#if the show said ‘greg and tom actually care so much about each other and are in love’ it would lose its potency for me and also wouldnt be | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mandareeboo · 4 years ago

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SU Music Rankings

Bc I can and I wanna start some Disk Horse rip. These are all in order of preference, with explanations, etc. It’s a long bitch. That said, I’m not counting little short jingles or small joke songs like Little Butler. This is the meat and potatoes of SU music- just under 30 songs. I might do the rest if people like my takes lol.

I scored it mostly on three bases- how dear it was to my heart, how much/often I relisten to it, and also what it means to the plot. That said, little fun songs don’t automatically go farther down than big, plot-heavy songs either! It’s a strange little balance.

Special Note: I don’t dislike any of this music! I love SU and that includes its bumps and glitches. I just pick favorite children lol.

1.) Change

Was there ever a more Steven moment than when he wiped the blood off his face and kissed it into sparkles? I think not.

If “Be Wherever You Are” is an ode to young Steven, then this is teen Steven’s. Talking about change, and how much and how little it can do. How he holds his arms up for Spinel to hug him, so trusting. How he seems able to just. Break into soft tears at will, and not to be manipulative- it’s just his kind nature. The warmth in his voice. Fuck yesssss.

2.) Change Your Mind

This song is only fifty five seconds and it’s EVERYTHING to me. It really felt like someone was speaking the words I’d always held deep inside of me, unsure of how to say. It feels like a goodbye to someone who never really loved me.

As much as I enjoyed Future, if this was the finale of SU, I would’ve been perfectly okay with that.

3.) Drift Away

This song gave me legitimate shivers the first time I heard it, and it still haunts me to this day. Spinel stayed, and waited, and all she got was a transmission thousands of years later. Fuck.

4.) Here We Are In The Future

THE MOVIE IS SU AS ITS BEST AND I WON’T BE SWAYED ON IT. Steven being a teen who loves his weird family but is growing just a bit sarcastic to their drama. The adorable love he and Connie share. His slow realization that he will always be working, always have things to do, is both somber and real. The Crystal Gems won’t be safe with one epic battle. They’ll be safe with years of hard work and love. HIS LITTLE HANDSHAKE WITH AMETHYST.

This is a helluva bop and a great way to summarize the main character’s backstories.

5.) Let’s Only Think About Love

Did ya’ll know that Zach Callison killed his throat with that last note? He gave his all for this performance in a vocal range he no longer comfortably do and by god did it SHINE. The FLAIR. The FORESHADOWING. All of the Gems all being awkward about Rose and Steven trying to bring them to the present. Peridot having a mini-existential crisis in a cute yellow dress. I love Zach Callison’s normal singing voice but man is that a fucking bop. Nothing will ever beat it.

6.) Here Comes A Thought

This bad boy helped me out a LOT with some mental issues I was dealing with in high school. I was unmedicated, unsupervised, and full of anxiety. I’d have break downs when I tried to speak about certain things. I couldn’t function. This song inspired me. It helped me feel okay with my intrusive thoughts.

And the episode! -chef’s kiss-. Once again bringing up the morally gray area of training child soldiers. Connie expanding her social group. Steven’s trauma hauling ass in that second half. The ANIMATION. Stevonnie’s gorgeous singing voice. GOD yes.

7.) It’s Over Isn’t It?

Just barely squeaking above Stronger Than You, this ballad is everything gorgeous. The whole episode is. I think Mr. Greg stands in the top five of my episodes for the entire show. It even got nominated!

There’s just so much about this song that I love. The gentle melancholy of Pearl’s voice. How the crew had to redo the shots for this bit bc Deedee went so fucking hard. The hard cuts between Pearl, remembering the love of her life, and Steven, who has begun to feel like he took her away. I’d recommend this song to anyone, regardless of what they do or don’t know about SU, simply bc it tugs so many heartstrings of love, loss, and responsibility.

8.) Stronger Than You

Did you realize this episode aired SEVEN years ago? This bitch was what got me into SU! Hearing about Ruby and Sapphire made my little gay heart so happy inside, and then getting a whole song confirming that they were a couple, that their love powered the strongest Gem on the team? Aaaaaaaaa

To this DAY I get excited when I hear Estelle start singing. This song is timeless. This song will live in media history. God I fucking love this song.

9.) Other Friends

I’m not the biggest musical person, so I hadn’t heard of Sarah Stiles before her casting as Spinel, but JESUS CHRIST the lady went hard. She went SO fucking hard. Sarah Stiles started on 100 and somehow just kept CLIMBING. You can just hear the sheer manic energy building in her voice, the anger and resentment. 10/10 Sarah Stiles is a queen.

10.) Independent Together

This made the list entirely bc the crew was like “you’re gonna get a himbo ass Steven-Greg fusion singing with Opal while Garnet flies across the moon on Lion while floating” and I am forever thankful to them for it

11.) Who We Are

Bismuth deserved more songs. ‘Nuff said.

12.) Peace and Love (On the Planet Earth)

It Could’ve been Great is EASILY one of my favorite s2 episodes. I love the entire concept of this song. Of Steven making music to reflect how much Earth means to him and his family. Of him teaching Peridot some self-care. Also Peridot’s singing voice is really cute and squeaky.

I know it’s silly, but I would’ve really enjoyed a flip around of this in Future! Like Peridot reminding Steven how much he loves music, that he needs to take time to relax for himself, maybe with a new verse or just a remix of the original song!

13.) Something Entirely New

I watched this episode as it aired, and I legitimately almost cried. I love Charlyne Yi’s voice so much ya’ll- her raspy, not perfect singing voice against Sapphire’s deep soothing lull is great.

And to have Ruby and Sapphire’s meeting be the way it was- for Ruby to bemoan Sapphire losing Homeworld, to being stuck with a single Ruby, while Sapphire is a noble who has always been taught everyone in her “caste” is vitally important (and has, in her own mind, taken that to mean every Gem, as she should) and how they come together and make each other happy. Good shit good shit.

14.) I’m Just a Comet

The fact that Greg’s music career never really blasted off pisses me off to this day bc Tom Scharpling’s voice is fucking BUTTER. Also the song really feels like a jab at his parents now that we know the kind of dynamic he had growing up. “This life in the stars if all I’ve ever known” is definitely him wiping away their existence after reminding them (and himself) the things they used to say about him.

15.) Do It For Her

This episode. This fucking episode. This episode got me permanently hooked on SU. I’d just binged season 1 and was kinda meh about it overall after the bop of Stronger Than You. “Oh,” I thought to myself, foolishly, “I’ll probably just casually watch this from time to time.”

Like three days later Sworn to the Sword aired and that was it. I was hooked! Pearl’s gentle training song turning darker and darker, Connie’s accompaniment from nervous to determined to fully into such a toxic mindset. The fact that SU had the BALLS to discuss the repercussions of training child soldiers, now and later. This episode was everything to me, STILL is everything to me.

Six years and well over 100 fanfics written later, I think it’s safe to say this show swallowed me whole and never let go.

16.) System/Boot.pearl_final(3)

I debated putting this on the list because it’s not anything crazy important, just a way to show things are Wrong, but I had to do it entirely bc Pearl is so damn SALTY.

Like telling us about the Gems makes sense, she felt like she was given a duty, but she went so damn petty. WHY is that Ruby alone. Gross. This Amethyst is a trash dump. Wtf are you people.

17.) Full Disclosure

This episode really feels like a turning point for SU. Before, the show had its dark moments- but now we’re in the thick of it, and it’s not going away. Full Disclosure felt like an rebuff to the idea of returning to any normal we’d established in season 1. Gems are actually a giant species now. Gems tried to kill us now. There’s this Yellow Diamond bitch who got namedropped. Something about a Cluster.

The song itself is BALLER, with its ingenious use of Steven’s ringtone and photos as he tries to decide whether to clue in Connie on all this nonsense. Meanwhile we, the audience, already know damn well Connie about to yeet some common sense into him.

18.) What’s the Use of Feeling Blue?

I’mma admit it- I’m a Yellow Diamond stan. I’ve always loved her- her anger, her poise, her hardworking nature. I actively argued against the “Yellow Shattered Pink” theories back in the day. But, man, when this arc leaked? I got so overexcited I was too jittery to watch it for like two days. It’s easily my favorite arc of the series. The sheer alien nature of the zoo, the Famethyst, and absolutely Patti Lupone’s beautiful ballad. Goddamn. Yellow singing to Blue to try and help her regain her old status, the warble in her voice as she reminds Blue she misses Pink too, the movement of the bubbles as she talks about attack. It gives me shivers to this day. FUCK.

19.) Tower of Mistakes

This is, fun fact, that only SU song I have completely memorized. The story itself is kinda funny! See, we lost internet at my house for a solid 5 to 6 months when these episodes aired, so I only got a very brief window to view them all. But this was the first Amethyst song in a long while, and I didn’t want to forget it! So I keep replaying it in my head for ages. And that’s still definitely a thing.

Anyway will never not be sad that this entire song was about making it up to Garnet for Amethyst’s perceived slights with Sugilite (which was a two-way road), only for Garnet to pressure her into fusion later when pissed and never discuss it again bc Garnet probably never thought twice about it and Amethyst has the emotional openness of a clam that’s just been told its ugly. Helluva way to make someone feel like shit, G. Helluva way to bottle that shit, Ames.

20.) On the Run

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: Amethyst! Needed! More! Songs!

The dichotomy between Steven’s play and Amethyst’s honest desire to run away from home is so well-done, especially when you consider a lot of Steven and Amethyst’s actions are playing together. The song is also near and dear to me simply bc it’s my favorite Amethyst episode to exist (well, maybe second to What’s Your Problem, but not by much). Moments like these are all the proof I need that they were right to fuse first.

21.) Be Wherever You Are

This tune really just feels like an ode to who Steven was as a kid. Trapped on an island with no way home, and he’s just happy to be with his friends. The stars are beautiful and not oppressive. Also that one animatic with Lars and the Off Colors playing in the Homeworld Kindergarten to this music was iconic and made this song get stuck in my head for a solid month.

22.) Familiar

I ADORE how the crew use bright neon colors to show how alien Homeworld can be. And Steven recognizing that the Diamonds treat him how the CGs used to, and how prepared he is to “fix” a broken family. It’s a soft, gentle tune about melancholy. Also the Pebbles are beautiful.

23.) Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart

Such a cute little love ballad, but every time I listen to it now I just imagine the heart attack Rose must’ve had at the line “And if we look out of place/Well, baby, that's okay/I'll drive us into outer space.” like there’s a Vietnam war flashback if I ever heard one

24.) What Can I Do?

I’m kind of neutral on this one? Rose and Greg both have great voices, but the song itself lacks many lyrics. I think it was definitely a good way to show Rose’s flaws in thinking.

Also, I’m shocked they managed cram that much vaguely sexual innuendo into two minutes, followed by how Not Hetereo that dance between Rose and Pearl was, and not get their asses chewed by it. You go guys.

25.) Cookie Cat

I love a lot of the vibes this song has. The lyrics are so damn prophetic, but they also sound like the kind of weird 90s commercials I grew up on. It’s been like two decades since I saw the Shirley Temple commercial but I’ll be damned if I don’t remember “Animals crackers in my soup! Monkey and rabbits loop-de-loop.”

26.) Giant Woman

I am. NOT the biggest fan of Steven’s original singing voice. I feel bad saying that, since it was just Zach Callison as a kid, but he never jived well with me for some reason. So I wouldn’t listen to this on the fly.

The song itself is still really good though, with all sorts of fun animation of Amethyst and Pearl being bitchy to each other. It’s a bit sad in hindsight to see tiny Steven trying to get his moms to get along. Ahh, season 1.

27.) Strong in the Real Way

This song has SUCH a strong start. Pearl reflecting on Sugilite’s problems, but the show making sure to show us that Pearl’s lack of enthusiasm towards her also lends itself to jealousy as well as just general malaise. How much she cares about Steven, and wants him to grow up strong.

And then Steven just kinda. Ruins it? I appreciate his enthusiasm for tryna bulk up but to take what was starting as such a rich, personal song and broadcasting it to random strangers just makes me a bit sad. Almost a bit angry on her behalf?

28.) That Distant Shore

I KNOW this is gonna create some discourse, but I’m just not the biggest Lapis stan. I love her voice. I love the visuals of the song. And I get why she felt afraid and needed to flee.

But Lapis never got to take responsibility for her own actions. And, in the end, the song feels hollow to me- because we all know she’ll never talk to anyone about it, know she’ll burst back in and destroy the barn, and no one will ever question it. I like Lapis a lot, but I feel like her arc never was fully finished. She never got help. She never learned to feel safe.

29.) Dear Old Dad

I’ve yet to meet a single human being who likes this episode tbh. There’s some great discussion about what kind of parent Greg is from it, and what kind of dynamic he has with the Gems that he felt he had to fake an injury to hang out with his son. Honestly the first half was fine and dandy. It’s just that then they Greg just went out of his way to drag Steven away from missions and such. It never jived well with his character before or after.

Also, is it just me, or does Zach himself sound like he hates the song as he sings it? There’s no passion or heart in his voice. It sounds like they told him to read off cue cards and he did. Tom Scharpling’s best attempts didn’t save this one for being a skipper. But the episode, unfortunately, isn’t, so it gets a spot on here.

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trophywifejimgordon · 3 years ago

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tomgreg. ok. ok. UGH

things to consider: obviously tom has been a freak (said with love💚) since day one. he’s so subservient in his relationship with shiv that he gets off on having power over someone, knowing more than someone, having the opportunity to show someone else the ropes--being the fixture and seeing someone else’s position in the roy family be even more insecure than his. greg, at the start, could have been anybody, and tom would have been the same way with the weirdness and the hazing--whatever he could get away with on someone who needed him; someone powerless enough to not fight back.

(i do think that it’s not inconsequential that greg is a guy, though. other people more eloquent than me have pointed this out, but tom is like. let’s just say that if he’s aware of his attraction to men on any level, it’s one that he considers predatory. he could only ever act Like That to a dude who’s under him. nero and sporus.)

BUT. he starts to like greg. and he recognizes himself in greg. even at the very start, for all his weird shit, he tells greg: i’ll take care of you. and then he kind of breaks that promise! he brings greg in on cruises even though he knows it’s a time bomb! and greg has been verbally abused, assaulted, generally made to feel less-than because tom is such a weird awful guy who needs to have power over something to feel secure in his position, so like, from greg’s POV, there’s very little reason to like tom! especially when even tom’s niceness is capricious, hot and cold, unpredictable.

but, BUT! the thing is about tom & greg is that they’re both outsiders. both, like, tainted by having experienced middle class life. so that draws them together, because they’ll always be outside the roy bubble. except, CRUCIALLY, greg is a roy (lite). he’s blood, and tom isn’t. and on some level, under the nice-is-different-than-goodness of it all, he’s more like them than tom! tom knows the rules of the game, but he doesn’t actually like playing it. greg comes in late and confused and totally at odds with the rules, but he thinks playing is sort of his birthright. he’s more than a tool, which is good! like actually, it’s so much more interesting that greg is, in his way, a player! but this also means that he’s not innocent, and he’s not off the hook. and that’s something i don’t think greg realizes about himself--that he’s guilty just by virtue of playing the game. his need for tom, then, is twofold; tom keeps him from facing his actions, by giving him a convenient face to blame, AND tom protects him. tom has been a guide and a mentor (jury’s out on how good of one), and he’s absolutely right: he’s cared for greg in a way no one else has. they’re intertwined. they’re going to ruin each other. UGH.

#succession #text post #tomgreg #meta #tom wambsgans #greg hirsch #don't mind me i'm just working through my thoughts i think #i WILL be back i have more to say. ugh

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slutneto · 3 years ago

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New viewer, yet to watch S3. How much do you think Greg is aware of Tom's obsession with him ? What does he make of it ? What is your understanding of Tom's obsession with him, is there really a romantic or sexual angle or is it in my evil head :D I mean yes I know they are widely shipped. [I am super cool with spoilers and kinda know what happens in s3 so you can include spoilers in your answer]

girl, this will be very long and i'm on mobile, prepare for a wild ride.

i think greg is aware that tom is fond of him, yes, but is willfully ignoring ANYTHING that suggests attraction. but what i find very telling is the fact that he does not do it from the start. he doesn't dismiss the idea of kissing tom once, even thought tom asks him four times; he is the one that says that maybe tom is trying to seduce him (and when tom says yes he does not leave, instead he goes clubbing with him and lets tom take him home for the night); he only asks logan to help him leave right before tom's wedding. i firmly believe greg was very much down in season one and only toned it down after tom got married; a very sensible notion tbh.

but he must be somewhat aware. especially since tom in season three has started showing him there is more to it than fondness and physical attraction. he must have wondered for at least a bit about what exactly was happening between them after tom said he would marry him. must have realised he means a lot to tom when he agreed to go to jail for him and asked for nothing in return. must have seen through all of tom's bullshit when he kissed him. must have realised the enormity of tom's affection when he asked him to join with him, to trust him while he called him sporus again. he simply must have.

what does he make of it? i suspect that most of the time greg writes it off as just tom being tom, for the sake of his sanity. tom can be so chaotic sometimes, greg must do that, otherwise he would have gone mad. but he does it too often, there are times when tom is visibly trying to convey something deep and urgent and greg dismisses it, when he should have been listening. (3.7 actually deals with that a bit, it puts him on the right path with 3 short conversations that revolve around people telling greg meaningful things when he isn't expecting it at all: first tom telling him he should not ask comfry out, where greg assumes tom is joking when in fact the only part of that convo where tom wasn't telling the truth was his reasoning behind this statement; second one was kendall calling greg a parasite and a leech and greg naturally assuming he was joking, only for ken to make him understand that not every cutting comment is a joke, which visibly goes to his head so much, that when tom tells him he ruined his chance at happiness greg, instead of once again taking it as a joke, tries to have a serious conversation with tom and asks him how has he ruined it for him)

i think greg is discovering that whatever he has with tom is way more advanced and deeper than how he has let himself perceive it. I haven't even touched upon the italian proposal. insane.

what do i think about it? i believe that at the heart of it, tom and greg are both unaware of how their relationship affects them. or, rather, if they do, it's extremely inconvenient to them. they both started it thinking they were using each other, greg to get his foot in, tom to have somebody to blame when shit hits the fan (ironic how greg throws away a cosy position for an unsure future with tom and how tom was willing to take the blame for greg's crimes), but it all goes sideways. they end up being each other's only ally. nobody cares about greg more than tom, but the reverse is also true, and they both care about each other deeply.

i there a romantic angle? undoubtedly. tom visibly deteriorating because greg has asked somebody out cannot be mistaken for anything else, not even tom being unhappy with shiv because at that time we are at the calm before the storm stage where they seem pretty okay with each other. it had everything to do with greg moving away from tom in a way that he could not stop. greg, standing next to tom's wife, looking tom dead in the eyes and admitting that the things he wants the more from a romantic partner are: depth, substance, understanding and acceptance (the things he gets from tom only) before starting the most meaningless and shallow courting attempt with the contessa; paired with tom proposing to greg and highlighting that even though greg isn't the best, that he knows greg is mostly interested only in himself, tom has been there for him regardless, and wants greg by his side, not only for worse but for better too.

the sexual attraction is the easiest to spot here, in my opinion. tom, always staring at greg's lips, always touching him, always saying wildly inappropriate, very sexual things to him, that would result in hr firing his ass immediately if greg ever told anyone about it. greg, with his slutty hair tucks, with going 👀 every time tom calls him a good boy, with the wildest ways he reacts to tom telling him he likes something he did, with calling himself a pretty boy and telling himself he would probably enjoy gay sex while putting on his best tom voice, with his brain shitting down completely before blurting out PROVE IT when tom tells him he has a big dick and is phenomenal at fucking.

no way they aren't it for each other. they just don't know it yet.

