#last ep was so good i instantly thought of them

[mimilllion]

i'm starting to wonder if the chairman's crystal wine glass scary lookin wife might be up to no good

[httpknjoon]

what do the lonely do at christmas | myg

plot | that time when popstar!yn found herself on bassist!yoongi's bed on a cold December morning.

w.c | 2.8K

pairing | bass guitarist!yoongi x popstar!reader

genre | fluff, slight angst, enemies to lovers

note | one out of two/three holiday-themed drabble for this series! it's late, I know. but I can't let them sit in my drafts again haha so here it is. enjoy!

main masterlist | series masterlist | want to request?

DAY 66 of Love Is... On Tour

They make songs. Together.

After a show at Wells Fargo Center, Yoongi stayed locked in his hotel room to work on the music for your EP. He has read the lyrics you sent to him and listened to some melody ideas you recorded in your voice notes. In the last two days you two have been collaborating, you are full of visions and excited to tell him all of them. He finds it more surprising that you two haven't had any fights since then.

Is it New Years yet? I'm getting bored, so can we skip ahead? I just wanna forget That I'm at home with nobody to hold

So far, you already recorded two out of the six songs you planned to release in the EP. Usually, Yoongi takes his time in making and editing songs. But considering that this is a holiday EP and you have less than a week before the management's deadline, he works on it at every chance he gets. It's not that hard when you already have a clear vision of what and how you want the extended play to be.

Working is a great distraction compared to scrolling on his phone, which did no good for him. Mainly because he recently saw a post from a mutual friend of his and his ex. That's when he learned that Sara threw a baby shower in what was supposedly their house. He felt something cracked in him when he saw how far along her pregnancy was.

Tempted, Yoongi scrolled through the carousel of photos, admiring the decorations and colors of the house Sara probably picked herself, things that Yoongi had never seen personally. A single photo made Yoongi pause.

It shows Sara and her then-ex-boyfriend holding her growing bump, also showcasing a ring on her finger— not the emerald-cut diamond one he proposed to her. A new one, signaling that she is engaged for a second time this year. That photo was enough for Yoongi to turn it off and focus on his music.

Ding-dong.

Yoongi's head snapped, irritated when the unexpected doorbell noise filled his room. Frowning, he gets up from his chair to check who the person might be.

It's you.

Looking like a curious puppy, you stood before Yoongi's door with two cups of warm drinks you asked Cal to buy on the way back to the hotel. Yoongi looked at you through the small peephole, taking notice of your large, thick white cable knit sweater that falls just a few inches above your knees and the mystery cups you're holding. He opened the door when you began rolling your eyes and tapping your foot.

"What took you so long?!" you instantly asked the moment you saw him, handing him the other cup.

He snickered, ignoring your attitude. He takes the cup before pushing the door wider to let you in. Yoongi followed behind you when you walked inside. He sits back on his chair, in front of his small set-up, while you sit at the edge of his bed. Usually, you will take the couch. But the bed is nearer his working setup.

This is how you two have worked since you started. You only get up when you want to see his screen or when recording something.

"What are you doing here?" he asked since you just finished your show earlier. He figured you might prefer to rest and just work early tomorrow.

"I have an EP to work on, duh!" you replied, taking a sip from your hot chocolate as you tapped on your phone. "Anyway, lemme show you something..."

Probably a new idea. Yoongi thought. He knew it from the moment he saw you opened your phone's notes app.

"Here." You handed him your phone, letting him read something you wrote earlier today.

Maybe he met you somewhere in the desert While he was soul searching, he found someone better Guess you make him happy like I couldn't do Cindy Lou Who

Yoongi reads down the words, "It's a sad song?"

"Yep," you nodded. "Have you heard the song, What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?"

Yoongi was quick to shake his head. He is not really fond of Christmas songs and doesn't listen to them if not needed. But he could tell by the title that it's probably a sad song too.

You pulled up your legs on his bed, making yourself comfortable, "It's a great song from the 70s. It has a lot of covers too. It's a sad Christmas song and I am so into it that I thought of writing one too."

Yoongi nods, listening, as he scans the rest of your lyrics, "Hmm..."

"What?" you quickly responded to his humming.

With how his eyes squint and his lips form a thin line, you know that he has something to say about your work. You learned after your first night of working together, making you realize that he has the same habit when you rehearse for a show.

"It's great, but I feel like we should just change some irrelevant lines? Like, maybe he met you somewhere in the desert." he read one of the lines. "What does desert get to do with Christmas?"

When he was met with a long silence, Yoongi looked up to you. But he find you just looking at him, chewing on your bottom lip. You looked away before letting out a heavy sigh.

"I found out my ex was cheating on me when paparazzi caught pictures of him and that actress kissing in Coachella." you explained.

"Oh..."

An apologetic look was instantly written all over his face, which is something you haven't expected. You thought he would keep the blank expression he always has. But his eyes and slightly gaped mouth said otherwise. You hate pity or anything like that, especially when it comes from someone who once read you too well. So, you grinned, even though it was forced so much that it almost made your cheeks hurt.

"Want to see the pictures? It's literally everywhere." you joked to change the mood. His eyes widened like he thought you were serious. So you chuckled, "I'm kidding! I won't show you that myself. You can just search it up if you want to."

"I'm not interested. No one really enjoys seeing a picture of their ex," he mumbled, returning your phone to you.

Your eyebrows crooked together when you heard that. He sounded too serious like he was the one in your shoes. You watch him sulk back to his seat, turning his back to work on one of your songs.

"You're acting like you were the one who got cheated on here. You're literally engaged to someone." you quipped.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not."

He whispered mindlessly. Yoongi didn't really think about it and let it slip out of his tongue. He doesn't really like bringing up his personal dramas in his workplace. He never would have realized what he said if you didn't ask him,

"What do you mean by that?"

Yoongi turned around, meeting your eyes, "So, how do you like that song to turn out?"

You're not dumb. Of course, you noticed him dodging your curiosities. He has never shared anything about himself since you two worked together. It's not like I care, you thought. But you know that there is a small itch at the back of your head, trying to get him to talk more. And maybe you know a trick to satisfy that itch.

"Let's order some wine first."

"With your hair so long, lips so bed— wait, that's wrong!"

A bottle of red wine is carelessly placed on the perfectly white duvet of Yoongi's bed. Surprisingly, it is still safe from any stain. The nearly finished cup of now-cold chocolate drink you brought is on the nightstand. You were giggling in front of the microphone and pop filter after making another mistake.

"The words are scrambled." you continued giggling before drinking from the glass of wine you were holding.

It has been almost two hours since you got in his room and Yoongi knows that the effect of your wine is getting into you. Earlier, before you could finish your first glass, you two already agreed on the instrumentals of the song you called cindy lou who. You let Yoongi make some changes in your lyrics, but it's nothing major.

"Something that feels delicate and maybe some piano." You described your idea before humming the tune you were thinking of.

By the second glass of wine, you are recording a rough draft of the song. So that you know if your ideas work well. Yoongi suggested to layer your vocals in some parts while you thought of adding a subtle harmony. Surprisingly, you two worked smoothly.

"Should we add some harp? Noah would have liked that."

You were almost done with your third glass of wine when Yoongi heard you mention your ex's name for the first time.

"Maybe we should stop drinking..." he said.

Even though he's in his fourth glass as well, Yoongi is doing better than you. You looked at him while he clicked something on his setup. You wondered if he could feel the cozy, warm feeling you've been feeling from the wine. Because that plain expression cannot really tell you anything, which makes you feel a little frustrated with how you're the only one who seemed to be a little giggly.

"Fine." you rolled your eyes, letting him take your glass from you.

He got up to get something in his room's mini fridge before going back to you, "Water?"

"It's cold," you replied before you could even touch the bottle.

"Okay, diva."

Your eyebrows raised with that, "No! I mean I cannot drink cold water when I'm singing or recording. It's not good for my throat... I'm fine, anyway. Thanks."

"I thought it would help you sober up," he explained, leaning to his chair.

"I'm sober!" you exclaimed defensively. Just a little fuzzy. But you won't admit that to him.

His lips formed into a smug smile, like he was saying, yeah sure. You puffed before fixing your headphones and crossing your arms over your chest. You looked annoyed. Yoongi knows because your nostrils are flared while there's a small pout on your lips. He bites off his inner cheek to stop himself from smiling.

"Should we record again?" he asked.

Still a little annoyed, you didn't say anything and just nodded your head. The instrumental began playing in your headphones seconds later.

‘Tis the season to be jolly But how can I be when I have nobody

The same song plays on your phone while you tap your fingertips in tune with the sleighbells playing in its instrumental. After finishing recording the song, you stay to see how it will turn out. Yoongi didn't seem to mind even though it was already past midnight.

"Do you want to hear the song I mentioned?" you asked him while he worked on the song.

Busy, he answered with a short sure. So, you played the song in a non-distracting volume, reached for the glass of wine you abandoned, and sat on his bed. You were quiet, sometimes humming to the song, but mostly staring at the view outside.

A silent night I know it's gonna be Joy to the world But it's gonna be sad for me

As the snow falls outside, you think of how this is so not how you expected your December is gonna be this year. With Noah being your original bassist, you thought you two would get to enjoy the snow in various cities you're touring in. And maybe even spend Christmas together during your break. But instead, you are now in your new bassist's, with whom you have dumb fights most of the time, hotel room, making holiday songs.

How surprising is that? You thought to yourself before taking one gulf of your wine.

You were snapped out of your thoughts when Yoongi slightly groaned as he stretched his limbs from his chair. You paused the song and collected the wine bottle and your glass like you were ready to go.

"Are you kicking me out yet?" you asked.

He turned around, just to you about to get up from the bed, "What?"

"Maybe my presence distracts you." you joked, which sounds nicer than maybe you don't want me here in your room anymore because you don't like having me here.

He chuckled, a little tired, "No, it's okay. I know you're waiting for the finished version."

"Good. Because I really like your room. You have a great view of the city. The snow looks perfect here." you rambled.

Yoongi looked outside, seeing the wonderful view you were talking about. He wordlessly agrees before getting back to his screen. Watching him, you mumbled.

"If you're tired, we can just finish that tomorrow."

Just like you, the guy also performed hours ago. You two don't along at most times, but you are not that petty to make him overwork.

"No, I'm fine," he shakes his head. "I'll finish this in an hour, just wait there."

"Okay," you put down the bottle on the nightstand.

Yoongi heard the music play again while he edited the song. Eager to finish it tonight, he continued working for what seemed like a few minutes for him. He made sure to add your suggestions and put some elements he thinks would be perfect. After listening to his finished product through his headphones one more time, Yoongi put on a satisfied smile.

"And it's do—"

Yoongi's smile fell when he found you asleep on his bed with the empty wine glass in your hand. It was already 1:24 AM, and he looked at the time. Seeing how peaceful you are in your sleep, he would hate waking you up. Instead, Yoongi got up cleaned up his nightstand, and carefully took your glass. He tried not to chuckle loudly when he heard your small snores. After gently putting the duvet on you, Yoongi took one of the pillows and threw it on the couch that he would take over tonight. He knows it would be awkward to take up the big, empty space next to you.

Dimming down the lights, Yoongi tried to find a comfortable position on the couch. And when he did, he finally closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep.

If it weren't for the buzzing noise next to you, you would have seen where your celebrity crush ended up taking you for a date in your dreams. Groaning, you reached for your phone beside you. Seeing Cal calling, you begrudgingly answered the call.

"Hey, Cal." your voice sounded weak as you just woke up.

"Where the hell are you, YN?! I've been ringing your room. You have a virtual interview at 9."

Your eyebrows furrowed while slowly sitting up, "What do you mean? I'm in my room— Oh, no. Fuck."

The first thing you see when you sit up is Yoongi's compact studio setup, which you don't remember being in your room. You looked around and it just confirmed that you are not in your hotel room. Yoongi is nowhere to be found, you don't hear any noise from the bathroom either.

"Y/N?" Cal spoke again, worried by your sudden pause.

"I-I'm in Yoongi's room." you stuttered, trying to remember your last memory. You were relieved to find yourself still in the same clothes you went with last night.

You heard a gasp from the other line, "Oh my god, YN! Did you hooked—"

"No, no, no! Still in my clothes. Just fell asleep making songs." you babbled, cutting her suspicions off. "Where the fuck is that sock?!"

Is it a talent to lose a fucking sock while asleep? Because if it is, you just added a new title under your name. You were in a hurry, shuffling the bed for that one sock with heart patterns. Cal can only imagine what you look like right now.

"Here!" you exclaimed, immediately putting it on. You rushed to the door after. "I'm going there right— Yoongi!"

Yoongi was right before you. He shared the same shock as you except he was calmer with his eyebrows raised and eyes widened.

"I have to go for an interview. Cal's gonna rip my head off. I'll check the song later. Thank you for letting me stay!"

You were so in a hurry that you were literally spewing words and didn't realize that you leaned to give a quick kiss on his cheek. It registered as you were moving back, making you two stop for a moment, looking at each other in surprise. He gulped, feeling his throat running dry. while you feel every blood run to your cheeks now, feeling warm.

You blinked, "I-I'm gonna go."

