#spengs speaks

[spengies]

I have a question ✋ Possible spoilers?

We see Halsin turn into a rat/mouse (?) when he leaves the Goblins camp after everything goes down.....why tf didn't he just do this in his cell to escape? Them bars are wide enough he coulda fit through an with how fast that man dipped, I don't see the goblins being real successful in catching him like that :?

[thousandsonny]

I legit just woke up from a dead sleep and started doin Bogard headcannons again, so I wanna share what I do have for him:

Bogard joined the Marines at a very young age, like Z and Coby, I believe he joined anywhere from 14-16, and was almost automatically a prodigy with a sword. He rose through ranks incredibly fast and by 17-18 was already pushing Commodore/ Rear Admiral status.

I do not believe Garp chose Bogard, or vice versa. Bogard is incredibly quiet and shows little to no emotion at a lot of times except a scowl, and I like to believe it's due to anxiety. He was good off the bat, and it garnered him a lot of attention. He felt the pressure of not wanting to mess things up or let his peers and allies down and it led to him kinda shutting himself in as to not warrant anymore than he already had. The higher ups noticed this, and who better to attempt to break someone like that out of their shell than Garp. Garp is the hero of the Marines, but he's also kinda a brat, he does what he wants when he wants, and yet he's still loyal and is regarded with so much respect, the exact opposite of how Bogard felt it was to be done.

I like to believe when he was first placed beneath Garp, he hated Garp. He thought Garp was lousy, noisy, far too crude in his teachings, he couldn't understand how a man like this had done so much. But then, just like we see with Koby and Helmeppo, he got to know Garp and he got to see how he functions. It's incredibly difficult, but incredibly rewarding to be placed under Garp, finally he had a challenge and wanted nothing more than to prove himself to the Hero of the Marines, and he does.

I also like to think that they compliment each other well and it's a main reason as to why the two stuck together. Bogard is very level headed, very strict, very much so work heavy. Be it we're talking about the anime or Opla, he almost never interacts outside a work based relation, except for Koby and Helmeppo who are literally kids, but even then keeps that stern, no nonsense attitude about himself. Going back to my, I believe he has anxiety, Garp is a perfect match because when Garp's around, all eyes are on him. He's loud, he draws attention, Bogard doesn't have to force himself where its not needed. My interpretation of Bogard has him very easily flustered and rather soft and sweet behind that hard exterior, but it takes so much so see, and having seen it Garp also purposefully draws that attention to him as to not horribly stress Bogard out either. Besides Garp stresses him out enough himself, and don't get me started on Koby and Helmeppo down the line.

[spengies]

Stolen from twitter bc I need to see everyone's answers

[simphq]

Ghostbusters imagines

Egon x reader fluff

The laboratory kiss

It was a quiet day at the fire house, which is unusual. Peter had taken Dana out for lunch, Ray had gone to find some blue prints for a building they recently did a bust at and it was Winston’s day off. The only people in the firehouse was Egon, Y/n and Janine.

Janine was pouring coffee when Y/n was stood by her side. “So what is going on with you and Louis?” Janine smirked “well we have been on two dates and he is very sweet. I think i am going over to his place tonight” She said in her thick New York accent while having a smirk on her face. “Anyway forget about me and Louis what about you and Dr. Spengler” Y/n looked down at the floor before speaking. “There is nothing going on with us… I don’t understand how you lot think there is?” Y/n chuckles “mhm well the looks you two share say different.” Janine stated before walking off to her desk.

As the coffee pot was freshly brewed she decided to take a cup up to Egon. Y/n climbed the creaky stairs and knocked on a certain doctor’s door.

Now in 1st person

A faint “Come in” was heard from inside. You turn the door handle to see Egon looking through a microscope then scribbling down some notes. “Hey i brought you some coffee.” You placed the cup by the microscope. “Thank you.” Is all the tall man said.

You looked around his lab, which is a common thing you usually do,then your eyes scan a photograph of you, Egon, Peter and Ray on the first day you moved into the firehouse. You were stood in the middle of Peter who had his arm around your waist and Egon on your right. You picked up the photo and smiled “god Egon i didn’t know you had this.” Egon moved to look over your shoulder and looked down at the photo. He gently took it out of your hands. “It’s very strange to think how much we have changed since then” Y/n looked at Egons’ eyes and then rested her arm on the top of his shoulder. “Yeah i can’t believe it.”

Egon looked at the girl who was smiling down at the photo. He wrapped his arm around her waist which made her look straight at him. He pulled her closer. “Hey” she giggled quietly “hi” he took his free hand a caressed her cheek. Y/n looked down at the floor before speaking “can i be honest with you?” Egon cleared his throat “yes please do.” “I was in love with you in that photo and i still am now” Egon lifted her chin to make her look directly at him before chuckling. “Thats good because i very much feel the same” Y/n smiled in relief “c-can i kiss you?” “I thought you would never ask spengs.”

Egon closed the gap between you and you both shared a gentle kiss. You pulled away first as you was desperate for air. Egon and you both blushed before going into another kiss but this time it was more passionate.

[moreaugriffins]

Imagine Peter getting a call in the middle of the night

him thinking it's probably Ray getting excited about a definitely haunted hairbrush, and letting it ring

eventually picking it up as it continues to ring for a few minutes, only to find out it's Egon's wife

She's stressed, and worried, and Peter isn't sure why she's ringing him

But Winston isn't picking up the phone, and she knows that Egon and Ray have been arguing a lot recently so...

But she's worried

Because Egon's not doing well. He hasn't been sleeping much, or taking care of himself much (which Peter had noticed every time they went on call together), he's been muttering weird stuff, and obsessed with his notes and books, and usually she can help stop him spiralling but he's been pulling away recently, and spending less time and home and-

"He hasn't come home yet"

Egon always comes home, they made an agreement years ago. He's never broken the agreement before

So she's worried

And Peter is too

He knew Egon wasn't doing well, but they were men in their 40s, Egon wasn't a child, he could look after himself, and it was not Peter's job to monitor him. If Egon was struggling, he could speak up. He knew he could come to his friends for help

Then his mind casts back to the time in uni when Egon tried to drill a hole in his own head, how it all started just like this: the sleepless nights and obsessive studies, and pulling away from everyone, even skipping his lectures.. Peter and Ray just about got there on time.. Though Peter joked about the incident now, he's still rattled by it

He's still pretty rattled by many of Egon's vaguely suicidal experiments

He says he'll go look for Egon (after all, she's got a toddler to keep an eye on)

Reassures her that he's fine, that it'll all be fine, he probably just hyperfocused on the proton packs or something, you know how he is

It doesn't reassure her much - he doesn't even believe his own words either, but what else can he say

After the call, he heads to the Firehouse, knowing that if Egon was anywhere, it would likely be in the lab. It was practically the scientist's second home

He storms up to the lab (the place felt eerily quiet. Janine doesn't work at night anymore, Winston has his own home, and Ray has his flat above his shop)

the light is on

that's something

He opens the door, expecting to see Egon in a chaotic state (or god forbid...), and to be fair, the room is an utter mess, with books open, numbers and scripture written on the whiteboard, a pile of empty Twinkies packets around the bin stuffed full of crumpled papers

and in the middle of this mess, is Egon, head in hands, book open in front of him. It's subtle, but he can see the rise and fall of his shoulders

at least he isn't dead (he ignores how worrying that thought is)

He goes over to Egon and whacks him over the top of his head - usually an affectionate gesture from Peter (the affection is slightly lost)

"Come on Spengs, you really leaving your wife at home?"

Egon looks up at him, brows furrowed, and a practised guarded expression, though his eyes gave away the deep exhaustion and paranoia the scientist must be feeling

If it were Winston, he'd know the exact thing to say to Egon, a talk on how his actions are making his (Egon's) wife feel, and to get his act together, with the reminder that everyone was here for him

If it were Ray, despite all the arguments the two had recently, Ray would comfort him, know the exact words to calm the man and ground him back in some sense of reality - those two understood each other on a level like no other

But it was Peter here, right now

And he's not good at emotional conversations or situations. A serious conversation makes him feel like he's going to break out in hives. It's easier to joke than deal with emotions. (that's why he and Egon got on well. Neither liked talking about how they feel)

So when Egon replies with ramblings about Gozer, clearly lost and not in his right mind, Peter makes a couple jokes, he deflects from Egon's worries and brings the man down to the kitchen to make a hot chocolate to calm Egon's mind (that's what they used to do, right?)