#thank you #xx #anonymous #answered #tomgreg #i am really sorry it got so long #sccsm

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georgeromerosanalcavity · 2 years ago

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2, 15, 32 (tom, kendall, gerri) :)

2. favorite pairing (cringe fail edition)

Since I already said tomken I’m gonna go with tomgreg. I think there could be potential for them to be good to each other but I also believe that (unmedicated and refusing therapy) the Tom would constantly be demanding divorce and Greg would just kind of go with it until an hour later when they’re porking and Tom demands vow renewals which he will take back in the morning when he asks for another divorce over eggs. Greg, to credit his own dysfunction, I believe, seems like the type to deny his feelings in any relationship and only care to see the results of any interactions (social climbing, sugar daddy payments, sex, etc.) because Greg looks, speaks, and acts like a male manipulator and I’m refusing to believe otherwise until I see proof he isn’t

15. Lore I want to see unfolded

Since I already mentioned Colin I will also give a shout out to Tom and Greg’s pasts. I don’t think we know much about them and, coming from a family as wealthy as the Roys, “agricultural” could mean literally anything at this point so I want to know more about their lives before wealth. I think what makes he and Greg attracted to one another is they both seem to mask their hidden intentions and histories through bumbling jokes and awkwardness, illusions of vulnerability where there’s actually never a statement on their actual lives and experiences. For their credit, the Roys can be very near sighted and don’t always care to know the pasts of other people, especially since their own pasts are ones full of contradictions and contention so addressing history is something they all naturally try to sidestep. But where the Roy kids are constantly being confronted with the past especially with this era we’re presented with in the show (sexual trauma, the Wolf Pack, Rosie, Kendall’s drug addiction, Connor’s neglect both that he gives and receives, etc.) Greg and Tom still have those lives on lockdown. I want to open their heads like the Arc of the Covenant, see what shit falls out

32. Fuck marry kill

Godd,,,,, Fuck Gerri, obviously, marry Kendall, kill Tom…..

I love Tom and he will only be my favorite character BUT something about him makes me trust Kendall more than him. Like Kendall has a tad more loyalty to his love for others than Tom and as much as I would hate to be in a room with his cringe ass I think if I told him to leave me alone he would take it marginally better than Tom would…. I’m sorry Tom Baby…. I’ll make it quick sweetpea

#ask game

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cheuwing · 4 years ago

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First of all: Thank you very much for your metas! I have a question about the role of Greg in tjlc. What exactly is he doing? Is he a good one or a baddy? Any space for Mystrade in tjlc?

Hello dear,

Thank you so much for your message! I was surprised to receive a question after such a long absence (a very nice surprise!). I don’t know if you’ll read my answer; hopefully it will find you well. :)

It is a very interesting question... I haven’t rewatched every single episode with a focus on Greg (I might do it later!), so feel free to take my view with a pinch of salt.

First of all: I adore Gavin Greg Lestrade! He is such an amazing, complex character in the series. I believe it is clear that Greg is on the good side. Actually, I think each character mentioned on the rooftop scene as targeted by Moriarty is explicitly good: John Watson, Mrs Hudson, Greg Lestrade. (Every other speculation is fair game, but these three are unquestionably good) The show never questions their loyalty either. Greg might be disgrunted sometimes, but he’s always there to help and support Sherlock (the “maximum back up” scene at the beginning of TSOT comes to mind). Furthermore, he is the very first one who talks about Sherlock’s side: “Sherlock Holmes is a great man, and I think one day, if we're very, very lucky, he might even be a good one.” To me, these elements prove without the shadow of a doubt that Greg is, in fact, good.

Also, according to Sherlock:

That’s all the proof I need! x)

Now, regarding Greg’s role in TJLC... My personal opinion is that he serves as a mirror. Typically, a mirror for Sherlock:

detective, keen on solving cases,

clever,

good coat, and similar clothes in general,

quits cigarettes at the same time as Sherlock (showing their matching patches in ASIP), both are seen with - unlit - cigarettes in their mouth in s3,

willing to bend the rules a little bit to solve his cases - namely by calling a “consulting detective”,

blunt and a bit ruthless (his introduction scene in which he is uncomfortable, possibly annoyed, in front of the media and deadpans “Don’t commit suicide” while Sally plays Watson’s role as social facilitator)

solving a case or saving a friend is more important than taking credit,

a bit of a drama queen (... that “maximum back up” scene comes to mind again xD),

lovely interactions with John in which they tend to be very honest and a bit arseholy (”NOT REALLY”)... (also: taking care of him and bringing Sherlock memorabilia in Many Happy Returns), a few moments of them working perfectly in sync (that action walk shot in HLV)

... among other things!

Interestingly, I think it’s fair to say that Greg is associated to John in some aspects (public servants, caring arseholes, both of them striving to guide Sherlock on the side of the angels, mindful of Sherlock’s emotions & thoughts process... Betrayed by their wives. Even on a visual level: action walk in HLV, shooting scene in THOB, in which, hilariously, even though John shoots second, he manages to catch his target => metaphors!!!)

I personally believe that Greg serves to show how a real, uncomplicated friendship with Sherlock (or John, for that matter) would work. He has no problem hugging him when he comes back (something John is unable to do, because he is overwhelmed with too many conflicting emotions... also, they’re not alone). Talking about emotions and such is easier between them too (Greg doesn’t hesitate to ask about John when Sherlock brings Molly for the case). They still bicker, argue and even play jokes on one another like John & Sherlock do (Lestrade never hesitates to film Sherlock on his phone, or to force him to wear a security blanket). Same goes between John & Lestrade: the friendship is much smoother/more wholesome than with Sherlock, because no one has to rein desire/unspoken emotions in. I mean, as @just-sort-of-happened highlighted it in this post: Greg provides a contrast to John's attraction to Sherlock.

So there you go: to me, Greg is a mirror for Sherlock and his interactions with both John & Sherlock serve as a contrast between the wholesome friendship that could be and the complicated relationship with lots of hidden desires, unspoken things and general sense of constrinct that these two have.

I also believe that Greg is a sort of mentor to them? He is the one who guides onto the right path, the one who is concerned, who is proud (his proud daddy expressions give me life), and I guess, who experiences things first (he has already worked on the cases before he presents them to Sherlock - and usually has failed -, he shoots the hound first - and fails -, he was married before John - and... you get the jist). I feel like Greg will start his grand relationship before Johnlock and in a sense, will show them the way.

As for the grand relationship in question... I love Mystrade. I really do. If it becomes canon, I’d be very happy. (Also, I could totally see Mark Gatiss thrilled to pose with Rupert Graves, his crush from Maurice, as his fictional lover ^^). Greg has been associated with John enough that I could see their relationship as a mirror for Johnlock. (and I certainly love this trope in fanfics!) I would be more than satisfied with Mystrade (also... if it happened after years of queerbaiting issues? two gay couples? with Gatiss, creator of the show, playing a character in a homosexual relationship? That could be pretty cool).

However, I have to say that I’m not really convinced it will happen in the show? It seems to me Mycroft is very much presented as an asexual character, or, at the very least, someone who doesn’t understand sex at all (the allusions with Lady Smallwood show how uncomprehending he is on the subject, and not just in a ‘gay man approached by a woman’ kind of way. Contrast with Sherlock in ASIP, being able to say ‘women are not my area’, ‘I know it’s fine’ and ‘while I’m flattered by your interest....’). In Sherlock’s mind palace, Mycroft serves as “the mind”, cold, logical, rational, in contrast to John “the heart”, emotion-focused, soft. In the Mayfly Man deduction, Mycroft insists on intricate planning, intent... whereas John focuses on sex right away. Thus, I personally see Mycroft as very remote from the concept of sexuality.

I personally see another likelier (in the context of the show) love interest for Greg: Molly Hooper. If Greg is an obvious mirror for Sherlock, Molly is an obvious mirror for John (I mean, very explicitly... And also at the wedding). There is already a history of interest between the two, at least from Greg’s part. Remember the gaping mouth at Molly’s dress at Christmas? How the camera framed them as a couple at the wedding, while Tom was obviously discarded as a serious lasting boyfriend for her? To be fully honest, I would probably be slightly annoyed at Molly’s character development if she goes out with another Sherlock mirror, but... It would make sense. She said it herself: she has a type. And I’d argue that Greg is a much more wholesome mirror for Sherlock, and he’s obviously interested in her. I think the writers already paved the road for this romance, so it seems likelier to me. I guess we will wait and see :)

To sum up => I ADORE Greg Lestrade. I hadn’t explored my thoughts on him for a long time before I received your message and had the perfect opportunity to do so. It is a joy to study his character and role in the story. To me, he is unquestionably good (like Mrs H & John). He is a fascinating mirror for Sherlock, and a great friend who shows what an uncomplicated friendship with John & Sherlock would look like. I’d definitely be happy to see Mystrade on screen (and these versions of Mycroft and Greg would certainly work well together! I think Greg would love to tease Mycroft like John does sometimes -> cue to hilarious expressions). I personally don’t think the writers would go there, but who knows? That could be very satisfying. I think a likelier mirror for Johnlock will be provided with Molly/Lestrade. Either way, Lestrade might very well be the one to show John & Sherlock the way to love. I’m curious to see how they will show it :)

Hopefully this will be a satisfying answer. Take care, dear! (And feel free to share your thoughts with me on the matter :) )

#TJLC #tjlc meta #greg lestrade #molly as a mirror #johnlock #my meta #mycroft and sex #Mycroft Holmes #greg as a mirror

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andrewmoocow · 4 years ago

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Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 8: Black and White (originally published on January 25, 2021)

Author's Note: At long last, the long-awaited conclusion to Part 1 of Steven Universe: Alternate Future is upon us! This may seem like an innocuous love letter to the mockumentary genre (I even watched This is Spinal Tap on HBO Max for inspiration), but the ending will change everything you will see in this chapter! But I'm through being dramatic, let's boogie!

Synopsis: A Black Rutile and her partner White Topaz want to get answers from Steven.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven, Onion

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, Ocean Jasper

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl, Black Rutile’s Pearls

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Jennifer Paz as Lapis Lazuli, Zuli, Mean Lapis

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Kimberly Brooks as Cherry Quartz, Jasper

Ian Jones-Quartey as Snowflake Obsidian

Michelle Maryk as Little Larimar

Amy Sedaris as Teal Zircon

Aparna Nancherla as Nephrite

Grace Rolek as Connie

Crispin Freeman as Doug

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Priyanka

Tom Scharpling as Greg

Zach Steel as Ronaldo

Eugene Cordero as Jamie

Joel Hodgson as Mr. Dewey

Reagan Gomez Preston as Jenny, Kiki

Brian Posehn as Sour Cream

Lamar Abrams as Buck

Matthew Moy as Lars

Kate Micucci as Sadie

Alastair James as Rainbow Quartz 2.0

Shoniqua Shondai as Sunstone

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Hayley Kiyoko as Morganite

Olivia Olson as Black Rutile's Citrines

Featuring Noël Wells as Black Rutile

And Lauren Ash as White Topaz

"Is the camera ready, Topaz?"

"It's ready, my Rutile!"

"You idiot, you forgot to turn on the lens!"

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, my Rutile, let me fix that!"

A camera was turned on inside a black-colored dropship, where a matching-colored Rutile in a green visor and white cape sat down in a captain's chair, confident and charming. "Hello, universe!" the Rutile greeted. "My name is Black Rutile, and welcome to Eye on Era 3, the special interview show where we discuss with Gems about the changes a certain Steven Universe brought to our proud culture!"

"And I'm White Topaz!" the Topaz operating Black Rutile's camera turned the lens to herself and cheerfully waved to the audience.

"Uh, Topaz, over here." Black Rutile ordered.

"Oh, sorry!" White Topaz muttered and turned the camera back to her superior.

"Anyways, we've traveled across the stars to chat it up with all sorts of Gems." The Rutile continued ecstatically. "From Pearls free from slavery, to proud Emerald pilots! Agates with no one to order around, Lapis Lazulis thinking they're lost in the world, and even a few fusions here and there! But today, we're gonna get answers straight from the mouth of this so-called "new Pink Diamond" himself!" she stated, making air-quotes while calling Steven the new Pink Diamond.

"My Rutile, we are closing in on Earth." A Citrine piloting Black Rutile's ship announced. "Is there any good spot you'd like to land?"

"Let's try that Little Homeworld place I've heard so much about." Black Rutile suggested. "We're bound to get tons of special guests there."

"Yes, your clarity." The Citrine complied, and she returned to her station.

"In case you were stuck in a Kindergarten for the past couple hundred years, Little Homeworld is where tons of Gems formerly corrupted by the Diamonds at the end of the Rebellion have made their home." Black Rutile narrated over footage of Little Homeschool. "The number one hotspot of this little bit of home is Little Homeschool, where Gems from all over come to learn how to mingle with the life on Earth and let go of the old ways."

"Hey, you think maybe we could go to that place, BR?" White Topaz grinned eagerly.

"Don't forget about our plans." Black Rutile said under her breath to her Topaz bodyguard. "I mean, we should be nearing Little Homeworld any minute now, so stay tuned!"

Gems began to gather when Black Rutile's ship made its landing in Little Homeworld, and the landing door opened to reveal its owner and her sidekick strolling out.

"Oh my, we already have quite a crowd here!" Black Rutile laughed into a microphone. "Now then, I'll pick a few lucky Gems from our audience here to answer some questions about their experiences on Earth." Looking around, Black Rutile managed to pick out Bismuth, Peridot, and Lapis Lazuli from the huddling Gems. "Ah, you three, over there!"

"Us?" Lapis asked.

"Could you care to tell us how life has been on Earth for you?" Black Rutile asked, sticking her microphone out to the trio.

"I've actually been on Earth about as long as Lapis here." Bismuth answered, gesturing to Lapis. "I was one of the original Crystal Gems under Rose Quartz, chosen because I wanted to build whatever I wanted, with no uppercrusts to order me around! But my methods of dealing with the enemy was a bit more extreme than what she was used to, so Rose took one in particular a bit personally and had me poofed & bubbled. In hindsight, maybe Rose was worried that her cover would've been blown."

"As Bismuth said, I was on Earth for a very long time." Lapis began speaking into the mic. "I was supposed to be there for only a little bit to assist in terraforming, but then I got caught in the war and was poofed before being confused for a Crystal Gem. I was interrogated while my gem was stuck in a mirror, but that kind of got cut short when the Diamonds unleashed their final attack and forced everyone to flee. I was left behind by accident, and someone cracked my gem by stepping on it, and years later, I was found by Pearl, who kept me in her gem until Steven freed me."

"Aw, what a happy ending!" White Topaz cooed.

"Yeah, no." Lapis sardonically corrected White Topaz. "After I was freed from the mirror, I nearly drowned tons of people because I wanted to get home, but then home turned out to be a lot different from when I left it. I was once again made a prisoner by Peridot and Jasper, who then invaded Earth because I met the Crystal Gems that everyone thought were defeated in the Rebellion, then I fused with Jasper to protect Steven, which took a number on both of our mental states, I was freed yet again, then I left Earth because I was told the Diamonds might be coming, before coming back only to get poofed by Yellow Diamond."

"Much like Lapis, I was only supposed to be on Earth for a short while to perform my duties." Peridot began telling her story. "I was supposed to check up on the old Galaxy Warp, but then the Crystal Gems kept getting in my way no matter what. Before I knew it, I was without help, without any working technology, and then without my limb enhancers. I don't think I even bothered to ask where the Gems put them."

"A Lapis, a Bismuth and a Peridot. What an unlikely trio." Black Rutile mused. "Tell me, what was it that made you three decide to work alongside each other in the first place."

"Well, it all began when Steven and the Crystal Gems left Earth to convince White Diamond to help them cure corruption." Bismuth said. "I elected to stay behind on Earth to watch over these two."

"Ooh, ooh, can I do a reenactment?!" White Topaz asked, to which Black Rutile responded with a sigh.

"Proceed." Black Rutile muttered, tapping on her camera to produce a light shining on the surface of the dropship. White Topaz began to shapeshift her fingers into various characters, and started a shadow puppet show.

"Bye Bismuth, I'm gonna go to Homeworld and hope we can convince White Diamond to help us save the corrupted Gems." White Topaz said, imitating Steven. "You do you kid. I'm gonna watch over those other Gems while you're away." She continued, now impersonating Bismuth. "Have fun!"

Steven's shadow puppet was raised into the air as White Topaz made rocket sounds, followed by turning more of her fingers into Peridot and Lapis. Black Rutile just gave an annoyed glare to the camera.

"Hey, where's Steven?" White Topaz's impression of Lapis asked. "Oh, him? He ran off to Homeworld with the Diamonds." Her mimicry of Bismuth answered. "Oh my stars, are we too late?!" an aping of Peridot cried out.

"Do I really sound like that?" Peridot muttered as the shadow play went on.

"No little guy, he's fine!" White Topaz's impression of Bismuth continued. "Just something about corruption or whatever."

"Okay, I think we've seen enough!" Black Rutile laughed awkwardly as she interrupted the puppet show.

"Aw, but I was getting to the good part!" White Topaz moaned sadly.

"To be fair, you were almost spot on." Bismuth stated. "When Steven told us through some weird watermelon creature that looked just like him that trouble was indeed brewing on Homeworld, Peridot and Lapis reformed not too long after and we came together out of a desire to help him out."

