#ok it’s his 800 celebration but STILL HELP

[shinestarhwaa]

The idea of Seonghwa with 24,36 and 69 has me rattling the bars of my enclosure 👀🥵

SAME. Ok so this fic is rly smth else and I hope you'll like & enjoy it anyways xo

PARADISE || PARK SEONGHWA

Genre: Smut

Pairing: Ateez!Seonghwa x Soloist Idol!Fem reader

Word Count: 2k

Tags/warnings: Idol!AU, one night stand/fwb vibe?, breeding kink, unprotected sex, dirty talk, both are switches, oral sex (f and m receiving, like LOTS of tongue for both of em), small bit of anal play (only m receiving), 69, praise, cowgirl & kneeling amazon position (which is basically cowgirl but with his legs around her waist,, I suggest you google it for a clear idea haha)

Taglist: @anyamaris @a-soft-hornytiny @whatudowhennooneseesyou @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @pyeonghongrie-main @woosanbby @dreamlesswonder86 @changbinslovelylegs @jonghostie @lovjensoo @1-800-shedevil @glintneon123 @mjyungi

ENJOY!

It wasn't uncommon in the industry that idols hooked up with each other, dating or not dating. Nearly everyone had the same thing to lose so when it came to secrecy they could do it very well. You honestly don't exactly remember how you and Seonghwa had gotten in contact but in this moment you didn't truly care.

Seonghwa had booked a lovely hotelroom in Paris for the two of you and you made sure to wear a different wig and a mask to disguise yourself, just in case an employee would recognize you. He took your hand and brought you up to your room. 605, you read the golden numbers on the black wooden door.

The room wasn't too big but it was quite luxurious, a nice little pantry, a bathroom, a closet and a kingsize bed: obviously everything you needed for the kind of night that you had planned with him. The view was lovely, honestly. It didn't have a view on the famous Eiffel tower but the scenery of the French buildings were still the most lovely sight you had ever seen. You turned around to look at Seonghwa, and smiled softly. You had been quite excited for this.

It wasn't your first time planning a sex-date with another celebrity, but it was your first with Seonghwa. He was very sweet and from what you've seen of him he seemed like a soft-type of guy; not the type of guy who would agree to a night like this with just anyone.

The two of you discarded your disguise and gave each other a smile, not totally awkward but with a little hint of nervousness. "So, do we... just... start?" Seonghwa asked. You grinned and sat down on the bed and gestured him to sit next to you.

"You have never done this before, have you?" You guessed. "Oh, oh I have had sex before, I'm not a virgin," Seonghwa clarified. "No, honey, I mean this type of arrangement." "Oh. Well yeah, that's true," he grinned, "I haven't."

"Do you want to talk about likes and dislikes first?" You offered. "I don't have any... extreme kinks, I just like... to pleasure and to be pleasured... There's nothing specific except...," he halted. "Except what?" You wondered.

"My breeding kink."

Your mouth nearly went dry at the thought of Seonghwa breeding your pussy. "Breeding kink?"

"Yeah, it's kinda... Yeah. Yes. But I don't have to do th-" "Oh no, you are definitely gonna breed my pussy now," you said as you climbed onto his lap. "You're gonna breed my pussy and stuff me full of cum, that's what you're gonna do."

Seonghwa's eyes went wide at your words, cock hardening in his jeans. "Already?" "S-shut up," he muttered before he kissed you passionately.

The two of you shared a heated kiss, your body tingling with excitement. His hands moved down your spine to your ass, copping a feel before sliding over your thighs. Your mouth left his to press wet kisses down his neck, licking a stripe up from his exposed collarbone to his adam's apple.

"Help me with this zipper please," you panted out as you got off him, standing up and getting your hair away from your back. You felt his fingertips brush over the skin in your neck before taking the cold metal between his fingers, unzipping your dress, revealing your body.

He swallowed thickly as you turned around, breasts bare and panties so tiny you could barely call them that. Seonghwa took off his shirt and shimmied down his pants, a little clumsily, resulting in laughter from the both of you.

You wanted to get on your knees but Seonghwa was quick to stop you. "You don't want me to blow you? You don't like that?" You asked. "Oh, no I do but I make sure I let my partner come at least once before I do," he explained. If you weren't excited about sleeping with him at first you would be now because wow. What a man.

You laid down on the bed instead, feeling the soft fabric of the rose-colored sheets on your skin. Seonghwa pulled down your panties and you spread your legs instantly, earning a little gasp from your new lover.

You smirked and bit your lip seductively. "Such a pretty pussy," Seonghwa said underneath his breath. Before you say anything he dives right into your core.

Seonghwa was everything you had hoped him to be, a fantastic lover so far, with an extremely skilled tongue. The man knew just what to do and where to go, eating you out like a starved man.

His tongue swirls over your sensitive bud, earning the most sinful moans from you, making himself grow harder in his boxers. The way he satisfied your desire made your mind hazy and foggy with lust.

Seonghwa lifted your legs over his shoulders for even better access and your moans only grew louder and louder as Seonghwa explored your hole with his wet muscle.

"Oh babe, fuck, Hwa, that's so good," you moaned out. He worked you up enough before focussing entirely on abusing your clit, roughly swirling his tongue and sucking on it until you felt your sweet release coming up, clit pulsating under Seonghwa's tongue.

"Your tongue's so good! S-so good I'm gonna cum on it baby, gonna cum on your tongue!" You cried out. Your legs trembled, your body tensing as Seonghwa worked you through your first orgasm of the night. The man cleaned you up without touching your sensitive clit, making sure not to overstimulate you as you came down from your high.

After few minutes or you regaining your breath and Seonghwa caressing and kissing your body you properly calmed down and switched positions. You now positioned yourself between Seonghwa's legs as you pulled his underwear down, revealing his rigid cock.

"Hmm, that looks good," you smirked as you peppered kisses over his shaft. He bit his lip to keep from smiling as you admired his member. Your tongue ran from the underside of his dick up to the tip, making Seonghwa whine softly.

You took his cock into your mouth and sucked on it, bobbing your head up and down. You couldn't help but moan around his length as Seonghwa moaned too. You always loved it when a man was confident and not afraid to get vocal during sex.

"Fuck, baby, take it just like that," he moaned out when you nearly swallowed his entire dick in your mouth. "T-that's so good," he cried out. When you felt him buck his hips up into your mouth you held his hips down tightly and let his cock out of your mouth with a pop.

Before he could protest you already dipped your head down lower, licking his balls and coating them with spit. It wasn't enough to make him cum but the way you licked and sucked his balls made his cock leak pre-cum, thick droplets rolling down the head.

"Fuck, love the way you take my balls baby, god, that's good," he moaned out. You kept working on his balls for a few more minutes before deepthroating his cock, making him moan loudly. His length twitched in your mouth, informing you that he was going to cum any moment now.

You kept going, eager to swallow Seonghwa's cum, and so you did. The salty seeds landed in your throat and on your tongue. You smirked as you got off his cock again and swallowed all that he gave you. "Fuck, you are amazing... let me pleasure you again, baby," he panted out. "What if we both pleasure each other then?" You proposed, to which he agreed.

You laid down, gesturing him to get on top. The common and easier way would be the other way around, but something about having to work for it, reach up to swallow his cock made something tingle inside your body.

As the considerate man that he was Seonghwa held his hips up at first when he went down on you, not wanting to overwhelm you with his cock. You weren't like that though, pulling him down immediately, swallowing his half-hard cock into your mouth.

The way it slowly grew bigger and thicker in your mouth made you moan as Seonghwa kept licking your clit. He moaned on your pussy as you took all of him in your mouth, sucking roughly on it. Eventually you felt yourself run out of air so you took the base of his cock in your hands and pulled your face away from it.

You pulled Seonghwa's hips down and licked a stripe from his balls to his puckering hole, making him gasp and tense up. You did it again when you realised he kept working on your clit and he moaned on your sex again, hot breath panning over your pussy.

He clenched down on nothing when your tongue played with his rim but he pulled away of you soon enough. "I need to fuck you now or I think I'll die," he said dramatically, making you laugh. You laid him down and got on top of him. "Don't die just yet, I'll take you to paradise, you just wait."

With those words you sank down on his cock, letting him fill your cunt up entirely, making you let out a long moan. "O-Oh God, Hwa," you whined softly as you adjusted to the stretch. He grunted as you moved your hips, slowly grinding your hips on him.

He moaned out your name as he rested his hands on your ass, making you grind your pussy on his cock. "Yeah, just like that baby, ride my fucking cock," he moaned.

"Your cock feels so fucking good in my pussy, Seonghwa, such a good fucking cock, oh God," you moaned, throwing your head back. Seonghwa seemed to be able to hold himself back really well, letting you build up your pleasure and letting you decide the pace.

Funny enough, that only made you more stimulated. You were in charge and he was not the type to cum after 10 seconds and get out. Seonghwa was a real man, letting you bounce on your cock and let yourself feel good without feeling pressured to orgasm.

Your moans grew louder and your body moved automatically. You were sure this was the best sex you've ever had; feeling so comfortable and free, combined with the prettiest man and prettiest cock you'd ever seen.

"S-slow down, baby, I'll cum," he suddenly grunted after a minute or five. You stopped your movements and panted out, not even realizing you'd been riding him so hard. You pulled up his legs and made him wrap them around your waist. "Hold them like that," you ordered him.

Your hands rested on Seonghwa's knees as you started bouncing on his cock again. Seonghwa moaned and winced, crossing his ankles behind your back to keep himself in the new position you introduced to him. "Are you a fucking kamasutra goddess or what?" He breathed out as your moans grew louder.

This position made him reach even better inside you and gave you even more control. You couldn't help but laugh at his remark and roll your eyes.

You leaned back slightly and fucked yourself harder on his cock. "Fuck, I cannot hold back much longer, Y/N," He cried out, brows furrowed.

"Yeah? You're gonna cum? Fuck, me too baby, I'm gonna cum on your cock as you cum inside me. You're gonna fill me up nicely right, Hwa? Gonna breed my little pussy?" You moaned out, speeding up.

"Yes, yes God, gonna fucking breed that pussy, breed that pussy, g-gonna breed that-"

Seonghwa came with a loud, long string of moans, sending you over the edge as well. You rode out your orgasms and laid next to him, panting and recovering from your highs.

"What the hell was that position?" He laughed, "Not complaining though, it was very affective." "Mhm, I said I'd take you to paradise didn't I?"

[the-firebird69]

i looked And each and every comment is derogatory or negative. Like not like Tommy F and but his car is not the evil one and it is faster than hell and they need it and it's not a real supercar means they could make it. And the license is expired for the from the people that built it and it looks really cool and it's on a Corvette chassis which people can readily get and you can buy the lower level one you'll still do a honking fast As a matter of fact you can get used ones for around 60 grand and it's time for new body and interior i'll tell you this would make a terrific kit car and I'm looking for people who want team up and I know how to do things and Hara wants to help and the guys too and we want to make this into a kick car for older Stingray the new model and I'll tell you what the height will probably lower it a little bit the rest of the car is almost balls on except it needs an outlet for the exhaust and we'll have to go through that but this is a high tech design meaning people can make fun of it all they want but you cannot make fun of a car that can perform this well if you're into super cars. And most of these hypercars you can go up a little with her air shocks. I don't see It's a little bit of a novelty and he made it that way to get this reaction but this reaction is so poor that he could not get the car going for his own supposedly the reaction to you people have is so negative and it is about a lot of things that you are missing out on a lot of games and Trump is a winner OK he he's missed out on huge things his whole plan is going to come down around his ears because he stopped production of everything that is a work of a loser. They're the ones who built this car and they added some stupid things and it kept everyone out including them. Yeah so no flamethrowers and no extremely short intake or exhaust or whatever those are through the hood the trunk the NTA has to be inside and water tight and it is it has a special air intake system please make a note that this is high tech and it's new and nobody has it and nobody's using it this is the only car it's one prototype and the prototype was made from an image john Cena got from one of his spaceships of what he thinks is one of our cars. It's one of our cars and I designed it. Thievery and you people are so stupid and freaking rude I feel like killing you 'cause you're so **** dumb and it really doesn't mean anything that you're so stupid except that you're used for a bunch of stuff like John and Realard is going to be shortly that holy **** are you idiots and **** these people commenting should feel ashamed. The way that it's made and built now he could probably go about 1200 miles an hour safely but only for like five minutes 'cause he has to cut some holes in the back to allow air through. That he go about 4 hours but he needs high performance cooling and with that it's about 8 hours at about 800 miles an hour and none of you can do that. I feel so insulted by just being near you you're stupid is like seeping over me I got people who are complete **** people right next door and you just horrendous idiots and very mean and you don't know anything about what you're doing. And it's gonna be proving the hard way I don't wanna talk about it but boy this is gonna be great just a few more months I'm gonna be celebrating inside part of a castle things that you can't understand because you don't even understand this car. Like John Cena a lot of you think of him as a wrestler and he had the car made so you don't know who made it so what's the point it looks **** awesome. When the windows are closed. I'm going to change the windows a little if I get a hold of it I'm going to lower a little mean the top of it and make sure the chalks can be adjusted and there's only a couple more changes it needs to have a vent port a couple in the back and a tray in the bottom and that was new my tray idea other than that it's going to go it'll go faster after those mods and those are minor changes the whole design came out pretty close. It is massively fast it's a 700K

Russell

22 January, 2024

He lives down the street and I haven't seen it. Concept is interesting but the finish product...no.

