#so he can go back to his drama queen pose

[scribz-ag24]

I've recently seen again a post talking about the Sableye and Dusknoir's relationship so i'd like to put my two cents in the discussion, for I love screaming into the void about PMD. (this isnt meant to discourage any other interpretations btw this is just my take on theirs and Dusknoir's relationship, bc I think they're very fun characters and I am very glad the game actually gives these minions a bit of relevance in se5).

Tbh I don't buy that Dusknoir treats the Sableye nicely, at least not out of kindness. I don't think he's a tyrant or inexplicably mean, of course, and I think his minions ADORE him, but i also believe that doesn't mean he's nice to them, sth that i consider meaningful for their character arcs.

Throughout the entire game he's exclusively giving them orders, in se5 he concocts a plan that involves thrashing them MULTIPLE times (he's lucky Grovyle isn't one to try and kill enemies in battle ig), and the cherry on top is that the first time we see him being fully genuine he does this:

(yes, he is in turmoil in here, but there's not a single thing implying that 1. this is an unusual response towards the sablye, 2. dusknoir feels bad for it at some point or is surprised at himself, 3. this has any impact in the sableye at all. You can argue these reactions happen off screen and we don't see them, they don't happen bc they have pressing matters to attend to or they happen after they return to life, and that's perfectly valid, but i'm sticking with what the game shows us, here.)

I must say, though, the fact that the Sableye, despite having been almost mindless pokémon up to now, STAND UP TO AND ATTACK Primal Dialga for their boss and even try to look after him despite him ordering them to check on Grovyle and Celebi first is SO important to me. they are goons to the bone and they love that scheming ghost so much.

My own view is that Dusknoir is generally polite to them (you wouldn't randomly break your own revolver or weapon without any reason, would you?), but is quicker to get mean with them than with people he doesn't know or he is seeking to manipulate. He doesn't care about their behaviour as long as they get the job done, which is why I think the anime thing of the Sableye climbing onto his shoulder isn't that remarkable, rather it's a very cute moment, one that is showing how they've been working together for long and how their size difference affects their interactions, but it is not necessarily conveying an affectionate bond (this is a bit random, but it reminds me of Disney's Jafar with Iago lmao. throw your pet sableye at your enemies so they mock them and then return to your shoulder). Additionally, Dusknoir letting the Sableye onto his shoulder is probably as close as we are gonna get to a villain turning around in his chair while petting a cat in PMD lol.

[this isn't meant to be a one-to-one comparison, it's just a detail i find cute and shows that this gesture can have multiple interpretations, with none being the only right one]

Leaving that aside, I hesitate to claim Dusknoir trusts his Sableye as allies, as Grovyle makes a point in the main story of how the Sableye (your Sableye, he says, as if objectifying them; not friends, but tools, weapons at Dusknoir's disposal) are lacking compared to the way hero/partner/grovyle support one another (power of friendship and hidden information babyyyy). The Sableye are used to Dusknoir's way of doing things, though, I'm sure. They know what happens when he's displeased, after all.

I think, most of all, the Sableye are meant to look disposable: they are 6 identical pokémon that almost act like a hivemind, and we are not supposed to think at all about how we may hurt them in battle any more than we do with the angry Manectric pack or random dungeon pokémon. This, I believe, is why the game has them stand up against Dialga and gives them unique dialogue at the end of se5. They're meant to show their inner shine, just as Dusknoir managed to do. They suddenly gain an individuality they had never shown while they were working to maintain the dark future.

Where they abandoned Dusknoir in the Old Ruins, now Grovyle has motivated them to look for their dignity and fight for a better world, and that starts with protecting their leader from Primal Dialga's rampage, and supporting his new objective and allies in their quest to save the future. In their own small way, they've also grown as characters throughout SE5.

I believe that, overall, Dusknoir saw the Sableye as tools, but thanks to their growth and clear care for him, there's a possibility he might start to see them (and by extension other pokémon) in a more genuine, less pragmatic / objectifying way in the future. Now that Dusknoir has the chance to live a fulfilling life, he may learn to care for others without surrounding himself by so many walls. If anything, I think their future is quite bright. Not that the Sableye would mind if he still thrashed them around, though lol, they're clearly not bothered much by it (special episode 0 had a great depiction of the sableye imo, you can check that romhack if you haven't yet).

In conclusion, look at these little guys who adore their can-get-mean-but-is-mostly-polite boss and probably have a body count but now are good, they're so cute:

[twst-drabbles]

How about yandere with either cater or vil (maybe both if you dont mind) trying to fight for you anyway they can. Id love if there were tears, bruises and a lot of nsfw if thats alright ¤v¤

Cater 5

Summary: You really should've blocked Cater the moment he sent you those pictures, but there's a morbid part of you that's curious. And so, you end up wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine.

(Got struck with an idea that I thought was neat. Got pretty long so I couldn't stuff as much nsfw stuff as I could've wanted. The stuff that is there is... well it painful nsfw stuff, you'll see what I mean. Either way! Enjoy!)

You've come to know Cater as a liar. A fun liar, the drama queen type that likes to exaggerate things for the sake of either getting more views or just get more engagement out of people. He stretches out stories in such a weird way that it entertains you.

As such, when he texted you that he got his ass beat from trying to "clear your name," or whatever, you thought it was just another one of his stories. Perhaps he got slapped to kingdom come, or his clothes or hair got damaged. The students here in this college are prissy like that, preferring less the messiness of physical fighting and more the magical variety.

Then he sent you a selfie. Took a picture of himself in front of a mirror, shirt open as if to entice you, with belt loose and everything. "Like what you see?"

You never took him for a masochist, but the evidence was all on display.

Dark purple bruises littered his ribs, torso practically warped with those swelled up lumps of skin. The knuckles of Cater's hand were scrapped, a large blister over his forearm, and a long cut that traveling from his wrist all the way to his elbow.

He should be in the hospital, but he was smiling with bitten lips and red eyes, as if nothing is wrong with the world. It was painful to look at and you texted as such.

"Oh come on, it's not that bad! You should see what I did to the other guy. Lookie here!"

…there was exposed bone, glittering with it's drying viscera as the sun laid its gaze upon it. Two of Cater's clones grinned with missing teeth, giving peace signs to the camera as a body laid prone on the grass, face twisted away all the way around into the ground.

Sometimes, you forget how dangerous magic is, and how fatal it can be when combines with the brutal need to hurt and maim.

You did not ask Cater to do this. You're in a college as a magicless half-student, filled to the brim with people who's egos are constantly on the hunt for something to feast on. You happen to be a rather perfect target, a person that everyone can talk shit about because what are you gonna do? You have no magic, no family, no nothing in this world, so therefore, no standing or power to ever defend yourself with.

Naturally you had to complain, and who better to have listen than Cater? He's always hungry for drama and you certainly had a lot to give.

That and you were always under the impression that he wouldn't do anything drastic, at least, wouldn't kill someone.

"Now you don't have to worry about this little hater for a bit, okay? See you tomorrow, love ya!"

…so, what do you do? Simple. You go to sleep, and pretend that he doesn't exist. Because you know what happens when you try and tell the teachers anything? Crowley gets a whiff of it somehow, then silences the situation until things are back to normal. Normal, at the expense of you.

Again, what can you do? You just do what's in your power. Ignore, ignore and ignore.

This college was always strange. You never should've made the mistake of trying to find any sort of familiar comfort here.

Days passed and more photos were sent. You didn't reply, but you always saw because you couldn't keep your curiosity at bay. A cycle of Cater getting himself hurt on his hunts, then him showing off the injuries to you in the form of a collage of selfies in increasingly salacious poses.

In one picture, he was straight up grabbing himself. On that day, you didn't look at his texts at all. And so, he begged you to not block him, to at least mark his messages as read so he can cling onto the fantasy that you're looking at him, you got an idea.

"Send me a clone. One clone. And it better be a clone and not you."

It was the middle of the night, you should've waited until after class to send the text. But oh well, the clone--probably--is here, happy and waiting. Looks pretty bright-eyed and bushy tailed for someone that keeps getting beat up for the sake of your attention.

It was… annoying, irritating.

You didn't wait. You stabbed him with the skewer you forgot to put away, right on your front porch. He fell upon the rotting wood floor and curled over his stomach. His eyes were wide, tears leaking out from the pain. Now if only his mouth would stop those yearning moans.

"Quiet, Grim's sleeping." You tried stabbing his spine but bone is a lot harder to pierce through. Instead, it sank between a rib and through a lung. And Cater, listening to you, covered his mouth. "Hold still."

You didn't like him looking at you, so you grabbed his hair and forced his head to bow at your feet. His throat bobbed, and you stabbed that too. It… wasn't as messy as you thought it would be. There was blood, there was gurgling, but it wasn't a gash.

When you were done, when this clone became a still body, you brought out your phone and took a picture. You sent to Cater without any words.

Thirty minutes later, Cater sent you a voice message. You knew that if you clicked it, you would be subjected to a disgusting session of self pleasure.

"Thank you," he texted, as if you gave him something most delicious. How gross.

"Send me another clone tomorrow." Because, as messy as it initially was, it was fun. And, the clone was self cleaning.

[hannah-shipper-banana]

I, personally, will NOT tolerate any Ally Dawson slander. That’s my bby girl.

How can you say Austin cared more about her than she did for him? Girlie was most definitely in love.

Just for that, here are some things Ally did for him…

Season 1

. She forgave him for stealing her song.

.She literally forgave him for humiliating her on live TV AND agreed to be his songwriter even though they were literally like 14 years old.

. She fricking WROTE most of his songs for him despite the fact that she had a JOB and school and a life! She also went through a lot writing said songs.

. Everyone (especially Austin) was being a massive dick to her for not having a song despite that fact that she had a life of her own and a store to run and whatnot. That got me so mad. Poor girl was literally getting pressured by everyone.

. She encouraged Austin to do good things so that Tilly couldn’t get any bad footage of him.

.She attempted to perform,despite the fact that she had stage fright, so that Tilly would stop posing embarrassing footage of him. Even when he told her she didn’t have to go through with it, she still tried. (He eventually did it for her but its the thought that counts)

.Ally gave him Dougie the dolphin.

. She defended him and told him to hide when everyone thought Austin was the Mall thief. Home girl fully stood up to a whole mob by herself.

. She helped him overcome his fear of umbrellas.

. She forgave him for ‘accidentally’ playing her song on the radio and went through with his plan of Trish pretending to be her.

. She helped him get with Cassidy by writing him a song. (Yh the first one was bad but that’s literally what he told her to write. Heartbeat was a banger tho)

. SHE FRICKING GAVE UP THE CHANCE TO GO TO AN ELITE MUSIC SCHOOL (WITH A FULL SCHOLARSHIP) SO THAT SHE COULD CONTINUE TO WRITE SONGS FOR HIM! AND HE WASN’T EVEN THAT BIG YET!

Season 2

. She performed with him (despite the fact that she had stage fright) by pretending to be Taylor Swift.

. She bungee jumped off a bridge with him (yh it was to cover up her lie but…) so that he could make a good impression with the magazine editor.

. Ally was fully ready to accept her punishment from her dad so that Trish and Dez could buy Austin more time so he can run home before his parents get home (yh he still got in trouble but that was only because the fan page alerted his parents, he would’ve gotten away with it) Yes I know Austin was selfless this whole episode but Im trying to prove a point here ok? Also can I just say it was so obvious they liked each other from this episode

.She helped him plan a date FOR ANOTHER GIRL despite the fact that she started having feelings for him. And she pulled out all the stops too because she knew he liked Kira

. She could’ve outed him then and there to Kira that they kissed but she literally just walked away.

. Ally wasn’t petty or mad when she thought he chose Kira over her. She was accepting.

. Ally still wrote a song about him even though she was a little mad at him. (He then serenades her and wins her back with said song)

.Ally still offered to write him a song (the only time she could was 4am) despite having her own career to focus on, and he declined. And at the last minute offered to give him one of hers but he though they were too girly.

. Home girl was ready to give up her song (the most personal one she’s ever written) to Kira, so that Kira could consider asking Jimmy to sign Austin again. (Kira is a literal sweetheart and let Ally sing it herself but…) Also Austin was fully ready to let Ally take his place at Starr Records but Ally wasn’t having that either.

. Ally gave him his own songbook to write his music in.

. Ally wanted him to enjoy his youth, so convinced him to stay on the basketball team despite what Jimmy said.

. She helped him makeover his idol Jackson Lowe and get him back into stardom

. She forgave him for meeting with another songwriter despite the fact that he was being a drama queen and she had more of a right to be mad at him.

. She was ready to give up making her debut album just so that she could go on tour with him but Trish had to convince her not to.

Season 3

. Ally fully came just to see them (mainly him) despite that she was working on her own music. Even if she saw him for 3 days she was ready to drop everything to see him.

. She decided to stay on tour with him because she missed him too much and didn’t want to miss his first tour. He begged her to stay and she did.

.She distracted the tour guide and the press on numerous occasions so that he can escape with the silver shoes and not get in trouble.

. Ally fully adopted an ALIAS and risked losing her record deal, just so she could continue to write songs for him. Even when she had second thoughts, Austin convinced her to go through with it and she did.

.She then stood up to her FUCKING BOSS and risked losing her record deal because she refused to stop writing songs for him. She was not going down without a fight.

. She helped him with his Physics project and even made the paper plane for him. (He didn’t end up using it but he would’ve gotten an A if he did)

. Ally was the one who helped Austin overcome his stage fright and basically the one who pulled him out of his funk.

.Ally was such a supportive wifey that episode. Firstly she tried to hide the magazines with the bad review on Austin so he wouldn’t be hurt. Then she always convinced him to look at it positively. Then she became Swag Master Ally to pull him out of his funk.

.Then she gave him the ultimate pep talk which convinced him to perform in front of the critic.

.And of course she was his safety net when he was performing so he wouldn’t get nervous. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

.She knew something was off about Dwayne and started to investigate which led her to seeing that he was obsessed with Austin. She then came up with the plan to distract the butler so they all could escape.

. Ally helps him convince Dwayne Wade he wrote the song so he could stop being obsessed with him.

.She convinced him to go to prom and enjoy himself with Piper even though she still had feelings for him and she knew Austin was hesitant to leave her alone.

. Ally (and Trish and Dez) helped him escape Brooke.

. She (with everyone else, but especially her) didn’t want her dad to sell Sonic Boom because its where they had the most memories (its also where she grew up) and hatched a plan to convince her dad not to go through with the sale. (This is more everyone’s doing but still)

. Ally broke up with him (she really didn’t want to) because she didn’t want Austin to lose his record deal. And we all know how that turned out.

Season 4

. Ally gave up going on her tour so that she could stay in Miami with him for senior year because she knew she was gonna miss him.

.She (with Trish and Dez) begged him not to go to military school.

. She was the one who came up with the Music Factory idea so Austin wouldn’t have to work at his parents’ store forever, and he could get to do what he loves.

. She pushed him to do better in his exam so he could graduate with them

.She still made the giant pancake for him even tho he lost the bet, because she loves him and wanted to give him something for believing in her (🥹)

. Ally stayed up all night baking the 6 tier wedding cake he wanted but she really didn’t need to because everything was already done. She felt guilty that she didn’t help out more and wanted to make it up to him. (She even got cake all over her trying to get it to school)

. This isnt a point really but can I just say Ally was the only one who figured out that Flermy was Austin right away. Home girl knows her man when she sees him.

.Ally forgave him (and Trish) for not believing that she could pull off the performance at the awards show.

. Ally convinces him not to get in his head too much about his first performance since the break. She kept telling him not to listen to the fortune teller so that he wont get anxious.

.She tried to get him to think positively no matter how many things were going wrong. She even tried to lie when something the the fortune teller came true, so that he wouldn’t think what the teller told him would be true too. (That was a mouthful). Girlie was stressed for him this entire episode.

.She was the main one convincing him not to believe the negative prediction from the fortune teller.

.She tries to help him get out of the glass box.

. Ally lets the Austin impersonator stay in the music factory as Austin is coaching him. (Despite him making mess and making noise)

. Ally forgives him for losing her library book and lying about it (it almost didn’t allow her to graduate but she fixed that)

. ALLY GIVES AUSTIN HER SONGBOOK AS A GOODBYE PRESENT. Everyone knows her songbook is her firstborn child (sorry Ava). The songbook was basically her personal diary and contained all their memories she would’ve written down.

. Not to mention that the songbook had pre written songs in it so his career could continue while she was at school.

. Ally admits that she continued to write songs about him even though they were broken up.

. They sing a song she wrote about him, and that’s the performance that gets them back together.

. She agrees to officially become a musical duo with him. (Im now realizing this is yet another parallel to the pilot)

Just because Austin was more open with his love (and more dramatic) it doesn’t mean that Ally loved him any less.

Anyone with eyes can see that they’re both just as in love (and obsessed) with the other.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

[sweet-villain]

Cause I Believe ~7~ Older Eddie Munson

Part 6

Summary : You take Eddie one a date, a thing happens and a real talk happens too.

You rummaged through your closet, the fabric of your favorite shirt brushing your fingers. An old band tee, rough at the edges. Perfect.

“Eddie’s never seen you like this,” you muttered, slipping into a pair of boots. The mirror reflected a spark of excitement.

Eddie strolled into your apartment, a lopsided grin beneath his wild curls. He held a worn cowboy hat, tilting it to eye it nervously. 

“Does this make me look… ridiculous?” He scrunched his face, hand pressed against the brim, weighing it. He added a toothpick to the corner of his mouth

“Only if you don't wear it right,” you shot back, grabbing it from his hands. With a swift move, you placed it on his head, adjusting it playfully.

His hands brushed the felt, fingertips lingering on the edge. “I don't know, this kinda feels like a costume party. Are they gonna laugh at me?”

“They’ll envy you. Just watch.”

He shuffled his feet, both anxious and curious. “And you really want to take me line dancing?”

“Trust me. You’ll look good out there—just… follow my lead.”

