#the only thing that lives free in my mind are drag queens

[gingernut1314]

Call Me Baby

SDC x SDC!GN!Reader

Summary: The Stardust Crusaders need to know why you called them by their name.

Warnings: Takes place in JJBA part 3, Jotaro's kinda of goes past part 3 cause I wanted to lolol, established relationships, slight misuse of a Star Platinum??? (I say it's the only right way to use a stand buuuuuttt......), I'm pretending like Suzi Q was never in the picture (love you queen, but your husband is hot so you can travel with Lisa-Lisa) but yall are free to do as you do, the slightest mention of spice, Iggy is a PET/DOG only

Word Count: 760+, 680+, 560+, 700+ , 760+, 450+, Total: 3.9K

Song:

BABYDOLL Youtube | Spotify

A/N: because I JUST WANT TO CALL THEM MY BABY SORRY NOT SORRY

Taglist: @cinnbar-bun @lostfirefly

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Jotaro Kujo 😒🐬

Jotaro will never admit it, but he loves that you call me baby/babe

At first, he grumbles and tells you to stop but the more you do it, the more it grows on him and the less he’ll complain

When the other Crusaders get on him for it, he’ll tell them to shut the hell up as he simply grabs your upper arm and drags you further along and away from them as they cackle like utter fools.

He’s been through all the teasing and continues to let you call him that silly-ass pet name even when he utterly dislikes it (Errrrrrr--fake. He lies to himself)

So when you call him by his name on a random Tuesday afternoon he doesn’t know what to make of it

What the hell were you doing calling him by his name?

He won't respond and continues to read his book in the living room of your shared home

You’ll call for him again, thinking he didn’t hear you the first time

but this time he’ll turn his sharp, green eyes up to look at you from underneath the visor of his hat

“Who the hell are you calling for?” He asks, letting his irritation get the best of him. You just blink because what is he talking about? It’s only the two of you here. Who else would you be calling for?

“Your name is Jotaro, isn’t it? I’m calling for you so get your ass up and come help me with this. I can’t reach--”

“No.” He simply says, returning his eyes to his book. You grit your teeth and stare daggers into him, trying to think of what the hell he was going on in his mind--what the hell he was playing at

“Jotaro.” No response. “This isn’t funny.” A flip of the page in his book. 

You march over to him with a huff of annoyed air, the book he’s trained his eyes on snapped shut with a simple movement of your hand. You leaned down, placing a hand on the armrest next to him so that you could look upon the entirety of his flawless face under his hat.

“Remember what we’ve gone over together about telling each other our feelings because some of us would prefer to bottle it up and storm around all grumpy?” Those green eyes snapped up to look at you again.

“You’re starting to piss me off now.” You give him an all too bright smile, bringing your other hand up to pat his cheek in a way you knew would only piss him off further.

“Aww see, Jotaro. That’s not so hard.” You tease only for his hand to grab hold of your wrist faster than lighting, yanking you closer so that you see his displeasure up close and personal. 

“You’ll stop calling me that right now.” You blink in utter confusion at his gritted-out words.

“Then what am I supposed to--” It clicked then what he’s so worked up about. Why he keeps insisting you not to use his name. It makes your heart flutter to think that he might actually like being called by that pet name. “Oh--oh you sweet thing.” You purr in teasingly, only making those eyes of his hardened further. His grip on your wrist tightened. “You just want me to call you my baby, right?” 

Jotaro lets you go then, going for the closed book in his lap in his own unique way to end the conversation there. Oh, but you are fully invested. You weren’t going to just drop it as you might usually do. No. Not when he’s put on such a show for you. 

“Baby,” You say, lowly, stopping the books to travel upward. You watched his shoulders relax at the pet name. Such a small release of tension you hadn’t even noticed added before. “Can you please grab the tupperware from the top cabinet for me? The one with the red lid? I need it down so I can pack some goodies for your mother when we go to visit her tonight.” 

“Fine.” He said, going to stand from his seat, but you kept him caged in. You couldn’t help the smile that bloomed over your face as you looked over his features, which he always tried to keep oh so emotionless. 

You leaned in, placing a quick peck to his feather-soft lips. 

“Thank you, babe.” You said, moving away so that he could stand. 

“Good grief.” He grumbled, sounding and looking all so annoyed, but he couldn’t control Star Platinum from popping an arm out to give your hand a quick squeeze.

Joseph Joestar 🏃‍♂️🛬

He’s calling you babe/baby

You’re calling him babe/baby

He hasn’t given you a choice in the matter and neither have you

It’s second nature

It’s his and yours second name

So when you call him by his first name, it can only mean one of three things

1) You’re in his arms moaning it for all to hear and making his already too-big ego even bigger

2) he’s dying/in danger and you're screaming at him to not be as such

Or 3) you’re completely and utterly furious with him and are about to murder him

But, as he’s joining the other Crusaders all gathered in the hallway of the hotel room they had picked out and hears his name growled out like it had come from the lips of some great bloodthirsty beast, he knows he’s about to get completely wiped from the face of the earth by your hand 

“OH MY GOD!” Joseph shouts, heart coming to a full stop in his chest. “Hide me! Hide me now.” He all but begs to the group.

“What? Trouble in paradise?” Polnareff teases as Joseph grabs for his arm.

“What the hell did you do now, old man?” Jotaro asks, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

“I don’t know!” Joseph just managed to get out before the door to your hotel room swung open with a bang. He gives a shout in fright as he pulls Polnareff in front of him in an attempt to hide himself. 

“Joseph Joestar.” You fume, marching down the hall towards the group. 

“Last name too. Huh.” Kakyoin observes from where he stood next to Jotaro. 

“Get your ass over here. Right. Now.” You hiss, shoving Polnareff out of your way. The Frenchman began to laugh hysterically, unable to keep it down any longer.

“What? You’re gonna have to speak up, my sweet honey bunch, sugar pie, love of my life. My hearing isn’t how it once was.” Joseph panicked, reaching for Avdol’s arm only for the fortuneteller to move out of the way. 

“Forgive me, friend. This is your battle alone.”

“But--but--” A hand grabbing hold of his shirt froze him in his place. “B-baby…hey. Mornin’.” He said, slowly turning around to face your wrath. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today? No?” He gently unraveled your fingers from his shirt to hold it, leaning down to press a soft kiss to your knuckles. “Just--look at you. You take my damn breath--”

“Joseph.” The man gave a sharp gulp at his name spoken in such a threatening way.

“Yes, sweetness?” He said, trying to soften your anger one last time with pet names and caresses against the skin of your hand.

“What is the one thing I have asked you to stop doing time and time again?” Joseph’s brown eyes flickered towards his grandson as he thought. Jotaro only pulled his hat further down his head to keep himself out of it. 

“Uh--not to use your hairbrush?” You shook your head. “Not to…eat your snacks?” Yet another shake of your head. 

“Nope. Want to take one more guess?”

“I--Do I want to?” Joseph said with a nervous laugh. 

“Next you’ll say: Sorry, babe. I was in such a rush this morning I completely forgot to not use your hair products because my hair could never be as beautiful and luscious as yours.” You said all too sweetly in the face of such anger you had been presenting.

“Heh, heh…babe, you know that's my lin--OH NO!” Joseph shouted, as you yanked him down, knocked his hat off his head, and gave his hair a good ruffle to mess up all the work he had done using your products. 

“Don’t do it again, Joestar.” You hissed, in his face, now sporting a too-cute pout. It made your anger bank the slightest. You could never resist that face, even when he drove you utterly crazy. “Find us a good breakfast place baby, and I’ll forgive you.” Joseph’s face instantly brightened and he placed a big, old smooch on your cheek. 

“You’re in luck, baby because I know just the place.”

Muhammad Avdol 🔥🦅

He’s not going to be the biggest when it comes to calling you baby/babe

But please go ahead and call him baby/babe

He loves it

He loves it so much he finds himself doing more and more romantic things for you just to keep pulling the pet name from your lips

He’ll shower you in flowers and small gifts and forehead kisses and praises all to have you call him baby

When he’s feeling more goofy or happy, you’ll find him calling you baby/babe right back

So on the rare occasion you call him by name, he can’t help but feel disappointed

“Have I done something to upset you?” He’ll ask softly, brows furrowed as he focused his whole attention onto you. 

“What? No. Why would I be upset with you?” You asked, turning to face him fully, your own concern etched onto your face. “I was just asking for you to pass me another napkin.” 

“Oh.” Avdol mutters in a small voice you hardly ever heard him speak in. He hadn’t even heard your question, just the utter lack of the pet name. You watched him carefully as he grabbed a napkin from the small pile the waiter had brought the group. “Here you go.” 

“Thank you.” You said, taking the napkin from his warm fingers. He turned back to the food on his plate, taking his fork back into his hand but making no move to begin eating. 

Had you done something to upset him? 

You couldn’t think of a single thing that might have done that, but something was clearly wrong. You reached a hand out to brush your knuckles over his cheek, gaining the attention of those bright brown eyes of his. He leaned into your touch, giving you an all too pinched smile. 

“What’s up?” You asked, moving you knuckles over his cheek once more. 

“Nothing. Truly. How are you liking--” “Hey--stop. Tell me what I did, okay.” You watched him pause, eyes taking in yours before his hand came up to keep yours against his cheek.

“It’s silly.” He said and you could see the slight embarrassment rising in his features. 

“I doubt it. You can tell me.” He gave you a lovely smile, squeezing your hand gently. 

“You said my name. I told you, it’s very silly.” You knew what you’d done instantly. 

“Oh baby, I’m sorry.” That smile of his only grew at the pet name. “I--you’re name is just so beautiful I just want to use it here and there.” You felt the skin of his cheek grow even warmer at your words. 

“Geez--can you two get a room.” Polnareff huffed from where you sat beside Avdol, arms crossed and a deep pout on his lips.

“Jealous?” Avdol teased the Frenchmen with a rumbling chuckle. “I don’t have any doubt you’ll find someone to call baby soon.” You couldn’t help the smile that pulled to your lips at the flutter of happiness in your chest. 

“Me? Jealous? Never.” Polnareff contiuned as you moved to take Avdol’s hand within your own. You brought it to your lips, pressing a soft kiss his skin. Those brilliantly bright eyes turned back to find you once more at the touch. 

“I love you, baby.” You murmured against his skin. 

“I love you too…baby.” He said a small smirk on his lips that had a small laugh pull at your throat.

Noriaki Kakyoin 🍒💚

He’s not used to the whole relationship thing

So don’t expect him to instantly be calling you baby/babe 

He might not even say it all, feeling too--strange saying it

But go ahead a call him baby/babe

He likes it

No--no he loves it

He especially loves it when you call him baby/babe when excited

The spark in your eyes as you jump and giggle and call for him using that pet name to show him whatever had gotten you this excited is addicting to him

It's especially addicting when you take his hand in your excitement 

So when you call for him using his name, he’s frozen in his spot looking towards Mr. Joestar, Polnareff, and Avdol for help

Because they might have more insight into the situation than he ever would hope to have

“Oooo--you’re in trouble now.” Polnareff teases, making Kakyoin’s anxiety spike in his chest as the Frenchmen elbows Advol playfully, though the fortune teller made no move to help or laugh. 

“T-trouble? What did I do?” Kakyoin asked, racking his brain for anything he could have done to upset you. 

“Beats us bud.” Mr. Joestar added, his own snickers adding to Kakyoin’s stress. “I’m sure you’ll find out.”

“But--I didn’t do--” You call his name again, cutting off Kakyoin’s frantic rush to figure out what might be wrong off. He snapped around to find you all but bouncing down the street towards the group, Joatro following behind in his typical unhurried state. Kakyoin tried to catch Jotaro’s eye, to try to keep figuring out why you might possibly be using his name, but his friend kept the visor of his hat down. 

“Y-yes?” He asked as you came to a stop before him, a bright smile on your lips. 

You didn’t seem upset. You looked all too happy to be upset…but maybe it was a trap of some sort? Maybe you were trying to get him to drop his guard so you could better shout your anger at him. 

You paused in what you were about to say, brows furrowing as you took in his panicked and stressed state. 

“Something wrong?” You asked, only making the snickering from Polnareff and Mr. Joestar harder. You took in this and then his state and felt anger begin to build in your chest.

Had they said something to him? If they had, oh were you more than ready to give them hell. 

“Kakyoin, what happened?” He seemed to sink into himself, eyes winching as he scanned over your features, which were growing more and more pissed by the second. 

“I-I don’t know. I think--did I do something wrong? Did I upset you?”

“Do something wrong? Why would you think you did something wrong?” You asked, placing a hand on his arm in comfort. 

“I don’t know. You just said my name and I don’t know--” He gave a deep sigh, looking away from you as embarrassment began to creep into his eyes. 

“Wait--You’re name? That’s why you think something’s wrong? Because I said your name?” Kakyoin glanced back at you, a small shrug on his shoulders. 

“You only ever call me baby.” Your heart hurt a bit when he finally expressed what was truly bugging him. 

“I’m--no I’m not upset at you. I like your name. I like calling you baby. I like both so I just--switched. I’m sorry sweetheart.” You said, rubbing his arm to try and soothe him. Kakyoin seemed to relax, a smile pulling at his thin lips. 

“O-oh…I feel a bit silly now.” You pulled a bright smile to your lips as you shook your head.

“No. Baby, I don’t think so at all.” That stress continued to ease within Kakyoin and it only made you even happier. “Especially when you have those two idiots whispering in your ear no doubt.” You said, shooting them a daggered glare that had their snickers turned into their own panic. 

“Come on, I found this little tea shop that’s selling a cherry tea you need to try. It’s to die for!” You said, moving your hand down his arm to interlock your fingers within his. Kakyoin was more than happy to take it and follow you.

Jean Pierre Polnareff 💔🗡️

Deep inhale…

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE CALL THIS MAN BABY

CALL HIM BABE

CALL HIM BABY GIRL 

He needs you to call him every last pet name in the world and then some

And he’ll do it back

He’ll do it back SO MUCH LIKE

It’s in his DNA. He can’t help it. It needs to be said right alongside every other pet name and praise he can think up 

He’s bursting at the seams every morning to wake up and whisper a “good morning, baby.” against your lips 

And he’s just as excited to whisper a “good night, baby.” before you two drift asleep wrapped in each other's arms

He melts into a puddle every time you call him baby/babe

Like--just puddy in your hand

So when you say his name--not even his first name--he’s completely coming apart at the seams panicked.

“Mon coeur, what have I done to deserve such harsh treatment?” He cried, tears brimming in his gray eyes as he grabbed your hands up in his own. His lips peppered each with kisses, flipping them over so he could do the same thing to your palms and inner wrists. It was a flurry of kisses that had your slight annoyance ebbing in your chest even when you fought so hard to keep it. 

“You didn’t take me with you to grab supplies.” You played up your anger with a humph, turning your face away from his utterly forlorned one. 

“Forgive me, please. You were sleeping so peacefully. Like an angel. Mon Ange.” His kisses continued to travel up your arm. It made your skin tingle and your heart begin to beat rapidly in your chest. 

“When have I ever cared about you waking me up, Polnareff?” You said his name only to pull a mournful cry from his lips. “What if something had happened to you? What if you had gotten hurt? Hum? What then? That would kill me.” Polnareff’s lips left your skin only so that he could pull you into his arms, trying his best to find your gaze but you continued to look away. To turn him into a near whiny mess as you crossed your arms, preventing him from pulling you flush against his chest. 

You were serious about him going off on his own. He should never go off on his own while on this journey. Not when he had been attacked while all on his lonesome one too many times for your liking.

“Je suis désolé. Please forgive me.” You peeked a glance his way, keeping your features and eyes stern compared to his pleading, pouting face that nearly had you breaking down and forgetting about the whole thing.

“Promise me you’ll never do it again.” Polnareff nodded, pulling a hand away from you only so he could stick a pinky finger up. 

“I pinky promise, mon amour.” You eyed his pinky, then his big old puppy eyes and gave a soft sigh. Your pinky found its way around his and he gave it a gentle squeeze, which you gave right back. 

“I’m serious. I don’t know what I would do if you got--really hurt.” You said, feeling your heart twist painfully at the thought of your best friend and the love of your life getting more than hurt. Polnareff’s soft, needy features shifted suddenly into that of complete and utter seriousness as he leaned in closer to you. 

“I will try my best to keep myself safe, but I will do everything in my power to keep you safe above all else.” You watched him for a long moment. Watched him and just felt your love for him grow with each passing second. 

You gave in fully then, pulling your hand away from his so that you could gently cup his cheeks. You stood on your tippy toes to press a soft, tender kiss to those warm lips of his. Lips that had stars bursting behind your eyes and making you feel like you were standing on top of the world. He sighed into your kiss, holding you tighter against him and never once threatening to let go.

“Amour?” He questioned, keeping his forehead pressed to yours. You opened your eyes to find that soft, needy look had returned. 

“Yes?” 

“Please call me baby. I cannot take it any longer.” He begged, a deep blush crawling over his cheeks and neck. You chuckled, rubbing circles into his pink-dusted cheeks. 

“Baby,” A bright smile pulled at his lips, his grip pulling you ever closer. “I love you.”

“Je t’amie.” He whispered before claiming your lips all over again.

Iggy 🐕💨

CALL THIS PUPPY A GOOD SWEET BABY BOY 

Give him some coffee-flavored gum while you do and you’ve got yourself a loyal companion for life

Will only let you pick him up, pet him, and scratch his belly once you’ve gained his trust

He’ll grow so loyal he’ll start getting a bit possessive of you if any other the Crasuders make you upset or threaten to even touch you

Their hair

Gone

Their lungs

Invaded with the foul smell of a ripe fart

Call him a baby while he falls asleep in your lap 

Just

Please call him a good, sweet baby

He’s ugly and a bit of a menace but he just needs someone to be gentle and sweet to him

“Whose the best baby boy in the world? Hum? Who is?” You ask as you pepper kiss upon kiss to his ugly little face. Iggy's little tail is waggling so much it's moving his whole body in his excitement. “The most handsome baby boy in the whole world.” 

“The most handsome? Hardly.” Polnareff huffs from where he sits next to you on the ground, arms crossed and eyes staring daggers up at the dog. “Have you seen me? I’m a cute baby boy too.” He huffs, making Iggy pause in his excitement. 

“Polnareff, you are fighting with a dog.” Polnareff growls. 

“That is no mere dog. No. That’s a devil. A foul beast come straight from hell itself to torment my innocent soul.” Polnareff hisses making you roll your eyes. 

“So mean to the itty bitty baby.” You said, voice turning back into that of a coo, placing another smooching kiss on Iggy’s stubby muzzle. Though, Iggy had now set his buggish blue eyes on Polnareff. 

“What’s he looking at?” Polnareff asked, panic rising in his voice.  

“What? This baby? He’s just looking at you. Probably wants a pet.” Polnareff’s eyes fly wide as he rushes to his feet, trying to create as much distance as he can between him and the dog. 

“Keep the demon away from me and my hair. I just fixed it.” He all but whined as Iggy began to wiggle in your grip, a growl on his lips. 

“He hardly did any damage. He’s just a good baby.” You said, loosening your grip on the short-haired dog. 