Yoongi watched you run to the elevator before looking at the two cups of coffee he was holding.

note | i still have a christmas drabble! haha! hope u liked this one though <33

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[mikaleialt]

Little Moments

Bada Lee x JR!Reader

Synopsis: viewers of the new season of Street Woman Fighter couldn't help but notice the interactions you have with the leader of BeBe on each episodes, which made them concludes that there is something going on with you and Bada.

Cw: none. fluff. not proofread

You and Bada met each other when you were chosen to be one of Kai's back up dancer for his first single.

From that, your relationship blooms and now here you are in Street Women Fighter 2. But unfortunately you are going to battle each other since you are the 6th member of the international team, Jam Republic.

Viewers and other teams were shocked when they saw you in a different since you got quite the recognition too when you worked with Bada before, so they thought you'll be on team Bebe.

Ep.1: Bebe's Team Evaluation

Everyone has speculated that maybe there have been a bad blood or some kind of drama between the two of you, but as fans watch every episode, they start to think other wise. One fan had decided to compile all your moments with Bada.

When Bebe first appear at the Fight zone and watched their evaluation video. Your reaction when you saw Bada on screen was deemed one of the most iconic reaction by fans.

"OH MY GOD! SHE'S HERE?!!" You said as you quickly got up from your seat and starts jumping around.

Your team looks at how adorable you are.

"Y/n looks so excited" Latrice commented as you nod your head really fast.

"I DO! HOLY— wait I can't cuss on the show.." you sat down next to Kirsten.

As Bada's performance video starts playing, the camera focus on you and your star struck expression as you watch her evaluation.

"God, she looks so sexy— I mean she danced really good" You said as your team starts laughing at what you said.

Bada, when watching their evaluation video, couldn't stop smiling whenever you appear in it. Almost like the bad feedback her team got from other teams were forgotten.

Fans quickly take note of this as they saw how you and Bada react to each other.

Ep.1: Jam Republic's Entrance & Team Evaluation

You were the last group to arrive in the Fight zone. You are so excited. You're team had agreed to have a pink and white motif, so you showed up to the fight zone in this outfit.

Everyone has been anticipating your team's arrival so when they saw you guys walking down the stairs, all eyes were on you.

Muttered comments about yours and Audrey's looks were heard once you entered the fight zone, which made you smile.

"Oh look at Y/n"

"She looks like a doll"

The camera focuses on your face as the members of Mannequeen make comments about your looks.

The camera then pans to Bada, who is looking at you in awe, and can be seen gulping hardly as she looks at you.

"Why do she—they look so pretty" Bada said as she never took her eyes off of you. Her team members laugh at their leader who is making it way too obvious about her and Y/n.

The video started playing and almost every comment you received was just about your pretty face.

Until Bada came up on the screen.

"She really is pretty, when I first met her a while back, I thought that Kai is collabing with a female idol." Bada chuckles in the video.

You instantly hid your face in your hands, trying to hide the fact that you're blushing after receiving the compliments.

You received the harshest comment out of all your crew.

"Y/n? She's just a pretty face. I wouldn't even classify her as a rookie or a beginner dancer"

"She's just their team's mascot"

"Honestly if she wasn't Kai's backup dancer, she probably wouldn't be here now."

You didn't mind the criticism, but Bada sure did.

The camera once again shows Bada who has her tongue poking the insides of her cheek once again.

"Look at how pissed Bada is"

"Y/n must be Bada's really close friend for her to be this mad when Y/n received those comments."

"No but like... look at how Bada is staring at Y/n, you can't tell me she's not down bad for Y/n"

Were just one of the few comments the viewers made when they noticed this interaction.

Ep.1: Bada vs Redy

When Bada was chosen as Redy's 'No Respect Dancer', you instantly stood up from your seat and even climb up on it just to get a better view.

"Not Redy, but Soobin. You are still an 8th grader to me"

Your jaw literally drops to the floor when you heard what she said.

"She is like a gangster" Ling tells Emma who pointed out to Y/n "Look at Y/n's reaction." As the two giggles.

Once BBHM started playing for Bada's turn, you already know that this battle is slready over.

Bada teases Redy by standing tall closely to her, which made you squeal at how cool she looks like.

Even the other crew are enjoying your expression.

But that's not all, when Bada decided to thrust her hips before grinding on the air, you are literally gasping for air at how loud you are screaming.

"Oh dear god, I'm gonna faint~" you said fanning to yourself as you watch Bada pull her shirt up while the paper in on her mouth.

Audrey kept laughing at you and even Wolf'l Yeni Cho agrees with you.

From then on, people started shipping you with Bada and has always been on look out for some crumbs as they adore how you two interact with each other.

A/n: so I decided that this will come in parts too, so for each part is a moment from an episode. Here you go @orionandwonderland. Anyway, I hope yoh liked this bit. I might add a "Reader's no respect dancer battle" scene too for this part. I'll probably just post it in a seperate post.

[miss0atae]

Random Thoughts about The On1y One (EP 6) : Attachment, No regrets and live life to the fullest.

I knew they would feel at odds after the episode 5. Of course, Wang was hurt by Tian’s decision to live in the school accommodation. He was just starting to feel close to him and suddenly he discovered that Tian may leave. So, like any people who have already felt the harsh truth of being left alone, he tried to distance himself from Tian. It was a way for him to protect his heart, but Tian wasn’t fooled by his acts. He knew early on that Wang wasn’t acting like before. Relationships can be tough, especially if you have a lingering fear that the people you care about the most will leave you. Wang already lost his mother at a young age and his father is never really around him. He already know what it is to see people you love leaving him. So, before getting to attached to Tian, he prefers to treat him as a stranger: being polite, stop sharing his feelings and trying to give back anything gave to him so there would be no debt between them. I was afraid this drift between them would be last the entire episode, but thankfully Tian is really good at reading Wang’s mood and understanding him. He felt something was wrong and he reacted strongly against it. We’re so used to see him being calm and reserved that when he rejected Wang’s action of distancing himself from him, it was really shocking. He raised his voice and everyone (Wang and us) knew instantly he would not accept it.

Tian may be the one who is more reserved, but he is also the one who is more ready to say what he feels. I feel like Wang could have said to Tian about how hurt he was about his decision to leave the house because it made him think Tian didn't want to be around him… but he didn't because he is not used to do it. Both of them are lonely souls who found a connection, but they both deal differently with attachment. I feel like Wang tends to overthink things and doesn't take the time to talk it out with other, while Tian feels wary and find it hard to be close to others. However, I feel like Tian found in Wang a kindred soul and he got attached to him faster than it could be expected. They found in each other something they were looking for. There are dialogues in this story, but the real communication is usually non-verbal between them. It about how close they physically are to one another (it's not a coincidence that they are next to each other in the class), or the small gestures (Tian giving food and drinks to Wang) and mostly it's about how they look at each other. There is non verbal intentionally communication, but you can also read so much from their non-verbal unintentionally communication. For example, Tian is always looking at the door and expecting Wang. This door is shown to emphasize the short separation they experienced. When they are again talking to each other, they both comes in the room of the other.

This episode was also giving so many realizations to Wang. From him understanding that he doesn't have to plan his whole life because otherwise he wouldn't fully enjoy his youth, to him accepting not all efforts are in vain. It's really his luck that he is now surrounded by many people who want good things for him (Tian, his teachers, his best friend, Mr. Ding…). When you're in a competitive school and having such high goals, it can be easy to get lost. Life is not just studying to be at the top and aiming at the best rewards. It can be scary because you can feel like planning everything will make it easier, but when you stick to the plan, you may miss something else. I guess that's why I don't mind that the story is set in a school. It's not just about making the main characters be students. As a student they are supposed to learn. However, they are not just learning about school subject, but also about what they want to be. They are growing emotionally and they are also learning about one another. There are so many ways of learning. It is fitting the story.

I’m now truly attached to this story and these characters so I can’t wait to see what is going to happen to them.

[bengiyo]

Wandee Goodday Ep 3 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Wandee wasn't feeling great after he was forced to call out Ter for trying to gaslight him about his feelings. Yoryak happened to see that and later rescued Wandee from Rain's (LITA) kidnapper and taking him home. Yoryak is managing his own sting at being rejected by Taem, but learned from her perspective to help Wandee. Our leads began their FWB arrangement and got to have fun with costumes (and some help from Kao) and rimming jokes. They set some rules that I expect Wandee to violate immediately. Cher and Oyei continued to be a great team.

Finally, after ten years of this, we finally acknowledge the most reliable act that two gay men can engage in with each other. They were having fun and joking with it! My Stand In, have several seats.

Curious about Yoryak's parents. Seems like there's a tragedy there.

Love that all the friends clocked the necklace on both ends and immediately called it out. Yoryak got roasted by his brother and not-in-law and I laughed so hard.

Kao does not believe the lies Wandee is telling himself.

Why are we spending time on hetero nonsense?

Not these two dancing around how much they're into each other.

I really love the team that Oyei and Cher have become before we met them. I love that Cher is helping Oyei balance these burdens he's taken on and is able to navigate his pride.

I think it's really important that the show gave us time with Wandee doing total care for a sick child and his mom, giving both of them what they needed in a serious situation.

Truly, someone please explain to these. Headed that Ter ain't gonna fuck them either!

Kao! Lie better! It really be your own hoes letting you down.

I'm interested in this boxing-based homophobia Yak has to manage and I wonder if Oyei being with Cher is the reason we haven't seen their dad.

I really love the way Oyei respects the physical limits of his boxers while being real with them about the obstacles they're facing and why they're pushing.

The fact that Yoryak hasn't taken the necklace back even though he's frustrated with Wandee says a lot. The show is using that detail well.

See, this is good writing. We used the seriousness of Oyei and Cher's relationship and their real worries about the gym to make this play from Wandee land properly. They also know that Wandee is the guy he's seeing so they're probably less concerned since they can supervise.

I'm so amped about this fight. I had hoped we'd have an excuse for Yoryak and Oyei to fight. We even get Cher holding his phone in the gayest way possible.

Oyei said he was not letting Cher go home and kicked his brother's ass.

Look at Wandee playing these fucking games. I am obsessed.

I love the no kiss rule and how badly Yoryak wants to break it. In another show I might be feeling things about the closet, but the fact that Yak has wanted to kiss for two episodes makes me trust the show.

I appreciate that despite how desperate he is, Wandee stopped when he reached a hard no.

Wandee completely misunderstood that Yoryak is a simp. All he had to do was be genuinely pathetic and he folded instantly. That's worked in literally episode.

I really hope Wandee appreciates that Yoryak is coming out to help him.

Thinking about that pasta they made in I Only Want to See You.

"You already experienced a bigger bite."

Okay, I love them ending on some soft affection before they fuck off screen.

Cannot overstate how important it is to me that we ended the last episode on Wandee telling Yoryak he needed to pay more attention to his dick and then opening on an enthusiastic 69. This episode was excellent, and I loved how well all of the moments worked with the major issue of the episode. I really love when episodic media feels episodic and I am eating good with this show. I love that for three episodes these two progress any time Wandee is sober and honest with Yoryak.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Wednesday amazing fandom :) I realized last review forgot to mention with it being the 100th ep that I hit quite a milestone myself. It was my 100th review. Unreal and proud of myself for doing 100 of these. Now it's my 101st with this one. They’re hard work but enjoy doing them so much.

Love the responses these have gotten. So Thank you to everyone who's commented, liked or reblogged any of these 100 you are amazing. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know. This episode is adorable for so many reasons lots of good Chenford nuggets in here and lots of John/Bailey moments I can fast forward LOL Let us get started.

6x03 Trouble in Paradise

We start with some GLORIOUS domestic Chenford. I mean legit glorious. Tim with his early morning scratchy voice. Leaning against that door frame like the delicious sight he is. Also let’s not by-pass the scruff. It's littered all over that sexy jawline of his. Mmm. Take me now sir. Anyways....To top it off he’s in his jam jams I love this. He asks her if she slept at all? Lucy telling him she’ll sleep when she’s taken the exam and gotten detective.

Tim scoffing knowing she’s not sleeping then either LOL I mean he’s not wrong…He’s so damn supportive as he listens in as she explains what she’s prepared on. The way he just nods along and listens to her vent. Every woman’s dream Tim Bradford every woman's. Checking in to test the temperature of her neuroses today heh I love him for it. He just wants to love her through this so much. It makes my heart so happy.

Lucy explains how it’s the oral portion that’s keeping her up at night. It would be keeping me up too honestly. Especially with how subjective it is. Also like to note how unfair it is how friggin pretty Lucy looks in the morning. Wish I could look that good ha. Tim asking if she still thinks Primm is out to get her? Then explains her cookie debacle. How she brought him some homemade ones and he just tossed them. I mean that's pretty damn rude....What a schmuck.

I relate to Lucy’s anxiety so much. Because I am her when I am very stressed and anxious. I get hyper focused and can’t relax. Won’t let myself do anything till that’s done. Tim once again does his damndest to calm her, support her and reassure her it’ll be ok. The man deserves a gold star for how amazing he is eps 1-4 truly. He is 10/10 incredible for her. Her legit support system through out this whole thing.

