#or skipping to the chuck scenes to see what they have to say about it

[gretagator]

Michael McKean saying the hands we see when Chuck cooks in the Chicanery flashback aren't his.... Feeling betrayed, crying, shaking, throwing up.

[yumeka-sxf]

In addition to Yor's epiphany scene, this scene was the other one I was most looking forward to in season 2 - a scene that, in my opinion, is one of the most Twiyor-ish scenes in the series so far 💖

Why is it so significant? Because there was no reason for Twilight to put on any Loid Forger acting in that moment. He wasn't conversing with nor being scrutinized by anyone. So why would he give that soft smile followed by such affectionate, comforting words as "お疲れ様/otsukaresama"? (this can be translated in many ways, but generally it's something you say to thank someone for their hard work).

The answer is because it's something he truly felt...he understood the sacrifice Yor made for Anya's happiness and genuinely appreciated it (if only he knew the sacrifice she made on the larger scale, lol). While he's a bit perturbed at first since some onlookers were snickering at him, it didn't take long for him to soften and then graciously carry his queen and princess the girls back to the ship 😭

But Twilight overall was really soft in this episode and I loved it~ From his blush upon seeing Yor to the several times he gave that same soft smile when talking with/looking at her...I think Anya was right when she called him out on the ship about missing his wife 😅

I liked how the anime conveyed his shock when noticing her bruised face...what must have been his thought at that moment? 👀

The scenes of the family activities translated better in animated form in my opinion. While they were each only a single panel in the manga, they lasted a few seconds each in the anime, plus the addition of the insert song helped the with the comfy, wholesome vibe~ Also the part where Yor inadvertently chucks Anya across the ocean is still hilarious.

Loid's dorky skip at the beginning of the episode translated very well in animated form too 😅

The ending of this chapter in the manga always felt a bit rushed to me...it quickly jumps from the aforementioned scene of them returning to the ship, to suddenly being home, reuniting with Bond and Franky, having a meal together, then Twilight meeting Sylvia, all within a few panels. Even though I wish the anime added more than just some additional scenes of the ship leaving the island, I felt it flowed much better in the anime since, just like the family activities, each scene in the ending lasted a second or two instead of being a single illustration.

But I love how this chapter/episode ends, with Yor, Anya, and Bond napping while Anya draws about her family vacation. This seems to take place the next day or maybe later the same day they got home, so makes sense they'd still be tired from the trip!

By the way, the manga has this additional scene showing that Olka and company are safe. Weird that the anime didn't stick it in at some point.

Also, the anime team didn't have to go so hard with this episode's key visual but they did...and I love it 😍 Might actually be my favorite of the key visuals so far!

I was very happy to see the "surrounded by liars" panel finally animated! This is such a funny scene and a great way to fully wrap up the cruise arc.

I also burst out laughing at Yuri's locker 🤣

Damian is surprisingly laid back in this episode. I think the reason is because Anya's antics aren't directly involving him. He tends to go total tsundere only when she's actually talking to him, lol.

The new scene of Yor getting the keychains for her coworkers was a nice addition! Guess it's canon that Yor and Anya didn't sleep for the entire trip back, lol. Glad they got to spend family time on the ship too! (though I wish we could have seen Yor's reaction waking up in Loid's bottom bunk bed, haha. He must have brought her to his room since he wouldn't know where her room is. Unless she woke up before he even put her in a bed, in which case she would have been super embarrassed knowing he was carrying her around in public 😆)

Looks like next week the anime will be changing the order of things a bit and giving us the Becky home-wrecking and Fiona chapters (the latter of which seems to have some anime original content?) The Becky chapter is one of my favorite stand-alone chapters...I'm already dying of laugher thinking about it 😂

[spidermans-l-o-v-e-r]

Strawberries and Cream

I’m doing so good with this

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x Reader

Word count: 6.4k

Masterlist

🔪remember to reblog🔪

Notes: Im currently writing this while finishing chapter one lmao. No because if you ever see a “/“ in my work you better tell me RIGHT NEYOW because I don’t write things in order I skip whole scenes and then go back to that slash and write in what happens until it gets to the scene I wrote and if that’s there that means it’s about to get CONFUSING and I just forgot to write it. P.S I love it but I’m so sick of reading this chapter 🤣🤣🤣

Episode 2: Zoo Daze

Eddie takes his time shaving, his hands are shaking so badly he’s afraid he’s gonna slice his throat or something. Buck is sitting on his bed, looking over outfit options.

“So like… this is just a friend thing?” He asks Eddie as he makes a face at the green T-shirt, tossing it aside. He grabs the navy blue shirt and lays it over the jeans then takes a white sling bag from the closet. He pulls out his phone, clicking a few buttons before taking a picture.

“Yeah, just a friend thing” Eddie calls out from the bathroom “I just…I don’t wanna move too fast for her”

“Did you already imagine the dog?” Buck teases as he settles on Eddie’s beat-up Chuck Taylor’s, Eddie calls them “vintage” Buck calls him cheap.

“Leave Captain Barkley out of this, what did he ever do to you” Eddie walks out of the bathroom, wiping his face with a towel.

“Does she get to redecorate the house too? Because I know my cousin, you’re gonna be buried in stuffed animals”

“If that’s what she wants” Eddie tosses the towel down and looks over Buck's choices, shrugging as he starts getting dressed. “Trust me, I already know our styles are gonna fit. And even if they don’t we’ll just have a unique style together y’know? I’m easygoing, okay, you know that.”

Buck tosses him his cologne and Eddie sprays it on, putting on the teeniest, tiniest bit extra just so it’ll cling to you too. He fixes his hair one last time in the mirror and turns to Buck, his arms open.

“How do I look?” He does a spin, before crossing his arms over his chest. Buck studies him, narrowing his eyes before he gets up and goes through Eddie’s dresser, he grabs a nicer-looking watch and hands it to him

“This is gonna be weird” He stands against Eddie, leaning into his neck and inhaling slowly. His hands trail up his sides and he puts his hands on his chest. He smirks as his eyes roll back and he pulls away.

“Okay cool, you didn’t put too much on” He gives him a double thumbs up and Eddie rolls his eyes, chuckling.

“Pervert, you know you just wanted to feel me up”

“Are you gonna blame me?!” Buck throws his hands in the air in defense “And I swear I was making sure you didn’t put on too much cologne okay? And that’s probably the way Y/N would feel you up if you guys kiss so I gotta make sure your shirt is soft enough bro I’m looking out for you okay”

“Mhm I bet you are”

It’s cute how things are almost the same at Maddie’s house. She’s sitting on her bed, looking through all the clothes you brought over, phone in hand. You’re in the bathroom doing your hair, braiding it back.

“So it’s just a friend thing right?” She asks as she picks up a pink dress, tossing it aside.

“Yeah, that’s what we agreed on,” You say, coming out and taking off your robe, you toss it on the bed and Maddie hands you a blue and white gingham dress, with spaghetti straps and a tie in front. It’s short and playful, but still extremely cute

“Oh, and these!” She gets up, goes to her closet, and pulls out a pair of matching light blue Chuck Taylor’s “Chim got them for me before the pregnancy, they don’t exactly fit anymore” she chuckles as she tosses them on the floor in front of you

“You’re sure this isn’t too dressy?” You sound a bit worried as she ties the little bow in front and smiles at you

“Yeah, I’m sure it’s not too dressy. You look really good” She turns you around and grabs a white bow from the bed, putting it in your hair. She brushes off your shoulders and nods approvingly as she pushes you towards the mirror

“See? You look amazing! He’s gonna go crazy over you”

“We’re just friends Mads” You roll your eyes playfully “He’s not gonna go crazy over me”

“Hey, Eddie can appreciate beauty when he sees it, alright.” She smirks, Chim walks in, a smoothie in his hand.

“Oh heyyy, lookin' good Y/N I see what you’re doing there”

You giggle and Maddie pats your butt “See! You’re gonna be just fine, girly!”

Maddie helps you put on makeup, just a light, natural, look. She hands you the tube of strawberry lipgloss and you put it on, blowing a little kiss towards Chim who wolf whistles at you

“Okay. Maybe he’ll go a tiny bit crazy” You giggle as you spray your perfume over yourself. “He should be here soon, he said he’d be here at 10… is he normally on time?” You pack up your white mini backpack, stuffing a few snacks in there too.

“Usually yeah,” Chim says, swinging his feet as he sits on the bed. “Especially on dates”

“Does he date often?” You apply a little glitter to your collarbones just for funsies.

“No, not…for a while. But that’s kinda his story to tell. You’re the first in a while”

“I’m not the first” Your cheeks flush “It’s just two friends hanging out okay? And… that’s sort of good to know, at least I know what topic to avoid. Not that I’m trying to start a conversation about a relationship.”

Maddie rolls her eyes but allows it. It’s wildly clear to everyone you’re both smitten… hopefully, this is a good little push.

“Anyway” Maddie interrupts, the doorbell rings, there’s a weird commotion and then the front door slams.

“It’s me! It’s actually us, I asked for a ride” Buck says as he comes jogging into the bedroom. He stops when he sees you, absolutely melting. He clasps his hands together

“Awwwww oh my god. You look like a doll!!!” He comes over and hugs you, squeezing you. “Our baby is growing up!!!” He wipes a fake tear and you pat his back gingerly

“Thanks, Dad.” You snicker and Maddie pushes Buck away, threatening to punch him if he ruins your makeup.

“Hey isn’t Eddie outside” Chim points, getting up to get the door

“Oh my god, I totally forgot about that,” Buck says, his hands on his hips. “Wait- Wait Chim you gotta be cool you gotta be a dad! This is great practice!”

“Yeah. Yeah okay, a dad!” He grabs his smoothie cup and straightens out his shirt before smoothing his hair back.

“Oh my god. Let Eddie in!!!” Maddie yells at them and they both scramble out of the bedroom.

Maddie walks in front of you as you come out of the bedroom, Eddie hugs her and kisses her on the cheek before seeing you.

“Hey Y/N, you ready to…-“ he short circuits for a second, just staring at you. Buck shakes Chim and they hold onto each other.

He’s not even really being dramatic, god how could he be? If this is you for a “friend” date what the hell would you look like on a real date? He can practically see little puppy Captain Barkley Diaz now.

“Am I ready to?…-“ you smile up at him, batting your eyelashes teasingly. Earth isn’t even possible right now. He comes as close as Jupiter is as he looks down at you. You’re even matching, he’s not sure if it was on purpose or not but it’s cute it’s literally so damn cute.

“Um- uh. The… zoo are you ready to go to the zoo” He asks calmly, almost monotonously like he’d been practicing it on the way over.

“I’m ready!” You tell him excitedly, taking his hand and yanking on it.

“Let’s jet!”

Maddie and the boys wave you both off as you walk out, he opens the door for you, taking your hand and helping you up into the car. It’s Buck’s jeep, he practically demanded the two of you take it and said he cleaned it just for this occasion.

Eddie gets in, making sure you’re buckled in before turning on the jeep “You can play whatever you want”

You fiddle around with your phone for a second, hooking it up to the aux, and start scrolling through your playlists

“Okay this is just intimidating,” You say as you put on a random playlist

“Oh come on, you don’t want to show me who you are through music?” He smirks as he starts driving

“What if you think my music is trash?”

“I’m not gonna think your music is trash” he reassures you by turning up the volume.

It’s a fun mix of everything you like, you catch him mumbling along to “Oops…I did it again” he fully denies that one, but he does however proudly sing backups to “Wannabe and Too Much” by the Spice Girls. You’re both just messing around and having a good time… but of course, he can sing. His voice gives you chills and whilst you’re not so bad yourself it’s just a lot to handle.

“Sporty Spice carried those vocals,” Eddie says as he opens the car door for you, helping you out

“Buck says the same thing” You snort as you walk towards the entrance.

You guys stand in line together, you’re looking around the main lobby, it’s a pretty nice one. You look up at him, smiling widely

“I’m literally so excited, I hope they have elephants, I’ve always wanted to see an elephant!!”

“I’m pretty sure they do, we’ll get a map for you” Eddie takes your hand, his phone is scanned for the tickets and you head inside.

You’re like a child again, running around to each exhibit and pulling Eddie after you. He’s happy to take pictures of you with all the animals and you do the same. A woman comes over and offers to take a picture of the two of you, your cheeks flush as he hands her the phone and puts his arms around you, setting his head on your shoulder. You look at him just in time for the lady to take the picture

“Oh my god, you guys are so cute!!” She squeals, handing him back his phone

“Thank you” He smirks haughtily at you and you give his chest a whack.

“People are gonna think we’re together”

“Is that so bad?”

It’s not so bad, not really. You roll your eyes and look down at the map, your mouth drops open and you practically shove it in his face

“Look!!! They do have elephants!” You squeal as you grab his hand, and yank him with you. He stumbles after you, tripping over his own feet. It doesn’t even bother him in the least, watching you so excited and happy makes him feel giddy. Especially knowing he’s the one who brought you here.

You stop in front of the elephants, your head tilting up to stare at them

“Oh my god…” you say softly, staring at the gigantic animal in front of you. Your eyes are wide and sparkly… Eddie takes a picture of you, one he’ll keep to himself. You look euphoric and he knows he’s going to be hugging his phone to his chest and kicking his feet whenever he sees it again.

He wishes he could freeze this moment in time for you, you look over at him and his heart skips a beat at the smile on your face

“Isn’t it cool?” You giggle and he nods, a bit dumbly

“Uh-huh”

The butterflies around him don’t compare to the ones raging in his stomach, throwing an all-out rave.

You both sit in front of the elephants for a while, he eventually puts his arms around you and you lean into him, just watching them mess around in their habitat

“You wanna stay here all day? Or would you rather check out more animals”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing some Tigers”

You and Eddie end up on The Bridge, it’s a large structure high over the outdoor area for big cats. You find a place near a pair of binoculars and look down over the edge. You read from the information panel in front of you, learning all about Sean and Rhonda the tigers that live there.

Eddie is busy listening to you and looking through the binoculars when he gets eyes on Sean

“Huh… I wonder why he’s pacing like that. Been doing that for a while” Eddie aims the little binoculars at him again before stepping aside and giving you a chance to look through them at the tiger. He seems to be almost studying something. You look around for a bit, looking through the trees.

“Hey…Eddie?” You point towards a particularly odd-looking branch. “That- that kind of looks really easy for him to jump onto don’t you think?”

Eddie looks where you’re pointing, and he reaches out for your hand “Yeah it kind of freaking do-“

All hell breaks loose before he can even finish his sentence. The tiger takes a running start and jumps onto the tree, scaling it easily and heading straight for that branch. He’s out of his enclosure within 20 seconds. The bridge shakes as he lands.

You’re knocked over almost immediately as people start running and screaming, pushing each other out of the way to get away. The tiger roars before racing off in the opposite direction.

“Eddie?!”You scream for him. You’re on the ground, trying to push yourself up when you feel strong hands yank you up by your waist and you get thrown over someone’s shoulder.

You’re struggling a bit, before Eddie sets you down and pulls you with him, running to a little alcove outside the tiger exhibit. He hurries along, trying the doors until one finally gives.

“In here!” Eddie finds an unlocked supply closet and shoves you in first before rushing in behind you and slamming the door shut. You collapse on your butt, propped against the wall. You’re panting harshly, your hands shaking as Eddie gets down, crawling over to you

“Hey, hey look at me, are you okay?” He puts his hands on your face, his eyes searching your body frantically. You can feel his hands shaking just as hard as yours as he feels over your face. You’re a bit scuffed up and dirty but the tiger didn’t rip you to shreds so really it seems like a win.

“I’m- y-yeah no, no I’m okay. I’m okay. I think. I-“

He yanks you against his chest, burying his face in your neck as he holds you.

“Don’t ever let go of my hand again, do you understand me?” He pants, one hand on the back of your head and the other, fingers splayed across your back, squishing you against him. “God please never let go”

It takes a while for Eddie to calm down, you’re just sitting in his lap as he holds you close, rocking you slowly. You’re not sure who’s being comforted more, you or him. You can hear both of your phones blowing up in your pockets, the fire fam has gotten wind of what happened but neither of you wants to move to answer them. He rubs your side lovingly, his head on top of yours

“You doin' okay?” He asks, a bit more level-headed this time, his voice soft and even.

