#that I just caught while watching the supercut

[ohbeauregard]

C3E94

As the rest of you find your respective beds, sharing, those who wish, until eventually, the exhaustion takes over and you all go into a long rest.

[macwantspeace]

>MSNBC’s Morning Joe opened Friday with a montage of some of the wild moments from Donald Trump’s first rally since his debate with Kamala Harris.

The compilation used a section from Tuesday’s debate in which the vice president invited viewers to go to one of Trump’s rallies, saying such events are “a really interesting thing to watch.�� Harris said during the ABC News head-to-head that attendees would hear Trump talking about Hannibal Lecter and see people leaving out of boredom, but they wouldn’t hear Trump “talk about your needs, your dreams, and your desires.” Just as a side note.... Back in the seventies I worked at a little hippie shop brazing little birdies on bronze belt buckles. I had two copies of Audubon bird guides. Billy Bob liked to joke. While we shared a toke. One of his favored jabs was to wink at someone and say, "Hey. I hear you got caught kissing geese in the park." Oh. My. Busted. >“They’re taking the geese!” the Republican nominee told his supporters at the rally. “You know where the geese are, in the park, in the lake."

[baxteravenue]

SUPERCUT, JACK HARLOW.

summary: flashes of yours and jack’s decade long relationship with all the ups and downs. inspired by the song supercut by lorde!

a/n: the beginning is something i posted a while ago that ppl seemed to like… so here is the rest :)

I’LL BE YOUR QUIET AFTERNOON CRUSH…

You were so shy when you met Jack for the first time, it was during his album release party and your friends who somehow knew the whole world invited you along with them. You had known of Jack for quite a while, his song had blown up on Tiktok and everyone in Atlanta seemed to be in love with him, so how could you not?

You felt really out of place at first, everyone in the room seemed to know each other really well and it intimidated you into the corner near the bar. You had alway been like this, your friends were always the entertainers, the life of the party and just everything you weren’t. They were confident and gorgeous so you never expected Jack to walk up to you.

Jack had seen you as soon as you stepped foot into the room, you were surrounded by laughing girls and you would not stop checking your phone. He thought maybe you had a boyfriend and you weren’t supposed to be here until he caught a statement made by your friend to you. 

“C’mon Y/N, stop checking your phone you know damn well no one is texting you.” 

It made Jack laugh a little to himself, he could tell you were nervous or scared… somewhere in between. He couldn’t tell why though, you were the prettiest girl in the room and it didn’t even look like you were trying. 

He had been wanting to say something to you all night, but being the main event it was hard for him to get a moment alone, not until everyone was in the middle of the dance floor almost blacked out drunk belting a song from his debut album and you were in the corner, a drink in one hand and your phone in the other. 

He made you feel smaller than you were, and it wasn’t just because he was almost a whole foot taller than you it was because he was undeniably confident; something you had lacked almost your whole life. 

“Hi, I’m Jack.” It was his go to line, really simple but always effective. 

You had the words, they just wouldn’t come out for some reason. 

He titled his head a bit at you by your lack of response, he was confused. That line always worked, it was so versatile how could it not. “Uhm, so you like the album?” He tried to save himself. 

You nodded. It was true, you had thoroughly enjoyed every song that played during the night. One had really stuck with you though. “Mmm’yeah”

“Yeah?” Jack smiled back at you. It wasn’t a full sentence but he just felt lucky to get anything out of you, he thought you were playing hard to get and there was nothing more that he loved than the chase. 

In reality you were shitting bricks, you had watched every girl at this party laugh and giggle at everything he said, watched them practically shove their boobs in his face and pull out their camera on him almost every five seconds. You were just really confused… and tongue tied. 

“Uh.. yeah.” And almost as if it was a miracle the song you found yourself paying attention the most began to play once more, “This one actually, this one might be my favorite.”

He looked surprised almost when you said that, It was Baxter Avenue that started playing. It was one of his favorites on the album that he had to really fight for to even be on it. 

You looked up at him through your eyelashes, it was the first time you had actually made contact with his baby blue eyes. “You say that your imagery is lush and I can tell… You don’t write for the beat, you make the beats for the lyrics. Almost every song on this album has a very distinct almost basic instrumental— Uh sorry, not basic–” You could feel your cheeks heat up.

Jack was smiling like a child at you, “No you’re good… Shit girl you read through me like a book just off that one line.” He laughed. 

His laugh made you laugh, and that made smile even bigger. “Sorry… It’s a habit, I’m an ametur music critic.”

“So that’s why you’re all up in this corner huh, tapping away at that phone? You writing reviews for my music? I hope you’re writing good stuff, the way you were dogging me I’m a little scared.” 

You were still a bit shy talking to Jack but you could feel your nerves calm just a bit, enough where you could hold a conversation. “Oh no. I just don’t really know anyone here, besides my friends but they’re having a bunch of fun and who am I to ruin someone's fun… I just stay to myself.”

Jack admired your honesty, he didn’t get that a lot from women especially as he was on the biggest come up of his life. “Well I’m glad you decided to come…” He dragged out his sentence leaning in, hoping to get your name.

“Y/N. My names Y/N, sorry about that.” 

Jack shrugged, “You’re cute, it’s all good.”

You were in awe of him truly, and you could not get him out of your mind for weeks after that night and one conversation. You had hoped that he would have found you on instagram or through your friends and you had felt stupid when he didn’t. 

You had let one conversation go to your head, until one random Tuesday night. Your doorman had called you down, saying he had a package for you. You were confused, you checked your emails before walking downstairs to your mailroom. You weren’t expecting any packages. 

As you walked into the mailroom your heart felt like it had jumped out of your chest, Jack was standing there with a huge flower arrangement. “Uh… they didn’t want to tell me your apartment number so I kinda just had to show up.” 

You were glad you had decided to get ready for nothing that day. 

“What are you doing here? How- How did you even find my apartment?” You asked, very surprised. 

He set down the flowers, “Kiana… that’s your friend's name right? She’s friends with Urban, my best friend and he got her to tell me where you live.” He gave you a toothy smile. “Your friend doesn't know your apartment number by the way.”

You laughed, it was true Kiana only knew where you lived by memory not by numbers. 

“Anyways… These are for you.” He motioned toward the Peonies that sat in a very expensive looking box, “I wanted to get your number the other night, but you left early.”

You mentally face palmed yourself, “I had a test early the next morning. Not even COVID could get me out of it.” You admired the flowers, you can’t remember the last time someone had gotten you flowers. “Thank you so much, they’re really beautiful.”

“Had to get em’ to match you.” He winked. “But for real though, I really enjoyed talking to you… was probably the realest conversation I had in a while. I wanted to ask you maybe if you wanted to go out?” He was so confident and it was really attractive to you. 

You nodded, “Mmm’yeah” 

“Mmm’yeah.” He teased you. 

BE YOUR OVERNIGHT VIOLENT RUSH…

“I’m not doing this with you anymore Jack!” You yelled as you walked down the empty street, not wanting to get into the car with Jack.

“Get in Y/N, stop being so fuckin’ stubborn!” He yelled, cutting you off and driving the car right in front of you getting off, “Get in the car!”

Your eyes widened, and you took several steps back almost falling over because of your heels and the tequila you had been drinking. “Are you crazy? You could have run me over!”

“Don’t be crazy.” 

“Oh now I’m crazy huh?” You laughed sarcastically, “First it was paranoid, jealous, not trusting, stubborn and now it’s crazy?”

“Baby I don’t know her!” Jack pleaded, “I have no idea who she was, you have to believe me!”

“You follow her on Instagram, Jack! Why do you follow her if you don’t know her? I’m not stupid!”

You were yelling. You hated yelling, it just wasn’t you at all and lately it felt like that was all you did. When the two of you were good, you were good… almost perfect. But you had been with Jack for almost a year and as things got better for his career it seemed like your relationship with him was getting worse. 

“Y/N I don’t know half of the people I follow. Baby I followed Kiana, she’s your best friend… does that mean I fucked with her?” Jack tried to make a point, getting closer to you. “Baby, I love you and only you. It’s you for me, it’s always gonna be you.”

You nodded, surrendering and choosing to believe Jack.

“Okay?” He cupped your face making you look up at him.

You nodded again. “Okay.”

“Okay.”

MAKE YOU CRAZY OVER MY TOUCH…

You grabbed Jack’s hand as the two of you moved your way into Druski’s home. The two of  you decided that you would spend Thanksgiving with friends instead of having to choose between both of your parents who did not live in the same state. 

“Mmm it smells good in here.” You softly said as the two of you walked into the kitchen.

Jack grinned at you, “Do me a favor and say that again but slower and closer to my ear please.”

You shook your head giggling, “Nasty man it’s Thanksgiving.”

“And I’m thankful for you, all of you baby.” Jack placed a kiss on your cheek, grabbing your hand and moving it closer to him. 

You quickly snatched it away, “Jack.”

“Y/N.”

“We just got here, let me eat first.” You shook your head, “How did you even get to this point?” You laughed.

“You held my hand, you know I love those hands.” 

“Alright nasty fuckers, y’all know y’all ain’t alone right?” Druski chimed in, shaking his head in disgust. “All over the mac n cheese too.”

You looked over at Jack. One hour, you mouthed.

The bathroom? He mouthed back.

You nodded. “This pie looks so good, yum. Did you make it Dru?”

“Walmart did.”

BUT IT’S JUST A SUPERCUT OF US…

“I love you.” Jack smiled at you.

“You what?” You asked, trying to understand

“I love you.”

You had been dating him for two months, but you knew at one month. You were just too scared to say anything. You were afraid he didn’t feel the same. 

“You don’t have to say noth–“

“I love you too.” You smiled back, “If it wasn’t obvious.”

.

.

.

“I’m scared to meet them, what if they don’t like me?” You frowned, as you and Jack drove down his childhood street toward his parents home. 

“They’re gonna love you baby, if I love you I know they will.” He gave you a wink. “Don’t worry.”

You nodded, “Okay.”

.

.

.

“I wrote you a song.”

You looked our from your book, on the bed you shared with Jack. “You what?”

“I wrote you a song.” He smiled.

Immediately you put down the book, “Let me read!”

“I don’t know, you might go all music reviewer on it.” He joked, reminding you of one of the first conversations you ever had with him. 

“Jackkkk…” You whined. 

“It’s more of a verse… Nog much of a song really…” Jack taunted you. 

You immediately jumped on him, straddling over him. “Let. Me. Read.”

Jack handed you his phone, where he had been writing the lyrics. 

You smiled as you kept reading.

Jack watched you intently wondering what part you were on, if you liked it, if you thought it was too much, if you’d ever want him to release it… He wanted to be inside your head.

“I wrote a good amount of it on the road, away from you.” Jack added. “I was also reminiscing on our third date, how it felt like I was seeing another person. You weren’t shy anymore.”

“It looks like Dorothy ain’t in Kansas anymore… Jack, you did not put me saying that in there.” Your cheeks were bright red but you felt anything other than embarrassed. What you were reading felt like you were getting to know Jack even more. 

“I’d put it on the album but then people would start catching on to the fact that there are no other women besides you.” He hummed, leaning in closer to you, “Only you.”

You placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you more, sweet girl.”

CAUSE IN MY HEAD I DO EVERYTHING RIGHT…

“I have loved you from the moment I met you, your music playing through my ears and your subtle glances. You mean the world to me and to be able to stand in front of you and love you and get to know you and I mean you, it’s more than I could have ever imagined.” You were trying your best not to cry, “I’ll love you for a million years and more.”

The officiant looked over at Jack, letting him know he was next. 

Jack wiped at his eyes, making the crowd awe. “Wow, I had this whole thing planned. I wrote it all down on a piece of paper but it doesn't feel right at the moment so I’m just gonna talk to you. Y/N I cannot thank whatever it was that led you to me that night enough, I’m not that religious but I really think God made you for me and me for you. I don’t remember life without you, nor do I ever want to think about it. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you baby, I love you.”

“Do you Y/N, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?”

It was the easiest thing you had ever said in your entire life, “I do.”

“Do you Jack, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?”

“A million times yes, over and over again.” Jack couldn’t stop smiling.

“By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Kentucky, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He looked over at Jack, “You may now kis-”

Before he could even finish you were wrapped up in Jack’s arms, kissing your now husband. The two of you pulled away smiling. 

“Everyone for the first time, I present you Mr. and Mrs. Harlow!”

Everyone cheered. In that moment you could not have been any happier.

WHEN YOU CALL I FORGIVE AND NOT FIGHT…

“Come home… please.” Jack spoke into the phone, “Please baby let’s work this out just come home.”

“I can’t Jack, I just-” Your voice cracked as you tried to form words, “I can’t.”

You could hear him crying, you hated hearing him cry but you knew that you couldn’t be with him anymore. You just couldn’t. “Jack--”

“We’ll go to therapy Y/N, we’ll go to those classes, I’ll cancel the tour. I’ll- I’ll go on hiatus, I’ll take a break from music and just focus on us… Baby please don’t do this.” Jack was holding on for dear life but it was too late.

“The divorce papers should be there by tomorrow morning.” You spoke quickly.

“Y/N-”

“Goodbye Jack.” You hung up, immediately turning your phone off.

You couldn’t help the tears that began falling as soon as you spotted the boxes labeled Baby Harlow, stacked up in the corner ready to be donated.

WE WERE WILD AND FLUORESCENT COME HOME TO MY HEART…

You looked at the five pregnancy tests all lined up on the bathroom counter, they all read positive. You couldn’t help the smile that only grew bigger on your face.

“Well?” Jack called from outside.

You grabbed them all, opening the door faking a smile. “Um…”

Jack’s face fell.

“Well, I hope you’re ready to be a daddy.” You held up all the tests. 

“No fucking way. No fucking way!” Jack scooped you up, spinning you around. “I’m gonna be a dad?”

You nodded, “You’re gonna be a dad.”

“And you, you’re gonna be a mommy?”

“We’re gonna be parents, baby.” You cupped his face kissing him, “We’re gonna be fucking parents.”

“We’re gonna be parents.” Jack smiled, “Oh baby you’ve made me the happiest man in the entire world.”

“I love you, Mr. Harlow.” You hugged him.

“I love you more, Mrs. Harlow.” Jack couldn’t believe it. “I hope you have triplets, knock three out the way.”

“We’re not having six kids Jack.” You shook your head, giggling. 

“Six daughters baby, you knew what you were getting into when you married me.” Jack shrugged.

You looked up at him, a soft smile on your face. “How about just one healthy baby for now.”

Jack placed a kiss on your nose, “Sounds good to me Mama.”

[megk18]

Some Essek thoughts:

So I just recently got caught up with Campaign 2 for the 2nd time, simply for my own enjoyment because I wanted to watch from the beginning again.

But when I finished yesterday I had a thought and went looking through videos and found exactly what I was looking for.

There is a 3 hour long Essek supercut on YouTube that shows every interaction of his with the M9.

So yesterday I gave myself feelings by sitting through 3 hours of just Essek interactions and let me tell you, Matt did a PHENOMENAL job with this character.

Idk if anyone noticed it just by watching the episodes through on their own but to watch every interaction back to back you can clearly see every second where Essek lowered a wall and let them in.

He's so cold and stoic when you first meet him which I imagine is how Matt planned for him to stay. But then very slowly he morphs into this incredibly soft, sad character that just loves his friends. It was really interesting to see that shift.

And to finish it off with the conversation on the boat, to watch Matt be in that character while being called out by his friends, the fact that he barely, if at all, meets Liam (Caleb's) eyes while he talks. Absolutely breaks my heart every time.

Now, could he still be playing a long game and end up backstabbing the M9 anyway? Sure, he's a layered character that's told lies before.

Most of this is just me rambling, I've always loved character studies, especially when a character is as well built as Essek.

I just can't wait to see what else happens to his character. Is he gonna get a redemption arc? Is he gonna go on the run? I am really excited to see what happens with him.

Anyway, I just have a lot of feelings and needed to get them out there.

*shrugs*

Edit*

So somehow this has quickly become one of my most popular posts! I am glad so many of you also love Essek as much as I do!

Just to add a few things that I thought about after I posted the first part of this.

We know for sure that Essek is under a LOT of pressure from many sides.

His mother is the Umavi of his den and just listening to him describe Den politics I can only imagine the stress he must be under to be 'perfect' all the time, especially when you consider his status in the Dynasty as well.

Plus he called himself a prodigy with Dunamancy magic which means he's also incredibly involved in the science and research of studying that.

What your looking at is that kid from school that was gifted and who's parents made sure they were involved in every sport and art program they could find. He probably grew up SO fast and had no time to actually be a kid.

It's no wonder he caved with the M9 around. For all we know they were the first people in his life that ever showed him genuine kindness. Jester says as much during their conversation on the boat "Essek we've shown you nothing but kindness."

I am sorry, I just have a lot of feels for this character, mostly cause I see bits of myself in him with how I grew up.

Anyway, in this house we stan Essek Thelyss

[xonepeacelovex]

wonder if we would be better as friends | supercuts pt. 7

supercuts by jeremy zucker

started something that we’re just gonna end | supercuts | pt. 1

xonepeacelovex | masterlist | skz han jisung

Characters: Han Jisung x Reader

Genre: Angst | Arranged Marriage AU

Tag List: @charm-art​

A/N: Thank you for reading this series. I linked the part 1 because that’s really the last chapter of this series. When I first wrote this, I was just inspired of the song and never really thought it will be a series thus the story line started with an ending. You can ask/tell me anything about the story or anything really.

P.S.: Today, we celebrate endings on our life. May we be filled with only good things from now on.

“Not enough reason to trap me in this marriage,” you countered. You shook your head, stepping backward until his hands on your arms fell into his side. Putting a distance you always put between you two. The distance that shouldn’t be crossed.

Eyes softening as you saw him staring at his hands, eyebrows knitted. “We had a deal Jisung,” you begged, trying to talk him out of it.

“Can’t you love me back?” he whispered. If the house is not quiet, you’ll miss his words.

And you stare at him, watching his beautiful face, “Love you back,” repeating his words, whispering it to yourself. Those words bringing you back to the time you begged for love.

“How about the words you promise me?” you pleaded as you desperately cling to the arms of your past lover. “Don’t you love me?”, you asked him as he gently removes your hands from his arms and coldly stares at you. “Do you think I love you?” he questioned you. And honestly, you know but still, you blindly follow your own heart. You dreamed of a life that is simple, not even thinking about money or business. With him, you dreamed of having your own family. But he came for the money that’s not even yours. He looked at you one last time, pity on his eyes, driving away from the expensive car that a year ago he can’t afford.

That night, you cried in your room, your parents not even bothering to check you. They had what they want, their hands on their daughter’s neck.

You know what it feels like to beg for love. But you also know what it feels like to always follow your parents, to always please them and not having a dream of your own.

Never in your life, you thought you’ll be on the receiving end of this question or that you’ll be in this same situation again but this time, you’re the bad guy.