There's more talk, mostly from Peter, about some studies he's working on (that are mostly accurate), and how Dana and Oscar are doing, and the show because oh boy does he have a story about that one man who believed he could communicate with fish-

Egon is barely engaging, Peter could see, his mind is elsewhere, running at a million miles an hour, doing complex calculations and making connections. Peter didn't envy the man really - it must be difficult having a mind so clever and loud.

So when he can tell the talking isn't working, he asks "We defeated Gozer, remember? when my girlfriend was turned into a dog, and Stay Puft got the biggest commercial for free, and we crossed the streams. He's gone forever, right?"

Egon seems to come back to reality for a moment, and they stare at each other, before Egon nods slightly and finally takes a sip of his hot chocolate.

Peter eventually drives Egon home, selfishly because he wants to keep an eye on his friend for a little longer, but Egon doesn't utter a word. That's fine. The silence makes Peter's skin itch but it seems to be doing Egon some good.

They arrive at the house (the living room lights are still on), and Egon goes to leave the car, but Peter reaches over last minute, his mouth moving faster than his brain, "All you gotta do is ask, if you need help. We're still your mates, yeah? I don't know what goes on in that brain of yours but you aren't alone."

Egon seems to be mulling something over in his head, then pulls away from Peter's grip - "Goodnight Peter." - and heads inside.

Over the next few weeks, Peter keeps an eye on Egon

He seems to slowly get better

There are no more phone calls from Egon's wife (except one to talk about what happened that night), his eyebags seem to fade away, he talks less about Gozer, the notes disappear and the books are put neatly away or are packed up, and most importantly he seems to be arguing less with the group and making an effort to spend time with them

Then he's gone

and all the equipment and Echo 1 are gone too.

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

[Ghostbusters] Brainwaves: Mini Bios (1984) Ghostbusters & Staff

Tagging @ariel-seagull-wings @spook-central and @soulman133 Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged from Brainwaves posts. These are just bullet point bios for the main groups of characters, as in the female professors, Ghostbusters and Ghostbuster staff, the C.U.P.S students, Nova’s family and then the others™ (e.g. Dickless, Dana)

Following Characters:

Janine Melnitz

Louis Tully

Winston Zeddemore

Egon Spengler

Peter Venkman

Raymond Stantz

Long post so it's under the cut:

Janine Melnitz:

Actress: Annie Potts

Full Name: Janine Ombeline Melnitz

AKA: Janie, Jan

32 in 1984. Born October 28th 1952 in Brooklyn. Lives in NY, NY

White, Female, Bisexual, Jewish, Scorpio

Speaks English and Hebrew

5'6" and 117 lbs, Blue eyes, Brown hair she dyes Red, Ears pierced

Didn't finish college

Has known the female professors since college

Louis Tully. 'Lou':

Actor: Rick Moranis

Full Name: Louis Bertram Tully

AKA: Lou, Bert

31 in 1984. Born April 18th 1953 in Indiana. Lives in NY, NY

White, Male, Straight, Christian, Aries

Speaks English and some French

5'5" and 169 lbs, Blue eyes and Brown hair, clean shaven, hairy

Currently taking night classes in Law

Lives on the same floor as Dana, Mars, Nova & Kip

Somehow always locks himself out, Nova & Mars have spare keys

Winston Zeddemore:

Actor: Ernie Hudson

Full Name: Winston Ramsey Zeddemore

Sergeant / Mr. AKA: Z, Zed / Zedd

39 in 1984. Born December 17th 1945 in North Carolina, lives in NY, NY

African-American, Male, Straight, Christian, Sagittarius, Smoker

Speaks English and Spanish

6'3" and 220 lbs, Brown eyes, Black hair, Moustache, body hair

Scars but no noticeable scars, mostly covered by his clothes

Was in the US Marines, Smart, Strong and an optimist

Doctor Egon Spengler, PhD:

Actor: Harold Ramis

Full Name: Egon Malachi Spengler

Doctor / Professor / Mr. AKA: Egie, Spengs

40 in 1984. Born November 21st 1944 in Ohio. Lives in NY, NY

White, Male, Aromantic, Straight, Jewish, Scorpio

Speaks 11 languages to varying degrees, including English & Latin

6'5" and 175 lbs, Brown eyes and hair, clean-shaven, hairy

Undiagnosed but likely Autistic

Has 11 PhDs

The only Ghostbuster who doesn't smoke

Doctor Peter Venkman, PhD. 'Pete':

Actor: Bill Murray

Full Name: Peter Charles Venkman

Doctor / Professor / Mr. AKA: Venks, Pete

34 in 1984. Born September 21st 1950 in Missouri. Lives in NY, NY

White, Male, Straight, Christian, Virgo, Smoker

Speaks English, some Spanish and some French

6'2" and 200 lbs, Blue eyes and Brown hair, clean shaven / stubble & body hair

On-Again, Off-Again with Dana Barrett

Parapsychology and Psychology PhDs

Doctor Raymond Stantz, PhD. 'Ray':

Actor: Dan Aykroyd

Full Name: Raymond Francis Stantz

Doctor / Professor / Mr. AKA: Ray, Francine, Frank

32 in 1984. Born July 1st 1952 in Long Island. Lives in NY, NY

White, Male, Straight, Non-Religious, Former Christian, Cancer, Smoker

Speaks 9 Languages including English & Hebrew

6'0" and 200 lbs, Heterochromia Green & Brown eyes, Brown hair, Clean Shaven / stubble, Hairy

Undiagnosed but Autistic. Has 7 PhDs

Susceptible to being possessed

[manicpanicaddict]

"Mmhm," he nodded and shoved a piece of loose ham into his mouth. He went back in to wipe the mustard off his face with his fingers.

He did not like mayonnaise. He did not like crunchy bread. It certainly wasn't kosher. And yet, all together, the sandwich was harmony.

"Theoretically, a wormhole this small wouldn't kill you. However, it is subject to random collapse which would obliterate lower Manhattan to Hoboken. Maybe more.

There's no telling when it started, if it hasn't always existed, but I would guess it's stable enough. Either way, a faster route to the Heights than the subway is worth the risk."

“I believe the bodega is a wormhole.”

[futureslaps]

The Captive - Chapter 15

Chapter 14     Chapter 16

Enjoy 💙

Since he’d woken up, Jake had been watching the rain pouring around their marui. The strong ocean-born storms that hit Awa’atlu put the storms he’d experienced back in the jungle to shame. With weather this bad, there was little that could be done outside. The Metkayina called it Speng-txantompa. A restoring rainstorm. Meant by Eywa to provide time to rest and spend time with family.

Family.

He held his head in his hands. He was trying everything in his power to keep his family whole, but it felt like things were falling apart around him.

Especially when it came to Kiri.

His daughter had been treating him like a stranger for days now, and he was at a loss for what to do. He had tried to comfort her, talk with her about what was going on. But it seemed no matter what he did, things just got worse.

Kiri was barely even on speaking terms with him anymore.

Jake sighed again as he glumly looked over to Kiri’s sleeping spot. It had been empty when he woke up, and there was no sign of Kiri. Did she really prefer being out in the pouring rain over being close to him now? Had he really upset her this much?

Jake knew that Kiri was concerned for Spider, but she just didn’t understand. His attempt to talk with Spider had only confirmed what he already knew: Spider needed space to himself, he didn’t need to be pushed and prodded right now.

Jake frowned when he thought about Spider again. The poor kid probably went through hell the past few months. But Jake had made no progress with Spider, and confronting Quaritch about it had predictably been a non-starter.

What else could he do?

Time. Jake reminded himself.

I just need to be patient.

Jake straightened his face as he saw a figure approaching through the rain. It wasn’t Omatikaya, they had a thin tail…

Kiri

Jake tried to put a smile on his face as his daughter approached. She was absolutely soaked from the rain and bore a thoughtful look on her face.

“Kiri.” He spoke quietly, careful not to wake Neytiri and Tuk, still sleeping next to him. “Where have you been?”

Kiri looked down for a moment before responding.

“Around. Just around the village.”

