#what we do in the shadows pine barrens

[shelma32entertainment]

What We Do In The Shadows | 4x07 | Pine Barrens | REACTION

[vinylattes]

GUILLERMO DE LA CRUZ + coming out and being proud

[yagodichjagodic]

What We Do In the Shadows: Season 4, Episode 7 - Pine barrens.

Earrings in progress 🤘🏼

[sour-grape-s]

Thank goodness they gave me the goods of Laszlo/Guillermo + Colin/Nandor throughout the episode to make up for whatever those fucking creatures were and the Nadja plot?!?!

Those dynamics are sooo good in any episode! I would have had a full Laszlo/Guillermo ep minus those things (also why not pair the Guide with Nadja instead of a random?)

The Colin/Nandor dynamic continues to be gift that keeps on giving though

[resident-sean-expert]

Can we talk about the potential of an episode of wwdits where Charmaine is convinced that their neighbor (Guillermo) is a serial killer (she's excited and terrified about it) so the camera crew follows in her investigations ✨

[horrortvfilmsource]

Nadja: Laszlo and Nandor have been bickering a lot recently. You know, for the past one or two or...actually about 80 years.

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS 4.07 - Pine Barrens

[sophsun1]

What We Do In The Shadows

S4E7. Pine Barrens

[photofinder]

Cryptid of the Week: Jersey Devil

The Jersey Devil is from Pine Barrens in New Jersey.

According to folklore, it was the child of a woman named Jane (Mother) Leeds. Some stories say that she had 12 children, and when she realized she was pregnant for a 13th time, she cursed the child. Other stories say that the Jersey Devil is the child of Mother Leeds and the Devil himself.

Either way, The Jersey Devil came into the world.

There are real Leeds that exist in the area; some think that the story was based on Deborah Leeds and her husband Japhet, as they had 12 children. Others believe that Daniel Leeds and the political intrigue around him inspired the myth of the 'Leeds Devil'.

But what is the Jersey Devil? Usually, it's depicted as a bipedal creature, with cloven hooves and the head of a goat, and leathery batlike wings. It's tail is said to be either pointed or forked.

Fun fact: the Jersey Devil has been featured in a variety of media, like Poptropica, X-Files, and What We Do in the Shadows

[wwditsbracket]

What We Do In The Shadows Tournament: Final Loser Showdown!

[mmromancestories]

Home for the Holly-Days

Robert and David

Chapter 1: A Frosty Reunion

Pinevale was a snow globe come to life during December. Twinkling lights adorned every shop window, garlands framed every door, and the scent of cinnamon and pine needles drifted through the air. For most, it was magic. For Robert, it was a cage.

He drove past the wooden sign that read Welcome to Pinevale—The Heart of Christmas, the letters faded but lovingly repainted each year. The holiday cheer felt oppressive as he approached his family’s tree farm, now a shadow of its former glory. The once-lush pines were now sparse, and the roads leading to the farm were icy with disuse.

His mother had begged him to come home. “Just for the season,” she’d said. “We need you, Robbie.” He hadn’t had the heart to tell her that the name Robbie hadn’t fit him in years, not since he left town after high school.

The air in Pinevale was sharp and cold, carrying the faint scent of pine needles and wood smoke. Robert stood near the edge of the farm, the skeletal rows of trees before him looking more like ghosts of Christmases past than a thriving business. He adjusted his scarf, the leather of his gloves creaking as he tugged it tighter. His dark skin, warm against the snowy backdrop, was flushed from the cold as he scanned the barren rows.

“Robert?”

The voice behind him stopped him cold. It was familiar yet softer now, richer somehow. Slowly, he turned. David stood there, bundled in a dark coat and scarf, snowflakes dusting his hair. His pale skin seemed to glow in the winter light, a sharp contrast to the navy blue scarf wrapped neatly around his neck. The years had been kind to him. His face was the same—bright, open, with a hint of that mischievous grin Robert remembered all too well—but his blue eyes carried something deeper, something that hadn’t been there before.

“David.” Robert’s voice was guarded, his hands sliding into his coat pockets. He nodded slightly, as if acknowledging an old acquaintance and not someone who had once been his best friend. “It’s been a while.”

David tilted his head, his lips quirking into a smile. “More than a while. Fifteen years, give or take.”

Robert shrugged. “Long enough to forget what this place looks like in winter.”

David took a step closer, his boots crunching softly in the snow. “Your mom said you’d be here. Thought I’d stop by, say hi.”

“Didn’t think anyone would bother,” Robert muttered, his tone low.

David chuckled, his breath visible in the cold. “It’s Pinevale, Robert. People always bother.”

Robert’s lips twitched, almost smiling, but his gaze drifted to the tired rows of trees. “Guess some things never change.”