[soft-for-them]

As - Spock x plus size reader

Summary: Spock is stranded on a small plant almost like earth but not quite like it. This is were he first meets you, a god like person among the grass and rose buds. This is gender neutral because I always picture Spock as queer.

A part of my 800 follower celebration, based off As by Stevie Wonder.

Comments and reblogs are much appreciated and help more people read my works.

A/N: It's short but I like it.

The bright orange sun, so close to the plant despite the dwindling temperatures, slowly moves across the sky the flickers of yellowy sunny fire clear from where Spock sits on a hill covered in lush green grass and small clumps of clovers.

The plant he is stranded on isn’t so bad.

A little while back he was able to get his communicator back working and he knows his Captain and crew are coming for him, so for now all he can do is wait.

The planet he’s on is small, according to statistic five times smaller than earth but with the expansive stretches of meadows, long tufts of yellow fauna poking out of small ponds that are scattered around and the blush pink rosebuds slowly blooming, he gets the sense that he will be ok for a while.

His mind is rest assure, his body relaxed and calm.

He may not have been raised on earth but the small planet reminds him off the small beauties the earth holds.

He likes it a lot.

It’s like the plants are growing faster on the small planet. Just this morning when his ship crashed and his communications went down the roses where mere weeds poking out the ground but now as the sun moves indicating a new day they are ready to bloom.

The sunrise, even though the mini earth is small and the sun is large enough to not fully set like you’d imagine it should, makes the the sky glow with pinks and oranges so warm that it makes Spock happy enough that being stranded here isn't so bad, at least it isn't a danger zone of a planet like he'd originally thought.

Then, with tired eyes and the sparks of new light making his eyes water, he sees it.

He sees you.

For years and years you’ve been living a peaceful and content life on this little plant you created.

Time is yet a construct for it feels like yesterday you found a galaxy with just a sun and moulded stone and space debris into the small orb you live on.

You bring life to the cold rock.

Everything from the bright rainbows that peak at midnight that burn brighter than the specks of starlight in the purple night sky.

From the oceans and rivers that mould into the mountains, waterfalls flowing down from snowy peaks into pocket of sea filled with fish and sea life.

Even to the flying dolphins and whales that say hello to you every day, that inhabit small homes of the west side of the small earth to the aquatic parrots and swallows that lay there eggs in the deepest part of the ocean.

Life thrives.

The plant was moulded from your dreams, from the stories of earth your siblings told you, from the want to live in such beautiful terrain, to live a life with the humans.

But you fellow Q siblings, all brunette with pale white skin so thin and lean with cocky grins stretching out over their faces like the tricksters they are, always judged you for your so called silliness for wanting to live such life as serine as you do now.

For you never had the pale white skin that laid flat rather your skin shines a smooth (colour) over curves of plush flesh, nor do you have the same luscious brunette hair so straight and easy, neither are your smiles cocky but they are small and warm.

If Q were to see you he’s laugh at you his little sibling, for you might be centuries old you still have a lot to learn and live for.

But as you stand on the horizon just awake from your slumber, flowing white garments hanging off your hips and shoulders, hugging every lump and bump your body has, your eyes don’t gaze to your anthropomorphic friends but rather a human like figure just like you.

Many people say that Vulcans are devoid of emotions so strong.

Spock would say they’re wrong for as he sees you walking closers with a small but kind smile on your round face he realises that the breath has been knocked out of him.

“Hello there.” Your voice brings breath back into his lungs.

His emotions run high and his face flushes green, goose bumps scatter his skin as his eye lock onto you.

Spock cannot talk, he can only look on at you.

“I see you have crashed onto my Eden.” you point out, the ship in the distance all grey and burnt compared to the colourful dreamland you stand on, “You can stay for as long as you want, dear traveller.”

Never in his life has he been so struck by a person.

Sure Spock is a stoic man, often quiet and calculated but he just cannot fathom how such beauty can be tucked away from the universe.

You’re mother nature and father time all in one, you’re the god of the small planet but you look and feel so human, you make everyone you meet hearts flutter in emotion.

Spock with all his might wonders and ponder and thinks too hard as he looks up at you.

It’s almost like fate, though he does not believe in it, placed him here to see your beauty, that somehow the universe knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed so that he could finally meet the person who stole his heart.

[vendettaparker]

Tom Holland x actress reader

Where are there in the same movie together and the cast goes out and Tom and reader really likes eachother maybe smut and after it’s really awkward between them fluff with a sprinkle of angst

Not In Love [T.H]

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: sexual themes, cursing, slight angst, probably some typos

a/n: hi hi! i’m so sorry but i don’t write smut, so i hope it’s ok that i just implied it! i will probably start writing smut in the future but for right now i find it a bit awkward for myself to write. also, sorry that this took so long to get out, i planned for this to only be like 800-1k words, and obvioulsy, it just kept going. hope this works well for you!

                             ✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

     (Y/N) (L/N) does not fuck around with co-stars. Ever since you started acting at the young age of eight, you were always told by your mom, manager, and others in the industry to avoid casual, co-star related hook ups. As your career progressed, even through puberty, you remained faithful to your vow. No mingling with co-workers in a non professional manner. Sure, some of your previous co-stars and you remained good friends, even after filming. But the main internal lesson always stayed the same: don’t fuck your co-stars. 

     In your long and glorious career, the only hindrance to your resolve was Tom fucking Holland. His stupid British charm and playful wiles always had your knees buckling and the butterflies in your stomach going haywire. And when he called you darling? In that stupid, yet honey-like accent? You were done for. 

     Tom had the absolute pleasure of working with you in The Devil All The Time. He watched all of your movies and practically grew up watching you on Disney Channel. To say he was simply starstruck would’ve been an understatement, he was enamoured. Practically in love. And when he got to know how kind and sweet you were in real life—not just on screen— he just had to turn on his British charm, just to watch you squirm. 

     Every little comment he made caused your skin to tingle. Your stance on co-star relationships had never been so harshly challenged. He would constantly call you whatever cute pet name he could think of at the time, and unluckily for you, they always seemed to just roll right off his tongue. He even went out of his way to grab you a coffee if he went out to get one, or he’d ask his brother to make sure to bring back your signature order: caramel macchiato with almond milk, two pumps of vanilla, and extra caramel drizzle. How he knew that was your go to order was a mystery to you. 

     It’s not like you didn’t retaliate with your own antics though. Sometimes during his scenes you send him a wink and a smile, just to watch him lose focus. Or maybe you’d tease him about the way he says croissant, but then also say it in the over pronounced way he does, just to bug him. On days when the sexual tension between you two was especially palpable, you’d kiss his cheeks after his scenes and say “good job, babe” or something else to rile him up. So no, you weren’t innocent in this matter at all. 

                   ✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

     This build up of tension was bound to boil over at some point. But why the fuck did it have to be during the fucking full cast and director dinner?

     You all arrived at the fancy restaurant, all 40+ of you. You sat next to Eliza and secretly hoped that Sebastian, Harry, or even Robert would take the seat next to you, anyone but Tom. He had been especially touchy that day, and you knew if he continued his ministrations, especially under the cover of a table, your resolve would surely fade away. 

     Unfortunately for you, Tom practically bolted to the seat next to you. You scooted a bit closer to Eliza, who nudged your shoulder playfully. 

     “You should just give in.” She stated, smirking the whole time. “Look at him, poor thing just wants some love and attention.” she giggled, nodding her head to where Tom was whispering with Harry on the other side of him. 

     “Stop it, you’re insufferable.” You rolled your eyes, but still smiled at the joking banter. 

     “(Y/N), hon, he’s one of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood right now, and he wants you.” Eliza pinched your makeup covered cheek, “you’re telling me you don’t wanna just jump in his pants? Do you not find him hot or something?” 

     You smacked her hand away, “No, I do find him attractive, I just d—”

     “Find who attractive, love?” Tom interrupted, smirking at the comment he heard. No, he didn’t know for sure you were talking about him, but one can hope. 

     “Nobody,” you dismissed, “I was just telling Eliza here that I think her dog is cute, right Eliza?” 

     “Sure.” She mumbled, rolling her eyes dramatically, then winking directly at Tom, just out of your view. 

     “Ah, I see.” He chuckled, “Yes, you find her dog attractive then?” 

     “No!” You defended, red faced from being backed into a hole, “I didn’t even use that word; you’re just hearing things.” 

     “Don’t worry, love. I find you absolutely, without a doubt, drop dead gorgeous.” Tom winked, before returning back to his conversation with Harry. 

     Eliza pinched your side, causing you to yelp. “See, I told you!” she whisper-yelled, a knowing smirk dawning her face. 

     “You didn’t tell me shit.” 

     “Ugh, whatever, you’re hopeless.” She sighed, just as the waiter was coming around to take your orders. 

     The majority of the evening went by just as simply and smoothly as possible, it was when dessert arrived that Tom stirred up trouble once again. His damned British charm made him the perfect devil in disguise.  

     “Darling, you have some cake right—” he licked his thumb before drawing it over your bottom lip, slowly, “here.” 

     He smirked at your surprised gaze and wiped the chocolate cake from your rose-painted lip. Never breaking his gaze, he drew his thumb back to his mouth and sucked on the digit, gently humming at the sweet taste of chocolate and strawberry lip gloss that flooded onto his tongue. This bitch. 

     You cleared your throat and ceased your—more than obvious— gawking. He wasn’t going to win this time. You sat quietly, smirking as he watched your every move, simply waiting for retaliation. And it came soon enough, when you knocked your water off the table into his lap, on accident, of course. 

     He jolted up the second the cold water hit his slacks, cursing, yet still keeping that charming smirk on his lips. You immediately started the steady stream of apologies, a faux look of remorse etched on your face. The rest of the cast simply looked on, none the wiser. 

     “Oh Tom! Gosh, I am so sorry.” You stood up as well, taking the napkin from your lap and dabbing his torso where the water splashed up. “I’m just so clumsy, forgive me.” You looked up at him with false serenity in your eyes, but a devilish grin. 

     “No worries, love.” He mused, “I’m just going to go dry off in the washroom. Could use some help though; it’s the least you could do.” The rest of the cast went back to their desserts and conversation, so they failed to notice the hidden glint in Tom’s eyes or the lustful insinuation behind his request. 

     “Sure.” You smiled up at him, determined not to lose this game of cat and mouse. You followed him to the large family restroom in a dimly lit corridor. He opened the door and gestured for you to go in first. What a gentleman, hm?

     He closed the door behind him and locked it before undoing the buttons on his dress shirt and removing it. His toned torso also damp with freezing droplets of ice water. 

     You sucked in a shaky breath, taking in his less than professional, disheveled look. “You gonna come help me, princess?” He reached for paper towels and grabbed a handful, dabbing the wet spot on his lap, right over his crotch. 

     “I—um, sorry,” you snapped out of it. Following his movements, doing the same but to his wet torso. 

     “You’re okay, love.” He looked at you, the close proximity of your bodies creating the most delicious heat in the bathroom. Tom leaned in slightly, just until your noses were brushing against one another. “Though, I’ll admit, the fact that you're not giving me an apology kiss right now, makes this a little less than okay.”

     You didn’t even process your actions completely, the second those words left his mouth yours lips were on his. You held his face in your hands, rough passion seeping through your entire body, and he was just the same. He kissed you fervently, holding your waist with one arm and the back of your head with his opposite hand, tangling his fingers into your hair. The tension and desire that had been building up for almost as long as you’ve known him finally boiling over. 

     Tom gingerly inched his hand up the side of your leg, under your dress. 

     “Wait, wait,” you pulled away, breathlessly, “we need to get back, they’re probably wondering where we are.” 

     Tom was about to concede when a knock rang through the room. 

     “Hey guys,” It was Eliza, “Seb paid for all of us, so we’re gonna head out. Take your time! Oh, and use protection!” You could practically hear the smirk on her face.  

     Tom stopped your little scowl by returning his attention to kissing you, “How lucky are we?” he mused, repositioning his hands, starting to fumble with the zipper of your dress. 