“In this weather? Thought you’d take a shower?” Jake smiled slightly, trying to see if he could get a smile back. But Kiri’s face remained unchanged.

“It…helps clear my head. That’s all”

Jake nodded, disappointed.

But Kiri lingered in front of him, clearly wanting to say something.

“Everything alright, Kiri?” Jake asked, looking back up at her.

Her face briefly flashed a look of anger, a clear no, but she quickly hid it.

“I was…just thinking.” Kiri started; her words carefully spoken. “I could… bring food and water to Quaritch today. I mean…I’m already soaking from the rain. I wouldn’t want you to have to get wet to.”

Jake was slightly stunned at the request. It was odd, to say the least.

“Kiri, don’t worry about me getting wet. You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to help, dad. Every time you see him, you come back looking exhausted and upset.” Kiri said, a hint of urgency in her voice. “It’s speng-txantompa, you should be able to take a break from it one day.”

Jake was more confused than before. Kiri was being insistent with this. Concern grew in his mind. Quaritch was hardly a threat in his current state, but the strangeness of the request unnerved him slightly. Did something happen?

“Kiri, is everything okay?” Jake repeated his earlier question.

Kiri nodded, smiling a little.

“Yes, dad! Nothing’s wrong. I just want to do something for you.” She thought for a moment before adding: “I think it might help clear my head more if I saw he was there. You know, still caught and all.”

That’s it.

Jake nodded. He understood now. Kiri wanted confirmation that the demon was still there. He couldn’t blame her. He almost couldn’t believe it himself the first time he’d made a visit.

He let out a small sigh.

“If you really want to do this…”

Kiri went for the two bowls he used to bring the food and water. But as she was leaving, he grabbed her hand, and his voice was stern.

“Listen, Kiri. I still want you to be careful. He’s tied up and behind bars, but he’s still Quaritch. Don’t try to talk to him. If he tries to talk to you ignore him. Just leave the bowls, pick up the old ones, and go. Believe me, he has nothing good to say.”

Kiri nodded.

“I’ll be fine, dad. I’ll be in and out.”

With that, she headed back into the rain.

Jake stared after her for a moment. She could take him off guard with how strong she could be sometimes. Kiri was truly one of the strongest, and kindest people he knew when it came to those she cared about. It was almost like it was her natural instinct to help. It remined him of Grace.

He smirked to himself. She’d never been afraid of Quaritch’s B.S. either.

(…)

Kiri felt her chest grow tighter as she walked through the rain towards the communal fire.

She was really doing this.

She passed by the nook where she’d left Spider sleeping. He’d told her he was okay, but she still promised to return as soon as she finished a few…chores.

Her heart ached leaving him, now that she knew just how much he was hurting, but she had to do this. She had to understand. She needed to know for certain that Spider wasn’t being hurt.  

She approached the cookfire, maintained by only two Metkayina sheltered under a canvas roof. She scooped up a bowl of stew, nodded to them, and proceeded on her way.

As she walked through the rain, the hut slowly came into view. The same hut she’d seen Spider sneak into the night before.

The closer she got, the more she felt the weight of what she was about to do.

She’d barely been around the Colonel during their brief encounters in the jungle and on the ship, but she felt she’d seen enough of him. Cruel, soulless, evil, these were the words that came to her mind when she thought of the man. She couldn’t imagine him being anything else. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t scared. Quaritch was a scary man, backed with endless stories to prove it.

But Spider’s confession, spoken through sobs, came back to her mind. It had seemed so emotional, heartfelt, honest in a way Kiri could almost feel.

It made her head hurt. She couldn’t find a way to explain it. She took a deep breath as she looked at the hut, now only a few feet in front of her.

She had to know.

And the only place she could find out was here.

She played through some possibilities in her head. Quaritch could ignore her. He could just resort to threats and insults, the way he did with her father. He might just laugh her out of the prison as soon as she asked him anything.

She would do her best to stay serious and composed, but what would she actually do?

What would she even say?

How could she ever hope to make Quaritch answer, if even her dad apparently couldn’t?

Her mind went back to Spider. If what Spider had told her was true…

Kiri formed a plan in her mind. She would get the answers she was looking for, one way or another. She had to, for Spider.

She approached the guards, trying not to betray her nerves.

“I’m here to bring the prisoner his food. Let me through.”

The guards looked slightly confused, but they were also tired, and soaking wet.

“You…aren’t Toruk Makto.”

“I am his daughter. Today I have come in his place, with his approval.”

The guards looked at each other for a moment, then one of them nodded. They stood aside to let her in.

“Very well, be careful.”

Kiri nodded.

There was no going back now.

She took another deep breath, then pushed past the canvas flap and into the prison.

It’s happening!

Next chapter is almost done already, I’ve been writing like crazy the past hours. It should be out no later than tomorrow. I hope you’re excited to see how the meeting goes...

@onlyreadz @buzzing-honeybee

[nadja-antipaxos]

ALL MY PICTURES OF YOU - PART ONE

previously - masterlist || next -  part two

Title: If only I’d thought of the right words, I wouldn’t be breaking apart

Rating: Teen

Warnings:   some swearing and mentions of sex, but nothing explicit, pregnancy, brief mention of infertility, eventual character death cause it's in the movie

Note: I had planned this out forever ago and finally got around to it. I had to dream up who Callie's mom was. I absolutely adore Jade and wouldn't mind exploring more of her with Egon, even in an AU setting (where he doesn’t leave) but I want to see if there's interest. Please leave kudos and comments if you enjoy it. Thank you so much. Art by @lilvicsart​ send her all the commissions.

Word Count: 6,640

Exhausted, everyone shuffles into the house. Podcast and Lucky are picked up by their parents who were overwhelmed by the sudden ghosts in town. Gary stays but sits next to Phoebe, so he’s not crowding her mother. Callie finds some hot chocolate mix and booze to dole out in an age-appropriate fashion for this little Ghostbusters reunion. It’s when they’re all sitting at the table that Callie actually really looks at them.

“You look familiar.” She takes a sip and tries to remember where she could’ve seen them. Her childhood memories are too fuzzy. She spent such a long time trying to forget her father she forgot everyone who wasn’t her mother.

“We were at your mother’s—Jade’s funeral,” Winston explains.

Callie remembers talking to him. He gave her a card and some flowers. He was very kind on the worst day of her life.

“I didn’t stay long—couldn’t.” Ray sighs.

“My wife, Dana, talked to you. Tall, redhead. Gorgeous.” Peter can’t help but smile.

“Oh. Yeah. She said she was friends with my mom in New York.” Callie takes another sip.

“We all were.” Winston nods. “We loved Jade.”

“So, you knew—Egon—when he was with my mom?” She raises her eyebrows.

“Know ‘em? We were witnesses at the courthouse.” Ray laughs.

“No big wedding?” Callie asks.

“Your grandmother—Jade’s mom—wanted one. It wasn’t really their style. They settled for that reception at the Waldorf.”

“That was a fun night.” Winston grins.

“Nobody made Spengs smile like Jadie.” Ray looks at his mug.

“Nobody but Jade.”  Peter corrects with a raised eyebrow.

“He smiled!” Ray pipes up, defensive.

“Barely.” Peter rolls his eyes.

“Remember when that photographer woke Callie up in her stroller?”  Winston skillfully changes the subject.

“Yeah, Jade nearly got arrested for destroying that camera.” Peter snorts.

“That sounds like Grandma” Phoebe nods with a small smile.

“Definitely.” Trevor grins. “She told me the best way to deal with a bully was to break their nose.”

“She was a special lady. “ Ray sighs.

“She sure was.” Winston looks from the kids to his former Ghostbusters. “Remember when she attacked Walter Peck with that hair clip?”

“Shouldn’t have called Egon a ‘bug-eyed nut’.” Ray raises his eyebrows.

“Tiniest woman I knew that could kick everyone’s ass.” Peter smiles.

Trevor and Phoebe nod in agreement. It had been 3 years and they still missed her terribly even more than their dad because she never meant to leave.

“Why couldn’t he tell her the truth? She was always willing to listen. Hell, when I found out I was having Trevor, the first thing she said was ‘This would’ve never happened if you’d been gay.’ He should’ve said something.” She tries to hide the anger in her voice. If her mom had known the stakes. If he had taken the time to explain it. Things could’ve been so different. Winston’s large black hand over her small white one pulls her from her thoughts. His eyes stare into hers.

