#it was really fun my theater was packed!

[beatsfornone]

I took Tiny mclennon to One Hand Clapping

[nezukoo-channn]

Me, before watching Barbie (2023): oh this will be so much fun and I will enjoy every single moment!

Me, after watching Barbie (2023): *in tears* oh this was so much fun and I enjoyed every single moment!

[yumeka-sxf]

Thoughts on Spy x Family CODE: White

My thoughts on CODE: White will likely be different from most people since I knew pretty much the entire plot beforehand. I'm a spoiler fiend when it comes to my hyperfixations like SxF, so I read the novelization of the movie back in January and kept up on all the promotional videos and images that were released. But when it was finally time to see the movie for myself, did that ruin my enjoyment? Not at all. For me, it actually made me enjoy it more because 1) I knew what to expect so I wasn't disappointed, and 2) I found myself looking forward to seeing all the scenes I only read about or saw short clips of.

With that said, yes, I enjoyed the movie so much! If you're a Spy x Family fan, or even just a casual enjoyer of the series, it's a ton of fun. It has all the elements we love about the series: clever humor, sweet family moments, and spy action/drama. And because it's a movie, we get to see all of this with a movie animation budget instead of a TV series budget, which is another plus!

One thing to keep in mind with these original, stand-alone anime films based on series is that they're meant for a more general crowd than just fans of the series. Since theaters attract a wider audience than late-night TV and online manga chapters, movies like this serve as a means to introduce the series to people who may only have a vague idea of what it's about. That's why these movies contain a storyline that can fit mostly anywhere in the series chronology and don't have anything canon-altering.

CODE: White is an interesting mix of plots that, for the most part, blend together well. There's the main plot that continues throughout, which is saving Operation Strix by having Anya learn how to make the meremere for the cooking contest, but then there's the Yor jealousy plot B which is resolved in the first half, but is then replaced by the next "plot B" in the latter half of the movie, which is saving Anya from the military.

A lot of people didn't like the "Yor gets jealous" subplot when it was first revealed before the movie even came out, since it seemed to be a rehash of her being jealous about Fiona. I personally didn't have a problem with this since I don't think it's unreasonable for her to get jealous a second time, especially when she thinks she sees Loid doing something extreme like kissing another woman (as opposed to just talking). But the way it was resolved could have been a bit better in my opinion. The ferris wheel scene in the movie very much mirrored the bar scene from the series, but the reason the latter is so effective is because we get to hear Loid's inner thoughts during it; we know he's going full Twilight-mode and isn't being sincere, and that's why Yor kicks him. But then at the park, he talks to her much more genuinely and they work things out. But in the ferris wheel scene, we don't get to hear his inner thoughts so we don't get any indication as to whether his repeating of the marriage vows, etc, is him being sincere or not. Then she smacks him, they insist they aren't fighting when Anya brings it up, and that's the end of it.

I do like the fact that Anya reads their minds and seems happy with what she "hears" in their heads, but I still think the subplot would have felt more complete if it ended after Yor realized her mistake rather than have Loid do the ambiguous Romeo act again. Or it could have been brought up one more time later in the movie, for example, Yor apologizes for hitting him, he talks to her more sincerely, etc. If you're gonna rehash the bar scene, at least rehash the scene that brought it closure, which is the park bench scene. Again, I'm totally fine with the jealously subplot overall, just thought it could have been wrapped up a bit better.

Other than that, there were just a few little issues I had, like how was Anya able to afford what was probably an expensive liquor? (was she really packing that much dough in her little bag? She went straight from the bedroom out the window so it's not like she "borrowed" any money from Loid). Also seemed weird that she didn't pick up on Yor's infidelity worries until last minute. A few things stretched the line of believability a bit far too, like Loid's ability to make perfect masks so quickly, and Anya just happening to hit her head on the button that conveniently opened all the windows on the bridge. Also something here and there that didn't align with the manga, like Yor not having any reaction to sharing a room with Loid, whereas she has a totally different reaction to this in chapter 94. Maybe a bit more resolution for the fates of the villains too. I guess Luca and Dmitri survived the crash, but what about Snidel? Did Loid actually kill him or just knock him out? And if it's the latter, Snidel seems like the type who would want to get revenge. A quick cameo of what happened to them in the end would have been nice.

Speaking of the villains, normally I wouldn't like the fact that they're pretty one-dimensional and not that interesting, but for a movie like this where most people just want to see the Forgers being themselves in fun and exciting scenarios, taking time away from that to make more developed villains who likely won't be seen again in the franchise, would have not been the best choice, lol.

But even though I had some criticisms of the movie, all of them are minor and not enough to overshadow everything else that was enjoyable about it. Besides all the humor, of which there was plenty, there were so many cute "awww" family moments that perhaps didn't lend anything to the plot, but were still important to establish the characters and their relationships, and thus make us care about what happens to them. Like the scene of Anya, Yor, and Bond playing at the hotel...it could have been skipped without anything seeming out of place, but it reveals so much about the characters without being blatant about it: how Yor wants to please Anya despite being a bit embarrassed at first to take part in her game, and then how Anya's eyes light up with happiness when Yor starts playing with her...for a series like SxF that's character-driven rather than plot-driven, scenes like this are so important and I'm glad the film creators realized this too!

There were also so many cute, subtle scenes as well, like when Loid and Yor smile at each other after chiding Anya, as if they're happy to share this moment of exhausting yet satisfying parenting; when Anya reads Loid's mind after he saves her but doesn't reveal what he's actually thinking yet we can imagine what it is based on her expression; Loid showing feelings of comradery with the restaurant owner because their pasts are so similar; Anya quietly and sadly hugging Bond in the bedroom; and in the ferris wheel after Yor feels so embarrassed about misunderstanding what happened with Loid and the woman but then can't help but smile with motherly love when she sees Anya waving at her...the movie is filled with moments like this that are like little love letters to fans who know the true heart of SxF isn't so much the action and spy drama as it is the family relationships.

And of course, as I mentioned before, the animation of the movie is fantastic! Not just the action scenes, which are great by the way, especially Yor's fight with Type F, but the character expressions as well. Anya's always had the most varied and hilarious faces of all the characters, but the movie goes even harder with her expressions, especially when she has to hold in her stool! Her faces were making me both cringe and laugh at the same time! The animators did such a good job making me feel sorry for her but also laugh at her.

I'm not a fan of potty humor, but I was confident SxF would make it funny, and I was right! The poop god sequence in particular was as equally cringe as it was hilarious!

To conclude, CODE: White is a must-see for anyone who likes or loves Spy x Family. I can't say it's a cinematic masterpiece or anything, but for what it's supposed to be - a fun and enjoyable film for those who like the series, it definitely delivers! Can't wait to see it at least two more times during its showing in the US...and more times in the future!

[spinji]

I NEED TO YAP ABOUT THIS MOVIE MY GOD-

YOU'RE NEXT SPOILERS UNDER CUT

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaokayokay-

Can I just say I DO NOT recommend seeing this the same day as watching the new episode because I have had a DAY-

Unfortunately, the theater I went to didn't have the booklets or promotional cups but not a huge loss. It's the price I pay to have my boyfriend by my side; worth it. ♡

As with all my other MHA theater outings the screening was packed with delightful weirdos (dubbed, if you happen to care). One guy had an extensive set of custom MHA lego guys (very cool) and two very enthusiastic Toga cosplayers were so kind and kept me from feeling like a dork going out in public in a Deku wig. All the love to them, fr.

The movie itself though ohhhhh MY~

If I'm being honest this one didn't surpass World Heroes Mission or Heroes Rising for me, but also I don't know what you could do to beat out the movies that gave me such extreme brainrot it got me to be a part of this fandom in the first place. Personal rankings for the movies, best to "worst" is 3, 2, 4, 1.

Maybe it's because I had higher expectations instead of being given the best character in the franchise suddenly with no warning but I did still really REALLY love it. The highest point I can give it is easily the animation. Absolutely zero scenes in this movie feel like they fell to the standard of the anime. Everything was fluid and detailed and so fun to look at. And yes, of course it made every attack flashy as fuck. I was giddy every time Bakugou let out an explosion.

The premise did sound insane going in, and it is, but it's an anime side movie. Caring about the plot is a bonus, not a requirement. I guess my only real gripe is that it felt a little too fast? Very few scenes had time to breathe and unlike the other movies there wasn't really any slow establishing opening. If you come to MHA exclusively for the action, I think this one will be your new favorite.

Okay- I'm gonna just bullet point my highlights because I'm barely restrained enough to sit down and type.

First of all GIULIO!!!

Listen- I knew I would love this guy but oh my god babygirl~

He responds to literally everyone approaching him by pointing a gun at them. No comment this is just great

When Deku tells him to stop shooting at someone, he just pulls out a SECOND GUN and points it at him too

His motorcycle also has guns. Ngl I have expected his eye implant to also have a gun for a moment there.

He is SUCH an asshole to Deku in the first half and I love it. Their dialogue exchanges were so funny.

And in the second half he just,,,,cracks under the pressure so hard,, Man is having the WORST day of his life fr. It's really nice to know he and Anna are safe at UA rn. Poor things deserve it.

Anna and Giulio are really cute romantically, Giulio is definitely adult but he's going in the Deku harem anyway. You can't stop me, I am capable of worse.

Anna herself unfortunately doesn't get much time since she spends most of the movie mind controlled but she's harmlessly sweet and adorable. Anna they could never make me hate you.

I want to smear Dark Might across the side of a wall and given how much they overanimated his expressions, I believe this is the intended effect.

Am I the only one that hopes he sees the Mech Might livestream just to rub salt in the wound? Don't you dare let All Might's name fall from your mouth again, you bag of scum.

I really REALLY wanted Izuku to get pissed off and start naming off inconsistencies between how All Might and Dark Might look: "His eyes are SKY blue, not ocean blue, and while his broad features don't make it obvious, his chin was actually much slimmer, also you got the silver age colors wrong-!" alas... you know he was thinking it though-

Big tiddy mind control gf Deborah my beloved- she has pretty privileges for everything

Actually a lot of the lesser goons of the family were kind of dorky and odd. I loved the energy! Why was one of them literally a D&D nerd that put on a wizard robe OVER HIS SUIT. Most entertaining movie villian group for sure.

The personal dreams everyone had under the mind control? Kill me. Kill me right the fuck now!

Shoto literally just wants a happy childhood with his family??? Where Touya wants to play with him????? And Rei was still happy????? UUGAHWAAAAAAAA

Tenya and Tensei being heroes together STOP-

Shoji with the little girl he saaaaaaved,,,and he didn't have his face scars anymoooooore,,,

So glad they didn't show Ochako's because you know they would have just animated that what if pixel animation of her and Toga being childhood friends and I would have vomited in sorrow.

Absolutely infuriating they broke continuity to have Katsuki call Izuku "Deku" and not "De-Izuku". Never forget what they took from us.

"Beat it, cool side character!" is the best line in the movie. Katsuki does not forget what happened with Rody and he does NOT forgive.

Followed closely by "I'm falling down crotch-first!" And you wonder why I write the fics I do about you, Deku-

Deku being a legend as a jailbreaker hunter is so amazing?? Yes baby, they're so scared of you! You're doing amazing sweetie!

I might think of more but tldr: YOU'RE NEXT IS A REALLY FUN TIME AND YOU SHOULD WATCH IT!

[nb-octopus-writes]

once you’re in the hive, the other bees assume you’re supposed to be there

[Masterpost]

