War of Nerves who I love because he stays angry at Sidney for sending him back to the front the whole time and that never gets resolved for him. And along the same lines the soldier in Fade Out, Fade In who tells Mulcahy he doesn't want to go back because he doesn't want to kill more people, and renders Mulcahy speechless, which also doesn't get resolved. I also really like Jerry Moody who shows up twice, and as a patient the second time, if that counts.

Buuuuut I think I actually gotta go with Syn Pak from The Korean Surgeon, since he was introduced as a patient, and he's easily one of my favourite one-off characters.

12 . if you were a member of the 4077 and had a nickname like trapper or radar , what do you think everyone would call you ? why ?

lol I got nothin for this one, I'm not a nickname kinda person, and I can't even envision myself being there, let alone imagine some kind of unique trait I'd have that earns me a nickname.

25 . what’s the first episode you remember seeing ? if you can’t remember , which episode do you think you’ve seen the most times ?

I started with the pilot when I watched it in uni, which was the first complete episode I'd ever seen. The one I've seen the most times is probably Carry on Hawkeye though.

ask meme

[crystal-lillies]

After watching Peter Pan and Wendy I had the urge to delve into the Peter Pan properties I love, and since I was already there in Disney Plus, I fired up Return to Neverland.

And god man even all these years later it still slaps and shows why it was one of the few (if the only? Iirc, don't quote me) 2000s sequels that was released in theaters rather than DTV.

It's far from perfect but the animation is really good, the heart and through line of the film ring clear and true, and after the dozens of times watching it I still get emotional at the feels gut punch moments like Tink's light going out and Peter's reunion with Wendy at the end.

And something I really appreciated this time was noticing how very young boy-ish Peter and the Lost Boys really are depicted. Playing keep away, the incessant "why" badgering, spit handshakes, chaos incarnate, "we're rolling in dirt and we don't change our shirts" (how BAD must they stink oh my GOD 😂). But then they really do care when and where it counts.

And Hook, despite being a bit tamed and toon-y compared to the '53 original, still has a menace and cunning that's fun to watch.

Peter in this iteration is arguably the animated Peter I enjoy the most because he's softened from his more asshole rigid style of the '53 movie, but it feels like at least a believable progression from his arc in that movie. But like I said, he's still pretty vain and childlike, but he's more in touch with his empathy, which I've always liked. And he has to be so that he can encourage Jane out of her defensive coping mindset.

Also have I mentioned the fucking baller move to set this movie during wartime? The scene of the Jolly Roger flying through London dodging planes is epic, despite the aging CG effects.

Don't even get me started on Mama Wendy, she's so good. A part of me still wishes she could deck Hook in the face for kidnapping Jane because I feel like she totally would if given the chance 😂 Where else did Jane learn to fight?

And Jane. Jane my love! They did such a good job of showing her characterization from start to finish. Even while trying to be serious and grown up at the beginning, she can't help but listen to Wendy tell stories, can't help but enjoy them, despite herself. She doesn't think she has the right to enjoy them, to indulge in fantasy when she's old enough to see and understand war as a concept and how it makes things hard. She thinks Wendy is just making light of things for Danny instead of preparing him for hardship (being practical), when Wendy is doing what she can to keep hope (+faith, trust, pixie dust) alive BECAUSE she knows of the hardship and that holding tight to that will help through any painful time.

It's so good! Executed in a bit less of a nuanced manner than I'm making it out as lol but that's okay for what it is! We don't have time to unpack that because it is a Peter Pan story after all and we gotta spend at least 85% of the time in Neverland haha. But the fact that it's there and serves as one of the emotional cores of the story is more than you can ask for, especially of a Disney sequel let alone a movie in general.

And I'm starting to ramble but point being Return to Neverland is a lot better than it probably needs to be but I'm so glad it went as hard as it did and everyone who worked on it should be proud and anyone who hasn't yet seen it that likes Peter Pan should watch it!