“Because your mama would’ve gone after Gozer with her bare hands. I think he’d rather she hate him than keep her and lose her.”

“I wish she knew why he did it. To save everyone.” Callie bites her lip.

“Maybe she knows now,”  Gary speaks up. She had almost forgotten he was there.

“Did she know about this charming fixer-upper?” Peter asks, looking around the cluttered farmhouse.

“Yeah. I remember she got a bill once and forwarded it to him. I was so mad she knew where he was and didn’t give him a piece of her mind.”

“What did she say?” Ray asks.

“She wasn’t gonna chase after someone who left. She had other ways to spend her time.”

“You were always her number one priority.” Ray looks into her eyes and Callie notices they’re different colors. It’s charming. “Until your kids came along. She sent me a Christmas card every year.”

Callie laughs. Her mom always chose the silliest photo for Christmas. The idea of dressing in the same outfit and posing creeped her out. She’d rather send one out where they were all piled on the couch. She was unabashedly authentic like that.

The dusty old farmhouse has enough room for everyone who isn’t a Spengler to stay the night. They’re exhausted enough and Callie doesn’t even want to look up the drive from New York City to Summerville. She tries to sleep. She does. She closes her eyes. She takes deep breaths. She stares at the ceiling. Finally, she gets up. She pads down the stairs to the living room and finds a box labeled “Mom’s”.

Her mom was so organized she had all of her journals labeled by year. Callie grabs the ones from ’84-90 and ’90-93.  She couldn’t bear to read these after she died, but now, in the middle of the night after seeing the ghost form of her dad, she needs her mom too.

Dear Diary,

Dana wants to set me up with one of Peter’s friends. Those guys that got fired for being nuts and then saved the city from a giant marshmallow man. Ghostbusters.  Yes, this is a sentence I am writing truthfully in the year 1984.  She promises he’s nothing like Peter who is hilarious but I would never have the patience for him as a partner. I heard enough about Venkman at school and we’re not even in the same field.

Dana throws the party in her new building. She couldn’t stay in the old one after the whole portal to the supernatural thing. I’m polite to Peter because he’s always been nice to me and until he hurts my dear friend, we’re on good terms. I meet Ray Stantz. I meet Winston Zeddemore. Both pleasant and charming and taken. Ray is seeing someone and Winston has a wife, Annie, who is gorgeous.

One Ghostbuster. Two Ghostbuster. Three Ghostbuster. No four.

The party is fun. To stand out from the boring housewarming gifts, I give Dana a fire extinguisher and the painting she’s been eyeing at the studio. She offers to pay and I refuse because at least I know it’s going to someone who enjoys it. The party ends as it began with only three Ghostbusters. Whatever. I’m sure Egon Spengler is probably weird and I have shit to do.

Dear Diary,

I cannot believe I am writing these words: there is a ghost in my art studio. It started with paint cans getting knocked over.  Then tarps went missing. Paintbrushes would reappear on light fixtures. One night I swear I heard something playing Harry Belafonte on the paint cans. Okay, so I have an invisible guest. For what I’m paying for this space, I can be welcoming. Until it tried to push an easel onto me and then smother me with a tarp. Not fucking cool.

Peter arrives with the mysterious Egon Spengler who runs tests on the studio and all my supplies.  I do not know how he is friends with a walking pickup line like Peter. This guy is all business. He only talks to me when he needs to ask a question or give me directions for his tests. It’s a fucking shame because he has the deep baritone of a phone sex operator. Like Peter, he’s a foot taller than me and has to bend down or have me sit. He has dark eyes hidden behind rounded glasses. His hair is dark brown and perfectly coiffed. It looks thick and soft even with whatever product is in it. Okay, maybe Dana knows me after all because I’m intrigued.

He concludes that the space is in indeed full of ghost energy and I follow willingly back to their firehouse turned office and let him hook me up to all sorts of equipment I’m pretty sure he made himself. He studies—actually studies—my face when he asks questions. I’ve never been studied before. He says he’s going to research the history behind the studio with Ray and that they would like to do an overnight to observe. I agree under the condition that I stay with them. Dana’s beau or not, it’s my studio and I’m not leaving it alone to brief acquaintances.

It’s just me and Dr. Spengler.  And the man is a professional. Ray is researching my building. Peter? I don’t even know anymore.  Winston has the night off. So I go about my routine. I’ve been working on this big canvas lately, so I get on my ladder. Done this so many times. It’s a good ladder. It’s stable. I’m fine. Out of nowhere, it starts to wobble. I hear it crash to the floor but I’m not with it. I look down and see two big hands holding my waist. Egon has me in his arms off the ground. He moves like a cat. I didn’t even hear him. He clears his throat and sets me back down. I say thank you because I’m polite and glad I didn’t smash my face into the floor. He nods.

Ray comes barging back in with all sorts of information about how my studio used to be a famous cathouse. That’s his word. I could’ve done with whorehouse, but he’s being historical. The man who owned it hated women (big shocker) and Ray believes my presence is causing him to act up. I guess he can’t handle an independent woman.  Spengler asks me what I was doing when I was attacked by the tarp. I was on the phone with the landlord arguing about fixing a drafty window. He thinks that because I was standing up for myself against a man, it angered this asshole ghost.

They enlist Peter to stage an argument with me. It feels silly at first but then Peter mentions the ERA and we have an actual argument. He’s all for it but he doesn’t know why it has to be an amendment. I’m pulled back by my hair and Ray shouts that he can see the ghost in whatever visor he has on. I feel a hold around my throat and I’m not a fan of this. I’m clawing at whatever I can and suddenly I’m let go. I land on the floor but get to brace myself a little. I see this grey, translucent figure with a very dark mustache being lassoed between Ray and Spengler’s…ghost guns? They pull it into something they call a trap and lots of smoke fills my studio. The ladder is singed and they’ve scorched some of the tarps, but it’s better than being choked.  Ray sprays it down with the fire extinguisher before any paint catches on fire.

To my surprise, Spengler comes to check on me first. He helps me up and inspects the bruises on my throat. He frowns and suggests I go back to the firehouse for him to take a proper look at me. I agree.  He delicately applies a salve on my throat keeping those dark eyes on me to gauge my reaction. It makes me feel bad that I nearly spit water in his face when he tells me the bill will be $2000. I argue him down to $1500 and we settle on $1750 since I was indeed attacked for the sake of bait.

I ask about paying tomorrow because I’m exhausted and it’s 2 am. Ray offers his bed because apparently there are rooms upstairs for sleeping. I try to convince him to let me go home, but Spengler suggests I stay in case there are any complications from ghost choking. I camp out on a couch they have upstairs and drift off to sleep. I don’t remember anyone placing a pillow under my head or a blanket on me, but I’m grateful when I wake up and realize it.

In the morning, I’m able to go back to my apartment to shower, eat, and write a check. Thankfully, I have many tasteful scarves to cover my neck. When I come back, I hand the payment to Janine (their very cute secretary with killer fashion sense). I ask if they’re all out and she tells me Spengler’s in his lab. Of course, I want to see him again but I’m not gonna invade his space. I’m at the door when he comes up from the basement and asks how I’m feeling. He’s definitely not the social one but he’s trying. His concern seems genuine and I can’t help but think about how quickly he picked me up from that ladder. He asks about my neck and I show him. He beckons me down into the basement to give me some of that salve he made.

Now that I’m no longer a client and just a curious acquaintance, I actually take a look around. He has a workbench and soldering equipment. There are all sorts of junk food. Cheese Its. Twinkies. Crunch bars. Microscopes. No acid or bubbling formulas. I don’t see any reanimated corpses but I do see an alarming amount of mushrooms and other fungi. I wanna put this man in a jar and study him. He explains his hobby and all I can think to ask is if he’s ever gotten high on any of them. He hasn’t, but he doesn’t seem opposed or offended that I asked. I can’t help myself and suggest it. He decides to make it into a tea and away we go.

I’ve tried mushrooms before and these aren’t very strong. No fun trips or hallucinations. I’d give anything to know how much he regrets letting me talk him into this. Instead, he jots down some notes in his book, asks me how I feel, and writes down my answer too.

