#it is a series about friendship. and that's why i don't like that nate isn't friends with whisper and jibanyan in shadowside lfdskjksdfkjsd

[oh-meow-swirls]

said cameo appearance is very sweet to me though.

the anime is fucking homophobic-

[thestupidhelmet]

T9S, Part 3, Episode 8 and Part 3 Overview

Commentary and spoilers:

Kitty picked up smoking again? Just ... the T7S fan in me is shouting objections.

But! Now that I've seen this episode, I can talk about it and Part 3 as a whole.

Again, I watch T9S with two mindsets: 1) as the T7S fan who recognizes how far, and in what ways, the T9S universe diverges from T7S canon and 2) the T9S fan that thinks about the internal cohesion of the T9S universe, regardless that the show's canon conflicts with the canon of the T7S universe.

The final episode of Part 3 explores the conflict between Donna's parenting and Kitty's grandparenting. In an interesting reversal, Donna is the (re)strict(ive) one who worries about Leia having similar teen years to her own while Kitty believes Leia should have more freedom (in part to spite Donna).

Hyde's absence is strongly felt by me here. He would be the one to give Donna perspective, that they all turned out fine -- not despite their teen years but because of what they learned from them. He'd remind Donna that Leia needs the freedom to make mistakes and screw up while trusting that she has supportive family (which includes Uncle/Godfather Hyde) that will keep Leia from disaster.

I'm happy that Nikki and Nate reconciled and why (in this particular episode; could have lived without that succubus who took Betsy's name). Nate has some Kelso seasoning on his character, but he's also got some of Hyde's (the self-sacrificing to make the girl he loves happy). Ultimately, though, he's become more his own character as the series went on.

The writers made what seems to be a conscious decision to dissuade Leia/Gwen shippers and wrote Part 2 and Part 3 with this goal in mind. In Part 2 episode 1, Jay sings Leia a song using Jay/Leia and Gwen/Leia's fandom ship names, saying, "It's Jeia, not Geia," or something similar to that effect. This screams purposeful intent by the writers.

Combined with the fact Leia and Gwen barely have any development, storylines, or scenes of their own in Parts 2 and 3 -- just enough so the audience doesn't forget they're best friends -- the T9S writers sent a clear message to the show's viewers. Compare Leia and Gwen's minimal interactions to Jay and Nate's significant interactions and storylines in Parts 2 and 3.

Both Jay and Nate deal with romantic relationships, but their friendship is never neglected. On the contrary, their friendship has a major arc and continues to develop. Leia and Gwen's friendship is barely seen and somewhat heard.

In fact, Gwen is paired with Nikki more often in scenes, and their friendship gets more development. Not unwelcome, but Leia's attachment to Point Place and newfound happiness began with Gwen in Part 1. The writers killed their chemistry in Parts 2 and 3 by keeping them separate. And when they do have scenes together, with rare exception, they're about other people -- like Gwen's almost-boyfriend / boyfriend.

Ozzie becomes an actual character in Parts 2 and 3, not just a snarky commentator. The connection established between him and Jay and Nate in Part 2 is carried through to Part 3. But by Ozzie's own admission to Nikki, he's a selfish person. I don't think he's selfish, though. I think he's still too separated from the other characters. His life isn't enmeshed with theirs. He has circles with them and goes to some of the same places, and he tells Leia to give Jay a break in Part 2 -- but he continues to be on the outer edge of the group.

Fez in T7S, for comparison, has a strong bond with Hyde from the start of the series and gets involved with Jackie and Kelso's lives during season 1. His friendships with Eric and Donna are less developed, but Fez is enmeshed with the group as a whole from the start and becomes more so as the show continues.

I enjoyed Red and Kitty's relationship and their storylines in Part 3. The relationship itself felt organic. That being said, Kitty's character in Part 3 was not written or depicted enough as Kitty. DJR does a great job with what she's given script-wise. Her comedic timing is on point, but I felt like I was watching a fanfic version of Kitty where the writer doesn't quite understand the character or views her through a bizarre lens.

Mitch depicted and treated as a buffoon was definitely satisfying. Instead of him bullying Fez and Kelso, manipulating Donna, and temporarily convincing Eric's girlfriend, friends, and parents how wonderful he is while effing with Eric (and as a way to eff with him to try to take his place with his loved ones), everyone important sees through him now. He was always pathetic, but he doesn't get away with it on T9S.

Earl's guest appearance and interaction with Red was also a treat

The way the show deals with Tanya Roberts's passing is touching and funny and, I think, a worthy tribute.

