#really really fun season of television honestly

[hylialeia]

man season one of the mandalorian was such a fun ride

[burrowlvrr]

— HUDDLE OF LOVE, joe burrow.

PAIRING: Joe Burrow 𝔁 Black!Wife!Reader

GENRE: Husband & Dad Joe

SUMMARY: In which — Joe faces an injury that brings his season to an early end, and when he gets home his wife makes sure that he knows his injury doesn't define him.

NOTE: I honestly feel like I ate this one up. But I also didn't really proof-read it, so don't hold me to that lol! This has been sitting in the drafts since Joe was hurt so it's been a min. Please send in some suggestions because writing is so fun to me now. Enjoy!

UNIVERSE: Tenderhearts & Touchdowns!

"Y'know, football is a tough sport, and injuries are unfortunately a part of it. We'll regroup, support each other, and continue to fight through the rest of the season; but, as of now, it's looking like Joe will be out for the rest of the season." Coach Zac Taylor spoke into the microphone, Y/N's head fell into her hands as she exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she was holding in. That was all Y/N needed to hear, picking up the remote before shutting the television off.

Y/N had to watch her husband suffer an injury during his game against the Ravens, and if it weren't for the huge mess her children were making — they probably would've seen it to. Thankfully, they were being too rowdy to hear anything that was said on the television. She directed Hudson to the playroom so he could distract himself, and she began running Elijah's bath water first.

She tried to distract herself with things to do, knowing the emotions she was feeling were just lesser versions of what her husband would be feeling once he got home. She was now nine months pregnant, and even though she walked with a very noticeable waddle, she got around pretty well. Not to mention, it's way easier to move around when there's only one baby inside you rather than two.

She finished washing Elijah's blonde curls and got him in his pajamas before sending him to the playroom with one job — "Tell your brother I said come on." She instructed, her son playfully giving her a soldier salute before running down their tiled hallway. Within one minute, Hudson stood right behind her as she finished running his warm water. "Can I get some bubbles, mama?"

Y/N smiled at her baby boy, "Yes, baby. You can get some bubbles." She replied, dumping a small cap full of vanilla scented bubbles in his warm water. She let her child play on his own while she sat on top of the toilet seat, watching him in adoration as he continuously pushed a small boat around in his water. "Okay, bub. It's time to get washed up now.

Hudson had no complaints, doing what he could on his own before asking his mother for help. She slowly got to her knees in front of the tub, being careful when she dumped cup fulls of water onto her son's head. Once she had his hair washed, she got him out and got him dressed in his matching pajamas with Elijah. Both of them being covered in orange and black tiger stripes, a large number nine on the back, along with the lettering "Baby Burrow".

"Can you tell bubba it's time to brush our teeth?" She asked Hudson, finishing up rubbing in the dollop of child's face lotion into his skin. Hudson nodded with a toothy, but pretty but toothless, smile before he took off running to grab his twin brother.

She grabbed their step stools from under the cabinet and got their tooth brushes ready, handing them each their own as they stepped up to the sink. "Hum your ABC's, remember? Mommy is in your room, yell if you need me!" She chirped, smiling at her boys in the mirror as they moved in an identical way.

She exited the bathroom, entering their shared bedroom and untucking their sheets for them. She clicked their LED light remote a few times, landing on the color blue for the evening. She always set an hour long timer; so that by the time the boys are knocked out, so were the lights.

She waddled back into the bathroom, seeing her twins already washing their hands as they knew they were supposed to. Her boys were already so smart and they were only three, she couldn't wait to see how intelligent they were in their classrooms. "All done!" Elijah turned around and exaggeratedly jumped from the step stool, of course Hudson mirrored his actions and did a hop of his own.

"It's time for bed, my loves." She smiled warmly, seeing their faces light up as they already knew what she was about to ask. "Who can get in their bed quicker?!" She asked, and both of her boys jumped off of their back leg and sprinted towards their shared bedroom. She giggled, turning off the bathroom lights before running a hand through her curly hair.

"Who won?" She asked, smirking at her boys as she entered their blue toned bedroom. Instant chatter filled the room, fingers pointed at themselves yelping about how they won, before turning their hand and accusing the other of being a cheater. Y/N couldn't help but laugh, no matter how many times they do this, it's always the exact same. "We can have a rematch tomorrow night, alright? We'll let daddy be the judge."

Both of them liked that idea, loving anything that had to do with their father. Y/N's stomach twisted at the reminder of Joe's injury, knowing he was no more than an hour and a half away now. With forehead, cheek and tummy kisses from both of the boys, Y/N sat on the floor between their beds and began reading their favorite bedtime stories.

As the stories unfolded, Y/N could feel the gentle kicks of her unborn baby, seemingly enjoying the bedtime tales. The connection between the growing family was palpable in these intimate moments.

The room, once echoing with lively laughter, now settled into a serene atmosphere as Y/N stood from her spot on the floor. "Sweet dreams, my little stars," she whispered, planting a kiss on each of their foreheads. The twins, eyelids growing heavy, whispered their sleepy goodnights. Y/N, with a content smile, left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Y/N decided to take a quick shower, using the bathroom down the hall from her boys' bedroom just in case they woke up needing her comfort. She stepped out, washing her face and brushing her teeth, making her way to her and Joe's bedroom to put some clothes on. She always found herself freezing in her sleep, so she decided on a figure-hugging black long sleeve and a pair of customized sweatpants, the choice of lettering being "BURROW" right on her bottom.

She replaced her contacts with glasses and her tall socks with slippers, she tied her hair up into a messy ponytail before taking a seat at her marble island. She had tons of lesson plans to catch up on, doing them before the birth of her baby seemed like a good plan — because obviously, once the baby was out and a little bit older, she would have to return to work. She was an elementary school teacher, having a love for all children, no matter if they were her's biologically or just because it was her job. From a young age, she knew that she wanted to have an impact on people's lives, what better time to start than when their brain is still freshly developing?

★

Y/N had just closed her MacBook with a sigh when she heard the lock on the front door beep, indicating that someone with the code had just unlocked it. She chose to stay seated, not wanting to immediately bombard Joe once he got through the door. She continued to organize her stack of lesson plans, going on as if she didn't hear the shuffling at the front door.

It was unusually quiet to Joe, he furrowed his eyebrows as he turned his head. He listened for some sort of greeting, his eyes scanned the view of the house that he had. Nothing. No pattering of his children's feet, no scolding from his wife about their running, no 60's record spinning from the living room. He finally called out, "Hello?"

Y/N took that as her cue, sliding off of the barstool before waddling into the living room. She watched as Joe's expression visually relaxed, his shoulders now slouched as she smiled at him. "Hi, handsome. I missed you." She said happily, taking her hands and placing one on each of his rosy cheeks.

Joe wrapped his good arm around her waist. "I missed you more." He replied, looking into her eyes as she rubbed circles under his puffy eyes. Y/N helped him remove the duffle bag from his shoulder, carefully placing it on the bench near the door. Joe slid his shoes off, using his one good arm to lean on the wall as a way to steady himself. Y/N watched from a few feet away, waiting for Joe to break the silence himself.

That was when she noticed the anxious look on his face, he walked up to her and she looked up at him in concern. "Are they sleepin' already?" He asked, chewing on his bottom lip as he searched his wife's eyes. She nodded.

"Yeah, they've been out for a little over an hour now." She reassured him, knowing why he was feeling anxious and worrying about his children. He had always expressed his fears of parenthood and how his career could possibly affect that. Tonight would be one of those nights, luckily, Y/N knew that she could reassure him that the boys were not watching when he suffered his injury.

"You wanna go see 'em?" She asked, placing a hand on his arm lovingly. Joe nodded, blinking rapidly as he pulled his beanie from his head.

She reached out for his hand, he took it and tried to give her a soft smile. There was an understanding of what Joe was feeling, so they didn't need to say a thing as they ventured off upstairs. They stopped at the boys' bedroom door, and Y/N twisted the door knob as quietly as she could. She opened the door just enough that Joe could poke his head in and see his sleeping twins, Y/N followed his actions and a warm smile grew on her face. A regular occurrence in their room was Elijah getting out of his bed, and finding his way to Hudson's so they could sleep together. No matter how many times Y/N and Joe exited their room with them in separate beds, they would always come back to them sharing one.

Joe's chest heaved slower than before, letting Y/N know he had calmed down even if it wasn't much. "They're alright, honey," She spoke softly, using a warm tone that reassured Joe easily. It was no secret that toddlers are a lot to handle, but Y/N was a strong woman and knew how to work with her children. Sure, they were a handful today — but she would much rather chase them around the house, than try to wrangle them in the football stands.

Her round belly brushed against Joe's flat one as they stood close to each other, his good arm around her waist and her hand on his chest. "Absolutely pooped from all the hell they raised today." She continued, earning a soft chuckle from her husband, but another wave of silence quickly washed over them.

A million thoughts swirled around in Joe's head, his eyes darting from each of his son's faces. He inhaled deeply, then turned to face his wife with tired eyes. "Did they se—" He started, his voice cracking before he could even finish his question. But there was no need, Y/N knew him like the back of her hand, and she already knew what he was about to ask.

She shook her head, moving her hand from his chest to run through his blonde hair. "No, they were being noisy with all their toys when it happened. And I got them ready for bed right after." She explained, her eyes searching his for some sort of response. All he could do was nod, nibbling on his lip as she looked at the walls around them instead of his wife. "Why don't we go lay down, huh?"

They traveled down the hall to their bedroom hand in hand, the low chatter of their bedroom tv was the only noise they heard as they entered. The news reports dimly lit their bedroom, casting shadows on the walls as it bounced from frame to frame. Y/N didn't want to poke the bear just yet, so she decided to let Joe do his own thing while she freshened up before bed. Once she turned the faucet off, she heard a faint sniffle from their connected bedroom. She quickly wiped her hands on her sweats before exiting the bathroom.

She came out to find Joe standing in their tall mirror. He used his sleeve to wipe his nose, noticing that Y/N had came out of the bathroom. The television mentioned his name for what seemed like the millionth time that night, Joe's eyes snapped to the floor hearing it. Y/N gave a sympathetic frown, watching as he took a seat at the foot of their bed. She sat down next to him, placing a hand on his thigh.

"What did they say?" She asked, looking toward him but he was focused on the television in front of them. He brought his good arm up, rubbing his ear as he always did when he was upset. He could the frustration building up once more, he sucked in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds. "A torn ligament." He replied.

Y/N nodded her head, "I'm not gonna tell you you're gonna bounce back because I'm sure you've heard that plenty of times today." She began, "We both know you will. You'll just have another surgery to repair it."

"Another surgery." He repeated, shaking his head and rubbing his temples. He still hadn't faced her, feeling too defeated to look her in the eyes now.

"You'll play again." She assured him, her hand coming up to play with the hairs at the back of his neck. "I know you will." Joe sat with his shoulder's slumped, the loss of the game resting heavily on them.

"I know." He sighed, moving his gaze to stare at the floorboards now. Y/N felt as if nothing she would say could help him feel any better, so she chose to let the silence consume them once more. The low chatter of the television continued, it was beginning to annoy her with how many times they'd brought up Joe's injury. The game has been over for hours now, we get it. With that, she got up from her spot beside Joe and turned the television off completely. The sudden movement made Joe look up, from the ground, watching as his wife waddled back to her spot beside him.

The silence was broken by Joe this time, "I feel like I'm being dramatic." He spoke up, causing Y/N to turn to him with wide eyes. "Honey, you just faced a season ending injury — and you think you're being dramatic?" She asked him, he shrugged his shoulders in defeat.

"I think you've got a hell of a good reason to be "dramatic"." She used her two fingers to quote the word, earning a very dry chuckle from her husband. She dropped her hands to her lap, cocking her head to the side as she looked at him in concern.

He wiped his nose with his sleeve again, forcing a smile and another chuckle before he spoke. "I just hate how long it takes to recover from these things. It's takes a lot of work." He confessed, making Y/N feel like their communication was finally working.

"Yeah, I get that." She began, "But you're strong and you're dedicated to this sport. It'll come so easily to you after your surgery." A small smile grew on his face, but he began to shake his head once more.

"It just really sucks." He said bluntly, "The only thing I'm good at, I can't even do again for ten more months." He huffed, his words spinning a wheel in Y/N's mind. Her lips turned into a frown as he talked down on himself.

"Don't talk like that, Joe." She said, "Football is not the only thing you're good at." Her wedding ring shined as she reached for his right cheek, turning his head to face her. "You're an amazing daddy and an amazing husband. A torn ligament isn't stopping that at all. Nothing is ever going to stop that, you hear me?" She searched his face for an answer, he closed his eyes for a moment as he began to feel them burning with tears.

Joe had always struggled to be vulnerable, but Y/N always found a way to make him crawl out of that shell. He couldn't thank her enough for that. He doesn't think he'll ever be able to, either. "I hear you." He responded, his voice cracking as he spoke. He bit his bottom lip, and nodded his head as he dropped his gaze to his fingers. A silence fell over them once again, but this time it was comfortable.

"We should really get to bed." Joe said, wiping his face with his hoodie sleeve as he stood up from the bed. Y/N's gaze followed him as he held out his hands for her, her eyes grazing over his new cast and sling. He followed her gaze and, in an embarrassed manner, dropped his left arm. She held on tight as she struggled to lift two people's body weight off the edge of the bed, her arms absentmindedly wrapping around Joe's neck. He exhaled a deep breath at her touch, and she let out a breath of relief due to all the moving she'd just done.

"We love you either way." She whispered, grabbing Joe's left hand and placing it on her round stomach. "All of us. We love you, and thats with or without football." Joe let the tears fall from his eyes, and let his hand rest in his wife's stomach as she moved her hand to wipe his falling tears.

He rubbed her stomach in a loving manner, his shoulders bouncing with each quiet sob that he choked out. "Yeah, I know." He barely got out the three words, Y/N kept wiping the tears and rubbing his arms up and down.

"You're strong and you will overcome this. You always recover in a way that shows how truly remarkable you are, Joe. That's never gonna change. No matter how large the obstacle." She grabbed a hold of both of his forearms lightly, being mindful of his injury, making him look her in the eyes. "You're capable of recovering from this set back. And you have nothing to prove to anybody except those boys in there — but they already know their daddy is strong."

