#i don't think nick is a mean person at all but i think he appreciates somebody who can give as good as she can get

[rad-roche]

do you remember one thousand years ago where i made a little dead man talking post that was like 'people in diamond city think nick and gloria hate each other because of how they speak to one another and would be genuinely shocked to find they're in a romantic relationship'. that's what i'm drawing

[judyvan]

No Hands - Chris Sturniolo Fanfic

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Summary: After picking on Chris for being an extremely touchy person, the two of you make a bet. Will Chris be able to control himself long enough to win?

Warnings: MDNI/ smut/ chrisxfem!reader/ bf!chris/ unprotected p n v (use a fucking rubber)/ oral (fem receiving)/ touchy! chris x needy! reader/ competitive! chris/ use of "you"/couldn't tell ya how many words

A/N: Time for a Chris fanfic! I am still new to writing, so bear with me. The song loosely relates to the fic. Interactions are appreciated! Pls don't steal my shit. Thx!💋

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"Keep your filthy fucking paws off of me," Nick says pushing his brother, Chris, away from him. Chris had wrapped his arm around Nick's shoulders as the two of them spoke.

Your boyfriend Chris is probably the most physically affectionate person that you know. He is always eager to touch those he cares about the most. Whenever it comes to you, Chris loses all self-control. He needs to be touching you in some way at all times; like he'll go insane without the feeling of your body against his in some way, shape, or form.

"You have got to be the touchiest motherfucker that I know, seriously," Nick continues, dusting the remanence of Chris' hands off of his shoulders.

"Shut up," Chris chuckles, pushing Nick backwards.

Nick looks up shocked. His eyes move back and forth from yours and Matt's, Nick and Chris' other brother. You and Matt begin to laugh uncontrollably.

"Please tell me you two fucking see this. I mean this is absurd! Even when I ask him not to touch me, he touches me. It's crazy!" Nick states completely dumbfounded.

Chris is laughing along with you and Matt. He begins to walk towards Matt, reaching out to grab his arm as he loses control of his body.

"Don't bring that shit over here," Matt says out of breath, wiping the tears from his eyes, failing to reel himself in.

Chris looks at you through squinted eyes. You simply open your arms as he walks towards you. He knew that you wouldn't turn down his touch. Chris stands in front of you, wrapping his arms around your waist and resting his head in the crook of your neck, laughing profusely into your skin.

"Can we please talk about this?!" Nick begins, still completely shocked. "I have never seen anything like this. Like he actually needs to be studied. He has always been "touchy feely", but ever since he got a girlfriend, it has multiplied by a gabillion." The room is still filled with the laughter of Chris and Matt, yours no longer producing noise.

"I mean seriously, I feel so bad for you. I can guarantee that you never get a fucking second to just breathe!" Nick exclaims.

You somehow manage to catch your breath and gain composure.

"It doesn't bother me. I've gotten used to it," you reply, rubbing your hand up and down Chris' back, attempting to calm him down.

Nick releases a scoff, letting you know that he doesn't believe you.

"Anyways, back to what I was saying," Nick begins shaking his head. He's looking at you, the only one stable enough to understand him. "Me and Matt are going to the store; do you want us to get you guys anything; besides some fucking giggle juice?"

"No, I think that's all we need," you reply, letting out a small laugh. Your whole body is now shaking at the intensity of Chris' reaction to Nick's last statement.

"Alright, we will be back in a few hours," Nick says, practically dragging Matt out of the door, him and Chris continuing to crack up.

The door shuts and Chris is eventually able to control himself. He pulls his head out of your neck and looks in your eyes, a huge grin spread across his face.

"Let's go to my room and find something to do until they get back," Chris says, his fingers running up and down your sides. You meet his lips with a short peck.

"I've got something in mind," you say smirking at him.

The two of you walk to Chris' room, holding hands of course. You have been trying to convince Chris to watch all of your favorite movies and now is the perfect time to start. Chris turns on the movie, "Five Feet Apart," and the two of you lay in his bed. As the film goes on, you can't help but think about what Nick was saying earlier. You are now very observant of how often Chris asks for a kiss or squeezes you tighter. When he gets up out of bed to grab a drink, you begin to laugh out loud at your own thoughts. Chris comes back into the room as you're laughing uncontrollably, trying to think of any moment he has spent any amount of time without physical contact.

"What the fuck is so funny?" Chris asks, taking a sip of his Pepsi as he stands in his doorway.

You swing your legs over the side of the bed to face your boyfriend.

"I was just thinking about what Nick was saying. I genuinely cannot think of a time that you went 5 minutes without touching me," you say.

Chris smirks and shakes his head. He begins to walk closer to you.

"Do you really think that I touch you a lot?" he asks, taking another drink.

"What do you mean think? You can't keep your hands off of me," you let out a small laugh.

"Yes, I can," Chris states in a cocky manner. "You touch me just as much as I touch you." He sits his drink down and gives you a smug look, stepping closer to you.

"Fine then. Let's make a deal. Until Nick and Matt get back, we have to keep our hands to ourselves. You can't touch me, and I won't touch you," you flick your brow up as you propose the idea to Chris.

"And why would I do that?" he says, laughing at your playfulness.

“To prove a point.”

Chris looks around the room for a second, thinking about what you said.

“How about we make this a little bit harder, since Nick and Matt aren't here,” he says, an arrogant look on his face. Chris bends down to whisper in your ear. “How about I do some things that make it harder for both of us to keep our hands off of each other.”

He then places an open-mouthed kiss to the spot right behind your ear. He tugs lightly on the bottom of your earlobe before pulling away. The combination of his warm breath, wet kiss, and teeth pulling on your skin, sends a feeling of arousal throughout your body. Chris looks at you with a shit-eating grin on his face, clearly able to see what he's doing to you.

"And why would I that?" you say, mocking him. Chris' eyes trail up and down your body, not missing a single curve.

"If I win, I get to touch you anywhere I want, wherever I want, anytime I want for a week, and you don't get to say shit to me about it." Chris runs his tongue across his bottom lip as he finishes his sentence. Just the thought of having any part of you at his fingertips whenever he pleased made him grow hard.

"And if I win," you start, noticing the tent forming at the crotch of his pants, " I get to wear as little as I want, whenever I want, and you can look all you want, but you can't touch, for a week." You smile up at Chris, seeing him picture you in the smallest article of clothing in his head.

"I think you've got yourself a deal," Chris says, moving even closer to you.

You lift off of the bed slightly, sliding your hands underneath of your ass, pressing them into the bed. Chris places his hands on the bed, one on either side of your hips. Your lips connect almost immediately, the two of you aching to touch now that you can't. The kiss is deep and passionate, the both of you long for more. You remove your hands from underneath you, pulling off the shirt and pants you're wearing. Chris' lips leave yours and meet your collarbone without hesitation. His hungry kisses across your skin deepen your desire for him to touch you. Chris has seen you in a bra and underwear plenty of times. Removing your clothes doesn't seem to faze him much.

"This is too easy," you say, a smile spreading across your face. Your hands reach behind your back and unbuckle your bra. You drop it on the floor, scoot away from Chris, and lay down on the bed.

Chris stands up completely. His eyes roam over your entire body, lingering on your breasts. Lacking a good poker face, Chris' expression confirmed that you just made things 10 times harder for him, in multiple different ways. He tugs at his bottom lip as he soaks in the amount of skin you have exposed.

"That's not fair," he laughs, his eyes touching every part of your figure that his hands should be feeling.

Chris removes all of his clothes, only leaving his boxers. Your eyes trail over his body. Your eyes widen when you see the bulge in his underwear. A small chuckle escapes Chris' lips at your face. His eyes never leave yours as he removes his underwear seductively, his entire body now on display.

"Now we're even," he says. Chris moves across the room and climbs on top of you, careful to keep both of his hands on the bed.

The air chills your uncovered body. Chris' lips only momentarily heating the areas that they touch. It isn't enough. You need his hands on you. Messy kisses are placed all around your frame as he travels down you. After reaching the waist band of your underwear, Chris moves directly to your inner thighs, devouring them. Your hips begin to buck upwards, wanting his mouth on the place covered by soaked fabric.

"Take them off," Chris says placing a single gentle peck to the front of your underwear.

You shake your head while biting your lip. You earnestly wanted his hands on you and refused to help him out any longer.

"You do it," you said, your heart racing.

"I'm not losing this bet," he responds placing a gentle kiss to either side of your pelvic bone. Suddenly, his tongue slides under the left side wing of your underwear. He pinches the material between his teeth and slides one side of your underwear down to your thigh. He slowly moves to the right side of your body and performs the same motion. His intention is to draw this process out as long as he can, hoping you'll cave. Tongue, bite, pull, switch. Tongue, bite, pull, switch. As soon as one side reaches your ankle, you begin to shake them off yourself, flinging them into the floor.

"Someone's impatient," Chris smiles. He knows you won't last much longer.

His head dives between your legs, his tongue licking up the need that is dripping from you. You let out a whimper, gripping onto the bed sheets, miserably trying to keep your hands busy. Chris' tongue splits you in half as his nose applies pressure to your clit. He begins to speed up his motion, his tongue now forming small circles around your most sensitive area. Your legs begin to squeeze inward, Chris' head between them acting as a magnet. You can't help but squirm, the intense feeling of pleasure taking over your body. All of your movement is making it difficult for Chris. He is unable hold your legs down, forcing them to stay put.

"If you don't stop moving, I'm going to have to stop," he says, momentarily pulling his lips off of you.

Your moans get louder as Chris proceeds to eat you out. Your legs begin to shake as you attempt to keep from moving, not wanting him to quit. His tongue slips inside of your opening. Your back arches off of the bed. He begins to eat you as sloppily as he can, wanting more than just his tongue to be inside of you. Your toes start to curl. He begins to shake his head back and forth, his tongue flicking in all directions, only stopping to suck on your ball of nerves. You cling onto the sheets for dear life. You're starting to get close. Don't do it. Your hands lose their hold on the bedsheets and find themselves in Chris' hair as you practically levitate off of the bed.

"Oh fuck!" you scream, on the edge of release.

Chris pulls away from you. You did touch him after all. Suddenly his eyes meet yours from in between your legs. His thumb brushes over his lips, gathering all of your remnants before sucking them off of his skin.

"I win," he says with a cocky smirk.

In a swift motion, Chris grabs your leg and throws it over his shoulder, plunging himself inside of you, burying his dick as deep in your walls as possible. As he thrusts in and out of you frantically, his hands touch every part of your body, making up for lost time. The two of you moan loudly at the feeling of him touching you inside and out. It doesn't take long before your stomach clenches and you reach your orgasm, Chris' warm cum coating your insides at the same time. As the two of you ride out your high, your hands continue to feel every part of each other. Chris slumps on top of you, wrapping his arms around you, and burying his face in your chest. Your arms embrace him, pulling him closer. After a few moments of relishing the feeling of you both on top of one another, Chris leaves your body to grab a towel and pull on his clothes. As he cleans you up, he makes sure to touch you in every way he can. He throws the towel on the floor and grabs your clothes, insisting on dressing you as well. He starts with your underwear and pants, wanting to see you topless as long as possible. Before putting your bra back on, he takes your breasts in both of his hands and squeezes, kissing you tenderly.

"You better get used to that," he says, pulling away from your mouth and sliding your bra on. "I've got a whole 7 days to do that whenever I want."

For the next week, Chris took as much advantage of his prize as possible. When meeting up with his family he would hug you as long and hard as he could. When around his brothers at home, he would palm your ass with both hands, squeezing roughly and kissing you with passion. Even when hanging out in public settings with your friend group, you would find at least one of his hands wandering from your thigh and meeting the sweet spot in between your legs.

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To see how Chris takes advantage of him reward in more detail, click here to read: 7 Days (“No Hands” Extension)

[bairdthereader]

Charlie Spring, An Appreciation: Part 1, Courage

Nick Nelson gets a lot of love, and justifiably so; I'll be the first to admit that he's amazing (see my many Nick-related posts as evidence). But I hear all too often that Charlie is leveling up by being with Nick, or that Nick is too good for Charlie. I beg to differ—vehemently—and here's why, part 1 (of 3, maybe?).

I often find myself in awe of Charlie during some of the quietest and least dramatic parts of the Heartstopper show and comics, because his bravery, resilience, and tenacity are displayed in ways that seem inconsequential, but are actually incredibly meaningful and telling. This boy has a thread of steel running through him, whether it's obvious at first glance or not.

We see this almost from the very beginning, when Charlie is assigned to a new form and told that he'll be sitting next to Nick, "one of the rugby boys," and, "I'm sure you'll get along swimmingly." Here is not only Charlie's worst personal nightmare, but also a teacher who is blithely unaware of the terrible position he's just put Charlie in--being placed in close, daily proximity to the type of person Charlie associates with the darkest time of his life. But we don't see fear on his face, or even that much dread—this tells us so much about him in just a nanosecond. There's resignation and bitterness, yes, but Charlie knows he can withstand this, because he's been there before and survived. This is borne out in later conversations with Nick where Charlie assures him that "I'm used to it." This is a horrifying injustice, one Nick rightly calls out, and it shows Charlie's resilience in the face of a degree of cruelty that many people never experience.

This little moment outside of the changing room is another revealing scene. Charlie knows exactly what he's walking into, exactly the kinds of comments and sly bullying he's going to experience in that room. He knows he will have to have his guard up every second, that he will have to prove himself to this group, even though he shouldn't have to. He also knows he'll be fighting his own self-doubt, and so this experience will be a battle on two fronts. (Three fronts, if you include trying to hide his feelings for Nick.) But he does it anyway. Sure, you could argue he's doing it solely to be near Nick, but I think this is also his way of making sure that those boys don't dictate his actions or his life. This is Charlie taking a stand. And this is just one example—he does this over and over and over again, in many different settings and situations.