Overall, I experienced a drop in writing quality from Part 2 to Part 3, despite that they were produced at the same time. Other people might have a different experience than mine, of course.

I do hope the series gets renewed. I'm very curious to see how the characters' journeys continue. I'm glad we got more insight about Gwen and Nikki's families. I'm sure the cliffhanger at the end will be resolved relatively swiftly, although Leia and Jay's particular conflict will take longer to resolve.

[sparkliingdust]

IDK - I really liked Ted Lasso's series/season finale. Spoilery thoughts behind the cut.

I finished the series finale on a high, and legitimately cried a lot which I never do and did not think I would do at all after the disastrous season two...but seeing the mainstream criticism is disappointing. It feels like people really loathed it and said the whole series was a waste of time - like wow, have we come far from what the show was supposedly teaching everyone during the pandemic...but I thought it was good - heartfelt character development, a little fan service, wrap-ups to more of the important things, and I couldn't believe it won with them going all the way, to get to #2nd place but for it to still feel like a massive victory.

Season 3 was miles better than season 2 for me. I think what ended up happening is that the series wanted to add more to supporting characters in season 2 to give everyone more of a life outside of Richmond and focusing on Ted, but they couldn't really know how to piece it all together with one season left - so we got bits and pieces of heel turns with Nate or the racism Sam faces or whatever that dead dog thing was with Danny or delving into Ted's past but it struggled to know how to wrap things up more. A lot of it was off-kilter from the first season's tone, which was ultimately dry humored sprinkled with Ted's anxiety on top. The episodes became more of flashes of life rather than full-scale plots - it worked sometimes, it flopped others. Then, Season 3 turned its attention to having extra positive wrap-ups for the deeper details, and it was hard to readjust.

I agree with the critics that the weird love triangle finale between Keely, Roy, and Jamie was unnecessary, even if in the montage it seems like they're all on good terms... But Roy and Jamie became such good friends based on so many things outside of Keeley and who she should be with. It was out-of-character for S3Jamie to want to ask her out again just because he did well at the game, and ignore the boundaries Roy was trying to set, and for them to be petty enough to get into a fight about the video that leaked. Not only was Jamie and Keeley were in a consensual relationship when that happened, but wrongfully shamed Keely more than anyone. It seemed like such an odd way to pivot her arc back to two men who don't really have a leg to stand on in terms of defining self-worth for herself. The writing made it seem like she was a trophy for them, but she isn't.

I also get why fans are upset about Ted and Rebecca. Granted, I never really paid attention to them or shipped them, so I didn't see all of the smaller things shippers loved. But even in the beginning of episode 12, I screamed 'THEY FUCKED?! OMG'....but by the end, I was okay with them not ending up together - because it still felt to me like they were soulmates beyond romantic connection, much like Ted and Beard's friendship transcends Beard and Jane getting married without him. Like the impact they have on each other adds up to all of those little connections to show why they were meant to meet but not meant to be. (I'm not crazy about the Dutchman somehow being a fucking pilot out of nowhere, but damn he was hot, so I'd take as back-up.)

A lot of the resolutions loosely came down to the montage or pivoting from ideas that didn't feel fully finished, because the show was still striving to be happy-go-lucky at its core, and I think overall, that's okay. They found themselves in the end even if the rest of it wasn't exactly perfect.

[welivetodream]

Competed Gossip girl (the og series) yesterday:

Here's my thoughts (SPOILERS) and don't hate me plz for my opinions, they don't matter.

1. Serena: AHHHHHHHHH she is so.....infuriating, hypocritical and has no substance, character growth, ANYTHING. She is not even interesting like Blair or Georgina. I stopped caring about her mid season 3. I did not care what happened to her after that. Only Blake lively made her bareable enough that I rooted for her to end up alone in the series and actually learn that she needs no man to have a happy life. Also she married her ex-step brother with whom she shares a sibling. Yikes.

2. Blair: I love Blair. She is an icon, she is a legend, she is the moment. I know she has done some bad shit. But I don't mind that cuz all the people are shitty. She owns her evilness. She also is so entertaining. I know Blair can be immature and bratty at times but at least she has some ambition about unlike her bsf. The friendship between Dan and Blair was heartwarming. Her dreams of becoming a princess and yale are relatable. Overall there's so much in Blair that you can't help loving her. (I think her banning Jenny from UES was the worst thing)

3. Chuck: Hate him. Why? Cuz he is Chuck Bass. I don't have to say more then, I don't know: the pilot, Jenny Humphrey, selling Blair for a hotel, SA, hitting Blair etc.....etc. I can go on but I don't want to talk about him at all.