The way he tries to take her highlighter cracks me up. Gently placing his hands over hers and pulls. She holds onto it for dear life though so he gives up. lol Tim tries a different tactic. He tells her she can over-prepare. Which is true. I’ve lived this life. BUT when you are this stressed/anxious that ain’t coming through. Her reply cracks me up. ‘No, that is an idea that lazy people created.’ LMAO This made me laugh so hard cause I would say something to this effect.

Tim does a Hail Mary of logic in this last portion. Telling her she’s gonna get in her head, how she just needs to trust herself and then let it go. His smile is so pure and sweet. Truly thinking he’s gotten through to his girl finally. The way she nods. Then Lucy instantly walks it back ‘ Yeah, I don’t think I can do that.’ I’m rolling. Oh Lucy I do get you girl. Least she’s honest with her man ahha

Tim knows when to tap out and does as such. With a frustrated groan he gets up. Knowing he’s not gonna break her study spell. Noting he’s gonna go take a shower then. Little does he know the prospect of him wet and naked is enough to break it. Lucy is surprised at his sudden departure. Asking if he means right now? He’s so over the convo just gives her a ‘Yeah.’ Wiping his hands of this situation for the moment.

Lucy lust's after him as he walks away from her. The thought of Tim being her break is far more enticing than a normal break. Mmm don’t blame you girl. I would be using that man for all kinds of stress relief if I was you... Lucy finally gets up and follows her man to the shower. For a much needed break. I love the continuity of their shower sex LOL It’s bloody fantastic and we’re all here for it. I saw a great post that said ‘If only 5x01 Tim could see himself now.’ He would lose his friggin mind.

Getting all the shower sex and shower time he wants with Lucy now. She seeks him out for it and vice versa. Gah so good. The writers sure know how to take care of us. Especially with moments like this. D wrote a fantastic fic about this moment. Highly encourage you to read it. Also saw a great tag for this as well. It was their head canon he did that on purpose to get her to unwind with him. Sold! LOL I love this fandom and how it thinks.

We get to see Tim back in T.O mode and it revs my engine everyone. hahaha It just does especially after not seeing it for awhile. Tim standing there looking criminally delicious in one of my fav poses. Arms crossed, biceps bulging, and forearms front and center. Hot damn he’s such a sight.

Celina is being reprimanded for her behavior at the wedding. Because honestly it was concerning to say the least. With Nolan out and Harper needing to get back to the detective squad Tim is taking over. Lucy catches his eye and he knows she’s up to something. I love his expression. He knows he needs to see what is going on. He barks orders at Celina to get war bags ready before he goes to check on his girl.

Lucy going to Smitty has to be one of the most hysterical things. Tim literally just told her to cool it for her sanity. What does she do? Go to friggin Smitty. I’m dying. Thinking it won’t get back to Tim. Your husband done found out already dear. ha I do love the tip Smitty gives her on how Primm loves dogs. Such a Melissa detail there. Appealing to the animal lover in her. Tim interrupts their impromptu study session. This scene is comedy gold. Always is with Smitty. Dude isn’t in the show a ton but when he is. Man delivers haha

Tim can’t believe she’s gone to Smitty to study of all people. It is hilarious how offended he is when Lucy says ‘Is he even really helping her?’ Like damn that's ice cold Lucy. Man was just giving you valuable intel lol Tim corralling his girlfriend into his shift for the day is everything. Once again kudos to our man for doing his best for her. Trying to get an obsessive perfectionist to chill is quite the battle to take on. Not only chill but focus on something eIse entirely isn't easy.

I would know I am her and I feel bad for my friends when I get like this. heh. Tim riding the line between BF and Sergeant in front of Smitty is fantastic. She’s like a toddler right now and he’s continuously trying to keep her from the outlets. The parameters he puts down for both Celina and her crack me up. Still got that T.O bark in him for her. The way his eyes follow her out. *dreamy sigh* That BF side coming back out there. Smitty's comment snaps him out of it though. Too funny.

S7. Imma need more of this trio right here. On and off work. It’s such a good one right off the bat. Celina rambling nervously while Lucy enjoys herself in the back. You know she loves watching him in T.O. mode. Just like the rest of us. We also get the delicious eargasm of him saying ‘Juarez’ with that that sexy inflection of his. If it seems like I’m extra feral this ep for him it's because I am LOL No point in fighting it. I am who I am.

Lucy brings up Aaron and Tim is instantly annoyed. That convo doesn't last more than 20 seconds. Tim pulls the car over immediately jolting them both. Telling them both to get out of the car. Ahh S1 Tim trying to make an appearance. Lucy isn’t phased in the least. Because no matter what she knows soft Tim. Also just had her way with him this morning. She ain’t scared ha Their amazing dynamic never ceases to amaze me. Lucy concedes and says they can just talk at lunch...

I do love them Co-T.O’ing Celina in this one. Perfect mixture of hug and smack really. They respond to a guy who claims to have ‘amnesia’ Tim isn’t buying it in the least cause well it's Tim. They make it to the hospital to interview this man. Tim could not be more over this man and his BS if he tried.

His face while this guy prattles on is priceless. Eric out here killing it once again with his facial expressions. Let’s not forget the ZERO amount of personal space per usual with them. Always delights me paired with the height difference? I’m a happy girl. They are once again the epitome of Grumpy x Sunshine here.

No one does it better than our ship. They reconvene in the hallway to discuss how they wanna proceed. They’re so deep into their chat they don’t realize Celina isn’t there. LMAO Her looking around for them after they’ve left is so funny. Giving me 5x17 flashbacks where they kept losing the kid. Except it's their rookie which isn't much better.

Tim yelling out ‘Boot!’ Mmm yes sir. Celina running over to meet up with Tim and Lucy. He continues his gruff T.O. act with her. Telling her he's about the hang a bell around her neck cause he keeps losing her. Oh Timothy. I adore how Lucy looks at Tim while he’s in this mode. Nothing but love eyes emanating from her. You are at work madam. Reign it in it. Actually don't I love it. I would say this portion is indicative of their future parenting styles. But we all know that man is gonna be a softie to their kid(s)

Because he didn’t get to have that. Lucy is going to have to be the one to lay down the law, funny enough. Especially if they have a girl. Lord help Tim. A mini Lucy running around? Man will be a goner... I do adore Lucy jumping in and saving Celina. Because she would’ve loved that herself as a rookie. Lucy’s T.O teaching style is very in line with me as a leader. As we were see in a future ep with her and Celina. She was denied praise so she wants to give what she was denied herself. Exactly how I am as a leader.

Wanted to give everything to my people that I never got. I adore this trio so much. Very mom/dad and their kid. I love Lucy giving Tim crap for not giving her a little praise. Also Lucy defending why she let Celina just go is the best. It is everything I explained above. Tim was of course is adverse to this idea. Trying to keep that hard T.O exterior going. Lucy not backing down asking 'Have I not softened you at all?' LOL You have my dear, but that is exclusive to you and only you. On and especially off work.

We get early morning domestic Chenford x2 in this ep. I’m eating it up. D and I have had this convo about how creepy John/Bailey are with waking up the other. How they’re just sitting like a weirdo till the other wakes up at the end of the bed. It’s not sweet or romantic in the least. It’s off putting lmao Whereas this moment it’s very sweet and intimate. The way Lucy rolls over and he is the first thing she sees. *happy sigh* What a way to wake up.

Look at how that man is looking at her. Tim is head over heels for her and not hiding it at all. It's exuding out of his delicious form as he gazes down at her. I’m not well guys. I’m not well. This is so precious I cannot. Just standing there. Getting ready for the day while he let's his girl catches some much needed extra z’s. Imma implode with how cute this all is. Getting ship drunk over here and loving it.

We can see how soft this man is for her. Right after she just asked the night before if she had softened him at all? Yes Lucy. Very much so. Tim is legit putty in your hands. Never seen this man as happy as he is with her. Second gif is all the proof I need. Also there is something so sexy about the way he rolls out his cuff. Why is this so attractive? I was already feral enough in this ep ahha Look at that man above. Getting ready in his delicious black shirt like he doesn't know he's an absolute snack.

We also get a nice shot of his chest as he buttons up. Hot damn this man is so beautiful. I’m a legit puddle of attraction *fans self*. After Lucy is done gazing at her beautiful BF she realizes she has slept in. Pops up in an instant panic. Tim replying calmly she needed it. Not phased at all by her reaction. What a good man taking care of her like this.

Seriously he was in the running for BF of the year at this point. Tim tells her to take the morning off. You know it's killing him to watch her drive herself into the ground like this. He had to do something. And if a little more sleep was what he could control then so be it. It’s what he was going to make sure happened.

I love how he asks her 'Don’t you feel better?' It's his soft tone that has me melting. Does me in. Lucy concedes immediately saying that she does. So thankful for this man. Thankful for how he takes care of her without even asking. I love them so much. Also there is nothing like sleeping in after lots of sleep debt piles up. Lucy was due for it and Tim made sure she cashed in.

I adore the way she thanks him for looking out for her like this. It’s very sweet and loving. Heart eyes galore. Now the big ass smile on Tim's face after she says that. *chef kiss* My god that man is so happy to have finally gotten a victory with her. That smile has me reeling basically saying 'You’re welcome, my love.’ He then continues to get ready for the day knowing his girl is happy and rested.

Unfortunately the happy morning bubble doesn’t last for long after this. Lucy gets a text saying her test is ASAP. Which beyond sucks and just another mind game from Primm. Because we all know he makes her wait till dead last. 20 minutes my ass you SOB. I hate it sfm how he makes her wait that long only to destroy her in her oral exam. *grumble*

Honestly makes my stomach turn watching her in that oral exam. I can’t stand to watch it but must for this review. I hate her having to defend her mistake from 6x01. That shouldn’t define what an exemplary career she’s had. To this point she’s been stellar and nothing short of extraordinary. Hurts my heart to watch this scene go down. Also angers me and makes me wanna meet Primm in a dark ally with no witnesses…. Grey looks upset af when he posts the exam rankings. When she reads her results. 17th….

Gah this scene absolutely gutted me the first time. That has not changed during this rewatch. The music paired with Melissa’s outstanding acting got me all in my feels. Holy hell it's like getting the wind knocked out of you watching her devastation. How she tells Grey she’s going to die on that list. Ugh. My heart. Getting punished for taking care of Tim when he needed her. Makes me so mad I wanna throat punch Primm. Grey isn’t much comfort but that is a Tim job. It’s a rough rough scene everyone. Hard to stomach.

When Nolan damn near gets everything handed to him. She has to fight and claw for everything. Then still gets this steaming pile of crap. I hate this for our girl I really do.I truly hope we get to have a hard look at where she goes in S7. This needs to be delved into and wrapped up all in one. Our girl needs a path and a purpose. I truly think T.O. Is the calling she never expected it. Be interesting to see what they do in the next season for her following this. T.O. or not. But if she's a T.O. Tim will be her equal and not her superior for when they get back together. But I'm getting ahead of myself lol

We get domestic Chenford part 3 and it’s the best part of all. So much to love about this scene it’s crazy. The soft Tim we all know and love is ever present in this scene. Also, his partner, supportive Tim, is crushing a performance in this segment as well. It’s beyond adorable from end to end. Just what we needed after that devastating scene before. It does our shipper hearts real good.

Lucy is pouring them some wine for their night in. Cause clearly they’re not going out. She wants to hide away with her man. I do not blame her one bit. Telling Tim she can’t believe she came in 17th… That it’s almost worse than coming in last. I would be feeling the same. Tapping into her childhood a bit and the failures she feels from there.

Not only that, but I’m sure the voice in the back of her head, that sounds like her mom, is voicing the same things. About her choosing this career and life. It’s a good thing Tim is there to quell and silence all those voices. He tells her there is no prize for coming in last. BUT there is one for coming in 17th. Haha Tim then reaches over and pulls out the award he got her.

Look at the smile on that goober. He couldn’t be prouder of himself if he tried. Lucy looks throughly confused until she realizes he’s altered the trophy to ‘17st’ LMFAO. I love this man so much. As does Lucy as she grabs the trophy from him. Realizing what he's done. So many reasons to love this moment.

Lucy stated in 3x03 how much she loves trophies. Tim remembered this and got her one. My damn heart. Not only that the man was so sure she would be #1 he bought it beforehand. Lucy Chen’s number supporter right there. Front and center people. Lucy’s smile is everything. Tim is beaming because she is. Look at him in that second gif. He is smiling ear to ear. All he wanted was to make his girl smile and laugh. Check and check. Well done sir.

Tim truly was so damn thoughtful and precious through out this scene. A+ boyfriend right here folks. A damn plus. Man is soft as butter for her. We all love it. Lucy’s energy has immediately changed thanks to the man next to her. Not only does her tune change she matches his mood. Throwing back a joke of her own. Saying how she gonna have to set her sights on a different future. Then mentions Metro to get a rise out of him.

His reaction is HILARIOUS. He wasn’t ready for the joke she sent his way. Completely unprepared with a good answer. Also the stress it would bring him if she actually did. They know they work well together. That is not the problem. It’s the immense and increased danger she would be in. That’s what would give him a legit heart attack everyday. Lucy Chen has once again broken this man's brain. Gotta be a record at this point heh.

