#which is silly... when he started singing it in the movie my mom literally rolled her eyes 😭 i love her

[rustystars]

saw the wicked movie yesterday LOVED IT. boo boo hiss hiss obviously i have my problems with it but when they all started singing i felt like a little kid again :) it was really fun

[holidaywishes]

Why I HATE The Muppet Christmas Carol

So I was watching The Muppet Christmas Carol today and realized, I’d never actually seen it before. I thought I had but, upon watching it, realized none of it looked familiar. What I really noticed about 10 minutes into the movie was how much I hated it and, once it ended, I thought “surely I can’t be the only one?”

Well according to Google, I’m in the vast minority. In fact, this article from the Independent has the exact opposite take on it. So, I thought I’d take to Tumblr to really air out my frustrations.

I should point out here that I watch A Christmas Carol every year and I watch the stage play almost every other year it seems. While I love the original 1938 version, the 1951 version with Alastair Sim is my favourite and I feel I’m a bit of a “purist” or “traditionalist” because of all this. That being said, let’s get into it:

Let’s start at the top, shall we?

Listen, I realize this movie is made for kids but having these two stupid Narrator Muppets follow Scrooge around to provide “colour commentary” is completely unnecessary. Yes, different renditions of the film have narrators, with 2009 having Cratchit in that role, but they usually aren’t there for the entire thing. It’s usually just the start and end.

Next up, those damn Marley Ghosts. First of all, there was only ONE MARLEY. There weren’t brothers. It wasn’t The Marley’s were dead to begin with. It was: Marley was dead to begin with. I get taking liberties but you can’t just add a second Marley like it’s nothing. Not when the entire STORY that Dickens wrote hinged on Marley and Ebenezer being BESTIES and business partners.

Let’s talk about all the songs. A Christmas Carol was not and is not a Musical. There shouldn’t be anything but actual Christmas Carols in any of the depictions. I hate it. Like with a burning passion. Every time any of the characters started to sing, I rolled my eyes. It didn’t need to be done, no matter how cute the song was. Sorry not sorry. Especially the Marley Ghosts song, like just stop. Why do you exist? Just stop.

You know what really grinds my gears with this movie? It has NO DEPTH. They managed to take out all of the parts of the story that made Scrooge’s change of heart so meaningful. They took out it’s grit and made it seem like Ebenezer Scrooge was always a miser which wasn’t the case. They made it seem like he hated his nephew for no reason, just that he was silly for falling in love and getting married and loving Christmas. WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS SISTER? Fanny loved Ebenezer and Ebenezer loved his sister, so much so that when she died giving birth to his Nephew, Fred, he blamed him for it and it caused Scrooge great pain to see the boy all grown up knowing that his sister wasn’t able to. So, when he finally has his change of heart at the end, he has to address his sisters death. It’s integral to his development. Without it, he just fears his death and feels for Tiny Tim but his feelings for his Nephew wouldn’t have changed. His wanting to be in his Nephew’s life would still be for selfish reasons, nothing more. What about the kids that hid under the Ghost of Christmas Presents robe? Ignorance and Want? Sure, it wasn’t a huge deal for this depiction, but it was in the original story so why take it out? It adds a much needed bridge from Ghosts of Christmases Present to Yet To Come so you can understand how bleak the future would be if Scrooge doesn’t change his ways. Then there’s Belle. Who makes a brief appearance but there’s no grit to her. She’s so one dimensional. The fact that they took out the line “a new idol has replaced me/I release you, Ebenezer,” truly pissed me off. Like just let her have the upper hand for a second to add some tension. The tears just didn’t come from any scene in this movie the way it did with all the others.

Fozziwig and Mom’s... Why? Just why? Mrs. Fezziwig, being the wife of Mr. Fezziwig, made for some great comedic relief. The two of them as a couple are boisterous and very much in love and the scene was full of life. As a mother and son it just had nothing to offer. Literally, I don’t think Mrs. Fozziwig actually speaks so she’s pointless in this version whereas in other versions she pokes fun at Mr. Fezziwig and it’s adorable.

Next? Obviously, Miss Piggy being Mrs. Cratchit. Particularly that part where she eats a bunch of chestnuts even though they have a family of five and are supposed to have enough for everyone. Mrs. Cratchit would never!

There’s more that I hate but these are the things that really annoyed me. My main thing, I guess, is that if you’re going to adapt a classic Christmas story, why would you change so much of it that takes away from the moral of the story? I don’t know. Maybe it is just me, maybe it’s because I have such a soft spot for the originals even though I grew up with the Muppets...

I recommend watching the 1938 version and the 1951 version because Alastair Sim is a f***ing gem. Then if you want more, watch the 2009 Animated version with Jim Carey but also! Ebbie, which is a made for TV version with a female Scrooge, is really good. Also, I recommend watching The Man Who Invented Christmas because it’s like the back story of how Dickens wrote the story.

What do you think? Do you agree with the Independent or with me? Let me know! I’m actually super interested to hear everyone’s thoughts.

[dc41896]

Valentine’s Special

Pairing: Lewis Tan x Black Reader

Warning(s): None💕

A/N: So this was supposed to come out on Valentine’s Day, but things got a little hectic so I couldn’t finish it when I wanted. However although it’s a little late, I hope you guys like it!! 😊

“I wanna be, where the people are. I wanna see, wanna see em dancing!”

“Not today you don’t girl trust me,” you speak to yourself, taking a bite of your Hershey’s bar.

Being with Lewis, you know there would be times that he’d be away filming. And while you were understanding how that was part of the job, that didn’t take away the pain of being away from him. Especially on days like today.

Although it was adorable seeing everyone with their Valentine’s Day cards and gifts, it did put you more in your feelings since you were alone. He messaged you earlier in the morning saying how much he missed and loved you, and had a beautiful bouquet of various flowers sent to the apartment, which made you smile, but it wasn’t the same as having him physically there.

So here you were, sitting on the couch watching Disney movies and eating chocolate to try to brighten your mood.

“Alright bish grab ya stuff and let’s go!!,” your best friend, Hailey, shouts coming through your front door.

“Remind me to take back my key,” you respond sitting up.

“1. Rude 2. You’re not having a pity party because you’re alone today are you?”

“No. I can’t just watch Disney movies in peace?”

“You can, but I know you and when you watch the princess movies, that means you’re in your feelings,” she answers with a smug smile as if to say “tell me I’m wrong I dare you.”

“Ok I may be a little in my feelings because Lewis isn’t here.”

“Mhmm I know.” Sitting beside you on the couch, she lightly rubs your back as she embraces you in a hug.

“It’s gonna be ok. Mr. Long, Tan, and Handsome will be back before you know it.”

“I can’t stand you,” you laugh smacking her arm as you both pulled away. Ever since they first met, they were always going back and forth with each other. It was as if they were long lost siblings with how much teasing they did.

“Alright now go and get dressed so we can go out! I’m not letting you stay in this apartment all day.”

“Fine, I’ll go,” you dramatically sigh, standing up to do as you were told.

“Ohh and do a full beat too! You might be in your feelings, but as your bestie I’m also not letting you out looking any less than the queen you are.”

“Aww thanks LeLe!”

“You’re welcome! Now hurry up because I’m starting to get hungry.”

“And you call me the rude one,” you laugh walking to your room to get ready.

———

“Y/N!!! You look so pretty in that!!!,” Hailey gushes like a proud mom sending her daughter off to prom.

Wearing a dark blue slightly asymmetrical mini skirt with a grey long sleeve top, you give a small twirl while batting your lashes.

“Yasss look at how bomb my best friend looks y’all!!,” she says while holding her phone and circling around you.

“Shh there are other people in this store!,” you whisper, laughing as you try to block the camera.

“They’ll be alright. Ohh you know what would look super cute with that?! These boots!”

Black, suede, and fitted like sock, the block heeled booties were gorgeous and would definitely go well with the outfit. That is until you saw the price.

“Um did you see the price though? These boots are $80! Put that together with this outfit I’m looking at $150.”

“Don’t worry about it, I got it taken care of.”

“Hailey if you’re thinking about stealing so help me-,”

“No! What kind of person do you think I am?,” she gasps, feigning as if she’s been offended. “My friend works here and owes me a few favors so I got all this at a good price.”

“Wait, you mean you already paid for this?!”

“And the shoes,” Hailey adds, showing off the boot as if she was on the Price is Right.

“I know you’re gonna try to say no, but I’m your friend and want to treat you to something nice, also don’t worry about my hookup she won’t get in trouble I promise.”

You still wanted to protest and tell the employee to redo everything, but then again everything was already done so there was nothing you could really do.

“Thank you Hailey, you really didn’t have to do this. I promise to pay you back,” you smile hugging her.

“I know I didn’t have to, I wanted to though! And if you try to give me money I’ll smack it out of your hand and stuff it back in your purse!,” she laughs.

“So rude and violent. Alright let me change and we can go eat, I know you’re starving.”

“Orrr...you can just wear that out the store!”

“Is that allowed?”

“Yea! Right Kasey?,” she asks turning towards the brunette behind the counter, who nods with a smile before walking over to the two of you to help take off the tags.

———

Singing to the top of your lungs as you drove through town listening to the radio, you were happy to finally have your mind off of feeling alone. And yea you still missed Lewis, but having your friend keep you company definitely took some of those sad feelings away. You still tried to check here and there to see if he updated his stories, but Hailey always managed to take your phone just as you opened the app.

“The point of today is to get you OUT of your feelings not back into it,” she’d always say before cutting your screen off and handing it back to you.

After some time, you finally arrived to your destination making you instantly turn to look at Hailey in disbelief.

“I thought the point was for me to not be in my feelings?,” you ask, arms crossed in front of you. “This is where Lewis and I went on our first date.”

“Ok first of all, we’ve known about this place way before you and fist of fury started dating so this is equally our spot as much as it is yalls. Second, I’m sorry that they have bomb milkshakes which I’m in the mood for and know you’re always down for, so let’s go.”

Sliding out of the car, you both enter the unusually empty diner. Hailey literally bouncing as she entered the booth with her menu in hand, and you missing Lewis more than ever as you reminisce on your first date and the other good times you’ve had.

“Here let me take your picture. Not only do you look super cute, but you can send it to your man to show where you went today.”

“Nooo just let me order my food please,” you groan like a toddler begging to play longer.

“Me taking your picture is not gonna affect you ordering,” she replies with a laugh. “Now c’mon smile.”

With your chin propped on your hand, you smile before taking a couple more pictures making silly faces.

“Ok so far this one is my favorite and I think you’ll love it too.”

Turning the phone towards you, you immediately feel tears threaten to fall and surely mess up your makeup. While you were smiling, over your shoulder was Lewis sitting in the booth behind you, with a finger over his lips as he winked while holding a small black box.

“Happy Valentine’s Day love!,” he smiled as you turned around to face the love of your life.

“Are you serious right now?!,” you ask, watching as he gets down on one knee.

“Yes I am, and I hope you feel the same when I ask you Y/F/N Y/M/N Y/L/N if you don’t mind spending the rest of your life with me and be my wife?”

“Yes, of course I’ll be your wife!,” you smile as he slides the circular diamond ring on your finger before kissing you.

“Aww I’m gonna be a maid of honor!,” Hailey claps making both you and Lewis laugh.

“Wait aren’t you supposed to be filming in Canada?”

“I am, but we got a break for a couple of days so I planned this whole thing out with the help of jabber jaws over here,” he replies tilting his head towards Hailey.

“Listen you just got engaged and I’m trying to be nice jolly green giant,” she retorts making him roll his eyes.

“You were the one that bought the outfit too weren’t you? And that explains why someone said I should do a full beat.”

“Yea I gave Hailey my card info and told her to treat you to anything you wanted. Whatever store you were in, I called to make sure there were no problems with her trying to use it. Also might I add you look gorgeous as always.”

Leaning in, Lewis kisses you again pulling you closer towards him as Hailey jokingly gags, making him flick her off before pulling away.

“Well it looks like my job here is done, so I’m gonna leave you love birds to it.”

“What about your milkshake?”

“Oh I’m still gonna get it. I know you guys probably want some alone time though so I’ll see you later,” she waves as she stands up beside the booth. “Also if my future niece/nephew happens to be conceived tonight, I will gladly accept them being named after me.”

“Bye Hailey,” you and Lewis reply at the same time with a laugh.

“And thanks for helping Hailey, this couldn’t have happened without you,” he adds with a smile.

“No problem, yall are my family you know I’d do anything for you guys.” Blowing you both kisses, she grabs her Oreo milkshake before walking out the glass doors to get in her car.

“So you like your surprise?”

“I love it, which reminds me,” you start before smacking him in the arm. “How could you play with my emotions like that?!”

“Ow! I didn’t do it to be mean, it was for your surprise. I sowwy!,” pouting his lips, he gently joins his forehead with yours before continuously pecking your lips until you giggled.

“Alright in this case you’re forgiven. But try not to make a habit out of it, I don’t know if my heart can take it.”

“Anything you say Mrs. Tan,” he smiles chuckling as he places an arm around your shoulders and kisses your forehead.

Taglist: @crushed-pink-petals @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @beautym3 @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @itshinothey @wildfirecracker @nina-sj

If anybody wants to be tagged, has asked to be tagged but don’t see your name, or only wants to be tagged for certain people I write for just let me know🤓!

[27emailsicantsend]

Christmas Eve: A Rina Fic

Author’s Note: Literally no one asked for this, I just wanted to write it. 😂 I’m also in the process of making a part two to this fic for New Year’s Eve, so I’ll link it when I’m finished!

“Both of my parents are working...” Ej sighed.

“Ok, well- moving on!” Miss Jenn said awkwardly as she looked over at Carlos. “What will you be doing for Christmas?”

Carlos smiled at Seb and placed a hand on his desk. “We’ll be singing Christmas Carols door to door”.

“Oh how wonderful! Please make sure to send me copies,” Miss Jenn requested.

Carlos gave her a look of disbelief, “what kind of co-captain would I be if I didn’t send my leading lady a copy? Of course, you will get one”.

Miss Jenn gave an amused giggle. She brought her composure back. “Ricky? How about you? And your dad? Right? You’ll be with your dad Christmas Eve? He shouldn’t have to be alone”.

Ricky grimaced uncomfortably. He didn’t mind Miss Jenn liking his dad, or even them dating, but she asks about him... a LOT. And the last time she asked, she asked if he wore the skinny jeans she bought him for Christmas. Apparently it “outlined” his figure nicely.

“Yes, Miss Jenn,” Ricky said, slightly through his teeth. “It’ll just be my dad and I”. She looked hopeful- Ricky crushed that quickly. “But we were probably going over to Nini’s to help her, her mom’s, Kourtney and her family bake cookies. They give them to the homeless shelter every year”. Ricky hesitated over every part of his remark, especially the part about Nini.