“Yeah but-“ You point to your knee, it’s pretty scraped up and bloody. He frowns, as he looks it over, he should have asked sooner. It’s not too bad but it definitely needs to be taken care of. He sets you down on the floor and takes off his bag.

“Are you doing okay?” You ask and he looks up at you, a grimace on his face and you decide not to push him on it. You look around the supply closet, it’s cool and dark, and there’s a window letting in a bit of light. You’re sort of hoping the Tiger isn’t smart enough to open doors, even if in theory that would be super cool.

“You know this has got to be the coolest day of my life” You snicker as Eddie takes out the supplies from his emergency kit. He’s finally able to part with you for the time being, he’s gotta put this first. This is his job, he can do it.

“Coolest huh? Why is that?”

He’s so concentrated on what he’s doing, using his “Fireman’s” voice. He pulls the antiseptic from the bag, his movements are fluid and practiced, he doesn’t even warn you when he goes to disinfect the wound, just immediately blots it.

You hiss in pain, jerking a little and he looks up at you “Why was it so cool?” He asks again softly, rubbing your leg. It’s distracting, he didn’t want to use that particular disinfectant because he knew it would sting but it was the best he had. He doesn’t stop blotting at it, but he does blow on it as he goes.

“A whole ass Tiger escaped its enclosure! And I got to see it happen!!” You tell him, watching him carefully as he cleans you up.

“I’m gonna be so real, I nearly shit my pants. That was terrifying.”

You laugh together as he reaches back in the kit, getting a large tan bandaid.

“You know, death by tiger? Would have been literally the most metal way to go out” You say, watching his skilled hands. Is it weird to say he’s super hot when he’s being all “hero, rescue, firefighter guy?”

“I think the only way it would be cooler was if you died fighting the tiger to save a child”

Your head falls back and you cover your mouth laughing.

“I’m glad you saved me though… Thank you. I could have gotten trampled… you’re like… really strong”

“Hey it’s my job to be strong,” He says, smiling as he looks up at you. He puts the bandaid on you and then reaches back into his kit, putting a cute Hello Kitty bandaid over the large tan one. “And I’ll always save you Y/N. I promise”

The announcement comes over the speakers that the tiger has been contained and that Investigators want to talk to everyone on the bridge. Eddie knows he shouldn’t. But he sneaks the two of you out of the zoo anyway, he’ll call the zoo later and tell them what happened. It’s well- a zoo in there right now and he just needs peace, and he can tell you’re just as frazzled. He helps you into the jeep and then gets in, slamming the door shut. It’s silent, there’s no screaming, no running…no growling. Just silence.

You lean your head on his shoulder, your hand still in his, and you rub soothing circles on the back of his hand. It’s a good 20 minutes before he finally turns on the car. It kind of seems like the chaos and screaming got to him and you’re a bit worried.

“I know a really good diner if you’re hungry, best diner you’ll ever go to I promise” He finally speaks up. He sets your hand on his thigh and you squeeze it lightly, leaving it there

“Yeah okay sounds good, but if you’re lying I’m gonna spray you with the hose.”

He snorts as he pulls out of the parking lot and rolls his eyes “How are you even gonna get the hose?”

“You honestly think Buck wouldn’t give it to me? And be there right behind me as I’m spraying you down? Like Chim and Hen wouldn’t be filming it!”

“I think at least Bobby would save me!!”

You giggle and slap his thigh playfully “He’s gonna be the one controlling the water”

You plop down in the booth across from Eddie, leaning back against the plush seating. The waitress drops two menus in front of you both and promises to come back soon with water to get you started.

“Do you know what you want?” Eddie asks as he leans forward, his arms on the table, his hand cradling his chin.

“Probably that burger” you shrug, laying your head down on your arm on the table. You’re both exhausted. Now that the adrenaline has worn off it’s time for a serious nap

“Yeah, same” he agrees, laying his head down with you. He reaches over, taking your hand in his as he closes his eyes. You smile softly as he rubs circles with his thumb over it. The waitress hesitantly approaches the table setting your water down

“You two seem exhausted” She smiles as she takes out her book

“You have no idea” Eddie chuckles, sitting up. He orders for the two of you, two bacon cheeseburgers with grilled onions and two strawberry lemonades. It’s like he knows how to read your heart at this point

The waitress- Annie, writes down your orders and sticks her pen back in her book

“That’ll be out soon! Oh my god have you two heard about the tiger escaping at the zoo? It’s all over everything already”

“Oh trust me. We heard” Eddie tells her, handing her the menus while she talks about it for a little bit before walking away to put in the orders, you look up at Eddie and shake your head

“I’m 90 percent sure I’m gonna have tiger PTSD”

He snorts and intertwines your fingers together again, shaking your hand a little. “As someone who actively denies? PTSD yeah no definitely can confirm absolute tiger PTSD”

You giggle, watching your hands together before looking at him curiously “Actively denies…-?” You leave it open-ended and he nods

“Don’t wanna talk about it though. Please if that’s okay”

“No no, it’s fine” you reassure him, squeezing his hand “Just…. I’m here for you. I’m sure you probably hear that a lot. But I do mean it, Eddie. You’re not alone”

“Eh… sometimes it feels like it” He admits, staring at your hands “No one knows what I went through you know? It’s just rough I guess. I don’t know, I’ll get over it.”

You look at him, a sad smile on your face “You won’t get over it Eddie… not, not without help. But you know what, I just met you. This is kind of our first hangout. I'm not going to go down this road with you right now unless you’d like to. It’s not exactly my place”

“Hey we survived a wild tiger mauling together, I think it’s your place” he jokes with you, lightening the mood, you giggle and shake your head

“I’m glad I escaped with my arm. He really went to town on it.”

Lunch is nice, Eddie was right this is the best diner you’ve ever been to.

“Oh my god” You moan around your bite and he nods, laughing as he bites his burger. “Told you I knew what I was talking about”

“I promise to never doubt you again, you know until I completely forget this moment” You steal an onion ring and he smirks, taking one of your fries.

“Don’t worry I’ll remember it for you”

You two eat together in silence, a “companionable” silence. You’re looking out the window and he’s on his phone for a bit before slipping it back in his pocket. It’s nice to be around him…everything is always so good when it comes to him.

“What should we do after this?” You ask as you dip a fry in ketchup. He watches you for a bit before shrugging

“If you wanted, We could go out somewhere else. Or maybe we could just hang out somewhere… something laid back. I- I want to keep hanging out with you, I do. But-”

“We just got semi-attacked by a tiger and now we’re sitting here staring off into space”

“Yeahhh..” He sighs, grabbing an onion ring. He tears it in half, giving you one.

“If uh… if you’re up for it maybe we could just… go relax at my place? For a bit? It’s close to here and the couch is pretty comfy”

You grin widely, taking the half of onion ring and tossing it into your mouth

“Sounds good to me”

“Here we are, home sweet home” Eddie pulls into his driveway and shuts off the car. It’s around 4 pm but neither of you wanted the day to end and honestly, maybe you’re just still wanting to be by his side for a bit. He gets out and comes around, opening the door for you.

“Such a gentleman” You tease as you hop out, he flicks you off and shuts the door, locking it behind him. He lets you in the front door first, and you look around. It's very clean and put together, definitely a bit masculine in decoration. You slip off your shoes and go into the house

“Nice place you got here,” you tell him and he smiles, putting his hand on your lower back and guiding you over to the living room

“Thanks, Buck crashes here like… a lot. So you’ll probably find some of his stuff too if you feel like changing, or I can offer you something. Not that you’re not still looking absolutely stunning you know, just if you wanted to change. Can I get you something to drink?”

You look around the living room already spotting a pair of your cousin's shoes

“Yeah sure, thanks. And maybe I’ll change, I haven’t decided yet. You can though if you want to”

He walks away to get the drinks and you look at the pictures he has around, some of them are of the team and his friends. One of him in a military uniform with a group of people. Huh…that explains a little at least.

“So this is where I would be staying huh?” You smirk playfully as Eddie comes back into the living room, he hands you a bottle of tea and you crack it open. You turn away from the photos pretending you haven’t gotten that far.

“Yeah, I suppose it is” he chuckles. He motions with his bottle and you follow after him, he’s got a spare room, it’s a pretty decent size. “This would be your room… I mean if you wanted. I’d even give you the main if you wanted it”

You look around the room, it’s simple, bright, and airy. He says that and you whirl around “There’s no way in hell I’d take your bedroom from you! Especially if I was staying here”

He puts his hands up in defense and laughs lightly “Hey I’m an easygoing guy alright? I just want you to be comfortable- or no-. I would want you to be comfortable”

“Comfortable is this, Eddie. I wouldn’t take your bedroom away from you”

“Who knows,” he turns on his heel as he leaves the room “Maybe we can just share mine”

Your mouth drops open and you race after him “Hey! Hey, you get back here!”

Eddie refuses to acknowledge anything you say on the topic of what he just said, acting innocent and batting his eyelashes

“I think you’re hearing things” His voice was high-pitched and sweet. You shove him down onto the couch and sit next to him crossing your arms over your chest and huffing. It gets a few giggles out of him but he still doesn’t address it no matter how much you pout.

Eventually, like a toddler, you tire yourself out and just sit on the couch with him. There is a seat between you but it just feels like more than that. You pull your feet up on the couch and lay your head on the armrest staring at the SpongeBob episode on screen. The fish on screen is screaming about chocolate and you hear Eddie chuckle

“Are you joking?” You giggle as you turn your head to look at him

“This is literally classic SpongeBob. I'm not supposed to find it funny?” He asks, clearly wounded as he takes the throw blanket from the back of the couch, he opens his arm to you. “C’mere hater” he motions with his hand and you push up from the armrest, scooting across the mile-long seat in between the two of you and curling up into his side. He throws the blanket over the two of you and you grab onto his shirt.

“Yeah okay, I guess… I mean I still quote the paper skin thing so”

Eddie snickers as his hand lays on your thigh, he rubs soft, soothing circles, that send chills up your spine

“I’m like pretty sure Buck and I were literally just screaming chocolate last week anyway”

You cuddle together, watching SpongeBob for a few hours. It’s comforting and mind-numbing, it feels good to be in his arms. Eventually, you do take him up on his offer and he gives you a t-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts. You change into them and plop back down with him, his outfit almost identical. It’s around nine when he pulls out his phone and starts scrolling

“Chinese sound good?” He asks and you look up at him, your eyes a little sleepy

“For what”

“Dinner?” It sounds like a question more than an answer “I figured it’s been a while since we ate…and I didn’t go grocery shopping so like..-“

“Okay yeah, that sounds good. What’s your cash app?” You pull out your phone and he takes it from you immediately, tossing it across the couch

“Eddie!!”

“There’s no way in hell I’m letting you pay for it so just shut up and say thank you”

“Why didn’t you just not tell me your cash app??” You look at him, and he stops for a second, narrowing his eyes as he thinks.

“Mmm…yeah that was probably a better idea”

You sit up and snatch your phone from the other side of the couch, punching him in the side is a given, and then you lay back against him. He’s laid on the couch, his head comfortably resting on the pillows and you’re on top of him a bit, most of your body buried into the side of the couch.

He runs his fingers down your arm, just stroking it softly. It’s nice, it kinda tickles and you wriggle against him

“You know if I were to stay somewhere I wouldn’t mind if it was here. It’s pretty nice. You do a really good job taking care of your house”

Eddie’s heart flutters, and jumps and does like a roundhouse kick he’s not sure he just knows it’s going wild and he must have an entire butterfly farm in there cause god you’re making him all shy and giddy

“Oh? Well thanks that means a lot”

His voice is cool and even, even though he’s trying his best not to just squeeze the life out of you. Instead, he decides to squish the life out of you. He turns over and puts his arms and legs around you, you push at his chest and groan

“Eddie, you're squishing me! Get off!” Your voice is muffled as it’s buried in his chest

“Hmm my couch my rules, I’m pretty comfy right here” He purrs, holding onto you like a koala bear. You struggle underneath him until you finally give in. He’s warm and soft and overwhelms your senses, his cologne sticks to your body and you rarely wanna take this dress off

“Eddie get your fat butt off of me” you hiss and he snickers, wiggling his hips

“Wait, you think my butt is fat? Like what kinda fat? Like P-h-a-t? Or like is it Thicc with two C’s”

You’re laughing like a hyena into his chest as he goes about all the possible meanings and you slap his chest

“Double C’s maybe even triple when you’re in your work pants,” you tell him, winking dramatically

“That is literally the nicest damn compliment I have ever gotten in my entire life” He wipes a fake tear and rolls off of you, pulls you back onto him, and hugs you tightly to his chest

“Don’t worry, I like your ass too” His voice is so flirty and light. You feel his hands flow down your back, stopping just before they slide under the waistband of the basketball shorts. He easily turns his attention back toward the TV and you’re left a blushing mess on his chest.

Once the food arrives, you wander into the dining room with him, he goes to the kitchen, grabs a couple of bowls, and hands you one.

“You know most people just eat it right out of the carton,” You tell him as you spoon some rice into your bowl

“Yeah on tv maybe” he teases, using chopsticks to put an egg roll in your bowl “But we’re sharing”

You hold a piece of orange chicken up to his mouth and he takes it off your chopsticks “Yeah but how are we supposed to be cute and feed each other” you snicker and he rolls his eyes, chewing his bite

“Oh yeah because our diner experience wasn’t cute enough, holding hands at the table, stealing fries”

“Oh, so you wanted to be cute with me?” Your response is fast and cheeky and his mouth drops open

“I-Okay you know what, shut up and eat your egg roll!” He shoves your head away and you squeal laughing.

He lets you pick whatever you want to watch and you just continue with SpongeBob. You get comfy on the couch with him, your bowl in your lap as you eat together again.

“I realize now, that it’s been 650 hours… but did you ever text everyone back that we were okay?”

Eddie had texted everyone, he handled the entire storm for you, aka Buck’s 57 messages. Maddie was next in line with 34.

“Yeah of course, I told them you were okay too and just needed to shut your phone off” he scrolls through his phone for a second before showing you a picture, you’re staring out of the window of the diner. It’s a pretty picture, and surprisingly photogenic.

“Oh…Thanks” you say shyly, smiling softly at him, leaning you over, putting your head on his shoulder

“You’re the bestest friend a girl could have Eddie”

He kisses your head and lays his cheek on it “You’re welcome sugar cube, anything for you”

Eddie turns down the covers on the bed as you get ready in the bathroom. He smoothly asked you to stay the night… if awkwardly stumbling through his sentence and wringing his hands while dropping the bowl he was washing was smooth.

You’d agreed, giggling at him as you helped pick up the pieces. You said it was too late to be driving anyway and he was glad you agreed. Just a nice, happy, friendly, sleepover. A little tiny sleepover between best friends. “Bestest” she’d said.

You come out of the bathroom in just the t-shirt he’d lent you, you stuff your bra and dress into your mini backpack and put your hands on your hips

“Guess this’ll be a test drive huh?” You tease as you crawl into bed. He tucks you in and it makes you giggle when he leans down and kisses your head

“You know I am serious Y/N, if you need a place to stay my door is always open”

“I think I believe you…” You say quietly as he sits on the edge of your bed “But I just don’t know… it’s a big step, moving across the country. I- I don’t even have a job here and-“

“Hey don’t worry about that,” He says quietly shushing you “I can… I can take care of you”

You look up at him, your cheeks flushed “What are you, my sugar daddy?” you joke as you pull the covers up higher on your neck. He snickers and gets off the bed, going to the door

“Yeah sure I’m totally sugar daddy material” he snorts, his hand pauses on the light switch

“Just….just think about it okay?”

You nod at him, blushing “Yeah okay Eddie… I will.”

He shuts off the lights and closes the door, you’re plunged into darkness…alone with your thoughts.

It’s a couple of hours before your brain finally slows down…Eddie wants you to move in with him? Or at least he’s willing to let you. And like….he wants to take care of you… that’s. That’s fun. What a good friend, what an amazing friend.