"United by a common goal, how quaint." Black Rutile smiled and folded her hands behind her back, trying to hide their fidgeting. "Now then, would anyone else like to come up and chat?"

"I would, I would, I would!" Teal Zircon cried as she pushed her way through the crowd. "Hi, name's Teal Zircon, nice to meet you!" she greeted Black Rutile while rapidly shaking her hand. "So, you wanted to learn about my time here on Earth?"

"You're awfully excitable." Black Rutile pushed up her visor by the bridge with a grin. "More to the point, I'd like to hear your story Ms. Zircon."

"Gladly!" Teal Zircon exclaimed. "Like many of the Gems here, I was once corrupted by the Diamonds and became a long-tongued speedster that Peridot tried to capture no matter what, through hell or high water. Eventually, she did succeed, and I was stuck in the barn she and Lapis called home, until the Crystal Gems took me to their place. One day, I was healed by Steven along with a Cherry Quartz and shown around Little Homeschool. That same day, Steven took me along to see a Jasper who didn't want to go to school, and I was willing to become her friend, but I'm pretty sure she hates my guts."

"I'll have to check up on this Jasper sometime." Black Rutile commented. "Now then, anyone else care to share?"

"I'd like to." Zuli answered as she flew up and touched down next to Black Rutile. "I only came here a few weeks ago after Steven recommended the place to a former friend of mine and me. We were terraforming this moon called Aozul 2, but Steven and this other Lapis that we were buddies with back in our terraforming days told us that wasn't cool anymore, so they taught us new ways to express ourselves. I was a lot more accepting, but my ex-friend didn't want to change. To this day, I still don't know where she's at."

"May I go next?" Cherry Quartz asked Black Rutile.

"Sure, go ahead." Black Rutile answered, passing the mic to the Quartz.

"I was an average Quartz soldier made to fight in the war, but then I got corrupted, of course." Cherry began. "Then Steven came along and healed me along with TZ, and introduced us to Little Homeschool. I was a little nervous at first, but while Steven was away, I met up with some fellow Quartzes who told me all about how great it was here."

"I was the first corrupted Gem Steven helped defeat." Nephrite said, taking the mic from Cherry Quartz. "I was actually brought back out a few times, the first was a complete accident & I was poofed soon after, but the second time was when Steven thought he could try to heal me, but instead he reunited me with my old crew."

"Okay, we're running out of time here folks, I got other people to interview, and I haven't got all day!" Black Rutile yelled. "Which one wants to cap off this part?!"

"Little Larimar and I wanna talk." Snowflake Obsidian answered. "Hi, I'm Snowflake Obsidian. This is my buddy Little Larimar."

"We were corrupted Gems too." Larimar said. "I remember when Steven dropped us into that fountain, and we were all right as rain. Then years later, he helped us all find jobs that he thought were right for us, but then hilarity ensued."

"Wow, pretty much everyone here has such nice things to say about Steven." Black Rutile commented while putting on an eerie fake smile. "Isn't there anyone on this planet that doesn't love him?"

"Well, there is Jasper, kind of." Bismuth answered. "I say kind of because I have no idea what's even up with her ever since she was uncorrupted. I mean, she does express a teeny bit of gratitude for it, but she still would rather stay as far away from us as possible."

"To be frank, I wouldn't blame her." Lapis agreed. "Anyway, if you want to interview her, she's in a cave in the woods nearby."

"Good to know, Lapis." Black Rutile thanked Lapis. "I do hope we can see each other again sometime." She laughed as she and White Topaz began leaving Little Homeworld. "Perhaps even sooner than you think."

"We've all had our fun in Little Homeworld, but there's still a Gem we've yet to cover as we move on with our tour of Earth." Black Rutile continued narrating while walking in the woods. "This Gem, in particular, has been living in the woods ever since she was cured of an unfortunate case of corruption, and refuses to join her fellow Gems at Little Homeschool! Well, let's see if she can tell us why."

"Is that where she's living over there?" White Topaz asked as she pointed the camera to a cave with a tarp over the entrance.

"I think you might be right!" Black Rutile exclaimed as she raced over to the cave. "Excuse me, does Jasper live here?!"

"No she doesn't, now get out." Jasper's voice grumbled from within the cave.

"If Jasper isn't here, then who are you?" White Topaz asked, forcing Jasper to emerge from her cave.

"Someone who's going to pulverize you if you don't leave me alone." Jasper snarled.

"But we just wanted to ask about your time here on Earth!" Black Rutile nervously explained.

"Guess what, I'm not interested." Jasper added. "Now let me repeat myself, beat it, or I'm gonna beat you!"

"I think we should do as she says, my Rutile!" White Topaz began sweating nervously and slowly stepping away from Jasper.

"Righto." Black Rutile agreed before they ran away from Jasper. "But trust me, I think she might be useful to us."

"Well, that went horribly." White Topaz commented the farther she and Black Rutile got from Jasper. "Now where are we?"

"I'm not sure." Black Rutile answered while gazing at a terraced house. "But I do believe we have our next interviewee!"

"Which is?" White Topaz asked her superior.

"The residence of one Connie," Black Rutile declared, bringing up data on Connie on her visor, but then stopped at her last name. "Moo-hee-swear-ann. Seriously, how do you pronounce that?" The reporter decided to brush that off with a shrug and proceeded to knock on the door. "Good day Ms. Moo-hee-swear-ann, my name is Black Rutile, here to interview you about your experiences on Earth."

"It's Maheswaran, in case you're struggling to pronounce it." Connie's mother Priyanka corrected the Rutile. "Now, can I help you?"

"Oh, my apologies." Black Rutile said. "You look a lot taller than my data says."

"I believe you have me confused for my daughter, I'm her mother." Priyanka stated. "If you wish to speak with Connie, she's busy with college preparations, so you can only speak for 15 minutes."

"Uh, question!" White Topaz raised her hand. "What's college?"

"So you're doing all this for a TV show?" Connie asked Black Rutile moments later in the living room.

"You could say that." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "I'm working on an investigative report chronicling everyone's experiences with Era 3, and I'm working towards interviewing all the Crystal Gems and their allies, you included little girl. Now tell me, how did you first meet little Steven?"

"Well, it all started a few years ago." Connie began retelling her first meeting with Steven. "I was minding my own business, Steven was trying to get my attention because he wanted to be my friend, but one thing led to another, and we were stuck in a bubble together."

"Not how I'd expect your species to make new friends, but you do you." White Topaz commented with a grin.

"Anyways, it's all thanks to him that I was able to get out of my comfort zone a bit over the years." Connie continued. "I learned sword fighting from Pearl, became able to fend for myself, and we even fused!"

"Yeah, we still find that a little strange." Her father Doug interjected.

"Fusing with humans, just like they said." Black Rutile whispered to herself.

"Did you say something, miss?" Priyanka asked.

"Oh, nothing." Black Rutile covered up what she just said before moving back to Connie. "It seems like you two are just inseparable!"

"Well, mostly." Connie stated. "When Steven let himself get captured by Aquamarine to save everyone, we were all so worried sick for him. And even when he came back perfectly fine, I still felt like this all could've been avoided if we fought together."

"Oh, poor little girl." Black Rutile comforted Connie, though with a secret hint of condescendence in her voice. "It must be hard to lose someone so dear only for them to come back and disregard your feelings by acting like everything's fine."

"It's okay." Connie said. "We did get back together eventually, and now our bond is stronger than ever!"

"Woo, love wins!" White Topaz cheered, inciting yet another angry glare from her boss. "Um, can I do the shadow puppets again?"

"Go ahead." Black Rutile frowned in embarrassment.

"Wait, your documentary has shadow plays?" Priyanka wondered aloud.

"Don't ask me; this was all her idea!" Black Rutile replied grumpily. "What a childish clod."

"Hey Connie, I'm back from Homeworld! Hope no one missed me." White Topaz began another puppet show, this time of Steven and Connie's brief falling out, while trying her best to mimic Steven. "We did kinda miss you, you could've died!" she continued while imitating Connie's voice. "I don't see what the problem is, I'm standing right here!" the Steven puppet replied carelessly. "Well, we could've stopped Aquamarine together, but you gotta make everything about you!" the Connie puppet declared. "So screw you Steven, I'm going home!"

"Wait, I didn't say anything like that!" the real Connie said nervously.

"Sorry kid, I'm just making this up as I go." White Topaz apologized, and just as she was about to continue her show, Black Rutile cut it short. "Aw man!"

"Well, I think we've just about wrapped up here, friends!" Black Rutile announced. "We've got places to be, people to meet, and more opportunities for me to be humiliated by you, Topaz."

"Well, it was nice to see you." Doug said goodbye as the two Gems left the Maheswarans' house. "Hope your documentary is a big hit!"

"Thank you; you're too kind!" Black Rutile waved back and closed the door, allowing some privacy as she scolded White Topaz. "Was it really necessary for you to go all "love wins" on us, you softhearted fool?" she scowled as they began walking away from the house.

"I'm sorry, I just think they're so adorable together!" White Topaz tried to justify her actions, before Black Rutile pulled her down by her collar.

"We have no time for sappy romances!" the Rutile yelled in her bodyguard's face. "We are here to gather information, and that's final! Are we clear?!"

"Yes, your clarity." White Topaz bowed her head in shame.

"Good, now where were we?" Black Rutile tapped on the side of her visor and pulled up a map of the surrounding area. "Ah, yes! Beach City!" she declared while the map began pointing to the little seaside town.

"Ooh, that place sounds fun." White Topaz commented. "Think maybe we could take a vacation there some time, just you and me?"

"Apologies, but we're on a mission." Black Rutile declared as she put the map away. "We'll have time for fun later, but it'll be my choice of fun. Understand?"

"Yes, boss!" White Topaz gave a comical salute, and the two began setting off for Beach City.

"Now then, this place should be full of Steven stories!" Black Rutile announced as the duo strolled into town. "And maybe we could find some of his weaknesses too."

"Hey, check out this funny sign!" White Topaz said while gazing at the sign for It's A Wash. "What do you think is a wash?"

"Hey new Gems, welcome." They heard Greg greet them. "If you came here to sign up for Little Homeschool, you should take it up with the Gems first."

"Oh no sir, we already saw that school." Black Rutile said. "It's all part of a series of interviews I'm doing for my show, Eye on Era 3. Which reminds me, how would you describe your experiences with the Crystal Gems?"

"My experiences?" Greg wondered. "Well, it all started one night when I was just a young rocker on tour. I had arrived in Beach City for a show, and Rose Quartz was the only one who showed up."

"Ah yes, Pink Diamond always had a fascination with humans," Black Rutile interjected. "often at the expense of her own kind."

"Yeah yeah, Pink kinda stunk, but don't we all sometimes?" Greg philosophized. "Like I was saying, Rose was the only one who came to my concert at Beach City, and from then onward, I felt like it was destiny. I even wrote a song about it!" He then walked to his van to search for his guitar, and began to play. "Do you believe in destiny? Close your eyes and leave the rest to-"

"I'm sorry, we have no time for a song." Greg's interviewer cut him off. "Could you please continue, sir?"

"Sorry if I was any trouble." Greg apologized, putting away his guitar. "The Gems didn't have a very high opinion of me when we first met, especially Pearl, but we were still able to get along with each other. Amethyst in particular took a liking to me."

"Speaking of which, are the Gems in town today, or are they off on some magical mission or something?" Black Rutile asked Greg.

"Oh, they kinda retired from going on missions now that everything's at peace." Greg answered. "But, Steven's still at home over there." He then pointed over to the Crystal Temple not too far away from Beach City itself.

"Yes, pay-dirt!" Black Rutile grinned eagerly. "Come along Topaz, we shall hit ratings dynamite!"

"Coming!" White Topaz cried as she raced after her master. "Hey, maybe we can chat with some of the people here along the way! They might give us some good info!"

"It was kinda thanks to Steven that I died and came back to life." Lars admitted to Black Rutile. "But also thanks to him, I came back as a completely new man with my own awesome spaceship, a serious attitude adjustment, and ever since I came back to Earth, I've taken up some combat training in case I ever go back to space and fight new threats, like I learned musti-yuddha from Connie's dad for example!"

"Lars's disappearance got me kind of depressed for a while." Sadie said while her band prepared for practice. "But I found a new way of expressing it with horror-themed rock music!"

"We had trouble finding our sound before Sadie became our frontman." Buck Dewey stated.

"And since then, we became an overnight hit!" Jenny Pizza exclaimed.

"But I have a feeling our differing paths might cause a break-up." Sour Cream admitted.

"Steven had good intentions when he helped me run for re-election," ex-Mayor Dewey said. "but ultimately I lost. But hey, I did find a new calling at the Big Donut!"

"I was having stress dreams about my sister making me do her work, which took the form of a giant pizza monster, until Steven used his crazy dream powers to help me out." Kiki Pizza said.

"I'll admit, I had a crush on Garnet once upon a time." Jamie declared. "But really, can you blame me?! She was just so stoic and radiant and-"

"Get to the point!" Black Rutile sternly ordered.

"I'm sorry, got a little distracted." Jamie apologized. "But I had since moved onto better things, like my future career in the theater!"

"Okay, that should be all." Black Rutile sighed in exhaustion. "Now then, let's not waste any more ti-"

"Wait, I want to talk to you!" Ronaldo cried out as he raced to the Gems with a notebook in hand.

"What do you want?" the reporter grumbled. "We're wasting daylight here!"

"You've been going around asking people questions about Gems, but this time I want to ask you for a change." Ronaldo declared.

"Okay then, fire away little guy." White Topaz said with a smile.

"There are still tons of unanswered questions about your kind that I must inquire about!" Ronaldo said while flipping through his notebook. "Like, for example, do you know who created the Gems in the first place? How was Homeworld first colonized? When did they start colonizing other planets?"

"I don't believe we have time for your questions." Black Rutile snidely shut Ronaldo's questions down before making her way to the Crystal Temple. "Come Topaz, we have work to do."

"Yes, my Rutile!" White Topaz obeyed and followed behind, leaving Ronaldo in the dust.

"You can run, but I will get my answers!" Ronaldo declared loudly, but he was too late. "And they're gone."

"Okay, Topaz, we have to make a good first impression here, so no silly games or shadow puppet shows." Black Rutile commanded as they ascended the beach house's front steps and reached the front door.

"Aw man." White Topaz moaned in disappointment.

"Quit being such a child you moron." Black Rutile exhaled in disgust as she knocked on the door. "Hello, is anyone home?"

"Just a minute!" a voice the two Gems were eager to hear answered as its owner raced downstairs.

"Oh my stars, the moment has come; he's finally here!" White Topaz squealed happily before she received a slap to the face.

"Hello, what brings you here?" Steven greeted Black Rutile.

"Steven Universe, at long last!" BR exclaimed. "I'm Black Rutile, host of Eye on Era 3, and this is my camera-Gem/bodyguard White Topaz! We're here for an investigative report on the state of Earth in this new era, and have been interviewing many of your family and friends."

"You're a bit shorter than I expected." White Topaz commented.

"I see my reputation precedes me." Steven declared. "Come on in."

"Nice place you got here." White Topaz complimented the house as she and her boss were shown inside.

"Thanks, the Gems helped build this place." Steven accepted the compliment. "Hey, I got a question. I've met a Topaz and a Rutile before, but they sound nothing like you. Why is that?"

"We're just special Gems. Comes with being former members of White Diamond's court." Black Rutile answered while sitting down on the couch. "But enough about us, let's talk you! Could you give us a little life story first?"

"If you want." Steven answered while sitting across from the Rutile. "I remember first discovering my powers like it was yesterday. I was super bummed that my favorite brand of ice cream was discontinued, but then the Gems told me they got tons of it from other stores, and taking a bite out of one coincided with me summoning my shield for the first time, which led me to believe I could do so by eating Cookie Cat."

"Hahaha, oh the innocence of youth!" Black Rutile chuckled nostalgically. "I remember when I first emerged for White Diamond. A real young hotshot, a little arrogant even. Could you tell us more about these powers, kid?"

"Over time, I learned tons of Gem powers." Steven regaled. "Like shapeshifting, control over plant life, making bubbles, telepathy, sticking my mind in others' bodies, but fusion gave me tons of new abilities. This reminds me of a story."

"Ooh, shadow time!" White Topaz exclaimed, but her happiness was immediately put to rest.

"What did I tell you?! No shadows!" Black Rutile yelled strictly at her sidekick, and then immediately changed her mood. "Please continue."

"All right." Steven was a little taken aback by Black Rutile's cold behavior towards White Topaz before he began his story. "Anyways, it all started when I had to take care of Onion for the day, and Pearl helped out."

"Thank you Explorer Gal for saving us from that dastardly Bandit Guy!" Rainbow Quartz 2.0 said, taking the role of one of Onion's toys. Onion was playing with Explorer Gal, who thanked the other toy in Onion's unintelligible matter.

"For your heroic efforts, please accept money." Rainbow continued while handing Onion a dollar bill. "Our city was a mess before you came along, but now…." Rainbow then began to break character as they took notice of Onion's messy room. "Well, I suppose it's still a mess." They commented. "It's been so much fun playing, but now we have to clean, which is also fun!" they declared while making a rainbow with their hands. "Are you ready to tidy up?"

Onion stared blankly while slowly sticking a piece of broccoli out of his mouth.

"Oh Onion, don't you be that way." Rainbow 2.0 chuckled. "Your best friend Rainbow will help you tidy up!" Just then, they pulled a parasol out of Pearl's gem. "Let's make things a little more animated in here!"

With that, Rainbow made Onion's toys come to life, and they began marching to their proper places in his room while Rainbow started a song. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." They began singing while making Onion's clothes fly into his dresser. "A mess to some, but the little blackbird isn't stressed."

Rainbow then allowed Onion to give the umbrella a try, making one of the boy's toy cars come to life and race away. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." The fusion continued while Onion marveled at the parasol's powers. "And then he naps, cause even blackbirds need to rest. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around."

As Rainbow began to finish the song, Onion kept playing with the umbrella, making more of his toys come alive, along with a Venus flytrap. "And when you laugh, it is my favorite sound." Onion then discovered some darts in his drawer, and used the parasol to make them fly. "And that's what life is all about."

"What the?!" Rainbow stuttered before dodging the darts, making them land on a dartboard. With that, they finally decided to take their weapon back from Onion while noticing a stack of dirty dishes. "Next time, please wash your dishes." They instructed before sending the dishes off to be cleaned, and then taking notice of a stuffed toy in Steven's image hidden near Onion's bed, eerily waving to them. "And could you please explain what this is?"