“No,” you replied with determination, staring at his eyes. It’s not that you can’t but you won’t. You would not fall again into the scheme called love. Look at where you are right now. You followed everything they said and yet one mistake of falling in love and your parents can never trust you again. Even when you show them you can, just one mistake and they… years of proving yourself was thrown away.

“Why?” he gulped, “We could work this out,” Jisung pleaded.

You could but I won’t, you thought. Not again Jisung. Not the same mistake.

“I want to hold you at night when you cry. I want to spend my waking times with you by my side. I want to take care of you when you are sick. I want to be the one you first call me whenever you need to change your tires or anything. I want to learn cooking, with you as my critic,” he confessed. “I- I want to know what you feel. I want to be your friend, Y/N,” he continued, as his intense eyes boring into yours.

You drop the act, you’ll do one thing for him. You’ll be honest to him so you calm yourself not used to being honest with him. “How about what I want Jisung?” you demanded.

He remained silent cause in all the things he said, none of those are your dreams.

“I wondered if we would be better as friends after the inevitable divorce,” you revealed to him. You smile at him, “but we won’t,” you concluded. He looked at you like a kid, you’ve taken away his candy and crushed it into pieces.

After his confession and your rejection, you don’t think you two can be friends.

“We started something that we’re just gonna end,” you reminded him, “You know this is gonna happened Jisung.”

Somehow both of your parents know about the separation, you thought you still have a few days before the news broke out. You already planned it, you’ll be out of the house by that time. But all of that is thrown into the window when your parents wanted to have dinner with both of you.

Your parents thought that you are cheating with Felix. Pictures of Felix holding your waist, getting into the car, and your head on his shoulder are scattered on the table. The sound of the slap that landed on your cheek resonated with the empty restaurant, “You asked for forgiveness, Y/N,” your father demanded from you, “Begged Jisung to take you back or else you’ll have no family to go home to.” And even with the pain, you can’t help but laughed at your father’s words, imagined the horror on your mother’s face. “I-“ you look up to them, “I really don’t have a family nor a home,” you corrected them. You get your things and walk out of the restaurant. Disowning you would be the least painful thing they can do to you. Because you are grateful that you no longer carry the burden of their family name.

Jisung followed you, still shocked with what happened, “Y/N” he called your name. But that doesn’t stop you not until he caught up in your track, holding your arm and pulling to towards him. “Jisung,” you grunted, and yet you stayed still as he titled your chin and check your cheek. You hissed when he touches the wound you got from your father’s ring when he slapped you. “Why do they think I cheated on you?” you accuse him, scoffing, eyes on his face.

Face scrunching at the tone of your voice, he looks at you, “Do you think I said that?” he searched your eyes for answers. “I am also shocked where the pictures came from,” he admitted to you.

He didn’t, even when he felt jealous of Felix, he didn’t think you are cheating on him.

You removed yourself from his hold, “And yet you remained silent when they accused me, “ you chuckled at him.

Lies. When you asked him that night if he’s jealous of Felix he said no. When you asked him for the commitment, he gave you feelings. Like everything that is happening is your fault, your mistake.

“I’ll take care of this okay?” he surrendered, not wanting to stress you out more.

“No,” you rebuked, “I don’t need your pity or your feelings or this time your commitment. I’ll do this on my own,” you said while patting the wound on your cheek with his handkerchief.

Copyright © 2021 xonepeacelovex All rights reserved.

[sun-critrole]

Hey, I'm looking for some advice and maybe you could help? I recently got into CR and just got caught up and finished the most recent episode in campaign 2 and tried starting campaign 1, it's just that that Orion guy is really off putting and making it hard to watch and listen to. Do you have any recommendations on dealing with him? Do I power through it, or is there something I can read to catch myself up on the episodes he's in before he was kicked off the team? Thanks in advance!

Hey, and welcome to the painful reality of early-C1 watching. I personally can’t watch those early eps at all because of how much he gets my hackles up, so I totally get not wanting to spend the next 27 episodes tolerating it.

I recommend reading recaps of the first arc ( @eponymous-rose has a fantastic episode-by-episode breakdown here! I also found this google doc which is compiled by argentumlupine). Then start watching at the Briarwoods (which I believe is episode 24). This shortens your exposure to the unpleasantness while still preparing you fully for the Briarwoods arc, some of the best Critical Role content made.

I never recommend anyone watch all of CR all the way through. It’s a bonkers amount of content, and no one should expect a fan to watch it all. If you want to, that’s your choice, but you can also do what I did and just watch the fan-made supercuts on YouTube.

[celestias-right-hoof-mas-au]

WARNING: Although this particular chapter does not depict violence or cursing, future installments will. As this story is based on an adult parody of MLP called The Mentally Advanced Series. I would encourage that if you had not watched it to do so to get a grasp of the world in which this takes place. Many of the jokes, lore, and otherwise are in reference to MAS, not just simply My Little Pony. I have also made a supercut that includes every reference and appearance of Celestia in the series. In case watching the entire MAS series maybe too time consuming. If you find Celestia, or other canon characters, used in crude and unpleasant depictions offensive, this is your warning. However, I would appreciate that you take a look anyway with an open mind.

Celestia Supercut Link

< Previous ☼ Next > ???

  “And here’s your armor and weapons. You should be able to start working tomorrow, but take it easy when you can. Magic works wonders, but if you’re not careful you’ll black out from exhaustion.” The front desk nurse recommended sliding over Valiance her belongings.

  “I will. Thank you, ma’am. It feels great to stretch my legs after being in bed all week.” Valiance chuckled as she quickly put her body armor on, hooking her helmet and weapon onto her side.

  “I could only imagine.” the nurse smiled, “There’s a soldier waiting for you in the lobby. I’m sure it’s important, so I wish you luck.”

  Just as the nurse had instructed, a soldier in royal guard uniform awaited for Valiance at the medical bay’s entrance.

  “Valiance Ascalon?” he gruffly asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well come on, soldier. I’m here to take you to your quarters.” the soldier informed as he began leading away with Valiance in tow.

  The walk was mostly quiet, but in time, Valiance noticed the regality of her surroundings. Banners and painted glass of the sisters’ various achievements adorned the halls with very little modesty. As they continued, one photo in particular caught Valiance’s attention enough to stop in her tracks. The photo contained Celestia wearing a suit with a leather overcoat hanging from her shoulders.

   Valiance raised a brow dumbfoundedly. ‘Huh. Not the kind of attire I’d expect her to wear… but not bad at all.’ she thought to herself while gazing into the picture.

   “Come on, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery on your days off. Don’t fall behind!” the soldier called from further down the hall.

   Snapping out of her trance, Valiance trotted back up to the soldier as they continued. Although, the scenery did spark some questions in her mind. After a moment, she finally decided to ask, “What does an acolyte do anyways?”

   “That’s just a fancy name for a personal assistant. Though, judging by your particular skills, my guess would be being a personal bodyguard and just generally following her whim.” the soldier pondered as they approached a door and unlocked it.

   Stepping into the room, Valiance softly muttered, “Wow, this is… lovely.” It was spacious with a large bed resting at its center, accompanied by a nightstand on each side. To the far left was a personal restroom along with a panoramic window with a beautiful view of Canterlot. To the right side of the bedroom rested her wardrobe and a bookshelf.

   “I’d say I’m jealous of you, but in reality I can’t.” the soldier commented while handing the keys over.

   “Why do you say that?”

   “Acolyte’s are hard to come by. The last one that worked here was before I was old enough to get a job. Let’s just say he didn’t have the heart for it.”

   Valiance was perplexed by the soldier’s warning. However, she knew that no matter the task, it would be done in Celestia’s name.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Back at the medical bay, a small pink pony with a satchel and large tight curled hair briskly made her way to the front desk. In a soft spoken voice the little mare asks the front desk clerk, “Hello, Nurse Flatline.”

  “Hello, Mentee. Can I help you with something?”

   “Um, do you know of a large pale mare who was committed here recently after the attack? She wore a purple and gold set of armor, not like the castle guards.”

  “I'm sorry to say that the patient you're looking for was released earlier today.” The clerk replied, looking the pink horse up and down.

  “Oh, well, can you tell me where she is then?”

  “No Mentee, you know I’m not at liberty to release that information.”

  Mentee groaned, “Pleeease, I really have to talk to her. She saved my life during the changeling attack, can’t you just give me a hint where she might be?”

  The clerk pony pondered momentarily, letting out a deep sigh, before firmly answering, “If I give you a hint, you didn’t get it from me, is that clear?”

  Mentee eagerly nodded with a small smile as she leaned in closer.

  “She’s a castle employee as well, if you ask around you could probably find her.” Flatline whispered.

  Mentee gasped and shouted, “Thank you so much, Flatline!” Only to be shushed and shooed away.

  After asking around, Mentee had finally made her way to Valiance’s room. Her body began to rattle as she grew ever closer to the door. Closing her eyes to compose herself, she finally mustered up the courage to knock on the door… nothing. Maybe she just hadn’t heard the knock on the door. Mentee tried again, this time louder… still nothing. She pressed her ear up against the door only to find absolutely no noise on the other side.

  “No one is in there, miss. She left for a walk.” a disapproving voice slated.

  Mentee flinched and quickly spun around to see a blue coated maid sneering at her. Rather than attempt to explain herself, Mentee panicked and bolted.

  Sweat gathered on Mentee’s brow as she came to rest in an empty corridor. Running a cloven hoof through her bangs she uttered to herself, “This is ridiculous, I just wanted to thank her for saving me.” She glanced down to the satchel dejectedly, “Maybe I can find her tomorrow once my shift is over… I need to get some air.”

  The cool evening air was a blessing that gently kissed Mentee’s face. She had made her way to the castle courtyard and basked in its soft serenity. Plopping on a nearby bench next to a batch of daffodils, she gingerly took off her satchel to lean back and relax. Their light aroma invited Mentee into picking one and absentmindedly twirling it around. Taking a light whiff, she smiled and placed the flower in her hair. Stars twinkled in the strawberry sunset while a few ponies walked the courtyard to head home.

  ‘Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.’ Mentee thought, as she scanned her surroundings. Suddenly, a glint caught her eye. When she focused, she could swear her eyes were going to pop out of their sockets. Before her was her knight in shining armor, casually walking around the courtyard smelling flowers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Valiance took comfort in the beauty of the flowered and marbled plaza, having spent the entire day getting to know the castle’s layout better and what would be her new home. The giant fountain gently ran in the center, soothing all who heard it. Giant hedge sculptures, vivid red roses, and yellow daffodils were all perfectly nurtured to be a sight for even the sorest eyes.

   “E-excuse me.” a small yet eager voice called from behind. Valiance turned and was greeted by a small pink pony, with thick ringlets for hair, and spectacles. The mare shuffled slightly closer and gently continued, “Uh, h-hello. I don’t mean to disturb but… um, well, you probably don’t remember me but-”

   “Oh! You’re the mare that was almost carried off during the attack!” Valiance blurted out with a smile.

   The little unicorn blushed, surprised that Valiance had even remembered her at all, “Yes, that was me. M-my name is Mentee, Mentee Prim.”

   Valiance’s face softened further, “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mentee. My name’s Valiance Ascalon.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Valiance and Mentee were not alone, the God Princess, Celestia, too had wished to enjoy a stroll to revel over her recent success. True to her word, the Princess oversaw the remainder of the changeling hive eradicated and their maggots turned to fertilizer. With that, and the acquisition of a new acolyte, Celestia had almost considered relieving her favorite student of her friendship studies for the day. Almost.

   Voices had tickled at Celestia’s ear from the courtyard. Since the sun had set, most ponies would have gone on their way to the dining halls, barracks, or home at that point so she had a small interest to inquire the purpose of the conversation.

   It didn’t take long for Celestia to find the source of the whispers. She easily spotted her new acolyte talking to one of the castle’s library assistants, Mentee Prim. The conversation itself was harmless, with small talk abound and a few thanks sprinkled in. However, when Mentee pulled her gift out of her satchel, Celestia’s cold stare stabbed at Mentee’s glimmering eyes. Celestia scrutinized deep into Mentee’s heart, seeing through her feeble façade. This was no mere thanks, the pink mare’s soul pounded with infatuation. The way she kicked the dust and tugged at her hair all the while coyly glancing at Valiance left no doubt in the Princess’ mind; and it filled her with vile intrigue.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   “I, uh, wanted to let you know how thankful I am for saving me. I really thought that I was gonna be a goner until you came along.” Mentee said, rubbing her neck. She tapped her hooves together in thought then reached for her satchel, “This isn’t much, b-but I hope you still enjoy it well enough.” Encased in periwinkle blue magic, Mentee unlatched her satchel to reveal a small pink box tied in a red laced ribbon.

   “Oh! Well thank you, Mentee. You really didn’t have to do that.” Valiance assured, gently taking the gift.

   “You know, I’ve been working at the castle for a while now. There've been plenty of acquaintances I’ve made… but no one to really call my friend. I was just wondering… if you would… maybe…” Mentee sheepishly stalled.

   Valiance chuckled heartily, “Of course we can be friends. It’d be nice to have company with someone who knows their way around here, not to mention someone so sweet.”

   Mentee’s stomach twisted into a knot, her already flushed face was now blistering red. In an act of feverish joy, Mentee sputtered, “T-t-thank y-you! Y-you too!” With nothing holding her back she sprinted away, nearly tripping over herself as she spun around a corner and out of sight.

  Perplexity gripped Valiance’s thoughts, ‘I wonder where she ran off to, I hope I didn’t say anything stupid. That would be embarrassing.’  Turning her attention to the box, Valiance pulled the ribbon and peered inside. Her benign smile graced her lips again. Inside, were cookies in the shapes of flowers, hearts, and bunnies. Each one was carefully decorated in a shiny pastel colored frosting, some were adorned with cute smiles to top it off.

  As Valiance innocently popped one in her mouth, a sudden chill ran up her spine when she felt the looming presence of some wicked soul behind her. “And what have we here?”

  Valiance twisted around to see the owner staring down at her through biting amethyst eyes. The moon’s rays illuminated the roses in the garden, bathing Celestia in the color red. Although initially shocked, relief washed over Valiance as she sighed, “Oh, Princess Celestia, it’s you. This is just a little thank you gift from a friend I saved.” Valiance passed the gift box to her majesty to see personally.

  The Princess shook the box slightly with a sneer, and with her magic, pulled out a heart shaped cookie. “How sweet.” she hummed as she jaggedly pulled the cookie in half. Without giving Valiance time to think, Celestia jammed one of the halves into her acolyte’s mouth before turning and walking away.

  Bewildered by Celestia’s actions, Valiance chewed her half and absentmindedly reached for another cookie, but was only met with air. It was then that she snapped back to her senses, realizing that Celestia had taken the entire box for herself. Conflicted, Valiance chose to keep her mouth shut. It was Celestia’s will, after all. But that doesn’t mean that I’m happy about it.’ Valiance huffed to herself, having really wanted to enjoy her gift. “Forget it.” Valiance groaned, throwing her hooves into the air, “I’m just gonna go to bed.”

[fic-for-fic-sake]

Hair

Pairing: Bucky x curly haired reader

A/N: This quarantine is having me post all of my fanfic at once smh. Anyway, this was written back when I was having a series of good hair days and I wanted to write about Bucky being fascinated by the reader’s curly hair. 

Bucky had only ever seen you in combat clothes. Black tac pants, combat boots, a black tank top, and your hair tied neatly in a bun. It was either that or training clothes. The point was, he had known you for six months and had never once seen you in regular civilian dress. Except for today. You both had the day off and you decided to train together in the morning. After an hour of punching bags and cardio you had decided to call it quits. 

“Okay Barnes, I’m gonna hit the shower, try not to kill yourself while I’m gone.” You teased as you left the room. Bucky was still lifting weights, huffing as he did so. He paid little attention to your exit other than a grunt in your general direction. After 20 minutes he also decided to wrap up his session. Instead of taking a shower right away he decided to read the paper for a while and drink some coffee, maybe wait for Sam to get back from his run. 

His head was buried in The New York Times when he heard your steps coming from down the hall and into the kitchen. He heard the fridge door open as you searched for something to eat. 

“Is Sammy back yet? I was wondering if he would let me throw the shield.” You questioned as you shut the door, apparently finding whatever it was you needed. 

Bucky scoffed as he started to put the paper down, “You’d have better luck wi-” His sentence stopped abruptly as he laid eyes on you, or more specifically, your hair. It was mesmerizing. He had never seen it not in a bun before and now he was pissed about it, because he had been missing out on the most perfect set of curls he had ever laid eyes on. Even in their semi-wet state they were still springy and bounced around your shoulders as you moved, each catching the light perfectly and in a tantalizing fashion. His fingers itched to reach out and touch one. 

“Bucky, hello?” You called, waving your hand in front of his face. 

“What? Sorry.” He breathed, still fascinated by your curls. “Have you uh, have you always had curly hair?” 

“As long as I can remember yeah.” You commented, pulling on one of your tightly coiled strands, elongating it, and then letting go so that it bounced right back in place. Bucky wished it were his fingers doing that instead. 

“Why don’t you wear it down more?” He questioned, finding that the subject of your hair was one he couldn’t easily let go of. 

“It gets in the way and I don’t want it damaged.” You explained, beginning chopping up chicken and vegetables for your salad. “You should do the same with yours.” 

Bucky carded his flesh fingers through his long black locks, he could tie it up, or he could just cut it again. 

“I’d probably just shave it off again, make it look like it did back when I was younger.” What was the point of having long hair if it didn’t look like yours anyway, he thought absentmindedly to himself. 

“I’ve thought about shaving my head.” You admitted, absentmindedly tugging at some of the ringlets around your face, letting them fall from your fingers one at a time. 

Bucky froze at the thought. He couldn’t understand why anyone with hair as gorgeous as yours would want to cut it off. “Why?” He whispered, dumbfounded. 

“Sometimes it’s too much maintenance. Like literally half of my shower routine is just my hair, and in the summer it gets so hot and not to mention frizzy.” You thought, mixing your cut items with lettuce and adding dressing. You waved goodbye to Bucky as you retreated back to your room leaving him at a loss for words. 

“Penny for your thoughts.” Sam mused, as he entered the room and saw a troubled Bucky. 

“Did you know Y/N has curly hair?” 

“Yeah, didn’t you?” Sam scoffs, pulling a water bottle from the fridge and chugging it, clearly still winded after his run. 

“No...how did you know?” Bucky questioned, feeling a subtle flair of jealousy for the man in front of him. Did everyone know about your hair but Bucky? 

“Calm down killer, it’s not like that.” Sam began, sensing the palpable tension coming from Bucky, “About a month ago she asked if I knew of any good places that cut curly hair and I said yeah.” 

“Couldn’t she have just gone to the closest shop?” 

Sam tried and failed to hide his guwaff at the question. 

“What?” Bucky questioned incredulously. 