Friend.

That word is getting kinda interesting, and used incredibly loosely at this point. Eddie isn’t your boyfriend…he’s your friend but like…. What if he was your boyfriend?

You frown, no. No, it’s not time to think like that, it's time to sleep.

Your eyes pop open angrily. Now it’s three in the morning and this is getting stupid. Maybe it’s because it’s pitch black? That seems reasonable, you’re used to a nightlight. Not that you wish he was there with you no sir, not that.

Not even that you’re kind of freezing… and he certainly wouldn’t want you to freeze to death…

“Eddie? Are you awake?” You ask quietly, poking your head through his door. You can see him in bed, the moonlight streaming through the bedroom window. He stirs a little and turns over

“Yeah” his voice is deep and raspy with sleep “I’m awake sugar cube, is everything okay?”

“Did I wake you?” You step into his room, shutting the door.

“I mean… yeah but I don’t wanna say it” he snickers, sitting up in bed. You pad over softly and climb in with him. You climb over him messily and he rolls his eyes as you slip under the covers. You lay on the other side of the bed, facing him. He lays down and faces you

“Hi”

“Hi”

You smile softly “Just thought you could use some company”

“Aren’t you so thoughtful?” He teases, reaching out for you. You shyly shuffle into his arms, your head resting on his chest

“This okay?” He asks quietly, you can hear his heart beating and it’s soothing. His bare chest is soft against your cheek.

“Uh huh… it’s nice”

“Yeah it is, isn’t it? He whispers into your hair. It doesn’t take long for you both to fall asleep. He didn’t even bother asking why you were there; he just knew he wanted you there. It had been a while since anyone had warmed his bed, and he hadn’t realized how deep the craving was until you were safely nestled in his arms. Friends was starting to become a very useless word, very quickly

And that didn’t bother him one bit.

[youre-amazing-say-it]

A fic with rdj babying teen reader!

Papa-Bear Mode

Summary: The reader gets a tiny injury during her first fight scene, and RDJ goes full Papa-Bear Mode.

Warning: talks about stuntwork, swearing, little cut on the forearm

A/N: sorry these are taking so long. my bad!

"All Right guys, shooting in 30. Get ready!" You heard the Russo Brothers speak into the megaphone. You were off talking to the stunt coordinator, Meghan when you heard the announcement. You were about to shoot your first-ever fight scene and were terrified. The shakey breath you let out was evidence of it. "You got this girl, it's a very simple scene, no harnesses. just fighting," she spoke as she rubbed your shoulder, helping you relax. "Yeah, but what if-"

"So Pipsqueak! heard you are doing your first stunt scene today!" you heard a voice behind you say. Robert walked over and stood right behind you, placing both of his hands on your shoulders, giving them. gentle squeeze. "Yes, and I am FREAKING OUT!" you shouted as you pushed his hands off you.

"Hey hey calm down kiddo, okay?" he spoke softly as he turned you around for an embrace. With your head on his chest, he mouthed to Meghan that he got it, sending her on her way. "Now," he continued as you stood still, "why are you scared?"

"Look stunts can be scary, and I don't want to get hurt or injured because of something I messed up," you said looking at the brown-haired man in the eyes. "Well, do you know what you need to do for the scene?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "I mean yeah but-"

Robert made a shushing sound before you could even continue. "And I'm sure Meghan and the rest of the stunt coordination crew have your safety in mind while working out this scene. So you will be fine, you got this, okay pipsqueak?" he spoke to you. You let out the breath you have been holding in. "Okay, I got this. You are right." You spoke confidently before embracing RDJ once more.

"Thanks, Robert, I appreciate you." You felt him give the top of your head and you squeezed him tighter. "And I appreciate you, Y/n. Now you ready to go kick some ass?" he shouted as he raised his hand for a high five. You easily returned it, "Hell yeah, let's go!"

TIME SKIP

"Alright Y/n, let's shoot that scene one more time, okay?" you heard Anthony Russo speak into the megaphone. You gave them a thumbs-up from up on the railing where you were fighting the villain of the movie (I'm too lazy to decide who it is). You looked to the side of the stage and saw Robert watching you and also gave you a thumbs-up. So far all of the takes have been great, and no one has gotten seriously injured. Once this take was done, you were excited to just go to bed.

"Okay, an ACTION!" They shouted and you and your scene partner got to work. You quickly dodged the punch, went in for a kick, and continued your routine. Everything was going great until you heard some rattling above you. you couldn't look up so you tried not to let your anxiety show through. It wasn't until you got to the part where your partner had you up against the wall that you heard the sound of a part coming undone. Before you knew it, two small boards came crashing down on you and your partner. You felt one of the edges scratch your arm before landing on the floor.

"CUT! CUT!" You and your partner let go of each other and quickly checked yourself over for injuries. "You okay Y/n?" they spoke. "Yeah, I'm fine, just a cut on my forearm. What about you?" you asked them, "Nothing I think I'm - " they were saying before you felt Robert crushing you with his arms. "Oh my god Y/n!" He shouted into your ears. He let you go and held out your arms. "Robert Im fine, I promise. You said as you chucked. You felt his eyes scan your body, checking you for injuries.

"MEDIC! WE NEED A MEDIC!" he shouted as he took your injured arm and tried to turn it into the light to get a good view of it. "Robert I said Im fine! It's just a cut, see?" you said as you tried to pull your arm out of his grip, but he wasn't budging. "Look it could be infected, or worse than it looks. So let's just be safe okay?" he asked as he looked at you with pleading eyes.

You chuckled at him before reluctantly agreeing, " Okay papa bear, I'll get it checked out." You could hear him say "I'm not a papa bear," under his breath as you too made your way towards the medics on set. "Yes you are, and it's very adorable. Thanks for looking out for me." He leaned down and kissed your head.

"I gotta look out for my cubs."

[petrichor-idyllic]

Hi Petri, soooo I just finished Dead man walking and already (not that soon though, cause I know you have many requests to get through) need a part 2 because this is my new favorite thing, I love it, you did amazing (as always <3).

You can do whatever you want for part 2 but I wish you could do a little scene where the reader is trying to figure something about her job out and Gally is there just staring at her, and how beautiful she looks when concentrated,and they're just flirting and having fun. Also please do a lot of Fry teasing them because I absolutely love it.

Yes, absolutely, I can.

Love my boy Gally.

Sorry I've been MIA.

DEAD MAN WALKING PT. 2

MASTERLIST | GALLY MASTERLIST

PART 1 | PART 2

SUMMARY: See above. Continuation from part 1. Time skip to the Safe Haven.

WARNINGS: Inappropriate language, Frypan bullying Gally, awkward tension, you not being sure what to do with yourself, reference to Chuck's death. WICKED being WCKD because movie. Newt's dead. Rip.

The past few weeks have been a blur of chaos and emotion.

You'd arrived at the Safe Haven. But, you were the only person left from the rebels.

Lawrence stormed the City, destroying and setting fire to everything, which was not the plan. And not something you agreed with.

You'd split off and made your own way through the City, managing to bump into Gally on his way to their escape ship. His group had taken some blows.

They'd lost Newt to the Flare. Teresa got swallowed by a burning building. Thomas had been shot. Minho had been deeply traumatised at WCKD's hands.

Life hadn't been easy on these kids. But at least they're safe now.

And so are you, even if you're permanently having some kind of identity crisis due to too much free time and losing your rebellious means.

But, hey, you've still got Gally, at least.

Well, sort of.

Things have been painful awkward since your kiss in the Last City.

It's no one's fault in particular. You've been moving a hundred miles an hour your entire life, and now you get shouted at for finishing your work too quickly, and you're not really sure how to deal with people when you're not bossing them around or being bossed around.

And, Gally is just generally terrible at feelings.

It's actually mildly concerning, sometimes.

Which has led to a weirdly tense friendship where neither of you really know what you're doing.

It's a painful watch.

And you kinda sorta forgot that Gally is still a slightly awkward teenage boy with no experience with women.

It's definitely an experience; but on the bright side, you've become an honorary Glader. Sure, you don't understand the slang still, and you have to remember to not ask too much about the Maze or some of the people because you'll be met with several PTSD induced panic attacks. But, you've befriended them.

Minho is funny and sarcastic and incredibly tough.

Frypan is sweet, and also kind of funny. And he's an excellent cook despite what the other boys say.

Thomas is bold and determined, even taking a bit of a leadership role alongside Vince - even after his well-deserved break.

And whilst Brenda and Jorge aren't quite Gladers, you also like them quite a bit. Jorge reminds you of Lawrence in a way. He's rebellious and bold, but instead of cold and occasionally terrifying, he's funny and fraternal. And Brenda is kind of like you in a way, except she's playful. Which you have severely been lacking in the last few years of your life.

Yet, despite integrating into his friend group, his new home, his daily life - yours and Gally's relationship is still at a weird standstill.

So, you've decided to dive into work. Helping Vince is an easy way to clear your mind, and helping out people who've suffered under WCKS's hands is kind of your speciality.

You prepare blankets, clean, help Frypan in the kitchen, help with building plans, settle petty disputes; you name it, you do it.

And that's something Gally has always admired about you.

"Oi, shank, you're starin' again." Frypan says, snickering as he sits next to Gally, the light from the flames bouncing off his face.

Bonfires are an almost nightly occurrence at the Safe Haven. A celebration of their freedom and security. But, it's a bittersweet experience for the remaining Gladers. Memories of happier times dance in the fires of community. They always thought escaping the Maze would be the end, but they often find themselves remembering simpler times.

You don't share the same heartfelt irony.

"I'm not starin'." Gally grumbles back, yet his eyes still linger on you.

You walk around, handing out drinks and occasionally adding to the fire, making small talk; mainly with Vince, Thomas, and Brenda. You also occasionally take grimances sips of Gally's special brew - another festivity bought from the remains of the Maze.

"Uh huh, sure you aren't." Frypan chuckles as he sips his drink, a beat passing between the boys. "I don't get it. You guys kissed. Like, you kissed an actual girl. And now... what?"

Gally sighs, dropping his head as he speaks in a grumbled tone. "I... I don't know, man. She's... she was my boss. She saved my life. You know she found me in the Maze and-"

"And did everything to patch you up. Took you under her wing. Yeah, yeah, we know, we get it." Frypan rolls his eyes, knowing the story off by heart. "You clearly care about her, so why not actually doing something about it?"

"She hasn't done anything about it."

"Uh, yeah, she did."

"When?"

"When she shuckin' kissed you, slinthead."

Gally falls silent for a moment, eyes landing back on you. It's everything about you; your hair, your eyes, your smile, the way you hold yourself, your passion - everything.

"...I don't wanna shuck it up, Fry."

Frypan's eyes land on his friend, the teasing tone slipping away as he looks at him. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Gally anxiously taps his foot, eyes lingering on you again. He looked at you like you were a Goddess and him a feeble insect, blessed to be in your mere presence.

"Gally?" Frypan presses him, brows starting to furrow in worry.

Gally has never been good with words. He's aggressive, and scary, and dangerous. Even if he has learnt to forgive and become more humble thanks to you, it's not like he's become an expert at this. And now he has...

Feelings.

Ew.

He sighs, running his fingers through his short hair. "...I messed everything up back in the Maze. I was scared, and I acted on my own. I tried to hurt you guys, and I..." He trails off, the sound of the gunshot and Chuck hitting the floor still burnt into the back of his retinas. He shakes his head, clearing his throat. "I don't wanna mess this up, too."

Frypan looks at him for a few seconds, before smacking him on the back of the head.

"Klunk-! Fry! What the shuck, man?" Gally grumbles as he rubs the back of his head.

"Are you hearing yourself, shank?" Frypan leans forward on his knees. "That girl over there brought you back from the dead. She saw the potential in you and made it work. Without you, we would've never been able to save Minho, we would've never stopped WCKD - hell, we probably wouldn't even have made it here, man. Get a grip. You ain't that same sissy that spent his time buggin' out around the Glade, terrified of change. You're a hero and a rebell who risked his life for change."

Gally looks at his friend, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"And the only way that you're shucking this up, is if you sit you shank-ass here and do nothing." Frypan continues, letting the statement hang in the air for several moments.

Gally nods, churning the words over in his head.

"I'm right. Am I right, or am I right?" Frypan grins.

Gally snorts, shaking his head slightly. "You're right."

"'Course I shuckin' am." Frypan grins, patting his long-time friend's back. "Now, are you gonna sit here, wasting your breath yappin' my ear off - or are you gonna go get your girl?"

Gally struggles to hide the smile playing on his lips.

His girl.

He likes the sound of that.

"I'm gonna get my girl."

Whilst Gally gets his heart to heart (lecture) from Frypan, you've taken to cleaning up cups and desperately trying to stop drunk people from falling over. It's not a pleasant way to spend your evening, but it takes your mind off your boredom and constant speculation about your relationship with Gally.

"Hey, Boss." The familiar voice pulls you away from your thoughts, landing on the broad boy.

"I told you you don't have to call me Boss anymore, Gally." You roll your eyes slightly, continuing to pick up glasses.

"Yeah, sorry, force of habit." Gally rocks on his heels, anxiously looking at you.

"...You good?"

"Uh, yeah - uh, can we talk?" You raise an eyebrow at his words, a bubble starting to form in the pit of your stomach. "Like.. in private?"

"Sure. 'Course. Uh, wanna walk along the beach?"

"Yeah." He smiles slightly. "Sounds good."

You put the glasses you've collected down, nodding for him to follow you as you both head towards the waves, starting to wander as the waves just miss lapping up your feet.

Gally doesn't look at you for a while. His eyes fixed on the endless sand ahead of him; it's a heavy silence.

You don't push him. Sure, you spent months pushing him to his full potential. But when it came to talking, it was better to let Gally take his time.

After about ten minutes of walking, he finally takes a deep breath. "So, uh... I spoke to Fry.."

"Oh, yeah? What did he have to say this time?"

"He basically called me a useless slinthead." He chuckles dryly, glancing at you.

"Slinthead? That's like a dickhead, right?" He grins slightly; you're still getting used to the dumb slang of the Glade - it really doesn't help that every group of Maze escapees has their own set of personal curse words.

"Yeah, basically." He chuckles.

"...why'd he call you a dickhead? Sorry- slinthead."

He can't help but shake his head at you, that smile still on his face. "Well, uh, I've been a massive diaper-klunkin' sissy, basically."

You blink. What the fuck does that even mean?

He laughs at your confusion before composing himself, stopping to look at you, which makes you stop, too. You face him, brows furrowed slightly as nervousness starts to feel heavy through your inside.

"...remember before the Last City fell? When you kissed me?"

You freeze, embarrassment heating your face as you'd began to start cringing at the memory when you fall asleep. "Honestly, I thought you'd forgotten that." You attempt to joke to lighten some of the tension.

He scoffs. "Yeah... I've been a bit of an idiot." He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just... I was worried about ruining things between us, yanno? I'm so used to messy everything up and-"

"You don't mess everything up." You interject, immediately prepared to defend him against himself.

"Yeah - I know; Frypan already gave me the lecture." He grimaces slightly, almost like he's cringing at himself. "But... I like you. Like, I really shuckin' like you. And... we're safe here. I wanna stop being such a pussy and just..."

It takes a second to sink in what he's saying, your skin feels warm and tingly, butterflies erupting in your stomach. "...just?"

"...I just wanna ask you if... you'd... like to be my girlfriend?" His confidence falters with every word, voice raising in pitch, scrunching his face as he finishes his question in embarrassment. "That sounded shuckin' awkward." He sighs. "Listen-"

You don't listen, because he has no time to speak. Adrenaline takes over as you step towards him, hand coming to cup his cheek as you press your lips against his once again.

The kiss is short and sweet as you pull away, meeting his half-lidded eyes and wide grin. "Take that as a yes?"

"Yes, Gally, I'd love to be your girlfriend. Took you fuckin' long enough."

He snorts. "Yeah, yeah." He leans back in, kissing you again, this time deeper and with more passion, his fingers creeping around the back of your head and into your hair.

"Shuck yeah!" Both of you pull away from each other, seeing Frypan shouting from half way down the beach. "Told you she's your girl!"