                   ✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

     The next Monday at work was hell. You spent the whole weekend internalizing your little rendezvous in the bathroom. Tom texted you nearly fourteen times over the two day break period where you didn’t see each other, and you ignored every single one of them. The first ones were simple ‘hey’s’, ‘hi’s’, and ‘good morning’s’, but they soon progressed to show Tom’s concern over you not responding. The last message being, 

Tom: I hope you know, I don’t regret it, but I’m sorry if you do.

     You didn’t mean to ghost him, but your feelings were so confusing. You liked him and the things he did to you. But you had a code. And maybe the ‘don’t date your co-worker’ was a bit old school and shitty, but you’d been able to stick to it for this long and your work has never been better. Then again, all your previous boyfriends have been assholes; constantly upset over how busy your schedule was. Maybe a fellow actor would be more understanding? 

     The second you arrived to set Harry was on your ass. 

     “(Y/N), hey!” He called to you from the snack table where he was talking with Tom. You gave him a small smile and wave, but proceeded to your makeup chair. He motioned for you to join them, but you waved your hand in dismissal and gave him an apologetic look. Whether or not you regretted your night with Tom, you were absolutely not ready to confront it just yet. However, you didn’t miss the disappointed look on Tom’s face or the way Harry gave his brother a reassuring shoulder squeeze. 

     Harry even came up to you asking how your weekend was and if you were busy or not, no doubt trying to gauge your mood for Tom. You were friends with Harry so you didn’t mind talking to him, but when it was becoming apparent that you weren't giving much away as far as how you were feeling, Harry resorted to more ‘less than subtle’ questions. 

     “So… are you seeing anyone, currently?” He asked, playing with his fingers, the question struck you as extremely off-putting, especially since Harry said it with little to no confidence, like he really didn’t want to be asking that. 

     “Why? Are you trying to ask me out?” You teased. Watching him squirm was almost as fun as when it was Tom. 

     “No! No, I mean— I’m not opposed, you’re very pretty—no wait, I don’t mean it like that, I just—uh, I think you look nice, but not too nice—I’m gonna go.” Harry painfully stuttered out. Cursing under his breath as he walked away, back to where Tom was standing, watching on. These idiots were the most obvious divs in the whole world. 

     After you finished with your stylist, you were ready to start running lines for your scene. You have the majority of your scenes with Tom, so as per usual, you were acting opposite him. As the director was explaining how he wanted the scene to go, Tom kept glancing over at you, raising his eyebrows a bit, obviously wanting to clear the air. 

     The scene went by fine, but it was clear to many of the people around you that you were not on the top of your game today. It even got to the point where the director needed to ask if you needed a break. You said you didn’t and persisted. The scene was finally done to perfection, but it took almost double the amount of time it usually would for you. 

     Tom noticed you struggling the most and couldn’t help but feel guilty. He was quick to give you words of encouragement between takes, but you only responded with a quick ‘thanks’ and moved on. 

     When lunch time came around, the caterers were all set up and prepared on a different part of the lot. You quickly made your way over, running into Eliza on the way. 

     “Oh, hey (Y/N)!” she beamed at you. “Did you finish your scene?”

     “Yeah, are you going to set right now?” 

     “Mhm, I’m shooting the scene at the church with Robert.” 

     “Well, good luck.” You smiled at her, about to move along when she grabbed your wrist. 

     “Wait, did something happen between you and Tom? He’s at the lunch table moping, even Seb is trying to cheer him up.” 

     “Um well no, I mean, maybe? I don’t know, I guess I’ve been avoiding him a bit.” You shrug, now not really wanting to go to lunch, but you know you have to. If you don’t show up then it’d be all too clear to Tom that you were definitely avoiding him. 

     “Oh, well, maybe just talk to him?” Eliza comfortably put a hand on your shoulder before walking away to set. 

     You continued to the lunch set up, seeing club sandwiches, soups, and cupcakes set up. You grabbed what you wanted and went to sit by Tom and everyone else. Yeah, you may have been avoiding him, but you didn’t want to make it that painstakingly obvious. 

     As soon as you sat down, Tom put his arm around you like he always did when you had lunch together. Only this time you stiffened up, not because you hated it, but because the action felt so different after what you both had done, it felt like it meant more. Tom noticed, of course, and removed his arm, frowning. 

     “Can I talk to you, (Y/N/N)?” he whispered to you, the rest of the table in their own little world, too caught up in their interactions to notice yours. 

     “Um, sure,” you mumbled in response, “but maybe when I have free time later? I’m just really hungry right now.” you gave him a small smile, trying to keep up the amicability. 

     He nodded and continued his conversation with Seb, who looked completely uninterested, but still continued responding since he could tell Tom was feeling shitty about something. 

     Later that evening, the entire cast had a one hour break since the next scene they wanted to shoot needed to be done at night and it wasn’t dark yet. That’s when Tom took you to his trailer to talk. 

     “Look, (Y/N), I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I can’t help but feel like you’re avoiding me.” He stated, once the door was shut and you were already seated on his couch. 

     “I’m not.” 

     “But you are. I can tell. You didn’t talk to me at all today, even when I made a joke that I knew you’d have the perfect come back to.” He sat next to you, but kept more of a distance than usual.

      “I don’t have to talk to you, Tom. You can’t rely on me to keep you entertained.” You rolled your eyes, annoyed that you’d been caught. 

      “That’s not what I’m saying, (Y/N), and you know it.” Tom pointed a finger at you, equally annoyed now. 

     “Fine, so what if I was avoiding you? You’re a grown man, you can handle rejection can’t you?” You spat. The argument was quickly becoming more heated. If there was one thing you hated the most in the world, it was being called out, especially if you knew you were in the wrong. 

     “What the fuck is your problem today?” Tom asked, exasperated at how defensive you got so quickly. 

     “Tom, I’m sorry, but I don’t do this,” you motioned between the two of you, “I don’t do the cliche Hollywood, sleeps around, one night stand scenario, so back off.” 

     “So you regret it.” Tom looked down, trying to keep his emotions at bay. He really did like you, but maybe it was naive of him to assume that sleeping together would open the door to something more. 

     “No, I just—it shouldn’t have happened. I liked it, but I’m not that type of girl. I’m a relationship type of person. I never wanted to be another girl for you to mark down on your list of possible hook ups.” You sighed. Tom wasn’t necessarily notorious for random hookups, but he was a famous actor who just so happened to also be single. It was hard to not go there with your thoughts, so in your mind, you had him pegged. 

     “I’m a relationship person too, though. I wanted all of this. All of you.” Tom inched closer, gingerly taking your hands in his. “I may have gone about it wrong, I should’ve asked you out first or something.” 

     “Tom, stop.” 

     “No, (Y/N), because you’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t flirt with you or spend time with you just to get in your pants.” Tom pulled you closer. “I surrounded myself with you because I wanted you. And I think you want me too.”

     You looked in his eyes, searching for any sign of insincerity, small as it might be, but Tom was being the most sincere he could possibly be. Tom cautiously leaned closer, just wanting one more kiss, even if it was the last. However, you were the one that took the final plunge and pulled him in, kissing him. You both moved together so fluidly, like you were made for each other. 

     When you did pull apart, Tom was the one to break the silence, “So does that mean you like me or…” 

     “I kissed you, didn’t I?” 

[hangovercurse]

Don’t Be Sorry

In which Y/N’s past catches up to her... and Colson

Reader x Colson Baker

Warnings: Abuse (Graphic), cursing, violence.

A/N: Seriously, it gets detailed. If you are uncomfortable with domestic abuse/ violence then this is not the fic for you. If you are a victim of abuse, there are resources available for you. The National Domestic Violence Support Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 

Word Count: 2352

masterlist

“To good music and good friends” Colson shouted over the noise of the crowd. The group raised their glasses in a toast before downing the shot. “Now let’s fuckin party!” 

It was your first time out in a while. You liked to pretend it was because you were too busy. I have a job outside of writing music with you, you would always remind the older boy. But truthfully, you weren’t as attached to the party scene as your friends and did whatever you could to avoid them. 

But when Colson asked, well begged, you to go out with them to celebrate finishing Hotel Diablo you couldn’t say no. Colson’s face when you said yes almost made you excited. Almost.

But now on the crowded rooftop of a club you’d never been to in an outfit that was all too tight and all too short, you wished you’d made up an excuse to stay home. Luckily your friends made you forget your unease. 

“Y/N, watch me drink both of these beers in 10 seconds!” Rook shouted, holding two bottles in his hands. You laughed, shaking your head slightly at his antics and pulling out your phone to time him. 

“Ok, go.” You said as he brought the bottles up to his mouth, chugging both in an astounding 9.75 seconds. “Dude that’s insane.” You showed him the timer and he cheered, dragging you to the bar. 

“I’m getting you a drink, whaddyu want?” Rook asked as he waved down the bartender. “Rum and coke?” He questioned, knowing your order by heart at this point.

“How’d you guess.” You asked with a smile on your face. 

“It’s a talent.” Rook laughed, arms flailing as he bowed dramatically. 

The pair of you got your drinks and returned to your group in the middle of the dance floor. When you got back Slim dramatically held out his hand for you to dance with him, and you guys jumped around to the music. 

The drink in your veins made you a little more comfortable. it wasn’t enough to get you into any trouble, just enough to loosen you up for a good time. As the group laughed at AJ’s terrible dance moves, you felt a chill come over the room. 

As the rest of your friends smiled and laughed, you looked around the dance floor, trying to find anything, or anyone, out of place. Unfortunately for you, you were much shorter than the men around you, so you couldn’t see much. 

Colson noticed you weren’t really with the group, and he followed your gaze around the room, leaning in close to you. “Everything ok?” He asked.

“Yeah, I just have this weird feeling.” 

He laughed, “drink too much?” 

You gave him a pointed look and then chuckled to signify you were joking. “No, I just, I don’t know how to explain it. I just have a bad feeling about something.” 

“Ok, well just don’t leave my side. I’ll keep you safe.” He winked at you and you rolled your eyes, but you appreciated the sincerity in his statement. 

Colson and you had been friends for years, but after your last relationship ended... roughly (to put it nicely), he let you stay at his place for a while until you got back on your feet. Since then you’d gotten closer to the tattooed man and come to trust him implicitly. 

You refocused on your friends, watching Pete and Baze racing pints of beers, with Baze winning (for obvious reasons). You laughed as Pete hung his head in shame. He scrunched his nose at you. “I don’t see you chugging anything.” 

This only made you laugh harder, “I don’t think what you were doing is considered “chugging.”” You made air quotes as he put on a mock hurt expression. 

“Y/N’s up next!” Slim shouted and your eyes went wide. 

“Oh hell no, man. I leave that shit up to you guys.” You smiled as he shook his head profusely. 

“Nope, you gotta do it. Rook’s already getting the beer.”

You hung your head, knowing there was no arguing with Slim. “Fine, but I’m gonna lose and then I’m gonna be mad. So if I’m mad, its your fault.” You shook your head as the boys howled. 

Rook came back with two beers in his hand, handing you one. “I’ll give you a head start.” Slim smiled.

“Fuck no, man.” You said before bringing the beer to your lips, chugging the drink. Slim was taken off guard and ended up starting a few seconds after you, which was all the advantage you needed. 

You raised your hands in victory as AJ picked you up in celebration, the boys cheering for you as Slim hung his head. Once you landed back on your feet, Rook threw his arm around your shoulders, “Y/N is the fuckin bomb.” 

You loved this feeling, you loved being surrounded by your friends who loved you. You giggled as he leaned into you, making you stumble under his weight. 

“Oh look, Y/Ns surrounded by all her little man-whores.” His voice sobered you up instantly and made every bone in your body tense up. You looked up to Colson for support, but he was already focused on the man behind you. 

“Not even gonna look at me, damn. You’re really that much of a bitch, huh? Not even gonna say hi?” His voice was like poison in your veins. Every word he spoke reminded you of the last time you saw him. You subconsciously reached up to your neck, rubbing your throat.

“Get the fuck away from her dude.” Colson said shortly. You tried to catch his eye. You wanted to beg him not to make a scene, to just take your hand and leave. But it was too late for that. 

“And who the fuck are you?” Jason, your ex-boyfriend, moved towards Colson and into your view. You flashed back to the night in his living room, his back facing you just like it was now, before he turned around and-

Luckily, Rook’s hand squeezing your shoulder pulled you from your thoughts. You turned to look at him, his head cocked and his eyes questioning. You simply shook your head at him. You looked back to Colson who was seething. You caught Pete’s eye behind him and mouthed, we need to leave.

Pete nodded, grabbing Colson’s arm lightly, but the blond only shook off his friends grasp. 

“Hey, there’s this really cool music store down the street that’s still open, we should go check it out.” AJ said, his eyes trained on you. Thank god for AJ.

“Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.” Pete said, “Colson let’s go check it out.” 