He just keeps those dark eyes on me and comments on how large my eyes are. I don’t know what that means. I know I have big brown eyes. But they’re just there. He isn’t being mean. I can tell. He’s just observing. He holds in his breath and looks me over again and says clear as day: They’re captivating.

I take the leap and ask him if he wants to go to dinner with me this week. He suggests Thursday. HOUSTON, WE HAVE A DATE!

Dear Diary,

This man is something else.  I pick one of my simplest blue dresses because I have no idea what we’re doing. He takes me to a nice, but not a too nice place for dinner. We make modest conversation.  I can tell he’s nervous and doesn’t do this dating thing often. I throw him a bone and tell him I haven’t been on a real date since I finished my master’s program. With the Ph.D. program looming ahead, I don’t see much of social life. He tells me that he had a brief thing with Janine, the lovely receptionist, but he might’ve been a little too quiet for someone as bold as her. They work better as friends. I just don’t date. I’ve always loved art more than any person.  He apologizes because he doesn’t know much about art and I don’t know much about…ghosts? I make a deal that I can tell him if he tells me and then we’ll both know. A strong eyebrow quirks at that and I think that means he likes it. His eyes light up over the dessert menu and I smile because someone has a sweet tooth.

My usual radar is off. It’s broken around him and that’s kind of exhilarating. He asks me to take a walk with him and begins to explain the different haunted spots in the city. He’s much smarter than me in the traditional sense. My mom would’ve loved it if I was good at math and science. He gets very focused on a certain topic and honestly, I could listen to him all night. I feel a little like Sally in Peanuts trailing after Linus. I’ve never felt so affected by someone. I don’t even notice the bike messenger, but for the second time he picks me up out of harm’s way. To my surprise, he curses at the bike messenger who stops. Spengler straightens up and when the guy realizes how tall he is, he mumbles an apology and leaves. HA! Spengler checks me over and I’m absolutely fine. His big warm hands are on my shoulders and I know I’m smiling like an idiot up at him. He’s staring right back. I wonder if I should ask if I can kiss him, but I don’t. It’s a first for me. Instead, he tells me I have perfect teeth and raises his eyebrows when I tell him it’s because my dad is a dentist. He asks if he can hold my hand as he walks me home. I’m a goner.

Dear Diary,

Can you like someone too much? I really am Sally running after Linus. I swear little cartoon hearts could float around me every time he talks. What the hell is this feeling? I just adore being around him. He asked me to call him that when we talked after the date. He kissed me on our second date at a museum. I could’ve melted into the floor. I swear an orchestra was playing. The first kiss was very sweet. Picture perfect.

I, Jade Margolis, have never felt this way in my entire life. All the other times it was just sex. I can’t stop thinking about him. His nose. His eyes. His neck. His giant brilliant brain. His hands. Not only is he smart but he’s funny too. Not in the way Peter is funny. Egon is very dry. Yes, he’s Egon now. We don’t get many formal dates because we’re both adults and people have ghost problems at any hour of the night. Instead, we just kind of fit into each other’s busy schedules. We get dinner while working. I often bring my coursework over to the firehouse to work on in his lab. The fact I have a free pass is a big deal according to Janine and Winston. He does not like people in there especially when he’s working and he’s always working. But now if he can hear me talking from down there and I don’t greet him after ten minutes, he will get impatient and march up the stairs.

Sometimes, we catch a movie. Other times, he just wants to listen to me talk about my art history classes. It’s like I’m Dorothy in technicolor and didn’t even know I was in black and white before. THIS MAN!! I feel like a schoolgirl. The man keeps insane hours so I’ve fallen asleep in that lab. I told him I was going to start heading back earlier and the next day there was a couch. A comfortable and simple couch. Just for me to be with him. Now, I wake up with his lab coat draped over me. It smells just like him.

I know he’s weird and strange but I adore it because I’m not normal either. I mean, I knitted myself a skeleton sweater that I will wear all year round. He complimented my craftsmanship and accuracy.

I have never wanted to fuck someone so badly in my entire life. I’m dying to know if sex with such a meticulous scientist is going to be super clinical. Will he name my anatomy as he licks it?

“Jesus, Mom.” Callie puts down the journal and grimaces. Her mom had never talked like that to her. She really hopes she isn’t about to be scarred for life as she turns the page to the next passage.

Dear Diary,

The universe is against me having sex with Egon Spengler. And I have tried. We’ve made out dozens of times and he is an amazing kisser. He must take mental notes because each time gets better. I swear he knows how good he is cause I felt him smirking. My mad scientist. We only rounded two bases and god, I want a home run.  Every time something happens. Someone needs his help. Something breaks. They have a call. I swear there are ER doctors getting more action than we are.

Tonight, he had me pinned on one of the work tables when that fucking alarm went off. He ignored it and kept kissing me senseless. Peter called his name at the top of the stairs. He actually growled when Peter threatened to come down there.  At least he’s as sexually frustrated as I am.

Callie sighs. It isn’t as bad as she thought. She just hopes there’s no details.

Dear Diary or Should I Say Playgirl,

I am ruined. This man has ruined me. I was up late studying when he came to my apartment. He had finished a bust and wanted to see me. No, he said he needed to see me. He was still in that jumpsuit when he kissed me. He picked me up like I was nothing and carried me to my bedroom. It was fantastic. Absolutely fucking fantastic.

Sometimes I wake up and he’s touching my back. Drawing constellations. Solving equations. He says it relaxes him when his mind is running wild. That’s how he first told me he loves me. He wrote it in between my shoulder blades and then whispered it into my neck. He thought I was asleep. I have never been more awake. How is this real?

When I told him that morning I loved him too he looked shocked.  He moved closer to me so that our noses touched. I said it again and he kissed me. He held me in his arms and told me he loved me. He loves me!! I love you, Egon Spengler.

Dear Diary or Should I Say Playgirl,

I am ruined. This man has ruined me. I was up late studying when he came to my apartment. He had finished a bust and wanted to see me. No, he said he needed to see me. He was still in that jumpsuit when he kissed me. He picked me up like I was nothing and carried me to my bedroom. It was fantastic. Absolutely fucking fantastic.

Sometimes I wake up and he’s touching my back. Drawing constellations. Solving equations. He says it relaxes him when his mind is running wild. That’s how he first told me he loves me. He wrote it in between my shoulder blades and then whispered it into my neck. He thought I was asleep. I have never been more awake. How is this real?

When I told him that morning I loved him too he looked shocked.  He moved closer to me so that our noses touched. I said it again and he kissed me. He held me in his arms and told me he loved me. He loves me!! I love you, Egon Spengler.

The entry has a polaroid photo taped at the bottom with “JM + ES = L-O-V-E” written under it. He’s hugging her pressing her back into his chest. She looks so small in his arms. His chin rests on her hair and she’s smiling up at him.  They look so happy.  The version she knew of her mom was loving but guarded. She only opened up to Callie, Trevor, and Phoebe. This woman was completely different.

There are sketches of him reading the newspaper in bed or peering into a microscope with the caption “My mad scientist has no idea why I stare at him all the time. How is he so smart and so dense?”

Dear Diary,

Let me say I think Louis Tully is a perfectly nice man. He was nice as he was Dana’s neighbor and he’s nice now as the Ghostbusters’ accountant. He invited us all over for a party. I saw it as an excuse to wear my new glittery silver dress. Egon didn’t say much when he saw it but this dress is for me anyway. I think my legs look great.

I’m more social than he is which is fine. We both have our strengths. But this one guy is really social. Like he won’t leave me alone social. I’m polite and friendly because I don’t know who he is to Louis. He keeps talking about snorkeling and how I have to try it. Any time I try to gesture to my boyfriend—he cuts me off. He will not let me talk. How is this supposed to seduce anyone? I’m nodding so much that my braid is coming undone. This guy actually reaches forward, fixes my hair, and keeps his hand on my face. I was stunned. Before I can yell at him though, Egon picks me up and plants one on me. The man who will never do anything but hold my hand in front of his friends is kissing me in front of everyone. And not a Disney kiss. My mad scientist used tongue. I’m in heaven.