Chapter 3: A Series of Unintended Events

Wordcount: 1.3K

~~~~

The pancakes are delicious, light and fluffy. Virgil only has two, because he did already have cereal and unlike Remus his stomach is not a bottomless pit into which he can pour an unending stream of nutrients. But they're delicious, and he's glad Calico convinced him to try a bit.

After breakfast, Virgil helps with the dishes because Remus still isn't up yet, and neither is Janus—probably still curled around him like a hot water bottle—and he has nothing better to do.

Princey meanders in after him, and despite having just demolished an entire stack of pancakes and a decent amount of scrambled eggs, starts rooting around in the fridge. He emerges with a plastic-wrapped plate of tiny pumpkin pies and leans against the counter to eat them directly off the platter, clearly pleased that the party having ended means he can have the leftovers.

“So you're the reason the chinese buffet has a twenty plate limit,” Virgil teases after Princey eats several in a row without pausing. Virgil had a few of those tiny pies last night, so he knows they're good, but Princey is absolutely chowing down on them.

“Hey, that was not my fault!” Princey protests. “Besides, a place that calls itself ‘all you can eat’ shouldn't even have a limit.”

“It shouldn’t,” Virgil agrees. “But I've never hit the limit myself, so I thought it was reasonably high. I suppose that a buffet operating in the same town as twin black holes would need to be cautious to protect their profit margins though. How much did you two pack away before they asked you to stop?”

“Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy,” Princey says. “Anyway, it really wasn't us.”

“No?”

Princey sighs. “No, Count Woe-laf,” he says. He is just too much fun to tease. “If my father is to be believed, it was actually him and a couple of his college buddies.”

Virgil laughs. “Oh, so it's definitely genetic, then!”

Princey chuckles, popping the last tiny pie into his mouth and setting the plate on the counter. Virgil takes it and rinses it off so he can put it in the dishwasher with the others. “Yeah. Dad says they absolutely cleared out the seafood section, and most of the mac and cheese, and ate a sizable portion of pretty much everything else. If you get him going, he'll give you a very long and probably quite embellished retelling of the many courses they had. They never got kicked out, but the next time they went, they were told that there was now a limit to just how much they could eat.”

“Ah, alas,” Virgil says. “I bet it was a fabulous feast, though.” He finishes loading the dishwasher and checks under the sink for soap. They have pods, which is very convenient for measuring, or rather for not having to do that. He pops one in and turns the machine on.

“So, if I'm Count Olaf antagonizing you, which Baudelaire does that make you?” he asks. “Not bookish Klaus, surely. Maybe Sunny? I think she could demolish a plate as quickly as you, though her small stomach wouldn't have the same capacity.”

Princey's eyes light up and he leans forward. Instead of answering the banter, he says meaningfully, “I have the full series on dvd.”

“I'm not doing anything right now,” Virgil says. Princey beams.

“Great! I'll make popcorn!”

~

They have a dedicated home theater. The tv is large, the seats are comfortable, and the speakers are crisp and clear without being too loud. Princey made a bucket of popcorn for each of them, and Virgil isn't very hungry right now considering he very recently had breakfast, but he munches idly on it as they watch, and comment, and theorize. Princey is fun to watch tv with, and doesn't mind Virgil talking while they watch.

They're in the middle of an episode when Remus appears in the doorway.

“Hey Emo,” says Remus. “I gotta get home and feed my cat before she figures out how to unlock the front door and hunts me down. I was gonna take you home on the way, but it looks like you're in the middle of something.”

Virgil considers. He looks at the screen, where Lemony Snicket is explaining that if you're allergic to something, it's generally best not to put that thing in your mouth, especially if the thing you are allergic to is a cat. He looks back at Remus. “You swear you'll come back for me?”

“On my favorite dildo and Janus's two cocks,” Remus says with feeling, and Virgil can't help the chuckle that escapes him.

“I'll be okay,” he says. “Go get Diesel Fuel her lunch.”

Remus salutes him and disappears.

They finish the episode and Remus hasn't come back yet, so they go on to the next one. During the theme song though, Nerdbot appears to inform them that they too need to eat lunch.

Virgil thought Princey might protest, given how invested he's been, but he pauses the show and gets up. “C’mon, Tall Dark and Stormy,” he says to Virgil. “If we skip lunch to watch tv all day we get a lecture about why proper nutrition is important.”

“You do,” Nerdbot confirms. “Points of note include the necessity of proteins and vegetables in addition to carbohydrates.”

“Is popcorn a vegetable?” Virgil asks.

Nerdbot raises an eyebrow. “It is a carbohydrate, actually. It is also primarily air.”

It seems that all the other guests have gone home, so it's just the four of them now. The table is back to its smaller size, and Princey has Virgil sit at the corner beside him, so they can keep talking. Nerdbot sits on Virgil’s other side, and Calico sits at the head, across from Princey.

Lunch is baked chicken and a vegetable dish that Virgil doesn't really expect to like, but he takes a polite spoonful anyway because he's sure Nerdbot is capable of a very powerful ‘eat your vegetables’ lecture, and he doesn't feel like hearing it right now.

The vegetables do not taste bad. Virgil’s not sure why he's surprised anymore considering everything he's eaten in this house so far—with the possible exception of the cereal, which doesn't count—but the vegetables are the opposite of bad.

“Why are you such a good cook,” Virgil says to Calico, who brightens. “I need to come eat your food more often.”

“He has a magical tongue,” Princey says, making heart eyes across the table at him.

Calico blushes slightly (not nearly as deeply as he had last night) and clarifies, “I'm very good at tasting, and I have a lot of practice combining flavors. I'm also not afraid of fats and salt, and that helps.”

Virgil has two servings.

Remus still isn't back yet when they finish lunch, and Virgil is starting to get concerned.

Don't forget me, he texts, and goes into the room with the couches to wait.

This couch really is comfortable. And Virgil got barely any sleep last night, between staying up late and waking up so fucking early, and also probably never actually falling into a deep sleep at all since there were other people in the room. And his stomach is full and warm. And the couch is so comfortable. 

He barely has time to notice how heavy his eyelids are becoming.

~

Virgil wakes, briefly. The room is dark. Someone has covered him with a blanket. He finds his phone and checks it. There's a message from Remus, about half an hour after Virgil’s last text.

came to get you but you were very asleep, it says. text me when youre awake and wanna go home

Attached is a selfie, with Virgil in the background passed out on the couch.

Virgil groans. fucker, he texts back, and falls back asleep.

~~~~

Chapter 4: The Second Morning

[justanotherwriter140]

Kung Fu Panda 4 - The Movie

The last really, really long discussion post (for now).

Major spoilers ahead!

This review is full of spoilers, so please refrain from reading through it until you've watched KFP4. I would highly suggest doing so, as I want everyone to form their own opinions without my influence. The movie has its flaws (some of which admittedly being a bit distracting), but it's a fun film that has things to offer.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is a fun movie (take that as you will) that takes its audience on an action-packed, surprisingly funny, yet relatively contained adventure on which Po doesn't really do much. It's an inconsequential, safe sequel that doesn't really hurt the franchise but adds close to nothing.

I had a good time watching the movie. It was obviously produced with its theater experience in mind and the action scenes especially reflected that priority. The humor was actually funny sometimes and I enjoyed Po and Zhen's dynamic. During the film, I was able to put most (most!) of my grievances aside and take the movie for what it is. I've discovered that the best way to watch KFP4 is with low expectations and an open mind.

I have a lot of things to say about KFP4, both complaints and compliments (though the former might be taking the forefront in this review), and I hope this review can help those of you who have seen the movie organize your thoughts. I've been having a lot of trouble with that specific aspect of things myself. Those who get it get it.

With that said, let's get into my full review of KFP4! I've been waiting for nearly 2 years to write this and I'm so excited to share every single thought.

I'm going to follow the format of my first discussion post and curate a bulleted list of my thoughts, followed by an analysis of each of these points. Keep in mind that everything I say is IMO and this is more of a rant post than anything else.

Here are my main points:

The Furious Five's role is comically minuscule in the context of the film. Their actions are inconsequential and add nothing to the plot (a confirmed last-minute add), and they have 30~ seconds of screen time. Shifu is also largely irrelevant.

Mr. Ping and Li's presence has little to no effect on the movie (though I won't complain too much because they were pretty fun to watch and this movie has bigger problems). In almost any scenario, I am adamantly against having characters present that don't add anything to the narrative; however, Mr. Ping is an exception. I love Mr. Ping. James Hong is a gem.

Zhen's screen time is not utilized well and her character is underdeveloped. She definitely wasn't annoying, but I didn't find her either compelling or funny enough to warrant the screen time she was given, especially considering it wasn't used to establish a backstory/strong motives. This makes me feel bad for the character because the movie kind of screwed her out of any substantial development.

The Chameleon, while complimented greatly by Viola Davis, is an underwhelming villain. Viola Davis is amazing in this film and I would suggest watching it for her performance if for nothing else, but the Chameleon is underwhelming considering the super cool concept behind the character.

The film feels very rushed. Apologies to those who disagree, but I think the pacing is atrocious and the final fight is anticlimactic. The movie felt like a word-vomit with no discernible intermissions that stops abruptly when the film ends.

I felt as though Po didn't change/grow as a person and the audience never had a chance to either bond with or relate to his character. His internal struggle is kept to a minimum and we don't spend a moment alone with him as an audience, which is disorienting and distracting. Watching the film felt like running into an old friend at the store who's too in a rush to have a real conversation.

The action scenes were strong with few exceptions. Creative art direction was utilized and I thought the martial arts choreography was entertaining and dynamic. I love the color palette of the film and many scenes were very impressive visually.

With my main points established, I do believe it's ranting time. Strap in, folks.

Let's start strong with the Furious Five: I'm gutted. Chagrined, despondent, crestfallen, etc.

The lack of the Furious Five negatively affects KFP4 so much, because not only does their absence hurt the atmospheric integrity of KFP as a franchise, it also forces KFP4 to bring in a slew of different characters—all while still noncommittally including the FF at the very end because I believe the marketing team required it—that clog up the cast a bit. It all goes to show how important strong, established side characters are.

The Furious Five are side characters, but the role of "side character" does not equate to being irrelevant, expendable, or exchangeable. I recognize that the Furious Five aren't super developed as characters beyond a handful of lines that allude to traits sprinkled sparingly among the members; however, I believe that the tiny bits of development we have been given have proved impactful in the past. Tigress's development in KFP2 is a prime example of how much narratively conscious changes (however small they may be) can positively affect these movies.

Because of limited runtimes, the Furious Five often operate as more of a singular unit than five individuals. Even so, I don't think discarding them is valid. They're so important to the KFP universe (to Po's universe!) and not having them with him feels so wrong. The Furious Five are fully integral to the heart of Kung Fu Panda, which is why I believe a lot of those who have seen the new movie have expressed something feeling "off" or something being missing.

I agree with this sentiment. To me, KFP4 didn't feel like a KFP movie. I don't need a Furious Five spin-off movie and I can be fully content with a KFP5 centered around Po's journey as an individual as was intended from the beginning, but he can't carry an entire movie on his back. As strong as he is in every sense of the word, he is only one character. He's the centerpiece of the franchise, but a centerpiece can only go so far without the rest of the design, so to speak.

For me, the Furious Five's absence is one of this film's biggest faults. It's huge and glaring. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, either, because the friends with whom I saw the film refused to talk about any other aspect of the movie after seeing it. Seeing them at the end was better than nothing, of course, but it was a disappointing culmination after eight years of waiting.

That all is to say I feel robbed. Despite all of this, though, I understand that there were reasons why the Furious Five weren't included in the movie. I don't believe the production team would exclude the Furious Five unless they weren't given a choice.

Shifu and Po's dynamic continues to be thoroughly delightful but their interactions are short and simplified. I would have loved to see more of them in this film, especially considering the extreme relevance of teacher-student relationships in KFP4. I (somewhat) digress, though, because the idea of Shifu having to live at the Jade Palace with only Po for an extended period of time is hilarious enough on its own. Maybe that's what the short film is about!

The comedy is odd but has some jokes that stand out. Po maintains a healthy relationship with his inner sass, which I think makes him more fun to watch and kind of eradicates the man-child verdict. Some jokes don't land, of course, but I genuinely thought KFP4 had some funny moments. Mr. Ping was consistently awesome and Po had some good lines sprinkled throughout the film.

As for Mr. Ping, he and Li Shan are the subjects of the film's B-plot as they follow Po to Juniper City out of shared concern for their son's safety. In my mind, they don't add anything to the story that couldn't have been brought about by other characters, but they had their moments of being entertaining. I enjoyed their silliness and thought they had a cute dynamic if nothing else.

Speaking of other characters, I want to discuss KFP4's deuteragonist and why I genuinely feel bad about the way her character was treated.

I want to let it be known that I'm still not on board with Po passing the Dragon Warrior torch to another character. While I agree that his arc is now calling for him to have a student, I disagree with the notion of him retiring from his DW role.

As I stated in my first discussion post:

Didn’t the initial significance and nuance of the title come from the fact that there is only one person who can be the Dragon Warrior, because the concept of the “Dragon Warrior” isn’t so much a title as it is Po himself? The universe (Oogway) must choose the Dragon Warrior because they are a singular being of legend. It is one person, and that person is Po. Wasn’t the point of the first film that the title ultimately doesn’t really matter because there is no “secret ingredient,” so to speak? The title doesn’t actually give Po anything. “It’s just you,” Po says, and that was the resolution.

When it comes to Zhen as a character, contrary to what I predicted I would think of her, I thought she was okay. While I was still a bit distracted by how out-of-place her design looks, I wasn't truly annoyed by her at any point and she and Po had some cute moments. Even so, I think their relationship could have been a bit more refined and developed.

While it's evident that Po and Zhen are meant to have a teacher-student/mentor-apprentice dynamic, I think their relationship feels half-baked. There were parallels that contradicted one another and ended up being confusing come the film's conclusion, and the nature of their relationship seems to vacillate depending on the scene. Additionally, the strength of their bond goes from zero to one hundred within thirty-ish minutes and left me with a bit of whiplash.

We're shown that Po and Zhen care about one another, but we're never shown why. They have a brief conversation during which they bond over being orphans, and Zhen says at one point, "You're actually a good guy," but that's it. This obvious lack of development is a bit disorienting because we're later led to believe that Zhen and Po care very deeply for one another when there's almost nothing to back it up.

A scene that sticks out to me when discussing this is when Zhen attack-hugs Po in a way that explicitly mirrors Tigress's hug from KFP2. This happens around the beginning of the third act, and while it had the potential to be an endearing moment, I think it fell flat.

The impact of Tigress's hug was brought on by her character's hardcore nature and reputation of being heartless, further strengthened with the knowledge that she was hugging Po (which was obviously way outside her comfort zone) as a show of companionship and fundamental understanding. Tigress hugged Po because he needed someone to recognize his strive for closure.

Zhen's hug had little to no impact because she had no reason to do it and it didn't indicate growth. She hugs Po because she's sorry for betraying him and doesn't want him to be killed by the Chameleon, but neither of these things are newly-established via this hug; we have already gathered by now that Zhen regrets betraying Po and doesn't want him to get hurt.

The hug is far from the movie's weakest point, but I think it's unnecessary given the context. I'm big on hugs in movies (an underutilized form of platonic affection, in my opinion), but it didn't fit here. I don't hate it, and I see it as an honest effort to bring emotionality to Po and Zhen's relationship, but it seems arbitrary.

Zhen and Po's relationship has a lot of potential and I'd be open to seeing more of them in the future, but I think some more thoughtful development needs to occur before I can humor it further. Even so, I can see myself featuring Zhen in some future post-KFP4 one-shots—sparingly, of course, because we have a lot of Furious Five content to compensate for.

