#we’re gonna get an onscreen kiss

[oncamelliastreet]

HOLY FUCK I JUST GOT SLAPPED WITH THE REALIZATION THAT BYLER IS ACTUALLY GONNA HAPPEN WERE ACTUALLY GONNA SEE IT

[grongleboy]

every time i discover another queer woman character being fucked over by the writer(s) i start biting rocks and breaking things and making bombs to explode big time

[violivs]

NMTDaily: Makeup Tutorial feat. A Special Guest!

- Real interesting time to be watching this episode right now. Someone gave me the feedback that it’s kind of cool that I’m so behind on my liveblog because it means you all get to read them and look back on older episodes through the lens of the ones NMTDaily is currently on. I’m really understanding that with this episode.

- Hero is a little angel. Using “sneaky filming techniques”… like hiding a totally different video in the bloopers for this video, mayhaps?

- Claudio is here! He’s the special guest.

- “Dear Claudio” and “my boyfriend does my makeup” - the Hero/Claudio relationship has gone to the next level of official.

- Tea is a love language in this series. Claudio coming in with tea for Hero because he’s trying to impress her is a direct parallel to a later scene where Ben has already made Beatrice tea and they’re sitting in his room with their cups as he tries to comfort her.

- Hero and Claudio’s mugs are plain block colors, showing that they don’t really know each other at all, in comparison to the fact that the mug Ben will choose for Bea is Game of Thrones themed and is her favorite GoT family crest. Because he does know her. (I don’t know GoT well enough to be sure which one, or if they’re even called family crests. Sigils? Anyway.)

- (Also, I can’t remember, is “everyone deserves tea” a Hero line, or is it a Jane Bennett from the LBD line? It could go either way. Kind of the same character archetype, different font with those two.)

- Hero and Claudio are very blushy and nervous around each other. There is no easy rapport- this is still big emotional surface-level crush territory.

- “Just gonna admire the artwork in progress��� The first of many subtle lines that show how Claudio sees Hero as a prize, a pretty thing to look at and possess.

- We’re also doing some light reinforcement of heterosexual gender roles: the man is utterly clueless about makeup while the woman knows exactly how to apply fifty different products. Claudio is okay with looking like an idiot in this video because he’s a guy, he isn’t supposed to know anything about makeup. If anyone else made Claudio look foolish regarding any other topic, we would see the sullen, angry side of him come out.

- Fun fact: ya girl is exactly as clueless as Claudio, I wouldn’t have known that wasn’t foundation without the footnote Hero puts onscreen. Or without reading the packaging. Gender roles are fake! I know I could do nicer makeup than Claudio, though, lol.

- Yeah, letting someone who has never done mascara before near your eye with a mascara wand is some scary shit. This shows just how much Hero trusts Claudio.

- “ya wanna know how I got these scars?” I mean, Claudio actively invoking The Joker is extremely on the nose, but it does count as foreshadowing his villainy, so I will mention it. The smiles he causes Hero to smile now will turn painful soon enough.

- Also! Remember that at the costume party, Benedick is Batman. Ben is Batman, and Claudio is Joker.

- Hero kisses Claudio on the cheek, leaving a lipstick stain, and he deadass says “jokes on you, now I look like a ladies’ man”. Because it’s perfectly okay for him to BE a ladies’ man, to show interest in other girls. Men get to do that. It is not okay for Hero to even be implied by a third party to be showing interest in other guys, because women must be perfectly faithful or branded sluts.

- The eyeliner! He writes his name on her cheek. The most direct, on-the-nose statement of Claudio’s view of Hero. “Now people know who you belong to.” Who you belong to. Spine-chilling.

- Hero is right to punch him for that. Interesting that he apologizes for saying it.

- Just the genuine fear on her face about seeing her makeup look, though. And the “Claudio, what have you done to me?” Said in laughter, in a moment of happiness, but also a totally valid line for her to say again later in a much more devastated way. (She doesn’t say it again later, but she could.)

- It IS very sweet that he won’t let her say she looks like a monster, that he keeps telling her how pretty she is and kisses her forehead.

- “The fact that you’d still kiss me now says a lot for our relationship” No, Hero, your boyfriend still liking you when you’re looking goofy is the bare minimum! He should!

- “Your turn” and all she does is put guyliner on him. The minimum level of makeup to not be embarrassing, to still allow him to think he looks sexy. Claudio’s masculinity must be maintained. He does have lipstick on in the following close-up shots, but that could be from kissing her, so plausible deniability.

- “Maybe you could do my makeup for my 16th?” *dun dun DUNNN*

- Hero is back, looking lovely again. She’s going to post outtakes.

- Beatrice is predictably disgusted both by this video and the prospect of outtakes, giving Hero a reason to post the outtakes on Ursula’s channel. Handy.

- “I’m sure one day even you yourself will watch that video” Says Hero, thinking to herself that one day Bea will see how her friends played matchmaker for her and Benedick, and she’ll be happy about it. Very optimistic, Hero. (She also does just mean ‘someday you’ll be in love like this and you won’t think it’s gross.’)

- Beatrice and Hero edited this video together, because Hero knew Bea would hate it, and she needed Bea to swear never to watch the makeup bloopers video. The plan moves along swimmingly…

- In the comment section, Benedick himself is plugging his own response video, “Disgusted” by dropping a link with “that was so disgusting! watch my video if you agree!” I love the character comments.

- If I didn’t know this was a Much Ado retelling, I’d think Ben needs to learn boundaries. The girls already told you to leave them alone, their comment section is not the place to plug your channel, mister. As it is, though, it just screams “hey Beatrice, I thought the makeup video was disgusting too, just like you did! Notice me! Pay attention to me!” This nerd. So obvious. And he genuinely doesn’t even know he’s doing this. Wild. It’s also great that Hero and Bea’s response is to completely ignore him, lol.

- We’ll also see in upcoming videos that Ben’s comment is a reflection of his insecurity about losing Claudio as a friend now that he has a girlfriend.

- Plus, the comment linking his video lets Hero know that Ben has also taken the bait and will not be watching the bloopers video either.

- In the rest of the comment section: many people gushing about how adorable Hero and Claudio are, some people doing so with a tinge of sadness because they know what’s coming, praise for how natural the acting feels in this and all the episodes, and folks picking up on the hints of Claudio’s possessiveness.

- Mooble1325 hits the nail on the head with “they strike the right balance between making him sweet enough that hero would believably like him and already showing that touch of possessiveness that John plays on so well”

- There’s even a comment saying Hero/Claudio are cuter than Jane/Bing! It was always very interesting to compare and contrast different LIWs to each other, I love that.

- Someone also compared Claudio to the youtuber Jim Chapman, and I had to think very hard before remembering who that is. I think there’s a slight blond-white-dude resemblance, it just trips me out to remember how many youtubers I’ve forgotten existed over the years.

- Hero in the video description urging us again to watch the makeup bloopers, you won’t regret it! This will be plot-important! The game is afoot!

💖🥭🦩

[veronicalodgefaghag]

"THOUGHT EXERCISE TIME you have to script one (1) hiram/archie kiss into the existing show somewhere. no plot impact at all, it's never going to be brought up again onscreen it just becomes part of the overall texture of everything that's already going on in canon between them. where does it go, for maximum high camp and/or dramatic impact (double spaced on lined paper by whenever)"

Well?

Didn’t answer this ask back when it was going around cause I wasn’t into Riverdale enough at the time to feel prepared to answer it. I’m on a riverblogging kick tonight and it’s been weighing on me so here goes:

My personal favorite answer is @normiewizard ’s post about Archie going for it earlyish in the grand scheme of things and Hiram just Knowing That about him and Having That Over him for the rest of the show, that was a stroke of genius on their part that makes me fucking insane.

As to answering the question for myself, so much has already been covered by more adept hirarchie scholars than I, so I’m gonna go with my gut feeling from the very beginning and say my answer from the very beginning of this question going around has been the possibly very basic scenario of “Archie kisses Hiram during the stabbing dream in No Exit.” As a first half of season 3 scholar before any other area with this show, and an Archie scholar this is just the obvious answer to me. I love Hiram as much as the next guy and am very interested in him because I’m obsessed with Archie and Veronica, but I don’t feel I know him quite well enough as a character. Whereas, I know Archie very well. Hirarchie is most interesting to me as the result of Archie’s relationship with Grundy and its/her shaping of him, so Archie’s desire for him which Hiram is quite aware of, finds amusing, plays into (and don’t get me wrong, Hiram is attracted to Archie of course, and as many have said, there was a sexual relationship there in the show on our screens if you’re watching one way. To think there are some people to whom Archie being forced to fight in a secret underground prison fight club is not forced sexual violence… we live in different worlds.) is most interestingly explored from the Archie’s character side of things in a situation like this where we are not seeing Hiram’s true reaction to anything, but Archie’s mind’s Hiram. To actually answer the question, I think that Archie comes into the room, picks up the knife and kisses Hiram as he holds it between them. Hiram’s sly smile in this scene is then a reflection of the knowing way he plays Archie wrt his desire for him and his vulnerability resulting from the Grundy relationship. We go to the shot of their shadows on the wall now, and shots of their faces and the knife stabbing in. Yes, Joaquin parallels but also season 6 Archiereggie stabbing to death/gay sex parallels. I also think that Hiram should be awful about it (Archie’s desire for him) in some way in Archie’s imagination, because Archie’s dreams in that episode are all cruel to him because he is cruel to himself, but specifically because the kiss alone (despite the stabbing) could convey the wrong idea about what Archie thinks of Hiram kind of? If that makes sense?

I think No Exit is perfect if we’re talking about it never being mentioned in the show like you’ve prompted because so much of that episode is never mentioned again. Archie’s dream sequences in No Exit lay bare so much of his subtextual conflict that is never brought up again and doesn’t really add to anything because it all already underlies his whole story—his having to kill his “soft” self most importantly, but also, like the other core three showing up in their first episode outfits, “are you working on any new music, Arch?” pushing the show to finally acknowledge that he does. not. do that anymore after so much of his story revolves around music for the first season. This is of course another thing Hiram is responsible for in large part. So then this sojourn of his from Riverdale, spurred by an event which involved his being kissed by Joaquin, during which he runs away with Jughead (acknowledged by the show as making then look queer), ending with his subconscious instigating a Hiram/Archie kiss that never gets mentioned again but sets the final tone for his return to Riverdale as a man revived from death works so beautifully to me.

I’m really torn on whether I think that, in this hypothetical version of the show, they have kissed outside of that offscreen, or they eventually do or what. Like is this Archie taking his own control of something Hiram already physically uses against him as he kills him? Is this him acknowledging not only his homosexual desire but the homoerotic capacity/side of the relationship with Hiram only in his near-death subconscious? Tangentially relatedly, what if Grundy is the game master who hands him the “kill the Man in Black” card instead of the warden who’s another of his dead sexual abusers anyway?

[theodore-lasso]

Okay I’m just gonna do a little Ted Lasso vent under a cut feel free to keep scrolling this is just so I don’t ruin someone’s day in DM’s by being salty as hell

TLDR this season has just been: go girl give us nothing for me. 

