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popculturebuffet · 4 years ago

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Amphibia Reviewcaps: Scavenger Hunt/ The Plantars Check In

KEITH DAVID IS HERE! KEITH DAVID IS HERE AND NOT IN SHADOWY STINGER BITS BUT FULL CHARACTER! And okay other stuff happened I guess. Anne deals with her insecurity over her girlfriend being way more smart and acomplished than her, then the Plantars meet King Keith David, followed by Sprig reinacting the plot of Home Alone 2 mixed with a bit of Blank Check. You know that forgetable disney movie about the white dumbass who uses his computer skillz to get rich and has to deal with the mob.. I assume. I really have no idea exactly what blank check was about and neither do you. KEITH DAVID, under the cut.

Scavenger Hunt

And with Marcy’s big intro out of the way we’re back to simplier problem of the week episodes, though this one does lead into the next which does have some solid plot progression, and the new setting and fresh injection of Marcy mean they do feel a bit newer after the road episodes. Like a good road trip after all that time you finally get to see the sights, enjoy the place and just relax. And also eat because your usally hungry when you first arrive, which is what the plantars and new addition Marcy are doing to start. Marcy’s treating, because she’s friends iwth the king and as we learn next episode the king gives his friends acess to the royal treasury because he’s a seemingly nice dude. Again, more on that in a minute. While Hop Pop marvels at Marcy’s smarts and analytics, a messag efrom the king arrives.. and yes I too have “A MESSAGE FROM THE KING A MESSAGE FROM THE KING’ from hamilton in my head right now.

Turns out the King likes to send Puzzle grams, basically sending marcy on scavenger hunts to tell her something because their both massive dorks. And it is taking ALL my willpower not to jump right ot the keith david of things, but for the sake of profesionalism I will stay here. So our party splits up: Marcy, Anne and Sprig go off to solve the puzzle and see the town while Hop Pop ends up staying because you can get free shit the more you eat, which yeah is a nice thing and all but is usually not worth what you spend. But it’s not his dime so fair enough. The king’s toilet’s are probably gold with gems and the softest seats in the land. I mean if I were king of the world I”d want the best toilet in the world. I’d also install free health care and other good stuff, but I’d expect a really nice crapper as one of the perks of the job.

Anyway the hop pop plot really is just him eating a lot to get free stuff and showing up at the end , so i’ll focus ont he main plot which is pretty standard: Anne is insecure about how smart Marcy is, and TRIES to out marcy her in solving the puzzle, while befrending various people: Resucing a girl’s cat/caterpillar from a tree, befreinding an old lady and doing her nails, and then bonding with the gnatcho cart lady.. which made me want nachos bad, who enocourage a dispondent anne to be herself and try anyway. But yeah Marcy suceeds instead, Anne gets depressed, then Anne tries TOO Hard on the last clue when Marcy is stuck and ends up in the sewer with the alligators.. which unlike real life sewer gators, were put there on purpose by marcy to eat garbage when she redid the sewer system.. because of course she did she’s the best. It’s a really nice gag. They escape the gator when the various people Anne helped form a chain, along with an exasperated hop pop and Polly. Then sprig blabs about Anne’s insecurity, and Marcy comforts her, pointing out that while she’s a genius and what not.. she dosen’t.. get people. Anne does, which.. I found a nice twist. The first thing she did,g etting the cat, made me think “oh their going to go with her physical skills”.. but instead in a nice twist that made me like this episode more, it’s her heart. And it’s not something they pulled out of thin air: While it hasn’t really come into play a lot this season, last season was all about Anne slowly connecting with the town and being suprisingly good with people.. she can be blunt, dosen’t think things through.. but she does have empathy, problem solving and a desire to genuinely help people who need it. It’s a hard trait to learn and it’s one she does with natural ease. It’s a nice bit of showing her character and what she’s good at. Also the message turns out to be “bring the plantars” which.. yeah the second the first clue was bring, even without next episodes description, I could’ve guessed. And they close the episode as all episodes should close.. feeding nachos to a sewer gator.

Final Thoughts I: As you could tell by how easily I sped through it, the episode was...eh. It’s not bad, but no episode of the series has been truly terrible. It honestly, and this kind of complaint is overused, feels like filler. And granted I rarely watch anime, I know cartoons work different.. but this episode feels like it’s just there to provide more Marcy before we focus primarily on the Plantars again, and before the plot turns them against her. Which isn’t a bad thing mind and she’s great as she was last week. The problem is Anne. Her feeling down about herself, while a normal human emotion.. just dosen’t jibe with her normal brand of overconfidence. It’s not entirely out of the blue for her not ot feel as smart as marcy, it’s just set up poorly. We could’ve easily used a flashback or something to the human world to help make it feel like a more longstanding issue, than one that just crops up because Polly said a thing after a full episode of her being totally fine with Marcy being way smarter than her. Even the intro has her entirely fine with it. It would’ve flowed better if she played off she was fine, but secretly was trying to one up her and did feel dumber versus that being spelled out so early, as it woudl’ve fit more with the character. So yeah this one’s more just forgetable, a stop gap between two plot important episodes. And I don’t mind catching our breath after the last episode given it was a huge one what with introducing a new major character and a new setting and having a lot of action set pieces, I just know the show can do that BETTER, as seen with HandY Anne following up , if a year after, from the emotionally draining season 1 finale, they just.. didn’t this time and it just flopped a bit, but still had enough nice moments and good bits to make it still enjoyable.

That’s something I do have to give the show credit on as I have been hard on it, as i’ve said reviwing more forgetable episodes is hard: Most shows don’t make it out of season 1 without at least one terrible episode. OK KO had “Let’s Not Be Skeletons”, Ducktales had “The Beagle Birthday Massacre” (And i’m a huge fan of Lena as a character, just to be clear, her debut episode was terrible for other reasons) , Steven Universe had Arcade Mania, Adventure Time had “Freak City” and Legend of Korra had “The Spirit of Compettiton”.. and really the whole love triangle plot but that’s a story for another day.. all of these are really..e xcept arcade mania that one’s just dull and pointless. But i’m not: My point is it’s still a really good sign the show hasn’t really flopped over in the span of two seasons, with even the annoying quarallers pass still having some really good stuff to it. I may be critical, because as a critic that’s my job no one pays me for, but I do love this show and want to make it clear it’s still excellent. I’d rather watch this episode again than any episode of “Hoops”.. seriously I have no interest in that show and I question why Jake Johnston thought signing on for it was a good idea. Then again, Keith David was in this

And this

And BOTH of these

So I can’t blame Jake for wanting an easy paycheck when Screen Legend Keith David has done far worse for one. Speaking of Keith David....

The Plantars Check In

IT’S TIME.

We’ve had a sample of keith david with the omnoius end from last week but now we get the full package. And i’ve made no secret how much I absolutley love Keith David or how excited I was to see him joint he cast. The main is a voice acting and regular acting legend. Sure he usually does bit parts, but he does the hell out of them.

The man also has a longer history in disney than I ever realized. While I knew he played Goliath and Dr. Facilier, I had no idea just how much minor voice work he’s done for disney over the decades, doing a LOT of minor roles during the 90′s and even vocing Mufasa in “House of Mouse”, subbing for James Earl Jones which.. yeah if anyone’s the next Jamers Earl Jones, it’s Keith. He’s the king of making a meal out of side rolls and on the ocasions he gets a big one he makes a damn buffet of it, as seen with Gargoyles and Community.

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So yeah, I love the guy and was excited for his first full apperance and pleasantly suprised. We open at what looks like a comibation of the temple of time and Hyrule Castle for Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and I swear that’s what their going for with the background music here. Anyways after Lady Oliva tries to keep things formal, and reveals King Andrias has been king for over a thousand years, which makes things even more interesting, he .. happily hops off the throne, gives the Plantars a friendly greeting and then a bear hug. I was expecting him to be stern yet nice, for now, but this is a nice change of pace and i’ts shown by the way Olvia acts towards this behavior, wishing he’d be proper because “Most unorthodox” and all that monocle popping nonsense, that this is normal for him. So it’s not ENTIRELY an act for their benefit. He is apparently nice to his immediate subjects, vistors and especially Marcy. It’s also lovely to see Keith David play such a diffrent character from his usual villian, stoic badass or hilarious grandpa rolls, instead playing a cheerful and boisterous king. He honestly reminds me a lot fo River from star vs the forces of evil. Which by the way I also love Alan Tuduk and regret not bringing him up in either review river’s been in so far.

Anyway, we then get some more plot stuff as he meets anne, and we get a nice bit of him doing the “thumb of approval” and marveling at anne’s awkawrd fistbump in response. But it’s down to buisness, he wants to send his loyal knight and new friend he just met home, but needs the box. While anne reveals she don’t got it, with Hop Pop acting nervous as he realizes “oh shit, maybe lying to my surrogate grandaughter about something this important when we’re ont he way to a place where people will naturally want ot see the thing, and STILL not telling her after meeting Marcy and knowing sh’ed want to know about it too has started to backfire!” And yeah while he has sympathetic motives, and clearly knows SOMETHING about the box, and I supsect King Keith David does too but give me a second, his not telling Anne what he did at any time is only going to make it harder to trust him later, especially if Marcy ends up betraying them. He also notices something I actually failed to notice , as did Anne: The colorful stones on the calamity box are drained of color. So the King’s going to have to reserach this for a bit, with Marcy helping obviously and since Anne’s usless at research, the king instead happily treats the plantars to a vacation on him while they sort thigns out: A stay at the nicest hotel in the city, on his dime, and acess to his royal credit card, which given he’s king of everything means he just gave them the unlimited funds code.

Before we move on, my thoughts on the king: He’s hard to read. I do think he’s genuinely that nice a person.. but he CLEARLY has a dark side, having subjugated the toads and the frogs, which had to have happened under him as he’s first in his line and both remember the status quo as only such. Hop Pop dosen’t even question the way things are or one god king ruling over all for over a thousand years. The question is did he do so because he didn’t know better, because he thought he had to, or because

I do n’t know what that’s from but expect me to be using it a LOT from now on. My point is it’s hard to tell what his game is here. He could be a cruel asshole masquerading as a fun loving king on the service to sugarcoat his shadier actions.. or he could be a well intentioned extermist, doing awful things for what he sees as the greater good and possibly having lost the plot, or his empathy over thousands of years. Or he genunley could have no idea what he’s planning is bad and see no harm in it due to a different set of morals, again due to being immortal. There’s a LOT of intresting directions they can go with this character and i’m curious to see just what sort of vilian, or possibly good guy all along though I doubt it, he will be and given both grime, more recently i’ll admit but still, and sasha have been complex villians instead of one dimensional assholes, the show will no doubt give us something spectacular. HOpefully i’m not tempting fate but if I am, screw it, i’m rolling those dice. This is going to be godo and I can’t wait. It’ll also be intresting to see if he genuinely values marcy or is putting on the good king act and puzzles and all that to manipulate her. After all we’ve seen with Sasha that she’s easily manipulated, as far as we can tell, and sees this all as a game.. it’d be easy enough to lead her along by playing int othe genre and her desires to get her to play his game the way he needs her to. Though it’s also a question of if Marcy will see it or back the wrong side... though she MIGHT. while she isn’t great with people, she does know games and half the time a benevolent ally will turn out to be a dick in sheeps clothing. Though i’m hoping that isn’t the case for Marcy. But we’ll see..

Anyways with the first third or so of the episode down, the Plantars Check in, TITLE DROP, and Polly, Anne and Hop Pop all put on comfy robes and relax, while Sprig being sprig wants to go exploring though hop pop refuses to leave him wiht the card because of course he does. And honestly having done a few road trips myself.. yeah usually when you get back to the hotel first you want to just relax and crash, maybe go out for dinner or something with your friends, which they already did ahead of time, and recharge before doing allt he fun vacation stuff. Though I also relate to sprig as I too have been in hotels with arcades and pools from time to time as a kid and a teen and wanted to go do the fun stuff while everyone’s tired. Thankfully I also liked to read or play my various game consoles, from the game boy advance up to the switch on my most recent vacations,so I understand his restlessness. The rest of the episode goes about how you’d expect, with Sprig taking the card once hteir asleep and adventuring around and getting into various hilarious one off gags via montage, before loosing the card and fighting over it with a Bellhop Named Belle, played byt he always wonderful and always talented Krstien Schal.. about two episodes late for the gravity falls homage but never too late to do some voice acting. Sprig gets the card thanks to futurama caffine bullet time, saves paige and then saves her from firing by talking like a rich kid asshole to save paiges job before collapsing and being woken by everyone else wanting to go do fun shit.

