#i was missing a lot of random volumes of these as a kid so there was foreshadowing i missed

[foccaccia]

UH OH.

[marie-swriting]

Love Advice - Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Top Gun Maverick Masterlist

Summary : Jake comes back after six months of deployment and he needs your help to win the woman he loves.

Warnings : a tiny bit of angst, mutual pining, thinking there's an unrequited love, happy ending, maybe some grammatical mistakes as English is not my first language, tell me if you see some or if I missed any warnings.

Word count : 3.4k

French version

Song inspiration : How You Get The Girl (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift

Somebody knocking on your door takes your attention away from your TV show; at first, you just lower the volume down so the person doesn’t know you’re home and wait for them to leave. However, the second the knocks on the door get more insistent and you hear ‘I know you’re home’ with a Texan accent, you jump out of your couch and run to open the door to Jake. You joyfully shriek before throwing yourself into his arms. Jake laughs because of your enthusiasm, then he tenderly holds you close to him. 

You haven’t seen each other in six months because of his last deployment. Of course, you called each other almost every day, it’s just not the same. You've been thick as thieves since you were five, you need to see each other often. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home today?” you ask, breaking the embrace.

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you did. I missed you so much!” you exclaim, kissing his cheek before bringing him inside. “I hope you’re staying home for a long time. Six months without seeing each other is too much!”

“I totally agree.”

As usual, when he comes back home, you spend the day together then, Jake sleeps at yours. You go downtown, eat something, even watch a movie if there’s something interesting and the next day, Jake goes to his place - he lives twenty minutes away.

As soon as the night comes, you go home, takeout food in hand. You go into your living-room and you put a random show as background noise. You keep talking about the last few months in order to catch up when you decide to bring up a topic Jake seems to avoid.

“So, you didn’t tell me anything, what’s going on with Lara?”

Jake met Lara in a bar a week before leaving. You weren’t with him that night, so you don’t know a lot about their relationship; all you know is Jake got along with her pretty well.

“Oh, huh… Well…” he stutters and avoids your gaze.

“Jake,” you say with a disapproving tone. “Don’t tell me you messed up. Not again!”

“Not really. Okay, maybe a little.”

“What did you do?”

“I may or may not have not called her since I left.”

“Are you kidding me?” you scream, hitting his shoulder. “Do you realise you’re the kind of guy we talk shit about when we’re talking with other girls? Jake, you have to stop being a dick and destroying your relationship. You’re a nice guy, but whenever it’s about love, you’re the worst of them. Every time you find an awesome girl, you just ruin everything.”

“I know and this time, I want to fix this.”

“Before we keep going, you didn’t cheat on her, did you?”

“I might suck at relationships, however, you know I have some limits and I’m quite proud to say I’ve never crossed that line.” he affirms with a grin.

“You better!”

“Anyway, at first, I didn’t know what I wanted with her but now I do. I really connected with Lara and I want her to forgive me and give me another chance, I just don’t know how to do it.”

Following his sentence, you immediately understand what he wants. He messed up and now he needs your wise advice to fix the situation. Again. You roll your eyes before straightening up.

“I’m gonna make you pay for my love advice one day, at least, I’ll become a billionaire in a month with you.”

“You’re the most stable person I know when it comes to relationships so obviously I always go to you! Besides, you’re a woman, you know what to do.”

“True.” you modestly confirm. “First thing first, meet her in a neutral environment, a café for example.”

“And I buy her flowers?”

“Do you know her favourite flowers?”

“Roses are the safe option, right?” he suggests and you’re desperate.

“Do you know any personal details about Lara, like her favourite book?” you ask and he shakes his head. “Well, just pay for whatever she orders. First, you apologise and you do it correctly, you put the focus on her and what she might have felt. The goal is not for her to comfort you because you feel bad when you’re the one who messed up. If she still hasn’t thrown her drink in your face, you’re on the right track. Then you say, in the most convincing way, you want her, not an other girl, for worse or for better. You know it’s gonna take her some time for her to trust you again but you will forever and ever. Tell her you know you broke her and you’ll put it back together because you care about her and you want to do better for her. In short, show her you want to be a better man and make sure your actions match your words quickly. And that’s how it works, that’s how you get the girl. At least, your chances will be higher.”

“You seriously think it can work?” Jake asks skeptical. 

“I can’t 100% promise you but, at least, it shows you want to be the man she deserves. Either way, you have to keep me updated! And also, don’t wait too long to do it. You should even contact her right now so you can see her in the following days.”

“You’re right.”

Jake takes his phone and quickly types a message. After you approve it, he sends it and nervously waits for the response; however, being tired from the travel, Jake quickly starts to yawn so you go to sleep. Jake sleeps in the same bed as you. You’ve always done it so you’re not going to change this now, after all, between you two, it’s purely platonic.

At least, for him. The same cannot be said about you. When you were still in High School, your crush on Jake was almost embarrassing. It’s actually the only secret you’ve never told him. Officially. During prom, you confessed to Jake you wanted to be more than friends nevertheless he was so drunk he didn’t understand it and the next day; he had zero recollection of it and you were very grateful. You don’t know what you would’ve done if he had remembered. You probably would have lost your best friend and you couldn’t allow this to happen so you just repressed your crush until it eventually died. 

Notwithstanding, what you don’t know and the only secret Jake has never told you is that he remembers pretty well what you told him that night. He was just so stunned that he pretended he didn’t understand it. He thought he didn’t like you that way so he said nothing to not alter your friendship; though, the backlash was pretty violent two years later when you got your first serious boyfriend, Jake was insanely jealous. At first, he just thought he was afraid to lose his best friend until he reached the dreadful conclusion: he has feelings for you and it’s too late, he missed his chance with you. As a consequence, Jake went from one fling to the other while you were going from one long-lasting relationship to the other without him understanding what you found to ‘those dudes’ like he always says. Though, these last few months, he has come to terms with the fact one of ‘those dudes’ whom you’ve been with for several years is the one for you. Jake isn’t sure he’s the one you deserve, and he doesn’t want to ruin your friendship, that’s why he wants to fix his relationship with Lara, especially because your relationship with Scott is the longest one you’ve ever had and he’s probably your future husband so Jake definitely has to stop hoping you’ll get together one day. He has to move just like you did.

The next morning, once Jake wakes up, you’ve already left for work. While he’s eating breakfast, Jake’s eyes are set on a picture of you and him hung on your wall, he has his lips pressed on your cheek while you’re trying to hide your fluster with a smile. The picture was taken on the last day of High School and he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t one of his favourites. He finds you cute in this photo. 

His phone ringing catches his attention. He unlocks it and discovers a text from Lara.

Message from Lara to Jake, 8:37 A.M.:

I’m willing to hear you out, but just because I want some explanations. Is tomorrow afternoon okay for you?

Jake quickly answers her and confirms the date. He should be happy, Lara is open to the discussion though, he can’t help his heart to tighten in his chest, and he stares at the picture on the wall again. He shakes his head and brings back his attention to Lara. You’re part of his romantic past, even if nothing ever happened, Lara is his future. He has to think about her, not you.

The minute you come home from work that night, Jake tells you about his date the next day. You congratulate him with a big smile, though your heart breaks a little. Jake rehearses to you what he’s going to tell Lara to make sure he won't ruin his last chance and you assure him his speech is perfect.

“White lilies, those are her favourite flowers.” Jake says point blank.

“Then offer her some. It’ll prove you care about her because you remember a small detail about her.”

“That’s why you didn’t want me to take roses?”

“Exactly. If you are lucky and it’s her favourite flower, you’re good but imagine if she hates them because she finds them cliché, you’ll ruin your chances before opening your mouth, ‘cause on top of not being original, you just prove you don’t pay attention to her. Roses are the safe option, yet it doesn’t mean it should be your choice at the slightest obstacle. You’re already taking risks by coming back after six months of radio silence so go all the way, don’t play safe with roses.”

“You’re right.”

“I know I’m right! And please, please, please, don’t buy her flowers only when you screw up. Do it when everything is good between you. Do it even when there’s nothing to celebrate. It’s those kinds of tiny details that’ll make all the difference, it proves you care about her. Of course, it goes further than flowers but you get the idea, the fact is, you can’t let a routine get in the way and the only times you break it and you give her some attention is to make up to her or believe me, it’s the breakup for sure because she’ll feel abandoned.” you specify, saying your last sentence at an incredible speed and Jake looks at you suspiciously.

“Is everything okay between you and Scott? It sounded personal at the end.”

“We’re not talking about me but you.”

“So the answer is no.” he affirms, reading you like an open book.

“We broke up five months ago.” you sigh.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me? What did he do? He didn’t cheat on you, did he?” Jake questions, protective.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just after six, almost seven years of relationship, we lost ourselves in a routine and we realised we were together out of habits not out of love. Besides, we argued more and more for useless things. It’s better like that.”

What you’re not telling Jake is that there is another reason. Scott was sure you and Jake are in love. No matter how many times you said your crush on Jake was only when you were a teenager and that Jake never loved you like this, Scott never believed you. Your friendship with Jake was the main argument between you and Scott.

“You should have told me sooner rather than pretending you were fine when we were on the phone.”

“Don’t worry, I got over it. Let’s talk about you and Lara again. You didn’t tell me a lot about her.”

“In my defence, I never thought I’d go further with her.”

Jake replies to your several questions, but he can’t help and think back to the information you just gave him. You broke up with Scott, something he didn’t think would happen. He was sure you were going to end your life with him. As opposed to your exes, Jake had to admit Scott did deserve you and it cost him a lot to say it, nonetheless he could see how Scott made you happy like he never could. Maybe this time Jake could make you happy? Jake pushed this last thought in the back of his mind. He agreed he had to leave you in the past. Jake can’t hope for a future with you when he’s about to win Lara’s heart again! He needs to stay focused.

Jake ends up leaving in the late evening to go to his place. You hug him and give him some encouragement for his date before closing the door behind him. That night, Jake struggles to fall asleep, completely lost about who he truly wants.

The next day as it is your day off and raining a lot, you stay home and clean your apartment from top to bottom. Music coming out of your phone, you wipe the floor with care when someone knocks on your door. You loudly sigh then put the mop back in the bucket and make sure it doesn’t fall before walking to the door whilst shutting down your music. Once you open, you surprisingly find Jake, soaking wet, with a bouquet of several flowers in purple tones.

“Jake? What are you doing here?”

“I remember.” he tells you as if you were supposed to get it.

“What are you talking about?”

“Prom.”

“What? Aren’t you supposed to be with Lara by now, anyway? And I thought you were gonna offer her lilies.” you question, after you understood what he meant.

“The flowers, they’re for you. I’m not playing safe, I know you love these kinds of bouquet because you can’t pick a favourite flower and your favourite colour is purple.” he says, handing you the bouquet, yet you don’t take it.

“What? Are you insane? Lara is the one you’re supposed to win over, not me!”

“That’s what I thought, too, but it wouldn’t have been fair to her. I still went to meet her and apologise for ghosting her though, she isn’t the one I want.”

“Jake, I don’t understand.”

“Can I come in?”

Without replying to him, you step aside and let him in. Jake takes his damped shoes off before walking to the kitchen entrance.

“I’m gonna get you a towel, I don’t want you to be sick. Make yourself a coffee to warm up.”

Whilst you grab a clean towel, you try to understand what’s happening. You didn’t expect to see him, especially with flowers. The second you go back to him, Jake puts his freshly poured cup down and takes the towel while handing you the bouquet once more and this time, you accept it. Without holding yourself back, you smell the flowers and tenderly look at them; you love them. Jake got it right. He’s proud of himself when he sees the soft smile on your face.

“They’re beautiful, Jake, but why?”

“Like I said, I remember. I remember what you told me during prom.” he specifies whilst drying his face.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” you lie, avoiding his eyes.

“I think you do. You told me you had feelings for me.”

You stare at Jake, confused. You were convinced he had no memory of that moment. In one second, your cheeks heat and you don't know what to do with yourself.

“I pretended to not remember because I didn’t know how to react and I’m sorry.” Jake admits, putting down the towel and taking a sip of his coffee.

“Don’t apologise, you saved me from a moment that would have haunted me until I die like this moment will.”

“I shouldn’t have ignored you.” he affirms, putting down his cup on the table. “You confessed something very important to me and by ignoring you, I broke your heart and mine in the process. I didn’t know it at the time but I also had feelings for you. I realised it too late, actually when you met dickhead number 1.”

“You mean Josh?” you ask, laughing.

“That’s what I said. Anyway,” Jake resumes getting closer to you, “I should have talked to you and not leave you in the dark. Your friendship means a lot to me and that night, I didn’t act as a good friend. Even if I hadn't had feelings for you, I should’ve said something and not let you deal with your broken heart alone. I’m sorry I broke your heart that night and if it’s not too late, I want to pull it back together. I never stopped having feelings for you. I spent years ignoring my feelings and every time I wanted to confess them, you were with someone else and now, it’s the right time. I want you, not an other girl, for worse or for better.”

“What about Lara? I thought you liked her.” you ask, trying not to get your hopes up.

“She’s nice but she’ll never make me feel what I feel with you. I would have never been honest with her if I had been with her. That’s why I never got in a serious relationship actually, you were always on my mind and I didn’t want another girl there. I wanted to try with Lara because I thought I had missed my chance with you so I wanted to move on, yet when you told me you and Scott were over yesterday, I knew you’d always be in my heart. That’s why I preferred to apologise to Lara without getting into a relationship with her. I could have never committed to her because I want to do it with you. I don’t know if you still have feelings for me and if you do, you’re probably hesitant considering my history and I get it though, I mean it when I say I want to commit to you.” he insists, looking you right in the eyes. “I’m not saying I’ll be perfect right away but you can be sure I’ll do everything to be. I know it’s gonna take some time for you to trust me but I will, forever and ever. I care about you, no, I love you and I want to do better for you. For once, I wanna be the good boyfriend and more particularly the man you deserve,” Jake states, putting his hand on your cheek, “the one who will buy you flowers at any occasion, the one who won’t abandon you, the one you��ll never get stuck in a routine with, the one who will make you happy, make you feel loved and who will cherish you until his dying breath.”

At the end of his speech, you’re at a loss for words. You didn’t expect a confession of love from him and you never thought Jake was capable of saying such beautiful things or even being serious about a relationship. Not knowing what to reply, you put your free hand on Jake’s cheek and kiss him with passion. He doesn’t waste a second to kiss you back. Among all the kisses he’s shared, this one is officially his favourite, and he hopes he’ll relive it every day of his life. His heart is beating fast in his chest while he brings you closer to him. As soon as you break the kiss, you look at Jake with eyes full of love.

“I never stopped loving you, Jake.”

Jake smiles as he hears your confession. He was very nervous when he came to your place. He was afraid he’d ruin everything, and he’s relieved to know he was wrong.

“Wow, your advice works wonders,” he suddenly says with a sarcastic tone. “Well, I improved your speech a bit but I approve of it. You really should get paid for your love advice.”

“I told you that’s how it works.” you affirm as if it was obvious. “That’s how you got the girl.”

“That’s how I got my girl.”

When you hear the emphasis on the pronoun, you avoid his gaze for a second, flustered. You clear your throat before speaking again.

“You should take me to a first date then.”

“Oh, I will. Any advice as to what to do on a first date? I have to impress this girl who means a lot to me.”

You both laugh then you bring Jake close to you again before pressing your lips on him, the second kiss even better than the first one.