"I love you." He said, closing his eyes with a sigh as she placed a loving kiss on his cheek. "I love you more, baby." She then placed a kiss on his lips, pulling him in for one more tight embrace before bed. He walked her to her side of the bed, helping her get under the sheets, before making his way to his side and climbing in right beside her.

Although he let a few more tears fall while lying down, he couldn't help but feel as if he was stronger already. She fell asleep before him, but continued to whisper affirmations and play with his blonde locks in her sleep. She held him to her chest, and his arms wrapped around her very large bump. He looked up at her in admiration, she never failed to amaze him with how patient she was.

[ughsecondblogsdontwork]

I don't watch a whole lot of television, so maybe I'm missing some perspective, but I've never seen a TV show where the Main Character was a fat gay man (or person in general, I'm not crazy enough to think they'd ever try to pull this with a fat lesbian for instance) where neither his sexuality or fatness were 1. An overt problem in the narrative or 2. The butt of routine or mean-spirited jokes. What We Do In the Shadows was awesome in so many ways, but it was also awesome because I got to see a gay and fat person do all kinds of shit as a main character without being constantly questioned or degraded for being fat! I really, really love Guillermo. He's a vampire slayer! An action hero! He looks cool, cute and sexy all at once in his action scenes- I love watching him grow as a character and stand up for himself, I love his jokes, he's really such a great character! So this final season sucked, right. Like this final season was total shit ass, I'm sorry. I'm so disappointed. I feel so let down. There are a million reasons why it sucked, but right now I just feel sad because of how everything turns out for Guillermo and the queer and fat representation in the show. First of all, it really threw me for a loop when the show opened with crazy fat jokes about Colin Robinson. That obviously did not land for me at all and why would it land for wwdits viewers? We are following a show where we are emotionally invested in a fat MC and we don't have a *problem* with fatness- so why would I think it's funny that Colin Robinson "got fat"??? Make it make sense lmao.

And I don't know why the fuck Nandor and Guillermo's entire relationship was abandoned. Did every single writer jump ship and get replaced by someone who's never seen the show or??? Well, it feels like a punch in the gut for a few reasons:

This show is supposedly "queer". Every known vampire is queer and Guillermo is gay. But the only consistent relationship is Nadja and Lazslo, which isn't a problem obviously we love them, but would it kill the show for there to be...? More visibly queer relationships? It's a show that insists its gay over and over again in word but not action. I don't care if Nandor and Lazslo like to fuck each other silly offscreen, and Nadja is also supposedly queer in some way, off screen- everything is conveniently off screen. Nandor and Guillermo did not *need* to get together, but the lack of explicit acknowledgement is weird. It just is.

Also, it would just be nice! Like am I crazy? Is it too much to ask for? To see a fat MC be in love and in a relationship not in spite of their appearance but just bc the other person likes them? I feel like every show with gay couples as main characters is a romance based show that is mostly About them getting together. Wwdits is so much fun because it's about so many things! But why couldn't this be *one* of those things? Can you think of a single show in the world right now where a fat queer main character is in a relationship and their looks or their sexuality are not the key point of conversation about the relationship? I can't! This was the perfect opportunity! Nandor and Guillermo fell into a well established relationship trope that had nothing to do with appearance or sexuality, and people who like that trope were naturally drawn to it. Why did they just spit on the whole thing? It makes no fucking sense.

Any response like "well sometimes unrequited love is a good plot" "X needed to grow and Y relationship was bad" "It's better this way because of XYZ" "It would have been toxic" this is a silly tv show about murderous vampires. Guillermo is also a murderer. There is just no possible way that a relationship between Guillermo and Nandor would have ruined the show lmao. It would have been fun! Remember when TV comedies were about being fun! I sure do! Apparently asking for a fun gay relationship between the queer main characters of the "queer TV show" is just too much to ask- better luck next time! Honestly, I feel so bitter lol. Bitter and sad. A show this fun and a cast this good deserved a waaaaay better ending all around. This post isn't even touching all the other weird shit and quite a lot of objectively bad shit that was wrong with the season

Before anyone gets all weird about my use of the word fat if you're not familiar with that, I am fat and I think fat is a neutral word and am trying to normalize the usage of it instead of substituting it with shit like "plus size". Fat is not an insult in the context of my words lol

[sceletaflores]

•｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ wip wednesday!

thanks for the tag babes! @guiltyasdave • nsfw under the cut! 18+ MDNI!

wip #1 • show me a little bit of spine! feat. logan howlett (& crimson!)

'five x-men walk into a bar, only three walk out…'

oops i don't have a sneak peek for this one...sorry chickens.

this is an official part two to "all's fair in love and viscera" cause i can't leave them alone to save my life! i finally decided on the name crimson for this specific reader, and the au as a whole will be called the to the bone universe (that’s also how it’ll be tagged on my acc!!!)

this is jealous!logan getting down and dirty in a bar bathroom after a special someone makes a move on his girl...wink wink nudge nudge. a special guest! a very special guest, cause what better way is there to get a man off their ass and admit they like you than dirty dancing with another man in front of him.

think degradation, biting, pain kink (obvi wtf). there's also some emotional constipation and just a hint of angst. it'll be so fun!

wip #2 • says he needs it bad (oh so very bad) feat. sub!logan howlett (& crimson!)

'it’s not often that logan needs this, but you’re always more than happy to give it to him when he does…'

double oops i don’t have a sneak peek for this one either…pls forgive me!

this is also apart of the to the bone universe but it's more like a non-connecting little blurb than another part...if that makes sense lol i just wanted to write more crimson!

all this is thanks to a lovely anon who sent in a req desperately needing me to speak on sub!logan. it's funny because ofc i'll speak on sub!logan wtf who do you think i am. it's honestly one of the fluffiest, softest things i've ever written...established relationship is really locking my ass down. it's still filthy though don't worry! think riding, think pain kink, think light dustings of a breeding kink. i really don't know how to explain this lmao it's gonna be great trust me!

wip #3 • hunting for sport... feat. logan howlett (& crimson!)

'there's a big bad wolf somewhere in these woods...'

You scramble backwards, stuck watching the way the brush starts to rustle as he gets closer. You push yourself back to your feet, muscles screaming in protest as you break into a sprint. It's all in vain, you know it is. He's only playing with you, letting you tire yourself out. He’s known where you’ve been the whole time, could smell you the whole time, could hear you the whole time. The two of you have been at this long enough now, his patience is starting to run thin. He's right behind you, if the violent thrashing of the brush over your shoulder getting louder is any indication. The dull sound of claws ripping through the forest floor growing closer and closer before the entire woods suddenly tilts on its axis.

this is also in the to the bone universe! can you tell that i'm really into this au? i physically can't stop writing them...another little fic that's outside the events of parts one and two :))) who would i be if i didn't write a chase fic for this man? that's the real question. more violence heavy than the other fics listed, i got bit by the freak bug and i need to write nasty sexy violence sorry babes.

wip #4 • give it to me like a man! feat. dbf!patrick zweig

'patrick comes to your college graduation party, he gives you the best gift...'

“Yeah, I've been pretty busy since the season started. Lot’s of traveling and shit, you know?” Your dad hums in agreement, nodding his head lazily. “For sure, my schedule has been killer this season.” He brags shamelessly, tone heavy with understanding like he and Patrick are in the same boat. Only your dad’s boat is a three million dollar yacht sailing to cushy televised matches and Nike shoots while Patrick is floating on a dinghy to some barely media covered ITF matches. “It’s a miracle I even had time to fly in for the party, isn’t that right sweetheart?” Your hand slides up the length of his cock in one slow motion, your palm grinding over the tip through the denim. “Yeah, daddy.” You say, voice going light and airy around the edges. Patrick thinks it’s being said to your dad, but when his eyes flick over to you, you’re already looking at him. Eyes half-lidded and shiny as your fingers brush over the metal of his zipper.

the long awaited dbf!patrick lol i know i've been dragging this damn thing out for like three weeks but it's the most "done" fic on this list so maybe maybe MAYBE it'll actually be posted soon...

anyway this is nothing but pure filth. just straight up nasty no plot at all pure sex and fucking hard gross style. lots and lots of dirty talk, degradation, risk play, sort of public sex, a barely there daddy kink...just me being nasty on a google doc for no reason!

no pressure tags! @ebodebo @artemis-b-writes @avocado-writing (it's technically thursday but like oh em gee who cares just do it anyway chickens)

[mikewheelerfan2022]

My thoughts on Chaos Theory Season 2

Major spoilers for the season below!

If I had to use one word to describe this season, it would probably be disappointment. Season 1 was genuinely one of my favorite seasons of television ever. I loved the dark tone it set. Then this season went and ruined that. It felt a lot more like Season 1 or 2 of Camp Cretaceous in tone than Chaos Theory. Which was definitely a let-down. In addition, it really felt like the events of this season could have been confined down into a few episodes. The content with Brooklynn was quite interesting and engaging, but all the parts with the Camp Fan in Africa were really dragged out. Essentially half of the season was just them on a river. Where are the stakes? Where’s the interesting content Season 1 set up?

But, putting all that aside, there are some genuinely enjoyable elements in the season. Of course, the standout was the episodes where we followed Brooklynn. I loved seeing what happened to her after the Allosaurus attack. It’s definitely interesting to find out that her arm was injured by a raptor, not the Allosaurus. That definitely makes more sense. The Allosaurus’s jaws would have killed her, not just ripped off her arm. It was also nice to find out who The Broker is. I think a lot of people predicted Santos, so I wasn’t too surprised. I honestly had forgotten who she was, though…Dominion definitely didn’t cause her to leave much of an impression. But I quite liked her in Chaos Theory.

What they’re setting up with the conflict between Brooklynn and the rest of the Camp Fam is great. This season really did feel like it was setting up a much bigger and more interesting plot later, which caused this content to feel kind of empty. But oh well. Seeing Brooklynn as an anti-hero is so fun. And of course the Camp Fam doesn’t know that, they genuinely think she’s working with the Broker. That’s great. I do love a great misunderstanding. I also want to see the consequences of Ben lying. It might be that the others never fully trust him again, or at least for a while. I wonder if they’ll have a plotline where Ben learns something important but the others don’t fully trust him or something like that. That would be really interesting.

One of the best and most intriguing parts of the season was Kenji. Chaos Theory Season 1 managed to move Kenji from my least favorite of the Camp Fam to my favorite. And Season 2 continues his great characterization. Specifically, the impacts of his father’s death. Because it genuinely seems like Kenji is suicidal. If not actively so, at least he has a great disregard for staying alive. Kenji was constantly putting himself into danger and being incredibly reckless during this season. Running into fire, jumping off the boat, putting his hand into the mouth of a hippo, trying to fight dinosaurs, and much more. He’s actively and purposely putting himself into danger when he really doesn’t need to. It’s clear he doesn’t care whether he lives or dies. And that conversation he had with Ben definitely raised alarms. I can’t remember his exact words, but he said something like “If somebody else close to me dies, I won’t be able to take it anymore.” That’s definitely a very suicidal statement. Now, of course this is a kids show. So I have no clue where they’re taking this or if they’ll even address it. But I’m excited to see.

Moving on to a lighter topic, let’s discuss ships! Yasammy is still going strong, and I love to see it. We never get enough lesbian relationships in media. As for Benji, which I also ship, we’re at least getting some crumbs. I have no expectations that this ship will ever become canon, but a girl can hope. And even just getting crumbs makes me happy. But that brings us to Dinostar, my absolutely favorite ship. I’ve shipped Brooklynn and Darius essentially since Camp Cretaceous Season 1. I always hated Brooklynn and Kenji, as it felt unnecessary and like it came out of nowhere. I was practically giddy when we found out Darius was in love with Brooklynn in Chaos Theory Season 1. At that time, it sounded like Darius had purposely confessed and Brooklynn had declined. Now we know that the confession was an accident, and Brooklynn’s denial wasn’t as clear cut as we thought. She just said she wasn’t ready, and wasn’t able to get any other words in before Darius left in a panic. Does this mean Dinostar will get together? Who knows. But I have hope.

Overall, this season wasn’t as good as I hoped or expected. But I still enjoyed it. And what it’s setting up for future seasons is definitely great. I think this season was clearly meant to be filler, and that’s okay. I trust that the writers will deliver us a great Season 3, and more seasons after that. But all of this is just my two cents. Thanks for reading.

[movingmusically]

Caught Feeling: Tricks, Treats, and Temptations - Halloween One Shot 🎃

Author’s Note:

Thanks so much for reading and sticking with the story so far! 🎃 I couldn’t resist doing a Halloween one-shot because I absolutely love spooky season, and honestly, Austin in a crop top is just chef’s kiss. This one was so much fun to write, regular chapters will still drop twice a week. Hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 10,724

Masterlist

The familiar glow of the television bathed my living room in a flickering, ghostly light, casting long shadows on the walls. I was curled up on one end of the couch, wrapped in a blanket, completely enthralled by the classic horror movie playing on the screen. Hank sat next to me, and even though he tried to seem relaxed, I could see the way his body tensed with every jump scare. He was gripping the edge of the blanket a little too hard, his knuckles white, and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

I couldn’t help it. A giggle bubbled up, and I turned to him, my eyes dancing with amusement. “Oh my god,” I said, barely able to contain my laughter. “You’re actually scared.”

Hank shot me a glare that was more defensive than threatening. “I’m not scared,” he insisted, though his voice wavered just a bit. He shifted on the couch, trying to appear nonchalant, but I saw right through him. “It’s just… unexpected, that’s all.”

I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow. “Unexpected, huh? So you weren’t just about to jump out of your skin five seconds ago?”

He groaned, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Alright, fine. Maybe I’m… slightly on edge. But only because you keep laughing at me and making me nervous.”

I couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across my face. Teasing Hank had become one of my favourite pastimes, especially when he tried so hard to play it cool. “Uh-huh. Blame me for your fear of a 1980s horror villain.”

He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at me. “Keep it up, and I’ll show you what fear really looks like.”

“Oh?” I challenged, inching closer to him. “I’d love to see you try.”

For a moment, our playful banter hung in the air, the tension between us shifting from humour to something else entirely. His gaze flickered to my mouth, and I felt my breath hitch. The movie played on in the background, but all I could focus on was the way his lips parted, like he was about to say something—or maybe close the distance between us.