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Final Thoughts 2: This one was better. While again I sped through the recap section this time.. it was funny> While the plot was a simple: kid sneaks out and does something he’s not supposed to yet and gets into trouble and ironic ending and all that, it’s funny enough to be enjoyable, Kristin is game as always, and the gag of Sprig using the card to wave off the snooty man at the counter is great. While most of the meat of hte episode is with the king at the start, the rst of it is still an enjoyable come down episode after the plot heavy first third of this one and marcy at the gates and does the job way better thant he previous episode. While it doen’t have a lot of tie to character or what not, it dosen’t WASTE any either. I didn’t realize till this episode that while sprig certainly hasn’t been unterutlized, he really hasn’t had his own episode this season, sharing Quaraller’s Pass with poly and only having subplots in “A Caravan Named Desire” and “Marcy at the Gates”. Here he gets a plot to himself and while it does nothing for his overal character, it’s entertaining enough, with some great gags like the caffine bullet time, the aformentioned rich people gag and the hair bit being the best “Now to put on my hat!”. It just lets the character loose to have a fun side story. See I can dog on an episode for WASTING a good opprotunity, even if I understand the stress of production and what not.. but I won’t dog one for just having fun and letting a character have the limelight if it’s still entertaining which this was. The problem with say “Scavenger Hunt”, “The Ballad of Hopidiah Plantar”, “A Caravan Named Desire” and “The Ballad of Hopidiah Plantar” is that while their not BAD episodes, they had far more potential. This one knows it’s basically home alone 2 meets blank check, but actually entertaining, and justh as fun with it. Is it hte best episode ever? Probably not. But was it fun and a nice change of pace, as well as relatable to me and thus giving me a bit of the warm fuzzies, especially in this hellscape of our lord 2020? Absolutley. That does it for this week. if you liked this review i’ve reveiwed the rest of the season so far , just check the Disney tab on my blog, along with many other shows, and i’ll be covering the show weekly for the rest of the season, along with Ducktales when it comes back next month, so follow if you want more of that and random reblogs and such. You can also shoot me an ask if you have any things you want my opinon on, any episodes you want to request or you can direct message me to outright comission an episode of any aimated show for me to review for 5 bucks a review. Either way, till we meet again, bwahahahahaha.

#King Andrias #amphibia #keith david #anne boonchuy #hopidiah plantar #hop pop #sprig plantar #polly plantar #marcy wu #lady olivia #reviews #recaps #reviewcaps

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freedom-shamrock · 7 years ago

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An Unexpected Outcome

Also on AO3. This is a direct sequel to Walk the Walk, and it will definitely make more sense if you’ve read that one (and the other two that come before it) first. It is also the @miraculousfluffmonth Aug 27 prompt, profound confession.

Adrien was waiting for her when she got to school the next day. She'd long since learned to keep on top of her schedule, with the added Ladybug duties, which meant she was no longer habitually tardy.

"Hey Mari," he said, waving a little as he came down the steps to meet her. "Could we do lunch together today? There's something I need to talk to you about."

"Oh, sure." She smiled brightly at him. So this was actually a thing, and it was really happening. A part of her found the whole thing just surreal. "Is everything okay?" He did look nervous, and she knew how that felt, having had to lead this conversation twice, now.

He nodded. "Yeah. Everything's… great actually." He was adorable when he blushed. It was totally unfair. "Want to head to class?" he asked. "Nino and Alya went ahead… though to be fair, I think they're in the janitor's closet."

Marinette let out a laugh. "First bell hasn't rung yet. They're totally in the janitor's closet." Her breath caught a little when he looped his arm through hers, though she couldn't see anything new or different in his grin. Well other than the fact that it vaguely reminded her of another blond young man's grin.

"Who's up for lunch?" Alya asked, looking at Marinette and Adrien when the breaktime bell rang.

"Uhm, sorry, Alya. Adrien and I have plans," Marinette said, trying to catch her friend's eye.

"Sure we can't tag along?" Nino asked. "You guys pick the best restaurants."

Marinette gawked as Adrien shot his best friend the first real glare she'd ever seen on his face.

"We're even fine if it's one of those geeky cat cafes you guys are so weirdly into," Alya offered, stuffing the last of her things away. While it was nice that she'd stopped constantly trying to throw Marinette and Adrien together, she knew her bestie still carried a torch for the blond model, and it would have been nice for her to get a clue on this.

"Sorry," Adrien said. "It's a lunch date. For two," he said, pointedly. "You guys are just going to have to find your own food."

Nino's face went surprised before he shot Adrien double finger-guns. "Sure dude. No problem." He gestured for them to go ahead without him and Alya. "You guys enjoy yourselves now. Don't be in a rush to get back here."

"Text me if you need an excuse," Alya leaned over to whisper, positively radiating glee.

Adrien stood up and held a hand out to Marinette, smiling shyly. "C'mon Mari. Our ride's here."

Marinette took his hand, a little surprised that she was still breathing. Holding hands was not something she and Adrien did. Yes they hugged, sometimes wrestled, and even had tickle fights (he was impressively ticklish), but they didn't hold hands. Though it was something she and Chat Noir had recently started doing, and it left her just as giddy, because she was still trying to believe that he'd agreed to this. That he liked both sides of her, and now Adrien did, too.

"Sorry," he said quietly as he led her out of the building. "I hope it's okay that I called this a date. I didn't really tell you in advance that I was thinking in those terms."

She squeezed his hand. "It's okay. I still would've said yes."

"Really?" His pretty green eyes went wide and his smile somehow got brighter. "Okay. Um. I was really hoping you might feel that way, I kind of thought you might, but I wasn't sure." He rambled when he was nervous. She could relate. "Because I definitely like you Mari, way more than as a friend. But…" He faltered.

"There's a complication," she said knowingly.

He nodded. "Let's wait 'til we get to the cafe, okay? I don't want anyone to overhear this. It could… reflect wrong on either of us."

"Yeah."

The ride to the cafe was silent. Marinette wasn't certain what to talk about in front of Adrien's driver and bodyguard, and Adrien himself was silent. He continued to hold her hand, but he bounced his knee nervously.

"Hey Adrien," she said quietly. "I think I already know what this is about, so… you can relax, yeah?"

He let out a long slow sigh. "Yeah. Okay."

She spent the rest of the silent ride pushing away the worry that she was ultimately going to be an enormous disappointment to both Adrien and Chat. She liked herself just fine, but she was definitely not as shiny and cool as Ladybug when she wasn't magically enhanced. She should probably have a talk with Chat to remind him that she was a clumsy mess out of the suit. She doubted she was refined enough for Adrien's father's social circle, but they could cross that bridge, or avoid it, when they came to it, right?

At the cafe, they ordered their lunch and found a small corner table to talk at. "All right, what did you want to talk about?"

"Oh man, this is harder than I thought it would be." He looked down at their joined hands in the middle of the little round table. "So I've been hanging out with Ladybug for months, and I'm sure you can understand why I haven't told anyone about this."

She nodded. "I've been doing the same. With Chat Noir."

"Yeah, so I've heard. Anyway, a couple nights ago, Ladybug told me that she's dating Chat and she also wants to date me… does this sound familiar?"

Marinette giggled. "Yeah." She was sure she was blushing now. "I'm dating Chat, too." She shook her free hand in the air. "And it's not some sleazy thing. It's…"

"You guys are poly," he interjected.

She nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I'm currently dating only Chat because the other guy I want to date… uh, I haven't asked yet. But, it's just going to be the two. It's not like a open relationship where we're all just dating a bunch of people with no commitments." She shut her mouth, realizing she was babbling.

He chuckled. "I know. And I get it." He brought her hand up to his lips. "Because as much as I love Ladybug, I also want to be with you. And it's just the two of you for me." He shrugged. "So I was wondering…"

"Yes," Marinette blurted, wanting to make it easier for him. She giggled when he stared at her in surprise. "I mean, I want to date you, too. You and Chat. Though probably not at the same time, at least not right away. So… uh, if that's what you wanted to ask, my answer's yes."

She saw the tension melt out of his shoulders. "So… you want to be my girlfriend in addition to being Chat's?" he confirmed.

"Yeah." She stared at him a moment. "I mean, as long as you want to be my boyfriend in addition to being Ladybug's."

"Can I kiss you?" he asked.

Marinette nodded. For all that she now had all this dating going on now, she'd only gotten a proper kiss from Chat, and that was last night when she was Ladybug. She'd kissed both boys on the face as Marinette or Ladybug, but she was ready for some real kisses. "That would be nice." She stood partway and nudged her chair to the right, closer to him.

Smiling, he cupped her chin and bent to kiss her.

His lips were warm, soft, and impossibly familiar. She reached up and caught the collar of his shirt, where she half-expected a bell to be, pulling him closer. His resultant gasp was also very familiar. She leaned back just enough to break the kiss. "Chaton?" she whispered.

"My Lady?" He straightened up to look at her better. "Oh. It is you." His fingers slid up to caress her cheek. He wasn't smiling, yet he somehow looked incredibly happy all the same.

She stared at him, a bit stunned. She'd agonized over both sides of him. She'd researched and redefined herself because of it. Only to find out he was both of the guys she loved. "How did I not see it?"

"No wonder I can't beat Ladybug at video games." He shook his head chuckling.

"You're ticklish in all the same places."

"Yeah."

"I guess this explains why I had the same twitterpated feeling when I was with either of you. What with you being the same person and all." She looked down at their hands, still joined on the table. "So… uhm, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment, but you should know that I'm happy about this. I mean, it's going to require a minor adjustment of mindset and expectations, but this is a good thing." She giggled. She was definitely going to have to shelve some of the more steamy fantasies she'd been entertaining.

Adrien snorted. "I guess this makes our day-to-day relationship management a bit more straight-forward. And I can just call you to go out with either of you." He shook his head. "This is not how I imagined this conversation going… or ending."

"We're okay, though, right?" she asked, her grip on his hand tightening with nervousness.

"Yeah. More than okay, I think." He drew her hand closer, then pressed it flat to his chest. "Honestly, all the poly stuff I've been reading about communication, it still applies. We know, now, that we can talk to each other about how we're feeling and other complicated things."

It was a really good point.

"So I guess our poly circle, square, whatever has collapsed, and we're starting with a clean slate, just the two of us," he said, his hand gently rubbing hers. "Would you be interested in dating me, Marinette? I'm totally smitten by you."

She laughed. "Yes, Adrien. I would love to date you. Apparently all versions of you."

This is final story in the OT3 OT4 OT Oops series.

While this ended up not being a poly relationship after all, I think it was important to have the characters approach it this way, because at the outset, from all appearances it was a relationship involving multiple people. Too often fanfiction (and mainstream media) creates an either/or love triangle, and it's essential to note that this binary focus on relationships is not the only option. Katniss could have been with both Peeta and Gale. Alanna could have been with both George and Jonathan. I know too many people who spent too much of their lives unhappy because they didn't know that the mainstream/normative option wasn't the only one. There are also a lot of harmful misconceptions about these relationships that I would like to see dismantled.

#Miraculous Ladybug #mlfluffmonth #OT3 OT4 OT Oops #love square #fanfic #my writing #ML Fluffgust 2017

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kodoku-no-maria · 7 years ago

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“My Edelweiss ”

@ishihimeweek : Day 3 : Rainy Season

Fanfiction AH AU Chapters 1-7+Epilog

warning: Angst

Chapter 1

“Don’t You Remember?”

- Uryuu! WAIT! Uryuu!

She called out to him again and again

- Uryuu!

Until he turned around

- URYUU!!!!!!!!

That wasn’t his bed. It smelled fresh, but somehow felt very cold. That wasn’t his bed for sure. His bed smelled like….His bed? What was it like….

Suddenly he opened his eyes and rose up on the bed. Where was he?

- Ahg - his head started pounding like there was a little person inside it and they wanted to remodel the scull from inside out. Instinctively he put his hands on his head. He tried as hard as he could to remember what had happened and how he ended up in that bed….in that place. Nothing in his mind made sense.

He was so deep in his inner chaos that he didn’t hear how the door opened. A silver-headed man in a white coat walked in

- You’re awake - the man’s voice broke Him out of his thoughtless prison and He looked at the sourse of the voice - You’re being careless again, Uryuu. What if that hadn’t happened as close to my clinic as it did? You would be dead now. - Excuse me…but who are you? - Memory loss, ha? - the man replied unamuzed - Troublesome as always. I’m Ishida Ryuuken, this is my hospital. You’re - the man gestured to the patient - a lot of headache. You’re my son, Ishida Uryuu, you’re 27, you live on X street and your career choice was - Ryuuken paused for a second as if to recollect himself - sewing… - I don’t remember any of this…How do I know you’re really my father? - Ishida asked with suspicion - You sew for a living and you’re in a private patient’s room - his father answered without even looking at him, instead he looked through the documents he had brought with him - Your vitals look normal. It’s only the memory loss. It will pass. Here are painkillers for the headache - Ishida looked at him suprised - I am a doctor, Uryuu. I will be going now. I have REAL patients waiting for me. - Yes…thank you - Ishida looked at his father searching for some clues, feelings. Trying to recognize a father in that cold man. Nothing - By the way, there is someone who’s been waiting for you to wake up. She brought you here. She’s the one you should thank - Ryuuken said just before leaving the room.