Top Gun Maverick Masterlist

[wildemaven]

strangers : poolside | dave york

pairing: dave york x f!reader word count: 6622 content warnings: 18+ blog; ANGST, soft!Dave, established relationship, miscommunication (like a lot), mentions of alcohol and food, workaholic Dave, morning breath, Dave’s stupid phone, talks of marital woes, slight exhibitionism, breast/nipple/clit play, a random handsome stranger, jealous Dave, talk of having or wanting children, a kiss of fluff, implied/alluding to infidelity (there is none, reader just doesn’t know this), reader is mentioned wearing lingerie and a bathing suit- but zero description features, no age given but it’s implied she’s at least over 30, no y/n, established relationship, this is au- no Carol or kids, if I missed anything let me know. notes: ahh! I’m so nervous for this chapter!! But so excited for it also. I’m so glad I took my time with it so it could be exactly what it needed to be— which is kinda of a roller coaster of emotions. While the story is completely fictional, this has felt very cathartic to me because I dealt with a lot of similar thoughts/feelings as the reader. Anywho! Biggest thank you to @gnpwdrnwhiskey for literally holding my hand through this and helping me work through it. 💕 strangers masterlist | previous | next | inspo board | playlist

The soft glow of the television bathes the hotel room in a soft ambient flicker. Faint colors and scene changes adjust the room’s atmosphere. Actors silently exchanging words back and forth, expressions all the more dramatic with the muted volume. The movie you’ve been looking forward to seeing, long forgotten, playing out in silence across the screen. 

As expected, the bed is better than anything you have ever slept in. Its plush mattress, divine and soft. Similar to what you assume it might be like to doze off among the clouds. It braces your bodies with ease through shifting positions as the evening extends into the early hours of the next day. 

The intricate structure of lace and mesh material felt exquisite on your skin. Molding over your body like it was made for you and only you. The cups of the teasing bra cradling the weight of your breast, pushed up on display, enticing enough to bring a man to his knees— the plan at least. Taking your time, admiring yourself in the bathroom mirror once everything was in place. Your eyes roaming over your body, letting your hands follow suit. Imaging all the ways Dave would map over your skin in the same manner. The prospect for what was to come was thrilling. Desire blooming in your veins. Arousal warm and already pooling in the crotch of your panties. It was evident, your body filled with pent up lust, ready to be satiated by your husband. 

You delicately dotted drops of perfume to your skin— base of your throat, behind your ears, inner wrists. The warmth  from your pulse points amplifying the lush fig and sandalwood notes, blending with your natural pheromones instantaneously. Before rejoining Dave, you slipped a hotel robe over your body, concealing the lacey number with wild anticipation.  

His hands, gentle where they met your body with a soft caressing motion. Not rushed or seeking more than they were ready for. Blazing heat emitted from him, scorching your skin with a fieriness you so desperately craved. They stilled. Lingered. 

Dave. Your voice cautious, velvety sweet, calling out to him. 

The sounds that fell from his lips were beyond anything you could have prepared for. A booming roar reverberated through him. Filling the room. Consuming you. As quickly as the rousing fuse had been lit, it had just as quickly fizzled out mid burn. 

Dave’s snoring was like a shock to the system. The warm buzz of arousal dissolved into a cold emptiness as you lay in bed alongside Dave’s sleeping form. No amount of lace or lack thereof, seemed to be enough to seduce the sluggish man, already nodding off when you had come slinking out from the bathroom. Propped up on pillows, his eyelids growing heavy with each forced blink as stared blankly at the television. His dinner plate picked over and discarded onto the nightstand. 

This scenario you knew all too well— and regularly. The build up, always so hopeful. The prospect of Dave having his way with you, pure exhilaration. Your body so desperate, in need of a release that didn’t hail from a hurried moment alone with a tiny vibrating wand before crawling into bed with Dave’s sleeping form.

Your brain refused to shut off as you lay staring up at the ceiling, willing away tears. You finally settled on the only thing that made sense at this early hour.  He no longer desired you like he once did. No amount of time or vacations away could restore that connection. Then there was also that outcome that you dreaded the idea of entertaining— maybe it just wasn’t you he desired. 

*

The whole evening had been on a constant loop. Replaying and taking precedence over your usual fictional fantasies that unfolded upon entering a heavy slumber. The hotel suite balcony offered a reprieve from the room, quietly sipping your coffee alone. 

It was mid morning when you decided to crawl out of bed, in desperate need of something to numb the dullness that settled behind your eyes. Sleep did little to ease the tornado of thoughts that swept through your mind as the sun rose over the coast of California. Your brain had a funny way of tormenting you with fabricated information. On high alert the minute it sensed uncertainty, in search of answers to unasked questions.

As the coastal fog burned off, you were able to properly take in the view. A colony of gulls flew by, their collaborative squawking was every bit as annoying as it was captivating. 

Fellow early risers strolled the sidewalks below, coffees and large water bottles in tow, all absorbed in their little private worlds. Couples hand in hand, in search of  the perfect ocean view to start their day. A strange feeling of resentment had crept in. These strangers, carrying on with their lives, seemingly unaware of the jealousy you harbored for their happiness. 

Your thoughts trail back to Dave and the evening again. It was only the first day and the optimism around this vacation was starting to wane. 

“Shit— I must have really needed some fucking sleep.”  Dave groans as he joins you on the balcony, his hands rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The sheet wrinkles embedded into the side of his face matched the similar ones on his cotton pajama pants and gray sleep shirt. His sleep etched voice is one of your favorite things to wake up to each morning. “I don’t even remember falling asleep at all.” 

His body molds into yours, caging you in against the edge of the balcony. He’s warm and soft first thing in the morning. Like a moth to a flame, his lips find your skin. Tiny wet pecks from the base of your neck to your temple. 

There was a point in time where things in your marriage felt very easy and Dave wasn’t always so invested in his work. You never felt like you were competing with files and phone calls for his undivided attention. The infatuation he held for you was palpable, leaving little room for doubt or worry. 

When you met Dave there was an enigmatic quality about him. Neither of you were in a relationship or seeking out one, but also not completely opposed to the prospect of exploring one if something happened to fall into your laps. A chance meeting at a bar when his drink had literally fallen into your lap led to the rest of the evening spent tucked away in a dimly lit booth. The buzz of alcohol had you talking his ear off, and he allowed you to do so, consuming every little detail about you. 

Dave shared minimal information about himself. Very on brand for his reserved but alluring demeanor. Aside from basic introductory  facts, the only real thing you knew about him was his recent discharge from the military and his onboarding career in the CIA. 

By the end of the night, you felt there was something intriguing about Dave, completely drawn to him. He was kind, generous and clearly the greatest listener. Ideally, he was someone you could see yourself with, wanting to know the ins and outs of who he was. So much so, you gave him your number. Scrawled across a beer soaked napkin, the ink bleeding out as each digit was carefully written out. He even said he’d call, leaving you with a kiss on your cheek before rejoining his buddies and calling it a night. 

It was a week before you heard from him again, nearly giving up any hope he would be even remotely interested in you. 

You learned that Dave’s walls were strong. Built of the strongest concrete. Resistant and impermeable to the elements. Over time his walls couldn’t withstand the depth at which you were willing to endure for him. Slowly crumbling and exposed. Finding that underneath the rubble was a man who was all in. A man who loved hard and never once made you question his loyalty to you. 

“We can blame it on the jet lag.” You laugh softly into the coffee mug, taking another sip— definitely in need of more. 

“Good morning, Honey.” He says, nudging his aquiline nose into your cheek, instinctively turning into him. 

“Morning, Babe.” Dave turns you, the top of your robe slides off your shoulder— exposing the lace set you were still wearing.  

“You’re still wearing it. Didn’t even get the chance to peel it off of you like I wanted to last night.” Pulling at the robe belt, the front falls open. Dave’s eyes widened, taking you all in, his irises now a deeper shade of his usual brown. “

“Yeah, well—“ You huffed, suppressing the impulse to acknowledge the hurt that was still ever-present. 

“Fuck— Baby, I’m sorry. I'm two for two now. Let me make it up to you?” 

Dave’s hands breach the inside of your robe. His hips flush to you— he’s hard, morning wood ready and eager. His deft fingers slide up the length of your spine, your skin covered in goosebumps once he reaches the clasp of the bra. 

“Morning coffee breath— I’m gonna go brush my teeth.” Your head swerves his oncoming kiss, pulling the front of your robe closed again. 

A hitch in your confidence. Curling in on yourself as you dislodge your body from where he has you pinned. That hot coiling response building in your lower abdomen, moments ago desperate for the way Dave wants you, now subsiding to a low simmer.

“You— um, have those calls you still need to make this morning?” You ask him, standing half way through the door, turning enough to catch the sunlight illuminating the bafflement on Dave’s face. 

“Uh— Yeah. Still need to make those calls.” Dave’s dejected tone hits you like a bucket of ice. His head hanging and palms digging into his eyes. 

“How long do you think it should take?”

“Few hours, give or take. Done by noon at the latest.”

“Okay. Maybe, if you’re up for it when you’re done— maybe we can go to the pool? Lounge a bit. Have some drinks. I got some new bathing suits, and have been dying to wear them. I think you might even like them.” An olive branch in the form of you served on a platter wearing minimal clothing. The likelihood of Dave accepting is rather favorable. 

It’s unmistakable, devouring you— all conspicuous like and intense. Surveying every inch of your form leaning against the doorway. 

Up the length of your smooth bare legs. The front of the robe flapping with the ocean breeze offering a peek of thigh and black lace. The fingers of your free hand toy with the collar, making it lay askew across your chest. A single breast exposed to cool morning air, nipple tight against the sheer material. 

His gaze finally meets yours, shoulders lowering to their normal level. The slightest lift at the corner of his mouth, tip of his tongue gliding over his full bottom lip. Both of you landing on the same page, temptation reciprocated with blatant irresistibility. 

“Yeah— Yeah, we can definitely do that.” He replied, his smile widening, the corner of his eyes crinkled— the Dave you fell in love with all those years ago in his truest form. 

“Okay. I’ll order us some breakfast then. More coffee too. I drank the whole pot.” There’s a giddy feeling erupting inside of you. It seems like it’s been ages since you’ve seen Dave smile— genuinely smiling. 

“Not surprised by that one bit. Hey—“ Capturing your attention before you’ve completely left the balcony. “I love you, you know that right?”

“Of course I do. I love you, too.”

Maybe it’s complacency that makes you feel like things within your marriage are stagnant, even borderline dull as of recently. The lack of regular intimacy, a normal thing all couples encounter at some point through their years together, not a telltale sign of extramarital meandering. Maybe that’s also not a bad thing. Just a season of life. A small hiccup in your otherwise normal and loving relationship. 

*

As promised, it’s noon by the time Dave wraps up his final phone call and you’re both sitting atop the roof of the hotel. Basking in the sweltering rays of the California sun is exactly what was needed after being cooped up in the room all morning. 

Breakfast in bed while Dave paced the length of the balcony. One phone call after the next, all varying in degrees of duration and intensity based on how animated Dave’s hand gestures and contorted expressions were. You had delivered his plate of eggs, sausage and toast during his first call, leaving it on the small table along with a fresh pot of coffee. He kissed you and mouthed a ‘thank you’ before sinking his teeth into the burnt buttered bread and continuing his meeting or whatever it was he was doing. 

The minute he walked in announcing he was finished, your two piece suit was on and you were throwing Dave’s swim trunks at him from across the room. Tote bag containing pool lounging necessities— sunscreen, sunglasses, current book, wallet —was packed and waiting by the door. Your sheer excitement filled the room, a contagious feeling in the way Dave was mildly laughing at your frantic antics. 

Either you both were the only ones staying at this hotel or no one else found joy in a gorgeous rooftop pool like you did. In the few hours spent lounging poolside, there was one, maybe two, other guests that also had an afternoon by the pool on their itinerary, too. There was a silent understanding among everyone that they stay in their respective spaces, evenly spaced out.  

No one was complaining though. Fewer people meant less people lined up for cocktail refills at the bar. Fewer obnoxious conversations you didn’t have to drown out while focusing on the romance novel you were close to finishing. Zero avoidance of bodies in the water while Dave and you took a dip to cool off. Aside from visiting the pacific, this is how you intended to spend the rest of your days in California. 

The moment you dive into your book, time and everything around you becomesa faint distraction from the fictional world you're absorbed in. The sheriff with his cowboy drawl and ridiculously handsome mustache, falls for the sweet baker. A reunion of past lovers, doing life together somewhere on the east coast in the small town they both reside in. A typical smitten cowboy vying for her love and attention at any chance he gets. There’s a permanent smile plastered across your face, dog-eared corners for future you to return to with the intention to relive the passages all over again. Page by page, you’re so engrossed with their whirlwind romance— you never want it to end. 

The book consumes you longer than you planned for. So much so, you're unaware of the fact that Dave is no longer immersed in the LA Times he picked up in the hotel lobby earlier. The inked paper now folded neatly and discarded on the ground next to your tote.

Dave’s tortoise colored shades blocking out the sun and hiding the fact that he’s passed out. For how long, you’re not sure. Breathing is light and rhythmic. His usual thundering snore trades for small puffs of air from his parted lips. His bare golden chest, now a pale shade of red— shit!

Folding the current page of the book, tossing it to the end of your lounge chair, you sit up in search for more sunscreen for Dave, and yourself. Sifting through the contents of your tote, finding the bottle conveniently at the bottom. Hating the feeling of residual lotion getting between your jewelry, you remove your rings and toss them into a secured pocket inside the tote. 

“Dave? Babe, wake up!” Gently nudging his bare shoulder to wake him. 

“Hmmm—“ Dave grumbles a string of incoherent sleep laden words, lifting his head in your direction. 

“Sorry. You passed out and I was so caught up in my book, I didn’t realize the umbrella shade wasn’t covering us anymore. You’re not completely burnt, but we’ve been here for a while. Sit up and let me put some more sunscreen on you.” You motion for him to sit forward, then squeeze a heaping amount of lotion in your hand, tossing the back into the tote. 

Dave hissed, his back arching as you smooth the lotion over his warmed skin, allowing himself to ease into your touch after a few tensed moments. His head hangs below his shoulders as you continue to work the sunscreen over every inch of him that’s exposed to the blazing sun. 

“Fuuuuck— that feels nice.” He groans when your touch switches to a different pressure. Adjusting your focus from protecting him from the harmful rays to pampering him, working out the built up tension he carries around daily. 

Your fingers dig into the meat of his back as they glide up the length of his spine, pinching and squeezing over the rounded muscles of his shoulders. Thumbs pressing into the tender spot in his neck he’s been rubbing at for the better part of the last few weeks, craning his neck to the side. So relaxed you can barely make out his mumbled appreciation. “That fucking knot has been bothering me— Ouch! Fucking hell, woman!” 

“Shh! So dramatic.” You laugh, easing up on the pressure. Your hands still lingering, smoothing over his broadness, taking advantage of the closeness. 

“Oh, quit it. Those hands always were fucking magic, though. Already feels better when I move it.” Demonstrating how limber and loose it feels, rolling his head from side to side. 

Were. His use of past tense doesn’t go unnoticed. It might have just been an unintentional slip, but its use isn’t lost on you in the slightest. It feels like it’s been ages, since you had explored each other—  more than just a fleeting brush of hands. Reveling in an endless honeymoon phase, well beyond the traditional sense. You can only assume he had that same realization too, hence his choice in using were instead of are. But this moment feels too good to dwell on the logistics of proper past and present tense, so you push the thought aside. 

“I’m sure if you play your cards right, there’s plenty more magic these hands can do later.” You playfully purred, not missing the way Dave’s eyebrows jut up from behind his sunglasses— that catches his attention. 

You settle back into your lounge chair, sliding the straps of your bikini top down and off your arms, turning it into a makeshift strapless top as you prepare to cover yourself in a fresh layer of sunscreen. 

 “What are you doing?” Dave tilts his head forward, just enough so he can peer at you over his glasses. 

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m reapplying some on myself, too.” Running the oily lotion up your arms and shoulders. 

“Here. Let me help you. Seems only fair.” His hand reaches out to you.  

“It’s fine, Dave. I can manage.” 

