#prem space

[7698]

[llavbit]

[halliescomut]

PREM SPACE CALENDAR 2023

[spicypussywave]

"Does my pose look ugly?" "It does not. It's kind of cute actually."

[unrealcosima]

I love how Prem and Ten are playing freeze in this scene

[meowmeowmessi]

PL truly is the epitome of farmers league

[esr10]

martin and kylian……………

[ashleighneville]

Bought Nottingham forest membership so hopefully i can go to some games which should be fun

[obaewankenope]

American to English translation for fic

So I read and write fanfic, as do lots of others, and I've noticed that when it comes to British shows or movies, Americanisms or American terms crop up often. It's mostly because most don't know we have specific terms for things in the UK, and I've seen references here and there before, but I've decided to write one of my own. Feel free to add to it tho! I'm gonna put it up on Ao3 too and any additions, I'll reference the tumblr and link them on Ao3 too.

AO3 link is here!!

Anyway, here we go I guess.

Some Americanisms to English-isms

Gas = fuel/petrol/diesel (we tend to specify the type of fuel the vehicle uses, diesel vehicle or petrol vehicle for example)

Gas station = petrol/fuel station

Gas court = petrol/fuel court, or sometimes forecourt (not often with this one tho)

License plate = registration plate/reg

Diner = cafe

Fast-food = takeaway (this is sort of interchangeable. McDonald's is called fast food, a meal from a pizza place that delivers is takeaway)

Motel = hotel

Side-note: We tend to use specific named hotel chains like Premier Inn (or Prem-Inn for short) or Holiday Inn or Travelodge. We also have Britannia Hotels and several others. If the fic is based in a specific place, local hotels or famous ones may be better options. For example, in Liverpool, we have The Shankly or Adelphi.

Cab = taxi or black hac for a specific type of taxi.

Side-note: These are what you see in BBC Sherlock, for example, and are a UK staple. They're less popular or common-place nowadays but there are dedicated taxi companies that use them. There's on in my town that operates until 4pm each day. They are also usually more expensive than a car taxi but they have oodles of space and you can have a pram/buggy kept upright rather than folded-down in them which is brilliant.

Cop = police officer

Side note: more informal, colloquial terms include "copper", "the fuzz", "tit-head" (because of the nipple hat okay, just look up the hat, it's hilarious), "bobby", "rozzer" (pronounced r-o-z-er not Row-zer), and "the bill" (there's an actual show called this btw. It can be a good reference for anyone writing crime fic in UK). There's more but those are the most common. Older terms do include "peelers" and "old bill".

Second side-note: the police have a whole host of terms, colloquial and slang that can be a great thing to include in fic, which I'll link a glossary of here. It's not all UK centric but cross-country policing is a thing so that may just be a boon imho. Also the short-hand acroynmns used are useful so here's a link to the Metropolitan Police glossary of those too!

Patrolman = constable or police constable

Antenna = aerial or TV aerial

Fall (season) = autumn

Bill = banknote or specifically "tenner", "fiver", "twenny" (not "twenty"). We don't have single banknotes like a dollar bill. We have pound coins

Dimes, nickels, etc = pound coin, two-pound coin, fifty-pence, penny, two-pence, five-pence, ten-pence, twenty-pence (link here about the coin currency)

Drug store = chemist or pharmacy

Optometrist = optician

Primary care physician = GP (general practitioner) here's a link about UK medical terms for doctors etc

Side-note: here's a link about medical terminologies etc between American and UK

Social security number = national insurance number

Liquor store = off-license or, specifically, Bargain Booze™

Liquor = spirits (usually)

Store = shop

Target, Walmart, etc = honestly, it's probably gonna be Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, ALDI or Lidl

Superstore = supermarket

Shopping cart = shopping trolley or just "trolley"

Yard-sale = car-boot/car-bootie/car-boot sale

Attorney = barrister or solicitor (solicitors you go to for legal help, barristers tend to be involved in actual court matters, like a the Crown Prosecution Service), here's a link that explains it better

Janitor = caretaker

French-fries = chips (although McDonald's French-fries are just that, French-fries)

Intersection = crossroad

Highway/freeway = motorway

Interstate = usually an A-road or a motorway, we don't really have interstates here)

Overpass = flyover

Turnpike = toll motorway

Windshield = windscreen

Trunk of a car = boot or car boot

Hood of a car = bonnet or car bonnet

Truck = lorry

Sedan = saloon car

Blowout = puncture or flat tyre

Pavement = road

Sidewalk = path

Subway = underground (like the London Underground)

Drapes = curtains (though we do use "drapes" we tend to say "curtains" more)

Pacifier = dummy or "dodo" or "dodi"

Diaper = nappie or a pull-up (if its like underwear for toddlers)

Baby crib = baby cot (though we do use "crib", we tend to say "cot" more)