Overall, they had a cute dynamic and some sweet moments but I'm not attached. I'm on board with Po having a student but I think their relationship needs a lot more development, something that this film unfortunately didn't give them time to either accomplish or earn.

Now, onto the Chameleon!

The concept of the Chameleon's character is admittedly super interesting. She's the deuteragonist's fastidious mother figure who feels that Zhen owes her a debt and as a result holds her to an impossible standard. That dynamic had the potential to be so interesting but I didn't think it was explored at all. There is no indication of Zhen having any internal conflict about fighting the Chameleon, no emotional complexity between them at all; it's disappointing because I think it would've added a bit of earnestness to the film.

Additionally, the idea of a shape-shifting villain is versatile. A shape-shifting villain gives those telling the story a lot of room to experiment with the protagonist and different ways in which the main character can be challenged and tested. It's yet another good idea utilized poorly. Just one idea: the Chameleon could have disguised herself as one (or several) of Po's family, friends, etc. and brought to fruition a new arc with his character (seeing as he arguably doesn't have one in this film), but she only disguises herself as Zhen very briefly in the movie.

Furthermore, the Chameleon completely relies on the powers of previous villains to pose any sort of threat to the main characters. She summons Po's former nemeses from the Spirit Realm (despite there being little logic in doing so considering Kai's literal evisceration) and takes their kung fu abilities for herself.

An excerpt from my first KFP4 discussion post that I think is relevant to the point I'm trying to make:

I don’t think it would be in the best interest of anyone if the past villains were to come back in any way that’s not a flashback (even then, I’m not sure I’d see the point). In all honesty, I thought that the whole point of the villains was that they died and stayed dead. They were defeated by Po once and for all as a testament to the idea of establishing Po's character growth and journey as a person through the bad things he’s able to overcome. It’d be highly contradictory to the messages of the other films if these villains were to suddenly come back.

While there was an honest effort made to portray the Chameleon as intimidating, I never felt as though any of the characters were endangered by either her or her army of lizard henchman. She's a visually appealing character (aside from her eyes, which I thought more resembled those of a gecko than a chameleon) and I greatly enjoyed Davis's performance, but overall I don't see the Chameleon as a notable villain.

The return of Tai Lung (had he been on his own) had the makings to be an excellent story, especially considering the importance of teacher-student dynamics in KFP4. To see him interacting with Shifu would have been incredible and could have led to further closure on Tai Lung's end (because I think that's kind of what the team was going for anyway), but it didn't happen.

It was nice to see Ian McShane reprise his role, but I wish Tai Lung's characterization had been more reminiscent of the way he was in the first film and more complimentary of his overall character arc. Tai Lung isn't a one-dimensional villain with a singular goal and motivation, and I couldn't help but feel as though the complexity of his character was simplified for the sake of KFP4's narrative.

Tai Lung's presence in KFP4 may be odd, but Shen and Kai's appearances are even more so. Kai, if I remember correctly, was fully obliterated by Po, reduced to literal particles on screen (which is kind of wild now that I think about it). Shen being in the Spirit Realm makes sense all things considered; however, Po and Li had no visible reaction to his presence, which seemed a bit unlikely considering Shen's deeds. This plot hole can likely be attributed to the fact that Shen and Kai's cameos (to my knowledge) were last-minute additions to the movie.

I have to talk about the pacing. I have to. I'm sorry, bear with me.

To me, the film's pacing is erratic and disconcerting. While I can appreciate a quick-moving narrative that doesn't dawdle on storylines that aren't interesting/important, KFP4 kind of flings itself too far in the opposite direction and ends up being frighteningly fast-paced. Once the credits began, I felt like I had been holding my breath for the entire movie.

KFP4 is confusing because while the runtime is standard for a KFP movie, it feels incredibly short. At the same time, the film's story moves at a breakneck speed and leaves little time for heart and development. These things culminate into a barreling boulder of a movie that simply doesn't have time to let its characters, story, or audience take a breath.

A fast pace is not inherently negative, but I don't think it worked in the favor of KFP4. The KFP franchise has always been very emotionally grounded (and just very grounded in general), so to see a film in which emotion/heart takes an aggressive backseat in comparison to action and comedy is jarring. While I think it's unreasonable for fans to expect the same emotional integrity as the original films to be present in the current and upcoming ones, I still think there's room for Po to grow and I felt as though the notion of him developing further was brushed aside in this film.

As for Po's growth, I felt it was nearly nonexistent. The previous trilogy wrapped up his character's journey beautifully and I know that KFP4 was bound to struggle with this particular aspect of making another KFP film; however, just because the strongest pillars of Po's character are established doesn't serve as a valid excuse to reverse his development and repeat what he learned in KFP3.

In KFP3, Po learned firsthand that he is capable of spreading wisdom and teaching kung fu. He also learns that he is constantly growing and that change is inevitable; there is always something more to learn.

"If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now."

"I don't want to be anything more, I like who I am!"

In KFP4, Po pushes against this narrative despite fully accepting it in KFP3, actively reversing crucial parts of his character development achieved in the latter. KFP3 was non-ambiguously about learning to cope with change and responsibility, and I can't help but feel like KFP4 is simply copying this message while not adding anything to it.

Additionally, I felt that KFP4's Po generally felt less personal than he has in the past. In every KFP movie up to the franchise's most recent addition, I felt very connected to Po as an audience member. I felt like I was truly seeing the world of KFP through his eyes. I consider this to be one of the franchise's most impressive feats; it's incredibly difficult to build a universe around a character without making the audience feel limited to one perspective and one part of the world.

With KFP4, I felt both limited and disconnected. The world didn't feel as vast and all-encompassing as it has in the past and Po didn't seem fully like himself. This could be me nitpicking (as I'm prone to do), but I can't recall a single moment in the movie in which Po was alone on screen. Scenes like these are crucial for me because I see them as a meet-cute between the character and the audience, a moment for us to cross the bridge into their world in a way that's silent and intuitive. These little bonding moments are absolutely integral to feeling connected to a character.

Po's dream sequence in the first KFP movie is one of the best examples of this. It presents his aspirations, alludes to his way of life up to the point of the movie, and showcases his personality. During Po's dream sequence, the audience is quite literally inside Po's mind; we're there with him, seeing what he sees, subsequently feeling what he feels. Po is a dreamer at heart and makes the audience feel like dreamers, too.

In KFP4, I felt like I little to no point of reference when it comes to how Po was feeling. I didn't feel immersed in him and his world.

I know I've been very "doom and gloom" throughout this post, which is an exhausting mindset for everyone involved. I want to end my critique with something positive because I think some praise is deserved. Let's just say the movie could have been a lot worse, the details of which I'm sure you're all well aware.

Congratulations, you've reached the end! Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to read this unnecessarily long and detailed review. As long as I help someone translate their conflicted feelings into coherent thoughts, I'll call it a win.

KFP4 has its flaws and there are a lot of aspects that I dislike, but the I greatly admire and respect the hard work put into the film by those of the crew who put their efforts forward and tried their best to make it work. This does not at all excuse my issues with the movie, but it's worth saying.

As for the future of the series, I only hope that the next installment is more considerate of the franchise's origins and why Po's story is being told in the first place. I fully believe that another sequel could be good (even great!), but only given a strong, passionate crew with a great understanding of the characters and world (and I wouldn't be averse to some previous directors returning, just to put it out there).

Thanks again to those who took the time to read this crazy excuse for a movie review. Feel free to either disagree with me or add things in the replies/reblogs, I'm always looking for more thoughts to think.

Until next time!

[kylekozmikdeluxo]

I've been thinking about it, and...

In a weird sort-of way, both THE WILD ROBOT and TRANSFORMERS ONE - two animated robot movies that came out a month ago that I really enjoyed - are like a redux of my personal fall 2004...

In the year 2024...

I was 12 in fall 2004.

I had a few scattered interests back then that I was *locked* into.

One of them was a more recent Disney animated movie...

... that was set in the wilderness and across more than one season, but it didn't have a robot in it. It did have a surrogate family member, though...

That movie was BROTHER BEAR:

I had rented the DVD of that movie a few times before finally getting it as a birthday present, and I watched it A LOT throughout October, November and December of 2004. BROTHER BEAR was my j-a-m circa fall 2004, I was just obsessed with it.

And what else was I really into back then?

This thing in question had machines, with feelings. And it was set in a fictional world that was all these machine beings...

BIONICLE!

Oh yeah, I was one of those BIONICLE kids. That was my Roman Empire throughout most of the early 2000s... and by 2004 there was a second direct-to-video movie (LEGENDS OF METRU NUI) and plenty of new sets for me to feast my eyes on, a whole new chapter of the story to follow. For my birthday, I got those sets *and* the METRU NUI movie.

So, now... In fall 2024...

I have the seasonal story set in the wilderness with tons of North American animals, and I have the heavy metal machine action-adventure set in a made-up world...

It's Kyle 2004-Core all over again!

THE WILD ROBOT was directed by Chris Sanders, who had directed Disney Animation Florida's LILO & STITCH. The Florida unit was where BROTHER BEAR was produced, it was the last feature-length film completed there. It was released in fall 2003, and the unit was closed down in spring 2004. WILD ROBOT may not be a 2D animated movie, but its stylized CG visuals channel that special feeling I get from drawings and paintings, so it links up to me in my mind. The autumnal/winter setting, the emphasis on nature, the animals, the story being told... Yeah, it kinda feels like it to me.

TRANSFORMERS ONE, to me, recalls those shiny BIONICLE movies in both looks and feel. Specifically the first half or so, where it's this retro-style space adventure B-flick that's overall fun and loose, though later getting a little more serious and action-packed after Orion Pax and D-16's friendship severs. It also reminds me of the Cartoon Network shows I enjoyed back then too (Toonami and Miguzi existed then, which also had action cartoons), along with THE INCREDIBLES, another animated action-packed movie that came out in fall 2004 that was pretty was much my whole world for a little while. (I saw it in theaters FIVE times.) So yeah, those all link up in my head, too.

Weirdly, I wasn't a Transformers kid. I was aware of the franchise in 2004, and I loved robots and cars (I was a Hot Wheels addict too), and caught a little bit of whatever the new TF cartoon that was out at the time was (it was either ARMADA or ENERGON)... But I just... Never really got into it? That's weird, isn't it? It's like, "Kyle, you loved robots and cars in 2004... Why weren't you into Transformers???"

I guess, like many an autistic young'un, I was stuck in the loop of a few select interests (which included Hot Wheels and BIONICLE) and didn't add a new one at the time. I also wasn't a STAR WARS kid whatsoever, even though I dig space adventures... make of that what you will. I hadn't seen a single STAR WARS movie all the way through until 2011.

But you know what I was REALLY into in fall 2004 that also happened to combine cars, robots, and space adventures?

Hell yeah! MEGAS XLR! This was another one of my jams back then!

Everything but Transformers... I'm sorry, Autobots.

Afterwards, I had seen the first three Michael Bay movies and know some general knowledge of the franchise (I still have yet to see the 1986 movie all the way through), but TRANSFORMER ONE was so good. It felt like something I had seen and loved in 2004, at age 12, but also great to me as a 32-year-old with only a few goes at the franchise. I just loved it.

Yeah... WILD ROBOT, TRANSFORMERS ONE... It's all like my 2004-Core, lol.

[oliverreedmasterass]

Words: 3k

Synopsis: Greta Van Fleet attend a midnight screening of Rocky Horror and discover something extraordinary. Could this possibly be the best night of their lives?

Warnings: language

Chapter 1

“I can’t believe you two have never done this before,” Josh couldn’t help but muse to himself as he, Jake, Sam, and Danny walked from their parked car to the small indie theater sitting in the outskirts of Nashville. 

“We really let them down, I think,” Jake agreed, looking at Sam and Danny with pity. 

Sam and Danny looked back at the twins, who were both wearing costumes that they couldn’t wrap their heads around. Sam had asked Josh earlier if he was really sure he was legally allowed to be walking around in public wearing nothing but a golden speedo and a white robe. Josh had retorted that he looked good, so it wasn’t a crime. Jake, while covered up significantly more, was wearing all leather, which made him squeak with every step. They had tried to get Sam and Danny into corsets but, not knowing what they were getting themselves into, Sam and Danny had made their stance firm that they were going to remain in their street clothes, thank you very much. 

“I’m just glad we’re getting out tonight,” Danny admitted. “I feel like you’ve all collectively been going through it.” 

Their group chat had been flooded with negativity over the past few weeks, to the point where Danny was starting to wonder if they needed to go on a retreat to another haunted cabin to clear their minds. Hearing about Jake’s sapped creativity, Josh’s chronic perfectionism, and Sam’s overwhelming lack of direction made him worried. This was what happened when they took a break from the studio and touring: they tended to get trapped in their heads to a concerning level. It had been Josh’s suggestion that they meet up for a movie night, and Danny couldn’t be more relieved that everyone accepted the invite. It was time for a little escapism. 

They made it to the front doors of the theater, and Josh looked around at his friends in glee. “Get ready for the best night of your lives,” he told them, wiggling his eyebrows. 

“We played at Madison Square Garden,” Danny murmured under his breath. “That’s gonna be pretty hard to beat.”

Josh tore open the front door and flung himself inside, prepared to be greeted by a hoard of other cult classic film fanatics. What he was met with, instead, was a dead lobby with only a single high school employee standing behind the cash register next to the borderline empty popcorn machine. Jake joined Josh’s side and frowned at the scene. 