“I mean, curly hair is a tad different than straight hair. You have to get it cut a certain way and I don’t think the $5 supercuts was gonna give her what she needed.” Sam explained. 

“Huh.” Bucky responded, “I wonder if she would let me touch it.” 

“Only if you wanna die.” Sam cautioned. “Never touch a woman's hair unless she gives you permission. Rule number one of curly hair.” 

It was on that note that Bucky left Sam to his devices. He had pretty much dropped the subject of your hair until two weeks later, when he heard a knock at his door. It was you, and you had what appeared to be a shower caddy in your hand. 

“Hey, can I use your shower? Mine’s broken and maintenance says they can’t fix it until Wednesday.” You asked apologetically, giving Bucky a sad smile. He gestured for you to make your way into his ensuite bathroom. 

“Thanks a million Bucky, if there’s anything I can do for you just let me know.” You called out from the shower, your voice echoing off the walls as you got ready to turn the water on. Well, that offer was certainly tempting. Bucky’s mind went back to your fascinating mane of curls and a thought popped into his head. 

“Yeah, actually there is something.” He called out to you. 

“What?” You replied eagerly, head sticking out from the door frame, your curls forming a wide and frizzy halo around your head. 

“Can I, uh, watch you do your hair?” He asked, feeling like shooting himself in the foot for even asking the question. 

“You wanna watch me do my hair?” You repeated, not sure you were hearing him correctly. 

“Yeah, I mean you said it takes a while to do and it always looks so good. But nevermind it’s dumb forget it.” Bucky hurried his response, feeling the blush creeping up on his cheeks. 

“It’s not dumb Buck. Sure thing. When I’m done with my shower I’ll come and get you.” You reassured before you shut the door and turned the water on. 

Ten minutes later you opened the door for him and he followed you into the bathroom. The thick humid air assaulted his lungs and he smelt jasmine and honey, he assumed your soap, but there was also another smell, coconut and hibiscus. He leaned in closer to you and noticed it was coming from your hair, which was sopping wet, weighing down your curls until they looked less like ringlets and more like loose s shapes. 

“Are you smelling my hair?” You questioned cheekily, looking to face Bucky. 

“Sorry.” He murmured, suddenly finding his feet utterly fascinating. Your giggle brought his head snapping back up to find your eyes. 

“Don’t be. It smells good. I’m just about to get started.” You commented as he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, looking at the array of products before you. He watched as you grabbed a wide flat brush and let it gently pass through your hair so that it almost looked straight before the bottoms decided to rebel and curl up once more. 

“So, I only brush my hair when it’s wet because otherwise that wouldn’t be a pretty sight.” You explained, passing the brush through your shiny hair once more. You then picked up a product with a pink label on it before squirting some of the thick cream into your hand. 

“What’s that for?” Bucky questioned, curiosity peaking. 

“It’s a styler, so it makes my curls look more coiffed I guess. They use it in all the youtube videos so I figured it must be important.” You shrug slightly as you pass the product through your hair, and Bucky could see what you meant. Your curls responded beautifully to the product, each ringlet getting more love than the last. Once again he got that familiar urge to rake his fingers through your hair. 

“Can I, can I touch it?” He questioned, voice soft like a child asking for something they know they shouldn’t. Sam had warned him not to touch your hair but he had asked first. 

“Normally, no. I would cut your other hand off. But, seeing as it is wet and I can fix it, yeah I don’t see why not.” You responded, leaning in closer to Bucky so he could properly touch your tresses. 

Not wanting to do any damage he only let his flesh hand touch your curls. At first, the touch was tentative, not sure what was allowed. He took one particularly perfect ringlet between his fingers and smoothed it over. Appreciating the way it caught the light. Next he twirled another section around his finger, watching in awe as it held the shape when he let go. Then, growing bolder, he let his full hand palm your head, shaking the wet curls loose and allowing volume. He heard a soft and contented sigh escape your lips and looked at your face to find your eyes closed and mouth in a permanent smile. You were enjoying this just as much as he was. 

“So, am I ruining your hair?” He breathed, slightly smug. 

“I guess not.” You replied, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. He pulled his hand from your hair as you continued your work. The next product you put on your hand had a strong smell of artificial blueberry and was the brightest blue color he had ever seen. 

“What’s that one for?” 

“It’s a gel, I put it in my hair, wait for it to dry, and then scrunch it out. It helps my curls keep their shape and reduce frizz.” You explained as you pulled the product through your hair, scrunching it along the way until you had curls that you liked. 

“Wow.” Bucky said, amazed. When you said your hair took a while you meant it. No wonder why he had always seen it up. 

“Why do you care so much about my hair anyway?” You questioned, putting all your items back in your caddy and walking back to your room across the hall, Bucky following close behind. 

“Well, I guess back in my day everyone wore their hair pretty much the same. It was nice but it was all pulled up and more straightened. I’ve never seen anyone with hair like yours. It’s refreshing.” He responded truthfully. You tugged on a wet curl, seeming to soak in his answer. 

“Makes sense.” You concluded with a smile. “In a few hours I’ll show you what it looks like dry.” It was then that Bucky decided he would like nothing more than to look at your hair for the rest of his days.

[lonelyandlovelorn]

Somnambulant

A/N: This is barely an idea, sorry about that. It’s also incredibly platonic, so there’s that too. This is my first dip into writing about Cas and I didn’t want to get to ambitious. I feel like I should have written more but I didn’t know what to write that wouldn’t feel forced. It’s honestly kind of closer to a family fic, but it’s more focused on him. I don’t know if I’m really all that proud of this, but I didn’t know how to fix it.

Genre: fluff

Warning: minor swearing; brief and barely-there mentions of violence and blood

Word count: 2300

Pairing: Castiel x fem reader

Summary: Somnambulant (adj.) - walking or having the habit of walking while asleep.

Masterlist

You were an honorary Winchester. You had been living with the brothers for years and had known them for even longer. You were basically a little sister to both of them and you loved them very dearly. Having known them for so long, they both knew about your… condition. It wasn’t as common now that you were older as it was when they first met you. That didn’t mean it never happened though. Nowadays, it only seemed to be a problem when you had a rough night or a particularly close call. 

When you had nightmares, you tended to… wander. The brothers were never that surprised anymore to wake up to you walking into their rooms, completely unconscious. In the beginning though, you scared the shit out of Dean the first time you stumbled into his room like a zombie. He told you the next morning that he had been ready to shoot you before he realized what was happening. Sam didn’t fare much better, but they both learned to deal with you when you were sleep walking. They also learned how to tell what might be a bad night so they could be ready for it. 

You were insanely embarrassed when it started happening, since you thought you had grown out of it when you were younger. You got over that eventually since Sam and Dean were nothing but compassionate. You had lost track of the number of times you woke up in one of their beds, wrapped up in their blankets or cuddled into their sides. It was warm and comforting and completely platonic. They were your family and they took care of you, just like you took care of them when they needed you. 

-- 

It was a bad hunt. You thought you had lost Sam for a while and you had nearly wept with relief when you found out that he was okay, if a little banged up. Of course, he was a grown man and could take care of himself, but you loved him deeply and any time one of the boys ended themselves up in serious danger, you worried. Given the look on your face when you all piled back into Baby, they knew to prepare for a bad night. They could never guess whose room you would make your way to, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t both be ready. You said goodnight to the boys as soon as you made it back, wanting to just get the night over with, but not before waving greeting at Castiel as you walked past him. 

You heard him ask Sam and Dean if he could stay in the bunker for the night, and you could only assume they agreed. You had always liked Castiel, probably a little too much, but you had never considered it past that. He was a celestial being, it was a wonder he had as close of a bond with the three of you as he did. You didn’t care that it would never be more than that. 

You got dressed for bed and settled in, leaving the door unlocked so that you could get out and wander. You had grown to accept your oddity and accommodated to it. You were never sure what happened when you went walking, but you had been told you tended to go through a few rooms before settling on someone’s bed. 

Your dreams that night mostly seemed to revolve around losing one of them on a hunt. It felt like a supercut of close calls, with a couple of the times it really happened thrown in for fun. 

When you woke up feeling warm, your brain immediately assumed that you had found Sam or Dean. Probably Dean, since he seemed to be the cuddlier of the two. However, the more awake you became, the more you noticed that that didn’t seem quite right. To begin with, you were not in a bed, you were closer to a seated position. You had also grown accustomed to the way their rooms smelled, and this was an unfamiliar scent. When you finally blinked your eyes open, you saw a suit lapel in front of your face. That narrowed down your possibilities a lot, but you still couldn’t quite put it together, tired as you were. You finally sat up, only to see Castiel watching you from closer than you had ever been to the angel. You startled away, nearly falling off of what you now realized was his lap. He caught you before you could, concern the only emotion you could see in his eyes. 

“Y/N, are you alright?” he asked monotonously. 

You nodded. “Sorry I’m sitting on you, usually I make my way to Sam or Dean.” You weren’t sure why you were trying to explain this. 

“Is it common for you to sleep with one of them? I thought there was no romantic relation between you and either of them.” The worst part was that you couldn’t genuinely see anything other than curiosity in his face. 

“I just always end up in their rooms when I sleep walk. It usually only happens when I have nightmares.” His forehead creased in concern for you again. “I’m okay, don’t worry. I’m just sorry that you had to deal with it, I know it’s kind of weird.” You realized you were still sitting on his lap after he had stopped you from falling off and quickly stood up. You were sure you were blushing and brushed your hands off on your pants as you looked around awkwardly. 

He caught your hand to get your attention. “You can come to me anytime you need me, just as you do with Sam and Dean.” You gave him a grateful smile before escaping and walking back to your room. 

You were definitely embarrassed, but it warmed you to be surrounded by people who cared about you. 

--

For a few days following that experience, you kept your door locked at night to avoid waking up sprawled over Castiel again. Castiel needed a place to lay low for a while and ended up staying for longer than just the one night. Because of this, you woke up at least twice lying on the floor near the door in the middle of the night, freezing without blankets. You were happy he was around, but you also kind of wanted to be able to just return to routine. You also hoped though that you would soon be out of the dark place that caused the nightmares so you wouldn’t have to worry about where you woke up. 

You were getting more and more tired as the week went on, and the boys could see it. However, they knew from experience that you would come to them when you needed them. As you stumbled off to bed on the fifth night of Castiel’s stay with a muttered “Goodnight,” you went through your routine on autopilot, barely conscious for half of it. What you didn’t realize in your exhaustion was that you left the door unlocked as you settled into your bed and promptly passed out. 

You woke up the next morning feeling well-rested for the first time in days. You were warm and realized you must have left your door unlocked and wandered into one of the boys’ rooms. You were in a bed this time, and that was enough as you woke up to reassure you. 

You snuggled back into the warmth next to you, only to realize that it wasn’t Dean’s chest like you were used to, or Sam’s blankets. It actually felt more like you were laying in someone’s lap but that would just be weird, right? You hesitantly wrenched your eyes open to take in your surroundings, only to find that you were in your own room. As you continued to look and try to figure things out, you realized that you had been right in assessing your pillow to be someone’s lap. You finally sat up, piecing together who you were likely laying on, to see your suspicions to be correct when your E/C eyes met blue. He was holding an open book and watching you as questions appeared on your face. 

“Cas, what… what are you doing here?” you got out, feeling guilty for reasons unknown, but certain that it was somehow your fault he was inconvenienced by having to stay with you.

“I was at the table during the night and you walked out to me again, asleep. I walked you back to your room and attempted to leave, but you asked me to stay, so I stayed. I hope I didn’t overstep, I just… found it difficult to say no to you.” His explanation was very factual as he watched you. You were a little embarrassed to have asked him to stay with you in your sleep, but it didn’t seem so bad. 

“Thank you. For walking me back and staying with me. You didn’t have to.” You were sure your cheeks were visibly rosy, but it wasn’t like you could hide behind a pillow. 

“Of course. I told you that you can come to me anytime. Even if you didn’t consciously choose to, I’m glad you did.” He sent what you could only call an awkward smile your way, but it was endearing on the angel. 

Not wanting to say anything else and risk increasing the awkwardness, you grabbed his hand and squeezed it gratefully before getting out of bed and leaving the room to use the bathroom. When you came back, he was gone, but you weren’t hurt by that. It was the best thing to do in that situation, you figured. 

--

Castiel had left the bunker for a while, only returning when needed, and your routine returned to normal. And just like normal, there was a hunt. And this time, the hunt was bad. You hadn’t even lost one of the boys, but you also hadn’t saved everyone. You killed the monster, but you were too late to save its victims. Seeing them hit you like a ton of bricks, and the boys knew during the drive home to expect the worst. While they were driving home, you fell into a light sleep in the backseat, exhausted from the fight, and Castiel called Dean to check in. Dean filled him in on the hunt and briefly mentioned that you were taking it pretty hard, not thinking much of it aside from just letting Cas know what was going on. After a little more conversation, the call ended and you were nearly back to the bunker. As you all walked in, you said goodnight before heading your separate ways. You stopped in the bathroom before even walking into you room, taking a short shower to wash off whatever blood and dirt was left over from the hunt. You put on a leftover pair of pajamas that was in your duffle before heading back into your room in hopes of passing out quickly. 

You nearly screamed when you walked into your room, startled to see Castiel sitting on your bed. He appeared to be waiting for you, though you couldn’t fathom why. 

“Castiel! I thought you were in another state.” You were still trying to calm your heart from the scare and your voice came out breathy. 

“Dean told me it had been a bad hunt and I just wanted to be here if you needed me.” He said it so genuinely and calmly, as though it was nothing. As though it didn’t speed your heartbeat right back up, though for different reasons this time. 

“You don’t have to waste time coming here just because I might have a nightmare. You don’t have to stay.” You tried to reassure him that you didn’t need him, but even you could hear that no matter what you said, you were glad he was there. 

Instead of responding to you, he simply slipped off his shoes and coat before sitting on the other side of the bed. Smiling at his unspoken answer, you slid in next to him. For a moment, you were unsure what to do, but Cas laid next to you and opened his arms to you, if a bit awkwardly. You sent him a shy smile before moving into them, tucking your head against his chest and letting out a sigh of relief to be in a bed. You were so tired that you fell asleep immediately, even though you would have normally spent hours awake freaking out internally. You were warm and safe and just wanted to sleep. 

You woke up the next morning warm and aware of who you were wrapped around. You tried to stifle your smile as you sat up slowly and looked at Cas, who watched you quietly and returned the smile you were unsuccessful in hiding. Without a word, you began to move around the room, grateful to have slept through the night. 

Before he left, you were sure to thank him. He smiled at you before setting his hand on your shoulder.

“Anytime you need me, I’ll be there.”

[ty-talks-comics]

Best of Marvel: Week of March 18th, 2020

Best of this Week: Outlawed #1 - Eve L. Ewing, Kim Jacinto, Espen Grundetjern and Clayton Cowles

It all starts with one incident.

The original Civil War kicked off when the New Warriors team, trying to get footage for their terrible reality TV show, started a battle with some supervillains in hiding, one of which was Nitro. Nitro self destructed and wound up killing over 750 people in Stamford, Connecticut. This resulted in heroes choosing sides in the debate of whether or not to register their identities and receive training under SHIELD, effectively being handed a leash, or choosing to fight against the tyranny of having their lives exposed and powers exploited.

It’s been a little over 13 years since that story and a new crop of heroes has emerged in its wake. Outlawed #1 takes the basic concept of Civil War and lowers sheer tragedy while maintaining the stakes of hero groups like The Champions who are caught in the immediate crossfire of its inciting incident, most specifically, their leader: Kamala Khan.

Eve L. Ewing starts the book in medias res with a Legislative hearing on a bill that would ban underage superheroism. Not only are the teens present, but we also get appearances from Avengers like Captain America, Captain Marvel and Vision, all of whom have big stakes in the fight. Captain America understands why they’re having the hearing, but counters that he was doing what the Champions were when he was their age, fighting for Freedom and he’s not wrong, but times have changed and there weren’t as many active superheroes as there are now.

Captain Marvel is a damning case as she’s managed to avoid any repercussions for her actions during Civil War II for the last few years, but one of the senators brings up the fact that two heroes under her charge became supervillains, those being Kamala’s former friends; Discord and Lockdown. She stammers as she can’t counter that and Vision is initially silent, indicating that something happened to Viv Vision in whatever incident occurred. 

When Spider-Man, Riri Williams, Nadia Pym and Sam Alexander (Nova) are questioned, they are treated as though they are kids who needed adult support and supervision, almost like fragile things and not like heroes who have helped save the universe. Kim Jacinto and Espen Grundetjern characterize each hero through facial expressions and backgrounds that color their moods. Miles looks furious under his mask with a red background, Riri is nonplussed as she always is under a cool purple glow and Nadia is forlorn with hazy pink color.

Sam then goes on a tirade about how these same people don’t care about the problems that the Champions were created to solve like poverty, drug abuse and hunger and only make a stand when the kids try to protect their own and he makes a good point. When they were founded, the adult heroes were just fighting one another again and again, month after month and not caring about the citizens… but his concerns are simply pushed to the side by a well dressed man with a Supercuts hairstyle and fake concern.

We then cut to the “Coles Academic High School” where Kamala, Miles and others are attending some sort of teen summit to watch over the plot device, Ailana Kabua, as she’s been receiving death threats for her speeches on environmentalism. She’s a very obvious nod to Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani advocate for female education, and Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish environmental activist that’s also begun to speak to the world. Both of these young women have courted controversy for speaking about what they believe in and have garnered undue hatred for it.  

The other Champions, consisting of Power Man (Victor Alvarez), Nadia Pym (The Wasp), Riri, Viv, Nova, Bombshell and Pinpoint, wait in the wings for anyone trying to assassinate or attack her. All things considered, this is a pretty stacked team. Ewing also does an amazing job of writing each character with their individual voices, much like she’s been able to make Riri Williams feel natural in her own solo series. They banter with each other like the teenagers/young adults that they are while Jacinto gives their stakeout a light hearted feel.

Things initially seem to be going well up until a DRAGON shows up out of nowhere to attack the summit. Jacinto, Grundetjern and Cowles give us an excellent splash page of the Dragon looking down at the Champions while breathing a small bit of fire. Jacinto frames the dragon as being far larger than the Champions, towering over the buildings around them with its wings taking up the sides of the page. Grundetjern colors the dragon with varying oranges, sometimes glowing and sometimes shadowed on its skin and Cowles accentuates it with a scratchy “GRAAAAAHHH” sound effect for its yell.

While some of them are dealing with that, Bombshell encounters the Roxxon Strike Team while Kamala and Ailana make their daring escape through the tunnels of the school. Jacinto and Grundetjern give us a double page spread of the absolute chaos with several Champions fighting off the dragon or the mercenaries. Admittedly, this scene is utterly chaotic but it does have something of a line to follow from the dragon flying through the air and its wing leading to Bombshell blasting a guy and Nadia with Power Man taking down another merc.