He had spent all of his time with Gina before she moved, then when he thought she wasn’t coming back, he kissed Nini. He liked Nini, right? And they dated and now she finally liked him, so what was the problem? Well... it’s Gina. She moved back and ever since things have been... weird between them. They smile awkwardly at each other in the hallway, almost hugged opening night during the last scene but decided against it, and one time they almost had a conversation more than five sentences when Gina asked Ricky about the missed science homework. But then Big Red came in and saved the day himself. Gina gave a gracious thank you and eye roll and walked away.

Gina’s head was eyeing the marks on her desk, so Ricky couldn’t tell if she was upset or not at the mention of Nini. She traced the writings on the wood with her finger as Miss Jenn asked everyone else in the cast circle about their holiday plans.

Big Red was going to play video games and seemed saltier than usual that Ricky was bailing on their annual video game plans to spend time with Nini, Ashlyn invited EJ to fly down with her family since her sister was in college and ended up not being able to make the family trip in time. EJ had the money to cover the costs and gave a delighted, “yes!”

All eyes shifted to Gina, who was last to be asked. “Oh, you know, we’ll be doing all sorts of fun plans. Decorating the tree, making treats, watching movies... Christmas is... great”. Ricky knew Gina was lying.

The bell gave a sharp ring. Carlos was in the background yelling, “ok everyone! Pre-order for mine and Seb’s Christmas CD is on the piano! 40% off if you order now!... Red! Phone numbers ONLY please. Stop drawing that!...”

Ricky tried to run up and stop Gina, but she was about two steps ahead of him. Just as he began to speak, Gina bolted out and he felt an arm on his shoulder. Miss Jenn.

“Rickyyy!!!”

“H-h-hey, Miss Jenn,” Ricky said, avoiding eye contact.

She placed a firm arm around his shoulders as she walked him to the door, speaking without taking a breath. “Listen, I know you’re going to be busy with Nini and I’m sure your dad doesn’t have any plans, so if your dad wants I won’t be doing anything. I would love to have some company that night. My mom got me this ham, but I don’t really want to eat it all by myself- oh! And then you two can have leftovers and I’m sure you guys needs ham leftovers, right? Well, if he wants to hang out with me or something like I said I won’t be busy so he can just let me know,” Miss Jenn pushed Ricky out the auditorium door. “Ok bye now!” She shut it enthusiastically as Ricky shook his head trying to make sense of what happened.

Ricky looked around the semi-crowded hallway as students made their way to their classes. Gina was long gone.

***********

Miss Jenn breathed a quick sigh from behind the door, perked up, flattened her skirt, and swiftly made her way to the piano to pick up some extra sheet music.

“Miss Jenn?” She heard a soft voice come from opposite stage.

“Gina?” Miss Jenn’s face crumpled as she double checked the closed door. “I thought? I saw?... you leave that way?...”

“There’s a door on that side of the stage too”.

“Oh, yeah, right.”

“Anyway...” Gina gritted her teeth awkwardly, “want some help?”

“Umm... sure, Gina”. Miss Jenn smiled delightfully. “There’s some chairs that need to be stacked”.

Gina made her way over to the chairs. She stacked two in silence and began the third by asking, “so you don’t have plans for Christmas Eve?”

Miss Jenn froze. “What?! No! I have tons of them. Family, friends... so many wonderful people-“

Gina cut her off. “I heard you tell Ricky you didn’t”.

Miss Jenn lowered her head while she meekly straightened her papers on the piano top.

“It’s ok, Miss Jenn. I don’t have any either”.

“Well, that’s interesting Gina, considering you told the entire class you did,” Miss Jenn shot back defensively.

Gina threw her hands up, surrendering, “ok, ok, I’m caught. I just didn’t want anyone worrying about me. My mom is my only family around, but she’s working. So yeah, it’s just me. But... I was planning on just watching YouTube tutorials on how to make eclairs and build puzzles that day anyway... and I think those are activities you can do with two people”.

Miss Jenn finally made eye contact with Gina, “...do you like ham?”

Gina grinned, “love it”.

*************************************************

Christmas Eve

Nini was pulling the last batch of sugar cookies out of the oven while Ricky and Kourtney were slapping on globs of green, blue and red frosting on the cooled ones.

“Oh no...” Dana, Nini’s mom, said scrolling through her phone.

“What?” Nini asked as she started sliding cookies onto the cooling rack.

“The weather... it looks like a bad storm is rolling in tonight. The homeless shelter will be incredibly hard to get to with traffic and this storm. I don’t know, Nini, I don’t think we should go”.

“But mom, we do this every year!” Nini protested. “And what would we do with all of these?!”

Ricky used his finger to take some frosting off of his chin and eat it. Nini glared at him as if her eyes were to say “not the time”.

“Oh. Sorry,” Ricky set down his currently half frosted cookie and knife.

Kourtney got up and gave Nini a side hug as she rested her head on Nini’s shoulder.

“There’s got to be something we can do”. Ricky’s dad, Mike, interjected.

“Well, It’s not the exact same, but we could give them to some people around the area. And we can always make cookies again for New Years or something and bring them then,” Carol suggested.

“That works,” Nini looked disappointed, but accepting considering the circumstance.

**************

Gina was adjusting the fork next to the paper plate at her small table. It wasn’t much, but Gina really tried to make the place nice for her special guest. She turned on her fireplace, hung up two socks with duct tape, set out some holiday paper plates and plastic ware, and even cut and taped a bunch of paper snowflakes all over the house. She had strung some lights and put up the few Christmas decorations she found in a small box in her attic. She didn’t have a tree, so she put up a faux one on her tv screen from a channel that showed it with Christmas music playing in the background. It wasn’t much, but it made Gina giddy.

Gina heard her doorbell ring. She swung the door open fast and immediately her eyes fixated on Miss Jenn’s arms. In one she was carrying her cooked ham and the other had a small gift bag and her purse. Gina couldn’t afford to get Miss Jenn anything and immediately felt horrible.

“Uh... um... come on in,” Gina stammered.

Miss Jenn looked around as she placed the items on the kitchen counter. “Gina, it’s beautiful”.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Gina said sheepishly.

Miss Jenn set a gentle hand on Gina’s shoulder. “Really, it looks great”.

Gina bit her lip thoughtfully. “Well, how about that ham?”

“Oh yes! I have just the thing for it!” Miss Jenn zipped open her purse and pulled out a plastic handle with a cover. When she slid the cover off it revealed a giant knife- to which Gina’s eyes widened with surprise.

“Uhm... you don’t carry that around with you... all the time... do you miss Jenn?”

“Oh no, of course not silly,” Miss Jenn said as she made the first carve into the ham. “I can’t carry it at airports,” she said as she winked playfully at Gina.

Right when Gina was about to say Christmas was cancelled, she heard the doorbell ring again.

“Weird. I didn’t invite anyone else,” Gina thought outloud.

“Nini? Ricky?” Gina said, her face puzzled. She heard the knife clud! in the background and Miss Jenn scurry to the front door. “Mike?!” She said, enthusiastically.

Nini, Ricky, Mike, and Kourtney were all standing in the doorway holding a giant plate of cookies.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“We brought cookies!” Ricky said as he tried to present them with a fancy hand gesture.

Kourtney, unable to keep her mouth shut, piped in, “No offense, but Miss Jenn what are you doing here?”

Nini shot Kourtney a look.

“Celebrating Christmas?” Miss Jenn said with a strained smile.

“Come on in”. Gina has to force the words out of her mouth. As soon as she turned around, she rolled her eyes and mouthed “whyyyyy”.

The gang let themselves in. The teens put the cookies on one of them empty counters in the kitchen and Mike made his way over to the ham. “Hey, Jenn, did you carve this?”

Jenn perked up, “yes, why?” She said with a confident smile.

“Well... uh... it’s great... it’s just you carved into the bone and that might break the knife”. Jenn’s eyes widened in embarrassment.

“It’s ok! You did great”. Mike tried to save himself.

“No, I actually don’t know how to carve a ham”. Miss Jenn got a calculated look in her eyes. “But maybe you could teach me?”

Mike looked at the kids, knowing they had more stops to go. “Would you guys be alright if I helped Miss Jenn with this ham?”

Everyone said yes, minus Nini who said no, but when she realized she was the only one, quickly changed her answer to yes.

Gina heard the doorbell ring again.

“What the-?” She asked outloud. She opened up her door and “The First Day of Christmas” was belted in her face by none other than Carlos and Seb. They barely got through the first day before Gina hushed them and stepped onto her small porch.

“What are you guys doing here?!”

“Caroling!” Carlos chimed, before noticing everyone else in the window. “What are they doing here?!” He asked offended. “Are you having an official cast party without me?! Gina! How could you? I thought we were frie-“.

Gina cut him off, slightly annoyed. “Will you be quiet? It’s not! I lied. Ok? I didn’t have anyone coming over for Christmas so I invited Miss Jenn and then the Three Musketeers and their father randomly showed up and they’re the last people I want here”.

“Gina, the more the merrier. Seb and I’s families can wait. Let’s make sure you get a Christmas to remember”.

Carlos then pushed past Gina and went into her house. “Hellooooo everyone!” He greeted. The other three ran over and gave him and Seb enthusiastic hugs.

Gina accepted her fate and walked back inside.

About fifteen minutes later, she was showing Kourtney how she found her “tree channel” on the TV when another knock came on the door.

Gina opened it up, now officially confused. “Red? What on Earth could you be doing here?”

He was carrying a small Christmas bag. “Well, I heard there was a party here-“

“Carlos?”

“Yeah,” Gina perched her lips, “anyway, Ricky also left this at my house and I heard he was here so I made sure to bring it with me. I also brought video games!”

Red let himself in and that was when Gina noticed the giant black backpack stuffed to the brim hanging from his back.

Gina yelled out to the empty street, “anyone else want to join? Apparently there’s a party at my house!”

And as if, on cue, Gina saw two more figures appear. Ashlyn and EJ. “Hellloooo! We heard there was a party here!” Ashlyn hollered carrying a giant pack of soda’s and EJ with chips and other treats in his arms.

“You two are supposed to be in Denver!”

“We were,” stated Ashlyn, “but my flight was with my sister- which EJ took- and it ended up being cancelled because of the storm. My whole family is there so we’re stuck here”.

“Storm? What storm?” Gina asked puzzled.

“Dude, you didn’t hear?” EJ asked.

“No, dude,” Gina retorted in a salty tone, “I didn’t”.

“Well, it’s massive. People are being told that after 6- so like fifteen minutes from now- we need to stay indoors. It’s supposed to be icy and snow like fifteen inches. It’s crazy. So we decided to come here, hopefully beating the storm. Besides, when Carlos declares a party, we have to be there”.

Gina sighed as she gave up. She should have expected a Carlos-party at her house sometime, might as well be now. She let the two, now shivering, in.

She called her mom and explained the situation. Her mom was surprisingly ok with all of the people there, mostly because there was adult supervision. Unfortunately, because of the storm, her mom wouldn’t be back until tomorrow. The office was requesting people stay to be safe, so the entire city was basically on lockdown at this point.

Gina made her way back to the kitchen. Everyone was scattered and chatting throughout her house. She found Miss Jenn and Mike finishing up the ham. She gently tapped Miss Jenn on the shoulder. “Um... Miss Jenn... some more people showed up”.

Miss Jenn must have really been in her own thoughts because she jumped back into Mike’s arms when she noticed all the new people that had arrived since Mike. They awkwardly pushed away from each other and brushed their clothes off.

“Oh... I’m going to need more ham”.

Gina saw Ricky approaching her and tried to push past Red and Ashlyn having a rousing conversation about dinosaurs.

“Hey, Gina!” She heard him call. She pretended not to hear him as she pushed through Red and Ashlyn. Ricky shook his head in frustration and returned back to Nini.

“Everything ok?” Nini asked cautiously.

“Yup. Just fine. Can we please just get back to... whatever we were doing?”

“We were just talking Ricky”.

“Yeah um, never mind. I’m going to get a drink,” Ricky said as he made his way to a canned Dr. Pepper.

About twenty minutes later, Carlos saw Gina sitting alone in her home office. She was sitting in a giant, faded swivel chair- her back to the doorframe, staring somberly out the window.

Carlos sighed dramatically. “OOOhhhh”. This caused Gina to jump, swivel around quickly, and glare at him.

He sighed even more dramatically as he fell against the doorway, palm to his forward, “OOOOHHHHHHH”.

“Yes, Carlos?” Gina asked, unamused.

“Well,” Carlos said, sauntering to a chair, his antics still high. He fell dramatically in the chair as he whimpered, “I’m just so. bored. at this amazing party you threw”.

Nothing.

“So I was thinking we should play a game”.

“Carlos, I own like, no board games”.

“Oh that’s fine!” Carlos perked up. “Charades doesn’t need board games,” he said with a wink. He popped up and held out his hand fashionably toward her.

Gina smiled and shook her head as she took his hand and they ran out to the living room. She noticed they were all already sitting around, a bag with paper strips sat neatly in the center of her coffee table. “Attention! Attention! We are ALL playing charades. No one gets a choice. Pick a teammate,” Carlos demanded royally.

Carlos ran over and grabbed Seb’s hand. Ashlyn and Red looked at each other and shrugged. Jenn scooted closer to Mike in the kitchen. Which left Nini, EJ, Ricky, and Kourtney sitting on the couches and Gina awkwardly standing in the corner.

“I call Gina,” Ricky said without hesitation. Both Nini and Gina gave him weird looks.

“Well then...” Carlos said apparently discomfited, “ I guess that leaves Nini, EJ, and Kourtney on the other team. That’s fine. Throuples are fun!” Carlos didn’t even hesitate with his last statement, but it made the entire room incredibly tense.

“Well go on!” Carlos pushed Gina in Ricky’s direction. “Go sit by your teammate”. Gina sat down next to Ricky, who was now perfectly settled in between her and Nini on the two seater couch.

“We’ll go first!” Miss Jenn volunteered. The game was fun, but Jenn was incredibly competitive and rubbed the fact she and Mike were winning in everyone’s face. Red and Ashlyn cheated the entire time which made Carlos annoyed. And Nini was barely giving any spirit to her team. Gina and Ricky cooperatively played together- at first it was awkward, but about two turns in they were already high-fiving and celebrating their victories and secretly celebrating their opponents losses.

It was the fourth round and it became Gina and Ricky’s turn again. She reached in the grocery bag and pulled out a little white paper with Seb’s handwriting poorly written on it. It read “Gabriella”. She got horrible flashbacks of seeing Ricky and Gina kiss during the show and after the show. Behind stage. Where they still don’t know she saw them.

“Uhh... umm...” she made an elephant trunk draping her arm from her nose and flailing her hand.

“Elephant!” Ricky yelled gleefully.

“Yeah, sure,” Gina said and then swiftly exited the room.

“That’s weird...,”Seb said under his breath. “I’m pretty sure I didn’t put elephant in there...”

Ashlyn chimed in, “let’s keep going,” which was perfect, because it broke the tension. Red ran over to Gina who was walking quickly to her bedroom. “Are you still playing?”

“Umm... no... I’m gonna take a break. Games wear me out,” she said as she let out a half-hearted laugh. “Just have Nini be Ricky’s partner or something”.