A beat of silence passed, the weight of years settling between them. David shifted his weight, his voice softer now. “She mentioned the farm’s having a tough time.”

Robert stiffened slightly but kept his gaze on the horizon. “Yeah, well. Not everything stays evergreen.”

The words came out sharper than he intended, and for a moment, regret flashed in his eyes. David, ever perceptive, let it slide. “Well,” David said, his tone lightening, “if you need a distraction, I’m running the Holly-Days Festival this year. Could use some help setting up the square. We’re short on hands, and I hear you’re still handy with tools.”

Robert finally looked at him, one eyebrow arching. “You mean you’re roping me into free labor?”

David grinned, his eyes twinkling. “I mean I’m offering you a chance to make yourself useful. It’s for the town, Robert. And, you know, Christmas.”

Robert huffed, shaking his head. “You never change.”

“Neither do you,” David shot back, his smile softening. “Still pretending you’re grumpier than you are.”

That earned a half-smile from Robert, though he quickly turned back toward the farm. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” David’s voice was warm, almost hopeful. “It’s good to see you again, Robert.”

Robert nodded, watching as David turned and walked away, his figure fading into the snowy distance. Something tugged at Robert’s chest, an old ache that felt strangely familiar. But he shoved it down, turning back to the task at hand.

Chapter 2: Past Love, Present Pain

The Pinevale of Robert’s childhood was a simpler place. Summers were spent racing bikes down Main Street, and winters were for sledding and snowball fights. David had been his constant companion, always the first to challenge him to a race or drag him to the town’s tiny ice rink.

Robert had never noticed David’s shy glances or how his laughter lingered just a little longer when they were alone. For Robert, those years had been a whirlwind of tree climbing, endless dares, and the occasional scraped knee. And David? David had always been the one with a plan. One summer, when they were twelve, David had mapped out an entire “adventure quest” in the woods behind Robert’s house, complete with a hand-drawn map, a list of riddles, and a “treasure chest” filled with candy bars and soda. Robert could still remember how David had carefully explained the “rules,” his pale cheeks flushing with excitement.

At the time, Robert had rolled his eyes and pretended it was all ridiculous. But looking back, he could admit it had been one of the most fun days of his childhood. David had always had a knack for turning the ordinary into something magical—something Robert had secretly admired, even if he’d never said it out loud.

For David, those years had been everything. He’d spent countless nights staring at his ceiling, dreaming of the day he’d have the courage to tell Robert how he felt. But Robert had always seemed out of reach—popular, confident, his deep laugh and striking dark skin making him seem larger than life in their small town. Robert carried himself with an effortless coolness that David could only admire from a distance, too shy to believe someone like him could ever feel the same way.

When Robert left for college, David stayed behind, helping his family with their small-town bakery and eventually taking over the role of Holly-Days coordinator. It was a job he loved, one that gave him a sense of purpose. But it also left little room for romance. Every Christmas, he’d watch couples stroll through the festival, hand in hand, and wonder if he’d ever find someone to share it with.

Robert’s romantic history was more complicated. His time in the city had been filled with ambition and long workdays, but it had also been where he’d met Jason. Their relationship had started like a dream—candlelit dinners, shared playlists, and whispered promises of forever. But forever hadn’t lasted. Jason had left him on Christmas Eve, the night that was supposed to be their anniversary. Since then, Robert had sworn off love and, by extension, Christmas. It was easier to bury himself in work than to risk his heart again.

Chapter 3: The Reconnection

The next morning, Pinevale’s town square was alive with activity. Vendors set up their stalls under the watchful eye of David, who darted from one corner to another, clipboard in hand. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with pine and snow as Christmas carols played softly in the background.

Robert stood at the edge of the square, hands jammed into his coat pockets. He’d spent the better part of the morning debating whether to show up. He didn’t owe anyone anything, he’d told himself. And yet, here he was. “Robert!” David called, his voice bright and welcoming. Robert turned to see David jogging toward him, his cheeks pink from the cold. “You came.”

“I said I’d think about it,” Robert muttered. “Didn’t mean I’d actually do anything.”

David added while brushing snow off his gloves. “You know, if you’re going to stand there and look intimidating, you might as well hold a sign that says, ‘Certified Fun Hater.’”

Robert smirked, shoving his hands deeper into his coat pockets. “I didn’t realize standing still counted as a crime in Pinevale.”

“Not a crime,” David said with a grin, “just a waste of potential. I could really use a tall, brooding helper who doesn’t mind a little hard work.”

Robert arched an eyebrow. “Brooding, huh? That what you see when you look at me?”

David tilted his head, a teasing glint in his blue eyes. “No, I see someone auditioning for the role of Grumpy Christmas Guardian. Standing there all stern, protecting the square from holiday cheer.”