You’re not sure why you're shocked by his offer. Probably because you just assumed he would be diving back into reading up on worldly news. Top slimy politician was fighting for his life against rather damning accusations— the man is guilty, solely based on public opinion polls and your inherent duty as a woman to always believe the woman. Research shows more couples are putting their careers first, waiting to have children well into their thirties— that one does catch your eye, making a mental note to snag the article at some point. Sure, you can manage, but you also don’t want to. Not with him right here, so willing and capable. 

“Don’t be stubborn, Baby. And don’t think I won’t drag that sweet ass of yours over here if I have to. Give me the bottle and sit down.” 

It feels incredible. You have to remind yourself that you’re both in a public setting. This isn’t the time nor the place to let the salacious side of you self-indulge, but Dave’s hands are inducing the most carnal thoughts and it’s taking everything in you to not haul him back up to the room. 

Dave had practically hauled you into the chair. Maneuvering you both into a comfortable sitting position, his legs spread and feet planted firmly on the ground and you practically sitting in his lap. 

The task at hand is long forgotten, no longer a priority or even a relevant thought as you melted into him. His chest firm against your back, thighs caging and tight against your own. 

It’s when his hands cup your breast that nearly sends you into another dimension, so brazen and menacing. A practiced musician, slowly plucking each string of his beloved instrument as the chords play the intro to his well rehearsed song. Rolling your peaked nipples between his fingers, the fabric of your top adding just the right amount of pinched pulsation. Your eyes fluttering shut as your head falls back onto his shoulder, stifling a moan as pleasure surges through you. 

“I swear to god, Dave— fuck! Someone is going to catch us! ahh! Y-you need to s-stop before…” 

“Hmmm. I don’t know, Baby— I think you want them to see. Want them to catch my hands all over you. Hear the sounds I’m able to pull from you. I could probably fuck you right here and no one would even care.” Dave murmurs into your ear. A husked sonorous tone that has you completely surrendering to him. 

He seems to have this whole thing thoroughly thought out in a brief amount of time. Keen to his surroundings, already having scanned the entire area, aware of the people situated in cabanas on the far corner of the pool— paying no mind to either of you. His methodical nature takes hold, even as exposed as you are, he’d never put you in any situation he didn’t have complete confidence in. 

“Dave—“ Your body writhes with each continuous change in motion, the way he’s oscillating between a dizzy tweak of your nipples and the sudden dart of his tongue grazing your ear lobe. 

“You’d like that wouldn’t you. It’s been so long— fucking miss the way you feel, Baby.” Fuck. He’s not wrong. 

You might have even mentioned you would be into it at some point. All vulnerable and the slightest possibility of being detected. It was more thrilling than you had expected it to be. You weren’t even ashamed how you were so absolutely turned on by your own boldness. 

“Please—“ 

“I bet you’re fucking wet for me too. Hmm? Would take much— pull those skimpy little bottoms to the side, bet I’d slide right in.” God you were! Unquestionably so, and throbbing. 

His hand traveled to where you’ve been craving him for so long, fingers brushing the top of your bathing suit bottoms.  

“Christ! Don’t you d-dare put those lotion covered fingers anywhere near my— Fuuuuck!”

Dave wouldn’t dare, but that doesn’t mean he won’t work around it. His hand cupping your clothed mound, your eager hips rocking against the heel of his palm. His face smashes into your cheek when he feels how wet you are, your bottoms sticky with arousal and clinging to your pussy as he slides two fingers back up to your aching clit. Groaning as he takes your lobe between his teeth and gently bites down. 

“Tsk tsk!” Clicking his tongue in a menacing manner. “Eyes open, Baby. Need you to keep watch, can’t have anyone seeing you while you fall apart.”

You’ve missed this side of him. Spontaneous sex was always something that was a regular occurrence in your early relationship even well into your marriage. You always looked forward to the days he’d come home without so much as a hello when he walked through the front door. His briefcase and coat were abandoned somewhere in the entryway— I missed you so much today. Need you right now —and then he was fucking you like a starved man against the wall in the hallway. 

“Dave—“ Your lashes flutter, the sun unforgiving as you fight to keep your eyes focused on your surroundings. Your body so desperate for pleasure, so willing to succumb, just needing a little help to get there.

Each tender circle he draws over your clit has your brain muddled with bliss. A restrained whimper escapes, doing your best to concentrate as Dave continues to work you into a euphoric mess. But it’s so hard when your body has been yearning for this, all of this, for so long. 

Your nails bite into his thighs as your lower abdomen begins to tighten. 

“Baby, you’re gonna have to be quiet. Those gorgeous sounds are gonna get us in trouble.” Fuck! Almost there! So fucking close—

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ

“Dave— is that…” The lounge vibrates, halting Dave’s movements. The orgasm that was just starting to barrel towards you, vanishing from your grasp. 

“Shit! I, uh, think someone saw us—“ What?! No one is even paying attention!

Dave extricates himself from the chair, adjusting his sunglasses and his pronounced erection bulging under his swim trunks. He hastily grabs for some things as you sit perplexed by the sudden change in his demeanor. Your sexy audacious husband is gone before your eyes— leaving you with the tight lipped cryptic Dave, who you can’t seem to get a read on. 

“What the fuck, Dave!” Watching as he slips on his sandals and throws his shirt over himself, playing no mind to a single button. 

“Let’s finish this later— when we get back to the room, hmm? I’m gonna… go get us more drinks.” He says as he kisses the top of your head and heads in the direction of the bar. Hoping he brings back some shots, because you’re gonna need something strong to take the fucking edge off. 

“Yeah— sure…” You say. Stunned and breathless.

*

You're not sure if you want to cry, scream or laugh as you crawl back into your chair. Maybe a mixture of all of them. What a sight that would be. 

That brief glimpse of the fun adventurous Dave was intoxicating, even now your body is still buzzing and aroused. There’s a pang in your chest at how quickly he was able to mold back into the man you’ve needed for the past year, yearned to have back. Then instantly closed off and distant as if it never happened. Maybe the sun was getting to you, that whole moment some fucking hallucinated fantasy. 

Rather than dwell on it, you push the hurt aside. You reach for your book and settle back into the chair. Finding where you left off and jumping back in with the handsome sheriff, who literally worships the ground that this woman walks on— must be nice. 

“S’cuse me ma’am. Sorry to bother you, but is this seat taken?” A deep voice breaks your concentration, realizing he’s in fact asking you if the unoccupied seat next to you is available. 

A man in his mid forties, maybe early fifties is standing at the foot of the chair next to you. Your sunglasses hide the fact that you're giving him a once over, noting every detail about this random stranger who’s decided of all the empty seats, he wants the one next to you. 

His hair is slightly disheveled in a deliberate manner. Peppered streaks of gray throughout his curly locks. He’s wearing green and red plaid swim shorts and a worn dark blue t-shirt, kind of an odd pairing but it seems to work for him. You notice a dimple hidden beneath the gray scruff that almost hides his angular features. He seems harmless and rather handsome— plus, it would be rude to turn him away with no explanation. 

“Nope. Feel free to use it.” You smile at him kindly and go in search of the words you had just read. 

“Thanks so much.” He says as he removes his shirt and settles down on the lounge chair. 

“Of course. It’s no problem at all.” You tell him. 

You don’t even dare to look in his direction. You imagine this is what Eve felt like, tempted and allured by carnality in the form of an apple. Except your carnal desire is a fizzling orgasm your husband couldn’t even be bothered to deliver, now reawakening at the sight of this beautiful man. 

You would never act on anything, even as beautiful as he was, you were married and you love Dave— but that didn’t mean you couldn't admire, sunglasses masking your lingering eyes. 

“I’m Joel by the way. Joel Miller.” His hand outstretched to you, that damn dimple even more pronounced when he smiles. 

“I take it you’re not from around these parts are you now, Joel.” You give him your name and return the handshake— his grip is rather firm, but friendly. 

 “What gave it away?” He laughs. There’s a hint of southern drawl woven into his rich voice. 

“Well, you don’t seem like the California boy type for starters. Not that that’s a bad thing— I just get the impression you’re far from home.” You fold another page and drop your book into your bag, your attempt at reading sidelined again. 

“You’d be correct then. Texas— born ‘n raised. Since we’re makin’ impressions, I’m gonna guess you’re not from ‘round here either?” He looks over to you, his arms crossed over his tanned chest. The breeze catching a few of his curls, tossing them about. 

“You would also be correct. So what brings you all the way west, cowboy?” 

“My daughter, actually. She’s gettin’ married this week. Fiancé’s family is out here and they’ve got connections and what not, so they’re able to do it here at the hotel. They put me up in one of the suites, bein’ I am the father of the bride an’ all.” 

“Oh! Congratulations then. I’m sure you’re so excited then.” 

“Yea’. Crazy seein’ her all grown up an’ goin’ off on her own. Still got one more though. She’s turning 16– little wild thing she is. Keeps me on my toes, but I love her for it.”

You get the sense that being a father is one of his favorite things. He hasn’t stopped smiling since he started talking about his kids. 

“You and your wife must be so proud.”

“Nah, no wife— or girlfriend. Jus’ me and my girls. So, now that I’ve bothered you with my life story. What brings you out this way to California?” 

What am I even doing in California? You think to yourself. It’s then you catch sight of your husband at the bar. Dave is already looking in your direction, leaning against the wood counter, waving at you with his phone glued to his ear. 

“See that guy over at the bar? The one talking on the phone.” You wave back at Dave. You pick up on the shift in his demeanor from where you're sitting. His jaw clenched and brows furrowed enough you can make out the deep lines across his forehead. If you didn’t know any better, you would think he was shooting daggers at Joel— but you do know better, and that’s exactly what’s happening. “That’s my husband. We’re supposed to be here relaxing— not working. But he’s over there taking a phone call, when he was going to grab us more drinks and I’m here relaxing. Maybe one day he’ll actually show some interest in me again— until then it’s just work work work. Geez— I’m sorry to dump all of that personal shit on you. Like you even care about a stranger's marital problems.”  

“No need to apologize— I get it. My ex and me had our own issues. Tried to work through them, for the sake of the kids n’ all.” He says, waving off your apology.  

“I’m guessing it didn’t go so well?” You look out over the pool, catching a few gulls passing over. You can already sense his heavy answer before he even gives it to you. 

“Well, she’s my ex for a reason. But it’s for the best. And not saying that’s what’s gonna happen for you. We love our kids and do this whole co-parentin’ thing better than when we were married. Umm— y'all got any kids?”

“Uhh— no, no kids. Yet… I think? I mean, we both talked about once our careers were established we would start trying. And we did try for a bit, but never got pregnant, which we were okay with— figured it would happen when it happens. But now, I’m not really sure if it’s what he wants anymore.” You pick at the polish on your nails. 

You realize it’s been awhile since you and Dave readdressed the conversation about having kids. It’s always been idling in the back of your mind. Becoming a mother was something you would love to do. With Dave never really ever being present or interested in any sort of in-depth conversation, you haven’t really discussed where you both stand now on the topic. 

“Have you asked him?”

“No. I haven’t. I probably sh—“

You’re cut off when Dave reappears, holding nothing but his phone and wallet. 

“Hey, Sweetheart!” There’s a hint of irritation in his voice, his tone a slightly higher pitch than usual, though he tries to hide it as he bends to kiss the top of your head. 

“Babe, this is Joel. He’s here for his oldest daughter’s wedding. Joel, this is my husband Dave. Where’s our drinks?” Attempting to ease the weird tension he brought back with him instead of your drinks. . 

Dave’s glaring at Joel. His lips pressed in a tight line and his nostrils flared. Irritated? No, it’s jealousy. He’s jealous and it’s oozing from him. Dave was jealous at the attention, all innocent and friendly, that you were receiving from another man. 

“Uh, nice to meet you.” Dave reaches over you, taking Joel’s hand in his. He’s friendly enough, even though his smile looks rather forced. “We hate to run out on you like this, Joel— we’ve got dinner reservations later on and the sun is starting to get to me. You don’t mind if we head to the room early, Babe.”

“Yeah, of course, Baby. Let’s go— you probably need more water and some rest before dinner.” You get up from the chair to pull your cover up dress on and begin to gather everything between yours and Joel’s chair, throwing it haphazardly back into your bag. “It was so nice meeting you, Joel. Hope your daughter has a beautiful day and you have a great time.”

“Thank you. Now you two get outta here and enjoy your evening. My brother is wanderin’ around somewhere. I’m sure he’ll end up here at some point. Nice meetin’ y'all.” Joel says, giving a cordial nod and a two finger wave. 

You call out to Dave when you realize he’s already halfway to the exit, hoping he’ll snap out of whatever this thing is he’s doing. Knowing it’s more than just the sun that’s bothering him. 

“Dave, what’s going on? Are you okay?” You ask, stepping into the elevator with him. 

“I’m good. Got a bit of a headache. Probably just too much sun.” His thumb smashes into the floor number. The elevator doors slowly obstructing the rooftop view. 

*

The walk back to the room felt like it was never ending. The slap on your sandals against the carpeted floor and exchanged hello’s with the sweet old lady dragging far more bars than she could handle were the only sounds echoing through the long hallway. 

Dave’s body, all broad and inflexible, blocked the room door as he searched for the key card in his wallet. 

“Dave? Are you going to talk to me and tell me what’s actually going on?” You ask softly. 

The door beeps and Dave pushes it open. He seems to not have lost all his senses because he holds it open for you. 

“Dave, will you at least look at me— please?” You toss everything you’re carrying onto the bed, watching him walk over to the floor to the large windows. 

Even from behind, you know he’s wearing his sharp scowl. Proven by the way his hip is cocked out and on hand resting on his waist, head hanging with his attention on the floor. Too embarrassed to acknowledge he might have overreacted up at the pool. 

“Dave, were you jealous?.” You ask, your voice velvety and sweet. Taking a few tempered steps, you close the distance between you and where he’s standing, needing him to know everything was okay. You smooth over his solid back, all brooding with his shoulder blades tightly drawn together. One hand sliding around to his chest and the other reaching for the hand hanging at his side, intertwining your fingers with his, your grip tightening around him. “Baby— you were, weren't you? It’s okay if you were, you know. It’s obviously a natural reaction to have. I know I’d react the same way if it were you and some gorgeous woman. But baby, you know I only have eyes for you and only you— always. I love you, Dave.”

“I love you and I’m sorry.” Dave sighs, his hand squeezing back. I overreacted and shouldn’t have— it's implied without him actually voicing it, but you know he means it. 

“Did you still want to go out for dinner? If you’re not feeling up to it, we can just order in again so you can rest.” You ask him, resting your nose and lips against his sun warmed skin, breathing him in. 

His aroma is pungent, but familiarly pleasant. A subtle note of coconut blends with his trademark spicy musk and sweat. It reminds you of the summer while you were dating, Dave whisked you away to Rehoboth Beach on the coast of Delaware. Renting out a beach house on the water where you spent every morning watching the sun flee the horizon from the front porch. Evenings spent walking near the water’s edge, recounting your favorite parts of the day and dreaming of a future together.

“Yeah, we can still go out. I just— I need a minute. Gonna get some fresh air.” He says, turning his head to tell you over his shoulder. 

“Okay. I’m going to take a quick shower then.” You kiss the nape of his neck before you leave, grabbing the robe off the accent chair as you head to the bathroom. 

At the flick of the switch, a soft glow of light cascades from the decorative wall sconces. Everything becomes very automatic as you move through the room, placing the robe over the sink,  ridding yourself of your pool attire, thrown into a growing pile in the corner of the room. Intent on unwinding, trusting the spray of hot water will alleviate the weight of today’s tension before going out with your husband, until you hear Dave’s voice fading as he walks out into the balcony, muffled by the distant waves and passing cars. 