He tells me we’re going home which is good because my legs have turned to jelly. He notices and swoops me up. My gallant hero carries me out of the party and I love every second of it. I ask him if he likes the dress and he just stares at me. Needless to say, I was extremely sore for the next few days. I found out from Ray that the entire time that guy was talking to me, Egon was fuming. Winston pointed out that I didn’t look very comfortable and touching my face was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Dear Diary,

I’m not surprised when Egon shows up at my apartment without any warning. It’s why he has a key. I am completely surprised when he bursts in, gets on one knee, and tells me his logical argument for marriage.

It will make it easier to buy property as a couple.

Co-habitation is not an issue because we’re always together and he spends most of his nights at my place.

I will no longer be bothered by over-eager men if I have a ring on my left ring finger. It will signal to others that I am spoken for and should prevent further awkward situations.

We balance each other out. Right brain. Left brain.

Most importantly: he loves me.

I can barely speak. He did not need to convince me, but the fact he wanted to is everything I love about him. The ring is a beautiful jade oval jewel with a gold halo of diamonds.  I recognize it immediately from the little shop in Soho we passed two weeks ago. I told him it was beautiful but I had no reason to buy it especially since it was just a jewel. Now, he’s soldered it into a ring.

Of course, I accept. The ring is so gorgeous. I can’t believe he made it for me. God, I love him.

Callie recognizes the ring. It’s one her mother kept in a jewelry box, but never wore. She let Callie grab it whenever she played dress-up with her makeup and shoes. She even wore it to prom because it matched her dress. She assumed that her grandmother bought it for her daughter’s namesake.  After she died, even when money got tight, she never wanted to sell it. She’s glad now that she didn’t. And he made it for her?

Dear Diary,

Jack and Jill went up the hill

Jack knocked up Jill

And a baby came tumbling after

Dear Diary,

My mad scientist has been so attentive these past nine months. He’s such a darling and yet when I feel that first contraction I nearly punch him. I am so scared I decide maybe I’ll raise our baby girl from inside my body for the rest of our lives. He says that isn’t possible and I remind him that none of his degrees are as an OBYGN. Fuck it hurt and I was promised drugs. I practically yell this at him and he assures me that the drugs are coming. He tries to encourage me but I beg him to let me punch him. I am not a big woman. Why did I think I could have his giant baby? He gives me a kiss and I just want him to let me kill him for just a second. The nurses think he is so sweet. Traitors. He’s the one who did this to me. Then the glorious drugs hit.

I am a fucking rockstar. I gave birth to a BABY! Those Ghostbusters got nothing on me.

I have to say if my Callie had not come out of my body, I would be very confused as to why she is blonde and blue-eyed. Both of her parents are Jewish. I mean, my mom is a Catholic, but that can’t do much, right? I would demand a refund, but she’s just so fucking cute we’re gonna keep her. And she glared at Peter in a way that lets me know she’s 100% mine.

Dear Diary,

Callie is the best four year old I’ve ever met. She cracks me up every day and she’s doing well in pre-school. She’s very smart—no surprise. Sometimes, I miss how wild our lives used to be with the Ghostbusters, but Egon seems to be enjoying his work back at Columbia. It does make it easier with my PhD program to have more normal hours from my mad scientist. I see the way some of his assistants look at him, so every once in a while I like to pop over with Callie to remind them that he’s taken by a certified smoke show. Not my words, Brian, one of the assistants asked Egon how he landed “such a smoke show” the first time I came by. Egon told him “Because the smoke show wanted me”. Damn right I did.

Dana tells me about some freaky thing that happened with Oscar on the street. I suggest she talk to Egon. Callie loves Oscar because he’s a living version of her dolls. I see Dana more now that she works at the museum. I was too busy to take the position and after I showed her the ropes, she was easy to vouch for.

Dear Diary,

Callie is the best four-year-old I’ve ever met. She cracks me up every day and she’s doing well in pre-school. She’s very smart—no surprise. Sometimes, I miss how wild our lives used to be with the Ghostbusters, but Egon seems to be enjoying his work back at Columbia. It does make it easier with my Ph.D. program to have more normal hours from my mad scientist. I see the way some of his assistants look at him, so every once in a while I like to pop over with Callie to remind them that he’s taken by a certified smoke show. Not my words, Brian, one of the assistants asked Egon how he landed “such a smoke show” the first time I came by. Egon told him “Because the smoke show wanted me”. Damn, right I did.

Dana tells me about some freaky thing that happened with Oscar on the street. I suggest she talk to Egon. Callie loves Oscar because he’s a living version of her dolls. I see Dana more now that she works at the museum. I was too busy to take the position and after I showed her the ropes, she was easy to vouch for.

Dear Diary,

The boys are back thanks to some weird emotional slime in the sewer and a lifted court order. I don’t know what any of it means. They’ve run all sorts of tests and Dana’s run right back to Peter. I hope they work it out this time. I never thought I’d be married before they were. I doubt it bothers Oscar because he’s far too little to know his parents are on and off.

Egie suggests an experiment involving this…slime and I think it’s the last time I’ll be involved in something like that. It was quite an experience but I think it’s too exhausting to happen all the time. Maybe for his birthday.

My, my, the Ghostbusters need my help.  Ray and Egie need some information regarding art. It has to do with that creepy old man painting at the museum. I dig up what I could since I can access archives they can’t and mark it off into different categories. Apparently, it’s exactly what they want and I’m rewarded with a very enthusiastic kiss right in front of Ray. Who says romance is dead in married life?

Dear Diary,

Callie saw her dad on the television riding the Statue of Liberty and would not stop screaming. That’s not a sentence I can really wrap my head around. Either way, on New Year’s Eve, I bring my child to the museum, insult useless government officials, and wait for my man to save the world. He does, no surprise but god, he comes out covered in that slime. It makes him quite handsy. Welcome to the 1990s.

Dear Diary,

As my Ph.D. program comes closer to the end, I’m wondering if we should give Callie a sibling. Egon’s not very close with his brother and I never had any siblings. It’s quite lonely being an only child and I don’t want that for Callie. His schedule is less hectic between Ghostbusting and his research at Columbia. I hate the idea of giving up my beloved cigarettes again, but if it means more little Spenglers, I think I can do it. It’s certainly fun to try.

I’m not even 30 so it shouldn’t be a problem, but my body has other plans. Egon says he’s perfectly happy with Callie and that if I really want another baby, we can adopt. That’s a little too much wishful thinking considering how his application will look. I love Callie and she’s all I need. I just wish I could’ve made that choice for myself. We let Callie sleep in our bed that night and I know I’m gonna be okay.

Dear Diary,

Something wicked this way comes. I’m not Janine. I’m not psychic, but something is going on with my mad scientist. He’s a little more mad than usual. He’s downright obsessed. And he won’t tell me what’s going on. He’s so withdrawn. It’s not like him at all. He loves to tell me about his research. I know he doesn’t sleep because he’s always having nightmares and he won’t let me comfort him. He just looks scared. I hate this. Of course, our relationship has its ups and downs but he knows deep down I’m here for him.  Callie asks me if Daddy’s upset and I know I have to confront him.

We’ve never had such a bad fight. I had to block the door in our bedroom to get him to talk to me after Callie went to sleep. He looked exhausted.  I didn’t recognize him. I was so angry and so desperate for answers I was gonna try anything. I didn’t care if he thought I was too stupid to understand. He’s my husband and this is hurting my family.

Finally, he saw how upset I was and tried to explain that something bad was going to happen. I told him that it already happened. My best friend and the love of my life has been shutting me out. He tried to say that all the big events like Dana and Gozer and Vigo—it was all connected to a larger end of the world. He said he had to stop it. He had to make sure I was safe. That Callie was safe. I just burst into tears. Was he losing it? What was I supposed to do? How was he going to stop it? What did that mean? I freaked out. He put his arms around me and held me until I calmed down. He brought me to bed and told me how much he loved me. How much he loved Callie. How he never thought he’d have this kind of life. That he would never stop loving me. He kissed my hair and rubbed my back and I felt safe again.

When I woke up, he was gone. He left a note. It was short:

Jadie, I know you’ll never understand and you’ll never forgive me, but I have to do this for you and Callie.

Forever yours,

Egon

He fucking left me. He left us. I broke every beaker and vial in that fucking lab and I still can’t say how bad this hurts. What am I going to tell Callie?

--

I got a job at the Art Institute in Chicago. My parents are there and can’t wait to see us. As much as I love my friends, I can’t stay here. This city just reminds me too much of him.  We all promise to stay in touch and I want to. I don’t have anything against them. They didn’t leave.