You could see Jason’s face change when he figured out who the blond man was. “Yeah, Colson, why don’t you take your bitch and get out of here.”

“Don’t fucking call her that.” Colson moved closer to him and your eyes widened in fear. 

“What? A bitch? That’s what she is, a slutty fucking bitch.” With every word, Jason moved closer to your friend until the two men were almost touching. Tears stung your eyes as you flashed back again. 

“You stupid fucking whore. Who the fuck do you think you are? Fucking around with some asshole rapper! Did you forget you fucking belong to me?”

His words still rang in your mind. You could feel your body begin to shut down, your lungs gasping for breath just like they had that day. 

You were brought back to reality by the screams of protest as Colson pushed your ex-boyfriend away from him, causing Jason’s fist to make contact with Colson’s jaw. 

“You think you can get away with making me look like an idiot? I’m your fucking boyfriend, not him.”

Jason’s fist made contact with your left cheek and your knees failed to hold you up. The man caught you before you hit the ground, leaning forward to pin you against the wall behind you. 

“Y/N, c’mon, let’s go.” Rook’s arm fell to the small of your back as he escorted you through the crowd, Slim following you. You made your way down the stairs, the two boys helping to support your weight. 

“I’m gonna make you remember who you belong to.” 

Jason pinned your arms above your head as he pressed you further into the wall. His free hand made its way up your chest to your throat. His soft grasp turned into a squeeze around your neck. 

“Jason please-”

You tried to talk, but few words could come out. You struggled for air as his eyes grew darker and darker. 

“You think you can go and fuck around with whoever you want, don’t you?”

You shook your head, but he continued.

“You’re a goddamn slut, and you need to learn your lesson.” 

Your vision began to blur.

“Y/N, you okay?” You came back to reality to find yourself in the alley between the club and the neighboring building. Slim was standing in front of you, Rook to your side as you leaned against the wall behind you. 

You shook your head in response and he let out a sigh. Suddenly the door slammed open and you flinched at the noise. 

“I’m gonna fucking kill him.”

“I’m gonna fucking kill you.”

You kneed Jason as a last resort before you lost consciousness, and now you were running through the house. You ran into the bathroom, locking the door behind you and pulling your phone from your pocket, not even noticing the new crack in the screen. You searched for the first name you could think of.

“Colson?”

“Colson, take a breath, man!” AJ yelled as he followed the tall blond man outside. 

Colson was pacing a few feet away from you as you tried to focus on breathing, your hand subconsciously reaching for your neck again, as if you were trying to pry his invisible hand off of you. 

Pete moved in front of you, taking in your state of fear. Other than Colson, Pete was the only one who had any idea about your ex. He didn’t know the whole story, only that it ended violently. 

“Hey, you okay?” He asked, keeping his distance as he leaned against the other wall across from you. 

You sniffled and wiped your face, nodding quickly as you realized most of your friends- save for Baze and Colson- were watching you. “Sorry guys- he’s just an ex. He’s kind of an asshole.” 

“Really kid? We couldn’t tell.” AJ tried to joke, and you cracked a small smile, trying to convince them you were ok. 

Your breathing started to slow, and you felt yourself coming down from your panicked state, until you caught Colson’s fist making contact with the wall of the club.  

“Open this fucking door bitch!”

Jason’s fists beat against the door- the only thing standing between you and him.

“He’s gonna kill me Cols. I’m so scared.”

Your sobs rang through the phone as the banging intensified. 

“He can’t save you now, bitch! Not such a big man now, are ya? Colson!”

“Colson!” Baze berated the blond man, who recoiled in pain. “Get your shit together, bro.” He said, quieter.

Colson looked up at his friend and then past him to meet your eyes. His blue orbs softened at the tears in yours. “I’m so sorry, Y/N.” He whispered, walking over to you. 

He leaned forward against the wall you already occupied, his arms above your head as his head drooped down to watch you. You looked up at him, your hand reaching up to touch his face where Jason had made contact. 

He flinched when your skin met his, causing you to jerk your hand back, afraid he would yell at you for hurting him. 

“It’s okay, I was just surprised is all.” He whispered before grabbing your hand and bringing it back up to his chin. You ran your fingers over the forming bruise lightly, another tear falling from your eyes. 

“I’m so sorry.” You whispered. “I didn’t think he’d- I didn’t know...” You trailed off, looking down and dropping your hand from Colson’s face. 

“Hey, hey, hey.” He moved one hand to gently tilt your face up, leaning down to be closer to you, “Look at me. This was not your fault. Okay? You don’t need to be sorry for anything, babe. You did nothing wrong.” 

“I just- if I hadn’t called you that night-”

“You wouldn’t be here. Y/N if you hadn’t called me you could’ve been seriously hurt. He could’ve killed you.” 

You took a shaky breath in, sniffling. Colson sniffled too. “Y/N, this is nothing, okay? I would take a thousand more punches like this if it means that douchebag never comes near you again. I mean it. Don’t blame yourself for this, okay?” You nod, reaching your arms up to wrap around his neck as you bury your head into his shoulder, your nose pressed against his neck. 

His arms wrapped around you and you could hear his sniffles in your ear as his lips pressed against your hair. “Thank you.” You mumble into his neck, pressing your lips against the hot skin. 

“Hey! Get the fuck out of here! This isn’t some fucking party you can photograph. Fuck off with your cameras!” Pete yelled, causing you to release Colson and look towards the commotion. You briefly see a figure in the distance before a white flash blinds you. 

“Fuckin paps.” Colson whispered, his arms still wrapped around your waist. 

“Let’s get outta here, guys.” Slim says, leading everyone back into the club to leave through the back door. Colson interlocked your hand with his as you stepped into the building, keeping you as close to him as possible as you squeezed your way through the crowd. 

Once you loaded yourselves into the van, you leaned your head on Colson’s shoulder, your hands still interlocked. “Can I stay at yours tonight?” You asked in a whisper. Colson simply pressed a kiss to your forehead, his hand leaving yours to wrap around you and pull you closer to him.  

[heresathreebee]

Every Little Step (two)

[The Killing Stephen Holder X Reader] 

Summary: Stephen finds you falling off the wagon. Previous Masterlist Next

Tags: 17+ | ~800 words | swearing, alcoholism, mentions of child rearing, child custody fight, reader's a sad bitch ok.

AN: unedited/ no beta. I have some up close and personal experience with one type of alcoholic so don't call me out on addict characteristic inaccuracies, this is based on the behavior of a specific person

Against his better judgement (more like despite his busy schedule), Stephen stops by your apartment later in the day and knocks on your door. Minutes pass and he feels like a jackass standing there until he hears you stumbling your way up the stairs behind him. You point at him with a bottle of jack and laugh. 

"Hey!,” you sing, “don’t I know you!" 

You are... a strange sight to see... 

Stephen is stumped. This morning, you were red eyed with despair. Now you're… well, you're drunk off your ass is what you are! At least your clothes were dry...

Stephen shifts his feet. "The hell are you doing?" 

"'m celebrating." You fumble around for your keys but you can't fit your bottle laden hand in your pocket and refuse to put it down.

Stephen plucks the dangling keys from your pocket after watching you struggle and unlocks the door for you. "What are you celebrating?" 

You hum but don't answer (obviously because it's a lie, you have nothing to celebrate). Stephen enters the apartment behind you, worried you'd lose your clumsy footing and collide with some furniture in a fatal fall. He helps you out of your raincoat and kneels down to take your boots off. You hum again above him and thread your fingers through his hair but he ignores you. 

He's angry at you– why is he angry with you? He wonders if this is how Sarah felt when she found him fallen off the wagon. He didn't know if he should hug you or scream at you. 

"You're good." He pats your hip and locks down as you stumble out of your shoes. The bottle falls to the floor and cracks but doesn't shatter. You don't even seem to notice, too busy trying to keep your balance. God you must be fucked up… 

He tosses you over his shoulder and you go with a whoop and giggle. Stephen prays you don't puke down his back and finds your bedroom quickly. There's a haphazard pile of AA tokens on your nightstand… 

Stephen changes his hold on you and lays you down atop your comforter. "On your side, champ, can't have you drown." 

You make him do all the work of turning you on to your side and he tries unsuccessfully not to use your buttocks as a hand hold. Once you're settled he pulls a throw blanket over you and tucks you in. 

The sheen from a picture frame catches his eye. "That your girl?" 

Your glazed eyes capture his and you nod. "That picture is two years old…" 

Stephen doesn't like it when your chin wrinkles and your eyes fill with tears immediately. He rubs his hand over your back hoping it helps but the tears still fall and drench your pillow. You take big, gasping breaths as you try to cry quietly despite your apparent drunken stupor, you're still fighting to maintain your dignity. He resists the urge to shush you and just lets you get it all out, sitting on your bed feeling utterly useless. 

You quiet after a time and go completely lax, face expressionless and hollow just like when you walked in to work this morning. "She doesn't even remember me now…" 

"That's not…" but Stephen doesn't know– it is true? How often have you been allowed to see your kid? How old was she now? Four? Five? "I'm sure it's… fuck it, I don't know anything…" 

You've been quiet for too long. Stephen checks to make sure you're still breathing and finds you asleep. He wishes he knew how much you drank because he's worried now about leaving you alone. He looks back at the picture of you and your child. 

She's a baby baby. Biggish, he guesses, her hair is wild and she’s smiling with all four of her teeth. In the photo, she has your bottom lip in her ferociously tight grasp but despite that, you are smiling like you couldn't wish to be anywhere else in the world. You're shiny with sweat and wearing a sports bra… no wait, the bra has cups attached to it. 

You cough and startle him– you're awake again. "What you wearin' in this?" 

He holds the photo up to your face so you can see without moving. "...breast pump." 

Stephen makes a noise in the back of his throat. "OkaY. She cute. Look just like you. How old…" 

He looks back to find you out cold again. Stephen brushes stray hair from your face and put the photo back on the nightstand before leaving to find Linden.  

~

Stephen checked in on you later in the day. You had rolled over away from the window but were still on your side. He noticed the water glass he left was untouched and checked your pulse to make sure you weren't a stiff. Sarah waited outside your door with a smile on her face. 

"What's that look for?" 

She shrugged. "Just cute is all. You taking care of her." 

"Yeah well, some people need a little love when they get kicked down." He scratches at his scruff and locks your door behind him hoping you'll stay put. "Let's go. I'll check on her again later." 

"I bet you will." 

"Shuddup."

[mylifeisactuallyamess]

So @wasicskosgirl here is my one shot from your 800 Followers celebration list. I didn’t think I’d be able to write it and I started and restarted this so many times ending with this little creation!

‘Who did this to you!’ ‘Promise me that if I tell you, you won’t go after them.’

Modern!Poe Dameron x Reader

Warnings: mention of hospitals, drug mention and accident mention, swearing, mention of marriage, fluff? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Huge grey storm clouds roiled across the sky as fierce winds battered the car park you stumbled through, the rain pelted down onto you as you dived through the glass doors that opened. You shook your coat out, spraying large water drops all over the floor as you tried to drag your soaking hair out of your eyes. You’d had a phone call to come as quickly as possible but it had still taken you forever in this weather. You marched through the next set of doors into the emergency department, people were everywhere as they wandered aimlessly around, your eyes searched the area in desperation even though you knew he wouldn’t be in here. You joined a queue for the desk, your heart beating as you counted the amount of people waiting before you.

Too many, too many people…

You rattled your car keys loudly drawing the glare of the person in front as you fidgeted. You just couldn't stay still as the line shuffled forward slightly.

‘Come on, come on!’ You whispered angrily, glaring at the hideous plain white walls. You hated hospitals, the smell, the colour it just reeked of death to you and you avoided them at all costs. Of course he’d drag you here.

‘Hello I’m looking for Poe Dameron, I was told he was here!’ You gasped finally reaching the dividing glass.

‘Are you family?’ She asked without interest.

‘Yes, I’m his wife!’ You tried not to snap, you tried not to think they should already know that but your nerves were frayed. You tapped your foot impatiently as the clerk slowly went through the records on her computer screen.

‘He’s down the hall, third bay on the right.’ You didn’t even say thanks you just left, making your way down the halls that all looked the same as you tried to listen out for his rich voice, your eyes counted the bays. All the curtains were closed and you hesitated not wanting to burst into the wrong section. You looked around for a member of staff but saw no one and you felt a flare of anger as you spun on the spot wondering where the hell everyone was? Then you heard him, a groan reached your ears and you knew it was him. You carefully twitched the curtain catching a glimpse of his curly hair. You slipped into the bay, casting your worried gaze over his broken form as he coughed slightly.

‘Jesus Poe!!’ You hissed rushing to his side as you took in his bruised face. ‘What happened to you?’

‘Oh heeeey,’ he whispered, his eyes widening slightly as he focussed on you but you could tell he was groggy, clearly they’d given him something to help with his pain.