Grundetjern throws just about every color that they can in this scene, giving us vibrant greens for Pinpoint’s portals, nice and bright oranges for the dragon’s fire and Bombshell’s blasts as well as a more grayish black for Mile’s costume as he pretty much stomps a guy into mush.

As much as the Champions maintain a sense of cordiality with each other, they’re still teenagers that struggle with working together from time to time and Ewing stresses that when Power Man forms a plan to use one of Pinpoint’s portals to punch the dragon with all of his built up Chi. Riri then comes up with her own plan to fly Power Man up to the dragon and then release him. They ask Ms. Marvel which option is better, but as she’s maintaining her cover with Ailana, she tells them to make the call.

In the middle of this indecisiveness, Viv swoops in and decides to air her frustration at not being able to defeat the dragon and decides that she’s going to phase through it. Jacinto draws a look of palpable anger on Viv’s face as she rushes past Riri with Grundetjern’s bright wave of green energy trails behind her as well as Cowles “SWOOOOSH” sound effect to capture the velocity of her flight.At the same time, Power Man, unaware of Viv’s rush of anger, goes through with his plan and punches through a portal.

This is where it all goes wrong.

Jacinto, Grundetjern and Cowles give readers a perfect sequence of panels with Power Man punching, Viv “ZOOMing” up to the dragon as Riri tells her to hold on and then the moment before it all goes bad. Pinpoint’s portal opens just behind Viv and she is overcharged with Power Man’s Chi in a blast of orange, green and yellow as her face is stretched in agony and her limbs contort before she overwhelms the dragon in two separate splash pages.

Both of these pages are intense as the first one sees Viv yelling pain before “taking control” and engulfing the dragon with a “FWOOOOSSHH” mirroring its firebreath. This page is filled with what appears to be green flame and a silhouette of Viv in the middle of it. The next splash page shows Viv alone in the pyro, looking like a horrific combination of the Phoenix Force and Dormammu. She has lost all control of herself and this is where Ewing, Jacinto and Grundetjern raise the stakes of the battle.

Viv’s newfound power spirals out of control and begins to collapse the school and the surrounding buildings and we cut to Kamala doing everything she can to protect Ailana from the collapsing ceiling around them before going back to the Champions scrambling to stop Viv. Ewing continues to show how well she can write Riri as she cries while making a plan with Nadia that possibly kills Viv and stops the dragon altogether.

The city is in shambles and this is one of the Champions lowest moments ever.

Cutting back to the present day, we see that the “Superhuman Welfare Act” passes and a new governmental watchdog group called CRADLE is sent to round up all of the teen superheroes and metahumans around America. The bill also seems to garner support from former teen heroes and New Warriors members Justice and Speedball. Justice had joined the pro-registration side during Civil War because he blamed himself for not being a guiding hand for the New Warriors that died at Stamford and Speedball had already suffered the consequences of surviving that same incident.

However, the one who may suffer the most is the girl who the act is nicknamed after, Kamala Khan as we see her in a hospital bed suffering from injuries while trying to save Ailana.

This first issue was explosive and gripping throughout. Initially I was worried that it wouldn’t be able to live up to its concept or just be a less cool Civil War, but the one thing that this book maintained because of Ewing, Jacinto, Grundetjern and Cowles was heart.

The Champions are heroes, but they’re also all teenagers that don’t have the experience that the adult heroes do and in typical American fashion, no one learns from the mistakes of the past. Victor already butted heads with Riri for his recklessness in the past, but now he’s given consequences for his actions. America remembers Stamford, but doesn’t seem to remember how the Civil War nearly tore the country apart and installed a tyrant in a high government position in the aftermath.

If anything, the Champions aren’t going to leave this incident the same people that they were before.

Also, support me on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/join/TyTalksComics

[lonelypond]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Idols

Love Live x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 3.9K, 1/2

This is entirely your fault, Tumblr ; ) 

Out skating one day, Yazawa Nico, Kousaka Honoka, Hoshizora Rin, and Sonoda Umi are accidentally exposed to a mutagenic gel, causing Umi's werewolf traits to be transmuted to the other three. A year later, they find themselves in trouble again as they meet four individuals who know a lot about mutations. And pizza.

Practice Interupted

The sheer shiny cliffs of buildings surrounded Sonoda Umi, the moon a cool silver slash in the sky, her ears alert for any sound. They were meeting here tonight, for meditation practice, now, when the influence of the moon was slim, controllable. Nothing about the three young women who Umi was expecting was controllable, so she had to settle for what she could.

“Hey, Nico, there’s a car! Watch it.” Kosaka Honoka’s voice shouted from the west and Umi turned in that direction.

“Nico Nico Ni!” There was the high, shrill call of Yazawa Nico’s battle cry and Umi could see in her mind the tiny, twin tailed tornado torque off the front of a car or slide under a truck or some severely dangerous manuever.

“Wait for me, Nico!” And there was Rin, about to catch up, speed past, and do something even stupider than Nico had done. Umi sighed. Her life was now inextricably linked with those three maniacs and the burden was on her, since she had burdened them with her curse.

A Year Ago

“C’mon Umi, this is boring. I told Nico and Rin I’d meet them at the skatepark.” Honoka whined, her t-shirt untucked from her board shorts, her hair shoved under a backwards snapback.

“You are going to flunk more than half of your midterms if you do not allocate several days for study.”

“Umi, I’m bored, I had to sit in class all day and now, Rin’s got a cool tricks she’s showing off that I need to learn.”

“What you need to learn is how to conjugate verbs in English.”

Honoka rolled her eyes, “Been there, bored that.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

Honoka bit into a pastry and then stuck her tongue out at Umi, before sending her board rolling ahead. “See you at the park.” And Honoka hopped on her board and sped away.

Umi snarled. She could feel her anger rising. She glanced up at the sky. Still late afternoon, not yet moonrise. Maybe she could talk some sense into Honoka. Umi centered her chi, did three deep breaths, and then took off at a steady jog for the skating bowl Rin, Nico, and Honoka preferred.

###

Yazawa Nico was all set. Tokyo Olympics coming up, skateboarding was a full fledged, medal event, and Yazawa Nico was on track to level up her skills to crack the competitive circuit. Add charm, cuteness, and an unparalleled knowledge of the skate scene and Nico was about to make a HUGE splash, launching her own clothing line next month. Honoka’s best friend, Kotori had helped out and the custom shirts and bandanas were going to be seen in TWIG skating videos worldwide.

“Hey, Nico.” Rin hissed in her ear, sliding next to where Nico was sitting on the lip of the bowl.

“Yo?”

“That girl” RIn pointed to a tall redhead in jeans and a tight gray polo shirt, “keeps taking pictures of you. I think she’s in my grade.”

Nico leaned back and yes, there was a redhead with an actual camera, not just a phone, circling the skate park, pausing to kneel or lie down or prop herself at an odd angle to snap a shot. She saw Nico looking and startled, nearly dropping her camera.

“Hot.” Nico thought, then smiled, “Hey, if you want Nico to pose for you just say so.” Nico bounced up, dropped her board, and rocked an ollie into a nosegind, to pop up in front of the girl.

“I...I’m...you’re just here and I...have…” the girl seemed to be choking on air and waved her camera in Nico’s direction instead of finishing her sentence. Long eyelashes blinked over shimmering lavender pools.

Nico kicked her board up, flexing as she caught the nose, glad she’d worn a tank top. Sweaty though. But she’d pulled off a sweet move.

“What’s your TWIG? Tag Nico when you post your snaps. @NicoNollie.” Nico stepped forward and the taller girl tried to step back, but nearly fell over a huuba ledge. Nico reached out her arm and pulled the girl in close. She smelled like flowers. Nico stared into wide, surprised eyes, and then felt herself falling back when the girl shoved her.

“Hey!” Nico screamed as she dropped her board and rolled down the bowl slope, scraping her elbow.

“I didn’t ask you to touch me.” The girl pouted.

“Maki!” Rin yelled suddenly. “Nishikino Maki. We have study hall together. You say hi to Kayo-chin sometimes.”

The girl turned, eyes narrowed, “I don’t know you.”

“But you know my best friend, Kayo-chin? She’s in all your smart classes. Glasses, cute, super super smart.”

“Koizumi?”

Rin nodded as Nico pulled herself back up to ground level, glaring at her assailant, while she wiped her elbow, “Where’s the first aid kit?”

Rin shrugged, “So you skate, Maki?”

“No.”

“Want to skate? We can teach you.” Rin offered as Nico sat with her legs hanging down, wincing as she put an alcohol rub she'd found in her pocket on the scrape.

“No.” Maki opened her camera bag, settling her Fuji inside.

“So why are you taking pictures of Nico and then injuring Nico when she saves you from falling?” Nico awkwardly placed a cute bunny bandaid over her wound.

Maki glanced away, crossing her arms, one hand reaching up to play with her hair, “Had to take sports pictures for class.”

“And skateboarding is the best sport.” Nico’s voice boomed with approval.

Maki shrugged, “I like that girls and guys skate the same. And I didn't have enough time to hit the surfing spots.”

“Nico surfs.” Nico announced.

Rin glanced down, puzzled, “Since wh…”

Nico’s elbow connected at bruising speed with Rin’s shin.

“Nico?!??!!”

“Just shut it, Rin.” Nico stood up, stepping up to Maki, “So did when you post the snaps of Nico’s favorite tricks, you’ll tag Nico.” There was a pause as Nico levelled a serious glare at the photographer, “Right?”

Maki shrugged, turning away from Nico. Nico’s hand shot out, grabbed Maki’s shoulder and spun the other girl back to face her, “Right?”

Maki tensed, ready to open her mouth for a rant when a crouching body on a board zoomed between them.

“Save me, Nico. I’m not fast enough.”

“Honoka, what the hell…”

“She’s after me, Nico. She’s going to ruin everything!” Honoka 180'ed and hopped off next to Nico.

“What’s happening?” Maki asked, wondering if she should just leave.

“Her’ Nico grabbed Honoka by the back of the shirt, “ninja bff is about to drag her off to study.”

“You have to save me Nico!”

“Nico has her own problems.”

“Honoka.” Umi’s voice, though calm, carried. And then a siren blared, startling all the girls clustered around the skate bowl.

“You can��t make me study.” Honoka shouted.

“Let Honoka go, Nico.” Umi slowed, hands on hips, glaring at Honoka.

“Gladly.” Nico dropped Honoka, brushing her hands together.

“This happens all the time, Maki.” Maki was surprised to find Rin suddenly next to her, chatting as if they talked every day.

“I don’t really see how it affects me.”

“Nico never studies either. But then her Mom gets on her. Nico’s got it tough. Her dad died and she’s the big sis.”

“I don’t really care.” Maki was fascinated by the energetic gestures Nico was throwing around as she mediated between the other two girls.

“Anyway, Nico’s the best and I bet you got cool photos.” Rin gleamed, “Can’t wait to see them.”

“I don’t even know you." Maki rolled her eyes at her conversation partner.

Rin had a bright idea, “Hey, sit with us at lunch. Kayo-chin would love that. Aren’t you usually by yourself?”

Maki frowned, it sounded like she had no friends, but she just liked to play games on her phone without interruption and this Rin seemed to be all interruptions. “I’m fine. It’s not…”

And before Maki could finish her sentence or Umi could strangle Honoka, an out of control motorcycle with a glowing canister strapped to the back vroomed toward them. Nico leapt for Maki and Rin, an arm around each of them, pulling them down in the bowl. As the bleeding driver fell off  and the cycle forced Umi and Honoka to roll after Nico, the canister broke free, spilling a viscous gel across everyone but Maki, who watched in horror from where Nico had pushed her as the other girls thashed and screamed.

BACK TO NOW

Umi frowned. This was worse than she expected. Nico’s head was cocked at the angle for ultimate sassiness, her fur ears forward, alert, and smug. Ruby eyes flickered between dare and amusement. Nishikino Maki, who had not been invited to tonight’s session, was sitting on the edge of the roof, doing a terrible job of hiding her amusement at Umi looming over a smug Nico.

“This is not a date night, Yazawa."

“We’re not dating.” Nico and Maki echoed. Rin giggled, her ginger tail swaying.

Umi rolled her eyes, “You need to get serious about your training, Nico. You remember what happened last month?”

Nico’s confidence dented slightly, “No one was hurt.”

Honoka was perched next to Maki, glad Umi was lecturing someone else tonight, “I don’t know, Nico. A lot of people might have wanted to eat ice cream and you wiped out the whole freezer section.” Honoka’s grin showed her full set of fangs.

Umi sighed and addressed herself to Maki, who was usually responsible, “Did Nico drag you here?”

“Mrs. Yazawa came home early so I didn’t have to watch Nico’s brothers and sisters. So I was bored.” Maki shrugged.

“Maki needs to learn self control anyway, so she doesn’t yell at cute little Nico so often.” Nico winked.

“Maybe if cute little Nico didn’t stalk every girl who said something about how cute her ears are, I wouldn’t have to. You’re supposed to be discrete.”

“I have to agree with M…” Umi started.

“People think it’s cosplay, Nico’s gimmick, super duper cute.” Nico raised her hands to her temple, “Nico Nico Ni, Nico wins EVERY popularity contest.”

“Not mine.” Maki muttered.

“It is supercute. If we had to catch something from Umi,” Rin said as she grabbed at her bobbing tail, “I’m glad it was furriness.”

“You didn’t ‘catch’ furriness, Rin.” Maki stated. “Exposure to the mutagen caused your dna to alter, influenced by Umi’s lycanthropy.”

“Well, I like my tail.” Rin slapped the back of Maki’s head with it as Maki snarled.

“Too bad you didn’t get anything cute.” Rin teased.

Umi sighed. This session had gotten out of control even faster than usual. Her exposure to the mutagen had caused her hair to grow all the way down her back, her wolf ears present every day, not just during the days around the full moon. And the full array of animal senses Umi could never turn off, so she could sense so much more than anyone was willing to confess. Even if Nico and Maki refused to admit they were dating, their scent profiles and pheremones screamed it loud enough that Umi wanted them living several states apart. And Umi could feel her own attraction to Honoka, as well as the need to wrestle with the fact that Honoka had yet to mature fully. Rin also remained in a state of innocence, friendly to everyone, and very attached to Koizumi, but not yet ready for...Umi couldn’t even think the words in her mind...adult things. Eager for a distraction, she focused on Nico, who was watching Maki shove Rin away from her. Nico watching Maki was one of her few calm states so Umi hated to break the mood, but maybe they could transition to meditation. Or at least a few breathing exercises.

“Everybody on their feet. We’re going to start with warmups.” Not too much grumbling as the three settled into their starting pose. Umi nodded at Maki, “If you’re here, you work out with us, Maki.”

Maki considered, but instead of making a show of protest, joined Nico where she was standing behind Rin and Honoka. Nico suddenly became much more focused on her positioning, her posture improving almost immediately. Maybe Maki being here would be a boon.

Something metallic zinged by Umi’s ear. She whirled, reaching for a weapon she didn’t have. Nico’s voice screeched behind her, “MAKI!”

Umi was too busy searching for the threat to look behind her, but from the sounds, she guessed the dart had hit Maki, who had fallen, to be caught by Nico’s quick reflexes. So Nico was busy. Umi inhaled. 10 warriors, encircling the roof. “Rin, grab my bag. Honoka, to me. Nico…”

“Got her.” Nico said before Umi could finish.

Rin tossed weapons to everyone and Umi started the mental meditation that would allow her wolf side to take over completely. It had become so much easier since the accident to slip into the body that only the full moon used to summon. Nico would transform when she was angry, so Umi was teaching her restraint, and with Rin and Honoka, it seemed to be a random thing, more of a joy than a burden. But since as young as she could remember, Umi’s training at the Sonoda Dojo had been about controlling her animal side, so the others just opening freely to the change was a puzzle.

Umi readied her stance, gripped her no-dachi in her thumbed paws, and parried the first blow. Figures in black rushed her, trying to surge around her. Rin was at her right, with a katana, Honoka a little further to left so her naginta could use its full range. They were the wall protecting Maki.

And then out of the sky came commentary. “Hey, look, Leo, creepy ninjas vs. samurai furries. Are we in a video game?”

A more commanding voice stage whispered, “Quiet.”

And then a deeper, rolling grumble, “Yeah, Mikey, you’re blowing our surprise attack”

“Nah, these guys are even stupider than…”

“You?” the grumble hissed as three green blocky figures dropped in front of Umi, ninja weapons flashing as they pushed the attackers back.

“Hey, they’re girl samurai.” One of the newcomers stopped to stare long enough that Umi saw a simple, cloth, orange mask and a turtle shell. “Cool.”

“Umi.” Nico sounded panicked. “Maki’s not responding to me at all.”

A slash of the no dachi lamed an opponent and Umi stepped back to let Rin, Honoka, and two of the newcomers cover her as she fell back to Nico’s position.

“Is she breathing?”

“Barely.” Nico grimaced as she showed Umi a dart, “Poison?”

Umi sniffed, shaking her head, “Sedative. Might be too high a dose.”

Nico was blinking at a hyper sonic rate, to keep any tears from leaking out, “We’ve got to get her off the roof.”

“Can you and Rin carry her?”

Nico nodded.

“Rin. Help Nico.” Umi ordered.

Rin was there before Umi finished her sentence, raising Maki off the ground. And then ten more ninjas dropped in.

Nico, with a burst of adrenaline, bent down to swing Maki over her shoulder while Rin moved to intercept the first attacker. And then one of the turtles cartwheeled past Umi, grabbing Maki from Nico, and heading to the roof’s edge, the ninjas encircling them.

“Hey!” Nico shouted, pulling out her twin swords, cutting her way into the scrum.

A sudden flurry of arrows and shuriken flew toward them and then, with majestic poise, this turtle, head wrapped in a tattered red mask, froze, a surprised look on its face, and toppled forward. Before Nico could reach Maki, the creepy ninja scrum had grabbed Maki and gone over the roof. Nico watched them pull away in a van, and then collapsed on the roof edge, arms out, head hanging down, whispering “Maki.”

“Don’t worry, I put a tracker on their van.” A three fingered green hand grabbed the roof edge next to Nico, and a turtle face wearing a purple mask turned to smile at Nico. “I’m Donatello. Call me Donnie. These are my brothers. Why’d the Foot Clan kidnap your girlfriend?”

Nico lifted her head just barely enough to glare at the green face six inches from her nose, “Ask the Foot Clan.”

Donnie, jumped up on the roof, and pulled a pad out, with a green blip moving away from them. Nico grabbed it, “Umi, we have to follow them. Now.”

Umi was parrying three swords so Nico’s demand went unanswered. With a massive effort, Umi threw her opponents back, howled, and bashed each of them with the hilt, knocking them unconscious. Rin and Honoka had the rest tied up, with the help of the two conscious Turtles. Nico shoved the one who’d grabbed Maki with her foot as she pulled the dart from its shoulder, “They got this one with a dart too. Can we go rescue Maki now?”