Ishida heard voices right behind the door. His father’s and another one. That was probably the person that had saved him. It was so nice of them to stay and wait…so kind. In a minute voices disappeared and Ishida anxiously waited for the door to open

A few minutes had passed before it opened and like a vision, slowly, his saviour apeared in the room. Ishida couldn’t tell if the pills were at fault or his head injury, but he could swear he saw an angel and she was glowing. The girl looked exhausted, her eyes were red and puffy, she was fidgetting by the door, not moving an inch, eyes on the floor.

- …Thank you - Ah? - she finally looked at him - I was told you saved me - Ishida smiled at the girl gently, masking his studying eyes that roamed her small frame in search of answers. Nothing - That was… I didn’t… - she tried to find the words to talk to him, but seemed too lost - I am sorry…for causing you to worry… - he adjusted himself on the bed and made a gesture asking her to sit on the chair beside the bed - Please, sit down. You must be tired - Thank you - she hurriedly sat down.

Her eyes were constantly moving, trying not to look at Ishida and he realized that the proximity was making her nervous. She was so innocent. That made him smile. He couldn’t explain it, but the feeling of her beside him seemed familiar.

- Excuse me…I do not remember. Do we know each other?

Suddenly she raised her head, looked him straight in the eyes. She looked like a completely different person. Her eyes….they were sad and worried, and determined.

- So you really don’t remember anything… - she said softly, with a sigh.For a moment there it sounded to him like a sigh of relief, but he immediately dismissed the thought. Then she jumped in her sit and started rambling - I didn’t mean it like I don’t believe Ishida-sensei. I do. I just thought maybe that wasn’t as serious as he described it. No-no, that came out wrong too…I’m not saying that your father is a liar! No! I mean..yes! I hoped that it wasn’t…true..Hehehe we do know each other - she ended, laughing nervously

- We do? I’m sorry…Can I ask your name? - Orihime…- She stopped and looked at him. Ishida could see her mind working on an answer. It took a minute before she replied, but to Ishida it seemed like eternity - Inoue Orihime - That is a very beautiful name, Inoue-san. Is it alright if I call you Inoue-san? Or does it feel weird? - No - she smiled brightly at him - it feels just right.

They sat in silence for a while. Ishida found himself liking it - it felt very comforting. But hee wasn’t one to live in oblivion. He wanted answers. If his own head wouldn’t give them to him, he will ask the girl sitting beside him.

- You said, we know each other? Can you please tell me more about it? - he stopped for a momemt feeling a lump forming in his throat.

He really wanted to ask her. She was so kind to him. That had to be a reason for that, right? The way she blushed, the wat she was worried about him. But then again she could be just a naturally caring person. Beautiful and sweet. Like honey. Like the color of her hair…Bracing himself with all the hope in the world, he asked her - If you don’t mind me asking, what is the relationship between us, Inoue-san?

He knew he hit the nail. One question and her face turned into a whole kaleidoscope of emotions. Surprise. Worry. Embarassment. Guilt. Pain.

- I’m sorry. That was an inappropriate question

- No-no - she smiled, reassuringly - It’s just that Ishida-sensei has told me specifically not to…tell you anything, so not ot confuse you - Orihime said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. That movement alone sent an electric shockwave down his spine.

- He did it probably to just mess with me.

- Oh…then…You can say we are friends and collegues, Ury…Ishida-kun

His heart sank. Of course that’s what they were. Nothing less and nothing more. They worked together. He looked at his blurry reflection in the window. A spitting image of his father. Who was he even? He didn’t know. He couldn’t remember. He must be just as uptight and distant as his father was. Closed off and..

- Cold… - the word escaped his lips, while he still was very deep in thought. Orihime heard him and istantly looked at the slightly open window and then at Ishida. Without hesitation she jumped from her sit and crawled on top on the bed, which separated her from the window. One second Uryuu was looking at the wall and the other there was something covered in danom right in front of his face. He blushed when he realized that was Orihime’s plump behind. That, on top og being in such a proximity to his face, was wiggling in an attempt to balance on the bed while trying to close the window

- I-Inoue-sssan…

- Got it! - the girl exclaimed victoriously and threw her hands in the air. That couldn’t go without consequences. The moment she did that, she lost her balance and fell - ouch - she whined. Then realized she didn’t hit the floor. Something was firmly keeping her in place. On the bed. She looked down and saw two arms holding her by the stomache aria. She could feel heat radiating from it. She took a deep breath to calm herself. But it was in vain. All her emotions that she had been keeping down burst out and she started crying.

- Inoue-san? - Ishida asked in panic - What’s wrong? Are you hurt somewhere? - he tried to let her go, but she put her own palm on top of his hand. Her soft touch sending shivers to the parts of his body that shouldn’t be mentioned by a gentleman

- You’re so warm - Orihime managed to say through crying - You’re so warm, Ishida-kun - she kept saying again and again. Through tears that were streaming down her face - I was *hic* so scared *hic* You were so cold *hic* lying on that road and…and *hic* I thought…I thought *hic*- she then finally turned around to face him - I’m so glad, you’re so warm - and she put her arms round him in embrace

She couldn’t know. But she knew. It was a very snowy day. Cold and white. But inside he was burning. Her touch on his skin felt like torture. Like a melody stuck in the head that you cannot recall. So familiar yet so unknown. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to remember himself. And remember her. But it didn’t matter to him, when she was so close. He accidentally breathed in her smell. It was the smell of honey.

Her sobbing was sloaly easing. It didn’t matter if he never remembered anything, right? Her little fragile frame in his arms was what mattered.

….Right?

Chapter 2

“Sweetest Devotion”

- So, the sewing implemets are in the top drawer, the fabric is arranged according to the rainbow color skim with undertones arranged in the alphabetical order. - Yes, my most proud arrangement! -…The finance books are all digital and the sketch book is… - One on your desk, one in the kitchen, one in the storeroom with the fabrics and blank ones are in the bottom drawer beside your desk - Orihime smiled - Ah..yes. Do I really need so many sketch books? - Oh, yes! - she answered without hesitation - well, the most impostant ones are on your desk and in the storeroom. It’s where you usually get inspired to create new looks. And others are just my additional touches. Just in case. We wouldn’t want to lose any of your ideas, would we? - Orihime furrowed her brows in a mock angry expression - Considering I have lost my memories…no, we wouldn’t - he gave her half a smile. It’d been a week since Ishida was released from the hospital and a bit more than a month since the accident happened. He was still struggling with regaining his memory, but it was returning to him bit by bit. Surprisingly, or maybe not at all, his craft was the first thing he could remember. He remembered his father, his mother. And how he had lost her. He remembered his Grandfather…and how he had lost him too. At times his own memory, the scraps of it that he had, made him feel so miserable. Almost sorry for himself. Sometimes a thought crawled into his mind that maybe it was for the better that he had lost it. His life didn’t seem to be something worth remembering. And in the next second he would look at Inoue-san and think that no life could be miserable if she was in it. And she was in his life. Caring, kind, funny and so beautiful. She was helping him so much. For the past week she had made a list of all the things in his studio, so it would be easier for him to “remember”. Every day she checked up on him. It had turned out that he leaved and worked in that studio and Inoue-san worked with him, coming every day in the afternoon and going home late in the evening. For the first few day he kept offering to walk her home.

- Should I walk you home, Inoue-san? - No-no-no-no - she refused - Hahha ha..I mean..it isn’t that far! - I still think, it’s not safe for a young woman - “not to mention so attractive” - that part he kept to himself - to walk along so late in the evening.. - Oh, Ishida-kun! Do not worry about myself! - she said cheerfully, taaking a pose of a…wrestler? Ishida wasn’t sure - I am so much stronger than I look! Moreover, I won’t be able to fall asleep at all if I had to think about Ishida-kun returning home safely! Well - Orihime said with a serious face - I could walk you home after you walk me home… - Wouldn’t that… - Oh, right…then Ishida-kun would have to walk me home again…and then me again…and then Ishida-kun again. - That would lead us nowhere… - See? I’m gonna be fine! Trust in me. Soft voice, like a plea. A smile. Just a look in her eyes. He was done for. - I understand. But please be careful….

Bit by bit he tried to learn more about her - Inoue-san? - Yes? - I don’t want to sound rude..considering I probably already know that, but… What do you do in the first half of the day? That is, if you don’t mind me asking. - I mostly do housework….like laundary and making dinner..or shopping. Sometimes I take kids to kindergarden - Kids? You.. - Uryuu tried to keep his composure - you have kids, Inoue-san? - She didn’t wear a wedding band, so he had assumed she at least wasn’t married. So she had kids… Ishida turned away, fearing the obvious answer. Then he heard a loud thud. All of Orihime’s work in progress went flying int he air and she was lying on the floor, bottom up in the air. - I-Inoue-san!?? - He at once rushed to her side - Are you alright??!!?? Orihime kept quiet for a minute. She must have hurt herself somewhere, came to Ishida’s mind. He swiftly picked her up, carried to the bedroom and layed on his bed carefully. Orihime finally looked up, her cheeks turning bright red. Ishida himself felt his face warming. There they were again. On his bed. He tried to compose himself - Inoue-san, are you hurt anywhere? - Neighbour’s kids.. - I’m sorry? - Neighbour’s kids..I sometimes take them..to kindergarden - Oh - Ishida let out a sigh of relief - I see…Neighbour’s kids…Obviously… - Obviously - Orihime repeated after Ishida. - Either way…are you hurt? - Oh..am..No. I don’t think so. Fortunately, I landed on these - Orihime kindly gestured to her prominent bosom - they are like an airbag - She laughed. And he became even redder and started “fixing” his glasses - Aaahhh, but it’s sure is nice…. - she said in an almost childlike manner - What is? - Being carried like a princess…Ah, that makes you a prince! - Oh, no, I’m no.. - You are, you know. Like a prince in a shinning armor…. - There it was again. That mood, that atmosphere. It was as if he ceased to breathe and instead only heard her breathing. Oh God he wanted to touch her…. - We should go back to work…If you are sure that you are ok. Or you can lie down for a little bit. I think, yes, that’s a good idea. And I will go back to work. In that other room. And Inoue-san will stay here for a while. - In your bed, Ishida-kun? - Yes, in my bed! - he said and went out of the room, closing the door with a loud bang. How was he supposed to work after that? He didn’t know…but even more than that he wondered…how he was going to sleep in that bed after….

Watching Orihime work was the best part of each passing day. She sewn so…peculiarly. Getting lost in the process, sticking out her tongue, humming melodies unknown to Ishida, which he always later found himself humming lightly under his breath, sometimes giving loud sighs of frustration and then bumping her fist in the air when a particularly hard part of the work was done. It was very amuzing to watch her. Ishida kept thanking the providence for how oblivious Inoue-san was to him staring at her half of the time. He tried to be as discreet as he could - which made him sound and feel like a total creep - but from time to time he would get lost in his thoughts…and feelings. There was something between them. She wouldn’t tell him. Only once did she mention that they were friends and colleagues, but then got scolded by Ryuuken. But he felt it, he just wasn’t sure what it was. He knew he was in love with her, that’s for sure. Deeply, completely, hopelessly in love. But did she reciprocate those feelings? She was flirting with him back then, right? Were they at the “will-they-won’t-they” stage? Were they dating? Were they…?