Case in point, calling it off with Ben. Charlie has been the victim of what is essentially brainwashing and abuse from Ben for months. Ben has told Charlie verbally and shown him physically that Charlie means less than nothing to Ben, and that Charlie can never expect anyone to ever want him or care for him. And Charlie often, tragically, believes him. That Charlie is able to break free of this vicious cycle and take the steps to distance himself from Ben shows his immense inner strength. You can see on Charlie's face (thanks to Joe Locke's inimitable talent) that he can't even believe he's done it. And we have to keep in mind that this happens long before Nick is a real possibility, so we can't say Charlie does this for Nick. He does it for himself.

I do have to include one of the more iconic scenes, because this ⬇️is Charlie's clarion call, his hope, his banner, for the rest of this story. He knows he has a lot of problems to work through, that he's complicated and sometimes hard to interpret, so it's easy to see this scene and think Charlie's words come from a place of insecurity (and of course that is some of what's happening here). But he's strong enough to both acknowledge it and ask honestly that Nick not let those parts of Charlie become the focus of their relationship. He requests, even during this moment of almost brutal honesty and vulnerability, that Nick see him completely, as the whole person he can be, because Charlie knows that person is there inside himself. The self awareness and bravery this takes is enormous.

There are a million other moments like this that I could write about, both big and small:

But I'll end this already lengthy post with this: When one considers the amount of sheer courage Charlie has to exert just to live his daily life, it almost defies understanding. Charlie Spring is a gladiator of the mind and heart, completely worthy of any good thing.

[rockingtheorange]

Why is Nick such an asshole to Taylor and the film? He already toldAmazon he will nto be doing the sequel.

I don't like answering this type of questions so I'll make it as complete as I can, so people can get a life outside their own expectations. (I'm not defending Nick, I'm stating facts.)

First of all, let's not spread false rumors. Nick has not dropped the project. (I'm baffled on how this rumor could start in the first place)

Nick signed a contract for the sequel, he has responsibilities towards it, and consequences if he doesn't follow it. Regardless, it's not us who decide the terms. If he ever decides to leave the project, he'll make a choice and ponder the consequences.

"He could do more". Well, he also could do less. He's an actor and does his job however he feels like. (Do y'all care about every single aspect of your own jobs or studies? Bet you have priorities, right?)

In pop culture, there's this conception of the artist "owes his fans". While I'm inclined to love fanservice of all kind because it makes us, fans, feel appreciated, no one forces us to be a fan, meanwhile the artists are forced to do fanservice as long as they want or their contracts stipulates that.

Now let me go onto the specific part of Nicholas' life and personality.

Let's remind ourselves that we can be the biggest fans and yet know nothing about our favorite celebrities. They show us what they want us to know, it's our choice to decide what we want to follow, hear or understand.

As far as we know Nick, he's always been a quiet reserved person, who suffers from anxiety, doesn't like big social events and hardly uses social media (especially in the recent years)

He's somewhat a fearful person who decides to step outside his comfort zone. We can know that from his song Comfort.

Nick has talked about how one of his "great fears is being misunderstood." You can read about it in the article RWRB related from BritishGQ in which he compares his fear with Henry's experience.

Nick has been showing multiple times in multiple occasions how he loved Henry and loved playing him. He wouldn't have said "yes" to a sequel if he didn't want to. (I'd also say it's a big deal since Nick has always only played in project that didn't get a sequel, and he consciously decided to agree to it.)

In Nick's career, we can see how diverse and interesting his characters must be. He's drawn to peculiar characters and when he finds one, he puts everything he has to offer into it. This leads him to focus on other characters that aren't the same static one from a year or two ago. (He moves on to the next project, and I don't see anything bad about it.)

Working a lot means schedule conflicts and Nick has always had this problem. If he doesn't work on something new, he rests while doing his little hobbies. (Does he need to attend every social event if he doesn't want to? Do y'all ever rest? And if you don't, can other rest instead?)

I added my personal opinion in parenthesis so it doesn't get confused with the facts. Nick is a human with personal interests, ranked scale of values and personal life.

If you don't want to be a fan, don't be. If you want to be a hater, talk it to the wall instead of harming or annoy others. If you have expectations over other people, learn to manage what you can't control. If you think you're in control of someone else, you're not.

Now, excuse me I'll go back to watch RWRB with Henry played by Nicholas Galitzine, the actor who took his fragile character and held him in his hand, and protected him.

[green5quirrel]

TL;DR: I think Monroe's striking and chiming clocks were underutilized for truly hilarious interruptions when the hour strikes and 5 or so clocks announce it in sync.

I think we've all looked over a very important detail in Nick having stayed over at Monroe's for a time. I feel like I REALLY want someone to explore this in a fanfiction of some sort.

Monroe has several "striking" clocks in his house. A striking clock (or just clock for those who differentiate clocks as striking and timepieces as non-striking) makes sounds every hour, half hour, or can chime every quarter hour depending on the number of mechanisms.

Monroe obviously has a grandfather clock (or grandmother clock as I'm not sure the height of it) thanks to him telling Hap not to touch it. So that is definitely a striking and chime clock. Or has the potential to be as such if it's not silenced. He also has potentially more than one cuckoo clock.

Can you imagine the absolute terror of a person who has never been in a house with more than one striking clock as it hits the hour or half hour for the first time.

Now, ideally Monroe will have silenced most of his clocks. I don't know. I don't have any working clocks. I don't know how most horologists do things at their private homes. If they find the striking nostalgic or welcomed. But let's err on the side that Monroe has been living alone for a long time and actually does find a few chimes and striking nostalgic after growing up with it as his dad seemed to also be into clocks.

Let's layer this with the fact that Nick has very sensitive hearing (though I'm not sure when that happens. I could have my timelines wrong). Despite that, you're just getting to sleep at around 11pm or midnight and for some reason have been oblivious to or accepting of the chimes during the day. Or this is your first night in your friend, Monroe's, house and suddenly the first floor below you erupts in various chimes and tunes.

Can you imagine?!

I'm actually kind of astounded that this was never properly explored in the. In not one scene does any of Monroe's clocks strike despite how long everyone is at his house. I mean, if I had clocks I'd at least appreciate one of them striking.

The point is, I really want to either write or read a fanfiction where either Rosalee or Nick or Hank experiences the sound of an hour in the most unexpected way and grumpily complains to a completely and adorably oblivious Monroe.

(It would also have been a great gag if in the middle of a dramatic conversation it struck the top of the hour and Monroe patiently waits for his clocks to sound off before continuing. And Nick/whoever he's talking to is just like "Seriously dude?" And he's like, "What? ...fine! I'll silence them. Jeez! I didn't ask you to be here anyway, man!")

[marvelcvte]

forbidden touch - steve rogers

*The above image is not intended to force the reader to identify with any of the people in it. Its purpose is to present the concept of the story.*

pairing: steve rogers x f!reader theme: smut warnings: heavy smut (18+, minors dni), handjob (f receiving), oral job (f receiving), edging, praise kink word count: 1,2k summary: you have a crush on steve and he hears you. a/n: hope you like it!! feedback is always appreciated (:

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The feeling of the much needed rest finally assails you as you get comfortable in your bed. The silk sheet embrace you just as perfectly as it always does.

Working out with Steve Rogers is something that you never thought of doing before, but as soon as you joined S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury, that was the first thing they made you do. And apparently they wouldn't let you on a mission without having completed all the sessions.

You weren't complaining at first, since you had a crush on Captain America since the attack of New York. You didn't know him personally yet and you dreamed about him everyday. But after many, many work out sessions you started to hate him.

Not an enemy-like hate, I mean, you don't want him dead. It's more like you-make-me-horny hate. He is so bossy and demanding, and the fact that he turns you on makes you sick.

Of course, seeing him shirtless for four hours straight wasn't helping either. The hand-to-hand combats are the worst. Seeing him so close to you and smelling those nose-filling pheromones and testosterone is why you ended each session horny.

Today is no different. As your head meets the pillow, the only thing you can think about is him. You still imagine those sweaty pecs bouncing every time he jumped, or his arm flexing every time he took a break and drank from his water bottle.

At those thoughts, you find yourself sliding your hand towards your throbbing core. You are not wearing much, just a pair of panties and a sport bra, and this facilitates your eager hands.

Your fingers run on the fabric of your underwear and your legs begin to shake just at the clothed touch. Not so much time passes, that your hand is in your bare, wet folds.

The index finger finds the little button that gives access to your orgasms and it starts to give it round caresses. All your blood rushes between your legs as you speed up the movement. Your lips are parted, but you don't dare make a sound, at the risk of being heard by someone.

As soon as you pick a good rhythm, muffled words exit your mouth. You can't control your vocal cords anymore, since less and less silent moans flood the room.

For this reason, you can't hear the squeaking of the door and the panting of the person resting on the doorjamb. Steve had heard you and he quietly opened the door to see. He is prying on you even though he knew you wouldn't be happy about it.

But something makes him loose his mind and fully enter the room. As soon as he hears you repeat his rank more and more, he decides to get close to you and touch your thigh, without taking his eyes off what you're doing.

"Do you think of me when you touch yourself?" you hear him say as soon as you open your eyes, frightened. The first thing you do is sitting down and covering your shame with the blanket.

"Steve... I mean, Mr. Rogers, what are you doing here? You scared me," you stutter. Your blood rush from your core to your cheeks.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention," he replies, staring directly at your face. "Please, continue what you were doing," he adds at the end.

"What?" the word leaves your mouth too quickly.

"You heard me. Do it, or I'll do it."

His demanding voice enters your ears and then that part of your brain that makes you obey, too clouded by excitement and shame. Your hand returns between your legs and starts moving as fast as before.

You muffle your moans directly down your throat and you close your eyes so as not to look at the Captain. But this is not what he wanted and that's why he wraps his hand around your neck, making your eyes meet his.

Your lips are parted again, this time letting your cries being heard. "That's more like it," he says.

"Now, tell me, do you think of me when you touch yourself?" he asks again. You whine in response, but he growls at you. "Use your words."

And that's what you do. You moan a breathless "yes". The tremor of your thighs increases more and more every time your hand collides with your clit. Tears of excitement form in your eyes and they are fighting to not roll down your cheeks.

"Let me see," Steve says in a very rough voice that should be illegal. With a big gesture, he takes off your blanket, admiring all your lust.

Without further ado, he sits in front of you and his hand takes the place of yours. The wetness of your flesh slips between his fingers as he opens your folds. In a jiffy, his head is between your thighs, testing your flavor.

Your head, instead, is brought back again on your pillow. The room is spinning as the man under you is licking the fuck out of you. His tongue is quick and experienced, as if he had already done what he is doing a thousand times more.

He englobes your clit between his lips, all while his arm is resting on your stomach, holding you still. Your hand travels down your body, into his hair. At this touch, his eyes light up and he stops the pleasure.

You stare down at him with a questioning look. But as soon as he moves away, his fingers enters you without warning. They curl up inside of you, touching every right spot.

"That's what were you dreaming about, uh? You waited for this for so long, didn't you?" he asks you, staring at you, while you can't even utter a word. His movement are fast and your wetness is his natural lube. They come in and out with ease.

Your moans fill the room, and for Steve they're music to his ears. "What's my name, princess?" he asks you.

His fingers speed up, spurring you to answer. His other hand returns on you neck, making your faces too much close. You can feel his breath fanning your open mouth.

"Steve," you finally answer.

"Again," he says.

You repeat it again and again and with every word Steve's fingers increase in speed. From two fingers, to three, until there are four.

Your little hole is stretching around his hand and he can feel your walls clenching as you're near your high.

"I'm close," you warn him, hugging his arm still resting on your neck. In hearing these words, the Captain stops. You give him a nasty look, but he smiles and sits not so far from you.

At the lack of contact your body trembles. "Go ahead and finish what you started," the same commanding voice that you hear in those training session is now used to make you come.

He watches you as your hand is back again on your clit. "Yes, just like that, good job."

It looks like you're back in the gym, but you're sweating for something else. It takes little for you to pour yourself on the bed. You feel relieved and invigorated after an exhausting evening that never seemed to end.

As you open your eyes, coming down from your high, you find Steve still watching you.

"You did great. Next time, keep your voice down if you don't want me to hear you. Or don't."

[thesupreme316]

How aew men react to yn being girl version of them

nick wayne x female reader, darius martin x female reader, hook x female reader, action andretti x female reader, dante martin x female reader, Eddie kingston x female reader, ricky starks x female reader

AEW STARS REACT TO: You being them in a different font

Pairings: Nick Wayne x female reader, Darius Martin x female reader, Hook x female reader, Action Andretti x female reader, Dante Martin x female reader, Eddie Kingston x female reader, Ricky Starks x female reader

Word Count: 1.3K

Supreme Speaks: hey yall happy new year! hope everyone is doing well! here is my hc for today, plz enjoy! and remember that you are loved and appreciated.

Warning: none i think

Taglist: @hooks-martin @hookerforhook @batzy-watzy @wwenhlimagines @triscillal @cassie0sstuff @sheinthatfandom @eddie-kingstons-wifey

Ricky Starks

Omg does he have a field day with you

But y’all aren’t exactly friends but frenemies

Like on some mean girls type shit

Cause you are the exact same; slick, fabulous, luxurious, and funny

Sometimes you be stumping him with your comebacks

Ricky: At this point, I’ll join the circus

You: You don't have enough talent to join the circus…but then again you are a clown

Cue yall weakly slapping each other

Loves to bicker with you

Hates when other people are bickering with you; will jump to your defense

Eventually, you become the Gunther and Tinka (from shake it up) of AEW

You two frequently share Pinterest boards and give fashion advice to each other

At this point, you two are either color-coordinating or complete opposites in outfits

Will text you and see you as the only person who understands him (in front of Taz, Hook, Big Bill)

Yall go on friendly dates and love to gossip

Ricky: And they were roommates

You: Not the roommates

Ricky: Right?!