“Maybe we got the date wrong?” he murmured to Josh. All that Josh could give in return was a half-assed shrug. 

“You guys here for Rocky Horror?” the teenager asked them, looking up from his phone. 

“We were told it was gonna be the best night of our lives,” Sam replied, unable to stop himself from mocking his older brother. The teenager gave a small smile, but it was obvious that he felt bad for the four men. 

“The troupe all caught food poisoning. I’d be more than happy to get my manager to still play the movie for you though, considering you made the trek out and all,” he offered. Everyone looked around at each other. A part of the magic was having the actors in front of the screen, bringing the movie to life. The other fun part was having a packed theater full of superfans. 

“Are we the only ones here?” Jake had to ask. The teenager nodded, his lips pursed with an apologetic look. Jake was ready to throw up his hands and call it a night. It would probably take him the rest of the evening to peel his body out of the leather clothes anyway. 

“I think we should still do it,” Danny chimed in. “I mean, I’ve heard so much about this movie, I really do want to see it.” 

“You’re still gonna be considered virgins at the next screening we go to,” Josh looked between Sam and Danny. “This won’t count.” 

Sam and Danny shrugged. They really didn’t know what Josh was going on about with virgins and stuff, so they could care less. 

And so, with their tickets scanned and their arms loaded with rice, toast, and newspapers, they made their way into the empty theater. “We have to be in the front row, that’s where the action is,” Josh chirped, rushing towards the screen. 

“My neck is gonna hurt,” Sam whined. He went in the opposite direction and planted himself in the center seat of the back row, throwing his hoodie up over his head and placing on some dark sunglasses. Danny looked back at his friend, sighed, and joined Jake, who was sitting in a more respectable place in the center of the theater. 

“What should I anticipate?” he leaned into Jake’s side. Jake’s clothes let out a tiny squeak.

“Josh is about to become the most insufferable version of himself.” Jake paused and seemed to be pondering something. “I probably will be too. Sorry in advance.” 

Out of habit, Danny clutched onto the arms of his seat to brace himself. Especially in an empty theater, there was no knowing how out of hand things were going to get. Sam seemed to be two steps ahead of Danny in reaching this conclusion, because he was sinking farther and farther back into his seat, trying to disappear. 

The projector flicked on, which was met by applause from Jake and Josh. After the Fox logo briefly flashed onscreen, a pair of vivid red lips appeared. Josh immediately let out a primal scream and tore his robe off, baring his exposed chest to the screen. Jake joined his brother, standing in the aisle, and jumped up and down in antici[...]pation. 

As the mouth sang the opening, Jake and Josh bellowed along at the top of their lungs. 

“Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still, but he told us where we stand…”

Danny shoved his fingers into his ears and felt the dread wash over him that he should have just stayed home and watched golf. 

“Sing along, you know this one!” Jake said down to Danny, smacking at his arm with the back of his hand. Danny shook his head with a frown. 

“I literally don’t.” 

Jake left Danny’s side, to Danny’s relief, and joined Josh so they could continue to holler at the top of their lungs and flail up and down the aisle. Danny thought it couldn’t get any worse until the two started conspiring. 

“We should do the performance!” Josh shouted to Jake, holding his hands and looking at him with a wide grin. Jake was so gobsmacked at the suggestion, all he could do was eagerly nod, his eyes wide. 

“I call dibs on Janet!” Josh announced to the theater. “Which makes Jake Brad.” 

“I wanna be Meatloaf too,” Jake added, motioning down to his leather garb. “It would be a crime to let this costume go to waste.”

“You can be the background characters!” Josh pointed at Danny, nearly smacking him in the face, and then Sam, who had fully planked to the floor in the background, hoping he could go unnoticed for the rest of the evening. 

“Come out, Sammy!” Jake barked. “You gotta shake your ass!” 

“I don’t wanna,” Sam’s soft whines wafted down from the back row. Danny managed to hustle around Jake and Josh so he didn’t get in the way of their continued dancing, and jogged up the stairs to join his friend. Whether it was to coax him down or hide alongside him, Danny wasn’t entirely sure yet. 

“You doing okay?” he softly asked the curled up ball on the floor. All he got in return was a grunt. “If I got popcorn, would that help?” Sam’s low grunts came to a halt. 

“Can you get it with extra butter?” he unfurled himself and bat his eyelashes up at Danny. 

“You got it, bud.” Danny retreated back down the stairs and booked it to the concessions stand. Whatever it took to get Sam as backup for whatever chaos Jake and Josh were about to unleash. It was looking more and more like an all hands on deck type of situation. It had been a while since he had last seen the twins look that energized, and he was terrified. 

“Everything okay?” the high schooler looked at Danny with concern. 

Danny was quick to reassure him. “Oh yeah, just wanted to get some popcorn.” 

“We, er, really don’t have that much left,” the high schooler trailed off as he peered into the machine. Danny took a peek as well and noted that there were definitely more kernels than actual popped corn. He mulled it over, and then finally shrugged. 

“Got an ICEE machine?” 

“Yup.” 

“That’ll do.” 

A few minutes later, Danny returned back into the theater and was almost immediately taken out by a flying bouquet. “Gah!” Danny hollered out, spilling part of the blue ICEE down the front of his white shirt. “Darn,” he grumbled down at the growing stain. 

“You gotta throw the bouquet to me, Betty!” Josh called from the front of the theater. “Quick, before the scene changes!” 

Danny knew that it was best to play along and ask questions later, so he made sure to pelt Josh in the face with the bouquet. Unphased by this, Josh held it up for everyone to see. 

“I’ve got it, I’ve got it,” he mouthed along with Susan Sarandon’s character, Janet, who was plastered on the screen. 

As Danny trudged back up the theater stairs, still bummed out from his destroyed shirt, Jake and Josh broke out into an enthusiastic lip sync to “Dammit Janet.” 

“Here’s your drink,” Danny stated with a monotonous tone. Sam looked up at him in confusion. 

“I didn’t order a drink?” he whispered. 

“Just, take it,” Danny sighed, placing the blue ICEE in Sam’s hands. While he looked uncertain at first, it didn’t take long for Sam to start happily slurping down on it, without a single care in the world. Danny gazed back at the front of the theater, where Jake was now on one knee, proposing to a surprised Josh with one of his hoop earrings that he had hastily unfastened from his ear. 

“Oh, J-A-N-E-T, I love you so,” Jake sang along with the film, forgetting that he was supposed to be lip syncing. 

“Wanna hide with me?” Sam looked at Danny in between sips of his drink. Danny couldn’t help but shoot Sam a small smile when he saw that his tongue and lips were already starting to turn blue. 

“Kind of,” Danny admitted. “But I also really want to watch what’s gonna happen.” 

At this point, Josh was singing along to the track at the top of his lungs in a falsetto wail, running circles around Jake, who was struggling to catch up with him. Danny was frankly dumbfounded by the entire experience. He had always associated sex and scandal with Rocky Horror, but what was playing in front of him felt more like the opening to some goofy romcom. 

Things started to make more sense to Danny when the scene shifted to Janet and Brad getting stranded with a flat tire, and approaching a spooky castle to use their phone. Josh was upping the ante at this point in his performance, juggling between Janet and Riff Raff. It was hard to watch him force all of his lines out before he had to shift characters, and Danny found himself dragging Sam down to them. 

“No, no,” Sam choked out in shock. “I need to stay incognito.” 

“No one else is here,” Danny tried to comfort his distressed friend. “It’ll be okay, just let loose.” 

“If they try to make me sing, I’m leaving,” Sam warned Danny. 

“That’s only fair.” 

Danny led Sam to Jake and Josh and gave a small wave in front of their faces. 

“Sam and I want to join you,” he spoke quickly when there was a break in the dialogue. 

“It’s about time!” Josh snapped out of character. Jake nodded enthusiastically. 

“You can be Brad,” Josh instructed Danny. 

“Which means I’m Janet, right?” Sam’s face contorted into a scowl. 

“You’ve got the legs for it, sugar,” Jake joked in a creepy voice, leaning into Sam’s side. Danny held onto Sam’s coat sleeve to keep him from booking it out of the theater. 

“It’s astounding, time is fleeting, madness takes its toll…” Josh began to sing along with Riff Raff, opening up his arms to his friends, encouraging their participation. 

“What’s happening? I don’t know what’s happening,” Sam whispered to Danny. 

“Nice improv, you’re really keeping in character!” Jake congratulated him. Sam looked beyond lost. 

“But listen closely…” Josh continued. 

“Not for very much longer…” Jake joined in the song. 

“I’ve got to keep control!” Josh hollered. Danny and Sam gaped at Josh, who was now wiggling around like he had a thousand bees shoved in his golden speedo. As he roared along to the soundtrack, Jake pushed Danny and Sam forward, which caused them to both call out in surprise, barely catching themselves before they tumbled to the floor. 

“What was that for?” Sam barked back at his older brother in shock. Jake shrugged back at him. 

“LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!” boomed around the theater. 

“This is the dance number!” Josh hurried to Sam and Danny’s side to enlighten them. “They tell you all the steps in the song, you just have to follow along!” 

Sam opened his mouth to release yet another complaint, but was stopped in his tracks when Jake, Josh, and Danny took a jump to the left, taking him with them. 

“Oh Christ!” he yelped out, flailing around. 

Danny was having an admittedly better time than Sam. It didn’t take him long to catch onto the dance moves, taking a step to the right, putting his hands on his hips, bringing his knees in tight, and then doing the pelvic thrust. Before long he found that he was singing along with the film, and had broken away from his friends to give himself more space to dance around. 

Perhaps the sight of Danny having the time of his life was enticing. By the second chorus, Sam had started to come around. His movements were exaggerated, and his previously furrowed brow was long gone. Sam Kiszka was deeply enjoying himself at Rocky Horror. So much so that he started to lose control. Danny chuckled at his friend’s clumsiness as he started to teeter over while he was doing the pelvic thrust. That laugh came to an immediate stop when, instead of toppling into the screen, Sam went straight through it. Danny’s eyes bulged and he shook his head, trying to make sure he had just seen what he thought he saw. He couldn’t believe it, but it seemed true. 

Sam had disappeared. 

Still uncertain, Danny crept to the screen and pulled it away from the wall, looking behind it. No Sam. He gazed back up at the rest of the theater, scanning around for his friend, just in case he was playing a prank and hiding. But Danny wasn’t seeing him anywhere. 

Beside him, Jake and Josh were still dancing, entirely oblivious to what had just happened. While Danny was typically a more strategic and thoughtful problem solver, the panic that filled his body from head to toe was overboding. 

“Sam’s gone!” he shrieked. That did the trick, getting Jake and Josh to stop their dancing. They scanned around the theater, like Danny had done just seconds earlier. Jake scratched his head. 

“Like, to the bathroom?” Josh tried to put the pieces together. He was troubled by how horrified Danny looked, but couldn’t conjure up any explanation that seemed fitting. 

“Through the screen!” Danny managed to sputter out. Jake and Josh shared an uncertain glance. Apparently today was the day that Danny officially went off the deep end. Jake was on the verge of recommending they take Danny home so he could sleep it off when his eyebrows shot into his hairline. Above their heads on the large screen where the Rocky Horror characters were still dancing was Sam, dressed in a matching suit to the cast, looking around in confusion. 

“How in the hell…?” Jake trailed off, unable to form a coherent thought. 

Josh had evidently spotted Sam as well, because he was already running towards the screen at full speed. “We have to help him!” Josh called out, before disappearing. Danny and Jake both gawked at the empty place where Josh had just been. Then, slowly, their eyes tracked up to the screen. Josh was now standing next to Sam, wearing a similar suit, flamboyant sunglasses, and a tiny hat. Seeing that Josh had successfully crossed over, Danny gave it no thought. Without a word, he hurried behind his friend, eager to get to Sam and comfort him. 

This left Jake standing alone in the theater, squeaking uncomfortably in his leather. He mulled over his situation. It would be best if he stayed in the theater to get help if they needed it, right? But he was really jealous of his friends. He had always dreamed of being in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It wasn’t fair that they all got to experience it, and he didn’t. 

That thought was enough to get Jake to jump through the screen, into the blinding light. 

Chapter 2 coming soon!

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

PHIA SABAN INTERVIEWED FOR CONTENTMODE MAGAZINE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON HOUSE OF THE DRAGON! HOW HAS THE PROCESS BEEN SO FAR?

"Thank you! It’s a cool thing."

"When we’re working on it we’re in our own little microcosm with each other and those characters, and now it’s coming out and we’re seeing it all link up and become something else."

"It’s very new to me."

"Acting on screen still feels very new to me."

"I am so lucky to get to work with this group of people, they are so clever and loving."

"Recently we’ve been promoting the show and have been asked for opinions and explanations about our characters and the story."

"I’ve found it a new and funny facet of the job, to be asked sometimes to represent myself and speak from the character and for the bigger picture."

"It can feel different from acting, where you engage with the contradictions and spend more time with the mystery and the magic than the answers."

"I guess I’m saying that I’ve found this process contains multitudes."

"And watching the show is surreal — there are all my pals in wigs!"

MANY DIE-HARD GAME OF THRONES FANS HAVE READ THE BOOK SERIES AND ANTICIPATE PLOT POINTS IN THE TELEVISION SERIES. HOW DO YOU PROVIDE A FRESH TAKE ON FAMILIAR MATERIAL?

"It’s major to be part of something that people already feel passionate about, but it’s also exciting to have the chance to subvert expectations."

"It’s fun to make up little secrets that only you know about."

"As a viewer, I always like to be surprised anyway."