“Ok...” Red said as he awkwardly exited the room, slightly tripping on her bedroom frame.

Gina grabbed the small box filled with thick string and began braiding an intricate design on a bracelet she had been working on the past week.

She heard a small tap on the door and looked up from her bracelet.

“Hey Nini, what’s up?”

“Are you alright?” Nini asked, approaching and slowly sitting on the edge of Gina’s bed.

Gina sat up from laying on her stomach and let her back fall into her pillows. She began fumbling with her bracelet again.

“I’m good. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well... you left the game kind of... abruptly?”

Gina shrugged.

“Alright, I’m just going to ask. I don’t want to beat around the bush. Is this about Ricky and me?”

Gina scoffed. “Hah! No. Why would it be? Why would I care if the guy I got close to and hung out with for weeks turned around and found someone else right after I left? We were just friends. No big. It’s chill or whatever..”

This stung Nini a little- because it’s what she did to Ricky.

Nini let out a breath. She couldn’t believe what she was about to say next.

“Ricky liked you too”.

Gina dropped the bracelet.

“What?! I- I- mean... what?!! I never said I liked him”.

“It’s ok, Gina. It was obvious you did. I couldn’t blame you. I was pretty jealous. And yes, Ricky and I are together, but things haven’t been the same since. He never said he liked you, but he talks about you non-stop. And he’s the one who suggested we bring you cookies tonight- honestly, I tried to stop him. I don’t think he ever stopped liking you”.

Gina didn’t understand.

“W-why are you telling me this? You said you’re together with him”.

“Because I think I’m realizing what I realized before I got back with him the second time. I don’t want someone who’s only half-in. I deserve to have someone who wants me completely and so do you”.

“Are... you saying you want me to be with Ricky?”

“I’m saying, let’s see where things go”. Nini gently touched Gina’s hand. “But please don’t let some boy come in between our friendship and this party. I thought we were starting to become friends again before you moved”.

Gina laughed thinking of Thanksgiving and almost getting to have a sleepover. “We were, weren’t we?”

“So come just enjoy Christmas with your friends, ok? No matter what happens, we’re all family and that’s what matters”.

Gina smiled. Nini grabbed her hand and they walked downstairs. Everyone was eating ham and smiling and joking around. Gina was glad Nini came when she did. She would have been bummed to miss out on everything.

“Hey Gina! Glad to see you join us again!” Jenn said with a big grin.

“There’s some ham left on the stove!” Mike piped in, standing next to her.

Gina made herself a plate and walked quietly around the room. She saw an empty seat next to Ricky.

“May I sit here?” She said with a soft smile.

Ricky’s face beamed. “All yours”.

Nini glanced over at them and smiled. She went and sat at the small table with Kourtney and Ashlyn.

Red, Carlos, Seb, Gina, and Ricky sat and laughed and cracked jokes about the play and things that went wrong that none of the audience would have noticed. Gina couldn’t help but feel right at home with them. She and Ricky exchanged a small glance and she blushed as she looked away.

“Hey, do you want to play the switch, Ricky?” Red asked.

“It wouldn’t be a normal Christmas Eve without it”.

The night passed with video games, the girls doing each other’s hair, a lot of snacks, a small living room karaoke session, and a wild game of sardines. People had began to fall asleep in random places throughout Gina’s house. Some on the floor, couches, her mom’s bed and even Jenn had an emergency blow up mattress in her car she brought in.

Red and Ricky were the only other two up still playing video games at about 3 am. Gina decided to turn in and go to sleep.

Ricky jumped up and ran over to her while Red pretended not to listen.

“Hey Gina?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for letting us stay here. It was really nice of you guys.”

“Well, we didn’t really have a choice,” Gina giggled. “It was over -45 outside. You would’ve frozen immediately”.

“True,” Ricky smiled.

They stood in silence for a moment.

“Good night, Ricky”.

“Good night, Gina. Merry Christmas”.

Gina began to walk to the staircase, laid her hand on it, turned around and gave a soft smile to Ricky, and then walked back up the stairs.

The next morning, Gina went into her hall closet and got out the emergency stash of tooth brushes her mom keeps. Because they have times when they frequently run low on money, her mom keeps a large collection of necessaries handy (when she does get paid), for emergencies. Things like soap, shampoo, tooth paste, and tooth brushes that are long lasting are among the stored parts.

She placed a tooth brush and mini tooth paste from previous dentist visits next to each person, so when they woke up at least they could brush their teeth.

She then went into the kitchen and got out a frozen loaf of toast to thaw and the filled carton of eggs. It wasn’t much, but hopefully it could tide everyone over until the city was cleared to be on the roads again. Nini and Mike were among the first to wake up, with Jenn and Red the last. (Red also woke up in his own drool puddle, but no one was surprised. Ricky was just thankful he didn’t bring any of his “sleeping gear”).

Everyone sat around and ate breakfast, called families, and watched Elf. During Elf, Gina noticed Nini lay her head on Ricky’s shoulder, feeling like their conversation last night was too good to be true. But she could have sworn she caught Ricky giving her a couple glances...

The morning was quickly dissembling when Gina watched Nini and Ricky walk off to another room after the movie finished while everyone else helped clean up decorations and garbage from the day before.

Seb was on his phone when he screeched, “FINALLY. WE CAN GO HOME”.

Carlos looked at him, concerned. “Seb, honey, you ok?”

“I WAS GOING CRAZY. I WAS TRYING TO BE NICE BUT I HATE ENCLOSED SPACES. I CANT BREATHE AND I WANT TO GO HOME. THIS STORM IS OVER- thanks again, Gina- BUT LET’S GOOOO”.

Carlos just shook his head and giggled. They were definitely the first to leave. Red, Ashlyn and EJ were next. Mike walked Miss Jenn to her car, while Nini and Kourtney were in Gina’s room talking. Gina was watching Mike give Jenn a hug when she heard Ricky’s voice behind her.

“You think she’s going to be my new mom?”

“I don’t know. Would you be upset if she was?”

Ricky smiled. “I don’t know”.

Gina watched them talk a few more seconds and then turned around. “Listen, Ricky, about last night...”

“It’s no worries. I get it’s been a little weird between us...”

“A little?!-“

“-ok a lot-”

“-We’ve hardly talked! I mean I get you’re in a relationship and all-“

“What relationship?”

“... with Nini?” Gina asked confused.

“Yeah... I think we decided during Elf to put the breaks on that”.

“Is that why you left?”

“Yeah... Nini feels like she needs to find herself without someone.... whatever that means”.

Gina felt a little tingle swirl in her stomach. She repressed the smile that was beginning to take over her face.

“Well... that’s just a big bummer then”. The statement came out a lot more sarcastic than Gina intended, but luckily Ricky didn’t notice because he giggled back.

“Yeah, a real bummer”.

Nini and Kourtney came down the stairs.

“Ready to go?” She smiled at Ricky.

“Sure,” he smiled back politely.

“Thank you so much,” said Kourtney to Gina.

“Yes, thank you. We owe you. You sure you’re going to be ok? I don’t want to leave you alone on Christmas,” echoed Nini.

“I promise, I’m good. My mom will be home in like, an hour, tops. You guys go enjoy your missed time with your families. They need it too,” Gina reassures them.

“Ok, well, Merry Christmas,” Nini said.

The others copied this sentiment with some goodbye’s and a giant group hug before they headed out the door.

Nini smiled as she locked the door behind them and went over to the kitchen counter. The gifts! They had been so wrapped up in the fun, they never opened the gifts. Gina hurried and look at the tags to see who they belonged to so she could return the presents to their rightful owners.

The one from Miss Jenn was definitely for her so she decided not to make that call... but who’s was Red’s for? Gina looked at the tag.

To: Gina

From: Ricky

Gina set both presents down at the table and slowly pulled the paper maché from the gift bag from Miss Jenn. She had given Gina a handmade ornament that looked like a little cartoon version of herself with a small name plaque that read “Taylor”. Gina smiled as she stared at the detailing on the little figurine. It was so thoughtful and she appreciated Miss Jenn coming over in the first place. Regardless of what actually happened last night, Gina couldn’t help but appreciate how much fun she would have had with Miss Jenn alone. She really was an amazing teacher.

Then she pulled the other little bag towards her and carefully pulled the paper out of it. Inside was a knitted scarf. There were multiple colors in no particular pattern and parts of it had looser seams than others. Gina wrapped the scarf around her neck- it smelt like Ricky. It smelt like home.

Just then she heard the door bell ring. She stood up to answer it, but then realized her scarf was still on. She fought it like a snake wrapped around her neck. When it was finally done suffocating her, she ran to the door.

She swung it open and Ricky bolted in, slamming the door behind him.

“I forgot to give you your present!!!”

Gina giggled, “no you didn’t.” She nodded toward her table.

Ricky giggled. “It’s so bad. I’m so sorry. I was just trying to do this really nice thing-“

“Ricky, stop,” Gina said as she laid a hand on his shoulder. “I love it”.

Ricky blushed as he hung his for a second.

He began to walk back towards the door but as he reached for the handle, he dropped his hand. “Oh and Gina?”

“Yeah?”

“I meant what I said about how nice it was that you let us stay here. I don’t even think I realized how much I appreciated it when I said it”.

He then leaned over and gave Gina a soft peck on the cheek, making her entire body relax with this one small moment.

“Merry Christmas, Gina”.

She smiled and said, “Merry Christmas,” softly as he closed the door behind him.

Gina then walked over, wrapped her colorful scarf around her neck, put her little ornament up to her cheek, and did a small happy dance. This happy dance broke into full on spins. And as she moved and hummed throughout the bottom half of her house, she promised to herself that she would not forget about her best Christmas ever.

[amplesalty]

Christmas 2019: Day 9 - The Christmas Hope (2009)

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Nine months of gestation!

On reflection, I can see that the past two entries on this years list have been a bit of a downer. Far too centered in talk of mental illness, depression and the like. Let’s perk things up a bit with...*checks notes*...shit.

Right now millions of people across the planet (or galaxy as it were) are enjoying/not enjoying the end to a very different cinematic trilogy. Me? I have a long overdue wrap up to attend to that started many moons ago thanks to a certain little film about a certain pair of shoes based on a certain song. Quite why I’m doing this know I don’t know. I can only suspect that I’ve seen one too many reflective social media posts now that we’re reaching both the end of a year and decade, perhaps I’m subconsciously wanted to sort out unfinished business, hence looking at stuff like this, Christmas Story Live and the Christmas Carol Musical.

The movie starts with Traci here recording herself singing a song before commenting ‘American Idol here I come!’. The camera pans all through her house looking at pictures of her daughter, soppy picture frames with ‘I LOVE YOU MOMMY’ written on them and no sign of a boyfriend/husband so she has the basis for a feel good story if she does make it on. Might need to jazz it up somewhere along the line if we’re to really tug at the audiences heartstrings but it’s a start. This actress would go on to play Vicky in the live action Fairly Odd Parents movies so that’s another tie in to a previous entry. Apparently there’s a third one of those and I’m not sure if I’ve seen it.

She literally runs into a couple on her way to work, knocking their teddy bear to the floor which they graciously give to her when she mentions that her daughter would love it. This is Nathan and Megan from The Christmas Blessing, sadly both recast. Actually, maybe that’s a good thing. Not sure I’d be able to take NPH seriously after all those H&K movies recently. Nathan is a bit more of a ginger this time around, rather than the dirty blonde thing NPH has going on. Megan is expecting and they have about a bajillion teddies so they don’t mind passing one along. Hey, someone probably got you that as a gift. Be grateful!

Meanwhile, the police arrest a drug dealer and find she has a malnourished baby in her apartment so in swoop child services to save the day.

Mr. T feels your pain.

I hope you weren’t getting too attached to Traci by the way because about fifteen minutes into the film, shortly after making a heartfelt promise to her daughter that they were going to decorate the Christmas tree once she got home from work and that she had a very special present for her this year, she promptly gets run over.

Have you ever crossed the road, and looked the wrong way? A car's nearly on you? So what do you do? Something very silly; you freeze. Your life doesn't flash before you, cause you're too fucking scared to think, you just freeze and pull a stupid face.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised given this is one of those melodramatic, Hallmark movies and this whole series has been overly morbid up to this point but it still kinda threw me. Here we are all nice and happy, Traci’s going about her day and there’s a nice Christian, soft rock Christmas ballad playing in the background and then BOOM, SUV to the face.

Then it cuts to her daughter, Emily, going through the Christmas decorations before settling on a angel which she ponders on for a moment before looking to the heavens as she’s having this moment of intuition.

But when child services pop their head in again to take her away, they find that all their usual helpers are fully booked for the holidays so what else can they do? One of the workers, Patricia, has no choice but to take her home. It’s not by the book but, damnit, it’s Christmas and we’re going to give this kid some degree of stability. By sheer coincidence, Patricia happens to be the mother of one Sean Addision who was the kid that died following a car accident the start of Christmas Blessing which caused Nathan to have his Dr Cox crisis of confidence moment. These movies are just ridiculous to how everyone's lives are so intertwined.

Like, up to this point, we met Traci who then bumped into Nathan and Megan, before going to work and having a young, troubled teen skip out on his bill but Patricia was in at the same time and tipped really generously to make up for it. That same kid then pretty much steals her bag following accident and also knew Sean who was mentoring him in one of those Big Brother mentoring programs.

Patricia’s husband, Mark, is played by James Remar, he of The Warriors fame and, more pertinent to this blog, he was in the Miracle on 34th Street remake and one of the segments in the Tales from the Darkside movie. Theirs is a very frosty relationship currently owing to the death of Sean, there’s no sense of chemistry between these two and I’m surprised they’re actually as close in age as they are, Remar only 4 years older. Feels like there’s more of like a 10-20 year gap. He gets on very well with Emily though, they have this instant rapport whilst Patricia is more distant which is understandable. She obviously has to keep things professional as she can’t get too attached to these kids and doesn’t want them getting attached to her, plus there’s probably ongoing issues from Sean’s death, maybe she’s not prepared to slip back into that motherly role again. Which you can tell by that dinner she serves; rolls of wafer thin ham, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks and celery? That’s just what all the kids want.

At least she’ll read Emily a bedtime story, ‘I’ll Love You Forever’ which documents a mother who sings to her song that she’ll love him forever, even when he becomes a rebellious teenager who thinks it’s lame for her to do that. This leads to the very strange visual of him cradiling her in his arms on a rocking chair and singing it to her when she’s old and frail, a mirror image of how she first sang to him when he was a baby. This really hits Patricia in the feels as she felt distant from Sean as he seemed closer to his father, wanting to impress him by picking the sports and classes he thought his father wanted him to take. She even seems to partly blame her husband for their sons death as he switched around his work schedule to come home early for Christmas, which in turn led to Sean coming home early too. If he’d just come home on the day he intended this never would have happened! That seems grossly unfair. Even when she passed along a family heirloom in the form of her fathers watch, he was unimpressed and even managed to break it whilst horsing around with a friend in his room.