Onion didn't answer, aside from blowing Rainbow a few kisses.

"Alright, thank you for the kisses." Rainbow thanked Onion before Steven's phone began to ring. "Just give me five or so minutes."

Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl, and Steven answered his phone. Garnet was on the other end, holding her cellphone extremely close to her face. "Steven, you're late." Garnet said. "I need you for the Sunstone Safety Geminar."

"Oh no, that was today?!" Steven began panicking. "But Rainbow Quartz promised to hang out with Onion today!"

"Don't worry; I'll handle the Geminar." Garnet stated confidently. "I'll explain every possible future where they could get hurt around the house."

"I don't know if that'll be a good idea, I'll be right there." Steven responded before hanging up and turning to Pearl. "Pearl, I'll be back as soon as I can." He promised. "Could you watch over Onion for me while I'm away?"

"Of course." Pearl agreed. "Onion loves Rainbow, I'm sure he'll love me as much."

"In hindsight, that wasn't my best idea." Steven took a break from his tale to confess. "Onion can be a real handful."

"Like, how much of a handful?" White Topaz asked.

"Let's just say, he's a real oddball who loves causing trouble." Steven stated. "I can never really get a read on that guy, no matter how much of a good friend he is. Heck, he doesn't even seem to age normally!"

"So, about this Geminar." Black Rutile began. "You said Rainbow Quartz is a fusion between you and Pearl, but who is this Sunstone running that event?"

"Oh, Sunstone is the fusion of Garnet and I." Steven answered. "They're all hip and radical and like giving important life lessons, kind of like those old PSA characters from the 90s. Speaking of which…"

"I slip on the stairs?" Ocean Jasper wondered while watching a television screen with Garnet, the Heaven & Earth Beetles, and a Nephrite.

"Indeed, and you shatter on impact too." Garnet bluntly replied, causing Ocean and the Nephrite to scream and hug each other in fright.

"Garnet, I'm here!" Steven called as he entered the house.

"Thanks for coming, Steven, but I need help." Garnet stated. "I think I'm scaring our guests."

"It's okay; we got this." Steven assured. "Let's get this safety Geminar started with a very special guest!"

Garnet got up from the couch, and the two began to dance, eventually forming the totally cool fusion Sunstone.

"Your rockin' pal Sunstone's here to shine!" Sunstone announced merrily.

"Watch out Sunstone, it's dangerous here!" Ocean Jasper cautioned Sunstone.

"Not unless you guys practice home safety." Sunstone assured the scared Gems. "Don't slip up. Clear objects off the stairs." They instructed by taking a water bottle off the steps to Steven's bedroom and throwing it like a ball. "Foul shot!"

The bottle landed in a trash can near Lion, which prompted another tip. "Be sure to cover up your trash, or else you'll attract bugs or hungry animals." Sunstone demonstrated as they shooed Lion away from the garbage. "Come on, let's go!" they declared. "Don't waste water. Turn off any faucet still running." Sunstone then shut off the sink. "Put protective covers over your electrical outlets, especially when kids are around." They added while doing just that. "And don't even think about sticking a fork in there! But most importantly, turn off motion smoothing on the TV."

Sunstone then used the remote to operate the television, allowing clearer picture and sound for everyone. "Okay, hold tight gang, gotta take a phone call." They said. "In the meantime, check out this commercial."

"Well, seems like you had things handled." White Topaz remarked.

"Famous last words White Topaz." Steven gravely informed. "Pearl later called me on my phone because Onion was giving her a serious headache, so I came back to her to calm Onion down. Then Garnet was trying to do a home safety obstacle course, but that went horribly wrong."

"Okay, color me wrong." The Topaz guard said. "I suppose hilarity must've ensued?"

"Oh so much." Steven declared. "I tried merging both the Geminar with playing with Onion, but one thing led to another."

"It's important to keep in mind that all of these horrible things did happen to you in alternate timelines." Garnet instructed her seminar attendees near the lighthouse. "Safety rules."

"Hey, Garnet." An exhausted Rainbow 2.0 called for their fellow fusion as they flew in via umbrella, with Onion in front. "Would you mind taking on another student?" they asked as Onion was let off the umbrella. "I'm feeling a mite PLPBBT."

With one last raspberry noise, Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl. Steven just groaned tiredly.

"You shouldn't have brought him here Steven." Garnet forebodingly scolded the boy as Onion took a seat in front of her with the Gems.

"No, no, it's fine. It's good." Steven stuttered, having had enough of the stressful day he had. "No one needs safety training more than Onion! I'm combining all of my responsibilities into one responsibility! It's brilliant, it's brilliant! It's fine. I'm fine. Really, it's fine. I'm fine. I'm fine."

Onion wasn't paying attention the whole time, and instead picked up a blade of grass to play like a musical instrument, hypnotically commanding the other Gems to follow him. And Steven was too busy assuring Garnet and Pearl that he was fine to notice too late what had just happened.

A madcap chase soon ensued, with the three Crystal Gems following Onion and the Little Homeschoolers throughout Beach City, into the woods, and finally to a hill, where Onion let go of the leaf. Despite that, Ocean Jasper, the Beetles, and the Nephrite continued marching to the point of falling over the edge.

"Oh no!" Pearl cried as the Gems fell off the hill.

"Steven, we need Sunstone to save them!" Garnet urged Steven.

"Okay!" Steven yelped, and they fused into Sunstone.

"No, we need Rainbow to save them!" Pearl began arguing with her de-facto superior as she swiped Steven away to form Rainbow Quartz.

"I'll catch them with this!" Rainbow declared as they presented their umbrella.

"Can't all three of us fuse to save them?" Garnet wondered just as Amethyst raced up to them.

"Hey wait!" Amethyst cried. "I need Steven!"

Rainbow un-fused so Steven could speak. "What is it Amethyst?!"

"I miss you, man!" Amethyst yelled. "I haven't seen you in like, eleven minutes! But it felt like even longer!"

Steven couldn't take it anymore, and without a single word, he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

"STEVEN!" Pearl screamed as she raced to Steven's side.

"I shouldn't have overbooked my schedule." Steven groaned one last time before passing out from exhaustion.

"Nooooooooo." Garnet unemotionally cried out in despair.

"Oh-hohohohoho, I know what it's like!" Black Rutile cackled as Steven finished his story. "Must be so hard to be so overworked at such a young age."

"Guess that's what happens when you're running a whole school." Steven chuckled in reply. "So, guess that should be it, right?"

"No, I'd like to speak with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl first before we wrap up for today." Black Rutile answered, just as the Warp pad began glowing. "Oh, and look who should show up now!"

The core Crystal Gems stood at the Warp Pad, ready to kick back after the long day they had today. "Good thing it was so easy to get that crowd under control." Pearl exhaled. "Still, who was that interviewer they were talking about?"

"I believe that would be me." Black Rutile answered as she stood up from the couch to meet the Gems. "Hi, Black Rutile, intelligence officer of White Diamond turned news reporter. Pleased to meet you."

"I wasn't aware White had a court." Garnet said as the Rutile shook each of their hands. "Pleased to meet you too."

"I just got done interviewing Steven, and he told me the most hilarious story about his troubles with balancing two things at once." Black Rutile said.

"Yeah, things went kinda crazy that day." Amethyst reminisced. "But thankfully, everything went back to normal after that."

"Oh good, the way Steven ended things left me on the edge of my seat!" White Topaz exclaimed while positioning the camera to face the Gems. "One more question before we go, what would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

"A little oddly specific, but okay." Pearl remarked. "I pride myself on orderliness, swordsmanship, and intelligence. But I can be a bit doting and perfectionist at times."

"I can be kinda foolish and impulsive, but I'm pretty much past that." Amethyst added. "I'm also more street smart than book smart, and super tough too!"

"I'm a very stable fusion, which especially helps in battle." Garnet said. "My future vision is also seldom wrong, unless the current timeline becomes too unpredictable."

"Well, that should be enough for now." Black Rutile said as she entered all of her data into her visor. "Apologies if we couldn't talk anymore, but I've got places to be and missions to go on, so toodles!"

"Hope we can see each other again, Black Rutile!" Steven said goodbye as the two visiting Gems took the Warp Pad back to Little Homeworld.

"Maybe sooner than you think." Black Rutile smirked before they disappeared.

"She's right, we'll be seeing her again many times." Garnet predicted with an adjustment of her glasses. "But none of them will be friendly."

Steven, Amethyst, and Pearl just laughed at Garnet's prediction, ignorant at what could be to come.

Upon returning to Little Homeworld and boarding their ship, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally left Earth and launched into hyperspace.

"Wow, those Crystal Gems really are swell!" White Topaz commented while her superior sat down in her chair. "I don't see why we're plotting against them."

"It's because they've become far too powerful." Black Rutile answered gravely, a far cry from the persona she put up on Earth. "Does Steven really think he can change our entire society with just hugging, crying, singing, and a cheeky one-liner? Bah, I've done so much better without any of those!"

"My Rutile, we should be exiting hyperspace above Revanche 666 in approximately 15 seconds." One of the Rutile's Citrines confirmed. "Would you like to inform your allies of your coming?"

"Bring Emerald up." Black Rutile commanded, cuing a video screen to appear, showing the tall, green Gem pilot on the other side. "Hello there, Emerald."

"Your clarity, has your reconnaissance ended well?" Emerald asked with a bow.

"Indeed it has." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "Those clods never suspected a thing!"

"And we got it all on video too!" White Topaz added.

"Excellent, we'll soon have everything we need." Emerald declared. "We're all waiting for you at the base, hoping you won't disappoint."

"Oh, don't worry, Emerald, I won't." Black Rutile replied. "That will be all." With a clap, the screen disappeared, and the ship exited hyperspace to reveal the skull-like planet of Revanche 666 before them. "Prepare for landing."

When the dropship finally landed at Black Rutile's headquarters, two rows of Pearls patiently awaited their master's return.

"Ah, my Pearls." Black Rutile announced as she disembarked. "When I ordered Shell to create all of you, I knew it wouldn't disappoint."

"Thank you, my Rutile." The Pearls thanked in unison while one of them took the camera from White Topaz. "Your minions await."

"Perfect." Black Rutile purred before beginning her stroll to her meeting room. "Come Topaz, we have much to do."

"Geez, what's taking her so long?" Lapis Lazuli 1J9G-5KL complained as she, Holly Blue Agate, Morganite, Emerald, Aquamarine, and Eyeball kept on waiting for their boss while seated around a round, white table.

"Patience Lapis." Aquamarine soothed her fellow Gem's annoyance. "She did say that she'd be arriving soon."

"The sooner, the better!" Eyeball yelled, pounding her fist on the table. "I want revenge on Steven for making me a pariah, and I want it now!"

"You're awfully eager." Emerald muttered to her fellow eye Gem before turning to Holly Blue and Morganite. "So, how goes that Zircon's democratic campaign?"

"That navel gem Ruby we planted as her campaign manager has been feeding her lies, and the Zircon doesn't suspect a thing!" Holly Blue answered excitedly.

"More and more Gems have been unknowingly swayed to our cause." Morganite stated. "Soon, we shall have an army strong enough to topple even the Diamonds."

Just then, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally arrived in the meeting room, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and salute her. "Welcome, your clarity."

"You're all too kind." Black Rutile thanked them sarcastically as she took a seat between Aquamarine and White Topaz. "I suspect your missions have been going well too, no?"

"Indeed it has my Rutile." Holly Blue revealed.

"That brat has been controlling us all for too long." Aquamarine declared. "Now it's time we take back our planet from those tyrannical pacifists."

"Are you all sure this is a good idea?" White Topaz asked the other Era 3 insurgents. "I mean, the Crystal Gems have become far too powerful to be challenged, and the Diamonds will no doubt come for our gems if they find out!"

"The Diamonds are yesterday's news!" Black Rutile roared, forcing her Topaz into silence. "And speaking of which, Steven may not realize this, but he's no better than his brat of a mother! Thinking he can force all of Homeworld to obey him by being a controlling twerp! Thankfully, he doesn't do so by throwing tantrums left and right until the Diamonds do what he says to shut him up. For now at least."

A Black Pearl entered the meeting room with White Topaz's camera in her hands, and she set it down on the table.

"Thank you my Pearl." Black Rutile thanked the Pearl before turning it on to reveal all the information that she collected on Earth.

"Is this all we need to know about the Gems in time for Phase 2?" Morganite asked her black-colored superior.

"You bet it is." Black Rutile declared with a sociopathic grin as she gazed at one of the holograms of Steven and plucked it out to hold in her hands. "You can have your happily ever after as much as you like, Steven." She declared evilly. "Cause your little Universe will soon be mine."

END OF PART 1: LITTLE HOMESCHOOL

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2: GRADUATION

At last, Part 1 is finally complete! And here, unfortunately, is where I must go on hiatus. Second semester of college and all that, and I think my classes might be harder than last semester. But hopefully, this cliffhanger should tide you over until we come back. Anyways, Black Rutile is finally upon us! A character that I think I'll have fun writing since I consider her to be like the Lex Luthor to Steven's Superman, the Frieza to his Goku, the Megatron to his Optimus Prime, the Aku to his Samurai Jack, etc etc. In other words, Steven's got a new archenemy coming and he doesn't even know it yet. Stay tuned! (evil laughter)

#steven universe #steven universe future #fanfiction #steven universe alternate future #steven quartz universe #garnet #amethyst #pearl #black rutile #white topaz #rainbow quartz 2.0 #sunstone

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zmediaoutlet · 4 years ago

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in support of Black Lives Matter, @scgemini donated $50, and requested ‘Jensen/Jeff sneaking around on set with peeping tom Jared.’ Thank you for donating!

to get your own personalized fic, please see this post. (no longer taking prompts)

“Okay, everybody, we’re going to call that lunch. Crew, back at 1:30; cast at 2:00.”

Jared wasn’t even in the scene, but he relaxes. It’s boring in his trailer when he’s waiting to shoot coverage and, anyway, this is a fun crew. Greg the sound guy high-fives Jared as he heads for craft services and Tori the script supervisor invites him for beers later at their new favorite bar. “I’m so there,” Jared says. “In fact, I’m so there I’m actually already there, and I’m waiting for you to show!”

Tori grins at him, rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. See you later.”

Most everyone’s cleared out of the set already. There’s a little huddle going on near the screens as they work out something about--Jared doesn’t know, editing or whatever--but other than that, the cast and crew pretty much evaporate when lunch gets called. Means it’s pretty quiet, on the stages. Means there’s privacy, if anyone needs it.

Jensen was gone about one minute after the cut was called. Time enough to smile at people, shake the hand of the extra they’d brought in for the scene. Enough to be polite and not suspicious, and--well, who’d be suspicious? Jensen’s perfect. Jared’s oversensitive, maybe. With what he knows.

He’s still wearing Sam’s costume, from shooting a few scenes ago, and they’re going to pick up a Dean and Sam scene after lunch. The sneakers are soft, comfortable, nearly silent as he walks through the stages, getting further and further in. Darker, back here, with only the ambient lights high up in the ceiling illuminating things, and he sticks his hands in his pockets, tries to chill out. He doesn’t even know if what he’s looking for is going to be there. No need to get excited, before it’s time.

He passes the interior set for Bobby’s house, all tumbled props and fake dust. A motel shell, currently half-stripped for another new insane design. Furthest back is a bar set, this new roadhouse location they’re bringing in for next episode, and he hears--a laugh, and stops in his tracks, and has to take a deep breath.

It was an accident, the first time. He really didn’t know what he was walking into. It had been that episode with the shadow demons, when John Winchester met up with his sons again, and afterward they’d all gone drinking and Jeff bought everybody rounds--was charming, and funny, and awesome. Jared liked him a lot; Jensen liked him even more. They’d gone back to Jeff’s rental house for a few more drinks, after the bar, and Jared had gone to the bathroom and then he’d spent some time talking shit at Hank and Mike playing that basketball game on the Playstation, and then he’d realized Jeff and Jensen were MIA, and he’d looked in the kitchen and in the den, and he’d turned into the hall down to the bedrooms and he’d--

They’re here. Another laugh--Jensen says, “Shut up,” quiet but not quiet enough that it doesn’t carry, and Jeff says, a little louder, “Maybe you should make me,” and Jared bites the inside of his cheek. Every time. This happens every time there’s been a John Winchester scene, and he doesn’t know how he’s getting this lucky.

The roadhouse set has a big frame--wooden walls, a bar. He’s careful as he comes up to the side, listens careful. Jeff says, “Oh, that’s right,” dirty and nasty-low like Jeff’s voice can get, and Jensen makes a--sound, something Jared’s gotten to recognize. That’s Jensen turned on beyond belief, wanting something. Jared bites his lip, eases closer. Lines up, against the very edge of the set, and peeks around, and sees:

Oh, fuck. Jeff’s in street wear, with his coverage finished for the day; Jensen’s still in Dean’s hospital clothes, and Jeff has him crowded up against the edge of a pool table, his hands under the thin white shirt, his mouth up against the back of Jensen’s ear. They’re in profile to where Jared’s watching and the lights are dim, but Jared can still see how Jensen’s eyes slide shut and how he tips his hips back against Jeff’s crotch, how Jeff’s hand moves under the shirt and Jensen huffs out a low fuck.

“You said to be quiet,” Jeff says, low and teasing, and Jensen flails a hand back and grabs his hip, says, “Oh, fuck you,” and Jeff grins and kisses his shoulder. Soft, almost sweet, and Jared presses his temple against the set wall, hot and sick inside. God, they look good together. Comfortable, knowing each other’s bodies, and even that first time when Jeff had Jensen pressed against the wall in that hallway, practically eating his mouth, it looked--right. Like that was how it should be.

Jeff’s hand slides down Jensen’s stomach, palms at his dick through the thin hospital pants. “You ready?” he says, soft, and Jensen nods, fast. He’s so much cooler than Jared is--always calm, in control--except like this, with Jeff, and it just makes Jared’s dick throb, every time. Jared watches while Jeff undoes the drawstring on the pants, while he pushes them down along with the white boxers, and Jensen’s dick spills out, heavy and thick, dragging against the wood rail. Jeff gathers it up in a big hand, squeezes, and Jensen groans, loud enough that he covers his mouth with his own hand. “That’s right,” Jeff says, grinning big again, but then he’s probing at Jensen’s ass with his other hand, not asking, and Jensen props his hands on the pool table, his shoulders high and his head dropping, the line of his back curving down to where Jeff’s fingers are inside him.

It’s Jeff who groans, though, unexpected. “Oh, sweetheart,” he says, and Jensen smiles, eyes closed, tipping up his hips. “When did you manage that?”