“Hardly any damage!” Polnareff shouted, taking on a defensive stance. “He tore it out!” You huffed, patting Iggy’s round belly as he continued to pull himself from your grip. 

“It wasn’t that--” Iggy shot from your arms and latched onto Polnareff’s face, becoming a storm of teeth and farts and growls that had you wincing in pity for the Frenchman, who shouted and screamed away. “…bad.”

[starrycassi]

I think a lot of young queers folks (like me. Not trying to be all elderly about this I'm literally a gen z) today need to watch the good oldies about our community.

⚠️: I don't mean, in any way shape or form to insult the newer queer shows/movies. I love SPOP. I love TOH. I read and loved Heart stopper. However, because of the restraint of mainstream media, they have a very... palatable?? way to portray the community. I am NOT blaming the creators (who I'm sure would love to go a bit further down on their portrayals if given the option)

SO! I have nice recommendations that I, personally, enjoy a lot. They're in no particular order.

A classic, for starters. But I'm a cheerleader!: Very campy, barbie-y, funny and free on YouTube. A cheerleader is sent to a conversation camp when her social circle realizes that she might be into girls. (It has a very unrealistic portrayal of conversation camps, though. Very cartoony) my comfort movie fr fr

Priscilla, queen of the desert: A trio of drag queens travel across the desert on a big, old bus. They fight, there's some falling in love. They talk a lot about gender identity, queer childhoods and similar topics. I've only been able to find this one (and most of the ones on this list, since I don't have any streaming devices) on illegal websites. There's very, very direct homophobia, SA, physical abuse, child neglect, yk, the American dream. The queens are the funnier thing ever, the romance plotlines are absolutely delightful and well-rounded. Focuses a bit more on the community itself and interpersonal relationships. All around, a solid 10/10.

Kinky boots: A very prude, engaged man inherits a shoe fabric. He's running out of ideas to stay in business, until he meets a drag queen. Same warnings (and themes!) as the last one. This one has a stronger focus on how the characters become more accepting and how our queen navigates being faced with them. I've rewatched it like a hundred times.

The birdcage (2000's) or le cauge aux folles (1970'): A gay couple runs a drag club. Their son brings home a conservative girlfriend and her family. This is more comedy lenient, but funny as fuck nonetheless.

Paris is burning: this one is a documentary, btw. Focuses on the life of drag queens in the 80's. Nothing I didn't already say on Priscilla tbh.

Saving face: A chinese-american girl that lives in a VERY conservatory and secluded community is trying (and failing) not to fall in love with a ballerina. At the same time, her mother (a widow, how scandalous!) gets mysteriously pregnant and gets kicked out of their family home. This one will hit close to home if you're from any ethnic, homophobic household. Cried a lot. Then cried some more. Happy ending, though!

D.E.B.S: THIS IS THE FUNNIEST, CUTEST MOVIE EVER. It's a full on romance comedy for when the mind is a bit too tired! The main plot is that, in a school of girls being trained to be top-notch spies (very totally spies type) a girl who's the top of her class falls in love with the biggest villainess they ever faced. More of a coming of age thing, that also explores the good old dilemma of choosing what the hell you're supposed to do with your life once you turn 18 (relatable tbh)

And now, for a book (in Spanish, though) we have "Las Malas": Narrated by a trans, poor prostitute. Extremely realistic in its narrative voice, cruel and very hurtful sometimes. This is actually one of my favorite books ever, it's so fucking underrated that I'm going to die if no one reads it. There's EVERYTHING. It genuinely drives me crazy to read this. We have queer moms, a child found in a freezing park, suicides, literally anything happens. I love it.

If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE drop them. I'm begging u

[violetvines]

hey i LOVED your averyjameson fic, and i was wondering if you could write one for grayson and lyra but with a teen girl, i think that would be so cute x

aww thank you, i'm glad you loved it! :P i hope i did gray and lyra justice, i present to you....

born to be free 🎀

summary: gabriela hawthorne was born to be free, not to be controlled. which is why she hesitates to tell her father, who, by the way, has the need to be in control all the time, of her whereabouts after returning late one night (considering the fact that she went for a party). grayson hawthorne will not yield until he gets his answers and his daughter will not back down either... that is, until lyra kane comes into the picture, playing her role as a true queen of hearts.

characters: grayson hawthorne, lyra kane, gabriela hawthorne [their daughter]

warnings: slight innuendos

a/n: gabriela, because g, and it's a pretty name <3 also omg the grayson and lyra scene (i hope i captured the romantic tension nicely)

Sometimes, silence was the best way to answer a question.

Those were words from Grayson Hawthorne himself, and as his daughter, Gabriela Hawthorne was no stranger to those words. Which is why she usually used her father's words against him.

The silence dragged on in the living room, Grayson's eyes never straying from the newspaper he had in his lap. If Gabriela could guess, he was trying to solve a crossword puzzle. He didn't have a pencil – he usually solved the games with his mind.

She was sitting in an armchair, the one close to the fireplace. Yes, their house had a fireplace, thanks to her father's old soul. She almost rolled her eyes. The house had a very old money feel to it, not her favourite aesthetic, but it was comfortable enough.

"I asked you a question," Grayson tried again, reiterating what he said a minute ago. "Why did you return so late last night?"

He could've asked her where she had been, but no, Grayson Hawthorne had to kill two birds with one stone, as always. She knew that him asking her "why" would lead to her telling him "when", "where" and "how".

She absent-mindedly scrolled through her Pinterest, trying to think of what to say. Her father was extremely overprotective, and she had a feeling that she would be sitting through a half-hour lecture if she actually told him where she'd been last night.

"I was at Emma's," she said, as convincingly as possible, using the skills she learnt as a Hawthorne, "we were working on a project due next week."

There was a crack as he straightened the newspaper in his lap.

"You were not."

That was it. That was all he said. And all the while, he still hadn't taken his eyes off the crossword on the newspaper page.

Attempting to change the topic, Gabriela spoke up again. "You seem to be awfully good at multitasking."

"I'm good at everything I do," he replied, slightly raising an eyebrow, "that is how it should be." Of course, everything he did had to be perfect.

As if a switch had been clicked, he lowered his newspaper and locked eyes with her.

"And I hope to be a good father too." He said it softly, sincerely.

Gabriela knew she was lucky because from what she had heard from her mother, a heavy burden of expectations had been placed on her father's shoulders when he was younger. She knew she was lucky because Grayson had every reason to continue that vicious cycle by placing impossible expectations on her shoulders and raising her to be the perfect child. But he didn't. He just wanted to see her happy. She knew he was trying not to pressure her into doing things she didn't want to do, and when she made a mistake, he never scolded her for it. He only told her to keep trying.

Sometimes, she wished he could treat himself the same way he treated her.

"You weren't at Emma's yesterday," he continued, "and you didn't answer my question."

"I asked you why you returned so late, not where you were or what you were doing."

"So... now you're telling me I don't know where I went and what I did last night?"

Sometimes, she couldn't help feeling a little annoyed with Grayson. She knew he had her best interests at heart, but his overprotectiveness could make him a controlling parent. And Gabriela?

She was not born to be controlled. She was born to be free. At least, that's what her mother had constantly told her when she was a child.

"No. I'm telling you that I know where you weren't last night, and you know where you were."

She couldn't tell if he actually knew she hadn't been at Emma's house or if he was testing her. That was one thing she hated about talking to him. She frequently found herself caught in his traps.

She was saved when her mother walked into the living room, taking a seat beside her father.

"Yes, love?" He asked her, immediately setting the newspaper aside.

"Give me that." Lyra reached for the newspaper across his lap, and he let her take it. Grayson Hawthorne never let people take things from him, he never just let things happen, but for her mother, he would always make an exception, Gabriela knew.

"How many left?" Lyra asked.

As Grayson leaned over to point out the last row that was blank, Lyra took the opportunity to give her daughter a wink. So she was distracting him for her. Gabriela flashed her a small smile. She loved her mother so, so much. She understood her like no one else did.

She made to slowly get up from her chair, noticing how Grayson's attention was all on Lyra.

Her mother read out the clue. It was a simple word but it meant everything to Gabriela.

"Freedom," she said, "and seven blanks."

Grayson opened his mouth, but Lyra beat him to the answer. "Liberty."

He gave her a mock frown, and by the time this happened, she was already creeping up the stairs to her bedroom. She gently shut the door just as Lyra burst out into fits of laughter, probably making fun of Grayson or something. She loved doing that, and he loved letting her do that. Gabriela knew that Grayson knew as much as her that there was no good in trying to stop Lyra Kane. Once you decided to stop her, she would do the exact opposite – continue until she was done. She was unyielding, like the force of a tide, but she also had an air of grace, like a ballerina.

"Not like," she thought to herself. Her mother had done ballet when she was younger. She was a ballerina, had been.

She turned and gave her room a once over, then walked over to her bed, pulling back the covers before flopping down on it.

But she didn't go to sleep.

"I know what you were trying to do," Grayson told Lyra, after he had finally set the newspaper back into its designated rack in the corner of the living room. He turned around to find her sprawled on the sofa, occupying its entire length, facing him. He raised an eyebrow at her. She raised one back.

Gosh, he hated it when she did that. He hated it when she challenged him and he hated the fact that every part of him that was formidable would dissipate in the second she did something like that.

She was his undoing, he was sure of it. Ever since he heard her voice on the line, some part of him knew.

Her message was clear: she was taking the sofa, and if he wanted his space back, he'd have to forget it and move to the armchair or...

He walked to the sofa, stopped directly before it. Lyra continued staring at him, arms crossed, eyes widened in innocence.

"What?"

Grayson swallowed. Then, he leaned over and placed both hands on either side of her, trapping her face, only inches from his. Lyra could see the rise and fall of his chest, as if he were containing himself. She smirked.

He lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, repeating his previous statement.

"I know what you were trying to do. I know what you are trying to do."

Her gaze slid to his striking gray eyes, then strategically moved to his lips. "Is it working?"

He shut his eyes for a second.

Nice try, Lyra. But not today. Not tonight.

He pulled back, took a few steps back. Lyra nearly laughed. She loved the effect she had on him. Never mind what had just happened, she would get her compensation soon enough. What mattered was that Gabriela managed to escaped a night of interrogations. She planned to keep it that way.

"Fine, go ahead and resist me." She finally got up, and positioned herself right before Grayson. "You won't last long."

This time, he looked directly into her eyes. Circled both arms around her waist. Lowered himself so that their lips were nearly touching.

He never knew when he was hitting his target, but this time, he could tell he had, by the way her pupils dilated. "You first," he smirked.

She smacked him on the shoulder. "I'm not the one who looked like they were constipated earlier."

"Constipated?" He scrunched his face. He nearly retracted his hands but she held them in place with her own.

"What was I trying to do?" She asked him now, curious about what he had to say. He could try, but she was very good at deflecting. It was hard to say who was going to win.

"Distract me." He replied almost immediately, all the feeling in the room moments before already disappearing.

He gently removed his hands and used them to smooth down her hair. "What is she hiding from me?" He continued, seemingly deep in thought.

Lyra sighed. Looks like her plan to deflect had fallen flat. She couldn't change the topic without him getting suspicious, and she worried that he would take matters into his own hands if he started suspecting anything. Internally, she shook her head. There was no need for any PI business or anything of the sort.

She decided to tell him the news herself. At least Gabriela wouldn't have to go through the process of answering question after question.

Before she could say anything, his eyes narrowed and he directed a question to her. "You know, don't you?" She could see the wheels turning in his head, and all the while, he hadn't stopped stroking her hair. As much as she liked that, she took his hands and led him back to the sofa. He watched her carefully, as if he expected her to lie down on it again, but she only sat down. He sat next to her.

"I do." He looked at her expectantly.

"I know that she knows what she's doing. I know that she knows how to make the best decisions for herself." She paused, carefully shifting her gaze to look directly at him. "And I also know that you want to protect her. I know that's the only reason you do what you do."

"But to her... it can seem controlling, Gray."

Grayson sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He did this every time he found himself at a particularly difficult crossroads. He always did this when he was feeling troubled.

"I know, love." He dropped his hand into his lap.

"But I just can't help it. My family means everything to me, and if anything is threatening their safety, I make sure the threat is neutralised, swiftly."

Lyra took his hand in hers. "That's one of the things I love most about you, Grayson Davenport Hawthorne. But sometimes, the best thing one can do is... to just let things run their course before blocking their movement."

"My dance teacher constantly emphasised the importance of fluidity over rigidity," she began, but stopped as she noticed Grayson's eyes widen slightly. He knew she didn't like talking about her dancing days. She gave him a small smile that meant "it's okay".

"What I mean is... being protective isn't a bad thing, but giving her a chance to make her own choices and face their consequences may have some good of its own."

Grayson opened his mouth to speak, but she placed one finger over his lips, shushing him for a moment longer.

"I'm sure you can agree that any choice a Hawthorne makes is never a bad choice." She raised her eyebrows and could see Grayson's earlier taut expression loosening.

"Besides, she's well-behaved, Gray, and we've raised her well. I trust that she thinks about her choices well enough before choosing them."

He thought about it. Nodded slowly. "Lyra..."

"Mhm?"

"I'm going to go talk to her."

"But she's probably asleep–"

"I want to hear it from her. I want her to trust me." He wrapped his arms around Lyra and brought her closer to his chest. Kissed her on the head.

"Thank you for talking to me, love. You always know what to say."

She rolled her eyes. "Not always."

"Shhhh," he said, "you are my always."

She looked up at him, then surprised him with a quick peck on the lips.

"You know I could stay here all night," he wound his arms around her tighter. "I'll only get up because I know we have the rest of our lives."

Lyra got up first. "See you later, Hawthorne," she winked.

He shook his head. Lyra Kane, his undoing. There was one more thing he had to say to her.

"Also... we both know she isn't asleep, right?"

She turned and looked at him. "What do you think?"

He answered with a knowing smile.

Gabriela rushed back to her room before Grayson reached the bottom landing. She had eavesdropped on part of the conversation.

She lay in bed, under the covers, which she had wrinkled, so that it looked like she had been asleep for a while now. Slowing her breaths, she turned to face away from the door.

Three knocks sounded. She nearly didn't give an answer until three words were uttered.

"Hey... my little queen of spades."

She opened her eyes. That was what Grayson had nicknamed her as a kid. He even went so far as to call her "Your Majesty" back then.

"Can I come in?"

Gabriela sighed. She had heard the last few words of his and Lyra's conversation, so she didn't really know why she was still pretending. Maybe it was anticipation of what would happen next. Would he question her continuously, like he did countless times before? Would he listen to what she had to say?

"Yeah," she muttered, hoping he didn't hear. But of course he did.

She turned on her nightstand lamp just as he stepped inside. She kept silent, waiting for the flurry of questions that was sure to come. Grayson walked over to a chair and sat down.

"Your mother spoke to me... about how... controlling I can be sometimes." Gabriela noticed how he struggled to form the sentence. He wasn't used to admitting that being in control was more bad than good. She appreciated him trying.

"But I need you to know that it is not my intention to appear that I am controlling your life. I only want to protect you and... I think it clouds my judgment more often than not." He trailed off, and the room fell into silence again. She knew how hard it was for him to admit things like this. He wasn't used to being unsure.

Gabriela decided to give him a chance. Because that's exactly what her mother did long ago, when she decided to pick up the phone and call Grayson Hawthorne. When she took part in the Grandest Game and ended up on his team. When she saw how scarred his soul was, but didn't choose to give up him on him because he hadn't given up on her.

"I know, dad." The corner of his mouth tilted up at the sound of that.

"I... I'm sorry if it made you feel like you can't trust me anymore. I–"

"It's alright," she said softly. "I may not have felt like telling you certain things, but I do trust you."

"I trust that you have my best intentions at heart."

"That I do." He said it with so much conviction, no one would have dared to argue.

Another lapse of silence.

Sometimes, silence was the best way to answer a question.

"But not all the time," Gabriela thought. "Not now."

She broke the silence. "I didn't fully lie, you know. I was at a party, but I stopped by at Emma's house so that we could go together."

She could tell that Grayson was having a hard time keeping silent, not wanting to pressure her with questions. "Our classmate invited us," she added quickly, in case he had the wrong idea, "she lives a few blocks down from Emma's. I didn't touch alcohol or anything, I mostly just did a bunch of karaoke. And no one approached me... they wouldn't have dared. I stuck with Emma and the girls the whole time."

She didn't think Grayson had ever been to a casual party. Even if he had been to one, he would've been severely overdressed. His love for suits and all.

She half expected him to start his Q&A, even after her explanations, but what he said next shocked her.

"Okay."

"You're not going to question me about it?"

He thought about his answer. "No. But I do have one question."

She sighed. "Shoot."

"Can you promise me that you'll not be afraid of telling me things like this in the future?"

"I'll make you one promise, in return. I promise I'll do what I can to be less... overbearing. To let you have your freedom." He took a deep breath. "I don't want to be your cage, the reason you feel like a trapped bird."

Gabriela was touched. Nearly sniffled. He was truly making an effort.

"As long as you hold up your end of your promise, I'll promise you, and hold up mine."

"Deal." He concluded.

Then, they smiled at each other. The moment was broken when Grayson said, "Have I ever told you of a story where I was dragged to a party by your aunt Gigi?"

"What?! No way." Gabriela nearly laughed at the ridiculous thought. But then again... if Gigi really was involved...

"And I was forced to wear shorts, can you believe it?" This made her mouth drop open.

"You, Grayson Hawthorne, in shorts?"

He nodded, grimacing slightly. "Would you like to hear the story?"

"Do you even need to ask?" She asked him back.

This time, he grinned. An actual grin.

"Once upon a time..."

"You can skip that part, dad. I'm not a little girl anymore." Gabriela wouldn't admit it, but hearing bedtime stories when she had been younger had been her favourite activity of the day.

Grayson ignored her and only continued, sounding a little more cheerful than usual.

"I love you, dad." She said in her head. And knowing that her mother was part of the reason of this change, her inner voice also thanked her silently.

[empresskadia]

I can’t stop thinking about Mistress Warden-Commnader Surana/Amell to King Alistair—it’s living rent-free in my brain! In my first playthrough of Dragon Age: Origins, I went with Warrior Cousland because, honestly, Noble Lady with an axe? Yes, please. But there’s just something about Mage Elf/Human Surana/Amell as Mistress to the King that scratches a very specific itch.

I mean, in that playthrough, I had Alistair marry Anora for the sake of stability and preventing civil unrest. But the idea of Surana/Amell staying on as his mistress and being the real power behind the throne? Absolutely perfect. Like, she’s just there, controlling everything, and everyone knows it. And the best part? She’s perfectly happy with that arrangement.

Picture this: Surana/Amell lounging in Alistair’s chambers, casually munching on chocolate-covered strawberries, when she makes some off-handed remark about a political matter—and of course, Alistair immediately goes through with it. No questions asked. She’s the one standing beside him at formal events, commanding respect and intrigue, with her full title trailing behind her like a reminder: Warden-Commander Surana/Amell, Hero of Ferelden, Mistress to the King.