‘Who did this to you?’ Your hands shook as you reached for him but you weren’t sure where to touch him without causing pain.

‘Promise me that if I tell you, you won’t go after them!’

‘What the…just tell me what happened!’ He tried to sit up but his efforts were futile as he just seemed to sink deeper into the bedding and he stopped with a loud sigh.

‘It was the neighbour's cat!’ You paused as you tried to digest his words.

‘I’m sorry, the neighbour's cat? Benji?’

‘Little shit was on the roof,’ he groaned as he moved against the bed again. ‘She came knocking on the door, the old biddy...’

‘Mrs Marsden?’

‘Yeah her...white hair was flying in the wind…’

‘Jesus Christ Poe, tell me you didn’t get up that ladder in this weather? Is that what happened? It wasn’t the cat, it was you!’

‘No no, definitely the cat,’ he grumbled as he tried to pull his shirt down. ‘Look, fucker scratched me. Fell off the ladder, landed in,’ he took a sharp breath in as he closed his eyes in pain. ‘Fell in the tree, fucking hurt.’ You put a hand over your mouth, you weren’t so worried anymore, now you’d seen him and heard him talking the panic had finally died down to be replaced with amusement. ‘Are you, laughing?’ You closed your eyes as you tried to subdue the laughter bubbling up inside you but it began to burst from you and he frowned. ‘You’re laughing at me?’ You sniggered loudly at his offended tone. ‘My own wife laughing at my misfortune!’

‘I’m sorry!’ You managed to gasp out. He grabbed his pillow, feebly throwing it at you as he hissed in pain. ‘Poe Dameron you are such an idiot!’ You said softly putting his pillow back behind him, his brown eyes locked with yours and his hand gripped onto your arm.

‘But I’m your idiot,’ he mumbled. You gently swept his disheveled curls off his forehead, feeling how soft they were entwined in your fingers as you brought your face close to his.

‘Yeah you are,’ you leaned forward kissing his forehead breathing in his comforting scent as you did.

‘I couldn’t leave it crying on the roof,’ his dark eyes were wide as he stared imploring up at you and you smiled, realising you couldn’t love this man anymore than you already did.

‘It’s ok,’ you whispered. ‘We’ll just send her the medical bill.’ He snorted with laughter and instantly tensed up in pain as it shot through his body.

‘You’re a mean one Mrs Grinch,’ he groaned as he laced his fingers with yours giving you a reassuring squeeze.

‘Yeah well, I get mean when my husband is in pain.’

‘I’ll be alright,’ he mumbled, his eyes getting heavy.

‘I know. I know you will.’ You watched as finally he slipped into sleep, still holding your hand tightly.

You were definitely going to have words with that damn cat.

[3wisellamas]

OK KO Cast on the Infinity Train:

KO doesn't think he has any issues, that he's a happy, well-adjusted kid -- but then he gets on the train with a number in the high 400s and he's just like "What." He might be able to repress his negative emotions and hide them from himself, but there's no hiding them from the train!

Enid's number is pretty damn high with her identity and trust problems, though at least she gets through those pretty early. She might actually be the one who, if she meets up with any of her friends, would actually put in the work to get her exit first, but refuse to take it until the others got theirs as well.

Rad would literally just start out at, like, 35 or something, since like Jesse his main problems are his shitty friends and his need to be A Man. But, he'd take FOREVER to bring it down even to 34! Less because he's not willing to better himself and acknowledge his sensitive side, and more he just gets distracted by a car full of cats. ;v;

Dendy just wouldn't be on the train, period. MAYBE she'd get on with, like, a 12 from going a little too far with her experiments or insecurity about her heroic-ness next to KO, but that's about it. Which is a shame, I feel like she'd really get a kick out of learning how it all worked!

Now we're getting into the good stuff: Mr Gar. His number would be QUITE high (still triple-digits though, maybe 700s?) and the instant he understood what that meant he would immediately hide it, and go into denial that he has any issues at all, causing it to slowly increase until an entire army of denizens finally smack some sense into him. Like in the actual OK KO episode that dealt with him going into an artificial game world to reduce his numeric fear level, he'd probably need a lot of help from others to be able to face his past, and deal with it in a healthy way instead of just shoving it under the rug.

Carol...I get the feeling she'd actually be pretty high too, though not as high as Gar, at least as long as we're talking about season 1-2 Carol. Like Amelia, she's got a dead boyfriend to deal with, but with the added baggage of getting pregnant with and raising his son after his death! And of course, depending on the timing, we could be talking four or five digits for season 3 post-Big Reveal Carol, or even more during the finale.

Lord Boxman would be...about average number-wise, honestly. Like 200 or so. All the train really wants is for him to say "Yeah, my whole deal with friendship and being a control freak is because I really need to move on from my friend who betrayed me all those years ago." But...he won't say that, this is Boxman we're talking about. On a mechanical, robot-controlled train. One-One better watch his back, because he's coming for him!!

The Boxbots, if they're even eligible for numbers, are for the most part gonna be very high three-digits to start out with, since being mass-produced as plaza-destroying weapons and slave labor for an abusive dad who constantly invalidates their emotions and forces them to compete for his affection makes for a pretty crappy life overall. (Specifically, I'm thinking low 900s for Ernesto, 990s or an even 1000 for Darrell, 800s for Shannon and Raymond, and maybe high 300s for both Mikayla and Jethro) But, ironically, I think they might set new records for getting their numbers down quickly? Just give these kids some patient denizens willing to show them love and teach them how to stand up for themselves and they'll be alright. ;v;

Professor Venomous will start out with numbers all the way up his arm. I have exactly zero doubt he'd be the Simon in this scenario, since the man can't face a single one of his thousands of problems to save his life. Plus...I'd think the Chrome Car would be particularly rough for him if he happened to pass through it, which we know he totally will. Getting off the train, if he even ever does, will NOT be easy.

Fink probably gets a decently high number, from all of her boss' secrets she's had to keep, like around 250 I'd guess, but she just doesn't care. This is a train where literally anything can happen, and she is GOING to cause problems on purpose! :3

Foxtail's number is HIGH. Though she'd likely figure things out and seek to bring it down soon enough, there's gonna be a lot of cars she just straight-up suplexes out of frustration along the way. And I'm not talking every denizen in the car, I'm talking literally disconnecting and suplexing the actual train car. Also, she'd be the one to try escaping via the Wasteland, though at least she shouldn't have too many Ghom problems (rather, they'll have problems with her!)

Elodie would REALLY depend on where you pull her from. Pre-POINT Prep arc, you're looking at a SERIOUSLY high number, that'd likely only go higher -- though I do get the feeling that, EVENTUALLY, she'd figure out that she's fucking up and try to atone, like Grace, but not before she's a train-wide celebrity just basking in it all. Post-POINT Prep-but-pre-Dark Plaza Elodie might be a little better, more willing to acknowledge she needs to work on her friendships and how she interacts with people, but she still might be a bit of a disaster at first. Season 3 Elodie would be the most willing to listen and deal with her flaws -- still a high number though, I really get the feeling she ended the show still very much a work in progress, with a lot of issues we didn't quite get to see.

Crinkly Wrinkly ends up on the train with a number of -100. He gets off by murdering someone and bringing it up to zero. One-One just shrugs and sends him on his way.

[musicallisto]

Congrats on 800 followers!! You write beautifully and deserve every one of them and a thousand more 💕🎉

For the celebration, could I get a vanilla milkshake (ship)? Of Percy Jackson or Narnia?

I'm a straight girl, INFP, enneagram 5, hufflepuff student, and daughter of Athena. I really love any kind of art, from painting, to music, to literature, to sculpture, and anything. That doesn't mean I'm good. Even tho I wish I was. I really like to write, it helps me put my thoughts and feelings in order, and words come easier when I write them down than when I try to talk. The most important thing to me are my friends, my loyalty is one of the little things I actually like about myself.

I'm really bored with my life and always wished of something more, so any kind of media that has a good story it's something I'm a fan of. I'm literally waiting just to be old enough so I can go on my own adventure and live a little.

I'm not a very affectionate person, not in a conventional way anyway, I'm not good enough with words to repeat how much people mean to me (even if they really do), and I don't like to be hugged that often, and only if they're really close to me. But I'm always there for anyone that needs me and I'll try to do the best I can to help.

I don't like small talk, I want to have long talks about everything that comes to mind, whether it is the last book you read or a random thought about the stars, or mythological creatures, or aliens, or your deepest secret or some dumb thing that happened some years ago. Whatever, but a real conversation.

Did I forget to say I'm Mexican? Lol, I speak Spanish and we're known for joking around (And it's probably that I punch someone jokingly before I hug them. Yep, not very good at expressing emotions at first. I can be WAY more open once I gained trust).

I like to take things with calm and humor, but if it's something serious I know how to take the situation seriously and give the best advice and "wise" words I can think of. My friends come looking for my advice often lol whether or not they follow it afterwards. I don't like to talk about my problems, because I don't want to worry any of my friends, and even though I could need help, I just hold it in until it passes (I should follow my own advice and talk to someone but OH WELL...)

I really don't know what else to say. I love to read, and I love musicals, and I'm trying to learn how to play guitar, and I'd like someone with good sense of humor but that I know I can trust.

Anyway, congrats again!! You're really talented and I don't know you that well but you seem like an awesome person. If you don't have time to do this, don't worry 'bout it u.u

here’s your vanilla milkshake! I only did it for percy jackson for lack of time, but I hope you enjoy your story with leo valdez all the same - it’s my reckoning you two would get along pretty well...

Leo is definitely always down for an adventure. He’s the kind of person who effortlessly makes the most boring errand into an epic, and sees the excitement in everything around him, but understands exactly what you mean when you say you want to go out there and see what life has in store for you, for real.

You’re both sitting on your bed in your bedroom - it’s not often you get a break from Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter respectively and are able to go back to your human lives, but whenever you get the chance, you seize it and enjoy the peace -, and talking about your biggest wishes and desires ...

(The conversation came naturally and flows just as organically; because Leo is a childish and excitable fool most of the time, but he understands there’s a time for everything, and he can be particularly serious and insightful when he understands it’s time for him to be)

... And you tell him all you really want in life is to go on an adventure, a real one, unpredictable like a rush of blood to the head.

“Well do I have news for you about a place called Camp Jupiter--”

“I don’t mean running from monsters or fulfilling prophecies... I want to see the world with my friends by my side and live beautiful things. One day, when I’m old enough.”

“Who says you aren’t old enough right now?”

“I’m sorry?”

(He’s straightened up from his slouching position on the mattress, and is looking at you with the utmost seriousness in his eyes.)

“I mean it. Who says we can’t go on an adventure, like, right now?”

“Where could you even go?”

“I don’t know. Got a globe laying around somewhere here?”

You comply, and he spins it, and orders you to jab your finger at it whenever you feel like it (which he doesn’t give a real meaning to, because it doesn’t even have one), to determine where you will go.

“... Moscow?”

“Ah, great place for a son of Hephaetus, love the heat out there.”

But needless to say, when Leo gets a spontaneous idea like that, there’s no use in trying to get it out of his head;

so the following week you are to depart on your trip to Russia, and you can’t hide your excitement. Traveling on a whim with your boyfriend might just be the first step to the adventures you were awaiting...

OK, but Mexican solidarity!!! I love my Latin cousins ugh you guys are so much fun,,

Talking shit about half of your respective Camps in Spanish behind their backs (and from Reyna’s half-smiles she miserably fails to conceal, you feel like you might not be the only ones who find this terribly funny)

“Mira a Jason, siempre tan serio y melancólico. Cuenta la leyenda que la mueca se le quedó grabada en la cara.”

“Pobrecito. Igual alguna profecía le delivra de su maldición de gravedad perpetua.”

“¿Y si le voy a contar un chiste?”

“Creo que solo te abofetará, Leo.”

Expressions of affection are rarely overt between the two of you, because you both tend to deflect your real feelings (especially affection or love) via humor and play them off as something “just for laughs”. You’re also big on tough love, so much so that sometimes the others wonder why you’re always playfully hitting each other’s arms as though you hated each other’s guts.

But the truth is simply that you were always raised to express affection in these ways, and get a bit awkward when you’re expected to be upfront about your feelings. Still, you’re both extremely warm and loving, and your “I love you”s simply have to be deciphered.

And no one deciphers them quite like the other half of the pair. It’s a language that only you two understand; that’s why you’re such a good pair.

800 follower sleepover [CLOSED!]

[365days365movies]

March 5, 2021: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Review)

Well, shit. That’s another 98%.

I’M NOT TRYING TO DO THIS! It’s just...this one’s also really good, and I can’t find any significant flaws in it! Except for...well, one. And it’s...the same one as Spirited Away BUT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT!