I’ll start with overall vibes, I just think they’re doing too much. Maybe this is personal preference re: ensemble shows but there are so many plotlines and while I disagree that Shandy and Zava and Anastacia are useless and time fillers (they’re side characters to advance main characters personal arcs.... that’s how side characters work) I do agree that they feel flat and one note, but I think that’s just because there’s too many characters and too many plots, and they’re not able to go deeply into any of them anymore. Like we’re not often sitting with characters, it’s like a quick scene then moving onto the next person and issue. 

Unfortunately I’m feeling that with Henry and Ted now, which sucks, because it’s one of the most meaningful relationships on the show. But Henry had an issue this ep, and by the time Ted spoke to him it had already been solved by parenting he’d done in the past. Which... I feel like we as an audience don’t need more reminders that Ted is a good dad, we already know that. Also I don’t feel as if “count to ten until you don’t feel angry even if that’s infinite” is the lesson that Ted has been learning this season? Hasn’t he been learning to occasionally be assertive and stand up for himself? I think this plot line could have been a bit deeper - Henry being insecure because his dad isn’t there and taking it out on other kids instead of... undisclosed being mean for no apparent reason and immediately apologising. Anyway that’s just one moment in the entire episode that fell flat for me. 

Rebecca, bro idk. She feels like 2 different characters to me at the moment. Like she’ll yell at Ted to make them win a match and then literally isn’t doing a single thing about it outside of that and will just be like hi :) to him in the hallway. Loved the moment where Higgins said maybe they needed to find another manager so much, I love his growth from S1 and actually saying brave things now, but I hate that it was brushed aside especially if she’s yelling at Ted on the regular now about losing. I’m glad she got her fertility tested because I feel like otherwise there’d be this huge “what if” for her. As a single person I was rolling my eyes at the emergency contact thing but yeah I get it she wants to find love. I think this is where my main criticism of the season comes in, and that is the reliance on the psychic, things that have been “set up” in previous seasons rather than characters actively doing things. Like as someone who has been watching closely for years now, I haven’t really been surprised by any of the directions they’ve taken s3. 

Rebecca is walking around looking for signs related to the psychic, which is all well and good especially if it leads her to getting her fertility tested and stuff, but same with Ted, not currently doing anything about the teams losses, not doing anything about the team & Zava when he was still there. He hasn’t spoken to Colin about benching him and then playing him when like... S1 Ted would be all over that. He hasn’t spoken to Beard about Jane. Idk I think there’s so much reliance on “it will all work out in the end” that they’ve forgotten you need to make active strides in the middle. We haven’t yet seen Roy working on himself to figure out what he wants with Keeley, Jamie has had no arc this season so far other than being suddenly a genius (like nothing has come from the 4am training sessions yet?)

Literally shocked that the writers can’t seem to think of a meet-cute that isn’t with someone’s boss, like I do think it’s odd that it’s happened 3 times now (Sam and Simi, Keeley and Jack, Sam and Rebecca) but I am here for seeing sapphics kiss onscreen even though I’m slightly concerned about the long-term of that for Keeley (but tbf I was about Sam too and that ended fine) 

Shandy Keeley stuff, I know it was a mirror with Sam Edwin but fml, I thought Keeley was going to learn to be a good manager and grow Shandy as an employee but... no. 

Final note even though I could probably rant for longer: I miss Phoebe SO MUCH

Anyway highlights of the season are: NATE!!!!, BeardRoy, Trent although I wish he’d say more, Higgins, and Colin has potential 

[savefilescomng12]

Michael Douglas Compares Filming Sex Scenes Now to His Heyday

Michael Douglas, who's filmed many sex scenes over the course of his career, has thoughts about how the approach to onscreen intimacy has changed. In a new interview with Radio Times, per The Telegraph, the 79-year-old actor said that while he's personally “past the age where I’ve got to worry about that," he thinks the growing prevalence of "intimacy coordinators" on sets is "interesting." "It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers — but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment," Douglas said. The Basic Instinct star went on to compare sex scenes to fight scenes, in the sense that both are typically "choreographed" sequences. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas in Basic Instinct (1992). StudioCanal/Shutterstock "In my experience, you take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable, you talk it through," Douglas told Radio Times, per The Telegraph. "You say, ‘Okay, I’m gonna touch you here if that’s all right.' " "It’s very slow but looks like it’s happening organically, which is hopefully what good acting looks like," he added. The Fatal Attraction actor noted that while he's "sure there were people that overstepped their boundaries," he explained, "Before, we seemed to take care of that ourselves. They would get a reputation and that would take care of them." “But I talked to the ladies, I did a few of those and we joke about it now, what it would have been like to have an intimacy coordinator working with us," he said. Douglas — who has been married to Catherine Zeta-Jones since 2000 — previously shared his expertise regarding sex scenes while speaking at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas in Cannes, France, on May 24, 2023. Dave Benett/Getty At the time, the actor recalled being at the center of controversy when Basic Instinct premiered at the festival in 1992 — and referred to himself as an "expert at sex scenes" while breaking down a love sequence from the provocative classic. (Douglas also famously starred in the sexual thrillers Fatal Attraction  and Disclosure ). The two-time Academy Award winner said he's "proud of the fact my history with women in films ... most of them have given their best performances," and recalled rehearsing intimate scenes with costar Sharon Stone for Basic Instinct. "The secret, I guess — since I've become the expert on sex scenes in movies — is rehearsal," he said. "You do a fight scene, you have to work out the choreography. ... When you do that you go, 'Okay, I throw a punch, boom, you go back and you come back, you throw, boom.' You start very slowly and then you work your way up to a faster pace." "Well, the same thing; and particularly if you're doing a love scene, it's important for the lady that you're not taking advantage," continued Douglas, noting that his steamy films came before the prevalence of intimacy coordinators on film sets. "You tell them beforehand when you're starting: 'All right, I'm going to put my hand here. Is that all right? Okay, you put your hand here and then we're going to go kiss, kiss, and then we are going to go ... we're going to go down.' " He added, "It's very well choreographed." Source link Read the full article

[billfarrah]

So I finished my first Young Royals rewatch in a long time and I have thoughts - Part 2: Simon

- I love that Omar gave Simon so many noticeable little mannerisms and idiosyncrasies. We talk a lot about Wilhelm’s mannerisms, which added so much to his character - the chest rubbing, gum chewing, deep breathing, running his hand through his hair, chewing on his thumb - but not enough about Simon’s. I love his little nervous tics. The way he tugs on his sleeves and pulls them over his hands, the way he clasps his fingers together or taps them on his knees when he’s anxious, the cute way he runs his fingers down his face and rubs his nose. It’s such detailed character work and it’s even more fantastic when you remember that this was Omar’s FIRST ROLE. I’ll never not be blown away by it.

- I love how grounded Simon feels as a character. He just feels like a normal kid, in the best way. I love how more than once we see him studying and doing his homework. I love that he cares about his grades and that we aren’t just told he does but we’re shown. I love that he plays video games. I love that he and his father clearly used to bond over music. The show is short and therefore doesn’t have a lot of time to explore these details, but the fact that we’re shown them briefly shows so much care and attention to detail. These details are not necessary to drive the story forward but they add to the lived-in environment the series creates.

- Simon falls for Wille really quickly. He’s also a lot more nervous around Wille than Wille is around him. Simon is definitely forward and bold, but we often see him acting quite shy. Wille is awkward around Simon at first, yes, but he’s not shy; he puts himself out there. Even if he’s a bit clumsy in his execution, and he clearly gets anxiety, he goes for it every single time. Simon, meanwhile, is actually really nervous around him after their first conversation, and it’s so damn cute. He shyly meets Wille’s gaze as he enters the party meanwhile Wille basically undresses him with his eyes right there; Wille initiates a conversation and Simon runs away. Wille gives him rowing advice and Simon just kinda sits in the boat smiling shyly, He invites Wille to the football game in a flirtatious way but is clearly nervous as he waits outside the gas station for him, taking deep breaths. He goes in for the first kiss bravely, but you can hear how heavily he’s breathing, how hard his heart is undoubtedly beating in his chest, and he only chances a quick little peck at first. The fish scene speaks for himself. Wille gives Simon butterflies and it’s the sweetest thing.

- Omar has said that Simon is drawn to Wilhelm because he feels like he is the only one who really sees him, and I noticed that especially this time around. Simon seems quite surprised and taken aback by Wilhelm’s interest in him; check out his curious looks during their first conversation and his surprised expression when Wille chases after him at the party. At this point, Simon is used to being ignored by his peers, and brushed off by his sister and his father when he tries to help them. What really draws Simon to Wille is the way Wille makes hi feel special and wanted.

- I love that Simon never asks Wille what his sexuality is. It’s always so interesting to me that the two of them never discuss this onscreen. Their connection grows solely through vibes and instincts. I love it so much. You can say maybe the conversation happened off-screen, but I don’t think so. I think they just felt the connection and trusted their instincts. Their eyes don’t lie; they saw the way they were looking at each other. I’ve seen so many shows where one character is out and the other is in the closet and all they talk about is when they closeted character is gonna come out, and there’s usually pressure from the out character for the other to do so. Simon is so patient and respectful with Wille; he lets Wille control the pace because he knows Wille is struggling a bitand he doesn’t want to rush him or force him into anything. When Wille breaks things off, Simon is sad but he respects Wille’s choice, and he doesn’t sit around pining after him.

- Simon is very emotionally mature, undoubtedly a result of growing up too fast as a result of childhood trauma, but he’s also naive. He’s guarded, but also hopeful. He’s not a cynic. I find characters like him are often portrayed as reluctant to fall in love and trust people as a result of their trauma, but Simon allows himself to do those things. It gets him hurt, but they’re not portrayed as signs of weakness and are actually part of his strength. Simon falls in love, hard, and he gets his heart broken, and yet he comes out of it strong, and with his dignity and self-respect intact. He does not allow his loving and compassionate nature to become his downfall; even with a broken heart, it remains his strength.

- It’s so brutal to see how much Simon still clearly cares about his dad. It’s devastating. Sara seems utterly done with him, but you can see how badly Simon wishes he was still in his life. Watching the scene where Micke confronts Simon for stealing from him is so heartbreaking. All Simon wanted was to be important enough to be a reason for his dad to stop using. I think a part of Simon maybe hoped that him coming around again would give his dad motivation to get sober/clean, and you can see how much it hurts him when Micke is clearly drunk during that encounter, so he lashes out in anger - something we see him do sometimes when someone he loves disappoints him; we see him do it with Wilhelm in the music room scene.

- Micke pulling open Simon’s eyes to see if he’s high and running his fingers across his face makes me tear up every time. He’s terrified his son will end up like him. Micke is a controversial character, but as someone with a lot of addiction in my family, I see Micke as someone who loves his children and desperately wants to be part of their lives again, but he just can’t break out of his habits. Addiction is hard and debilitating; it’s a disease. You can’t watch Micke holding his son’s face and tell me he doesn’t love or care about him. I love that they included this aspect of Simon’s character, because they didn’t have to; all he needed to be was a love interest, a perfect boy to steal the prince’s heart, but this show went above and beyond giving Simon his own conflicts and struggles.