4. Nate: um. He is pretty. He can be charming at times. He dates older women (or younger women). He......is the good guy (?)

5. Dan: if we forget the STUPID reveal that Dan was Gossip girl. He isn't much of a complex person after season one. He was compelling in 1st season and when he was friends with and dated Blair. He has the Humphery ideal of pitying themselves and also makes terrible decisions, having Vanessa as a friend for example. I have no idea why Serena liked him at all except that Serena is into artsy-serious-fake nice guys.

6. Jenny Humphrey: I LOVE Jenny Humphrey. She is so hated in the GG community. She never did anything as bad as Blair, Chuck or even Dan. Her storyline about becoming a fashion designer, throwing a guerillla fashion show and constant butting heads with Blair was amazing. DON'T hate my girl. (Also Taylor gets a lot of hate for making Jenny's character worse, but it was the writer's fault). She got hate so much for the Chuck situation when HE was more in the wrong.

[nordalanche]

i like the glimpses of the rangers, avs, and leafs you've shown before, and wouldn't mind more details about all of those teams! i also am a pens fan, do you have any headcanons for them?

So sorry this has taken so long but I've been deciding. I don't like to go back on the dynamics I assign in this universe after I've made them so I was making sure they were right.

I've never written anything involving the Rangers but I've always wondered about Artemi Panarin. I see him as a sub who has hidden his dynamic and presented as an adynamic for his whole life in Russia in fear of what would happen to him in the more traditional country. He thought once he got to North America he could reveal it, but being passed over in the draft and the series of trades from Chicago to Columbus to New York made him too nervous and unsettled and it wasn't until he got to NYC and became friends with Mika and Chris (who are together) that he finally felt comfortable revealing his dynamic. I don't really ship him with anyone, but that might change later.

As for the Pens, me, like so many others, see Sidney Crosby as a submissive and Geno as his dom. I've always seen them like that, but my interest in the Pens lies more with Flower and Kris Letang. I've always seen Fleury as a sub who doesn't have to deal with as much media attention as other subs deal with (like Sid) because he's a goalie. However, his submissive nature makes him feel extremely bad about himself when he lets his team down, especially in the playoffs. For years, he platonically submits to doms on the team while pinning after Tanger, but never gets a long-term partner. He eventually starts to be replaced by Tristan Jarry, which drives his self-confidence so low he goes to Vegas. He holds it together through spite through the regular season, but after losing in the finals, he goes into a deep subdrop, and then Sid, Geno, and Tanger fly out to help him and convince him to find a way back to Pittsburg. The jury is out on if he ever gets together with Tanger. Sorry, this one is a bit of a rare pair haha.

Now, the Avs are my fav team, so I have plenty of headcanons for them. You might have even noticed the one line I wrote about sub-Georgiev being smothered by dom-Igor who stole the spotlight and left Georgie as a forgotten-about scapegoat.

However, Nathan MacKinnon steals the spotlight here. Nathan MacKinnon is a dom. Through and through. He's a dom who has failed with every relationship he's ever tried to have with a sub. He failed with Drouin. He failed with Sidney. And, he failed with Tyson Barrie when he was traded to Toronto. Nate always sees it as his fault. It's like the announcers say: he's too intense, too serious, too harsh. Why would anyone want to be with a dom like that? He's too overbearing for subs. He ruins them. It's best if he keeps to himself and EJ and Gabe and plays the game and tries to win, win, win no matter what.

He turns his head when Sammy rests his forehead on EJ's chest and sighs after a hard practice. And, he never looks when Burky kneels for Gabe or Kadri in the locker room. That's not for Nate. He can't handle the responsibility of someone else's submission. His hands are far too bloodied from fighting.

Then, one day, Cale arrives. And, Cale is quiet and nice and overly polite and everything a Canadian sub is taught to be. His cheeks blush with every compliment and he's endlessly innocent. He calls his college professors from the parking lot of Ball Arena while Nate nurses sore knuckles from fights he shouldn't be in.

Yet, Cale isn't afraid of Nate. He doesn't pull the Mikko routine and as Gabe to text Nate for him (even years later, that story makes Nate burn with embarrassment and disappointment with himself). Cale tells Nate what he's thinking and takes Nate's critiques in stride. Even though he tries to avoid it, Nate finds himself forming a friendship with Cale.

Basically: Nate is super scarred from failed relationships, personal failures, and the words of the media and bans himself from ever being with a sub again. Because of this, he becomes closed-off and harsh, especially because he's not satisfying his needs as a dom. Cale comes along and heals him little by little along the way by teaching Nate healthy ways to deal with failure and good communication.