Baby carriage/pushchair/stroller = pram or buggy (more specific type tho, here's a link about the differences)

Trash/garbage can = bin, dustbin, rubbish bin

Garbage/trash collector = binman/binmen

Mail = post

Mailman = postman

Mailbox = postbox

The movies = cinema or pictures

Movie = film (less common nowadays with influence of Americanisms but I still use "film" and a lot of people my age and older do too (25+)

First floor = ground floor okay, it's the ground floor because it's on ground level

Sneakers = unless they're Converse, it's probably just "trainers"

Baggage = luggage

Purse (as in the bag) = handbag, or "purse" but that tends to be the thing you put your money and cards in then put in your handbag

Vacuum cleaner = hoover or a specific brand like Henry Hoover™, which you'll find we tend to just call Henry (though I have a John Lewis hoover I got from George, ASDA that I've named 'George' and yes, I do say "I need to use George in a bit to hoover" regularly)

Sweater = jumper or, if it buttons up it's a cardigan or cardi

Closet = wardrobe

Elevator = lift

Call collect = reverse charges

Schools = we have primary/infants (11yrs)and secondary/high school (11-16yo) with some high schools have sixth-form college (16-18yo) or actual independent colleges for the same ages

College = university

Semester = term

Vacation = holiday

Kindergarten = nursey/reception

Flashlight = torch

Wrench = spanner

Backyard = garden

Cookie = biscuits

Chips = crisps (like Walkers™ or Lays™ in the States)

Pants = trousers

Cottoncandy = candyfloss

Dude = bloke/fella/mate

John Doe = John Smith

Exhausted (tired) = knackered

Cell phone = mobile

Cell data = mobile data/4G/5G

Bathroom/restroom = loo/toilet (informal term "bog")

Thanks = cheers

Soccer = football

Y'all = "you lot"

Fuck off/hit the road/go away = bugger off

Some slang phrases too

Bits and bobs = stuff, usually random

Take the mick/mickey = making fun of someone or over-exaggerating

Bob's your uncle = there you go, basically

Bog standard = typical, run of the mill kind of deal

Gutted = feel upset, disappointed

Dull as dishwater = basically really, really fuckin boring

Chinwag = basically "shooting the breeze" or just having a talk/chat

.

If you have any others that you think of or want added, reblog and add em! Tags too if you'd prefer but reblogs would be easier ☺️

[lurkingshan]

Cooking Crush is the Ultimate Romcom

I have been singing this show's praises and lamenting it being so underrated for weeks, and I am simply never going to stop because it just keeps getting better. This week was episode 10, a spot where many Thai shows stumble as they set up their final arcs, but this show sailed right on through on the strength of its writing and incredible character and relationship development. This show believes that relationships should make us better, and it shows us how each of the pairs do this for each other rather than telling us.

Ten is probably one of the best romance leads we have ever gotten in bl. He is just so kind and genuine, and his commitment to honest communication is what drives the story. He's a great match for Prem, who is more naturally cynical and struggles with self-esteem issues. We see over and over again how Ten's steady support and affection buoys Prem through hard times, how Prem never waivers on his feelings for Ten even when he is feeling low, and that even in tough moments they give each other so much joy. Every time something happens that would set up a major conflict in other shows, it is dismantled by Ten and Prem talking to each other about their feelings and getting on the same page. They make each other happy and they want to be together; it is as simple and natural as that.

Similarly, we are seeing clearly how good Fire and Dy's relationship is for both of them. Fire is basically a whole new man now that he has accepted his sexuality and his feelings for Dynamite, and he is growing in his confidence, even starting to be affectionate with Dy in front of their friends. And now that he's gotten out of his own way, Fire can see Dynamite for who he is and offer him the kind of love and support that has been sorely lacking in his life. Dynamite is a character who seems carefree and confident on the surface, but who is actually hiding a well of pain that is closely tied to rejection because of his sexuality and the way he presents in the world. They see and understand these struggles in each other and they are happier when they're together.

And let's not forget Metha and Samsee, who are not in a romance (yet?? please show I will love you forever) but whose relationship is also about forming a bond through which kindness, affection, and support can flourish. Metha is always here to support Samsee when he's struggling with his friends, and Samsee relies on him even as he maintains some defensive posturing to avoid getting hurt. But I trust Metha not to hurt him. I love the way Metha moves through this story giving people the pushes they need and generally just being an excellent dude.

And this show doesn't only care about romance! This is one of the more serious treatments of queer friend group dynamics we have ever had in the bl genre. The friendships in this show are not here as joke fodder or secondary to the romances; they are treated as just as important to the narrative as the romantic beats. Samsee's hurt over being excluded and the changing dynamics of his friendships was taken seriously, and all the other characters gave him space and grace to work out his feelings. I similarly expect that as the show wraps up, we'll return to Ten's family dynamics and come to some solid resolutions there.