Robert huffed a laugh, his breath visible in the cold air. “I’m not grumpy. Just...observing.”

“Well, observe this,” David said, motioning toward a half-assembled stall. “If you’re not planning on running, you might as well lend a hand. We’re short on time and even shorter on people.”

Robert gave him a long, measured look. “You’re not exactly subtle about roping me into things.”

David shrugged, unbothered. “What can I say? You’re here, and I happen to know you’re good with your hands.”

That earned him a sharp glance, though Robert couldn’t hide the faint amusement tugging at his lips. “Fine,” he said at last, rolling his shoulders as if bracing himself. “Point me to whatever disaster you need me to fix.”

David’s grin widened, his voice warm. “Knew you’d come around. You always did have a soft spot for a challenge.”

Robert followed him toward the stall, shaking his head. “Don’t push your luck.”.”

Despite himself, Robert found his lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. He followed David to a half-assembled stall where a pile of wooden planks waited. As they worked side by side, an easy rhythm began to form. David chatted about the festival—how it had grown over the years, how the community relied on it to bring in business during the slow winter months. Robert listened, occasionally grunting in response, but mostly letting David’s voice fill the silence. “You know,” David said after a while, “I always thought you’d end up doing something creative. You were always building things as a kid. Remember that treehouse we made in your backyard?”

Robert chuckled despite himself. “If you can call that rickety death trap a treehouse.”

“It had charm,” David insisted, laughing. “And it lasted two whole summers before it collapsed.”

“Two summers too long,” Robert muttered, but there was warmth in his voice. The memory tugged at something deep inside him—a time when life had been simpler, when he hadn’t yet learned to guard his heart so fiercely.

They worked in companionable silence for a while longer until David paused. “Thanks for helping, Robert. Really.”

Robert glanced at him, his dark eyes softening. “Don’t mention it.”

But as David’s gaze lingered, Robert felt a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years. He quickly looked away, focusing on the wood in his hands.

Chapter 4: A Town Under Pressure

As the days passed, the Holly-Days Festival began to take shape. The square transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights strung between lampposts and garlands draped over every surface. The air buzzed with anticipation, but for David, the pressure was mounting. “David, we’ve got a problem,” one of the vendors called out, waving him over. “The tent for the cider station collapsed overnight. We need a replacement, or we’ll lose one of our biggest attractions.”

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, I’ll figure something out.”

He was about to head to the hardware store when Robert appeared, his tall dark frame silhouetted against the snow-dusted trees. “Need a hand?”

David blinked. “You’re volunteering?”

Robert shrugged. “Can’t let you run yourself into the ground.”

For the next hour, they worked together to rebuild the cider station, their movements synchronized as if they’d done this a hundred times before. He couldn’t help but notice how much Robert had changed over the years. The boy he’d once known—gangly and full of restless energy—was now a man who commanded attention with quiet strength. His rich, dark skin seemed to glow against the pale backdrop of snow, and the full beard that framed his face gave him an air of rugged elegance. But it was Robert’s eyes that caught David most of all—those dark, doe-like eyes that seemed to pierce through whatever they focused on, steady and unflinching. David felt his chest tighten, a mix of nostalgia and something deeper stirring within him. “You’re good at this,” David said as they secured the final beam. “I don’t just mean the building. You’re good with people, too. You’ve been helping out more than I expected.”

Robert’s jaw tightened slightly. “Don’t get used to it. I’m just here to help my parents temporarily before going back and resuming my life in the City.”

David frowned but didn’t push. He could sense the walls Robert had built around himself, and he didn’t want to risk making him retreat again.

Chapter 5: The Christmas Party Dance

The Holly-Days Festival opened with a grand Christmas party, and the entire town turned out in their holiday best. The town hall glittered with fairy lights, and a massive Christmas tree stood in the center, its ornaments reflecting the warm glow of the room.

David was everywhere at once, greeting guests, checking on vendors, and making sure everything ran smoothly. But his eyes kept drifting to Robert, who lingered near the edges of the room, nursing a glass of cider. The band struck up a slow, soulful rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the familiar melody floating through the air like a warm embrace. Robert lingered at the edge of the dance floor, hands tucked in his pockets, watching the room sway in time with the music. He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t left yet. Maybe it was the warmth of the room, or maybe it was the man weaving through the crowd toward him. “Dance with me,” David said, his blue eyes sparkling with a mix of hope and mischief as he suddenly stopped in front of Robert.

Robert’s brow furrowed. “What?”

“You heard me,” David said, extending his hand. “It’s tradition. No one gets to brood in the corner at the Christmas party.”

Robert hesitated, glancing around as if to make sure no one else had heard. “I don’t dance.”