But he didn’t. Instead, he let out a chuckle, breaking the spell. “Alright, you win this round,” he said, leaning back and stretching his arms behind his head, as if he hadn’t just almost kissed me. “But speaking of fear, I have an idea for Aisling’s Halloween party.”

I folded my arms, curious. “Oh? Do tell.”

He gestured to the TV, where Freddy Krueger was still wreaking havoc. “Costumes. We should dress up as characters from this movie. You know, A Nightmare on Elm Street theme. You could be Freddy Krueger, but, you know… sexier.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t hide my interest. “Sexier Freddy Krueger? That’s a new one.”

“Think about it,” he said, leaning in again, his voice dropping to that dangerously charming tone he knew I couldn’t resist. “You with a fedora, a ripped sweater, maybe a leather mini skirt, and Freddy’s glove. It would be perfect.”

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but I was already picturing it—and, annoyingly, he was right. “And what about you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. “What’s your costume?”

Hank’s smile turned mischievous. “I’ll be Johnny Depp’s character. Glen. Complete with a cropped football jersey and sweatpants. Easy, but effective.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, imagining him in that getup. “You mean you’ll be one of Freddy’s victims?”

He winked. “Only if you promise not to kill me too quickly.”

The conversation should’ve been light and silly, but the way he looked at me—like I was the most fascinating thing in the world—made my heart pound. And then, out of nowhere, an idea popped into my head.

“You know,” I began, tapping my chin thoughtfully, “there’s a classic rule in horror movies: only the virgins survive.”

Hank tilted his head, his interest piqued. “Yeah, so?”

“So,” I continued, my voice taking on a teasing lilt, “if we really want to stick to horror movie logic, maybe we shouldn’t… you know, get too close. Just to be safe.”

His eyes widened, and I could see the moment he caught on. “Are you suggesting we… what? Abstain? For a week?”

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Just until Halloween is over. You know, for authenticity.”

He laughed, a deep, genuine sound that made my stomach flutter. “A week of no kissing, touching, or… anything else? You’re really that dedicated to the theme?”

I leaned in, my heart racing. “I’m always up for a challenge. Unless you think you can’t handle it.”

Hank’s smile turned predatory, and he held out his hand. “You’re on. But let’s make it more interesting: whoever caves first owes the other… a favour. Deal?”

I reached out, and the second our hands touched, I felt the electric spark that always seemed to be there between us. “Deal.”

We shook on it, but neither of us let go right away. My pulse quickened, and I wondered if this bet was a terrible idea—or the best one we’d ever had. Either way, it was going to be one hell of a week.

The first day after our bet, I felt confident. This would be easy, I told myself. Hank and I had spent plenty of time together without constantly touching, so what was one week of self-control? But by Monday evening, when he showed up at my place, I realised just how wrong I’d been.

He’d come over to help me work on our Halloween costumes, but he’d shown up in the kind of outfit that made my brain short-circuit: a snug white T-shirt that hugged his chest and old grey sweatpants that hung low on his hips. I told myself it was fine, that I wasn’t paying any particular attention to the way his shirt lifted when he stretched, revealing a sliver of toned stomach. But my internal pep talks weren’t doing much to calm the heat rising in my cheeks.

“Pass me the fabric scissors?” he asked, oblivious—or perhaps very aware—of the effect he was having on me.

I swallowed hard and forced myself to look away from the tempting sliver of skin. “Sure,” I mumbled, my voice coming out a bit breathless. I handed him the scissors, careful not to let our fingers brush. One touch would have been my undoing.

He took them, his fingers lingering near mine for just a moment too long, and the way his eyes sparkled with mischief told me he was absolutely aware of what he was doing. “Thanks,” he said, and there was a teasing lilt in his voice that made my heart skip a beat.

I pretended to busy myself with a piece of fabric, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from reacting. This was a game, and I was determined not to lose so soon. But Hank wasn’t making it easy. Every time he bent over the table to adjust his costume, every time he flashed that lazy, confident smile, it chipped away at my resolve. The smug look on his face told me he was fully aware of what he was doing.

But two could play that game.

By Wednesday, I decided it was my turn to test his willpower. I changed into one of my favourite outfits before I left work—nothing overtly provocative, just a fitted dress that accentuated all the right places. When I walked home, I knew he’d be waiting to meet me at the coffee shop on the corner, a place we often stopped at to wind down together.

When I spotted him, leaning casually against the lamppost outside, I slowed my pace just enough to make sure he noticed. His eyes darkened as he took me in, and a small thrill shot through me. “Good day at work?” he asked, his voice deceptively casual.

I smiled, pretending not to notice the way his gaze lingered. “Pretty good,” I replied, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The motion was simple, but I knew it exposed just a bit more of my collarbone, and the way his jaw tightened told me I’d succeeded in getting under his skin.

We walked together, the Autumn air crisp and full of promise. The conversation was light, but every word was laced with unspoken tension. When we sat at our usual spot in the coffee shop, I crossed my legs slowly, knowing his eyes would follow the movement. His fingers flexed on the table, and he let out a breath, like he was trying to steady himself.

“You’re playing dirty,” he finally said, his voice low.

I leaned in, my smile sweet but wicked. “I don’t know what you mean.”

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought he might snap, that he might close the distance between us right there in the crowded coffee shop. But he didn’t. Instead, he leaned back, his grin full of challenge. “You’re good,” he admitted. “But I’m not giving in.”

I shrugged, pretending to be unfazed, but my pulse was racing. This game was getting harder—and more addictive—with every passing day.

Thursday evening brought more temptation. We had plans to carve pumpkins at my apartment, something simple and seasonal to pass the time. I set up the kitchen table with carving tools and bowls for the pumpkin guts, and I made sure to wear a tank top that left my shoulders bare, knowing exactly what it would do to him.

Hank arrived, his eyes immediately dropping to the exposed skin of my collarbone. He cleared his throat, trying to hide the way his gaze lingered. “Nice… outfit,” he said, though his voice was rougher than usual.

“Thanks,” I replied, giving him a grin that was all innocence. “Ready to carve?”

We sat across from each other, the table between us, but the distance did nothing to cool the fire simmering in my veins. We worked on our pumpkins, and it was becoming increasingly hard to focus on anything but him. The way his hands gripped the carving knife, strong and sure, sent my thoughts spiralling to places they shouldn’t go. His fingers flexed as he sawed into the thick orange flesh of the pumpkin, and I couldn’t help but imagine how those same hands would feel on my skin, gripping, teasing, exploring.

He caught me staring once, and a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. “Everything okay over there?” he asked, his voice smooth, the challenge in his eyes unmistakable.

I tore my gaze away, feeling heat creep up my neck. “Perfectly fine,” I lied, trying to hide the way my pulse raced. I leaned forward, pretending to adjust the pumpkin in front of me, but really, it was an excuse to let my hair fall over my shoulder, exposing even more skin. His eyes followed the movement, and his hands twitched, like he was fighting the urge to reach out and touch me.

The tension between us was unbearable, and I took a certain amount of pride in knowing I was making him suffer. But I was suffering too. The way his biceps flexed with every motion, the glint of sweat on his forehead, the way his laugh lit up his entire face—it was all driving me insane. Every moment felt like a game, one we were both desperate to win but equally desperate to lose.

We finally finished our carving, the room now smelling like fresh, raw pumpkin and a hint of sweat from the effort. Our hands were sticky with orange pulp, and I couldn’t help but watch as Hank wiped his fingers on a towel, the simple motion somehow unbearably attractive.

He leaned back in his chair, looking at our carved creations with satisfaction. “Not bad,” he said, though his voice was a bit too casual. “We make a good team.”

I smiled, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “Yeah, we do.”

Our eyes met, and the air between us crackled with electricity. His gaze flicked to my lips, and for a moment, I thought he might break. My hand twitched, wanting to reach for his, but I held myself back. Just a few more days, I reminded myself. Just a few more days.

But even as I told myself that, I wasn’t sure how much longer either of us could last.

Halloween had finally arrived, and the tension between Hank and me had reached its peak. The week of teasing and restraint had been absolute torture, and tonight was our ultimate test. We had two plans for the evening: first, a haunted house attraction that was supposed to be one of the scariest in the city, and then Aisling’s infamous Halloween party, which she’d been planning for months. Aisling loved a good theme, and her house was sure to be decked out with decorations that rivalled even the haunted attraction.

I took a deep breath as I finished applying the last touches of my Freddy Krueger makeup in the bathroom mirror. The fake scars I’d drawn across my cheek looked eerily realistic, and my smoky eyeshadow gave me the perfect balance of scary and seductive. The tattered red-and-black striped sweater just skimmed my curves, and the pleated leather mini skirt paired with thigh-high boots made the whole outfit dangerously alluring. Freddy’s iconic clawed glove completed the look, and I couldn’t help but feel a little powerful—and a lot tempting.

Hank was waiting for me in the living room, and the sight of him nearly made me forget how to breathe. He was lounging on the edge of the couch, wearing his Glen costume: a cropped football jersey that showed off his toned stomach and loose blue sweatpants that hung low on his hips, revealing the trail of hair from his navel disappearing beneath the waistband. His hair was perfectly tousled, and when he looked up and saw me, his jaw dropped.

“Wow,” he said, his voice low and a bit breathless. “You look… dangerous.”

I smirked, stepping into the room and adjusting the brim of my fedora. “That’s the idea,” I teased, letting my eyes roam over him. “You’re not looking too bad yourself, Glen. You sure you’ll make it through the night?”

He stood up, his gaze locked on mine, and for a moment, I forgot about our plans. The air between us was heavy with anticipation, the week-long bet pressing down on both of us. His hands twitched at his sides, and I could see how much he wanted to reach for me. Hell, I wanted to reach for him, but I clenched my fingers around the handle of Freddy’s glove, reminding myself of our challenge.

“I guess we’ll find out,” he replied, his voice rough. “But we should probably get going before I break every single rule of our bet.”

I laughed, but it came out a little shaky. “Yeah. The haunted house awaits.”

The air was crisp and cold as we approached the entrance of the haunted house, our breath fogging in front of us. The building loomed over us, dark and foreboding, with ominous music drifting through the air. Screams echoed from inside, and I could feel the adrenaline starting to pump through my veins.

Hank and I stood in line, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. My heart was already pounding, but whether it was from the impending scares or the way Hank’s fingers brushed against mine as he handed over our tickets, I couldn’t be sure.

“You ready?” he asked, his voice light but his eyes serious.

I lifted my chin, a playful grin spreading across my face. “Ready as I’ll ever be. How about you? Think you’ll survive?”

He chuckled, but it sounded strained. “Survive? Absolutely. Not sure about my pride, though.” His eyes softened, and he leaned in just a fraction. “But if it gets too intense, I might have to hold on to you.”

“Convenient,” I teased, though the thought of him pulling me close made my stomach do a series of somersaults. I was supposed to be the one tempting him, but he made it so damn difficult to keep my own cool.

The line moved quickly, and soon we were standing at the entrance, a thick curtain separating us from the horrors inside. A costumed actor dressed as a bloodied butcher jumped out at the couple in front of us, and they screamed, clinging to each other. I felt Hank stiffen beside me, and I couldn’t resist leaning in close.

“You’re not scared, are you?” I whispered, my voice dripping with mock concern.

He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Me? No way.”

But when we stepped inside, I could feel the way his body tensed, every muscle on high alert. The haunted house was a maze of dark hallways, strobe lights, and gruesome scenes set up to look as real as possible. Actors leapt out from hidden corners, and the sound of chainsaws and distant screams made the atmosphere thick with terror.

I kept my composure for the most part, but every time something genuinely horrifying happened, I would glance at Hank and catch the flicker of fear in his eyes. He tried to hide it, of course, acting brave, but I could see the way his hands twitched, like he was fighting the urge to grab me and pull me close.

“You’re doing great,” I teased, sidling up next to him as we walked through a room full of creepy, life-sized dolls. One of them moved, and I felt him flinch.

He glared at me, but there was no heat behind it. “I’m fine,” he insisted, his voice cracking just slightly. “Totally fine.”

I giggled, and before I could stop myself, I reached out and grabbed his arm, just for a second. The contact sent a jolt through both of us, and I felt him shiver under my touch. “Relax,” I whispered. “It’s just a game.”

He looked down at me, his eyes dark, and for a moment, the haunted house faded away. “You’re killing me,” he murmured, and I could hear the strain in his voice.

I bit my lip, resisting the urge to lean into him. The tension between us was suffocating, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. But before either of us could act on it, another scare sent us both jumping, and we stumbled forward, trying to catch our breath as adrenaline coursed through us.

Hank let out a shaky laugh, running a hand through his tousled hair. “This place is relentless,” he said, but his voice still had that husky edge that made my pulse race. His hand hovered near mine, so close that I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to close the distance, to grab him and forget about our bet, but I held back, my restraint hanging by a thread.

We made it out of the haunted house, our hearts still pounding, and stepped into the cool night air. I wrapped my arms around myself, pretending it was the chill that made me shiver, but I knew it was the effect of being so close to him for so long without giving in. Hank turned to me, his eyes dark and unreadable in the dim light.

“You alright?” he asked, his voice softer now, more intimate.

I nodded, though my throat felt tight. “Yeah. Just… still coming down from all that.” It wasn’t entirely a lie—the haunted house had been intense—but the real reason my heart was racing stood right in front of me, looking far too good in that damn crop top.

He stepped closer, his gaze flicking down to my lips, and I held my breath. “You’re sure?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that made my knees feel weak.

“Positive,” I whispered, but the word came out shaky. My eyes dropped to the trail of hair disappearing beneath his sweatpants, and I felt my cheeks flush. I was trying so hard to keep it together, but every move he made, every look he gave me, was undoing me piece by piece.

Hank’s hand twitched, and I could see the struggle in his eyes. We were both teetering on the edge, one heartbeat away from breaking our pact, but before anything could happen, a group of people stumbled out of the haunted house behind us, laughing and chattering. The spell between us broke, and I took a step back, trying to catch my breath.

He cleared his throat, the tension in his shoulders easing. “We should… probably head to Aisling’s,” he said, though his voice was still thick with longing.

“Yeah,” I agreed, my own voice unsteady. “Wouldn’t want to miss the party.”

We walked side by side down the street, our costumes drawing a few impressed looks from people passing by, but I barely noticed. All I could think about was the way Hank’s hand brushed against mine as we walked, each touch like a spark igniting the fire simmering between us.