"I think it’s important (and fun) to have some irreverence for the genre so that you’re not patronizing your audience."

"The hope is to be part of something that challenges people!"

YOU'VE FOUND SUCCESS IN THE FANTASY AND DRAMATIC GENRES. ARE THERE ANY OTHER GENRES YOU'D LIKE TO EXPLORE?

"Yes! I miss being in plays so much."

"I cannot wait to be in the theater again."

"I’ve never been in a film, I’d love to make an independent one."

"Oh! To be in something people call a ‘picture’!"

"Recently I’ve been fantasizing about learning motion-capture and playing some sort of animal or creature."

"I’d love to be part of a suburban coming-of-age film, like the ones I obsessed over growing up."

"I’d like to do a great limited series, an intense crime one."

"And I could narrowly avoid being eaten by a shark, or an alien."

"I have dreams of doing a time-spanning project."

"I’d like to be the voice of an animation!"

"I‘d love to have a go at the present day."

"And maybe a dystopian future."

"And a Western?"

"I always want to do something funny."

"And strange."

"There are so many TA and filmmakers I admire (I won’t list them but they’re always being lovingly scribbled in my notebook.)"

"I’ll learn Norwegian and French for them!"

"I’m excited to keep finding new people too."

"More than all these, there are so many more things I hope to do, if I’m lucky."

"Not that I give it much thought or anything…"

HAS YOUR REAL LIFE INSPIRED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR CHARACTER IN ANY WAY?

"Sometimes a character can be an expansion pack for your real life, like a new way to see things."

"So maybe it’s more that the fantasy inspires your real life!"

"It’s been really fun to explore Helaena’s interests."

"I’ve thought quite a lot about bugs."

"I get a huge kick out of investigating how her mind works and finding all the ways her’s overlaps with mine."

"I do lots of people-watching, which is great because now when I’m staring at people on the bus I can tell myself that I’m ‘working’."

WHILE FANTASY CAN SEEMS UNTETHERED FROM REALITY, DO YOU THINK IT CAN REFLECT THE REAL WORLD?

"Haha I hope so, otherwise that would be boring!"

"I suppose these stories are full of archetypes, which should mirror universal truths."

"But maybe that’s just good TV?"

WHAT TYPES OF NARRATIVED DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TOWARDS WHEN READING SCRIPTS AND CHOOSING ROLES?

"Something surprising and honest that doesn’t tell me what to think!"

"And I love it when a script lets sad things be funny."

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS AN ACTOR?

"Other actors, a lot."

"On a good day, almost everything can…"

"That might be one of the best things about being an actor."

[moonlightisdancing]

Snowed in & Undone/ j.m.k

Pairing: Josh Kiszka x Female Reader

Word Count: 4515

Warnings: NSFW 18+ MINORS DNI, a teensie bit of yelling, being trapped(snowed in), soft josh, oral sex (m&f receiving), gagging, fingering, unprotected sex, breeding (lmk if anything’s missed!)

A/N: ‘U.P.’ is the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

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Your mom is best friends with Karen Kiszka. This caused you to practically grow up with the Kiszka siblings, having weekly Sunday dinner with them after church for years. She had always hoped that you would “fall in love with the curly haired one” and insists that “he’s a nice boy, you’re just being stubborn.” But you couldn’t stand “the curly haired one,” Josh. He’s loud, obnoxious, very full of himself and worst of all a former theater kid. After graduation you had really hoped your mom would drop it. You liked Jake, Veronica and Sam, hell, even Sam’s best friend, Danny, was better to hang out with than Josh. You have made a conscious effort to avoid Josh since graduation, even taking a gap year in the off chance he would go to any real college instead of whatever the hell he was doing. You felt guilty for not liking him, but you had your reasons even if nobody else understood.

“Honey! The boys are going up to the U.P. this weekend for some skiing thing, Mrs. Kiszka said Ronnie’s sick and can’t go. She wants to know if you’ll go so she can change reservations, the pass is already paid for!” You hear your mom shout down the hallway into your room.

You have gone 6 months without seeing Josh, why the fuck would you WILLINGLY do it now? It was tempting though. A weekend getaway with the hot one, Jake? Naturally at the expense of the same weekend being spent with his weird twin brother, the thought of a weekend stowed away with Jake kept you thinking. You’ve always had a thing for Jake, ever since he sat behind you in preschool and complimented the red bow in your hair. He was a heartthrob in highschool, but somehow remained single the whole time. He plays guitar, he’s funny, he’s damn good looking and definitely out of your league. The more you thought about Jake the closer you got to caving in.

“Um… sure! I haven’t really seen Jake since graduation, so it might be fun!” You’ve officially signed yourself up for what could be the best or the worst weekend of your life.

You start packing a bag, with only 1 day’s notice it was a tough time digging through what might not even be clean clothes. You’d only been to the U.P. once when you were little, not even old enough to remember anything other than getting sick in the car from driving for too long. You toss through some clothes until you find ones you think will catch Jake’s eye in the cabin. It’s been instilled in you that red’s his favorite color. You never asked him but why else would he have complimented your bow so many years back? Excitement made it hard to sleep, you watched the clock hit 4:23. You were so tired you wouldn’t have remembered what time you started dozing off if it wasn’t Jake’s birthday. The excitement washes away and you’re finally asleep.

𖤓

“HELLOOOO!! WAKE UP!!” You heard someone right in your ear. It didn’t sound like anyone you lived with, and nobody who comes over is that fucking loud but one person, Josh.

“Dude, what the FUCK are you doing in my room?!” You start to open your eyes and turn towards who you presume to be Josh.

“We’re supposed to leave soon… your mom said to come wake you up,” he just stood bedside as if he belonged there, his presence shaking you to the core. He looked different, a good different. Haircut, a little stubble, did he get his eyebrows plucked…?

“Josh, I mean this kindly, get the fuck out of my room. Right. NOW!” You felt a little bad for yelling, but decided he deserved it for intruding.

You hear his footsteps leave your bedroom, Josh grabs your suitcase on the way out to start packing the Suburban. Feeling guilty for what happened, you slowly roll out of bed and get dressed in warm clothes to beat the December chill. You try not to let the situation bother you, this weekend was a spur of the moment and Mrs. Kiszka paid for your entire trip. You would finally get some time away from work and do something fun. Midway down the hall, your mom stops you to give you some money for your trip and a kiss on your cheek.

“I heard you yelling up there… Now you be nice to my future son-in-law, don’t scare him away, that boy will do good for you.” Was she seriously still on this?

“Mom, for the THOUSANDTH time, I hate Josh. Always have. Why can’t you root for maybe… his better half? Jake is so much cooler.” You’ve been begging her for years to drop this narrative, and yet she continues with it.

“Honey, Jake’s too quiet for you, and if I’m not mistaken he has a lady, or maybe I misheard Karen… You know he’s just- he’s an interesting boy that one. Not bad at all, sweet kid, he’s just a little odd, darling. I think Josh’ll grow on you.” She was adamant on you and Josh being together, but she was so wrong.

You head outside and hop into the van behind the passenger seat. You assumed the usual position, Josh driving, Jake passenger, Sam behind Josh. That’s how it had always been when you guys took trips together. Jake was the first one in, he got in the driver seat. Very odd, but no way Josh’s ego would let his 15 year old brother in the front seat. You would have to sit behind him but that’s not worse than next to him. Sam approaches the van, he’s getting into the passenger seat. ‘Not a fucking shot…’ You thought so loudly you were afraid you might have said it. Following behind Sam was Josh, speak of the devil and he will arrive. The devil gets into the seat behind the driver, making this the most unfortunate seating arrangement ever. You didn’t know how long of a car ride this was, but you knew every second spent next to Josh would be insufferable. Worst part was Josh brought an extra bag and instead of placing it between the two of you, he scooched himself into the middle seat and placed his bag on the seat behind Jake.

Halfway through and Josh still hasn’t really spoken to you. Your main source of interaction was little Sammy boy in the front seat, asking him how school was going and if he had any plans for college yet, how Danny was, boring older sister-esque stuff. You didn’t say much to Jake so he could focus on driving, the last thing you wanted was him getting into an accident with ¾ of the Kiszka kids and you, an only child. The Michigan roads weren’t as bad as usual, but still not the greatest with black ice and slushy snow. There was a silence in the van amongst the people, the only thing playing was one of their CD’s Sam put in for you to hear. He had just started making music with his brothers, which was just about the only thing 15 year old Sammy had going on, poor kid. Their music was probably the only bit of Josh you could stand. His voice sounds nice when he sings, so why is it when he speaks you want to tape his mouth shut?

Jake has been driving for who knows how long, looking at the clock would only make it worse. Staring out of the window you start to feel tired, this was uncommon for you but the lack of sleep last night was really doing a number. You start to drift off with the light sound of music humming in the background. You let your head rest against the seat, and slowly fall to the left. You’re so used to the original seating, you didn’t think about whose shoulder you would land on. Sam, right? You’d only done this one other time, and Sam didn’t mind too much until you started drooling and he pushed your head into the window so it had somewhere to lay. But this shoulder felt different then Sam’s, much more broad and definitely had less bone going on. You didn’t care, maybe it was his jacket, all you cared about was getting some damn sleep. You feel a cheek press against the top of your head, and you nuzzle into the feeling of comfort.

“Okay, we’re here guys. Just barely in time to check into our cabins. C’mon sleepyhead.” You feel a hand reach back and shake your knee to wake you up. Your eyes open to Jake staring back, his hand on your knee and Sammy peering over the passenger seat. Suddenly it hits you.

‘If Sam’s up there… who’s shoulder am I- oh my fucking god…’ You felt shivers go down your spine. You realized you had been asleep on Josh’s shoulder this entire time, simultaneously (and unfortunately for you) realizing it was the best nap you’ve ever taken.

‘He smelled nice, he didn’t push me off of him, he’s really warm, NO! Ugh’ You lift your head off of Josh’s shoulder to apologize to him, only to realize he had fallen asleep too. You wondered for a second if he thought the same thing, and you wondered why you felt so much comfort and content on his shoulder if you disliked him as much as you thought.

All four of you get out, grab your bags and head towards the check in area. You hear Jake mention two cabins to the lady at the desk. Your heart thumps faster at the thought of a cabin with Jake, quickly bringing yourself back down remembering Karen probably put the twins together, and the two youngest together. Bunking with Sam isn’t who you were hoping for, but he’s a good kid, the lesser of the two evils. Jake approaches the group with the keys for the cabins.

“Okay, me and Sammy are in 21, Josh and Y/N are in 22, sound good?” Another thought struck so loud you again felt people heard it. ‘No, Jake, it doesn’t sound good. Why would Karen break it up that way, this has to be some sick joke, maybe Ronnie isn’t sick at all and mom put this together.’

“Shall we?” Josh reaches his hand out for yours in a curtsy. All you could think was ‘What a dork…’ Instead you push his hand down, knowing if you grabbed his hand it would be accompanied with a kiss on yours. The group makes their way to their assigned cabins, the snow started picking up and made the 5 minute walk feel like eons. Once you reach the cabins, you wave a sad wave to Jake and Sam as Josh gets the door to your impending doom. He grabs your bag for you and enters the cabin, you follow slowly behind.

“You can pick which room you want.” He says quietly, completely not the Josh you know.

“Josh, are you okay? I’m really sorry for yelling at you this morning. I just- I went to bed late, I was frustrated was all,” you were on the verge of tears trying to make amends with someone you usually didn’t care about hurting. You hate to admit it, but your mom was right, he is a sweet boy. Maybe that’s why you feel so guilty, that and the fact he’s been different towards you since then.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter, it’s fine really.” His voice came out shaky, you knew it wasn’t fine but you didn’t know how to undo the past.

Trying to think of the right words to say, you begin lugging your bag into the direction of the smaller room. You figure it’s the least you can do after being so mean to him.

Each in your own rooms unpacking, you get deep in thought again.

‘Why do I hate him so much? He’s gotta know after 15 fucking years, there’s no way. Why’s he always so nice? Maybe it’s me.’

Your thoughts are interrupted by Josh tapping his knuckles on the door. You turn around to see him timidly standing in the doorway, probably because the last time he entered a room you occupied, he choked back tears.

“What’s up, Josh?” You try to approach him like a stray cat you’re trying to befriend for the first time.

“Jake just called me, him and Sammy are snowed in. I was gonna go help them, but we’re in the same boat, ‘bout halfway up the door…” He places one of his hands on the side of his head awkwardly fidgeting with his curls.

“So, what do you want to do then? I think I saw some board games under the coffee table. Or maybe a movie?” You were trying to make the best of an even more unfortunate circumstance. Not only were you stuck in a cabin with your least favorite Kiszka, but now there was 4ft of snow locking you in the cabin with him.

Josh’s eyes widened in excitement, “Wait, actually? Usually you don’t want… nevermind, I’ll be at the table when you’re done.”

‘Fuck. He definitely knows. I mean how wouldn’t he know. I can’t even talk to him without being a bitch. I wish I could like him. I really do.’ For once you actually feel bad for the consecutive years of poor treatment towards Josh Kiszka on your behalf. You decide it’s time to make amends, become his friend instead of his enemy. Hey, one day you’ll be married to Jake, right? Can’t have your brother-in-law hating your guts.

You try to stall putting your clothes in the dresser, just trying to figure out the right words to make this apology perfect. You have 15 years to make up for, that’s almost your entire lives, although you’d like to think you didn’t start hating him until the 6th grade. You walk out to the living room area, gathering the words and courage up. He made hot cocoa, started the fireplace and already had a game of Monopoly set up. He shuffled one of his playlists that had a mix of a bunch of old people you’d never remember the names to. You were met with his dorky smile as he waved his arms out and wiggled his fingers followed by “Ta-daaaa!” You tried not to blush, the sentiment was touching.