Look, I’ll go into ore detail this time, but I really didn’t think Spirited Away was going to be matched, and...well, it was. Because this movie is stellar. It’s gorgeous, it’s tragic, it’s fantastic fantasy, and it’s genuinely just a very good movie. But I do have a little more to say this time.

Starting with the original story. You gotta go back to the 800s for this one. No missing 1 there, I’m talking the 9th century! The original story is a little different than the movie’s version, but it plays it mostly straight. The bamboo-cutter isn’t quite as gung-ho about the whole “royalty” thing, and her growth is actually faster in the original story.

Most of the other beats are the same, although some minute things differ. She actually becomes friends with the Emperor, although she definitely doesn’t get together with him. But there is a MAJOR omission in this adaptation: the elixir of immortality.

Remember that anime I was talking about, Kaguya-sama: Love is War? It has an episode where this story specifically is brought up, and the elixir of immortality is a major feature of it. See, the Elixir is actually what one needs to survive on the Moon, and the mortal Kaguya drinks it once the Celestial Parade comes to take her back. She sends some of it to the Emperor with a letter before she puts on the forget-me-robe, and then she leaves.

That’s where the movie ends, and I think that’s an amazing place for it to end, but the original story continues. Kaguya’s earthly parents become ill, and the Emperor is given the letter and elixir. In his sorrow, the dumbass writes her a letter and elixir and has his men BURN it on the highest mountaintop, sending his message to the princess. The smoke from that fire was ever-burning and immortal, and the mountain was renamed as “The Immortal Mountain”, or...

Yeah! It’s Mount Fuji! Neat, huh? Anyway, I called the Emperor a dumbass for burning the Elixir. He did it because he didn’t want to live forever without her, but DUDE! Maybe she would’ve COME BACK FOR YOU ONE DAY! But now, she’s gonna live forever, and you’re dead as shit. Buddy...think these things through.

So, yeah, that’s the difference between the two, and I actually quite like the movie’s version. Didn’t need the extra stuff with the elixir, because this didn’t need to be a love story. Instead, it’s a story that celebrates human life and life on Earth, as Kaguya’s last speech outright says. And yeah, that’s kinda beautiful. Hell, why do you think the backgrounds are so lush in this movie? Because it’s not just about Kaguya...it’s about life on Earth.

So, with that, let’s get into the Review, huh? This movie was fantastic, and I do think it deserves a Review in full. Check out all three parts of the Recap here, here, and here!

Review

Cast and Acting: 9/10

James Caan was...not the best choice for Miyatsuki in the dub. He really clashes with the rest of the cast for me, and with the setting as well. But he’s the only performance that I’d consider bad. Not even bad, just ill-fitting! Put simply, it’s only really OK, when it isn’t outright jarring. But everybody else? Fantastic. Mary Steenburgen is arguably the best of the cast, pulling double-duty as Narrator and Mom, and that’s to say nothing bad about Chloe Grace Moretz as the Princess herself! Darren Criss, Lucy Liu, Hynden Walch, James Marsden, even Geaorge Segal and Dean Cain all do a pretty good job! I mean...fuck Dan Cain, but he did OK here.

And yeah, this is the dub cast, because I unfortunately didn’t have access to the sub. But are they good? Yeah, they’re still good. Ghibli has good dubs, what can I tell ya? Except for James Caan. That wasn’t the best choice.

Plot and Writing: 10/10

It’s fantastic. Not only is it a great adaptation of the original story, but it’s a great interpretation of it as well! It takes the original story, but gives it a new meaning as compared to the original story, and builds the screenplay from there! It’s...it’s genuinely one of the best adaptations I’ve ever seen of a story from classic mythology and folklore. Credit to Isao Takahata and Riko Sakaguchi, because they did a stellar job with this adaptation.

Can we...can we do this for other mythologies, please? I want a Paul Bunyan movie that’s actually about the value of natural wonders, or a Hercules movie about the nature of immortality through deeds, or true forgiveness for one’s actions, or...I just need more adaptations like this! This film made me want to see a change in film, and it helped to change my tastes a bit as well. And really...what better compliment can a film be given?

Directing and Cinematography: 10/10

Isao Takahata was one of Hayao Miyazaki’s contemporaries, and it FUCKING SHOWS. As does the cinematography skill of Keisuke Nakamura, because this film is...wonderful. I don’t really have anything to say. It’s just an amazingly storyboarded film. And once again, that’s closely linked to...

Production and Art Design: 10/10

The artistry is unparalleled in a lot of ways, but not specifically because of skill and detail. No, it’s the stylization of the film that sets it apart, and it’s gorgeous. Japan’s art is best known worldwide from the period of minimalist watercolor paintings they produced, and that period is well-replicated and represented in this...just genuinely gorgeous movie. The art director is Kazuo Oga, and he’s apparently, like...amazing? He’s worked on a BUTT-ton of great looking films, including many of the Ghibli films. His experience shows, even though has bee his last film he’s worked on in that capacity, so far. Which is a shame, because...I mean, come on. It’s amazing.

Music and Editing: 10/10

Joe Hisaishi. Yup. Kiki’s, Spirited Away, and this movie. He’s a goddamn musical prince, and it’s gorgeous. Not a lofi mix this time, but definitely some good background music for your life. It’s just beautiful, and I can’t recommend this music enough. 

And the editing? Toshihiko Kojima is fantastic as well, and the sound and visual editing is essentially flawless here. I just...THIS MOVIE IS SO GOOD YOU GUYS

I know, a 98% twice in a row is ridiculous...but...

Can you blame me? This movie is fantastic, and basically flawless. I’ve said all I can say about it. Well, other than to say that you need to see this movie if you haven’t already. And NOW I don’t think I’m topping this one. Watch me say that, and then the next movie’s also gonna be amazing.

Well, I’ll tempt fate. What are the odds, right? Right? Just to test that, I’m leaving Japan finally. But, that doesn’t mean I have to leave animation, right?

March 6, 2021: Wolfwalkers (2020)

[emeraldeyes23]

Fictober Fantober2020 -

Day 16 - Pumpkin Patch🎃

"A trip to Hokkaido?"

Ash looked at Eiji in surprise. "Why do you want to go there? And why now?"

"Because Hokkaido is famous for its beautiful landscape and its fall leaves in the most beautiful colors. There's even a National Park with a lake that changes into five different colors. I could take some great photos there for my photo projects."Eiji patiently explained to him.

"And the best time to see the beautiful leaves in fall in mid-to-late October. There's also a beautiful mountain similar to Mt. Fuji. You can see it from the lake, but only if the sky and the air are crystal clear, especially in the mornings.", Eiji added, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"That sounds beautiful.", Ash replied. "But what are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing. It's just... we have to fly there. It's 800 km away from here." When Ash's eye widened in surprise, and he looked utterly shocked, Eiji continued quickly.

"But it's still summer break, and we should enjoy it. It's the last weekend before college starts again. Besides, I promised you to show you my country."

"It's that far away? Japan always looks so small on a map. Compared to the US, I mean."

"It is, but we have many little islands. Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands. It's also known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs and ski areas. The flight takes 3 hours to New Chitose Airport."

"Fine, let's go then.", Ash said.

"Really, you mean it?", Eiji beamed at him. "I thought it would be harder to convince you.", he admitted honestly.

"Well, you're right. It's the last weekend before our summer break is over. Besides, I can't say no to you if you're so enthusiastic and excited about something. And I'd really like to see more of Japan."

_____________________________

When they arrived in Hokkaido, the weather was great, so they enjoyed the sun and made a little walk through Akan National Park, where he took a lot of photos, and Ash admired the park's surroundings. The National Park offered leaves in all shapes and colors, which looked beautiful. Still, fall arrived here the earliest, so he was relieved that Ash had listened to him and had taken a warm coat with him. The wind was colder here, and the sun didn't spend as much warmth anymore.

The next day, Eiji dragged Ash out of bed early and had breakfast with a grumpy cat. However, it was worth it since the best view of the mountain was when the morning air was crystal clear. Later, clouds would cover most of the mountain, and it would be impossible to take some fantastic shots with his new camera.

Eiji took some photos of the mountain in perfect weather while Ash was more or less sleepwalking but slowly started looking around with interest. He stared at the Mt. Fuji look-alike and the lake in front of him.

"So, what do you think? Wasn't it a great idea to come here? I think it's the perfect end of our summer break." Eiji pinched his cheek when he didn't answer.

"Ouch! What was that for?", Ash complained, rubbing his cheek.

"To check if you're still alive and capable of understanding human speech.", Eiji grinned in amusement at him. "Wake up, ok? The area is too beautiful to miss it. Let's walk around for a bit.", he suggested while Ash rubbed his eyes. Eiji put an arm around his waist, and they walked along the lake and enjoyed the sun.

"Wow, it's true that the lake has different colors. It depends on the time of day and from which angle the sun reflects the water. It's so beautiful." Ash smiled at him.

"I hope my mood wasn't that bad.", he apologized to him. "You know I'm not an early riser."

"Yes, I know that, but don't worry. I'll get my revenge soon.", Eiji smirked at him devilishly before he took some more photos of the lake. Ash looked questioningly at him but didn't ask him what he had meant by that.

"Let's take a photo of us together, ok? A great photo of our trip together that we can hang in our apartment. I'd like to create countless precious memories together with you."

After a while, they left the National Park and took the train to a town near Sapporo. Eiji had read about a fall festival that was celebrated there. With regional and seasonal food, arts and crafts, music and much more. They walked through the town, and Ash saw that many stalls and products had pumpkins on them. "Eiji, what's with all the pumpkins here?", he asked anxiously, walking faster and gripping his hand more tightly. Eiji wondered if that had been such a good idea to bring Ash here. But the pumpkin patches here were an incredible sight, and he wanted to take some photos. At the same time, he wondered if Ash's fear of pumpkins was just superficial and based on a bad memory or if he would panic when spotting them. He didn't know how he'd react because the pumpkins in Hokkaido looked different from those in the US. They were much smaller, so he thought Ash would be ok. He had always wanted to come here, to Hokkaido, but he also knew that Hokkaido was famous for its pumpkins. Everyone knew that in Japan. However, he had failed to mention that little detail to Ash... "Hokkaido is also famous for its pumpkins.", Eiji explained, feeling guilty at once. "I'm sorry that I haven't told you. I thought you'd say no to this trip if you knew.", Eiji explained it to him honestly. Ash let go of his hand and turned around to him, fists clenched and eyes burning dangerously before he gave up controlling his temper. "I knew it! That there was something you were hiding!", Ash burst out furiously. "And of course I would have said no; those damn things sent shivers down my spine. I want them as far away from me as possi - " Ash abruptly stopped mid-sentence and stood there, frozen up, staring at the field ahead of them that had just come into view. While walking on through the little town, they had reached the outskirts where many different things were cultivated and harvested. In front of them lay a vast pumpkin patch. Ok, to be honest, pumpkin patch was a massive understatement. Nearly all the fields in front of them were covered in pumpkins. It looked more like a sea of pumpkins. The pumpkin patches were endlessly and reached as far as the eye could see. Eiji had noticed that Ash had frozen up entirely and stared at the sight in front of him in disbelief, his eyes wide open in shock. Eiji watched him carefully. He wasn't any less surprised. He had assumed that they had some smaller pumpkin patches here, but he hadn't expected they would stretch that far. He would have warned Ash or wouldn't have brought him here if he had known. He felt like the worst person on the planet right now. What had he done? "Please tell me I imagine that, Eiji. That's a p-p-pumpkin patch. And not one, but the whole area is full of pumpkins. They're everywhere.", Ash exclaimed, clenching his hands into fists so hard they were shaking. "No, you don't imagine it. I thought it would help you overcome your fear of them if I brought you here. But I didn't know there would be so many. I'm so sorry, Ash." "I don't want to overcome my damn fear!", Ash scowled at him angrily. Ash stubbornly turned around and went back the way he had come. Eiji ran after him and took his hand. That's when he noticed that his hand was sweaty and that Ash looked even paler than usual. He was shivering and looked uncomfortable as his eyes darted nervously around for a way to escape. His whole posture screamed that he wanted to get out of here. Eiji hugged him tightly. "It's fine, Ash. Please calm down. Do you want to leave?" Ash nodded at him quietly while a single tear ran down his face. Eiji gently stroked the back of his head. "I'm sorry, Ash. I didn't know there would be so many here. I assumed it would be a small pumpkin patch.", he apologized honestly to him. " "I didn't know that you were that afraid of pumpkins. To me, you're the strongest and bravest person I know. So I didn't take your fear of pumpkins seriously. He pulled out of the hug and instead grabbed his hand again. "Let's go somewhere else, ok?”