“Hey, Leo, let’s take the Shellraiser.” the orange masked Turtle said as he put his weapons away.

“What’s a Shellraiser?” Rin and Honoka asked in unison and the Turtle waved them to the street side of the roof and pointed down at a subway car converted into some kind of travelling siege engine.

“Whoa!” Honoka

“Can I drive?”’ Rin bounced with excitement.

“No.” Nico had a grappling hook out and was about to drop off the roof. “Shotgun speeding.”

“Excuse me.” The blue masked Turtle held out its palm, in a stop gesture, “I’m the only driver. And we can rescue your friend.”

“Who even are you?” Nico glared, grappling hook ready to bash.

“Leonardo. Leo. These are my brothers, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael.”

“Sleeping Beauty.” The orange masked one snorted.

“The unemployable comedian is Mikey.” Donnie explained.

“Nico doesn’t care if you’re Ms. Zoo America. They took Maki.”

“Do you know why?” Leo asked.

“DO I CARE WHY?” Nico was screaming, her arms flailing as the grappling hook got closer to landing a secure grip in Leo's nostril. Then she pivoted, “Umi. Help Nico.”

“We are very pleased to meet fellow guardians of goodwill, but our friend’s situation appears to be urgent. So we have no time for non productive chatter.”

Nico checked the pad, her voice hitting a panicky high note. “They stopped. Which means whatever weird thing they’re going to do to Maki is about to start.” Nico paled, her ears slumping.

Umi stepped up to Leonardo, her hand out, “I will be commandeering your vehicle now.”

Nico was furled up, a low growl drawing the attention of the Turtles. They watched as she transformed, increasing in size until she became the size of a large bear, black fur covering her completely.

Mikey pushed Leonardo, “Leo’s the only one who gets to drive the Shellraiser, It’s a rule.”

"Shellraiser?" Raph sat up, rubbing his forehead. "We're saving the girl." Donnie whispered.

"Of course, I am." Raph pushed himself to his feet.

Nico ran to the edge of the roof and jumped off, metal groaning as she landed solidly on the roof of the shellraiser. Donatello glanced back at Leo, “I guess I’ll be reinforcing that. Hey, wait, she’s trying to claw her way in.”

Mikey grabbed the pad Nico had dropped, “Van’s on the move again.”

“Hey, did they drop off Maki?” Honoka asked.

Rin, slumped, suddenly terrified for her bff.

“I’m going down there before she wrecks my custom mods,” Raph said and vaulted down to the car.

Leo frowned, “That’s a multi car crash waiting to happen.”

“Agreed.” Umi sheathed her sword at her back. “We may need your help. If we have to check out the building and follow the van.”

“And save the werewolf’s girlfriend.” Mikey grinned.

There was an angry howl.

“What did she say?” Donatello wondered.

“A lie.” Rin stood, ginger fur covering her as she did, but retaining her bipedal status. She sprinted, leapt into the air, and landed like a cat on the hood. Nico huffed.

“Nico thinks we don’t know they’re dating.” Honoka said.

“Ha! Like nobody knows April dating me.”

“That’s not what’s happening, Donnie.” Mikey was standing on the roof edge, watching the scene below, and he winced as a large noise happened. “Oh wow. The furball just crushed a dumpster with Raph.”

Leo was tumbling toward the ground, Donatello following, using his staff to vault, Umi paused briefly to calculate the arc and speed of the leap necessary to land her near Nico. Honoka was standing next to Mikey, throwing air punches in support of Nico’s attempts to rip through the Shellraiser’s roof.

Leo pulled out the keys, jumped into the vehicle, and started the ignition. Nico howled. Umi landed lightly on the hood and strode toward the window. Leo wondered briefly if she was going to kick her way through the windshield, but then remembered she wasn’t Raph or Mikey.

“Nico.” Umi snapped. “Get inside.”

Nico snarled, claws crunching dents into the metal of the roof.

“This is boss.” Honoka said as she and Rin jumped into the Shellraiser right after Mikey, Donnie, and Raph.

“Fine, stay on the roof." Umi closed the side door behind her. “Drive.”

###

Nishikino Maki woke up, headachey, sore, groggy, shoulder throbbing. Where was Nico? The last thing she’d heard was Nico calling her name. She could smell cedarr incense and wood and nothing familiar. Opening her eyes slightly, she took in details of the room. Antique Japanese screens, incense burners on low tables, floor to ceiling glass facing the night cityscape. She could hear several voices, but no actual words. She tugged at her hands. Tied. Ankles too. Not gagged, but she wouldn’t want to be drawing attention to herself until she had a plan. She closed her eyes again and concentrated. Fingers on her right hand altered, paw and claws replacing fingers. Claws were much much better for slashing through rope. As often as she’d cursed Rin’s clumsiness in accidentally biting her and then bounding off during Rin’s first full moon transformation, the time Maki'd been putting in working through the mental exercises Nico always ranted about was going to pay off now. Perhaps she could slip out of here before she was discovered or needed to use her wolf abilities in a fight. She’d done so well at keeping them a secret, even from Nico, who had wondered occasionally about different scent mixes coming from Maki, but when Maki said, “it’s because I’m in love,’ Nico had blushed, fake grumped, and never mentioned it again. Nico hadn’t replied that she was in love too, but there had been a few extra hip bumps when they walked home. Right now, Maki was content to wait. She got to spend most of her extra time with Nico, and occasionally catch the smoldering glow in Nico’s beautiful carmine eyes when she thought Maki was preoccupied with something else. Maki knew Nico thought she wasn’t smart or rich or…something enough for Maki, but Maki was going to patiently nudge Nico until her fiercely talented future wife got tired of underestimating herself. Or couldn’t resist Maki’s charms anymore. Grinning as she freed her wrists, Maki carefully moved her bared claws to free her ankles. Still the low rumble of conversation. Too many people to take on without backup, but maybe if she could manage to sneak…

And then the windows shattered. Maki recognized the growl and her instincts took over, inner wolf becoming fully outer wolf to rush to Nico’s side.

A/N: This is entirely the fault of the anonymous Tumblr ask who said "all of them are werewolves."Truth to tell, I have had a really really busy stressful month that included the death of my wife's father, along with all the lives lost to Covid-19 and American's evil beating heart pumping systemic racism. And I'd bought a TMNT mask for wearing in public spaces, so I was in a Turtle mood, and started watching the animated series and here we are. I was going for episode pacing, so this initial effort is a two parter. I also feel like my writing has been wrenched out of the zone by everything and I really really just want to finish something cute and fun and kickass.Take care. I appreciate all of you who've read and/or commented and/or written and/or kudoed to keep this Love Live corner of the universe lively.

[forever-rogue]

Supercut - Part XIII

Summary: Roger didn’t know how good he had it when Y/N was his. But when Y/N became Deacy’s, he realized he had messed up.

A/N: Sorry for the lack of update last week! Life got a little away from me! But here, enjoy this update as we slowly reach the conclusion of this saga! Taglists are open! xx

Pairing: Roger Taylor x Reader (former), John Deacon x Reader (current)

Warnings: Slight language

Word Count: 4.3k

MASTERLIST

»»————-　✼　————-««

“Y/N?” John’s soft voice reached her ears as her eyes fluttered open, still bleary from sleep. She blinked away the remainder of sleep, finding John propped up on one arm, watching her intently as the light filtered in behind him, creating a golden halo around him. A smile stretched from ear to ear as he ghosted his fingers across the contours of her face, stopping at the corner of her mouth. She returned his smile as she kissed the tips of his fingers, a content sigh escaping her lips.

“Back to creepily watching me while I sleep?” she teased, taking his hand and lacing her fingers together with his, snuggling closer to him. He just let out a soft chuckle, closing the small distance between them and kissing her tenderly. He let his lips linger on hers, sucking lightly on her bottom lip, earning him a small whimper when he pulled back.

“It’s still hard to sleep when the pretty girl next to you snores like crazy,” he joked, amused as she gave him a shocked expression. She opened her mouth to say something else, but he quickly cut her off his kissing her some more.

“You play dirty John Deacon,” she narrowed her eyes at him, “like a dirty, dirty bastard.”

“And yet you agreed to marry me,” he reminded her, taking her left hand and moved it to the light so the diamonds glittered brilliantly from the sunshine. It was a beautiful ring, and she’d experienced no hesitation in saying yes to him. There was no doubt in her mind that it was meant to be John; it had always been met to be him.

“Ahh, what a complete fool I was to agree so quickly,” she countered, running a hand over his bare chest, feeling the soft thumping of his heart under touch. It was a perfect steady rhythm, one just like he always kept when worked his magic on the bass. She pressed soft butterfly kisses along his collarbone, “I guess I just can’t say no to you.”

“I’m sorry it wasn’t how I planned,” he said quietly as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “in my mind it would have been a lot more ceremonious, not in the middle of a hallway after a big row with Roger.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, our lives aren’t exactly normal,” she joked trying her best to get him to see that while it had been imperfect, it was still perfect to her, “and it was still wonderful. Do you know why?”

“Why?” he was stunned. Most women would have abhorred that the proposal had been anything but ceremonial; no pomp or circumstance. Instead he had gotten down on his knee in the middle of the hallway, after Roger had stormed off, and asked her to marry him, gently wiping away the tears had rolled down her cheeks. It had been so far from the plan he had originally intended on. But she had softly said yes, giving him the sweetest of smiles and melting his heart.

“Because it was you,” she answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “because I finally got little ole Deacy all to myself.”

“You’ve had always had me, Y/N,” he responded in earnest, twirling a strand of her around his long finger, “even when you didn’t know it.”

“You’re such a fool,” she chuckled at him, nuzzling her head into the crook of his neck, inhaling his familiar scent, her favorite scent in the world, “a sweet fool. My best friend. I love you.”

“I love you too,” his voice was so low and gentle, barely above a whisper as he held onto her as closely as possibly. If he never had to move, it would be too soon. This was simple and pure bliss; this was everything.

Y/N hummed to herself as she all but danced around the kitchen, trying her best to finish up dinner before John got home. It was their first night together in his apartment now that she was completely moved in. It was no longer just John’s place, it was her and John’s; a home not just as apartment. Words couldn’t even begin to describe the joy she had felt in her heart when he had hung up a picture of them in the hallway, proudly displayed where everyone could see it.

She had turned on the record player, putting on one of John’s favorite albums, listening intently as she tried to decide is she too liked the album. She did, of course she did; he had good taste.

As she stirred the pasta sauce, the door opened, but she was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn’t even hear it. When Brian approached her, putting his large on her shoulder, she jumped in surprise and almost flung the spoon at him.

“Jesus H. Christ, Brian Harold May,” she shouted as she clutched her chest in shock, trying to slow the wild thumping of her heart. He gave her an innocent smile, shrugging his shoulders ever so slightly.

“Sorry, Y/N, I thought you’d heard me come in,” he quickly ducked out of the way to avoid her smack, but she had a smile on face nonetheless, “whatever you’re making smells divine.”

“I was attempting to make some pasta with homemade sauce,” she put her hands on her hips as she raised an eyebrow at him, “until I was so rudely interrupted! What are you doing just barging in anyways? Where’s Deacy?”

“Deacy and Freddie are coming. They were being slow finishing at the studio so I just came without them,” he explained, spying a big bowl of salad and grabbing a few carrot pieces out of the bowl, “a bit of a surprise, I imagine. Fred’s just over the moon about your wedding and wants to start planning already.”

“Oh good lord,” she swatted his hand away from the bowl, “save some for everyone, since you’ve all just invited yourselves other. I don’t know why anything surprises me anymore with you lot.”

“Just remember you love us-”

“I love one of you, the others I simply tolerate,” she raised an eyebrow at him as a shocked expression fell over his face.

“That’s hurtful, extremely hurtful,” he shook his head, his glossy curls bouncing, “here I was thinking what we had was special.”

“Oh Bri,” she almost laughed as she leaned up and pressed a kiss on his cheek, “it’s very special. I thought Ro- Freddie was supposed to be the most hysterical queen? Now help me set the table.”

“I guess it’s the least I could do,” he nodded in agreement before busying himself with fetching plates and silverware out of the cabinets and drawers. He set out each place setting, taking care to make sure everything was set properly, lining up all the silverware delicately, “how’ve you been, Y/N? It’s been a bit since we’ve seen you.”

“You lot always make it seem like it I’ve just gone and disappeared,” she raised an eyebrow at him, grabbing a slice of cucumber from the salad bowl before handing it over to him to set on the table. He looked at her wide innocent eyes, attempting to brush off her comment, “you know why I’ve been gone, Bri. It’s not like I haven’t been around because I hate you guys. You know why.”

“I know,” the corner of his mouth twitch into a sad half smile. It was hard being caught in the middle of everything that was going. Roger was his best friend, just as John as was, just as Y/N was. When it all fell apart, everyone tense and moving about like they were dancing on broken glass, it was hard. He wanted things to go back to normal, to the ways thing had always been, but even he knew that was no longer an option.

Brian returned to the kitchen to pull out some wine glasses for everyone, prompted as Y/N had put several bottles of wine onto the table, intently studying the fine crystal. He was debating whether or not to tell her about Roger, or if he should drop the subject completely. He felt like he was walking on eggshells and really didn’t want to upset her anymore.

“Out with it Bri,” she took the glasses out of hand and set them on table, putting her hands on her hips as she waited for a proper response. She knew him well enough to know that he was holding back from saying something; Brian was never one to remain shy and quiet, especially not when it came to his friends. He chewed a little bit on his bottom lip, wondering if he should just tell her, “Brian Harold May, out with it. I haven’t seen you this quiet since the day you walked in on me almost completely naked.”

“We haven’t seen or heard from Roger in the last two weeks-”

“What!?” the glass she was holding fell to the floor and shattered into hundreds of tiny shards, spreading all over the aging would. Her mind was spinning as she tried to make sense of what he had said. The words had shocked her, but they also caused a pang in her heart. As mad and angry as she was with him, how much hurt he had caused her, she could never hate him. She wasn’t capable of hating Roger Taylor.

“He hasn’t been coming to rehearsal, answering calls or anything. Fred and I went to his apartment a few times, but he just told us to go away,” he felt himself growing nervous, wishing that he perhaps hadn’t told her. Her face was a mask of emotions; a mixture of sadness and anger.

“So you haven’t seen him, but none of you have done anything about it?” she ran a hand through her hair, hundreds of crazy thought running through her mind, “what if something happened to him!? What is h-he’s done something...”

“I-I don’t know,” Brian stammered nervously, “I hadn’t thought about that...you don’t think he’d do anything rash?”

“It’s Roger we’re talking about her, Bri,” she grabbed a napkin and hit him across the arm, “you’ve known him longer than I have! You know what he’s like.”

“Darling, we’re home,” John opened the door, coming in, closely followed by  a cheery looking Freddie. The two of them immediately noticed the tension in the room, Brian backed up against the edge of the table, and a furious looking Y/N jabbing a finger at his chest.

“John, Fred,” she sighed, looking between the three friends, “Bri’s just gone and told me about Roger, or rather, the lack of Roger. Were any of you going to tell me?”

“There’s not much to tell,” John sighed as leaned against a chair, closing his tired eyes, “Roger’s just going through things on his own.”

“Roger is about as dramatic as they come,” Freddie explained, attempting to put an arm around her shoulders, but Y/N just pulled out of his touch. He was surprised; she never shied away from him, “Y/N?”

“Your best friend is suddenly just off and gone, you haven’t seen hide nor hair of him in almost two weeks and you’re not worried,” she threw her hands up in exasperation. Everyone was so calm about all of this, except for her. Why were they so calm? They knew what Roger was like, they knew the moods and funks he got into; he was volatile as they came. John, Bri, and Freddie exchange looks, all of them shrugging to some degree, “what the hell is wrong with you lot?”

“He just needs space,” Fred insisted, knowing exactly how Roger tended to react, “he’ll be okay. If anything, he should be coming to you, apologizing for what he’s done to you and Deacy.”

“That’s besides the point,” she huffed, “I know I have every right to be mad at him, and trust me, I’m very angry with him, but that doesn’t mean I’m not concerned about him. He’s an idiot, a selfish fool, but he’s still our friend. And friends will be friends and we need to look out for him too.”

“And what do you propose we do?” Brian asked, his eyebrow raised so high that it almost disappeared into his mass of curls. She didn’t know, she hadn’t exactly thought of a good plan, most so worried about the possibility of what could have happened.

“I’m going to go and see him,” she declared suddenly, the idea washing over her. If he wasn’t willing to talk to them about everything, maybe he was willing to talk to her, “if nothing else, I want to see if he’s okay, even if he just yells at me to go away. I should be the one yelling at him, but I guess it that can wait for now.”

“Y/N, my love,” John reached for her hand, taking it gently into his, squeezing it lightly as a sign of reassurance, “are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes, John,” she leaned over and kissed him gently, “I’ll be okay. I just want to know.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” he was nervous about her going alone to see Roger, but even he knew that at the end of the day, nothing would happen to her. Roger would never lay a hand on someone, in most circumstances anyway, but especially not when it came to Y/N.

“I think it’s best if I go alone,” she reassured him. He nodded and took a seat at the table, resting his tired face in his hands, “I’ll be back soon, if anything, I’ll give you a call. Dinner’s pretty much ready, so please help yourselves. Stay here and don’t make any trouble please. I don’t want to have to come and rescue all of you.”

There was an eerie sense of familiarity that ran through her body as she walked down the seemingly never ending hallway that led to Roger’s apartment. She sucked in her breath, thinking about turning back and running away, but she knew she needed to do this. Even if nothing came of it, it would help her conscience if anything.

It was all quiet throughout building, no one coming or going. When she reached his door, she froze up, her hand raised as she contemplated how to knock. It would never have been a problem any other time, but right now she found herself unable to do it. There was no light peeking out from under the door, but she was sure she heard some movement from inside, almost as if he sensed that someone was coming to him.

“R-Roger?” she asked timidly as she knocked softly against the hard wooden door. Nothing but the deafening sound of silence met her ears as she waited for him to answer the door. After a few long tense moments, when he didn’t answer the door, she let a defeated sigh. Part of her was ready to turn around and leave and give up, but she wasn’t about to go down that easily.

Pounding on the door with more force, she made sure he would hear it, “Roger! I know you’re in there, just the open the door. It’s just me!”

With how loud she was being, she was sure that everyone on his floor could hear her but she didn’t care. She continued to knock on the door in a steady pattern, vowing herself to not give up until he answered her.

After a couple of minutes, she heard some scuffling from inside the apartment before the door was ripped open and she almost fell inside from how she had been leaning against the door.

Roger’s face was pure shock as he realized it was her. Y/N was the last person he had expected to see, definitely the last one he had ever thought would come knocking on his door. The last time they had seen other things hadn’t exactly ended well. More like she had told him that she never wanted to see him again. He had vowed to keep that promise and honor her wish even though he knew it would be hard.