“Josh, before we start the game, can we talk?” You feel tension in the air, your palms growing sweaty.

“Sure, you can sit down y’know, I don’t bite… anymore…” You giggled because as far as you can recall, you don’t think he’s ever bit someone.

“I’ve been thinking lately about how I am with you. I feel bad for avoiding you and always making plans with Jake and Sam when you’re busy. You’re really sweet and fun. Maybe too much fun for me, I think I need to dial it up and we’d be okay. I guess what I’m getting at is I’m sorry, Josh. I’m sorry for always being a bitch.” You feel like you pulled words out of a hat and threw them together.

“Y/N, it’s okay. I try not to take anything personally. I just try to put the energy and positivity into the world that I’d like to get back. I’d hope that in and of itself makes us ‘okay’ not the fact you feel bad. Please, I just want what’ll make you happy.” All you can think is how he captures the essence of the sun perfectly. He radiates warmth and love, you finally realize that it hasn’t been Josh this whole time, it’s been you.

You get up and walk towards Josh, reaching for a hug. He gladly stands up and takes you in his arms. His body against yours feels warm and you’re fully engulfed in his scent as you nuzzle your face into the crook of his neck.

“I felt particularly bad when I fell asleep on you and realized I liked it.” You were afraid of ruining the moment, but Josh giggles at your statement.

“I felt particularly bad when I thought about moving your head to stop you from drooling on my shirt, but I wanted you to be comfortable. I was trying to avoid being a Sammy 2.0” You couldn’t even be mad at him after all the shit you’ve put him through.

Josh is still holding you tight in his arms, soaking in the first good interaction you’ve had in an overdue time. Can’t Help Falling in Love comes on shuffle, you hear Josh start humming only making you want to stay there longer. He starts to gently sway with you. You move your arms up from around his shoulders to around his neck as you pull away to look at his face. Taking in all of his features, you realize how gorgeous Josh really is. His coffee eyes sparkle with hints of amber and his light winter complexion paired with his curls gently resting across his forehead. His perfectly sculpted nose sat above his plump, deep colored lips. Had you spent any of these years getting to know him you’re afraid you would have fallen in love. Josh’s been looking at you this entire time and you’d wondered if he was thinking the same things.

“What’s going on in there, gorgeous?” He broke the silence, having you melt in your spot with widened eyes.

“You’re the gorgeous one,” You blushed, feeling it was the wrong thing to say, but remembering he started it first.

Josh’s cheeks grow rosy, “That’s two firsts in one sentence…” you raised your eyebrow at him before he continued “… being called gorgeous, and being complimented by you.”

It’s like his body was calling you, you cradle his face with one of your hands. Rubbing his cheek with your thumb, you start to lean in for a kiss, hoping it’s the right move to make. Josh leans right into you as if this was a familiar occurrence, making it feel as if your lips belong to his. The room around you feels as if it’s spinning, a feeling of ecstasy fills the space around you. He moves one of his hands from your waist to the nape of your neck, tangling your hair between his fingers, he pushes you in gently. You let out the tiniest moan, the feeling of his fingers on your neck sending shivers down your spine. You slowly inch forward forcing Josh backwards toward the couch, you’re yearning for his touch more than you ever thought. He plops down onto the old couch and you fall straddling him making sure your lips never leave his.

You knew what you wanted but you weren’t sure how Josh was feeling. Hesitantly, you pull away from him to ask, “Do you want to do more…?”

Josh looked at you with thin eyes for a second before he realized what he thought you were implying. “Wait like by more do you mean, it.”

You giggled at his terminology. It. “Only if you want to, I’m okay with this, too,” you say reassuringly, you’re afraid maybe you pushed your luck.

Josh doesn’t speak, but the expression on his face says everything. He has a fiery look in his eyes, his cheeks red to the touch. You start kissing him again, feeling him against you through all layers of clothing. Even if this was as far as it got, it was much farther than you ever imagined with either of them.

Josh slides his hand down the small of your back past the waistband of your leggings. He drags his finger tips across your asscheek making you whimper into his mouth. You grind forward on his clothed cock, eager for some sort of relief.

“Josh, please,” you’re begging him to do something at this point, you knew you needed more.

“What do you need?” You can’t tell if he’s being serious, or if he’s really gonna make you ask for it.

“You, I need to feel you.” You barely managed to whine out what you hope he wants to hear.

Josh decides not to waste anymore time. He taps your thighs signaling you to stand up.

“Take those off,” he says pointing to your pants, “and take that off too.” He moves his finger up to point to your shirt.

Josh begins standing up from the couch removing all of his clothing. He’s standing in front of you entirely naked leaving you in your undergarments. You stare at his cock in disbelief of the size. Without hesitation you get down on your knees infront of him, mouth wide open letting him take the reins. He grabs your hair into a makeshift ponytail as you work your tongue around his tip. He’s so big you’re not confident it’s going to fit in your mouth, let alone other places, but you try to take him entirely. You rest him on your tongue and brace your hands on his thighs, slowly working him down your throat. You drag the fingers from your left hand up his thigh and cup his balls. Josh bucks his hips forward in pleasure, causing you to gag, your eyes filling up with tears. He reaches his free hand to your face and wipes away the tears before removing himself from your mouth.

“I wasn’t done!” You teased him.

“Your eyes are watering, I’m not gonna do that to you.” He said gently before lifting you off the ground.

He holds you close to his body in a sheltering hug as he unclasps your bra. He follows this up with a strange question.

“Heads or tails?” You raise your eyebrow in confusion, because what the hell does that have to do with anything?

“Heads?” You say as you see him reaching for a coin.

He flips the coin and catches it, flipping it onto the back of his hand.

He sucks his teeth, “Sorry baby girl, tails.”

He signals you to the couch, you sit down on it but he flips you over, your breasts touching the back of the couch, knees sinking into the cushions. ‘So this is what he meant…’ you think to yourself.

Josh is standing behind you, you feel his hands on either hip, and his breath at the small of your back. You feel his teeth grab your panties as he pulls them down. Josh is on his knees, staring right at your heat, panties around your thighs. You feel him spread your asscheeks, getting a full view, and then you feel his breath again. He licks a stripe from your clit all the way to your entrance before dipping his tongue into you. You let out a moan at the anticipated relief you’d been searching for. He starts lapping at your clit like his life depends on it, working two digits into your entrance. It feels so good you feel like you might cum before the best part happens.

“Are you ready?” He asks, pulling himself away from you.

You didn’t want him to stop touching you with his tongue, but you wanted him more in a different way. You shake your head yes to him, but deep down you’re nervous if he’ll even fit. Josh lines himself up with your entrance, his hands spreading you wide open for him to see. He places his tip at your entrance before slowly pushing in. He moves his hands to your hips. You’re breathing halts, the sensation sends a fuzzy feeling across your entire body.

“Are you okay?” He asks.

“More.” You could barely speak through the high but you still knew what you wanted.

Josh pushes himself deeper until you feel his pelvis touching your ass, he lays across your back, arms around you and plants a kiss between your shoulder blades. He stays there for a second as your slick covers him. As he begins working at a slow pace, he reaches an arm down to toy with your clit. He starts to thrust at a normal pace, working you down to nothing for several minutes.

“Are you close?” He whispers into your ear.

“Uh-huh, are you?” You ask back.

“Yeah, but I want to see that pretty face when you do.” He lays you down on the couch, facing the ceiling as he works his way on top of you.

He wraps your legs around his waist, he shoves his cock back into your dripping pussy, tucking his arms under yours and around your shoulders. He nestles his face into your neck and digs his fingertips into your shoulders. You’re scratching up his back so hard, you’re anticipating open wounds and bloody nails. You feel Josh’s pelvis rubbing against your clit, making you tighten around him again.

“Are you on birth control?” He frantically asks, but you’re assuming for good reason.

“Yeah, IUD.” You respond through sharp breaths, fighting the urge to cum without him.

“Oh, okay, good.” He chuckles a little.

“Josh, I’m gonna cum.”

“Yeah, me too, c’mon show me what ya got.”

You start to moan through shortened breaths, digging your nails deeper in his back, body twitching under Josh’s, you can feel yourself tighten around him as you reach your climax. Following your release, Josh starts to slow down, taking longer, deeper strokes, pulling you down onto his cock by your shoulders.

“Josh, cum in me.” You never thought those words would ever leave your mouth.

He starts to kiss all over your collar bone between low register moans. He thrusts into you one more time, filling you with his cum, followed with a deep sigh. He immediately pulls out and goes to get something to clean you up with. He comes back with a roll of toilet paper as a temporary fix until you make it to the shower.

“Holy shit man, I can’t believe that just happened.” Josh says while wiping his cum off of you.

“Yeah, me either.” You admit.

Josh helps you sit up on the couch, and he places a kiss on your glowing cheek. You get up to get into the shower, barely able to walk and unable to figure out where to go from here. Do you try to take it further, and let your mom be right about the boy you fought years denying? You decided that was something you could figure out later, right now you just wanted to get cleaned up and watch a movie with Josh. You spend about 20 minutes in the shower before strolling out in a pair of pajamas Josh grabbed for you from your room. He made a makeshift fort and had ELF ready to play with some fresh hot cocoa and popcorn that was just popped. You snuggled up with Josh for your little date night, and let all the future explanations wash away as you fell asleep in the warmth and comfort of his arms.

[jujumin-translates]

[A3!] ★ Main Story | Act 14 - DREAM CATCHER | Episode 7 - Medium-Hot Review

Yuki: The clean copy is done.

Hato: Thank you. I appreciate the help. Well then, you’re free to go for today.

Yuki: Good work.

Koro: Woof, woof!

Yuki: You went for a walk just a bit ago.

Hato: Koro, it’s time for Rurikawa-kun to go home, so he can’t play with you anymore. It’s time for you to say goodbye.

Hato: Ah, that reminds me… I’ve been asked to design costumes for an upcoming play, but I’m a bit short on staff…

Hato: Since you have experience with stage costumes, I was wondering if you’d be able to help me, Rurikawa-kun.

Hato: I can’t give you any of the details yet, but have you heard of Aiko Kataoka-san? They do costumes for Hollywood movies--. 

Yuki: --I’ve heard of them.

Hato: Good. Since you do costume design, I was certain you would.

Hato: What would you say if I told you that the same Kataoka-san is involved with this project?

Yuki: I’d love to do it, but… I’m more busy with my theater company at the moment.

Hato: Right. It is an important time for you guys right now, isn’t it?

Hato: Well, I’m sure there’ll be another opportunity like this at some point, so I’ll let you know when that time comes. Good job today.

Yuki: …

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Passerby A: Yua Troupe’s performance was so novel and interesting~!

Passerby B: I honestly thought they just created a theater troupe for clout, but they called in some real hardcore theater people to be on their production team, so it was way better than I thought it’d be!

Passerby A: The contents of it had that typical Yua Troupe feel that gives things a sense of stability, and the audience was packed with OG fans, so overall, the whole thing seemed to be going pretty strong.

Passerby B: I’m gonna write a review on Encom!

Yuki: (Encom, huh… I’ll check it out just a bit, for the sake of researching other theater troupes.)

Yuki: …

Yuki: (That Yua Troupe they were just talking about was selected as a notable troupe. And they were ranked pretty high during the pre-voting…)

Review: “And the costumes were cool too! They didn’t look a whole lot like stage costumes, but Yua Troupe’s got such good taste~.”

Yuki: …

Yuki: (There’s a MANKAI Company review too… I don’t know if I really want to see something like this, but, well, it’s for research…)

Review: “Spring Troupe’s performance was literally the best thing ever! I never thought they would’ve done a sequel, but the way you could feel how much they’ve grown had me sobbing!”

Review: “I can’t wait for Summer Troupe’s either~. If they go with this trend, that means it’ll be a sequel to their debut, right?”

Yuki: (Seems like people generally liked it…)

Review: “The costumes had that same stable feel they always have. But don’t you think that as Yuki Rurikawa’s become more established as a creator, his costumes have started to lack a bit of surprise and unexpectedness?” 

Review: “Maybe I’m just noticing it more after seeing Yua Troupe. I guess it’s just inevitable when you have the same designer do things every single time~.”

Yuki: --.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Troupe Member: Good work today, Ikaruga-kun. There are only a few more shows left, but let’s keep up the good work until the end.

Misumi: Ka~y! Good work~.

Misumi: (Being on a stage other than MANKAI’s was a little weird at first, but once I got used to it, it’s been fun~.)

Misumi: (It’s interesting to see all the different actors, scripts, and stage direction~.)

Syu: …Good work.

Misumi: Huh? What are you doing here~?

Syu: My bad. I didn’t have your contact info, so I just had to wait for ya to come out.

Misumi: Did you see my performance?

Syu: Yeah. I happened to know someone who was in the show, so I came to watch and was surprised to see you there too.

Syu: While we’re at it, I thought I’d invite ya to come have a drink with me.

Misumi: Sure~. And after that, we can exchange our LIMEs~.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Syu: So you’ve been doin’ a few guest performances here and there lately, huh? Didn’t think ya were the type.

Misumi: Director-san and Tenma and all the others suggested it. It’s been really fun getting out there!

Syu: Is that so? Well, with actin’ talent as good as yours, I’m sure you’ll be in high demand.

Misumi: And they also said that I can grow by gaining lotsa experience on different stages~!