“Hey, Ashley. It’s Dave, sorry about earlier…”

Ashley. It’s light and beautiful, and yet feels like the most threatening thing to have ever pierce through your heart. All your emotions flowing, congealing as one giant mass within your ribcage. Its numbness best describes the way you feel, hollowing out the pain in your chest. It's too much to deal with or even believe. You shut the door, avoidance being one of your worst traits— but if you don’t confront it, it doesn’t exist. 

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[bookshopsbizarreblog]

Can we talk about how good the Moon Mining song in Midst S3E14 - Shindig is? Like, I've heard lots of songs across the various podcasts I've listened to, some of them quite good. But I have yet to encounter one that was situated in the story as masterfully as the Moon Mining song, or that conveys a fraction of the emotionality. Even without getting into story spoilers, the (at least seemingly) improvised nature of each verse, the layering of shouts and cheers and merry heckling to create a whole crowd leaning into it, the way each character expresses themself and their situation (and is expressed to us as the audience), and even just the way the song is introduced paint such a vibrant and lively setting. The entire 5-ish minutes just radiates a community coming together and having fun.

S2E4 - Weather used to be my favorite episode, as someone who has a deep love of cosmic horror and general eldritch shenans, but I've gone back to Shindig at least seven or eight times just to listen and relisten to that single song. I can't imagine not getting swept up in the revelry, and its position within the episode (and season overall) just sells it so much harder. More concrete spoilers beneath the cut.

If you haven't listened to Midst, please do. Gracious goodness, it's so good.

The entire episode is a rollercoaster of highs and lows for these characters and the community of Stationary Hill that we've gotten to love at this point. Sherman and Tzila finally arrive home, to celebration and joy. The community is barely recognizable but we've seen them band together and rebuild. And at a pinnacle of tension, after the gut punches of Hieronymus' confession to Saskia and the Vault demolition plan and Weepe's victory over Kozma, we finally get a brief break. But even that break is tainted with uncertainty and pain. Right before the song begins, we get Emmet's toast to the fallen, Sherman's uncertainty and fear of staying in Stationary Hill, all the festivities and merriment tinged bittersweet. And then the catharsis hits. It's not announced as a song. It's not a side bar where the ambiance cuts away so a tune can be inserted above the story. All we know is that Goe is getting on stage, and the narrators are saying we're missing something, but what? "That's right." "It wouldn't be a party on Midst without-" "Goe: It's time, you dang raskals!"

It's like the podcast version of show, don't tell. They could have laid out that a song was coming up. They could have even just launched into it. But by merely having uncertain build up and sudden increasing excitement and anticipation from the crowd, we get dragged along with it too. Straight from all the emotions of the previous conversations into this building energy with no clear outlet. It isn't until the cheers and diegetic voices demand "that friggin' moon tune," now that we are also fully on board, that the end point is revealed. And then it slaps.

The different methods of singing for each person, of which Saskia and Ettie (x2) and Ned (whose voice makes me understand the random background lady) stand out the most. Bets and Walter's and Tzila all representing different versions of how a kid would approach being asked to sing in front of their entire community. Sylvester and the chanting and everyone joining in on the chorus and the way each person's verse is a snippet of their life and perspective and situation and story without it being overbearing. It just. The whole thing. It screams of the close-knit Stationary Hill community, which then also pays off in another big way during the last episode.

I highly recommend listening to the song again, with headphones and the volume cranked up to get the full experience if you haven't already. I'm losing my mind over this song. If tumblr woulda let me, I would have just uploaded the full 5:19 clip I isolated, but unfortunately it wound up being too big to post. So here's the link to the time where the song specifically starts.

Thank you so much Third Person ( @midstpodcast ) for creating such a full and magical world.

[xixovart]

my rrverse headcanons that i will save in my drafts until it explodes

possible tw for mentions of weaponry and violence!! (bullet point no.5)

nico with heterochromia?? im?

a LOT of aphrodite kids are pansexual. somethinf about love knowing no bounds or restrictions to gender because love is a connection to the soul or whatever

actually on that idea a lot of aphrodite kids are under the non binary umbrella :)

spreading the deaf will solace agenda

annabeth goes to a shooting range to relieve stress

she got that from thalia

i just need you to picture how unbelievably destroyed thalia must’ve been when they told her about luke.

alex fierro really likes cupcakes. but he’s like. ashamed of it?? for some reason

one time magnus walked in on her while she was eating some red velvet? hilarious interaction.

“magnus it’s not what ir looks like i swear.”

”what? you use someone’s blood to make those?”

rip bianca di angelo you would’ve loved ratatouille. i don’t know.

kayla really likes mac n cheese. i really don’t know.

chris wnd beckendorf have an unmatched ‘our gfs are best friends but ngl we’re kinda gay for each other’ bromance

percy is REAAALLLYYY good at makeup

thalia is surprisingly good at volleyball?

frank once accidentally knocked down an entire grocery store isle… somehow.

hazel really likes ladybugs

“long day?” “tell me about it. keep em coming.” except it’s kayla pouring will grape soda into a wine glass when they were 12 after a day in the infirmary

unpopular opinion: will relentlessly finds loopholes for rules (and sometimes blatantly breaks them) while nico hates rule-breaking. one was raised in rich 1940s europe and the other is texan. guess who.

annabeth and will bonded over their shared love of true crime podcasts

hazel gossips like a hairstylist

“don’t look at me like that, you’re not my real dad 😒” -11 year old annabeth to chiron after the ares cabin caught fire “unexpectedly. somehow. for no reason.”

percy used to swims in fountains and steals people’s coins

piper blasts chappell roan at unhealthy volumes. so does will. they bond over that

zoë nightshade was in the theater abe lincoln was killed in. don’t know where this came from.

piper and leo were the most chaotic duo that wilderness school ever bore witness to. there were several science room “accidents.” and the food in the kitchens went missing every week “unexpectedly”

magnus hearth and blitz used to sit on rooftops and throw water balloons at tourists. fathers-son bonding i lobe them

frank likes tarzan and kung fu panda an unhealthy amount (he was a horrible influence on hazel)

hazel once made random hand signals at a boy who was bothering her told him she cursed him

bianca was surprisingly good at sports?

thalia had to put saran wrap on every outlet in the house for two months when jason was a year old because he would NOT stop sticking his fingers in them

reyna cannot cook. she only knows how to make a surprisingly good lemonade. it’s insane.

hedge, on the other hand, is a freaking chef. he’s like the love child of a really smart goat and gordon ramsay

annabeth and thalia are both master pickpockets because of their time on the road

luke had a soft spot for gummy bears

silena was very calm and collected but the SECOND this girl stepped FOOT in a rage room she lost her SHIR

mallory hates math. like actually loathes math.

magnus is math smart and mallory is english smart

(book 1) halfborn and magnus are the prank lords of floor 19

alex joined them the second he showed up (he destroyed half the hotel withing his first 24 minutes there? duh?)

cecil hates twizzlers

lou ellen cecil and will are VERY competitive go kart-ers

rachel and hazel are artist buddies and go on drawing dates

chiron gets father’s day presents

someone proposed the idea of achilles and patroclus training nico post-ttc and pre-botl???? stop right now im losing my mind i love this

spreading the multilingual nico agenda

mr. d gave will his tattoo

grover and percy unironically watch rom coms every saturday while eating vegan candy and cry for the characters

grover and rachel’s friendship is INCREDIBLY??? underrated

i think we forget that grover bianca and nico went to school together and bianca and grover were friends. imagine the chaos.

lester and kayla had regular arm wrestling matches (kayla always won btw)

whenever austin’s mad at his cabinmates he wakes them up at the asscrack of drawn by playing we are the champions on his flute.

idk why but malcolm seems very gumball coded.

“wait, where are you going?” “to the brony convention in lietchenstein. where do you think im going????” -canon conversation between malcolm and annabeth

wasian grace siblings wasian grace siblings wasian grace siblings.

ethan is a really bad liar in non-greek related matters

will’s love language is that he points at literally the two most random things and says “us” to nico

“nico look it’s us!! :D” “solace those are two dead leaves on the floor” “yeah but they’re next to each other :)”

sally knows taekwondo. no one knows when or how she learned, she just does and it’s terrifying

alabaster is a plant mom

dakota seems like the type of kid to slump so deep in a chair that he ends up falling off. and then he just like. lays there.

castor and pollux have a concerning attraction to fire

travis stoll likes strawberries :)

connor stoll chunks strawberries at travis from half a km away and calls is “aiming practice”

katie has the temper of a chihuahua

(post-tlo) percy and clarisse pretend to hate each other but they’re actually friends who fight like siblings and it’s surprisingly endearing?

[elen-tari2]

Finally got around to rewatching episode 4 of TPs2 and I just have to vent about my next complaint about how the writers handled the Frank and Amy relationship. (My first complaint being about the scene where Frank ties her to a motel bed and tapes her mouth shut while he takes a nap, but never once tells her he has absolutely no intention of SA’ing her)

Look, I know a lot of people dislike Amy because she’s such an over the top, angsty, tough teen trope, but I give her a pass on most of her plot-forced obnoxiousness. But I just can’t let Frank off the hook.

You’re telling me Frank Castle heard a kid crying from whatever horrible experience traumatized her and he just… turned up the volume on a hockey game?

SHAME. WRITER SHAME. SHAAAAAME.

Literally. What. The. F *CK?

This scene was done all wrong. Frank is an asshole but he protects innocent people from getting hurt. In that moment, the bratty teen is alone, dropping her tough girl act, and hurting. For all that she is a little shit, he has already —willing or unwillingly—decided to protect her, even if he doesn’t care that much about her. But the moment she’s breaking down, he would care enough to at least check on her.

He doesn’t even have to say much of anything. Amy has locked herself in Madani’s bedroom, so he can’t go in. But he would go sit with his back against the door and just be like, “hey, kid. You okay?”

The result could have been a much softer scene with Frank listening from outside the room and Amy talking to him from her hiding place until she feels safe enough to go unlock the door or maybe just try sleeping IN the bed instead of under it.

Instead what we got was a weirdly broken up scene where eventually I guess Amy is sleeping so Frank locks her in and goes to visit Curtis and it’s only upon his return that Amy realizes she was locked in at all and freaks out? So she is panicking and berating him to never do that again to her because it was also traumatizing to feel trapped like that. Not okay, Frank. So instead they finally talk about what happened to Amy but she’s still on the defensive, and Frank is pretty aggressive with his questioning about Fiona’s gang.

Then we get the sharing of their truths broken up even more, as Frank goes to take a shower and Amy leaves and goes to a computer store to google Frank Castle’s name. (I guess that was a clever way to use the Internet but it feels totally random. Or like, go to a library or something??)

Then she comes back and is like oh wow they killed your whole family. We don’t even get shown Frank’s reaction to coming out of the shower and thinking the kid ran off. Did he care? Or was he just like ::shrug:: not my problem anymore I guess? Just risked my life for this kid but I was such a jerk, she didn’t want my help, oh well?

It just seemed unnecessary to make the conversation where she talks about what she survived and tells Frank her real name chopped up into different parts throughout the episode. There was a chance for her to be vulnerable and realize she was safe around Frank no matter what, and they missed it. She could still be a smart alec, just she would also know he wouldn’t be dismissive of the horrible murders she witnessed and how scary that would be for a young person.

Think about how supportive Frank was to the small town police force in episode 3? He is respectful, encouraging, and knows they’re in over their heads but it’s not their fault. It’s not Amy’s fault she got in over her head and she needed some f*cking comfort and reassurance, when she was CRYING. I’m not saying he’d have hugged her or told her everything would be ok. But he would be a good listener and know she didn’t deserve to go through it.

Honestly having a tiny moment like that and THEN getting into stuff like her pulling card tricks on Frank would have been much better. They’d be back to their banter, but be starting to build towards that found family feeling, like we see over the rest of the show.

Ug, this is making me want to write a fan fic fixit for that episode. But I’m just putting this out there for future Punisher writers— Get. It. Right. Next. Time.

Clear your female characters treatment with female viewers. I’m serious. You have the potential to be writing GREAT stories, but missteps like this where Frank is uncaring in the face of an innocent (if annoying) child’s suffering is a no. Just no.

[villainsview]

Chapter 7

Country Roads...Sorta

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“W-where are we going?”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said, finishing tying his wrists behind his back with a proper knot.

I’d spent most of the day packing up and figuring out what to do. In the end I decided to wait for the cover of darkness. Allard was blowing up Jack’s phone, but it would probably take a while before he would send anyone to come looking.

Just before nightfall, I’d taken the kid out to my van to get him ready for ‘transport.’ Normally I’d drive to a random road just close enough to civilisation for them to not get in trouble before kicking a hostage out of my van and speeding off, but if I freed Erick before Allard’s all clear, it would only be a matter of time before he would get his hands on him again.

I had to tell his father how to get away from him first. Hopefully he wouldn’t be too busy to see me about his missing son. I shook my head a bit as I tied a blindfold over the teen’s eyes. If he was rich enough for Allard to demand millions, wouldn’t he have paid up already? Why wait almost two weeks?

Whatever, it wouldn’t be my problem anymore soon. I finished with two strips of tape over the boy’s lips to keep him quiet, in case he would get any ideas near a populated area.

“Lie down over here,” I instructed, guiding the boy to lie in the corner behind the passenger’s seat, so he wouldn’t be visible from any of the front windows.

I stacked my bag and some other bags next to him, obscuring him from view even further. I double-checked he was properly hidden, standing outside of the van as I lit a cigarette, peering inside, but I could only see my bags. I nodded satisfied, glancing over at the farmhouse a last time before getting behind the wheel and driving off.

As I drove back into the city, I noticed it was about time for the hourly news broadcast on the radio, so I quickly tuned into a more local station, so it would be more likely to hear something relevant. And sure enough, as I raised the volume, I immediately heard the kid’s name.

“...but even after today’s investigation, there is still no news about Erick James’ whereabouts. On a similar note, two days ago another teenager, Thomas Wong, was kidnapped from his family home, but police have ruled out any connection with the James case. Thomas’ family is desperate—”

I switched the radio back to my favourite jazz station, smiling smugly as the last part of the news alert seemed like the media had moved on from Erick’s case. That meant less heat and prying eyes on my back. But I wasn’t fully out of the wind just yet. I’d be at risk while I was in the city, but I couldn’t leave before handing off the boy.

I pulled into the parking lot of a superstore that was just about to close, turning off the engine before turning in my seat to look at the teen in the back.

“Not a fucking peep from you. Deal?”

The boy quickly nodded, shuffling a bit uncomfortably, before staying still and quiet. Satisfied, I got out, locked the van, before lighting another cigarette and beginning a walk to a nearby neighbourhood.

The houses were big, their yards and driveways even bigger. The gates were closed and the walls were high, so it was nearly impossible to get spotted by any of the residents…if they were even home. It was hard to tell.

I walked up to one of the houses about halfway down the street, only to find the gate blocked off with yellow police tape. I raised a brow, approaching the gate and peering through the bars at the house. All the lights were off…

“You another one of those true crime geeks?”

I turned around, finding a young woman taking her elderly dog for a walk.

“Excuse me?” I said.

“True crime?” the girl said, “First the kid disappears, now the dad…these wannabe podcast hosts have been coming here all week, thinking it’s some mysterious case…”

“But it isn’t?” I asked.

“Mr James was a fraud,” the girl said, “his lies caught up with him and he ran. I saw him rush away in the middle of the night.”

“What about the kid?” I asked.

“Probably dead,” the girl said with a shrug, “probably better that way.”

She moved on, her dog slowly following. I looked back at the house and sighed, checking the time on my phone before opening my contact list and scrolling down to the R.

Tito Rana was a frequent client of mine, a very generous one, but only because he considered us friends. He was a powerful kingpin in the Western states, and could even give Allard a run for his money, though last I heard he didn’t have a lot of territory in Phoenix anymore. Still, it would be worth a try. I pressed a dial button and held the phone to my ear.

“Fetch!”