“That break for the blown light,” Jensen says, and it’s quiet but it’s cocky. “Knew you’d want to take lunch. Was I right?”

Jeff kisses the back of his neck, his shoulder, says, “So right,” sounding almost dumb, and he’s fumbling his jeans open, drawing out his dick and pumping it, dark in the space between them, before Jared finally puts together--Jensen lubed himself up. On set. In costume, in a break between scenes. Jared feels his face go bright red, the heat searing up in his cheeks and throat, and he has to get a hand on his crotch, squeezing through his jeans, because--because that meant that when Jared was playing a quick match of Soul Calibur in his trailer, in the trailer next door Jensen was spreading his legs, getting his fingers wet, pushing--in---

A groan, two--Jeff, lining up, shoving inside. It’s fast, and Jensen’s rocked up against the table with the force. “God,” Jeff says, and gets his hands around Jensen’s bare hips. “You’re perfect.”

“So I’ve heard,” Jensen says, and braces his hands better, backs up, makes the angle better. His mouth opens, his back arching. “Ah--Jeff, come on--”

Jeff obeys. They always fuck hard, after all the teasing--no slow corkscrewing thrusts, no pausing. Every time Jared’s seen, the same. Jensen likes it, shoves back into it, wants it deep, fast, and his dick’s heavy and slapping against his thigh now, his shoulderblades popped out from how he’s bracing against the table, giving as good as he’s getting against the force of Jeff’s hips. Jeff holds him tight, rams him strong and good and steady, and Jared--he’s fucked a girlfriend in the ass, a few times, but they’ve always been doing him a favor and he’s given up on it because they clearly didn’t love it, and so--he has an idea of what it’s like, but he’s never had that. Never someone like Jensen, who clearly loves it, hard and flushed, throwing his head back at how good it feels, wanting it bad enough that he’s lubing himself up on a break and fucking at work--

“Jesus,” Jeff spits, “for fuck’s sake, Jen, I’m--” and shit, he’s close already--Jensen groans, goes down to his elbows on the table, and Jeff grips him tighter, shoves into him even harder, faster, chasing it, and Jared watches Jensen’s face the whole time and sees the tight turned-on ripple of pleasure when Jeff shoves up into him and groans, flexing, dumping inside him. Fuck’s sake is right--Jeff shoves in again, reflex, and Jensen’s mouth falls open, like it’s the hottest thing that’s happened to him in years.

Jeff folds over for a few seconds, forehead against Jensen’s back. “Lord in heaven,” he mumbles, and Jensen laughs breathlessly. Jeff pulls out slow, makes Jensen shudder--says, quiet, “Creamed you up, sweetheart,” and Jensen’s face spasms, and Jeff smiles like he knows--and then he spins Jensen around by the hips, kisses him on the mouth, and sinks down to his knees. Jared can see just enough above the corner of the pool table to see Jeff suck Jensen’s dick down at the same time that he burrows three fingers right into his open wet ass--and Jensen shoves his knuckles into his mouth, half-shouts fuck around them anyway, and it’s not long then, a handful of seconds with Jeff clearly working magic and Jensen caught between his mouth and his hand, before Jensen grips Jeff’s shoulder and goes stiff and comes nearly silently, aside from his heaving breath.

Jeff swallows. Jared breathes shaky, against wood. He never saw that before. Jeff swallows, and keeps rocking his fingers into Jensen’s ass even when he pulls back and let his dick fall wet and heavy from his mouth. “How was that, sweetheart?” he says, smiling and smug, and Jensen shakes his head, laughs, soft and shaky. His shoulders gleam with sweat in the dim light.

Jared’s hard enough that he feels like he’s going to pierce a hole through Sam’s jeans. He’s got to get out of here, got to find a quiet place to jerk off with this new image fresh and hot behind his eyes. Jeff finally drags his fingers out, pats Jensen’s ass. “That’s a wrap, champ,” he says, hearty as a little league coach. He stands up, does up his jeans, and when he looks up from that his head turns, and he looks Jared directly in the eye.

#fffb #jensen/jeff #j3 #j2 non-au #my writing

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teatimewithhiddles · 6 years ago

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Reception

"I hate you for not partnering me with Tom in the procession" I grumbled drunkenly at my best friend, the bride. Molly and Jeremiah had just gotten married that afternoon and I was now having a pity party for one at their reception. "Lacey looked all tall and fancy next to him. Now they're dancing and I'm sitting here with my whiskey."

Molly burst out laughing. "Even with heels you'd still only come up to his shoulders. It would have thrown the whole thing off. You were fine with Greg. Besides, this way you could at least watch his ass on the way up and down the aisle."

"You have a point and I appreciated that but damnit my T and A look great in this dress and he hasn't even LOOKED at me!"

"That's because Jeremiah threatened him within an inch of his life. He loves you like a sister and knows Tom is always so busy. He doesn't want to see you hurt. I have caught Tom staring a few times though, when you weren't looking, like right now."

I swung around, almost falling off the bar stool. "What? Where?!"

"Breathe, girl. Now I have to go finish mingling. I've also cut you off. Come with me to the balcony and get some fresh air."

"Fine. Fine. Whatever" I sighed, throwing back the rest of my whiskey. I glanced at Tom still dancing with Lacey. It would have hurt just as much sober. Tom and I had been flirting for years but had only snuck the occasional quick makeout session at get togethers. I knew I wasn't the type he usually went for but we made each other laugh. I could always get that full grin giggle without even trying. I knew Lacey was more his type. Elegant, refined, fancy job as a barrister. I'm more of a have a drink at the pub, watch a football match and go to a show type of girl. As a jewelry designer and writer, I had no idea how to act at all the posh places he's used to. I always felt as though he'd be slumming if he and I were together.

***

"Are you and she dating?" Lacey asked as she and Tom finished their dance and went back to the table for a drink.

"What? No. Who?" he asked, following me with his eyes as I stepped outside.

"Tom, you don't have to fool me. I know you and I aren't a match as much as I'd like us to be. You've been staring at her all night. Why didn't you ask Jeremiah to walk with her?"

He sighed. "I did. He threatened bodily harm if I fucked with her. Also said the height difference would throw everything off. BS, but whatever."

"You fancy her!"

"No, we're just friends...that occasionally have a quick snog" he smirked as he threw back his whiskey and loosened his tie.

"I knew it! You DO fancy her!"

"She won't have me. I'm "too busy" and "too posh". I've suggested it before and she is convinced I'd be "slumming" if we got together. I could care less where she grew up or what her job is. She makes me laugh, she has a heart of gold and well, she's hot as fuck" he grinned.

"Well, go try it again! See if she wants to dance at least!"

"Yes, ma'am" he smiled, bussing her cheek before heading to the balcony.

I had happened to glance over just as he leaned in and was not a happy individual. Tom found me muttering to myself about "posh bitches" as he snuck up and wrapped his arms around me.

"What was that?" he purred in my ear.

"Shit! Don't DO that!" I yelped as I jumped in his arms. "Came to slum for a bit before going back to your barrister girlfriend?"

Tom raised an eyebrow. "How many times do I have to tell you that you will never, in any way, shape or form, be considered "slumming"? You're a gorgeous, funny, self made woman and anyone would be lucky to be with you. Also, Lacey and I are not, and will never be, dating. I actually have my eye on someone else but she won't have me."

"Is she dumb? You're a great catch!" I laughed.

"Now darling, don't call yourself dumb" he smirked.

I stared at him, jaw dropped. "I walked into that one, didn't I?"

"Hook, line and sinker" he grinned. "Now if you won't date me, at least dance with me" he suggested, offering his hand as Glenn Miller's "In The Mood". "So what says you, darling - *in the mood* to dance?"

I snorted and took his hand. "You know I can't resist bad puns and Big Band music."

"Couldn't have planned it better myself" he winked as he led me back inside to the dance floor.

I giggled as he led me in a complicated jive, complete with twirls. I was a decent dancer but that man had such energy on the dance floor. I was exhausted by the end. I moved to go sit when the song flowed into Chris Botti's version of "When I Fall In Love" but he wouldn't let go of my hand. "I'm wiped out" I chuckled.

"Then let me hold you and we'll just sway" he smiled softly, pulling me into the comfort of his arms.

I leaned my head on his chest and sighed, wishing I could keep him. Tears came to my eyes as he murmured the lyrics to the instrumental in my ear.

*And the moment I can feel that

You feel that way too (I feel that way too)

Is when I'll fall in love (I fall in love)

With you*

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddleston fic #tom hiddleston fanfic #tom hiddleston fanfiction

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screw-real-life-i-pick-fandoms · 6 years ago

Text

Monster in Me (Tom Hiddleston x Reader) (One-Shot) (Song-Fic)

Words: 2,900+

AN: This was requested by @namelesslosers on Tumblr. Here is the request I got.

Hey, how are you? I saw that your requests are open and I thought that maybe you would be interested in write this one: The reader is a famous singer and was dating Tom, after a while they broke up and in one of those awards shows where they both were invited, she ends up singing the song "Monster in Me" by Little Mix and it's about him. Feel free to choose the ending. Thank you :)

I loved this request, and I am so sorry it took so long to get out. I don’t know what happened, and super sorry about the overly long wait. I hope it was worth the wait and you enjoy it.

(Y/N POV)

I was putting on my deep blue floor length dress for the Golden Globes award show and reception. I was asked to come and sing at the reception because of my growing popularity as a snigger and songwriter. I was a little on edge because I knew he would be there.

*Flash Back*

(Y/N POV)

I was walking through the streets of London trying to get to the park and read. It was a warm summer day and I thought some fresh air would be good. I guess I got lost in my thoughts because I ran into something hard.

"I am sorry Miss," I heard a silky voice say. "I should have been looking where I was going."

"No. It's alright," I said looking up at the man I had walked into. "It was my fault, I should have been-"

I stopped midsentence because once I say who I had run into. I had literally run right into Tom Hiddleston. I just stared at him. To say I wasn't a fan would have been a lie. I had first seen him in "A Midnight in Paris" and really took a liking to him when I saw him in "The Hollow Crown".

"Are you alright?" Tom asked concerned.

"Yeah," I said collecting my thoughts. "I was just...I...I am just a fan of your work."

"Oh," Tom said with a smile. "I guess that makes two of us then, Miss Y/L/N."

"Wait," I said with a confused face. "You are a fan of mine?"

"Yep," Tom said still smiling. "I love your music. I can't help but sing along when I hear it come on the radio."

"Wow," I said quietly. "I am flattered Mr. Hiddleston."

"Tom," He said holding out his hand for me to shake. "Please, call me Tom."

"Okay, Tom," I said shaking his hand, with a smile. "Places, call me Y/N as well."

"Well then, Y/N," He began to say. "If you will allow me to make up running into you. I would like to take you for tea, I know a nice little cafe not far from here."

"It would be my pleasure," I said happily. "That sounds absolutely wonderful."

I had an amazing time with Tom that afternoon, and after we had finished, we even exchanged phone numbers. I couldn't wait to see him again.

*Time Skip*

(Y/N POV)

It had been about two months since I met Tom and we have started hanging out a lot more. Tom had said he wanted to meet me at the cafe he took me to on the day we met. I put on a light green knee-length dress and some flats. I walked to where the cafe was located and saw Tom setting at one of the outside tables. When he saw me he stood up and waved at me, and when I got to the table he pulled my chair for me.

"Thank you," I said sitting down. "Always a gentleman."

"I try my best Y/N," Tom said with a soft chuckle as he sat down in his own chair. "Especially if it is for a woman like you."

"And a charmer too," I said jokingly with a smile. "I bet you say that to all the girls."

We both laugh and talk about whatever comes to mind while sipping on our warm drinks.

"Y/N," Tom began nervously. "I wanted to ask you something. That's actually the reason I asked you to meet me here today."

"Okay then," I said giving him my full attention. "What is it?"

"I know we haven't known each other that long," He said fidgeting with his hands as he talked. "I also understand if I am crossing a line with what I am about to ask. It's just, I really like talking with you and the more I get to know you, the more I want to be around you." He took both of my hands in his. "Would you do me the great honor of being my girlfriend?"

I was in shock and didn't know what to say. The most amazing man I have ever met is asking me to be his girlfriend? This must be a dream. Tom must have taken my silence as a no, and his face dropped.

"It's fine if you don't," Tom said with a sigh. "I am sorry if I crossed a line, and I hope you will still want to be friends."

"No, no, no!" I said quickly making him look deep into my eyes. "I would love to be your girlfriend, Tom! I was just thinking about how I managed to have the most amazing man ever ask me to be his girlfriend."

"Oh, my love," Tom said still looking me in the eyes. "I am the lucky one here. You as incredible and I will do everything I can to make you happy."

We both leaned in for a sweet and loving kiss, still hand in hand.

*Time Skip*

(Y/N POV)

The first five months with Tom were some of the best in my life. He was so caring and gentle with me and was of the most supportive boyfriend a girl could hope for. When I released my new album, Tom was so happy for me and was the first one to buy a copy. Both you and Tom's fans loved you two as a couple, there had only been one or two bad comments made by a fan about you two being together. The rest of them thought you two where the cutest thing ever, they even started calling you two Y/S/N. (AN: Y/S/N = Your Ship Name) Things were never better.

But now, seven months in, things were taking a turn.

Tom had been busy with a press tour for his new movie and wanted me to go with him, but I had to do things in London and couldn't go. Tom was sad but understood that I needed to say and with one last kiss, he went on his way. He called at least once a day to talk to me and we tried to video chat a twice a week.

I had never once worried about Tom leaving me for another girl, well maybe a few times when we first started dating, but it wasn't really a huge thought in my mind after I saw how much he loved me. He would work with all of these beautiful and talented actresses, but I trusted him, just like how he trusted me when I worked with other male singers when he wasn't around.

Tom phoned me one night saying he was coming back early, the next day in fact, and I was overjoyed. I hadn't seen him for over a month and was missing him terribly. I was curious as to when brought him but early but was still very happy to see him.

When he did get home, it wasn't the "I missed you so much, I wish I could be with you all the time. I love you" kind of homecoming I was expecting.

I heard the door click open and raced to see Tom.

"Tom!" I yelled running to him wrapping my arms around him. "You have no idea how much I missed you!"

I kissed him on the lips, but he didn't kiss back, and he also didn't return my embrace.

"Couldn't have been that much." Tom mumbled to himself.

"What?" I asked taking a step back. "What do you mean by that Tom?"

"I mean," I said with a hint of anger in his voice. "You seemed to be in good compose while I was away. After all, you did spend a lot of time with Greg, you two went for dinner, drinks, and he was even at the house. And you didn't even tell me Y/N!"

I shrunk back when he raised his voice and the gathered my thoughts. Greg was another singer that just moved here from Spain and we became friends not long after.

"First off," I said while keeping a level tone. "I am going to assume you know this because you either saw pics or someone told you. It's not that big of a deal, you are fine when I get food with friends. And I will have you know, he was at the house because there was a leak in the pipes, and I needed an extra set of hands."

"Why not just call a professional then?" Tom asked sharply.

"Because, Mr. Touchy," I said defending myself but also with a sarcastic tone. "That would have been a waste of money. I knew how to fix it but needed some extra hands. Calm down."

"Calm down?" Tom asked with a now angry tone. "You want me to calm down? You were hanging around a man in OUR home while I was away and didn't even tell me about it!"

"You know what Tom?" I started as my own anger level was rising. "Whenever you go on press tours with all those beautiful women, do I ever ask you about it? NO, I don't! Maybe I should start! How do I know what you get up to behind closed doors! What goes on in your hotel rooms when you get "lonely" Thomas?!"

"Oh, come one Y/N," Tom said tossing his hands up in exasperation. "Now you are just being unreasonable!"

"No," I said flatly. "I am doing exactly what you are doing. This is literally what you were just accusing me of, but I guess because you are this high and mighty man it doesn't matter if I toss your own questions right back at you!"

"For goodness sakes!" Tom said loudly.

"You know what," I said taking a shaky breath. "I don't think this is working."

"Well then," Tom said, anger still evident in his voice. "That makes two of us."

"Glad to know how you feel," I said walking past him to the door, opening it. "I guess this is goodbye then. Sorry to have been so much trouble."

And with that, I walked out the door and into the late evening air. I texted my friend Emma asking if I could stay over that night.

(Tom's POV)

Once I heard the door close, I realized how much I had messed up. I didn't want her gone, what was I thinking to say that to her? Thinking back on the argument that had just taken place, I realized how stupid it was to blame her for seeing another man.

"You messed up this time." I said to myself as I looked out the window at the darkening sky.

*Time Skip to Present Time*

(Y/N POV)

It had been about two months since Tom and I broke up, but I still felt hurt. I remembered all that we had done together as I drove to the Golden Globes and wondered what the night would bring.

The show went great, some many amazing actors, actresses, filmmakers, and directors were there, and getting the awards they deserved for their amazing work that year. Then came the reception, where I was supposed to sing. I had chosen the song "Monster in Me" by Little Mix to sing for everyone tonight.

As I walked to the stage, I saw a Tom sitting at a crowded table with some other actors, and I looked away before he could look back.

I made it to the stage and then the music started playing.

Beautiful creatures, you and me Every time that we touch it's dangerous This spark is more than chemistry Beautiful liars, drowning deep Every night we fight and it's hot like hell But it feels like heaven between the sheets

Every time we let go I scream, and I call for more

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Monster in me, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy Loves the monster in you, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy

I looked out into the audience and saw Tom and this time we made eye contact.

Beautiful killer, cut me deep Just a single kiss and I'm under your spell

Will you go in like I've never seen

Beautiful fire, love the heat, mm Every night we fight and it's hot like hell But I love the way that you make me scream

And every time I let go I cry, and I beg for more -ore

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe (can't breathe, baby) What can I say, baby, what can I do? The monster in me loves the monster in you Monster in me, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy Loves the monster in you, mm-mm-mm, mm-mm-mm, ayy, ayy (ah, yeah)

I could see the pain and regret in his eyes, and I could tell he saw it in mine too.

Every moment we spend Turning from friends to enemies And fighting to hold on to each other Every second we fall to fire below It's so beautiful The hell that we both made for each other But it's all love and war Louder we roar, crying for more I know it's so wrong, but baby just

I could feel myself getting emotional, but I needed to hold it together till the end of the song.

Touch me Why don't we kill each other slowly? What can I say, baby, what can I do? (Oh) The monster in me loves the monster in you (babe) Hold me Squeeze a little tighter 'til we can't breathe (can't breathe, ooh) What can I say, baby, what can I do? (Baby) The monster in me loves the monster in you The monster in me, yeah

I closed my eyes to hold back the tears I could feel forming.