I don't know how else to say it: this show is excellent, the writing is much stronger than anyone expected, and the characters are all-timers. Let some joy into your lives and watch Cooking Crush.

[7698]

[grapejuicegay]

there's a space in my heart that is now permanently occupied by cooking crush and how much it values friendship. the very real pain of feeling left behind by friends getting into relationships and hiding them from you. ten walking in on the friend group reunion ready to ask prem out and quietly and happily walking out because that's not his moment and he respects it. metha and samsee's heart to heart about how relationships and friendships are different and both are important. metha and ten's friendship. actually just metha in general and his relationships with his friends - including samsee now because good god i love their relationship so much. this show loves friendships. this show is my friend. i love you cooking crush

[twig-tea]

Cooking Crush ep 10: This Show Has My Whole Heart

I wrote about some of the things Cooking Crush is doing so well in my response to a recent ask, and so I'm particularly glad that episode 10 came through with a strong flourish to get us set up the last two episodes.

I wanted to call out a few specific things this episode did that are contributing to why it's working so well for me.

First, I want to mention that the reciprocity continues! Previously, we had Prem comforting Ten during a panic attack post adrenaline crash. In this episode, Ten comforts and supports Prem during his worries about Samsee and the competition.

Picking up on something else I've talked about before, this show is committed to its character's arcs. Fire is struggling with his sexuality and his desire to keep their relationship secret last episode led to the conflict between Samsee and Dynamite this episode. Fire showing up to support Dy in public, giving him affection, and using the petname Dy insisted on having is all evidence of Fy's increasing comfort with it. He's already said before he intends to tell his mother, and Dy has been clear he's not rushing him. The way Dy is so careful with Fire but also so receptive to and appreciative of what Fire is able to give warms my heart (pun intended). And Samsee and Prem seeing it and reacting supportively too, because they know what this means to their friend!

[The gifsearch is not cooperating but please enjoy this gifest by @gunsatthaphan.]

I also want to talk about how this conflict with Samsee hits Dynamite hard, and in the context of knowing he's lost relationships with his parents because of his sexuality, to think his relationship with Fire could have lost him a close friend must be bringing back up his feelings about being cut out of the lives of people he loves. However, it speaks to the strength of his bond with Samsee that even though Samsee is furious and not speaking with him, he does not kick Dy out of his apartment. Dy mentions that he didn't see Samsee the night before the competition because Samsee didn't come home (we find out later why, but I loved this subtle nod to the fact that unlike Dy's own parents, Samsee didn't abandon Dy when he made choices that hurt him. I AM IN MY QUEER FOUND FAMILY FEELINGS, FRIENDS).

Along these lines, Ten going to confess to Prem, noticing that these friends are having a moment, and quietly stepping away to give them space is such a good character moment for him, since previously he's been begging to be let in to their shared space even when Prem mentions he's concerned about its impact on his friends and their relationship. Ten's realizing he can't be everything for Prem, and it's better for both of them if he isn't.

That scene of reconciliation, the three friends re-establishing how important they are to one another, that got to me. And that the show prioritized it over the romance! I cannot tell you how much I love that this was an explicit decision the show made, to say 'no, this is not the time for a confession, this friendship reconciliation is more important right now'. And I love that the show gives us a solid, character-grounded reason for why Samsee reacted so strongly to being left out in the first place. We've been told Samsee has changed school majors 3 times, and it's been played as a joke as well as an explanation for why he's an older student. I love that we've now had the consequences of those changes on Samsee's friendships added to his story. Even a "joke" backstory has ramifications for the characters in this show, I am obsessed.

I also want to mention that I am loving what the show is doing with Samsee and Metha, two characters who are the "fuck-ups" of their friend groups, but who are also the most loyal and most supportive of them all. They conflict with one another around what that support looks like, even while they enable one another to continue to be the best friends to their respective besties.

Prem has struggled this entire show to use his words, and in particular he's visibly wrestled with how he can gracefully reject Chef Changma without putting his own career at risk. In this episode he manages to say 'I don't think that [a hug] would be a good idea', and he's ignored. Ten immediately steps in, but I wanted to highlight how big a deal it is for Prem to have said no to this Chef--who he's idolized, who is his mentor, and who is a judge of the competition he's in--in this moment.

When we do get to the confession, Prem continues to lead with action, and Ten continues to push him to use his words. I love so much that Ten never lets him get away with copping out of saying the words, since it's something we know Prem struggles so much with. This speaks to @lurkingshan's earlier post about how Cooking Crush shows us its leads are better thanks to their relationship (in the same way that Fire self-actualizing and being more free to be himself and express affection also speaks to this point).