Nick Wayne

You’re a sibling to him

Personality wise: you are both shy golden retrievers

THAT IS THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE NICK

I think yall got along because no one else was around your age that thought the way yall do

Nick was shy about meeting others until he got introduced to you

Now you talk all the time

Loves exploring new parts of arenas or working Christian’s nerves

I can just see him being annoyed at the point that there are two Nicks

I also see Nick’s energy being on low until you come around

THEN HE’S BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS

Hates when people pick on you, and he goes to your rescue

…

Now both of you are pouting in a corner cause yall got your feelings hurt (think of Tamaki from ouran high school host club)

I also think that you would be his personal journal (he’ll tell you everything)

He feels comfortable telling you stuff because he knows you’re gonna keep it

Or you’ll just forget about it and you have to pretend you know what he’s talking about

Darius Martin

YALL ARE SO CUTE

He calls you his reflection

Cause he said looking at you is like looking at a mirror

Yall are the most unproblematic duo ever

Have yall seen fights where people in the background are in their own little world?

Yeah…that’s yall

You two are so unbothered by the drama around you

I feel like he would see you like as a sibling so everything he tells Dante, he tells you

You are on speed dial; he calls you now more than he calls his brother

Secretly Dante’s jealous of the relationship between you and Darius

Asks you to do the simplest of tasks like braid his hair or record his training sessions

I also feel like so many people would think yall are dating the way he treats you

He always holds the door, pulls out your chair, keeps on the inside of the sidewalk, will hold your hand if you want as you two walk

To him, it’s not romantic (it is to me damnit), it’s just him being a gentleman and doing the bare minimum (AS A MAN SHOULD)

Because of him, you raise your standards for men

But it doesn’t feel right without him next to you

Hook

Mans secretly in love with you

I think he would think your personality is refreshing cause he doesn’t see it often in women

At first he thought it was a gimmick or you’re trying to get him to like you

But nope, this is you 100%

Many people think it would be boring between you two

Nope…just comfortable silence

Tbh yall are the real unbothered duo; truly not giving a fuck about anything around yall

Can tell your thoughts just by looking at you

Over time, I think he sees you as a bestie OR SO HE THINKS

Allows you to handle your own business cause he knows you can handle yourself

Is always surprised by how well you know him

He’s just not used to anyone really remembering small details about him

He made sure that you were a part of the Lads now

The group welcomed you with open arms

I think he forgets that you’re in the room sometimes with how silent you are

OOO idea: he teaches you Italian so you two can talk in private in public

He also buys you the same hoodies and sweatpants that he wears…cause yall already take each other’s anyways

Action Andretti

Yall are the Himbo/Bimbo combo (non-derogatory)

…

You share the same braincell

Respectfully of course

Like yall look so cute and cool okay? You guys are sweethearts

BUT JESUS SOMETIMES-

You two are truly in your own world

(respectfully again, don’t take it seriously billy)

Yall are not unbothered but just oblivious to the drama around you two

He pulls out the best jokes for you just to hear you laugh

Yall just get hyper together a lot

I wanna say you two together are very innocent and happy-go-lucky

But it is very balanced between the two of you

Everyone who sees you, can’t help but think that you two are adorable

Listen I think in terms of feelings developing, Andretti is too caught up in trying to make sure that you two are having a great friendship to see if anything can develop

If anything, he’s just happy to have you by his side and he doesn’t want anything to ruin it

Dante Martin

Yall have bff necklaces

Or bracelets

whatever you prefer

Very playful relationship yall have indeed

Dante will tell you everything but not his brother

Dante has see you every day, if not, it’s an off day for him

You two will say the same things at the same time like twins or some shit

I think it’s very surface-level thinking with your friendship

He really does appreciate you and he doesn’t really see you as anything more

If anything, he sees you as a little sister that he is molding to be more like him

Drags you everywhere

Super protective over you

Hates to exclude you

Like with Hook, He made you a part of the Lads

I feel like Dante takes you very seriously in terms of yall’s friendship

There’s never a dull moment with him

Eddie Kingston (one day I really want to do a character/in-depth analysis on him)

Compared to the other men on this list

Eddie would think about you subconsciously and really does see you as another version of himself

And it bothers him to a certain extent

because your attitude, actions, and even the way you talk is just like him

Right down to the stubbornness

Will try to tell you certain things to calm you down or anything but really it’s what he wants to hear himself

I also think he finally gets what everyone sees in him cause he can see it in you (underdog vibes)

He can’t tell if he loves you as a BFF or more

Cause he never really met a woman who has the same strong yet realistic mindset as him

And it makes him feel butterflies

But he really loves your hustle and how quick-witted you are

He also loves how true you are to yourself and how you won’t change for people

Knowing Eddie he rather keep your friendship than lose you entirely

Even though he’s very close to Ortiz, Santana, Mox, and Ruby

You are #1 to him

[frostironfudge]

Redemption

Summary: Max Burnett taught you everything and so did Nick Fowler. Now, they don't appreciate being double crossed. So naturally you have to pay up to earn forgiveness. Will you earn redemption?

Paring: Max Burnett x F!Reader x Nick Fowler, F!Reader x Special Guest.

Word Count: 4.0k || Dividers: @firefly-graphics

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI, you are responsible for the media you consume. smut, shameless smut, darkish content, a spoiler for sharper and 355, p in v, edgeing, multiple orgasms, oral m recieving, dom/sub, hard doms, degradation, punishments, spanking, choking, fingering, clit play, nipple play, swearing, possessive behaviour, use of drugs for kidnapping, Max and Nick are well hard doms, even though max might have a bit of a switch vibe, knife play, cuffs, aftercare, hickeys, nicknames meanings will be mentioned on first use of the nickname, praise kink, mild dub-con vibes, if i missed anything let me know

A.N.: i didn't know i could write this much filth also these two together menaces, but i love them.

Main Masterlist // AO3

Keep your breathing even. 

Let them think you’re knocked out cold still. 

Don’t flinch at the pinch in your arm. 

Stay alert. 

Footsteps, retreating, one person. Medium build. 

Chair scarpes, neglected and worn wood.

Beeping, microwave. 

Scents, cheese melting.

Don’t move a muscle. Don’t give away your hunger. Don’t think about it.

Rustling, foil unwrapping.

Clinking, cutlery on a plate.

Footsteps, moving closer, one person. Medium to heavy build. Two total. 

Hands on yours, the rope being cut. Soft breath. 

The rope remains tethered.

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show.” The male calls out, the cutlery clinks against the plate again.

The earlier footsteps come closer again. 

Max. You recognise the voice a moment too late. 

Why would he? No.

“You knew all about it.” Nick keeps his voice even. You hear Max chuckle and hum.

Nick’s palm cups your cheek. Max tuts disapprovingly. The warmth from Nick’s touch recedes. 

An unspoken conversation occurs and Nick stands back.

“Agent Fowler, don’t they teach you not to touch what belongs to someone else?” The plate is set down, Max grabs your hair, “Wake up, little tesoro (treasure).” He tears the blindfold off and you blink. You’re pulled off the bed, on your knees.

Shitty hotel room. Curtains drawn. Another room outside this bedroom. 

You look up at Max.

“I’m very cross with you.” He states, “Double crossing me?”

“Max it isn’t–,”

“Fucking liar!” He grabs your jaw harshly, “Don’t give me those damn doe eyes I taught you to use.”

“Max.” Nick warns, you hear the click of a gun. You don’t look at him. He wasn’t supposed to find you. 

You had made sure to cover the tracks. Lead Nick down a cold trail ending somewhere on the west coast.

“Agent.” Max says with equal mocking. Staring at you. His blue eyes blaze with anger. 

You try to speak but he tightens his grip, all that moves past your lips is a squeak.

“You can’t be this upset being fucked over, what did you consider her your protege?” Nick takes a step to the foot of the bed. Gun still pointed at Max.

“Aren’t you?” Max finally looks at the CIA Agent.

Nick clenches his jaw, eyes falling to you. You take a peek at him from the corner of your eyes. Slate blue-grey eyes regard you with disappointment. 

“I don’t know what you mean.” Nick shrugs.

Max laughs, hollow. The way he did when he told you about Madeline. You hated the sound of his hollowed out self.

“Oh please, you trained her yourself. To come after me. She’s as much as your little subordinate as she is my little protege.” Max looks back at you, tilting your head back, he leans in, remnants of his aftershave flood your senses, “Aren’t you?” 

He makes you nod your head, your lips unable to move.

“Max, let her go.” Nick warns.

“You know Nick. I don’t want to, and she’s going to help me teach you a little lesson.” Max beams brightly. Your stomach twists.

“Ask your superior to hand over his gun. You know the same way you asked him to fuck you in his office.” Max lets go of your jaw.

You remain silent, Max tightens his grip on your hair, you whimper.

“Max.” Nick warns, your eyes meet his, you blink back the tears.

“Ni-Nick,” You plead.

“You know I can’t.” Nick states, you shift, kneeling on the rough carpet hurting your bare legs. 

“Nick please, please. Just listen to him. I gave you everything you’d need. Please. I won’t let him hurt you. Nick please.”

“So pretty when she begs isn’t she?” Max wipes the tear from your cheek, “But you know all about that, tell me Fowler, fucking her part of the teaching act? Or did you actually feel for the little base level bright eyed agent?” 

Nick’s eyes widen in the slightest. 

“Oh please, you think I don’t keep an eye on broken little things I take in? Or keep an eye on fuckers that have their eyes on me?” Max chuckles, “Now hand over the gun or it won’t do either of us good seeing her in pain.” 

“You wouldn’t.” Nick calls his bluff.

“I wouldn’t? Did the little baby lie about the time I left her out in the cold? Did she not tell you how harsh I can be to her? The way I can be both her punishment and salvation.” Max raises a brow, he makes you arch your back, lips brushing against yours as he bends close enough, “You only sang my praises? Good girl.” he whispers against your lips.

Then turns your head to look at Nick, he bites the inside of his cheek at the display.

“Are you jealous?” Max sneers, free hand trailing from your neck to your collar bones and then sternum. Nick’s eyes follow the movement, “Hmm, he is, well, well, well.” 

“Nick, the gun. Hand it over.” Your voice is even this time. The agent’s nostrils flair.

Nick aims the gun to Max’s leg. Max holds a small gun to your head. Nick’s stance waivers, he gazes at you. Your eyes are on him. 

Nick exhales, irritated, he turns the gun, holding it out for Max to take. The conman undoes your binds. 

“Go on little tesoro, take the gun of the nice agent.” He coaxes. The heavy metal comes into your hands. You swallow, “Point it at him.”

Nick raises his hands as you point the gun at him all while you knee. Max pats your head, kneeling his palms slide over your outstretched hands, he gingerly plucks the gun from your hand. Kissing your cheek.

His actions and his words have your mind reeling. 

Was this a con you were pulling on Nick? 

Was Nick working with Max to get you behind bars?

“Now go get the other little toys he’s carrying.” Max instructs, standing and pointing the gun at Nick. 

You move to stand, Max tuts again. “Crawl.”

“You’re fucking sick, you son of a bitch,” Nick growls.

“Oh please, I’m letting you enjoy the show.” Max shakes his head, tendrils of his hair brush his cheekbones.

Your skin heats, cheeks aflame. You crawl to Nick, kneeling at his feet. He watches you with an apologetic expression. He reaches out to touch your cheek. Your eyes close at the contact.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you Nicky?” Max mocks. Nick glares at him. 

“Pupils dilated and well those pants I hope are doing you justice unless that is another gun. Look at that little tesoro, he’s turned on by you like this, he’s turned on by seeing me order you around.”

“Get the guns.” Max reminds you, making you look back at him. Then up at Nick. 

“You know where they are, don't you prinţesă (princess)?” Nick speaks softly, you nod. 

Your hands reach for his left ankle, the smaller holster sits there, you turn to Max. 

“Crawl.”

“Max, please.” You plead, he had to be fucking with you. He couldn’t be this cruel. 

Max narrows his eyes, then rolls them, “Check him for other ammunition then you can stand, little tesoro.” 

You knew from experience where Nick hid weapons on himself. He had a gun tucked into the back. Your hands tremble in the slightest, as you move behind him. Underneath the navy suit jacket tucked is the gun with the silencer. 

You take it away, Nick keeps his gaze steady on Max. 

“Why are you demeaning her?” He questions.

“Playing good cop? Okay I’ll bite.” Max gestures for you to stand. You grab both the guns and walk over to him. 

“You see Nicky,” Max’s smug smile only adds to Nicky’s ire over the nickname, “I’ve been fucked over by a redhead before, I’m sure you know what that feels like so when,” the tip of his gun touches your temple then your cheek, he tucks it under your chin, “This sweet little prize waltzed into my life you could colour me surprised.” 

“She’s fucked you over.” Nick states. 

“She fucked you over too.” Max adds. 

The two stare at you, you look at the wall ahead. 

“So what should we do with you?” The cold metal taps your jaw. You look at Max. 

“Get on the bed prinţesă.” Nick orders, you look towards him. He’s leaning against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets. 

“Go on, listen to Nicky.” Max prompts stepping away from you. He smiles at you, there isn’t an aota of anger in his demeanour anymore. 

“Max.. what is going on?” He doesn’t answer; you turn to the other man, “Nick?”

“Get on the bed, don’t make Max angrier, I don’t think you would prefer me to be angrier either.” 

You get on the bed, both of them on opposite ends of the room. Watching you, their blue and grey predatory gazes drinking you in, you pull down the hem of the dress on your thighs. 

“Nick, Max…” You want to ask, all of your facial reading abilities give you nothing from their masks. 

Nick saunters over, a relaxed smile on his face. He hands Max the two pairs of cuffs. The bed dips under his weight. Your hands spread out each cuffed to one end. 