(Wanting me, haunting you)

(Haunting me, haunting you, ooh) Oh (Wanting me, haunting you) Oh (Wanting me, haunting you, ooh)

Wanting me, haunting you Haunting me, haunting you, ooh Wanting me, haunting you Haunting me

Once I was done and the music stopped everyone clapped and I took a bow before heading off the stage and walking to the door. I needed some air and to be out of the way of people so I would pull myself together. Once I was outside, I let the tears come out and looked up the star-filled night sky. Then out of nowhere, I felt a hand on my shoulder from behind me.

"Y/N?" I heard the voice of the one man I was trying to avoid. "I...we.....we need to talk."

I turned around and faced him, trying to wipe the tears from my eyes.

"I am so, so sorry my love," Tom said pulling me tightly agents his firm chest in a hug. "Words cannot express how sorry I am. I should have never said what I said that day, I was just so daft." He said that last bit almost to himself. "I missed you so much and wish I could take back all the nasty things I said to you." Tom pulled away slightly but still held me in his arms. He used his right hand to wipe away one of my tears. "The day I asked you to be mine, I said I would do anything to make you happy." He looked deep into my Y/E/C eyes with his blue ones. "And what did I go and do? I hurt you so bad and made you leave. I am so sorry my love. Is there any way you would take me back? I swear I will always love you and won't drive you away ever again. I don't think I could live with myself if I drove you away again."

"I...I," I tried to speak but the words wouldn't come out. I missed Tom so much and wanted to take him back. His apology warmed my heart and made me realized he still loved me as much as I loved him. "Yes. I have been waiting to hear those words for so long but was scared you didn't want me back. I will take you back Tom. I will always take you back."

He wrapped his arms around my waist tightly and spun me around with a huge smile on his face. Then he set me down and gave me the most love-filled look I have ever seen. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine in the most passionate kiss ever. It held so much love, pain, longing, hope, and joy, and I knew that everything was going to be alright again. Tom had me and I had Him.

Tag List: @theoneanna @mybabydrivesa67impala @lokislittleslut @camu-winchester @jessiejunebug @fandomnerdsarecool @kinghiddlestonanddixon

Let me know if you want to be tagged. Requests are open.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fic #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddleston oneshot #tom hiddleston x reader oneshot #tom hiddleston songfic #monster in me #angst #angst with a happy ending #tom hiddleston angst #tom hiddleston x reader angst

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queen-swagzilla · 5 years ago

Text

Hermione Granger and the Pit, Chapter 28

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The next morning, Harry filled them in on his latest lesson with Dumbledore, along with his next assignment. Retrieving a memory from Slughorn—the moment he’d told young Tom Riddle about Horcruxes. Dumbledore had an inkling that Slughorn had given him some ideas for vessels to store them in.

“Well lucky for you, there’s a Slug Club dinner on Thursday.” Hermione smirked. “You can approach him after. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

“No.” He barked.

“Oh come on, Harry. It’s actually quite interesting.” Hermione insisted. “We talk about our studies, and influential wizards and learn from each other.” Harry groaned. “It’s fun! Ginny, tell him it’s fun.”

Ginny paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. “Uh…” She thought carefully. “It…can be fun. It’s not always, but it’s about a 50/50 split. It would be better with more friends there, though.”

Hermione shot her a withering look. “Yes, that’s exactly the support I was looking for.”

“I’m sure it’s always fun for you! You’re a nerd! But then there are some shitheads who show up and I want to throttle them half the time.” Ginny replied. “The Carrows alone make me want to sharpen a spear, and don’t even get me started on McLaggen.”

“Isn’t Malfoy in the Slug Club?” Ron asked (through a mouthful of sausage). “That’s got to be terrible.”

“Malfoy is fairly decent during dinners. McLaggen is definitely the worst.” She couldn’t help the disgust that crawled up her spine. “I could honestly castrate him and feel completely unbothered.” Ginny guffawed.

“Even if you only come to one dinner, you have to come just to see what we’re talking about.” Ginny told him. “It makes you want to laugh at his incompetence and vomit at the display all at once.”

“Tempting.” He deadpanned.

There was a flash of white-blond at the doors of the Great Hall, and Hermione observed discreetly as Malfoy made his way into the hall. She was pleased to note that he looked less sallow, and the bags under his eyes had diminished. Pansy pushed a heaping plate at him, and flashed Hermione a wink so fast that if she hadn’t been looking, she’d have missed it.

She turned her attention back to her friends quickly, glad that they hadn’t noticed her observing their nemesis. Her stomach felt strange, both warm with pleasure that she had managed to get Malfoy to take care of himself, and anxious because that meant she’d have to cough up the information she’d promised. Knowing what she did, she couldn’t say she was looking forward to that.

Sure enough, he approached her in the library a week later. Pansy had warned her that he would, but that didn’t help her feel any better. “Granger.”

“Malfoy.”

“I’ve done what you asked. I’ve come to collect.”

She regarded him carefully. “So be it.” She reached into her bag, leafed through her (impeccably organized) stack of parchment carefully, until she found what she was looking for and held it out to him. “These are all the books in this library that I could think of, and on the back there’s a list of books I’ve been looking for, but you’ll have to special-order.” She relayed quietly, eyes boring holes into his. He took it from her gracefully, eyes skimming the first few lines before folding it and stowing it in his pocket.

“Pleasure doing business with you.” He replied sarcastically.

“Malfoy.” She stopped him before he turned to leave. “I’m glad you’re taking better care of yourself. My offer still stands if you need anything else.”

He squinted at her. “Noted. I’ll let you know.” He muttered finally, before sweeping away. She sighed. She wasn’t holding her breath.

The weeks passed quickly, and Hermione (for once) was struggling to stay afloat. Not much of note had happened beyond their day to day. Harry was struggling spectacularly regarding Slughorn, Ginny was still poking around Theo Nott (who was getting suspicious rather than relaxed), and between schoolwork, training, and Malfoy; Pansy and Blaise were running themselves ragged.

“I’m exhausted.” Blaise groaned, flopping onto the couch next to Marcus.

“Oh don’t be like that.” Marcus replied jovially. “Firewhiskey?” He flicked his wand at the bar cart by the kitchen. “How was your first apparation lesson?”

“Fine.” Pansy sighed. “We all managed it by the end, I think. But Justin Finch-Fletchley pirouetted into his hoop like a trained ballerina.”

Marcus snorted. Hermione smacked him on the shoulder. “Be nice. He did his best.”

“His best involved a charming rendition of Swan Lake, Hermione.” Blaise chuckled, swirling his drink.

It was a Friday night, so the four of them had decided to stay at the Pit for the evening. Everyone was in the house—Grin and Amalia on the couch beside them, Prim and Anwar in the kitchen making dinner while Lawrence talked their ears off, the rest of the boys upstairs smoking cigars, and Cal and Rhiannon were painting their nails at the dining table. The only person missing was…

“Hey, where’s Ginny?” Pansy asked. “She said she’d be here at 8.”

Hermione frowned. “Well the tattoos haven’t done anything, so she must be safe. Maybe she got caught up at school.”

“If she doesn’t show up in a half hour, we’ll reach out to see what’s up.” Grin suggested, fully reclined with her head in Amalia’s lap. Hermione nodded, unconcerned. She’d left Ginny in the Gryffindor common room because the younger girl had a study group she had to attend before joining them.

Sure enough, fifteen minutes later Ginny portkeyed into the center of the common room. “Okay, so some news.”

Grin groaned. “It’s officially weekend. Weekend is for sleeping, drinking, and watching the telly.”

“Won’t take long!” Ginny brushed her off. “First of all, I got Theo Nott alone for a whole hour, and we have a study date for tomorrow. I have a good feeling about it but,” she turned to Pansy and Blaise. "I want you two on standby so that I can message you if I need advice in a pinch.”

“I knew I should have started working on two-way parchment.” Hermione muttered, shoving more popcorn in her mouth.

“Second,” Ginny continued as though Hermione hadn’t spoken. “Harry overheard Malfoy talking to Crabbe—apparently he’s been acting as Malfoy’s lookout. And he promises,” she locked her eyes on Hermione. “That he overheard them by accident.”

“He’s using Vince as his lookout? Vince wouldn’t notice if Professor McGonagall danced naked in the Great Hall.” Blaise growled. “And that means he’s decided to let someone help him. That prick. After all the shite he fed us about keeping us safe.”

“Greg and Vince don’t ask questions.” Pansy reminded him quietly.

Hermione sighed, curling into Marcus’ side. “I’ll get back after him on Monday. Find out where he’s working. Won’t be hard if Crabbe’s guarding it.”

“Somewhere he can work on a Vanishing Cabinet without being interrupted.” Blaise grumbled. “Snape would give him any of the dungeon classrooms, if he came up with a good enough cover story. But he wouldn’t need a lookout if he had permission.”

“We’ll figure it out.” Hermione assured him. But as the evening progressed, Blaise’s mood didn’t improve. Eventually, he couldn’t handle his teammates’ good cheer. Draco was his best friend, and he was going down a dark road. The fact that he was taking Crabbe and Goyle on that dark road instead of him stung more than he was willing to admit aloud.

“I’m going to bed.” He grunted, tossing back the rest of his drink before stalking up the stairs. They stared after him, Pansy and Hermione longer than the rest.

“I should talk to him.” Pansy sighed.

“No. I’ll take care of it.” Hermione replied. Pansy smiled up at her as she stood from the couch. “Goodnight everyone.” She ascended the stairs and made her way to Blaise’s room, knocking on the door when she arrived. “Blaise?”

He swung the door open and stood there, face blank. “Yes?”

“Can I come in?” She asked, getting nervous when he remained in place, face still unreadable. Finally, he stood aside so she could slip past him. “Do you want to talk about it?” She offered hesitantly, stepping closer to him and laying a hand on his arm.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” He replied coldly. “Draco decided to trust Crabbe and Goyle with his death-defying mission instead of his oldest friends, even though we begged him. He made his choice.”

Her eyes softened. “He knows that you’re not on Voldemort’s side.” She reminded him. “He’s respecting your decision, and keeping you safe the only way he knows how. We’ll get him, Blaise, and we’ll figure it out together.”

“God, I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to think about whatever he’s doing, because it’s so dangerous that he won’t tell us about it and he wasn’t eating or sleeping. I don’t want to think about the fact that he’s using idiots like Crabbe and Goyle as backup when they can barely do basic arithmetic.” His breathing grew heavier, and he squeezed his eyes shut, backing away to perch on the bed and press his eyes into his palm.

“So don’t. Don’t think about it. Not right now, when you can’t do anything. Take your mind off it.” Hermione pressed, sitting beside him. “What you’re doing now isn’t healthy. You can’t take responsibility for his decisions. You can only help him if he wants to be helped, so all you can do is keep after him. In the meantime, do something else. Don’t—”

“Hermione.” He barked. She stopped short, words bottling in her throat. “You don’t need to fix this.”

“I’m not trying to.” She insisted. “But you’re upset. You’re my friend and teammate. Am I not supposed to make you feel better?” He was silent for a long time—long enough that she felt nervous. “Blaise?"

He turned to catch her eye. “If you’re up for it, I know a better way to take my mind off things.”

Hermione’s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment, but she always did catch on quick. She blushed furiously. “Oh. Uh, sure?”

Without another word, he wound his hand through her hair and he yanked her mouth towards his. She squeaked in surprise as he lunged—intent and sure—devouring her mouth as his free hand yanked at her blouse. She cried out as he bit down hard on her lip and tugged on her hair, leading her backward to lie on the bed so that he could crawl over her. “Tell me when to stop, will you? Tell me when it’s too much.” He growled as he pushed her shirt off her shoulders, dropping his mouth to her neck to scrape his teeth across her heated skin. She moaned and bucked into him, grinding her hips into his excitedly. “Talk to me, beautiful. You’ll tell me, won’t you?”

“Yes!” She yelped as he bit down on her pulse point and ground his teeth in, squeezing her tits through her bra.

“Good girl.” He replied, moaning when she bucked against him again and fastening his mouth to hers again. She curled her fingers into his waistband, searching eagerly for the button on his slacks.

“God, why are you still wearing slacks?” She groaned, struggling with the clasp in annoyance. “You’re supposed to ditch your uniform on Friday evenings.” He chuckled, leaving hot, open mouthed kisses across her jaw and throat, hands snaking around her back to deftly flick her bra open. Instead of pulling it down her arms, he pushed it over her breasts, impatient, and fastened his teeth to a hardened nipple and bit, just on the edge of too rough. She cried out and clenched her fist on his waistband, inadvertently yanking him closer.

“Fuck, Hermione.” He snarled, soft and heated, sucking bruises onto the tops of her tits. He dropped his hand to the button on her jeans, but couldn’t find the leverage he needed. He groaned in frustration, pulling back and Hermione whined at the loss. “Sorry beautiful, just give me a moment.” He muttered, working the button open before yanking her jeans down her legs and dragging her underwear with it. She kicked them off as soon as they were past her knees, and reached up to unsnap the clasp on his trousers, pushing them past his hips. He batted her hands away, wrapped his arms under her lower back, and hoisted her further onto the bed.

“Blaise!”

“Not yet.” He shushed her. “You first.” He crawled onto the bed and lay on his belly between her legs, sucking more bruises into her thighs.

“No, but Blaise—“ She whimpered as he bit her, grasping his shoulders to push at them. “What about you?”

“Me after. You first.” He grumbled, pressing an open mouthed kiss to her slit. Her hands left his shoulders and curled into his hair. He ran his thumb through the seam of her pussy lips, parting the way for his tongue and coming to rub circles into her clit. She canted her hips up into his mouth desperately. He groaned, licking into her with more fervor, banding one arm around her waist to hold her in place.

“God Blaise,” she gasped, moaning loudly when he replaced his thumb over her clit with his mouth and sucked, slipping two fingers into her dripping pussy without warning. Her grip tightened in his hair and he groaned against her clit, relishing the way her hips stuttered as she ground into his face.

Entirely too soon, he felt her thighs quaking around his shoulders and her pussy squeezing his fingers a tighter, then her back was arching off the bed and she was humping his face and keening at the ceiling.

She didn’t fall back like the first time though. Once she came down, she dragged him up by his hair, kissing him fiercely and licking into his mouth. Then, all of a sudden, she hooked one leg over his, another over his hip, and pushed at his shoulder until he was on his back and she was straddling him. “You’ve been practicing muggle martial arts with Ginny.” He accused.

“Not as naked, but yeah.” She grinned. She leaned down, capturing his lips again. Then she trailed those kisses down to his neck and his torso, working the buttons on his shirt as she went. “I wish you’d let me take these off earlier.” She murmured, now between his legs and working his trousers the rest of the way down his legs.

“Yeah me too.” He grunted, frustrated when they got caught around his knees. “Get up.” She complied, dropping off to the side while he kicked his pants off impatiently. “Fucking finally.” He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back over him, groaning when her dripping pussy slid along his cock. “Fuck!”

Hermione had tensed in his arms, and for a moment he thought he’d crossed a line. Then, she braced her arms on his shoulders and repeated the motion, sliding the seam of her hot, slippery slit over his cock until the head bumped against her clit, then slid back down with a delighted whimper. “Oh my god.”

“You’re killing me, Hermione.” He groaned, thrusting up against her. She jerked as his cock hit her clit again.

“Sit up against the headboard, Blaise.” She panted. “Please, just—“

“Up.” She got up on her knees so that he could scoot up like she’d asked, crawling with him as she went. “Fuck, you’re a genius.” He muttered, grabbing her by the waist to pull her back onto his lap, trapping his cock between her folds and his stomach before pulling her forward to fasten his mouth to her neck. He wound one hand into her hair while the other squeezed her ass, guiding her thrusts and baring her neck.

She ground down on him desperately, emitting a pitchy wail when he dropped his mouth to her tits and ground up into her clit. “ That’s my dirty little lioness.” He growled around her nipple. “I love it when you’re loud for me, beautiful.”

“Blaise please, I need—“ She broke of with a sharp cry when he tugged sharply on her hair.

“What do you need, Hermione? Tell me.”

“Again!” She demanded, back arched and hips stuttering. He grinned and yanked her hair again, groaning as she undulated almost violently. They picked up a rhythm quickly—grinding into each other desperately, exchanging sloppy open mouthed kisses. Her nails dug into his shoulders or ran across his scalp, as his hands stroked and squeezed every inch of her heated skin that he could reach. Finally, they came to rest on her ass, squeezing as he pushed and pulled her across his leaking cock—pressing her has close to him as he could even as he pulled away from her mouth to leave hot, bitten bruises on her neck and shoulders.

Another orgasm crested over her and he cried out at the fresh wave of heat against his cock, thrusting up against her almost violently as he came all over his stomach.

She slumped into his hold, mouthing tired kisses into his neck as she regained her equilibrium.

“Outstanding as ever, Ms. Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor.” He panted, stroking his hand down her spine lazily. She laughed breathily, nuzzling into his chest.

“I aim to impress, Professor.”

“Mission accomplished.” He grunted, shifting them into a more comfortable position. She grumbled as he moved, but was immediately at ease when she came to rest her head on his chest, arm slung across his (sticky) stomach. “We should clean up.”

“Later. If you move now, I’ll kill you.” She threatened lazily—boneless and satisfied. They lay in silence, Blaise in a near meditative state as Hermione drifted off. He glanced at her as her breathing evened out.

“If you say we’ll be okay, we’ll be okay.” He murmured. “I trust you.” She didn’t stir, but it still made him feel better. With Hermione Granger leading the way, he could hope a little harder.

They returned to school the next morning—mostly so that Pansy and Blaise could tail Ginny as she studied with the elusive Theo Nott.

Hermione, at a lack for what to do, decided to visit Hagrid and Witherwings for a cuppa. That didn’t last long though—Hagrid seemed preoccupied, and scurried into the forest as she made her leave.

Not one to leave her mind unoccupied, Hermione turned her focus to the Malfoy problem. She sighed. 'It couldn’t have been a Hufflepuff. It had to be the most pig-headed, strong-willed ferret known to man.' She didn’t know how to get through to him. He was well rested, he was well fed, but he was not at the top of his game. Yet, he refused to ask for help from competent wizards, and refused to see reason.

Without even realizing it, she had slogged her way up six flights of stairs while valiantly trying to sort out possible approaches. She was so caught in her musings that she startled a small Hufflepuff girl who promptly dropped her scales at the sight of her. “Sorry about that.” She said, hastily bending to snatch the fallen device. “Here you go. Are you alright?” The girl squeaked and nodded hastily, before scurrying over to her friend. They eyed her warily, like she was going to explode. “Er…right. I’ll be off then.” She waved jerkily before continuing, barely sparing a thought to their strange behavior.