“Y/N,” he said breathlessly, looking her over, unsure of what to say, “w-what are you doing here?”

Her heart felt relieved when she was able to confirm that he was alive...and mostly well. He looked more tired than normal; dark puffy circles under his eyes, his hair a shaggy mess, lips dry and cracked. His clothes were mismatched (not a complete surprise from him), and hung off of his body more loosely than they normally would.

“Roger,” she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, looking around the dark apartment. The curtains hadn’t been opened and it appeared that nothing had been cleaned or tidied in some time. She wanted to tut at him, but instead she took one more look at him before throwing her arms around him and giving him a big hug, “you’re okay. I just had to make sure.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, taken aback that she wasn’t just not yelling at him, but she was also being affectionate with him. She pulled back and put her hands on either side of his face, tracing over his cheekbones.

“They told me they hadn’t seen you, you hadn’t been at rehearsal, and you’d basically shut them all out,” she explained and a light blush crept into his cheeks. That was typical of her though; she had a bigger heart than most people ever dreamed of having, “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“But...you hate me,” he said dumbfoundedly, as she just shook her head, “no? I was awful to you; to you and John. I never should have said anything.”

“Roger, I don’t hate you,” she almost laughed, feeling a slight prickle at the back of her eyes, “no matter how much of an idiot you are, no matter how stupid you act, I could never hate you.”

“But you probably should,” he let out a small half chuckle, half sigh of relief, “I’m not sure if I deserve your forgiveness.”

“You know, Roger, I don’t know if you do either,” she admitted, remembering all the venomous words he had spewed at her, “but I’m a sucker and a fool. And I’ll always love my friends, no matter what. Even if you’re off being an idiot and thinking you know everything.”

“Hey, I never said I know everything,” he countered, a small hint of his old signature smirked playing on his features, “I just pretend to do that.”

“Either way, Taylor,” she smirked and poked his lightly, “you started off as my friend, and I hope you’ll go down as my friend. I don’t want to lose you if I don’t need to. What do you say? Can you at least try for me?”

“You know it sucks, right?” he sighed as he flopped down on the couch, beckoning for her to follow. There was a moment of trepidation before she followed, sitting down across from him. Things were still heavy between them, but the air felt a lot lighter than it had in a long time. For once they weren’t about to rip each other’s throats out.

“I know,” she admitted, trying her best to let him know that she’d be in his position before, “there were a lot of years when I had to watch John with other women. I didn’t realize at the time, but it was because I’ve always been in love with him. I’m not saying this to make you feel bad, or rub anything in your face. I’m just saying...it’ll take time, but you’ll find the right person for you. But it’s not me, Roger, it’s never been me.”

“Can I be completely honest with you?” he looked up at her from his eyelashes, giving him an innocent appearance. She wondered what on earth he could have referring to.

“Of course,” her heart skipped a small beat as he seemed to struggle for the right words.

“I think a part of why I wanted to go out with you in the first place was because...well, you were off limits. And you gave me so much push back,” he said shyly, “it was a bit of a game at first, you know. Trying to get you worked up and then you’d get so flustered but you’d still say no every time. It was a game I had to win. And finally I did.”

“Wow,” she laughed lightly, she wasn’t offended in the slightest; she always sort of knew that was his mission. He had a long list of conquests, and she had just been added to that list, “I’m both flattered and not surprised.”

“I did love you, and I still do,” he reminded her, “it ended up being so much more than just wanting to get into bed with you.”

“I’m flattered-”

“Even though you were an amazing shag,” he admitted and she just dramatically rolled her eyes at him, jabbing him in the shin, “well, we’re being honest!”

“Fine,” she laughed lightly, “you weren’t so bad yourself. But you know, we’ll be okay. Even though it’s over between us in that sense. We’ll have some great memories.”

“It’s hard to accept that,” he admitted, avoiding her eyes as he looked around the room, zoning in on anything but her, “but I know you’re right. I can see that now. I can see the way that John looks at you, the way you look at him...I suppose in a way I always have.”

“Roger, you don’t have to do tell me things you think I want to hear,” she reached over and gently patted his knee, “it’s okay.”

“No, I’m not...it’s not just wind,” he insisted, “I think we’ve all known since the day John introduced you to us.”

“That was years ago,” she said, tilting her head curiously to the side, “how did you...”

“Because everyone knew,” he stated and it was her turn to blush. She bit her lip, thinking back to all those times she had wondered if John had felt the same way about her, apparently everyone had known, “everyone but you and John. I’d never seen his face light up like that anymore other time, even when he got his amp finally working properly.”

“Really?” she asked; that meant something, she knew how much that amp meant to him. But then again, judging by the fact that he had asked her to marry him, she knew she meant a lot to him too, “that’s...amazing.”

“You act so surprised,” he regarded her closely, looking over and wishing he hadn’t messed things up with her. But he knew, now he did anyway, that he was being selfish -  it wasn’t meant to be him and Y/N. It hadn’t been from the very beginning, “you’re wonderful, Y/N. Kinda, amazing, sweet, smart, beautiful. And I think I was blinded by that. I do love you, really.”

“I love you too, Roger,” she said, feeling a sense of relief flood through her veins. This was how things were meant to be; friends that cared for each other.

“But only as-”

“Friends,” he finished, sticking out his hand to her as a sort of peace offering handshake. Y/N didn’t hesitate as she extended hers and gave him a firm shake.

“Friends,” she confirmed. She could tell he meant, there was no mischievous glint in his soft blue eyes, just a sweet smile on his face. This was the Roger she knew and loved; one who would be honest and vulnerable with her, “best friends.”

“I think the sound of that,” he agreed, letting out a long huff, “you know, maybe I’m not meant to be in a relationship. Perhaps that’s not what I’m destined for.”

“I don’t think that’s true,” she disagreed nudging his foot with hers, “one day you’ll meet the right person, and no one else will even matter. You’ll forget about ever other person you’ve been with and won’t even think about another person.”

“Are you sure?” he chuckled lightly, “it doesn’t feel like that. It feels like it’ll never happen.”

“I know, and with you, Mr. Taylor, I know it’ll be a while until happens,” she teased lightly, “you’ve go so many wild oats to sow still. I know that better than anyone.”

“Unfortunately,” there was a sharp intake of breath as he thought about the times she had caught him cheating. If he could have done back and changed everything, he easily would have. Those were the biggest mistakes of his life; even if Y/N hadn’t meant to be the love of his life, she still deserved better. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, “I am sorry, you know. About all those times. You didn’t deserve that. You were worthy of so much better.”

“The past is the past,” she reassured him quietly, “it hurts, and it sucked, and it’s not something I ever want to happen again, but I can let it go. I’m not going to hold this over you for the rest of our lives.”

“You’re much better than most women, you know that right?” he grinned at her and she just laughed, “I mean it. Most wouldn’t have come after me. They wouldn’t have cared.”

“I’m a lot of a things, but I’m not most people,” she agreed, “and I don’t stop caring about the people I love, no matter what happens. Besides, I know you would have done the same thing for me.”

“You’re right,” he agreed.

“So,” she stood up to leave, reaching for his hand to help him. He followed suit and she wrapped her around him one last time, “friends?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ll rejoin the boys? Queen’s not much without their drummer,” she teased, ruffling his hair.

“Promise.”

“Perfect,” she concluded, “just as things are meant to be.”

Permanent Taglist: @ruinerofcheese @courtneychicken  @santa-crew@supernatural508 @ssweet-empowerment@nerissa98@jamesbarnesappreciationsociety@buckybarnesappreciationsociety@wearegoldeninthenight@mannatgalhotra@prxttybirdz @piensa-bonito@mightyhemsworthy@shewalksinanotherworld @jems8241@bookaddic@fairyxxfighter@asguardiansoftheavengers @esoltis280@the-bright-lights@artisticlales @loislp @dixonsbugaboo@sleepylunarwolf@patzammit@thisismysecrethappyplace @princess-evans-addict@bookgirlunicorn@makapaka11 @bornfortherainydays@avipshamitra@clumsy-clara @justanewqueensfan@yourealegendroger@anna1523@queenficarchive@thesecondlastjedi@bitemerog@rogernroll@secretsweetscollectionblog @sheridans-dynamos@dinkiplier @deacontaylormercurymay @starrystarrybabe@nicholasbich @musical-prostitute-my-dear @onexlittlespark@benhardyseyes @marvelstuck @thickthighsandbasicbrowneyes@whenthe-smokeisinyoureyes @wonderwich @sunflower-borhap-boys @lv7867 @reedusteinrambles @persephoneslazynebula @ixchel-9275

Supercut Taglist: @peachypink98 @i-ship-it-ironically @queenficarchive @hesvoid34 @fixedonroger @ma-ntequilla @eagleandthebutterfly @richiethotzierz @subtleperfectionist @wonderfullyridiculous @obsessedwithrogertaylor  @perriwiinkle @mjsholland @bitemerog @screaminggalileochickenwrites @eloquentsunflowers @majorlyextra @jennycidesstuff @deakysgirl @coffeexcigarette @deakshadacoldlastweek @marvellouslynerdy @honeyspread-yourwings @bohemiandeakyy@mackaroni1951

[bowan-deflorentine]

Extremely detailed character sheet template

Character’s full name: Bowan deFlorentine

Reason or meaning of name: OOC I like gender-neutral or masc-leaning names for all characters, and thought it sounded cool at the time! I just took “Bowen” and added an “a” to make it slightly more feminine, visually.

Character’s nickname: “Bo”

Reason for nickname: It’s short and cute!

Birth date: January 23rd (the day she hit lvl 10 in-game :P I use that for all my Wow RP characters)

Physical appearance

Age: 37

How old do they appear: About the same

Weight: 145lb / 65kg, an average healthy weight if on the lighter side

Height: 5′11″ / 180cm, taller than average for cis women

Body build: Angular, long-legged, lean

Shape of face: Oval-shaped, with sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline and strong chin

Eye color: Dark brown

Glasses or contacts: neither

Skin tone: Medium brown

Distinguishing marks: Broken nose, blind & scarred right eye

Predominant features: Probably the nasty dead eye

Hair color: Black

Type of hair: Thick and wavy

Hairstyle: Wears it long and down, or in a low ponytail tied with a ribbon

Voice: Low & rich with a heavy Gilnean lowborn accent

Overall attractiveness: Super subjective, but she’s got that handsome aging roughed-up scoundrel sailor look if you’re into that  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

Physical disabilities: Blind on her right side

Usual fashion of dress: Heavy leather or canvas coats, high collars, heeled, thigh-high leather boots, wide-brimmed hats with feathers in the band, loose long-sleeved blouses tucked into a high waistline, fencer's gloves

Favorite outfit: TBH probably her old Cavalier uniform and coat; a dark- and steel-blue laced-up vest, leather, with gold and brown trimmings and a wide-brimmed hat with a white feather in it. Single blue leather pauldron with the gold Cavalier star on it

Jewelry or accessories: Very little, usually one or two small hoop earrings. A golden wedding ring on a chain necklace under her shirt. No rings or bracelets

Personality

Good personality traits: Motherly, caring, charming, helpful, protective, curious

Bad personality traits: Moody, impulsive, stubborn, reckless, anxious, violent

Mood character is most often in: Current day, bitter and melancholic

Sense of humor: Inside jokes, straight-faced funny comments, good-natured teasing.

Character’s greatest joy in life: Her seven-year-old son, Rory.

Character’s greatest fear: Losing either Rory or Jeán, her husband.

Why?: Because she loves them, and they’re the only family she has left in the entire world, and she’s lost/ given up everything else in her life to protect them and to make a life for her family.

What single event would most throw this character’s life into complete turmoil?: She’s numb to everything that’s not extreme at this point, so again, losing either Rory or Jeán

Character is most at ease when: When her family is not only happy but safe, as are her close friends, and she’s at home somewhere warm and dry and comfortable and there's no war going on

Most ill at ease when: Someone she loves is missing, or hurt, or in great danger, or when she doesn't know where she is / is lost

Enraged when: Something threatens the safety of her loved ones or children

Depressed or sad when: When she’s isolated away from people she loves.

Priorities: She’s been forced into survival mode lately, so #1 is her family’s and her own safety. Beyond that, her son’s happiness, her husband’s happiness, her friends’ happiness, and then protecting others. She's happy when others are happy.

Life philosophy: There’s some good left in the world, and it’s worth fighting for. But family always comes first.

If granted one wish, it would be: To bring Timira Redsummer back

Why?: She was her closest friend and now she’s dead, and she’s tired of losing people and having no control over all the loss in her life.

Character’s soft spot: Children, and music

Is this soft spot obvious to others?: OH absolutely, she’s SUCH a mom. Her rough grimdark rogue sailor deal just vanishes around kids and she’s making funny faces and listening very intently to their babytalk stories and crouching all the way down so they can take her hand and lead her around to show her interesting things, etc. The usual supercute little kid stuff. She loves children and is very good with them.

Greatest strength: Never ever giving up when it comes to protecting others, accomplishing her goals at any means necessary, even at the cost of her own safety or health (which crosses very quickly into one of her greatest weaknesses)

Greatest vulnerability or weakness: She can be on the self-destructive side, and is easily goaded into fights against her better judgement because she can just not back down from a threat or a challenge.

Biggest regret: Leaving Teldrassil during the War of Thorns before the attack, when it was just citizens and adventurers and soldiers helping to evacuate / fortify / bring supplies to the city, as they were expecting a siege. She left to go get her ship in Stormwind and bring it as a back-up to get escaping citizens out in case they needed to evacuate. She sailed back to a completely burning tree.

Minor regret: Not having a wedding with Jeán. They had been together for a few years and had talked about getting married, but were too busy with work. They got hastily married on paper before she left for Kul Tiras.

Biggest accomplishment: Founding the Stormwind Cavaliers with Jeán, and the few years she spent as the captain for them. They did a lot of good work for the city and for the people, especially in the surrounding territories like Elwynn, Westfall, and Duskwood. 

Minor accomplishment: She can make the meanest cup of Gilnean black lavender tea

Past failures they would be embarrassed to have people know about: Actively sheltering a rogue Uncrowned agent and trying to cover up all the VERY obvious murders they kept committing under her watch while working for the city guard, oops   ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Why?: Because at the time, they were very close friends and she didn’t have the guts to make the tough calls.

Character’s darkest secret: As of now in the storyline, currently, hunting and sinking Horde ships out of revenge for Teldrassil. She hasn’t told a soul and uses an alias with the crew she works with.

Does anyone else know?: Not yet! 

Goals

Drives and motivations: She wants vengeance for all the lives lost in Teldrassil, but the root of it comes from wanting to protect her family and friends and loved ones. Second only to those feelings is her desire for freedom, and sees sailing and going rogue as an opportunity to kill three birds with one stone.

Immediate goals: Sink Horde ships.

Long term goals: Building a better world for her son and her friends’ children.

How the character plans to accomplish these goals: Gathering a crew of other disgruntled Alliance soldiers and hunting down as many Horde ships and soldiers as they can before they get caught and probably executed.

How other characters will be affected:  😬 Well Jeán was a pirate and gave up everything to live his life with Bowan, and to find she’s been doing basically piracy behind his back would be a big oof. Plus before it all she was a very proud soldier of the Alliance and strove to better herself and to be a good and kind person, so it would probably be very disturbing news to others. Then again, that’s only if they find out.

Past

Hometown: Keel Harbor, Gilneas. 

Type of childhood: Strict-ish. Father was a sailor, mother was a wealthy merchant’s adopted daughter. Her father tried to teach her freedom and passion, her mother tried to teach her obedience and to be ladylike. Mother ultimately won and she was more or less prepared for marriage into her teen years until she ran away to escape the pressure.

Pets: A hound dog named Jager.

First memory: Meeting her maternal grandmother for the first- and last time. She was a harvest witch and disappeared to escape witch hunts. 

Most important childhood memory: Sailing with her father outside the harbor for the first time. It was a dangerous trip and they nearly capsized, but she loved every second of it. 

Why: While Bowan and her mother Louise loved eachother, they weren’t as close as she and her father, Bayne. Her father always encouraged her to be herself and to blaze her own path, and her mother told her that she would never find a husband acting like that. Really experiencing sailing and the sea made her realize that that was quite all right, because if being a good wife meant giving up exciting things like sailing then the choice was obvious for her. 

Childhood hero: Genn Greymane

Dream job: Professional bard! She *almost* achieved that after running away from home in Gilneas but never could quite make it happen.

Education: Homeschooling and a few years of attending a little bitty schoolhouse in the countryside. 

Religion: The lowkey Light worship Gilneas practiced, and some of the Old Ways.

Finances: Not poor, but her father had to work very hard to support them and tried not to let it show. 

Present

Current location: Kul Tiras

Currently living with: No one she’s close to, a crew of other soldiers unhappy with the way the war with the Horde was handled.

Pets: Ardis, her beautiful black mare, is stabled in Stormwind.

Religion: Same as her childhood, a bit of Old Ways and a bit of Light.

Occupation: Unofficially ex-Alliance soldier and guard, pirate

Finances: Actually doing pretty well from herself considering all the ships she’s robbed! :D 

Family

Mother: Louise Ollington

Relationship with her: Strained, but they were family at the end of the day. She was born into a family of harvest witches who were culled by some backwoods witch hunts. She was dropped off in Gilneas city and adopted by wealthy bookkeeping nobles. The entire experience still left her very unhappy and traumatized, so she clung very tightly to her new life and tried to make sure her daughter would be safe and not face the same challenges as she did when she went against tradition. 

Father: Bayne Arrow

Relationship with him: Very close. A sailor from Tanaris, he tried to make as comfortable of a life for Louise but could never really live up to her expectations. They still loved each other very much, and he adored his daughter and tried to instill in her the same love of adventure and the sea as his family had. Ultimately his teachings won over, but it cost the family a lot.

Siblings: None.

Relationship with them: n/a

Spouse: Jeán deFlorentine.

Relationship with them: Jeán were best friends long before the relationship became romantic. They’re perfect for eachother, both cocky swaggering rogues who love duel banter and sailing and getting into trouble. They had all sorts of wild adventures and hit rock bottom and bounced back together, and they bonded hard and fast. They never really bothered with marriage before because they didn’t feel like their relationship needed it, but they got married on paper before Bowan left for the war in Kul Tiras just so they didn’t leave any regrets in case she didn’t come back.

Children: Rory, her son. 

Relationship with them: He’s a bastard, but she doesn’t like to talk about it or his father. She loves him more than anything and is doing her best to raise him to be a good person. He’s a very gentle and sweet boy.  

Other important family members: None.

Favorites

Color: Dark grey-teal, the color of the sea during a storm. 

Least favorite color: Pink, only because it’s just very much not her color. 

Music: Fiddle and hurdy-gurdy.

Food: Pandaren cuisine, especially dumplings and spring rolls.