Your breathing hitches when Max’s palm is wrapped around your throat. He smirks, giving your neck a squeeze. 

Your thighs clench, your body betraying you. 

Nick chuckles, “Always so responsive isn’t she?” He muses. Max nods pulling away from you. 

The two of them observe you from the foot of the bed. Asking questions is not productive. You know they know about the double cross you pulled on either side. 

Your I-will-disappear bag and passport aren’t here, which means you never got away quick enough. From either of them. 

“It’s clicking into place.” Max grins at you, “Always so very smart. Always such a good girl, little tesoro. Till you weren’t.” He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. 

“Well, you’ve learned a lot from the both of us. You tried to keep us both happy and fucked the both of us over. You know you have to be punished, prinţesă.” Nick licks his bottom lip. 

“I wasn’t going to betray—,” 

“Oh you weren’t?” Max exaggerates his words. 

Nick pulls out your bag from under the bed, you stare at it, “Little liar aren’t you?” 

“I wasn’t! I promise.” You plead, pulling against the restraints. 

“You want to make it upto us?” Max questions, tilting his head to gauge your response, searching for even a flicker of insubordination. 

You nod, “Please.” 

Max looks towards Nick. The latter hums audibly, contemplating but the gleam in his eyes has you know he already decided. 

Max hands him the small blade. Nick climbs in next to you. The flat edge of the knife trails over your right leg, when Nick reaches your thigh he taps the blade twice. 

Your legs part for him, the blade catches on the hem of your dress. He begins to tear it apart. Leaving you exposed to them. The dress hangs off of your shoulders. 

“I think we need to see a little more skin don’t we Max?” Nick asks rhetorically, your breath hitches as he traces the tip over the swell of your breast, the straps cut through. 

You bite your lip, Nick presses a soft kiss to your sternum. 

“Be good.” He warns, your bra falls in tatters around you. 

Max joins in on the bed, fingers brushing along your inner thighs, then higher he hums appreciatively as the wetness seeps onto his fingers.

“My, my, little tesoro. You really want to be a good little slut for us.” The panties are shifted to the side, his fingers brush over your folds, you whimper. Max keeps his teasing movements going, watching the way you keep coating his fingers. 

Nick cuts through the fabric, leaving you fully at their mercy. 

Nick reaches forward his thumb and index finger twisting your nipple. Max begins to circle his thumb around your clit. You bite your lip not to make a sound. 

A sharp sting on your cunt has you cry out. 

“You do not hold back those sounds.” Nick reprimands and Max’s palm stings against your pussy. You clench around nothing as you moan. Twisting against the cuffs. 

“You want our forgiveness?” Max taunts, his palm leaving redness in its wake as he spanks over your inner thighs. Nick strokes your cheek, softness in contrast with Max’s harsh spanks. 

“Please.” You plead, Nick shakes his head. 

You’re turned over, hands crossed and laying on your stomach. Max breathes deeply, the fabric of your dress cut further and taken off. 

You feel Nick grab your hips lifting them higher, your shoulders strain as the pull of the cuffs has you arch to find comfort. 

Max sits next to you, making you look at him. He smiles, your lips part to apologise but you cry out as Nick’s palm comes into contact with your ass. 

“Trusted you prinţesă.” He hisses, massaging the flesh, then alternating his harsh spanks you twist and wiggle to no respite. Tears brim over. Max’s index finger wipes over them and then the other side with the back of his fingers. He provides you with no other gentleness. Instead watching Nick continue. 

How long had it been you don’t understand or perceive. Spanking alternated between the two of them. After their set of ten they’d tease your folds, cooing at the needy way your pussy would want their fingers to fill you up. And they did, long thick digits stuffing you. Getting soaked by your arousal. Thumbs tapping your clit, at the edge of bliss and then nothing. 

Nick switches with Max again, he offers his soaked fingers to you, your tear stained cheeks pull no leniency this time. Your lips part to clean his fingers. 

Not a word of praise. 

You’ve been good, you apologised. 

Yet nothing. 

Just pain. 

It stopped feeling good too. 

“I’m sorry!” You cry out at the next spank. Sniffling you bury your head. 

Body fell flat against the bed, your arms stretched to their maximum to opposing ends. You feel the sting of both their palms spanking you at the same time. 

You sob, crying out broken sorries. 

The cuffs are undone and you’re turned around again, Max unzips his jeans, his cock hard and waiting. He pulls you down along the bed. The sheets add to the burn on your ass. You grip them. 

Max rubs his cock over your folds, “You thought you could lie to us?” 

“I’m sorry.” You hiccup and then moan as he slams into you. Filling you up so good the burning ache numbing with each thrust. Pleasure overtakes your body. 

“Little tesoro, I’m so fucking mad. I trusted you so much.” Max grunts, “Fucking pussy’s so fucking,” he groans, your leg wrapped around his waist, “Addictive. Going to make you our little cumslut.” 

You clench around his cock. His thrusts are hard and fast, “Look at Nick.” Max grunts out, “Fucking vice like grip.” 

You look up, Nick watches you, his hand leisurely moving over his cock. You lick your lips. He smirks. 

“You want a taste, prinţesă?” 

“Oh she does, fucking velvet walls can’t get enough.” Max pulls out, you mewl at the loss. 

Nick stands, cock bobbing against your cheek as they have you lay across the bed so your head hands off of the edge. 

Both of them thrust into you, your mouth and pussy fill at the same time, eyes rolling back as they thrust in sync. Nick tweaks your nipples and you moan around him. Large hands on your breasts, cupping and squeezing. 

“Fuck—I missed this lying mouth.” He groans, he places a hand on your throat feeling himself thrust deep. “You’re going to make such a pretty cumslut, prinţesă.” 

Max grabs your hip, fingers on your clit circling adding to the unravelling pleasure that begins to take over after all the edging. 

Pleasure courses through your veins, you arch up, the sheet fisted both of them moan your name. 

Max fucks you through your orgasm, your mouth slack even as Nick pulls out. Hoarse moans of Max’s name leave your lips. 

“Going to fill you up.” Max’s hips stutter, he groans spilling into you. His palm grabbing your jaw, your knees pressed to your chest as he kisses you. It’s sloppy, needy, all consuming. Biting down on your lip as he pulls out of you and pulls his lips away. 

Your chest heaves, Max sits back against the bed and Nick grabs your legs, you’re pulled to the edge and flipped over. He grabs you by your neck, pulling you up.

Your back against his chest, your hands grab at his, his cock spears you, you cry out his name. Nick’s thicker girth makes you feel fuller, his head brushing against the spot that has your legs trembling. 

He knew you wouldn’t last, he was counting on it, “such a pretty cunt. All ours to use isn’t it?” He squeezes your throat, his fingers rub harshly on your clit. You nod, “Please, please, please—,” a strangled plea leaves your lips as you cum yet again, slumming against Nick as he ruts into you. 

Your spasming walls don’t allow him to last long, “Your mouth is fucking wonderful but this? Divine. You aren’t getting away from us.” He promises, your lips meet his as he cums inside you as well. His kiss is equally claimant, his dominance harsher. His stubble burns against your skin.

As if the two of them want to share you but want the other to know who actually owns you. 

Aftershocks thrum through your body. Nick pulls out, you feel the mess coat your thighs. Max kneels on the bed, holding you up as Nick leaves. He wipes your tears, cupping your face. 

Water runs and the door shuts, a warm cloth is moved upon your body, you hiss as it brushes over your sensitive flesh. Nick turns your head to the mirror on the opposite wall your body is littered with hickeys and marks of them. 

“There isn’t going to be a punishment next time if you pull this stunt, prinţesă.” Nick warns.  

You blink, they meet your gaze in the reflection. 

“Exactly little tesoro. You did well for us. Maybe there is redemption for you after all to be our good girl.” Max kisses your cheek. 

“Do you understand?” They ask, you nod. 

“I do.” 

“Whose are you?” Max raises a brow. 

“Both of yours.” Your answer pleases them. 

“Will you ever run away?” Nick narrows his eyes. 

“Not unless you both are where I have to run toward.” 

You’re kissed again, one by one. 

Rewarded by tongues and wandering hands. 

Laying between the two their fingers inside you, making you cum apart between them. Over and over. Late into the night or early into the day they allow you rest. 

You pull away from bed carefully, the two of them in the seating area talking softly, you search for clothes but you only find Max’s hoodie and Nick’s briefs. Your bag had the other essentials but not any clothes. They would sedate you to move you again. You try to not let the thought curdle in your chest. Wearing the clothes, you head into the kitchen.

Bags from a local burger joint are on the small table. You stand at the doorway, fiddling with the sleeves. 

“Ah there she is, my little thief.” Nick chuckles, “Come on we have your favourite curly fries.” 

“And strawberry milkshake mixed with half of vanilla.” Max holds up the cup. 

You stare at the food and drink. 

“Oh you don’t trust us?” Max shakes his head amused, “Told you.” He says to Nick. He reaches for the fries and eats a random one, making a show out of chewing it. Holding his arms wide as if to show no damage to himself.

Nick does similarly with the milkshake, taking a sip and making a face at the combination but again nothing happens to him, “We’re good to you. We’re safe. Unlike the place you planned on running toward.” 

You giggle at their antics. Padding over to them and taking the spot between them. You eat the food, and drink your milkshake, being their good girl. They smile, no anger or disappointment in their eyes. 

“So will the two of you ever be inside me together?” You ask randomly, popping a fry in your mouth the two of them begin coughing not expecting that question. You laugh padding over to the counter that harbours the water bottles, unscrewing them you quickly hand them their bottles and take your own. 

“Sorry, I thought…” You look away shyly.

“Maybe we do your fantasies after we’re done with your punishments.” Nick suggests, rubbing his chest.

You look from him to Max, he takes another sip of water, “Little tesoro, we aren’t done punishing you yet.”

“I understand. I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking clearly.” You agree with them. They nod.

Max reaches for a french fry and slumps forward. Your eyes widen, “Max!”

Nick’s eyes turn from the slumped over conman to you, you stare at him accusingly, he stands, you watch him reach for the gun on the side table but he falls forward as well, “Nick!” 

Their eyes are open, you wipe the panic from your face, rolling your eyes. 

“Oh don’t worry, soon it will be a nice little sleepy time.” You promise, eating another fry and dusting your hands off, “Well these past hours have been very entertaining but I have some very important business to attend.” You stand, moving over Nick’s body towards Max. Their eyes have the anger yet again.

“Oh it’s just a little drug. The way you drugged me.” You smile at Max, taking a deep breath before dragging him along the carpet to the bedroom. You cuff him to the bed frame. Leaving him watching you from the ground you head back to drag Nick back inside.

“Max and Nick, the two of you were right, strength training has its perks.” You grin, cuffing Nick works the same way. You sift through their bags for clothes opting for Max’s since they wouldn’t have any stitched in trackers. You’d ditch them anyways. 

They helplessly watch you strip down, and put on clothes. You open your seized bag, the hidden pocket still has the keycard you need. You smile at them.

“Well boys,” you saunter over to them, then spot your shoes, wearing them you make your way back. You place a kiss against Max’s soft cheek then Nick’s stubbled one, “Thank you for the fuck, I don’t appreciate the spanking.” You wink, “Maybe we can continue this another time.”

You close the door gently, you’re just outside of New York you crack your stiff neck. Reaching for the burner tucked into the sole of your shoe you dial the number. 

“Hansen and Barnes’ or Barnes and Hansen’s Services.” The cheery voice greets you.

“Llyod.” You greet walking down the steps towards the road. Hailing down a cab.

“Ah, sweetheart, grumpy here was angrier than ever.” Lloyd informs, you shake your head at his nonsense.

“Well he can meet me at his favourite place. Oh and I have Fowler and Burnett tied up.” You inform, he whistles, impressed by your antics. 

“Get there, I’m sure he’s excited to meet his Doll.” Lloyd teases, “I’ll tell him. Text me where they should be.”

You hear a muffled sound then punches and groans, you use the time to text Lloyd. You get down from the taxi at the first subway station’s steps. 

“Doll.” Bucky greets over the call, making you smile.

“Hi, Bucky. I missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. I hear you’ve earned redemption?” He enquires.

“I have.” 

“Good girl. Knew you would make me proud. I’ll meet you at our favourite place in an hour.” He promises.

“An hour Mr. Barnes.” You affirm, he chuckles.

“I’ll see you, Doll.” Bucky promises before the line goes dead. 

You break the flipphone, dropping it on the platform, kicking it onto the tracks and then leaving the station with the hood up.

-x-x-x-x-

[meraki-yao]

My two cents on the story some Nick fans hate Taylor:

From what I've seen around they are mainly people who have been following him since before rwrb and if you look carefully they are often huge purple heart fans (and have a slight obsession with the "relationship" between Nick and Sofia) therefore I think that this hatred for Taylor derives from 2 things:

1. They hate that so many people have gotten closer to him because of rwrb but they share the support and love with someone else. That's why they always have to specify that for them Taylor is unemployed (unlike Nick), Taylor is not a good actor (unlike Nick who is the best around for the next 100 years), Taylor is loved only for his hot body and we are all envious that Nick is mentioned around as an actor etc etc. It's impossible for them to accept that people can appreciate both and one must necessarily be better and more loved than the other and they are better fans because they have been following him since before rwrb and they don't want him to still be associated with this film because he will never be "the sole star" but has to share everything with Taylor.

2. Racism. From certain comments they make it is undeniable that this has great relevance in this situation and I don't even want to delve into it because it's not even crazy it's simply disgusting and this is definitely the worst part.