“I guess I could catch him in another unattended classroom.” She muttered. “Haunt him until he cracks. It would satisfy me, at least.”

“Haunt who?” Harry asked. Hermione jumped, spinning on her heel to look at Harry. She blinked owlishly, completely caught off guard. Then she examined her surroundings. She’d already made it back to the common room.

“No one. Doesn’t matter. Won’t work anyways.”

“So you’re muttering to yourself because you can’t find an answer?”

“I’m not muttering!”

“Fine then, having a rousing conversation with yourself under your breath. Better?”

“Shut it.”

“That doesn’t sound like something I’d do.” Harry grinned. She scowled at him. “Want help? Or at least a second person for that conversation?”

“Depends. Are you done with your essay for Herbology?” She asked. He whined in response. “Well then. I only speak about my secret plots with people who don’t procrastinate.” She sniffed.

“And you only get hickeys from Nobel Prize Winners? Because that would narrow the list of suspects for that crime scene on your neck. Jesus, Hermione.”

She slapped her hand against her neck, covering the hickey in question and blushing furiously. “That is none of your business, Harry Potter!”

“You’re the one who taught me to be curious. You’ve only yourself to blame you know.” He scolded. “Come on, tell me! I promise I won’t make fun.”

“I’m not worried you’ll take the mickey out of me, I’m worried you’ll commit a crime in the range of manslaughter to murder.” She retorted. “Or something equally melodramatic. Like tell Ron.”

He gasped, affronted. “I would never!” He paused. “Unless it was a Slytherin.” She narrowed her eyes threateningly. “Merlin’s saggy left nut. It’s a bloody Slytherin."

“It doesn’t matter if it was a Slytherin, a Hufflepuff, or a bloody hippogriff. Whoever it was has my approval and is my choice. Therefore, no matter what house he’s in, you will accept my decision if it ever comes to light. Do I make myself clear?” Her voice had gone dangerously low. Harry could feel a cold sweat building at the nape of his neck.

“Er…yeah, Hermione. Of course it’s your choice. Just a joke, I swear. I mean, I’d be surprised, but you’ve probably got a better head on your shoulders than Dumbledore.” He backpedaled.

She cracked a grin, and Harry gaped. She was fucking with him! “Oh, am I really that scary?” She laughed. “Relax. I can’t tell you who it is because of my mission, not because of you and Ron.”

“That was mean!”

She snorted. “You’ve looked Voldemort in the eye. You can handle a practical joke, you baby.”

Read it on Ao3!

#Harry Potter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter fanfic #harry potter fanfic rec #Hermione Granger #pansy parkinson #blaise zabini #Ron Weasley #ginny weasley #slytherin #archive of our own #please like my stuff #aka my garbage #queen-swagzilla #s_the_queen on ao3 #swagzilla writes #hermione granger and the pit

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afteriwake · 5 years ago

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Every English Village Has Its Secrets (An “In Our Neck Of The Woods” Story)

And I’m finally getting a chance to update this! Not sure if I will finish it in the next five days for WIPBB, as I still have two pieces of art to create and two other fics which are closer to finishing than this one, but I got hit with the idea of a family line being killed off (a la the musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” one of my faves) and decided to run with it. So even if I don’t finish this for WIPBB, enjoy the new update!

Every English VIllage Has Its Secrets - When Greg and Sally get called to Midsomer County for a case, right from the start Greg knows it will be a headache when Mycroft offers him lodging (so long as he's alright with his former lover being his housemate for his time there), and it doesn't get much better when he meets DCI Tom Barnaby and immediately their Detective Sergeants take an instant dislike to each other when Sally arrives the next evening. And that isn't even getting into the actual case itself and all the secrets hidden in the village of Elverton-cum-Latterley...

Barnaby did a good job of laying out what wasn’t in the case file that had been given to him at the Yard: there was a woman involved, though she currently wasn’t being considered a suspect; it was a delicate situation as she was married to a prominent businessman in the village who had political aspirations. The affair was to be kept under wraps as much as possible but Greg could see that there was a slight twinkle in Barnaby’s eye that he thought meant Barnaby would use the information as leverage, if needed, and as a large stick if that didn’t work.

Made him realize there were fewer policeman like himself and Barnaby in circulation at the various police stations in the United Kingdom, and one day they’d all be put out to pasture and the whole thing would be run more by people like DS Donovan and DS Troy. He could only hope they learned the valuable lessons from coppers like their superiors.

There were more details given in the ride from Causton to Elverton-cum-Latterly than he had expected, and he was making mental notes. Based on the comment from Barnaby he had the feeling if Troy had been driving, there would have been a wreck, so he decided to make sure if he was in a car either Sally or Barnaby was driving. Sally, at least, had mastered the skill of holding on a conversation and paying attention to the road at the same time, something he wasn’t sure Troy had grasped yet. But he wasn’t about to disparage the man; his input of things he had observed could be valuable as well.

Finally they arrived at the inn and he saw there was still crime scene tape blocking off an automobile in the lot. “Is that his car?” Greg asked.

Barnaby nodded. “It’s been looked through and dusted for any suitable prints. We’re simply waiting for his next of kin to come to claim it.”

Gregory got out of Barnaby’s car and went to look at the powder blue Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. From 1956, he reckoned. He’d been a bit of a car buff when he’d been younger and had scrimped and saved to own a 1971 Volvo P1800 that had been a custom convertible job. It was sitting in the garage of his mother’s home, needing repairs, but he reckoned Eileen would enjoy working on it as she got older, as she seemed to be a budding car buff in her own right. But he remembered that this was been Alfa Romero’s first convertible after the war and they stayed in production pretty much untouched until the mid-60s. The vintage 50s first runs were extremely valuable. And he noticed this car was not the only one of its ilk; in the covered parts of the inn’s car park, there were more classic roadsters. “Was there a vintage car show in these parts coming up?” Greg asked, looking at Barnaby and Troy.

Troy nodded. “Fundraiser for the village’s widow and orphans fund, organized by the local church.”

“Interesting. But he wasn’t killed for the car? It looks spotless, aside from fingerprint powder.”

“Not as far as we can tell,” Barnaby said. “But John Granger was full of secrets, apparently. He had a wife that he was separated from who is technically the next of kin, and the family had no idea she existed.”

“A man has a wife his family doesn’t know about, a lover in the outskirts of London, and a vintage car that no one wants to come to claim so far,” Greg murmured. He shook his head. If Mycroft’s brother was here, he would have solved it all instantly and made them look like fools, though he doubted few could make Barnaby look as foolish as he himself felt sometimes when dealing with Sherlock. He then looked over to the inn. “Is any of Granger’s family in the area, or are they all holed up in London making noise?”

Troy grinned at that. “His sister is here, at the inn,” he said. “I can get her?”

“Yes, you do that, Troy,” Barnaby said. Troy nodded and then left the two men. “She is a handful.”

“I deal with that on the regular,” Greg said. “Not just with suspects and families. My own preferred consultant can be a primadonna in his own right at times.”

Barnaby nodded. “I was surprised he didn’t accompany you. Even we’ve heard a bit about the brilliant man solving cases at Scotland Yard who isn't a Yarder.”

“He’d have considered this too low on his scale,” Greg said. “But Sally is just as good. She had plans I didn’t want to interrupt too much, so she agreed to cut her holiday short and see if she’s even needed at that point.”

“It’s good to have a life outside of all this,” Barnaby said. “Speaking of, my wife said if you came early she wanted to know if you’d come by for supper. Joyce had said something about steaks, perhaps.”

“I’d like that,” Greg said with a grin. “Been a while since I had a good homecooked meal I haven’t had to make myself.” He thought to the stew the night before and the conversation and time spent with Mycroft. It’s what his home life should have been with his wife, but she preferred to eat away from home, usually without him and with whoever she was shagging at the moment. He didn’t care, as it gave him peace and quiet after long days, but he missed the company sometimes.

Barnaby was going to say more but Troy popped his head out, his eyes wide as he frantically signaled for the two men to come to the entrance to the inn. They went over and he loosened his tie slightly. “Sir, I don’t know how to tell you this, but...there’s been another murder,” he said to Barnaby. “The victim’s sister was just found in her bedroom here, with stab wounds to the chest.”

“We may need your DS’s help after all,” Barnaby murmured to Greg as he turned to face him.

“And sooner, I take it,” Greg said with a nod, reaching for his mobile. Sally was not going to like this at all...

#sherlock #midsomer murders #mystrade #tom x joyce #fanfic #fanfiction #greg lestrade #tom barnaby #gavin troy #my au: in our neck of the woods #Multipart: Every English Village Has Its Secrets

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fyeahdpanabaker · 6 years ago

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Godspeed, Danielle Panabaker! After almost five seasons, The Flash's always graceful and ebullient star has gotten the chance to step behind the camera for the first time to make her directorial debut.

And because this is the Arrowverse, that meant taking on more challenges than most. Not only did Panabaker have stunts, special effects, supersuits and storylines to handle, she also had to basically build a new world, because this week's episode is all about how the now-imprisoned Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy) received her powers and came to align herself with Thawne (Tom Cavanagh) in 2049. Oh, and the hour reportedly introduces us to DC Comics villain Godspeed, as well.

That's some heavy lifting, but let's face it, the future is female and Panabaker is a perfect choice to take us there!

OK, congratulations. You directed an episode!

Danielle Panabaker: Thank you. Thank you very much! [Laughs]

Now, none of these shows are easy to direct, but you went and got an episode that is primarily set in 2049, a world we're not familiar with!

[Laughs] I did, yes. In a world we've never seen before. That was, I think, one of the biggest challenges but also one of the most exciting things that I got to do, which was create this world. On my first day of prep, the conversations were "What does 2049 look like?" and after that it's "What does 2049 look like on an episodic TV budget?" Everybody was really creative and did everything they could to bring this very modern futuristic world together.

So what does the world look like?

In my conversations with Todd [Helbing, exec-producer] and the writers, for us it sort of felt like this was a sleek, modern world. One of my writers said it would be like KonMari...everybody went through and KoMari'd everything. Just clean, minimalist. And that was great. I sort of toyed with the idea and asked myself, "Is it that dark, moody world that Tom Cavanagh created in Season 3, Episode 19 when he first directed?" That didn't feel right to us.

Is it maybe a little icier?

[Laughs] A little icier. I would say a little more sleek and modern and white.

And you're getting to tell Nora's backstory. What can you tease about this?

OK so, this episode, Team Flash struggles to understand why Nora has chosen to do what she's done in working with the Reverse Flash. They decide to read her journal to try to get some insight into why she's made these choices. The journal sort of provides us a portal to jump forward in time to where Nora originally came from and to see how she got her powers.

Did you shadow directors before all of this, as well?

It's funny. I was actually talking to Jesse Martin [Joe West] about this last night. He laughs because somebody said, "Did you shadow?" and Jesse laughed and said, "It feels like you've been shadowing for years." I really took advantage of being fortunate enough to be on a show that has made 100 episodes. I kept showing up at the production office, sitting through meetings, eavesdropping, trying to learn as much as I could. I formally shadowed both Tom Cavanagh and David McWhirter in Season 4, though.

That must be a gift, getting to see what it's like for one of your fellow actors to direct his costars.

Yeah, absolutely. Tom was really an inspiration in a lot of ways as, yes, an actor who directs his costars but also the way he communicates with everyone and how generous and enthusiastic he is. It was pretty incredible to see.

And how much are you on screen in the episode?

One day's worth. The episode starts and ends in the Cortex where we see most of Team Flash. It's a direct pick-up from the end of 17, where they're still processing the information and trying to figure out what to do.

How long have you wanted to direct?

Now having done it, I think I've always probably had the skillset for it but didn't really believe I could do it until I saw Tom Cavanagh do it in Season 3. I watched him go through it and was like, "Oh, maybe this is really possible and this really is attainable for me."

Was there any hazing from your costars?

[Laughs ] No. I'm so grateful and so thankful that they did not! One of the previous directors was laughing at me. He kept asking, "Are you ready? Are you ready?" and teasing me and saying, "Well, what will you do if...?" The reality is, my costars were very trusting of me. I think I have [built] a good enough relationship with them over the last five years that I've really established myself as a professional and someone who cares and someone who pays attention. I think they were very trusting of me. The next go round, maybe not. [Laughs] Maybe they'll have a little more fun with me. I'm so grateful that they were so generous.

This is so cool. When you start on a show you, I'm sure most actors don't think this is ever going to be a possibility.

No, not at all. I'm so incredibly lucky that Warner Brothers and The CW and Greg Berlanti have supported me along this because it is a bit of a risk to have a first-timer directing. You're putting them in charge of however many millions of dollars it takes to produce an episode. I'm incredibly grateful that they gave me that opportunity. Someone asked me, they were like, "Oh, are you getting a bottle episode," which is typically one of our smaller episodes. I laughed. I said, "No, I think mine's the opposite," because we went so many places and had to create so many new sets.

What would you consider your biggest challenge and also your biggest victory?

My biggest challenge... [Arrow showrunner] Beth Schwartz gave me really great advice when I was directing. She said, "TV directing is all about problem-solving and being malleable." I think there were a thousand ways that that happened every day in varying capacities, whether it was scheduling issues or someone was really sick or a costume wasn't quite ready in time to shoot. There were all kinds of various challenges, but we sort of had to just adjust and try and make it work.

Nice. And your biggest victory?

Getting to do it. I'm really just proud of the episode. I feel like this is the first moment I've stopped and I've really pinched myself and said, "Oh, you did it. You did it. Now it's going to be on television!"

What can you tell us about Caitlin as we head into these final episodes?

It's a race to the finish starting with episode 18. There's a ton of momentum. We find Nora's origin story. She's going to have a bit of a journey until the season finale. Obviously, Barry (Grant Gustin) and Iris (Candice Patton) have their own relationship and they struggle as parents particularly in dealing with [Nora's lies]. In [Episode] 19, my father returns, which is a wonderful storyline and I'm excited for fans to see the conclusion of that story as well.

How do you feel about where they have taken Killer Frost this season? Because I'm really loving her evolution...

Oh I do, too. I'm so grateful that they really heard me after Season 4. Todd Helbing in particular did an unbelievable job in giving me a really substantial storyline that I could sink my teeth into. That sort of dual character was something that I don't feel like we really played into or utilized in Season 4. And this year, we really explored their relationship with each other, how they're coexisting, how they feel about each other, which I've loved. And that was really important to me, because I didn't want her to just be thrown away as a joke. She's a real character. We saw her in her full glory at the end of Season 3. I was always curious as to how these two people were coexisting.

Was there a cake at the end or was there any kind of wrap party for you?

No, but the caterers did make my favorite chocolate-peanut butter pie on my last day. Again, I've been so supported along the way! [Laughs]

The Flash, Tuesdays, 8/7c, The CW

#danielle panabaker #the flash #news

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perispinel · 6 years ago

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Adventure Time Finale Liveblog

Already this episode is off to a weird start, starting with a flashforward in the future with two random one-off characters and- OH MY GOSH THEY FOUND FINN’S ARM AND THEY LIVE IN MARCELINE’S HOUSE NOW!

Did Finn like die? THis has to be a fakeout about this.

King of Ooo is alive far int he future? he melted in the fire as wax remember writers?

Oh my gosh this is why they showed the Enchiridion episode last, Mount Kragdor is back!

the king of Ooo is BMO! Wait why does he have PB’s crown... oh my god BMO outlived everybody. he is unfazed by death

BMO is kickin’ em out already, what a savage

That arm is giving BMO some flashbacks. Awww adorable!

Heh after so long BMO is having trouble remembering Finn’s name.

The plot description said NEPTR was telling the story, they faked us out totally!

Finally, more Betty!

Finally, more Maja!

Looking at Finn is like “you die eventually. BMO has your arm now.”

Having BMO narrate the whole story makes it sound like a five year old trying to describe World War II.

Finally Duke of Nuts, my favorite character!

Literally no one likes him, he wants to be MacGyver

Justin Roiland has work while R n M is off

Princess Bubblegum is going the Leia route of going from Princess to General

Oh no a little cake spy.

Huntress Wizard, played by Mona Lisa from Parks and Rec, did a good job getting rid of that sky

Come along with me, it is time for war you seeeee

Marceline and PB better makeout RIGHT NOW Marceline, yes, please reconsider PB Oh geez Marceline is just casually like “I saw people die PB.” Marceline be like “I felt worse” all over us

Finn is right.

W-what? Finn whatcha goin on about with nightmares? I thought he was gonna break the fourth wall

I love when a war begins with someone repeating “WAR” over and over

Yep yep there goes the banana guards. What a great plan

“You’re weird” isn’t what I’d say honestly

He doesn’t know what fruit is apparently

Lemongrab is totally piiiiiissed... Oh he’s just sad.

Gumbald literally is backing UP because of them being serious Finny boy

Hey Fern, remember when I accidentally killed ya? Good times boi

“You’re a toddler” is the cue for “I kill you or you give up”

What a great time for a commercial break.

Okay, time for my thoughts in-between the show: this is giving me crazy feelings. Like, knowing BMO outlives everyone, regardless of the war’s outcome... wait, BMO said Finn was heroic til the end right? Oh my gosh will Finn sacrifice himself? Well either way BMO probably SAW him die, old age or not. BMO is literally the imbodement of a child who doesn’t understand the consequences of anything. Back to the show!

Nice job making me almost sad BMO.

Unconscious world? That’s crazy man.

So no war? Aiight.

Finn was all like “go to dreamworld and talk things out” and they be like “let’s have a war again”

Ooh cool, let’s get those songs for the album here

Jake is going back to his roots

Ooh let’s get Tom Sharpling up in this guys

Aww poor Fern.

PB isn’t reluctant at all to kill someone even if they look like Finn, as long as they be an enemy.

Oh sweet evolution Fern!

Fern is going the toddler solution, that’s fine.

Okay Greg from Steven Universe, enjoy your appearance while it lasts.

Is John DiMaggio spending the episode in a dream state?

Pinching people in the dreamworld really wakes you up? That’s dope.

W-what? why’d they just vibrate

Fern does sound like a knockoff Finn sometimes honestly. Heh prove you’re tormented Finn!

Oh geez this is really dark, PB had a messup life. Recreating that scene for some symbolism I suppose!

Ooh subconscious world!

Aww his girlfriend is here- I wish I spoke korean.

It’s nice his kids- oh nevermind.

Is this symbolism for him being connected to his wife like by the sides?