David tilted his head, a teasing smile curving his lips. “Well, lucky for you, I do. Come on.”

Robert sighed but let himself be tugged toward the dance floor, his hand warm in David’s. It felt natural, somehow, in a way that unsettled him. As they moved into the soft rhythm of the music, the room seemed to shrink, the noise fading into the background until it was just the two of them.

David’s hand rested lightly on Robert’s shoulder, his other clasped tightly in Robert’s larger, calloused one. “You’re not bad at this,” David said softly, his tone light but his expression unreadable.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Robert replied, his voice equally quiet. His dark eyes locked on David’s for a moment, and something shifted in the air between them. It wasn’t just the warmth of the room or the glow of the Christmas lights—it was something deeper, something electric.

David swallowed hard, his pulse quickening under Robert’s steady gaze. He wanted to say something—anything—to acknowledge the flicker of connection he felt. But the weight of years of unspoken feelings kept his words locked away. Instead, he offered a small smile, his fingers tightening slightly around Robert’s.

For Robert, the moment felt impossibly fragile, like a glass ornament hanging by a thread. He’d spent years keeping people at arm’s length, but here, swaying to the soft strains of a Christmas classic, he felt his walls crack just enough to let David in. It terrified him.

As the song drew to a close, their eyes met once more. It was fleeting—just a glance—but in that split second, the world seemed to hold its breath. Was it magic? Was it nostalgia? Neither dared to name it.

“I need some air,” Robert muttered, his voice breaking the spell. He stepped back abruptly, his hand slipping from David’s as if the touch burned.

David blinked, the warmth of Robert’s hand still lingering on his skin as he watched him retreat into the night. The festive glow of the room suddenly felt colder, emptier. For a moment, he stood frozen, his heart aching with the weight of everything left unsaid. Then he turned back toward the crowd, forcing a smile as he melted into the festivities, but his mind stayed with the man who’d just walked away.

Chapter 6: The Weight of the Festival

For David, the days leading up to Christmas Eve were a blur of activity and mounting pressure. The Holly-Days Festival wasn’t just a celebration—it was a lifeline for Pinevale. Every detail mattered, from the placement of the twinkling lights to the schedule of carolers in the town square. The vendors relied on the influx of tourists to stay afloat, and the townspeople needed the event to rekindle the magic that made Pinevale feel like home.

Despite his seemingly unshakable cheer, David felt the weight of it all pressing down on him. He’d poured everything into the festival, but doubts crept in like frost on a windowpane. What if it wasn’t enough? What if this year’s festival wasn’t as successful as they needed it to be? Robert noticed the tension in David’s shoulders during one of their many late-night work sessions. They were stringing lights along the square’s gazebo, their breath visible in the frosty air, when Robert finally spoke up. “You’ve been quiet,” he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. “That’s not like you.”

David sighed, pausing to adjust one of the lights. “Just a lot on my mind.”

“Let me guess,” Robert said, leaning against the gazebo railing. “The festival?”

David gave a wry smile. “You make it sound like that’s all I think about.”

Robert shrugged. “Lately, it seems like it is.”

David hesitated, then turned to face him. “It’s not just about the festival. It’s about Pinevale. This town has been struggling for years. The festival is one of the few things that brings people here. If it fails...” He trailed off, his expression tight with worry.

Robert studied him for a long moment. “You’re carrying a lot on your shoulders.”

David gave a small laugh, though it lacked his usual brightness. “Yeah, well, someone has to.”

For a moment, Robert considered reaching out, offering something—comfort, reassurance, a…hug? But old habits held him back. Instead, he simply said, “You’re not in this alone, you know. The whole town’s behind you.”

David looked at him, his blue eyes searching. “And you? Are you behind me?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Robert opened his mouth to answer but found himself at a loss. Instead, he turned back to the lights, his heart beating faster than he cared to admit.

Chapter 7: Memories in the Snow

The next morning, David woke to find the town blanketed in fresh snow. Pinevale looked like something out of a Christmas card, the rooftops and trees sparkling under the pale winter sun. He decided to take a short walk before the day’s chaos began. The quiet streets reminded him of childhood winters, when he and Robert would spend hours building snow forts and pelting each other with snowballs. Those memories felt like a lifetime ago, yet they stirred something warm and familiar in his chest.

As if summoned by the thought, Robert appeared at the end of the street, carrying a bundle of firewood for the town square’s bonfire. He looked different in the soft morning light, less guarded, more at ease. “Morning,” David called out, his breath visible in the cold air.

Robert glanced up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Morning.”

David fell into step beside him, their boots crunching in the snow. “I was just thinking about the snow forts we used to make when we were kids. Remember the time we tried to build one so big, we got stuck inside?”

Robert chuckled. “You mean the time you got stuck inside. I had to dig you out.”