They hate rwrb (but praise Nick as Henry and think he's the only one who did well in the movie) and keep making up this bullshit about how Nick hates the project, hates the cast, his body language says he was uncomfortable on that set, this is the only cast he hasn't remained friends with, Taylor tries hard for have his attention to be relevant but Nick just proves they have no contact and they need it to be true because that's the only thing which they can cling to to hope he doesn't make the sequel. Oh, plus Nick is too busy to accept the sequel and it would be a downgrade for him to do the sequel given the career that awaits him, unlike Taylor who only has rwrb to work and be relevant (all read with my own eyes unfortunately)

In short, I don't know how they can think this is good for Nick and how they can think this is the type of support he deserves and would like. As another blog said, we can't stop them, there are moments they become more vocal and mean and the more we respond the meaner they become saying things like "you get angry because you know it's the truth"

They treat Taylor like a monster, like he's a really bad person, they've done bad things towards him like doxxing and spreading false information about him to convince everyone what an evil person he is.

They say he uses Nick, before Nick's response when he signed the book they said Taylor bullied him with those drawings on his face all because they have this unhealthy relationship with an actor and they think they have some right over his life.

You've explained their (ridiculous) mentality really well, and frankly, it drives me insane that there are people in the world who think they understand one person's career/relationship/life when he doesn't know them

On the note of purple hearts, I didn't watch the movie and I don't plan to, but when I just got into the RWRB fandom and started learning about Nick and Taylor, and I kinda saw some comments from us, that's kind of... something like Purple hearts fans are mad at RWRB because of... opposing political beliefs?

Oh, also agree on the racism thing. Fuck racism man.

My one hope is this bullshit doesn't affect Taylor and Nick. I have faith in their relationship not to turn sour or blame each other because 1, it's not each other's fault 2, they're grown ass adults who understand how this industry, parasocial relationships and fan culture work, but if any of these shitty comments reaches either one of them it must hurt, and arguably hurts Nick more than Taylor, because these people are hurting your friend in your name. That's fucked up.

Again I think the best thing we can do is ignore them, block them and remember that we hold the actual truth: Nick loves RWRB, and Taylor, and Henry. And he and Taylor, on both sides, plus Matthew and a couple editorial writers, stated and showed that they are genuine friends with genuine chemistry.

[phantomoftheorpheum]

The Umbrella Academy Season 4 Review/Critique

Fair warning- this is ridiculously long. If you expand this post and don't actually want to read it, it will be a pain in the ass to scroll through; I would advise against it.

Just to be 100% clear, these are my opinions and interpretations of the show. If you don't want to see criticism (and quite a lot of it) or read a pretty raw, unfiltered/unedited review of the season, this is not for you. This is a casual platform, so I tend to just let myself think out loud on these posts, meaning that I don't go back and heavily edit my thoughts. I may express ideas for the storylines that would need some refining, I'm generally just spitballing.

This is a very criticism heavy post, I have a lot of issues with this season, so if that will upset you, please just don't bother to read this. I will be tagging anti tags (due to the large amount of criticism I have for the show) for filtering purposes.

*** Spoilers for all 4 seasons of Umbrella Academy ***

Good Stuff First

I always like to start with my favorite stuff from the show, because usually if I am bothering to critique, it means I have a lot of criticisms, but I always want to acknowledge what the show does well before I start getting into what it does not do well.

Individual Characters & Dynamics - In particular, I thought Klaus's unique character voice was present and well written and the performance continued to be top notch (I have some criticisms about the actual storyline, but I think Robert nailed what he was given from an acting standpoint). Many of the specific dialogue and character dynamics felt consistent to earlier seasons, which can be difficult with such a wacky show. There are definitely some characters who were able to shine, regardless of what they were given.

Visuals/Sets - The show still looks as good as it ever has. It's never been groundbreaking cinematography, but you can feel the budget in the aesthetics of the show. It has been able to maintain this weird "almost our world, but not quite" reality in a visual manner since season 1. It has a distinct style and look. The sets largely feel big and textured and expansive, even when they're fairly simple. I like that we've at least glimpsed the house in every season.

Tone/Humor - The Umbrella Academy is weird. It has always been weird. It must be weird or else it would feel... bad weird? It does succeed in continuing to be weird AF. I like that the show isn't afraid to be incredibly strange. It is a show that swings big. The humor is still there. Humor is hard, and I think they hit more often than they miss.

Family Road Trip - The group dynamic, family bickering, montage effect of 4x02, etc. was one of the lighter and more enjoyable choices made in season 4. The bit of "annoying song stuck on a loop" that continued to crop up throughout the season worked for me.

Abigail Completely Failing at Being Gene - This is only a very small part of the season, but Nick Offerman playing an alien cloaked in a (very weird) human skin and very poorly pulling it off added some levity while it lasted.

Soundtrack - While I think there are fewer distinctly standout tracks for this season (but this is entirely a personal opinion, maybe others feel differently), the show's commitment to its distinctive sound and use of music is still solid. I particularly appreciated the callbacks to season 1, obviously I Think We're Alone Now, but also by selecting Dead To The World in 4x06 for Five (I prefer In The Heat Of The Moment as a song, personally, but the choice was very clever). This is a show that I genuinely like to go listen to the soundtrack of after the season, and I intend to do that with this season as well (except for the Christmas stuff, I am not a big Christmas songs person).

The Cast - This is related to point one, but I really think 99% of the cast did they best they could with the material they had to work with.

Despite all my criticisms, I still found myself sad to be at the end of the journey. And I think that says something about the strength of these characters. A perfect journey? No. But one I'm still glad that I took.

My Criticisms

I want to start by saying that if I bother to critique something, that means I believe it has enough potential to be worth discussing. If it didn't, I absolutely would not bother. So while I think this is going to come off quite harshly, it is coming from a place of "I love what this show can be when it's at its best, and here's how I personally think we could have been closer to its best."

A lot of times when I write up my thoughts about a show, I start with my most specific criticisms, and as I examine those, it points me to a bigger underlying issue. Sometimes I work the other way around, thinking about the larger elements I have criticisms of, then searching out examples. But in this case, either way, I find myself ending up at the same place with the same issue, and that issue (perhaps ironically for this particular show) is time.

I believe the largest issue with season 4 is time management, crafting storylines that are interconnected and therefore justify their screen time, and pacing. Yes, I have some criticisms that could not be fixed with better time management, but a lot of my issues lead back to this. Pacing is always a tricky element, is at the top of many criticism lists of many shows, and has been at the top of my list for several shows I reviewed this year. Pacing issues seem to be cropping up more and more with streaming service based shows on all platforms, and I don't think that's coincidental. But, imo, Netflix is our best example.

One of the greatest strengths of Netflix Originals, back when they first started, was the guarantee of a full season before a cancellation. Because they had no feedback on a show before producing and releasing an entire season, there were no early mid-season cancellations. This allowed writers a little more room to stretch out, knowing they wouldn't walk into work the next day and be told they have 2 or 3 episodes to wrap up a story, or worse, wake up to just no job at all. So while the seasons were shorter, the time was guaranteed. Many of Netflix's early properties, particularly if their first season was successful, were greenlit for multiple seasons at a time, a practice which has been all but abandoned (Bridgerton and Stranger Things have been afforded this luxury in recent years, but few other shows). But as Netflix (and other streaming services) got its legs under itself, it came to realize that there was more profit in producing the first season of many shows, then cancelling all but the most successful. This epidemic of unfinished stories has been spreading rapidly. Now, not only does Netflix have an extremely high cancellation rate and rarely renews a show for more than a season at a time, it has also been shortening seasons, bringing down production costs, and trying to minimize risk and maximize "safe" profits. Minimizing risk in favor of maximizing safe profits rarely results in good art. Which explains a lot.

And so, unfortunately, I think The Umbrella Academy is a casualty of this increasingly mercenary system. Not only was it forced to make creative decisions with the constant threat of "This could be the end, but you won't know it until after it airs, so it also has to work as not the end," during the first three seasons, but though it got warning of its final season, it received a limited run to complete the show. Now, I can't fault anyone for wanting to write each season as a possible ending, considering how often Netflix cancels shows. Is this smart? Yes. Is this also limiting? Yes. And shows like The Umbrella Academy, with universes that become increasingly complicated with increasingly detailed lore, suffer quite a lot when trying to contain a story to each individual season. And finale seasons are particularly difficult. Expectations are high. Netflix's production model gives audiences years to build up their anticipation for the finale. Too much time to think, to pick holes in what has already been created, to cool to something they were once passionate about. Delivering a genuinely satisfying finale under these circumstances would be a daunting task.

But with all that being said. Season 4 only has 6 episodes, and it somehow manages to waste so much time. I don't know what's in the water over at Netflix, because I don't know if anyone knows how to waste limited time like Netflix does. If it weren't so irritating, it would almost be impressive.

The truth is, very few of the main characters really matter to the overarching plot of the season, which is a very weird choice, particularly in a final season. It's basically Ben, Jennifer (who we barely know and just met), Hargreeves, Abigail, and tangentially Viktor. Five & Lila are basically completely taken out of play for an episode and a half, where their actions have practically no relevance to the main plot, and the critical information Five gets while using his "new" power could easily have happened without this storyline. Luther & Diego are similarly sidelined by the CIA storyline. And, again, Klaus & Allison are occupied with a side plot that removes them from the main conflict of the season and does not tie in to the finale.

I do not mind the centering of Ben & Jennifer for a season of the show in theory, but with only 6 episodes to tell this story, I think it was a stretch to believe they had the time to do this plotline justice and waste so much time elsewhere. I don't know if this was solely a me issue, but I just... didn't care about Jennifer. I mean, sure, I rooted for her in a passive "she seems nice" kind of way, but even by the end we barely know anything about her. I can live with a "cosmic connection" insta-love situation between Ben & Jennifer (not my favorite trope, but it can be okay), but just because Ben instantly connects with Jennifer, that doesn't mean the audience does. And, to make matters worse, this version of Ben is one that we don't know that well, anyway. Like... his defining character trait is that he's mean and angry. I didn't mind that in season 3, as he was new to us and at odds with our protagonists for most of the season, but we don't really learn much new about him in season 4, either. The bit of Ben's history that we get is from Umbrella Ben, not Sparrow Ben. And Sparrow Ben's personality and history isn't touched on. Why is he like this? It's never explored, not beyond the shallow "the Sparrow Academy wasn't raised as the family that the Umbrella Academy was" that was established in season 3. The fact that we know so little about this version of Ben makes it harder for me to connect with him, as well. So to center these two characters in the final season, and then not even give us scenes to flesh them out as individuals, it just feels like such a waste of time. It didn't need to be Ben and Jennifer. In fact, it very much felt like it was only Ben and Jennifer because everyone has always wanted them to tie "the Jennifer incident" into everything. Again, I think this plot could work fine if given the correct amount of screen time, but as it is, it feels rushed and shallow. We might care about Sparrow Ben (might), but we don't have much reason to care about Jennifer.

Lack of direction - There are only six episodes in this season! Every minute needs to be used wisely. This should be the most focused of all the seasons, every storyline streamlined to tie into the finale of the show. Which is the opposite of what we got. For the vast majority of the show, nothing Klaus or Allison does matters. Nothing Diego or Luther does matters. Nothing Five or Lila does matters. Sure, those storylines touch on individual character development, but when you're planning to kill everyone off in a couple hours anyway, why are we starting down unconnected character arcs that are destined to be left hanging? Every bit of interpersonal character development should be written in a way that ties into the finale plot of the show, so scenes can pull double duty and maximize the limited time available. What was the purpose of Lila and Diego fighting (other than to physically separate them)? What did they learn? How did they change or grow? They didn't. They are split apart, sent down different dead end roads, only to be gathered back up in time to die. They speak words of understanding, but we don't actually get to see them learn or put those changes into practice.

I think about it this way- if Lila and Five had gotten lost into the weird limbo subway system and we never saw what happened to them, and instead they just reappeared from that adventure for the finale, would that fundamentally change anything about how the show’s main plot plays out? No. It wouldn’t. If Klaus had stormed off in 4x03 and Allison had gone after him and we’d never seen either of them again until the finale, would that fundamentally change anything about how the show’s main plot plays out? No. It wouldn’t. If Diego and Luther had gotten their CIA passes and walked into that building and vanished from the story until the final episode of the show, would that fundamentally change anything about how the show’s main plot plays out? No. It wouldn’t. Even Viktor, who is directly addressing the main plot point of Ben & Jennifer’s connection becoming apocalyptic, has very little impact on that storyline leading up to the finale. He speaks to Ben once, he insists on trying to save Ben, and spends the rest of the time working through personal issues with his dad or being attacked in a sequence that has no consequences. The conflicts that these characters encounter have very little bearing on the physical events of the show (they get shot at, they escape. They fight, they escape. They are chased, they escape) and what are the specific consequences? There aren’t any. Viktor gets to use his powers to save Hargreeves and gets shot (I think??) doing it, but he’s fine, and it doesn’t change their approach or goals in any way. Five and Lila are trapped together for years and have a romantic relationship, but then they “go home” and it doesn’t lead to any of the characters deeply changing or acting notably differently in the following events (Five and Diego fight at a bad time, we get a funny reaction from the other siblings, etc. but it doesn't change anything) and then it is never truly resolved. Luther and Diego go to the CIA and this plot is used as a vehicle to reveal the villainy of Five’s boss (so??), but ultimately Luther and Diego get a big fight sequence, learn very little, and take up a lot of screen time for a reveal that could easily have happened in seconds. None of their actions in this storyline blatantly effects the outcome of the show. And Diego feels set up for some character work, but all it really leads to is him being like "I get it," and that change never getting a chance to be actionable. Allison and Klaus reconcile, but only after a lot of screen time is spent on another side quest. Do they really change as people from this story? We don't know because there's not enough time to see. This is clearly not a legit substitution for actually addressing the issues between them, but we don’t have time to do that, either. Not to mention, the conflict between Klaus and Allison isn’t some slow burn issue. It’s doesn’t exist before this season. What is the point of any of these plot lines? Why send Allison and Klaus off together to resolve issues that we only just found out exist, when Allison has canonically been estranged from all of her other siblings since the events of season 3? That is blatantly an unresolved issue, but instead of using her screen time to address her season 3 actions, they create a whole new issue for her and Klaus to fight and then reconcile about. Wouldn’t it be much more interesting to see Allison and Viktor work through their issues once and for all? Or to address all of the ways Allison betrayed Luther in season 3? What about Klaus reconnecting with this version of Ben? What about Luther working through being betrayed by his father? What about Diego and Lila actually being parents? What about really getting to see how this life that Allison sold them all out for isn't even the dream she thought it would be? What if, instead of getting a montage of Lila & Five’s romance, we got a montage of Jennifer and Ben finding and destroying each other in many different worlds? You want to sell me on this tragic, cosmic connection between them? Okay. Sell me on it. Make it hurt. 