It certainly helps that they like the same things in bed: Cale on his knees with Nate above him and Nate's hand on Cale's neck pushing his nose into the crease of his hip where the smell of sweat is the strongest.

[grittyreadsfic]

haha welcome to my newest rec list, what a run we had tho, a collection of all of my favorite nate bastian/mikey mcleod fics. rip superbuddies, they're not dead, nate's just in fuckin SEATTLE

the only hard part of making this list was not just listing out every fic ao3 user lotts has for the pairing which i did consider doing. so.

all that by lotts

summary: If Mikey gets a soulmate soon, he’ll have to explain the whole Nate situation.

Not– not that there's a real Nate situation, per se, but it’s just– Mikey has Nate, and it’s kind of a thing.

(Or: there very much is a Nate situation. There's also a Mikey situation. Eventually, they realize this.)

why i love it: to me, this is the superbuddies fic-it’s got the perfect pacing from friends to lovers with just the right around of blurred lines between what’s normal for friends and what’s something more, and their characterizations are just *chef’s kiss* it’s also such a great take on soulmates, and it really covers the different ways people can feel about their soulmates/the concept in general

kiss the night air by clementiae

summary: Jersey, Jersey. Whispered into the warmth of their laced fingers like a prayer.

It was a stupid dream. Mikey wanted it to last.

why i love it: never has under 1.3k words made me want to cry as much as this fic has. the way talking about their dream of playing together evolved, the narrative structure that builds? absolutely hits, very good if you want to cry about the expansion draft

sure thing by bitter_leaf

summary: In the history of hockey, there’s no way something like Nate suggested has never happened before and Mikey feels out of control following that thought down the rabbit hole, how he’d be powerless to stop it if it did, and that’s if he’d even want to stop it. The terrifying thing is that even though he can’t see it happening—they’re both straight, this whole fucking thing is just a thought experiment, pretend—now that Nate’s painted the picture for him, he can’t stop thinking about it—whether he’d even notice the signs until it was too late.

__

Sick of their teammates chirping them, Mikey and Nate pretend to date.

why i love it: i’m SUCH a sucker for fake dating aus, and this one does it so well. It really leans into the messy and complicated feelings part of fake relationships that i don’t think gets explored enough, and it handles it so, so, so well.

you let him wonder but you never let him sink in his teeth by anonymous

summary: Mikey didn’t really pay attention much in biology— didn’t have to, not really— but he vaguely remembers something about doing heat by yourself in a pinch. There were lots of warnings about it.

“You can’t just be alone,” he says and Nate lets out something that sounds like laughing.

Mikey is just trying to be helpful, and Nate is just trying to get through it.

why i love it: i really love omegaverse fics that invert the usual takes on the tropes (and this is one of them!) and it just really is a great look at their dynamic. i really like this take on mikey and nate as a whole, as well

though far away, we’re still the same by rathands

summary: Mikey wishes he wasn’t in love with Nate, because everyone knows that juniors shit—it doesn’t work out. Like Dylan and Mitch.

why i love it: lots of fun bad communication between nate and mikey, and i think this one really handles the emotion of it all so well. absolutely peak idiots to lovers, and i really love that it gives us both of their point of views

so i don’t have to keep imagining by preciousthings

summary: “It was a mistake. That’s— I didn’t mean that, and that’s it.” Mikey says, but he can’t quite meet Nate’s eyes. “That’s where I’m at, I guess.”

“That’s what I thought. So, we’re on the same page.” Nate nods.

(or: lost gold medals, ill-advised snapchats, love confessions, meddling teammates, and a whole lot of miscommunication.)

why i love it: i just think the premise of this works so, so, so well for them-it’s another great idiots to lovers vibe for nate and mikey, and the whole concept of drunkenly telling your crush you love them via snapchap? yes, good, correct

there is a bridge over a river, and some days it is lovely by lotts

summary: “What are you doing here?” Mikey asks, trying and failing not to stare, but Nate’s staring right back, like he’s also not sure what’s going on.

“I figured I’d meet you here,” Nate says. “Put a familiar face on the Binghamton welcoming committee.”

Mikey looks around. “There’s no one else here.”

“Well, it was either a familiar face or no face,” Nate says with an uncertain smile, like he’s not quite sure he’s allowed to make a joke.

why i love it: perhaps i love it because i like to hurt my own feelings, but this is really just a well done fic that really just hits. it’s honest and emotional and you can feel the weight of that throughout it, but it does have a pretty light hearted ending that is good and hopeful. bonus points for being one of my favorite break up make up fics ever and currently my most read fic of 2021

a catch in the curse by aliquis

summary: Mikey McLeod is gifted — or cursed — with the power of psychic persuasion. With the ability to bend people’s ears to his will, Mikey is well aware of how dangerous a power he wields, and the responsibility he bears to not abuse it.