The massively tangled web of these characters comes into play again when Megan is going through some things and finds an old Christmas gift which sends Nathan into some sort of Nam flashback. Turns out Sean was holding it as he was wheeled into the hospital and Nathan had taken it upon himself to make sure it found its way to its intended destination but he just forgot about it over the years. I actually went back to check this and ,yeah, that is in the previous movie. I had this whole thing pegged as just a series of independent stories with loose connections throughout but no, apparently they had whole plot points planned out in advance.

Nathan and Patricia do interact several times as she takes the crack baby to the hospital to be checked up. There’s this strange level of frustration akin to An American Tail where Nathan keeps getting little flashbacks in his head but he’s never quite able to connect the dots.

But of course he eventually does and the present turns out to be, say it with me now, the broken watch! Perhaps more meaningful though is the accompanying note which reveals Sean intended to study social work at college because he wanted to help kids just like his mom. This seems to serve as a form of closure for her but I feel like you could already start drawing that sort of conclusion. I mean, the guy was already in that Big Brother program so you were clearly already having some sort of influence on him.

Strike two of the big overly emotional finale comes when it’s suggested Emily puts the angel atop the tree which promptly makes her bolt out of the room. Everyone is left thinking they’ve upset her but she comes back clutching a picture which she wedges onto the tree, a picture not of her mother as I had suspected but of Sean. She says he is her angel and she feels like whenever she’s felt all alone, he’s been there to help here. Awww.

The big showstopper though is the troubled kid finally coming good and, after realising who everyone is in this story, returns Traci’s bag to the Addison home. Inside was her camera and on that camera was the video from the very start of the movie. Turns out she wrote that song as a Christmas gift for Emily.

Though, I feel the writers fell short of a grand slam here. Near the end, Nathan shares the story with Megan about giving the gift to Sean’s parents and how it gave him his own little bit of closure after how much Sean’s death affected him back then. Megan goes into labour shortly afterwards and I was fully expecting them to decide to call the baby Sean but no such luck.

Christmas Blessing was lacking a little bit in the big emotional ending so it feels like this one is making up for that and then some. It’s not as cheesy as that song from Christmas Shoes but still delivers that overly sentimental feeling. Again, it’s something I am loathed to admit but it got to me a little bit. This whole movie has that same morbid energy as the other two but in a slightly different way, the first two felt like you spent the entire movie watching people who were on deaths door before something happened at the end to soften the blow. Here they just give you the death right up front and everyone is left to cope with the aftermath and reflect on how deal with it. It’s like an encapsulation of everything that Nathan has gone through over these movies, facing death in his personal and professional life but coming to terms with it.

You know what’s bullshit though? No sign of the eponymous Christmas Shoes anywhere. They’re even in the box of stuff that Megan finds the old Christmas present in. How can you make this your big conclusion and not bring them back? You brought them back the last one, you couldn’t have Megan tag along and give them to Emily at the end as some sort of passing of the torch? It was her destiny, Nathan got them for his dead mother, Charlie got them for his dead mother, those shoes have been robbed of their purpose in life.

[theporgsyourelookingfor]

Get to know me(me)

So I am bored. I found this post with questions but since i probably won’t get too many asks and i do think some of these are a bit silly i decided to answer ALL OF THEM in my charming yet honest way. for your (and my) entertainment.

I kinda wanna tag people but i don’t know if anyone wants to do this (let alone read all this) BUT if you are as bored as me CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED BY ME!

HERE WE GO

1: Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

CLOSED. not that i actually have many closets here... I only have one walk in closet named Narnia and I am pretty sure a Ghost lives in ther. But a friendly one. It talks with my cats and stalks me while I’m in the shower (I know this because sometimes the air suddenly gets really cold. I just go “oh hi” and move on)

2: Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

i haven’t done this but that might be because i forget this is a thing. and the bottles in finnish hotels are big? and attached to the wall? idk i don’t do hotels that often

3: Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

in? what does this even mean?

4: Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

I WISH

5: Do you like to use post-it notes?

yes. I use them as bookmarks.

6: Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

nah

7: Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

a bear. i’d hug it. soft death

8: Do you have freckles?

no?

9: Do you always smile for pictures?

yeah, even if i don’t feel like it

10: What is your biggest pet peeve?

people walking slow in front of me when i’m Busy and Pissed Off. also people who don’t realize how ignorant they are about some things

11: Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

no, i get bored

12: Have you ever peed in the woods?

Yes.

13: What about poop in the woods?

what about it?

14: Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?

Yeah. I also jump around and run everywhere in my tiny apartment.somehow i always end up running into my bookshelves

15: Do you chew your pens and pencils?

YES. ALWAYS. SERIOUSLY. I WON’T EVEN NOTICE. PITY THOSE POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS WHO LEND ME PENS.

16: How many people have you slept with this week?

Keep reading for more random questions, stories, music and pictures of cats.

17: What size is your bed?

big enough for me and two cats

18: What is your Song of the week?

19: Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

oh my supremelord what is this radical thinking?!?!

(yes. someday this won’t even be a question.)

DID YOU KNOW PINK USED TO BE BOYS’ COLOR?

20: Do you still watch cartoons?

hell yeah (if i only had the time)

21: Whats your least favorite movie?

can’t think of one right now #positivity

22: Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

how bing of a treasure are we talking about?

23: If you're a girl, bra size? If you're a guy, pants size?

IF YOU’RE NON-BINARY, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HAIR? why thank you for asking, it’s blue with a hint of purple and green.

(i’m not saying all enby peeps do or should have Extra Colored hair, this just happens apply to me and this question annoyed me.)

24: What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

stuff.

25: What is your favorite food?

chocolate. yes, it’s a food.

26: What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

The Last Jedi and other Star Wars. Most Disney Classics. Anastasia. Phantom of the opera. Lord of the rings. Peter pan (the 2003 one). And many many more but i don’t remember them rn.

27: Last person you kissed/kissed you?

I’ll tell you when that happens

28: Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

no. i wanted to but my mom said i couldn’t handle camping in the woods

29: Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

sure if i’d get good money out of it

30: When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

Christmas cards! and i used to write letters to my old friend but then she started dating and forgot about me. I heard she and Boyfriend have a dog now.

31: Can you change the oil on a car?

don’t have a car, don’t really care.

I do have a motorbike but I know people who do better job with that so i let them handle it

32: Ever gotten a speeding ticket?

not yet

33: Ever ran out of gas?

oh yes. and last summer I had a creepy old man coming to help me assuming i was a girl and didn’t know what the hell was going on

he: ”oh but you have to do THIS!”

me: “yeah, i’ve tried that too.”

he: “no but like THIS THEN!”

me: “i told you this bike doesn’t work that way.”

he: “oh but i have to help a sweet damsel in distress!”

like dude I am literally wearing a binder and men’s jacket can you please stop

and after that he asked me to go riding with him but then all of a sudden he was like

“oh but will you have a scary man in a leather jacket back home who wouldn’t like you going out with me?”

and i was like “...actually, yes.”

like yeah sure let’s pretend i’m a straight little helpless girl with a super jealous boyfriend so you will leave me alone.

(my imaginary boyfriend is called Robert, he moved here 3 years ago from the north where we met and he just got out of jail for helping his brother try to commit murder.)

34: Favorite kind of sandwich?

35: Best thing to eat for breakfast?

eggs. just because that’s all i can do.

36: What is your usual bedtime?

37:Are you lazy?

i tell myself i am but i’m not really sure... i do a fuckton of studying and writing

38: When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

when i was a kid we didn’t have halloween here. now we do tho. and i do remember dressing up as a ghost to some school party

39: What is your Chinese astrological sign?

Pig?

40: Are you horny?

no, but i have beautiful antlers.

41: Do you have any magazine subscriptions?

no, but this got me wishing for one

42: Which are better legos or lincoln logs?

43: Are you stubborn?

maybe

44: Who is better...Leno or Letterman?

should i know who these people are?

no, i will not google, moving on

45: Ever watch soap operas?

sometimes.

46: Are you afraid of heights?

if we go high enough

47: Do you sing in the car?

with the right people and right music

48: Do you sing in the shower?

no. my Ghost roommate wouldn't like it.

49: Do you dance in the car?

yeah.

50: Ever used a gun?

no

51: Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

in high school?

52: Do you think musicals are cheesy?

sometimes, but that’s the point

53: Is Christmas stressful?

yes, but i’ve lived on my own for a while now and have carefully avoided all the christmas stress and shit.

54: Ever eat a pierogi?

a what now?

oh

no but now i am extremely hungry.

55: Favorite type of fruit pie?

blueberry. i don’t care if that’s not a fruit it’s the only pie i do.

56: Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

i wanted to be a marine biologist because my last name means “seaweed-y” or “algae-y” and i would have literally been Marine Biologist Dr. Seaweed.

that would still be VERY cool

57: Do you believe in ghosts?

if you have read this far you can probably guess the answer

58: Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

have i had this question before?

59: Take a vitamin daily?

yeah. my dad wants me to

60: Wear slippers?

if i had ones

61: Wear a bath robe?

IF I HAD ONE

I WOULD NEVER TAKE IT OFF

62: What do you wear to bed?

i got two star wars pajamas and i regret nothing

63: First concert?

these guys. they are a legend. i was like 3. best time of my life

64: Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

65: Nike or Adidas?

do i look like i got money for this shit?

66: Cheetos Or Fritos?

nope

67: Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?

both?

68: Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?

no.

69: Ever take dance lessons?

i have. my mom took me to ballet when i was like 2 and i stayed there until i was 12 because my grandma would get me a cinnamon roll after every lesson.

70: Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

do i picture a future spouse?

71: Can you curl your tongue?

I CAN. IN MANY WAYS.

72: Ever won a spelling bee?

we don’t have those. or at least i haven’t heard of any

73: Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

yes. last night i had a dream i had a baby and i cried like one.

74: Own any record albums?

yeah

75: Own a record player?

yeah

76: Regularly burn incense?

no

77: Ever been in love?

on some days I’m in love with myself.

78: Who would you like to see in concert?

Let me introduce you to our lord and savior Antti Tuiksu:

(this music video is the light of my life)

79:What was the last concert you saw?

don’t remember. i don’t have the money for this kind of luxury

80: Hot tea or cold tea?

(get it, HOTh? ahahahahah.)

81: Tea or coffee?

Hot Chocolate

82: Sugar or snickerdoodles?

83: Can you swim well?

yes.

84: Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

yes.

85: Are you patient?

last year i waited for 8 hours in this jewerly shop to get a free tattoo (it was a campaign thing, the brand turned 80 years. the same people who made Leia’s necklace in A New Hope!) and JUST WHEN IT WAS MY TURN THEY RAN OUT OF INK AND NEEDLES so no tattoo for me but it was a weird and funny day.

86: DJ or band, at a wedding?

Porgs shall sing in rey and ben’s wedding.

87: Ever won a contest?

i am sure i have but i do not remember it.

88: Ever have plastic surgery?

i have not

89: Which are better black or green olives?

no olives

90: Can you knit or crochet?

I CAN KNIT!!!

91: Best room for a fireplace?

bathroom

92: Do you want to get married?

i mean yeah if i find the right person for it but i’m not getting my hopes up, it’s not that important for me

93: If married, how long have you been married?

if

94: Who was your HS crush?

Troy Bolton

95: Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

i don’t need to

96: Do you have kids?

yes, two:

97: Do you want kids?

yes. and you will hear about it.

98: Whats your favorite color?

Black and

99. Do you miss anyone right now

@morsoullakko

AND WE’RE DONE!!! DID SOMEONE ACTUALLY READ ALL THIS??? HI, I LOVE YOU AND I HOPE I DIDN’T WASTE YOUR TIME!

my boredom is cured.

[bollywoodnewbie]

My intro to Bollywood, aka in love with Raja Hindustani, part 1

Back in September I saw a commenter on a blog with the username Raja Hindustani. 

I must’ve been really bored that day because I got curious and found the movie on Google Play. Since Bollywood movies from the 90s don’t have trailers, Google uses the Pardesi Pardesi song as a preview.

Seriously, how could I resist watching the movie after seeing that? I even paid an extra dollar to buy it instead of renting it.

Context: It’s surprising that Raja Hindustani pulled me in like this because in the past, I rarely watched films unless I happened to have a specific interest in the topic (for instance, watching art documentaries since my husband and I like to go to galleries). 

More context: I’m a social media manager for a non-profit and spend my days marinating in horrible political news. I used to read gossip blogs for escape but when the Weinsten story broke and gossip blogs became all rape stories all the time, that became...really not fun. 

Alrighty! So I was hungry for something different. And boy did I get it.

Raja Hindustani is the story of a simple but noble taxi driver in rural Northern India and his romance with a big city rich girl.

Raja is played by Aamir Khan, one of the world’s biggest movie stars. He is at Tom Cruise level in terms of his audience and reach, and way beyond Cruise in cultural influence. He produced and starred in the last Indian film to be nominated for a Foreign Language Academy Award and has repeatedly broken box office records in India and China. 

Had I ever heard of him before? Hahahaha silly reader, I was a typical ignorant American. Of course I’d never heard of an Indian movie star with a 25-year career and billions of fans around the world. 

Aarti, the poor little rich girl Raja falls for, is played by Karisma Kapoor, a member of the legendary Kapoor family, famous for their acting prowess and blue eyes.

Yeah, never heard of the Kapoors either.

Raja Hindustani opens on Aarti with her father and evil stepmother, who hates her because Daddy loves daughter best and when he dies Aarti will be the one rolling in cash instead of Step-Mommy Dearest.

 Woman + Smoking = EVIL

Aarti decides to get the hell away from her stepmother by taking a trip to the town where her dad and real mom (tragically now dead) met and fell in love. She brings along her two loyal servants...who both appear to be transgender. 

They play comic relief and yet they are apparently among the most sympathetic representations of LGBTQ folks in Hindi film. Also, their hat game is on point.

Aarti and servants fly to the north and need transportation from the airport. Enter Taxi Driver Raja. At first he doesn’t want to drive them but when he spots Aarti all resistance melts away. 

After a lovely song (Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein) and some shenanigans involving a lost hotel reservation, the travelers end up lodging at the house of Raja’s surrogate aunt and uncle (Raja is an orphan...of course he is). 

Remember those faces because if you get into Hindi movies from the 90s you will see them over and over and over again. They are the Bollywood equivalent of Hey, It’s That Guy.

Aarti settles in and Raja becomes her designated driver during her trip. He is quite obviously smitten with her right from the start.

But Aarti treats him like a cross between a mascot and a servant. At least at first.

(When a tip puts you in the employee zone)

But after various inconsequential escapades comes the first big turning point in the story. Aarti, egged on by her servants, buys a short, tight, red dress. Raja is...not pleased.

The red dress attracts the attention of some street thugs and then ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE.

Aarti is completely freaked out by the fight and yells at Raja but he yells back at her and asserts his right to behave like a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal.

Instead of running back home like a sane person, Aarti puts on modest clothes and begins flirting with Raja in earnest. Which leads to one of the loveliest songs in the movie. 

Then suddenly, there’s a rainstorm!