- The fish scene has been discussed to death, but I want to focus on Simon’s behaviour in this scene because I’m obsessed. He is so impatient to get Wille to his room, but then freezes up as soon as they’re in there because he’s so nervous. Wilhelm comes in and Linda asks them if they want anything to drink, but Simon doesn’t even let Wilhelm answer; he just tells her no and then immediately grabs Wilhelm’s scarf and coat. He looks almost breathless as he leads Wilhelm to his room and keeps looking back at him. His anticipation is palpable, meanwhile Wilhelm seems cool as a cucumber. When they enter the laundry room/Simon’s room area, Wilhelm stops by the door and Simon turns around and holds his hands behind his back, impatiently waiting for him to close it so they can get down to business. He is so eager and it is absolutely precious.

- Wilhelm is Simon’s first everything; I believe that 100%. Yes, he was very brave in kissing him, but that doesn’t mean he’s done it before. Simon is only 16 and he’s quite an introvert; he doesn’t party and he only has a handful of friends, so I don’t believe he had much opportunity to date/hook up before. He seems like the kind of guy who was well-liked at his old school but just hung out with his two friends, his sister and his mom. I don’t get the vibe he had any experience.

- Simon loves and admires Sara so much. I have no doubt she loves her brother, but she doesn’t often show her emotions and is quite dismissive of his care for her. I feel like he thinks Sara is just the coolest and it makes me emo because she doesn’t think of herself that way so she kind of ignores him. I find their argument in episode 6 particularly striking; Simon rarely backs down from a fight or argument, but when arguing with Sara, he deflates. She tells him he lets people piss all over him and he just slumps in the chair in defeat; I get the sense he really, really values her opinion on him more than anyone. Even though she pisses all over him in that scene (ironic how she does so in the process of calling him out for letting people do that to him), he still seeks her approval; “I like you when you’re yourself... I need you.” He is so vulnerable around her.

[cryinfg]

Just Friends

Summary: You have feelings for Tom Holland, he couldn’t possibly return them, right?

You and Tom have been working on a movie for a couple of months now and you’ve grown fonder of him every minute you two work together. You guys play love interests of course, but you can’t help but feel it’s not just acting for you anymore. Every time you kiss onscreen you can’t help but wish you could do it too offscreen too.

“Y/n” Tom says pulling you out of your daze.

“Hey Tommy” You were the only one who ever got to call him Tommy, it made you feel special.

“What have you been up to darling?” The way he says it makes your heart skip a beat. darling. That word sounded like honey coming from his mouth. But you have to keep your cool.

“Nothing much, just waiting to shoot the next scene really. But that’s not for another two hours” You’re so tired, you feel like you can fall asleep in your chair.

“Why don’t you come out with me for some lunch, it’ll give you some energy.” You were so excited by the invitation from Tom, even though it wasn’t a date, any time spent with him was appreciated by you.

“That sounds amazing” You wondered if you sounded too eager with your response but at this point you didn’t care.

“Where’d you like to go?” Tom asks

“I’ve been dying to go to this new pizza place down this street, how does that sound?” It’s true, you’ve been wanting to go to that spot forever, but in all honesty you waiting for a moment where you could go with Tom.

“Pizza sounds great, darling” There’s that word again.

On the car ride there you could feel tension, you wondered if it was one-sided or if he could feel it too. You thought he could never like someone like you, you felt unworthy of his attention. His fans didn’t make it easy either always comparing you to other actresses they “shipped” him with or even being jealous as if they ever had a chance with him. You guys made minimal conversation in the car but other than that you guys just sat in silence and listened to music. That’s one thing you liked about Tom the fact that you guys could sit in silence and just have each others company. Before you knew it you guys were right in front of the restaurant.

“Finally we’re here, I’m starving.” Tom breaks the silence

“Me too, haven’t eaten since this morning.” You knew after you said that he would get upset and say how you should always take a snack in between scenes but sometimes you didn’t even think about it.

“Y/n” he says in a deep tone

“I know, I know.” You did not want to be lectured right now, but it did make you feel like he cared for you, even if you knew he would never care for you like you do for him. You guys walk inside and get seating but the nice hostess, then shortly after you guys order. You have the strong feeling to tell Tom your true feelings, you think if you were going to do it, it might as well be now, right?

“Y/n? What’re you thinking about?” He says with a smile

“Uh…nothing” You say it with a fake smile but truly you’re just holding back tears because how could you think you can tell him your true feelings it’s too hard.

“Darling, what’s wrong?” Damn it. He knows you too well.

“Tom, I’m fine, really.” He doesn’t look convinced.

“Tell me Y/n.” His eyes are kind but his words are demanding.

“I want to tell you something Tom, I just don’t know if I can.”

“You can’t tell me anything” You feel like that’s a lie, you can’t tell him anything because this could ruin your friendship. But you decide to go ahead and say it even though your mind is against it, your heart is telling you different.

“I’m just gonna say it Tom…I love you.” You say it fast as if that will make it seem like it’s not actually happening but he has a look on his face that you’ve never seen before. You can’t tell if it’s good or bad. He stays silent for a bit.

“Y/n-” You cut him off before he can say anything else.

“No, you don’t have to say anything.”

“Y/n let me finish, because I want to say, I love you too.” You couldn’t believe it the man you thought could never share your feelings just said he LOVES you. HE loves YOU. But it feels too good to be true, you pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming and turns out you’re fully awake but you’re speechless. So he speaks instead,

“I’ve felt connected to you since the first scene we’ve ever filmed and I’ve been stupid to not tell you, but I felt like you wouldn’t share my love” You were still shocked but didn’t want to leave him hanging.

“Tom you are the kindest man ever, how could I not fall for you.” Those words, those are the words that made him fall for you even more, you know that because that’s when he leaned in for a kiss. Not an overly rehearsed kiss that you guys have done countless times but a in the moment, true love kiss.

[afriendlyblackhottie]

Imagine Chris is just sick of your shit. You're acting like a brat, ignoring him and flirting with other people.

It's okay though. He's biding his time. Letting you think he's bored of your antics.

You change out of your clothes and he's sitting on the couch, drinking a beer. You think it's a good time to mess with him until he gives you THAT look.

LA Devotee

Summary: you were pissing Chris the fuck off

Pairings: Chris Evans x black!actress!Reader

Warnings: minors dni, smut, daddy kink, forceful sex, forced orgasms, squirting, ripping clothing, angry sex, arguing, name calling, degradation, spitting

(A/N: why did you do this to me. Titled and loosely based off of LA Devotee by Panic! at the Disco. Like follow reblog with a comment 💜 ✌🏾)

»»———————♡———————-««

You thought that shit was cute didn’t you. Like you had some point to prove. When really all you were doing was waiting for your next fucking move.

He doesn’t know who started what fucking rumor but all he knew that it was no excuse. You knew what you were doing. Trying to laugh it all up with every fucking man here. Goddamn. He couldn’t fucking stand it.

Now his patience was wearing thin. Irritation growing like fucking crazy. He’d been letting you get away with a lot but this. Letting this man touch you. What the fuck was wrong with you.

He knew you’d been enjoying your new life in LA and he was happy about that. But you’d made friends with these girls that thought they knew everything about him just because they had friends in common with his ex. When really they didn’t know shit.

“Get your shit. We’re leaving,” he finally said into your ear.

You raised an eyebrow but what choice did you have. He’d been ever so gracious to open up his home to you during the duration of filming because you’d just gone through a breakup and he wasn’t about to make you live in a hotel. He didn’t have to do that. He did it out of the kindness of his fucking heart and this is how you fucked repaid him.

Bet.

“I think I’m gonna stick around,” you said looking up at some douche for backup as if he’d help you. At the end of the day all of them knew that who the hell he was. Think some guy would wanna fuck around with you after finding out you were his girl.

He barely had to look at him before he pissed off and that I’m gonna stick around turned into an eye roll and a huffy fine. Yeah changed your tone real quick.

He doesn’t know what was said or who fucking said what but that doesn’t fucking matter. You should have come to him. Instead of going off like an ungrateful brat. As if he hadn’t just done every goddamn thing for you. You’d be nothing without him right now and this is how you fucking acted.

He’d seen your headshot and he just knew. There’d been so much pushback on it but after a chemistry test there was no denying it. You were it.

His eyes had been glued to you the entire time. From the way your legs looked in those heels to the way you’d shown up all dolled up. Goddamn it had been like he’d been hooked.

Then shit fell through for your living arrangements and he’d opened up his home to you. Watching as you pranced around in the shortest shorts after you’d spent all day too fucking close to him. Goddamn he’d been done in by you.

It wasn’t like Chris had never had things with costars before. Not like he’d been totally against mixing business with pleasure but he at least tried to resist. This was your first major role. He didn’t want to put you in that position.

Then it was time for your on screen kiss and neither of you heard the director say cut. Lips pressed together like absolutely nothing could get you to stop.

What was supposed to be an emotional scene had been ramped up. Made passionate by the fact that fuck he’d hated seeing you cry so hard he couldn’t even stand it like this. It was literally too believable for your own good. He had to cut you off with a kiss.

Intensity had been on one hundred. And you’d definitely felt it too. Whatever your onscreen argument had been about suddenly thrown to the side as he hungrily grabbed you. Pushing you against the wall which wasn’t even in the script. Fuck he just couldn’t help himself.

Then the way you sunk your nails into his shoulder. Too close for either of your own good. He’d picked you up for extra measures. Unable to stop himself as he did way more than what he was supposed to. Pressing into your and breathing all hard. Fuck.

Camera capturing every single move. It had just felt like he’d lost himself in your lips. Finally grabbing onto you as close as he’d always wished he could.

Then breaking away into the silence of the crew. Both of you stuttering out excuses and then going your separate ways. What do you even say after something like that. What kind of explanation could have possibly been given.

You got a ride from one of the other girls on set since you usually just arrived with him every morning. That was okay. It gave him sometime to clear his head. He didn’t see you until the next morning when you came downstairs in your shorts with Dodger who’d been following behind you like a shadow ever since you got there.

Spending the night wishing that you were next to him. Instead of having to fist his cock. Going through your Instagram because there was this picture of you from a photo shoot all dressed up in lingerie that had made him feel fucking feral.

The next morning he was filming another one of those videos of him playing the piano when you came in. All sleepy and definitely in need of a cup of coffee. Catching the sunrise through the open window.

Exchanging ‘good mornings’ as he kept on with what he was doing. Fingertips pressing against the keys as his eyes looked you over as best he could without making it too obvious.

Fuck he’d kicked himself for not acting then. Should have taken advantage. The both of you talking and shit all close. Like you’d been waiting for him to make a move.

Then filming ended without another incident as he’d had to restrain himself during the sex scene. Not wanting to get carried away for a second time. Then that was that.

Until it came time to promote.

By now everyone had been speculating about what the hell happened. Especially since the two of you had managed to keep things under wraps and friendly in public.