Beyond character arcs, there's one other thing I am very excited for heading into episode 11 next week, and that's the conflicts in this show converging so brilliantly. So far, the show has set up a few conflicts: Ten's relationship with his father, the cooking competition, the bullies, Fire's relationship with his mother, and Chef Changma's interest in Prem. All of these have now been queued up to expertly converge as a single conflict in ep 11, based on the preview. With Changma's advance and subsequent punch being recorded and distributed (I'm placing bets that this was recorded by one of the bullies, btw), Ten's father once again steps in the way of this relationship that he sees as a detriment to his son. Prem also previously stated that he wanted to enter the competition in order to prove to Ten's dad that he has potential, so these threads were already starting to come together weeks ago. Even if I'm wrong about the bullies having been the ones to record that video, they're sitll in the competition as competitors. And of course Fire has promised Dy he'd come out after the competition, tying the last thread of these conflicts all together around this single event.

And this is what I mean when I say the writing on this show is so good. Because the characters are coherent and consistent and have clear arcs, and the conflicts are grounded in the characters, even though there are several threads, they come together easily and in a way that makes perfect sense and that work with the character arcs rather than against them.

The last thing I'll mention, because it's something I actually brought up as a negative to this show previously, is the use of non-linear storytelling. Cooking Crush has used non-linear storytelling several times, showing us a scene and then flashing back to what happened before that scene in order to fill in the gaps. This can be an effective storytelling tool, but it has to accomplish something in the narrative. The difference between unnecessary and excellently-deployed non-linear storytelling is whether or not there's a good answer to this question: What is the purpose of delaying this information to the audience, and how does that delay affect the audience understanding of what they're seeing? In previous instances, for example the kiss and then flashback to the full date, knowing that Ten and Prem kissed at the end of their date didn't add anything to the viewing experience of watching their date, and having seen their date didn't change my experience of the kiss. This is why I consider it an ineffective use of that technique.

In episode 10, however, we get the cold open that shows Ten joining Prem and Samsee in the competition, and then we flash back. Knowing Ten will be joining Prem and Dynamite in the competition helps to colour what we see about Prem and Dy trying to get Samsee to reconcile with them, as well as Samsee's absence. When we get to Ten stepping in, we have learned it was as much a surprise (and disappointment) to Prem and Dy as it was to us. Ten stepping in doesn't actually work, but it does give Prem the courage to ask if they can compete as a duo, rather than just letting themselves be disqualified without a fight. And we later find out that Samsee was so touched by the letter that he went to his hometown to dig for prawns and that's why he was late for the competition. [I also wanted to mention this because based on @respectthepetty's roundup post it sounds like the cold open was cut for the youtube version]

I lied, I have one more actual last thing, this one is obvious but I can't not say it: THANK YOU to this show for consistently queueing up the typical miscommunication fumbles that get so annoying in every BL (in most romance plots of any sexuality) and then saying NOT TODAY SATAN and having the characters choose vulnerability and honesty and bravery, and talking it out. Every time the show does this (and it's at least 2x per episode, no exaggeration) I feel a little more faith in romance writing restored.

ANWAY, TL;DR Cooking Crush continues making me so happy every week!

[respectthepetty]

Pit Babe Colors Ep. 8

I'm challenging myself with this show and seeing how good my color skills really are, so I'm doing my normal thing of watching it double-speed on mute, but now, the captions are off also. It's just colors and vibes here. Also, I know way more than I intended because of comments and reblogs on previous posts, so I'm in the know now.

Kim looking at Kenta's face right before the elevator closed is the only thing keeping me from losing it. If Kentana doesn't save Kimberly, what is the point of this?! What is the point of Kentana?!

Are y'all a couple now? Y'all are starting to color and outfit coordinate, and it feels very gay.

I don't know what to do with these two.

I'm pretty sure I'm just not seeing pink on Pete, which means he has connections to the red, and Way refuses to stay blue, so I'm sure he is still planning some corrupt red nonsense.

JUST BE BLUE! Just be in love with each other. Accept his love, Waymond!

I never thought I'd write this, but be like Jeffrey, Waymond. Turn blue. Commit to the blue. Fall in love!

Look at him! No matter what connection he has to the red, he is beating the allegations. Peter is a GOOD MAN! If Waymond doesn't fall in love with him, somebody else will. Guaranteed.

Not going to read too much into that red stripe at the top of the room, but this is a red's room. Is this Kimberly's?! Why is there so much blood?!

When you take people's superpowers, yet have no idea how to use the superpowers. Apparently, Babe without superpowers is still better than everyone else. At least Charles is no longer a lying blue.

I think Big Red knows something is different with Babe, and even though Jeffrey still has that damn red bag . . . IS THAT WAYMOND?! No, Waymond, no! Do NOT work with Big Red. You have Peter RIGHT THERE! Quit your bullshit, Waymond!