I was a bit surprised at how quick and how loud he picked up, but I quickly recovered, keeping my voice down to avoid suspicion from any other neighbours.

“Evening, Tito,” I said, “I’m not bothering you?”

“Not at all!” Tito replied, “I was actually meaning to call you, but I wasn’t sure which timezone you’d be in.”

“I’m in Arizona,” I said, “anyway, I need a favour. Some information on a guy.”

“Oh? Having trouble with your hunt?” Tito asked, “I’m sure Jonas can arrange something—”

“Let’s not bother Jonas just yet,”  I quickly said, I hated that guy, “I’m working a ransom job right now, and the guy that’s supposed to pay up went into hiding. I’ll need your help to track him down.”

“Doesn’t your client usually handle all that?” Tito asked, “Why ask me?”

“Because Allard is a dick— Can you do this or not?”

“Of course I can look around for you, but would you mind doing something for me in return?”

“Name your price,” I said with a sigh.

“One of my couriers has been pocketing small amounts of merchandise and with that relatively large amounts of money, poor soul thinks I wouldn’t find out, so why don’t you pick up his daughter before he spends it all on her college?”

“How old is she?” I asked. I usually refused to go after younger girls, didn’t want people getting the wrong idea.

“Nineteen, I believe,” Tito said, “we actually have her on file because she bought a fake ID from one of my people to get into bars, you know how they are.”

“Tell me about it,” I said, “it won’t take too long, will it? Also where to?”

“Not at all, Fetch. Either he’ll pay up immediately or I’ll allow him to strike a deal. We don’t want to see the girl hurt, we just want to scare the guy straight,” Tito said, “besides, if I wanted to do some damage I would’ve sent Jonas instead.”

I rolled my eyes. Fucking Jonas again.

“Anyway, this’ll be close to home if you don’t mind the drive back to California, I’ll give you some time to recover from the journey before sending you further details,” Tito said.

“I’ll have to think about it,” I said, “I’ll call you when I get home and then we’ll discuss those details.”

“Of course, of course!” Tito said, “safe travels.”

He hung up, so I put my phone away and sighed deeply, lighting another cigarette before beginning my walk back to the van.

“So,” I said, getting back into the van after getting some snacks at a gas station, “let’s go over the rules again. You won’t talk, not to anyone, and not to me unless spoken to. I’ll give you a baseball cap, you never take it off unless I tell you to. You do not leave the van, until I let you out. Understood?” I turned in my seat to look at the teen in the back of the van.

He nodded timidly, backing away slightly as I got up and climbed into the back, though he quickly settled as I began removing his restraints. I cut his ropes off and removed his gag, looking at his wrists.

“Keep your hands down too, we don’t need people seeing those bruises,” I added.

“Y-yes sir…”

“Atta boy. Now try this on for size.”

I reached into the plastic bag I brought back from the gas station and pulled out a cap, tearing the price tag off before giving it to the teen. He looked it over for a second. It was faded orange, as it had already had too much sun exposure, but he didn’t voice any complaints and put it on after adjusting the velcro strap on the back a bit.

“Okay, you can come sit in the front now,” I said, returning to my seat.

There was a moment of silence, before I could hear him slowly shuffling behind me, hesitantly he slid into the passenger’s seat, flinching as I reached over to pull the seatbelt around him.

“Relax,” I said, “there’s some water in the bag at your feet, you should drink some. It’ll be a long drive.”

“C-can I ask—”

“No,” I interrupted, putting on my own seatbelt before driving off.

We’d barely left the city or the silence was already boring me, so I turned on the radio.

“Ah, Sinatra, my favourite,” I said, “you like jazz?”

Erick glanced at me, but didn’t particularly answer.

“You don’t have to like it just because I do,” I said, “come on. What do you listen to?”

“U-um….hip hop…r-rap, mostly,” Erick said quietly.

“Rap?” I repeated, “I guess it’s almost poetry, if it wasn’t so screamy or mumbly— It’s always one or the other…”

“Jazz is calming, I guess,” Erick quickly said.

“Do you know anything about jazz?”

“N-not really, sir…”

“Now, that’s the best part,” I said, “you don’t have to know anything. You just have to sit back and enjoy.”

I turned up the volume a bit, but Erick seemed rather uncomfortable still. I couldn’t blame him though. I could imagine it was very awkward for a teenager to make casual conversation with the guy that kidnapped you.

Whatever, it would only be a six hour drive, give or take a few rest stops. I made sure to stop only at places that didn’t have any buildings nearby besides a toilet building. I wanted to minimise the risk of being seen before arriving home.

I’d never taken a hostage home before. Normally I’d call it a classic rookie mistake, but I didn’t really have much of a choice right now. I made sure to arrive in the middle of the night, long after my landlady and downstairs neighbour had gone to bed.

She was sweet, but much too nosy for her own good. I rented the upstairs apartment of her building in Mission Beach; a shabby little building, just a block away from the beach. I was surrounded by small shops, tourist traps and bad B&B rentals.

There were new faces in the neighbourhood every day as one tourist made way for the other, while the locals simply didn’t care enough, they probably thought I was a repeat tourist, if they bothered to recognise me at all.

But not Ethel. No, she asked me about my work trips, kept my place dust-free and my fridge free of mould by tossing my perishables whenever I was away for a long period of time. If she spotted me walking inside with a kid she would be all over him with questions.

I even parked a couple feet away from the building instead of using the driveway to avoid waking her up. It opened up a flight risk for the teen, but I’d rather take that risk than Ethel. Besides, he seemed exhausted. He wouldn’t try to run now, would he?

I turned off the engine and turned to him, catching him hiding a yawn.

“You can rest soon,” I said, “first we’re gonna go for a little walk, and you’re gonna keep your head down and your mouth shut. Anyone asks any questions you let me do the talking and you just nod and smile. Understood?”

“Y-yes sir…w-where are we?”

“No questions,” I replied, undoing my seatbelt and getting out.

I walked round to the passenger’s side and opened the door for the teen, waiting for him to stop fumbling with the seatbelt and get out. I locked the van, leaving my things in for now, and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder to discourage any attempts at running.

He tensed, but stayed close to me as we walked down the street, up the stairs next to the driveway, and only pressed himself against the wall a little while I fumbled with my house keys, before opening the door and pushing him inside.

He anxiously looked around while I flicked on the lights, but there wasn’t a lot to see. The front door opened into a small sitting room, which I used more for storage than for seating as half the couch was covered in boxes. Straight ahead was an opening that led into a narrow hallway, with a bedroom to the left, a bathroom to the right, and a kitchen right across. But where would I put the kid without him being an inconvenience or trying to escape?

“Here. You gotta eat something,”

I displayed the last couple leftover snacks on the table after sitting the teen down in the kitchen. But the boy turned away, facing the wall rather than me, fumbling with the cap in his hands after I finally allowed him to take it off.

“I’ll eat when I get home,” he said.

“You’re far away from home now, it’ll take a while,” I reminded him, “you want anything else then? I don’t have much, but I can fix something up I’m sure.”

“...no beans?” Erick quietly asked.

“Fine, but only because I don’t have any anyway,” I said, “you know beggars can’t be choosers.”

I searched my cupboard, cursing the rusty latch that was only really installed to keep the door from swinging open because it had no other locking mechanism. I found a can of ham and a dusty box of pasta shells. If I could just find some canned tomatoes or even a jar that wasn’t expired yet I could make a decent sauce, but as I looked around I knocked over a mop or a broom, something wooden that clattered loudly into the unused space of the cupboard.

It was a bit of an unusually deep cupboard, because it connected with the built-in closet in my bedroom, separated by a piece of plywood as far as I knew. It wouldn’t be ideal, but if I cleared some stuff and the shelves, I could fit a spare mattress in there and lock the kid up for the night.

But first food. I found canned tomato puree. I could work with that. It wasn’t my best work, but it wasn’t for me anyway.

“Just see how far you can get,” I said as I served the sad plate of pasta, giving him a dessert spoon to eat with before making myself some coffee and sitting down.

Erick was taking small bites, chewing slowly, keeping his eyes on his plate.

“You close with your father?” I asked, purely out of curiosity.

“He’s always busy,” Erick replied after a moment of silence, “we never talked much…even before mom—”

He promptly shut up and took another bite. I decided to let it be and get to work on emptying the cupboard, clearing a place to lock him up in so I could sleep in peace.

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[pan-magi]

On one hand, I hate that I'm making a vent post on this fandom blog. On the other hand, I am really annoyed and in a bad mood for unrelated reasons so I'm going to do it anyway.

I want to murder and destroy all the porn bots clogging the magi tags. It's infuriating.

"Because you follow #magi

*porn bot post*"

No, no, no. GO TO HELL.

Magi is already a small fandom. A lot of religious and spiritual blogs also use it. Even if they don't tags things with magi exclusively, I get a lot of Madoka Magica blogs recommended to me because of the series' full name (Puella Magi Madoka Magica). Nothing against them, of course, love existential magical girls. Point being I can bet none of us give a fucking shit. Leave our small tag alone!

I could just not visit the your tags page but the "because you follow x" posts pop up on home and following regardless. And I like checking in on random tags sometimes. It helps to not miss posts from people who simply have Magi as their anime of the week or whatever.

I do hate just to make this a vent post, so I'll add some anecdotal Magi stuff that I've already been thinking to make a shit post about. Unfortunately, I have not had anymore fandom related dreams. *

I will blab about the screenshot I chose for this though. I lowkey adore that scene. Morgiana just casually kidnapping her friend, so they can talk it out. (For reference, it's when she meets Alibaba in the Fog Troupe hideout and then just picks him up and leaves).

The funny thing is, they're not really friends at this point? Out of the trio and their relationships so far, Alibaba and Morgiana haven't had much time together. Morg is grateful that Alibaba freed her, yet I'll say they both are better friends with Aladdin right now.

Morgiana does bring this up. Her reasoning for taking Alibaba is so that he can talk to Aladdin and they can sort out their shit. She could see that the kid from Alibaba giving him the cold shoulder and is like "no." It's heartwarming. It's not something I'll recommend, sometimes people need space from each other and kidnapping is bad, still though- I love it lmao.

Best trio, ngl.

*I have since had a sorta Magi related dream since first writing this about a week ago. In it I met Ohtaka, except I've only ever looked at a few pictures of her before and know for a fact that how she looked in the dream isn't how she is irl. Maybe that's why it took me forever to recognize her. The first half was us basically meeting and talking about trivial stuff, not Magi or Orient because of not recognizing her, and the second half was me realizing my missed opportunity of fangirling and trying to find her again when she was not busy to get one of my volumes of Magi signed. Not in a desperate way but more of "ahhh, I'm so dumb and missed my chance. Bummer." I was way more melancholic about it compared to if I ever had the opportunity in real life. As if I knew it was a dream and not get too worked up about it.

My dreams are a lot more convoluted and trippy but that is the gist of the Magi related portion of the dream. The rest is irrelevant for this. Don't remember too much of it anyway.

That's all I have. This turned out long and I may trim it up. I feel better after typing it. That is what matters.

Fuck porn bots and may this small fandom prosper without them.

[cherry1sblog]

My collage roommate

YJW!!

Summary:u entered collage everything was going amazing u had your bsf with u but there was one problem ur collage roommate… (also there is a plot twist about heeseung and jungwon there not as close as u think)

Warnings:cursing kissing (WILL EVENTUALLY BE A SMUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME -also tell me if I missed any this

It was your first day at dark blood university and it was going pretty well even if u weren’t going to share a dorm with your bff it just gave you another opportunity to make a new friend…or so u thought

\\TIME SKIP//

Your in-front of your new dorm from the lay out u were sent it didn’t seem small so u were happy there was a lot of space as you take your keys and jiggle it in the nob the door opens and it a guy he’s tall handsome and has broad shoulders “oh hey i think u have the wrong dorm “ u look at him confused “what do u mean this is dorm 38 right “he looks at u also confused “well yeah but your a girl and girls and guys don’t share dorms so maybe your mistaken”ur really confused now u thought that your roommate was a girl so u call the front desk

A little later

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS MY DORM”

“Yes miss u are supposed to be in that dorm there’s none left so he will be your knee dorm mate “

“WA-“

Line disconnects

“STUPID BITCH UGH”

……

The boy has wide eyes and is still in the same position “Welp i Gusse were roomies I’m jang y/n “u put your hand out he looks at it and u look at him confused until he also grabs his hand out “Yang jungwon”

Now u were eating for him to move but he’s just staring

“Hey uh can u move ur in the way” “oh shit my bad do u uh want help ”

“Sure…

\\LATER THAT NIGHT//

You finally finished unpacking and jungwon seemed to have left awhile ago witch left u some time to explore the dorm

**RING RING**

“Hello” “Y/N” “oh soyeon u will not bel-*

“YOUR ROOMMATES WITH YANG JUNGWON “

Confused u just say yeah

“OMFG ITS ALL OVER SCHOOL ALREADY PEOPLE ARE EVEN TALKING ABOUT HOW HIS ROOMMATE IS A GIRK PEOPLE THINK U PAYED YOUR WAY TO SHARE A DORM WITH HIM “

“WHAT TF SRE U TALKING ABOUT IDEK HIM”

Silence on the other end confused u turn up your volume maybe something happened and but oh how u wish u would have not turned it up

“YOUR TELL ME YOU DONT KNOW WHO TF YANG JUNGWON IS GURL YOU ARE LITERALLY THE DUMBEST GURL EVER “

“How am I going to know him WHEN U JUST KEEP FUCKING YELLING ABT HIM “

Your very confused on why this is such a big deal and why people would even be talking about this you had no idea who jungwon even was and confused as to why your friend even cares so much

“Ohhh rightt haha “

“Girl bye “

You hung up annoyed with your friend u we’re getting hungry so u decided to go out to get something from the convince store your putting on your shoes and just then jungwon comes through the door u look at him and he was covered in rain u didn’t know it was raining

“Oh jungwon your wet “

He just looks down at u and walks past u bumping your shoulder leaving u confused as to why he was being mean now well he wasn’t exactly nice either in the beginning

\\FIRST DAY//

you were walking to your first class already not believing your in college now your morning started good jungwon wasn’t there so u didn’t have to worry about being to loud but u haven’t seen soyeon so u walked alone all the way to your first class and just sat in a random spot until a boy who was super tall and was wearing glasses although they didn’t have a lens

“Excuse me “

“Yes?”

“Your in my spot “

U look around and u didn’t know that there was assigned seats everyone seemed to pick there own

“OMG”

“IM SO SORRY I RRALLY DIDNT KNOW”

“It’s m-“

He starts laughing and his glasses start to fall so he takes them off u were confused why he was laughing

“I’m just kidding u looked new so i just thought messing with u would be fun”

“Oh”

U didn’t know if u were mad or not I mean it was just a joke and it’s your first day but then he says something

“Oh also this is a class for people in there 2nd and 3rd year ?”

“Oh I passed all my classes about this even the first one in high school so I get to take the 2nd one instead of the first one “

He looks at u and shock u giggle a little

“Well I’m heeseung Lee heeseung “

“Y/n jang y/n” u shook his hand and u guys sat down as the lesson began

\\AFTER CLASS//

“So y/n what are u gonna do now”

“Mmm I wanted to go get food hbu”

“Same I’ll show u the way”

U followed him

U got into the cafeteria and heeseung went to go sit at a table with 6 other boys u didn’t know what to do so u just stood

“Y/n don’t be scared they won’t bite “

U kinda giggle and sat down until u looked up and saw jungwon

“Wait your names y/n”

A boy who seemed to have an accent asked u

“Oh yeah why?”