Five - I'm just going to be brutally honest here- I believe Five is the strongest driving force of the show and his sidelining in season 4 was a huge mistake. Five might not be the emotional core of The Umbrella Academy, but he is absolutely central and critical to what has worked well in previous seasons. And yet, in season 4, he's pushed to the side and basically written out of the main plot for half of 4x04 and all of 4x05. And then, even when he is around, he's lost a lot of the elements that make him a fan favorite. Let's talk about that- in season 1, Five's return and his mission is where it all kicks off. Yes, technically the inciting incident is Hargreeves' death, but gathering the family without Five's arrival would have been useless and led nowhere. Five drives the entire plot of season 1, while the rest of the siblings get character arcs around him. He makes things happen. He withholds information from his siblings and from the audience. Without him moving the plot forward and tying things together, season 1 would have been a disjointed mess. In season 2, we follow Five's attempts to reunite the family and fix yet another doomsday. Again, he is the one that pushes the plot forward, while the other siblings wander down various other storylines (which is not to say that they are not involved and don't contribute, just that they don't move the plot along to the same degree). In season 3, Five attempts to "retire," but pretty quickly he's back in the thick of things in search of answers and solutions. He is set against Hargreeves in an intellectual face off and is ultimately the one who pieces together the hotel's puzzle. He also discovers that he is, essentially, his own nemesis and behind a lot of what happened in previous seasons (a storyline that feels like it had a lot more to give, possibly, but is abandoned and explained away as "something a version of him did in some timelines,"). But in season 4, Five is... Well, he's suddenly not that relevant. He starts out fine, undercover and attempting to infiltrate The Keepers, and he does push the initial plot forward with his investigation, but then he just drops off the map (literally and figuratively). Five, who has always been the character to seek out answers and the character the audience trails through the bigger plot points of the story, is suddenly out of play. Now we're watching him wander around the multiverse (presumably for an attempt at character development, which ultimately falls flat) where he learns nothing important and falls unconvincingly in love with his brother's wife for an episode and half. Why? Because... they didn't know what to do with him? Honestly, I can't explain why. Five's acerbic wit, his tendency to be one step ahead of the audience, his cockiness, the uncanny personality that is a quirk of being an old man trapped in a young man's body, his absolutely brutal and ruthless methods to protect his family, and his cool fight scenes, it all just vanishes. Suddenly, for the first time, he feels the age of the actor. He feels erased long before he literally is. After 3 seasons of him having one of the coolest powers that leads to some of the coolest scenes, we're suddenly in a world where everyone else has some useful version of their power, while Five's kind of sucks. And like his teleporting power only reappearing at the very end (spurred on to save Lila specifically, rather than his family, because ???), Five's personality is frequently missing. Which leads me to-

Five and Lila - This may be a controversial opinion, but in concept this could have worked. Am I mad at the idea that two characters who are stuck together for years with no one else as company might fall in love, even if they're an odd pairing? No. Like I said, it's okay in concept. But only in concept. In reality, there was neither the time, nor the necessary casting to make this storyline hit properly. Regardless of Five's character's age, or the fact that his actor is (technically) an adult now, this felt flat out wrong to watch. Not only does Five still very much look like a teenager (inevitable, as while Aidan has aged over the course of filming the show, the age of young Five would now, still, vastly outstrip his real age of 20), but we also know that Lila was introduced to him as a child. Lila and Five meet in season 2, in which he is (physically) still a 13 year old boy, while Lila is an adult woman (considering she has the same birthday as the rest of the Umbrella Academy, this would put her at approximately 30 years old at this time). Yes, the exact ages of these characters is a bit messy to track, but no amount of text on the screen telling me so many years have passed is going to allow me to forget this detail, which makes this whole situation, at best, deeply uncomfortable. The fifteen year age gap between the actors is incredibly evident, and this romance is ultimately completely unnecessary for them to evolve in the (frankly minimal) ways that they do. They also pretty brutally sacrificed Diego's character for this. All of Diego's negative traits are cranked up to 100 this season, while Lila's are generally turned down to a low simmer (until she nearly dooms everyone to a meaningless death). While I don't think their relationship being on the rocks, or either of their character's struggle to fit into domestic life, is a bad idea, I again find myself questioning what the point of this storyline was for this particular season. We don't get much of a conclusion. Diego is basically a buffoon all season, Lila is less blatantly fucked up most of the time and also somehow less likable for it, and Five feels out of place in this storyline. Why did we do this? As far as I can tell, it's because they didn't have any other ideas to keep these characters busy while the actual plot happens around them. That's really not a good reason to blow up a dysfunctional but well liked dynamic (Diego and Lila) and never even bother to mop up the blood. And that leads me to-

Lila - Just, in general, I found myself asking "who in the writer's room is ridiculously obsessed with Lila, because that is the only explanation for any of this." For example, Klaus names everybody's problems and can't think of any real issues for Lila?? LILA? Her erratic, risk taking behavior and serious mommy/family issues are the most intensely Lila thing about her?? This is what her entire character is built upon? Why are we acting like she's not been a complete wildcard for the last two seasons?? Her new power doesn't make any kind of sense. Everyone else basically got some version of their old power back (and we eventually learn that Lila does have that power back as well, despite wildly underusing it), but now she has laser eyes.... Because? Her inability to properly control the laser eyes is funny, but also doesn't make any sense. In previous seasons we see Lila quickly adapt to using new powers only moments after acquiring them. If there is any one single person in this whole show who should have adapted to a new power immediately, it would be Lila. And somehow, for some reason, they center Lila during the finale conflict. Everything rests on her decision to stay or go. On her connection to her family (despite us barely seeing her in a room with them all season), instead of literally any of the main Umbrellas we've been following all along. And she gets the last line of dialogue from our main characters. We spend an extended sequence watching The Umbrella Academy slowly sacrifice themselves and Lila gets the last word?? And all of this is coming from someone who actually really loved Lila in seasons 2 and 3. She was one of my favorite characters coming into this season, but this... It just felt blatantly disrespectful to all the other main characters.

Everyone Dying is a Bummer - Okay, don't get me wrong, I'm not set against tragic endings in general, but... I don't think The Umbrella Academy earned this ending (at least not in this way). This idea of the world being better off without them, like they are a mistake that fundamentally ruins the world and must choose to sacrifice themselves in the name of saving humanity, that would (could) be fine. Except that it doesn't feel thematically well supported by the previous seasons, or even just season 4. At its heart, seasons 1-3 followed the ups and downs of Five's journey to save his siblings from the apocalypse, even though they are the ones to cause it. This is his entire goal. He wavers, he actively tries to walk away from this, but he cannot help himself, he always comes back around to this goal. This is what we buy into in season 1. So the idea that this is impossible and that they all must die anyway, feels antithetical to why we are asked to care in the first place. We haven't been asked to care about the world (not in any tangible sense). We watch random, innocent people, or vaguely antagonistic people, get killed in horrible ways left and right in the show and we are not asked to care. We're often asked to laugh. We care about them saving the world because we care about them saving the family, this dysfunctional group of oddballs. Sure, on a very basic and fundamental level we don't want humanity to be wiped out, but the humanity of the surrounding world is never deeply touched upon in the show. And their death wipes out infinite universes. We're told this is "right," but we don't tie any real emotional stakes to it.

Season 4, which centers around saving (or failing to save) Ben and Jennifer, around Viktor's desire to find another way because he loves his brother (even this version of him) and his siblings have always fought so hard to find another way because they love Viktor, asks us to care for these same reasons. Not for the world, but because we care about these particular characters. And the writers decide to sideline Five, whose centering I believe is absolutely essential to pulling off a "they must all die at the end" storyline to begin with. Why? Because he's the one who has fought so hard to save them. To have him not be at the center of the storyline where saving them is not possible makes absolutely no sense. Do I think that a final season where we follow Five coming to the conclusion that they are all doomed could possibly work? Yeah, if they had (and here it is again) the time to dig into that story and show us how he grapples with and fights that resolution tooth and nail until he cannot anymore (they point at it with the diner scene, but don't have the time to let us feel the weight of it). But they don't do that. We don't get to follow him throughout a season trying to cope with this impossible truth. Instead, he accepts that fate in a matter of onscreen minutes and with immediate resignation. (Yes, you could argue this is what he has been doing the last 3 seasons, but we're never truly given the impression that he is trying to prevent an absolute inevitability, only that he is trying to prevent a specific reality). It undermines the foundation of his character, and because Five is the driving force of the first three seasons, it undermines the foundation of those storylines as well. With the limited amount of time they were given to wrap up this show, instead of ending with a "everyone must sacrifice themselves" storyline, I would have, instead, centered Five's personal journey in season 4, which concludes with him realizing there can be one universe in which his family can all live, but only if he dies. They live, but he must sacrifice himself and be erased from existence so they will never mourn him, never know him, never know to be grateful. What could be more fitting for the show, more simultaneously sad and happy, than Five achieving what he set out to do in 1x01 and saving his family and that costing him everything?

Now... how to work that in and fill in some major plot holes at the same time? Well, I have some ideas, but I'm gonna save them for a different post, because while writing this review, I found myself re-outlining season 4 and trying to fix some of nonsensical elements of this season and if I get into that, it needs its own post. But I think it could be done. And speaking of nonsensical events.... Why do the Umbrellas have to die now? Like, logistically speaking, if The Cleanse is a necessary event and every single other world except the "perfect" timeline ends in apocalypse, then why can't they jump on that subway to a different universe where they have more time to be really, truly sure that's the only answer? At the very least they would have had a chance to really say goodbye to each other. We know there are plenty of universes where Ben & Jennifer both exist, there's no reason it has to be now. Since there are infinite "wrong" universes, they have all the time in the world. This is not a decision that has to be made exclusively in this moment, despite being portrayed that way. They don't die, The Cleanse doesn't work, they fact check their solution in a different universe, they get a chance to say their goodbyes, etc. etc. The urgency makes no sense. For that matter, why doesn't Five blip them all down to the subway where the show has already established in this season that time does not pass, so they can have a real conversation about this? There is literally no reason not to do this. They, quite literally, have a character who can take them to a timeless limbo where they can take as much time as they want/need to sort this out. They, quite literally, have that character take an entire family to this place, proving that he is capable of bringing a group of people there, and they don't use it.

It Doesn't Get Better - One of the major themes of Umbrella Academy is dysfunctional family and the way we cope (or don't) with childhood trauma. How burying that pain is destructive and hurts the people around us. And while I don't think the show's intent was to send the ultimate message of, "Actually, it doesn't get better, you'll never heal those wounds, and your existence is a destructive mistake," that's... kind of what it implies anyway. Throughout the whole show we explore the ways these characters are trying to work through the abusive household they grew up in, to move past the things that happened to them, and we watch them process and come together as a family and stand up against their abuser and grow into better versions of themselves and lose their way and pick each other back up. And then we're told that it doesn't matter because they all have to die. It sends a strange message. Personally, I think the show may not ever have intended to really send a message at all. It's absurd and irreverent and tragic and silly. It has never shied away from violence. It's always had a bit of a flippant nihilism hanging about it. And I think there is an argument for "People don't always get what they deserve. Sometimes they just get the short end of the stick and it sucks, but that's just how it is," being an underlying theme worth exploring. It's just... they don't really explore it, they just kind of dump it on us at the end. And because we don't have time to come to terms with this messaging (time, it's all about time), I think a lot of people feel like there's this bait & switch happening. For the last 3 seasons, we've been watching a show that is constantly addressing this childhood trauma and a toxic family dynamic, but then the end of that show is like "and all of these kids are a casualty of their abuser's arrogance and there was literally, not from the moment they were born, anything they ever could have done to grow away from that." It's pretty fucking bleak, to say the least.

Plot Holes For Days - There are more plot holes in this show than a block of Swiss Cheese. There are so many, that I'm still mentally trying to sort out an ending that feels... somewhat in the spirit of what season 4 was intending, and doesn't leave us up to our eyeballs in nonsensical plot points. For example- in The Umbrella's original universe, they already changed things so that they don't exist anymore long before the apocalypse. One of the major plot points of season 3 is that Harlan accidentally killed The Umbrellas' mothers before they were even born (obviously this is a paradox, as Harlan could never do that without meeting Viktor). But Hargreeves was still able to adopt Marigold enhanced children! Marigold kids were still born! We're told in 1x01 that 43 women spontaneously gave birth without having been pregnant, but we're supposed to believe that The Umbrellas, right here and now, have definitely got all of the Marigold in this universe? (And that doesn't even get into the questions surrounding the Marigold's presence in this world, since The Umbrellas did not bring it with them, we see no sign of other super powered versions of them existing in this universe, but if it didn't already exist here in some capacity and no children were born with these powers, then there's nothing inherently wrong with this universe, meaning the apocalypse wouldn't need to happen, and on and on and on. Like if all the Marigold was just in that jar and that counts as being in this world, then they could have just chucked that thing at Jennifer and bam, problem solved.) We know that in the original timeline Hargreeves didn't adopt all the Marigold children, because that's the entire point of Lila's backstory. And what about the other 35 women who spontaneously gave birth and those kids? So how could The Umbrellas possibly know if they are destroying all the Marigold by sacrificing themselves in this world? They can't know that. The existence of The Sparrows (and in another universe The Phoenix Academy) also implies that there could be many universes where The Umbrella kids don't all even exist, but other children were born with their powers, so specifically The Umbrella kids all dying isn't something that would need to be set in stone, since none of the other Marigold kids had to die for The Cleanse to work in this universe. Now, a lot of shows have plot holes or paradoxes or questions left at the end, and a lot of shows I would cut some slack. I'm even willing to ignore a lot of the smaller plot holes in this show, but this is the culmination of the entire series, the explanation for what must happen and why, and the justification for all our main characters being wiped out, and it just doesn't hold up under more than a moment's scrutiny. And that, imo, is a pretty big problem.