WTF, Kentana?! If I have to pick between you two, I pick Peter. No contest. Kimberly, Peter, and Alan above everyone else. Kentana, you better stop it! You are still on my shit list!

Hold up! Do you two know each other? Like biblically? What is this tension? What are these looks? Why does this feel very personal? I ain't mad at it, but Kentana still needs to save Kimberly!

Jeffrey, why would you go there in that red and blue flannel shirt?! That won't save you, buddy!

Kentana, the ONLY thing that will redeem you is saving Kimberly. I didn't like Jeffrey, but now he is matching with Alan, so they are in love, and you can't break Alan's heart! You are just fucking up left and right today, and I hope you get punched in the throat before this episode is over.

KIMBERLY IS DYING! And y'all are about to have sex in the blue after tending wounds which is pointless because you have superpowers that will heal you!!!!!! Y'all continue to amaze me by the lack of priorities. Save Kim Possible!

Why is this shot in the mirror? Why is there a barrier between you two? This is odd. More lies?

Who takes a shot like that?! A KILLER! Barbara, get it together! This isn't an episode of Dead Friend Forever, and you are no longer a red.

Everything about this scene is ridiculous. Charles in blue. SONIC in blue. North and Waymond in black. AND EVERYONE IS DRINKING RED SODA! This not looking good for the blues. Whatever they are talking about, the reds already won.

Barbara continues to be touchy-feely with Waymond. Why can't he just let Waymond brood in peace? Barbara knows Waymond loves him, yet gives Waymond no space. Go tend to your boyfriend's fake injuries, Barbara! Waymond is working with Big Red and not falling in love with Peter, yet you have me feeling bad for him, Barbara. I should hate Waymond! BUT I CAN'T BECAUSE YOU WON'T LEAVE HIM BE!

These two have to be sleeping together. Cooking Crush had the Chicken Bite product placement too and Prem and Ten definitely want each other in that show, so North and Sonic have to want each other too, yes? Yes. Now why are they watching Whiny Winifred while flirting IN THE BLUE?! They finally are both wearing blue at the same time. Thank, Baby Jesus.

I was worried seeing Waymond in the red doorway, but he has Charles and Barbara. But they aren't saving Kimberly. Why does nobody care about Kimberly?!

The kid is blue. Is he the insider informant? He is a child!

Why are there so many red kids in the world? Big Red, why do you need an army?! Overthrow your shitty kidnappers with your superpowers, kids! REVOLT! Sí se puede

KIMBERLY!

North and Sonic are going to save Kimberly! They are finally in the blue and saving my favorite red! I never doubted them!

WHAT THE FUCK?! THEY DIDN'T SAVE KIMBERLY?!

Southwest Airlines and Vegas' Hedgehog did NOT save Kimberly! Kentana watched as Kimberly got taken, then had the audacity to have chemistry with Peter. Jeffrey walked right into the reds like that was gonna save him instead of saving Kimberly! Whiny Winifred kicked Kimberly. Waymond is working with Big Red and not saving Kimberly. Charles and Barbara CANNOT prioritize and are talking to a blue kid and giggling at each other instead of rescuing Kimberly.

AND BARBARA IS FIGHTING PETER NEXT WEEK!

These men need to get their shit together! The ONLY things that needed to happened this episode were 1) SAVE KIMBERLY and 2) ACCEPT PETER'S LOVE! Neither happened. Honestly, Kentana and Waymond could die and leave Kimberly and Peter to be the power couple of Alan's company. They both wear too much black, and unlike Barbara, they aren't the title character, so either commit to the blue Waymond or Kentana, or else I'm gonna start thinking y'all are disposable.

[ivanttakethis]

Before Round 30 - Tov’s Log

Cirrus (?) vs. Tov (?) -> ??? Win

————————————————————

Tov scrapped all of the outfit designs she and Cassio spent weeks drafting.

The production staging was scrapped as well.

None of it felt right anymore.

She needed to start over.

Tov couldn't be the Sun like she wanted.

If you cut her open, she'd bleed the night sky and all her stars.

Constellations were her birthright, etched in her eyes and veins and bones.

Her heart belonged to them just as much as it belonged to Himei.

It always would.

She couldn’t run from the truth forever.

The last two rounds had shown her that.

So she would be a star.

Not the “Star of Season 39.”

No.

The North Star.

A beacon in the night, burning bright enough to be seen from both heaven and earth.

Himei would be able to see her too.

———

Elias and Prem escorted Tov through the complex to the dressing rooms.

This time, she’d been assigned Tallis’s old dressing room on the right.

She took it as a good omen.

“Good luck.” Elias whispered, patting her on the shoulder.

“Knock ‘em dead out there!” Prem said.

Tov nodded a thank you to both of them as the door shut.

The room was furnished sparsely; only a pair of sitting chairs, a large vanity, and built-in cabinetry filled the space.