- Aahh, that half-loop stitch sure gives me trouble…- Orihime let out an exausted sigh. They had been working for a few hours straight and he totally lost track of time - Ishida-kun, should we eat? - Yes, I think it’s time…Inoue-san? - Yes? - She smiled at him and he felt that pesky flattering sensention in his stomach. He wasn’t hungry at all. - I thought….maybe we could eat out today, what do you think? - at that her face turned fifty shades of emotions, Ishida couldn’t make out, for they were changing so quickly - Oh, no, Ishida-kun. That is so unnecessary! I can cook. You know, I love cooking. Well, I guess you forgot that hahaha - she laughed nervously, waving her hands and retreating into the kitchen at the same time. He saw that scene unravel many times. Ha? Did he? - Please, don’t misunderstand me. I do enjoy Inoue-san’s cooking… - You do? - Of course. I just…I feel like I am taking advantage of your kindness. You have done so much for me. Starting with saving my life.. - Please don’t say that… - Say what? - he started to lose the direction of their conversation - Please, don’t say I saved you… - her voice was on the verge of tears. Her reluctance to talk about it, her reaction now - what on earth happened that day? - believe me when I say that this is nothing much. I want to do this. Let me cook for you, help you, remind you where your sketch books are, answer calls and talk to costumers. Let me be here. Everyday. With you. Let me do at least this much…It’s all I can do… So we don’t have to go anywhere…We can stay here. Together - he could see she was shaking. She barely held her tears back. And still he had to push her. He would apologize for it later, for sure. But he was totally blind there. He didn’t remember a huge part of his life. And most importantly he didn’t remember her. He needed those memories back. He needed answers. - Inoue-san…is there… - he gathered his courage - is there a reason you do not want anyone to see us together? - Yes. She didn’t even need to say it, it was all over her face. There was a reason. He wasn’t imagining it. - I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to keep you locked here… - She was searching for the right words and Ishida braced himself for the truth. And prayed to God it wasn’t something that would go between them. He wasn’t about to let her go anytime soon. He would fight for her. He decided that no matter what, he would never give up. Even if the whole of Milky way tried to separate them - I just don’t won’t you to get hurt…again. Ishida-sensei…Yes, Ishida-sensei said I shouldn’t tell you about your life, but let you gradually remember everything on your own…And I thought that if we go and someone comes up to us and they start talking and…and… and I don’t want you to remember - the last part came as a whisper - ISHIDA! - a loud voice called from the hallway or his studio-appartment. A large, muscular man walked…no stormed in. His face was full of worry, sweat was dripping down his temples - You ok? - he asked - I heard you got in an accident…Hi, Inoue…I’m sorry, I didn’t come sooner. I was overseas..Oi, Ishida? - Ishida-kun? Ishida looked at the man before him. He sounded so familiar. He looked so foreign. - ..Sado-kun? And everything went black yet again.

Chapter 3

“I Miss You”

- Ishida, hi. - Don’t “hi” me! Look at yourself. Did Kurosaki got you into another fight??? You’re all beaten. - Oi, why me from the get go? - Ah, this? No, just some guys….and then…they didn’t like me….started a fight - That is not a coherent story, Sado-kun - Leave him be, mother hen. If some pricks are picking a fight, he should fight back! - No one asked you Kurosaki. - It’s ok, Ishida.

- Ishida-kun!

- You like her, don’t you?

- Ishiiiiidaaaa-kun!

- You know she has feelings for him, right?

- Hahha Ishida-kun, you are really kind.

- Will you just stand by, silently…

- I guess, we’re both weird this way. You and I.

- Watching her being in love with another man?

- Uryuu…

He opened his eyes. It was still bright outside. How long was he out? A few hours or a few days? Didn’t matter. He remembered. He remembered Sado-kun and Kurosaki and Kuchiki and all their classmates. And he remembered her. He wanted the memories back so bad and yet now he was physically in pain just from remembering. How she loved another guy. God, he was an awfully unlucky man. He got up from the bed(in which he guessed Sado-kun carried him. He could only imagined how embarassing that looked and was glad he wasn’t conscious to witness that). He could hear Inoue and Sado talking in the hall, but he couldn’t make out what either were saying. Then the curiosity got better of him and he slowly stood up and walked up to the door. - I see you’re not wearing the ring - It’s for the better - You know, I don’t support this - I’m sorry… - But I’m your friend - Sado let out a sigh - And I’m Ishida’s friend. And I sure as hell hope you know what you’re doing. - Thank you, Sado-kun… - I have to go back. Tell him I wish him quick recovery. And that he remembers me. - I will! - He is gonna remember - I know…But… - But? - It sure is wonderful to have a chance to fall in love with the Ishida-kun from that time

At that Ishida stepped away from the door. She was falling in love with him. Inoue-san? No way. Did that mean that he forgot Kusoraki? That wasn’t such a stretch…He was her high school crush. Those never live long. But then again there he was, so pathetically not over her. He even caught himself thinking that he was so hopeless that he managed to fall in love with her twice in one lifetime. But what was he to do with that information? He couldn’t just go to her and tell her he was in love with her too, ask her to marry him and have three kids, two lovely girls, who look exactly like their mommy, his little rays of sunshine, and a son, who could choose any path he wanted to and Ishida still would love him and suppport him(Hear this, Ryuuken?!)…. - Pull yourself together, Uryuu - he told himself. An image of Orihime looking longingly at Kurosaki Ichigo came up in his mind. Maybe he had misheard her? Created a lie that suited his own selfish desires. And she meant something else? - What else can that possibly mean?! Ishida heard a knock on the door. He automatically hurried back to the bed, feeling as if he was caught eavesdropping. Which he certainly was doing, but still. - Ishida-kun? - came her small voice - Yes - he cleared his throat - yes, Inoue-san, please, come in. - You’re up - she sighed with a relief - Yes, I’m sorry to have scared you…I’ve been doing it a lot lately - Oh, no! Don’t worry. Does it hurt anywhere? - Orihime sat on the edge of the bed, right beside him, her face showed a worried expression - I’m alright - saying that he felt a dull pain in his left arm - My arm though seems to hurt a bit. I think I might have fallen on it when I lost consciousness - oh no… - her hand went to her mouth - that must be me… - I’m sorry? - Well, Ishida-kun suddenly lost consciousness! I panicked. So I picked you up and carried here…but one of your arms…bumped…into the doorframe…Sorry.. - Inoue-san carried me here…that explains everythi…WHAT??? Inoue-san carried me here? - Yes - And Sado-kun? - Was still in shock - And Inoue-san carried me…here? - Ishida-kun, I did tell you I’m much stronger than I look! - she smiled and did one of her poses - If I ever doubted that, I apologize - smiled back at her - I shouldn’t be surprised, honestly. Inoue-san have always exelled at PE at school - Right! I’m super stro..at school? - the smile faded from her face - Ishida-kun, has your memory returned? - Yes…partially. I still can’t remember anything past graduation. - Oh..Sado-kun would be sp happy to hear that. He wanted to wait for you to wake up, but he had to go. - I understand. Could you tell me, how he is doing? - He’s a musican! And very popular! - Hmm.. It does suit him - Ishida gave out a small laugh - And Kuchiki?…..Kurosaki? - Rukia-chan…after graduating her brother took her with him to the US, lived there for some time. Even graduated University there. She’s so amazing…- Orihime smiled with sadness in her eyes - When they said he would have a new editor, we were so surprised to see Rukia-chan. I mean, Kurosaki-kun. He had such a funny reaction. But they are a good team. Once she became his editor, his career really took off. He has managed to accomplish so much…since Rukia-chan came back. - I guess. What does he do again? - He’s a writer. See, that book - she pointed at a book that had been on Ishida’s night stand since he got out of the hospital. Maybe longer. He had a feeling like it had been there forever - That is his book. - And his other books? He only has one? - …No…Ishida-kun didn’t want to read them ha ha ha - she laughed nervously - This one is actually from that time when Rukia-chan wasn’t his editor yet.

“It sure is wonderful to have a chance to fall in love with the Ishida-kun from that time”

- Inoue-san? - Ishida’s voice rang after a while of silence. It echoed in the room. - Yes? - Are we in love? - What do you.. - she jumped from the bed and faced him. He himself got from the bed and took a step in her direction, looked straight at her, his eyes dead serious. He took a step back. - Please. You know what I mean. Are we in love with each other, Inoue-san? - another step toward her, another step away from him. - Did..did you remember everything? - tears started gathering at her eyes - So it is true - Uryuu took another step forward and trapped her between himself and the door (yes, kabedon, shut up)- Arghh…why do I not remember this? Why can’t I remember the happiest thing that could ever have happened to me? - He put a hand on his head willing himself to remember. She was standing right in front of him. And nothing. Only images of her looking at Kurosaki, always looking at Kurosaki, lovingly, with such burning longing. Has she ever looked at him that way? Could he finally hold her in his arms, kiss her, touch her, say he loved her out loud? - Uryuu… - Ishida heard her call him. What will he see in her eyes if he dares to look? But he didn’t have to look, he felt her arms wrap around him as tightly as she could - I missed you, Uryuu - She kissed him on the cheek - I missed you so much - a kiss on the eyes and then she proceeded to his lips and it sent a shockwave down Ishida’s spine. What happened next was out of his control, his body moved on its own, knowing every bit of her, which buttons to push and strings to pull. Unconsciously he even called her Orihime in the heat of the moment. And the moment was heated.

Chapter 4

“Remedy”

He woke up next morning alone and wondered if the night before was just a dream. A sick play of his own imagination to make him taste the honey and leave for the rest of his life looking at it from afar. And yet his heart told him a different story. His body too. The bed was still warm. And, most of all, it smelled like honey.

He got up and took a shower, reluctantly. After he got out of the bathroom, he found breakfast made by Inoue and carefully layed out for him on the kitchen table. It was still considerably warm, so Ishida concluded that Inoue left not so long ago.

Which means she had spent the night with him.

Ishida still couldn’t fully comprehend that he and Inoue were dating, were in love and happy. That was something he never even dared to imagine. Well, who was he lying to? Of course it was what he imagined in his most sacred dreams. But he was too proud to admit it. Falling for the girl that was in love with Kurosaki was a painful enough blow to his pride. But her feelings for Kurosaki were, apparantly, gone. So they had to focus on the present. He would not let his ghost of the Chrismas past get between them. They had enough on their plate for Ishida to add being jealous of her high school crush into the mixture.

His thoughts were interupted by the doorbell.

- What do you want, Ryuuken? - Ishida asked annoyed, stepping away to let in the unexpected guest - Can’t I visit my son, who has foolishly found himself in a memory loss predicament? You are my patient, Uryuu. - Well, I am fine. Satisfied? You can go now. Ryuuken let out an exhausted sigh, walked past Uryuu into the kitchen and started taking out his medical instruments out of the bag he had with him. - I told you, I am fine - protested Uryuu, while still doing exactly as Ishida senior instructed him. Sat down, took a breath, held it, breathed some more, extended his arm so his blood pressure could be measured. - Do you still experience headaches? - No… - Good, it seems you are in fact completely fine - Ryuuken looked around - There is the girl? - She has a name. Inoue-san is not here. - How much of your memory has come back resently? - Wha..? - Ishida was baffled. He didn’t mention that his memory started coming back again after he had been released out of the hospital. - You called me Ryuuken. Up until your teen years you called me “father”. And HER…you still call “Inoue-san”

Ishida was stunned. The tone of his father’s voice, the look in his eyes. He knew. Somehow everything in Ishida screamed to take a defensive stance.

- If you disaprove of our relationship… - I don’t. - Then, why? Why did you burden her with keeping everything a secret from me? Why couldn’t she just tell me? Why CAN’T she just tell me??

Ryuuken paused for a minute, looking at Uryuu carefully. The latter wasn’t sitting anymore, he had jumped from his hair and slammed his hands on the table.

- I am sure, she explained to you the reasons why. - Well…yes, she did… - Then why does it make you angry NOW? It doesn’t suit you, Uryuu. Sit down. Please. I didn’t come here to argue. I came to talk.

Ishida took a few angry breaths but did as his father asked him to.

- What is it? - I have been offered a position overseas. I am to advise surgions during neurological procedures and of course to perform some of them myself. - Where? For how long? - Italy. A year. - And what? You want me to send you off and tell you I’m going to miss you? Didn’t know you were so sentimental. It doesn’t suit you, Ryuuken - Ishida smiled

Ryuuken did a very uncharacteristic thing and took Uryuu’s hand into his own. His face was even more serious than usual. If Uryuu didn’t know him, he would even say there was pain in his eyes.

- I want you to come with me, Uryuu. To Italy. - What are you talking about? I can’t! - You are a designer. I haven’t been the most supposrtive parent, I know. Let me make it up to you. I think it’s a great opportunity for you.

Uryuu snatched his hand away from his father’s

- For me? Maybe, you mean for YOU? To get control over me, to have me near you on a leash. Cut from my town, my friends and my love. - I see. you are not ready to talk. It’s alright. I will have a ticket for you ready, regardless of what you decide. I’m leaving in a week. There is time for you to think about it.. - There is nothing to think about!

Without saying anything further Ryuuken stood up and left the apartment. For a while Uryuu stayed there motionless. The breakfast Inoue left him was already very cold and Ishida had no desire to eat. So he threw himself in the work.

It had been a few hours after his father’s visit. Ishida was deep in his work. He had finished 2 wedding dresses, cut out patterns for 3 coctail gowns and 4 suits. The wedding dresses really inspired him. So he took one of the scatch books Inoue so thoughtfully placed everywhere around the house and started pouring his ideas into the paper. She would look like an angel in a wedding dress. Anything would suit her, but this particular design he saw in the mermaid style, with subtle lace detailing around the waist…

- Uryuu? - he heard a klang of a closing door and her soft voice. At once he hurried to the hall to greet her - Inoue-san?…You have a spare key?