And here’s the thing—Surana/Amell owns it. She’s content with her life because she gets to do her own thing: running the Grey Wardens, dabbling in magic, and occasionally poking at political affairs, all without anyone telling her what to do. It’s the ultimate freedom, and Alistair being head over heels for her is just the icing on the cake. When she’s away, he’s this sad puppy missing her terribly, but the moment she returns? Full golden retriever energy, tail-wagging (metaphorically, of course), and a grand ball thrown in her honor.

But here’s where it gets fun: Even Anora eventually warms up to Surana/Amell. They have this mutual respect, maybe even a friendship, built on tea-drinking sessions and political discussions. And when Anora needs Alistair to do something he’s dragging his feet about? She knows exactly where to go: Surana/Amell. Because, let’s face it, if anyone can convince Alistair to get his act together, it’s her.

That said, Anora can absolutely be a total bitch to Surana/Amell sometimes, and that adds some delicious drama to the dynamic. Surana/Amell, of course, doesn’t even flinch. She’s just sitting there like, “I’m a badass Warden, a mage who survived the Circle, and the king will never love you as much as he adores me. Try me.” And honestly, Anora’s frustration over this makes for some amazing tension. But deep down? Anora knows exactly how important Surana is to keeping Ferelden (and Alistair) running smoothly, so it’s this fascinating love-hate dynamic.

And then there’s Alistair. Once he figures out his lineage and starts to feel secure in his role, you know he’d push for a child with Surana/Amell to take the throne someday. The nobles would be losing their minds, but Alistair? He’d be 100% on board. It doesn’t help that, much to everyone’s dismay, he doesn't bother to visit the queen’s chambers. His heart—and let’s be honest, his brain—are entirely with Surana/Amell.

And then the drama really kicks off when Alistair decides to make it official. Imagine the court’s reaction when he publicly declares Surana’s/Amell's title: Official Mistress to the King. He does it at a grand event, all smiles and with a glowing introduction that only makes his adoration more obvious. The hall is dead silent for a beat before whispers ripple through the nobles like wildfire. Scandalized gasps, angry mutterings, and the occasional choking on wine—everyone has something to say about it.

For her part, Surana/Amell is unfazed. She just stands there, calm as ever, with a slight smirk as if daring anyone to challenge her. Alistair? Completely oblivious to the outrage on purpose. He’s too busy grinning at her like a lovesick puppy. Meanwhile, Anora looks like she’s trying to decide whether to laugh or scream, all while calculating how to manage the fallout.

The fallout is immediate, of course. Nobles protest, claiming it’s an affront to Ferelden’s traditions. Anora is bombarded with demands to “rein in her husband,” which she pointedly ignores because she knows better. The court is a hotbed of gossip and outrage, but none of it matters—because Alistair made it official, and Surana isn’t going anywhere.

Honestly, I love the whole dynamic. The Mage Elf/Human who broke free of the Circle, became the Hero of Ferelden, and now wields her influence not from a throne, but from the shadows, with wit, charm, and undeniable power. It’s deliciously unconventional and exactly the kind of chaotic energy Ferelden deserves. And half the court hates her for it.

Random written scene

The grand hall of the Arl’s estate was alive with the hum of conversation and the glitter of finely wrought jewels and polished armor. Nobles dipped their heads in deference as King Alistair Theirin entered, his golden hair catching the light like a crown all its own. The room seemed to hold its breath as he walked, his presence commanding every gaze, yet his eyes sought only one person.

Warden-Commander Surana/Amell stood near the far end of the room, a glass of wine in her hand and a bemused smile playing on her lips. Draped in a sleek, deep blue gown that complimented her features, she was impossible to miss. Beside her, a cluster of courtiers whispered in hushed tones, eyes darting between her and the approaching king.

As Alistair reached the center of the hall, the crowd dropped to one knee, bowing in respect. A wave of silks, velvets, and armor sank around him like a sea parting before its king. Surana/Amell arched an eyebrow, her smile deepening as she casually tilted her wine glass. She waited a beat longer than necessary before setting it down on a nearby table, preparing to follow suit.

But as she began to lower herself, Alistair was there, closing the distance in a few quick strides.

“No, you don’t,” he said firmly, his voice carrying just enough to stop her—and a few others—mid-motion.

Surana/Amell froze, her eyes narrowing in playful defiance. “Oh? Since when do I not bow to the King of Ferelden?” Her tone was light, teasing, but the room had gone unnervingly silent, every pair of eyes now fixed on them.

Alistair gave her one of his trademark grins, saved only for her, the boyish one that softened the edges of his crown. The one she loved the most. “Since the king decided that his lover doesn’t bow to him. Ever.” His voice was warm, but there was no mistaking the command in it.

The tension in the room thickened as nobles exchanged scandalized looks, some outright gaping at the open acknowledgment.

Surana/Amell tilted her head, considering him for a moment as if juggling her options. Then, with a small chuckle, she straightened back to her full height—or as full as her diminutive elven frame allowed. She crossed her arms and gave him a mock-glare. “You know, Alistair, you make it very hard to be properly deferential in public.”

“Good,” he replied, stepping closer until only a breath of space remained between them. His grin softened into something more tender as he added, “Because I’d rather everyone here remember you’re just as equal as me, not someone who bends the knee.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, but neither of them paid it any mind. Surana let out a soft sigh, shaking her head, but the smile that curved her lips was unmistakable. “You really do enjoy stirring the pot, don’t you?”

“Only if it means reminding everyone how lucky I am,” he murmured, so quietly only she could hear.

With that, he extended his hand to her, palm up, an unspoken invitation. Surana/Amell hesitated for half a heartbeat before placing her hand in his. Together, they turned to face the room, and Alistair’s voice rang out loud and clear: “Rise, all of you. This is a celebration, not a coronation.”

The nobles stood, though many looked unsure, their gazes flickering between the king and the Warden-Commander at his side. This was the most public the king had ever gotten with his mistress. But Alistair paid them no mind, guiding Surana/Amell toward the head table with an easy confidence that dared anyone to challenge him.

And as they ascended the dais, it was clear to everyone: Warden-Commander Surana/Amell might not have a crown, but in the eyes of their king, she was already his queen.

[deadlyflames]

This is a playlist I made for a fic I'm working on to explore an au post 3x09 where Klaus actually reacts to the MFG recruiting Mikael to try to kill him. And things go down hill for everyone from there.

This is definitely a dark (kinda toxic) version of Klonnie, but I like dark ships ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Let Me Crawl Inside Your Veins

I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME - Choke ~ "if I could burn this town, I wouldn't hesitate to smile while you suffocate and die"

MILCK - Devil Devil ~ "to think I would ever settle for that devious dance between you and me"

Scissor Sisters - I Can’t Decide ~ "I can't decide whether you should live or die"

Melanie Martinez - Tag, You’re It ~ "little bit of poison in me, I can taste your skin in my teeth"

Shinedown - I Own You ~ "strip down, show me flesh and bone, cause now I own you"

Nicole Dollanganger - Dog Teeth ~ "you draw blood just to taste it, you hold bones just to break them"

Depeche Mode - Corrupt ~ "you'd be calling out my name, begging me to play my games"

Florence + The Machine - Seven Devils ~ "I've come to burn your kingdom down, and no fires and no lakes can put the fire out"

Sickick - Mind Games ~ "once I grip onto your mind and soul your brightness starts to dim"

Ellise - Nightmares ~ "so sick of thinking of all the things you need from me, who you think that I should be"

I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME - Bleed Magic ~ "to drain you, and bleed your magic out"

Blood Red Shoes - God Complex ~ "you left me high and you left me dry, then you fed me to the wolves"

Shayfer James - Villainous Thing ~ "cause youre a villainous thing, and I don't think anyone knows"

Digital Daggers - The Devil Within ~ "I'm gonna make you suffer, this hell you put me in, I'm underneath your skin, the devil within"

Muse - Undisclosed Desires ~ "I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart"

Valerie Broussard - A Little Wicked ~ "to that king I will bow, at least for now; one of these days a-comin', I'm gonna take that boy's crown"

Miike Snow - Genghis Khan ~ "but you can't be free, cause I'm selfish, I'm obscene"

Blue Foundation - Eyes on Fire ~ "and I'm not scared of your stolen power, see right through you any hour"

Rosenfeld - I Want To ~ "your on my mind, been there all night, I've been missing seeing my midnight queen"

renforshort - mind games ~ "taking up my headspace, sleeping in your brain, I swear this boy is deadly, he loves these silly games"

Air Traffic Controler - This Is Love ~ "you could kill me and you should, I'm an idiot for thinking this was anything but blood"

BANKS - Beggin For Thread ~ "strapped down to something that you don't understand, don't know what you were getting yourself into"

Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You ~ "I hate everything about you, why do I love you?"

Halsey - Hold Me Down ~ "I sold my soul to a three-piece and he told me I was holy, he's got me down on both knees, but it's the devil that's tryna hold me down"

The Bravery - Hatef - - k ~ "I will show no mercy for you, you had no mercy for me, the only thing that I ask, love me mercilessly"

Florence + The Machine - Howl ~ "drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart, my fingers claw your skin, try to tear my way in"

Troye Sivan - BITE ~ "you can coax the cold right out of me, drape me in your warmth"

Daughter - Landfill ~ "'cause this is torturous, electricity between both of us, and this is dangerous, 'cause I want you so much, but I hate your guts"

Super Pipo - I Wanna Be Your Slave ~ "I wanna make you quiet, I wanna make you nervous, I wanna set you free but I'm too fucking jealous"

girl in red - bad idea! ~ "you pushed me up against my wall, threw my clothes down on the floor, 'darling, are you ready for more?'"

Nine Inch Nails - Closer ~ "I wanna fuck you like an animal, my whole existence is flawed, you get me closer to God"

Halsey - Young God ~ "there's a light in the crack that's separating your thighs, and if you wanna go to heaven, you should fuck me tonight"

SIAMES - The Wolf ~ "out of my head, of my heart and my mind, 'cause I can feel how your flesh now is crying out for more"

Lana Del Ray - Once Upon a Dream ~ "yet I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem, but if I know you, I know what you'll do, you'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream"

Dutch Melrose - RUNRUNRUN ~ "run for your life, gonna tear out your heart, it'll always be mine, oh, there she go losing my head, say you'll love me to death"

Melanie Martinez - Toxic ~ "with a taste of your lips, I'm on a ride, you're toxic, I'm slippin' under, with a taste of a poison paradise, I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic?"

Aesthetic Perfection - Big Bad Wolf ~ "because, my dear, you look so good, you're good enough to eat, I'll never let you, once I have sunk in my teeth into you"

AURORA - A Dangerous Thing ~ "something about you is soft like an angel, and something inside you is violence and danger, I knew from the moment we met, you are a dangerous thing"

Reignwolf - I Want You ~ "I get the feeling that you just don't understand, I'm crying wolf and I'll always be your man"

BANKS - Waiting Game ~ "what if the way we started made it something cursed from the start? what if it only gets colder? would you still wrap me up and tell me that you think this was smart?"

The Brobecks - If You Like It Or Not ~ "oh my girl, just give me a chance, I don't want to explain, I just want to dance on the graves, on the graves of every girl that I knew before you, they're all dead to me too"

Zella Day - Shadow Preachers ~ "I close my eyes, just close the door, you want a minute, I'll give you more, maybe I don't want you either, we're both unsettled, nighttime creatures"

Neon Trees - Your Surrender ~ "I got close to your skin while you were sleeping, I taste the salt on your hands, I reached out to touch you, the morning light disarms you, won't you let me in?"

Charli XCX - enemy ~ "you’re the only one who knows the way I’m really feelin’, now it’s really clear to me, you could do a little damage, you could cut me deeper, maybe you’re my enemy"

Sleeping At Last - Dark Horse ~ "So you wanna play with magic, girl you should know what youre falling for, baby do you dare to do this"

Billie Eilish - ocean eyes ~ "I'm scared, I've never fallen from quite this high, falling into your ocean eyes"

The Neighbourhood - A Little Death ~ "I want you to touch me there, make me feel like I'm breathing, feel like I'm human"

Of Monsters and Men - Silhouettes ~ "a thousand silhouettes dancing on my chest, no matter where I sleep, you are haunting me"

Hozier - NFWMB ~ "give your heart and soul to charity, 'cause the rest of you, the best of you, honey, belongs to me"

Melanie Martinez - Carousel ~ "and it's all fun and games 'til somebody falls in love, but you already bought a ticket and there's no turning back now"

Muse - I Belong to You ~ "How much pain has cracked your soul? How much love would make you whole? You're my guiding lightning strike"

Billie Eilish - hostage ~ "let me crawl inside your veins, I'll build a wall, give you a ball and chain, it's not like me to be so mean, you're all I wanted, just let me hold you like a hostage"

BOBI ANDONOV, Son Lux - Smoke - Son Lux Remix ~ "now you got me where you want me cause I'm on the ropes, baby, don't make me rush, 'cause I only wanna save you slow and breathe you in like smoke"

Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams ~ "Nothing lasts forever, but this is gonna take me down, he's so tall and handsome as hell, he's so bad, but he does it so well"

The Civil Wars - Poison and Wine ~ "oh, your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine, you think your dreams are the same as mine, oh, I don't love you, but I always will"

Stateless - Bloodstream ~ "I think I might've inhaled you, I could feel you behind my eyes, you've gotten into my bloodstream, I could feel you flowing in me"

Beyoncé - Crazy In Love - Remix ~ "it's the way that you know what I thought I knew, it's the beat that my heart skips when I'm with you, but I still don't understand just how your love can do what no one else can"

Måneskin - FOR YOUR LOVE ~ "I wanna be a good man and see you smile, and I wanna swim between your thighs, I wanna fuck you 'til you scream and cry, I wanna hold you in my arms tonight"

Florence + The Machine - Cosmic Love ~ "The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out, you've left me in the dark, no dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight in the shadow of your heart"

Fall Out Boy - The Last Of The Real Ones ~ "I am a collapsing star with tunnel vision, but only for you, my head is stripped just like a screw that’s been tightened too many times, when I think of you"

Paris Paloma - the fruits ~ "As you eat it up whole, my body and my blood, you've claimed it now, so come drink up"

Tamino - Persephone ~ "indeed, it's wrong to keep you near me, one could call me cruel and deceiving, but in your sacred air I am full of light, your loving arms are the true delight"

Halsey - Graveyard ~ "it's funny how the warning signs can feel like they're butterflies, 'cause I keep diggin' myself down deeper, I won't stop 'til I get where you are"

Tom Odell - Can’t Pretend ~ "oh, feel our bodies grow, and our souls they play, yeah love I hope you know how much my heart depends"

Lana Del Ray - Dark Paradise ~ "every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, no one compares to you, I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side"

Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine? ~ "satisfaction feels like a distant memory, and I can't help myself, all I wanna ever say is, 'Are you mine?'"

Avril Lavigne - I Fell In Love With The Devil ~ "got me playin' with fire, baby, hand me the lighter, tastes just like danger, chaotic anger"

Hozier - Sunlight ~ "I had been lost to you, sunlight, and flew like a moth to you, sunlight, oh, sunlight, oh, your love is sunlight"

Fleurie - Love and War ~ "broken pieces of the night, sing like hollow lullabies, you and I, always in disguises; lover, hunter, friend and enemy, you will always be every one of these"

Tamer - Beautiful Crime ~ "take what you need, say your goodbyes, I gave you everything and it's a beautiful crime"

The Crane Wives - Pretty Little Things ~ "but trust is now something I make people earn, so I'm not inclined to just give it away to a pair of blue eyes with some nice things to say"

alt-J - Breezeblocks ~ "please don't go, I'll eat you whole, I love you so, I love you so, I love you so"

Billie Eilish - Bored ~ "givin' you what you're beggin' for, givin' you what you say I need, I don't want any settled scores, I just want you to set me free"

Steve Lacy - Dark Red ~ "why I feel this way, I don't know, baby I think of her so much, it drives me crazy, I just don't want her to leave me"

Melanie Martinez - EVIL ~ "took me way too long to put this to bed, lovin' you was lethal, guess that makes me evil"

Set It Off - The Haunting ~ "no one will love you like I did, will touch you like I did, so good luck finding something better"

Olivia Rodrigo - Can’t Catch Me Now ~ "I'm in the trees, I'm in the breeze, my footsteps on the ground, you'll see my face in every place, but you can't catch me now"

Ramin Karimloo - You’ll Be Back ~ "when you're gone, I'll go mad, so don't throw away this thing we had, 'cause when push comes to shove, I will kill your friends and family to remind you of my love"

Taylor Swift - my tears ricochet ~ "and I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want, just not home, and you can aim for my heart, go for blood, but you would still miss me in your bones"

Arctic Monkeys - 505 ~ "when you look at me like that, my darlin', what did you expect? I'd probably still adore you with your hands around my neck, or I did last time I checked"

Olivia Rodrigo - vampire ~ "I see the parties and the diamonds sometimes when I close my eyes, six months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise, I loved you truly, gotta laugh at the stupidity"

Taylor Swift, Bon Iver - exile~ "we always walked a very thin line, you didn't even hear me out (you didn't even hear me out), you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)"

The Neighbourhood - Baby Came Home ~ "baby just came back around, told me she's leaving this town, said she needs time to explore, she said I can't love her no more"

Taylor Swift - Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve ~ "I can't let this go, I fight with you in my sleep, the wound won't close, I keep on waiting for a sign, I regret you all the time"

The xx - Fiction ~ "were we torn apart by the break of day? you're more than I can believe would ever come my way"

Paramore - Interlude: I’m Not Angry Anymore ~ "I'm not angry anymore, well, sometimes I am, I don't think badly of you, well, sometimes I do"

Black Math - Flesh and Bone ~ "this bleeding heart that's in my hands, I fell apart, I walk alone, beside myself, nowhere to go, my flesh and bone"

Penelope Scott - Feel Better ~ "of course I don't wanna feel better! can you fucking imagine?! no one's ever gonna love me like that again, I don't wanna get over it, I wanna rip the stars to shreds"

Coldplay - The Scientist ~ "come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry, you don't know how lovely you are, I had to find you, tell you I need you, tell you I set you apart"

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out ~ "and it's hard to dance with the devil on your back, and given half the chance would I take any of it back? it's a fine romance, but it's left me so undone, it's always darkest before the dawn"

[chemicalarospec]

awesome short article

Wilson goes on to say, “People thrive off of fear…. I'm not giving anyone that space in my mind. The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.”

wait for some reason they split up their interview with her into a bunch of different articles (the last one is the main one i think)

[unhingedwomandiaries]

It's fuck-off o'clock in the morning and I've just spent four hours reading about the 4B Movement and Project 2025 because apparently, I hate myself and the concept of sleep. Here I am, 35, married, and still up reading political manifestos like some caffeinated uni student, except this time it's 922 pages of pure dystopian wank that makes any murder plots look positively wholesome.

Let's chat about Kamala Harris, because Christ on a bike, the internet's lost its bloody mind over this one. Apparently, if you think she was a shit candidate, you must hate women - which is about as logical as saying if you don't like Marmite, you must be plotting to destroy British cuisine. Yeah, being a woman fucked her over. Being not-white didn't help either. But let's be real - she couldn't give a straight answer about trans rights, going all "let's follow the law" which is politician speak for "I'm too chickenshit to have an actual opinion." Plus, she locked up people for smoking weed after admitting she did it herself. Bit rich, that. While she was trying to actually govern (mental concept, I know), Trump was out there building his cult like some bargain basement Charles Manson, and everyone's shocked she lost the popularity contest? Fucking hell.