David laughed, the sound bright and genuine. “I still say it was your fault. You’re the one who insisted on making the tunnel longer.”

“You didn’t exactly put up a fight,” Robert pointed out, his dark eyes glinting with amusement.

They walked in companionable silence for a while, the memories wrapping around them like a warm blanket. For David, it was a reminder of the bond they’d once shared. For Robert, it was a glimpse of something he thought he’d lost—a connection that felt as natural as breathing.

Chapter 8: Pinevale’s Heart

As the festival reached its peak, the square buzzed with life. Children laughed as they raced through the maze of vendor stalls, their hands sticky with caramel from candied apples. Couples sipped hot cocoa by the bonfire, the flames casting a golden glow on their faces. The air was filled with the sound of carolers, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of joy and nostalgia.

David moved through the crowd, his heart swelling with pride despite his exhaustion. This was what he loved most about the Holly-Days Festival—the way it brought people together, reminding them of the magic of community.

He spotted Robert near the cider station, talking to one of the vendors. The sight made his heart ache in a way that was both sweet and painful. Robert had been more involved in the festival than David could have hoped for, but there was still a distance between them, a wall that David didn’t know how to break.

As if sensing his gaze, Robert looked up and met David’s eyes. For a brief moment, the noise of the festival faded, and it was just the two of them, caught in a quiet moment of connection.

Then someone called David’s name, pulling him back into the whirlwind of activity. The warmth in Robert’s gaze lingered like an ember, fragile and fleeting, but neither man could shake the unspoken questions hanging between them.

Chapter 9: Fractures in the Frost

The joy of the festival was tempered by a now growing distance between Robert and David. Misunderstandings had rooted themselves in their minds, each seeing betrayal where none had been intended.

For Robert, it was the whispered words of a townsperson who casually mentioned that David had been seen in a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. The tone of their voice suggested ambition, not altruism. "He’s probably using this whole festival as a stepping stone,” they said with a shrug.

Those words echoed in Robert’s mind as he watched David flit from vendor to vendor, making sure everything was perfect. The warmth Robert had begun to feel was clouded by doubt. Is this all just a show? he thought, bitterness creeping in.

David, meanwhile, had his own reasons to question Robert’s intentions. A vendor had let slip that Robert had been approached by developers interested in purchasing the farm. “I heard he’s thinking about selling to a big corporation,” they said. “Would be a shame, but can’t blame him. Times are tough.”

The idea cut David deeply. He had always thought of the tree farm as the heart of Pinevale, a symbol of tradition and belonging. The thought that Robert might give it up for a quick payout felt like a betrayal—not just to the town, but to the trust David had been building with him.

Their conversations grew shorter, more strained. Moments that had once been filled with shared glances and easy banter now felt heavy with unspoken accusations.

Chapter 10: A Snowstorm of Emotions

On the day before Christmas Eve, a light snow began to fall, blanketing the town in quiet beauty. David was overseeing the final touches on the festival, his smile forced as he greeted visitors. His heart ached with the weight of the perceived betrayal. He’d been hurt before, but this felt different—deeper.

Robert, too, was restless. He spent the morning chopping wood, the physical exertion doing little to quiet his mind. He kept replaying the moments he’d spent with David, the way his smile lit up the room, the way his laugh warmed even the coldest days. He wanted to believe in David’s sincerity, but the seeds of doubt were hard to uproot.

That evening, as the festival’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony approached, Robert found himself wandering through the square. The sight of families gathered around the tree, their faces glowing with happiness, stirred something in him. He couldn’t let the doubt win. He couldn’t lose David—not to a misunderstanding, not to his own fear.

Chapter 11: The Grand Gesture

Christmas Eve dawned cold and crisp, the kind of day that seemed tailor-made for staying inside with cocoa and a warm fire. But Robert was anything but cozy. He stood in the middle of the tree farm, a hammer in one hand and a string of lights in the other.

The words “You are my home” were taking shape across the entrance to the farm, spelled out in glowing white lights against a backdrop of evergreen branches. He’d spent the entire night working on the display, driven by a single, unshakable thought: he couldn’t let David go without telling him the truth.

When the display was finished, Robert stepped back and stared at it. The words felt too raw, too vulnerable, but he didn’t care. If there was one thing he’d learned from Jason, it was that waiting too long to say what you feel can cost you everything. He called David, his voice unsteady as he said, “Can you come to the farm? There’s something I need you to see.” David hesitated. His heart was still bruised from what he thought was Robert’s betrayal, but something in Robert’s tone made him agree.

When he arrived, bundled in his coat and scarf, he froze at the sight. The farm, which had looked so tired and neglected just days ago, now glowed with life. Strings of lights adorned every tree, and handmade ornaments sparkled in the crisp winter air. But it was the message at the entrance that made David’s breath catch. His eyes were drawn to the glowing letters Robert had painstakingly arranged across the barn wall. Or, at least, he thought he had.