Eddie shrugged, lips twitching up into a reluctant smile. “Fine, but if I step on your toes, I’m blaming you.”

" Stop being such a drama queen.....Edward.. your full name is Edward?" Eddie rolled his eyes, but the hint of a smile crept onto his lips. “Not even close. Eddie Munson, through and through, no fancy names needed.” 

"Suit yourself, Edward" you teased, while he huffed. “Very funny. Let’s hope the dance floor doesn’t chew me up and spit me out,” he quipped, his fingers brushing against the guitar pick necklace that hung loosely around his neck. 

" You'll be fine, a rockstar like you dancing like that would sure catch attention.." 

Eddie snorted, his eyes narrowing. “Yeah, because all the hotshot musicians just waltz into honky-tonks to show off their two left feet.” He adjusted the hat again, this time tilting it slightly to the side.

" You look good, but didn't you wear this shirt the other day?" you poked the sleeveless shirt that was torn on the bottom. 

Eddie shot you a mock glare. “You have no proof.” He crossed his arms, the pinky of his left hand gripping the collar like a shield. “Plus, it’s got... character.”

“Character, huh? More like it you need a new wardrobe" 

“Hey, this is vintage!” Eddie pronounced, his eyes widening as if he held the most valuable treasure. “A real piece of nostalgia. It’s a whole vibe, you know?”

" Yeah a vibe, I bet you only owe like three pair of pants" 

He chuckled, pushing the brim of the hat up with a finger. “Three? Try five. Every rockstar needs options.” He flashed a grin that danced across his face like a flickering flame.

“Do you have leapord pants too now? " you teased. 

Eddie leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Only on wild nights when I need to bring out my inner animal.” 

You laughed, imagining Eddie in a pair of leopard print trousers. 

“Please, hold your horses. We're not going to any rockstar show. Line dancing. I wanna see what moves you have." 

“Moves? Is that what we’re calling this?” Eddie wiggled his hips in an exaggerated fashion, his hat nearly slipping off. “I don’t think these hallowed halls of line dancing are ready for my signature moves.” He says. 

" Oh they aren't ready for two left feet Eddie Munson" you teased. Eddie rolled his eyes, his grin wide, revealing that spark of mischief. “Two left feet? I'm just saving my energy for the big show. The crowd can only handle so much.” 

“Right. And I’m sure they all are dying to swoon over your feet" 

Eddie straightened up, hands on his hips, feigning a pose. “I’m a wild card, baby. A real showstopper.” His voice dripped with sarcasm, and he failed to suppress a grin.

" Okay wild card, let's go before we're late" you pushed him out the door and locking the apartment. 

As you stepped into the brisk evening air, the sound of the city buzzed around you. The moon hung low, casting a golden color over everything. 

He opened the passenger side door for you. 

"Such a gentleman," you quipped, sliding into the seat. 

Eddie rolled his eyes but couldn’t mask the grin spreading across his face. “I gotta score some points before the toe-stepping starts.” He settled into the driver’s side, starting the car. 

" You need to clean this car once in awhile, Munson" you shoved some candy wrappers into the cup holder. 

Eddie chuckled, tossing an amused glance your way. “It’s character! Makes it feel lived-in. Besides, it matches my wardrobe perfectly.” He revved the engine, a low rumble that vibrated through the seats.

" It smells like someone died in here too" you waved your hand around. 

Eddie’s laughter blended with the rev of the engine as he arched an eyebrow at you. “Now you’re just being melodramatic. It’s called… ambiance.” He shot you a wink, shifting gears as he pulled onto the parking lot onto the road. 

" Do you know where we're going, Eddie? I'm suppose to be taking you on the date.." 

Eddie glanced at you, smirking. “Well, I thought I was the one supposed to be leading the way.” He turned onto a side street, tires crunching against gravel. “ Besides I don't think I'm all ready for you to drive my car" He adds. 

You looked disbelief, throwing your hands up. “What? Scared of my stellar driving skills?” 

“Let’s not test the limits of either my car or my sanity tonight.” Eddie leaned back, a mixture of amusement and mock horror dancing across his eyes. 

You gave Eddie the directions to go. 

" Wait, you must like me a lot to do this. You're not the type to like things like this" you turned to face him.

Eddie’s fingers drummed against the steering wheel, the rhythm of the car matched by the pace of his heartbeat. “You’re right. I don’t typically pair my dark aesthetic with sparkly boots and cowgirl hats.”

“Sparkly boots? Eddie they have glitter on them and it's barely showing" you chuckled, shaking your head. 

Eddie chuckled, his laughter warm against the cool evening air. “Just because they don’t shine like a disco ball doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch. Besides,” he added, glancing sideways with a sly grin, “maybe I'm looking to impress you."

Heat washed over your cheeks, and a laugh escaped before you could catch it. You glanced out the window, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across the dashboard, trying to mask the flutter in your chest. 

He parks the car in front of the small like resturant that blaring music inside, Eddie scrunches his nose not liking it to his taste. He leaves the car running as he looks over at you. 

Eddie’s gaze shifted to the entrance, where flashes of neon painted the night. “So this is the place, huh? Looks like a set from an old Western flick.” He chuckled, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty beneath the tone he was using.

"you'll have fun" you reassured him by putting your hand on top of his on the sterring wheel. 

Eddie glanced down at your hand, fingers curling slightly as if absorbing the warmth. His brow relaxed, though uncertainty still lingered in his tight smile.

“Right, line dancing. This is totally my scene,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Born to do this" he groans. 

“Come on, rockstar. Embrace it!” You nudged him playfully, your touch lingering a moment longer than needed. The anticipation bubbled within you.

Eddie sighed, " You're lucky your cute." 

You laughed, caught off guard, the compliment hanging between you like a soft note. Eddie turned to face you, his expression a mix of challenge and intrigue. “Alright, cuteness. Let’s see if I can charm the boots off someone tonight." 

He turns off his car and walks around the passenger side to open the door. 

" After you princess" he says offering his hand out to you. 

You took his hand, a jolt like electricity sparking between your palms. With a confident stride, you stepped out, feeling the weight of the night settle around you. Eddie followed, the sound of his boots thudding against the pavement. 

His hand found yours as he locked the car behind him, following you as you led him inside. He stops in his tracks over looking the scene and feels his anxiety building up.

Eddie froze like a deer in headlights.

His hand was sweating against yours. 

You took a breath, squeezing his hand, feeling the warmth seep through your skin. “It’s just dancing, Eddie. Just people having fun,” you whispered, trying to anchor him as the neon lights flickered with riotous energy.

He shook his head, looking down at the ground. 

" Not my scene" 

You stepped closer, letting your fingers slip from his grasp, gently guiding his chin up. “Look at me. You can do this.” Your voice was steady, anchoring him. 

Eddie met your gaze, swallowing hard. 

“Yeah, but what’s the worst that can happen?” he replied, a hint of humor creeping into his tone even as doubt flickered in his eyes.

As you lead him to the dance floor, he followed slowly and took deep breathes. He didn't want to do this. 

" We don't have to if you don't want to" you tell him, bringing his fingers up and kissing them. The rings brusing agaisnt his lips.

Eddie’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening. “What was that for?” 

You shrugged, heart racing under his gaze. “Just giving you a little push. It helps to think about the fun, not the fear."

His cheeks flushed red as he looked down at you. 

" I'm not the age I used to be, my body isn't the same" he scratched his beard. 

“Age is just a number, Eddie. You’ve got spirit,” you countered, a playful lilt dancing in your tone.

He chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. “Spirit? Is that what you call nearly tripping over my own feet?” 

“We’ll start slow, I promise,” you said. You started to show him how you danced when a whirl of cowboy boots and laughter filled the air as the group encircled you, their movements following like clockwork.

You started to do what they were doing, smiling along. 

Eddie watched, mouth slightly agape, as you glided across the floor, spinning through the rhythm with grace. You pointed to your feet, mimicking the simple steps of the dance—a gentle as feather. Eddie moved slightly but he felt his anxiety eating him alive.

Eddie stood there, still rooted to the spot as you twirled and stepped, the pulsating beat pulling you like a magnet toward the rhythm. 

You saw how awkard he felt and started to pull him off the dance floor to the side.

You leaned in closer to Eddie, your breath brushing against his ear over the fading chords of a country tune. “Stay right here. I’ll grab us something to drink. Just breathe.” 

" Do my best" he says. Eddie stood awkwardly, his fingers tracing his own guitar pick necklace, until the woman approached him with an easy smile that glinted under the lights. 

“Hey there, stranger,” she said, " you alone?" she flirted putting her hand on his arm. " Nice tattoos" she adds. 

Eddie’s heart raced as her eyes sparkled with interest. He tried to shift his weight, but his feet felt glued to the floor, a sudden wave of heat rushing to his cheeks. 

“Uh, yeah, just, uh…” He didn't know what to say. You turned to walk back to the table and stopped in your tracks seeing the woman with Eddie. 

You paused, the weight of the moment pressing against your chest. The woman’s smile broadened, her fingers grazing Eddie's arm.

“Looks like you’ve made a friend,” you said, stepping back, placing the drinks a little too hard on the table. You didn't look at Eddie. 

Eddie’s expression shifted, surprise etched on his features as his gaze flickered between you and the woman. 

“Uh, hey,” he stammered, stumbling over himself as he realized you had returned. “This is, uh…” He looked wide eyed not knowing the woman's name. 

" Brittany" the woman says leaning closer to Eddie. 

Your heart sank, and the heat pooled in your cheeks. 

“Brittany, huh?” you said, forced cheerfulness lacing your voice. You crossed your arms, glancing between her and Eddie, whose face reflected confusion mixed with embarrassment. 

" Yeah, didn't you hear?" She scoffed. 

“Eddie here has got some killer taste in music,” she said, leaning closer, the laugh spilling like melted honey from her lips. 

Eddie shifted, his eyes darting between you and Brittany. “Right, uh, music. Yeah I uh..." 

" You two have fun then" you rolled your eyes, a thin smile on your lips. 

Eddie seemed to wilt under the weight of the moment, his eyes wide with confusion. “Wait, no, I—”

“Right?” Brittany interjected, a laugh following each of her words like a melody. “We were just talking about how handsome you are" Brittany ran her fake nails across his beard.

Eddie’s eyes darted between you and her, helplessness creeping into his expression. “I—thank you?” He stumbled over his words, a sheepish grin forming as his gaze landed on you.

You forced a chuckle, but a roll of eyes added. 

" I'll find my own way home" you mumbled. 

Eddie’s facade cracked, confusion etched across his face. “Wait—what? No, don't leave. I—”

“Hey, no worries!” Brittany interjected, winking at you as if claiming a piece of the night. “You don't need to worry about him. I'll take good care of him." 

You forced another smile, but the tightness in your chest felt suffocating. 

Eddie glanced between you and Brittany, his expression a mix of disbelief and guilt. “No, seriously, you don't need to…” 

But Brittany, sits in his lap as she wraps her arms around him. " What's your name, sugar?" She asked him.

Eddie shifted beneath her, eyes darting between you and the woman . “Uh, it’s Eddie,” he replied, voice barely rising above the music. 

You downed your drink and headed towards the door feeling sick watching him have her on him like that.

The front door swung open, the crisp night air slapping against your face like a wake-up call. 

You should of known flirting with Eddie was all it was going to get you. He wasn't about to choose you over some girl that walked up to him and sat herself on him. 

You stepped outside, the rush of cold air biting against your flushed cheeks as your mind raced. 

" Y/N?" A voice called out to you. You turned to see Steve. 

“Hey!” Steve jogged over, his brow knit with concern as he took in your pale expression. “What’s wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

" I was suppose to go on a date with Eddie..." you mumbled.

Steve nods knowing you were suppose to.

" What happened?" 

“It's just… he’s sitting there with her.” You gestured back toward the entrance. The neon lights and thumping bass pulsed behind you, but all you could focus on was the sight of Eddie and Brittany’s laughter echoing in your ear.

" With who?"

“Brittany,” you spat, the name bitter on your tongue. “All it took was one glance from her and he’s wrapped around her finger.” 

Steve’s brow furrowed, concern deepening in his eyes. “But it was suppose to be about you guys" 

“Exactly,” you spat, crossing your arms tightly against your chest. Anger simmered beneath your skin, mixed with a thrum of hurt. “It doesn’t matter, though. He’s obviously enjoying himself.” 

The warmth of Steve's embrace enveloped you, but the tension coiled tightly in your chest refused to melt away. He held you there, grounding and steady.

" When did you grow out a scruff?" you poked it.

Steve chuckled, his hand scratching the stubble. “Not sure—I guess just got tired of looking like a kid." He leaned back slightly, brow cocked, his lips curling into a teasing grin. “What do you think? Too much?"

" No it suits you" The door opened and you frowned seeing who it was. 

Eddie stepped out, the neon lights dimming around him, but the glow of confusion lingered in his eyes. Brittany trailed behind him, still radiating confidence, her laughter trailing like a ribbon in the wind. 

“Y/N!”Eddie calls out. " Why did you leave?"

You forced a smile, but your heart twisted at the sight of him emerging from the dim light. Confusion laced his expression, a mixture of guilt and concern.

“Just needed some air,” you replied, keeping your voice steady. Eddie eyes Steve arm around you.

Eddie’s gaze flickered between you and Steve, uncertainty clouding his expression. “Did something happen?”

" Could ask you the same thing" Steve says as he pushes you behind him.

Eddie blinked, taken aback. “What do you mean?” His brow furrowed, confusion deepening. Steve eyes the girl besides Eddie. 

" Her" Steve pointed to Brittany.

Eddie's gaze flicked to Brittany, who stood with a smirk, hand on her hip, reveling in the attention. “What? We were just talking,” he replied, defensiveness creeping into his tone.

“Talking?” You echoed, snorting too. " Yeah, talking" you hissed. 

Brittany rolled her eyes, as if she were somehow above it all. “Is there a problem here?” She stepped forward, her stance wide and unfazed by the tension. 

“ Yeah, he should of been with the person he came on the date with instead of some bimbo." 

Brittany smirked, her confidence showing “Oh, honey, I’m not the one who walked away.” Her words dripped with false sweetness, but her challenge hung heavily in the air. 

Eddie shifted on his feet, and you pursed your lips seeing he wasn't going to say anything. 

" You call me a kid, Munson when you can't even use your mouth to talk" you mumbled. 

Eddie’s mouth opened, then closed again.

" Right" you nodded. 

“Y/N, I didn’t mean to…” he started, but the hesitated. 

" Make me feel like a second choice?" 

Eddie’s brows furrowed, confusion and frustration etching deeper lines on his face. He opened his mouth to object, struggling with his words, but the silence felt heavy between you. 

“C'mon, Y/N. It’s not fair" he says. 

“Not fair? What’s not fair is watching you swoon over someone else while I hang back like a forgotten accessory,” you shot back, arms crossed tighter against your chest. 

Eddie stared, mouth agape, searching for the right response.

" Grow up, Munson" 

His eyes flashed with something—embarrassment mixed with urgency. “You don’t understand,” he pleaded, struggling to find the right words. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. It just—”

“Just what? Just happened? You lost your words as soon as you saw her tits?" 

Eddie flinched at your words, his face flushing crimson. He took a step closer, desperation mingling with frustration in every line of his face. 

“Y/N, this isn’t—” Eddie started, his hands clenching at his sides, but you cut him off.

“Isn’t what? Isn’t fair? Look at you,” you shot back, your voice sharp. “You can't even tell her that you came here with me. On a date. With me. Not her." 

Eddie hesitated, his mouth working silently as if the words tangled in his throat. “I—”

“Just stop.” Your voice firm, the anger spilling over. “I don’t want excuses."

Eddie’s hands fell to his sides as he swallowed hard, eyes darting away. " What do you want me to do?" He asks.

" Just once don't make me feel like the second choice" 

“I wasn’t trying to make you feel that way.” 

" You did, you can go with her. This date is over" you shrugged. 

Eddie shifted back, the realization hitting him like a cold wave. “Y/N—”

“Just… go, Eddie. Enjoy your night,” you said, voice trembling, trying to appear happier for him even as hurt rippled through your chest. 

Eddie steps towards you, " No." 

Eddie stepped toward you, pleading in his eyes. “No,” he repeated, voice low, almost vulnerable. “I don’t want to.” 

You turned away, arms crossed tighter, to ignore him. But he turns you around and cups your face. 

Your breath caught as he cupped your face, warmth radiating from his palms. His brown eyes starting down at you. 

“Y/N, look at me,” he said, his voice a low murmur . “I don’t want this to be over.”

" Then why didn't you push her off her lap when she sat on you? Why didn't you kissed me or something in front of her?" 

Eddie's eyes flared with a mix of determination and regret, his grip on your cheeks gentle yet firm. "Because I didn't see it coming. One minute I'm just being me, and then she's… she’s all over me." 

" The correct words you could of used was to tell her to fuck off" 

Eddie's brow furrowed, a spark igniting in his eyes. “I know! I should have,” he said, desperation creeping into his voice. “I just—everything happened so fast.” 

“Fast?” you scoffed. " You were just too scared to hurt her feelings." 

" I'm not paying attention to her" Eddie starts. " She caught me off guard." 

You pulled away slightly, feeling the heat radiating from his hands as you tried to process his words. “Caught off guard? Is that your excuse now?” 

Eddie’s frustration bubbled to the surface, his brow furrowing deeper. “ Look" Eddie was trying to find words to explain but finding none. He took matter in his hands and kissed you. 

Eddie’s lips brushed against yours, hesitant at first, then deepening as a surge of warmth swept over you. The world around you faded. He continued to kiss you while his hands went into your hair. 

You melted into the kiss, warmth spreading through your body like wildfire. His breath mingled with yours, soft yet electric, awakening every nerve ending. 

He pulls away breathless, " I like you." He kisses your forehead. 

He kissed your nose. " I like you" 

" I'm still here" Brittany mumbles. 

Eddie’s gaze flickered over your shoulder toward Brittany, eyes sparking with an unfamiliar mix of irritation. “Well, that’s sweet,” he said, irritation edging his voice. “But this is between Y/N and me.”