[careyodonnell]

Halloween In August

Today is July. Tomorrow could be August. I’m not sure. Every day is a full week. Last night, I saw a headline “Why wait till October when you can celebrate Halloween now?” and I thought, Yes, why not? Every day is Halloween. CVS already has Halloween candy out. I saw it the other day while a Dido song was playing in the store.

Let’s just say Halloween is in August now. We’ll carve pumpkins. By September, their sour smiles will have caved in on themselves. Mushy skulls, grinning in the sun.

I don’t think we will have Halloween this year. I remember the first Halloween after 9/11, everyone was worried trick-or-treaters would be poisoned with Anthrax. We still had Halloween. The next October, the D.C. Sniper held the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic hostage, but we still had Halloween.

Now, almost twenty years later, we won’t.

---

For my birthday this year, I wanted to make it spooky. We closed the shades and put on red lights. I put on black lipstick, white foundation, and my boyfriend made a fog machine from dry ice. We chatted with my friends over Zoom. I cradled a glass Jack-O-Lantern candy bowl I bought at grocery store last fall, when they were out of pumpkins everywhere. We made it Halloween in April. A haunted house in broad daylight. I loved it.

---

It is still summer, though. I know that. It is the end of July. It’s almost August.

I always think about boats in August. I don’t care for boats. I’m not a boat person; I never have been. I usually get sick or bored. Sometimes I have fun. If I’m having fun on a boat, then I’m a boat person. 

When I was little, my mom told my sister and me to never go on a boat with someone alone. She’s right! My nana, my mom’s mom, had a friend named Martha who was attacked on a boat and thrown overboard and drowned. I was a baby when it happened. My family saw her only few hours before she was killed. Her house was right above a small beach in Salem, Massachusetts, where my nana was from, and my mom was born; we went to that beach every day when we visited my grandparents in the summer. Martha came down to say hi and my nana asked her to get lunch with us, but Martha said she was meeting a friend for a boat ride. She went missing shortly after. 

A week later, a witch in town told police she’d had a dream about seeing Martha’s body somewhere in the harbor--a diving bell around her waist, an anchor around her feet. The police found her in the spot the witch said she was in. 

I think about Martha sometimes in the summer and always when I’m on a boat.

---

When I was 13, my grandfather asked my dad and me to go down to the New Jersey shore, where his boat was docked. He wanted us to take an afternoon ride. It was a Sunday in August. School was starting soon. In a few weeks, my grandfather would dock the boat in a marina on the Delaware River, near where we lived. I didn’t really talk to my grandfather when he was alive. He used to call me “Rooster.” It always felt impersonal. Unearned. Every time he did, I pictured myself as a rooster with a human head, pecking things off the ground. 

“Whaddya say, Rooster?”

His name was Carey, too. So is my Dad’s.

It was cloudy and hot that day; the water didn’t make it cooler. The boat needed to be washed.  My grandfather was steering. I sat in the back part. The stern? The back, bow, stern.

I’d helped get the boat ready, but on the water, I felt useless and insecure. I stared out at some burst of rain in the distance. We got to the inlet and the water got choppier. My dad took over the wheel and told me to stand with him. For a moment, I felt better. And then I looked at the depth finder, watching the ticker change from 50 feet to 800 feet. The floor of the ocean dropped out from under us. I couldn’t reconcile how deep it was. It felt endless. I felt betrayed by it. I started to tear up. I asked my dad if it was normal that it was so deep. My dad assured me that it was, that we would be out of the inlet soon. For now, we stayed where water collided with water. 

I suddenly felt sick, and ran to the side of the boat and hurled. I was certain I would die. I would fall into the water and down into the bedrock. I cried and threw up. My dad turned the boat around and we went back to shore. I puked into the water and swatted horse flies crashing into me. My grandfather patted my back and said, “You’ll be OK, Rooster.” I believed him. 

---

There are more sirens now. More virus, more sirens, I guess. I’m not sure. I notice them at night. I can’t tell if they’re ambulances or firetrucks. Sometimes I imagine them to be the kind of sirens they have in Paris and Berlin. Elegant sirens! Why can’t you be like your sister? I ask them. Once in a while, I swear a firetruck siren sounds like an old-timey fire engine. Antique. From the roaring 20s! It always makes me laugh. The dinner theater of emergency sirens. “OK, gaaaaaay!” I want to yell at it as it wails on by. Gay sirens. They are real.

[s-jatpfic]

Oh damn Reginald

Reggie x female reader

summery: reggie likes you and the band teases him as they find out

word count: ~800

warning: needles, mention of getting tattoos, message me if you think I should add something else

------

Where exactly is the difference between friendship and love?

Reggie could not name it. Sure, his parents play part of it, since obviously whatever they had was clearly not love. But when to talk about love?

“Daydreaming about y/n again?” Luke brings Reggie back on the ground of reality, throwing a bottle of water at him, that wasn’t recognized early enough so he gets hit right onto his stomach letting a groaning sound leave his throat.

“No- I mean, yeah, what’s with it? She’s coming over later. She lost her stick and poke needle so we’re going to the store.” Reggie rambles, not even trying to hide the hearts in his eyes since he does not see them like that.

“And she needs you to go with her cause?” Alex asks, helping Luke out getting Reggie to spill his secret.

“Maybe we’re grabbing some ice cream afterwards. Not quite sure yet”

That they are in the middle of band rehearsals got totally ignored by them now, getting Reggie to openly admit that he likes you has priority.

“Sounds great, anyway. You said she wants to get another tattoo, does she already has an idea for a motif?” Luke continues, grabbing the chair behind him since he knows, this could take its time.

“Yeah she always has a few things in mind, but I don’t know which one of those she’ll end up with”

Luke nods. Alex realizes that the tattoo way might be the way to get what they want to know.

“She has quite a lot stick and pokes, hasn’t she? So she’s really experienced about that. You think you two will ever end up getting matching ones? Your friendship is as strong then ever.”

Luke smiles. Alex is catching up the right path, isn’t he?

“Well I don’t know. I never actually thought of that, but maybe. I mean first of all of us should get our sunset curve tattoo done” Reggie grabs the water bottle Luke was throwing at him earlier, taking a long swing before taking seat on the couch.

And then something in Alex brain clicks. Reggie does not know about him being in love. So just using his eyes, Alex tries to communicate this to Luke hoping his only brain cell can catch up this thought. And it works.

So getting Reggie to confirm his feelings turned into getting Reggie to admit his feelings.

“Isn’t y/n just too beautiful?” Luke starts of a new trial, and the huge smile on Reggies face tells the other ones that it works.

“Totally am I right? Like I’m really lucky having her as friend”

Ok, the subtile way does not work, maybe Reggie needs someone screaming it into his face that he gets it.

“Oh damn Reginald. You’re literally blinded by love” Alex voice bringing Reggie back into reality after thinking a second to long about how pretty y/n is in his eyes.

“What? Love? No man. Y/n and I are friends. Don’t act up about that”

And that was it. All of a sudden, Luke busts out in laughter.

“Reggie, I love you man. But I don’t look like you do right now whenever I talk about you” Luke finally explains.

But Reggie stays quiet.

“How do I even know I am in love? I never was in love”

Luke gets up, taking place next to Reggie and comforting him by resting his arm around Reggie.

“Ok, buddy, how do you feel about y/n?”

And it does not even take a second for Reggie to think about that.

“I love her, as like a friend. I love you too. I just like spending time with her. And I really spend a lot of time with her, yet I wish it would be more. Whenever I have to celebrate something, I want her be the first to know. She gives the best hugs. And she is really good at snuggling. Even if we’re just laying in bed doing nothing all day, the day still is not waisted. Whenever I need someone to cheer me up, I know I can count on her and I know that she would never judge me for anything. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and I don’t know what I did to deserve her.”

Reggie stares smilingly into the air not realizing y/n just enters the garage while Alex and Luke mutually agree on making a needed step in your relationship.

“And would you like to kiss y/n?”

“I would desire to”

Only hearing those words, you gasp out loud.

“How’d you get him to admit that?”

~franky

masterlist

[apoguecalledjj]

ok so any song lyrics are ok? bc even tho he’s a terrible guy (lil xan) I’ve always wanted a JJ fic based on live or die by lil xan and noah cyrus 💗 love the song so so much If I'm religious, you're the one that I believe in You've been here with me to help me fight all my demons ♥️♥️♥️ also congrats on 800 bb, you deserve millions more 💕🥰

JJ laid in your lap, finally sleeping after hours of anger and sadness. Light snores escaped his lips as you gently ran your fingers through his hair, not wanting to wake him.

It was common for JJ to show up outside your window late at night, covered in bruises and tears running down his cheeks.

You were the only one he trusted enough to let see him like this. You were the one he always went to, and you always went to him. The two of you were always there for each other, no matter what.

JJ stirred slightly, and he glanced up at you. You shot him a smile, his eyes still held some sadness but he looked much better.

"Thank you," He whispered, shifting so he was lying next to you. "Thank you for always being there."

"Always, Jay." You pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

Come celebrate with me!

[changingourdestiny]

Changing Our Destiny: Cayde-6 Birthday Special ♠

Summary:

Rae has found out from Ikora that some Guardians celebrate the day they were revived by their Ghost as a birthday of sorts, and that Cayde’s revival day is coming soon. So Fireteam Paralight put their heads together to decide on what they should do for the Hunter Vanguard for his revival day.

(Shout out to @aislinavalbane​ for the idea of making September 5th Cayde’s birthday!)

“Ugh…it’s no use! I can’t think of anything that would work!” “I still think we should consider the ramen cake.” “Blaze, for the last time, we are not baking ramen into a cake.” “Why not?!” “It’s weird and sounds gross!” “Have you ever EATEN a ramen cake?” “No! Because it sounds disgusting and I don’t wanna vomit!” “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!” “Well, have YOU ever had a ramen cake?” “I…uh, I mean…you see…Adam, back me up here!!!” “How come whenever I hear the sound of Guardians plotting something strange, it’s always you three?” Fireteam Paralight looked up from their pile of scattered-about notes to see Ikora looking down at them with a curious expression. It was mild early-September afternoon and the three friends were sitting under the tree outside Banshee’s gun stall with several pages of notes strewn across the ground involving decorations, food ideas, and a poorly drawn picture, which was of a large appalling-looking cake made of noodles and other ramen ingredients and the words ‘Super Awesome Ramen Birthday Cake’ scribbled above in what looked like crayon, that was being held up by Blaze. “Trust me, Ikora,” Stormbringer began, appearing beside Adam, “I’ve been asking that question myself ever since we formed this Fireteam.” “What are you up to this time anyway?” Ikora asked, raising an eyebrow, “And Blaze, what is that abomination you’ve drawn?” “NOTHI-wait, ABOMINATION?!” Blaze exclaimed, hiding the drawing behind her back, as Adam fell face-first onto the pile of papers in a starfish position in an attempt to hide them. However, the force of the fall caused a stray page to fly forward onto Ikora’s foot. She picked up the page and read it aloud, “’Operation: Cayde Birthday Plan’? Is this related to our discussion the other day?”

A few days prior…

“Got those books you asked for, teach!” Ikora was alone in the meeting room of the tower when Rae came in with a stack of books in her arms that piled up so high that the poor Paragonialan could barely see where she was going. “Ah. Thank you, Rae.” Ikora took some of the books from Rae and helped her set them on the table. “Where are Zavala and Cayde?” Rae asked. “Zavala has gone looking for Cayde. He sneaked out of a meeting without Zavala noticing.” “Did you notice?” Ikora just winked in response as she began flicking through one of the books. Rae sat on the steps nearby, flicking through her journal to see if she can learn any new facts about her past. She arrived on a page that was apparently about her birthday. She almost did a double take when she saw her age, “Uh, Ikora? You know how Paragonialans live forever?” “Yes.” “I…just figured out my age…” “Well?” “…I’m over 800 years old.” Ikora glanced at Rae with a surprised expression before chuckling, “Well, I suppose I can no longer say that I’m getting too old for certain things now. You look great for 800.” “Thanks!” Rae laughed, “That reminds me…when’s your birthday, teach?” “Guardians don’t really have birthdays, per se.” “WHA!?” Rae jumped up in surprise, nearly falling down the steps for the 100th time. Ikora wiggled her ear, “Congratulations, I believe you’ve stolen the title of ‘Loudest Guardian’ from Shaxx.” “Guardian’s don’t have birthdays?!” Rae exclaimed, her jaw seeming like it was going to hit the floor. “Well, most Guardians don’t really remember their birthdays after being revived.” Ikora explained, “But I believe some Guardians celebrate the day their Ghost revived them, or the day they arrived at the tower. I don’t usually celebrate anything like that, nor does Zavala. But I believe Cayde celebrates the day he was revived the odd year…well, by ‘celebrate’ I mean he usually goes to Spicy Ramen for longer and Zavala lets him get away with it. I think it’s coming up soon actually. 5th of September.” “Hmm…” Rae seemed to go into though for a moment before a small smile appeared on her face. “I know that face.” Ikora began, “That’s your ‘I’m plotting something’ face. What are you up to?” “Oh nothing!” Rae smiled, “I need to go ask my Fireteam something. See you later, teach!” Rae hopped up the steps, nearly tripping on them again, before leaving the meeting room. Ikora just sighed as she left. “Maybe it was a bad idea pairing her up with Blaze of all guardians. That hunter is beginning to rub off on her.” Ikora muttered as she returned to her books, trying to get some reading done before Zavala returns with Cayde.