(There is always, always a rainstorm in Bollywood movies)

Raja and Aarti run for shelter under a tree (apparently knowing nothing about lightning safety) and Aarti heaves her bosom and tousels her hair while her clothes cling wetly to her body. Raja responds as any simple yet red-blooded country boy would: he’s completely turned on but struggles nobly to contain his urges.

Aarti, clueless as to what’s happening, laughs and teases Raja until a lightning bolt strikes nearby and she leaps into his arms!

(Seriously, y’all gonna get killed one day standing under trees in thunderstorms)

THEN THIS HAPPENS 

To put the kiss in perspective, this was the first full-on mouth kiss ever in a Bollywood movie. Even today you don’t see mouth-to-mouth kissing that often. Kissing on the neck, arms, torso, even nibbling at cleavage—all good. Mouth-to-mouth = run away screaming with your hair on fire.

Which is pretty much how Aarti and Raja react once they unlock lips and come to their senses. Raja is struck mute with horror and Aarti flees the scene, scattering random sheep in her path.

Aarti runs back to her room and relives the kiss in her memory. Interestingly, the memory kiss is much steamier than the real life kiss. 

Just as Aarti is about to pull out her Magic Rabbit and pray the batteries are still charged, in walks PAPA, OH SHIT PAPA’S HERE.

Such a considerate daddy, he’s flown in just to escort Aarti back home. Aarti is so grateful. Right Aarti?

Oh dear.

Raja doesn’t look any better when he arrives home and finds out that not only is Aarti leaving, he’s the one who has to drive her to the airport so she can go away forever. Much passive aggressive hilarity ensues as they are on the road and Papa asks Raja to work for their family as a personal driver. 

Papa, the only person in the car who has no idea what the hell is going on.

Wait, what’s this? There’s been a landslide and the road is blocked? And they have to stop at an inn to wait until it’s cleared? 

Oh yeah, haven’t mentioned yet that the (famous or infamous, depending on where you stand) Johnny Lever is in this movie. Johnny climbs onto the roof of the car and directs the crew to the inn where two women are dancing and singing.

And then the most awesome scene in romantic movie history ensues!

(Don’t let the stupid preview image put you off. This is a must watch)

So let’s break this down: Pardesi means stranger or foreigner in Hindi (literally “not Desi” or not Indian). The translated chorus: Foreigner, foreigner, don't leave me. 

It starts out sung by a young, pretty dancing girl, then taken up by a terrifying crazed dancing “girl” with face tattoos and a taste for booze straight from the bottle.

The way the singers are used in the scene is very interesting since they seem to represent the angel and devil living inside of Aarti, the innocent young girl and the woman with urgent and messy desires. 

Raja, in visible pain, joins the song. He wails his grief to the skies and literally begs Aarti not to leave him. 

After much beautiful music and dancing and a creepy monologue from the drunk dancing girl...Aarti leaps to her feet! 

She strides over to Raja and jumps into his arms! They embrace! Everyone is aghast! It’s AMAZING! 

And then Papa flips out. Uh-oh.

Will our lovers prevail? (Yes, but only after some cuh-RAY-zee developments.)

Stay tuned for part 2!

[hes-a-rainbow]

can you maybe write something about fionn? maybe that you're a famous singer & a model, a best friend of harry's and he introduces fionn to you? and you just hit it off immediately? just a little thought! have a good day lovely! xx

So I changed Y/N into an actress, I hope that’s okay!

Pinky Promise

Warnings: Cute, shy Fionn and Harry being a cheeky friend

I walked into the crowded club where Harry’s birthday party was being held.  

I had met him about a year ago when I was promoting my new movie on The Late Late Show while he was doing his one week residency promoting his debut album. It was the first time I had met him and we hit it off immediately. Harry was so charming and sweet, it was hard not to be enamored with him.We had stayed in touch over the last few months and I even got to see him perform a few times. We would flirt here and there but nothing romantic ever happened between us. Of course that didn’t stop the rumors from fans and media though.

He was celebrating his birthday at a club in LA he had rented out. It was very exclusive; invitation only. As I walked out of the car that drove me hear, lights flashed in my eyes as paparazzi yelled questions at me.

“Y/N! Y/N! Are you still dating Harry?”

“Y/N! Is it true you’ve moved in with Harry?”

I ignored their absurd questions as security helped clear a pathway for me.

Once I was in the club, the music blared in my ears. The club was completely packed to capacity. It looked like Harry had invited everyone he had ever met. I saw a few familiar faces as I squeezed my way through the bar.

“Y/N! Great to see you, love!” Nick was seated at the bar before jumping up to give me a hug. I had been on his show a few times and he was always around Harry’s house.

“Hey!” I could feel the sweat through his thin t shirt as I wrapped my arms around him.

“Where’s Harry? I want to wish him a happy birthday!” I yelled into his ear.

“Dunno, ‘round. Hey!” He called out trying to get the bartender’s attention.

“What’s your poison, love?” The bartender asked me.

“Dirty martini, please.”

“Alexa! Oi!” Nick was waving at someone ecstatically over my head.

“Be right back!” He gave me a wet kiss on my cheek.

Once the bartender gave me my drink, I sat in Nick’s now vacant seat and took in the crowd. Everyone who was anyone in the entertainment business was here. Sure I had met celebrities before but I was still relatively new in Hollywood. I tried to act cool as I sat at the bar by myself. I could’ve sworn I saw Ronnie Wood walk by.

“BABE, you made it!” I heard Harry’s familiar accent as he approached me with open arms. He lifted me up as he hugged me, giving me a big kiss on the lips. I had come a little later than everybody else, and it was obvious everyone was already drunk.

“Did you see James?” Harry asked me as he placed me back on the floor and held me at arms length.

“No, I only just got here.” I had to stand on my tip toes so I could yell in his ear.

He looked around, clearly having lost interest of what I was saying in his drunken haze. He suddenly snapped his head back at me.

“Come sit with us! I’ll introduce you around.”

He grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd. People were coming up and patting him on the back or just screaming ���Happy Birthday” as we walked by. Somebody came up with two shots that Harry gladly took without question as he continued to walk me through the crowd. We got to a booth against the wall of the club and he let me slide in first, moving in after me.

“Everybody, this is Y/N. You may recognize her from Chris’s upcoming movie…” I smiled awkwardly as I waved to everyone around the table. The only people I knew were Harry’s sister, Gemma and her boyfriend. I recognized some people from Dunkirk, but wasn’t really sure of their names.

Harry cleared  everything up as he pointed to everyone and said their names before finally stopping at a young guy who sat directly across from me, “…and that’s Fionn.” Me and Fionn locked eyes as I nodded my head at everyone.

“Harry! Come here!” Harry was being lifted up out of his spot next to me and dragged in the opposite direction of the club by one of his friends.

Everyone at the table went back to their conversations. They included me in, but I had such a hard time hearing them I mostly remained quiet, taking time to order a few more drinks until I was officially buzzed.

I looked over at the dance floor which was crowded with dancing bodies. I watched the drunken people sway around to the music. It wasn’t until I felt someone touch my hand that I broke out of my thought. I jumped a little bit, not expecting it.

It was Fionn who had laid his hand on top of mine.

“I said do you want to dance?” I read his lips from across the table. I shook my head yes, smiling. I’ve never met him before but Harry was always saying how nice of a person he was.

He stood up holding his hand out for me to take. We held hands as he walked me to the center of the dance floor. The music was so loud, I could feel the beat under my feet as I walked.

Fionn took my hands and placed them behind his neck as I started to sway my hips to the music. His gaze on me was so intense. I just couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. Getting more into the song I turned around so my back faced his front. He was a little awkward at first. He didn’t seem like he really knew what he wanted to do with his hands so I took them in mine and laid them on my hips.

The more I got into the song, the more confident I got with my movements. I backed up into him with the beat of the song. I could feel he was enjoying this as much as I was.

It might have been the alcohol or the carefree atmosphere of the party, but I turned my head to look at him as the next song began to play. He was staring right back at me, taking in every one of my movements. I turned my body to face him completely. I looked at his eyes, then down to his lips and back up again. He leaned in closer to me, leaning his forehead on mine as we continued to dance with one another. My heart was racing. I had barely said two words to this man and he already had me under his spell.

I jumped when I felt two arms pick me up from behind.

“IT’S CAKE TIME!” Harry literally dragged me away from Fionn and out onto the private porch the club had. Everyone yelled in joy as they followed us out to sing happy birthday.

Once Harry had blown out his candles and Nick shoved cake into his face, everyone dispersed back into the club. The porch was surrounded by tall walls and trees as too keep prying eyes away. I looked around the porch to see a few people had stayed outside to chat and eat cake in some sort of peace. I saw Fionn standing in the far corner smoking a cigarette.

I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, downing it quick as I walked over to the man I was so rudely dragged away from before.

I would definitely have to get Harry back for that one.

I walked up next to him, placing my now empty glass on a table that stood next to him.

“Having fun?” I asked him as I leaned my back against the porch.

He took a long drag of his cigarette before looking at me.

“It’s fun…”

“But…?”

“It’s not really my scene.” He bought the cigarette to his lips again, inhaling slowly. I nodded my head slowly at his response. Usually I would be just as drunk as Harry by this time of night. We were always getting into some sort of trouble when we were together. But tomorrow I had to fly out relatively early to start shooting a new film.

A waiter passed by us and Fionn stopped him to order more drinks for us. He was shy at first but once he had more alcohol flowing in us he opened up a lot more. He had a great sense of humor, I could definitely see why him and Harry got along so well. He talked about his family and how so much had changed for him within the last year. He was so humble about the opportunity he was given and I could tell he was passionate about what he did. He asked me silly questions, such as my favorite foods or favorite movie, to which I happily responded.

He talked about the next project he was working on, swearing me to secrecy so he wouldn’t get in trouble from his director.

“Pinky promise?” He lifted his pinky at me like a child.

“Pinky promise.” I giggled as we wrapped our pinkies together. I wasn’t sure if I was just thinking things, but I’m pretty sure we held them together longer than we had too.

“You know, I really liked your last movie.” I blushed at his statement.I worked hard to be where I am but it was still flattering that people actually wanted to see a movie I was in.

“Thanks…” I laughed, shuffling my weight to my other foot. The last movie I was in was a love story. It was also my first time doing a sex scene. I think the weirdest part though, was at the premiere when everyone in the audience got to see my breasts.

I was comfortable with my body but it was weird knowing millions of people had seen it on the big screen.

“I watched it over at Harry’s one day.” He smirked down at me.“Of course you did…” I breathed out. The first time Harry saw the film, he had not stop talking about it for days, saying it was the best movie he had seen in a long time. He even told me he watched it with his mom, which made me even more embarrassed.

“So…what’s the deal with you and him?” He looked down at his feet as he asked.

“There is no deal. He’s always just been my friend. My very cheeky friend.”

His eyes lit up as he looked back up to me. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I had set an alarm so I wouldn’t stay too late.

“Boyfriend calling? Wondering where you are?” I rolled my eyes playfully before locking my phone effectively stopping the alarm.

“No, I have to fly out tomorrow morning and I didn’t want to stay out too late. My manager would kill me if I missed my flight.”

“Where are you filming?”

“London.”

“I’m doing a play on the west end!” He shouted out, suddenly really excited.

“How long will you be there?” He questioned.

“Well I think we’ll be shooting for a few months, I even rented out an apartment.”

“We should get together!” I smiled at his choice of words.

“In London, I mean. We should get together in London. I mean we could hang out…in London.” His face grew red as he stumbled over his words. 

I narrowed my eyes at him, “Are you just asking to hang out because you want to see my tits again?”

His eyes widened, “No! I mean yes I’ve seen them and yes I would-I mean I’d watch the movie again but-it-what I’m trying to say is-” I cut him off by pressing my lips against his. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around my waist as I deepened the kiss. After a few minutes of having our tongues roll around with each other, we both pulled away, leaning our foreheads against each others.

“I was just messing with you. I’d love to hang out with you…in London.”

“Cool.” He breathed out smiling. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, only this time is was Harry’s name who lit up my screen. The message he had sent me was of two thumbs up. I looked around the porch to see him at the door leading back into the club, waving like an idiot. He had obviously seen everything. I shot him the finger as I stepped out of Fionn’s arms. Harry started to make some pretty obscene gestures from where he stood which had me cracking up and rolling my eyes in no time. When I turned back to look at Fionn he was laughing but I could tell he was embarrassed.

“If you ignore him, he’ll go away eventually.” Fionn still looked mortified as he shoved his hand into his pockets pulling out his phone.

“Can I have your number? Ya know, for London and such.” He scoffed.

“Of course.” I typed in my name and number before handing his phone back to him.

“I promise I’ll call.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “Pinky promise?” I leaned into him, raising my eyebrows.

“Pinky promise.” He agreed as we again wrapped our fingers for the second time that night.

I started walking backwards as I headed to the doors of the club to leave.

“It was nice meeting you, Fionn.” I gave him a wink as I turned around completely.

“You too!” He called after me.

When I got back in the club to say my goodbyes, Harry was waiting for me.

“Mmmmm?” He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

“Did you plan this?”

“I mean, I may of had a little inkling you were his ‘celebrity crush’ and all…” He crossed his hands behind his back leaning forward as he continued, “Just call me cupid.”

I pushed his shoulder playfully before pulling him into a hug.

“Happy birthday, H.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading off.

The paparazzi were still outside but I couldn’t care less. The car I was heading home in was waiting at the sidewalk and I all but ran over to is, slipping in quickly before the driver pulled off.

I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face as I thought about Fionn. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and pulled it out to see an unknown number across the screen.

“Hello?”

“I told you I’d call.”

[whiteboyharding]

she is love & she is all i need.

obviously i have to post my favorite lucian video.

Karen Lucille Hale, you are the love of my life. You are my best friend. You are my team mate. You are my soul mate. The better half of me and without you in my life, I’d be lost. You’re my entire world and we have spent three hundred and sixty five days together learning how to love each other again. We’ve been so low that I thought we’d never build back up to how high we are now and..a year ago, I decided to be brave enough to ask you out on a date again. I decided to take that flying leap of faith that even though terrifying, always felt just so right with you. I was not disappointed. It’s been a roller coaster and it hasn’t always been easy, but at least it’s always been meant to be. 

I’ve been working on this all year. Little moments I wanted to tuck away when I fell even more in love with you, songs that reminded me of you and how you make me feel, and the small reasons why you are the owner of my heart. Enjoy. Happy Valentine’s Day. Happy one year, Goose. I love you so much. @halethegoose

001. It was right before you got pregnant with Mason - we were visiting your family in Tennessee for Thanksgiving, I think. You were helping your mom and sister out into the kitchen and you had one of your nieces on your hip. You didn’t even realize I was watching you, but you were talking to Georgia so sweetly and patiently and showing her what you were cooking. I could just see it; you with our son or daughter one day, talking to them and singing to them and raising them with that beautiful heart you have. I haven’t wanted kids since Candice but looking at you, that was the only future I could see.

002. Our Lucian Travel Bucket List. It’s taped on our bedroom mirror and the places we want to explore together only keeps growing. Knowing that Mason can now join us just makes me even more excited. We’re going to have the best adventures in every single country, every single city, every single continent.