Gene & Jean/Villains - So, on a slightly lighter note, another thing that I don't have a problem with in concept is Gene & Jean. They're weird and quirky, as all Umbrella Academy villains seem to be, and I love both actors. It's just that season 4 has a serious problem with its villains in general. That is, there are too many of them and their plans are too convoluted. The ultimate villains being in some way connected back to Hargreeves (and specifically Abigail, who up until this point has had very little to justify her existence in the show) makes sense to me. But the absolutely convoluted mess that is The Keepers cult led by Gene & Jean being at odds with Hargreeves' men who are hiding Jennifer, being at odds with Abigail masquerading as Sy Grossman and then as Gene (I still don't understand why she needed to kill Gene or Jean, like Gene & Jean were already trying to bring about The Cleanse, why is she infiltrating them??), instead of using her resources/position as Hargreeves' wife, is ridiculously messy. The person I watched this season with actually asked me after 4x04 if I had any idea what was happening because they were completely lost. Generally, I am pretty patient about how a show shares information. I always assume that I am picking up what they're putting down, and if I don't understand something, I will when I'm supposed to. That... didn't always feel like the case to me this season. I don't think it was so much that it was hard to follow, but that it just didn't make a lot of sense. The "why" for so many character actions, but particularly the villains, just never fully materializes. Abigail and Hargreeves' sides are fighting in this season, with him attempting to prevent the apocalypse and her trying to bring it about... But what is the justification for the completely convoluted nonsensical path it takes to get there? She seems to have plenty of power over Hargreeves when the kids visit. Why does she need to infiltrate The Keepers? Why do The Keepers need to exist at all? It's just a coincidence that they have the same goals as Abigail? If she actually started them, then I assume she would have installed herself into the organization and not needed Gene to infiltrate it. I don't understand her choices. There were many, many simpler ways to get where they ended up.

So... it's not as if The Umbrella Academy is the first show to do this ending. In fact, one of my favorite shows of all time does this ending (not mentioning it by name because that would be a massive spoiler, obviously). I think this ending is completely possible to pull off. But I also am neither convinced from an in-universe logical point, nor from a storyteller's point, that it earned this ending. Did I want it to be a happily ever after? No. I don't think that would fit tonally with the show. But I wanted it to feel necessary, truly inevitable, and both physically and thematically, I don't buy that it was.

My advice to anyone who was starting this show for the first time would have to be, "don't think too hard about it," because ultimately, if you do it will crumble. Just enjoy the vibes and the bickering and the comedy and strangeness. There's no point in asking too many questions. And for some people, that's totally okay. That's enough. I'm just (shockingly) not one of those people.

So, if you're still with me, I'd love to hear what you guys think. Did you feel emotionally fulfilled? Were there particular plot points you loved or hated? What was your favorite musical choice of season 4? Should I release my redesigned season 4 outline? What ending would you have chosen? I'm open to all opinions! I don't agree with all opinions, but I will very much consider them.

[sturn-saturn]

back to my place

synopsis: you meet chris at the club on your trip to LA

a/n: guys this is my first time writing something sorry if it sucks i swear i tried my best im so shit at work but any feedback is appreciated <3 (not proofread)

my best friend hallie and i were born and raised in the east coast. we decided to take a trip to LA after our last semester of our junior year of college as a way to let lose and have fun leaving all our stress behind.

we've been watching the sturniolo triplets for about a year now. we made it a tradition to have a sleepover at my house every friday night and watch their weekly friday video. i will say i love them all but matt is definitely my favorite. i feel i relate to him in many ways.

i expected LA to be hot but i didn't know it would be this hot. walking down the street i decided to get my mom a coach bag for her birthday that's coming up soon. we stumbled upon a thrift shop and there was one dress that caught my eye. a silver sequin dress that has that has some sort of shoelace design in the middle as well as on the sides where my hips would be.

hallie take notice of my silence. "are you thinking what i'm thinking?" She says. "oh we are so going clubbing tonight" i say excitedly. i purchase the dress and we make our way back to our airbnb and immediately get ready. my best friend rummaged through her luggage and luckily found something that fit the same vibe as the dress i bought earlier.

──── ♡ ────

"holy fuck Hallie there's so many people." i mumbled as my best friend takes a hold of my hand leading me through the loud room blasting "slut me out 2" by NLE choppa.

"i know! that's what makes this so exciting, more guys, more fun" She giggles.

"please don't get pregnant tonight im begging."

she whips her heard around and laughs "sheesh what kind of girl do you take me for?"

we stumbled upon the bar and i decided to get a mojito. i didn't want to drink too much considering i was in a new place and wanted to be cautious of my surroundings.

i take the first sip and i feel the ice cold drink running down inside my throat.

"yup. this drink is exactly what i-" hallie cuts me off hitting my arm. "ow hallie what the fuck why are you-"

"dont look now im so serious please but chris and nick are here." she whispers into my ear.

"hallie we don't know a nick or a chris here." i laughed.

she looks me dead in the eyes and i almost choked on my drink finally understanding.

"s-shut the fuck up right now where?" i stutter.

"they're by the front door i think they're talking to someone"

i turn around to see where she's looking and i take a quick glance at the two brothers. "holy fuck chris is even finer in person."

──── ♡ ────

hallie and i finish up our drink and make our way to the dance floor as we hear the melodious tune of "don't stop the music" by rihanna fill our ears.

whipping my head back and forth i feel myself lose balance and bump into someone. "omg i am so sorry. are you okay, i should've been more carefu-"

"no you're okay, im okay. dont worry about it"

i look up to see a guy with shaggy hair, a black t shirt, black baggy jeans, and black jean jacket.

"chris."

"thats me" he smiles. "do i know you?"

"no but i love your content" i let out a small laugh

"thank you that means a lot. are you from around here?"

"nah my best friend hallie and i-" i turn around to point to her but i cant seem to find her. "she was just here but my best friend hallie and i are from jersey. we came for the week"

"how are you liking it?" he asks

"oh so far i'm loving it" i smirk at him

"you're very cute you know that?"

"mm so i've been told" i say looking up at the taller boy

"whats your name by the way?"

"y/n" i say

chris and i talk for a bit longer at the bar asking me questions about what im majoring in, what i wanna do with that, and so many other things. "so y/n, do you wanna get outta here? i have the house to myself."

i nod and he takes my hand in his.

──── ♡ ────

i head back to chris's house that he shares with his brothers and we make our way down to his room and i let out a giggle following behind him. he closes his door and locks it, just in case his brothers for some reason come back home.

he pushes me against the door and my purse immediately drops as he cups my cheek. i let out a shallow breath as his lips inch closer to mine. i tilt my head up, placing my fingers through his hair and he closes the gap. his lips as soft as pillows as his thumb caresses my cheek like i'm made of glass. he pulls apart and looks at me for a second seeing if there are any signs of discomfort.

"please" i whisper.

"what do you need y/n"

"your mouth" i let out as i rub my thighs together trying to create friction.

he pulls my arm and pushes me onto his bed. he rid himself of his black jean jacket as well as his t shirt.

"chris hurry please"

"oh you're a needy little thing aren't you"

i feel my cheeks heat up as he settles his body between my legs hovering over me.

"so who's your favorite triplet?" he smirks

"matt." i smirk back

"oh really?" he says in a husky voice looking down at my lips back to my eyes. "i can assure you i'll be your favorite by the end of the night sweetheart"

[ghoststookournightmares]

Why did Nick's goodbye affect Boston that way?

I think it's hard or jarring to understand why Boston felt like he was coming undone listening to Nick when the most stuff they did was just f**king. The thing is even if they were doing the nasty 80% of the time, that 80% was when Boston was the happiest. And Nick did LOVE him, like love him. And I mean of course what Nick did wasn't just stalker-ish, it was what stalkers do!!! BUT, I think what happened is that neither of them is completely mentally A-OKAY... They both have their issues and Boston especially has always shunned connections, especially long-lasting ones, because he knows he'll leave and that is just burdensome, so he treats everything as use and throw, hurting so many people in the process.... And I don't know, but I'm speculating he also treats the concept of LOVE similarly, probably after watching his parents, coupled with the fact that Boston uses both himself and others with sex as a currency in exchange for something like a good time, a power play, a way of feeling good about himself, a trade-off, a way to obtain conquests, which at the END OF THE DAY makes Boston extremely lonely... He is a human and you can't avoid connections just like that... BUT NOBODY SEES/OR SAW THE HUMAN BOSTON, not the evil, villainous slutty, assholey Boston, but also the artist Boston, the humane Boston underneath..... UNTIL MR. NICHOLAS ARRIVES.

And I'm very intrigued by Nick's character too, I wish we got some backstory... But Nick as we can see is very naive, very impulsive, and introspective but strangely and foolishly thinks that he is clever... He has abandonment issues, and self-esteem issues too... But what he has that Boston never had was EMPATHY, intense EMPATHY, or clinically illegal empathy, with which he sees the world. And he in his own warped mind accepts Boston, good, bad, and ugly, and even if to Boston they were just FWB, those times he spends with Nick are enjoyable, happy, pleasurable (in a different, not exactly sexual way) unknowingly allowing Nick to burrow under his skin. And even though Nick loves Boston, most assuredly, still he does feel upset too... And we saw that when he told Mew about Gap... But the thing is Nick feels things deeply, more deeply than the others, and in a way he is softer, gentler, and more straightforward than probably anyone Boston has ever known.

And before Boston could even comprehend what had happened in his strictly FWB relationship with Nick, he was ALREADY ATTACHED TO him. He never considered that he would be the one pining for something other than sex, but he did, and that's why Nick's betrayal seemed so drastic for him. Because he genuinely was becoming fond of Nick. But Boston would never have acted on this feeling, instead choosing to bury it away IF NICK HADN'T GIVEN HIS FINAL GOODBYE MONOLOGUE TO HIM.

Nick changed the trajectory of their relationship. THE FIRST PERSON TO SAY SORRY TO BOSTON. To say that I appreciate you, I think you're not a terrible person even if you think so, and I appreciate your dreams and hope you achieve them one day and I love-you-enough-to-let -you-go.... And finally goodbye my lover, I wish you nothing but the best, shook Boston because not only was Nick brave, he was vulnerable, he owned up to his mistakes and he affirmed that yes, you made me happy and I see you, all of you and I still love you. It broke Boston to be 'loved' at all, but in this way by a man, he cheated on and broke his heart.... Also, I want to add, that a lot of people make fun of how Nick eavesdropped on other of Boston's hookups but poetically it is so ironic because in that moment Nick was actually grounding Boston away from another one of his meaningless hook-ups, stopping him from running away from his actual thoughts and processes... And what was very interesting was it was Nick apologizing and bidding him farewell, but it was Boston who couldn't meet his eyes. I would also like to add, that honesty is Boston's saving grace, something we also see in Nicholas in episode 9, like two peas in a pod.

Lastly, I think all credit goes to Mark and Neo for fleshing out such complex, selfish, almost-criminal characters with such finesse, humanity, and vulnerability with so little screentime.

[st-louis]

i was at the flyers-habs game last night and i have to say i totally get why you love the habs. they actually seemed to be playing consistently well (which as a flyers fan is a completely foreign concept to me lmao) and though there were a few hiccups they seemed to be playing very fairly. i might actually start to follow them more closely after that, and the only reason i knew anything at all to begin with was bc of ur blog, so thanks <3

it's funny you say this because they haven't really been playing consistently well this year... haha. like they're at .500 but it was a rough start and tbh the defensive zone coverage in particular was a huge problem to start the season. they seem to have tightened it up over the last few games but i'm not sure if it will last—part of the problem is the d-corps is SO young. with the exception of matheson and savard everyone is like 23 and under. there's also still a huge problem with players taking stupid fucking penalties at the worst times (i don't blame arber for that one last night bc wtf was that reffing choice...but pezz had a few bad ones). the game against the flyers and the game against the blues were the best ones for consistency so far this season.

i will say, if you start following them, part of the reason i love them so much is how great they are off the ice. it's a really nice collection of personalities and the team is super, super close and appreciative and good with each other which is one of my favorite things about hockey that isn't the actual on-ice play. also nick is a great captain and both he, marty, and kaiden in particular (and generally, the rest of the team, can't think of anyone offhand that didn't participate or said anything really bad) have been really positive with regard to pride night stuff and "everyone has a place in hockey." like the vibes are pretty good in a way that they haven't been with the flyers for the last few seasons. :( (and i don't mean this in the win/loss ratio....just the players overall seem to be a lot happier and enjoying the game more, even when they aren't winning.)

i'm jealous you got to go! i have scaled back my hockey blogging a lot because i just don't have time lol. my last in person game was the panthers last season (my friend came up from florida and we went together), but one day i am gonna be able to watch the habs in person. i might die during warmups, but i'll do it. either way i'm glad you had a good time even if the flyers didn't win (SO close in those last few min tho).