You look at Gally. "The fuck is he on about?"

"...Don't worry about it."

So, I'm back.

Again.

And back with a part 2, nonetheless. Sorry for vanishing, lads, I've had some wicked lack of motivation and I feel like a bit of a dick about it.

Yanno... since it's been literal months.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed :))

[deuxcherise]

Collar Crimes: All Bark, No Bite (2/2)

C/w: Unhealthy relationship dynamic | Unhealthy behavior | Dubcon / Noncon (All PG, don't worry… well it’s Yandere PG) | Yandere | Yandere Female and Male OCs | Gender Neutral Reader | Harem x Reader | ANGST | Swearing | Includes a pic of a pair of golden rings for reference (you’ll see why~)

A/n: So this is the second half! This half isn’t as happy as the first one. Tryna make people feel the angst, you feel me? Haha, just kidding. This half is more sad though, and it kind of does have a long conversation scene near the end. Characters go a little crazy... Uh, what else? Oh, I highly recommend you read the first half of Part 3 before this half so that it makes sense. Also if this is the first time you’ve come across this series, I highly recommend you should start from Part 1 or Part 0. Enjoy~

TL;DR? Basically sad half of Part 3. Read Part 3 (1/2) first to make sense. If first time here, read Part 0 or Part 1. Enjoy~

Masterlist | Part 0, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (1/2), Part 3 (2/2) (you’re here!), Part 4

It has been five months since you and Lyn started dating. She had told you to be prepared, but you would have never dreamed of being prepared for this.

“I love you I love you I love you…”

She repeats those three words as she nuzzles your neck and hugs you from behind, sitting on the couch. You tremble on her lap.

Your phone dings on the table, and your heart skips a beat when she suddenly becomes quiet. She lifts her head from your neck. Before you can grab your phone, she snatches it quickly and unlocks your phone. It's a text message from one of your ex-coworkers who is getting worried you aren't replying lately.

“Lyn… Honey, I need to answer that.”

You reach for your phone, only for Lyn to push you out of her lap and stand up, holding the phone out of range. Her face is stone cold, her eyes narrow and sharp.

“... You know what? … This thing is starting to annoy me. I think… I think I know what I should do, ” Lyn says, with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. “For the both of us.”

She then walks over to the balcony. The hairs stand up on your skin as you realize what she's about to do. You quickly get off the couch and rush to her, hands out. “No no no no no-”

Lyn chucks the phone over the rail, letting it fall 16 floors down.

You scream at her, “Why?”

She looks at you, unaffected. “(Y/n), I love you… so much.”

You freeze, as the whole situation dawns on you.

She spoiled you with presents, took you out on all kinds of dates, made you feel comfortable with her, made you think it was okay to live with her since you were spending time at her house more than yours, let her dress you however she wanted to, let her have her way with you whenever she wanted, locked you inside her house 24/7 with surveillance all over the place and even the bathroom, and now this?

“You don't love me…” you whisper.

Shock fills Lyn's face upon hearing your words, mouth agape. She looks away, as if there must be a camera somewhere, and then looks back at you. “What did you say?”

The more it dawns on you, the more you start repeating over and over like a broken record.  “You don’t love me. You don’t love me. You don’t love me. You–”

“(Y/n), what are you saying? Do you hear yourself?”

“I said, You. Don't. Love. Me!” you scream. “This isn't love! Maybe it was at first, but not… this! This is… This is obsession!”

Lyn flinches and stares at you in disbelief, mouth agape. Lyn places her hands on her hips and looks up at the sky, unable to understand why you're being like this.

…..

After a few long moments, she then closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and looks at you with her usual soft eyes. The ones that made you think everything will be alright if you stay by her side. Those lovesick puppy eyes. It makes you want to forgive her, even though you know you can't.

“I know… that you don’t love me,” she starts off, voice uneven as tears start to form in her eyes. “And I know…  that you will...” She closes her eyes and pauses for a moment to collect herself, “never… never tell me that you love me. I… haha… I probably messed up, right? Ah… But you know what?” She opens her eyes again. “I think… I think I can live with that. As long as you're mine, I can live with that.”

You watch her reach into her pants pocket and bring out a velvet box. You think it’s another present, another bribe, but instead when she opens it, there are two golden rings nestled together. She takes them, throws the box without a care, places one ring on her left ring finger, and then closes the distance between you two to grab your left hand.

“W-what are you doing?” you screech, clawing at her hand.

“Hold still. This is for the both of us.”

Struggle all you want, she successfully places the ring on your ring finger. She then grabs your other wrist and takes a knee, just like when she first asked you out. She gazes lovingly into your terrified eyes, with all her twisted obsession, and begs,

“Marry me. Please.”

-----🔔-----

[Present day…]

Lyn walks down the street, playing with the golden band on her left ring finger. She smiles gently yet sorrowfully. The moment she walks up the bar, she puts on her serious mask at the sight of someone standing beside her boss’s father.

Ollie’s father, a man of a few words, nods towards Lyn as a greeting. Lyn nods back. “... Mr. Panthera, good evening. Is this–”

“Eris,” Eris responds, holding out his hand. “I’ll be taking over Mr. Panthera once I’ve been training for a week. Nice to finally meet you… Lyn. Heard a lot of great things about you.”

Lyn shakes his hand, somehow feeling something’s off. “... Likewise. You’re Ollie’s friend, correct?”

Eris lets go of Lyn’s hand, a little forcefully. “His best friend, yeah~”

“... Ah.”

Ollie’s father nods with satisfaction. Eris salutes the old man with a smile, and Lyn nods again, before the old man enters the bar to join his son. Lyn takes her position at the door. Eris stands beside her, with his hands behind his back.

Lyn raises an eyebrow. “... You can go home now.”

“Mm… “ Eris sucks in air through his teeth. “Yeah, I know… but I think I’ll stay just a little longer. To observe how you do things. That okay?”

Lyn shrugs. “... Suit yourself.”

Being the bouncer for the current shift, greets the guests as Eris observes. Ollie’s bar, The Cat’s Meow, is quite exclusive to a select few VIPs in the country, thus there is never a lot of activity, but there is always a lot of dough coming in.

An hour into Lyn's shift, when there’s no one around except for the sound of crickets, Eris finally breaks the silence.

“I see you have a ring on your left ring finger. You married?” he asks, stretching his arms above his head.

Lyn takes a deep breath.“... Yes.”

“Ohhh~ How lucky. How long have you been married?”

“... Six years now.”

Eris whistles in amazement. “That's pretty long. Congratulations.”

“... Thank you.”

“You must love your spouse a lot to last six years in marriage, huh?”

“... I do.”

…..

The corner of Eris's mouth twitches. “... You know… You're a pretty dry conversationalist, huh?” Eris comments.

“... So I've heard.”

Eris nods understandably. “Okay… Well! I, too, have a lover waiting for me at home. I took this job so that I can show off my manly side, ya know? Show that I can provide, be a member of society, and not just use up all my inheritance.”

“... Good for you.”

“Mm hm! Mm hm! Hey, since you've been married for so long, could you give me some advice? Like how did you get your lover to marry you? Mine's not so keen on getting married, ya know? They’re kind of a hard nut to crack.”

Lyn pads her ring with her thumb. “... You shouldn't force your lover to marry you… especially if they don't want to.”

“I know right~? So I told my lover that we could elope instead. They aren't really big on labels, ya know? Honestly, I’m pretty okay with anything, really, as long as we're together.”

Lyn remembers you and asks, “... Won't you… start to resent them for… not loving you back the way you want them to… after a while? Won't you go insane thinking they might leave you for someone else?”

“Mmm… Nah. I’m pretty confident in my ability to love them for as long as it takes. I’ve dealt with a lot of bullshit since I was a kid, ya know? My lover… I can wait forever if that’s what they need.”

Lyn lets out a heavy sigh. “... Be careful then. Leave them before you start to hurt them.”

Eris scoffs. “Speaking from experience?”

Lyn flinches. “... No.”

Eris checks her reaction, raising an eyebrow “Huh, that's interesting. Didn't know Ollie hired a psycho for a bouncer.”

Lyn grits her teeth at Eris's audacity. “Excuse me?”

“You’re excused.”

…..

“... You got a bone to pick or something?”

“Yeah, just a little bit.”

Lyn blinks multiple times in disbelief. “What do you want?”

Eris sucks in through his teeth, tilting his weight between the balls and heels of his feet. “You own the buildings around the intersection between 7th and 8th, right?”

Lyn doesn't want to question how he knew. “... What's it to you? Are you looking to buy?”

“Yeah, exactly!”

“Sorry, not for sale.”

“Ehhhh? Why not? Look, I have the money. I can even wire it to you today.”

“No.”

“Was it my comments?  Sorry, was just sizing you up is all.”

“Still no.”

“Oh, c'monnn.”

“No.”

“Tch. You remind me of my lover.”

“... ?”

“Obviously, you could never compare to them. It’s just that I offer money and gifts and they're always like ‘No’.”

“... Good. They know what they want. Stop annoying them,” Lyn advises, exasperated from this conversation.

“Mm, nah. I wouldn't say I annoy them,” Eris says, thoughtfully. “My lover's kind of a tsundere, if I think about it. I give them a hug, they tell me to stop hugging them, I continue to hug them, and then they just give up and let me. I'm pretty sure they enjoy my perseverance.”

Lyn pities whoever has the misfortune of being this guy's lover. “... Wow, good for you.”

“Yeah… so I'm looking to buy from you just one of the apartments on 7th and 8th. My lover lives there and honestly the landlord there is doing such a shit job making sure they're safe. D’ya know how many criminals I've had to take care of every time I visit my lover? My god, where’s all of the trash coming from…?”

Lyn thinks about the crime reports she received about the area around that building lately. It couldn’t possibly be this guy's doing, could it? One small guy… Impossible. Curious, she asks, “...Which one?”

“The red building.”

….

There's no way, right? Lyn thinks.

“... What a coincidence. My… spouse… happens to live in that building too.”

“Really? Wow… small world.”

…..

“So, can I buy it from you?”

“No.”

“Ugh, fine!” Eris sighs. “You know what I think?”

“.....” Lyn looks up at the night sky, hoping he'll go away...

“Hey.”

“.....”

“Lyn?”

“.....”

“LYN!”

“... What?”

Eris smirks. “I think you should give up the ‘married’ shtick. It's kind of lame.”

Lyn’s head whips towards Eris. “... Excuse me?”

“You’re excused,” Eris replies with a shrug. “We both know you're not married. You've got the…” Eris gestures to all her with a circular motion with a hand. “The sad puppy who got kicked to the curb look. And I did some research on you before I came here, so I know well for a damn fact you’re not married.”

Lyn shakes her head in disbelief. “... Ah, so that’s how you knew. And you called me a psychopath earlier.”

Eris shrugs. “I like to call it for what it is.”

“... Ah... I guess it's true when they say that it takes one to know one then.”

“Haha," his voice sounds hollow. "Yeah… Anyway, listen, I don't really want anything to do with you, but you're standing in my way.”

Lyn raises an eyebrow. Did she ever give him the impression that she wanted anything to do with him? "... What do you mean?”

Before Eris can answer, Ollie walks up to the bar’s entrance, giggling with the most maniacal grin on his face, like the cat that got the cream. Upon seeing the two, he stops and waves.

“Boss,” Lyn greets with a nod. “Good evening.”

“Ollie!” Eris greets happily before asking, “Why are you outside?”

Ollie can't contain his giddiness as he waves them off. “Ah, don’t mind me. Hehehe. Goodnight, you two. Stay safe when you go home tonight.”

After Ollie's goes inside, Eris prompts Lyn with, “Hey, why do you wear a ring if you're not married?”

Lyn looks at her ring, gleaming from the light of the streetlamp, and takes a deep breath. “... What does it matter to you?”

“Can you just answer the question, lady?”

Lyn sighs and rolls her eyes. If it'll get him to stop with this stupid conversation, she might as well comply.

“Fine. If you really must know, it's because it's a reminder. A reminder of how much I loved them. Loved them so much I wanted to be with them forever and always. Loved them too much until it hurt them. Loved them too much to let them go completely from my heart–”

“Sheesh, I was asking for a simple answer. Not a whole poem,” Eris cuts in. “Don’t you know how to talk to people?”

Lyn has half a mind to throw this man against the wall. “You asked for an answer, and you got one.”

“Sure, but you’re not together anymore, right?”

There is a sharp pang in Lyn's heart. “... Yeah. We aren't… together… anymore. This ring… is all I– huh?”

By the time Lyn had noticed, Eris had already left. Lyn lets out an exhausted sigh. What’s the problem with that guy? Rude.

-----🔔-----

It was a short walk from the bar to the city parking garage, and all the while Eris had his hands in his pants pocket. One of them fingers an item in his pocket, as he analyzes the whole conversation with Lyn.

Once he reaches his car in the city parking garage, he pulls out the item and looks at it, rolling it between his fingers.

A golden ring. Engraved in Latin with the words for “Love you forever and always” on the inside. He looted from your house during one of many nights he stayed over, without your knowledge. It matches the one Lyn is wearing. One half of a couple’s rings.

Eris smiles bitterly. “Now why, oh, why would you keep something like this, huh (Y/n)? When you have me now?”

He looks towards the vast space of the parking garage. No one would be able to find it, or someone might just pick it up and sell it for some quick cash. He makes a fist with the ring in his hand and reels it back.

…..

Only to cancel the moment, from bowing over from a crazy laughter that suddenly erupts from his body. If there were any poor souls nearby, they would have believed something demonic was in the place, or there was an escapee from the nearest insane asylum.

“AUGH! I can't do it. WHY??” Eris shouts, gripping strands of his hair with his empty hand. “You're making me go crazy, (Y/n)! Is this stupid ring… so important to you that you’d keep it after all of these years? You’re not even together anymore, right? THEN WHY? This is… this is such bullshit! WHY CAN’T I JUST THROW IT AWAY!? WHY WHY WHY WHY!?”

With his heart pounding out of control, he takes several deep breaths. He releases his hair and starts rubbing away the heavy tears rolling down his face with his arm.“ Ah… Ahahaha… hic! … I can't… hic! … I can’t help but think… hic! ... that you might still… love… hic! … her… Do I… hic! … even have a chance, (Y/n)?”

….. 

After he takes some to calm down, he sniffs, straightens back up, and looks at the ring again.

“She... said it herself. You're not together anymore, right? And it’s not like you wear this either, so that means you don’t love her all that much anymore, right?” Eris asks the ring as if it is you.

“You’re probably just… holding onto the memories. Yeah… No wonder you're so closed off from me!” Eris begins to smile. “That’s fine. That just means I just need to do more to carve a space in your heart for myself, right? I’m not like her. I would never dream of hurting you. I just need to replace her little by little, right? It's okay, (Y/n). I can wait… Forever and always, ya?”

With that conviction, he pockets the ring, and gets into the car when his phone suddenly starts to vibrate.

Bzzt! Bzzt!

Huh. That's weird, he thinks. The only people who have his phone number are Ollie, his family, and well, you. Of course, it probably isn't you since you'd never– HOLY SHIT!

He has never picked up a phone call faster in his life. Excitement flows through his veins like liquid nitrogen. “(Y/n)-”

“You asshole!”

Well… small steps are better than nothing… Eris's smile grows really wide.

YEAH, THAT’S RIGHT! For once, you've called him first! And you felt comfortable calling him on his personal cell after all of this time. HECK YEAH! hat's progress! Ah, it’s so good to hear your phone voice again~ He bets Lyn hasn’t heard your voice in forever. HAH! Fuck you, Lyn! He's (Y/n)’s man now, not her. So much for a fucking ring. HAH!

“Hey! Are you listening to me?” you ask, annoyed.

Eris pouts. “Sorry, was just lost in my thoughts. Love, did you only call me to call me an ‘asshole’? Not that I mind, since I love your voice and all, but that’s really mean, ya know?”

He hears you groan on the other side of the line. “What’s with your voi– No, You wanna know what's mean? Stealing my family portrait. Give it back!”

… Huh? He feels flattered that you thought of him, but your family portrait? The one on your table? Sure, he took your ring… and he does fill your fridge with his home cooking, but typically he leaves everything where it is because it’s your apartment.