Maybe the two of you thought your feelings would have cooled down by now. Maybe mellowed out a little. Instead it was like you could cut the tension with a knife. Feeling like he was going to suffocate if he didn’t get a taste.

Why the fuck was he trying so hard to not make it happen. What the hell was the point. He just wanted to fucking claim you.

So he did.

Finally.

You’d worn these fucking boots and he just couldn’t help it. Fucked you up against the wall just like that kiss. Balls deep inside of you as you cried his name. Fucking music to his ears.

Fucking you on every surface he could think of. From the kitchen to the dining room to the living room and even dicking you down in front of the large bay window that left you with the perfect view of the blushing Los Angeles skyline.

Everything could have been perfect. He would have preferred to keep doing that then whatever the fuck this was. Because after one little fucking fight someone was already trying to poison your mind telling you some bullshit.

What was supposed to be a happy fucking day as you watched your big screen debut, was spent with you all sour. Even ignoring him in the limo. Only posing for pictures with the rest of the cast. Looking too damn pretty to have that bad of an attitude.

And instead of coming to him and talking about it you decided to do this. Like you didn’t have any goddamn sense.

Ignoring as you whined about him taking you home. Getting all huffy. The original plan was for you to go back to his until whatever bullshit had been put in your head. 

Still not saying shit as you went off. Bitching about whatever. He wasn’t even sure if he’d been listening to you.

Finally you disappeared upstairs. Giving him a goddamn minute to breathe. He loosened his tie so he could go and grab a beer. Taking a seat on the couch and leaning his head back as he shut his eyes. Just trying to get some peace of mind.

He’d barely said two words to you as bad as he wanted you. He knows he didn’t just spend a year pining after your ass for you to believe some fucking gossip.

Then you came prancing downstairs wearing this pair of yoga shorts you used to torture him with. Still bitching. 

You were really going the whole nine yards too. Standing above him with your hands on your hips as you yapped.

“And you know what, Christopher, you never fucked me right in the first fucking place.”

Well he’d caught that.

At the same time he sat there. Face stoic. Staring straight at you. Totally over it as he mouthed the word wow his mouth turning up afterwards after.

“I bet I could get another one of you in a heart beat. If I’m so replaceable. So are you.”

His nose flared a little bit. Before he took in a sharp intake air. Exhaling with a huff.

You started to say something else but he just couldn’t help himself and he just finally had to break his silence.

“Are you done?”

He was pretty sure he could see the steam coming from your ears at the short phrase. But now you were fucking quiet.

“Look,” he began finally standing up so he could tower over you, “I don’t know who the fuck you’re talking to.”

Blue eyes staring daggers as he inched you back. You looked like you wanted to say something but quickly shut your mouth. For once speechless after you’d just spent the last hour complaining about absolutely nothing.

“I don’t know who told you what,” He was in your face, “but I really don’t give a shit. You need to cut this shit out because you’re pissing me the fuck off.”

He put his hand him. Index finger and thumb pressing together. Then taking a tight grasp of your wrist.

“I swear to fucking god,” he grit his teeth, making his jaw clench, “that if I hear you say some shit like that again I’m buying you a fucking chastity belt. Then nobody’s gonna be fucking you. Get the fucking hint, Babe. Nobody’s gonna date you after me. Your little friend at the after party scurried away like a scared little bitch as soon as he saw you were my girl. I could fucking ruin you in this town.”

He felt like he was growling. His words coming out like venom. It took a lot for Chris to get angry, but you had somehow managed to perfectly get under his goddamn skin.

Eyes big and wide as you stared straight at him. No longer talking all that shit.

“I don’t fuck you right? Is that right?”

You nodded. Eyes glassy now. Not all big and bad like you were a minute ago.

“Answer. Me,” he growled. “What now your mouth don’t fuckin’ work!”

Instead you stared at him. Swallowing then opening your mouth to close it again. 

The tension of the room could have been sliced in half with a spoon. If the tv wasn’t turned up it probably would have been so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

“I- I-,”

“No, no, no don’t start your stuttering bullshit now. What happened? You were so tough before. Answer my fucking question. Do I fuck you right?”

“Chris, I-,”

He grabbed you. Pulling you close so you were in his arms. Your back to his chest so he could wrap his hand around your neck tightly.

“Answer the fucking question,” he growled in your ear.

“Yes, okay,” you huffed.

“Girl, I swear if you don’t watch your fucking attitude. I’m going to really give you something to bitch about. That’s what you fucking want?” He chuckled before talking you to the couch, pushing you face down so your ass was up in there. “Huh? Is that what you’ve been fucking wanting?”

“No!” You cried as the first slap hit your ass.

“Then what? What the fuck is your problem?” He asked as he smacked it again watching as you yipped and jumped. Trying to wiggle away as if he’d let you go that fucking easy.

No after what the shit he’d just dealt with you were taking this.

God you would put on these fucking shorts. Fucking tease. Thought you could do this shit. Piss him off and then change into this little fucking outfit. Who the fuck did you think you are.

“Chris!” You protested as he gave into his thoughts. Putting his hands on the fabric so he could stretch it out. Flexing his muscles as he ripped it. Leaving with your ass out and thong showing.

He just couldn’t help himself. You’d really pushed him to this point. This was all you. If you hadn’t been acting up he wouldn’t have had to do shit like this. Now look you’d be spending the rest of the weekend naked because you couldn’t shut the fuck up.

Chris smacked your ass again. Not giving a shit as he heard you yelp. Good. This was what you deserved. “Chris! Stop!”

“You should have thought about that shit before you pissed me off.”

You’d thought he’d let up but there was no he. He’d started unbuttoning his shirt and then his pants. Only pausing when he had to push you back down.

“I didn’t tell you to fuckin’ move,” he barked then slapped it again.

“Ow!”

Finally with his shirt undone and his pants too he brought your hips up. Once again not waiting for you to wrap your mind around what was happening. Positioning you with your ass up and perfectly lined with his cock.

“You don’t threaten to give my pussy away to anyone ever again. Are we clear?”

“Yes,” you whimpered as he nudged at your entrance. His dick looking just as angry as he felt.

“And that’s what I thought,” he said before sinking into you. Watching you cry out as he stretched your pussy. Funny you’d been talking a lot of shit about how he can’t fuck you right for someone that could barely even take him whole.

That’s too damn bad because right now that’s exactly what you’d be doing.

“Chris, Chris, Chris,” you whined as he began thrusting with strong thrusts. Wanting you to feel just how fucking angry you made him with every thrust. “Fuck

“Nah, girl, you only call me daddy tonight.”

You let out another one of those noises. Sounding so pathetic for someone that had just been spent the entire night telling him that he ain’t shit. Funny he could fuck you right when he was balls deep in your pussy. You didn’t have shit to say about that then.

“I don’t fucking hear a ‘yes, daddy.’ All of a sudden you can’t fucking speak. I can make this shit worse for you real fucking quick, Y/N. You want that?”

“N-no, Da-Daddy,” you cried out as he hit your spot. Trying to get as deep as he could. Fuck you needed to fucking learn.

He’d had you face down in the cushions as he held your hips. Slamming you back onto him as he force fucked you so hard he hoped he made you cry.

“I can’t fuck you right?” He asked. “Wanna fucking repeat that? Say it now, Baby. Still think I don’t fuck you, right? Think you can find another man to do that shit better?”

His goal was to keep you walking funny for a few days. Hell maybe longer because after this you had a lot of groveling to do to make up for how much of a goddamn brat you’d been.

“Daddy!” You cried as he forced you to cum. Not able to help yourself as your pussy juices flooded your ripped shorts and thong.

“I can’t fuck you right? You’re cumming like I’m fucking you right. Maybe that’s what I should do, Baby. Fuck you so hard you can’t fucking stop until you’re begging for my mercy. That’s probably what you fucking wanted knowing your slutty ass.”

He kept going like that letting out every single frustration he’d accrued on you. Then pulled out so he could grab you. Fucking you here wasn’t enough for what he was trying to do to you.

When he finally got to toss you on the bed it was clear he’d already fucked you stupid. Just to match how you’d been acting. Then helped you out of the rest of your clothes so he could do it right.

He didn’t slide into you right away. Instead using his fingers to rub your clit. Petting it just how he knew you liked it. Then pushing his fingers inside of you trying to find that bundle of nerves so that he could finally watch you explode.

“I can’t,” you cried out with a hiccup.

“You can’t? Really? That’s funny cuz it looks like I’m gonna make you.”

With that it didn’t take long for you to shoot out. Squirting all over his hand and bed. Going cross eyed and everything.

“Daddy!” You screamed to go along with it.

But he didn’t fuck you right.

You could so easily find another man to do this to you right?

Right. That’s what he fucking thought.

Must have lost your goddamn mind.

“Oh my god!” You sobbed.

While his anger had lessened that didn’t mean he didn’t still have a lesson to teach you. That you couldn’t talk to him like you were fucking crazy and except him to not react. You picked and picked and picked and now look at where you were.

Pussy sensitive as hell as he pushed back in after he’d made you squirt on the bed. He didn’t give a shit. “Don’t fucking start,” he said pushing your hand away.

“Goddamn!” You cried as his cock only made your orgasm so much worse.

“Talk too fucking much. Get on my goddamn nerves.” He leaned forward to grab your face surprising himself as he spit on you. Watching as it hit your cheek. Nasty slut you liked that shit. He knew it because of the way your pussy flooded around him.

He pulled out again. Turned you so your stomach was once again to the bed. Only to climb on top of you so he could fuck you into the mattress. Placing your face right over that spot you’d just made.

“Daddy, my squirt,” you cried out the warning.

“Shut up,” was all he said as he pushed you into his. Wrapping his arm around your neck so he could keep you there. “Daddy’s fucking tired of hearing your stupid little mouth.”

“I’m sorry,” you sobbed.

“What was that? I didn’t quite catch it,” he said into your ear, taking the chance to bite your earlobe.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” you sniffled as he tried to get as deep in your guts as he could. Watching your face change as you couldn’t stop the crying. The intensity was probably too much for you. Too bad he didn’t give a fuck. Shouldn’t have been talking all that shit.

He once again put you on your back. Needing to see into your face as he came. Feeling close but he wasn’t there yet. “Damn right you’re sorry. Better not pull this shit again.”

“Okay,” you cried.

“And stop listening to your stupid fucking friends.”

“Okay,” you forced out as once again he made you cum.

“Who fucks you right?” He asked needing to hear you say it.

“You do,” you moaned.

“Who gets to fuck you?”

“You!”

“And who owns this pussy?” He growled.

“You do!”

With a curl in his lip he put his hand around your neck again. Driving into you with a purpose. If he needed to ruin your pussy for other men then that’s what he needed to fucking do.

“That’s what I fucking thought,” he growled again this time shoving into you as he finally start to feel himself let go. “Fuck!“

Spent he collapsed beside you breathing hard as he watched you. Licking your lips and trying to gather in your mind about what the hell had just happened. Not able to move from the spot he’d just left you in.

Whatever anger he’d been feeling had vanished. Seeing you there trying to catch your breath. All fucked out because of him.