Instead of the intended message—“You Are My Home”—the lights read, “You Are My Hoe.”

David blinked, his breath puffing in the cold as he fought back a laugh. The sight was as ridiculous as it was endearing.

Robert emerged from the shadows, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Don’t say it,” he muttered, his voice gruff. “I know I screwed it up.”

David couldn’t hold it in anymore. A burst of laughter escaped him, his blue eyes sparkling as he turned to Robert. “You’re right. I shouldn’t say it. I should just savor it.”

Robert sighed, his lips twitching in reluctant amusement. “I was going for romantic.”

“Oh, it’s romantic,” David said, stepping closer, his laughter softening into a warm smile. “And it’s so... you.”

Robert gave him a long look, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Well, what I meant to say was... you are my home.” His voice was quiet, vulnerable in a way that made David’s heart ache.

David turned to face him, his expression a mix of disbelief and hope. “I thought you were selling the farm.”

Robert shook his head. “I never even considered it. I overheard something about you wanting to impress the Chamber of Commerce, and I thought...I thought you didn’t care about any of this.”

David laughed, the sound shaky with relief. “I only care about this town because it’s my home. And you...you’ve always been part of what makes it feel like home.”

The words hung between them, fragile but unbreakable. Robert took a step closer, his dark eyes soft as he reached for David’s hand.

“I’m sorry I doubted you,” Robert said. “And I’m sorry it took me this long to see what’s been right in front of me.”

David smiled, his tears spilling over as he squeezed Robert’s hand. “You know you’re an idiot. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to figure that out.”

Their kiss ignited the moment their lips met, a surge of electricity that swept through both of them, erasing any lingering doubts. Robert’s hands cupped David’s face, his touch strong yet reverent, as though he couldn’t bear to let go. When David’s gaze flicked up, he caught the intense passion burning in Robert’s dark eyes, and something inside him melted. Without thinking, his fingers slid into Robert’s thick, jet-black beard, his touch instinctive, grounding himself in the moment.

Robert stilled for a heartbeat, his breath catching as he saw the love and devotion shining in David’s sparkling blue eyes—eyes that had always held more warmth than the coldest winters. The connection was undeniable, overwhelming, and yet it felt like it had always been there, waiting for this moment.

Their kiss deepened, not just with passion, but with years of unspoken longing finally given voice. The snow fell softly around them, a hushed witness to their union, but neither noticed. All they could feel was the warmth of each other, a shared heartbeat thrumming with the promise of forever.

Epilogue: Holly-Days Forever

The Holly-Days Festival ended on a high note, with record-breaking attendance and glowing praise from the entire town. But for Robert and David, the real victory came in the days that followed.

Together, they began transforming the farm into more than just a place to buy Christmas trees. They added a holiday market, inviting local artisans to sell their crafts. They turned one of the old barns into a cozy café, where visitors could sip cocoa and watch the snow fall. And they worked with the town council to make the farm a permanent part of the Holly-Days Festival.

On New Year’s Eve, they stood together at the edge of the farm, watching as the last of the festival’s lights were taken down. Robert slipped an arm around David’s shoulders, pulling him close.

“Think we can handle another year of this?” Robert asked, his tone teasing.

David laughed, leaning into him. “As long as I have you, I think I can handle anything.”

The stars twinkled above them, and the world felt full of possibility. For the first time in years, Robert felt at peace. And David, who had spent so long searching for love, knew he had finally found it.

As the clock struck midnight, they shared a kiss under the sparkling lights of the farm, a promise of many more Holly-Days to come.

[itsupermanti]

A promo for something new and unexpected;

Remnant…

A world long since abandoned by its so called “gods”…Plagued by creatures of darkness, and the stage of a shadow war that has been fought for over hundreds of years…

What it’s inhabitants don’t realize, is that its conflict is nothing compared to the ones that occur among the stars…Conflicts fought by defenders of Love and Peace, who protect the smiles of the people.

What should occur, if outside forces were to reveal a great secret to a chosen select few…

Jaune(as Remnant is seen from space): Wait…You’re telling us, that all this time…

Jaune(continuing as other planets near Remnant are shown, with many dry and barren of life): Our planet existed in a place called the “Lost Galaxy”?

???: The so-called Brother gods were not what they claimed to be…

Ruby(as a flashback is shown of her and her friends being driven back by Grimm in the deserts of Vacuo): Something saved us from falling in that pocket dimension…

Ruby(as a mysterious temple is shown rising out of the desert floor): Something tells me it was for a reason…

???: You were all chosen to learn the truth, to wield great power…

Ren(as they come across 5 swords in a stone): This changes everything we’ve ever known about life beyond Remnant…

Oscar(as his eyes are drawn to a sword with a medal depicting a wolf): This is bigger than Oz’s war against Salem!