Back to present day…

“Uhh…maybe?” Rae replied, a sheepish look on her face, as Adam got off the pile of pages. Blaze helped the Titan neaten them up as Rae stood up from where she was sitting under the tree, “You said a few days ago that the 5th, tomorrow, was the day Cayde was revived, and I wanted to do something for him. So for the last few days, we’ve been trying to think of something but…we keep either drawing blanks or the stuff we come up with doesn’t seem good enough.” “Ah, I see.” Ikora muttered, glancing at the page in her hands before smiling, “Well, if I may offer some advice, while Cayde is quite eccentric, he’s not that fussy about these things. Even with holidays like Dawning, he’s not fussed about it, but I do notice that he perks up a bit more than usually when someone gives him something small as a gift, or even just wishes him ‘Happy Dawning’, or the like. If you really want to do something for him tomorrow, even doing something small like giving him a small gift would make his day.” “Huh…yeah…yeah, that’s good! Thanks, teach!” Rae smiled. “No problem. And best of luck.” Ikora turned and headed down towards the meeting room. “So…now what?” Blaze asked. Rae smiled to herself before turning to face Blaze, “I have an idea!” Rae got one of the blank pieces of paper and folded it in half, “Ok, here’s the plan!”

The next day - 5th of September

“You sure you two got everyone?” “As many as we could! Adam did his part and I did mine. Heck, Adam even went to the Reef to ask Petra for hers too!” “Good. I finished my job too. They even gave me this little envelope for it.” Fireteam Paralight were conversing excitedly in the meeting room when Zavala and Ikora walked in. “Now this is something.” Ikora began, “Not only do each of you have your plotting faces on, but you’re all here before Zavala and me. Even Blaze is up before midday for once. You three are definitely up to something.” “Is this related to why you needed Ikora and I to sign that piece of paper?” Zavala asked, “I’ve received word from other Vanguards that you’ve asked them to do so too.” “Maaaaaybe!” Blaze grinned. Rae whispered into Ikora’s ear and her confused look turns into a look of realisation and then a smirk, “Ah, I see. Nice thinking.” “Oh! Everyone shut it!” Blaze exclaimed. “You’re the only one talking?” Ghost spoke up. “Shush! He’s coming!” Cayde strolled into the meeting room and glanced confusedly between the Vanguards and Fireteam Paralight – the three Guardians having excited expressions on their faces. “Ok, I don’t know what these three are after doing but I swear to Light, I had nothing to do with it.” Cayde explained to Ikora and Zavala. “They’re not in trouble.” Ikora replied a small smirk before nodding at Rae. Rae walked up to Cayde with a smile and handed him a blue envelope which had his name on the front, “Happy Revival Day, Cayde.” Cayde seemed surprised at the gesture at first before chuckling, “Alright, who let it slip? It was Ikora, wasn’t it?” “Open it, open it! I wanna see!” Sundance appeared beside Cayde, eagerly bobbing up and down. “Ok, ok!” Cayde laughed as he opened the envelope and pulled out its contents. 

Inside was a paper card with ‘Happy Revival Day, Cayde!’ written in colouring pencil on the front along with a crudely picture of Cayde and other smaller pictures of other Guardians and friends of theirs; Fireteam Paralight, Zavala, Ikora, Eris, Petra, Shaxx and Amanda. On the inside of the card were the words, written in Rae’s handwriting, ‘To Cayde, Happy Revival Day to the coolest Hunter and Vanguard!’ followed by signatures from everyone who was featured on the front of the card. Near the bottom, Cayde noticed two small messages: ‘P.S: Blaze drew the front, so if it sucks blame her. Rae’ followed by ‘Which it doesn’t! Don’t listen to her! Blaze’ Cayde laughed as he read the card, “Is it bad that I immediately knew it was Blaze who drew the front solely because of the art style, or lack of I should say?” “Hey!!” Blaze yelled, playfully punching Cayde’s shoulder. “Remind me to get you art lesson’s for your Revival Day, Blaze.” Ikora chuckled. “There’s also another thing in the envelope!” Rae grinned, motioning to the blue envelope. Cayde reached inside and pulled out several small pieces of paper. “No way…you serious?!” Cayde stared wide-eyed at the small pieces of paper. Each one read ‘Voucher for any meal at Spicy Ramen for free!’ “I told the owner your Revival Day was coming up, and he gave me these coupons for the restaurant to celebrate.” Rae smiled.  “It was all Rae’s idea.” Blaze added, “She literally had stacks and stacks of possible ideas for this.” “Ah, well…” Rae scratched the back of her head, a sheepish smile on her face, “I just wanted to do something and-” Rae was cut off by Cayde hugging her tightly, “You are awesome, you know that?! Thanks, Rae!” “N-no problem!” Rae blushed but happily returned the hug. “That settles it!” Cayde exclaimed, “We’re going to Spicy Ramen right now! Paralight, Ikora, heck Zavala you come too! Let’s go!” Cayde practically dragged Rae by the arm as he ran out of the room, Blaze and Adam trailing behind. “Well, we might as well make sure they don’t cause trouble.” Ikora spoke up as she and Zavala followed them out.

Happy Birthday, Cayde-6! 5th September 2019

[superman86to99]

Adventures of Superman #504 (September 1993)

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN! The three weakest Supermen team up to take on the most ridiculously overpowered one! Last issue ended with Superboy, the Man of Steel, and the long-haired Man in Black flying towards Coast City (or what used to be Coast City), and this one starts with... the same thing, because it's a long-ass trip. At least they use this time to ponder on important matters.

When they finally reach the Cyborg Superman's city-wide robo fortress, the Man in Black loots some giant guns and ammo from an alien mook. You know, just in case you forgot this comic came out in the '90s.

(Needs more pouches, though.)

While trying to hide from the 800 aliens shooting at them, the Super-Trio bump into a giant missile that's about to be launched into Metropolis. The Cyborg Superman wants to nuke the city and replace it with another giant engine, as part of his plan to turn the Earth into a massive evil spaceship (Warworld 2.0). While the Men (in Black and Steel) continue infiltrating the fortress, Superboy manages to latch on to the missile to try to stop it from reaching its destination. It's not an easy task, but after a Spider-Man #33-esque effort...

...the Kid manages to change the missile's trajectory, taking it away from Metropolis. He saved the city! And then the missile blows up anyway, right in his face. Good thing he wasn't wearing his cool jacket in these pages, because there's no way it could have survived that one. It remains to be seen if HE did.

Character-Watch:

OK, he did. I seriously feel like turning that missile is Superboy's "Spider-Man lifting the rubble" moment. He's trapped in an impossible situation and doubts himself, but then gets his shit together and pulls it off because he has no choice. It's interesting that Karl Kesel made the Kid particularly punny and vapid at the start of this issue, almost like he was daring us to be annoyed by him, only to level him up at the end. I bet a lot of Superboy haters were converted right here.

Plotline-Watch:

Superboy's Platonic Friend Tana Moon breaks down and cries on camera about Superboy's sacrifice, probably earning a juicy raise in the process.

When we get to Superboy #60 (the kickass “Hyper-Tension!” storyline), someone remind me to check my suspicion that the page with the big multiverse-crossing missile looks exactly like the page with the regular missile in this issue.

There’s a quick cameo by journalist Jack Ryder (secretly The Creeper) as a talking head on Lois Lane’s TV, alongside Superboy’s manager Rex Leech and one of the wacky Superman cultists who paint their face like the Cyborg. Look at this guy. He shaved his head but only painted the face part? Come on man, you either commit to it or you don’t!

In Engine City, Mongul gets snappy with the Cyborg Superman again, and again gets humiliated in front of everyone (Cyborg calls him a “dog”). Why do you do this to yourself? Dump him, girl!

A robot sniper almost headshots the Man in Black, only for some invisible force to yank his gun at the last moment. Hmmm. In unrelated news, Don Sparrow says: "Interesting note that Luthor II can’t find Supergirl -- I wonder where she is?" Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Don also points out: "The Man in Black asks if he can call John Henry ‘Steel’ because the Man of Steel is too much of a mouthful on their mission, setting up for his permanent name change." Steel should have said "OK, then I'll call you Black."

I'll stop cannibalizing Don's section and just hand the mic over to him. Click "read more" to keep reading!

Art-Watch (by @donsparrow):

We start with the cover, and it has a unique heritage.  This cover was sketched and laid out by Karl Kesel, penciled by Tom Grummett, and then inked by Doug Hazlewood, and it’s a good, accurate description of what we find in the issue—our three Supermen fighting their way into Engine City.  Added points for bringing up the pre-Crisis concept of the Superman Revenge Squad, which was actually a grouping of Superman rogues (an updated version would appear in a few years). Weirdly, editorial is still seeming to hide the Fabio-hair on Superman proper on the covers—I wonder what that’s about!

Inside the book we get our first look at a trait that defines this issue visually: grease-pencil clouds!

Max pointed this out to me when we were chatting about the issue, and I think he’s right—this book doesn’t look like it was inked in Hazlewood’s usual way.  It’s 1993, so it’s hard to imagine they could pull off “digital inking”, the practice of just darkening the pencils, but we see a pencil-like texture so often in this issue, a guy could begin to wonder if that’s maybe what they’re up to.  So for the whole issue, there is a slightly looser, rushed feel, especially in the backgrounds.  Then on the credits page, we notice a special thanks for Mark Heike—who google reveals to me is a comic artist in his own right.  Maybe he pitched in with some semi-credited inks? Smokey clouds aside, it’s another nice splash, with the returned Superman leading the charge.

A common critique of Tom Grummett’s Superman is that the way his face is drawn can look a little Conan-like, and the new long hair doesn’t help that, though in these early pages Superman is looking very on-model and handsome.

The fight (and flight) choreography as the Superman trio enters Engine City airspace is well done, and while it couldn’t be more 90s if it tried, the image of Superman double-fisting blasters and ammo belts is pretty awesome, I must say. Plus, Superboy’s assessment that it’s “slammin’” might replace Robin’s “totally rad!” as a new catch-phrase in these reviews.

The reveal of the giant rocket has a great sense of scale (and is another example of pencil-like lines still popping up on finished art).  Great sound effect there, too.

As Superboy heroically climbs up the rocket, Tom and co give a great sense of the speed, and g-forces the kid is experiencing.  And there is such a great sense of drama in these last pages, as the celebrations for the missile having missed Metropolis quickly turn to grief, as Superboy is for sure, definitely dead. [Max: Forever.]

STRAY OBSERVATIONS:

Interesting to hear Steel use the phrase “a bursting shell” in relation to piercing Superman’s skin, a callback to Action #1’s description of Superman’s invulnerability, which apparently was known in-universe as well.

I love how unequivocally “Superman” they write the Man in Black in these pages.  On his first day back to civilization, he’s already saying he’d gladly die again in order to stop Warworld from taking over Earth.  Goosebumps, man!

Does Kesel have dogs on the brain?  First Henshaw calls Mongul a dog (ouch) and then just one panel later, Superboy makes his Dalmatian joke. (Note: Dalmatian is actually misspelled in the comic!) [Max: “Dalmation” does sound like some sort of Jack Kirby thing. Maybe it’s something the Kid saw at Cadmus?]

Superboy is pretty much a non-stop joke machine in these pages, as just about every panel he’s in, he’s cracking wise, so it’s hard to highlight all of them.  Some are better than others—I get that hearing the phrase “full frontal” puts Michelle Pfeiffer into his head, but “full frontal assault” just isn’t sexy. [Max: You know, 26 years later, I JUST got that one.]

GODWATCH: Steel invokes “God” when he thinks Superboy might have been burnt up in the rocket launch, and then a page later, Superman does the same when he sees the charred corpses of Henshaw’s minions. [Max: Also, I don’t think I caught the significance of John Henry’s “I know” as a kid.]

I love Superboy’s self-talk as he climbs the missile, particularly the Caddyshack-like “crowd goes wild”.  This is exactly how a kid his age would act in that crazy moment.

Lois and Clark was airing in this period, so Perry White is legally required to use Lane Smith’s “Great Shades of Elvis” catchphrase. [Max: Unfortunately they don’t have the rights anymore, so they had to change it for the collected edition...]