Orihime’s face lit up red and she started mumbling nervously

- I’m so sorry. I should have rang the bell. It’s a habit… - It’s ok. I’m not against it. Cosidering I’m probably the one who gave it to you, right? - he smiled warmly at her. He took small steps toward her, treading so carefully as if he was hunting a baby deer - How was your day? You left in the morning… - Oh it was…uneventful..ha ha ha…Uryuu? - Yes? - You are very close… - Should I take a step back? - No…- she looked down and closed her eyes. And they stood like that for a while, until Ishida broke the silence - May I…kiss you? - Ah?…. - slowly Orihime looked up and saw Ishida’s eyes, all foggy with passion and want - Can I first ask you something? - Yes - his voice came out husky - Say my name. Call me Orihime… like you usually do when we’re alone - she bit down her lip

That was it for Ishida. He put his arm around her small waist, he had been thinking about before, and pulled her close to him. His face was right in front of hers and they could feel each other’s breath on their skin.

- Orihime - he kissed her. He took her in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Enough work for today, thought Ishida.

Chapter 5

“Make You Feel My Love”

After Uryuu realised he and Orihime were dating and very much in love, something came up so Orihime had to stop coming in for work for a week. He offered to help, but she said she could manage by herself. Knowing how stubborn she could be sometimes he dropped the topic. He could wait for a week. They had their whole life together before them. That thought kept pecking at him. He fell in love with her two times in his life. And she as some sort of magical grace returned his feelings.

He had searched his whole apartment but he couldn’t find IT. He was certain IT should be somewhere, hidden. But IT wasn’t. That made him remember the talk he had had with Orihime the previous night when they were lying in the afterbliss.

- Orihime - her name rolled from his tongue so sweetly - I want to ask you for a favour… - Yes, anything! - she smiled brightly and she snuggled even closer to him - I want you to tell me what happened on the night I got into the accident

She suddenly sat up, covering herself with the sheets, distancing herself

- Why are you asking it NOW? It’s… - I know, I’m sorry. But you were with me, right? Before it happened. You seem so sad every time I bring it up and I am sorry for doing it at such a moment, but I need to know. If I can’t remember anything for the rest of my life. That night…it’s the only thing I need to know. What happened, Orhime? Did I do something? - No!…No…I mean…we had a fight…that night…And Uryuu rashed out of the appartment and I came after you.. - tears started gathering up at her eyes and rolling down her cheeks - I caled out to you…I kept calling out to you…and when you finally turned…then… I’m so sorry…- she couldn’t hold back sobs. Uryuu pulled her into a tight embrace - I’m sorry, Orihime, I’m sorry. You had to…all this time… Look at me - he carefully took her face into the palms of his hands and made her look at him. Her eyes were red nose running - It wasn’t your fault. Never, do you hear me? Never again think that it was your fault. I don’t care what happened, but please don’t blame yourself. - You don’t care? - No. I don’t even wanna know what the fight was about. Whatever it was, it’s not worth your tears… - he gently wiped her tears and kissed her - I love you, Uryuu…I love you so much…never forget that! - I won’t. Not for a second time. I love you, Orihime. I have…always loved you. You should know that. You do, don’t you?

She nodded and threw her hands around him, holding him tightly.

He said he didn’t care about the reason, but it bothered him. Was it trivial? A simple lovers’ quarrel or something more? Was it…because he was afraid to take a step further? The past two weeks made him realise a lot. He was alive, but he could have died. He lost a half of his life and he was at a loss, didn’t know how to operate his life into the future. But he knew one thing for sure, he wanted Orihime in his life.

How she came to love him, how they grew closer, who confessed to whom? He will regain those memories someday. But now he didn’t need them. He needed a ring. He had made up his mind. So he took his coat and his umbrella. It looked like it was going to rain.

The problem was the town had really changed in 10 years, which he couldn’t remember. So finding a jewelry store was indeed a struggle. On top of that for the past week he had barely been out of the apartment. It was nice to be out. The air was fresh, the people around quite busy going about their day. At one point he thought about asking someone for directions, but then he thought against it. He didn’t want to end up in an awkward situation where he asked someone he knew and didn’t remember them. That would leave him with either of two scenarios - him offending the person or him having to explain his memory loss.

Finally he saw a shopping window where that was displaying shining jewelry.

He bought the ring. Of course after a few hours of picking and being torn between all the beautiful rings the shop assistant was so kind to show him. Ishida thought she recognized him, but he didn’t want to engage in an awkward conversation, so he pretended he didn’t notice. He probably did know that young lady. He made clothes, and looking at his sketch books - a lot of wedding gowns, and she worked in a shop with engagement rings.

Ishida was walking down the street on his way home, wondering if he should take his time and maybe go to the park and breathe in some more fresh air. He wished Orihime was with him. When she had dealt with her circumstances, he would take her for a picnic. He imagined her honey-colored hair glisten in the sunlight, her laugh filling the air, her eyes slightly watery from the wind but smiling nethertheless. His hand gripped the little box in his pocket.

Would that little box help him get it across to her? Just how much he loved her. That he would never do wrong by her.

- Ishida? Oi! Ain’t that you, Ishida? - voice from behind came. A voice he recognized. Even if it had aged quite a bit.

Ishida turned around

- …Kurosaki?

Chapter 6

“All I Ask”

- Oi! Haven’t seen you for a while there. I heard what happened. Are you alright? - Ichigo sounded well, cheerful. Familiar and at the same time like a stranger. - Yes, I’m fine. Thank you - You are probably tired of people asking you that, ha? - A little bit, yes. - You sound so cold - Ichigo laughed and patted Ishida on the shoulder. Ishida caught himself thinking that Kurosaki had become very like his father. An image of his own father appeared before him. She immediately dismissed the thought - You know what? We should catch up! Have you eaten? Let’s go grab some - I’m not sur… - Ichigo didn’t let him finish he was already heading toward a food place. Ishida saw no other option but to follow the orange head.

- So, how’s it going? - I have already told you. Fine. How has your life been treating you? You’re a writer, right? - Yeah. It’s been great. I actually have just come back from a signing tour around US.

Ishida felt awkward. He wanted to escape. He didn’t know why. It felt wrong being all friendly with Kurosaki. He didn’t know why. Who was that guy in front of him and who was he talking to? He felt like he was suffocating. He didn’t know why.

- Oi, Ishida, you look kinda pale… - I’m ok..You’re working with Kuchiki, right? Everything’s going smoothly, I hear. From Inoue-san. - Inoue-san? - Ichigo raised a brow - Well, yeah, she’s my editor. But…you know that already…You sure, you ok? - there was concern in Ichigo’s voice. So unusual, crossed Ishida’s mind - Yes-yes… - Well, you tell me, how’s your love-life going? Have you found Mrs. Ishida yet?

Ishida looked at Ichigo in confusion

- You…didn’t hear anything from Inoue-san? - he ask a little disappointed - No. And again, Inoue-san? I guess old habits die hard…You calling her that. - Does that sound strange? - Well… - Ichigo paused to think about it - No. You did refuse to call her Kurosaki-san when we got married, so…Oi, Ishida??? ISHIDA!

He fell in the bottomless darkness. Maybe even deeper….

- It sure is raining today a lot! - Yes, indeed - I love rain. Somehow it makes me feel fuzzy and warm inside. Strange, isn’t it? - he sould hear a smile in her voice even if his back was facing her. - Not at all. I like it too. I find it very comforting. - Right. Uryuu-kun is the rain, after all! - I’m sorry? - Uryuu - Orihime slowly said his name - “Rain dragon"! - she exclaimed in delight - Oh, or is it “Dragon rain”? Hm…Raingon? - I see. It does have “rain” in it.

The air was think. The distance between them seemed as if it was being distorted by some kind of a cosmic phenomena. It felt like thye were getting closer without moving at all. He had been in love with her his whole life. But he had given up long ago. She was someone else’s wife. They had a child. There was nothing for him to do. She didn’t choose him.

On days like that he always remembered her husband’s first book. “Neverending Rain”, a light novel about a man with a deep emotional scar and a girl who heals him, but is taken away from him, so his rain never seems to ease.

He had written it when the woman he loved left the country.

He was writing it while dating his future wife.

He published it after he got married.

Ishida hated that book.

- Is the underlining of Takahashi-san’s garment ready? - he asked, without looking away from his work in progress - Oh, yes. I have finished it and started on the embroidery of the outer layers. - Very good. Thank you. - Uryuu-kun… - she called him. And that was his personal hell. Her calling his name. Each day they sat in that small studio and worked side by side was a day he learned her. He came to know her well. He learned to conceal his feelings. A year before she had appeared at his doorstep. And asked if she could work with him. Because the child started going to the kindergarden and she had a lot of free time. Could he have refused her? Even knowing…what was going to happen? - Could you help me with these patterns? I’m not quite sure the measurements are right… - Let me see - Ishida walked over to Orihime’s desk and looked from behind her shoulder at the traced out patterns on the fabric and at the measurements in Orihime’s notebook - Hm…you are right. The look a bit off. I was sure though, that I traced it correctly…But maybe I mixed up the measurements? Exellent job. You have such good eyes for this, Inoue-sa.. - he was to late checking himself it had already slipped his tongue - I’m sorry… - No, it’s alright. I like it when Uryuu-kun calls me by my maiden name. Makes me feel nostalgic…

He had to step away from her. It was dangerous. Her back looked so lonely. It was the back he had ingraved in his mind. The back of a woman who longed for someone who longed for someone else. They stayed like that for a while, engulfed in silence and their own thoughts. Until Orihime broke the silence - I wonder….if Uryuu-kun had been the one I fell in love with in high school…..

Ishida thought he was hallucinating

- What do you mean? - he took a step back. Following his withdrawal, Orihime stood up from her desk and faced him - I wish I had fallen in love with YOU - Please, Inoue-san…Don’t play with my heart like that…You’re married to Kurosaki… - I am….But don’t you see? I’m in.. - Don’t!….- He stopped her - Please, don’t say it. Once you say it….We can never return to the way before that. And…And I can’t say it back - he clenched his fists so hard, his nails dug into the skin - I know…- came her voice. It sounded so broken-hearted - I understand…But I…

Could he let her think her love was unrequired? Yet again. No.

- No, you don’t! I can’t say it..because it’s hopeless. Because me saying it is opening a pandora’s box. Because…this - he motioned between them - can never be…What I want it to be…Because… - he was losing his words - Because…? - Orihime took a step toward him. Slowly, carefully. Treading on a minefield - Isn’t it obvious? - she shook her head no - It’s because I love you

Orihime made the last step and crossed the last line. She threw her hands around his neck and kissed him

- I love you. I love you so much. Uryuu…

They got lost in their kiss. Ishida gave up and pulled her even closer, holding her tight, deepening the kiss. When they had to break it to get some air, his senses came back to him

- No…we can’t… - Why? - she plead - You’re someone else’s wife, for god’s sake! - Our marriage… - It doesn’t matter. You’re married. And you have a kid. - I know! - che cried out - I know…But what am I supposed to do with these feelings? - You are mistak..

He couldn’t finish his sentance, because Orihime slapped him

- You can say whatever you want. But don’t say my feelings aren’t real. You think it’s because of Rukia-chan…Because Ichigo doesn’t love me and never has. - Inou… - Let me finish! - she looked straight at him, her eyes dead serious. He couldn’t bear her stare - You’re wrong. It’s not because of Ichigo or Rukia-chan. It’s because of YOU. Because I just couldn’t help falling love with YOU.

Orihime put her hands on both the side of Ishida’s face. Gently trying to raise his head so she could see his eyes

- Your love - she whispered - is all I ask…

He took her hands in his own shaking hands and gave them a little squeeze. Then took them off his face.

- I CANNOT give you what you ask!

He needed to escape. He can’t be with her and he cannot not be with her. He was afraid his resolve was too week. But it was the right thing to do. So he did the ony thing he found possible at that time. He ran.

He ran out of the appartment into the rainy street. It was pouring so hard, it became difficult for Ishida to see. But he still went forward. Away from her.

- Uryuu! WAIT! Uryuu!

She called out to him again and again

- Uryuu!

Until he turned around

- URYUU!!!!!!!!

Chapter 7

“Can’t Let Go”

He woke up in a hospital bed. Now he knew that for sure. What a stange deja vu to have to experience. And just on cue his father walked in.

- How are you feeling? Do you feel nauseous? Experiencing headaches? - No… - How much do you remember? - came the dreaded question - Everything - Good - Not really - Ishida let out a sad laugh - Why didn’t you say anything? Even when I asked - Would you have preferred I interfered? - No - You have your answer - How much do you know? - Enough - Ryuuken paused - Do you want to see her? - She is here?! - Ishida asked alarmed - Yes, of course. - …I…Please, don’t let her in… - Can I assume that you are going to accept my offer? - Yes - Good

Ishida senior turned around and headed for the door

- Ryuuken? - Yes - Can we leave sooner than a week? - I will change the arrangements to the day after tomorrow - he answered without turning to look at his son - Are you not going to ask me what happened? - No -….Thank you. - Be sure to be ready the day after tomorrow, Uryuu - at that he left the room

Orihime didn’t know what to do or think. Uryuu had bumped into Ichigo and again ended up at the hospital. Why did they have to go through this ordeal. Why couldn’t they just be happy.