Then there's this 4B Movement bollocks. Started in South Korea and now we've got women demanding to see voting receipts before dating. Like, actual proof of voting. What do they think we do, keep our voting slips in a special wank bank next to our collection of celebrity crushes? My Jewish granddad married a Catholic who ended up an atheist, and somehow they managed without checking each other's political CVs. I've got family from all over - Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, Lebanon - and somehow we've all managed not to murder each other without demanding to see everyone's voting history. Mental.

But the thing that's proper doing my head in is Project 2025. I read all 922 fucking pages because apparently, I'm a masochist. It's like someone took every dystopian novel ever and thought "bit tame, these - let's make them government policy." They want to make tens of thousands of federal workers political puppets, bin off the Department of Education, gut Medicare and Medicaid, make porn illegal, fuck over anyone who's not straight, and use the military as domestic police. They're actually trying to change "pursuit of happiness" to "pursuit of blessedness" like we're living in some medieval morality play. The Constitution apparently doesn't let us do what we want, only what we "ought to." Who decides what we ought to do? Three guesses, and the first two don't count.

The education stuff is proper mental. They want to kill the Department of Education, move special education somewhere else, cut funding for poor kids, and end free school meals. Because nothing says "make America great" like starving children, right? Bunch of twats.

And get this - they want to bring back the citizenship question on the census even though the Supreme Court told them to fuck off. They're suggesting merging banking regulators while casually hinting that maybe deposit insurance isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's like they're playing Jenga with people's lives, except instead of wooden blocks it's actual humans.

Their president, Kevin Roberts (what a bellend), actually wrote that we need to fight against "children suffering the toxic normalization of transgenderism with drag queens and pornography invading their school libraries." I grew up with a Muslim roommate who wore her hijab when she felt like it, parents who couldn't agree on God but agreed on not being dicks about it, and somehow I turned out fine without the government deciding what makes a "good life."

I should probably sleep, but I can't stop thinking about how a country that was meant to keep church and state separate is seriously considering a plan that's basically Jesus's manifesto with a side of fascism. Trump's lot are now going "Project what now?" even though the document mentions him more times than Dexter has murdered people (and that's saying something).

Maybe what's keeping me up isn't just the policies, but the fact that we're not just deciding what kind of country we want to be - we're deciding if we want to keep being a country that gets to decide things at all.

P.S. Remember when we thought the biggest threat to democracy was people not voting? Fucking amateur hour, that was.

[apiratefellinlovewithastar]

So, for the first time, Wilson spoke up. In a series of posts on Threads (an X competitor), she described Musk’s characterization of her in an X post as “entirely fake,” called him “desperate for attention and validation,” and told him to touch grass.

But she’s much more than the estranged daughter of the world’s richest man — in fact, she says, she barely thinks about her father. “I'm not giving anyone that space in my mind,” she tells Teen Vogue. “The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.”

But with her newfound prominence, Wilson is considering other possibilities, like Twitch streaming and modeling. “I haven't made any money from being famous at all. I have made zero dollars and zero cents. I do live in a lot of people's heads rent-free, though,” she quips. “I feel like Twitch streaming would be so much fun…. I don't feel like the world needs another Twitch streamer, but [I'd] love to do it.”

QUEEN SHIT

“Vivian has always had an uncompromising sense of who she is — and who she needs to be,” Wilson's mom, Justine, tells Teen Vogue. “She is big, fierce, wild multi-layered magic.”

I am so happy she has such a supportive mom! 🥹❤️

you can read the article here.

[writtenbyjos]

Starlight and Shadows: Gravity Falls Prologue #1

Prologue 1: Vagabond

((ALL FAN-FICTION RELATED CONTENT AND OC'S BELONG TO ME))

Gravity Falls, oh it is good to be back! I am BEYOND excited to share this with you guys, I've put my absolute heart and soul into writing this story, but I'm going to post chapters 1-5 whenever I can finally get them polished, edited and formatted the way I want. But this is the first prologue out of two that's going to set up the story before the story even begins. It'll introduce Eliza and Matilda, (Matilda's Prologue COMING SOON) and gives some context for where we'll pick up later in the story. It's going to be a full fledged story with all the angst, romance, mystery and adventure your heart can handle. To let you know what you'll be getting yourself into, we have a very charming and mysterious male antagonis with unknown intentions named Trick, changlings, vampires, the darker, more sinister side of Gravity Falls, inter-dimensional travel, heartbreak, a character who can see and communicate with ghosts, flashbacks and delving deep into some angsty Pines Twins content. What the people (AND ME) love to see. I've posted some artwork of my OC's, Eliza and Matilda if you wanna go check it out! I am so hyper-fixated on this fanfiction, its actually insane. Like, Gravity Falls has literally taken my mind and heart hostage and I am a WILLING participant. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this little story as much as I have enjoyed writing it! :) <3 Attaching the Spotify playlist I created to read along with the stories. Enjoy!!

(ALL GRAVITY FALLS CONTENT BELONGS TO ALEX HIRSCH AND THAT KING ON EARTH ONLY WE ARE HUMBLE SERVANTS)

Summary:

PROLOGUE PLOT:

The first prologue (Vagabond) revolves around the happenstance meet cute and completely chaotic situation that Stanley and Eliza find themselves in. Eliza is an ex-pageant queen hailing from a wealthy family business, but escaping to big cities to live out her dreams of being on stage while haboring a complex darkness she can't seem to break free of. But right now, performing nightly at a seedy variety club downtown with her two best friends will suffice. After a heist gone very, VERY wrong, Stanley Pines, hunky drifter, takes cover from a cop chase and drug bust into an alley where he stumbles through a back door-- and onto Eliza, in a robe, smoking a cigarette out the door before she goes on for her first set. Their meeting would set off a butterfly effect, and set many events into motion. And the rest, my friends, is history.

MAIN PLOT (IN PROGRESS): After a year of sailing the seven seas and repairing their strained relationship and re-discovering their love and zest for life, Stan and Ford Pines return to Gravity Falls to spend a highly anticipated second summer with Dipper and Mabel, fresh off the track of their first successful year of high school. Dipper and Mabel have been trying to figure out how to be teenagers under the strain of their parent's failing relationship while Ford and Stan have made a fortune from their research. But while still trying to re-adjust to normal life after the traumatic events of defeating Bill and surviving Weirdmageddon, everyone still feels weary of calm waters and still haven't found their footing. But they know as long as they'll have each other, they can make it through anything. After the reunite, it was as if they had never left. The whole gang is back and better than ever. But in Gravity Falls, all is not always as it seems... and when Stan's long time old flame Eliza resurfaces and her estranged, mysteriously charming lover Trick comes looking for her, he brings with him a looming threat that no one could have ever imagined. This would be the summer where everyone's lives changed forever.

It was a hot, soggy-aired late afternoon where the days of august seemed to drag on like a bad movie. In Las Vegas, you needed three things, a tough hide, a sharp mind and a little dumb luck. In 1978, 'Grease' had just been released, and dancing was the capture of everyone's attention, but anew kind. Big cities like these offered the opportunity for young people with big dreams to think they could take the world, where it was almost still possible for people to have hope for the future, everything was so unknown, so mysterious. Stanley Pines was no exception. After a disastrous attempt to pull off a heist that involved certain "illegal" and "counterfeit" goods, exotic animal smuggling and a fake ID ended in being busted by two undercover cops. Stanley was once again evading the arrest and capture as he hurtled himself through the busy streets of one of his favorite cities in the world. He'd become well acquainted with the unpredictability and excitement of las Vegas. In other words, Stan had successfully learned how to be a full time criminal, evading the grasp of the LVPD many times in the past year. But this time… this time he may have taken things just a little too far.

As his heart pounded in his ears, he made sharp turns on street corners, jumped over chain link fences and ducked into a few port-o-poties eventually pushing some sad sack off their tourist bike and making a mad dash for the south side of town, where he knew he could find enough chaos to blend in with or a seedy bar to hide in. He cycled through the sidewalks and lights like a race car on a fast track.

He had become addicted to the feeling of escaping the authorities, it was the same rush he would get when he'd do something to get him sent to detention in high school. There was still no feeling like it. But he was so caught up in the adrenaline of outrunning the police, he nearly crashed into a construction site surrounding a large pot hole gaping in the middle of the sidewalk. He swerved around and barely missed it, laughing as he looked back, pounding a fist proudly into the air.

"Suckers!" He cackled. But what happened next was no laughing matter. He felt a small bump underneath the tires and his heart sank as the wheels began to pedal slower and slower.

"Goddammit, not now, not now! Fuck! Shit!" He cursed to himself, pulling over by a brightly lit club and hopping off into its hidden alleyway. He examined the front wheel: busted. There was a giant nail stuck in the tire, presumably from the construction site he almost fell face first into moments ago. He grabbed his hair in his clutched fists frantically and paced back and forth, in a disheveled suit he had sticky fingered from an old thrift store for this exact occasion. He put his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath.

"He went that way! We got him now!" He heard voices yelling from the street not too far away and knew he had to think of a plan and fast, if he didn't want to be locked up and sent off to the big house. He looked around frantically for an escape, and spotted a back door that was slightly open, cracked. He didn't think twice, just forward and lunged for the door, opening it and hurting himself inside. He managed to get himself through the door and flattened himself against the wall just as the cop car zoomed past the alleyway in the opposite direction, away from the club. It was one of his more graceful exits. But what wasn't so graceful, was his crash landing. He'd gotten his boot stuck in part of the ply wood that stuck up from the ground and fallen face first onto the dusty floor. Luckily, his giant nose broke his fall. He lay there for a minute, unsure if he could move his anything. He sighed and turned over to lay on his back, grimacing from the pain of falling flat on his forehead.

"Hey, this is a closed smoke session, buddy." A gravely voice startled him almost half to death, and it was coming from a short-torso-ed, long legged, blonde leaning against a door frame with a lit cigarette in her left hand, taking a long drag. Before he could say anything, she stepped over to him where he was sprawled out on the floor like a complete idiot about to make a snow angel with no snow. She was wearing nothing but a pink robe with fluffy cuffs and red platform heels—a specific detail that Stan would remember fondly for years and years to come. With every step closer she got, her heels echoed in the hallway full of metal shafts and a boiler sitting in the corner huffing like a train engine, presumably about to burst open. She seemed to walk in sync with the bursts of hot air, like the world was her stage and it beckoned to her every move.

"I—uh…sorry…" He scrambled to his feet as she towered over him, a look of annoyance plastered on her face as she took another drag and puffed it into the already clouded air. When he got to his feet and brushed his jacket off, he winced at the still open door that spilled into the street that he'd just been chased down. He closed it with two hands and huffed, turning back towards this mysterious stranger. And from this angle, he was almost stricken with how beautiful she was.

"Hey I'm smokin' here! Why'd you close the door?" She whined.

"I think you'll live." Stan muttered, catching his breath, searching around the room for something to barricade the door closed.

"Who the hell are you, anyways?" She asked, more inconvenienced than upset, watching him scramble about.

"No time to explain! Just help me keep this door shut, toots!" She eyed him suspiciously and crossed her arms. He looked at her with a pleading look and sighed, rubbing his eyes together with one fist. "Please?" He asked. The woman groaned and dropped her shoulders.

"Fine, fine." She said huffing. She threw him an old pipe from a pile of metal scraps and broken show signs in the hallway and Stan made a makeshift lock so that no one could barge in without exerting a good amount of effort. She came up right behind him and fastened a small chair and placed it underneath the door handle, making sure it was secure. She took her arm in his and put out her cigarette on a small ash tray by the door and lead him hastily to a small door down the hall. Upon entering, it looked like makeshift dressing room. He ran in and caught his breath, the lady shutting the door abruptly behind her.

"Y'know, most times I don't let strange men into my room until at least the third date." She said putting her hands on her curvy hips. Stan propped his forearm on a beam and wiped the sweat off his forehead panting a little from all the excitement. When his head cleared enough for him to realize she had just back handedly insulted him, he felt his face turn red.

"Hey! I'm not strange! Besides, y-you're the one who pulled me in here!" He said smoothing out his beige leisure suit and shook his head. "Strange men my ass…geez, women are so paranoid." He muttered under his breath, irritably. He'd had just about enough of today.

"How about I throw you back onto the street? Hello? I'm also the one who saved your ass back there!" She said, strutting over to him and poking an accusatory finger into his chest with force. "Where's my thank you?" She said crossing her arms definitely. Stan sighed and decided he needed turn on his charm to smooth his way out of this one, that is, if he wanted to stay hidden from Sergeant Amos and Deputy Jones. He grabbed her chin between his pointer finer and thumb, giving her a warm smile.

"Thank you, princess." He noticed her face flushed with a rose tint.

"I…y-you're welcome." She was trying to act big and tough, but Stan could see a quiver of weakness in her eyes, and he thanked his lucky stars for his natural wit and charm, and that he wasn't his twin nerdy twin brother.

"You got a name, sweetheart?" He asked. She gave him a look and smiled.

"Eliza. Like in 'My Fair Lady'." She held out her hand and Stan took it gently in his, grazing her knuckles with his stubbled lips. "But you can call me Liz." She said, walking her fingers up Stan's torso.

"My fair lady indeed….Liz, I like it. Pretty name for a pretty gal like you. I'm Staley Pines. But…you can call me Stan. Nice to meet ya." He said with an award winning smile.

"So, you man of mystery, I know I'm probably gonna regret asking this and regret letting you into my dressing room but, who or what exactly, did I just save you from?" She took a few steps closer with each word til she was inches away from his face, fiddling with the hem of his coat. He didn't know if she was pickpocketing him or just feeling him up. Either way, he didn't care.

Stan gulped and tugged on his jacket collar.

"See, if I told you, where's the fun in that?" He chuckled nervously.

"Oh look—my dressing room telephone…" She pulled away and grazed her hand over a pink rotary next to her lit up mirror and a few make-up brushes. "Hello? Hello operator? There's a strange man in my dressing room that won't leave me alone…" She pretend to be on the phone and twisted the wire between her little fingers, feigning fright.

"Alright, alright! I'll tell you, just—just put the phone down, shortcake." He held out his hands cautiously, as if he were talking her down from the ledge. "But… how do I know you're not just gonna call the cops for real?" She put her weight on one foot and played with the belt of her robe.

"I guess you'll just have to trust me." She said bopping him on the nose.

"Meh, cut it out!" He chuckled, gently swiping her hand away. "Fine…I was uh, I was sorta being…chased or something." He said sheepishly.

"Or something?" She asked, holding back a chuckle. "Who was chasing you?" She crossed her arms.

"Charley and Hudson Combs, L.V.P.D. Precinct nine." Stan waited for her to make the usual judge-y, freaked out or doped out reaction he'd usually gotten from everyone else, but she never did. She just nodded and raised an eyebrow, pulling a box of cigarettes from the breast pocket on her robe. She lit another cigarette and motioned for him to continue.

"I was… s-supposed to meet a few fellas about getting a few tigers and an alligator down across the boarder. Know what? I shouldn't be telling you this. You need plausible deniability." He winced, but there was still no reaction out of Liz except a slow, exhale of smoke from her drag and a nonchalant shrug of reassurance. Stan sighed. "…But when I met up with the buyers to seal the deal, they turn out to be undercover cops! They tried to arrest me but uh…" He chuckled proudly. "Let's just say these hands can get away from anything, out of any situation. I managed to outsmart 'em and get them off my trail…maybe just long enough to buy me some time to figure out my next move. But twiddle-dee and twiddle dumber put a slash in every one of my tires! Gonna cost an arm and a leg, too.

"So how'd you end up on the floor of my Long story short, I've been trying to outrun these asswipes for half an hour now!" He exclaimed.

"Well, why the hell didn't you just say so?" She asked casually, still holding out her cigarette with a bent wrist.

"What?" He asked, surprised at her accepting nature…or was he skeptical?

"Why didn't you say that earlier? It would've made things a lot easier! There's a secret stairway that goes up to the attic, dummy." She said matter of factly.

"Well, in a city like this, who knows who you can really trust? Or if…if you're a guy like me…" He said shifting uncomfortably. Eliza half smiled, knowingly.

"A hunky drifter with a thrill problem?" She asked giving him a look down. Stan ran his fingers through his hair and shot her a hand gun, winking.

"Haha, yeah!"

"Wait here." She said, turning around briskly and meandering towards the back of her boudoir.

"Look, Eliza… I appreciate you and all of this but I don't exactly have time to wait. I need to figure out what the fuck I'm gonna do! What if they come looking for me here? I left the bike outside, I mean…I'm toast! Christ on a saltine cracker…" He took a flask from his pocket and guzzled down a large swig of whiskey.

"Calm down, mon cher," she had disappeared behind a drape and he heard her fiddling through what sounded like a dresser or drawer of some kind. "You're bumming my good mood. Besides, all you need, is a little wardrobe change!" She sang.

"What the fuck?" Stan muttered to himself. "What the hell does a wardrobe change have to do with getting me off the hook? So I can take a prettier mugshot?"

"God. Men are so lucky to have women. You're all hopeless. Without us, you'd be chasing your tails, itching your fleas and off starting wars." She called. "Oh wait, too late."

"That's debatable." Stan muttered, taking another swig of his drink.

"Hey pal, I have a strict alcohol policy here." She said coming around the corner with a new suit, some make up and a bag of mystery supplies. Stan put his flask away quickly and blushed trying to play it off cool. She set down her haul on her make up table and put her hands on her hips.

"No alcohol allowed." She frowned.

"Damn, you really know how to have fun, don't you?" He asked, putting it away.

"I said, no alcohol…Unless you're willing to share." Eliza extended her hand expectedly and Stan felt a sly grin grip at the corner of his lips. He shook his head and sighed.

"Guess I misjudged you, kid." He said handing her the flask. She twisted one the top.

"Guess you did." She said taking a giant swig, both alarming and impressing Stan at the same time.

"You nervous or something? What's got you so thirsty?" He chuckled, amused as she wiped her mouth with her arm and handed him his flask back.

"Pre-show nerves. And there's a very devilishly handsome stranger in my boudoir." She hummed.

"Devilishly handsome, eh?" Stan tried to appear more confident and put together than he really was and leaned on the side of her mirror, like he'd seen James Dean do many a time in the movies."Hey, what's the plan with those? This devilishly handsome stranger needs to make like a bird and fly out of here, y'know…unseen." He stroked his chin, looking at the pile of stuff on her table.

"Cops can't arrest you if they don't recognize you." She said smiling, holding out the suit for him. It was flashy alright, it was black with electric blue lighting strikes and a silky pant to match. She had picked out a wig with long brown hair, and a fake mustache to tie it all together. It was a stretch, but better than anything he had on hand.

"Huh. You really think this disguise can hide me from the cops? Don't you think it's a little too…sparkly? What if I just draw attention to myself?"

"Thats the point! If you were trying to outrun the law, the last thing you'd be doing is going to a sketchy variety show at a dingy night club. You'll be hidden in plain sight! Besides, I've never met anyone who can grow a mustache in under half an hour, Stanley." She raised her eyebrows and Stan felt his stomach settle for the first time all day. This might actually work.