???: You were chosen to help bring an end to this chaos…

Whitley(grabbing the sword with a medal depicting an ape, his aura glowing blue): I won’t stand by while my family’s in danger and I can do something to help!

???: You now wield great galactic power, and with it, a great legacy of power!

Jaune is shown along with Ruby, Ren, Oscar and Whitley. All of them now holding the identical swords that were embedded in the stone they found in the temple, their auras glowing red, pink, green, yellow and blue respectively…

???(as the eyes on the medal depicting a lion on Jaune’s sword glow): We only hope that it will be enough to allow you to handle what the universe will throw at you…

The swords glow the same colors as their respective auras, as special bracelets appear on their wrists as they stand defiant before the herd of Grimm heading their way.

Jaune(turning the golden dial on his bracelet to red): Ready?!

Ruby+Ren+Oscar+Whitley(turning their dials to their respective colors): Ready!

Jaune+Ruby+Ren+Oscar+Whitley(holding their hands open, palms outwards, before swinging their arms out and pressing the silver button with a zigzag pattern on their bracelets): Ginga, Tensei!

The five of them are engulfed in bright flashes of light, as they undergo a…metamorphosis…

Power Ran~gers~ Lost~

The five of them are now shown wearing what appear to be colored costumes with helmets depicting a different animal.

Lost~ Galaxy~!

Yang(watching them in amazement with everyone else): Woah…

Far, far away, deep in space, to a galaxy you'll go!

Jaune(engaging the horde of Grimm before hopping and scratching the ground with his fingers, kicking up dust): GingaRed!

Jaune(standing up and swinging right arm into a thumbs up across his chest as fire rages behind him): Jaune Arc!

Power Rangers, Go! Power Rangers, Go! Power Rangers, Go!

Ren(pausing to scratch the ground like Jaune did): GingaGreen!

Ren(flashing a thumbs up as green tornado blows behind him): Lie Ren!

There, lies the key, to the answer and the powers you will know!

Whitley(managing to fight the Grimm despite having no prior fighting experience, before copying Jaune and Ren): GingaBlue!

Whitley(giving a thumbs up as a waterfall is shown behind him): Whitley Schnee!

Power Rangers, Go! Power Rangers, Go! Power Rangers, Go!

Oscar(dragging Grimm across the ground along with Ruby as they run on their hands and feet before throwing the Grimm at other Grimm and copying the others): GingaYellow!

Oscar(giving a thumbs up as yellow lightning flashes behind him): Oscar Pine!

Aaaah Rangers, Turn on the power, Power Rangers!

Ruby(copying the others): GingaPink!

Ruby(thumbs upping as a pink petals falling off a tree appear behind her): Ruby Rose!

Lost~ Lost~ Galaxy~!

Jaune(pointing towards an enraged Cinder): The legendary blade that pierces the Galaxy!

Turn on the power, Power Rangers! Lost-Lost Galaxy!

Jaune+Ruby+Ren+Oscar+Whitley(together as the others watch them): Seijuu Sentai!

Jaune+Ruby+Ren+Oscar+Whitley(as they assume a group pose): Gingaman; Remnant!

Turn on the power, Power Rangers! Lost~ Lost~ Galaxy~...Go!

Salem(witnessing the battle with her seer Grimm): Impossible!

Power Rangers~ Lost~

Lost~ Galaxy~!

Jaune(with his new helmet removed as he, the others and their friends are onboard what appears to be a space ship, addressing the voices): Who are you?

Ruby(besides her fellow leader): And what do you want from us?

???: We are defenders of life, love, peace, and the smiles of everyone…

The first three voices are revealed to have belonged to a groups of people who appear to be constantly shifting their forms, each of them a respective color.

Red(shifting between various red costumes and helmets): We are the Morphing Masters, guardians of the morphing grid.

Blue(shifting between similar blue costumes and helmets, and sometimes even genders): We are partially responsible for granting you these new powers.

Yellow(shifting between yellow costumes, and much like the Blue master, genders and gesturing towards the fourth and final voice): As for your second question, you’ll have to ask him.

The final mysterious voice reveals themselves to be a man in a fully red costume, with a high collar, gold highlights, and a badge on his chest that bears the number “45” over his left breast.

???(striking his own pose): I am the one who inherits the red souls, Akared!

Akared(crossing his arms over his chest): We have quite a lot to talk about with you all…

Akared(as various groups of people are shown in similar costumes): You have all become part of the greater universe…

Seijuu Sentai Gingaman; Remnant!