Literature: Romance, and inspiring heroic adventure novels. 

Form of entertainment: Music! She loves to sing and play her own instruments or listen to others perform. 

Mode of transportation: Her ship, a former Stormwind sloop with black sails. 

Most prized possession: Her Cavalier rapier, a gift from Jeán when the unit was founded. 

Habits

Hobbies: She used to practice minor medicinal alchemy when she was young. She likes to read and write for fun too, and riding her horse on the trails around Stormwind city when she still lived there.

Plays a musical instrument?: Yes! Mandolin and guitar. She’s a little rusty but she’s talented. 

Plays a sport?: Fencing! 

How they would spend a rainy day: Brewing tea and reading by the fireplace, either alone or to her son. OR sailing.

Smokes: Yes, occasionally.

Drinks: Too much these days, before also occasionally. 

Other drugs: None

What do they do too much of?: OVERTHINK

What do they do too little of?: Taking a goddamn breath and thinking things through before jumping into dangerous situations.

Extremely skilled at: Sailing. 

Extremely unskilled at: Cooking.

Nervous tics: Bouncing knee, cracking knuckles, drumming fingers 

Usual body posture: Confident but closed-off. 

Mannerisms: Lively even in poor moods, lots of expressive gestures and hand motions

Peculiarities: She seems fidgety and checks over her shoulder too much until she gets her back to a wall. She always goes for the wall seat and likes to face the door. 

Traits

Optimist or pessimist?: Tries to be an optimist but her natural state is pessimist. It’s just been beat out of her.

Introvert or extrovert?: Ambivert, she’s a social butterfly in good moods but gets moody fast and retreats to be alone often. 

Daredevil or cautious?: Some sort of unstable mix of both, anxious a lot and overthinks danger but then does stupid recklessly brave things like, for example, challenge old and terrifying pirate captains to duels she has ZERO hope of winnings (this has happened like three times now??)

Logical or emotional?: Emotional. She’s not controlled by her emotions but they are powerful. Listening to her heart and her gut keeps her alive.

Disorderly and messy or methodical and neat?: Surprisingly organized and neat. When she had her own desk at the Cavalier office it was fancy and extremely well-kept. 

Prefers working or relaxing?: Prefers working. She’s a bit of a workaholic, and doesn’t like to sit still for too long.

Confident or unsure of themself: Fairly confident these days.

Animal lover?: Yes, but not to the point to keep pets.

Self-perception

How they feel about themself: Her confidence isn’t low, but currently she’s felt helpless about her life and her path and is doing whatever she can to feel like she has some control. She knows some of the things she’s doing is wrong but feels like she has to make the hard calls for once and do the dirty work no one else is willing to do. 

One word the character would use to describe self: Ambitious.

What does the character consider their best personality trait?: Her dedication to her family. 

What does the character consider their worst personality trait?: Her inability to let go of the past. 

What does the character consider their best physical characteristic?: She loves her hair and takes pride in keeping it long and brushed and clean.

What does the character consider his/her worst physical characteristic?: Her broken nose that was never set right and healed crooked, and now her scarred eye. She thinks it’s ugly and will frighten children. 

How does the character think others perceive him/her: Hopefully, as someone they can trust and will be there for them when they need her, always.

What would the character most like to change about themself: Her paranoia and her anxiety. She’s been horribly wounded by the past and wants so badly to heal from it but she just can’t find the right way to do it yet. 

Relationships with others

Opinion of other people in general: Bowan has a low opinion of people as a whole, and views people in general as something to defend herself against, but believes in the good of individuals. 

Does the character hide their true opinions and emotions from others?: Sometimes. She’s the sort to hide her minor feelings from others to save their own feelings, and isn’t above lying to loved ones if she thinks it will protect them.

Person character most hates: Sylvanas Windrunner (now that Deathbreathe is dead). She wants her dead SO BAD.

Best friend(s): Timira Redsummer, Jeán deFlorentine, Watcher and Seeker, Reiko Al-Tariq.

Love interest(s): Jeán deFlorentine

Person character goes to for advice: Timira

Person character feels responsible for or takes care of: Watcher and Seeker, the Twins. They used to be in a spy unit together but they’re a lot younger than she is and just wants them to be safe. All of the Cavaliers, too, present and former.

Person character feels shy or awkward around: No one, she’s over those feelings.

Person character openly admires: Lorna Crowley

Person character secretly admires: Princess Tess Greymane (secret due to her work for the Uncrowned).

Most important person in character’s life before story starts: Her father

After story starts: Rory, her son

found here

(( Okay I know this is a monster so I won’t tag anyone but please feel free to fill this out, it’s so fun and makes you really think about the details!! ))

[aadhiskanmani]

I am back with Part 2 as promised earlier also because it was bugging me that i have left it incomplete the other day. The formatting is going to remain exactly the same way.. am just saving myself some extra text clutter , time and  typing/copy paste this time round LOL. 

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS COMPLETELY MY OPINION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING FEATURES.  I feel the need to say this again because last time too i got a message but x,y,z film has x,y,z issues . I've said it before and i will say it again  It is all a mixed Bag, Mixed Genres, Mixed reasons to suggest them right from the quality to acting to cinematography to story to critical acclaim to some just for PURE ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES.  I makes these lists because I feel these features deserve love and appreciation and because some made me feel Proud and some just for pure entertainment factor . Sidenote.. all titles are actual links where you can watch the features with subs and most of these are On prime video or netflix as well

K.G.F: Chapter 1 |Kannada| *Yash | alt Link  A young man's promise to his dying mother leads him on a dangerous quest for power and wealth.  If I may say so this One pretty much did the same thing in terms of opening doors to kannada film industry like Baahubali did to tollywood. This one  followed the formula and dubbed it in multiple languages and gave it a wide release worldwide which raised eyeballs and got me curious too esp caz this one has a similar plot with the rise of a hero and the hunger for power just set in a completely different world and era. Now the Strength here is the screenplay  and the non-linear pattern which keeps you engaged, with the growth of Rocky being shown steadily. The film is set between 1951 to 2018 and maintains a sense of curiosity as each character is unveiled. Yash is Phenomenal in it as rocky. I said it back then when i watched it and i will say it again He exuded the same kind of charisma say like a 70′s 80′s hero e.g Mr Bachchan from his blockbuster hits where he Played similar roles or salman khan in his typical masala characters basically Larger than life even if he has this arc of being a nobody to Rocky Bhai to Rocky the messiah. One word of Caution... This one gets a lil confusing in Kannada  and with subs as there are too many characters and each one has his/her own agenda. i was confused at many parts but then i watched the hindi dubbed version and it made a world of difference. this one is fairly well dubbed too just like baahubali and what i mean is the voices didn’t sound robotic. Also i personally felt they went a little too far with the dukhi  junta in prison in 2nd half and the violence as in it got very tedious but thank God that got over soon with the rise of this hero but it is worth watching and rest of it is really good, esp the last 15 mins WOWWWWW I cannot wait for part 2. Also my only sandalwood entry.

p.s all dubbed versions are available on prime including Hindi but i have linked the kannada originals  

Fidaa | tel |*Varun Tej, Sai Pallavi  (on Prime as well) Two young people embark on a winding and rocky path to love after meeting at a wedding. First of all supercute romantic, comedy/ family drama but what is refreshing about it is that it is Mainly from the Heroine’s POV and we have a VERY STRONG heroine who has her opinions, her say ,her own thought process and who is just so real. On the surface it looks like just another tollywood rom com but it’s Not. the music is really Good too and Sai Pallavi is A bundle of joy as Bhanu who calls the shots  mostly here. Needless to say it is one of my Feel good films when  i want to see something that makes me smile and gives me that comfort vibe i  go to this one mostly.

Tumbbad|hin|*soham shah . A man and his son encounter a legendary demon while searching for hidden treasure in 19th-century India. 

This one will come as a surprise to many as it is a hindi title but This one a rare gem that is Underrated af and i haven’t seen a finer hindi film in the last year because of how rich it’s content is and how thought provoking it is. The makers have invested years in getting to final result and it shows. this one gave me goosebumps, sacred me, left me mesmerized and make me go WHAT too. This is also on this list because you may not have heard about it at all just like myself who had no idea and jumped into it out of supreme boredom and was left in complete awwwwww and then did my reading and research. This one is a well thought out psychological horror film with strong visuals and metaphors and makes you question as it plays with your mind. Tumbbad is a perfect example of a film that creates a surreal illusion.

Imaikkaa Nodigal| Tam| Nayanthara,Atharvaa, Anurag kashyap: alt link  A suave CBI officer (Nayanthara), is in search of a serial killer who kidnaps and kills the children of important people. The killer, however, is targeting his nemesis next. a revenge thriller with a strong Plot unpredictable and amazing twists.Each character has an important role and Nayan As a Bad ass cop who freaking sets the bar too high for female officers in desi films. THis one is one of the finest Thrillers in recent years which actually gives you thrills and Shocks and most of them one can’t guess. Let me be honest i gave upon this seeing anurag kasyap as the antagonist as i was unable to bear rudra and just his Ottness on top of that atharvaa’s lovestory as the parallel track mad me go ehhh as i initially clicked on it for nayan and there was so little of her in the beginning but then i gave it another try and couldn’t stop & was WOWEDDD by the Film and Nayan as anjali and yeah she is the MAIN CHARACTER so we get a lot of her later. She is at her FINEST as anjali. this is the film one wants to watch to get a high of sorts. WATCH IT FOR NAYAAAN FOR A STRONG FEMALE ACTOR/CHARACTER Taking the center stage and BEING FANTASTIC. This one is so just so entertaining in so many ways and the film one can watch on any given day despite knowing the plot twist. Beware Nayan and Vijay’s little arc is heartbreaking and i cried a lot tooooooooo... i was shattered at that part..... it is so hauntingly shot too. TW: Graphic violence  In that scene 

Mahanati|Tel|* Dulquer Salmaan, keerthy suresh, samantha, vijay D |alt link  Biopic based on  The life story of South Indian actress Savitri, who took the film industry by storm in the late '50s and '60s Mahanati is a film about the rise of the first female south Indian superstar – Savitri. Her story one of the most heart wrenching romantic tragedies of our times.This film tells a story of the Mahanati; her life, her journey to fame, and the dramatic downfall. Keerthy Suresh, elegantly brought Savitri to life, and Gemini Ganesan, played by Dulquer Salman, makes this film a true pleasure to watch. I had no idea who Savitri was i went into it because DQ and Again was BLOWN AWAY by How well made this film is and how it is made with so much sensitivity and rawness. it keeps the real journey part intact as in doesn’t sugarcoats or overly glamorizes things to show Savitri as some mahaan hasti. They make this film the Grand celebration of her life with all her struggles and tragedies  and makes you connect with her in a very real  manner and All this Makes this film so much more than a film. this one becomes that Larger than life Grand,SHE IS A HERO More because she truly is rather than OH because she had this sob story IYKWIM  like hindi Biopics do. They have made savitri Grand By her resilience by her courage by her will power and invested in the character and plot rather than all taam jhaam. This one is By far the best Biopic i’ve seen from desi industries and Not One and i mean it NOT one Hindi biopic even comes close to this one in terms of presentation. Keerthy suresh is a joy to watch as savitri. i am not gonna lie i broke down at few points and that is because of her acting and laughed too i connected so strongly to an actress’s story (who i had no idea about as in savitri i had 0 knowledge about savitri or in general about south industries retro eras ) only because of keerthy’s presentation.Also dulquer is a Joy as gemini ganeshan. he really slipped into it with ease and lived upto the part. they have achieved finesse in  showcasing a life story and recreating old songs from black & white era. If nothing else on this list watch this and imaikaa nodigal and you won’t regret it 

Rangasthalam |tel| *Ramcharan, Samantha :  Chitti Babu, a hearing impaired boat skipper, becomes caught in the middle of a political feud in the village of Rangasthalam. Watch this one for Ram charan’s performance  He is a delight to watch as chitti babua and this easily is his Best WORK till date this character have so much to play with and He ACES IT . The strong and intriguing story line is also a Plus . The film is not just set in the 80s; it also picks a story template from that era and narrates the tale in a refreshingly raw manner but the characters are so well fleshed out they don’t look caricatures by any means. the songs are grand and super fun to watch too. 

Maari 2 |tam|* dhanush, sai pallavi :  Maari, a gangster with a heart of gold, tangles with a new nemesis who is determined to bring about his downfall. First things first this one is mileas ahead of the previous version in everything. A much stronger film in every way. Otherwise it is a pure masala entertainer with all the masala elements and  dhanush and sai make a BOMB pair and their lil story is ahh sooo full of feelz. 

Sudani from Nigeria |Mal|* soubin shahir:  When a soccer club manager brings one of his injured foreign players home to recuperate, they form an unlikely bond despite their cultural differences.. A refreshing sports drama that touches your heart. explores the cultural differences so beautifully. the characters stay with you much longer after the film is over. The film effortlessly explores iissues in the neighborhood and much bigger political issues too. overall SImply an underrated film and one should watch it for it’s warmth and sincerity.

Koode|Mal|*prithviraj,nazriya nazim, paravthy  A family tragedy causes a young man to reflect on his childhood and reassess his future.Anjali Menon and that brilliant cast should eb your reason to watch. i don’t think i need to say another word to convince you but still anyway. it takes you on and emotional roller coaster ride. it is a flawless film with an extraordinary cast. also Naz is as charming as ever in her comeback film. there are very few films who actually jump into exploring the bond between a brother and sister and this one aces it with reflecting upon various issues and things they had to go throughasa family  as well as their individual struggles. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. Also Paro and prithvi yeah. .. simply OUTSTANDING film

Varathan |mal|* fahadh faasil,Aishwariya lekshmi:  After losing his job, Abin and his wife, Priya, move from Dubai to Priya's family estate in Kerala, but peace eludes the couple. It takes it’s time in the first half but in second it comes all guns blazing and turns into a worth watching survival thriller. it does makes one uneasy at times with the contsant stalker guys lurking around but it is all worth the wait at the end. trust me..

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam |tam| *vijay sethupathi,arinswami,jyothika,simbu;  An attempt is made on the life of a reigning don, and it sets in motion a succession battle between his three sons. In other words Godfather with Mani ratnam  twists A delicious film to devour it si an out and out maniratnam film with massy fan moments and smart filmmaking techniques. watch it for performances esp. i wish jyo had more to do but she is good at what she does in her supporting role. . this one is a true blue  multi starrer ,family drama.

Merku Thodarchi Malai |tam| Antony, Gayatri Krishnan, Abu Valayamkulam :  it  revolves around the life and times of a group of people living along the foothills of the Western Ghats. basically we travel along with Rangu ( teh pratagonist) who is a daily wage worker and his struggles in bringing that load upto the city  and his one dream to own a piece of land someday. this oen is almost like a documentary. this makes you thank and count your blessings. feel every bit of pain and effort and struggle that these daily wage workers have to go through in their daily lives. i broke down at so many points and i just wanted to do something to help makes lives a bit easier. IDK it hit me so hard at places and made me thankful for all the things i have. 

Mayanaadhi |Mal|*tovino thomas,aishwariya lekshmi : A mule driver in a gang and an aspiring actress try to navigate their way through an unexpected romance. Mayaanadhi is a beautiful tale of love. The emotions it conveys needs to be experienced and the movie gives us a taste of life. Aashiq Abu really knocked it out of the park once again with this one. this one. It is a simple enough tale with a plot that is real to life and familiar.It is perhaps the most Soulful Romantic film i’ve seen in last year or so. 

Takeoff|Mal|*parvathy,fahadh :  A young Muslim woman (Parvathy) struggles to find love and happiness in midst of the ongoing civil war in Iraq. It  an ode to the Indian spirit. This is a riveting survival saga, made by a team gifted with acute political and social awareness. It is, in one word, stunning. Paro Simply have slayed. A bit like airlift as in the basic setting and premise is similar but poles apart. it is one hell of a film( in a good way) PARO,PARO,PARO. this is all i have to say to explain the brilliance of it. 

and with that this comes to an end.. again please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with me i would love to see you guys actually taking the use of this list and sharing your thoughts. Bye and Have a Wonderful Summer binge watching these hehe. i hope you love them as much as i do. looking forward to your thoughts 

[lol-misantlery]

Yuletide 2019

Hello! I am misantlery on ao3.

Under the read more are specific details about what I want for Derry Girls, Mad Men, Queen’s Thief, Into the Spiderverse, Fleabag, and The Eagle.

General Likes

PINING, awkwardness, people being inexplicably fond of each other, breaking up/making up fic, people being emotionally repressed, denial, FORCED INTIMACY (pretending to be dating, bed sharing, huddling for warmth, trapped in elevator/closet/room together), amnesia fic, first times, hurt/comfort, trust issues, hooker aus, robot aus, happily ever afters.

I am good with g-rated or nc-17 rated fic, but if you’re comfortable writing porn here are some things I am into:

bad decision sex sexual experimentation fun/goofy/‘bad’ sex sex pollen intimacy issues

General Dislikes

rape/non con, alpha/beta/omega dynamics, mundane aus, soulmate marks aus, 24/7 BDSM, non canonical major character death, harm to animals, unhappy endings, mpreg, issuefic, harm to children.

If you want to know some more about what i’m into for each fandom/want some prompts, then keep reading but don’t stress about following each prompt to the letter or anything. They’re here for inspiration!

Why are you so into The Purge as a scenario???

Listen, this took me by surprise too. Explaining it now makes me sound like a crazy person. But I will try.

The Purge is a horror movie franchise, set in a dystopian near-future America where all crime is legal for one day a year, including murder. Pretty dark, edgy, violent stuff! I am not especially interested in the dark and grim sociopolitical realities of this situation, in case my prompts don’t make that clear. I am here for the absurdity, and in the case of most of these fandoms, for the weird and hilarious contrast between my requested fandom and the over the top violence of The Purge. You don’t even need to watch any of The Purge movies, because let’s be real, I don’t care about the world building or logistics here, and I’m not interested in a true crossover so much as I am in borrowing the “all crime is legal for a day” scenario. If any of the Purge prompts speak to you, read some wiki summaries and have at it.

Don’t feel obligated to write those prompts if these aren’t scenarios that appeal to you! And if you do write them, please, don’t make them super dark. Again, the appeal here is the absurdity, not the grim violence of it all.

Derry Girls: Erin Quinn, Clare Devlin, Michelle Mallon, James Maguire

Let me start off by saying you don’t need to include all four in a fic if you don’t want to! I’m perfectly happy with any configuration you end up putting together. If you want to include all the gang, that’s great too! I love everybody nominated so feel free to go wherever your imagination takes you.

I love how the group will spend all day making fun of each other but always come together when it counts. I would definitely enjoy you keeping with the show and doing something with that. Everyone going up on stage to perform with Orla and James realizing that he belongs as a Derry Girl are two of my favorite scenes.