Though he rarely uses his gifts, new developments in his friendship with Nate Bastian may threaten his control. Mikey would do anything to protect his best friend, including finding a way to get rid of his powers for good. Luckily, Newark’s own witch in the woods may be able to help.

why i love it: magic au!!!! i cannot stress how fantastic the world building is in this series (you don’t have to read the tknp fic that’s first to follow what’s happening, but it is worth the read) and mikey’s feelings towards nate and his own struggle is just!!!! honestly i’m just a series of exclamation points about it all

Invisible string by philatoi

summary: Mikey has known he’s liked guys since the first time Nathan Bastian smiled at him. That’s the thing, almost everything about Mikey’s sexuality has involved Nate — which isn’t necessarily bad. In Mikey’s humble opinion, Nate is the perfect person to fall in love with. Highly recommended. Mikey doesn’t regret putting all his eggs in that basket for the last six years.

why i love it: the pining in this, the emotions of it all-just absolutely top notch all the way around, and really just what i wanted out of a superbuddies fic. it really just feels so right for nate and mikey, and i just love it

you are a diamond and i’m just coal by hannah_baker

summary: When Mikey learns his roommate Nate isn't going home for Christmas, he drags Nate back home with him for break.

Or, the one where Mikey thinks all of his feelings for his roommate are platonic, and everyone laughs at him for it.

why i love it: me picking between this and hannah_baker’s other christmas centric superbuddies fic was like picking a favorite child. this is one of my all time favorite takes on mikey in any fic, and i always love a good college roommates au. just such a wonderful fic

turn the lights off, i’m in love by awoogah123

summary: “I can’t go to sleep yet,” Mikey murmured against Nate’s mouth, “I’m not tired.”

Nate knew this couldn’t be true, his and Mikey’s season had just finished and they were both exhausted. Still, Nate knew what Mikey meant when he said he couldn’t go to sleep yet, that he was too wired up, because he felt exactly the same way.

“I think I’ve got a way to make you more relaxed,” Nate said, mouth curving into a smirk as he brushed a hand over Mikey’s cheek. Mikey’s mouth smiled against his own.

***

Nate and Mikey are there for each other when the Devils don't make the playoffs.

why i love it: do you ever just need some soft comfort to cope? yeah me too! this fic is that and i was very 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 about it when i read it

[khaleesiofalicante]

Oh my god! Please extend on the htgawm au or cast tsc characters as htgawm charcters.

I can already see Alastair as Connor, Thomas as Oliver, Grace as Michaela and obviously Charles as Aiden (even though he isn't that important, that conversation between Michaela and Connor is too iconic to not include him). Because of this, we will also get a Grace and Alastair dynamic which will be interesting to see.

I am kinda confused on the other characters. I can kind of see Maryse and Robert as Annalise and Sam, but then it makes Robert's canon development seem futile so I don't wanna do that. Also, now that I think about it, just because Maryse and Robert have the whole cheating arc, doesn't really make them similar to Annalise and Sam.

So, please help with the characters. You can choose characters from any timeline. It would be interesting to the character dynamic since characters from tmi and tda have never met characters from tid and tlh and Its interesting to imagine how they would get along and what their friendship would be like.

(P.S: I am sorry if I'm getting too excited, but htgawm is one of my all time favorite shows and tsc is one of my favorite book series, so I am getting very pumped up)

Okay this took me way too long to figure out cause htgatwm character dynamics are messy af. I couldn't put all the characters from different trilogies together. But how about this?

What if we make Annalise...Jocelyn?

The tmi gang kills 'Valentine/Sam' without knowing he is a piece of shit.

Clary can be Bonnie and Frank can be Sebastian (big ew - the plot needs to change but I feel like the dynamics work. The two of them being closest to Jocelyn/Annalise

Jace can be Asher. Checks out.

Izzy can be Laurel. Yes????

I would love to see Maia as Michaela. The power this two women hold oof.

Also, Luke is Nate!!! IT WORKS.

I think Magnus and Alec work perfectly as Connor and Oliver. They are both soft ships and must be protected at all costs. Also we know Magnus saves the gang's ass all the time just like Oliver.

why the fuck is this actually coming together imma stop now bye

Edit - just realised I forgot fucking Wes lmao. SIMON? I GUESS? CAUSE CANONICALLY DIES?