" You walked out with me, sugar" Brittany says. 

Eddie's expression hardened, his frustration flaring. “This isn’t some playground. You made your choice, and I make mine,” he snapped.

" I thought she wasn't your choice" Brittany says, scoffing. 

Eddie’s jaw tightened, his gaze narrowing on Brittany as if she had just crossed an invisible line. “When did I ever say that?” He stepped closer to you, grounding himself in your presence. “Y/N is the one I came here with, the one I like. I don't know you." 

" But you could" Brittany stepped closer to Eddie. 

“I’m not interested, alright? I’m here with Y/N, and that’s where I want to be.” 

" What can she offer you that I can't?" Brittany asks. 

“Y/N doesn’t have to offer me anything. It’s about the connection, the chemistry we have. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

Brittany scoffed, " We can have more chemisty.. even in the bedroom" she smirks. 

Eddie’s jaw clenched, fire flickering in his eyes. “What part of ‘not interested’ didn’t you get?” He stepped forward, effectively putting space between you and Brittany as if to protect you from her unwanted presence. 

Brittany chuckles, " I know you want more. I mean I have a better ass than her" 

“That doesn’t matter. You think you can just waltz in and assume you’ve got me wrapped around your finger?” His voice rose.

" She kinda did" you mumbled. 

Eddie shot you a glance, confusion mingling with frustration. “No, she didn’t. You think I’d let that happen?” 

" You did when she sat in your lap" 

“I didn’t want it to happen, alright? I didn’t know what to do!”

Brittany folded her arms, a smirk plastered on her face.

" It's called pushing her off and telling her to fuck off!" 

“I get it, okay? I messed up. But I’m not going to stand here and let you dictate what I want.” 

" Then what do you want? Because, we keep going in circles." 

“I want you. Just you. Can’t you see that?”

Brittany crossed her arms, unimpressed, leaning back slightly as if she were observing a theatrical performance. “But look how she's still here and you haven't exactly told her to fuck off" you tell him motioning to Brittany who was watching. 

Eddie's gaze flickered between you and Brittany, frustration simmering as he ran a hand through his hair. “Why do you think I’m giving her the cold shoulder?” 

" You're not really, the words you need to use is fuck off to her" 

Eddie clenched his jaw, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “I know!” His hands balled into fists, but then he exhaled sharply, trying to calm in his temper. 

" Then do it!" 

He turned fully toward Brittany, eyes fierce beneath furrowed brows.

“Listen, I’m done with this charade,” he said, his voice rises. 

Brittany raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Charade? Honey, I was just keeping the fun going.” Her smile never stops.

“No,” Eddie stepped closer, " I like her" he points to you. " and you" He points to her. “...you need to back off,” he finished, voice steady, grounding himself in his decision.

" What Eddie means..." you stepped towards her" He doesn't need you to flash your fake tits his way, no thank you." 

Brittany’s expression soured, losing her playful facade. “How charming,” she spat, sarcasm coating her words like poison. “Real sophisticated, calling me out like that.” 

" You probably have more done on yourself than have the real thing" you point to yourself. 

Brittany’s eyes narrowed, annoyance flashing across her face. “At least I don't have to rely on some wannabe rockstar to feel good about myself.” 

You stepped forward, jaw tightening, ready to swing. 

Eddie's hand shot out, gripping your wrist before you could take a swing. “Y/N, don’t,” he urged, his voice a steady.

“Why not?” you shot back, glancing at him. " She can't talk to me like that" you add.

Eddie's grip tightened around your wrist, a mix of urgency and concern flashing in his eyes. “Let’s not make this any worse, alright?” 

“You heard what she said,” you snapped. 

Eddie's grip softened, his thumb brushing gentle circles over your wrist, grounding you both. “I did. But fighting her won’t solve anything. Just... stay with me.”

“Why? So I can watch you flirt with her some more?"

Eddie shook his head, frustration etching deeper lines on his forehead. “Flirting? You think I was flirting?" He looked incredulous. “I was just trying to be polite!”

“Polite" you scoffed, " yeah right" you snorted.

" Okay that's it" 

Eddie lifted you effortlessly, settling you against his shoulder. “What are you doing?” you squealed, the surprise stealing the breath from your lungs. 

“You’re overreacting,” he declared, striding confidently toward the car. “ I'm not!" you punched his back.

Eddie grunted, adjusting you with surprising ease, his laughter blending with your protests. “You're definitely overreacting,” he teased, sneaking glances back over his shoulder at Brittany, whose expression morphed into amusement.

“ Don't look back at her!" you slapped his back.

Eddie smirked and kept striding toward the car as if you were just some prize he'd won at a carnival. “I can’t help it if you’re throwing a tantrum,” he teased, shifting you slightly to adjust for comfort.

He opens the door and puts you inside before he leans in and pecks your lips. 

The kiss was light, a fleeting brush, but it sent shivers through you. Eddie pulled back, his eyes searching yours, a mix of challenge and tenderness glimmering in his gaze. 

“Can you just breathe and look at me?" he asks. 

You blinked, trying to collect your thoughts as his eyes searched yours. 

"I'm looking," you replied, " not much to look at.... grandpa.." 

Eddie chuckled, his expression shifting from playful annoyance to genuine pleasure. “Grandpa? That’s rich coming from someone who’s about to throw a tantrum over a little flirtation,” he said. 

You huffed, crossing your arms, " So you admit you were flirting..." 

Eddie raised an eyebrow, the smirk tugging at his lips. "No, no. Misunderstanding, actually. What I meant was—"

“Don’t cover for it,” you interrupted, shaking your head. " Always the flirt with everything that has a pulse." 

Eddie opened his mouth, then closed it, frustration mingling with amusement. “You make it sound like I have a reputation for hitting on everyone.” 

“Please,” you shot back, arms crossed as you leaned against the seat. " Never can get attention from one woman. It has it be more." 

He sat in the driver seat.

Eddie’s brows furrowed, the playful glint in his eyes dimming slightly. “That’s not true,” he argued, his hands gripping the steering wheel. “I like you.

" You said that already" 

“Well, it’s the truth, isn’t it? I wouldn’t have come here with you if I didn’t like you.”

" Maybe I don't like you" 

Eddie’s brows knitted together, surprise flickering across his face. “Seriously?” He leaned back in his seat, the playfulness evaporating. “You can’t be saying that.”

“and why not?" 

“Because I know you like me,” he replied, brow furrowed, voice tinged with worry. “Last time I kissed you, you didn’t exactly push me away.”

" It was just a kiss" you shrugged. 

Eddie's voice took on a softer tone, his brows knitting together as he leaned closer. “Just a kiss? Is that all it meant to you?” 

“Just a moment, Munson.” 

" I'll show you a moment" he growled. 

With one swift movement, he closed the space between you, capturing your lips in a kiss that was rough, deep and full of passion.

Your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of you. 

His beard rubbed against your mouth making you feel a burn. A burn you liked. 

The kiss deepened, an electrifying rush that stirred something inside you. You could taste hints of cigarettes and something sweet, sweet enough to cloud your thoughts.

Eddie broke away, breathless, his forehead resting against yours. 

" How is that for a moment?" 

The warmth of his forehead against yours felt electric, a tangible reminder of the space that had just shrunk between you. 

You leaned in wanting to kiss him more. 

Instead of retreating, you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer, your lips brushing against his one more time. Eddie chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against your mouth.

“You want more?"

You smiled against his lips, letting the warmth of the moment wrap around you like a familiar blanket. “Maybe a little,” you replied, pulling him closer, your heart racing like it had when you first stepped onto the dance floor. 

Eddie smirks as he flicks his tongue across your lips. 

His breath mingled with yours, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. “Is that all you want, Y/N?” His voice lowered, teasing. 

You leaned back slightly, gauging his expression. “What else would I want?” 

Eddie’s gaze sharpened, curiosity and mischief dancing in his eyes. 

“Say it,” he insisted, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips, as if challenging you to break the teasing barrier between you both.

" I don't know what your talking about" 

Eddie’s smirk widened, his confidence radiating as he leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. “Playing coy now? Oh, come on. I didn’t just kiss you so you could keep me guessing.” 

You rolled your eyes playfully. 

" I don't know" you shrugged, playfully. 

He leaned closer, his breath warm against your cheek. “Playing the game, huh? Alright, let’s change the rules then.” 

“Since when did you become a strategist?” 

" Since you want to keep kissing me" 

" Well I don't wanna kiss you anymore" you lie. 

Eddie raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Sure you don’t,” he teased, leaning back slightly.

" Maybe if you kissed me a lot better, I would tell you" 

Eddie leaned in, his eyes gleaming with challenge. “Is that so? You think you’re the judge of my kissing skills?” 

“Justice must be served, Munson,” you shot back, a grin dancing on your lips. 

"You asked for it" 

" Alright... sugar" you teased using the nickname Brittany called him.

Eddie’s expression shifted, a mix of amusement and irritation flashing across his eyes. “You’re gonna pay for that one, you know.” 

“Oh, I can’t wait,” you said, a playful smile stretching across your face. 

Without anymore words, he leaned over kissing you deeply with his tongue in your mouth. His tongue meets yours for battle. 

His hands tangled in your hair, pulling you closer as if he wanted to imprint this moment into memory. You moaned agaisnt his lips for a moment. 

His hand grips your waist, rubbing circles on the skin he finds there. 

It ends way too soon for your liking. 

" Now what?" He asks. 

You leaned against the seat, breathless, heart pounding like a drum through your chest. " How about we go get a burger and some fries? I have the key to the diner" 

Eddie laughs, " you're playing dangerous, you sure you won't get in trouble with Harrington?" 

"If you won't tell, I won't" 

Eddie tilted his head, a playful sparkle igniting in his eyes. “A covert operation? Count me in. What’s the worst that could happen, right?” 

" Start driving then" 

Eddie chuckled, his fingers drumming against the steering wheel as he revved the engine. “Oh, I’m all in for this late-night escapade. Just call me your partner in crime.” 

" Good thing you're cute, grandpa" you teased. 

Eddie rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the grin creeping onto his face. “Cute, huh? Just don’t expect me to knit you a sweater or anything,” he shot back, shifting into gear as he pulled out onto the road.

" The world isn't ready for any of your sweaters or anything" 

Eddie flipped the radio on, the sound of electric guitars filling the car, drowning out the fading echoes of the bar behind you. 

"You ever wear a sweater?” he asked.

" No I walk around naked" you rolled your eyes answering him sarcastically. 

Eddie burst into laughter. “Now that’s a scene I could get behind,” he joked, winking as he focused back on the road. 

" Hey can I ask a question?" you asked.

Eddie glanced over, curiosity sparking in his brown eyes. “What’s up? You know me, I’m an open book.” He reached to turn down the knob of the radio, the electric guitars fading into a softer melody.

“With your music, do you ever think your actaully going to get big? And if you do, are you going to forget me? us?" 

Eddie tightened his grip on the steering wheel, a look washing over his face. “Wow, that’s a heavy question for a late-night burger run.” 

You leaned back against the seat, arms crossed as the engine's hum filled the air. 

" I just wanted to know, in the back of my mind I think about it" 

Eddie glanced at you, his brow furrowing slightly. “You really think I’d forget someone like you?” His voice softened, genuine concern pooling in his gaze.

“People change, Eddie. Success changes people,” you murmured, your hearteat racing, " you might find someone else." 

Eddie's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles white under the dim cab light. “Yeah, but I’m not just some dude focusing on fame and fortune. I like where I’m at. I like my friends. I like you. I like our thing. I am not rushing." 

" I'm sorry I asked" 

Eddie glanced over, concern furrowing his brow. “Hey, don’t apologize. You’re allowed to ask questions,” he said, his voice steady. “I just don’t want you thinking I’m some rock star who’d turn his back on people he cares about." 

" .... and what if you know.. get married to some chick with blonde hair or something..." 

Eddie’s laughter erupted, filling the car with a warmth that sliced through the lingering tension. “Married? To a chick with blonde hair?” He shook his head, hands still gripping the wheel as he navigated an empty road. “That's a long road to marriage." 

" Do you ever want to get married?" 

Eddie's brow knitted in thought as he shifted gears, the rumble of the engine filling the silence. “Honestly? I never really thought about it, you know? Too busy daydreaming about rock stardom and selling out arenas.”

You nodded, looking out the window. 

" How about you?" Eddie asks.

You thought for a moment, the streetlights blurring past as you stared into the night. “ yes." 

Eddie’s brow arched, surprise etched across his face. “Really? You want to settle down and wear a white dress, or something?” He glanced at you, curiosity shimmering in his brown eyes.

" Not a white dress exactly, but I want to be someone's wife. I don't know. Might sound silly to you. But I always wanted a wedding, not a big one. Small one." 

Eddie’s smile softened, his gaze steady on the road. “Not silly at all. That sounds nice. A small wedding, just close friends and family?” 

“Exactly,” you replied, your fingers tapping nervously on your knee. “Halloween themed." 

Eddie let out a bark of laughter, his eyes brightening with genuine intrigue. “Now that I can get behind! Imagine the cake—black velvet or maybe a pumpkin spice assassination with bat-shaped sprinkles.” He grinned. 

" Red bloody roses, in a small garden or somwhere where you can see the fall weather." 

Eddie's eyes widened with delight, a broad smile spreading across his face. “That sounds like a scene from a movie! A killer wedding, literally.” He laughed, his excitement infectious.

“Right? I’d have to walk down the aisle to the person I love, having them cry over me a little bit. I would want Steve to walk me down." 

Eddie's laughter faded, replaced by a soft smile that lit up his face. “That sounds perfect. And here I thought all you wanted was a burger after line dancing.”

You elbowed him playfully, your spirits lifting with the conversation.

" Shush you" you glance down at your hands. Eddie covered yours. 

" Any guy would be lucky to marry you.." He says. 

The sincerity in his voice surprised you, sending a warm tingle through your fingers where he held your hand. You glanced up at him, meeting his earnest gaze.

“Are you serious?” you asked, the words slipping from your mouth before you could say them. 

He nods, " and if you do get married... to you know someone else.." he goes quiet. 

“Someone else?” you repeated, " You don't think you'd want to marry me?"

Eddie paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He bit his lip, considering his words. “It’s not that I wouldn’t want to marry you. It’s just…” he hesitated, glancing at the road, then at you, " I have dreams." 

You felt the weight of his words settle in the air like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. “Dreams?” you echoed softly, the bump in your throat rising with the unspoken tension between you. 

“Yeah.” He sighed, hands in his hair, " I really want to make music, travel the world..." 

“It sounds incredible,” you replied, trying to mask the heaviness that pressed against your chest. “But what does that mean for us?” 

" Let's take it one day at a time" 

" I don't want to hold you back..." 

Eddie’s gaze softened, his hand still enveloping yours as he navigated the winding road. “You’re not holding me back. You’re part of this ride, Y/N. The music, the chaos, all of it. I want it all but in life sometimes not everything happens.." 

You stared at him, watching the shadows dance across his face as he focused on the road, each bump in the pavement causing a slight jolt. 

You bite your lip knowing you had connections to the music industry from your parents. 

"You know," you said, your voice soft but deliberate, "my parents have connections in the music industry. If you ever need help—"

Eddie cut you off, his grip on the wheel tightening. “Y/N, no. But when were you going to tell me that?" 

" Well it's not something I talk about after losing both my parents" 

Eddie’s eyes softened, a mixture of regret and understanding washing over his expression. “Y/N…” he started, the weight of unsaid words hovering in the air. 

" I'll get you a connection, Eddie" 

Eddie’s grip on the steering wheel relaxed slightly, his eyes flickering to you with a mixture of vulnerability and admiration. “You really mean that?” 

You nodded, your heart pounding. “I just want to see you succeed. You deserve the world and the world deserves to know Eddie Munson." 

Eddie's expression shifted, something between disbelief and appreciation flickering in his brown eyes. “You have no idea how much that means to me,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 

“You’re not just some rockstar to me, you're someone I care about.. someone..." 

The words hung in the air, thick with unspoken feelings. Eddie's gaze flickered toward you, searching for the weight of what you hadn’t finished saying. 

“Someone…” he prompted, his voice softer now, inviting.

“Someone I like... a lot" you turned to face the window as he parks in the parking lot of the diner. 

The car came to a stop, the engine's rumble diving down into silence. You sat in the stillness of the car, the engine fading into a whisper as Eddie turned to face you, his expression caught somewhere between hope and uncertainty. 

“You like me a lot?” he echoed. " Let's just go inside" you were about to open the door when he reached and closed it. 

“Not so fast,” Eddie said, his voice low but steady as he leaned towards you, his intensity drawing you in. 

“You can’t just throw that ‘I like you… a lot’ into the air and expect me to let it linger." 

" You can" you went to open the door, and again he shut it. 

“Seriously?” you shot him a look, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. 

" We're talking about this" Eddie says. 

You crossed your arms, ready to bolt from the car, but Eddie shifted forward, his gaze locking onto yours with unexpected intensity. 

“Y/N, you can’t just drop that bomb and expect me to pretend like it didn’t explode!” He says. 

" I said what I said" you shrugged. 

" There is more to it, isn't?" He asks.

Eddie leaned closer, his gaze piercing yet soft, urging you to unveil the thoughts you buried within. 

“Y/N…” His voice dropped to a whisper, heavy with expectation.

" Eddie.." 

Eddie leaned closer, his brow furrowed as if he could pry the truth out of you with sheer determination. “What are you thinking?”

You hesitated, heart racing as his earnest gaze held yours. 

“I just… I don’t think I wanna say" 

Eddie’s expression shifted, concern etching deeper lines across his forehead. “You don’t want to? Or you’re scared to?” 

You looked away, tracing the seams of your jeans with your eyes. “Maybe a bit of both,”

" Hey, it's me" Eddie says, " just us here." 

His voice wrapped around you like a warm blanket, grounding you amidst the whirlpool of thoughts inside your head. 