Lucy could not be cuter when she tells him she’s kidding. Her whole body bouncing with laughter. That adorableness that only Melissa can conjure and convey. It’s beyond precious. Tim with his weak. ‘I …I knew that.’ Lucy basically following it up with an ‘Ok babe…’ Whatever you say my love. LOL Not believing him even a little bit. They are so cute and sweet I’m diabetic.

Lucy then looks back down at the trophy he got her. Asking him if he really thought she was going to come in first? That self doubt and lack of confidence creeping back in. She truly needs to know and hear it from him. Needs that reassurance he believes in her. Because just like Tim’s needs her opinion of him to be high. Lucy needs to know Tim believes in her. Tim doesn’t miss a beat with his reply.

The sweet smile going along with it. He’s loves her so much. Is so damn proud of her. It just flows out of him. Wasn’t a doubt in his mind she was capable of being #1. He’s seen her defy the odds so many times. Was front row to every victory and loss that’s shaped her as a cop. He’s watched her become this confident bad ass. Overcoming insane and traumatic things only to come out stronger. Knows she’s a strong test taker. To him was a no brainer she would crush this thing and then some.

Lucy hears all that in his tone and reply. Sadly she doesn't take this as a positive. But a failure on her part. She starts to fall back into her previous mood. Feeling like she let her most important person down. Those insecurities rushing back and she is beating herself up. It’s the way she stares down at first. Then locks eyes with him letting him know she’s sorry. Sorry she’s disappointed him. I saw someone made a 1x12 parallel to this line that kinda hurt my heart a bit. And once again it's something I can relate to cause I’m the same. He is just so damn supportive and cares so so much. That it comes off as high standards.

Ones that people feel like they're going to fail to achieve. When really it's just a great depth of caring and voicing what someone is capable of. Because he was denied that in his childhood he wants to make sure the people he loves know it. So they feel this need to live up to these standards he unintentionally sets. I can so relate because I was this way with my team. I was deeply caring and supportive but also voiced a lot what they were capable of. Because I too had been denied that in my childhood and with other leaders in my life. So when others would watch my team they would tell me that I had such high standards for my team.

They did not tell me this in a good way btw. Even though I produced a successful team that loved me it felt like a slight. Now while I had those standards it was always paired with deep caring and support. Just like Tim. He is just trying to build up those he loves and can come off as high standards people can't reach. Just a fascinatingly tragic thing the woman he falls in love with mistake it as high standards. When he's just trying to show how much he cares and supports them.

I stumbled across and felt it fit this moment. Because right now Lucy feels she has failed his high standards. Failed his idea of her being #1 (which we know she hasn't in his eyes.) That she's disappointed him so much so she can barely keep eye contact with him. The potential for miscommunication for this is immense. Like it was for him and Isabel. Luckily Tim kills this before it's an issue. So proud of him BTW. His growth still floors me.

Where in 1x12 Tim has no answer for Isabel saying his standards made her feel like a failure, here he has one for Lucy. He’s learned from his past and that’s a beautiful thing to behold. He’s learned to love better. To communicate better. Loving Lucy has made him want to be better in both of those aspects. He doesn't want to make the same mistakes with her as he did with Isabel. I said back in s2 his relationship with Rachel I loved. Not because I loved him with her. But because it helped heal him. Showed him he could do a relationship again. She got him back to that place where he could fall in love again.

Even Ashley as much as we didn’t like her got him thinking about marriage, serious relationships etc again. A place I’m sure he never thought he would go again. Also taught him what he didn’t want. Even though she was the one to end it you know he learned from it. He saw all the things he wanted out of life for his next relationship and then he saw those things with Lucy. All that to say is with that growth he's gained he immediately quells the anxiety and disappointment raging inside her. Doesn't let it fester.

Squashes the thought of her thinking he could ever think that with his sweet reply. I love how he shakes his head. Kinda like how he did back in 6x02 when she asked if he loved her. Like he can’t believe she would even think he would say or think that about her. So much is said in one sentence here. The way he leans closer to her as well. Makes sure she can read her his heart eyes as he expresses something so deeply true to him. That she could never disappoint him. *heart clutch*

Then we get the sweetest kiss to wrap this moment up. I love the way she smiles into the kiss and afterwards. Makes me squee to no end. Completed besotted with the man next to her. It’s screaming all over her body language how much she loves Tim. Their kisses always bring me such shippy joy. It's hard to put into words sometimes. But this one definitely gives me all the butterfly feels. The entire scene does really.

The scene ends with the cutest smile from Lucy. We talk a lot about Tim’s “Lucy smile.” The one he only brings out for her. Lucy has the same with her “Tim smile.” Ain’t no one making her smile and legit light up the way Tim does. Look at the way she looks at that man in the final gifs. With sheer reverence and awe that she gets to call him hers. Tim is uber cute reveling in how good a job he did haha

Lucy easily gives into his comments. Letting him pad his ego this time. He’s more than earned it. Agreeing he did and she loves him so much for it. Adores this man by her side. He is keeping her afloat like no one else could. He never once gave up in supporting her through this nightmare. How even at her lowest Tim managed to take care of her and make her laugh and smile. She is forever grateful and it’s written all over those last two gifs. Cuteness they name is Chenford.