Misumi: I’ve also gotta try even harder for the Fleur Award.

Syu: Huh, I’m surprised you’ve thought about it that much.

Syu: Did Hakkaku-san teach ya about theater?

Misumi: Nope. But he showed me videos of old MANKAI Company performances~.

Syu: I see. Well, given the way Hakkaku-san was, I dunno if he was really the type to take his grandkid by the hand and teach ‘em everything he knows step-by-step.

Misumi: What was it like performing on stage with one of Gramps’s scripts?

Syu: Let me think… Well, simply put, it was excitin’.

Syu: I like Hakkaku-san’s scripts and I was happy to be the first to read ‘em before they were released to the public.

Syu: Hakkaku-san’s scripts ain’t just interestin’ to talk about, they’re pretty actor-friendly too.

Syu: He made sure to think about how to make each and every role shine onstage.

Syu: You could really feel that he trusted ya as an actor, which in turn got ya fired up.

Misumi: I see~. I wish I coulda also been on Gramps’s stage before he died~.

Syu: Did you start actin’ when you joined the troupe?

Misumi: Yep.

Syu: Gotcha…

Syu: Your actin’ has its moments where it shines, but it lacks depth. If there’s anythin’ you should be more aware of in the future, it’s that.

Misumi: Depth…?

Syu: Ya can’t control your own life experiences, but ya can experience the lives of many different actors on stage.

Syu: The more experiences ya have, the more depth your actin’ will have.

Syu: In that sense, you’ve made a good move by adding guest performances to your deck.

Syu: I know you’re prolly busy with the Fleur Award right now, but if you’re interested, get in touch with me. If it’s you were talkin’ about, I’m always ready to welcome ya.

Misumi: Okay, got it~.

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[coveey-s]

solaris

word count: 1.8k

paring: spencer reid x oc (but sorta y/n ish lol)

summary: spencer and ariana go to see a showing of 'solaris' (referenced in season 6 ep 14)

warnings: none?? just fluff lol

i don't really write fanfic this is kinda a one off so mb if this is a bit clunky 🤗🙃

Ariana Striker didn't really watch a lot of Sci-Fi. But ever since joining the BAU about a year ago and befriending a certain Spencer Reid, she knew more than ever before.

She was packing up her things for the night at the office after a case in LA when she noticed him talking on the phone at the desk over.

Ariana heard him mention something called 'Solaris'. What was that? A new planet he'd discovered?

Spencer hung up the phone with an odd look on his face.

"Who were you talking to?" Ariana asked, she couldn't help being curious.

"Emily, I was asking if she wanted to see Solaris in the theater with me, since she and I are the only ones who understand Russian," he answered, putting his phone in his pocket, "But she's busy with Sergio."

Her eyes widened, "Ooh, a new guy?"

"Her cat," Spencer replied, "But I thought the same thing."

"Oh," Ariana laughed, "Anyway, what's Solaris?" she asked.

"It's a Sci-Fi film made in 1972 that follows a psychiatrist sent to investigate the death of a doctor and the mental states of the cosmonauts in a space station orbiting a planet named Solaris." Spencer explained.

"Really? Interesting, a Russian sci fi film." she pondered.

"It's approximately five hours long, it's one of the greatest sci fi mediation films of all time." he added picking up his bag, "Well, bye," he started off.

"Wait," Ariana half laughed.

He stopped and turned raising his eyebrows.

"You didn't ask me about my plans?"

"Oh, what are your plans?" he asked.

"I was planning on eating Ben & Jerry's and watching 21 Jump Street..." she began.

"What's 21 Jump Street?" Spencer asked.

"You've never- you know it doesn't matter, point is the emphasis is on was. "

"What are you doing now?" he rested his hands in his pockets.

Ariana shook her head, "You know what nevermind, it's okay. Enjoy your movie, Reid." she smiled, slipping her coat on.

Spencer frowned, "I have a feeling I'm missing something."

She stepped out from behind her desk and walked towards him, "I was hinting that I could go to the movie with you but it seemed to-" Ariana made a woodshing sound and waved her hand over her head.

"Oh," Spencer said, "You don't understand Russian."

"Y'know for a profiler you seem to be highly confused by my behavior. I'm trying to make a nice gesture, so you don't have to go alone." Ariana motioned vaguely.

"You want to watch a five hour movie in a language you don't understand?"

She had to admit it didn't sound like the most fun, but maybe it could be, with him.

"Why not? I can probably pick up on stuff with the visuals and if you give me a quick explanation of the plot before we start ." Arriana shrugged.

"I can explain on the way," Spencer said enthusiastically.