The past three weeks he had felt as if she was granted a second chance at her life. A chance to fall in love with Uryuu as he was when they were young. Sado-kun warned her nothing good would come out of pretending she had a different life, pretending she could be with him. She lied to him. And he will never forgive her now.

He had refused to see her when she came to the hospital. But she wasn’t going to give up.

- Mama, what’s wrong? You look sad. Did papa do something again? I’m gonna punch him! - No, it’s ok. My little hero….Is your dad at his office? - Yes! - Good. I need to talk to him.

Orihime wasn’t sure if it was ok to use her spare key, but if she had no other option, she was going to use it. They needed to talk. It had been a week since Uryuu was admitted to the hospital for the second time. She had heard that his father went abroad, so it must have meant that Uryuu was well and probably released from the hospital. So she gathered all her courage, took the folder she had been preparing for the past week as a token of her new life and went to the studio apartment.

She stood at his door. Knocked once.

- Uryuu?

No answer. Knocked twice. Rang the bell. Called him in a pleading voice. No one answered. So she went for the emergancy plan. With her spare key she opened the door. And called his name once again. She was greated only with silence. And it made her heart beat so fast, she began to feel breathless. She walked into the studio and immediately noticed that his things were gone. It wasn’t empty, but the things that made this apartment Uryuu’s…were all gone. She noticed a single sketch book on her desk. She took it and opened. There was a drawing of her. Wind making a mess of her hair, she was smiling. Between the next blank pages there was a note.

“To Orihime.

I stil can’t seem to call you by his name. So please forgive me this familiarity…That’s sounds so estranged, I sorry.

I hope you find this letter sooner rather than later…. I have remembered everything. I’m sure, you are already aware of it. I hope you understand why I didn’t want to see you when I was in the hospital. But I fear you don’t. That is why I’m writing this letter. I want you to know everything.

I can’t say I have forgiven your lying to me. But somehow I wonder, if I would have done the same were I in your position”

- You wouldn’t…

“But even if for a week, or a few days, you have given me the life I would have never tasted if not for my memory loss. I wish you happiness. That is why I’m leaving my studio in your care”

- What?

“You are so talented, smart and hardworking. Please know, any dream you dare to dream is something you can achieve. I hope to at least have played a small part in your future…”

There was a few sentances crossed out as if Uryuu wrote something and then changed his mind

“All of this are words. Just pretty words. The truth is…and if I am going to run away as a coward, I could at least tell it as it is. The truth is I love you”

Tears started rolling down Orihime’s cheeks

“I love you so much that I can’t bare thinking about you being someone else’s wife. I have fallen in love with you throughout my life so many times that I lost count. And if I stay anywhere near you I will keep falling in love with you. I’m afraid I am destinied to love you all my life. So pathetic I am. I’m not the prince you have painted in your mind. Do you know that I kept longing for you? When we were kids, when you and Kurosaki got married. Even after you had a baby. I kept thinking in my mind “what if”. I kept those desires hidden within me. I even found HOPE in the news that Kuchiki came back, that they were working together. I could have turned you down when you came to me. I knew what was bound to happen. And I kept wishing it.

And if I can have one last favour. Please let me be selfish and ask it of you. Grow big. Live loud. Become the most talked person in the world. And be happy. So no matter where I am, in what corner of the world I can know it. Know that you are happy and have fulfilled your dreams. All of them.

Do you understand? Do you even know? That I can’t let go…

I hope you know.

Yours, Uryuu”

All the strength left Orihime’s body and she collapsed on the fall, sobbing uncontrolably.

- But what…what if I never love again?

Epilog

“Hello”

- Mr. Ishida, you have been invited to a social event. How should I reply? - What is the event? - came his grumpy voice. He always sounded cold and grumpy when interupted during final walk throughs to check if everything is in order with his models before the show - And why must it be settled right now? - he looked at her from under his glasses. Kate was such a traitor for leaving him with a newbie assistant. But he can’t blame her. There was no point in her satying as his assistant when they had just signed the divorse papers.

The girl blushed. The years have passed but they only added more charm to Ishida. It had been twenty years since he left Japan and never looked back.

- Well, it’s a charity event and the organizer demanded that Mr. Ishida attends…. - A charity event? - it picked his interest - What for? - It’s a foundraiser. Um..The resent earthquakes in Japan…it’s to raise money for the cities that have been damaged by them. And the organizer is such a beauty!

Ishida looked at her unimpressed. Let out a sigh.

- Tell them it’s and honor and I will gladly attend. Is there something required from me? - No! Just your presence! And your checkbook! I think…it’s going to be an auction of some sort

He couldn’t believe she had organized it. It took him by surprise. Five years before that he had read about her. And it made his heart beat as if no time had passed and he was the same 17-year-old boy. She had become very successful. Opening clothing shops, bakeries all over Japan and brenching out in the US and Europe. And resently doing a lot of charity work. She was talked about, she was loved all over the world. And he was glad. But he never sought her out.

And now there he was. After all those years. Still in love with her. Or maybe falling in love with her again? She was very beautiful. The years if anything worked in her favour. She had a very calm, mature aura around her. Her hair were short, the same honey color but with occasional silver strings. He had never thought she could be even more beautiful when he was young. And he stood corrected.

The anouncer lead her away from the guests she had been engaging in the conversation with and to the stage.

- Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my very pleasure to finally introduce our lovely hostess, our main benefactor, this beautiful lady who is the reason we have gathered here. Miss Inoue Orihime! - Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for coming!

She had divorsed Kurosaki long ago . He knew that. She was single. He knew that.

- If it’s fine with you, Miss Inoue. We should start the auction! - Please, everyone, have fun! I have a surprise for you at the end! - she smiled mischievously

The auction went well. Ishida bidded on a few things but only won the bidding for a paining by a not very well known painter. Ishida himself heard his name for the first time. But it called to him. It was an original randition on, if he wasn’t mistaken, a taro card “fool”. It depicted a young man who had climbed a mountain, his hands and knees scratched and bleeding. He had grabbed an edelweiss flower and because of that he was falling from the mountain. But he was smiling the most genuine smile.

He never bid on Kurosakis books.

- I am pretty sure that was all for the registered lots - concluded the anouncer and looked at Orihime - Yes. I did promise you a surprise. So I have decided to auction….a date with me!

The room livened up a lot. All the men and the women started bidding. All the while she was laughing like a child.

- $10 000 - the bidding continued - $15 000! - $25 000! - Oh, we have some serious bidders here! $25 000 one, $25 000 two..

She looked at him. The time stopped. He was so week when it came to her

- $100 000 - he bid

The room fell silent. And she smiled. But that smile wasn’t the one she showed before, wasn’t the one that was meant for anyone. It was a smile meant only for him

- $100 000 one…$100 000 two…$100 000 three…Sold! To Mr. Ishida Uryuu for $100 000. - What a lucky guy! - I’m so jealous - It’s so nice..a date with Miss Inoue

Ishida went to the balcony area to recollect himself. Of course she followed him. - You shouldn’t stay here for too long. The forecast promised rain today.

He didn’t answer. Just looked at her.

- Hello - she said - It’s been a while… - Yes. You..looked amazing - You aren’t doing bad yourself - she smiled and came closer to lean on the balkony just as he did - Are we going to do that again? - Do what? - he asked a little confused - Dance around the things we want to say and do because we are afraid to feel awkward - She turned to face him and put her hand on his arm, scared that if she didn’t secure him in place, he would run again - I love you. I want to be with you. And I don’t see any reason why not. - I’m sorry.. - he said looking down - Why? - her voice was desperate - I ran away from you because I was insecure. And I couldn’t believe you loved me. My cowardice has cost us twenty years…

She let a sigh of relief. And squeezed his arm gently.

- Do you… - she started with a whisper - Do you still love me? - You know…Kurosaki was your first love - that phrase earned him an agry glare from her. He took her hand that she kept around his arm and put it to his lips, kissing it gently - I intend to be your last.

She smiled at him but couldn’t hold back tears.

- Those lost twenty years…let’s spend the rest of our lives together! - she buried her face in his embrace - And then live twenty years more to make up for the lost time! - Yeah..sounds like a plan.

The first drops of the rain fell on them. It felt warm and comforting. Two hearts that had been kept apart for so long they have forgotten how it feels to beat in sync had been connected. Finally.

#ishihimeweek #ishihime #day 3 rainy season #i am an angsty bitch you are allowed to hate me #if you think i didn't destroy my heart while writing it you're wrong #also i had to throw in a little bit of a klaroline parallel there #they remind me of them sooo much #what klaus says to caroline is totally what ishida would say to orihime #enjoy

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popculturebuffet · 4 years ago

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Top 10 Thanksgiving Episodes

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! Time to eat a ton, pass out, and watch MST3K and all that. And since I already covered most of the general stuff about how diffrent this holiday is in my Loud House Review, and to reitarate to anyone having a big, 20 or so people crammed in a room thanksgiving this year

For the rest of us like all of the big three of Holidays, thanksgivings also the time for some classic episodes of television. Granted most shows stick to one, with some exceptions like friends, roseanne and new girl, but most make their one count. Thanksgiving may not be as big as the holidays it’s sandwitched in between, to the point christmas is slowly but surely trying to swallow it whole, but it’s still a time for family, fighting, and food that brings plenty of opprotunity for greatness and even with a smaller pool, I stiill had signifigant trouble narrowing down my list to 10. But I stand by what I got it wittled down to. This is my top 10 thanksgiving episodes! And for my regular readers, there’s a suprising lack of animation but i’m more than willing ot go outside that and now’s the right time, asi’m currently having a black friday sale with reviews marked down by two bucks to just 3 dollars for an episode of any tv show. Yes it’s a shameless plug but since when have I ever had shame? So with that in mind let’s chow down, it’s my top 10 thanksgiving episodes!

10. Pangs (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Buffy is as a show I REALLY need to revisit. While lately, what with the abuse he did that we can’t get details on when making justice league or his you know cheating on his wife on and off over a decade, I’m not at all a fan of series creator Joss Whedon, Buffy itself is still a classic in my eyes.

The tale of a teenager given the role of the Slayer, a chosen female asskicker given moderate super powers and the duty to defend the world from vampires and other ghouls. The show dealt with the usual teen superhero stuff, ballancing asskicking with saving the world and arguably codified the genre, to the point I hold it at least partially responsible for the bigger wave of teen heroes in the 2000′s in animation and comics. The show had smart dialouge, metaphors, mythology and a rich, and vibrant cast. Sure some things haven’t aged well like an adult vampire dating a teenager or the really dated ways Willow’s sexuality were handled, as groundbreaking as it was, from barely letting her kiss her girlfriend or be shown being intimate iwth her, or just entirley shutting out the posiblity she’s bisexual. But a few age wrinkles aside the show is still good and I still need to rewatch it and that includes our number 10 pangs, one of hte most memorable and well done thanksgiving specials and one fo the shows more comedy moments. It’s thanksgiving, and Buffys mom’s going out of town, so she decides to hold thanksgiving at Giles place to bring her slowly drifting surrogate family together. Naturally given the way things usually go for our Slayer, she has a hard time of it as Willow chafes at celebrating colonolsim, Giles dosen’t get what the big fuss is about that or the meal being british, and Spike shows up looking for protection from season big bads the initiative, a secret military unit that’s chipped him so he can’t harm humans, so he has no way to eat and spends the mal tied to a chair. Oh and of course, a vengeful native american spriti from the chumash tribe has given Xander syphilis and killed a currator as revenge for his people’s suffering, so now Buffy has to fight a ghost bear if she want sa happy thanksgiving. Also Angel is back in town and being kind of a dick, but hey it leads to a good episode of his spinoff so whatever.

Pangs is just a fun episode, not only does it do well by not ignoring american colonalisim, but it just has a fun energy to it as Buffy desperately tries to have a good thanksgiving, Spike instnatly proves his worth as an addition to the gang both chemstiry and comedy wise, and we of course get this classic moment.

It had to fight it’s way onto the list, but pangs is a holiday dish worthy of sinking your fangs into.

9. The Dressing (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) Speaking of nutty fun thanksgiving episodes.. this one is simply that. I love Aqua Teen Hunger force.. even if like a lot of comedy shows it drooped in later seasons, it still has it’s classics earlier on and even later on has a few gems. But on the earlier on side we have their utterly bonkers and delightful thanksgiving episode “The Dressing”, a sequel to the Christmas Episode “The Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from The Future”, which itself is an utter classic, but we’ll possibly get to that in december’s list.