Aisling’s house was just a few blocks away, and I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or disappointed when it came into view, lit up with eerie, flickering lights and covered in elaborate Halloween decorations. The closer we got, the louder the music grew, pulsing with a heavy beat that seemed to echo the rhythm of my heart.

Hank let out a low whistle. “She really went all out this year.”

“Yeah,” I said, trying to sound normal even though my voice came out breathless. “She never does anything halfway.”

He smiled, and it was that crooked, devastating smile that made me want to break every rule we’d set. “Neither do we, apparently,” he murmured, his eyes meeting mine.

I swallowed, feeling the heat between us flare again. “We’ve made it this far,” I said, trying to convince myself as much as him. “A few more hours won’t kill us.”

“Won’t it?” he replied, his voice teasing but his eyes serious, and I felt my knees go weak all over again.

Just a few more hours, I reminded myself. But as we reached Aisling’s front door, the bass from the party vibrating through the pavement, I wasn’t sure how either of us would survive the night.

The front yard of Aisling’s house was a spectacle of Halloween excess: jack-o’-lanterns with wicked grins lined the pathway, fog machines poured mist over the lawn, and fake tombstones jutted out of the grass. A massive inflatable spider clung to the roof, its eyes glowing a menacing red. The windows flickered with strobe lights, and eerie music drifted through the air, mixing with the muffled thump of bass from inside.

Hank and I exchanged a glance, the shared look heavy with everything we hadn’t said—and everything we were trying not to do. I had no idea how we’d make it through this party with our sanity intact.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice a little rough.

I took a breath, steadying myself. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

We stepped through the front door, and the atmosphere hit us like a wave. The living room had been transformed into a haunted dance floor, with cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, eerie purple lights casting shadows across the crowd, and a playlist of spooky remixes blasting from the speakers. People were dancing, drinking, and laughing, dressed in everything from elaborate monster get-ups to barely-there angel costumes.

Aisling spotted us almost immediately, her face lighting up. She was dressed as a glamorous, undead flapper, her sequinned dress dripping with fake blood, and she practically skipped over to us. “Y/N! Hank!” she squealed, taking us in. “Holy shit, you two look incredible!”

I grinned, doing a little spin to show off my Freddy Krueger outfit. “Thanks! We figured we’d go classic horror this year.”

Aisling’s eyes widened with appreciation. “I love it! And Hank, damn, you’re making that crop top look good.”

Hank let out a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Glad I can pull it off.”

I bit my lip, the sound of his laugh making my pulse quicken. Aisling’s eyes flicked between us, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “You two are trouble,” she said, wagging a finger at us. “Come on, grab some drinks and enjoy. We’ve got a costume contest later, and you’d better enter.”

I promised we would, but even as she swept away to greet more guests, I couldn’t focus on anything except the heat radiating from Hank beside me. We made our way to the makeshift bar, a kitchen island covered in neon-green punch bowls, bottles of every kind of alcohol, and a tray of blood-red jello shots. I poured us both a drink, handing Hank his with a smirk.

“Still think you can make it through the night?” I teased, raising my cup to his.

He clinked his drink against mine, his eyes dark and smouldering. “I’m trying to remember why we thought this bet was a good idea.”

I took a sip, the alcohol burning my throat but doing nothing to calm the fire inside me. “To make things… interesting,” I replied, my voice dropping to a whisper. His gaze fell to my mouth, and I felt a rush of heat, the kind that made my whole body buzz.

We stood there for a moment, the rest of the party fading into the background. The bet felt like a thin, fragile barrier between us, one that I was aching to shatter. I leaned in, just enough that I could feel his breath on my cheek, and whispered, “You’re not going to break, are you?”

He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You’re making it really difficult.”

Before I could respond, someone called out our names, and we both jumped, the moment breaking like a spell. Grace and Natalie, two of my closest friends, appeared in matching witch costumes, both of them grinning from ear to ear. Grace had painted her face with intricate, glowing runes, while Natalie wore a wide-brimmed hat with a sparkly black veil.

“Oh my god!” Grace exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. “You look amazing! This is, like, the sexiest Freddy Krueger I’ve ever seen.”

I laughed, hugging her back. “You both look incredible! The witchy vibe is perfect.”

Grace turned to Hank, her eyes lighting up. “And Glen! I can’t believe you actually committed to the crop top.”

Hank shrugged, but I could see the blush creeping up his neck. “Y/N made it hard to say no,” he said, flashing me a look that sent a thrill down my spine.

The four of us chatted for a while, catching up and taking a million selfies in front of Aisling’s extravagant Halloween photo booth. But all the while, I was hyper-aware of Hank, of the way his hand kept brushing against mine, of the way his laugh made my heart skip. I was doing my best to play it cool, but my body was betraying me at every turn.

Eventually, Grace and Natalie were pulled away by some friends, leaving us alone again. The music shifted to a slower, darker beat, and I felt Hank’s hand ghost over my lower back, just for a second. “Dance with me?” he asked, his voice low.

I looked up at him, my breath catching. “We can’t touch.”

He grinned, his eyes full of mischief. “Then we’ll have to get creative.”

He led me to the edge of the dance floor, and I couldn’t help but follow. The crowd moved around us, the music pulsing, and we found a rhythm that was almost torturous in how close it brought us. We didn’t touch, but we might as well have been. His breath brushed against my neck, and I swayed in time with him, every inch of my body aware of how little space separated us.

“You’re killing me,” he murmured, his lips so close to my ear that I shivered.

I tilted my head up, my voice barely audible over the music. “Good.”

His gaze darkened, and I could see the restraint slipping, the raw, desperate need in his eyes. The temptation was too much, and I knew, in that moment, that neither of us would make it to the end of the night unscathed.

We stayed locked in that dance, our bodies moving in perfect sync, the space between us crackling with tension. Every beat of the music felt like a countdown to the moment we’d finally give in, and my resolve was dangerously close to shattering. Hank’s eyes were fixed on mine, dark and full of heat, and I had to remind myself to breathe.

But before either of us could act, someone in a full skeleton costume stumbled into me, breaking the spell. I let out a surprised laugh as I steadied myself, and Hank shot the intruder a half-amused, half-irritated glare. The moment of interruption gave me a chance to catch my breath, but it also left me aching for more.

Hank’s lips curled into a wicked smile, and I knew that look all too well. It was the one he wore when he was plotting something, and a sense of anticipation rushed through me.

“What?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Nothing,” he replied, far too innocently. “Just thinking about how I owe you for all the times you’ve teased me this week.”

“Oh really?” I tilted my head, my heartbeat still racing from the near-miss. “And what are you planning?”

He didn’t answer, just gave me a look that sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could press him, Aisling appeared beside us, holding a tray of Halloween-themed shots and insisting we take one. I downed mine quickly, the alcohol warm and heady, and when I turned back to Hank, he was gone.

I blinked, confused, and looked around the crowded living room. The pulsing lights made it hard to see, and I craned my neck, trying to spot him. “Hank?” I called, a hint of laughter in my voice. He was definitely up to something, and I wasn’t sure whether to be amused or wary.

The music shifted to a new song, and the crowd around me seemed to thicken, people dancing and moving with wild abandon. I turned, squeezing past a group of werewolves and a couple dressed as zombie prom dates. My skin prickled with anticipation, my senses on high alert, and I knew he was close.

“Hank?” I tried again, my voice swallowed up by the noise of the party.

I moved toward the kitchen, thinking maybe he’d gone to grab another drink, but as I passed the hallway that led to Aisling’s creepy, cobweb-decorated bathroom, a hand shot out and grabbed my waist.

I let out a shriek, my heart leaping into my throat as I spun around, ready to defend myself from whatever ghostly monster had ambushed me. Instead, I found myself face-to-face with Hank, who was laughing so hard he had to brace himself against the wall.

“You—” I started, my voice coming out in an indignant squawk. “You absolute jerk!”

He couldn’t stop laughing, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and it was infuriatingly adorable. “I’m sorry,” he managed between fits of laughter. “I couldn’t resist.”

I shoved his chest, but he caught my hand, still grinning like a maniac. The adrenaline from the scare had my pulse racing, and my indignation melted away into something else. Something hotter, more dangerous. His grip on my hand was firm, his body close enough that I could feel his warmth, and the way he looked at me made me forget how to be mad.

“You scared the hell out of me,” I said, but my voice had lost its edge, turning breathy.

“Payback,” he whispered, his eyes darkening as he took in the flush spreading across my cheeks. “But you have to admit, you make an adorable scream queen.”

I huffed, pretending to be annoyed, but I couldn’t hide my smile. His hands didn’t let go of mine, and the way he was looking at me now, like he wanted to press me against the wall and make me forget the party even existed, was enough to make my knees weak.

I couldn’t take it anymore. The week of restraint, the haunted house, the dancing, the way he’d just terrified me and then made me feel like I wanted to melt into him—it was all too much. My heart was pounding, my skin felt too tight, and the tension between us was a live wire, sparking with every shared breath.

I don’t know who moved first. Maybe it was him, or maybe it was me, but suddenly our mouths were inches apart, and all that built-up tension snapped like a rubber band. His hands found my waist, pulling me against him, and I was already reaching up to tangle my fingers in his hair. Our lips crashed together, the kiss a release of everything we’d been holding back, and it was desperate, hungry, and overwhelmingly hot.

I pressed myself closer, feeling his body against mine, and the rest of the party dissolved into nothingness. The pounding music, the laughter, the chaos—it all faded, leaving just us and the heat that burned between us. His hands slid up my back, and I moaned into his mouth, finally giving in to the desire that had been torturing me all week.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his eyes blazing. “I can’t… I can’t wait anymore,” he murmured, his voice rough with need.

“Then don’t,” I whispered, breathless, and the words sent another thrill racing through me.

The tension that had been coiled between us finally shattered, and there was no holding back now.

His mouth found mine again, and this time, there was no hesitation, no restraint. His lips moved over mine with a desperate kind of hunger, like he’d been dying to kiss me for ages—and maybe he had. I felt the rough scrape of his stubble, the heat of his breath, and it was all I could do to keep from melting right there in his arms.

My back hit the wall, and I barely registered the cool, hard surface against my overheated skin. Hank’s hands were everywhere: on my waist, in my hair, sliding down to grip my hips like he needed to keep me anchored to him. I moaned into his mouth, my fingers digging into his shoulders, and he responded with a low, rough sound that made my knees buckle.

“God,” he murmured against my lips, his voice ragged. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I tugged him closer, my nails grazing the back of his neck. “Then show me,” I whispered, and the way his eyes darkened made my whole body light up.

He leaned in, kissing me again, and this time it was slower but no less intense. The world around us continued to blur, and I found myself gripping his crop top, my hands slipping beneath the fabric to feel the heat of his skin. The muscles of his back flexed under my touch, and I could feel the way he trembled slightly, like he was just barely keeping it together.

“Hank,” I breathed, and his name came out sounding like a plea. He groaned in response, his lips moving to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses that made my head spin. My heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest, and the anticipation was a sweet, maddening ache.

But just as things were about to spiral even further, someone called my name from across the room, loud and insistent. The sound shattered the moment like glass, and we both froze, our heavy breathing the only thing filling the sudden, jarring silence between us.

Hank pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against mine, his eyes closed as he tried to catch his breath. “We can’t seem to catch a break tonight, can we?” he muttered, his voice hoarse and laced with frustration.

I let out a shaky laugh, my hands still clinging to him. “No, we really can’t.”

We stayed there for a moment, pressed together, our hearts still pounding. But as reality crept back in, I knew we couldn’t stay hidden in our little corner forever. I reluctantly pulled back, my fingers trailing down his chest before falling away. The loss of contact felt like a physical ache, and the look in his eyes told me he felt it too.

“Come on,” I said, my voice softer now. “Let’s get back to the party… before someone comes looking for us.”

Hank’s jaw clenched, and for a second, I thought he might argue, might pull me back into his arms and make me forget everything else. But then he sighed, nodding. “Yeah. Okay.”

We stepped away from the wall, our bodies still humming with energy, and I took a moment to smooth down my hair and adjust my Freddy Krueger sweater. Hank did the same, tugging at the hem of his crop top, his gaze still burning with unfinished desire.

We exchanged one last look, and I knew this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

We stepped back into the chaos of Aisling’s party, but it felt like the air had changed. Or maybe it was just us. My skin was still flushed, and every nerve was on fire, still tingling from Hank’s touch. The crowd swallowed us up, the pulsing music and laughter pulling us back into the Halloween madness, but I was hyper-aware of Hank beside me, his presence like a gravitational force I couldn’t escape.

Aisling appeared out of nowhere, her face lighting up when she saw us. “There you two are!” she exclaimed, her costume shimmering under the neon lights. “I was starting to think you’d run off together.”

I forced a laugh, but my heart was still racing, and I wondered if she could tell. “Just… getting some air,” I managed, hoping I didn’t look as flustered as I felt.

Aisling’s eyes narrowed slightly, a teasing glint in them. “Uh-huh. Well, you’re just in time for the costume contest. Get your sexy Freddy and Glen butts up front.”

She grabbed my hand, pulling me away before I could protest, and Hank followed close behind, his fingers brushing mine in a way that made my pulse skyrocket all over again. We found ourselves at the front of the room, a makeshift stage set up with twinkling lights and fog creeping across the floor. Aisling climbed up and grabbed the microphone, her voice cutting through the noise.

“Alright, everyone! It’s time to crown the winners of the costume contest!” She gestured to the lineup of partygoers, all dressed in their elaborate outfits. “Let’s hear it for our contestants!”

The room erupted into cheers, and I found myself standing shoulder to shoulder with Hank, the adrenaline from our near-miss still buzzing in my veins. He leaned in close, his voice a low murmur in my ear. “You okay?” he asked, and his concern was almost enough to undo me.

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah,” I whispered back, but I couldn’t look at him. If I did, I knew I’d lose it.

The contest went on around us, but it was hard to focus on anything other than the magnetic pull between us. Every time he shifted, every time his arm brushed against mine, it sent sparks racing across my skin. And when Aisling finally called out our names, announcing us as winners of the “Best Horror Couple” category, the crowd’s cheers felt like an echo of the thundering heartbeat in my chest.