003. I love your faith in not only a higher power, but humanity in general. Even when the world can be so cruel, you find the beauty in it. You find a reason to smile and you point it out to everyone around you so that they focus on that instead. In times of crisis, you are patient and calm and you soothe my frazzled nerves. You truly believe that love will change the world and it’s so inspiring.

004.  “She smiled and all I could think was ‘Oh shit’.”

005. You’re so creative. I can see you stare at blank pages of paper and within minutes, you’re scribbling down your next biggest idea. The way you so seamlessly weave ideas and words and thoughts together blow my mind because I’m always a little slow on the uptake. We both know this. I have the “Baby. Honey. Ian.” texts to prove it. There’s no avenue you haven’t touched that you haven’t made golden. You’ve got the magic touch.

006. The very first time you cooked for me, you made me..what was it? In your exact words, “A breaded chicken piccata with lemon jasmine rice.” I stared at it, tried to figure out what exactly it was and then asked very (foolishly) cluelessly, “Are these chicken nuggets?” You were so offended. It was the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. You worked so hard to make me a meal, and I honestly didn’t mean to insult you but..chicken nuggets. You made me chicken nuggets. Add that to the list of reasons why I love you so much. You give fancy names to the simplest meals..and you made me work for your forgiveness but you know what? They were the best damn chicken nuggets I’ve ever eaten.

007. That little Southern twang you get in your voice when you’re heated, or upset, or yelling at me. God, I shouldn’t find it so sexy but I do. I really do. Sometimes I want to annoy you just so I hear it. 

008. Your patience with me. I mean, let’s be honest, sometimes you’re really not..but when it matters, you are. You’re always willing to wait for me to make my conclusions about something or to come to you when I’ve had a hard day. You respect that sometimes I need my space but that when it’s the right time, you’re the only one I want to escape into. The crook of your neck is my favorite spot to make the rest of the world disappear. Your calming heartbeat, your slow breaths, and the way you hum when you’re running your fingers through my hair is the best lullaby I’ve ever heard.

009. We are always an equal team. Even if we don’t always agree on everything, at the end of the day..it’s us against the world. You’re always Team Ian and I am always Team Lucy. We’re each others biggest fans and supporters. I’m always going to be the guy cheering the loudest in the room for you and when you win, I win. Forever. Your happiness and success means just as much to me because I’m so invested in you. 

010.  Tell them other girls they can hit the exit, ‘check please’, because I’ve finally found the girl of my dreams.

011. Your patience for my love of birds is truly inspiring. I mean, you roll your eyes and you always butt your head in when I’m trying to read about them but I know you bite your tongue when I go on one of my hummingbird rambles. You give me that hummingbird heartbeat, baby. 

012. And I’ve lost my faith, in my darkest days, but she makes me want to believe.

013. You’re supportive of everything I do. Whatever project I’ve booked myself in, you’re the first to congratulate me and encourage me to go after what I’m dreaming about. My book? You were the one who pushed me to write and believe in myself that I had something of value to share with the world. Acting projects outside of Pretty Little Liars? You make me feel like I’m more than just Ezra Fitz. Being a first time dad? You’re the only one who made me truly feel like I could do it. You’re the best push a guy could have and the best hand to hold for support.

014. We should get jerseys, because we make a good team. But yours would look better than mine ‘cause you’re out of my league. And I know that it’s so cliche to tell you that every day I spend with you is the new best day of my life.

015. You’re a brat. Such a brat sometimes to me. But you’re my brat and I wouldn’t have you any other way.

016. Our very first date in our do-over year. Valentine’s Day. I took you out to dinner and we ordered pizza and pasta and wine and just..talked all night. We caught up with everything we had missed over the months and the hours just flew by. You looked so beautiful that night and it took everything in me not to lean over and kiss you silly. I’m glad I waited, though. I’m glad our sense of timing was always just the right speed. It made the moments we got to relive all over again all the more special.

017. Asking you to be my girlfriend all over again is very special to me too. I knew, in my heart, that it was going to last this time. I knew it’d be different this time around. This time, we were finally going to do it right. I love us for proving us right. You’re never getting rid of me.

018. You laugh at all my lame dad jokes. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.

019. Even though you mock me when I’m sick, you’re still always there with a washcloth and medicine and cuddles when I’m not feeling my greatest. You even let me be little spoon which is very kind of you. Your arms don’t quite reach all the way around my waist but..it’s the thought that counts and cuddles with you trump cuddles with anyone else.

020. All the sweet forehead kisses you give me. I think we’ve shared every kind of kiss there is in the world but I always want more, more, more.

021. I’m not really a big crier, but I always feel very comfortable being vulnerable in front of you. You always let me feel safe enough to express any emotion I have and I know that you’ll be there with the wisdom and comfort I need when I feel lost. You’ve pulled me out of the literal darkness before and you will always be my light. My good.

022. We’ve been through Hell and back and we are still going strong. Either we’re the most stubborn fucks in the world or our love story was only meant to hit pause, not stop. I believe in both. I’m glad I fought like a madman for you and I’m glad you gave me a second chance again. Imagining my life without you in it..it’s not a life I want to live. It’s a darker, colder, emptier life.

023. I remember the time I made you sit through a marathon of all the Harry Potter movies. Your eye started twitching more and more at the end..but you made it through without complaint. You were such a trooper. Until you compared me to Wormtail, but that’s okay. That’s forgiven. You were cranky and I was holding you hostage to watch the final battle scene.

024. The way you are with Mason. Do I even have to say more? You’re a natural mother and I knew it from the minute he was placed in your arms. Your whole face was lit up with love and adoration and our son is the luckiest kid in the entire universe because he has you as his parent. You’re also the best MILF and you’re all mine.

025. Your family. The way they accepted me so graciously and warmly and with all the love they had to offer. It’s clear where you got yours from. Your dad might have taken a little time to come around to me (I’m still pretty sure he’s got his gun cocked and loaded to use if I slip up), but I know he just wants the best for you. Hopefully he’ll see one day that I know you deserve the best and I’m trying my hardest to give it to you. Also, your mom makes the best pies. She’s the pies queen.

026. You hold my hand when I’m afraid. It’s as simple as that. You might tease my fear a little, but you’re still there to hold my hand and give it a tight squeeze so I know that I’m never alone with you.

027. I’ll never stop watching as you leave, I will never stop losing my breath every time I see you looking back at me. I will never stop holding your hand, I will never stop opening your door. I will never stop choosing you, babe.

028. Because of you, I’ve actively started praying. I saw that it was something that brought you comfort and strength during difficult times and I wanted to see if it was something I could hold onto as well. I might not be as religious as you, but it’s still something beautiful you’ve brought into my life. I feel like it’s something special we share too and I’m grateful for it. Thank you for always showing me different ways of doing things.

029. There’s very few people in this world that you instantly feel comfortable with and you’re at the top of the list for me. You know those Taylor Swift songs you used to blast around the house? It was her country vibe, one of her first, I think. There was a song with the lyrics “I’m only me when I’m with you” and while I think it’s a little silly to say that nobody else makes me feel like I can be myself (I’d have problems socializing if that were the case), you’re definitely the first person I want to turn to with everything. You love me for me and I know that each side of me is a version of Ian that you’re going to want forever. It brings me peace.

030. You’re not just my lover, you’re also my best friend. My first memory of you is still so crystal clear. I was wearing an apparently horrible sweater, we flirted like mad through a chemistry read, and I prayed to everything that I would get a callback so I could see you more and get to know you better. Knowing that you told Marlene that I was the one you wanted to be your Ezra makes it all the more sweeter. We spent most of our scenes together (well my scenes at least), and I loved every minute of it. I loved learning all about you. I loved in the inside jokes that cropped up, how naturally it felt to connect with you, how perfectly you seemed to fit in my arms. Our story was just beginning and it was so sweet.

031. Even when you get on my nerves..even when you make me roll my eyes and want to tear my heart out..you’re still the one I’m fighting like mad for. You’re still the woman I want to come home to.

032. You don’t smoke. This seems like such a random reason but - trust me. I appreciate that your breath is always minty fresh and that you have such a clean way of living. It makes it all the more fun to be all over you. ;)

033. And I wanna remember this night, and how my words never came out right, it’s just my patience that keeps me alive.

034. Every time we go grocery shopping - it’s an adventure. We write out this huge, long list of what we want to buy because we both love our food and we pile into the car. We can spend hours at Whole Food and Trader Joe’s, just planning our meals out together. To anyone else, it’d probably be boring as well but we manage to make it a time of the week that I treasure the most. We’ll sing as we walk down the aisles. We’ll agree to try crazy new recipes. We’ll argue over who gets to pick the snacks and who has to fight the crazies for the fruits and veggies. I’ll try to convince you to try something new, you’ll try to sneak in extra dog treats for the pups and I usually can’t resist pulling you into an abandoned aisle and kissing you senseless. It’s little, but it’s big.

035. So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover, that I know you can’t afford, bite that tattoo on your shoulder. Pull the sheets right off the corner of the mattress that you stole from your roommate back in Boulder, we ain’t ever getting older..

036. You are my good. It’s as simple as that.

037. I am never truly afraid when you’re by my side. Even when things seem rocky, I know that you’re going to be the one who puts me back together. I might get nervous and I might seem scared but ultimately, I have the utmost faith in you and in us and I know that no matter whatever happens, we will be okay.

038.  “I never knew that love had a sound, until I heard you laugh.”

039. It’s silly and it’s small but the high fives and the handshakes we give each other always remind me of the best part of our relationship - how in sync we are, and how you are my best friend in the whole universe.

040. Your laugh. Keegan said it best when he summed it up with - Lucy laughs like a five year old. You really, truly do, but it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard and I plan on making you make it for the rest of our lives.

041. I love kissing you. I mean, that should be obvious enough, but kissing you is one of my favorite things to do. I love to feel your cheek beneath my hand, have my fingers tangle up in your hair and feel you so impossibly close to me. My heart beats just a little bit faster and my eyes are always closed when you pull away. Whether it’s heated kisses that heat up my skin or slow, lingering pecks with the promise of more if I just treat you like the goddess you are, your kisses are both the sweetest goodbyes and welcome homes that I’ll receive in this life.

042. You always laugh at my jokes. Even when you don’t quite get them. Thank you for that.

043. You know what memory will always make me tear up? Watching you deliver Mason. I mean..there’s parts of that night that I’ll probably want to block out since it was hard to see you in pain and there were definitely bits where you threatened my manhood but the gift of him coming into this world takes the cake. You looked down at him like you had never seen such a beautiful sight before. You told him hello, and that he was handsome just like me, and it’s a time in my life that I’m going to hold onto when everything else feels dark. Just you, me and Mason. My perfect little family.

044.  “You are, and always have been, my dream”

045. Your coffee obsession. It’s hella cute. I remember when I first volunteered to stop by Starbucks and Coffee Bean and bring you your morning coffee - I didn’t know what I was getting into. Sometimes your orders could be so complex and I always got really strange looks from the baristas..but the happiness on your face when I walked in and brought you your morning fix was the only reward I needed. It became a tradition of sorts, for Shmian to bring his Goose her coffee and we held onto it even during the very last days. And pumpkin spice lattes are meant to be drank by all! Not just girls..

046. You are the person I want to grow old with. We’re going to be that tale that our children and grandchildren aspire to have. Always.

047. Planning dates for you are always fun as well. I always love trying to think up new places we can go, new adventures we can have, and how you’ll react to everything. I love our dates from lounging in our car at a drive-thru or walking down the streets of Italy and checking out all the sights. Any moment spent with you is a moment I treasure forever.

048. You know all my secrets. I know all of yours. Our thoughts, our stories - we share them with each other. We never hide anything and that’s why we go so strong because we know we can always trust each other.

049.  “Her smile, I’m sure, burnt Rome to the ground.”

050. I’m going to buy you an alpaca one day. You better believe it. Even if you want it or not. The more random farm animals we can have, the better.

051. You give the best hugs. You’re my favorite cuddle buddy and even though you’re always smaller than me, the warmth I feel from you goes straight to my very core. Nothing brings me more comfort than being wrapped up in you.

052. Being paid to work with you all of these years made Pretty Little Liars even more of a blessing. It’s kind of our Jerusalem. It’s where we met, it’s where we fell in love, it’s where we shared more and more special memories than I can even count. I know Ezria is definitely a problematic ship and not a relationship to aspire to have (Lucian will always be so much better) but I wouldn’t trade a single minute or storyline or scene because any time I was with you, I was doing what I loved..with who I loved most in this world.

053. Cake and pie. Cake and pie will be our always. (But always will also be our always because..always.)

054. One of my favorite things to do is to serenade you. Not only does it makes your cheeks turn the most flattering shade of pink, but you either actively encourage me by telling me to sing louder or sing more or your groan playfully and beg me to stop. I’d sing you all the love songs in the world if I could because when I look at you, I see love.

055. We do everything together. We’re a team. It’s you and me, forever, every day. We start things together. We end things together.

056. I’m so proud of you. I remember when you invited me to a small concert you held and I was up in the small section reserved for your friends. It was me, Colton, Tyler and a few of your girlfriends. You sang You Sound Good To Me and pointed at me and I just - what else could I do except melt and point back to you. You always sound good to me, baby, and that’s why I know that anything you go after in life, you’re going to accomplish. Whether that be more music, a new television show, a movie, or just the daunting task of motherhood - you’re always going to be the star that shines the brightest. I believe in you so much.

057. We really do take the best selfies together..We’re kind of the Selfie King and Queen, don’t you think?

058. You want to know what your ringtone is in my phone? Guess. Just guess. Closer by The Chainsmokers. It’s our song.

059. Our playful little spats over who Keegan loves more - I’ll say it’s me, you’ll say it’s you but you know what? I’ll always love you the most. You’re my baby. 

060. Please remember this whenever things feel rough - I love you, after all this time and always.

061. Watching you cuddle with the dogs is one of my favorite sights in the world. You’re truly the cutest and the love you have for our dog babies just reminds me of how much love that big heart of yours can truly hold. It’s not always fun when you love them more than me..or when you let them hog up the bed and casually suggest I sleep on the couch but I’d take the memory of you falling asleep with Elvis snuggled in your arms as a consolation prize for the sometimes sore backs I endure.

062. Our Gilmore Girls marathons. I don’t know how you dragged me into that show but you did and now I’m forever Team Jess. While you are..I don’t think either of us know yet. Either way, Netflix and chills with you are some of the best weekend memories I can have. I especially love the chill part. ;) But in all honesty, you’re so much fun to binge shows with. We can get so interactive and heated with our debates and differences in opinions and I just love how we make what’s already a fun time even more memorable. Sometimes, they’re all I can look forward to during a very busy day.

063. Even when you say you’re mad at me, I know you’re not. But that’s kind of our thing, isn’t it? Play fighting and pretending to be mad at each other. 