The song in this scene is called “healing rock.” Seems fitting. Tim was definitely healing her in this final scene. Also just a soothing song that played in the background. Perfect way to end it. That’s all she wrote for this one. Damn good episode for them. I was on cloud 9 after this one. Hard not to be. Thank you amazing readers for like, comment and reblog these. You are the real MVP's. see you all in 6x04 :)

~~~

Side note -Non Chenford

More I see Lucy in T.O roles more I think I want her to be one. She would be an excellent teacher. Far better than friggin Nolan.

I love Grey Checking in with Tim about Lucy. Tim telling him he will be glad when this is done. Killing him how she is has been a mess during all this. My heart.

John and Bailey had to have had the most unromantic boring ass honeymoon ever. I watched it the first time but I fast forwarded all that this time. *snooze*

[tuiandkaea]

Wiled Life ep 5 fanfiction

I wrote a angsty Scarian fic, it's also on Ao3. Here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60660292/chapters/154893115

Scar was looking through his chests when he heard Ren.

“Scar! Scar!”

“Yeah?”

“I have a question?”

“Okay, what is it?”

“What flowers did you give Grian as a peace offering in 3rd Life?”

“Oh” Scar chuckled. “Haha I know this question.” He said it with a slight smile, but he was holding back tears. He remembered it, the desert, the flowers. When Grian cared about him.

Ren laughed with him, but Scar could tell he was nervous, he knew Scar and Grian had broken up, but know one knew why.

“If there's anything with a lilac and a poppy, that’s the one.”

“Yeah, yeah, two flowers.”

“Yeah, I think it’s a lilac and a poppy.” Think? He knows. Knows the smell of them, the look, the feel, the memories. “Let's go check just to be sure.” He said.

Scar and Ren were walking back to his and Martyn's base. There was an awkward silence. Scar knew Ren didn’t want to talk about Grian in front of him.

“You know, this is so fun.” Scar said, “these flowers all tie back to Secret Life, my outfit.”

“I saw Grian had them in his hair in 3rd Life.”

“Yeah, he did…” Scar trailed off. The memories of him came back. Grian standing in the sand, the flowers in his light brown hair, his smile. He felt tears in his eyes.

“You good man?” Ren asked.

Scar hadn’t realized how long he’d been silent. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Ren looked concerned. “You don’t look fine?”

“We should get a move on, you don’t want Martyn to run out of time.” Scar said, avoiding his question.

“Yup, you’re right.” Ren said.

They reached Martyn.

“Hey! Martyn!” Ren yelled.

“What’s the answer!!? What’s the answer!?”

“Lilac and poppy.”

“Right, okay.” Martyn kicked the first answer on the screen. “It’s right!”

“Oh that’s good.” Ren said.

“Yeah, well I should be off, glad you got it right.” Scar said.

“Yeah thanks man!” Martyn said. “Here take a diamond.”

He tossed Scar a diamond, Scar caught it. “Thank you.”

Martyn looked at Scar more intently, now taking in his full appearance. “You good Scar?”

“What-oh yeah, I’m great.”

“You look…” Realization and hit Martyn. “Is this about the question? About Grian and all that?”

Scar felt his heart beat faster. He didn’t want to have this conversation, and didn't want Martyn of a people to pity him. “Oh, would you look at that, Scott’s burning down your tree.”

“W-what?!” Martyn said, turning to look at Scott.

Scar then turned and walked away.

He was walking on the bridge to Etho, Bdubs and Tangos base, when he saw Etho.

“Oh, look what you did.”

“What? Oh.” He realized that Etho thought he burned Martyn’s and Ren’s house. “It wasn’t me this time.”

“Oh really.” Etho asked with a chuckle.

“I know it looks bad, but it wasn’t me, it was Scott.” Now it really looked bad. Scott burn something down? Not Scar.

“Oh my Scar! Why would you do that?!” Bdubs asked, as he came on the bridge, looking at the burning house.

“It wasn’t me, okay, I just want to go home.” The sadness Scar’s tried to hide since Ren asked him that question, came out as he said the last few words. And Etho and Bdubs caught it.

“Scar? Are you okay?” Etho asked gently.

Scar didn’t trust himself to talk, so he nodded in answer.

“Are you sure?” Bdubs asked.

Scar couldn’t deal with this, so he took out an ender pearl and threw it. He teleported over to the start of the stars up to his base.

Scar was sitting in between the bamboo, breathing heavily, trying to calm down.

He wasn’t prepared for Ren to ask him that question. Why couldn’t he have just asked Grian?

He was grateful that his friends instantly knew something was wrong with him, but also not. He didn’t want them to know how much pain he was in, or why he and Grian broke up.

So Scar cried where only the bamboo could hear him. Or so he thought.

“Hey Scar! I’ve been looking for you, Martyn, Etho and-” Scott stopped speaking as Scar turned to him. “What happened?”

Scar looked down, wiping his tears away with his sleeve. “Nothing.”

“Scar, you’ve been crying.”

“Over something stupid, so it’s nothing.”

“Scar. I know you, you don’t cry over nothing. What is it?”

Scar didn’t say anything.

“Martyn, Ren, Etho and Bdubs said that you were acting odd. Martyn said that he had a question that might have upset you?”

Scar looked at Scott, then saw someone walking over. Martyn.

“Scar. Are you okay?” Martyn asked.

“Fine.”

“No he’s not. I came here and he was crying.” Scott informed Martyn.

“Wow, just outing me there Scott.” Scar said.

“Scar.” Martyn began, “I’m sorry for sending Ren out to ask you that question. I didn’t think about it, and I’m so sorry.”

“Well I’m fine. So you have nothing to apologize for.” Scar said, with a soft smile.

“Yes I do. I can see that it’s hurt you.”

“It hasn’t. And it wont. Because I’m fine. I’m fine.” Scar found that he was trying to convince himself more than Scott and Martyn. Trying to lie, tell himself that he wasn’t crying two seconds ago, over some flowers. Over him. Over what he did.

“Scar…you’re not fine.” Scott began. “What happened to you two?”

Martyn looked at Scott in disbelief.

“We broke up.” Scar said simply.

“I know that. I want to know why? You two loved each other.”

Grian didn’t love him. At least not enough to care for Scar’s feelings. “Some people fall out of love.”

“But you didn’t, Scar.” Martyn said. “You still love him.”

“I don’t.”

“Scar, what truly happened?” Scott asked.

Scar looked at the ground in front of him. “Nothing happened. We just broke up okay. That happens. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.” Again he was telling himself more than them. “I’m fine.” Scar felt tears fall down his face. “I’m fine.” He tucked his knees closer to his chest. “Please, be fine.” He told himself.

“Scar…” Scott bent down besieged him and put a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m not fine.”

Scar told them how he and Grian broke up. But he left out the real reason it ended, that Grian cheated. While Scar talked Scott said how much Grian didn’t deserve him, Martyn on the other hand, sat on a rock and stared at the grass, not saying a word.

“I never knew.” Scott said.

“Well, he fooled me too.” Scar replied, with a weak simile.

“Why would he hurt you?” Martyn asked, “why would he do this to you?”

“I don’t know.” Scar said. “I guess that’s just what toxic people do.” Scar looked out at the moon, now rising. “You guys should get back home, it’s getting dark.”

“We’re not leaving you Scar.” Scott said.

“I’ve had to deal with this for a long time, I’ll be okay.”

Scott nodded and got up, Martyn got up too. “Call us if you need anything.” Martyn said.

“Got it.”

They left.

Scar got up and lay down on his pink bed. Jimmy and Lizzy should be back soon. He heard someone walking over.

“Hey Lizz, how was y-” Scar stopped speaking as he turned over and saw Grian. “What do you want?” Scar asked, his voice low.

“To talk to you.”

Scar got out of the bed. “There's nothing to talk about.”

“Why did Scott and Martyn look at me like I killed someone two seconds ago.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes it does, Scar. What did you tell them?”

“I told them the truth about us.”

“Why the hell would you do that to me?!” Grian shouted.

“You don’t get to be angry here.” Scar said his voice low, as he stepped towards Grian. “You don’t deserve to be anything but sorry, sorry for what you’ve done to me. For breaking my heart.”

“You didn’t have to tell them that I cheated.”

“I didn’t tell them.”

“Oh, thank goodness. Big B’s okay then.” Grian said, relieved.

Scar felt sick. Grian was worried about that man he cheated on Scar with. Happy that he was okay. “You disgust me. You care about him more.”

“Well we’re not together, Scar.”

“We were in Double Life. You know, I actually believed that you loved me once. But you never did, you killed me in 3rd Life, Last Life you left me, cheated on me in Double Life, killed me again in Limited Life, and you knew my task in Secret Life, you knew when you came to me asking if we could team together, that I had to deny the one thing I’ve wanted since that desert. since something I thought we had. But you never loved me. Did you?”

“I don’t know.” Grian whispered.

“You are just like them, the Watchers. You hurt people. And I’m done. I don’t care who knows what you did to me, I’m done with you.”

Grian’s eyes widened, at realization at what he meant. “Scar, wait, plea-”

“Don’t Grian!” Scar cut him off. “Don’t try and beg, you brought this upon yourself. Just leave.”

Grain just stared at him. “Scar I-”

“I said leave!” Scar shouted at him.

Grian flinched. Then turned around and left.

As soon as he was gone, Scar sat on the ground and cried. He didn’t want to see Grian ever again. Didn’t want to hurt because of him.

[softpascalito]

Agent Ortega x Reader - Agents dont have favorites

Summary: Special Agent Ortega visits the Emerald Palace occasionally. Somehow, the woman tending to the horses is more intersting to him than those tending to the men. When he stays away for a while and things go south for her, he comes back to find something that he doesnt like.

aka its emotional but also they fuck.

Relationships: Agent Ortega x FemReader

WC: 2600

Tags/Warnings: Creator chose not to use Archive Warnings, The Sixth Gun, Agent Ortega x Reader, Implied/Refered Non-Con (Off-Screen, Time-Period typical), Hurt/Comfort, No use of y/n, Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Creampie, Prostitution, Vaginal Fingering, P in V Sex, yes i wrote p*rn about an unaired pilot ep from 2013 so what

AO3 LINK

Notes: hello loves! what can i say, i saw a new pedro pascal cowboy character and i felt things.

here are said things written down.

_______________________________

Agents don't have favorites. They breeze through Brimstone occasionally, their sole focus on their mission and occasionally getting down in the Emerald Palace after finishing said mission.

They can't afford to get attached, to care too deeply about someone. Especially not girls working in a brothel.

Agent Ortega has a favorite. 

It had developed over time, starting when you had tended to the run-down stables behind the palace, feeding and cleaning the horses for their owners. The pay had barely been enough to afford the small room you shared with three other girls.

The Agent had never been charitable but he had taken to finding you during the evening chores and slipping you some money when he'd been in town, always claiming it was to make sure his horse got the best possible care. You had believed it for a while until you had noticed the way he looked at you. Still, he had never made any real advances towards you, unlike other men who simply could not understand that you were paid to take care of the horses and not their own needs.

But even with the occasional support from him, the money had run out and after another offer that promised the pay equal to a week's worth of feeding horses for two hours with a man- you had finally given in, telling yourself that it would only be this once, just to get by until payday.

It hadn't been once. 

Instead, you have adapted to a new routine, returning to the bar after your chores and waiting for a man to approach, both dreading and waiting for one of those sleazy hookup lines that always led to the same thing. It has become routine, the way you agree on a price and then lead them upstairs. It has become routine to lock the door. It has become routine to try and scrub yourself clean afterwards. It never works.

Agent Ortega has not been in for the better half of a year. But when he steps into the parlor of the Emerald Palace, the memories immediately come back and he takes in the smell of whiskey, cheap perfume and dried cum. He uses one hand to open his jacket as he looks around, taking in the few familiar faces in the crowd, girls he has seen spread out on the sheets below him and that he has never thought of again.

You can see, from the way he walks, that he's here for pleasure and not business, a slight bounce in his step as he clearly considers his option, pondering if he should start with a whiskey to relax a bit. He's been in the stables already but he couldn't find you and assumed you'd left, remembering distantly how you'd told him on his last visit that you'd been trying to save up, trying to get out of Brimstone for good.

He didn't have the heart to tell you that it wouldn't get better in other towns.

They were all the same.

As he takes a few steps into the establishment, he smiles at the girls around him and winks at one, who instantly tries her luck and approaches him, running her hand over the front of his shirt. You can't hear what she says but it must be some variation of the hookup lines the men use because Ortega smirks for a moment, turning his head a little to the side.

And then he spots you. 

The reaction is imminent as his face falls and he shakes the girl off, heading straight towards the corner that you're huddled in. Worry fills him as he gets closer and with every step, it gets worse as he notices your thin, hunched over form, eyes puffy and highlighted by the dark circles under them. The toll the last few months have taken on you is painfully visible, especially compared to the picture he had stored away in the back of his mind, that he had drawn up on lonely nights to keep him company.

He seems to be by your side in an instant, whispering your name as he kneels in front of you, gently reaching out to touch your leg as he gazes up at you. The look in your eyes scares him more than anything.

A sudden suspicion hits him then and you can tell by the way his eyes wander up and down your body, taking in the tight dress you're wearing, that he knows. He knows what has changed.

You try and avoid looking at him, lowering your eyes, too afraid of what you'll find in his gaze. It doesn't make sense, technically. After all, you had to watch him walk up the wooden stairs with a bunch of different girls, trying to ignore the pang of jealousy you felt each time it happened.

“You're not-” He starts softly, his voice gentle and you shake your head quickly:” Please don't. Don't make me say it.” You beg silently, feeling the tears rising in your eyes.

He shifts slightly, leaning a little lower to look at you and his face hardens a bit. He is painfully aware that this is not the place to discuss this.

“How much?” He simply asks and at that you finally look up, slightly shocked at the sudden implication:” What?” Your voice sounds breathless and a small tear rolls down your cheek. He has to try his hardest to not reach out and wipe it away. Not yet, at least.

“How much? For the night?”

You stutter the price, eyes still wide as you look down at him:” But I don't want-”

This time it's he who cuts you off and gently reaches for your hand, tugging until you get up and follow his lead.

As you ascend the stairs, the steps of your routine start taking over. You try to push your emotions away, focusing on everything but. The sounds from the kitchen below, the wooden stairs creaking slightly under the Agent's steps, the way your hand still rests in his.

He steers you into a room gently. By the time the door closes behind you, your brain is in full autopilot. You turn the lock with a swift motion, the sound immediately making your body slump slightly, like it too has memorized what's about to happen.

Your hands are already on his belt when his own hands join them and for a moment you distantly wonder if he is the type who can't wait, who is always too eager- and then, in a gentle motion, he wraps his finger around yours, keeping them safely in his grip as he lowers his arms. When you look up at him, the only thing you can find in his soft, brown eyes is fear. Fear over what had happened while he had been gone. There is a hint of anger too, but you immediately understand that it is not directed towards you. 

Agent Ortega looks sad. And it breaks your heart, knowing that you're the sole reason for it.

“You don't have to do that. Not with me.” He says quietly, his voice shaking slightly as he lightly moves his thumb over your fingers, caressing them. His gaze remains on you and after a moment of silence he speaks again:” Life hasn't been treating you well, has it?”

That's all it takes for you to crumble and suddenly, the autopilot is off, the routine you have perfected broken and you all but throw yourself into his arms as the tears spill out of your eyes, small sobs shaking your body and you escape the grip of his hands to wrap your arms around him. He pulls you in.

“I should've been there.” He mumbles silently, burying his nose in your hair as he brings one hand up to stroke it, tangling his fingers between the strands. It takes a while until you manage to catch your breath, using the back of your hand to wipe the last tears off your cheeks:” I should get back.”