Hank’s hand found mine, and we held up our prize—an absurdly large plastic trophy shaped like a pumpkin—laughing and posing for pictures. But even in the flashes of cameras and the whoops of our friends, there was something simmering between us, something unfinished.

After the costume contest Aisling had turned the music back up, but the lights were dimmer now, casting a warm, golden glow over the living room.

I found myself standing by the snack table, aimlessly picking at a bowl of gummy worms, when Hank approached. His eyes hadn’t lost that intense look from earlier, and my breath caught as he stepped into my space.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice cutting through the haze of exhaustion and alcohol that had settled over the party.

“Hey,” I replied, my pulse quickening again. It didn’t seem fair that he could do this to me with just a word, just a look.

He glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot, then leaned in. “I’m not done with you,” he whispered, his breath warm against my neck, and the promise in his voice made my knees go weak.

I shivered, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “Promise?” I whispered back, a thrill coursing through me.

His lips curved into a slow, wicked smile, and he took my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Come on,” he said, tugging me gently away from the crowd.

He led me through the house, around the dancers, past people draped over couches and curled up on beanbags, up the stairs, until we found an empty hallway bathed in shadows. The noise of the party was muffled here, and the world felt like it had shrunk to just the two of us. My heart pounded in anticipation, and when he pressed me against the wall, I didn’t hold back this time.

His mouth crashed into mine, and the intensity of it took my breath away. His hands slid up my sides, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, feeling the heat between us flare like a wildfire. We’d spent all week building this tension, and now it was finally, blissfully unraveling.

“Hank,” I gasped against his lips, my voice a broken whisper, and he responded by gripping my waist tighter, his body pressing into mine.

“I’ve been going crazy,” he murmured, his lips trailing down my jaw. “All week.”

“Me too,” I admitted, my fingers tangling in his hair, and the feeling of his body against mine made me feel like I was coming undone.

His hands roamed lower, and I let out a soft, breathless moan, the sound swallowed by the dark, empty hallway. The party felt a million miles away, and all I wanted was to lose myself in him, to make up for all the time we’d spent holding back.

His lips never left mine as we stumbled toward the nearest room, barely breaking contact long enough to fumble with the handle. The door creaked open, and we stumbled inside, still tangled together, the party outside becoming a distant hum. Hank kicked the door closed behind us, and before I could catch my breath, he had me pressed up against it, his mouth hot and insistent on mine.

The wooden surface was cool against my back, a stark contrast to the heat radiating off him as he leaned into me, his body crowding mine. His hands were everywhere, one sliding up to cup my face while the other found its way under the hem of my skirt. His fingers skimmed the edges of my underwear, and I gasped, the sensation sending a jolt of electricity through me.

“Hank,” I breathed, the word coming out more like a moan, and he groaned in response, his mouth moving down to my neck. He kissed a path along my jaw, his stubble rough against my skin, and I felt my knees go weak. I had to rise onto my tiptoes to keep up with the intensity, my hands clinging to his shoulders, pulling him closer.

“God, I’ve been dying to touch you,” he murmured, his voice ragged, his breath warm against my neck. His hand tightened on my waist, his thumb brushing over the sensitive skin there, and it felt like my whole body was on fire. I tilted my head back, giving him better access, and he took full advantage, his lips and teeth trailing down to the hollow of my throat.

My hands slid under the hem of his crop top, my fingers brushing over his hard, toned stomach. The heat of his skin was searing, and he shivered under my touch, a low, desperate sound rumbling from his chest. My fingers roamed up, feeling the taut muscles of his back, and he pressed against me harder, like he couldn’t stand the distance between us any longer.

His grip on my waist tightened, and his other hand moved higher, pushing my skirt further up as his fingertips teased along the edges of my underwear. I arched into him, my body aching for more, and he groaned, his mouth capturing mine again in a kiss that was all teeth and need.

We were a tangled mess of hands and mouths, all the anticipation of the past week spilling over in a frenzy of movement. The feel of his hands, his mouth, his body pressing against mine—it was overwhelming, intoxicating, and I never wanted it to end.

I tugged at his crop top, desperate to feel more of him, and he pulled back just enough to rip it over his head, tossing it somewhere behind him. My breath caught as I took him in, the way his chest rose and fell, muscles taut and defined under the dim light filtering through the room. His eyes were dark, filled with a raw hunger that mirrored my own, and I couldn’t hold back. My hands flew to his bare skin, exploring the hard planes of his stomach, feeling the way he shivered under my touch.

He leaned in again, capturing my lips in a searing kiss, his hands sliding up my thighs and lifting me slightly off the ground. I wrapped my legs around his waist instinctively, clinging to him as he carried me the few steps to the bed. We stumbled together, and he lowered me onto the mattress, his body following mine in one fluid motion.

The bed creaked under our combined weight, and he hovered over me, his body pressing into mine, every inch of him fitting against me perfectly. His mouth left mine to trail down my neck, leaving a burning path that made me arch into him, desperate for more. My hands tangled in his hair, and I gasped as he nipped at the sensitive spot just below my ear.

“Hank,” I whispered again, his name a breathless plea, and he responded by sliding his hands up under my sweater, his touch setting fire to my skin. He pushed the fabric higher, and I lifted my arms, letting him pull it over my head. The cool air hit me for only a second before his mouth was back on mine, his kisses deep and demanding.

My fingers roamed over his bare back, feeling the flex of muscle as he shifted above me. Every touch, every kiss, felt like it was carving into me, leaving me completely undone. His hands explored every curve, and when his lips traveled lower, brushing over my collarbone and down to the edge of my bra, I shivered, my breath coming in shallow, needy gasps.

He paused there for a moment, his breath warm against my skin, and my pulse thundered in anticipation. Slowly, he pulled the fabric down just enough to expose me, his gaze flicking up to meet mine, a question and a spark of heat in his eyes.

I arched my back, silently urging him on, and he dipped his head, his mouth finding the sensitive skin of my breast. His lips were gentle at first, pressing soft kisses that left me shivering, but then he nipped lightly, his teeth grazing my skin, and a desperate moan slipped from my mouth. He soothed the spot with his tongue, moving to my nipple and swirling his tongue around it before taking it into his mouth.

The sensation shot straight through me, and I gasped, my hands tightening in his hair. He groaned, the sound vibrating against my skin, and I felt the hardness of him pressing against me through his sweatpants. The friction sent another jolt of heat through my body, and I rolled my hips up to meet his, craving more of that contact.

“Please,” I whispered, my voice trembling with need. His mouth moved to my other breast, giving it the same attention, and I felt like I was unraveling, piece by piece. Every kiss, every touch, sent sparks racing through me, and I couldn’t get enough of him.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his eyes dark and full of desire. “You’re driving me insane,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, and the way he said it made my entire body ache for him. His hands gripped my waist, holding me steady as he ground against me, and the friction was almost too much to bear.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, and the feel of him, hard and straining against me, made my breath hitch. My fingers roamed over his back, digging into his muscles as I rocked against him, desperate for more of the pressure, the heat, the overwhelming sensation of being with him.

He kissed me again, deep and hungry, and the room spun around us, the rest of the world fading away. We were a tangle of limbs and desire, and I didn’t want to stop, couldn’t stop, as we lost ourselves in the moment, the anticipation and need consuming us both.

His hands roamed over my waist, skimming the edges of my skirt but never quite giving me what I needed. I bucked my hips up against him, desperate for more of that delicious friction, but he pulled back just enough to make me ache, his teasing driving me to the edge.

I bit my lip, a frustrated moan slipping out as his hands slid under my skirt. His fingers skimmed so close, brushing against my most sensitive spots but never quite where I craved him most. “Fuck,” I gasped, arching into him, my voice breaking with need. “Stop teasing.”

A groan rumbled from deep in his chest, his restraint hanging by a thread. “I can’t,” he muttered, his voice ragged, barely holding on. His hand slid between us, pulling my underwear to the side, and I let out a sharp gasp at the sensation, every nerve in my body coming alive.

“God, you feel so fucking good,” he breathed, his tone full of raw need. I clung to him, my hands slipping down to the waistband of his sweatpants, fumbling to push them down just enough to get rid of the last barrier between us. He helped, his hands shaking slightly as we worked together, the urgency between us undeniable.

The moment our skin touched, the heat of him pressed against me, I swore under my breath, the sensation nearly too much to handle. His mouth found mine again, and our kiss was a mess of teeth and desperation, neither of us able to hold back anymore. I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, and he let out a deep, guttural sound, his own need breaking free.

“Fuck,” he muttered, his voice thick and strained, and the raw intensity of his words sent a shiver down my spine. We were past the point of restraint, lost in each other, the week of built-up tension unraveling in a frenzy of heat and desire.

The air between us felt electric, charged with the kind of need that was impossible to hold back any longer. His sweatpants were pushed down just enough, hanging low on his hips, and my skirt and panties were still in place, just pulled to the side. It was messy, desperate, but neither of us cared.

He positioned himself, his body pressing into mine, and for a split second, he paused, his eyes searching mine as though making sure one last time that this was what we both wanted. The look we shared was full of heat and something else, something deeper that neither of us had the time or clarity to name.

Then he pushed into me, and I gasped, my back arching against the bed as he filled me, the sudden sensation stealing the breath from my lungs. The stretch, the way he fit so perfectly, sent a shockwave of pleasure through me, and I clung to him, my nails digging into his shoulders.

“Fuck,” he groaned, his voice rough and barely holding it together. His hands gripped my waist, holding me steady as he buried himself deeper, and I couldn’t help the way my body responded, tightening around him, desperate for more.

I bit my lip, a moan escaping me despite my best efforts to keep quiet. “Oh god,” I whispered, the words slipping out in a breathless rush. The sensation was overwhelming, every nerve in my body on fire, and I could feel the tension in every inch of him, the way he trembled as he tried to stay in control.

His mouth found mine again, swallowing my moans as he began to move, his thrusts slow at first, deep and deliberate. The bed creaked under the pressure, but the sound was lost in the chaos of our breathing, the heat of our bodies pressed together.

“Been thinking about this all fucking week,” he muttered against my lips, his voice full of raw, unrestrained desire. He picked up the pace, his hips snapping into mine, and I could barely keep up, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Each movement sent waves of pleasure crashing through me, and I held on to him, my hands sliding up his back, feeling the flex of muscle under my touch.

“Me too,” I managed to gasp, my head falling back against the pillows, the angle sending another jolt of sensation through me. His mouth moved to my neck, kissing and biting the sensitive skin, and I was completely undone, lost in the feel of him, the sound of his low, desperate groans.

My bra was still pulled down, my breasts exposed to the cool air, and every brush of his chest against mine sent another spark of pleasure through me. The friction, the heat, the intensity of it all was almost too much, and I could feel myself spiralling, the tension coiling tighter and tighter inside me.

“Fuck,” he swore again, his grip on my waist tightening as he drove into me, his movements becoming more erratic, more desperate. The pressure built between us, a crescendo of heat and want, and I knew neither of us would last much longer.

I was clinging to him, my fingers digging into his back as he moved, each thrust sending waves of pleasure radiating through me. The heat between us was overwhelming, and the tension that had been building for days was about to snap. I was barely aware of the muffled sound of the party outside; the only thing that mattered was him and the way he felt against me, inside me, like he was the only thing keeping me grounded.

My breath came out in ragged gasps, and I could feel the edge of my release creeping closer, the pressure coiling tight in my core. His hand slid up my body, moving to cup my breast, his thumb brushing over my nipple and making me arch into him. His mouth found mine again, the kiss messy and desperate, and I couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped me.

“Y/N,” he muttered against my lips, his voice fraying at the edges. “You feel so good.”

I couldn’t even form words, my body shuddering under the onslaught of sensation. Every thrust, every brush of his skin against mine, had me spiralling, and I was so close, teetering right on the brink. I rocked my hips to meet his movements, and he let out a low groan, his control slipping.

“I’m not… gonna last,” he managed, his voice thick with desperation, and the raw honesty in his confession only made me fall harder.

“Me neither,” I whispered, my voice breaking as I felt the tension inside me reach its peak. His hand gripped my waist, his fingers digging into my skin, and his rhythm grew rougher, more frantic. The edge was right there, and I let myself go, my body arching into his as the pleasure exploded through me.

“Oh god,” I gasped, my entire body shattering in his arms, my nails raking down his back as I came, waves of ecstasy crashing over me. He swore again, his hips stuttering as he followed me over the edge, his face buried in my neck, his breath hot and ragged.

The room felt like it was spinning, and we clung to each other, our bodies trembling from the force of it. The world slowly came back into focus, the muffled sounds of the party filtering through the haze of pleasure, and I felt Hank’s grip on me loosen just a fraction. He pressed his forehead against mine, his eyes still dark with the remnants of desire, and a lazy, satisfied smile spread across his face.

“Holy shit,” he breathed, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief. His hair was a mess, his chest rising and falling as he tried to catch his breath, and he looked so damn good that I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Yeah,” I agreed, my own voice hoarse. My legs were still wrapped around his waist, and I loosened them slightly, feeling the aftershocks of pleasure still rippling through me.

He chuckled, the sound low and warm, and leaned in to kiss me, this time soft and lingering. “Worth the wait,” he murmured against my lips, and I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep in my chest.

“Definitely worth it,” I echoed, my heart still racing.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his hands brushing over my exposed skin. We were both a mess, our clothes askew, my bra still pulled down, his sweatpants barely hanging on, but I’d never felt more content, more alive.

“We should probably… fix ourselves up,” he said, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Before someone comes looking for us.”

I groaned, my head falling back again. “Can’t we just stay like this for a little longer?”

He grinned, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Tempting, but I think we’ve already pushed our luck.”

With a sigh, I let him help me straighten my skirt and adjust my bra, both of us laughing quietly at the absurdity of it all. He pulled up his sweatpants, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to look less thoroughly ravished, but the dazed, satisfied look in his eyes was impossible to hide.

We did our best to make ourselves presentable, but there was no hiding the evidence of what had just happened: my hair was a wild mess, my lips kiss-swollen, and Hank’s shirt—well, it was still somewhere on the floor behind us. He grabbed it, pulling it back over his head with a lopsided grin that made my heart stutter all over again.

“You think anyone’s going to notice?” he asked, running his fingers through his hair to tame it. His voice was playful, but there was a lingering heat in his eyes that made my stomach flutter.