Rather than the usual fluorescent lighting in the complex, warm tinted lamps lit up the room; much easier on her sensitive eyes.

There was a letter sitting on the vanity, accompanied by a bouquet of orchids wrapped in white parchment paper.

Her name was written across the envelope in sweeping script.

She didn’t recognize the handwriting.

Inside, it read:

“Good luck, Stargazer. We will meet at the End of Round 30.”

Words of encouragement from her benefactor. It sounded like they planned to finally show themselves.

Yet another reason to keep going.

She tucked the letter back in the envelope and turned to the clothing bag with her outfit hanging on one of the cabinet door handles.

Tov's new dress was strapless, all black, and form fitting, with a slit cut up one side to her thigh.

Cassio made her a custom pair of black velvet gloves to match.

No jewelry.

Light makeup.

Only eyeliner to draw attention to the stars in her irises.

She traded in her signature silver hair clips for small diamonds woven into her braids, a meteor shower frozen in time.

Simple, but elegant.

Strip everything else back. Let her voice be “The Star” of the show.

If grief is what the audience wanted then they would get it, mourning in black and all.

A moonless night.

A single star.

She slipped on one of her gloves, keeping Wren’s good luck ring hidden underneath.

Tov hadn’t spoken to her since she came over the other day. They hadn’t left off on the best of terms.

Once this was over, she knew she needed to apologize.

Please, let me live long enough to apologize.

A knock at her dressing room door pulled Tov from her thoughts.

“One sec!” She called out.

————————————————————

Intermission

————————————————————

Dian was the last person Tov expected to see. But in truth, he was probably the person she needed to see the most.

Where Wren was blunt, Dian was sharp.

He knew how to cut through the scar tissue to get to the heart of what troubled her, even if it drew blood in the process.

Tov gave as good as she got. Every action had an equal and opposite reaction.

It was the foundation of their somewhat antagonistic relationship. Though they were adamantly nothing less than close friends.

They kept each other in check, called out any bullshit the other thought they could get away with.

And sometimes, they told each other not what they wanted, but what they needed to hear.

Their conversation this time had been no different.

For all of the losses Tov suffered during Row 1, losing Tallis was the worst.

After all, she’d just realized she was in love with him.

Of course it was going to hurt.

Of course it was going to be traumatic.

But like Dian told her, just because he was still alive didn’t erase the pain of his loss in the first place.

Nor did it make up for the fact that Himei was gone now too.

Grief could not be patched over.

The heart was not one for logic or reason.

From the look in Dian’s eyes she could tell Nyx had the same devastating impact on him as Tallis did for her.

He could understand.

Maybe that’s what she needed out of all of this.

Someone to listen and understand.

Tov promised him that they would talk more about it if she won.

She hoped she could keep that promise.

———

Some small part of Tov knew the season would end this way.

Her and Cirrus facing off in the finals.

She knew during the second interview she gave.

She knew after they beat Azure in Round 1.

She knew as soon as the Season 39 brackets were announced.

It was a complicated feeling, really.

After all, Cirrus was the reason Azure and Himei were both dead.

But Tov couldn’t blame them, no more than someone could blame her for the deaths of Minori and Akane.

The truth was, they were all dead the moment they stepped out on stage.

Each round of the competition was just a matter of deciding who was more worthy of revival in the eyes of the audience.

Tov didn’t know why she was thinking this all over now, on the brink of a swan song that would end in her destruction or resurrection.

But Cassio arrived to put that train of thought to rest.

They smiled as they looked her over, palms pressed together in prayer against their mouth.

She could feel the emotion bubbling up and out from them. It was… nice.

“Ah, my Star Child. You look beautiful.” Cassio said.

Their wistful tone pulled at Tov’s heart strings, just a bit.

She managed a small smile, “Thank you, Cassio.”

“Three minutes ‘til showtime!” A crew member shouted.

“Alright, let’s get you set up.” Cassio said, leading Tov towards the side of the stage by her shoulders.

It was dark beyond the curtains again, just like in Round 10.

Cassio wanted her to look at the stars.

“One last check.” They said, turning her to face them.

Tov stood still as Cassio made sure nothing was out of place.

Once satisfied, they squeezed her upper arms and spoke in a rare, gentle tone.

“No matter what happens tonight, I’m proud of you, Tov.”

Tov blinked in surprise.

Cassio was… proud of her?

Have they ever said that before?

She couldn’t remember.

A warm, fuzzy feeling wholly foreign to her bloomed in her chest.

She looked up to find the milky whites of Cassio’s eyes glassy, as if they were on the verge of tears.

When was the last time Cassio cried?

Can Aurusians even cry?

Tov didn’t have time to dwell on it any longer as her guardian nudged her closer to the edge of the curtains.

She paused, just for a moment to breathe, before stepping out onto the stage.