064. When you have your camera out and I take complete control over it. We both know I’m a ham for the cameras and I think you take full advantage of it. You’ll complain that I’m hogging it but let’s be honest..the silly videos we take are going to be the ones we watch later when we’re missing each other. I love how goofy we can be with each other. I love how you always make me feel free to say the weirdest things, do the craziest actions, and yet still manage to make my heart twinge with that laugh of yours.

065. Would you look at her, she looks at me, she’s got me thinking about her constantly but she doesn’t know how I feel. And as she carries on without a doubt, I wonder if she’s figured out I’m crazy for this girl.

066. The month by month anniversary posts I made on Instagram. I hope you enjoyed them. They were just my small ways of saying how much I’ve loved every single day spent with you for the past twelve months.

067. You in those little high waisted shorts..she knows what I think about, and what I think about - one love, two m ouths, one love, one house, no shirts, no blouse, just us.

068. Don’t think I don’t know how much you love this edit. Sex with you? Always the hottest. Nobody else makes me feel the way you do, baby.

069. “Yeah, that’s what I do for a living. I make out with Lucy Hale and I eat cake.” It’s the best job ever. ;)

070. That may be all I need..in darkness, she is all I see. Come and rest your bones with me.

071. You always put the biggest smile on my face whatever you do. You make me so happy.

072. “What have you been doing?” “Waiting for you.” Always. I’ll always wait for you. I’ll always be on the other side, at the end of the finish line, just a little bit across the room. Even if we’re far apart, we’re never going to be completely separated. You’ll have me wherever you go.

073. If I never get to see the Northern Lights, or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night, oh if all I got is your hand in my hand, baby, I could die a happy man.

074. “Yo boo, you sleeping? If I can’t sleep, neither can you!” True love, Goose. True. Love. Our Fraturdays on set were always the craziest and they left us with the worst sleeping patterns but you were my favorite person to spend them with. Sorry I always kept you up (but not really because who else was going to entertain me?)

075. I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend, lucky to have been where I have been, lucky to be coming home again.

076. The scratches you sometimes leave on my back. You’re wild and all you’re mine and I’m the luckiest son of a bitch alive.

077. When you beg, I cave. When you seduce, I’m putty in your hands. When you yell, I surrender. And when you give me that look..I immediately know it’s time to suck it up and apologize. You always get your way with me and I don’t think that will ever change. I’m too weak for you. You’re my weak spot.

078. “Stop being so mean to me or I swear I’m going to fall in love with you!” If this wasn’t a thought I didn’t have during our first years of knowing each other, it should have been because I fell hook, line and sinker for that sass.

079. Even when my parents can be absolute terrors and completely take over the house when they visit..you’re always so gracious to them. You’re always the perfect hostess and treat them with kindness and respect. You’re that way with everyone, really, which doesn’t surprise me but I still have so much love for you because of it.

080. I used to not know your eye color. But I do now. They’re the most beautiful shade of green. No, I’m kidding. They’re hazel! And I could get lost in them forever, as cheesy as that sounds.

081. And darling, I will be loving you until we’re seventy and baby my heart could still fall as hard at twenty three. And I’mt thinking ‘bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways, maybe just the touch of a hand. Oh me, I fall in love with you every single day..

082. My arms were made for holding you.

083. You can hear it in the silence, you can feel it on the way home, you can see it with the lights out..you are in love, true love.

084. Forever can never be long enough for me to feel like I’ve had long enough with you.

085. Time stands still, beauty in all she is. I will be brave, I will not let anything take away what’s standing in front of me. Every breath, every hour has come to this.

086. Slow, lazy mornings when we’re tangled up in each other are the mornings I always want to move the slowest. 

087. I don’t know why..but this will always be a moment I find you so adorable in.

088. Something always brings me back to you.

089. You made my thirtieth birthday last year one of the best birthdays I’ve ever spent. There were balloons EVERYWHERE. It was like no matter where I went in the house, I was tripping over them and even though I nearly died sometimes, I could just feel the love expanding over the entire house. And don’t even get me started on that cake..

090. My tongue is always in your mouth and I’m not even sorry for it. I just want to have as much of you as I can.

091. Every little thing she does is magic, every little thing just turns me on.

092. “She’s definitely out of my league. Actually, we’re not even playing the same sport. It’s kinda like she’s in the NBA, and I work in a muffin store next to the stadium.”

093. You calm the storms and you give me rest, you hold me in your hands, you won’t let me fall. You steal my heart and you take my breath away.

094. You make sure I never leave the house looking like a slob. Thanks for always looking out, boo.

095. Remember that time we were in the kitchen and you were on the counter? You were wearing nothing but my shirt and I was trying to make us a midnight snack. You were so distracting. You kept wrapping your legs around my waist and stealing the food away from my hands and pressing your lips against that sweet spot on my neck. I could barely think, my brain was so fuzzy. It’s hands down, in the top five of times we’ve had sex. So unsanitary..but so hot.

096. The first time I said I loved you, my tongue was tied and I could barely stammer it out. But I meant every word of it.

097. Sex with you in general is just always perfect. The sweet little sighs you make, how your lips wedge between your teeth and how your toes curl up against my legs. Hearing you moan my name is one of the most beautiful sounds I could ever hear.

098. I love to spoil you rotten. Flowers, chocolates, teddy bears. Even if you find it all cheesy, I know you secretly love it and I know you know that it makes me happy to do it for you. I love taking you out to nice restaurants and how every date night we have just seems to top the last.

099. The sight of you sleeping is beautiful.

100. Our impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, in the living room, in the middle of the night. When my dance lessons as a child suddenly come in handy as I dip you down and kiss you with only the open refrigerator light to illuminate your face. 

101. You look so good wearing my shirts. Always.

102. A drop in the ocean, a change in the weather, I was praying that you and me might end up together.

103. The day I lost you for what I felt was for good is not a day I want to relive but I keep those details fresh in my mind so I just know how far my stomach sank at the thought of you disappearing from my world, and how my hands continued to shake even after you leave. I felt like I lost myself and I never want to feel that way again. I’m never letting you go ever again.

104. When you told me you loved me back - nothing in this world could bring me down from that high.

105.  Like a river flows, surely to the sea, some things are meant to be.

106. I love to hear you sing. Anything, everything. When you’re just humming as you’re going around the house, or you’re belting out the lyrics in the car, I think you can make any song sound even that more beautiful. You know I’ve memorized every single one of your songs.

107. Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you’re near?

108. Take my heart and please don’t break it, love was made for me and you.

109. “Even before you touched me, I belonged to you. All you had to do was look at me.”

110. I’ve never felt so in love before, just promise baby you’ll love me forevermore.

111. Sometimes you smack me really hard and I threaten to call the hotline. But I know they’re just your love taps. I get you back later in bed. ;)

112. Whispers hello, I miss you quite terribly. I fell in love, in love with you suddenly, now there’s no place else I could be but here in your arms.

113. Your face is the one I see every time I wake up in the morning and it’s the best wake up call ever. 

114. Something ‘bout the way your hair falls in your face, I love the shape you take when crawling towards the pillowcase.

115. I love you because you’re you - I love everything about you, no questions asked.

116. The origin story of Shmian and Goose. I don’t quite know how it happened, I just know that one day you looked at me and went, “You’re my Shmian,” and my whole body went fuzzy all over. And you became my Goose, my Lucy Goose. Shmian and Goose just sounded so perfect together.

117. I love how you make me feel when I’m with you. Safe, happy, overjoyed, at peace. 

118. I love how loyal you are to me. I never have to worry when it comes to your feelings about me.

119. I love how even when you’re not right next to me, I still feel like you’re with me. Every step of the way.

120. Those big, Bambi eyes of yours. I can always read every emotion in them. They’re so expressive. And beautiful.

121. I’m just me. Ian. And yet you still manage to make me feel like the I’m the nerd at the end of the movie who gets the girl, the most beautiful girl in the world, and I love you for that. You make me the luckiest man alive.

122. I love the way you make me smile - by doing even the simplest of things.

123. I love the way you look at me. You make me weak in the knees.

124. You are my inspiration to be the best man I can be. If I don’t feel like I’m a man you can say you’re proud to be dating, then I know I need to step it up in my life.

125. You’re the closest to Heaven that I’ll ever be and I don’t want to go home right now.

126. You’re so tiny. I love to just pick you up and twirl you around. If I could carry you everywhere, I would. My lil’ monkey.

127. I love that you respect me. At the end of the day, that’s all any of us really want and need. 

128. I love that you accept me and love me for who I am. 

129. You’re my number one choice, above the rest. Forever and always.

130. I love the way you love me in your simple, beautiful, perfect, only Karen Lucille Hale can love me this much kind of way.

131. I love how adorable you are in every single way.

132. I love your touch. It’s extra special.

133.  “I fell in love with you because of the million things you never knew you were doing.”

134. You’re sexy. You’re so sexy. You don’t even try to be, you just are. It’s a constant battle to not have my hands all over you. When you’re laughing, you’re the prettiest. You’re sexy wearing nothing at all and you’re sexy wrapped up in blankets. Just by you existing, you turn me on.

135. I love all the little things you do for me, big and small. I appreciate them all. 

136. And on the flip side, I love that you appreciate all the things I do for you too. I never feel like you take me for granted.

137. I love how our bodies connect so perfectly, like a puzzle. 

138. One afternoon, you came home and I immediately started lodging Nerf gun balls at you. No warning. No reason. I just wanted to play and you jumped on board and I’m pretty sure you won that battle. We’re always doing the silliest things together and it’s the smallest, silliest things that matter to me the most.

139.  i’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me. i’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees. well i guess you’d say, what can make me feel this way? my girl, my girl, my girl, talkin’ bout my girl.

140. Even when we fight..I know we still love each other and that we’re going to be okay. I’ve never had that in a relationship before and you don’t know how safe that makes me feel.

141. “She doesn’t say ‘I love you’ like a normal person. Instead, she’ll laugh, shake her head, give you a little smile, and say, ‘You’re an idiot.’ If she tells you you’re an idiot, you’re a lucky man.”

142. I love you because you have an amazing sense of humor that always makes me laugh.

143. Our height difference is probably one of my favorite things in this world.

144. I love your smile. So beautiful.

145. I love that we will grow old together.

146. Our U-Streams! Even though we haven’t done one in a while, I remember our very first one. I came over to your apartment at the time and we just..shot the breeze. We talked, in front of millions of viewers, and I wanted to spend all night just recording with you because it was always such a good time. So many great moments came out of these U-Streams and while I enjoy making the fans happy, I also love showing you off and boasting proudly about how you’re my best friend and I get you twenty four seven.

147. I love that you are my best friend in the whole world and I can tell you anything and be myself around you at all times.

148. I love how we can spend the whole night together doing nothing but talking and hanging out and it’s still an amazing time.

149. I love how well we communicate together, both verbally and non-verbally.

150. I love that you listen to the words I say and always have a response.

151. When we’re in the car sometimes, you’ll pick up my hand and kiss it before we go home. It’s a random move, but it means the world to me.

152. I love how you’re so open with me and tell me exactly how you feel.

153. If you never try, you’ll never know just how much you’re worth.

154. I love that you’re the last voice I hear and the last person I think about before I fall asleep.

155. I love how you make my life perfect.

156. You once told me I looked like Superman. Well, Goose - you’re the Lois Lane to my Clark Kent. Always.

157. You like to grab my butt sometimes. On set, around the house, in the grocery store. It always surprises me but also delights me in every way. You’re my frisky girl. Hopefully you like when I return the favor.

158. I love how you complete me.

159. I love the way you caress my face, so soft and gentle and romantic. It drives me wild and leaves a chill down my spine every time.

160. I love the way you kiss me.

161. Just looking at you brings me all the peace I could find. You’re so beautiful, so, so beautiful and I find a new reason to fall in love with you every single day.

162. I love the way you kiss my neck. I can’t get enough of them. You know it’s my weak spot and you use it to your full advantage. 

163. I love that you will always be there for me no matter what and I can always count on you. When I’m having a great day, you’re the first person I want to celebrate with. When I’m having a bad day, you’re my shoulder to lean on. 

164. I love lifting you up in the air and kissing you. I love when I feel you smiling as I kiss you. I love feeling your hand in my hair. I love your forehead pressed against mine. I love how you hold me so tight. I love when my nose touches yours. I love even the simple cheek kisses. I love how even the smallest kiss makes me want to devour every inch you’ll give me.

165. You’re the best thing that will ever happen to me. And I pray you keep on happening to me every single day.

166. Remember your Cosmo cover? I do. I knew I was in trouble the minute I saw those photos. Those goddamn sexy as hell photos..that I saved.

167. Getting you Wilbur for your birthday was a no brainer. I may not understand your fascination with pigs but do I need to? No. They make you happy and all I ever want to do in this world is make you happy. I’ll probably forever have a love/hate relationship with that damn pig..but I love you so much, I’d get you a thousand Wilburs just to see that smile of yours.

168. I love how ambitious you are. Shoot for the stars, baby, because you are the infinite universe.

169. I love your personality.

170. I love how thoughtful you are.

171. I love your warmth. Physical and emotional.

172. My absolute favorite interview you’ve ever done is the one where you let that little girl apply makeup all over your face. I don’t know why - but it always brings a smile to my face. You’re so fucking adorable.

173. I love that you love to spend as much time with me as possible. It makes me feel wanted. It makes me feel needed. 

174. You can scare the shit out of me sometimes by sneak attacking me - but I love you anyways.

175. I love that you always know (and have) what I need. You’re my superhero.

176.  “The thing is, life is random. Sometimes it’s tragic, and totally messed up. But there’s one thing that makes all the drama and tears worthwhile. If you’re lucky enough to find someone you love, who loves you back, it’s a gift.”

177. I love that you can always make me laugh, even with the silliest comments and jokes. I always say - if you can’t make me laugh, I don’t have a boner. That’s never the case with you. ;)

178. I love that we know each other so well, we can finish each other’s sentences. Our bond is just that crazy and fun.

179. In the early days of our friendship, you never used to pick up my calls and I’d leave you the silliest voice mails. Small, but meaningful. I’m pretty sure I serenaded you with some Dean Martin on one of them. I hope they made you as happy as you make me.

180. “How long are you going to be mad at me?” “Ten minutes.” You’re the Topanga to my Cory, always.

181. I love the way I can’t imagine going one day without you.

182. Going to “prom” with you was so special. I know you’ve never been to prom so I wanted to make sure it was as perfect for you as possible. The prom proposal, the limo, the music, the roses at the end of the night with the candles..you’re a treasure and I always want to make you feel that way.

183. I love how your voice sounds when you whisper in my ear. Sends chills down my spine. Sneak up on me more to do this.

184. I love your intelligence and how you can keep a conversation going.

185. I love how passionate you are about life.

186. I love how you never cease to amaze me and take my breath away.

187. I love how I still get butterflies every time I see you.

188. I love how you inspire me to do more, and to do better with my life.

189. I love how confident you are. It’s so attractive.

190. This is shallow and simple and small but - I love your legs. Especially when they are wrapped around my waist. Tangled up in me in general is my favorite look on you.