“I… Love, I would never touch your family portrait.”

“Well, your friend did! I don’t know who planned it, but tell him to return it immediately! Or I will… I will… Well, just bring it back. Please.”

You hang up.

…..

To Eris, you sounded like you were crying. He calls you.

Briing! Briing! Tch.

“What?” you croak.

Eris can't help but giggle. You picked up his phone call on the first ring~

“I'm going to hang up.”

“W-wait!” Eris clears his throat. “(Y/n), I would never ask anyone to take your family portrait. Could you describe to me what my supposed friend looks like? What happened? Did you call the police?”

“Is…that so… No, I didn’t call the police because he said he was your friend and I thought you were playing a cruel joke on me. He said your name, Eris, so he does know you for sure. He had black hair, with white roots I think? Kind of like a tuxedo cat. Um… green cat-like eyes. Um, doesn't really talk much and stares a lot. But he has the audacity to eat someone's else food and then throw the bowl on the floor without so much of a ‘thank you’! Can you believe it?”

“Ah…” Eris flattens his mouth from spouting his inner thoughts.

GOD. You're so adorable when you ramble. You're really attached to your food, huh? You must really like eating some of his home cooking, since he knows you have nothing else in there. And the way you're describing the perpetrator sounds like you're describing a cat–

There's only one person who that reminds Eris of.

"Do you... need anymore details?"

“I think I know who you’re talking about.” His tone is unnervingly even.

“R-really? Oh, thank goodness. Thank yo– I mean, Good. Please return my family portrait quickly. ASAP. Bye.”

You hang up before he can bid you goodbye. He calls you. You pick up on the first ring again.

“What?”

Hehehe. “Go to sleep soon, okay? I’ll take care of it. Love you~”

"... Okay."

You hang up again. Eris pockets his phone, before resting his head against the steering wheel. His smile turns into a frown as he absorbs and analyzes all of the information he's just received.

After a moment or two, Eris lets out a guttural sigh as gets out of the car. He slams the door shut, locks his car, and starts hurrying back to the bar, grumbling to himself, “One fucking obstacle after another…”

[aquadestinyswriting]

Writing Exercise 3

Ok, so I was looking through this post again to see if I wanted to do any of the other writing exercises on it and I came across the "Shuffle a playlist on your music player of choice. For whichever song plays, describe what you “see” with your imagination." exercise. Needless to say, since I have at least 4 different playlists just for my many WIP series, I needed to give this one a shot.

I'm just gonna go with shuffling my 'Emotional Songs' playlist since that's the most extensive one I have and I use it to plot with. Placing the song and my thoughts about it under a cut to save everyone's dashes.

Tagging: @davycoquette (as requested), @druidx, @lexiklecksi and @sparrow-orion-writes because you guys might get a kick out of this.

And shuffle chose the following song:

Oh man. Ok, so let's get into this.

I feel like I'm losing hope In my body and my soul And the sky, it looks so ominous And as time comes to a halt Silence starts to overflow My cries are inconspicuous

OK, so for this part of the first verse, I typically see Elowyn staring up at the ceiling of the cavern she, Meredith and Enezeage are shivering in after almost drowning trying to swim through some flooded mineshafts to get to some Bad Guys(tm). I think it's pretty accurate to say that at least the girls are feeling a bit hopeless since the other two members of their party have just drowned and Merri and Elowyn had just about followed suit not that long before.

Tell me, God, are you punishing me? Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes? This is my redemption song I need you more than ever right now Can you hear me now?

The scene in my head for this part skips ahead a little bit to when Elowyn dies for the first (or was it second?) time thanks to being ripped to shreds by a Dire Dire weasel (the thing stood about 4 feet at the shoulder, which is a bit taller than Elowyn). Elowyn's sitting in the waiting room when she suddenly gets pulled through a portal by a clawed, reptilian hand and is then told that she's now Kurtulmak's Vassal before she wakes up back in the real world pretty much naked and covered in ick. Bear in mind this takes place waaay before Elowyn finally gets ordained as a paladin, so she's a rogue at this point in the story of the campaign.

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud Even if our words seem meaningless It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world I wish that someway, somehow That I could save every one of us But the truth is that I'm only one girl Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life Come to life

There are a couple of scenes that flash into my head for this first chorus honestly. All of them involving Elowyn standing up for herself, her beliefs or others that are less fortunate than herself. The first one is when she's standing up to King Storri and Captain Bloodvein about the kobolds that the party ended up taking on as companions after that whole resurrection by Kurtulmak thing. The next one that comes to mind is quite a lot later when she's up on a box trying to calm a riotous mob that's trying to get into the Temple of Moradin in Toreguarde.

After all the laughter fades Signs of life all washed away I can still, still feel a gentle breeze No matter how hard I pray Signs of warning still remain And life has become my enemy

Now, I tend to switch POV over to Meredith for the second verse, only because this song is a definitive fit for both girls, for slightly different reasons. For this first part of the second verse, the scene that comes to mind is always one where Meredith is sitting in her room in Acacia Avenue after the celebrations for Darkhide's defeat are over and the party have been chucked out to go home and sleep. The scene is not a happy one, since she's trying to pray to Moradin and not getting an answer and is slowly realising that her people are still in grave danger, despite the defeat of one of the most powerful necromancers Allansia has seen in about a decade.

Tell me, God, are you punishing me? Is this the price I'm paying for my past mistakes? This is my redemption song I need you more than ever right now Can you hear me now?

For this second half-verse, I tend to visualise Meredith sitting in her cell waiting for her trial and likely execution date after she's discovered and arrested in Fangthane upon her return there. To be fair, she doesn't believe her gods are punishing her so much as kicking herself for getting caught because she has no evidence with which to exonerate herself, so she's spending herself praying for some sort of miracle.

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud Even if our words seem meaningless It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world I wish that someway, somehow That I could save every one of us But the truth is that I'm only one girl Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life Come to life

Like with Elowyn above, I tend to see various scenes for this chorus. Most of them involve Meredith standing up to the various enemies that her party met during their adventure. I also sometimes visualise a few scenes where Meredith is trying to keep her party or her people safe from some sort of danger, even if it's not immediately visible.

'Cause we're gonna shout it loud Even if our words seem meaningless Like I'm carrying the weight of the world I wish that someway, somehow That I could save every one of us But the truth is that I'm only one girl

For this chorus I visualise short flashes of both Elowyn and Meredith trying to talk some sense into their people as matters in both Toreguarde and Fangthane start to fall apart. Mostly it scenes of Elowyn trying to stem the corruption in the Council and the Brotherhood of Cleaving's reign of terror in Toreguarde and Meredith trying to talk some sense into the leadership of her Church as a full-on Schism starts erupting.

Still, we're gonna shout it loud Even if our words seem meaningless It's like I'm carrying the weight of the world I hope that someway, somehow That I could save every one of us But the truth is that I'm only one girl Maybe if I keep believing, my dreams will come to life Come to life

For this last chorus, I tend to visualise the lead-up to the final battle of the campaign. The first scene I visualise tends to be Elowyn getting ganked on top of a sea stack and Merri having to ress her mid-battle. However, the main scene I tend to see is Elowyn trying to talk Ionah (the Big Bad) down in attempt to, potentially, save what's left of the woman's soul. There was a whole heartfelt speech about understanding why Ionah followed the path she did and the fact that there was second chance still available. The body language I can see for both women in my head at this point is just heart-breaking, because Elowyn tried so hard, only for Ionah to turn around and basically murder her son (and Meredith's husband), who is off-screen and on another plane of existence at this point.

[eisforeidolon]

So I came across a meta post based on screenshots [X][X] of the list of book titles shown in 4x18 that Chuck published. There's a discrepancy where only 24 titles are given when there are 60 tv episodes across that span. Now not only did the meta author skip right past the possibility that since novels are generally longer than a tv show episode, books might generally cover multiple episodes? As well as the even more likely possibility that whoever was typing up the list for the props department got lazy?

The post directly jumped right into full on stan conspiracy-think of how this must be why all the fans in the SPNverse are Sam girls because Chuck purposefully omitted all of Dean's best episodes! Naturally this gets built on in the replies & comments, with even more conspiratorial leaps about how the writers were trying to make fans in-universe love Sam and think he was a hero because nobody does in the real world (snort) yadda yadda Chuck won theory is true yadda yadda D/C was silenced *sob* yadda yadda the story was writing itself without the permission of the writers writing it [crazy eyes].

My other glaring issue - aside from the obvious of what an absurdly biased load of batshit all of that is? I just do not understand why someone trying to suggest a genuinely legitimate theory about a show spanning fifteen years and many different writers? Wouldn't consider for a hot minute before running full tilt with an idea: Hey, this is one random-ass prop screen from one episode that Sam scrolls by fairly quick, does this actually line up with how much of the story we're shown the in-universe fans getting elsewhere? Spoiler: No.

Let's ignore that Chuck specifically mentions the ghost ship from Red Sky at Morning, which isn't on the list, in that very same episode. He could be getting visions of stories and not writing them - unlikely but possible. No, lets jump to Crowley using the books in Clip Show to track down and kill "everyone [Sam & Dean have] ever saved". He says he's able to do it because he has "his sources and a crack research team" as he's shown with a pile of Chuck's books as he's saying it [X]. It's unlikely he would have found Sarah from Provenance through another source besides the books, but theoretically possible.

What you can't use handwaves to set aside, though? Is that as the scene continues, he holds up a copy of what is clearly A Very Supernatural Christmas [X], which is not on the list. It's shown again as part of Metatron's library in Meta Fiction, along with Tall Tales [X], also not on the list. These are direct in-universe physical books shown onscreen. While we're at it, there are a couple of times fan characters make it clear in dialogue other episodes/books exist. In The Real Ghostbusters, Demian and Barnes walk by Sam and Dean playacting a scene directly from Hunted about John's last order regarding Sam. Same episode, Becky tells them about Crowley getting the Colt from Bela, specifically citing the title of Time is On My Side. Last one, in Fan Fiction, Marie immediately jumps to knowing what a tulpa is and says, "Well, in Hell House, Sam & Dean-". None of those three books are on that list. So that list is NOT a comprehensive one for all the published books in-universe.

Part of me really wants to go on an even more extended rant here about fixating on one blink-and-you'll-miss-it detail and imbuing it with six metric tons of meaning without even once seeming to consider if it's actually remotely significant or, y'know, put in with legitimate intention. Even if the meaning being projected isn't completely bonkers. Seeing this done over and over again by people latching myopically onto whatever random tidbit will let them jump to the conclusions they already want ... sigh. Like, this is not how you come up with a good theory, starting from an utterly rotten base!

[istherewifiinhell]

back on the grief train woo woo (day recap) (most serious skip warning yet)

i have a predilectiction to not wanting to record or remember when (like the specific when in time) bad things happen. but in the last couple years of blogging, and i guess the year and change of drawing ive found a lot more appeal of recall. so i wonder if its not so bad to. record the bad. at any rate i dont think. not recording it makes it less real. which i think is the fear. and. my head is doing it anyway.

im doing this coping method questionable activity here instead of a journal becauseeee??? natural format my brains prefers i suppose.

to recap. the bad horrible no good very bad day

- i went to sleep late, as usual. i wake late. same. i prelong getting out of bed. also same. scrolling idly (or 'pre scrolling' the dash. i dont know why i do it)

- screams. screams and distress and misery and comforting a screaming distressed person. various talking down of hysterical lines of thought. (thats not an insult. 1. circumstances 2. understood behavioural trends) the joint and mouth gear i sleep in dont even come off until the screaming is done. have u every pet someones head in a wrist brace?

- lots and lots of crying. more comforting. the gear comes off. i brush my teeth. exhausted sitting and hovering around the. scene of the incident.

- migration to kitchen as food needs win out. all doors shut and all living beings collect. toast is eaten. water drank. etc.

- backup arrives. infomation is gathered. places are looked up and called. plans are formed. actions are taken. i mentally catalogue setimental, soothing, but give upable fabrics.

- i rip up threadbare torn bed sheets. i have to figure out how to get my dead cat into a box.

-he was around 12-15 pounds. we called him toddler sized and shaped. he had a mean punch and strong grasp. i taught him to sit on my shoulders, sometimes.

- realise how much heavier he is now. i cry. i cover him with the sheet. i somehow get it under him. hes stiff. even the tail. i cry. i pet his fur. i sob getting him into the box.

- backup apologizes. im on my knees. wailing. i think. definetly louder than anything ive done yet. backup gestures the dog at me. knowing my situation. distressee entered at some point. gets a hug from back up. i think i am gestured into the hug. i gesture down. im on the floor.

- i wail and am hugged.

- i am invited on the trip to the place. i gestures to my face. my sleep clothes. i dont see it happening. im told i dont need to be strong all the time. i reiterate. i really just wouldnt be able to get my glasses and a mask on.

- i dont see the box. i dont see much. at i dont remember if i have tea now or earlier. i soon as i hear the car go. im crying again. the sister cat meowing didnt help. i dont actually know or belief if that. i have no idea what she experiences. shes a cat. but. yeah.

- blogging happens? sometime happens? people return.

- im told. four years ago he developed a heart murmer. apparently thats a thing. 4 years. bengin to. serious.

- blogging happens. as well as algorithmic irony. i am asked if i want to watch something. i say. shower first. i forget ever song ive ever heard. for a moment. i settle on the album pocket.

- eventually i come down. i get food. we watch a movie. its a good movie. i have a nice exchange with a friend during too.

- i watch some dishes and realise. bizarrely. my old manager might find out about this. the vet was near to my job. the guy was friends with the techs. this was the kind of infomation he would share with me at times.

- youtube videos until the group disbands.

- i start recounting this my head

- i am wearing pjs i dont like. whatever the level for snotty sleeves where u chuck a set in the hamper has surely been met.

- typing this. using a spare pillow case as a hanky

- im gonna go and try and find the horse traqulizer of pleasant youtube videos.

[thatoneandlonelyemo2005]

gimme ur javey headcanons or i’ll make your kneecaps into soup <333

-🦡

do it you wont-

jk anyways

uuhhhh, so werid thing but not bc there the same people (kinda) I mostly ship Javid bc 1992sies is my life rn, and ONES JUST AN ARTIST AND THE OTHER IS A COWBOY

so if everything seems weird or anything, stab me

1992sies-

David finds Jack extra cute with his cowboy hat on

Their first kiss happened on David's fire escape while Jack was walking him home

Sarah saw it happen while she was looking for David to see if he was close to home

Sarah is so happy for them and gossip to Blink and Spot about this they lowkey girlboss and have tea parties

David is a blushing mess when coming in and Sarah smiles at him

Les asked if David was alright and all David could do was blush harder

When they have birthdays Jack always gets David a book or a new shirt (BECAUSE THIS BITCH WILL SAVE EVERY PENNY)

David would get him more dime novels and even a well-illustrated poster of cowboys (Sarah and Les chipped in even if David didn't want them too)

On a snowy day in New York everyone is playing but David is there looking at each Newsie UNTIL JACK CHUCKS A SNOWBALL AT DAVID and they have a snowball fight

Tumbler looks to Skittery and says " Skits, mom and dad are fighting again"

It's now like a playful civil war, UNTIL SPOT COLON COMES IN AND HELPS RACE WHO IS ON DAVIDS SIDE, JACK TEAM DIES

Jack learns about Hanukkah and ask questions

David's mom and Sarah all make the Newsies quilts each with something resembling the newsie its given too

All the newsies try to find something for them, they all pitch in to get Sarah and Ester a new dress, Myer a new razor, and Les a stuffed dog

Jack and David stay up all night talking while the windows open, either in the lodge or at David's house

On thanksgiving the whole Jacobs family makes a meal for all them AND the Newsies

David sometimes has to stay at home while his parents take Les to see their grandparents so he invites Jack over while Sarah goes spend time with Katherine

If his parents are out more than 1 day Sarah and him each get a day for the house all to themselves with their partners

OK NOW FOR JAVEY BC IDK WHAT IM DOING

Jack ofc draws Davey all the time

He even drew the whole family once

Sometimes they skip an hour or two to walk in the park

Once Jack dared Davey to climb a tree and he did,,,but he fell after word

Jack wouldn't stop apologizing Davey just kissed him to shut him up

Jack would invite Davey to see Medda and drink tea with her

Davey would discuss different scenes that Jack could paint while at this

They first kissed up on Jacks penthouse

Crutchie walked/climbed in on them the first time and called to Race who owed him a quarter because he was right to bet that Davey would kiss first

Jack found out how to make flower crowns

Davey was taught by Sarah how to press them in a notebook

He looks at said notebook when he misses Jack (mostly at night when he can't sleep)

Davey tries to teach Jack how to dance

He fails a lot but at least he can dip Davey and kiss him

He also tries to teach Jack how to read better

Well he dose to most of the Newsies but like Albert and Elmer they need extra time to learn

Jack has many issues so dose Davey so they both help each other

And they have new ways to help each other all the time

[jimmymcgools]

what is your approach to writing dialogue?

oh boy! a good question! i'll try to think of a helpful answer. i honestly feel like i'm not that great at dialogue.

but my approach, hmm. i'm big into the idea of trying to force someone to read your dialogue with the rhythm in which you imagine it being said. and i think you can force that rhythm through how you place your tags. how many tags, how much gesture description, etc.

i'm not sure if that makes sense! so i scrolled for a random example to try to explain what i mean:

“Seeing Chuck.” Jimmy tilts his head. “Not seeing you.”