Tov didn’t allow herself to look up until she reached her stage marker. Only then did she give the night sky her full attention.

It was a new moon.

The stars hanging overhead seemed to burn brighter in the absence of its steady glow.

Tov never failed to be amazed by the sight, even after all these years.

From the North Star, her gaze tracked eastward, until Himei’s spider lily constellation filled her field of view.

A strange sense of calm washed over her at the sight.

If she focused long enough, she could almost see Himei’s face in those stars.

Mei.

Are you up there?

Are you watching?

This is for you.

This is how I grieve.

A single spotlight shone down on her from above.

As the instrumental built up to her opening notes, Tov drew her hands up the microphone stand — caressing it like one might touch a lover — and leaned in to sing.

“This is the end. Hold your breath and count to ten…”

————————————————————

Remember how I said a while ago that Tov mothered before Ivan did? Yeah, she Black Sorrow-ed before he did too.

The all black fit, the caressing of the mic, the outstretched hand for a love you can never have. He learned it from her 🙂↕️

And the song Tov’s singing is Skyfall by Adele, which is a great fit thematically.

Tov knows she has to bring the house down to win the final round. This song showcases her vocal abilities, but also gives her the chance to pour all of her emotions into the lyrics. She’s singing for Himei, one last time.

Dian belongs to @rockwgooglyeyes.

Himei and Tallis belong to @lookatmysillies.

Cirrus belongs to @cirrusoftheclouds.

[disneytva]

Disney Networks - August 2024 Highlights

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Go Dino-Webs Go!/Ghost in the Museum” (3-15) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Go Dino-Webs Go!” – With the help of Reptil, Team Spidey gets new dino powers to defeat Gobby’s Dino-Mech.

“Ghost in the Museum” – Team Spidey must stop a ghost that’s stealing from the museum.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Disney Jr.’s Ariel “The Clean Team/Clamming Up” (1-03) (9:00-9:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/10:00-10:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“The Clean Team” – Despite King Triton’s warning, Ariel uses magic to clean her room.

“Clamming Up” – Ariel and her friends befriend a shy clam.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of Pam/Summer of La Trabajadora” (1-04) (9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of Pam” – Tater is thrilled to get her very first zit.

“Summer of La Trabajadora” – Tater shadows her cool cousin Lita as she goes about her three jobs.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of La Madriguera/Summer of Los Pollos Hermanos” (1-05) (9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of La Madriguera” – With “Tater’s Corner” overrun by primos, Tater hunts for a hiding place to call her own.

“Summer of Los Pollos Hermanos” – Nachito transfers his hero worship from Big Nacho to Tater.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series “Reality Check, Please!/Their Guy Sasquatch” (1-11) (10:00-10:30 a.m. EDT, TV-G)

“Reality Check, Please!” – Mothership produces a reality show starring all of A-spen’s friends.

“Their Guy Sasquatch” – Eliza gets involved in a feud between werewolves and sasquatches.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Grow Webs Grow/Rio In Space” (3-16) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Grow Webs Grow” – Lizard’s monster plant takes over the city.

“Rio In Space” – Doc Ock captures the Spider CRAWL-R while on a mission in Space, so Miles and his mom, Rio, work together to free their ship.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Disney Jr.’s Ariel “The Singing Dolphins/The Happy Patty Clap” (1-09) (9:00-9:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/10:00-10:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“The Singing Dolphins” – Ariel and her friends can’t find a role for Delfino the dolphin in their band. Ron Funches (Warner Bros Animation's "Jellystone!") voices Delfino.

“The Happy Patty Clap” – When Ayanna is unable to compete in the Clap Game competition, Ariel steps in so that Alanna can still participate.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of El Patín/Summer of Chisme” (1-06) (9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of El Patín” – Tater tracks down a mysterious masked skater.

“Summer of Chisme” – Tater tries to get invited to the T Sisters’ gossip parties.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of No Sabo/Summer of Bookita” (1-07) (9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of No Sabo” – Tater’s primos try to help her improve her Spanish with a homemade escape room.

“Summer of Bookita” – Tater introduces her littlest cousin to the library.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

Original Series – Season Two Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “Heroes and Hot-Shots/A Jedi or a Pirate” (2-01) (6:25-6:55 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/7:00-7:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Heroes and Hot-Shots” – The young Jedi are led on a mission by a new Padawan.

“A Jedi or a Pirate” – Kai sets out to find a lost youngling.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “The Rustler Roundup/A New Discovery” (2-02) (6:25-6:55 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/7:00-7:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“The Rustler Roundup” – Kai helps Bell track down stolen nerfs.

“A New Discovery” – Lys sets out to find a rare creature.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “A Pirate’s Pet/The Secret Ship” (2-03) (6:25-6:55 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/7:00-7:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“A Pirate’s Pet” – The Jedi must free a wild creature captured by Taborr.