Your voice is shaking and it's a whisper- but his reaction is not lessened by it. His brows furrow slightly and he decidedly shakes his head:” Absolutely not. Besides, I told you I'd pay for the night.”

“But you just said we didn't have to- '' You try to protest but he doesn't budge:” I know what I said. I'm paying for the night regardless. In fact, let me pay you for the whole week.” 

After a moment, he adds, a little more quietly:” I don't want them touching you again.”

You look at him for a moment, your gaze wandering from his eyes down to his lips and a few seconds later, you're kissing him like your life depends on it. You press your body against his and for the first time in your life, you are trembling out of desire instead of fear.

You both lose yourself in the kiss for a moment and he takes a few steps back without your lips breaking contact until the back of his knees hit the bed and he sits down, pulling you with him so that you're sitting on his lap, your dress riding up slightly as you spread your legs.

After a few more seconds, his lips leave yours and he studies your face as he catches his breath:”Are you sure about this? I'll pay you no matter what.”

You shake your head softly and finally, a small smile appears on your lips:” I'm sure. I- Please, believe me.”

The internal conflict plays out on his face for you to witness. He doesn't want to hurt you, doesn't want to be like those men, doesn't want to take advantage. But something about the way you look at him tells him that you're telling the truth:” Okay.” He mumbles and his hand brushes over your cheek before wandering down your neck and then down your body as he leans forward again, placing little trails of kisses all over your face. 

His lips are softer than you expected and you shiver as his mustache tickles at your skin when he places a kiss on your nose and then on each of your eyelids.

A strong hand settles at your back for support as you feel the other one slowly inching up your thigh under your dress, drawing an impatient noise from you as he takes his time. Eventually, the tips of his fingers find the thin cotton panties you're wearing and, in a stark contrast to the slow movements from before, he suddenly speeds up, pulling them towards himself and ripping them off your body.

You gasp slightly, opening your mouth to protest as he chuckles lowly:” I'll buy you new ones, sugar.”

His rough finger finds the soft skin between your legs, running over your folds and circling around them for a few moments before slowly pushing in, parting your wet heat for him. He watches you closely, the way your breath hitches in your throat when he curls his hand just the right way, paying attention to your reactions to make his mental notes. 

He adds a second finger, slowly moving them in and out until your breathing is ragged and you lean into him, whimpering as your breasts almost spill out of your dress. The hand that has been supporting your back gently finds the front of your dress and pushes it down until it pools around your middle, revealing your bare breasts to him and he squeezed them slightly while still moving his other hand in and out of you, sucking in a breath at the way you clench around him:” You're perfect, you know that?”

Your own impatient hands soon find his shirt, pulling open the buttons and pushing it open so that his bare chest is exposed. His badge falls to the floor but neither of you can bring yourself to care. 

Eagerly, you trace a finger down his belly, following the small trail of hair that leads into his pants until you find his already half open belt. This time, neither of you stop as you fumble until it springs open and you can already see how tight his pants are under your touch.

When you pull it out, his cock is already hard and leaking and you stroke it a few times, marveling at the way the foreskin ripples back and forth with your movements. The dark hair at the base tickles your hand and you bring your other hand down to squeeze his balls slightly, drawing a breathless moan from the Agent's lips.

After a few moments, he pulls his fingers out of you, which has you whining at the loss but then you feel his hands flying to your hips and he lifts you up easily, pushing your dress the rest of the way up before slowly lowering you onto his cock.

You let out a high-pitched whine as you feel him filling you, thick and hard and you silently thank him for preparing you with his fingers.

“It's okay, I got you.” He mumbles, whispering soft praise into your ear until he's all the way inside of you, your bodies flush against each other. You hear him take a breath, clearly forcing himself to hold back and you nudge him softly, silently letting him know that he can move.

He does and the slight discomfort gives way to pleasure as he slowly buries himself in your heat again and again. It feels so different - He feels so different - from all the men you've been with that it makes you want to cry with the revelation.

“You okay?” He mumbles again and you nod, placing your hands on his shoulders to steady yourself as you beg:” Harder, please.”

Agent Ortega silently obeys, changing his angle so that he is hitting your cervix with each thrust and you almost yell at the glorious feeling that starts forming in your stomach as your fingers dig into his skin.

“Come on, darlin. Come for me. Just for me .” 

You whimper as your climax hits you seemingly out of nowhere and you can hear him curse under his breath as he quickly tries to pull out of you.

“Please don't-” You whimper silently and he looks at you, face somewhere between pleasure and surprise before he gives in, letting your muscles draw him back inside as you clench down on him, drawing out both your orgasms.

He looks down and moans your name at the sight of his seed spilling out of you and running down the base of his cock, that is slowly starting to soften inside of you.

Later, after he has cleaned you up, you are in his arms, your naked limbs entangled in between the sheets. He is stroking your hair slowly, occasionally leaning down to give in to the sweet promise of another kiss.

“Maybe I should take you with me. Back to Santa Fe.” He mumbles and you sigh softly, pressing your hand against his chest:” And why would you do that?”

He stays quiet. When you realize that there is no response coming, you raise your head a bit, glancing up at his face. His eyes are soft as he looks at you in a way you don't think anyone else ever has.

You answer your own question.

“ You care about me .”

He gives the tiniest of nods, smiling a little as he leans down and kisses your forehead softly.

”Get some sleep. I'll be here in the morning.”

___________________________________

notes: thank you for reading! feel free to leave me a comment if you want more agent ortega or if you want to give some feedback. love you all <3

[feal-the-grinch]

Why did Agatha continue to kill witches after Nicky's death, knowing she would probably see Rio, the woman who took away her son, every time she did ? (Spoiler: I'm just writing my thoughts, and they destroy me. Agatha and Rio's dynamic is something else, and these last episodes did NOT help. If anything, they just created more questions.)

From the scenes we were shown (don't get me started on what we saw and what we didn't, because that's one of the things I'm the most mad about right now), there's no indication that Agatha saw Rio after killing her covens. Yet, it would make sense that she did. But then, why would she keep on killing other witches ? To gain more power, always in order to survive, no matter how much it hurt to see Rio again ? To curse Death endlessly for what she did to Agatha's own son ? That's torture, for both of them. It would be an incredibly cruel move on Agatha's part. Rio was doing her job. Not once did she desire to hurt Agatha.

Now, Rio knows she did hurt Agatha, she took the most precious thing her lover ever had. In my opinion, that's why Rio put up with Agatha's rage and hate for so long. She probably thought that it would pass, that Agatha would end up forgiving her. Rio's love for Agatha never decayed. Therefore, having the love of her life cursing her all the time, for the rest of her human (witch) life, must be torture for Rio. Yet, she endures it. Because she loves Agatha, even though Agatha can't see it anymore, don't care about it anymore. Agatha only sees her own hurt, and the fact that the great love of her life is the one who accepted to cause it.

Agatha did say, when she buried Nicky, that her heart was buried with him. Maybe it's at that point that any hope of her becoming a better person was lost. She wouldn't care about anyone ever again. Only her own survival would matter. No one ever had shown Agatha that having relations with other people could actually be a good thing for her, so she buried her only chance here and there, without even an afterthought. She had nothing more to lose (except a better life, even if it was without her son)(but she couldn't know that).

Therefore, continuing to kill witches was to accomplish that goal : survival. Killing witches means getting their powers, means getting always stronger. (Hence her coming into Wanda's Hex and trying to steal the Scarlet Witch's powers.) Seeing Rio ended up being a bonus for Agatha : she got to throw hands with the woman who took her son away from her. From Agatha's point of view, Nicky just disappeared through the night, she woke up and he was gone. But she instantly knew who, what, took him. She had somewhere to direct her anger and sadness, which became hate, because when was Agatha ever taught anything else. (With Rio and Nicky, she was taught something else, she was taught the opposite - love -, which probably made everything worse.) No matter how cruel it was towards Rio herself, it was all Agatha could think of doing, it was all she knew: throwing insults left and right, get people mad at her. (That's probably why she almost kissed Rio in ep 4 : after all that time Agatha spent hating Rio, Rio still loved her. It's something Agatha has never known. Yet, at that point, it didn't mean that much to her anyway. This moment only happened because of emotional she was, with Billy reminding her of her own son.) Screaming at Rio was an outlet for Agatha's own enormous and terrifying feelings, feelings that tear her apart when she sees Rio and/or is reminded of Nicky.

Now, I still don't have an explanation for these last episodes... still need time to process what happened, and what didn't happen. We still need so many answers.

[pineapplehazard]

Just finished s7!!! Right on time✨

Now did I cry when Eddie said goodbye to Chris? Yes, yes I did.

But here's my thoughts about the last two episodes:

- Eddie Diaz : the whole thing with Kim was actually crazy of him, but her playing Shannon?? That man has a reason to act like a mad man but girl what are YOU doing?? That was a quick expedition out for Marisol too, Buck and him see to have a way to make girlfriends disappear this season.

- Chris Diaz : valid. I get why he thinks it's better for him to be away from his father for some time, it's probably a good thing actually for them to have space to breath and accept what happened. But the Diaz parents?? Ramon shit talking about Shannon every chances he's giving (he literally did it at her funeral that man has no shame), and Helena acting like she just won lottery, please at least ACT like you're not happy to take Chris from you son. Honestly if my own mom wasn't sitting right next to me I would have been insulting both of them so MUCH.

- Hen Wilson : I'm mad that they were all going to be happy and then that woman whose son hasn't been mentioned since like ep2? comes to take her revenge out of nowhere. When I saw Mara all closed on herself and quiet when Hen visited her that broke my heart😭 then at the end the emotional whiplash of Chris leaving, instantly followed by the Wilsons getting reunited with Mara, ouch (is it like 'a soul for a soul' but with family, like they CANNOT be happy at the same time??), also I know the plot was for Gerrard to come back, but I love Captain Wilson, and I wanted her to take after Bobby

- Chimney and Maddie: they're relatively absent from the final 2 eps so I don't have much to say, I loved Chimney calling Gerrard trash to his face, and I loved Maddie. I just love Maddie.

- Buck : such a good husband for his chaotic dating-the-doppelganger-of-his-deceased-ex husband... He was just so supportive and trying to help, gosh he's just so cute. But MORE IMPORTANTLY where's my angst?? You're telling me Bobby's in a coma, and all we got from Buck (who's basically his son) is one line of dialog AFTER we know Bobby's going to be alright? Sentence immediately followed by an awkward sex joke argh!! My favorite thing about 911 is Bobby and Buck's relationship and I don't know if it's just an impression but i feel like they barely had any interaction this season, I missed them, I need more of them!! Also all things considered Buck had quite a quiet and calm season, which does feel weird and not something that will stick

- Athena : she mentioned Emmett and I was just woop crying incoming! I'm not gonna dwell on the whole cartel thing, I'm sure people already express so many opinions on this, my real question is how many times can Athena break rules before getting a problem with the hierarchy? (ik she did in s1, but since then she's been pulling some sketchy moves from time to time with no problems afterwards). Also ik the house was going to burn but I hadn't thought of the implications, that they would loose all the memories and stuff and that's so sad, I totally get her panic about wanting to get everything that's on her phone to still have SOMETHING.

-Bobby : please bobby never leave the 118, maybe they could handle it but I couldn't, so please don't leave ever.

(-Tommy : whether you ship them or not, the last scene we got of them together (dinner at Buck's) should start an alarm in your brain about their future together, specially once you consider Gerrard's come back. Tommy literally says that Gerrard's the closest things he got to a father figure when he was in the 118, and that it didn't help him be a better person. (ik he's not saying he saw Gerrard the way Buck see Bobby but he still acknowledge that he saw him as a model of some sort), that's the online line 'acknowledging' Tommy's past actions, but also showing that he followed Gerrard's lead, and we know Buck is not going to appreciate Gerrard's way of leading and this definitely could be a big cause of conflict between Buck and Tommy...)

It feels weird to finally be up to date, and to know killer bees will attack LA in two days😭

I FORGOT RAVI!!

He was there for 3seconds but still, I was so happy seeing him, and ik so far it doesn't seem he'll be back in s8 for some time, so I'm devastated

[moonstone27ls]

Creature Commandos so far...

Spoiler warning...

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So far I like it. The animation is good, the humor's decent. So far I wanna wait until the last two eps. But til then its still pretty good.

And so far the humor/story doesn't make me wanna nitpick so much as Harley Quinn's does.

I'm trying to honestly think of anything I would nitpick. I guess it would be the prophecy/ Rick Flag Sr issue.

Its a mix, I read a CBR article. And true Circe could be influenced. And I've seen enough "I see the future" stories to know that its often hard to change the future. Yes taking out the supposed target helps. But if you fail it unintentionally starts the chain of events anyways.

But and this is just me... this could be all done for laughs/shock factor/or James Gunn thinking, lol. I don't know a lot of his work enough to watch and go "I already know what he's planning".

But from the way its going ... it just feels like Flag is a shitty agent. I mean the Bride was already finding something fishy with their so called alley right away. She doesn't care enough to point out. Doesn't make it less true.

They're not suspicious, they are automatically warm and welcoming, don't even attempt to make them stay and do their jobs when she snuck out with Nina.I mean yes could go "they're just nice" But come on they're monsters not the Justice League. I honestly expected some turbulence. Even the princess needing a day to be "Oh I misjudged them, they're cool".

And I'm not convinced its cause they like American culture. That should have a literal red flag (sorry for puns 8B). But nope and yes we could say its cause he got laid. But thats also the problem with me... kinda not rooting for him to save the Princess. It doesn't feel like its warranted it just looks like cause he got laid and Frankenstein/Eric isn't helping. Love pft they knew each other two days and she was instantly horny over the dude. I wouldn't call it love.

The Princess herself is a little fishy. For me it was when she said "We're stuck in the old ways". Old ways everybody practically embraced American culture and nobody questions or agues with her. So... hmm feel like she's playing him.

I mean again could be wrong. But if Waller/Circe are right even for an instant (or because you know the whole try to prevent it/it happens anyway), Flag literally did the dumbest thing just because she boned him.

Though I do see a small irony? He's pissed cause Waller took Circe/and the professor at their word. But he's pretty much doing the same/or at least with the Creature/Eric? I mean this is my observation and others have thought the same.

Eric's a stalker, a delusional, moronic one. And this is not to throw shade at the voice actor. He's a great guy. And I don't necessarily hate Eric. But point is many/including myself see the story painting him as a stalker. So I find it strange that Flag just takes Eric at his word, and decides to use him to protect the one night stand.