Kim inhales, holding his gaze. His words seem to travel down old phone lines, flying high above freeways.

He asks an ancient question, “Why weren’t we together?”

Kim scrunches her brow, shaking her head slowly. Heat pricks at the back of her eyes and she wants to hold onto him.

“Sorry—” Jimmy starts, the word splintering. He waves a hand around: the gray visitation room, the shadows of the bars. “Just seems dumb, doesn’t it? We could’ve been…” The words die away, drifting out into the rust-colored mountains.

is ALL jimmy talking.

“Seeing Chuck. Not seeing you. Why weren’t we together? Sorry--just seems dumb, doesn’t it? We could’ve been...”

with just the dialogue. so i think a lot of dialogue comes from what’s happening outside the actual WORD words, right? maybe i overwrite my tags, for sure, but i like the feeling of that much breathing room.

i know that people also often skim tags--like, “Jimmy says” is a zero, your eyes skipping over it to the next line. but even if you’re doing that, that little fraction of a moment is punctuating the dialogue with a breath.

it’s funny, considering how much unadulterated scenic description im fine with writing, but any time i write a chunk of dialogue too long i start to get squeamish -- and i think it’s because i stop feeling those beats and pauses.

“Can you remember where you were eleven years ago? Because I remember where I was. I’d just signed a lease on a new office space. It was a bit unconventional, and, to be honest, Mrs. Nguyen never exactly gave me a lease lease, but… Eleven years ago I was down at the courthouse every day. And Chuck was already sick. So I saw Chuck every day, too. That was the most I’d ever see him. I’ve been thinking about that time. Getting ahead of myself, thinking about it. Seeing Chuck. Not seeing you. Why weren’t we together?”

^ THAT is all of jimmy’s dialogue put together.

i do like this conversation and i’m happy with it, but on its own i think that dialogue kind of stinks. (so maybe i use that much gesture description and stuff to paper over my weak dialogue ahaha)

the other thing is, i really do try to stick to alternating paragraphs for speakers when i’m writing a dialogue scene, especially if it’s just two people. and if i’m breaking the pattern, i try to be very clear.

so readers can assume any dialogue belongs to, in each case:

KIM JIMMY KIM JIMMY KIM JIMMY

like an ABAB structure, i guess.

so, like:

Her breath falls from her, and she smiles gently. “I don’t remember you paying much attention.”

Jimmy chuckles, low in his throat. “I guess I always had other things to pay attention to.”

and not

Her breath falls from her, and she smiles gently.

“I don’t remember you paying much attention.”

Jimmy chuckles, low in his throat. “I guess I always had other things to pay attention to.”

i felt like i was struggling to explain this so i took a screenshot of this whole chunk of convo! it’s an interesting one because jimmy is talking a LOT, but he’s always talking in the B paragraphs. even if kim doesn’t reply out loud. i underlined his dialogue in yellow and kim’s in blue.

obviously you don’t have to do this, but i just personally feel like it makes a scene so much easier to read, especially if you ARE skimming the dialogue tags.

i don’t know if that was the kind of answer you were after, but i hope it was some help or at least interesting!

[with-love-from-hell]

5 Sides of Human

{Part sixteen}

Genre: Mixed

WC: ~4.8k

CW: Mammon is still a jerk, pining, suggestive, anxiety, depictions of anger and verbal aggression, depression, panic attacks, some angst and heavy drama lol, mentions of blood, FIGHT SCENE, allusion of OCD, allusion to past trauma, Storm has a stutter but I am not depicting it with written word consistently, prolly lots of typos lol, spoilers for season 1&2, I'm skipping over/changing some things I didn't like in the main story so it will be a bit different from canon!

Series Masterlist

©️ artwork commissioned by @vivi8bit ©️  

Mammon groaned as he slammed the door to his bedroom, shedding his clothes to the floor as he stumbled his way to bed. He didn’t bother turning the light on when he got home, feeling exhausted from all the running around he had done today. He plopped face first into his bed, knowing that tomorrow was going to be just as hellish with the stupid play and Simeon’s dictator-like directing. 

“It’s about time you got back.” Lucifer growled from the darkness, causing Mammon to nearly jump out of his skin.

He shrieked, scrambling to try to turn on a light and falling out of his bed in a mess of blankets in the process. Lucifer clicked his tongue in annoyance at his fumbling, having been already at the limit of his patience. 

Mammon breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the vague illuminated outline of Lucifer leaning against his pool table. The relief quickly turned into agitation though, and he chucked a pillow at his brother. “O-oi! Whatcha think yer doin’ hidin’ in the dark like some vampire!” 

“Why are you trying to upset Storm?” Lucifer ignored his question by asking his own, crossing his arms over his chest. 

The color drained from Mammon’s face as he gulped, surprised that his plan had been sniffed out so easily. “I-I dunno what yer talkin’ about.” 

Lucifer narrowed his eyes. “Then what was that pathetic display at dinner all about?” 

“Uh...Well, I...” Mammon cleared his throat. “I ain’t trying to do anything! I just wanted to introduce you guys to my date. That’s it!” 

Lucifer scoffed. “You expect me to believe that?”

“Yeah, ‘cuz it’s true!” Mammon pouted, crossing his arms to match Lucifer’s stature. “If Storm is upset, that ain’t my problem!” 

“It most certainly is your problem.” Lucifer added, shifting his weight between his feet. “She mentioned you haven’t been treating her very nicely the past few days, so what happened?” 

Mammon scoffed, trying to hide the guilt he felt for clearly hurting her feelings. “It ain’t my fault she’s too sensitive.” 

“Mammon.” Lucifer raised his tone slightly, indicating his rise in anger at the comment. “I know for a fact that she has conversed with you before about her low self-esteem. You are doing and saying things to make her feel bad about herself, and I expect you to cease that at once and offer her an apology.” 

“I ain’t doin’ shit, Lucifer!” Mammon yelled back, but instantly regretted his tone when Lucifer’s eye began twitching. 

“Oh really, you’re doing nothing?” Lucifer shook his head. “That is the biggest pile of shit that I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth. Did you really think no one would notice the fact that you kept staring at her while you talked about how hot your date was? Not to mention the attitude you copped with me the other day, all while she conveniently ‘wasn’t feeling well’? And why would she tell me you’ve been treating her poorly? It’s not like her to lie about something like that.”

Mammon looked away to the floor, making no further comment. The expression on his face displayed his guilt and shame freely, causing Lucifer to now worry about the extent of what he’s done to Storm. 

“What did you say to her?” Lucifer took a threatening step toward him. When Mammon didn’t reply, he felt a sense of injustice rising in his chest, fueling his anger at the way his brother was behaving. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Mammon.” 

Mammon shook his head, throwing his hands up in defeat, though was clearly unwilling to confront any wrong-doing he had participated in. “I...I...It’s just...the ball was comin up and she...I’m just tryin’ to show her what she’d be missin’ out on, y’know!?” 

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, shaking his head. “What are you talking about?” 

“It’s nothin!” Mammon shouted, folding his arms tight to his chest. “I got a date to the ball, and y’all just seem to be hikin’ up my jeans about it!” 

“I could give a shit less about your date.” Lucifer sighed in exasperation. “I care about Storm’s wellbeing.” 

“Psh, yeah, like when you nearly killed ‘er twice?” Mammon muttered under his breath. 

“What was that?” 

“Nothin’, nothin’. Anyways, I ain’t doin’ anything wrong! So why don’t ya go bother someone else so I can get some sleep.” Mammon threw the blankets over his head, blocking out Lucifer’s demands for him to admit what he had done. Finally having enough, Lucifer gave a frustrated sigh and stormed out of his room, slamming the door behind him. 

Mammon curled the blankets tighter around him, now stewing in the reality that he had indeed hurt Storm even more. Rather than make her jealous, he clearly seems to be hitting several of her insecurities. But even so, he wondered why she didn’t just tell Lucifer what he had said to her the day she rejected him. Even with him acting like a jackass- which he now understood was the way he was acting- she still felt the need to protect him. 

“God Dammit.” Mammon groaned into his pillow. The night would surely now be a sleepless one. 

The play mostly went on without a hitch, outside of Mammon screwing up a majority of his lines. The journey of the prince and the knight seemed to enrapture the student body, and enjoyed the first two acts of action and drama. They were on the edge of their seats for the finale. As the intermission end announcement came to signal their final scene, Storm took a deep breath, slowly strolling from back stage at Lucifer’s side, as if they were walking through a park, with Simeon’s voice echoing above them. 

“...And through the entire journey, it was only now that Sir Lucifer realized his true feelings...” From offstage, Storm eyed Simeon’s movements, signaling for Lucifer to start saying his lines. 

“The truth is...” Lucifer sighed, stopping and kneeling before her. “I feel as though all of these years I’ve been living a lie. To spend all this time searching for something I already had. I feel like a fool.” 

“But, Sir...The princess-” 

“Forget the princess.” He shook his head, gripping her hands tighter. “Marrying her would not make me happy. Quite the opposite, actually- especially in knowing I would be leaving you behind...I simply can’t go through with it. Forgive me now, for I must undo this arrangement. Even if it destroys the princess to have me falter now, I can’t go on knowing I would be giving up the one that I truly love...” Lucifer locked eyes with her once more, offering a sad smile. “And that is you, Storm.” 

Storm smiled back warmly, but it faltered when Lucifer stayed locked in place. That was his final line...He’s supposed to walk off stage and leave her in the garden, she thought. Her nerves rose as he continued to stand staring at her. 

After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. “Before I take my leave, I must ask you- the one I love. Would you dance with me tonight?” 

Storm blinked, unsure of what to say. For a moment, she thought Simeon had given them extra lines and had forgotten to mention it to her, but with his meticulous attention to detail, she found it unlikely after considering it more. It wasn’t until a scream of “He said WHAT?” from Mammon offstage that she realized what he was doing.  She glanced behind Lucifer’s shoulder, seeing Mammon barely being held back by Beel and Vivi with pure hate in his eyes. 

“I can’t hope to marry you and live out our days- and I am uncertain of if there will ever come a time where I can. Abandoning my people would be a selfish dereliction of my duty. So I ask you, could I have this one night with you- one that we could hold dear to our hearts forever?” Lucifer glanced down at her expectantly, raising an eyebrow as if to indicate the second meaning behind his words that he somehow managed to fit into the dialogue of the play. 

 “Lucifer...” She swallowed, trying to tear her eyes away from Mammon. “I...I’d want nothing more.” 

Mammon nearly screeched, but Beel was able to cover his mouth just in time. Lucifer stepped forward, blocking her view of a squirming Mammon from sight. 

“Just the thought has my heart pounding with anticipation.” He smiled, lifting her hand and placing a chaste kiss to her palm. “Then I will see you tonight, my love.” 

With that, he makes his exit. Mammon appeared to have been dragged away, as the small area she could see offstage was now bare. Following the remainder of her directions from Simeon’s narration, she begins to pace around the stage. 

“Beset by uncertainty after hearing Lucifer confess his love for her, Storm wanders off to think, but ends up lost deep within the woods. It is then that Satan, fairy of the woods, appears. His proposition is such: take the dagger and kill the princess, then she will be granted her wish of marrying the prince.” 

“But know this, my dear Storm.” Satan hands her the fake knife. “If you do not use it to kill the princess, the power of the blade will still need to be satiated- you must use it to kill someone.” 

The curtain closes briefly and the final scene is set up by the stage hands. Storm can barely think to remember her lines with the butterflies in her stomach at the prospect of finally being asked to the ball by Lucifer. She felt bad for Mammon- after all, she did tell him she wasn’t going with anyone. But the excitement somewhat overshadowed her guilt, and as the curtains opened, she almost missed the musical cue to say her line.

"I remember the first day I met you...almost like it was yesterday."

"I remember too." Lucifer grabbed her hands, pulling her closer. "It really is hard to believe what we've gone through since then."

"The way you fixed your eyes on me...that noble yet sincere gaze." She stepped closer, placing it just above his heart. "There was no way to deny it- I fell for you, body and soul."

"Stop...tempt me no further. I feel I am losing control of myself- that I won't be able to hold back any longer if we continue."

Storm leaned in, their lips barely touching. “Then relinquish your control, Sir Lucifer.”

With the final line, their lips met. Lucifer cupped her cheek in his hand, stroking the skin softly under his thumb. Some in the crowd gasped, others “ooo’d” and “aww’d” in amusement, and some cheered loudly, whistling as the kiss went on a tad longer than anticipated. From off stage, Simeon was so absorbed in silently praising his own excellence in writing such a romantic scene with the admiration the two were receiving from the crowd that he failed to notice the extra time they took in basking in the intimacy. When Lucifer pulled away, Storm nearly missed the admiring look he held in his eyes.

“Storm’s heart felt full in that moment, and all she wanted was to be with the prince, but the guilt of having to be the hand that kills the princess weighed heavy as she leaves the ball, heading toward the princess’s chambers. She stops outside the door, beside herself with conflicting emotions. Ultimately, she knows she cannot bring harm to the princess...”

“This is supposed to be my path to happiness, but will I truly achieve true happiness through unjust murder?” She says allowed, falling to her knees with the dagger clutched to her chest. Despite this being merely a performance, something about the moment felt strangely familiar, and she felt her skin prickle with worry and discomfort. 

“Can’t bring yourself to kill her, Storm?” Lucifer approaches from offstage. 

“Lucifer, I-” 

“Hush now. Your altruism is what made me fall for you in the first place.” He took her by the hand, helping her to her feet. “I have made my decision to renounce my royal birth right to be with you. The love you’ve shown has changed me...and given me courage. To hell with my duties- I can’t live another day without you.” 

As she lifted the dagger, she forced her face to contort into an expression of pain. Her hands shook, pointing the dagger toward Lucifer “But the curse of the dagger-” 

Lucifer lifted his hand to hers, summoning a bright light. With that, she dropped the dagger, falling into his arms. “I’ve lifted the curse, and freed you of it’s hold. Now, come. Let us return home. Our future awaits.” 

“Never did the two imagine that such a destiny awaited them at the end of their long, long journey. They truly had proven the adage that ‘love conquers all’. Prince Lucifer chose to renounce his royal status in exchange for Storm’s love, and the two of them lived happily ever after. And so ends our story. On behalf of the student council officers, we hoped you enjoyed our original play, ‘With Me.’” 

“I can’t fuckin’ believe this!” Mammon roared, trudging down the corridor behind the auditorium. In his wake, he scratched the brick with his claws and sprawled his wings, knocking over statues and tearing down tapestries.  “He’s a snake in the grass! A Judas!” 

“Mammon, calm down.” Vivi shook her head, pissed that she was roped into having to deal with Mammon’s outburst because no one else would help Beel to control him. 