191. I love that you can always make me feel better no matter what’s going on. You are my rock. You are so special.

192. I love how open you are to trying new things. Whether that be weird foods I make you try, new date night ideas, or just something naughty in the bedroom..you’re my adventure buddy, forever.

193. I love how you’re able to talk things through and work things out.

194. I love that you are not afraid to show me affection in public.

195. “I fell in love with her when we were together, then fell deeper in love with her in the years we were apart.”

196. I love all of the cute names you have for me.

197. I love the fact you will never give up on me.

198. I love you because you are perfect in my eyes.

199. I love that you would do anything to make me smile.

200. That time you Punk’d me and nearly made me pee my pants. You’re such a little shit and I still have to get you back for that..But it made me happy that you loved me that much to single me out. I know your teasing only means you hold the highest affection for me. I would’ve Punk’d you too, Goose.

201. I love your ingenuity.

202. I love how personable you are. You always know how to work the crowd.

203. I love how I still see fireworks every time we kiss. The flames will never dim for us.

204. I love how amazing you are in bed. No other words really need to be said.

205. I love how giving you are in all situations.

206. I love that you push me to my limits to be a better person.

207. I love the way you dress and your style.

208. I love taking hot showers with you.

209. I love you because you always know what to say.

210. I love you because you’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

211. But when I stand beside her, she burns, yeah, she burns.

212. All this time, we were waiting for each other. All this time, I was waiting for you.

213. You make it so easy to fall so hard.

214. I’m an adult baby twenty four seven and you still put up with me without complaint. 

215. The day you agreed to be my girlfriend is the day I won the lottery. Nothing else could make me feel more accomplished than that - except for when we brought Mason into this world.

216. When we’re watching scary movies, sometimes you’ll curl up into my side or hide into my shirt. It makes me feel like I am your protector and that makes me feel better than you’ll ever know. I’ll always protect you.

217. You love me more than Troian. You won’t ever admit it but I know it’s the truth.

218. Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you’re my wonderwall.

219. Your loyalty to everyone around you is one of my favorite qualities that you have.

220. As your compassion is. Nobody loves as harder or as fiercer than you.

221. Your selflessness, your integrity, your strength, your devotion..Seriously, if God could have dreamed up the perfect woman for me, it was obviously you. You’re everything I could ever want and more.

222. You are always honest with me. Always. Even if I don’t necessarily want to hear it, you tell me because you respect me that much and I’m always better off knowing things straight.

223. You always stand up for what you believe in, no matter the cost. That’s sexy as hell to me. You’re never afraid to speak your mind.

224. Our Coachella was the best music festival we could’ve had and we didn’t need to go anywhere special to do it. Just you, me, the animals and our favorite songs blasting throughout the house. Let’s have more of those.

225. We’re so different, yet we’re so connected. Always.

226. Like a drum, baby, don’t stop beating. Like a drum, my heart never stops beating for you.

227.  You always look to find the positive in everything. You make the world a better and lighter place for me to exist in.

228. Your courage, even in the face of adversity, is so inspiring. You inspire me to go through all of life’s challenges with my head held high.

229. You’re kind, loyal, and fair. You never have a bad word to say about anybody. You’re one of the hardest working people I know and you’re the best person to have in my corner. No matter what, you’re there for me. You’re my fellow Hufflepuff.

230. You are always so kind to animals and you love every one. Every single one. Our house is probably going to be a zoo with how much you love all animals but I’m okay with it because what makes you happy, makes me happy.

When Becca is an idiot and doesn’t save her drafts and accidentally erases all the reasons up to 361 and just can’t fucking deal.

361. You make me feel like I’m worth loving.

362. You put up with all my crazy.

363. Our naps together.

364. How you ask me every day when I’m going to propose to you.

365. Hey Goose? I have a question for you.

[eleactric]

More than This-Stiles Stilinski (/Theo Raeken) {Part 17}

[click here for part 1-16 / masterlist]

A/N: This chapter is really fluffy and was fun to write :) There is one chapter left and after that i think it’s time for the Epilogue...*sigh* i’ll miss this :( But until then, enjoy the rest of the story! (Btw, Theo WILL appear again before this story ends, don’t worry, i’ll do my baby justice)

*warnings* cursing, that’s all i think? maybe typos lol

I woke up what felt like twenty minutes later to loud rumbling coming from downstairs. My head was resting on a warm pillow that smelled oddly familiar, even though I was at Scott’s house. Suddenly said pillow started to move and a low groan send vibrations to where I was laying. When I slowly opened my eyes and became fully conscious, I remembered the events that took place last night and realized that the pillow was in fact the chest of Stiles, who had just woken up too.

A part of me feared that now, that he’s probably sober, he might regret the things he said and done yesterday, and that he felt uncomfortable with me in a bed together.

That fear quickly vanished when he raised his hand to wipe the hair out of my face that had fallen out of the messy bun I made the previous night, his smile bright but his eyes still sleepy. ,,G’morning.” He mumbled, his voice hoarse.

I smiled back at him, absently playing with his soft brown hair.

Our moment of peace was destroyed when the rumbling got louder and we could make out the voice of Scott’s mom Melissa, who had just come home.

From what I had heard she was freaking out about why the hallway was so wet, and why Scott and Kira were asleep on the couch and not in his room.

,,Oh shit, come on sleepyhead, we should help him out.” I demanded, lightly pushing him out of the bed, which earned me an annoyed groan.

We awkwardly walked down the stairs and into the living room, where Scott and Kira sat on the couch uncomfortably, hair messy from just waking up.

Melissa looked at us, then back at Scott and back at us again, scanning us from head to toe.

,,And why in the hell are you all wearing Scott’s clothes?”

,,Melissa, don’t worry it’s not like we hosted and orgy here or something.” Stiles tapped her lightly on the shoulder, pure shock on her face.

Scott glared at him, shaking his head frantically to signalize him to stop talking.

,,Stiles is just joking! We were…taking a walk yesterday evening and it started raining like crazy so Scott invited us in and gave us dry clothes. Then we watched some movies and these two fell asleep before me and Stiles did, we didn’t want to drive home so late so we slept here.” I was quite satisfied with my explanation even though Melissa didn’t seem to believe me completely.

,,Well, as long as you didn’t break anything.” She said and we all tensed up.

,,Yeah, alright. I’m going to go change and you can all…leave.” Melissa said, a forced smile on her face while she walked upstairs.

,,You think she believed us?” Stiles asked, which earned him a neck slap from Scott.

 Scott’s mom was taking a shower in the bathroom and I had just finished up getting dressed in Scott’s bedroom. Since my clothes hadn’t dried up yet, I was forced to wear his clothes until I got home. A light knock on the door and I turned around, allowing whoever the person was to come in.

Stiles, still in Scott’s clothes, like me, came in, a shy smile across his face.

,,Hey, Kira told me she wanted to spend the day with Scott so I offered that I could drive you home instead of her, I mean, if it’s okay for you?” he questioned, running a hand through his messy hair.

I smiled, liking the idea of spending some extra time with him. For some reason last night stirred something inside of me, like it brought us closer together. I mean the sleeping part, because the whole other love confession thing, was something I tried my best to ignore. There was this fear I had that it was all because of the alcohol and his vulnerable state, and I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

,,Sure, sounds good. I’m just grabbing my phone and my keys and I’m ready to go.” I said a little too excited, but he didn’t seemed to notice. And if he did, he didn’t mind, because the grin on his face was just as wide as mine.

,,Awesome. I’m waiting outside, could take a while to start the jeep anyways.”

And with that he was out the door, running down the stairs with loud feet, to which I laughed to myself.

Luckily it was a sunny day, so I didn’t have to steal a warmer jacket from Scott or something. Grabbing my phone as well as my keys and shoving them in the pockets of my – or his – sweatpants, I went to go into the living room to say goodbye to Scott and Kira.

We hugged each other tightly and I promised Scott I would wash his clothes and give them back to him as soon as possible, but he said I didn’t need to rush it. Kira asked me to give her a call later so we could have a chat, and I told her I wouldn’t forget it.

When I walked out of the door I could already hear the sound of the motor and I saw Stiles sitting in the jeep, a victorious look on his face because he got it started.

I quickly got into the passenger seat, putting my seatbelt on immediately, due to my obsession with responsible driving.

,,Ready?” he turned to smile at me and I nodded. ,,Sure am.”

After a while I noticed Stiles had taken a different route than normal, and I was sure we passed my street already.

,,Uhm, didn’t we have to turn left at that corner?” I questioned, turning my head around to the little rusty street sign.

,,If I would want to drive you home, yeah.” He kept his gaze on the road, a devilish smirk on his face.

,,Stiles, cut the serial killer act, I’m starting to think you want to kidnap me.”

My voice was serious, but that didn’t wipe the amused expression of his face.

,,Well to be fair, I am kind of kidnapping you, just not for serial killer purposes.” He chuckled and I sighed in annoyance.

,,Stilinski, stop playing. Where the hell are you taking me?”

He turned his head to look at me, which made me nervous even though we were stopping at a red light.

,,(y/n), look outside. When was the last time it was this sunny and beautiful outside?” (yes, I’m aware BH is supposed to be in California)

,,Elaborate.” I simply said, looking at him suspiciously.

He sighed heavily, rolling his eyes because I obviously didn’t get the point.

,,Let me rephrase that, when was the last time you’ve been to the beach?”

Excitement instantly filled me at the thought of bare feet walking over hot sand, warmed by the sun, the smell of salty water filling my nose as the silent roar of the waves sounds like music to my ears, like my favorite song. My face lit up and I placed a hand on his thigh, turning to him.

,,Stiles Stilinski, are you saying you’re driving me to the beach right now?” When his smile grew and he winked at me, I couldn’t help a high pitched squeal followed by loud laughter.

I rolled down the window on my side of the jeep and my hair, all messy, flew around my head because of the wind. But I didn’t care, enjoying the feeling of the warm breeze on my skin way too much.

We listened to our favorite songs on the four hour long drive ( Beacon Hill is like…not close to the beach ok), playing them as loud as the speakers of Stiles’ old jeep allowed, singing along and making complete fools of ourselves. We stopped at a gas station twice, Stiles filled up the jeep while I went to the toilet and bought us some snacks.

After a while I glanced to my right, an indication of blue water seen in the distance and I knew that we were close.

Once we found a parking spot, I jumped out so fast I almost tripped. Just before I reached the sand, I pulled off my shoes and socks, and then ran straight to the water.

The beach was long and clean, luckily not filled with many people which was rare, especially on a sunny day like this. The sight in front of me was drop dead gorgeous. Sun hitting the water, making it sparkle like tiny little starts dancing across the waves. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of the sea. I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy.

I started running and spinning along the beach, dancing like an idiot were the waves hit the sand.

Turning around I saw Stiles sitting in the sand, chuckling to himself while watching my little show.

I used my hands to from an ‘o’ in front of my mouth and yelled in his direction.

,,Why don’t you move your lazy ass and join me?”

He threw his head back, and although I couldn’t hear it, I could see that he was full out laughing, a warmness suddenly building around my heart at the sight of his happiness.

Stiles finally got up and made his way to me, pulling off his shirt while doing so. I was so focused on his with sweat glistening, well build body, that I missed his arms reaching out to quite literally swoop me off my feet. He had picked me up bridal-style in an instant, running in the water. I squealed and screamed, punching his chest, begging him to put me down. The last thing I remember him saying was ,,As you wish.”, before he released me and I flopped into the icy cold water.

As much as I loved the smell and the sound of the ocean, the taste was something I did not found pleasing at all. When I got up I started coughing, the water filling my mouth and my nose, salt and sea weed on my tongue making me gag. Stiles however, still standing in ankle-deep water, was hunched over, his hand grabbing his stomach while he laughed so hard I thought his lungs might burst.

,,Ha ha ha” I mimicked his laugh, grimacing silly ,,Very fucking funny. You do realize that you’re completely wet too now right?”  I pointed out, motioning to his damp pants.

His laugh died down, a slight grin replacing it as he eyed me, his gaze wandering all over my body.

,,Can’t say I’m complaining.” He flirted, while I noticed that the shirt I was wearing was now see through and tightly clinging to my body, especially my breast.

I used his moment of weakness to my advantage, practically body slamming him into the water that was only a few inches deep, but still enough to completely soak him.

We spent the rest of the day at the beach, lying on an old bench together so our clothes could dry up. It would have been quite relaxing, if for one, we had another bench so his elbow wouldn’t have pressed inside my rib the whole time and he would stop complaining about my legs being above his, and if the parents that had built themselves a freaking camp next to us, would have raised their three children, because these brats would not fucking stop kicking sand at us.

When it was about five, we decided it would be best to head back to the jeep, since the drive home would take a few hours.

 ,,All I’m saying is, without her dragons, she wouldn’t be a fan favorite character!”

I groaned in frustration, this discussion was exhausting as shit. I had recently started watching Game of Thrones, currently started with season 5. Stiles, who had started watching it too, asked me about my favorite characters. When the first one I named was Daenerys, he rolled his eyes. Ever since then, we could not stop arguing about this.

,,What are you EVEN TALKING ABOUT Stiles. She is a fan favorite because people like seeing strong, leading women. And because she has a heart okay?” I defended her, not letting anyone bash a character I was enthusiastic about.

He gripped at his hair, his eyes squinting. ,,(y/n), this is GAME OF THRONES were talking about here, who cares about someone haven a good heart?!” ,,I DO!”

,,OKAY!” he yelled, leaving me stunned. After moments of silence, we broke out in laughter.

,,We’re ridiculous.” I said, shaking my head in disbelief about our silly argument.

It was already dark outside, the colorful lights of the shops and the headlights lighting up the street, a few stars gracing the sky.

,,You’re ridiculous.” He mumbled, trying to provoke me. I was about to comeback, when I saw a sign a little ahead of us, an idea popping to my mind.

,,Don’t turn here. Drive that way!”  I pointed to said sign, grabbing his wrist to stop him from turning right.

,,(y/n) why the hell…” his eyes found my target and he looked at me in the ‘are you kidding’ kind of way. ,,Splashy Swim Center ? Are you serious?”

I nodded eagerly ,,Why not?”

,,Uhm, maybe because we’ve just been to the beach and took a nice cold bath with our clothes on.. in the freaking ocean?”

,,Stiles pleeeeease.” I pouted ,,I always wanted to sneak into a public pool in the middle of the night.”

When a car honked behind us, Stiles sighed and drove in the direction of the Swim Center, as I sat back in the seat proudly.

It didn’t take long to find a parking spot, since the Swim Center was closed and nobody was allowed in there right know. I dragged Stiles behind me as I began to check the place out, searching for the best way to sneak in. I had always seen it in movies or read it in books, two people breaking into a public pool at night and having it completely to themselves.

,,This is going to be easy as hell. We just have to climb the fence. It’s not guarded or anything, and I can’t spot any security cameras either.” I rested my hands upon my hips, looking at the fence in front of me.

,,This is going to get us in jail.” Stiles moaned, rubbing his hands across his face.

Hopefully not.

TO BE CONTINUED

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