[opossumanon]

Here's why you shouldn't meet your heroes. Or just people who seem cool, cuz this douchebag I'm about to vent to yall about wasn't even my hero he just seemed like a cool person to talk to and then proved to be an asshole.

So a couple weeks ago I was at this conference being hosted at a good university, and it was a journalism and media thing where teens from all over the US and its territories come and learn about the field of journalism and practice and meet other journalists. It also yapped on and on about diversity and inclusion, but was actually fucking terrible about inclusion, but that's a whole other can of worms cuz today I just wanna vent about one specific bad moment.

So nearing the end of the conference was an event where we'd split up and be lectured by different journalists or professors of our choosing, and then there would be a "mixer" where we got snacks and then had the opportunity to chat with the speakers that we didn't get to see. I wanted to go with this one guy that I'm calling Guy, but all the tickets for his thing ran out so I went to another guy who had a REALLY good presentation but was also a classist dick (again, another can of worms). During the mixer, I struggled to get the opportunity to talk to Guy cuz I was so nervous and wasn't sure how to ask my questions without being boring or weird. Eventually my friends at the conference bullied me into doing it and so I waited in line to speak to him, watching as he was all energetic and charming and nice to a normal-looking girl talking to him and watched as he gave her his card. This detail is important.

Eventually the girl left and it was my turn to talk to Guy, and I explained how I couldn't see him speak even though I wanted to and I asked about what he was talking about, and he gave this really paraphrased answer that felt kinda bland? Like he threw in a very short summary of a story he told but it still felt rushed and like he was detached while telling it. It ended with me realizing that he probably wouldn't spill any tea to me personally so I went "Hey do you have anything else that I could look at to get more information?? A website, video, etc??? Or could I just get your card?" and he deadass said (I'm paraphrasing here)

"No, I don't think that'd help you."

Like wtf???????

(For anybody confused as to why I'm upset: In any sort of professional setting where a person has a card, asking for it is the most basic polite thing you can do to the point where people don't even have to ask cuz the other person will just go "Hey you want my card" and hand it over. Guy refusing to give me his card, when I knew for certain that he had one, was the professional equivalent of me reaching out to give him a handshake and him recoiling in disgust. I'm pretty sure he did this as blatantly as he did because he assumed that I'd be clueless about this sort of thing like most of my peers were.)

Looking back I can't find a single thing I did wrong. I waited in line patiently, introduced myself and shook his hand, made eye contact, etc etc. I wasn't even chatting with him for longer than 2 minutes before I gave up and went "I should go now cuz the guy behind me wants to talk to you too, have a good night" and left so it wasn't like I had him trapped talking with me for an hour. By the time I went back to my dorm, I was genuinely on the verge of tears and I felt useless and like I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything...Yknow, at the conference where they've been going on and on and on about how we're all special and are on track to be good journalists and stuff like that.

After 10 minutes of being blinded by tears and sniffling to my heart's content I switched to being angry and decided that I wanted to start a podcast starring weird people, being about weird people, and having an audience of weird people. I still wanna do this because the power of spite is absolutely a thing, but there's also a part of me that wants to back away from anything journalism/media related at all because I feel so fucking crushed from how Guy treated me. A lot of the self confidence that I spent YEARS trying to build back up from nothing was basically knocked over thanks to him.

I don't have much of a lesson to teach, I'm just still upset about this weeks later and I needed to get it out is all, but what this event taught me specifically was

I'll never be seen as normal or taken seriously, no matter how good my neurotypical cis white guy cosplay is

Professors of massive universities are pieces of shit and I'm probably gonna avoid going to them for advice in the future

Higher education is a good thing that all people should have access to if they wish, but also the people you find in higher education settings tend to be classist/elitist pricks who look down on people who don't walk, talk, act, or look like the "typical intellectual" (White person who's obviously upper middle class or higher who's neurotypical and cishet and able-bodied) and therefore making higher education available for everyone is and will continue to be a useless fucking endeavor until we flush out the intense biases against people who don't fit the "typical intellectual" within the system.