Stay tuned…

[yagodichjagodic]

Had to make earrings repping my absolute favorite WWDITS episode!

Shop.

[2oodl3s]

I swear that s4 e7 of what we do in the shadows "pine barrens" is one of the best episodes of television every created

[coolmoviemanmike]

I just watched What We Do in the Shadows 4x07 "Pine Barrens"

[libidomechanica]

Untitled # 12925

A curtal sonnet sequence

               1

Slept quiet closure of any thing in the King: nor will never sheath’d upon her dew distilling should have said then; I’m sure I do. And as they will I did but love one or I die! But, trowth, I care na by. Of they steps or morn or no: it is not to fall amiss. We die and I—light was but one comparison had wanted, nor who from high Olympus old, thick-sighted, barren deeps to come down to die, or each other.

               2

Surfeit, yet content to a crime. Lay thy sweet Draught of her cause was to lug me out and I a man, instead of pines shall we thy life. Do love the planet of Loves commands mine idle languid fool, confined; rude work hard as steel? The matcheth not the stiff procession, found, whom fair Twinnes gold must not from my life, redeem the skies! Like one sign, but blythe’s the murmuring in its own worth, wanting his head, the grass tips wave, bend, flow.

               3

So Fraud was us’d, the Scrifice received the earth-delving connecting statue contented? Her snowie necke lyke to a shade—for pity do not know. And we touch our Ark. Sees throbbing and you are welcome guest, in hopes and which pye being brave. When you are sweet dreams do shout, that I’d let me have this day is come and government. His day’s hot task hath ended in the purest troth, and here their enemy to be King, and by them off.

               4

Their Tast. You went into eternall hands, not one blade of their harts had exercise; o kisse, while Pasimond, their own direct you to thine imagine, shrinks, priest that turned, and he must to be transformed. His heat the boyes run vp and doves, and smoke, he strike him they will not to free him, than power had lost his Glories be made of plastic, metal, or wood, he heart shall stand secure the God fostering Holla’, or his descending doom.

               5

I awoke, and love break of ancient Fabricks nod, and with the baldness by this is the excitement their own disgrace. But fools perverting fire he red and looking up repentant to her offer, and Spares; but first plights one, its pillar’d portal open’d the little light in your eccho ring. At all the port: if they Curst the most rich when his Soul and borrow’d face, sweet love does thy side again, exclaims on Death, or loue, or found this.

               6

And build a fane by sweet and gay; who laughs at the fatal day appropriated and clear; Corinna sits, and circumstance, he could not fitly exchange! And all the way young lord-lover, fair mermaid o’ the guerdon of the jolly troop retire from human heare both of the place where thy beautiful, unanswerable bees. And yet embraced, and pleasure, careless charming at an Eurydice; for, though the cry of thy head.

               7

Save me one unto me. Had turned the kissed me. And is this evening dim he would pass to hunt the rider she the silently, like his hopes undone. He only, he can, she ca’d. Or as the maw, even as they lay embraced, and believe life he stood, he flew and let him, you are none but in the silver drips shimmering so offer still weep that the way. But the dense brain? And on her, but dead shall I left the eye of nuptial song.

               8

A showers, night by elements unto him, and urchins flay each other that faints not them scornful tricks, and said, as earnest as their hands, come into delight—when you opened, and justify the downs—to the fasten to byte, her breast the first the two- celled heart he cheers his buried. Descended but shun th’ extent and her abus’d, gods holy Angels which time future blind half far-shadowings of a chemical mixture.

               9

Which to his throbbing and yongmen cease till now bites the Diadem. Take thy robbery, gentlemen kirkward shall be Naked left me in this batter down, by his friends her mangling water-smoke, that breath sealed off in a tin box. Still went to burgeon out of this household ways, not like the fluster of lost door keys, then despite thy worst, old Time: despite. Cassandra mine. To what you may be, but I call her companion’d or alone?

               10

That poisoned note, the victories, his Voyce was he marriage more, and active men, his Person to seize, and thyself refuse: though you will kame my years, since I have said, He keeps on steering slap, and of Hate; for Priests of every distance made, maie, then described to me, i’ll be wandering cup, and on to death. But close fault among unknowing deliberate sort of Men, thus began to scold me. What is The Sea of Animal Desire?

               11

Then glided silence that purpose still unshent, and lende me leaue to conclusion, for know not what. The warm approach’d her eyelids, who, radiant Sister of the Cyprian Queene not under the top o’erstraw’d with what pass’d on the Triple Bond he broke; the rightful children bear children is gone; and the Faction, you know, but no young son in the moor, ye spak never told me so. Children change, ladies, would rather than the marriage presence.

[jeffcameron]

I just watched What We Do in the Shadows 4x07 "Pine Barrens"