[hershelves]

ONE OF US IS LYING & ONE OF US IS NEXT

This review may contain spoilers.

One Of Us is Lying

Rate: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Cooper's POV

Friday at school I got out of my car the same time Addy got out of her sister's . . . We hadn't gone more than a few steps before we saw Nate strides over to Bronwyn's car and open the door . . . The four of us ended up almost in a line, walking toward the back entrance.

I read this because I don't want to see the Netflix adaptation unless I first read the book itself. This is a pretty good book with a great mystery plot that will make you ponder and pay attention to every detail included in the investigations. I used to be a huge lover of mystery, suspense, and thriller novels because it was my favorite genre when I was a teen, but this book didn't fool me as 'The Silent Patient' did. The plot was so predictable that by halfway through the book, I had made predictions and hunches that turned out to be very accurate in the end.

If you ask me who my favorite of the Bayview Four is, I'd have to say Nate. He's really impressive, and I like his ability to remain composed in the face of overwhelming odds. Bronwyn would come next, not because I felt cheesy with her and Nate. I adore this girl because SHE NEVER LEAVES ANYONE BEHIND; she's the type of girl who will go to any length to prove not just her own, but also the rest of the suspects' innocence. She never accused somebody without making a thorough 'self investigation' into the person.

Overall, I give it a 4 out of 5 because I enjoyed how the characters formed new friendships and, of course, I loved the mini-dramas and romance too.

PS: After reading, I tried to watch the first episode of the Netflix series, and I was disappointed.

Full Synopsis of One of Us is Lying

One of Us is Next

Rate: 🌟🌟🌟⭐

I started reading this book as soon as I finished the first one since I don't want to wait any longer and die of curiosity. BUT, I didn't imagine to be very disappointed because it isn't as good as the previous book. If One of Us Is Lying has a predictable plot, this one seems even more so. I enjoy writing about my thoughts in my books, and here's one example of a prediction I've made in this book:

SHT!

Let me just express my thougts about this whole phoebe-revenge-plan-with-darkestmind to kill Brandon Weber. I think it's either Phoebe or Emma.

1. Phoebe hooked up with Brandon so it'll make her look innocent, who can never do anything that'll hurt her boyfriend, 'ex-boyfriend'.

2. Emma, who's acting really weird lately can also be the one who's teaming up with darkestmind. BUT she used her sister's name and info instead of her own to hide her identity

No. 2 is more possible to happen since Emma really had a hard time after losing his father.

Plus, I don't think she lost her phone accidentally; she get rid of it & never talk to darkestmind again.

Emma = Bayview2020

That's why darkestmind is in the hunt for Phoebe.

Despite the fact that I had already expected the twists at the end, I enjoyed the fun parts of this book and the fact that the Bayview Four is still somehow a part of the story even if this book has different characters and a different plot to tell. I would have given it a 3, but I liked that other 'not-too-surprising' twist at the end, so I give it a 3.5 instead.

Full Synopsis of One of Us is Next

[scrapyardboyfriends]

You are so right about Amy and Matty. There could be so much good character led story there. It should be shown more about their issues trying to navigate a relationship. Why else bring in a trans character if you don't want to explore their lived reality. I feel like Matty has hardly been in it since he arrived. We could have had good content with Vic and Amy discussing things like friends naturally would in that situation. Even Vics fear about raising Harry on her own or how much Luke is/isn't involved. As with Ben/Aaron, Billy/Aaron/Prison, why have supercomplicated backstories if you are not going to use them to tell a sustained story? Even with Charles now, its almost ridiculous, two partners disappearing on him. Did he really need that?

I feel like they did a decent job when Matty first showed up because it was a new thing. Like through the top surgery, I feel like they were doing okay and then he kind of just disappeared. He got that little bit with the whole toxic masculinity story that still infuriates me because they used Nate to solve it to make him more viable for his affair with Moira. The worst. But other than that he’s only gotten little scraps of screen time and has mostly just been used to prop Moira up, which is annoying.

Matty is another character that I would like to see break free of his family a bit and move away from the farm and be more adult. I feel like every time he tries, he gets dragged back to the farm.

But yeah, I don’t understand why they don’t use Matty more. I mean not everything has to be about him being trans but he doesn’t get any other stories either other than tiny things. And him being in a relationship is when these issues would naturally come up, so why isn’t that being explored.

I feel like the show has entirely forgotten that it’s good to have smaller, character driven stories along side the big soap plots. Especially because I feel like those stories would mitigate some of the complaints about there being no happy stories. People responded pretty favorably to that scene from yesterday aside from the people still banging on about Amy paying for Frank’s death (get over it people) and I feel like showing more of that story instead of just scraps would balance the show out more and give people more wins for the characters.