Not being able to stop himself as he grabbed you. Scooping you into his arms. “C’mere,” he said holding you close.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” you whimpered out. “I didn’t mean to make you so mad I just…”

He sighed. “It’s okay, but, Baby, you cannot do shit like that. I know you heard about whatever the fuck story about my ex but I promise it doesn’t matter. It’s not like that with us, Honey. I meant it when I told you I love you.”

“I know,” your voice broke and all he could do was tighten is arm around you.

“Whatever anyone has to say about us doesn’t have anything to do with us. Don’t let that shit affect you anymore. People are always talking some bullshit around here.”

You nodded and wiped your eyes only for him to take over for you. Before kissing your forehead.

“I spent too long wanting you to let you go that quickly. Baby, you gotta trust me.”

You buried your head into his shoulder as he whispered softly to you. Hoping you believed him. “I do,” you said.

“Now gimme a kiss,” he said. “Miss those lips.”

You chuckled and looked up so you could do what he asked. A stark contrast from the way he’d just fucked your through the mattress only a few moments ago.

“I love you, Baby,” he said cupping your chin in his hands then squeezing either side.

“I love you, too, Daddy.” You half smiled and he was just happy to see that despite how annoying it was to get here, he loved you enough to put up with it. Just happy to see you relaxed again.

He didn’t like fighting with you and what a hell of a way to end one.

“Daddy?” You asked breaking through the silence again as he held you now that things were calm. Just relaxing in the moment.

“Mmm?” He hummed.

“I’m not gonna be able to walk for a few days, am I?”

Then he smiled before kissing your cheek snuggling into you as deep as he could. Trying to mentally prepare himself for the makeup sex he was about to continue destroying your pussy with.

“Nope.”

[sokkastyles]

An Analysis of Consent in Yue and Sokka and Katara and Aang’s relationship

Because I’ve seen some people make some false equivalences.

So here we have our pining hero. It’s nighttime, and this show LOVES to set stormy personal confrontations between two characters at night, particularly ones dealing with the romantic department (psst, it’s the moon symbolism).

In “The Waterbending Master,” Sokka engages in a tentative courtship with Yue, who returns his affections, but sends him some mixed signals. This culminates in the moment when she suddenly bursts into tears and runs away upon witnessing Pakku talk about his arranged marriage to Kanna. Sokka then goes after her so that he can comfort her and they talk about their relationship.

In “Ember Island Players,” Aang gets increasingly angry about his onscreen portrayal in the play, until he suddenly stands up and rushes outside. Katara goes to find and comfort him, and they talk about their relationship.

Yue: What do you want from me?

Sokka: Nothing. I just want you to know, I think you're beautiful, and, I never thought a girl like you would even notice a guy like me.

Yue: You don't understand.

Yue asks Sokka what he wants, and Sokka says he wants nothing. He wants to know her, and obviously he is hoping for more, but he doesn’t impose anything on her. He is modest and humble, straightforward and honest, and doesn’t assume that she should return his affection for her.

Aang: Katara, did you really mean what you said in there?

Katara: In where? What are you talking about?

Aang: On stage, when you said I was just like a ... brother to you, and you didn't have feelings for me.

Katara: I didn't say that. An actor said that.

Aang: But it's true, isn't it? We kissed at the Invasion, and I thought we were gonna be together. But we're not.

In the scene between Aang and Katara, in contrast, Aang immediately confronts Katara and places the burden of his feelings on her. He accuses her of saying something she didn’t say and Katara at first doesn’t even know what she is being accused of. He then makes assumptions about her feelings and their relationship, putting the onus on her to be responsible for his hurt feelings. I never thought a girl like you would even notice me vs I thought we were gonna be together. 

Both Aang and Sokka misunderstand their love interests in this situation, but the difference is that Sokka makes no assumptions about Yue’s feelings, and she actually reciprocates. Aang makes accusations towards Katara and she does not reciprocate.

Sokka: No, no. See, that's the thing. I think I do understand now. You're a Princess, and I'm ... I'm just a Southern peasant.

Yue: No, Sokka ...

Sokka: It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I'll see you around, okay?

Sokka is fully prepared for Yue to say no, and tells her that it’s okay if she does. He accepts whatever reason she wants to give for turning him down, even if it’s a bad reason.

Katara: Aang, I don't know.

Aang: Why don't you know?

Katara: Because, we're in the middle of a war, and, we have other things to worry about. This isn't the right time.

Aang: Well, when is the right time?

Katara: Aang, I'm sorry, but right now I'm just a little confused.

Sokka tries to understand Yue’s perspective, while Aang can’t seem to understand Katara’s. Whereas Sokka gives Yue room to say no, Aang puts pressure on Katara, which naturally makes her feel less sure about her feelings for him and less inclined to reciprocate. You don’t have to say anything vs Why don’t you know? And I’ll see you around vs Well, when is the right time?

And then there’s the kiss.

Neither Yue nor Aang asked for consent. Both their partners are surprised. But body language and dialogue and actual clarity about what the two characters feel for each other make all the difference.

Katara’s body language during the conversation with Aang before the kiss is very closed-off and uncomfortable. She has her arms crossed, she’s fidgety, she’s turned away from Aang or only half turned towards him. And after the kiss, she pulls away immediately and looks visibly uncomfortable.

Then angry.

Katara: I just said I was confused!

Contrast that with Yue and Sokka:

Sokka: Okay, now I'm really confused. Happy, but confused.

Do we really need to explain the difference between angry confused and happy confused? Kissing Yue was clearly something Sokka wanted, and he doesn’t pull away from Yue afterwards. Contrast that with Katara immediately pulling away, putting her hand over her mouth like she’s shocked at what Aang just did, and running away in anger and hurt.

What Aang did was a violation of Katara’s consent, and is treated like one. Katara is upset afterwards, Aang reprimands himself afterwards, and they become more distant with each other afterwards until the finale when they suddenly decided they lurve each other. Yue explains to Sokka that she does like him a lot but that they can’t be together, although their feelings for each other only continue to grow from there.

Yue also shows an incredible amount of maturity when she tells Sokka that they can’t just be friends, because she has romantic feelings for him and it’s too confusing for her, and because she knows that even though Sokka is willing to be friends, he is hoping for something more. Contrast that with Aang being unwilling to accept Katara seeing him as a friend or little brother and seeing those statements as the worst thing in the world, vs his onstage actor declaring that he’s perfectly content with Katara’s friendship and that being treated like an insult.

The thing is, that this doesn’t even have to be a contest. Aang knew he was in the wrong for kissing Katara in that scene. He could have apologized, he could have decided that he was happy with being friends with Katara because his relationship with her was more important than his attraction to her. He could have made the decision that it would be too confusing and upsetting to be friends with her if he couldn’t be in a relationship with her. Imagine that playing a part in Aang’s path to enlightenment in the finale. Imagine him reaching a purer love for Katara and then Katara choosing to be with him romantically after they both have a stronger understanding of their relationship.

“Ember Island Players” just...really drops the ball in the romantic department, and craps on both Yukka and Sukka at the same time, by making a cheap joke out of Sokka’s grief over Yue.

I love Sukka, and one of the things that is great about it is that they actually communicate well and their relationship is not written as a source of drama. Most of the time. In “Ember Island Players,” though, we get this scene where Sokka shushes Suki, who obviously has no idea why Sokka is mooning (heh) over this other girl and gets offended by it, while Sokka is clearly upset. This is an especially weird scene since Sokka and Suki had a conversation about Yue and Sokka’s grief previously. Suki’s comment that she didn’t know Sokka made out with the moon spirit shows that she clearly didn’t know that Yue was the girl that he lost before. Suki is painted as a jealous, jilted caricature and Sokka’s grief is made fun of.

When I first noticed this, I looked through the transcript of the episode, because surely Sokka and Suki have a conversation about it later. They do talk later, but do they talk about this? No, they talk about Suki sneaking Sokka backstage to give jokes to his actor. Of course.

[gayshipsandanxiety]

volume 2 thoughts

ok so. byler never had to become canon in season 4. yes it would have been nice and probably would have been the better choice if they do ever end up going canon but it’s not queerbait just because they didn’t go canon in season 4.

but the way they handled will’s storyline in volume 2 makes me fucking sick. even if byler never went canon and will was another robin, is that seriously how they’re going to treat their queer characters? will giving mike pep talks about el and taking a backseat whenever mike and el are onscreen? if they make that whole-ass “you can tell me anything” scene and then don’t have will ever come out i’m quitting the show.

they’ve built up byler sooooo much over the past years, not only in the show but also in interviews and on social media. the fact that we’re still dealing with this in 2022 is fucking sickening and i’ve honestly lost all confidence that byler will become canon because of the fucking finale. “will and mike have a moment of mutual understanding and acceptance” WHERE??? WHERRRRRE IS THAT MOMENT? when will says “el will love you” and then cries? when el and mike kiss and will stares sadly at them from the kitchen??

and then they make that ONE SINGULAR robin/vickie scene at the end like “ohhhh look at us we support gay people! there are lesbians, look at them! one of them doesn’t even impact the plot but they’re there!”

fuck you fuck you fuck you

mike’s entire storyline this season culminating in him saying “ily” to el makes me want to throw up and also why did they lowkey make his love confession scene parallel his “you said yes” scene? like there was literally no reason to do that.

and eddie??? why did they kill eddie off Like That? it was so predictable and they literally showed it in the fucking trailer? they’re obviously trying to pull some “oh look he didn’t run away! he actually WAS a hero! but so sad he didn’t get to graduate!! this was supposed to be his year :(((” but that’s literally what all the eddie fans were saying this past month so why did they give him this cookie-cutter ass death? if they were gonna kill him off they could have had him sacrifice himself to save an actual person, instead of just dying alone covered in bats. and why were dustin and wayne the only ones to react to eddie’s death? steve nancy robin mike and erica all knew eddie really well. even max and lucas were on good terms with him. i get that they couldn’t show a funeral or anything because hawkins fuckin hates eddie, but they could have had a dustin-and-wayne scene for the entire group.

fuck stancy. it doesn’t matter if you think they’re cute or not all this “will they won’t they” is dumb as shit and it’s not fair to jonathan, nancy, or steve. either get them together or have them stay just friends but what they are now is fucking annoying.

russia gang was cute i liked the jopper scenes. but it feels like they took up so much unnecessary screentime?

oh and another byler thing why tf did they do that with the painting?? it didn’t have to be will and mike making out or anything but the fact that will’s gesture of love to mike ended up propping up milkvan is just cruel.

max and lucas were neat is was fun to finally see jason get his ass handed to him but wtf is up with max? it’s kinda repetitive to make her almost die twice like that. again, just kill her and get it over with or keep her alive. i truly don’t have the energy to “wait and see” if she’ll live.

all in all i LOVED volume 1. it was fun, it was scary, it was everything i wanted in a tv show and made me excited for volume 2. but volume 2 was a HUGE letdown. there were some good moments like the gang stealing the camper, the will/el hug, and hopper reuiniting with el, but other than that i kinda hated it. it felt heavy on useless running around and fighting but lacked any real character depth, and the way they handled will’s storyline was fucking cruel. i kept sitting there thinking “okay they’ve just laid the groundwork for an amazing scene, i just have to be patient enough and wait for the show to get good.” and then it never did.

i commented in the tags of somebody else’s post a few days ago that whenever we get queer representation, it’s either a stereotyped queer in a show for cishets or a well-written queer in a show for queer people. stranger things had the chance to do both, to write a story about 2 gay childhood best friends falling in love. and they fucking didn’t. i was naive for expecting good representation, and i guess from now on i’ll only watch shows if i know how the queer characters end up because i’m telling you right now i CANNOT deal with another 2 years of will’s sexuality being “left up to interpretation” and then getting a season where he kinda just hangs out and cries and never confirms anything. i fucking hate it here.

fuck netflix, fuck the duffers, fuck every single one of the cast members who teased byler in season 4, and fuck all of the social-media managers posting about byler. i fucking hate all of you.