"I like your style, kid. That's impressive. Crazy, but we might be able to pull this off." He said taking the costume and draping it over one arm.

"Are you crazy? Of course we will. I didn't grow up learning how to make myself eight years older with my pageant make up for the fun of it…" She paused and winked. "I did it to help disguise shady figures and get them into the witness protection program."

"Pageants, huh?" Stan asked, masking a snort. Eliza was amused that he didn't even question her comment about the witness protect program.

"Yes." She gritted her teeth and pushed her hair behind her ears.

"Isn't Miss America supposed to be a role model or something? Like a goody two shoes in an expensive dress?" Eliza rolled her eyes.

"You have no idea." She shivered slightly and rubbed her arms quickly.

"You know doll, I did have this under control. But I appreciate the help anyways."

Eliza smirked.

"Right. Until you came stumbling in here with a broken bike and into the arms of a half naked stranger in a leotard? Yeah. Sounds like you have everything under control." She looked amused and Stan blushed. "It's a good thing you're cute." Stan puffed out his chest and cracked his knuckles.

"What can I say? I'm adorable! People can't get enough of me, even the cops keep ridin' my ass from here to New Jersey." Eliza giggled into her hand and adjusted her robe. Stan couldn't help his wandering eyes as they surveyed this lovely stranger he'd stumbled upon, literally, and the slip in her robe near her chest that was opening up just enough to get a better look. She was a good foot and a half shorter than he, with high cheekbones, long blonde hair and big, blue eyes. She had a small trail of freckles lining her nose, and they way her small waist and big hips swayed with every word she said, beckoned Stan to come closer.

"That's debatable." She smirked, turning around, hair hitting Stan square in the face. But he didn't care—it smelled like vanilla ice cream and babies' laughter.

He watched as she made her way behind a curtain and motioned him to look away. "Do you mind? I have to get ready… And you need to get into that suit, pronto."

"R-right, sorry…" Eliza slipped behind a pink curtain by the velvet couch and disappeared. He instinctively turned around and crossed his arms, hearing a zip and a tug here and there. Stan's face flushed and began to shed his layers and put on the blue suit while Eliza was still getting her dress on.

"Where did you say you were from?" She called.

"Uh…that depends. I've been banned in seven states including my hometown…"

"Seven states? No way." She said impressed "And you're hometown…Which is…?" She asked.

"Glass Shard, New Jersey. Born and raised. But like I said, I'm not exactly…allowed back. Got a lot of angry people with fake pitch forks waiting for me if I ever do." He chuckled.

Eliza peered around the satin drape and looked pleasantly surprised when she got a good look at Stan. And vice versa. Her robe had disappeared and she was now wearing a sparkly a two piece set, with a white, bedazzled, form fitting tank top and matching pants with bell bottoms and platform heels that almost brought her up to Stan's chest. She had on big, circle, blue tinted glasses and her hair was teased.

"Very nice. Very Bowie." She said signing Stan to do a turn around with her twirling finger.

"Not so bad yourself, toots. Damn. You're a sight for sore eyes. What I wouldn't give to be walking around the streets of Vegas with a gal like you on my arm." He took her hand and twirled her around slowly, ending her in a dip, locked in his arms. They stayed like this, locked in time for a minute and Stan's eyes wandered to her pink lips, so soft and so thick.

"I mean…if you play your cards right…" She said, the breath taken away from her by their embrace. There was a moment—just a fleeting moment—where he thought she might want to kiss him back, but before she could there was a knock at the door and Stan nearly dropped her on her head before catching her mid fall. She hit his arm and dusted herself off, scoffing. She put a finger to her lips and motioned for him to be quiet.

"Eliza? Your little girl group is on in fifteen. Sage Green is finishing up her last set." A male voice called from the other side of her door.

"Thanks Julio." She called, turning back to Stan, she sighed and went to get the fake mustache and matching wig. "Now then, after you put this on, you're on your own. I have a show to do." She took the mustache and applied a thin line of glue on its sticky side, and stood of her tip toes to reach Stan's upper lip. She stuck it under his nose and smoothed the edges, her fingertips brushing against his lips every now and then. Next, she fitted the wig over his head. Her hands pulling and tugging at his hair was doing more than he'd care to admit. But the look was pretty convincing…and Stan couldn't deny her obvious expertise.

"One more thing…" She reached for her makeup palette and grabbed a brush readying herself to work on Stan's face.

"Woah, woah, woah…that is not touching my face, doll face." He said defensively. "Guy's don't wear makeup! I'm not some kind of sissy." Eliza raised an eyebrow and snickered to herself, dipping the brush in a red color, then a blue, then a black.

"There is so little you understand about the world, Stan. Get your head out of your ass. Do you want to look convincing for the cops or not?" She asked. Stan looked at her, then the make up brush with powder on the end and sighed.

"Fine. But you better not make me look bad." He said. After a few moments of breathing in Eliza's perfume which was a heavenly blend of amber and childhood wonder, he began to grow tired of the poking and prodding of the prickly brush and wondered how the hell women could sit still and do this for hours when he could barely sit still for five minutes. He had a newfound respect. He liked having Eliza stand so close to him, he could hear all the small catches in her breath as she honed in her focus, their lips barely inches away from each other. "I still don't understand how this is gonna help."

"Of course you don't," she sang. "C'mon, admit it, you secretly love this. I know you do." She found his discomfort quite hilarious but Stan just groaned in annoyance.

"Oh yeah, I love getting stabbed in the eye. Feels like I'm kissin' a porcupine. Hey!" He flinched. "Be careful with that thing—you're—you're getting powder in my cornea!" He blinked, scrunched his face up and tried to rub the make up out. Before he could start messing up all her hard work, Eliza scolded him and slapped his hand away. "Great, just great!"

"You big baby. Hold still…" She hissed. "Aaaaand…all done." She stood back and tilted her head. She looked pleased with herself. "Take a look." She stood behind him as he checked himself out in the mirror. And he had to admit it, she make him look like an entirely different person. The wig and mustache combo made him look like a young and hip club goer, and the suit didn't look half bad. What really threw him was the fake black eye she had given him, he assumed with the red and blue make up.

Somehow, she had managed to re-sculpt his face with what little make up she used and he was amazed. He put his hands on his hips and beamed. "And thus, Stanwick Pinestone was born." She winked at him through her reflection.

"You can really do all this with make up?" He looked intrigued, admiring his newly sculpted jaw line.

"Duh! I told you! Make up is the most magical tool in the world. It can turn you into anyone you want to be; on stage and off. Now that's my kind of thrill. It probably doesn't beat illegally smuggling exotic across the Mexican border or being on the FBI's most wanted list, though." She eyed Stan who was rubbing the back of his neck."One thing I do know, is that those guys aren't looking for someone with a black eye and a mustache." She crossed her arms and cocked her hip to one side with pride.

"Lizzy, you're a genius! But the good kind!" He picked her up by her waist without thinking and spun her around in the air. She laughed and gripped tightly onto his forearms, throwing her head back with pride. The thin, blue veiled skirt attached to her was it billowed around and twirled as she did. When he put her down they both took a beat and chuckled uncomfortably.

"I just meant—you—well…thanks. For this." Stan rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "You really are somethin' else." This time, he found it in himself to give her a real, genuine smile.

"Just don't get arrested, I will need that disguise back." She laughed. "And you know what? The mustache combo isn't a bad look for you, in fact, I think it's kind of sexy."

"Yeah, not bad, huh? Let's just hope its enough to keep me out of trouble…for now." He checked himself out in the mirror a few more times, smoothing his fake hair back and stroking his brand new stache.

"Not that I'm not enjoying our little pow-wow, but I do have to get to stage before they cut our act altogether. Are you good from here?" She asked, grabbing a little tiara from a shelf by the door and placing it on her head.

"I'm good from here…" Stan paused when he turned around and noticed the glimmering crown placed carefully on her head. "…Princess." He flashed her a smile.

"You can stay and watch y'know…if you want…" She said.

"Hey, I gotta act the part anyways, right? Can't give it away too soon." Stan said cooly. "Might as well stick around and pretend like I'm having fun. Y'know, sell the look."

"I swear to god, if my girls don't show up soon, I'm going to throw up." She said adjusting her hair and costume.

"Your girls?" Stan air quoted, squinting.

"Ellie and Betty…they're my partners. We sing together? In the variety show."

"What's your act?" Stan asked.

"We're all named Elizabeth…does that count?" She shrugged making Stan chuckle. "The Three El's…it's—it's a work in progress." He could see her blush in the mirror as she powdered her face.

"Oh joy. There's three of you?"

"Hey, I'll have you know we're very popular! Any day now and we'll have a real residency here in the city. Just you wait." She squinted and pointed, getting right up in his face.

"I have no doubt about that. Who wouldn't love you?" He said, coming off as way more confident than he felt, and it was secretly making Eliza's knees weak. She blinked and shrunk off her tip toes.

"If they show up…I hope they're okay. They know how important this show is for us! It's exposure!"

"Hey doll, cheer up! Even if they don't…who need's em? You've got that crowd in the palm of your hands. Knock 'em dead! Break an ankle! Isn't—isn't that what they say in theatre or whatever?" He asked, rolling his wrist.

"Something like that…You're not totally wrong." She said, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Course I'm not! I'm always right!" He gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze.

"And hey…" He lifted her chin. "If you need someone to play off of, I'm already dressed for the part, huh?" He stretched out his arms and did a turn around.

"You know, you're pretty alright. For a criminal." She winked.

"You're not so bad yourself, y'know… for a pageant queen." He replied. She looked side to side, taken a back slightly.

"How did you…my title?" She shook her head, scanning his face.

"I used to live in Jersey! A.k.a, pageant capital of the East. I know a first place tiara when I see one, kid." He looked up at the little, silver crown on her shelf right above them, picked it up and fitted it on the top of her head gently and she blushed furiously, stunted for words. He mustered all of the courage he didn't have and bent down to kiss her quickly on the cheek. Her face was completely red now, she absent mindedly touched the place he had kissed with her fingertips and smiled, immediately snapping out of it and the color from her face draining at the reminder that she had to go on without her two counter perfomrers.

"Well—partners or no partners! The show must go on! I've gotta get going! Shoo!" She ushered him out the door and she waved as she fled through the hall, but not before turning around, running up to Stan and giving him a quick, hesitant peck on the lips, returning the favor and leaving him stunned and frozen in place. It was…electric. It made him wonder what her lips might've really tasted like.

"Thanks for the drink, Stanwick. See you out there! At least try to act like you're having fun." She saluted him and disappeared into throw two big, double doors, leaving Stan to his own agenda. He already missed her, and wondered how could so much change in the span of half an hour, after having lived without her his entire life.

He entered the main stage area complete with a piano, a bar, a microphone and sea of weirdos clinking glasses and dancing with the disco music blaring from the speakers. He did exactly as him and Eliza had planned, he grabbed a drink, mixed and mingled and tried to stay as calm as he could. He was actually starting to feel like things were going to be okay, until he saw the two cops that were chasing him, slip through the back way and spill into the room. All sense of confidence abandoned him and he began to worry that their entire idea was a bad one that would put him directly in arms reach of the people he was running from. Stan anxiously began to shuffle through the crowd, dodging investigative eyes.

He started to panic, to fear, to imagine himself locked behind bars with no family that cared enough to come and find him. His thoughts were racing, till he felt pressure on his wrist. For a split second, he wondered if his time had finally come. But when he turned his head, he saw Eliza, practically glowing underneath the disco lights, grabbing a hold of his wrist.

"Eliza?" He pulled her in close, sure she could hear the pounding of his heart. She pulled away with a panicked look as well—had she seen something she didn't want to?

"Stanwick, I need your help!" She looked at him with pleading eyes, and Stan melted under the veil of sweet relief that he hadn't been caught yet. Her disguise was working. She pulled him to a back room behind the stage and caught her breath, fanning herself. "I'm going to kill them, I'm going to kill them!" She said frantically.

"Careful, sweet thing. You're still in ear shot of the cops, they came through the front like fifteen minutes ago!"

"Well, they haven't found you yet!" She said dismissively. "Look. You gotta help me. El and Betty—my scene partners, bailed on me! They were supposed to be in costume with their heinies on stage fifteen minutes ago, and no one has seen them! And I need someone to fill in for them and make this a duet. And that someone is gonna be you!" She took his shoulders and shook him.

"Woah, woah, woah there is no way that I'm getting up there with this—"

"You said you'd help me!" She frowned and it was adorable. "Consider it pay back for saving you life!" She put emphasis on the end expectedly.

"Doll, I can promise you, nobody, and I mean nobody—including you—wants to hear me get on that stage and sing. It ain't happenin'. Being a silent stage prop, now that's more up my alley." He said defiantly. Eliza huffed and looked around, as if to find an answer to her situation. "Besides, I thought you said you could handle it by yourself?" Stan said.

"Thinking about doing it yourself is a hell of a lot different than actually doing it by yourself, you know! I didn't think they'd really bail on me!"

"Not…happenin'." He said firmly.

"Look, if you help me with this, I—I'll get you a ride. Anywhere you need to go. I know a guy that works here at the club with a limo we can borrow." She said. Stan looked apprehensively at the stage doors, and then back to Eliza's pleading face. He must've been absolutely out of his damn mind. "Seriously, he can get you anywhere you need to go, but I can't go up there alone and sing a song meant for two or three people by myself!" She pleaded, clasping her hands together. Stan sighed and his shoulders dropped.

"Fine. Since you're practically humping my leg…I'll…I'll do it." He said begrudgingly. Eliza squealed, throwing her arms in the air and then wrapping them around Stan's neck happily.

"Thank you, Stan! I'll make it up to you, I promise!" She hung around his neck like a necktie.

"Kid, this ain't gonna be pretty. I'm warning you now." Eliza dropped down to her feet and grabbed his wrist, pulling him through the bustling dancers and to backstage.

"Just follow me, I'll lead. And…don't worry about those cop guys. They won't bother you." She said slowly.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, kid."

The next few minutes were spent getting the stage equipment ready for singing, and touching up their hair and costumes. It was a smaller club, but everyone involved seemed to be eager to put on a quality show for their patrons. The stage lights shifted and Eliza and Stan stood with hand held microphones with anticipation, his bad and her's good. She took his hand in hers and gave it a little squeeze as the club owner, a tall man with about fifty gold chains around his neck and a mouth full of silver grills announced them.

"Give our little girl a round of applause. To continue our night of nostalgia variety show, Eliza and her—friend will lure us into a night of romance with their rendition of a timeless classic." He said, turning around to face them. He whispered to both them within ear shot:

"If I see those two, it's their heads and your ass. Don't fuck this up." They both nodded.

As the curtains pulled back, the heat and harsh light from the stage lights nearly blinded him, throwing a hand over to shade his eyes out of instinct. Eliza was already posing, holding the microphone like she'd rehearsed what spot to be in. She was absolutely beautiful under the glow of the overheads. But it didn't distract Stan from the burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. The last time he'd gotten up on stage was when he was faced with the decision to be in a high school production for community service hours or face suspension because he had busted into the gym and stolen equipment and left a half smoked joint behind. He was usually prepared for anything, but this wasn't something he was ready to jump head first into.

Stan immediately recognized the song being played on the piano as 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'. This was gonna be rich.

Stan put on his ultimate con-man facade, to pull off one of the greatest scams ever, tricking this crowd into thinking he could sing. He followed Eliza's lead clumsily but kept up pace. He noticed the uproar in the crowed when Eliza's verse came on and her smooth as silk voice echoed through the microphone. She had the audience completely captivated, and as they came together in harmony, they soon both had them eating out of the palms of their hands, cheering and moving to the rhythm blindly. Eliza's stage presence was unlike anything Stan had ever seen in his life, she was graceful, smooth, confident and…shining. Literally, she was glowing like a star in the night sky. The way her hips moved, and how to crowd moved with her, was intoxicating. It almost made Stan enter late on the second chorus.

As they sang, Stan noticed the two cops swaying in the audience too, as if they had been dismissed from duty like nothing had happened. They even made eye contact once or twice and…nothing. It was like they'd been caught into a trance of some kind…weird. It got him excited enough to really let loose on stage and get caught up in the rhythm of his singing partner and of the song. He and Eliza made a very convincing duet, their chemistry was electrifying the whole room, wether they intended for it to happen or not. Without the fear of being caught, Stan finally let his fun side run wild. He busted a move and tangled Eliza into his arms at every chance he got, conjuring a few excited screams from the ladies in the crowd. After shedding his jacket and letting his gold medallion shimmer in the disco ball's reflection, a pair of underwear was thrown at him and he smiled egregiously. He hadn't had this much fun in years.

Then just as the song ended, the crowd went wild and cheered for the new not-so-power couple. He saw the two cops high five and leave through the front entrance. He had never felt so alive. It was a rush like he had cheated death or gotten away with murder. He and Eliza joined hands and took a bow together, exiting stage left to make room for the other performers. As soon as they were back stage, they burst out into laughter and embraced passionately.

"That was so fucking awesome!" Stan let out a belly laugh, spinning Eliza around in his big arms. "Did you see those moves? I was on fire!" He cheered.

"And to think you tried to tell me that you couldn't sing! You lair! That was amazing!" She pushed a pointer finger into his chest. "I don't think I've ever seen someone throw underwear at a variety show!"

"I've never done anything like that before…I felt so alive. Being there with you—kid—that was…thanks. And…the way you saved me from jail tonight, nobody's ever stuck out their neck like that for me before."

She gave him a warm smile and looked at her feet.

"Don't mention it. You saw them leave too, right?"

"Walked right out that door after looking right at me right in the face! Idiots! Don't know how the hell that happened but who am I to argue with fate?" He ran his hand through his hair, still shaken up by that entire performance.

"Do you…still need that ride?" She looked up at him, a twinge of sadness in her big, pale, blue eyes.

"Well, I mean…if I got those guys off my back, maybe I could…stick around town a little longer. Y'know if the mood strikes me. I've got places to be and suckers to scam. Y'know how it goes." He tried to play it off as aloof, but wished he could just take her in his arms and never let her go again. Because the thought of walking away from someone like her was almost unbearable to think about. Funny how fast things can change on a dime.

"Well, you're always welcome on my dressing room couch. I could use a partner like you…maybe I'd actually be able to get out of this city, make a name for myself." She glanced over to the stage doors.

"Look, I know I con people for a living, so take what I say with a grain of salt but kid. I'm being honest when I tell you I've never heard a voice like yours before. And I've even been to Minnesota!" He barked.

"Thank you, I think?" She half smiled, unsure wether to take it as a compliment or not, considering who she was talking to. Nevertheless, she couldn't ignore the feeling in her chest, that felt like the warm glow of a sunset on an august evening like this one, where everything seemed absolutely perfect. They paused, unsure of what to say but very sure that neither of them wanted to part ways yet.

"Do you…I was supposed to get dinner with the girls but…they aren't here so…" She said twirling her hair anxiously.

"Girls shmirls…They didn't even bother to show up! I mean, you'd have to be pretty dumb to pass up an opportunity like that." He said.