“Lucifer has every right to ask Storm out, just like the rest of us did.” Beel stated flatly, trying to get the unruly demon to see reason. 

“Besides, don’t you have a date already?” Vivi added, confused as to what his damage was with the situation. 

“I don’t care ‘bout her! I just paid her to come around to make Storm jealous.” He confessed blindly, not realizing what he was saying as the words tumbled out of his mouth. “I can’t believe she rejected me and then went n’ said yes to my own brother- ‘specially after sayin’ she didn’t want to hurt no ones feelin’s. I went through all this shit for nothin’!” 

Vivi gritted her teeth, getting fed up with how he was acting. “No one forced you to make an ass of yourself, Mammon. And I don’t take kindly to men who play around with women’s emotions or flaunt them like a piece of meat.” 

Mammon scoffed. “You’re startin’ to sound like Lucifer.”

“Don’t you dare compare me to that fuckin’ nark.” She hissed back, stepping toe-to-toe with him. 

“I don’t need this shit,” Mammon snarled. “‘specially not from some dumb old human.” 

Beel darted his gaze between Mammon and Vivi, and then back to the door toward the stage. Based on the distant murmur of Storm’s voice, he could tell it wasn’t over yet, so he was on his own if a fight broke out. 

“Wanna run that by me again, you spineless little worm?” Vivi snarled, posting up on her tip-toes to be nose-to-nose with Mammon. 

“I said you’re a dumb human.” He repeated, scoffing when Vivi’s mouth twitched into a snarl and her fingers curled into fists. “What, you wanna take me on? I’ll wipe the floor with ya!” 

“I’ll shove my foot so far up your ass that you’ll be tasting rubber for a month!” 

“Fuck outta my face.” Mammon growled back, his eyes burning with rage. “Or I’ll-” 

Before he could get the words out, a fist flew straight into his jaw. He stumbled backwards, trying to maintain his balance and collect his bearings. He was just about to speak when another fist landed under his chin, and then immediately after there was a kick to his stomach. Mammon coughed and sputtered, putting considerable distance between him and Vivi in order to reorient himself. 

“Beelzebub I swear to god if you don’t let me go you’re next!” Vivi yelled, squirming against his hold. Beel held them against his chest tightly, trying to calm them down, but was actually doing quite the opposite- like when you try to hold an unruly cat to avoid getting them riled up. 

“W-what the f-fuck!” Mammon spat, trying to adjust his jaw to see if it was dislocated. “How the hell can you even throw a punch that hard?!” 

“Magic, Bitch.” She squirmed harder against Beel’s hold, trying to get him to loosen his grip. 

“Fuck you!” He shouted, finally standing and dusting himself off. 

Vivi hocked a loogie and spat it in his direction, nearly hitting him in the face. Mammon cringed as the lump of phlegm splattered onto his jacket that he had freshly pressed for the ball, causing rage to boil up in his chest. 

“Alright, that’s it.” He shed his coat, slamming it to the ground and putting up his fists. “Let ‘er go, Beel. She wants a fight, I’ll give ‘er a fight!” 

Beel shook his head, but Vivi quickly snaked out of his hold, bum-rushing Mammon with her fists raised high. 

Beel fumbled around, trying to figure out what to do as Mammon and Vivi immediately began an all-out brawl in the hallway behind the theater.  Blow after blow was attempted on each other. Somehow Vivi was able to dodge most of Mammon’s hits, but took low blows to get the upper hand on him- even going so far as to kick him square in the taint. His breaking point was the sound of bones breaking, finally stepping between them, kicking Mammon clear across the hall,  and hauling Vivi off in the opposite direction before Mammon could register what had happened. 

“You fight like a bitch!” Vivi spat back as Beel carted her off down the corridor, hoping against all odds that Mammon wouldn’t chase them. Her demands for him to put her down were ignored- knowing that he had to stall whatever was happening until Lucifer could handle whatever punishment he was going to dish out to the two of them. 

Luke ran to Storm as the actors made their way out of the auditorium to the receiving line, hugging her midsection tightly. His voice was strained between sobs. “Storm! oh my word, that was so beautiful! You did amazing!” 

Storm smiled, patting Luke on the head. “Thank you, but it certainly wasn’t all me. Everyone did so well.” 

“That’s a generous way to deflect the fact that your scenes blew ours out of the water.” Satan chuckled, giving Storm a side hug. “Don’t be so modest.” 

She blushed. “Oh, well thank you, I suppose”

“They’re right, Storm.” the crowd parted to make way for Diavolo to come through, Solomon and Barbatos in tow behind him. “You all didn’t even need me, so it seems!” 

Storm gave a small, nervous laugh. “Oh, I...uh-” 

“I thought you weren’t able to make it.” Simeon raised an eyebrow, appearing behind Storm so suddenly that she nearly jumped out of her skin. 

“I was able to catch the tail end.” Diavolo gave a boisterous laugh, but there was something threatening behind it. “I must say, I am quite jealous of Lucifer. That kiss scene was phenomenal.” 

Why did he have to say that?!  Storm’s face turned completely red as she tried to direct her eyes anywhere else but Diavolo’s. She had been secretly relieved when the casting switch happened and she was assigned to kiss Lucifer, as Diavolo’s intimidating stature and weird flirtatious attitude toward her was beginning to make her feel weird. 

“My lord, please restrain yourself.” Barbatos said curtly, earning a dismissive wave from the prince. 

“I suppose Lucifer was the most stunned by your performance though. I must say, I can’t imagine that having to act out such romance would cause anyone to fall in love, even if for a brief moment.” Diavolo winked at Storm, who stifled a groan and returned her gaze elsewhere.

“Oh barf.” Fern grumbled, rolling their eyes. “Look, Dia- I don’t think that greasy old fart would know romance if it bit him in the-” 

“Can someone please explain to me why this hallway is a disaster?!” 

Everyone’s attention snapped the opposite direction. Lucifer’s brows were furrowed as he tried to piece together how the broken statues, ripped tapestry, and scratch marks that littered the walls and floor came about. The crowd not part of the student council quickly vanished as Lucifer whipped around, clearly at his limit for anger. 

“Well, don’t look at us!” Sarah whined, pouting back at Lucifer. “Clearly it was one of the other students. We’ve been in the auditorium all night!” 

“Well, Not all of us...” Storm added, glancing around the crowd. “Where’s Mammon?” 

“And Vivi...” Heart added. “Didn’t they leave with Beel to make sure Mammon didn’t...” 

Lucifer’s eyes flashed with fury, clearly having been unaware of Mammon’s near disruption of the play during their intimate scene. “To make sure Mammon didn’t what?!” 

Everyone was quiet, until a huge crash was heard on the second floor, followed by shouting. 

“That sounds like Beel.” Belphie immediately bolted toward the staircases. 

Lucifer followed quickly behind, yelling at everyone else to stay put. Storm rubbed her forearm anxiously, hoping that Mammon hadn’t become to irate for her acceptance of Lucifer’s request. Despite that she knew he had a date to the ball, she felt guilty for going back on what she had told him, despite Beel’s encouragement. 

Within moments, Lucifer had a bruised, bloodied, and tattered Mammon by the collar of his shirt, dragging him down the stairs. Mammon’s yelps and begs for him to “just let him talk about what happened” were met with tense silence. Beel walked by Vivi’s side a little behind, trying to get her to stop calling mammon names and insulting his fighting style. 

Once at the bottom of the stairs, Lucifer immediately turned toward his office, instructing everyone else to head to the ball. He gave Storm an apologetic glance before disappearing around the corner with Mammon, out of sight. 

“Vivi, what the hell happened?!” Satan squawked, immediately pushing Beel aside and assessing their injured arm. 

Vivi jerked their arm away from him. “I’m fine. Jesus Christ calm your ass down.”

“Did Mammon attack you!?” Storm gasped as she watched Vivi casually re-set their arm into place and roll their shoulder to adjust. 

“Psh, he tried.” Vivi scoffed, turning her attention back to Satan. “Your brother fights like a toddler.” 

Storm ran both hands through her hair, trying to process what the hell was happening. Her heart began beating like a drum, feeling as if it would burst from her chest at any moment. Her breath became ragged and her vision blurred, and intrusive thoughts bombarding her with guilt plunged through her brain. Beel’s ears perked at the sound of her labored breath and he immediately pulled her aside away from the others’ concerned stares, trying to get her to focus on him. 

“Wait, so you seriously went head-to-head with Mammon?!” Fern smirked, approaching them excitedly. “Did you beat his ass? Was he as strong as he’s supposed to be?!” 

Vivi glanced briefly toward Satan, who stared at her with wide, intrigued eyes. She sighed and shrugged, trying to come off as nonchalant, but was clearly happy to brag about their fighting ability. Even now they barely felt the sting in their shoulder from where Mammon had dislocated her arm. “Meh, I learned how to beef myself up with magic, but brawn isn’t all you need to win a fight. You need strategy, and you need to know your opponents weak spots. Let’s just say Mammon learned it the hard way.” 

Satan smiled admiringly, and Vivi tried to hide the slight blush that developed on their cheeks. Fern, Asmo, and Levi burst into a fit of laughter, hardly able to believe their older brother was beaten up by a human. 

“I would hate to be him right about now.” Diavolo chuckled, nudging Barbatos in jest. Though Barbatos appeared to be just as displeased as Lucifer. 

“My lord, Vivi is an exchange student, might I remind you.” His tone was hushed as Vivi boasted about her fighting prowess. “And this isn’t the first fight they’ve gotten into since they’ve come here. Perhaps we should have a serious conversation about whether or not they are a fit for this progr-” 

“Wait, no!” Storm, pushed Beel aside gently, brushing her hand on Barbatos’ arm as she stood before him to plead for reconsideration. “I think it’s an important lesson for other demons who view humans as inferior to see one stand their ground. It will prevent them from taking advantage of us because they think we’re weak.” 

Barbatos glanced down at her hand, then narrowed his eyes at her. “Storm, I hardly think it’s your place to assert yourself into political matters in Devildom.” 

She dropped her hand, and looked to the floor. “I apologize.” 

“No need, Storm. I agree with you.” Diavolo smiled at her. “She will not be sent home, don’t fret.” 

Barbatos gave a hardened glare between Diavolo and Storm. He sighed, turning on his heel and urging Diavolo away with him. Diavolo quickly leaned down toward Storm, causing her anxiety to rise once more. 

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask. At the ball, would you care to join me for a dance? I’m saddened that I missed the opportunity to become closer to you during the play.” He gave a suave smirk, but Storm didn’t feel moved. 

“Oh...I...uh...” She stammered, trying to ease her nerves. “I am already going with Lucifer, so...” 

Diavolo waved Barbatos off as he pestered him to hurry along to the other points of the festival to make an appearance. “No need to worry. He wont be bothered over just one dance. I’ll be seeing you.” With another sly smirk, he spun on his heel and followed Barbatos down the hall. 

“Let go of me, will ya!” Mammon yelped as Lucifer tossed him to the floor near the hearth roughly. He rubbed the spot where his shoulder collided with the ground, pissed that Lucifer was being so rough with him. In all actuality, Mammon was still beyond hurt that, in the way he saw it, Lucifer snuck in and asked Storm to the dance when he obviously had seen Mammon was upset by her rejection. The way he talked about her the other night now made so much sense. Clearly he has had the hots for her the entire time, and he was just bein’ sneaky about it, he thought, gritting his teeth as the anger began simmering up once more. 

“Seriously? Picking a fight with one of the exchange students.” Lucifer growled, crossing his arms and shaking his head. “What the hell is the matter with you? First this charade you had with Storm, and now this?!” 

“Don’t ya dare even mention her name!” Mammon snapped back, quickly standing and approaching Lucifer. He poked him in the chest hard, clearly struggling to keep himself together with how angry he was. “Ya got some nerve slidin’ in like that when ya knew I liked her!” 

“Mammon what in Diavolo’s name are you talking about!?”

“Last night! I told ya I wanted to go to the ball with her and then ya pull this shit. Some big brother you are!” 

“You absolutely did not tell me that.” Lucifer sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. “Look, maybe if you wanted to go with her, you should have asked her.” 

“I did! And...” Mammon trailed off, dropping his gaze to the floor. 

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. “She said no?” 

Mammon shook his head, anger coming back up to mask his sadness. “It don’t matter what she said! I was tryna win her favor and ya messed it all up!”

“Mammon, will you please-” 

“No! Just...shut up!” Mammon pushed Lucifer aside, stomping toward his office door. “This ain’t over. I’ll never forgive ya for this. And don’t bother talkin’ to me ever again, ya prick!” 

With that, Mammon slammed the door behind him, leaving Lucifer in a state of confusion and frustration. He stormed down the hall toward the bathroom, locking himself inside and sliding down to the floor. Mammon pressed his head in his hands. His breath shuddered as he finally allowed himself the release his body truly wanted. 

Why didn’t she love him back?

[minalblood]

Ep 7, finally! Sorry fellas took a while.

I will try to skip past the Despair destiel parallels since they've been mentioned often enough and focus on other stuff i find interesting.

Ok 1stly Carlos jokingly saying they should try jumper cables for the Ostium only to then look back at Lata judgingly was A++ friendship moments.

Love the Tony mention from Ada so much!

I will say all the shell company and warehouse talk reminds me of spn season 7 and the Leviathan plans which to be fair, the Akrida's plans are basically the same. Both hungry, some type of shapshifting beings. Kinda wanna know which came first for Chuck, cuz we know the Leviathan are meant to have been genuine creature vs the Akrida who were deliberately made as fail safe plague.

Mary big mad this ep beginning and it's all because of her worry.

God I still love the Akrida design and I also adore their growls!!! Tho I add that the fact that they can feel pain but cannot be killed save for something out of this world is hella intriguing, feels like something a, to quote Chuck, "cruel, capricious God" would do.

I adore Carlos brain! They're soooo smart and it's constantly shown in all the subtle ways but it's so consistent throughout that I love it. And not just generally, but also emotionally speaking, especially highlighted in the scene with Mary. Putting the right blame on the shifters, being honest about dealing or not with their parents death and still succeeding in bringing Mary's spirit up.

Why would John be so shocked that Henry would've written something for the MoL? Henry was a MoL so it really shouldn't be that surprising that he wrote stuff down. I personally think it's because he chose not to ask more questions because it would've fucked with him too much and he couldn't handle it.

Millie in the Clubhouse! Finally! She's still too harsh, but this time I tend to give her tiny bit more benefit of the doubt since it's obvious being in the Clubhouse is bringing up all the very complicated feelings she has deliberately not dealt with about Henry. It's why she can go from mentioning love letters with a soft gentle loving tone one moment and then insulting Henry's chicken scratch and its supposed use in saving the world. She has dealt a lot more with her feelings about Henry these past... weeks months? since all the stuff began, especially having received a clear answer about where Henry disappear to (he died), but that in many ways likely made it so much more complicated because the anger hasnt gone away but now it feels almost unfair to aim it so much at someone that seems to have not had a choice in abandoning them as she initially thought. She's still mad tho, not just because of that but also because she was never allowing in by Henry, not really, and we learn later that he deliberately distanced himself from her as well so being invited to the Clubhouse is a huge step in slotting into place what she feels. It's also why I think she demands so staunchly to know exactly what's happening because last time she didn't, Henry died.

The implication that Samuel Campbell is messy from Mary gave me such a John's room in Pilot vibes. Love that parallel (read: hate)

The mention from the Akrida possessing Roxy bout Roxy's beauty is made sooo much worse by the later episode about her possession, but with it in my mind, it give such icky vibes now. Besides the sheer disregard about Roxy's life. It makes it even more clear how much humans are just things for the Akrida to use and discard whenever. And that will only be made more apparent in later episodes.

Carlos' miiind!! The hex bag!! God I love them.

Interesting just for me I guess, but the fact that u just need to know the ingredients of a hex bag to find it, is sooo fun. I have so many questions.

I also love seeing Millie adjusting to the whole supernatural thing, her mind just going and her saying shit only to find out she might actually be onto something to them using her plan. Love that, especially love that it happens in connection to Ada. Millie and Ada have been pretty linked throughout the show so far, and I love that it's while Millie is talking to Ada, one of the few people who actually knew Henry and Henry allowed in, that she gets the idea she does. I also think it's very important that Ada does tell her the stuff Millie didnt know.