“C’mon, Y/N." you look at him and this time he sees the struggle in your eyes, the tears that are coming. 

Eddie’s eyes softened, and he reached out, his fingers gently brushing away a stray tear that escaped down your cheek. “Hey, it’s okay. Whatever it is, you can tell me. I promise I won't judge.” 

You took a deep breathe, shaking your head. 

Eddie’s thumb lingered on your cheek, his brown eyes searching yours. “Please, Y/N. Just be honest with me.”

“I...” You hesitated, feeling the weight of everything pressing down. “What if I told you that I was afraid?"

Eddie's brow furrowed deeper, concern flooding his features as he leaned in closer. “Afraid of what?”

“Afraid of losing you.” Your voice trembled, the admission hanging in the air like a fragile thread, ready to snap. " If you leave..." 

" Because you have dreams Eddie, to be this rockstar" 

Eddie's gaze softened, his brow furrowing. “Y/N, I know it seems like a wild ride, but I don’t plan to leave anyone behind. You’re a part of my journey, whether you realize it or not.”

“But you don't get it" 

“I do get it. You think I’m just gonna vanish once I get a taste of success?” He shook his head, the frustration brewing in his voice. “That’s not who I am.”

" No you don't get it" Your voice wavered, uncertainty creeping into your words. “You might think that now, but how will it feel when the world suddenly wants a piece of Eddie Munson? The fame, the attention... What happens when someone else catches your eye? What if someone else loves you... before.." 

" Before what? " Eddie asks. 

“Before I can even express what you mean to me,” you whispered, your voice trembling. You looked down, unable to meet his gaze, the weight of your fears unbearable. 

“Hey.” Eddie’s tone became even softer. “You need to breathe and two, I'm right here." 

His words washed over you like a soothing wave, but the tension in your chest tightened. You met his gaze, seeing the sincerity behind those warm brown eyes, but doubt still tangled within your heart.

“I’m afraid I’ll become just another name just like a song" 

Eddie’s expression shifted, his gaze unwavering as he turned fully to face you. “You think you’re just a name to me? Y/N, you’re so much more than that,” he says.

" What do you mean?" 

" I...I.." Eddie gulps.

He paused, taking a steady breath as if grounding himself amid the emotions swirling in the confined space of the car. His fingers lingered on your wrist, a reminder of his presence. 

“I think... I..I" he runs a hand down his face as he tries to find the words. 

“I think I’m falling for you,” he said finally, the admission spilling into the air like a fragile confession. 

" Say it again" 

Eddie’s breath caught, uncertainty flashing in his eyes. “I think I’m falling for you.” 

“Really?” The word slipped from your lips, a mix of disbelief and hope fluttering in your chest. 

“Yeah.” Eddie searched your face, " Oh Eddie" you tugged on his jacket pulling him close as you kissed him. 

Eddie’s lips melded against yours, warmth enveloping you both as an electric pulse surged through the air between you. His taste lingered on your tongue, a mixture of sweet anticipation and shared longing. 

His hands cradled your face as he kisses you back. You pulled away. 

" I think I'm falling for you too" 

" You mean it?" He asks. 

" Yes" 

“Seriously? You’re not messing with me, right?”

You shook your head, " No." 

" That's why I'm afraid when you leave.. you'll stop falling for me." 

Eddie’s expression shifted, a shadow of uncertainty crossing his features. “Y/N, I’d never stop falling for you. That’s not how it works.” 

" No? There will be much prettier girls, you'll have them left and right and I'll be here.." 

Eddie shook his head vigorously, a mix of frustration and disbelief dancing in his eyes. “You think I’d trade what we have for a pretty face? That’s not how it works. You’re not just another girl, Y/N.” 

" Why do I feel like I always comes second then? '

Eddie's brow furrowed, a mix of frustration and sincerity shining in his eyes. “Because of tonight? I get it, I do! But don’t let one mess-up define what this is between us.” 

" Yeah when some girl hung up on you and sits on your lap while you look like a deer in headlights" 

Eddie ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “Y/N, I froze. Like I’ve said, it caught me off guard. I wasn’t prepared for it, okay?” His voice rose.

You held his gaze, the tightness in your chest refusing to fade. “You didn’t even push her off. You just stood there.”

Eddie closed his eyes, breathing through the frustration. “I get it. I messed up. But I'm here and I told you how I feel.." 

You tilted your head, searching his eyes for that flicker of sincerity. “And what if it happens again? What if you freeze next time with someone else?”

Eddie sighed, simmering frustration leaking from his every word like steam. “Then I will deal with it, but I will not break your heart." 

" Eddie I.." He doesn't let you finish the sentence as he kisses you. 

His lips pressed against yours, strong and fervent, a silent promise coating the air between you like an electric current.

Eddie pulled back, breathless, " I won't hurt you. I'll chase after you if it's my last breath I take." 

" That's huge, you have to put meaning behind that" 

Eddie’s gaze sharpened, determination flooding his features. “I mean it. If it ever feels like you’re slipping away, I’ll fight for what we have. "

He takes your hand in his and kisses your fingers. 

" Promise" 

[adorkablecringeworks]

That Color Looks Good on You

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Pairing: rottmnt x gn!reader

Warnings: Mild swearing

Summery: You show off your new lipstick to your favorite dork, Leo. After a series of events, you and Leo come up with a plot for a perfect prank. You’ll ambush every one of his siblings and smother them in kisses with your new lipstick all the while Leo films the whole thing. Let the Shenanigans Commence!

Author’s Note: I originally came up with this as a Leo x Reader. But the way the story progressed, it can be read as any rottmnt x reader as well as either romantic, platonic, or familial. The same can be said for the gender. I was putting on my own lipstick when I thought up this scenario and I thought ANYONE CAN WEAR LIPSTICK!!! So gender neutral it is! Writing in the 2nd person made it easy too.

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Part 1: Neon Leon

You are excited about your new lipstick.

Berry pink.

Not too light. A deep shade without it being too dark.

Putting on the final touches, you admire yourself in your bathroom mirror. It made you feel strong, confident, Dazzling!

“Whadda ya think?”

You strike a pose in your bedroom doorframe, framing your face with your hands. You have returned from your shopping trip and eager to show off your spontaneous purchase. Your favorite mutant turtle ninja lounges on your bed with his snout deep in the newest issue of Jupiter Jim: New Universe H2G2. Not only is he claiming your space as his own… he’s out right ignoring you.

Leonardo Hamato. Your other half, partner in crime, bestie, your first mate. Although Leo would beg a differ on that last part, claiming that since he’s the only one with pirate experience that you would be HIS first mate.

Eeeehhh… Tomato Tomahto.

The point being that you and your Neon Leon give April and Donnie the run for their money for the ‘Besties Awards’.

You deadpan at him. At this point in time, you’re thinking about accepting new applications for the Bestie role.

Meanwhile, that said comic (that is apparently Soooo much more interesting than you) was the purpose of your errand. A favor for him for it was sold out online and the one comic shop that still had it in stock was for pick up only. Donnie had gotten caught up in his newest project, something about a portal device to alternate realities, alternate selves, (other Mad Sciencey stuff) and Apparently forgot to preorder the damn thing. That particular shop just happens to be down the block from your apartment as well as you are the ‘bestest-most-awesome-supreme-person-ever-and-he-loves-you-sosososo-much’.

So much for being the ‘bestest most awesome supreme-’ so on and so forth.

With a huff, you pick up a hoodie you left on the floor, balled it up, and chucked right into Leo’s head. With a ‘THWUMPH’ and ‘hurmf ’, you pounce on him, snatching his comic from his grasp (carefully for you just bought the damn thing), setting it to the side during which you grab your pillow and whack his still covered head.

“I was joking!” He cries out as you laugh maniacally. “I heard you I heard you!”

Fully satisfied with his punishment, you stand up and plop to the side all the while you let him get his bearings. Leo finally frees himself from your shirt and throws it back on to the floor simultaneously sticking his tongue out at you.

Such a drama queen.

You roll your eyes and return the gesture whilst you adjust yourself to sit facing your Leo with him doing the same, finally takes in your lips.

“I like it.” He nods approvingly, “Muy Bien!”

You grin so big your checks begin to ache. But then you notice your turtle going quiet, grabbing his chin as he goes deep in thought.

“You’ll hurt yourself if you keeps that up.”

You know to well how clever he is but that doesn’t mean you won’t give him a ration of shit. It’s in your job description.

It’s Leo’s turn to roll his eyes.

“I was just thinking on about how it would look on me.”

You lean back on your hands and squint at his face for a moment. You then pull out your lipstick form your pocket to hold the color bottom sticker up to him.

“Hmmm I don’t know… I think something more of a red shade would be better for you. You know, to match your moons.”

You love those moons.

“Are you kidding?!” The Bratticus Maximus snatches it out of your hand, “I can totally pull this off!”

You gasp and quickly reach for it back, but Leonardo (being a stupid fucking turtle ninja) easily keeps it out of your reach. Keeping you at bay by smooshing his hand against you cheek.

Where’s the respect?

Then a wicked idea creeps into your mind. You drop your arms and let them hang for a moment causing Leo to pause. You switch your effort. Grabbing his wrist, subsequently tearing it off your face. You then yank him towards you, pulling his face close to yours.

“Well then let’s try it out shall we?”

You lean in, planting a firm kiss to his cheek with an exaggerated ‘MWAH’ .

You take in his face for a moment as he gapes at you.

“Hmm I can’t tell, I need a larger sample size.”

A mischievous grin spreads across your face and in turn Leo balks. He’s on to you. You both are on the same wave length. Even though it isn’t possible, everyone swears you two can Mind Meld together. He goes to shove you with his free hand but you catch that wrist as well, leaving him open.

You attack.

Smooching all over his face, leaving kiss marks in your wake. He cries out as you leave no spot uncovered.

You fall back and admire you work while your dear slider sits there stunned

“I guess I was wrong,” you release him, “That color does look good on you.”

Leo bolts up and dashes to your bathroom to assess the extent of the damage during which you almost fall to the floor cackling.

You await his return, biting your lip, trying to stifle your giggles. However, you fail when he appears back in your doorway.

There Leo’s tries to put on his best sulk (adorable really), crossing his arms as you devolve to wheezing. But who’s he kidding. You got him good. Plus watching you turn blue in the face and on the verge of passing out is pretty hilarious in on it self.

He returns to your bathroom and you're able to gather yourself enough to follow. He give you his signature smirk once he sees you in the mirror where upon poses with his finger and thumb in the L position to under his chin.

“I told you a could pull it off .” His smugness oozing off of him as he looks over himself again. You swear you saw sparkles.

You’re finally able to get yourself under control and you meet his gaze in the mirror as you come up from behind him.

“Yeah ya did stud muffin.” You shoot him a wink. “That’s a good look on you.”

A furious blush blooms across your favorite blue boy’s face to which he responds by bumping his hips against yours as you pull up next to him. In turn, you bump back, pushing him over to make room for you in the mirror.

Chuckles are shared and you lean towards the mirror to reapply your lipstick.

There’s a moment of comfortable silence as you focus on the task at hand while Leo watches you. You and him share glances between each other through the mirror when a plot begins to form. Your shared glances become knowing ones. Insouciantly, you turn to face each other, Leo crossing his arms as you lean against the counter.

Your wicked grin returns to which the leader in blue bares one to match.

Once again, evidence that supports the conspiracy that both you can Mind Meld.

“Sooo…?”

“Sooooo…?

“We should show my brothers how good I look.”

“They’ll be sooooo jelly. We should totally include them so they don’t feel left out.”

Nonchalance is evident in your voices as you converse.

Leo reaches into his pouch to pull out his phone, his brows bounce up and down as he holds it up between you two. Your brows return the gesture in agreement. So, with your lipstick and his phone in hand, you both set off. At your front door, the true blue slider casually opens it and stands off to the side, bowing while holding his hand out. You play along, responding in a curtsy before placing your hand into his. The two of you are barely able to contain excitements check as you both leave your apartment.

You and Leo soon arrive at the lair, ready to set you plan into motion.

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This is my first ever fic!!! For many years I’ve attempted writing. Most never made it past the notes and plot outlines while a few never made it past the first paragraph. My main medium for my creativity has always been drawing so this is a HUGE deal for me!!! Especially since any of possible skill for creative writing I had apparently died back in high school. Thank you and I hope you enjoy!❤️

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[panthera-tigris-venenata]

Hunger Games & Descendants crossover

Aka me showing Descendants characters into vaguely hunger games setting because it sparks joy. Keeping one (1) Hunger Games character: Ceasar Flickerman, for the reason that Descendants Verse moderator (Snow White) would faint within a minute of having to share a stage with exhibitionistic pirates.

Also. Haymitch. I feel like he and Harriet & James Hook should meet.

Anyway.

(I hope you don't expect any plot)

The Hooks are the Fourth District. The sea side one. Uma, too, and the Smees.

James Hook is a Victor long past, and he lost a hand in his games. He had it replaced by a hook, because he's committing to the bit. Drama queen. He's a Capitol favourite and still very much haunted by the children he fought in his arena. (He's so perfect for this au, I can't)

Harriet is also a Victor, from two years prior.

She volunteered and didn't have a good time ever since. (Didn't have a good time ever ✨)

She didn't lose a hand. This does not stop the Capitol from styling her with a hook.

Both of them are rather heavy alcoholics by this point.

Harriet was a difficult Victor. Stubborn and way too happy to speak her mind. It took Capitol pointing at her siblings and going „If you don't shut up, they'll be next“ to get her to cooperate.

She shut up. She was not happy about it but she's not letting her siblings die in the arena – or otherwise.

Either way, after her, the Capitol needed a Good Victor (tm). They found their Victor in Claudine Frollo, a brainwashed career from District One.

She was ready to lie on her knife for her (District) people rebelling against the Capitol, but her Games were pretty heavily rigged. She was not allowed near sharp things by the gamemakers.

Her trauma from the arena is unsurprisingly not helping. Claudine gets unresponsive for huge amounts of time, and she's still not allowed near sharp things.

„You were raised in a fucking cult!“ „...oh.“ This conversation between Harriet and Claudine definitely happens. Harriet is this close to snapping at Claudine at live TV.

Either way, deal somewhat holds, right? Younger Hook siblings are not reaped.

... wouldn't be the Hooks if there wasn't more chaos, okay?

Next year, Uma is reaped, and there is no way Harry is letting her go alone. He volunteers before the boys are even reaped, threatening murder to career girls who didn't take Uma's place and career boys who would take his in the same breath.

This flies, because Capitol lives for drama.

Also, surprisingly, Uma's reaping wasn't rigged. And even if it was, she was not a part of any deal.

Ursula was an actress, a singer, dragged to Capitol from District four and tossed back when they got bored; when she got too old or otherwise unsuitable. She blames Uma for this. Her most famous role was that of a Sea Witch because Why Not.

Uma wasn't a career, but Harry was. He didn't graduate yet, and his older sister insisted he doesn't volunteer.

Anyway. Since this is AU, I feel like it should be possible for the Games to have multiple Victors if the people like them enough.

It's not something common, but it can happen. It has happened before.

Mulan and Shang pulled it off. Mulan while posing as her brother or male cousin all the while. It was one of the earlier games, but people loved it. (Consequently, their son got reaped the year before Harriet. Pure coincidence, you see. He survived, though.)

The other people winning together were Raya and Namaari, because I said so. They had no children for reasons called "they're lesbians, your honour."

And Uma and Harry are gonna win together too because this is MY self-indulgent AU with zero actual plot.

They're having way too much fun on the stage. Survival instinct (the bit that Uma has) gets overshadowed by the need to a) shock as much people as possible and b) drama✨

They end up making out at the tribute interview. Ceasar is having the time of his life. He hasn't had this interesting tributes since Harriet Hook and Ivy de Vil.

(they obviously make out at the Victors interview too)

De Vils now, yeah?

Third district. Technology, for Carlos. They're inovators, the driving force.

Cruella, much like Hook, is a victor of long past. She went mad in her Games. Her victor talent is fashion, obviously, and Capitol has no problems with the more unethical aspects of her designs.

Her reaping-age relatives have the unfortunate tendency to, well, get reaped. She lost a brother, two nephews and a niece this way.

You see, de Vils are rebels. They need to stand out, they need to be heard. (Much like Hooks, but in better clothes, thank you for asking.)

Ivy was the last one reaped. Now, she knew her odds – one in twenty four and worse yet. The Capitol is not letting a de Vil win again.

Consequently, she might have started riot on her tribute interview. I mean, what are they gonna do? Kill her?

Yeah, I thought so.

I'm getting lost, aren't I.

Tremaines. Officers family from District Eight that thinks themselves way too important (they really aren't). All accusations of Anthony's reaping being rigged will be denied.

Anthony is in the same games as Uma and Harry because Drama.

His stylist is Audrey Rose who got caught high in public one too many times. But hey. They're vibing. Also, this conversation:

Anthony, talking about Harriet: "... she's just so pretty-“

Audrey, an aro ace, just trying to do her job: „...I suppose? She could use to wear something different than the red, and a bit less eyeliner...“

(Ginny, barging in: „YES SHE IS.“)

(I'm projecting on Audrey and you cannot stop me.) (She isn't being mean, she's just struggling to see it.) (Struggling in general. Girl is dissociating more than not, but actually trying her best as a tribute stylist.) (She and Claudine should meet. Attend some therapy together.)

Ginny is Capitol, too. She's a medical student, a medic apprentice, whatever you want to call it. Aesthetics and cosmetics surgery specifically. She's shadowing some doctors at tribute-victor-centre.

Which, let's be honest, mainly means that she, Anthony and Harriet can meet ✨

Like Anthony, she thinks that Harriet is gorgeous. She thinks the same about Anthony.

She flatlines Anthony's medical tracker while he's sleeping but still very much alive in the arena. This goes unnoticed because Harry and Uma are kicking up too much drama. And Ginny and Anthony are pretty good at disguises.

Faciliers. They live in Capitol. With documents that are certainly both legal and theirs.