"I just hope they're alright…It's not like them to miss a performance." She rubbed her arms, shivering slightly. Stan realized how cold it was back stage now that they were out from under the heat of the moment and of the crowded, musty stage room. He paused, then draped his suit jacket around her arms.

"I'm sure they just just got caught up in traffic or they're doing lines somewhere. Isn't everyone these days?" Stan smiled at her. "But hey, I gotta admit…kinda glad they didn't show up." Eliza blushed and pushed a strand of loose hair out of her face, almost completely engulfed in how big the jacket was, and how small she was.

"Yeah, who needs 'em anyway?" She said. It was then that Stan noticed a little dimple in the left corner of her mouth and a small gap between her front teeth. She was about as adorable as they come.

"So, you were inviting me to dinner?" Stan chuckled.

"It's funny…I seem to remember you offering to pay." She said sneakily.

"Hey, hey, woah…Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, what kind of man would I be if I enforced those toxic stereotypes? This ain't the nineteen-fifties anymore, baby. But if you're nice to me, maybe I'll buy you a shake."

"What a gentlemen." She said sarcastically.

"Come on, let's get out of these clothes. The sequins on this damn top are making my tits itch." She pouted.

"What happened to the 'third date' rule?" Stan put his arm around her and pinched her cheek. "Did'ya finally find your exception?" He grinned from ear to ear.

"Not a chance." She said putting her head on his shoulder as they walked to her dressing room. "I just don't wanna be worried about getting burger grease on this outfit."

They got back to her room, just as they had left it. Stan felt as though his life was now divided into two parts, before he met Eliza…and then everything that comes after. She freed herself of his grip, and disappeared again behind her changing curtain. Stan looked long and hard in the mirror before he took off his disguise. Was this some divine intervention to get him off the streets for good? Was Eliza some kind of heaven sent protector? He glanced over to a pair of arms that were held up and visible above the curtain rod. Her top was coming off and she stretched, letting out an adorable little grunt.

He changed back into his old clothes, that felt sweaty and smelled like cigarettes. His reflection turned from hunky drifter back to a lost, disheveled, low-life, con-man. Far from the world of glitz and glamour that he'd just been exposed to. He slumped his shoulders and sighed. Where had everything gone so wrong?

"Stan?" Eliza appeared in the mirror next to him, brushing his arm. She had removed her make up and her hair was now up in a messy ponytail, her small stature being devoured under the fabric of a baggy hoodie. The dark circles under her eyes were more evident now, she looked tired. Normal. Angelic.

"Nice to know you're still there under all that make up." Stan teased. She shoved him lightly in the arm and gazed at herself, standing next to him. Maybe she wouldn't let him in on it yet, but seeing them stand side by side brought her a great deal of comfort to her.

"Nice to know you're still an asshole under that wig." She reciprocated.

"Touche." He muttered. "So this is you? The girl behind the pop star?"

"I can be both…" She fixed her hair slightly and sighed.

"I don't know about you, but you better be careful, baby. I could get used to this." He chuckled and turned to face her, running a hand through her hair. She let her face rest in his giant palm and before either of them could think, they both leaned in, their lips touching at last. It was the perfect kiss, tender with purpose and meaning. Stan cupped her small face into his hand and ran his thumb along her ear. After what felt like an eternity of bliss, they pulled apart and looked at one another. Neither of them would admit it, but this was the first time in either of their lives that they felt they had been truly seen by someone else.

"Well, I could get used to that." Eliza said smiling. She was about to lean in for another kiss when she purposefully missed his mouth and whispered something in his ear instead. "Shakes first, kissing later." Stan shivered at her voice in his ear.

"You're making this so hard." He teased. Eliza looked down at his pants and then back up at him with a raised eyebrow and a smug look.

"No… just you." She bopped his nose and took his arm, leading him out the back door into the alleyway where he had entered from. He followed up with a loud, 'HA' and pointed a finger gun at her quick-witted remark.

"You're trouble alright…I like trouble….Maybe if you're sweet to me who knows where the night'll take us?" He escorted her down the street and into the bustling Vegas street.

"Who knows? If you buy me dinner, I might be nice to you." Stan stopped in his tracks and gave her a long knowing look. She was the one. He was done searching, but he'd never admit it to her, not till he was sure she felt the same way.

"What?" She asked, still holding his hand.

"Nothin'. Just thinking about how good that shake is gonna be when you pay for it." He chuckled and tickled her waist, bringing her back into a warm, tight embrace. They walked together, side by side, hand in hand to a greasy old diner underneath a train track that looked like the toilet water would give you sepsis, but as far as they were concerned, it was absolutely magical.

The rest of the night went off without a hitch, she laughed at all his jokes at the right time, and he listened when she told him about her dark and twisted past with American beauty pageants, her strained relationship with her mother and step father and how she planned to take over broadway one day. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. It was no secret both of them had had it hard the past few years trying to make it on their own, but they agreed that finding other people to sit in the shit-storm with you, made it considerably less horrible. It was the start to the beginning of a new chapter for both of them and they could feel it. It couldn't have been a more perfect night, and Stan even paid for the shakes.

[bloodstained-porcelain-doll]

The Kneeling Queen, ch 4 - Aemond Targaryen x OC

Read on AO3

Summary: Aemond Targaryen and Maelessa Velaryon were childhood lovers. They were each other’s only comfort in a world full of darkness. When they grew up, their love blossomed until they were the only thing the other cared about. Their lives get increasingly complicated due to the fact that they’re supposed to be on opposite sides of the war. Will their love survive or will it burn to ash as the war ensues?

Warnings: Angst, soft loving smut, canonical character death

Chapter 4 - A King's Death

“No! I won’t go! I want to stay here with Aemond!” Maelessa argued, grabbing onto the large stone column as if her mother would grab her by force and drag her out of the city. Rhaenyra, frustrated, reached out to touch her daughter’s arm.

“We are still your family, Lessa. Please. You’ve been apart from us for years now, we want you to come home with us. We all miss you. Come get to know your new siblings,” her mother urged with a smile. It was time for them to pack up and leave, and predictably a fight had broken out between Maelessa and her mother.

“No,” she insisted. “King’s Landing is my home, I belong here. With Aemond.”

“Aemond is not your husband, he is your uncle.”

“As Daemon is yours!” she snapped.

The Targaryen custom of marrying within the bloodline had been the thread Maelessa held onto for support. Her mother had married her uncle, and she was set on marrying hers. It would be a union for love, but also one to strengthen their house, and one to strengthen her own claim as a Targaryen. She was the blood of Old Valyria, despite not looking like it. Marrying a Targaryen prince and birthing his babes would put an end to the rumours and the doubts across the realm.

There was a moment of silence between the two women until Rhaenyra spoke again.

“Daemon and I-“

“Wed each other in an ancient Valyrian ceremony,” Maelessa cut her mother off. “Aemond and I want to do the same.”

Rhaenyra sighed and a look of resignation came over her as she looked at her daughter.

“I’ve truly lost you to him, haven’t I?” she asked, reaching out to take Maelessa’s hand. The girl nodded and her face softened slightly as she squeezed her mother’s hand.

“Many years ago. There was nothing you could have done, mother. Aemond and I are fated, even the king saw it. You’ve told me stories about you and Daemon in your youth, and truthfully I relate to them. We’re not that different, you and I. And Aemond and Daemon are two sides of the same coin… Your father couldn’t keep you and your uncle apart. Three different marriages couldn’t keep you apart. And nothing can keep me apart from mine. Not even this ridiculous family feud.”

Rhaenyra sighed again and pulled her daughter in close for a hug. The women embraced each other, and once again Rhaenyra allowed her daughter to stay in King’s Landing as she left with the rest of the family for Dragonstone.

Not many days later, the worst hours of Maelessa’s life took place. News broke that the king was dead, but before that was a day of silent plotting, and she wasn’t even allowed to witness any of it. The greens had agreed that Rhaenyra was the heir to the throne, but after the death of the king, they changed their minds. Alicent swore that the king had changed his mind as well, in his dying moments saying that he wanted Aegon to succeed him. But everyone knew that was false. She also changed her mind about Aemond and Maelessa’s betrothal, breaking it and insisting that Aemond needed to be free to marry a lady from another house. In a fit of rage, Aemond had thrown a flagon of wine against the window of his mother’s chamber, shattering it.

“She loves me above anything, mother,” Aemond spoke when he calmed himself, turning back to face his mother, who watched him with tear stained eyes. She had loved the king, and his death left her grieving. Now her one son was missing, and the other one furious with her.

“Perhaps when she was a child. Now we can’t be certain. She’s Rhaenyra’s daughter, we cannot trust her. Besides, you must be free to form a marriage pact. Borros Baratheon will need convincing that Aegon is the true king. He has four daughters.” Alicent sat down, clasping her hands in front of her. Aemond scoffed at the suggestion.

“Hmm. I will not wed another when I have a perfectly suited bride imprisoned in her own chamber as we speak. One that won’t even fault me for imprisoning her.”

“Gods, Aemond, if you could hear yourself sometimes.” Alicent shook her head. “She is a woman, not some object you can possess. You are a man. You can wed a woman and father her children, then spend your own free time with however many other women you want.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I won’t do that to Maelī- to Maelessa. She deserves more than to be my mistress, my whore,” he sneered. She would agree to it, he knew, she would do anything for him if he only asked. But it’s not what he wanted for her, or for himself. Yet his mother continued.

“She’s a bastard, Aemond. When Aegon is king she will find herself lacking in options. Besides, this decision is out of your hands, it’s already been decided.”

Maelessa knew nothing as of yet, when she had woken this morning she found the doors to her chamber barred. She was no longer a welcome guest, but a hostage to be used as a pawn in the green scheme for power.

Her dragon Catlys had just grown large enough to ride, and she supposed the greens thought she would flee if given the opportunity. They were wrong, though, as much anger as she now felt towards Otto and Alicent, she would never do such a thing to her future husband. Being betrothed to Aemond had been the biggest joy of her life. She opened a flagon of wine. If she couldn’t leave her chamber, at least she could get drunk. But then the doors flung open.

“Maelītsos,” Aemond greeted as he entered. She threw herself in his arms and he wrapped them around her tightly, lifting her off the floor. 

“What’s happening, my love?” she asked. “Why am I imprisoned? Is it the king, is he dead?”

“Yes,” Aemond said. Maelessa’s heart dropped. She did not know her grandsire that well, but he was kind and he was peaceful, and he upheld her mother’s claim to the throne steadfastly. Yet she knew that everything had gone horrendously wrong. The green snake Otto Hightower plotted for his own house and power. “My brother will be crowned king at dawn. Rhaenys is imprisoned, same as you. Your mother will be considered a usurper if she crowns herself queen,” Aemond continued, confirming her suspicions.

She pulled back from his embrace and her eyes fluttered around the room as tears clouded her vision. So many conflicting emotions tore through her body. Fear and grief for her mother. Fury with the Hightowers. Sorrow for the king. Disgust for Aegon. Confusion. Aemond, he hadn’t been here with her. She had been all alone with her thoughts, without him to comfort her and guide her through it.

“I’ve been locked in here for hours, where have you been? Why didn’t you come sooner?” she asked. Tears fell from her eyes and Aemond wiped them away gently.

“I wanted to come as soon as I heard. But I had to find my brother. He was hiding from his new duties.”

“Ageon doesn’t want the crown?” she asked, and Aemond shook his head. “He’s an imbecile, he doesn’t deserve it. If it can’t be my mother it should be you.” She ran her hands down his cheeks, feeling the soft warmth of his skin and the sharp angles of his jaw. The act brought her peace, the feeling of his flesh against her reminded her that it would always be the two of them against the world.

“I know, my love. I have more news, regretful news,” he continued. “Following the death of the king, my mother and grandsire broke our betrothal. They claim that I am now needed to secure the support of Borros Baratheon.”

“No,” Maelessa cried, tears dripping down her cheeks and grief clawing at her chest. They were supposed to get married. It was supposed to be them against the world, forever. Not some other highborn whore. “No you can’t, you can’t wed someone else, it’ll kill me.”

Aemond pulled her in close and held her, resting his chin on her head.

“You alone have my love. You alone always will.” She sniffled into his black leather jerkin, devastated. She had never been so happy as she had the last few days, and now it was all being ripped from her again. “You understand, don’t you, Mae, that any marriage I may enter will be political only? My heart,” he paused and took her hand, placing it on his chest, “beats only for you.”

The reminder was sorely needed at this time. Whatever happened, he was still hers, and that’s what truly mattered.

“As mine does for you. I will wait here for you, I’ll remain loyal, I’ll make it work any way you want, but…” She trailed off and he wiped her tears again, gently holding her face as she spoke. “Our children… they’ll be bastards like me.” Aemond’s eye searched hers for a solution, and he seemed to come up with something.

“Run away with me again. When Aegon is crowned and all this is over, we’ll take Vhagar and fly somewhere, we’ll marry the old Valyrian way just like your mother and Daemon, like we always talked about. No one will know but us. I know it’s not what we wished for, but it’s the best we can do in the situation.”

Maelessa nodded, her tears finally drying.

“Yes. We’ll do that… I’ll wait for you, my love.”

“I’ll come for you, ñuha ozgūroti,” he promised. She frowned.

“Ozgūroti… what does it mean?” she asked. She thought she was fluent in High Valyrian now after all of Aemond’s lessons, but this word she didn’t recognise. A little smile grazed his lips and he ran his thumb down her cheek, resting it on her lower lip.

“Hmm. It means captive, or prisoner,” he said. She scoffed and smacked his chest.

“Even in a moment like this, you jest.”

“I do not jest. You are my captive. I’ve captured your heart and I intend to keep it forever.”

“In that case you’re my captive as well,” she insisted, and Aemond nodded.

“I am,” he said, leaning in to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, desperately needing him for comfort. He claimed her mouth with his tongue, and she gladly allowed it. When he pulled back she was breathless.

“Do what you have to do. I’ll wait for you.”

Aemond left and barred her doors again. He had left her with his dagger, telling her to use it for self defence if anyone was to enter her chamber while he was gone. She revisited her plan on getting drunk, now sitting on her bed with a cup of wine in one hand and the dagger in the other. Anxiety clawed at her when she thought about how they ended up here. Just a few days ago, things seemed like they were going to be fine. Their house was united, and her mother would be queen after Viserys the Peaceful.

The greens must have made plans long ago, because outside her window, people were moving around, scurrying, rushing and whispering. She drank her wine as she watched them all fuss around. Larys Strong looked on from a corner. Technically her uncle, yet she had barely ever spoken to him. Her thoughts drifted to her poor mother. Her throne was being usurped, and there was nothing she could do about it, because she didn’t know. The castle was so quiet, and Maelessa could only assume it was because the greens didn’t want the news of the king’s death to spread yet. They had to finish their plans first.

She had never loved Alicent. The green queen was stern and absent, never warm, smiling or welcoming. But she seemed to have a good heart and she, just like Rhaenyra, wanted peace. But her father Otto was another matter. Otto Hightower was a cunning serpent, whispering venomous words in the ears of everyone in a position of power. Maelessa’s best guess was that this plot was his doing.

The whole day passed, and it was only in the middle of the night that Aemond returned to her chamber. She woke not when he opened the doors, but when he climbed into her bed. He had already stripped all clothes from his body and his eyepatch as well. She stirred and opened her eyes, and he brushed her hair out of her face.

“Shhh…” he whispered, placing soft kisses all over her face. His fingers, gentle and careful, travelled down her neck and chest, pushing back the furs she slept under. “Ñuha gevives…” His kisses moved down her neck, to her chest and down her arm as he climbed in under the furs and on top of her. She shifted onto her back to grant him better access. “Ñuha gevie ozgūroti.” There was that word again. Captive. Prisoner. It held two meanings to them, sweet and evil. Aemond brought his hand up to her lips, and she sucked his fingers into her mouth, wetting them before he dropped his hand down to her womanhood, rubbing her softly until she was bucking her hips up against his hand, craving more.

”Kostilus,” she begged quietly. Aemond chuckled and slid two fingers into her, still placing soft kisses wherever he could reach.

“Ñuha buzdari…” he murmured, and she gasped. The more chaotic the world around them grew, the more possessive he became. “Mēre ñuha.”

“Aōhon,” she agreed, whining in pleasure as he drove his fingers in deep, curling them and working the spot deep inside her that drove her mad with desire. “Ñuha āeksio… ñuha dārys… ñuha jaes,” she moaned. At this, he captured her lips again and kissed her feverishly, pumping his long skilled fingers into her over and over until she threw her arms around him, digging her nails into his perfectly muscled back as she came for him, receiving praise once more.

“Syz riña… ñuha syz riña,” he whispered, withdrawing his fingers and sucking her arousal off of them, moaning at the taste.

“Mazemagon yeng,” she murmured against his lips when he kissed her again. So he did. One could be forgiven for thinking he ruled and made all the decisions in their relationship, but truth be told Aemond indulged Maelessa’s every whim, he never told her no unless it was for her own safety, and everything she wanted, he gave her if it was within his power to do so. He was enslaved to her just as much as she was to him. 

She wrapped her legs around his hips when he entered her, moaning softly. He kept his hand on her cheek, looking into her eyes as he rocked his hips into her, claiming her with deep and slow thrusts. They both gasped and panted in pleasure, sharing sweet kisses in between his thrusts. He filled her up so perfectly and it didn’t take long before she was nearing that edge again, using her heels to pull him deeper inside her. She fisted her hands in his hair and he bit down on her neck just as she tumbled over the edge, crying out his name when she came for him. Seconds later he withdrew himself from her and with a breathless groan, spilled his seed on her thighs and belly. She couldn’t wait to feel it inside her one day. 

Neither of them bothered with cleaning up the mess, and Aemond climbed back in under the furs. Maelessa pulled him into her arms this time, stroking his silky hair fondly while kissing his face and head. She sang him a song and he slowly began to relax in her arms, and that’s how they fell asleep that night.

When dawn came for them, he helped her dress. He braided her hair, she braided his, and he put her in a green gown despite her protests.

“Can’t I wear black? It would symbolise my mourning for the king. I don’t support your family, I don’t support Aegon. Only you,” she said and pouted as he laced the green corset tightly.

“No.” One word, that he barely ever used with her, was all he needed to silence her objections. He leaned in and kissed her exposed neck. “It’s only for show, Maelītsos. Don’t think too much about it. Everything will be alright, I promise.”

With a resigned sigh she allowed him to keep fussing around with her like a doll until he deemed her perfect. Then he offered her his arm and they walked together through the empty castle all the way to the dragon pit, where Aegon was to be crowned. As expected they received angry looks from Alicent and Otto when they showed up together. Alicent grabbed Aemond’s arm, stopping him when they passed her.

“Why is she here? She was supposed to remain in her chamber,” she whispered. Maelessa heard her of course, and smiled. Aemond had broken the rules of their plan only to have her here, and for that she was glad.

“Hmm. She looks pretty in green, don’t you think?” Aemond replied to his mother with a smirk, ignoring her question to take their places by Helaena who smiled shyly.

Commoners began to seep into the dragon pit, slowly but surely filling it up. Guards made sure to keep the order and soon, the pit was full to the brim with people. The bells of the city rang to signal an important event. When they stopped, it was Otto who spoke.