Prompts:

Erin/Clare: I would love a fic where Erin and Clare really do go to prom together instead of the whole thing with Mae and John Paul. Maybe they go for real, or maybe Erin goes as her fake date to support her and then they have to continue the charade after prom. Erin would definitely do a lot of research and throw herself fully into being the best lesbian she could be, which obviously would include practicing kissing Clare a whole lot. I love a good fake dating fic that has the couple accidentally catching feelings. I also love the idea of everyone thinking she’s just making a statement and her dad being the only one to realize her feelings are for real.

I also love the idea of them bonding over a crush on Ms. De Brun, either after the first time or having her roll back into town and Erin going full Dean Pelton “This better not awaken anything in me.”

Michelle/James: I’m very into their combative but loving relationship. Michelle asking him to stay in the finale *__* I’m also very much into introducing a cousinfucking aspect but if you aren’t, don’t worry. I also enjoy how they are in the show, so if you keep their relationship at that level I’ll still be perfectly happy. If you are into it, Michelle totally gives off a “stop making love to me while I’m trying to fuck you” vibe and I would really enjoy seeing how annoyed she would be to realize he was more than just a ride to her.

Michelle gets caught in a time loop and has to figure out how to escape it. Maybe she lets James leave Derry all those other times and the version we see is the one she got right. Or maybe James and Michelle both get caught up in a loop and try increasingly ridiculous schemes to get out of it.

Or maybe Michelle’s mom gave up James’ room when she thought he was leaving with his mom and now James and Michelle have to share a room. They have to deal with all the feelings the finale brought up.

If you are more inspired by one of the other configurations please go for it. I loved James being instantly on Clare’s side when she came out. Finding out how Michelle and/or Erin and/or Clare’s friendship started would be fun. I liked James coming through for Erin when she got stood up. If you are more inspired by James and Erin please keep it platonic. I like them just as friends. I’m definitely open to James, Michelle, and Erin being queer/bi/etc if you’re interested in including that in any of these prompts.

Something based on this post: https://v1als.tumblr.com/post/187672633662/meanwhile-in-the-other-derry . If this appeals to you please go as wild as you want. Fic about the Derry Girls bullying a clown to death? Awesome! Fic about Mary Quinn beating the shit out of a dumb clown with a frying pan or Sister Michael being incredibly unimpressed by It? Love it. If you want to go to an angsty place I’m into it but I would prefer it doesn’t end with anybody perma-dead. I'd be equally happy with ships or no ships for this. No need to bring in the rest of the It characters unless you feel like it.

Mad Men: Bob Benson, Pete Campbell

This is probably my forever yuletide fandom! The show’s been over for a while now, but I still have an enormous soft spot for the love story of Bob and Pete, and would read any number of variations on it.

I don’t mind if you ignore certain parts of canon (s7) or go canon divergent, you can also follow canon if want (Bob shows up in Wichita??) GO WILD.

Shipping Bob/Pete began as a joke for me, but I do ship it for real. I like that Bob is all *_________* about Pete and Pete is simultaneously disgusted and intrigued. He might not be gay, but he’s definitely into someone who’s into him.

Also, if you just want to write about Bob I’d be really interested in his past and what the whole “manservant” deal was. We pretty much know nothing about him and I’d be interested in some backstory, but I’m not exactly looking for Bob/OMC PWP. In case it seemed that way!

btw, https://vimeo.com/132033248 is a supercut of all Bob/Pete scenes (pw: kneetouching). Enjoy!

Prompts:

Fake dating: The CEO of a big company is secretly gay and Pete thinks pretending to be gay will form a bond of solidarity that will give him an edge, but the CEO mistakes this for interest and Pete scrambles to come up with an excuse to get out of doing anything gay and he comes up with, “I have a lover! You may have met him…”

They go to a gay bar lolz and awkwardness ensue.

Pete molds Bob into the Perfect Ad Man and falls for him in the process. Basically “My Fair Lady” with a hillbilly and sodomy.

Groundhog day fic: Pete has to go through the same day again and again, tries to get help from Ken, Peggy, etc, and then comes to the realization that only Bob believes him.

Bob is a conman who starts out trying to seduce Pete as part of a long con, but ends up falling in love.

what if Bob is a spy who mistakes Pete for his contact because Pete compliments his tie? what kind of spy and mistaken identity shenanigans could ensue?

What if Bob and Pete + the Purge??? I feel like Bob would do well. He’s got secrets. Maybe one of those secrets is a facility with weaponry. Also, sodomy wasn’t legal in New York until the 1980s. What if someone in the office awkwardly asks Bob what he’s going to do during the Purge and Pete is appalled, because how uncouth! Everyone knows you don’t ask people what they’re going to do during the Purge! And then Bob makes some veiled comment about how he always spends his Purges banging dudes, and Pete is horribly Intrigued because sex stuff is never a Purge thing he’d thought of.

Queen’s Thief - Megan Whalen Turner: Gen, Attolia

I love these books, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I love Attolia, Gen, and their relationship best. I didn't see the twist where Gen confessed his love to Attolia coming at all the first time I read it and I frantically read to the end to make sure that everything turned out ok. As soon as I got there, I flipped to the front and started again. Somewhere between that moment and when I reached that scene on the stairs again, they became one of my all time OTPs. To be honest, it was probably when she cut off his hand.

I just love them so much, with how ruthless Attolia is and how clever Gen is, and all I want is a fic that focuses on them and their sort of messed up dynamic and that will be enough. I also love Kamet/Costis and would be happy to see something about them in addition to some Gen/Attolia content. I'm open to canon divergent AUs, but, please, no AUs where Attolia doesn't cut off his hand.

Prompts:

Part of what I love so much about this pairing is how terrifyingly competent they are together, and what a good team they make. So I’d love a fic about something like, what if some of their barons are stupid enough to think that Gen and Attolia can be turned on each other? Obviously Gen and Attolia have to go crush them together.

They have to go on some kind of diplomatic visit to Eddis or Sounis or maybe something further afield and absolutely nothing goes as planned. Again, show me how terrifyingly competent they are! Or just go for the lolz: how hilariously wrong can things go, and how do Gen and Attolia deal with it? You can also go the action/adventure route: do they have to get themselves out of a sticky situation by fighting or sneaking around?

Speaking of sneaking around: I’m also into the many possibilities of the scenario where Gen teaches Attolia how to sneak into his bedroom for once. Sexy, funny, emotional, all of the above, I’m into any of it!

Part of the messed up dynamic that I love with these two is how fear and love and guilt are all mixed up together for them, after Attolia cuts off her hand. So I’d be really interested in anything about how/if Gen gets over his fear of Attolia in bed or not, but maybe definitely at least in part through sex.

And because I’ve got a soft spot for Costis and Kamet: Gen and Attolia attend Costis and Kamet's wedding, in disguise or not. Maybe it makes them think of their own wedding! Maybe everyone just reflects sappily on True Love! Or maybe someone gets up to shenanigans!  It’s up to you, dear writer!

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: May Parker, Olivia Octavius

"My friends call me Liv," Doc Ock says to Miles. And then when she walks into Aunt May's house, May says, "Oh great, it's Liv." I would really love to read a lot more about what's going on with that. Sex is not a must, but I do ship them and anything about a romantic relationship would be great. If you're not into that, then I'd love to read more exploring their dynamic in general -- May is so fondly exasperated and not remotely surprised, but they both immediately go to the mat.

Prompts:

Pre-movie college backstory. Were they rivals-turned-lovers in college? Friendly but disinterested roommates who spent all their time playing science cloak-and-dagger games before realizing over spring break that their nemesis was their roommate? 

Pre-movie Spidey parallels backstory. May was clearly supporting Peter as he developed into your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, and Octavia has been... what? We know she's CEO of Alchemax during the movie -- was she promoted? Is she the founder? I'd love something exploring their parallel paths, May as a behind-the-scenes string-puller and Liv as a mad scientist, with Peter in the middle working to counter Liv more explicitly. 

Post-movie, MIles goes to visit Aunt May and finds Liv there. They have a really awkward tea. 

Post-movie, Liv tries to make a comeback. May rolls her eyes and gets to work.

Purge!AU: What happens to the two of them on Purge night? Does May reluctantly go out to try to stop whatever Liv is up to this time? Do they end up working together for some reason? Do they declare it amateur night and just order a pizza?

Also, I would be interested in a fun fic where May and Liv both end up sort of awkwardly mentoring Miles because Miles and Liv end up in a classic supervillian-superhero team-up against some other big villain or disaster.

Fleabag: Fleabag, Priest

So I watched all of Fleabag in a weekend fueled by pizza and beer and loved all of it. But, not gonna lie, what really got me to sit down and finally watch the show was all this talk of a hot priest romance going on in season 2. Others may never believe Moriarty from BBC Sherlock could bring it like that, but I saw the light.

I’m absolutely fine with shippy fic for this fandom. If you want to go down the hardcore priest fucking road then go wild, but I did love everything about the show. Fleabag herself and all of her issues, Claire (and her haircut) and everyone else. Whatever you can write for me that captures how heartbreaking and funny the show is would be great, I'm sure.

Prompts:

With all this talk of the cool Pope maybe considering letting priests marry let’s pretend that the Vatican really does that and now priests everywhere can get married. How would Fleabag feel when she sees the news on the telly? How would the Priest? Imagine them bumping into each other after the news come out.

I think one of the most interesting things about season 2 was the Priest knowing when Fleabag was breaking the fourth wall. What if the fox is his personal fourth wall that no one sees but Fleabag that he can’t leave behind until he deals with his shit? 

Purge prompt: Brexit finally happens and the new PM decides to try this Purge thing the Americans have been doing every year. How would Fleabag fare in the purge? Would she stay locked inside with her family having to fight off Stepmother, who’s down to do some purging herself and is scarily good at killing people? Would she go off to hunt Martin? Maybe fucking a Priest doesn’t count if it’s during purge night.

The Eagle | Eagle of the Ninth: Marcus Flavius Aquila, Esca Mac Cunoval

I love this stupid movie so much.I love Marcus, Esca, and Marcus/Esca and would prefer them shipped. UST/pre-slash is okay, too, if you'd rather not write a romance, but please at least leave me the hope that it's going to happen!

What I really love about Marcus/Esca is how even when Marcus is the one who holds official power over Esca as his owner, Esca is always the one with the power in their relationship because Marcus is so desperately into him. I love Marcus pining for Esca but being too honourable to do anything about it, while Esca is too angry at himself for pining for Marcus to do anything about it. I also enjoy Marcus having Roman issues about wanting Esca to fuck him and I don't care if they're not entirely historically accurate. I would just be very into Marcus having very rigid ideas about sex between men and struggling with wanting Esca to fuck him and Esca helping him overcome that.

Some general things about them that I love, both in the movie and in potential fic: cultural miscommunications, or just them worrying enough about miscommunication that they don't even try. Marcus having such utter blind trust in Esca. Esca having to relearn how to let somebody care about him.

Prompts:

That said, my first request is PWP. /o\ I would really, really love a Seal People Made Them Do It fic. Maybe the Seal Prince wants Esca to prove Marcus is his slave, or maybe there's a general boning festival going on and it'd be weird/suspicious for Esca not to participate, I don't know (and not too concerned with historical accuracy on this one). But I'm very into the danger element of they have to fake it for their safety/survival and the intimacy element of them understanding each other with few or no words. Like from Esca's POV, he gets that Marcus understands and consents, or from Marcus', understanding that if he doesn't want to go along with it, they can try to kill their way out. And, okay, if Marcus is a little ashamed of being into it, I am very, very there for that. :9

I would also love a roadtrip fic! The movie clearly ends with Marcus setting Esca up to choose their next adventure, so what does he choose? I don't have a lot of specific plot ideas for that, but I would definitely love to see them on another journey together, maybe hitting all the fun roadtrip tropes, like huddling for warmth in the woods and there being only one bed in their room at the hospitia. 

Or, if you're feeling up to something fun and weird, a Purge AU. Honestly, Ancient Rome is a setting that seems oddly suited to hosting the Purge and I would love to see it either played relatively straight to dark and dramatic effect, or humorously deconstructed, with Esca exasperated by more let's-kill-people Roman nonsense.

I would also really be into fic from Esca's POV, holding Marcus during the surgery and contemplating letting twitch and die, and then ~looking into his eyes~ and feeling sick with himself for having such a thought about the man who saved his life, even if he is a Roman asshole. Perhaps followed by all the times Esca could have had him killed or let him die and deciding not to because HONOR until he realizes no, actually, I just really, really want to bone this dude. And then he follows up on that realization, in whatever romantic form that takes.

[thecourtneychronicles]

“Courtney Act has some advice for Strictly Come Dancing.

Everyone’s favourite Aussie drag queen-turned-reality TV darling made history when she became the first person to dance with a same-sex partner on Dancing With The Stars, and now she thinks it’s time the UK caught up.

“Any excuse about the traditions of ballroom dancing and all that sort of jazz, it kind of starts to sound a little bit awkward now that we’ve done it in Australia,” she tells GAY TIMES. “I think it’s definitely time.”

As she prepares to grace London’s Underbelly Festival with her show Under The Covers, we spoke to the Aussie queen about her time on Dancing With The Stars, who she wants to see on Drag Race UK, and what makes our drag unique.

Congratulations on making the finals of Dancing With The Stars – how are you feeling about that whole journey?

Thank you! Oh my god, it was just so magical and so much fun, but it was also so much hard work, it was four months of dancing and we were rehearsing for at least six hours a day, and I think I had about three days off in the whole four months. I got to tell so many stories on mainstream television, it was just amazing. Somebody’s made a supercut of all of the dances on YouTube, and my dance partner Josh sent it to me and we both sat there watching it and reminiscing over the phone.

Based on your track record, you really were destined to win. Are you a bit gutted about that?

You know what, this sounds really trite, but I feel like we did win. From the judges points we did actually win every episode except for episode four, but then we were pipped at the post by Samuel Johnson, who is actually so lovely. I remember him in the first promo shoot and I was like, ‘Oh, she’ll be out first’, but he actually was just amazing and he got better and better every week, and also he’s an amazing fundraiser in Australia, his sister unfortunately died of cancer a few years ago and he vowed to raise $10 million for cancer research, and so he’s on this big journey of his own and people really love that cause, and it is a very worthy cause. So I in no way felt gutted, I felt really, really happy for him. And we got to do so many cool things! We were the first same-sex dance partnership [on the show], which was amazing, and so many of the performances were kind of risque, like going from Courtney to Shane in the space of one minute and 20 seconds. That was dangerous, but it worked.

Did you face any resistance from the show when you decided to dance as Shane?

No, they were totally supportive! I think I used the Courtney Act patented lubing technique to get them used to the idea, so I thought, ‘I’ll just get in there, I’ll be fabulous and have fun, and show them there’s nothing to be afraid of’, then in episode three I did the Courtney-to-Shane Tango which they loved, and then the Samba in episode four was our first sexy dance, and I kind of loved that people were seeing this was a guy dressed as a girl dancing sexy with another man. And I was planning to do something as Shane but I couldn’t quite find the right time, and then the Tango-Foxtrot came up and I was like, ‘Oh good, this is like a sexy, intimate, romantic dance so it’s not like we’re just doing the Jive next to each other’. I wanted people to see two male-presenting people in each other’s arms. I remember the first time I saw two men dancing the Tango together I was shocked, and I remember how confronting it was for my brain, even though I’m a queer person just to see two men dancing romantically was like, ‘Wow!’ and I figured there’s probably a lot of people around Australia who still haven’t seen that, so to get to do that on Dancing With The Stars and hopefully help to normalise it and create a positive example is a really amazing opportunity.

There’s a debate in the UK about having same-sex partners on Strictly Come Dancing, but the show still won’t let it happen. Do you think it’s time for that?

Absolutely, and I think there’s got to be a same-sex couple on Strictly this year. There just has to be. It’s not even a question in my mind. It would just seem really weird not to. And I mean, Craig Revel Horwood was a judge on our version as well, and he’s a judge on Strictly, so I think it’s definitely time. Because like, any excuse about the traditions of ballroom dancing and all that sort of jazz, it kind of starts to sound a little bit awkward now that we’ve done it in Australia.

You’re bringing Under The Covers to London’s Underbelly Festival this month, what we expect?

Well I did the show around the UK last year, and I did it in London at the Palladium which is this ginormous venue which where the front row was like 20 metres away, so it wasn’t very intimate, but this is a gorgeous intimate venue and I’m doing it with a live band this time. Last time I just did it with a piano, so I’m excited for that. After doing – and then losing – Eurovision: Australia Decides, and then performing with Jake Shears when he opened for Kylie on her Australian tour, I was just like, ‘Oh my god, I love live music so much’, so I knew I had to do my Under The Covers show with a live band. There’s loads of great songs and costumes, we’ve updated all that, there’s lots of stories about Dancing With The Stars, and maybe a little ballroom dancing in there too.

Well, you spent all that time learning, you may as well show it off.

Yeah, exactly! Also, like, the fitness level I achieved from dancing that much, I’m now working hard to not just go back to my regular sloth-like self. So I might try to keep it up in my show.

How do you decide what songs you want to perform for Under The Covers?

Well they’re all famous covers of covers, so I have a giant spreadsheet, and I spent weeks Googling and I put every cover song that I could find on there, and then I picked out ones that I’d like to do, that I could sing well, and that the audience would enjoy, and then I’ve tried to put it together following the loose theme of my show. So for example, Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet is such a great song, and that’s a cover from a Betty Hutton song in 1951, and that was a cover of a 1948 song that was originally in German, Und jetzt ist es still, which is German for It’s Oh So Quiet. Lot’s of people don’t know that.

We also have Drag Race UK coming up this year. Having lived in London for a while now, what do you think international audiences will find unique about British drag?

I can’t wait, because I love watching Drag Race but I feel like the drag has been coming through the same filter for a few seasons now. I mean, coming from Australia to the US, I love the pageant drag, I love all the different styles of drag, but I feel like the UK is just going to inject a breath of fresh air into the show. Have you seen any of Drag Race Thailand?

I saw a clip where one of the contestants [Kandy Zyanide] set her dress on fire, which was incredible.

Yes! I saw that one too. Unfortunately she did suffer burns after that, so don’t try that at home. But it’s just amazing how there’s a whole culture and sensibility in the UK, and the history of drag and camp that is part of pop culture there is going to be wonderful. I’m really excited to see the injection of fresh talent, and that fresh approach to drag and how it will shake up and influence the US version.

Are there any UK queens that you would like to see on the show?

I’d love to see Cheddar Gorgeous and the House of Gorgeous, they’re amazing. The UK has so many legendary queens, who I don’t think would necessarily be right for Drag Race, like all the East London queens that I love. People like Jonny Woo and his clan are all epic, although I don’t really picture them competing on Drag Race. So I’m gonna go with Cheddar and her clique, I think they’re pretty epic.

Courtney’s interview with Gay Times Magazine - May 3, 2019