“So your the girl who jungwon is stuck with”

Another boy said he was very handsome I mean they all were

U look up to see jungwon glaring at the boy

“YAH”

“Okay calm down let’s not get into a fight okay”

Heeseung said

“I’ll introduce u to them “

“The one with the accent is Jake he’s super smart in physics witch he’s way to upsesed with “

U snort

“Hey physics is a great subject “

Jake seemed sassy and super defensive about physics witch u found funny

“Then the one with the silver hair is sunghoon he has a lot of fan girls but is super awkward “

“Your just mad y don’t get bitches like I do “

“Dw SUNGHOON I get my fair share”

U analyze sunghoon longer noticing the beautiful moles on his face the way his hair was nicely styled he seemed very put together

“Anyway then there’s the giant baby Niki he’s really umm how should I put it-

“I’m obviously so amazing kind handsome beauti-

“Anyway then there’s sunoo and jay if u need any advice I would suggest sunoo and if u wanna rip your ears out from dad jokes I’d ask jay”

“Hey my dad jokes are funny”

“No there not not at all so just shhh “

The red haired boy sunoo said he seemed very bubbly and kind it made u want to smile all the time he was like a big ray of sunshine and u loved it

“And obviously you know jungwon “

Jungwon didn’t even bother to look at u not even for a second and just as u we’re about to ask jungwon soemthing he got up from his chair leaving u in dismay

“Do u and jungwon have an issue or something “

Jake has asked u u looked at him confused

“No why do u ask”

He looked over at the boys making u confused

“Well uh it’s nothing really I mean he just left the table and he’s been talking about being annoyed with having to share a dorm with you”

U felt a little hurt even tho u didn’t know the boy he already had so much hatred for u when it was something u couldn’t even control

“Y/N!!!”

U heard a familiar voice so u turned around it was soyeon you ran up to her and gave her a hug

“How’s your first day of collage so far”

“Uh it’s good this is my new friend heeseung and his freinds “

She smile and then pulls u aside

“Y/n u do realize that people have been looking at u and your hanging out with the 6 most popular boys “

“Huh wha-“

“Wait these are just six WHERES jungwon “

“Idk he left like 5 min ago “

She looked at you weird but I guys just went to sit down and had the rest of your lunches and went to your other periods during the time u sat with them u figured out u shared 3 periods with jungwon witch made u want to kys but that was okay cause heeseung was in all your periods and some of the other boys

//TIME SKIP TO THE DORM\\

U finished lots of chores in the dorm doing u and Jungwons laundry mostly his cleans the kitchen so u went to go shower and when you had just gotten out of the shower u had just some shorts and an over sized t-shirt u went to the living room to go watch on the tv and while u were sitting there jungwon came out

“Hi jungwon”

U said he looked at u but didn’t say anything feeling embarrassed u got up and wanted to leave to your room

“Wait-“

U turned around

“I’m uh gonna order pizza do u want some”

Even tho he’s been an ass this was free food and EVERYONE LOVES FREE FOOD so u agreed

//time skip to lovely free food\\

The pizza got there jungwon had also bought some sodas to witch u were greatful for not sure wether to speak or not but just as u we’re about to he spoke

“Hey thanks for doing my laundry u didn’t have to”

“Don’t sweat it we’re roomies we should make the most of it right”

“Yeah ig “

He smiled a little u haven’t seen him smile once scince you’ve been his dorm mate but u still wanted to ask him a question

“Hey jungwon “

“Yeah”

“Did I um do something wrong “

“No why “

“Then why do you seem to hate me “

“Who Said I hated u “

“No one it’s just your so cold to me all the time do idk I was just wondering “

He looked down at his hands and then he looked at u

“I don’t hate u I’m just not good with conversations sometimes and I mean I was pissed that I had a girl as a roommate but u don’t seem to bad now “

U smiled at him and punched his arm playfull and he hissed

“Yah why’d you do that”

“Well u were being kinda a jerk so I think u deserve it kinda “

“Fair”

//skip to afternoon\\

U went out by yourself to go shopping and to go see this cafe you’ve been wanting to go to near campus it’s a really cute place you could take pictures at so u went u were ordering your drink and as u went to sit down u saw someone familiar out side threw the glass it was jungwon and a girl they both seemed mad but jungwon seemed more angry he was about to say something but then he looked threw the coffee shop and saw u u quickly go up to go see if your order was done u didn’t go sit back I. The same area u moved obviously but just then u heard someone come in thrue the door it was jungwon won you quickly put your head down but u heard footsteps come near u

A knock on the table made u look up you saw jungwon infront of u and u giggled nervously

“So u saw what happened “

“Whattt I didn’t see anything matter afact I actually don’t even have on my glasses so I ca-

“Don’t be dumb I know u did “

U put your head down worried u would be yelled at

“I’m sorry I wasn’t sure what was going on I couldn’t help but look”

“It’s fine”

“Do u mind if I ask who she was”

He looked away and his jaw was flexed u thought it was a bad idea to ask so u felt bad for asking

“Uh she was my ex “

“Oh”

He just nodded

U felt bad that he was arguing with his ex but if they were exes u were wondering why they were even talking and met up

“Hey jungwon “

He just bumped his head up

“I know we’re not freinds but if u are exes why’d u meet up”

“Wow we’re not freinds”

U started at him in confusion at the same time as being flustered

“I-I don’t know I just assumed yk”

“Assumed what “

“That we weren’t entirely freinds yet “

He just sucked his lip and nodded u felt bad that u made him probly feel bad

“If u want I can buy u something after this I was gonna start getting ready to go to a party idk he u know who’s throwing it “

“Yeah sure but the guy who’s throwing it is my freind u do know that “

“Oh really ur freinds with sunoo!”

“Mhm me jake Sunghoon sunoo jay heeseung and Niki have been freinds scince middle school “

“Ah I didn’t know that but your all diffrent ages “

“Yes but not by a lot”

“Also do u mid if I ask u somthing y/n”

“Sure what is it”

“U and heeseung are u guys like a thing”

U laughed at his question and he just looks confused and concerdthat u were laughing at that u stoped laughing cause u noticed him not talking

“No why would be were just freinds but he’s super nice why do u ask”

“Oh nothing just cause heeseung dosent Like to talk to many girls “

U were a bit taken back by the comment cause if heeseung didn’t talk to many girl than why would he be talking to u…

//SKIP TO PARTY\\

U and jungwon went separate u went with soyeon and he left a little more early to help sunoo set up cause just from knowing him for 3 days he’s the most extra person so u just know his party was gonna be amazing and u weren’t wrong as soon as u were outside there sorority house there was loud music party streamers outside and walking threw the door was another thing but everything In there was absolutely amazing

“YAH JANG y/n “

“Soyeon the next time U FUCKING YELL AT ME IM GOING TO SEW YOUR MOUTH SHUT TALK LIKE A NORMAL FUCKING PERSON “

“Sorry it’s just jungwon hasn’t stoped looking at u scince u got here “

U look where she’s looking but as soon as u do jungwon is Look somewhere eles

“Choi soyeon the next time u say something dumb like that I’ll kill u now lemme go find the drinks and u go dance”

U wanderd a little bit admiring the decorations sunoo and everyone eles had put up you accidentally bumped into someone’s chest

“Oh sorry”

It was heeseung

“No need to be sorry sunoos decos are killer huh “

“Yeah there superrrr amazing”

“Anyway what are u doing”

“I’m trying to look for the drinks do u know where they are “

“Oh yeah follow me “

U follow heeseung into the kitchen where jake is and a couple of other people who are grabbing drinks and then leaving to go do something eles

“Ayooo y/n your here”

“Hey Jake what do u have to drink “

“Well I could go into detail about everything or I can just give u a beer “

“I’ll just take a beer “

“Perfect “

\\1HOUR LATER\\

U definitely had one to many drinks but we’re still okay heeseung was right by you but u went outside on the balcony for some fresh air heeseung followed to make sure u were okay being very aware at the fact your drunk u walked upstairs to the balcony and we’re just admiring the view until u noticed heeseung looking at you

“Hey y/n”

“Yeah”

“Can I kiss you”

“What”

U were very much confused as to why he would want to kiss u u scant lie tho heeseung is really handsome and all those drinks making him look even more desirable u kiss him and that tunes into a make out sesh until

“What the fuck “

U see Seoyeon and jungwon standing there but jungwon just grabs your wrist and takes u out side

“Ow jungwon”

He dosent Listen and your half way to his car

“Jungwon it hurts let go jungwon plea-

Someone grabs your other hand and u Gusse sit it was heeseung jungwon turns around looking mad

“Yo whyd u pull her Away “

“Cause didn’t I tell u to fucking stay away from her she’s not one of your toys “

“I Never Said she was now let’s just go back to the party “

They had both your wrist and it was hurting

“No we’re going home “

“ I think y/n can speak for herself “

Jungwon just glared at him

“Can u guys let go your hurting me”

They both let go and jungwon says something

“Yes she can speak for herself but not in this situation and when I told u all to stay away from her I fucking mean it especially u “

“And what if I don’t won mh what are you gonna do your still fucked up from yuji so how can u do anything with her”

“U ass u know maybe this is why people say your a jerk u can be nice but fucking stupid no wonder why all those girls you fucked never are around cause u push them away now stay the fuck away from y/n and we won’t have problems”

“We were just having fun anyway it wasn’t serious “

“Yeah it never is with u “

“You know what jungwon don’t be a pussy and just fuck her cause that’s what u want so bad right “

U didn’t know what to say everything about there conversation was confusing normally I knew what to come up with but here I didn’t u just wanted to melt away in a hole and never come out

Jungwon just grabed u and started to walked away until

“Yeah that’s right just walk away that’s why yuji never wanted to be with just walk away from all your problems that’s probly why she wouldn’t even have sex with u!”

He stoped and let go of your hand and the next thing u know he’s punching heeseung

“OMG JUNGWON”

…..

THERE WILL BE A PART TWO THIS WILL EVENTUALLY BE A SMUT BUT I THOUGHT I SHOULD LET U GUYS HAVE SOME PART AND NOT WAIT HELLA LONG

[valsnonsense]

Prince Thorn

"Sup man! Come round here often?"

Parents: Delta Dawn and Queen Barb

Siblings: Thrash Jr. (Elder Brother), Honeysuckle (Elder Half-Sister)

Age: 20

Pronouns: He/Him

Sexuality: Bisexual

Genre: Rock/Pop

Voice Claim: Adam Levine (Maroon 5)

The youngest of Delta Dawn and Barb. Loud, wild, with a drive for adrenaline, Thorn is like you took Barb's wild nature and dialed it up by a thousand.

Thorn works a professional skater/model. He's always loved performing crazy stunts for large crowds, pushing the limits of what he can do. On the side, he models for designer fashion brands, for that street cred ya know?

Despite his wild and general cocky attitude, Thorn does care greatly for his friends and family. He's always inviting them to his shows, wanting to show them his new tricks and stunts. And since he makes so much money through it, he tends to shower his friends with gifts (excessively).

In his spare time, he can be found woodworking. He loves making his own boards and making them for others. As a result, he's taken up carpentry as a hobby. He hosts workshops on occasion to teach others.

Thorn is primarily a rock troll, but does enjoy pop a good bit as well. Whenever he's at his workshop or practicing, music is blasting full volume nearby.

Thorn currently resides in Tumbleshred with his parents.

Fun Facts!

- Thorn has a loud rock scream. Like, ABSURDLY loud. As a baby, he could be heard clear across town whenever he cried. Safe to say his moms didn't sleep properly for years

- Does a lot of parkour. As a kid, he'd be found scaling the sides of buildings, wedged between windows. Trolls often dare him to climb random objects to see if he can.

- Missies his siblings a lot since they moved out. He'll deny it, saying that missing his big brother and sister would "ruin his image", but whenever they come to visit hes the first to hug them

And that's Thorn! Now you're probably wondering what Tumbleshred is, don't worry I made it up ndbdjdd. I'll go into more detail in the family portrait, but it's basically a Country/Rock City founded by Barb and Delta when they married.

I love this little shit. Why is he a skater? Cuz I was listening to "Skater Boy" when I was designing him xD

Family portrait tomorrow!!

Voice Example: She Will Be Loved (Maroon 5)

[canonicallysoulmates]

J2 Gold Panel Dallascon 2023

The boys today are in full swing, they're joking around making each other laugh, they're a little flirty, they are just in such a good mood and you can tell from the moment they get on the stage.

Jared does a little kick which is so cute and after Jared asks Jensen if it feels like they're twice as high as they usually are Jensen jokes that yeah but he did have some edibles that morning, and then he turns towards the big screen they have behind them that has a big banner with two pictures of them and he asks what's up with Jared's photo because he looks high....and Jared replies that what happened was that the picture got cropped so you don't see Jensen's left hand...I have no words.

And then there's Jared trying to recreate his stare in the photo and Jensen's left hand- just click on the link and watch: 😂

The first question is not a question it’s a fan thanking them, the show has a very special meaning to them because it's something that they watched with their grandad; Jared says that hearing stories from people about how the show helped them connect with their loved ones is one of the things that kept them going for so many years and when they were missing their families. x

The actual first question comes from an English teacher who sometimes uses SPN episodes in her drama units, like she used French Mistake to teach about breaking the fourth wall, and wants to know if they have episode recommendations that she could use for lessons. Jared recommends showing the movie Groundhog Day, and the ep Mystery Spot. The reason he brings up Groundhog Day is because he watched it this past week with their kids while they were all home because of icepocalypse. !!!!!!!!! Y'all already know I listened to this part multiple times, at different speeds, at different volume levels. This man said: "I just watched this movie last week with our kids when we were all home cause of icepocalypse". To me it sounds like Jensen and his three kiddos spend the ice storm with Jared and the other three kids.

But as I always say, don't take my word for it, here's the timestamp. Listen for yourself and form your own opinion.

Getting back to the answer Jensen asks him what the lesson would be for Mystery Spot and Jared replies the lesson is probably: you get another chance tomorrow, and try to make everyday count cause you never know when it’s your last or when you get to do it again the next day.

Jensen says that for a lesson in overcoming your fears, Yellow Fever. x

What’s their favorite quote? Jared jokes "leave the gun, take the cannoli." That's a line from the Godfather film. His real answer is: "pain is mandatory suffering is optional". And for Jensen one he likes a lot is: "taking care of yourself takes care of more than yourself."

Then Jared brings up another movie quote, "dude you got a fucking dart in your neck" which is from the movie Old School. This man spend the time he was stuck in the house watching old movies, I can tell. He also says people don’t have feelings, feelings have people. Which Jensen is confused by and doesn’t think it makes sense, but Jared explains that what he gathers from it is feelings are not pathological you can be angry or jealous but that's not who you are. x

When are Sam and Dean going to come back down to Earth? Jensen jokingly says season 16. Then says seriously, that that’s hopefully something that gets addressed when they get the call asking if they want to put their boots back on. x

What was their favorite kill? Some in the crowd call out Ruby, and Jensen laughs saying that technically he killed her, and Jared smiles and says to the crowd "are you reading my mind?"

Jensen's answer is Chuck. It wasnt some random monster of the week kind of thing it was somebody they had many years of work together and a friendship so whenever they get to work with people they have a great history and relationship with it makes it a little bit elevated, but he’ll take a good vampire nest killing everyday.