The Aqua Teens are having Thanksgiving with Carl, whose naturally onlyt here for the free food and staying outside. it’s also days before or after, with black colored frito pie,a t urkey, and whatever else their broke selves could scrounge up. However, naturally, like Buffy a normal day for the Aqua Teens just isn’t complete without some weird shit happening, thanksgiving gets interrupted by the cybernetic ghost of Christmas past fromt he future, whose transformed himself into a turkey and wants to save their turkey so it can lead a rebellion in the bizzare hilarious distopian hellscape he comes from. This of course leads to him getting drunk, eating all their food and later showing up with a laser sock to murder carl after the episodes over. It’s just a fun time, a really funny episode and one of the teens more memorable outings. Not a lot to say here, it’s just really damn funny.

8. Arnold’s Thanksgiving (Hey Arnold!) Anoter classic I really need to revist but that more than earns his place here. Hey Arnold.. is easily one of the best animated shows ever. I say that with no hyperbole as it handled slice of life well while still getting dramatic when needed to, and is easily the gold standard for slice of life children’s cartoons to this day. And naturally it’s holiday specials were great, and I only r eally haven’t revisited them because they also hurt.. a lot. So unsuprisingly this one makes the list.

IT’s thanksgiving and given how chaotic things are for both Arnold and Helga’s families, our heroes are miserable. Arnold would understandably like just once to have thanksgiving on thanksgiving, his family instead doing fourth of july due to his grandmother being who she is. And Helga naturally is ignored and mistrteated as usual since her sisters home and her dad and alchoholic mother ignore her as usual even when she’s not around. What i’m saying is while Arnold’s issue is understandable, helga always wins a “whose got the shitter life” contest.

So the two flee to their teacher Mr Simmons, a character I genuinely loved and loved even more finding out he was gay as an adult, as he was a kind , supportive teacher who could be a bit softhearted but wasn’t afraid to step the fuck up when needed. But they find his thanksgiving isn’t much better, as his Mother and wont’ stop sniping at his boyfriend peter and clearly isn’t entirely comfortable with her son’s sexuality, his friend keeps snapping at peter and mooching off him, and his uncle.. well he’s just a loud asshole who wants turkey.. The kids naturally realize the meaning of the holiday, reconclie with their families who DID take genuine steps to make up for them being gone and missed them, all is well. It just shows nobody’s family is perfect, and is well done in that but also shows why thanksgiving has grown beyond it’s roots: It’s a day for families to get together and even if they may fight, recognize why they love one another. I also give the show balls for heavily imiplying a character is gay and not slapping a girlfriend on him or any of the usual bollocks: Simmons just very clearly is gay and it’s as transparent as the show could get at the time, with the show making it crystal clear years later with the revivial movie. Nice. We’ll have more servings of thanksgiving classics after the cut.

7. Slapsgiving (How I Met Your Mother) Oh How I Met Your Mother. You started out really good but boy did that go downhill fast and land in a nuclear inferno didn’t it? But I can bitch about the How I Met Your Mother Ending some other time, and probably will. In the show’s prime before they decided to stick with an ending no one wanted anymore, it was pretty great and while season 1′s also impressive Thanksgiving outing “Belly Full of Turkey” was considered, there was ultimately one slaptastic king when it came to Thanksgiving: Slapsgiving.

Naturally for this show Slapsgiving ties into the show’s suprisngly deep and rich lore: The season before this, Marshall and Barney made a “Slap Bet”, which is exactly what it says on the tin: A bet where the winner slaps the looser. And due to Barney prematurely slapping Marshall, Marshall got 5 penalty slaps to be dolled out whenever, one in that episode and another in a coda to another. For his next one though Marshall decided to outdo himself and set up a counter.. and it all comes down to thanskgiving. So we get a good ten minutes of Jason Siegel making meancing slap based refrences while NPH’s barney cowers in fear before Marshall’s wife lily pumps the breaks on the bet as comissoner.. only to reconsider when Barney makes the mistake of tormenting Marshall over it, resuling in the inevitible, and in THE thanksgiving song.

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Basically it’s what happen when you give three really funny people a subplot together. Magic happens. The subplot is not bad either as a pre-totallyinsufferabledouchebag Ted hooks up with Robin again over lingering feelings and thanksgiving prep and the two have to deal with that... though it’s mostly funny for Robin’s new boyfriend, who Future Ted acknowledges is barely older than them, but admits to remembering as decrept old man, which results in a 30 something’s dialouge coming out of a very old man and me laughing very hard. A simple joke but one that really works. Overall a slaptacular good time.

6. Two Turkeys (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

NINE NINE BITCHES! I’m honestly shocked I haven’t talked about Brooklyn Nine Nine on here already, but it’s easily one of the best sitcoms in recent memory, if not of all time. It has one of the best ensemble casts, great jokes and timing, yet still ballances things out with a sense of realisim beneath the madness> It’s also noticable for holding it’s officers more accountable than most real world police departments, to the point all scripts that were written up for next season were thrown out post George Floyd. It’s truly a joy to watch.

So naturally they’ve had their share of Holiday episodes, with them easily having the best crop of halloween episodes since roseanne with their annual heists, and having some pretty damn memorable christmases, opening with this:

So naturally thanksgiving is no exception, with it’s last two being the best and it being a really hard choice wether to go with season 4′s “Detective Santiago” or this one. But as good as the other ep was.. this one inched it out for good reason.

The episode’s split into two equally good, equally hilarious plot lines. In the B-Plot, the 99′s Captain Raymond Holt, one of the best characters in sitcom history and gay icon, and his husband Kevin take their annual trip to get a pie for Holt’s families thanksgiving and come back with the well crafted pie, even if both prefer their food nice and bland. But the pie go missing and Captain Holt procedes to hilariously drill into each of the other members of the 99 and uncovering holes int their previous thanksgving stories with Rosa’s being suprisingly heartwarming (She’s going to a humilating minons on ice show with her family because they reconnected in jail.. setting up the equally awesome “Game Night” episode where she comes out.) and Boyle’s being utterly pathetic as you’d expect (Cooking his son mac and cheese because he’ll eat nothing else and declaring him a “basic bitch”). The solution however ends up being heartwarming as the culprit is actually Kevin, who hated the pie.. as did Raymond who suggests just taking the drive anyway because they enjoy the silent ride there and back every year. It may be boring to us.. but it’s preicious and really sweet all the same.. as it is hilarous when Kevin treats this as a big endugence and seems turned on by that. What i’m saying is these men are couple goals and Marc Evan Jakcson was awesome long before ducktlaes. The main plot is also great, as Jake and Amy, now engaged after this year’s halloween episode which is also , coincidentally, the series best, try to unite their families. It just goes about as well as you’d expect as Amy’s are type a control freaks, jake’s mom is a retired hippie school teacher and his dad is a human disaster area who has to be told to put on pants, cheated on his mom constantly, somehow got her back, and in general is barely functional on a good day. The families do bond breifly but things ineveitbly break down, hilarity and severed limbs insue and family comes together. IT’s just a funny, well done 20 mintues that’s also really damn sweet, with this plot ending with Amy’s dad accepting the chaos as that’s’ts what you do with family. Also jake naturally finds out he has a ton of step siblings as his dad was and still is a man whore. Happy Thanksgiving!

5. Bart Vs Thanksgiving (The SImpsons)

Let’s face it: if you follow my reviews at all you knew this was coming. While not one I go back to due to being an emotional kidney punch, i’d be doing this list a diservice if this classic wasn’t on there. In a nutshell, Bart starts a petty fight with Lisa over her centerpiece that ends with it in the fireplace, Bart sent to his room till he apologizes, and Bart seething insiting he did no wrong. It takes a visit to the homeless shelter after running away, and ending up on the news, to realize what an ass he’s been and one nightmarish dream sequence later, seriously why do you think I don’t revisit this one that often? This thing has traumatized me since I was a kid and unlike the slap song I will not be showing it to you, has a heartwarming reconcliation with his sister on the roof. It’s just a nice, sweet special that gets the holiday just right and i’d expect nothing less from Golden Age Simpsons.

4. A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving (Gilmore Girls) Another show I need to talk about more, Gilmore Girls is fucking awesome. The story of a woman who ran away pregnant at age 16 and built her own life for her daughter in the quirky town of stars hollow who finds herself reconnecting with her parents in present day against her will.. is really good stuff. Funny, heartfelt and really damn well acted with one hell of a cast, the show is part of me and I make no bones about that, so it’s big thanksgiving outing naturally belongs on here. The premise is simple: Rory and Loreli end up having to go to four diffrent thanksgivings, which even for big eaters like them is a massive task, each unique and entertaining. The main event of course is Suki’s, where everyone’s faviorite chef agreed to let her husband cook the turkey.. of course with the plan to sneak in mid cooking and add her own touches. This gets foiled when Jackson and his family decide to deep fry the thing.. probably in part because Jackson knows his wife well and knows what she was planning. Though over the night while our heroines are at their other meals, it devolves into them deepfrying everything they can get their hand son including a shoe, and Suki getting plastered to tolerate it. While not topping it the other meals and the sheer lunacy of four thanksigvings in one day, are still memorable: There’s the natural posh one at Richards and Emilys, the dour joyless one at The Kims where Mrs Kim forces the band to play the whole time and forces our heroines to eat food as joyless as Mrs. Kim, and Lukes for a nice round of Rory grappling with having PDA with her boyfirend Jess before resolving it at the end. Also dean’s a jackass. No one is suprised. Jess isn’t one at this stage in his character which is. Also Kirk adopts a cat that slowly pushes him out of his own house which works comedically becaus Sean Gunn is a national treasure. Overall a really good episode and if you have netflix and haven’t checked the series out, this is a good one to try out.

3. The Thanksgiving Special (Regular Show) I already talked about this one in my top 11 Regular Show episodes so i’ll try to be brief. In a nutshell Mordecai and Rigby destroy thanksgiving and genuinelly feeling bad about it, scramble to win a thanksgiving bird from a Thanksgiving Song Contest, going up against an all star super group comissioned by Donald Trump. Yes really. Meanwhile Muscle Man and High Five Ghost go to get sides and the rest of the park staff’s attemtps to get a turkey are thwarted by a bunch of thanksgiving reinactors who go unexplained in any way shape or form which given how rare that is for regular show, which usually has some sort of explination for the madness, just makes it funnier. It ends with a REALLY touching song, a fight on a blimp with outgoing president trump, and a truly heartwarming thanksgiving meal. All in all a nice special that combines the shows madcap nature with the genuine warm fuzzies of thanksgiving.

2. We Gather Together (Roseanne) Another series I need to talk about more.. and another series where one of the creators has turned out to be a terrible human being. Seriously Roseanne Barr is is a terible person, she deserved to be removed from her show, and while the Conner’s isn’t GREAT it’s still FAR better without her. That being said I will still stick up for the original as she wasn’t the only one involved (indeed the aformentioned Joss Whedon worked on the show breifly and Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman Paladino not only worked there but later adapted one of Roseanne’s insane antics, making all the writers wear caps with a number instead of referring to them by name , to Gilmore Girls.). Her being a bad person even then dosen’t change the fact that the show is sitcom gold, one of my faviorite shows, and a true classic. And this episode helps showcase WHY.

What makes this episode special, even among Roseanne episodes is it’s structure: While there are things going on it’s mostly a free floating day in the Families life and thus feels like your there with them through thanksgiving. It feels genuine, like past thanksgivings i’ve remembered: Everyone has their own stuff going on, they all eat, and there’s naturally a big blowup.. and one that eveyrone else ignores to eat which I can relate to. That authenticity really elevates the episode and is why I seek it out every year.

That’s not to say nothing happens, it just flows in and out like it would in a normal thanksgiving. Roseanne deals with her parents, a pre-abuser version of her dad and her overbearing nightmare of a mother beverly, and the inevetible blow up when Bev’s needling about Jackie’s life goes too far , prompting Jackie to reveal her new job as a police officer before bursting into tears, all to Roseanne’s annoyance. Rosie also moves them to a hotel despite an attempted guilt trip from her mom.

Speaking of Mom’s we see Dan’s for the only time before the later seasons and the utterly terrible last season, a professional career woman whose moved on well from her ex and brought her new boyfriend there. Ed, despite some comptemplation over it is firmly accepting and instead starts flirting with the Conner’s friend Crystal. Dan, being overprotective because of his Daddy Issues, but ed cals him out on it “Being lonely is a hell of a lot for two people to have in common, you woudln’t knwo anything abotu that son, and I pray to god you never do” A great caper to a fantastic episode.. one I thought was going to top the list... THOUGHT is the key word here...