[tenabrye]

You. You my friend. I love you. ❤️

Can I get your take on what stampede Vash and Wolfwood would look for in a partner? Looks are out of the question cuz everyone is different and unique in their own way, but personality wise, what do you think would make Nick and Vash fall for someone hard? What kind of mannerisms? Are they feisty, are they level headed? What kinda person would these boys fall head over heels for?

Thank you homie! I love being fed by your writing! 👌🏻💕

I'm very happy that you enjoy my writing. I hope it's keeping all of you well fed. 🥹

Vash

As much of a wide range guy as he is, Vash does have a few preferences when it comes to a personality that really, really makes his head turn. He'd love someone that's kind, or at least has a positive outlook on life in such a way as he does. With how much negativity there is in the world, it's just really nice to have another positive person that shares the same views as he does. They don't necessarily have to be entirely positive, but he wouldn't want them being too pessimistic. He can feel other people's emotions and they can affect him negatively.

They have to be patient and understanding. Every story has two sides and he's the kind of person that prefers hearing both sides before making a final decision. He'd like for someone to understand that and who might also be like that. He'd also like for them to be understanding and patient with him. He may not be the type whose actions can be easily understood, especially at first when they may not even make sense, but he's always got everything under control. Most of the time.

Being both empathetic and sympathetic. Whether it be with himself, which he would absolutely appreciate to the moon and back, or with other people. When it comes to him, however, he just really loves someone who understands how he feels in certain situations. Or, when it comes to situations they can't relate to, such as Vash's entire history with his twin and existence, he appreciates someone to lend their shoulder or welcome him with open arms.

This leads him wanting nothing more than being with someone that makes him feel absolutely safe. Both physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. Someone that doesn't make him want to not open up and have to hide some things about himself from them. As much of an open book as he may seem, there are still some secrets he won't share unless he fully trusts someone. Very, very deep secrets. This also means he'd enjoy someone that he can allow to see him on his bad days and help cheer him up. He puts a lot on his shoulders, a lot of guilt, and he, sadly, lets it all build up until it's crushing him. He'd love someone who will just take him in their arms and hold him during these times.

He wouldn't mind if they were shy or a bit reserved, nor would he mind if they were a boisterous type. He can be quite an energetic man, given the situation, so it helps if they could also be as such. But as said, he doesn't mind if they're one or the other, or even both. Humorous, too, since he can be quite the funny man at times. Though he does know when the situation calls for it, and he hopes they would, too. If they're feisty, he'd actually like that. It's entertaining and he himself isn't like that, much.

Vash likes it when people come through on promises, even though he can't sometimes. Someone that's reliable, always keeping their word, and who he can put his absolute trust into doing a task. The same goes for their intentions. He likes good intentions, but he also knows that sometimes the bad ones are often for a good cause. So long as the reasoning is just.

Someone that doesn't hold a grudge. He's not that type of person and he knows how much a grudge or even seeking revenge can damage one's heart, allowing anger and hatred to consume it whole. Having some sense on the matter would be ideal, but he can also fill that spot if they don't have it or can't. That's not to say he wouldn't like them having such feelings, since he knows it's natural, but he doesn't want someone to be fully consumed by them and throw half, or all, of their life away for it.

Overall, he would like someone that's a bit similar to him, yet also different in many, many ways. For him, opposites do attract, but he doesn't mind if the similarities outweigh the opposites.

Wolfwood

Nicholas would be the type to like someone with a little bit of feistiness in them, or a lot. He's not picky on that. He's a bit of a realist when it comes to seeing how the world truly is, so he'd like someone the opposite of that. Not entirely, but there's really only room for one person who mostly thinks the way he does and he's already taken that spot. However, he doesn't mind if they're a little bit of a pessimist. A nice balance of that is good, too.

A good amount of sympathy and empathy is good in his books. Afterall, they would eventually learn about what he really does in life. Nicholas has his fair share of issues and would actually talk about them if given the time of day with a trusted partner. Someone that can listen to him voice his concerns with a certain situation, whether big or small, and to offer advice. He doesn't even care if they're not good at giving it, he just wants to hear their opinions. So, someone who isn't afraid to do that is another thing he would like.

He may seem like he doesn't like Vash and his antics, but he does, so he would also like that in a partner. Someone that can make him laugh when he needs it and who can also be witty with comebacks at times. A nice balance of seriousness and playfulness, considering he enjoys letting loose and knows when to be serious whenever a situation arises. Also, he gives nicknames, so they would have to be chill enough for that. No matter how ridiculous the nickname is, but it's all in good fun.

He would really, really love for someone to be a quick thinker when it comes to fast paced situations. He feels it would balance out the times when he can't think fast. Nicholas would also prefer them to be a bit humble, or at least just a bit. Tolerating children is definitely something he'd like in a future partner. They don't have to like them, but with his backstory and all, yeah, they can't outright hate children.

Someone that can read the room and, more specifically, read him. Sometimes he may not speak about whatever is currently on his mind, but he does have telling facial expressions. Reading and observing him to at least let them know how he's currently feeling when he doesn't want to say is a preferable thing. Major plus if they're the type of person to just silently take him in their arms when he can't form words to even ask for a hug, yet he still wants one.

He would like someone that raises him up. He's done a lot, killed a lot, sometimes it was what he didn't even want to do yet had to. He's the type to hold that guilt and think badly of himself sometimes. So, someone that can be the positive to his negative during those moments is a good thing for him.

Someone that isn't afraid to get assertive with him. Nicholas can agree that sometimes he just needs someone to help him see from another point of view. That, and he likes someone that can think for themselves. Someone that doesn't go along with what someone else suggests for them.

Overall, Nicholas would prefer someone with a flexible personality. Assertive and a little feisty, yet also tender and sweet when need be. Someone whose personality is easily rubbed off on others in such a positive way that it makes him smile.

[slocumjoe]

I don't know if you do romances companion requests but if you doooo.....

Could you do ram Lance's companions reacting to a sole with tattoos getting their name as a tattoo?

I...didn't realize it was a typo, and googled 'ram lance fallout 4 companion mod'...

I've said this before, but I'm solidly in the camp of "this is the final groan before it all collapses" in regards to getting tattoos for/with your s/o...so, maybe a little biased here

Cait; Unhealthy relationships + Sole is the only person who's ever treated her decently = she's the type to enjoy this. That sounds incredibly brusque and cold, but c'mon. Have you heard a romanced Cait? Girl is over the moon obsessed, has nothing but schmoopy heart eyes. Sole letting everyone know fuck you, I'm hers, they can expect Cait to cash that metaphorical check in. Immediately gets Sole's name tattooed as well.

Curie; ...it's a sweet sentiment, but...how positive were they, that the equipment used was clean and the artist reputable? Curie is a hygiene freak. Tattoos, even without the liability of being in a rusty, dusty apocalypse, can get pretty fucking gnarly. They need constant maintenance and care during the healing process, and infections can kill. Septic shock is nothing to wave off. She'll think its sweet for maybe three seconds before panicking.

Danse; Exactly like Curie. Very sweet, speaks to their devotion to him and them (as a couple), and then squints. Hey, love of my life? You got that professionally, right? Outstanding, outstanding...but what does 'professional' mean in a wasteland? Didn't realize tattoos bleed, so the first time that happens, straight to the most reputable doctor (Curie), completely convinced Sole is dying because of him.

Deacon; Not into it. Not even a little. They're spies, presumably. Having a big identifying mark on your body? Bad. Having a big mark on your body that identifies Deacon? Worse! They may as well have gotten a tattoo of his face, age, weight, and height on a wanted poster, are you kidding? Sure, cover it up, maybe, but its still there. There's still an artist somewhere who knows what Sole looks like, knows what tattoo they asked for, probably knows who it refers to. This isn't even getting into the commitment and vulnerability part, that's a whole other thing. But no, Deacon is actually rather horrified.

Gage; The same as Deacon, but less about commitment. If you've got Gage, you've fucking got him. It's the information of it. Sole is putting a weakness on a silver platter for anyone to take advantage of—displaying that Gage is something close to them, something that matters, and vise verse. Raiders are fucking vultures, they'll use that. Gage will offer to get matching tattoos that are undetectable as matching tattoos, something that a third party wouldn't know were half of a set. Like...Sole gets an evil eye, referencing Gage's situation Up There, Gage gets moving gears for Sole's status as a Vault Dweller. Shit like that.

Hancock; Into it as well, no drawbacks. Well, there is one, if Sole tattooed Hancock and not John. If they got Hancock, is a little weirded out that they got the name of a historical figure tattooed on them, that's kinda odd to him. Yeah, it's referring to him, but Hancock is only Hancock because he's trying to be–...John...Hancock...wait, so even John isn't...he's...

Has a mild identity crisis.

MacCready; He's 22. Yes he's into it. Yes I say this with derogatory intent. MacCready might not be okay with needles himself, but he thinks its cool that Sole is. And got his name done. That's...that's a solid way to commit, huh? He's more likely to carved their name into his gun than go under a needle that isn't a stimpak, but appreciates the thought.

Nick; He's an older man. This is the kind of thing that most people age out of, and Nick is one such person. Tried to get a tattoo for a guy he was sweet on in High School, at least, OG Nick did. Couldn't, being 15, but the tattoo artist didn't just turn him away, she explained why it wasn't a good idea. That stuck. Now, with Sole...he's more open to it. It's Sole, his partner in crime-fighting, someone he trusts deeply. They want to express their love for him like that, sure. He thinks its kinda crazy, but hey, this is the same person who tries to have sex with a robot with no dick, tongue, and barely touchable hands.

Piper; Piper knows all the tea, everywhere, all the time. She probably knows many people who've done this, only for the relationship to implode. So...Sole shows her, and Piper grins real big, says its sweet, immediately wants to have a Deep Discussion about their relationship. Did someone tell you this was a good idea? She likes it, very sweet, but seriously, this is the first cut of a thousand. It's possible to win her over, Sole just needs to reassure her that it was genuinely out of affection and commitment, not...like, getting out of the doghouse, or whatever.

Preston; Is neutral to it. He doesn't have the Dark Knowledge that people like Nick and Piper do, but he also wasn't ever...worried, I guess? Preston didn't need a sign like that. It's a take it or leave it thing. He thinks it's sweet, but it's not like he would have been worried if they didn't/wouldn't have gotten it. Also down for matching tattoos, though. Those tattoos wouldn't be as discreet like with Gage, far more uniform and clearly a pair. Maybe one of them gets the rifle from the Minutemen logo, and the other gets the sword?

X6-88; Coursers canonically have 'synth' tattooed in binary on their neck, so it isn't a stretch to think they also just have their...names? Labels? Tattooed as well. So, he's entirely confused as to why Sole tattooed his name on them. That's...his name. And it's not even in the right place, it goes on the collarbone...why did you do this? As a romantic gesture? Getting the same tattoo as your partner a sign of affection, then? But...his is his designation...wouldn't it have made more sense for Sole to get their own name tattooed on themselves?

[poppletonink]

FILM REVIEW: Red, White and Royal Blue

★★★★★ - 5 stars

"You need to figure out if you feel forever about him. Do you love him?"

The so-called "Cake Gate" was an accident - I mean, nobody would choose to have a £75,000 cake fall on top of you and your worst enemy. Alex Claremont-Diaz didn't mean to create an international scandal, but it doesn't mean he didn't do it. Now, his mother, the President of the United States needs him to do some damage control in order to not mess up her opportunity of winning the next election. Except, Alex Claremont-Diaz cannot stand Prince Henry and now he has to pretend they're best friends. Yet as Alex and Henry spend more time together, they realise that their hatred towards each other is completely unprecedented and quickly find themselves hurtling into a secret relationship with each other. As the election draws closer, Alex realises that he feels something more for Henry. Alex realises that he is in love with him. The question is what is worth the sacrifice? Is he willing to potentially upend two nations and ruin his mother's campaign? Is true love really worth it?

Red, White and Royal Blue seems like some sort of whacky, wild fan fiction in summary - it's a royal au, follows the enemies to lovers trope and very much so idiots in love. Despite the AO3 tags it perfectly fits into, Red, White and Royal Blue is so much more than it seems. It's a beautiful love story, a tale of hurt, heartbreak and comfort, that emotionally hits the viewer in ways you aren't expecting.

As someone who read the book a long time before the film was even conceptualised, (and as it's one of my favourite books of all time) my standards for how great this film needed to be were extremely - and I mean extremely - high. Despite leaving out bits from the book, which as sad as it may be is understandable due to time constraints, it still hit me just as viscerally as the book. Somehow even though some of the largest plot points (e.g. Bea's cocaine addiction) and most important characters (June Claremont-Diaz who I adore so very much) were missing, it still remained really accurate to the book. That sounds really contradictory, I know, but it was genuinely amazing how many lines they kept word for word from the original novel. It's something that I truly appreciate about recent book to screen adaptations, and I loved the fact that I could notice every time that it happened.

Nick and Taylor's chemistry was off the charts, which is something that seemingly came out of left field for a lot of people, but quite genuinely made the perfect Alex and Henry. They perfectly performed the witty banter, the yearning looks and the complete and utter disdain they have for each other at times. They made Alex Claremont-Diaz and Henry Fox Mountchristen Windsor real and by doing that they too made history.

Music played quite a large role in this film from the beginning until the end. I think the greatest song choice was undoubtedly Katarina Stratford's anthem. Bad Reputation was a brilliant choice for the theme song - it's such a perfect representation of Alex as a person, of him not caring what other people think and simply doing what he wants to do. It was also great to see Henry's karaoke performance of Don't Stop Me Now by Queen on the screen, and Henry and Alex dancing in the V&A was quite frankly beautiful.

Overall, Red, White and Royal Blue is a must-watch film of 2023. It's raw and emotional; it's a master class in romance; and it's extremely funny. It's a story that will make history.