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

The Long Con Part Eleven

Previous Part | Masterlist | Next Part Pairing: Marcus Pike x Reader   Rating: T   Notes: I hope y’all had a good week! 💕 Warnings: Cursing, a lil angst, some fluff...Well, mostly fluff. Summary: The wedding day had been much more relaxed— for you, anyway.

You would’ve given anything to spend the entire day in bed with Marcus. You relished in his soothing touches, relaxing little murmurs. But you eventually pried yourself out of his arms, unpacked the few things you’d hastily thrown into your toiletries bag, and rejoined the family downstairs.

You were so tired from the work you’d done the night before, and felt so worn from what you’d admitted to the Pikes. But rather than hang around the house, you went with Marnie and Jill to drop checks off to the vendors, and helped to set up the space for the rehearsal dinner. You wanted to show them that there were no hard feelings, especially after they’d apologized several more times at breakfast. Besides, you needed the distraction. You hadn’t heard anything back from Melinda about the information that you’d given her or the team in regards to your grandmother’s potential involvement in forging Leda and the Swan (potential— you were still insisting that it was still possible that it wasn’t her; that painting showed signs of age, wear-and-tear; the materials were old; you didn’t even know where she was—); your mind drifted back to the shock on the Pike’s faces from that morning every few minutes. It was odd, knowing that Jill and Marnie now knew so much more about you, but still chattered amiably with you. If anything, this incident, your absolute honesty, seemed to have brought you closer to the family. Odd. Odd, but comforting.

-- The most vindicating moment came when Kimberly arrived at the rehearsal dinner and spotted you. The color seemed to drain from her face completely, her smile dropping in a second. You just offered her a bright grin and a quick wave. “Who are you waving at?” Marcus asked, looking around. You looked up at him, finding that his smile disappeared just as quickly, his face darkening at the sight of her. “Don’t,” You urged softly, wrapping your arm around his middle, “We’re here for Marnie, and we’re fine. There’s no need for a scene.” “I can think of a reason.” “C’mon.... Marky.” His lips quirked into a reluctant smile at your teasing, and you smoothed your hand over his side as he sighed through his nose. “Now is not the time to say anything,” You added. “...Looks like I won’t have to.” You frowned, turning back to see Jill and Marnie approaching Kimberly. Your eyes widened slightly. “What are they doing?” You asked. “I do not know,” Marcus admitted quietly. You couldn’t hear the conversation from there, but you could just make out a flash of irritation on Kimberly’s face, a rising flush of frustration before she stomped toward the door. Your brows rose sharply as she left and Jill and Marnie disappeared back into the crowd of revelers. Marcus hummed, satisfied. “You were right,” He agreed, resting his chin on your shoulder, “No need for a scene.” -- 

You leaned back against Marcus’ chest, smiling softly as you watched Hazel and Marnie do their first dance. Marcus’ arms were wrapped around your waist, his cheek rested against your temple. He swayed the two of you back and forth to the music. The ceremony had gone perfectly. Jill and Marcus had both cried a bit; you’d even seen Walter shed a couple of tears. The wedding day had been much more relaxed— for you, anyway. Marcus had been keeping close at the reception especially, and you were happy to be held. You’d met Marcus’ ex-wife, Deanna, and for all of the nervousness that had welled up in you, you’d found that she was very amiable, even sweet. She and Marcus treated one another like old friends, teased and joked. You didn’t feel intimidated by their ease. She’d been more than kind to you. It was nice to see Marcus so relaxed with his family and friends. You’d found yourself watching him throughout the day, and realizing just how much you would miss him. Not just the closeness that came with being near someone, but the closeness that came with being around Marcus. You were certain that once you returned to D.C., things would return to the work-centric relationship that the two of you had previously, and that was so odd to consider. The man now knew so many of your secrets: your favorite foods, books, pastimes… Where you were ticklish. Not that many people had such information. You were going to miss his family, too. “What are you thinking about?” He murmured.

You were thinking that you wanted to freeze this moment. You wanted to keep it somewhere safe, hold onto it for the days when the world felt like it was dark and closing in-- days that were surely just around the corner. You wanted to memorize what it felt like to be cuddled against Marcus’ chest, to be held like you were precious; you wanted to keep this feeling of warmth, this feeling of safety, and happiness.

You wanted this to be real. “...How happy they are,” You answered, smiling as Hazel rested her forehead against Marnie’s. -- 

“Okay, if you’re not gonna finish that frosting, give it,” Marcus said. You rolled your eyes, pushing the excess icing that you’d cleared off of the piece of cake onto Marcus’ plate. “You’re gonna have such a headache in the morning,” You teased, tugging your plate back toward yourself. “Am not,” Marcus chuckled before nudging your leg with his, “You having fun?” “I’m with you, of course I’m having fun,” You said honestly. Marcus grinned as he reached out, taking your hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. Then he leaned in, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I’m glad you’re here,” He murmured, “I wouldn’t wanna be here with anyone else.” You turned your head, kissing Marcus softly, and giggling after a moment. He leaned back, brow furrowed. “What is it?” “You taste like frosting,” You laughed, unable to help it. Marcus grinned, dipping his finger in the frosting he’d scraped from your plate. “You know what?” He asked before plopping the dollop on your nose. You groaned, batting his hand away and reaching for your napkin. “I don’t need any more icing, Pike, I’m sweet enough.” 

--

You settled down against Marcus, yawning widely. It was nearly three in the morning. Your feet were sore and you were all danced out, but you couldn’t remember the last time you’d had so much fun. You reached up, rubbing Marcus’ smooth cheek. “Can’t believe you shaved,” You pouted a little. “You miss the uh… The beard that was to-be?” Marcus asked. “I was getting used to it. Looked good,” You rested your chin on his chest. He smiled, stroking his hand over your shoulder. “You have everything you need for tomorrow?” “Mhm.” “Flight leaves in...What, eight hours?” Marcus glanced toward the clock on his dresser, “We should get some sleep.” You grunted, turning your head and closing your eyes. “Alright,” You mumbled, “Sleep now.” After a few moments of quiet, you heard Marcus say, “Oh, I forgot to tell you.” “Mm?” “There’s been a break in the da Vinci.” Fear gripped you as your eyes opened, your heart ticking up in your chest. You were quiet, waiting for him to go on. When he didn’t, you glanced up, finding him half-asleep already. “Tell you in the morning,” He finally mumbled, yawning widely. You smiled, leaning up and pecking his jaw. “Sweet dreams, Agent Pike,” You murmured. “Mm,” He hummed, giving your shoulder a light squeeze, “Sweet dreams, baby.” The murmur thrilled you, and you dropped another kiss to Marcus’ clothed chest before closing your eyes again. 

-- “Now you come back and visit,” Walter patted your shoulder before letting go of you. “I’d really love that,” You nodded, meaning it. You turned to Jill, smiling as she drew you into her arms and hugged you tightly. “You’ll call when you land,” She said. “We will,” You promised. “I told you we would, mom,” Marcus chuckled. He waited until she’d pulled away before leaning in to hug her. “Just, remember to— He forgets.” “I will make sure he remembers,” You smiled. “Alright, fly safe! Well, as safe as you can as passengers,” Jill glanced between the two of you, smiling as Walter tucked Jill under his arm. “Alright,” Marcus took hold of your hand, “Let’s go.” -- You took in Marcus’ profile as he swiped through the onscreen entertainment options. He was distracted, which gave you plenty of time to just...Watch. You remembered the tightness in his jaw on the previous flight, the way his leg had been bouncing. He glanced over at you, doing a double-take when he saw you looking at him. “What is it?” He asked. “You are so relaxed right now,” You smiled, “You were practically shaking the plane when we left D.C.” Marcus chuckled, leaning back in his seat a little bit, “Well… We’re done, it’s… Over, you know. It worked. Like holy shit, it worked,” He tipped his head back, looking up, “I just lied to my family for a week.” “Hey,” You soothed, nudging his arm with yours, “We just lied to your family for a week.” He chuckled, tipping his head to the side to look at you. “Yeah,” He agreed, “I could not have done this without you.” “Maybe next time you’ll just let Marnie set you up with Kimberly again.” “After the shit she pulled? Not a chance,” Marcus shook his head. He took hold of your hand, intertwining your fingers, “I still can’t believe you told my parents...What you did.” You looked down at your joined hands. “I kinda can’t believe I did, either,” You admitted quietly, “But I trust them… I trust you.” 

There was a pause before Marcus untangled his hand from yours. You felt panic snake through your veins, but Marcus’ hand raised and cupped your cheek. He drew you in for a sweet kiss. You leaned up into it, resting your hand on Marcus’ thigh and sighing softly. He rested his forehead against yours as the kiss broke, and you kept your eyes closed for a few moments, reveling in the feeling.

“I should probably stop doing that, huh,” He said softly. Please don’t, You thought.

“...Probably,” You conceded aloud.

Tag list: @hufflepuffing-all-day-long ; @spideysimpossiblegirl ; @blueeyesatnight ; @elen-aranel ; @yespolkadotkitty ; @artsymaddie ; @phoenixhalliwell ; @lunaserenade ; @winniedaboo  ; @empress-palpat1ne ; @randomness501 ; @nutmeg-20 ; @leonieb ; @the-feckless-wonder ; @lou-la-lou ; @captain-jebi ; @supernaturalgirl  ; @naturenebula21 ; @evelynseventyr ; @giselatropicana ; @heatherbel ; @marydjarin ; @annathewitch ; @absurdthirst ; @hnt-escape ; @writingletterstothefire ; @misswriter ; @bison-writes ; @xx-small-town-witch-xx ; @ajeff855 ; @hellovanessax​ ; @drinkingwhileblogging​ ; @meanperegrine​ ; @a-court-of-feysand-and-elorcan​ ; @autumnleaves1991-blog ; @xoxo-callie ; @mentally-dating-din-djarin​ ; @frenchyjuju

[missymurphy1985]

Nobody's Perfect (part5)

Warning - smut (always)

Taglist Taglist @queenshelby @margoo0 @being-worthy @peakyscillian @ntmynouis @janelongxox @elenavampire21 @noctvrnalmoth @ysmmsy @cloudofdisney @lauren-raines-x

You'd spent the rest of that afternoon discussing your characters, and rehearsing your rewritten scenes together. The new dynamic working well for you both off screen and on, and both Steve and the Director Anto couldn't help but be impressed at the new found chemistry the two of you had together over the last week. James, the assistant director, had pulled Cillian away for a chat in his trailer, and he had a face like thunder when he came out afterwards.