“People of King’s Landing! Today is the saddest of days. Our beloved king, Viserys the Peaceful, is dead.” Unnerved chatter broke out among the commonfolk. “But it is also the most joyous of days! For as his spirit left us, he whispered his final wish, that his first born son, Aegon, should succeed him!” The chatter turned from unnerved to exhilarated, and men of the city watch entered, forming a passage for the new king. Maelessa struggled to keep her face plain. She wanted to scowl and roll her eyes as Otto spoke, but she bit her lip to stop herself. She glanced over at Aemond who stood next to her, hands clasped behind his back.

Aegon entered, slowly, looking unsure of himself. He didn’t look like a king at all, but a sullen boy who shouldn’t be afforded power in any aspect of life. No matter how much you tried to dress up a pig, it was still a pig. Even Aemond couldn’t hide his thoughts as he swallowed hard, his eyes fluttering while he watched his brother take the stage. Then he caught himself, and resumed his stoic blank gaze.

Otto continued to speak, but it was Ser Criston who spoke the final words, placing the Conqueror’s crown upon Aegon’s head. When Aegon turned, first Alicent, then Helaena and then Maelessa, all curtsied. Aemond nodded his head, and then Aegon turned back to the public, who applauded him and cheered. It was then he seemed to realise that power came with adoration, and he drew his Valyrian steel sword. For the first time since entering the pit, he smiled. When the crowd cheered him, and he lifted the sword again, egging the smallfolk on.

It was then that the ground broke, dust and debris covering the entire room and a dragon’s screech was heard. The common folk screamed and scattered. Aemond stepped protectively in front of Maelessa and Helaena, who took each other’s hands as they watched the red scales of Meleys come into vision. Rhaenys sat in the saddle, having escaped her imprisonment in her chamber. Meleys roared, her huge claws and her snapping tail taking the lives of many a man as she gained footing and stomped forward to the royal family. As the commonfolk escaped through the opening doors, Rhaenys looked down at Aegon and Alicent. Alicent had stepped forward to protect her son, if Rhaenys were to rain fire on him. Maelessa stared with wide eyes, wondering if Rhaenys was bold enough to slaughter them all in here. 

It would be bittersweet. If she slew the new king, it meant Rhaenyra could come to claim her rightful throne. But in dragon fire, none were spared, meaning she wouldn’t live to see it. Meleys roared again, her hot breath fanning over them all. Rhaenys gave Alicent a meaningful look, then she turned her dragon around and escaped, leaving them all shaken and scared, but unharmed.

Valyrian translations:

Ñuha ozgūroti - My captive/prisoner

Ñuha gevives - My beauty

Ñuha gevive ozgūroti - My beautiful prisoner 

Kostilus - Please

Ñuha buzdari - My slave

Mēre ñuha - Only mine

Aōhon - Yours

Ñuha āeksio… ñuha dārys… ñuha jaes - My master… my king… my god

Mazemagon yeng - Claim/take me

Tag list: @magnificentsapphiresoul

[deathsmallcaps]

I saw the live action Snow White film. I want to write a review that does not drag Rachel Zegler OR Gal Gadot’s names.

Free Palestine, I am not a fan of Gal Gadot’s politics, but frankly a lot of the posts I am seeing inch too close to being Anti-Semitic for me to be comfortable reblogging them. She is a genuinely great actor, don’t do that stupid thing where you malign all of a person’s abilities just because they have shit politics.

And yall are just mean to Rachel Zegler. This movie was still Disney’s Snow White but adapted to more modern feminist ideals while not feeling out of place. She was right and yall need to accept that.

We ALL know that no one would drag two guys in a similar movie situation. This is not because Snow White was a Disney production, yall just feel more comfortable being assholes about women.

This was a live action Disney movie, which I get why yall wanted to avoid. But in any case, if you want to be spoiled and get what I think is a fair view of the movie, please

I enjoyed it, and it made my friend who went with me especially happy. They look similar to the cartoon Snow White and were really excited to see the movie.

It had some original songs that are going to be stuck in my head for a while. Waiting on a wish, I think, really set the tone for how this Snow White will function differently within her own story. I do think the four values her parents left her were a bit much? Four seems a little off, and I’m fond of the fairy tale number of three. But I really like how her fairness towards all (I think they even use the word equitable in the movie lmao!) affected how she appeared in her own story and in her people’s minds.

I appreciate the way they sidestepped how Snow White got her name - she either was born in a snowstorm or literally brought by it (couldn’t quite tell, maybe the point as this film is for kids) and her parents named her in it’s honor, as they had struggled with having kids.

A lot of people complained about how Rachel Zegler (RZ) Snow White (SW) sounded different than Adriana Caselotti (AC) SW. That’s not an RZ problem, that’s a casting director’s problem. RZ is a great actress (I’m still listening to her Hunger Games songs) but they hired a belter. AC was an operatic singer, especially later in life, but there’s been nearly a HUNDRED (86!!!) years between both women’s early careers. That’s a whole lot of musical history, theory, and differences in training. And they’re two different people!

RZ is great at adapting characters into her singing voice (she’s from New Jersey and sang like she was born in West Virginia!) so if she wasn’t perfectly sugary sweet that was either an ability thing that her directors felt it was worth keeping her for (she has a big name and again, genuinely a great singer!) or it was a DIRECTOR’S choice and now he’s not owning up to it. In any case, RZ is a genuine soprano and she sounded high pitched but pleasant to me!

The plot stayed somewhat true to the original, but thankfully they did not murder the Queen while busting out some seriously anti-Semitic looks. Snow White got to be kissed by her true love* but also utilized her pacifism and care for others in a way that worked within the film and made it clear it WAS her victory and her doing.

*yes, while asleep. I am not the biggest fan of that practically but from a romantic’s standpoint I enjoyed it

I think yall will also be pleased to note that once SW was out of the castle she didn’t really clean. Instead, she used good management and social skills (as befitting a ruler! Keep in mind this is a fantasy world and thus monarchy is somewhat fine, bear with me) to end the ‘magical creature’s’ period of executive dysfunction. While she still ended up managing a bunch of men, she didn’t do FOR them, she did WITH and TAUGHT them, which from a teacher’s perspective is excellent.

I must say though, Rachel Zegler looked especially thin in this movie. Im not huge on social media and only super know her from A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but she definitely lost weight between the two and I doubt it’s just baby fat (she’s still only 23, she’s only a month younger than me). I REALLY hope that the actress is fine and it’s just me being on the lookout. I would hate to find out that she was pressured into taking Ozempic or developed bad eating habits from stress

Gal Gadot as the Queen slayed. No doubt. From how she was dressed down to her villain song*, she played it absolutely right. I loved how she glittered, I love how her crown was stained glass** (beautiful, but fake in comparison to the diamond to which she always compared herself, and fragile) and the way she held herself was excellent. I find it interesting that she was willing to kill SW only after SW tried to take the castle from her. I think she was maybe still saving SW as a potential heir or scapegoat or hostage, but once SW cornered her on the bridge it was apparently too much. Also the wall design in her throne room??? I loved it.

*I think it struck a good balance between sexy and just straight wicked, and leaned into camp a little, a direction that we have had yet to see in a lot of these modern live action Disney movies (I’ve seen most tbh, except Aladdin and the Lion Kings. I do have Will Smith’s rendition of Friend Like Me downloaded though) and which played favorably into her portrayal of the Queen. She knows she looks and sounds good, it doesnt matter to her if she IS a good person.

**I assume it’s stained glass? Maybe in movie they’d be like ‘it’s really thin rubies and diamonds dumbass, she’s that rich’ but it looked like stained glass to me.

I start getting really nitty gritty below, you have been warned.

Re: the dwarves. So I do think it’s dumb they just straight up avoided calling the dwarves anything. I don’t think their species came up once, they just clearly held the humans as a separate species. I wished they called themselves elves or looked less cgi human or something. But I do appreciate that they and the post-scary-forest scene animals all looked to be in the same art style reminiscent of the original movie. Those animals did seem more self aware and stuff - we can say that they are all magically affected by that forest lol. I loved how their house really really really looked like the original.

Also my friend caught that they were maybe magically connected to the trees? So that reminds me of the Gregory Macguire adaption of Snow White, where I think the ‘dwarves’ were literally tree spirits. The movie also changed the Heigh Ho song to an introduction song, which got on my nerves a little bit I think will appeal to the kids. Which is the point.

I really appreciate that Dopey was given dignity and an explanation for his reticence?! From a representation perspective I would’ve preferred it if he was mute or maybe had an Intellectual Disability and they played it straight? But instead he was super shy and emotionally discouraged by the other dwarves (NOT a good work and home environment tbh) and (once again from a teachers perspective) SW gave him concrete steps and reasonable goals to get him ready to talk. Kickbutt behavior. Also I like that he turned out to be the narrator (and I missed the storybook beginnings tbh)

They replaced the fly gags with little fairies which were cute. As someone who was a farmhand, and Has had bugs get all up in my space, I really cannot abide bugs, and would hate to have one inside me. But i DO think shying away from grosser things like that is kind of lame. Still, the aesthetes will probably enjoy it.

Quigg the actual person with Dwarfism was definitely … there? And named and given hobbies (crossbow) and a love interest? So I think that was a good thing. I think his dialogue was awkward - it felt like they were trying to hit some sort of verbal acknowledgment of minority reprensentation quota with consistent reference to his name and interests. But he was instrumental to the climax? So again, I think this was a win? Even if it was a squeaker (squeaked by). I don’t have dwarfism, so anyone who does, please reply!

And I think I saw another person with Dwarfism* in the ‘show the audience how poor the country is’ scene; they’re hanging out near a fire in what looked to me was an oil barrel. I know the community has a lot of mixed feelings about roles like dwarves in Snow White, and I personally think they should’ve gone that route with the casting instead of just using CGI (though the voices were pretty accurate to the original dwarves tbh) but again I don’t have dwarfism and should not be treated as an expert on the subject.

Info: depending on to whom one is speaking, preferences on Dwarf and LP may vary. But it is a general medical agreement that ‘dwarves’ are for fantasy, and ‘dwarfs’ are people. I’m sticking to Person with Dwarfism because I do not know the actors’ preferences. As an autistic person, I don’t like people first language, but I have no personal ties to the community and thus don’t want to assume the general consensus, much less the personal perspective.

They replaced the prince with a forest thief named Jonathon. I thought his intro was weak (he was like off brand Flynn Rider, and I’m not even really a tangled fan) and he got on my nerves a little bit. But his song was fun, and I didn’t realize until tonight (I saw the movie three days ago now) why I was being so mentally harsh on him: he looks like Pewdiepie to me. Once I realized that, my opinion of him softened. Good actor, I think he did well for his part.

But tbh, I found the chemistry between Dopey and SW more appealing.

The cast seemed small? That got on my nerves tbh. They literally only had 7 people (was it supposed to be a reflection of the dwarves?) in the robber band and the townspeople were few - Disney could’ve and should’ve paid for more people to make that set actually seem like a CAPITOL towns’ worth of people. Their loss.

The queen tried to get SW to break on her morals (pacifism) by handing the princess a diamond dagger and telling SW to stab her in front of the crowd, to prove she was a long lasting diamond instead of a temporary rose (an imagery thing they really tried keep being up throughout the movie). SW did not, the queen turned and told her captain’s guard (btw the huntsman is alive and very helpful and actually was really compelling I just am writing this free flow) to kill SW.

SW in turn reminded each guard of their humanity, of their duty to their people, and that they had the power to end the queen’s tyranny. They eventually all turned on the queen, who tried to get SW, but then Quigg stopped her via his crossbow.

The Queen then runs to the mirror, is devastated to find she still isn’t the FAIREST and destroys the mirror, which in turn turns her to … something dark and wispy like ash? And sucks her in. Leaving SW to rule (her dad is dead btw, the queen straight killed him when he went off to war apparently. Her mom actually survived to mid childhood for once oof). Then SW has a wedding and it’s all very happy :) (though the dancing seemed a little janky.

Crack Queen theory: okay this is silly but the dwarves said the last time they had a human in their house was 275 years ago prior to SW. it would be cool if the Queen was their daughter or something, learned magic, and then betrayed them and set off on her own for hundreds of years. I formulated this theory prior to Dopey speaking, so I also thought that maybe she had stolen his voice. In any case, no dice.

My biggest complaint for this movie is that if they had waited 14 years (long time I know but still) they could’ve released this film on the hundredth anniversary of the original’s release. I know to a lot of you diehards, that’dve been sacrilegious, but from a numbers perspective I REALLY like it.

If you want to scratch your Snow White itch but don’t want to support Disney or don’t have the funds or privacy skills for a brand new release in theatres, i highly recommend Mirror mirror. It’s funny, has great casting, and ends with a kickass Bollywood style dance party.

But if you’ve given other Disney live action films a chance, I think Snow White (2025) is worth a try.

[itjazzbicch]

Reborn

Pairing:  Kenshi Takashi x Fem Reader 

Summary: Traumatized from all of the horrific sights the reader had seen while defending their timeline and facing Titan Shang Tsung, the reader decided to part ways with her fellow champions and Lui Kang, falling off the grid, but when she is found by her close friend, Kenshi, he offers her a new path in life, at first shutting her down, but his words sticking with her and giving her the motivation to find herself again...

Warnings: Kenshi Tower ending spoilers, The reader deals with some mental health issues, Jax is in this fic (colored purple) slight swearing (but that's about it!) The song used in this fic is listed below!

Word Count: 1.5k 

When I was chosen to be a champion, I thought that my life would excel and that I'd achieve things that I couldn't imagine, but as time progressed, I was put to the test. I passed and made it out alive, but I left with scars on my skin and in my mind.

We all had our lives to live. My friends stayed in touch with one another, but I isolated myself and practically fell off the face of the earth. It would be best if my former friends didn't know where I was and what I was doing.

--------

"She's here. I just have this feeling, Briggs."

"Well, I've never met her, so I'll trust your gut on this one-"

Sooner or later, someone was bound to come and find me. Kenshi, being the one to step up, and did not expect to see me in a nightclub, shocked to hear my singing:

"Now it's one more boy and it's one more line

(Holding on for your call)

Taking the pills just to pass the time

(I can never say no)

'Cause I'm gonna be free and I'm gonna be fine

(Holding on for your call)

'Cause I'm gonna be free and I'm gonna be fine

But maybe not tonight”

"She's a performer?" Briggs saw me on stage, dancing in a skimpy dress, the crowd of the club roaring; disbelief was all over Kenshi's face as he shook his head slowly:

"I never even knew that she could sing."

"It's a different kind of danger And the bells are ringing out And I'm calling for my mother As I pull the pillars down It's a different kind of danger And my feet are spinning around Never knew I was a dancer 'Til Delilah showed me how,"

Nothing was stopping me from singing, this being the one thing that made me feel alive, dancing, and finishing off:

"Too fast for freedom Sometimes it all falls down These chains never leave me I keep dragging them around Too fast for freedom Sometimes it all falls down These chains never leave me I keep dragging them around."

Posing then bowing as the crowd clapped and whistled at me, Kenshi was evident in the crowd, wearing sunglasses instead of that red band, but I knew him when I saw him. When my eyes locked on him, I could feel the tension as his attention was locked on me, too.

I didn't know who the guy with him was, but either way, it was time to get out of there.

"Give it up for our Queen, Y/N!" The DJ had to keep exciting the crowd, just my luck, but he wasn't in charge of this place, so I waved to the crowd again before slipping to the back.

Rushing to grab my stuff and my car keys, I knew Kenshi would try and find a way to me. Hoping security would do good at their job, I slipped out the back and heard from the darkness by my car:

"Since when did you sing?"

"Kenshi," I sighed, rolling my eyes and giving up on avoiding him, "I've always sung. Just never told anyone."

"Ah, well, you're good at it," Stepping out of the darkness with that guy, his tone showed his concern for me, "Just didn't expect to find you in a place like this-"

"Who's the guy?" I was standoff-ish with strangers, but I didn't sense any ill intentions from him as he stepped up and introduced himself:

"Jackson Briggs. Takashi and I now work for the OIA. We hoped to speak with you."

Offering his hand to me, I only stared, cocking my eyebrow at Kenshi, "OIA? What the hell is that?"

"The Outerworld Investigation Agency," Kenshi explained, "I'm sure you can puzzle the pieces together-"

"Yeah, and I decline," I spat quickly, my harshness leaving them silent; I rolled my eyes again as Kenshi only turned his head to Briggs, wanting to talk to me alone.

"Y/N," Now that we were alone, Kenshi wasn't going to leave till he got more answers, showing more concern for me, whispering, "We've all been worrying about you. Johnny, Kung Lao, Raiden, even Lord Lui Kang-"

"As you see, I'm fine," I didn't want to have this conversation, trying to shut it down, "It was nice seeing you, but-"

"Y/N-" More stern in his tone, he held me by the shoulders, trying to read me better, "Even I can see that something's wrong and how you changed so drastically. I know we went through a lot, but-"

"No, buts-" I whispered, my emotions starting to rise, "That stuff mentally screwed me, and I don't want to return to that life."

"Have you forgotten that you are a champion?" His words brought tears to my eyes, and I felt as if a fire was burning under me, a mixture of pressure and deep desires, "We're human, and our minds can be fragile, I get that, but you're strong, whether you believe it or not. The realms need you."

"I haven't forgotten," I whispered, giving false hope before crushing the motivation he tried to give me, "I haven't forgotten the pain that being a 'champion' has put me through. The realms don't need me."

The silence between us was eerie. I had him frozen in disbelief, hugging his stiff body and whispering before I walked away:

"I do appreciate the concern, but we all have different fates. I'm sorry if mine doesn't align with yours."

"Wait-" It was becoming difficult not to snap, but I had a soft spot for Kenshi, stopping and looking as he handed me a card, "Just in case you change your mind."

"Sure," I huffed sarcastically, finally escaping the situation, but it stuck with me.

I spent the next few nights wide awake, lost in thought, questioning my entire life. For some reason, Kenshi's words, "Have you forgotten that you are a champion," replayed in my head. Over and over.

Staring at his business card, I relived everything that I went through as a champion, and the one constant circled my mind. I never gave up. I faced death and overcame it, took down a Titan. The mental conflicts had me shaking.

The life I was living now wasn't meant for me; that was a fact that I could accept. Maybe Kenshi was right.

Laying back, holding that card close, for the first time since I parted ways with everyone, I felt some peace, knowing what I needed to do and what was right.

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

"Hey, Takashi," It took a few more days to get myself together, but it was worth seeing the expression on Kenshi's face as his partner Jax brought me into his office, "Someone important is here to see you."

It was hard not to laugh at his hung jaw, giggling through my question, "You still want me to work with you, right?"

Kenshi's shocked expression turned into a small, relieved smile, "I'm glad you decided to come."

"We got a lot of work to do," Jax smiled at us, heading out the door and teasing Kenshi, "Make sure she knows how to do things right!"

"That won't be an issue," He chuckled, and when the door closed, I took Kenshi's hand and gave him a tight hug, confusing him for a moment, "The job's not that bad-"

"It's not that. It's just-; Thank you, Kenshi," I whispered. Kenshi realized what I had been feeling, returned my hug, and rubbed my back softly.