But hey. No one is gping to kick them out. They smuggle in expensive drugs and absinth and other interesting stuff.

They also know way too much blackmail.

Celia and Freddie have accidentally befriended the gamemakers while making deliveries and now the gamemakers let them play a bit and design new fun mutts!

(Stuff of nightmares, I tell you)

Mal is a way too Capitol-propaganda enthusiastic Victor from one of the poor Districts.

Jay is from District Two, a secret rebel. Jade died in the Games.

Oh! CJ sneaked into the Capitol with her older siblings despite being specifically forbidden to do so, and is now setting something on fire. Ceasar practically gave her a permission by calling her "a little firecracker" in the interview with Harry.

The Smees were supposed to watch her, but the Smees couldn't be paid enough for that.

I'm almost certain I forgot someone. Please, ask if I did or if you find something interesting and want me to elaborate?

[kiwipineappleparasol]

oh Yeah I forgot I never Posted the rest of my Thoughts on the TTYD remake ... Whoops! These things happen I suppose. Since it’s almost OG TTYD’s NA release again, might as well post them now ! Spoilers below for the whole game and post game!

THE EXCESS EXPRESS IS SOOO PRETTY WITH THE NEW LIGHTING !!! I had to take so many screenshots. Especially at sunset or at night. And the MUSIC… The evening atmosphere in general is just soooo good. I would keep trying to get images of my partners sitting at the dining tables to little success.

I remember getting a taste of all the new poses before the remake came out with some comparison images but it's still so cool to me

I had Vivian out when I inspected the stains on the dining car floor and . Actually I'll just put the clip here . Beldam SUCKS (we knew this it's just being reiterated)

the Ghost T sequence looks awesome. The light of Heaven…. Of course I read his diary, and holy shit the glitching effects and stuff wasn't what I expected at all (can’t remember if they were in the og) but it really adds to the DEATH CURSE .

my mother asked why they'd bother to tie up Doopliss because he did nothing wrong . This is true Doopliss has never done anything wrong in his (after)life (joking statement)

Riverside station is soooo pretty….. Unclear how the sun is supposed to be going through the mountains like that though. Not like it matters when it looks so Cool and Wavy.

The inside of the station looks less run down than it did from my memory and moreso just old and abandoned, in a way that I like. It just feels so …empty in a good way.

When you're supposed to hit the Smorgs with your hammer, if you have any partner other than Goombella out and use the Partner Hint, she will tell you as much -- but if you have Flurrie out, Flurrie will instead tell you that, and that she can blow them away! Such a neat touch. They really thought of everything.

the scene of TEC shutting down … It just has such Drama to it. I didn't get to that part in my last playthrough so I can't compare it mentally but I liked it.

Slight Detour: to defeat Bonetail and save a kid’s dad ! Gotta wait for Frankly anyways right

Anyways! back on track . I forgot to write many notes for the last two chapters Unfortunately. Here’s what I got:

AWESOME SHOOTING TO THE MOON CUTSCENE

if you have Vivian out during the cutscene entering the X Naut fortress she's like "not this place again…" I love how she actually references being there before

LORD CRUMP'S STUPID EVIL LAUGH POSE is so good . I love all the new poses so much and I don't think he had it in the original? But idk . He literally only has it for like. Two seconds. But either they thought it was so important and I respect it.

he sucks up the audience with his .. um. his. why is the vacuum coming out from between Magnus Von Grapple's legs.

The scene of the Thousand Year Door opening was so sick I had to watch it multiple times . The crystal stars look so awesome here, and the presence the door has … The way it cracks and opens to this swirling darkness… Awesome.

We get to finally give Beldam a taste of her medicine, or as Vivian said "it's her turn to get punished" … Sad to see Doopliss get duped in this nonsense. In the tattle log it said Beldam specifically sought him out … Definitely after he ran by them crying after Chapter 4 . Beldam loves targeting people she thinks are weak! How likeable. She is directly called abusive by Goombella in Doopliss' tattle -- not that it isn't obvious but you know, happy to see it called what it is.

There's another puzzle moment where you could use either Koops or Yoshi Kid -- you're expected to use Koops but if you have Yoshi Kid out he'll say as much. So cool. I loooove accounting for multiple solutions.

when Grodus said the world is mine. Well. I had to laugh. Someone show him Miku. Also when he got INCINERATED BY THE SHADOW QUEEN. That moment has always been so funny to me. He's so fucking stupid did he think the demon would actually listen to him. That's what he gets for trying to kill Lord Crump off LMAO. also for what he did to TEC I Guess 🙄

THE HANDS CRAWLING ACROSS THE LAND . LETS GO

The epilogue of Goombella visiting everyone has always been sweet, showing that while direct interactions between everyone weren't really shown, they did become friends -- but they all had their own lives before this. So they take their new inspirations they gained on their adventure with Mario to continue on new paths and all.

PAUSE! welcome to my STORY CRITIQUE SECTION! (Yes, I can criticize my favorite video game of all time. These problems were in the original however so it's not a remake thing.)

Listen we love Goombella threatening Beldam to never hurt Vivian again but Vivian deserved an ending outside of her life with her sisters. Yes, it's in character for her to want a happy ending with them but c'mon. Noone deserves to stick around Beldam. If you asked me I would have changed her ending with her reconciling with Marilyn and Doopliss but not Beldam because those two were also victims of Beldam -- and Doopliss literally replaced her as the scapegoat lmao. They have so much to talk about. I think that's my one critique with Vivian's storyline. Grubba never showed his face again; Beldam didn't have to either.

I can absolutely believe that Grodus ditched the full on evil act though. I mean. He's just a head now. And now he has to have his minions carry him everywhere. Plus getting incinerated at the apex of his World Conquest Plan probably killed off his motivation. He's so pathetic now. Definitely still a bad person but what is he going to do about it. Beldam however suffered no such consequences aside from … I guess getting beat up in the Palace of Shadow once? Which is unfortunate and she doesn't deserve any forgiveness from… Literally anyone. So I don't see why she would ditch being an Asshole -- especially considering unlike Grodus, the shadow queen actually respects Beldam. Beldam should feel more robbed because this was her victory that Mario & Co took from her. But I guess they just wanted to give everyone a happy ending -- I just don't think any ending with Beldam in it is happy for anyone involved.

OK BACK TO SHAMELESS GUSHING!

THE CREDIT SEQUENCE ANIMATIONS ARE SO CUTE!!! THEY MADE THE CREDITS SEQUENCE ALL ANIMATED IN THE REMAKE FOR ME!! IT IS SO . FUCKING GOOD. AND ALL THE IMAGES IN THE BACKGROUND ARE ACTUALLY UNIQUE FROM RHE GAMEPLAY??? THEY HAVE MULTIPLE PARTNERS AND UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES AND HUHHH?? THEY MADE THIS SO COOL??? I need to rewatch it because there's so many segments I love . A complete and total upgrade from the original and so much more in line with the charm from the Original Paper Mario's credit sequence . We loveeee you people who made the remake credit sequence you did this for meeee

THE REDONE PAPER MARIO 64 THEME WHEN YOU TALK TO BOW !!! I love it I listened to it in the music player a bunch … Also her and Bootlers new poses are great.

The Prince Mush fight is actually a perfect extra hard boss that takes advantage of the unique battle mechanics and I absolutely love it. Like, adding an optional boss to the remake that has to be defeated by superguarding is such a great way to put a mechanic not everyone will be using to the forefront, and that naturally makes this boss difficult until you master it. I know I failed several times, but I also had the unsimplifier badge on… Once I took that off I won without even needing to heal. Felt so cool.

The New secret fight in the Pit of Hundred Trials was also really neat ! I think I cheesed it a bit using Vivian's Veil, but the amount of damage he can rack up is crazy . Took out multiple of my partners, but I ultimately beat it the first time without even using my healing items. I still need to find out what trial stew does…

And with that, I had gotten every tattle, recipe, badge, and completed every trouble (my final trouble was removing the graffiti in the Pit of a Hundred trials, did that on the way to that secret fight you get after you had beat the pit once and some other requirements)

In Conclusion: I FUCKING LOVE TTYD !! still can’t believe this is real just reading back through my notes and looking at my screenshots, it feels like a dream. I’m so glad I got to experience this.

[warrior-cats-rewritten]

🐈 Give me the drama!

Drama, eh? How about the tragedy that is Dustpelt's mother?

Mild trigger warning for xenophobia.

I split up Robinwing's kittens amongst others. Frostfur and Chestnutwing are their only children, though she does give some help to Brindleface and Whitestorm both for a small amount of time. All Queens helped out with Brindlekit and Whitekit though. Brindlekit's mother abandoned Thunderclan after giving birth and never said who the father was, and no one claimed her. Longtail was born to Patchpelt still, but now his mother is an OC named Bluebellfur. This successfully shatters one of the problems that Robinwing, Fuzzypelt and Patchpelt caused.

As for Dustpelt, Cherrypaw and Ravenpaw? They are now the kittens that belong to Grayflower.

Grayflower is a skinny gray and cream/dilute tortoiseshell molly with purple eyes. She had her kits Honor Sired by Featherwhisker. They had NO relationship, she just wanted a Thunderclan Sire and Featherwhisker gave a thumbs up as long as she didn't involve him. He ain't a father.

She appears first during Bluestar's Prophecy as a young apprentice, trained by Fuzzypelt, and is one of the (many) cats egging on Thistlepaw. Yeah! Let's ruin those soggy fish munching freaks! Sure I'll show you a good spot where you can beat the snot out of an innocent kittypet, they're not truly cats, after all.

Yeah... if Featherwhisker knew how nasty she could be, I don't think he would have Honor Sired.

She was a TOUGH lady. Awful habits aside, nothing EVER fazed Grayflower. Ever. Cucumber trick would not have worked, kitty is unshakable.

As for her family, one would be SHOCKED to know that her parents are Tawnyspots and a brilliant cat known as Flypelt. Sadly, Flypelt passed in childbirth, leaving Tawnyspots alone with Graykit and Thrushkit. Where Thrushkit would become Thrushpelt, a proto-Fire Law supporter, his sister Grayflower would become a proto-Tiger Law supporter. A HARD Codeist.

However, oddly enough... She was a very loving mother. She held Cherrykit, Dustkit and Ravenkit close, amused when Ravenkit showed purple eyes like hers. She loved them so much, telling the three all the time how proud she was, making sure to hunt for them when she could to get their favorite prey - Robin. She even made a request to Bluestar to hold Ravenkit back for a while, her son too nervous to leave the nursery just yet.

She was the mother that would leave kind notes in your lunchbag, pack cool bandaids in her purse whenever you scraped your knee and tell you you're being so, so brave when she uses the antiseptic spray. Grayflower would make sure you eat your veggies and use your manners and help you if you needed it.

But she would then go online and rant about 'filthy' outsiders posing a threat, and cats with "outside blood" should be thrown out of the Clans, and no one could ever hope to be as holy or pure as a "Proper Thunderclan cat".

Her death comes swiftly in WCR!Into The Wild, she dies in the same battle Lionheart is killed in. Her throat is slashed by a Shadowclan cat, she's dead before she even hits the ground. Firepaw didn't like her, but when he sees how it effects her 3 kids, he understands that while she wasn't kind in any way towards him, she was still loved.

Cherryshine hides away in the warriors den, holding a small gift that Grayflower made for her, a wooden figure. Dustpaw goes from snarky and rude to just... Closed off completely. No one can get him to talk for several days. Ravenpaw clings to Graypaw and Firepaw harder for a while, having even more nightmares...

Her impact is felt harder in her death. Dustpelt had always wanted to be like her, and when he grows up he realizes just how horrific her ideals had been. Cherryshine had started to reject her ideals as an apprentice, but it never meant she didn't love her mother, never wanted to see her get better.

Ravenpaw though? Oooh, that's the juicy one.

Ravenpaw's Farewell is about grief, loss, and how people we lose can still have effect on us, even years down the line. Ravenpaw visits the graves of cats he knew regularly, the ones that haven't been paved over for an almost completely unused road. Grayflower's grave is included. He has... Some feelings about her.

When Tigerclaw had started to blame him for all the bad things happening in Thunderclan, would she have believed him? She would have died for her kids, but she would have died for Tigerstar's plans too. She believed Tigerclaw's every word... Had she loved Ravenpaw enough?

She would love who Barley is, he's funny, strong, and always up for a quick hunting session or a fun wrestle.

But she would hate what Barley is, so, so much. She hated all outsiders, especially clanless cats.

Would she hate him too?

[jedipoodoo]

Secret Kingdoms Part Five (Sergeant Hunter x Reader)

Notes: magic and enchantments, impromptu dance party, MC eats peanuts at one point so if you're allergic to peanuts irl you aren't for this chapter. Asajj Ventress makes quick cameo to cause drama likeyado. MC gets really self-deprecating at the end of this one so take care of yourself. Dividers by @saradika . This chapter goes out to @dragonrider9905 who is writing their own medieval Hunter au!! Go check it out!

Oh, and happt belated birthday to @photogirl894

Lula roared in greeting, and rammed her head against your side the way a cat would wrap itself around your leg in an attempt to trip you.

“Woah, easy there girl!” You laughed and held out your arms, letting Lula nuzzle into your chest with a head that was almost as big as your entire body.

“I missed you too, girl,” You told her softly.

Then Padme, of all people, lighted down off the dragon’s back, graceful without even trying, and ran towards you, shouting your name.

“Princess!” You caught her in your arms as she embraced you. She was dressed in a thick woolen gown, and her face was still flushed with hairs escaping her simple braid.

“They said you had a fever!” You scolded.

“I had to make sure you were alright!” She insisted, “Crosshair and the others said they would follow Hunter to Serenno and I begged them to bring you back,” She sobbed against your shoulder, but only for a moment.

“And don’t worry for my condition, the Duchess frets enough for both of us.” She wiped her face and held her head high so that the men wouldn’t see her moment of weakness.

She looked around, finally catching sight of your strange new friends.

“Are these men…” She nodded to the Serennians, suspicious.

“They pose no threat,” You promised Anakin and the others, “They were just as much a victim of Dooku as we were.”

Three of the Serennians bowed to Padme, and the other two did the best they could while supporting each other in their injuries.

“The people of Serenno are at your disposal, your highness,” Their leader said, “The actions of Dooku were not ours.”

Padme nodded with the grace of a queen, “Thank you for your help. Now we have to help Duke Kenobi deal with the rest of your army,” She looked over her shoulder, and you could hear the faint sounds of battle in the distance; the whinny of a horse, metal clanging against metal, and men’s shouts that begged the stars above for victory.

“You mean the golems!” Tech interjected.

The sounds of battle drew your attention, clanging swords, screams of dying men, and hollow cries of the iron-made golems.

You turned to the Serrenians that had become your allies, "Do you know how we can destroy the golems?"

Their leader shook his head, "They didn't trust us enough to show us how it worked."

You ground your teeth in frustration. Grievous was smarter than you thought.

Lula appeared blissfully unaware of the conundrum, pressing her scaled snout low to the leaf-covered ground and sniffing everything within reach. It was a bit hard to try and have a conversation to plan your next step when a large dragon was wandering between everyone and you had to avoid being stepped on.

"Lula!" You scolded as she had two of the Serrenians backed up against the tree, sniffing their armor with great interest. She snorted, sending a huff of smoke up in their faces. Well, if they reminded her of her captors, you couldn't really blame her.

"Come on, you big ugly beast," Crosshair's voice lacked it's typical venom as he tried to urge Lula away from the terrified soldiers.

"Come on, girl!" Wrecker patted her side gently, trying to get her to stay still for a moment.

While they dealt with her, Padme inquired of the goblet in your hands.

You looked down at your hands, clutching the chalice that Grievous had been guarding. "If this is their anchor, how do we destroy it?"

"That..." Tech paused a single finger raised just so, "I am not sure."

"It's a cup! Just smash it!" Wrecker slid down Lula's back and snatched the cup from your hand. Grasping it by the stem, he attempted to smash the bowl of the goblet against a rock. A clap of thunder echoed through the woods, and a ripple of air hit all of you, knocking you off your feet. Hunter threw himself over you, and Tech had attempted to shield Padme from the energy. When you all had gathered your wits, the cup lay on the ground at Wrecker's feet, still intact.

"Nice," Crosshair grunted, brushing leaves from his hair. He had been sitting pretty on Lula's back until the ripple of energy had knocked him off.

Lula crooned curiously, leaning down towards the goblet.

"Lula, no wait!" You had no idea what the dark magic could do to her, but Lula had no fear. She growled at the goblet, and took a deep breath.

"She's gonna blow!" Wrecker grabbed Padme and pulled her behind one of the trees to protect her.

Lula roared with the crackle of white-hot fire as Hunter shielded you with his cloak. Lula shot a powerful, concentrated flame at the goblet, and with an eerie, high-pitched scream, the chalice shattered as if it was just waiting for Wrecker's strike to kick in.

The shriek faded, and a low rumbling echoed through the forest like a minor ground quake.

"Did... Did that do it then?" Wrecker asked.

You looked up, stomping out a stray burn that had caught on the dry leaves of the forest bed. Lula glared at the smoking circle of ash where the chalice had been. She huffed and sat down, satisfied with her handiwork.

"Fascinating," Tech adjusted his spectacles and took a few steps towards the dragon, trying not to startle her, "I had read hearsay of dragon flames defeating dark magic, but I found it quite unprobable. It seems I was wrong."

"For once in your life," Hunter chuckled, and pulled you closer.

Everything happened in a blur after that. The battle was over, and with it went the adrenaline and energy you’d been running on since your escape. Captain Romar and the Serennians officially surrendered to Duke Kenobi with the condition that their people be spared. The only caveat was that Grievous had escaped.

Duke Kenobi enlisted Captain Romar and the Serennian King’s Guard to lead a contingent of men to Serenno, arresting Dooku’s allies and making sure Grievous didn’t return.

In the meantime, the rest of you returned home.

The princess re-entered the capital, flanked by twenty men, including Hunter and his brothers, led by Sir Skywalker. The people lined the roads, throwing flowers for the heroes of the war. 