“The Secret Ship” – Inaya takes Nash for a ride in her new ship.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “The Goblin and the Geyser/Skeleton Stomp” (3-19) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“The Goblin and the Geyser” – Gobby’s dino-mech takes over a natural geyser.

“Skeleton Stomp” – Lizard brings dinosaurs to life in the museum.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Disney Jr.’s Ariel “Ravi and Navi/Chef Flounder” (1-11) (9:00-9:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/10:00-10:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Ravi and Navi” – Ariel helps Ravi and his best friend Navi clear up a misunderstanding. Comedian Melissa Villaseñor voices Navi.

“Chef Flounder” – Flounder uses his cooking skills to help other chefs at the Atlantica Food Festival.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of the 13th Primo/Summer of Cuadros” (1-10) (9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of the 13th Primo” – Tater tries to uncover the identity of a mysterious, forgotten cousin.

“Summer of Cuadros” – Tater helps Gordita access her inner artist to make a special gift for Buela.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of Tater Luna/Summer of El Chu-PAW-Cabra” (1-16) (9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of Tater Luna” – Tater’s pride in her artwork is deflated by criticism.

“Summer of El Chu-PAW-Cabra” – Tater tries to track down the town’s missing dogs.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “Nubs’ Big Mistake/The Jedi Rescue” (2-04) (6:25-6:55 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/7:00-7:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Nubs’ Big Mistake” – Yoda joins Nubs on a mission to protect an old lightsaber.

“The Jedi Rescue” – The Jedi must rescue Wes from pirates.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel SuperKitties “Brand New Bestie/Cat-o-flauge Kitty” (2-11) (7:30-8:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Brand New Bestie” – Bitsy worries that she and Ginny can only be besties if they like the same things.

“Cat-o-flauge Kitty” – Zsa-Zsa freezes everyone for her group selfie, and Ginny figures out how to use cat-o-flauge.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Fool’s Gold/The Sundae Save” (3-20) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Fool’s Gold” – Team Spidey and White Tiger must stop Gobby and Rhino from mining in a ringtail’s habitat. Kylie Cantrall (“Descendants: The Rise of Red”) guest stars as White Tiger.

“The Sundae Save” – When Trapster traps Spidey, he must get help from friends with big ideas.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of the Baby Races/Summer of La Extraterrestre” (1-09) (9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of the Baby Races” – Tater enters Baby Bud in a race against the Richterville snobs.

“Summer of La Extraterrestre” – Tater suspects one of her cousins might be an extraterrestrial.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of El Futuro/Summer of Super No Entiendo 64” (1-08) (9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of El Futuro” – Tater tries to see into her own future.

“Summer of Super No Entiendo 64” – Tater teams up with the primos to get revenge on The Skid.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures “Terror of Tenoo/The Prince of Masks” (2-05) (6:25-6:55 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/7:00-7:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Terror of Tenoo” – The Jedi discover a long-lost ship.

“The Prince of Masks” – Prince Cyrus needs help defending his village from pirates.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel SuperKitties “Boat Ride Ruckus/Favorite Fishy Cake” (2-12) (7:30-8:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Boat Ride Ruckus” – Sparks faces his fear of getting his face wet to stop Zsa-Zsa from ruining the Paddlepaws Express boat ride.

“Favorite Fishy Cake” – Lab Rat steals fishy cake for Otto’s birthday, trapping Bitsy.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Adventures in Fossil Hunting/Lizard’s Buggy Bonanza” (3-17) (8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“Adventures in Fossil Hunting” – Team Spidey searches for Mr. Von Carnegie, who is fossil hunting in an active volcano.

“Lizard’s Buggy Bonanza” – When Lizard super-sizes bugs in town, Team Spidey and White Tiger team up to stop him. Kylie Cantrall (“Descendants: The Rise of Red”) recurs as White Tiger.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior and Disney Channel Disney Jr.’s Ariel “The Brave Little Goby/Kid Triton” (1-10) (9:00-9:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior/10:00-10:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel, TV-Y)

“The Brave Little Goby” – Ariel befriends a little Goby fish who wants to go on adventures like her.

“Kid Triton” – Triton accidentally drinks Lucia’s magical potion, which turns him into a kid.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of the La Excavación/Summer of La Pijamada” (1-12) (9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of the La Excavación” – Tater helps Toñita hide a secret from Tere and Tabi.

“Summer of La Pijamada” – Tater tries to host a sleepover while hiding the cousins.

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney XD Primos “Summer of Imi-Tater/Summer of Ignacio” (1-13) (9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT, TV-Y7)

“Summer of Imi-Tater” – Younger sister Nellie struggles in Tater’s shadow.

“Summer of Ignacio” – Tater and Nachito help Big Nacho prepare to meet his penpal Carmela.