Hahah we got a fart joke everyone, wrap it up! Just kiddin I don’t care either way

I bet Pb is learning what it was like living as a completely unintelligent being without any choice. Will this cause some empathy?

Yeah repressed memories must smell awful.

Obviously Fern and Finn share the same memories, but it’s cool to see them confront it Mindful Education-style

I missed Adventure Time’s art style honestly.

Oh I get it, Fern originated from the Finnsword.

Oh wow, all of that took place in the span of one second!

PB and Gumbald are learning empathy now, are we not having a war or?

“No no no that happened next.” Good job faking out the fake out.

I love these breaks telling us small bits of lore and secrets about what’s going on that we’re not noticing. Anyway, I am excited to find out what this portal is exactly- I’m guessing Magic Man, Betty, and Maga’s weird cryptic chant is gonna cause some big bad event. Will Adventure Time end with the end of the world? I’d be mega shocked if Finn just died. Wait why isn’t Marceline in the future? Realistically she should be there UNLESS she got killed, soooo... back to the show!! :D

We saved the day! Big scary baby is definitely good!

Wait Fern is in the real world now???

Ice King was just gonna leave until he had that flashback

It is so cute seeing Betty and Simon’s past, I wwant fanart of them having a happy life.

Did I mention FP is super cute? I love Flame Princess

This is getting quite dark man. Even Marcy is scared.

PB don’t martyr yourself

Aww what a great leader, telling her army to flee in terror instead of dying without purpose!

Oooh Fern is on good side now!

Gumball Guardians are her real children

Is this even a kids episode? this should be rared PG-13 man

I hope all this rogue gallery characters still get lines. oh there they go

Heh Jake and Amethyst have some similarities don’t they

Wow what a dark end for someone, skull cracks open and innards bounce around and endanger people

Ice King is the savior! How cute

This is more epic than Reunited but that’s not fair to say exactly, one is finale and one is a special

Oh no poor bananas, so dumb

Let’s go Jake, doing what he does best and being helpful!

Did Jake explode and die?

Remember when LSP and Lemongrab dated?

Aww Lemongrab and LSP is a canon ship, only straight ship allowed for those two

Come on Ice King, remember who you and Betty are!

Ice King is reciting the song from the episode. Oh my gosh come on dude, replace at least ONE word in the song silly!

Betty is too crazy to not throw a tantrum I guess.

Maga the Sky Witch- Kill Count 1

No no no Flame Princesssss! Maybe she’s okay?

Fernnn!

Did PB just die? Oh my glob

Oh Marcy’s going back to her roots

Okay PB is alive, it’s fine.

Marceline just had a PLanet Hulk moment right there.

Aww it’s canon now guys! Marceline X Bubblegum eternally and they kissssed! Guys they made up for so long of teasing!

Oh no I think they’re breaking them apart layer-by-layer

Ice King is Simon again, yeyyy!

I love that the moment PB and Marcy are confirmed gay for real they just have them holding each other close to prove it even more

Finally Jakei s confirmed not dead

Oh no is Jake dead, 2.0.?

Finally we have a reason BMO knows what happens. He nearly died.

Okay so... Flame Princess and Fern are taken out while Maga is definitely dead. I have a feeling Marceline might die,or else we’ll need a thorough explanation for why she’s not living in her house. Like I can tell that this character voiced by Willow Smith is Jake’s descendant but Marceline is potentially an immortal I assumed so they wouldn’t have her be gone without explanation. Then, here’s a question: is Jake about to sacrifice himself to save BMO?? Also, BMO straight-up says the world ended so I have a feeling that he wasn’t just being coy.

Oh my glob, what’s about to happen. Jake and Finnn’s home is destroyed.

BMO is getting deep. Okay HE’S SINGING THE SONG :D

Is this about to have a Rogue One ending? How is this going to end happily?

This song is meant to be bittersweet, no way is this a happy ending song guys.

Is BMO secretly badass? CARTOON CONSPIRACY No it’s just the power of music.

Oh I get it! Discord, Harmony, Music, it all makes sense!

Oh literally everyone sings this! along with screaming!

They got so many voice actors for this!

Is he going to explode? Oh my glob?

Here lies Finn. he was a good man. I love him.

“No one gets to choose how it happens. the most important thing is that we’re here together.” Nice way to make me sad twice

Is Simon going to become Simon forever? What’s going on here? Is Betty going to get her bones crushed???

Aww how cute of you Betty. not making my heart any calmer

Ooh yes he’s Simon again :DDD

Oh my gosh this is a crazy kind of ending

Oh no I’m scared now.

thanks for the reminder of The Tandem Elephant’s existence man. Okay, so... this is crazy. Simon is back, like for real, he’s not dying or anything... Betty is potentially dead... Finn didn’t die, which is dope... my eyes are watering, definitely not about to cry. I can’t believe it I’m emotional over cartoon show wow. Just knowing I have eight more minutes until it for real is all over. Maybe I’ll just like, watch it again so I can pretend it didn’t end yet? No that’d be fake. I normally don’t even cry in situations where it’d make sense so this is telling for me I guess. These commercials really make me appreciate how good the show I’m watching are. :’D Okay so, I don’t think Magi actually died, although it’s hard to tell really since I didn’t get a good look at her. I have no idea what is about to happen but I am freaking out.

Ultimate Adventure continues now

Oh wow Betty fused with the crystal boi

Simon and Marcy, reunited for real

Imagine how much it must suck to wake up after so long of being stuck as someone else

I DON’T FEEL SO GOOD. is that a reference... Oooniverse?

Okay so Gunter is the future beard boy I guess.

Oh wow they grew a Fern. and found a new sword.

YES HE SCREAMED. THE BOY SCREAMSSS!

Thanks for disobeying me Finn

Finn officially has the singular arm. Dope.

Future baby boy has a big beard

Finn and Jake can’t live forever, this is the past yes

Ooh the music hole is here again! Epic callback broos

Ooh the hole sings the End Credits Song oh geez

New Ice King is Gunter, old ICe King is Simon

Ooh nice glimpses of what might become of some of our friends in the future

Ooooh Lemongrab and Jake get along better.

Aww cute his dad is going to space now

Flame Princess and NEPTR friends forever

Jiggler callback!

Susan is here!

Normal Man is cool!

Huntress Wizard continues to be fun!

PB and Marcy are still gay, Pep But is still edgyyyy

THE HUMANS ARE BAAAAAACCCCCKKKK

They found the sword oh glorb!

OH WOW THEY JUST HINTED AT WHAT A FUTURE ADVENTURE TIME SPINOFF WOULD BE LIKE!

I LOVE THE FACT THAT THEY DIDN’T RESET BUTTON US BUT DIDN’T KILL EVERYBODY OR SOMETHING!

Okay I have a lot of thoughts... that was a ffinale. It really was. It was not something I got disappointed in because they didn’t wrap up anything. It wasn’t like waiting 10 years for 10 more episodes of a cartoon. It was like epic man. I naerly teared up guys. It didn’t end with a Reset Button like some finales would- Everything Stays, but it still changed. Sorry, this post is too long for anyone to read all the way through, but I still hope you enjoyed my thoughts on the last Adventure Time episode. A zillion out of ten guys.

#Adventure Time

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hellacre13 · 7 years ago

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It’s been brought to my notice a clois shipper is taking my comments on CBR without my permission, screen grabbing and pasting in his tumblr to talk trash . So glad you think my comments so worthy that you need to pull out your straw man arguments instead of being honest enough to reply to me there. But I won’t give any credence to your cowardice. You know, some people have been making a habit of this. Taking what I and other posters have said on public forums and going on twitter and tumblr and trying to act all smug and smart and trying...TRYING...to ridicule us. But you know I tend to ignore these cowards. I don’t like wasting my time on shipping wars which is why I rarely get into to and fros with these folks here. Fact, I have most of them blocked. But this I decided has given me a great opportunity to share with my fellow comic fans.

In retrospect, my post my post must have been thought provoking . 😉 😚 Glad to see it got him reacting. So I thought why waste it on CBR alone? I MEAN I DON’T HAVE TO ASK MYSELF PERMISSION. Let me share what it was about. Here was my thoughts on that debacle Batman #39 before it was released based on the Bleeding Cool article that it seemed to have ripped from that notorious Action 571 by Joe Kelly 18 years ago. Now some people, usually clois fans, love Action because it, in their eyes, hold their pairing up as some great love because of this issue. But then there is another side to it and I ask people to sincerely think about this given the fact we have moved on in terms of how we view relationships and dynamics. I am not talking about political correctedness gone mad. Not at all. And no way I would be so disrespectful to call Joe Kelly the man a sexist or anything like that the way some clois fans attack Superman/Wonder Woman fans and writers because they so “hurt” fiction simply paired up two single people in one story line ie the new 52 despite them having tons of stuff in other books and media. Some writers just do stories using outdated troupes that have evolved into sexist plots because times change and they at times miss their mark with a section of the fandom or can be a hit depending which side of the fence you are on. And they should never be personally attacked for it. You can critique them but don’t for the love of god try to label people you don’t know anything about other than you read a comic that you don’t like.

I hate Action #761. Not because of the premise that two people who have been attracted to each other, who have a long history of closeness in BOTH their comics...ie they actually have been shown in the narrative...it's not just dragged in left field... that they can end up closer or intimate. It's actually pretty normal I'd think if two friends with some unresolved tension, after they lose their spouses etc find solace or love again. It's morbid to be so guilt ridden that a dead partner you cannot recall and who you think is dead makes you close your self off to love, when it's clear you really really tempted. But this was never the point of Action #761 to explore love and loss. How can you as a writer if you want to sincerely tackle it when you full well KNOW you cannot shake the boat? It's not AU. It's not an altered timeline where you can follow through without messing up canon. You obviously, in such a scenario, will set up one character to be humiliated by doing something so absurd and heavy handed to try to prop a relationship that supposed to great because it's human etc etc...and being human is supposed to encompass the highs and lows of love, including tragedy and honoring a love by living etc. It tries so hard to beat you over the head Clark would rather be a monk for the rest of his life to honor one dead woman's memory. I did not come away and go aww that's love. I thought sheesh, what a dysfunctional love . Superman is actually crippled by Lois memory or lack thereof. Diana seemed pretty normal to me. And SHE never crossed boundaries or propositioned him. HE was the one raising it. And she backed off and never made him feel at all as if he did anything wrong by rejecting her. She was selfless in one vein and just a prop in another with no pov about how she dealt with it as a woman and someone who left behind friends and loved ones too. It was all about Superman and Lois to prop them at her expense. She comes off as the reject when in fact it's a story that used her in a cheap way knowing all the time that was the only outcome. Can't we all just assume Superman would be faithful to Lois while they together simply because he is that kind of a dude? Why did Joe Kelly need to drag Diana in as some temptation? Just like Superman fans hate when they use Superman as the punching bag to show the strongest character can take a beating by all and sundry, am I to assume Diana has to be used as the apple because she happens to be beautiful and THE premiere female? So, if you refuse Wonder Woman of all people...wow...you gotta love Lois so much. That's pretty sexist crap right there by Kelly. It was a poorly thought out story. But it was 18 years ago and we have moved forward in terms of the way women are used. So color me totally unimpressed King takes this lame troupe and play with it again.Because you can do nothing good with it. Neither Batman or Diana are single. It is not AU. Unless there is a plan to make them dump Selina and Steve. I hardly think this likely since why would DC make such a big deal of the Batcat stuff only to dump on it in this manner. BOTH are with their "love interests". Bruce has made a huge step in his canon. Love with commitment and pending marriage. Diana is shacked up with Steve Trevor. I am not fan of Rebirth. But she is with Steve cureently so why is there this need to muddy the waters at this stage? They could have done this easily when both were single. People might not like or might like it depending on your shipping preferences but at least they free, single and disengaged. They can kiss or date who they please as single people. Batman sure as hell has umpteen women in his books. Wanting a beautiful woman is not exactly strange for him. And King is cheating by trying to say they have some deep, great friendship based on one lame two parter? Because they spend some time in a pocket universe where time passes but is only two issues we to assume their friendship has the same magnitude as say Clark and Bruce's which has had so many books devoted to it? Diana pre new 52 and new 52 could never be seen to be Bruce's close friend and boast of a friendship to equal Superman and Batman or even a romantic dynamic as her other canonical love interests because they had limited stories together. King premises this as some great deep friendship because he wants to retroactively in a paltry two issues cement something they never earned? That's how lazy and arrogant DC and Batman writers are. It was done by Joe Kelly in the JLA run where Batman sucked Diana's face with no build up. It was done by Rucka in Black Night. Seems King is doing it again. Pushing something that just has not been earned. And using the cheapest way to try to claim it. It is baffling he uses Superman and Lois is positive ways and supportive of Selina and chooses to put Diana, a symbol of sisterhood in a story where you have to dredge up sex and intimacy to show how good friends they are. I don't get it. This arc is supposed to be about Batman's friends response to his pending marriage . So he and Diana couldn't spend some time bonding in any other way? What is the purpose? It does not sound at all good to me. So this is why I think that him even borrowing the premise or homaging or whatever he's done a poor choice. Diana will come off looking bad again and a prop or mouthpiece because it is a Batman book and about his issues.

Then Batman 39 hit and I said this.

I'm sorry to say I told you so. But yeah. Whenever batman fan boy writers handle Wonder Woman this is what you get. Lazy ooc plots to claim her as hooked on Batman's irresistible charms. They don't build anything over time. They just slap it in your face. Bruce Timm. Joe Kelly. Greg Rucka, Now Tom King and no doubt soon Liam Sharp. Like I say it doesn't bug me two friends who are close and attracted to each other if they are single try a relationship. But Action wasn't about that. It could not any way explore anything in canon. And no one I know who liked smww or ww cared for it. It was one sided to ensure smll came out smelling rosy and Diana ...oh poor Diana...just rejected because if you turn down Wonder Woman...wow, what a man. What a love! So dumb. Like he couldn't just be seen as faithful because he's a loyal guy in a normal situation. They just needed to go all heavy handed to make a pointless point at WW expense.

Batman 39. Worse. The pacing in Action at least tried to show a bond already there knitting tighter...they did not need this issue to show they are friends. They already were close etc. Diana did not proposition Clark. They maintained boundaries and yadda yadda for a moment looked at each other and then Clark pulled back and Diana is fine with it blah blah. This shows a Wonder Woman in terms of the art, flirting heavily in her body language from the get go. Batman as you clearly see is still trying to be faithful in his body language. She even suggests they get it on knowing he will go back to Selina. I just don't how to take that. No Diana I know would openly suggest that. It's so out of character. She's the apple/ temptress. She has no pov or remembers she has her own lover and life. He's a non issue. Poor Steve prob sitting in their apartment waiting for her.

Now if this is based on Rucka's Diana...then this is not the way I want my Wonder Woman. Not so lacking in empathy, emotional intelligence and wisdom . I don't understand how any one as old as she is with so much relationships under her belt as suggested by Rucka, cannot understand and respect the nuances and boundaries in relationships at this stage. That she views all that she has "loved" as not able to teach her anything. It is baffling to me this Rucka Diana with all this delusion and madness nonsense. She's not a naive here but comes across as very self centered and stiff for a character who is about sisterhood and compassion. You'd think as she has her own lover she would empathize how much Bruce misses Selina...is bizarre what we have here. So whether they kiss or not is not the point. It's the set up and Diana's poor characterization. [/SPOIL]

DC dropped the ball on Diana with Rebirth. Badly and this is where she is now. Batman writers are getting to dictate her motivations, character, personality in throw away arcs and they just don't feel right at all. No matter how people say they hate the new 52...Diana maintained her core personality under the pens of Azzarello, and Soule and hell even Finch and Johns wasn't all bad.

For those who never read either books...you’re missing nothing but Action is the lesser of two evils. You can go read them to at least keep make your own minds up but context is important in everything and timing. Personally I say don’t give DC $ for nonsense. I’m pretty sure you can get it online free to read or see many spoilers around. As much as I don’t like Wonderbat, if it had been done when both were single...(and to be fair it had been back in JLA in 2002 by Joe Kelly and went nowhere)...it would have not been so bad as to raise so much ire. Pissed off fandoms, sure, but I am not so into shipping wars that I would be writing about any issue on this blog. Same way I ignore clois in Rebirth because they are not my new 52 Superman or Wonder Woman. So not sure why in God’s name DC wants to force it now when they did a Batcat engagement and choose to put Diana with Steve. I mean, are they crazy to be playing with that kind of fire when people are so sensitive the way women are used? And then that mini coming up by Liam Sharp is hinting at the same kind of crap trying to write retroactive wonderbat stuff just to have his own shipping preference. After Batman 39, I’d say, he needs to thread carefully. I mean come on, DC. Treat Diana better. It’s no skin of Batman’s nose. He sells no matter his status quo. He can have a harem his fan boys don’t care. But DC chose to go a very important step and make Bruce take a huge decision to tell the woman he loves he wants to commit to her and her be a part of his life. This is not something you sully with this kind of thing at this time. And let’s just say Bruce and Selina break up someway along the line does DC really want it to be because people blame Diana for it? Now is not the time for it. God, DC, you had your chance and never took it. Don’t mess about now. Now maybe King might have a better part two to subvert what we are seeing here but I still think using Wonder Woman imagery as the temptress was ill advised.

And those trying to drag SuperWonder into this. Please. Our New 52 couple is dead. They are not part of this. Try reaching somewhere else. The clois shipper using my CBR comments, your example is so silly of trying to use DC Presents #32 as the same as Batman #39. That story was set in the Silver Age where there was an innocent whimsy and silliness in stories. Eros shot SM and WW with arrows and they kissy kissy for a bit while trying to find a cure. Both were dating Steve and Lois but most pointedly neither had told Steve and Lois they were Clark Kent and Diana Prince in those stories. Both Steve and Lois use to treat Diana and Clark like shit in favor of Wonder Woman and Superman back then. So let’s not even start with the faux outrage. It was just a different time and the Batman Brave and the Bold kids comic replicated it because again, it’s the context and kind of story. No one batted an eye lid nor cared Bats and Wondy kissed under a love spell. The innocence is there unless you’re reaching big time.

Here is that lovely thread people. http://community.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?106190-Batman-39-Could-Be-Borrowing-A-Plot-From-An-Issue-of-Action-Comics

And here is Bleeding Cool’s pov.

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/01/17/batman-39-action-comics-761-temptations-wonder-woman-spoilers/

Oh and since I am an admin on Hellyeahsupermanandwonderwoman...it has permission to reblog me.

#superman #wonder woman #action comics #batman #catwoman

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