I mean this will probably get played for laughs/or Eric will be forced onto the team/or volunteered to forcibly make the Bride into his orbit. But real life wise, if Bride had been around I feel she'd smack Flag for basically promising her to Eric.

I dunno and the recent episode didn't give me too much empathy. I thought it would explain how someone still is delusional to think the Bride loves him/when she clearly doesn't. But no, a cute story of how he recovered and he apparently "mercy killed" the old lady.

If you wanna call it that. I almost wanna say he's more of a sociopath than Dr Phosphorus. And he is one 8B. I wanna like Eric but the stalker direction makes it hard to.

Cause I'm like "Dude how can you be that dumb?". He watches movies, has traveled, and is somewhat education but can't get it through his mind that he's a stalker/or that the Bride wants nothing to do with him. I mean he tried to kill Flag from just a small interaction, not affection. Interaction.

Personally I hope, I dunno what they'll plan. The show doesn't force Bride to be his. Cause again the story feels like they're clearly telling us its a stalker case.

Can I see Bride forgiving him? Hmm maybe its been over what 300 years? (probably did the math wrong) I can see her even befriending him IF he ever realizes he's been wrong/and apologizes. But love, nope.

I'd rather see Bride go with Nina than Eric. Though I am curious now to see Nina's background she seems so nice. So I'm wondering what happened to put her in jail?o3o

[skellymom]

"UNFORTUNATE TURN OF EVENTS"

Hunter, Wrecker, Fennec Shand One Shot Alt Universe Fic

 SPOILERS FOR SEASON 3, EP 8-YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Word Count: 537

Background: Hunter and Wrecker take a job with Fennec Shand in exchange for Intel on the Empire...with an unfortunate turn of events. For whom?

Warning: Swearing, canon-typical violence. SPOILERS S3!

(Credit: Cool moving star dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers )

From the very beginning Hunter and Wrecker had misgivings about working with Fennec Shand. 

Aside from her trying to maim or kill Hunter she took off with Omega, a terrified child.

He never knew where her loyalties lay. And she didn’t believe in even a smidgen of selflessness. 

Now being rudely ordered around by this cold woman on some swampy ass crack of a planet for intel...that he wasn’t sure they’d ever see. 

But he and Wrecker really had nothing to bargain with. 

Now she was giving them both crap about losing Omega. 

Honey, you don't know shit about where we’ve been or what we’ve experienced to protect our family. 

Plus, she was willing to kidnap A KID for MONEY. 

Fennec claimed to stop going after the bounty when whomever hired Fennec thought Omega would be safer with them. And she refused to tell them who that was.  

Mighty nice of you, sweetheart. 

“Guess they were wrong about that.” She taunted them. 

Wrecker shot back “Guess you’ll work for anybody, as long as you get paid.” 

Hunter was starting to lose his patience...and a bit of his empathy. At least for sketchy characters who dangled important info that would help a cause or an innocent person’s quality of life, just out of reach. 

He knew he was becoming bitter. Compassion Fatigue. 

“Good guys or bad guys, their money is all the same.” She trotted out THAT platitude. 

“Well, money isn’t everything.” Hunter countered. 

“Spoken by someone who doesn't have any.” Fennec sneered. 

Under the helmet Hunter ground his teeth. She had no right to judge him and his brothers this way. Surely, she started from nothing? Didn’t most of the galaxy? 

The bounty was bagged and brought back into Fennec’s ship. 

“Pleasure doing business with you.” 

“Hang on. You promised information.” Hunter angrily demanded. 

“I didn’t say I had it with me. But I’ll get it.” Fennec stared down at them. “After I deliver Sylar to my client."

“That’s NOT what we agreed on.” Hunter and Wrecker were PISSED, it showed on their faces. 

“You can either fight me or trust me. Take your pick.” 

Hunter and Wrecker glanced at one another stone faced. 

She’s fucking with us. 

“Good choice. I’ll be in touch.” 

Then the confident, cold-blooded Fennec Shand made a HUGE mistake. 

She turned her back on Hunter. 

He shot her, his blaster was NOT set to stun. 

She fell onto the gangplank, still somewhat alive. Instantly regretting that she mistook both clones for harmless fools. 

Hunter stepped up and leaned down to face Fennec. 

“You’re right, we’re credit-less. That’ll change when we turn in your bounty and scrap your ship. We also have your contacts and intel now, too.” 

Fennec gasped, clinging onto the last shred of life. 

“Too late for YOU to learn a valuable lesson: Don’t FUCK with people who have loved ones...cause we’ll do ANYTHING to secure their safety.” 

Wrecker yanked up Fennecs dying body from the gangplank so he could pilot her ship. “Heh, didn’t she say something earlier about eventually everyone’s luck runs out?” 

“Guess she thought it didn’t apply to HER.” Hunter walked off to pilot the Marauder. 

Maker help ANYONE standing in the way of Clone Force-99. 

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED OR DROPPED FROM MY TAG LIST, PLEASE MESSAGE ME! Don't just comment as I might miss it. Thanks!!! <3

[jetspikepub]

Interview with Shinichiro Watanabe and Yoko Kanno in Songs for the COSMIC SOFA brochure 💿

"Things that have changed/remained the same over the past 25 years"

- Now that it's been 25 years since the anime aired, I thought we could talk about what's changed and remained the same over that time. Ms. Kanno, you've mentioned in the past that you never listen to your own music, right?

Yoko Kanno: That hasn't changed at all. [Laughs] I just listened to the soundtrack when I stopped by the mastering process, and it's been such a long time since I listened to them. Sometimes, I listen briefly to the song to select tracks for a record, but I never listen to the whole song from start to finish.

- So, does that mean listening to the songs today made you reminisce?

Yoko Kanno: It actually did. It made me recall how the musicians were, or where we went to eat during certain recordings. [Laughs] By the way, Nabe-san (Mr. Watanabe), do you ever rewatch your work?

Shinichiro Watanabe: I never do... However, in our case, we have to watch it when checking before new releases, such as a DVD box or remastering for Blu-ray.

Yoko Kanno: What do you check for during those times?

Shinichiro Watanabe: It's usually about the picture quality. So, things like, this scene is too bright, so please make it a bit darker, or fix parts that didn't work out initially.

Yoko Kanno: So, small adjustments, I suppose. In that sense, it's the same for me. I make minor adjustments, similar to when making a remix. I'll share something that probably no one else noticed. [Laughs] I made a slight change to the new version of "Tank!". There was a part where the trumpet never came in, so I fixed that. Nowadays, you can do that easily with technology, and I think Nabe-san's situation is somewhat similar.

Shinichiro Watanabe: For mastering nowadays, AI has become incredibly advanced.

Yoko Kanno: Yes, exactly. You can instantly do things like "give it this aesthetic" with just a click.

Shinichiro Watanabe: There are so many presets, and you just switch between them, like "Oh, this one is good," "This one is also good."

Yoko Kanno: Can you do something similar with videography?

Shinichiro Watanabe: It's not that simple for us. However, I think AI technology will continue to progress, so maybe in the future, there might be more possibilities.

- When you check old footage, does it evoke memories?

Shinichiro Watanabe: Of course. Sometimes I think, "That animator ran away at that time," or "I had a tough time here. I'll never forgive that person!" [Laughs]

Yoko Kanno: No positive memories? [Laughs]

Shinichiro Watanabe: It's mostly grudges. [Laughs] Oh, but you often say, "You can compose a song in an instant," right? That it comes to you in its completed form.

Yoko Kanno: Yes.

Shinichiro Watanabe: We sometimes experience that, too. There are times when a scene comes to us as a whole, in an instant. Those moments are so delightful, aren't they?

Yoko Kanno: Which scene was it for you, if you don't mind me asking?

Shinichiro Watanabe: The last scene in the final episode was one. It just came to me as a whole, in an instant. Of course, I have to draw it in the storyboard afterward, but the whole scene just popped into my head in about a second.

Yoko Kanno: Was it while you were working on the final episode?

Shinichiro Watanabe: No, it happened completely out of the blue. Also, in the episode about extraterrestrial life (Episode 11, "Heavy Metal Queen")*, there was a long one shot, and it was the same with that scene. When reading the script, I usually think, "How should I break down this cut?" But with this one cut, I instinctually thought, "Ah, this should be a one-shot." I didn't know why I thought of it being a one-shot, but that was my thought. And I even doubted myself - "Really?" But as I added the voice-overs, I realized, "Ah, it was indeed a one-shot scene."

*Heavy Metal Queen was ep. 7. I don't remember any really long shots in this episode (same for Toys in the Attic ep.) 🤷‍♀️ If you do, tell me in the comments pls.

Yoko Kanno: I remember when it happened to me with the song "BLUE." I was looking at a display shelf at a souvenir shop in Scotland, and there was a stuffed animal, a wolf or something. And in an instant, I thought, "Ah!" I guess the feeling of coming up with something must be pleasant, because I weirdly remember the scenery of that specific moment.

- So, this re-release includes tracks from the live-action version that was streamed on Netflix.

Yoko Kanno: By the way, Nabe-san, have you watched the live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop?

Shinichiro Watanabe: Only the first casino scene.

Yoko Kanno: That's it!? [Laughs]

Shinichiro Watanabe: It was my first time watching a Cowboy Bebop made by someone else, and obviously, it was completely different. It made me realize that even if you explain something, it doesn't mean you can create the same thing. Many of the things we were trying to convey couldn't be put into words, and that's why it had to be understood through a sense of taste. Of course, some people can grasp it immediately, but on the other hand, no matter how much you explain, there are people who just can't comprehend. I suppose it means that we were trying to create something that couldn't be put into words; almost like creating a sensation.

Yoko Kanno: Yes, I agree.

Shinichiro Watanabe: Looking back, female staff members were often able to understand intentions based on their senses. Nobuko Shinomoto* (screenwriter and series composition) understood my intentions immediately, and I think you did, too, Ms. Kanno. While male staff members often criticized my proposals, saying they weren't well written. But later when I looked back at them, everything was written in the proposals. [Laughs] Sure, it included details like "Jazz was born in New York...", which seems unrelated, but it was important to what we wanted to do.

*Keiko Nobumoto's nickname

Yoko Kanno: I see. I do agree that more women tend to understand things based on their senses. The lyrics written by Yuho Iwasato were more bebop-like than what a male writer would write. I wonder what that is; it's like they have a deeper understanding.

Shinichiro Watanabe: In Ms. Shinomoto's scripts, what's essential were the unwritten parts. There were many dashes "---" in her scripts, and depending on how you interpreted those dashes, you either understood, or you didn't.

Yoko Kanno: You never ask what her intentions are for those parts?

Shinichiro Watanabe: No, I've never asked her once.

Yoko Kanno: Really?

Shinichiro Watanabe: Because I understand. Or rather, because I understood, we were able to work together. If I had to ask, "What does this mean?" every time to understand, there's no way we could've worked together.

Yoko Kanno: For example, did Shinomoto ever say anything like, "This look is slightly different" after seeing the final product?

Shinichiro Watanabe: She said it was mostly accurate.

Yoko Kanno: "Mostly," huh? [Laughs]

Shinichiro Watanabe: After all, creating an anime is a collaborative effort. I'm not the one drawing all the pictures, so there are instances where the storyboard matched up to only a certain point. Moreover, Cowboy Bebop has many indistinct expressions that are hard to define. But the animators often drew them too definitely. At times like that, things started to drift from the original intentions.

- So looking back over the past 25 years, perhaps that's the biggest change; in the anime industry nowadays, there's a trend of wanting everything to be decided in the script.

Shinichiro Watanabe: In other words, in the past 25 years, anime production has shifted to be more producer-driven. If it can't be expressed in words, producers won't be satisfied. Cowboy Bebop was something we made freely, sneaking past the producers. But now, it seems we can't do that anymore.

Yoko Kanno: It's the same with music. For example, I went to France for recording because I personally wanted to go there. [Laughs] And when I went, there was an African musician, and so we asked him to play the percussion for "Space Lion." We had the freedom to do so.

Shinichiro Watanabe: Budget management has become more strict as well. Nowadays, it's all about minimizing the budget, but when we made Cowboy Bebop, we just did things without caring about budgets at all. Sometimes, people would say, "It's nice you have a generous budget," but actually, we just used it without asking. [Laughs] It was the same for music, I'm sure; you could ignore the budget and just spend away. In a way, it reflects how great the Japanese economy was at the time.

Yoko Kanno: That is true, in a sense.

Shinichiro Watanabe: Well, we showed results, and that's why we were let off about it after being scolded. If it had been a huge failure, they might not have forgiven us. [Laughs]

Yoko Kanno: In that sense, more people are now creating things from start to finish by themselves. You can draw what comes to mind, write music and create a piece. I think it'd be nice to see more people doing that.

Shinichiro Watanabe: True, there are more people making anime and music alone now. But with that, there can be a limit to how broad it can be. In the end, something created solely by one person has its limitations.

- There doesn't seem to be that feeling of people with different perspectives jamming together. On the other hand, with Cowboy Bebop, there was that sense of jamming.

Yoko Kanno: Certainly. It never felt like Nabe-san was saying, "Do it my way."

- You've mentioned in a past interview that Episode 23 ("Brain Scratch") was originally intended to be more dry and distant, but in the end, it became quite emotional and it ended up being a good thing.

Shinichiro Watanabe: I said that? I don't remember. [Laughs]

- Cosmic Sofa is a record that has a slightly different vibe compared to the previous Cowboy Bebop soundtracks. What was the concept behind the song selection?

Yoko Kanno: When I make a record, I like to create ups and downs with the music so that listeners won't get bored halfway through the record. But then, you know, sometimes they play records when you're eating at a restaurant. And with my CD...

Shinichiro Watanabe: It can suddenly get too loud. [Laughs]

Yoko Kanno: Exactly. Or suddenly Ed starts singing - [Laughs] - and you can't help but burst out laughing. So, I thought it would be nice to make a record that can be played in a bar or somewhere like that - [Laughs] - something you can casually listen to. That's the concept behind it.

(Written By: Shotaro Miya)

[moononmyfloor]

Dashing Youth Ep 36-40 Commentary

Ep 1-10, Ep 11-16, Ep 17-21, Ep 22-25, Ep 26-32, Ep 33-35

Ep 36

This ep had nothing much of interest for me, all this talk of "bringing Ye Dingzhi back to the rightful path" is boring af like you never asked him what is it exactly that he wants, not before, not now

The part where Dongjun cultivates at the edge where mortal world meets the start of heavens was very cool, if a story wants to convince me that he rebuilt his lost cultivation in a year, this place is as good as it gets for the purpose.

Evil sister being permanently imprisoned and left to rot than being granted an immediate death is super satisfying

This part was pretty sweet, the way he closed his eyes and put his stubbly chin in her palms

Ep 37

When I watched He Yu's Dashing Youth interviews etc, I thought he sounded unusually straightforward and frank for an idol actor. And then I looked at his profile and realised that dude is an Architecture graduate and went to Vancouver for further studies and then returned to China to participate in acting workshops. Well THAT explains a lot of things. For example, how he carries himself with such gravitas and confidence despite being a new actor, he basically stole the show from HMH from the very ep 1 imo and that did not happen just because he looks good, because everyone looks amazeballs in this show anyway.

Not to mention "hurt young dad trying his best" is not a role you often see among Chinese idol dramaland main characters, and even rarer for a newbie actor to take on such a role. Like he came in and served. End of the story.

FINALLY. The two most grounded characters of the show meet up! Funny how at first I shipped them with Dongjun and as time went on the less interesting let alone shippy Dongjun felt and now I can't help but imagine, what if these two met earlier, instead?