"Hey... You okay?" You bumped into him as he was walking back to his trailer.

"I'm good." He squeezed your arm, but carried on walking away from you.

"James had a word then." Sophie's voice behind you startled you.

"About what?"

"There's rumours flying around - about the two of you, have you not heard them?"

"What rumours?"

"The two of you? Sleeping together?" You scoffed at her.

"God, don't be ridiculous Soph, he's nearly 20 years older than me for goodness sake..."

"Y/n... Just be careful. Okay?" You were stunned - what business was it of anyone's who you shared a bed with? You looked round to see if anyone was nearby, wanting to go to his trailer but there were cast and crew members everywhere. You headed to your own trailer instead.

"Sophie told me what James said Cill..." You texted him, sitting down on your sofa.

"Why can't I just be allowed to move on? Why is there always something that's standing in my way huh?" A quick reply.

"What do we do?"

"If he finds out we're together off camera it could cause you real problems y/n. He sees it as massively unprofessional.. thinks it'll affect the way we are together.. I think it's fucking bullshit personally, you're playing my wife for god's sake..."

"Not married yet Cill... That's next week's scene."

"We need to spend less time together off set.. we're clearly raising suspicions." Your heart lurched, but you knew what he said made sense. At least until filming finished next week, then it was no one's business what happened.

"Okay... Gonna be hard though.."

"Can't wait til I can see you again properly xx"

"Me too. I've seen Clara's wedding dress already, it's beautiful Cill xx"

"Not as beautiful as you will be in it xx"

"I'm heading back to Ireland for a couple of days in the morning - mam's birthday. I'll be back Sunday night xx"

"I'm heading to my sister's place in Liverpool tonight. Wish I could spend it with you though xx"

"Me too babe. Gonna be a long weekend without you xx"

The weekend was the longest you'd been apart since day one of filming, and it was just as difficult as you thought it would be. You'd tried not to bother him so he could spend time with his family, but he couldn't get enough of you. He'd send you photos of him and his brother drinking in Cork city, you replied with photos of you and your sister in Liverpool.

You were waiting onset, your hair pristine, makeup done, and the long, white, flowing dress fitted to perfection, even over the small 'bump' you were wearing underneath your dress - Clara was 5 months pregnant. You hadn't had chance to see Cillian since his return the night before - his flight back had been delayed and he didn't get in until nearly 3am. All you were waiting for was Paul Anderson, his character Arthur, was to walk you down the aisle, after your onscreen father had been killed off in an earlier episode. Paul came onset and couldn't take his eyes off you. He pulled you close for a gentle hug, earning a glare from your hair and makeup lady Jenny. He chuckled and pulled away, before leaning in to whisper in your ear.

"Cillian's a very lucky man, and I hope to god he realises that y/n." You pulled back sharply, shaking your head.

"There's nothing between me and Cill, Paul.." he winked at you and offered you his arm, ready to film the scene. Jenny came over to fix your veil over your head, covering your face. The main director, Anto, called Action, and the wedding march music played. The doors to the small newly built chapel opened and you and Arthur walked down the aisle. You could see Cillian in his navy blue suit at the end, his eyes on you. You could almost feel the emotion radiating from him.

You stood next to him, and he lifted the veil over your head. You could tell he was fighting Cillian, and trying to remain as Tommy, but he couldn't stop himself winking at you when he knew the camera wouldn't be on him, making you blush. His eyes also wandered down to the bump under your dress, and you could tell it was bringing back painful memories for him, but he held it together to get the scene done.

The scene complete, it was time for the cast to move onto the reception set. You were about to walk with everyone before an arm pulled you behind a curtain.

"Paul's covering me for 10minutes, y/n, I needed to see you..." His lips were on yours in seconds, as he pulled you down a small set of steps into a secluded backstage room. Locking the door behind him, he pulled you back to him quickly. You could feel how hard he was underneath the trousers and you gasped as he started to hitch your dress up your legs.

"Fuck.. Cillian we can't do this here..."

"We've got... 7 minutes.. yes we can..." He spun you round and leaned you over an amplifier, must've been a spare for the music they needed for the wedding scene. Lifting your dress over your hips, you heard him unzip his trousers and line himself up against you.

"No underwear?" He questioned.

"Tight fitting dress... Shit..." He pushed himself in and quickly built up a powerful rhythm. You'd gone on the pill after your little mishap earlier that month.

"Fuck.. you got tighter.."

He pounded into you, you had to cover your mouth to keep yourself quiet. Your much needed orgasm was building rapidly, as you heard him panting behind you, his hips snapping into you harder.

Before you knew it, you came hard over him, and he followed quickly with a deep groan - hot streams of cum flowing into you like a fountain. He pulled out slowly, and you felt a tissue between your legs as he cleaned you up - you couldn't risk a trace of anything being left on you before you did the next scenes. He zipped his trousers up and helped to pull your dress back down, checking both of you over to make sure you still looked as you did before, incredibly you did. He pulled you to stand, and adjusted the bump under your dress slightly.

"You look beautiful, y/n. You really do."

"You look so handsome in that suit Cill..." He kissed you, his hand lingering on the bump a little longer. You felt butterflies, you couldn't help it. Separating, you made your way to the next scene.

Walking into the set, you could see James eyeing you from the corner suspiciously. Cillian was already there, stood with Paul having their hair and makeup readjusted slightly for the new lighting. Jenny waved for you to come to her for the same thing. The penultimate scene for the cast and crew.

You and Cillian were wrapped up in each others arms that evening on the sofa in his hotel room, some cheesy 90s horror film on the TV, but neither of you really paying much attention to it.

"Babe, I think we need to talk..." He said, as he pulled back and you sat up, fingers still entwined with his as you played with the hard skin by his thumb nail.

"Sounds ominous..."

"Filming ends tomorrow... James has already threatened to go to the press about us if we don't stop this.."

"What are you saying, Cill?" You released his hand, preparing yourself for the worst.

"Y/n this is your dream.. and I can't be the one to end that for you.. but at the same time I can't be the one to end this either. I need to know what it is you want? The press will eat us alive - there's 20 years between us.."

"I want you." Not even a glimmer of doubt. "I've been thinking long and hard about this all weekend. If I have to choose Cillian, I choose you. Every time. I don't care about the tabloids."

"Your career -"

"My career means nothing if I don't have you beside me! Don't you want me?"

"Of course I want you, that's not even a question.."

"Then what's the issue? Steve is one of the nicest guys in the industry and he ADORES you.. surely he can't feel the same way as James? I'm sick of sneaking around, pretending like nothing is going on between us! I wanna shout it from the rooftops! I want to be with you properly, and if that means I take a beating from the tabloids then so be it. If it means I'm not in series 2, so be it. There will always be other stories, other roles - there will never be another you..." You leaned forward and captured his lips in yours. He returned the kiss, and pulled you into his lap.

"I'm falling for you.. in fact no, I've fallen for you. Completely. Seeing you in that dress, with the bump underneath.. even though you were Clara, all I saw was y/n. I saw everything. Our future - what could be. It terrifies me but excites the shit outta me at the same time."

"Cillian.. I love you. I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you."

"I love you. I'll sort this. Let me talk to Steve tomorrow. James clearly had this weird little power trip going on.. but I'll sort it. You'll be in series 2, I promise you that."

"Even if I'm not - "

"Y/n, I'm executive producer of series 2 - trust me, you'll be in it." You smiled.

"And the press?"

"Fuck the press."

"I'd rather fuck you?" He grinned and kissed you again. Deepening the kiss as you grinded your hips into his, that erection pushing into your core with each push.

"You coming to Ireland with me when we wrap up tomorrow?"

"Try and stop me."

[hartrathaway]

Hii I'm interested in Hartley's story but I know literally nothing about him except that he was Wally's gay bestie in the 90s, what's his deal? Do you have any comic recs for him?

HI IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG!!!!!!!!

Okay, so really brief, his dealio is: born to ‘incredibly rich’ parents (we never get a specified ballpark, but Hartley states that he was ‘born with two silver spoons in [his] mouth’ if that helps context wise), Hartley’s deaf!  His parents had him get cochlear implants when he was a child, which ‘medically healed him’.  (His deafness has been treated extremely ablest by writers who actually remember he’s deaf, I need to warn you of this now.)  He’s a music and sound waves guy, a former villain (it’s an on again off again relationship, but a lot of his character is defined by his time as a hero) and he’s very leftist.  Gay best friend in the AIDS crisis turned Wally West from a midwestern conservative to a leftie as well.  (Wally’s wife, Linda Park, was a major contributing factor, but we’re focusing on Hartley for this, so I’m gonna talk about him.)

I’ve got a mix of good reading from all over, so I’m gonna break this into sections, and do my best to describe which is which.  (all my screencaps are from this website right here, because i do not own all the back issues and it would have taken much, much longer to do this post, and as such, some of them are not sized or formatted correctly)  Click the read more if you’re interested!  Please note: I am not a 100% authority figure on Hartley, and I know there’s a few stories I have left out (the story with Bart Allen’s first appearance is a good one that Hartley is in), but these are the gist of who is he, what he’s been up to, and what is the family drama.

So for New Earth (otherwise known as post-Crisis on Infinite Earths), is where Hartley actually becomes Wally’s friend, and is a hero!  I’m going to focus on this section first.  Unfortunately, due to being a minor character, a lot of stuff is broken into small stories, or things that are happening behind the scenes, so there’s no real issue x - y that’s gonna help much.

The Flash Vol 2 #31, #32 Quick summary: In issue 31, supervillain here is killing homeless people, Hartley has been helping these same people get up on their feet by helping them get squatter’s rights.  They skip the fighting because a kid asks if they’re going to fight for a half hour and then team up, and go right to the team up.  They get Linda Park in, supervillain ends up backfiring his powers.  In issue 32, Wally, Hartley, and their pal Mason officially move to Keystone city.  Hartley’s folks are in trouble while the three of them are trying to freeload (off of Hartley’s parents, his and his parents’ relationship is better now than it had been, for a multitude of reasons), Wally and Hartley rescue Hartley’s parents, we also meet Jerrie, Hartley’s sister, and all is resolved there.  Yay, the family loves each other again!

(issue 31)

(issue 32)

The Flash Vol 2 #53 Special mention this is the issue where Hartley comes out and also has to inform Wally that Wally cannot tell who is a homosexual.  Also Wally’s an IRS agent here, for shame Wallace.  At least Hartley gets to cosplay Wally at the end, so that’s fun.  Content warning for this issue specifically is some casual homophobia, just so you know that going in.

(issue 53)

The Flash Vol 2 #170 In 170, Hartley’s being contacted by his father to call in ‘a favor’ that Hartley owes him.  The main plot line includes (one of) Wally’s ex(es) showing up, a former hero and teammate, Frances Kane, otherwise known as Magneta.  A person has been found murdered at Keystone Motors, and supervillain Goldface begins rallying union workers (which seems to just be a poorly timed coincidence).  The story itself (170 - 173) in and of itself is really fun, but I’m only going to talk about Hartley, or else I’ll be here all day.