Jared says he didn't like killing this character but as a storyteller he's going to go with Rowena because it was so difficult. Says Ruthie is the most wonderful person on the planet, and she was fantastic as Rowena but that dynamic between her and Sam- it was so tragic to him to think of Sam having to kill her, it was so difficult he remembers the day vividly, it was truly emotional. He mentions that when the character of Bobby died they talked to the producers and the writers, and they said they didn't like it either but it’s great television and the boys were like fair enough so that was kind of an initial lesson; and when the Rowena and Sam storyline came to its conclusion that was really powerful for him. x

The next fan wants to know something cool about the boys that you wouldn't be able to find online. Jared says he’s done a questionnaire a few times, and guessing about Jensen, and it's turned out they're both introverts. They'd much rather stay home than go to a red carpet; extroverts feel energized being in front of the cameras but they much rather chill. x

Next fan has two questions, the first is that they want to know if the mic stand that Jared has is the one that Jensen threw down at the SNS concert the previous night because Jared keeps adjusting it. Jensen says he doesn’t know what she’s talking about, then he asks if he really did break a stand last night, the crowd replies yes and he goes 'listen, when i come on stage and there's music I black out'. And he, once again, asks if he really did break that stand, crowd continues to say yes, he says 'well, shouldn’t have been there'. 😆

The second question is, did Jensen think about how much his recognition would grow after appearing on The Boys? He answers that he doesn’t think he and Jared go into any of these jobs, roles,or stories thinking about the impact it'll have externally. They get hired to do a job and they take it seriously, even thought it might not look like it all the time, but they have a lot of fun doing the job because they truly enjoy doing what they do that being said they're not thinking about doing things because they want the effect it's going to have on a greater scale. They're just doing their job and hopefully it resonates to people and someone out there is entertained, and if that's the case they have done their job.

Jared mentions that 5 or 6 years ago the powerball prize was like 2 billion dollars, and they bought like 20 bucks of tickets. The draw was on Saturday, on Friday they’re on set filming, it's 4am, they’re tired, they’re miserable, they're flying soon and they look at each other and ask "if you win tomorrow are you coming into work on Monday?" And the answer for both of them was yes. If somebody went up to them and said they were filming a movie for the next month and it was going to be long hours but it would make a billion dollars in the box office, or long hours but they were never going to release it, it would make no difference they would still do everyday just as hard. He just does the hardest work he can and it's therapeutic for him as well to explore different lives and lifestyles and relationships so wether you tell him it’s an independent film that will never get released or Avatar he will work just as hard. And so will Jensen. x

Last question! The fan tells Jensen that he owes her sister 24 beers because last year she asked him to go out for her birthday beer and this fan had said that because she was turning 24 it should be 24 beers, and he had said she (fan asking the question) could go with them but she wasn't 21 at the time but she just turned 21 so now she can go and that would be 21 beers. I'm mentioning all this for only two reasons cause it has nothing to do with her question, reason number 1 is that when the fan tells Jensen about him owing her sister a beer, Jared grabs Jensen's coffee out of his hand and acts like he's going to give it to her and Jensen has no reaction, he just lets him take it and waits for him to put it back in his hand, like Jared taking his coffee is the most normal thing in the world. Which it probably is because they 100% do seem like the type of couple that shares coffee.

The second reason is that when the fan mentions that he owes her 21 beers on top of her sisters 24, Jared says that's 45 beers and Jensen stops, looks at him and goes "you do math fast!" all impressed. It's quite cute cause Jensen's all 😍 and you can tell Jared's proud of himself.

Anyways the last question is, what is their version of self care? Jared says that he’s been watching Limitless with Chris Hemsworth on Clif’s recommendation that it’s really meaningful, and fun, and interesting and a lot of the stuff that's talked about on the show really resonates with him. He is very similar, he has a though time winding down, and goes back to monkey brain, which is apparently what a doctor said, that's where one panics about stuff and is always worried so certain breathing excercises have helped. Also, the endurance training they did when they ran the marathon in Seattle kinda helped cause you put your shoes on, your music, your watch to check your heartrate and then you're on the road for an hour or hour and a half so you have to put everything else away, and he blames Jensen for turning him to this cause this was the training they did together. So find somewhere you can get past that really uncomfortable point of thinking you have to be doing something. Box breathing also seems to help him cause he sweats a lot, and he's anxious and nervous.

Jensen likes playing music, he’ll just sit down with a guitar and a lot of whiskey. x

J2 Gold Panel Dallascon

[queerfables]

911 season 4 liveblog part 4x07 through to the end

4x07

Ok I'm obsessed with this "mother plague" band I want to go to all their shows and maybe hook up with them

Oh boy Buck is not having a good date. Come on lady, be nice. It's not like Buck held you at gunpoint to get you to the table. If you're having a bad time just go home.

Ok seriously you cannot order dessert on a date where you're clearly having a bad time and then continue to be bitchy to the person you're there with. Just go home!

LMFAO THEY'RE NEIGHBOURS

Hen saying "Have either of you ever seen me in a dress?" and the random guy chiming in with "I think you'd look lovely in a dress" lmfao not the correct response my dude

Buck and Eddie facing off against a turkey together amazing

I'm enjoying Michael's Rear Window arc

Crying with laughter. I love that when Athena asks Bobby to check on Michael he immediately gets sucked into Michael's nonsense

Bobby is TERRIBLE at undercover operating

"Michael did help me break into a bank vault once" I really love their team ups

Oh my god Michael just snuck into the guy's house??

Holy fuck is he stealing organs??

Oh this is a nice scene with Hen and her mum

LMFAO LMFAO Buck's bad date is dating Albert now that's hilarious

4x08

Crying with laughter over the bitingly false cheer in this flight attendant's voice as she says "you betcha". Poor friend she's having a terrible time.

Why is everyone acting like she specifically is antagonising them on purpose

Honestly her breakdown is totally warranted everyone on that plane was terrible. No jury would convict her.

Oh the cork embedded in the guy's neck had me gasp out loud at the screen love when this show gets me like that

Aw Buck babysitting Christopher makes me :pleading-eyes:

Buck is such a family guy ugh it's soft. it's been super obvious ever since he met Christopher that he is someone who needs to be around kids and one day have his own (and that he adores Christopher in particular ofc). He and Eddie are so alike. This isn't the only way but it's definitely one that stands out to me, because of course Eddie just completely lights up around his kid.

Man, I rode out the worst of the pandemic in one of the most isolated cities in the world (by total coincidence, we had moved there the year before it hit) so we weren't hit too hard by it. But this season is really driving home how lucky I got.

Omg Taylor and Buck gossiping about Buck's love life is really funny. Maybe they'll hook up again but I would love if she just hung around as his bitchy ex who gets drunk with him and dunks on all his life choices

Chanting for the guy to jump? Classy.

"I've met the people you work with. Your life is nothing but meaningful relationships." Only Taylor could make that sound like an insult. I love her.

Oh Eddie. I know that conversation didn't go the way you hoped but the fact that your kid is able to say the words "I'm mad at you" and walk off to get some space speaks volumes about what an excellent parent you are. It's gonna be ok.

Okay when Taylor knocked on the door I thought she only showed up so she could watch the train wreck but actually she had no idea what she was walking into and in revenge she intends to BE the train wreck? That's hilarious.

oh no Taylor you're showing human emotions and vulnerability stop that immediately before I fall in love with you

Oh my god I'm gonna cry, Eddie panicking over Christopher going missing, answering the call from Buck in a total freak out, but it's all OK and Buck is calling because when Christopher is feeling upset and alone and mad at his dad, the person he trusts to go to is Buck? Gosh that's a lot T_T

Feeling very 🥺 about Taylor & Buck friendship

Oh no, Hen and Karen, that is super rough news. I'm sorry, that aspect of fostering must be so rough.

4x09

Omg this is so familiar. My family had pretty much the same experience when our little one was born. "Today's the day" I'm sorry Maddie, today is not the day.

Oh my god I hate seeing kids in distress this car driving the wrong way down the highway is tough

Oh jeeze this accident is pushing everyone's buttons

Chimney and Maddie are so cute

Oh no Albert!!

He better not die I'll be big mad

Then again if he's anything like his brother he'll be fine

Their music choice is not filling me with confidence

Oh thank God

Oh that is a beautiful baby

Oh Hen. "Nia's damn near crying her eyes out and you act like it happens every day" in fairness, she's a toddler, it probably does happen every day. Put yourself in her mother's shoes for a moment. You experienced first hand the fear of losing your kid, this mother actually experienced it. You don't know what she went through that she had her kid taken and you don't know what she's done to get back to a place where she can look after her again.

"You are nothing like that woman" "I am exactly like that woman" Yeah, he is, and as terrible as the accident she caused is, she's still a person just like Bobby is.

Wow this show really can do Themes when it wants to

4x10

Oh, ouch. I know I was tough on Hen for being angry and trying to fight their foster kid leaving, but I also have a lot of empathy. This sucks, and I'm really sad for their son too.

Oh oof I'm crying

This is too sad

Oh now I'm sad about Hen being happy for Chimney even though she's going through something so painful

Oh that baby is soooo tiny

Ugh I love Ann

Oh no Chimney you put your foot in it a bit there

Athena you really need to learn to react to your kids doing things you don't like with a little more chill

Especially if you want them to tell you things and take your advice and such

This is such an emotional episode

Ugh Chimney calling Ann "Grandma"

Oh no Denny is suuuuch a good kid T_T

A big part of the reason I think this show is aimed at people in a slightly older demographic is that every time they do an episode about kids and parenthood it just completely turns on the waterworks for me lol. and I don't think it would have affected me this way before I was a parent but now that I am, it's just really clear that the people making this show know what they're talking about.

4x11

Aw Athena you're learning! That was a great response to May asking for more independence

Josh backstory! I'm so happy

And Sue backstory too!!

This scene between Hen and Athena about their kids and the missing girl and May wanting to move out is a really lovely scene, I have missed Hen and Athena's interactions.

Also it passes both the Bechdel test and several related tests about race, and I appreciate that that isn't even particularly noteworthy for the show. The only reason I thought about it was because I was trying to figure out how to describe the scene and when I laid it out like "the one where Hen and Athena talk about May" it made me smile

Another thing I like about this show is that it's one of the only shows filmed during the pandemic where full scenes are conducted with masks being worn. Other shows I've seen during that time usually gestured to the use of masks but had the characters take them off as soon as they started talking.

Lmfao love Athena showing up like "don't even think about it Buck"

Aaaah Josh just saved their lives!! Listen I don't find this scenario completely plausible but it's so cool it doesn't matter. Heck yeah I'll suspend my disbelief for this.

I really love Josh. He reminds me of a very old friend of mine whose name was actually also Josh

4x12

Message in a bottle is a fun premise

Lmfao Buck is so sad about missing out on the helicopter

Is ok Buck, my kid loves helicopters too

LOL at this guy whose foot is three times the size it should be being like "no no I can tough it out"

Are Taylor and Buck gonna go looking for this treasure together? Amazing

I love the dispatch betting pool

OMG EDDIE WANTS TO TEAM UP TOO THAT'S SO CUTE

I love Taylor so much (though I stand by my initial impression that she is a terrible person) I'm keen for some Buck/Eddie/Taylor screentime

Omg now a Hen and Chimney team up too? I'm so into this

Oh we are so getting a Bobby and Athena team up too

Come on Athena have some fun

Otherwise he's gonna go team up with Michael and you'll have to arrest them both

LMFAO HE WAS NEVER ACTUALLY DEAD THAT'S GREAT

This guy is an ass it's hilarious

Heeee everyone showing up at the same place to find the treasure, delightful

HEN'S EXPLANATION FOR HOW THEY FOUND IT IS THE BEST ONE

"My wife wrote an algorithm that detects changes in satellite images"

Big "what like it's hard" energy

"What, the unnamed cameraman gets a cut?"

"I'm glad we're friends" honestly I wish Taylor and Buck really could be friends because again I think that would be a great dynamic for them

That said I do actually enjoy their relationship as a romance too

4x13

Alright, Suspicion and then Survivors, you're up! I've been informed these are good Buddie-sodes so I'm keen!

Omg they're spoofing that bride who tried to subject her guests to lie detector tests heh

Oh I am SO charmed by the fact that Bobby and Michael usually team up for family game night. Their friendship is everything to me.

Don't be douchey about allergen free food. "What's it made of, air?" If I had a gluten free cookie for every time I heard that 🙄

CARLA!! Christopher's reaction is mine

Eddie stop flirting with the lady falling through the balcony

(Tbh this supports my low-key gay!Eddie agenda. He's jumping from one woman to the next and his primary criteria seems to be whether or not they'd be a good parent to Christopher. Of course that will feature in his calculations but idk. Carla asking him to think about what he wants too was important)

This kid moves around a lot, always going to different doctors, oh jeeze this is a Munchausen by proxy case isn't it?

Either that or they're fleeing abuse or something because otherwise the first thing you want for a chronically sick kid is continuity of care

Oh Maddie is really struggling huh

I bet Bobby is someone's sponsor! I wonder why he's lying about it though

Oh no Maddie, Chimney isn't talking about you, you are a good parent you're just sick and need support

Ah, that's why he's lying about it

Holy fuck, Bobby, that is a huge wrecking ball of a statement to make.

"Who says this marriage is working" do not pull that shit without thinking it through in the middle of a fight because that is the kind of thing that's hard to take back

Oh holy SHIT

No listen I've seen a million gifs of that moment it's the first thing that put this ship on my radar I've been waiting for it forever

I did NOT expect it to manage to blindside me so completely even so!!!

Holy fuck

Ok what's next I am AMPED

4x14

Wow how have I not seen gifs of Buck dragging him to safety

Eddie's glazed "Are you hurt?" looking at his own blood all over Buck

THAT is what I'm talking about

"Are you ok, Buckley?"

Not even a little bit

Oh my god he even said it

That dead eyed "No."

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah

Woah, was Eddie the target? I guessed that maybe it was a terrorism thing. Targeting emergency workers seems like a great way to inspire panic

"No comment" ok I'm obsessed with the fact that this is Buck's first instinct when confronted with Taylor under these circumstances. I'm really glad that's not why she's there but I love that he thought it could be. Ah, my cut-throat girlfriend 🥰

"You can't go see his son looking like this" I'm really glad that Taylor is there to tell Buck sensible things like that

Oh it absolutely was targeting firefighters

Aw I'm happy Albert is doing better

Oof this is a ROUGH conversation to have with Christopher. Buck is doing a great job but I wonder if he should really have been the one to do it, only because he's so shaken up himself.

Oh no now he's crying T________T

Jesus he must have thought Eddie was dead

Oh the show is doing Themes again

"As scared as we are, it's going to be worse for the people who love us. They're the ones who have to watch us go to work and worry we might not come home."

"There's that thing people say, 'I don't know what I'd do without you' because losing someone you love is such an alien concept you don't want to imagine what it's like"

"And I was sitting in that engine thinking I was listening to you dying and I didn't need to imagine anything"

Right after Buck was violently confronted with the prospect of losing Eddie

Oof

I'm happy Bobby and Athena are finally talking about this though. They really needed to.

The fact that Buck is staying with Christopher through this T_T

Lmfao fucking Buck of course he's already halfway up the crane

Buck's gonna Buck

Oh fuck that glint of light scared the shit out of me

Man this scene between Bobby and Buck about Buck's apparent death wish was really good

Aw that's a pretty cute Taylor/Buck moment

I gotta be honest I really kind of like them

Aaaaah Eddie's ok

"Still, I think it might have been better for Christopher if I was the one who got shot" Oh Buck you're really in it now

And Eddie's face when he said that

Oh no Bobby!!

Oh I love Chimney taking over the scene since Bobby is trapped inside and can't

Athena walking through fire to save her husband is pretty romantic <3

Oh they got to see Nia again T_T what a lovely coincidence

Oh it's The Scene!!

This is the other one I've been waiting for

Oh holy fuck

yeah

Everything about that was Extremely.

Obsessed with the fact that Eddie did not tell Buck about any of this

Why the hell would you make someone your kid's godparent and not SAY something that's truly unhinged

But Eddie saying no one would fight harder for Christopher than Buck T-T and Eddie saying Buck is not expendable!!!!!!

That is like. The thing that Buck wants to hear the most. And doesn't ever fully believe.

So that is a lot

FIREFIGHTER ALBERT oh I'm emotional

[skoulsons]

okay my very scrambled thoughts throughout the ep. SPOILERS <3

-

-

-

SARAH

alarm 😭

she’s making breakfast this is so cute

LOOK A TTHEM

I WAS GONNA MAKE YOU BIRTHDAY PANCAKES

his voice this is so cute

this is so Joel

HOW OLD ARE YOU AGAIN? THIRTY SIX

gonna have to wear diapers soon who says I don’t already I’m DONE

this is so domestic I can’t wait to be hurt in 25 minutes.