I glanced at him, taking in the way his crop top still rode up enough to show off his abs, and felt my cheeks flush. “Yeah, they’ll probably notice,” I said, my voice teasing. “But let them. It’s Halloween—everyone’s supposed to look a little wild, right?”

He laughed, the sound warm and genuine, and reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers. “Good point. Come on, let’s get back out there before Aisling starts sending out a search party.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and together we stepped out of the room, the sounds of the party crashing back over us. The energy in the living room hadn’t waned—if anything, it was even more chaotic, with people dancing in their costumes, drinks in hand, and laughter ringing out above the music. The familiar chaos made me feel like we were stepping back into reality after a dream.

Aisling spotted us almost immediately, a knowing grin spreading across her face as she approached, her undead flapper costume still somehow managing to look flawless. “There you two are!” she called, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was about to send a search party. What happened? Did Freddy and Glen get lost?”

I forced a smile, hoping it wasn’t too obvious how flustered I was. “Something like that,” I replied, squeezing Hank’s hand as he chuckled beside me.

Aisling arched an eyebrow, her grin widening. “Uh-huh. Well, as long as you’re both still in one piece. Come on, Tom is starting a dance-off, and you won’t want to miss this.” She gave us one last, suspiciously amused look before flitting off into the crowd.

Hank leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. “Think she knows?” he whispered, his voice sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.

I laughed, shaking my head. “With Aisling, she probably has a sixth sense for this kind of thing. But I don’t really care if she does.”

He squeezed my hand, and we made our way back into the heart of the party, the music thumping around us, our bodies still buzzing from everything we’d just shared. The chaos of the crowd seemed to pull us in, but even surrounded by people, it felt like there was still a bubble around us, a quiet understanding that something between us had shifted.

As the night carried on, we danced, laughed, and soaked in the energy of the party. Every so often, Hank would brush his fingers over mine, or we’d exchange a look that made my heart race all over again. The tension between us had finally broken, but something new had taken its place—a deeper, more dangerous kind of attraction, one I was eager to explore further.

When the party began to wind down, people slowly trickling out or finding spots to crash for the night, Hank pulled me aside, his eyes softening. “Want to get out of here?” he asked, his thumb gently rubbing circles over the back of my hand.

I felt a smile spread across my face, my whole body warming at the invitation. “Yeah,” I said, my voice full of promise. “Let’s go.”

When we stepped outside, the crisp night air wrapped around us, a welcome contrast to the warmth and noise of the party. The city lights twinkled above, and laughter echoed from down the street as groups of costumed partygoers wandered by. Hank’s fingers intertwined with mine, and he glanced at me, a lopsided grin spreading across his face.

“Think we’ve had enough Halloween thrills for one night?” he asked, his voice teasing but full of warmth.

I laughed, the sound feeling easy and free, the tension of the past week finally gone. “Maybe,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “But if you’re up for more, I’m game.”

His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Always,” he said, leaning in to press a quick, playful kiss to my temple. We started down the street, our laughter mixing with the distant sounds of the city, and I couldn’t help but feel that whatever came next, it was going to be one hell of an adventure.

[ltwharfy]

Watching Season 2 of "Star Trek: Prodigy" right now and I just watched "The Devourer of All Things, Part I" and Wesley Crusher's use of sweater-related metaphors was my favorite thing in any episode of television in quite a while.

Honestly, just enjoyed Wes' appearance so much. I actually really loved his character as a kid watching TNG and it's fun to see an older, weirder version of him (as I am now an older, weirder version of myself.)

[docholligay]

DOCDOC BIRTHDAY WEEK EXTRAVAGANZA

HELLO AND WELCOME! For my birthday, i am getting to do things that *I* want to do, but I hope that you will love as well! Stuff we don't normally do, stuff I don't always have time for, etc. I hope this looks as fun to you as it does to me: BMuch of this I have handpicked as "Fuck I would love to do that if I had the time"

Saturday, August 10th: That evening, we'll have a lovely fun stream. The movie that won the draw out of the pitches was:

I FUCKING LOVE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD I HAVEN'T WATCHED IT IN YEARS THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME IT EXISTED. It's so bad, it's so bad. It is so very much a shitty modern girlpower type fucking movie, it has NOT ONE IOTA of subtlety, it was basically a 60s-70s Western made with A Girl but trying to do business with the grittier Westerns of the 90s AMAZING. I CANNOT WAIT to tell you everything that is wrong with this movie, it is so fun and fucking stupid.

Sunday, August 11th: I'm running a race Full Send because this is how I have fun I guess but then, that evening, Jackbox games!

Monday, August 12th: The Patreon release of some more of Justified Episode one, and then that night, the movie club for The Lucky Mill! There's a separate post on that, I'll make sure to reblog it again a few times.

Tuesday, August 13th: First of all, It's Lena's birthday! According to my canon, the only one that matters. Weirdly this is not related to it being close to my birthday--I picked it out of a book about birthdays that I use for that sort of thing. I 'found' her personality and just made that her birthday. It's how I did it for all the Overwatch characters. ANYWAY.

It'll be a 'liveblog' (More like a series of long posts) about Season 2, Episode 9 of Vinland Saga. I streamed this show, and really really liked it, but Oath was, I think, my favorite of a series of very good episodes, and I can't wait to really talk about it.

Wednesday, August 14th: IT IS MY BIRTHDAY SHOWER ME WITH AFFECTION. I am going to the fair all day. It is also, no joke, Doc Holliday's birthday. How's that for fuckin kismet?

Thursday, August 15th: A series of unhinged essays about the television show Interview With The Vampire, deeply informed by the fact that the Vampire Chronicles were akin to my Harry fucking Potter when I was a deeply weird 13-16 year old. HUGE spoilers for the books, but honestly the TV show has been so different that it might NOT be a spoiler for the show ahaha. (I do very much like the show, in case anyone is worried it'll be a hateblog.)

That night: @keyofjetwolf and I will be watching S2E5 of Interview. She will have only seen UP to that point, and it's one of my favorite eps (I am sure all of you who have seen it know why)

Friday, August 16th: We finish off with a drunken stream. I will be asked to identify anime and what they are about in what I can only assume is some kind of Who Wants To Be A Weeaboo Piece of Shit, while I am drunk. May include audience participation. For any more detailed instructions/explanation, @ultrace is the main runner of this, with a heavy assist by @keyofjetwolf I think it will be very funny and I will do badly ahahah.

And that will be it! a full week of fun celebration! PLEASE JOIN ME AND HAVE FUN

[lover-of-mine]

Personally, I like Tommy as a character, and I’m okay with BT for the time being, though I don’t really ship it. The biggest feature Tommy brought to the table this season was to make Buck realize he’s bi. But you could have replaced him with any random guy and I would have been just as happy about it.

My biggest issue is the toxicity from the BT stans. As in, I don’t appreciate being called a homophobe for thinking that the daddy-kink comment was out of place at the dinner date.

Look, we’re all part of the same fandom and if it makes you happy, go smash your Barbie doll’s faces together. Have fun with it. I support you 100%.

But the fact of the matter is that up until now, most of the things relating to Tommy come from head canons and Lou’s cameos. There isn’t much in the source material to go by. Mostly because he didn’t get a lot of screentime, and the writing of the scenes he’s been in, has been questionable. It’s not a very realistic show so why couldn’t they dress Tommy up for the bachelor party? It would have meant the world to Buck. (Oh, but guess who suggested matching outfits because he cares a whole lot about him?)

Yet, people are out here celebrating these two like it’s the most romantic thing since sliced bread. It’s jarring to see, how many people - especially former Buddie stans - jumped ships at the first opportunity they got. I don’t know if it’s a thing of instant gratification of having Buck in a queer relationship canonically or something else, but I don’t like it. The whole thing makes me worry, the show runners will change course to cater to the BT supporters and push for BT endgame. That would be the least satisfying ending to both Buck’s and Eddie’s story.

I will be honest with you, I think most of my dislike of Tommy comes from the way I am being called names because of him all season, it kinda kills a character's chances when the following of them gets so aggressive, he aggravates me more because of the way fandom treats him than because of anything he did this season because he was barely there this season beyond showing Buck he's bi, like you said. The fandom created this version of him and his relationship with Buck that's not backed by canon, because his scenes lack depth and the writers are not helping him at all and the way people flipped is actually disconcerting. Especially with how willing they are to attack everyone who doesn't agree they are the best thing to ever grace their television. But honestly, considering the way that buddie was still very much present and very much displaying the partnership and love they always had, I still think Tommy is a stepping stone that they are dragging out because it gave them better publicity that they were expecting. Buddie was the only thing that was handled carefully in both Buck and Eddie's storylines the whole season, they know the potential they have there, so I will keep the hope that they'll let this story unfold in a satisfying way. And yeah, it would be extremely unsatisfying to see Buck end up with Tommy with the way Buck was constructed and I like to believe they were way too careful with the construction of Buck in the love interest archetype to fumble the pass in the 2 yard line (I know that's not a saying but my brain is in football mode for some reason bear with me) and not give Buck the conclusion of that when they have been building Eddie in the way to fight that archetype by giving Buck someone who just loves him. And because no one they introduce for Eddie is gonna feel as satisfying as Buck with the way they kept playing up the way Buck is Eddie's life partner. And Buck is quite literally the only thing the show is allowing Eddie to keep. It would be unsatisfying to watch them end up with other people and that was very clearly exemplified by the season 6 finale and the way their ending were very 😬😬 yk? I have faith we will get there.

[mask131]

Creepy and spooky cartoons of my youth (1)

I want to collect, for this Halloween season, some of the "creepy cartoons" of my youth - animated series aimed at a young audience but still about creepy and spooky stuff, and that I encountered during my childhood or teenagehood. I decided to make it a two-parters, and in this first iteration I want to share cartoons I was not particularly a fan of as a kid, or following faithfully as a teenager, but that I did regularly saw or that marked me at some point, and thus were part of a sort of "general mediatic ambiance".

Starting with one I casually watched from time to time, "Growing Up Creepie". I shared a video about it earlier. The show aired around the time I got back from school on the afternoons one specific year, so usually I got a side-look at it on TV while munching on biscuits:

Another one I casually watched without ever going fully into it, but that was an... interesting watch, was Mona the Vampire. While watching it as an adult is VERY different from watching it as a kid, I was REALLY into the whole concept of "It's just kids playing games and incorporating real-life into their imagination world". Plus I was also very much into the concept of a vampire superhero-protagonist kicking the ass of monsters.

There was "Tales from the Cryptkeeper", which I would not have known the existence of, had I not borrowed a VHS tape of it at the local library when I was a kid:

"Esprit Fantôme". This is a French cartoon that aired VERY regularly on television in my youth. I never actually really watched it... I watched trailers of it, and fragments of episodes from time to time. I know the basic cast. But it never interested me as a kid, and I never completed a full episode ever. However I still intend to get a look at it now, because I wonder what all the fuss was about and why everybody liked it back in the days.

"Petit Vampire". The iconic and famous comic book of Joann Sfar was adapted several times as animation, but I am not speaking of the recent animated movie that came out - I am speaking of the first, animated series that was aired on TV. I only ever caught glimpses of it while switching through the channels, and on very rare occasions. I thought it looked cool and interesting, but I never got info as a kid as to what the show was about or where it came from. I only re-discovered it much later, as I looked into Sfar's work and discovered he had made "Petit Vampire"

"Zombie Hotel". Another one of those European shows. I honestly would not have included it on the list... Had I not been spammed with videos of it when looking at something else on Youtube. I had ENTIRELY forgotten about the existence of this cartoon until a month ago or so, and YET when I saw it I was all "DARN THAT'S THIS SHOW I REMEMBER! I don't know what it is about or who are these people but I KNOW THEM!". I still need to re-watch it to understand what was going on.

"Oggy et les cafards". Okay with this one I am cheating a bit, because it is NOT meant to be a creepy or spooky show. It is not horror for kids, it is not horror comedy, it is meant to be fun, wholesome, cooky, goofy... But if you know this show, you will know it is one of the most famous representatives of the "deranged animations" specific to France, and I never watched this show as a kid - half because I was not interested in it and I thought the style was ugly, but also half because this show creeped me out and disturbed me so much. The strange muteness of characters existing in a town seemingly out of "Vivarium", the laws of architectures and physics bending randomly at every scene as if this was Hell rather than the real world, and the random nonsensical jokes and absurd cameos that made this world feel like... like insanity. It did NOT like it - it was basically David Lynch for kids, or at last it was perceived as such in my young brain X)

I preferred to it "Les Zinzins de l'Espace" (Space Goofs), which worked on the same absurd humor and deranged animation, but that at least conveyed well and in a sympathetic and funny way the goofy caricatures and the comedic intentions - Les Zinzins de l'Espace was a safe show, and one of my favorites ; Oggy and the Cockroaches was like a surrealist painting that left me disturbed if I tried to think for too long about it, because I felt by instinct it would give me nightmares.

Next post will be about my actual FAVORITE creepy cartoons!

[friday-answers]

HI first of all the last excerpt???? EXCUSE ME THIS WHOLE PLOT IS SO FUNNNN I absolutely love Solus already!!!! Can’t wait to know more about the agency and the sinkholes… Lots of love and thank you again for sharing this beautiful piece of your mind with us 🫶🫶

Secondly I’m here to discuss s3! Spoilers incoming:

What are your thoughts on Imogen and Sahar? I am actually really happy with the whole thing (even if my soft romantic heart is still kind of hoping they end up together haha, I am full of contradictions okay?)