And gods, this is exactly what I love about Changfeng. Despite being the sweetest baby of the show, he's incredibly realistic and doesn't care for the popular beliefs let alone factions. He'd rather have a face-to-face with the problem at hand and form his opinion.

"Hey buddy, wanna spar?" Just like that. Unafraid and non-judgemental, because he has not formed any yet, because he doesn't have a reason to. And he instantly won over Dingzhi who rarely trusts anyone. Too bad they met only now.

Aww, I feel like this is a nudge to their other-selves in I Am Nobody, right?

"I've stopped saying corny things and have turned mature because any sentence could be your last in the battlefield, and ends up getting carved on your tombstone."

-insert gremlin laugh-

Yeah Mengsha, that's exactly what will be on your grave. "HAHAHAHAHA"

PFft I love him.

Yeah she found that man and then he died. Huhu.

The rest of the ep is about the so called righteous party trying to beat the hot young dad with their sheer incompetence and that wasn't interesting enough to comment on.

Ep 38

Putting the disturbed souls to rest in the name of his daughter, that's Sikong Changfeng. It sounds kinda morbid on paper, but in truth only the most purest, benevolent person in the world would be able to do that. I was reminded of The Untamed for a second there.

Daring the monarchy from atop the palace gate, as the most peerless person in jianghu atm. I think both Master Li and Master Rain Demon would be proud of you.

Yknow, for Dingzhi who suffered from wishy washy treatment from most people all his life (yes, that includes you too Dongjun), a clear yes/no answer to this question would've been a mercy.

Ep 39

This was unexpectedly hilarious lol

Little girl u are pissing me off. You weren't born when the definitions of right and wrong were created in the world.

"What is wrong is wrong" bruh shut up, you are embarrassing your dad and not in the serotonin-inducing way he always embarrassed himself.

And I called Dongjun blindly idealistic.

Speaking of whom, Dongjun and Yue Yao actually kinda redeemed themselves for me again in this ep, by proving that even at this point, the "righteousness" he cares for is for his Yun ge to get the happiness he deserves.

Would've been better if you actively stepped up earlier than this to safeguard the happiness that he and Wenjun had found by a margin, tho. You had years of opportunity and now it's too late.

For softhearted lackeys, Wuxin's gay uncles are pretty alright regarding being grounded characters. They don't have lots of choices to work with, but at least they aren't led around by nose with all the pointless politics and try their best to follow their hearts.

Ep 40

Yeah yeah, blame the woman in the end. The sad thing is that he's a historian, and it's not a surprise that this came out of his mouth.

Rocket science

Same as with Hanyi, I was mad at Ye Xiaofan too like kid what point exactly are you trying to prove to your ge by appearing like this at this moment, but then he redeemed himself and I'm very happy about that. Give him treats.

Ok I'm crying. Wenjun's conviction and determination in the final act makes me forgive her again. Honestly, I wouldn't have disliked her even a little bit if not for that lazy stupidity the show made her commit in ep 33 anyway.

But alas, it's too late. My baby 😭

Good to hear Yue Yao's sister died, even glad that screentime wasn't spared to see it happen because I really don't give a fuck.

Finally, Dongjun meets his ge's child. Lil Wuxin cowering away from him at first served him right.

It's so sad how Wuxin lost his parents and adoptive uncles all together within such a brief period of time. I remember disliking the uncles when they took Wuxin away in BoY, but now I understand them even though it was AGAIN at the expense of Wuxin's rights to be with the people he wants to at that moment. It's sad that whatever person Wuxin would grow emotionally attached to, he has to part from them because of others' arrangements.

Woah, you two have been canoodling around in your fairy carriage for the whole world to see for years and you haven't been married yet? Scandalous, Dongjun 😂

Final Verdict

Despite the lazy and unconvincing middle eps, the final stretch is near perfect, the characters I've grown to have beef with (Dongjun, Wenjun) redeemed themselves, Yue Yao grew a little bit more of personality, the amazing main characters remained amazing (Dingzhi, Changfeng) and so did the amazing side characters (Lei Mengsha, Master Li, Luo Qingyang, Jade deity). Well, I suppose they've written themselves to a corner with Prince Langya, he feels definitely less glorious of a person than he was treated in BoY, after seeing Dashing Youth. So I'm ok with not seeing his character wrap-up here.

I started with giving this a 8.5/10 and ended with a 7.5/10, but overall I really enjoyed the themes of how different generations of people answer times of suppression, and balance morality, friendship and family, and what exactly is the end goal of a martial artist. The people were extremely pleasant to look at, the fight CGIs were epic visual feasts, and I did enjoy myself a lot considering how I rarely watch idol Wuxia/Xianxia/Xuanhuan.

[unholyverse]

waterparks // alternative press issue #341

(full article text under cut)

WATERPARKS

THESE POP-PUNK UPSTARTS HAVE CATCHY SONGS, AN ENDORSEMENT FROM THE MADDENS AND AN UNIRONIC LOVE FOR HAIR DYE AND FUNKY-COLORED JELL-O. THEY ALSO HAVE A LOT TO PROVE-AND THEY'RE READY TO GET TO WORK.

STORY: EVAN LUCY x PHOTOS: JONATHAN WEINER

Awsten Knight knows what you're thinking: This time last year, his band, Waterparks, were veritable nobodies. You'd probably not heard their two EPs (2012's Airplane Conversations and 2014's Black Light), and the band's SEO was likely so suspect, there's no way a Google search would place the Houston-based trio above their hometown Wet 'n' Wild.

What a difference a trip around the sun. makes. Since late last year, the group scored a record deal with Equal Vision, picked up Good Charlotte's Benji and Joel Madden as their managers, performed at the 2016 APMAS and even graced the cover of AP's Warped Tour issue-all before releasing their first album. Along the way, they've cultivated a passionate (and ever-growing) fanbase, thanks to an irreverent sense of humor, insatiable work ethic and saccharine-sweet pop-rock sound. But as their star has grown, so have the rumors and confusion about just how they ended up on a collision course with success.

"I saw somebody online say, 'Isn't this that industry-plant band? Like we were made by a label or something." Knight remarks from Los Angeles, where he and his bandmates are putting the finishing touches on bonus tracks for their debut full-length, Double Dare, and filming a video for the album's first single, "Stupid For You." "People are always like, "Where'd this band come from? This band blew up overnight! That's really not the case."

Indeed, it's been a grind for Waterparks, who formed back in 2011 and, after years of hustle and hard work, got signed last year after a demo serendipitously ended up in Equal Vision's online submission box. Even today, as Waterparks—Knight, guitarist/vocalist Geoff Wigington and drummer Otto Wood-seem to have an indefinite amount of momentum and a limitless future, there's always some humbling experience to remind them the big time is still a few steps away. Look no further than their method of transportation for this summer's Warped Tour: a modified Sprinter van handily equipped with sleeping quarters- but no air conditioning.

"The van didn't have A/C until we got to the North, Knight remembers. "We did Texas and Florida, the whole South, with no A/C. People thought we were in a bus. It'd be like, 'Oh yeah, when you guys go back to your bus…" He laughs. "How can you be egotistical when you're sitting there in a sweaty van going, 'Fucking kill me?'"

Lifestyles of the rich and famous it isn't, but that's fine with Waterparks. They're used to surprising people, whether it's with their origin story or their music. A testament to both their artistic vision and desire not to be pigeonholed as just another pop-punk band, Double Dare sounds like an album made by three men raised in iPod shuffle culture. The album opener "Hawaii (Stay Awake)" skews toward more standard pop-punk fare (a sound that definitely provides a backbone for the 12 tracks that follow), but the band are quick to add bits of pop, electronica and (surprisingly) hip- hop to the melting pot, leaving Double Dare feeling instantly reminiscent, yet wildly unpredictable. There's the unabashed pop charm of "Take Her To The Moon," a DeLorean ride back to the scene's neon days that's awash in glassy synths; the biting "Little Violence," which takes aim at "fake-ass band guys," along with the now-defunct site AbsolutePunk; "Stupid For You," a roller coaster of vocal runs mixed with razor-sharp hooks; and the jittery "Dizzy," which combines mile-a-minute rapped verses with a towering half-time chorus.

Knight, a textbook over-writer, wrote and demoed more than 40 songs for the album, which the group whittled down to the 17 or so they actually tracked in Los Angeles with producers Courtney Ballard and Benji Madden. What makes Double Dare such an engaging listen is not just the songwriting, but the way Waterparks dress it up. Throughout the album, Knight's voice serves almost as a third guitar, cutting in and out and swirling around the mix to give things added depth and a secret sonic weapon their peers lack.

"Listen to Kesha," Knight implores. "People have heard a lead guitar a billion times-no one gives a shit about a sick guitar lead. What's going to sound sonically cooler to the average human: a lead guitar- which people have been hearing for the longest time- or the literally unlimited sounds I can cut my voice up into and make it [serve the same purpose]? It just sounds cooler."

As a teenager, Knight studied raps by the likes of Busta Rhymes and Ludacris (he even performed a cover of Fergie's "Fergalicious" at an early show), and he thinks it would be "sweet" to be in a boy band. "You have to stand out, otherwise there's nothing interesting about what you're doing," he explains. "We've always tried to do different shit. A lot of our songs are a pop-driven thing, but it's a band. Girl-pop, to me, is the best genre [in music]. Even if you don't speak English and you hear a Kesha song or a Katy Perry song, it's going to sound so good. The melody is everything: It sounds so happy. Put those songs next to whatever progressive metal band and their fucking guitar sweeps. That's the difference between being a band people like and being a musician's band. [Adopts nerdy voice] 'Oh, that time signature change, blah blah! No one gives a shit except nerdy dudes, and nerdy dudes aren't going to buy your record, anyway. I want to make shit my little sister and her friends would be into."

If Knight is that unabashedly honest about his musical intentions, the words he writes take it a step further. At its core, Double Dare is the antithesis to the public image Waterparks have cultivated over the years. From their irreverent music videos to any number of off- the-rails interviews (including some from this summer's Warped Tour where Knight donned a wedding veil), the band's public persona is that of perpetual Peter Pans. While that might be true (Knight frequently drops words like "butthurt" in conversation), the open-book nature of his lyrics here reveals life isn't all fun and feces jokes.

As such, the songs on Double Dare read like pages ripped from a personal journal. Whether he's dealing with crippling insecurity ("I wish I was as brave as my last name"), self-doubt ("And I'm doing all right/ But is 'all right' enough?/Because I'm living my dreams, but I live at home") or true love ("If you died, I'd hope you'd haunt me"), Knight's words are blunt, painstakingly detailed and instantly relatable. He might project as a court jester, but he's deadly serious about his art.

"There's a time when Awsten can be serious, and that's when he's talking about his music, Benji Madden offers. "In order to sell records or magazines, people feel like they have to be sensational or play a funny game. If you talk to Awsten about anything other than music, you'll get totally jokey, bullshit answers-which I love. But if you talk to him about music, he's a really smart, intentional, thoughtful guy."

"Being honest about it is the best way to go about it," Knight says of his songs. "I've never liked the vague lyrics, like, [jokingly sings] "I've gotta find my way. I've gotta get out of this place! All my favorite lyricists are killer with metaphors or are able to uniquely describe things. I like getting into things and being specific." He references the acoustic ballad "21 Questions," easily one of the album's highlights, but a song slated for the cutting-room floor until Madden stepped in. ("I feel like that song could be one of those scene classics," the Good Charlotte guitarist offers.) It's hard to imagine the album without it.

Outside of being a steady hand in the studio, the Maddens are the perfect mentors for Knight, Wigington and Wood. After all, it was 15 years ago that Good Charlotte went through everything Waterparks are currently navigating, claims of being a test-tube band and all. They've learned everything is cyclical, and they're passing on the lessons they learned to the bands they manage.

"They're so wise," Wigington explains in a separate interview. "You shut up and listen. They've told us, 'Hey, things are going to start getting weird. There will be things you haven't been used to, especially if you're out on the road! But they've told us to look out for each other and have each other's back and helped instill a sense of camaraderie so we can deal with whatever weird shit comes our way."

If their current career trajectory continues, things will be getting weirder and weirder in the Waterparks camp soon. The band have secured the opening spot on Sleeping With Sirens' fall tour, and they're already making plans well into 2017. With a new album ready and the furthest reaches of the scene at their fingertips, it seems like there's really no limit to how big this thing can get. It's already surpassed their wildest dreams in the past year; imagine what one more could bring. Not that it would change their demeanor, of course.

"I'd like to be able to live comfortably to the point where I could ride a bike into a swimming pool filled with Jell-O and have it not be a big deal," Knight says unflinchingly, when asked what success would look like for him. "I was thinking blue or purple because I like cooler colors. Red seems messy. Not yellow or orange, because I don't like those flavors as much. I used to be allergic to blue dye when I was younger, so I'd probably pick that just so I could be like, 'Fuck you." alt

[bengiyo]

Twilight Out of Focus Ep 3 Stray Thoughts

Last week, we got the traumatic backstory for Hisashi as he broke up with his old homeroom teacher. While tending to Hisashi's wound, Mao admitted that he likes him, and the two almost got intimate. Mao ran away, confusing Hisashi, and causing him to mess up on set. Mao has assured Hisashi that they'll talk after they finish shooting the film. I'm obsessed with the complex layers of sexuality in this show.

Interesting. Now Hisashi is the one dialed in and Mao is the one who is distracted.

I continue to love the blending of manga panel styles in this show.

Absolutely thrilled that they're highlighting how awkward and uncomfortable it is to kiss on screen, and how the real kiss they had last week feels different.

Damn. Film sets are like construction sites. There are trip hazards everywhere. Not a place to be losing your focus because you got jealous.

Oh fuck yeah! We're bringing back the truth telling on camera. I love that it worked instantly.

The kisses in this show feel so natural and earned.

I am losing it over them narrowing the screen during the sex.

Losing it over this show owning that there's a learning curve to some aspects of gay sex.

Finally, we have a bottom describing how they felt.

AFTERCARE! PILLOW TALK!

What is this sad as fuck BL they're making?

A second round of just handies? THIS IS A GAYS ONLY EVENT. GO HOME!!

I really hope this film doesn't get leaked or stolen. I will be furious.

This show is actually so romantic about filmmaking and I'm enamored.

Holy shit that final scene was so good.

I keep saying this, but the best shows this year are some of the best we've ever had. I absolutely love that the episode about filming the first kiss of the BL characters led to the first sex and full confession of the real guys in our show (who are also fictional, obviously), and that they do used in the physical and emotional realities of gay sex. We had an open admission that part of it might create discomfort, we had Mao learning to enjoy being with another man, and we had pillow talk and after care. I love that we went into that scene with Hisashi asking if it was okay when he asked Mao to tell the truth to the camera, and before they had sex both times. I love as well that Mao filmed them together in the morning. He says he can't lie to a camera, so it affirms even more the truth of his feelings. I love that the discovery happening between them is making them see their own lives differently, and improving their work. Finally, I also love that Mao knows this isn't the end of their story. Their lives aren't static. They had sex and confessed that they like each other a lot, and they are going to face the changes that come. This show is so, so special.