"I've been wanting to apologize to you. I knew that all the horrible things we went through were getting to your head, and I didn't do anything-"

Hearing him say that made me want to sob, but I shook it off, holding his head to mine, finally defeating the demons in my mind:

"You don't have to apologize for anything. That was a battle that only I could fight. Don't worry anymore, Kenshi. I finally remembered who I am."

Smiling more, he was happy for me and proud, "You're going to make a great agent, you know."

"From what I heard, you made quite a reputation for yourself here. I'll make sure to be even better," I teased, making us laugh, Kenshi teasing back:

"Did you go visit Johnny before you came here? You're sounding a little too cocky, just like him."

Laughing and shaking my head, I acknowledged, "No, but I need to go visit the guys."

"They'll be over the moon when you do. Just don't let Cage know that you can sing. He'll try to get you into the music business," He smirked, making me laugh, leaning over to his desk and then placing a badge in my hand, "Welcome to the team, Y/N."

Staring at the badge, I felt a true purpose in my life again, clenching it in my fist, being filled with a new kind of pride, my voice alone showing my newfound loyalty to Kenshi and the OIA, "I won't disappoint you and give you my all, Kenshi." 

2023 © itjazzbicch — do not repost or translate my work. Likes, reblogs, and comments are always welcome 

[jkottke]

From Teen Vogue, a profile of Vivian Jenna Wilson. “She barely thinks about her father [Elon Musk]. ‘I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind. The only thing that gets to live free in my mind is drag queens.’”

[ladycamdens]

hi friends. i removed my post from reddit, not because i retract my statements about kong, but because this whole thing has been too triggering for me tbh.

this post is sort of a way for me to vent and provide some clarifying statements for anyone who is interested. feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear.

kween kong and i were "drag family" from 2019 to 2020. in that time, we saw each other basically every weekend she was home. i worked hours and hours of unpaid work for her, as did the rest of her drag family. which she would later completely discredit and talk shit about us all for.

when we first met, she just didn't talk about her race much. she lip synced the n word (as pictured in this video)

and wore box braids and things like durags. she also strictly performed songs by African American artists. at first, i did presume she was black. then, within that time, when actively asked by us, according to her, she was of strictly Pacific Island descent. on both sides of her family. and still only publicly claims that.

i also remember being out with her @ lunch once, she looked at the Cafe staff and said (loudly) "these *n slurs* clearly want us to leave". i also then wanted to leave. it would be very shortly after that that we would have a very public falling out. where i called her out for this post on her insta story

keep in mind she did nothing but yap about how she was creating a "safe space" for all of us and had multiple plus sized daughters.

now flash forward to her time on drag race !!!

she was still doing looks like this and not addressing her racism

i love all the zebras and black girl magic in *checks notes* Polynesia...

she would finally claim some of her actual identity, only to play activist, whilst promoting a bar that she knew employed abusers

now the final nail in this goddamn coffin is how she lied about her children

1. all of her children, bar two of us had perfectly fine relationships with our parents. and most of them lived at home lmao

2. one of her daughter's CHOSE to do escorting. she still does.

3. on average the members were about 24. there were zero minors in the haus of Kong. you cannot work bar gigs in australia under the age of 18.

4. whenever her daughters, usually young POC trans kids, asked her for help, she would demonise them and say all they did was take from her.

5. as i mentioned before, we were largely unpaid. our actual lipsync numbers were paid through tipping - which is near unheard of here. most queens get a booking fee. if you didn't have a lot of friends or family you'd be lucky to make $20

photo of me with the fucking "kong dollars" as she called them

if you got through this entire post. thank you. that means a lot to me. i love you all. if you do wish to share this it would be really helpful to me. okay bye xo

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Original Characters Masterlist

a night to remember (ao3) - grievingwarwidow

Summary: roxie, who prefers the label exotic performer over stripper, is a star amongst people who are out when the sun goes down. who better for a close-minded phil who has despised what he labels as lowlifes to suddenly obsess over than Roxie himself?

aka the one where phil gets pathetically hung up on dan, better known as roxie and is desperate to get to know him better.

A Perfect Pair (ao3) - husbants

Summary: Dan, a struggling actor who works retail by day, and Phil, an ex-YouTuber-turned-porn-star, end up matched together on the new reality show, Perfect Pair.

All Signs Point to Us (ao3) - RyRyCaptain

Summary: When the queen and king gives birth to Daniel, they soon learn that their son is deaf. In order to let Dan express his opinions to those who haven't learned sign language, they find him a translator who happens to be the son of the King’s advisor, Phil. Soon enough, Phil starts to realize thAt he fallen in love with the younger boy.

apple dragon (ao3) - ShiwiSins (IetjeSiobhan)

Summary: Phil grumbles something into his coffee, and Dan’s face lights up with an expression so fond it feels almost wrong to look at.

Or: Dan and Phil on tour, through the outside eyes of a staff member.

be still my foolish heart (ao3) - t_hens

Summary: Phil is a bartender in a jazz club during the Prohibition and he's doing his best to live a plain, but safe life.

- that all goes out the window when a new jazz band is hired and the drummer, Dan, starts to capture Phil's heart.

Beautiful Liar (ao3) - toadsappho

Summary: A devastating revelation from a cute stranger sitting in the bar where Dan is supposed to be meeting his boyfriend rocks Dan's world- but it turns out that might not be such a bad thing

bragging rights (ao3) - wednesday_ukiru

Summary: A hot doctor sits down next to Phil as he’s coming off anesthesia.

break free (ao3) - wiccamoody

Summary: Dan is a competitor on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

By the way, I adore you. (ao3) - lxzyfangirl

Summary: Dan is very sick, and the future is not looking too bright for him, thankfully, he has Phil, his best friend, to accompany him through it all. But is Dan satisfied with being just friends?

canon in d (ao3) - danhoweiis

Summary: dan goes out to a bar and a stranger buys him a drink. what happens next may surprise you! [not clickbait]

Christmas Coming Out (ao3) - AHellaLottaFandoms

Summary: He didn't intend to come out to his mum in his future mother in law's kitchen at Christmas... But here he was, doing exactly that.

Daffodil Garden (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Dan Howell is the only ordinary one in a world of remarkable people. Phil Lester is the only one that sees his lack of a power as a power in and of itself

family of ten (ao3) - schnaf

Summary: Having a serious conversation with your biggest daughter is rather difficult. Especially when she wants to know if you regret having children.

Five Seconds (ao3) - starboydjh

Summary: Five seconds in a dusty university bookshop one night is all it takes to change Dan the work study master's student and Phil the PhD candidate’s lives for the better.

Forever Home (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: Phil’s wanted a dog for as long as he can remember, and now that he and Dan are moving into their new house, it’s the perfect opportunity. But there’s just one problem: Phil’s allergic to dogs.

(from the wings) i'll be watching (ao3) - moonanonymous

Summary: Phil is the assistant lighting director. Dan is the nutcracker prince. It's going to be a long day.

glass houses (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: dan has an illness the doctors can’t treat. he lives in a bubble of imprisoning plastic. his life is monotonous, cold, and without any connection to the people around him. then he meets phil.

Hang In There, Baby (ao3) - elated_witch

Summary: Dan and Phil document their journey to parenthood through videos

Heat (ao3) - blossomsphan

Summary: Phil has eyes for a cute waiter. But Dan only has eyes for Phil.

Home For Good (ao3) - hygge

Summary: Phil gets drafted for World War III. Dan and their daughter, Emily, try to maintain a normal life while Phil is away.

How do you Sleep? (When you Lie to Me.) (ao3) - CactiPhan

Summary: Dan is about to be married to his longtime boyfriend Henry, but plans change when he walks in on him cheating on Dan. The only person he can run back to is his best friend, who he was blind not to see was perfect for him

Kick Me While I'm Down (ao3) - jerseker

Summary: Dan and Phil meet in an adult kickball league. Phil is just there to make friends. Dan is - not.

Lightyear Groovin' (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: In a galaxy far, far away, there’s an abundance of 70s clubs. On Krithoo, local party freak Dan Howell works as a waiter at an often overcrowded cantina, Virgo Volans. And maybe, just maybe, has an infatuation with the extraterrestrial dj frequenting their stage.

My Sanctuary, You're Holy to Me (ao3) - skygremlin

Summary: Sister Daniel isn't very good at being a nun, but she's stuck living in a convent because she's got no other plans. The church needs a new priest for Sunday mass, and the responsibility falls on her to meet him for the first time. Will he see through her false devotion?

new horizons (ao3) - cityofphanchester

Summary: “Bry,” Phil says again, crashing to a halt against the table. Someone’s jammed the rickety sliding door to the back garden open and the kitchen is flooded with bright, sweet autumn air that he’s in absolutely no position to appreciate. “My Switch is broken.”

She turns away from the sink to look at him with much less urgency than the situation demands. “Were you playing Animal Crossing in the bath again?”

“No!” he says, much too loud, and there’s a muffled laugh from the other side of the breakfast bar. He notices only a few seconds late that obviously Bryony hadn’t been talking to herself. It’s Dan, oversized black hoodie and shadows under his eyes, clutching a Game of Thrones coffee mug like he hasn’t slept in a week. Which maybe he hasn’t, Phil can never quite get a vibe off him. “That was one time.”

Of Times Gone By (ao3) - Spring_Haze

Summary: Dan reflects on parenthood. He and Phil share two teenage daughters, Willow Rowan and Adrienne Katherine. The girls are growing up, and Dan chooses optimism and gratitude as the Howell-Lester family faces a potential change in it's dynamic. There is nothing but love and fluff here.

Our Flaws Are Aligned (ao3) - phantasizeit

Summary: Dan and Phil are YouTubers, but they hate each other. Phil is reminded of this when he’s forced to interact with him at the Spain Creator’s Summit. Their situation isn’t helped by their complicated past when their firecracker relationship crashed and burned. When Stop, Speak, Support contacts Phil to be a headlining speaker in their tour across schools in the UK, he is more than excited, until he finds out he’ll working next to his YouTube enemy. Phil doesn’t expect their time planning the tour together to rekindle old feelings he thought he’d long since buried.

Practically Perfect In Every Way (ao3) - americanphancakes

Summary: Unhappily married father of two Phil Lester needs to hire a housekeeper-slash-babysitter when work gets crazy. The new babysitter, Dan, is kind, articulate, into video games, and absolutely gorgeous. Phil begins to doubt that it's worth trying to make his failing marriage work... and his kids agree.

running you with red (ao3) - waveydnp

Summary: dan and phil are a&e nurses

songbird (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: a post-apocalyptic coffee shop au

strike a deal, kiss my lips (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Witches were the only magical beings capable of binding and controlling demons. It required a complicated ritual and crazy amounts of magic.

It happening on accident was practically unheard of until Phil came along and got tangled up with a snarky and dangerous demon named Dan. Suddenly bound together, Phil must grapple with control over a chaotic demon that wants to strip the skin from his bones.

And maybe strip the clothes off of his body as well.

The Colors (ao3) - americanphancakes

Summary: Dan keeps having dreams of people he's never met, and then feels the irrepressible urge to draw their portraits the next morning. Eventually, though, he learns that the people he's drawn are all dying one by one, and there's nothing he can do to stop it.

The Great British Sing Off (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: It's the annual Great British Sing Off and Dan Howell and Phil Lester are competing to win a chance at touring with Harry Styles. What follows is a series of messed up routines, crazy styles(pun intended) and perhaps even new romances.

The Way Time Passes (ao3) - sarahjean

Summary: The story of two young boys through the eyes of a tutor that arrives to prepare them for college. The story follows them from the time they are 6 to 18.

to let the light in (ao3) - cityofphanchester

Summary: Searching for a fresh start after a decade of dead ends in London, Dan becomes obsessed with a storytelling show on Rossendale Radio and a voice that hasn't been broadcast in years.

Weather With You (ao3) - Evening42

Summary: Phil moves to an isolated cottage to start his dream of writing a novel. He meets a mysterious silent stranger on the beach who has a tragic history.

What Dan Wants, Dan Gets (ao3) - blissedoutphil

Summary: "i hate men but i want them to touch me"

- actual Dan on twitter

where the orchids grow (ao3) - CapriciousCrab

Summary: Growing up together on neighboring estates, Dani and Pip's childhood friendship grows into something more. Will they risk scandal and certain ostracization for love?

You Can Continue Surviving (ao3) - anne2005

Summary: Dan and Phil are having a good, quiet day, until someone from Dan's past decides to make an appearance. Dan doesn't understand why he just can't get over it.

[starwarsmum]

Day 4 is Despair ✨❤️✨ a follow on from my Adventures of Lady Grey

Part 1 Part 2

@maribatserver

Marinette had been dreaming. Or, rather, Marinette had been having a nightmare. 

When she woke, she tried to push away the memories that had brought the nightmare on, but they threatened to swamp her. And unlike in Paris she didn't have a good reason for trying to suppress the feelings. So she sat, glaring out of the window as she grappled with her anger and sorrow.

Almost being akumatised into Princess Justice had been bad enough. But when she had been forced to stay at the bakery, instead of attending school, it had worn on her. Lila had gotten away with getting her expelled, and no amount of pleading, arguing or sobbing had swayed anyone. The risk of akumatisation got so bad she had to meditate several hours a day, and even then she was dodging black butterflies at all hours.

Her hands fisted in the thin bedsheet as she felt tears prick her eyes. She hated remembering how, after a month solid of avoiding akumas, Tikki had explained that she had to find a new holder. That it wasn't personal but she couldn't risk the jewels being in Marinette's possession when she inevitably succumbed to Hawkmoth.

But against all odds she had held out. When the akuma appeared the next time, she was possessed but rejected the power he offered her. The new holder of the Ladybug Miraculous had looked at her with awe tinged with fear. Chat Noir had looked at her like she was a warrior queen that could, maybe, be used to help fight Hawkmoth.

But still, Marinette had kept hope that she would be able to live her life freely once Hawkmoth was brought down. For the first few weeks she held onto the texts that Adrien sent her, few and far between though they were. And, later, she applied to the lycée of her dreams, hoping that she would be able to attend in spite of not finishing collége. 

Everything ended the day she got her rejection letter from the lycée. Apparently someone had reached out to inform them of her expulsion and the reason behind it and it made them disregard her from consideration. That day became the closest to an actual akumatisation, but she fought it back and ended up just exhausted from the exertion.

And still, she sought a way out. If she couldn't get a diploma, she could chase her dreams by getting her work out there. So she sequestered herself on her balcony and hid from everyone for hours, sketching and planning. Which is where Chat found her late that evening, still designing manically.

“Hey Purrincess,” he said, faux cheer in his voice. She could see that his tail was droopy so had no illusions that this was a happy visit. “I heard through the grapevine that you didn't make it into that arts lycée. I'm sorry.”

“Yeah, well, it's not like I can change their mind while Lila's still running free,” she said with a sardonic laugh. Chat went even stiller and she glanced up at him fully at last. He looked troubled, and that made her feel bad because the last thing she wanted was to be the reason Chat was akumatised. “But it's no big deal, really. Who needs school, or friends? Not me, because I'm going to make it big in the fashion world if I have to drag myself into it.”

“But…you do have friends, right? Wasn't there a guy you wanted to date? I'm sure I heard from somewhere that you had a crush on someone…”

“Hah, I did,” she said softly, hands stopping their sketching as they started to shake. “But it turns out he wasn't the one for me. And what with not seeing anyone for school and being stuck here…any friends I did have are long gone.”

“Is that why you don't message anyone back anymore?” He asked quietly, and she hummed thoughtfully.

“I guess. It's not like many people do anyway, really…only…” she trailed off and looked up at him sharply. “I didn't tell you I wasn't messaging my old friends back.”

“It- it's obvious, isn't it?” He asked nervously, twirling his baton as he avoided looking at her. Marinette swallowed her panic down as she realised precisely one person knew she wasn't responding to her texts and for Chat to know it…

“Yeah, super obvious,” she said, laughing semi-hysterically. “But, uh, anyway, I've been out here for far too long. Night Chat.”

Hiding in her room, she buried the panic of working out Chat's identity. Ever the planner, Marinette turned her mind to thoughts of escaping Paris before she did succumb to Hawkmoth.

_ _ _

Growling in frustration, Marinette tugged uselessly at the scrap of fabric that had gotten caught in Batman's trap. It had been a stupid move on her part but now she was stuck waiting to be freed - and likely turned over to the police. She gave a final yank before deciding she was going to have to cut herself free.

Pulling her scissors from the bodice of her corset, she made short work of the captured fabric. She would need to try and fix the outfit for the future, but that was a problem for when she was safely away. She had already scoped the room out before coming to try and liberate a couple of items so she knew the window to her right would be useless. The vents however…

It didn't take long for her to slither into one and then it was just a matter of pointing herself in a direction. The thought of getting caught and shipped back to Paris kept her motivated and she was relieved when she emerged into the cool night air. She skirted the building, keeping an eye out for the duo she knew would be on the way after she tripped their alarm.

Sure enough, she caught sight of the big bad Bat jumping from a neighbouring building to the one she had just escaped from. No sign of his sidekick, but she'd heard he didn't always come out when Batman did so she wasn't worried. She waited until he was out of sight and sprinted away, hoping to lose herself in the streets.

“I didn't think a lady left in the middle of the night,” Robin said, landing in her path. She groaned and reached for her pistol again, making him raise his hands. “Whoa, was it something I said? I've heard I'm usually pretty charming, but if I've offended you…”

“Listen, bird brain,” she said, tone firm and unamused. He made an affronted noise and she felt her lips twitch involuntarily. “I'm not looking to get on your radar. I've never hurt anyone, I only take stuff that should be returned to its rightful owner and I'm only doing this so I can afford things like food. Don't you have more serious problems to deal with?”

“Maybe my interest in you is more personal,” Robin said easily, smiling crookedly at her. “If you just need money to get food, why not get a job? Even teens can work places. You don't have to break the law.”

“Says the boy dressed like he jumped off a tightrope, also breaking the law by taking it into his own hands,” she shot back, victory at surprising him flaring through her. “I'm not a threat to you. Would it make you feel better if I said I was hiding from a maniac and if I was discovered it could end the world?”

It was the closest she had come to telling the truth since she had arrived in Gotham, and it was perhaps a little too honest. She could see it made him hesitate, his face troubled. She slid her hand slowly to her pistol again and cursed internally when his eyes tracked the movement.

“Only if it was the truth,” he said, scepticism clear in his voice. “But if you want to discuss it…”

“Thanks for the offer, but no,” she said flatly. Then she gave up all pretense that she was going to cooperate, throwing herself towards him. Most people bigger than her tended to blanch when she did that, unsure of how to handle someone smaller than them trying to get under their guard. So when he stepped to the side and snagged an arm around her waist, she was impressed in spite of herself.

“I know you called me cute before but I didn't realise that meant you couldn't resist me,” he murmured in her ear as he tried to pin her hand. She flushed and decided she had wasted far too much time chatting with him if he felt comfortable enough to flirt seriously. 

“Yeah, you're making it real hard to resist shooting you,” she said, dropping her weight between his legs. One complicated twist later and he was gasping for air where she had driven his back into the floor. “Nothing personal, Birdie, I just really can't let you take me in.”

And with that she was gone.