And Tori and Micheal? I literally cried every time they appeared on screen I love them SO much, I was just a little disappointed Tori did´t get to say she’s asexual like she does in the comic… hoping it will be there if there’s a fourth season

And Isaac? My baby was going through it this season, that whole journey was so beautiful and refreshing imo

ALSO Darcy this season!!!! Aaahh I love them so much, as a lesbian who’s only recently started to question my own gender seeing them discover themself like that was so so lovely

I also really loved how Charlie’s relationship to his parents was showed, I thought it was done really well! And Nick starting to realise he needs to figure out who he is without his boyfriend 🥺

Anyway I’ve yapped enough haha, feel free to answer this with as short or long of an answer as you want, and just give general comments on what you thought of the season, I just enjoyed getting to scream about this hehehehe 🥰🤓

omg first of all thank you for the hype 🤭... i'm also very excited about it too... while i have a plan for the most part, i pretty much have no clue about how i'm going to get to each point either so... y'know makes it fun and mysterious for me too!

i love yapping about season 3 i'm HYPED

imogen and sahar, obviously not a surprise. lesbian imogen also i fear we knew from season 1 but having that comphet representation is HUGE!!! i'm really excited about that.

i keep joking that imogen and sahar are finally the situationship representation in heartstopper but it is just not a joke anymore. 'better off as friends' my ass SAHAR U WROTE A SONG ABOUT HER

i fell to my knees every time michael holden appeared on screen. his appearance at the nye party GAGGED. ON THE FLOOR. they were so insane for that it was GORGEOUS.

i was genuinely so confused when tori didn't correct charlie on calling them a straight couple. i think i shouted at the screen for them to stay on the wheel because they weren't done LMAO... BUT BUT it totally means a more fleshed out sprolden sexuality arc which i am HYPED about. their relationship is so important to me im so excited for that representation to be more blatant.

everything with isaac happened so fast i got WHIPLASH him coming out to everyone at the zoo i was sobbing that representation is so important to me and just so so nice to see..... argrhfhf. though i almost just blanked out the whole tao isaac thing omg WHAT HAPPENED TO JAMES THEN??? INSANE. that was insane. glad they got past that one quickly god

no because mullet darcy HELLO kizzy looked amazing... non-binary lesbian representation ALSO huge like. GOD THIS SEASON WAS HUGE

no because episode 4 was DEVASTATING. but it was one of my fave episode of television i've ever watched. nick at the halloween party like. oh my god i feel like i still haven't digested it all yet.... charlie's talk with his parents too since they cut away in the comic me and my friend were SCREAMING through tears to cut away like my GOD. but joe did it beautifully and u could tell he really cared :,]

i also yapped incredibly hard. i could really do this for hours, honestly... i'm just so so excited fr. the way the cast was like this season is HOT its STEAMY its SEXY even though. like i've been a comic reader since about 2019. guys i fucken know we gotta get through volume 4 first SIT DOWWWNNN

so funny honestly imagine going into s3 with just THAT info then being hit with the emotional devastation which was eps 1-5. 6-8 were lit though

ok shutting up now. thank u for letting me yap you are the realest mf ever

thank u for all the love once again!!!!!

[toss-a-coin-to-your-stan-account]

honestly in light of another show getting cancelled after one fucking season despite being very loved and full of potential recent events i'm thinking a lot about the current state of TV and how it relates to the Gravity Falls renaissance going on right now with the new content (the book of bill/thisisnotawebsitedotcom.com). i'm thinking about how this show was adored as it aired and how it's still loved now, a decade later as it's audience has grown up. i think about what led to this story being so loved and adored so far past it's end.

and I think one of the biggest reasons for that is that Gravity Falls lasted long enough to tell the story it was made to tell.

While there are still fans who wish for a new season, it's largely agreed upon that the show lasted just long enough to tell it's story without dragging on. It finished in such a way that most major plot points were resolved with good pacing and not being rushed out of fear of cancellation. It goes down in television history as one of those shows where people think

"did it end at just the right point? yes. would I love more of it if the creators/crew wanted to do it? ALSO yes."

(definitely! ABSOLUTELY!)

So when new content was released and it builds on what was already masterfully established, people have ran back to it like it never left and are engaging with the story they love all over again.

And I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Gravity Falls is one of what feels like the few modern shows (especially since the last few years where everyone can name a show they loved that they're angry got cancelled after one or two seasons) that has gotten to just... come to an end. It wasn't cancelled prematurely because of nonsense streaming criteria or censorship; it didn't get a cut-down final season that forced half-completed plotlines to be thrown out or pruned to a shell of what they were meant to be; it came to it's natural intended end when it was meant to.

But it was also given time to breathe.

While the overarching mystery was constantly present throughout the show, it was also paced in such a way that it was mainly hinted at early on and not explored in detail until later, after we'd seen how the characters act in mundane, self-contained situations; episodes that focus on the main plot (mainly those in season 2) often happen after a good number of "normal" episodes that focus on the day-to-day hijinks of the Pines family, where we don't have to focus on the plot - we can just watch what the characters do and enjoy the ride.

And it's the presence of silly episodes about a merman being broken out of the local pool and dipper cloning himself via a copy machine to be able to party and two elderly ghosts who haunt a convenience store being appeased by dipper dancing in a lamb costume that make the episodes like the one where a recurring "crazy ol' hillbilly" was revealed to have been a highly skilled and intelligent scientist who was so haunted by the harrowing otherworldly horrors he'd seen that he drove himself insane so daunting and memorable. There is a balance to the pacing and tone that is a rarity in newer shows.

And honestly? I think one of the other reasons Gravity Falls is still so loved today is because it encompasses so much about TV shows that people really miss in today's era of how shows are structured.

"I miss when shows had 15-20 episodes a season." Gravity Falls did that.

"I miss when shows had filler and didn't rush through the plot so fast." Gravity Falls did that.

"I miss when we got to watch the characters do things besides The Plot and just got to watch them do funny hijinks that don't lead to something big and Plot Relevant." Gravity Falls did that. Gravity Falls did that. Gravity Falls did that and it was so much fun.

And I think about how if it were being aired now, we might have gotten that iconic and unforgettable years-in-the-waiting "The author of the journals... my brother." reveal as early as episode six out of eight.

Or even worse - it would have happened at the very end of the first season, and the second the credits rolled, fans would have had to scramble to write PSA posts to watch it as soon as possible and play the season on loop and tell everyone to stream it; they wouldn't have been able to just revel in the excitement of a well-paced reveal that was years in the making; they most likely would have had to immediately get to work and jump through hoops and fight like hell for a chance at the story to be completed.

And worst case scenario - it probably wouldn't have worked.

TLDR; Gravity Falls is a well-loved masterpiece bc it got to do what so few new shows get to do and have enough time to tell the story it was meant to tell and I'm so relieved it aired before the shithole that is 8-episode seasons (read: only one 8-episode season before the near-inevitable cancellation) became the norm for new shows.

[lincolndjarin]

The BKS Screen Adaptation ˖⁺‧₊˚✦

(aka the really fucking dorky thing i've wanted to do for ages.)

if you like Best Kept Secret and you've wanted to know what i imagine in my mind when i write this is the post for you. i put way too much time into this if i'm being honest, but it was so much fun i hope others enjoy it!!

includes fun things like hypothetical casting and soundtrack !!

SPOILERS FOR BEST KEPT SECRET CHAPTERS 1-25

ever since i started writing Best Kept Secret it's helped me tremendously to imagine it in more of a cinematic sense. i love movies. i love all of it, the cinematography, the soundtracks, the casting, all of it has always greatly interested me. so that's how i've always pictured bks in my head, as a movie, or more appropriately a single season of television lmao. anyhow, i've been feeling real fucking fried lately and i just started a proper schedule with my meds so i'm exhausted and i wanted to take a short break from writing to put this together, (more writing) this is long and self indulgent but i had a lot of fun with it so who cares i guess.

The Media Source :

in all honesty i think bks probably wouldn't work as a movie? this might just be the entitled author in me speaking but there is just like, so much stuff? i feel like it wouldn't be properly represented in the 90-150 minute format because there's just too much shit happening. ALSO i write my chapters the way i write my DND sessions, meaning they typically have a prominent ending point that i think translates best in a show format so i'll be presenting this as more of an Max original type beat, 13 episodes ranging from like 50 minutes to 90 in length. (pretty hefty but this is my hypothetical world where i get whatever i want lmao)

The Casting :

bks has a fair amount of original characters that all exist in my brain and in said brain i visually know what they look like and in y'alls brains you have an idea what they look like. like lowkey if i'm being real in my brain space bks is sort of animated? like in the style of arcane sort of lmao, so i don't really have physical manifestations of them but i have always had actors in mind of who i imagine would play them so here's that.

Leodall :

i mean if this is my dream hypothetical and i can do whatever i want i think it would be hilarious but also relevant to cast someone sort of silly as leo.

i think that it's important that leo is a little rat bitch by the end but also like he should be just sort of a clumsy disarming guy to start. i get a couple different vibes but like lowkey hear me out.

Jack Quaid??

like he's sort of just a lanky silly guy but also is capable of doing terrible things, i think he'd be a great leo and would also he'd be able to be disarming and likable at the start. just sort of harmless and nervous (until he isn't)

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Lysa :

honestly the hardest person to cast. i love her dearly because in my brain she's done way more than she's done in bks lmao and it's hard for me to seperate that sometimes but i thought about it for a while and i settled on someone who i think would capture Lysa as i imagine her in my mind.

Stephanie Beatriz :

she's visually how i imagine Lysa but also i love her so i think she'd be great.

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Elaine :

this one has always been a no brainer to me. i'd want an actress who is instantly likable and capable of bringing a character that i've grown very fond of to life. there has only ever been one person that comes to mind when i picture someone playing Elaine.

the mother herself : T'Nia Miller

Elaine & Lysa have been sort of wishy washy in description for two reasons, one being that as the story has progressed and they've developed they've become clearer in my mind, two being that there is so much bks and posting something this big chapter by chapter means sometimes i forget what i've previously said (nobodies perfect lmao) but personally T'Nia Miller is one of my favorite actresses and i think she would 100% do Elaine justice.

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Kodo :

this has always been a tough one for me. this is kind of wild but when i started bks i never intended to kodo to be downright evil (idk if i've ever said that before but it's true lmao) i originally intended for him to be more of a harmless idiot? the plot was going to revolve more so around how princess had a lot of internal battles about cheating on a husband who was neglectful at the worst of times but still absolutely harmless.

i realized pretty quickly how much of a fucking bummer that was LMAO. it's hard to write a hot sex scene when the main characters internal monologue is full of guilt, so i VERY quickly made the switch, and it was definitely the right choice, the story needed a villain and i needed to give Kodo some sort of depth so it fell into place pretty quickly. i was also rewatching game of thrones around this time so, surprise surprise, i bet you can guess who i was inspired by. that being said, i don't think Jack Gleeson is the right choice for this role, first off bc that guy should never play a villain again lmao, get him a fucking romcom or something, but also because if i could pick anyone in this hypothetical situation i would pick an actor that is relatively beloved.

kodo is supposed to be really fucking hot (unfortunately) princess isn't interested in him because he's an ass but he's supposed to be pretty attractive, but also at the end of the say he's a prince. like we know he sucks but i would want to cast someone that lowers an audiences expectations and makes them think that he's gonna be chill at first. if you've seen the movie Promising Young Woman (if you haven't drop everything and watch it rn) they do something that i fucking adore, which is casting men that are liked, Bo Burnham, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Max Greenfield, etc. to lower the audiences guards. that movie is jarring for several reasons but i myself fell prey to the casting, i was comforted by actors who i loved and felt a personal pang of betrayal. (great fucking movie, cannot stress this enough)

two actors come to mind for this role, one more than the other but i'm still fond of both.

one choice being : Nicholas Hoult

the only thing that i don't love about this is that it would be a bit repetitive, we've already seen him in the terrible husband role lmao, but it would be fun to see him be far less redeemable than his character in The Great lol. but also he's fucking phenomenal, there's no doubt in my mind that he would be able to capture the character.

my second choice is gonna be a huge hear me out. like some of y'all are about to be real mad at me but fucking- just give me a second to explain i swear there's a vision here.

my second and preferred choice would be : Josh Hutcherson

listen listen listen. i adore him. actually my pookie bear ^^

which is exactly why he's fucking perfect??

people who don't know the source material are lulled into a false sense of safety bc he's just a little guy, he's just a silly little guy. and if you do know the source material you're like is that fucking peeta?? did they make kodo cool as hell?? no they did not. they just wrapped him up in a pretty package.

i'm saying lets get this man back to blonde and let him let his acting chops loose, i think he's perfectly capable of playing the nightmare that is kodo harand and i think he's the best choice like let him be evil.

pretty boys can be evil as a treat.

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Din Djarin :

i mean, come on, we all know who's being put in this role.

Pedrito :

he's din djarin don't tell me otherwise. this era pedro ^^ is bks din like i didn't make starwars but i did make bks and this is canon bks din lmao.

but also like whatever they put in his pedro juice when he was doing plays? i'd get him some of that for this.

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Princess :

this is all in my self indulgent fantasy right? then yeah i suppose i'll play the princess, pull a lin manuel miranda and step up, i was in into the woods in highschool so i've got plenty of experience.

in all seriousness i would cast someone who sort of reminds me of myself, i would be lying if i didn't write her as a vague reflection of myself. i haven't really written a reader like that other than her, she's special to me so in a screen adaptation i would want to be sure that she's done justice.

the obvious choice to me is Stephanie Hsu :

she's a princess, idc. absolutely fucking phenomenal actress (robbed of her oscar btw) and i think that she would be perfect also cause like please cast asian women in things where their entire character isn't built around the fact that they're asian, let them have a character unrelated to that fact PLEASE. she's gorgeous, talented, and charming like she's my bks princess, always has been, anytime i've fancasted bks in my head she's my leading lady.

but also there is a second option that comes to mind which would be the lovely : Simone Ashley

i haven't been shy about how bridgerton inspired bks. she's the love of my life, another actress where i see her and i'm just like yeah she's a princess, it's a no brainer like that could very well be bks princess.

The Plot ( things i'd add, keep, or remove ) :

i'd keep most things the same, obviously i'd cut certain things to properly fill the available time

i would go full hbo max privilege, i want steamy fucking sex scenes, the sex is important to the story like let's be real. some of dins growth is shown through sex, the way he goes from being completely in control of things to being more willing to be vulnerable?? that shits important.

i would def add a lysa and elaine plot, they would have a side plot

there isn't really much i'd cut, if anything i'd cut the blowjob in chapter seven lmaoo, just bc that's the only thing i've ever considered changing in the story just bc it's always felt unnatural to me.

The Episodes :

this section is gonna cover how i would present each episode and also what chapters would be featured in each episode.

also just as a general creative choice i think princess would lowkey be fleabag lmao. like she def talks to the audience cause she's a little silly but also bc her internal monologue is written to be a little funny

Episode One :

chapter one

chapter two

i think this episode would follow the source material well. i actually really like the first couple of chapters of bks, i think they were a good hook for the story so i would keep things similar to how they're written.