“God save the princess!” They cried, trying to get their blossoms to land in her lap. Young ladies waved their handkerchiefs to catch the attention of the knights. Wrecker waved shyly to the girl whose kerchief landed on his head.

Most of the soldiers stayed in the city to join in the celebrations. Winter was coming closer, and the weather could only be so nice for so long, but you followed the princess inside the castle walls, where the king and queen were waiting for her. Anakin anticipated Padme’s anxiety to see her parents, and was down from his horse in time to help Padme down from hers. She sprinted across the courtyard, meeting her mother halfway there. A few ladies tittered with whispers, but not many could find fault with the king and queen’s joy to see their daughter again.

“Allow me,” Hunter gently placed his hands on your waist and lifted you down from your horse. You gasped in surprise, but you were already on the ground.

Hunter leaned in close to your ear, “Is my lady afraid of a simple knight?” He teased.

“Hunter!” You clasped your hand over your mouth to keep yourself from making any unseemly noises, and ducked your head to hide your blush.

“Apologies, milady,” He whispered, tucking a bit of hair back behind your ear, and with it, a flower, one of the blossoms thrown by the crowd.

You looked up at him at last, and cupped the blossom delicately, stroking its silky petals, and dreamed of wearing a dress that felt so wonderful. You were almost tempted to kiss him, but then you remembered that you were in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by vulture’s eyes and mockingbird’s beaks. 

“I need to be by the princess,” You realized softly. Hunter could sense your reluctance with his own as his eyes softened.

“Okay. I’ll see you at the ceremony?” His hand squeezed your shoulder.

“I think so,” You bit your lip. Out of habit, you reached for your collarbone, trying to feel the pendant Hunter had made you, only to remember in a rush of sadness that it had been lost when you escaped Ohnaka and the pirates.

Padme and her parents were already heading inside, and you needed to take her cloak. Hunter tried to grasp your hand as you hurried after them, only for your fingers to slip through his hand. You kept yourself from looking back. He was a knight, you were a maid. You both had your duties to perform.

The next day, after a royal feast had been held to celebrate Padme’s return, King Ruwee wanted to honor the heroes of the battle with Serenno. 

“Why do all of you look gloomier than a cat in the mud?” You asked Hunter’s brothers as you prepared them for the ceremony. Each of them stood stiffly, in polished armor and vibrant ceremonial cloaks, shuffling on timid feet as they eyes darted about the empty hallway. You could hear the murmurs of the assembled courtiers just inside the throne room, and they were about to march out in front of all of them.

Tech chuckled, “It’s…not really our thing.”

“Accolades,” Crosshair tossed his cape over his shoulder, hitting Hunter in the face.

Hunter nudged Crosshair meaningfully, “King Ruwee is doing us a great honor today. Maybe today is finally the day we each get our own titles.”

He tugged at the neck of his cape, and you took the ties from his hands, carefully tying them securely so that the cape rested just so on the shoulders of his polished armor without choking his neck.

Before you could step away, Hunter caught your hand. He placed a kiss as soft as a butterfly’s wing on your knuckles. 

“I’ll see you in there, milady,” He murmured as you collected your thoughts.

You couldn’t help the smile that fluttered on your lips, “Good luck, Sir Hunter.”

You left Hunter and his brothers to brace themselves for a different kind of battle, and snuck in through the servant’s halls to make it to your spot at Padme’s side.

Padme sat on her throne, just off to the right of her mother’s high seat. She wrung a handkerchief in her hands, and you could faintly make out a blue flower embroidered on the corner. Embroidery work that she’d done for Sir Anakin.

“Are you alright, your highness?” You asked, placing your hand just over hers to massage her white knuckles.

She flashed a nervous smile at you, “You’ve saved my life, I think we’re past the whole ‘your highness’ thing,” She laughed weakly. 

“Padme,” You scolded, “I’m still responsible for your well-being.”

Padme squeezed your hand, “And I will always be grateful for that.”

Before you could press Padme for what was wrong, the trumpets sounded a fanfare. A hush fell through the throne room, and all turned towards the door as they opened with a majestic groan, making way for the heroes of Naboo. 

It was the six of them who had been sent to rescue you and Padme: Hunter and his brothers, and Anakin, the man who had ridden through several blockades with just his horse and sword to rescue the princess and bring her to safety. 

Hunter and his brothers were credited for the death of Count Dooku, and for that, King Ruwee made each of them a Duke. 

Your heart beat erratically as Hunter knelt before the King, the last of his brothers to be dubbed a duke at the edge of the king’s blade. Hunter caught your nervous glance as he knelt, and subtly winked at you before giving the king his focus. 

You knew he didn’t understand. A Knight and a servant wasn’t too much of a stretch, but a Duke and a servant were something else entirely. King Ruwee would never allow it, especially if Padme was hoping to marry her own beloved Knight one day.

The court was disappointed that Anakin was only made a duke, particularly when the herald had just finished reading a list of his noble accomplishments, but from the twinkle in Duke Kenobi’s eye, that wasn’t all that King Ruwee had in mind.

King Ruwee handed his sword to Queen Jobal and held out his hand to raise Anakin from the food, as he had done with the others before him. “Rise, Sir Skywalker, Lord of the Varykino lakes.”

The room thundered with applause for the Princess’s heroic rescuer. Anakin smiled for the crowd, but he stood awkwardly under all the attention. King Ruwee took pity on him after a moment and raised his hands for silence.

“As hero of Naboo, I will grant you one boon; whatever you will ask of me, I will grant it.”

The nobles gasped, whispering again at the king’s extreme generosity.

“Your majesty,” Anakin sank to his knees, “As a knight of Naboo, I want for nothing.”

The assembled crowd of nobles tittered approvingly at Anakin’s display of humility, and you rolled your eyes. You knew for a fact that was a lie. 

“Except for one thing,” Anakin raised his head to face his king, but his eyes landed on Padme. 

“I am afraid, however, that it is not something that you can give me, your majesty.”

King Ruwee looked to his daughter. Padme’s hand rested on her chest, trying to keep her breath steady, but the look she shared with Anakin never wavered.

Ruwee smiled like he knew this was coming. 

“Whatever you shall ask, Sir Skywalker, I give you my blessing.”

Anakin slowly pulled himself to his feet with shaking limbs, and you backed away from your position just behind Padme’s throne. Padme stood as Anakin approached her, clutching his hands in her pale fingers.

“Your majesty, Princess,” He whispered. You might have been the only one to hear his heart-melting declaration of love to Padme, but it was just as well. They deserved to have this one thing for themselves in a life full of courtly machinations.

“Yes,” Padme whispered. She broke out into a smile, and Anakin’s forehead rested against hers as he heaved a sigh of relief.

They held hands, but now they turned to face the court.

“Your majesties King Ruwee and Queen Jobal, I ask for your blessing in taking Princess Padme Amidala Naberrie, the first of her name, as my wife.”

Ruwee looked to his wife just to be sure. Jobal dabbed away a tear at the tender display, but nodded all the same.

Cheers all the louder filled the throne room, echoing through the stone chamber. Wrecker perhaps cheered the loudest, but it meant more to you and Hunter than it did to anyone else. He caught your eye as Padme and Anakin linked arms for all the court to see.

”I love you,” He mouthed.

It was a familiar scene, the chandeliers flickering overhead as the minstrels played jaunty tune after jaunty tune. Not only was this ball a celebration of the defeat of Dooku, but now it was also a celebration of the beloved Princess’s engagement. You ran interference with the other nobles to let Anakin and Padme have their moment on the dance floor, the center of everyone’s attention. Even King Ruwee, with his blood pressure, escorted his wife to the dance floor for a turn or two. 

You were wearing the shimmering blue gown again, not that anyone else would care. Padme was convinced that the dress had been what caught Hunter’s eye at your first ball, and promised that it would capture his attention. Or at least, it would if you could ever find him in this crowd. 

You were trying to distract a few well-wishers with a delicacy of sugared dates and pistachios when you heard a sultry voice.

“The new title suits you, my Lord.”

That voice itself didn’t mean anything to you, until you heard the reply.

“Oh, well thank you.”

You froze. That was Hunter’s voice. In the constant hum of chatter from the around the ballroom, it was hard to make out the tone of his voice, but you spotted him easily enough. He stood with the Baroness Talzin and her daughter, Asajj. 

“I have heard of your many exploits in battle, my lord. Should you be looking for a sparring partner, something…different, perhaps, to challenge your skills, I should be happy to lend a hand,” Asajj toasted Hunter with her ruby red goblet of wine. There was no mistaking her tone, she had a little more in mind than simply sparring.

You kept your breathing even. Despite Padme’s generosity, you were still a maid. You had a job to do. You took the tray of dates and turned to the nobles you were supposed to be entertaining, speaking more forcefully than usual to both catch their attention, and distract yourself. 

Someone called your name over the crowd, and you tried to brush it off as you had Baron Papanoida speak with Duke Kenobi and Duchess Kryze in an effort to give Padme and Anakin a few more moments alone.

“Milady!” He had found you now, it was impossible to avoid it. So when he tapped your arm to catch your attention, you place the tray between the two of you.

“Figs and nuts, sir?” 

Hunter blinked, and glanced down at the last treat on the tray. “Have you had any?”

It was your turn to be confused, “Well, no, I’m not supposed to-”

“Forget what you’re ‘supposed’ to do,” Hunter plucked the tray from your hand and took the last date, setting the tray aside and holding it out towards you.

Slightly embarrassed at his insistence, you refused to open your mouth until the sugary dusting brushed your lips. No use refusing it now. You opened your mouth and let Hunter place the date on your tongue. The slightly sour flavor exploded with the sugar, and you hummed in pleasure, just now realizing how hungry you had been.

“It’s good, right?” Hunter took a handful of peanuts from the serving dish and handed a few to you, “I first fell in love with figs when we were sent to Mandalore. Everyone eats them there.”

“It’s delicious,” You agreed, popping a few more in your mouth. You ate ravenously, Hunter could hardly get a word in edgewise until you were finished. Unable to wipe the peanut dust from your fingers onto your silken dress, Hunter offered you his handkerchief.

“Dance with me, milady?” He asked. He held out his hand, giving you the choice.

“I told you, don’t call me that,” You said, resisting the urge to pout like a spoiled child. You twisted his kerchief in your hands. The edge was embroidered with vines, just like the pendant he had made you.

Hunter simply smiled, “To recognize you as anything but a gracious lady would be just as impossible as stopping the sun from setting.

”Milady.”

Your face flushed, but it was impossible not to smile in reply. Of its own free will, your hand slipped into Hunters, and he spun you close, leading you to the edge of the dance floor.

“Last time, I hardly got the chance to dance with you,” He whispered so that only you would hear, “This time, I intend to have you as my only dance partner.”

Your breath caught on the lump in your throat, and you almost started to cry, but crying was forgotten as Hunter spun you under his arm, pulling a laugh from your chest that wrapped around the both of you and seemed to carry you far from the cares and worries of the ballroom.

It was almost enough to make you forget your staggeringly different places in society.

Almost.

Padme sat in the window the morning after, soaking up the sunlight of the early morning.

“Isn’t it so beautiful?” She asked you.

“Yes, it is, your highness,” You nodded, gently brushing her hair. The world had changed, but it still continued to spin on, and you still had work to do.

Padme turned, gently taking your hand, “How are things with you and Sir Hunter?” She asked.

Your smile wobbled, “Nevermind all that,” You said in a hurried whisper. You gently turned Padme’s head so that you could finish with her hair. 

She had worn an elaborate purple velvet dress for the ceremonies yesterday, and a shimmering gown in a yellow and pink gradient that was much better suited for dancing at the ball, but today was full of meetings to discuss what was to become of the Serennian lands after their surrender. She needed something dignified and elaborate to convey the sense of importance that these meetings held.  The dark red- almost brown- dress she was wearing was perhaps a little drab, but not when partnered with the cream sash and golden headpiece. 

Padme kept trying to get you to tell her everything that had happened while she was recovering at the Mandalorian Fortress, but you stubbornly refused.

“You look stunning, princess!” You told her, earnestly trying to avoid the worries in your heart.

Padme smiled at you, but you knew that she wasn’t buying your excuses. Fortunately for you, there was a knock at the door to her chambers and you had to answer it. 

The falconer’s apprentice handed you a scroll, sealed in black ink with Serenno’s traditional coat of arms. You gave the boy a coin for his troubles, and gave it to Padme to read as she hurried to the meeting. 

King Ruwee and Queen Jobal were already there, as were most of the council members. You quickly retrieved a pitcher of wine, pouring one for Padme and for several of the other council members who didn’t have their servants with them.

“As I am certain you all know, the purpose of this meeting is to decide the future of the kingdom of Serenno. Under Yan Dooku, who was slain by one of our own, all members of the royal family and those who would have a chance at a claim to the throne were wiped out. Those who were spared were absolutely loyal to Dooku,” Jobal began.

“As Serenno has surrendered to us, under the treaty of the Nine Kingdoms, we are free to absorb Serenno into our kingdom, or allow it to govern itself.”

Lord Taa harumphed, “If all who remain are loyal to Dooku, who is to say they won’t attack us again if we let them be? We’d be setting ourselves up for certain doom!”

King Ruwee held out his hand to calm his portly courtier.

“My dear, I believe you had more information on this front?” He asked Padme.

Padme sat up straight, holding the parchment she had received. "We have word from Romar, the captain of the King's Guard, that Dooku's allies have fled Serreno. His people offer their unconditional surrender." 

"Unconditional Surrender seems very extreme for a people who had nothing to do with their tyrant's machinations." Kenobi pondered, stroking his beard as he thought. 

"They're terrified," You spoke up. Suddenly, all eyes were on you. You gulped nervously, white-knuckling the pitcher. Padme hadn't been in Serenno. She hadn't seen what had become of a once prosperous mining kingdom. But you had. 

"Dooku killed their king, and anyone who could claim to be heir to the throne. He used dark magic that he found with the help of merchants from Nemoidia and the guilds in Geonosis, and he used that dark magic to threaten Serenno's people to submission. If they didn't give in to Dooku's reign, he would have wiped them out as well as us."

King Ruwee sat back in his chair, regarding you curiously. "What would you say they want, then?"

"Food," was your immediate answer, "They're starving. All of their resources went to Dooku and his allies. They have no loyalty to him. But they will be loyal to those who will take care of them and establish peace."

The council members murmured thoughtfully as they considered your words.

“Perhaps it would be best to absorb Serenno into our kingdom,” Ruwee said, “It would eradicate tariffs on food supplies-”

“And their mines would certainly be advantageous!” Taa said. He toasted the King, letting a few drops spill over the brim of his goblet.

“The new Dukes, aside from Lord Anakin, have yet to be assigned their own vassals. We could divide Serenno between them,” Jobal pointed to the map on the table.

Your spirits lifted. At least something was going right; Hunter and his brothers would be certain to take care of the people of Serenno, and if their interactions with the Serennian King’s Guard were anything to go off of, they would fit right in at home. And it would be far away enough to keep them away from the vultures of Court.

You were so pleased with this turn of events that you hardly noticed when the subject of conversation turned, if only for a moment.

“Speaking of the dukes, my sister is set to inherit a large portion of land upon her wedding day,” Duchess Kryze said slowly, “You have that accounted for, I assume, your majesty?”

You cocked your head to the side, trying not to sound too interested as you refilled Lord Taa’s goblet of wine.

“Of course, Satine, I promise I wouldn’t forget,” Ruwee chuckled.

“Good,” Duchess Kryze took an elegant sip from her goblet, “I had the notion just the other day, she would make a handsome partner for Sir Hunter, I think.”

You heard the pitcher crash against the stone floor, and as the noise rang in your ear you felt something soaking into your boot. 

“Forgive me, my lords,” You said on autopilot. Two footmen ran forward to help you clean up your mess, and you tried to mop it as best you could with your apron.

“No worries, my dear,” King Ruwee waved it off, and nodded to the duchess to continue.

“It’s a sizeable land, and with their skills I feel that Sir Hunter and my sister, Lady Kryze, would be a good match. Certainly a strong ally to your majesty should another enemy such as Dooku raise their ugly head.  I would have to speak to my sister, of course, but this marriage would prove advantageous to the young duke. I understand he wants what is best for his brothers, and this would help Sir Hunter arrange further advantageous marriages for them.”

“Are you alright?” Padme whispered as you shuffled your way over to her side, trembling and soaked with wine.

“I’m fine,” You assured her. You picked up the metal pitcher, ascertaining its condition, and fled the room with as much dignity as you could muster. 

You tossed the pitcher at the scullery maid. If you had any of your scruples about you, you would have moved on and grabbed a fresh pitcher so that you could return to the council room. Instead, you climbed down into the cellar and shut the door behind you, trying not to scream as tears burned into your cheeks.

You knew that you were well below Hunter’s station, but hearing the mere suggestion of Hunter being married to someone else was tearing your heart apart with every beat.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Hunter always put his brothers first, Duchess Satine was right about that. How could he refuse an offer like this? 

You buried your face in your hands and fell to your knees.

You had to face it now.

Hunter would never be yours.

Lady Luck (Prequel)

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

[fixfoxnox]

Personal Models (Price/Gaz/Jackson)

Day 4 of Gaz week! The SFW prompt was Hobby!

Warnings: thirsty comments (so slight nsfw there)

"You know," Jackson did a quick spin, "I think I look fucking fantastic in this, really shows off my legs."

Gaz couldn't help the laugh that pulled from his lips at the words. The skirt that his boyfriend was wearing swished around his legs with every move, exposing a bit more of his thighs with every second. Gaz could feel his face heating up at the sigh, but the grin that he wore stayed in place.

"You know," he readjusted the camera in front of him, "If you keep moving like that, I'm never going to get a good picture. You'll starve my followers of their thirst content." He chuckled a bit to himself at the thought. He'd already had a number of people in his comments begging to see another outfit on Jackson or Price and, well, he was never one to starve people of what they wanted.