Callie wipes the tears from her eyes. She doesn’t have it in her to relive all her mom’s pain especially now when she knows the truth. Instead, she picks up her final journal.

Hello, old friend,

Been a while, huh? Yeah, life’ll do that to you.

I think if he was dead I would know. Not in some mystic sense. That was never my thing. Honestly, if you told me that all of the strange things that happened from 1984 to 1993 were because NYC had drugged the water I’d believe you. Or maybe we all had some great pot. I’d believe that over what really happened. It’d be a lot funnier.

I think someone would’ve called, right? I know Callie and I are still next of kin. Janine told me some rotting shack is left to me and Callie. Hey, Ma, he left me a house. I’d have to get out an ouija board to tell her that one.

I found my old journals. I was so young. Absolutely consumed with that man. Years earlier, they would’ve been firewood, but not now. I wonder if Ray is still angry. Egon called him once and Ray phoned me after.  He really hates him. I don’t think Winston could ever hate anyone. Venkman’s moved on. Dana told me right after he left she wished she hadn’t introduced us. She felt guilty. But she shouldn’t.  I gave it my all and it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have tried.

Callie asked me why I never remarried. As much as I’ve enjoyed my other lovers like Sam or Tatiana, it never was the same. I knew it was special when I had it. He was my lover and best friend. He knew me in a way no one else did. We just fit together. Left brain. Right brain. It didn’t work out as I wanted and even though his leaving felt like he ripped out my heart, I loved him utterly and completely. I’m not ashamed of that. And for a while, he loved me too.

I don’t regret it. I don’t know if I still love him, but I don’t hate him anymore.  Isn’t that funny? You’d think I’d know, but I don’t. Because of Callie. Because of Trevor. Because of  Phoebe (who reminds me so much of him sometimes I can’t breathe). The loves of my life. My beautiful band of freaks is led by Grandma Freak.

Callie closes the journal and puts it back in the box. She doesn’t even remember falling asleep.

“Mom, I found something.” It feels like a blink of an eye later when Phoebe walks into her room.

Phoebe’s face is bright and excited. It’s enough to pull Callie out of bed immediately.

[spengies]

*Playing the Silent Hill 2 remake*

My mom off in the corner (about James): "He's as ineffective as a 2 inch d!ldo."

[doctor-ray-stantz]

[He let out a little huff of laughter, trying to hide how much he flushed at the words.]

You big sap

[He teased, pulling Egon in for another kiss, breaking it off only to speak]

I adore you, too, Spengs

[Ray knocked on the lab door, but more as an announcement of his arrival, than an ask to be invited inside. He immediately walked over to Egon, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, a grin on his face]

Hi <3

[ooc: lets see how well you can multitask :3 /silly]

-@doctor-ray-stantz

Oh—

[Egon smiled immediately, his cheeks gently flushing red as he wrapped his arms around Ray and pulled him in to a gentle hug. He chuckled a little as he spoke.]

Hey, good to see you too, Ray-

[thousandsonny]

[ohimtherebabey]

i put so much effort into making mcr tapes and cds and for what??

[themoonking]

i already said this on someone else’s post but like. spoilers aren’t that serious and we have to stop pretending they are. yeah, getting spoiled can suck, but that doesnt inherently take away any enjoyment you can have of it. if you believe that you believe that any piece of media where you know what happens is unenjoyable.

a whole lot of ancient/classical plays, a whole lot of shakespeare plays, any sherlock holmes story ever, any book-to-movie adaptation ever, any musical where you listened to the soundtrack before seeing it onstage, any video game where you watched a playthrough before playing it yourself, anything you watch on a second viewing ever - all of that, by a “spoilers-bad” person’s logic, is now less enjoyable because you know what’s going to happen

[starkastichotmess]

"Woah, hey, Speng--ah," his words are cut off sharply with a gasp of pain, his quick grab towards Egon to slow him down from charging off causing the armour to press dangerously into his already weakened chest. "Shit... Gotta... get out of suit."

He's lucky that the suit still has enough systems running to remain powered to let him move, but the automated release mechanisms malfunctioned, and another suit should already be on its way from the tower. But even with an undamaged suit inbound, it won't do him any good if he's still trapped in this one.

His eyes shining with a mix of pain and frustration, Tony looks to Egon pleadingly as he struggles to speak. "Hard to breathe. Need help... emergency latches. Can't... can't trust just anyone."

It should say a lot to anyone who knows how closely Tony guards the secrets of his technology - particularly that of the Iron Man suits - that he's asking someone who could understand exactly what he's looking at for help in this situation, rather than resorting to contacting the people he's supposed to be able to rely on in emergencies. But with Rhodey being deployed, and Tony never having trusted SHIELD, there are few he's able to even consider letting see the suits up close in such a state, much less learn where the latches are to release him from it manually.

"Please," he sighs, not really having the strength to fight him on this at the moment, but hoping that the logic and urgency of the situation will keep Egon here with him, at least until he's out of this suit and the new one has arrived.

☎️ 𝙶𝙷𝙾𝚂𝚃𝙱𝚄𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂, 𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙳𝙾 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝚆𝙰𝙽𝚃? || “…didn’t know where else to go…” (shh… I’m totally sleeping right now… >.> jshksdhjf - just handwavy the fact that Ghostbusters HQ and Stark Tower are on the same fucking island and less than 4 miles away from each other; Tony could either have been caught without his suit or it got badly damaged one and he was closer to the firehouse than waiting anywhere else for Happy to come pick him up or something) || @starkastichotmess​

HE’D BEEN WATCHING THE CARNAGE BEFORE IT SAW FIT TO KNOCK ON HIS DOOR. As had become one of the undeniable facts of the universe, wherever Iron Man went, the media was always sure to follow, and indeed, the news coverage of his latest conflict was intense, the streets of New York City serving as the battlefield for what was turning into moderate chaos. Never normally one for following such sensationalist press, on this occasion, his eye had frequently flickered to the screen while he’d bee busy with administration, the subtle mix of reassurance and concern in his psyche - confident that his friend was more than capable of holding his own at times like this, while wary and all-too-aware of how quickly the tide of war could change.

AFTER A WHILE, TONY HAD MANAGED TO EVADE THE CAMERAS, HIS FIGURE VANISHING FROM THE SCREEN. Not immediately finding cause for worry, he’d carried on as normal - until the hasty banging against the door caught his attention, brow raising as he rose from his chair, walking over and opening it - to find none other than Stark himself on the other side, still dressed in his suit, or what was left of it, for most of it was little else than twisted and dented metal, the visor of his helmet recoiled to reveal cut and bruised skin.

SOMETHING CHANGED WITHIN HIS DEMEANOUR AT THE SIGHT. In an instant, he was practically pushing the man inside, though he didn’t bother closing the door. Instead, determined footsteps guided him to the trunk of Ecto-1, and before even he could register what was going on, he was retrieving his proton pack, slinging her over his suit jacket and clasping her firmly into place. Retrieving the neutrona wand, he switched it on, the entire instrument offering that familiar hum as she purred to life.

❝ Where is it? ❞

HIS SINGULAR QUESTION DIRECTED TO TONY AS HE MADE A PATH FOR THE DOOR. The glare on his visage left no room for debate as to his muted anger, the decision that he was going to fight in Tony’s place having been made, the chance for negotiation firmly off the table.

[fandomlovingfreak]

He’s Not the Jealous Type

Egon Spengler/F!Reader One-Shot

Rating: General Audiences

Includes: Fake Dating, Fake Date, Making someone Jealous. No beta reader! We die like MEN!

Word Count: 1768

MasterList Link I AO3 Link I Wattpad Link

Summary: I would do anything to get Egon Spengler to notice my crush on him. Anything! Even go along with Peter's plan to make Egon jealous.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Ghostbusters (sad, I know). This work has not been created for profit or financial compensation, and is a transformative fair use work in accordance with Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.

Notes: Someone asked for HC of Egon being jealous... so I hope that this works even though its a one-shot and 1700+ words long! Thanks for the request!

Enjoy

"(y/n)'s looking good recently," Peter acts nonchalant as he picks around the Lab.

Egon perks up, looking at his friend, "I hadn't noticed."