1. Turkey in A Can (Bob’s Burgers) This one is. Bob’s Burgers is one of the best things to come out of the 2010′s and i’ve fallen way too far behind on it, so I can’t say if any thanksgivings after thankshoarding top this one.. what I can say is this one is the gold standard for thanksgiving episodes, and is filled with great stuffing.

Thanksgiving is Bob’s holiday. Being a chef he loves the chance to go all out, and really flex his muscles for his families when it comes to cooking up a storm, and it’s endearing when bob gets just as nuts as his family. But this year someone keeps flushing his turkeys down the toilet despite his best efforts, so while Louise hilariously tries to solve things to proe it wasn’t her (though it’s entirely fair they thought it was her consdering.. everything), while LInda, Gene and LInda’s flighty sister Gale try to write THE thanksgiving song. And while it’s no you just got slapped, damn if they didn’t succeed.

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Sailors in your mouth indeed. It leads to plenty of great jokes the best being the guy at the Deli Counter thinking Bob’s into him and bob not being sure how to respond, but being mildly recpetive. But the climax is what makes the episode as when Bob falls asleep we find his medication has been making him sleepwalk.. and thus put the turkey s int he toilet, as Tina’s desire to be at the Grown Up Table, itslef a REALLY funny runner as you’d expect, has him panicking internally and thus reliving her potty training. The episode ends with Bob letting her come to the adults table, and a rather heartwarming thanksgiving feast. All in all an excellent episode. It also leads to the chaos seen above whic hif htat’s not thanksgiving, I don’t know what is.

Have a happy thanksgiving and check out my black friday sale! Until then there’s always another rainbow!

#thanksgiving #top 10 #bob's burgers #gilmore girls #buffy the vampire slayer #aqua teen hunger force #hey arnold #how I met your mother #the simpsons #roseanne #regular show #brooklyn nine nine #brooklyn 99 #99

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popculturebuffet · 4 years ago

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Jake Reviews Stuff: Amphibia: Marcy at the Gates

Marcy arrives! The Plantars make it to Newtopia but first have to deal with a slight ant problem and a new addition to the family, as we finally meet the adorkable Marcy. Legs in two months under the cut.

So as you could probably tell by the tone the last few weeks, doing this has weighed on me a bit. While I do love talking about this show week after week, as well as having a recurring series here to bring in readers, the split quality of the Season thus far has been a challenge. Now when I say split I don’t mean like star vs season 3 where it was either really damn good and some of the show’s best writing or “oh god what have they done to marco’s character this time”, it’s more either really good standout episodes ore more forgetable average ones. See a good episode I can gush about, dive into big charcter stuff, motviations, that sort of thing. I defintley will with owl house at some point and have with other shows. A bad episode can be taken apart and taken to the cleaners, which I haven’t done much of but probably should and if you want any taken to task yourself, I do comissions. But self promotion aside, the point is a meh episode just dosen’t leave me with a lot tot alk about and hte recaps became really dry as a result as I just couldn’t find a lot of jokes, and having a busy few weeks on top of that didn’t really help, nor did the antipciation for this week and the intersting setting of newtopia.

Thankfully a combination of a really good few days, a better sleep schedule, and a really good episode this week, and a pile of scary go round collections for a dollar have reinvgorated me, so hopefully I can get back to doing what I love: Overanalizing children’s cartoons. So with that we can dive right into the episode. The keithdavidpocalypse is upon us! Pitter Patter! We open with Spring and Anne in the cart. Their close to newtopia, but Anne is worried they never found Marcy, while Sprig isn’t because her last friend turned out to be “Evil”... which Anne harshly rebuffs. And both sides are understandable: To Anne, Sasha was her friend.. a manipualtive and bossy friend sure but one who genuinely cared for her, she just may not know how to deal with people. To Sprig, Sasha is some asshole who abused his friend, tried to murder his Pop Pop, and works for a guy who tried to murder his whole town. It’s really understandable he woudln’t have the same warm fuzzy feelings Anne has.. insert your own Sashanne joke here. We also get our first actual look at Marcy who to my suprise, rather than be another form of manipulative.. is simply an awkward nerd, constnatly playing video games, reading books , cataloging shit, and trying to get her friends to play d and d. So me if I knew what d and d was in high school.

Anyways, the family finally DOES make it to Newtopia, impressive as you’d expect when the guard won’t let them see the wizard no way no how. Antique references aside, the guard at the gate actually has good reason for not letting them in as they have a tiny barbari-ant problem. A species Hop Pop is, in a nice touch, unfamiliar with due to the Valley not having them. We quickly see them in action as one approaches the plantars, basically a giant ant with ant-lers. Yes I used a pun there sue me. Anyway, our heroes ward off the ant they do find with some really cool team manuvering, and Polly showing she has spiked teeth. It’s a cool sequence. However they quickly find themselves outgunned, outplanned, outnumbered and outmanned. They gotta make an all out stand. Their gonna need a right hand man. Also I finally saw the film version of hamilton, as you can tell. Utterly magic.

Said Right Hand Man, er woman, er tween comes in the nick of time as a cloaked Marcy sprays some black goo and sets it ablaze, scaring the ants off, snatching a stalemate from the jaws of defeat, then rappeling down on a rope shot from a crossbow, also making polly want one because of course. She then.. Faceplants. Still a solid 8/10 entrance Marcy. Marcy is played by Haley Tju who you may remember from such shows as The Loud House. And that’s all I know her from but given Stella’s one of my faviorites and Haley’s performance is part of that, so it’s unsuprising she’s great here. Also fun fact I learned by looking at her trope page: She actually played a younger version of London, brenda song’s character, on the Suite Life I Pray for Death but Death Won’t Come.. or On Deck for those who’ve never watched it. But I like the fact two londons are now on the same show together.. and an actually good noe at that! Horay. But yeah Haley is a great VA and what little i’ve seen her in and a welcome addition. Marcy and Anne happily reunite once htey both realize who the other is, and hug and etc, before Marcy decends on the plantars, talking on and on and on about geeky stuff and how she likes the found family trope. ... I may really relate to this mediums sized child, as I too am a huge nerd with no filter and was probably a lot like her at that age. It’s also clear she very transparently sees this as a combinaton of a video game and a d and d session, but said skills have actually benifited her as rping a rogue allowed her to easily bluff her way into the kingdom’s good graces and now she’s a sworn agent of the king as we’ll find out. She quickly wins over the Plantars, measuring hop pop’s head, gushing over him being a farmer (which he almost instantly adopts her over and asks to point blank later), and then noticing Polly’s legs are about to come in and giving her the note seen in the review image, my faviorite gag. Sprig however is more out and out hostile and has his reasons we’ll get to in a second. Marcy escorts her new family and sorta girlfriend to the makeshift war room set up by three scholoary newts who quickly resolve their planning disagreements by beating the piss out of each other. Just like real politics.. and that’s not a cheeky jab between the actual caning in the sentate that happened once and the various duels in the revolutionary and early america eras.. yeah the only reason the preisdent hasn’t been shot for challening one of hte many people he hates for a duel without realizing he really can’t see through that squint too good is that it’s now illegal and not the kind of illegal he can hide like usual. Anyways after the Newts scoff at our heroes, but Marcy vouches for them and reveals that the ants are getting closer because i’ts gotten warmer....

Marcy has a plan though: Spread scentshrroms around that will release a pheremone which will drive them off, having throughly studied Amphibia’s various flora and fauna and thus knowing how to deal with them. I’ts something I like about the character and how she adds to the other huamns group dynamics. Alll three deal with issues diffrent ways; Anne has plans, but rarely thinks them through, Sasha does think hers through and is a master manipulator while Marcy is a ballance between the two: She does throughly think things out and have well thought out clever plans.. she just also tens to rush into things or go forward with a nose in a book or without a thought to how dangerous soemthing is. She’s prepared, she’s just not very aware of her surrondings, which is amood.

But Anne is nervous about her coming along as is sprig which sets up both’s conflicts with her for the episode: Anne wants to protect Marcy, since she just got her back and her only other remaning friend now clearly wants to stab her and she has a better option now love interest wise. However Marcy convinces Anne, 2nd capefire this episode nonwithstanding, she can handle herself. She also calsl her annabannna which is fucking adorable. The other conflict is that Sprig dosen’t trust her.. he has no rational reason not to give she’s a sweetie, but is a bit gunshy about another human girl working for a dictator popping up in their life. And while he’s probably wrong, while I think Marcy isn’t working for the best people probably she’s likely too oblivious to genuinely relaize she’s doing crimes if they have her doing them or was given a fake justification. I could be wrong, and will gladly eat crow. Metphorically i’m not going to bake a real crow. I don’t have the right seasoning. And i’d also be cursed but eh I doubt I can get poorer. But it’s understandable he has reservations, especially since while he dosen’t say it he’s likely worried Anne will get hurt again. He’s a good boy, he’s just being paranoid over probably nothing. Anyways onoto the plan: The plantars and new girl marcy are gonna:

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Okay phermone them whatever, the point is they head into the Ant Hole, witht he conflicts continuing as the plantars progress; Sprig is naturally suspcious and Anne is worried about her precious gurl. The group fight some more ants, and Marcy seemingly wonders off.. only to instead BLOW THEM A FUCKING TUNNEL with some chemicals from some flowers she found, then instant sprout a plant cage.. and accidently trap polly. NOOOOO.> Thankfully she frees her and tosses some plants on the ants, which is fun to say. We then get to our climax. OUr group find the queen who ihs horrifying.. a good mom as sprig points out but horrfing. Nice design though i’m just.. not an insect guy and sometimes this show leaves me in abject terror. this is one of those times. Our heroes plant the mushrooms, phrasing I know but this review is late as is and i’ve already used up my archer refrence for the day. Anne dives to Save a seemingly oblovious Marcy.. whose mad at Anne over it.. while Anne is udnerstandable Marcy wants her , NEEDS her to understand...

No not that erik. That, much like Anne herself, Marcy’s grown and changed over these past three months. She can handle herself now and she needs her ot see that. Also sprig gets attacked by an ant baby, which not only wakes up the queen, who can hear but can’t see but now knows something’s arry, but causes said queen to unleash a hoarde of ants. Marcy however naturally has a plan: She’ll dive into the queen’s belly and get sprig, the plantars will hold them off and Anne finally trusts her lady enough to fiht off. I don’t have a lot to say I just really like this character arc and Marcy’s character: She’s a bit oblivious, ab it obessed with nerdy things which again relate.. but when push comes to shove she’s also clever, a master planner and has clearly studied her ass off about this world and knows it well. She’s throughly likeable. And that likeablity finally gets through to sprig when she gets him out and swings him. Trust earned, anne’s faith in her gained and the mushrooms go off and send the ants running. Misson Complete. With the mission complete our heroes finally enter Newtopia and meet the mysterious Lady Olivia, whose been sending Marcy on her missions, and is likely her spymaster. Not that i think Marcy realizes that but Marcy’s love of midevil fantasy means she blends in well with thier courty apperance and introduces anne and co to her.. Olvia isn’t impressed but is cordial about it at least.. even with Sprig breaking shit. And yeah , Amphibia has a king over all of it, as Hop Pop puts it “We aren’t savages”. It does make sense it woudln’t come up every day though, it’s not as if the king really cares about the valley... but more on speculation about him in a minute. Hop Pop wisely gives the two “Friends’ some alone time, and the two talk things over: Anne explains how she found sasha.. and it didn’t go great, and Marcy vows that the two of them can go their own way now. Maybe iwth tounge. we dunno. The two then look over anne’s phone while anne recounts her anne-tics.. and we get to the king. And it’s KEITH DAVID BITCHES AS WAS PROHPISED A FEW WEEKS AGO. And he has myserious plans and wood carven figures of both our heroines and possible gaybies. “The game can finally begin. “

Final Thoughts: This was a really damn good episode. Whiel I summarized more than usual , both conflicts were great, all the plantars got to shine, there were gags a plenty, an intriguing new member of the main cast and a mysterious new antagonist. I mean given it was revealed the Newts were behind Toad tower a few episodes back, I figured Andidas wouldn’t be a good guy, even if he’s played by upstanding gentleman and god among men keith david, , but it’s a question of what his end goal is, how the girls got here, and what his plan ofr them is that i’m curious to see play out as the season goes on, as well as see if Marcy is a pawn or not. Newtopia also looks intresting and i’ts nice to have a new solid setting to build on now we’re here, as well as new mysteries to unlock> Ther’es also the honest possibliity marcy, who claims to have found bubkuss, might simply want to stay in a world where she gets to live out her dreams and isn’t picked on or bullied. Again we’ll see all speculation but this episode was damn good. For now this is the clear highlight of the season and i’tll be intresting to see where it goes from here. Until next time courage.

#amphibia #anne boonchuy #marcy wu #hopidiah plantar #sprig plantar #polly plantar #marcy at the gates

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