(issue 170)

The Flash Vol 2 #174, #175, #178, #179 And here we get some drama! I’m grouping all of these together, since it’s all the same chunk of the story for Hartley, but since it’s the Flash, Wally’s center stage.  In 174, the people who were living with the Rathaway family aren’t exactly big fans of Hartley.  They know he’s changed his ways, he’s a hero now, but it’s just…  something feels off.  There’s loud music sounds, and bam!  Suddenly Hartley’s there and oh boy is this gonna be a hot mess.  In issue 175, we see some footage, and Hartley’s the lead suspect in his parents’ murder, considering that the footage has Hartley onscreen.  178 rolls up, and after Wally’s getting Gorilla Grodd taken care of (and that fight is a doozy), Wally gets to find out Hartley’s been arrested for the murder of his own parents, and Hartley confesses on-screen to his parents’ murder  (Also Hartley’s got a beard now, that’s how you know he’s depressed.) 179 opens with Hartley being processed.  Linda and Wally go to see him, and although Hartley confessed, he said “I think I did.”  (emphasis is mine; in the panel Hartley says “I think I did.”) Joker?  He’s got some Joker-fied people, and poor Hartley gets it too :(  Hartley straight up nearly kills Captain Boomerang (it’s okay, Wally stops him), and surprise!  Welcome back to Iron Heights Hartley.  Gonna have a fun time :)

(issue 174; this is the least messy part of the panel, but it was intended to be that way)

(issue 175)

(issue 178)

(issue 179)

The Flash: Iron Heights Brief interlude from the main comic line, we’ve got a one-shot that’s taking place in Iron Heights.  This takes place before Hartley gets arrested, presumably (since, y’know, they’re breaking in and all).  Fun one-shot honestly, keeps me on my toes the whole time.  Hartley’s a main character, and it’s less personal drama and very story driven.  You don’t need this to enjoy Hartley regardless, but I enjoy it!

(The Flash: Iron Heights, which you can read here.)

The Flash Volume 2 #189, #190 189! Now we find out how Hartley’s parents were actually murdered!  No spoilers, but we do get a prison breakout.  This is where we get some origin story! Don’t read this first though, because you’re going to be spoiling yourself the plot of his arrest.  In 190 we get more origin, including the way DC treated his deafness. (It’s ablest, and I’m still mentally grappling how you wouldn’t notice your child being deaf for two years, but okay Rachel and Osgood, you keep being bad.)  The story goes on for now, with Hartley on the run from… well, everyone.

(issue 189)

(issue 190)

This is pretty much it for New Earth Hartley up until Countdown.

I don’t like Countdown at all.  I’m much happier pretending that Countdown doesn’t exist (both because of how it treats Hartley for a multitude of reasons, and how Thad Thawne is treated leading up to Countdown).  More happens with Hartley’s storyline in Countdown, but I hate it with such a passion that I wouldn’t recommend it at all.  Countdown leads into Final Crisis, and I’m not a fan of either.  However, should you wish to read and make your own opinions, here’s Countdown and here’s Final Crisis.  Please note, Countdown’s issues are done in reverse order (so from issue 51 to 1, rather than 1 to 51)

And now I’m going to tell you the gospel truth:

I do like New 52 Hartley!  A lot. Unfortunately, he’s not as much in the n52 Flash run as I would like (but I’m biased, as obvious by my url).  What you need to know is that Hartley’s a musician now, like orchestra director, and he’s in a relationship with Barry’s boss, David Singh. (power move, honestly)  Unfortunately, we don’t get a whole lot in the main line.  Also at this point, the Wally West of New Earth hasn’t transitioned to the n52.  Wallace West of n52 is an entirely different character, and that’s a whole other issue for another discussion.  Wally West as we know him from New Earth doesn’t come back for a while.  Wally and Hartley haven’t talked since before Flashpoint, and that’s a shame. 

So read the Crimes of Passion Anthology he’s got please I’m begging you.  The only downside is that the artist gave him a haircut.

(Crimes of Passion: Secret Admirer)

I haven’t read anything DCeased related, and while I know Hartley gets his time to shine and kiss David, I can’t tell you much beyond that.  I’m pretty sure there’s other people who can tell you more, but it’s not me I’m afraid.  (This is me saying guys, please tell me about Hartley in DCeased, someone tell me about my fictional lavender marriage husband.)

[cooliopumpkin]

Okay, as a cartoon fan, I've got something to say.

Lately, there's been a trend of more and more cartons showcasing LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, which is phenomenal. As a gay AMAB enby, I absolutely love that there are more and more opportunities for young queer people to see themselves represented in media. My problem more lies in the fact that I've noticed another trend within that.

The vast majority of the representation we're getting are wlw relationships and MAYBE an mlm person coming out.

What I'm concerned about is that the rep we're getting isn't coming from a place of genuine interest in providing rep for the community. At the risk of looking a gift horse in the mouth, here's my fears:

(And to clarify, I'm talking about what the big companies are letting though, not the show creators and the writers)

Wlw relationships are being allowed to be shown because two femme wlw (who often times aren't shown expressing that they're wlw beforehand) kissing onscreen is attractive to people. The relationships are allowed because wlw are so easily and often fetishized and as such, are palatable for straight men.

In the same vein, there's barely any mlm rep because straight men don't want to see gay relationships. Most of the mlm rep you'll see in cartoons are parents that are only ever seen holding hands at most. Obviously there's not gonna be any extreme stuff bc it's a cartoon, but still. They're portrayed in such a way that any and all aspects of a relationship that would remind you it's Two Men Interested In Each Other™️ are missing.

This isn't to mention all of the missing aspects of the community that are missing. I mean, where's our trans stuff, our NB stuff, our ace stuff, our dispelling of biphobic shit? And this certainly isn't anything against the creators of these shows. I don't think it's them necessarily, I think it has everything to do with what cartoon companies let through.

Idk, this is just something I've thought about a little bit. I'd love to be wrong. If someone wants to talk about it, that's entirely welcome. I don't think I'm wrong, but if I'm missing something, I'd love to hear it. Also, I'm terrified this is wlw-phobic somehow? I'm not a wlw, but I cannot express how much I am /not/ wlw-phobic.

N e way, if I'm right, this really sucks :(

Edit: I just wanted to slide back in here and say that I would never want to imply the queer creators behind these shows are at fault. Specifically, I would never accuse wlw creators of fetishizing themselves in a cartoon. Blame goes to the biases of those in charge of big cartoon companies.

Also, I've seen one or two people saying there simply "aren't that many mlm creators" in the industry. Now I can't agree or deny bc I just don't know, but if that statement is true, it raises the question of why.

[kitazura]

Um hi I just found your blog ur a really could writer um could I request like a cuddle movie night with Atsumu,Sakusa and Bokuto (and if u have a anon list could I be 🦊 anon)

watch a movie with miya atsumu, sakusa kiyoomi, & bokuto kōtarō 0.2k words each

note: hi 🦊 anon!! you can absolutely have some cuddly movie night scenarios with the boys <3 aa im sorry it took so long for me to post i had to rewrite this like 4 times bc i didn’t like how my drafts turned out LMAO but i hope u enjoy!

— ATSUMU

His fingers have been fiddling with your hair for the past two hours, and you’re sure the section he’s been toying with has turned into a bird’s nest. Not that you have any right to complain, anyway; your head’s on his chest, and your hand grasps the fabric of his shirt, the strength of your grip changing according to the intensity of the events playing out onscreen.

The movie’s finally arrived at the big, climactic fight scene. You grab onto Atsumu’s shirt like your life depends on it, holding your breath in suspense. He thinks it’s cute, the way your eyes are wide and twinkly from the glow of the tv. He’s almost content to leave you in peace, but he can never pass up the chance to tease.

“Y’know, by the time this is over, I don’t think any amount of ironing is gonna get these wrinkles out, what with all your grabbing.” His smirk blooms into a chuckle as you tear your eyes away from the screen to glare at him, albeit insincerely.

“As if you iron your clothes in the first place,” you shoot back. Well, you got him there.

Defeated, he lets you return to your attention to the movie, pressing an apologetic kiss to the crown of your head when you grumble about having to rewind it to see what he made you miss.

— SAKUSA

You have to stifle your giggle when you steal a glance at your boyfriend. Sakusa’s brows are knit in concentration, eyes glued to the screen. He notices your amusement nonetheless, giving you a questioning look.

“What is it? Did I miss a joke?”

You shake your head. Truthfully, you’re not paying much attention to the movie, finding more entertainment in the expressions Sakusa makes as he watches, so the answer you give him is pretty baseless.

You cozy up further into his side, mumbling, “You’re warm.”

He turns even warmer, his face flushing at your absentminded comment. The arm he has wrapped around your shoulders gives you a gentle squeeze, pulling you impossibly closer to him. You put your head on his shoulder, and he rests his head on yours. You hear him let out a breath and take it for a sigh of content. (He’s really just resisting the urge to sneeze; your hair is tickling his nose, but he doesn’t want to ruin the moment.)

Half an hour passes; Kiyoomi’s gotten so caught up in the movie that he doesn’t notice you’ve fallen asleep until your head nearly lolls off his shoulder. He’s quick to catch you, and makes a mental note to move as little as possible.

Pulling the blankets up to your chin, he begins to think about how to summarize the movie once you wake up.

— BOKUTO

“Oh, oh! it’s almost time for his confession.” Bokuto’s voice is oddly hushed, not wanting to break the quiet. “I never get tired of it.”

“Yeah, you also don’t get tired of crying every time it comes on” you reply playfully. Unlike him, you speak at a normal volume.

You reach over to the popcorn bucket in his lap, which he instinctively tilts towards you. “By the way,” you say through a mouthful of popcorn, “why are you whispering? We’re at home.”

“For the ambience, duh.” Bokuto rolls his eyes at you as if it’s the most obvious thing. You can’t help but laugh and cup his face in your hands, pulling him in for a kiss. He obliges, pecking your lips, your cheeks, and one more on your nose before settling back down.

There’s a beat of silence before he asks, “I used the word ‘ambience’ correctly, right?”

You pinch his cheek endearingly. “Yeah, you did.”

He beams with pride before shushing you, buzzing with anticipation as the confession scene begins.

You must have watched this movie a million times by now, and have replayed the confession thrice as much. Unsurprisingly, Bokuto’s got it memorized; you can hear him saying the words with the actor onscreen, matching the emotions in his tone.

You turn to tease him, only to find that he’s looking at you intently, eyes shining with sincerity as he quotes the last few words:

“So I can say to you now, with absolute certainty, that I am irrevocably in love with you.”

— postscript

i am a sap. a Sap!!!! honestly i pulled bokuto’s quote from one of my scrapped fics lolol the venn diagram of the characteristics of 12 year old me and 17 year old me is a circle. but anyway !! mayhaps ill get some fics out soon hehe