Peter raises his eyebrows in disbelief, "Huh, interesting. I thought I saw you staring this morning."

Egon's looks up, startled, "I--"

Peter leans on the counter, "Cut the crap, Spengs. You like her."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Liar," Peter says under his breath. He looks like he's about to drop the subject until a wicked look comes over his face, "So, if you really don't like her... you wouldn't mind if I asked her out on a date, would you?"

Egon's face flushes pink, lips pulling into a line, "I— I suppose if that's what (y/n) wants, then you should."

Peter scowls. Why was it so hard to get Egon to admit to having feelings? "Fine. I will. I'll ask her out for drinks Saturday night."

Egon's hand resting on the table clenches, "I'm sure (y/n) would enjoy that."

"Oh, she will. Who knows. Maybe she'll fall madly in love with me. It wouldn't be the first time I charmed the pants off a lady."

The other man doesn't say anything back to that, focusing much too hard on the screw he's tightening. 

**

Peter leans against the doorframe, effectively blocking me from leaving.

"What do you need, Venkman?" I continue to straighten the papers in my hands.

"I need you to act a little more excited when I'm speaking to you."

Taken aback, I frown up at him, "Excuse me?"

"Just--" Peter sighs, "I'm going to get Spengs to ask you out finally."

I feel my whole body tense, "What? How would acting excited to see you cause that to happen?"

Peter grins like the asshole he is, leaning closer in what I assume is supposed to be a flirty manner, "I know you like him, and I know he likes you. If you want him to finally make a move, you need to act like you're excited as I ask you out. Understand (Y/L/N)?"

I blink at him. Would this even work? Egon didn't seem like the jealous type. He was so good at remaining in a neutral emotional state at all times that I couldn't imagine he would react jealously over me going out with Peter.

Besides! Who is to say Egon even liked me that way? I could be stuck with Peter all night... or worse; Peter was using my crush on Egon to get me to go out with him.

"How do I know this isn't some stupid ploy to get into my pants?"

He gasps, feigning injury, "I would never take advantage of a lady."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Do you want my help or not?"

I glance over at the man I've been pining over for months now. He looks like he's trying to listen in on the conversation, making my heart flutter. Maybe he was jealous that Peter was talking to me… and maybe that means Peter really was telling the truth. 

"Fine. What do you need me to do?"

Peter grins, pulling me closer to his body, "I need you to laugh and flirt with me."

Leaning into the touch, I smile, "This goes against everything natural."

Peter laughs, "Yeah, yeah. Saturday night, then? Me and you, baby."

I ran my hand down his chest, "Never call me baby again."

"Noted."

I smile again, glancing over at Egon. He looks away quickly, pretending to be focused on his work again. Maybe this could work, that is, if Peter was right and Egon would react.

***

Nerves rush up and down my body as I step into the firehouse in my nicest dress. I run my hands down the front of my dress and adjust the strap of my purse for the on-thousandth time as endless questions cycle through my brain.

Was this dress too much? What if Egon didn't do something and I was stuck on a date with Peter? Was I wasting my only night off hanging out with Peter, of all people?…

Ray and Winston walking down the staircase, animatedly talking, breaks me from my worrying.

"...I just think that if that were the case, there would be a better way to contain the spirit," Winston's brow is furrowed as he talks to Ray, probably something to do with a hypothetical case.

"You don't think our current containment facility could withstand such a powerful being?" Ray frowns, still focused on Winston, who is looking at me standing in the middle of the lobby.

"Are you listening to me?" Ray says. Winston elbows him, "Ow! What was that--" Ray looks over at me, "Oh-- wow... Are you wearing that to go out with Peter?"

I pick at the strap of my purse, "You know that's not why..."

Winston chuckles, giving me a pointed look, "Well, this will certainly get Spengler's attention--"

"What will get my attention?" We all look at Egon, who walks down the stairs towards us. Oh shit... how much did he hear of that short exchange?

"Nothing!" 

He stops at the bottom stair, eyes wide as his eyes run over my body. I feel like I'm burning under his intense gaze. 

"Do you-- What do you think?" I feel silly asking, but I want to know if he finds me attractive... if he likes this dress.

"Oh... um..." Egon averts his gaze, suddenly looking shy. 

I wish I were going out with him. I wish I didn't have to go to this length to get his attention.

"Wow," Peter's voice breaks the tension between Egon and me as I turn my gaze to the intruder, "You look amazing."

I glance over at Egon again before thanking Peter for the compliment. 

"I'm only saying what everyone else is thinking," Peter grins, kissing me on the cheek. He really was going to sell this as a date.

"So uh-- should we get going then?" I try to seem genuinely into the idea of going with Peter. I need this stupid plan to work... I know I won't be bold enough to confess to Egon. I can only hope that he's braver than me and will make a move... How pathetic.

"Don't wait up for us," Peter calls to our friends, taking my arm in his.

"We never do," Winston responds.

The moment we're out of their sight, I shake his arm off of mine. Peter gives me an amused look. "There's no point in pretending when no one's around," I say quietly.

Peter chuckles, "Fair enough. Did you see Speng's face when I kissed your cheek?"

I shake my head no, "Did he look upset?"

Peter leans in, "He looked jealous." The smile creeps up on my face as Peter playfully shoves his shoulder against mine, "I got Ray on in the plan."

I look at him with wide eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Right about now, Raymond will be talking Spengler about breaking up our little date. Reminding him about how crazy he is about you and pointing out how I'm bad news."

"Does he really like me?" I'm not completely convinced that Egon is into me enough to chase after me.

Peter groans, throwing his head back in annoyance, "Yes! How can't you tell?"

"How can't he tell I'm into him?" I counter.

"Because he's Egon! He's brilliant at what he does but dense when it comes to women."

I smile, "But he's so--"

"I don't need to hear you gush over Spengs. I'm already doing you a favor." He raises his brow, giving me a sarcastic look.

Laughter bubbles from my chest, "You're such a jerk, Venkman."

"But I'm helping you, so how much of a jerk can I be?" 

"Thank you for that, by the way. You didn't have to do this."

He knocks his shoulder into mine again, "C'mon, don't make me look like a big softie. It's no big deal."

I don't argue with him, "Thank you anyways."

Peter rolls his eyes but grins fondly.

***

"What do you think?"

"I wasn't expecting somewhere so-- fancy."

"You don't think it's a nice first date spot?"

"Well, this isn't a real first date."

Peter waves his hand dismissively, "First date for you and Spengler."

"That is if he's coming," I take a sip of my drink.

"If," Peter snorts, "Turn around for a moment for me, won't ya?"

Confused, I turn slightly to look where he's looking. Egon's standing at the Host Stand. He looks slightly uncomfortable as he waits behind a couple talking to the Host in his sweater vest and suit jacket. He changed... to chase after me. Was he really going to make some grand gesture, a confession?

"I told you," Peter sing-songs into my ear.

"Knock it off," I shove Peter away, feeling excitement fill me as Egon's eyes fall on me. He thanks the Host before walking in our direction.

"(y/n)." His voice is deep, breathless like he had run across town to get to me.

"Egon, what are you doing here?"

"You shouldn't be out with him."

My heart feels like it's going to burst from my chest, "What-- why?"

Egon looks at Peter for a beat before looking to me again, "Because I-- I want to take you out."

I'm sure I look ridiculous, staring at him in shock, "You do?"

"If you'll let me, of course." He pulls a chair up to 

I try to hide the smile threatening to expose itself, "I just-- I don't understand... Why didn't you say anything before?"

Egon looks like he's about to speak but instead gives Peter a look over my shoulder.

"I think I did my job," Peter stands, looking smug, "We won't wait up you two." He winks before heading towards the door.

Egon watches Peter leave before continuing, "I should've said something instead of allowing it to get this far."

"I thought I was so obvious." I brush my hands down the front of his sweater.

"What?"

"I spend all my extra time in that damned Lab... offering to help you take notes or whatever else you need. I mean, I suppose I could have just said something--"

"I had no idea." 

Taking his hand in mine, I laugh, "I'm aware of that."

"I enjoyed having you there, in the lab, if that's any consolation."

Warm courage fills my body. "Can I kiss you?"

My forwardness must surprise him as he's rendered frozen for a beat before nodding. "Conventionally, it should be me--"

"Don't care," I mutter, leaning in to press my lips against his.