Episode Two :

chapter three

chapter four

same as episode one ^

Episode Three :

chapter five

this would be the din episode, instead of princess talking to the audience i like to think just for this episode he would instead. also i have sort of a specific vision for this.

it's canon that bks din is relatively hard of hearing so i would want this episode to open on him getting ready in his cabin before doing all the flashbacks of his point of view of everything. he's not wearing his helmet for the first few minutes while a song plays and he cuts his own hair, his face is never visible in the shot.

everything else stays the same

this is where i get dorky.

dins internal monologue will convey something that i'm not sure i've properly gotten across in bks LMAO but i've always written a din who feels naked in front of princess and not in a sexy way but in an emotional way. he always feels as if she can see through his helmet and it makes him real fucking nervous around her lmao.

so like lowkey hypothetical ending shot is from out in the hall, princess inviting him in and from behind he isn't wearing his helmet bc metaphors.

Episode Four :

chapter six

chapter seven

chapter eight

i think the focus here would be six and eight tbh, if i'm being honest the rules were supposed to be way more important than they ended up being lmaooo, i just went in a different direction with it so i would maybe change that to something else. the book is still important for chapter 25 so maybe like a contract or something that they both sign.

Episode Five :

chapter nine

chapter ten

chapter eleven

yeah i mean this is me being unoriginal but like if it aint broke don't fix it so like i'd keep a lot of stuff relatively the same

Episode Six :

chapter twelve

chapter thirteen

chapter fourteen

^^ same here

Episode Seven :

chapter fifteen

chapter sixteen

i think that the ending spot would be different here than in the source material, the chapter ends with din asking her to come to the cabin but i think instead i would just end with the kiss and open the next one with the cabin convo

Episode Eight :

chapter seventeen

chapter eighteen

chapter nineteen

this is like the anti angst episode, these chapters should be all relationship building up until the chapter nineteen sex scene which i would want rather tastefully done but still filthy. that's sort of the tagline of this hypothetical show, tasteful and filthy

Episode Nine :

chapter twenty

chapter twenty one

another anti angst chapter except this one has a big bad ending so yknow, big dramatic ending, i honestly think there is no need for 'tasteful' violence. like this should be extremely jarring, like din has been protective to a fault but this is like straight up mandalorian possessive rage like fr get his ass yknow? lets see that blood

Episode Ten :

chapter twenty two

chapter twenty three

chapter twenty four

this would probably be the longest ep in my opinion. twenty two is real fucking hefty but also the lunar markets is gonna be the big surprise set piece i want that shit to be gorgeous like i imagine it being so fucking twinkly and delightful

Episode Eleven :

chapter twenty five

lets keep this one straight from the source material, like just use the chapter as a script yknow?

Episode Twelve :

chapter twenty six

chapter twenty seven

i can't say anything about this because it's not technically written yet lmao

Episode Thirteen :

chapter twenty eight

chapter twenty nine

same here ^

The Soundtrack :

music is important. we wouldn't have bks at all without music because it was music that inspired me to write in the first place and it's helped the story along since then, every time i get stuck on something plot wise i play music until something clicks. it's always been the secret ingredient for my writing so it would be extremely important to a screen adaptation.

i think it would be fun to have each episode end with a smash cut to the credits with music, i've always been a big fan of that so this section contains music that i'd use for specific scenes but also what song i would want playing at the end.

Episode One :

end this ep with :

I Can See You (Taylor's Version)

i mean it's a little on the nose but this is lowkey bks anthem so i think it's a solid choice for the ep one ending also it's always fun to end on a pop song yknow?

˖⁺‧₊˚✦

Episode Two :

end this ep with :

Honeymoon - Lana Del Rey

another bks anthem, like listen to the lyrics it's crazy, and i think based on the ending of chapter four this would be an appropriate ending song

˖⁺‧₊˚✦

Episode Three :

Losing My Religion - R.E.M.

this would be the opening of the episode. din never facing the camera and he would get ready for his day while this plays

end this ep with :

Not Strong Enough - boygenius

this is def his ending song like bks din would cry if he heard this song.

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Episode Four :

end this ep with :

See You Again (feat. Kali Uchis) - Tyler, The Creator

this is one of those ones where i'm just sort of like hell yeah. in my minds eye this works, there is a visual here like trust.

˖⁺‧₊˚✦

Episode Five :

end this ep with :

I'm Your Man - Mitski

mitski is another artist that bks!din would listen to in his cabin while he cries like this is def how he's feeling at the end of chapter eleven

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Episode Six :

end this ep with :

Saturn - Sleeping At Last

with where this one ends i think that something sort of soft is important, a solid instrumental works well here

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Episode Seven :

end this ep with :

Starboy - Vitamin String Quartet

i wanted something a little more upbeat but also sort of on theme and i think this is extremely accurate.

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Episode Eight :

Religion - Lana Del Rey

this is the sex song.

like this is and always has been the song that plays when they have sex without his helmet one for the first time, i consider that to be the first time he's really din with her during sex and this song is straight heat so of course this is what plays during that scene.

end this ep with :

Electric Love - BØRNS

i mean it's a little cheesy but i think it's fun and this episode ends in a happy place so it's neat to have a happy song refecting that yknow?

˖⁺‧₊˚✦

Episode Nine :

Like Real People Do - Hozier

i mean, this is the song that inspired the chapters featured in this episode, it's an important song because a lot of bks later on revolves around the need for normalcy, these two just want to love each other like real people

end this ep with :

I Fought the Law - The Clash

i mean like, this is a bit silly but also like i love when a show ends in a dark spot and a hilarious upbeat song plays, like, i eat it up every time and i think this is just so fun lmao like he fr fought the law (im hilarious)

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Episode Ten :

end this ep with :

Lover - Taylor Swift

sort of a calm before the storm song, relaxing ass song before all hell breaks lose in the next episode yknow?

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Episode Eleven :

The Secret History - Kerry Muzzey, The Chamber Orchestra of London

this is our searching for din song. long ass sequence, def longer than it is in the chapter lmao

end this ep with :

Borderline - Tame Impala

god i fucking love this song

but also i feel as though this song has a sense of dread to it that i think is perfect for the way chapter twenty five ends

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Episode Twelve :

this is a hard one to pick definitive music to, there's a lot of music that is relevant to the chapters featured in this episode so here's just like, a cluster of music that i think would be relevant

Skyfall - Adele

The Night We Met - Lord Huron

Eleanor Rigby - Cody Fry

Fourth of July - Sufjan Stevens

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Episode Thirteen :

My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski

i obviously can't say what this would be in reference to but the last technical scene of bks would end with this song. i think the epilouge would have different music

Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine

i kinda sorta think that the epilogue could be crammed into a montage that could just be a post credit scene to this song.

that's all, if anyone actually read all of this i will kiss you fr like you're crazy for that and i love you.

if you write fic this was so fun?? like i really do recommend doing this or like a less extreme version of this lol i've been trying to force myself to take a little break from writing but i couldn't think of anything else to do so i did this haha

[initiumseries]

Hi,

I searched your blog but didn’t see anything, not sure if I’m using the wrong keywords.

I’m watching Angel for the first time and I’m wondering what your takes were on Spike being a champion and the whole Nina/Angel relationship.

Thanks for looking! I haven't talked too much about s5 because usually on a rewatch I'm sick of the show by season 3, but I've contemplated skipping s4 entirely or just watching episodes and then jumping to s5 to refresh me. But anyway, I never really had strong opinions about Nina and Angel. I think at most, I was glad we were finally no longer acting like sex was off the table for Angel, because it never was. Sex with Buffy is off the table and that's because, well, true love. So with Nina came the acknowledgment that there was not the same kind of feelings there and that was fine. Especially after the whole horrible Cordelia thing, it was a breath of fresh air at the time. I don't know if I'll still feel that way now, but I did at the time.

As for the Spike thing...well...hmm. Lol. I don't believe Spike earned his position as a Champion. I think that they made Spike a poor man's Angel and I think his character deserved better than that. Angel's soul was thrust upon him, sure, but he rose to the occasion when called. Spike, did not. Spike lamented his circumstances despite doing it to himself. He whined and self pitied and then was used against the side of good to kill potentials for the first because he was so weak willed. I don't think he did a single think in s7 BTVS to deserve being a champion other than sacrificing himself, which, honestly, isn't enough, because again, he didn't do that to save the world, he did that to save Buffy. Spike's motivations for being "good" have always been either, because he still got to kill (when he had the chip), and then eventually because it got him closer to Buffy. In Angel, s1-3, Angel is put through hell because he is still atoning, but Spike...just gets to be a Champion now? Lmao. He doesn't earn it, and it's insulting honestly. But I think shows struggle with characters changing while still maintaining their core personalities, because it requires a longterm goal and plan.

Consider Zuko's redemption arc. It's probably the best redemption arc ever done on television. But it's because from the very beginning, Zuko was not irredeemable. He struggled, but he received love, he was forced into situations that exposed him to the violence of the fire nation, and ended up on the receiving end of that brutality. He was stripped of his royal status and had to interact with every day people, seeing the scars of war. It fundamentally changed him as a person. And even then, when the time comes for him to make a big choice, he makes the wrong one. He chooses his home, his sister, his previous life, and Aang nearly dies for it. But he had idealized the palace, and when he returns, and his uncle refuses to speak to him, he feels shame and regret. He realizes he isn't the same person he was when he left. He finally makes the right choice, and seeks out the Gaang, and they don't accept him easily. When they do, it's because Zuko *acknowledges* how he hurt them and how he plans on doing better. And even after ALL that, he still has to win over Katara.

But Spike? Lmao. Spike gets a chip in his head - which on its own is hilarious and fun - but becomes exhausting after a while. He doesn't spend more time around the scoobies and begin to see value in what the scoobies are fighting for. He doesn't begin to realize all the fear and harm and damage demons do to humans. He doesn't even actually save anybody, he just kills demons because it's the only people he can kill. He creates the buffybot out of his obsession with Buffy, and she rewards him for it. He doesn't go out and save people on his own, he kills demons on his own. He doesn't begin a path to redemption and keep trying to do right. He manipulates Buffy into spending time together "fighting evil" to expose Riley and stands outside her house so long he leaves piles of cigarettes. When he keeps Joyce and Dawn safe, it's to impress Buffy. It's not really about Joyce and Dawn. Sure, he likes them, but if they weren't an extension of Buffy, he wouldn't care about them nearly as much. He has no path to redemption, no reckoning with who he used to be, no guilt even. With a soul he mocks Robin, and wears his dead mother's jacket. Angel was ANGUISHED over what he'd done before. Spike tries to rape Buffy, then gets a soul to punish her. He never truly apologizes or is forced to confront what he did to Buffy. The scoobies aren't even allowed to be mad at him over it, much less make him work for their forgiveness. Buffy just lets it all slide. Then he self immolates and he's a champion? Where's the path to goodness? Where's the redemption? Where's the amends? Angel has an entire episode dedicated to making amends. Spike? Lol.

So all that to say, I don't think him becoming a Champion is any more earned or deserved than I think it made sense for Cordelia to suddenly take Buffy's place cuz she got visions.

[castlebyersafterdark]

you've probably answered this before but if byler were to have sex in the show, how would you want it to be done?

I'm on the fence of heavily explicit and realistic or very fluffy but not showing much.

heavily explicit cause it would be hot and a HUGE fuck you to homophobes (especially if they had sex in the church 👀)

but i also love fluffy byler so idk 😖

I change my answer every time someone asks me this so it's totally ok that this is a common question hahaha. It's fun to reconsider from many angles because it's so unpredictable!!

I would like something in the middle. Because super explicit doesn't really go along with the vibes of the show. I don't think it's going to change to TVMA because of sex - maybe horror.

I think a sex scene can be both fluffy and spicy. If they give us one - I'd love for it to be a mix of both, showing the difference with these two characters compared to the other romances. I'd like more than the slammed door fade to black implication we got with Jancy. And a more passionate, loving vibe than we got with Stancy. The culmination of a lifetime of longing and best friendship and the clear physical shift in relationship. Fuck you to homophobes no matter what though!! That's always the mood.

Has anyone seen How to Get Away With Murder??? I always want to talk about that show. I'm pretty sure it had a TV14 rating which is appropriate for Stranger Things. And HTGAWM had some really hot gay sex scenes!! Totally spicy, really tasteful, didn't shy away from anything. References to blowjobs and rimming multiple times over the seasons on a popular network prime time television show?! HELLO. Meaningful and relevant storylines for their gay characters!? YES. Extraordinary. The overall show veered from brilliant to ridiculous but it's honestly one of my favorites ever (and it's one me and my fiance both love so a rewatch is always on the table 💙). LIIIIKE watch this clip. This was one of the first few episodes!! I remember watching this the first time and my jaw just dropped at what I was seeing on my TV. DELIGHTED. It's a good demonstration of something really sexy and really tasteful, but still full of passion. I'm not sure ST would go as far as this show, but this is at least a demonstration of what still falls under not completely explicit, simulated sex like something you'd find on Euphoria, but not a fade to black either.

[charmac]

any thoughts about kaitlyn's new show coming out?

I'm not really into the premise of the show honestly, but I will be tuning in for a few reasons:

First being that I'm a big weekly serialised TV guy (and always have been). If your show has a ton of episodes and airs weekly in an 8, 9, or 10pm slot on network television I will be seated (at least to see if I actually enjoy it).

Also the head writer and writer of the Pilot episode is Drew Goddard, who is a very seasoned TV writer but, for me, the major draw being he was an executive producer and writer on Lost, my all-time favourite show. I have some trust that it will be well written.

But the main reason I'll be following the show for at least the fall season is that originally High Potential was to be spear-headed by Rob Thomas, who created another one of my favourite shows, iZombie. Interestingly, Rob Thomas dropped out as Showrunner and as Executive Producer in June for no given reason. Production went on hiatus for about a month due to this, and his name has been pulled from any connection to the show. I believe the first few episodes are still under him (they didn't re-write or re-shoot what they had, simply transitioned to a new Showrunner), so I'm pretty interested to follow the shift there. We'll see how things go...

Also, weird fun fact my high brain made a connection that High Potential premieres on the 15th anniversary of the premiere of Season 5 of Sunny...