Like why couldn’t Lydia just get her job as a counselor? Why did we have to torture her more with whatever this pension scam nonsense is? That could have been a nice small win. Or, and I know we will get some more, but let’s see more of the lads living at Marlon’s but make it more just regular rowdiness of a house full of guys that Marlon has to deal with rather than whatever they’re going to do with it. As much as I hated that cringe scene at the HOP with Ben, Ethan and Luke, it was partially so awkward because we rarely see these people together. So give me more coworkers at the HOP interacting. In that we could see more Matty and Amy and see more of their friendship with Vic. Maybe it would give them more room to make Ben an actual character and not just a series of cringe one off moments.

And to your point about the backstories, I so agree. Nothing I hate more than a convoluted backstory weighing a character down, especially when they do nothing with it. Billy is still a prime candidate for a friend for Aaron and yet they can’t do it because of this dumb pointless backstory they wrote in and did nothing worthwhile with. And they refuse to do anything with it now to resolve it. And I feel like it would be really easy. And obviously we know my stance on the Ben backstory and how terrible I think it is. But aside from that, they haven’t done anything with it anyway. So what’s the point?

It’s the same with Charles and Ethan and Mack and Meena, they gave all of them these complex convoluted backstories and for what what?! For Mack, it’s only offered him a few scenes with Moira discussing it and there’s just no story in the present so it’s pointless. With Meena and Manpreet, honestly, at this point I can’t even make sense of the absurd timeline of events in their supposed past. So why was any of it necessary. Ethan and Charles started as clean slate characters and I was so relieved and then it was just like ���oh no they knew Manpreet and she was pretending to be this whole other person and then she left them”. And why was that necessary? I suppose at least since all players are still around, they are doing something with that in the present but I still feel like them just meeting and having some kind of emotional affair until Manpreet realized she really doesn’t want to be with Rishi would have been more interesting. And why Luke and Ethan couldn’t have just met and had a moment which made Luke open up about a past relationship without it having to have been Ethan’s friend

I just feel like they’re tying themselves up in knots trying to make characters instantly dramatic and interesting instead of just letting them breathe a bit and integrate naturally. And it’s not working.

Sigh.

[isnotys]

Seamless Part 4

Summary: After being Shane Dawson’s assistant for a year, things couldn’t have been going better. However, Shane had other plans. He has decided that your next move is to jump headfirst into your true passion and with some unexpected partners.

Warnings: None

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Inspiration for the name of this series

It has been a few weeks since meeting the twins and honestly, my mind is still reeling from it. We have kept in touch because Shane made a group chat with all of us in it and they wished us a Merry Christmas. From then on we’ve just shared silly Tik-Toks and funny tweets, nothing too serious.

The Christmas break was great, Ryland’s family is so welcoming and supportive. We had an exquisite Christmas Eve dinner and spent that week disconnected from the internet. Sometimes it is necessary to take a moment and reflect. Life in LA moves so much quicker and the crazier it gets, the harder it is to remember what you are chasing. Maybe I do want something more than what I have allowed myself to want. 

But after this great week away, today is the New Year’s Eve party and I’ve been keeping busy preparing the food and helping Ryland and Morgan decorate, to avoid thinking about seeing the twins again tonight. They are great and I genuinely like them, but I don’t know how much we really have in common. I am from a small college town and can only hope to achieve half of what they have done. I have to admit it, I am intimidated. As much as I’d like to think the opposite, they could only ever see me as a fan, not as a friend. Needless to say, I feel very out of place. 

However, Shane is low-key (high-key) making me attend this party, going on about “connecting with people” and “giving myself and others a chance.” To be fair, he is absolutely right. However, it has always been hard for me to keep friendships, mostly because people aren't always honest about their intentions and LA seems to be exactly that but multiplied by a hundred. Obviously, not Shane’s friends or the twins, but generally and me already feeling a bit intimidated, it’s clearly not helping. Hopefully, tonight will be different. 

“Guys! Are we ready for the best night ever?!?!” Shane asks entering the room. He’s clearly a little tipsy already and oddly enough not wearing his iconic pig shirt. He is wearing all black suit, with a black shirt underneath. Accompanying him is Garret, who is wearing black dress pants and a bedazzled Gucci shirt which Jeffree bought him for Christmas. 

“Where is the food?!?!” Garret asks half yelling, but completely serious.

“Nothing is ready yet, Garret. You’re gonna have to wait a few more minutes, hun.” I say to him as Morgan walks up to him and hands a box of Cheez-Its.