"Let's go," she replied, patting him on the shoulder.

~~~~~~~

When they arrived she was once again baffled at the way his mind worked, however she doubted if she'd retain all the information she'd heard.

"So what's the probability that there really is a water brain planet out there?" Ariana asked as she grabbed her popcorn.

"I don't think there's an exact probability, but only 0.05 percent of the galaxy has been explored so it's possible." Spencer reasoned.

"Wow, you don't have an exact stat for something?" Ariana teased, popping a piece of popcorn in her mouth.

"I know," Spencer said sadly.

"Popcorn?" she offered, pointing the bucket at him.

He shook his head.

"More for me," Ariana said happily.

The theatre was small and old, it still had the light box lettering on the outside and little red seats on the inside.

They took their seats in the back, despite Spencer's point that the best seats were technically in the middle.

"But back here, you get to see the full screen, and you don't get people hitting you in the back." Ariana remarked.

He seemed to accept that and settled into his seat as the beginning credits began to play.

Ariana pulled off her coat and leaned back. She glanced at Spencer who's brown eyes were trained on the screen.

Just as she looked away she felt his gaze on her. Ariana peered at him through the corner of her eye, and neither of them looked away for a moment. She smiled and he smiled before she focused her attention on the movie, hoping she wasn't blushing like a school girl.

The movie was interesting, but her sleepless nights at the hotel the past few days were finally catching up to her and she was struggling to stay awake.

She was abruptly pulled out of her daze when the movie stopped for an intermission. Thank god, she needed to stretch her legs and wake herself up.

Ariana stood and stretched her arms over her head, "I could do with some fresh air, come on."

Spencer followed after her into the cool night air.

"What do you think of it, the movie?" he asked.

"Good, very Russian." I answered.

He nodded and his mouth fell into that flat line like it always did.

Ariana thought for a moment, "You know what I can do? I'm really good at catching food with my mouth," she clapped her hands together.

Spencer looked at her puzzledly, "What?"

"You know, people throw peanuts or something and people catch them in their mouths?" she threw a piece of popcorn at him.

He watched it fall, "I see,"

"Here," she shoved the popcorn bucket into his arms, "Throw a piece, I'll show you."

"I have terrible aim," Spencer added matter-of-factly.

"Try your best,"

He threw a piece of popcorn in the air and Ariana successfully caught it.

"See," she said between bites.

Spencer laughed a little, "Cool."

"Now, your turn," Ariana took back the bag.

"No, I'm okay," he insisted.

"Just try, I'm gonna keep throwing popcorn at you until you do," Ariana threatened.

Spencer shrugged, "Okay, I'll give it a shot,"

She threw it up and he surprisingly got it, "Wow you're a natural, I've been honing my skills for years." Ariana smiled.

"It's more physics than physical ability, but thank you," he said earnestly.

"No, you're the chosen one." Ariana chuckled.

Spencer did too and they continued throwing popcorn until intermission was over.

Once they returned to their seats Ariana prayed for the strength to stay awake for another two and a half hours.

It didn't work.

Five minutes later, Ariana was out.

Spencer turned to her to see her fast asleep, head half resting on the back of the chair.

He laughed to himself and just watched her for a moment, she really was pretty. But of course that didn't matter. Spencer cleared his throat and shifted his arms against the arm rests.

Approximately fifty five seconds later, Ariana slumped down further, and her head rested against his shoulder.

Spencer's eyes widened, she was still deeply asleep, and her head was on his shoulder. Her head was on his shoulder.

He was never overly touchy, but his team was the exception, often sharing hugs with them. And Ariana, she gave great hugs.

So there was no logical reason as to why her head on his shoulder was distracting him so much. But it was.

He made an active decision to not focus on the warmth of her body against his or the smell of her conditioner, he would miss the movie.

For two hours and twenty eight minutes, Spencer didn't move his left arm, and found it to be quiet numb.

The movie ended and Ariana was still slumbering so Spencer made an attempt to wake her.

"Ariana," he muttered, "Ariana, the movie is done."

She stirred and then opened her eyes a little, squinting at the light. Coming to her senses, Ariana shot up.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to," she motioned to his arm.

"It's okay," he said quietly, flexing his hands, trying to get blood flow back.

"What happened? Is the movie over?" Ariana looked around.

"Yes," he answered.

"Oh, Spencer, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," she said, rubbing her face, "I'm just a bit sleep deprived."

"Don't be, you got some sleep and I enjoyed the company." Spencer concluded, standing and grabbing his jacket.

"I suppose that's true," Ariana said as they exited the theatre.

"You've got a pretty comfortable shoulder," she added.

"Thank you," he said contently, "You've got a...nice head..." Spencer scratched the back of his head.

She chuckled at him, "Thanks. We should do this again sometime," Ariana proposed.

"There's a showing of Silent Running next week," Spencer replied.

"It's a date." she winked.

Spencer smiled at the ground.

"So," Ariana nudged him, "I gotta know how Solaris ended."

"So," Spencer began.

[p0pcorn-hearts]

It's Kawaii~Chan time

I am gonna ramble about my rewrite so yknow, enter the theater with caution

I just wanna start off by saying I renamed her to Hanami, which is the Japanese word for flowers viewing, more specifically viewing cherry blossoms. I figured this fit her more "cutesy" design as well as her usually pink and white color pallette. Also excuse me if they look bad, these were made a bit ago and I, for some reason, decided it'd be best to use the mirror tool the entire time

So, for her Phoenix Drop High uniform I just redesigned the uniform and gave her the same every girl will have. I changed it to have a blazer and a longer skirt like actual school uniforms in America although I kept the socks, loafers, and bow because those all fit, I'm just also giving everyone the same pair of socks.

Her season 1 outfit has been drastically changed. I decided I wanted her to have a more lolita-esque style instead of just vaguely cute, and let's all be real here, her season 1 outfit sucked. So, I gave her a longer, puffier skirt, a shit ton of ruffles, and some cute gloves. I think now is also the time to have a little fun fact section about meif'was. Their nails and hair grow faster than humans, with their nails growing than both humans and werewolves. That's why Hanami has long nails and freakishly long hair

Next up is her adorable Love~Love Paradise outfit. I'm actually super happy with how it turned out and I'm in love with her little buns. Her bathing suit with all its ruffles was made up by me :D

Her Lover's Lane outfit is the one that went the most unchanged because it's honestly my favorite outfit of her's. It just looks the most visually appealing with the addition of dark pink being a primary color. I just changed the dress up a bit with the neckline and added ruffles

Starlight is honestly my favorite. There's just something about color block clothes that itches a scratch in my brain. The giant bow and see-through ruffles also added a lot. You cannot thank me though, I took this design from someone else's swimsuit. Her nails changing for the first time since season 1 and now having blue with the pink is also a nice nod to how she opens up to Zane about not really being herself

When Angels Fall. Oh God, When Angels Fall. I fucking *hate* their "disguises" in When Angels Fall. Buy I'll get into that later, right now, it's just Hanami. I didn't like her outfit much because she had literally never worn pants in the series before and to just suddenly toss her in a pair of jeans and t-shirt? Like it's supposed to show how drap everything is but why would she just have a t-shirt and jeans packed?? Starlight is an island resort and theme park, so most people will be wearing bathing suits, much more breathable fabrics than *jeans* and Starlight merch. That's why I gave her a different bathing suit bottom and a Starlight shirt. It's the least you can do when you're the most visually distinct character. She also is covered in bandages because cats, when stressed, will over groom and can injure themselves. So Hanami picks and scratches at her skin often due to stress so she has very chipped nail polish and is covered in bandages. Also she cut her hair (sad violin noises)

Her final outfit is for my "season 7". Jess hasn't made it but I want to eventually tie up my rewrite, so I'm making one. Me and my girlfriend refer to it as the "epilogue" although it's not really an epilogue, she just called it that once and I can't think of a better name. I gave her essentially a mix of her season 1 and Lover's Lane outfits because why not

Now that her designs are done I get to infodump about her personality (hehe)

She's basically the same as Kawaii~Chan, but I make her a better person. She doesn't manipulate Aphmau into joined her bakesale! She also tones down a lot, so while she still struggles with boundaries, especially when it comes to shipping, she doesn't have a fucking shipping shrine in her basement. She's also autistic in my rewrite, so her not getting boundaries, baking being her special interest, and her masking her behavior to fit what she thinks people want/expect of her all comes from that. Will I maybe end up projecting on her? With the shipping stuff yeah, but only because Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan made me think shipping people together until they stopped being friends with you was normal

So thats it, the exit to the theater is on the right, make sure to throw your trash away on the way out. Have a good day

[suitepea]

I know you gained like 75 pounds in a year when you first gave in to your desires. You must have felt noticeably bigger every month! Did you have trouble adapting to how your body was growing? I imagine you started bumping into things a lot, not realizing how much ass or boob you had padding out your once much-smaller body. Have you had a lot of embarrassing moments of whacking into things or knocking stuff over?

Yes definitely things like that. There was a time where it was like every week I was discovering something new. New stretch marks, a new layer of flab somewhere new. I remember being so turned on when I discovered I actually had a fupa now, or when my double chin first came in.

I’ll never forget the first time I struggled to roll over in bed. Feeling all my weight shift around as I moved. My fat kind of pinning me to the bed. It was something that I never really put much thought into before, and then one day it just became my life. Getting around the bed has been a struggle ever since.

I remember at our old apartment we used to have this chair that was nearby our trash can. I had to keep pushing that chair further and further forward because I couldn’t fit through the gap anymore.

I also remember going on vacation with my friends and not being able to fit us all in the backseat of a standard Uber. If we tried to sit all three of us in the back, I would crush them like a pack of sardines. For the rest of the trip we had to either get Uber XL’s or have someone sit up front with the driver.

I’ve had lots of little things like this come up now that I’m large enough that most public amenities aren’t made to accommodate me. Asking for seatbelt extenders on flights, handicapped seats in the theater (if possible), always having to eyeball chairs to determine whether or not it’s safe to sit. It’s all good fun to me :)

[lenaariewrld]

dream girl

oikawa tooru ending・ᡣ𐭩

You begin walking before you’re even finished talking to Oikawa, tossing your now melted ice cream in a nearby bin and ushering Kunimi to follow you. The boy groans dramatically, following behind you nonetheless. He’s silent as you continue typing on your phone, only speaking up once you put the device away. “Where are we going?” He asks curiously, his hands pushed deep in his pockets.

You falter for just a second, wondering about whether you should tell the truth or not. Though you’d moved on from what Kunimi had done (and apologized for), you were still unsure how friendly he was with the guys from his high school. Clearly, there had been some kind of fall out between them. Before the boy can catch on to your momentary hesitation, you keep walking. Better to rip the metaphorical band-aid off now. “Oikawa asked me to join him with some duo game the university was holding.” You begin, “you don’t have to come with me if you’re uncomfortable with that,” You add, glancing at Kunimi.

He pressed his lips into a line as he walked beside you, his expression neutral and almost unreadable. He resembled the Kunimi you’d first met almost a year ago. Though, now you knew him a little better, and could see the gears turning in his head  “I’ll at least walk you there… but, I won’t stick around,”

And that’s all he says, falling silent. You reach out and pat his shoulder, a grateful smile on your lips. You wanted to ask more, to know what had happened, but that wasn’t your place. And, it was the past.

You were happy with Kunimi and the other guys in your life separately.

With that matter settled, you both continue, weaving through the decently-packed crowds of fellow college students and staff wandering around the grounds and having their own fun or advertising other fun activities and treats to get. It’s easy to find the giant ‘stage’ set up by the school’s theater department and newspaper staff in all the chaos, and even easier to spot Oikawa, to your surprise. A small group of his fangirls had circled around him from where he stood to the side of the stage. It was only about five of them at most, but even then, watching how they all swooned and giggled and twirled their hair made your stomach twist.

It wasn’t a surprise. You’d known about his popularity fairly quickly. Not only did his involvement with the school’s theater department make him a hit against those who frequented their productions, but his looks and natural charm brought in a lot of students. It never bothered you before, watching him placate them and scratch the back of his neck with a kind smile that would make any girl’s knees wobble. It didn’t bother you now, not really.

There was just a funny feeling in your chest, like a tube top that was two sizes too small being fitted around your heart.

You stop a couple feet away from Oikawa, waiting politely for a chance to make your presence known. Kunimi loudly clears his throat from beside you when a couple seconds pass without anyone acknowledging you. Tooru’s head immediately snaps in your direction. God, why were you on edge all of a sudden? You felt your hands getting clammy, wiping them on the front of your legs as subtly as you could.

“There you are! Gosh, you really kept me waiting,” He dramatically sighs as he steps away from the group, taking your hand. “This is just a little game show the newspaper staff decided to host, and you’ll be my partner for the mini games, sound good?” He whispers, leaning closer to you like he was sharing top confidential secrets. You can’t deny that it makes a smile tug at your lips. Especially when you feel his hand so warmly against your own. The other girls stare at you two, casting looks between each other and stepping away.

“Sounds good,” You squeeze his palm. “You didn’t sign me up for some triathlon, did you, Tooru?” You playfully wiggle your shoulders, chuckling as he does. You both find the idea amusing. He leads you towards the stage.

“I didn’t,”

His assurance helps calm some of your nerves, loosens the metaphorical tube around your chest. Still, the knots of your intestines doesn’t seem to untangle. Maybe the snacks you’d split with Kunimi earlier weren’t sitting right? (you knew that wasn’t right.. Hell, you knew it was that you were starting to realize the budding crush you’d been forming on the man) Your thoughts get pushed from your head as Oikawa steps onto the stage. A few other pairs step up as well, holding hands or cuddling against each others’ sides.

Oh no.

“Welcome everyone!” Another student with fiery red hair sticking up in random directions, you think his name is Tendou, greets the small crowd in front of the stage. A few people clap or mutter their own greetings. You feel your stomach drop to your feet, glued to the stage. “Today we’ll be conducting a little test! Our university’s very own ‘Marriage Game’!”

“What?” You tug Oikawa’s arm as you aggressively whisper to him, barely moving other than to pull him closer. He smiles sheepishly, his cheeks blushing a furious pink.

“I’m sorry, I had no clue, and I promise I’m not trying anything—”

“Let’s introduce our lovely volunteers today!” Tendou’s excitable voice cuts through Oikawa’s rushed explanation, and you snap your head to see him approaching you two. Tooru whispers more apologies to you before he straightens up, smoothing his free hand over his t-shirt. Tendou smiles, his head tilting to the side for a second. He reminds you of a lizard. Then he rights himself and holds out the cheap black microphone for you and Oikawa to speak into. “Names and length of your relationship please,” The other man says.

“Oikawa Tooru–”

“Y/n, and this is my boyfriend since officially five minutes ago, I suppose,” You giggle as if sharing a funny inside joke or jabbing at some clueless significant other stereotype, and Tendou giggles back. Oikawa’s hand feels warm, almost burning in your palm.

God, you felt like the ground should swallow you up whole, in that moment. Tendou moves on to the other couples and you let out the breath you’d held in, feeling like you might turn to jelly if Oikawa lets go of your hand. “You owe me for this,” You whisper, turning to look at the man. He nods dutifully, squeezing your hand. Again, you feel that twisting in your tummy and the tightness in your chest, but this time it doesn’t feel restricting. It’s comforting, like a tight hug that makes your heart thrum with happiness.

You turn your attention to the game and pay attention. Once your initial panic washes away, you feel a little more calm and ready to face this competition with the right headspace. The headspace to win at any cost.

The questions you and Oikawa get asked are pretty easy, and you breeze through answering them, laughing when he gives a bullshit answer and reveals that he actually does remember when you offhandedly told him what your favorite snack was. You never paid attention to how often you said stuff around him that he remembered and kept in his mind. Or how aware of you and your space he was. Maybe he wasn’t exactly in tune with you, but he seemed to learn and adapt.

“Alrighty, one final question for our two pairs of lovebirds,” Tendou happily announced the upcoming end of the game as he clears his throat, dramatically letting the time pass as he gears up to ask the final question. “Which one of you asked the other out first? And follow up for bonus points; when and how did they do it?” He asks, looking between you, Oikawa, and the other two. You recognise the other girl from one of your classes. Kiyoko was her name, you think. Her boyfriend smiles wide, a goofy, boyish look as he perks up excitedly.

“Well, the first time I saw her, I asked her to marry me.. I just knew immediately she was the one, you know?” He rocks on his feet sheepishly as he glances at her. Kiyoko smiles sweetly. They clearly had been together for a while, and you can’t deny that it’s an adorable sight. They continue talking but you stop paying attention, the reality slowly dawning on you that you really don’t have an answer for this one.

Worst of all was, you didnt want to lie and come up with some random story. You wanted to be able to say that something truly romantic had happened and you’d been dating the brown-haired boy who was currently resting his arms around your waist. “Tooru,” You whisper, turning your head slightly to him. He raises his brows.

“Hm?” He tilts his head, his expression curious. “Flustered all of a sudden?” He asked with a playful smirk. You frown. At this, he straightens a little, brushing some hair out of your face. It was very public, bringing this up right now, but god you had to.

“I don’t want to lie about this,” You finally tell him, staring at the random English graphic on his t-shirt instead of his face. Oikawa doesn’t move or react for a second, and you wish that he would. You wish that you weren’t on a stage participating in a dating game with someone you weren’t actually dating. But, you also desperately wished you were.

He drags his teeth against his bottom lip and finally speaks. “Okay,” He brushes some more hair away from your face, his hand cupping your cheek for a second. “Then after this game, I’ll take you on a real date,” He says with a charming smile. You watch his face, checking for a second for any playful twitches or give aways that he’s playing a huge joke on you. But all you see is the sparkle in his eyes and the fondness as he looks at you too.

Tendou clears his throat behind you both and you jump in your skin, turning back towards him. “Sorry,” You squeak out an apology, your face burning red. Oikawa laughs loudly, his own cheeks flushing. He speaks up as the other man waits impatiently, making up some false story based on one of your excursions together. You don’t really pay attention, though. No, all you can focus on is the way his hands feel warm against your skin, comforting and keeping you grounded. All you can focus on is the excitement of going on a date with him once the game was over.

Win or lose, you really didn’t care. You got him...

| three years later...

———

previous | masterlist

extras:

oikawa genuinely didn't realise it was a 'marriage game' so he was as panicked as y/n was

after the game show (which they lost), oikawa and y/n got dinner together where oikawa teased y/n a ton about her way of confessing

taglist: closed

[ghastlyvampire]

Large 1 am thought dump about the ghovie under the cut (contains spoilers) (it really is large and pretty disorganized and a bit random)

(I rewrote this at 8 am ☝️)

The theater was PACKED!! The session I went to was almost fully sold out. There were cosplayers where I went too, it was great. No merch available unfortunately, but hey I didn't even expect it to show in my country so I'm very pleased.

(downside: no popcorn because if we tried to get popcorn we would have been late. The popcorn line basically took over the cinema's entry hall. The ghovie coincided with a bunch of parents taking their kids to see inside out which made for a funny mix at the waiting line).

I basically didn't know anything about what to expect but it was so cool. I'M JUST SAD I COULDN'T GET THE LAST QR CODE IN TIME SIGH BUT IT'S OKAY!!

I went with my dad and he loved it. This is the first movie we watched in a theater that he somehow didn't fall asleep in the middle of LOL.

The downside: as usual, sexual innuendos were a bit awkward to witness when your father is sitting right next to you. That didn't stop me from enjoying anything though dkkskfkdk

I kind of wish the people in my session had been more... Idk I mean it was basically a concert right!! I was expecting more singing and stuff. I normally hate loudness but in these contexts I really like it, but judging by the wait line we were all nerds so it makes sense why no one was extroverted enough for that.

(We did all laugh sometimes and also everyone groaned at the cliffhanger which was funny) (twice, once when the screen turned black and then when the lights of the theater turned back on) (everyone waited)

I did unfortunately also conclude that there's like a 90% chance that I could not ever actually go to a Ghost concert (or most big concerts) because of the lights* 🥹 (autism). I just looked away whenever it got too much but I was also kind of transfixed but regardless I had fun.

*well, really thinking about it I would probably already be overwhelmed just by being in that big of a crowd. Then having to listen to it scream the whole time would have probably kill me so there's that

I got so scared that Copia was going to die at the end. My heart was beating so fast nearing the end and when the balloon thing start I was like It's Over. Then it wasn't!

(In my heart I kind of knew Tobias wasn't going to do that because we are all very attached to him at this point and I would imagine he is too)

THE SKELETONS WERE SO SILLY I LOVED THEM

The Mary On a Cross animation made me very happy

The costume changes were so cool to witness and I really liked Papa's (or Fráter's now, I guess hehe) little boxer outfit.

Someone brought their baby AND THE BABY DIDN'T CRY OR SCREAM ONCE! Idk how their mom did it since I'm sure they couldn't have been sleeping but maybe they were raised with Ghost so they were just as hooked into the movie as the rest of us.

Oughhh ouch now I'm craving cinema popcorn so bad I wish I could have seen the movie while eating popcorn.

It was nice to get the confirmation that Copia really is Nihil and Sister's son (even though we all knew).

When they were in that box thing I thought that Nihil was going to possess him. I was expecting for him to possess him when he did the pose too for some reason.

I was like wow I will be completely normal about this I'm not even autistic about Ghost anymore. Then I sat down on the chair and immediately was fighting back tears. Apparently I can never be Normal About Things (specifically Things That I Like a Lot).

IF YOU HAVE GHOSTS!!

The new song is great

I was sad that Sister died but she's a ghost so really it's okay.

Immediate edit: THE TWIN THING ALSO YEAH THAT WAS UNEXPECTED

I might edit this later with more thoughts but I'm too sleepy to think right now. If you somehow read everything then hiiii thank you for reading my messy thoughts

Edit #2: The ghovie had no ads before it. Like at all. I was pleasantly surprised but also feel bad for the people that went into it a bit late thinking they wouldn't miss anything because the ads usually take minutes.

Edit #3: Another reason that makes me think that I'd die at a real Ghost concert is that the music is probably very loud as well, and while my brain dislikes loud music that I like less than the other loud things, it's still not immune to it. Thinking about it, it's crazy that somehow I didn't feel overwhelmed by the sounds in the ghovie once, considering that usually that happens at least once in every movie I see on the theater. Idk if it's just me or they just made it like that, but I'm VERY pleased about that too.

If you want more specific spoilers then dm me I love rambling about things I like