Jackson rolled his eyes at the words, "Let them starve! I like the way it moves and I insisted on enjoying it." He turned his nose up playfully before moving again to allow the fabric of the skirt to move around his thighs again.

"Well," Gaz put his hands on his hips and gave Jackson a stern look, "If you don't sit still, I'll just have to put John in the skirt instead." Gaz shot a playful look over to Price who'd been quietly watching the entire situation.

"I think I'd look better in it," Price answered easily, his tone teasing, "I mean I looked better in the last skirt that you made."

"That's just because blue isn't my color," Jackson complained with a huff, "Gaz made that one specifically for you, I know it! I mean did you see the face he made when I asked to try it on?" He brought his hand up to lay against his forehead dramatically, "Woe is me, my boyfriend only likes to dress up our other boyfriend."

Gaz scoffed, but couldn't help the laugh that pulled from his throat. "Alright, drama queen. Just pose and let me get a picture. Then you can twirl for us as much as you want."

"Promise?" Jackson gave him a cheeky grin and Gaz could only roll his eyes in response.

"Promise," he crouched back down to look through the viewfinder of his camera, "Alright, do something cute, would you?"

Jackson scoffed as he moved into a pose, "I'm always doing something cute."

Gaz tucked back further against Price's chest with a sigh, the sounds of a football game playing on the TV ringing around the room. His hands were moving quickly, practically following muscle memory more than anything. Just winding the thread through the holes in a specific pattern. Hand sewing certainly wasn't his favorite part of his hobby, but it was a necessary one.

On the other end of the couch was Jackson. He was idly scrolling through his phone, one of his hands stroking along the bare skin of one of Gaz's legs that lay in his lap. He was meant to be paying attention to the football game, something about trying to learn so he could understand what Price was always going on about. He'd very quickly gotten distracted though, as Gaz suspected he would.

Price didn't seem to notice, all of his focus on the game in front of him. It was probably for the best, after all, Gaz didn't know what he would do if both of his boyfriends became sports fanatics about the same sport. He would prefer it if Jackson stuck to baseball and Price stuck to football. It would be much easier to focus on his sewing if only one of them was yelling at the TV.

Except there was something distracting him from his sewing and, of course, that something was Jackson. He hadn't thought much of it when his boyfriend started looking at his phone. He hadn't even thought about it when he'd started giggling at first. But after several minutes of occasional laughter, Gaz had a pretty good idea of what the man was doing.

He waited until the football game went to commercial, that way he could talk without cutting into any of the commentary for the game.

"Paul," he nudged the other man with his leg, "are you looking at my Instagram right now?"

Jackson's face went a bit red which was all of the answer that Gaz needed. "Listen," Jackson started nervously, "I just, you know-"

"Thought you'd go read some comments of people complimenting you," Price cut in, an amused smile on his face. "A bit self-centered, love."

"No!" Jackson was quick to respond, "No, no! I just thought that I would...you know," his face only went redder, "see what people were saying about Gaz's design."

"Mhm," Gaz couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips, "and what are they saying? Read me the last comment you liked."

Jackson looked down at his phone nervously, his eyes scanning across the screen. He blushed red again before quietly reading off, "I don't know what to focus on here, Gaz's amazing design or Jackson's legs." He paused for a moment as both Gaz and Price snickered at him, "Hey! I just liked it because of the part about Gaz, I swear!"

"Alright," Price's voice was filled with amusement, "Read us off another one of your liked comments then."

Jackson paused for a long moment, "No," he responded hesitantly, his face still red.

Gaz was quick to jerk forward and snatch the phone from Jackson's hands. He managed to pass it back to Price just as Jackson made a grab for it, preventing the man from taking hold of it. "Hey!" Jackson made another grab but Gaz was quick to put his foot on the man's chest, preventing him from moving any further.

"What's it say?" He tilted his head back to grin up at Price.

"Holy shit, fuck, oh my god," Price started, laughter in his voice already, "fuck, oh my god, Gaz thank you for sharing this with us, the skirt and one of your insanely hot boyfriends holy shit."

Gaz snorted at the comment and turned his eyes to Jackson's red face, "Really, babe?"

"Oh here's another one," Price had a grin on his face, "Gaz can I please have your boyfriend and his amazing legs I'll give you my whole life savings for him, that's like...twelve dollars."

"You guys are so mean to me," Jackson called out, "Those were flukes, just the only few that I liked, I swear."

"You don't understand, Gaz, I would eat both of your boyfriend's asses like a four-course meal, one chance please."

Gaz descended into laughter rather quickly and it didn't stop as Price continued reading off the many comments that Jackson had liked. Jackson could do nothing but listen and pout at them as they read everything off.

Thirsty comments for Price and Jackson were quite common to see on Gaz's sewing Instagram. He liked using his boyfriends as models and his followers loved seeing them dressed up in whatever new thing he made. He was sure a number of people were just there to see his boyfriends, but if they were engaging with his posts he didn't care. He still got the revenue from it.

"You know," he called after Price had finished reading yet another one of the comments, "if you want compliments so bad you can just say so. I'm more than willing to tell you both how handsome you are."

Jackson blushed red again. "I enjoy complimenting you more," he responded shyly, "My talented boyfriend and his sewing projects."

It was Gaz's turn to flush slightly at the words and he was quick to bury his face in Price's chest out of embarrassment. "He's right," Price nudges him slightly, "Our talented boyfriend and his sewing. We only look as good as we do because of you."

"Flatterers," Gaz accused, still hiding his face in Price's chest.

His words pulled a chuckle from both of the men. "For you?" Jackson asked playfully, his hand rubbing over his leg again, "Always."

[autisticrosewilson]

For the ship thing: rosecass and jayjoey

Rosecass my beloved <33333 I think that they have SO much in common and they're perfect mirrors of each other in a lot of ways. I also think that no matter how much romantic tension is between them, neither of them will ever give up on their goals.

Cass will never be content to let Rose kill and Rose will never stop fighting for her goals (whatever those are at the time) and whether those goals align with Cass's is up to chance. They have the potential to be really good together but they also chafe against each other.

By no means do I think this relationship would be particularly healthy but it would be INTERESTING and they would both commit everything they have to it and it's probably going hurt badly when it ends.

What can I say though I am a sucker for Tragic queer people. Speaking of which, Joeyjay is so absolutely soul shattering to me.

Like the parallels! The themes! The drama! Imagine that you're Joey and losing your older brother because your father fucking SUCKS has inspired you to be a hero, mainly out of spite, and partly to avenge your mother (who your relationship can be described as "tense" with at best).

And now you have this friend/leader with a new little brother whose small and frail but still fights to meet his dad's expectations and is constantly in the shadow of his more athletic and ambitious older brother when he would really just like to be loved and perhaps read a book somewhere quietly.

And you love your friend, you can see why what his dad did by putting a new kid in his dead family's Colors without telling him is upsetting. But all the fighting is putting a wedge between the two brothers and all you can see is how Alone this kid is, how deep and biting your friends anger can be, how much them losing each other is going to hurt.

So you spend some more time with the kid, and look at that! You have similar interests. He likes classic metal but you've got him hooked on Queen and David Bowie and your friends complaining about infecting him with your music taste. You like the same kinds of poetry, his school is preforming your favorite musical and you help him learn his lines, neither of you like when fruit is too soft but you both have sweet tooths. He fights like your brother. You two never spar.

You teach him how to make flower crowns and he teaches you how to hotwire a car. You edit his essays and short stories and he poses as long as you want him to so you can draw him. You really like drawing him. Your friend would skin you if he knew. What he doesn't know won't hurt him.

Now imagine you're Jason. You are starving, and not even for food, anymore. But you are so hungry for every scrap of love you can get. Your brother doesn't like you. He doesn't hate you, he tries to keep you out of fights with dad, but you can tell how strained his affection for you is.

You try to make it better, you side with him over Bruce even when you worry it'll be the thing that gets you kicked out, and you follow every order with almost no back talk, and you stay far from underfoot. You make yourself small and unnoticeable, because you've always been good at that.

But someone does notice you. A pretty boy with luminous eyes and shiny hair and artists hands. You don't know if you like boys yet, not sure if you like anyone, but you're sure you like this boy. You think he might like you too, if not the same way you like him.

He's your first for a lot of things; The first time you visit your mother's grave, Joey is who you come back to. The first time you put on makeup, he is the one who helps with your eyeliner. The first time you have a "sleepover", it's you Rose and Joey building a blanket fort in his bedroom.

It's New Years Eve on the roof of Titans tower, and when midnight comes around, he's not your first kiss. But it's the first time you kissed back. It's the first time you didn't want it to stop.

Dick would hate you, you're sure. Rose would never talk to you again. Bruce would stop forcing you to the Tower whenever he has an excuse. You don't know enough about Slade Wilson to know if he'd do anything, but you're not keen on finding out.

You ask Joey out, leave flowers (pink camellia) and a note neatly on his desk.

He's the first time you've ever been rejected too. You stop talking to Joey, and it's only meant to be temporary. Until it's not. Until he's standing next to his best friend, your brother, trying not to sob while "DECEASED" flashes in bold red letters next to your picture.

There's a single text message from you when he comes back to earth, he never opens it.

[casspurrjoybell-24]

My Mate - Chapter 31 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Torin Frey

"But Halloween is long over," I complained but Dana just rolled her eyes, fixing her hair and makeup in the mirror before turning towards me.

"Costume parties can be held at any time," she stated, apparently at such short notice, she couldn't find any fairy wings to go with her pretty purple dress.

She wanted me to dress up as her fairy prince, she'd even went ahead and gotten the costume for me.

There was no other choice but to go along with it.

I haven't owned a costume since I was thirteen and dressed up as the Hulk for Halloween.

Thinking about it, I wondered what Mom did with the padded bodysuit I had ran around in for weeks thinking I was invincible.

I looked down at the white suit Dana picked out for me and picked at one of the diamond buttons.

It was very nicely made.

I couldn't imagining her finding this in a thrift shop or costume store.

It fit perfectly too.

"Come on, let's go so you can see your Mate in some skimpy warrior costume," she joked, grabbing my hand and pulling me along.

We were late because she'd taken so long getting ready.

Everyone else went ahead but she screamed at me until I reluctantly sat down, having no other choice but to wait for her.

Who knew it could take two hours to do makeup.

It didn't even look like she had any one but who was I to suggest she add some glitter for the fairy affect.

The Frey females could be scary when they wanted to be and I knew when to be quiet.

Now she'd put the thought in my head though and I wondered what Robert would be wearing.

He could definitely pull off a skimpy warrior costume.

He had the perfect body for it.

Oh, I shouldn't think of that right now.

I thought about his body too much... specifically what it would look like without any clothes.

Dang, I'm thinking about it now.

Smiling to myself, I got into Dana's car.

I wouldn't have if I'd known she had the intention to kill me.

The whole five minute ride was stressful.

"Stop being a drama Queen and come on," she said, rolling her eyes and hopped out, fixing her dress.

I peeled myself from the seat and forced myself not to kiss the ground.

I'd never get in a car with her behind the wheel again.

Turning to look up at the pack house, I had expected loud music and flashing neon lights.

Much like there had been at the Human party Robert took me to.

There wasn't any of that.

Not even some drunk male laying on the front lawn.

Maybe Werewolf parties are different.

I'd thought it would have been ten times crazier.

Seems I'll have to find another chance to redecorate.

Following Dana into the house, I immediately came to a standstill.

"Did you lie? Is there no party and you just wanted to get me dressed up for no reason?" I accused, glaring up at her.

Placing my hands on my hips, I watched her scratch at her brow as if at a loss.

Where was everyone?

I hadn't even seen my other cousins costumes because Dana had kept me locked up in my room.

Maybe they'd went to dinner or were across the street laughing at me.

"Everyone's in the backyard, you'd be an idiot to allow drunk Werewolves in your house," she sassed, mirroring my pose with her hands on her hips.

"Oh."

That made sense, I guess.

Dana laughed and came over to me, fixing my suit and smoothing any wrinkles out.

"Can't have my prince looking bad," she winked and I let her grab my hand and drag me towards the back of the house.

I still couldn't hear any music but I guess they wanted to keep the peace.

Is there a such thing as silent parties?

I thought I'd have seen at least one drunk person passed out somewhere.

"Please smile," Dana said, blocking my view with her tall frame so I couldn't see out the back sliding door.

I smiled for her and she finally walked outside.

My smile quickly morphed into confusion and then shock once I followed her out.

The first thing that caught my attention was the fairy lights wrapped around the patio banister.

I was relieved when I caught sight of the huge crowd in the backyard.

At least I wasn't lied to and there was actually a party.

Then I realized everyone was staring at us and they all rushed to stand up out of their chairs.

"What's going on?" I whispered to Dana as my eyes continued to take everything in.

She didn't have to respond though.

My eyes finally landed on my Mate.

Robert's lips lifted in a slow smile that I'd seen plenty of times... it was smug.

My eyes filled with tears as my heart started working again.

When? How? Dana gave me a nudge, apparently thinking I was taking too long.

I needed that nudge though to get me walking.

Robert's smile grew bigger and I had to force myself not to run to him.

Everyone was still staring at me but at least I looked nice.

Imagine if I had came in an actual costume.

The isle was covered with white rose petals but I barely noticed them I was so overwhelmed.

Mom and Dad were in the front dressed up like everyone else, along with the rest of the family.

They smiled at me and Mom nodded in encouragement.

Not that I needed any, I about threw myself at Robert after speed-walking to him.

My handsome mate chuckled beside my ear as I clung to him, my tears finally spilling over.

"Are these happy tears?" he asked, sounding a little unsure.

I sniffled, nodding against his chest.

"You wore a pink suit," I said as if it explained everything.

"It was in your book," he chuckled, pushing me back a little so he could look over my face.

He cupped my cheeks, using his thumbs to wipe away my tears.

I must have looked silly, crying with the huge smile on my face.

I looked down at his suit, the soft pink that looked almost white was exactly how I'd imagined.

He'd done this for me... he'd given me my dream Mating Ceremony.

My face warmed as I peaked out at the crowd watching us.

Mom was taking pictures, unable to wait... I couldn't believe this.

It must be a dream... a really good one.

A female dressed in plain light gray robes motioned for everyone to take their seats, finally gaining my attention.

I stared at her in shock, the silver circlet resting on her brow signaled her high standing.

Robert grabbed my hand and turned us towards her.

I stole another glance at him before looking back at the high priestess.

"We gather here today to witness the bonding of Robert Lee Killian and Torin Frey."

I snickered at the use of my Mate's full name and he shot a quick glare at me.

He didn't stop smiling though and neither did I.

My cheeks were starting to ache I was cheesing so hard.

This was better than any dream Ceremony I'd planned in my head.

Mostly because of the male standing beside me.

No matter if some thought it was too soon, I know I'm in love with him.

Robby, who only wore ripped jeans and his leather jacket, was now standing in front of our entire pack and the dozen of other Alphas in a pink suit.

For me. I sent a silent thanks to the Moon Goddess who gave me my best friend.

Someone I know I can always count on and trust to the very end.

She gave to me the male that would share all my greatest and worst memories.

Someone I'll love forever.

She gave me my Mate.

[daysofourlivesrecaps]

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Paulina’s bummed out because Abe’s been declared dead. (Did I mention Abe’s been declared dead? Nurse Whitley Or Whatley I Can’t Remember Nor Can I Be Bothered To Look It Up took a sample of Abe’s blood, then convinced the actor she had posing as his son, Theo, to spread it around the docks and tell the cops he saw Abe drowning. So he did all of that. Fake Theo the Actor, I mean.

So, yeah. Paulina’s actually not being a drama queen for a change because for all she knows, her husband is dead. Also Chanel is being level-headed and supportive instead of whiny and entitled?! Must be a dream sequence.

Speaking of dream sequences, John has one about Abe still being alive. Down at the docks. (“See? We told you we’d use the set if you paid for it! We’re using it SO MUCH!”) In fog that was added in post or maybe, like, delivered via a steamed-up camera lens or something. The point is, there is no way they also sprang for a fog machine or even a block of dry ice. Not this show.

Then John wakes up in a cold sweat and spends the next several segments talking through his feelings with the infinitely patient Marlena. Some superficial lip service is paid to the fact that she has also, as far as anyone knows, lost a dear old friend. But nobody’s here to talk through HER feelings. Quis therapy ipsos therapist? (Don’t bother looking this up. It’s flawless Latin.)

Nurse W.O.W.I.C.R.N.C.I.B.B.T.L.I.U. brings home a rare paper copy of the Spectator, which proclaims Mayor Abe dead.

“Whaddya got there?” says the very much still alive Abraham Carver. So settle in for another episode of Kim Coles Tells Unconvincing Lies! Hopefully we’ll at least get another episode of Body and Soul to help wash this tired old meal down.

Meanwhile, Real Theo gets a visit from Eli, who was easily the hottest dude on this show before he left a year or so ago. (Theo’s looking pretty good himself these days too, honestly.) Eli was here for a weeklong guest spot when I took my little break, and I thought that was the last we were going to see of him. But here he is again! Hooray!

And this time, he brought his wife, Lani! Double hooray!

Lani is Theo’s brother and also Abe and Paulina’s daughter. (Okay, the second part is a bit more complicated because this is a soap. But that’s an accurate enough description.) Oh, and she’s been away for a year because she’s been in prison for murder. The victim in question absolutely had it coming, but she’s a cop and in this beautiful fantasy world, cops are actually held accountable for firing their weapons without following the proper protocol. Ah, beautiful escapism.

Lani got a furlough from prison to bury her dad, because nobody realizes he’s just sitting around at Kim Coles’ house frowning at her really awful fabrications and hating all those stuffed cats. Seriously, by now I bet he could give you an extremely specific reason for why he hates each individual one of them.

Like his Black Patch partner, Steve is also feeling bummed out and guilty over the whole “we didn’t manage to find Abe and now he’s apparently dead” thing. Only Steve is going over the facts with Kayla, rather than opening up about his feelings. Opening up about your feelings is important, mind you, especially dudes this age in this culture. But it’s extremely telling to me that the husband of the surgeon is clinical and logical and the husband of the therapist is weepy and emotional.