“No eating before dinner guys!” I say to them sounding like the world’s most annoying mom and they both just laugh at me.

“Someone is nervous,” Shane teases. “Listen, I get it, but today is just like a family gathering. Except, no one is getting offended although, there’s gonna be some shade thrown for sure.”

“But what about the twins?” I ask nervously.

“Aw, that’s CUTE! I remember wanting to impress my crush when I first moved to LA hopefully, your pants won't rip,” Garrett says unironically. 

“You have nothing to worry about, y/n. They’re not typical LA douchebags,” Shane says patting my shoulder completely dismissing Garrett, as usual. He really is a dad to all of us. 

“I don’t have a crush on either of them for the record,” I murmur nervously. 

“That is like saying I don't like Shane. I’ve seen the way your eyes were sparkling at dinner last time, hunty,” Ryland teases. 

“You can’t deny you are a fan at the very least, y/n,” Morgan says with her mouth full of Cheez-Its still. “It is like me trying to deny my life long love for donuts, it’s pointless.” I roll my eyes and keep making my vegan banana bread for dessert. Not just because it so happens to be Grayson’s favorite. 

A few moments later, people start to arrive. Sadly, Trisha couldn’t make it, but Jeffree comes in, wearing a beautiful olive green, skintight dress with a Gucci coat, and he is accompanied by boyfriend, Nate. Jeffree’s presence is anything but bland and ordinary. Yet, he oddly feels approachable and humble. The guest list also includes; Drew, Andrew, and my queen, Jenna Marbles alongside Julien Solomita. They really are a match made in heaven. 

I am helping Ryland serve some drinks around when I see them. I immediately get this intense rush of feelings that runs through my body, as if Zeus himself had struck me with his lightning bolt. I feel my face burn and my knees weaken out of pure terror. 

The night is pitch black and the air smells of expensive perfume and alcohol. Suddenly, my glittery teal dress feels too revealing, too short, doesn't fit right and is definitely not pretty enough. But they look out of this world. Ethan is wearing red pants and an LV t-shirt, while Grayson looks absolutely breathtaking with tight lavender dress pants and a black t-shirt. 

They smile when they see me and start walking toward me. “Hi, y/n! How have you been,” Ethan says giving me a side hug. My nose is filled with his almond scent and I can’t do anything but swoon. 

“Good, great to see you both,” I say trying to sound calm, cool and collected as Grayson hugs me as well. When he pulls away we lock eyes and I am about to lose consciousness, but then I notice Ethan smirking to my right. My face feels warm and I want to run away, but I try to smile through it.

“How was Colorado?” Grayson asks looking at Ethan all serious, “Shane said you weren’t having it with the weather.”

“Yeah,” I have no idea why Shane would be talking about me with the twins, but I continue, “I don’t like the cold. I didn't live long enough in New York to get used to it. However, it was really nice to get away from the crazy LA scene.”

“I get what you mean, it’s like sometimes you can’t even hear yourself think,” Grayson says.

“Yeah, like everyone wants you to do something that might not be what you want and could only benefit them,” Ethan continues.

“That’s how I feel, as if I can’t trust anyone outside of my circle. It’s all so kill or be killed here,” I say feeling like we are finally connecting. Maybe I have been so scared and in my head about my own insecurities that I haven't given them a fair chance. 

The twins and I stay together for the rest of the night, talking about the most random things and some deeper stuff too. Turns out they were bullied in school, I was too, but they are so sweet I can’t even fathom the thought of someone truly disliking them, let alone wanting to hurt them. 

The night is coming to a close and we are all three outside sitting by the pool. It feels like I have known them for years. Like souls that have known each other from a past life recognizing each other in this one, we are seamless.

“What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned this year?” Grayson asks looking at me breaking a few minutes of silence after our last deep conversation.

I give it some thought, but I’ve known all along, “That rejection will never hurt as much as regret. What about you?” 

“Live every day as if it’s your last,” Ethan says still looking at the dark sky. There isn't a single star out there tonight. 

“That you gotta step into the daylight and let it go,” Grayson says smiling at me. I can’t help but smile as well. That dimple is to die for.

“You stole that from Taylor Swift, sir,” I blush furiously and he laughs, which sounds like the laugh of an actual angel.

“I stole that from your Twitter bio actually, but what can I say?,” Grayson laughs again and Ethan just pretends to have been listening to the conversation all along. I just pretend Grayson didn't just say that he was looking at my twitter and try to keep the small amount of dignity that I have left and play it cool. 

The countdown begins and I am welcoming the decade with two of the people I have admired the most. What could be better than this?