TOMMYYYYYYY

I’ll bring back a cake I promise :’)

His smile when she corrected them about Jakarta 🥹

did he slap his wrist to check the time. why.

he’s losing it 😭

wait what’s w the pocketknife did I miss something

Ooh combat veteran

Austin, TX Sep 26 🥹

IS SHE BUYING THR WATCH FOR HIM. YES

bro kicking her out?? if it’s dangerous I feel it’d be better to keep her in?? or maybe that’s me

MERCY?? such a cute little pup

CURTIS AND VIPER 2 YOU BITCH

mercys so cute

she’s infected isn’t she

there he is <3

where’s the cake :(

YOU GOT ME A PRESENT?

SWEAR. ON MY LIFE. oh if they repeat this at the end of the show.

his face when she hands him the box 😭

FUXED IT FOR YOU

IT LOOSKS SO SIMILAR

oh that’s almost word for word

HIS LAUGH

AW WORD FOR WORD FOR THE DRUGS LINE

his little smile

and you were never gonna do it for yourself :(

THANK YOU :(((

don’t tell me they snuggle DONT SNUGGLE

oh god

AND SHES LAYING ON HIS LAP STOPPPPPP

tommys in jail damn

idiot 😭

the carry </3

and the cover pull up man i miss being a little kid when my dad would do this

THE FOREHEAD KISS

no baby girl that’s upsetting

oh here we go

time is pretty accurate I think which is cool

holy balls those are close

“Dad?” :(

aw the little soccer ball and his guitar in the corner

WAIT I WANT TO GO BACK TO SARAHS ROOM i wonder if there’s Joel and sarah pics on her wall

mercy :(( DONT SHOW HIM DIE

no no he ran away cause the family’s dead. that has to be why. the lady’s infected and the dogs scared

SARAH GO BACK HOME

oh that’s a lot of blood

NOOO not the old man

oh she’s right there. SARAH RUN

“Baby I’m sorry” :(((

alright car scene

I wonder if we’ll see Louis’ farm

oh my gosh that shot is exactly the same in the game

boy that house is toasting

aw this is the family asking for a ride :/

oh those planes are going down they’re not just low

HERE WE GO

I’ve got you :((

not them be separated YOURE JOKING

JOELLL RUN A DIRECTION DONT STARE

this guys doing so good as a runner

oh no oh no

ITS OKAY BABY YOURE SAFE

not Sarah staring at him

fuck my volumes going down

no he knows her hopeless it’s so bad

I KNOW I KNOW BABY I KNOW THIS HURTS

CMON BABY GIRL CMON

it hasn’t even been 40 minutes

alright the jump

why does she remind me of the girl from TWD

2023 aye

aw this woman’s nice despite this girl being infected

JOELLL

oh no it’s the girl :(

WHY HAVE HIM THROW THE POOR GIRLS BODY IN THE FIRE. HUH. HUH ?

he looks beautiful im sorry

ooh ration cards I guess

he looks so :(

oh wow. PUBLIC EXECUTION? Does everyone HAVE to watch?

not drugs :( BABY BOY

Pedro seems to have the mannerisms down for Joel, I think

Tessss

oh Robert

WHAT ABOUT YOUR GUY 😭

oh is this like what they allude to at the beginning of the game. The “Robert fucking sent them” guys? Like the live actions take on it idk

ELLIEE

Veronica 😭

JOEL <3

yea joel doesn’t care about your line my guy

ooh so they’re for this guy?

OOH he’s listening for Tommy :(

BUT YOURE SURE TOMMYS OKAY? :(

are he and Ellie gonna meet this ep I’m curious

OFHEKFHR the music

wow they actually have a decent place. or maybe this is just his but the whole joeltess lovers thing I figure they live together

:(

the watch :(

he’s gonna have a nightmare isn’t he

YUP

there tess is :)

HIS REACTION TO HER FACE

roberts terrified of you!!

i just want to see joel smile

ayee marlene

I love that her outfit is exactly the same as the end of the game

Okay interesting so Marlene does have her locked in there for her bite. It’s interesting this woman calls her a “random girl”,, ig people don’t know Marlene knew Anna and was supposed to “take care of Ellie”, but Marlene being lead firefly ig she isn’t really doing a lot of parenting or making it obvious she knows Ellie

Ooh they’re leaving the QZ and were gonna take her themselves.

Radio tower guy is Tommy isn’t he

OH OHW AIT WAIT. I’m so dumb. joel said he hadn’t heard from Tommy in three weeks and it’s been three weeks since Ellie’s been bit SO Marlene contacted Tommy (probably didn’t tell him abt the bite) but tommys had to keep some silence/distance from joel for firefly sake?? I don’t know??

YOU TELL ME TO LOOK FOR THE LIGHT AND ILL BREAK YOUR JAW 😭 he said okay nevermind I’ll leave u be

Pedro even looks like he walks like Joel

how long has she been tied up for

AYE HER BAG

THE SHIVVVV

is it gonna happen :(

aw first time her names been said

kind of sick how she calls it home ngl.

Joel’s bag why am I so happy to see it

THE WET HAIR

Construction corner with Joel miller 😭

oh roberts dead. ynow I was kind of looking forward to Joel breaking his arm, but I like this take

I LAUGHED the way he threw Ellie into the wall 😭

he said no shiv for you

him pointing a gun at her is kind of funny to me knowing how they end up

“Not at her. Point it at me” no this feels like a future Joel line. or maybe it’s my brainrot.

you turn my own brother against me :(

IM NOT GOING WITH THEM SKDHDKDB

“To you? She’s cargo.” “We don’t smuggle people, sorry”

“what are they capable of?” oh you’ll find out

wait wait I want a north tunnel scene

ASSHOLE 😭😭

please remember that I’m bleeding out 💀

the shoulder shove 😭

mmm I feel the ep ends on them finding out she’s infected

OOOH bill and frank. Wait how did she figure that out

He’s so sick of her 😭

okay to this scene is very different from the game one but in a good way I think. They’re much more on each other’s nerves in this than in the game, it seems. That back and forth “what’re you doing?” “Killing time” is done very slowly in the game, and Ellie’s more confused than anything. But here, Ellie’s more agitated with him and raises her voice. And Joel responds really quick to her, as opposed to the game. I don’t know where I was going with this I’m very tired

“You mumble in your sleep” :(

“So we’re gonna be okay.” “Yeah” 🕳👩‍🦯

YOU SOME KIND OF BIG WIGS DAUGHTER? her little smile

He was about to give her a tongue lashing 😭

“You stay close and you follow my lead” “yeah yeah of course” and Joel’s reaction 😭 sorry babygirl be nicer to her

joel has “im too old for this” written all over his face

him stepping in front of her :’) flashbacks for him for sure YUPPPP HES SEEING IT NAUR

no it’s not even Sarah but it is at the same time he has to kill this guy. he’s getting revenge for Sarah

damn the finding out she’s infected was very short lived

Aaaand credits

[set-forth-a-dream]

Thanks @ko-konutty for showing interest! This one is just for you!

Here’s the Song bird baby! (Not sure on a name just yet.)

He’s got a combination of his father’s quirks fierce wings and voice. Like Hizashi his voice just so happen to be his quirk. Good thing both his papas have very good headphones to cushion their ear drums. (Though ‘Zashi’s ears may already be numb to the volumes that he reaches himself. Who knows!?) in any case pacifiers, regular feedings, and a sound proofed room helps any neighbors who may have to live around. He’s called a number of pet names from his dads like ‘little nugget.’ ‘Humming bird’ and of course ‘Song Bird’.

(Fun fact: I used ‘wheel of names’ and put in a list of both Keigo’s and Hizashi’s. Features to really randomly pick which of their genes shines through! Funny enough it worked out almost scientificly; as Hawks with the darker colors in hair and eyes took dominance over Hizashi’s bright yellow hair and green (or if manga red) eyes. SO, he has Feather Dad’s color hair and eyes! As well as the signature eye markings. However he got Hizashi’s mouth and smile as well as straight hair and eyebrows. He got very lucky taking on both their quirks! He looks like and can sound like an Angel. Or screaming demon, don’t get on his bad side.)

As he ages up past his toddler years and into being a kid he’s got a fun and funky personality. He LIVES for music. Just like DJ Dad. There isn’t a country he hasn’t listened to every genera! In which he started learning other languages through song. Keigo of course taught him how to fly. And now the best thing in the world is flying with a good song on! Also he loves to collect sew on patches and add them to his jacket. When that jacket fills up it’s time to start on a new one! Also he’s the coolest kid at school because both his daddies are pro heroes! He’s so proud of them.

(On a side note Keigo was externally nervous if not down right terrified to be a father. He even went as far as avoiding Hizashi for weeks if not a whole month. Oh Shouta was super pissed! As a good friend would be! But Hizashi talked it out with his love bird. Keigo just had no idea how to parent, afraid he might become his parents. Hizashi made sure to convince him everything will be fine.)

That being said as the kid got into his early teens and high school years he began to show some emotional change. (As teens do.) Just that spark of light seemed to dim down. Truth is, neither of his parents did much change to their schedule so as before they were always working. They have a family group chat where they keep each other informed, let him know he’ll be alone for dinner but there’s always food or money to buy something. As an only child, he just kind of misses being the center of their world and getting all the attention. They actually get into arguments for a while during this time in his life. More with Keigo than Hizashi. I think it’s because he wants his attention just a little more. He and ‘Zashi in a loud argument is dangerous should either of them get carried away and raise their voice. Though Hizashi has near perfect control, his son is still working on it.

He spends a lot of time with Uncle Sho. And no, he actually doesn’t want to be a hero. Neither of his dads are disappointed or angry about it. They fully support his decisions and interests. Though he isn’t getting 100% of their attention they do still love him and let him know that.

Now he’s in his early adult years, graduating from school! It seems he found his spark again. He’s decided to follow his passion in music. He started off with just a channel on YouTube making funny little mixes out of random sounds and meme songs. DJ dad has a whole in home studio so everything he needs is already there. Oh yeah, and he totally wears his dad’s merch! Because why wouldn’t you??? Sometimes they’ll collaborate on music together. With a range of vocal talent and playing multiple instruments he’s really a one man band!

Now I’m his late 20s or early 30s we see him sporting his ability to grow out his facial hair. Just like his dad’s beard and mustache and long hair. He quickly became an idol! Feather dad was his open door to the modeling world. So when he isn’t on stage wooing the audience with his voice: multilingual sweet nothings into the crowd while he serenades them on any and every instrument. He’s posing for the camera looking too hot to handle but too sweet to put down! He’s quite the punk and got piercings in his tongue, brow, and ears. But he doesn’t wear them all the time. It all depends on the mood and look yo! He speaks Japanese (of course) English, Italian, Korean, and Chinese (so far.) and yes he does still like to collect patches for his jackets. It’s an ongoing hobby, they end up selling for a lot; but his dads are keeping his little patch covered jackets.

And that’s all I have of him for now! Maybe some day I’ll color him! And name him.

[fucking-pastaaa]

I had too much fun making the previous post, so here are some other quotes!

"Good night" "Mom, it's 3 PM!" - My mom

"We only have one lesson left until the exams, so spend your time well. If you have any questions-" "Can we do a Kahoot?" - Me

"Grab those hips" "Miss, I'm too gay for that" - Me

"Lara, I really liked your art project" "Thanks miss" "DID SHE SEE YOUR TITS?!" - A friend

"I"m a ruined zoo" - Me

"Space! I love space!" *falls asleep* - Me

"You're 18 now, if you touch me that's RAPE" - Me (again)

"Having sex means a lot of things" "Lara, please, we're in the middle of the zoo where little kids run around" - Me

"No, i'm crying because otherwise I'LL CRY!" - Me

"I am a Pokemoncard" - Me

"I hit my toe three times today, what's next? The apocalypse?!" - Me

"Je suis un katapult" - My stepsister

"Oh my god! Freddy Fazbear is NOT a dilf!" - Me

"Does the penis have hair?" "We're in the middle of a math test? And you're a BOY? You should know this?!" - A classmate

"Miss, why is 'pussy' written on the board? "The other class was laughing because of the word 'pussy bow'" *the whole class laughs* - My Dutch teacher

"My volume is Irish" - Me

"Hello random stranger waving at me" - A friend

"Oh I love English!" *cries 5 minutes later* - Me

"You need to suck it until it's flat" - A friend

"In what city in Europe did the plague break out?" "China" "I think China has moved" - My history teacher

"Where in Europe is Belgium located?" "The South" "I want to quit my job" - My history teacher

yeah, I need to make more of these...

[thesummerstorms]

So I didn't start reading comics as a kid.

(lots of rambling beneath the cut, though having just finished after writing, maybe the take away is 'N52 was not actually inviting as someone trying to get into comics for the first time'.)

At one point in high school I had some Green Arrow/Black Canary back issues my former step dad bought me when we went into a comic book store at complete random (he bought my then 9 year old brother Simpsons comics and then we never went back) but I was broke teen with no job who did not live in that area and did not pursue much further.

I didn't consider picking up comics until I was in college, and then I mostly started with Marvel because it was early days of the MCU and I saw a lot of the movies with friends. Other than Winter Soldier, I wouldn't say most of them stuck with me or were the best movies ever, but it did get me interested.

The DC movies on the other hand did not get me interested. The DC live action movies mostly sucked.

DC got my money, however, due to my childhood obsession with Dinah, specifically, from Justice League/Justice League Unlimited. (And her relationship with Ollie, I guess, but I wasn't super interested in him without Dinah.) PLUS my preteen fascination with the 2003 Teen Titans.

(That one was harder to carry over because as fun as the 2003 series was the characters were very different lol. They do NOT go into "Robin" and "Starfire's" full traumatic back stories or more adult characteristics in the 2003 stuff.)

So I just looked to see what my first DC purchases on Amazon + Comixology even ended up being and...

I clearly made my first attempts pretty soon after New 52? There is a New52 Batgirl book in the list right above Birds of Prey.... And then nothing DC for literal years.

So much Marvel and Star Wars, even a few non Big 2 things. No DC except rentals for the animated movies and shows.

I bought one digital issue of Green Arrow/Black Canary in 2014, and then DCdoesn't show up on my Comixology account until 2016 with Wonder Woman Rebirth.

Even though that whole time from 2014 on I was still buying the main SW comic, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Wicked + Divine. I was buying anything I could with Black Widow (the Rucka book was a favorite, and I also read whatever the series was called with Bucky as Cap, dating Natasha. I kept that trade for a while, too.)

Apparently I didn't even pick up RHATO (which I mainly read bc a) sale and b) bulk purchase until then c) what the fuck is happening to Starfire morbid curiosity means I need to see it end) until 2018.

But you could not like at any point call me serious about the actual DC comics (again, I watched ALL the animation) until I apparently bought every single volume or issue of the 2016-2019 Green Arrow run (I cannot REMEMBER any of the plot, but I definitely READ all of it) , which finally lead somehow to the 2009 Batman and Robin run (which I bought and read all of in the span of a few days in 2020), then DCeased and Justice League Odyssey.

And now I'm actively trying to go back to some of the older stuff + looking for current publications to read. (I want to like Titans but it's very very hit and miss for me. I read one volume of TT's Nightwing and gave up.)

But like, I just feel like I could have very easily been an "easy" new fan for DC to grab since I had literally never heard of Marvel before the MCU but grew up with all the DC characters. My Uncle is STILL Superman's number one fan, my ex-uncle (? Aunt's ex husband) would throw any DC with Batman at us that he could when we were kids.

But I bounced SO HARD off on New 52 that they literally could not get me actually hooked until 2020, even though I started buying comic stuff in 2014.