Ok, maybe controversial opinion here but I actually agree with Ada here, John is not closed off like Henry. He just isnt here. He is extremly reactive which means you will know what you get with him cuz he will make it clear, in a very bone headed way, sure , but it will be clear what he feels. There are of course things he doesn't disclose, but it aint about him being open, its just that he isnt closed off like Henry. Henry who his wife thought didnt even think of her or if he did it wasn't good terms at least toward the end, Henry who planted a protective plant for his family but never said anything about it. John, in spn, certainly does become closed off like that, id say he gets even more closed off but not this John, not yet and hopefully never. This john is just angry. Really angry, but it's still not the same insurmountable situation.

I adore Lata's excitement about all things monster.

Ahhhhhh I miss you all too Carlos 😭😭😭 #SavetheWinchesters

Nixon being Akrida is a nod to Lucifer possessing the president vibes to me.

I kinda love that Millie sold her wedding ring, it makes sense on so many levels. 1. Shes a single mom with a business to run. 2. She s trying to distance herself from the pain Hwnry left her with. 3. She is very much a dont think about it and it'll not affect you denial stage of grief person.

The music box!

It says shit about Millie that she didnt know john still had the music box all these years. It makes it clear which parts of John's life she paid attention to (or could allow herself to pay attention to) and which not.

I hate that they cant actually deal with any of the stuff because of the short window they have, but that's how things are right? both generally and def in the spn verse, you never have the space or time to actually confront the person thats traumatised you, not really, you just have small pockets of chances to process what happened in the middle of world ending events.

Fun fact, I rewatched Inside Man recently and the spell they use here to summon Henry is the exact same one Sam and Cas use to talk to Bobby in Heaven. And the fucking meaning always hurts me, cuz it calls onto dead loved ones to answers their calls/questions abd it feels like a prayer to me tbh. I also headcannon that the reason the spell works differently here is because Henry was still in the veil rather than in heaven, but ive nothing to substantiate that.

Once more Mary and John have such a genuine relationship tho, they really are honest with each other as often as they can because of the connection and similarities they felt when they first met and everything experienced since. Unlike their spn counterparts who were very much not honest about themselves.

I really love that John gets to hear Henry unequivocally say "it was my fault, not yours". It's so so important, both that Henry immediately owned up to it, and that he made sure to let John know first that it wasnt anything he did and that he wanted to explain everything.

I also wanna point out the immediate dif in Henry's demeanor once John mentions the Akrida aka work. Henry instantly compartmentalizes alll the feels he had about seeing John and getting to see Millie because he very much knows the importance. Better to have ur family alive even though you can't get closure than risk their lives just to explain yourself.

The paaaiiinnn, the emotionssss ahhhhh!! They can't get through everything they want to say but they make sure to say the things they need and my heart hurts now thx! Im very glad Millie got to see him though. It helped close another leaking wound in her. Damn this whole ep is Millie being put through the emotional wringer as much as John and Mary are. It prolly felt really good to hit the cop in the face with a bat after all that.

Love Mary's fighting advice. It shows she gets the urgency and the need to not linger on too long since the end goal isnt to kick ass, but to actually defeat the Akrida. Her hubting experience shows and her reason for doing this shows too.

I just know Lara wouldve had a field day if she couldve gotten that monster essence. So sad for her actually.

Also you know if Ada had been left to her own devices she wouldve followed Tragic Haircut and found the Akrida queens location. We've seen she can be very cutthroat when needed and her input wasn't really needed in the van, but it was needed to follow the Akrida. Thats what i think anyways. Millie for all her harshness, would never leave the kids behind. Shes suprising soft underneath it all, Ada is surpsingly cutthroat. Yay more parallel and contrasts between them.

Oh Mary, you were wrong there and it almost cost you dearly (just like how Dean going after Billie assuming shes thanosing people went wrong). Love the call back to their first meeting. Hate the despair vibes cuz ouch. Samuel to the rescue, congrats, you did the bare minimum. ( i am not a fan of Samuel and all the call backs to Spn!john only make it worse everytime, especially the heroic last second save when he's been mia and shitty throughout otherwise).

God can't wait talking about the queen when she finally appears properly.

See y'all later for a double special of Dean alive (ish) and Trickster/Loki discussion.

[miradanii]

Transformers MTMTE (2012) read

I finished it. I still have more but I finished...I thought I'd have another break but I was already at Issue #50 and 6 hours later I was not as emotional compared to Issue #47 while in the car to Kings Hawaiian but it was close.

I loved it. I have the Lost Light left but I've been switching back and forth from different series. It's been a whirlwind getting into comics like this.

My only gripe is that this series is out of print and I guess I'm going to go on a long search to hunt this series down without it being expensive in the process.

More thoughts below. And spoilers. A lot of them.

I think I liked the series a lot more after Dark Cybertron. Not because of my horrific miss of story beats, but it got funnier??? I dunno I guess I was laughing more. Maybe it's the Cheers reference that sent me.

And apologies to Swerve. Each chapter to a point he had been doing recaps with the same illustration of him. Because said recap and I was reading issues back to back I tended to skip it. Course the author puts one in the middle of the damn comic to show it was a character thing...course he would.

Cyclonus and Tailgate :(((

They love each other so much ♡♡♡

I was okay on Whirl for a while. I think he has a sick design but I think personally for me to get attached to a character out of the 50 or so they have to balance they gotta have that sweet sweet moment that gets you to their side and it's the frienemy relationship he has with Cyclonus. And so fucking smart. Using his Avatar to warn Cyclonus. I wish I had a physical copy of that issue. Most of them actually. Please...these comics need to be reprinted. Lend the rights to let these damn comics to be printed. It's fucking criminal that it isn't.

I understand the flowers now. Wow. I saw them before and the tweet Alex Milne saying Optimus Prime should have the same amount. Imagine the convo between him and Megs about it. Is there? Idk I haven't read Lost Light yet.

The character exploration continues to facinate me. And surprisingly a very fun one for other characters to bounce off of. A cat dad, Rodimus' bbsitter, on the same wavelength of Ultra Magnus. Like its fun. Yeah okay a mass galactic murderer going on a Space cruise is not a punishment. However, we have other characters that point this out throughout the rest of the series. And the biggest however being you can't have a series without Megatron being in it with some capactiy. So what do you do? Chuck him in with the hooligans and see what he does sitcom style. And it's great. It's fun and I loved it. As well as the mental punishments he gets from it, too, due to sitcom hooligans.

I think its a popular moment but I have seen the panels with Megatron talking to Optimus out of context. Before reading the series I genuinely thought this was a Flashback to the past since...ya know it's all casual. I guess I was half right. The comfortability. The pleasure to talk to someone who could have been your friend without the shitty history. It's scenes like this that make the series so great. The ability to make genuine moments like these in a story.

The last interaction with Megatron I really like is Rachet. Rachet knowing Megatron is a paranoid freak yet can still talk to him? It's a fun dynamic.

I want to name my future pet "Ravage"

And...Ravage :((( thank you for the cool moment of flying s space ship with your little metal paws. The pets are not okay in this. I'm assuming this is added to doesthedogdie.com (including all pets I think)???

Oh Rodimus the enabler.

Skids :((((((((

Nickel is queen. Wish I could see more of her.

So it took me until Froid showing up to realize Rung is like Carl Jung. It's embarrassing knowing how many chapters I went in not realizing that.

Hello Red Alert. Also I guess I actually don't like you.

I have more thoughts...but there's too many...I wanna see analysis videos and more posts talking about it but I'm technically still not done with the series. The Cheers episode even called me out for getting spoilers from tumblr. Oops.

[vaguelyaperson]

📖📚 Vaguely Book Reviews 📚📖

Classics Edition

Title: The Age of Innocence Author: Edith Wharton Published: 1920 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7/10

I found this book most interesting upon finishing it. While the premise was engaging, the prose itself was redundant in some of its ramblings, and its narrative subtly ironic. (Though the tongue in cheek humor of the narrative was apparent from page one.) No, what I mean is that I found myself confused by the title contrasted to the plotline: 'The Age of Innocence' being a story about a married man's affair with a defamed woman. The story didn't really 'click' - in all its details and how things were framed - until the last page.

The story takes place in an unspecified year of the 1870s. It's the gilded age of New York City, and the protagonist belongs to one of the functionally aristocratic families.

Among the stressed themes is that despite the United States not having an actual aristocracy (that would otherwise demand perfect breeding), wealthy Americans are just as conservative as their European counterparts. Or at least, wealthy Americans of this particular time period. The author goes out of her way to outline as many examples of this conservativeness. So when Madame Olenska arrives from Europe having separated from her still legally bound husband, and takes up the company of bohemians, the elite of NYC want little to do with her.

That is except the protagonist, Newland Archer, who is engaged to Madame Olenska's cousin and hostess, May Mingott. Yes, man cheats on his wife with her cousin. Tell me again how this is an age of innocence?

Well it's the age of innocence (Spoilers Ahead) because the entire affair is resolved quietly and peacefully. Newland, even when he receives the freedom and opportunity to do so, never sees Madame Olenska ever again. He lives a content, tranquil life with his wife - who had suspicions about the affair The Entire Time. This may seem like an anti-climatic conclusion, but it's exactly what ties together every single detail about the conservative social expectations. There's no dramatic scandal because there's not allowed to be a dramatic scandal.

"It was the old New York way... the way people dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than 'scenes,' except the behavior of those who gave rise to them."

- from the scene of Madame Olenska's send-off back to Europe, as Newland realizes almost everyone in the room knows of the affair, and no one's said a word. This is towards the very end of the book, when it dawns on the reader that there will be no dramatic conclusion. The cheating couple will not elope, the wife will not lose her temper, Newland will not be defamed. It is the age of innocence quite simply because everyone pretends all is innocent.

The meaning behind the title becomes all the more evident when there's a time-skip. Newland's adult son - influenced by the newer values of his generation - invites his father on a trip to Paris. May, the wife, has since passed away. The son contacts Madame Olenska - knowing who she was to his father. He sets up a meeting, thinking it will be a wonderful reunion for Newland and Olenska, who still hold a flame for each other. He compares their love to the one he has for his fiancée (who notably comes from a defamed family, but he still receives permission to marry.)

"Dash it, Dad, don't be so prehistoric! Wasn’t she - once - your Fanny?" "My Fanny-" ... "Well, the woman you'd have chucked everything for: only you didn't."

This interaction is quite notable because it insists things have changed. The society the son lives in isn't so terrified of scandal anymore. He can marry a woman from a questionable family, so why not give his dad a chance to reunite with an old lover?

Newland doesn't go.

"Say I'm old-fashioned: that's enough." - he says on the final page.

[mlobsters]

supernatural s15e12 galaxy brain (teleplay: robert berens, story: meredith glynn, robert berens)

maybe i should skip the recap in these later seasons, i'm exhausted already :p the special boy opening a nexus to get dark kaia home, right right

two moons on earth 2, ok. i don't know why that makes me think of epcot/spaceship earth

CHUCK It’s monologue time.

don't get grumpy, nic

RADIO SHED CLERK Sir, this is a Radio Shed.

that was cute

this is all very the matrix reloaded architect scene, but parallel instead of serial

CHUCK Dean says I’m not gonna get the ending I want. I don’t know. Maybe I… I… I mean, that shouldn’t matter, right? I’ve gotten what I want from hundreds of Sam’s and Dean’s. I could get what I want from a hundred more. And I don’t care. Those other toys, they don’t… they don’t… spark joy. But Sam and Dean… the real Sam and Dean… they do. They challenge me… they disappoint me… they surprise me. They’re… the ones.

the ones. uh huh

so wiping out all the other worlds, great. presumably relevant to the dark kaia business

aw, jody. my favorite found family character. wish she'd been in more episodes, but glad we got what we did. kim rhodes just has a great onscreen presence with the boys

speight jr back directing another episode. he must have racked up a good number. 11! with 4 in s15

CAS Well, I have my concerns, but… Jack trusts Billie, and I trust Jack. SAM But what about cosmic balance, Cas? I mean, Jack’s gonna kill God? What about Amara? DEAN I don’t know. I don’t know. But I have seen Billie’s library, and I have spent time with her. I… Well, “trust” is a strong word, but… I believe in her. There’s no one more committed to the rules than she is. She’s probably got it all figured out. SAM Probably? Like she had the Mal’ak box figured out? DEAN Yeah, I dunno. I mean, she’s still Death. She was right about Rowena. SAM All I’m saying is, I wish we knew more. DEAN Yeah, I got questions too, but right now this is the only plan we got. SAM Right.

a) i trust jack->he trusts billie->fine by me! is some wild logic, being that i don't think jack's ever really been in the best place to make massive decisions because he is just A Baby in the grand scheme of things b) dean remarkably chill c) sam and i over here like ????!?!?

jack lying about talking to the death-proxy, never good

CAS I knew it, Dean. When I was with Jack’s mother, she… You know, Kelly just had faith that Jack would be good for the world, and I felt it, too. I knew it. And then, when everything went wrong, and God took him from us… I was lost in a way I’ve never been before. Because I knew the story wasn’t over. I knew Jack wasn’t done. And I was right.

LOL kaia is alive over in that monster world??? of course. and her world is dying which she knows because there was some weird weather i guess. claro

Writer Robert Berens tweeted after the episode "The arc of S1 of Wayward Sisters was always going to be broadly Dark Kaia vs the WaywardSisters, culminating in Kaia’s rescue and Dark Kaia’s tragic defeat. I always wanted to make that death right. But with limited real estate on #Supernatural I had resigned myself to Kaia just being dead. It was only by embedding it in S15 stories (Chuck, Jack’s return to the Bunker, Billie’s plan) it felt like it was possible to tie that loose end in a relevant and appropriate way.

mmk. perennial problem of Too Much Plot Shit

MERLE Yeah, I’ve been watching you screw up. One measly life on the line, and you’re ready to risk it all? That’s not just dumb. That’s Winchester dumb. DEAN Hey!

ok merle! that, which i presume is a wig, is really pretty except the hairline is looking stark. always good to see some loose skin on a woman rep, especially on someone who isn't very old

i thought the bad place was the spiky world? oh, no, i guess that was the apocalypse world. so many ... places

ok sure, fix some warding amara pulled down.

i like how magic always starts with potpourri

saw a gif of sam helping dean gear up and zipping up his pack or whatever so i went to look for it but since cas has some moments with dean this episode.... well. needless to say, i did not find it after a number of pages scrolling for it :p dont make the gifs, nic. trying to get through this episode in one sitting

DEAN How you feeling ‘bout this? SAM Honestly? Feels like we’re taking a big, probably stupid risk. Feels good. Disobeying cosmic entities, doing the, uh… dumb, right thing? Feels like we’re back.

cute cute

LOL jack's gotten a lot better at creating a nexus! kapow done

surprising zero people dark kaia wants to stay in the dying world, in fact i thought that was the plan to begin with because she felt so wrong on earth

oh, dying world as in ok she's actually dead right now world

jody gets another kid, of course. and has some wild sideburns on that pixie. mutton chop aspirations

so long, merle. billie looks very pleased with herself

billie is beautiful and i do enjoy her, but julian richings was so good as death. and hey, i remember his line about reaping god! he had charm and was loose but could snap back and be terrifyingly intimidating when dean got too comfortable. but billie is just.. very stiff and pretty one-note to me. a bummer

CAS I don’t understand. Why would God write the blueprint to his own death? BILLIE He didn’t. The books write themselves. After God made the world, he couldn’t stop. He wanted more. But he needed to create a perfect harmony… a Swiss watch, so this world could keep tick, tick, ticking in his absence. He had no choice but to build himself into the framework. It’s his only weakness. DEAN So, Chuck doesn’t know what’s inside the book? BILLIE No one can read their books unless I let them. SAM What about Jack? He’s in God’s book? BILLIE And so are you. I told you, Dean. You and your brother have work to do. This is your destiny. You are the messengers of God’s destruction.

that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me but okay, sure

we're wrapping up plotlines left and right here people, make it snappy