Then Theo comes to visit the Johnsons, forcing me to once again play “Do These People Know Each Other and if So, How, Exactly?” 

I lost this round. But given that Theo also paid a friendly visit to EJ recently, I think Theo’s just an extremely likable young man that everyone is happy to see. I’ll buy that.

Back at the Price residence, Paulina gives an outstandingly comedic read in this exchange.

But it’s not a cactus! It’s her daughter, Lani, home (temporarily) from prison!

Lani then demands that Eli take her to the police station (where they both once worked as cops) so she can go over the evidence in Abe’s case. And I’ll get to that in a minute, but GUYS! I GOT MY WISH! MORE BODY AND SOUL! And we’re about to meet one of the great soap bitches of all time. (Nurse Whitley/Watley’s words, not mine. And of course Amanda yelled it. Of course she did.)

Said bitch is Lorna Delorean (no, really), who is played by the woman who plays Kate. And in case you were wondering, this hasn’t stopped being the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, done or eaten.

Lani goes through the case file as promised and finds this professional headshot of Jerry, aka the actor Nurse Wh-atever hired to pretend to be Theo. (I recently discovered that he’s actually the guy who played Theo in the first place, before leaving and being recast with that other guy. Which is a delightful bit of stunt casting.)

“Wait,” Lani says. “He’s an actor? Did nobody think this was a little suspicious?”

And back at the Nurse’s place, Abe continues to watch Body and Soul, only to discover…

…FAKE THEO THE ACTOR, APPEARING ON THE SHOW WITHIN A SHOW AS AN ACTOR!

Days still basically adheres to broadcast standards even though they’re streaming exclusive now and honestly I think this would have been the perfect moment for them to finally break free of all of that because what else could poor, confused Abe say here than “what the fuck?!”

(He doesn’t. But man, he really should have.)

[teruel-a-witch]

the show never gave us a high school reunion episode which is a staple of procedurals/crime dramas so I came up with one, that's why the dialogue is in script format(ish)

the body of danny's high school guidance councillor is discovered on the school grounds, all ties lead to a huge pool of potential suspects including former students and teachers and maybe even a janitor with mob ties. too many suspects with skeletons in their closets are likely to lie to the police and the case could easily go unsolved.

luckily, danny's 20 year reunion is coming up, so he is asked by the local pd to go undercover and secretly question his classmates because they are more likely to spill the secrets if they don't know they are being investigated, as people love to gossip at this kind of events.

danny initially didn't want to go to the reunion which bummed steve out because he was hoping to tag along and get some of the high school experience he had missed out on, and maybe find out some more about danny's life before they met.

steve: i don't get why you hate the idea so much.

danny: i know my wicked good looks and charming personality may lead you to believe i was popular in high school, but that was not the case. of course, you wouldn't get it, i bet you had girls fighting to the death for the pleasure of going to prom with you.

steve: *looks down* we didn't have one at the academy.

danny: right, sorry, forgot you came off the conveyor belt at the factory fully formed. most of us regular flesh and blood humans don't wish to revisit the awkward teenage years. but that's a moot point right now, i gotta help my buddie at the newark pd.

and so steve ends up tagging along. for back-up, of course.

(picture steve and danny standing in the ballroom at the reunion as danny explains to him the veritable who and who of his former classmates/suspects)

former prom queen: so where is the lovely mrs. williams?

danny: *looks at steve across the room talking to some people* he's over there. i let him keep his own name, because i'm nice like that. babe?? come over here, don't make me look like a loser who came to his high school reunion by himself.

of course, steve plays along, even tho initially danny rejected the idea of posing as a couple but he understands that being divorced already makes danny feel like a failure on his own, he doesn't want to give the former mean girls material to make fun of him some more. especially because danny has told him he had asked one of them to prom and not only did she laugh she told all of her friends and they all agreed he was punching above his weight.

truth be told steve is all too happy to escape the unwanted attention of soccer mums and some of their bi-curious husbands that were circling him like a bunch of hungry vultures. he would much rather be danny's pretend husband (if it's as close as he gets to the real thing)

everyone cooes over steve and danny, even tho danny knows most of them would not have been this progressive in the 90s, so he privately sneers at what a bunch of hypocrites they are. a part of him, however, enjoys the clear jealous looks of former beauty queens turned soccer mums and bitter divorcées, because yes, he, danny williams, can pull a gorgeous navy seal, whom all of them tried to hit on when they first came on scene, so who's punching about his weight now, brenda?

eventually, they find the information they need, as well as reveal a bunch of other unrelated secrets, and there's even an impressive suspect take-down. danny is grateful that steve helped him get through this unpleasant reunion and vows to somehow make up for one milestone steve had missed out on.

steve: ready to go home?

danny: not quite yet. the principal scheduled a do-over dance after that whole fiasco, and i wondered maybe you would like to go with me? it's not exactly prom but ...

steve: *is touched* i would be lucky to go with you.

danny: who says you are getting lucky after?

steve: *blushes* i didn't mean ...

danny: relax, who knows where the night takes us, i always wanted to make out with the quarterback under the bleachers *he winks*

steve assumed danny was joking (he wasn't) but they still spent a nice evening. they didn't have to maintain the cover anymore but neither felt like ruining the fantasy so they even slow danced to 'i'll stand by you' by the pretenders. if only had steve requested another '95 hit - bon jovi's 'always' danny would have proposed on the spot, but alas, they were still bound by restrictive tv gods.

[robynlilyblack]

My puppy

Sirius Black and fem! reader

[Requested – see request here]

Summary: Sirius friends make fun of him for his dog side acting up around you

Warnings: Swearing

A/n: 1.2k words, yes yes yes I can so see this happening, thanks for the request hope you like it x

Navigation | Sirius Black Masterlist

Sirius hated this class, not only because Professor Bins always bored everyone half to death but it also had a set seating plan. This meant he had to watch from the other side of the room as Rabastan did everything in his power to flirt with you despite knowing you were Sirius’. He watched the look of discomfort on your face as he moved closer to you, his hand moving to brush yours, Sirius couldn’t help but feel anger well in him.

“Mr Black care to tell me why you are growling in my class” Bins stops droning on about some kind of war and directs his attentions towards Sirius

James, Remus and Peter all try their best to hold in their chuckles as they watch their friend go bright red, floundering as he tries to think of an excuse but coming up short.

“Well if you are quite finished I was just talking about the…” he continues his lecture

You look over at your boyfriend, unsure of what just happened. You had noticed on occasion he has some usual traits, like growling a bit when he was mad, or during other activities, but if you were honest it just made you love him more, he was always so affectionate around you even if he did remind you a bit of a dog

Class finally finishes and you meet the boys just outside the class room “Thank merlin that’s our last class” James sighs in relief

“Why is it always nice outside when we have him” Peter pouts looking out of the nearby window

“Hey why don’t we go a walk before dinner, that was our last class” you suggest

Sirius’ ears practically perk up “Walk yeah definitely” he beams at you “Great idea love” he wraps his arm around you

“Great” you smile accepting his kiss as he leans down, pulling back you remember something “You guys go ahead I need to do something before I forget” you smile, giving your boyfriends hand a squeeze before walking off

Once you were far enough away James smirks “You think she forgot her lead” he teases

“Fuck off” Sirius huffs beginning to walk

“Like I know we all get little traits like Peters squeaks and my poise” James stops walking to pose earning a shove “But yours worse than moony the day before a full moon” he whispers the last bit making sure only they can hear

“He is right pads, maybe not about the poise” James looks at him offended to which Remus moves his hand up to shut is mouth “Calm it drama queen. Seriously though you just growled in the middle of class I mean what happened”

“I think had something to do with a certain Lastrange brother” James muses

“Oh” Remus realises “Jealous were you pads” he wiggles his eyebrows

“No actually” Sirius stops at the door waiting just outside for you “Usually I wouldn’t care, I know she’s mine but he makes her so uncomfortable every fucking lesson” he starts to growl again

“Godric calm down you’re scaring first years” James gestures to some of kids that walk by jumping a bit at the growls

Eventually Sirius calms down and you come out, he perks up “Y/n!”

“Hi Siri, aww thank you for waiting on me” you smile up at him

“Yeah he was a good boy and waited” James mocks his friend earning a glare from Sirius and a chuckle from the other two boys

You laugh as well although you don’t think you understand the joke so you gesture for them to walk “You guys fancy going down by Black lake?”

“Sounds great love, lead the way” Sirius follows behind you as you start walking

James doesn’t walk at first making Remus and Peter at him “What?” Remus asks

“There’s nothing like watching a happy dog follow with their owner”

“Siri” you giggle as you boyfriend pick up yet another stick to the slowly growing collection in both his and your arms

“Last one promise” Sirius kisses your cheek, turning around to see his friends chuckling, he mouths ‘shut it’ before turning back

“You want to sit by the water” you ask

“Yeah love” he kisses your cheek leading you over to sit, the others coming to join you all

After a while you spot some of your other friends “I’ll be back in a bit I’m gonna say hi to Marls and Alice” you kiss Sirius a quick kiss

“Sticks that’s a new one” Remus notes starting to sort through the bunch that was gathered

“We’ve got enough to start a small fire” Peter picks one up

“Hands off” Sirius grabs it from him

“Mate you turning into a dog, like no joke” James laughs

Sirius furrows his eyebrows “No I’m not” he shakes his head defending himself

“You growl, love walks, collect sticks…” Remus waves one of them in front of him making Sirius focus on it moving his head back and forth as his eyes lock onto it

“Bet if he threw it he’d run after it” Peter says as he starts giggling before letting out a squeak at Sirius’ stare

“I mean we’ve all been animagus for the same amount of time so how are you turning into a literal dog while me and Wormtail are pretty much the same” James looks at Sirius a tad confused himself

“I have a theory” Remus speaks up

“What” Sirius laughs crossing his arms

“It’s Y/n, simple as that” he shrugs like it was obvious

“Ooo that’s actually makes a lot of sense” James nods “It only started to happen once you and her finally confessed and started dating”

“No” Sirius shakes his head still in denial “Look I’m not a dog I’ll prove it to you” he points at his friends

“Okay 3 Sickles you can’t go one hour without doing anything puppy like” James shurgs, smiling smugly knowing he probably one even last one minute

“Each” Remus adds

“Okay, one, you’re on because you all are wrong and two, when did it go from dog to puppy” he pouts at the last bit

“Puppy’s funnier” James’ says

“And more accurate” Remus continues

“Enough of that, here she comes” James nods towards you

“Hey!” you walk back over “I was going to go a walk down this path Marlene told me about, wanna come Siri? You can even bring the sticks if you want” you offer smiling down at your boyfriend

It takes every fibre of Sirius’ being to say no “I’m alright you go ahead though” even James, Remus and Peter began to feel bad as your smile drops

“Oh” you frown, this was weird he was always excited to go an adventure especially alone “Okay then, maybe next time” you give a fake smile waving as you walk off not giving your boyfriend a kiss goodbye

The three boys look at each other awkwardly as Sirius just stares at your retreating figure, Remus leans over whispering “3…2…1…”

“Fuck it” he pulls out the money throwing it to them running off after you as the other boys laugh shaking their heads

“Y/n!” you turn back around, seeing your boyfriend jogging up to you, coming right up and kissing you

You stumble a bit but melt into it as he pulls back he cups your face “I’m sorry, I made a stupid bet I wouldn’t do anything puppy like”

You sigh in relief “Thank merlin thought I finally bored you, please never do that again” you let out a small laugh as you cling to his shirt

“I could never get bored of you darling” he pecks your nose “You don’t mind that I…you know…act a bit like a dog” he cringes as he asks

You shake your head “Not at all I love you, you’re my puppy”  

“I love you too” he smiles down at you, weirdly adoring the nickname

As you both walk hand and hand Sirius turns to you “Only call me that when it’s just us, they’ll have a field day if they found out about that nickname”

[thepaperpanda]

Lights Above Our Heads || Alex Hogh Andersen x fem!reader

Masterlist ❄

Summary: A charming spectacle awaits you when Alex takes you on a tour of the mountains

Warnings: none :)

Word count: 1289

Authors: Fenrir & Cass

A/N: today’s prompt: Watching the Northern Lights

It had been one of the coldest winters in a long time. A cold winter like this would freeze the blood of anyone who didn't take sufficient care to stay warm at heart and core. However, despite the coldness engulfing the world, Alex decided to take a little trip with you, his beloved girlfriend. 

As Alex crossed another snowdrift while wearing a thick, red, 66°North jacket, thick, black pants and boots reaching slightly above his ankles, and a black hat pulled over his head, he glanced over his shoulder to see if you followed him. "Is everything okay there, Y/N? We're close!"

Angrily waving your hand at him, you nodded, saying, "It's fine! I'm just questioning my life choices here!"

As Alex made his way back to you through the snow, he offered you his gloved hand as he improved the camera case on his shoulder. He made sure you were walking after his traces in the snow, saying, "Come on, I'll help you."

Sighing deeply, you squeezed his hand and vowed to never let him drag you on another adventure again.

As the two of you walked up an icy, snow-covered hill, he reminded you firmly, "With all due respect, hun, you've always wanted it yourself. I want to see the northern lights, that's what you've been repeating like a fucking mantra."

You bit back a little sarcastically, "With all due respect, hun, I don't want any more trips if it means freezing my ass off in a mountain of snow!"

"You don't have to be a drama queen. It's not that bad," Alex commented, squeezing your hand a few times. You haven't been far north, trust me, it can be much worse." 

After walking in silence for a bit, Alex made a brief stop near a fallen fir tree, all covered in snow. "What a beautiful scenery, isn't it, darling? Can you pose for me?"

As you walked up to him, rubbing your hands together, you murmured, "It's going to cost you, love."

"It will cost me, okay, but what?" He teased back.

"A kiss," you smiled, tapping your cheek.

Alex didn't need to be told twice - he hugged you, pulled you closer, but before kissing your cheek, he rubbed your noses together.

Before pulling away to pose for him, you laughed and grabbed his chin to kiss him properly.

While Alex was setting his camera, he instructed you what to do with your hair falling from underneath your woolen hat. As soon as he put the lens on, he took several shots, changing the parameters every time to achieve more depth from the pictures. "You make the perfect model, sweetheart."

As you winked at him, you replied, "I want to hear that when you take care of me once I get sick again."

He gave you a look with an eye roll. "Don't make a duck face, baby, we're not taking a selfie."

"Why! I look sexy with a duck face! You could take some fun pictures, so we have a souvenir of our trip."

Even though he didn't want to admit it, you were right. As Alex packed his camera back into its case, he sat down on the fallen fir tree next to you. "Thank you for taking a week off from work. It has been quite a while since we were somewhere together."

With a soft aww sound, you kissed his cheek. "The first reason is that I wouldn't let you go alone, and the second is that you asked so nicely that I couldn't refuse, plus I needed a break from my job."

Alex wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you closer, enjoying the moment and your presence while staying silent. "Is it okay to continue climbing the hill now? Have you rested?"

"A few more minutes?" You asked, nuzzling closer to him. "I just want to savor the moment a bit longer."

In the moments before he commented, Alex straightened his back after noticing something. "Babe, take a look at that!"

The aurora lights played above. In the midnight blue, the northern lights were a river of green.

Taking a moment to look up, you whispered quietly, "Wow... Is that it?"

"Yes, yes it is."

You said eagerly, "C'mon! Don't sit like a stick! Grab your camera and take some pictures! And we should take a picture together! With lights in the background, it will look so pretty hanging in our bedroom."

"Don't worry, they won't vanish anytime soon," he assured, resting his chin on your shoulder while looking up while making sure to hold you as close as possible. "Let me savor this moment a little longer."

Your smile softened, and you took his hand, moving even closer. As you nuzzled him, you whispered, "You know? I love you."

"I love you too," Alex mumbled quietly and kissed your cheek after. "Despite your sometimes bratish behavior. Even if you are easily offended by irrelevant things. No matter how moody you are."

"You like it when I am bratty. You simply love to put me in the right place."

As Alex slowly opened his camera case, he said, "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, especially when I'm fed up with your bullshit." He asked you to hold his Canon camera while he set the tripod after making all the adjustments.

You scoffed loudly, "For sure babe, I will remember this next time." When he wasn't looking at you, you took the opportunity to gently poke his ribs.

Alex mounted his camera on the tripod and set the self-timer. After wrapping his arms around you, he pulled you closer, looking down at you for a moment before kissing you.

Once you were certain the picture was perfect, you kissed him back and pulled away to say, "I love you so much, my talented fiancé."

As Alex went to look at the outcome, he raised both thumbs up with a smirk on his face. "It's perfect! Can't wait to frame it, but let me try something else!" After turning the self-timer again, he returned to you and picked you up in bridal style; his eyes never left yours. "I love you."

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you confessed, "I love you too. I love you more than anything."

As Alex stopped paying attention to the camera, he kissed you tenderly for long enough that he had to break the kiss in order to breathe. As soon as he set you down, he adjusted the hat on your head, so you wouldn't get colder; and then he headed back to take more pictures of the northern lights. "I'm so fucking glad we came to Norway, darling."

You stared up at the sky and the beautiful lights dancing above, thinking about all the memories and plans you two had shared.

The sky shimmered with the green and yellow hues of the aurora; the silence of the spectacle added to its charm. The two of you were just staring silently into the dark as you enjoyed the silence and the stars above. In those moments, all your troubles seemed to fade away, and the world seemed to be at peace. Lights danced in front of you and stretched across the sky. Color was dancing across the sky and it almost appeared to be putting on a show, just for the two of you.

Slowly, you improved your scarf. "My happiness is the same as yours, Alex."

Alex turned his camera into recording mode and pointed it at the sky, then he returned to you. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders after sitting by your side. "I love you, Y/N."

Your hearts were set ablaze by the northern lights dancing silently above your heads.